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Thistledown, Northfield Park hoping to ride the Triple Crown excitement of I'll Have Another

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The possibility of a Triple Crown win will bring excitement to Northfield Park and Thistledown on Saturday.

another-belmont-workout-2012-ap.jpgView full sizeBoth Thistledown and Northfield Park are hoping for big crowds Saturday to watch I'll Have Another's bid at Triple Crown glory.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Triple Crown races bring excitement to the sport each year. With the possibility of I'll Have Another sweeping the premier three-year-old stakes, Northfield Park and Thistledown are working overtime to cash in on Saturday's Belmont Stakes.

Local crowds won't begin to match the 100,000-plus fans expected at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y. But there should be crowds watching the simulcast at 6:35 p.m. Many railbirds will arrive early to watch all of the stakes races from Belmont Park, and the tracks are ready to welcome them. Thistledown and Northfield Park are simulcasting the entire Belmont program, opening early to for the Belmont Park undercard that kicks off at 11:35 a.m.

Northfield Park has suspended its live program in favor of the big day at Belmont Park. Thistledown will send out its regular program of eight live races, starting at 1:50 p.m.

Thistledown racing secretary Bill Couch was on the mark when he said Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner I'll Have Another isn't getting respect. A large field of a dozen are ready to chase the 4-5 morning line favorite in the toughest of the Triple Crown races, a 1 1/2-mile test. Dullahan (5-1 in the morning line), Union Rags (6-1) and Paynter (8-1) are rated as having the best chances of an upset.

Last year, Ruler On Ice, a 24-1 shot, notched a huge Belmont upset. He took the lead away from Preakness winner Shackleford in the stretch and hit the wire three-quarters of a length in front of second-place Stay Thirsty. Shackleford finished fifth and Animal Kingdom, the Kentucky Derby winner owned in part by Bruce Zoldan of Youngstown, finished sixth after a poor start.

Only 11 horses vying for a Triple Crown at Belmont Park have succeeded since 1919. Affirmed did it last, in 1978. Big Brown had a shot at it in 2008, but faded badly. The 38-1 longshot Da' Tara won the race, while Big Brown finished ninth and last.

In 2003, a record 101,864 were trackside as Funny Cide finish third behind Empire Maker. Lemon Drop Kid denied Charismatic the Triple Crown in 1999; Victory Gallop halted Real Quiet in 1998; and Pass Catcher spoiled Canonero II's bid in 1971.

Northfield Park's festivities Saturday include the Food Truck Festival on the trackside apron, ranging from Fired Up Tacos to Seti's Polish Boys. The band Unknown Reason is playing from 2-6 p.m. WMJI Radio is featuring morning show member Chip Kullick, with prizes from 2-4 p.m. WKNR Radio's Kenny Roda and the WKNR Street Team are on hand from 4-7 p.m., with games and prizes.

Both Thistledown and Northfield Park have free admission and free parking Saturday, and will have Belmont Stakes hats, T-shirts and drink glasses.

Thistledown chef Marlon Simmons has a Belmont-themed buffet from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. For reservations call 216-662-8600.

The Instant Win game and Second Chance drawings are being held at Thistledown, along with the Biggest Fan Contest and a Triple Crown hat contest. The Triple Crown Super Handicapping Contest will wrap up, with chances for fans who did not enter for the Kentucky Derby or Preakness Stakes.

The band Nitebeat is on the trackside stage from 1-4 p.m., along with the Winking Lizard Tavern foot truck. Thistledown is also offering both of Belmont Park's guaranteed wagers on Saturday, a $1 million all-stakes Pick 6 that begins with the sixth race and a $1 million graded-stakes Pick 4 that starts with the eighth race.

Bettors can also play the Brooklyn/Belmont Double starting Friday, a wager that combines the Brooklyn Handicap on Friday and Saturday's Belmont Stakes. Betting opens Friday for the entire Saturday program at Belmont Park.


Cleveland Indians beat Tigers for fifth straight time with power and relief pitching

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Jeanmar Gomez didn't have it Wednesday night, but Michael Brantley and Casey Kotchman supported him with homers and the bullpen threw four scoreless innings in a 9-6 victory.

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DETROIT -- Manny Acta and his coaching staff stress the importance of the 27 outs that make up a ballgame.

The idea is simple: Limit your opponent to 27 outs and try to make your 27 as productive as possible. One more thing. When the opposition gives you an extra out, pounce on it.

The Indians pounced Wednesday night and they're 5-0 against the Tigers because of it. After right fielder Brennan Boesch dropped Carlos Santana's fly ball that should have ended a scoreless first inning, Michael Brantley hit the first pitch he saw for a three-run homer to lead the Indians to a 9-6 victory at Comerica Park.

If all this feels familiar, it should. Last year the Indians won six of their first eight against the Tigers. Detroit won the next 10 to storm past the Indians and win the AL Central by 15 games.

"The Tigers have some injuries right now," said set-up man Vinnie Pestano. "The same thing happened to us last year, but it didn't happen this early. I expect to see a much different Tiger team in the second half."

Brantley's homer off Max Scherzer (5-4, 5.88) was his first of the season. He hit it just inside the right-field foul pole.

"It's something we address all the time," said Acta. "When we give a team extra outs at times, teams take advantage of us. We were fortunate to take advantage of it there.

"When we play teams like the Tigers, Texas, the Angels, the Yankees and Red Sox, we stress how important it is to get an out. You just can't give them away. They're precious."

Jeanmar Gomez (4-4, 4.97) did a five-and-fly for the victory. He allowed six runs on seven hits and had good fortune on his side. Scherzer, 4-0 with 42 strikeouts in his previous five starts, took the loss. As impressive as Scherzer's strikeout totals had been coming into the game, he struck out only two Indians.

The Indians rank 12th in the American League in homers, but they were facing the right pitcher Wednesday. Scherzer entered having allowed 11 homers in 60 innings. After Brantley's blast, Casey Kotchman made it 13 with a two-run homer in the fourth for a 5-1 lead.

Besides power, the Indians supported Gomez with a bullpen that never stops giving. Tony Sipp, Joe Smith, Pestano and Chris Perez retired 11 of the 12 batters they faced to send the Tigers to their seventh loss in the last 11 games. Perez earned his major-league-leading 19th save.

In the Tribe's five victories against Detroit, Pestano has pitched the eighth and Perez the ninth to earn a save in each game.

"It's very comforting when you have a lead in the eighth," said Acta. "I tip my hat to the other club if they beat us. I'll put those two guys up against anybody right now. More times than not, they'll get it done."

Gomez, working with a 3-0 lead, had trouble keeping the ball in the park. Johnny Damon saved him in the second by stretching over the left-field fence to steal a homer from Prince Fielder. Damon added a two-run single in the fifth to celebrate his return to the team after being on the paternity list.

"I see Johnny Damon going back, back, back," said Gomez. "I said, 'Oh my God.' I'm saying jump. When he got it, I said, 'Wow.' I thanked him many times."

In the third, there was no stopping Don Kelly, who made it 3-1 with his first homer of the season. Kotchman's homer pushed the Indians back to a 5-1 lead following Damon's walk and steal of second, but Miguel Cabrera answered for the Tigers with a leadoff homer in the fourth to make it 5-2.

The Indians kept giving Gomez pitching room as they made it 8-2 with three runs in the fifth. Damon delivered the big hit with a two-run single after Scherzer intentionally walked Brantley to load the bases to face him.

"They did the right thing there," said Damon. "I'm hitting .180."

Gomez, however, barely managed to get through the fifth to earn the victory. The Tigers riddled him for four runs on five hits, including three doubles, to make it 8-6. Gomez finally ended the inning on Delmon Young's liner to third.

The Indians made it 9-6 off Luis Marte in the sixth. Shin-Soo Choo, who had three hits, doubled with one out. Cabrera delivered him with a single to right for his 23rd RBI.

"Every time they scored, we were able to come back and score," said Acta.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Trent Richardson or not, Cleveland Browns RB Montario Hardesty's confidence is unshaken

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"I feel like I'm as good any back that's playing in the league," says the Browns' oft-injured running back. "That's how I always feel. I always want to be the best at my position." Watch video

hardesty-minicmp-2012-portrait-jk.jpgView full sizeMontario Hardesty, the Browns' second-round pick in 2010, is certain he's every bit the running back as 2012 No. 1 pick Trent Richardson.

BEREA, Ohio -- With all due respect to Trent Richardson, Browns running back Montario Hardesty, whom the Browns once had such high hopes for, is certain he's every bit as good as the Browns' top pick.

"Oh, yeah," Hardesty said. "That's just confidence. You have to have that in the NFL. I feel like I'm as good any back that's playing in the league. That's how I always feel. I always want to be the best at my position."

That's not take anything away from Richardson, who shared the field with Hardesty as a freshman at Alabama while Hardesty was a junior at Tennessee. The Crimson Tide won, 12-10, and Hardesty had 48 yards rushing and 66 yards receiving. Richardson, playing behind Mark Ingram, rushed for 18 yards on eight carries.

"I played against him in college, so I know how he plays," said Hardesty. "I think he's a good back, he's strong, he has good balance and good hands."

It's just that Hardesty, whom the Browns traded up to draft in the second round in 2010, feels he's just as talented. He rushed for 1,345 yards and 13 TDs in his one season as a fulltime starter in college and Richardson rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 TDs in his year as a featured college back.

"I feel like last year I had the torn calf muscle, and couldn't put my best foot forward, so I'm ready to come out and play," Hardesty said. "I feel like I'm ready to put all of that behind me and show people what I can really do."

Hardesty said he wasn't disappointed on draft day when the Browns climbed up a spot to get Richardson, giving up a fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round pick to do so.

"I always felt like were going to get another running back somehow this off-season, either in the draft or free agency," he said. "However we got one, I was going to be ready to come back in and compete."

Hardesty spent the off-season training with some of the best running backs in the league, including former college teammate Arian Foster.

"That's how I know I can still be one of the best in the NFL," he said. "I trained in Florida with a lot of guys that are considered big-time running backs, including Arian, and I know I'm just as good."

During the off-season, Hardesty, who sat out all of 2010 with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and much of last season with the torn calf muscle, shed 10 pounds and is back to his college playing weight of 214. He worked with a nutritionist who overhauled his diet, and worked out in the weight room and on the field. He said he's back to his top college speed of 4.4 in the 40.

"I feel great," he said. "I didn't lose any strength and I feel I'm as fast as I've ever been. Last year, I felt like I wasn't."

Hardesty will also have to compete for playing time with Brandon Jackson, who sat out all but the first two preseason games in 2011 with a torn ligament in his toe. Coach Pat Shurmur indicated offensive reps might be hard to come by, and that the two backs will have to play on special teams.

"Let's assume that Trent [Richardson] does start, guys that are in role-player positions need to come in and carry the ball a few times a game," Shurmur said. "They need to contribute on special teams and be ready to go. You're seeing a situation now where teams have one, two or three guys that can contribute in some way and whoever the starter is will get most of the reps."

Like Hardesty, Jackson feels he owes the Browns something after missing most of last season.

"It was very frustrating," said Jackson, who was signed as a free agent last season after winning a Super Bowl with Green Bay. "I felt like I kind of failed them. Coming back this year, I've got a lot of things that need to be done, I've got a lot of goals that need to be met. I'm going to do whatever it takes to meet them.

"When you're down a year, coming off a Super Bowl year, and they expect you to do good things and you can't, it hurts you. It humbles you too, in a way. I'm just coming back strong, and I'm ready."

Jackson, who rushed for 703 yards in 2010, still thinks he can be one of the best backs in the NFL. He and Hardesty both talked of 1,000-yard seasons and Pro Bowls, and Jackson even mentioned the Hall of Fame as a goal.

"That's what makes our running back room fun," said Hardesty, who has started only four games for the Browns. "We all think we have that in us, and we all want to go out and prove it every day."

On Twitter: @marykaycabot

Stanley Cup finals: Devils avoid elimination, beat Kings on late goals

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The Devils' Martin Brodeur makes 21 saves and Adam Henrique scores the winning goal to beat the Kings, 3-1, in Game 4 Wednesday night.

Adam Henrique, Jonathan QuickView full sizeNew Jersey Devils' Adam Henrique (14) reacts after scoring the game-winning goal against Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) in the third period during Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Wednesday, June 6, 2012, in Los Angeles. The Devils won the game 3-1. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

LOS ANGELES — When Adam Henrique decided to face playoff elimination by shaving his beard into a bristly mustache, the New Jersey Devils realized their remarkable rookie isn't exactly buckling under the pressure of the Stanley Cup finals.

Martin Brodeur probably has pads older than his teammate, and the NHL's winningest goalie was acutely aware of the stakes riding on his every save in Game 4.

After the 22-year-old clutch scorer and the 40-year-old goalie teamed up to put the Stanley Cup back in its crate, the Devils headed home still nursing the chance of a comeback for all ages.

Henrique scored the tiebreaking goal with 4:29 to play, Brodeur made 21 saves, and New Jersey beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 on Wednesday night to avoid a sweep in the finals.

After making a series of stunning saves in a performance that evoked his greatest moments, Brodeur said he believes in the Devils' comeback chances "more than yesterday."

"You know, I think we wanted to make them jump on a plane and come to New Jersey," Brodeur said. "We had to go anyway. Might as well get a game over there."

Game 5 is Saturday night in Newark, N.J.

Patrik Elias and Ilya Kovalchuk also scored third-period goals as the Eastern Conference champion Devils disappointed Los Angeles' long-suffering fans who have waited nearly 45 years for their franchise's first championship.

A few minutes after Drew Doughty tied it for the Kings, Henrique scored his third enormous goal of the postseason, taking a pass from David Clarkson and rocketing a wrist shot past Jonathan Quick, the Kings' nearly unbeatable goalie.

The Calder Trophy finalist ended two of the Devils' first three playoff series with overtime goals, and he kept New Jersey alive with his latest.

"It's fun. This is where every kid dreams of playing one day," Henrique said. "We know it's going to be a tough task to come back, (but) there's no quit in the group in here. We know we can do it. We know we can put four together and come back."

Quick stopped 21 shots for the Kings, but lost his streak of nearly 139 shutout minutes right when he probably could have wrapped up the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. The Kings had allowed just one third-period goal in their previous nine games.

Kovalchuk added an empty-netter that sent fans streaming forlornly out into a warm evening in Southern California.

"We stayed alive," said Elias, who has two of the Devils' five goals in the series. "Marty had to work hard, but he gave us a chance. All we've got to do it keep playing hard."

With a golden chance for a Hockeywood ending, Los Angeles dropped to 15-3 in its spectacular postseason run, failing to win the title on its first try — and in its 200th playoff game, no less — in front of the faithful fans who have never seen the Stanley Cup.

The Kings should head to New Jersey with confidence: They have won all 10 of their road playoff games this spring and 12 straight overall — both NHL postseason records. But after never trailing in the Stanley Cup finals, the Kings never led in Game 4.

"I think (wrapping it up) was definitely on our minds, but they found a way to get a late goal," Kings captain Dustin Brown said. "We've just got to hit the reset button. We've been in this situation now four times in the playoffs, and we've always come back with a big rebound game."

Los Angeles set an NHL record by taking a 3-0 lead in all four of its playoff series, but failed three times to close out its opponents in Game 4. Vancouver and Phoenix also won Game 4 before losing Game 5.

The Devils became just the sixth of 26 teams in finals history to force a Game 5 after falling behind 0-3. Only the 1942 Toronto Maple Leafs ever rallied with four straight wins in the finals, and only three teams in NHL history have done it in any playoff round.

"I think the last three games could have gone our way as easily as they've gone L.A.'s way," Devils coach Peter DeBoer said. "We finally got rewarded tonight."

After a tight-checking game between two very tight teams, Elias' rebound goal with 12:04 to play put a hush over Staples Center. But 62 seconds later —and six seconds after Clarkson went off with a questionable boarding penalty — Mike Richards passed Anze Kopitar's faceoff win to Doughty, who rocketed a long shot past Brodeur for the fourth goal of his breakthrough postseason.

But after so many minutes of tight defense, New Jersey won it with a stunning goal in transition: Former Kings forward Alexei Ponikarovsky got the puck to Clarkson, who found Henrique across the ice for his first goal since ending the Eastern Conference finals with an overtime goal.

"That's probably the best feeling I've ever had in my whole career," Clarkson said. "I saw (Henrique) coming, so I got it to him, and the shot was incredible."

The Kings opened their first Stanley Cup finals in 19 years with two tense overtime victories in New Jersey, surviving largely on the brilliance of Quick. Los Angeles then returned home and routed the Devils 4-0 in Game 3 on Monday night, setting the stage for a celebration.

But the Devils got into the details, and the Kings must regroup.

"We couldn't score," Kopitar said. "We had a couple of chances, and we didn't bear down. We didn't get a couple of bounces in, and you have to create your own bounces. They played with a little more desperation than we did, and we have to correct that in Game 5."

No surprise given the tremendous stakes, both teams were nervous and jumpy from the opening faceoff in Game 4. Quick got plenty of work early when the Devils got two power plays in the opening minutes, while Slava Voynov and Kopitar hit Brodeur's posts for the Kings in the scoreless first period.

Both teams appeared to be as tense as the crowd in the second, with Brodeur making a stellar pad save on Simon Gagne's breakaway chance late.

The NHL unpacked the Stanley Cup deep inside Staples Center before the third period, but it never saw the ice.

Gagne and Trevor Lewis got a breakaway chance early in the third, but Brodeur sprawled on his back to stop Lewis. Brodeur mishandled the puck moments later and nearly gave it right to Brown, but the deflection off Brown's right skate barely missed the net.

Elias finally slipped in on Quick and slapped home a rebound of Bryce Salvador's shot, putting a pall on the crowd and ending Quick's scoreless streak at 138 minutes, 39 seconds.

The gloom didn't last long: Doughty teed up the latest in his long line of booming shots, and Brodeur was at least partly screened by Anton Volchenkov in front.

NOTES:

  • The Kings set a franchise attendance record for the second straight game, packing 18,867 into Staples Center.

  • The Devils changed their lineup for Game 4, inserting Sykora into his sixth Stanley Cup finals along with D Henrik Tallinder, who had been out since January with a blood clot. Sykora, a healthy scratch since Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals, replaced Jacob Josefson, while Tallinder took the spot of former Kings D Peter Harrold. Sykora played more than 12 minutes, and Tallinder logged nearly 20 minutes.

  • Gagne played his second straight game after returning to the lineup for Game 3. He had been out since Dec. 26 with a concussion.

  • Staples Center was occupied by an LMFAO show on Tuesday night, and Van Halen will play before the teams return for a potential Game 6, although Kings coach Darryl Sutter says the ice is holding up well.

  • Will Ferrell, Matthew Perry and Alyssa Milano attended the game.

Thunder headed to NBA finals, beat Spurs 107-99

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Kevin Durant had 34 points and 14 rebounds while playing all of regulation for the first time all season, and the Thunder claimed a spot in the NBA finals by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-99 on Wednesday night.

Russell WestbrookView full sizeOklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook reacts after dunking the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half of Game 6 in the NBA basketball Western Conference finals, Wednesday, June 6, 2012, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

OKLAHOMA CITY — After years of nagging Oklahoma City Thunder coach Scott Brooks not to take him out of games, Kevin Durant finally got his wish.

And now, he's one big step closer to making his basketball dreams come true.

Durant had 34 points and 14 rebounds while playing all of regulation for the first time all season, and the Thunder claimed a spot in the NBA finals by beating the San Antonio Spurs 107-99 on Wednesday night.

Russell Westbrook added 25 points for the Thunder, who trailed Game 6 of the Western Conference finals by 18 in the first half and erased a 15-point halftime deficit before pulling ahead to stay in the fourth.

"It's an amazing moment for him to play like this in this moment, in this setting, and I wasn't going to take him out," Brooks said.

"I was not going to take him out. I don't care how many times he looked at me fatigued. He has enough, and I think all of our guys have enough to play. You just have to fight through it."

Durant grabbed the final rebound, dribbled the ball across halfcourt and raised his right fist to celebrate with a sold-out crowd wearing free white T-shirts. The franchise will play for the NBA title for the first time since 1996, before relocating from Seattle.

Even before the final buzzer, Durant indulged by hugging his mother and brother seated courtside after a foul was called with 14 seconds remaining.

"I never want to take those moments for granted," Durant said. "I know it's just one step closer to our dreams, but it felt good."

Tony Parker had 29 points and 12 assists for San Antonio, but only eight of the points and two assists came in the second half.

The Thunder outscored the Spurs 59-36 after falling behind 63-48 at halftime and getting a challenge from Brooks that he said had "nothing to do" with committing eight turnovers against only six assists while allowing San Antonio to shoot 9 for 15 on 3-pointers.

"It just had everything to do with who we are as men, who we are as a team, the type of spirit that we want to show every time down the court," Brooks said. "It was all about that, about body language, about being a family. I thought our guys did that the first possession of that second half and they did not look back."

Tim Duncan chipped in 25 points and 14 rebounds, and Stephen Jackson scored 23 as San Antonio lost its fourth straight after becoming only the fourth team in NBA history to win 20 games in a row.

In the process, the Spurs pushed past Oklahoma City for the best record in the league and home-court advantage in the playoffs. But the Thunder took that back by winning Game 5 in San Antonio on Monday night.

"There's not much to complain about," San Antonio's Manu Ginobili said. "We had a great run. We just couldn't beat these guys."

The Thunder, only three years removed from a 3-29 start that had them on pace for the worst record in NBA history, went through the only three West teams to reach the finals since 1998 — Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio — to earn their shot at the title.

Game 1 of the NBA finals will be Tuesday night in Oklahoma City against either Boston or Miami. The Celtics lead that series 3-2 and can earn a trip to the finals with a win at home in Game 6 on Thursday night.

The Thunder took the lead for good early in the fourth quarter, getting nine of their first 13 points on free throws as the fouls started to pile up for San Antonio — six on the defensive end and three on the offensive end in the first 7 minutes.

Even Durant drew what he thought was his first charge of the season, stepping in front of Ginobili.

Derek Fisher and James Harden hit 3-pointers in a three-possession span to increase the lead to 99-93 with 3:13 remaining. Jackson, who had made his previous six 3-pointers, and Parker both missed 3s that would have gotten the Spurs within 103-102 in the final minute.

The Spurs put up quite a fight, at least for the first half.

Parker, who had been largely bottled up ever since the Thunder put 6-foot-7 defensive specialist Thabo Sefolosha on him in Game 3, had a hand in the Spurs' first 12 baskets, making seven on his own and assisting on the other five.

Kawhi Leonard and Jackson followed his three-point play by nailing back-to-back 3-pointers for a 34-16 advantage in the final 2 minutes of the first quarter.

"I told the coaches that I could go all night, I could go 48, and I didn't think they would let me do it," Durant said. "But they kept me in and I just tried to give my team a spark."

The Thunder stormed back with an 11-2 run to start the third quarter and eventually pulled ahead after Durant's 3-pointer from the top of the key made it 79-77 with 1:41 left in the period.

San Antonio missed nine of 11 3-pointers in the second half.

"The third quarter, it was like playing in mud," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. "So, that was our downfall as much as anything."

Notes:

  • Popovich, whose request for his team to play nasty led to T-shirts being made in San Antonio, said at the morning shootaround that his team needed to play "with a little bit of ugly." Not nasty? "I was trying to stay away from that word," he said.

  • San Antonio had a 29-28 edge in the second quarter after getting outscored 138-106 in the period in the first five games — dropping more than six points per game.

  • Greg Willard was initially scheduled to be one of the three officials but pulled out due to illness. Rodney Mott replaced him, alongside Joe Crawford and Bill Kennedy.

Tribe draft includes Tom Hamilton's son; Nick Hamilton of Kent State: Indians Insider

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In the 35th round of the draft, the Indians selected Kent State infielder Nick Hamilton, the son of play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton.

damon-catch-tribe-tigers-2012-ap.jpgView full sizeJohnny Damon made a splash in his return to the starting lineup on Wednesday with this leaping catch to rob Prince Fielder of a second-inning home run at Comerica Park.

DETROIT -- The final numbers are in from the Indians' take in this week's first-year player draft: 23 college players, 17 high-school players, 19 right-handed pitches, one left-hander and 20 position players.

"It was a hard draft to predict," said Brad Grant, Indians director of scouting. "We had to see how the rules from the new basic agreement would influence things and how teams would adjust to it.

"We're pleased we were able to get an advanced college bat in Tyler Naquin with our No.1 pick. We feel he has the ability to play center field. We also were able to acquire some high-ceiling high-school picks in right-hander Mitchell Brown (No.2), right-hander Kieran Lovegrove (No.3) and outfielder D'Vone McClure."

The draft ended Wednesday with each team getting 40 picks. The Indians, with their 35th pick, selected Kent State infielder Nick Hamilton, son of play-by-play man Tom Hamilton.

"We like Nick's ability to hit," said Grant. "He's a good switch-hitter and at one time had the fifth-highest batting average in the country this year. He can play first, third and some outfield."

"It hasn't even sunk in yet," said Tom Hamilton before Wednesday night's game against Detroit. "I finally got to talk to Nick a couple of minutes ago because they were practicing."

Nick Hamilton is a red-shirt junior. He has the option of signing with the Indians or returning to Kent for his senior year. "We've got two great choices," said Tom Hamilton. "Nick can return to Kent next year or he can sign with a team he's been a fan of forever."

Asked if he ever envisioned calling one of his son's at bats in the big leagues, Hamilton smiled and said, "I'm a little too emotional for that. I'd probably have to let Rosie [broadcast partner Jim Rosenhaus] do that."

Kent State plays Oregon this weekend in the NCAA Super Regionals in Eugene, Ore.

Damon returns: Johnny Damon was activated from the paternity list before Wednesday night's game just in time to start in left field. Luke Carlin was optioned to Class AAA Columbus to make room.

Damon left the Indians after Saturday's game against the Twins to be with his wife, Michelle, following the birth of twin daughters Dasha and Daliah. The Damons have six children, including five daughters.

"This is somebody's way of getting me back for being an outstanding gentleman for all those years," he said with a laugh.

Damon rejoins the Indians still struggling to find his swing after going through the off-season unsigned. He was hitting .180 (16-for-89) with one homer and five RBI. He feels things are improving, but knows there is a limit to the Indians' patience.

Grady Sizemore could be getting closer to going on a rehab assignment as he recovers from back surgery. Matt LaPorta was called up over the weekend after splitting his time in left field and first base at Class AAA Columbus.

"Of course I think about it," said Damon. "This is my livelihood. My family and I would like to be here throughout this season and help the team make the playoffs.

"We also understand the game of baseball. LaPorta was traded for a significant piece of the puzzle in CC Sabathia a few years ago. We also know Grady is probably going to start ramping up his activities. I also know a guy hitting .180 can't expect to be in the lineup every day."

Airborne: The best part of Asdrubal Cabrera's bare-hand grab and throw to second to force Delmon Young in the ninth inning Tuesday?

"We watched the replay and Asdrubal caught that ball barehanded while he was in the air," said manager Manny Acta. "You have to have great eye-hand coordinator and soft hands to do that."

Finally: Jose Lopez, scratched from Tuesday's lineup because of a sore back, was available off the bench Wednesday. ... To protect against another concussion, Carlos Santana has switched to a heavier steel catcher's mask. He had been using on made of titanium. ... The Indians claimed right-hander Chris Schwinden on waivers Wednesday from Toronto and optioned him to Class AAA Columbus.

On Twitter: @hoynes

Reasons to root for the Celtics? There's not one, not two, not three ...: Bud Shaw's Sports Spin

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Not all the reasons why Cleveland becomes a Celtics town are based on a two-year-old grudge.

heat-pep-rally-2010-mct.jpgView full sizeIt's been nearly two years since the spotlights and the smoke in Miami, but much of the nation's basketball fans remain loyal to the conviction of: No. You. Won't. Which is just one reason why it's easy to root for Boston, says Bud Shaw.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eight reasons for the anti-Heat sentiment, one for every title LeBron James says Miami will win...

They say you only hurt yourself when you hold a grudge. Then why does seeing James on the brink of elimination feel sooooo good? The short answer: for some of us, it's about more than James and how he departed Cleveland.

This may come as a surprise around the country, where a video of a No. 23 jersey in flames was extrapolated to suggest a Guinness Book of World Records bonfire was underway in Public Square, but we're not that singularly petty.

Oh, we can hold a grudge. Don't get me wrong. But there are limits and we are a benevolent people. The Modell family, for instance, is welcome back in Cleveland the next time Venus transverses the sun. So starting in 2117, The Move is all water under the bridge as far as we're concerned.

The reasons to root against Miami, which trails the Celtics, 3-2, with Game 6 Thursday in Boston, are not all specific to James skipping town.

1. Dwyane Wade's fake glasses.

Sounds nitpicky. But you're on the precipice of elimination and it's important to you to wear thick-rimmed glasses with no lenses as a nerd fashion statement? Yo Clark Kent, unless you think you're going to need a phone booth for a quick change, it says style over substance wasn't just a Heat shortcoming on the court Tuesday night.

2. Miami as a sports town.

After Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, some Marlins fans were running around the post-game party asking each other to name the second baseman. Not the Indians.' Their own. Miami didn't deserve that title. And the Marlins got another after that.

Based solely on the fact the Heat organization had to print up a fan guide on how to show support -- arrive before the game for starters -- please? Another NBA title, too?

hollins-lebron-2012-squ-ap.jpgView full sizeIf LeBron James was thinking, "What, Ryan Hollins is guarding me?", at least he recognizes the former Cavalier. How many Heat fans can say the same?

3. OK, so maybe Boston doesn't deserve more riches either.

But I bet you Celtics fans all know who Ryan Hollins is, and not because they synchronize their rest room and beer runs with his entrance into games.

4. LeBron's "not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, not seven..." monologue at the pep rally when he promised multiple championships.

I mean, really. Shouldn't he have least started with "not one?" Nobody roots for Goliath, especially when Goliath grabs a microphone and tells you what a great thing it is to be Goliath.

5. If the Celtics had made similar boasts and LeBron had gone humbly to another city, I'd feel the same way about Boston.

Except Boston didn't. And the Celtics exhibit character traits you can relate to.

They play together. They don't listen when everyone says their better days are behind them. They aren't embarrassed to be caught on TV looking like they're listening to their coach.

"We had a rough first half," Kevin Garnett said of Game 5. "Doc kept saying to us, 'Stay with it. Stay with it.'"

The Celtics quote their coach. The Heat still don't know how to pronounce "Spoelstra."

6. Wade from the July 2010 pep rally: "I feel sorry for whoever gotta guard both of us."

Maybe that's why he disappeared in the first quarter in Game 5.

7. Again, James didn't go to Miami and tell the Heat fans, "I can only promise you we'll do everything in our power to bring another championship to town."

Instead, he said, "We're going to challenge each other in practice. And the way we're going to challenge each other to get better in practice, once the game starts, I mean, it's going to be easy."

Easy? He said easy?

8. After Game 5, Eric Spoelstra told reporters, "Our focus is to fight any kind of noise from the outside, or any human condition."

If you're as good as James and Wade told everyone they were, you shouldn't have to worry about shutting out the noise. They created it, the cheers and the boos. They should feed off it. If they crash short of the title again, it may get to a point where people begin to feel sorry for the Miami Heat.

Just kidding.

For now, a Clevelander can actually root for a team like Boston to eliminate the Heat.

And then root for it to get crushed in the NBA Finals.

SPINOFFS

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon, charged with his second DUI, made a public statement Wednesday saying he doesn't have a drinking problem but that he has sworn off drinking "for now."

Which is exactly the kind of qualifier you'd expect if he did, in fact, have a drinking problem...



The Mets fan who ran on to the field to celebrate Johan Santana's no-hitter spent two nights in a Queens jail and missed his son's first birthday party. There's a reason Dr. Phil never runs out of ideas for shows.

The Mets' fan, Rafael Diaz, is also banned from Citi Field for life. I don't know what's worse -- that, or the fact in the You Tube video of Diaz' crashing the party, a video that will also follow him through the end of his life, he was wearing Jorts...

Said James after Tuesday's Game 5 loss to Boston, "We played good enough to give ourselves a chance to win. That's all you can ask for."

Absolutely true. If you're the Charlotte Bobcats...

The Seattle Seahawks have forfeited scheduled OTA days for running afoul of guidelines governing off-season practices and workouts. Head coach Pete Carroll said he wasn't surprised by the finding since he has such a young, competitive team.

We're not surprised either since Pete Carroll is the head coach.

Ironic Name of the Month: Praise Martin-Oguike, suspended from the Temple football team while facing rape and aggravated assault charges...

fujita-mug-2012-ap.jpgView full sizeHe's smiling now, but it's been a grim spring for this Brown.

Phil Mickelson pulled out of Jack Nicklaus' tournament citing "mental fatigue." Translation: he was tired of hearing the click of cell phone cameras in his downswing...

Lefty Part II: He did play three tournaments in a row and took his wife to Italy for a vacation in the previous month. Show me the boarding pass stamped "Coach class" and I won't suggest calling old globetrotter Gary Player of South Africa to see if he's stopped laughing at Mickelson's reason...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

John Krasinski (The Office) and Browns' LB Scott Fujita -- Bob Ference, Chagrin Falls

HE SAID IT

krasinski-mug-ap-2012.jpgView full sizeHe's had a good time in his office, and is finding some bigger things.

"You'll have to ask my wife that." -- Mets' fan Rafael Diaz, when asked whether running onto the field to celebrate Johan Santana's no-hitter was worth two nights in jail, missing his son's first birthday party, and facing a possible fine and more jail time.

No really. You will. Because she certainly isn't talking to him.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Midweek Edition)

"Hey Bud:

"If Miami loses on Thursday night will there be a show on called 'The Bad Decision'?" -- Doug, Westlake

No. Just "Drunk in Cleveland."

"Bud:

"Now that Matt LaPorta is blaming the media, can the PD staff help his career by refusing to write about him?" -- Tom Goldy

Yes. But it'll be harder for the Columbus Dispatch.

"Bud:

"Should we read anything into it if you're ever spotted with Catherine Zeta-Jones?" -- Tom Hoffner

Only that she is in the advanced stages of macular degeneration.

"Bud:

"When you play golf in your annual Summer solstice marathon, where should Brandon "Orange Crush" Weeden shop to get properly attired to be in your gallery?" -- Jim, Shaker Heights

I believe he already shops there. The Old, Big and Tall Store.

"Bud:

"Miami needs to make trades with the Padres, Angels, and Mariners. That way, we could see a Bass, a Trout, and a Carp in the Marlins lineup." -- Bob C, Fairfield, Va.

It's come to this, has it?

"Bud:

"If you write a commentary that appears on the first sports page, do you get a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection?" -- Joe Percio

If I write a commentary that appears on the first sports page, everyone else is on furlough.

"Bud: Will he now be known now as Jake Stonewetter?" -- Michael Sarro

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection. Repeat winners get the satisfaction of winning not two, not three, not four, not five...

On Twitter: @budshaw

Day 3 of Browns minicamp in Berea: Twitter updates

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The third day of minicamp begins at 10:30 a.m. today as the Browns continue to work towards training camp and the regular season. Get updates from Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) and Tom Reed (@treedpd) on Twitter.

Gallery previewThe third day of minicamp begins at 10:30 a.m. today as the Browns continue to work towards training camp and the regular season.


You can check out what Josh Cooper had to say after practice yesterday and also watch Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed's recap video from day two.


This is the last day of Browns minicamp and the final OTA is June 12 through June 15. These practices are not open to the public.


Practice begins at 10:30 a.m. Get updates from @MaryKayCabot and @treedpd on Twitter using the box below. Reload the page for the latest updates.





Cleveland Browns Pat Shurmur talks about the offseason and quarterbacks (video)

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Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur talked after practice on the final day of minicamp about the importance of having an offseason this year and the starting quarterback position. Watch video

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur talked after practice on the final day of minicamp about the importance of having an offseason this year and the starting quarterback position.

LeBron James, Steve Nash, Karl Malone are only multiyear MVP winners without NBA titles

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Statistical Snapshot: Among the dozen NBA players who have won the the MVP multiple times, only LeBron James, Steve Nash and Karl Malone are without an NBA title. Here's a look at their careers.

04SRFCAVS_8709713.JPGLebron James displays his 2010 MVP trophy in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- LeBron James is trying to become the first MVP to win an NBA title in the same season since Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs did 2003.

Should James come up short in his title quest for the Miami Heat, however, he will have the distinction of being the only three-time MVP without a championship ring.

A look back at the history of the NBA finds a dozen players who have won the MVP multiple times.

Of this select group, only two-time winners Karl Malone and Steve Nash never won a title - in addition to James.

The careers of the players besides James, however, were long, lasting 11 or more seasons each. James is finishing his ninth NBA season.

Five-time MVP Bill Russell won 11 titles during his 13-year career. Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar and Michael Jordan each won six titles, Abdul-Jabbar doing so over 20 seasons and Jordan over 15 seasons.

Among the repeat MVP winners, Karl Malone played the longest without ever winning a championship. He was in the league for 19 seasons.

Below is a look at the dozen NBA players who have won MVP awards multiple times. Also, see lists of all-time MVP winners and annual NBA champions.

MVP season statistics for multiyear MVP winners


Player Career
MVPs
Titles
in MVP
year
Points
per
game
Rebounds
per
game
Assists
per
game
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 6 2 28.7 14.7 4.3
Bill Russell 5 4 16.7 23.6 4.1
Michael Jordan 5 4 31.1 6.1 5.1
Wilt Chamberlain 4 1 29.6 24.8 6.1
Magic Johnson 3 1 22.9 6.9 12.2
Larry Bird 3 2 26.2 10.1 6.7
Moses Malone 3 1 26.8 15.9 1.6
LeBron James 3 0 28.5 7.6 7.4
Tim Duncan 2 1 24.4 12.8 3.8
Bob Pettit 2 0 27.5 16.3 2.8
Karl Malone 2 0 26.1 9.7 4.3
Steve Nash 2 0 17.2 3.8 11.0


Career statistics for multiyear MVP winners


Player Career
seasons
Career
titles
Points
per
game
Rebounds
per
game
Assists
per
game
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 20 6 24.6 11.2 3.6
Bill Russell 13 11 15.1 22.5 4.3
Michael Jordan 15 6 30.1 6.2 5.3
Wilt Chamberlain 16 2 30.1 22.9 4.4
Magic Johnson 13 5 19.5 7.2 11.2
Larry Bird 13 3 24.3 10.0 6.3
Moses Malone 20 1 20.6 12.2 1.4
LeBron James 9 0 27.6 7.2 6.9
Tim Duncan 15 4 20.3 11.3 3.1
Bob Pettit 11 1 26.4 16.2 3.0
Karl Malone 19 0 25.0 10.1 3.6
Steve Nash 16 0 14.5 3.0 8.6

Sources: NBA and Sports Reference LLC.

Note: Statistics for Moses Malone exclude his time in the ABA.

Lawrence Vickers, former Cleveland Browns fullback, forced to leave Dallas Cowboys practice with fire ants in his pants

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Vickers suffered an allergic reaction to fire ant stings a few months ago. They struck him again on Wednesday during a Cowboys' practice.

lawrence-vickers2.jpgLawrence Vickers with the Browns during a preseason game in 2010.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fullback is a vital position for NFL offenses, but the guys who play it seldom generate headlines.

Lawrence Vickers, who did a solid job as the Cleveland Browns' fullback from 2006-10 and is now with the Dallas Cowboys after signing a free agent contract with them in March, has emerged from his relative anonymity in a unique way.

Brandon George of the Dallas Morning News writes about what happened to Vickers during the Cowboys' Organized Team Activities on Wednesday, when he had to leave the field and be brought to the locker room by trainer Jim Mauer:

The way Vickers was slumped over made it appear that he was injured. However, Vickers was fighting a common Texas nuisance this time of year: fire ants.

During a play, Vickers said he felt a stinging sensation below his waist.

"Fire ants got in my pants," Vickers said. "I was freaking out. Oh, ants!"
George writes that Vickers was stung by fire ants a few months ago, causing wheezing and his neck to swell. Vickers then learned that he is allergic to fire ants, and he now carries an EpiPen with him in case he gets stung and suffers an allergic reaction.

George writes:

Vickers said he didn't use the EpiPen on Wednesday when he came into the locker room. Instead, Vickers took a dose of Benadryl and washed off. He returned to practice about 15 minutes later and was back in drills.

Cleveland Browns expecting nothing less than being successful in 2012, says safety T.J. Ward (SBTV)

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T.J. Ward also talks about what young NFL players can learn about saving money from players who have recently retired. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Branson Wright.

Today's guest on SBTV is Cleveland Browns safety T.J. Ward, who is working out with his teammates this week at minicamp in Berea.

T.J. talks about why he put his name behind his upcoming football camp in Canton; and how the vibe on this year's Browns team has been different than in 2011.

He also discusses what young players like himself can learn about saving their money when they read about players such as former Brown Jamal Lewis and other veterans who have had financial troubles after their careers ended.

SBTV will return Friday with Plain Dealer Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot answering fan questions from her weekly Hey, Mary Kay! feature.

 

Derek Lowe struggles early as Detroit Tigers beat Cleveland Indians, 7-5

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The Indians tried to rally in the late innings, but couldn't get the big hit when they needed it.

Gallery preview



DETROIT, Mich. -- Derek Lowe gave up four runs in the first inning Thursday afternoon and the Indians could never recover in a 7-5 loss to the Tigers at Comerica Park.


Lowe, born in nearby Dearborn, allowed seven runs on nine hits in five innings. It was the second-most runs Lowe (7-4, 3.72) has allowed this season. The five innings were the third-fewest he's pitched in 12 starts.


The Indians beat a left-handed starter they'd never faced Tuesday in Drew Smyly, who opened the series for the Tigers. It seemed too much to ask that they could do it twice in the same series.


Lefty Casey Crosby, in the second big league start of his career, went 5 1/3 innings for his first big-league win. Crosby, 5-4 at Class AAA Toledo this year, allowed six runs on four hits in 3 1/3 innings in a 9-4 loss to the Yankees in his big-league debut June 1.


Crosby (1-1, 9.35) held the Indians to three runs on five hits in 91 pitches. The Indians are 5-13 against left-handed starters this season.


Jose Lopez's double down the right-field line -- Prince Fielder was playing way off the line -- made it 4-1 in the fourth as Jason Kipnis scored from second. Kipnis walked and stole his AL-leading 14th base to get into scoring position.


The Tigers bounced back to take a 7-1 lead with three runs in their half of the fourth. Miguel Cabrera did the big damage with a two-run homer to right that Shin-Soo Choo almost caught.


Then it became a study in frustration for the Indians. They worked their way back in to the game, but couldn't get a big hit when it was most needed.


The Tribe made it 7-3 with two runs in the sixth. After Asdrubal Cabrera drew a leadoff walk, Kipnis doubled him home. Carlos Santana advanced Kipnis to third on a ground out as Brayan Villarreal relieved and gave up a sacrifice fly to Lopez.


The Indians made it 7-5 in the seventh on Cabrera's two-run double. But with the bases loaded and two out, Lopez sent a line drive to center off Joaquin Benoit. Quintin Berry took a bad route on the ball, but at the last moment made a leaping catch in front of the track to end the inning.


In the eighth, the Indians left runners on second and third. Michael Brantley started the inning with a single to extend his hitting streak to 15 games.


Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 10th save.


The Indians are 5-1 against the Tigers, who won for just the fourth time in 11 games.


Cleveland Indians vs. St. Louis Cardinals: On Deck

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Breaking down this weekend's interleague series between the Tribe and the Cards.

beltran-swing-cards-2012-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeCarlos Beltran has helped compensate for the Cardinals' loss of Albert Pujols and the injuries to Lance Berkman by ripping 15 homers with 42 RBI so far this season.

Where: Busch Stadium.

When: Friday through Sunday.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio/WKYC Ch. 3 will do Friday and Sunday's games, WJW Ch. 8 will do Saturday; WTAM AM/1100.

Pitching matchups: RHP Josh Tomlin (2-3, 5.32) vs. RHP Jake Westbrook (4-5, 4.23) Friday at 8:15 p.m.; RHP Justin Masterson (2-5, 5.09) vs. RHP Kyle Lohse (5-1, 3.21) Saturday at 7:15 p.m. and RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (6-4, 5.31) vs. LHP Jaime Garcia (3-4, 4.48) Sunday at 2:15 p.m.

Series: The Indians lead the all-time series, 12-5. They have not played in St. Louis since 2006.

Indians update: The Indians are 1-2 in interleague play this year. After losing seven of nine, they've started this nine-game trip by taking two out of three from Detroit.

Cardinals update: They lost six of eight entering Wednesday's night game in Houston. Carlos Beltran, who picked the Cardinals over the Tribe in the off-season, leads last year's World Series champions with 15 homers and 42 RBI.

Injuries: Indians -- 3B Jack Hannahan (left calf), DH Travis Hafner (right knee), LHP Rafael Perez (left side), CF Grady Sizemore (back) and RHP Carlos Carrasco (right elbow) are on the disabled list. Cardinals -- 1B Lance Berkman (right knee), RHP Chris Carpenter (right shoulder), 3B Matt Carpenter (right oblique), OF John Jay (right shoulder), RHP Scott Linebrink (right shoulder), RHP Kyle McClellan (right elbow), 2B Skip Schumaker (right hamstring) are on the disabled list.

Next: The Indians continue their interleague trip with a three-game stop in Cincinnati starting Tuesday.

Cleveland Browns' coach Pat Shurmur's Thursday news conference: A transcript

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Shurmur is asked mostly about rookies and other young players following Thursday's mini-camp practice.

pat-shurmur5.jpgCoach Pat Shurmur and the Browns wrapped up this week's mini-camp on Thursday. They will conduct "Organized Team Activities" next Tuesday through Friday.
BEREA, Ohio

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur's news conference after the team's mini-camp practice on Thursday

Shurmur: “It’s another great weather day. I think the heat helped a little bit. I saw a couple guys pushing through it, although it’s not that hot. I think when they got moving around, it helped them. It gives them a little taste before we get to training camp. They competed well. I think we are making steady progress, which is what we need to do at this point in the year. I feel good about having one week of work left. We have four OTAs as you know, which will be next week Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Then really the offseason portion of this, it seems like it’s gone quickly, it will be completed with the rookies continuing here for just a couple more weeks before we go to training camp. I my mind I think we are moving along as scheduled. I feel good about the work that’s getting done. I see guys getting better, and I think that’s the important part.”

Question: About telling the defense to back off during drills today:

Shurmur: “I just wanted to make sure we are getting our work done and being safe. That’s all.”

Q: On naming the starting quarterback at the end of OTAs:

Shurmur: “The guys that will be playing quarterback are out there getting their practice in. I will name a starter at some point here. Beyond that, I mentioned yesterday, naming a starter sooner than later is a good thing. In my opinion, the guys that we’re all talking and thinking about are out there working with the players that they’re going to play with in the games, so I think at this point I’ve got nothing really to add to yesterday.”

Q: About what he is waiting to see before he names a starter:

Shurmur: “I want to see a good body of work here through the offseason. I’ll decide at some point who our starter is, and I think that’s what you’re looking for. Unfortunately, you don’t always get real game situation, or as much as you might like to make those decisions, but we’ll see.”

Q: On having an off-season this year:

Shurmur: “It’s very refreshing, because there is a certain amount of work that we as coaches think we need to get done in the offseason to prepare for training camp and then the season. It was a little uneasy for all 32 of us last year when we weren’t able to do or go through the process that we were used to going through. I feel better about the direction now, because I can see guys getting work done here in the offseason.”

Q: On Jordan Cameron taking a step forward this season:

Shurmur: “We are expecting him to. I think he’s flashed out here in a way that we didn’t see him flash last year in training camp. I feel like based on what he’s done here in the offseason, he’s positioning himself to make an impact for us.”

Q: About whether Josh Cooper was holding yesterday as an emergency and if that is because he has good hands:

Shurmur: “Emergency. He’s got very good hands. Obviously, Reggie (Hodges) is our holder, so you work back up guys. We try to find guys on our roster that have done those skills in their background or have that from what they’ve done. We’re just working them.”

Q: On Trent Richardson’s progress from the beginning of OTAs:

Shurmur: “I think he’s made good progress. I think he had a nice day today and there’s a lot to learn in this league from how you line up to the protection to the routes that you’re running and what not. I think from that standpoint, he’s done a good job.”

Q: On Jordan Norwood:

Shurmur: “I think he’s doing a good job. We’ve used him outside a little bit more in this camp than we did last year when we played him in the season inside, but he’s made progress.”

Q: On Brandon Weeden’s growth in commanding the huddle:

Shurmur: “There is no question in my mind that he can command or have the presence that you need to run an NFL huddle. I’ve seen it so it’s not a concern of mine, for sure.”

Q: On the maximum number of receivers he would keep on the roster:

Shurmur: “Typically, you keep six. That’s a fair number. When you look at keeping skill players, you are talking about a combination of receivers, tight ends and backs.”

Q: On what Carlton Mitchell needs to do to make that next step and make a contribution in the regular season:

Shurmur: “I think what I’d like to see him do, number one, is be more consistent, first in practice and then be able to show it in the game.”

Q: About Tom Heckert basically saying that Weeden should be the starter, and trying to balance everyone getting reps at quarterback versus Weeden getting most of them:

Shurmur: “He’s getting more of the reps than anybody at this point, number one. Number two, as I’ve mentioned all along, we need to see him function in our offense. I think that’s in line with what Tom (Heckert) was saying. We drafted him for a reason, which is in line with what Tom was saying. In my opinion, we’re moving forward with that. At this point in the year, everybody on the roster gets reps. When you get to the season and you name somebody the starter, that’s when he gets most, if not all, of the reps. This time of year you’re working ones, twos and threes. In my opinion, there is not really an issue there.”

Q: On how he defines ‘get to the season:’

Shurmur: “When the games start and we are playing Philadelphia Week One, our starter at quarterback gets all the first-team reps. Prior to that, there’s ones, twos and threes out there competing.”

Q: On developing a rookie but not giving him every single snap possible:

Shurmur: “We have young players in the secondary and they don’t get every single rep either.”

Q: On players in the secondary not being quarterbacks:

Shurmur: “I know, it’s the same thing with Trent Richardson. He physically can’t come out here and take 60 reps. I think it’s the same for every position.”

Q: On how Colt McCoy is looking:

Shurmur: “He is doing fine. Colt’s doing fine, competing and he’s making progress like the rest of the guys.”

Q: On whether the quarterback will throw the ball away more in the red zone during the season than in practice:

Shurmur: “In the red zone the ball sometimes, because catch-and-run isn’t a big deal, can be on the back pad, low, high and it’s a matter of the receivers and the quarterback getting a feel for where it’s going to be. We don’t want him taking sacks, there’s a possibility of throwing it away, but again as you’re working through practice here, I think it’s important that he gets a feel for what the receivers are going to do and that’s why he makes some of those throws.”

Q: About whether Eric Hagg can be a viable free safety:

Shurmur: “I think he’s a guy that is making great progress here in the offseason.”

Q: On what progress Hagg has shown:

Shurmur: “When you play free safety of course there’s a portion to the responsibility of the free safety making sure everybody gets lined up, and being able to verbalize, and being able to get lined up yourself, but also direct. We’ve seen him do that.”

Q: About whether the young offensive linemen can show much in this environment:

Shurmur: “Yes, I think they can. We practice often without pads on, and we get a chance to evaluate how they do. I think you can see how they move their feet, how they control their body, get off and finish. We’ve been able to see a lot of our young linemen.”

Q: About whether the young defensive linemen can show much in this environment:

Shurmur: “It’s the same discussion when you talk about the d-line being about to see their get off, their use of hands, being able to separate from blocks, those types of things. We’re able to evaluate.”

Q: About whether you can evaluate the linemen any more than you could off film prior to the draft:

Shurmur: “We could put them in pads and give them all every rep (joking). I’m making a joke of course. That’s what you want to do, because then you add the physical component to it.”

Q: About improvement of the young guards Jason Pinkston and Shawn Lauvao:

Shurmur: “I think they are improving. I see Pinkston improving tremendously. Shawn Lauvao, who I think you correctly assessed him, he’s a young guard as well, he has made good progress in my mind. I feel like they’ve done a good job.”

Q: On if he is okay with Pinkston and Lauvao starting:

Shurmur: “Yes, they are our starters right now.”

Q: On whether Trent Richardson is the starting running back:

Shurmur: “I think that is probably fair to say.”

Q: On if he thinks Brad Smelley could have a significant role in offensive backs:

Shurmur: “I don’t know about significant. He is a guy that’s fighting to make the roster and what he would have to do is be a guy that would have to be somewhat multiple. He plays in the back field, he can play on a line of scrimmage and then really he’s got to make his mark on special teams. I think he has the ability to do those things. I think when we finish up next week and they get their minds right and we come back and put the pads on, I think all that stuff will start to take shape.”


Cleveland Gladiators chasing a much-needed win Friday vs. Pittsburgh

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Since an opening-game loss at Georgia, the Gladiators have been consistently inconsistent.

redd-glads-2012-catch-jg.jpgView full sizeRobert Redd and the rest of the Gladiators are looking for balanced efforts on both offense and defense to end a two-game losing streak in the Arena League.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Gladiators still control their own destiny in the Arena Football League playoff chase, but their margin for error is shrinking. They have lost two in a row entering Friday night's game against the Pittsburgh Power at The Q.

With seven games remaining in the regular season, the Gladiators (6-5) are 2 1/2 games behind the Philadelphia Soul (9-3) in the American Conference's East Division. They do, however, lead the conference's wild-card pack that includes the South Division's Georgia Force (6-6), Tampa Bay Storm (6-6) and New Orleans VooDoo (5-6).

The Gladiators have not conceded the division title, but it is unrealistic to expect them to make up that much ground.

"We want to put pressure on Philly," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn, "and if we do that, we should be able to create some separation from teams in the South. We need to create separation, and it starts with playing well these next two games. We view these next two as very, very important."

The week after facing Pittsburgh, the Gladiators host to New Orleans.

Since an opening-game loss at Georgia, the Gladiators have been consistently inconsistent. They have won three, lost two, won three, lost two. Two weeks ago, they were hammered at home by Philadelphia, 55-33. Then they traveled to Iowa and fell to the Barnstormers, 70-62.

"After the Philly game, we challenged the offense to play better, and they responded with a good game in Iowa," Thonn said. "The problem is, the defense didn't hold up its end. We definitely need to get better at playing well in all phases. When we do, we win games."

The once-effective defense has been slowed by an injury to one of its best players, corner Levy Brown. The emotional Brown injured his knee against Philadelphia and aggravated it against Iowa. He will be a game-time decision.

The Power is 2-9, last in the East, and has lost six straight. It has been a mess on and off the field, including a roster "firing" before the opener, quarterback shuffles and a coaching change. Derek Stingley was the Power defensive coordinator until being promoted to interim head coach after the Power fell to 2-8.

Thonn knows his team is in no position to take any opponent for granted. He took note of the Power's execution when it went to Arizona last week and lost to the National Conference West Division leader Rattlers, 55-45.

"They were very competitive against a tough team on the road," Thonn said. "That's not the only close game they've been involved in."

Three of the games in the Power's skid have been decided by six or fewer points.

A potentially delicious matchup for tonight's game is the Power's top-ranked pass defense against Gladiators veteran QB John Dutton. Last week, Dutton threw for a season-high 370 yards and seven touchdowns.

In their previous meeting, April 28 in Pittsburgh, the Gladiators defeated the Power, 58-43. Dutton was 24-of-38 for 281 yards and six touchdowns.

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Mary Kay and Tom report on the final day of Cleveland Browns minicamp (video)

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Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on the third and final day of the Browns minicamp in Berea. Watch video

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed report on the third and final day of the Browns minicamp in Berea.

To reach this Plain Dealer videographer: dandersen@plaind.com

On Twitter: @CLEvideos

Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Cavaliers - Comment of the Day

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"Harrison Barnes will be the Cavs first pick. He fits what the Cavs are looking for. A scoring machine, good character, work ethic, size, and he fills a need. The big question is, who will be the 24th pick or will they try to trade up in to the middle of the first round." - g77

barnes.JPGView full sizeOne cleveland.com reader believes Harrison Barnes would be a great pickup in the draft for the Cavaliers.
In response to the story Mock draft links -- Bradley Beal remains a popular Cleveland Cavaliers pick, but might be tabbed before No. 4: NBA draft 2012, cleveland.com reader g77 says Harrison Barnes would be a great fit for the Cavs. This reader writes,

"Harrison Barnes will be the Cavs first pick. He fits what the Cavs are looking for. A scoring machine, good character, work ethic, size, and he fills a need. The big question is, who will be the 24th pick or will they try to trade up in to the middle of the first round."

To respond to g77's comment, go here.

For more comments of the day, go to blog.cleveland.com/comments-of-the-day".

Mike Coreno's next stop is as girls basketball coach at Brush

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LYNDHURST, O. - Mike Coreno has been named girls basketball at Brush.   He succeeds Deniese Spencer, who chose not to return after the Arcs went 4-17, 4-6 in the Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division in her only season.

LYNDHURST, O. - Mike Coreno has been named girls basketball at Brush.
 

He succeeds Deniese Spencer, who chose not to return after the Arcs went 4-17, 4-6 in the Northeast Ohio Conference Lake Division in her only season.


 Coreno spent the past three seasons at Shaker Heights, compiling a 44-25 record, a Lake Erie League championship and three Division I district runnerup finishes.


 "I'm going close to home,'' said Coreno, who has also had head coaching stints at Kenston, Cleveland Central Catholic, Richmond Heights and St. Peter Chanel. "I live in Highland Heights and Brush is a six-minute drive.


 "This move is all about family and that's what I told (Shaker Heights athletic director) Don Readance. I'll miss the players at Shaker but we have a 5-year-old daughter and I need to spend more time with my family.''


 Coreno, 46, will be the Arcs' third coach in as many seasons.


 "My immediate goals (at Brush) are to win the league championship and get back to the tournament success they had just a couple few years ago,'' he added.

 Chuck Collins guided Brush to a pair of Division I regional appearances and a Northeast Ohio Conference River Division title two seasons prior to Spencer before being informed his supplemental contract was not going to be renewed.

Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Bubba Watson will play in same group for first 2 rounds of U.S. Open

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Tournament to be played at The Olympic Club in San Francisco next Thursday through Sunday.

phil-mickelson2.jpgPhil Mickelson (photo) has carded the better score the last five times he and Tiger Woods have played in the same group in the final round. The duo and Masters champion Bubba Watson will form a group for the first two rounds of the U.S. Open.
SAN FRANCISCO, California -- Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Masters champion Bubba Watson will play in the same group for the opening two rounds of the U.S. Open.

It will be the first time Woods and Mickelson have been paired in the U.S. Open since the USGA grouped players off the world ranking at Torrey Pines in 2008. The rankings were used for another big group — Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood.

Woods is coming off a win at the Memorial, making him one of the favorites next week at The Olympic Club.

Mickelson has finished runner-up a record five times in the U.S. Open. In a bizarre coincidence, the the U.S. Open champion has played with Mickelson in the opening rounds — Woods in 2008, McIlroy last year at Congressional.
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