Shin-Soo Choo hit his first homer of the season against a left-hander on Friday night. The swing he used is picture-perfect, but it has also drawn the attention of opposing pitchers.

Mark Duncan, Associated PressShin-Soo Choo is starting to settle down at the plate against lefties.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- In the fifth inning, with two out Thursday night, left-hander Wei-Yin Chen threw a fastball on the outside part of the plate to Shin-Soo Choo.

Choo, a left-handed hitter, sent it on a line over the left field wall at Camden Yards. It gave the Indians a 4-0 lead in a game they eventually won, 7-2.

"The Shin-Soo Choo swing," said Choo with a smile before Friday night's game against Baltimore.

Choo's ability to drive the ball to left field is one reason he's been hit by pitches a team-high seven times.

"When he's doing that he's going good," said manager Manny Acta. "But you have to understand that when the opposition sees him doing that, they're going to try and bust him inside."

Choo has struggled with that times this season. After suffering a fractured left thumb from an inside pitch by Jonathan Sanchez last year, it's taken him a while to relax at the plate.

"This is about Choo having the discipline, if the ball is off the plate and inside, to lay off of it," said Acta. "He has a very nice stroke to left field. Then it's a matter of adjusting to what they do to you inside.

"Choo is just about staying on the field. If he stays on the field, he's that talented, that the numbers will be there."

In the plate appearance before his homer, Choo was hit by an inside pitch.

"That's part of tying to get him out," said Acta. "When you see him go to left field like that, it gets your attention."

Choo went into Saturday's game hitting .276 (74-for-268) with 24 doubles, one triple, seven homers and 25 RBI. He's hitting only .195 (17-for-87) against lefties. Friday's homer was his first off a left-hander this year.

He's hitting .315 (57-for-181) with six homers and 22 RBI.

"Early in the year he was a little tentative against lefties," said Acta. "But he's coming around. In the past, he's hit lefties. He's moving farther away from what happened last year and earlier this year.

"He's getting some confidence. He's going to be fine."

Tonight's lineups:

Indians (38-37): RF Shin-Soo (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), CF Michael Brantley (L), LF Johnny Damon (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), DH Lonnie Chisenhall (L), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), C Lou Marson (R) RHP Derek Lowe (7-6, 4.28).

Orioles (41-34): 2B Brian Roberts (S), LF Xavier Avery (L), J.J. Hardy (R), CF Adam Jones (R), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), DH Chris Davis (L), C Matt Wieters (S), 3B Wilson Betemit (S), RF Ryan Flaherty (L), RHP Jake Arrieta (3-9, 5.55)

Umpires: H Sam Holbrook, 1B Mike Estabrook, 2B Rob Drake, 3B Joe West.

Indians vs. Arrieta: Cabrera is hitting .600 (3-for-5) with one homer and three RBI and Brantley is hitting .600 (3-for-5) with one RBI.

Orioles vs. Lowe: Hardy is hitting .333 (5-for-15) with one RBI and Mark Reynolds is hitting .333 (5-for-15) with one homer and five RBI.

Next: RHP Josh Tomlin, coming off a tough start against the Yankees, will face Baltimore lefty Dana Eveland (0-0, 3.00) Saturday at 4:05 p.m. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

The Cavaliers extend qualifying offer to swingman Alonzo Gee, making him a restricted free agent, meaning the team can match any offer he receives in order to keep him

Cleveland Cavalier Alonzo Gee became a restricted free agent on Friday when the Cavs offered him a qualifying offer.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- The Cavaliers extended a $2.7 million qualifying offer to swingman Alonzo Gee on Friday, meaning the team can match any offer he receives in order to keep the restricted free agent.

"Certainly Alonzo is a primary target to return for us and he's a priority for us," General Manager Chris Grant said. "He did a fantastic job for us last year and continues to grow."

The Cavs made a $1 milion qualifying offer to forward Luke Harangody, but have not announced whether they will extend a similar offer to center Semih Erden. .

Gee, an undrafted free agent from Alabama who arrived from the D-League during the 2010-11 season, moved from sixth man to the starting lineup last season, averaging 10.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 63 games, including 31 starts. When he returned from the lockout, Cavs coaches marveled at how much he had improved.

Right to work: Draft choices Dion Waiters and center Tyler Zeller, along with Grant, coach Byron Scott, forward Tristan Thompson and Dr. Ricardo Rodriguez, interim chair of the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital, helped dedicate the new family room for the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital for Rehabilitation (CCCH) Shaker Campus on Friday.

Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving was unavailable because he was taking part in an NBA Cares project in the New York area.

Z on Z: Zeller -- Z2? -- talked about having the opportunity to work with former Cavs big man Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

"I'm actually very much looking forward to learning from him," Zeller said. "He's obviously a fantastic player and somebody I'm looking forward to learning from and being able to work with. I think he can teach me a lot of things about how to transition from college to the NBA and try to make me as good of an NBA player as I can be.

"I talked to him briefly but I know over time I'm going to continue to bounce ideas off of him and work with him."

Settlement reached: The NBA has reached a settlement agreement with the NBA Players Association in the recent arbitration proceeding filed on behalf of ex-Cav J.J. Hickson, Chauncey Billups, Jeremy Lin and Steve Novak. Under the settlement, the union agreed to limit the scope of the ruling by arbitrator Kenneth Dam in exchange for the league's agreement to drop its appeal.

The rule will now be that players who are claimed from waivers will have the same "Early Bird" rights as if they had been traded, but will not have full "Bird" rights unless they are claimed through the league's amnesty procedure. Early Bird and Bird rights enable teams to exceed the salary cap to resign their own players. Players must spend three years with a team to earn full Bird rights, two years for Early Bird rights.

On Twitter: @pdcavsinsider

Manager Manny Acta said Carlos Santana is expected to return to the lineup on Sunday.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerCarlos Santana says he's feeling better after sitting out his third game with a sore back. He's expected to DH in Sunday's series finale in Baltimore.

BALTIMORE -- Carlos Santana isn't expected to return to the Indians' lineup until the final game of this series as he continues to rest his stiff back and ailing bat.

"We're shooting for Sunday," said manager Manny Acta. "Carlos is feeling a lot better. He tested very well with [head trainer] Lonnie Soloff."

Acta said Santana will most likely DH Sunday with the Orioles starting left-hander Brian Matusz.

On Friday Santana said he was still feeling some tightness in his back and right side, but added, "I'm much more comfortable than I was. I'll try to swing and throw Saturday."

Soloff didn't say if Santana was suffering from a strained oblique muscle, which usually means a trip to the disabled list. He said Santana was suffering from soreness in his lower back and sides.

"He's a switch hitter and he's been swinging and missing a lot," said Soloff. "That can take a lot out of you when you're geared up for a fastball and they throw you an off-speed pitch."

Santana, who led the Indians with 27 homers last year, was removed from Wednesday's game in New York for a pinch-hitter in the ninth inning because of back soreness.

"I've been playing with this for a while," he said. "I love to play, but in New York it was hurting."

Santana is hitting .220 (49-for-223) with 11 doubles, five homers and 29 RBI. He's 1-for-16 on this 10-game trip and hitless in his last 10 at-bats. On June 5, he returned from the seven-day disabled list after suffering a concussion when he was hit in the mask by a foul tip on May 25. He's hitting .162 (11-for 68) with 12 walks and 20 strikeouts since his return.

Soloff said Santana has reported no post-concussion symptoms since being activated.

Summer in the city: It was 100 degrees at game time Friday night. It's supposed to be hotter for Saturday's 4:05 p.m. start.

Soloff said intravenous solutions have been made to certain players to make sure they stay hydrated. Last year, Michael Brantley suffered heat stroke during a series in Minneapolis.

Impressive: Bullpen catcher Francisco Morales caught Carlos Carrasco's bullpen session Tuesday at New York.

"We didn't have a gun on him, but to me, from just catching him, 86 to 88 mph," said Morales. "He threw two sets of 30 pitches and he didn't lose anything. It was impressive."

Carrasco is recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He is not scheduled to pitch until next season.

Optimism: After 75 games last year, the Indians were tied for first in the AL Central at 40-35. Following Thursday's 7-2 victory over Baltimore, the Indians were in second place, 2 1/2 games off the pace, at 38-37.

Acta believes this year's edition of the Indians is better than last year's.

"I can't see us going through what we went through last year when we lost our whole outfield, our DH and our second baseman," said Acta. "Can that happen in back-to-back years?

"I think these guys are better equipped to work through the second half. Right now we've just got to get through this tough part of the schedule in June. We've run through some pitching and tough teams. We just need to keep our head above water."

Last year the Indians lost outfielders Grady Sizemore, Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo to injuries. Second baseman Jason Kipnis and DH Travis Hafner also spent time on the disabled list.

Finally: Utility man Vinnie Rottino, claimed on waivers from the Mets on Wednesday, was optioned to Class AAA Columbus on Friday. ... Right-hander Chris Schwinden, designated for assignment to make room for Rottino, was claimed on waivers by the Yankees, who are down two starters in the big leagues with CC Sabathia and Andy Pettitte on the disabled list. ... Hafner didn't play Friday at Class AAA Columbus because of a rain delay. He is scheduled to play for the Clippers on Saturday and Sunday.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Franek, 24, will represent the United States in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after placing second at the Olympic Track and Field Trials on Friday in her new home stadium, Hayward Field.

View full sizeMarcio Jose Sanchez, Associated PressFormer Crestwood High School runner Bridget Franek (center) enjoys the post-race celebration of qualifying for the London Olympics in the steeplechase Friday evening in Eugene, Ore. Franek was second behind Trials winner Emma Coburn (right) and ahead of third-place finisher Shalaya Kipp, as the top three made the U.S. team.

EUGENE, Ore. -- For years, Bridget Franek was a familiar sight to those living in Portage County on quiet stretches of Udall, Allyn and Norton roads. She ran alone, or sometimes with a friend, teammate or her parents. She ran past farmhouses and over the Cuyahoga River, where it's no bigger than creek.

She darted in and out of wooded trails cut by her father near Hiram College. She ran for fun, and she ran with a purpose.

Who knew then she was running to the Olympics? Who knew then those hills, trails and creeks were perfect training for what was to come?

We know that now. We know because Bridget Franek is an Olympian in one of the most challenging events that will be contested at the London Games this summer.

Franek, 24, will represent the United States in the 3,000-meter steeplechase after placing second at the Olympic Track and Field Trials on Friday in her new home stadium, Hayward Field. Moving into second behind eventual winner Emma Coburn midway through the seven-and-a-half lap race, Franek never faltered. Hurdling 28 times above 30-inch medal barriers, and seven times over and occasionally into a water hazard, she resisted her career-long temptation to over-think her race.

"I have a really thick skull and sometimes it takes a lot to crack it," she said.

As Franek as always done when she's at her best, she just ran. The crowd of more than 21,000 in Hayward Field sprang to its feet as defending national champ Coburn, Franek and Coburn's Colorado University teammate, Shalaya Kipp, clearned the final water jump and raced down the stretch.

"I was just hoping and praying everyone was as tired as I was," Franek said.

Coburn won in 9:32.78 in humid conditions. Franek, who constantly gained ground on the jumps, crossed in 9:35.62, three seconds off per personal best. Kipp qualified for London in 9:35.73, nearly two seconds ahead of Ashley Higginson.

Post-race press conference (Bridget Franek is in the middle)

Beyond the finish, Franek struggled to regain her composure. She sank to her knees and touched her forehead on the synthetic track. As the Olympic trio posed for photographers, arm-in-arm and holding small American flags, Franek could barely keep her head up, but managed a smile.

"I couldn't catch my breath," she said. "I definitely gave more than I had in any race so far this season. It was really good to be able to do that in the one that mattered."

She and her new Olympic teammates ran a victory lap, high-fiving fans, signing autographs and, for Franek, stopping to hug her parents, Tom and Rosalie, who were accomplished local high school runners and ran at Bowling Green. Her brother, Josh, back home in Hiram, screamed at Bridget over a cell phone, "You're going to London!"

Later, after accepting her silver medal on a large bandstand, Franek became emotional when reflecting on her journey from those back roads to being one of Ohio's most decorated high school runners at Crestwood, to a 10-time All-American and NCAA champ at Penn State, then to the Oregon Track Club Elite pro team, and now to London.

"I don't think it's fully sunk in yet. It's definitely been a goal of mine for a long time. I moved out here, away from my family and friends back East for this reason. To be able to do that for them, for my coach [former Olympian Mark Rowland], for myself, for my God, it's just amazing," she said.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Shaw High school grad Eddis Singleton just can't give up swimming, so he changed his life to make another run at the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. Watch video

View full sizeDoug Lesmerises, PD"It's just there," Eddis Singleton says of chasing his Olympic swimming dream. "There's something in you that you don't want to let go."

OMAHA, Neb. -- Eddis Singleton asked his boss for a big favor, moved his new bride to North Carolina, squeezed in his workouts around a full-time job and made the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in his last swim at a last-chance meet last month.

So yes, at age 30, the East Cleveland native and Shaw High School grad really wanted to do this.

The smell of the pool deck, the drama of a big meet, the chance to make the top 16 in the 50 freestyle prelims Saturday morning, and earn a semifinal spot after falling four places short at his first trials four years ago -- Singleton has more reasons to keep coming back than he has obstacles preventing him. A guy who didn't start competitive swimming until high school has enough of those. But when he stopped swimming after the 2008 Trials for about two years, thinking he was done, he wasn't.

"When it doesn't go away, it doesn't go away," Singleton said this week. "You've got more to prove to yourself, and you just go out and try to do it. It's just there. It comes back, because there's something in you that you don't want to let go."

More swimmers are competing into their 30s. Part of that is that the money is there to help keep them in the sport. Not for Singleton. He said he's received maybe one $100 stipend check to cover meet expenses in his entire career. He keeps going through his job working the IT help desk, over the phone and on his laptop, for TravelCenters of America, working 12-hour shifts with two or three full off days a week when he can really focus on the pool.

In 2008, he moved from Cleveland to North Carolina to train with the SwimMac club team for six months. Seeded 44th entering the trials, he finished 20th. When he came home to Northeast Ohio, he thought he might be done with competitive swimming. But after slipping in half-hour workouts at 5:30 a.m. with the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins, before commuting 40 minutes to work, then trying to get back some afternoons for more pool time, he decided to go all-in again, with bigger stakes.

He requested a year of working away from the office, moving to Charlotte, N.C., last August, less than a month after his wedding. New wife Mara followed a few weeks later.

Singleton has thought of the end of his swimming career, but only reluctantly. The former Mount Union swimmer won't rule out the 2016 trials, when he'd be 34. He also won't rule out something great happening Saturday.

The semifinals, and the chance to be shown live on NBC on Saturday night, is the goal.

"As a person in the sport, I think he can do it," said Roderick Speed, Singleton's friend who has known him since middle school, when Singleton's Afro caused him to be known as "Head of Lettuce Eddis." Speed swam with Singleton at Shaw and now coaches the sport with the Lake Erie Silver Dolphins.

"In our talks, we always talk about after he gets that second swim," Speed said. "And as his friend, if he thinks he can do something, I'll go all out with him."

Plenty of other Ohio swimmers will be taking their shot in the 50 free as well, with Lima high schooler Erik Risolvato Jr. seeded 21st, Ohio State's Jason Schnur 26th, and former St. Ed and Kenyon College swimmer Zachary Turk at 28.

Singleton has given everything he can. He's a grown man with a young body, his late entrance into the sport meaning he still has years to go before catching up to the thousands of miles others his age have swam by now.

"He's a freak of nature," Speed said.

And he just can't stop.

Swim trials notes: Two Ohio State swimmers swam well enough to reach finals in their events Friday night. Former Buckeye Elliott Keefer, seeded fifth, finished fifth in the 200 breaststroke final. Ohio State senior Shannon Graves was seeded 45th in the 200 butterfly but jumped into the final with a great swim. She then finished seventh. ...

Ohio State's Tim Phillips will take his shot as the No. 3 seed in the 100 butterfly prelims Saturday morning. Michael Phelps is the No. 1 seed. ...

Former Ohio high school champ Margo Geer from Milford Center, who now swims at Arizona, reached the 100 free semis Friday night. She finished 12th, with the top eight advancing to the finals. She is the ninth seed in the 50 free Sunday. ...

Rocky River resident Claire Pavlak, a recent graduate of Emory University, where she was a nine-time national champ, will finish her competitive swimming career Sunday in the 50 free. She is seeded 116th.

The Indians rallied twice, but couldn't muster a third comeback as they lost to Baltimore, 9-8, Friday night at steamy Camden Yards.

BALTIMORE, Md. — On a hot Friday night at Camden Yards, the Indians ran out of rallies and runs, but just barely.

After the Tribe tied the game with two runs in the seventh inning, Baltimore pulled away for a 9-8 victory with runs off two of manager Manny Acta's best relievers. The Indians fell to 2-6 on this 10-game trip.

The Orioles, who watched the Indians overcome 3-1 and 7-5 leads, broke a 7-7 tie in the seventh. Joe Smith (5-2) retired the first two batters he faced, but Chris Davis singled and Matt Wieters walked. Ryan Flaherty followed with a run-scoring single to right for the lead.

Tribe closer Chris Perez, who had not pitched since June 22, started the eighth. He struck out Brian Roberts but gave up a homer to rookie Xavier Avery for the Orioles' final run. Jim Johnson pitched the ninth for his 23rd save to tie Perez for the American League lead.

The Tribe made it 9-8 against Johnson as Shelley Duncan reached on an infield single, took second on a ground out and scored on Shin-Soo Choo's single. Asdrubal Cabrera, however, flied out to left to end it.

"We swung the bats well," said Acta. "We battled right up until the end, even against their closer, we just fell short."

Duncan replaced DH Lonnie Chisenhall, who suffered a fractured right ulna bone (right forearm) when he was hit by a pitch in the fifth inning. Acta said after the game Chisenhall was returning to Cleveland to undergo surgery.

"He'll be out at least four to six weeks," said Acta. "We haven't decided who will get called up, but somebody will be here tomorrow."

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first on Michael Brantley's bloop single, but the Orioles retaliated with three unearned runs in their half of the first for a 3-1 lead. The Tribe's defense, which had not made an error in six games, made two in the first.

Brian Roberts opened the inning with a grounder to first. Casey Kotchman made a diving stop, but his throw was behind Lowe, who was coming over to cover first. Kotchman was charged with an error.

Roberts took second on a wild pitch and third on a ground out. J.J. Hardy sent a routine bouncer to short, but the ball skipped off Cabrera's glove for an error. Roberts scored to make it 1-1.

Adam Jones beat out a single in front of the plate, and Wilson Betemit doubled to right for a 2-1 lead. Jones, who went to third on the double, scored on a ground out to third by Davis.

"I felt that the first inning basically cost us," said Acta. "The first four guys of the game beat the ball on the ground, and we barely got one of those guys out. It really hurt us at the end."

The Indians made it 3-2 on Cabrera's leadoff homer in the third. Cabrera hit Jake Arrieta's 3-1 pitch 432 feet onto Eutaw Street behind the right-field wall. It was his 11th homer and third on this 10-game trip.

In the fourth, the Tribe reclaimed the lead, 5-3. Choo drew a bases-loaded walk, and Jason Kipnis added a two-run single that ended Arrieta's night.

Lowe couldn't hold the lead.

The Orioles made it 5-4 in the fifth on a manufactured run. Robert Andino, the No. 9 hitter, drew a leadoff walk. He stole second and came around to score on two ground outs.

Baltimore dropped the hammer on Lowe in the sixth with three runs for a 7-5 lead. Betemit and Davis hit consecutive one-out singles. After a visit from pitching coach Scott Radinksy, Wieters hit Lowe's first pitch over the right-field scoreboard and onto Eutaw Street.

"I take full responsibility for this game," said Lowe. "The pitch to Wieters was the dumbest pitch I've thrown in a long time. It was my call.

"They asked me what pitch I wanted to throw. I said an inside sinker. You can't get beat inside. I've got to make him hit the ball the other way."

Why did he throw it inside to the switch-hitting Wieters, who was batting left-handed?

"A gut instinct," said Lowe.

The Indians came back again with two runs in the seventh to make it a 7-7 game. Kotchman opened the inning with a double to chase lefty Troy Patton. Duncan doubled home Kotchman.

Jack Hannahan followed with a single to left as Duncan went to third. Lou Marson's 6-4-3 double play made it 7-7.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoyunes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The Gladiators remain in the thick of the American Conference wild-card chase with three games remaining.

View full size

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Gladiators took out five weeks' worth of frustration on the Milwaukee Mustangs early Friday night. They built a 29-point advantage in the first half and cruised to a 69-32 victory at The Q.

The Gladiators (7-8) snapped a five-game losing streak. They remain in the thick of the American Conference wild-card chase with three games remaining.

"I can actually smile for the first time in [six] weeks," Gladiators coach Steve Thonn said. "We tried to get it all out of our system this week. We talked about how this was a playoff game for us. We had to win."

The Mustangs (5-10) fell two games behind the second-place Gladiators in the East Division.

Milwaukee went 0-2 against Cleveland this season, including a 69-48 loss on May 11 in Bradley Center. Both games were televised by NFL Network.

"It's been a long time," Gladiators quarterback John Dutton said. "It was five weeks of a grind -- on and off the field. We put our backs against the wall, and they're still against the wall, but we're 1-0 in the 'playoffs.' "

The Gladiators led, 41-12, at halftime despite being outgained, 147-110. They were plus-4 in turnover differential.

Cleveland's offense did not run a play until 3:35 remained in the first quarter. At that point, the Gladiators were ahead, 13-5.

Milwaukee received the opening kickoff and moved inside the Cleveland 5. On second-and-goal, quarterback Gino Guidugli attempted to complete a slant route to the left. Gladiators linebacker Maurice Williams read Guidugli's eyes, stepped in front of the receiver and embarked on a 50-yard interception return.

The extra-point attempt was blocked. Milwaukee's Jamar Love scooped up the ball and raced to the end zone for two points.

On the ensuing kickoff, Cleveland's Derik Steiner -- all 6-1, 320 pounds of him -- stripped returner Dwayne Eley Jr. near the Milwaukee 10. The ball squirted to Eley's left, where Gladiators defensive lineman Brian Brikowski grabbed it at the 5 and rumbled for a score.

The extra point made it 13-2.

Late in the quarter, Guidugli missed a possible touchdown pass on third down. It forced the Mustangs to settle for a field goal.

"The way our defense played was ridiculous,"' Dutton said. "They dominated. Milwaukee didn't know what hit them. And we were efficient on offense."

When the Gladiators finally got their chance on offense, Dutton, who periodically has struggled with interceptions, nearly threw a pick on his first throw. He could thank Love for a mishandle.

Granted a mulligan, the Gladiators took full advantage. The possession culminated in Jeramie Richardson's 2-yard TD run around left end; it came on the final play of the quarter.

Three Milwaukee players were injured in the opening 15 minutes.

The Mustangs' first drive of the second quarter ended when Gladiators defensive back Joe Phinisee broke up a pass at the goal line. Dutton converted the turnover on downs into an 11-yard touchdown pass to wide-open Dominick Goodman.

Early in Milwaukee's next possession, Eley caught Guidugli's pass at the Milwaukee 22 and was sandwiched. The ball popped out a fraction before the knee hit the turf. Phinisee, with no whistle or Mustang to stop him, recovered and weaved his way into the end zone.

The Mustangs scored their first touchdown when Guidugli connected with Ohio State's Taurian Washington from 43 yards with 5:32 left in the half. Cleveland answered with Dutton-to-Goodman from 10 at 3:40.

Dutton went 9-of-13 for 118 yards in the first half. Goodman caught seven passes for 80 yards.

Milwaukee commenced the second half with an onside kick that failed when Williams secured the ball beyond the Mustangs 15. Moments later, Dutton found Carlese Franklin on the right side for a 47-12 cushion. The extra point made it 48-12.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: dmanoloff@plaind.com, 216-999-4664

On Twitter: @dmansworldpd

Ronny Rodriguez hits two home runs for the Carolina Mudcats in a win over Myrtle Beach.

View full sizeAPCord Phelps of the Columbus Clippers.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 9, Tides 4 2B Cord Phelps (.266) hit a three-run homer, and 1B Russ Canzler (.277) hit a two-run shot to lead host Columbus to an International League victory over Norfolk on Friday.

Jeanmar Gomez (1-0, 0.00) got the victory, throwing seven innings. He struck out five, giving up 10 hits and one unearned run. Scott Barnes (3.62) pitched one scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

AA Akron Aeros

SeaWolves 5, Aeros 4 (10) Erie's Tony Plagman singled off Rob Bryson to drive in Niuman Romero in the 10th inning to lead the SeaWolves to an Eastern League victory in Akron.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Mudcats 9, Pelicans 6 2B Ronny Rodriguez (.275) hit two home runs and had three RBI to lead visiting Carolina over Myrtle Beach in a Carolina League game.

Dale Dickerson (5-2, 4.15) got the win in relief, giving up one run on one hit in three innings. Grant Sides (0.00) pitched two scoreless innings for his third save.

A Lake County Captains

Whitecaps 4, Captains 2 West Michigan scored two runs in the eighth inning to defeat host Lake County in a Midwest League game.

SS Francisco Lindor (.270) went 1-for-4 for the Captains, while RF Jordan Smith (.296), 1B Jerrud Sabourin (.286) and LF Bryson Myles (.265) each had two hits.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 3, Spikes 2 Mahoning Valley scored two runs in the seventh inning and one in the eighth to get past visiting State College in a New York-Penn League game.

Jacob Lee (1-0, 1.17) got the win in relief, striking out five in 2 innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 3, Rascals 2 Lake Erie Crushers completed a three-game sweep of River City, with the bullpen pitching five shutout innings in relief of Josh Richards in a Frontier League game at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon.'

Madison, from Elyria, already has qualified for London in the 100 and looks to get a second event on Saturday.

View full sizeMatt Slocum, Associated PressSanya Richards-Ross dominated her semifinal heat in the 200 meters Friday, and will face Elyria's Tianna Madison in the final field of the 200 on Saturday.

EUGENE, Ore. -- Tianna Madison will need to be a little faster Saturday.

If Sanya Richards-Ross' prediction is right, Madison and the other 200-meter finalists will need to be a lot faster. Madison, an Elyria native, qualified fourth for Saturday night's final ( 9:50 p.m. ET, WKYC, Ch. 3). She was second in her semifinal heat in 22.33 seconds.The top three finishers qualify for the London Olympics.

Richards-Ross, coming off a win in the 400, easily was the top qualifier in 22.15 seconds.

"I was thinking 22.3, so I was really pleased to see that time," Richards-Ross said. "I'm hoping tomorrow to go even faster. I trained for this. I feel ready for tomorrow.

"I think it's going to be the hardest sprint event to make. I think you run a great race and come in first or sixth. I think it will take a 22.0 or even a 21."

In an odd twist of fate, Allyson Felix (22.297) and Jeneba Tarmoh (22.298) nearly tied for the second-best time, running in different semifinal heats. The 100-meter dead heat for third place between Felix and Tarmoh has yet to be broken, and whether they will conduct a run-off or a coin flip is to be announced Saturday.

Shortly before the 200, Madison pulled out of the long jump, which began about 20 minutes after her semifinal. Madison, the 2005 world long jump champion, already has qualified for London in the 100 and she said in a text message to The Plain Dealer she did not want to risk injury in the long jump.

"I'm really going to focus on the 200," Madison said. "Am I disappointed? No. Life throws us all kind of challenges. I'll be back in long jump soon."

Movin' Maggie: University Heights native Maggie Infeld might have to put off the start of her third year of medical school at Georgetown. In her fourth race of the Trials, she advanced to her first final. Infeld qualified third for Sunday's 1,500. She was third in her semifinal at 4:09.38, shaving two-tenths off her personal best.

She surged from fifth in the final 200 meters, and knows it will take an even better sprint Sunday.

"I'm thrilled to be in the finals," she said, who just missed the 800 final. "It's a finisher's race. I'm hoping all my speed work is going to pay off."

Buckeye bounce: Two Ohio State volunteer assistant coaches advanced Friday -- Jeff See to the 1,500 final and Joel Brown to the 110 hurdles semis.

Glass half-full: Boardman native and former Ashland thrower Adriane Blewitt-Wilson was 12th in the shot put finals. Some may remember Blewitt-Wilson for her attempt to make the 2004 team after battling Hodgkins Disease. She was fifth at the Trials that year.

"I had a couple good warmups that would have made finals, but just couldn't get it in the [competition]," said Wilson, a personal trainer in South Carolina. Choking up as she spoke, Wilson said her glass is "half-half full, with a little hesitation. I just love this sport and wish I could have done a little bit beater."

A finish to remember: The trials were still buzzing Friday from Thursday night's history-making 5,000 meters. Finishing with a tremendous kick, Galen Rupp (13:22.68) broke Oregon legend Steve Prefontaine's 1972 Trials record (13:22.8). Seven days earlier, he won the rain-soaked 10,000 in a meet-record 27:25.33. Rupp is the first 10-and-5 trials double winner in 60 years.

In a great finish over a 52-second bell lap, Bernard Lagat passed Rupp in the final stretch, but Rupp surged back in front in the final 29 meters. Lopez Lomong held on for third.

"I knew this was going to be the hard one," Rupp said.

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Lonnie Chisenhall, Indians third baseman of the future, was hit by a pitch in fifth inning Friday night and will need surgery to repair broken ulna bone in right forearm.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerLonnie Chisenhall is headed for the disabled list after getting hit by a pitch Friday night.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall is scheduled to have surgery next week to repair a broken ulna bone in his right forearm.

Chisenhall was hit by Troy Patton pitch in the fifth inning Friday in a 9-8 loss to the Orioles at Camden Yards. The Indians have not announced who will take Chisenhall's spot on the roster, but he will be here in time for Saturday's 4:05 p.m.

Manager Manny Acta said Dr. Thomas Graham of the Cleveland Clinic will do the surgery.

"We had a bad feeling about it," said Acta. "The ball got him pretty square. The sound of it wasn't good.

"It's not good news, especially for the kid. Just to stablize the bone, he'll need surgery. It will probably be four to six weeks."

Chisenhall was splitting time with Jack Hannahan at third. With Travis Hafner on the disabled list, he was also seeing time at DH, his position Friday night.

He's hitting .278 (20-for-72) with three homers and nine RBI in 24 games since getting recalled from Class AAA Columbus.

"He was having better at-bats," said Acta. "He handled himself better this time around. It's always tough when a young guy is getting his feet wet and doing better and then has an injury like that."

The Indians, depending what move they want to make, have several candidates at Columbus to replace Chisenhall including Jason Donald, Matt LaPorta, Russ Canzler and Trevor Crowe. Donald, LaPorta and Canzler are infielders.

Richardson -- who overcame hardship in his youth -- believes there's a proper way to make memories in this game.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerBrowns rookies (from left) Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden and Travis Benjamin struggling to convince Jeniah Santiago,7, to go out for a pass during Friday's activities at the NFL Rookie Symposium at Berea. The AFC rookies gathered in Berea to run through drills with children from the Cleveland area at a "Play 60" youth event.

BEREA, Ohio -- The Pro Football Hall of Fame is home to the NFL's most iconic players. It also houses a felon or two, and a few legends who found opponents easier to conquer than personal demons.

Trent Richardson dreams of being inducted into the Canton shrine that he and other first-year players will visit Saturday as part of the NFL Rookie Symposium.

Richardson -- who overcame hardship in his youth to become the league's No. 3 draft pick -- believes there's a proper way to make memories in this game.

"I want to be one of the most talked-about running backs in the NFL that ever played the game when I get done with my NFL career," he said. "I want my name to always be remembered in a good way, not in a crazy way. For me, I'm always gonna work hard, make sure my standards are set high."

Responsibility, decision making and legacy are at the heart of the league's 15th rookie orientation, which concludes Saturday with a trip to the Hall of Fame for the AFC players.

There are youngsters already attracting the attention of hardline NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the wrong reasons. Jacksonsville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon was arrested earlier this month on aggravated drunk driving charges. On Thursday, the same day the league conducted an "DWI Prevention" session in Aurora, Detroit Lions defensive tackle Nick Fairley was in Mobile, Ala., pleading not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and attempting to elude police.

Fairley, a second-year player, is attending the final few days of the conference. His rookie class had their seminar scrubbed due to the 2011 lockout.

Richardson, 20, hopes he never make the kind of mistakes that land him in front of Goodell or an audience of rookies at a symposium. He has listened attentively to Terrell Owens and Adam "Pacman" Jones among others discussing their foibles. Jones implored players, Richardson said, to monitor their bank statements and run background checks on agents and financial advisors.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer"I don't dislike Jim Brown for the comments," says Trent Richardson of the Hall of Famer calling him "ordinary." "He's just pushing me to the limit and ... [making] sure he's going to get everything he can out of me."

Richardson grew up in the hardscrabble neighborhoods of Pensacola, Fla., where drugs and violence were prevalent. The youngest of three boys, Richardson was raised by his mother, Katrina, and humbled in the church, he said.

The running back, who became a father at age 16, is trying to serve as a role model for his daughters, Taliyah and Elevara.

"I've always hung out with family, hung out with my brothers so I have kept my circle small," Richardson said. "I have friends back home, but they know their spot, they know their place. When I get with them, I get with them and I talk to them, but they know when I'm working it is straight business. I'm not going to let anyone interfere with my business."

Part of that business is living up to expectations, self-imposed and otherwise. He was asked again Friday about criticism from the franchise legend Jim Brown, who has labeled him "ordinary."

Richardson said he laughs about the critique, yet plans to check out Brown's Hall exhibits, and would be honored to meet him.

"Cleveland has never won a Super Bowl and hopefully I can be one of those guys who can be on a Super Bowl team in Cleveland," Richardson said. "For me, I've got a lot of work to do and I've got big shoes to fill. It's just a lot of motivation. I don't dislike Jim Brown for the comments. He's just pushing me to the limit and ... [making] sure he's going to get everything he can out of me."

Teammate Brandon Weeden believes Richardson is unaffected by Brown's words.

"Trent's got thick skin," Weeden said. "It doesn't matter what anybody says. Trent doesn't worry about it, I can promise you that."

One of Richardson's primary objectives is to ensure his mother's sacrifices don't go to waste. She worked multiple jobs and enrolled her three sons in activities that kept them out of trouble. His youth coaches, Richardson said, also set good examples, making players do pushups and run across fields holding hands for poor grades and disrespectful behavior.

Years later, a rookie symposium is only reinforcing lessons Richardson said he's already learned.

"Discipline always played a big role with me," he said. "Being humble is always going to be me."

Allyson Felix wins her sixth national championship in her signature event, and does so in stunning style with a time of 21.69 seconds, a trials record and the third-fastest ever by an American.

View full sizeCharlie Riedel, Associated PressAllyson Felix celebrates her first-place finish in the women's 200 meters at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on Saturday in Eugene, Ore. Elyria's Tianna Madison, second from right, finished sixth.

EUGENE, Ore. -- There was no dead heat, no doubt and no chance for Tianna Madison in a memorable women's 200-meter final Saturday night at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.

Allyson Felix won her sixth national championship in her signature event, and did so in stunning style with a time of 21.69 seconds, a trials record and the third-fastest ever by an American.

Carmelita Jeter, who won the 100 last week, finished second in 22.11, followed by 400-meter champion Sanya Richards-Ross in 22.22, as the United States sends to the London Olympics one of its most impressive trios of sprinters in recent history.

Not among them this time was Madison, the Elyria native who was sixth at 22.50. Madison was not in good shape coming off the curve and unable to make up ground as Felix pushed the pace.

Madison already is an Olympian in the 100, after placing second behind Jeter and ahead of Felix and Jeneba Tarmoh, who tied for third.

The Felix-Tarmoh dead heat is to be decided today in either a run-off or a coin flip, whichever they choose. Tarmoh said she and Felix will talk it over.

"''"'''"I'm so happy to be on this team. It's been an emotional couple of weeks," Felix told NBC after the 200.

Ohio did add a sixth Olympian to its ranks Saturday in Chantae McMillan, who lives and trains in Dayton with multievent coach Lynn Smith.

McMillan not only needed to finish in the top three, she had to achieve the Olympic "A" standard, or minimum score. It came down to the seventh and final event, the 800. She needed to run under 2:20 and finished in 2:17. The heptathlon's arcane scoring system gave her 6,188 points, 33 above the "A" standard.

She's headed to London with 2008 silver medalist Hyleas Fountain (6,419) and Sharon Day (6,343).

Including the 800, McMillan had five personal bests (javelin, 100 hurdles, 200, and shot put) during the two-day test of skill, speed, strength and endur-

ance.

"I had some PRs today and I knew I had to go out and finish the 800 if I wanted to be on the team," she said. "From the get-go, I was feeling like I would give it my all."

McMillan is a Rolla, Mo., native who was a 2010 All-American at Nebraska. After a ruptured patella knee tendon prevented her from competing at Worlds last year, she moved to Dayton to train with Smith.

"It's been a great move and he's helped me so much switch my takeoff [leg], and we've come a long way together," McMillan said.

Fountain, 31, also trained with Smith in Dayton until earlier this year and moved to Florida to work with Rana Reider, who also trains Madison.

In the year of the ageless U.S. Olympic hopefuls, Amy Acuff turned hope into triumph by qualifying for her fifth Olympics in the high jump. Acuff cleared 6-43/4 and finished behind Chaunte Lowe (6-7) and Brigetta Barrett (6-7).

Aries Merritt looked golden in the men's 110 hurdles, winning with a world-leading time of 12.93, ahead of Jason Richardson and surprise third-place finisher Jeffrey Porter.

Reigning world champ Christian Taylor won the triple jump (57-101/4) and is headed to London with former Florida teammate Will Clay.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: twarsinskey@plaind.com, 216-999-4661

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The senior was No. 1 on Urban Meyer's depth chart.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerJordan Hall has been called one of the Buckeyes' top playmakers by coach Urban Meyer.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Jordan Hall, No. 1 on Ohio State's depth chart at running back, will be out for about 10 weeks after undergoing surgery on Friday for a cut on the bottom of his right foot.

Hall, with 817 career rushing yards, is a senior whom first-year coach Urban Meyer had singled out as one of the team's top potential playmakers.

Hall was walking in grass outside his residence in Columbus when he cut his foot.

Meyer said Hall will be in a non-weight bearing cast for six weeks before rehabbing the injury for at least a month.

The Buckeyes open fall camp in about five weeks.

Junior Carlos Hyde, sophomore Rod Smith and true freshman Bri'onte Dunn are other options at the position.

The Plain Dealer selects the outstanding baseball players in Northeast Ohio in 2012.

View full sizePDCameron Knott

Cameron Knott

Willoughby South

Senior, pitcher

College: Mercyhurst.

Notable: The two- year standout helped the Rebels make two appearances in the district semifinals and either set or tied school records in career shutouts (eight), victories (15) and strikeouts (160), and set or tied single-season marks in victories, strikeouts and shutouts. A team co-captain, the right-hander finished with a 7-1 record and an ERA of 0.36, with 68 strikeouts and seven walks in 58 innings. Coach Steve Norris said Knott is the best pitcher he has ever coached.

View full sizeTucker Linder

Tucker Linder

Tallmadge

Senior, pitcher/infielder

College: Kent State.

Notable: A four-year letterman and a two-time Plain Dealer All-Star, he contributed mightily at bat and on the mound. He batted .471 and knocked in 34 runs with 18 extra-base hits. He hit a home run in three consecutive games. On the mound, the right-hander was 6-2 with a 2.67 ERA with three complete games, 50 strikeouts, 20 walks and two shutouts in eight appearances. For his career, he was 23-7, with a 2.00 ERA and 209 strikeouts in 175 innings while batting .342 with eight homers and 61 RBI.

View full sizeAustin Lane

Austin Lane

Cuyahoga Heights

Senior, pitcher/infielder

College: Xavier.

Notable: He led the Redskins to a 25-5 record and a runner- up finish in the Division IV state tournament. As a third baseman, he batted .432 with 24 runs batted in and committed just three errors in 85 chances. In 48 innings as a pitcher, he was 7-0 with 50 strikeouts and 11 walks with a 1.60 ERA. A four-year starter, he hit two home runs and drove in five runs in Cuyahoga Heights' state semifinal win over Berlin Hiland.

View full sizeScott Effross

Scott Effross

Twinsburg

Senior, infielder/pitcher

College: Indiana.

Notable: Starting first baseman batted .380 and drove in 26 runs and had eight extra-base hits. He was 8-1 with a 1.52 ERA, striking out 60 and walking 14 in 551/3 innings. In his three seasons as a regular, the Tigers had a record of 51-24, and he was twice chosen as an all-Northeast Ohio Conference first-teamer. He batted .362 and had 38 RBI and was 18-6 with a 1.87 ERA in his career.

View full sizePDLuke Raley

Luke Raley

Highland

Junior, infielder

College: Undecided.

Notable: One of two juniors on this team, his 45 hits and 37 RBI were among the top five marks reported to The Plain Dealer this season; and his .474 batting average was in the top 10. Alternating between first and second base, he helped the Hornets compile a 22-6 regular-season record and reach the Division I district semifinals. Struck out just eight times in 95 at-bats.

View full sizeRay Guerrini

Ray Guerrini

Mayfield

Senior, catcher

College: Kent State.

Notable: Led the Wildcats to a 23-5 record and a third Division I regional appearance in the past five years. Was third on his team with a .462 batting average and knocked in 40 runs in 27 games and 78 at-bats with 12 extra-base hits. Was hit by a pitch a whopping 17 times. Equipped with a strong arm, he was adept at blocking pitches in the dirt. Runs well for a catcher, as he was a wide receiver on the football team.

View full sizeMitch Longo

Mitch Longo

Mayfield

Junior, outfielder

College: Undecided.

Notable: One of two juniors on this team, he led the Wildcats to a 23-5 record and a spot in the Division I regionals for the third time in the past five years by batting a team-high .540 and driving in 40 runs. At one point, he was batting .551, the highest mark reported to The Plain Dealer. Finished with 21 extra-base hits and walked 15 times against five strikeouts in 107 plate appearances.

View full sizeNathan Hunt

Nathan Hunt

Hawken School

Senior, outfielder/pitcher

College: Wagner.

Notable: Had a school-record-setting season in leading the Hawks to an 18-11 finish. Set single-season records for hits (45) and triples (seven). Batted .474 with 29 RBI and nine stolen bases in nine attempts. He was 6-1 as a pitcher, with a 1.48 ERA and 71 strikeouts and six walks in 611/3 innings. Was named MVP of the Metro Division of the Chagrin Valley Conference. Leaves Hawken with a career batting average of .423 with 115 hits, 77 runs and 84 RBI.

View full sizeStephen Scaccia

Stephen Scaccia

Willoughby South

Senior, outfielder

College: Mercyhurst.

Notable: Led the Rebels to a second straight appearance in the Division I district semifinals with a school-record .540 batting average -- one of the area's top reported marks -- with 29 RBI and 47 hits, both team highs. He stole 13 bases in 15 attempts and was charged with one error in 42 chances. Named to the Ohio High School Baseball Coaches All-Academic Team. Broke up a perfect game with a bunt single in the top of the seventh in a loss in the district semifinals.

The Cavaliers had Waiters high on their wish list for a long time.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter, The Plain DealerCoach Byron Scott, left, said Dion Waiters, right, was "No. 2 on my draft board'' behind Anthony Davis of Kentucky.

ABOUT THE CAVS ...

Most fans know I have some doubts about the Cavs taking Dion Waiters at No. 4, and I wrote that. I also wanted you to know how the Cavs came to draft Waiters:

1.The Cavs entered the draft determined to find an athletic, creative player. And, yes, a scorer. He could be a small forward or a shooting guard. They made two lists. The first was one name -- Anthony Davis. Yes, he's a big man, but the only player the Cavs believed is a certain star. He naturally went No. 1 to New Orleans.

2. Then came a list of eight more names. I don't know all of them, but I'm sure Waiters was on the list. Others were Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bradley Beal, Harrison Barnes and Thomas Robinson. I'm guessing the other three came from this list: Damian Lillard, Andre Drummond, Jeremy Lamb and Terrence Ross.

3. The point is, the Cavs not only had Waiters on their original list of eight possibilities for the No. 4 pick, he was in the top five. This was right after the college season. They believe he was the best guard in the country running the pick-and-roll play, a key in the NBA game. At 6-4 and 210 pounds, they liked his power driving to the basket.

4. Byron Scott was absolutely in love with Waiters' game and potential. The Cavs coach has said Waiters was "No. 2 on my draft board." He was not that high on the Cavs' board, but the fact Scott wanted Waiters (over someone such as Barnes) was a factor. The Cavs haven't said it, but they backed off Barnes because they thought he had trouble on the dribble, finding openings for his shot. They believe Waiters has more athleticism.

5. After they failed to trade for the No. 2 pick -- and they tried hard -- they watched Kidd-Gilchrist and Beal get drafted in front of them. Suddenly, the Cavs had a choice of Robinson, Barnes or Waiters. In their mind, Waiters was the clear pick. They think Robinson is a solid, blue-collar power forward -- but not what they needed at No. 4. They didn't see Barnes as a "dynamic player," a phrase used by Scott and others in the Cavs' draft room.

6. Nor did the Cavs care that Waiters was the sixth man at Syracuse, because they knew he played the key moments. They considered it a positive that he was willing to come off the bench, paying respect to starting senior guard Scoop Jardine, who also is from Philadelphia. The other starting guard was junior Brandon Triche.

7. During his freshman season, Waiters played little and considered transferring. At one point, coach Jim Boeheim even thought Waiters would leave school. Waiters had been the No. 23 high school prospect in the country and a Philadelphia high school legend. He committed to Syracuse at the age of 14. Yes, he was that good to be offered a scholarship from a top-10 program when he was that young.

8. Instead of leaving Syracuse, Waiters worked hard on his game in the summer and agreed to be the sixth man on a team that was 34-3 and was ranked No. 5 in the country. The Cavs considered Waiters' willingness to accept Boeheim's coaching and coming off the bench as a major positive.

9. The 6-4 Waiters often took the spot of Jardine, a 6-2 point guard. An issue will be if Waiters can share the ball with point guard Kyrie Irving. Scott admitted that in several of the game films he watched, Waiters had the ball "about 75 percent of time." With the Cavs, it will be Irving who will have the ball that often.

10. Scott said he did pay special attention to what Waiters did when the other guard had the ball. "He didn't just stand around," Scott said. "I saw him run off picks. He's a basketball player . . . very unselfish." In the end, the Cavs didn't care Waiters averaged only 12.6 points and shot 47 percent in his 24 minutes on the court at Syracuse. They project him as a scorer capable of starting at shooting guard and playing some point in the NBA.

11. The Cavs were so enamored with Waiters, they dealt with the fact that his agent -- Rob Pelinka -- made the decision to prevent Waiters from interviewing with or visiting any teams. Other prospects such as Beal, Barnes, Kidd-Gilchrist, Robinson and others came to the Cavs to work out. Supposedly, Waiters' agent secured a promise from a lottery team (not the Cavs) that they'd draft him.

12. The Cavs believed they had enough information on Waiters to draft him anyway. Pelinka's gamble paid off. He represents Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, James Harden and several others, including Carlos Boozer when he had his contract problems with the Cavs.

ABOUT WAITERS AND COMPARISONS

Some scouts have compared Waiters to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook. Scott put Waiters in the same sentence as Dwyane Wade and former Detroit Pistons star Joe Dumars.

After Friday's news conference, I asked the Cavs coach about comparing Waiters to All-Stars.

"I never compared him to Westbrook," he said.

"But you did to Dumars and Wade," I said. "Don't you think that creates high expectations for a guy who played only two years at Syracuse?"

"I think he relishes the expectations," said Scott. "Our expectations are high as well. . . . He'll be something special. . . . The sky is the limit."

I dropped the subject at that point, but I still think it's wiser to tone down the hype over Waiters.

ABOUT THE BROWNS' UNHERALDED YOUNG PLAYERS . . .

Most fans know the Browns will count on their rookies to step forward, and you will read and hear a lot about Trent Richardson, Brandon Weeden, Mitchell Schwartz and the rest. But if the Browns are right when saying they believe they will be greatly improved this season -- then some of General Manager Tom Heckert's previous draft picks and unheralded acquisitions (who didn't play much in the past) need to make an impact.

Here's are some names on the list:

1. Eric Hagg: Hagg was the seventh-round pick in 2011 and might start at free safety, replacing Michael Adams at that spot. The Browns believe Hagg can be the pass-coverage safety they need next to hard-hitting T.J. Ward. Hagg had five interceptions as a senior at Nebraska.

Yes, Usama Young might appear as the starting safety next to Ward on the first depth chart. But they really like Hagg, who has been impressive in minicamps -- and also impressed in limited duty at the end of last season.

2. Jordan Cameron: While many fans focus on Evan Moore as being the athletic tight end who can make some plays, some of the Browns believe Cameron has even more natural ability. A former Division I basketball player at Brigham Young, the 6-5 Cameron (a fourth-round pick in 2011) really excited the coaches this spring.

"I think he's flashed out here in a way that we didn't see him flash last year in training camp," said coach Pat Shurmur. "I feel like based on what he's done here in the off-season, he's positioning himself to make an impact for us."

Yes, Ben Watson is the starting tight end and a good one, but he did have three concussions. And yes, there is Moore, veteran Alex Smith and free agent Dan Gronkowski. But the door is wide open for Cameron to become a significant part of the offense.

3. Jordan Norwood or Josh Cooper: Norwood caught 23 passes is his final eight games, before suffering a season-ending concussion. He even started four games at slot receiver. Not much is said about him because starting receivers Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi receive most of the attention.

While Joshua Cribbs played a lot of slot receiver, the Browns want him to concentrate more on special teams -- and not only returning kicks and punts. He's considered their top coverage man on special teams.

Rookie Travis Benjamin also will be a factor at receiver, but the coaches think Norwood (signed as an undrafted free agent in 2009) can help.

If it's not Norwood who surprises, it could be Cooper. He is an undrafted free agent from Oklahoma State who was a big-time receiver with Weeden, and he also has received praise from the coaches.

The point is between these two undrafted slot receivers, the Browns think they will find one who is a pleasant surprise.

4. Buster Skrine: The Browns really like the fifth-round pick from 2011 and believe at some point in the next few years, he could start.

The Browns have three veterans for the two starting cornerback spots: Joe Haden, Dimitri Patterson and Sheldon Brown. But this coaching staff absolutely loves cornerbacks and wants at least four who can be in the game at any time. Skrine is highly valued.

ABOUT THE TRIBE . . .

1. The Indians were 10-17 last June, a month in which the starting pitching turned shaky and they stopped hitting in the clutch. They finished this month at 12-15. They know they need a right-handed hitter, but they believe their biggest problem is starting pitching. Justin Masterson (2.06 ERA) and Ubaldo Jimenez (2.78) have been good in June. But after that, the best ERA for a starter this month is Derek Lowe at 6.49! Jeanmar Gomez (7.20) has been replaced in the rotation by Zach McAllister. Josh Tomlin is 2-3 with a 7.58 ERA this month.

2. If the Indians need another starter, they might turn to Corey Kubler. He has impressed the front office lately. On the season, he's 7-6 with a 3.55 ERA and 93 strikeouts in 83 innings at Class AAA Columbus. He has moved ahead of David Huff. The Tribe wants Gomez to remain in Columbus for a while to work on his delivery, especially from the stretch. Batters are hitting .348 with runners in scoring position against him. The decline of Gomez was especially disappointing because they thought he had figured it out. He was 5-1 in his last six starts of 2011 and then had a strong spring followed by a 2.35 ERA in April.

3. With Lonnie Chisenhall out with a broken bone in his forearm, the Indians will split third base between Jack Hannahan and Jose Lopez. Chisenhall was hitting well -- .286 with two homers and eight RBI this month. He appeared ready to stay in the big leagues, as he was splitting time at third and DH.

4. The Indians did check out Carlos Lee, who is expected to be traded by the Astros. Lee has a partial no-trade clause, and Cleveland is one of 14 teams he can refuse if a deal is proposed. The Tribe also noticed Lee's .290 average is weak in terms of power. He has five homers, all in hitter-friendly Houston. He is 8-for-56 (.143) vs. left-handed pitchers. He also is very heavy and can't play left field for long. His defense at first is poor.

5. They then looked at Casey Kotchman, who has more homers (six to five) and nearly as many RBI (27 to 29) as Lee, while being a superior defender. They know they must do something in terms of finding a right-handed bat -- but it won't be Lee.

6. Make of this what you will, but Carlos Santana is hitting .162 with no homers since coming back from his concussion. His most recent homer was May 15. He has had some other minor injuries. I'm in the minority on this, but I would like to see Santana more at first base because he seems to take a pounding behind the plate.

7. I'd like to see Lou Marson catch three to four times a week, especially if he continues to hit. On the season, he's at .284 (.696 OPS). Seeing more regular duty in June with Santana hurt, Marson was 14-for-42 (.333) last month before his big 4-for-5 performance Saturday. More Marson would allow Santana to play more first base. And the Indians always can use Kotchman as a defensive replacement for Santana.

8. This was a tough week for Manny Acta. I thought the Tribe manager should have argued the no-catch ruling in Yankee Stadium where Hannahan was ejected. I also did a first guess of not having Lowe come to the mound in the top of the sixth at Baltimore. He had a 5-4 lead, had thrown 90 pitches and the temperature was close to 100 degrees. The 39-year-old was working hard just to keep the game close and really seemed tired, regardless of what he says.

9. Tribe bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr. will be at the Wahoo Club Luncheon on July 21 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Terrace Club. Call Bob Rosen at 440-724-8350 or go to wahooclub.com for more information.

10. Joe Tait and I will be at Fairlawn Library at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. It's free, but you need to call 330-666-4888 to sign up.

Cleveland purchased the right-handed reliever from the Rockies for $150,000 on June 12.

View full sizePlain Dealer

Q: What caused the Rockies to convert you from a shortstop to a pitcher?

A. "The key was I hit .300 for three years in the Dominican Summer League -- .100, .100, .100. I think that's why they made me a pitcher."

Q: You're from Pedro de Macoris, home of the shortstop, in the Dominican Republic. Did you always want to be a shortstop?

A. "I wanted to be like my brother, Eddie, who played shortstop for the Orioles [2002, 2005-2006]. His first hit in the big leagues was a homer against the Yankees. Before I signed with the Rockies, he wanted me to be a pitcher. I told him, 'No, I want to be better than you.' Three years later, he said, 'See what happened?' "

Q: Was it tough becoming a pitcher?

A. "When I was in rookie league, Pedro Strop [Orioles reliever] and I were converted to pitchers at the same time in 2006. I didn't have a good year. I picked up all my stuff and said I was going to quit and go to New York and find a job. He was my roommate and he stood in front of the door and said, 'You're going to have to go through me.' Then he hit me three times in my face and gave me a black eye. He didn't want me to leave. I saw him a while ago and he said, 'Are you going to pay me for making you stay?' I'm the godfather to his son."

Q: How did you feel about getting traded to Cleveland?

A. "I felt good. My brother, Omar, was a scout with the Indians. Now he scouts for the Cardinals. He played with Eddie in the minors with Baltimore."

Q: What's your best pitch?

A. "Fastball. That's the key to me being in the big leagues."

The catch/no catch and fair/foul provisions that were agreed upon in the new basic agreement should be available right now, but a final OK could not be reached among the owners, players association and umpires. So let them boil in the same pot.

View full sizeAPUmpire Mike DiMuro.

The catch/no catch and fair/foul provisions that were agreed upon in the new basic agreement should be available right now, but a final OK could not be reached among the owners, players association and umpires. So let them boil in the same pot -- making sure there's room for Mike DiMuro, who was snookered by left fielder Dewayne Wise on Tuesday at Yankee Stadium in a game against the Indians -- because they deserve it.

But what of Yasiel Puig? Better yet, who is Yasiel Puig?

He's a 21-year-old Cuban defector, who became extremely rich last week when the Dodgers signed him to a seven-year $42 million deal. Oh, to be young and a Cuban defector who just happens to play baseball.

Puig's signing is part of the gold rush to acquire international free agents before July 2. After that, teams can spend only $2.9 million on such players. So the Dodgers gave Puig $42 million, the Cubs gave Jorge Soler $30 million for nine years and the A's signed Yoenis Cespedes to a $36 million four-year deal in February. Like Puig, Soler and Cespedes are Cuban, but this spending spree covers all players who are not subject to MLB's amateur draft.

Money is no object for the teams that can afford it. This is their last chance to dominate the international market. After July 2, by rules of the new basic agreement, spending is restricted. But when there is great haste, there is room for great waste. Remember the name Yasiel Puig.

When Ian Darke and Steve McManaman broadcast the European Championship final from Kiev today, they'll assume their audience back in the U.S. has a fairly deep knowledge of soccer.

AP Photo/Jon SuperItalian players warm up during a training session ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 soccer championship final between Spain and Italy in Kiev, Ukraine, Saturday, June 30, 2012.

When Ian Darke and Steve McManaman broadcast the European Championship final from Kiev on Sunday, they'll assume their audience back in the U.S. has a fairly deep knowledge of soccer and the Spanish and Italian players on the field in Ukraine.

"I think it's made such massive strides now that it really would be an insult if somebody like me and Macca came on trying to sort of teach people to suck eggs about the game," Darke said. "I think they tune into it because they know it and they love it — or most of them do."

ESPN was criticized when lead broadcaster Dave O'Brien displayed a lack of soccer knowledge during the 2006 World Cup. For the 2008 European Championship final in Vienna, the network had Adrian Healey and Andy Gray provide commentary from a studio in Bristol, Conn.

Then two years ago, ESPN used Martin Tyler, Darke, Healey and Derek Rae — all British — as its four lead broadcasters for the World Cup in South Africa, and that September ESPN hired Darke as the primary soccer voice for its U.S. networks. He was paired with McManaman, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star who had been a studio analyst at the World Cup. The duo have become a steady presence on ESPN's Premier League telecasts, which air mostly at 7:45 a.m. Eastern on Saturday mornings and have become as much a part of weekend breakfast for American soccer fans as coffee and orange juice.

"We're on at an awkward time," McManaman said outside London's White Hart Lane one cold evening last winter before a Tottenham match. "Certainly if you live in L.A. sometimes we're on at 4:45 in the morning, so it takes the hard-core group of fans who will watch it and will look at the Premier League and will want to watch the football at different times of day, no matter what time of day the game's on."

He compares the expansion of the U.S. audience for big tournaments to his interest in American-style football.

"I won't avidly watch the NFL year in, year out, all the time," McManaman said, "but once it starts to get round to the playoffs ... you watch it and you become attached to it. And then you want to watch the playoffs. Of course, you want to watch the Super Bowl, don't you?"

In an era when many sports struggle to maintain ratings, U.S. viewership of international soccer is increasing at a startling rate. The two semifinals averaged 1.91 million viewers, a 46 percent increase from 1.31 million four years ago. With both semis starting at 2:45 p.m. EDT, Spain's penalty kicks victory over Portugal was seen by 1.95 million on Wednesday, and Italy's 2-0 upset win over Germany was viewed by 1.85 million the following day. ESPN said the semis averaged 576,000 additional viewers on computers, smart phones, tablets and Xbox.

The first 31 matches averaged 1.2 million viewers on ESPN's networks, up 61 percent from 2008.

ESPN President John Skipper has been among soccer's biggest boosters in the U.S. The network's streak of televising six straight World Cups will end after the 2014 tournament in Brazil, with Fox taking over for 2018 in Russia and 2022 in Qatar, but ESPN has the 2016 Euros in France and a steady weekly presence with the Premier League, at least through next season, under a sublicense from Fox.

"It's clear that there's been a significant upgrade in the attention we pay to the world's sport," he said.

Darke and McManaman have been on site for the entire tournament. While some first-round matches were broadcast from Bristol, ESPN had its announcers at the stadiums for all knockout-round games.

In Europe, American interest in soccer still is viewed with some skepticism. Darke remembers during the 2010-11 season speaking to Steve Bruce, then Sunderland's manager, before broadcasting The Black Cats' game against Stoke, a less than glamorous matchup.

"He said, 'Who are you doing it for?'" Darke recalled. "I said I'm doing it for ESPN in America."

"Really? OK." Bruce responded.

"As he was leaving," Darke remembered, "he turned around and said, 'Us against Stoke? In America? What are you trying to do? Put them off?'"

Watching the NBA's best players beat up Angola was fun for a while, but it's time to let the younger players take over the U.S. Olympic Team.

View full sizeJohn Gaps III, Associated PressThe original Dream Teamers, including, from left, John Stockton, Chris Mullin and the incomparable Charles Barkley, were a thrill to watch. But 20 years later, the thrill is gone.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The old college try could be back in fashion.

July is here. Say an early hello to the Summer Olympics in London later this month and probably goodbye to the NBA's participation in them as we've known it since 1992.

Twenty years is a nice round number. Let's end it there.

In 1992, the Dream Team came to Barcelona, saw its narcissitic reflection in the Magic Fountain, and somehow tore itself away in time to conquer Angola and all other pretenders.

Two decades later, the thrill is long gone.

The original Dream Team was something to watch. Now there's really nothing to see here we haven't seen before, so let's move along.

The pride we all felt when Michael Jordan wrapped himself in the American flag to cover up the non-Nike logo on the U.S. team uniforms? We'll get by with a bunch of under-23 kids wanting to be there for the experience of it.

To be fair the rest of the world did benefit from the participation of NBA superstars. The skill level and quality of basketball increased dramatically around the globe.

The NBA benefited, too. Just look at the international flavor in the league.

Now? Except for a few select Olympic opponents, the U.S. is still a sledgehammer killing a fly.

But the formula needed to win a gold medal still requires a two-year or three-year commitment from players whose NBA teams are less and less happy to see them risk injury. Dallas owner Mark Cuban is the most outspoken against giving players to the Olympics so the U.S. Olympic Committee and International Olympic Committee can cash in on their stardom.

"The biggest mistake the NBA makes," Cuban called it in an interview with Fox Sports.

Think the Miami Heat ownership, coaches and fans ache for America that Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh won't compete in London because of injuries? Think most of America cares even a little?

NBA Commissioner David Stern (whom I agreed with once, I just can't remember why or when) has proposed an age maximum of 23 for Olympic participation beyond London. That's reasonable, provided he doesn't pick and choose and allow different criteria for the World Championships.

Up and coming players, the ones who'd most benefit from the exposure, could still participate. Established stars would have an out. Nobody would unfairly question their patriotism, as some do these days.

Nobody would scream because the occasional misdirected NBA veteran (Wade, Ray Allen) briefly mentions it might be nice to get paid for the sweat and hard work that goes into preparation for the Games.

Most importantly owners -- Stern's constituency -- wouldn't be complaining constantly about turning over their most valuable assets to watch other people make money off them.

That seems to be where this is headed.

Fine. Cheering an underdog never gets old.

Spinoffs

• Cavaliers' top draft pick Dion Waiters says he's an "all-around player" who plays with "swagger" and that contrary to some scouting reports "there are no weaknesses in my game."

If Lamond Murray complained that his jersey wasn't a featured item for sale in the arena, why do I get the feeling Waiters is going to want team shop naming rights?

Waiters' upside is enormous, though the stories calling him the best man-on-man defender on a team married to the zone isn't one reason why.

Being known as the best man defender at Syracuse rivals the acclaim of being known as the smartest person on "Jersey Shore".

• The Tour de France officially begins today. The World Anti-Doping Agency investigation into the winner begins three weeks later.

• Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was arrested for fighting and possessing a fake ID. For once it's refreshing to hear an arrested athlete or celebrity tell police, "Do you know who I'm not?"

• Storm damage kept golf fans off the course at Congressional on Saturday, I know what you're thinking. If Chris Perez were a PGA Tour player, he'd rip the people for not showing up. Not true. Though he might criticize the fallen trees for their lack of commitment.

• For some reason I think caddie Stevie Williams is still going to stare down a rustling bush and demand it give up its leaves after Adam Scott misses his first green.

• Trent Richardson says he doesn't take Jim Brown's "ordinary" label personally, preferring to think of it as Brown making "sure he gets everything he can out of me." If Richardson doesn't make the Hall of Fame, his tact and diplomacy make him a natural for the halls of Congress. If Brown is trying to motivate Richardson for the good of the organization, he's really trying to motivate Mike Holmgren.

• Cleveland comedian Mike Polk's tweet on the NBA draft: "I find it unfair that USA Today gave us the lowest grade . . . just because we used the 4th pick in a deep draft to take the 6th man on a college team."

• Ousted Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker reportedly had a $2,200 car allowance. A month. Assuming he didn't pay to have Danica Patrick as his driver or pay to put rocket fuel in the Batmobile, that seems a little more egregious than a memorabilia for tattoos "scandal".

• After wrestler Stephany Lee tested positive for marijuana, she apologized to "USA Wrestling, my teammates, my coaches, everyone who supported me, for my mistake..." If she can't uphold a simple ideal as American as "deny, sue, deny some more," it's just as well she not represent the U.S. at the London Olympics.

• Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff on catcher Carlos Santana's sore sides and lower back, "He's a switch hitter and he's been swinging and missing a lot." You have to appreciate an honest clinical explanation, though Santana might not.

• Arizona right-hander Trevor Bauer, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft, made a memorable big-league debut against Atlanta. After Bauer threw the first pitch, Arizona coaches instructed him to toss the ball in to save as a memento. Bauer complied, but gave new meaning to Harry Doyle's "Jussssst a bit outside" by throwing it into the Braves' dugout by mistake.

He said it

"When it hit the Warehouse, I was pretty sure it wasn't coming back" -- Derek Lowe on whether he knew immediately he'd pay for a bad pitch to Baltimore's Matt Wieters Friday.

He Tweeted it

"I'm about to make a very bold & perhaps controversial statement: LegoLand just might be better than Disneyland" -- Browns' linebacker Scott Fujita.

Sounds like a smear campaign against Disney.

You said it: The Expanded Sunday Edition

The Orioles traded for Jim Thome on Saturday and that's a good thing for the Indians. He wasn't the answer to the Indians staying in contention in the AL Central. The job is too big for one man.

View full sizeH. Rumph Jr., Associated PressThe Indians need more hitting, but Jim Thome would not have been a good fit in their lineup. Thome was traded to Baltimore on Saturday.

BALTIMORE, Md. — Before Jim Thome left the Indians last season, they honored him with a special night. During the ceremonies, it was announced that the team was going to build a statue of him behind the center field wall at Progressive Field near the spot where he once hit a homer out of the ballpark.

The statue wasn't to commemorate the 22 games he played with the Tribe last year, but for an earlier time when Thome was young and the Indians were winning division titles and going to the World Series.

Late last week, Thome once again became available. If the Indians needed to check the final measurements on that statue before construction, the Phillies would have been more than willing to send him their way.

It's not as if the Tribe's offense couldn't use the help. Sure he bats left-handed, but doesn't everyone else in the Tribe's lineup?

But it didn't happen. The Phillies traded him to the Orioles on Saturday and that's a good thing for the Tribe.

The Indians acquired Thome, 41, from the Twins on Aug. 25. DH Travis Hafner had just gone on the disabled list. They were still on the outskirts of contention and the front office long ago discovered that it's good business to bring back any player from the franchise's last golden era.

This season, the fit is not as comfortable. Hafner is scheduled to rejoin the team this week after undergoing surgery on his right knee. It's hard to see how two creaky DHs could co-exist. And it's not like they would be the only one-dimensional players on the roster.

The Phillies signed Thome with the idea that he could give them some relief at first base until Ryan Howard returned from his Achilles tendon injury. Thome's back said no, but during a brief period of interleague play, he hit .333 (12-for-36) with four homers and 14 RBI in nine starts at DH.

Those numbers are why the Orioles acquired him as they try to stay in the race in the American League East. Thome is a great presence in the clubhouse and still has enough power to make Camden Yards play smaller than it already does.

The Indians, meanwhile, have to find a way to stay in contention in the AL Central until the All-Star break. Friday night's 9-8 loss to Baltimore dropped them 31/2 games behind the first-place White Sox. It was their biggest deficit of the season and their remaining eight games before the break present a challenge.

On Saturday, Baltimore started left-hander Dana Eveland, trying to take advantage of one of the Indians' biggest weakness. But the Indians responded with an 11-5 victory. They're 7-16 against left-handed starters and will face another one today in Brian Matusz.

When the Indians return home tonight, they will play the Angels in a three-game series and Tampa Bay in a four-game set before the break. The starting rotations for the Angels and Rays are ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the AL.

General Manager Chris Antonetti picked up the team in New York to check its pulse.

"After the draft, it was a good time to be around the club," he said.

This is Antonetti's second year as general manager. Team President Mark Shapiro, who held the job for nine seasons, rarely made more than a one-city trip with the team. What Antonetti has watched for the most part is a team playing flat at the wrong time.

In terms of runs scored among the 14 AL teams, they are getting above-average production from only four positions -- second base, shortstop, right field and catcher. They rank 10th or lower at first base, third base, left field, center field and DH. They have scored the fewest runs in the league in center field and at third.

When the Indians opened the season, pitching was supposedly their strength. They rank 13th in ERA at 4.61.

The rotation is 27-32 with a 4.64 ERA. They have struck out the second fewest batters and issued the second most walks in the AL.

The bullpen, the pride of the franchise, ranks last in ERA at 4.55. They are second in saves, but lately they haven't been able to get a lead to closer Chris Perez.

Antonetti keeps saying that any real improvement has to come from within. It's hard to argue with him. No GM could bring in enough outside help to cure what ails the Indians and that includes Thome, the franchise leader in homers.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: phoyunes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

On Twitter: @hoynsie