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Top shooters take aim at Camp Perry event: Outdoors Notebook

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The National Rifle and Pistol Championships are invading Camp Perry this weekend for a month of matches. More than 6,000 shooters will compete on the long, wide firing range at the Ohio National Guard camp on the shores of western Lake Erie.

camp-perry.jpgThe National Rifle and Pistol Championships are invading Camp Perry this weekend for a month of matches.

The National Rifle and Pistol Championships are invading Camp Perry this weekend for a month of matches. More than 6,000 shooters will compete on the long, wide firing range at the Ohio National Guard camp on the shores of western Lake Erie.

The matches officially begin with the First Shot Ceremony on Monday at 10 a.m. Pulling the trigger to start the prestigious competition is Gen. William E. Ingram Jr., director of the Army National Guard.

The NRA Pistol Matches are first to shoot, with gunfire Tuesday through July 15. The smallbore rifle matches are July 18-26; and the high-power rifle competition is July 27-Aug. 15, with the last five days devoted to the NRA Long Range Matches.

There is no charge for admission or parking. Visitors can watch the matches, browse the shooting-sports vendors on Commercial Row and check out the various shooting museums. There is a great deal of shooting history at the National Matches, which began in 1903 to promote civilian marksmanship. The matches have been held at Camp Perry since 1907.

Camp Perry is on Ohio 2, five miles west of Port Clinton. For information, visit tinyurl.com/campperryshooting

Lake Erie news: Walleye from the fast-growing Lake Erie walleye class of 2010 are already chasing lures. Rated an average-year class, some of the walleye are already longer than the legal minimum of 15 inches. Many are 14½ inches and less, however, and must be released.

The perch and walleye hatched this year have shown up in summer trawl net surveys by the Ohio Division of Wildlife, said Lake Erie supervisor Jeff Tyson.

“This year’s walleye already have grown to 2-3½ inches, with the perch about 1-1½ inches. We won’t know how successful the hatches were until we crunch our survey numbers. We also do surveys in July and August, and in the fall.”

Tyson said fisheries biologists at the Sandusky Research Station are seeing an upswing in smallmouth bass and white bass populations.

Storms KO parks: Most Ohio parks are back in operation after last week’s storms, but Forked Run State Park’s campground is closed, and Wolf Run, Lake Hope, Burr Oak and Jackson Lake still have no electricity. Roadways are closed at Cantwell Cliff, Lake Katherine, Desinoir/Boch Hollow and Christmas Rocks state parks. Madison Lake State Park’s roads are impassable.

There is also some damage at Hocking, Shawnee and Zaleski state forests. For the latest report on horse and hiking trails, visit the state forest section at dnr.state.oh.us

Lake County deer hunt: The controlled deer hunts at Lake Metroparks’ 492-acre River Road property in Madison Township are being held for the second year. Lake County residents are allowed to apply starting Monday, either online at lakemetroparks.com or in person at the park’s offices at 11211 Spear Road, Concord Township.

Out and about: The eighth annual Waterfowlers Boot Camp and Outdoor Festival continues to grow, with this year’s event returning to the Cardinal Center Campground in Marengo, Ohio, on July 21-22.

Homer’s gone fishing: One of America’s most-beloved outdoor writers, Homer Circle, died June 23 at age 97. Just a couple of days before, Circle had enjoyed his weekly fishing trip with longtime pal and Ocala, Fla., neighbor, videographer Glen Lau.

Both are Ohio natives. Lau grew up in the Toledo area and was a Lake Erie fishing and hunting guide. Circle graduated from high school in Springfield, becoming a salesman in a local outdoor store.

Circle created a lure, the Walnut Crab, and tried to sell it to Heddon. The company didn’t buy the lure, but hired Circle to handle its advertising and public relations. For 34 years, Circle was fishing editor of Sports Afield. He wrote many fishing books — “Bass Wisdom” was a big seller — and starred in Lau’s two bass-fishing films, “Bigmouth” (1973) and “Bigmouth Forever” (1996).

I bumped into Circle while registering for a fishing tackle show about three decades ago. He insisted I call him “Uncle Homer,” and took me around the show to introduce me to his legion of friends. It was a busy day. Circle knew everyone in the fishing industry. All relished a visit with him — including Circle’s newest “nephew.”

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



Brandon Roy to attempt comeback with Timberwolves: Report

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Cavaliers reportedly had shown interest in former three-time NBA All-Star with Portland.

brandon-roy-041110.jpgBrandon Roy had narrowed his five finalists to Minnesota, Dallas, Indiana, Golden State and Cleveland, according to a report by David Aldridge of NBA.com.

Three-time NBA All-Star Brandon Roy will attempt a comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves, according to a Twitter report by Jason Quick of The Oregonian.

Roy will get a two-year deal, worth "in the ballpark" of $10.4 million, his agent, Greg Lawrence, told The Oregonian.

Roy, who turns 28 later this month, retired last December after five seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers because of chronic knee problems.

Roy says he had successful surgery and feels healthy enough to return to the NBA.

A number of teams agreed after seeing him work out, and stood in line for his services.

Roy had narrowed his five finalists to Minnesota, Dallas, Indiana, Golden State and Cleveland, according to a report by David Aldridge of NBA.com.

A 6-6 wing, Roy made the All-Star team in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He was a second-team all-NBA selection in 2009, when he averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game.

Over his five seasons with the Blazers, Roy averaged 19 points, 4.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. Portland made him the sixth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.

Small forward Nicolas Batum, also of the Portland Trailblazers, agreed to a four-year offer sheet with the Timberwolves. Batum is an unrestricted free agent, meaning Portland could match the offer.

-- Sporting News staff report

Teletovic to Nets: The Brooklyn Nets have agreed with Bosnian power forward Mirza Teletovic on a three-year, $15 million deal, CBSSports.com reported. Teletovic said earlier he had narrowed his choices down to the Nets and Cavaliers.

Cleveland Browns: Which superstar would you choose for the Browns? Poll

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If you had a choice, which player would you choose to add to the Browns' roster?

tom brady.JPGView full sizeWould you choose QB Tom Brady with your only pick?

The Cleveland Browns improved themselves in the NFL Draft, but the Browns could still use plenty of help at several positions.

The Browns have holes in their offense (wide receiver) and holes in their defense (defensive end).

So if NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell allowed the Browns to make one choice of any player in the league (with no affect to the salary cap), which player would you choose?

Cleveland Browns Stadium will never compare to Municipal Stadium - Browns Comment of the Day

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"Although the new stadium was needed it'll never compare to old Municipal Stadium for the game day experience. I remember my first Browns game in person and couldn't believe how small the field really was compared to the rest of the stadium. Miss those days." - cavfanman

byner.JPGView full sizeMany cleveland.com readers say the game day experience of Cleveland Browns Stadium will never match Municipal Stadium's.
In response to the story NFL, Browns want to make fans feel at home even in the stadium, cleveland.com reader cavfanman says the Cleveland Browns Stadium game day experience will never be the same as Municipal Stadium's. This reader writes,

"Although the new stadium was needed it'll never compare to old Municipal Stadium for the game day experience. I remember my first Browns game in person and couldn't believe how small the field really was compared to the rest of the stadium. Miss those days."

To respond to cavfanman's comment, go here.

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

Cleveland Browns home uniforms: Which color combination should they wear in 2012? -- Poll

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The Browns wore white jerseys and pants at home last season, as they did for most home games in the first three decades of team history. What color combination would you like to see in 2012?

Gallery preview

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns fans have been disappointed with a team stuck in the doldrums of one losing season after another.


Seldom are the Browns a joy to watch.
Last season, as Cleveland slushed to a typical 4-12 record, the Browns were even less pleasing to the eye, unfashionable for a large segment of their fan base.

The Browns wore white jerseys and pants for all eight home games (they did win three of the games). Many fans did not like that color -- or lack of -- combination, wanting to see the team colors of orange and/or brown represented somewhere on the uniform.

White-on-white does have its supporters, though, including quarterback Frank Ryan of the 1964 Browns, Cleveland's last championship team.

Ryan's first season with the Browns was in 1962, the last for Paul Brown as the team's coach before he was fired by owner Art Modell. The Browns usually wore white jerseys and pants in those days.

"I loved wearing white," Ryan said Thursday from his home in Vermont. "I asked Paul Brown one time why we were wearing white for our home uniforms when everybody else was wearing their colors at home.

"His answer was that he had been convinced that the team in white appears larger and faster. I accept that. I love white uniforms. Paul Brown was a very smart man.

"The Browns now should follow Paul Brown's direction and wear all white, including the leggings. We wore white leggings with a brown band of 2 or 3 inches, with a ribbon of orange around it."

In fact, Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot wrote last Sept. 1 that it was Paul Brown's lasting influence that affected a decision by Browns' president Mike Holmgren:

The Browns will wear their white jerseys and white pants at home this season. It was Mike Holmgren's decision, designed to honor the tradition established by Paul Brown.
Ryan became the Browns' starter midway through the 1962 season, replacing an injured Jim Ninowski. Then, Ryan's own injuries contributed to his losing the starting job to Bill Nelsen early in the 1968 campaign.

With Ryan starting, the Browns won 28 home games, lost eight and tied two, and -- of course wearing the white jerseys and pants -- won the 1964 championship game, 27-0, over the Baltimore Colts at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.

Ryan, besides handing the football off and passing to Jim Brown, Ernie Green and Leroy Kelly, threw to receivers such as Gary Collins, Paul Warfield, Johnny Brewer and Milt Morin.

"From a quarterback's point of view, it's easier to throw to a receiver wearing white," said Ryan, a three-time Pro Bowl selection. "He just looks bigger."

Ryan recalled one time when the Browns wore brown jerseys at home. Cleveland defeated the visiting Dallas Cowboys, 27-17, on Nov. 24, 1963, two days after President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.

A stunned Cowboys team, which did not leave Dallas for Cleveland until after the assassination, apparently had not packed its dark jerseys but did have the whites. The Browns thus had to wear their dark tops.

Over the years, the Browns have generally worn the following color combinations as their home uniforms during regular season and playoff games:

* White jerseys and white pants: The predominant home uniform for the Browns from their beginning as a franchise in 1946 until the mid-1970s. Worn for every home game in 2011.

* Brown jerseys and orange pants: Worn at home by the Browns from the mid-1970s into the 1980s.

* Brown jerseys and white pants: The common home uniform for the Browns from the mid-1980s until owner Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore following the 1995 season.

* Orange jerseys and white pants: Sometimes worn at home by the Browns for a few years during the early 2000s.

Which uniform do you prefer the Browns wear this season?




Some in NFL believe Cleveland Browns' Scott Fujita is being made an example of, says Tom Reed (SBTV)

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Colt McCoy is fighting for a starting spot with the Browns, and he's auditioning for another team. Watch video

Cleveland, Ohio -- Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV. Today's guest, Plain Dealer Browns reporter Tom Reed, tells Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright how he expects the NFL Players Association filing suit on behalf of Scott Fujita and other players involved in the bounty with the New Orleans Saints will not go very far.


In fact, since the players gave commissioner Roger Goodell the power to being judge, jury and executioner, it isn't likely a court will go against what the players agreed that it was acceptable for Goodell to do.


Reed also talks about the interesting battles in training camp, besides the battle between quarterbacks Colt McCoy and Brandon Weeden.


In today's poll, Reed is asked which player in the NFL would he add to the Browns. At least Branson was not surprised by his answer.


 

Cleveland Browns P.M. Links: Overpaid and underpaid Browns; Browns want fans to feel at home; should the Browns pursue Terrell Owens?

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Which Browns players are overpaid and underpaid?

wallace-arms-spread-2011-ap.jpgIs quarterback Seneca Wallace overpaid or underpaid?

Reporter Mike Hoag Jr. of the Bleacher Reporter writes this story about the most underpaid and overpaid Cleveland Browns players.


Hoag Jr. lists linebacker Scott Fujita, cornerback Dimitri Patterson, quarterback Seneca Wallace, and offensive lineman Tony Pashos as overpaid.




Pashos will collect $1 million from the Cleveland Browns. The Browns paid him to not play for them in 2012.



Currently a free agent, he will likely be sitting on his couch watching football on Sundays this season like the rest of us.


When it comes to underpaid, Hoag Jr. lists defensive tackle Jabaal Sheard, defensive back T.J. Ward and offensive lineman Jason Pinkston.




T.J. Ward’s inability to stay on the field has hampered the chances of him cashing in with a big NFL contract. As he currently sits on his second-round draft contract, he may be hard pressed to.


According to Sports Illustrated's average safety salary of $947,887, Ward is pretty close. The safety position isn’t typically valued with large money, long-term contracts. If Ward can prove he is an elite-caliber player who can stay healthy, he may get compensation on par with the elite safeties in the league.


 


 


More Cleveland Browns


The Browns want to make fans feel at home in the stadium (Cleveland.com).


A new Browns dynasty (Stafford2Johnson.com).


Should the Browns pursue TO? (sports.gather.com)


Prediction on where the Browns will finish in the AFC North (nicepickcowher.com).


Top 100 players list only has two Browns (CantonRep.com).


Kiante Tripp's representatives expect all charges will be dropped (scout.com).


Vote on which home uniforms the Browns wear this coming season (Cleveland.com)



Cavaliers could wait til next season to sign free agents - Comment of the Day

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"Okay, I have decided I want the Cavs to sign no one for more than a year this offseason unless Gee signs for less the 4 million. Teams are way overspending this offseason and the Cavs won't be contenders this year anyway. Next year 2 things happen. 1) Huge luxury tax penalties start kicking in and 2) An excellent free agent class with probably 12 players who will feel entitled to near max contracts." - PuddlePirate

grant.JPGView full sizeWill Chris Grant be more active next offseason with a potentially talented free agent class?
In response to the story Cleveland Cavaliers sign draft picks Dion Waiters, Tyler Zeller to four-year contracts, cleveland.com reader PuddlePirate says the Cavs could be active in free agency next offseason. This reader writes,

"Okay, I have decided I want the Cavs to sign no one for more than a year this offseason unless Gee signs for less the 4 million. Teams are way overspending this offseason and the Cavs won't be contenders this year anyway. Next year 2 things happen. 1) Huge luxury tax penalties start kicking in and 2) An excellent free agent class with probably 12 players who will feel entitled to near max contracts.

1 Howard 2 Paul, 3, Al Jefferson, 4 James Harden, 5 Paul Millsap 6, Bynum 7 Manu, 8, Josh smith 9 Steph Curry, 10 Monte Ellis, 11, Kevin Martin, 12 serge Ibaka, then some other really good players like Tyreke Evans and David West.

In other words the more big contracts that go out this year the better. Even if we get no one out of that group it still means teams will be dying to dump salary even if it means getting nothing back. If Indy signs Roy Hibbert and wants to resign West they will be dumping Granger. Or I could see Golden state trying to dump David Lee."

To respond to PuddlePirate's comment, go here.

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

Special plastic worm rig is a bass-catching bit of magic, and not so 'wacky' after all

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What is the wackiest worm rig designed for catching lunker largemouth bass? The "wacky rig" looks dumb, but fishes very, very smart.

 

Wacky Worm 1.jpgThe wacky worm looks quite strange when a plastic worm is stuck on a hook, but it's been a bass-catching bit of magic for anglers.

 There is a plastic worm rig that's so outlandish its creators just had to call it the "wacky worm." 

It looks silly, yet works like a charm for catching largemouth bass. It has become the secret go-to lure for tournament fishermen, but is such an incredibly easy tactic that rookie bass anglers can catch their share with it.

 "You can't fish it wrong," said tournament bass angler Frank Scalish of Cleveland Heights. "When I'm competing in bass tournaments, I always have a specific fishing rod that's loaded with a wacky worm."

The wacky worm is a study in simplicity, and might be the prime example that perhaps largemouth aren't so smart after all.

To create a wacky worm rig, tie on a short-shanked 1/0 or 2/0 hook. Take a straight-tailed 4- or 5-inch plastic worm and bend it in half, then insert the hook through the center of the worm. When it dangles on the hook at the end of your fishing line, the worm will be U-shaped.

Make a cast. The wacky worm will make a splash and slowly sink. The weight of the worm and hook ever-so-slowly takes the rig to the bottom. Wiggle the tip of your fishing rod and the wacky worm becomes a living, breathing creature. If it's supposed to look like a delectable morsel to a largemouth bass, the concept totally escapes me.

When the fishing line jumps, or you feel a nibble, reel in any slack line and set the hook. If there are bass in the neighborhood, it's an exercise you'll enjoy all day long.

On the weedy lake my wife and I were fishing on Friday morning, she almost always ties on a short-armed spinnerbait or a shallow-running crankbait, or diving plug. Laura hates picking off weeds from a lure smothered with vegetation, preferring to tempt bass to dart to open water to attack her lure.

Until she was convinced to tie on an outlandish wacky worm.

On her first cast, a chunky bass gobbled her wacky worm. She set the hook and enjoyed watching the bass jump a couple of times on the way to the boat. A few casts later, the wacky worm had fooled another bass, making a believer out of a very skeptical bass angler.

"It's one of the best finesse baits to use," said Scalish, who has known about this strange rig for more than a decade. "I cast it to docks, brush, grass, shoreline timber and even open rock piles. It's a real fish-catching tool.

"Yum's five-inch Dinger is my favorite wacky worm. It has the most movement as it sinks. That's what attracts the bass."

What lures frugal fishermen are the economics of the wacky worm. Crankbaits can cost $10 to $15, and much more for custom creations. Spinnerbaits and topwater buzz baits start at $5. A new-fangled Alabama Rig will set you back $20, and doesn't include all of the jigs and soft plastic bodies needed to make it work.

A dozen Yum or Senko wacky worms are $5. A six-pack of premier Gamakatsu or Owner wacky worm hooks are $4. The rigs are easy to use with typical spinning tackle designed for bass, crappie or bluegill and spooled with 8- or 10-pound test.

The wacky worm may be worth a good laugh, but only until fishermen discover its bass-catching magic.

The wacky worm is a simple rig, but pro anglers feel the need to meddle with it

Wacky Worm 3.jpgOn the first cast early Friday morning, this largemouth bass couldn't resist the wacky worm that was slowly wiggling around the fish's weedy hiding place.

 You can lead pro bass anglers to the hottest fishing lure around, and they won't be happy until they figure a way to improve it.

"A bare hook and straight-tailed worm are perfect for fishing shallow water," said Ray Halter at The Rodmaker's Shop in Strongsville. "For deeper water, I like to use a wacky worm rig with a small jighead. It allows the rig to sink just a little faster, and many have a hook guard to prevent reeling in a batch of weeds."

 The Japanese-made Jackall Flick Shake and Zappu Inchi Jig are popular among the pros. The Georgia-made Buckeye Flick-It jig and the EBB Weighted Weedless Wacky Hook from Perrysburg, Ohio, tournament angler Matt Vermilyea's Economical Bass Baits, work just as well.

Veteran wacky worm fishermen like to slide O-rings on their plastic worms for a more solid connection with the hook, and to prevent bass from stealing a worm.

"Stick with 1/32- or 1/16-ounce jig heads," said Halter. "Some bass fishermen pinch on a piece of split shot above the eye of the hook. That can weaken the line."

Not all straight-tailed worms are alike. Scalish said some are made with a very dense material, weighing more than the plastic worms used with bottom-bouncing Texas- or Carolina-rigs. He also likes plastic worms impregnated with salt. They encourage a bass to hang on to the worm for an extra couple of seconds.

"I often cast a wacky worm as a 'comeback' bait," said Halter. "If I miss setting the hook when a bass blows up on a topwater frog I'm working over the weeds, or a spinnerbait I'm swimming around structure, I often cast right back to the spot with a wacky worm."

Scalish and Halter agree that green pumpkin, watermelon and June bug worm colors are favorites.

Representatives for Cleveland Browns lineman Kiante Tripp believe charges will be dropped

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Agent is hopeful the Browns will not make a hasty decision before all the facts are presented.

kiante-tripp-mug.jpgKiante Tripp

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The agent for reserve Browns defensive tackle Kiante Tripp, arrested Sunday in suburban Atlanta on burglary and firearm possession charges, said he hopes the franchise will make no quick decision on the lineman’s future until all the facts are presented.  

Agent Michael Puterbaugh said he believes the charges against Tripp will be dropped before his next court appearance on July 17. Attorneys representing Tripp reportedly have released a statement expressing similar sentiment.

The 24-year-old is free after posting $15,000 bond on Wednesday.

“We haven’t spoken to the Browns at this point,” Puterbaugh told The Plain Dealer today. “We just don’t want to see them take any negative action because we believe when this is all resolved it will be favorable for Kiante.”

Browns General Manager Tom Heckert said Tuesday in a statement the organization is gathering information, but had no immediate comment.

Tripp, who appeared in three Browns games last season after being signed to the practice squad in October, was arrested along with two others outside an apartment in suburban Atlanta. The suspects were caught by police fleeing from the residence after a neighbor called to complain about three men with guns in the apartment, according to an Associated Press report. College Park police spokesman Sgt. Jeff Hightower told the news service nothing was stolen, but the three threatened the people inside the apartment and ransacked it.

On Friday, a representative for Tripp released a statement to Scout.com acknowledging their client’s presence at the scene, but adding his involvement was in “a substantially diminished degree from that which was reported.”

Tripp never entered the apartment, according to the statement, and allegations of a weapon being involved are “totally unsubstantiated speculation.”

The NFL under Commissioner Roger Goodell has emphasized off-the-field responsibility and a code of conduct, and it will be interesting to see how the Browns proceed with a player who’s fighting for a roster spot.

The 6-foot-6, 276-pound University of Georgia product originally signed with the Atlanta Falcons last year. He registered one tackle in three games for the Browns.

Brad Smelley at fullback, second half of the season for Tribe and Cavs making right moves: Blog Roundup

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Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are Dawgs By Nature, The DiaTribe and Fear The Sword.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.


smelley.JPGWill Brad Smelly be a part of the Browns' offensive plan?
Cleveland Browns


Chris Pokorny over at Dawgs By Nature writes about the Cleveland Browns' fullback situation and talks about Brad Smelley.
"When the Browns first drafted Smelley, he was listed as a tight end: that's because it's the position he played at Alabama. He's supposed to be a good blocker, but probably not as "tough" as a guy like Marecic is billed to be. Some people have made this out to be "Smelley vs. Marecic," and while you can bet that I'll list that as a training camp position battle (in a later post), each player might end up having very different, distinct roles. If you never read Chris Brown's article at Grantland, which was posted back in January, check it out. It talks about the role that Smelley played in Alabama's offense."

ubaldo.JPGUbaldo is a big key to the Tribe's second half of the season.
Cleveland Indians


Paul Cousineau of The DiaTribe takes a look at some of the key players for the Tribe if they want to compete in the second half of the season.
"As the Indians’ season continues to confound and astound (as the Tribe looks alternatively miserable and masterful), the Tribe looks to build some momentum heading into the All-Star Break. And though you won’t ever hear me engage in the old “snub” game when it comes to players being named to the ASG (as I find it only slightly less interesting than the annual Hall of Fame “debate” that bores me to death), the Indians certainly have had some bright spots in the 1st Half of the season.


While most of those bright spots have consistently good (Perez, Pestano, Kipnis, Asdrubal…most notably) and have been lauded for their accomplishments to date, there have been a few players that have emerged over the last couple of months or weeks that deserve to be recognized for their recent contributions. Because while the hand-wringing continues over the LF “situation” and as much attention is paid to the deficiencies of a team or as a player goes under a microscope when things are NOT going well (admittedly, I’m as guilty of this as anyone with Santana on my microscope slide as of late), sometimes a turnaround for a player or a hot streak goes largely unnoticed, unless it has some sort of “streak” involved in it that makes it easy to measure and laud."

grant.JPGIs Chris Grant making the right move to make no moves in free agency?
Cleveland Cavaliers


Conrad Kaczmarek at Fear The Sword says the Cavaliers are making all the right free agency moves.
"Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are learning from mistakes of previous regimes and are sitting tight. They believe in their young players and are focused on making very minor moves to fill out the roster, like signing undrafted free agent, Kevin Jones. Jones was projected to go in the mid to early second round by many experts and scouts. There's no need to jump the gun and spend money just because we have it available. There is no urgency to get to the salary floor as Baron Davis' amnestied contract counts towards that figure. I refresh my Twitter feed in the afternoon and see mediocre NBA players getting enormous contracts from teams. Meanwhile, do a quick search for "Cavaliers" and you get next to nothing. We don't want to get into year 3 or 4 of this rebuild and say "crap, we can't do anything because we're paying a 32 year old Gerald Wallace $10 million!" We want to maintain flexibility and make the right moves at the right time."

Have a post that you think should be featured in our daily Blog Roundup? Email the link here. You can also follow Glenn on Twitter.

Cleveland Indians P.M. Links: Lou Marson's hot hitting; Josh Tomlin gets help; Manny Acta focused on at-bats; Johnny Damon enjoyed time in Tampa

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Lou Marson is taking advantage of his playing time.

Lou Marson, Tony SippCleveland Indians catcher Lou Marson hugs relief pitcher Tony Sipp (49).

Lou Marson is hot and Carlos Santanta is not when it comes to production at the plate. Justin Albers of MLB.com wonders if Marson should get more playing time at catcher.

 It's not that easy, manager Manny Acta said.

"We can't forget that Santana's our everyday guy," Acta said. "When Lou's doing that well, it improves his chances of being out there. But it's not something that's going to change what we're doing here on an everyday basis."

Albers writes how Santana hasn't provided the kind of middle-of-the-order production Cleveland hoped it would get from him. Marson, meanwhile, has taken advantage of the playing time he's gotten due to some injuries.

But Santana is the franchise catcher, and Acta will continue to play him as he works through his hitting struggles. Having a hot backup catcher, though, is something Acta will gladly take.

  

More Cleveland Indians

Josh Tomlin gets a little help from his friends (Cleveland.com).

Manny Acta is focused on quality at-bats (Ohio.com).

Josh Tomlin breaks out of his slump (The News-Herald).

Indians renaming street to honor Larry Doby (CantonRep.com).

Johnny Damon enjoyed time with Rays (TBO.com).

Weekly roundtable on the Tribe (Wahoo's on First).


AFC North links: Browns' Trent Richardson becomes art; cap space; Steelers' contract talks with Wallace stalled; Bengals hope to stop streak

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Running back Trent Richardson is a work of art.

Trent RichardsonTrent Richardson

Steve Skipper spent 1,700 hours creating a painting of Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson.

The painting, showing Richardson in his Alabama uniform, will hang in The Bryant Museum in Alabama.

Skipper titled the painting "Relentless."

On WSFA.com, Skipper says the title sums up Richardson as a player, and he feels the painting embodies just that.

From Richardson's tattoos, to the definition of his arms, to the grass kicked up from his cleats…Skipper took pride in capturing every detail of the photo

Skipper said, "With Trent as physical of a player he is, I really have to put a lot of that into it. Look at the player's equipment, player's anatomy, depth of field, from the stands to sidelines, players on the field and the drama going on. It's a lot to put together."

The painting started with a photo skipper got from Alabama's team photographer. It's from this past season's Iron Bowl.

 

 More AFC North News

The Cleveland Browns are in the top five when it comes to salary cap room (ESPN).

Wide receiver Mike Wallace remains a holdout with the Steelers (NFL.com).

The Bengals are ready to break their streak (NFL.com).

The Baltimore Ravens are concerned about their offensive line (Baltimore Sun).

 

 

 

Ohio State Buckeyes P.M. links: Need playmakers at receiver; Tony Stockman's faith; former Buckeyes seek NBA roster spots

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Team leaders caught just 14 passes each in 2011. An infant son's medical problems began the change in former basketball star Stockman's life. William Buford, Jon Diebler, David Lighty, Dallas Lauderdale seek NBA careers. More Buckeyes' story links.

jake-stoneburner2.jpgOhio State tight end Jake Stoneburner, who has caught 35 passes for 415 yards and nine touchdowns over the last two seasons, is expected to play a bigger role in the Buckeyes' pass offense this season.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ohio State Buckeyes open their first season with Urban Meyer as the coach eight weeks from Saturday, on Sept. 1 against the Miami (Ohio) RedHawks in Columbus.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Ohio State sports coverage includes Bill Lubinger's story that former Buckeyes and Glenville High School quarterback Troy Smith hopes to resume his NFL career, despite detours along the way.

The Buckeyes are coming off a 6-7 season that was essentially doomed from the start, considering all the effects of the infamous memorabilia for tattoos/cash scandal.

Yet, most teams would love to have Ohio State's overall talent, year-in and year-out, and the Buckeyes are expected to begin a bounce-back this season, despite having to serve a one-year ban from Big Ten championship and bowl games.

ESPN.com carries a Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook preview of the 2012 Buckeyes, with links to analyses of various aspects of the team.

The preview page on the Buckeyes' offense addresses a potential problem:

After his first practice, Meyer was lamenting a lack of playmakers at receiver.

"At Ohio State, you should walk off the field going, `Wow! Who are those two guys?'" he said. "I still today haven't done that."

It was a refrain throughout spring, and understandably so. OSU was woeful in the pass game last year, mostly because of Miller's learning curve but also because its best receiver, DeVier Posey, was out for all but three games because of an NCAA suspension.

It sounds like a statistic from the Woody Hayes era, but it's true: OSU's leading receivers had just 14 catches (tie between sophomore Devin Smith, junior Corey Brown and Jake Stoneburner). Posey almost caught them at 12 in his three outings.

So the pressure is on, and the Buckeyes are feeling it.
The Buckeyes must replace Posey, a third-round pick by the Houston Texans in April's NFL draft.

Buckeyes story links

Faith turned hardship into hope for former Buckeyes' basketball star Tony Stockman and his family. (By Bob Baptist, Columbus Dispatch)

Where former Buckeyes William Buford, Jon Diebler, David Lighty and Dallas Lauderdale are hoping to launch their NBA careers. (By Brandon Castel, the-ozone.net)

Urban Meyer is trying to figure out how to improve the Buckeyes at the "skill position" slots on offense. (By Brandon Castel, the-ozone.net)

Everett Withers, Buckeyes' co-defensive coordinator and in charge of the safeties, is building an impressive resume. (By Austin Ward, BuckeyeNation/ESPN.com)

What Urban Meyer had to say at a football camp on Thursday in Geneva, near his hometown of Ashtabula. (By Zac Jackson, foxsportsohio.com and fanmonster.com)

Golf doesn't stop Urban Meyer from thinking about what he needs to do with the Buckeyes. (By Tim May, Columbus Dispatch)


Indians vs. Rays: Twitter updates and game preview

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After a 3-1 victory last night against the Rays, the Tribe will look to make it four straight overall tonight at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @Hoynsie.

After a 3-1 victory last night against the Rays, the Tribe will look to make it four straight overall tonight at Progressive Field. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @Hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

Note: Hit reload for latest Tweets


AX175_1F04_9.JPGView full sizeCleveland Indians first baseman Casey Kotchmann (35) tags out Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton after a wide throw from third in the seventh inning of a baseball game on Thursday, July 5, 2012, in Cleveland. The Indians won 3-1.
(AP) -- The Cleveland Indians aren't making up any ground in the AL Central race, but they've been playing better of late.

The Tampa Bay Rays can't make that claim.

Cleveland will try to match a season high with a fourth consecutive win Friday night when it continues its four-game series against the visiting Rays.

Since totaling 11 runs during a season-worst five-game skid, the Indians (43-39) have gone 6-2 to keep pace with the surging Chicago White Sox, whom they trail by two games for the Central lead.

The Indians, winners of six of seven at home, are batting .333 with 14 homers and 56 runs in their last eight games overall. Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley and Travis Hafner all homered in Thursday's 3-1 victory over Tampa Bay to open this series.

Choo will look to extend his home hitting streak to nine after going 2 for 3 on Thursday. He's batting .327 with eight home runs since moving to the top of the order May 14, after batting .235 with one homer up to that point this season.

"He's been phenomenal," said Brantley, who has homered in each of the last two games. "It's nice to have somebody on base with the two, three, four guys coming up. It gives us a big boost, it's going to create more runs and hopefully he can keep swinging it the way he is. He looks real good."

Tampa Bay's Luke Scott does not. By going 0 for 3 on Thursday - he played first base for the first time all season after 55 games as the designated hitter - he set a dubious club record with 39 consecutive hitless at-bats.

"I would rather take a beating and be bleeding in the street than go through this," Scott said. "It is humbling and very deflating. I take it personally that I am not helping my team."

The longest hitless streak in major league history for position players is an 0-for-46 drought, done last season by Eugenio Velez.

Scott isn't the only Ray struggling at the plate. The club is batting .209 and averaging 2.9 runs per game during a 3-8 slump.

"This was just a good ballgame that was lost," said manager Joe Maddon, whose team fell to 4-13 against the AL Central this season. "I have no problem with the way we played."

Alex Cobb (3-5, 4.94 ERA) will try to help the Rays (43-40) avoid their first five-game road losing streak since a seven-game skid Sept. 7-13, 2009.

The right-hander is 1-5 with a 5.77 ERA in his last six outings after posting a 2.25 ERA while winning his first two of 2012.

Cleveland will counter with Justin Masterson (5-7, 3.92) as it tries to match its season-best four-game winning streak from June 18-22.

Since losing three straight starts May 29-June 9, Masterson is 3-1 with a 1.55 ERA in his last four outings. The right-hander yielded two runs - one earned - in seven innings of Sunday's 6-2 road win over Baltimore.

"Masterson was dominant the majority of the game," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "He was in command all day. He was able to throw that four-seam by guys whenever he wanted to at 95 or 96. Never a doubt."

Masterson is 1-5 with a 7.14 ERA in seven career starts versus Tampa Bay.


Cleveland Cavaliers interested in NBA veteran Derek Fisher

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The Cavs are one of five teams interested in veteran point guard Derek Fisher, an NBA source confirmed to The Plain Dealer.

fisher-workout-thunder-ap.jpgView full sizeDerek Fisher, a 16-year veteran in the NBA, has generated some free-agent interest from the Cavaliers as a backup for Kyrie Irving.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers have expressed interest in veteran point guard Derek Fisher, an NBA source confirmed to The Plain Dealer on Friday.

The Cavaliers' interest was first reported by the New York Times in a story listing the team as one of five potential destinations for Fisher. The others were Oklahoma City, where he played last season, Brooklyn, Chicago and Dallas.

The Cavs have not commented on the report, but apparently they see Fisher, who will turn 38 in August, as a backup to Rookie of the Year Kyrie Irving and a replacement for veterans Anthony Parker and Antawn Jamison, who served as mentors to the Cavs' young players last season. Parker has retired and Jamison is an unrestricted free agent.

Fisher, a five-time NBA champion with the Lakers who reached The Finals with the Thunder this past season, also is the president of the NBA Players Association.

Oh, Gee: Alonzo Gee's agent said he and his client are hopeful a deal can be done with the Cavs.

"It's still early,'' Andre Buck said. "We've talked several times, and I'm sure we'll continue to talk. Hopefully we can reach an agreement to keep Alonzo here.''

The Cavs made a $2.7 qualifying offer to Gee, which was pre-determined by the collective bargaining agreement. Gee told The Plain Dealer in April that he was not planning to take part in the summer league. His absence is unrelated to the qualifying offer.

Buckeye summer: Undrafted William Buford has signed to play in the summer league with Minnesota, while Jared Sullinger, taken No. 21 by Boston, is expected to play in the summer league with the Celtics.

Undrafted David Lighty, who played in Italy last year, will play with Phoenix and Jon Diebler, who was drafted in the second round by Portland last year and played in Greece last season, will play for the Trail Blazers in the summer league. All four teams will compete in Las Vegas.

Jamison torn: Jamison is torn between signing with his hometown Charlotte Bobcats in order to be close to his four children (ages 2 to 12) or trying to pursue a championship ring with a contender.

"My kids – being around them is very important,’’ Jamison told the Charlotte Observer. "I want to see them every day. And when I’m on the road, when I haven’t seen them for weeks, I hear, 'When are you coming home?' ... Being really involved in the parenting experience throughout makes a difference. Kids that age understand a whole lot (about a parent’s presence). Taking them to school and picking them up -- this would be a great fit to incorporate that with my job. I know the area. I know the arena. I know most everyone who works there. It’s home.''

Jamison starred at Providence High School in Charlotte before attending North Carolina. In announcing his decision to leave Cleveland when his contract expired, he talked about the lure of playing at home.

"Charlotte is so much in me,'' he told the Observer. "It’s where I started. Might not be bad if it ends here, too.''

New dad Shelley Duncan activated; Cleveland Indians daily briefing

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Utility man Jason Donald is optioned to Class AAA Columbus to make room for Shelley Duncan, who was on the paternity list as his wife, Elyse, gave birth to twin boys Thursday.

Cleveland Indians lose to Royals, 6-3Shelley Duncan slides into third base earlier this season.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians activated outfielder Shelley Duncan and optioned utility man Jason Donald to Class AAA Columbus before Friday's game against the Rays.

Duncan was on the paternity list to be with his wife, Elyse, when she gave birth to twin boys Thursday at 7:30 a.m at Fairview Hospital.

"Elyse did a great job," said Duncan. "Walker was born first, William was second. Walker weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces and William was 6 pounds and 9 ounces. They're two big boys."

Duncan reported that his wife and boys are doing well.

"I'm just glad I was able to experience it with my wife," said Duncan. "It worked out well that all this happened during the homestand."

Donald was recalled from Class AAA Columbus when Lonnie Chisenhall suffered a broken bone in his right forearm on June 30 after Lonnie Chisenhall suffered a broken ulna bone in his right forearm when he was hit by a pitch June 29. He appeared in two games before returning to Columbus.

"With the All-Star break coming up, Asdrubal (Cabrera) is going to get plenty of rest," said manager Manny Acta. "We'd rather has Jason Donald go down and play that sit here."

Duncan is hitting .221 (34-for-154) with eight doubles, seven homers and 19 RBI. He's homered in three of his last four games.

Donald is hitting .252 (38-for-151) with seven doubles, three triples, two homers and 18 RBI in 40 games at Columbus. He's hitting .188 (9-for-48) with one double and four RBI with the Indians.

Chisenhall, who had surgery on his right forearm, was in the locker room Friday, but didn't feel like talking about the injury.

"I'm just trying to stay positive," he said. "Write something positive."   

Tonight's lineups:

Rays (43-40): LF Desmond Jennings (R), 1B Carlos Pena (L), RF Ben Zobrist (S), CF B.J. Upton (R), DH Luke Scott (L), 3B Brooks Conrad (S), C Jose Lobaton (S), 2B Will Rhymes (L), SS Elliot Johnson (S), RHP Alex Cobb (3-5, 4.94).  

Indians (43-39): RF Shin-Soo (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), DH Travis Hafner (L), C Carlos Santana (S), CF Michael Brantley (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), LF Johnny Damon (L), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), RHP Justin Masterson (5-7, 3.92).

Umpires: H Jerry Layne, 1B Bob Davidson, 2B Jim Wolf, 3B Mike Muchlinski.
 
Indians vs. Cobb: The Indians have never faced Cobb.

Rays vs. Masterson: Upton is hitting .455 (5-for-11) with one homer, Will Rhymes is hitting .455 (5-for-11) and Luke Scott is hitting .455 (5-for-11) with one homer.

Next: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (7-7, 4.59) will face LHP Matt Moore (5-5, 4.17) Saturday at 6:05 p.m. WTAM will carry the game. 
 

Cleveland Cavaliers P.M. links: Cavs reportedly interested in Bucks' free agent forward Ersan Ilyasova; other free agency talk

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The Bucks and other NBA and European teams are interested in signing Ilyasova, a 6-10 power forward who averaged 13 points and 8.8 rebounds in just 27.6 minutes per game last season, shooting 45.5 percent on 3-pointers. More Cavs story links.

ersan-ilyasova.jpgMilwaukee's Ersan Ilyasova goes to the basket between Cleveland's Tristan Thompson (13) and Samardo Samuels (24) during the Bucks' 115-105 win over the Cavaliers on March 14 in Milwaukee.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The NBA free agency season continues.

Thus far, the Cleveland Cavaliers, like several other teams, have not announced a commitment from any of the league's free agents. That certainly doesn't mean that the Cavs aren't exploring options.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Mary Schmitt Boyer's report that the Cavs are one of five teams interested in veteran point guard Derek Fisher; her story that the Cavs have signed first-round draft picks Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller to four-year contracts; and more.

Ersan Ilyasova, who has been with the Milwaukee Bucks, is one of the top free agents who have not yet announced a next destination. Ilyasova is an athletic, versatile power forward.

Bob Finnan writes for the News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal that the Cavaliers are apparently interested in Ilyasova, who put up solid statistics last season in just 27.6 minutes per game:

Unrestricted free agent Ersan Ilyasova, who has played the last four seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, could make a visit to Cleveland "sometime next week," agent Andy Miller said. "We're having ongoing discussions."

The 6-foot-10, 235-pound power forward averaged 13 points and 8.8 rebounds last season for the Bucks. He shot 49.2 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from the 3-point line.

The Turkey native is a "stretch 4," who has evolved into one of the top 3-point threats in the league.

. "The marketplace has settled," Miller said. "(The Cavs have) done an analysis of it. They are a big fan of Ersan."

Media reports indicate the Bucks offered Ilyasova a five-year, $40 million deal. The Cavs have plenty of salary-cap space, but it would be a bit shocking if they used it on a sizeable deal like Ilyasova would demand.

On the other hand, he's 25 and would fit into the Cavs' rebuilding process.
Cavaliers story links

The Bucks, other NBA teams and some European teams are also interested in signing Ersan Ilyasova. (By Charles F. Gardner, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Considering the contracts being given to some free agents, the Cavaliers are right to build through the draft instead of by free agency. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)

So far, the Cavs have made the right moves in free agency by the moves they haven't made. (By Conrad Kaczmarek, Fear the Sword)

Cavs' restricted free agent small forward Alonzo Gee is not especially impressed by the offer made to him by Cleveland. (WaitingForNextYear)

A free agency update on the Cavaliers. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)

Tyler Zeller talks with Cavs' television broadcaster Fred McLeod. (nba.com/cavaliers)

A poll: The Cavaliers' best coach in the 2000s. (Fear the Sword)


Eyes Super Freaky posts an upset triumph in Cleveland Gold Cup at Thistledown

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Eyes Super Freaky knocked off the favorites to capture the $75,000 Daniel Stearns Cleveland Gold Cup for Ohio-bred three-year-olds at Thistledown on Friday afternoon.

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio -- Mary Lynne Blevins of Louisville, Ohio had her third wish fulfilled on Friday afternoon at Thistledown, as Eyes Super Freaky pulled off a mild upset with a hot stretch drive in the $75,000 Daniel Stearns Cleveland Gold Cup, a 1/16-mile race for Ohio-bred three-year-olds.

"Eyes Super Freaky is a homebred of ours, and my wife, Mary Lynne, wanted to name him after her favorite song, 'Super Freak' by Rick James," said owner-breeder Randy Blevins. "He was a born brown, but she all but wished him to become a gray colt, and eventually he changed color.

"And we all pointed to this race. It's been our goal to win the Cleveland Gold Cup with Eyes Super Freaky since the beginning the year. Everything went just right."

Jockey Luis Gonzalez didn't want to battle it out with favorites License to Bling or Diavoletto, who knocked heads at the front of a large field of 13 horses. With Diavoletto in front and License to Bling right behind, the two sophomores set hot early fractions under a blazing sun while Gonzalez settled Eyes Super Freaky in fourth. He moved the gelding up to third at the three-quarter-mile pole, grabbed the lead at the top of the stretch and pounded out a 5 1/2-length victory.

Eyes Super Freaky clocked the nine furlongs in 1:52.08 to pay $11.80, 5.20, 3.40. With Mountaineer riding star Deshawn Park aboard, License To Bling hung on for second, $3., 2.10, with Uncle Virgil moving up to third, $10.

Diavoletto, looking for his third Ohio stakes win of the season, faded to fifth.

"I knew had a lot of horse left when we grabbed the lead," said Gonzalez. "This is a young horse who's still learning, and he's going to get even better."

It was only the second win in eight starts this year for the homebred son of Silver Wagon. Trainer Gary King said Eyes Super Freaky has been like a young pup, frisky and a real handful to train.

"But Eyes Super Freaky is growing out of it," said King. "He's finally maturing. I wasn't worried about the early speed or the extremely hot day. This horse might not be the fastest, but he can go forever. We've been training him for races that are longer than a mile, because that's the distance of the three-year-old stakes in Ohio."

Why isn't Michael Brantley the Cleveland Indians' leadoff hitter? Hey, Hoynsie!

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Lineup ideas and trade proposals dominate this week's mailbag for beat writer Paul Hoynes.

brantley-swing-vert-2012-cc.jpgView full sizeMichael Brantley doesn't display the power typical of a middle of the order hitter, but his steady bat has made him valuable away from the leadoff spot.

Hey, Hoynsie: Isn't it time to put Michael Brantley back at leadoff? Do you agree that the batting order manager Manny Acta puts together is not maximizing the unique strengths of our roster? -- Scott Wyles, Lakewood

Hey, Scott: If this isn't a gag, then you haven't been watching the same team I've been watching.

Brantley was hitting .227 (22-for-97) with seven doubles, seven RBI, 14 runs and a .612 OPS when leading off at the halfway point of the season. In the No.5 spot, he was hitting .311 (33-for-106) with seven doubles, two homers, 17 RBI, 10 runs and a .804 OPS.

Shin-Soo Choo was hitting .321 (62-for-193) with 19 doubles, two triples, seven homers, 19 RBI, 41 runs in 46 games since being moved into the leadoff spot. At No.3, he was hitting .237 (14-for-49) with five doubles and nine RBI.

Brantley doesn't hit for a lot of power, but he's driving in runs. Choo's power could benefit the Tribe if he hit lower in the order, but I'd be reluctant to move him because he's dominated in the leadoff spot.

What don't you like about that?

Hey, Hoynsie: I see where the Indians and the city have renamed a street for Hall of Famer Larry Doby. Years ago the city renamed a street Boudreau Boulevard by the old stadium in honor of Hall of Famer Lou Boudreau. Does it still exist or was it eliminated when they tore down the old stadium? -- Doug Kurkul, Austin, Texas

Hey, Doug: Unfortunately, Boudreau Boulevard was lost in the construction of the new Browns Stadium, built on the site of Cleveland Stadium.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why is Aaron Cunningham still with the team? He can't hit at all. Do we really need a defensive replacement that bad? -- Angelo Costanzo, Cleveland

Hey, Angelo: Cunningham's job is to play late-inning defense when the Indians have a lead. As you saw Thursday night against Tampa Bay, there is a place for a defensive replacement like him. I think it's hard to criticize a player when he's doing what the team has asked him to do.

Hey, Hoynsie: What is the ERA of Indians' starters when Lou Marson is catching vs. Carlos Santana? -- Eileen Groth, University Heights

Hey, Eileen: I went with the whole staff instead of just the starters. At the halfway point of the season, the Tribe's ERA when Santana catches was 4.41 (223 earned runs, 454 2/3 innings). When Marson catches it was 4.42 (118 for 240 1/3 innings).

Hey, Hoynsie: We should pick up Manny Ramirez. -- Tim Umpleby, Toronto, Ohio

Hey, Tim: Why, does he need a ride to the airport? Love Manny, but not your idea.

Hey, Hoynsie: Are the Indians likely to trade for Alfonso Soriano of the Cubs? If so, how much of his contract are the Cubs willing to pay? -- Alex Williamson, Columbus

Hey, Alex: I doubt they'd trade for Soriano. He's making $18 million this year, next year and in 2014. That's $54 million, guaranteed. He's already 36 and a shaky defender in left field. I don't think the Cubs could pay enough of that contract to convince the Indians to take him.

Interestingly enough, the Indians have history with Soriano. Before he signed with the Yankees, the Indians worked him out as a middle infielder. They liked him, but the Yankees threw more money at him.

quentin-padres-whiff-2012-horiz-ap.jpgView full sizeCarlos Quentin has cooled off from his blazing return to the Padres' lineup, but still is quite appealing to Indians fans who covet a right-handed bat.

Hey, Hoynsie: Dear San Diego Padres, are you interested in Cord Phelps and any two pitchers at Class AAA Columbus for outfielder Carlos Quentin? Would this work for either team? -- Alan Martin, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla.

Hey, Alan: The right-handed hitting Quentin would look nice in left field. He's a free agent next year and I'm sure there will be a lot of competition for him in the next couple of months. My gut feeling is that the two pitchers you're offering, along with Phelps, had better be good. There is talk that the Padres' incoming owners might want to keep Quentin.

Hey, Hoynsie: How about Oakland's Josh Reddick as our left fielder? Oakland's young outfield is getting crowded with Yoenis Cespedes back and Reddick wouldn't command high compensation, I don't think. The A's might take LaPorta and a minor-league outfielder. -- Geoffrey Lee, Strongsville

Hey, Geoffrey: It would be a great deal for the Indians, not so great for the A's. Reddick has already hit 19 homers. He's not eligible for arbitration until 2014 and he won't be a free agent until 2017. In other words, he's just the kind of player the A's love.

LaPorta, meanwhile, will be out of minor-league options at the end of this season.

Hey, Hoynsie: Manny Acta isn't the problem, but I don't think he is the solution either. Either a coach is known for fire and passion or good game time decisions and adjustments. Acta is known for neither. Are we just accepting mediocrity if we don't make any changes? -- Eliot Clasen, Cape Coral, Fla.

Hey, Eliot: The Indians knew Acta wasn't a fire-and-brimstone manager when they hired him. So that's on the organization, not Acta, if they're unhappy about that.

Strategy wise, I think he's done a good job. He moved Shin-Soo Choo to leadoff and Asdrubal Cabrera into the No.2 spot when lefties were taking advantage of Choo and Jason Kipnis at the top of the order. He found a spot in the middle of the lineup where Michael Brantley has been productive and he's handled the bullpen well.

Hey, Hoynsie: It really surprises me that with all the talk of Jason Kipnis being snubbed from the All-Star team, there is not one mention of Shin-Soo Choo. His stats are comparable with every outfielder on the AL roster and are better than both Curtis Granderson and Tony Bautista, who seem to have made the team based solely on home runs. To see where he is now stats wise from where he was at the beginning of the season, it's amazing.

He has been one of our most consistent hitters for a while now. I'm just surprised when there is talk of Indians making the All-Star team, his name is never heard. Why do you think that is?

PS: I sure hope he flies under the radar like this when it comes contract time. -- Ryan Hendershot, Newcomerstown

Hey Ryan: Choo, along with Vinnie Pestano, certainly deserved more recognition than they received. I think you could check the rosters of the 29 other big-league clubs and find at least two players just like them that were overlooked.

Here's what I think happened to Choo. After two good seasons in 2009 and 2010, he struggled last season with injuries. He started this year slowly and may have gotten lost in the shuffle before he took off in the leadoff spot.

-- Hoynsie

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