The last time a U.S. Open champion did not appear at Firestone was Tiger Woods in 2008.

View full sizeEric Gay, Associated PressU.S. Open champion Webb Simpson will miss next week's Bridgestone Invitational as he attends to the birth of a new child.

AKRON, Ohio -- For the second time in the last five years, the reigning U.S. Open champion will not play in that year's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.

Webb Simpson, who won the Open at the Olympic Club in June, informed the PGA that he will not play at Firestone while he and his wife await the birth of their second child. Simpson, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour, missed the British Open for the same reason.

The last time a U.S. Open champion did not appear at Firestone was in 2008, when Tiger Woods won the Open at Torrey Pines in a playoff with Rocco Mediate while playing with a double stress fracture and a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He underwent surgery two days later and missed the rest of the season.

An injury also prevented Retief Goosen in 2004. Goosen was injured in a jet-ski accident in Barbados in late July.

A field of 77 players representing 18 countries have officially committed. That number could expand upon completion of the RBC Canadian Open. Players who move inside the top 50 in the world rankings will gain eligibility. Also, a player can qualify by winning the Canadian Open.

Here are the list of eligibility requirements for the WGC event:

• Playing members of the 2011 U.S. and International Presidents Cup teams;

• Winners of tournaments from Federation Tours since the prior year's Bridgestone (with an official strength of field rating of 115 points or more).

• The winner of the following tournaments: Japan Golf Tour Championship (2012) and Bridgestone Open (2011) from the Japan Golf Tour; JBWere Masters (2011) from the Australasian Tour; Dimension Data Pro-Am (2012) from the Southern Africa Tour; and Iskandar Johor Open (2011) from the Asian Tour.

• The top 50 players, including ties, from the world rankings as of July 23 and July 30.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

One commentary emphasizes that, assuming an ownership change, the Browns must play better this season for Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur to be secure in their jobs. More story links.

Pilot Corp.Jimmy Haslam is reportedly on the verge of becoming the new owner of the Cleveland Browns.

Randy Lerner is close to completing a deal to sell majority interest in the Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a minority owner of Pittsburgh Steelers, with a guarantee that the team will not be moved out of Cleveland.

Browns President Mike Holmgren, in a press conference this afternoon before the Browns practice, confirmed that Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team."

Earlier in the day, an NFL source told The Plain Dealer that the deal was close to being completed.

If Haslam buys the team and the Browns are inept again this year, Holmgren’s days here are numbered.

There needs to be significant improvement this year. One of the reasons Josh Gordon was selected in the supplemental draft is this regime knows it must show signs of turning the corner. In Gordon, Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson, the Browns have added essentially three first-round talents to the offense.

Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur all have to feel a little pressure to perform now.

The transfer of power is a big deal, Phil Dawson conceded, but it's not going to alter the way he kicks field goals. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Phil Dawson understands and appreciates the magnitude of Friday's news concerning the presumptive sale of the Browns.

For all the organizational change that's transpired since Dawson arrived in Cleveland and the Browns returned to it in 1999, a member of the Lerner family always has owned the team. The transfer of power is a big deal, Dawson conceded, but it's not going to alter the way he kicks field goals.

"With all due respect to the significance of the news, it really doesn't change anything for us out here," said Dawson, the team's longest-tenured player. "Most guys have never gone upstairs in this building. Our little world is out here between these white lines and we'll continue to focus on that. There are a lot of good things taking place here."

Players echoed Dawson's sentiments just hours after some learned of the sale from coach Pat Shurmur in a team meeting. Most were caught by surprise even though it was rumored early last month.

The start of training camp is clearly not the best time to be dealing with a change at the very top, but the Browns vowed it would not become a distraction. Unlike the firing of a coach or general manager, the players are the least affected by the sale of a team -- as long as it doesn't involve relocation. Everyone has reassured them it isn't the case.

Friday’s practice had a normal feel and flow. The only difference was no questions from the media about when a starting quarterback would be named.

Players said they were heeding the advice of Shurmur, who told them to focus on what they can control.

View full sizeThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerBrowns head coach Pat Shurmur shares a moment with defensive lineman Frostee Rucker before Friday's training camp workout in Berea.

"I'm just here ballin'," cornerback Joe Haden said. "That's all I'm here to do. As long as I play good I'm still going to be here. We are out here to ball and win games."

Haden and others discussed the optimism surrounding a new season. The name of Jimmy Haslam, likely the new majority owner, was never mentioned by the players.

Veterans Dawson, Joe Thomas and D'Qwell Jackson spoke of the relations they formed with the 50-year-old Lerner and his kids. Dawson also was fond of the Al Lerner, who purchased the expansion franchise and owned the team until his death in 2002.

"It all started with Mr. Lerner, Al, a tremendous man," Dawson said. "He had the respect of the locker room. I still remember the whole team attending his funeral and that shows the kind of respect we had for Al.

"Randy came along and he was a personable, likeable kind of guy, especially those early years when he was around a lot. ... Those were good memories."

But the roster is so young and Randy Lerner so unassuming, Jackson admits some players didn't know it was the owner wishing them well after a game or practice.

"Half the guys in the locker room didn't know who he was even if he walked right past [them]," Jackson said. "We'd always tell the rookies, 'That's Randy.'"

Jackson knows the uncertainty of the coming weeks will have a greater effect on Shurmur, the assistants and management. Speculation on the future of team president Mike Holmgren already is in full gear.

"This is uncharted territory for a lot of people," Jackson said. "I have never been a part of this and, as far as I'm aware, this is not something that will be done overnight.

"We'll all have the same coaches. From our standpoint nothing will change at all. After the season, that's a different story and leading to next season that's something down the road."

Jackson can't imagine what it was like in 1995 when the team and town learned the Browns were moving to Maryland.

"I've talked to a lot of fans over the years and they are still hurt by that and they still don't like Baltimore and I can understand why," he said.

Dawson chose to concentrate on the promise of a new season.

"I like what I'm seeing out here," he said. "There is always the first-day buzz and everyone is excited. ... We've got a lot of good things taking place here and I'm excited to see where this team can go."

Brownies: Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and tight end Evan Moore missed practice Friday with unspecified injuries, Shurmur said. They could be sidelined for several days. Brian Schaefering replaced Rubin in the first unit . ... To no one’s surprise, rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden started with the first group and Greg Little and Mohamed Massaquoi lined up as his receivers. ... Veteran tackle Oneil Cousins worked with the first group on the right side, while Mitchell Schwartz participated with the second unit. Many expect Schwartz to be the starter.

Manager Manny Acta isn't ready to put Carlos Santana or Travis Hafner back in the cleanup spot.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerCarlos Santana has been more productive at the plate in recent games, but he hasn't earned a return to the cleanup spot in the Indians' lineup quite yet.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- The consecutive homers by Carlos Santana and Travis Hafner on Thursday night in the seventh inning against Detroit's Justin Verlander were not enough to change manager Manny Acta's mind.

Michael Brantley will remain his cleanup hitter, while Santana and Hafner continue to try and gather themselves lower in the lineup.

Santana, a disappointment at the plate for much of the season, is hitting .302 (19-for-63) with seven doubles, three homers and nine RBI in July.

Hafner, meanwhile, continues to struggle since coming off the disabled list on July 4 following arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He's hitting .200 (11-for-55) since being activated, but has homered in the last two games.

"They have to work their way back into it," said Acta before Friday's game against the Twins. "Carlos is swinging the bat better, but we still feel Michael gives us a good shot there to drive in runs.

"They're going to have to work their way back to that. ... We don't want to jump the gun right away. We feel we're fine right now like that."

Brantley has done a good job jumping from spot to spot in the lineup and giving Acta good at-bats, but he's struggled in the No.4 spot. He made his 14th start in the cleanup spot Friday, but is hitting only .213 (10-for-53) with no homers and four RBI.

In 29 starts at cleanup, Hafner is hitting .235 (24-for-102) with seven homers and 20 RBI. Santana is hitting .180 (25-for-139) with four homers and 19 RBI in 38 starts there.

"Hitting in a certain spot in the lineup shouldn't be your goal," said Acta. "It should be to continue to have good at bats and improve on your offense. It doesn't matter where you hit in the lineup."

When might Santana or Hafner be back in the middle of the lineup?

"That can take of itself once you start having good at bats and start producing," said Acta.

Tonight's lineups:

Indians (50-49): RF Shin-Soo (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), CF Michael Brantley (L), 1B Carlos Santana (S), DH Travis Hafner (L), 3B Jose Lopez (R), LF Shelley Duncan (R), C Lou Marson, RHP Josh Tomlin (5-7, 5.34).

Twins (40-58): CF Denard Span (L), RF Ben Revere (L), C Joe Mauer (L), LF Josh Willingham (R), 1B Justin Morneau (L), DH Ryan Doumit (S), SS Brian Dozier (R), 3B Jamey Carroll (R), 2B Alexi Casilla (S), LHP Scott Diamond (8-4, 3.16).

Umpires: H Jeff Nelson, 1B Bill Welke, 2B Chris Guccione, 3B Tim Tschida, crew chief.

Indians vs. Diamond: Marson is hitting .375 (3-for-8) with one homer and two RBI and Brantley is hitting .500 (3-for-8) with one RBI.

Twins vs. Tomlin: Mauer is hitting .444 (4-for-9) with two RBI.

Next: Justin Masterson (7-8, 4.12) will face the Twins and RHP Samuel Deduno (1-0, 3.94) Saturday at 7:10 p.m. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

Undrafted free agent Antwuan Reed looking to earn a spot in the Browns' secondary. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Usually, the odds of an undrafted NFL free agent making a team, let alone making an impact, is long.

But that's the position defensive back Antwuan Reed has found himself in after he was overlooked in April's draft out of Pittsburgh. Reed is in the middle of training camp with the Cleveland Browns trying to get noticed in a crowded defensive backfield.

Reed had to prove himself before. In his senior year at Pitt -- after missing a bowl game during his junior year due to a concussion -- he had to prove his worth to a new coach. He ended his career at Pitt as a two-year starter and All Big East.

Now Reed has to impress a coaching staff again.

"Everything just goes back to working hard and hard work pays off," Reed said. "I'm going to work hard and good things can happen."

The Indians are dealing with the AL Central race, trade rumors and other mid-season issues. But there is no stress in the bullpen, where the living is easy.

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJoe Smith has been enjoying another strong season by the Indians' bullpen. "Our goal is to get the ball to Vinnie (Pestano) in the eighth," he said Friday. "If we do that, we have a good chance to win because Vinnie and CP (Chris Perez) have been unbelievable at the end of the game."

MINNEAPOLIS -- The Indians have two teams to catch in the AL Central. The front office is still flipping a coin as to whether it should add or subtract with Tuesday's trading deadline approaching.

But life is good in the bullpen.

Sidearmer Joe Smith leads the big leagues with seven relief wins. Set-up man Vinnie Pestano leads with 29 holds. Closer Chris Perez is second in the American League with 29 saves.

The Indians are 16-3 when Smith, Pestano and Perez appear in the same game. They're 30-3 when Pestano and Perez pitch in the same game.

Three relievers does not a bullpen make, but lefty Tony Sipp is shaking off a first-half slump and Esmil Rogers has done a nice job since being acquired from Colorado on June 13. Long-man Jeremy Accardo has done his job, while rookie Cody Allen is still getting used to the big leagues.

"With the way Sipper has pitched, and what Rogers has given us, they can go to anyone of us in the seventh," said Smith. "It's really made our pen deep. Our goal is to get the ball to Vinnie in the eighth. If we do that, we have a good chance to win because Vinnie and CP have been unbelievable at the end of the game."

Grievance filed: The MLB players association has filed a grievance against the Indians on behalf of left-hander Nick Hagadone.

Hagadone broke his left wrist when he slammed it against a wall after a poor performance against Tampa Bay on July 6. He underwent surgery on the wrist and will probably miss the rest of the season.

The Indians optioned him to Class AAA Columbus and put him on the minor-league disqualified list. Hagadone will not be paid or receive credit for service time while he's on the list. The matter isn't expected to be resolved until October.

Hagadone, on a split contract, is making $480,500 in the big leagues and $78,250 in the minors.

Next step: Acta said the reports on Roberto Hernandez's five-inning start for Class A Lake County on Thursday were good.

"They liked the way he threw the ball," said Acta. "He was 89 to 93 mph. He kept the ball down and went through the five innings with no issues."

Hernandez is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Saturday at Lake County. He'll pitch again Tuesday, but Acta wasn't sure where that will be. Lake County and Class AA Akron are out of town. Class AAA Columbus is at home, but Hernandez probably isn't ready to face that kind of competition yet.

If he doesn't pitch for one of the Tribe's minor-league clubs, Hernandez could throw a simulated game.

Hernandez is serving a three-week suspension after he was arrested in January for identity fraud in the Dominican Republic. Hernandez could rejoin the Indians on Aug. 11.

Acta said he'd like to see Hernandez get to the point where he'd throw 100 pitches in one outing before rejoining the big league club.

On Twitter: @hoynsie

Randy Lerner is close to selling the Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam III, who got a taste of NFL ownership as minority owner of the Steelers. Lerner has received a guarantee that Haslam won't move the team. Watch video

View full sizePilot Travel Centers photoJimmy Haslam III, in negotiations to purchase the Cleveland Browns, is president of Pilot Flying J Travel Centers. The Plain Dealer has been told that negotiations could not begin without a guarantee to keep the team in Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Randy Lerner has been a part of the Browns family and a diehard fan since the 1970s, when he was a teen growing up in Shaker Heights and his father, Al, purchased a nine percent share in the team.

But his dreams of fulfilling his late father's plans to bring a Super Bowl to Cleveland will apparently never materialize.

Lerner is very close to selling the team to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, currently a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a source close to the situation told The Plain Dealer. Haslam, President and CEO of Pilot Flying-J Travel Centers, the nation's largest retail operator of travel centers and truck stops, is believed to be seeking full ownership of the team.

In a press conference in Berea on Friday before the full squad took the field for the first time this preseason, Browns President Mike Holmgren confirmed that Lerner "will give up controlling interest in the team." He said he didn't know if Lerner would retain a stake in the franchise, which is worth $977 million, according to Forbes.

But Browns fans needn't worry about reliving the anguish of 1995, when Art Modell moved the team to Baltimore. Lerner, who inherited the team when Al died of brain cancer in 2002, refused to even enter into negotiations with Haslam until he had a personal guarantee he'd never uproot the team.

"[Lerner] has an unequivocal commitment from Haslam to never move the Browns," said Fred Nance, a senior advisor to Lerner. "He made that a prerequisite before entering into negotiations." Nance added that Haslam "provided the commitment without hesitation."

When asked what would stop Haslam, 58, from moving the team, Nance replied, "read the lease."

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson also stated in a release that the Browns are tied to a 30-year lease through 2029 with Cleveland Browns Stadium and that the city would pursue legal options if there was any attempt to break it and move the team.

Holmgren also said fans have nothing to worry about.

"It's my understanding that from the get-go that's been one of the stipulations and both principals understand that," said Holmgren. "The Cleveland Browns aren't going anywhere. The Cleveland Browns are the Cleveland Browns and they're going to stay."

Lerner, who had denied a report in June from Howard Eskin of NBC 10 in Philadelphia that the Browns were for sale, released a statement Friday morning confirming that talks were underway. The statement, in response to "current rumors and press inquiries" was a surprising move for the exceedingly private owner -- one that further signals a deal is imminent.

"We are currently in negotiations and both sides have agreed to keep that dialogue and its details private," Lerner wrote.

Eskin also reported Friday that former Eagles President Joe Banner, who's been seeking part-ownership in an NFL team, is part of the Haslam group. Banner declined comment. He's currently a senior advisor to Eagles owner Jeff Lurie, his longtime friend. He also worked closely in Philadelphia with current Browns General Manager Tom Heckert, coach Pat Shurmur and offensive coordinator Brad Childress.

If Banner joins Haslam in Cleveland, what does that mean for Holmgren, who's in the third year of his five-year contract that pays him a reported $10 million a year?

"My future is bright," Holmgren said. "That will be answered down the road. You control the things you can control and do the best you can. I think we've done a lot of great things here in getting to this point. But we'll see."

Holmgren, who defended himself last month against critics that felt he wasn't committed to the Browns, added, "To me, a contract's a contract. I've tried to be honest with you about that. But we'll deal with those things as we go down the road. For right now, I'm the president of the team and that's how I'm operating."

Holmgren said he couldn't pinpoint when the deal will be finalized. "All I go is by league protocols and what has to happen there," he said. "I know nothing is finalized until the league votes on it."

League spokesman Brian McCarthy said the NFL is aware of the negotiations, but referred any specifics to the club. Haslam will have to sell his estimated five to 10 percent stake in the Steelers, which he's had since 2009.

Holmgren said Lerner decided to sell now because Haslam, whose younger brother Bill is the governor of Tennessee, was the right owner. The Haslam family is worth $3 billion, according to Forbes.

"Of course [Lerner] and I had a lot of discussions about this and he has a deep love for this team," said Holmgren. "He's been with this franchise since his father passed away in [2002] as you know, running it and trying his best to do the right things. I think as his kids have gotten older and his life has changed a little bit ... He was very, very concerned with and interested in the right person stepping forward if he was going to sell the football team and apparently all the stars aligned in the last few months."

Holmgren said he was in "California this summer and Randy contacted me and gave me preliminary reports. Since that point, we've been in constant contact, he's kept me abreast of every single thing that's been going on. He's been more than fair that way. Clearly there had to be some confidentiality involved in this thing. But I appreciate that from him, to be involved in this."

Holmgren said Lerner's No. 1 priority was to prevent the possible sale from becoming a distraction to the coaches and players.

"They have a hugely important job to do," said Holmgren. "We're in the business of winning football games and we have a good young team that I think is on the verge of becoming what you all wanted and what we all wanted."

Browns coach Pat Shurmur addressed his coaches and players Friday morning to deliver the news.

"I also informed them that the goals ... as we move forward this year have not changed not one bit, not one bit," Shurmur said, with an edge to his voice. "What we're trying to do as a football team should be unchanged by what was talked about today. We're a much better football team, we'll be much better prepared this season. I feel like we've got a better group to put on the field and I think we function better as a staff, so that's my concern and that's what I told the players."

In Lerner's nine full seasons as owner since his dad died in 2002, his teams have won four or five games in seven of those seasons. They haven't made the playoffs in those nine seasons and he's fired three coaches in Butch Davis, Romeo Crennel and Eric Mangini.

Years ago, Lerner told The Plain Dealer he'd sell the team if he felt he wasn't getting the job done. Apparently, that time has come.

Plain Dealer reporter Peter Krouse contributed to this report.

UPDATED: The first inning continueS to haunt Josh Tomlin as Justin Morneau hits a three-run homer to ignite the Twins' rout. The Tribe manages just three hits.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Momentum is always a finicky thing in baseball. Is it real or not?

A team on a 10-game winning streak will swear that it is. The Indians can't do that because their longest winning streak this year is four games, but they thought they might have sparked something Thursday night with their biggest win of the season, a 5-3 victory over American League Central Division rival Detroit.

Friday night all the heat generated at Progressive Field turned to ice water at Target Field as the Twins, the Central's cellar dwellers, hammered the Indians, 11-0, to drop them to 4 1/2 games off the pace in the division.

"Every day is a new day in baseball," Indians manager Manny Acta said. "There's no such thing as momentum."

Josh Tomlin wanted to take the heat from Thursday's win into his Friday night start. He wanted to get the Indians rolling. Instead he sent them reeling in the opposite direction with another poor performance.

It started in the first inning with two out as Justin Morneau hit a three-run homer. This was not a surprise because Tomlin has struggled in the first inning all season.

He's allowed 16 homers this year, with six coming in the first. In his past three starts, all losses, Tomlin has allowed two two-run homers along with Morneau's three-run bolt. Opponents are hitting .413 (31-for-75) with 22 runs and seven walks in the first inning. Last year, opponents hit .154 (14-for-91) with one homer and four runs against him in the opening frame.

"I've done the same thing [pregame] since 2010," Tomlin said. "I haven't changed my routine at all. It worked for me in 2010 and 2011 in the first inning. I'm not exactly sure what the difference has been this year."

Acta said Tomlin's first-inning problems are because of lack of command.

"We tried to do something different tonight," Acta said. "We tried to simulate some hitters with him [in the bullpen] to give him a head start, but Morneau didn't believe in that."

Tomlin (5-8, 5.87) is 2-5 in his past seven starts with a 7.02 ERA. Tomlin has options left and Acta said his stay in the rotation will be discussed.

"We're going to have to sit down and talk and try to figure things out," Acta said. "We have to make things better around here. That's not a secret."

These are fluid times for all. The Indians are no different. The trading deadline is Tuesday and in the past Acta has talked about the possibility of moving Tomlin to the bullpen.

"I'm not going to sit here and say he's not going to be starting in five days," Acta said. "But obviously he's been having a recurring problem and we're going to have to look at options."

Left-hander Scott Diamond (9-4, 2.88) threw a three-hitter to beat the Indians for the second time this season. It was the first complete game of his career.

He was working on a no-hitter, retiring 14 straight, until Travis Hafner singled with two out in the fifth. Jose Lopez followed with another single, but that was the only hint of an Indians' rally.

Hafner singled off Diamond's body in the seventh for the Tribe's third and final hit. Diamond struck out six and threw just 98 pitches.

"He had a good cut fastball and his change-up was good," catcher Lou Marson said. "He pounded the strike zone, got ahead and made us chase some bad pitches."

Marson said Friday's loss was hard to take following Thursday's victory, but added: "We've got two games left here. We've got a chance to turn it around."

Diamond has not allowed an earned run against the Indians in 16 innings. It was the fifth time the Indians have been shut out this season. The loss made them 10-21 against left-handed starters.

Tomlin came back with two scoreless innings after the first, but he was still an accident waiting to happen. The collision came in the fifth when the Twins scored five two-out runs. Josh Willingham's three-run homer was the hit that hurt the most.

The Twins used five left-handers, including two switch-hitters in their lineup, and they went 8-for-16 against Tomlin.

"They hit us around," Acta said. "I'm glad it only counts as one loss."

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

On Twitter: @hoynsie

The Akron Aeros lose in 10 innings and the Lake County Captains get shut out, but the Mahoning Valley Scrappers win.

View full sizeAPThe Columbus Clippers' Chad Huffman.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 13, Mud Hens 7 Columbus DH Vinny Rottino (.313) and RF Chad Huffman (.284) each had four hits and LF Tim Fedroff went 3-for-5 to raise his average to .392 as the Clippers won the International League game Friday in Columbus.

Righty Corey Kluber (11-7, 3.59) started and pitched seven innings. He allowed two runs on five hits and three walks.

AA Akron Aeros

Baysox 4, Aeros 2 (10) Akron right-hander Kyle Landis (5-4, 3.96) gave up a home run in the top of the 10th inning and the Aeros lost the first game of an Eastern League doubleheader against visiting Bowie.

Aeros LF Thomas Neal (.310) had two hits and SS Juan Diaz (.262) drove in two runs.

The second game was suspended in the first inning, and will resume tonight at 6:05. The regularly-scheduled game will follow.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Blue Rocks 6, Mudcats 2 Carolina right-hander Grant Sides (3.14) gave up four runs in two innings after relieving right-handed starter Michael Goodnight (2-10, 4.47), and the Mudcats dropped the Carolina League game in Wilmington, Del. Goodnight allowed two runs on five hits in five innings.

A Lake County Captains

Whitecaps 4, Captains 0 (7 inn.) CF Zach MacPhee (.228) had the Captains' only hit in the Midwest League game in Eastlake. The ballgame was called early because of rain. Lefty Elvis Araujo (4-9, 5.23) started for Lake County and pitched four innings, allowing two runs on four hits and three walks.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 5, Yankees 3 SS Robel Garcia (.240) doubled twice and drove in three runs to lead Mahoning Valley to the New York-Penn League win over visiting Staten Island. The teams were scheduled to play a doubleheader but the second game was rained out. It will not be made up.

While Lerner is close to selling controlling interest in the Browns, there appears no such plan afoot in Birmingham, England, home to one of Europe's oldest teams, Aston Villa.

View full sizeRandy Rasmussen, The Oregonian via APThe Portland Timbers' Darlington Nagbe (6) is cut off by Aston Villa's Stephen Ireland Tuesday during an exhibition match in Portland, Ore. Aston Villa defeated the Timbers, 5-4.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — On the day news broke that owner Randy Lerner was relinquishing power of one football team, his other announced a $5 million signing of Dutch defender Ron Vlaar.

Perhaps the timing was mere coincidence. But to Browns fans who believe Lerner favors Aston Villa -- the English Premier League soccer team he purchased in 2006 -- the juxtaposition of events must seem amusing.

While Lerner is close to selling controlling interest in the Browns, there appears no such plan afoot in Birmingham, England, home to one of Europe's oldest teams. Sources told The Plain Dealer that Villa is not for sale.

"[The Browns' transaction] would have no impact on Aston Villa," the source said. "... Very much business as usual."

Lerner, 50, who developed a passion for soccer while attending the University of Cambridge, reportedly bought the English side for about $119 million. He also has invested more than $300 million in equity and loan notes, according to a BBC report.

Aston Villa, like the Browns, is steeped in history and lacking in recent glory. The club has won the fourth-most trophies in English football, but none of major import in 30 years. While the Villans have not been nearly as bad as the Browns under Lerner's rule, supporters from both clubs probably could find common ground over a few pints and a singsong.

As Villa slipped in the EPL standings the past two years and management slashed payroll, some have questioned Lerner's desire to compete. The Villans barely averted relegation in the spring, and the side reported combined losses of more than $130 million for the seasons of 2009-10 and 2010-11.

"From the outside looking in, it seemed to be that Randy Lerner's commitment and passion for the Villa project rather waned last season," ESPN analyst Ian Darke wrote in an email. "It is an open secret that orders went out to trim the wage bill, and the team became too reliant on relatively untried youngsters."

Lerner is one of three NFL owners to head EPL teams -- Stan Kronke (St. Louis Rams/Arsenal) and Malcolm Glazer (Tampa Bay Buccaneers/Manchester United) are the others. Overall, five Premier League sides are under American ownership.

Lerner has been described by some fans, players and soccer experts as charitable, well-intentioned and steady in his approach. Others consider him misguided and gullible, as well.

Lerner ignored pleas from fans last season and hired manager Alex McLeish, who had led hated crosstown rival Birmingham City to relegation in spring 2011. McLeish was fired after one season at Villa and replaced by highly-regarded Paul Lambert.

"It was naive of Lerner to believe the fans would ever accept a man who had taken Birmingham to relegation just a few months previously," Darke wrote. "Worryingly, it raised the question of how much or little Lerner understood of the Villa culture."

The financial landscape of the EPL has changed dramatically in the six years since Lerner purchased Villa. The shift has been fueled by massive spending from Manchester City and Chelsea.

Unlike the NFL, there is no salary cap in English football and the disparity between deep-pocketed and frugal franchises is stark. Over the past five seasons, Manchester City spent a staggering $674 million on transfers as opposed to Bolton's $9.4 million.

Lerner's decision to curb spending and focus on developing players through Villa's youth academy has won praise from some Villa fans and soccer experts.

"Villa has been very steady under Randy," Fox Soccer Channel analyst Warren Barton said. "They have an owner who is realistic about the future. . . . I think better times are ahead for Aston Villa."

Added former Villa player Ian Taylor: "Randy has wanted nothing but good for the football club. He's invested a lot of money over time, and he's been really patient. . . . He cares about the history of the club and he's brought with him a good bit of stability."

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: treed@plaind.com, 216-999-4370

With the eyes of the world watching, did you think Great Britain was going to disappoint?

The 2012 Olympic Games have begun.

The Olympic flame in London is alight, with the fire ignited by seven up-and-coming British athletes running in formation in dark track suits, reports Fergus Bell in London for The Associated Press.

Urban Meyer gives plenty of tough love to QB Braxton Miller. It is because the Ohio State coach expects so much.

View full sizeMarvin Fong, The Plain DealerBraxton Miller offers a unique skill set that OSU head coach Urban Meyer has never seen before. "I've had first-rounders all over the place," Meyer said Friday. "But Braxton is strong, he's 215 now, and his acceleration is just off the charts."

CHICAGO -- Maybe Ohio State sophomore quarterback Braxton Miller's arm does need work. The rest of his game, however, startles his not-easily startled coach.

Urban Meyer tutored one Heisman Trophy winner (Tim Tebow at Florida) and one overall NFL No. 1 draft choice (Alex Smith of the 49ers, at Utah), and yet he said, "Braxton Miller is the most dynamic player I've ever coached. I've had first-rounders all over the place. But Braxton is strong, he's 215 now, and his acceleration is just off the charts. He also has a degree of humility that you almost never see in quarterbacks at Top 10 programs."

Meyer has little tolerance for injuries and none for excuses. "The dog ate my homework," he calls such explanations of ineffective play. He used the reference for running back Carlos Hyde and linebacker Ryan Shazier, although the latter's second-quarter knee injury changed the game in Ohio State's 40-34 loss to Michigan in 2011.

Meyer also gives plenty of tough love to Miller. It is because the Ohio State coach expects so much.

Urban Meyer talks QBs (from Ozone)

Most observers excused some of Miller's scatter-armed passes because he was only a few months removed from high school at the time Terrelle Pryor bolted for the NFL. Miller was thrown into games, unready and unseasoned. Meyer briefly mentioned that everyone expected "the other quarterback" to play without naming Pryor, then put the heat squarely on Miller this season.

"Braxton has to pass the ball for us to have a chance for success. We had a non-functional passing offense last year. We had one game [Illinois] when we completed one pass, and won the game," Meyer said.

The fact that the pass went for a touchdown (Miller to tight end Jake Stoneburner) did nothing to mollify the coach.

"I'll see when we start practice [next Friday] if Braxton Miller is a leader, if he has brought the receivers together," Meyer said.

The dog is officially off the homework diet.

Recreating history: Meyer said he offered LeBron James a scholarship as a wide receiver when the three-time NBA Most Valuable Player was at Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary. "He'd be a tight end, first-round pick, Hall of Famer," said Meyer. "He'd be set wide to go one-on-one with the weakside linebacker."

Meyer said everyone just laughed when he made the football scholarship offer. "He's the next Michael Jordan," Meyer was told.

Say the magic word? Reports say Ohio State players who let the word "Michigan" escape their lips have to do push-ups as penance. Meyer himself drew chuckles when asked about his relationship with Michigan coach Brady Hoke.

"I knew him when I was an assistant at Notre Dame and he was where he's at now," Meyer said.

Headset, with head attached: Meyer said he was screaming at referees on Ted Ginn Jr.'s touchdown return of the opening kickoff in the 2006 BCS national championship game between Florida and Ohio State, won, 41-14, by the Gators.

"They held Reggie Holmes, and my head went up off my shoulders," said Meyer. "My captain, [linebacker] Brandon Siler, said, 'Coach, we'll be all right.' And they were."

Bright spot in a dark time: Most Big Ten coaches agree with new Penn State coach Bill O'Brien that, by the NCAA's refusal to ban the Nittany Lions from television appearances, the program has a much better chance of recovering. "Our [recruiting] target is 17- and 18-year-old males," said Meyer. "It's how you build the brand."

Gee, whiz: Meyer lavishly praised Ohio State president E. Gordon Gee for always being willing to help out in recruiting if his schedule allows. Apparently, Meyer was not in the room, in the country or in the same dimension of space and time when Gee said of Meyer's predecessor, Jim Tressel, "Let me just be very clear: I'm just hoping the coach doesn't dismiss me."

That quip was the tail that wagged every doggie in Columbus.

On Twitter: @LivyPD

Plain Dealer reporter Doug Lesmerises offers his thoughts and observations from the Opening Ceremony in London.

View full sizeEzra Shaw, Associated PressFireworks explode over the stadium at the end of the Opening Ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Summer Games at the Olympic Stadium in London.

LONDON — Thoughts and observations on the Opening Ceremony from the Olympic Stadium in London. Those drummers near the beginning did make the seats shake.

In the air: Four Olympic rings slid above the action while a fifth rose from the ground to join the others in the air. A gaggle of Mary Poppins sailed across the sky and landed to eventually vanquish a Voldemort (the villain from the "Harry Potter" books) several stories tall. A bird man on a bicycle pedaled up to the top of the stadium, like ET. If it's in the air, it's gotta be good, and show director Danny Boyle wasn't afraid to leave the ground.

Mr. Bean: Ahh, comedy. Rowan Atkinson, the creator of the beloved and befuddled Mr. Bean character, took the starch out of an emotional, orchestral performance of the "Chariots of Fire" theme with some welcome antics. And in the end, his keyboard played a fart sound.

View full sizeDavid Eulitt, Kansas City Star via MCTSeven young athletes carry Olympic torches prior to lighting the flame.

Start the music: The ceremony provided a tour through almost all the high points of British rock, punk and pop. Among the tunes played as the athletes walked in was "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. How could the athletes not dance? One tall, blond Australian was clapping and shuffling for a good hour while waiting for the rest of the countries, in alphabetical order. The three athletes competing as independents, under the Olympic flag, joined hands in a choreographed dance and played to the crowd. But the best dance may have come from Ohio State fencer Zain Shaito and a couple of his teammates with the Lebanon delegation. They hopped in line with the performers and danced, with the arm motions and all, to U2's "Beautiful Day."

Fashion: It's amazing how many countries walk in like they're dressed for an American business meeting, yet Team USA wound up in berets. But the Yanks actually looked pretty sharp. Nice work by Mexico, sporting shirts in every color of the rainbow, and the cotton-candy-blue and pink tops of Germany.

Zombies: Anyone else think the dirty folk coming out to rip apart the English countryside scene that began the Ceremony was a zombie invasion? Actually, it was just the Industrial Revolution. Apparently progress can be scary.

View full sizeMCTA flock of Mary Poppins descend to the stage during the Opening Ceremony.

Bond: Daniel Craig as James Bond jumped out of a helicopter with the Queen. Not really -- it was just made to look that way by a quick movie, which included some nifty acting by Queen Elizabeth II, and two stunt people who then leapt from the copter. And then heartthrob David Beckham drove the Olympic flame up the Thames in a speedboat, looking like a potential Bond replacement. Just the right dash of dashing.

Where's Roger? Bookmakers took a lot of action on Sir Roger Bannister, the conqueror of the four-minute mile, to be the choice to light the Olympic flame. Instead, seven British teenagers nominated by seven former British Olympians did the honor. It felt a bit like everyone was waiting for the kids to hand off to someone else. Then after the cauldron came together and rose above the ground, you thought, "Is the 83-year-old Bannister going to climb that now?"

Time: After a 9 p.m. start in London, the plan was for everything to end between midnight and 12:30 a.m. Instead, the show ran to 12:46 a.m., nearly four hours of entertainment. Show-runners clad in black jeans and shirts were waving their arms and clapping their hands during the entrance of the teams, trying to move the athletes along, and they looked especially aggrieved while Spain was straggling. But you know how these things are. It's just tough for some of the athletes who left the stadium knowing a badminton match was less than eight hours away.

-- Doug Lesmerises

The British didn't get into a can-you-top-this game Friday night. High-wire acts of past ceremonies gave way to British pride, particularly in its music, and a vivid illustration of its history from a commoner's perceptive -- farmers, factory workers, nurses and rockers.

LONDON — The Olympics almost always has been sport at its awe-inspiring finest. Television brings it to homes across the world in riveting, high-definition detail.

The Opening Ceremony in recent quadrennials has become theater on such a massive scale, it seems impossible for any screen to capture the way it washes over 80,000 spectators. The trend has to been to ramp up the ante. After the Beijing spectacle of precision and power at the 2008 Olympics, overwhelming the senses seemed to be a non-starter for the London Olympics.

The British didn't get into a can-you-top-this game Friday night. No, that's just not the way here, unless anyone can confirm director Danny Boyle actually ordered the rain that appropriately fell 20 minutes before the show on a bucolic green village scene complete with livestock.

To the contrary, a master of ceremony joked in a summer of almost constant downpours, "If it were sunny, people would have assumed there were special effects."

High-wire acts of past ceremonies gave way to British pride, particularly in its music, and a vivid illustration of its history from a commoner's perceptive -- farmers, factory workers, nurses and rockers.

A limited number of "wow" moments didn't limit the drama or chills. The presence of Muhammad Ali, Queen Elizabeth and Paul McCartney was a bucket-list-completing evening by itself.

The drama of London's Opening Ceremony was saved for a two-fold finale. The last torch bearer who lights the Olympic cauldron traditionally remains a secret. London also managed to hide the flame's final destination, an Olympic first. Olympic Stadium was built without a visible cauldron, and many speculated the 377-foot, twisted steel sculpture known as the Obit next door could somehow house the flame.

Would the cauldron-lighter be the queen? Or perhaps Sir Roger Bannister, the first man to run a sub-four-minute mile? Maybe superstar soccer player David Beckham or wild-haired mayor Boris Johnson. London betting parlors, which anticipate more than $150 million to be legally wagered on the Games, took heavy action on all four.

Again, such speculation was over the top in a land that likes its pubs plain and its taxis traditional black.

Seven teenagers -- more commoners -- got the job done just fine.

The young torchbearers, who were nominated by past British Olympic medal winners, received the flame and split it among themselves with seven torches. They jogged a lap around the thousands of athletes gathered atop the round stage, and made their way past the Olympians to center stage. There waited 204 large copper petals, which were given to each nation when they arrived this week and were carried into the stadium during the athletes parade.

One petal was lit, triggering the ignition of each petal as the flames spread. The petals, attached to long stems, slowly rose from the floor to form the cauldron, and a fireball that will stay lit for the next 16 days of competition.

"Tonight was amazing," Columbus diver Katie Bell said in a Tweet after the show. "I think I still have goosebumps. Pinch me . . . is this real life?"

London is the first city to host three Olympics, and IOC Chairman Jacques Rogges called Britain the "birthplace of modern sport." But the ceremony had little to do with the Olympics or sports, another Opening Ceremony trend. The farmer's village gave way to industrial furnaces. Hundreds of nurses were recruited to portray nurses in a World War II hospital. Love stories unfolded and family Saturday nights were celebrated.

Throughout, spectators were part of the show, serving as pixel backdrops as the stadium became a colorful light show.

From "Danny Boy" to the Sex Pistols' "Pretty Vacant," and comedian Rowan Atkinson's one-fingered "Chariots of Fire" performance with the London Symphony, the kingdom's rich music history was the binding twine. There were plenty of sing-a-longs, as is tradition, and a touching rendition of the sorrowful hymn "Abide With Me," which has been sung by soccer and rugby fans since the 1920s.

The climax had Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" blaring as fireworks celebrated the cauldron's rise.

Sir Paul McCartney, once a Liverpool boy who played pubs with fellow middle-class mates in a little band called the Beatles, closed the show singing "The End" and "Hey Jude."

The night's theme was "Isles of Wonder." The night's legacy, in a stadium virtually surrounded by water, was to establish one more isle of Olympic majesty.

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

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

Kiefer places fifth after a 15-10 loss to Arriana Errigo of Italy.

View full sizeAndrew Medichini, Associated PressLee Kiefer of the United States, left, and Monica Peterson of Canada compete in the round of 32 during women's fencing Saturday in London.

LONDON — Lee Kiefer, an 18-year-old Kentucky fencer who was born in Cleveland, bowed out in the women's foil quarterfinal on Saturday. She placed fifth after a 15-10 loss to Arriana Errigo of Italy.

"I knew that the bout with Errigo would go very, very fast because we're both aggressive fencers," she said. "When she attacked me, some of my counter attacks weren't great. Of course there are things I could have done differently, but I'm still proud of my performance."

The U.S. fencing team's youngest member started her day with a 15-13 comeback win over Gil Ok Jung of South Korea.

"When I was fencing, I was so angry. I guess 'angry' is the wrong word. I was frustrated with some of the things I was doing," she said. "I would attack with my arm up too much and I knew I had to focus to do that. Sometimes, when I'm tired, I do some actions that I shouldn't so I just decided to put my anger toward my focus."

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

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The impending sale of the Browns is just the first of many topics we're talkin' about.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerWith the sale of the Browns reportedly near completion, the departure of Randy Lerner (center) likely signals the same for team president Mike Holmgren (left), if not coach Pat Shurmur, says Terry Pluto.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- So many topics, let's just get started talkin' ...

About the Browns sale...

Assuming the Haslam family buys the Browns, one of the first things they need to do is decide who to keep.

Most of the time, a sale of a franchise leads to general managers and coaches being replaced. Former Eagles president Joe Banner is reportedly part of the group working to buy the Browns. Let assume that he is, or that the Haslams have another football executive in place.

Odds are that Mike Holmgren will go not long after the sale is final. The team president was hired by Lerner in 2010, and Holmgren seemed to view the main part of his job was to hire key people such as General Manager Tom Heckert and Vice President of Business Bryan Wiedmeier.

Holmgren obviously had a major say in naming Pat Shurmur as coach and perhaps helping to recruit some of the assistant coaches. But the day-to-day operations in football and business seem to be handled by Wiedmeier and Heckert. And they should stay.

A new ownership group could bring new energy. An experienced football man such as Banner replacing Holmgren makes sense in terms of being the overall CEO. After running the Philadelphia Eagles for 18 years, Banner knows Heckert, Shurmur and others who trace their football roots back to that franchise.

The last thing the Browns need is a new GM with a new approach to the draft -- or a coaching staff that doesn't want a 4-3 defense or a West Coast Offense after the Browns have been drafting those type of players for three years.

Since Al Lerner bought the expansion franchise in 1999, no team president, general manager or head coach has lasted more than four years. No matter who owns the team, that has to stop.

About Josh Gordon ...

Three failed drug tests. When it comes to new Browns receiver Josh Gordon, that's a reason for concern.

His failed drug test last year at Utah -- after the two at Baylor -- is disturbing because Utah was supposed to be a second chance at college football. He also denied it when the first reports came out.

Gordon now must ask himself: Is football more important than smoking marijuana? He can't do both. Regardless of your opinion of marijuana, it's illegal, and he will be tested again and again.

After being a second-round pick in the supplemental draft, Gordon signed a 4-year deal with $3.8 million guaranteed. He received a $2.3 million signing bonus. He must realize he's being given a fresh start with a team that is invested in him as a person and a player.

When Shurmur talked about how most of us did some dumb things in our college years, he's right. But at some point, that must stop. His decisions off the field will make the franchise look very smart or very foolish.

Then there's Gordon the football player. He started only one year of college football (2010), catching 42 passes at Baylor. He's obviously physically gifted, with outstanding size (6-foot-3, 225 pounds). His hands seem to be reliable. But his experience is limited. It's not fair to expect him to immediately start, given that he was on the scout team at Utah last season and didn't play in games.

The Browns appear to have a plan in place -- on and off the field. Part of it is to work him in slowly with the offense, and that makes sense.

But you also can be sure that if Gordon is a fast learner and surprises the coaches by producing sooner than later, he will play.

About Colt McCoy ...

1. Shurmur indicated what I've been writing about for a few months: The Browns can keep Colt McCoy as a backup to Brendan Weeden. "I guess the conversation becomes how he's going to handle it if he's not the starter," he told the PD Insider. "Colt's a professional and he's actually done everything that I've asked him to do. He's handled his work well, and in my opinion, he's handled his comments with the media well."

2. What Shurmur didn't say was this: If Weeden plays as the Browns expect, it will be obvious to everyone in an orange helmet that the rookie from Oklahoma State is the best quarterback in Berea. There will not be a controversy, as McCoy's record as a starter is 6-15. You can make the case that McCoy would have won more games with more talent around him, but this is not benching Bernie Kosar after he made the Browns a Super Bowl contender.

3. Shurmur also said he can see a situation where veteran Seneca Wallace and McCoy both are on the team. That's possible, but not probable. You can expect the Browns to trade one (I'm guessing Wallace) at some point in camp. Why keep Wallace on the payroll at $3 million, when McCoy is paid $550,000.

About Jerry Sherk ...

Former Brown Jerry Sherk will host his photography show, "Through the Eyes of a Defensive Lineman," Aug. 13 at the Kleist Center for Art and Drama on the campus of Baldwin Wallace. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show begins at 7. This should be a fun night for Browns fans, as joining Sherk will be Don Cockroft, Doug Dieken, Robert E. Jackson, Greg Pruitt, Mike Pruitt and Sam Rutigliano.

For tickets, check out www.clevelandtouchdownclub.org/event_jerrysherk.php or call (216) 906-3416. For more information, call Tony Dick, Alumni Director for the Browns, at (216) 310-1406 or e-mail him at TDick@clevelandbrowns.com.

About the Indians ...

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerThe travails of Josh Tomlin -- and Derek Lowe as well -- signals an imminent need for change in the rotation, regardless of whether or not the Indians are in the AL Central race.

1. Something has to be done with the rotation. After being shelled in the 11-0 loss at Minnesota, Josh Tomlin is 3-6 with a 6.51 ERA in his last 10 starts. Then there's Derek Lowe, with is 2-6 with a 7.11 ERA in his last 10. A case can be made that neither belongs in the rotation. Certainly they both can't keep their spots.

2. A short-term answer would be to put Tomlin in long relief. If that happens, the Indians will probably will turn to Corey Kluber. He is 11-7 with a 3.59 ERA at Class AAA Columbus with 128 strikeouts in 125.1 innings. In his last 10 games, he's 7-2 with a 2.90 ERA. The 26-year-old right-hander came to the Tribe in the Jake Westbrook deal of 2010 and the Tribe believes he's major-league ready.

3. Lowe has been hit so hard that the Tribe has decided to give him one more start, then figure out a plan if he struggles again. Roberto Hernandez is a possibility, but his MLB suspension doesn't end until Aug. 10. Jeanmar Gomez is behind Kluber at Class AAA. Gomez gave up six earned runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last start, and is 3-2 with a 3.15 ERA. The Tribe believes Gomez has a flaw when pitching from the stretch, and they're working on it.

4. When the Indians traded for Lowe, they knew there was a chance he could fade in the second half -- as he did with Atlanta last season. The hope was for Lowe to pitch well for a few months, buying time for young starters such as Zach McAllister, Gomez or Kluber to develop, and for Hernandez's situation with the immigration department to be resolved. The door is wide open for David Huff, but he's 5-4 with 5.04 ERA at Columbus -- 6.38 in his last 10 appearances. Chris Seddon (11-5, 3.44 ERA) is in the discussion for a promotion.

5. Given the lack of depth in the rotation combined with a sputtering offense, it's hard to imagine the Tribe as legitimate contenders in the final two months. Deal or no deal, the only way that would change is if some combination of Kluber/Gomez/Hernandez comes up and gets hot, as McAllister did. This team was supposed to be about pitching, but it's ranked 12th in the AL with a 4.54 ERA.

6. McAllister's fastball was in the 91-93 mph range last season. This year, he has thrown several at 95 mph. In 10 starts, the most runs he's allowed is four in seven innings at Boston. McAllister (4-2, 3.18) has struck out 59 and walked only 16 in 62 innings. He's only 24 and he was 12-3 with a 3.32 ERA at Class AAA last season. The Indians may have something special in the former Yankee (traded for Austin Kearns).

7. One decision the Tribe has made about the trade market: No deals for a player in the final season of his contract, unless the price is very small in terms of prospects being traded. They'd like to add a player with a few years remaining on his deal, as they did when trading for Ubaldo Jimenez last season. Jimenez is signed through 2013 and has a player option for $8 million in 2014.

8. The Indians have won seven games against Detroit, and Chris Perez has saved them all. He's allowed one run in seven innings. This season, Perez is 29-of-31 in saves. His fastball is averaging 94 mph, compared to a little under 93 a year ago. A big difference is he's striking out 10.8 batters per nine innings, compared to 5.8 last season. His walks are down to 1.9, after 3.9 in 2011.

9. In the last three years, 80 percent of all squeeze bunts have been successful scoring a runner from third. Now, some didn't count in that stat because the bunt was fouled off, the play negated. But I was shocked to see that stat in the Tribe game notes. Manny Acta is 5-of-5 in squeeze bunts with the Tribe.

10. Shin-Soo Choo will be the guest at Wahoo Club Luncheon on Aug. 25 from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field. Call Bob Rosen, 440-724-8350 or go to wahooclub.com for more information.

About the Cavaliers...

View full sizeAP fileCarlos Delfino is the type of veteran wing player who could help the Cavaliers this season.

1. They are shopping for a small forward, and it's not simply to replace Alonzo Gee. The Cavs need a couple of small forwards. Gee is a free agent, but he's restricted. That means the team can match any offer sheet -- and that's why Gee has not received one. Odds are, he will come to terms here.

2. But they still need someone else, and they are looking at unrestricted free agents Carlos Delfino and C.J. Miles. Delfino is 6-6, 230 pounds and averaged 9.0 points and 3.9 rebounds for Milwaukee in 2011-12. He has been in the league for seven years, and is mostly a 3-point specialist. Nearly 50 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. Last season, he shot 40 percent from field and 36 percent on 3-pointers for Milwaukee.

3. The Cavs do have Omri Casspi, who split the position with Gee. Casspi was given a chance to start, but lost the job at midseason. He averaged 7.1 points, shooting 40 percent from the field and 32 percent on 3-pointers. Gee only shot 41 percent (32 percent on 3-pointers), so Delfino's outside shooting has some appeal.

4. Miles is 25 and spent the first seven years of his career with Utah, averaging 8.4 points. Like Delfino, he's 6-6. But he's more of a slasher to the basket. It's possible the Cavs are talking to both veterans to let Gee know that he can be replaced. Gee can sign a one-year, $2.7 million deal for this season and become an unrestricted free agent in 2013.

5. The Cavs are intrigued by Jon Leuer, claimed off waivers from Houston. As a rookie, the 6-10 Leuer averaged 4.7 points and shot 51 percent for the Bucks. He was traded to Houston, but the Rockets ran into a salary cap jam -- leading to putting Leuer on waivers. He was a star in the Big Ten at Wisconsin and he's a strong mid-range jump shooter.

6. The team added another young player in point guard Jeremy Pargo. He averaged 2.9 points with Memphis last season, and played a lot in the European leagues the last few years. He is the younger brother of NBA veteran Jannero Pargo.

7. The Cavs don't think Pargo or Leuer will be stars, but they are looking for young players who can be assets coming off the bench.

The Clippers, Aeros, Captains and Scrappers all get victories on Saturday.

View full sizePD fileThe Mudcats' Anthony Gallas.

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 8, Red Wings 5 Third baseman Jared Goedert (.327) hit his 10th homer of the season, and CF Ezequiel Carrera (.298) had three hits and three runs batted in as host Columbus topped Rochester (N.Y.) in International League play Saturday. RHP Jeanmar Gomez (4-2, 3.54 ERA) earned the victory despite allowing five runs -- four earned -- in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out eight and walked one. Goedert and 1B Matt LaPorta (.278) each drove in two runs for the Clippers. SS Gregorio Petit (.260) also had three hits for Columbus.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 3, Baysox 2 Left fielder Nick Weglarz (.245) had a two-run single and Jordan Henry (.246) a run-scoring single in a three-run third inning as host Akron edged Bowie (Md.) in Eastern League play. RHP Toru Murata (2-1, 3.86) picked up the victory after allowing one run in three innings of relief. RHP Preston Guilmet (2.52) allowed one run but still earned his 18th save.

Advanced A Carolina Mudcats

Mudcats 8, Blue Rocks 4 (7) Right fielder Anthony Gallas (Strongsville, .271), hit a grand slam, and 1B Jesus Aguilar (.294) had three hits and three RBI as Carolina won a rain-shortened Carolina League game in Wilmington, Del.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 6, Dragons 5 RHP Cody Anderson (3.19) struck out three in three perfect innings, 2B Jose Ramirez (.320), CF Luigi Rodriguez (.274) and C Alex Lavisky (St. Edward, .240) each had two hits, and host Lake County hung on to defeat Dayton in Midwest League play. Captains RHP Enosil Tejeda (3.38) contributed two innings of hitless relief.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 3, Cyclones 2 Third baseman Joe Sever (.319) hit a two-run homer, 2B Joseph Wendle (.328) had three hits and host Mahoning Valley won a New York-Penn League game against Brooklyn (N.Y.). Scrappers RHP Luis DeJesus (1.64) gave up two runs, five hits and no walks in six innings but got a no-decision.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Wild Things 5, Crushers 4 First baseman Kyle Weldon (.279) and RF Robby Kuzdale (.246) each had two hits, but host Lake Erie lost a Frontier League game against Washington (Pa.).

Attention paid to the Browns' offense was overdue and especially welcome on the first day of training camp being open to the public, Bud Shaw writes in his Spin column. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- On the first day of training camp, it rained an unusual amount of optimism...

Randy Lerner briefly walked the practice field in Berea where a fan doctored a No. 40 "HILLIS" jersey with duct tape to read "HASLAM."

A day after Lerner acknowledged negotiations to sell the Browns to Tennessee businessman Jimmy Haslam, a training camp Opening Day tradition remained intact: people freely and passionately lending their support sight unseen.

This is a fan base that would embrace a team owned by Barnum and operated by Bailey. As it is, after what feels like a thousand double-digit loss seasons in a row, jerseys old and new dotted the landscape along with t-shirts that warned, "Respect the Elf" and "Fear the Pumpkin."

And, well, OK, "Factory of Sadness," too.

"I've always been impressed with our fans," head coach Pat Shurmur said Saturday. "We had to back off opening up the gates [due to rain]. So hopefully nobody was fighting out there.

"I really appreciate the passion this town has ... when we get it turned around, it's going to be a lot of fun."

The danger in witnessing so much blind allegiance over the years is it can make you numb to signs of legitimate hope. The Browns finally offer some. Just don't confuse legitimate hope with immediate and marked improvement. With Brandon Weeden, Trent Richardson and Josh Gordon as the lead riders in an offensive cavalry call, the pieces of a Browns' resurgence at least pass the eye test.

Everything about the Browns -- Mike Holmgren's track record, Shurmur's background, Tom Heckert's work in Philadelphia as casting director for Andy Reid's West Coast offense -- suggested offensive sophistication in the post-Mangini era. Everything except the actual offense. Last year's model was like seeing a NASCAR garage door open minutes before the big race and watching a soap box derby car roll out.

Whether it was a last push by Lerner or Holmgren's disappointment over losing quarterback Robert Griffin III to Washington, moving up to grab Richardson, Weeden and Gordon -- while panned nationally as over reaching in each case -- has created optimism. And not just the usual crazy-eyed variety that on Saturday brought a older gentleman to camp wearing an orange wig and a brown-and-orange tie-dyed shirt.

The ball looks different coming out of Weeden's hand. The strongest man doesn't always ring the bell at the county fair, but it helps when a quarterback can drive the ball downfield and the secondary is respectful of his arm.

Richardson will help Weeden. And vice versa. The run defenses in the AFC North can stack the line if they're not worried about paying for it. The guess is the Steelers, Ravens and Bengals will make stopping Richardson their priority until they see how Weeden adjusts to a NFL pass rush.

That's where Gordon should help. Joe Haden gave him a taste of bump and run Saturday and -- according to Shurmur -- said, "Wow, this [guy] is big..."

Shurmur described Gordon as a "fine learner." If you insist, you can add your own punch line here about his three positive marijuana tests in college. Strictly from a football standpoint, though, you can see why the Browns didn't want to risk waiting until the third round of the supplemental draft.

The Browns are more inexperienced at quarterback, running back and wide receiver than a year ago. All three positions also have a much higher ceiling. The first step toward a "two thumbs up" review is simply becoming watchable.

It's too early for Nick Gilbert's famous rhetorical question – "What's not to like?" -- to apply to the Browns. But Weeden, Richardson and Gordon all look the part.

Putting football in its place is as easy as parting the Red Sea

LSU offered a scholarship to Dylan Moses, whose classmates will no doubt be impressed once they all convene for the start of eighth grade in the fall.

Moses, 14, is a 6-0, 205-pounder who ran a 4.46 at one of the school-sponsored football camps. He turned in a vertical jump of 34 inches.

"The coaches told me they were offering -- and they were serious. I thought they were playing," Edward Moses, Dylan's father, told the media.

Said Dylan Moses, "It means that all my hard work is paying off. All the two-a-days and practices from when I was six on up, it's paying off right now."

Two-a-days since he was six? Good thing NCAA President Mark Emmert has sent the message that football can never again be allowed to overshadow the care and nurturing of our young people.

Something to be said for truth in advertising...

Former Illinois linebacker J. Leman, who will serve as a Big Ten Network analyst, believes in the power of prayer.

"I have decided to record every time I pray for someone to be healed," he writes on his Web site. "These are the results."

He keeps a log of attempted faith healings, not just his successes. Deadspin cited one such attempt in the log he keeps.

"Prayed for a man with diabetes and amputated toes. The toes did not come back. Do not know about the diabetes."

Maybe he'll someday work his way up in degree of difficulty and pray for a Browns Super Bowl. But until then you have to like his motives and honesty.

SPINOFFS

Urban Meyer and Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema should be commended for saying they would not go to Penn State and try to recruit players. Can't think of anything more unseemly than rival coaches going into State College and circling the carcass of the Nittany Lions' football program.

OK. Check that. Yes, I can.

View full sizeAP fileHe kept his group in rhythm, and their music can still be heard.

Still, Illinois coach Tim Beckman sent eight coaches to Happy Valley ostensibly to talk to two players who had expressed interest. Beckman tried to justify it by saying they met players off campus. Like they just set up a table at a job fair and waited to somebody to drift by.

If you still don't think other schools traveling to State College is unseemly, Lane Kiffin flew in from USC. Case closed. ...

Not to be outdone by LSU, Washington offered a 2017 scholarship to Tate Martell, a 14 year old from San Diego. The culture of big-time football better change quickly or schools will soon offer scholarships based on what they see in ultrasounds.

A 57-year-old man took two years to travel by rickshaw from his small village in China to London. Upping the ante, he will next try to make the Dwight Howard trade for the Orlando Magic...

SEPARATED AT BIRTH

View full sizePD fileHe's led a World Series winner, but the tank has been pretty close to empty this season.

Micky Dolenz of the Monkees and Johnny Damon -- Alex Pavlick, Cleveland

HE SAID IT

"I'll tell you guys who the starter is -- on my time." -- Pat Shurmur.

In the meantime, it's Brandon Weeden.

YOU SAID IT

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Bud:

"How could anybody not love a person called Jimmy?" -- Jimmy D, Richmond Heights

Nice try, Dimora.

"Hey Bud:

"Do you consider yourself a modern-day Tom Sawyer getting people to whitewash your fence every Thursday and Sunday for a T-shirt?" -- Dan Coughlin

Thanks. Yours is the first email suggesting people have read me twice, let alone in the same week.

"Bud:

"I see the Pirates' Starling Marte homered on the first pitch he saw in the majors. My memory might be failing me, but did Andy Marte ever homer?" -- Tom Goldy

Who's Andy Marte?

"Bud:

"Have Grady's Ladies been traded or are they on the disabled list?" -- Eric Kiska, Lorain

They are believed to be vacationing in Pronkville.

"Hey Bud:

"Since my comments have appeared in the Spin, is it OK if I add freelance journalist to my resume and list you as a reference?" -- Nate J, Brunswick

A Spin reader with a resume? That's a first.

"Hey, Bud:

"Don't you think the Indians should change the name of the stadium to 'East Ohio Gas Field' or 'The Illuminating Company Field' since the team has so many utility players?" -- Warren F., Highland Heights

First-time "You Said It" winners receive a T-shirt from the Mental Floss collection.

"Bud:

"Is 50 Shades of Grey a new book about Browns fans who witnessed the last championship team?" -- Russ

Repeat winners are on a waiting list.

"Dear Bud:

"Is it true that Major League Baseball's statisticians are not crediting opposing pitchers who allow no runs against the Indians with a shutout due to 'offensive indifference'?" -- Vince G., Cincinnati

Repeat winners get held scoreless.

On Twitter: @budshaw

Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot answers readers' questions.

View full sizePD fileThe Browns are hoping rookie receiver Josh Gordon eventually will become their 'go-to' guy.

Q: Hey, Mary Kay: Two questions for you. Why is [Josh] Gordon being touted as a No. 1 receiver (what does this mean really?) yet [Greg] Little is always referred to as a No. 2 receiver. They are both the same size, similar speed, so what is the difference? Second question is, how confident are the Browns that T.J. Ward can return to be the lights-out enforcer he was early in his rookie season prior to the fine he got for the helmet hit?' -- G.F., Cork, Ireland

A: Hey, G.F.: In the West Coast offense, there's no real distinction between a No. 1 receiver and a No. 2. A No. 1 receiver is more a euphemism for your go-to guy, and the Browns think Gordon can become that. Regarding your second question, I know Ward is determined to have a breakout year and become a dominant safety. It's his third year, so it's time to prove it. I think he's over that hit.

Q: Hey, Mary Kay: I was heartened to hear someone predicting a possible eight wins, but also confused. Could you list which six to eight games you think the Browns will win? For the life of me I look over the schedule and struggle to come up with five. -- Michael Schmoker, Akron

A: Hey, Michael: It all depends on Brandon Weeden. If he's as good as the Browns think he is, they'll win some games. They lost seven games by four points or fewer last season and were down to their fourth and fifth running back. They do have a brutal schedule, though. It's tough to get a read until you see Weeden play some.

Q: Hey, Mary Kay: How many games into the regular season do you think it will take for Josh Gordon to start for the Browns? And also, do you see them giving Trent [Richardson] 15 to 25 carries and Brandon Jackson around 10 carries a game? -- Matt Mitchell, Southington, Ohio

A: Hey, Matt: Not sure if Gordon will be able to start right away, because he's slowed a bit by a pulled quad suffered on his pro day July 10. He also has to learn the terminology and a whole new offense. If it's not right away, it could be three or four games into the season.

-- Mary Kay

Jairo Arietta scored two first-half goals in his MLS debut, leading the Columbus Crew to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Jairo Arietta scored two first-half goals in his MLS debut, leading the Columbus Crew to a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night.

Arietta, who joined the Crew (8-7-4) at midseason from Costa Rican club Deportivo Saprissa, scored in the 17th and 34th minutes. Columbus finished the match a man down after Cole Grossman was issued a straight red card in second-half stoppage time for a hard foul on Graham Zusi.

Sporting (11-7-4) could have moved back into the Eastern Conference lead with a victory, but saw its home winless streak extended to four matches since a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC on June 16.

Kei Kamara scored on a header off Graham Zusi's free kick in the 8th minute, ending Kansas City's goalless streak at home at 333 minutes, but Arietta equalized nine minutes later with a shot from 12 yards after a through ball from Josh Williams.

Zusi's errant backpass led to Arietta's second goal, as he tracked down the ball and shot past Sporting keeper Jimmy Nielsen from distance.

Andy Gruenebaum made five saves for the Crew, two of those to deny Teal Bunbury on a breakaway in the 65th minute.

MORE: Columbus Crew sign Argentinian Federico Higuain as designated player to help struggling offense