The Indians lose their fourth straight game on Tuesday night as Derek Lowe doesn't make it out of the third inning. Lowe is 2-8 in his past 13 starts.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Indians' rotation is undergoing changes, and they could be big ones.

Following an 8-3 loss to Kansas City on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, manager Manny Acta said right-hander Cory Kluber will be recalled from Class AAA Columbus to start Thursday and take Josh Tomlin's spot in the rotation. There could be a bigger change on the way as well.

Veteran right-hander Derek Lowe lost his fourth straight start Tuesday and could be released. After a 6-1 start, Lowe is 2-8 with a 8.28 ERA in his past 13 starts.

"I'm not going to be making knee-jerk reactions right after the game," said manager Manny Acta, when asked if he can continue to keep Lowe in the rotation. "We have to analyze things. It's been rough for a while now. We have to look at our options."

Lowe (8-10, 5.52) was knocked out of the game in 2 1/3 innings. He allowed seven runs on eight hits in 54 pitches. He walked two and struck out one.

When asked if he felt he was in danger of losing his spot on the club, Lowe said, "You can't worry about that. You have to be more competitive. There's no doubt about that.

"There have been a lot of six-, seven- and eight-run games."

Lowe was once one of the best closers in the game. But he's been strictly a starter for the past 11 years so it's unlikely the Indians would move him to the bullpen.

"It's been live BP (batting practice) for the last two months," said Lowe. "No excuses. I can't say I got a bad break here or there. That would be a lie."

In spring training, Acta and GM Chris Antonetti felt their starting rotation would be a cornerstone of the team.

Since the season started, it has been one of the team's biggest disappointments. The rotation is 36-46 with a fat 4.95 ERA. In the past four games the starters have gone 0-4 and have allowed 30 runs in 18 1/3 innings.

Before the game, Acta didn't answer questions about Tomlin's status in the rotation, but when he relieved Lowe in the third, it was clear what happened.

"Tomlin is in the bullpen and Kluber will take his spot in the rotation," said Acta. "It's fair to say Josh has been struggling. We need to give someone else a chance. Kluber has been pitching well at Columbus and he's going to get an opportunity."

The Indians acquired Kluber on July 31, 2010, in a three-way deal with St. Louis and San Diego. The Indians sent Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals and got Kluber from the Padres. He made three relief appearances with the Tribe last year, but Thursday will be his first start in the big leagues.

Kluber is 11-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 21 starts at Columbus.

Lowe was brutal.

The Indians had a 2-1 lead against Luke Hochevar (7-9, 5.22), a pitcher they've pounded in the past, headed into the bottom of the second. Lowe could not protect the lead against a Royals team coming off a 1-6 West Coast trip.

Chris Getz started the rally with a two-out single. Jarrod Dyson bounced a ball over Casey Kotchman's head at first for a double. Lowe walked Alex Gordon to load the bases and gave up a two-run single to Alcides Escobar for a 3-2 lead.

The Indians came right back to tie the score, 3-3, when Asdrubal Cabrera doubled and scored on a wild pitch. Lowe, however, could not keep the Tribe in the game.

The Royals scored five times in the bottom of the third for an 8-3 lead. Billy Butler hit a leadoff single, but Mike Moustakas lined out to center. Then the hit parade started.

Salvador Perez singled as Butler moved to second. Lowe walked Eric Hosmer to load the pitches. On a pitch to Eric Hosmer, Lowe caught a clear on the mound and balked home Butler for a 4-3 lead. He finished with a flourish, give up a two-run double to Getz before Tomlin jogged in from the pen.

Tomlin retired Dyson on a long fly ball to the track in right before allowing consecutive doubles to Gordon and Escobar to make it 8-3. He pitched two scoreless innings, but the damage was done.

"It's been awful," said Lowe. "It's mistake after mistake after mistake. It's been tale of two months. The first two months to where I am now."

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

On Twitter: @hoynes

Plain Dealer golf writer Tim Rogers previews this week's World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Plain Dealer golf editor Kristen Davis.

Today's guest is PD golf writer Tim Rogers, who checked in from the media center at Firestone Country Club, where he is covering the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.

Rogers, who selected 12 favorites to win in a special preview section in Wednesday's Plain Dealer, analyzes how defending champion Adam Scott will do this week as he tries to rebound from a collapse two weeks ago in the final round of the British Open.

Rogers also explains why Tiger Woods has been so dominant in Akron, winning the tournament seven times.

Don't miss the end of the show when Rogers offers fans tips on the best times to see the golfers at Firestone.

SBTV returns Thursday with Doug Lesmerises checking in from the London Olympics.

Are Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti on the hot seat? What should Tribe fans look forward for the rest of the season? The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerShould the front office be on the hot seat? Paul Hoynes answers this question and more during his weekly podcast.

Are Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti on the hot seat? What should Tribe fans look forward for the rest of the season?

The Plain Dealer's Tribe beat writer Paul Hoynes answered those questions and more in his weekly podcast.

Among other topics discussed:

• Why the Indians didn't make a big trade?

• Why trade for Lars Anderson?

• Should the Indians start bringing up players from Triple-A?

You can download the mp3 or listen with the player to the right.

Be sure to follow Hoynes on Twitter.

"Massaquoi better step up. There are probably 6 WR jobs on the 53-man roster. Little, Gordon, Benjamin and Cribbs are on the team for sure. That leaves MM, Cooper and Norwood for two jobs." - lambbone

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerMohamed Massaquoi will need to catch passes like these to have an impact at wide receiver for the Browns this fall.

"Mohamed Massaquoi better step up. There are probably 6 WR jobs on the 53-man roster. Little, Gordon, Benjamin and Cribbs are on the team for sure. That leaves Massaquoi, Cooper and Norwood for two jobs.

And I expect Cameron to be the main pass catching TE. Moore and Watson are always hurt, and A. Smith is really a second TE for blocking. He also fits in with the group of young wide receivers."

Kohei Uchimura added Olympic gold to the world titles he's won the last three years, and it was never much of a contest.

U.S. gymnast Danell Leyva performs on the rings during the artistic gymnastics men's individual all-around competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

LONDON -- Bronze medal around his neck, Danell Leyva applauded as Kohei Uchimura took the top spot on the podium.

Hey, no shame finishing behind a guy who might very well be the best gymnast of all time.

Uchimura added Olympic gold to the world titles he's won the last three years, and it was never much of a contest. All but wrapping up the gold midway through the meet, the only question was how big his victory would be and who would be standing next to him on the medals podium.

Uchimura's score of 92.690 was more than 1.5 points ahead of silver medalist Marcel Nguyen of Germany. Leyva closed with two of the most spectacular routines of the day, on parallel bars and high bar, to jump up to third place.

It was an incredible finish for the 20-year-old, who fled Cuba for the United States as a toddler with his mother and older sister. When Leyva saw his high bar score, guaranteeing him a medal, he pumped his fist and threw a few roundhouse punches while his energetic stepfather and coach, Yin Alvarez, hopped up and down and screamed.

"We are a team and any medal counts," Alvarez said.

Uchimura has been untouchable since winning the silver medal in Beijing, so stylishly sublime that Germany's Philipp Boy, runner-up at the last two world championships, lamented he had been born in "the wrong age."

But the Japanese star was uncharacteristically off in qualifying and the team finals, perhaps feeling the burden of how badly he wanted a gold medal for Japan. The Japanese have been runners-up to China at the Beijing Olympics and the last four world championships, and Uchimura said earlier this year he was "fed up" at always finishing second.

Uchimura finished ninth - ninth! - in qualifying after falling off both high bar and pommel horse. He wasn't much better in the team finals, botching his pommel horse routine again and needing a score review just to get Japan the silver medal.

Whatever ailed him, it was gone Wednesday. He didn't post a score below 15.1, and had the lead after only three events.

"He's been a rock the last four years, and he really deserves that gold medal today," Britain's Kristian Thomas said. "It speaks for itself. I had no doubt he'd bring his 'A' game today and that's just what he did. That's the sign of a true champion."

What makes Uchimura so special is that he doesn't seem to have any flaws. When Yang Wei was running roughshod over the competition in the last Olympic cycle, winning a pair of world titles and the gold medal in Beijing, he did it through sheer strength, bulking up his routines with so much difficulty he started most meets two or three points ahead.

But there's an "art" in artistic gymnastics, and Yang didn't have it. He managed to win one of his world titles despite taking such a big fall on high bar that he rolled all the way off the mat to the edge of the podium.

Uchimura has the tough tricks, but does them with such elegance and precision that his routines look more like performance art. Starting on pommel horse, he was far more composed than he had been the previous two competitions. His lower body looked as if it was on a swivel as he worked his way around the horse, his legs swinging in perfect unison while his torso stayed perfectly still, while the slap-slap-slap of his hands was mesmerizing.

He gave a slight smile when he landed his dismount, as if to say, "Whew!" then proceeded to bury the competition.

Uchimura may not have the Hulk-like biceps of the top rings guys, but don't test him in an arm wrestling contest. He hung upside down, batlike, for several seconds, a position that would have most people walking a zig-zag from all that blood rushing to their heads. He pressed back and up into a perfect handstand, barely making the cables sway.

His score of 15.333 moved him into fourth place - notable because the three guys ahead of him had already done vault, which inflates the scores.

Sure enough, Uchimura stuck his vault stone cold and leaped to the top of the standings. No one was going to catch him.

Final results

1. Kohei Uchimura, Japan, 92.690.

2. Marcel Nguyen, Germany, 91.031.

3. Danell Leyva, Homestead, Fla., 90.698.

4. Mykola Kuksenkov, Ukraine, 90.432.

5. David Belyavskiy, Russia, 90.297.

6. Kazuhito Tanaka, Japan, 89.407.

7. Kristian Thomas, Britain, 89.406.

8. John Orozco, Bronx, N.Y., 89.331.

Here are what blogs from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers, Indians and Buckeyes. Featured today are Eleven Warriors, Waiting For Next Year, Dawgs By Nature and Wahoo's On First.

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

AP Photo/Ron SchwaneHardesty has turned heads so far this summer.

"The media has seen Hardesty in camp for three years now, and everyone is pointing out how much quicker he looks. Part of that has to do with the fact that like several other players on the team, he lost a good amount of weight in the offseason. He began 2011 at 225 pounds, and now he's down to 215 pounds.

Another reason could be that it is often believed that a player needs two full years to get back to their peak potential after having ACL surgery. That's where Hardesty is at right now. Not only does he have the physical aspect down, but he's mentally prepared as well."

AP photoWho is Lars?

"So who is the newest Indian? An 18th-round pick out of high school in 2006, Anderson, now 24, has seen his stock rise and fall significantly in his career. He quickly made a name for himself after raking in the lower minors. He rose all the way to No. 17 on Baseball America’s top prospect list in 2009 after a spectacular 2008 campaign that saw him slash .317/.417/.517 with 18 home runs between High-A and Double-A as a 20-year-old.

But 2009 was not as friendly to the fast-rising prospect, as he only hit .233/.328/.345 at Double-A. Since then, Anderson’s performance has pleataued: 2010 and 2011 were solid, albeit unspectacular campaigns for Anderson, slashing .274/.349/.461 and .265/.369/.422 mostly at Triple-A. This year has been much of the same, as he currently holds a .259/.359/.415 triple-slash. He has some MLB experience, but he in parts of three seasons he has only 56 plate appearances, making it pretty much impossible to draw any real conclusions from his time in Boston."

AP Photo/Julio CortezWorried about Waiters' summer league play?

"There are physical and mental barriers to that rookie learning curve. While getting past both of them is important, the physical barrier seems to be the most easy to overcome just by virtue of being thrust into the professional ranks. When the physical barriers become a manifestation of the mental barriers, that’s when fans and observers start to get nervous. Dion Waiters’s summer league debut featured a lot of that nervousness. A lot of it was seemingly pointed at the fact that he wasn’t in shape (6′ 4″, 221 pounds). But the fact that he wasn’t in shape shouldn’t be nerve-wracking. If he was out of shape because he doesn’t “know how to play hard,” then that’s an entirely different problem. If he didn’t want to be there like Irving did, then that’s another problem altogether. It’s important to remember that the Cavs organization did a lot of research on Waiters and that Coach Scott wanted him on the team. And Waiters’s coach at Syracuse, Jim Boeheim, spoke highly of his guard’s abilities. But it’s just Summer League. It seems like Cavs fans weren’t thinking this way, but there’s a fear that Waiters was."

Marvin Fong / The Plain DealerSimon leads by example.

"Simon doesn’t have the polarization of Tebow and he doesn’t elicit Heisman hype, but Simon does evoke the same competitive fire in himself and his teammates. He sets the bar in the weight room, on the practice field, in the locker room and on game day.

Meyer believes elite players of Tebow and Simon’s stature are wired differently, calling them “freaks” and “bizarre” in regards to their self-discipline, self-respect and work ethic. The two persuaders are 1 and 1A, according to Meyer, in terms of hardest workers. And they also have an aura of optimism that becomes infectious."

The Indians will take a look at utility man Vinny Rottino with DH Travis Hafner on the paternity list for one to three days. Rottino hit .299 with nine doubles, one triple, four homers and 32 RBI in 30 games at Class AAA Columbus after being claimed on waivers from the Mets on June 27.

Chuck Crow/The Plain DealerTravis Hafner will be away from the Indians from one to three days while on the paternity list.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Indians have placed Travis Hafner on the paternity list and recalled Vinny Rottino from Class AAA Columbus.

Hafner can stay on the list up to three days.

The Indians claimed Rottino, 32, on waivers from the mets on June 27. The right-handed hitting Rottino was optioned to Columbus where he hit .299 (35-for-117) with nine doubles, one triple, four homers and 32 RBI in 30 games. He fashioned a .874 OPS, .379 on base percentage plus a .496 slugging percentage.

He played 14 games in the outfield, eight at first base and one at catcher. Rottino was 8-for-8 in stolen base attempts.

Overall, Rottino is hitting .304 (78-for-257) with 19 doubles, two triples, eight homers and 57 RBI in 66 games at Triple-Columbus and Buffalo. This is his third trip to the big leagues this year. The first two were with the Mets in May and June where he hit .192 (6-for-33) with a double, two homers and five RBI in 18 games.

He'll wear No.25.

Manny Acta said Rottino will probably get a start on Thursday against KC left-hander Bruce Chen. The Royals were originally scheduled to start right-hander Jeremy Guthrie, but the fact that the Indians are 10-22 against lefty starters probably helped them make the change to Chen.

"We'll probably throw Vinny out there and see what he can do," said Acta. "He played very well at Columbus. He's got a lot of energy."

Acta said Rottino would probably be with the big league club only until Hafner rejoins the team. But he left the door open in case another roster move should take place.

Rottino is a .295 lifetime hitter in the minors. He's played in the big leagues with Milwaukee, Florida and the Mets.

Hafner is hitting .230 (45-for-196) with six doubles, two triples, 10 homers and 29 RBI in 59 games.

The Indians announced before the game that Hafner's wife Amy had an eight pound boy Wednesday afternoon. A team spokesman said the baby wouldn't be named until Thursday.

The Hafners have two sons.

Tonight's lineups:

Indians (50-53: LF Shin-Soo Choo (L), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), 2B Jason Kipnis (L), CF Michael Brantley (L), C Carlos Santana (S), DH Jose Lopez (R), LF Johnny Damon (L), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), 3B Jack Hannahan (L), RHP Zach McAllister (4-2, 3.18).

Royals (42-60): LF Alex Gordon (L), SS Alcides Escobar (R), RF Lorenzo Cain (R), DH Billy Butler (R), 3B Mike Moustakas (L), C Salvador Perez (R), 1B Eric Hosmer (L), 2B Chris Getz (L), CF Jarrod Dyson (L), RHP Luis Mendoza (4-7, 4.47).

Umpires: H Mike Everitt, 1B Laz Diaz, 2B Mike Estabrook,  3B Tim Welke, crew chief.

Indians vs. Mendoza: Kotchman is hitting .667 (4-for-6) with one RBI and Lopez is hitting .500 (3-for-6).

Royals vs. McAllister:  The Royals have never faced McAllister.

Next: RHP Corey Kluber (first start this season) will face LHP Bruce Chen (7-9, 5.49) Thursday at 8:05 p.m. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

During the Bridgestone Invitational, we'll survey pro golfers with a question of the day.

View full sizePD fileYou'll never see Ernie Els (left, in white shirt) and the rest of the PGA pros take the course without a good practice/warmup session. But since the average player doesn't spend that much time on the range, what else might help their game?

AKRON, Ohio -- Each day during the Bridgestone Invitational, we'll survey pro golfers with a question of the day. Today, other than practice, what's the best tip they can give a weekend player?

"Other than practicing? People really need to identify what their weaknesses are. Get with a PGA professional who can help you work on your weaknesses, so you're not out there wasting your time." -- Jason Dufner

"Just play within themselves and know their limitations and not try and go for too much." -- Rory McIlroy

"Short game and putting can shave a lot of strokes for the average player. I think the easiest way to improve is to tighten up from 100 yards and in, and maybe it's not even tightening up. Getting rid of hitting the fast shot and the blade over the green and be able to get it up and down, even if you're just getting it up and down in three every time." -- Rickie Fowler

"Just go have fun, because some people take it way too seriously. They take it too seriously and they expect to shoot their best score every single time even though they only practice once a week, if that." -- Jason Day

"One, the recreational player doesn't practice. Two, if they did they wouldn't practice well. Wouldn't practice the right things, usually. The recreational player, if they wanted to knock shots off their score and they were serious about it, they would need to do most of their practicing from 100 yards and in. If they got better and more efficient in that area -- they waste more shots from 100 yards and in than from 100 yards and out. They could improve their score dramatically if they worked on that." -- Jim Furyk

"Probably lower their expectations." -- Adam Scott

One in a series of interviews with players during this week's Bridgestone Invitational.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerThe colorfully attired Rickie Fowler had plenty of fans clamoring for his autograph during Wednesday's practice round at the Bridgestone Invitational.

(Editor's note: One in a series of interviews with players during this week's Bridgestone Invitational.)

AKRON, Ohio -- Football's (and baseball's) Deion Sanders rode the nickname to the Hall of Fame, but "Neon" Rickie Fowler wears day glow colors not just on his sleeve, but his entire well-planned Puma wardrobe.

Fowler, whose best PGA finish this year was a first at the Wells Fargo Championship, is playing in his third WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. He finished in the middle of the pack in 2010 and tied for second last year.

Q: How are you feeling entering the tournament?

A: Good. Had the last week off. Had a decent showing at the British (Open), just a little off there. So (I'm) looking forward to getting it in the short grass here this week and hopefully get ourselves in a good position on Sunday.

Q: Anything in particular you're focusing on for this course?

A: Driving the ball well and mid to long irons.

Q: Do you have a favorite hole here?

A: I don't know if I have a favorite yet. You can make a birdie on just about any every hole, but any hole can jump up and bite you just as quickly. But, no, one's not sticking out yet.

Q: How do you decide which colors to wear, and how and when did that start?

A: I was always aware of what I was wearing, but joining with Puma, it was just a good fit for me and I felt like fit the company well and it's been fun working with them. We usually pick the scripts out for the majors about a year in advance, depending on what line's coming out that year. Other than that, I picked this out this morning. So, normal weeks and outside of the majors, I just kind of pick out what I want to wear.

Q: What's it like when you see all those kids wearing Fowler stuff as you're walking up the fairway?

A: I love it. It's cool seeing the supporters and fans out there, especially the younger the better. It's fun seeing the little ones out there running around.

Rodhe had no connection to Canada until packing up his belongings in 2008 and heading to Kamloops, British Columbia, a mere 2,500 miles from Bainbridge Township.

View full sizeMike Ridewood, Special to PD"My mind is set on making the final ... getting a personal best," says former Kenston athlete Justin Rodhe, now a Canadian citizen competing in the shot put at the Olympics. "Anything beyond that is gold, or maybe I should say bronze?"

LONDON -- Looking back, Justin Rodhe thinks everything has happened "for reasons unseen at the time."

It sounds reasonable, considering no one could have foreseen how the former Kenston High School football player and discus thrower is an Olympic shot putter -- for Canada.

Rodhe, 27, will throw on Friday, the first day of track and field in Olympic Stadium. He is ranked 10th in the world.

No one in his family is Canadian and he had no connection to the country until packing up his belongings in 2008 and heading to Kamloops, British Columbia, a mere 2,500 miles from Bainbridge Township. The motivation was an opportunity to train with former Soviet Olympic gold medalist Anatoliy Bonderchuk, whose cadre of throwers based there includes reigning U.S. Trials hammer throw champ and Ashland University grad Kibwe Johnson.

In 2008, Rodhe was fresh out of Mount Union, where he began as a football recruit and finished as a thrower with the school shot put record (59-3) and an English degree.

"I did not know how long I would be able to remain there," Rodhe said in an email interview. "I didn't know if I would be good enough to train in the group, what immigration laws there were, where I would find future money to support myself.

"I did know that I was leaving home for a long time, to chase my desire of becoming the best thrower I could be."

It was a bold move, followed by a difficult transition. The $3,000 he saved working in a factory before he left quickly ran out. He spent five months eating eggs, bacon and pancakes three meals a day, which wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't run out of Geauga County maple syrup.

Between twice-daily training sessions, he napped with ice on at least three parts of his body. He obtained a work visa, got a job and pieced together enough money with the help of a sponsor to stay.

Bondarchuk completely reworked Rodhe as an athlete and a thrower. He threw a personal-best 65-11.75 at Kansas Relays in April. He now has enough sponsorship that he was able to quit his job.

Kamloops, Canada sends off its Olympians (Rodhe segment begins at 2:00)

"My knowledge of sport training and my sport result has grown beyond all initial expectations between [Bondarchuk] and I," Rodhe said. His conversion to Canada isn't just athletic. He married a Canadian shot putter, Megann, whom he met in college.

"Being married to an athlete makes the sacrifices of 'normal' -- or as I call it, 'civilian' -- life much easier," he said. "We don't leave work at the office, as our work is tied into our meals, resting and sleep. We do however, 'leave the marriage at home.'

"When we are training or competing, we stand as individuals first, a couple second. In short, our marriage is training, our training is not marriage."

Rodhe established permanent residence in 2010 and became a Canadian citizen last November. After achieving the 'A' standard to qualify for the Olympics, he had to jump through several hoops to get into the Games. He initially was denied a spot by the sport's international governing body because he had not been a citizen long enough, but he won an appeal in May.

For comparison's sake, Rodhe would rank sixth as an American this year, but ahead of American pro and fellow Geauga County native Dan Taylor. The likelihood of winning a medal in Rodhe's first international championship is remote. Not all of the nine throwers ranked ahead of him are at the Olympics, so he could reach the finals.

"A lot would have to go right for me, and disastrous for other athletes for me to have a shot at a medal," he said. "Shot put is really strong this year and almost every athlete ahead of me has been an Olympic or world champion.

"My mind is set on making the final, beating two, three throwers ranked ahead of me, getting a personal best, and anything beyond that is gold, or maybe I should say bronze?"

On Twitter: @TimsTakePD

The Indians will look to get their first win in their series against the Royals in Kansas City after losing last night's game. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @hoynsie.

The Indians will look to get their first win in their series against the Royals in Kansas City after losing last night's game. First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 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.

View full sizeJohn Sleezer/MCTThe Kansas City Royals' Jarrod Dyson crosses the plate behind Cleveland Indians catcher Carlos Santana on a two-run double by Alcides Escobar in the second inning on Tuesday, July 31, 2012, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (John Sleezer/MCT)

Fold up this hole-by-hole primer and bring it with you as you watch the action at Firestone Country Club this week.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerTiger Woods and his swing coach, Sean Foley, make their across the stone bridge to the third green during Wednesday's practice round at Firestone.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Learn more about the Firestone Country Club's South Course and each one of its challenging 18 holes.

The Plain Dealer's Tim Rogers and tournament Executive Director Don Padgett III offer a glimpse of the course's nuances and quirks to give spectators a primer on what to watch at each hole of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational.

Click here to download a printable version of the course guide.

Scott's resume includes eight Tour victories and 10 more overseas.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain Dealer"I really just felt a bit shocked and almost numb of feeling about it," defending Bridgestone champion Adam Scott said of his collapse two weeks ago at the British Open. "I certainly didn't beat myself up and have to curl up in a corner."

AKRON, Ohio -- Adam Scott should have been able to just sit back and reflect on what it was like to return as conquering hero.

Instead, the defending champion of the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational mostly defended himself. Well, maybe not defend, but explain if and how he's managed to rebound from his painful and public British Open collapse two weeks ago.

"I was in Switzerland at home last week, which was quite good," he said in a session with the media Wednesday. "Kind of got away from everything for a few days up in the Alps."

He didn't pick up a club until last Thursday. Hasn't competed since the loss at Royal Lytham. Now, maybe Bridgestone, and Firestone Country Club, where he finished 17under last year to win by four strokes, provides a salve.

"I think it's just nice to be playing straightaway again, get out there," he said.

Scott, who entered the final round of the British Open with a four-stroke lead, bogeyed the final four holes and lost the tournament to Ernie Els on errant approach shots and a long putter he had switched to two years ago that suddenly turned undependable. He missed a par putt on 18 that would have forced a playoff.

It was the kind of loss that sticks. The kind that stuck to Greg Norman, his boyhood hero and fellow native Australian.

The 32-year-old Scott, who has played in 46 majors without a victory, was also denied a major title in 2011 when Charl Schwartzel birdied the final four holes of the Masters.

• First- and second-round tee times at the Bridgestone

So, recovering from failure dominated Wednesday's discussion.

How were you able to maintain your composure? Who did you commiserate with? Did anyone call? How did you heal?

"To be honest, I really just felt a bit shocked and almost numb of feeling about it," he said. "I certainly didn't beat myself up and have to curl up in a corner."

Yes, Scott said, he got a ton of supportive calls and texts. From friends and golfers and people whom he had no idea how they got his number. (He ignored those.) And from his been-there, felt-that friend Norman, who called him that Sunday night after the Open to make sure he was doing okay.

"It made those few days much easier," Scott said.

Through it all, Scott handled the prying as he did when new caddie Steve Williams upstaged him with an emotional impromptu press conference on Firestone's 18th green last year, letting loose like a burst water main on his former boss, Tiger Woods.

Scott, who let Williams have his day, was cool then and now. In fact, he said he felt bad for Els, who, instead of swimming in elation, felt compelled to console the friend he calls "Scotty." Els said the two chatted again briefly Tuesday night at their hotel.

Introspection helps in times like these. As does turning the page.

"It's just getting them back to where, hey, this is a new week," said golf instructor Dave Stockton Jr. "It's a clean slate, starting over and let's go and play our game and not worry about what happens."

So does perspective, said Sean Foley, the well-known instructor who works with Bridgestone competitors Woods, Hunter Mahan and Justin Rose.

Scott's resume includes eight Tour victories and 10 more overseas. Fans cling to the British Open collapse, but he had dominated the course for 68 of the 72 holes.

"I would just say, 'Man, you played great. So you fell asleep for 20 minutes,'" Foley said.

"You've got all that stuff going on, then you've got four holes left. It's the British Open, a chance to win your first major, you've been dreaming about it since you were a little kid. It's a difficult spot to be in. But I would just say, 'Hey, man, for pretty much 98 percent of the time you were on the golf course, you were the best player in the world, good for you.'"

Like the Alps, Scott hopes Bridgestone will be good for him again, too.

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy is much-improved this camp, but there's still a chance the Browns will trade him before the preseason's over.

John Kuntz, The Plain DealerColt McCoy is much-improved in camp. Question is, will his progress benefit the Browns or another team.

BEREA: Browns quarterback Colt McCoy spoke to reporters Wednesday for the first time this camp, but not because he didn't want to earlier.

 "You guys never asked for me,'' he said with a smile. "I missed you guys.''

 McCoy, who's working almost exclusively with the second-team offense, has performed well this camp, throwing a touchdown pass in goal-line drills on Tuesday and placing the ball perfectly over the back shoulder of rookie Travis Benjamin, who leaped up over Emmanuel Davis for a TD in 11-on-11 red zone drills Wednesday.

 McCoy also fared well in seven-on-seven red zone drills, hitting tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Jordan Cameron in the end zone.

 “Colt’s doing great,” Shurmur said. “I think he’s continuing to improve. I’m seeing him do things in this camp that he didn’t do a year ago, and he’s getting more comfortable within our system and he’s coming to work every day and working hard. I think he’s doing a good job.

 “I just think he’s more comfortable in the progressions. If it doesn’t go to No. 1 or No. 2, he’s throwing it to 3 instead of taking off and running. Those types of things -- commanding the huddle, knowing what his receivers can do and where he can put the football.''

Of course, that doesn't mean that the Browns -- set to name Brandon Weeden the starter before the preseason opener -- won't trade McCoy before the preseason's over. Shurmur told the Plain Dealer last week that he's "not in a hurry to get rid of anybody.'' But if the price is right, the Browns will certainly consider it.

 “I can’t control anything other than coming out here and getting better,” McCoy said.

 BENJAMIN FLASHING: The TD catch from McCoy was just one of several fine receptions Wednesday by Benjamin, who's having an excellent camp.

 “I anticipated with his natural size that he might get banged around and be less efficient, but he’s done a great job,” Shurmur said. “I think he handles the traffic pretty well, and you could see today he caught the ball in contested situations extremely well. We knew he had the skill and ability to play in this league, and at least to this point, he’s doing a good job of improving his game.''

Benjamin is playing bigger than his 5-10, 175 frame.

 "Even though I might be small in size, I’ve been playing football ever since I was young. Mostly all the guys have been bigger than me, so I’ve just gotta keep that mindset that I’ve gotta play big.''

 Shurmur said he expects Benjamin and fellow rookie Josh Gordon to make some noise this season.

 "If they progress like they’re doing at the pace they’re going now, then I think they’ll be major contributors. Both those guys.''

 CAMERON SUPERB: Tight end Jordan Cameron continues to stand out in situational drills, catching two touchdown passes from Brandon Weeden in red zone drills and one from McCoy. He's a big body in the end zone and the qbs are having not trouble finding him.

 “He needs to get lots of reps in the preseason games and he will,” said Shurmur. "He’ll be a guy that can play the Y or the tight end position and then also the second tight end position in two-tight end sets. He’ll play quite a bit in the preseason for sure.''

 FROSTEE ON ICE: Browns right defensive end Frostee Rucker sat out today with an undisclosed injury. "He won’t be out long,” Shurmur said. “We’ll evaluate him. He’ll be back soon.” Marcus Benard replaced him...Evan Moore, Ahtyba Rubin, Carlton Mitchell and Eddie Williams are all still idle. 
 

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy talked with the media after the fourth day of training camp. Watch video

A victory this week -- and No.1-ranked Luke Donald finishing no better than third -- would move Woods atop the world rankings.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, The Plain DealerTiger Woods finished off his preparations for the Bridgestone Invitational and pronounced himself ready to go. "This is one of my favorites," he said of Firestone's South Course. "It's straightforward. It's right in front of you. There's no trick, no hidden things."

AKRON, Ohio -- It didn't happen in England, but it could happen in Akron.

Tiger Woods was unable to return to the top of the world rankings during the British Open but he could do so if he wins the Bridgestone Invitational this week.

Woods is currently second behind Luke Donald. All he needs to do is win -- which has not been an issue in seven of his 12 previous appearances on the South Course -- and have Donald finish no better than a solo third. A similar situation existed during the British Open, but the best Woods could do was a tie for third.

"This is one of my favorites," Woods said of the South Course during a Wednesday press conference. "It's straightforward. It's right in front of you. There's no trick, no hidden things."

Woods, 37, has held the top spot in the rankings for a record 623 weeks, including 281 in a row. He fell to No. 2 on Nov. 7, 2010 and dropped to as low as 58th one year later following his personal issues and a series of injuries.

A return to Firestone could be the impetus he needs to reclaim No. 1 status. In 10 starts prior to 2010 he had never finished lower than a tie for fourth. He has banked more than $9.4 million in Firestone events.

This year, Woods has shown more than an occasional flash of his former brilliance. He is the only player on the Tour with three victories. He leads the money list with $4,685,123, the FedEx Cup race and Ryder Cup points list. He has the Tour's best scoring average of 68.9.

So, is a return to No. 1 important? Does Woods even pay attention to the rankings?

"Do I pay attention? Yes," he said. "Do I look all the time? No. I don't know how they work."

Still, Woods acknowledged that being No. 1 again would prove something.

"It would be nice to get back there because obviously it meant that as far as I had dropped, to build my way back up to this point, I've had some wins," he said. "I've had some very high finishes. I've been consistent. That's how you get to be one of the top players in the world. I feel very comfortable where I am because everything is progressing."

Grace period: Woods will be paired in the first two rounds with 24-year-old South African Branden Grace, who is making his Firestone debut. Grace has three victories this year, all in Europe. To say that he is awestruck is an understatement.

"It's unreal," he said. "He's my idol. He's been my role model since I started playing golf. This will be a little bit of a dream come true."

Five pack: Fans can watch five high-profile twosomes go off the 10th tee in succession on Thursday. British Open champion Ernie Els and Masters champ Bubba Watson start the parade at 9:30 a.m. Following are Adam Scott and Matt Kuchar (9:40); PGA champ Keegan Bradley and 2011 runner-up Jason Dufner (9:50); top-ranked Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson (10) and Rickie Fowler and Lee Westwood (10:10).

Table top: During Wednesday's final practice round the greens measured 13.5 on the Stimpmeter. They can -- and will -- get faster if no rain falls. That, you can take to the bank.

Welcome to Firestone: Scott Piercy won last week's RBC Canadian Open to land one of the 78 spots in this week's field. He's one of 23 players making their Firestone debut.

Long ball: Rory McIlroy, making his fourth straight appearance, left no doubt which club must work this week.

"You've got to drive the ball well," he said. "If you can drive the ball well, it gives you opportunities to score, especially this year because the rough's a little thicker than it has been in the past."

Almost as important as an accurate, thundering driver is a quick start.

"The first two holes are pretty gentle," he said. "You can get at least [to] 1 under through two, with three tough holes coming up. I think both nines are pretty well matched, but it's always nice to get off to a good start."

Plain Dealer reporter Bill Lubinger contributed to this report.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Although Randy Lerner deserves much criticism, as his tenure as Browns owner nears an end, many of his failed moves were popular at the time he made them.

View full sizeDavid I. Andersen, The Plain DealerRandy Lerner is proof that the best of intentions is no match for results when it comes to running an NFL franchise in Cleveland, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The problem with the Lerner family's feckless stewardship of the Browns was never lack of good intentions.

The patriarch, Al Lerner, is sanitized today by deed and death. Cast as a civic savior for buying back the expansion version of the team he helped move, Al Lerner wanted to win worse than any fan barking in a Dawg mask. The savior was really trying to save his own reputation.

The Browns became a Lerner family heirloom, passed on from Al, a billionaire with enough of a common touch to connect with fans, to his son, Randy. A recluse who lived for much of his tenure in the Hamptons, Randy liked soccer enough to buy Aston Villa, a Premier League team in England.

Carmen Policy, the empty suit hired by Al to run the team, did Randy no favors when he told a story about the young Lerner, sleeping in Browns pajamas as a little boy. It was easy to picture Randy as Ralphie from "A Christmas Story" in his pink nightmare of a bunny suit, only with manly orange and brown sleepwear. If the anecdote was meant to belittle Randy, as I believed, it couldn't begin to match the low regard in which Randy held Policy.

I can't think of anyone else in Cleveland sports in the last 30 years who rode into town with similar fanfare and delivered so little in comparison. The ballyhoo was tremendous. Policy and Lerner would be a "Dream Team." When Cleveland fans awoke from their nightmare, it was obvious that Policy was a snake-oil salesman, riding on a salary-cap trick and a shoeshine. It took perceptiveness and guts for Randy to nudge Policy out because he had so charmed Al.

As was the case with his father, Randy was not meddlesome. Reporters seldom saw him, except as a distant figure at training camp, conferring with his coaches or with Jim Brown, who was as up to date in the league as the Chicago Cardinals.

Randy Lerner's hires turned out to be dismal for the most part. The problem is that fans and media members, including me, remain far too inclined to give the Browns the benefit of the doubt. The Dolans, who own the Indians and operate under a premise of fan distrust and a reputation as cheapskates, have actually been far better owners. Check their record.

The Browns' record (68-160, .327) under the two Lerners is made more atrocious because the NFL does more to foster parity than any other league.

But if everyone is going to criticize Randy for his poor hires, it should also be noted that, with the exception of Eric Mangini -- whom a sizable part of the fan base came to like because he won the 2009 Homecoming Game against Pittsburgh -- most of Randy's coaches and executives got good initial reviews, both in ever-adoring Cleveland and nationally.

The biggest constant among those Randy hired was a lack of judgment, bordering at times on a lack of professionalism.

General manager Phil Savage f-bombed a fan in an email, conducted a personal feud with Kellen Winslow II, and spinelessly left coach Romeo Crennel to answer questions about any and all of it. Crennel -- who was from the Bill Belichick coaching tree, as was Mangini -- lacked the energy to discipline Braylon Edwards and Winslow. They became even bigger divas as Browns than they were when drafted.

Mike Holmgren wasted a year with Mangini, even though their football philosophies were diametrically opposed. Throwing Colt McCoy to the wolves with poor receivers and a porous offensive line was the result of the collective wisdom of Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur.

Although there were extenuating circumstances, the Browns bungled the handling of McCoy's concussion, which he suffered in 2011 against Pittsburgh, so badly that the NFL changed its protocol for head injuries during the same season.

Finally, Heckert used a second-round supplemental draft pick on Josh Gordon, a three-time loser in marijuana tests, who lied about it as well. Maybe Gordon is a steal. For now, he vaguely recalls Butch Davis' embarrassing pick in 2001 of rootin', tootin', fast-shootin' Jeremiah Pharms.

Randy Lerner had promised his father he would not sell the Browns until they were successful. That hasn't happened. But Randy is selling them to an owner, Jimmy Haslam III, who has promised to keep the team in Cleveland.

Lerner did what was expected of him there. Other, higher expectations of the family went unmet. Randy Lerner wasn't a good owner by any means, but he wasn't a lucky one, either.

Born in Cleveland, Dufner left for Florida as a teen. But this rising star on the PGA Tour still clings to Northeast Ohio roots.

View full sizeScott Shaw, The Plain Dealer"I've always had it in the back of my mind that I would someday come back here and play," Cleveland native Jason Dufner says of his first WGC-Bridgestone appearance this week at Firestone. "With the exception of the majors, I think this is the most important event of the year, at least for me."

AKRON, Ohio -- At 9:50 Thursday morning, Jason Dufner will step onto the 10th tee on the South Course of Firestone Country Club and you'll have to excuse him if he allows himself a little smile, maybe even that slight smirk of satisfaction that occasionally crosses his face.

This is where Dufner always believed he should be -- indeed, where he always believed he would be -- when he began his life as a professional golfer 12 years ago, armed with not much more than a few Ben Hogan instructional books, an efficient swing and enough determination to fill the dysfunctional water tower that has loomed over the Firestone complex for the past six decades.

While this marks Dufner's first time qualifying for the Bridgestone Invitational, it is not the first time he has set foot on the South Course.

Dufner lives in Auburn, Ala., not far from the school where he earned a degree in economics in 2000 and honorable mention All-American honors in golf. But, he is one of ours.

Born in Cleveland a little more than 35 years ago, Dufner has not forgotten his days of growing up in Olmsted Township, playing Little League baseball in the suburbs and golf at Big Met, Columbia Hills and Springvale.

"I need to find the time to come home, back to Cleveland and play at all those places I played as a kid," he said, sitting at a large round table in the lounge-dining area of the player's locker room at Firestone. "I need to take a week off and just go play all those courses where I learned to play."

He also remembers walking the South Course as a young spectator, dreaming of returning to Akron as one of the PGA Tour's success stories. He carried those dreams throughout his early days as a struggling professional, on the Buy.com Tour and along his journey to stardom.

"I've always had it in the back of my mind that I would someday come back here and play, that career-wise that's where I was looking to be, to be part of an elite field," Dufner said. "I've always looked forward to being here. With the exception of the majors, I think this is the most important event of the year, at least for me."

Bigger than the Memorial, Jack Nicklaus' tournament held annually in Columbus?

"Yes, to me it is because I came to this event when I was 12 and 13 years old. Coming to Firestone was always a big part of my summer. It's close to where I grew up, close to home. We don't get many chances to play golf in Northeast Ohio."

Plenty of family ties

Numerous family members and friends remain scattered throughout the Cleveland area, mostly in the city and the western suburbs. His mother, Barbara Schultz -- the original Jason Dufner fan -- arrived Wednesday from her Atlanta home. Many of the folks that he's known for years will be in the gallery over the next four days. He spent the early part of Monday filling ticket requests.

"It's about 35 a day, I guess," he said while stuffing envelopes with assorted tickets in between bites of scrambled eggs and link sausage. "I haven't really added all of them up. I know it's a lot."

Dufner left the area when he was 11, three years after his parents divorced. While he and his mother lived in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia before settling in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., he always spent the summer with his father, Frank, who passed away from cancer in 2001 at age 50. Jason was 24. It was a loss that took time to overcome. Dufner remembers the good times, including every Father's Day.

"My father and I were close and a lot of our bonds were through sports and golf," he said. "I think of him often and wish he could be here every week, that he would travel around and watch me play. The times we had together were really special."

Dufner is paired in the first two rounds with Keegan Bradley, the man he lost the PGA to in a three-hole playoff after letting a five-shot lead slip away over the final four holes last year. While the loss deprived him of his first career victory, it ushered him out of the shadows and into the glare of the Tour spotlight.

His status at the beginning of 2012 rose higher than July's temperatures. In a whirlwind surge in which he won twice and got married in the span of 22 days in the spring, he has played his way to prominence. He won in convincing fashion, shooting 19 under at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and 11 under at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. In between he married his longtime girlfriend, the former Amanda Boyd.

Misunderstood persona

All the while Dufner maintained the quiet, low-key, no frills, blue collar approach that is as much a part of his personality as his love for Auburn football. Fellow players marveled at his relaxed level of composure, his ability to keep the game and his emotions on an even keel. Ernie Els said it was Dufner's defense mechanism.

Sports writers and television analysts chided him for his stoic demeanor. They said he played with no pulse, imploring for more emotion, a fist-pump here and there. That's just not Dufner's style and the misinterpretation of his persona belies his real personality, one only those close to him get to see.

"Are you kidding?" said Dufner's agent, Ben Walter, of IMG. "He is the ultimate chops-buster. He can talk trash with anyone and he's relentless. He dishes it out good and he can take it right in the chops, too. I might be biased, but I will tell you Jason is a fun guy to be around. He has a great, dry sense of humor."

Walter recalled a recent round of golf at the Country Club in Pepper Pike with Dufner, Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden and wide receiver Josh Cooper.

"We played 36 holes and it was 36 holes of trash talking," he said. "Nothing was spared, nothing was off-limits. It was a riot."

CBS swing comparison of Jason Dufner and Ben Hogan

Dufner wasn't always that way. Quiet, yes. A chops-buster, no.

"Jason was always a quiet kid, a great kid, real polite," said Rick Kunkel, who grew up with Frank Dufner in Fairview Park and remained a close friend until the end. "He'd tag along with us to our softball games. Or, we'd play golf.

"Frank was a good athlete and I think that's where Jason gets it. They would spend hours together. We'd all be ready to leave the park after our softball game and Frank would stay behind and pitch to Jason. Some of us would shag balls."

Schultz said her son comes by his personality honestly.

"I think his personality is a combination of his father and me," she said during a phone interview last week. "His father was laid back too. Jason doesn't get too upset about anything. It takes a lot to get him mad. I think it's a gift."

It is one of many, according to Walter.

"He is a very analytical guy, about his swing and a lot of other things," he said. "He thinks about that stuff a lot. He is very technical, but he's also a very funny guy. He's got an economics degree. He's pretty switched on. He's read a lot of books. He studied Ben Hogan extensively. When he was trying to get over the hump on Tour he talked about how many sports psychology books he had read. He doesn't see a sports psychologist because he's collected enough information that he doesn't need anyone to help him facilitate certain thoughts during a competition. He knows what to think. It's just managing the process and continuing to get better."

So far, the process seems to be coming along just fine.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

Rookie fullback Brad Smelley has many of the tangibles that will increase his chances of making the Cleveland Browns roster. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Rookie fullback Brad Smelley has many of the tangibles that will increase his chances of making the Cleveland Browns roster.

Those tangibles were developed in high school and continued at the University of Alabama. Smelley played quarterback in high school and then he was moved to tight end and H back at Alabama.

If he wanted to stay on the field on the college level, Smelley learned how to block, catch passes and play on the special teams. Not to leave any position open, Smelley spent time working on his long snap following training camp on Wednesday.

"I have to do whatever I have to do and compete in everything," Smelley said. "I have to be ready to contribute in any way when my name is called. I'm coming in here willing to do everything they want me to do."

Smelley has rejoined college teammate Trent Richardson in training camp. Smelley said fans in Cleveland are in a for a treat.

"He knows how to progress the ball down the field better than anyone I've seen," Smelley said. "He's a great player and he's going to prove that over and over again."

Click here to watch this video on a mobile device.

Plain Dealer's Cleveland Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot and reporter Branson Wright report on what happened during day 4 of training camp 2012. Watch video

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