The Indians parted ways with veteran left-hander J.C. Romero, sending him to Baltimore for minor league infielder Carlos Rojas.

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- The Indians have traded veteran left-hander J.C. Romero fromr Class AAA Columbus to Baltimore for veteran minor league shortstop Carlos Rojas.

Romero, 36, had an out in his contract that said he could get his release if he wasn't in the big leagues by Wednesday. The Indians told him that they weren't going to promote him by the deadline so they worked a trade out with the Orioles.

Romero will join the Orioles bullpen.

The trade has a twist. Romero, who pitched 11 games for St. Louis this year at the start of the season, pitched 17 games for Class AAA Norfolk, Baltimore's top minor league team, after being released by the Cardinals in May. He requested his release from the Orioles so he could sign a minor league deal with the Indians.

Rojas, 28, is in his 12th minor league season. He was hitting .208 (22-for-106) with eight runs, two doubles and seven RBI at Norfolk.

He reportedly has a good glove and a bad bat. Royals, a right-handed hitter, is 6-1 and 186 pounds.

In eight games with Columbus, Romero saved one game and had a 3.12 ERA. He allowed three runs in 8 2/3 innings with seven strikeouts and three walks.

The Indians currently have only one left-handed reliever in the bullpen with Tony Sipp. Chris Seddon could move into the pen when Roberto Hernandez is added to the rotation for Wednesday night's start.

Rafael Perez, another lefty reliever, just resumed his rehab in the minors. He's been out since late April with a strained left lat.

It's believed the Indians signed Romero for depth and in case they needed another left-hander for the stretch run. The Indians recent 11-game losing streak ended thoughts of a stretch run and probably made Romero available.

Tonight's lineups:

Indians (53-62): 2B Jason Donald (R), SS Asdrubal Cabrera (S), RF Shin-Soo Choo (L), DH Carlos Santana (S), CF Michael Brantley (L), LF Shelley Duncan (R), 3B Brent Lillibridge (R), 1B Casey Kotchman (L), C Lou Marson (R), RHP Justin Masterson (8-10, 4.68).

Angels (60-55): CF Mike Trout (R), RF Torii Hunter (R), 1B Albert Pujols (R), DH Kendry Morales (S), LF Mike Trumbo (R), 3B Alberto Callaspo (S), 2B Howie Kendrick (R), SS Erick Aybar (S), C Chris Iannetta (R) and LHP C.J. Wilson (9-8, 3.34).

Umpires: H Gerry Davis, 1B Phil Cuzzi, 2B Greg Gibson, 3B Manny Gonzalez.

Indians vs. Wilson: Choo is hitting .250 (2-for-8) with a home run. No Indian has more than two hits against Wilson.

Angels vs. Masterson: Hunter is hitting .333 (5-for-15) with three homers.

Next: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez (9-11, 5.25) will face new Angel RHP Zack Greinke (9-4, 3.74) Tuesday night at 10:05 p.m. STO/WTAM will carry the game.

The Indians travel to the west coast tonight to face the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @hoynsie.

The Indians travel to the west coast tonight to face the Los Angeles Angels for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerCleveland Indians Asdrubal Cabrera throws to first over the Los Angeles Angels Alberto Callaspo but did not get a double play in the 2nd inning on July 4, 2012, at Progressive Field.

Look for Ohio University and Miami to challenge for the division title.

View full sizeBill Starling, Press-RegisterOhio coach Frank Solich

Mid-American Conference football in 2012 should roll along with its array of wide-open offenses designed to spread the defense and attack from every angle. The MAC East and West divisions both feature 3,000-yard passing quarterbacks that should pilot prime contenders for a division title and league supremacy.

In the MAC East, defending champ Ohio, led by QB Tyler Tettleton, and Miami, led by QB Zac Dysert, should be in the heat of a strong division race. Bowling Green, with yet another 3,000-yard passer in Matt Schilz, has all the pieces to be a contender. And Kent State, with its defense and running game, could surprise. Here is a breakdown of the MAC East, in predicted order of finish. A breakdown of the MAC West will be published later in the week.

1. Ohio Bobcats

Coach: Frank Solich (eighth year at OU, 50-40, 36-20 MAC; 14th year overall, 108-59).

Last season: 10-4, 6-2.

Offense: It all begins with QB Tyler Tettleton (3,302 yds, 28 TDs) and six returning starters, three on the line. Defending MAC East champs also get WR Donte Foster (30 rec., 5 TDs) back for a solid core that knows how to put points on the scoreboard (30.5 ppg).

Defense: Solid 2011 unit can only get better with eight starters back, led by DE Tremayne Scott (62 tackles, 31/2 sacks) and DB Travis Carrie (49 tackles, 4 INTs). OU led the league in interceptions last season (16).

Special teams: Kicker Matt Weller (48-for-49 PAT, 25-for-35 FG) returns, but a punter must be found.

Overview: Tettleton and a defense that allowed 22.1 ppg last season can take OU to the East title, but Bobcats have to win the close ones. They were 2-3 in games decided by less than a TD last season.

Key game: Oct. 27 at Miami (Ohio).

2. Miami RedHawks

Coach: Don Treadwell (second year, 4-8, 3-5).

Last season: 4-8, 3-5.

View full sizeDavid Kohl, APMiami quarterback Zac Dysert

Offense: Prolific is the word for the tandem of QB Zac Dysert (3,513 yds, 23 TDs) and WR Nick Harwell (97 rec, 1,425 yds, 9 TDs). The offense has eight starters back.

Defense: Seven starters return for an under-appreciated unit that allowed 363.7 ypg and 22.9 ppg. DE Jason Semmes (49 tackles, 41/2 sacks) and DT Austin Brown (33 tackles, 3 sacks) lead the way.

Special teams: Punter Zac Murphy is solid (39.1 ypk), but kicker Mason Krysinski (30-for-33 PAT, 2-for-6 FG) must improve.

Overview: Dysert and Harwell are getting NFL looks. If a running game can take some pressure off that duo -- and keep the defense off the field --the RedHawks could be in line for a special season.

Key game: Oct. 13 at Bowling Green.

3. Bowling Green Falcons

Coach: Dave Clawson (fourth year at BG, 14-23, 10-14; 12th year overall, 72-72).

Last season: 5-7, 3-5.

Offense: QB Matt Schilz (3,024 yds, 28 TDs) leads seven starters back for an offense that can go toe to toe with any in the MAC. The Falcons discovered a RB last season in Anthon Samuel (844 yds, 5 TDs) for balance, but there is a new WR corps.

View full sizeDave Zapotosky, Toledo BladeThe Bowling Green defense gets back 10 starters from 2011.

Defense: Ten starters are back, but this unit forced only 15 turnovers last season and allowed 406.0 ypg. LB Paul Swain (63 tackles, 1 sack) and DB BooBoo Gates (73 tackles, 2 INTs) are key.

Special teams: Punter Brian Schmiedebusch (45.3 ypk) is one of the MAC's best. Kicker Steve Stein (24-for-25 PAT, 8-for-11 FG) is solid.

Overview: Offense is a given. If the defense (28.8 ppg, 406.0 ypg allowed) can rise to the middle of the MAC pack, the Falcons can go to a bowl. If that unit cracks the top five, BG can contend for the title in a division that could be at least a three-team race.

Key game: Sept. 15 at Toledo.

4. Kent State Golden Flashes

Coach: Darrell Hazell (second year, 5-7, 4-4).

Last season: 5-7, 4-4.

View full sizePaul Tople, Akron Beacon JournalKent State running back Trayion Durham

Offense: Even with nine starters back, the unproven WRs, unsettled QB play and just 17.1 ppg makes this offense a question mark. Senior Spencer Keith (1,682 yds, 11 TDs) is being pushed for the quarterback job. TB Trayion Durham (630 yds, 4 TDs) will see his workload increase.

Defense: Nine starters, led by DT Roosevelt Nix (39 tackles, 41/2 sacks) and LB C.J. Malaulu (83 tackles, 31/2 sacks), make this a deep unit and one of the top defenses (325.2 ypg) in the MAC. Cutting down on penalties (76-for-764 yds) will make it even better.

Special teams: Kicker Freddie Cortez (18-for-23 PAT, 13-for-17 FG) returns, and a punter must be found.

Overview: A quirky schedule gives Kent nine, 11 and 10 days off amidst its first four games, which should help newcomers and aid any injured players. A division title chase and an above-.500 season is possible.

Key game: Sept. 19 at Buffalo.

5. Buffalo Bulls

Coach: Jeff Quinn (third year, 6-20, 3-13).

Last season: 3-9, 2-6.

Offense Eight starters are back, but the search is on for a QB, which does not bode well in a league saturated with veteran QBs. Tailback Branden Oliver (1,395, 13 TDs) and his veteran line will have to shoulder the load to keep the Bulls competitive early on.

Defense: Eight starters are back, led by LB Khalil Mack (65 tackles, 51/2 sacks) and LB Lee Skinner (80 tackles). But this unit's 13 forced turnovers were less than half of what most MAC teams produced and must be an area of improvement.

Special teams: Experienced kicker Patrick Clarke (10-for-10 PAT, 6-for-6 FG) is back, but a punter must be found.

Overview: If a QB emerges quickly, the experience this team has around him could make the Bulls one of the surprise units in the MAC East. If Oliver stays healthy, a bowl bid is attainable with a bit of good fortune.

Key game: Nov. 3 vs. Miami (Ohio).

6. Massachusetts Minutemen

Coach: Charley Molnar (first season).

Last season: 5-6.

Offense: UMass makes its debut in MAC football. It returns six offensive starters, including three linemen. The QB is Strongsville product Kellen Pagel (1,725 yds, 9 TDs), the son of former Browns quarterback Mike Pagel, who began his career in the MAC at Bowling Green.

Defense: Eight starters return from a unit that allowed 32 or more points in its final three games in 2011 and five games overall. LB Perry McIntyre (116 tackles, 61/2 sacks) and DB Darren Thellen (68 tackles, 5 INTs) should make their presence felt quickly.

Special teams: Punter Jeff Strait (37.3 ypk) and K Brandon Levengood (5-for-7 FG) are solid.

Overview: The Minutemen are in a new league with a new head coach and coming off a losing season. That's not a good foundation for quick success. A tough early schedule (UConn, Indiana, Michigan, Miami RedHawks, OU) could wear this team down before October.

Key game: Nov. 10 at Akron. First shot at a win?

7. Akron Zips

Coach: Terry Bowden (first year at Akron; 19th year overall, 140-62-2).

Last season: 1-11, 0-8.

Offense: Six starters return, the most proven being TB Jawon Chisholm (961 yds, 5 TDs). However, Bowden is revamping this offense to match the high-scoring units around the league, so new faces will show up throughout the lineup, including at quarterback.

Defense: Six starters return, but like its offensive brother, the defense has a new guru in town with defensive coordinator Chuck Amato bringing a new philosophy. LB Troy Gilmer (71 tackles) and DL Nick Caponi (30 tackles) must help improve Akron's turnover number (11), which was last in the MAC.

Special teams: Both a punter and kicker must be found.

Overview: Lots of questions and ifs hang over this team. Two wins would be a good season.

Key game: Nov. 10 vs. UMass -- the Zips' best shot at a league win.

It was 60 years ago that Nate Brooks brought home the gold medal as the flyweight champion in the Games held in Helsinki, Finland.

Plain Dealer file photoNate Brooks displays the form that won the flyweight gold medal at the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland.

The Summer Olympics always hold a special meaning for Nate Brooks. It was no different this time around; in fact, even a little more meaningful.

It was 60 years ago that Brooks brought home the gold medal as the flyweight champion in the Games held in Helsinki, Finland. He always likes to remember winning his gold-medal bout Aug. 2 and turning 19 two days later in 1952.

Asked how often he reflects on his accomplishment, Brooks said: "Whenever they start having the Olympics again. But not really too much. I think about it when I look at a scrapbook."

Brooks, who lives in Warrensville Heights, gathered with family and friends two weeks ago for the opening ceremonies. Hopes were high for USA boxers, including Cleveland middleweight Terrell Gausha.

But for the first time in Olympic history, the American men did not medal.

In 1952, Team USA won five of the 10 weight divisions as Brooks, winning five bouts, triumphed at 112 pounds; Chuck Adkins at 140; Floyd Patterson at 160; Norval Lee at 175; and Eddie Sanders at heavyweight.

Brooks defeated Germany's Edgar Basel for the gold medal. He recalled his brother giving him plenty of confidence before going overseas.

"I used to spar with my brother, Paul" said Brooks, a John Adams graduate. "He told me I had fought better guys just making the team than I would fight over there."

Family has always meant a lot to Brooks. While bringing home the gold meant a lot to him, it was also important to his father, Frank.

"My dad was just crazy about that medal," said Brooks, a widower. "I put it in his casket with him [in 1957]."

Brooks and several friends spend their time following track and field at all levels. They travel to local high school meets and always attend the state championships in Columbus. Boxing can only hold so much interest.

"They have so few fights now," said Brooks. "It's not nearly as popular as it used to be."

Good news: The only good report from USA Boxing was that two women boxers returned from London with medals, as middleweight Claressa Shields took gold at flyweight. Marlen Esparza won a bronze in the first female boxing competition.

The men's side lost nine of its final 10 bouts to notch the shutout.

American men have won a record 108 medals in boxing. David Reid in 1996 [Atlanta] and Andre Ward in 2004 [Australia] are the two most recent gold-medal winners.

Reading list: Author W.K. Stratton has put together a fascinating look at the life and ring career of Patterson, one of Brooks' 1952 teammates. "Floyd Patterson: The Fighting Life of Boxing's Invisible Champion" (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $25) is a biographical account of the first fighter to regain the heavyweight championship.

Farewell: The death Saturday in Akron of former heavyweight champion Michael Dokes at age 54 to cancer was the end of a life lived much too fast and short. We would have liked to have written more about the ring exploits of a truly gifted big man, but instead Dokes will more often be remembered for his self-destruction to drugs.

We should not be too quick to condemn him for his failures. Perhaps we can blame too much early celebrity and money for his downfalls. They surely played a part.

Still, it would have been heartening if it had worked out another way.

This date: James J. Jeffries knocked out James J. Corbett in the 10th round in San Francisco in 1903. It was the first time oxygen was used in the corner.

TV: ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights" are in Miami, Okla., where super middleweights Adonis Stevenson (18-1, 15 KOs) and Donovan George (22-2-1, 19 KOs) square off at 10 p.m.

Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress wants rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden to stay aggressive despite some mistakes in the first preseason game against the Lions. Watch video

View full sizePDBrandon Weeden will make some rookie mistakes, but the Browns don't want him to become gun-shy because of them.

You can call him Roberto Hernandez or you can call him Fausto Carmona. It doesn't matter. The important thing is how he pitches Wednesday night in his first big-league start since his arrest for identity fraud in January.

View full sizeJohn Kuntz, Plain Dealer file photoAfter getting some work in the minors, Roberto Hernandez will be back on the mound for the Indians on Wednesday.

Josh Cribbs knows he's a lot more than just a "special-teams player who plays receiver," which is how Browns coach Pat Shurmur described him at the start of camp. Watch video

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain DealerJosh Cribbs, who has an NFL record eight kickoff returns for touchdowns, caught 41 passes for 518 yards and four touchdowns in 2011.

"I'm not OK with that," said Cribbs, who is third on the depth chart at wideout behind Greg Little and rookie Josh Gordon. "My reps being depleted, I'm not OK with it. I have no problem playing my role at a high level and doing what they ask of me, but I'm not complacent at all."

That same day, Shurmur remarked that the eighth-year pro was "on the back nine of his career."

"I don't really listen to it," Cribbs said.

What he does know is that his numbers were good last season despite a sluggish offense and a 4-12 record.

"I was the second-leading receiver on the team last year, and that speaks volumes," he said. "I'm not going to play a lot, but the second-most balls on the team last year? I can attest to that."

Cribbs finished second to Little with a career-high 41 receptions and 518 yards, and tied Evan Moore for the team lead with four touchdown catches.

"I'd love to see my role on offense expand," Cribbs said. "What player doesn't want to be in the game? I'd be a fool not to want to be in there. But I'm OK with it as long as we're winning."

He said he will happily make his mark on special teams -- returning punts and kicks and covering -- as long as the team is successful.

"If we've got guys that are getting the job done, I'm all for it," he said. "As long as we're winning, I'll sit there and score 100 touchdowns on returns and make 100 tackles. You won't hear me unless we're not winning off the break [bye week Nov. 11) and I know I can help us win."

In practice, Cribbs has been working with the first-team offense in three-receiver sets because of injuries to Mohamed Massaquoi (concussion) and rookie Travis Benjamin (undisclosed). Cribbs, who had worked with the second- and third-team all camp, has been lining up outside opposite Gordon, with Little in the slot with the first team. It's the formation the Browns will most likely use Thursday night in Green Bay.

Offensive coordinator Brad Childress said he'll find a place for Cribbs.

"We'll find a way to factor him in there somewhere, most likely," Childress said. "It depends on how much special teams he's playing."

Last season, when Cribbs felt he wasn't helping enough on offense, he said he might as well just go back to his bread-and-butter special teams.

Cribbs doesn't believe Shurmur is now making him eat those words.

"They drafted a good, young receiver in Benjamin, and they took Gordon in the supplemental draft," Cribbs said. "I realize changes are being made and, if it helps our team, I'm all for it. I won't stand in the way."

But he is also confident he will have plenty of chances at wideout this season, in addition to his special teams duties. Cribbs is the NFL career leader with eight kickoff returns for TDs.

"This is preseason -- a lot of things change once the final roster gets out," Cribbs said. "Only [45] people can be dressed on game day, and only a certain amount of receivers can be dressed on game day. I hope to be one of them and I know that when given the opportunity, I'm going to make plays, both on offense and special teams. I don't have a doubt in my mind that I'm going to get in on offense."

Cribbs said he knows he will see some time at receiver, because it's a long season.

"I'm one of the more durable guys on the team, so I'm going to be around," he said. "I can take a pounding and I play injured. I'm going to be catching a lot of balls this year."

In the final year of his contract, Cribbs said he is not worried about an extension. (There are no discussions taking place.)

"[If I] run back about six touchdowns and eight to 10 receiving, it'll take care of itself," he said. "When I was going through the contract situation [in 2010], Jim Brown told me, 'Just play.' He said, 'If you play good, you get paid good.' "

As long as he is somewhere on the field, he plans to make a splash.

"When they call on me, I'm going to be that big-play guy," he said. "There's going to come a time where they're going to need me to make plays. I'm going to ball out harder than these younger guys, for sure. I have the ability to affect change no matter where I play on the field, and that's what I'm going to do."

Highlights include Indians at Angels.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerUbaldo Jimenez gets the start for the Indians against the Angels tonight in Los Angeles. The 10:05 game will be televised on SportsTime Ohio and broadcast on WTAM/1100-AM.

Former Indian Derek Lowe pitched four shutout innings in New York's 8-2 win over Texas on Monday night, earning his first regular-season save since 2001 while with Boston.

New York Yankees' Derek Lowe pitches during the sixth inning of the baseball game against the Texas Rangers Monday, Aug. 13, 2012 at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

NEW YORK — Two weeks ago, Derek Lowe thought his season might be over. He was that disgusted with the way he was pitching.

Now, he is a New York Yankees reliever.

Lowe signed a contract with the Yankees on Monday, two weeks after being designated for assignment by the Cleveland Indians.

"I was honest with myself," said Lowe after just arriving at Yankee Stadium. "I said, 'I'm not going to go back if I can't figure out what I have to change.'"

A self-professed career-long "tinkerer," the 39-year-old Lowe spent his brief time out of baseball working on his delivery in Fort Myers, Fla., getting back to the place where he felt he could contribute.

And contribute he did in his Yankees debut.

Lowe pitched four shutout innings in New York's 8-2 win over Texas on Monday night, earning his first regular-season save since 2001 while with Boston.

"I had to get back to hiding the ball a little better," Lowe said. "I'm not going to do jumping jacks because you pitch one good game because you're in this for the long haul."

When he was released by Cleveland on Friday he had been talking to Baltimore, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Boston, the team he helped to win the 2004 World Series championship. The Yankees jumped in without seeing him throw when ace CC Sabathia went on the disabled list Saturday because of elbow trouble, and the deal was quickly agreed to.

"It happened in literally 10 minutes," the two-time All-Star said.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi wasn't concerned that no one in the organization saw Lowe pitch in Florida after the right-hander had an 8.80 ERA over his last 12 starts for the Indians.

"This is a guy that's been good for a significant period of time," Girardi said.

Right-hander Ryota Igarashi was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to make room on the roster for Lowe.

One of three pitchers in major league history with at least 160 wins and 80 saves — John Smoltz and Dennis Eckersley are the others — Lowe is confident he'll have no trouble working out of the bullpen for the first time since making one appearance in 2007 for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The 16-year veteran is 174-156 with 85 saves for Cleveland, Atlanta, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston and Seattle. He's made 287 relief appearances. And he threw a no-hitter for Boston in 2002.

Lowe started the season 6-1 with a 2.05 ERA, but finished his stint with the Indians in a 2-9 slide. By the end of his time with Cleveland, his slider was coming out like "mashed potatoes."

"I stopped throwing bullpens for a while because I was so bad," he said.

Lowe is eager to pitch in New York — even if he might not be a fan favorite in the Bronx. He pitched six exceptional innings in Game 7 of the 2004 AL championship series at Yankee Stadium, helping Boston complete a remarkable comeback from a 3-0 deficit in the series.

"I think playing eight years in Boston and you got a little of it in L.A., but I've always enjoyed this time of year and playing in big markets and having every game mean something, and being accountable for what you do," Lowe said. "I don't care what my role is here. You pitch when you're told. But these atmospheres on the East Coast, you can't compare to anywhere else."

In the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract, Lowe doesn't look at this as an opportunity to extend his career beyond this season.

"I'm sitting here watching baseball on TV, I'm not worried about next year," Lowe said he told his agent.

Checking in with Cleveland area legend and former Cincinnati Bearcats basketball star Melvin Levett, from Kyrie Irving's Basketball Camp in Avon Lake.

View full sizeCurt Chandler/PDSt. Joe's Melvin Levett, right, watches Wauseon's Cory Griggs (30) at mid-court during their state final game in Columbus, Ohio, Staurday, March 26, 1994.

I was sitting on the gym floor inside Borromeo Seminary, just behind half-court. It was summertime, and I was in elementary school. 

It had been a productive day at the Clark Kellogg-Mike Moran Basketball Camp in Cleveland. My run through the Mikan Drill felt pretty smooth, and I made a mental note to do more figure eight dribbling when I got home. 

I was learning a lot about the game of basketball, having a great time with my friends, but what I’d watch while sitting there I’d never forget. He must have been flying. It was the only explanation that made sense to me.

They said his name was Melvin Levett, a junior at Villa Angela St. Joseph’s High School. The display he was putting on before a mesmerized collection of young basketball campers would’ve won the NBA’s Dunk Contest, I thought. 

It was the first time I had ever seen a basketball-playing superstar up-close, and in-person.

This weekend, nearly twenty years later, Kyrie Irving became that first superstar many of the nine, ten and eleven year-olds who attended his Basketball Camp had ever encountered themselves.

The reigning Rookie of the Year held his second annual ProCamps Basketball camp at Avon Lake High School on Saturday and Sunday. To bring it all full-circle for me, I'd stop by to find Melvin “The Helicopter” Levett on hand for this one too.

I bumped into Coach Levett in the hallway on Saturday. He was wearing a ProCamps t-shirt, basketball shorts, whistle around his neck, and a smile across his face. As he ushered a collection of third graders from one gym to the other, I walked over to say hello. 

“I’m going to get these kids going at their station”, Levett said. "Then I’ll come by, catch-up with you for sure.”

After his group started moving through a series of drills, he walked back over to where I was standing. We leaned up against the padded wall adjacent to the hoop where his campers were stationed, as we continued to talk. 

“I’ve been doing a lot of coaching lately”, Levett told me. “Doing a lot of AAU coaching, and a lot of basketball training in the Cincinnati area. I’m coaching Women’s Varsity at Cincinnati Aiken High School right now, and I spent several years previously at Miami University’s Regional Campuses where I was the Head Coach over at Hamilton for a time”.

As a player, Melvin Levett learned the game of basketball under a collection of legendary coaches; first under Coach Mike Moran, as a Villa-Angela St. Joe’s Viking. Moran has since gone on to continue his Hall of Fame career as the Head Coach at John Carroll University. 

Levett would leave VASJ following his junior season and attend the national powerhouse Oak Hill Academy for a time, before concluding his high school career as a senior under Doc Daugherty at Euclid High School. 

His prep run would be followed by four seasons under Coach Bob Huggins at the University of Cincinnati, from 1995-99.

“Since I went back and graduated from college in 2005, I feel like a lot of doors have been opening up education-wise and coaching-wise for me”, Levett said. “So I’ve been doing that a little bit now. This will be my fourth year of substitute teaching in the Cincinnati Public School District, as well as in the Hamilton County School District.”

As a junior and senior with the UC Bearcats, Levett averaged over 14 points and 4 rebounds per game each year. He was named an Honorable Mention All American in 1999, and concluded his career as the 27th player in UC history to score over one thousand points. 

He was selected with the 25th pick of the 2nd Round by the Detroit Pistons in 1999, and was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. He’d never play in the NBA, but has stayed close to the game as a coach since retiring in 2002 following arthroscopic surgery on his ankle. 

Over the last three summers specifically, Levett has served as a coach and instructor with ProCamps, the company who hosted Kyrie Irving’s camp this past weekend.

“It’s my third year now with ProCamps, and this has been wonderful”, Levett said of working their series of basketball camps each summer. 

“I started out several years back down in Kentucky with Tayshaun Prince’s ProCamp. It’s an unbelievable opportunity to stay around the game, to teach the game, and then obviously get a chance to meet guys like Kyrie. 

I was in Indianapolis last week for Danny Granger’s ProCamp, and I was at the Buckeye Stars Camp the previous week with Sullinger and those guys.

ProCamps does a wonderful, wonderful job. These camps are very structured. You can’t have these camps without structure, and that’s what they do. They make sure everything is on-point.”

With the obvious ties to his hometown, Levett said the opportunity to coach at Kyrie’s basketball camp was a weekend he had circled on his calendar for a while now.

“I was chomping at the bit man”, he said with an enthusiastic smile. “I couldn’t wait to get here and have an opportunity to work with these kids from the area. Then to meet him [Kyrie] before - before all of the stuff he’s going to do – that’s been great too. He’s going to be a great player. He’s going to be an NBA All Star, and hopefully he’s going to be an NBA Champion. 

I’m excited about getting this opportunity to meet him as he is right now. I think that's a little more significant, than when he finally gets there, to the ultimate supremacy. To have this chance to see him now when he’s raw, and he’s a very, very good kid. I say kid because I’m much older than he is [laughs], but at the same time he’s a good talent.”

As we continued to talk, Levett motioned down to a court behind us. Kyrie Irving was running up and down the floor in a referee’s jersey, officiating a game filled with ten-year-olds.

“Right there, for example, I see him running around reffing games right here, right now with these kids. He’s involved to that level, and it’s unbelievable. He doesn’t have to be here and to do this, but he does. He could come in, they could see him for a few minutes, and then he could leave. But he’s here like that, just as all these ProCamps’ guys are, and it’s great to be a part of this.”

Getting back to those guys he played with when I was attending youth basketball camps, Levett said he still keeps in touch with his former teammates from high school.

“Me and Babe [Kwasniak, Head Boys Coach at VASJ] always keep in contact”, Levett said. “I was just back [at VASJ] before a game this year against Trinity. I got a chance to speak in Chapel, and I forgot what Chapel used to be like. The cold chills and all that stuff, so I had a chance to do that and it was a special moment.

I went over Euclid as well, another former alma mater, and I do try to keep in contact with most of the guys. A lot of the guys I played with at St. Joe’s and Euclid are coaching now too, so that makes it easier.”

As we finished talking, I told him I’d always remember those times I spent first watching him do his thing way back in the day at basketball camp’s just like this one. He smiled, told me he appreciated that, and then it was back to work. 

The Helicopter has a lifetime of basketball knowledge to share now that his playing career has landed on solid ground. And that new journey, for Coach Melvin Levett, is only just beginning.

Due to inclement weather, today’s training camp practice has been moved indoors. As a result, it will not be open to the public.

Due to inclement weather, today's training camp practice has been moved indoors.  As a result, it will not be open to the public.

Plain Dealer columnist Terry Pluto with talk with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the latest Cleveland sports news today at 1 p.m.

Terry Pluto tackles your questions today at 1 p.m.

Get your questions ready and join Terry Pluto today at 1 p.m. as he talks Cleveland sports.

Terry will talk with cleveland.com's Glenn Moore about the Browns first preseason game Friday, their upcoming game Thursday, the Tribe's recent play and the Cavaliers signing of C.J. Miles.

You can jump in the chat room and ask your questions as well as interact with other users and respond to Terry’s remarks, or you can just listen. The chat will also be made available shortly after its completion in mp3 format.

"Definitely on the back nine of his career, past his prime. He peaked three years ago. I would love to have someone prove me otherwise, and I'm sure Shurmur would love to be proved wrong as well." - brownsugar3

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealerCleveland Browns Josh Cribbs battles defensive back Joe Haden running a route during practice at the Browns camp in Berea.

"Definitely on the back nine of his career, past his prime. He peaked three years ago. I would love to have someone prove me otherwise, and I'm sure Shurmur would love to be proved wrong as well.

I have no problem with Shurmur's comment, no need to sugar coat the truth.

I do, however, have an issue with Cribbs ignoring them along with the "all I care about is winning" followed by "play good and get paid" comment. Dude is torn between trying to say the right things and his real motive for this contract season."

Nate Clements, Shaker Heights graduate, is one of the veteran leaders for the Cincinnati Bengals. Watch video

CINCINNATI, Ohio ----- Nate Clements is in his 12th NFL training camp, and the joy remains despite the repetition and the grueling hours.

A dozen years on any job, especially in the NFL, is cause for celebration, and Clements is thankful for every snap.

"I'm not bored," said Clements, a 1998 graduate of Shaker Heights High School. "I still have a passion for this game. Training camp is grueling, but you reap all of the benefits when it's time to play on Sunday."

Clements is near the end of a career that began when he was drafted out of Ohio State by the Buffalo Bills in the 2001 draft, 21st overall. After six years with the Bills, Clements signed as a free agent with the 49ers. The 49ers released Clements in 2011. He is in the final year of deal with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The end is near in a career that includes one Pro Bowl season (2004) and one of the biggest contracts in NFL history: eight years, $80 million with $22 million guaranteed with the 49ers.

"I cherish every opportunity to step out on this field," Clements said. "I'm very fortunate and blessed. I don't have a timetable when it comes to when my career will end. I've enjoyed each and every moment playing in the NFL."

Watch for the second installment of our AFC North Tour, on the Cincinnati Bengals, coming Sunday in The Plain Dealer and on Cleveland.com. The first preview, on the Pittsburgh Steelers, published last Sunday.

"I know everyone ridiculed the Lillibridge deal. I ridiculed the Lillibridge deal. Considering the circumstances it was ridiculous. But the more I see him the more I like him. He's got speed, a nice short swing, and he seems to like to be in the middle of things." - pasadena pete

View full sizeChuck Crow/The Plain DealeCleveland Indians Brent Lillibridge hits an rbi single to score Michael Brantley to tie the game 2-2 in the 5th inning against the Boston Red Sox on August 11, 2012, at Progressive Field.

"I know everyone ridiculed the Lillibridge deal. I ridiculed the Lillibridge deal. Considering the circumstances it was ridiculous. But the more I see him the more I like him. He's got speed, a nice short swing, and he seems to like to be in the middle of things. Another plus is he came up through the White Sox org. and they really know how to evaluate talent."

On their last nine-game trip, the Indians didn't win a game. That will not happen on this nine-game West Coast trip because the opened with a 6-2 victory over the Angels on Monday night.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Just call Justin Masterson the stopper. Every pitching staff needs one.

It would have been nice if he'd arrived a little earlier this season. Perhaps contention would still be a topic of discussion in Cleveland, but better late than never.

After ending the Indians 11-game losing streak Wednesday with a win against the Twins, Masterson ended their 10-game road losing streak Monday night in a 6-2 victory over Los Angeles at Angel Stadium.

"I have no clue," said Masterson, when asked if he enjoyed being the stopper. "I just want to go out and pitch well. If I do that, I think I ll give us a chance to win.

"I just wanted to go out and give us a good effort at the start of another long road trip. The boys came through for us."

The Indians went 0-9 on their last trip against the Twins, Royals and Tigers. When they came home, they lost two more to extend the losing streak to 11 games, one shy of the franchise record set in 1931. Masterson stopped that and Monday night he helped the Indians earn their first road win since July 18.

"That's a great stat," said Acta, concerning Masterson as a stopper. "He's the No.1 guy on our staff. We look up to him every five days to stop any type of losing streak or continue any type of winning stuff."

Masterson (9-10, 4.50) pitched six scoreless innings. In his past two starts, he's allowed two earned runs in 13 innings.

"In the last start I was able to get into a good spot and was able to carry it into this one," said Masterson, who struck out four, walked three and allowed six hits against the Angels. "The goal for me is to finish strong. If that happens, it will help the team to finish strong."

Masterson was aided by three double plays, just enough offense and a fine showing by the bullpen. While Chris Perez, with runners on first and second, relieved Esmil Rogers in the ninth to strike out the side in order and earn his 100th career save, the best relief work of the night belonged to Joe Smith.

After Mark Trumbo and Alberto Callaspo opened the seventh with singles, Smith relieved Masterson with a 3-0 lead to protect. Smith retired Howie Kendrick on a fly ball to the track in right and struck out Erick Aybar and Chris Iannetta.

"A fantastic job by Smitty," said Acta.

Vinnie Pestano pitched the eighth, but his streak of 21 consecutive scoreless innings ended in front of his hometown crowd when Albert Pujols hit a two-run homer to make it 3-2.

The Indians came right back score three runs in the ninth. Ezequiel Carrera, Brent Lillibridge and Casey Kotchman opened the ninth with singles to load the bases against Hisanori Takahashi. Lou Marson drew a bases-loaded walk to score Carrera against Jason Isringhausen. Pinch-hitter Jason Kipnis added a sacrifice fly and Kotchman scored on Isringhausen's wild pitch.

"We needed to get the momentum back after Albert's homer made it a one-run game," said Acta.

Rogers started the ninth with the Tribe leading, 6-2, but gave up singles to Callaspo and Kendrick to create a save situation for Perez. It took Perez all of 15 pitches, including 12 strikes, to strike out the side for his 32nd save of the season.

"Esmil Rogers was nice enough to give CP (Chris Perez) a save opportunity so he could get that 100th save," said Masterson, kiddingly. "If that ain't a team player, I don't know who is."

Said Perez, "I knew it was my 100th save. In this day and age, it's hard not to with all the media people around. But I'm just trying to do my job."

C.J. Wilson (9-9, 3.32) allowed three runs, two earned, in 6 2/3 innings to take the loss. He is 0-5 in his last nine starts.

Masterson is 3-0 lifetime against the Angels and 2-0 this year with a 1.29 ERA. In seven career starts, he's 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA against Los Angeles.

"He matches up well against this team because they have so many right-handed hitters," said Acta.

The Indians took a 2-0 lead in the third on consecutive singles by Jason Donald and Asdrubal Cabrera. Lillibridge made it 3-0 with a long two-out homer to left in the fourth. Lillibridge has played with the White Sox, Red Sox and Indians this season. He has two homers, both with the Tribe and both coming in the last three days.

Wilson started the seventh with two quick outs, but Marson lined a single through the middle. Wilson tried to stop it with his pitching hand and had to leave the game. Donald greeted LaTroy Hawkins with a single to send Marson to third, but Cabrera grounded out.

It was announced that Wilson left the game with a bruised left hand.

The Angels have lost nine of their last 12 games.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Mohamed Massaquoi might play on Thursday in Green Bay. Watch video

View full sizeChuck Crow, The Plain Dealer"I feel great, always felt great, never developed a symptom or anything," Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquoi said Tuesday as he returned to Browns practice. "Everything that was done was strictly precautionary because of the type of the hit (Friday in Detroit), the way that the hit looked."

BEREA, Ohio -- As Mohamed Massaquoi fell to the turf Tuesday after reaching for a pass, Browns safety T.J. Ward landed on top of the receiver.

Ward helped Massaquoi to his feet and asked him what was probably on the minds of many in the indoor practice facility: "You OK?" Massaquoi nodded yes.

The Browns wideout returned to practice Tuesday and reiterated that he did not suffer a concussion in Friday's exhibition opener in Detroit against the Lions. The statement continues to conflict with what coach Pat Shurmur has been reporting to the media.

"I feel great, always felt great, never developed a symptom or anything," Massaquoi said. "Everything that was done was strictly precautionary because of the type of the hit, the way that the hit looked. So I'm excited just to play right now, and now we're gonna keep moving forward."

Shurmur, who addressed reporters Tuesday before Massaquoi did, said the receiver might play on Thursday in Green Bay, but a final decision has not been made.

Massaquoi, who has suffered at least two documented concussions in the past two seasons, was injured on the first offensive play in Detroit when he absorbed a high hit from Lions safety Erik Coleman immediately after catching a Brandon Weeden pass. The coach said after the game Massaquoi had suffered a concussion, while the player -- using his Twitter account -- wrote he had left for precautionary reasons.

Shurmur was not pleased the receiver had contradicted him and Sunday expressed his dissatisfaction with players taking to social media to discuss team matters. The coach said again Sunday that Massaquoi did suffer a concussion.

The Browns have become quite sensitive to the topic of head injuries after they were criticized for the handling of Colt McCoy's concussion in Pittsburgh last December. That spurred additional player-safety measures from the NFL, including independent athletic trainers being placed in press boxes to look for potential head traumas and the development of a standardized sideline concussion test.

Massaquoi was administered the test on Friday night.

"They have a spotter up top now who watched for things like that," he said. "So, I'm glad that we have a great medical staff that watches for things like that, and they take precautionary action to make sure nothing comes out of it."

League spokesman Greg Aiello said after a spotter signals to a bench to check a player, it's up to the team's medical staff to determine whether to return the player to the game. Given the current climate regarding concussions, most teams are going to err on the side of caution.

Massaquoi said he wanted to remain in the game, but understands players must abide by the league and its new protocol. He participated in full drills and scrimmaging on Tuesday although the players were not in full gear. Massaquoi also joked about getting Shurmur a Twitter account.

"Tweeting is a new-age thing," the receiver said. "Pat's a little older, so he doesn't really understand it. But we're gonna keep certain things in house as far as Twitter goes. We're not gonna give any game plans or anything like that or give too many updates which may hinder something that we're trying to do.

"But Twitter's fun. Hopefully. I can get Pat to get [an account]."

Help up front: The Browns' decimated defensive front seven was bolstered Tuesday with the arrival of lineman Ronnie Cameron claimed on waivers from Chicago. The undrafted rookie free agent practiced with the Browns on Tuesday. The Old Dominion product started all 13 games last season and recorded 73 tackles with 6.5 sacks.

Shurmur was asked if the acquisition of Cameron speaks to the severity of Scott Paxson's knee injury. The list of ailing defensive linemen includes Phil Taylor and Frostee Rucker.

"I think we needed some more depth there," said Shurmur. "It's based on all things defensive line."

Other teams placing a bid on the 6-2, 305 Cameron were Detroit, Houston, Philadelphia and the New York Giants. The Browns were awarded him based on having the worst record among the five teams.

"We thought he was a good player versus the run as well as generating pass rush inside," Shurmur said. "We'll get him in here, get him up and running and hopefully he'll be able to contribute."

Benard returns: Defensive lineman Marcus Benard returned to practice Tuesday. He participated in the entire session and Shurmur said he might play in Green Bay.

Gocong update: Injured linebacker Chris Gocong had surgery Friday to repair his torn right Achilles. Shurmur said he's doing well, but expects him to miss the entire season.

Room with a view: Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said the ability to see the entire field and the chance to get away from the game's raw emotion are among the reasons he will call plays from a booth in the press box this season. Jauron has coached both on the field and up above over the years.

"Upstairs, you're away from the great emotion on the field," Jauron said. "It makes it sometimes easier to call. Definitely easier to see. On the field you can generally see the side of the field closest to you. You can't see the far side.

"Up in the box I can help a little bit with personnel. ... I like certain things about it better. I'd rather be able to look the players in the eye and be down there with them, but we'll see where it goes."

Jauron addressed a variety of topics, among the highlights:

• On the wave of defensive injuries: With the exception of Gocong and Taylor (torn pectoral muscle) he expects most players to return "relatively quickly." Jauron is trying to take a positive approach in that many young players are getting lots of reps.

• On improving the 30th-ranked run defense: "We got creased a number of times. The great news about the run game last year is we generally kept them out of the end zone but you don't like those big plays. ... I know we are [when healthy] a better defense, a deeper defense and I believe we are a tougher defense than we were a year ago."

• On free safety Eric Hagg solidifying a starting role: "It's his for the taking and so far he's embraced it and taken it. He's very into it. He wants to do it."

• On rookie LB James-Michael Johnson: "He's playing with more confidence, he's playing faster, he's the player that we thought we drafted." The Browns are letting Johnson "settle in" to the strong-side linebacker position.

• On the prospects of defensive lineman Brian Sanford: "He's playing well. I anticipate he's gonna make a run at making this football team."

Brownie bits: Jauron believes cornerback Dimitri Patterson (ankle) will miss Thursday's game and Trevin Wade will see ample time in his absence. ... He also thinks linebacker D'Qwell Jackson (undisclosed) is close to returning.

Besides the current series against the Angels, the Indians will be playing playoff contenders in the Athletics, Yankees, Rangers and Tigers in the next month. Reliever Allen hasn't allowed a run. More Indians' story links.

Chuck Crow, The Plain DealerReliever Cody Allen hasn't allowed a run in nine appearances since being promoted to the Indians on July 20.

The Indians reliever was called up to Cleveland on July 20 and has made a positive impression, not only on his bosses, but also on other teams.

After he turned in 1 1/3 scoreless innings against the Red Sox last Friday, a scout from an opposing club remarked, “They’ve got something special in this kid.”

Allen took the fast track to the majors after being drafted in the 23rd round last year, when he pitched for rookie league Mahoning Valley, low Class A Lake County, high Class A Kinston and Double-A Akron. His combined numbers: a 1.65 earned-run average, 14 walks and 75 strikeouts in 54â…” innings.

Again this year, Allen took a whirlwind tour of the Tribe farm system, making stops at Carolina (the former Kinston), Akron and finally Triple-A Columbus.

Thanks to the new investors, the once-private hot spot is open to the public with competitive rates and changes underway.

View full sizePD fileGolfers are again enjoying picturesque Tanglewood holes like the par-5 11th.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A resurrection is underway in Bainbridge.

A small group of investors, committed to saving a golf course they had grown to love years ago, are halfway through a plan to restore Tanglewood -- now known as Tanglewood National -- to its former stature as one of Northeast Ohio's most popular clubs.

In its heyday, Tanglewood was a hustling hot spot with a healthy membership of 325 and an administration that hosted events from the classy to the questionable.

If a sports franchise, celebrity or charitable organization wanted to stage an outing, it took place at Tanglewood. Bernie Kosar held his event there. Fuzzy Zoeller held a clinic shortly after beating Greg Norman in a playoff for the 1984 U.S Open. The Crazy Horse Saloon also held an outing there.

"It was a happening place, ahead of its time, really," said Dominic Antenucci, executive director of the Northern Ohio PGA who was the head professional at nearby Walden at the time. "It seemed like every time you turned around they were hosting something."

Opening the club for outside events came with a price. The membership couldn't find time to play and many were not always comfortable with the surroundings. They began leaving and the club eventually fell into receivership.

Thanks to the new investors, the once-private hot spot that catered to members and anyone with a checkbook is now open to the public with reasonable, competitive rates and changes underway.

It has been a long and expensive ride since Birmingham and Associates, a group whose members prefer to remain anonymous, paid approximately $1 million for the 130-acre property in a 2009 auction. More than $1.5 million has been pumped into the course.

"When they took over there was nothing here," said general manager and PGA pro Matthew Baca. "We didn't even have a lawnmower."

The course, which hosted the 1972 Cleveland Open (won by David Graham), the 1976 Babe Zaharias Classic (won by Judy Rankin) and many Ohio Opens, is about to complete the second of a four-year plan to get the club back into shape. Leaks in the roof of the clubhouse have been fixed. New gutters are in place. The exterior stonework has undergone extensive work. The ballroom and one of the dining rooms has been remodeled and two more will undergo renovation this winter.

On the course, equipment has been purchased and the irrigation system has been upgraded. Eight bridges have been either replaced or repaired. Approximately 1,000 trees have been removed. The greens, once on the brink of extinction, were saved.

"Just in the nick of time," said Baca, who formerly worked at Stonewater. "We have come a long way but we still have a long way to go. But our customers have been fantastic. Tee to green the course has always been a challenge and that's what they like. We have been well supported. Business has been fantastic."

At a time when some courses are struggling due to shrinking disposable incomes, the Tanglewood story is refreshing.

On to Chicago: That's where Medina's Dan Metzendorf, Windham's Rob Schustrich and two out-of-towners are headed following their performance in the U.S. Mid-Am qualifier on Monday on the Weiskopf Course at Quail Hollow.

Metzendorf, a physicist for Sherwin-Williams and a former teammate and roommate of Ben Curtis at Kent State, earned medalist honors with a 2-under 67 and Schustrich tied for second at 1-under 70 as only four players advanced to the tournament at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest, Ill., Sept. 8-13. This is the third time Metzendorf has qualified.

"I was fortunate enough to hang in there and survived until the home stretch," said Metzendorf, who closed with three pars and a key birdie on the 17th. "Early on I hit some ugly tee shots but I was able to make some birdies here and there."

Metzendorf, Schusterich and another qualifier, Mike Castleforte, of Springboro, Ohio, were in the same threesome in the last group of the day.

A greater win: Highland Heights' Nick Palladino, a junior at the University of Rochester, continues to impress. The Mayfield graduate won the Greater Cleveland Amateur last week with a 36-hole score of 2-under 142, a shot better than Matt Heestand. Palladino won the Sand Ridge Junior Invitational and shot a tournament-record 7-under 64 in winning a Classic Auto North Coast Junior Tour event last year.

A winner once more: Parma Heights native Barb Mucha reached the winner's circle for the first time in 14 years last week when she won the $100,000 Wendy's Charity Challenge on the LPGA Legends Tour. Mucha prevailed by winning a two-hole playoff over Cindy Rarick at the Country Club of Jackson (Mich.). Mucha and Rarick twice played the 18th hole before Mucha triumphed with a tap-in par putt.

It was her first win since the 1998 Sara Lee Classic, which also came in a playoff. She won five times during a 19-year career on the LPGA Tour. Now living and teaching in Orlando, Mucha made $15,000.

On Twitter: @TimRogersPD

The Tribe won last night's game against the Angels and will look to take the first two games of this series. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes, @hoynsie.

The Tribe won last night's game against the Angels and will look to take the first two games of this series. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. Get game updates on Twitter from Paul Hoynes @hoynsie or click here for a live game box score. You can also download our Cleveland Indians app for Android to get Tribe updates on your mobile device. Read on for a game preview.

View full sizeAP Photo/Reed SaxonCleveland Indians pitcher Chris Perez pitches to the Los Angeles Angels in the ninth inning, picking up a save in the Indians' 6-2 win in a baseball game in Anaheim.