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Jason Giambi debuts for Cleveland Indians today against Chicago White Sox

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Jason Giambi will start at DH and bat sixth for the Indians this afternoon against the White Sox.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Jason Giambi will play his first game for the Indians today when they play host to the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field.

Tribe right-hander Brett Myers (0-1, 12.19 ERA) faces White Sox righty Jake Peavy (1-1, 5.56). First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

Giambi, recently activated from the disabled list, is the designated hitter and batting sixth for manager Terry Francona. It will be Giambi's first start since July 1, 2012, when he was a member of the Colorado Rockies and played first base against San Diego.

Giambi, 42, enters with a .280 average, 429 homers and 1,405 RBI in 2,164 games of a  career that began in 1995.

Here are the full lineups for both clubs:

Indians: 1. Michael Bourn cf; 2. Asdrubal Cabrera ss; 3. Michael Brantley lf; 4. Nick Swisher rf; 5. Mark Reynolds 1b; 6. Jason Giambi dh; 7. Ryan Raburn 2b; 8. Lonnie Chisenhall 3b; 9. Yan Gomes c; and Brett Myers rhp.

White Sox: 1. Alejandro De Aza cf; 2. Jeff Keppinger 2b; 3. Alex Rios rf; 4. Adam Dunn 1b; 5. Paul Konerko dh; 6. Dayan Viciedo lf; 7. Conor Gillaspie 3b; 8. Alexei Ramirez ss; 9. Tyler Flowers c; and Peavy rhp. 

The bottom four in the Tribe lineup have combined for two homers and eight RBI this season. The bottom four for the White Sox have five homers and seven RBI.  

*Second baseman Jason Kipnis is nursing a sore left elbow. It flared up Saturday morning and forced him to miss the game that night.

"We'll keep treating it aggressively until Tuesday, then re-evaluate,'' he said this morning.

Asked to put a number on his level of concern, Kipnis said: "I'm not going to give it a number right now. We'll have a better idea of the concern level Tuesday.''

Kipnis's right elbow bothered him in spring training.

"Hopefully, this rest will help the right elbow, too,'' he said.

The Indians are off Monday, then begin a three-game series against the Red Sox at Progressive Field.

*Catcher Carlos Santana said he hopes to return to the lineup in some capacity Tuesday. He suffered a bruised left thumb when hit by closer Chris Perez's fastball last Tuesday  against the Yankees. Santana and Perez got their signals crossed.

Earlier this week, Francona expressed hope that Santana would be ready to at least pinch-hit at some point in the White Sox series, and perhaps DH today. But Santana experienced discomfort in the thumb Saturday morning.

"The doctor said that's normal,'' he said of the discomfort. "I feel a lot better today than I did Saturday, though.''

*Swisher is riding a 20-game hitting streak at Progressive Field, tied for longest in the history of the ballpark (Michael Young, Texas, 2004-2008).

Swisher is hitting .322 (47-for-146) with six homers and 26 RBI in 40 games at Progressive Field.

*Reynolds has five homers and 13 RBI. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Reynolds is just the third player in franchise history to have driven in at least 13 before playing the 10th game of his Tribe career. He joined outfielders Juan Gonzalez (14 in nine games, April 2-12, 2001) and Leon Wagner (13 in nine games, April 14-30, 1964).

*Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who had his scheduled start Saturday pushed back to Tuesday, threw a side session Saturday. It was his his second side session since his most recent start, April 8, during which he was rocked by the Yankees.

"I threw 35-40 pitches and felt fine,'' Jimenez said this morning. "I'm ready.'' 

Jimenez and pitching coach Mickey Callaway have used the side sessions to attempt to correct a mechanical flaw concerning weight transfer. Jimenez has been susceptible to flying open with his front side, thereby compromising power and command.

Jimenez's fastball velocity was down against the Yankees, according to ballpark readings. Jimenez maintained that he did not pay attention to what was on the board while giving up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings.

"I had nothing,'' he said of his pitches. "That was the problem.''    

*Lefty Scott Kamzir (DL, rib cage) continues to progress. The target for his return is April 20.

     


Indians vs. White Sox: Get updates this afternoon

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The Indians conclude their series with the Chicago White Sox this afternoon at Progressive Field

Brett Myers delivers Brett Myers takes the mound today for the Indians, hoping for his first win of the season.  

Game 11: Indians (5-5) vs. White Sox (4-6)

First pitch: 1:05 p.m. Where:Progressive Field.

TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WMMS FM/100.7.

Starting pitchers: :RHP Brett Myers (0-1, 12.19 ERA) vs. LHP Jake Peavy (1-1, 5.56).

Box score | MLB scoreboard

» Get updates from Paul Hoynes in the pressbox here

» You can also follow Tweets about the game and post your comments below.

Coaches Byron Scott, Doug Collins face uncertain futures: Cleveland Cavaliers Insider

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Coaches, and longtime friends, Byron Scott and Doug Collins are facing uncertain futures with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively

incavs-scott.jpg View full size As is the case with many coaches on teams that will not make the playoffs, there are questions about Byron Scott's future with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- Longtime friends Byron Scott and Doug Collins found themselves in similar situations heading into Sunday's game at Wells Fargo Center.

As the coaches of the Cavaliers and Sixers, respectively, each is facing an uncertain future at the end of a disappointing season.

"It really doesn't bother me," Scott said. "It's a part of the job. You just deal with it. Whatever happens, happens.

"I think at this point in time, when you have games, it's kind of your outlet. When you have practice, it's your outlet. It's when you have idle time that it bugs you more than anything, because you have to hear all that crap.

"We've been doing this for a while. Coach Collins has been doing it much longer than I have. It's part of the job. The first time I got a coaching job, a friend of mine told me, 'Coaches are hired to be fired.' "

Collins, whose team never recovered after restructuring to accommodate the injured Andrew Bynum and then not having him for a single game, didn't want to address the issue at all, especially after a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer said that team officials are hoping he will step away instead of forcing them to fire him.

Late Sunday, Yahoo Sports reported that Collins had told the team he will resign at the end of the season.

Scott didn't want to talk about Collins situation either.

"As much as I love coach, I've got my own problems to worry about," Scott said of Collins. "I'll talk to him a little bit just about basketball in general and how much I love him and how much I care for him. Whatever he decides to do, I'm behind him 110 percent. He's still one of the best coaches, I think, in this league. I've got nothing but great memories of being able to play under Doug and to know him for so many years. I know he has my support and I have his support. That organization should be happy to have him because he really is a tremendous person and a tremendous coach."

Collins thinks the future is bright in Cleveland, especially with All-Star Kyrie Irving.

"I'm sure Byron is excited if he can get everybody healthy," Collins said. "When Kyrie's healthy, we know how dynamic he is. Dion Waiters. [Anderson] Varejao. They've got a young post player, Tristan Thompson, who's active and a good rebounder, very good in the paint, a good shot-blocker. [Tyler] Zeller's had a good first season. They made a couple trades. [Wayne] Ellington has played well for them, C.J. Miles. Mo Speights has had some good moments. Shaun Livingston was a good pickup. I think they've got a lot of draft picks. I think they would have to be very excited.

"The big thing is staying healthy. If they can keep everybody healthy they should have a chance to continue to move up."

Fan Appreciation Night: Tickets are still available for Monday's game against the Miami Heat, which is Fan Appreciation Night.

Every fan in attendance will receive a thank-you gift and a chance to win prizes ranging from a 47-inch LCD TV with iPod dock and home theater surround sound system, free electricity for a year, VIP tickets to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Brickyard 400, COBY Kyros Android tablets and getaway packages to local hotels, spas, golf courses and resorts.

In addition, 30 fans will be chosen at random to receive the game-worn jerseys and shoes from the players.

CF Michael Bourn injured in eighth inning of Indians' game against White Sox

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Indians trail White Sox, 2-1, through six innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians center fielder Michael Bourn exited in the eighth inning Sunday against the White Sox because of an injury to his right hand or finger.

Bourn hit a grounder behind first against lefty Matt Thornton. Bourn dived head-first into the base just in time to beat Adam Dunn's flip to Thornton. Bourn's landing was jarring, and he writhed in pain upon standing. After being checked by trainers, Bourn was replaced by pinch-runner Mike Aviles.

White Sox broadcasters speculated that Bourn might have suffered a cut after being stepped on. Bourn went 3-for-4 with a homer and is hitting .333.

The White Sox led the Indians, 3-1, through eight innings.

Bourn led off the Tribe first with a homer on the first pitch from right-hander Jake Peavy. According to Indians researcher John Krepop, Bourn joined Matt Lawton as the only Indians to homer on the first pitch of the first in Progressive Field history.

Longtime Indians nemesis Paul Konerko hit a two-run homer off righty Brett Myers in the sixth. It came on a 3-1 pitch with two outs. Konerko has hit 47 career homers against Cleveland.

Myers has given up eight homers this season.

Myers, who made his second start and third appearance, gave up the two runs on six hits, walked one and struck out four. He was relieved by Bryan Shaw to begin the seventh.

The only walk issued by Myers came with two outs in the sixth. Adam Dunn trotted home in front of Konerko. 

Bourn hooked a line-drive foul off Peavy in the sixth, then singled.

Alejandro De Aza homered off Vinnie Pestano in the White Sox eighth.

Peavy struck out 11 and walked none in seven innings.

 

Golfers: Vote for your favorite courses in PD's 2nd annual 'Best of Northeast Ohio Golf' awards contest

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Cast your vote - from best putting greens to best hot dog - in the 2013 "Best of Northeast Ohio Golf" contest. You could win a basket filled with more than 100 golf balls for participating.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Golf season is here -- finally -- and we're ready for players to tee off in The Plain Dealer's second annual "Best of Northeast Ohio Golf" awards contest.

» Click here to enter the poll, where you can cast your vote in a variety of categories.

bestlogo.jpg View full size Click here to vote in The Plain Dealer's 2013 "Best of Northeast Ohio Golf" awards contest. You could win a basket filled with more than 100 golf balls for participating. Fifteen additional people will win a dozen balls.  

Last spring more than 40,000 online votes were cast to decide which public course has the best putting greens, the best group of par-3 holes, who serves up the most delicious hot dogs, and 16 additional award categories. Thanks to the popularity of the 2012 contest, The Plain Dealer is making this an annual feature.

Don't forget to enter a drawing for prizes when you finish voting. The grand prize is a basket of more than 100 personalized golf balls from courses across Northeast Ohio. Also, an additional 15 people will win a dozen golf balls. (See below for complete rules and alternate means of entry »)

You can cast your vote in a few categories or all of them. Voting is open now through April 23 at noon.

We want to hear from you. And your golf buddies. And your league partners. Spread the word.

The results will be published May 5 in The Plain Dealer's annual Golf Guide, which also will include listings for more than 125 area courses.

Award categories in The Plain Dealer's second annual "Best of Northeast Ohio Golf" contest

GROUPCONTEST.JPG View full size The Plain Dealer invites golfers to vote for their favorite Northeast Ohio public courses in up to 21 categories, including best course conditions, value and amenities.  

1. Best driving range

2. Best short-game practice area

3. Best pro shop

4. Best greens fee specials

5. Best senior rates

6. Best value

7. Best accessibility

8. Best pace of play

9. Best course conditions

10. Best putting greens (condition)

11. Best putting greens (challenge)

12. Best group of par-3 holes

13. Best group of par-5 holes

14. Best overall challenge

15. Best scenery and views

16. Best hidden gem

17. Best amenities

18. Best customer service

19. Best overall snack bar food

20. Best hot dog

21. Best 19th hole

» Click here to start voting


 

“BEST OF NORTHEAST OHIO GOLF AWARDS”

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF ANY KIND IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES.  COMPLETION OF THE SURVEY IS NOT REQUIRED.

A purchase will not improve chances of winning.

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE

You have not yet won.

OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF OHIO WHO ARE AT LEAST 18 YEARS OLD AS OF THE DATE OF ENTRY

By entering this Promotion, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Official Rules.  Any violation of these rules may, at Sponsor’s discretion, result in disqualification.  All decisions of the judges regarding this Promotion are final and binding in all respects.

1. PROMOTION PERIOD.  Promotion begins 6:00 AM ET April 9, 2013 and ends 11:59 PM ET April 23, 2013. Online entries must be received by the end of the Promotion Period.  Mail-in entries must be postmarked by the end of the Promotion Period, and received no later than five (5) days later.


2. ELIGIBILITY.  This sweepstakes (the “Promotion”) is only open to legal residents of Ohio who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except officers, directors, members, and employees of the Sponsor, Administrator, or any other party associated with the development or administration of this Promotion, and the immediate family (i.e., parents, children, siblings, spouse), and persons residing in the same household, as such individuals. This Promotion is void outside Ohio, and where prohibited.


3. HOW TO ENTER.  There are two ways to enter:  (1) Visit www.cleveland. com/golf during the Promotion Period and follow the instructions to complete and submit the survey and entry form; or (2) Print your name, address, e-mail address (optional), and daytime telephone number on a 3.5" x 5" to 4.25" x 6" post card and mail it to: Best of Northeast Ohio Golf Awards Sweepstakes, Cleveland Live, LLC, 2019 Center Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113. All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned.  Limit: One entry per person and one entry per e-mail address during the Promotion Period.  All entrant information, including e-mail addresses, is subject to the respective Privacy Policy of the applicable Sponsor.


4. WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION.  Winner selection will be conducted by random drawing from all eligible entries on or about April 24, 2013 (the “Drawing Date”).  Any potential winner will be notified by mail, email and/or telephoneIf a potential winner: (i) cannot be contacted; (ii) does not respond within five (5) days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her; (iii) fails to return the Affidavit and Release as specified in Rule 9; (iv) refuses the prize; and/or (v) the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Promotion or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected.  Upon contacting a potential winner and determining that he/she has met all eligibility requirements of the Promotion, including without limitation the execution of required waivers, publicity and liability releases and disclaimers, and, at Sponsor’s discretion, successful completion of a background check, such individual will be declared the “winner” of the Promotion.


5. PRIZE DESCRIPTION.  There will be one (1) grand prize winner and 15 runners-up. The grand prize is 100 personalized golf balls as selected by Sponsor with approximate retail value $100.  The runner-up prize is one (1) dozen golf balls as selected by Sponsor with an approximate retail value $16.


6. TAXES.  All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if any, are the winner’s sole responsibility. 


7. ODDS OF WINNING.  The odds of winning this Promotion depend on the number of eligible entries received.


8. NO PRIZE TRANSFER OR SUBSTITUTION. No prize or any portion thereof is transferable or redeemable for cash.  Any portion of the prize that is not used is forfeited.  No substitutions for prize except by Sponsor, in which case a prize of equal or greater value will be substituted.


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10. DISCLAIMERS.  (i) Sponsor not responsible for entries that are postage-due, lost, late, misdirected, incorrect, garbled, or incompletely received, for any reason, including by reason of hardware, software, browser, or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility at Sponsor’s or Administrator’s servers or elsewhere.  In the event of a dispute, entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry.  “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet Access Provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.  (ii) Sponsor and Administrator, in their sole discretion, reserve the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process or the operation of the web site or otherwise attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion.  Use of bots or other automated process to enter is prohibited and may result in disqualification at the sole discretion of Sponsor or Administrator.  (iii) Sponsor and Administrator further reserve the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Promotion if it is not capable of completion as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, force majeure or technical failures of any sort.  (iv) Sponsor Entities are not responsible for errors in the administration or fulfillment of this Promotion, including without limitation mechanical, human, printing, distribution or production errors, and may modify or cancel this Promotion based upon such error at its sole discretion without liability.  In no event will Sponsor be responsible for awarding more than the number of prizes specified in these rules.  (v) In the event this Promotion is cancelled or terminated, pursuant to subparagraph (iii) or (iv), Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein.  (vi) SPONSOR ENTITIES MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR GUARANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, AS REGARDS THIS PROMOTION OR THE MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING ANY PRIZE OR ANY COMPONENT OF ANY PRIZE.  (vii) CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS, AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION.  (viii) The value(s) of the prize(s) set forth above represent Sponsor’s good faith determination of the approximate retail value(s) thereof; the actual fair market value(s) as ultimately determined by Sponsor are final and binding and cannot be challenged or appealed.  In the event the stated approximate retail value(s) of a prize is more than the actual fair market value of that prize, the difference will not be awarded in cash or otherwise.  No substitution or compensation will be given for any portion of the prize that is not used.


11. APPLICABLE LAWS AND JURISDICTION.  This Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.  Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws.  All disputes arising out of or connected with this Promotion will be resolved individually, and without resort to class action, exclusively by a state or federal court located in Cleveland, Ohio.  Should there be a conflict between the laws of the State of Ohio and any other laws, the conflict will be resolved in favor of the laws of the State of Ohio.  To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.


12. WINNER LIST.  For a list containing the name of the grand prize winner and the runners-up, send a self-addressed stamped envelope, within six (6) months of the Drawing Date, to:  Winner List, “Best of Northeast Ohio Golf Awards,” Cleveland Live LLC, 2019 Center Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113.


13. SPONSORSHIP.  This Promotion is sponsored by The Plain Dealer Publishing Co., 1801 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114 and Cleveland Live LLC, 2019 Center Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113 (individually and collectively, the "Sponsor").


14. ADMINISTRATION.  This Promotion is Administered by Cleveland Live LLC, 2019 Center Street, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44113

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Cleveland Cavaliers lose to Philadelphia for fourth straight defeat

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Tristan Thompson has 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Cleveland Cavaliers, but All-Star guard Kyrie Irving has just four points in 18 minutes.

PHILADELPHIA -- If there's one thing everyone associated with the Cavaliers can agree on, it's that they were not ready to play on Sunday in a lackluster 91-77 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.

Since they fell behind, 19-3, to open the game, that was pretty obvious.

What no one can say is, 'Why?'

Have they checked out already? They've lost four straight and 14 of 16, so that's certainly a possibility with just two games left.

They've declined to play defense all season, but they couldn't even be bothered to play offense on Sunday. The 77 points is their second-lowest total of the season, and almost 20 points under their average. The only game they scored fewer points was at Minnesota, a 91-73 loss on Dec. 7.

Asked if it was surprising that his team came out so flat, coach Byron Scott said, "It's disappointing."

Asked the same question, Kyrie Irving said, "I was surprised."

What was surprising was the effort -- of lack of effort -- put forth by the Cavs All-Star point guard. He picked up his first foul 19 seconds into the game, and by halftime he had three fouls and three turnovers as the Cavs trailed, 53-34. He picked up his fourth and fifth fouls in a span of 1:14 early in the third quarter and took a seat for the rest of the game. He finished with a career-low 4 points on 1-of-6 shooting, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range.

Asked why he grabbed former Ohio State star Even Turner early in the third quarter when he already had four fouls, Irving said: "That was poor judgement on me. I thought I had three. I was going to commit my fourth to stop the fast break. I forgot I had another foul. . . . I thought I had two going into halftime. It was poor judgement on my end."

Said Scott, "Just a big-time, bad mistake."

There has been a lot of that by the Cavaliers down the stretch of this disappointing season, but Irving's mistake was especially costly on Sunday, when backup Shaun Livingston was out with back spasms. In addition, the Cavs were without C.J. Miles (concussion) and Luke Walton (sprained right ankle).

Tristan Thompson finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Wayne Ellington added 12 points. Mo Speights came off the bench to score 12 points, and fellow reserves Dion Waiters and Kevin Jones each added 11. But the Cavs shot just 36.5 percent (31 of 85) and committed 19 turnovers.

Scott benched his starters for the fourth quarter, and the Cavs' reserves outscored the Sixers in the fourth, 26-17.

"They've got to play with a lot more energy and a lot more effort than they did tonight," Scott said of his starters. "I didn't see no reason to bring them out and play. It's disappointing. That's why you yank the guys out and bring other guys in and see if they can get it going. But the bottom line is just a lack of effort."

The players insist things will get better.

"Just trying to finish strong, whatever way possible," Irving said. "Give a good effort in our last two games we have left in Miami and Charlotte and hope we get wins. That's it."

Added Waiters: "We've got to pick it up. It's winding down. We've got to find some energy or something jut to go out there and play, even though we're not playing for anything we still have to go out there and play the game that we love. We've got to go out and play every game like it's our last."

Cleveland Indians' Brett Myers takes a big step in the right direction: Bud Shaw

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Sure, there was another gopher ball and the Cleveland Indians lost. Still, Sunday's version of Brett Myers looked like the pitcher the Tribe thought it was getting when he signed a $7 million contract.

bud-myers.jpg View full size Cleveland Indians right-hander Brett Myers, right, talking to catcher Yan Gomes in the fourth inning, had his best performance of the season on Sunday.  

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians have various ways to win games this season. Today it may be safe to include the possibility of winning some with Brett Myers on the mound.

That it hasn't yet happened yet feels less problematic this morning than it did last week.

Losing, 3-1, to Chicago as Myers and the Indians did Sunday is not an incidental result by any means. And, yes, Myers' second start of the 2013 season included his league-leading eighth home run allowed.

Paul Konerko took him deep in the sixth on an inside fastball, Konerko has the second most home runs (16) at the ballpark for a visiting player. So Myers at least has lots of company in the making of the Konerko highlight reel here.

After what came from appearances against New York and Toronto, though -- namely seven home runs and a 12.19 ERA -- this day suggested what the Indians had in mind when they gave Myers a rotation spot.

The $7 million they paid? OK, maybe you got me there, but the price of innings-eaters has gone up.

This was the kind of game the Indians saw Myers providing after a year spent in the bullpens of the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox.

Myers kept his pitches down for the most part, allowed just two runs in six innings and -- most telling -- extricated himself from trouble with some fine work in the fourth and fifth innings.

One out from possibly his first scoreless start in three seasons, Myers fell behind and walked Adam Dunn, then fell behind and made Konerko's day.

The 1-0 lead provided by Michael Bourn's first-pitch-of-the-game home run off Jake Peavy evaporated. That was that.

"Brett threw the ball really well," manager Terry Francona said. "That's the guy you're looking for. . . . It's easy to tell somebody to have confidence. But once you do it and feel good about yourself. . . . I'm sure it helped him."

No matter how experienced or well traveled, no player can feel comfortable coming to a new team, in front of new fans, and flopping as Myers did in his first two appearances.

In a town that's seen a procession of Band-Aid starters signed to one-year contracts, it's become habit to quickly classify the next one to join up.

Myers hardly started out like Kevin Millwood, the best of the group. More like Jason Johnson and the Bad Derek Lowe.

The boos heard Sunday after the Konerko homer was evidence that Myers and his propensity for giving up the long ball are going to be the target of the disgruntled until he strings together more games like Sunday's.

"A couple of rough starts are not fun to deal with anywhere," Myers said Sunday. "I dislike it more than (the fans) dislike it. I'm the one that has to deal with it, go home and put my head on the pillow at night. I'm working harder to please myself than please them."

Francona appreciated Myers' willingness to come out of the bullpen after the Carrasco Fiasco last week. Even this off-season, Myers says he was willing to serve in either capacity -- starter or reliever -- for his new team. His first experience here couldn't have gone worse, yet Myers credits it for Sunday's better result.

"When you turn the heat up a little, you have the lights on, you have to calm down and get the ball down and I was not able to do that," Myers said of the difference between spring training and the regular season. "The game sped up on me and I know I'm better than that as a ballplayer to let that happen.

"That [Yankees game] actually made me better today. I just felt like I was either tipping something or my stuff wasn't that good. I was able to figure it out . . . correct it over the last four days."

Myers talks with bullpen coach Kevin Cash, who caught him in Houston in 2010. Myers' relationship with pitching coach Mickey Callaway is fine, just relatively new.

"Me and Mickey might be the same age," Myers said, laughing. "Cash knows where I'm supposed to be, where I was in 2010 and where I am now."

Where he is today is a better place than where he was last week. That's not the highest praise, but it beats the alternative.

Michael Bourn has no regrets over head-first slide: Cleveland Indians Insider

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The Cleveland Indians' center fielder and leadoff man, Michael Bourn, cut his finger on a head-first slide into first base when the pitcher accidentally stepped on his hand.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Michael Bourn did what he set out to do, avoiding a potential tag with a dive and beating the pitcher to first for a single Sunday.

But Bourn paid a price for it.

The Tribe's leadoff man and center fielder is out indefinitely because of a cut on his right index finger that required five stitches.

Bourn won't play until the stitches are removed. He is listed as day to day, but he almost certainly will miss the Boston series Tuesday through Thursday, and probably more. The Indians will want to be extra careful, especially this early in the season.

"They said no ligaments were messed up, no joints were messed up -- so that's good news," he said. "We stitched it up, now we'll wait for it to heal."

Facing lefty Matt Thornton in the eighth inning, Bourn hit a grounder past first. Bourn dived into the base in time to beat Adam Dunn's flip to Thornton. Bourn's landed hard, and he writhed in pain upon standing. After being checked by trainers, Bourn was replaced by pinch-runner Mike Aviles.

"He just stepped on it," Bourn said of Thornton. "He was trying to make a play on me, and I was trying to be safe. It happens."

Bourn went 3-for-4 in the Tribe's 3-1 loss and is hitting .333 (15-for-45) with seven runs in 10 games.

Cue the howling from critics of head-first entries into first base.

Tribe manager Terry Francona, asked if he preferred that his players did not go into first that way, said: "No, I think you play the game. I knew that (question) was going to get asked. Guys are competing. You don't want to see anybody get hurt, but he's doing his best to get to first. If you tell a guy not to slide into first, why wouldn't you tell him not to slide into second? Nobody ever asks why guys slide into second head-first.

"Sometimes, when you're trying to beat a pitcher, that's your best way to get to the bag."

Bourn said there is logic behind it for him.

"I had it happen to me before where the left-hander tagged me with his glove because the glove was right there," he said. "I knew the only way to make that not happen again was to slide. I got to the bag before he did, but I was hurt in the process."

Injury updates: Second baseman Jason Kipnis is nursing a sore left elbow. It flared up Saturday morning and forced him to miss the game that afternoon. He sat in favor of Ryan Raburn on Sunday.

"We'll keep treating it aggressively until Tuesday, then re-evaluate," he said.

Kipnis' right elbow bothered him in spring training.

"Hopefully, this rest will help the right elbow, too," he said.

The Indians are off today before the Red Sox come to town. Francona will face the franchise for which he managed eight seasons (2004-2011) and led to two World Series titles (2004, 2007).

Francona politely cut off a reporter who began to ask his thoughts about the series.

"Not yet," he said. "I will when I go in and start looking at the matchups. To be honest, I'm an Indian. I'm aware of the questions and everything. I had a lot of great memories. But I don't think it's fair to the players. This game is hard enough to play; they don't need to be worrying about me having nostalgia week when we're trying to win games."

His players don't mind.

"He's a huge piece of their winning puzzle," designated hitter Jason Giambi said. "Of course there's going to be a lot of hoopla that comes with (the series). We'll be pumped up as players."

Masher: First baseman/DH Mark Reynolds entered Sunday with five homers and 13 RBI in nine games. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Reynolds is just the third player in franchise history to have driven in at least 13 before playing the 10th game of his Tribe career. He joined outfielders Juan Gonzalez (14 in nine games, April 2-12, 2001) and Leon Wagner (13 in nine games, April 14-30, 1964).

Reynolds went 1-for-3 on Sunday.

Last April, as a member of the Orioles, Reynolds had zero homers and three RBI in 63 official at-bats. He did not hit his first homer until May 4 and did not notch his 13th RBI until the first week of June.

Versatility: Raburn, who went 1-for-3 but was picked off first, is the consummate utility man.

"I mostly played infield, mainly shortstop, when I was younger," he said. "Coming up through the league, I played everywhere. Sometimes I feel more comfortable in the outfield, sometimes I feel more comfortable in the infield. It's just a matter of how much work I'm getting at one or the other."


The Masters: Adam Scott wins with birdie on second playoff hole

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Adam Scott beats 2009 winner Angel Cabrera in a playoff to become the first Australian to win the Masters.

Gallery preview

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Adam Scott barely had time to think about an Australian in a green jacket when a sudden roar from the 18th green and a quick look at the TV reminded him it's never been easy. Not for him in the majors. And certainly not for the Aussies at Augusta National.

He thought for a second it was over when he made a 20-foot birdie putt, the kind that always wins the Masters. In the scoring room, one last cheer on a soggy Sunday caused Scott to look up at the television after Angel Cabrera produced a great shot of his own, a 7-iron to 3 feet for birdie to force a playoff.

Not again.

"The golf gods can't be this cruel to Australia," Greg Norman, the symbol of heartache at Augusta, said in a text to friends who were watching nervously.

Scott knocked in a 12-foot birdie putt on the second playoff hole to win that green jacket, personal redemption for his own failure last summer in the British Open and an end to more than a half-century of Australian misery at the Masters.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!

"We like to think we're the best at everything. Golf is a big sport at home, and this is the one thing in golf we hadn't been able to achieve," Scott said. "It's amazing that it's my destiny to be the first Australian to win. It's incredible."

Halfway around the world on Monday morning, commuters cheered on buses going into Brisbane, the capital of Scott's home state of Queensland. A speech by the prime minister was interrupted to give an update on the playoff.

The celebration was sweet, especially for the 32-year-old Scott.

It was only last summer when Scott threw away the British Open by making bogey on his last four holes to lose by one shot to Ernie Els. He handled that wrenching defeat with dignity and pledged to finish stronger if given another chance. "Next time -- I'm sure there will be a next time -- I can do a better job of it," he said that day.

Scott was close to perfect, and he had to be with Cabrera delivering some brilliance of his own.

Moments after Scott made his clutch birdie on the 18th hole for a 3-under 69 to take a one-shot lead -- "C'mon, Aussie!" he screamed -- Cabrera answered with one of the greatest shots under the circumstances, setting up an easy birdie and a 2-under 70. They finished at 9-under 279.

They both chipped close for par on the 18th in the first playoff hole, and Cabrera's 15-foot birdie putt on the 10th grazed the right side of the cup. Scott his 6-iron into about 12 feet, leaving him one putt away from a green jacket.

Under darkening clouds -- no sudden-death playoff at the Masters had ever gone more than two holes -- Scott said he could barely read the putt. That's when he called over caddie Steve Williams and asked him to take over. Williams was on the bag for 13 of Tiger Woods' majors, and read the putt that helped Woods to the 1999 PGA Championship.

"I said, 'Do you think it's just more than a cup?' He said, 'It's at least two cups. It's going to break more than you think,' " Scott said. "He was my eyes on that putt."

"The winning putt might be the highlight putt of my career," Williams said. "Because he asked me to read it."

With that long putter anchored to his chest, the putt was pure. The Masters had been the only major that never had a champion use a long putter. Scott's win means four of the last six major champions used a putter pressed against their belly or chest, a stroke that might be banned in 2016.

What mattered more to Scott was that the Masters had been the only major an Australian had never won. He was among dozens of golfers who routinely rose in the early hours of Monday morning for the telecast, only to watch a horror show. The leading character was Norman, who had four good chances to win, none better than when he blew a six-shot lead on the last day to Nick Faldo in 1996.

There was also Jim Ferrier in 1952 and Bruce Crampton 20 years later. Scott and Jason Day tied for second just two years ago. Norman, though, was the face of Aussie failures at the Masters, and Scott paid him tribute in Butler Cabin before he slipped on that beautiful green jacket.

"Australia is a proud sporting nation, and this is one notch in the belt we never got," Scott said. "It's amazing that it came down to me today. But there's one guy who inspired a nation of golfers, and that's Greg Norman. He's been incredible to me and all the great golfers. Part of this belongs to him."

Reached at his home in south Florida, Norman told The Associated Press, "I'm over the moon. Sitting there watching Adam, I had a tear in my eye. That's what it was all about. It was Adam doing it for himself, and for the country."

Norman was so nervous watching TV that he went to the gym when the final group made the turn. He headed home for the last four holes -- Day, Scott and Marc Leishman all had a chance to win -- and was texting with friends as his emotions shifted with every putt.

"I can only imagine how everyone else felt when I was playing," Norman said.

Scott was just as gracious in victory as he was last summer at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. He and Cabrera flashed a thumbs-up to each other after their shots into the 10th hole in the playoff, and they walked off the 10th green with their arms around each other when it was over.

"Such is golf," Cabrera said. "Adam is a good winner."

It was a riveting conclusion to a week filled with several awkward moments. There was the one-shot penalty called against 14-year-old Guan Tianlang that nearly kept the Chinese teen from becoming the youngest player to make the cut. There was the illegal drop by Woods, who was given a two-shot penalty over questions and confusion about why he was not disqualified for signing an incorrect card.

And at the end, there was shot-making at its finest.

Scott didn't make a bogey after the first hole, and he really didn't miss a shot the rest of the day. He just couldn't get a putt to fall until it really mattered. Then, he made two of them.

Day closed with a 70, his second close call at the Masters in three years. This one hurt far more because he had a two-shot lead when he stepped to the 16th tee.

He ran off three bold birdies down the stretch -- getting up-and-down from the back bunker on the 13th, a 10-foot putt on the 14th, and capitalizing on a break at No. 15 when his drive ricocheted out of the trees into the fairways, allowing him to reach the green in two.

His lead vanished just as quickly, however. Day chose to hit putter from behind the 16th green, came up 5 feet short and missed the par putt. He hit into a bunker on the 17th for another bogey.

"I think the pressure got to me a little bit," Day said.

The tournament unfolded behind him, and it turned out to be quite a show.

Scott hit the ball beautifully the entire day and watched one putt after another turn away from the hole. But he also received perhaps the biggest break of the tournament when his shot into the par-5 13th spun back off the green and was headed down the slope into the tributary of Rae's Creek when it suddenly stopped, a blessing from a day spent in the rain. He got up-and-down for birdie, and he two-putted for birdie on the 15th.

Cabrera wasn't so fortunate. Playing in the group behind, his approach hit the bank and tumbled down into the water, leading to a bogey that cost him the lead. Cabrera answered with a 15-foot birdie putt on the 16th, however, that gave him a share of the lead.

And then came a one-two punch of birdies. For the fans who endured a soggy final round, this made up for it.

Two players. Two clutch birdies. Two different celebrations.

Scott screamed at the top of his lungs and clapped hands forcefully with his caddie after his 20-foot birdie putt curled around the left side of the cup -- just like Phil Mickelson's winning putt in 2004 -- and dropped in the back.

Cabrera, going after a third major championship, started walking when he hit his 7-iron from 163 yards and pumped his left fist when it landed and the gallery erupted. He affectionately hugged his son and caddie, Angel Jr., as they walked off the green toward the scoring room.

"It was a split second I thought I'd won," Scott said. "That was the putt we've seen so many guys make to win, and what I thought is it's time for me to step up and see how much I want this. To make a couple putts to win the Masters is just an amazing feeling."

For Woods, it was another one that got away.

Not even that two-shot penalty on Friday -- the product of a wedge that hit the flag and caromed back into the water -- would have mattered. Woods figured he would need a round of 65 to win, and he made two bogeys before his first birdie. Even a mild charge on the back nine wasn't going to help him, and he closed with a 70 to tie for fourth with Marc Leishman (72).

"I played well," Woods said. "Unfortunately, I didn't make enough putts."

He now has gone eight years without winning the Masters, and he has been stuck on 14 majors since the 2008 U.S. Open. Woods is 0-for-15 in the majors since then, a drought Jack Nicklaus never endured until he was 44.

Brandt Snedeker, tied with Cabrera for the lead going into the final round, closed with a 75 and finished five shots behind.

"Any time you have a chance to win the Masters and you don't come through -- my lifelong dream -- you're going to be upset, you're going to cry," Snedeker said. "But I'll get through it."

He could learn from Scott, who endured a collapse that might have scarred a lesser player for a lot longer than nine months.

Ubaldo Jimenez ready for next start: Cleveland Indians Chatter

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With some extra time between starts, Cleveland Indians right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez has says throwing on the side has helped him correct mechanical flaws in his delivery.

chatter-ubaldo.jpg View full size Cleveland Indians right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez will make his next start Tuesday against Boston.  

Clubhouse confidential: Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez, who had his scheduled start Saturday pushed back to Tuesday, felt very good about a side session Saturday. It was his second such session since his most recent start, April 8, during which he was rocked by the Yankees.

"I threw 35-40 pitches," Jimenez said Sunday. "I'm ready."

Jimenez and pitching coach Mickey Callaway have used the extra time to attempt to correct a mechanical flaw involving weight transfer. Jimenez has been susceptible to flying open with his front side, thereby compromising power and command.

Jimenez's fastball velocity was down against the Yankees, according to ballpark readings. Jimenez maintained that he did not pay attention to what was on the board while giving up seven runs in 4 1/3 innings.

"I had nothing," he said of his pitches. "That was the problem."

Time to pitch: Lefty Scott Kamzir (DL, rib cage) will make a rehab start in Class AAA Columbus today. The target for his return to the majors is Saturday.

Stat of the day: White Sox slugger Paul Konerko, who hit a two-run homer Sunday, has 75 RBI at Progressive Field -- most by a visiting player.

Four things I think about the final round of the Masters: Tim Rogers

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Fewer commercials? Great. Angel Cabrera? Cool.

four-cabrera.jpg View full size Angel Cabrera from Argentina is one cool dude.  

Four things I think about the final round of the Masters:

1. The best thing about watching the Masters on television is the lengthy periods of uninterrupted viewing. The lack of commercials is so refreshing I almost became a fan of Exxon Mobile. I heard the NFL has agreed to have the Super Bowl televised in similar fashion. Yeah, right.

2. Brandt Snedeker broke down and wept during his post-tournament news conference five years ago after failing to win. He made me weep on Sunday while watching him make his way down the leaderboard. I had him in one of my pools.

3. If you haven't already, add Angel Cabrera to your list of cool pros. I've added him to my "A" list that includes Fred Couples, Adam Scott, Fuzzy Zoeller and Nick Price. And, of course, Arnold and Jack.

4. Something deep inside tells me the Tiger Woods of old would have made that putt on 17 and knocked it stiff on 18. Just sayin.'

Northeast Ohio high school sports scoreboard for Sunday, April 14, 2013.

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Baseball NONLEAGUE

Baseball

NONLEAGUE

Medina100 000 0-- 1 8 1

Highland100 130 x-- 5 4 0

M (5-3): Winters (L, 0-1). H (4-2): Budzinski (W).

Notable: Raley (H) R, RBI.

Medina000 000 0-- 0 3 2

Highland003 010 x-- 4 5 2

M (5-4): Whittaker (L, 0-2). H (5-2): Williams (W, 1-0). HR: Harris (H).

Notable: Harris 2 R, RBI.

Tallmadge000 000 3-- 3 7 2

Dub. Coffman000 000 0-- 0 0 0

T (4-2): Edwards (W, 1-0). DC (5-3): McMillan (L).

Notable: Edwards 9K, 2-3, GWR.

Late results

NONLEAGUE

Green000 200 0-- 2 4 2

Mass. Perry301 010 x-- 5 8 0

G (0-6): Kortze (L, 0-2). MP (5-4): S.Nicholson (W).

Notable: Bradley (MP) 2-3, 2B, 4 RBI.

Extra innings

St. Edward105 002 02--10 13 2

Lakewood100 300 40-- 8 8 3

SE (4-4): Faix (W, 2-0). L (6-1): Roder (L).

Notable: C.Raisanen (SE) 3-5, 2B, 3 RBI, SB, R.

Softball

ELYRIA CLASSIC

North Olmsted000 020 0-- 2 3 2

Elyria142 103 x--11 11 0

NO: Helderman (L, 0-1). E (4-1): Ellis (W, 1-1). HR: E, Davis (2).

Notable: Masters (E) 2-3, 2R, 2-SB.

Kenston300 000 -- 3 3 3

Elyria132 225 --15 14 0

K (0-7): Gorup (L). E (5-1): Ellis (W, 2-1). HR: E, Bachna (1).

Notable: Bachna 3-3, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2R.

Sylvania Sthvw100 000 0-- 1 5 3

Elyria010 131 x-- 6 7 1

SS: Klepzig (L). E (6-1): Minney (W, 4-0).

Notable: Phares (E) 2-3, 2 RBI, 2R, SB.

North Olmsted310 7(10) --21 20 2

Elyria Catholic201 10 -- 4 6 1

NO (3-3): Jonas (W, 2-0). EC: Bilancine (L). HR: NO, Sabino (1).

Notable: Sabino 2-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2R.

North Olmsted000 110 0-- 2 5 3

Columbia040 010 x-- 5 6 1

NO (3-4): LaRue (L, 1-3). C: Minarchick (W).

Notable: Sullivan (C) 2-3, 3B, R.

Late results

NONLEAGUE

Worthington Chr.000 10 --1 3 0

CVCA311 7x --12 12 1

WC: McIntosh (L). CVCA (4-3): Mohler (W, 4-2).

Notable: Budrevich (C) 2-2B, 3B, 3R, 2 RBI.

Worthington Chr.200 00 --2 1 4

CVCA605 2x --13 6 1

WC: Beckofer (L). CVCA (5-3): Kibble (W).

Notable: Eaton (C) 3B, 2 RBI, R.

Boys track

Late results

MEDINA RELAYS

How they finished: 1. Solon 92; 2. St. Ignatius 80; 3. Medina 53; 4. St. Edward 51; 5. Austintown Fitch 49; 6. Kenston 34; 7. Berea 32; 8. Midpark 23; 9. Warren G. Harding 19; 10. Willoughby South 15; 11. Hoover 14.

Shot put: 1. Price (Austintown Fitch) 57-5; 2. Zedella (St. Edward) 56-113/4; 3. Kavalec (St. Ignatius) 54-0. Discus: 1. Price (Austintown Fitch) 172-9; 2. Zedella (St. Edward) 171-0; 3. Jagers (Solon) 165-1. High jump: 1. Hunt (Willoughby South) 6-2; 2. Ortz (Austintown Fitch) 6-2; 3. Stenger (Medina) 6-1. Long jump: 1. Harris (Berea) 20-9; 2. Hogan (Hoover) 20-31/2; 3. Hicks (Solon) 19-111/2. Pole vault: 1. Owens (Midpark) 15-0; 2. Hutchinson (Medina) 14-6; 3. Spilker (Solon) 14-0. 4x800: 1. Solon (Zimmers, Arters, Lyamkin, Shannon) 8:13.28; 2. St. Ignatius 8:14.62; 3. St. Edward 8:28.06. 110H: 1. Ortz (Austintown Fitch) 15.25; 2. Cordiak (Kenston) 15.60; 3. Sprung (Medina) 15.89. 100: 1. Crenshaw (Solon) 11.00; 2. Young (St. Edward) 11.01; 3. Hunt (Willoughby South) 11.34. 4x1,600: 1. St. Ignatius (Arquillo, Miller, Bartram, Wagner) 18:09.68; 2. Solon 18:20.57; 3. Kenston 18:53.91. 4x100: 1. St. Edward (Aaron, Crawford, Warfield, Young) 42.97; 2. St. Ignatius 43.26; 3. Austintown Fitch 43.29. 4x110 shuttle hurdles: 1. Solon (Barnes, Reynolds, Seals, King) 1:02.96; 2. St. Ignatius 1:03.85; 3. Berea 1:04.65. 800 sprint medley: 1. St. Edward (Aaron, Warfield, Crawford, Young) 1:33.89; 2. St. Ignatius 1:35.49; 3. Austintown Fitch 1:36.66. Distance medley: 1. Medina (McKee, Masters, Menyes, Schwendler) 10:58.47; 2. Kenston 11:01.31; 3. St. Ignatius 11:03.56. 3,200: 1. Riordan (Solon) 9:57.91; 2. Zupan (Berea) 9:57.97; 3. Henry (Kenston) 10:05.24. 4x400: 1. Warren Harding 3:30.11; 2. St. Ignatius (Jeffries, Yoho, Bartram, McVey) 3:31.56; 3. Solon 3:33.62.

Girls track

Late results

KIMBERLY RELAYS

How they finished: 1. St. Joseph Academy 133; 2. Cleveland Heights 102; 3. Harvey 93; 4. Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin 61; 5. Ellet 50; 6. Bedford 46; 7. (tie) John Hay, Cleveland JFK 37; 9. Kenmore 23; 10. Akron East 18; 11. Rhodes 8; 12. East Tech 6.

Shot put: 1. Zbinovec (NDCL) 36-1; 2. Morrison (SJA) 33-8; 3. Thomas (John Hay) 29-10. Discus: 1. Zbinovec (NDCL) 120-1; 2. Rave (SJA) 96-8; 3. Montgomery (Harvey) 95-10. High jump: 1. Williams (SJA) 5-0; 2. Strange (Harvey) 4-9; 3. Sheffler (Ellet) 4-6. Long jump: 1. Stephens (Bedford) 17-1; 2. Porter (Cleveland Heights) 15-6; 3. Wright (Bedford) 15-6. Pole vault: 1. McGuire (SJA) 7-6; 2. Bloor (SJA) 7-6. 4x800: 1. St. Joseph Ac. (Vovk, Butterfield, cogar, McGuire) 10:57.90; 2. Cleveland Heights 11:34.10; 3. NDCL 11:58.20. 100H: 1. Rice (Harvey) 15.89; 2. Taylor (Kenmore) 16.92; 3. Hahn (SJA) 18.55. 100: 1. Williams (JFK) 13.72; 2. Stephens (Bedford) 13.74; 3. Kidd (Cleveland Heights) 13.85. 4x200: 1. St. Joseph Ac. (Farris, Armbruster, Zimmerman, Williams) 1:54.20; 2. East Tech 1:54.40; 3. Akron East 1:56.20. 1,600: 1. Bresnahan (SJA) 5:59.90; 2. Breier (NDCL) 6:04.10; 3. Adebo (Cleveland Heights) 6:05.40. 4x100: 1. Cleveland Heights (Kidd, Porter, Avery, Wheeler) 51.40; 2. JFK 52.04; 3. Harvey 53.53. 4x100 shuttle hurdles: 1. Harvey (Jefferson, Jones, Frame, Rice) 1:10.10; 2. ; 3. . 2. Cleveland Heights 1:16.30; 3. St. Joseph Ac. 1:18.10. 800: 1. McGrath (SJA) 2:32.20; 2. Giriunas (Cleveland Heights) 2:36.32; 3. Land (Harvey) 2:41.50. 800 sprint medley: 1. St. Joseph Ac. (Dorin, Stottner, Hahn, Sedlak) 1:55.60; 2. Cleveland Heights 1:56.60; 3. John Hay 2:01.30. Distance medley: 1. St. Joseph Ac. (Steve, Caja, Stalder, Bresnahan) 14:22.06; 2. NDCL 14:45.98; 3. Cleveland Heights 15:28.40. 3,200: 1. Bauer (SJA) 12:49.50; 2. Hyslop (NDCL) 13:24; 3. Soyk (Ellet) 14:42.30. 4x400: 1. Cleveland Heights (Porter, Seidman, Davis, Maultsby) 4:16.98; 2. St. Joseph Ac. 4:26.88; 3. Harvey 4:31.58.

MEDINA RELAYS

How they finished: 1. Solon 110; 2. Medina 61; 3. Austintown Fitch 59; 4. Hoover 53; 5. Kenston 37; 6. Magnificat 36; 7. Willoughby South 30; 8. Warren G. Harding 21; 9. Wickliffe 19; 10. (tie) Midpark, Berea 4.

Shot put: 1. Gray (Solon) 41-5; 2. Merchant (Austintown Fitch) 35-11; 3. Pallini (Medina) 34-51/4. Discus: 1. Gray (Solon) 139-5; 2. Pallini (Medina) 116-2; 3. Figueroa (Austintown Fitch) 113-10. High jump: 1. Worley (Hoover) 5-2; 2. Obi (Solon) 5-1; 3. Henley (Austintown Fitch) 5-1. Long jump: 1. O'Bryan-Murino (Willoughby South) 16-41/2; 2. Ockunzzi (Solon) 15-111/2; 3. Wickey (Medina) 15-103/4. Pole vault: n/a. 4x800: 1. Hoover 10:11.50; 2. Magnificat (Stepanek, Whitmore, Walker, Frost) 10:31.01; 3. Warren Harding 10:32.19. 100H: 1. Simpkins (Wickliffe) 17.05; 2. Moore (Solon) 17.06; 3. Veldhuizen (Hoover) 17.10. 100: 1. Butler (Solon) 12.73; 2. Richardson (Warren Harding) 12.96; 3. Davis (Austintown Fitch) 13.25. 4x100 shuttle hurdles: 1. Hoover 1:10.86; 2. Solon 1:11.97; 3. Willoughby South 1:12.46. 4x1,600: 1. Solon (Wise, Sandridge, Guggenheim, Haiss) 22:00.47; 2. Kenston 23:09.40; 3. Austintown Fitch 23:35.21. 4x100: 1. Solon (Jones, Butler, Ockunzzi, McCoy) 50.73; 2. Medina 52.46; 3. Hoover 53.37. 800 sprint medley: 1. Austintown Fitch 1:56.02; 2. Kenston (Segro, LaFrance, Kantra, Taylor) 1:56.55; 3. Solon 1:56.95. Distance medley: 1. Solon (Sandridge, Wright, Guggenheim, Haiss) 13:02.76; 2. Medina 13:07.71; 3. Kenston 13:40.61. 3,200: 1. Wise (Solon) 11:46.19; 2. Dicker (Kenston) 11:48.68; 3. Scavuzzo (Medina) 12:06.52. 4x400: 1. Austintown Fitch 4:15.90; 2. Medina (Wickey, Francis, Pack, Smith) 4:16.95; 3. Magnificat 4:23.54.

Boys tennis

Corrected results

ROCKY RIVER TOURNAMENT

How they finished: 1. Twinsburg 144; 2. Rocky River 144; 3. Amherst 111; 4. Fairview 88; 5. Elyria 64; 6. Oberlin 41.

First singles: 1. Grierson (Rocky River) 32-5; 2. Doherty (Twinsburg) 32-9; 3. Bosch (Oberlin) 27-16.

Second singles: 1. Stefani (Rocky River) 32-6; 2. Habecker (Amherst) 32-9; 3. Cajka (Fairview) 23-23.

Third singles: 1. Whitney (Twinsburg) 32-7; 2. Jones (Fairview) 27-16; 3. Tolson (Elyria) 25-23.

First doubles: 1. Khoncarly/Liflyanderhick (Twinsburg) 32-5; 2. Herrington/McDermott (Rocky River) 32-6; 3. Higgins/Kneisel (Amherst) 26-22.

Second doubles: 1. Shinhearl/Krishman (Twinsburg) 32-0; 2. Jors/Knocbel (Rocky River) 32-8; 3. Scalli/Kennedy (Amherst) 23-18.

Boys lacrosse

Late result

St. Ignatius 8, North Allegheny 5

SI: Avdey 3, Sirgusa 2, Maruna 2, Bill. NA: Griffin 2, Davis, Rullan, Page.

Goalies: SI, Haag (2 saves); NA, Abbondanza (8).

Girls lacrosse

Late results

HANNIGAN-GALIPAULT TOURNAMENT

Hathaway Brown 10, Mariemont 7

HB (4-1): Brockett 5, Benjamin 2, Jones, Nook, Warner. M (2-6): Saffin 4, Howe 2, Kelly.

Goalies: HB, Dumas (6 saves); M, Whittlsey (7).

Hath. Brown 12, Summit Country Day 3

HB (5-1): Strang 5, Brockett 3, Benjamin 2, Nook, Warner. SCD (4-2): Beckmeyer 2, Maynard.

Goalies: HB, Dumas (4 saves); SCD, Argo (4).

Rugby

BOYS

Highland 24, St. Edward 7

GIRLS

Lady Buzzards 17, Lakewood 14

 

White Sox defeat Cleveland Indians, 3-1; Tribe CF Michael Bourn suffers hand laceration

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Cleveland Indians lose to White Sox, 3-1; Michael Bourn needs five stitches to close cut on hand.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It seemed like a good move at the time.

Indians leadoff batter Michael Bourn homered on the first pitch of the first inning Sunday against White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy.

The Tribe led. Progressive Field erupted.

By the time Bourn returned to the dugout, though, the Indians were in trouble. They just didn't know it yet.

Bourn's homer was akin to poking a grizzly in the eye. Most of Peavy's remaining 103 pitches were nasty, and the so-so ones still were good enough.

Peavy struck out 11 in seven innings as the foundation for Chicago's 3-1 victory (box score) in front of 11,682 paid. Paul Konerko did his requisite damage against the Indians, belting a two-run homer in the sixth.

The Indians slipped to 5-6 overall, 2-3 at home. The White Sox (5-7) snapped a five-game skid.

"It's like I got Peavy going after I hit that homer," Bourn said. "He got even more fired up. He was tough on us. He's a competitor, one of the best competitors the league has seen. He's going to bring it every time."

Bourn finished 3-for-4, but it rang hollow. He is sidelined indefinitely after getting five stitches for a cut on his right index finger. He suffered the injury during a head-first slide into first in the eighth.

Bourn had two hits in three at-bats against Peavy (2-1, 3.93 ERA). His teammates went 2-for-22 against him. The only Indian to reach second base through seven innings was Bourn during the trot around the bases.

"Bourny snuck up and kind of ambushed Peavy on the first pitch of the game," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "After that, we didn't have many opportunities to score until late. He's just a really good, veteran pitcher."

Peavy, the 2007 NL Cy Young Award winner as a member of the Padres, threw almost 75 percent strikes in notching his 32nd career double-digit strikeout game. The Indians, as expected, have been prone to the whiff; their total is 95 through 11 games.

"He kept us off-balance and pounded the zone," Indians designated hitter Jason Giambi said.

The White Sox needed every bit of a stingy Peavy because Tribe right-hander Brett Myers was sharp. Myers gave up two runs on six hits in six innings, walked one and struck out four.

"That's the guy you're looking for," Francona said. "Pitching to contact, spotting the fastball, keeping guys off-balance, taking some off, adding some, going in, out, up, down. He threw the ball very well."

Myers (0-2, 8.82) entered having allowed 14 runs on 18 hits in 10 1/3 innings of two appearances, including one start.

"I knew what the problem was," Myers said. "It wasn't my stuff. It was the location of my stuff. [Sunday] I was able to get the fastball down and everything worked off that. One pitch hurt me."

The pitch came in the sixth. No surprise who did the damage.

Jeff Keppinger led off the inning with a grounder to third that Lonnie Chisenhall mishandled. The error didn't hurt on the scoreboard because the next batter, dangerous Alex Rios, grounded into a 6-4-3.

Myers walked Adam Dunn on five pitches. Konerko got ahead, 3-1, before homering over the left-field wall. Konerko hit a fastball for his 424th career long ball.

"I thought it was a pretty good pitch," said Myers, who has given up eight homers this season. "It was down in the zone. I felt confident making that pitch in that situation."

Konerko leads all active players with 47 homers and 173 RBI against Cleveland.

Alejandro De Aza homered off Vinnie Pestano in the eighth for the final margin.

The Indians attempted to make noise against White Sox closer Addison Reed in the ninth. Carlos Santana, who had not played since Tuesday because of a left thumb injury, pinch-hit with two outs in the ninth and walked. Giambi flied to center fielder De Aza.

"I hit it a little off the end of the bat," Giambi said.

Giambi went 0-for-4 in his Indians debut. He has 429 career homers.

"I felt pretty good," he said. "I was excited to be out there. I just wish we could have gotten the win."

The bad news for Cleveland included Nick Swisher's 0-for-4. Swisher had his Progressive Field hitting streak snapped at 20, tied with Michael Young for longest in the ballpark's history.

According to Indians researcher John Krepop, Bourn joined Matt Lawton as the only Indians to homer on the first pitch of the first in Progressive Field history.

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says he doesn't want federal investigation of Pilot Flying J 'rebates' to tarnish team

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Jimmy Haslam, owner of the Cleveland Browns and Pilot Flying J, met with reporters at his headquarters at the Pilot Flying J in Knoxville, where he said that he believed the federal investigation centers on rebates to a small group of company trucking customers. He said he is unsure how long the investigation will take.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said today that his business, which was raided by federal authorities Monday, has done nothing wrong and said "the last thing I want to do'' is put a blemish on Cleveland or the Browns.

Haslam met with reporters at his headquarters at the Pilot Flying J in Knoxville, where he said that he believed the federal investigation centers on a small group of trucking company customers that were owed rebates that were never paid. The news conference can be seen on the WBIR web site.

"We, of course, disagree,'' he said.

He explained the rebate system like this: If a trucking company buys 50,000 gallons of gas from Pilot Flying J, it would receive so much of a rebate from Haslam's business. If it buys 100,000 gallons, it would receive another amount. Pilot Flying J deals with 3,300 companies. He said he was unsure how much money was in question.

He did not have any idea of the number of customers involved in the probe, saying "we believe it to be a low number.'' He also said the rebate issue has not come up before. He said no stores were affected by the raids.

Haslam acknowledged the raid was part of a criminal investigation.

On Monday, FBI and IRS agents raided Haslam's business, seizing records and documents. U.S. Attorney Bill Killian told The Plain Dealer today that agents executed four search warrants -- three yesterday and one last night. He called the case "an ongoing investigation,'' though he would not discuss any details.

Haslam said several sales people in his company had received subpoenas, though he himself was not subpoenaed. He said he is unsure why IRS agents were involved in the raid, and he said he believes there are no tax implications.

He said he wants the focus this week to be on the Browns first minicamp practices and the NFL draft next week.

Haslam said he spoke with Browns management about the situation and said he will be in Cleveland later in the week, as previously planned.

JIMNMY-HASLAM-HOR.JPG Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam  

He said his company is doing an internal audit, in addition to the federal investigation. He said he is unsure how long the federal investigation will take, but he is prepared for it to take a long time. Haslam stressed that the company is cooperating with the investigation.

In a statement released before the press conference, Pilot Flying J provided reporters with a series of questions and answers about the investigation. The statement offered little new information, but it did raise the issue of whether the investigation is politically motivated.

The answer was: "That's not for us to say.''

Haslam's brother, Bill, is the governor of Tennessee.

Federal agents had reportedly executed a second search warrant at the headquarters of Pilot Flying J, the company owned by Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam.

The website knoxnews.com reported early this afternoon that "U.S. Attorney Bill Killian wouldn’t give specifics today or say where the warrant was served," but that the investigation was "ongoing."

On Monday, federal agents descended on the Haslam family business in Knoxville in a raid the FBI described as part of an "ongoing investigation."

The headquarters of Pilot Flying J, a nationwide chain of truck stops and convenience stores, was locked down for much of the day.

In a statement released this afternoon, Pilot Flying J said several subpoenas also were served, though it did not disclose with whom the documents were filed.

The release said the investigation appears "to revolve around the application of rebates to a small group of Pilot Flying J trucking company customers.'' The statement does not go into greater detail. The release said the company is cooperating with authorities, and it is conducting its own investigation.

The release, in a question-and-answer format, asked: "Are the feds targeting any executives?'' The answer was simple: "Not to our knowledge.''

It also asked whether "it was necessary to conduct a 'raid?'''

"That's not for us to say.''

In a statement The Plain Dealer obtained Monday night, Haslam, the Browns' owner and Pilot Flying J CEO said: "The FBI secured our headquarters today and informed us they are investigating Pilot Flying J.

Earlier in the afternoon, the Knoxville News Sentinel reported on its website that the entrance to the travel center operator's headquarters was blocked, media were barred from entering the campus and employees were being escorted off the campus.

A company spokeswoman told The Plain Dealer that the FBI arrived "sometime after lunch" but that no one knew why.

Knoxville television station WBIR-TV reported that FBI agents refused to allow traffic to enter the headquarters grounds, wouldn't answer questions and told their reporters to leave.

Pilot was founded in 1958 by Jim Haslam. His son, Jimmy, runs a business often described as one of the largest private companies in America. Gov. Bill Haslam, another son, resigned from the company to become mayor of Knoxville and is now governor of Tennessee.


Jimmy Haslam had stepped down as the chief executive of Pilot Flying J soon after he bought the Browns last summer for more than $1 billion. In February, he resumed the CEO position from former PepsiCo president John Compton, saying he missed running the family business.

With Robert L. Smith  and Tom Reed



Cleveland Cavaliers P.M. links: Kyrie Irving's no-show; positives, negatives on Byron Scott's coaching

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Irving didn't stay on the court to participate in Fan Appreciation Night, though he has since apologized to fans. Scott has done some things well, and others not as well. More Cavaliers story links.


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland Cavaliers, with 15 losses in their last 17 games, are ready for the season to end, which it will on Wednesday night in Charlotte against the Bobcats.

Cleveland and Charlotte are in prime position for the NBA draft lottery, as Plain Dealer reporter Rich Exner writes.

The Cavs are 24-57. The Bobcats, whose majority owner is Michael Jordan, are 20-61. The Bobcats began the campaign with a 7-5 record, but are 13-56 since.

Plain Dealer and cleveland.com Cavaliers coverage includes Mary Schmitt Boyer's story on the Cavs' 96-95 loss on Monday night to the Miami Heat, despite Miami resting six of its top players for the playoffs; Schmitt-Boyer's report on point guard Kyrie Irving's apology to fans for not staying on the court after the game to participate in the Cavs' Fan Appreciation Night giveaway of game-worn jerseys and shoes; Bill Livingston's column on the Cavaliers' struggles; Terry Pluto's podcast, discussing the Cavaliers, Indians and Browns; Jodie Valade's notes on the Cavs, beginning with Miami forward LeBron James' non-playing visit to Quicken Loans Arena on Monday night.

Jason Lloyd writes for the Akron Beacon Journal about Kyrie Irving's baffling night at Quicken Loans Arena, including his failure to stay on the court for Fan Appreciation Night:

He was healthy enough to play 36 minutes, but he couldn’t stick around five more to participate in the festivities celebrating the home finale. Asked why he ran off the court so quickly rather than stick around to hand out his shirt and shoes with everyone else, Irving said he wanted the medical staff to check out his foot.

In an exhausting season filled with collapses and unexpected twists, this was simply one more for the memory book.

The Cavs had a chance to win the game at the buzzer when Irving received the inbounds pass with 13.9 seconds left and dribbled toward the left side of the lane. But when he spun left and started to go up for a shot, Cole — previously a Defensive Player of the Year in the Horizon League — stuck his hand in and cleanly knocked the ball out before Irving could get a shot up.
Cavaliers story links

Some of the positives and negatives on Byron Scott's coaching of the Cavaliers. (By Conrad Kaczmarek, Fear The Sword)

Kyrie Irving apologizes to fans for not participating in the Cavs' Fan Appreciation Night. (FoxSportsOhio.com/Associated Press)

It's time for the Cavaliers to start rewarding their fans.....And, speculation that Byron Scott will be fired. (By Sam Amico, FoxSportsOhio.com)

Kyrie Irving's apology to fans, via Twitter.

Video: Part 2 of Austin Carr's interview with Bill Fitch, the coach Carr played for in his first eight years with the Cavaliers. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Video: Part 1 of Austin Carr's interview with Bill Fitch. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Former Cleveland State star Norris Cole locks up Miami's win by stealing Kyrie Irving's last chance. (By Bob Finnan, News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal)

Things said after the Cavs' loss to Miami. (By Conrad Kaczmarek, Fear The Sword)

It was a meaningless game, yet backup point guard Norris Cole led the Heat to another win. (By Joseph Goodman, Miami Herald)

Video: Kyrie Irving talks with the media following the Cavs' 96-95 loss to the Heat on Monday night. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Video: Byron Scott is interviewed following the Cavaliers' loss to Miami. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Video: Power forward Tristan Thompson talks with the media after the Cavs lose to Miami. (nba.com/cavaliers)

Notes on the Cavaliers. (By Bob Finnan, News-Herald and Lorain Morning Journal)

Cavs notes, beginning with the plan for current rookies Dion Waiters and Tyler Zelller to play in the summer league with incoming Cavs rookies. (By Jason Lloyd, Akron Beacon Journal)



Pat Summerall, famed announcer/kicker whose field goal may have cost Cleveland Browns a title, dies at 82

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Summerall, who announced 16 Super Bowls, made a long field goal to give the Giants a win over the Browns and force a 1958 East Division playoff game between the teams, which New York won.


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pat Summerall, famed for his network television announcing of NFL games, has died at age 82, the Dallas Morning News reports.

Summerall was also an accomplished NFL kicker. His 49-yard, late-game field goal in a driving snowstorm during a regular season finale in 1958 gave the New York Giants a 13-10 win over the Cleveland Browns, forcing a playoff between the teams for the East Division title. The Giants topped the Browns, 10-0, then played the classic championship game against the Baltimore Colts, won by Baltimore, 23-17 in overtime.

Summerall lived near Dallas, in Southlake. The Dallas Morning News report includes:


He worked a record 16 Super Bowls on network television, the first five as an analyst. He worked for CBS from 1961 to 1993. He moved with the NFL from CBS to Fox in 1994. He retired after the 2002 season.



Summerall worked his final Super Bowl in February 2002. It was his eighth alongside analyst John Madden. They worked together at CBS and Fox for 21 seasons. Their work at Super Bowl XVI in 1982 remains the highest-rated sports program of all-time, with more than 49 percent of the nation tuned in.


summerall-madden.jpg Pat Summerall (left) and broadcast partner John Madden (right) prior to announcing the Rams' 45-17 playoff game win over the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 20, 2002 in St. Louis. (AP photo)  

Summerall's field goal that may have cost the Browns a championship was a stunner. Not only were the weather conditions difficult, but the game was played during an era when special teams play wasn't emphasized as it is now, and no place-kick was a sure thing, let alone a 49-yarder in the wind and snow.



Summerall made 47 percent of his field goal attempts during a 10-year career, an acceptable rate for the time.

Summerall's kick was one of the big moments in the storied Browns vs. Giants rivalry through the 1950s and 1960s. In 2008, The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com published a story about the significance of Cleveland-New York games back then, and Summerall was quoted in an accompanying report on the Browns-Giants rivalry. Both stories were written by Bill Lubinger and posted by Jamie Turner.

The late Chuck Heaton, then The Plain Dealer's Browns beat writer, wrote in his game story about the sequence leading to Summerall's field goal with 2:07 to play, giving the Giants a 13-10 win over the Browns on Dec. 14, 1958 in Yankee Stadium:


Charlie Conerly had thrown down the middle to Frank Gifford. The speedy halfback, who had passed seven yards to end Bob Schnelker for the lone Giants touchdown in the last quarter, caught the ball and then dropped it as he was hit by linebacker Galen Fiss.



Walt Michaels, Cleveland defensive signal caller, fell on the pigskin. So obvious seemed the fumble that the New York defense began dejectedly to troop on the field and a loud moan went up from the Giant partisans.



Charley Berry, the baseball umpire who was serving as head linesman, saw it differently. He called it an incomplete pass. The Giants retained the ball for the fourth down, and Summerall, who has been ailing all week with a severe charley horse, got another chance.

Cleveland.com's Browns History Database includes Plain Dealer stories on almost every regular season and playoff game in Browns history, from their first campaign in 1946 through the 2012 season.


Kyrie Irving still has room to grow into becoming the Cleveland Cavaliers' leader: Terry Pluto

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The fact the Cavaliers have yet to sniff the playoffs with Kyrie Irving should point out that Irving still has a lot of work to do.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Kyrie Irving can be great.

That's right, the Cavaliers point guard can be great. But he's not there. Not yet.

Great players defend. Great players help their team win. Great players find a way to stay on the court for most games. It will be up to Byron Scott or whomever coaches the Cavs to deliver that message next season.

At times, Scott has tried. He has pulled Irving from games for a lack of defense. He has talked about Irving's disdain for defense. He consistently compares Irving to Chris Paul, adding that Paul is superior defensively.

It's no secret that Irving is a soft defender. That's true of many young players, who believe all that matters is the points next to their name in the box score. The fact the team has yet to come close to the playoffs with him should point out that Irving still has a lot of work to do.

Irving had a glorious All-Star weekend, scoring 32 points in the Rising Stars game, winning the 3-point contest and looking as if he belonged with the best of the NBA. He's averaging 22.4 points, shooting .452 from the field, .392 beyond the arc. He can drive to the basket at will, score with either hand in traffic. He has a superb outside shot.

In a city searching for a hoops star since LeBron James left, Irving is adored. He has an engaging smile and has stayed out of legal trouble or any major embarrassing situations. Nationally, ESPN and others have proclaimed him "the future of NBA point guards." He has his own "Uncle Drew" advertising persona and other commercials.

All this for someone who just turned 21 on March 23. It has, unsurprisingly, created a growing sense of entitlement with Irving.

Last week, he had a chance to say something about the embattled Scott, but refused to comment at all on his coach's future. Was this the same Irving who called Scott a "second father" after winning the 2012 Rookie of the Year award?

It seems he has a short memory.

If you have issues with the coach, it can be discussed behind the scenes. You pay tribute to a veteran coach who certainly helped your assimilation into the NBA when the man obviously needs a kind word.

Irving finally came to Scott's defense on Monday, saying he wanted him back. But hours later, he ignored the post-game ceremony during which players gave away shoes and shirts to the fans. The team said he had his heel checked, and he was in the training room after the game,

Irving sarcastically dismissed the injury excuse. After the game, he said: "I'm hurt again? Damn. How long am I going to be out? Four to six weeks?"

Well, Kyrie, you played only 11 games at Duke because of a foot injury. You missed 15 games in 2011-12, and 23 games this season with various injuries. If someone says you're injured, the tendency is to believe them.

Injuries are a problem for Irving. It's not the fault of the fans, media, public relations department or coaches. Irving did tweet Tuesday, apologizing for not joining the rest of his teammates Monday night.

There are times when rolls his eyes or shakes his head in disgust when a teammate makes a poor play. It's kid stuff, but he should know better.   

None of this is to say Irving is a bad guy or a lousy teammate. But he has some maturing to do, and the Cavs must demand that he do it.

Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden takes the first reps in minicamp, as expected

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Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden opened minicamp as the starter. Now he'll have to stave off Jason Campbell to keep his starting job.

BEREA, Ohio -- On the first day of Browns voluntary minicamp, quarterback Brandon Weeden was the first man up in team drills, as expected. Free-agent pickup Jason Campbell went next, followed by third-teamer Thad Lewis.

Coach Rob Chudzinski, however, cautioned that it's the only the beginning of the competition.

“Right now we are going through and Brandon got the reps with the ones today,'' he said. "We are taking a look at it. It’s early in the process, just seeing what guys are taking from the meeting room out to the field. We will work through that process. Campbell will get some reps with the ones as well along the way. But this is a long, long process that we are going to have and there is a long time between now and our opener. We’ve got plenty of time and this is just the first step.”

 But Weeden is happy to come in as the starter and fight to keep the job.   

"Moreso than that is being a second-year guy,'' he said. "And I don’t care, I was 28 last year, it’s still different coming into a locker room, I did win the job, but it’s still hard to be the vocal guy, be the guy that comes in, you gotta kind of understand your role and see how you fit. Now that it’s my second year, it’s my job to take control, be the guy, and be the leader. Be the leader on offense, be the leader in the locker room.

"I’ve told you guys, I lead by example but I think there’s a comfort level there now that maybe wasn’t there last year just because I was still learning. I was learning week to week, and I was learning new guys, how each guy responds and I’ve seen a difference. This year I’m a little bit more proactive and kind of being the guy that’s kind of leading the way.''

Weeden acknowledged that the new, vertical scheme suits his big arm better than last year's West Coast offense. 

"I think this offense possesses a lot of the strengths that I have,'' he said. "I think we’re throwing the ball down the field, we’re throwing deeper routes, I’m going to be in the shotgun a little bit more. You look back at Philip Rivers, he was in the shotgun over 70 percent of the time, stuff like that. The stuff that I’ve done in the past. I think obviously Norv (Turner) has been in this offense for 25-30 years and knows it like the back of his hand, so he’s a great resource. If he tells me to throw a pump-8, he’s seen it before, so I’m going to throw a pump-8. I trust everything he’s saying and it’s a great scheme. I love this offense. I think it’s a great fit, not only for me, but for the other guys we have on our side of the ball.''

He's also excited about the chance to work with Campbell, a ninth-year pro.

"It's huge. Jason, he's been great,'' said Weeden. "I met him in the preseason when we played Chicago last year and I remember walking around with Whip (Mark Whipple) and I said 'that's a good dude.' I'm glad to have him on board. He's a veteran guy, ninth year in the league, he's seen a lot of stuff, he's been around a lot of different players, a lot of different coaches, schemes, all of that. He's a veteran guy that can help. I mean, he's just another set of eyes. I've seen in however long we've been here, eight, 10, 12 days, of actual working, he's going to help me a lot. He's a guy that I'm going to rely on. We're going to help each other. I'm going to try to just form a relationship with him that will help me become a better player.''

Weeden also talked about two changes in fundamentals he's made this season, in part with the help of former NFL quarterback Chris Weinke. He's speeding up his footwork and eliminating patting the ball.

In other minicamp news and notes:

• Browns owner Jimmy Haslam apologized to the Browns fans and the city of Cleveland for the FBI raid and ongoing investigation of Pilot Flying J, even though he feels the company has done nothing wrong.

"I apologize because the last thing we want to do was put any kind of blemish on the City of Cleveland, which we've grown to love, or the Browns," Haslam said. "I personally feel bad about that, even though I don't think we've done anything wrong.''

He said he's been in contact with Banner, president Alec Scheinereld and Chudzinski and that it's "business as usual" for club in Berea.

"I said "we're great and we'll manage things down here," Haslam said. "You guys, it's the first week you can really practice on the field, so let's focus on that and with the draft coming up."

Haslam said he'll be in Berea on Thursday or Friday "to participate in draft preparations and we'll be up there almost all of next week and . . . we look forward to (the draft)."

* Trent Richardson campaigned for the Browns to draft his former 'Bama teammate Dee Milliner, the top cornerback in the draft: “Man, I’d love Dee to be here, especially on the other side of Joe. Those two on opposite sides … that’s a powerful thing. Both of them guys are top-notch guys and just comparing him with Joe is an honor for him. It’s an honor for him to even take visits up here to me ‘cause I know how that dude works and I know what that man puts in his everyday game. That dude there works hard and he’s fast. He’s got a lot of good ball skills. Just being around [him], I think he’s a better person than he is an athlete, too. I’ve seen this dude do a 360 dunk in the gym off hops, off just vertical. This dude, he’s athletic and he’s ready to play.”

• Camp opened with 65 players on the field and two missing as they recover from injuries. Not practicing were guard Jason Pinkston, recovering from a blood clot in his lung; and newly signed receiver David Nelson, on the mend from a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

• The 65 included three players participating on a tryout basis: former Michigan State defensive back Chris Rucker, former Fresno State receiver Seyi Ajirotutu and former Boise State receiver Legedu Naanee.

• Browns GM Mike Lombardi, who has been shielded from the media since his hiring, will participate with Banner in a predraft press conference on Thursday afternoon. Banner said at the NFL owners meetings in March that he was keeping Lombardi behind the scenes because he was a "lightning rod'' for criticism.

• The NFL announced it will release the 2013 schedule Thursday at 8 p.m.

• Former Browns tight end Alex Smith signed today with the Bengals.

Golf loses a friend with the passing of Betty Peppard: NE Ohio Golf Insider

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Betty Peppard was a player, administrator and advocate of women's golf

Peppard.jpg View full size Betty Peppard, who died Saturday at age 83, was a player, administrator and advocate of women's golf in Northeast Ohio.  
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Golf in general, and women's golf in particular, has lost one of its prominent members.

Betty (Kerby) Peppard, described by some as a legend in women's golf in Ohio, died on Saturday. She was 83.

Peppard's career in women's golf spanned from competitor to rules official to advocate. She was a 13-time winner in the Women's Akron District Golf Association, a two-time Women's Ohio State Golf Association champion and three-time runner-up. She also played in four LPGA events.

"Betty was a legend in women's golf in Ohio," said Jeanne Pritchard, a longtime colleague. "She was a great player. She had one of the best swings I've ever seen. Beyond that, she was just a great person."

When her competitive playing days ended she maintained her interest in amateur golf by volunteering annually for the rules committee at the Ohio Junior Girls' Championship, the Senior Amateur and other amateur tournaments sponsored by the WOSGA. She was the USGA's regional affairs representative. She was a member of the board of directors of the Ohio Girls Golf Foundation.

She was so well thought of that the WOSGA named an award after her. The Betty Kerby Peppard Award is given to an individual who has made significant contributions to women's amateur golf in Ohio. She was the first recipient.

"It is just very, very sad," said Patty Jacobson, a close friend and officiating colleague. "We worked together for years at many events. Everyone knew Betty. Her love was junior golf. She loved the juniors."

Peppard, and her late husband, Don, were longtime members at Brookside Country Club in Canton. Visitation is Thursday, 5-8 p.m. at the Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home, 1803 Cleveland Ave., Canton, 330-456-4766. Burial services will be Friday at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's, 3430 St. Michael's Blvd., Canton.

Pros promote juniors: The main focus of the Northern Ohio PGA is to promote the game at all levels and that includes junior golf. NOPGA offers several opportunities for boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 22, with the events being held at some of the area's top courses.

Players can chose from the Kenny Novak Tour (for players between 12 and 19), the PGA Championship Tour (ages 13-18), the Pups Tour (ages 8-11) and the Collegiate Series (ages 18-22).

The organization also will stage a free fun days event at several courses in the area. For more information and schedules go to NorthernOhioPGA.com and click on Junior Golf.

GOLD.JPG View full size David Goldense has been re-elected as Northern Ohio Golf Association's president.  

NOGA makes picks: David Goldense has been re-elected president of the Northern Ohio Golf Association and will be sworn in Wednesday night at the organization's 97th annual meeting at Westwood Country Club. Goldense, a Westwood member, is the ninth NOGA president since 1917 to serve more than one term.  Paul Schlather (Pepper Pike) and Rik Kohn (Mayfield Sand Ridge) will serve as the first and second vice presidents, respectively, and will be inducted along with new trustees Tim Baker (Chagrin Valley) and Denny Flood (Oberlin). 

The annual meeting follows the NOGA club officials seminar, which features guest speakers addressing property taxes and valuation, golf course maintenance practices and golf fitness and performance.

Hired: Matt Duffy, a graduate of Trinity High and Ferris State, has been hired as NOGA's handicaps manager, replacing Frank Rihtar, who was named director of the organization's charities and foundation program. Rihtar replaced Bob Wharton, who retired after more than 30 years with the organization. Duffy will work with the USGA's Golf Handicap Information Network, which is the handicap system used nationwide.

Tristan Thompson, Alonzo Gee eager to be 82-game iron men for Cleveland Cavaliers

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Tristan Thompson and Alonzo Gee have a chance to play in all 82 games this season. It's an accomplishment in which they take considerable pride.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio -- Tristan Thompson agreed to talk about the possible milestone, but not before knocking on the wooden side of his locker.

Barring any bad fish or a trip in the bathtub before Wednesday's game at Charlotte, Thompson and Alonzo Gee have a chance to play in all 82 games for the Cavaliers this season. It's an accomplishment in which they take considerable pride, given that the team has lost 168 games to injury this season.

"It means a lot," Gee said. "It's a huge accomplishment for me because of where I come from -- the D-League, not being drafted. Every year I want to play every game. I don't want to miss any games. If I can play, there's nothing going to stop me from playing."

Thompson agreed.

"Durability is key in this league," said the power forward, who didn't miss a game when he had to wear a mask to protect a broken nose earlier this season. "You want to be able to play every night and compete at a high level, especially starting and playing 31 minutes. It shows how much a player takes care of his body and how important it is to stay in shape and be ready to play."

Thompson said he looked at some of the serious injuries suffered by his teammates -- Anderson Varejao's quadriceps surgery and subsequent blood clots, or Kyrie Irving's sprained AC joint -- and was inspired to persevere through some nagging pains.

"Whenever you have bumps or bruises, what motivates you is being able to fight for your team and compete every night," he said.

As of Tuesday, there were 26 players who had a chance to play in all 82 games, and the Cavs were one of seven teams with at least two such players. Oklahoma City actually has three -- Kevin Durant, Nick Collison and iron man Russell Westbrook, who has never missed a regular-season game since he joined the league in 2008-09, a string of 393 games.

In a season with precious few highlights, Cavs coach Byron Scott will take whatever positives he can find.

"That's been a bright spot," he said of the durability of Thompson and Gee. "You've got to be very proud of those guys for being able to sustain and go through this season with all the other injuries that we've had. I think it's a tribute to them for their hard work and the way they play every single night to be able to complete the season with 82 games.

"That doesn't happen often where a guy plays 82. I know I played 14 years, and I think I might have played every game maybe three times. It's very difficult to do. It is a dying breed. It just doesn't happen. ... For Tristan and Zo to play in every game this season would be a remarkable feat."

Irving apologizes: Irving apologized to fans for running off the court immediately after his team's 96-95 loss to Miami on Monday night instead of sticking around for the traditional Fan Appreciation Night giveaway of game-worn jerseys and shoes.

"I want to personally apologize to all the Cavs fans for my actions yesterday," Irving wrote on his Twitter account. "It was truly unfair to you guys. I'm very appreciative for all of you guys. Your love and passion for the organization and city is what pushes me to be great."

Irving said he ran off the court to have his sore right heel looked at by the team's doctors. Although the team said he had a bruised right heel, Irving said he was fine, apparently declaring himself eligible for Wednesday's game.

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