One bad throw by Victor Martinez and another shaky job by the bullpen ruined a good outing by Cliff Lee and cost the Indians the game as they lost 5-2 to the Royals. With the game tied at two in the sixth, Marinez airmailed a ball over Andy Marte’s head as Mark Teahen was trying to steal third. The error enabled the Royals to take a one-run lead and they tacked on two more in the eighth off relievers Brian Sikorski and Andrew Brown. Teahen had a monster night, going 4-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Cliff Lee pitched decent, allowing three runs and striking out five in six innings, but was tagged with his first career loss in Kansas City. The Tribe got their runs on a Martinez groundout in the first and a Ryan Garko sacrifice fly in the sixth. Travis Hafner added three hits, including two doubles.

Get used to seeing several Triple-A no-namers coming out of the bullpen for the Indians. With September call-ups approaching, where teams can expand their rosters, who knows who will be making appearances down the stretch.

Robert Smith, a former Buckeye star, is standing up for NFLPA head Gene Upshaw. Upshaw was verbally attacked by Bryant Gumbel yesterday. Gumbel ignorantly stated that Upshaw was being led around on a leash by the owners of the NFL. Smith is a very intelligent and successful former NFL player.

I agree with Smith’s assessment that Gumbel is seeking attention. I see Gumbel as a jealous personality that shows no class by making uninformed statements. The NFL is a model for professional sports, its popularity and revenue has passed baseball and continues to grow.

The fact that he is all over the news is exactly why Gumball made the statement. I guess when your show has sunk lower than re-runs of “The price is right” you will stoop to any level for attention. Gene Upshaw continues to show class and will not dignify Gumball with a response.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked number one in most preseason polls. Troy Smith, the Bucks quarterback, is one of the main reasons for this years predicted success. The Buckeye offense has more weapons this year than in the past. They have experience and speed that ranks above most teams in the nation.

Troy Smith has the ability to run or pass, which makes his presence even more dangerous. The first year Smith started at OSU quarterback, he looked to run the ball too much. Last year, he developed into a throwing quarterback with the ability to run. Smith has learned to let the game come to him, rather than force the issue.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have high expectations this season. Troy Smith’s ability to decide on whether to run or pass will play a large part in determining whether the Bucks make it back to the Championship Game.

It is possible Browns wide receiver Braylon Edwards could get some reps in this week’s game at Buffalo.

“We’ll have to see how the practice week goes,” Crennel said after the morning practice as the Browns went through the last of their two-a-day sessions. “If the week goes well and he is feeling good, we might have to give him one or two reps to see if he can move around against some different competition, in a more competitive situation.”

After suffering his ACL injury last season, Braylon has been making a quick recovery and, from all indications, it looks like he will be ready to go by the opener against the Saints. For him to get on the field this upcoming Saturday would be another huge step for him as he nears the end of his rehab process. Edwards is inching closer and closer to full form but he must get a feel for game speed first and foremost. It would be beneficial for him to get a few opportunities against Buffalo just to get his feet wet again and his body used to contact in a game situation.

If you would have said Braylon Edwards would be suiting up to play in the third preseason game, let alone the opener, I would have thought you were crazy. Pegged at first to return around Week 6 or so, it’s amazing he’s back so soon.