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Reds take game one

May 21, 2005 / JEC

In the first game of the annual “Battle of Ohio,” the Reds prevailed 2-1 behind a great performance from Aaron Harang (4 hits, 1 ER, 9 K). Kevin Millwood was nearly as successful, giving up a run on six hits with five Ks, but the offense once again let down the starter. Millwood is 1-4 despite his tidy 3.31 ERA. Jake Westbrook has allowed two earned runs or fewer in six of his nine starts and he’s 1-7. Granted, Westbrook has gotten bombed in his other three starts, but he certainly deserves better than 1-7, especially considering he gave up six combined runs in four of those losses.

Today’s match-up (7:10) features C.C. Sabathia and rookie Elizardo Ramirez.

Cleveland Indians

Winslow gone for ’05

May 19, 2005 / JEC

It’s official: Kellen Winslow will miss the entire 2005 season with a torn ACL in his right knee. Winslow and the Browns learned the results of a recent MRI Wednesday.

According to Tony Grossi from the PD, the Browns could require the tight end to pay them anywhere between $5.7 million and $10.7 million for being in breach of his contract. While I certainly believe they’ll get some of that money back, I doubt the Browns will force Winslow to cough up the entire amount because they won’t want to strain their relationship with a player the team no doubt feels is still a big part of their future plans.

The worst part about all of this is the damper Winslow’s injury puts on this year’s draft. Part of the reason the Braylon Edwards pick looked so good was the thought of pairing Edwards and Winslow in the passing game. Losing Winslow (again) now puts more pressure on Trent Dilfer and the running game.

Hopefully another lost season will serve as a kick in the ass for Winslow. All the talent in the world doesn’t mean squat if you’re an immature kid who makes poor decisions.

Cleveland Browns

Droughns backs off holdout talk

May 19, 2005 / JEC

Running back Reuben Droughns has returned to Cleveland and is working out with the team, the PD’s Mary Kay Cabot is reporting. Droughns, acquired via trade from the Denver Broncos, had been threatening to hold out if the Browns didn’t restructure his contract. “Right now, I’m not worrying about the business side of it,” he said Monday night. “All I’m concerned about is learning the system and getting in shape for the season.”

Smart decision. With Lee Suggs the apparent starter and William Green continuing to impress the coaching staff with his improved work ethic, Droughns had no leverage whatsoever for a holdout. The Browns weren’t going to blink on this one.

Cleveland Browns

Westbrook can’t finish the job

May 18, 2005 / JEC

A couple hours after I gushed about an apparent offensive awakening, the Indians scored just one run off Bartolo Colon Wednesday afternoon, falling to the Angels 2-1. Jake Westbrook was working on a two-hit shutout when he surrendered three-straight singles to tie the game at 1-1 in the top of the ninth, and then Arthur Rhodes allowed the winning run to score on a sac fly.

The good news, if there really is any, is that Jody Gerut ripped an RBI double in his first game back from the DL. Let’s give credit for this one to Bartolo Colon and hope the offense shows up next time out.

Cleveland Indians

NCAA cites only one violation for Buckeye football program

May 18, 2005 / G

Buckeye football fans should be breathing a sigh of relief, as the NCAA has cited only one violation arising from Maurice Clarett’s allegations against the football program. It appears that only the Troy Smith matter was cited, meaning that no additional sanctions are expected against the football program.

Unfortunately, the basketball program will probably be forced to forfeit games arising from their problems. OSU will have to face more PR embarassments as that process plays out, but it looks like Tressell and the football program will be safe, and the basketball program can get a fresh start.

OSU Football