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OKLAHOMA CITY -- Former Indianapolis Colts and Oklahoma State kicker Cary Blanchard died Tuesday at age 47.Mindi Blanchard confirmed her ex-husbands death. She said Cary Blanchard passed away unexpectedly of what she believes was a massive heart attack, but added that an autopsy has not been performed.Blanchard lived near Edmond, Oklahoma, a suburb of Oklahoma City, but Mindi Blanchard said he died in Mabank, Texas, three days after his mothers funeral there.As a Colt, Cary Blanchard was an Associated Press All-Pro in 1996 and a Pro Bowl selection in 1997. His nine-year NFL career also included stints with the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Washington Redskins, New York Giants and Arizona Cardinals.A three-time All-Big Eight selection (1988-90), Blanchard finished his Oklahoma State career with 331 points.Blanchard is survived by his son Blake and Blakes wife, Tia, his daughter, Bayli, and his son Braeden.Mindi Blanchard said the funeral will take place Friday at Church of the Servant in Oklahoma City.Cary was a family man who loved his children and his family more than anything, she said. Reggie Lewis Celtics Jersey . Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night. Larry Bird Celtics Jersey . LOUIS -- Heading into the final stretch of the season, the issues for the Chicago Bears banged-up defence only seem to be getting worse. http://www.authenticcelticsproshop.com/Bill-Russell-Jersey/ . Terms of the deal were not immediately available. The 26-year-old finished last season with Clevelands Triple-A affiliate in Columbus after signing with the Indians in August. Danny Ainge Jersey . The team says the Spain international has a muscle pull in his right leg. Barcelona hosts third-division side Cartagena in the return leg of their round-of-32 tie after winning their first meeting 4-1. John Havlicek Jersey . Artturi Lehkonen, Joni Nikko and Ville Leskinen had the other goals for Finland (1-0) while Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots. Tim Robin Johnsgard had the lone goal for Norway (0-2). KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Cleveland Indians could end their regular season Sunday against the Kansas City Royals after 161 games.Or they could play a makeup game Monday in Detroit if it has playoff ramifications for either or both clubs.But this the Indians do know for sure: They will be playing Thursday in the American League Division Series against the Boston Red Sox.Indians manager Terry Francona said its not that tough balancing the finish of the regular season and knowing the playoffs are ahead.Its kinda nice in the fact that even though theyre playing, it could mean home field, but its not life or death if we lose, Francona said. So it gives the guys a little bit of a mental break, which I think is good. You dont want to take too much (off) because its hard to turn that button on, but I think our guys have handled it pretty good.While Francona managed the Red Sox to two World Series championships, he does not want the series against Boston be about him versus his former club, but keep the focus on the players.The one thing I think I need to be cognizant of is the players have worked so hard to, both sides, to get to this, Francona said. I cant let my personal feelings ever get in the way of or take away from what theyve done. So, whatever my feelings are need to remain my feelings and let the players, like I said, theyve worked so hard for this. It needs to be about them.Francona named Trevor Bauer his starting pitcher for the series opener Thursday while staff ace Corey Kluber, who has not pitched since Sept. 26 at Detroit and leaving after four innings with quadriceps tightness, starts the second game Friday.Kluber will throw a bullpen session Sunday and an extended mound session Tuesday. Francona said he did not think it would fair to the team or Kluber to ask him to pitch Thursday and possibly on short rest for the fifth game of the ALDS if necessary.In fact I know its the right thing for everybody, Francona said. I dont think its fair for Kluber to have him sit for 10 days and have him pitch two games in foour days.dddddddddddd He certainly wanted to. I kind of -- again not just me, but talking to everybody -- I just took it out of his hands, Now he can prepare for Game 2. He can do that without the anxiety and worry of rushing.Francona jokingly had one message for Red Sox designated hitter David Ortiz, who has announced this is his final year.I wish Ortiz would consider retiring early, but I dont see that happening, Francona said.With Carlos Carrasco on the 60-day disabled list (broken finger) and Danny Santana out since Sept. 9 with a forearm strain, the Indians rotation is shallow entering the postseason. With the injuries, Bauer emerged as the starter for the opener after beginning the year in the bullpen.Hes had some ups and down, like everybody pretty much, Francona said. I think he relishes whats ahead of him. Obviously, hes going up against a good lineup, but I think hell be OK.The Royals, who start right-hander Ian Kennedy on Sunday in their season finale, try to snap a three-game slide. They need a victory to finish with a winning record for the fourth straight year.Weve talked about it, said utility player Whit Merrifield, who made a costly fielding error leading to three unearned runs in the eighth inning of the Indians 6-3 victory Saturday. Weve talked about needing a win this series. We have one more chance at it. Well come here tomorrow and be ready to go.The Royals, however, have lost 13 of 18 to the Indians this year and have been outscored by 32 runs.Right-hander Josh Tomlin, who has not pitched in six days, will be the Indians starter. This will be his 17th career start and 22nd career appearance against the Royals. He is 7-4 with a 4.24 ERA in his 16 starts.And if the Indians play Monday, Francona said he has no idea who would start.Some of it may depend on what the games for, Francona said. Well see. Some of it will depend on who pitches tomorrow (Sunday) and how much. ' ' '