Madison Keys knocked off fourth-seeded Anastasia Kharchenko, and Gabriela Paz beat Sabrina Santamarina in the other quarterfinal matches.

Fifth-seeded Yuliana Lizarazo beat Nicola Slater, 7-5, 6-3, on Friday in the Ladies Cleveland Open at the Chagrin Valley Athletic Club in Chagrin Falls to advance to today's semifinals.

Lizarazo will play No. 3 seed Piia Suomalainen in the first semifinal at 10 a.m. Suomalainen topped Caitlin Whoriskey, 6-3, 7-6(5).

Madison Keys knocked off fourth-seeded Anastasia Kharchenko, and Gabriela Paz beat Sabrina Santamarina in the other quarterfinal matches. The Keys-Paz semifinal follows the first, but will not start before 1 p.m.

Walter Dix dominates a thin field to win the men's 100 meters in 10.04 seconds.

View full sizeCharlie Neibergall / Associated PressTeam Nike's Allyson Felix, left, beats LaShaunte'a Moore to the finish line Friday in the women's 100-meter dash at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

Felix, a two-time Olympic silver medalist in the 200, fought through the heat and a strong headwind for her first outdoor title in the 100. Felix finished in 11.27 seconds -- the slowest at this meet since 1977.

Moore finished in 11.34 and Madison 11.43.

Among other competitors with Northeast Ohio ties:

• Two-time Olympian and four-time defending champion A.G. Kruger of Ashland finished fourth in the hammer throw, finishing at 242-5 after fouling on three of his six throws.

• Kent State graduate Kimberley Hamilton finished fourth in the javelin, throwing 179-5.

• Brecksville High graduate Josh McAdams, the champion in 2007 and 2009, qualified seventh in 8:45.22 during the preliminaries of the 3,000-meter men's steeplechase.

• Akron senior Daniel Kinsey was in 12th place through the first half of the decathlon.

Also Friday:

• Walter Dix dominated a thin field to win the men's 100 meters in 10.04 seconds.

• Bernard Lagat repeated as the men's 5,000 champion, holding off Tim Nelson to win by less than a second.

• Kara Patterson was the star of the field events, shattering the American record in the javelin with a toss of 218 feet, 9 inches.

Jackson throws a whopping 149 pitches -- the most in the majors in five years -- to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 1-0 victory over his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays.

View full sizeChris O'Meara / Associated PressArizona pitcher Edwin Jackson celebrates with teammates after throwing a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday in St. Petersburg, Fla., the fourth no-hitter in the majors this season.

Fred Goodall / Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Edwin Jackson was so wild early there was no reason to think he would even finish the game, forget throw the fourth no-hitter of the season.

This being the Year of the Pitcher, though, anything was possible.

Jackson made it happen, all right, throwing a whopping 149 pitches -- the most in the majors in five years -- leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 1-0 victory Friday night over his former team, the Tampa Bay Rays.

"It's one of those moments where you're just caught up in the moment. It's one of the craziest games I've had, especially the game starting off how it did. Not being able to find the strike zone with the fastball," Jackson said. "Good thing I could throw the slider for strikes in any count. It just resurrected my game."

Jackson walked eight, all but one in the first three innings, but the Rays still were no-hit for the third time since last July, including Dallas Braden's perfect game at Oakland on May 9.

Colorado's Ubaldo Jimenez no-hit Atlanta on April 17 and Philadelphia's Roy Halladay tossed a perfect game at Florida on May 29. Armando Galarraga lost his perfect game with two outs in the ninth on a blown call by umpire Jim Joyce.

Jason Bartlett grounded to shortstop Stephen Drew for the final out and Jackson's teammates mobbed him on the field after the improbable feat. Jackson improved his career record to 43-45 in eight seasons. He was an All-Star last year for Detroit before being traded to Arizona in the offseason in a three-team trade with the Yankees that included Curtis Granderson.

Jackson was hit with a pie in the face by a teammate as he was doing an on-field interview.

"It was definitely a great feeling, especially after those first few innings. ... After the fifth I looked up and said 'Wow' there's no hits.'" Jackson said.

"It's one of those bittersweet moments. You throw a no hitter and it's against your old team," Jackson added. "At least it's with a crowd that you've had accomplishment with and you can do in front of someone who will appreciate it."

The crowd of 18,918 stood and applauded the first no-hitter at Tropicana Field in the relatively short history of the Rays, who like the Diamondbacks began play in 1998.

Randy Johnson has the only other no-hitter in Arizona history, a perfect game at Atlanta on May 18, 2004.

Adam LaRoche homered off Jeff Niemann (6-2) with one out in the second, all the support Jackson would need.

"He's a great athlete and a great kid. He's one of the very few who can do that," Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon said, noting Jackson's ability to continue to pitch well despite a high pitch count.

"He threw 150 pitches and it's rare to see that many walks and not score a run," Maddon added. "Our guys are just pressing too hard."

Jackson (5-6) walked the bases loaded in the third but was bailed out by a stellar play by third baseman Mark Reynolds, who spun around to throw out Ben Zobrist at home plate. Hank Blalock then grounded out to end the inning.

Reynolds made another big play on a sharp line drive by Bartlett in the seventh. Earlier in the at-bat Bartlett hit a dribbler that hung close to the third base line before rolling foul in front of the bag.

In the eighth, Miguel Montero threw out pinch-runner Carl Crawford trying to steal second after Carlos Pena reached on an error by Drew.

Jackson was so wild and the pitch count unusually high that the Diamondbacks had relievers warming up from the sixth inning on.

"All's well that ends well. We stopped counting at about 115," Diamondbacks manager A.J. Hinch said. "You do want to make smart decisions. You do have a chance at history and you don't want to take it away from him."

No one has thrown that many pitches in a nine-inning game since June 3, 2005, when Washington's Livan Hernandez threw 150 against the Marlins.

Jackson pitched for the Rays from 2006-08. His only other shutout in 126 career starts came for Tampa Bay in 2007.

"To be able to come back and give the crowd I used to play for something to see. Today is just a special day. Something I'll never forget," Jackson said.

Jackson's eight walks were a career high -- he struck out six. In 2001, A.J. Burnett walked a record nine in a no-hitter for Florida against San Diego.

In the ninth, Jackson struck out B.J. Upton on three pitches. Blalock flied to left before Jackson got the final out for his 149th pitch.

Niemann struck out eight and walked two in 7 1-3 innings.

The performance by Jackson, who helped Tampa Bay make an improbable run to the World Series two years ago, overshadowed the first meeting between brothers B.J. and Justin Upton, who despite being relatively close in age had never competed with or against each other at any level before Friday.

The Uptons are one of nine sets of brothers who have played in the majors this season. About 65 relatives and friends are in town for the series, and mother, Yvonne, wore a jersey bearing the names and numbers of both above the notation: "my sons."

Hinch joked with Justin before the game that he was tempted to post a mock lineup that didn't include the right fielder.

"I said, 'would have you been in here'" to protest, "and he said: 'My mother would have been in here.'"

When Tim Warsinskey was a cub reporter at Ohio University, he got his first scoop reporting that a young Bob Bradley was named soccer coach. Today, Bradley coaches the U.S. team against Ghana, and Warsinskey is employed at the Plain Dealer.

View full sizeElise Amendola / Associated PressU.S. national soccer coach Bob Bradley got his first coaching job in 1981 at Ohio University, and the story of his hiring was broken by a young reporter just cutting his teeth in journalism, Tim Warsinskey.

The 1981 Ohio University soccer team helped launch two careers.

One takes another giant step forward today when coach Bob Bradley leads the U.S. men's soccer team into a World Cup elimination-round game against Ghana in South Africa.

The other, well, let's just say it's a good job and I'm glad to have it.

In spring 1981, I walked into OU's student newspaper, The Post, looking for a job. The sports editor told me, "Find out who the new men's soccer coach is going to be."

I knew a few guys on the team, worked the phones and confirmed, before it was announced, that Bradley was getting the job, his first as a head coach. He was 22. That tiny scoop also got me my first job covering Bradley and the soccer team. I was 19.

PLAIN DEALER PHOTOPlain Dealer sportswriter Tim Warsinskey

"It was a really unique opportunity as a young person, as a young coach, to get that experience," Bradley recently told Ohio Today, an alumni magazine.

He did an outstanding job, especially considering soccer was a non-scholarship sport at OU. Bradley had a warm sense of humor and connected with players on a personal level. He had the presence to gain the respect of veteran players, some of whom were older than him and several of whom were internationals. His best players were from Iran and Lebanon. The Bobcats went 7-4-2, including a stunning 4-3 upset of Ohio State.

One of the reasons Bradley got the job was he came cheap. He had just graduated from Princeton, had no experience and was an OU graduate student. It was an omen. A year later, soccer and tennis were dropped as part of sweeping budget cuts.

"Bob had a real sense of purpose about this game," said OU associate professor Andy Kreutzner, who was an athletic department graduate assistant in 1981. "He was focused, and you had a feeling he was going to make it and do well. Did you think he was going to be the U.S. men's coach? Probably not. But, I would have been shocked if he had made it in anything other than soccer."

Bradley then was hired as an assistant coach by Virginia head coach Bruce Arena, who also went on to be the U.S. men's coach in 2002 and 2006. Bradley's career took off from there.

"It would have been nice to stay as far as having an opportunity to build a program," Bradley said upon his departure from Athens in 1982.

If he had, he might not be in South Africa coaching the Americans today.

For the third straight year the Indians are getting ready to make some deals. Once again they're going to be sellers, not buyers.

Tony Dejak / Associated PressRussell Branyan's power makes him a player contenders likely will be interested in as the Tribe once again goes into July looking to trade veterans for prospects.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Let the trading begin. Just don't expect a lot of big names coming the Indians' way between now and Aug. 31.

Then again who had heard of Asdrubal Cabrera and Shin-Soo Choo when the Indians acquired them from Seattle for Eduardo Perez and Ben Broussard in separate deals less than a month apart during the 2006 season?

Like this season, 2006 was full of angst and anger. More so than this year because the Indians were expected to contend after winning 93 games in 2005. It didn't happen, and they sent Perez to Seattle on June 30 and Broussard to the Mariners on July 26.

No one thought the Indians were going to contend this year. Few thought they'd be this bad, but they're preparing to do just as predicted -- trade every veteran in the last year of his deal.

The list of available Indians is familiar: closer Kerry Wood, infielder Jhonny Peralta, outfielder Austin Kearns, first baseman Russell Branyan and catcher Mike Redmond. Lots of teams are interested in starting pitcher Fausto Carmona, but he's probably staying put. Carmona is signed through 2011 with three club options.

Branyan and Kearns are probably the most marketable of the available Indians. Kearns has had a solid first half offensively. He's shown power and ability to hit for average. He's also shown he's healthy enough to play on a regular basis after thumb and foot issues limited him the past two years.

As expected, Branyan has shown power. He has 10 homers and 24 RBI. He's also continued to hit for an adequate average. He leaves something to be desired as an everyday first baseman, but it's unlikely Branyan would be playing every day if a contender trades for him.

The market for Wood is not good. Out of the available Indians, he's probably drawn the least interest.

Wood opened the year on the disabled list and he hasn't pitched consistently as a closer for the second straight year. A team like the Phillies might be interested at some point, but Wood didn't help himself by blowing a save in Wednesday's 7-6 loss at Citizens Bank Park.

Matt Slocum / Associated PressThe Indians would be interested in trading closer Kerry Wood, but too many times his appearances have led to scenes such as this one at Citizens Bank Ballpark in Philadelphia on Wednesday, when Jimmy Rollins hit a game-winning two-run homer in the ninth inning.

If Wood is going to punch his ticket out of town to a contender, he's going to have to pitch better in the limited save opportunities the Indians are going to produce.

Peralta has been consistently mediocre this year. It's hard to see a contender coming after a regular third baseman who is in the second year of a power slump.

The deals GM Mark Shapiro probably will be able to make will be similar to last year's Rafael Betancourt for Connor Graham trade with Colorado or the Ryan Garko for Scott Barnes deal with San Francisco.

The Indians need to make moves to create playing time for Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. LaPorta has played well since being optioned to Class AAA Columbus on June 7. Brantley is putting together a solid season at Columbus, especially over the past couple weeks, but the Indians don't feel an urgent need to bring him to Cleveland.

They'd like to get a look at starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco and emerging third baseman Jared Goedert, as well. Jordan Brown, last year's International League batting champion, hasn't played well at Columbus and needs to improve if he's going to get a look from the Tribe.

Improvement: Manager Manny Acta, with his defense springing leaks from all corners, said Cabrera is making strides in his recovery from a broken left forearm.

"He's running and throwing," said Acta. "There's a very good chance he can start taking ground balls when we get home off this trip. Things are moving along pretty good for him."

Cabrera, whose injury along with the loss of Gold Glover Grady Sizemore has taken the Indians' defense from second to last in the league, broke his left forearm on May 17. He had surgery and is in an eight to 10-week recovery period.

"By the end of this month, or perhaps the first week of so of July, he could start swinging the bat a little bit," said Acta. "We're probably shooting for the All-Star break.

"It all depends on how much rehab time he needs. We're not going to rush him back. He's going to need a fair amount of at-bats."

The tattoos on her arms and the lead in her foot make it clear drag racing provides DeJoria's self-worth, and a chance to bond with her father, John Paul Jones DeJoria, who co-founded a lucrative hair-care company.

View full sizePhotograph courtesy of the Transmedia GroupAlexis DeJoria, daughter of John Paul Mitchell hair care co-founder John Paul Jones DeJoria, is racing a Top Alcohol Funny Car at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, Ohio.

The heiress daughter to the John Paul Mitchell hair care empire is camped out this weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals for her first visit to Norwalk's Summit Motorsports Park. She is racing a Top Alcohol Funny Car, instead of walking a red carpet, cutting her own path in a male-dominated sport instead of living off daddy's name.

"I don't get it," DeJoria said of the world where some women are making a career out of showing up at premieres and award shows, frequenting trendy night spots, and "reality" shows of the rich being rich.

"I love going to those events with my dad. I love wearing a dress and heels. But I don't get caught up in the facade. I don't understand that whole arena. Where is your self-worth?"

Tall and willowy, DeJoria could clearly join those ranks. But the tattoos on her arms and the lead in her foot make it clear drag racing provides her self-worth, and a chance to bond with her father, John Paul Jones DeJoria -- a once-homeless man who, with the late Paul Mitchell, founded the lucrative hair care company in 1980.

"He came to about five of the races last year," DeJoria said. "He gets dirty with the cars. I've proven myself to my father, and that feels good. He gives me the nod."

View full sizeTransmedia GroupAlexis DeJoria prefers the world of racing to walking red carpets at glamorous events.

Now into her fourth season, her second full time, DeJoria feels she has crossed the bridge from being viewed as a novelty to being viewed as a competitor. "At first, I got a lot of that," she said. "People thought I was here on a whim. But this is a passion of mine. I am dedicated and here to stay."

She proved that last year. After an explosive crash in New Jersey, her Patron Race team completely rebuilt the car. DeJoria admits "having the funds in the bank" was great for helping rebuild the car. "But experience is better equity than money."

DeJoria's love of speed began at an early age. Before she was 10, her first career goal was to be a fighter pilot. By the time she was old enough to drive, her father set what was hoped to be speed-limiting ground rules.

"He said my first car had to be used, and it had to be big," DeJoria said. After some time and research, she found a used GMC Typhoon, a rare SUV that had a short life span (1992-93), but came with a turbo-charged engine with race-car horses under the hood that auto magazines compared to those in a Ferrari.

That car soon led to a 1967 Chevelle which DeJoria could race and still owns, plus a 1965 Lincoln, "with the suicide doors for driving around."

Now 32 years old, DeJoria claims: "I'm not afraid to say it. I earned those years."

And it wasn't by spending her days at premieres and award shows.

Salute! For the fourth straight year, U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony "The Sarge" Schumacher has been nominated for the ESPY Best Driver Award.

The ESPYs will be hosted by "Saturday Night Live" "Weekend Update" anchor Seth Meyers on Wednesday, July 14, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. The awards show will be televised live by ESPN at 9 p.m.

"Here we go again," said Schumacher, a seven-time drag champion. "Perhaps, this will be our year. I really want to win this award so I can present it to our brave Army Strong Soldiers. Without their hard work, we wouldn't have these opportunities in life."

Joining Schumacher on the Best Driver ballot are NASCAR drivers Jimmie Johnson, Kyle Busch and Ron Hornaday, as well as open wheel standout Dario Franchitti.

"I hope we finally break through," Schumacher said. Giddy-up: The 26th annual K&N Horsepower Challenge at noon today will include four former champions for the Pro Stock event among the among the eight in the field.

The former champs include Greg Anderson, racing with the black and red Summit colors; Allen Johnson; Columbus product Jeg Coughlin; and Warren Johnson, with the only rookie in the field being Rodger Brogdon from Texas.

Ohio represents one-fourth of the field as Ron Krisher from Warren will look for his first K&N Horsepower Challenge victory in his sixth career attempt in the event. The top seven finalists earn their way into the field based on points accumulated over the last year. The eighth entry is selected by the fans. This year the fans' choice was Johnson.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter: ealexand@plaind.com, 216-999-4253

The 52-year-old former coach of Ohio University, Princeton, the Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA prepares with obsessive attention to detail and is a creature of routine.

View full sizeMichael Sohn / Associated PressUSA coach Bob Bradley, right, displays some rare emotion after the Americans' dramatic goal against Algeria on Wednesday.

RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- When the U.S. team got back to the Irene Country Lodge after the big win over Algeria, players and staff were greeted by family and friends. For a brief moment, Bob Bradley got to savor a victory.

"The saddest part is that sometimes the game no sooner ends and you're just thinking about the next game," the U.S. coach said Friday on the eve of the World Cup second-round match against Ghana.

Bradley often appears to be humorless, a portrayal he rejects. Perhaps it's because he's often seen with arms crossed, his piercing blue eyes focused on the field, or with an arm pointed at a player as he shouts an instruction.

He compared himself to a well-known NFL coach, saying his mind races too much during games to appreciate them.

"If I watch the Patriots play, I don't know if Bill Belichick is enjoying himself," he said of the New England coach who led his team to three Super Bowl titles. "He's thinking about the game. He's trying to be a step ahead of whatever happens."

The 52-year-old former coach of Ohio University, Princeton, the Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA prepares with obsessive attention to detail and is a creature of routine. Oddly, he says the World Cup is no different from him in his job than last year's Confederations Cup.

"We understand that around the world there's much more interest this time around, but from the standpoint of the competition last year, of the preparation, of the work, of the enjoyment of watching other games, that part if exactly the same," he said.

Bradley was hired as interim coach in December 2006, and Juergen Klinsmann withdrew from lengthy negotiations that would have had him replace Bruce Arena, who was let go after the first-round exit that June. Bradley wasn't given the job on a permanent basis until May 2007, following exhibition wins over Denmark, Mexico and Ecuador and a draw against Guatemala.

"He's definitely the right guy. I think he's shown that over the last four years," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "Bob Bradley, he doesn't change his stripes for anybody or any reason. He's been successful and he's brought all those qualities into this team to help make us successful."

View full sizeYves Logghe / Associated PressUSA midfielder Michael Bradley, left, is the son of head coach Bob Bradley, right.

According to players, his image is exactly the way he is in the closed confines of the locker room. It was somewhat surprising when they saw him react after Landon Donovan's injury-time goal against Algeria -- although Bradley said he refrained from running to join players celebrating at the corner flag, even as some of his staff did.

"You don't see a lot of emotion from Bob," forward Jozy Altidore said. "I saw replays -- I saw him jumping around, so I was pretty happy to see that just because he doesn't smile a lot. He's very serious. He's very focused all the time, which is great for us, because you need somebody that's kind of the rock of a team, and I think he does that very well."

Bradley has managed the tricky situation of integrating his son into the team, and Michael has become a regular starter in a defensive midfield role.

"It's the credibility within the group of how we do things, who's on the field, who's not," the father said. "When we're at work, there's nothing more than that. That comes first."

Bradley's wife, Lindsay, and Peter Nowak, a former assistant, have reminded him that Bradley can't be all work all the time. Sometimes, he has to let go. It's a lesson that's been hard for him to learn.

Bradley spoke Friday night of what he called the Peter Nowak Rule.

"Now there would be times that we would have a good win, but I could still see things that weren't as good as they needed to be, and I was already thinking if we don't improve on that, then the next games it's going to be," Bradley said, interrupting himself.

"And Peter once said to me, 'Look, we've all worked hard. We've all now accomplished something today. If you have things in your mind, that's great. It's important for us. But for the moment, let us enjoy it.'"

With five games remaining in the regular season, Nelson and his teammates figure they have no margin for error in their quest to reach the postseason.

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / The Plain DealerGladiators receiver Ben Nelson, right, has caught at least one touchdown in 19 consecutive games.

"I consider goals limits," he said. "If you say you want to score four touchdowns in a game and you score four in a half, you might feel satisfied that night," he said. "I don't want to feel satisfied. There's always more to do."

Good thing Nelson did not box himself in this season. He entered the weekend ranked among AFL leaders in numerous receiving categories, including first in yards (1,526) and points (234) and second in receptions (118).

Nelson (6-2, 190) has caught at least one touchdown in 19 consecutive games -- including playoffs -- dating to the AFL's previous season, 2008. The run began when he caught three for San Jose against the Gladiators. He has two or more receiving TDs in 12 straight games dating to the 2008 playoffs.

Nelson's next opportunity to extend the streaks comes tonight, when the Gladiators (5-6) visit the Tulsa Talons (6-5). The Gladiators defeated Tulsa, 68-55, at The Q in Week 7.

With five games remaining in the regular season, Nelson and his teammates figure they have no margin for error in their quest to reach the postseason.

"We put ourselves in trouble with tiebreakers, so if we don't go 5-0, it's not looking good for us," he said. "There's no reason we can't go 5-0, then see what happens."

As long as Nelson takes the field, the Gladiators have a chance. He is on pace to break the AFL single-season records for catches (166) and receiving yards (2,129). Both were set by Siaha Burley with Utah in 2007.

"I'm aware of the numbers, but the most important things for me are winning games and staying healthy," he said. "You're always dealing with something physically, but I've been pretty much 95 to 100 percent all season."

Knee injuries cut into Nelson's seasons in 2007 and 2008, but he still managed to combine for 227 receptions and 55 TDs in 25 games. He played for San Jose in 2007 and Colorado in 2008, the latter with John Dutton as quarterback. Dutton and Nelson have brought their act to Cleveland this year.

"Anyone will tell you that being hurt is the worst," Nelson said. "You see your teammates practicing and playing and you can't help them. It's no fun."

When healthy, Nelson has been one of the league's best players since breaking in with San Jose in 2006. At 6-2, 190, he is not physically imposing but is as tough as they come.

"I really don't mind getting hit, to be honest," he said. "I'd rather get hit than deliver hits, which sounds weird. The guys doing the hitting aren't that big, so I'm not worried about it."

When Nelson does get blasted, he almost always holds onto the ball. In addition to the toughness, his hands, body control and concentration set him apart. Nelson said he also benefits from the league rule that allows for one receiver to get a running start at the snap.

"I'm very fast with a running start," he said.

Dutton has raved about Nelson's ability to read coverages. Nelson, in turn, appreciates Dutton for seeing what he sees.

"When you're on the same page as your quarterback, it makes it a lot easier," Nelson said.

Dutton is 308-of-472 passing for 3,511 yards and 68 touchdowns in 11 games. He has been intercepted 12 times, with a rating of 112.9. Entering Friday's games, Dutton ranked second in the league in passing yards and total offense (3,499 yards).

Dutton has started 91 consecutive AFL regular-season games dating to 2004. It is the longest streak among active players.

In the Week 7 victory over Tulsa, Dutton was 28-of-48 passing for 397 yards and nine TDs. He was not picked. Nelson caught 13 for 202 yards and six scores.

FIFA acknowledges there might be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won't act on any problems until after the tournament. Many players have likened the Jabulani to a "supermarket ball," saying it is too unpredictable and flies through the air too easily.

Associated PressThe controversail Jabulani World Cup soccer ball flies off the head of Japan's Yuji Nakazawa, left, during a training session at Outeniqua Park in George, South Africa Saturday, June 26, 2010.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — FIFA acknowledges there might be something wrong with the Jabulani World Cup ball, but won't act on any problems until after the tournament. Many players have likened the Jabulani to a "supermarket ball," saying it is too unpredictable and flies through the air too easily.

"We're not deaf," FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke said Saturday. "FIFA is not unreceptive about what has been said about the ball." Valcke said FIFA will discuss the matter with coaches and teams after the World Cup, then meet with manufacturer Adidas. "There are rules for size and weight. ... But the ball has to be perfect," he added.

Goalkeepers have complained about the ball at every recent World Cup, although this time forwards and even coaches have added their laments.

Brazil coach Dunga got into a verbal spat with Valcke over the Jabulani before the tournament, challenging the FIFA executive to come out onto the pitch and attempt controlling it.

Denmark defender Daniel Agger said the ball made some outfielders look like "drunken sailors."

The Jabulani could create even more problems in the knockout phase beginning Saturday, when games could be decided by penalty kick shootouts.

"The balls have changed over the last couple of years. They have become a lot faster, and in addition to that in Johannesburg we are playing at an altitude of 1,700 meters, which makes the ball even faster," former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn said. "Thus, the goalkeepers work even harder, but I don't think that we can take the ball or the altitude as excuses.

Adidas has made the World Cup ball since 1970 and is contracted through 2014. The German company has defended the Jabulani, saying it doesn't know what the fuss is about because all the qualified teams were given the ball before the tournament to test it.

"There's a lot of talk about stadiums, infrastructure and TV and that's nice and all, but first we've got to worry about balls, spikes and jerseys," Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said. "I don't see why we can't just go back to the old black-and-white checkered version we all played with as kids."

As for the aesthetics, Valcke said the ball had been criticized in the past as too colorful, and that's why this version is more white.

LeBron doesn't come to see you. You come to see LeBron. Does that move our reading more in the positive direction?

View full sizeJoshua Gunter / PDWill the future of the NBA - and the Cavaliers - ultimately be determined in Akron? LeBron James is making his suitors come to him.

Today's reading: Keep 'em Guessing

Uruguay is headed to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years. Suarez, who had Uruguay's only goal in its 1-0 group stage win over Mexico, scored early in the first half and again in the 80th with the score tied 1-1.

Julie Jacobson, Associated PressLuis Suarez and teammates celebrate his goal that gave Uruguay a late 2-1 lead, which it kept in a World Cup soccer win over South Korea.

Port Elizabeth, South Africa -- The game on the line, Luis Suarez sidestepped two defenders in the driving rain and struck a right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area.

"The truth is, I didn't realize the ball was going to go in," he said.

It did. And now Uruguay is headed to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 40 years after beating South Korea 2-1 on Saturday.

Suarez, who had Uruguay's only goal in its 1-0 group stage win over Mexico, scored twice against the Koreans -- early in the first half and again in the 80th with the score tied 1-1.

"In these moments, the only thing I want to do is enjoy," said Suarez, who jumped over a row of photographers to celebrate his second goal with his teammates.

Lee Chung-yong had tied the second-round game in the 68th on a header after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera left his line attempting to punch away a looping ball. It was the first goal given up by Uruguay in the tournament.

"The key to Uruguay's improvement (at the end of the game) was South Korea's goal. We stopped thinking about not conceding a goal," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said.

"Luckily, Suarez scored a spectacular goal that gave us victory."

Uruguay took the lead in the eighth when goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong failed to intercept Diego Forlan's low cross from the left flank. It bounced across the goal mouth and Suarez put the ball in the net with a one-timer from a tight angle.

"I'm really happy because, being young, I always dream of these types of moments," the 23-year-old forward said. "These moments we're experiencing are once in a lifetime."

The goal forced the Koreans to push forward, but Uruguay's compact defense forced them to rely on outside shots and they struggled to hit the target. Meanwhile, the South Americans sat back and waited for opportunities to counterattack.

Lee finally scored when Uruguay failed to clear a free kick hooked into the penalty area. He rose above Diego Lugano to head the ball past Muslera.

Uruguay will play a quarterfinal against the United States or Ghana, who play later Saturday

The Koreans fell to their knees at the final whistle as the Uruguayans celebrated with a group hug in the downpour.

A two-time world champion, Uruguay had not gotten this far in a World Cup since it reached the semifinals in 1970. Its victory also continued South America's amazing run in South Africa. All five of its teams made the final 16 and the continent's record in the tournament now stands at 11 wins, one loss, three draws. And loss didn't cost Chile, which advanced.

South Korea reached the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup it co-hosted with Japan. But this year was the first time it advanced from the group stage on foreign soil, after beating Greece 2-0, losing to Argentina 4-1 and drawing Nigeria 2-2.

"It would have been a lot better if we had played a bit smarter with a bit more confidence," South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo said. "We did learn this time that we have some areas to improve on."

The Koreans came close late in the game when Muslera couldn't hold substitute Lee Dong-gook's shot, but Lugano controlled the ball as it rolled toward the goal line.

The Cavaliers are the only team that can meet with their star forward prior to Thursday, and they have recently done so. The Bulls, Heat and Clippers are other likely visitors.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain Dealer LeBron James will probably begin on Thursday to meet with teams that want to sign him as a free agent.

Apparently, there will be no LeBron James tour of NBA cities that want to land him as a player for their teams. Instead, teams will visit James at an undisclosed location(s) in Ohio beginning July 1, when James -- the Cavaliers forward and two-time league MVP -- will become an unrestricted free agent. The New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks might be the first teams to meet with James on Thursday, according to an ESPN.com report. Writes Chris Broussard:

Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the latest plan calls for the New Jersey Nets -- led by new owner Mikhail Prokhorov and minority owner/longtime James pal Jay-Z -- to be the first team to meet James face to face. No one from James' camp, though, would confirm the meeting.

On Saturday, a source told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor that the Knicks also will be meeting with James on Thursday.

It was not immediately clear how many teams James plans to meet with on a daily basis when free agency commences.

The Cavaliers are the only team that can talk contract with James before Thursday. Team executives have met with him, as Broussard writes:

James has already met with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who traveled to Akron, Ohio, last week along with members of Cleveland's front office to visit the All-Star forward. On Thursday, general manager Chris Grant refused to characterize the team's discussions with James.

"We're a family here," Grant said.

There's a chance the Cavs will meet with James again before he hits the open market, Grant said. Cleveland can offer James up to $30 million more than any other team on a maximum-length contract.

James has not given any indication which way he's leaning.

James will also be visited, almost certainly, by the Chicago Bulls. Many observers believe the Bulls have the best chance to persuade James, a lifelong Akron resident who lives in nearby Bath Township, to leave the Cavs.

The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, too, have the means to sign James, and would probably want to visit him.

United States eliminated from the World Cup as its attempts to pull off another improbable finish are denied.

UPDATED: 6:02 p.m.

Alessandra Tarantino / Associated PressGhana's Asamoah Gyan starts to celebrate what became the winning goal on Saturday after scoring past U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, top, during the first extra period in the World Cup round of 16 match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa. 2010.

RUSTENBURG, South Africa -- Life on the edge came to an exhausting and disappointing end for the United States against a familiar foe.

Ghana sent the U.S. packing from the World Cup -- again -- eliminating the Americans in the second round Saturday night.

Asamoah Gyan scored 3 minutes into overtime, leading the Black Stars to a 2-1 victory that ended a thrilling but ultimately unfulling World Cup for the United States that was watched by record audiences back home

"A stinging, tough defeat," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "We knew Ghana was a good team and we didn't get the job done."

Asamoah Gyan scored 3 minutes into overtime to win it.

Kevin Prince Boateng put Ghana ahead when he stripped the ball from Ricardo Clark in the 5th minute and beat goalkeeper Tim Howard from 16 yards.

Once again, the U.S. came back, and Landon Donovan tied the score with a penalty kick in the 62nd minute after Jonathan Mensah pulled down Clint Dempsey streaking in. But no matter how much the Americans pressured after Gyan scored, they couldn't tie it again.

"We had already expended a lot of energy at that time," Bradley said. "I think we put ourselves in trouble with giving up the early goal again."

In the first-ever extra time World Cup game for the U.S., Gyan got the winning goal when he took a long ball from Andre Ayew over the defense and beat U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra, his teammate on the French club Rennes. Gyan let the ball bounce, took a touch with his chest, and with Jay DeMerit vainly trying to catch up, scored over goalkeeper Tim Howard with a left-footed shot from 16 yards.

"We've made everybody proud," Gyan said. "Not Ghana alone, but all of Africa."

There was no late magic this time to equal Donovan's injury-time goal against Algeria that moved the Americans into the second round. The closest the U.S. came to tying it again was in the 98th minute, when Maurice Edu's header off Donovan's corner kick went wide.

With Howard pushed up, DeMerit's desperation long shot in the final minutes went over the crossbar. Then Dempsey sent a header wide.

At the final whistle, Howard consoled Bocanegra and Maurice Edu collapsed to the ground. Donovan exchanged jerseys with a Ghana player and walked off the field, put on a coat, sat on the bunch and hung his head.

"This is a terrific group and we're proud," Bradley said. "We're also disappointed that we couldn't take it further."

Ghana, the only African team left in the tournament, celebrated moving into the quarterfinals against Uruguay on Friday in Johannesburg. In their second World Cup appearance, the Black Stars bettered their 2006 team, which lost to Brazil 3-0 in the second round. That teams beat the Americans 2-1 in the final game of the opening round to send the U.S. home.

"We did it before," Gyan said. "We did it in 2006."

While the U.S. came from behind to draw England 1-1 and Slovenia 2-2 in the first round, the Americans looked ragged the time. They go home pondering a World Cup that could have been so much more. They thrilled the large number of American who were the largest group of overseas ticket buyers, but failed to do as well as the 2002 team, which reached the quarterfinals in the best U.S. finish since 1930.

The defense allowed the first goal in three of four games, and the Americans kept up their record of never coming from behind to win in 29 World Cup matches.

With Donovan, Dempsey and Howard in the primes of their careers, the U.S. had high expectations coming off a first-round exit four years ago. Because a growing fan base watched on television in record numbers, the loss was even more stinging for a team still struggling for recognition both in the soccer world and among sports fans in America.

"Soccer can be a cruel game," Donovan said. "Sometimes you're at the top and sometimes you are at the bottom of the mountain."

Ghana's only two goals in the first round had been penalty kicks by Gyan, but Boateng, whose half-brother plays for Germany, quickly put the Black Stars ahead from the run of play. After stealing the ball from Clark at midfield, he sprinted in on DeMerit, cut to the outside and turned the defender around as Clark chased in vain.

Clark, who hadn't played since the opener against England, was replaced by Maurice Edu in the 31st minute.

The best U.S. chance of the first half came in the 35th minute. Michael Bradley, the coach's son, intercepted a pass and Robbie Findley, back from a one-game suspension, had an open shot. But goalkeeper Richard Kingson got his left hand on the shot.

Benny Feilhaber replaced the ineffective Findley at the start of the second half, with Dempsey moving up to forward. Feilhaber immediately had a chance when Jozy Altidore tipped the ball to him, but a sliding Kingson got a hand on it.

The U.S. had conceded six straight penalty kicks since John Souza converted against Chile in 1950 before Mensah took out Dempsey's leg.

Donovan kneeled down behind the ball in concentration, then clanked it in off the far post for his American record 45th international goal. With his third goal of the tournament and fifth in World Cup play, he surpassed Bert Partenaude (1930) as the American career leader.

Herculez Gomez replaced Altidore at the start of overtime as Bob Bradley used his last substitution for fresh legs on offense.

Former President Bill Clinton, who watched Donovan's goal against Algeria lift the U.S. to a 1-0 win and into the knockout phase on Wednesday night, stayed around and watched from the VIP area once again. This time he wore a blue U.S. team warmup jacket, and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones sat next to him.

The early Ghana goal quieted American fans, some in red, white and blue wigs and Uncle Sam hats. One even a brought a life-size cutout of President Barack Obama, who called the team to congratulate players after the Algeria win.

Market disparity has fueled the Indians' lost season, but many of the official explanations for not bringing up prospects have damaged the team's credibility, too.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerSeen by many Indians fans as the face of a franchise that has lost its way, outgoing GM Mark Shapiro is confronted by a disasterous season created by inconsistent veterans and youngsters struggling on the major-league stage, says Bill Livingston.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Summer used to mean baseball here.

The American League has played in Cleveland since the guy who spoke softly and carried a big stick was in the White House. Actually, in the last great era the Indians experienced near the end of the last century, they were the ones who carried the big sticks.

It was an incredible time, with a general manager in John Hart who prided himself for being ahead of the cure ("proactive," he said over and over) and his eager aide, Mark Shapiro.

There hadn't been anything like the mid-1990 Indians in Cleveland, ever. LeBron James? Oh, please. The Indians were a team of All-Stars, one at every position.

Time passes, doesn't it?

The Indians, after a streak of 455 straight sellouts in the glory days, are last in major league home attendance. Shapiro is now the object of scorn in town.

The team is irrelevant until (unless?) it catches lightning in a bottle again, as happened with pitchers C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona in the near-World Series season of 2007. Even then, fans know the top talent will be traded away when it matures, lest the team get nothing in return as the players near free agency.

Players such as Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome left town for more money repeatedly in the glory days, but the franchise never bore the odium of being cheap. The Indians were a big-market team then because cable television money wasn't yet the Great Divide. Gate receipts were. The Tribe simply plugged in other good players in short-term deals.

No fans complained about the uneven playing field then. After all the years the franchise had spent in the wilderness, how could anyone expect them to?

Today, in many fans' view, Shapiro is the village idiot; the Dolan family represents cynical and uncaring ownership; and the ballpark is a ghost town.

Only the last is strictly true, but perception is hard to change.

Shapiro made some great early deals in this decade. He has not been so great, so good, or even so mediocre lately.

The Dolans, on Shapiro's recommendation, spent more money than critics like to admit. Many of the contracts turned out to be bad ones, such as for Kerry Wood, a pricey closer for what is now an also-ran team, and Travis Hafner, the best designated hitter in the game before injuries reduced his menace. There was not a whole lot of criticism about the contracts when they were signed, though.

Shapiro made his reputation as a creative executive who made contenders out of overachievers like Paul Byrd. He had the division's best player in Grady Sizemore until Sizemore's body failed him, a result of his all-out style of play. It really was remarkable, given baseball's market imbalances.

The sad part now, in Shapiro's lame-duck season before he becomes the team's president, is the emptiness of the "spin" he has been putting on the devolution of the franchise. Instead of empire-building, he ferrets out loopholes in the rules and issues smokescreen statements to hide his true intent.

The Indians don't want to admit they are just another team with their eyes on the clock that is counting down the time for each prospect until the bonanza of salary arbitration. It is patently obvious, and the Tribe is hardly the only team that does it.

But when a potential Rookie of the Year like Carlos Santana is kept in the minors on the specious grounds of needing to learn English and to handle pitchers, with Sandy Alomar on the big-league coaching staff, ready to accelerate the learning curve, it insults fans' intelligence.

Moreover, Santana immediately became the No. 3 hitter. Any opinion about manager Manny Acta must take into account that his third-hole hitter was not here until the season was lost, because the Indians nickel and dime players on their major league service.

Every team does this to some extent, but the Indians played the same game with Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. Shapiro's comments recall "Believe it or Butch" Davis and his self-serving whoppers as Browns coach.

A balanced assessment of his stewardship must wait for the final results on the so-far unimpressive returns from the Sabathia and Cliff Lee deals. But dropping the Davis impersonation would help.

The Trail Blazers fired GM Kevin Pritchard on Thursday. ESPN.com reports that Portland "has Ferry high on its list of potential replacements for Pritchard." It was announced on June 4 that Ferry would not be returning to the Cavs.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer The Cavaliers won at least one playoff series in all five years that Danny Ferry was their general manager.

Danny Ferry was the Cavaliers' general manager for the last five years, but on June 4, it was announced that he would not return. His five-year contract with the team was expiring, and a new agreement would not be pursued. Now, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that the Portland Trail Blazers have strong interest in courting Ferry to be their next GM. The Blazers fired Kevin Pritchard from the position on Thursday.

Ferry, 43, also played for the Cavaliers from 1990-2000.

Stein writes:

With no hope of successfully prying San Antonio's R.C. Buford or Oklahoma City's Sam Presti away from their respective clubs, Portland has Ferry high on its list of potential replacements for Pritchard, mere weeks after Ferry parted ways with the Cavaliers, sources told ESPN.com.

Blazers president Larry Miller told The Oregonian of Portland the search will begin in earnest Monday and that former Heat general manager Randy Pfund also is one of the names under consideration. The Oregonian reported that the Blazers also have interest in David Griffin, a former top aide in Phoenix to Steve Kerr.

Whether Ferry would be interested in such a quick return to the job -- especially after the seemingly vengeful manner of Pritchard's firing -- remains to be seen.

Ferry declined comment when reached via phone by ESPN.com.

Stein comments that Blazers' job candidates might proceed with caution because of how Portland owner Paul Allen fired Pritchard just before Thursday's draft began.

Stein also writes:

Sources have maintained since it was announced June 4 that Ferry would not be receiving a new contract in Cleveland that Gilbert's desire to reclaim a more hands-on role in basketball decisions was a key factor in the split, along with Ferry's reluctance to fire coach Mike Brown.

The biggest misunderstanding of the historic James chase is the psychology of the man himself, which is something that can only be understood by knowing him and how he attacks a problem.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerConfidants and sponsors can advise LeBron James, but the history of the NBA's MVP is that he'll be the one making the final decision when its time to decide where to play in 2010-11.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Over the last two years, there have been hundreds of different theories as to what LeBron James will do when his free agency finally arrives this week.

The conjecture has changed routinely after various suitors made trades over the months. Some teams have added a player, but most have accepted making the team worse in the name of clearing that fickle asset known as cap space. The logic behind the moves has sometimes been well-founded.

But much of it has missed the point. The biggest misunderstanding of the historic James chase is the psychology of the man himself, which is something that can only be understood by knowing him and how he attacks a problem.

This is the central tenet: The decision of where James will play will be made by James and James alone.

Not his shoe company. Not his agent. Not the other high-profile free agents. Not his business manager/best friend. Not his friend/idol/world-class rapper. Not his associate/back-channel operator. Not his mother. Not his girlfriend. Not his children. Not his uncles. Not his former coaches. Not his teammates. Not his billionaire business associates. Not a marketing plan. Not the City of Akron. Not the People's Republic of China.

James' personality is to decide on his own and then never look back with regret.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain Dealer"Even with the discussion with the rest of the free agents, with my friends, those free agents, with my supporting cast, ultimately, it's going to --- it's going to be me."

It has been this way with big decisions since James took charge of his affairs when he was a senior in high school. You don't have to believe a reporter or people who know James very well, just listen to the man himself.

In his interview with Larry King earlier this month, James made it as clear as he could. It wasn't hyped after the interview was recorded, it wasn't featured by CNN -- but it was the most salient thing James said in the hour-long conversation.

It may be the most important thing James has said in the last year when it comes to his free agency, even if it was easy to miss.

Easy unless you really know James.

"Ultimately, that one person [I listen to] is me," James said.

"You know, if I -- you know, even with the discussion with the rest of the free agents, with my friends, those free agents, with my supporting cast, ultimately, it's going to -- it's going to be me. I'm going to have to sit down and say where do you want to play? How do you going to -- what's going to be your future?"

James was ready to elaborate more but King stomped over him, trying to get himself an invite to the so-called free agent summit even if King didn't realize that James had just said that none of it truly mattered.

What does it mean when it comes to his preferred destination? It means that it the final choice will be as personal as it is firm. If he sticks to his belief structure, it will represent James' pick and not the influence of anyone else.

One of the easiest ways to upset James in any conversation is to imply that he doesn't have final control, either on the court or off. Suggest that he doesn't make every key decision with his commercials, playing time or investments and you'll have an angry 6-8, 250-pounder to deal with.

It isn't that James doesn't listen to friends and so-called advisors. He has put people in place around him for the very purpose of getting trusted advice.

But they'll all tell you that James doesn't do anything he doesn't want to do. Whether it is an interview, a charity event or a business venture, James may not do the little details, but he makes the big call.

When he first came into the NBA, James did not seek the advice of numerous NBA veterans who wanted to offer it. Over and over he was asked whether he'd sought out the Michael Jordans, Magic Johnsons or Kobe Bryants of the world. The answer was consistent; he wanted to have his own experience and make up his own mind about how to play and live.

Even now as he's reached elder status and younger players seek out his advice, he says he never pushes his views and encourages the younger players to maintain control.

Has this process sometimes led to mistakes? Of course it has. But James has no qualms with his belief system. One of his favorite things to say is that he doesn't have any regrets about his major decisions.

If he stays true to himself, he won't have any regrets about this huge decision, either.

Because he's going to be the one to make it.

For Cavs fans, it's been six weeks of waiting for any hint of good news as the deadline to sign LeBron James approaches.

Amy Sancetta / Associated PressDan Gilbert can tell LeBron James that he's never hesitated over the last seven years to try to make the franchise better -- unlike some of James' suitors. But is that enough to keep The King in Cleveland? Terry Pluto isn't certain.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The date was May 7, 2010. The place was Boston, where the Cavaliers ran the Celtics out of their own building.

Final score: Cavs 125, Boston 95. The Cavs had a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 Eastern Conference semifinals. Then, it seemed like someone pulled the plug, sucking the life out of the team and setting up an anxious, sweaty free agent summer.

The team lost three straight, including by 32 points at Quicken Loans Arena. Many fans wanted coach Mike Brown fired, and that happened. Then General Manager Danny Ferry departed, replaced by his assistant, Chris Grant.

Owner Dan Gilbert tried to do his best sales job on Tom Izzo, but the Michigan State coach turned him down. It seems Gilbert hoped to lock up Izzo as part of a magnet to convince LeBron James to stick with the Cavs. Now, the best coach available is Byron Scott, who has put the Cavs on hold until he sees if Lakers coach Phil Jackson decides to take next season off.

The draft came and went. No trades. No picks. Nothing.

The Cavs can insist they are a good team, a 60-plus win team in each of the last two seasons. But that's only with James. Since May 7, fans have been waiting, hoping and maybe even praying for their team to do something to put the franchise in better position for next season.

Instead, they watched Chicago, Miami and New York clear more salary cap space. New York and Miami can definitely sign two maximum contract free agents, Chicago may be able to do so with one more move.

All of the salary cap shedding is not just about James. Other free agents are Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer. Amare Stoudemire and Dirk Nowitzki are expected to opt out of their contracts and hit the market, although Nowitzki will probably remain in Dallas.

While Chicago wants James, it also will push hard for Wade -- a native of that city. Miami has made lots of salary room to keep Wade and add at least another maximum free agent (Bosh?), and possibility a third relatively high-priced player.

The Knicks also lurk with room for James and possibly another major name. The Nets have room for one maximum player.

It's easy to see what those teams have to sell James. They all took major steps backward in the last few years to open up salary cap space off the court, losing on the court in the process.

The Cavs spent big to win big on the court, and convince James to stay. If the Cavs failed to boldly deal for Shaquille O'Neal and Antwan Jamison, then James could have said the team was not willing to pay the price for a championship. And yes, James was aware of these trades before they were finalized.

The Cavs won a lot, but not it all. Now, the case against them is they can't take huge steps forward because of all their high priced-players. Furthermore, they don't even have a coach or an experienced general manager.

It appears Lakers assistant Brian Shaw could be the next coach, if Scott ends up with the Lakers' job. Shaw is well liked and respected in the league, but never has been a head coach before.

So how do the Cavs convince James to stay?

They can honestly say they have lots of expiring contracts -- Delonte West, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Sebastian Telfair and Leon Powe -- to paste together and deal for a player such as Bosh in a sign-and-trade. They have worked major summer deals after the draft before and can do so again. Especially if James signs first and helps them recruit a significant free agent.

They can demonstrate that Dan Gilbert has been smarter than the owners of Knicks, willing to out-spend ownership in Chicago or anywhere else. They can talk about the comfort zone of being home.

No matter what the Knicks do, they've had the NBA's worst record over the last nine years. The Cavaliers can show that new GM Grant has been active in every major move by the Cavs in the last five seasons. They also can pay James more than anyone else, and that could be significant a year from now when the NBA negotiates a new labor agreement.

Will that be enough to keep James? Only the MVP knows.

But the Cavs better realize they have to work harder than ever before if they want to keep James in Cleveland, because so far, nothing in this off-season has helped their cause.

A season marred by tragedy and disappointment could turn around this weekend for the talented Top Fuel racer.

Auto Imagery photo"We've had some things that set us back a long ways," says Top Fuel driver Antron Brown entering Sunday's finals of the NHRA's Summit Racing Equipment Nationals in Norwalk, and we've been digging ourselves out ever since."

• NHRA SUMMITT RACING NATIONALS
When: Sunday. Final eliminations begin at 11 a.m.; Where: Summit Motorsports Park, Norwalk, Ohio; TV: Same-day coverage of final eliminations, 7 p.m., ESPN2; Tickets: $12-$55; Track opens: 8:30 a.m.; Tickets, more info: Summitmotorsportspark.com

NORWALK, Ohio -- Dealing with the unexpected is one of the toughest things for a man to deal with. Such is the life this season for Top Fuel driver Antron Brown as he began the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park.

Joining the powerful Don Schumacher race team was expected to be the impetus for Brown to turn a dominant 2009 season into a championship campaign for 2010. But only recently has Brown, 33, started putting together strong weekends.

"We've had some things that set us back a long ways, and we've been digging ourselves out ever since," Brown said.

"Last year we were in a groove. Our team peaked and we were winning races and taking care of business. We had a stretch when we were unstoppable. This year, it's a struggle, but our car is coming around and being more consistent."

Brown began Saturday's third round in Top Fuel posting a second-best speed of 318.99 mph. He followed that with a 313.29 mph afternoon performance, which marked the seventh time in the past 12 events he has qualified first or second. Yet Brown, who won six times in 2009, is still looking for win No.1 for 2010.

The low point came Feb. 21 in Phoenix. During a run, one of his rear tires exploded, sending the car into the wall in a blaze. The tire snapped free and bounced into the stands where it hit a spectator, Sue Zimmerman, 52, from Wisconsin, who later died.

Crystal Ochoa / Arizona Republic via APA race official climbs over a barrier with a fire extinguisher to aid Antron Brown after he crashed his dragster during the NHRA Arizona Nationals auto race on Feb. 21 in Chandler, Ariz. The missing tire from Brown's dragster struck a fan, who later died from the injuries.

"Going through that deal it really makes you wonder, like, 'OK Lord, what's in store for us?'" Brown said. "You start questioning yourself ... what's the real reason I'm doing this? You start looking at yourself, and start evaluating everything around you. That was huge. That's the first time in my life ... I questioned what I was doing. Why did that happen? How did that happen? I had to do some soul searching. Not just me, our whole team had to."

Keeping a missile traveling at better than 300 mph in a straight line is tough enough. Any small thing can become a big thing in a split second. Brown and his NHRA peers understand that. But when their world leaps the fence and affects others, it's tough to continue on.

"When something like that happens to any spectator at a sporting event, it's particularly hard on everyone," Brown said. "Never once have I thought that a spectator is in harm's way. The last thing I want to see is anybody get hurt. I know I put myself in harm's way. I know I take that risk. But never do I want to see anybody else get hurt on the outside of that fence. They didn't sign up for that.

"That's something you can't put aside. That's something that will sit with our race team for quite a while. That hit home. I think I'll be thinking about this until the day I die."

Still, Brown knows he has to keep moving forward.

"What happened in Phoenix, nothing could prepare you or help you through something like that," Brown said. "I saw my life flash in front of my eyes. Right then and there, I knew God had a hand on me. The one thing that really woke me up is, an accident like that, it's very easy for you not to be here. For me not to open my eyes back up again.

"But I didn't have a scratch on me. Lord had mercy on me. Strange as it sounds, that has made our team relax more, take a step back. What made us great last year is we didn't put pressure on ourselves, and maybe this year we were putting on too much."

Still, winning is the objective. Brown says Norwalk is as good a place as any to get his first win of 2010.

"I've been close here several times," he said. "I think this year, this race could be our breakout race. Our team is due, and Norwalk could be where it happens. I think we're on the verge of doing that."

If it does happen, that could put Brown on his way to the top of Top Fuel.

In the money: The pro stock $50,000 K&N Horsepower Challenge went to Greg Anderson with an impressive holeshot that was too much for Mike Edwards to overcome. It marked the third time Anderson has won the challenge, but only the first time in 26 years of the event it has been won with a holeshot.

"I still don't know how it happened," Anderson said. "Sometimes, the timing is just right. I haven't been brimming with confidence lately, but timing is everything and we had a great day today."

Early birds: Eliminations begin at 11 a.m. Sunday morning, and the Force will be with you. Icon John Force qualified 16th and last in Funny Cars, which means his first elimination will be versus his daughter, Ashley, who qualified first in Funny Cars.

The disclosure that there will be no LeBron James free-agent tour has only amped up speculation about what team holds the edge.

Kathy Kmonicek / Associated PressSo Jay-Z and the Nets (and Knicks, too) won't be putting on a high-energy show for LeBron James in either New Jersey or New York this week ... that doesn't slow the New York's media's certainty that James is likely coming their way.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The disclosure that there will be no LeBron James free-agent tour has only amped up speculation about what team holds the edge.

Some observers believe the Cavs own favorite status because James is a lifelong Akron-area resident. It's known, too, that Cavaliers executives recently visited James at his Bath Township home.

The James free-agent saga is again in "What's it mean?" mode.

• Some think the Knicks' chances are damaged because the team can't showboat James around New York. Frank Isola of the New York Daily News isn't buying into that, as he writes:

"LeBron knows Manhattan, he understands the history of Madison Square Garden and he has plenty of celebrity friends on speed dial. If he decides to sign with the Knicks, it will have nothing to do with a fancy meal served inside a penthouse apartment overlooking Central Park.

"It will come down to knowing that the Knicks can sign two 'max' free agents and still have enough cap space to sign another significant free agent next summer. Although the Bulls and Heat are clearing cap space, several people familiar with James' thinking believe that the Knicks are still his desired destination if he elects to leave Cleveland in his rearview mirror.

"'He told me after the Olympics he wanted to live in New York,' said one source. 'And as far as I know, nothing has changed.'"

As Isola contends, "LeBron knows Manhattan." Some evidence comes in another New York Daily News story. Writes Rich Schapiro:

"The NBA's most coveted free agent made a cameo appearance at Manhattan's Avenue nightclub Thursday night -- and rubbed shoulders with singer Mary J. Blige and actor Jeremy Piven.

"James, in a plaid shirt and black shades, looked all business as a security guard led him into the Chelsea hot spot. Even as revelers raised cell phone cameras, James remained stone-faced. His diamond stud earring twinkled as the cameras flashed.

"The NBA's reigning MVP loosened up later in the night, smiling wide as a brunette hottie danced beside him."

• Some in Chicago think it's great James won't fly around the country, and that he might consider only basketball in making his decision. Nick Friedell writes for ESPNChicago.com:

"He'll be meeting teams in Ohio and they'll be delivering their plans one by one -- on his turf.

"This new development in the LeBronWatch figures to help [General Manager Gar] Forman and the Bulls more than their competition.

"All we've heard over the past few days is how teams such as the New York Knicks are ready to wine and dine James whenever he comes to their town. They planned on putting together elaborate dinners and introducing him to celebrities who would tell him how great their particular city is. I never got the sense from anyone within the Bulls' organization that they planned to do the same. They figured that their message to James was simple:

"If you come play with us, we'll contend for titles right away.

"Sure, they would sell the organization's championship history and they'd sell new head coach Tom Thibodeau's pedigree, but those were all the perfunctory things that would go into any recruiting pitch. The difference is that they didn't need the extravagance that other teams needed to cover up the fact that the players on their rosters just aren't as good as anything the Bulls have to offer."

• The Cavaliers are allowed to visit with James at any time. But what other teams might he first see come Tuesday? Writes Chris Broussard for ESPN.com:

"Sources close to the situation told ESPN.com's Marc Stein that the latest plan calls for the New Jersey Nets -- led by new owner Mikhail Prokhorov and minority owner/longtime James pal Jay-Z -- to be the first team to meet James face to face. No one from James' camp, though, would confirm the meeting.

"On Saturday, a source told ESPNNewYork.com's Ian O'Connor that the Knicks also will be meeting with James on Thursday."

The Indians have not enjoyed their taste of the National League this year. They are 4-13 in interleague play with one game left.

UPDATED: 11:16 p.m.

Al Behrman / Associated PressShin-Soo Choo was able to outrun Orlando Cabrera in this third-inning rundown, but was eventually tagged out by Reds catcher Ramon Hernandez Saturday night in Cincinnati.

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Indians extended their season-high losing streak to seven games Saturday night as they came from in front to lose, 6-4, to Cincinnati at Great American Ballpark.

Justin Masterson entered the fifth inning with a 3-1 lead, but the big right-hander proved to be his own worst enemy. He made his fifth error of the season in the inning to set up two runs to tie the score.

The Reds won it with three more runs in the sixth, all of them charged to Masterson (2-7, 5.21 ERA). The Indians have lost 11 of their last 12 games and are 1-7 on this nine-game NL trip against Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Cincinnati.

"I liked the fight, I liked the effort," said manager Manny Acta, "but at the end of the game, the results still aren't showing up. We're not doing enough of certain things to win a ballgame.

"Justin was throwing the ball OK. Then he got erratic in the sixth inning. We left a ton of guys on base and couldn't come up with a big hit."

Drew Stubbs opened the fifth with a single. Masterson tried to pick him off, but the threw got past first baseman Russell Branyan as Stubbs went to second. Reliever Micah Owings, who replaced starter Sam LeCure, singled home Stubbs to make it 3-2. Masterson, rattled by the error, walked Phillips and Orlando Cabrera to load the bases. Joey Votto tied it with a big bouncer to first.

The Reds bounced Masterson in the sixth to take a 6-3 lead.

Jay Bruce opened with an infield single to the third base side of the mound. Masterson wild pitched Bruce to second -- his second wild pitch of the game -- and Laynce Nix delivered the tie-breaking single to left center for a 4-3 lead. When Masterson walked Drew Stubbs, he was done for the night.

When asked about the error, Masterson said, "The throw to first? It was ... whatever. I'll pass."

In other words, Masterson thought Branyan should have caught the ball.

Regarding the rest of his performance, which included a second-inning single for his first big-league hit, Masterson said, "It was just sinker control. That's what kind of left us. I may have been getting underneath it. But it wasn't going where it was supposed to."

Frank Herrmann relieved Masterson and let both inherited runners score. Ramon Hernandez advanced the runners with a sacrifice bunt. Pinch-hitter Miguel Cairo sent a sacrifice fly to right. Shin-Soo Choo's throw home was strong, but a little off line. Rookie catcher Carlos Santana caught the ball and not-so-discreetly removed himself from the base path as Nix slid home.

It was the second time in the game Santana avoided contact on a play at the plate. Brandon Phillips ended the scoring with an RBI single.

Masterson's five errors lead all AL pitchers this season. He's made seven in the last two years. But before we make any rash judgments, remember that Greg Maddux, who won 18 Gold Gloves, made seven errors in 1993.

"He's not a finished product," said Acta. "He's a guy who needs innings, who needs to pitch. He needs experience on everything -- fielding his position, throwing to bases.

"He's a guy who needs work, but we've liked what we've seen. He's not getting hit around and walking guys. He's given us a chance to win his last five starts."

The Indians took a 1-0 lead in the first when Choo walked and stole second. He scored on Santana's double past first. Santana was back in the lineup after being removed Friday with a jammed left thumb.

The Reds tied it, 1-1, in the first when Phillips scored on Votto's single to center. Jayson Nix made a good relay home, but Santana wasn't blocking the plate as Phillips scored.

The Indians stretched the lead to 3-1 in the fourth when Anderson Hernandez blooped a ground-rule double just inside the left-field line to score Jhonny Peralta and newcomer Jayson Nix. Peralta opened the inning against starter Sam LeCure with a single and Nix doubled him to third.

"Everybody's plan is to get the starter out there early and get into the bullpen," said Acta. "We did that, but Micah Owings came in and shut us down."

The Indians went 3-for-11 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 runners.

In the last three years, the Indians are 5-21 while playing in NL ballparks under NL rules. They are 4-13 in interleague play this year.

Francisco Cordero pitched the ninth for his 20th save. The first-place Reds are 4-1 against the Tribe this season.

Former Red Austin Kearns made it 6-4 with a two-out single in the ninth off Cordero, but he struck out Shelley Duncan on a 3-2 pitch with two on to end it.