The Cleveland Cavaliers have their meeting with LeBron James on Saturday and the team is expected to focus on how well they know him while making a loose and informal presentation.

Now it is the Cavaliers' turn.

Joshua Gunter / The Plain DealerWhen the Cavaliers meet with LeBron James on Saturday, the theme of their pitch will center on this being his hometown and how well the team and the fans know and appreciate him.

After two days of meetings with the New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers, the hometown Cavs are up next to make their sales pitch to mega free agent LeBron James.

Their strategy, according to sources, will be somewhat different from the other teams' and focus on just how well they know their superstar. The meeting is expected to be relatively short, nowhere near the length of the Knicks' and Heat's, who met with James for more than two hours.

Owner Dan Gilbert, General Manager Chris Grant and new coach Byron Scott are expected to be the principles in the meeting, but other members of the organization that James is close with could be present as well.

The Cavs also plan on playing toward James' sense of humor and playfulness, something with which the team is very familiar. The plan is to keep it loose and informal because of their long-term relationship with James, who has been attending the meetings in T-shirts and sweats while his suitors arrive in $2,000 suits.

Although the Cavs have met with James in person several times since the end of the season, they have been preparing for this moment for several months. While their presentation will not be as flashy as some of the others, sources said the Cavs spent significant money and time in creating their show.

The Cavs have displayed the theme of their pitch with the billboards reading "Home" that are across the city. The feeling of home and the comfort with the team is part of the selling point.

There will, of course, be serious business to discuss. The Cavs have two visions to explain. One is how Scott sees James within his systems and what changes he plans to make.

Scott and James already know each other. They have spent time together at events set up by mutual ally Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets. But James doesn't know Scott as a coach. Scott hopes to change that today.

Speaking as if he were addressing James directly, Scott said at his introductory news conference on Friday in Independence that he wants the Cavs to be a running offensive team. That is something James has privately, and sometimes publicly, wanted to do more over the last several seasons.

"You could almost look at LeBron as a Magic Johnson type," Scott said, comparing James to his former teammate with the Lakers and close friend. "He has that type of ability, that type of skill."

Eugene Hoshiko / Associated PressIf they can convince LeBron James to stay put, the Cavaliers will be in position to make a bid to acquire power forward Chris Bosh, left, James' teammate with Team USA.

The second piece of serious business is the roster upgrades that can be executed if James re-signs. That is where Grant and Gilbert come in. The other teams trying to sign James are working toward bringing in other top free agents. The Cavs aren't out of that game.

According to a source, the Toronto Raptors like some of the pieces the Cavs could use in a sign-and-trade for Chris Bosh. The Cavs, unlike rivals trying to get Bosh such as the Bulls and Heat, can offer a package of prospects, quality veterans, expiring contracts and instant savings.

Because of the depth of the roster, the Cavs can absorb a bad contract or two from the Raptors, which could save Toronto millions of dollars this season and years into the future and help with a rebuilding process after Bosh's departure.

It would all be predicated on Bosh wanting to come to Cleveland, and that would depend on James recruiting him after re-signing. So would all the other major moves the Cavs would look into and show James.

Which is why re-signing him is the first priority, and the plan is to show that to him today.

The Columbus Clippers stole three bases in the eighth and won at Indianapolis Friday night.

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 4, Indians 3 Columbus stole three bases in a two-run rally in the top of the eighth inning at Indianapolis for the International League victory Friday. Jose Constanza stole his 20th and 21st bases, and Josh Rodriguez his fifth. Jordan Brown lashed a two-run single that inning. Jensen Lewis (1-0) picked up the win in relief with 11/3 scoreless innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Aeros 9, Baysox 4 Akron scored five runs in the fifth and won at Bowie, Md., in Eastern League action. Matt McBride slugged a two-run homer in the fifth, his 10th of the season. Jerad Head clubbed his sixth home run for Akron in the second inning, and Lonnie Chisenhall hit his seventh home run for the Aeros in the sixth inning. Shane Lindsay (1-0) pitched two scoreless innings in relief and picked up the win.

Notes: Catcher Damaso Espino was 2-for-4 with two RBI and is hitting .307 in 126 at-bats.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Pelicans 4, Indians 2 Kinston's Joseph Gardner (6-3) struck out seven in six innings, but gave up three earned runs on seven hits and took the loss in the Carolina League game played at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

A Lake County Captains

Whitecaps 1, Captains 0 A solo shot in the third inning by West Michigan's Christopher Sedon was all the Whitecaps needed to defeat Lake County at Classic Park in Eastlake. Brett Brach (1-4), Nickolas Sarianides and Francisco Jiminez combined to hold West Michigan to only three hits. However, a quartet of West Michigan pitchers held the Captains to only two hits in Midwest League action.

Notes: Lake County catcher Chen Chun-Hsiu was 0-for-3, but is still hitting .311 in 219 at-bats.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Scrappers 2, Jammers 1 Four Mahoning Valley pitchers combined to shut down Jamestown, N.Y., on one run and five hits in Niles, Ohio. Jordan Cooper (1-1) started and picked up the win, pitching six innings. Nick Kirk finished up, picking up his third save. Designated hitter Jonathan Burnette slugged his third homer of the New York-Penn League season for Mahoning Valley.

Notes: Reliever Nick Kirk has an ERA of 0.00 in 5 innings.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 6, Otters 1 Lake Erie broke the Frontier League game open in the second, batting around and scoring three times to defeat the Evansville, Ind., Otters. The crowd of 4,671 was the second largest of the season at All Pro Freight Stadium in Avon.

The Cleveland Gladiators need a win at Orlando Saturday night to stay alive in the playoff chase.

ARENA FOOTBALL

Mathematically, the Gladiators still would be alive in the Arena Football League playoff chase if they were to lose tonight in Orlando, Fla.

Realistically, though, the Gladiators cannot afford to drop this game -- or any of the three after that -- unless they receive a ton of help.

Kickoff against the Predators is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Amway Arena. It will be Cleveland's final road game of the regular season.

The Gladiators (5-7) entered the weekend sixth out of seven National Conference teams in winning percentage. The two division winners and two remaining best records qualify for the postseason. Only Utah (1-10) was worse. The fourth-best team, the Milwaukee Iron, was 7-5 with a favorable schedule over the final month.

The Iron already has beaten the Gladiators once. The teams play again in the regular-season finale July 31 in Cleveland.

The Gladiators are coming off, given the circumstances, their worst loss of the season. They were beaten at Tulsa, 65-44. One month earlier, they defeated the Talons, 68-55, in Cleveland.

Quarterback John Dutton went 33-of-55 for 348 yards and six touchdowns but threw two costly interceptions, one of which was returned for a score.

Receiver Ben Nelson caught 10 passes for 106 yards and four touchdowns. Nelson owns at least one TD reception in 20 straight games, including the playoffs, dating to 2008.

Orlando, from the American Conference, is 5-6.

In 2008, the Gladiators' first in Cleveland, they beat the Predators twice -- once in the regular season and once in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Indians shortstop Jason Donald blamed himself for hurting Justin Masterson's chances for a shutout Thursday afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Cleveland Indians' second baseman Jayson Nix looks toward first base after forcing out the Oakland Athletics' Daric Barton in the first inning Friday night at Progressive Field. Nix forced Barton on a throw by Jason Donald, behind, watching the play. It was the second out of the first inning. The ball was hit by Kurt Suzuki. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

Cleveland, Ohio -- Indians shortstop Jason Donald blamed himself for hurting Justin Masterson's chances for a shutout Thursday afternoon against the Toronto Blue Jays. 

The Indians won, 6-1, to complete a four-game sweep. Masterson pitched 8 1/3 innings to earn the victory. Nobody in Tribe quarters was complaining, but Donald felt badly. 

With one out in the ninth inning and Jose Bautista on second base in a 6-0 game, Adam Lind grounded to Donald. Instead of making the routine play to first for the second out, Donald threw to third baseman Andy Marte,  Bautista easily beat the tag. 

Aaron Hill followed with an RBI single. Lyle Overbay singled, sending Masterson to the dugout. Frank Herrmann relieved and got Jose Molina to ground into a double play. 

"I made a dumb play," Donald said Friday afternoon. "I was thinking first all the way, then I saw him cross my sight and went to throw it over there. It was a lapse in judgment. I'm going to learn from it and move on." 

Donald, who played in his 38th major-league game Friday night against Oakland, said he spoke with Masterson afterward. 

"I apologized to him because I thought I cost him the shutout," Donald said. "I told him: 'My bad -- dumb decision.' He was great about it. He said I didn't cost him the shutout. He said it didn't matter. But I think that's just Justin being a nice guy." 

Masterson has a reputation as one of the game's nicest people. 

Indians manager Manny Acta is confident Donald will be better for the experience. 

"He made a mistake," Acta said. "He understands. We're up by six runs, there's already one out, you get the second out at first base. Don't take any chances." 

Masterson owns one major-league shutout. He two-hit the Red Sox, 11-0, on June 9 at Progressive Field. 

Cabrera update: Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera fielded grounders effortlessly and did some light sprinting in the afternoon. Cabrera has been on the disabled list since May 18 because of a fractured left forearm. He underwent surgery May 19. 

Acta said Cabrera has begun taking "dry" swings, and likely will travel to St. Petersburg, Fla., when the Indians play the Tampa Bay Rays next Thursday through Sunday. 

"He will intensify his workouts," Acta said. "From there, we'll look into rehab."

Redmond returns: Catcher Mike Redmond started at catcher and batted eighth. Carlos Santana was the designated hitter and batted in his customary third spot. 

Santana, who debuted with the Indians on June 11, made his previous 18 major-league starts at catcher. 

Acta said he wanted to get Redmond playing time and to give Travis Hafner a rest against a tough lefty. Oakland's Gio Gonzalez entered the night having held lefties to a .140 average (12-for-86). 

Redmond started for the first time since June 19 at Pittsburgh. He appeared in his third game since June 9. 

"Manny told me a couple of days ago that I'd be playing Friday," Redmond said. "I'm ready no matter what. I've been doing this for 13 years. I've gone 20 days without playing. I've done pretty much everything."

Braden out: Athletics lefty Dallas Braden, who pitched a perfect game against Tampa Bay on May 9, will miss his scheduled start against the Tribe tonight because of elbow tendinitis. Braden also was scratched last Tuesday in Baltimore. 

Olympic fever: The members of the United States four-man bobsled team who won gold at the Vancouver Games in February will attend tonight's game. USA-1 pilot Steven Holcomb and crewmen Justin Olsen, Steve Mesler and Curt Tomasevicz will throw out ceremonial first pitches. 

The foursome became the first Americans to win the event since 1948.

Everybody loves Patricia: Actress and Bay Village product Patricia Heaton threw out a ceremonial first pitch Friday. Matt LaPorta, who homered in the previous three games, was the catcher.

Finally: Santana and center fielder Trevor Crowe, under the tutelage of hitting coach Jon Nunnally, hit balls off the tee before batting practice. Nunnally had them focused on getting the hands through the zone. 

While teams continue to file into the IMG Building to make their pitches for LeBron James to join their side, the Most Coveted Free Agent On Earth surely is making a pro-con list for every possibility.

LeBron James will be back at the IMG Building today to meet with the Cavaliers and Bulls. (Lonnie Timmons III / The Plain Dealer)

Australia's Victoria Kangaroos youth baseball team has gotten a crash course in coping with changes over the past few months since preparation began for this week's Cleveland Indians Charities 14U Continental Cup tournament.

Thomas Ondrey/The Plain DealerContinental Cup umpire Paul Jakubowski explains the ground rules of the baseball game that the Kangaroos, an Australian U14 team, led by coach Rob Sandler, center, and Skipper Mylonackos, right, encounter at the ballfield at Gilmour Academy.

Chip Tighe of Highland Heights and two fishing friends made the journey to Ontario's Tornados Lodge to fish on Lake Arthur a couple of weeks ago with two goals in mind. Catch big northern pike and don't get lost.

Photo courtesy of Chip TigheLake Arthur, near Sudbury, Ontario, is a good lake for catching northern pike. It is also located in a great area for getting lost if sportsmen aren't wary.

 Chip Tighe of Highland Heights and two fishing friends made the journey to Ontario's Tornados Lodge to fish on Lake Arthur a couple of weeks ago with two goals in mind. Catch big northern pike and don't get lost.

Again.

"When we arrived, lodge manager Nancy Wice said she hoped there wouldn't be 'an incident' this year," said Tighe, 49, a physician. "She's a loving, sweet lady with big blue eyes and blond hair, and truly cares about the fishermen."

 The Tornados Lodge and its many cabins are in Port Loring, south of Sudbury and east of Georgian Bay along the Pickerel River. Not exactly northern bush country, but still a wild place, as Tighe and his buddies discovered on their 2009 adventure.

 "After we settled in last year, we headed to Lake Arthur," said Tighe. "Dan DePalma and Chris Sullivan, both good fishermen, are from the Stoneboro, Pa. area. Dan has been a friend for more than 20 years, but I'd just met his friend, Chris. 

 After a short boat ride across Toad Lake, the trio hiked a scruffy trail through wild fields and forest to Lake Arthur. Another boat, motor and fuel were waiting, launching a week of northern pike and bass fishing.

Photo provided by Chip Tighe Staying at Tornados Lodge and catching northern pike from Lake Arthur is a summer treat for Chip Tighe of Highland Heights.

 Waiting on the shoreline of Lake Arthur for his friends to catch up, Tighe made a few casts. More importantly, he put the landing net down.

Once on the water and trolling for trophy pike, they discovered the net had been left behind.

After a good day of fishing on Friday, they returned to their portage point at about 7 p.m. While DePalma and Sullivan headed down the trail, Tighe wandered about in search of the landing net.

"Soon, all of the trees and bushes looked the same," said Tighe. He figured if he headed east, while his friends hiked north, he'd walk right to the trail and connect with them.

"That was a big mistake," said Tighe. Two hours later he was mired in a boggy swap with water up to his knees - and way over his boots. At 10 p.m. it was getting darker, and he'd already stumbled and fallen a few times.

When his friends told Wice that Tighe had not returned, she shifted into overdrive Friday night and began the rescue operation. Helicopters and search crews went into action at first light on Saturday morning.

At midnight, Tighe tugged on his head net. He was wearing a Mayfield soccer team jacket, long pants torn during a fall and wet boots. He slathered on Vicks VapoRub and used dryer sheets to thwart the bugs. Mosquitoes tormented him as he fitfully tried to rest.

Just after 4 a.m. on Saturday, Tighe was back on his feet. Walking as fast as he could, Tighe again yelled for DePalma and Sullivan.

"It was getting to be a spiritual experience," said Tighe. Until he bumped into a black bear.

 "All I saw was a black, rubbery nose just a few feet away," said Tighe. "I looked down, and there was bear poop everywhere. It was the scaredest I'd ever been in my life."

Tighe found signs of civilization, including an abandoned maple syrup operation and an old truck plow, but no trails. 

"At 10:30 a.m., I heard a helicopter," he said. Tighe scrambled to a clearing near a lake, the sound of the helicopter firing his adrenalin. He spotted a blue-and-white Ontario Provincial Police  helicopter, and wildly waved his boat paddle.  

In minutes, Tighe was aboard and gulping a bottle of water.

 "The OPP guys were great," said Tighe. "One told me that I was really lucky. He said he doesn't mind rescue missions that turn out like this. He minds recovery missions that don't turn out as well."

 Tighe did a lot of hiking, but didn't go very far. He estimates he covered about 15 miles of Canadian wilderness, often wandering in circles. He was found about four miles from where he was last seen by his friends.

Tighe wasn't afraid to head back to Lake Arthur in June.

 "All three of us were back. We made sure we didn't split up when hiking the trails," said Tighe. "I also wore a visible orange jacket, not black, and made sure I had a safety kit and compass on me, not in my tackle box. I also carried a Bic lighter. They can see smoke from miles away up there."

Miroslav Klose scored twice to move into a tie for second on the all-time World Cup scoring list, and Thomas Mueller and Arne Friedrich added goals to give Germany its resounding win.

Schalk van ZuydamGoalkeeper Manuel Neuer (left) and Miroslav Klose (right), who scored two goals, celebrate Germany's 4-0 win over Argentina in a World Cup quarterfinal match.

Cape Town, South Africa – No trash talking needed. Germany was just too good for Argentina. Miroslav Klose scored twice to move into a tie for second on the all-time World Cup scoring list, and Thomas Mueller and Arne Friedrich added goals to give Germany a resounding 4-0 victory in the World Cup quarterfinals. As flashbulbs popped, the Germans hugged and high-fived each other before walking around the edge of the field, saluting their fans.

Injured captain Michael Ballack came down to the field, watching from the bench as his teammates celebrated.

Argentina coach Diego Maradona took a slow walk to midfield, hands jammed in his pockets, while several of his players broke down in tears. It was a surprisingly meek end for the Argentines, whose dominant run had given fans hope this might be a team capable of reaching the final for the first time since 1990, when Maradona led them on the field.

Instead, it is Germany that will play the winner of Paraguay-Spain in the semifinals Wednesday in Durban. This will be Germany's third straight trip to the semis and its 12th overall — nobody has more.

Argentina and Germany have had a testy relationship since trading World Cup titles in back-to-back finals 20 years ago, and it's been downright ugly lately.

After Germany eliminated Argentina on penalty kicks four years ago, also in the quarterfinals, the two teams exchanged punches and kicks in a scuffle. A few team officials even got involved in the scrape.

Germany didn't wait for the game to get its digs in this time, with Bastian Schweinsteiger on Wednesday accusing the Argentines of lacking respect for opponents and referees. Captain Philipp Lahm chimed in a day later, essentially calling Argentina a bunch of hotheads.

The trash talking appeared to be carefully orchestrated, intended to ignite Maradona's infamous temper and distract his team. Or, perhaps, to put the refs on notice.

Turns out, Germany didn't even need the head games.

Argentina has been one of the tournament's darlings, with Maradona's every move causing a stir and superstar Lionel Messi showing you don't need to score to be sublime. The Argentines rolled into the quarterfinals as one of only two teams to win its first four games — the Netherlands was the other — and had been so powerful they never trailed.

No wonder there was a star-studded crowd on hand at Green Point Stadium, with German chancellor Angela Merkel, Mick Jagger, Leonardo DiCaprio and South Africa's own Charlize Theron all spotted in the VIP seats.

But Germany showed that Argentina doesn't have the lock on flair in South Africa.

Its spacing, pace and flat-out stingy defense made the Argentines look out of sorts all afternoon. The Albiceleste didn't get their first shot on goal until the 33rd minute, and any time they appeared on the verge of making something happen, the German defense shut it down.

It was enough to make Maradona clutch his fists in agony, looking as if he was physically pained.

Poll: The NBA's two-time MVP can stay close to home and with the team he's led through his NBA career. Or, he could move on to any of several other teams wanting to sign him.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer A Mercedes Benz with passenger LeBron James passes through Cavaliers fans as James arrives for his meeting today with Cavs officials in downtown Cleveland.

Cleveland, Ohio -- LeBron James met today with Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, coach Byron Scott, general manager Chris Grant and other representatives of the team. He also meets today with the Chicago Bulls.

James, now an unrestricted free agent, will soon decide whether to re-sign with the Cavaliers or leave them for another team. Whether he'll let his decision be known to everyone within hours, or on Sunday or Monday, or beyond - well, maybe even James and those around him don't know when.

Our poll is to the point: Will LeBron James stay with the Cavaliers, or will he join the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Miami Heat or Los Angeles Clippers?

It's Saturday, which can only mean, Saturday morning cartoons!

PD fileIf LeBron REALLY likes "Family Guy," we're golden.

When diplomatic talks between great powers go longer than scheduled, it's often treated as evidence that the meetings were warmer and more cordial than expected. Which might be a useful thing to keep in mind when reflecting on what we're hearing from The PD's Brian Windhorst, who is tweeting away from outside the offices where LeBron and his posse have been holding serial audiences with teams hoping to hire the King.

From what Brian says,  the Cavs' presentation went longer than what he at least expected. And he was told that the Cavs, hoping to keep it light, brought a mockup cartoon much like "Family Guy," a particular favorite of LeBron's, to help make the case.

Better yet, he reports, there was some confusion when Bulls bigwigs trying to get inside were locked out of the building, which we take as a good omen. 

It's a good sign, moreover, that Chicago already seems to have conceded that LeBron isn't going to be a Bull. In fact, they're already landing the failure to win the King to the already long list of heartbreaking moments in Chicago sports.

There's also some reporting suggesting that the Knicks, too might be fading. Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski cites sources saying their presentation wasn't as slick as the Nets', that it lacked "preparedness and organization."

Now, for every report suggesting this or that team is out of the running, there's another saying they have the inside track. But we choose to ignore those because, well, because.

No change in the 'Meter today.

In addition to presentations from coach Byron Scott and GM Chris Grant, sources said the Cavs had prepared a cartoon featuring James and his friends as characters - made in the style of "Family Guy," a James' favorite.

The Cavs met with James for around 90 minutes Saturday, making perhaps their final pitch to re-sign him in a meeting that focused on the team's familiarity with the star and his comfort level with the franchise.

New coach Byron Scott, general manager Chris Grant, assistant general manager Lance Blanks and owner Dan Gilbert were the principals in the meeting. In addition to presentations from Scott and Grant about their plans, sources said the Cavs also planned to show James a cartoon featuring him and his friends as characters.

It was made in a Family Guy style, which is one of James' favorite shows, and featured some inside jokes related to the team. Those who know James personally know that he loves cartoons, inside jokes and cheap laughs. The central part of the Cavs' pitch is that they know him the best.

"We had a very good meeting with LeBron and his group," Grant said after the sit-down. "It went well, it was fun. It was very interactive. Obviously we know LeBron well. I would characterize it as positive."

To set the scene, the Cavs organized a "fan tunnel" down East 9th Street that eventually drew hundreds who were provided black "Home" signs by the team. A large group of fans gathered around the garage entrance to James' office building.

When the Cavs' group arrived in two vehicles, fans tossed powder over the cars to mimic James' pregame ritual. James arrived a few moments later in a third different car he's used this week.

"We think it is pretty incredible that LeBron chose to have these meetings here in Cleveland, his home," Grant said. "We want to thank the fans for the turnout and support."

The Bulls arrived at about 1:15, shortly after the Cavs left, represented by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Gar Forman, president John Paxson and coach Tom Thibodeau.

Cavaliers may be among teams that have made offers to Toronto in hopes of getting Bosh in sign-and-trade. Raptors apparently not impressed with any offer, and are getting turned off by Bosh's twitter activity. Only way for Cavs to get Bosh is in sign-and-trade. Wade says he won't decide this week.

Nathan Denette, AP/Canadian PressChris Bosh has opened his mouth some, but tweeted even more, about the free agent process - apparently irritating the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto Raptors free agent forward Chris Bosh has drawn a lot of interest from teams not only because of his playing ability, but also because analysts believe that the team getting Bosh will do so in conjunction with the signing of another top free agent.

That's what a league source has said. as reported by J.A. Adande for ESPN.com:

The Toronto Raptors have become increasingly disenchanted with the idea of helping Bosh obtain a maximum contract via a sign-and-trade deal, according to a league source.

Because of the higher annual raises and additional year a "home" team can offer its own player, Bosh could make $125.5 million over six years if he re-signed with the Raptors and they moved him elsewhere; he could make $96.1 million over five years by signing outright with another team.

The difference in the first five years of the deal would amount to $4 million.

And, writes Adande:

The Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks are believed to have submitted trade proposals for Bosh to the Raptors, and apparently none has impressed Toronto.

Bosh's Twitterization of the courting process, which included several tweets of anticipation leading up to the July 1 commencement of free agency, didn't sit well with the Raptors either, the source said.

Bosh has played his entire NBA career with Toronto, as guard Dwyane Wade has with the Miami Heat. There has been much speculation about some combination of Wade, Bosh and the Cavaliers' LeBron James joining the same team.

Wade doesn't think he'll make a decision until at least Monday, according to a report from ESPNChicago.com:

In addition to the Chicago Bulls, Wade has met with the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets, and was scheduled to meet with the Miami Heat, long considered the favorite to sign him, Saturday in Chicago.

"At the end of the day, your decision goes on what's best for you and your family," Wade told the television station. "I think that the organizations I've been brought in to meet with are all good organizations. And all can add something to my life, and not just basketball-wise.

"I understand that if myself and another guy and we have some good players around, we'll be good. To me, it's about what makes 40 years of my life and not just about the next 10." 

   

Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo is out indefinitely because of a right-thumb injury suffered Friday night.

Shin-Soo Choo is out indefinitely with a thumb injury. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo is out indefinitely because of a right-thumb injury suffered Friday night against Oakland.

Choo was scheduled for an MRI scan today.

"It feels a lot better today, but there's no timetable for his return,'' Indians manager Manny Acta said late this afternoon.

In the eighth inning of a 3-0 loss, Choo dived for a ball hit by Jack Cust. As Choo failed to secure the ball, his glove hand appeared to bend awkwardly. By the ninth inning, he was out of the game.

Choo is expected to be the Indians' lone All-Star when the reserves are announced Sunday. He is hitting .286 with 13 homers and 43 RBI in 78 games.

Spain earns its first-ever spot in the World Cup semifinals. Villa's tournament-high fifth goal sets up a semifinal against Germany on Wednesday.

Ivan Sekretarev, Associated PressDavid Villa (foreground left) celebrates with teammate Cesc Fabregas after scoring a goal in the 83rd minute that gave Spain a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

Johannesburg, South Africa – David Villa scored in the 83rd minute Saturday to give Spain a 1-0 win over Paraguay and its first-ever spot in the World Cup semifinals.

The ball fell to Villa in the area after Pedro Rodriguez hit the post and Villa took one touch before curling a shot in off the far post.

The striker's tournament-high fifth goal sets up a semifinal against Germany in Durban on Wednesday.

Paraguay's defense mostly kept Spain's vaunted attack at bay, and each team couldn't convert a penalty kick.

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas saved a 59th-minute penalty by Oscar Cardozo and Paraguay captain Justo Villar matched him on a retaken shot by Xabi Alonso two minutes later.

Three former coaches are confident that LeBron James will do what's best for him and his family in free agency.

Dru Joyce II recently spent some time with LeBron James. "We played softball at Firestone Park [in Akron]," said Joyce, who coached James from the fourth grade all the way through high school.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerDru Joyce II, who coached LeBron James at St. Vincent-St. Mary, would tell James that once he makes a decision on where to play next season to avoid looking back to second-guess his decision.

Entering his 10th season as head coach at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Joyce said he did not discuss free agency with James.

"He has enough people giving him advice," said Joyce. "He doesn't need an old coach from his past giving him advice for his future."

If James did ask, what would Joyce suggest?

"Of course, I'd love for him to stay [with the Cavaliers]," said Joyce. "But this is about his legacy. He has to decide what is best. But I would tell him that after a while, all the numbers and all the information is going to get jumbled up. You have to go with your heart. Trust what feels right."

Anything else?

"Once you make a major decision like this, that's it," said Joyce. "Don't look back. Don't second-guess yourself."

Like most fans, Joyce knows that several major free agents -- along with teams such as Miami, New York, Chicago, the Nets and Cavs -- are waiting for James to decide on his next move. Once that happens, other trades and signings will follow.

"I can say that LeBron is very deliberate when he faces a big decision," said Joyce. "He weighs everything. He keeps things to himself. He's careful, and he has made a lot of good decisions so far."

Lee Cotton was an assistant to Joyce on James' summer teams from fourth grade through high school.

Like Joyce, one of first things he'd tell James is "follow your heart." Cotton added: "LeBron is a private guy. He'll talk to the family -- to Gloria [mother], Savannah [mother of his children] and guys who have been close to him for a long time like Maverick [Carter, his business parter]."

Cotton mentioned that James and Carter "go back to LeBron's freshman year, when Maverick was a senior and we won the state title. He knows that close friends and family are very important. I'd tell him to not forget that, but also to take his time. Generally, LeBron is very patient when facing a huge decision."

Keith Dambrot coached James in his first two seasons at SVSM, when Joyce was an assistant. Now the head coach at the University of Akron, Dambrot last spoke to James during the MVP award ceremony at the school's arena in May. Free agency was not a topic.

Phil Masturzo / Akron Beacon JournalFormer SVSM and current Akron coach Keith Dambrot says if it were him, he'd probably elect to stay with the Cavaliers. "There is a certain comfort level at home that you can't get anywhere else,'' he said.

"LeBron didn't ask me," said Dambrot. "But if it were me, I'd stay home -- assuming everything is pretty much equal."

Dambrot said James should ignore all the talk about money, because he will be incredibly wealthy no matter where he plays. The endorsements will follow him.

Business Week listed James as the No. 2 "Most powerful athlete" in terms of earnings, behind Tiger Woods. Sports Illustrated had James at No. 3 on its "Fortune 50" list, behind Woods and Phil Mickelson. The lowest ranking in a scanning of about half-dozen lists was Forbes Magazine, which had James at No. 6.

The NBA said the only jersey that sells more than James' Cavaliers No. 23 is the Lakers' Kobe Bryant's No. 24.

NBA rules allow the Cavs to offer James more money than any other team when it comes to a new contract.

"I have coached elsewhere," said Dambrot. "There is a certain comfort level at home that you can't get anywhere else. In a sense, when you are home, you know that these people know you and love you."

CLEVELAND --- The Chicago Bulls group led by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman, and coach Tom Thibodeau left their meeting with LeBron James and his associates on Saturday in an optimistic mood. After meeting with James for nearly three hours, the Bulls contingent departed the IMG parking garage in two...

Chicago Bulls executive vice-president of basketball operations John Paxson outside of IMG headquarters as the Bulls prepare to meet with free agent basketball player LeBron James on Saturday July 3, 2010, in Cleveland. In the foreground on a cell phone is Bulls general manager Gar Forman. (AP Photo/Phil Long)

CLEVELAND --- The Chicago Bulls group led by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman, and coach Tom Thibodeau left their meeting with LeBron James and his associates on Saturday in an optimistic mood.

After meeting with James for nearly three hours, the Bulls contingent departed the IMG parking garage in two SUVs. A crowd of fans booed as the SUVs wheeled off and headed back to the Bulls' hotel.

Once the Bulls arrived back at their hotel, Paxson was succinct when asked about the meeting.

"It was good," said Paxson to The Plain Dealer.

The Bulls hope to make things even better in their quest to add James and or Bosh. Dwyane Wade, however, is also in the Bulls' mix. He had two meeting with the Bulls.

The Bulls were the last team in a series of meetings conducted by James in his office. James is the top free agent in a class that includes Bosh, Wade and Amare Stoudemire.

The Cavaliers met with James earlier in the day.

For what it is worth, interviews with the Bulls and the Miami Heat took three hours each. The Los Angeles Clippers' one-hour meeting with James on Friday was the shortest.

After a meeting that the Cavaliers intentionally kept short - at about 90 minutes - James met with the Bulls for just under three hours. According to sources, James has been highly involved in all of his meetings, but has remained non-committal to any team in the process.

Thomas Ondrey, The Plain Dealer Cavaliers fans boo Chicago Bulls officials as they leave a downtown Cleveland office where they met with LeBron James.

Cleveland, Ohio -- The LeBron James free agency tension has been building for 18 months. Saturday may just have been the climax.

The two teams James is believed to be most seriously considering, the Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls, got the final two sitdowns with the star at his downtown Cleveland offices. The ideas exchanged and messages received in the eighth-floor conference room during the sunny summer day may help sway James' complex decision.

The Cavs met with James first and did so for around 90 minutes. According to sources, the team wanted to keep the meeting rather short and focus on the team's familiarity with him and his comfort level with the franchise.

New coach Byron Scott, general manager Chris Grant, assistant general manager Lance Blanks and owner Dan Gilbert were the principals in the meeting. In addition to presentations from Scott and Grant about their plans, sources said the Cavs showed James a cartoon featuring him and his friends as characters.

It was made in a Family Guy style, which is one of James' favorite shows, that featured some inside jokes related to the team. The team is believed to have been working on the cartoon for around six months.

Those who know James personally know that he loves cartoons, inside jokes and cheap laughs. The central part of the Cavs pitch is that they know him the best.

"We had a very good meeting with LeBron and his group," Grant said after the sit down. "It went well, it was fun. It was very interactive. Obviously we know LeBron well. I would characterize it as positive."

To set the scene, the Cavs organized a "fan tunnel" down East 9th Street that eventually drew hundreds who were provided black "Home" signs by the team. A large group of fans gathered around the garage entrance to James' office building.

When the Cavs' group arrived in two vehicles, fans tossed powder over the cars to mimic James' pregame ritual. James arrived a few moments later in a third different car he's used this week.

"We think it is pretty incredible that LeBron chose to have these meetings here in Cleveland, his home," Grant said. "We want to thank the fans for the turnout and support."

The Bulls were the last of the six teams to see James. They were represented by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, general manager Gar Forman, president John Paxson and coach Tom Thibodeau. Unlike most of the teams before them, they did not appear to have a great deal of presentation equipment.

The final meeting with James lasted just under three hours. Chicago has also met with top free agents Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade, twice in fact, this week. Chicago has about $27 million in salary cap space, room for one maximum-level free agent but not yet enough room for another.

James is believed to be intrigued with signing with the Bulls, largely because he likes the city of Chicago and because of the talent on the roster. Ironically in losing to the Cavs in five games in the first round of the playoffs, the Bulls were able to showcase the development of young players Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah.

However, the Bulls would have some work to do to convince either Bosh or Wade to pair up with James because they don't have enough cap space for two max contracts. Free agent forward David Lee and Carlos Boozer have also met with the Bulls, which would be fall-back options.

According to sources, James has been highly involved in all of the meetings and has asked direct questions and challenged each team. However, despite pressing for his feelings, James has remained non-committal to any team in the process.

There is not expected to be a timetable for James' decision, but with a great deal of NBA business waiting on it, the pressure to decide will likely build over the next week.

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant spoke with the media on Saturday following the team's meeting with LeBron James. Grant, coach Byron Scott, assistant general manager Lance Blanks and owner Dan Gilbert were in today's meeting.  

Cleveland Cavaliers general manager Chris Grant spoke with the media on Saturday following the team's meeting with LeBron James.

Grant, coach Byron Scott, assistant general manager Lance Blanks and owner Dan Gilbert were in today's meeting.

Clubhouse confidential: It's believed Eric Wedge and Buck Showalter are the favorites to be the Orioles' next manager. Twice the Birds have interviewed Wedge, who managed the Indians from 2003 through 2009. With managerial openings in Florida and Arizona, and Bobby Cox retiring at the end of the year in Atlanta, it will be interesting to see what Wedge...

Clubhouse confidential: It's believed Eric Wedge and Buck Showalter are the favorites to be the Orioles' next manager. Twice the Birds have interviewed Wedge, who managed the Indians from 2003 through 2009.

With managerial openings in Florida and Arizona, and Bobby Cox retiring at the end of the year in Atlanta, it will be interesting to see what Wedge does if he's offered the Baltimore job. If you're not managing the Yankees or Red Sox in the AL East, you're signing on for headaches and ulcers.

Gold-medal moment: Olympians Matt LaPorta and Steve Mesler posed for a picture before Saturday's game. LaPorta and Mesler went to the University of Florida.

"Gators are everywhere," LaPorta said.

Mesler and the rest of the U.S. gold-medal winning four-man bobsled team from the Vancouver Olympics threw out the first pitch Saturday. Mesler was wearing his gold medal in the picture with LaPorta.

"I wish I had my bronze medal," LaPorta said. "I would have worn it."

LaPorta, along with teammate Jason Donald, helped the U.S. win a bronze medal in baseball at the 2008 Summer Olympics in China.

Stat of the day: The Indians entered Saturday's game with 63 homers hit and 63 allowed.

Some superb individual seasons by young starting pitchers and relievers is a highlight of the campaign thus far for the Indians farm system.

UC-Irvine Athletic DepartmentBryce Stowell has struck out nearly 14 batters per nine innings pitched this season with Kinston and Akron.

FARM REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Tonight: Clippers (50-32) at Toledo Mud Hens (41-41), 7:00. Clippers RHP Josh Tomlin (7-2, 2.66) vs. Mud Hens LHP Ryan Ketchner (3-2, 2.79).

Notes: RHP Carlos Carrasco (7-3, 4.22) is 5-1 despite a 4.60 ERA in his last seven starts. During the stretch, he has struck out 45 and walked 14 in 45 innings.

AA Akron Aeros

Baysox 4, Aeros 2 OF Tim Fedroff (.244) singled twice, doubled and drove in a run for the Aeros (40-41), but his teammates managed just three other hits against four pitchers at Bowie. Aeros LH starter Kelvin De La Cruz did not get a decision, allowing two runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out five and walked two.

Notes: Aeros RH reliever Bryce Stowell (1-0, six saves, 0.00) pitched the ninth inning, striking out three Baysox. Stowell has not allowed a run in 22 1/3 innings with Akron. Counting his time at Kinston this season, Stowell has struck out 74 in 47 2/3 innings.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Tonight: Frederick (47-32) at Indians (40-38), 7:00. Keys RHP Ryan Berry (2-0, 2.38) vs. Indians RHP Austin Adams (0-0, 4.50).

Notes: Despite going 0-2 with a 6.00 ERA in his last two starts, RHP Joseph Gardner is 6-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 63 1/3 innings over 11 starts, allowing just 39 hits while striking out 61 and walking 22. Counting his eight starts at Lake County, Gardner is a combined 7-3 with a 2.65 ERA, striking out 99 in 88 1/3 innings. He has given up 56 hits and 33 walks, holding batters to a .181 average.

A Lake County Captains

Captains 7, Whitecaps 0 Catcher Roberto Perez (.227) slugged his third homer, a three-run clout, to key a five-run outburst for the Captains (48-30) in the bottom of the first inning, and 1B Ben Carlson (.176) tripled in one run and doubled in another. LH starter Vidal Nuno (3-2, 5.51) pitched five scoreless innings to get the win, and RH relievers Antwonie Hubbard and Jose Flores pitched two scoreless innings each. The trio limited West Michigan to three hits and struck out 11.

Notes: Midwest League all-star catcher/DH Chun Chen and 3B Jeremie Tice have been promoted from the Captains to Advanced A Kinston....LHP Matt Packer is 4-3 with a 1.64 ERA in eight outings since joining the starting rotation. Overall, Packer is 6-3 with one save and a 1.86 ERA in 19 games spanning 63 innings. He's allowed 51 hits, and has an outstanding ratio of 61 strikeouts to eight walks.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Tonight: Jamestown (8-7) at Scrappers (8-7), 7:05. Pitchers to be announced.

Notes: RHP Alex Kaminsky is 2-1 with a 1.80 ERA in three starts covering 15 innings, and RHP Owen Dew is 1-0 and has not allowed a run in two starts spanning 10 innings. Dew has allowed just four hits and not walked a batter.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Tonight: Evansville (14-26) at Crushers (22-18), 7:05. Otters RHP Chad Edwards (0-1, 8.00) vs. Crushers Crushers RHP Travis Risser (4-2, 3.33).

Notes: Going into Saturday night's game, Crushers 3B Andrew Davis (.327) was batting .420 (29-for-69) in his last 18 games, with four doubles, one triple and 11 RBI. Davis, with seven doubles, one triple and three homers, was leading the team in batting average and RBI (24)....RHP Josh Roberts (4-0) is second in the Frontier League with a 1.83 ERA (in 54 innings).