Matt LaPorta's RBI single in the 10th inning gave the Indians a 5-4 victory over Oakland on Saturday night.

Chuck CrowCleveland Indians' mob Matt LaPorta who knocked in the winning run in the 10th inning against the Oakland Athletics' on July 3, 2010 at Progressive Field. The Indians beat the A's 5-4 in 10 innings.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Matt LaPorta's RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning gave the Indians a 5-4 victory over the Athletics on Saturday night at Progressive Field.

The Tribe has won six of seven.

With one out in the 10th, Travis Hafner doubled to center off lefty Craig Breslow. Pronk's  hustle beat Coco Crisp's throw. Anderson Hernandez pinch-ran.

Austin Kearns was intentionally walked. Jhonny Peralta flied to deep left-center.

LaPorta grounded a full-count pitch up the middle. It was his third hit.

The Indians jumped in front 2-0 in the first. 

Trevor Crowe led off with a single against righty Clayton Mortensen, who was recalled from Class AAA to replace injured lefty Dallas Braden. Crowe had a nine-pitch at-bat.

Jayson Nix followed with a homer to left, guaranteeing the Indians would not be shut out for a fourth time by Oakland this season.

Tribe shortstop Jason Donald made two errors as the Athletics scored three in the third off Jake Westbrook. Two of the runs were earned.

Cliff Pennington hit a two-run triple and scored as Coco Crisp reached on Donald's second error.

The Indians pulled ahead 4-3 in the fourth. With runners on first and second,  LaPorta lined a single to left. The ball skipped past a charging Gabe Gross, LaPorta racing to third.

Oakland tied it in the seventh on Daric Barton's RBI single off Rafael Perez.

Westbrook pitched six innings.

Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo did not play. He is out indefinitely because of a right-thumb injury suffered Friday night against Oakland.

Brantley being promoted to Cleveland, source says.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians are going to put right fielder Shin-Soo Choo on the disabled list and recall Michael Brantley from Class AAA Columbus.

The moves will be made official Sunday morning.

Choo, likely to be named Sunday as the Indians' lone All-Star, injured his right thumb in the eighth inning Friday night attempting to make a diving catch against Oakland. He was out of the game by the ninth.

Late Saturday afternoon, Choo left Progressive Field to have an MRI scan of the thumb, which was in a velcro wrap.

Brantley was removed from the Clippers' lineup Saturday night in Toledo.

A roster move was not announced Saturday night.

Brantley began the season with Cleveland. He hit .156 (5-for-32) in nine games before being demoted.

Brantley, acquired from Milwaukee along with Matt LaPorta in the CC Sabathia trade in 2008, made his major-league debut with the Indians in 2009. He was called up late in the season and hit .313 in 28 games.

Indians manager Manny Acta has said the recent reports on Brantley have been very good.

Brantley entered Saturday hitting .315 in 58 games for the Clippers.

The Columbus Clippers beat the Toledo Mud Hens Saturday night, as Luis Valbuena slugged a home run.

MINOR-LEAGUE REPORT

AAA Columbus Clippers

Clippers 7, Mud Hens 1 Luis Valbuena clubbed his second home run of the season, and Josh Tomlin pitched seven strong innings as Columbus won at Toledo in International League play. Tomlin (8-2) struck out six, yielding four hits and no runs.

Notes: Valbuena is hitting .294 in 34 at-bats. He played for the Indians earlier in the year. He was 1-for-5 Saturday night.

AA Akron Aeros

Baysox 4, Aeros 2 Outfielder Tim Fedroff (.244) singled twice, doubled and drove in a run for Akron, but his teammates managed just three other hits against four pitchers at Bowie, Md., in Eastern League action. Akron 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.

Advanced A Kinston Indians

Indians 3, Keys 1 Host Kinston, N.C., scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to defeat Frederick, Md., in the Carolina League. The K-Tribe opened the inning with three consecutive singles, then scored their runs on a throwing error, wild pitch and an infield out. Cory Burns pitched the ninth for his 15th save, although he gave up Frederick's lone run.

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 Lake County (48-30) in the bottom of the first inning, and Ben Carlson (.176) tripled in one run and doubled in another. Starter Vidal Nuno (3-2, 5.51) pitched five scoreless innings to get the Midwest League win in Eastlake.

A Mahoning Valley Scrappers

Jammers 13, Scrappers 3 Jamestown provided early holiday fireworks in Niles, Ohio, lighting up Mahoning Valley pitchers for 13 runs on 16 hits. Mike Rayl (0-2) was the starting and losing pitcher. He gave up five runs, all earned, on seven hits, and he walked two.

Independent Lake Erie Crushers

Crushers 7, Otters 2 Lake Erie broke open a 2-2 tie with three runs in the fifth to win its second straight Frontier League game over Evansville, Ind., in Avon.

Notes: Lake Erie pitchers struck out 12 batters to match a season high for the fourth time. The Crushers have struck out 10 or more batters in four straight games and own 44 strikeouts over that span.

By John Kekis, Associated Press WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Another race, another tirade directed at Milka Duno. After spinning out on his own and losing two fast laps in the first round of qualifying Saturday at Watkins Glen International, Ryan Hunter-Reay was trying to rally and make the second round when he overtook Duno as time was running out...

Reed Hoffman / APIndyCar driver Milka Duno, above, caught some heat from driver Ryan Hunter-Reay for not driving fast enough Saturday at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

By John Kekis, Associated Press

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. -- Another race, another tirade directed at Milka Duno.

After spinning out on his own and losing two fast laps in the first round of qualifying Saturday at Watkins Glen International, Ryan Hunter-Reay was trying to rally and make the second round when he overtook Duno as time was running out in the 15-minute session.

Hunter-Reay, who won at Watkins Glen two years ago, missed the cut and will start 16th in the 25-car field for today's Camping World Grand Prix. Afterward, he vented his frustration at Duno, who was more than 7 seconds off the pace and hindered his chances on his final passes.

"If she's going to drive in this series, she's going to have to drive with her mirrors," Hunter-Reay said. "There are 15 turns on this course and she's the 16th."

Duno, who brings sponsorship dollars to her team at Dale Coyne Racing, was defended by her boss.

"She's been within the rule every session," Dale Coyne said. "Something happened. She's closer to the field to the pole than she's been on any road course this year. Ryan can say what he wants, but she didn't cause [his spinout]."

Duno also was mentioned at the post-qualifying press conference, and the drivers were reluctant to criticize.

"Maybe the best scenario is if we have enough cars you have to qualify for each race," said Justin Wilson, who won last year's race at WGI. "Then you get the best 25 or 26 cars starting. I don't know what the right answer is. You obviously don't want to turn people away that are keeping some of these teams afloat, but at the same time there's a balance there."

"There is a balance," defending series champion Dario Franchitti added. "You don't want to see that car and sponsor go away. Then a lot of guys are out of work. But there's a certain level of competency that's not there, unfortunately."

By Doug Ferguson, Associated Press NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. -- Tiger Woods has switched to a Nike golf ball that has a slightly harder cover and spins less than his previous model, which might explain why he has been hitting his tee shots farther than he has all year. Woods says his swing has something to do with it, too....

View full sizeCharlie Riedel / AP Thanks in part to a new ball, Tiger Woods is hitting farther than he has all year.

By Doug Ferguson, Associated Press

NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. -- Tiger Woods has switched to a Nike golf ball that has a slightly harder cover and spins less than his previous model, which might explain why he has been hitting his tee shots farther than he has all year.

Woods says his swing has something to do with it, too.

"The more I keep playing, the better I get," Woods said Saturday after recovering from an atrocious start to shoot an even 70, making up little ground in the AT&T National. "It has a little bit to do with the ball."

Woods still uses a One Tour, this ball marked with a star symbol between the two words. He started using it this week at Aronimink, most likely as part of his preparations for the British Open in two weeks at St. Andrews, where the wind is often a major factor.

The world's No. 1 player often has talked about how he uses one of the softest golf balls on tour, which gives him greater control around the greens. This version would be helpful in windy conditions because it spins less.

Once among the longest hitters in golf, Woods was 21st in driving distance last year. Going into the AT&T National, he was ranked 78th based on two measured drives per round. Through two rounds on a fast, firm Aronimink course, Woods was leading the tournament in driving distance at just over 328 yards.

His additional length was most evident during the second round, when he was playing with Dustin Johnson. On consecutive holes, Woods hit one drive 26 yards past Johnson, and another 10 yards past him. Both led to birdies.

It continued Saturday.

"Wow," Scott McCarron whispered when Woods hit one driver 322 yards down the middle on the fourth hole, 37 yards beyond McCarron.

The only trouble this week is that it's not helping with his scoring. Woods remained well back in the pack at 3-over 213, which left him 10 shots behind even before the leaders teed off.

He hit one of his best tee shots on the sixth hole, which sweeps to the right around trees and a bunker. The shape was perfect, and Woods hit it so pure that he had only 60 yards to the hole. What followed was amateur hour.

Trying to play a low, running shot to get over the ridge and funnel to the hole, Woods couldn't figure out what he was doing in the middle of his swing and wound up chunking the shot. It didn't even reach the green, and he three-putted from there for a bogey, his third one in the early going.

"That was just awful," Woods said. "I was trying to hit a low ball in there, trying to scoot it up that hill, and I was not committed to where I was going to land it. Lack of commitment, ended up hitting the ball fat."

He turned another easy birdie into bogey on the opening hole by coming up short of the green. Woods has said his distance control is not quite sharp, although he put more of that on himself than the change to different golf ball characteristics.

Woods settled down after the sixth, nearly holing his tee shot on the tough par-3 eighth and making a 5-foot putt for his first birdie of the round. After missing four putts inside 10 feet in his opening six holes, it was probably good to have made that birdie.

"I was going to make that putt or that putter was going to be in the water," Woods said. "So it was one of those two."

Woods came close to getting back under par for the round with another big tee shot and wedge to 5 feet for birdie on the 11th, and a 15-foot birdie putt on the 13th. Then came another shot that went according to plan -- a high cut right at the flag about 6 feet behind the hole on the par-3 14th. He missed the putt, and the momentum was gone.

By that point, any hope of defending his title was long gone. One more round for Woods, then he's off to Ireland for a charity pro-am and then home to practice for the next major.

"The more tournaments I play this year, I'm getting better," Woods said. "The feel is getting better. I feel more comfortable with what I'm working on. It's so much more comfortable than it was at the beginning of the year."

The plan is for the Browns to slowly work the rookies in the secondary into the lineup this season, Terry Pluto writes.

ABOUT THE BROWNS . . .

Here are some things I don't know will happen, but what I think will happen:

1. First-rounder Joe Haden will not be one of the starting cornerbacks. The Browns will work him in gradually in nickel and dime coverages. They'll go with veterans Eric Wright and Sheldon Brown at cornerback, with Haden the main backup.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerThe Browns plan to ease No. 1 pick Joe Haden and the other rookies in the secondary into the lineup this season.

2. The Browns say they love Michael Adams on special teams, and every year he plays more in the defensive backfield than planned. That won't change this season. In fact, he could play a lot of safety.

3. Rookie safeties T.J. Ward and Larry Asante will deliver huge hits, but both will worry the coaches when it comes to pass coverage. That's why Adams will be important.

4. At some point, coach Eric Mangini will have to sit down with Jerome Harrison and assure the running back that he remains in the plans -- especially if rookie Montario Hardesty continues to play well. Mangini should talk to Harrison at the start of camp and explain how he likes to use two running backs, pulling out stats from his seasons coaching the Jets.

5. Ben Watson will look like Ozzie Newsome compared with what Browns fans watched at tight end last season. Not that he's a Hall of Famer, but the tight ends (other than Evan Moore) were so bad trying to catch the ball.

6. Last year's starting tight end, Robert Royal, had 11 catches and six drops! Ouch! No wonder he was open so often. Watson had 29 catches for New England, only three drops. He also caught five TD passes. The Browns have added veteran Alex Smith, but he had only three catches for the Eagles last season.

7. Speaking of drops, the Browns' leaders were Mohamed Massaquoi (seven), Chansi Stuckey (seven total, five with Browns), Harrison (seven) and Royal. They simply must do a better job hanging on to the ball, because Stats Inc. is very forgiving when it comes to counting drops. It has to be a very, very bad drop!

8. Veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme will need a reliable tight end as a receiver, so Watson and Moore will be valuable. Delhomme will have an early-season game where he throws a couple of interceptions. How he reacts to that the next week will determine his season, because he had trouble bouncing back from a poor performance in 2009.

9. Shaun Rogers will be unhappy about something, be it moving to end or something else. If the Browns handle the situation correctly, Rogers will then have a good season.

10. D'Qwell Jackson will either have a career year, or he will fade. With all the competition at linebacker, a normal Jackson season will not be enough for him to consistently start. Chris Gocong could take Jackson's spot at inside linebacker.

11. Despite adding Tony Pashos and rookie Shawn Lauvao, there still will be concerns about the right side of the offensive line where Porkchop Womack and John St. Clair are the returning starters.

12. Brian Robiskie's strong play in the spring will carry over to the fall. He will be a viable, possession receiver. Massaquoi averaged 18.4 yards per catch, and has the capacity to be a big-play receiver. He will get his chance, because the Browns have no one else.

13. There will be some nice training camp stories about low-round draft picks Clifton Geathers and Carlton Mitchell, but you won't hear much about them during the regular season.

14. Fans will want the Browns to run the wildcat more with Joshua Cribbs, and for good reason. He will be productive again.

15. Seneca Wallace will fill in for Delhomme at some point, play well, and the fans will want him to start.

About the Tribe ...

1. The Indians have been encouraged by the recent play of Michael Brantley, who hit .353 (.893 OPS) in June with the Columbus Clippers. In 102 at-bats, he had five doubles, a triple and a homer as he started to show more power. His on-base percentage was .415, and he was 7-of-9 in steals. That's the kind of performance the Indians want from their future leadoff man.

2. The 23-year-old Brantley is close to being promoted. Heading into the weekend, he's hitting .316 (.797 OPS) with three HRs and 26 RBI, 11-of-15 in steals. Brantley is hitting .351 vs. right-handers, but the lefty hitter is at .227 (15-of-66) vs. lefties. It's time to put him in center and let him lead off. The Indians believe Trevor Crowe can help as an extra outfielder and pinch runner, but he's not a starter.

3. It seems Brantley should be in Cleveland by July 15, the All-Star break. Carlos Carrasco also might receive a promotion, although if Aaron Laffey continues to pitch well, that might not be at the All-Star break. If the Indians keep Austin Kearns in left field, they'll create room for Brantley by returning Shelley Duncan or Andy Marte to the minors. Right now, it could be Marte, because the Tribe has Jayson Nix, who can be a backup at third. They have been happy with Duncan as a backup.

4. While some teams have asked about Jake Westbrook in a trade, the Indians have said "it has to be a compelling trade" to move him. They are sending out messages that they don't simply intend to dump Westbrook's salary (about $6 million left on his contract).

5. It's amazing the Indians were able to trade Russell Branyan for anything of value, given Branyan's age (35), bad back, strikeouts and horrible fielding (ranked last in zone rating) at first base. But they received two decent prospects from Seattle. In terms of money, they might have to pay his $500,000 buyout for 2011, but that's it.

6. Seattle sent Ezequiel Carrera, a 23-year-old outfielder to the Tribe. He won the Class AA Southern League batting title in 2009 by hitting .337. He doesn't have much power, and was hitting .268 (.654 OPS) at Class AAA Tacoma. After the trade, Baseball America wrote: "Carrera can really run and defend all three outfield spots. . . . His pesky, slap-and-dash approach has contributed to a career .297/.388/.388 batting line (including 86 stolen bases at a 72-percent success rate) over 1,221 at-bats in the U.S. minors. . . . He best profiles as a capable reserve outfielder on a good team."

7. The other player is 21-year-old shortstop Juan Diaz, batting .295 at Class A High Desert. Baseball America wrote: "The switch-hitter . . . [is] a capable defender at shortstop . . . a bit of a sleeper prospect. . . . Diaz makes the routine plays and sports above-average arm strength. He's still growing into his 6-3 frame, so it's an open question as to whether he can remain at the position. . . . The Mariners had singled him out for his enhanced ability to drive the ball."

8. There have been no trade talks about Kerry Wood. Surprisingly, there hasn't been much interest in Kearns, who seems like a solid outfielder for a contender.

ABOUT THE BROWNS AND FAN SERVICE . . .

1. Once upon a time, the Browns had a waiting list for season tickets. No more. And once upon a time, it may have seemed the Browns were taking their fans for granted. They say that no longer is the case, as Bryan Wiedmeier, the new executive vice president of business operations, is making a major effort to not only sell more tickets, but increase fan satisfaction.

2. When the Browns returned in 1999, it was a civic movement to sell tickets and luxury suites to support the expansion franchise. Many of those deals were for 10 years. They have expired. In the meantime, the Browns have the NFL's second-worst record (after Detroit) since 1999. LeBron James came to the Cavs in 2003, and lots of corporate dollars flowed in that direction. James also grabbed the attention of the casual Cleveland sports fan.

3. At their peak following the return, the Browns sold more than 61,000 season tickets. That was a few years ago. They dropped below 55,000 last year. While the Browns are confident they will sell enough tickets for every home game to avoid a TV blackout, it's obvious they are working hard for new customers.

4. The Browns have kept their ticket prices down, by NFL standards. They rank between 28th and 30th, depending on which survey you use. They have raised their ticket prices only once (2008) in the past four years. They have increased their ticket sales force from about six to 24. They have added eight people to their guest-service department, their main job being to help season-ticket holders. Each season-ticket holder should soon be receiving the name and contact number of an agent the team has assigned to help them.

5. The Browns want to hear from fans about what they can do better on game days, with tickets, etc. Please, don't write, "Win more games." Don't send suggestions about coaching, quarterbacks, etc. This is an attempt to connect with fans about how the Browns can improve on the business side. E-mail: suggestions@clevelandbrowns.com

6. On the subject of fans, I will be speaking at Brook Park Public Library on Engle Road, Thursday at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

The Indians won their seventh game in the last at-bat Saturday night. It took 10 innings and a game-winning single from Matt LaPorta, their hottest hitter, to do it.

CLEVELAND -- Baseball luck can change in an instant. No one knows why, it just does.

A week ago the Indians were riding a seven-game losing streak. As bad as that sounds, they played worse. Then, just like that, came a five-game winning streak, their longest of the season.

It was momentarily interrupted Friday night by the Oakland A's and their 3-0 victory. Saturday night, the Indians righted themselves with a 5-4 victory in 10 innings over the same A's and they didn't have to schedule a meeting with LeBron James to make it happen.

All it took was Matt LaPorta's two-out single to score pinch-runner Anderson Hernandez from second base with the winning run. Travis Hafner's one-out double off former Indian Craig Breslow made the victory possible. When Jhonny Peralta, who played a great game at third base, sent a long fly ball to center field, it looked like the game was over, but the ball died on the track.

LaPorta and Breslow (3-2) dueled until the count was full. Then LaPorta bounced a single into center field to finish it.

"I hit a fastball," said LaPorta, 9-for-20 with three homers and seven RBI since rejoining the Indians on June 27 from Class AAA Columbus. "All I'm trying to do is hit the ball hard. I just treated it like my first or second at-bat of the game."

The win went to Tony Sipp in another impressive performance by a bullpen that still has the fattest ERA in the American League. Sipp (1-2) pitched his way around Ryan Sweeney's one-out double in the 10th for his first victory of the season.

"The bullpen has been solid," manager Manny Acta said. "Whenever we're in this kind of groove, they're part of it."

The Indians led, 2-0 and 4-3, but couldn't hold either lead.

After Trevor Crowe opened the game with a single, Jayson Nix crushed an 0-1 pitch from Clayton Mortensen for a two-run homer high over the left-field wall for a 2-0 lead. Mortensen retired the next three batters and the Indians really never threatened him again in his first big-league start of the season.

Jason Donald put the A's back in the game in the third. Yes, Donald started at short for the Indians.

Donald's two errors led to Oakland's 3-2 lead. Adam Rosales opened with a double off Jake Westbrook. Gabe Gross sent a grounder to short, but Donald's throw to first was off line to put runners at the corners. Cliff Pennington tripled off the fence in center to make it a 2-2 game.

Coco Crisp reached on Donald's second error of the inning. The ball skipped off Donald's glove and into center field as Pennington scored for a 3-2 lead. After Daric Barton walked, Kevin Kouzmanoff hit into a double play and Kurt Suzuki lined out to third.

The Indians gave the A's five outs in the inning, two more than required.

"Errors happen," Westbrook said. "I've got to do a better job picking Jason up, and I've got to do a better job against Pennington. I'm lucky he didn't hit a home run."

Said Acta: "Everyone says play the kids. If you do that, you have to have patience."

Shoddy defense put the Indians back on top, 4-3, in the fourth. Austin Kearns singled and Peralta walked with two out. LaPorta singled to left as the ball sped between Gross' legs. Kearns scored on the single and Peralta was waved home to score on the error.

Westbrook held the one-run lead through six. He didn't come out for the seventh after 97 pitches. Lefty Rafael Perez replaced Westbrook and he entered on a roll. He'd made 14 consecutive appearances without allowing an earned run. He almost made it 15.

Perez had two out with Pennington on third thanks to a one-out double and Crisp's ground out. He had left-handed hitting Barton down in the count when Barton rolled a ball down the third baseline with Peralta playing off the bag. The ball glanced off the bag for a single to make it 4-4.

It was the first earned run Perez allowed since May 31.

Westbrook allowed two earned runs on four hits in six innings. He struck out one and walked three.

Mortensen gave a good account of himself. The A's called him up from Class AAA Sacramento when scheduled starter Dallas Braden was placed on the disabled list with of a sore left elbow. He allowed four runs, three earned, on six hits over six innings.

Youth sports Continental Cup BASEBALL U12 Boys Diamond Dawgs 8, Wadsworth Grizzlies 4 Hudson Explorers 13, Solon Comets 9 Solon Comets 11, Triway Titans Express 10 Wadsworth Grizzlies 14, Diamond Boys 4 U14 Boys Coach Tony's 3, Bombers Baseball 1 Coach Tony's 10, Olentangy Blue Lightning 9 Diamond Boys 6, North York Blues 5 Marion Merchants 6, Mentor Cardinals...

Youth sports Continental Cup

BASEBALL

U12 Boys

Diamond Dawgs 8, Wadsworth Grizzlies 4

Hudson Explorers 13, Solon Comets 9

Solon Comets 11, Triway Titans Express 10

Wadsworth Grizzlies 14, Diamond Boys 4

U14 Boys

Coach Tony's 3, Bombers Baseball 1

Coach Tony's 10, Olentangy Blue Lightning 9

Diamond Boys 6, North York Blues 5

Marion Merchants 6, Mentor Cardinals 3

Post 83, Jrs 12, Warrior Baseball 4

Post 83 Jrs 11, Willoughby Wildcats 10

xb>

BASKETBALL

U18 Girls

Lake Ridge Academy 73, Lenawee Magic 34

Lake Ridge Academy 69, Magnificat 62

Magnificat 68, Singapore Comets 31

Ottawa Next Girls 45, Singapore Comets 30

St. Joe's Academy 58, Lenawee Magic 44

St. Joe's Academy 74, Ottawa Next Girls 40

U18 Boys

Born2Hoop 99, Kenya B Team 56

Durham City Bulldog 37, The ROC 26

St. Ignatius 65, St. Lucia 42

St. Lucia 51, Grammar School Cyprus 16

Waukee High School 70, Toronto Knights 28

Youngbloods UK 61, Kenya B Team 29

xb>

SOCCER

Boys U18

Cleveland FC 1, Woodridge Premier 1

Cleveland United 2, Oak Ridges Knights 0

Dorchester Rock 3, Milan Puerto Rico

Flower City United 5, Internationals 1

PA Classics Elite 8, NEO 1

PA Classics Premier 3, Claymores 2

Boys U16

Ajax Vipers 11, Liberty FC 0

Cleveland FC 7, FC Seven 0

Columbus Blast 4, Rome St. Catharines Wolves 0

Dixie Lions Athletic 3, CSA 2

Ohio Premier 1, Cleveland United 0

PA Classics Elite 1, Oshawa Turuls 0

Pro-Ballers Shottas 1, Richmond Hill Raiders White 0

Boys U15

Brampton East Thunder 3, Guelph Soccer Royals 2

Brampton East Thunder 1, Ramapo Valley Tornados 0

DHSC BSY 3, Cleveland United 0

Excalibur 3, Woodridge Premier 2

Internationals 2, Cleveland United 1

Internationals 4, Guelph Soccer Royals 1

Woodbridge Strikers 2, AC Milan Boston 0

Boys U14

Ann Arbor United 1, NEO 1

Internationals 2, Ajax Attack 0

Milan Puerto Rico 3, Claymores 0

Milan Puerto Rico 15, FC Seven 0

Pro-Shottas Soccer School 2, CSA 0

Boys U13

North Scarborough Bulldogs 3, Internationals 1

Internationals 4, Cleveland United 2

PA Classics Elite 3, Ajax Venom 2

Wexford Wolves 5, Internationals 0

Young Gunners 6, Liberty FC 0

Boys U12

CSA 1, AC Milan Junior Camp Comfamiliar Colombia 1

CSA 4, Cleveland United 2

Internationals 5, Ajax Dragons 3

Milan Puerto Rico 3, AC Milan Junior Camp Comfamiliar Colombia 2

Milan Puerto Rico 3, Cleveland United 2

NEO Select 3, Colegio Santo Americo 2

Boys U11

AC Milan Junior Camp Americas Elite 7, Samba Soccer 0

BW Gottschee Celtic 7, Mississauga Falcons 1

Chicago Magic 5, Liberty FC 0

HPWC Morrow 3, New York Hota Bavarians 2

Internationals Blue 4, NEO Soccer 1

LNSC 98 Black 3, Elite Development Academy 1

Ohio Premier 6, Cleveland United 0

West Toronto United 2, Internationals Red 0

Boys U10

Ciociaro FC Nova 8, Internationals Red 2

Cleveland 11, Milan Puerto Rico 1

CSA 6, Elite Development Academy White 3

Etobicoke Youth Energy 4, NEO 2

Internationals Blue 4, Liberty FC 2

Lasalle Stompers 7, HPWC Morrow 5

Boys U9

AC Premier 2, Elite Development Academy 2

Crushers 8, Milan Puerto Rico 2

HPWC Morrow 7, Liberty FC 2

Ohio Premier 8, Woodridge Premier 2

Solon Strikers 5, Internationals West 4

Girls U 18

Cleveland United 2, Liberty FC 0

Excalibur Holy Name 3, Burlington Fusion 1

Woodridge Premier 2, Orchard Park Supreme Team 1

Girls U16

Burlington Youth Force 2, Cleveland United 0

Eastside Kickers 1, Burlington Blue Devils 1

PA Classics Elite 3, Brams United Girls Twisters 1

Girls U14

Excalibur 2-4, Brams United Blaze 0-0

Woodbridge Strikers 0-1, Cleveland United 0-0

Girls U13

Cleveland United 3, Burlington Youth Fire 0

Kings KSA Elite 1, Excalibur 0

Kings KSA Elite 2, Internationals 0

Girls U12

Internationals 5, AC Premier 0

Ohio Premier 2, Cleveland United 0

Ohio Premier 3, Richmond Hill Raiders 0

Q: Hey, Tony: I know you always answer questions about the Browns, but how about some of your Browns thoughts? How and why did you ever start following the Browns? What is your favorite Browns memory and game that sticks out in your mind.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerWhile Montario Hardesty has turned heads in his OTA and minicamp work with the Browns, he has also gotten along well with likely starter Jerome Harrison (left).

HEY, TONY!

Your Browns questions answered

Got a Browns question? Send it in. Submit your question at cleveland.com/heytony.

Q: Hey, Tony: I know you always answer questions about the Browns, but how about some of your Browns thoughts? How and why did you ever start following the Browns? What is your favorite Browns memory and game that sticks out in your mind? Who has been one of your favorite players over the years, and which has been the biggest disappointment in your mind: The Fumble, Drive, Red Right 88 or other aside from "the move"? And finally, what is your timetable/belief concerning when you think the Browns will get to the Super Bowl? Thanks, Tony; it would be nice to hear some of your thoughts from a personal level. -- Eric Myers, Victoria, Minn.

A: Hey, Eric: Like any native Clevelander, Browns games were always on our TV when growing up. My earliest memory is of my dad expressing amazement at a Jim Brown run. "He's an animal," is one comment I easily recall. My favorite Browns memories are embedded in the Bernie Kosar playoff years. The Jets playoff game (Jan. 3, 1987) is unforgettable. But two regular-season games might be tied for my all-time favorite Browns games (while on the beat) -- a win over the Giants in 1985 and a win over the Oilers in 1989. Both came on the road with playoff implications. Both were filled with incredible drama. And both presented me with tremendous writing opportunities. You can look them up in our Browns database on cleveland.com. My favorite players also come from that era. The biggest disappointment was the loss to John Elway in "the Drive." I maintain had the Browns won that game, they -- not Denver -- would have appeared in the Super Bowl three times in four years in the late 1980s. As for the future, I don't think the Browns can realistically think about the Super Bowl until they locate a franchise quarterback.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you think that Montario Hardesty's injury history will make it more likely that the Browns keep another running back in addition to Lawrence Vickers, Peyton Hillis, Jerome Harrison and Hardesty? -- Paul Thiel, Crescent Springs, Ky.

A: Hey, Paul: What's important is the present, not the past. If Hardesty is healthy going into the season, I would expect the running backs to be Hardesty, Harrison and either James Davis or Chris Jennings. The fullbacks would be Vickers and Hillis.

Q: Hey, Tony: OK, this is not a question but an opinion about a recent issue, although perhaps you would like to comment. [Art] Modell does not belong in the HOF for the following reasons. (1) He nearly destroyed one of the oldest and most storied teams in football history. He lied to move the team and hid his plans from the city of Cleveland. If he had ever said, 'I need a new stadium or I will have to move the team,' the city would have done it. What Modell did ask for is for the city to refurbish the stadium, which the city was in the process of obtaining the funding for, when Modell, realizing he was in a trap, suddenly made the underhanded, secret deal with Baltimore because he need the cash due to his failures in non-football business matters. Of course, Modell lies about this to the Baltimore media, and they are too lazy to check out the facts. Modell is an arrogant, underhanded, conniving SOB. (2) If the fans of Cleveland did not put up such a fight, then the city would not have retained a football team, the colors, or the name Browns. Again, Modell lies about this to suggest it was his doing. Total BS. Would the Baltimore and national media please stop taking Modell's word for what happened. The man is the world's biggest self-promoting liar. (3) The great Cleveland Browns teams were the product of Paul Brown, who Modell fired. (4) If anyone belongs in the HOF, it is the fans of the Cleveland Browns who have ardently supported the team through good and bad times, and saved it for future generations from Modell's incompetent, deceitful, destructive management. -- Sam Fields, Euclid

A: Hey, Sam: There are many Hall of Fame selectors who feel the same as you.

Q: Hey, Tony: Whatever happened to former Browns player, Ohio native, and Steelers head coach, Chuck Noll? It seems like he disappeared from the face of the earth. -- Steve Bohnenkamp, Geneva, Ill.

A: Hey, Steve: The last I heard of Noll was that he indeed was keeping a low profile, ostensibly due to poor health.

Q: Hey, Tony: I've been reading about how good David Veikune has looked in the minicamps. I also read where he has lost around 20 pounds since last season. Are you impressed with Veikune's performance so far? Does he look better physically since losing the 20 pounds? -- Greg Dineen, Middletown, Ohio

A: Hey, Greg: I confess to not even taking notice of Veikune at the OTAs and minicamp last month. If he lost 20 pounds, I don't know how he's going to tackle 225-pound running backs, but we'll check him out in training camp.

Q: Hey, Tony: Are there any unrestricted free agents out there you think would be worth bringing to camp? I believe former Philly OL Shawn Andrews is still available. He's huge, young (only 27) and has multiple Pro Bowl nods on his r sum . Even with his past back injury, wouldn't the Browns be wise to bring Andrews into camp and at least "kick the tires," so to speak? Worst case scenario, he is cut and the team doesn't lose anything in terms of a contract or guaranteed money. Best case scenario, the Browns add another young stud to the OL, which will only improve the running and passing game (in theory). Thoughts? -- Tim, Winter Haven, Fla.

A: Hey, Tim: I was told by a club source that the Browns had no interest in Andrews. Keep in mind that Andrews was drafted in Philadelphia by current Browns GM Tom Heckert.

Q: Hey, Tony: After you've seen the OTA's, does the team as a whole seem much more organized than you seen in years past? Without training camp even starting yet I have to be optimistic because of the way the Browns ended last season and with the coaching staff staying intact. To be honest ,the New York Jets got as far as they did on a tenacious defense and a very strong running game. I know Mark Sanchez got a lot of hype and credit, but in my opinion he was not very good last year, even though he did play well in the playoffs. The Browns have, I think, a very good offensive line, and I also believe that they will have a much-improved defense with the new additions that we brought in. For the last few years, I always say the Browns will usually win about six games a year. This year I think the Browns will win more games and get more respect. I also believe the Steelers are on a decline this year. I believe we can split with the Bengals at least, Baltimore looks loaded but I think the Browns will give them a game. Go Browns 9-7, or 10-6. -- David Johnson, Lorain

A: Hey, David: You are entitled to be optimistic at this time of year.

Q: Hey, Tony: I have a question regarding this year's no-cap season. In the past, GMs and team executives would be reluctant to cut an overpriced, underperforming player if it resulted in a huge hit on the team's salary cap. So for example, when the Browns released Derek Anderson this year was there any "hit" to the team's payroll since there is no salary cap for this season? -- Zach Allen, Columbus

A: Hey, Zach: Anderson's release did not result in any "cap hit" because there is no salary cap. That's why so many high-priced players (Cory Williams, et al.) around the league were released or traded. Recall that trading a player with a big contract also had cap ramifications. This is also why Commissioner Roger Goodell did the Browns a big favor last year by suspending Dont Stallworth for the 2009 season. It allowed the Browns to wait until 2010 to release Stallworth without any "cap hit."

Q: Hey, Tony: When do the two-a-days begin? Last year it started on a Saturday, so I was wondering when it will begin this year! -- Michelle Sulzer, Cleveland

A: Hey, Michelle: The first double practice is Saturday, July 31.

Q: Hey, Tony: How many games do the Browns have to win for the Mangini regime to be in Cleveland for the 2011 season? And do you want to see the team dump the brown pants as much as I do? -- Gordon Rogers, Charlotte, N.C.

A: Hey, Gordon: I suspect the Browns would have to win at least as many games as they lose for the coaching staff to return in 2011. I break my moratorium on uniform questions/comments to give you a surprise answer: I actually am OK with the brown pants. Don't love 'em, but don't hate 'em.

Q: Hey, Tony: Do you know whether the Browns are planning to have a "Meet The Rookies" event this summer? -- Jack Stabile, Hermitage, Pa.

A: Hey, Jack: I don't believe so. Come and meet them at training camp beginning July 31.

-- Tony

Caroline Charles sat quietly on a table in the John Carroll University gymnasium, observing her Youngbloods basketball team prepare for the Cleveland Cavaliers Continental Cup International Tournament. But it quickly became evident she frowns on a team that stands around. "What's going on?" shouts Charles, a former point guard on one of England's National League women's basketball teams. "Get...

Caroline Charles sat quietly on a table in the John Carroll University gymnasium, observing her Youngbloods basketball team prepare for the Cleveland Cavaliers Continental Cup International Tournament.

But it quickly became evident she frowns on a team that stands around.

"What's going on?" shouts Charles, a former point guard on one of England's National League women's basketball teams. "Get back in your groups and run the offense, or we'll be here all night."

The 18U boys basketball players from the United Kingdom obviously got the message because they sprinted onto the hardwood and ran the play to near perfection.

Did these players react that way out of fear or respect?

"It's both," said Mantas Adomaitis, a 16-year-old post player whose 6-7 frame is planted in size-14 shoes. "Coach is strict, and she keeps us under control with rules and discipline."

Speak out of turn or talk back and you'll pay the price by executing push-ups or sit-ups, 20 at a time.

Continue to interrupt Charles and you'll walk the dreaded plank. It's a tasking exercise where an individual rests on his forearms, in a push-up position, for a designated amount of time.

"When I say 'Take the position,' they know what I mean," said Charles, 48. "They could be in [the push-up] position four, five, six minutes. It depends on when I get done talking or what mood I'm in."

Charles hasn't strayed from this method of discipline for 20 years because it's worked. She enjoys the challenge of taking a group of boys and molding them until they're too old to play, such as the Youngbloods, who have been together three years.

"We're actually a 16U team, but because of the way some of the players' birthdays fall, we're playing up a division," said Charles, a physical-education/English teacher/basketball coach at a public, all-girls parochial school in London.

Charles attributes her no-nonsense approach to a four-year stint in the Army and the fact she's a woman coaching boys.

"It's made me thick-skinned because there's only about three females coaching boys teams in London and about 10 women coaching boys in the entire UK," said Charles, who made the trip without any assistant coaches or parents. "The males have an attitude toward female coaches in the UK, especially the male referees.

"[Male coaches] get away with a lot more during games than we do. They're thinking 'What are you doing here? You should be at home.' "

Charles' exterior has a rough-edged texture, but the players have seen her soft side and it's the main reason they keep coming back.

"She's really cool," said 15-year-old Anthony Sison, a 5-11 point guard. "She knows the game very well and she's understanding, compassionate."

Charles boasted she's never permanently dismissed a player from her team. Even though some players have been asked to leave practice sessions, they're always welcome back the following day.

"That player might have a bad time at home that morning and carry the 'stink' into practice," she said. "I realize everyone has bad days."

Charles is also an equal opportunity enforcer and proved it by benching 12-year-old son, Cleve, for missing breakfast prior to the Youngbloods' opening-game loss. He was restricted to sitting in the stands and watching the game in street clothes.

"I just want this to be a rewarding life experience for all 12 of the players," she said.

Like Sison, who admitted being scared of flying for the first time.

"Once we got up there, the view -- being between the clouds -- was like we were standing with the angels," said Sison, referring to the flight to the U.S.

Jet lag was an early problem because of the five-hour time difference as Adomaitis found out the first night while staying in JCU's Murphy Hall.

Adomaitis woke up at 3 a.m., got his teammates up to run laps because he thought it was 6 in the morning.

"We thought he was crazy," said 16-year-old guard Chris Anglin. "When he got up three hours later, we went on the track and ran with him because it's all about team."

Obviously, they continue to get the message.

LeBron James didn't have to leave home to be part of the circus, Bud Shaw writes in his Sunday Spin.

John Kuntz/The Plain DealerThe banner above makes the Cavs’ advantage in retaining LeBron James pretty clear.

LeBron James didn't have to leave home to join the circus.

Q. What to make of Miami's meeting going overtime?

Not much. Pat Riley's contingent ran over in their meeting with James but sources say Riley spent 90 of those minutes in the men's room waiting for the sculpting gel to set.

"These people need to see who we are," Riley said. "They need to see me, Andy, Zo, Spo, Mickey and the rings."

Zo, Spo, Mickey and the rings? Where was Gollum?

Riley's career is diamond-studded. No argument there.

Unless he's going to come back to the bench and replace Eric Spoelstra (Spo), those championship rings might as well be cubic zirconia.

Grade: B-minus.

Q. What does it mean that the Knicks say they didn't get much feedback from LeBron?

It depends. If he left the room to play Xbox, it means he thinks they're the Clippers East.

If he stayed at the table but did Sudoku during the presentation, it means he thinks they're the Clippers East but he promised Chris Rock he'd at least pretend to listen.

Grade: D-minus.

Q. How big does LeBron want to be in Omsk?

With dynamic Russian billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov promising to help James become a global icon, the Nets believe they presented well.

In fact, their presentation was described as "spectacular." By them.

The Nets have redeeming qualities and good young talent. Mix Prokhorov's bravado with Avery Johnson's cartoon-character voice and a team coming off a 12-70 season and -- though, I don't know -- this is either a promising situation or a situation comedy along the lines of the movie "Moscow on the Hudson."

Grade: B

Q. Why did the Clippers even bother?

I don't want to say the Clippers looked under-represented at the meeting, but Trinidad and Tobago had a larger Winter Olympics delegation.

The Clips were a contingent of two -- GM Neil Olshey and President Andy Roeser -- with no head coach and no owner.

Olshey and Roeser had legitimate reason to worry that LeBron's first two questions would be:

1)"And you are? . . ."

2)"And you're with? . . ."

Showing up with no coach? Not helpful. The Clips haven't hired one yet.

Showing up without owner Donald Sterling, a league laughingstock for so many years?

Understandable.

The equivalent strategy would be BP's Tony Hayward skipping the July 4 parade in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Definitely for the best.

I give the Clippers credit for not joining the circus. They kept it short and sweet.

I even like parts of their roster. But they're destined to walk behind the elephants in this parade.

Grade: D

Q. Is a good roster enough to sell so-so ownership?

A schedule change Saturday moved the Bulls last, behind the Cavaliers, in making a presentation to James.

The Bulls were said to be considering bringing heads of Fortune 500 companies to Cleveland to help woo James.

(Now that's a deal I'll take. If James goes to Chicago, we get to keep at least five Fortune 500 companies. But that's not how it will go down if he falls for the Bulls' roster and Michael Jordan's legacy.)

Chicago is a serious player.

Grade: A-minus.

p.s. No one knows exactly why the Cavs were moved up and the Bulls were moved back. Just a guess:

The Bulls needed some extra research time. They were trying to find a year -- any year -- that owner Jerry Reinsdorf has chased the Holy Grail deep into the luxury tax.

Q. The Cavs are selling "home" but is it "Home Alone"?

I think James stays because he knows what he's dealing with in Dan Gilbert and his role in the organization. He doesn't know about the Nets and Prokhorov. And what he knows about Reinsdorf should worry him.

He stays because Byron Scott has some clout with him, both because of Scott's r sum as a player and because of his standing with Chris Paul, James' good buddy. And, money. Never forget the money.

Can the Cavs convince him the roster will be even better next year? That's where it gets ticklish.

If the Cavs weren't James' hometown team, no way he'd sign with them.

Knowing he can stay for more money and pull a Kevin Garnett later if he's truly unhappy, why not another tour of duty?

Grade: B-plus.

With the hometown curve, it becomes an A.

Sweet dreams, sweet prince

No wonder he's tired, being flattered beyond good reason is exhausting.

Free agent Chris Bosh tweeted that he's fatigued and has no more meetings on his schedule.

He did not say whether he would nap in the bed full of $100 bills this time, or just the $50s.

Have gun, will travel

In the movie version, Jim Carrey co-starred with Jeff Daniels.

Browns' defensive lineman Robaire Smith was with Shaun Rogers in April when Rogers got stopped with a loaded gun in his carry-on bag at Hopkins Airport.

In a case dating to last November, Smith this week was charged with misdemeanor possession of a firearm at Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan, his hometown.

And now we know Rogers' answer to the question: If your friends jumped off a bridge, would you at least put on the safety before you jumped with a .45 in your pocket?

He said it

"Baldassi was very bad. And the linesman was Andrea Bocelli." -- Diego Maradona, Argentina's coach, comparing a World Cup official to the blind Italian tenor.

Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles thank Maradona for leaving them out of the world's worst clich for once.

You said it

(The Expanded Sunday Edition)

"Bud: I hope someone is filming the presentations being made to LeBron. I know I would pay to watch billionaires and rap moguls grovel." -- Parke

If not, I can give you the tape of my recruitment at the PD in which a summer intern in Human Resources calls me "Bub" and offers me my own delivery route.

"Hey Bud: I'm writing this on July 1. Isn't this the much anticipated day that Shaq becomes a free agent?" -- Vince

I thought I told you to never write me using a fake name, Diesel.

"Bud: If LeBron James goes to the Clippers, will he get the tattoo '555' (the phony telephone exchange used in Hollywood productions)?" -- Pat

The real Hollywood exchange, according to Focus on the Family, is "666."

"Hey Bud: Do you think France or Italy's soccer team needs a good forward? The best available is LeBron James, right?" -- Jim

James would have a serious learning curve. Even though he milks injuries, unlike most soccer players he has never sent back a stretcher and waited for a casket.

"Bud: Given Cleveland's penchant for the absurd, will the city have a downtown parade if LeBron decides to stay 'home'?" -- Cameron

Yes. Not only that, but Continental Airlines will offer discount roundtrip tickets from Hopkins to Burke Lakefront in honor of the big decision.

"Bud: It's great to see how well the Tribe is playing following the return to American League play, but we really need to get these NL ballparks figured out before the World Series." -- Alan

First-time "You said it" winners receive a T-shirt from the mental_floss collection.

"Bud: Will Mike Redmond participate the next time the seniors walk the bases?" -- Victor G.

Him, too.

"Bud: Are the Browns D-linemen simply heeding coach Mangini's advice to 'be more explosive'?" -- Chuck D

Repeat winners get the spot behind Robaire Smith and Shaun Rogers going through airport security.

The Gladiators still face a long road to make the Arena Football League playoffs. But they were able to keep those hopes alive Saturday night in their final road game of the season.

Got an Indians question? Send it in. Submit your question at cleveland.com/heyhoynsie, and Plain Dealer Indians beat writer Paul Hoynes will choose at least one to answer each Sunday here in the Sports section. All of Paul’s answers are archived online.

Mark Shapiro and the Indians are looking ways to reconfigure empty luxury suites at Progressive Field. (Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer)

In an eight-floor conference room in a Cleveland office building, LeBron James heard pitches from the Cavs and Bulls, the last two teams vying for his services next year and the years beyond.

Thomas Ondrey/The Plain DealerCavaliers fans showed their love for LeBron James at his meeting with the Cavs, but will it be enough to sway him to stay?

Ball is in James’ hands

It’s been four years since LeBron James decided to extend his contract with the Cavaliers through the 2009-10 season. Since then, fans have wondered whether he would ink his next pact with the Cavs or another team. After all this time, we might have to wait a bit to see where the two-time MVP will continue his career.

• Many analysts expect James to announce his decision today or Monday. James, though, has a lot of information to sift through from the six teams he met with the past three days: the Cavs, Bulls, Heat, Knicks, Nets and Clippers.

Ian Thomsen reports for Sports Illustrated’s SI.com that James “is expected to decide on his team around mid-week, according to a league source who has been provided the timetable by James’ camp.”

Thomsen also writes:

“There is no sense in rushing along his decision until he has made sense of the different proposals.

“Another reason for him to take a few days before committing is to negotiate with one or more fellow free agents and decide whether they can work out a complicated deal to play together. Will James go to Chicago or Miami to play with Dwyane Wade? Will he stay in Cleveland and try to convince Chris Bosh to join him there in a potential sign-and-trade? No doubt he’ll investigate a number of options.”

And, according to Thomsen:

“James is expected to make his decision by Thursday, which is the first day free agents can sign new contracts. The source has been told that James could decide as early as Tuesday or Wednesday. But Monday now looks like an unreasonable target date to resolve his future.”

“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.”

• Various reports have Phoenix Suns free agent forward Amar’e Stoudemire headed to the New York Knicks. The Knicks’ primary target in free agency, of course, is James. While some Knicks officials maintain an optimistic posture, Frank Isola writes for the New York Daily News:

“[A] Knicks’ source described the team’s chances of signing the NBA’s biggest free agent as ‘doubtful, very doubtful.’ In fact, several league executives believe that the Knicks’ apparent failure to lure James to New York led to their decision to offer Stoudemire a five-year, $96 million contract after the five-time All-Star turned down a similar deal from Phoenix that was not fully guaranteed. ‘[It] wreaks of desperation,’ said one league executive. ‘They know they have to do something.’ ”

• Chris Hine writes for the Chicago Tribune and ChicagoBreakingSports.com that everyone was tight-lipped after James met with Bulls officials:

“After the Cavs left, the Bulls arrived, including new coach Tom Thibodeau, GM Gar Forman, John Paxson and Jerry Reinsdorf. They donned jackets, but no ties. The Bulls didn’t park in the parking garage where the other teams parked; so they had to cross the road . . . a la the Beatles on Abbey Road.

“The Bulls met with LeBron for about three hours before leaving in two SUVs to a chorus of boos from Cleveland fans who were waiting outside.

“The Bulls left without saying a word, but Thibodeau left with a smile on his face. Unlike the other suitors, the Bulls did not cart any visual aids or equipment.
“After both presentations, James also left without saying a word.”

Meanwhile, Dwyane Wade still mulling decision after two meetings with Bulls and Hornets President says Chris Paul is staying in New Orleans.

The Associated PressDirk Nowitzki is staying with the Mavericks.

Eight games left before the Indians put it in the barn for the All-Star break. Time flies when you’re having fun.

Chuck Crow / The Plain DealerIndians closer Kerry Wood might garner interest from a contending team if he shows he can consistently earn saves, which of course is difficult when save situations are few.

RF Shin-Soo Choo likely will miss 6-8 weeks because of a right-thumb injury.

Updated at 12:01 p.m.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right fielder Shin-Soo Choo will be sidelined for a while, likely 6-8 weeks, because of a right-thumb sprain.

Choo declined comment today at 10:25 a.m.

"I'll talk later,'' he said.

When several teammates asked how long he would be sidelined, Choo told them 6-8 weeks.

 Choo injured the thumb late in a game Friday night.

 The Indians placed Choo on the 15-day disabled list today and recalled outfielder Michael Brantley from Class AAA Columbus. Brantley is starting in center field and batting leadoff today against the Athletics.

"We don't know exactly how long Choo will be out,'' Tribe manager Manny Acta said. "It's obviously serious, more serious than we thought. He will be looked at again Tuesday and evaluated. Surgery is a possibility.''

Acta said he did not think the surgery would be season-ending.

Choo is expected to meet with renowned hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham next week.

Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff was not available for comment this morning.

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

 Choo is hitting .286 with 14 doubles, two triples and 13 homers in 78 games. He leads the club in homers, RBI (43) and runs (48).

 Choo is expected to be named today as the Indians' lone All-Star.

 Choo had an MRI scan late Saturday afternoon or early evening. Class AAA Columbus outfielder Michael Brantley was told in the early innings of a game in Toledo that he was headed to Cleveland.

 The Indians confirmed late Saturday night that Choo would be going on the disabled list and Brantley would be recalled. The moves were made official today.

 Brantley, beginning his second stint with the Tribe, is starting in center field and batting leadoff this afternoon against the Athletics.

 Brantley broke camp with the Tribe. He hit .156 in nine games before being sent to Columbus. He is hitting .315 in 59 games for the Clippers.

 "I'm excited to keep playing,'' he said. "I've worked very hard on all aspects of my game.''

 Brantley was acquired from Milwaukee in 2008 as the player to be named in the CC Sabathia trade. He made his major-league debut with the Indians in 2009, playing well in September.

 Choo is the only Indian with double-digit home runs; Travis Hafner ranks second with eight.

 Choo ranks among American League leaders in on-base percentage (.390), walks and steals (12).

 Choo has hit safely in 11 of his last 15 games (.304, 4 HR, 11 RBI).

 Four Indians are on the disabled list, including three who are supposed to be part of their young core: Choo, center fielder Grady Sizemore and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Sizemore (left knee) will miss the remainder of the season. Cabrera (left forearm) could return in late July/early August.

Rafael Nadal swept Tomas Berdych in straight sets Sunday to win his second Wimbledon title and eighth Grand Slam championship. The top-ranked Spaniard beat the 12th-seeded Czech 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 in 2 hours, 13 minutes to reinforce his current status as the No. 1 player in the game

Spain's Rafael Nadal reacts after winning a point against Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during the men's single's final at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships at Wimbledon, Sunday, July 4, 2010. (AP Photo/Anja Niedringhaus)

Indians RHP Fausto Carmona named A.L. All-Star.

Fausto Carmona was named to his first All-Star game. (Joshua Gunter/ The Plain Dealer)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Indians right-hander Fausto Carmona, who starts this afternoon against Oakland, was named to the American League All-Star team today.

Carmona is 7-6 with a 3.68 ERA. He will be an All-Star for the first time.

A thumb injury to teammate Shin-Soo Choo seemingly  opened the door for Carmona. Choo, placed on the disabled list Sunday, was the front-runner to be the Indians' lone representative if he had not gotten injured.

 Last year, Carmona went 5-12 with a 6.32 ERA in 24 starts with the Tribe. He spent a chunk of the season in the minors attempting to rediscover his game.

Among those joining Carmona on the A.L. All-Star team will be Yankees lefty CC Sabathia and Mariners lefty Cliff Lee. The three were teammates in Cleveland as recently as the first half of 2008.

Watch the video the Cavs showed LeBron yesterday and then tell us if you think LeBron James will stay.

Please stay, LeBron. (Photo by Joshua Gunter/The Plain Dealer)

Like everyone else in Cleveland, we wonder what LeBron James will do when his contract is up this summer. Will he stay home, or follow team up with one of his buddies elsewhere? Until he decides to talk, we have to rely on hunches, instincts and educated guesswork. We'll report our findings, more or less daily, using the LeBron-O-Meter.