Surprised?

Click here.

I would be too. What a waste of time.

I have a headache, I'm done for today.

Seattle Mariners trade LHP Cliff Lee and RHP Mark Lowe to Texas Rangers for 1B Justin Smoak, RHP Blake Beavan, RHP Josh Leuke and INF/OF Matt Lawson

What a day.

A day where the story was that the New York Yankees were on the verge of acquiring Cliff Lee, instead it'll be the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers will be sending 1B Justin Smoak, who was their top prospect before debuting this year, and three additional prospects to Seattle in return for Lee and RHP Mark Lowe.

Smoak, the Rangers first round draft pick, went 11th overall in 2008 to Texas. He's been often compared to having a Mark Teixeira-like ceiling. Smoak has struggled so far in his rookie campaign, batting .209/.316/.353 with 8 home runs and 34 RBI in 70 games, while striking out 57 times in 235 plate appearances. The switch hitter will now take his high ceiling talent to Texas where he will continue his hopefully long, career. The Rangers were willing to part with Smoak and the three prospects due to the strength of their farm system, which was ranked #1 in baseball.

Seattle will be sending Texas both Cliff Lee and Mark Lowe. Lee, as we know, is 8-3 on the season with a 2.34 ERA, tops in the AL. Lowe however, is missing the rest of the season with back surgery, so I'm puzzled by that. The Mariners will also be sending cash to the Rangers.

So Texas' package topped the Yankees, hooray for them. At least the Yankees now a) don't have to face Lee tonight, and b) get to keep Jesus Montero. It just means now that, since the Rangers won't be able to re-sign Lee because of their bankruptcy, the Yankees will sign Lee in the off season as a free agent. I'm really curious as to why the Rangers traded within the division...

This was a really good trade for both sides. The Rangers acquire the pitcher that they need for the playoff push to headline their starting rotation. Lee should help the Rangers maintain their lead in the AL West. The Mariners acquire a young future star in Smoak and three other additional prospects for the future. I can't say yet if the Yankees' offer was better because we don't know who the three other prospects are.

I'll have more later.

Update, 5:30 PM - The Mariners will acquire two pitchers and a position player from Texas, along with Smoak. It's been reported that the Rangers will also send top pitching prospect RHP Blake Beavan in the trade. Beavan, 21, is having a monster year in Double-AA Frisco: 10-5 with a 2.78 ERA in 17 starts.

Update, 5:36 PM: - The Mariners will also acquire RHP Josh Lueke and INF/OF Matthew Lawson. Leuke, 26, a relief pitcher, is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 15 games this season for Double-AA Frisco. Lawson, 25, is an infielder/outfielder who's hitting .277/.371/.438 with 7 home runs and 34 RBI in 345 plate appearances in 76 games for Double-AA Frisco.

Outside of Beavan and Smoak, the Mariners got nothing. The Yankees' package was much better, as well as much younger. Whatever, I'm glad the Yankees still have Montero.

OFFICIAL: Yankees not getting Cliff Lee

Jack Curry of the YES Network breaks the news. Click the link to see.

And that's that.

You have GOT to be kidding... CLIFF LEE NOT GOING TO YANKEES IN TRADE

This morning, it looked like Cliff Lee was getting ready to be fitted for pinstripes in a deal that would have sent the southpaw to the Yankees for top prospect Jesus Montero and others.

But now, it's not happening.

Reported by MLBTradeRumors, the Seattle Mariners have pulled out of the deal with the Yankees. The Yankees it seems, are stunned and disappointed and may pull away from the Lee trade talks. What is most likely to have happened is that another team topped the Yankees offer. Seattle has questions about David Adams' injured ankle which is understandable, but how could they reject Montero?

I just want to know this:

Jack Zduriencik, (The Mariners' GM) what on Earth are you thinking?! How could reject Jesus Montero, the #4 best prospect in the game? Do you honestly think you're going to get a better package?!

This morning, I was opposed to the trade because Montero was involved. However, I got used to it and I thought this was a great trade and that while it would be hard to lose Montero, you have to give to get. But just as I get over Montero, this happens. What a joke.

I'm really curious to see what package Seattle gets that could top the Yankees' offer. It looks like Lee could be headed to Texas now.

On the bright side however, the Yankees get to keep Montero, which makes me happy. Sacrificing Montero for a three month rental of Lee would have pointless. Now at least, Jesus can hopefully have a career with the Yankees.

But the deal could still happen, so we just have to wait and see.

According to RiverAveBlues:

"Buster Olney says they have concerns about the “identity” of the second player; I wonder if that means they now want someone else instead of Adams."

"The Yanks wanted to “strike aggressively, strike quickly, and get a resolution to this,” but the Mariners appear to be shopping for alternatives. The Rangers, hamstrung a bit by their financial troubles, says Sherman (Joel Sherman of the NY Post), are now “working hard” to land Lee. I’d be surprised if the Yanks are willing to keep this deal on the table much beyond first pitch tonight and if the Mariners can wrest a package from Texas better than the one Brian Cashman appears to be offering."

It appears as though the deal with the Yankees is on hold, but I'd be shocked if Seattle finds a better package of prospects. At least for now, the Yankees can keep Montero. I'd prefer for the Yankees to just get Lee in the off-season and that way they have both Montero and Lee.

I thought this was a done deal.

We'll just have to wait and see, a deal between the Yanks and Mariners could still get done.

But you have to imainge that Brian Cashman* the Yankees' GM, must be PISSED.

...for now.

*That's Brian Cashman pictured above.

Yankees trade for Cliff Lee "imminent" NOT HAPPENING

First, we heard the Mets.
Then the Rangers.
And most recently the Twins.

But now, it's the New York Yankees.

The Yankees and Seattle Mariners have agreed on a trade that would send All-Star Ace LHP Cliff Lee to the Yankees for three prospects. The deal isn't done yet, but it's close to being finished.

I woke up to 15 text messages asking me if this was true and I thought "what's going on?"

Then I went online. The first thing I thought when I saw this trade this morning: "Holy $%#^$&!"

The word so far is that the prospects are C Jesus Montero, 2B David Adams, and a Player To Be Named Later.

I'll have more when this all becomes official!

See, Me and Denzel see Eye to Eye!

I couldn't agree more, thanks Denzel. Finally someone who shares the same feeling as me.

Nick Swisher, All-Star

On a lighter note, our voting paid off!

Nick Swisher is now an All-Star!

The Yankee outfielder Swisher, along with Cincinnati Reds' first baseman Joey Votto were the winners of the All-Star Game Final Vote and will join the AL and NL teams with the 34th final roster spot. Swisher gather 9.8 million votes, narrowly beating out Red Sox first baseman Kevin Youkilis while Votto 13.7 million votes in a landslide victory over Ryan Zimmerman, third baseman for the Washington Nationals.

While both players did their part on the field, it was Swisher who campaigned through the internet, sending constant updates to his 1.2 million twitter followers. Both actions paid off.

"I did my part to earn an All-Star berth. It means a lot to me," Votto said. "I've always wanted to be an All-Star one day. Today I was finally selected."

"I would say I'm relieved," Votto said. "I'm really glad this whole thing is over with. It was kind of taxing on me. I'm excited and I really, really appreciate the fans and their support."

"Things like that that make you feel so good," Swisher said. "People were telling me, everywhere I went. I'm just excited and couldn't be happier for all the support."

"It's been great, man," Swisher said. "All my teammates are happy for me, and that's the greatest thing, especially coming on a fan vote like that. It just goes to show you how important our fans are. They're the reason we are who we are. I can't thank them enough."

"It's just been a blessing to be over here, especially coming off 2008," Swisher said. "My life has just completely turned around, and every day is a good day for me. I love what I do, and to have this opportunity to go represent your team in the All-Star Game, it's a dream come true."

Swisher this season is hitting .307 with 14 home runs and 48 RBI.
Votto this season is hitting .314 with 22 home runs and 60 RBI.

It's the first All-Star selection for both players.

With Swisher, the Yankees now have eight players in the All-Star Game. Swisher joins Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, CC Sabathia, Andy Pettitte, Phil Hughes and Mariano Rivera as the Yankees' All-Star representatives. Crazy.

Welcome to Miami, LeBron James (and the events that followed)

Tonight, the sports world turned.

LeBron James, Cleveland's golden boy, is no more.

The NBA's best player is taking his talent to South Beach, Florida to join Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and form the dynasty that will become the Miami Heat.

The only thing good that came out of this? No more talk of speculation on where James will play.

The bad thing that came out of this? A good, unselfish, young man from Cleveland has turned into an egotistical, selfish, narcissistic nightmare.

James, who was born in Akron, Ohio began his seven-year career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, his hometown team. The first overall pick by Cleveland in the 2003 draft, for seven years, James carried the Cavs, making them a better team each year. They made the playoffs multiple times, but failed to capitalize by not supporting James with a good sidekick player. We can look way back into NBA history and see that having a sidekick player and a great player can build a championship: Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippin, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, you get the point.

But LeBron didn't get that teammate, and because of that, and the feeling that the Cavs weren't committed to winning, he's gone.

We saw this day coming.

The Summer of LeBron is over, once and for all.

Right after Bosh and Wade decided to join forces in Miami, everyone knew it: here comes LeBron.

So no, it's not the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks, the New Jersey Nets, the Los Angeles Clippers, or even the Cleveland Cavaliers. It's the Miami Heat for LeBron James and his giant ego.

"I can't say it was always in my plans, because I never thought it was possible," James said on a made-for-LeBron live show on ESPN. "But the things that the Miami Heat franchise have done, to free up cap space and be able to put themselves in a position this summer to have all three of us, it was hard to turn down. Those are two great players, two of the greatest players that we have in this game today."

"Winning is a huge thing for me."

"We are thrilled that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have decided to come to Miami to join forces with our truly great player, Dwyane Wade," Riley said in a statement. "We are looking forward to the opportunity of building something that our fans in Miami will be proud of for a long, long time. The journey is just beginning."

"They can have mixed emotions, of course," James said, adding that Akron will "always be home for me.

I'm not angry at the Heat for this. You can't even argue that they will be one of, if not the, best team in the NBA. But I'm not angry at LeBron James either. I'm angry at what he has become.

He did what was best for him, and that's what counts. He wants to win, and the Cavs weren't committed to winning at all. Now he gets to suit up with two of the NBA's best players and knows that he has a chance to win. So honestly, good for him and good for the Miami Heat.

Who am I angry at?

The Cleveland Cavaliers.

How could this organization and its' fans all of a sudden turn their back on LeBron James? He never promised anything. He never promised he'd stay in Cleveland for good. He MADE the Cavs. He made that team good, and got people in Cleveland to care about basketball. Now, he has to deal with this bullshit (language, I know) statement from his old owner, (click here) and now Cavs fans are burning, that's right, burning his jersey. What does that say about the fans in Cleveland? They're going to forget about James all together and everything that he did for that team? If it wasn't for LeBron James, no one would care about the Cleveland Cavaliers.

So Cleveland, lay off of LeBron James.

Am I happy he went to Miami? Hell to the no. But I'm happy that he made the right decision for himself if he really wants to win. I wanted to him to either go to the Knicks or stay in Cleveland, but I don't care too much about basketball so it really didn't sting me that bad. Regardless, the Cavs fans showed absolute selfishness with the way that they acted following James' decision.

As for Mr. James, I am only angry for one reason: the monster he has become. Was it necessary to put his decision on national television? Absolutely not. He could have been like any other athlete and just announced it. Instead, he had to fill up his ego.

You want to know what I'm even more curious about? Will LeBron James realize that the Miami Heat are still Dwyane Wade's team? LeBron cannot come into Miami thinking that this is his team or he will suffer from the A-Rod effect. Dwyane Wade, like Derek Jeter with the Yankees, helped win the Heat a championship. He made the team a good team and carried them to the playoffs last year. LeBron needs to realize that this is Wade's team and that HE is the Captain and that Heat fans are always going to like Wade more, as Yankees fans feel for Jeter, than they do for James, as Yankees fans for A-Rod.

Key of advice for the King: Don't overdue yourself.

You know what? I'm done writing about LeBron James because everything I say will have or probably has, already been said. I'm happy he's doing what's best for him and that's that.

But to the city of Cleveland, shame on you for all of a sudden turning on your idol and what he did for your city.

If you want to read more into it, click here. ESPN's got the whole thing covered. Or just check any sports' site, it's bound to be there.

I'm tired of this.

I wish LeBron James nothing but the best of luck.

I'll close saying this: the Miami Heat will NOT win the NBA Finals next season.

I'll sum up briefly what's followed the LeBron James signing:

Michael Beasely was traded from the Heat to the Minnesota Timberwolves to clear up salary cap space for a second round draft pick in 2011.

The Knicks and Golden State Warriors agreed on a sign-and-trade that sent former Knick David Lee to the Warriors where Lee has agreed to a sign-and-trade worth $80 million dollars over six year. In return the Knicks get Anthony Randolph, who they've coveted for the past year, Ronny Turiaf, and Kelenna Azbuike.

That's it, no more LeBron talk. Forever.

LeBron wants to win a championship, simple as that. You can't fault him for wanting to build a legacy.

Alltagetha: Pierce, LeBron & Swish

While we all wait with nine hours remaining until LeBron James tells the sporting world of his decision...

- Former New York Giants favorite and star linebacker Antonio Pierce has announced his retirement from the NFL. "A-P" will now join ESPN as a NFL analyst, and will appear on "NFL Live" today at 4 PM ET to discuss his retirement, as well as his new job working as a sports analyst. Pierce follows Michael Strahan, another Giants great and future Hall of Famer, into the career of broadcasting and being an analyst. Pierce began his career with the Washington Redskins for four season before signing with the Giants in 2005.

"I am definitely going to miss the fans, the locker room talks, and the excitement of putting on a NFL uniform every Sunday, but I am ready to put on a new uniform, and I am extremely excited about contributing my knowledge and experience in this new endeavor to the championship team at ESPN. I thank my family, friends, teammates, and fans for their support throughout my career and as I move in this new and exciting direction," Pierce said in a statement.

Pierce led the Giants in tackles three times, was a three-year captain, a Pro Bowl pick in 2006 and one of the inspirational leaders of a squad that did not have a losing season in his five years with the franchise.

His five-year totals with the Giants: 537 tackles (322 solo), seven sacks, six forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and four interceptions. Pierce also had 44 postseason tackles (28 solo). (ESPN)

- Today is D-Day. Well, D-Day for LeBron James that is. Tonight at 9 PM ET on ESPN, LeBron James will announce his decision on where he will play next year. It's been narrowed down to the Knicks, Heat, and Cavaliers. This morning, sources have indicated that James is going to go to Miami to form a powerhouse with the Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Other sources have said that LeBron is going to New York, where he was spotted house shopping yesterday with Amare Stoudemire and Allan Houston. Some say he's staying in Cleveland. We'll find out tonight.

- Today is the last day to vote for the Final Vote for the MLB All-Star Game in Anaheim. Nick Swisher of the New York Yankees is holding a slim lead over Kevin Youkilis of the Boston Red Sox. Remember to vote for Swish! Voting ends at 4 PM ET today! SEND SWISH! GET THE MAN TO ANAHEIM!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

Boozer to the Bulls

On a day where Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade made headlines, Carlos Boozer could not help but make a little thunder of his own.

The two-time All-Star from the Utah Jazz has signed a five-year contract for between $75-80 million with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls, who were favorites to sign both Wade and LeBron James, went for the next best thing in Boozer.

Boozer averaged 19.5 points per game last season, leading the Utah Jazz to the Western Conference Semi-Finals, only to be defeated by the soon-to-be back-to-back champions, the Los Angeles Lakers. Boozer, 28, started his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers as a second round pick out of Duke University.

Boozer will now team up with young stars Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah in Chicago with the Bulls. Despite signing Boozer, the Bulls are very much still in the running for LeBron James, their main target this summer. Reportedly, Boozer said he will reach out to James about joining him in Chicago. James, of course, will be making his decision tomorrow night at 9 ET on ESPN, so Boozer better hope to convince James.

In other news, while listening to ESPN Radio today, it was reported that LeBron James was spotted at a New York City restaurant today with new Knicks' acquisition Amare Stoudemire and Knicks great Allan Houston. Is LeBron in the house?

What? Did you think I'd honestly forget to mention LeBron James somehow?

BREAKING NEWS: Robinson Cano pulls out of Home Run Derby =)

According to a source, Yankees' second baseman Robinson Cano has withdrawn from the Home Run Derby on Monday as part of the festivities for the 81st annual All-Star Game in Anaheim.

According to the source, Cano accepted the invitation to participate but left open the chance that he may not not participate. According to ESPNNewYork, Yankee Manager Joe Girardi and the Yankees' hitting coach, Kevin Long, opposed Cano's participation in the Derby, due to the effect the Derby can have on a player's swing. You can bet that the Yankees don't want anything to happen to Cano's swing. His swing has helped him to a .337 batting average with 16 home runs and 55 RBI so far in the first half.

"Physically, I think is somewhat of a grind," Girardi said on Tuesday.

Long agreed with the manager that the Derby can be too much on a player.

"I would rather him probably not to do it," Long said. "But I can understand him doing it and the excitement of it. It's a pretty neat honor. It is just taxing on you. It can wear you down. But he is a strong kid and he is durable and he should be OK."

Girardi and Long both said they would leave the decision up to Cano.

The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that Cano made the decision based on a back problem. Cano would have just been just been the third Yankees to participate in the Derby. (ESPNNewYork)

The minor back injury has not been previously reported, though the Daily News' report indicates that he's been receive treatment for two or three days.

"The biggest thing is that we keep Robinson Cano healthy and strong all year. If that in any way would fatigue him, then I would prefer he didn't get fatigued." (MLB)

Well that's a relief! I was against Cano's participation in the first place, and I'm glad that he's not going to do it now. I don't want to see anything happen to that sweet lefty swing. You fans are looking at a possible future hall of famer, MVP, and batting champion in Cano, and I'm not afraid to go that far. Whew!

SEND SWISH! SEND SWISH! SEND SWISH!

Nick Swisher is in first place but has a very slim lead over Kevin Youkilis in the Final Vote. Today is the final day to vote, so make sure you get all those votes in for Swish! The results will be posted tomorrow! Remember, SEND SWISH!

VOTE HERE! CLICK! VOTE FOR SWISH! CLICK! VOTE HERE!

VOTE HERE! CLICK! VOTE FOR SWISH! CLICK! VOTE HERE!

VOTE HERE! CLICK! VOTE FOR SWISH! CLICK! VOTE HERE!

Bunchastuff: Rafael Soriano, Kevin Durant, D'brickashaw, Ilya Kovalchuk and more

Today's been a pretty quiet day outside of the Bosh-Wade team-up, which is going to be the story of the day until we find out who will be playing in the World Cup Final or unless a Cliff Lee trade goes down today. Nonetheless, here's the other news of the day....

BASEBALL - Due to a nagging left side and ailing right knee, Yankees' closer and future hall of famer Mariano Rivera, will sit out the All-Star Game in order to rest himself for the second half of the season. It was announced today that the Tampa Bay Rays' closer, RHP Rafael Soriano will replace Rivera on the roster. For Soriano, it's his first All-Star selection, as he is 2-0 with a 1.65 ERA and 23 saves in 24 save opportunities this season. Soriano will join teammates 3B Evan Longoria, RHP David Price, and OF Carl Crawford as the four Rays' representatives.

BASKETBALL - Amidst today's big news about Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant's signing made headlines. Durant, 21, however, isn't a free agent and isn't looking to leave Oklahoma anytime soon. The face of the Oklahoma City Thunder signed an extension for $86 million over five-years, that will keep the star SF in Oklahoma through the 2015-16 season. Durant's new contract will kick in after the 2011-12 season, after his old contract expires. The 6-9 Durant, the second overall pick in the 2007 draft by the then Seattle Supersonics (who are now the Oklahoma City Thunder), has established himself as one of the greatest players in the NBA, scoring an average of 30.1 points per game this season, a stat that is bound to increase as he matures.

"Kevin wanted to make this commitment to the Thunder because he and his family are very appreciative of the commitment that the Thunder have made to him," Goodwin said of the five-year arrangement.

"The Thunder showed the Durant family from the very beginning, at 11:01 [Central time] the first night, that they were committed to keeping him," Goodwin said, referring to the start of the free-agency period. "There were just a few legal things to work out. Kevin made it clear that he wanted to be in Oklahoma."

On his Twitter page Wednesday, Durant said that "God Is Great, me and my family came a long way."

FOOTBALL - The New York Jets re-signed offensive tackle D'brickashaw Ferguson to a eight-year $73.6 million contract. He will be signed through 2017 and is the highest paid offensive linemen. At the moment, the Jets are also trying to re-sign CB Darelle Revis, C Nick Mangold and LB David Harris.

HOCKEY - The Edmonton Oilers signed #1 overall pick LW Taylor Hall to a three-year contract worth $2.7 million, along with some bonuses that will max the contract to $3.75 million. "Now, it's time to work," Hall said. "All the excitement is over. I'm excited to get started tomorrow. I know this signing is only the first step. I've got a lot of work to do in that camp." When the four-day development camp opens, Hall will be lacing his skates alongside 2009 first-rounder Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson, taken 10th overall, and 2008 first-rounder Jordan Eberle, selected 22nd. (ESPN)

- Not sure how I missed this but former Montreal Canadiens' goalie Jaroslav Halak has signed a four-year deal worth $15 million with the St. Louis Blues. Halak, 25, was traded from Montreal to St. Louis for top prospect-center Lars Eller and RW/LW Ian Shultz last month. Halak, while not only having an outstanding regular season for the Canadiens, was critical last year in the playoffs for a Montreal team that upset the Washington Capitals in the first round and the Pittsburgh Penguins in the second round before being eliminated by the champion-to-be, Chicago Blackhawks.

More details from ESPN:
Halak, 25, will earn $2.75 million next season; $3.5 million in 2011-12; $4.25 million in 2012-13; and $4.5 million in 2013-14. "Jaroslav will be a big help for our organization moving forward," Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. "He has made a great commitment to the Blues as he enters the prime of his career."

Halak was 26-13-5 last season, and was fourth in the NHL in save percentage (.940); ninth in goals-against average (2.40); and tied for fifth with five shutouts.

"I've been looking forward to playing in St. Louis ever since the trade was announced," Halak said. "I believe in my abilities and hope to do some good things for the Blues."

- The Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes ramble on, as now the Los Angeles Kings have now re-entered the mix to sign the star winger. Last Sunday, the Kings pulled themselves out of the running after Kovalchuk rejected their contract offer. After the Kings pulled out, the New Jersey Devils, Kovalchuk's former team, were deemed the favorite to sign him. Monday, the New York Post reported the Devils were on the verge of signing Kovalchuk to a six-year, $60 million deal, which has not come to fruition. (ESPN)

WORLD CUP SOCCER - The results are in, as Spain defeated Germany 1-0 to seal their World Cup Final ticket. On Sunday, the Spaniards will play the Netherlands for the World Cup Championship.

BREAKING NEWS: Chris Bosh to join Dwayne Wade with the Miami Heat

According to ESPN's NBA analyst Chris Broussard, Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade are joining forces to play together for the Miami Heat. Both Wade and Bosh will announce their official decision later today.

Many thought that Bosh or Wade would end up playing with LeBron James, the most sought after free agent, in either Miami, New York, Chicago, New Jersey, or Los Angeles. However, it seems as thought James won't be playing with either Bosh or Wade now. James is has announced that he will make his decision Thursday night at 9 ET during a one-hour special on ESPN.

More from ESPN:
"It was not immediately clear whether Bosh will sign with Miami outright or join the Heat through a sign-and-trade deal. Bosh could earn $125 million over six years via sign-and-trade, but only $96 million over five without it.

"Either way, he's definitely going to Miami," the source said."

I think the team most affected by this move is the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yesterday, reports said that the Toronto Raptors, Bosh's now former team, were willing to do a sign-and-trade deal with Cleveland in which Toronto would sign Bosh and then trade him to Cleveland. However, according to reports, Bosh did not want to play in Cleveland. Cleveland is hoping to retain LeBron James. Since Bosh did not want to go to Cleveland, this might hurt the Cavs, and not make James want to return. At the beginning of the summer the three marquee players (Wade, Bosh & James) met to discuss their future together. It was known that they wanted to all play together and that at least one of them would have to be on the team that LeBron signs with. Now that both Bosh and Wade are off of the board, LeBron's decision is going to looming bigger.

Where could LeBron go? Can he team up with Derrick Rose in Chicago? Can he and Amare Stoudemire bring basketball back to the Big Apple? Will he go to New Jersey to play for his buddy Jay-Z? Or, by some act of a higher power, could he go to Miami? Will he stay home?

There you have it, two of the top free agents off of the board. Now we just have to see where the King goes...

Hey LeBron, here's a refreshing idea if you're having trouble with a decision....

"In New York,
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of,
Theres nothing you can’t do,
Now you’re in New York,
these streets will make you feel brand new,
Big lights will inspire you,
lets hear it for New York, New York, New York."

All-Star Roster News

Amidst Cliff Lee trade rumors, Johan Santana's shut out of the Reds and first career home run, and A-Rod's two home run, five RBI game tonight...

• Hey Los Angeles, you have another All-Star. All-Star Manager Joe Girardi announced today that Angels' pitcher Jered Weaver would be taking the roster spot of Yankees' pitcher CC Sabathia. Due to baseball's new All-Star Game rules, any pitcher who pitches on Sunday before the game is ineligible to pitch in the All-Star Game. Since Sabathia is slated to start this Sunday against the Mariners, he is not allowed to pitch in the game meaning Weaver, who will take his spot, is eligible to pitch. Weaver is 8-2 with a 2.82 ERA this season with a WHIP of 1.06. He joins Angels' outfielder Torii Hunter and manager Mike Scioscia as the only three Angel representatives. The All-Star Game is being played at the Angels' home park in Anaheim.

• Mariano Rivera will not be going to the All-Star Game. According to a team release, the game's best closer took himself off of the roster and will miss the game to rest his left side and right knee, which have been ailing him for some time.

  "I've been pitching hurt," Rivera said. "I know they are going to use me. I'd prefer to take those days off before the second half."

  Rivera said that he has been battling the same tightness in his left oblique that forced him to miss nine games in May, as well as a newer injury to his right knee, which has been inflamed since he injured it while shagging fly balls during the Yankees' June 25-27 series at Dodger Stadium.

  The right knee inflammation is more of a concern at this point for Rivera because it is his pushoff leg.

  "I always saw [Hideki] Matsui with the knee, and I never experienced something until now," Rivera said. "I understand now how it is. Definitely, I have to take care of it."

  Rivera was a player vote selection to the pitching staff, his 11th time on an All-Star roster, so he will be replaced by the next-highest-rating player in that balloting.

  "It's hard -- it's a decision that I have to make for myself and the sake of the team," Rivera said. "It's a great honor, but I have to be wise."

  Mo isn't a young guy anymore. He's 40 now, and he needs to stay healthy in order for the Yankees to be successful. Mo's health is very critical to the Yanks, and if it means missing the All-Star Game then so be it. Girardi should be announcing a replacement soon.
  

• Kevin Youkilis, the current leader of the Final Vote to see who gets the last roster spot on the American League's All-Star Team, left tonight's Red Sox vs Rays game tonight with a right ankle injury. He says he should be ready to play in Wednesday's season finale. Nick Swisher is currently following close in second place in the voting. Hopefully Youk doesn't go on the DL or his All-Star chances are done, meaning Swish, if the votes keep going up, would make the team. Don't get me wrong, I want Swisher on the team over Youk (I love Swish!) but I want it to be a fair competition. Remember, SEND SWISH! Vote here!
  

• If you didn't hear already, Yankees' second baseman Robinson Cano is in the Home Run Derby.