Sports Jam Session / Descarga Deportiva

TGIF.

Here’s the blog.

Let's start it off today with the NBA and the Miami Heat:

What’s the latest with the Heat and LeBron James?

The sport pages and the internet are abuzz with speculation (remember, that is all it is . . . speculation) about what LeBron James is going to do. Sources, whether reliable or not, are saying that a decision will be forthcoming on Saturday. Stay tuned.

Most pundits, experts, and “reliable” sources have narrowed it down to Miami and Cleveland. As an interested observer and “unreliable” source and pundit, I have this to say:

I’m going to stick to my original prediction that LeBron, D-Wade, and Chris Bosh will all be back. Bringing back “The Big Three” (plus Jesus Shuttleworth) is still a no-brainer for the Heat.

What about LeBron? What should he do? What would I do?

Going back to Cleveland would be the equivalent of going back to your lunatic ex-wife or ex-girlfriend after the inevitable ugly break-up. Trust me . . . that doesn't work.

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert went totally berserk when LeBron left Cleveland to “bring his talents to South Beach”. This guy, who was the founder of Quicken Loans, is a brilliant businessman, but didn't behave like one at that time. Not only did he act like a jilted lover and a spoiled brat who didn't get his way, but he took it one step further and accused LBJ of “tanking” it on the court in the playoffs. That is totally unacceptable and shouldn't be forgotten or forgiven by LBJ.

If I were in LeBron’s shoes, I would re-sign with the Heat, albeit for two or three years max. I would remain in a situation where I can continue to be in a position to win NOW, while keeping my options open two or three years down the road. I must repeat that LeBron has not contacted me for advice, so this is just pure speculation on my part, as well. However, in reality, this “Big 3” is at the peak of their level, and we must accept the fact that D-Wade is not what he once was and his game is probably on a downward trend.

We also need to realize that the Cleveland Cavs will be a very talented team and a legitimate force to be reckoned with two or three years down the road, and LeBron would be the guy to take them over the hump and lead them to a possible NBA Championship.

Another guy that is not calling me for advice is Pat RIley. I have nothing to say that could possibly help the brightest and smartest guy in the NBA make the right moves, but I would probably be hedging my bet and convincing Chris Bosh to return to Miami, regardless of what LBJ does.

Here is more from Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel:

The waiting game continues

The Herald is all over this as well:

A firestorm of speculation

The Heat is participating in the NBA’s Pro Summer League in Orlando, and rookie point guard Shabazz Napier is in the middle of the action. You may also want to keep your eye on James Ennis, last year’s second round draft pick.

Heat Summer League report from the Sun Sentinel

Here is the latest NBA free-agent tracker from Yahoo! Sports:

NBA free-agent tracker

Off to the diamonds we go:

TODAY’S TRIVIA QUESTION: A consecutive scoreless-inning streak by Clayton Kershaw came to an end last night at 41. Who holds the current major league record of consecutive scoreless innings and whose record did that player break? The answer comes later, alligator.

The Marlins take their road show to the Big Apple, for a three-game set this weekend in New York against the Metropolitans. The Fish come into this series with a 44-47 record, 5 ½ games behind the Nats and the Braves, who are tied for first place in the NL East. It would be real sweet if the Fish can sweep this series with the Mets and take their record to .500, as we hit the All Star break. The Marlins return to the diamond on Friday, and they will be at Marlins Park to take on the San Francisco Giants for a weekend series July 18-20.

Here are the pitching match ups for the series with Metropolitans:

Friday Henderson Alvarez vs Zack Wheeler 7:10 pm

Saturday Tom Koehler vs Daisuke Matsuzak 4:10 pm

Sunday Brad Hand vs Jacob deGrom 1:10 pm

While everyone is talking about Giancarlo Stanton and Casey McGahee (and deservedly so), let’s not forget about Marcel Ozuna:

Marcel Ozuna has been playing at an all-star level

Regarding Ozuna, is it just me or shouldn’t he be playing in left field instead of center field?

For more Marlins news and stories, follow make sure you follow Larry Walansky:

Larry Walansky's latest article from NBCMIAMI.COM

Click below for yesterday’s recaps and results in the major leagues:

National League

American League