Quantcast
Channel: Tampabay.com: Sports
Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live

Tampa Bay Buccaneers take Tennessee TE Luke Stocker in fourth round

0
0

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011

TAMPA — Luke Stocker has watched and admired Kellen Winslow since Winslow was a star at the University of Miami.

Stocker has always marveled at the current Buccaneer's ability to run by defenders and change directions with ease, effortlessly bringing to the tight end spot qualities that are mostly found in wide receivers.

For those reasons, Stocker believes he's the perfect complement for Winslow after becoming the Bucs' fourth-round pick (104th overall) on Saturday.

Stocker, a 6-foot-5, 256-pound prospect out of Tennessee, prides himself on being a tough, physical player who likely won't stretch defenses like Winslow but isn't shy about taking on tacklers when he gets the football.

"I have watched quite a bit of (Winslow), and I remember when he was at Miami watching quite a bit of him," Stocker said. "Athletically, he is unbelievably gifted. His ball skills as a receiver and things like that, they're as good as they get.

"I think I can add another dimension to the offense. I'm a bigger-body type of guy. I'm a guy who will put my hand in the dirt. So I think the combination of a really athletic, fast guy like him and another big, versatile guy like myself can really (help). A lot of teams in the league are doing that now."

Stocker cited the Patriots as a team that has done an exemplary job using tight ends with different strengths. Former Florida Gator Aaron Hernandez, a long, athletic tight end, and Rob Gronkowski, a heavier, more physical player, were two of quarterback Tom Brady's top targets last season. The pair combined for more than 1,000 receiving yards.

The combination of Stocker and Winslow won't "give the defense any indicators of which way your offense is leaning toward, whether it's a run or a pass. I definitely think that you can disguise some things and keep you from being put in a box," Stocker said.

That was difficult to avoid last season when the Bucs often used Winslow and Jerramy Stevens in two-tight end sets. They have similar traits, and that made the Bucs' intentions hard to mask.

The combination told the defense, "Look at us! We're throwing the ball," coach Raheem Morris joked. "You don't necessarily want to run right behind either one of those guys. We did it sometimes, but that's not necessarily an envelope we want to push."

Clearly, the Bucs have plans for Stocker. The fact they traded up 12 spots with Philadelphia to make the selection speaks to the value they see.

And the Bucs lack depth at tight end with 31-year old John Gilmore entering free agency and Stevens being released last season after his latest arrest. The Bucs still have Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay on the roster and drafted Idaho's Daniel Hardy in the seventh round, but general manager Mark Dominik suggested they'll have to fight for roster spots.

The Bucs also have an ongoing effort to put talent around quarterback Josh Freeman, and this selection is in line with that. Stocker is seen as a capable blocker with reliable hands. He caught 39 passes for 417 yards as a senior in 2010 with 10 catches of 10 yards or longer.

He figures there will be future opportunities for that with Freeman under center.

"He's an unbelievable talent and an unbelievable player," Stocker said. "He's going to continue to grow. He's still a young player. And I'm going to start growing with him. Looking at that is really exciting."


It is time for Tampa Bay Buccaneers to dip into free agency

0
0

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, April 30, 2011

TAMPA

Today, they are more talented. Today, they are more interesting. Today, they have the ability to make more quarterbacks more nervous.

Ah, but what you really want to know about the Tampa Bay Bucs is simple, isn't it?

Are they better?

And more to the point, are they better enough?

Once again, you would have to say that Bucs general manager Mark Dominik had another productive weekend. It is hard not to be impressed with the way the Bucs have pieced together a promising young front four. Mason Foster will end up as the starting middle linebacker for years to come. The Bucs liked tight end Luke Stocker enough to spend two fourth-round picks on him.

"I think we're better," Dominik said.

"We're better at getting after the quarterback. We're more physical, and we're better off of the field."

All in all, it was a nice draft, a productive draft. It was the kind of draft — and the Bucs have become the kind of team — that left Bucs fans wanting more.

More, such as a cornerback to replace Aqib Talib.

More, such as an offensive lineman to fill in for Davin Joseph.

More, such as a linebacker to replace Barrett Ruud or Quincy Black.

This is asking for the moon, granted. Even a team that has drafted as well as the Bucs have for the past three seasons cannot plug every potential hole with a draft choice.

That said, the Bucs are a team on the verge of becoming something special. The task isn't just to improve. It's to crack through the playoff barrier and grow into a contender.

Which brings us to this: When, exactly, is the NFL going to stop its work stoppage and get around to its free agency period? And for crying out loud, can we expect the Bucs to finally play a part?

For years now, we have listened as the Bucs explained that, around here, free agency was a push-it-over-the-top concept. For years, we have heard the low payroll would change when it was time to re-sign its own young players such as Ruud and Joseph.

Finally, we are here. And it is up to the Bucs to either re-sign their free agents or to sign someone who can take their place. No, this isn't saying the Bucs will — or should — be one of the top spending teams in free agency. By now, however, the team is good enough to make a smart purchase or two.

Give the Bucs credit for this much. They didn't draft as if they were afraid of potential holes. It might have been easy to force a corner with the second pick or a guard with the third.

Such is the calm, methodical way Dominik (and his staff) works the draft. It seems as smart and as organized as any front office the Bucs have had.

It is asking a lot for this draft to turn out to be as good as last year's.

For one thing, it's harder to make an impact at No. 20 than it is at No. 3. For another thing, there wasn't a player such as Mike Williams who slid from the first round to the fourth.

Still, how can you not like the bookends of Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers? There is something about the draft that turns Dominik into Noah, collecting his prospects two at a time. Last year, it was defensive tackles and wide receivers. This year, it was defensive ends and tight ends.

Think about the future with Clayborn and Bowers at ends and Gerald McCoy and either Brian Price or Roy Miller at tackles, and you're thinking of a line with, perhaps, as much natural talent as the 2002 bunch with Warren Sapp, Simeon Rice, Greg Spires and Booger McFarland. It won't happen overnight, but the Bucs have as much potential on their defensive line as they have had in a decade.

Of course, you can say the same about quarterback, and about wide receiver, and maybe running back.

Yeah, these Bucs look as if they are on their way.

Also, they could use another passenger or two along the way.

Kyle Busch wins Sprint Cup race at Richmond

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

RICHMOND, Va. — It might be Denny Hamlin's hometown track, but his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate is finding Victory Lane a familiar parking spot, at least in the spring.

Kyle Busch had barely enough fuel to hold off Hamlin to win Saturday night's Matthew and Daniel Hansen 400 at Richmond International Raceway. It was his second Sprint Cup win of 2011.

How close was Busch on fuel?

"We should have run out three laps ago," Busch's crew chief, Dave Rogers, said immediately after the race.

Between them, Busch and Hamlin have won the past five Cup races at Richmond. Busch, who turns 26 on Monday, won his third consecutive spring race there. Hamlin, born in Brandon but raised in Virginia, has won the past two fall races at the 0.75-mile track.

Kasey Kahne finished third, David Ragan fourth and Carl Edwards fifth.

"Man, it's so fun to win the Sprint Cup races," Busch said. "This race was a good one. We had a really, really good car. We knew if we could get through traffic better than (Hamlin) … I knew we could win.

"Hopefully we can keep this momentum going."

Hamlin won the charity race he hosted Thursday night at the layout he considers his home track then won Friday night's Nationwide series event.

"It was important for me to have a smooth race and not have anything go wrong," Hamlin said after Saturday's finish. "Just got beat by my teammate (Saturday).

"He drove a great race. I thought he would burn his stuff up. Our cars were dead-equal."

The first 107 laps of the race were incident-free. During that caution-free span, five drivers took turns leading.

Kyle Busch passed Hamlin on Lap 90 to take the lead for the first time and kept it for the next 110 laps, which included two rounds of pit stops.

Hamlin, Martin Truex and Matt Kenseth took brief turns in the lead before Busch moved back out front, passing Hamlin for the lead on Lap 288.

An accident involving Brad Keselowski and Brian Vickers brought out the seventh caution on Lap 291. Several drivers elected not to pit, so Carl Edwards inherited the lead on the restart on Lap 300.

Edwards was followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Burton.

A nine-car wreck brought out another caution on Lap 302 and took out several potential contenders, including Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Kenseth.

"I hate it with the pit sequence and the pit strategy that was going on there that we lost all that track position," Gordon said. "With 100 (laps) to go and everyone was just getting so impatient, you had to dive in there three-wide."

"I don't know what happened behind me, but somebody …got my left rear and around we went."

On the restart on Lap 314, Burton took the lead followed by Earnhardt, Greg Biffle, Busch and Hamlin. Three laps later, Busch moved back to the front.

With 50 laps left, Busch was still leading, followed by Hamlin, Truex, Kasey Kahne and Burton.

Truex was forced to pit under green on Lap 373 with a vibration, losing what looked to be a top-five finish.

Several drivers, including Busch and Hamlin, were very close on making the 400-lap distance on fuel as the final laps ticked off.

BAYNE still ILL: Daytona 500 winner Trevor Bayne no longer believes an insect bite is behind the symptoms that have landed him in the hospital. "Still at the hospital!" a post on his Twitter account read Saturday. "Don't think its related to the bite … But we'll see!" Roush Fenway Racing said Thursday that Bayne had been hospitalized to be tested for symptoms that were believed to be from an insect bite in early April. Team owner Jack Roush told the Motor Racing Network that Bayne has been hospitalized at the Mayo Clinic.

Injured Simon Gagne, Pavel Kubina not expected to play for Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 of East semifinal vs. Washington Capitals

0
0

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011

WASHINGTON — We do not know how bad, or not, Lightning left wing Simon Gagne and defenseman Pavel Kubina are hurt.

Both players, knocked out of Friday's 4-2 victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals with the Capitals from severe blows to the head, left the Verizon Center on Saturday without talking to reporters.

The team is not even saying the injuries are to the head, referring to them as "upper body."

In other words, secondhand information had to suffice.

"They seemed okay," center Steven Stamkos said. "By no means am I a doctor, so I don't know what to look for, but they both seemed in good spirits and alert."

Still, Gagne and Kubina are expected to miss today's Game 2. That would be a blow to a team that already must be physically and emotionally exhausted after a grueling seven-game series with the Penguins and, after a one-day break, a come-from-behind win over the Capitals.

It also means coach Guy Boucher has to make decisions.

He said he will stick with 11 forwards and seven defensemen instead of the normal 12 and six, a hedge against injuries on the blue line and, really, an acknowledgement of the team's lack of depth at forward.

He would replace Kubina, who has two goals and averages 15:17 of ice time, with Randy Jones, who has not played since March 7 because of a high ankle sprain.

As for replacing Gagne, whose seven points are fourth on the team, it seems a choice between Mattias Ritola, a puck possessor with a good shot, and Blair Jones, a north-south player who gets to the net. Both were up-and-down from AHL Norfolk during the regular season.

"We're confident in our guys, no matter who is going to play," Boucher said. "We've had that so many times this year, so no one is panicking about it."

"It doesn't change our game plan," Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said. "They'll throw somebody else in there, and the guy will do real well."

Tampa Bay has a track record of overcoming injuries. It was without Vinny Lecavalier for 15 regular-season games because of a broken hand. Gagne missed 18 games because of a nerve injury in his neck. Right wing Steve Downie missed 22 games with a high ankle sprain.

"There have been a lot of guys who have stepped in to fill those shoes," Stamkos said. "We did it (in Game 1). We want (Gagne and Kubina) in the lineup as quickly as possible. But we have guys who are hungry who can fill those roles."

Jones is a comfortable addition. With a goal and 13 points in 61 games, he was a mainstay on the penalty kill and a shot-blocker.

"I feel my legs are coming back, and my wind, and even the ankle feels stronger than it did last week," he said. "It's a good sign."

The signs were bad in Game 1.

Gagne's head hit the ice and he was briefly knocked unconscious after a clean check in the first period by Scott Hannan. Kubina's head hit the glass in the second period after an elbow from Jason Chimera that was called a roughing penalty. Chimera did not receive supplemental discipline from the league.

No one has said anything about concussions — though they have to be a possibility — and Boucher said the players' spirits are "pretty good." He characterized the two as day to day.

That, at least, is good to know.

2011 NFL draft team by team

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Arizona

1 (5) Patrick Peterson, DB, LSU; 2 (38) Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech; 3 (69) Rob Housler, TE, Florida Atlantic; 4 (103) Arizona, Sam Acho, LB, Texas; 5 (136) Anthony Sherman, RB, Connecticut; 6 (171) Quan Sturdivant, LB, North Carolina; 6 (184) David Carter, DT, UCLA; 7 (249) DeMarco Sampson, WR, San Diego State.

Atlanta

1 (6) Julio Jones, WR, Alabama; 3 (91) Akeem Dent, LB, Georgia; 5 (145) Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Oregon; 6 (192) Matt Bosher, P, Miami; 7 (210) Andrew Jackson, G, Fresno State; 7 (230) Cliff Matthews, DE, South Carolina.

Baltimore

1 (27) Jimmy Smith, DB, Colorado; 2 (58) Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland; 3 (85) Jah Reid, OT, Central Florida; 4 (123) Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana; 5 (164) Chykie Brown, DB, Texas; 5 (165) Pernell McPhee, DE, Mississippi State; 6 (180) Tyrod Taylor, QB, Virginia Tech; 7 (225) Anthony Allen, RB, Georgia Tech.

Buffalo

1 (3) Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama; 2 (34) Aaron Williams, DB, Texas; 3 (68) Kelvin Sheppard, LB, LSU; 4 (100) Da'Norris Searcy, DB, North Carolina; 4 (122) Chris Hairston, OT, Clemson; 5 (133) Johnny WhiTE, RB, North Carolina; 6 (169) Chris White, LB, Mississippi State; 7 (206) Justin Rogers, DB, Richmond; 7 (245) Michael Jasper, DT, Bethel (Tenn.).

Carolina

1 (1) Cam Newton, QB, Auburn; 3 (65) Terrell McClain, DT, South Florida; 3 (97) Sione Fua, DT, Stanford; 4 (98) Brandon Hogan, DB, West Virginia; 5 (132) Kealoha Pilares, WR, Hawaii; 6 (166) Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut; 6 (203) Zack Williams, C, Washington State; 7 (244) Lee Ziemba, OT, Auburn.

Chicago

1 (29) Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin; 2 (53) Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State; 3 (93) Chris ConTE, DB, California; 5 (160) Nathan Enderle, QB, Idaho; 6 (195) J.T. Thomas, LB, West Virginia.

Cincinnati

1 (4) A.J. Green, WR, Georgia; 2 (35) Andy Dalton, QB, TCU; 3 (66) Dontay Moch, LB, Nevada; 4 (101) Clint Boling, G, Georgia; 5 (134) Robert Sands, DB, West Virginia; 6 (167) Ryan Whalen, WR, Stanford; 7 (207) Korey Lindsey, DB, Southern Illinois; 7 (246) Jay Finley, RB, Baylor.

Cleveland

1 (21) Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor; 2 (37) Jabaal Sheard, DE, Pittsburgh; 2 (59) Greg Little, WR, North Carolina; 4 (102) Jordan Cameron, TE, Southern Cal; 4 (124) Owen Marecic, RB, Stanford; 5 (137) Buster Skrine, DB, Chattanooga; 5 (150) Jason Pinkston, OT, Pittsburgh; 7 (248) Eric Hagg, DB, Nebraska.

Dallas

1 (9) Tyron Smith, OT, Southern Cal; 2 (40) Bruce Carter, LB, North Carolina; 3 (71) DeMarco Murray, RB, Oklahoma; 4 (110) David Arkin, G, Missouri State; 5 (143) Josh Thomas, DB, Buffalo; 6 (176) Dwayne Harris, WR, East Carolina; 7 (220) Shaun Chapas, RB, Georgia; 7 (252) Bill Nagy, C, Wisconsin.

Denver

1 (2) Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M; 2 (45) Rahim Moore, DB, UCLA; 2 (46) Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami; 3 (67) Nate Irving, LB, N.C. State; 4 (108) Quinton Carter, DB, Oklahoma; 4 (129) Julius Thomas, TE, Portland State; 6 (189) Mike Mohamed, LB, California; 7 (204) Virgil Green, TE, Nevada; 7 (247) Jeremy Beal, DE, Oklahoma.

Detroit

1 (13) Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn; 2 (44) Titus Young, WR, Boise State; 2 (57) Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois; 5 (157) Doug Hogue, LB, Syracuse; 7 (209) Johnny Culbreath, OT, South Carolina State.

Green Bay

1 (32) Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State; 2 (64) Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky; 3 (96) Alex Green, RB, Hawaii; 4 (131) Davon House, DB, New Mexico State; 5 (141) D.J. Williams, TE, Arkansas; 6 (179) Caleb Schlauderaff, G, Utah; 6 (186) D.J. Smith, LB, Appalachian State; 6 (197) Ricky Elmore, LB, Arizona; 7 (218) Ryan Taylor, TE, North Carolina; 7 (233) Lawrence Guy, DT, Arizona State.

Houston

1 (11) J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin; 2 (42) Brooks Reed, LB, Arizona; 2 (60) Brandon Harris, DB, Miami; 4 (127) Rashad Carmichael, DB, Virginia Tech; 5 (144) Shiloh Keo, DB, Idaho; 5 (152) T.J. Yates, QB, North Carolina; 7 (214) Derek Newton, OT, Arkansas State; 7 (254) Cheta Ozougwu, LB, Rice.

Indianapolis

1 (22) Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College; 2 (49) Ben Ijalana, OT, Villanova; 3 (87) Drake Nevis, DT, LSU; 4 (119) Delone Carter, RB, Syracuse; 6 (188) Chris Rucker, DB, Michigan State.

Jacksonville

1 (10) Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri; 3 (76) Will Rackley, G, Lehigh; 4 (114) Cecil Shorts, WR, Mount Union; 4 (121) Chris Prosinski, DB, Wyoming; 5 (147) Rod Issac, DB, Middle Tennessee.

Kansas City

1 (26) Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh; 2 (55) Rodney Hudson, C, Florida State; 3 (70) Justin Houston, LB, Georgia; 3 (86) Allen Bailey, DE, Miami; 4 (118) Jalil Brown, DB, Colorado; 5 (135) Ricky Stanzi, QB, Iowa; 5 (140) Gabe Miller, LB, Oregon State; 6 (199) Jerrell Powe, NT, Mississippi; 7 (223) Shane Bannon, RB, Yale.

Miami

1 (15) Mike Pouncey, C, Florida; 2 (62) Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State; 4 (111) Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian; 6 (174) Charles Clay, RB, Tulsa; 7 (231) Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M; 7 (235) Jimmy Wilson, DB, Montana.

Minnesota

1 (12) Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State; 2 (43) Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame; 4 (106) Christian Ballard, DT, Iowa; 5 (139) Brandon Burton, DB, Utah; 6 (168) DeMarcus Love, OT, Arkansas; 6 (170) Mistral Raymond, DB, South Florida; 6 (172) Brandon Fusco, C, Slipper Rock; 6 (200) Ross Homan, LB, Ohio State; 7 (215) D'Aundre Reed, DE, Arizona; 7 (236) Stephen Burton, WR, West Texas A&M.

New England

1 (17) Nate Solder, OT, Colorado; 2 (33) Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia; 2 (56) Shane Vereen, RB, California; 3 (73) Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU; 3 (74) Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas; 5 (138) Marcus Cannon, OT, TCU; 5 (159) Lee Smith, TE, Marshall; 6 (194) Markell Carter, LB, Central Arkansas; 7 (219) Malcolm Williams, DB, TCU.

New Orleans

1 (24) Cameron Jordan, DE, California; 1 (28) Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama; 3 (72) Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois; 3 (88) Johnny Patrick, DB, Louisville; 7 (226) Greg Romeus, DE, Pittsburgh; 7 (243) Nate Bussey, LB, Illinois.

New York Giants

1 (19) Prince Amukamara, DB, Nebraska; 2 (52) Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina; 3 (83) Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy; 4 (117) James Brewer, OT, Indiana; 6 (185) Greg Jones, LB, Michigan State; 6 (198) Tyler Sash, DB, Iowa; 6 (202) Jacquian Williams, LB, South Florida; 7 (221) Da'Rel Scott, RB, Maryland.

New York Jets

1 (30) Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temple; 3 (94) Kenrick Ellis, DT, Hampton; 4 (126) Bilal Powell, RB, Louisville; 5 (153) Jeremy Kerley, WR, TCU; 7 (208) Greg McElroy, QB, Alabama; 7 (227) Scotty McKnight, WR, Colorado.

Oakland

2 (48) Stefen Wisniewski, C, Penn State; 3 (81) DeMarcus Van Dyke, DB, Miami; 3 (92) Joe Barksdale, OT, LSU; 4 (113) Chimdi Chekwa, DB, Ohio State; 4 (125) Taiwan Jones, RB, Eastern Washington; 5 (148) Denarius Moore, WR, Tennessee; 6 (181) Richard Gordon, TE, Miami; 7 (241) David Ausberry, WR, Southern Cal.

Philadelphia

1 (23) Danny Watkins, G, Baylor; 2 (54) Jaiquawn Jarrett, DB, Temple; 3 (90) Curtis Marsh, DB, Utah State; 4 (116) Casey Matthews, LB, Oregon; 4 (120) Alex Henery, K, Nebraska; 5 (149) Dion Lewis, RB, Pittsburgh; 5 (161) Julian Vandervel, DE, G, Iowa; 6 (191) Jason Kelce, C, Cincinnati; 6 (193) Brian Rolle, LB, Ohio State; 7 (237) Greg Lloyd, LB, Connecticut; 7 (240) Stanley Havili, RB, Southern Cal.

Pittsburgh

1 (31) Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State; 2 (63) Marcus Gilbert, OT, Florida; 3 (95) Curtis Brown, DB, Texas; 4 (128) Cortez Allen, DB, The Citadel; 5 (162) Chris Carter, LB, Fresno State; 6 (196) Keith Williams, G, Nebraska; 7 (232) Baron Batch, RB, Texas Tech.

St. Louis

1 (14) Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina; 2 (47) Lance Kendricks, TE, Wisconsin; 3 (78) Austin Pettis, WR, Boise State; 4 (112) Greg Salas, WR, Hawaii; 5 (158) Jermale Hines, DB, Ohio State; 7 (216) Mikail Baker, DB, Baylor; 7 (228) Jabara Williams, LB, Stephen F. Austin; 7 (229) Jonathan Nelson, DB, Oklahoma.

San Diego

1 (18) Corey Liuget, DE, Illinois; 2 (50) Marcus Gilchrist, DB, Clemson; 2 (61) Jonas Mouton, LB, Michigan; 3 (82) Vincent Brown, WR, San Diego State; 3 (89) Shareece Wright, DB, Southern Cal; 6 (183) Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut; 6 (201) Stephen Schilling, OT, Michigan; 7 (234) Andrew Gachkar, LB, Missouri.

San Francisco

1 (7) Aldon Smith, LB, Missouri; 2 (36) Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada; 3 (80) Chris Culliver, DB, South Carolina; 4 (115) Kendall Hunter, RB, Oklahoma State; 5 (163) Daniel Kilgore, G, Appalachian State; 6 (182) Ronald Johnson, WR, Southern Cal; 6 (190) Colin Jones, DB, TCU; 7 (211) Bruce Miller, RB, Central Florida; 7 (239) Mike Person, G, Montana State; 7 (250) Curtis Holcomb, DB, Florida A&M.

Seattle

1 (25) James Carpenter, OT, Alabama; 3 (75) John Moffitt, G, Wisconsin; 4 (99) K.J. Wright, LB, Mississippi State; 4 (107) Kris Durham, WR, Georgia; 5 (154) Richard Sherman, DB, Stanford; 5 (156) Mark LeGree, DB, Appalachian State; 6 (173) Byron Maxwell, DB, Clemson; 7 (205) Lazarius Levingston, DE, LSU; 7 (242) Malcolm Smith, LB, Southern Cal.

Tampa Bay

1 (20) Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa; 2 (51) Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson; 3 (84) Mason Foster, LB, Washington; 4 (104) Luke Stocker, TE, Tennessee; 5 (151) Ahmad Black, DB, Florida; 6 (187) Allen Bradford, RB, Southern Cal; 7 (222) Anthony Gaitor, DB, Florida International; 7 (238) Daniel Hardy, TE, Idaho.

Tennessee

1 (8) Jake Locker, QB, Washington; 2 (39) Akeem Ayers, LB, UCLA; 3 (77) Jurrell Casey, DT, Southern Cal; 4 (109) Colin McCarthy, LB, Miami; 4 (130) Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson; 5 (142) Karl Klug, DT, Iowa; 6 (175) Byron Stingily, OT, Louisville; 7 (212) Zach Clayton, DT, Auburn; 7 (251) Tommie Campbell, DB, California (Pa.).

Washington

1 (16) Ryan Kerrigan, LB, Purdue; 2 (41) Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson; 3 (79) Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami; 4 (105) Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska; 5 (146) DeJon Gomes, DB, Nebraska; 5 (155) Niles Paul, WR, Nebraska; 6 (177) Evan Royster, RB, Penn State; 6 (178) Aldrick Robinson, WR, SMU; 7 (213) Brandyn Thompson, DB, Boise State; 7 (217) Maurice Hurt, G, Florida; 7 (224) Markus White, LB, Florida State; 7 (253) Chris Neild, NT, West Virginia.

Sports in brief

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Figure Skating

Japan's Ando, U.S. Ice Dancers prevail

MOSCOW — Miki Ando was skating for a world title. In her heart, she was skating for those in her wounded homeland. She defeated Olympic champion Kim Yu-na of South Korea for the title Saturday, prevailing in a duel of elegance at a world championships scheduled for Japan before it was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami in March.

"I was skating for Japan, and I never cared about the result," said Ando, who also won at the 2007 worlds.

Carolina Kostner of Italy took the bronze. American Alissa Czisny finished fifth, and Rachael Flatt was 12th.

The free programs of Ando and Kim contained languid moves interspersed with moments of power and control. They were 1-2 and separated by less than half a point going into the free skate, with Ando trailing.

In ice dance, Americans Meryl Davis and Charlie White won the first world gold medal for their country in the discipline, outpointing 2010 champions and Olympic gold medalists Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada. The American sister-brother team of Maia and Alex Shibutani won bronze. Davis and White were slightly behind going into the free dance but outpointed the Canadians on technical marks and program components in their tango program. "It's been a long 15 years we've been together and just building toward this moment," White said. "I think we kind of knew it would come eventually. But you have to make it happen on the ice."

Hockey

U.S. rolls at worlds

The United States cruised to a 5-1 win over Austria in its opening game at the world championships in Slovakia.

"It was the way we wanted to start," said the Rangers' Derek Stepan, who had two assists for the United States, which plays Norway on Monday. "We wanted to make sure that we play hard, play a solid game for 60 minutes."

Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek, playing for the Czech Republic, was hospitalized in stable condition with a spine injury and a concussion after a hit to the head during a 4-2 win over Latvia. In the other games, Norway upset Sweden 5-4 in a shootout, and Finland beat Denmark 5-1.

Tennis

Unbeaten Djokovic eases into final

Novak Djokovic advanced to today's Serbia Open final after Janko Tipsarevic withdrew because of a thigh injury in Belgrade. Djokovic, the Australian Open champ, will play Feliciano Lopez, who beat Filippo Volandri 7-6 (7-3), 6-2.

"I've played well the whole week," Lopez said. "Novak has not lost a match this year. (Today) will be interesting."

Djokovic defeated Blaz Kavcic on Friday for his 26th consecutive victory. It is the best start to an ATP tour season since Ivan Lendl won 25 in 1986.

More tennis: Juan Martin del Potro reached the final of the Estoril Open in Portugal, beating Pablo Cuevas 6-2, 7-6 (8-6). He will play Fernando Verdasco. Anabel Medina Garrigues beat Kristina Barrois 6-1, 6-2 in the women's final. … Fifth-seeded Sam Stosur, a Tampa resident, rallied past Gisela Dulko 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in the first round of the Madrid Open. … Nikolay Davydenko advanced to the BMW Open final in Germany when Radek Stepanek retired (hamstring). He will face Florian Mayer.

ET CETERA

College basketball: George Mason hired former Georgia Tech coach Paul Hewitt to replace Jim Larranaga, who left for Miami.

Soccer: Salomon Kalou scored in the 89th minute, leading Chelsea past Tottenham 2-1 and keeping alive his team's hopes of retaining the English Premier League title. Manchester United, bidding for a record 19th title, leads Chelsea by three points and plays at third-place Arsenal today. … Borussia Dortmund won its seventh Bundesliga title in Germany, beating Nuremberg 2-0 while second-place Bayer Leverkusen lost 2-0 at Cologne.

Times wires

Astros 2, Brewers 1

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Astros 2, Brewers 1

HOUSTON — Jason Bourgeois singled home the winner with two outs in the ninth inning for the Astros. Kameron Loe walked pinch-hitter Brett Wallace and Michael Bourn with two outs. Bourgeois followed with his third hit, and pinch-runner Bill Hall scored. Prince Fielder hit a tying homer with one out in the ninth off Houston closer Brandon Lyon, depriving Wandy Rodriguez of a win after eight brilliant innings.

2A state track: Wesley Chapel's Hunter Joyer repeats as state champ; Pasco's Janarion Grant bounds to long jump crown

0
0

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011

WINTER PARK — Saturday turned out not to be the record-setter Wesley Chapel's Hunter Joyer had hoped for.

Still, Joyer's performance was a fitting cap to a storied high school career for the Wildcats senior.

Joyer, a University of Florida football signee, entered the Class 2A state track and field meet at Winter Park's Showalter Field as the No. 1 seed in the shot put after qualifying with a throw of 62 feet, 4 inches at region.

In fact, Joyer had the best throw among all athletes in the state this season. With just one high school meet to go before heading off to college, Joyer was attempting to break the state mark of 65 feet, 8 1/4 inches set by Charlotte's Wes Stockbarger in 2004.

Joyer fell a few feet shy. His top effort Saturday was 61 feet, 1 inch, not a state record but plenty enough to walk away with his second state title in a row in the event. Last year, Joyer recorded a distance of 57 feet, 2 1/4 inches to take gold as a junior at Tampa Catholic.

"I was trying to beat at least my personal best, so I was a little disappointed," Joyer said. "But I'm fine with that."

On the final throw of the preliminary round, Joyer appeared to at least match that personal best from last week, but he fouled after grazing the top of the stopboard on his follow-through.

"It was definitely out there," he said.

Pasco sophomore Janarion Grant also won a gold medal for the North Suncoast, clearing 24 feet, 3 1/2 inches to take the long jump title. The effort was a personal best for Grant, and the first time he reached 24 feet.

Grant was, in part, spurred on by watching his competitors train before the event.

"When we were warming up, I saw guys jumping 23 feet," Grant said. "I knew then I'd have to bring it. That got me excited."

Grant surpassed the 24-foot mark on his first jump.

"I was ready," he said.

Wesley Chapel's Ravin Gilbert made the girls finals in both the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash. Gilbert, a junior, ran 12.72 seconds to place seventh in the 100. She was also seventh in the 200 (25.18).

Argishti Gazari made the podium in the boys 3,200-meter run. The Anclote junior placed seventh in 9 minutes, 57.41 seconds. Pasco's Anthony Plourde, who entered the 3,200 as the second seed, dropped out of the race as he approached the final lap.

Tallahassee Godby won its second straight Class 2A boys team championship with 65 points, beating Orlando Jones (47). Pasco and Wesley Chapel tied for 21st after each gathered 10 points.

The American Heritage Plantation girls also defended its team title, gaining 92 points. Lake Wales (50) was second. Wesley Chapel was the only North Suncoast girls team to place, tying for 36th with four points.


Royals 11, Twins 2

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Royals 11, Twins 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Alex Gordon hit a three-run homer in an eight-run eighth and Nate Adcock, a Rule 5 pick who had never pitched above Class A before this season, picked up his first big-league win for the Royals. Kansas City sent 12 men to the plate in the eighth and scored all eight runs with two outs. Six were unearned thanks to first baseman Justin Morneau's error.

Orioles 6, White Sox 2

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Orioles 6, White Sox 2

CHICAGO — Robert Andino homered and reliever Mike Gonzalez doused a no-out, bases-loaded situation as the Orioles sent the White Sox to their 14th loss in 17 games. Leading 2-1, Baltimore scored four in an eighth that featured a passed ball and error on catcher A.J. Pierzynski and Vladimir Guerrero's two-run single. Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen missed the game, completing a two-game suspension for tweeting criticism of an umpire.

FC Tampa Bay plays Atlanta to a 1-1 tie

0
0

By Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — FC Tampa Bay improved in one area in the first half of its match against Atlanta on Saturday, giving itself substantially more scoring chances than in previous games.

Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, those chances did not result in any goals. To make matters worse, starting keeper Daryl Sattler sustained a knee injury 10 minutes into the game.

Still, Mike Ambersley provided some rare offense, and Tampa Bay salvaged a 1-1 tie in front of a rowdy crowd of 3,021 at Progress Energy Park.

"It's good to see the ball hit the back of the net to build some confidence," said Ambersley, who tied for sixth in the league with nine goals last season for St. Louis.

"I know I needed that, so it's good to get one in, and I know there will be more to come."

Ambersley scored shortly before the 84-minute mark. Pascal Millien stole the ball just past midfield in front of Atlanta's bench, then weaved through traffic and found Aaron King, who flicked a pass to Ambersley in the box. Ambersley easily placed the ball under the outstretched arms of Atlanta keeper Felipe Quintero.

Tampa Bay (1-1-2) scored its second goal of the season to move out of last place in the NASL in that category. Coach Ricky Hill said his team still needs to make better use of its opportunities.

Tampa Bay finished with 20 shots, 12 in the second half to Atlanta's 10, and had a 12-1 advantage in corner kicks.

"I felt there were good signs, particularly with Ambersley receiving the ball and bringing people into the game, Pascal likewise, and Chad Burt on the right," Hill said.

"But overall I'm still looking for a better cutting edge to our game, a more clinical kind of style whereby we understand where we are on the pitch at all given times and what we can do with the ball.

"I'm standing here talking about … chances that we're either spurning or not taking enough time or care or appreciation for others. Little things that amount to big things, we have to do better with our execution."

Sattler was replaced in goal by Jeff Attinella, who made his professional debut.

Tampa Bay, the NASL's most difficult team to score on, allowed Atlanta to take a 1-0 lead less than 30 seconds before halftime on a header by Willie Hunt off an arcing cross from Mario Perez.

Attinella, of USF and Countryside High, finished with three saves. He could make his first start when Tampa Bay hosts Carolina on Saturday.

Hill said Sattler's status would be determined after further examination Monday.

Mariners 2, Red Sox 0

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Mariners 2, Red Sox 0

BOSTON — Doug Fister worked out of trouble three times in 52/3 innings, and the Mariners bullpen continued its solid stretch to help Seattle win its fifth straight. The last-place Red Sox lost for the fourth time in five games and second in a row to a team that had the worst record in the AL last season. Boston hasn't scored since the fourth inning Friday. The Mariners bullpen pitched the final 31/3 innings and has pitched 131/3 consecutive scoreless innings.

Indians 3, Tigers 2, 13 innings

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

CLEVELAND — Orlando Cabrera lined an RBI single in the 13th inning that gave the Indians their 12th straight home win, 3-2 over the Tigers on Saturday night.

A day after Carlos Santana hit a winning grand slam in the ninth, Cleveland extended its best home streak since a 13-game stretch in 1996.

The Indians won their fifth in a row and finished with their best April record ever at 18-8. Detroit lost its fifth straight.

Michael Brantley singled sharply to open the Cleveland 13th and went to second on Brayan Villareal's wild pickoff throw. Asdrubal Cabrera put down a sacrifice that was fielded by catcher Alex Avila, but third baseman Brandon Inge also came in and nobody was covering the bag.

Avila threw to first for the out, then Tigers manager Jim Leyland ordered intentional walks to Shin-Soo Choo and Santana to load the bases. Cabrera singled to deep center on the first pitch he saw.

USF defensive back Mistral Raymond picked by Vikings in Round 6

0
0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011

USF defensive back Mistral Raymond, surrounded by at least 20 family members and friends at a cousin's house in Palmetto, got the call he had hoped for Saturday afternoon and saw the joy around him.

"It made me feel so good to see how excited they were," Raymond said after being drafted in the sixth round by the Minnesota Vikings. "I want to be the guy in my family that everyone looks to for positive energy."

Raymond's story continues to add new, incredible chapters — in three years, he has gone from walk-on to special-teams player to starter to captain and now, NFL draft pick. He had visited the Vikings, spending two days with coaches and front-office personnel, but the immensity of what has happened was still sinking in moments after his name was called.

"I know what I've gone through," Raymond said. "When it happened, I kind of flashed back to all the years, and it made it surreal. I feel great. This is a match made in heaven. It's very special for me. Words can't express this journey."

USF had three players taken, as linebacker Jacquian Williams, a Riverview graduate, went in the sixth round to the Giants.

THIS AND THAT: Aside from Williams, other local high school players drafted were Clearwater Central Catholic's Colin McCarthy (fourth round, Titans, out of Miami) and Jesuit's Anthony Allen (seventh round, Ravens, out of Georgia Tech). … Four Florida players were drafted, with safety Ahmad Black (fifth round, Bucs) and offensive lineman Maurice Hurt (seventh, Redskins) going Saturday. Safety Will Hill, who left after his junior year, was not selected. … When the Bucs took Florida International cornerback Anthony Gaitor, it marked the first time all seven of the state's Division I-A programs had a player drafted. Florida A&M also had defensive back Curtis Holcomb picked. … The only FSU player drafted Saturday was defensive end Markus White (seventh round, Redskins). … Miami's Matt Bosher was one of just two kickers drafted (sixth round, Falcons).

Wild week ends, but another may begin

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

From lockout to injunction to limbo and back to lockout, with the draft thrown in. That was the week in the NFL. Not even Super Bowl week gets that wild.

Friday an appeals court issued a temporary stay of the injunction that blocked the lockout. The league ordered the 32 teams late in the day to shut down all business except the draft.

Players drafted in the first round Thursday in New York took advantage of a small window Friday to meet with coaching staffs and get playbooks.

Now all players across the league are trying to figure out where they stand again.

That includes veterans with contracts, free agents and players drafted Saturday in the fourth through seventh rounds, plus collegians not selected. They can have no communication with teams.

Players association president Kevin Mawae called the past few days chaotic. And with a court hearing scheduled for Monday in St. Louis, the labor dispute could take a few more turns.

What's next?

Monday's hearing in St. Louis becomes critical. U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson's order lifting the 45-day lockout last Monday was what the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis temporarily stayed Friday.

"We are in uncharted but fascinating legal territory," said agent/attorney Ralph Cindrich.

"The owners' lockout is temporary now; it can become permanent after the same three (appeals court) judges do a detailed review. If the lockout is reinstated, it puts the players down on points big."

But Cindrich predicts the NFL will not get Nelson's injunction permanently blocked. If he is correct, teams will open for business again soon.

49ers: Free-agent quarterback Alex Smith met for close to 40 minutes with new coach Jim Harbaugh on Friday, and Harbaugh is convinced Smith will return to the team and be the front-runner for the starting job. The 2005 No. 1 overall draft pick out of Utah left team headquarters with a playbook.


2A state track: Steinbrenner's Alexis Wright collects gold, silver and bronze

0
0

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 30, 2011

WINTER PARK — As Steinbrenner junior Alexis Wright and Academy of the Holy Names sophomore Ryann McEnany exited the grass infield after the 100-meter hurdles final at the Class 2A state track and field meet at Winter Park's Showalter Field, Wright threw her arms around McEnany in an embrace.

McEnany was near tears after falling twice and crossing the finish line in last (eighth) place.

Wright had just won in 15.05 seconds to capture her first state title.

Her joy, however, could wait. McEnany needed consoling. Wright had been through this before; she was ninth in the 100 hurdles preliminaries at state last year and just missed qualifying for the final.

"I could definitely relate," Wright said.

Wright offered encouragement, told McEnany to stay focused, to stay motivated and she too could be on top of the podium stand in just a year.

"I promised myself I'd never feel that way again, and here I am," Wright said. "I trained and I trained and I trained. … It took everything that I had, but I did it."

For Wright, the day was still far from over. Participating in her third state meet, Wright grabbed a silver medal in the triple jump after reaching 36 feet, 11 3/4 inches on her final attempt. She was eighth in the triple jump a year ago and was within striking distance of gold medalist Raigyne Moncrief of American Heritage (37 feet, 1/2 inch) this time.

"The last three meets, my last jump has been my best," Wright said. "It always turns out that the last jump is going to be the one that determines who wins. I just gave it all I got."

Wright also grabbed bronze in the 300-meter hurdles (45.32 seconds).

Jesuit junior Isaac Edwards left Winter Park with mixed emotions.

He was thinking he might have secured a state championship the moment the discus left his hand on his fifth attempt. As he scanned the horizon for his throw, Edwards saw nothing but clear, blue sky. A piece of netting that made up the safety cage around the throwing circle had blown into the path of his throw and knocked down his discus, resulting in a foul.

"I thought it was the big one," said an agitated Edwards, who still finished third with a top throw of 169 feet in the finals. "I definitely knew it was over 170 (feet). I was just so disappointed."

Edwards rallied in the shot put, achieving a personal-best mark of 57 feet, 4 inches to earn a silver medal.

"I decided to channel my anger into something else," Edwards said. "I went over to the shot put and had a good series, started at 53 (feet) and built all the way up to 57 feet, 4 inches and felt really good about that."

Middleton picked up a pair of medals in the 800-meter run. Amber Brooks, a senior, was second in the girls race in 2 minutes, 18.18 seconds. Arthur Casey, also a senior, was third in the boys race (1:55.40).

Steinbrenner's 4x800 relay of Matt Magee, Dan Sarver, Matt Sarver and Zech Cesani won bronze after finishing in 8:04.37. Middleton's 4x800 boys relay came in fifth.

Jesuit's Blake Lopez placed fourth in the 1,600-meter run (4:28.30) and sixth in the 800 meters (1:57.95). Franck Charles of Middleton was one spot behind Lopez in the 1,600 in 4:29.16.

Tallahassee Godby won its second straight Class 2A boys team championship with 65 points, beating Orlando Jones (47). Jesuit, with 22 points, placed eighth. Middleton tied for 15th with 14 points.

The American Heritage Plantation girls also defended their team title after gaining 92 points. Lake Wales (50) was second. Steinbrenner, at 24 points, tied for eighth place.

Times staff writer Bryan Burns can be reached at bburns@sptimes.com.

Rockies 4, Pirates 1

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Rockies 4, Pirates 1

DENVER — Jason Hammel shook off a leadoff home run to pitch seven strong innings and Chris Iannetta backed him with a three-run homer to lead the Rockies. Hammel allowed six hits, including Andrew McCutchen's eighth career homer to start the game. But Hammel kept the Pirates in check after that, striking out four and walking two. He also benefited from a Rockies defense that turned three double plays.

Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 3

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 3

PHOENIX — Darwin Barney singled up the middle to score Geovany Soto in the ninth inning for the Cubs. Alfonso Soriano hit his 10th home run, tying him with Ryan Braun for the National League lead, and former Ray Matt Garza pitched a season-high eight innings to earn his first victory for Chicago. Garza (1-3) scatted three runs on six hits with 10 strikeouts and two walks. Starlin Castro's RBI single made it a two-run game.

Reds 4, Marlins 3, 10 innings

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Reds 4, Marlins 3

10 innings

CINCINNATI — Pinch-hitter Edgar Renteria singled with two outs in the 10th to lift the Reds to a comeback win. Cincinnati scored three with two outs in the eighth against relievers Edward Mujica and Ryan Webb to tie it.

Sprint Cup statistics from Richmond

0
0

Times wires
Saturday, April 30, 2011

Gearhead stats

Winner's average speed: 95.280 mph

Time of race: 3 hours, 8 minutes, 55 seconds

Margin of victory: 1.805 seconds

Caution flags: Eight for 60 laps

Lead changes: 14 among 10 drivers

Lap leaders: Montoya 1-25; Bowyer 26-43; Kahne 44-72; Hamlin 73-89; Ky. Busch 90-199; J. Gordon 200-203; Ky. Busch 204-238; Hamlin 239-245; Truex 246-257; Kenseth 258-273; Hamlin 274-287; Ky. Busch 288-293; Edwards 294-304; Burton 305-316; Ky. Busch 317-400

Viewing all 18574 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images