By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer


Friday, June 3, 2011

SEATTLE — Sure, Jeremy Hellickson won the American League pitcher and rookie of the month awards for a sterling 4-1, 1.36 ERA run through his past five starts.

But that was so May.

Today Hellickson makes his first start of June, and in the bottom-line world of Major League Baseball, the hovering question is: What can he do next?

"I definitely want to keep doing what I'm doing," Hellickson said. "It's not something I think about that I won an award last month. But I look at it like those (first) two months are over, and it's time to start over again. But I definitely want to keep doing what I'm doing."

The key to Hellickson's success has been making more, and better, use of his fastball. And improving his command of it is something he has been working almost exclusively on during his between-starts bullpen sessions.

"I throw a lot of down and away fastballs; that's pretty much all I work on in the bullpen," he said. "It's one of those things that has to come around on its own, and I've got to work on staying on top of the ball a little bit more. … I've got to establish the fastball before I can throw anything else. If you establish the fastball it makes everything else a little easier."

This afternoon Hellickson takes the mound for the first time at Safeco Field, eager to see how he does given the spacious confines, and for the first time against the Mariners.

"It's a pitcher's park," he said. "I'm excited to get out there again and throw. They have a good lineup. We saw that (Thursday). I have to keep the ball down."

Hellickson is aware he has benefitted from the best run support in the majors — an average of nearly eight runs per nine innings pitched — though that could be tested given the Rays' recent offensive struggles.

Further research showed that Hellickson was the first American Leaguer to win the pitcher (or player) and rookie of the month awards at the same time in the 11 years both have been given out. The only other double winners were Ryan Braun (player/rookie) with Milwaukee in July 2007 and Dontrelle Willis with Florida in June 2003.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

SEATTLE — The way the Rays are going now, it's not going to matter how their rotation is set up when they get home in a couple of weeks to play the Red Sox.

In an effort to align their top starters for what they consider a big June 14-16 series, the Rays shuffled their rotation and sent ineffective Andy Sonnanstine out for another try on Friday against the Mariners.

But Sonnanstine failed to deliver, and their offense failed to show up, and the Rays failed again, losing 7-0.

That's 10 losses in their past 14 games, and 13 of 19, if you're still counting, dropping the Rays to 29-28 and farther into third place behind the Yankees and the Red Sox and elevating the level of frustration.

"If there was a camera in the dugout, you could definitely see it on everybody's faces,'' third baseman Evan Longoria said. "Nobody's really happy. But thankfully, we're not that far out, and we're not playing good baseball at all. So there's room for improvement, and there's time to improve.

"But we can't keep saying that and saying that and by the time we look up again we're 15 games out. At this point, we just have to find a way to turn it around. It's a long road trip, and it's going to become a lot longer if we don't figure it out pretty quick.''

The lack of offense has become an increasingly glaring problem.

Getting shut down by Seattle's Cy Young-winning ace Felix Hernandez on Thursday was relatively understandable. But getting shut out Friday by lefty Jason Vargas is, for a supposedly contending team, somewhat unacceptable.

The Rays matched their season low with four hits, all singles (two coming in the ninth) and had only one other baserunner (on a walk) as Vargas logged his first shutout.

Of course, it didn't help that Sonnanstine had them in a 4-0 hole by the third inning and down 7-0 by the fifth.

Sonnanstine allowed only four hits during his five innings, but the problem was that three were home runs and he walked five.

"I feel like I never really gave our team a chance to win,'' Sonnanstine said. "Any time you're involved in a game like this, it's always frustrating.''

There are different ways to measure Sonnanstine's ineffectiveness as he has made four starts (and a fifth that was rained out) plus seven relief appearances in working 312/3 innings, such as his 0-2 record and 5.68 ERA but perhaps none better than this:

He has struck out nine batters and allowed 10 home runs.

Seriously.

"He hasn't been as sharp as we thought he would have been to this point,'' manager Joe Maddon said.

Justin Smoak took him deep with two outs in the first. Then Adam Kennedy hit a two-run shot on an 0-and-2 pitch with two outs in the fifth, and Miguel Olivo followed with another two pitches later.

Oh, and in between? Sonnanstine managed to allow three runs without allowing a ball out of the infield.

He hit the first batter and walked the second. Then the Rays messed up a bunt play and didn't get an out anywhere, loading the bases as Carlos Peguero beat Longoria to the bag.

Sonnanstine walked Smoak for the first run. Fill-in first baseman Felipe Lopez knocked down Jack Cust's grounder but could only get the out at first, allowing the second to score. After one out, and even that was an adventure as Sean Rodriguez caught then dropped Franklin Gutierrez's liner, and an intentional walk, Olivo singled off Longoria's glove to score the third.

"All those funky little things in that inning conspired against us,'' Maddon said.

He tried to find some positives, pointing to balls crushed by Ben Zobrist and B.J. Upton that died in the wind and vast outfield at Safeco Field, and how both teams got only four hits, but the Mariners made the ones they had count.

"There-in lies the difference,'' Maddon said.

Lately there's been a lot of difference.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Diamondbacks 4, Nationals 0

PHOENIX — Stephen Drew hit a three-run triple in the fifth for the Diamondbacks, who have won 17 of 21. Josh Collmenter pitched seven innings for Arizona and is 3-1 with a 1.23 ERA in five starts since he entered the rotation last month. David Hernandez and Joe Paterson got three outs to complete the three-hitter. Yunesky Maya struggled in his second start of the season for Washington.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Padres 3, Astros 1

SAN DIEGO — Chris Denorfia homered to help the Padres win only their 10th home game in 31 tries. He sent a 2-and-1 pitch from J.A. Happ over the centerfield wall with two outs in the fifth to make it 3-1. It was a matchup of the National League's worst teams, and the Astros' win streak ended at a season-high four. Dustin Moseley earned his first home win, and Heath Bell stayed perfect in 15th save chances

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Giants 3, Rockies 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Cody Ross hit a go-ahead, two-run double in the fourth for the Giants, who have won six of the teams' nine meetings this season. Matt Cain earned his first win in more than three weeks by scattering four hits while overcoming a season-high four walks. The right-hander pitched with runners in scoring position for four straight innings but allowed just the one run.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Angels 3, Yankees 2

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jered Wea­ver tied for the American League lead with his seventh win 39 days after getting his sixth. He won his first six starts with a 0.99 ERA but was 0-4 with a 3.38 ERA over his next six. In his previous start, May 28 at Minnesota, Weaver threw a career-high 128 pitches and allowed just two hits but ended up with a no-decision in the Angels' 1-0 loss. The Yankees had won four in a row.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Saturday, June 4, 2011

What's hot: Tarpon continue to be my main target. I start at first light and fill the well full of threadfin herring. I run to a beach and look for rolling fish. I use a high-definition global positioning system trolling motor with a track function that keeps me on course and prevents me from running into schools. It also has an anchor function that holds me in one place to await schools approaching my position. When I see fish coming down the beach, I use the remote control to get into the correct position to make a cast at the school.

Tackle: I use the appropriate tackle needed to land fish more than 100 pounds. Many anglers are using gear that is too light. Rods should be rated for 100-pound line, and spinning reels should have a large-line capacity to hold heavy braided line. Braided line cannot handle the shock, so I start with a loose drag setting. Once the fish makes its initial run, get aggressive and start tightening the drag. The faster a tarpon is landed, the better it is for the fish. Lighter tackle and two-hour battles tire out the fish too much and could end in death from total exhaustion.

Sharks: I have had 15 tarpon attacked by bull sharks this year. They have moved in with the schools of tarpon. They know when tarpon are exhausted and will attack right next to the boat. One shark even bumped my trolling motor twice. When a shark is seen in the area, break the line and let the tarpon run.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit www.captainrobgorta.com.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

NOVI, Mich. — Gale Sayers sent a stern message to NFL players, challenging them to help those who paved the way.

"Some players of today's game think that they made the game what it is today. I beg to differ," Sayers said Friday at an event hosted by the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund. "The players who are playing today are standing on the shoulders of those who made the game what it is, that played the game for peanuts.

"If today's players cannot help these players, shame on you."

The former Bears running back was honored along with retired stars such as fellow Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau and 1997 Super Bowl MVP Desmond Howard.

NFL players asked a federal appeals court Friday in St. Louis to declare the lockout illegal, and a lawsuit they filed against the league was amended to included complaints from retirees.

Hall of Fame player and former Bears coach Mike Ditka said that before the dispute can be settled to save the season, both sides must be willing to negotiate instead of trying to make legal arguments in court.

"You can't let egos get in the way of negotiation," Ditka said. "You have to give to take."

The sides are trying to figure out how to share the league's $9 billion in annual revenue.

"It's kind of goofy," Ditka said. "The American public can't feel sorry for either side because they can't relate."

Retired players are pushing for better pension and health benefits from the league and players in the next collective bargaining agreement.

"If they want to fix the pension for former players, all they have to do is match what baseball does for their former players; they have the best pension in all of sports," Ditka said.

The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund has contributed more than $2.5 million over the past four years in financial and medical help for retired players.

Obituary: Hall of Fame running back John Henry Johnson, 81, died Friday in Tracy, Calif. Mr. Johnson, a four-time Pro Bowl player (1954, 1962-64), was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987 after a 14-season career. He played three with the 49ers (1954-56), teaming with running backs Joe Perry and Hugh McElhenny and quarterback Y.A. Tittle in the "Million Dollar Backfield." It's the only full-house backfield to have all four members in the Hall of Fame. He was on the Lions' title-winning team in 1957 and also played for the Steelers and Oilers.

Snyder backlash: Redskins owner Daniel Snyder's lawsuit against Washington City Paper over critical commentary led U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., to focus on enacting legislation that gives greater protection of First Amendment rights to those facing such lawsuits, the Washington Post reported. Cohen wrote in Roll Call that strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPPs, are dangerous and a law should be passed to protect individuals and publications.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

TAMPA — Even amid a lockout, when there's no football in sight and no labor deal on the horizon, the work of an NFL quarterback doesn't stop.

Though Bucs QBs Josh Freeman, Josh Johnson and Rudy Carpenter have been putting in time on the field during player-only workouts, that's just the beginning of their offseason preparation.

Despite the lockout that prevents players from working with coaches, Freeman, Johnson and Carpenter have been poring over video and playbooks, going about their typically exhaustive offseason regimen.

"I'm just watching a lot of film right now," Freeman said. "Maybe I might see something I missed."

But it's hardly that simple. There are structured methods to this process. The expectations of quarterbacks are so unrealistic that it requires perpetual preparation.

"I think most or all quarterbacks probably do this in the offseason," Carpenter said. "They go back and evaluate, self-scout their own offense to see what they're doing. Also, us as a group, during the season and last season, our coaches have taught us a lot about what kind of tape to watch in the offseason."

Before the lockout, coaches identified specific things to look for. NFC South opponents are high on the list because the teams play twice annually.

"We want to see what kind of new blitzes they used or what kind of coverages they used in the two games that we played them," Carpenter said.

Another task is trying to anticipate tricks that defenses will use next season — whenever it begins.

"We always go back and look at what teams had the best blitz success rate or who was the best against the run or the pass," Carpenter said. "A lot of times, other defensive coordinators will go and say, 'We're going to watch the teams that were successful and use that stuff next year.' We try to stay ahead of the curve so you don't get surprised when you see those things."

And there's much to learn by watching and emulating characteristics of elite quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Drew Brees. You might recall Freeman and Johnson working out with Brees last summer in San Diego, with Bucs offensive coordinator Greg Olson — one of Brees' former coaches at Purdue — playing matchmaker.

A benefit of all the work the quarterbacks are putting in is that it will help them conduct efficient workouts during the lockout. They can impart much of what they've learned on their teammates and incorporate elements into the workouts.

"As the summer progresses, we're going to start doing more of the X's and O's," Freeman said. "Nothing's really changing as far as our system. There will be some nuances that change, but we can't really talk to coaches.

"But before the lockout, I held on to my playbook from last year, and I've been going over things. And I took a lot of notes. I have notebooks of plays, and same thing with Josh and Rudy. We're all very confident in this offense, so we can come out here with confidence and teach guys and direct things."

In the lockout environment, quarterback — more than ever — is a position that requires players to put in a little overtime.

"To get better, there's a lot more to do as a quarterback," Carpenter said, "than just coming out and working out."

GENE'S BACK: The Bucs did a two-year contract extension last week with longtime radio play-by-play man Gene Deckerhoff, meaning he will begin his 23rd season with the team this fall.

Deckerhoff, who has called 453 Bucs games since joining the organization in 1989, will still work with analyst Dave Moore, a former Bucs tight end. Deckerhoff continues to do play-by-play for Florida State football and basketball games.

Last year, Deckerhoff won his 12th Florida sportscaster of the year award. But mostly, he's looking ahead to what the future holds.

"I've seen a lot," he said in a team release. "I've seen the 3-13 seasons, but by golly there have just been a couple of those and I've seen a Super Bowl season. One Super Bowl and 22 years — there are not a lot of guys in my business who are in that position. I really think we've got great football ahead of us, too, and I can't wait."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

It certainly is intriguing to think former Lightning star Brad Richards has a chance to return to Tampa Bay. And Richards stoked that fire a bit on Thursday when he said he never wanted to leave Tampa and would be willing to listen if the Lightning calls when free agency begins on July 1.

But can the two sides actually get together? A big hurdle was cleared last week when the Stars, in the midst of an ownership transfer, said they will not make Richards an offer.

But Richards, 31, who spent the past three-plus seasons with Dallas, will be one of the highest-profile players on the market. He has 52 goals and 168 points the past two seasons.

And if you consider his five-year, $39 million contract that is expiring, an asking price of about $7 million a season doesn't seem out of question; a price that seems prohibitive for Tampa Bay, which is looking at a $7 million a year contract for Steven Stamkos and perhaps a big contract for defenseman Eric Brewer.

Richards, a center, certainly has attractive assets.

His vision on the ice is uncanny and he is a terrific passer. He is a power-play quarterback, something Tampa Bay has lacked. Put him on a line with Stamkos at wing and Stamkos has someone who can consistently get him the puck.

Still, there is that money thing.

The Lightning already has $38.37 million committed to 11 players next season and buyout payments to Vinny Prospal and Todd Fedoruk. In addition to Stamkos, general manager Steve Yzerman's priorities are signing Sean Bergenheim, Teddy Purcell and goalies Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith.

Owner Jeff Vinik is making Yzerman's job easier by increasing payroll from last season's $55 million cap hit.

And the puzzle would be easier still if Richards takes a little less to sign in Tampa, where he spends much of the summer and uses as a base for workouts at Saddlebrook. Yzerman also could trade to free up salary.

A wild card could be Simon Gagne. If the left wing, who had a terrific second half of the season and playoffs but was bothered by injuries, took a substantial pay cut from last season's $5.25 million, Tampa Bay would be more willing to sign him. If not, perhaps the Lightning applies that money to chasing Richards.

Brewer's demands after a solid season (he made $4.5 million), as well as those of Bergenheim ($700,000 last season) and Purcell ($750,000), both of whom made themselves much more expensive with ferocious playoff runs, also will be factors.

Look, plenty of teams with plenty of money — most notably, the Rangers and Maple Leafs — will be after Richards, who does not seem willing to waive the no-move clause in his contract and allow a trade before free agency. But there is no doubt he has a soft spot for the Lightning. Does that turn into a reunion?

Much has to fall into place and Yzerman would have to be creative with payroll, but it certainly is intriguing.

TICKET BUMP: The Lightning, enjoying a bump from a long playoff run and from holding the line on prices, has sold about 3,800 new, full season tickets, CEO Tod Leiweke said last week. Coupled with about 4,500 renewals on about 5,000 full season tickets from last season, the team, at 8,300, is closing in on its goal of 10,000 to 12,000. If it gets to that point, Leiweke said, and including partial season tickets and specialty packages such as 10-packs, "We're close to selling out every night."

A MAKEOVER: Renovations to the St. Pete Times Forum began last week, Leiweke said. The $35 million project was delayed because of Tampa Bay's extended playoff run. But Leiweke said with crews working at least double shifts six days a week, most of the project, except for the expanded west entrance, should be completed by the Lightning's October home opener. The first thing demolished was the Times Forum kitchen. "No staff lunch," Leiweke wrote in a text.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

This draft

Rays top picks

First round

No. 24 (from Red Sox for Crawford)

No. 31 (from Yankees for Soriano)

No. 32 (original pick)

Compensation round

No. 38 (for Soriano)

No. 41 (for Crawford)

No. 42 (for Balfour, who signed w/ A's)

No. 52 (for Hawpe, who signed w/ Padres)

No. 56 (for Benoit, who signed w/Tigers)

No. 59 (for Choate, who signed w/Marlins)

No. 60 (for Qualls, who signed w/Padres)

Second round

No. 75 (from A's for Balfour)

No. 89 (original pick)

Draft facts

When: Monday-Wednesday

Rounds: Up to 50

Schedule: First and compensation round on Monday starting at 7 p.m.; continuing Tuesday-Wednesday at noon.

Coverage: MLB Network, mlb.com, tampabay.com

Number of the day

$11,465,00 Bonus money paid to those 12 picks in last year's draft. The one-year record for any team is $11,927,200 by Washington last year.

Mocked up

The latest projections from the experts:

ESPN's Keith Law

24. LHP Tyler Anderson, Oregon

31. OF Brandon Nimmo, Wyo. HS

32. RHP Tyler Beede, Mass. HS

Baseball America's Jim Callis

24. 2B Kolten Wong, Hawaii

31. OF Brian Goodwin, Miami-Dade JC

32. LHP Henry Owens, Cal. HS

Jonathan Mayo, mlb.com

24. RHP Robert Stephenson, Cal. HS

31. LHP Henry Owens, Cal. HS

32. LHP Chris Reed, Stanford

Rays Rumblings

The Rays didn't submit any changes to their uniforms by the May 31 deadline, so expect the same look (and no Tampa Bay on the road jerseys) in 2012. … USA Today had the Rays among seven pro sports teams as the next candidates for relocation. … 2008 top pick SS Tim Beckham has been criticized, but consider that if he weren't in his fourth pro season (and hitting almost .300 at Double A), he'd be a college junior and a likely top five pick in this draft. … Ex-big leaguer Doug Glanville in his latest espn.com column waxes about OF Sam Fuld becoming basically the face of steroids-free baseball: "Super Sam Fuld has helped us find something again." … The Rays were not among the nine teams reported by the Los Angeles Times to be in violation of MLB's debt service rules.

Got a minute? Alex Cobb

Must-see TV? A lot of things on the History Channel like American Pickers, Storage Wars, Pawn Stars.

Big-night-out meal? Grilled chicken and mashed potatoes, everywhere.

Band or singer you'd most like to be on stage with? Probably the Eagles.

Worst job? The only other job I've had is being a bat boy (for the Dodgers in spring training while growing up in Vero Beach). And filing in my dad's office; he's a financial adviser.

With your girlfriend Kelly's permission, dream date? Jessica Alba.

Best drafts

Worst drafts

The Rays are very open about how significant this week's draft is to the future of their franchise given the opportunity to enrich their farm system with an unprecedented haul — as a result of their free-agent losses — of picks: 10 of the first 60 and 12 of the top 89. After more than a year of preparation, it is time to see what executive VP Andrew Friedman, scouting director R.J. Harrison and their staff do with them, relative to the inherent challenges of the baseball draft, where few players are sure things. While much time will be spent between now and Monday night speculating what might happen, we offer here a look back at how the Rays have done before in their 15 drafts and what history might provide as a guide:

Based on players that made it to the majors, key picks that didn't and those who got away unsigned and ended up making it elsewhere.

1. 2004

Made it

1. Jeff Niemann, rhp

2. Reid Brignac, ss

3. Wade Davis, rhp

5. Jake McGee, lhp

7. Fernando Perez, of (traded to Cubs)

8. Rhyne Hughes, 1b (traded to Orioles)

13. Andy Sonnanstine, rhp

Didn't make it

4. Matt Spring, c

6. Ryan Royster, of

Got away unsigned

29. Daniel McCutchen, rhp

Analysis

To get three pitchers who have been in the rotation (Niemann, Davis, Sonnanstine), a starting — though struggling — shortstop (Brignac) and a potential future closer (McGee) is a tremendous one-year haul. This was the last draft under the old regime, and former scouting director Cam Bonifay said Friday he remains proud of what they did on several levels: "Quality, depth, number of major-league players, importance to the organization. And with no extra picks."

2. 1999

Made it

1. Josh Hamilton, of (lost in Rule 5 draft)

2. Carl Crawford, of

3. Doug Waechter, rhp

5. Seth McClung, rhp (traded to Brewers)

14. Jeff Ridgway, lhp (traded to Braves)

17. Matt Diaz, of (lost on waivers)

Didn't make it

4. Alex Santos, rhp

Got away unsigned

18. Ryan Raburn, of

21. Mike Fontenot, inf

Analysis

Crawford's contributions alone are worthy, but think of what could have been had Hamilton's career not been derailed by abuse issues and either Waechter or McClung lived up to his potential. Also, if Diaz had been given a chance.

3. 2006

Big-leaguers

1. Evan Longoria, 3b

2. Josh Butler, rhp (traded to Brewers)

4. Alex Cobb, rhp

10. Desmond Jennings, of

Didn't make it (yet)

5. Shawn O'Malley, ss

6. Nevin Ashley, c

7. Ryan Reid, rhp

8. Tyree Hayes, rhp

Got away unsigned

13. Mike Minor, lhp

Analysis

Longoria is a superstar and by the end 2011/start of 2012, Cobb and Jennings could be key players as well. Butler brought Gabe Gross, a key '08 piece. And Ashley may yet make it.

Players that made it to the majors, key picks that didn't and those who got away unsigned and ended up making it elsewhere.

1. 2001

"Made" it

1. Dewon Brazelton, rhp

2. Jon Switzer, lhp

5. Chris Seddon, lhp

9. Fernando Cortez, inf

18. Jonny Gomes, of

19. Jason Hammel, rhp

32. Joey Gathright, of

34. Chad Gaudin, rhp

Got away unsigned

4. David Bush, rhp

Analysis

Armed with the No. 3 pick, they came up virtually empty, taking Brazelton rather than Mark Teixeira, Gavin Floyd or Casey Kotchman. Overall, not an impact player in the bunch, and barely legit big-leaguers.

2. 2005

Made it

4. Jeremy Hellickson, rhp

Didn't make it

1. Wade Townsend, rhp

2. Chris Mason, rhp

5. Michael McCormick, 3b

Got away unsigned

3. Bryan Morris, rhp

18. Tommy Hunter, rhp

19. Ike Davis, 1b

25. Clayton Mortensen, rhp

49. Casey Coleman, rhp

Analysis

Hellickson may turn out to be very good, but to get nothing else — when having the No. 8 pick — is pretty bad.

3. 2003

Made it

1. Delmon Young, of

2. James Houser, lhp (released)

4. Travis Schlichting, rhp (traded to Angels)

12. John Jaso, c

13. Chad Orvella, rhp

Got away unsigned

3. Andrew Miller, lhp

9. Billy Buckner, lhp

19. Josh Geer, rhp

30. Adam Ottavino, rhp

36. Wade LeBlanc, lhp

37. Kris Medlen, rhp

Analysis

Young over Rickie Weeks could still be debated, and to have the No. 1 pick and otherwise have only Jaso to show for it — and two seasons of Josh Paul's wit, after being acquired for Schlichting — isn't much.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

JR Hildebrand

Hildebrand, a rookie, could see the checkered flag waving in the distance. All he had to do to win last week's Indianapolis 500 was come through the final turn without, oh, hitting the wall. He had managed to do that in the previous 199 laps. But coming out of the final turn and only a couple of moments from chugging milk, Hildebrand drifted into the wall, tore up his car and then watched in horror as Dan Wheldon passed him to win the race. Hildebrand had such a lead that his wrecked car, missing two wheels, still had enough momentum to drift over the finish line in second place, just seconds behind Wheldon. You'd like to believe that something went wrong with the car or a fly flew in his face or something. But there is no reasonable explanation other than Hildebrand simply got caught up in the moment. It might have cost him his best chance to ever win one of the most prestigious events in sports.

Lindsey Jacobellis

Jacobellis is one of greatest snowboarders in history. She has won seven X Games gold medals and three world championships. Yet she will forever be remembered as "that girl" who hot-dogged her way out of a gold medal in the 2006 Winter Olympics. Just 140 feet from the finish line in the snowboard cross, the then-21-year-old Jacobellis held a three-second lead over Tanja Frieden of Switzerland. Coming off the final jump, Jacobellis decided to celebrate by trying a trick move. She landed awkwardly, ended up on her rear end and was helpless as Frieden zoomed past her to take the gold. Jacobellis, who won the silver, first tried to deny showboating by saying she was trying to gain balance for the end of the race but later admitted she was hamming it up and said, "I was having fun." Wonder if it was fun listening to the Swiss national anthem after the race?

In our minds, the worst collapse in sports history. Furthermore, it's hard to feel sorry for Van de Velde because of his stubbornness and stupidity. At the 1999 British Open, Van de Velde could have double bogeyed the final hole (a par 4) at Carnoustie and still become the first Frenchman since 1907 to win the Open Championship. Instead of playing it safe, he hit driver off the tee and narrowly escaped trouble. He should have laid up on his second shot, but he decided to go for the green. His shot hit the grandstand and then some rocks and landed in the heavy rough. His third shot landed in shallow water. He took a drop, hit his next (fifth) shot in a bunker, then blasted out on his sixth shot. He then putted in from 6 feet to salvage a three-way tie with Justin Leonard and Paul Lawrie, who would go on to win a four-hole playoff and cement Van de Velde as a legend — for the wrong reason.

Greg Norman

Before the 1996 Masters, Greg Norman might have been the best golfer in the world. After the 1996 Masters, Norman was known for, at the time, the most infamous collapse in golf. He had a six-stroke lead going into the final round. The day started rough and got worse when hit the ninth hole. Then came a bogey, followed by another bogey, followed by another bogey and then a double bogey. Even seasoned golfers in the clubhouse turned away from the televisions, sickened by the implosion. By the time the nightmare was over — Milwaukee sports writer Gary D'Amato wrote, "It was like watching a funeral procession on grass" — Norman had shot 78 and had lost the Masters to Nick Faldo … by five shots!

Doug Sanders

Sanders, who played golf at the University of Florida, might be the original Jean Van de Velde, although his collapse wasn't nearly as arrogant or monumental. Still, the 1970 British Open was close to his. How close? About 74 yards. All he had to do was make it in the hole in fewer than four shots from 74 yards and the Open Championship was his. You can guess what happened. It took him four shots, including missing a 3-foot putt to win. Instead, he ended up in an 18-hole playoff, where he lost by a shot to the great Jack Nicklaus. Sanders won 20 PGA events and was a runnerup in four majors. But he never won a major.

Jana Novotna

The most heartbreaking collapse on this list. This is the classic case of an athlete whose nerves simply overwhelmed her when she realized she was this close to winning the greatest tennis tournament in the world. Playing the legendary Steffi Graf in the 1993 Wimbledon final, the eighth-seeded Novotna lost the first set 6-7 but stormed back to win the second set 6-1 and was up 4-1 in third and deciding set. Serving at 40-30, she was a point away from going up 5-1 and just five points from winning the championship. That's when she became unglued. She lost the game, then the three games after that. Graf won the third set 6-4. During the trophy presentation, Novotna cried in the arms of the Duchess of Kent. The story does, however, have a happy ending. Novotna won Wimbledon in 1998.

John McEnroe

He is one of the greatest tennis players of all time, yet there is a noticeable hole in McEnroe's resume. He never won a French Open. He will go to his grave remembering the French Open that got away. By 1984, McEnroe was already a dominant grass and hardcourt player, but he wanted to prove he could be the best on clay, too. Playing rival Ivan Lendl in the 1984 French Open final, McEnroe built a two-set lead, losing only five games, and then went up a break in the third. But worn out physically, mentally and emotionally, McEnroe hit the wall. Lendl broke back and won the third, 6-4. Then he won the fourth and fifth sets, both by 7-5 scores. McEnroe never reached the French final again.

Rory McIlroy

The 21-year-old Irishman was the feel-good story of this year's Masters. His first-day 65 made him the youngest golfer ever to lead the Masters after the first round. He then shot 69 on Friday and a 70 on Saturday to take a four-stroke lead into Sunday's final round. Then, ka-boom, it all blew up. In a round that was painful to watch, McIlroy hacked his way through Augusta National and played the worst final round in Masters history by any pro golfer leading after three rounds. The final tally: an 80. He went from four shots up to 10 shots out and a tie for 15th.

A week ago today, JR Hildebrand was seconds — mere seconds — from winning the Indianapolis 500. Then the wheels came off. Literally. Instead of being hailed as the winner of, perhaps, the most famous auto race in the world, Hildebrand is now known for one of the most infamous collapses in sports. Today, we look at the biggest collapses by individuals in sports history. In each case, the stakes were high — major championships, gold medals — and victory was in their grasp. Try not to cry as you read these sad stories.



Jean Van de Velde

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Cardinals 5, Cubs 4

12 innings

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols hit his second homer of the game with two outs in the 12th to lift the Cardinals. Pujols had his ninth career game-ending homer and first since Aug. 16, 2009, against the Padres.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Rockies 2, Giants 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Troy Tulowitzki had three hits and an RBI and Jhoulys Chacin pitched six sharp innings to end his two-game skid, and the Rockies won in San Francisco for the first time in five games. Cody Ross homered on his bobblehead day, but the Giants still lost a three-game winning streak. Tulo­witzki singled and scored on shortstop Brandon Crawford's throwing error in the fifth, then had an RBI single in the sixth.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Dodgers 11, Reds 8

11 innings

CINCINNATI — Matt Kemp hit a tying grand slam in the eighth and Jamey Carroll singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th as the Dodgers rallied.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

The poll

Whom do you prefer to bat leadoff for the Rays?

348 votes Sam Fuld B.J. Upton

Ben Zobrist

E. Longoria

34%

14%

14%

12%

John Jaso

Other S. Rodriguez

10%

10%

6%

This week's question

Should the Lightning pursue Brad Richards in free agency? Vote at lightning.tampabay.com.

Another poll

Who will win the Stanley Cup final?

303 votes

39%

33%

Canucks in four or five

Canucks in six or seven

27%

1%

Bruins in six or seven

Bruins in four or five

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Outside the Lines: 9 a.m. on ESPN. A story on athletes who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs in Turkey, only to have those results proved in court to be wrong.

Sprint Cup, STP 400: 12:30 p.m. on Ch. 13. Fox concludes its NASCAR schedule for the season with this race from Kansas City, Mo.

Baseball Tonight: 7 p.m. on ESPN. Live from New York, where the Mets host the Braves and starter Tim Hudson. The game airs at 8.

Times wires
Saturday, June 4, 2011

BOSTON — J.D. Drew stuck with his usual laid-back approach after looking terrible the previous four times at the plate. It finally paid off and ended a long day.

Drew struck out four times before he singled in former Ray Carl Crawford from second with two outs in the 14th Saturday, lifting the Red Sox to a 9-8 win over the Athletics after closer Jonathan Papelbon blew a four-run lead in the ninth.

"I had some good swings in all the earlier at-bats," Drew said. "Sure it's aggravating, you never want to strike out four times in a game. Even though I struck out four times, I thought I had some quality swings."

Boston won for 18th time in 26 games after Papelbon collapsed and was ejected along with catcher Jason Varitek a few minutes apart.

"I just lost my cool," Varitek said. "You can't argue balls and strikes."

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, June 4, 2011

Someday, all of this will be his. The grass beneath him. The fence behind him. The view in front of him. From the foul line to the power alley, from the warning track to the infield dirt.

Someday, and it cannot come soon enough, the deed will be turned over, and he will gain full ownership of the precious plot of land called rightfield.

Someday, Matt Joyce will no longer be the rightfielder most of the time. Some day, he will be the rightfielder all of the time.

With every game, with every hit, Joyce comes closer to staking his claim. Soon, he will force manager Joe Maddon to throw away his caution and to turn him loose. Soon, it will not matter if the opposing pitcher throws with his left arm, his right arm or drop kicks the ball toward the plate. Eventually, the Rays have to realize they are closer to potent with Joyce in the lineup every day.

And who knows? Shortly after that, perhaps the voters will realize the All-Star Game is played on a day, too.

It is a difficult thing to hit a baseball. It is a harder thing to hit it better than anyone in the American League. For Joyce, this fight toward everyday acceptance has been hardest of all.

He is second in the American League in hitting with a .350 average, and still, there are days when he bats seventh and days when he does not bat at all. He is one of the most potent bats in a lineup that does not hit particularly well, and still, there are times Maddon looks at the matchup between Joyce and an opposing left-hander and chooses other alternatives. More and more, that becomes harder to do.

"He is a lot closer to being an everyday player than he was," Maddon said. "Last year at this time, I wasn't as comfortable with him against a left-handed pitcher. But he's at least 75 percent better against lefties than he was last year."

Last year, there were times when Joyce seemed overmatched against lefties. He hit only .080, and he didn't have a home run against a left-hander, and his pitch selection was awful. He showed flashes of what he could do against right-handers, but against lefties, there were too many times he was so eager to get a hit that he would flail away at breaking pitches low and outside. Fans still clamored for him to get more time, but really, Joyce didn't give them much of an argument.

This year, at age 26, it has been impossible to ignore Joyce. His overall average is 115 points fatter than a year ago. Even against lefties, he is hitting .242 with three home runs. No, he still isn't the same hitter as he is against righties, but in this lineup, .242 with power has some sparkle to it.

In baseball, one of the hardest things to do is to change minds. For Joyce, the key this year has been a more patient, more selective approach. The result? Sometimes, you might swear you could hear the ball whimper on its way to the plate.

"I don't think this is a fluke," Maddon said. "His number is a little high right now, but I don't think this is a fluke."

That said, Maddon has some advice for Joyce.

"Ride the wave," he said. "It's not going to last forever. He's absolutely going to come down at some point. But if he continues to swing at strikes and lay off bad pitches, it's going to stay this way for a while.

"When a guy is hitting like this, everything is slower. It seems like you have more time, like there are four guys playing on defense. When you drive to work, you hit all the lights."

Ah, but on the other side of the hot streak, when baseball imposes its will on Joyce the way it does on everyone from time to time, what kind of player will the Rays be left with?

"This year, he's going to be considered an All-Star caliber player," Maddon said. "No question. If he's able to control his strike zone, he's got a wonderful swing. Great hands. He has one of those tension-free swings where the ball jumps off the bat.

"He's got the power. You're going to see 20-plus home runs. You're going to see exceptional defense. He's going to be a teetering All-Star caliber player every year."

Maybe. First, it seems, the voters have to learn a little more about him.

It was a little puzzling this week when the first All-Star results were released and Joyce was a no-show. There were 15 outfielders listed, and 14 of them were hitting less than .300. Eight were hitting lower than .250. Six of them were hitting lower than .235.

And no Joyce.

There is a peculiar nature to All-Star voting, of course. Familiar names always have the advantage, along with players who work in cities where big crowds stuff the ballot box. It can be difficult for a guy having his first big year to break through. Still, when the leading hitter in the league doesn't crack the top 15, it's a little odd. Put it this way: There were two Rays outfielders — B.J. Upton and Sam Fuld — who received more votes than Joyce. Carl Crawford, hitting .246, was on the list. J.D. Drew, hitting .228, was on that list. Nick Swisher, hitting .213, was on that list.

Perhaps Joyce will make the game yet. For now, his only choice is patience. Just like always.

That, and to keep mashing the ball until Maddon writes your name in ink.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, June 4, 2011

SEATTLE —The dominant performance from rookie Jeremy Hellickson really wasn't anything unexpected. The handful of sharp defensive plays looked familiar, albeit not recently. There was even the near daily dose of bad news, as Evan Longoria left midgame with tightness in his side.

What set Saturday apart for the Rays was the brief outburst — if you call two walks, two bloop hits and one actual clutch knock an outburst — that led to three second-inning runs. And, after an eighth-inning scare, the resulting smiles on their faces after a much-needed victory, 3-2 over the Mariners.

"That was huge for us," rightfielder Matt Joyce said. "We need some confidence, we need some momentum, we need to get something going. And this is a start."

The Rays had lost three straight, 10 of 14 and 13 of 19 and were a loss from giving back all they'd gained and falling back to .500. Not that one win, and 30-28, is all that much different, but it was obvious in the clubhouse how much it mattered.

"That feels really good," Hellickson said.

"We're just happy to stop that losing streak," DH Johnny Damon said. "And hopefully we'll start a winning streak (today)."

Hellickson played the biggest part, working into the eighth while allowing only three hits and a walk.

"He's the reason why we won this game," Damon said. "We can look to any of our pitchers to get us going in the right direction, and Helly's done it a few times this year."

Hellickson has won a team-high seven times overall, with four coming after losses. The difference Saturday was that he used his fastball as his primary weapon as his changeup wasn't as sharp as usual.

"I love the idea that he threw his fastball as often as he did," manager Joe Maddon said. "That's the thing with a guy like him, when they have the good other pitch they always want to go there often and that's fine. But if you just conceal that a little bit more when you have to go to it, it's an even better pitch. So that's why I like when he throws his fastball."

The Rays also got Hellickson to throw faster, instructing him to pick up the pace after what Maddon called a "painstakingly too slow" second inning.

"I thought I mixed it up pretty good," Hellickson said. "I threw a lot of fastballs early. I haven't done that lately. We made a lot of great plays out there, too. It's easy to go out there and throw strikes when we're up 3-0 after the second inning."

Must be, since it was the first lead the Rays held since Tuesday. The rally started quietly, with a walk by B.J. Upton, then a baserunning gaffe as he was thrown out trying to get to third on Sam Fuld's bloop single.

But Fuld moved up on the play, then after John Jaso walked and Reid Brignac struck out, Damon dropped another blooper into center and turned his into an RBI double. Ben Zobrist then came through with the big hit the Rays had been lacking, singling home two more. "Huge," Maddon said.

After hitting some rocket shots with nothing to show for them in the first two games here, the Rays found better results in their short game, and didn't apologize for it.

"Sometimes," Damon said, "you have to be lucky."

"Any way you can," Joyce said,

"Hey listen, man," Maddon said. "Anything right now to get the boat floating again."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.