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Dodgers 6, Phillies 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Dodgers 6, Phillies 2

PHILADELPHIA — Rubby De La Rosa pitched five effective innings in his first career start and Dee Gordon had three hits in his first start for the Dodgers. De La Rosa pitched out of trouble while allowing five walks and four hits. Matt Kemp hit a two-run homer for Los Angeles, which has won six of nine. Roy Oswalt lost his fourth straight decision.


Quintet of Bulls picked in draft

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Times staff, wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Five members of the USF baseball team were selected on the second day of baseball's first-year player draft.

RHP Kevin Quackenbush, a former Jesuit standout, headed the list, going in the eighth round to the Padres. 2B Jonathan Koscso stayed close to home, getting picked in the 29th round by the Rays.

Between them went RHP James Moran (18th, Reds), LHP Juan Carlin (20th, Angels) and RHP Randy Fontanez (27th, Mets).

Florida LHP Alex Panteliodis, RHPs Tommy Toledo and Matt Campbell and 1B/OF Preston Tucker — all of Tampa — were among nine Gators selected. LHP Nick Maronde, RHPs Anthony DeSclafani and Greg Larson, SS Josh Adams and C Ben McMahon were also selected.

Two Alonso grads were taken: Panteliodis in Round 9 by the Mets and Toledo in Round 11 by Milwaukee. Tucker, a Plant alum, was selected by the Rockies in Round 16. Campbell, a Freedom alum, was selected in the 24th round by Philadelphia.

Maronde was a third-round pick by the Angels, and DeSclafani was selected by the Blue Jays in the sixth round.

Adams was selected in Round 13 by the Marlins. McMahon was selected in Round 23 by Milwaukee. And Larson was selected in Round 29 by the Angels.

RHP Shane Riedie was the first of three University of Tampa players selected, going in the 21st round to the Angels. OF Shawn Pleffner went in the 26th round to the Nationals, and 2B Taylor Wrenn went in the 27th to the Reds.

SPJC also produced three draft picks, including 3B Sean Buckley, who went in the sixth round to the Reds. Buckley's father is Cincinnati scouting director Chris Buckley. The Reds also took RHP Jon Matthews in the eighth round, and LHP Brett Lee went in the 10th to the Twins.

Three players were drafted out of Florida State, including first-rounder Sean Gilmartin, a left-hander taken by the Braves at No. 28. CF Michael McGee went in the 15th round to the Mariners and C Rafael Lopez in the 16th to the Cubs.

TWO SUSPENDED: Nationals RHP Jason Marquis and Diamondbacks RHP Esmerling Vasquez were suspended for throwing at hitters last weekend after both teams had been warned. Marquis was penalized five games and Vasquez three, and both were fined. Both pitchers appealed.

A'S: LHP Brett Anderson (sore left elbow) and 2B Mark Ellis (strained right hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list. 2B Jemile Weeks was called up from Triple-A Sacramento.

CARDINALS: RF Allen Craig appeared to injure his right knee when he ran into a barrier trying to catch a foul ball in the first inning.

INDIANS: INF Wes Hodges was released to make room at Triple-A Columbus for former Yankees 1B Nick Johnson.

PHILLIES: SS Jimmy Rollins was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise in his right knee and might be headed to the disabled list. … Closer Brad Lidge, who had been in extended spring training in Clearwater trying to recover from right shoulder soreness, headed back to Philadelphia with elbow soreness.

RED SOX: Closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended three games for bumping home-plate umpire Tony Randazzo during a ninth-inning meltdown Saturday. Papelbon appealed the decision.

ROCKIES: CF Dexter Fowler went on the 15-day disabled list with a left abdominal strain. The contract of OF Charlie Blackmon was purchased from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

TWINS: CF Denard Span, the former Tampa Catholic standout, was still feeling dizzy from a home-plate collision Friday with Royals C Brayan Pena and was sent back to Minnesota to be examined.

YANKEES: 1B Mark Teixeira left the game against the Red Sox in the first with a bruised right knee after being hit by a pitch from LHP Jon Lester.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Quintet of Bulls picked in draft

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Times staff, wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Five members of the USF baseball team were selected on the second day of baseball's first-year player draft.

RHP Kevin Quackenbush, a former Jesuit standout, headed the list, going in the eighth round to the Padres. 2B Jonathan Koscso stayed close to home, getting picked in the 29th round by the Rays.

Between them went RHP James Moran (18th, Reds), LHP Juan Carlin (20th, Angels) and RHP Randy Fontanez (27th, Mets).

Florida LHP Alex Panteliodis, RHPs Tommy Toledo and Matt Campbell and 1B/OF Preston Tucker — all of Tampa — were among nine Gators selected. LHP Nick Maronde, RHPs Anthony DeSclafani and Greg Larson, SS Josh Adams and C Ben McMahon were also selected.

Two Alonso grads were taken: Panteliodis in Round 9 by the Mets and Toledo in Round 11 by Milwaukee. Tucker, a Plant alum, was selected by the Rockies in Round 16. Campbell, a Freedom alum, was selected in the 24th round by Philadelphia.

Maronde was a third-round pick by the Angels, and DeSclafani was selected by the Blue Jays in the sixth round.

Adams was selected in Round 13 by the Marlins. McMahon was selected in Round 23 by Milwaukee. And Larson was selected in Round 29 by the Angels.

RHP Shane Riedie was the first of three University of Tampa players selected, going in the 21st round to the Angels. OF Shawn Pleffner went in the 26th round to the Nationals, and 2B Taylor Wrenn went in the 27th to the Reds.

SPJC also produced three draft picks, including 3B Sean Buckley, who went in the sixth round to the Reds. Buckley's father is Cincinnati scouting director Chris Buckley. The Reds also took RHP Jon Matthews in the eighth round, and LHP Brett Lee went in the 10th to the Twins.

Three players were drafted out of Florida State, including first-rounder Sean Gilmartin, a left-hander taken by the Braves at No. 28. CF Michael McGee went in the 15th round to the Mariners and C Rafael Lopez in the 16th to the Cubs.

TWO SUSPENDED: Nationals RHP Jason Marquis and Diamondbacks RHP Esmerling Vasquez were suspended for throwing at hitters last weekend after both teams had been warned. Marquis was penalized five games and Vasquez three, and both were fined. Both pitchers appealed.

A'S: LHP Brett Anderson (sore left elbow) and 2B Mark Ellis (strained right hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list. 2B Jemile Weeks was called up from Triple-A Sacramento.

CARDINALS: RF Allen Craig appeared to injure his right knee when he ran into a barrier trying to catch a foul ball in the first inning.

INDIANS: INF Wes Hodges was released to make room at Triple-A Columbus for former Yankees 1B Nick Johnson.

PHILLIES: SS Jimmy Rollins was diagnosed with a deep bone bruise in his right knee and might be headed to the disabled list. … Closer Brad Lidge, who had been in extended spring training in Clearwater trying to recover from right shoulder soreness, headed back to Philadelphia with elbow soreness.

RED SOX: Closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended three games for bumping home-plate umpire Tony Randazzo during a ninth-inning meltdown Saturday. Papelbon appealed the decision.

ROCKIES: CF Dexter Fowler went on the 15-day disabled list with a left abdominal strain. The contract of OF Charlie Blackmon was purchased from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

TWINS: CF Denard Span, the former Tampa Catholic standout, was still feeling dizzy from a home-plate collision Friday with Royals C Brayan Pena and was sent back to Minnesota to be examined.

YANKEES: 1B Mark Teixeira left the game against the Red Sox in the first with a bruised right knee after being hit by a pitch from LHP Jon Lester.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Braves 1, Marlins 0

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Braves 1, Marlins 0

MIAMI — Tommy Hanson pitched six innings and the Braves won with only two hits, sending the Marlins to their sixth straight loss. Florida's Brad Hand pitched six innings in his big-league debut and allowed just one hit, but it was a homer by Alex Gonzalez leading off the fourth. That was enough against the Marlins, who went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. In the first five games of a homestand, they've stranded 49.

Reds 8, Cubs 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Reds 8, Cubs 2

CINCINNATI — Former Ray Miguel Cairo hit a grand slam to help make Edinson Volquez's return to the majors a success, and the Reds improved to 6-1 against the Cubs this season. Volquez, recalled before the game from Triple-A Louisville, pitched a season-high seven innings and improved to 4-0 in six career starts against Chicago.

Dallas Mavericks beat Miami Heat 86-83 to even NBA Finals at 2-2

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks pulled off another stunning comeback Tuesday, tying the NBA Finals at two games each.

And this time, Nowitzki did it while battling the flu.

Nowitzki shook off three poor quarters to score 10 of his 21 in the final period as the Mavs outscored the Heat 21-9 over the final 10:12 for an 86-83 victory in a memorable Game 4.

The Mavs avoided going down 3-1, a deficit no team has ever overcome in the Finals, and guaranteed the series will return to Miami for Game 6 on Sunday night.

Dwyane Wade, who scored 32 for the Heat, fumbled an inbounds pass with 6.7 seconds left. He knocked the ball back to Mike Miller for a potential tying 3-pointer, but it wasn't close to hitting the rim.

Chris Bosh scored 16 and Wade added 13 as the Heat grabbed a 47-45 halftime lead.

Mario Chalmers gave the Heat the lead by making a runner in the lane with 29 seconds left, capping a 7-2 spurt over the final 1:47 of the half.

Seeking a 3-1 lead, the Heat was getting by with little from LeBron James, who had four points at halftime.

DeShawn Stevenson, coming off the bench after a lineup change, scored 11 for the Mavs, who got nine from Jason Terry and eight from Nowitzki.

Game 4 shaped up as another close one after the past two games were decided by two points, the first time that happened in the Finals since 1998.

Bosh struggled for most of the first three games before hitting the go-ahead jumper with 39 seconds left in Game 3. He got going quickly in this one.

Soon after local product Kelly Clarkson — dressed like most fans in Mavs royal blue — sang the national anthem, Nowitzki made the game's first three baskets to really get the crowd into it. But Bosh answered with two jumpers and a follow shot to quickly get the Heat even.

It was tied at 12 before Terry scored seven straight for the Mavs for a 19-16 lead. He needed a big game to back up some big words.

Shut out by James in the fourth quarters of Games 1 and 3, Terry questioned whether James "can defend me like that for seven games."

"I'm going to tell you this: We will be there in Game 4," Terry said Monday. "I'm ready for the challenge."

So was the Heat, which tied it at 21 after one quarter then opened the second with consecutive baskets by Bosh and a 3-pointer by Miller for a seven-point lead. But the Mavs, who have been fighting from behind all series, refused to fall any further behind.

Stevenson's first of three 3-pointers in the half opened a 14-6 run that gave the Mavs a 38-34 lead on a layup by Shawn Marion, who benefited from the lineup change by getting some extra rest for his defense against James.

With J.J. Barea replacing Stevenson at shooting guard, Stevenson came off the bench to spell Marion at small forward. But Barea, who came into the game shooting 5-of-23 in the Finals, continued to struggle with his shot, including one point-blank miss on a layup attempt.

The Mavs welcomed back reserve center Brendan Haywood after he missed Game 2 with a right hip injury.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

SOCCER

AMERICANS TOP NEIGHBORS 2-0

Jozy AltidoreClint Dempsey

RONALDO FAREWELL:Ronaldo

EURO QUALIFYING:

IRAN CONTROVERSY:Mahmoud Ahmadinejadhijabs

Floyd Mayweather Jr.Victor OrtizShane MosleyAndre Berto

Serena Williams

QUEEN'S CLUB: Five-time champ Andy RoddickFeliciano Lopez

SONY ERICSSON OPEN:Caroline WozniackiIrina Falconi

Sam HornishTravis Kvapil

INDYCAR:Allen McDonaldMike Conway

POLITICS:Carl LewisDawn Marie Addiego

Hawaii closer Lenny Linsky hopes for chance to eventually close games for Tampa Bay Rays

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — To Hawaii junior RHP Lenny Linsky, closing games is a lot like one of his other favorite thrills, surfing.

"It's a huge adrenaline rush," he said. "You're so focused on a short period of time. It's a five-second wave, you're either getting crushed or spit out by the wave. In closing, there's a big burst of adrenaline and energy, too."

Linsky, 21, selected by the Rays in the second round Tuesday (89th overall), hopes to eventually finish games for Tampa Bay. And scouting director R.J. Harrison said that after extensively analyzing the college relievers in the draft, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound Linsky "really separated himself from the rest of the pack."

Linsky boasts a mid 90s fastball that has impressive sink, as well as a strikeout pitch in a slider that can reach 89 mph. He went 1-1 with a 1.30 ERA and 14 saves to lead Hawaii to its first WAC title since 1992, with Harrison saying he is the type of pitcher who could fit in well in the American League East.

"Generally speaking, he has the kind of stuff that can pitch in the later part of the game," Harrison said.

Linsky said he hopes to get a deal with the Rays done as soon as possible. The surfer also loves playing the guitar and drums, having been a part of a heavy metal band in high school before focusing on baseball. When told several Rays, including Evan Longoria, have musical interests, Linsky quipped, "I'd love to jam with them sometime."

ACROSS BRIDGE: The Rays' first pick Tuesday was Palmetto High OF Granden Goetzman (75th overall), whose combination of speed and power has him hoping to fit the mold of his favorite player, Nationals RF Jayson Werth.

"A five-tool player is what I want to be and work for," he said.

Harrison said the Rays plan to expose Goetzman to all three outfield spots, and the Florida Gulf Coast commitment said he plans to sign.

FOR SHORT: Though Tampa Bay picked seven shortstops in the first two days of the draft, Harrison pointed out that many could get moved around.

"You see it on our big-league club, we have a lot of versatility and we expose our young players to a lot of that," Harrison said. "With just a few exceptions, (Tim) Beckham and (Hak-Ju Lee), those guys are shortstops exclusively, but most of our position players and a bunch of these guys will get exposed to playing all around the infield."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.


Party time in St. Petersburg for Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon

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John Romano, Times Columnist
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The finish line is in sight, and the world famous IndyCar driver is refusing to budge. Not when there is another poster to sign. Another photo to take. Another fan dying to say they shook the hand of the man.

This was Dan Wheldon's day, and that's not a figure of speech. The city of St. Petersburg hosted a celebration late Tuesday afternoon and issued a proclamation naming the day in honor of last week's Indianapolis 500 winner.

So, long after the politicians have left and the beer vendors at Jannus Live have shut down, Wheldon sticks around. His handlers forever seem ready to whisk him away, but he continues smiling, talking, signing, hugging and charming a crowd.

There is something ludicrous, and yet completely natural about the scene. In an era when millionaire athletes hide behind tinted windows and entourages, Wheldon is a throwback to forgotten days. To a time when wide receivers and third basemen were also neighbors.

And, since 2005, St. Petersburg has been Wheldon's chosen neighborhood. Specifically overlooking Coffee Pot Bayou in Snell Isle. This is where he and his wife, Susie, take their two boys for walks in strollers. Where he hits up Einstein Bros. Bagels and Starbucks.

This is where a 32-year-old — technically unemployed — driver from England became a favorite son in a city that few other athletes seem eager to embrace.

"I almost feel like I have, other than my family in England, more ties to St. Pete than anywhere else," Wheldon said Tuesday evening after finally sitting down in a suite above Jannus Live. "This is where my American career kick-started. It was the first place I sort of fell in love with. It's where my family started.

"The people here, whether it be friends in the street or restaurants or bagel places or coffee shops, they're just very friendly. And if they want to introduce themselves and say hello, I'm absolutely okay with that."

Wheldon is getting a lot more of that these days after getting the checkered flag on the grandest stage in racing for the second time in his career.

The victory may well have been the most improbable in the 100-year history of the Indianapolis 500. It's not just that race leader J.R. Hildebrand crashed on the final turn, or that Wheldon was the first driver to win the race while leading only a single lap.

It was that it was Wheldon's first — and potentially final — race of the season after refusing to sign contracts with teams he felt were not competitive enough.

This was a one-shot deal with former teammate Bryan Herta's fledging team, and so the Indianapolis 500 winner will be holding a TV microphone instead of a steering wheel when the series resumes this weekend in Texas.

Wheldon said he had two offers for cars for Saturday's race in Fort Worth, but declined because he didn't think he would have a chance to win.

After winning the series championship in 2005, and finishing in the top four in points for five consecutive seasons, Wheldon's stock slipped when he jumped to a new race team in 2009. He was hoping to get a ride with one of the three major teams in 2011, but decided to remain on the sidelines when that opportunity did not come along.

"I've been at peace with the situation because I'm the one who declined certain situations. It's my fault that I'm not in a car," Wheldon said. "I had a tough couple of years, and I've been part of two of the three big teams before, and I wanted to get myself back in one of those seats. That didn't seem to be the case.

"I'm lucky because my management has done a very good job putting me in a position where I don't have to drive for money. It's about being selective. So if I feel I can be competitive, then I'll do it. If not, I won't."

Instead, Wheldon is back to being the world's busiest unemployed driver.

Since his victory, he has gone to New York twice, including an appearance with David Letterman, and he flew to Texas to promote Saturday's race.

He returned home Tuesday and spent time catching up with Grand Prix of St. Petersburg general manager Tim Ramsberger before the city celebration, but leaves for Nashville today, where he will be a presenter at the CMT Music Awards.

After that, it's back to Texas where he will work the broadcast booth for Versus, and then he's off to England early next week for a business trip.

The line at Starbucks might be a little shorter next week, but you can always count on Wheldon to come back for more.

"I have this conversation with people all the time," said St. Petersburg council member Bill Dudley, who lives nearby. "I say, 'You know we have an Indy 500 winner here.' And they say, 'Really, here in St. Pete?' I say, 'No, right here in our neighborhood. You see the house over there? The guy always walking the baby in the stroller? That's him.'

"But he's such a regular guy, you wouldn't know it. He's so down to earth. Really, he couldn't be any nicer any time you run into him."

After all, this is his home.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Rays: James Shields hoping to avoid bug; George Hendrick enjoys honor, in silence

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rays at Angels

When/where: 10:05 tonight; Angel Stadium, Anaheim

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers

RAYS: RH James Shields (5-4, 2.77)

ANGELS: RH Jered Weaver (7-4, 2.14)

Watch for …

Big-Game James: Shields is coming off his worst start, allowing eight runs (seven earned) while lasting only four innings at Seattle, ending a streak of nine quality starts. He is 5-3, 2.93 in 10 starts vs. the Angels but 1-2, 6.30 in three in Anaheim.

Dream-weaver: Weaver started 6-0, went all of May without a win, then beat the Yankees on Friday. He usually has his way with the Rays, compiling a 4-1, 2.27 mark in six starts and allowing them only a .191 average.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Weaver

Johnny Damon 6-for-33

Evan Longoria 3-for-8

B.J. Upton 3-for-14

Angels vs. Shields

Bobby Abreu 8-for-28, HR

Torii Hunter 6-for-25

Howie Kendrick 11-for-18

On deck

Thursday: Off

Friday: at Orioles, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (7-3, 2.64); O's — Jake Arrieta (7-3, 4.93)

Saturday: at Orioles, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (6-5, 3.52); O's — Jeremy Guthrie (2-8, 3.71)

Sunday: at Orioles, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (4-5, 4.71); O's — Brian Matusz (1-0, 2.45)



Hopeful quote of the day

"I don't what it is, but whatever it is, I don't want it."

RHP James Shields on the stomach ailment affecting the team.

Silent honor of the day

1B coach (Silent) George Hendrick wouldn't talk about it, of course, but Rays manager Joe Maddon was sure he felt honored to throw out the first pitch Tuesday as part of the Angels' 50th anniversary season celebration. "I really believe that he's really enjoying this moment," Maddon said. "I think deep down he's pleased with the respect being shown to him in this manner." Hendrick played for the Angels 1985-88 and coached 1998-99.

Tampa Bay Rays' first-round pick remains silent amid questions about past

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — When it comes to the Rays' first first-round pick, right-hander Taylor Guerrieri, few debate his power arm and potential.

In that sense, the fact that the Spring Valley High (S.C.) senior — who was ranked the 10th best overall player in the draft by Baseball America — fell to Tampa Bay at No. 24 overall drew plenty of excitement.

"The talent is really good," Rays scouting director R.J. Harrison said. "I mean, really good."

But what has raised some questions is why, exactly, Guerrieri dropped in the draft, and there have been some rumored issues with maturity and makeup. And the fact that he has been silent since Monday's selection, not speaking to the media like other first-rounders do, further fueled speculation.

Guerrieri told his hometown paper, The State (Columbia, S.C.), that his advisers instructed him not to conduct interviews. He did speak to a Rays area scout Monday night, and Harrison plans to meet with Guerrieri and his family next week to emphasize the importance of getting a deal done.

Harrison isn't concerned about Guerrieri, saying the rumored off-the-field issues were based on a lot of "misinformation" and "blown out of proportion."

"In our business or any business, especially now that there's more media involved … if a kid has some sort of hiccup, rumors start, things start spreading around," Harrison said. "Sometimes (teams) just choose to back away from it. But this guy has got really good ability. … Look, it's life. Sometimes (stuff) happens. We weren't run off by it. …

"And I think because of the fact the kid switched schools his senior year and stuff like that, people start to make more out of it than what it is."

Guerrieri did change schools in late October of his senior year, going from North Augusta to Spring Valley as his family moved to Columbia. Though details are fuzzy, North Augusta assistant coach Vic Radcliff said Guerrieri transferred partly to be close to the University of South Carolina, where he was committed. Guerrieri also was familiar with an assistant coach at Spring Valley, Collin Liggett. The Aiken County School District confirmed it was a legit transfer, and Radcliff said there were "no hard feelings."

Radcliff did indicate that there was some growing up Guerrieri needed to do, though he declined to get into specifics.

"Kids get into things, and Taylor is no different," Radcliff said. "What is glaring above all is he's passionate about baseball, and playing major-league baseball is something he has always talked about, a dream of his. I think he's got a good supporting cast with his parents, they stay on him.

"I just think that with professional sports, there are temptations out there … especially for a young kid who hasn't been exposed to that kind of thing before. I talked to a couple of scouts, everyone is on the same page. They just need to keep a good watch on him and make sure they help him make good decisions."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Rays minor-league coach Bill Moloney recovering from shooting

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Double-A pitching coach Bill Moloney is recovering after being shot in the thigh during a mugging at his Montgomery, Ala., apartment after Monday's game.

Moloney, 56, was said to be resting relatively comfortably though on crutches as the bullet went cleanly through his left leg. He also received six stitches to close a gash above his left eye as the assailants got all of $20.

"He's got some pain — obviously, that's to be expected — but he feels good," Biscuits manager Billy Gardner Jr. said before Tuesday's game.

Moloney is expected to return to the dugout when he feels up to it, perhaps within a week, with roving coordinator Dick Bosman, who was already in Montgomery on assignment, filling in.

"He needs to take it at his pace. He knows better than anybody how he feels," Gardner said. "It will be his decision. The good thing is he's doing good."

Moloney is in his second season with the Biscuits and fifth in the Rays organization.

Police said two unknown people approached Moloney, produced a handgun and demanded property, the Montgomery Advertiser reported. Moloney was struck with the handgun and shot once in the upper thigh before the subjects fled.

In a statement, the Rays said: "Bill is in good spirits and resting comfortably at his home in Montgomery and hopes to return to the Biscuits soon."

Moloney and other Biscuits coaches were already planning to move from the east Montgomery apartment complex before the incident.

FLU CREW: Most of the Rays affected by the stomach flu were feeling better Tuesday except for 3B Evan Longoria, who also had a fever in excess of 100 and was on an IV pregame to replace fluids.

"None of these other guys have really run a fever, that's the odd part about it," manager Joe Maddon said.

CF B.J. Upton and RHP Adam Russell returned to active duty after sitting out Monday. 1B Casey Kotchman and 3B Sean Rodriguez played through it Monday, though Rodriguez was so sick he threw up during the game (though not on the field).

Despite being shorthanded, the Rays won 5-1, primarily due to a strong start by LHP David Price and three RBIs from CF Justin Ruggiano, who replaced Upton. If they needed reinforcements, Maddon had the other starters and reliever Andy Sonnanstine in cleats and on call.

STARRY-EYED: Longoria, the elected starter in 2009-10, continues to run a distant third with 939,549 votes in the latest AL All-Star balloting update, trailing Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez (1,515,188) and Texas' Adrian Beltre 1,224,381. 2B Ben Zobrist (518,942) and DH Johnny Damon (544,421) rank fifth at their positions, OF Matt Joyce 14th (497,847) and Sam Fuld 15th (433,784). Voting continues through June 24 in stadiums and June 30 online. … Maddon said if RHP James Shields, who takes a 5-4, 2.77 mark into tonight's start, maintains his performance, he "definitely should belong on the All-Star team."

REHAB REPORT: INF Elliot Johnson won't come off the DL today when eligible but could be back by the weekend after testing his sprained left knee in a rehab stint Thursday-Friday for Triple-A Durham. … RHP Jeff Niemann (lower back strain) makes the second of his three scheduled rehab starts tonight for Durham, on schedule to rejoin the Rays on June 18.

MINOR MATTERS: INF Derek Dietrich, a 2010 second-round pick, was one of four Bowling Green Hot Rods named to the Class A Midwest League All-Star Game, joining INF Phil Wunderlich, LHPs C.J. Riefenhauser and RHP Eliazer Suero. … Montgomery RHP Joe Cruz (shoulder) went on the DL. Biscuits LHP Matt Moore and Class A Charlotte LHP Kyle Lobstein were named league pitchers of the week in their leagues.

MISCELLANY: Damon extended his streak of reaching base to 33 games, four shy of Ben Grieve's 2001 team mark. … Shields, who grew up in Southern California, rented a suite for his family to watch tonight's game. … Joyce went into play again leading the majors in hitting at .348.

White Sox 5, Mariners 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

White Sox 5, Mariners 1

CHICAGO — Paul Konerko and Carlos Quentin homered, and Phil Humber held Seattle's offense in check to help the White Sox win. Konerko's solo shot in the second inning off Seattle ace Felix Hernandez was his second in as many days and fourth in six games and also marked the 1,000th run of his career. Quentin's two-run shot off the bottom of the leftfield foul pole came in a four-run third. Chicago has won a club-record 10 straight home games against Seattle.

UF kept in check as Arizona St. wins title

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

OKLAHOMA CITY — Katelyn Boyd and freshman Alix Johnson each drove in three runs, Annie Lockwood homered and Arizona State beat Florida 7-2 Tuesday night to win its second NCAA softball championship in four years.

The top-seeded Sun Devils (60-6) holdovers from their first Women's College World Series title in 2008 and some key freshmen to continue the Pac-10's dominance of the event. The conference has won 23 of the 29 championships, including six in a row. The SEC has never won the title.

"It's so hard to win one. To have the opportunity to win two, that's just plain special," coach Clint Myers said after a two-game sweep of the Gators. "You get into an elite group."

Florida (56-13) switched back from freshman pitcher Hannah Rogers to senior Stephanie Brombacher, and got out to a 1-0 lead when Michelle Moultrie doubled and scored on Brittany Schutte's sacrifice fly in the first.

Arizona State quickly answered in the second.

Brombacher forced in a run by walking Johnson, and Boyd added a two-run single to right field to put the Sun Devils ahead to stay. Johnson blooped in a two-run single to right in the third, and Boyd tacked on an RBI single to right in the fifth.

Vols AD resigns

Tennessee athletic director Mike Hamilton announced he decided to resign so the Volunteers would have a "clean slate" when they go before the NCAA's Committee on Infractions later in the week.

Hamilton, who has been at the helm of Tennessee men's athletics for eight seasons, said it was both a personal decision and one that he hoped would help reunite the Vols fan base.

During a three-year period, Hamilton fired a popular coach, hired a controversial one and now the athletic department faces 12 NCAA infractions against the football and basketball programs.

"The last several years at UT have been marked by turmoil, fractures and the development of camps. This is not healthy, nor is it productive for our university," Hamilton said. "During the last three months in particular, I myself have become a lightning rod for negative attention."

He is receiving a buyout of $1.3 million over three years. Hamilton will join UT-Knoxville chancellor Jimmy Cheek, former Vols and current Southern California football coach Lane Kiffin and former basketball coach Bruce Pearl and other Tennessee representatives to respond to the NCAA's charges Saturday in Indianapolis.

Hamilton first drew criticism from fans in 2008 when he fired Phillip Fulmer, who had led the Vols to a national title a decade earlier, before the football season had ended. He replaced Fulmer with Kiffin, who bolted after one season, leaving the program coping with violations in his wake.

BCS sets bowl dates

The Bowl Championship Series has chosen dates for its five bowl games in an effort to avoid conflicts that could arise because of the NFL lockout, with flexibility to move the title game.

While the BCS title game in New Orleans remains scheduled for Jan. 9, a Monday night, it could be moved to Jan. 7 or 10.

BCS executive director Bill Hancock said the mostly midweek dates were chosen in case the lockout causes the NFL schedule to be pushed back. He said the Rose Bowl, which is not played in an NFL stadium, will be played Jan. 2. The Sugar Bowl will be played Jan. 3, a Tuesday, then the Orange Bowl on Jan. 4 and the Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 5.

'Noles to host Aggies

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Krey Bratsen's RBI single broke a scoreless tie in the eighth inning and Texas A&M beat Arizona 3-0 to reach the baseball super region, where it will meet FSU in Tallahassee. Game 1 is at 4:30 Saturday.

A day after rain and lightning caused a postponement, the Aggies (45-19) won the College Station region.

women's basketball: Brooke Wyckoff, a standout forward for FSU from 1997 to 2001, was hired as an assistant coach. She replaces Cori Close, who became UCLA coach in April.

Red Sox 6, Yankees 4

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

NEW YORK — David Ortiz hit a two-run homer and Jonathan Papelbon labored through the ninth inning to earn his 200th save, leading the Red Sox over the Yankees 6-4 on Tuesday night.

Jacoby Ellsbury led off the game with a home run and Adrian Gonzalez hit an RBI triple as Boston roughed up Freddy Garcia early to move within two percentage points of first-place New York in the AL East.

Derek Jeter had two hits to move within 12 of 3,000. He entered the 10-game homestand with 2,986 and said the most pressure he feels in his march toward the milestone is reaching the mark at Yankee Stadium.

Working on seven days' rest, Boston starter Jon Lester had only one perfect inning, his sixth and final one, but he still helped the Red Sox win for the 17th time in 23 games. That run started in the Bronx on May 13, the first day of a three-game sweep of the Yankees. Boston has beaten New York in six of seven meetings this season.


Tampa Bay Rays starter James Shields hoping to bounce back from worst start of season

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Tonight is another homecoming for Rays right-hander James Shields, who grew up not too far from Angel Stadium. He likes pitching there despite mixed results in his three previous starts. He'll have enough family and friends on hand for his fourth tonight that he rented a suite so they'd be more comfortable.

But the most important thing on his mind is the bottom line, bouncing back from the worst start in his otherwise splendid season last week in Seattle.

"Obviously after my last game I need to get back in gear here," he said. "I had a really good bullpen session with (pitching coach Jim Hickey) working on some things in there to get my (delivery) line back in order, and I'm feeling good, ready to go."

Shields didn't think his last outing was really that bad, that the difference of making one better pitch, and getting a double-play grounder, could have kept Seattle to one run in the second instead of five and changed the entire outcome.

"I was one pitch away," he said. "Sometimes that happens."

He ended up working only four innings, allowing eight runs (seven earned) including four home runs, as his ERA rose from 2.15 to 2.77.

Shields (5-4) had been remarkably consistent in an impressive bounceback season, running off a string of nine quality starts (six or more innings, three or fewer runs) before Thursday's game.

"I definitely want to be back out there, that's for sure," he said. "Anytime you have a rough outing you have five days to thinking about, and this time I had six to think about it."

Shields said he didn't need any major adjustments, he just needed to fine-tune his delivery, which he compacted in spring training and is considered a big reason for his success.

"A better line to home, that's about it," Shields said. "Just staying in my delivery. It's worked out pretty well. I'm just trying to stay consistent."

Manager Joe Maddon said he feels Shields is worthy of a place on the AL All-Star team if he can maintain what he's doing. Shields would very much like the honor for the first time in his career but said he isn't concerning himself with it.

"We've got a little ways to go to the All-Star Game," he said. "I'm not thinking about that, I'm thinking about pitching my next game. … Obviously it's every ballplayer's dream to go play in an All-Star Game. But I'm focused on winning games for my team. That's all I care about."

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

Tampa Bay Rays win second straight for first time in nearly a month, 4-1 over Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Rays were feeling better Tuesday afternoon, the worst of the stomach flu that had been ravaging them seeming to have passed. The good feeling continued Tuesday night as they beat the Angels 4-1 to score back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly a month and, just to be careful, celebrated by bumping elbows rather than slapping hands.

"I kind of like it,'' Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "The fist bump is a lot more hygenic than the good old-fashioned hand shake, but if you want to take it to the next level I believe the elbow is next.''

Rookie Alex Cobb earned his first big-league victory (and the ensuing beer shower) by pitching into the seventh as the Rays scored early and added on late, and J.P. Howell savored some redemption by getting the first two of the eight outs recorded by the bullpen.

The Rays hadn't had a winning streak in nearly a month, since taking three straight May 11-13 to move a season-high eight games over .500 at 23-15. They're 9-14 since and didn't win even two in a row until Tuesday, as they improved to 32-29 and got back within 2½ games of first place.

Cobb showed he can do a pretty good job against the Angels when they don't know what's coming.

"It felt a little bit more fair tonight,'' he said.

When the 23-year-old right-hander made his major-league debut against the Angels on May 1 at Tropicana Field, the Rays noticed early on that something was amiss. The Angels seemed to know whether Cobb was throwing a fastball or an off-speed pitch, and either took more aggressive swings or laid off accordingly, chasing him after four runs in 41/3 innings. Video showed that the tipoff was coming from how Cobb held his glove, and he went back to Triple A (as planned) to work on correcting the problem.

The Rays felt he did, with no signs of concern when he was recalled to start against Texas on May 31, but Tuesday was a better test, and he passed it well.

"He was outstanding,'' Maddon said. "That's two good games in a row for him.''

Cobb shut the Angels out into the sixth, escaping a shaky first inning in which he allowed three singles (two which didn't leave the infield), then retiring 14 of the next 15. Howie Kendrick knocked a ball into the rightfield corner for a one-out double in the sixth then scored on a two-out single by Torii Hunter.

He left in the seventh due to a mess that wasn't all his doing, as Mark Trumbo laced a ball to right-center and Upton allowed it to go under his glove, with Trumbo ending up at third. Cobb got Vernon Wells to pop out, then Howell came on and made up for Sunday's implosion, striking out pinch-hitter Maicer Izturis and Hank Conger.

Joel Peralta, who allowed homers Saturday and Sunday in Seattle, redeemed himself as well, with a 1-2-3 eighth inning, and Kyle Farnsworth finished for his 12th save in 13 opportunities.

Cobb had good command of his fastball early, but needed a couple innings to realize he was forcing his curveball and changeup rather than just throwing it. He ended up allowing the one run and seven hits with three strikeouts and no walks.

By the end of the night, he was standing in the shower in the visiting clubhouse with his teammates pouring ice cold Budweiser and Coors beer over his head. "We beer-jumped him, and good,'' Howell said.

After getting cleaned up (strawberry shampoo helped with the beer smell), Cobb said it still hadn't hit him that he had a big-league victory.

"It's surreal,'' he said. "I don't think I've even had time to comprehend it after that shower I just had. It really hasn't sunk in yet. It's awesome to know it will bring a lot of joy to my family. ... That makes me really happy.''

Cobb plans to give the game ball to his father, Rick, who will be in Detroit for his next start on Monday.

Howell was down over his eighth-inning failure led to a loss Sunday, but employed a little mind game to boost his confidence when he got his next chance.

"I just wanted to act like I was dominating the whole time and I can trick myself into believing that, and I did,'' he said. "It feels a little better than it did in Seattle. But that's just one, one of many I hope.''

Peralta, who followed Howell Sunday and gave up the game-losing homer, also felt better with his performance.

"The difference today was that I was working ahead in the count,'' he said. "It feels great to be out there and help the team.''

The Rays built an early 3-0 lead, scoring in the first, third and fourth innings.

DH Johnny Damon got them started, driving Dan Haren's fourth pitch deep into the left-center gap for a triple then scoring on Ben Zobrist's groundout.

Upton, one of the Rays unable to play Monday due to the stomach flu going around the clubhouse, made it 2-0 with a two-out homer in the third, his eighth of the season.

Damon delivered the third run with a two-out double in the fourth, scoring John Jaso who singled and moved up on Sean Rodriguez's bunt and Reid Brignac's fly ball.

They added to the lead in the eighth with a two-out rally, as former Angel Casey Kotchman doubled, then Justin Ruggiano and Jaso - who also had a good night behing the plate blocking pitches — followed with singles.

For the most part, the Rays were over the stomach issues, with only third baseman Evan Longoria (and strength and conditioning coach Kevin Barr) sidelined Tuesday.

"It was pretty severe (Monday)," Maddon said. "There were a lot of guys feeling really rugged before that game."

Tuesday night, they were feeling better — and bumping elbows. "I do think the elbow has its place in the game,'' Maddon said. "The "Bow.''

"I guess,'' Howell said, "we need to do that.''

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

Tampa Bay Rays' draft picks

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Times staff
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Rays draft picks

Pick Player Pos. School

1/24 Taylor Guerrieri RHP Spring Valley HS(S.C.)

1/31 Mikie Mahtook OF Louisiana State

1/32 Jake Hager SS Sierra Vista HS (Las Vegas)

1s/38 Brandon Martin SS Santiago HS

1s/41 Tyler Goeddel 3B Saint Francis HS (Calif.)

1s/42 Jeff Ames RHP Lower Columbia (Wash.) JC

1s/52 Blake Snell LHP Shorewood HS (Wash.)

1s/56 Kes Carter OF Western Kentucky

1s/59 Grayson Garvin LHP Vanderbilt

1s/60 James Harris OF Oakland Technical HS

2/75 Granden Goetzman OF Palmetto HS

2/89 Lenny Linsky RHP U. of Hawaii

3/119 Johnny Eierman SS Warsaw HS (Mo.)

4/150 Riccio Torrez 3B Arizona State

5/180 Jonathan Davis 3B Elk Grove HS (Calif.)

6/210 Christopher Floethe RHP Cal State-Fullerton

7/240 Ryan Carpenter LHP Gonzaga

8/270 John Alexander 1B Glendora HS (Calif.)

9/300 James Rice C Western Kentucky

10/330 Jacob Faria RHP Gahr HS (Calif.)

11/360 Cameron Seitzer 1B Oklahoma

12/390 Trevor Mitsui 1B Shorewood HS(Wash.)

13/420 Tanner English OF St. James HS (S.C.)

14/450 Matt Young OF Compton CC (Calif.)

15/480 Tyler Parmenter SS Cibola HS (Ariz.)

16/510 Brett McAfee SS Pine Tree HS (Texas)

17/540 Taylor Motter SS Coastal Carolina

18/570 Andy Bass RHP Davidson

19/600 Matthew Ramsey RHP Tennessee

20/630 Garrett Smith SS Boston College

21/660 Ryan Terry 3B Monmouth

22/690 Brad Hendrix RHP Auburn

23/720 Matthew Johnson CF Arkansas Tech

24/750 Charles Cononie RHP Towson

25/780 Brooks Belter RHP Occidental

26/810 Raymond Church 2B Florida Atlantic

27/840 Lucas Irvine RHP Northwestern St.

28/870 Blake Grant-Parks C Yuba City (Calif.) HS

29/900 Jonathan Koscso 2B South Florida

30/930 Chris Burgess RHP Black Hawk (Ill.) JC

Blue Jays 8, Royals 5

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Blue Jays 8, Royals 5

KANSAS CITY — Adam Lind hit a two-run homer to spark a three-run first inning and drove in another run with a sacrifice fly in the fifth to make it 6-2 for the Blue Jays. The Royals rallied to get within 6-5 but the Toronto bullpen put together 32/3 shutout innings to preserve the victory for starter Kyle Drabek. J.P. Arencibia also hit a two-run homer for the Blue Jays, in the eighth inning.

Mets 2, Brewers 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Mets 2, Brewers 1

MILWAUKEE — Jose Reyes hit a two-run triple to give the Mets the lead in the seventh. Reyes' hit off reliever Marco Estrada wasted an impressive six innings by the Brewers' Shaun Marcum. Prince Fielder homered to give the Milwaukee the lead in the sixth, the only big mistake by New York starter Chris Capuano, a former longtime Brewer.

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