Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

TAMPA — When FC Tampa Bay takes the field Saturday at North American Soccer League-leading Carolina, the team will try to accomplish something it has yet to do in three tries: Win on the road.

Not that Tampa Bay hasn't threatened to pick up the full share of three points away from Al Lang Field. In fact, coach Ricky Hill insists the team's best effort this season, home or away, came in a scoreless draw at Montreal on April 23.

"As a team, we looked very solid, very compact, very organized," Hill said of that third game of the season. "We looked like a very effective, efficient team. I haven't seen that since."

On its last road trip, Tampa Bay tied Minnesota before suffering its worst defeat, 4-0 at Edmonton. Tampa Bay is 0-1-2 away from home.

Tampa Bay has two opportunities coming up to pick up that first road victory. After Saturday's Carolina game, the team travels to Fort Lauderdale on June 29 to make up a game that was rained out.

And Tampa Bay is as healthy as it has been in recent weeks. Midfielder Chad Burt (right foot) has been involved more at practice this week and hasn't been ruled out for Saturday's game. Defender J.P. Rodrigues (right knee) is targeting a return against Fort Lauderdale. The only other notable injury is to Takuya Yamada (groin), and his status for Saturday is unknown.

Kickin' it with | GK Evan Newton

Newton, a 23-year-old native of Virginia Beach, joined Tampa Bay on loan from MLS' Houston Dynamo on May 5.

Having grown up around the beach, you're kind of in your element here in Tampa aren't you?

Houston's great. I love it there. It'll be nice to go back. But, first impression, it feels more homey here. It's a beach environment. It's a little bit more like home. It's nice.

As a player on loan, do you feel almost in limbo between Tampa Bay and Houston?

It's been a tough year, to be honest, so far. You're just coming into a MLS team and you're working hard and you're not getting a lot of time to show yourself. But you just keep working. Here, it's an opportunity, but you've still got to wait it out because they have Jeff (Attinella), who they need to give some time to for the organization to build. You work hard and you try to prove yourself everyday, and hopefully when your time comes, you're ready to show yourself.

Name one thing on your bucket list.

When I'm done playing soccer, which, God willing, is a long time from now, I want to try out for the Washington Redskins as a kicker, see if I can make it. I've kicked field goals for fun. I think with a little bit of practice, I can be good. It hasn't been too hard when I've done it.

Out of the box

Tampa Bay defender Omar Jarun will be absent for nearly three weeks as he looks to help the Palestinian national team qualify for the World Cup.

Jarun, who says he is fully healthy from a knee injury that sidelined him recently, flies to Jordan on Friday to start training. The Palestinian national team plays Afghanistan in Tajikistan on June 29 before hosting Afghanistan on July 3. The winner of the home-and-away series will play Thailand at the end of July.

Jarun will return to Tampa Bay on July 4 but likely won't be available for the team's rivalry match vs. Fort Lauderdale at Al Lang Field. That means Jarun, who hasn't played since a 3-0 victory over Montreal on May 21, will be out at least three more games.

Ambersley honored

Tampa Bay forward Mike Ambersley was tabbed by the NASL as its Offensive Player of the Week after scoring two goals against Atlanta on Saturday. Tampa Bay's leading goal scorer has three in his past two games and is tied for second in the NASL with five.

Bolton tickets on sale

Tickets for FC Tampa Bay's international friendly against Bolton will go on sale Friday at 9 a.m. Call (813) 287-1539 or visit fctampabay.com. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. July 14 at Al Lang Field.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

By RODNEY PAGE

Michael Barbosa didn't get much of a chance to see the U.S. Open last year. He was in Gulfport at the Stetson University law library cramming for the bar exam while the world's best golfers gathered at Pebble Beach.

This year, Barbosa will be right there with them at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md.

The St. Petersburg native and Stetson law school graduate earned a spot in the U.S. Open when he shot a 68-73--141 and survived a three-man playoff during sectional qualifying at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach on June 6. Barbosa, 28, was the only amateur of the three qualifiers from Quail Valley. He tees off today at 9:01 a.m. with amateur Bud Cauley and Adam Long on the 10th hole.

"I was laughing with one of my law school friends earlier about how we were stuck in the library this time last year,'' said Barbosa, who works in financial services when he's not playing golf. "We weren't playing any golf. Then this year, look what happens. Only in America.''

Barbosa isn't some hack who found lightning in a bottle. He was an accomplished junior player and attended Bradenton St. Stephens High School and the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy. He played college golf at Georgia Tech before returning to St. Petersburg to attend Stetson Law School in Gulfport.

He continued to play in competitive amateur tournaments and qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship in 2008. He plays regularly at the Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg and Old Memorial in Tampa.

"I wouldn't have teed it up if I didn't think it was possible,'' Barbosa said. "I knew I had enough game to do it. But at the same time, it's one thing to have the ability and actually doing it. To execute it feels great.''

Executing it meant fighting nerves. In the qualifying event, there were three players in the playoff for two spots. The highest score on the hole meant coming within a shot of your dream. Barbosa bogied the playoff hole, but Andres Echavarria of Colombia double-bogied. Barbosa was in.

Professionals Joey Lamielle and Sam Saunders, grandson of Arnold Palmer, also qualified.

"I was very nervous,'' he said. "You know what you're playing for. It's no secret. I was just elated.''

As soon as he made it, Barbosa's mind began to race. He had to make travel arrangements, cancel work for a week, tell his college friends.

He was playing in the U.S. Open.

"It's something you dream about but for it to come true is pretty cool,'' Barbosa said. "I had a lot of e-mails and calls to return. I did a lot of that afterwards and the next day.''

Barbosa has realistic expectations. He knows winning the tournament would be one of the biggest Cinderella stories in U.S. Open history. His goal is to not only play well, but also to enjoy the week.

"It's the U.S. Open so I definitely want to take in the experience,'' Barbosa said. "I'll be playing against all the guys that I've watched on TV. There'll be a lot of the legends in the game there. I've been fortunate enough to play with some great players before so I'll know some players there. At the same time, it's the U.S. Open so it's not something that I've done before. I'm going to make sure I take it all in and enjoy it. It'll be fun.

"The biggest thing is to stay in the present and as relaxed as possible. I was talking to a friend of mine from Georgia Tech who played in it last year and he said pretty much every hole is like the 18th hole at a Tour event because there's so many people out there. That will take some getting used to. But that's what practice rounds are for.''

And what if Barbosa makes the cut and plays well on the weekend? Will he consider a future in professional golf?

"Absolutely not,'' he said. "I'll be an amateur forever.''

Other locals

There are four other players in the tournament with ties to the Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton. Cheng-Tsung Pan, Ty Tryon, Christo Greyling and Peter Uihlein all made it into the field. Tsung Pan, Tryon and Greyling made it through sectional qualifying while Uihlein is in the field after winning the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Tim Petrovic of Dade City is also in the field. Petrovic has played in 17 tournaments this year, has two top 25 finishes and has earned $254,743. He earned his U.S. Open berth by surviving a 36 hole sectional tournament.

Happy Birthday, Phil

Today is Phil Mickelson's 41st birthday, and he would like nothing more than a U.S. Open championship. Mickelson has finished second a record five times in the U.S. Open, but he believes there is a win in there somewhere. "I love this tournament," Mickelson told the media this week. "I really believe that I can win it. But just as when I was trying to win my first major (the 2004 Masters), if you focus so much on the result, sometimes you can get in your own way.'' Mickelson has won four majors, the last being the 2010 Masters. The last time the U.S. Open was played at Congressional Country Club, he tied for 43rd. This year Mickelson has been solid, but not great. He won the Houston Open, but followed that with a tie for 27th in the Masters. And this year he won't have his rival, Tiger Woods, to motivate him. Woods is out with knee and Achilles problems. "I've always felt that Tiger has helped bring out some of my best golf over the years," Mickelson said. "And even though my record against him may not be the best, it's helped me achieve a higher level that I may not have achieved had he not been pushing me.

"So the challenge now without him playing his best or even competing like he's not this week is pushing myself to achieve a level of play that is in there without him forcing me to do so. So in that sense it might be a little bit more difficult."

He's not Tiger

Michael Whitehead, a recent graduate from Rice University in Houston, is in the U.S. Open because Tiger Woods is not. Whitehead tried to qualify through a sectional tournament, but wound up being an alternate. When Woods withdrew, USGA officials called him and invited him into the field. "Everybody keeps calling me Tiger's replacement," Whitehead said. "I walk around the golf course: 'Tiger's replacement.' I'm not Tiger's replacement, I'm just the guy that got in when Tiger withdrew. Yeah, Woods and Whitehead in the same article. I'm glad he listened to his doctor this time."

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

The St. Petersburg native and Stetson law school graduate earned a spot in the year's second major when he shot 68-73—141 and survived a three-man playoff during sectional qualifying at Quail Valley Golf Club in Vero Beach on June 6.

Barbosa, 28, was the only amateur of the three qualifiers from Quail Valley. He tees off at 9:01 a.m. today on the 10th hole with Bud Cauley, making his pro debut, and Adam Long.

"I was laughing with one of my law school friends earlier about how we were stuck in the library this time last year," said Barbosa, who works in financial services when he's not playing golf. "We weren't playing any golf. Then this year, look what happens. Only in America."

Barbosa was an accomplished junior player and attended Bradenton St. Stephens High School and the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy. He played college golf at Georgia Tech before returning to St. Petersburg to attend Stetson's law school in Gulfport.

He continued to play in amateur tournaments and qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur championship in 2008. He plays regularly at the Renaissance Vinoy in St. Petersburg and Old Memorial in Tampa.

"I wouldn't have teed it up if I didn't think it was possible," Barbosa said of qualifying for the U.S. Open. "I knew I had enough game to do it. But at the same time, it's one thing to have the ability and (another to be) actually doing it. To execute it feels great."

Executing it meant fighting nerves. In the qualifying event, three players were in the playoff for two spots. Sam Saunders, grandson of Arnold Palmer, made par on the playoff hole, and Barbosa bogeyed it. Andres Echavarria of Colombia double-bogeyed, so Barbosa was in.

Professional Joey Lamielle also qualified.

"I was very nervous," Barbosa said. "You know what you're playing for. It's no secret. I was just elated."

As soon as he made it, Barbosa's mind began to race. He had to make travel arrangements, cancel work for a week, tell his college friends.

"It's something you dream about, but for it to come true is pretty cool," Barbosa said. "I had a lot of e-mails and calls to return. I did a lot of that afterwards and the next day."

Barbosa has realistic expectations. He knows winning the tournament would be one of the biggest Cinderella stories in U.S. Open history. His goals are to play well and enjoy the week.

"It's the U.S. Open, so I definitely want to take in the experience," Barbosa said. "I'll be playing against all the guys that I've watched on TV. There'll be a lot of the legends in the game there. I've been fortunate enough to play with some great players before, so I'll know some players there. At the same time, it's the U.S. Open, so it's not something that I've done before. I'm going to make sure I take it all in and enjoy it. It'll be fun.

"The biggest thing is to stay in the present and as relaxed as possible. I was talking to a friend of mine from Georgia Tech who played in it last year, and he said pretty much every hole is like the 18th hole at a tour event because there's so many people out there. That will take some getting used to. But that's what practice rounds are for."

And if Barbosa makes the cut and plays well on the weekend, will he consider a future in professional golf?

"Absolutely not," he said. "I'll be an amateur forever."

Others of area interest

Four other players in the tournament have ties to the IMG Leadbetter Golf Academy in Bradenton: Cheng-Tsung Pan, Ty Tryon, Christo Greyling and Peter Uihlein. Pan, Tryon and Greyling made the Open through sectional qualifying, and Uihlein is in the field after winning the U.S. Amateur Championship.

Tim Petrovic of Dade City is also in the field. Petrovic has played in 17 PGA Tour events this year, has two top 25 finishes and has earned $254,743. He earned his U.S. Open berth in a 36-hole sectional tournament.

He's not Tiger

Michael Whitehead, a recent graduate of Rice University in Houston, is in the U.S. Open because Tiger Woods is not. Whitehead, left, tried to qualify in a sectional tournament and wound up an alternate. When Woods withdrew because of his injuries, USGA officials called Whitehead and invited him into the field. "Everybody keeps calling me Tiger's replacement," Whitehead said. "I walk around the golf course: 'Tiger's replacement.' I'm not Tiger's replacement, I'm just the guy that got in when Tiger withdrew. Yeah, Woods and Whitehead in the same article. I'm glad he listened to his doctor this time."

Happy birthday, Phil

Today is Phil Mickelson's 41st birthday, and he would like nothing more than a U.S. Open championship. Mickelson has finished second a record five times in the U.S. Open. "I love this tournament," he said this week. "I really believe that I can win it. But just as when I was trying to win my first major (the 2004 Masters), if you focus so much on the result, sometimes you can get in your own way." Mickelson has won four majors, the last being the 2010 Masters. The last time the U.S. Open was played at Congressional Country Club, he tied for 43rd. This year Mickelson has been solid but not great. He won the Houston Open but followed that with a tie for 27th in the Masters. And this year he won't have Tiger Woods around to motivate him. Woods is out with knee and Achilles' problems. "I've always felt that Tiger has helped bring out some of my best golf over the years," Mickelson said. "And even though my record against him may not be the best, it's helped me achieve a higher level that I may not have achieved had he not been pushing me. "So the challenge now without him playing his best or even competing like he's not this week is pushing myself to achieve a level of play that is in there without him forcing me to do so. So in that sense it might be a little bit more difficult."

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Michael Barbosa didn't get much of a chance to see the U.S. Open last year. He was in Gulfport at the Stetson University law library cramming for the bar exam while the world's best golfers gathered at Pebble Beach. This year Barbosa is right there with those golfers at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., for the Open.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Dixie Softball All-Star competition gets under way Friday with the District 4 tournament at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville.

Spring Hill Dixie and Hernando Youth League Dixie will participate in the event, which includes four divisions: Darlings (7- and 8-years-old), Angels (9-10), Ponytails (11-12) and Belles (13-15).

The opening ceremonies will begin at 6 p.m. The Spring Hill Angels face HYL at 6:30 p.m. on Field 1. The Spring Hill Darlings will play West Pasco at 8 p.m. on Field 1. The Spring Hill Ponytails play Wesley Chapel in the main stadium at 6:30 p.m. Also at the main stadium, the Spring Hill Belles face HYL at 8 p.m.

HYL Ponytails and Belles will both face West Pasco at 9:30 p.m. in the final games of the evening.

Winners in each division will move on to the region tournament and if successful then the state tournament. Spring Hill is the defending state champion in both the Angels and Belles divisions. The Angels won the Dixie World Series for the first time last year.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled its fifth- annual baseball/softball umpires clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and the sessions also can help seasoned umpires improve. Local clinics will take place at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill on Aug. 21 and 28.

The sessions are open to men and women ages 16 and older. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m., with the clinics starting at 1 p.m. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or send e-mail to clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is playing host to an Adult Basketball League at the Jerome Brown Community Center in Brooksville, beginning Aug. 23.

The league is open to participants 18 and older. Games will take place at 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. The registration deadline is Aug. 12, and players will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $400 per team, with an eight-player minimum.

For information, call (352) 540-3835.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The First Tee of Brooksville Summer Golf Camp began this week and will run through Aug. 19. The camp will be weekly from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Quarry Golf Course in Brooksville.

Open to youth ages 7 to 17, the camp will teach fundamentals, including putting, chipping, driving and golf course etiquette. Equipment will be supplied, along with snacks and drinks.

For information, call (352) 540-3835 or e-mail mgroff@cityofbrooksville.us.

COPELAND FOOTBALL CAMP: The Hernando County Recreation Department will host the Horace Copeland Football Camp on July 22-23 at Springstead High School in Spring Hill.

Copeland is a former University of Miami and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver and won two national championships in college. The curriculum for the clinic will be aimed at developing fundamental football skills to enhance individual and team skills at all positions.

The cost is $110 per person, with youth ages 7 to 14 welcome. The times for the camp will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. All campers will be provided an official Horace "Hi-C" Copeland camp shirt, a personalized participation certification, lunch daily, and an autograph session with Copeland and other former pro players at the conclusion of camp.

Register online by visiting horacecopeland.com or at hernandocounty.us/parks_rec/, where registration and waiver forms may be printed.

Call Harry Johnson or Christie Williams at (352) 754-4031 or send e-mail to recreation@hernandocounty.us.

WEST HERNANDO COUGARS: The West Hernando Cougars youth football and cheerleading program will have registration for the coming season over the next several weeks.

Officials will be at Delta Woods Park on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill for sign-ups from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and June 25.

The Cougars' season starts July 11, with a 10-game football schedule. The cheerleaders participate in competitions around the Tampa Bay area.

The football registration fee is $195 per child, with flag football $125. The fee includes rental of pads and a personalized jersey to keep. The cheerleading fee is $225 with a full uniform to keep. There is a $10 discount for every sibling also registered.

Call Bobby McFarland at (352) 585-6524 or visit West Hernando Cougars Football and Cheerleading on Facebook.

FAST-PITCH SOFTBALL CLINICS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering fast-pitch softball clinics at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

The private lessons are for players ages 7 to 16. The clinics will be led by April Pelham, a certified Florida fast-pitch instructor with more than 20 years of experience.

The cost is $20 for a 30-minute hitting or catching lesson. It is $15 for a 30-minute fielding or throwing lesson. Pitching lessons are also available at rates of $20 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes or $40 for one hour.

Call Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or send e-mail to pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

TAE KWON DO LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering tae kwon do lessons at two locations this summer.

On Mondays at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill, the class will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m. On Fridays, the course will be from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kennedy Park in Brooksville.

Both classes will be taught by master Sam Kinard; no preregistration is necessary. The curriculum focuses on learning the fundamentals of the sport, along with discipline, respect and self-control.

The class is open to ages 6 and up. The first lesson is free, with the first month costing $30. Additional months are $45.

Call Penny Oliver at (352) 754-4031 or send e-mail to pennyo@hernandocounty.us.

BRITISH SOCCER CAMP: The First Hernando Youth Soccer Club has teamed up with Challenger Sports to host a weeklong British soccer camp from July 18 to 22 at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

Each child will work with a member of the team of more than 1,000 British coaches being flown to the United States exclusively to work with summer programs. Challenger Sports will hold more than 3,000 camps this summer and coach more than 120,000 children between the ages of 3 and 19.

Space is limited, and parents are encouraged to register their children as soon as possible. To attend for a half day from 9 a.m. to noon, the cost is $117 for the week for ages 5 to 18. For a full day, the fee is $165 for ages 10 to 18. Goalkeepers ages 10 to 18 may attend from 5 to 8 p.m. for a cost of $117.

Each camper will receive a T-shirt, soccer ball, poster and a personalized skills evaluation.

For information, call Robert Andreu at (813) 283-4523 or send e-mail to robertandreu@bellsouth.net. To register, visit challengersports.com.

To notify us of community sports achievements or coming events, contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rachel "Rae" Wynona Pemberton, the maternal grandmother of former Florida Heisman Trophy winner and current Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, died June 9 in Tampa following a lengthy illness.

She was 12 days shy of her 86th birthday.

Mrs. Pemberton is survived by two daughters — Pam Tebow and Cathy Jones. A member of First Baptist Church in Tampa, she had seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Pemberton will be held on at 11 a.m. Friday at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 605 S MacDill Ave. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

If the NFL Player's Association is successful in getting amnesty for players who ran afoul of the league's personal conduct policy during the NFL lockout, it could greatly benefit Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib.

Talib, 25, was indicted for assault with a deadly weapon for his role in a March 21 shooting incident in Garland, Texas. The case has not yet been set for trial.

Players are asking that no discipline be given to players who violated the personal conduct policy, according to nationalfootballpost.com founder and ESPN NFL business analyst Andrew Brandt. In a story discussing the top 10 issues during the current collective bargaining negotiations between the NFL and its players, Brandt notes that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said players who violate the personal conduct policy during the lockout will be disciplined when a new CBA is passed.

"Commissioner Goodell's effort to maintain the integrity in the NFL has been a staple of his tenure and owners expect the policy to continue and apply retroactively to lockout conduct,'' Brandt said.

But Brandt also says negotiations present an opportunity for players to express their belief that Goodell has been judge and jury on these issues.

"Players feel Goodell has jumped the shark with overzealous discipline in a Policy not collectively bargained,'' Brandt said. "They want an independent arbitrator for appeals and with no governing CBA, no discipline for lockout conduct.

"The Policy's application during the lockout will be an issue swirled into the final resolution of the CBA. The losing side on this issue will receive concessions elsewhere.''

Talib was suspended one game last season for assaulting a cab driver in 2009. He has two issues regarding his future with the Bucs. If convicted, Talib could face up to 20 years in prison. Any admission of guilt, even to a lesser charge, could result in further suspension by the NFL.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

U.S. Open: If you can't watch it live on ESPN and NBC, ESPN has a three-hour "best of the day" broadcast at 8 p.m.

Wimbledon classic: 4 p.m. on ESPN Classic: A replay of the 2007 men's final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Late Show with David Letterman: 11:35 p.m. on Ch. 10. Rangers slugger and former Rays first-round draft pick Josh Hamilton is one of the scheduled guests.

By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

What's hot: Sightfishing for snook and redfish has been excellent from the grass flats to the barrier-island beaches. The thickest concentrations of snook remain on the beaches. Anclote Key, Three Rooker Bar, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island have large populations. Schools of snook move into the shallows to feed before and after the spawn. The ideal times to try for snook on the beach are early morning and just before sunset. The low-light conditions keep the snook from getting spooked, which often is a problem in clear, shallow water.

Redfish tactics: Redfish are seeking the protection and shade of mangrove shorelines during extremely high tides. They may be as far back underneath the mangroves as 15 feet. On falling tides, the redfish will slide onto the flats, where they can effectively be sightfished. Your first option is to stake up and bring the fish to you. Because reds rely on their sense of smell to feed, dead baits are effective in drawing them in. Chumming with fresh chunks of cut bait will attract reds to the boat, where live or artificial baits can be presented. The other option is to move silently across the flat in search of redfish. Look for fish cruising the flats, laid up in potholes, tailing or even riding the backs of big rays. One big ray may have up to a half-dozen fish on it, looking to pick off anything that gets stirred up.

Seth Leto charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at capt.seth@yahoo.com or (727) 385-0382.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Phillies 8, Marlins 1

Game 1

PHILADELPHIA — Jimmy Rollins hit a three-run homer and Wilson Valdez had a three-run triple for the Phillies. Kyle Kendrick made a case to stay in the rotation, pitching seven strong innings in place of injured Joe Blanton to help Philadelphia to its fifth straight win. "I want to start," Kendrick said. "It's their decision."

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rockies 6, Padres 3

DENVER — Jhoulys Chacin pitched six sharp innings and Seth Smith hit a tiebreaking single during a five-run sixth for Colorado. Chacin made only one mistake, giving up a homer to Rob Johnson, as he improved his ERA to 2.81. Chacin is among the National League leaders in several categories, including opponents' batting average (.196).

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Reds 7, Dodgers 2

LOS ANGELES — Scott Rolen had three hits and three RBIs as Cincinnati completed its first three-game sweep of Los Angeles since 2004. The Reds won on manager Dusty Baker's 62nd birthday. His teams are 5-11 on his birthday during his 18 seasons as a manager. The Dodgers dropped to a season-worst eight games under .500.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Tampa Bay Golf Tour

Looking for one website for information on area public courses? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a video review, breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information.

Woods' caddie finds work

Steve Williams, the longtime caddie for Tiger Woods, has a new boss this week. With Woods out due to injury, Williams, left, is carrying the bag of Adam Scott. Scott is between caddies, and Williams has a few weeks open. If Woods is unable to tee it up in two weeks at the AT&T National, Williams will once again tote Scott's bag.

Favorite role falls to Phil

With Tiger Woods sidelined, Las Vegas is finding it hard to pick a U.S. Open favorite. Sports books have decided on Phil Mickelson, left, but his odds are 10-1. Other top picks are Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood at 15-1, followed by Luke Donald at 18-1. Bettors can take the field besides Mickelson for odds between 8-1 and 10-1.

Times staff and wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Heat stunts course's rough

BETHESDA, Md. — The year's first major dose of stifling weather came and went last week in suburban Washington, but it's still having an effect on the U.S. Open. Temperatures that flirted with 100 degrees stunted the growth of the grass on the Blue Course at Congressional Country Club. Crews had to cut back on the number of mowings and rollings.

Monday the rough wasn't as high as hoped, and the greens weren't playing at the targeted speed. Officials expected improved conditions for today's first round.

The good news for fans and golfers: Temperatures aren't expected to return to the 90s during the event. The bad news: Scattered thunderstorms are a possibility every day.

Shinnecock gets 2018 U.S. Open

The U.S. Open will return to Shinnecock Hills in 2018, heading back to the New York course that produced one of the most embarrassing final rounds in the tournament's history. Retief Goosen won by two shots over Phil Mickelson in 2004 after a final round marred by greens that were almost too fast to play. At one point, officials had to sprinkle the seventh green to keep balls on the surface. No one broke par in the final round and the average score was 78.7.

USGA officials said course-setup guidelines introduced shortly after Shinnecock make them confident there won't be a repeat.

Crescent Oaks may see new life

Crescent Oaks Golf Club in Tarpon Springs is getting a second life. Ace Golf owner Bill Place said he has an agreement in principal to take over the course and could begin maintenance next week. Ace Golf also owns the semiprivate Wentworth in Tarpon Springs and Pebble Creek in Tampa.

Crescent Oaks was closed Nov. 1 due to lack of funds. Wells Fargo Bank took over ownership and did minimal monthly maintenance. Place, who could not say what he bid for the course due to a confidentiality agreement, said he hoped to sign the paperwork by the end of the week.

"We think it will take about three months to get it up and running," Place said. "Our goal is to be ready by late September.''

Crescent Oaks was opened in 1991 as a private course. Place said Crescent Oaks will re-open as a semiprivate course open to public play.

"Early on there will be more public play until we start building membership," he said. "We'll tie in the membership so that you'll be a member at all three courses. Then as we build membership there will be more private play."

Looking ahead

• The Executive Women's Golf Association holds its south and Central Florida championship semifinal June 25 at Saddlebrook Resort in Wesley Chapel. Winners of flights and scramble winners advance to the state championship. For information, call (305) 582-7450.

• The Innisbrook Amateur tournament is July 2-4 in Palm Harbor. The 54-hole event features some of the country's top amateurs. Two rounds will be played on the Copperhead Course, which hosts the PGA Tour's Transitions Championship in March. For information, contact Doug Laseter at (727) 942-5557 or dlaseter@thecopperheads.org.

Times staff, wires

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

tennis

defending champ Serena gets favorable wimbledon seed

WIMBLEDON, England — Defending champion Serena Williams was bumped up to No. 7 in the Wimbledon seedings — 19 places above her world ranking — on Wednesday, a position that will allow her to avoid playing the highest-ranked players until at least the quarterfinals.

Williams won her 13th Grand Slam title last year at the All England Club. Shortly after, she stepped on broken glass and needed two foot surgeries. She later had blood clots on her lungs and missed nearly a year of competition.

She returned Tuesday at Eastbourne, then lost Wednesday to top-seeded Vera Zvonareva 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 in the second round.

She was originally seeded No. 8 at Wimbledon, but the withdrawal of second-seeded Kim Clijsters on Wednesday moved the rest of the field up one spot. Clijsters injured her right foot Tuesday at the UNICEF Open in the Netherlands.

Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki is the top women's seed. On the men's side, defending champion Rafael Nadal was seeded No. 1, followed by Novak Djokovic at No. 2, Roger Federer at No. 3 and Andy Murray at No. 4, in line with their rankings.

UNICEF OPEN: Yanina Wickmayer overcame being hit in the face with the ball to defeat Arantxa Parra Santonja 7-6 (7-4), 6-7 (7-4), 7-5 in the second round in Den Bosch, Netherlands.

NBA

Mavs guard accused of public intoxication

Mavericks guard DeShawn Stevenson was arrested for public intoxication in Irving, Texas. Police said Stevenson was arrested Tuesday night after reports of an intoxicated person walking through the grounds of an apartment complex. Police said Stevenson didn't know where he was.

HEAT: As expected, the team extended a qualifying offer to Mario Chalmers, making him a restricted free agent.

NHL

Lightning makes minor move

The Lightning signed minor-league center Mike Angelidis to a one-year, two-way contract, the team announced. Angelidis, 25, had 20 goals, 38 points and was plus-18 in 80 games this season for AHL Norfolk.

BLACKHAWKS: The team extended senior adviser of hockey operations Scotty Bowman's contract and promoted Marc Bergevin to assistant general manager.

PREDATORS: Assistant Peter Horachek was promoted to associate coach. Horachek, who interviewed for the head coaching jobs in Florida and Dallas, has been on the staff since the 2003-04 season.

HORSES

Belmont bump gets jockey suspended

Jockey Rajiv Maragh was suspended for seven days for careless riding in Saturday's Belmont Stakes, in which his horse started a series of collisions that nearly caused Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom to fall just after the start.

COLLEGES

No rape trial for FIU's Wittels, two friends

Rape charges against Garrett Wittels, Florida International's star shortstop, and friends Robert Rothschild and Jonathan Oberti will be dropped Monday, the Miami Herald reported. The three were accused in December of sexually assaulting two 17-year-old girls in the Bahamas.

et cetera

AUTOS: Motorsport's world governing body ratified the cancellation of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

SOCCER: A group of workers went on strike at the construction site for one of the stadiums that could host the 2014 World Cup opener in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, demanding higher salaries and improved conditions.

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer; Times wires

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

TAMPA — Tampa Bay and Orlando resume their biannual "War on I-4" on Friday at the St. Pete Times Forum. How close has this rivalry been?

The Predators lead the series 24-23, including their 63-61 win on May 6. Orlando has scored just seven more points, 2,100-2,093. The teams have met seven times in the postseason with the Predators leading 4-3. And each team has defeated the other once to win the ArenaBowl.

Tampa Bay (5-7), which set a season high for points in Saturday's 62-55 win against visiting Pittsburgh, will have its hands full Friday. Orlando (8-4) has the Arena League's best offense, averaging 324.6 yards. QB Nick Hill is second in the league at 300.4 yards passing and has rushed for 343 yards, which is tops among quarterbacks and second overall.

Orlando also ranks first in the league with 29 interceptions, and DB Rayshaun Kizer is second with 12.

Breaking out: Tampa Bay QB Brian Zbydniewski was named the league's co-offensive player of the week for his performance against Pittsburgh. Zbydniewski was 24-of-34 for 372 yards and eight touchdowns. The yards, touchdowns and completion percentage (70.6) were career bests.

Record watch: Storm LB Cliff Dukes didn't get a sack against Pittsburgh, leaving the three-year veteran with 111/2 this season. Dukes, who went into the Pittsburgh game with sacks in three consecutive games, remains four shy of the league record with six games to play.

Transactions: OL George Bussey went on injured reserve with a right MCL sprain. Bussey is the third offensive lineman to land on IR, following Tom Kaleita and Manny Akah (knee sprains). Akah is eligible to return this week, but his availability for Friday won't be determined until tonight. DL Jarriett Buie, who was suspended for the Pittsburgh game, will take Bussey's roster spot.

Rankings: Jacksonville, which hosts the Storm on June 25, continues to sit atop the weekly coaches top 10 poll. The Sharks, whose 11-game winning streak is one shy of the league record, is No. 1 for the seventh consecutive week. The Predators are fourth. The Storm isn't ranked.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Nationals 10, Cardinals 0

WASHINGTON — Livan Hernandez pitched a three-hitter, Michael Morse homered twice and doubled, and Washington won its fifth straight game. Albert Pujols made two errors at third base, leading to two unearned runs, as St. Louis lost its season-worst fifth game in a row. Jayson Werth and Danny Espinosa also homered. Morse drove in three runs and has 11 homers in his past 36 games.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

SEATTLE — The Angels gave up on former Rays ace Scott Kazmir, releasing the once- promising starter.

Kazmir, 27, was given his release Wednesday. A two-time All-Star with Tampa Bay, Kazmir has declined rapidly since being acquired by the Angels in August 2009.

"Right now it's the best thing for (Kazmir)," manager Mike Scioscia said. "Hopefully he can get off that treadmill and restore his career, because he was really struggling trying to get the ability to compete again, and I mean get his tools where can compete again up here."

The breaking point for the Angels came Tuesday night when Kazmir made his fifth rehab start with Triple-A Salt Lake and gave up six earned run and five hits in 12/3 innings. In five starts with Salt Lake, Kazmir had a 17.02 ERA in 151/3 innings.

Kazmir made one start for the Angels this season, giving up five earned runs in 12/3 innings on April 3 against Kansas City. He was placed on the disabled list April 8 with lower-back soreness.

The Angels acquired Kazmir for INF Sean Rodriguez and two minor-leaguers, LHP Alex Torres and 1B Matt Sweeney.

"I don't have any regrets," general manager Tony Reagins told the Los Angeles Times. "At the time of the deal, we were in position to go to the postseason, and Kaz pitched pretty well for us down the stretch. Obviously, things went in a different direction after that. But you make decisions in this business and live with the consequences."

Kazmir was one of baseball's best prospects when the Rays acquired him from the Mets in July 2004 for RHP Victor Zambrano. A year later he was Tampa Bay's best pitcher, and he made his first All-Star Game appearance in 2006.

In 2007, Kazmir went 13-9 with a 3.48 ERA and an AL-high 239 strikeouts, still a Rays record. He was an All-Star again in 2008 but struggled in the second half and labored during the postseason.

His velocity dropping, Kazmir pitched poorly for the Rays in 2009 before being dealt.

MAUER BACK: Joe Mauer's return to the Twins' lineup was set for Friday. The All-Star catcher hasn't played for Minnesota since April 12, plagued by weakness and soreness in his legs and throwing (right) shoulder. In other Twins news, SS Tsuyoshi Nishioka was reinstated from the 60-day DL. Nishioka broke his lower left leg April 8.

BONDS TRIAL: Barry Bonds' attorneys filed a motion asking a judge to change an obstruction of justice conviction to an acquittal or schedule a new trial.

ASTROS: RH reliever Brandon Lyon went on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his right biceps less than a week after returning from the DL.

BRAVES: Jason Heyward returned from a shoulder injury and started in rightfield. OF Matt Young was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

CARDINALS: LF Matt Holliday, who has missed 13 games with a left quad strain, is expected to be activated today.

DODGERS: 3B Casey Blake, who was out of the lineup for the fifth straight game with a sore neck, got a cortisone injection in the hopes he can return Friday.

MARLINS: RHP Josh Johnson, out since May 21 with shoulder inflammation, was transferred from the 15- to the 60-day disabled list and won't return until after the All-Star break.

NATIONALS: 1B Adam LaRoche is scheduled to have season-ending surgery today to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

ORIOLES: RH reliever Alfredo Simon went on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring injury. RHP Jason Berken was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

If the NFL Players Association is successful in getting amnesty for players who ran afoul of the league's personal conduct policy during the lockout, it could benefit Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib.

Talib, 25, was indicted for assault with a deadly weapon in connection with a March 21 shooting in Garland, Texas. The case has not been set for trial.

Players are asking that no discipline be given to players who violated the personal conduct policy, said nationalfootballpost.com founder and ESPN NFL business analyst Andrew Brandt. Previously, commissioner Roger Goodell has suggested that players who violate the policy during the lockout could be disciplined when a collective bargaining agreement is approved.

"Owners expect the policy to continue and apply retroactively to lockout conduct," Brandt wrote.

But negotiations present an opportunity for players to express their belief that Goodell has been judge and jury.

"Players feel Goodell has jumped the shark with overzealous discipline in a policy not collectively bargained,'' Brandt wrote. "They want an independent arbitrator for appeals and with no governing (collective bargaining agreement), no discipline for lockout conduct."

Talib was suspended for one game last season for assaulting a cab driver in 2009. He has two issues regarding his future with the Bucs. If convicted in the Texas case, Talib could face up to 20 years in prison. Any admission of guilt, even to a lesser charge, could result in further suspension by the NFL.

setback, progress: Labor talks in the Washington, D.C., area were progressing Tuesday, then took a step back when lawyers from both sides joined the process, ESPN.com reported.

Union leader DeMaurice Smith told his lawyers to "stand down" amid tensions, the report said. The talks, sans lawyers, then moved forward again, it said.

Wednesday the sides parted after discussions that included lawyers, with no deal imminent, the Associated Press said. More talks are expected next week.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees said most players believe it will be difficult to start the season on time if no deal is in place by mid July. Still, he sounded optimistic.

"It seems like things are moving in the right direction, which is very positive," Brees said after a players workout in New Orleans. "It's what we always hoped for as players because obviously we're getting to crunch time here."

Nearing a deal is in both sides' best interest after a federal appeals court judge warned owners and players they might not like upcoming decisions in legal actions sparked by the lockout.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Blue Jays 4, Orioles 1

TORONTO — Ricky Romero tied a career high with 12 strikeouts while dominating into the ninth inning, Adam Lind, Yunel Escobar and Juan Rivera homered, and Toronto beat Baltimore for the 16th straight time at the Rogers Centre. Until the ninth, Romero allowed only one runner to reach second base. He retired the first nine batters he faced before J.J. Hardy doubled leading off the fourth inning. Romero left after walking Nick Markakis and Adam Jones to lead off the ninth.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Rays vs. Red Sox

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: Sun Sports, Bay News 9 Español ; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers

RAYS

LH David Price (7-5, 3.51)

RED SOX

RH Clay Buchholz (5-3, 3.59)

Tickets: $17-$275 at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa, $3 surcharge within five hours of game.

Watch for …

Price check: Price is coming off a no-decision in Baltimore in which he allowed four runs over six innings. He is 4-2 with a 3.18 ERA in six career starts against the Red Sox, including 2-1 with a 2.61 ERA in 2010.

Cool Clay: In his last start, Buchholz allowed one run over seven innings in a win over Toronto. He is 3-2 with a 1.81 ERA in seven career starts against Tampa Bay.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Buchholz

B.J. Upton 4-for-10, HR

Evan Longoria 5-for-18

Casey Kotchman 6-for-9

Red Sox vs. Price

Dustin Pedroia 1-for-9

Kevin Youkilis 5-for-13

David Ortiz 2-for-12

On deck

Friday: vs. Marlins, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (5-5, 4.81); Marlins — Brad Hand (0-2, 3.27)

Saturday: vs. Marlins, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (1-0, 3.57); Marlins — Ricky Nolasco (4-2, 4.23)

Sunday: vs. Marlins, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (6-4, 2.60); Marlins — Chris Volstad (2-7, 6.07)

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Wheel man of the day

Darren O'Donnell, 24, far right, the Washington state man cycling 10,500 miles to visit all 30 big-league parks, got some special treats during his stop at the Trop: a photo with star Evan Longoria and a chat with manager Joe Maddon, an avid cyclist who called O'Donnell's trip amazing. Said O'Donnell: "I'm a little starstruck."

Bolts of the day

Lightning star Steven Stamkos, right, and teammates Teddy Purcell, Mike Smith and Nate Thompson will take part in batting practice today and throw out ceremonial first pitches. Stamkos played baseball through high school and claims to be a pretty good hitter.

Good deeds of the day

Reid Brignac, Sam Fuld, Cesar Ramos and Sean Rodriguez will attend today's Boys & Girls Club luncheon in Pinellas Park. … Today is the kickoff to the Reading with Rays program at the St. Petersburg Main Library.