Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

TAMPA — FC Tampa Bay unsuccessfully attempted to terminate defender Omar Jarun's contract for a "material breach" earlier this month, the second time this season the club has tried to tear up a player's deal.

Veteran midfielder Tony McManus left town and missed FC Tampa Bay's game vs. Montreal on May 21 for undisclosed personal reasons and was released from his contract five days later.

Jarun, a 27-year-old defender who injured his knee May 21, was also handed a termination form after he left town Memorial Day weekend without the club's permission.

But Jarun's agent, Washington D.C.-based Justin Stone, filed a complaint to the league, which instead issued Jarun a fine and one-game suspension, which has been served.

FC Tampa Bay owner Andrew Nestor said both players displayed actions that showed they were not committed to the team.

"We are committed to our players," Nestor said. "We go out of our way off the field to take care of them. We expect our players to also be committed to the club. We felt that their actions went against the essence of the players' obligation in the contract. We felt because of the serious nature of that, that we moved to terminate."

Nestor said the coaching staff met with players to discuss McManus' situation, a meeting Jarun did not attend. Nestor also said he met with team captain Frankie Sanfilippo about Jarun's abrupt absence.

"Frankly, the players get upset when they see their teammates not putting in the effort and commitment as well," Nestor said. "We have a very good clubhouse. It's very positive right now and we don't want to lose that and make sure the players we have here are totally committed to the team."

Stone said he was surprised by the club's move to try to terminate his client's contract. At the time Jarun left for his hometown of Atlanta, he was an inactive player rehabilitating his knee while the team was out of town on a road trip to Minnesota and Edmonton.

While he was away, Jarun did miss an impromptu mandatory appearance, but when he was contacted by the club he did not take from the conversation that his departure would be punished so harshly. Jarun expected to return Sunday, but didn't get back until Tuesday.

Per the NASL's ruling, Jarun was issued an undisclosed fine and one-game suspension, which he served June 4 against Carolina, Nestor said. He is currently playing for the Palestine national team.

"Once he finished his duties with the national team, he'll report back and I guess it's just expected from both sides that we both do our jobs and move forward in a professional manner and try to win games," Nestor said.

The Palestine national team, playing in Asia group World Cup qualifying, has two more scheduled games — both against Afghanistan — on Tuesday and Sunday. After that, Stone also said he expects his client to return to Tampa Bay.

"Omar is a professional soccer player," Stone said. "As of right now, he is a current member of FC Tampa Bay and even prior to this incident his No. 1 goal was to make the playoffs, perhaps a regular-season title and ultimately an NASL championship. That's why he plays the sport."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

The Lightning on Monday made qualifying contract offers to center Steven Stamkos and right wing Teddy Purcell, insuring the team retains negotiating rights to both if they become restricted free agents on Friday.

Both offers were for 105 percent of the players' 2010-11 salaries. By making the offers, Tampa Bay has the right to match any outside offers the players receive.

Notably not qualified was defenseman Mike Lundin, who had a goal and 12 points and was minus-3 in 69 games last season while averaging 20:24 of ice time. General manager Steve Yzerman said Lundin, with whom contract talks had stalled, likely would have received a too-high an arbitration award.

Non-qualified players can become unrestricted free agents on Friday.

Qualified: Bruno Gervais, D; Johan Harju, LW; Riku Helenius, G; Scott Jackson, D; Teddy Purcell, RW; Steven Stamkos, LW.

Not qualified: Alex Berry, RW; Stefano Giliati, LW; Mike Lundin, D; Vladimir Mihalik, D; Levi Nelson, C; Kevin Quick, D (signed AHL contract with Norfolk); Matt Smaby, D; Paul Szczechura, C.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

Cubs 7, Rockies 3

CHICAGO — Former Ray Carlos Peña and Aramis Ramirez homered twice to back a strong outing by ex-Ray Matt Garza for Chicago. Ramirez hit a two-run homer in the first, doubled and scored in the fifth and homered again to lead off the seventh. Peña homered leading off the fourth and added a two-run shot in the fifth for his 20th career multi-homer game.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

World Series classic: 5 p.m. on ESPN Classic. A replay of Game 6 of the 1977 World Series between the Yankees and Dodgers — the game in which Reggie Jackson homers three times.

Who's No. 1?: 10 p.m. on ESPN Classic. A look at the greatest knockouts in boxing history.

Jimmy Kimmel Live: Midnight on Ch. 28. NFL player Dhani Jones is one of the scheduled guests.

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent
Monday, June 27, 2011

What's hot: Offshore fishing. Benthic and pelagic fish have cooperated the past few weeks. Red grouper (still legal to keep as long as they meet the 20-inch limit) have been feeding heavily in their usual summertime depths of 80 to 90 feet over flat, Swiss-cheese bottom. Numerous short grouper provide nearly nonstop action with the larger fish mixed in. Larger red grouper tend to inhabit the transitional area, where the bottom turns abruptly from sand to hard rock. This usually has a washed-out area slightly deeper than the adjacent rock. Paying close attention to the sonar and marking the edge and anchoring over it will usually result in larger fish. Gag grouper (closed until Sept. 16) have been mixed in with the reds in some spots and have provided exciting catch-photo-release action. White grunts, triggerfish, porgies and some mangrove snapper have fallen victim to the two-hook "chicken rig" with the 3-ounce sinker underneath. It has been necessary to use all types of bait, including frozen squid and sardines, live pinfish, sardines, squirrelfish and hardtails caught with sabiki rigs.

Other options: Spanish mackerel have been scarce offshore, with only scattered fish being caught using live bait or trolling spoons. A welcome surprise has been their larger cousins, kingfish. Using stinger-rigged flatlines with live sardines or hardtails caught while bottom fishing or using a frozen sardine, which will fall partially in the water column and remain suspended by the current, we have encountered kingfish from 10 pounds to the high 20s.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach and can be reached at Luckytoo2@aol.com, Luckytoocharters.com or (727) 397-8815.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

WIMBLEDON, England — Walking away from Centre Court, Oracene Price — mother and sometimes coach to Serena and Venus Williams — shook her head after watching one daughter lose at Wimbledon, then the other.

Great as she is, even defending champion Serena found it too tough to make a deep run at her first Grand Slam tournament in a year after a series of health scares. And as successful as Venus has been at the All England Club, even she couldn't muster her best after missing nearly five months with a hip injury.

"I don't think their layoffs helped their rhythm," Price said. "They both seemed to be making the same kinds of mistakes. They were hit-and-miss, here and there."

They're both headed home after straight-set exits in the fourth round against less-accomplished opponents Monday. First, 13-time major champion Serena lost 6-3, 7-6 (8-6) to ninth-seeded Marion Bartoli on Court 1. Less than two hours later on Centre Court, five-time Wimbledon champion Venus was beaten 6-2, 6-3 by 32nd-seeded Tsvetana Pironkova.

Adding to the chaotic nature of the afternoon, top-seeded Caroline Wozniacki lost, too, although she's still searching for her first Grand Slam singles trophy, while the Williams sisters own a total of 20.

"Definitely not our best day," Venus said. "I think we both envisioned seeing this day going a little bit different."

Venus and her younger sister combined to win nine of the past 11 Wimbledon titles, including Serena's victories in 2009 and 2010. They even played each other in four of the finals in that span.

"Well, I never came here thinking I would lose," said Serena, a former No. 1 whose ranking will plummet to about 175th. "That's my attitude."

It's the first time since 2006 that neither Williams is in the Wimbledon quarterfinals; Venus lost in the third round that year, while Serena skipped that tournament because of a left knee injury. Of the 12 years that both entered the field at the All England Club, this is the first neither one made it past the fourth round.

"Obviously, it's not something planned," Venus said. "We rarely lose on the same day."

That's true: They last lost on the same day at a Grand Slam tournament on May 30, 2008, in the French Open's third round.

All in all, it was a topsy-turvy day at the All England Club:

• Wozniacki still has yet to make it past the fourth round at Wimbledon after a 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5 defeat to No. 24 Dominika Cibulkova. Cibulkova faces No. 5 Maria Sharapova, the only Grand Slam champion left on the women's side.

"It's kind of disappointing because when you're up 2-love with a break and have a lot of break points that you don't convert, that's kind of your own fault," Wozniacki said. "I was there. I should have taken my chance."

• Defending champion and top-seeded Rafael Nadal initially thought he broke his left foot and might have to quit late in the first set, then lost the second set but eventually beat 2009 U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. Nadal said he'll get an MRI exam on his foot.

"I'm worried, for sure," he said.

• Six-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer dropped his first set of the fortnight — against a man he was 10-0 against (Mikhail Youzhny) — before righting himself to reach a 29th straight Grand Slam quarterfinal.

• Bernard Tomic, 18, of Australia became the youngest man in the Wimbledon quarterfinals since 1986, when Boris Becker went on to win his second title in a row.

• Tomas Berdych, last year's runnerup, went out in straight sets against 10th-seeded Mardy Fish of Tampa, who never before reached the quarterfinals at the All England Club but now is the last American, man or woman, left in the tournament.

"Last. … Not what you set out to do," said Fish, who is 0-5 against Nadal heading into their quarterfinal. "It was, I guess, bad luck for the Williams sisters to lose. Unfortunate, I guess. They'll be back, I'm sure."

Meanwhile, Wesley Chapel residents Bob and Mike Bryan reached the third round in doubles. St. Petersburg resident Ashley Fisher and Stephen Huss, who are Australians, also advanced.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

LOS ANGELES — One of baseball's proudest franchises is in tatters, its future to be decided more in the courtroom than on the field.

The Dodgers filed for bankruptcy protection in a Delaware court Monday, blaming Major League Baseball for refusing to approve a multibillion-dollar TV deal that owner Frank McCourt was counting on to keep the troubled franchise afloat.

McCourt, upset that commissioner Bud Selig rejected the proposed TV deal last week, hopes a federal judge will approve $150 million in financing to be used for daily operations, which would give him more time to seek a more favorable media contract. A hearing is set for today.

"The action taken today by Mr. McCourt does nothing but inflict further harm to this historic franchise," Selig said in a statement.

The team is bleeding red ink instead of Dodger blue, with former players filing millions in claims against the team. Even beloved Hall of Fame announcer Vin Scully is owed more than $150,000 as part of his contract, court documents show.

The filing by a cash-starved McCourt comes three days before he was expected to miss a team payroll and possibly be confronted with an MLB takeover.

Legal observers expect MLB to contest McCourt's request for filing bankruptcy, arguing the dispute should remain within the confines of baseball and that the league's constitution allows Selig to take control of a team that seeks Chapter 11 protection.

The main issue is whether "the bankruptcy court maintains control of the proceedings or acquiesce to baseball," said Edward Ristaino, who chairs the sports practice at the law firm Akerman Senterfitt.

"For somebody who grew up as a Dodger fan since he was 6 in Brooklyn, this makes me very, very sad," said Bob Daley, the Dodgers' managing partner when Rupert Murdoch's Fox Corp. sold the team to McCourt in 2004.

The Boston-accented real estate developer bought the team in a highly leveraged $430 million deal that was the second highest for a baseball team at the time.

He became the fourth owner in franchise history, and the sale marked the return of the team to family ownership, although the McCourt clan has been nothing like the O'Malleys.

The O'Malleys owned the Dodgers or a stake in them for more than 50 years, an old-fashioned tenure of stability and tradition. Any problems were kept in house, and employees were treated like family.

The O'Malley family's business was baseball. The McCourt family's business has become everybody's business.

Two years ago, McCourt and his wife and former team CEO, Jamie McCourt, decided to divorce, prompting a tawdry fight over who owns the team. Their court filings revealed a lifestyle of excess, extreme even by the standards of Los Angeles' super-rich: multiple lavish homes, private security, country club memberships, even a six-figure hair stylist on call for the couple.

Daley rues the day the team was sold to McCourt.

"Fox, myself, and MLB made a horrible mistake in not doing the proper due diligence on Frank McCourt," he said. "I helped get him approved, and for my piece, I feel very bad about it."

In other Dodgers news, closer Jonathan Broxton had another MRI exam to discover why he continues to feel soreness in his right elbow. Broxton was shut down from his rehab assignment this weekend.

JETER'S REHAB: Yankees SS Derek Jeter, on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right calf, took batting practice on the field for the first time and started a running program at the team's spring facility in Tampa.

BREWERS: RHP Sergio Mitre was designated for assignment, and LHP Zach Braddock and INF Mat Gamel were recalled from Triple-A Nashville.

CARDINALS: 3B David Freese and utilityman Nick Punto were activated from the 15-day disabled list. INF Pete Kozma and OF Andrew Brown were optioned to Triple-A Memphis.

CUBS: OF Marlon Byrd began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Iowa five weeks after suffering facial fractures from a beaning. Byrd is wearing a special protective helmet with a plastic faceguard that extends from the ear.

INDIANS: RF Shin-Soo Choo's broken left thumb won't be examined until today, when he will likely have surgery. Choo is expected to miss as long as six weeks. … 3B Lonnie Chisenhall, one of the team's top prospects, was called up from Triple-A Columbus. Veteran INF Adam Everett was designated for assignment.

NATIONALS: RHP Stephen Strasburg, whose phenomenal rookie season was cut short by elbow ligament replacement surgery in September, threw fastballs at full speed for the first time since his surgery.

PADRES: RHP Aaron Harang, on the disabled list since June 10 with a sore right foot, threw a bullpen session Sunday but is unlikely to rejoin the rotation before the All-Star break.

TWINS: C Joe Mauer took some ground balls at first base and said he's willing to play the position from time to time to help the team.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

DETROIT — Jhonny Peralta hit a tiebreaking triple in the eighth inning and Victor Martinez drove in two runs, leading the Tigers past the Blue Jays 4-2 on Monday night.

Max Scherzer struck out nine over seven strong innings and the AL Central leaders won their third straight game, snapping Toronto's three-game winning streak.

In the makeup of a May 17 rainout, Tigers manager Jim Leyland was ejected in the seventh after a long argument that included a mocking impersonation of first-base umpire Ed Rapuano changing his call on a close play.

Adam Lind hit his 16th homer for the Blue Jays.

With one out in the eighth, Magglio Ordonez singled off Marc Rzepczynski. Austin Jackson entered as a pinch-runner, and former Ray Shawn Camp relieved Rzepczynski.

Peralta sliced a liner into the right-centerfield gap, and Jose Bautista missed an attempt at a sliding catch.

The ball rolled to the wall before centerfielder Rajai Davis retrieved it, giving Peralta a standup triple.

After the Blue Jays intentionally walked Alex Avila, former Durant standout Ryan Raburn beat out a double-play ball to drive in the fourth run.

Former Ray Joaquin Benoit picked up the win with a scoreless inning. Jose Valverde pitched the ninth for his 18th save in as many attempts. Toronto put two on against Valverde, but pinch-hitter Juan Rivera hit into a game-ending double play.

Neither starter was involved in the decision. Scherzer allowed two runs in seven innings, while Toronto's Zach Stewart gave up two runs in six innings.

Detroit went ahead with single runs in the second and third before Toronto tied it with two in the fourth.

In the second, Martinez doubled to drive in Miguel Cabrera. In the next inning, Martinez's single brought home Brennan Boesch.

Blue Jays rookie Eric Thames led off the fourth with a double, went to third on Scherzer's wild pitch and scored on Bautista's groundout. Lind followed with a home run to tie it at 2.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

DRESDEN, Germany — After meeting in the first round at the past three Women's World Cups, the United States should know everything it needs to about North Korea.

Not even close.

Then again, nobody knows much about the North Koreans.

There's a definite air of mystery surrounding the Americans' opponent in their World Cup opener today.

North Korea plays few games, just five in the past six months, giving opposing coaches little opportunity for scouting. None of the players play overseas professionally. Only two of the North Koreans have previous World Cup experience.

North Korea is also the youngest team in the tournament, with 14 players 20 or younger — including two 16-year-olds and two 17-year-olds — and just one who is 30. Only five players have 10 or more appearances with the senior national team.

"It's really difficult when you don't see much of a team and you're not familiar with how they play," defender Ali Krieger said Monday after the U.S. training session at Rudolf-Harbig Stadium. "We might get some nerves because you don't know what to expect."

Goalkeeper Hope Solo said it's even hard to see footage of their games. The Americans are basically keying off two recent North Korean games — against Germany and China — and figuring that's the lineup they'll face.

"They are technical, they're comfortable with the ball, they're reading the game very well and I think they're one of the best teams in the world between the boxes," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. "But the game and the field's a little bit bigger. You have to add the two boxes."

The Americans have played North Korea three times, all at the World Cup. The United States dominated the first two meetings, winning each game 3-0. But North Korea has made it a priority to improve, and the results are beginning to show.

At the 2007 World Cup, the Americans went down 2-1 before Heather O'Reilly scored to salvage a draw. The North Koreans won the under-20 title in 2006 and were runnersup to the Americans two years later.

With details about the North Koreans so scarce, there's little for the Americans to obsess over. Instead, the Americans have spent most of their preparation focusing on themselves. And there's plenty of material there.

The Americans are the top-ranked team in the world and the defending Olympic gold medalists. But it has been a rough couple of months for the two-time World Cup champs, with an upset by Mexico in regional qualifying and losses to Sweden and England since January.

A lot of people wrote the United States off after it dropped its opener at the Beijing Games, too. The Americans responded with five straight wins.

"The team we have is just a fantastic team," Sundhage said. "We have experienced players. The soccer we're playing right now is pretty good."

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

FRANKFURT, Germany — On a day of wonderful goals and woeful goalkeeping, Mexico had reason to celebrate at the Women's World Cup.

A 30-yard blast from Monica Ocampo gave Mexico a 1-1 draw against England on Monday in Wolfsburg, the biggest surprise so far after two days of the three-week tournament. Earlier, a curling free kick from star player Aya Miyama sent Japan past New Zealand 2-1 in Bochum.

The deft scoring touch of Ocampo and Miyama was offset by the play of the goalkeepers for New Zealand and England that was hardly the stuff of brilliance.

Ocampo hit a dipping drive from far out in the 33rd minute. Still, goalie Karen Bardsley had time to react. She trotted slowly to her right corner and put out her hands. It was too late.

England coach Hope Powell said the ball might have swerved, but she was forced to draw an inevitable conclusion: "She should have saved it. … We need to work hard to try and get out of the group."

Having already shocked the United States in regional qualifying, Mexico now has a realistic chance of reaching the quarterfinals. Playing in sweltering early evening heat, the Mexicans pushed until the end.

Ocampo's goal was Mexico's first at a World Cup in a dozen years, lifting the team after Fara Williams had scored on a header in the 21st minute to briefly give England the lead.

"I didn't like the beginning of it," Mexico coach Leonardo Cuellar said in assessing the match. "I liked the end."

After the first round, Japan leads Group B with three points. England and Mexico have one and New Zealand none.

Japan, ranked fourth in the world, did not play like the favorite. The taller New Zealand players put on a physical performance, often smothering the superior skills of Japan.

Yuki Nagasato took a deep pass from Shinobu Ohno as New Zealand goalkeeper Jenny Bindon rushed out, then lobbed the ball over her head into the empty net.

It remained a tight game until Miyama curled a 17-yard free kick over the wall and past Bindon.

The stadiums in Bochum (12,538) and Wolfsburg (18,702) were not sellouts but well more than half full.

Times staff, wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

NHL

Lightning makes offers, signs Defenseman

The Lightning on Monday made qualifying contract offers to C Steven Stamkos and RW Teddy Purcell, ensuring the team retains negotiating rights to both if they become restricted free agents Friday.

The qualifying offers were for 5 percent of their 2010-11 salaries. By making the offers, Tampa Bay has the right to match any outside offers the players receive.

The team also signed restricted free agent D Bruno Gervais to a one-year, one-way contract, GM Steve Yzerman said.

Notably not qualified was D Mike Lundin, who had a goal and 12 points and was minus-3 in 69 games last season. Yzerman said Lundin, with whom contract talks had stalled, likely would have received a too-high arbitration award. Nonqualified players can become unrestricted free agents Friday.

Also qualified: LW Johan Harju, G Riku Helenius and D Scott Jackson.

Also not qualified: wings Alex Berry and Stefano Giliati; defensemen Vladimir Mihalik, Kevin Quick (signed AHL contract with Norfolk) and Matt Smaby; and centers Levi Nelson and Paul Szczechura.

Gervais, who appeared in 53 games with the Islanders last season, was acquired Saturday during the entry draft in exchange for future considerations.

More NHL: Penguins star C Evgeni Malkin "probably is already ready to go" for the start of next season after recovery from torn ligaments in his right knee, coach Dan Bylsma said. … Chicago businessman Matthew Hulsizer withdrew as a potential buyer of the Coyotes, several media outlets reported.

Soccer

FC Tampa Bay unable to end defender's contract

FC Tampa Bay unsuccessfully attempted to terminate D Omar Jarun's contract for a "material breach" this month, the second time this season the club has tried to tear up a player's deal.

M Tony McManus left town and missed a game vs. Montreal on May 21 for undisclosed personal reasons and was released from his contract five days later.

Jarun, 27, who had injured his knee May 21, was handed a termination form after he left town Memorial Day weekend without the club's permission.

But Jarun's agent, Justin Stone, filed a complaint with the North American Soccer League, which instead issued an undisclosed fine and one-game suspension, which has been served.

Stone said that when Jarun left for his hometown of Atlanta, he was an inactive player rehabilitating his knee while the team was on the road against Minnesota and Edmonton. Jarun is now playing for the Palestine national team and is expected to return to FC Tampa Bay.

more Soccer: The mayhem that swept River Plate's stadium after the famed Argentine club's relegation to the second division for the first time in 110 years of soccer left 89 people injured and 55 detained. Fans rampaged inside and outside of the stadium, and police responded with firehoses and rubber bullets. A prosecutor ordered the stadium, which is set to host the Copa America final July 24, to be closed until the turnstiles can be inspected. He has suggested the legal capacity of 40,000 was exceeded by 12,000. On Monday, coach Juan Jose Lopez quit.

Et cetera

Boxing: Anthony Cliff claims boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. directed his bodyguards to attack him at a Las Vegas casino last year after Cliff tried to take a photograph of the undefeated champion and asked about a fight with Manny Pacquiao, according to a lawsuit filed in a Nevada state court. Mayweather's bodyguards allegedly struck Cliff, 21, in the face, slamming his head into the ground. They kicked him in his back and side at a valet stand, said the lawsuit, which also names the Palms casino. Mayweather's attorney did not respond to requests for comment.

Golf: British golfers hold the top three spots in the world rankings — No. 1 Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy — for the first time in the 25-year history of the rankings. … Sean Dougherty shot 8-under 64 on the Hershey (Pa.) Country Club's West Course to break Sam Snead's 36-hole scoring record in the PGA Professional National Championship. Dougherty, the PGA head pro at Milburn Country Club in Overland Park, Kan., holds a two-stroke lead after his 12-under 131, a stroke better than Snead in 1971. The final top 20 earn spots in the PGA Championship on Aug. 11-14 at Atlanta Athletic Club.

NBA: Hornets leading scorer David West opted out of the final year of his contract ($7.5 million) to become a free agent. … Reserve G Daequan Cook received a qualifying offer from the Thunder, making him a restricted free agent. The Thunder will have the chance to match any offers Cook receives from other teams. … The Grizzlies exercised their option on G Sam Young.

Damian Cristodero and Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writers; Times wires

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

Rays vs. Reds

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

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

Starting pitchers

RAYS: LH David Price (8-6, 3.51)

REDS: RH Johnny Cueto (5-2, 1.63)

Watch for …

Price check: Price is coming off a strong outing in which he allowed two runs in eight innings, with 10 Ks and one walk, in a win over the Brewers. He has never faced the Reds. He has held left-handed hitters to a .170 average, the third lowest among major-league starters.

Johnny be good: Cueto has won three consecutive starts, giving up one earned run in that span (21 innings). He has been strong on the road, going 3-1 with a 1.32 in five starts this season.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Cueto

Johnny Damon 0-for-3

Kelly Shoppach 0-for-1

Reds vs. Price

Scott Rolen 1-for-2

Fred Lewis 2-for-9

Ramon Hernandez 1-for-2

On deck

Wednesday: vs. Reds, 12:10, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (8-4, 2.29); Reds — Edinson Volquez (4-3, 5.77)

Thursday: Off

Friday: vs. Cardinals, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (7-5, 4.32); Cardinals — Jaime Garcia (6-3, 3.06)

Saturday: vs. Cardinals, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (2-4, 5.58); Cardinals — Kyle McClellan (6-4, 4.02)

Good deed of the day

Rays LHP J.P. Howell and his wife, Heather, right, participated in the 2011 Reading with the Rays program Monday by reading a short story to an audience at John F. Germany Public Library in Tampa.

Good deed of the day 2

CF B.J. Upton and OF Matt Joyce will kick off the Rays Dugout Club today, visiting a total of five recreation centers in south St. Petersburg from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. LHP David Price will visit two more centers Friday. "It's fun to see those kids, the way they react whenever they see me," Price said. "I enjoy it and know those kids appreciate it."

Number of the day

114 Runs scored by the Rays at home, 27th in the majors.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Considering how colorful and combustible Reds OF Jonny Gomes was while with the Rays, it was only fitting he returned with a bang to Tropicana Field on Monday.

And considering how well-loved Gomes was by fans and teammates, it came as little surprise he was greeted with cheers.

Gomes, 30, who spent parts of six big-league seasons with the Rays (2003-08), ripped a solo homer in the fourth inning of his first game back. Gomes, who opened his pregame news conference by saying, "What a beautiful stadium," had to admire the fact that his 392-foot blast to leftfield hit the C-ring catwalk, one of the idiosyncrasies of a place he called home for so long. Had it not hit the catwalk, the homer might have landed close to a sign, written on a sheet, that read, "Welcome back Jonny!"

Gomes finished 1-for-3 and was hit by an Adam Russell pitch in the seventh.

"The fans were always good to me and my whole time here," Gomes said. "And my whole career is going to be ups and downs, slides and streakiness. But they were always patient with me and definitely applauded me when I was able to put some smiles on their faces."

Gomes said he was proud of the fact he played through the rough Devil Rays years and got to leave close to on top, with his favorite moment jumping on the megapile after the Rays' win in Game 7 of the 2008 ALCS.

WELCOME BACK: Monday was also a homecoming for Reds RH reliever Nick Masset, a St. Petersburg native and former Pinellas Park High product who has enjoyed his place in the back end of the bullpen.

Masset said it has been great to "set up one of the best closers in the game" (RHP Francisco Cordero), a role he'd eventually love to fill. And he said there were at least 20 or so family and friends in attendance.

"It's an honor; to be in the big leagues is one thing," said Masset, who finished Monday's game with a scoreless ninth. "But it makes it that much more of an honor to play in front of your hometown and all your family and coaches."

PRICE ready: LHP David Price enters tonight's start feeling good considering his last one, when he allowed two runs in eight innings against Milwaukee. And he embraces the challenge of facing a tough lineup, with the likes of Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, for the first time.

"You never really look forward to facing those types of lineups, but it's fun," Price said. "That's kind of where you're at in this game, is a team that can swing it extremely well, we all know that. Just like when Boston came in when they were on fire, (RHP James) Shields really stayed in his presence right there. That's what you kind of want to do."

WADING IN: RHP Wade Davis said he enjoyed his adventurous trip around the bases Sunday in Houston. After delivering a pinch single in the ninth, Davis went to second on a wild pitch and third on a single before getting called out after sliding into and knocking over C Carlos Corporan. "It was probably the hardest I've had to run in a long time; it was fun, though," Davis said. "I wish I could do that for a living, but I can't."

Davis said third-base coach Tom Foley told him to run home — and prevent a double play — on a ground ball and said going in with a hard slide was just his instinct. "I've always been pretty aggressive," he said. "I've never really backed off."

MISCELLANY: LHP J.P. Howell and Russell will be "striking out hunger" at Sweetbay Supermarket (7580 49th St. N, Pinellas Park) from noon to 1 p.m., signing autographs in exchange for a donation of a package of Hannaford brand fruit cups. … DH Johnny Damon will be at the Vinoy Renaissance Resort in St. Petersburg from 1 to 2:30 for "Uncork the Cause," announcing the release of his 2007 red wine. Proceeds from the sale will support families of the three fallen St. Petersburg police officers (www.uncorkforacause.com).

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, June 27, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Now, it is Longoria's turn. Eventually, it was bound to be.

He was injured in April, and he was lost in May, and he spent most of June tinkering with his swing like a mad scientist. (What was he mad about? His average, no doubt.)

Now it is darned-near-July, it is time for Longoria to take his team in his bare hands and carry it for a while.

So far, the Rays' season has been a surprisingly effective relay race with different players taking their turns at being the hot hitter. It was Sam Fuld for a while and then Matt Joyce and then Casey Kotchman and then Justin Ruggiano. Somebody. Anybody.

Now, with half of a season almost complete, it is time the Rays' star took over. It is Longo time.

Finally.

If the Rays are going remain in the American League playoff race, if the lineup is going to continue to look productive, it is up to Longoria to lead them. Who else? When else?

Of the many impressive factors of the Rays' season so far is this: Pretty much, they have done it largely without their best hitter. Between injuries and a swing he could not quite rediscover, it has been a frustrating season for Longoria.

In the past week, however, there has been a familiarity to Longoria. Once again, he has found his old easy stance, and once again, he has rediscovered that sweet swing of his, and once again, the ball snaps off the bat so distinctively that you would know it was him even if your back were turned. Once again, Longoria has been Longoria.

As the Rays close in on July, what better news could there be?

Always, it seems, Longoria's has been the most important bat in the lineup. When Longoria is hitting, the Rays' lineup is more dangerous and the dugout is a great deal happier. When Longoria hits, it seems that everyone hits.

And when he does not? Well, the result looks a lot like Monday night's game, a 5-0 loss to the Reds in which very little went right.

If you have followed the Rays, this should not surprise you much. For instance, Longoria has now started 49 games this year. In the 26 they have won, Longoria has batted .337 with seven homers and 30 RBIs. In the 23 they have lost, he has batted .111 with two homers and three RBIs.

What that tells you is that Longoria is still the trail boss around here. If the Rays are on the way to anywhere, it is up to Longoria to lead them there.

Say this for Longoria. If it takes it, he is apparently willing to go bare-knuckled to make it happen.

That's the cutesy part of Longoria's recent success, of course. He shed his batting gloves in Houston, just as his swing returned to him. What's next? If he needs to steal a base, will he go barefooted? If it takes it, is he willing to play the field without a glove, too?

"You might want to check his underwear and see what he's wearing there, too," manager Joe Maddon joked before the game. "He may have some Victoria's Secret stuff under there."

The truth of it, of course, is that except for what it says about Longoria that he was willing to try anything, the gloveless at-bats really haven't had a lot to do with anything.

The return of his swing? That has meant everything.

For Longoria, that is the real story. Finally, he is relaxed at the plate. Most people have no idea how elusive a major-league swing is, even for a player who has earned his living doing it. Most people do not realize how fragile confidence is, even for an established player. Most people have no idea what a vexing, difficult season it has been for Longoria.

"It's been very frustrating," Longoria said. "Without a doubt, it's been the most frustrating season of my career. I was searching, and a lot of different things were going on. It was confusing. There is a feeling of not knowing what you were doing or of feeling lost."

He was overthinking. He was pressing. Worst of all, he was tinkering. He would see a hitter on television who was having success, and he would try to copy him. He kept moving his hands around. It didn't work. Nothing worked. Nothing felt right.

"He was doing things I've never seen him do," Maddon said.

The swing started to return last week in Milwaukee. One day in Houston, however, he left his batting gloves and hit in the cage without them. In his second at-bat, he left them in the dugout on purpose, and he hit one out of the park. And suddenly, he was the batter with the naked hands.

For the record, Longoria wears Nike batting gloves. Best as anyone can remember, of course.

And so everyone is asking him about blisters and splinters, and how bad the sting is when a pitch jams him, and how long he might go without them. Hey, it beats asking about a low batting average.

The gloves? They'll come back eventually. And they'll have very little to say about the rest of the season.

The swing? That will determine just how long this season stays interesting.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky gave men's basketball coach John Calipari an extension that makes his contract worth $36.5 million and will keep him with the Wildcats through 2019.

In his first two seasons at Kentucky, the Wildcats have gone 64-12 and last season earned their first trip to the NCAA Final Four in 13 years. They are 33-0 at home in Rupp Arena under Calipari.

"The people of Kentucky have embraced our family as one of their own, and we love being here and there is no other place we'd rather be," Calipari said in a statement.

UK added two years to Calipari's current contract and reworked the compensation so that he is guaranteed $3.8 million for the next eight seasons and retention bonuses of $1 million in five of the next eight years and $1.1 million in the final year. He is also eligible for as much as $850,000 in annual incentives, based mostly on the team's performance in postseason tournaments.

Calipari will turn 60 in 2019, the last year of the current contract. He said Monday that he's "not going to be coaching in my 70s."

Wisconsin adds N.C. State QB transfer

MILWAUKEE — Former North Carolina State quarterback Russell Wilson is headed to Wisconsin, potentially solving one of the biggest hurdles standing between the Badgers and a Big Ten title.

Coach Bret Bielema said Wilson will compete for the starting job in the fall. The two-sport star most recently played in the Rockies' minor-league system.

Wilson, who also considered Auburn, has one year of eligibility remaining and can play right away.

In his three seasons with the Wolfpack, Wilson threw for 8,545 yards and 76 touchdowns.

Jon Budmayr, Joe Brennan and freshman Joel Stave are also competing for the job.

More for UConn's Moore: Former Connecticut basketball star Maya Moore won the Honda-Broderick Cup for the second straight year as the top female college athlete. Moore, the No. 1 overall draft pick of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx, joined swimmer Tracy Caulkins (1982 and '84) as the only athletes to win the award twice.

Times wires
Monday, June 27, 2011

OMAHA, Neb. — Sitting two arm's lengths away from Preston Tucker was the 2-foot tall piece of wood, gold and glass that he and his Florida teammates have long aspired to hold. It was so close he could touch it.

But Tucker knew he had to wait. He hopes not long.

"It's exciting just seeing how close it is, how close you are to getting it," the Gators first baseman and former Plant High standout said over the weekend.

In 97 years of existence, the Gators have never placed an NCAA championship trophy in their baseball cases in Gainesville. They have come up empty in six previous trips to the College World Series. But this week, playing South Carolina in the best-of-three title series, they hope to change that.

"It's there for the taking," said Tucker, who was with the Gators last season when they went 0-2 in Omaha and were eliminated by Florida State. "Whoever wants it more is going to end up with the trophy."

Florida came close in 2005, reaching the best-of-three finals against Texas. It went two-and-out.

The Gamecocks are looking to bring it back to Columbia, S.C., after winning it last year.

"It's got 2011 engraved on it," South Carolina ace Michael Roth said a day before Monday night's late Game 1. "We'd like to have it."

Florida reached the final by beating Vanderbilt on Tucker's eighth-inning, bases-loaded single Friday afternoon. The Gamecocks beat Virginia on a 13th-inning walkoff bunt to set up the final.

Over the weekend, the governors of the SEC rivals decided to back their teams in a wager. South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is putting the barbecue from Hudson's Smokehouse in Lexington on the line. Florida Gov. Rick Scott is putting up key pie from Kermit's Key West Key Lime Shoppe. Haley's office calls it a "friendly wager," but Haley acknowledges she called up and "talked a little smack" to Scott.

Loss of pop: Tinkerings with the aluminum bats to reduce ball exit speeds has resulted in a reduction of homers and an increase in sacrifice bunts.

Heading into Monday, there were seven homers hit in the first 12 games at TD Ameritrade Park. That compares to 28 before the final two games at Rosenblatt Stadium.

Meanwhile, there were 18 sacrifice bunts in 2010 compared to 24 heading into the final series.

"The home run numbers obviously went down," South Carolina's Scott Wingo said. "But I just think that the sweet spot just is not as big as last year. And I didn't notice too much of a difference. I don't know how, but I hit better than I've ever hit. So I'm probably a bad person to ask on that one."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Jesse Simonton, Special to the Times
Monday, June 27, 2011

OMAHA, Neb. — Christian Walker, cleared to play with a broken wrist a half-hour before the game, scored from first base on two throwing errors in the 11th inning and South Carolina beat Florida 2-1 in Game 1 of the best-of-three College World Series final Monday night.

The defending national champions are one win away from repeating after stunning the Gators, who failed to score with the bases loaded and no outs in the ninth and had a runner thrown out at home in the bottom of the 10th.

In the top of the 11th inning, Walker, who injured his left wrist in Friday's win over Virginia, singled with one out. The sophomore stole second as catcher Mike Zunino's throw sailed into centerfield. Walker slid into third as Bryson Smith's throw from the outfield bounded away from third baseman Cody Dent and went into the stands. Walker came home with the winner, and South Carolina held on in the bottom half of the inning.

"Battle. That's what we do," said South Carolina second baseman Scott Wingo, who went 1-for-5 with the tying RBI in the eighth and made two clutch defensive plays in the ninth. "We grind it out every inning, every pitch. I worked out for us (Monday night). … I can't tell you how glad I am to have these pitchers on our staff. … They're unreal."

The Gators (53-18) must win the next two games to become the first SEC school — and fifth ever — to win the NCAA national championship in football, basketball and baseball. They will throw freshman Karsten Whitson (13-3, 0.98 ERA) against Gamecocks ace Michael Roth (13-3, 0.98 ERA) tonight.

Wingo knocked down a hard grounder by Daniel Pigott and started a 4-2-3 inning-ending double play after the Gators loaded the bases in the ninth.

Florida nearly had a walk-off single in the 10th inning, but leftfielder Jake Williams gunned down Dent, who led off with a single and was sacrificed to second, at the plate.

Gamecocks closer Matt Price, who tossed 90-plus pitches in South Carolina's win Friday night, recorded his 19th save, though the Gators had a runner reach second in the 11th.

The loss stung after sophomore Gators ace Hudson Randall, who has allowed one run or fewer in 10 of his 19 starts this season, left with two outs in the eighth after having allowed three hits.

But in the eighth, Florida's ace coughed up the tying run after issuing a leadoff walk to shortstop Peter Mooney, and Wingo ripped a two-out single up the middle.

The Gators manufactured their lone run in the third, taking the lead on a sacrifice fly from Dent. The sophomore infielder plated just his seventh run on the year, scoring Tyler Thompson. Florida's leftfielder led off the inning with a four-pitch walk and later reached third on a wild pitch.

Two hours before the game, most of the theater surrounded Walker. Late Sunday, word leaked that the Gamecocks' leader in average (.355) and homers (10) had a stress fracture in his left wrist and would be doubtful for the series. The sophomore was not in the original lineup Monday, but after knocking out several long balls in batting practice, head coach Ray Tanner was convinced he could play.

South Carolina freshman starter Forrest Koumas hadn't pitched in 21 days but tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing just the one run.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Jesse Simonton, Special to the Times
Monday, June 27, 2011

OMAHA, Neb. — Christian Walker, cleared to play with a broken wrist a half-hour before the game, scored from first base on two throwing errors in the 11th inning and South Carolina beat Florida 2-1 in Game 1 of the best-of-three College World Series final Monday night.

The defending national champions are one win away from repeating after stunning the Gators, who failed to score with the bases loaded and no outs in the ninth and had a runner thrown out at home in the bottom of the 10th.

In the top of the 11th inning, Walker, who injured his left wrist in Friday's win over Virginia, singled with one out. The sophomore stole second as catcher Mike Zunino's throw sailed into centerfield. Walker slid into third as Bryson Smith's throw from the outfield bounded away from third baseman Cody Dent and went into the stands. Walker came home with the winner, and South Carolina held on in the bottom half of the inning.

"Battle. That's what we do," said South Carolina second baseman Scott Wingo, who went 1-for-5 with the tying RBI in the eighth and made two clutch defensive plays in the ninth. "We grind it out every inning, every pitch. It worked out for us (Monday night)."

The Gators (53-18) must win the next two games to become the first SEC school — and fifth ever — to win the NCAA national championship in football, basketball and baseball. They will throw freshman Karsten Whitson (13-3, 0.98 ERA) against Gamecocks ace Michael Roth (13-3, 0.98 ERA) tonight.

Wingo knocked down a hard grounder by Daniel Pigott and started a 4-2-3 inning-ending double play after the Gators loaded the bases in the ninth.

Florida nearly had a walk-off single in the 10th inning, but leftfielder Jake Williams gunned down Dent, who led off with a single and was sacrificed to second, at the plate.

Gamecocks closer Matt Price recorded his 19th save.

The loss stung after sophomore Gators ace Hudson Randall, who has allowed one run or fewer in 10 of his 19 starts this season, left with two outs in the eighth after having allowed three hits. But in the eighth, he coughed up the tying run after issuing a leadoff walk to shortstop Peter Mooney, and Wingo ripped a two-out single up the middle.

"The most frustrating thing is we wasted too many chances," Randall said. "The team that beat us (Monday) is ourselves."

Nick Maronde (0-1) took the loss — UF's first in 47 games in which it had led after the seventh inning.

The Gators manufactured their lone run in the third, taking the lead on a sacrifice fly from Dent. The sophomore infielder plated just his seventh run on the year, scoring Tyler Thompson. Florida's leftfielder led off with a four-pitch walk and reached third on a wild pitch.

Two hours before the game, most of the theater surrounded Walker. Late Sunday, word leaked that the Gamecocks' leader in average (.355) and homers (10) had a stress fracture in his left wrist and would be doubtful. The sophomore was not in the original lineup, but after Walker knocked out several long balls in batting practice, coach Ray Tanner was convinced he could play.

"I knew it was going to take a lot of pain for me not to play," he said.

South Carolina freshman starter Forrest Koumas hadn't pitched in 21 days but tossed 5 2/3 innings, allowing just the one run.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays manager Joe Maddon has said that "you can't be an oil painting every night."

But after Tampa Bay looked pretty bad in a 5-0 loss to the Reds on Monday in front of 19,891 and an ESPN audience — committing two errors and a baserunning blunder while struggling offensively and on the mound — Maddon had a fitting way to describe the game.

"It was a stinker, absolutely it was," Maddon said.

"Disappointing," added leftfielder Sam Fuld.

Said Evan Longoria: "It wasn't fun, to say the least."

What made it unexpected was how well the Rays (44-35) had played on their recent road trip, winning five of six, including four in a row, to move a season-best 10 games over .500 and racking up 32 hits in their final two wins in Houston.

But at Tropicana Field, Tampa Bay has been an inexplicably different team, going 18-19 while averaging 3.08 runs. On Monday, the Rays had six hits and went 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position.

"Perplexing," Maddon said. "I don't have any good answers. All I know is the Trop owes us a lot of runs this year."

Rays rookie right-hander Jeremy Hellickson, who picked up his fourth consecutive loss, has been getting used to little support with the Rays scoring one run for him in that span, including three shutouts.

Hellickson allowed four runs on a career-high eight hits, including a solo homer by ex-Rays outfielder Jonny Gomes. Maddon said Hellickson threw a few too many offspeed pitches early and left them up.

"There were a couple change­ups early that were not doing much," Hellickson said. "And they have some good hitters and took advantage of that."

One day after scoring 14 runs on 19 hits, the Rays were shut down by Mike Leake, who allowed four hits over six innings. And on one of the Rays' best chances to score, a baserunning miscue by Longoria helped thwart the rally.

With Ben Zobrist on second and Longoria on first and no outs, Matt Joyce flew out to deep left-centerfield. Longoria made the turn at second base and passed Zobrist, getting called out in the process. Casey Kotchman then grounded out.

"The ball Joyce hit, I was convinced it was going to get down," Longoria said. "And in my mind, I was trying to give myself the best chance to score. It didn't work out that way. Obviously we all know what happened. Just not the right decision to make there."

Said Leake: "It was just a brain fart. He doesn't make too many mistakes. That was a little gift to me."

Longoria also had an error, as did Zobrist, who allowed a grounder to go through him at second base in the fifth. Maddon did praise the Rays for how they fought until the end, playing well late in the game, including a double play and a great over-the-shoulder catch by Fuld to end the top of the eighth.

But, by then, it was too late.

"You're going to have those nights like (Monday night)," Longoria said. "Obviously, you wish they never happen."

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, June 27, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Reds utilityman Miguel Cairo has made more than a dozen stops through his pro career, which has spanned more than two decades.

A classic survivor, Cairo, 37, has played for nine big-league clubs, three twice, since getting signed as a 16-year-old out of Venezuela in 1990. A career .267 hitter, Cairo has never made more than $1 million in a season and hadn't had a multiyear deal until now.

But as Cairo returned to Tropicana Field on Monday, the Safety Harbor resident had fond memories for where it kind of started, honored to be the last remaining active player from the original 1998 Devil Rays team.

"I'm very thankful and grateful for what I have and for what I've accomplished all these years," Cairo said. "To be the last man standing from that '98 season, it feels good that I'm still playing and that I can do it and I can still help a major-league team. …

"I've still got that fire. I still love it."

It's that passion, along with hard work and discipline, that has gotten Cairo this far. He has also extended his productive career by adapting to a role as a super utilityman, having played every position but pitcher and catcher.

"He doesn't have the greatest talent, compared to guys on (the) roster, but he's probably going to outwork a lot of them, and that's where he gets the respect," said former Tampa Bay closer Roberto Hernandez, an original Ray who retired in 2007. "He'll do all of the dirty work, not the glamorous stuff that comes up on the score sheet. But he's going to get it done."

Cairo had brief stints with Toronto and the Cubs in 1996 and 1997, but it was the Rays — who picked him eighth in the 1997 expansion draft — who gave him his first chance to play every day.

Cairo hit .268 in a career-high 150 games in 1998 on a team that included Hall of Famer Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff, as well as bench coach Dave Martinez.

"He had a lot of talent," Martinez said of Cairo. "He wanted to play every day, and rightfully so, as he had some good years here. And finally you realize as you get older, you can do a lot more for a club if you learn how to play different positions."

That's exactly what Cairo did after getting released by the Rays in 2000, showing his versatility in three seasons with the Cardinals (2001-03) while coming up clutch in a pinch. He has been in five division series and three league championships, hitting a combined .290, but has never appeared in a World Series game.

Cairo could get more chances with the Reds after signing a two-year, $2 million contract in December. He's hitting .278 in 51 games this year.

While the Reds are Cairo's big-league home, he still has a residence in the area, like several other members of the '98 Devil Rays. Cairo has golfed with Hernandez and hunted with Martinez while spending time with son Christian, 10, daughter Lauren, 6, and wife Nicole.

And when Cairo's playing days are over, Tony La Russa, his former skipper with the Cardinals, feels he could stay in the game as a manager.

"There are probably guys in the minor leagues that are doing it now that I don't know about," La Russa said. "But of the guys that are in the big leagues, he would be at the top of the list."

Cairo, honored by La Russa's compliment, smiled and said, "You never know."

Considering Cairo's career, it'd be hard to doubt him.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.