Times wires
Friday, July 15, 2011

Rockies 4, Brewers 0

DENVER — Rookie Juan Nicasio pitched seven strong innings, and Dexter Fowler doubled, walked and scored twice in his return from a nearly monthlong demotion to the minor leagues. Mark Ellis doubled twice and Todd Helton added a pair of RBI singles to help Colorado win for the fourth time in five games. Nicasio struck out four in helping Colorado handcuff the Brewers, who dropped to a 16-31 on the road.

Times wires
Friday, July 15, 2011

Royals 2, Twins 1

MINNEAPOLIS — Eric Hosmer hit a two-run homer in the top of the ninth off Matt Capps, the seventh blown save this season for the Twins' closer to match the major-league lead. Capps was booed mildly after Melky Cabrera's walk and loudly after Hosmer's drive to center. Capps couldn't hold the lead in a save situation for the seventh time in 22 tries, tying Carlos Marmol of the Cubs for most in the majors. Joakim Soria escaped a jam in the ninth for his 16th save.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — As Rays left-hander David Price was battling the Red Sox on Friday night, he couldn't help but think about his best friend, who was fighting for his life at the same time.

Terry Wanthalangsy, who went to Blackman (Tenn.) High with Price and has lived with him in Tampa, underwent brain surgery Friday afternoon to remove a tumor from the left side of his brain.

Price might have picked up the win in the 9-6 victory over Boston with a strong six-inning performance, but the best news he got came afterward, when he saw a text message from his friend's mom that said doctors successfully "got it all."

Price's mind wandered to Wanthalangsy throughout the game Friday night.

"It's kind of tough not to think about your best friend having brain surgery," Price said. "He did good, though."

Price did well on the mound, allowing just three runs (on three solo homers) and five hits. He was relatively pleased with his outing, though he was disappointed in the three homers, which tied a career high, and that he went only six innings on 121 pitches. He could have pitched longer had it not been for Red Sox rightfielder Darnell McDonald, who worked a 12-pitch at-bat in the fourth inning, fouling off seven consecutive pitches.

"That guy hits everything I throw," Price said, smiling.

Rays manager Joe Maddon praised Price for his "plan of attack" and how he used all his pitches well. But at the end of the day, it all seemed trivial compared to the fact everything went well with Wanthalangsy; Price had tried to gather some support earlier in the day on Twitter. "Everyone pray for my best friend right now," Price tweeted. "He needs us all right now."

And after a four-hour surgery, which Price said ended about an hour before the Rays game did, it appeared those prayers were answered.

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

Times wires
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Dodgers 6, Diamondbacks 4

PHOENIX — Matt Kemp homered and drove in four in the Dodgers' fifth straight win. Juan Rivera, acquired this week from Toronto, homered in his first at-bat for Los Angeles. And Clayton Kershaw allowed three hits through six before giving up four unearned runs. The rally was sparked by Juan Uribe's fielding error and capped by Xavier Nady's three-run homer.

Times wires
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Rangers 4, Mariners 0

SEATTLE — Colby Lewis pitched the Rangers to their second straight shutout of the Mariners and ninth consecutive win. Texas' 12 shutouts are second most in the majors. Thursday, Derek Holland took a perfect game into the sixth and pitched a complete game. Friday, Seattle got only three runners to second and now has not scored in 26 innings. It failed to back Doug Fister, who retired 15 in a row at one point. But he allowed sac flies to Josh Hamilton, Endy Chavez and Adrian Beltre and a run-scoring single to Michael Young.

Times wires
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Athletics 5, Angels 3

OAKLAND, Calif. — Brandon McCarthy matched his season high of seven strikeouts for his first win since April 10. The right-hander, who missed nearly seven weeks with a stress reaction in his right scapula, had to work out of trouble in almost every inning but held on. The Angels had won four in a row.

Times wires
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Giants 6, Padres 1

SAN DIEGO — Tim Lincecum and three relievers combined on a four-hitter for the Giants. Lincecum allowed only three singles to win consecutive starts for just the second time this year (though San Francisco had scored only a combined six runs over his previous seven starts). Pablo Sandoval went 0-for-2 for the Giants, ending his hitting streak at a career-high 22 games.

By Steve Papen, Times Correspondent
Saturday, July 16, 2011

What's hot: Snapper fishing this time of year is tremendous. We are lucky to have so many different species in our waters. Most wrecks in depths of 80 feet or more are holding schools of mangrove and yellowtail snapper.

Tactics: One effective way to target these species over wrecks or other high-relief areas is to free-line baits on smaller spinning rods. To do this, anchor a bit up tide from the target area. Set out a couple of chum blocks, then cut small pieces of sardine and start a slow but steady chum line. If the snapper are there, they will follow the chum up through the water column to the stern of the boat. Sometimes they can even be seen 10 to 20 feet under the boat, so it's time to break out the light tackle and start fishing. A medium to light spinning rod with 10- to 15-pound test works best. Our terminal tackle includes an 18- to 24-inch length of 30-pound fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line via line-to-line knot (no swivel) and 5/0 circle hook. Cut a sardine the same size as the chum that was tossed in. The idea behind this rig is to have the bait blend in with the chum, and because there is no weight, it will fall slowly and stay in the strike zone for a long time.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at fintasticinc.com or (727) 642-3411

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Tonight

FC Tampa Bay at FC Edmonton

When/where: 6; Foote Field, Edmonton

Records: Tampa Bay 4-5-6 (18 points); Edmonton 7-4-4 (25 points)

Watch: fctampabay.com

Series: This is the third of four meetings. Tampa Bay gave up a stoppage-time goal in a 1-1 draw May 11, and Edmonton rolled 4-0 on May 31.

Last time out: Tampa Bay upended Bolton of the English Premier League 1-0 in an international friendly Thursday at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg. F Matt Clare scored in the 65th minute, and goalkeepers Jeff Attinella and Evan Newton combined for the shutout. In league play, Tampa Bay scored early at Puerto Rico on July 9, but the Islanders rallied for a 1-1 draw. … Edmonton earned a 1-1 draw at home against league-leading Carolina on Wednesday.

Skinny: Tampa Bay is undefeated over its past four games (two wins, two ties), and Edmonton is on a five-match unbeaten streak (two wins, three ties). … Edmonton is second in the league but trails Carolina by 13 points. Tampa Bay is 20 points behind the RailHawks in sixth place. … Tampa Bay midfielders Tsuyoshi Yoshitake (hamstring) and Takuya Yamada (groin) are questionable, and M Chad Burt (foot) is doubtful.

Bryan Burns, Times staff writer

By Steve Slowinski, Special to the Times
Saturday, July 16, 2011

Most everyone would agree that the Rays are not an intimidating team. Compared to past iterations of the Rays, especially last season's club, this season's roster looks somewhat underwhelming.

Sam Fuld may be a legend, but he's no Carl Crawford. Kyle Farns­worth and Joel Peralta may be a welcome surprise, but they can't shake a stick at the 2010 versions of Joaquin Benoit and Rafael Soriano. And as wonderful as Casey Kotchman has been this year, what Rays fan wouldn't gladly swap him for a slick-fielding, 35-homer season from Carlos Peña?

Need more evidence? The Rays have five regulars in the lineup — Fuld, Reid Brignac, John Jaso, Kelly Shoppach and Elliot Johnson — with on-base percentages lower than .300. And the team's overall offense and pitching are both worse than last season.

While the Rays offense performed 5 percent better than the league average last season (.736 on-base plus slugging percentage), they come in just 1 percent below that this season (.712 OPS). Their pitching has seen a similar drop (based on defense-independent stats), falling from 5 percent above league average to 2 percent below this season.

And yet, the Rays entered Saturday with a .549 winning percentage, only 3½ games out of the AL wild card. Their record would be good enough to put them in first place in both the AL and NL Central, and heading into Saturday they were the fourth-best team in the AL.

So how is this possible? The answer is simple: defense.

It's no secret that the Rays have built their team around defense in recent years, exploiting the fact that good defensive players have been underpaid and undervalued. This season the Rays have taken their defensive focus to a new extreme. They not only have the best defense in the majors, they arguably have the best defensive team of the past 10 years.

That said, measuring defense is far from an exact science. We can measure a player's error rate easily enough — that's what fielding percentage covers — but that's only one part of the picture. You also need to take into account defensive range, as a fielder that can reach any ball hit within 20 feet of him is more valuable than a fielder that can only reach balls hit right at him.

There are two publicly available defensive stats that attempt to measure range: defensive runs saved (DRS) and ultimate zone rating (UZR). While DRS and UZR have different ways of reaching their answers (DRS uses video scouts; UZR relies on hit location data), they both attempt to quantify how many runs a player saved or gave up through their fielding range.

These values don't always match up, but they can give you a good picture of a player's defense when you take them as a whole. For example, Ben Zobrist is rated by both UZR and DRS as the best fielder on the Rays this season, accruing a plus-10 DRS and plus-7 UZR. In other words, these stats rate Zobrist as saving the Rays around 7-10 runs with his defense.

These same stats rate the Rays as having the best defense in the majors this season, coming in at plus-52 DRS and plus-26 UZR. When you put it in historical perspective, those numbers become even more impressive; the 2009 Mariners were the best defensive club since defensive stats started being recorded in 2002 (plus-85 UZR, plus-110 DRS), and the Rays are on pace to finish with defensive numbers similar to those.

The Rays also have been better than the 2009 Mariners at turning balls hit in play into outs. The Rays have a .265 batting average on balls hit in play against them, while the Mariners had a .272 batting average on balls in play, a difference of around 35 hits over the course of a season. Since 1994, there have only been two clubs better than the current Rays at turning hits into outs: the 2001 Mariners (.260 BABIP against) and the 1999 Reds (.262 BABIP against).

The Rays might not have a strong offensive club, but their defense has made them into one of the majors' best teams. Their pitching only rates around the middle of the pack in defense-independent stats such as strikeout and walk rate, but they have allowed 343 runs, ninth best in the majors. With a defense like this, who needs an offense?

Steve Slowinski is editor-in-chief of DRaysBay.com, a blog on the Rays that specializes in analysis and statistics.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

After scoring two of the biggest goals for the United States in the 2011 Women's World Cup, Abby Wambach has become the face of the national team.

Wambach scored the game-saving goal in a quarterfinal against Brazil then the winning goal in a semifinal against France. And she has done so in dramatic fashion with those now-famous headers.

But the former four-time All-American at Florida insists that the United States' success is a total team effort and dismisses any notion that it's all about her.

"I was put in positions to score goals, and I know that my teammates put me in those positions," Wambach said during a teleconference last week from Germany. "So I give them more thanks than maybe they even know. But at the end of the day, like I've always said, it's not about my head or Hope's (Solo) arm; it's about us collectively. …

"I think in general if you have the 'we' mentality instead of the 'me' mentality, you're more likely to win and win in ways which inspire people. And that's what this team is doing."

The United States plays Japan in the World Cup final today, but the journey hasn't been easy.

Eight months ago, the Americans lost a qualifying match to Mexico and were in danger of missing the World Cup. And in this competition, the United States has had to scrap, battle and come from behind in dramatic fashion to advance.

"I think because we had such a bumpy road, we came out stronger," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. "We've learned a lesson — we can't take anything for granted. It's not one player; it's the whole team that will make this dream come true, I hope. … I think this team, one of the great things is heart and spirit."

The U.S. women are 22-0-3 vs. Japan. The Americans have a distinct height advantage (the average Japanese player is 5 feet 4; 15 of the 21 U.S. players are 5-5 or taller with 11 of them 5-7 or taller), but Japan counters with quickness. The American players expect a much tougher opponent than the one they met in May.

"They are the sentimental favorites of this tournament, and it's pretty clear to most of us that we're not going to see the same Japan team that we saw in the last couple of (matches)," said Solo, the U.S. goalkeeper. "They are playing for something bigger and better than the game. And when you're playing with so much emotion and so much heart, that's hard to play against.

"They are already a brilliant team on the attack, they put numbers forward, they pass the ball around. They are starting to take more outside shots than they have in years past. So I think it's going to be an incredible final that people didn't expect to see."

At 31, Wambach is playing in her third World Cup, but it is her first time in the final. She has been dogged by injuries, including an Achilles' problem, but said none of that matters.

"I think if you're feeling pain going into this next game, being that it's the final, I think there's something wrong with you as a soccer player," Wambach said. "This is the pinnacle, this is the dream, this is the goal that we've all set. And collectively speaking, we have unfinished business. And like Hope said the other day, we want to have a storybook ending to this amazing journey.

"The road that we've taken hasn't been the road that many people thought we would take, but we're here, we're in the final, we have a chance — a very good chance — of being world champions. And it's going to take a solid performance to ensure that. … Getting to the final is only halfway part of our dream coming true, and we want to make sure that we're on that top podium."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

After scoring two of the biggest goals for the United States in the 2011 Women's World Cup, Abby Wambach has become the face of the national team.

Wambach scored the game-saving goal in a quarterfinal against Brazil, then the winning goal in a semifinal against France. And she has done so in dramatic fashion with those now-famous headers.

But the former four-time All-American at Florida insists that the United States' success is a total team effort and dismisses any notion that it's all about her.

"I was put in positions to score goals, and I know that my teammates put me in those positions," Wambach said during a teleconference last week from Germany. "So I give them more thanks than maybe they even know. But at the end of the day, like I've always said, it's not about my head or Hope's (Solo) arm; it's about us collectively. …

"I think in general if you have the 'we' mentality instead of the 'me' mentality, you're more likely to win and win in ways which inspire people. And that's what this team is doing."

The United States plays Japan at the World Cup final today in Frankfurt, Germany, but the journey hasn't been easy.

Eight months ago, the Americans lost a qualifying match to Mexico and were in danger of missing the World Cup. And in this competition, the United States has had to scrap, battle and come from behind in dramatic fashion to advance.

"I think because we had such a bumpy road, we came out stronger," U.S. coach Pia Sundhage said. "We've learned a lesson — we can't take anything for granted.

"It's not one player; it's the whole team that will make this dream come true, I hope. … I think this team, one of the great things is heart and spirit."

The U.S. women are 22-0-3 vs. Japan. The Americans have a distinct height advantage (the average Japanese player is 5 feet 4; 15 of the 21 U.S. players are 5-5 or taller with 11 of them 5-7 or taller), but Japan counters with quickness. The U.S. players expect a much tougher opponent than the one they played in May in a two-game exhibition series, the host Americans winning both 2-0.

"They are the sentimental favorites of this tournament, and it's pretty clear to most of us that we're not going to see the same Japan team that we saw in the last couple of (matches)," said Solo, the U.S. goalkeeper. "They are playing for something bigger and better than the game. And when you're playing with so much emotion and so much heart, that's hard to play against.

"They are already a brilliant team on the attack, they put numbers forward, they pass the ball around. They are starting to take more outside shots than they have in years past. So I think it's going to be an incredible final that people didn't expect to see."

At 31, Wambach is playing in her third World Cup, but it is her first time in the final. She has been dogged by injuries, including an Achilles' problem, but said none of that matters.

"I think if you're feeling pain going into this next game, being that it's the final, I think there's something wrong with you as a soccer player," Wambach said. "This is the pinnacle, this is the dream, this is the goal that we've all set. And collectively speaking, we have unfinished business. And like Hope said the other day, we want to have a storybook ending to this amazing journey.

"The road that we've taken hasn't been the road that many people thought we would take, but we're here, we're in the final, we have a chance — a very good chance — of being world champions. And it's going to take a solid performance to ensure that. … Getting to the final is only halfway part of our dream coming true, and we want to make sure that we're on that top podium."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Saturday, July 16, 2011

PLATEAU DE BEILLE, France — Thomas Voeckler took the lead in the Tour de France after Stage 9 on July 10 but wasn't expected to keep it when the event headed into the Pyrenees.

But after Saturday's Stage 14, the last and most grueling in the mountains, the Frenchman still leads.

"It's hard for me to believe that I'm in yellow after the Pyrenees," he said. "It's like a dream."

Voeckler sat 1 minute, 49 seconds ahead of Luxem­bourg's Frank Schleck and 4:00 in front of defending champion Alberto Contador of Spain, who is seventh.

Belgium's Jelle Vanendert won the stage, the first of his career, by finishing 21 seconds ahead of Spain's Samuel Sanchez.

The contenders were expected to attack during the stage, which featured a 10-mile climb. But Andy Schleck, Frank's brother who sits fourth, gained only two seconds on Voeckler, and Contador gained none.

"It wasn't possible to make a big difference. I need a steeper stage." Schleck said. "We climbed well. But when you attacked, you could only get 50 meters ahead because there was a bit of wind. But still, I got a few seconds."

Contador praised Voeckler but does not expect him to keep up the pace for much longer.

"We know he's a great rider," he said. "But if he ever cracks one day, he will really lose a lot of time."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

TAMPA — Whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is signed, the Bucs brass will have a lot of decisions to make in short order.

The lengthy to-do list includes signing college draft picks and undrafted free agents, deciding what to do (and not do) regarding veteran free agency, setting training camp schedules and orienting rookies who still don't know their way to the lunch room.

But at some point, the strangest offseason in about two decades will end. When that does happen, here are the first five questions the Bucs will need to answer:

1. Will cornerback Aqib Talib remain with the Bucs in 2011?

Talib, 26, was indicted on assault with a deadly weapon charges stemming from his involvement in a shooting March 21 in Garland, Texas. Attorney Frank Perez was successful in scheduling the trial for March 26, 2012. Shortly after Talib's arrest, indications were the team had had its fill of his off-field problems and was prepared to make him walk the plank. But with the court case now on hold until after the season, it appears the Bucs could place Talib's future in the hands of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has said players who violated the player's code of conduct during the lockout will be disciplined. Goodell suspended Talib the first game last season for punching a cab driver in 2009 and doesn't need to wait until the case is settled in court to issue sanctions.

2. Which of the Bucs own free agents will be a priority?

Re-signing guard Davin Joseph is the team's top priority. Remember, protecting quarterback Josh Freeman is paramount to the team's success, and protection provided by the 6-foot-3, 313-pound Joseph is hard to find. Injuries are a concern. He missed the final month with a broken foot and missed the first four games in 2008, when he made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Joseph wasn't a good fit for the zone-blocking schemes of line coach Pete Mangurian and will benefit from a power-man scheme under new line coach Pat Morris.

Joseph wants to remain in Tampa Bay. "I've been here five years and love the coaches, love the players, love the direction and love the community," he said. "That's the hard part. It's a business. … It's tough. If they were to say they're committed to re-signing guys I played with last year, that would influence me to say … 'You bring those guys back here, I know you're about winning.' "

Ultimately, contract value will determine which players the Bucs re-sign. In addition to Joseph, they have to make decisions on linebackers Barrett Ruud, Quincy Black and Adam Hayward, running back Cadillac Williams and tackle Jeremy Trueblood.

3. What areas do the Bucs need to address in free agency?

Much of that depends on the progress of negotiations with Joseph, Ruud and their other free agents. If the Bucs believe Talib may be suspended for a significant amount of games, they may have to address the cornerback position. But don't expect Tampa Bay to become players for the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, 30, who is seeking $18 million per year.

It's inevitable the linebacker position could suffer losses. Ruud, who led the Bucs in tackles the past four seasons, is a favorite of coach Raheem Morris. He might not be ready to turn his defense over to Tyrone McKenzie or rookie Mason Foster. Black and Hayward will draw interest from San Diego and former Bucs special teams coach Richard Bisaccia. If Williams is not re-signed, the Bucs will be in the market for a third-down, change-of-pace back. Tiki Barber anyone?

4. With no offseason instruction and a need to get the starters up to speed in a hurry, what rookies might still have an impact this season?

The consensus suggests no group of players will be more affected by the lockout than the rookies. "Their heads will be spinning," Bucs center Jeff Faine said. "When we're flying around and have the pads on, they'll still be trying to figure out how to get around the facility. It's going to be tough."

That said, the Bucs invested heavily again on the defensive line with their first- and second-round picks, defensive ends Adrian Clayborn of Iowa and Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson. Clayborn has spent time working out with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and is a presumed starter. But effective? Probably not until midseason at best. Bowers has been recovering from knee surgery and could be the steal of the draft after leading Division I-A with 16 sacks. When he's healthy, Bowers' natural pass-rush ability can be a differencemaker. Third-rounder Foster can play all three linebacker positions and was in a similar system at Washington. He also has been effective as a pass rusher. Any contribution beyond those top picks would be gravy.

5. What is the status of the injured players?

Prediction: Defensive tackle Brian Price will begin the 2011 season on the physically unable to perform list. Price is recovering from a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and a torn hamstring and has no timetable for a return. The second-round pick, who played in only five games as a rookie, also has gained significant weight. Aside from Price, the Bucs appear to be in pretty good shape with players whose 2010 season was cut short. The most remarkable comeback belongs to receiver Arrelious Benn, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the second-to-last game of the season. The injury normally takes 6-8 months to heal, but Benn has been running and cutting for the past month. McCoy (biceps) Joseph (broken foot), Talib (hip), Black (broken arm), safety Cody Grimm (broken leg) and Faine (quad/triceps) say they are ready to go, among others.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

2. Which of the Bucs' own free agents will be a priority?

Re-signing G Davin Joseph is the team's top priority. Remember, protecting QB Josh Freeman is paramount to the team's success, and protection provided by the 6-foot-3, 313-pound Joseph is hard to find. Injuries are a concern. He missed the final month with a broken foot and missed the first four games in 2008, when he made the Pro Bowl as an alternate. Joseph wasn't a good fit for the zone-blocking schemes of line coach Pete Mangurian and will benefit from a power-man scheme under new line coach Pat Morris.

Joseph said he wants to remain in Tampa Bay. "I've been here five years and love the coaches, love the players, love the direction and love the community," he said. "That's the hard part. It's a business. … It's tough. If they were to say they're committed to re-signing guys I played with last year, that would influence me to say … 'You bring those guys back here, I know you're about winning.' "

Ultimately, contract value will determine which players the Bucs re-sign. In addition to Joseph, they have to make decisions on LBs Barrett Ruud, Quincy Black and Adam Hayward, RB Cadillac Williams and OT Jeremy Trueblood.

3. What areas need to be addressed in free agency?

Much of that depends on the negotiations with David Joseph, Barrett Ruud and their other free agents. If the Bucs believe Aqib Talib will be suspended for a significant amount of games, they might have to address the cornerback position. But don't expect Tampa Bay to become players for the Raiders' Nnamdi Asomugha, 30, who is seeking $18 million per year.

It's inevitable the linebacker position could suffer losses. Ruud, the team leader in tackles the past four seasons, is a favorite of coach Raheem Morris. He might not be ready to turn his defense over to Tyrone McKenzie or rookie Mason Foster. Quincy Black and Adam Hayward will draw interest from San Diego and former Bucs special teams coach Rich Bisaccia. If Cadillac Williams is not re-signed, the Bucs will be in the market for a third-down, change-of-pace back. Tiki Barber anyone?

4. With no offseason instruction and a need to get the starters up to speed in a hurry, what rookies might have an impact this season?

The consensus suggests no group of players will be more affected by the lockout than the rookies. "Their heads will be spinning," center Jeff Faine said. "When we're flying around and have the pads on, they'll still be trying to figure out how to get around the facility. It's going to be tough."

That said, the Bucs invested heavily again on the defensive line with their first- and second-round picks, defensive ends Adrian Clayborn of Iowa and Da'Quan Bowers of Clemson. Clayborn has spent time working out with second-year DT Gerald McCoy and is a presumed starter. But effective? Probably not until midseason at best. Bowers has been recovering from knee surgery and could be the steal of the draft after leading Division I-A with 16 sacks. When he's healthy, Bowers' natural pass-rush ability can be a difference­maker. Third-rounder Mason Foster can play all three linebacker positions and was in a similar system at Washing­ton. He also has been effective as a pass rusher. Any contribution beyond those top picks would be gravy.

5. What is the status of the injured players?

Prediction: Brian Price will begin the 2011 season on the physically unable to perform list. The defensive tackle is recovering from a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and a torn hamstring and has no timetable for a return. The second-round pick, who played in only five games last season as a rookie, also has gained significant weight. Aside from Price, the Bucs appear to be in good shape with players whose 2010 season was cut short. The most remarkable comeback belongs to WR Arrelious Benn, who tore his ACL in the second-to-last game of the season. The injury normally takes 6-8 months to heal, but Benn has been running and cutting for the past month. DT Gerald McCoy (biceps), G Davin Joseph (broken foot), CB Aqib Talib (hip), LB Quincy Black (broken arm), S Cody Grimm (broken leg) and C Jeff Faine (quad/triceps) say they are ready to go, among others.

TAMPA

Whenever a new collective bargaining agreement is signed, the Bucs brass will have a lot of decisions to make in short order. The lengthy to-do list includes signing college draft picks and undrafted free agents, deciding what to do (and not do) regarding veteran free agents, setting training camp schedules and orienting rookies who still don't know their way to the lunchroom. But at some point, the strangest offseason in about two decades will end. When that happens, here are first five questions the Bucs will need to answer:



1. Will cornerback Aqib Talib remain with the team in 2011?

T alib, 26, was indicted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon stemming from his involvement in a shooting March 21 in Garland, Texas. His attorney, Frank Perez, was successful in scheduling the trial for March 26, 2012. Shortly after the Talib's arrest, indications were the team had had its fill of the cornerback's off-field problems and was prepared to make him walk the plank. But with the court case now on hold until after the season, it appears the Bucs could place Talib's future in the hands of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who has said players who violated the player's code of conduct during the lockout will be disciplined. Goodell suspended Talib the first game of last season for punching a cab driver in 2009 and doesn't need to wait until the case is settled in court to issue sanctions.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Rays are more likely than not to make a trade during the final two weeks leading up to the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver deals.

What's interesting, unless things change with a really bad start to this week, is that it seems they are more focused on adding to their core than breaking it up. In other words, as much as they don't like to be labeled, more buyers than sellers.

"We've spent a lot of time and energy on it and will continue to do so, and obviously there are a lot of variables at play," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Friday. "But I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to line up on something that helps us in 2011 and gets in front of one of our to-do items this offseason."

Adding a player — a late-inning reliever and/or outfield bat seem mostly likely, though a frontline shortstop or catcher would be more valuable — would help as the Rays try to stay in the race.

And to facilitate, Friedman said:

• They'd be willing to acquiring a "rental" player, a veteran who is headed to free agency after the season with no chance of staying, though "obviously we'd pay less for a rental player than we would someone with more years of control."

• They're "definitely open" to tap into their prized farm system and deal a prospect (though left-hander Matt Moore can probably send out his dry cleaning). "There's certain guys we're very unlikely to move, but the fact that we have a really deep system helps us in that respect," Friedman said.

But the more significant message would be in not trading their higher priced players, such as centerfielder B.J. Upton and right-hander James Shields.

Not only does that reinforce their intent to remain competitive this season, but it gives them a better opportunity in 2012, when they have reasons to feel even better about their chances: their young players are more experienced, they have fewer holes to fill (and potentially the money do so after spending only $41 million this year), the Red Sox and Yankees keep getting older, the playoff field is expected to be expanded.

Obviously the potential return on any one deal can change their way of thinking. And there's the possibility of linking deals where, say, they trade Upton but get another top centerfielder.

But with two weeks to go, the Rays seem more interested in buying than selling.

"I think we've properly identified our areas of strength and the areas that we're more deficient than we'd like to be," Friedman said. "So we are pursuing different moves that would strengthen our weaknesses and not necessarily detract from our current strengths.

"We never like to shoe-horn ourselves into being buyers or sellers, but we're looking for additive-type moves that will strengthen us as an organization and if they have a tail of value beyond this year, even better. It will put us in position to be even more aggressive on those, but it doesn't mean that's the only area we're focusing on."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Rays are more likely than not to make a trade during the final two weeks leading up to the July 31 deadline for nonwaiver deals.

What's interesting, unless things change with a really bad start to this week, is it seems they are more focused on adding to their core than breaking it up. In other words, as much as they don't like to be labeled, more buyers than sellers.

"We've spent a lot of time and energy on it and will continue to do so, and obviously there are a lot of variables at play," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Friday. "But I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll be able to line up on something that helps us in 2011 and gets in front of one of our to-do items this offseason."

Adding a player — a late-inning reliever and/or outfield bat seem mostly likely, though a frontline shortstop or catcher would be more valuable — would help as the Rays try to stay in the race.

And to facilitate, Friedman said:

• They'd be willing to acquire a "rental" player, a veteran who is headed to free agency after the season with no chance of staying, though "obviously we'd pay less for a rental player than we would someone with more years of control."

• They're "definitely open" to tapping into their prized farm system and deal a prospect (though left-hander Matt Moore can probably send out his dry cleaning). "There's certain guys we're very unlikely to move, but the fact that we have a really deep system helps us in that respect," Friedman said.

But the more significant message would be in not trading their higher-priced players, such as centerfielder B.J. Upton and right-hander James Shields.

Not only does that reinforce their intent to remain competitive this season, but it gives them a better opportunity in 2012, when they have reasons to feel even better about their chances: their young players are more experienced, they have fewer holes to fill (and potentially the money to do so after spending only $41 million this year), the Red Sox and Yankees keep getting older, the playoff field is expected to be expanded.

Obviously the potential return on any one deal can change their way of thinking. And there's the possibility of linking deals where, say, they trade Upton but get another top centerfielder.

But with two weeks to go, the Rays seem more interested in buying than selling.

"I think we've properly identified our areas of strength and the areas that we're more deficient than we'd like to be," Friedman said. "So we are pursuing different moves that would strengthen our weaknesses and not necessarily detract from our current strengths.

"We never like to shoehorn ourselves into being buyers or sellers, but we're looking for additive-type moves that will strengthen us as an organization and if they have a tail of value beyond this year, even better. It will put us in position to be even more aggressive on those, but it doesn't mean that's the only area we're focusing on."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Rays leave following Thursday's game and don't return until after the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. Could that make this the last week playing at the Trop for some big names that are rumored to be available?

Other possibilities: RHP Joel Peralta, RHP Juan Cruz, 1B Casey Kotchman

Rays rumblings

The Rays will host the Mets, Braves and Marlins and make interleague visits to the Phillies, Nationals and Marlins under the initial draft of the 2012 schedule. … Rays' TV ratings through the All-Star break were down an MLB-most 37 percent from the same point in 2010, according to Sports Business Journal, though still at middle-of-the-pack 3.46. … Houston Chronicle columnist Richard Justice on Twitter increased the chances of executive vice president Andrew Friedman leaving o become Astros GM from 15 to 51 percent based on undisclosed "new information." … OF Sam Fuld was left to sit awkwardly in the corner of ESPN's set during the home run derby show, but he did score sweet tickets to the All-Star Game. … LHP Matt Moore was all the rave at the Futures Game, with ESPN's Jason Grey calling him "the most impressive arm" and Baseball America's Jim Callis saying he had "better pure stuff" than David Price and looked major-league-ready now. … ESPN's Keith Law moved Moore from 16th to second on his list of the game's top prospects, SS Hak-Ju Lee from 49th to seventh and OF Desmond Jennings from 20th to eighth.

Got a minute? B.J. Upton

Must-see TV? The Vampire Diaries

Musician you'd like to be on stage with? Lil Wayne

Worst part of having a brother in the big leagues? Hearing all the time that he's better, every stadium we go to.

Ideal vacation spot? Somewhere in the islands.

Dream date? Nina Dobrev, from Vampire Diaries.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 16, 2011

The Rays leave after Thursday's game and don't return until after the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline. Could that make this the last week playing at the Trop for some big names that are rumored to be available?

Other possibilities: RHP Joel Peralta, RHP Juan Cruz, 1B Casey Kotchman

Rays rumblings

The Rays will host the Mets, Braves and Marlins and make interleague visits to the Phillies, Nationals and Marlins under the initial draft of the 2012 schedule. … Rays' TV ratings through the All-Star break were down an MLB-most 37 percent from the same point in 2010, according to Sports Business Journal, though still at middle-of-the-pack 3.46. … Houston Chronicle columnist Richard Justice on Twitter increased the chances of executive VP Andrew Friedman leaving to become Astros GM from 15 to 51 percent based on undisclosed "new information." … OF Sam Fuld was left to sit awkwardly in the corner of ESPN's set during the Home Run Derby show, but he did score sweet tickets to the All-Star Game. … LHP Matt Moore was all the rave at the Futures Game, with ESPN's Jason Grey calling him "the most impressive arm" and Baseball America's Jim Callis saying he had "better pure stuff" than David Price and looked major-league ready now. … ESPN's Keith Law moved Moore from 16th to second on his list of the game's top prospects, SS Hak-Ju Lee from 49th to seventh and OF Desmond Jennings from 20th to eighth.

Got a minute? B.J. Upton

Must-see TV? The Vampire Diaries

Musician you'd like to be on stage with? Lil Wayne

Worst part of having a brother in the big leagues? Hearing all the time that he's better, every stadium we go to.

Ideal vacation spot? Somewhere in the islands.

Dream date? Nina Dobrev, from The Vampire Diaries.

Times Staff
Saturday, July 16, 2011

The poll

Which Rays reliever inspires the most confidence?

702 votes

This week's question

With a 49-41 record at the All-Star break, how many wins will the Rays finish with? Vote at rays.tampabay.com

47%

28%

17%

3%

K. Farnsworth

A. Sonnanstine

B. Gomes

Juan Cruz

2%

2%

1%

Joel Peralta

J.P. Howell

Others

Another poll

Which player fighting for a Lightning roster spot will have the greatest impact next season? 130 votes

Blair Jones

Carter Ashton

Brett Connolly

Mattias Ritola

Tom Pyatt

28%

26%

20%

18%

8%