By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 17, 2011

Rays vs. Yankees

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

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

Starting pitchers:

Rays:

RH Alex Cobb (2-0, 3.41)

Yankees:

RH A.J. Burnett (8-7, 4.15)

Tickets: $17-$275 at box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa.

Watch for …

Stepping up: Cobb impressed in his previous stint in the majors this season, winning two of his past three starts. He has been tough on lefties, holding them to a .196 batting average in five starts.

One more time: Burnett will make his second consecutive start vs. the Rays, having allowed three runs over 5⅔ innings in a July 9 no-decision. He is 12-8 with a 3.41 ERA in 27 career starts vs. Tampa Bay.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Burnett

J. Damon 5-for-28, 2 HRs

Evan Longoria 13-for-38, HR

B.J. Upton 9-for-41, HR

Yankees vs. Cobb

Has never faced

On deck

Tuesday: vs. Yankees, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (8-7, 3.21); Yankees — Bartolo Colon (6-5, 3.47)

Wednesday: vs. Yankees, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (9-7, 3.73); Yankees — Freddy Garcia (7-7, 3.43)

Digging Damon's wine

DH Johnny Damon's charity event, "Uncork for a Cause," on Saturday at the Vinoy raised $10,000, with a lot of supporters showing up, including several Rays and Red Sox DH David Ortiz. Bottles of 2007 Johnny Damon red wine from Napa Valley were sold, with proceeds supporting the families of the three St. Petersburg police officers who died recently in the line of duty. Damon met Lorraine Yaslowitz, wife of officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz. "She had a good time," he said. "That … was very important."

Fans of the day

Before throwing his between-starts bullpen session, LHP David Price hollered up to the press box to have the Women's World Cup soccer game put on the stadium video board, and the whole team later paused on the field during warmups to watch the final penalty kicks.

Show of the day

Acrobats and clowns from La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil put together an impressive display of acro-gymnastics and juggling before Sunday's game. That included a ceremonial first pitch, which began with juggling several baseballs before throwing a strike to RHP Brandon Gomes. The group had previously performed at a game June 27 in San Diego.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 17, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Sean Rodriguez's eighth-inning foul popup that broke a stadium light and sent glass cascading onto the field was a sign it was going to be an unusual Sunday night at Tropicana Field.

As the Rays and Red Sox played well past midnight, with no runs in the first 11 innings, before a national ESPN cable TV audience, it was.

In the top of the 11th, Rays manager Joe Maddon was ejected during a pitching change, a red-clad fan raced onto the field and was escorted off and Rays bench coach Dave Martinez was ejected following the third out after the Sox left the bases loaded for the second time in a three-inning span.

Maddon's ejection, his fifth of the season, appeared to be a continuation of his objection to a check-swing call during Josh Reddick's at-bat, which ended in a strikeout.

Martinez's came after a valid complaint as Marco Scutaro violently threw his bat after popping up for the final out with the bases loaded, and it landed close to where catcher Kelly Shoppach was making the catch.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 17, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Sean Rodriguez's eighth-inning foul popup that broke a stadium light and sent glass cascading onto the field was a sign it was going to be an unusual game Sunday that featured all zeroes until after 1:30 a.m.

So too was a wild 11th inning featuring three ejections that left the Rays operating, manager Joe Maddon said later, by "Politburo." Maddon was tossed during a pitching change as he continued to complain about a call, a red-clad fan for running onto the field, and Rays bench coach Dave Martinez for objecting to Marco Scutaro's dangerous bat fling after making the third out after the Sox loaded the bases on walks.

But that was all just the preamble for what was left of the Tropicana Field crowd of 21,504 and ESPN's national TV audience, as the Sox finally scored in the 16th inning to deal the Rays a cruel and frustrating 1-0 defeat.

"Probably the toughest loss of the year,'' Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton said.

"This one hurts,'' added DH Johnny Damon. "We definitely thought we were going to win this game.''

Dustin Pedroia's two-out single brought in Josh Reddick with the game's only run, after the Sox stranded 17. "Nobody holds us down for 16 innings,'' Sox manager Terry Francona cracked.

The rally, as it were, started when Adam Russell, the ninth Rays pitcher, walked Reddick to open the inning. Reddick went to second on a bunt, and third on an infield bouncer that got by shortstop Reid Brignac. After a fly out, Pedroia took an outside fastball to rightfield.

"Anytime you have a leadoff walk it's a recipe for disaster,'' Russell said. "It just can't happen. That late in the game, no.''

The Rays went quietly in the 16th against Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon, Rodriguez striking out, Kelly Shoppach grounding out and Brignac grounding out to end it at 1:54 a.m.

At 5 hours, 44 minutes, it was the longest game in Rays history timewise, and matched the longest by innings. It also was the latest they ever played, surpassing Game 2 of 2008 ALCS, which ended at 1:35 a.m.

The loss dropped the Rays (50-43) a season-high seven games out of first and, increasingly more important, 5 ½ behind the wild-card leading Yankees, against whom they open a four-game series tonight that could impact not only their postseason hopes but their trade deadline plans.

It also forced them to reshuffle their roster. Catcher Jose Lobaton, in his first start, sprained his left knee and ended up on the disabled list, with Robinson Chirinos summoned to make his big-league debut. The Rays already planned to send down one reliever (Brandon Gomes was headed to Durham) to make room for starter Alex Cobb and were discussing a second move to add a fresh arm to the bullpen.

The game produced several remarkable statistical accomplishments, starting with this one: The Rays managed just three his, the fewest by any team, going back to 1919 anyway, that played 16 or more innings. Also, they had as many in their 50 at-bats as Pedroia had in seven.

On a related note, in their 16 innings the Rays didn't get a runner to third base, and only three to second. Also, the Rays walked 12 (including the bases loaded in the 11th) and only the last one scored. And they used a team-record tying nine pitchers, with Tuesday starter Jeremy Hellickson the next in line.

Maddon insisted despite the futility and frustration there was a positive to be taken.

"I just loved the way we played. We battled so hard for so long,'' Maddon said. "That's also in some way a character builder. I really believe how we bounce after that is going to be more important. It's never fun to lose a game like that, you utilize a lot of pitchers and a lot of emotion. But I'm really proud of how our boys handled tonight. ...

"My takeaway is that we can beat the Red Sox, and they know it. My takeaway from the 1-0 loss to the Yankees the other day is that we can beat the Yankees, and they know it. We're not going away. It's just a temporary inconvenience right now.''

For eight innings Sunday night, the story was the pitchers duel between the Rays' Jeff Niemann and Boston's Josh Beckett.

But by the end it was a battle of bullpens and attrition. The Sox loaded the bases in the ninth and the 11th, and had two on in the 10th, but each time the Rays wriggled out of trouble. The Rays had prime chances in the ninth and the 11th, when Rodriguez got to second with one out.

Niemann allowed only two hits, a first-inning single by Adrian Gonzalez through the infield shift and a fourth-inning single to left by Pedroia, and two walks while striking out a career-high 10. He followed his second walk with his biggest out, striking out Jacoby Ellsbury with a man on to end the eighth on his career-high-tying 118th pitch.

"Jeff Niemann was outstanding,'' Maddon said.

Beckett, who threw a one-infield-hit complete game at the Rays in June, was even better, allowing only baserunner. Evan Longoria reached in the first on an infield single that caromed off Beckett's foot, but the Sox pitcher then retired 22 in a row, punctuating his final out by punching the air after striking out Rodriguez.

Both teams made dazzling defensive plays, topped by Sox leftfielder Josh Reddick's leaping grab at the wall to rob Justin Ruggiano of at least a double to end the 10th. Then Rays centerfielder B.J. Upton made a running and leaping catch to deny Pedroia of extra bases to open the 15th.

Maddon's ejection appeared to be a continuation of his objection to a check-swing call during Josh Reddick's at-bat, which ended in a strikeout. "There was definitely a point to be made at that time,'' he said.

Martinez's came after a valid complaint as Scutaro violently threw his bat after popping up for the final out with the bases loaded, and it landed very close to where catcher Kelly Shoppach was making catch. "I'm not going to let that happen,'' Martinez said. "I thought it was (intentional). By looking at it, as soon as I saw the reaction, I said, 'He threw it right at him.' I said some things to (home plate umpire Chad Fairchild) I shouldn't have said, but still, he wasn't going to do anything about it, what am I supposed to do?"

Third-base coach Tom Foley and pitching coach Jim Hickey were next in the chain of command at that point, but Maddon said: "We were going Politburo at that point. I've always enjoyed that word from my Tom Clancy novels. So we went straight Politburo.''

As extraordinary as the game was, the bottom line, when all 480 pitches were thrown, was rather familiar: The Rays needs to do better offensively.

"The pitching can do it,'' Maddon said. "The defense can do it. The absolute competitive nature can do it. There's a lot of intangibles that can do it. We've got to be able to put together a run or two now and then to permit us to get over the top.

"But the takeaway for me, and I would believe for the opposition, is that we can beat 'em.''

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays manager Joe Maddon believed right-hander Jeff Niemann had recently started to look like the pitcher who was one of the team's most consistent starters before getting hurt late last year.

But Maddon still wanted to see more before declaring his pitcher officially back to his old self.

Niemann made a strong case Sunday, delivering one of the best performances of his career. He threw eight shutout innings against Boston, allowing two hits and striking out a career-high 10. Niemann has allowed two earned runs over his past 211/3 innings.

Niemann, coming off a win over the Yankees (71/3 innings, one run), picked up where he left off, retiring nine of the first 10 batters (five via strikeout). He commanded his fastball and mixed in his array of offspeed pitches.

The only problem? Josh Beckett was just as good, allowing one hit over eight shutout innings, including retiring 19 straight.

Niemann stayed strong until the end, battling Jacoby Ellsbury in an eight-pitch at-bat before striking him out to end the eighth and drawing a standing ovation.

It was the kind of outing the Rays recall seeing early last season, when he was putting up one of the best first halves in club history before going on the disabled list with a right shoulder strain Aug. 9, 2010. He hadn't been the same since and struggled to start this season before going on the DL with a lower back strain.

He has impressed since coming back June 20, saying he's no longer searching for answers, feeling comfortable and confident on the mound.

Sunday, it certainly showed.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays designated RHP Adam Russell for assignment and put RHP Juan Cruz on the DL today with a right groin strain, and recalled both RHP Alex Cobb and LHP Alex Torres.

Russell gave up the winning run in the 16-inning Sunday/Monday marathon, and has a 1-2 record and 3.03 ERA. He is out of options, and the Rays have 10 days to trade, release or pass him through waivers. Cruz is 4-0 with a 3.44 ERA.

Cobb was set to be recalled since he is starting tonight. Torres, called up for the first time, will provide depth to the worn-out bullpen.

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

Indians 5, Twins 2

Game 1

MINNEAPOLIS — David Huff pitched seven shutout innings and Asdrubal Cabrera hit a three-run homer to lift Cleveland in the first game of a day-night doubleheader. Austin Kearns added a homer and Michael Brantley had two hits to get the Indians off to a good start in a key AL Central series. Joe Mauer played first base to stay fresh enough to catch the nightcap for Minnesota.

By Paul Hawkins, Times Correspondent
Monday, July 18, 2011

What's hot: Pompano fishing has been steady even if the weather hasn't. Gulf passes and bridges are holding good numbers of the speedsters.

Tackle: A 7-foot spinning outfit with 8-pound mono or 12-pound braid will get the job done. On the terminal end of the line, add a few feet of 15- or 20-pound leader. Most pompano are taken with artificial jigs.

Tactics: The line, "They're easy to catch when you're in 'em," applies to pompano. These schooling fish will move as they feed, and the trick is to stay with them. Drifting the passes or around bridge pilings lets anglers cover ground and locate the school. This might take several passes along the length of the bridge or across the channel. Once located, move uptide when the bite slows and drift the same area. If the drift doesn't produce fish, change the drift line to get back in them.

Tip: Pompano tend to feed on crustaceans on the bottom, so an angler needs to make sure the jig reaches the bottom each time. An angler might be plagued by ladyfish if it works high in the water column. Let the jig sink all the way, take up the slack line and snap or "jig" the rod tip straight up. Let the jig sink and repeat.

Paul Hawkins runs FlatsGuy charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 560-6762.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

The United States' loss to Japan in the Women's World Cup final Sunday is one of the most disappointing and heartbreaking losses in U.S. team sports history. We rank the most disappointing American team losses in international competition.

1. 1972 Olympic basketball

This one tops the list because the United States appeared to have won this gold-medal game. Twice. We wuz robbed. Inexplicably, officials twice added time until the Soviets finally hit a buzzer-beater to upset the Americans by a point. The United States was 63-0 in Olympic basketball before this game and had won all seven Olympic tournaments. To this day, the 1972 Olympic team, which starred Doug Collins and Bobby Jones, has refused to accept its silver medals.

2. 2011 Women's World Cup

It felt as if the Americans and goalkeeper Hope Solo, above, were on the team of destiny after slipping past Brazil in the quarterfinals, but the soccer gods were smiling on Japan. With a story line eerily similar to the Saints winning the Super Bowl after Hurricane Katrina, the Japanese gave a nation still recovering from a devastating earthquake a reason to celebrate. But it came at the expense of an American team that was left heartbroken after blowing two one-goal leads and losing on penalty kicks.

3. 2008 Olympic softball

This goes down as one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. Japan beat the United States 3-1 in the gold-medal game, an especially stinging loss because this was the last Olympic softball game. The International Olympic Committee eliminated softball because the Americans — including Jennie Finch, left, and Caitlin Lowe — had been too dominant, having won the previous three Olympic tournaments.

4. 1998 Olympic hockey

The most embarrassing loss in American history. Just two years removed from upsetting Canada to win the World Cup of Hockey, the Americans won only one game and were bounced in the quarterfinals by Dominik Hasek and the Czechs 4-1. Not only did Team USA lose on the ice, it was a disgrace off it, busting up hotel rooms and disturbing other Olympic athletes in what is the low point in American hockey.

Other top contenders

5. 2000 Olympic 4x100 freestyle swim: The United States had never lost this event in the Olympics and didn't figure to lose in Sydney with Neil Walker, Anthony Ervin, Gary Hall Jr. and Jason Lezak. In fact, Hall said his team would smash the host Aussie team like guitars. But Australia's Ian Thorpe jumped out of the pool and played an air guitar to mock Hall after the Aussies stunned the Americans by 19/100ths of a second.

6. 2004 Olympic basketball: In the previous 14 Olympic tournaments, the U.S. men had won 12 golds and all three tournaments with pro players. With young stars such as Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James as well as veterans such as Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson, the Americans looked to be shoo-ins for another gold. After losing only twice in all the previous tournaments, the Americans lost three times in Greece, including an 89-81 shocker in the semifinals to Argentina.

7. 2004 Ryder Cup: The Americans were at home (Oakland Hills in Michigan) and had a Murders' Row of players such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love and Jim Furyk. Yet the Europeans crushed the United States, 18 1/2 to 9 1/2 — the Americans' worst loss since the Ryder Cup started in 1927. Worst of all, U.S. nemesis Colin Montgomerie drained the winning putt, setting up a champagne shower on American soil.

8. 2010 Olympic hockey: The United States wasn't supposed to beat Canada, especially in Vancouver, but that doesn't make the gold-medal loss hurt any less. The Americans, who beat Canada earlier in the tournament, tied the score with 25 seconds left but lost when goalie Ryan Miller gave up an overtime goal to Sidney Crosby. Ouch.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

The United States' loss to Japan in the Women's World Cup final Sunday is one of the most disappointing and heartbreaking losses in U.S. team sports history. We rank the most disappointing American team losses in international competition.

1. 1972 Olympic basketball

This one tops the list because the United States appeared to have won this gold-medal game. Twice. We wuz robbed. Inexplicably, officials twice added time until the Soviets finally hit a buzzer-beater to upset the Americans by a point. The United States was 63-0 in Olympic basketball before this game and had won all seven Olympic tournaments. To this day, the 1972 Olympic team, which starred Doug Collins and Bobby Jones, has refused to accept its silver medals.

2. 2011 Women's World Cup

It felt as if the Americans and goalkeeper Hope Solo, above, were on the team of destiny after slipping past Brazil in the quarterfinals, but the soccer gods were smiling on Japan. With a story line eerily similar to the Saints winning the Super Bowl after Hurricane Katrina, the Japanese gave a nation still recovering from a devastating earthquake a reason to celebrate. But it came at the expense of an American team that was left heartbroken after blowing two one-goal leads and losing on penalty kicks.

3. 2008 Olympic softball

This goes down as one of the biggest upsets in Olympic history. Japan beat the United States 3-1 in the gold-medal game, an especially stinging loss because this was the last Olympic softball game. The International Olympic Committee eliminated softball because the Americans — including Jennie Finch, left, and Caitlin Lowe — had been too dominant, having won the previous three Olympic tournaments.

4. 1998 Olympic hockey

The most embarrassing loss in American history. Just two years removed from upsetting Canada to win the World Cup of Hockey, the Americans won only one game and were bounced in the quarterfinals by Dominik Hasek and the Czechs 4-1. Not only did Team USA lose on the ice, it was a disgrace off it, busting up hotel rooms and disturbing other Olympic athletes in what is the low point in American hockey.

Other top contenders

5. 2000 Olympic 4x100 freestyle swim: The United States had never lost this event in the Olympics and didn't figure to lose in Sydney with Neil Walker, Anthony Ervin, Gary Hall Jr. and Jason Lezak. In fact, Hall said his team would smash the host Aussie team like guitars. But Australia's Ian Thorpe jumped out of the pool and played an air guitar to mock Hall after the Aussies stunned the Americans by 19/100ths of a second.

6. 2004 Olympic basketball: In the previous 14 Olympic tournaments, the U.S. men had won 12 golds and all three tournaments with pro players. With young stars such as Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James as well as veterans such as Tim Duncan and Allen Iverson, the Americans looked to be shoo-ins for another gold. After losing only twice in all the previous tournaments, the Americans lost three times in Greece, including an 89-81 shocker in the semifinals to Argentina.

7. 2004 Ryder Cup: The Americans were at home (Oakland Hills in Michigan) and had a Murders' Row of players such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Davis Love and Jim Furyk. Yet the Europeans crushed the United States, 18½ to 9½ — the Americans' worst loss since the Ryder Cup started in 1927. Worst of all, U.S. nemesis Colin Montgomerie drained the winning putt, setting up a champagne shower on American soil.

8. 2010 Olympic hockey: The United States wasn't supposed to beat Canada, especially in Vancouver, but that doesn't make the gold-medal loss hurt any less. The Americans, who beat Canada earlier in the tournament, tied the score with 25 seconds left but lost when goalie Ryan Miller gave up an overtime goal to Sidney Crosby. Ouch.

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

At Montpellier, France

Overall standings

 (After 15 stages)

 1. Thomas Voeckler, France, Europcar, 65 hours, 24 minutes, 34 seconds

 2. Frank Schleck, Luxembourg, Leopard-Trek, 1:49

 3. Cadel Evans, Australia, BMC, 2:06

 4. Andy Schleck, Luxembourg, Leopard-Trek, 2:15

 5. Ivan Basso, Italy, Liquigas-Cannondale, 3:16

 6. Samuel Sanchez, Spain, Euskaltel-Euskadi, 3:44

 7. Alberto Contador, Spain, Saxo Bank Sungard, 4:00

 8. Damiano Cunego, Italy, Lampre-ISD, 4:01

 9. Tom Danielson, United States, Garmin-Cervelo, 5:46

10. Kevin De Weert, Belgium, Quick Step, 6:18

PIOULENC, France — Alberto Contador knows he is running out of time, and stages, to close the gap on his Tour de France rivals.

The Spaniard's bid for a fourth Tour title has yet to get going as the race enters its final week, a combination of bad luck and a nagging knee injury making it difficult for him to launch his trademark attacks in the mountains.

"This is probably the hardest Tour I've done. I have lost a lot of strength since the beginning," Contador said Monday, a rest day. "It's true that without the time loss from the first stage I would be in a good position to win the Tour and (just) waiting for the last time trial."

Contador must claw back from a four-minute deficit on race leader Thomas Voeckler. After 15 of 21 stages, seventh-place Contador trails Frank Schleck by 2:11, Evans by 1:54, Andy Schleck by 1:45 and Ivan Basso by 44 seconds.

Contador and his Saxo Bank team have to be aggressive in the climbs of the Alps this week.

The 17th stage Wednesday from Gap to Pinerolo won't be as testing as excruciating climbs Thursday and Friday, followed by a 26-mile time trial Saturday.

Stages 18 and 19 feature enormous treks up Col du Galibier, Col d'Izoard and L'Alpe d'Huez.

"Some riders will suffer from that," said Contador, 28. "But we need to attack, that's for sure."

armstrong update: Attorneys for Lance Armstrong say illegal government leaks of grand jury information have sullied the seven-time Tour de France winner's reputation and have asked a court to order federal agents to discuss their contacts with the media. A grand jury is looking at whether Armstrong used performance-enhancing drugs.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

The frustration of losing 1-0 in 16 innings to the Red Sox left several Rays saying Sunday's — and Monday's — game was their toughest loss. But all that happened — good, bad and odd — to get to that point when the game finally ended at 1:54 a.m. also made it one of the most memorable:

Offensive futility

Playing 16 innings without scoring a run seems hard to do, but not when you consider how inept the Rays were offensively, getting only three hits (the same as Boston's Dustin Pedroia). They are the first team in MLB history (going back to 1919) to play 16 or more innings, and to get 50 at-bats, and get no more than three hits. They had only six baserunners (three hits, two hit batters, one walk) and advanced only three of them to second base and none as far as third. The eight combined hits were the fewest for any major-league game of 14 or more innings in the live-ball era (since 1920), according to the Elias Sports Bureau. … To balance that, the Rays' team-record-tying nine pitchers walked 12.

Historical context

• At 5 hours and 54 minutes, it was the longest game time-wise in Rays history, matched the longest innings-wise and with a 1:54 a.m. finish was their latest at Tropicana Field.

• It was the 34th game in MLB history (since 1918), and 12th in the AL, to go scoreless through at least 15 innings, though the first since only April 2010 when the Mets and Cards were 0-0 through 18.

• It was the longest 1-0 game innings-wise since June 2004, when Milwaukee beat Anaheim (with 1B Casey Kotchman and bench coach Joe Maddon) in 17 innings of interleague play, and the longest in the AL since September 1974, when Baltimore beat Milwaukee in 17.

• At 5:58, it was the longest broadcast in the 20-year history of ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

Timeline

8:10 p.m.: Jeff Niemann throws first pitch.

11:06 p.m.: Evan Longoria makes final out of ninth inning.

12:45 a.m.: Rays TV analyst Brian Anderson — off because it was an ESPN game — falls asleep in 13th inning.

1:42 a.m.: Dustin Pedroia singles in Josh Reddick with only run.

1:54 a.m.: Jonathan Papelbon throws 480th and final pitch.

2:04 a.m.: Later-Monday starter Alex Cobb plays catch on field to get loose.

4:01 a.m.: Times writers leave Tropicana Field press box.

5 a.m.-ish: Rays manager Joe Maddon falls asleep at Tampa home after watching Discovery Channel for an hour.

9:20 a.m.: Stadium cleaning crew finishes job and heads out.

Novel concept

With manager Joe Maddon (for complaining during a pitching change about a previous check-swing call) and bench coach Dave Martinez (for objecting to Marco Scutaro's bat fling) ejected in the 11th inning, the Rays went for a team management concept, led by 3B coach Tom Foley and pitching coach Jim Hickey. "We were going Politburo at that point," Maddon said. "I've always enjoyed that word from my Tom Clancy novels. So we went straight Politburo."

Light show

2B Sean Rodriguez provided the oddest moment of the night, when his eighth-inning foul ball struck and broke the protective covering of a light on the B-ring catwalk, sending glass cascading onto the field. (And a hat tip to the stadium sound crew for playing the theme from The Natural then Annie Lennox's Walking on Broken Glass.) "It was pretty cool," Rodriguez said. "But I guess I didn't hit it hard enough to break the whole thing."

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

HOUSTON — Tests done Monday on Rangers president Nolan Ryan showed no new heart problems for the Hall of Fame pitcher, who was hospitalized after feeling discomfort over the weekend.

Ryan, 64, "continues to improve," the Rangers said in a statement. He is expected to be released from a Houston hospital in a day or two.

Ryan has a pre-existing heart condition that will continue being treated with medication, according to the team's statement. He had a double-bypass operation in 2000 and has a family history of heart disease.

He sought treatment after feeling ill Sunday morning while at his home in Georgetown, about 170 miles northwest of Houston.

Ryan had been expected to join the Rangers in Anaheim, Calif., tonight for the start of a three-game series between his AL West-leading club and the second-place Angels. He was scheduled to throw out the ceremonial first pitch and to take part in a ceremony inducting Gene Autry, the Angels' late owner, into the team's Hall of Fame.

Ryan has been running the Rangers since 2008 and became part-owner last summer.

HURT AGAIN: The Indians placed CF Grady Sizemore back on the 15-day disabled list with a bruised right knee. It's his third stint on the DL this season and sixth of his career. Sizemore was sent to Cleveland for tests before the team would estimate how much time he will miss.

CRAWFORD RETURNS: The Red Sox activated former Rays LF Carl Crawford off the 15-day disabled list and put him in the starting lineup. Crawford had been out since June 18 with a strained left hamstring, his second DL stint in his 10 seasons.

REYES CLOSE: Mets star SS Jose Reyes appears ready to come off the disabled list. Reyes doubled and played six innings at shortstop in a rehab game for Class A Brooklyn. Mets manager Terry Collins said it looks as though Reyes will be activated today.

HEAT TREATMENT: Hot, steamy weather caused problems for some fans attending the first game of the Indians-Twins doubleheader at Target Field. Twins spokesman Kevin Smith said at least a few dozen people needed to be treated at the ballpark for heat ailments, and a few were hospitalized. But Smith said there were no serious problems.

BLUE JAYS: RHP Jesse Litsch, a former Dixie Hollins standout, was activated from the disabled list and optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas. Litsch went on the 15-day DL on May 19 with a right shoulder injury.

BRAVES: RF Jason Heyward was scratched from the lineup because of a bruised left foot.

ORIOLES: SS J.J. Hardy signed a three-year extension. Hardy, 28, is batting .278 with a .335 on-base percentage and a .490 slugging percentage for last-place Baltimore. … RH reliever Alfredo Simon was placed on the restricted list a day after leaving for the Dominican Republic to attend a hearing related to a New Year's Day shooting.

YANKEES: INF Ramiro Pena had an appendectomy and went on the 15-day disabled list. INF Brandon Laird was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

By Marc Topkin and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Monday, July 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The unexpected arrivals of C Robinson Chirinos and LHP Alex Torres, the departure of RHP Adam Russell and temporary idling of RHP Juan Cruz were all evidence that the fallout from Sunday's marathon was greater than just a loss.

Chirinos, 27, was summoned from Triple-A Durham to make his major-league debut after Jose Lobaton sprained his left knee during his first Rays start in place of injured John Jaso. Chirinos, acquired from the Cubs in the Matt Garza trade, went right into the lineup, doubling on the first pitch he saw from Yankees RHP A.J. Burnett.

Torres was called up to provide depth, specifically long relief, to the depleted bullpen. The 23-year-old, acquired from the Angels in the Scott Kazmir trade, had been on call in case Alex Cobb hadn't been able to make the scheduled start and ended up with his first promotion to the big leagues anyway, getting the word Monday morning and arriving with Chirinos an hour before game time.

"It's been crazy," Torres said.

The Rays seemed set on sending down RHP Brandon Gomes to make room for Cobb but changed plans when Cruz felt some tightness in his groin while warming up Sunday. He threw nine pitches to get his two outs and said it felt better during the game, but the Rays chose a cautious route and placed him on the 15-day DL with what is being called a mild strain. Cruz, who ran the stadium stairs to test it on Monday, said he didn't know how long he'd be out.

"It's been a lingering kind of thing the last three days in a row and he's starting to feel it, so we had to do something," manager Joe Maddon said.

With the need to supplement a bullpen down to three available pitchers for Monday, Russell, who was out of options, ended up being designated for assignment. That gives the Rays 10 days to trade or release him or pass him through waivers to send him to the minors, and Maddon said they'd like to hang on to him. Russell was 1-2, 3.03 in 36 appearances in mostly low-leverage situations, walking 20 in 322/3 innings.

"We love his stuff, we just need to get him more consistent within the strike zone," Maddon said.

BATTY SCENE: Rays C Kelly Shoppach said it was "quite a distraction" when Boston's Marco Scutaro threw his bat in Shoppach's direction as he tracked a foul popup in the 11th inning Sunday. "That was pretty extreme," Shoppach said. "I'm certain it wasn't his intent, but that can't be done."

Shoppach said it wasn't his place to have an opinion on whether Scutaro should have been ejected. Bench coach Dave Martinez did and was ejected.

LONGO LOWDOWN: 3B Evan Longoria said the nerve condition in his left foot hasn't affected him much since his second pain-killing shot July 9. But Longoria, hitting .233 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs, didn't exactly rule out the possibility that he was still limited by the oblique strain that sidelined him for a month. "No, no, no. I don't feel like it," he said. "I just … nah, I'm not going to say any more than that. I don't think it's affecting me. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't."

LOW LOBATON: Lobaton was disappointed after spraining the MCL in his left knee blocking a pitch in the ninth inning Sunday in his sixth career big-league start, first since 1999 with San Diego. Lobaton felt something "pop" at the time but said doctors told him the injury wasn't bad, though he still had yet to undergo an MRI exam.

MISCELLANY: OF Matt Joyce said his sore right knee felt better Monday and Maddon said he was available to pinch-hit, but it could be a few more days until he returns to the lineup. Maddon said they are more likely to wait until Joyce is comfortable in the outfield rather than use him at DH. … Among the scouts at Monday's game was St. Louis' Bruce Benedict, noteworthy given the OF Colby Rasmus trade chatter that has been coming out of St. Louis. … RHP Jeremy Hellickson said he was excited to get back on the mound tonight with 15 days between starts.

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

The NFL and player representatives Monday continued inching closer on a new collective bargaining agreement and on resolving all remaining legal entanglements between the sides. Barring an unexpected snag in negotiations, a deal could be approved Thursday, when owners meet in Atlanta.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, the federally appointed mediator in the longstanding dispute, returned from a trip to Ireland. He found that the sides had made remarkable progress in his absence, agreeing to all major financial issues, as well as a rookie salary structure that proved to be the last major stumbling block in CBA negotiations.

Legal issues Monday took center stage, as lawyers for the NFL and the players had settlement discussions on several fronts. Attorneys are seeking to settle an antitrust suit filed against the NFL by 10 players, including quarterbacks Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Peyton Manning. The Brady lawsuit was joined by several retired players, including former Vikings defensive end Carl Eller, so any settlement talks would include that segment of the lawsuit.

The sides also are trying to settle a case in which the NFL was found to be in violation of the CBA by negotiating network television contracts. Damages from that case, which was decided in March by District Court Judge David S. Doty, could exceed $1 billion, but resolving the matter would eliminate any sanctions.

Meetings will continue Wednesday in New York and in Washington, where members of the NFL Players Association's executive committee will meet. Player representatives from the 32 teams will join the meetings Wednesday, and players could vote on the proposed pact that day. A simple majority is needed.

A minimum 24 owners are needed to agree on a CBA. Teams are sending key front-office personnel to Atlanta to be briefed on the rules governing the deal.

Teams would have three days to sign their own free agents, draft picks and undrafted free agents. On July 28, a five-day signing period would take place for all unrestricted free agents. Training camps also could open around that time.

"Making progress," said NFL Players Association outside counsel Jeffrey Kessler, who also represents locked-out NBA players.

Commissioner Roger Goodell and NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith spoke by phone Monday and planned to stay in regular contact.

"Nobody cheers for you at Mile 25 of a marathon. You still have to cross the finish line," NFLPA spokesman George Atallah said. "There still are things that can get you tripped up, and we're going to push through."

Key provisions of the 10-year deal:

Players will receive 46-48 percent of gross revenues, without the $1 billion credit the NFL requested.

The salary cap will be reinstituted; it's set at about $120 million for the 2011 season.

Players will become free agents after a minimum of four years of service, once their contracts expire. Last year, without the salary cap, players needed at least six years' experience to be eligible for free agency.

A reconfigured rookie salary structure will dramatically lower salaries in the top half of the draft, and no rookie contract will exceed five years. The fifth will be an option year at the club's discretion but would offer a salary commensurate with the best-paid players at their respective positions.

Teams can still use the franchise tag for one player.

Retired players will see close to $1 billion in additional pension and benefits.

mcmahon hurt in limo crash: Former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon and two others were injured Monday when a limousine crashed through a fence south of Reno, the Nevada Highway Patrol said.

The patrol said the accident happened about 2 p.m. McMahon was at Lake Tahoe over the weekend for a celebrity golf tournament.

The limo, owned by Bell Limousine of Reno, left a four-lane highway, crashed through a wire fence, over a culvert and into a pasture.

A patrol spokesman said McMahon was in a lot of pain from "non-incapacitating" injuries.

A woman traveling with McMahon, 51, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The patrol identified her as Lori Navon, 45, of Scottsdale, Ariz.

Driver Robert McCoy, 40, of Sparks was injured and taken to the Renown Regional Medical Center.

Alcohol was not involved, and the cause of the accident was under investigation, the patrol said.

Ponder ARRIVES in Minnesota: Former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder joined NFL players working out at the University of Minnesota. The rookie ran passing and conditioning drills with some of his soon-to-be Vikings teammates and others, including Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, the organizer of the workouts. Ponder drove from Florida to Minnesota over the weekend. "This workout is kicking my butt. Eating all that fast food and everything is not a good deal. I'm sweating it out," Ponder said.

Bengals: Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones pleaded not guilty to charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in Cincinnati.

Colts: Defensive end Jerry Hughes was reportedly arrested in Dallas on a preliminary charge of public intoxication. Hughes and his former Texas Christian teammates, Cory Grant and Stephen Hodge, were arrested about 2:30 a.m. Sunday. Dallas police say a disturbance in The Bank nightclub continued on a sidewalk.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — With his special — and somewhat stressful — quest for his 3,000th hit conquered, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has his mind on what has always mattered most throughout his Hall of Fame career.

"Now," said Jeter, 37, "the focus is on trying to win games."

Sure, Jeter says, the ride and aftermath of becoming the 28th player to complete the feat (with a homer, to boot) were fun. He has received a lot of congratulatory messages and kind words the past two weeks, including from several members of the 3,000-hit club.

"That always makes you feel good," Jeter said. "More people were appreciative of how I played, as opposed to just getting 3,000 hits. You're remembered for being respectful of the game and playing hard every day. That's what I've tried to do, and you do that long enough, then some of the milestones are attainable."

Jeter reached 3,000 against the Rays on July 9 at Yankee Stadium, capping off a movielike day by going 5-for-5 and knocking in the decisive run of a 5-4 victory.

"The opportunity to share it with my friends and them being there, it was special," Jeter said. "But, for me, on the field was probably the most fun."

He admitted he was putting pressure on himself to make history in New York but says he's not necessarily more relaxed now.

"You're relieved to do it, because I wanted to do it at home," Jeter said. "I don't know if you want to say, 'I'm glad it's over,' but I'm glad I was able to do it there. It was a fun time, but now the approach is day to day, trying to do whatever we can to win. In that sense, it's over."

Jeter skipped the All-Star festivities last week despite having been elected to start, drawing criticism from some but support from others (including commissioner Bud Selig). Considering he was just coming off the disabled list with a calf strain, Jeter preferred to rest during that break, with only one milestone left on the checklist for the five-time World Series champion.

"Winning it this year," Jeter said. "That's what's most important right now."

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Left-hander Alex Torres woke up Monday morning in Rochester, N.Y., expecting to be pitching for Triple-A Durham.

He had answered the call the night before when his roommate with the Bulls, catcher Robinson Chirinos, got his first big-league call-up. At around 8 a.m. Monday, Chirinos answered when Torres got his.

"It was crazy," Torres said.

It got wilder. In a whirlwind 24 hours, Torres and Chirinos took two flights before arriving at Tropicana Field an hour before the showdown with the Yankees.

Both played key roles in their big-league debuts. Chirinos started behind the plate in the 5-4 loss and got his first career hit. Torres, 23, picked up the loss, allowing a run on three walks (one intentional) before getting optioned back to Durham.

Torres took the experience in stride — the Rays sent him down to bring up a fresh arm for a depleted bullpen — with manager Joe Maddon saying "he's got a great future with us."

"I was ready to pitch today, but everything happens too fast," Torres, of Venezuela, said through an interpreter. "The traveling, and all that stuff. But I was ready."

Chirinos, called up to replace Jose Lobaton (who sprained his left MCL in Sunday's game), didn't know he was starting until around 5 p.m., when he landed in Tampa and received a text message from his sister, Rusmery, who saw the news online.

"I think everything was so quick, there was no time to get nervous," Chirinos said.

Chirinos, 27, a 10-year-minor league veteran who impressed in spring training after being acquired in the Matt Garza trade with the Cubs, went over scouting reports once he got to the Trop and didn't waste any time his first trip to the plate. On the first pitch Chirinos saw from Yankees starter A.J. Burnett, he ripped a double to centerfield.

When asked why he started Chirinos, Maddon quipped before the game it was "American Legion Night," and that he likes to throw young players into the fire.

"It was amazing," Chirinos said. "From the very first pitch."

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

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

Marlins 4, Mets 1

NEW YORK — Clay Hensley came off the disabled list to earn his first major-league win in three years, leading Florida. Mike Stanton hit a two-run double and Mike Cameron followed with an RBI single for the Marlins, who have won nine of 10 to put themselves on the brink of climbing out of last place in the NL East. Florida improved to 15-9 under manager Jack McKeon.

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

SOCCER

WARM RECEPTION AWAITS LOSING AMERICAN TEAM UPON RETURN

NEW YORK — One by one, tired and disappointed members of the U.S. Women's World Cup team trudged off a bus Monday and were greeted with cheers and waves from appreciative fans who didn't seem to mind a bit that they came up short of a championship.

About 24 hours after the Americans squandered two one-goal leads and lost to Japan in penalty kicks in Sunday's tournament final, the Americans arrived from Germany to Newark, N.J., and heard the first rounds of applause.

From there they took a police-escorted bus ride into Manhattan and encountered a few hundred fans who waited on the sidewalk in sweltering heat to welcome them back.

"We were walking through airport, there was a bunch of people with flags, cheering, asking for autographs," forward Abby Wambach said. "All the airport security seemed to want to have a picture with everybody; usually they're telling you not to do something."

The U.S. team was ranked No. 1 in the world and headed into the final as a favorite against Japan, which had never beaten the Americans in 25 previous meetings.

"I am hoping I get out of my funk in a little bit because we have Olympic qualifications," goalkeeper Hope Solo said of the 2012 Summer Games. "I am taking it pretty hard right now. You've just got to take it one step at a time. That is what we do as athletes. You bounce back up and go at it again."

COLLEGES

USC tailback to sit for remarks to TMZ

USC suspended tailback Marc Tyler for at least the opener for comments he made to TMZ that implied he gets paid to play. When asked by TMZ whether he could make more money at USC or in the NFL, Tyler said, "USC, they breaking bread," making a gesture indicating a large stack of money. The fifth-year senior, speaking to TMZ on Thursday outside a West Hollywood nightclub, also made a distasteful comment about Kim Kardashian, the ex-girlfriend of disgraced former USC running back Reggie Bush.

POINT-SHAVING CASE: A former Toledo running back pleaded guilty to working with a Detroit gambler accused of placing bets on football and basketball games, the third ex-Rocket convicted in a point-shaving case. Harvey "Scooter" McDougle Jr. of Cleveland said he accepted more than $5,000 from Ghazi "Gary" Manni in exchange for information about the Rockets.

ET CETERA

NHL: The Anaheim Ducks signed new defenseman Mathieu Carle to a one-year contract. Anaheim acquired Carle from Montreal on Friday in a trade for former first-round pick Mark Mitera.

GOLF: Ariya Jutanugarn, 15, of Thailand shot 4-under 68 to lead by one stroke after the first round of qualifying at the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship in Olympia, Ill. … Beau Hossler, 16, of Mission Viejo, Calif., and Will Starke, 17, of Chapin, S.C., shot 4-under 68s to share the lead at the U.S. Junior Amateur in Bremerton, Wash.

TENNIS: James Blake overcame a 1-hour, 18-minute rain delay to defeat Ernests Gulbis 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 in the first round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships. Blake faces doubles partner and fellow Tampa resident John Isner, the No. 3 seed, on Wednesday.

NBA: The Timberwolves interviewed Terry Porter for their coaching vacancy, the Associated Press reported. Porter has coached the Bucks and Suns.

Times wires

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

Nationals 5, Astros 2

HOUSTON — Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman homered and Zimmerman drove in the go-ahead run in the ninth inning for Washington. Laynce Nix added two insurance runs on a single after Zimmerman's hit in the ninth. Roger Bernadina singled to start the inning and went to second on Danny Espinosa's sacrifice bunt. Zimmerman's grounder rolled just out of reach of a diving Jeff Keppinger and into the outfield to allow Bernadina to score and chase rookie Jordan Lyles.

Times wires
Monday, July 18, 2011

BALTIMORE — Dustin Pedroia doubled in two runs to spark an eight-run eighth inning, and the Red Sox got home runs from Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Josh Reddick in a 15-10 comeback win over the Orioles on Monday night.

Pedroia, Kevin Youkilis and Darnell McDonald had three RBIs each for Boston, which has won 13 of 15. The run includes a 16-inning affair against the Rays on Sunday in which the Red Sox had only five hits.

Showing few signs of fatigue, Boston had 16 hits in rolling to its seventh straight victory over the Orioles. Boston has outscored Baltimore 61-32 during that span.

It was the first meeting between the teams since the Red Sox recorded a heated four-game sweep at Fenway Park immediately before the All-Star break.

Boston DH David Ortiz and Orioles closer Kevin Gregg began serving three-game suspensions for their part in a bench-clearing incident during that series.