By Robert McCue, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What's hot: Each year tarpon mass along our gulf shoreline in numbers rarely seen anywhere else in the United States. This migration is related to the spawning cycle of the fish, which usually runs until the first major moon phase in July. After this, many anglers stow their gear for the year. Yet for a smaller group of savvy tarpon anglers, the season has just begun.

Location: After spawning, the fish return to the shoreline and migrate north in search of forage to regain lost body fat from the rigors of spawning. As the fish move north toward the nutrient-rich waters of the Mississippi Delta, some "break off' the beaten path and find bountiful areas of bait inside larger river, harbor, bay and other estuaries. Unlike the tarpon of spring, these fish are here to feed.

Pro logic: Any areas in or adjacent to deeper water, and holding massive schools of bait, are the places to start looking for the occasional fish rolling or "free jumping." Once anglers locate them, they can use slow sinking plugs, jigs and swimbaits fished on bass tackle; this is often the best way to test your mettle against backwater tarpon.

Robert McCue charters out of Ellenton and can be reached at (727) 597-0957 or Capt.RobertMcCue@Gmail.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

GAP, France — Defending champion Alberto Contador caught his Tour de France rivals by surprise with a brash climbing attack Tuesday, gaining time on leader Thomas Voeckler during a rainy 16th stage won by Thor Hushovd.

Contador burst from pack in the final climb of the 101-mile course from Saint-Paul-Trois-Chateaux to Gap. Among the other big title contenders, only Cadel Evans of Australia could keep up. Andy Schleck of Luxembourg, like Evans a two-time runner-up, lost ground.

"I knew I needed to attack," Contador said. "I couldn't care less if someone kept on my wheel; I knew one of them would fail. I'm so happy. It has been a major gap, much bigger that I expected."

Voeckler expects to give up the yellow jersey before the race ends Sunday in Paris. "I kept it by a handful of seconds, but that shows that I've hit my ceiling," he said.

Hushovd led a three-man breakaway to win a stage for the second time on this Tour. Fellow Norwegian Edvald Boassen Hagen was second and Hushovd's Garmin-Cervelo teammate Ryder Hesjedal was third.

Hushovd, a veteran star sprinter, showed off his new talents when he won Stage 13 over a big climb. This time, he broke away on a rolling course.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rangers plan to make all the protective railings at their stadium the same height, raising some as much as a foot to make their stadium safer after the death of a fan during a recent game.

Team executive vice president Rob Matwick said Tuesday that the team intends for all rails in the front of seating sections to be 42 inches at Rangers Ballpark.

Architectural and engineering studies are under way at the 17-year-old ballpark to determine how to do the work.

Railings around the ballpark now are 30 or 34 inches in most areas, with 42-inch rails already at the base of aisles that lead to the front row. City building requirements are that guardrails must be at least 26 inches high.

"Part of the goal is to not only raise it, but to raise it to the highest standard that exists in the United States at this time, and to do that uniformly on all the front rows around the ballpark," Matwick said.

Shannon Stone, a Brownwood firefighter, died less than an hour after he tumbled headfirst over a rail in leftfield during the July 7 game.

ALOMAR HONORED: The Blue Jays will retire former 2B Roberto Alomar's No. 12 on July 31. Alomar, who will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, will be the first player so honored by Toronto. In other Blue Jays news, 3B Jose Bautista returned after missing three games with an ankle injury. And RH reliever Casey Janssen was activated from the disabled list, and LHP Luis Perez was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

ASTROS-GIANTS TRADE: Houston traded 2B Jeff Keppinger to San Francisco for two Double-A pitchers, RH starter Henry Sosa and RH reliever Jason Stoffel. The Astros also purchased the contract of INF Jose Altuve from Double-A Corpus Christi. The Giants called up 1B/OF Brandon Belt, one of their top prospects, from Triple-A Fresno.

RANGERS-O'S TRADE: Texas acquired veteran utility man Nick Green and cash from the Orioles for LHP Zach Phillips.

A'S: 3B Scott Sizemore left in the fourth inning when Tigers RHP Rick Porcello hit him near his left collarbone with a pitch.

CARDINALS: SS Ryan Theriot was suspended two games and fined an undisclosed amount for making contact with an umpire during Sunday's game.

INDIANS: An MRI exam on CF Grady Sizemore's injured right knee revealed only the existing bone bruise.

MARLINS: OF Chris Coghlan, the former East Lake standout, had a setback in his rehab from left knee inflammation and returned to Miami from Double-A Jacksonville.

METS: SS Jose Reyes and RF Carlos Beltran were in the lineup together for the first time since July 2, when Reyes strained his left hamstring. Reyes was activated off the 15-day disabled list, and Beltran returned after missing three games with flu-like symptoms.

ORIOLES: RH reliever Alfredo Simon was reinstated from the restricted list, and INF Josh Bell was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Simon, the lead suspect in the fatal shooting of his cousin Jan. 1, returned to the United States after a legal hearing in the Dominican Republic was suspended when prosecution witnesses did not show.

PHILLIES: RHP Roy Halladay expects to make his next scheduled start after leaving Monday's game against the Cubs in the fifth because of the steamy conditions. … CF Shane Victorino was activated from the disabled list after missing two weeks with a sprained right thumb.

RED SOX: RHP Clay Buchholz, on the disabled list since June 19 with a lower back strain, is scheduled to have his first throwing session off a mound Friday.

TWINS: 1B Justin Morneau was cleared to resume baseball activities three weeks after having surgery for a pinched nerve in his neck.

YANKEES: RH reliever Sergio Mitre went on the 15-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Here's the good news:

By re-signing Steven Stamkos on Tuesday, the Lightning has ensured it will keep the core of its team together for next year and beyond.

And the not-so-good news:

By re-signing Stamkos on Tuesday, the Lightning has ensured it will be difficult to add to the core of its team next year and beyond.

Um, yippee?

Sure, it is wonderful to know that Stamkos will be skating around in a Tampa Bay uniform for another five years. He absolutely needed to be signed. And, as the length of the negotiations indicated, it was going to take every nickel available to get it done.

But, man, is this going to make life hard for general manager Steve Yzerman.

Between Stamkos and Vinny Lecavalier, the Lightning has committed more than $15 million in salary cap space to two players. Add Marty St. Louis to the mix, and that's more than $20 million in cap space for three players.

That's not unheard of, but it is fairly unusual in today's NHL. Only a handful of teams had such top-heavy salary structures last season. We're talking Sidney Crosby/Evgeni Malkin paychecks or Alexander Ovechkin/Nicklas Backstrom deals.

The Lightning does get a break with the salary cap increasing to $64.3 million this year, but it still limits the kind of players that will fill out the roster.

This is why Simon Gagne is not back in Tampa Bay. This is why the Lightning ignored other goaltenders to re-sign soon-to-be 42-year-old Dwayne Roloson to a cost-efficient one-year deal. And this is why Brad Richards had to stop laughing before he could tell the Lightning that, no, its offer was not going to be quite enough.

In a perverse sense, this is all kind of wonderful. The Lightning has three of the top offensive players in the NHL, and most GMs would kill to have that kind of problem.

But it is, ultimately, something of a problem.

"You have the choice, you either pay them the going rate in the market or you elect to let them go and acquire more pieces at a lower price," Yzerman said Tuesday. "With good players you do your best to hold on to them.

"Steven Stamkos was the first pick in the draft. The things an organization has to go through to get those kind of players is difficult and painful. We're just dealing with reality. Really good players are going to get paid. There's only so many of them out there."

To Yzerman's credit, he appeared to play the negotiations flawlessly. He correctly anticipated what Stamkos would be worth on the restricted free-agent market, keeping in mind teams would have to surrender four first-round draft picks to sign him.

Instead of overpaying Stamkos in June, Yzerman took the chance that there would be no offer sheets in July. When that came to pass, he got the deal done.

Along the way, he re-signed defenseman Eric Brewer to a four-year, $15.4 million contract. So with only 17 players signing deals with values above $15 million, the Lightning was responsible for two of the biggest contracts of the offseason.

The downside is Yzerman needs to find high value in low places. He can't afford $2 million players on the third line, so he needs someone to step up the way Sean Bergenheim or Dominic Moore or Teddy Purcell did last season.

And he still needs to keep some flexibility with the salary cap because Victor Hedman will have to be re-signed next season.

"Our payroll had to go up just to keep our players. It's difficult to add players in that situation," Yzerman said. "Our key signings were to keep these players. That's the way it is for the Lightning. How do we get better? Our young guys have to take a step forward. Our veterans have to come in in tiptop shape."

Stamkos certainly qualifies as the type of player who can take a step forward. Forget the slump late last season. We're talking about a 21-year-old who is still learning what it means to be a marked man in the NHL.

He is a scoring savant, wrapped in the psyche of a grinder. He listens. He plays hard. He cares. He is just about the epitome of what a team wants in a cornerstone player.

And this was not a lifetime deal. The Lightning bought out only one year of unrestricted free agency, and Stamkos will be in his prime when the contract ends. That means he still has plenty of incentive going forward, and the Lightning is not on the hook forever.

Ultimately, Stamkos was worth this contract. And that goes for the cost in bank statements and salary cap space.

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

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

DETROIT — After more than 400 wins and three Stanley Cups, Chris Osgood figures he has nothing left to prove.

The goaltender announced his retirement Tuesday, and he will stay with the Red Wings to help them with scouting and developing young goalies. He played 11 games last season and was sidelined after having sports hernia surgery in January.

"I feel as if I can move on," he said. "I'm excited about my future as to what I'm going to do with the organization."

Osgood, 38, won his first Stanley Cup in 1997 as a backup with the Red Wings and won the title as a starter the next season in Detroit. He has 401 career wins — 10th on the NHL's career list — and went 74-49 in the playoffs with a 2.09 goals-against average.

Osgood played 14 seasons over two stints with the Red Wings. He joined the Islanders in 2001-03 and played for the Blues in 2003-04 before returning to Detroit after the 2004-05 lockout. He played six more seasons with the Red Wings, helping them win the 2008 title.

Blackhawks: Wing Patrick Kane had surgery to repair a broken bone in his left wrist.

Devils: Peter DeBoer was named coach to succeed Jacques Lemaire. The Panthers fired DeBoer after three seasons.

Ducks: Center Andrew Cogliano agreed to a three-year contract to avoid arbitration. The deal is worth $7.17 million, Canada's TSN reported.

Sabres: Defenseman Andrej Sekera re-signed with a four-year, $11 million deal to avoid arbitration, and forward Matt Ellis re-signed with a two-year contract.

Sharks: Center Andrew Murray signed a one-year deal.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

While the Lightning accomplished its main offseason goal — agreeing to terms with star center Steven Stamkos on a five-year, $37.5 million deal Tuesday — general manager Steve Yzerman still has work to do with wing Teddy Purcell.

Yzerman said last week that he didn't think it was "out of the question" the team could reach a deal with Purcell before today's arbitration hearing, set for 9 a.m. in Toronto.

The sides had yet to come to an agreement by Tuesday evening, and though Yzerman had planned to speak with agent Kent Hughes, it looks as if they will see how it goes today.

Purcell, 25, who made $750,000 last year, had a breakout season with career highs of 17 goals, 34 assists and 51 points in 81 games. He also had a good postseason, with 17 points in 18 games, and is expected to have a top-six role among forwards next year.

Yzerman reiterated Tuesday that he's optimistic Purcell will be in the lineup.

Yzerman has not said with 100 percent certainty that the team will live with whatever the arbitrator rules, but he seemed positive with how it's going.

Hughes wasn't reached for comment.

"The uncertainty of the arbitration process, we all prepare for it, and you'd like to think we have a general range of the outcome, the settlement or award by the arbitrator," Yzerman said. "You don't know that for certain. Our hope is that whether it is (Tuesday) or through the arbitrator's ruling … one way or another, (we) will have an answer in the next couple days."

Off to Orlando: The Lightning said Tuesday that it will play a preseason game against the Blues at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Amway Center in Orlando. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Saturday, starting at $10, with a pre-sale to selected buyers today.

The game was originally scheduled to be played at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg but was moved because of the franchise relocation of the Thrashers. It will be the fifth exhibition the Lightning has played in Orlando.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The last time RHP Dane De La Rosa saw a game at Tropicana Field, he was a young minor-leaguer with the Yankees whose Gulf Coast League team was invited out in 2003 or 2004 to see the big club.

Tuesday he had a better view, called up to bolster a depleted Rays bullpen and adding another chapter to his story of tremendous perseverance.

"I've been waiting a long time for this," De La Rosa said. "I've had to go through a lot of trials and tribulations, but it was worth it. I worked my butt off for the last six years to get back to affiliate ball. And to now be in the big leagues is a pretty big deal."

That's because De La Rosa, 28, took a bit more circuitous path than most. After being released at the low end of the minors by both the Yankees and Brewers, De La Rosa spent four years playing for six different teams in three independent leagues — then not playing in July 2009 when he decided to go home rather than make a fourth 25-hour A/C-less bus ride with the El Paso Diablos.

And one year, 2006, out of baseball when he decided to instead join the real world and try — unsuccessfully — to sell real estate. "Good thing the market went down, or else I might not be here," he joked.

De La Rosa said he had a feeling a promotion was a possibility given the state of the Rays pen, but when Triple-A Durham manager Charlie Montoyo called him late Monday in his Rochester, N.Y., hotel room, it still was "a surprise" and sooner than he expected since this was his first season above the Double-A level.

He spent about an hour on the phone with his fiancee sharing the news, then called other friends and family and turned off the ringer on his cell phone so he could get some sleep.

De La Rosa — who stands 6 feet 7 and throws hard, thus manager Joe Maddon was calling him "Great Dane" — was 4-3, 3.86 in 35 games for the Bulls, with 50 strikeouts and 21 walks in 462/3 innings.

"I'm just happy to get the opportunity," he said.

PITCHING IN: RHP Wade Davis, on the DL with a forearm strain, could rejoin the rotation as soon as Friday. Davis said he felt good after throwing a 65-pitch bullpen session on Monday and would go through a light workout today. When he returns, RHP Alex Cobb is expected to be sent back to Durham as the Rays would rather keep him starting than use him out of their bullpen.

MEDICAL MATTERS: OF Matt Joyce's sore right knee improved to the point where he was able to pinch-hit in the seventh and play the field (after Ben Zobrist left after he fouled a ball off his shin), and Maddon said there was "an outside chance" he could start tonight. … C Jose Lobaton said an MRI exam confirmed the initial diagnosis that he sprained the MCL in his left knee, but there was no tear or damage requiring surgery: "The good thing is the MRI said nothing was bad." Lobaton said he still feels some pain when squatting and didn't know when he would return. … C John Jaso, on the DL with an oblique strain, is doing some throwing and other drills but has not yet swung a bat. He won't go with the Rays to Kansas City but could rejoin them later on the 10-day road trip, and he might play in a couple of rehab games before returning.

MINOR MATTERS: Top prospect LHP Matt Moore will make his Triple-A debut on Friday for Durham at home against Toledo. Moore, 22, was promoted after going 8-3, 2.20 in 18 starts at Double-A Montgomery, with 131 strikeouts in 1021/3 innings and only 28 walks. "Matt showed that he had nothing else to prove at the AA level," farm director Mitch Lukevics said. … With Cs Robinson Chirinos and Lobaton promoted to the Rays, Nevin Ashley was also moved from Montgomery to Durham.

MISCELLANY: Maddon said he was willing to play through Monday's power outage that knocked out one bank of lights, but Yankees manager Joe Girardi did not, and since they would have to agree there instead was an 18-minute delay. … Former Gators and Bucs QB John Reaves was Maddon's guest at Tuesday's game.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Mets 4, Cardinals 2

NEW YORK — Jose Reyes made an impact in the field in his return from a hamstring injury, turning a difficult double play with the bases loaded in the eighth inning after making a diving stop that saved a run for New York. Angel Pagan and Daniel Murphy hit two-run doubles, and Dillon Gee pitched seven sharp innings in the Mets' second win in five games. Lance Berkman hit a mammoth homer for St. Louis.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Orioles 6, Red Sox 2

BALTIMORE — Jeremy Guthrie, the major-league leader with 13 losses, pitched seven sharp innings, and Baltimore ended a seven-game losing streak against Boston. Derrek Lee and Mark Reynolds hit successive homers in the eighth inning off Alfredo Aceves to turn a shaky one-run lead into a more comfortable cushion for the Orioles, who lost their previous seven games to the Red Sox this season by a combined score of 61-32. Guthrie was 1-6 in his previous 10 starts.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

PITTSBURGH — James McDonald and three relievers combined on a six-hitter to help the NL Central-leading Pirates shut out the Reds for the second straight night, 1-0 on Tuesday.

McDonald pitched effectively into the seventh inning before getting bailed out of a bases-loaded jam by Joe Beimel and Chris Resop.

Pittsburgh made a rare appearance in first place more than a one-day cameo. It also improved to 7-1 this season against the defending NL Central champions.

Mike Leake pitched six strong innings but couldn't stop the Reds (47-50) from dropping three games below .500 for the first time this season. They trail Pittsburgh by five games.

The Pirates recorded two of their four hits in the first inning. Josh Harrison singled with one out, Neil Walker doubled to left and Harrison scored on Andrew McCutchen's groundout.

That one run was enough for McDonald, who earned his first win since he beat Houston on June 16.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller thinks a deal to end the NFL lockout will be reached this week — and says retired players won't stand in the way of an agreement.

Eller and lawyers for retired NFL players joined labor talks for about seven hours Tuesday in New York as signs mounted the dispute might almost be over. After leaving the negotiations, Eller was off to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell.

"They want to get these games going, and they want to have a season. That's their focus," Eller said. "Our issues are very, very critical — very important — but they don't really have much to do with whether the game goes on or not."

He said "there's still a lot more to be done" when it comes to benefits for former players, but that could be resolved after the main dispute is settled.

The court-appointed mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, also was at the session, his second consecutive day overseeing negotiations. Owners and players were trying to close a deal to resolve the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

The NFL Players Association's executive committee met to prepare for possible votes on an agreement in principle. Representatives of all 32 teams were supposed to arrive in Washington today.

AP reported that the players' executive committee reviewed portions of a proposed deal. A full agreement in principle hadn't been completed.

"The grass is cut, but the hay is not in the barn yet. We've got a lot of work to do," NFLPA president Kevin Mawae said.

Owners, meanwhile, are set to hold a special meeting Thursday in Atlanta, when they could ratify a new deal, if there is one. Executives from all 32 teams would be briefed Thursday and Friday on how the terms would affect league business.

Still unresolved was what it will take to get the 10 plaintiffs — including quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson and Patriots guard Logan Mankins — to sign off on a settlement to their antitrust lawsuit against the NFL that is pending in federal court in Minnesota.

On Tuesday, lawyers for the NFL and the players suing the league submitted a joint filing to the court, asking for an extra week to file written arguments "to allow them to focus on the continuing mediation." Tuesday's request, granted in the afternoon, noted that "the parties have also been meeting regularly since April 11, 2011, in an effort to resolve their disputes."

Also pending is the TV networks case, in which players accused owners of setting up $4 billion in "lockout insurance."

One proposal would set aside nearly $1 billion over the next 10 years in additional benefits for retired players, who complained recently that they had been excluded from negotiations. So Eller's presence was significant.

"We weren't happy, and we hope it doesn't go back to that. We hope we stay active in the talks and we hope we continue to have meaningful talks. This clearly lets us know there's more work to be done," Eller said.

Former Chamberlain High and 49ers star Blue dies

Forrest Blue, a star at Chamberlain High in the early 1960s who went on to be a four-time Pro Bowl center for the 49ers, died Saturday at an assisted living facility in Carmichael, Calif., the team said. He was 65. Blue, a first-round pick out of Auburn in 1968, also played four seasons with the Colts.

VICK PUSHES FOR TOUGHER DOGFIGHTING PENALTIES: Eagles quarterback Michael Vick brought his anti-dogfighting message to Congress, backing federal legislation that would penalize those who knowingly attend animal fights and allow minors to attend. Vick, who served 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges, said he wants to teach kids not to repeat his mistakes. He has been speaking at churches and schools along with Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States. It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, while 28 impose felony-level penalties on those attending.

MENDENHALL SUIT: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is suing the parent company of Champion sports apparel, calling the decision to drop his endorsement deal over his tweets about the death of Osama bin Laden and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks a breach of contract. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, seeks roughly $1 million from Hanesbrands, Inc.

KORDELL STEWART CASE: Former quarterback and ESPN analyst Kordell Stewart pleaded guilty to driving with an expired license and speeding after his arrest in May.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller thinks a deal to end the NFL lockout will be reached this week — and says retired players won't stand in the way of an agreement.

Eller and lawyers for retired NFL players joined labor talks for about seven hours Tuesday in New York as signs mounted the dispute might almost be over. After leaving the negotiations, Eller was off to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell.

"They want to get these games going, and they want to have a season. That's their focus," Eller said. "Our issues are very, very critical — very important — but they don't really have much to do with whether the game goes on or not."

He said "there's still a lot more to be done" when it comes to benefits for former players, but that could be resolved after the main dispute is settled.

The court-appointed mediator, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan, also was at the session, his second consecutive day overseeing negotiations. Owners and players were trying to close a deal to resolve the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987.

The NFL Players Association's executive committee met to prepare for possible votes on an agreement in principle. Representatives of all 32 teams were supposed to arrive in Washington today.

AP reported that the players' executive committee reviewed portions of a proposed deal. A full agreement in principle hadn't been completed.

"The grass is cut, but the hay is not in the barn yet. We've got a lot of work to do," NFLPA president Kevin Mawae said.

Owners, meanwhile, are set to hold a special meeting Thursday in Atlanta, when they could ratify a new deal, if there is one. Executives from all 32 teams would be briefed Thursday and Friday on how the terms would affect league business.

Still unresolved was what it will take to get the 10 plaintiffs — including quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Brees, Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson and Patriots guard Logan Mankins — to sign off on a settlement to their antitrust lawsuit against the NFL that is pending in federal court in Minnesota.

On Tuesday, lawyers for the NFL and the players suing the league submitted a joint filing to the court, asking for an extra week to file written arguments "to allow them to focus on the continuing mediation." Tuesday's request, granted in the afternoon, noted that "the parties have also been meeting regularly since April 11, 2011, in an effort to resolve their disputes."

Also pending is the TV networks case, in which players accused owners of setting up $4 billion in "lockout insurance."

One proposal would set aside nearly $1 billion over the next 10 years in additional benefits for retired players, who complained recently that they had been excluded from negotiations. So Eller's presence was significant.

"We weren't happy, and we hope it doesn't go back to that. We hope we stay active in the talks and we hope we continue to have meaningful talks. This clearly lets us know there's more work to be done," Eller said.

Former Chamberlain High and 49ers star Blue dies

Forrest Blue, a star at Chamberlain High in the early 1960s who went on to be a four-time Pro Bowl center for the 49ers, died Saturday at an assisted living facility in Carmichael, Calif., the team said. He was 65. Blue, a first-round pick out of Auburn in 1968, also played four seasons with the Colts.

VICK PUSHES FOR TOUGHER DOGFIGHTING PENALTIES: Eagles quarterback Michael Vick brought his anti-dogfighting message to Congress, backing federal legislation that would penalize those who knowingly attend animal fights and allow minors to attend. Vick, who served 18 months in prison on dogfighting charges, said he wants to teach kids not to repeat his mistakes. He has been speaking at churches and schools along with Wayne Pacelle, president and chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States. It is illegal in 49 states to be a knowing spectator at an animal fight, while 28 impose felony-level penalties on those attending.

MENDENHALL SUIT: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall is suing the parent company of Champion sports apparel, calling the decision to drop his endorsement deal over his tweets about the death of Osama bin Laden and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks a breach of contract. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, seeks roughly $1 million from Hanesbrands, Inc.

KORDELL STEWART CASE: Former quarterback and ESPN analyst Kordell Stewart pleaded guilty to driving with an expired license and speeding after his arrest in May.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Padres 4, Marlins 0

MIAMI — Tim Stauffer pitched six innings and four relievers completed a six-hitter for San Diego. Ryan Ludwick and Orlando Hudson hit consecutive two-out RBI doubles in the first inning for the Padres, and Cameron Maybin had two hits, an RBI and a run against his former team. The Marlins, playing in their third city in as many days, went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tigers 8, Athletics 3

DETROIT — Miguel Cabrera and Carlos Guillen hit two-run homers in Detroit's six-run fifth inning. The Tigers trailed 3-1 before Magglio Ordonez brought them to within a run with a sacrifice fly, then Cabrera's homer put them ahead to stay. Detroit's Victor Martinez scored the game's first run by sidestepping catcher Kurt Suzuki's tag then reaching back to touch the plate.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Rays vs. Yankees

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

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

Starting pitchers

Rays:

LH David Price (9-7, 3.73)

Yankees:

RH Freddy Garcia (7-7, 3.43)

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

Watch for …

Price check: Price is coming off a solid outing against Boston, though he lasted only 6 IP. He is 3-1, 4.15 in 10 games vs. the Yankees, including a July 9 no-decision in which he gave up Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit.

Unsteady Freddy: Garcia was having a surprisingly solid season until stumbling in his last start, allowing 6 runs at Toronto in 5 IP. He is 8-2, 3.56 in 15 starts vs. the Rays, though only one since 2007.

Key matchups

Rays vs. GARCIA

J. Damon 16-for-62, 4 HRs

Casey Kotchman 4-for-13

B.J. Upton 2-for-5

Yankees vs. PRICE

Robinson Cano 6-for-22

Derek Jeter 9-for-28, 2 HRs

Nick Swisher 6-for-16, HR

On deck

Thursday: vs. Yankees, 7:10, Sun Sports, MLBN. Rays — James Shields (8-8, 2.60); Yankees — CC Sabathia (14-4, 2.64)

Friday: at Royals, 8:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (7-6, 4.25); Royals — Luke Hochevar (5-8, 5.23)

Saturday: at Royals, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (4-4, 3.94); Royals — Jeff Francis (3-11, 4.62)

Sunday: at Royals, 2:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (2-0, 3.09); Royals — Felipe Paulino (1-3, 3.60)

Invitation of the day

3B Evan Longoria used his Twitter account (@Evan3Longoria) to throw out an interesting offer, tweeting soccer player Alex Morgan to invite the U.S. women's World Cup team to the Trop: "the TB Rays want to have you USA soccer girls out to throw out first pitches and chill at a game!"

Number of the day

6 Players on the 25-man active roster who started the season at Triple-A Durham:

Robinson Chirinos, Alex Cobb, Dane De La Rosa, Brandon Gomes, Casey Kotchman, Justin Ruggiano.

"Achievement" of the day

LHP Alex Torres earned a dubious distinction on Monday, the first player (since at least 1955, when such data is available) in his major-league debut to walk in the winning run in the ninth inning or later and take the loss.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Royals 4, White Sox 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Danny Duffy returned from the minors to pitch seven sharp innings, Matt Treanor hit a go-ahead two-run single in the sixth and Kansas City hung on. Melky Cabrera homered and Alcides Escobar drove in the other run for the Royals, who went in having scored eight runs during a three-game skid. That prompted manager Ned Yost to call a closed-door meeting before the game.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Twins 2, Indians 1

MINNEAPOLIS — Danny Valencia hit a two-run single off closer Chris Perez in the ninth inning, lifting Minnesota. Perez walked Joe Mauer and gave up a double to Michael Cuddyer. Jim Thome was intentionally walked to load the bases, and Valencia followed with a bloop single. It was a huge lift for the Twins, who were swept in a day-night doubleheader Monday to fall seven games behind the Indians in the AL Central.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays manager Joe Maddon has his issues with Tropicana Field, some of which he detailed in comments before Tuesday's game. But he had no complaints after the much-needed 3-2 win over the Yankees since a fly ball lost in the tilted white roof was a key part of their go-ahead rally.

"I love the Trop," Maddon said. "The Trop and I have had a lot of conversations over the last couple of years."

The ball that eluded Yankees centerfielder Curtis Granderson was one of several breaks the Rays got — or made — in a two-run seventh inning that turned around what looked to be another frustrating night.

They snapped a three-game losing streak, improved to 51-44 and moved back within seven games of first-place Boston and 5½ of the wild card-leading Yankees. After losing their past six one-run games, including Sunday's 16-inning marathon to Boston and Monday's series opener, they relished it.

"We're deserving of a break, I think," Maddon said. "We'll take it."

Said Yankees manager Joe Girardi: "We kind of gave them the game."

Jeremy Hellickson, pitching for the first time since July 3, went seven solid innings, responding to a third-inning challenge from pitching coach Jim Hickey to get deep into the game because the bullpen was shorthanded. With closer Kyle Farnsworth among those unavailable, Jake McGee worked the eighth and Joel Peralta finished for his third career save.

The Yankees took a 2-0 lead on Robinson Cano's third-inning homer, but the Rays battled back.

The seventh-inning rally started with rookie catcher Robinson Chirinos beating out a ground ball in the hole that Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter snared and made his trademark jump throw. After Sean Rodriguez singled, Justin Ruggiano followed with a fly to center that Granderson tracked but eventually lost and threw up his arms in defeat, as the Rays ended up with the bases loaded.

After a week in which there was a ball hitting a catwalk and breaking a light, a power outage that knocked out a bank of lights, a fan running on the field and, in the early innings Tuesday, an unexplained hum throughout the stadium, Ruggiano said he was ready for anything.

"I was hopeful something would happen,'' he said. "Hit a railing. Or the lights would go out. … A man would come across the field and catch it. … The speakers would make a screeching noise. You just never know here.''

Granderson said he lost the ball in either the catwalk or roof and never really had a chance. "Something up there," he said. "It blends in really well. It's always a little bit of an issue to try to pick it up and stay with it."

Said Yankees manager Joe Girardi: "That's going to happen sometimes in a dome. That doesn't mean that I'm happy about it."

The Rays' good fortune continued as Elliot Johnson hit a custom-made home-to-first double-play grounder to the mound, but the ball glanced off reliever Boone Logan's glove, allowing Chirinos to score the tying run.

Then Johnny Damon hit a fly to shallow center that Granderson charged in for to make a sliding catch, and Rodriguez made a bold decision — as soon as the ball was hit, he said — to tag up, and he scored the go-ahead run.

"Very heads-up on his part," Maddon said. "It is not an easy read to make."

On this night, it all worked out.

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

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

If River Ridge can improve on last year's 2-8 campaign, much of the credit could come from the team's big offensive playmakers.

The Knights' height was on display in Tuesday's 7-on-7 games at Springstead, as 6-foot-4 TE Dylan Rutledge, 6-foot-2 WR Derek Glynn and others soared for catches against Nature Coast and the Eagles.

"We do have a lot of skill out here," first-year coach Ryan Benjamin said. "We've got some guys who are big and physical and can run a little bit."

Senior WR Brandon Nazzario is one of the smaller options at 5 feet 10 but has shown great speed.

Rutledge is backing up his 225-pound frame with improved receiving skills.

"He's a big, physical tight end," Benjamin said. "He's a big target. He's got good hands, good feet. We're expecting a lot out of him."

Carney learning fast: QB Thomas Carney entered the spring as one of Nature Coast's biggest uncertainties.

But with the 7-on-7 season nearly complete, first-year Sharks coach Charles Liggett said Carney looks like the team's starter.

"He had a good spring — head and shoulders over what we were expecting," Liggett said. "I'd say he's the top one."

Carney started on junior varsity last year and completed 5-of-7 passes in the spring game. He looked comfortable sprinting out of the pocket and throwing on the run Tuesday.

And that's a good sign for the run-heavy Sharks.

The 7-on-7 rules force Nature Coast to work on its passing attack.

But with a strong offensive line that should have an average height of more than 6 feet 2, the Sharks will rely much more on their ground game and junior RB Matt Breida in the fall.

"When the season rolls around, what you'll see out of us is who we really are," Liggett said.

Catch of the day: The honor goes to Spoto senior Geronimo Allison, who leaped almost effortlessly over a Gulf defender and almost hit his head on the goalpost.

"I just kept my eyes on the ball and kept my body in position to make the catch," Allison said.

Spartans QB Jaylon Davis looked toward several other players before finding Allison in the back of the end zone.

The lanky receiver leaped and made the catch and landed on his back.

Fivay's secret star: The Falcons have shown improvement during the summer after their first season last fall.

And Fivay still has one fairly secret weapon — TE Kevin Faulkner.

The junior also plays baseball, so he has been absent for many 7-on-7 practices.

But this autumn, coach Chris Taylor said, Faulkner is expected to be a focal point of the offense — and earn looks from college recruiters.

"He's a stud," Taylor said.

Gulf lands transfer from Armwood

With Gulf in somewhat of a rebuilding mode with first-year coach Tom Carter at the helm, the Buccaneers received help in the defensive secondary with CB Tre Rhodes transferring from Armwood, Carter said Tuesday. Rhodes also plays wide receiver.

Rhodes, who played junior varsity for the Hawks last year, looks to help out a Bucs secondary that already features college prospect Ty'Shon Peters, who was recently ranked No. 98 on Flavarsity.com's top 160 players in Florida.

"He's still got some work to do," Carter said, "but he should be able to help us out on both sides of the ball."

Times correspondent Andy Villamarzo contributed to this report.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, July 19, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG

Bless its lopsided heart, Tropicana Field deserves better.

It deserves better than sabotage from inside, and it deserves better than blind faith from outside. It deserves real people having real discussions about what's best for the future.

Yes, the stadium was built on the cheap. And, yes, it is a homely mess.

But catwalks, broken lights and ESPN blowhards have no business in the discussion of whether the Tampa Bay area needs to consider the construction of a new stadium.

When Rays manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday that Tropicana Field was improper for Major League Baseball after 14 seasons, it sounded almost as silly as St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster once saying the catwalks were the equivalent of Wrigley Field's ivy.

This isn't about artificial turf or low-hanging speakers or lightning strikes on national television. This is about money. And it is about the future of baseball in Tampa Bay. And it might even be about the city of St. Petersburg's reputation and its ultimate direction.

So can we please cut through the nonsense?

There is a problem here, and it needs to be solved. Attendance and revenue streams at Tropicana Field are not sufficient for Major League Baseball's needs.

That doesn't mean Stu Sternberg is going broke, and it doesn't mean that we are ignoring the reality of Florida's economic crisis. It is simply an acknowledgement that the Rays are making far less money than 90-95 percent of their baseball business partners.

The question, is what do we do about it?

Because I feel confident in saying this problem is not going to solve itself. It is clear, each side is already researching new synonyms for intractable.

Sternberg rescued this franchise from the gutter and created a winning team with a pristine reputation almost overnight. He feels like he has done his part.

And the city built this stadium on the backs of its taxpayers, and handed it over to Major League Baseball at a token cost. St. Petersburg feels it has done its part.

And you know what? Both sides are right.

Yet the problem still remains.

The city has to acknowledge that support for the Rays at Tropicana Field has fallen horribly short of expectations. And the Rays have to acknowledge that they were well aware of the shortcomings and got the team at a bargain price because of that.

So let's stop trashing the stadium and the market. And let's stop acting as if the Tropicana Field lease is the Magna Carta.

Because if the two sides continue at this pace, neither is going to get the outcome it desires. Sternberg, I believe, will eventually sell the team. And St. Petersburg, I am certain, will eventually chase baseball from this market.

So where do we begin?

The Rays need to be honest. They need to say they believe their best chance for survival is in downtown Tampa. And the mayor needs to be realistic. He needs to say he is willing to listen to suggestions that will help St. Petersburg pay off its debts and create something visionary at the Tropicana Field site.

Of course, there are other partners in this dance.

Major League Baseball, for instance. I know the commissioner has had his hands full with an ownership mess in Los Angeles, and a collective bargaining agreement with the union, but he will eventually have to turn his attention this way.

And Bud Selig needs to acknowledge that MLB owes St. Petersburg a debt. We were his street corner tart for more than a decade, helping stadiums get built in other markets. Maybe that doesn't get us a lifetime pass, but MLB is flush with enough cash that it needs to take an active part in any new stadium discussions here.

And then, naturally, there are you and your neighbors.

Ultimately, you need to decide whether Tampa Bay wants to remain a Major League Baseball community. Because the Rays are not going to be at Tropicana Field in 10 years. They will either move to Hillsborough, or they will move elsewhere.

I don't know what the final percentage might be, but any new stadium is going to involve some public funding. That's not ideal. It's probably not even fair. But it is reality.

If you still think Major League Baseball is a way to attract more attention, more exposure and more money to a market, then it might be worth an investment. If you think it adds to the quality of life for you and your children, then that also is a worthy investment.

It is not an easy issue, nor a simple decision.

So let's stop acting like it is. Let's stop shouting. Let's stop whining. Let's stop arguing.

Because we all deserve better.

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