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Son on bag, Cochran wins first major

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

WALTON ON THE HILL, England — Russ Cochran toasted a family victory at the Senior British Open on Sunday, capturing his first major title with his son as caddie to maintain the United States' recent dominance of the tournament.

With his 25-year-old son, Reed, carrying his bag, Cochran shot a second straight 5-under 67 in the final round at Walton Heath to win by two shots over compatriot Mark Calcavecchia.

"He relaxed me out there," Cochran, 52, said of Reed, who is on his summer break from law school. "He made me smile and was great to be with."

Ryan, Cochran's eldest son, was also present to witness his father's first victory on this year's Champions Tour. He was caddying for another American, Mike Goodes.

"It's a big hump I've got over there," said Cochran, whose victory qualifies him for next year's British Open at Royal Lytham. "To do it in a major and on this golf course means so much. And to do it with the kids here, it's even better."

Cochran became the eighth U.S. player in the past nine years to win the Senior British Open. He achieved the biggest victory of his career by staying consistent on the tee and rolling in a series of pressure putts, closing the tournament at 12-under 276 to claim a winner's check of $310,000.

He made six birdies in the first 10 holes, including two on the first two holes, to open a five-shot lead as Calcavecchia, a former Florida standout who shared the overnight lead with Cochran and South Africa's David Frost, dropped back by four-putting from 15 feet on the par-3 No. 9.

Cochran's bogey on No. 14, combined with Calcavecchia's birdies on 12 and 15, trimmed the lead to two shots. But Cochran parred his way home.

PGA: Sean O'Hair won the RBC Canadian Open in Vancouver after tapping in for bogey on the first playoff hole, then watching fellow American Kris Blanks lip out his bogey putt from just more than 5 feet.

O'Hair earned his fourth tour win overall but his first top-15 finish this season. He had missed 10 of 17 cuts coming in and already had fired a couple of Canadians: swing coach Sean Foley, who also now works with Tiger Woods; and caddie Brennan Little.

O'Hair started the day three behind leader Bo Van Pelt before shooting 68 to get into the playoff with Blanks (70) at 4-under 276.

LPGA: Ai Miyazato clinched her first title of the year at the Evian Masters in Evian-les-Bains, France, and pledged to share her prize money with the people still suffering in the aftermath of the disasters at home in Japan.

Miyazato shot 2-under 70 to protect her two-shot lead and hold off a surge from Stacy Lewis, the Kraft Nabisco winner who missed a golden chance to even the scores on the 16th hole.

Miyazato will donate at least part of her $487,500 first prize to the relief efforts in Japan.

Miyazato finished at 15-under 273. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 69 to finish in a tie for 14th at 8 under.


Power strikes back for IndyCar win at Edmonton

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

Results

INDYCAR Edmonton Indy

At Edmonton, Canada

 Lap length: 2.224 miles

 1. (2) Will Power, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 2. (9) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 3. (4) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 4. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 5. (15) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 6. (12) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 7. (7) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 8. (20) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

 9. (22) Danica Patrick, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

10. (6) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

11. (24) J.R. Hildebrand, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

12. (14) Vitor Meira, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

13. (23) Ana Beatriz, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

14. (19) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

15. (10) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

16. (26) Sebastian Saavedra, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

17. (17) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

18. (18) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 80, Running

19. (21) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running

20. (5) E.J. Viso, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running

21. (1) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 79, Running

22. (8) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Honda, 76, Running

23. (3) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 74, Running

24. (16) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Honda, 54, Mechanical

25. (13) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact

26. (25) Paul Tracy, Dallara-Honda, 0, Contact

Race Statistics

Winners average speed: 90.949

Time of Race: 1:57:22.5177

Margin of Victory: 0.8089 seconds

Cautions: 2 for 8 laps

Lead Changes: 6 among 5 drivers

Lap Leaders: Sato 1-18, Power 19-26, Conway 27-28, Power 29-53, Castroneves 54, Franchitti 55-56, Power 57-80

Points: Franchitti 388, Power 350, Dixon 282, Kanaan 253, Servia 244, Briscoe 239, M.Andretti 232, Rahal 218, Castroneves 212, Hildebrand 212

F1 German Grand Prix

At Nurburg, Germany

 Lap length: 3.199 miles

 1. Lewis Hamilton, England, McLaren, 60 laps, 1:37:30.334, 118.005 mph

 2. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Ferrari, 60, 1:37:34.314

 3. Mark Webber, Australia, Red Bull, 60, 1:37:40.122

 4. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Red Bull, 60, 1:38:18.255

 5. Felipe Massa, Brazil, Ferrari, 60, 1:38:22.586

 6. Adrian Sutil, Germany, Force India, 60, 1:38:56.542

 7. Nico Rosberg, Germany, Mercedes, 59, +1 lap

 8. Michael Schumacher, Germany, Mercedes, 59, +1 lap

 9. Kamui Kobayashi, Japan, Sauber, 59, +1 lap

10. Vitaly Petrov, Russia, Renault, 59, +1 lap

11. Sergio Perez, Mexico, Sauber, 59, +1 lap

12. Jaime Alguersuari, Spain, Toro Rosso, 59, +1 lap

13. Paul di Resta, Scotland, Force India, 59, +1 lap

14. Pastor Maldonado, Venezuela, Williams, 59, +1 lap

15. Sebastien Buemi, Switzerland, Toro Rosso, 59, +1 lap

16. Heikki Kovalainen, Finland, Team Lotus, 58, +2 laps

17. Timo Glock, Germany, Virgin, 57, +3 laps

18. Jerome d'Ambrosio, Belgium, Virgin, 57, +3 laps

19. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, HRT, 57, +3 laps

20. Karun Chandhok, India, Team Lotus, 56, +4 laps

Not Classfied

21. Vitantonio Liuzzi, Italy, HRT, 37, retired

22. Jenson Button, England, McLaren, 35, retired

23. Rubens Barrichello, Brazil, Williams, 16, retired

24. Nick Heidfeld, Germany, Renault, 9, retired

NHRA Mile High NATIONALS

At Morrison, Colo

Final Finish Order

TOP FUEL

1, Spencer Massey. 2, Tony Schumacher. 3, Rod Fuller. 4, Antron Brown. 5, Bob Vandergriff. 6, Doug Kalitta. 7, Shawn Langdon. 8, Del Worsham. 9, Larry Dixon. 10, Steven Chrisman. 11. Brandon Bernstein. 12, David Grubnic. 13, Morgan Lucas. 14, Terry McMillen. 15, Scott Palmer. 16, Dom Lagana

FUNNY CAR

1, John Force. 2, Matt Hagan. 3, Robert Hight. 4, Jeff Arend. 5, Ron Capps. 6, Tim Wilkerson. 7, Mike Neff. 8, Cruz Pedregon. 9, Melanie Troxel. 10, Tony Pedregon. 11, Todd Simpson. 12, Johnny Gray. 13, Jeff Diehl. 14, Paul Lee. 15, Jack Beckman. 16, Bob Tasca III

PRO STOCK

1, Mike Edwards. 2, Allen Johnson. 3, Kurt Johnson. 4, Larry Morgan. 5, V. Gaines. 6, Jason Line. 7, Greg Anderson. 8, Erica Enders. 9, Vincent Nobile. 10, Ron Krisher. 11, Greg Stanfield. 12, Warren Johnson. 13, Rodger Brogdon. 14, Ronnie Humphrey. 15, Steve Kalkowski. 16, Shane Gray

PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE:

1, Karen Stoffer. 2, Michael Phillips. 3, Hector Arana. 4, Eddie Krawiec. 5, David Hope. 6, LE Tonglet. 7, Jerry Savoie. 8, Mike Berry. 9, Hector Arana Jr. 10, Chip Ellis. 11, Steve Johnson. 12, Jim Underdahl. 13, Andrew Hines. 14, Matt Smith. 15, Justin Finley. 16, Shawn Gann

FINAL RESULTS

Top Fuel Spencer Massey, 4.150 seconds, 269.67 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 4.255 seconds, 266.95 mph

Funny Car John Force, Ford Mustang, 4.361, 285.23 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, foul

Pro Stock Mike Edwards, Pontiac GXP, 6.970, 197.65 def. Allen Johnson, Dodge Avenger, foul

Pro Stock Motorcycle Karen Stoffer, Suzuki, 7.283, 182.58 def. Michael Phillips, Suzuki, 7.394, 182.01

Competition Eliminator Clint Neff, '23-T Ford, 8.320, 157.21 def. Jirka Kaplan, '23-T Ford, 6.640, 184.55

Super Stock Jackie Alley, Chevy Camaro, 10.215, 129.40 def. David Bogner, Dodge Daytona, 10.311, 127.16

Stock Eliminator Scott Burton, Pontiac Firebird, 11.068, 119.17 def. Dwight Machael, Plymouth Fury, 11.283, 118.36

Super Comp Dave Crawford, Dragster, 9.527, 159.91 def. Michael Miller, Dragster, 9.489, 165.07

Super Gas Mike Wiblishouser, Chevy Corvette, 10.504, 145.28 def. Wayde Samuel, Chevy Chevelle, 10.468, 129.21

Schedule

SPRINT CUP

July 31 — Brickyard 400, Indianapolis

Aug. 7 — Pennsylvania 500, Long Pond, Pa

Aug. 14 — Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, Watkins Glen, N.Y

Aug. 21 — Michigan 400, Brooklyn, Mich

Aug. 27 — Irwin Tools Night Race, Bristol, Tenn

Sep. 4 — Labor Day Classic 500, Hampton, Ga

Sep. 10 — One Last Race To Make The Chase 400, Richmond, Va

Sep. 18 — Chicagoland 400, Joliet, Ill

Sep. 25 — Sylvania 300, Loudon, N.H

NATIONWIDE

July 30 — Kroger 200, Indianapolis

Aug. 6 — U.S. Cellular 250, Newton, Iowa

Aug. 13 — Zippo 200 at The Glen, Watkins Glen, N.Y

Aug. 20 — NAPA Auto Parts 200, Montreal

Aug. 26 — Food City 250, Bristol, Tenn

Sep. 3 — Great Clips 300, Hampton, Ga

Sep. 9 — Virginia 529 College Savings 250, Richmond, Va

Sep. 17 — Dollar General 300, Joliet, Ill.

EDMONTON, Alberta — Will Power held off hard-charging teammate Helio Castroneves to win Sunday's Edmonton Indy and close the gap on IndyCar points leader Dario Franchitti.

Power started second, overtook pole-sitter Takuma Sato on Lap 19 of 80, then led the rest of the way except for brief periods during pit stops. The Australian held off his Team Penske teammate by eight-tenths of a second.

"It was exactly the day we needed," Power said.

Franchitti finished third, 1.2 seconds off the pace at the 2.2-mile, 13-turn City Centre Airport.

Power has 350 points and cut his deficit to Franchitti from 55 to 38 with seven races left.

Four drivers drew penalties (in which they had to drive through pit road under the green flag) for failing to avoid contact. It seemed IndyCar officials, after a crash-filled race July 10 in Toronto, had a zero-tolerance approach.

Power, who was angry for days after an incident in Toronto in which Franchitti spun him out on his way to victory, said stricter enforcement is needed.

"It will deter people from doing it again," he said.

KAHNE UNHURT IN FLIP: NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne was unhurt in a wild crash Friday in which his sprint car somer­saulted over a wall. Kahne's car made contact with the car of Craig Dollansky and flipped over a wall during a World of Outlaws race at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. The York Daily Record reported that Kahne, returning to his dirt-track roots during a Sprint Cup series off-week, jogged back to the track after the wreck.

FORMULA ONE: Lewis Hamilton of McLaren won the German Grand Prix at the Nurburgring, fending off Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber for his second victory of the season.

NHRA: Spencer Massey edged teammate Tony Schumacher to win the Top Fuel final at the Mile High Nationals in Denver. John Force earned his 133rd victory but first this season in Funny Car, and Mike Edwards (Pro Stock) and Karen Stoffer (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won their classes.

GRAND-AM: Scott Pruett and Memo Rojas won their fifth race this season at the American Red Cross 250 in Millville, N.J., in a BMW/Riley.

AMERICAN LE MANS: Lucas Luhr and Klaus Graf teamed to win the Grand Prix of Mosport in Bowmanville, Ontario behind the wheel of an AMR/Lola.

Far-flung joy in first title

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

PARIS — Cadel Evans has been keeping fans back home up all night watching him become the first Australian to win the Tour de France. It's a victory that has been a long time coming.

Over the years, Evans has been better known for failing to live up to expectations than for overachieving.

He finished second in the 2007 Tour and was expected to win the next year but was runner­up again. Last year he was leading but crashed and fractured his left elbow. The pain was too much, and he dropped out of contention in tears.

This time, persistence and planning paid off.

"I hope I brought a great deal of joy to my countrymen, my country," Evans said Sunday after climbing onto the winner's podium on the Champs-Elysees. "It's been a pleasure and an honor to fly the flag over here."

On the victory lap on Paris' Champs-Elysees, champagne in hand, Evans, 34, seemed to stop to celebrate with every fan bearing an Australian flag.

As he clambered into his BMC team bus, hundreds of people shouted praise, one yelling, "Cadel, we love you!" and others chanting "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie — Oy, Oy, Oy!"

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard joked with Evans about the economic consequences to their nation because fans have been staying up to watch him race on the other side of the world.

"He suggested that it'd all be all right because people would feel so full of morale that they'd be cantering into work and working harder," said Gillard,

Evans' final margin of victory over Andy Schleck of Luxembourg was 1 minute, 34 seconds.

"I want to let the moment sink in,'' Evans' wife, Chiara, said. "Cadel needs some rest. I need some rest, too!"

He's the third non-European to win the Tour since it started in 1903. American Greg LeMond broke the European domination in 1986 with the first of his three wins, and American Lance Armstrong won seven straight starting in 1999.

For years, others in cycling nicknamed Evans "Cuddles,'' but not as a compliment. It was an observation that Evans often appeared humorless, prone to excuses, excessively private and ill-tempered. He has gradually transformed to seeming likeable and sympathetic.

"It's 20 years since I watched my very first Tour de France, and in all that time, a lot of people have believed in me," Evans said. Then he reconsidered. "Well, not as many people as a lot of people think. …

"It has been a long, long process, and it will be a long realization of what has happened."

Tampa Bay Rays: Bert Blyleven remembered as master of the hotfoot; Alex Cobb has a special guest in the stands

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 24, 2011

Rays vs. A's

When/where: 10:07 tonight; Oakland Coliseum

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

Starting pitchers:

Rays:

RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.17)

A's:

RH Guillermo Moscoso (3-5, 2.96)

Watch for …

Jeremy the kid: Hellickson is coming off a strong outing against the Yankees and got an extra day's rest after throwing 119 pitches, one shy of his career high. He pitched well at Oakland in August, leaving with a lead in the 7th.

Unknown quantity: Moscoso, a former Ranger, has been a nice fill-in for the A's since coming up from the minors. He got knocked around by Detroit in his previous start after four strong ones (1 ER, 242/3 IP). No Rays have seen him in the majors.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Moscoso

None have faced

A's vs. Hellickson

Coco Crisp 1-for-4

Cliff Pennington 2-for-3

Kurt Suzuki 0-for-3

On deck

Tuesday: at A's, 10:07, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (9-8, 3.67); A's — Brandon McCarthy (2-5, 3.74)

Wednesday: at A's, 10:07, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (9-8, 2.53); A's — Trevor Cahill (8-9, 3.77)

Thursday: at A's, 3:37, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (7-7, 4.46); A's — Rich Harden (2-1, 4.63)

Friday: at Mariners, 10:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann ( 4-4, 3.86); Mariners — TBA

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Hall of Fame memory of the day

Joe Maddon was a minor-league coach for the Angels when Bert Blyleven ended his career there 1989-92. Like others, he was impressed with Blyleven's curve and professionalism. But what really stood out about Sunday's Hall of Fame inductee? "He was by far … the best at lighting somebody's shoelaces on fire. Above and beyond all the necessary requirements regarding pitching performance, that also should be included as Hall of Fame ability. He'd crawl under benches amid the muck and the gum and the spit just to get this done."

Special guest of the day

RHP Alex Cobb's older brother R.J. was in the stands. R.J., who won a Purple Heart in an Army assignment in Germany, is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood in the Missouri Ozarks. He flew in for Cobb's May 1 debut, which didn't go well: "I told him if it went badly today, he couldn't come back."

Stat of the day

39-12

Rays record when scoring first.

14-35

Rays record when not scoring first.

Former NFL players Derrick Alexander and Ryan Benjamin transition into high school coaching

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By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 24, 2011

SHADY HILLS — Derrick Alexander lines up with the defense on a sweltering July morning and surveys his new offense.

His booming bass voice calls for the high school blocker to ram him.

"You ain't gonna hurt me," Alexander says.

Probably not.

Alexander still looks like the 6-foot-4, 275-pound defensive lineman who helped Florida State to the 1993 national championship, then became an NFL first-round pick before injuries derailed his career.

Now a married 37-year-old father of four lugging around a bad hip and a slight limp, Alexander is one of two ex-NFL players on the North Suncoast tackling a new role — high school coach.

"I felt like it was time for me to give back some of what I've been taught," Alexander said. "Maybe it's something I should have been doing a long time ago."

Alexander had only coached his sons' peewee teams before this spring. That inexperience caused at least one area school to pass on him for an assistant's position.

He joined Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School as a defensive line coach in May and was promoted to head coach in the summer after Matt Nardo took a college job in Ohio.

"God does things in strange ways," Alexander said.

Ryan Benjamin joins Alexander's rookie coaching ranks following a 15-year odyssey that took him from New Port Richey to the NFL and back to his alma mater.

"It's unexplainable," Benjamin said.

Benjamin starred as a defensive end at River Ridge High before playing at South Florida. He spent time as a long snapper for the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears before becoming the first ex-Bull to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He earned a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs during the 2002 season and was released in 2004.

"It's a real volatile type of job," Benjamin said of being a long snapper. "Once you get out, it's tough to get your foot back in the door."

Benjamin stayed in shape and remained near the top of NFL teams' free-agent boards. No teams offered him a contract, so he moved on, starting an air conditioning company in the town he grew up in.

After watching the Royal Knights win only nine games in the past five seasons, the 33-year-old said he wanted to help his former school and make sure its players get the same opportunities he received years ago.

"I've got my jersey retired at River Ridge sitting on the wall," Benjamin said. "Now I'm coaching the team. It's unexplainable how excited I am."

Alexander also started feeling an urge to stay around the game when his playing days ended in 2000.

The Jacksonville native starred for the Seminoles, recording 11 tackles against Nebraska in the 1994 Orange Bowl. After he had back-to-back All-America seasons and earned ACC Player of the Year honors in 1994, the Vikings picked him 11th overall in 1995.

A severe bone-on-bone hip injury forced him to retire after four years in Minnesota and two in Cleveland. Lingering pain cut his scouting career with the Browns short.

After moving to Pasco County four years ago, Alexander still grew excited on Sundays in the fall and needed an outlet for his intensity.

"I think it's in your blood," Alexander said. "This'll give me an opportunity here to have some of that excitement and joy on Friday nights with these kids."

The Hurricanes seem excited about their new coach, even if they had to ask their parents about his credentials.

"He's been pretty much through what we want to go through," Bishop senior Evan Barhonovich said. "We want to be up there where he went through."

The players quickly learned that Alexander's experience on the field could make up for his inexperience roaming the sideline. Instead of just lifting weights during offseason workouts, the Hurricanes started running through plays in T-shirts and shorts in the summer heat.

Alexander switched defensive linemen from a more smash-mouth four-point stance to a more explosive three-point stance. He's steering the offense away from the veer and toward a pro-style I-formation

"I can't wait for the season," lineman Zack Lockhart said.

After too many years away, neither can Alexander.

"I love nothing better than just coming out, being around football," Alexander said. "It's something that gave me my life to where it is to this day. How can you turn your back on that?"

Matt Baker can be reached at (727) 420-9087 or mbaker@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Rays' B.J. Upton still biding his time as trade rumors swirl

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, July 24, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — B.J. Upton figures to either have a short final week as a Ray or a long week waiting to find out if he'll remain one.

Speculation over a possible trade mounted again Sunday when Upton was held out of the lineup, though manager Joe Maddon insisted the day off had been planned several days ago.

That followed Upton being removed unexpectedly from Friday's game — though he played Saturday — and the promotion of top prospect Desmond Jennings. (Plus, Jennings played Upton's centerfield spot Sunday though the Rays say the plan is to use Jennings regularly in left.)

Upton reiterated Sunday that he wants to stay with the Rays. But, more than anything, it sounds like he would prefer resolution of the situation as soon as possible before Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline for nonwaiver deals. He also added the Phillies to the list of teams he has heard are supposedly interested.

"I just got the day off (Sunday). I think that's what it is. I hope that's what it is," Upton said. "It's become a comedy to me. So whatever. There's something new every day — San Fran, Cleveland, Washington, Philly. I mean, what is it? I don't know.

"I'm to the point where I don't even care. If it happens, it happens."

Upton said his preference is to stay with the Rays, and he didn't want to say which of the possible destinations was more appealing. "If I had to go? I don't know," he said. "Still nowhere."

DAZZLING DESMOND: Jennings had another impressive game, following Saturday's two-extra-base hit, two-walk debut with a two-hit, two-hit-by-pitch game. That makes him the first Ray to reach base four times in his first two games of the season and the second Rays rookie to do so in consecutive games. (The other — for when you're done guessing — was Brent Abernathy in 2001). The last Ray to do so in back-to-back games was Jason Bartlett in 2009. "I feel good at the plate," Jennings said.

HIT CLUB: The Rays were hit by pitches a team-record-tying four times, three in a four-batter sequence in the sixth (that led to two runs): Sean Rodriguez and Jennings hit by Felipe Paulino, and Ben Zobrist by reliever Blake Wood. They were the first team to be hit three times in an inning since Sept. 23, 2010 — when they were also the victims, plunked by the Yankees' Javier Vazquez. Those are the only times in the past three seasons a team was hit thrice in an inning.

ODD STAT OF THE DAY: 3B Evan Longoria struck out four times for only the second game in his career. And both times, he also knocked in the winning run. "That's pretty obscure," he said.

On Aug. 4, 2009, against Boston, he struck out three times, hit a tying homer in the eighth, was walked and struck out in his next at-bats, then hit a walkoff homer in the 13th. Sunday wasn't as dramatic as he struck out, singled in the first run, then struck out three more times.

MEDICAL MATTERS: C John Jaso (oblique strain) is eligible to come off the disabled list today, but he isn't close. He isn't likely to take part in full workouts until the Rays return home Aug. 2 and will likely need a few minor-league rehab games. … C Jose Lobaton (left knee sprain) will be out even longer. … RHP Juan Cruz (groin strain) will throw a bullpen session today in St. Petersburg and could make a rehab appearance by the weekend.

MISCELLANY: Starters James Shields and Wade Davis were both in the bullpen Sunday for potential duty. … RHP Alex Cobb hasn't allowed a homer in 40 innings since giving one up to Hank Conger in the second inning of his debut vs. the Angels. … Rays pitchers combined for their eighth shutout.

Tigers 5, Twins 2

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

Tigers 5, Twins 2

MINNEAPOLIS — Rick Porcello cruised through six innings, and Detroit took advantage of Francisco Liriano's control problems. Jhonny Peralta, Wilson Betemit and Ramon Santiago had RBIs for the Tigers, who extended their AL Central lead to two games for the first time. Liriano lasted only 21/3 innings, walking four and throwing two wild pitches. He needed 78 pitches to record seven outs. The Twins finished their homestand 6-6.

Conference seeks respect

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

PINEHURST, N.C. — Losing last year's Orange Bowl gave Virginia Tech receiver Danny Coale one terrible feeling.

But it wasn't foreign. He, his teammates and other ACC players had already become far too familiar with it in recent seasons.

All are tired of experiencing it.

"It's embarrassing when you lose and you're representing the ACC in a big-time game like that," Coale said, referencing the Hokies' 40-12 BCS bowl loss to Stanford.

Conference commissioner John Swofford feels his pain. Swofford worries that the annual sight of his teams consistently losing big, non-conference games has painted the ACC in an unflatteringly dull light.

"For us to gain the kind of respect that we want for Atlantic Coast football, those are the kind of games we have to win going forward," Swofford said.

Players such as Miami OL Tyler Horn agree.

"You watch Ohio State, Texas, USC, Alabama, and you wonder how good they really are," Horn said. "In non-conference games, you get a chance to see if they're as good as they are, and if you're as good as you are. It's good to play these games to show the ACC is a conference to be reckoned with."

Swofford touched on a range of mostly business- and rule-related topics during his question-and-answer session, saying that multi-year scholarships are an idea worth discussing, that college sports are "at a tipping point" because so much money is involved and that stoked emotions and intense competition in college sports inevitably lead some to exercise bad judgment.

Don't forget Hokies: FSU may be the trendy choice to win the ACC and perhaps become the conference's best hope for a national title, but Virginia Tech S Eddie Whitley isn't buying it.

Amid all the FSU hype, don't forget, Virginia Tech beat FSU 44-33 in last year's ACC Championship Game, and it has been the Hokies who have won the league three of the last four years.

"Florida State can say what they think, but we have the ring," Whitley said. "We're still the best team. … We know Florida State has tremendous athletes, but we have a strong nucleus and we're a true family."

Seminoles DE Brandon Jenkins said he hoped for a rematch.

"They have the rings," Jenkins said, "but it's a lot of talent in the ACC. You can't sleep on any team. It's a lot of teams you have to beat in order to get there first. … I'm pretty sure if we work hard enough, we'll get there."

NEW ERA FOR UM: Things are different at Miami. Horn says it's a good thing.

"The attitude of the team is a complete 180 from what it was last year," he said. "I'm just excited to be a part of it."

Al Golden's arrival as coach has Horn optimistic about the season. Horn believes UM will not repeat its mediocre season.

"Last year, we went 7-6. Obviously our attitude or whatever we did did not work," Horn said. "(We're) more hard-working and keeping ourselves accountable. Making sure you get your job done. That it's on you to make your block or catch the football. That's really been instilled."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.


Manuel, 'Noles part of major QB shuffle in ACC

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

PINEHURST, N.C. — The same nerves and anxiety that most backup quarterbacks go through when thrust unexpectedly into a ballgame completely bypassed EJ Manuel.

Whenever the young quarterback relieved starter Christian Ponder in Florida State's games the last two years, the butterflies stayed away because, quite simply, Manuel was going through the same motions he had experienced countless times before.

"I used to always practice like I was the starter because I knew that Ponder was going to go out and give it his all every single play. He could get pulled out at any time. I was one play away," Manuel said.

That approach will come in handy this fall when the big-bodied, athletic junior will officially be the Seminoles' starter for the first time in his career. With Ponder taken by the Vikings in the first round of the NFL draft, a quarterback transition is coming to FSU.

Other ACC team will go through the same transition.

At Miami, incumbent Jacory Harris will be in an intense fall position battle with backup Stephen Morris. Like Manuel, Morris entered ballgames last season to relieve Harris after the starter suffered injuries that kept him out of multiple games.

Morris' 1,240 passing yards as a backup energized Hurricanes fans to the point that some hoped he would completely replace the erratic Harris. The starter had 15 interceptions in limited action last fall.

First-year coach Al Golden hasn't named a starter. Though the more experienced senior Harris is listed first on the latest depth chart, Morris has a chance to unseat him.

"At the end of the day, (Harris) has more experience, but it's going to come down to who puts the team in the best position to win," Miami center Tyler Horn said. "And both guys have the ability to do that. It's going to be a lot of fun in camp watching them duel it out and compete to make each other better."

In addition to the quarterback changes at FSU and Miami, Virginia Tech, Virginia, North Carolina, North Carolina State, Clemson and Georgia Tech are replacing quarterbacks.

Yellow Jackets junior Tevin Washington, who went 1-3 as a starter at the end of last season, takes over for the departed Joshua Nesbitt. A tough option quarterback, Nesbitt was hurt late in the season, forcing Washington to finish.

"We're going to miss Nesbitt, just because he's the guy who's been back there for so long," Jackets running back Roddy Jones said. "But Tevin is going to lead us to the Promised Land this year, hopefully."

Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien knows what these new starters are feeling. Last season, as a redshirt freshman, he became the full-time starter in Week 4.

"There's no substitute for experience," O'Brien said. "I've always prided myself on watching a lot of film and being really prepared for what I'm going to see. But there's no doubt that even as I was prepared for each game, just the experience of playing week-in and week-out is just invaluable."

Potential solution at short heads to Reds DL

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

CINCINNATI — Rookie SS Zack Cozart had his left arm encased in a bulky brace, supported by a sling over his shoulder, as he walked through the Reds clubhouse on Sunday.

That's going to be his uniform for a while.

Cincinnati placed Cozart on the 15-day disabled list Sunday, one day after he sprained his left elbow while trying to make a tag at second base. Paul Janish, who opened the season at shortstop but struggled and was demoted on July 7, was called up from Triple-A Louisville.

Cozart's injury was another notable setback for the fourth-place Reds. He hit safely in his first seven games after his first promotion to the majors, a spark for a struggling offense. He could be out for more than two weeks.

"I don't really know too much," Cozart said. "I know I've got a lot of swelling and pain in there.

"It's very frustrating. I was just starting to get comfortable up here, get my routine down."

Cozart covered second base on Braves pitcher Derek Lowe's bunt to 1B Joey Votto, who tried to get the forceout on Nate McLouth. The throw was toward the sliding runner. Cozart reached for the ball and McLouth slid into the arm, bending the elbow backward.

"I just felt a little something pop," Cozart said. "I don't know what happened really. I've been in that situation a lot. I guess I just hit him perfect where it bent the elbow back."

Edgar Renteria had a stomach ailment but replaced Cozart and drove in three runs, leading a comeback from a 2-1 deficit. Renteria started Sunday.

Shortstop has been a big trouble spot. The Reds declined to pick up Orlando Cabrera's $4 million option after last season. Janish, the backup last season, became the starter this year but struggled at the plate.

Janish was batting .227 without a homer when he was sent to the minors to work on his swing. He batted .256 at Louisville, showing improvement lately.

"It's one of those situations where you've got to kind of take advantage of the circumstances, even though they're not ideal," Janish said. "I kind of had to swallow it and say some adjustments have to be made, for sure. The last week or 10 days I have felt better, and as consistent as I have in some time."

SANTANA UPBEAT: Mets LHP Johan Santana threw 45 pitches in a bullpen session and remained on target in his comeback from shoulder surgery. Barring a setback, he's expected to begin a minor-league rehab assignment in the next few days.

"He's gotten himself to the point where if he recovers and he's feeling good, we can start getting him into games like we would in spring training," rehabilitation pitching coordinator Randy Niemann said. "Every time I see him on the mound, I see him pitching just a little bit better than the last time."

Santana had left shoulder surgery in September. There's no timetable for his return to the majors, but the two-time Cy Young Award winner hopes to pitch for the Mets this season.

D'BACKS: OF Wily Mo Pena, who was designated for assignment immediately after the All-Star break, was released.

mariners: Seattle was expected to finalize plans Sunday night to have Erik Bedard pitch next weekend against the Rays at Safeco Field. He has missed a month with a sprained knee,

PADRES: CF Cameron Maybin stole a base for the sixth straight game, a club record.

PHILLIES: RHP Roy Oswalt, on the 15-day disabled list since the end of June with a bulging disc in his lower back, was cleared to make his first minor-league rehab start Wednesday for Triple-A Lehigh Valley.

RED SOX: RF J.D. Drew is expected to go on the disabled list today with an impingement in his left shoulder.

TIGERS: RH reliever Chance Ruffin, the 48th overall selection in the 2010 draft, will be called up from Triple-A Toledo today. RHP Lester Oliveros will be sent down.

Blue Jays 3, Rangers 0

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

Blue Jays 3, Rangers 0

ARLINGTON, Texas — Brett Cecil pitched a four-hitter for his second complete game in his past four starts for Toronto. It was the first career shutout for Cecil, whose only other complete game in his 55 career outings was in a loss July 5 at Boston. The left-hander allowed one runner to reach second. Jose Bautista had an RBI double and a diving catch in an unusual spot. The Blue Jays used a big overshift on left-handers Mitch Moreland and Josh Hamilton, moving Bautista from third to shallow right, where he made a fine catch on Moreland's shot in the sixth.

Reports: NFL labor deal all but finalized; today could be the day

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

WASHINGTON — The NFL's players and owners have agreed on a deal to end the league's four-month lockout, several media outlets, including ESPN and CBS, reported Sunday.

As players and teams made preparations to return to work, representatives of the league and players worked to try to have an official, written version of their 10-year collective bargaining agreement ready for player leaders to review today.

"I think there will be some good news coming out (today)," Vikings guard and players union rep Steve Hutchinson told the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The major elements of the deal essentially were in place, the Washington Post and others reported. Members of the players' ruling executive committee are scheduled to meet today in Washington and are likely to recommend approval of the labor deal to the whole group of players.

The deal must be ratified by a majority of the close to 2,000 NFL players to take effect, but that should be a rubber stamp if the executive committee recommends such ratification.

NFL Network obtained a copy of an e-mail sent by Saints quarterback Drew Brees to teammates in which Brees wrote, "The deal is almost done."

Brees is one of 10 plaintiffs in a players' lawsuit against the league — a list that also includes fellow star quarterbacks Tom Brady and Peyton Manning — and they must officially tell a court in Minneapolis of their approval of the pact.

Players also will need to vote to re-establish the NFL Players Association as a union; only after that happens could a full collective bargaining agreement be reached. But training camps and preseason games could occur as the sides put the finishing touches on a deal.

Agents told players late Saturday and Sunday to be ready to report to team facilities at midweek for voluntary workouts and to prepare to report to training camps late this week. Team front offices were gearing up for the expected start of free agency.

Some players reacted angrily after the owners voted, 31-0 with one abstention by the Raiders, on Thursday in Atlanta to approve the labor deal and conditionally end the lockout in stages, based on ratification of the agreement by the players' side.

Some players said Thursday night that the owners had pulled a public relations maneuver to pressure the players. Those players said not all of the terms of the agreement were complete, and the owners had ratified some provisions that hadn't been negotiated with the players.

But DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFLPA, moved the players toward resolution of the final details necessary to complete the agreement, the Post reported.

Among the major economic components on the table were a salary cap system giving the players just less than half the revenues, and a rookie pay system to curb the amount of guaranteed money in rookies' contracts.

Among the provisions that need to be worked out after the players have re-formed their union are drug-testing matters, pension issues and matters related to the sport's disability board.

A solution to the four-month lockout, the NFL's first work stoppage since 1987, would come too late to save the Hall of Fame game on Aug. 7. It was canceled Thursday by the league.

However, no other cancellations would be needed. The preseason is scheduled to begin Aug. 11 with Seattle at San Diego. Green Bay is set to host New Orleans in the regular-season kickoff Sept. 8 in a meeting of the past two Super Bowl champions.

FAVRE TWEETS: There is almost no chance the Eagles will sign retired quarterback Brett Favre to back up Michael Vick, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. WIP-AM reported over the weekend that the Eagles were interested in the 41-year-old and a post on Vick's Twitter account said, "I would be honored to have Brett Favre as a backup." But the post was taken down hours later and Vick later told Comcast SportsNet that someone else must have written it.

BANTA-CAIN SURGERY: Patriots linebacker Tully Banta-Cain had surgery Friday for an abdominal strain and will miss at least four weeks, the Boston Globe reported that

Reds 4, Braves 3

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Times wires
Sunday, July 24, 2011

Reds 4, Braves 3

CINCINNATI — Drew Stubbs led off the ninth with a first-pitch homer, helping the Reds win consecutive games for the first time since June 14-15. Stubbs went the opposite way on Scott Linebrink's first offering. Brandon Phillips hit a two-run homer and former Ray Miguel Cairo added a solo shot for Cincinnati.

NFL is back, get ready for lightning round of free agency

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

The NFL is back — and in a big hurry.

Here's what is expected to happen today and beyond, according to multiple reports.

At 9 a.m., members of the NFL Player's Association's 10-member Executive Board will recommend to ratify the new collective bargaining agreement with NFL owners. This will happen shortly after many of the 10 plaintiffs in the Brady vs. NFL anti-trust lawsuit sign affadavits agreeing to the settlement of their case against the league.

At 11 a.m., the 32 NFLPA reps will have a conference call to vote to ratify the CBA. Sometime later this afternoon, there will likely be a joint press conference with union executive director DeMaurice Smith and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

Pro Football Talk reports that free agency may begin Tuesday, because NFL teams did not want the start to coincide with the beginning of training camp. According to Foxsports.com, players can begin arriving at team facilities as early as Tuesday to vote to re-certify the union.

Once the union is back, they can negotiate terms for a drug testing program, workman's compensation and player discipline and fines.

Training camps are set to begin Thursday for 10 teams, Friday for 10 and over the weekend for 12.

Some interesting details of the agreement that may have eluded you:

— There are reports that both sides can opt out of the 10-year deal after the 2016 season. The final event of the CBA would be the 2017 draft.

— There can only be 14 padded practices during the regular season, three in the final six weeks. Believe it or not, this isn't a huge departure for most teams but it's now a rule.

— An 18-game regular season may be coming in 2013. Owners could unilaterally cut the preseason schedule from four to two games beginning in 2013. Then it will be up to players to decide whether to play 16 regular-season games and two preseason or increase to 18 regular-season games. The players lose money if they stay with two and 16.

— Guaranteed money due to injury. Currently, if a player suffers a career-ending injury during the season, he keeps his signing bonus and base salary for the year he is injured. Now he will receiver $1-million the following season and $500,000 in year three, if his contract hasn't expired.

NFL players vote to OK new labor deal

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

With owners and players standing side-by-side at a joint news conference in the nation's capital, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell spoke the words football fans have waited to hear.

"It's been a long time coming and football is back,'' Goodell said outside the NFLPA headquarters in Washington, D.C., Monday. "That's the great news for everybody.''

Representatives of the NFL Players Association for all 32 teams voted unanimously to ratify the new 10-year collective bargaining agreement that NFL owners approved last Thursday.

"I want to thank (NFL Executive Director DeMaurice Smith) and all of the players for their leadership and securing the long-time future of the game,'' Goodell said. "Having a 10-year agreement is extraordinarily great for our game, but mostly, for our fans. Everybody worked hard, everybody had a passion and everybody believes in this game of football and what we can do to make our game better. I think this agreement is going to make our game better.

"We're grateful for all the work that both parties did to make sure that we came to this game today and make sure for the fans we can stand here and say, "Football is back.''

With the lockout over, teams can begin compiling a 90-man roster and will be given a list of free agents from the league. Players can return to their team's facilities Tuesday on a voluntary basis for meetings, training and physicals . Teams can begin signing undrafted free agents and their draft picks, as well as negotiating with all free agents, on Tuesday at 10 a.m. On Wednesday, players will report to training camp, 15 days before their first preseason game. The Bucs are scheduled to report to training camp on Thursday.

Also on Thursday, NFL teams can begin to terminate contracts and release players. On Friday, teams can renegotiate contracts and begin signing restricted free agents.

The agreement runs through the 2012 season and includes no opt outs by either side. The final act of the new CBA will be the 2013 NFL draft.

Goodell was flanked in the news conderence by Panthers owner Jerry Richardson, Giants owner John Mara, Patriots owner Robert Kraft and Broncos owner Pat Bowlen. NFLPA President Kevin Mawae, Colts center Jeff Saturday, Ravens cornerback Domonique Foxworth and Saints quarterback Drew Brees were among the players surrounding Goodell and Smith.

"I would like to say what a pleasure it's been for us to work with the players in this negotiation,'' Richardson said. "As a former player myself, the relationship conversations we've developed I think will serve us well for a long time and we're delighted we have an agreement that's going to serve the NFL, our players, our teams and our fans for many years to come.''

NFL players still have to vote to re-certify as a union before they can collectively bargain issues such as drug testing, player discipline and workman's compensation.

Saturday especially credited Kraft, whose wife, Myra, died July 20 after a long battle with cancer, for his role in negotiations.

"A special thanks to Myra Kraft, who even in her weakest moment, allowed Mr. Kraft to come and fight this out. And without him, this deal does not get done,'' Saturday said. "I don't want to be climactic in any way, but he is a man who helped us save football.''

What helped to end the four-month lockout was the growing relationship and trust between Goodell and Smith, who were in constant communication, especially during the final weeks and days of the negotiation.

"Relationships are built on respect, and D and I have that for one another,'' Goodell said. "We have a trust that we're both in this to do the best we can for the game of football and our constituents. I think you can't reach a 10-year agreement without that. He's a great leader for his players. He never lost his passion. We listen to one another, which I think is critically important. And we have respect for our various constituents. I think the players, under D's leadership, have done an extraordinary job.''

Goodell acknowledged that the protracted work stoppage was an irritation to NFL fans and but said the new deal and extended labor peace will be beneficial to the game in the long run.

"From a commisioner's perspective, we know what we did to frustrate fans over the last several months,'' Goodell said. "They want football. Our job is to give them football. We think through a 10-year agreement, we've secured the future of the game to ensure that pledge to bring great football to our fans. I think we have some work to do to make sure they understand we are sorry for the frustration we put them through over the last six months, but our commitment is to bring them better football going forward.''


NFL players vote to okay new labor deal

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

TAMPA — The National Football League is back, and spinning plans forward faster than a Josh Freeman spiral.

The league ended its 4½-month labor dispute when player representatives voted unanimously Monday to ratify the collective bargaining agreement approved by owners last week.

Flanked by owners and players in a symbolic joint news conference in Washington, D.C., NFL commissioner Roger Goodell spoke the only words that mattered to football fans

"It's been a long time coming and football is back," Goodell said outside NFL Players Association headquarters. "That's the great news for everybody."

If the line between winning and losing wasn't clear Monday, it may be beginning today as veteran players reap rewards during a speed-dating round of free agency. Owners are committed to spending 99 percent of the $120 million salary cap in 2011 and 2012, and at a reported $60 million under the limit, the Buccaneers have money to spend.

"A ton of cash is going to go out in the next few days," said Bucs center Jeff Faine, the team's union representative. "You've got to put your best offer on the table right away. You've got to spend a lot more cash this year. This is the best year ever to be a free agent. Look how many guys are going to hit amazing deals."

Teams began compiling a 90-man roster Monday and got a list of free agents from the league. Teams can start negotiating, and reach deals with, restricted and unrestricted free agents beginning today, but they can't sign contracts before Friday.

Bucs players can start returning to One Buc Place today on a voluntary basis for meetings, training and physicals. Also today, teams can begin signing undrafted free agents and their 2011 draft picks.

The Bucs will report to training camp Thursday, 15 days before their preseason opener at Kansas City. Players are also expected to begin the process of re-certifying as a union to collectively bargain non-economic issues such as drug testing, player discipline and benefits.

"It was worth it," said Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, the third overall pick last year. "Everybody was worried about starting on time, but we're starting at the perfect time. This is a game, but people forget it's also a business."

With $9.3 billion in revenue to divide this year, business will also be very good for both sides.

As part of the 10-year agreement, owners will receive 52 percent of all revenues and possibly a higher rate in the future if projections are met. The players' share will be around 47-48 percent, and a rookie salary pay scale could reduce signing bonuses to the top players by as much as 50 percent.

Players benefited from increased minimum salaries, injury guarantees, lifetime health insurance and retirement benefits.

But they also earned respect and a sense of trust at the negotiating table under the direction of NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith.

"It's definitely been some big-time uncertainty and some frustration as well," Faine said. "At the same time, there was optimism that we'd get a deal that's fair and we'd get a deal done that's something we'd love to be a part of for 10 years.

"I think it was very educational, particularly for the owners to be honest. I think they realized as players we can sit at the table and be in a dialogue about business and make great points and have the mind to sit there and negotiate."

Among the biggest issues for players was reducing the risk of injuries and concussions, and they prevailed. In addition to fewer offseason workout programs, there will be limited padded practices during training camp, and only 14 permitted once the regular season begins. Teams can still hold two-a-day practices during training camp, but only one can be in pads.

"I'm on the back nine of my career and I'm starting to feel the bumps and aches of my career," Faine said. "It's something where you want to be able to put the best product as you can on the field on Sunday, year in and year out.

"The two-a-days portion of it, I know some guys have been more outspoken that they don't like the fact we're going in this direction. But I think it will help lengthen careers and manage the concussion issue."

According to Faine, the players most affected by the lockout will be rookies. "They don't even know how to find the locker room," he said.

While most players worked with trainers during the work stoppage to stay in shape, Faine said fans might see the effect of the long lockout.

"This year, I think it's definitely a case where it will affect play," Faine said. "There's no way it can't. It's not the same for us to go through an entire offseason and be together in an organized fashion without the team's supervision and coaches there. Of course, it will affect the product on the field. Anybody who says it won't is not being real.

"But I think with our specific situation in Tampa Bay, I was encouraged to see players really took care of themselves. There weren't guys out there who were out of shape. You knew the guys were really investing their time, which is encouraging. Hopefully, it was a carbon copy league-wide. I'm sure it was."

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open training camp Thursday

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Times staff
Monday, July 25, 2011

NFL TRAINING CAMP OPENINGS

Wednesday: Broncos, Cardinals, Cowboys, Chargers, Eagles, Jaguars, Patriots, Raiders, Ravens, Seahawks

Thursday: Buccaneers, 49ers, Bengals, Chiefs, Dolphins, Falcons, Lions, Redskins, Saints, Steelers

Friday: Bears, Bills, Browns, Colts, Giants, Packers, Panthers, Rams, Titans, Vikings

Sunday: Jets, Texans

— NFL Network

New Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Shannon excited to play with Marty St. Louis

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

To new Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Shannon, alternate captain Marty St. Louis has always been a role model.

Like St. Louis, Shannon is on the smaller side (5-foot-9, 175-pounds), went undrafted, and actually works out with the same trainer in the summer in Darien, Connecticut.

"When I found out he was going to be training there, it was unbelievable," said Shannon, 28. "My heart stopped."

Shannon even wore the same number (No. 26) as St. Louis last season with the Senators, but after signing a one-year, $625,000 free agent deal earlier this month, he was glad to defer to the reigning Hart Trophy finalist.

"I lost rock-paper-scissors with Marty," he joked. "So I'm ready to change (numbers)."

Shannon actually hopes to wear No. 22, which he had all through childhood (including on a 13-year-old pee wee team called the Tampa Bay Lightning). He had a trading card of him in the Lightning jersey for Friday's meet-and-greet with the local media.

"It kind of fits," he said.

With Shannon's speed, smarts and versatility, he could find himself fitting in among the top-six in the Lightning lineup, as well as on the penalty kill. With his fourth team in five seasons (having won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2006-07 season), Shannon is coming off a breakout year with the Senators, racking up career highs with 11 goals and 27 points.

"I found my game," he said. "I'll fill whatever role the team sees fit. I've been a versatile forward so far in the league, whether it's playing big minutes or playing less minutes, just trying to make it work."

Shannon said once he found out the Lightning was interest, that became his first choice, because of their style of play and commitment of the organization.

"A lot of teams try to slow it down, but this plan is all about speed and puck possession," Shannon said of the Lightning style. "And that's where I flourish."

While a week went by in the free agency period before Shannon signed (July 7), he kept his mind occupied by taking care of his baby daughter, Emma, who is a month old today.

"I learned how to change diapers, learn how to bottle feed, and burp the baby, and ended up in Tampa, so it worked out great," he said.

As did Shannon's reunion with St. Louis, and he plans on doing "a lot of listening."

"He's focused, determined and he's a good guy, people like him," Shannon said. "He's got a harmonious type of personality and I think that takes him a long way. I heard he's pretty bitter when things don't go well, and you don't win."

Shannon smiled, and said, "So I think you want to win to keep Marty happy."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' draft picks, free agents

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Times staff
Monday, July 25, 2011

Unrestricted free agents

LB Quincy Black

DE Tim Crowder

TE John Gilmore

LB Adam Hayward

G Davin Joseph

LB Niko Koutouvides

LB Barrett Ruud

WR Maurice Stovall

T Jeremy Trueblood

DE Stylez White

RB Cadillac Williams

Restricted free agents

K Connor Barth

T James Lee

S Corey Lynch

CB Elbert Mack

DT Frank Okam

WR Micheal Spurlock

2011 draft picks (round)

DE Adrian Clayborn, Iowa (1)

DE Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson (2)

LB Mason Foster, Washington (3)

TE Luke Stocker, Tennessee (4)

S Ahmad Black, Florida (5)

RB Allen Bradford, Southern Cal (6)

CB Anthony Gaitor, Florida International (7)

TE Daniel Hardy, Idaho (7)

In the coming hours, we'll learn how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers truly feel about players such as Barrett Ruud and Davin Joseph

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, July 25, 2011

In the coming hours, we'll discover the truth about Barrett Ruud.

We're going to find out whether the Buccaneers believe he is one of the better run-stoppers in the NFL, and we'll learn how much value they place on his leadership.

For that matter, we'll learn whether Davin Joseph is to be an anchor on this offensive line for years to come, or whether the Bucs regard him simply as a very nice player.

Because here, on the eve of hysteria, money appears to be no object.

Details of the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement are still being released and digested, and if the fine print is correct, the first few days will look something like this:

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!

In one hectic week, there will be draft picks to sign, free agents to woo, salary cap casualties to be considered, undrafted college players to snatch up, contracts to be renegotiated and ramifications in every one of those decisions.

And around here, it will mean the answers to some very old questions.

In the NFL's version of the new labor agreement, the salary cap for 2011 will be $120 million. That means, essentially, the Bucs can do whatever the heck they please when it comes to signing players.

They can chase big-name free agents. (Not likely.) They can be aggressive with their own free agents. (Probably.) They can extend contracts for current players. (Later this year.)

The point is that money is not going to get in the way.

The new CBA has supposedly closed the loopholes that allowed some teams (hint, hint) to reach salary cap minimums without spending the actual dollars.

Now, instead of a salary cap floor in 2011, the deal requires a certain amount of cash to be spent, although exact details are still somewhat fuzzy.

Even so, it's probably safe to assume the Bucs are going to be committing a lot more money to payroll than they have in recent seasons.

So what does that mean in real terms?

Well, if you are Ruud, it means the day of reckoning has arrived. You are a free agent, and your team is contractually obliged to increase payroll by a dramatic amount.

So if they do not come to terms in the next week, it won't be because they don't have salary cap space. And it won't be because they don't have cash flow. It will be a direct acknowledgement that the team doesn't think Ruud, 28, is worth the salary he seeks.

Now, the one advantage Ruud will have in these negotiations is timing. The Bucs might have drafted Mason Foster with the idea he was Ruud's replacement at middle linebacker, but the lockout has complicated things.

Can the Bucs afford to hand that job to a rookie who did not have the benefit of off-season workouts? And is it worth finding a temporary replacement on the free agent market considering how much would have to be learned during training camp?

In the end, the Bucs will have to weigh future goals with the reality of minimum cash commitments for 2011. Joseph and linebacker Quincy Black are probably in the long-term plans. Ruud's situation is not quite so clear.

Even if the Bucs come to terms with Ruud and everyone else, there is still going to be money left over.

So does that mean they hit the free agent market for a cornerback or offensive lineman or another weapon for Josh Freeman?

There's probably a good chance Tampa Bay signs a strategic free agent or two to plug specific holes, but I wouldn't expect to see Nnamdi Asomugha, Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards at One Buc Place.

Tampa Bay has not been real active in the high-end free agent market in recent years, and it has had far more success finding and developing younger players.

With that in mind, the Bucs are more likely to reward players already in the building. Salary cap spending will not be tallied until the end of the year, so any contract extensions signed in December will still count toward the cash minimum required in 2011. The advantage is bonus money handed out this year will keep Tampa Bay in compliance with the cash requirements without jeopardizing future cap space.

That means the Bucs can watch almost another full season of Freeman, LeGarrette Blount, Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn, Geno Hayes and others before deciding who is worth the biggest bonuses and the longest contracts.

The bottom line is money should not be a concern in Tampa Bay. The Bucs have cap space, and they have league requirements that must be followed. All they have to do is figure out who's getting the big payday.

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