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 offseason 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 really 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.

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent
Monday, July 25, 2011

What's hot: My daily routine often starts off slow trolling over the wrecks about 20 to 30 miles from shore. Some spinner sharks have been enticed, deep on the downriggers. These feisty game fish can leap 10 feet out of the water, spinning like a top. A combination of long speedy runs and aggressive attacks, makes this particular shark one of the feistiest fish in the gulf. Spinners averaged about 100 pounds. The table fare is not good, so we recommend releasing all spinners.

Big barracuda: Our largest barracuda of the week was close to 6 feet long, weighing 50 pounds. Once hooked, the giant leaped out of the water and made a run comparable to a big king. A barracuda has three rows of different sized teeth, some an inch long and sharp as a razor. After a quick photo the barracuda was released.

Red grouper catches: Red grouper fishing remain decent in depths of 80 plus feet. We have been busy sorting through all the different sizes. Many red grouper are 19 to 20 inches. After reeling up numerous undersized reds, a good sized keeper will eventually grab the bait.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or see www.jawstoo.com.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

Padres 5, Phillies 4

PHILADELPHIA — Aaron Harang outpitched Cliff Lee, Chris Denorfia stole home and San Diego beat Philadelphia for the first time since June 7, 2010. The Phillies had beaten the Padres 10 straight times. Lee's soft toss to first in the second gave Denorfia the opening he needed to steal home for a 3-1 lead.

By John C. Cotey, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

Several news sources were reporting Monday night that former Robinson basketball and football star Desmond Allison was shot and killed in Columbus, Ohio. He was 30 years old.

Allison, one of Hillsborough County's best athletes, was shot in the chest outside an apartment complex, according to reports.

It is another in a series of tragic deaths involving the Robinson community in the past months.

"Heartbreaking. Wow. Just heartbreaking,'' said Robinson football coach Mike DePue from Maine, where he is vacationing. "Another tragedy, one that has a far-reaching affect on Robinson High School and the Tampa community. I'll tell you what, in all my life, Desmond Allison was the best athlete I've ever seen. He had opportunities that he squandered, but he kept trying. He had a great personality. This is a sad, sad turn of events.''

Allison, one of the top basketball players in the country as a senior in 1997, signed with Kentucky basketball out of high school and played two seasons for the Wildcats, starting as a freshman, before being dismissed in 2000. He struggled in recent years trying to turn his life around after a series of arrests. He tried basketball at Tennessee's NAIA Martin Methodist, and played football at South Dakota. A few years ago, he was working out again and hoping to make a last run at a professional football career, but it never materialized.

When he left Robinson, he did so as arguably the county's best dual athlete ever. As a football player, he had 38 catches, 15 for touchdowns, and on the basketball court he averaged a triple double: 34.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10 assists as a senior.

DePue saw Allison last during the fall football season, when Allison stopped by to visit his former coach and the Knights.

"He was just Dez,'' DePue said. "Happy go lucky and smiling. Man, this just beats you down when you see your children, when you see kids you helped raise die before you do. He was like one of my sons. I don't know what else to say.''

By John C. Cotey and Joey Knight, Times Staff Writers
Monday, July 25, 2011

Former Robinson High School basketball and football star Desmond Allison was shot and killed in Columbus, Ohio, on Monday afternoon.

He was 31 years old.

Allison, one of Hillsborough County's all-time best high school athletes, was shot in the chest outside an apartment complex, according to several Ohio news reports.

It is another in a series of deaths involving the Robinson community in recent months.

"Heartbreaking. Wow. Just heartbreaking,'' said Robinson football coach Mike DePue from Maine, where he is vacationing.

"Another tragedy, one that has a far-reaching effect on Robinson High School and the Tampa community. I'll tell you what, in all my life, Desmond Allison was the best athlete I've ever seen. He had opportunities that he squandered, but he kept trying. He had a great personality. This is a sad, sad turn of events.''

Attempts to reach Scott Wagers, Allison's basketball coach in high school, were unsuccessful.

Allison, one of the top basketball players in the country as a senior in 1997, signed with Kentucky basketball out of high school and played two seasons for the Wildcats — starting as a freshman — before being dismissed in 2000. He had struggled in recent years trying to turn his life around after a series of arrests.

He tried basketball at Tennessee's NAIA Martin Methodist and played football at South Dakota. A few years ago he was working out again and hoping to make one last run at a professional football career, but it never materialized.

When Allison left Robinson, he did so as arguably the county's best dual athlete ever. As a football player, he had 38 catches, 15 for touchdowns, and on the basketball court he averaged a triple double: 34.5 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10 assists as a senior. He led Robinson to the state final four in 1998, the Knights' first state tournament berth in 18 years.

"I don't know of one classmate that didn't love Dez," said former Knights and Florida Atlantic basketball standout Cedric Powell, who met Allison at Monroe Middle School the first day of seventh grade and became one of his best friends.

"It's sad because when people think of Robinson in 1997-98, they automatically think of Dez, they think of what could've been. And to this day I get asked about Dez."

Powell said he last communicated with Allison on Facebook a month or two ago. He said he heard Allison, a Columbus native, had gone to Ohio because one of his four children needed an operation.

"I hoped and prayed things were turning around," Powell said. "I thought pretty much any place but Tampa would be better for him in terms of the crowd he had in Tampa. It's just sad."

DePue saw Allison last during the fall football season, when Allison stopped by to visit his former coach and the Knights.

"He was just Dez,'' DePue said. "Happy-go-lucky and smiling. Man, this just beats you down when you see your children, when you see kids you helped raise die before you do. He was like one of my sons. I don't know what else to say.''

Friend and former Tampa Prep standout Andrikk Frazier said he last saw Allison when the two played in a Tracy McGrady summer basketball tournament in Auburndale. He said the two had played in the tournament the past five years, but this was the first summer that Allison didn't come home to Tampa.

He said he was sad and upset at the loss.

"Desmond was a good man, even though he did get into trouble and have some issues, but more of those were bad judgment calls,'' Frazier said. "He wasn't really a bad person.''

Allison's death comes in the wake of a series of other tragedies directly linked to Robinson High.

In June, 16-year-old student Kiara Brito and her 13-year-old brother, Jeremi, were murdered in their home during an early-morning invasion. Two men, including former Armwood High football star Tavari Grant, were charged.

In September, 34-year-old Knights cheerleading coach Tina Maiorana was found dead in her apartment complex. She had a history of heart problems.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Two men charged with the severe beating of a Giants fan at Dodger Stadium are suspected of assaulting three other Giants fans at the opening day game, the Associated Press reported Monday.

Detectives believe the other people were approached by suspects Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood on the west side of the stadium on March 31.

Eyewitnesses told police they saw Sanchez assault at least one of those unidentified men, according to AP.

Sanchez was charged with misdemeanor assault in connection with that incident. Detectives believe he and Norwood — friends and neighbors from Rialto, near San Bernardino — were involved in the other possible assaults; no charges have been filed.

Sanchez also is accused of misdemeanor battery on a woman at the game. The woman was wearing a Giants shirt and Sanchez threw a soda at her during the game, the Los Angeles Times reported, part of unruly behavior throughout the game that led fans to complain to police.

Sanchez and Norwood were charged Friday with felony mayhem and assault charges in the beating of Bryan Stow, a paramedic from Santa Cruz who remains hospitalized with a brain injury.

Sanchez, 29, and Norwood, 30, made their first court appearance Monday. Their arraignment was continued until Aug. 10.

BUCHHOLZ IMPROVING: Red Sox RHP Clay Buchholz threw 30 pitches off a bullpen mound and felt his strained lower back was improving. "I felt better," said Buchholz, out since mid June. "There was still a little soreness coming off (the mound). I sat down 10 minutes and did some stretches, then it felt better."

Three days earlier, Buchholz said he was frustrated by what he felt was a slow recovery. Now, he's talking about getting back soon.

JONES RETURNS: Braves 3B Chipper Jones returned from the 15-day disabled list and started only two weeks after having surgery on his right knee. OF Wilkin Ramirez was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

A'S: RHP Sonny Gray, the 18th overall pick in this year's draft, signed. Gray went 12-3 with a 2.12 ERA at Vanderbilt.

CARDINALS: RF Lance Berkman has a sore right shoulder and was not in the lineup, but manager Tony La Russa expects him back tonight.

D'BACKS: RHP Trevor Bauer, the third overall pick in this year's draft, signed a major-league contract. Bauer went 13-2 with a 1.25 ERA at UCLA last season and won the Golden Spikes Award as the top player in college baseball. … INF Geoff Blum fractured his right pinkie finger Sunday and is expected to be sidelined for at least a few weeks.

MARINERS: 3B Chone Figgins was not in the lineup because of a family emergency.

METS: OF Angel Pagan who left Sunday's game in the fifth inning with dizziness, was sent out for bloodwork to determine the cause. … LHP Johan Santana, coming back from September shoulder surgery, won't make a minor-league rehab start as planned and instead will throw another simulated game at the spring complex in Port St. Lucie.

NATIONALS: RHP Chien-Ming Wang, who hasn't pitched in the majors since July 4, 2009, will be recalled from Triple-A Syracuse to start Friday. Wang, 31, who won 19 games in 2006 and 2007 for the Yankees, is coming back from major shoulder surgery in 2009.

PHILLIES: 3B Placido Polanco, out since July 5 with a bulging disc in his lower back, expects to begin a minor-league rehab assignment Thursday.

PIRATES: OF Alex Presley went on the 15-day disabled list with a left hand contusion, retroactive to Saturday. Rookie INF Pedro Alvarez, a top prospect who struggled in 36 games before going on the disabled list on May 20, was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

REDS: LF Chris Heisey had an MRI exam a day after he bumped his left shoulder into the wall while going after a fly ball. Manager Dusty Baker said the exam was negative, but Heisey was sore and sat out.

YANKEES: 3B Alex Rodriguez, who had surgery July 11 to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee, is on track to return by "the second week of August," GM Brian Cashman told ESPN.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

Indians 3, Angels 2

CLEVELAND — Jason Kipnis delivered his first career hit with the bases loaded and two outs in the ninth inning to lift Cleveland. Kipnis hit Hisanori Takahashi's 1-and-0 pitch between first and second base to give the Indians their 11th home win in their last at-bat and break their four-game losing streak. Bobby Abreu's two-run homer off Vinnie Pestano put Los Angeles ahead 2-1 in the eighth.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

Mets 4, Reds 2

CINCINNATI — Carlos Beltran's sacrifice fly started a four-run rally in the seventh inning off Cincinnati's bullpen, and New York survived a bases-loaded ninth. The Mets rallied against Mike Leake and two relievers, stopping the Reds' two-game winning streak. They haven't won three in a row since sweeping the Dodgers from June 13-15.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

PINEHURST, N.C. — Florida State will be the team to beat in the ACC this season, according to media members polled at this week's ACC kickoff. The results were announced by the conference Monday afternoon.

In a preseason vote, reporters attending the event picked the Seminoles to win this year's conference championship. They last won the conference title in 2005.

FSU took 50 of the 71 votes cast for champion. Sixty-five media members also believed the Seminoles would win the Atlantic Division race.

"I'd vote for them, too," Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said.

Seminoles QB EJ Manuel finished second in the player of the year voting, taking home 14 first-place votes, behind Boston College RB Montel Harris' 26.

UNC's Davis never considered stepping down: North Carolina coach Butch Davis said he has never thought of quitting amid an NCAA investigation into his program, adding that he takes responsibility "fully and completely" for the events that created a year of turmoil in Chapel Hill.

Speaking at the ACC's preseason media day, Davis said it has been "reassuring" to have the support of athletics director Dick Baddour and chancellor Holden Thorp as the NCAA investigated improper benefits and academic misconduct within the program. It was his first extensive comments since the NCAA outlined numerous potentially major violations in its notice of allegations sent to the school last month.

Davis was not linked personally to any allegations, though he said the burden falls on him as head coach.

"Anything we can do to make sure this doesn't happen again, that's part of my responsibility," Davis said. "I regret greatly that these things have transpired and these things have happened. I don't take them lightly. "

In all, 14 players missed at least one game and seven were forced to sit out all last year. The NCAA also alleged that former associate head coach John Blake worked to steer players to late NFL agent Gary Wichard, though Blake's attorneys have denied there was such an arrangement.

According to the notice of allegations, Blake received more than $31,000 in financial transfers from Wichard from 2007-09, though Blake's attorneys have described the transactions as loans from one friend to another during financial trouble. Davis said he hasn't spoken with Blake since his resignation in September and had previously said he was "sorry" he trusted Blake.

Former 'canes star to retire, report says: Former University of Miami superstar RB Edgerrin James is retiring from the NFL after 11 years in the league, Fort Myers' News-Press reported.

James, who turns 33 on Aug. 1, who ran for the second-most yards in Hurricanes history, was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts (1999-2005).

He left the Colts in 2006 to play for the Arizona Cardinals. His final NFL action came in 2009, when he played seven games for the Seattle Seahawks.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

What happens to the Bears-Bucs game, scheduled for London on Oct. 23?

The game remains overseas because the lockout ended prior to the Aug. 1 deadline established by the NFL. Had the lockout lasted longer, that game would have been moved to Tampa.

Which Bucs players are now officially free agents?

Unrestricted free agents (free to sign with any team) are LB Quincy Black, DE Tim Crowder, TE John Gilmore, LB Adam Hayward, G Davin Joseph, LB Niko Koutouvides, LB Barrett Ruud, WR Maurice Stovall, OT Jeremy Trueblood, DE Stylez White, RB Cadillac Williams. Restricted free agents (Bucs have the right to match any competing offer) include K Connor Barth, OT James Lee, S Corey Lynch, CB Elbert Mack, DT Frank Okam and WR Micheal Spurlock.

What players perhaps benefited from the lockout?

CB Aqib Talib was a big beneficiary. Had the league been in business when he was accused in March of shooting at Shannon Billings in Garland, Texas, he could have been released on the spot. But the Bucs' inability to make roster moves gave the situation time to simmer down, with his trial now set for next March. It's unclear if the league or the Bucs will take any action against Talib before the trial, so expect him to show up for training camp on Thursday.

Which injured players should the Bucs be concerned about?

The offseason has provided ample time for most injured players to heal, but DT Brian Price (pelvic fracture) remains a concern and could be headed to the physically-unable-to-perform list. His progress has been particularly slow. A key upcoming revelation will be the status of second-round pick Da'Quan Bowers, who had a much-debated knee surgery before the draft. He vowed to be ready for camp. Players like WR Arrelious Benn (knee), Cody Grimm (broken leg) and DT Gerald McCoy might initially be limited but are in pretty good shape.

What next

TODAY: Teams can reach agreements with rookies and undrafted free agents, and can reach agreements (although not sign contracts) with all free agents. Signed players are allowed to enter team facilities.

WEDNESDAY: Players from teams that have their first preseason games on Thursday, Aug. 11, can report to training camp.

THURSDAY: Players from teams that have their first preseason games on Aug. 12 — including the Buccaneers — can report to training camp. Teams can start cutting players at 4 p.m.

FRIDAY: Teams can begin signing free agents (restricted and unrestricted) at 6 p.m. Teams that have their first preseason games on Aug. 13 can report to training camp.

SUNDAY: Jets and Texans report to training camp.

Aug. 4: Deadline for recertification and ratification of the collective bargaining agreement by the players.

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

The big winners

NFL owners: Get a larger share of the total revenue (estimated at $9 billion this year).

Veteran players: Get a bigger slice of the payroll, now that there will be a limit to how much teams can spend on rookies. And in the next two years, owners are required to spend at least 99 percent of the $120 million salary cap.

Young players: The minimum salary for a first-year player increases to $375,000, an increase of $55,000. That salary increases to $450,000 in Year 2, $525,000 in Year 3 and $600,000 in Year 4. Almost half the league has minimum salary contracts.

Small-market teams: Will have to spend more to reach the league salary minimum, but thanks to a new revenue sharing plan, will get more financial help from the top-earning teams.

NFL fans: Because we won't have to put up with this again for another 10 years.

The big losers

Top draft picks: Will get much less money because of the rookie salary cap, and their agents (who collect fees based on those salaries).

Fans of an 18-game schedule: The idea was canned for at least the next two years.

Tough-guy coaches: The number of practices in the offseason, as well as during the regular season, have been reduced. Teams can still have two practices a day during training camp, but only one can be in pads.

Quick hits

• Within hours of the end of the lockout, the Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets announced they would reimburse all lost wages to business-side employees who took unpaid furloughs during the lockout and coaches who took pay cuts.

• The Baltimore Ravens wasted little time making roster moves, cutting Derrick Mason, Kelly Gregg, Willis McGahee and Todd Heap after the lockout ended.

• Buffalo LB Paul Posluszny said he will consider offers from other teams now that the NFL labor dispute has been settled.

• Indianapolis host committee spokeswoman Dianna Boyce said they expect NFL officials to give them the official word soon that they can cancel plans for a Feb. 12 Super Bowl. The game is scheduled for Feb. 5 and the city was holding open both weekends in case the game got postponed.

Stephen Holder, Times Staff Writer

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)

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. — Desmond Jennings insisted he was not growing frustrated with his extended three-season stay at Triple-A Durham.

But he is sure playing like he is making up for lost time.

Finally called up Friday and put atop the Rays lineup over the weekend, Jennings got off to a sensational start, going 4-for-6 with three extra-base hits, stealing two bases and showing off his blazing speed with a dazzling dash to score from first. (He then added an RBI double in Monday's late game at Oakland.)

Manager Joe Maddon, who will read as much into a player's look as his actions, said he could tell from the first moment he saw Jennings on Saturday afternoon in Kansas City that he was prepared to grasp the opportunity.

"When he walked into the clubhouse in K.C. I could see in his face that he was ready," Maddon said Monday. "That's really an abstract comment, but he just looked comfortable. He looked confident. Ready to go. I just saw that. There was no fear, apprehension, anything about him. He demonstrated that in the (first) two games. And I think it's going to continue."

In the two games in Kansas City, Jennings, 24, matched his production from his 17-game introduction to the majors last September (when he was 4-for-21, hitting .190), impressing with his instincts and his athleticism.

Obviously he has a better idea what to expect, and he's coming off a better season with the Bulls. But he is also more comfortable, with both the opportunity to play every day the Rays are providing and the role — as the leadoff hitter — he is used to filling.

"I've felt good at the plate," Jennings said. "That's what I've been doing pretty much my whole career. And doing that here, that's made me feel better. I just feel like my job is to get on base, however I can."

And he said knowing he will be in the lineup every day allows him to play more relaxed.

Maddon said the key to success for Jennings is working at-bats — taking balls, swinging at strikes and fouling off borderline pitches. He did it well during his breakout 2009 season in the minors — when he hit a combined .318 between Double-A Montgomery and Durham with an .888 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage) — and last year not so much (hitting .278 at Durham with a .755 OPS).

"That's what he's supposed to be," Maddon said. "Last year the at-bats weren't as brisk. This year he started getting the ability to work the at-bat back."

Jennings said there wasn't any major change in his approach either season, but he knew what the Rays were looking for and was trying to show them.

"I figured I'd get here when they felt like it was time for me to be here," he said.

Jennings started in left again Monday but is considered a natural centerfielder, which makes him the heir apparent if the Rays trade B.J. Upton by Sunday's deadline for non-waiver deals.

"Absolutely he's got centerfield qualities — the speed, the range," Maddon said. "Probably the arm is not what you would consider above average, but it's definitely average or right around there. So if he had one tool that doesn't necessarily fit all the way it might be his arm strength, but everything else plays at a very high level."

The explosive speed invites comparisons to former Rays All-Star Carl Crawford. "Kind of a similar skill set," Maddon acknowledged.

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

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

Cardinals 10, Astros 5

ST. LOUIS — Slow catcher Yadier Molina was a triple shy of the cycle for the second time in three games and Kyle McClellan ended an eight-game victory drought for St. Louis. With Houston trailing 8-1, Carlos Lee made it interesting with his 16th career grand slam in the eighth off P.J. Walters, but the Cardinals answered with two runs.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

White Sox 6, Tigers 3

CHICAGO — Mark Buehrle pitched six innings and Carlos Quentin hit a bases-loaded double as Chicago pulled within 3½ games of first-place Detroit in the AL Central. The Tigers had a runner on in each of Buehrle's innings but managed just two unearned runs off the left-hander. Detroit manager Jim Leyland was ejected before the start of the sixth. There was no immediate word on why he was tossed.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

Rays vs. A's

When/where: 10:07 tonight; O.co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif.

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

Starting pitchers:

RAYS: LH David Price (9-8, 3.67)

A'S: RH Brandon McCarthy (2-5, 3.74)

Watch for …

Price check: Price is coming off a solid but unsuccessful start vs. the Yankees, beaten by a two-run HR in the first. Price has allowed long balls in a career-high four straight starts. He is 1-0, 2.63 in two starts at Oakland.

Branded: McCarthy, 28, joined the A's this season after four in the Texas organization and five with the White Sox. Injuries and inconsistency are usually issues. He is 1-4, 4.28 in seven appearances vs. Rays.

Key matchups

Rays vs. McCarthy

Johnny Damon 1-for-5, HR

Casey Kotchman 4-for-8

Kelly Shoppach 3-for-6, 2 HRs

A's vs. Price

Coco Crisp 1-for-4

David DeJesus 1-for-5

Kurt Suzuki 0-for-2

On deck

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 — Blake Beavan (1-2, 3.04) or Erik Bedard (4-6, 3.00)

Saturday: at Mariners, 4:10, Ch. 13. Rays — Alex Cobb (3-0. 2.57); Mariners — Michael Pineda (8-7, 3.64)

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Odd name of the day

Since June, the official name of the Oakland stadium is the O.co Coliseum. The O is for the sponsor, Overstock.com. The .co is a newly available domain chosen — literally — to get customers to the site more quickly.

List of the day

The 14 under-30 starters used by the Rays during their 703-game run, with their number of starts:

Pitcher Starts

James Shields 142

Matt Garza 94

Andy Sonnanstine 80

David Price 76

Jeff Niemann 73

Scott Kazmir 71

Edwin Jackson 54

Pitcher Starts

Wade Davis 53

Jeremy Hellickson 22

Jason Hammel 19

J.P. Howell 10

Alex Cobb 7

Casey Fossum 1

Mitch Talbot 1

Number of the day

25 Rays games started by rookie pitchers, most in the majors this season.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 25, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. — When LHP David Price throws the first pitch tonight, the Rays will tie an obscure but interesting — and telling — major-league mark, their 704th consecutive game started by a pitcher under 30 years old.

The streak — which started after RHP Jae Seo pitched on his 30th birthday May 24, 2007 — will match the 1913-17 Washington Senators.

The Rays view it as a credit to their organizational philosophies (drafting or trading for young starters, not signing free agents), to their training and medical staff (using an MLB-low 14 starters in that span), and to their scouting and player development departments (the eight used this season were homegrown).

"It's a testament to the organization," said RHP James Shields, the senior member of the staff.

"Pretty special," said Price.

Making the accomplishment more significant, manager Joe Maddon said, is that the Rays have had a winning record in that stretch (377-325 going into Monday's game, fifth best in MLB) and been in the playoffs twice.

"Anybody could say, we've started a bunch of guys under 30 years of age and we're trying to become competitive," Maddon said. "We've been competitive. We've been there with this group. That's fantastic. I love that."

The Rays likely will extend the record to 764 at the end of the season. But Shields turns 30 in December, so if the Rays pick up his $7 million option for 2012, their run will end quickly. "Hopefully," he said, "I get to stop that streak next year."

TRADE WINDS: CF B.J. Upton figuratively — and literally — threw up his arms Monday as speculation and rumors spread about possible trade destinations. "I've got nothing," he said.

While Upton's fate, and that of others such as Johnny Damon, could hinge on how the Rays play this week, Shields seemingly remains unlikely to be moved.

Maddon said Monday, as he told Sirius/XM Radio, that he has discussed 64-66 trade scenarios with executive VP Andrew Friedman and none involved Shields. "We have not discussed that," Maddon said.

There seem to be many possibilities for Upton, with the already-mentioned Braves, Giants, Indians, Nationals and Phillies "joined" Monday by the Pirates and (with an eye to 2012) Royals.

If the amount of interest being reported is anywhere close to the reality, and the Rays can get the kind of top-shelf young players they typically want, Upton would seem likely to be traded by Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline for non-waiver deals.

The Rays would have several reasons: His arbitration-driven salary, expected to exceed $7 million in 2012; his inconsistent play; having Desmond Jennings to replace him.

Also, that the Rays have made several runs at signing Upton to a long-term deal without agreeing, making it likely he would leave as a free agent after next season anyway. So unless the Rays think they can get more in the offseason or next July, it would make sense to act now if they get the proper return.

As of Monday night anyway, it had been just speculation. How wild? In a four-hour span Monday, a Baltimore-area radio reporter posted on Twitter that the Phillies were in talks to get Upton, then that the Phillies had no interest in him, then that he was headed to Washington.

PITCHING IN: RHP Alex Cobb said the blister on his right index finger that forced him from Sunday's game was already healing and he, and the trainers, are confident he will make his next start on Saturday. … RHP Adam Russell, designated for assignment last week, cleared waivers and will join Triple-A Durham.

MISCELLANY: President Matt Silverman joined the team for the rest of the trip. … Price got to hang out Sunday night with fellow Vanderbilt product RHP Sonny Gray, the A's top pick who signed Monday. … Several players — skirting the Rays usual no-fast food policy — were munching pregame on the west-coast favored In-N-Out burgers.

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

autos

childress changes burton crew chief

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Richard Childress Racing has made a crew chief change for slumping driver Jeff Burton.

Luke Lambert will replace Todd Berrier effective immediately. Lambert has been the engineer on Burton's No. 31 Chevrolet since 2008.

Burton made the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship last season, but he's 25th in the points standings. He doesn't have a top-10 this season, and has finished 20th or worse 12 times.

Obituary: Former Talladega Superspeedway general manager Don Naman died after a lengthy illness. He was 75.

Mr. Naman, who passed away Monday in Talladega, Ala., became the speedway's first general manager in 1970 when it was still called Alabama International Motor Speedway.

He spent 18 years in that position and another 12 as director of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on the Talladega Superspeedway grounds.

Talladega Superspeedway general manager Grant Lynch says Mr. Naman "played a significant role in the growth of Talladega Superspeedway" and "poured his heart and soul" into the Hall of Fame.

swimming

Vollmer rallies to win gold in butterfly

Dana Vollmer gave the United States its first gold medal in pool swimming at the world championships in Shanghai, catching Australia's Alicia Coutts in the final 20 meters to win the 100-meter butterfly.

Vollmer finished in 56.87 seconds. Coutts, who was nearly a half-second under the world record after 50 meters, finished second in 56.94. China's Lu Ying earned bronze in 57.06.

basketball

United States edges China at U-19 event

Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis scored 19 and Bria Hartley added 18 to help the United States hold off China 80-77 in the second round of the U-19 world championship in Puerto Montt, Chile.

Stefanie Dolson added 12 points and eight rebounds for the United States (4-0), which will play Italy (2-2) today to close out the second round.

It was the Americans' closest game of the tournament. Trailing by 12 heading into the fourth quarter, the Chinese tied the score at 72 with 1:26 left.

With 30 seconds left the United States took an 80-77 lead. On China's last chance, Elizabeth Williams contested a shot and Hartley got the rebound.

soccer

Argentina coach fired after Copa showing

Sergio Batista was dismissed as Argentina coach after a Copa America in which a team of stars led by Lionel Messi managed one victory.

Batista, who took over a year ago, was Argentina's fourth coach in five years and had the same problem as his predecessor Diego Maradona: little tactical experience and an inability to get superstars to play as a team rather than as individuals.

"Batista has ceased to be the national team coach," said Ernesto Cherquis Bialo, spokesman for the Argentine Football Association.

Alejandro Sabella, former coach of Argentine club Estudiantes, and Paraguay coach Gerardo Martino — an Argentine — are seen as the favorites to replace him. Also being mentioned as a successor is former Boca Juniors and Atletico de Madrid coach Carlos Bianchi.

Cherquis Bialo said a coach would be named in a week.

Argentina's prestige has plunged with the constant coaching turnover, leaving it without a major title in 18 years. It has been 25 years since Argentina won the last of its two World Cup titles.

Season on hold in Turkey: Turkey has postponed the start of its season until Sept. 9 because of a game-fixing investigation that has landed 30 suspects in jail, including the president of the league champion.

The Turkish federation made the decision to delay a season set to begin Aug. 5.

The investigation involving 19 games has shaken Turkish soccer. Along with Fenerbahce president Aziz Yildirim, officials from Istanbul club Besiktas and Black Sea power Trabzonspor are also jailed pending trial.

Times wires

Times wires
Monday, July 25, 2011

Rangers 20, Twins 6

ARLINGTON, Texas — Ian Kinsler homered and had four RBIs as part of Texas' barrage. The Rangers had 27 hits, most in the majors this season, and all their starters had at least two except Chris Davis, who was 0-for-6.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Yankees 10, Mariners 3

NEW YORK — Derek Jeter and Mark Teixeira each homered and drove in three runs, Freddy Garcia stifled his former team and New York handed Seattle its 16th straight loss. A rain delay of 1 hour, 57 minutes was the only thing that slowed this loss for the Mariners. The game was barely under way when Teixeira crushed Seattle's hopes, hitting a rare homer into the second deck in left after Curtis Granderson walked in the first.

Times wires
Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Pirates 3, Braves 1

ATLANTA — James McDonald struck out a career-high nine in 51/3 scoreless innings, and Pittsburgh kept pace in the tight NL Central race. The Pirates are tied with the Cardinals for first place, a half-game ahead of the Brewers, who were off. McDonald had the most strikeouts by a Pirates pitcher in almost two years. He ended each of the first five innings with strikeouts.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Saturday ushered in the third annual Junior Top Gun Triathlon at Fort De Soto Park, and local triathlete Shane Deeley came away as the morning's top performer.

Deeley, 18 of Clearwater, was the overall champion in the juniors F1 division. He completed the 400-yard swim, 6-mile bike and 1.5-mile run in 34 minutes, 10 seconds to cross the finish line nearly a minute ahead of the field.

John-Gerard Farese, 16 of St. Petersburg, came to the line in second place. His time was 35:02.

Caleb Hudak, 15 of Seminole, took third with a time of 35:41.

Among the women's results, Summer Kanstoroom of St. Petersburg earned a silver medal. Kanstoroom, 13, clocked in at 39:06.

Clermont's Ciara Hopkins claimed the women's championship with a time of 38 minutes.

The 11- to 14-year-old division had to traverse a 200-yard swim, 4-mile bike and 1-mile swim to complete the Junior Top Gun Triathlon, and a number of local athletes won age group championships.

Stephanie Hernandez of Clearwater was the top 11-year-old female after crossing the finish line in 26:07.

Matthew Wohlwend of St. Petersburg claimed the 11-year-old male championship in 26:22.

The top 12-year-old male was Seminole's Jared McFadden, who cruised to victory in 25:57.

Austin Simmons of Largo finished nearly three minutes ahead of the field to win the 13-year-old male division in 24:09.

Angelica Ambrose of Seminole grabbed the 14-year-old female championship after clocking in at 27:51.

In the 7-10 division, a trio of locals covered the 100-yard swim, 2-mile bike and half-mile run fast enough to claim age group wins.

Mac Lastinger of St. Petersburg took the 8-year-old male age group after edging Groveland's Joel Hovius by two seconds at the finish line. Lastinger's time was 19:27.

Largo's Ava Sykes was the fastest 9-year-old female after crossing the finish line in 17:08.

Clearwater's Coleman Inglima made it a Pinellas sweep in the 9-year-old division after winning the male competition in 17:19.

WATERMELON SERIES: Jon Mott of St. Petersburg was second overall at the third race in the 16th annual Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series in Lakeland on Saturday. The race had 705 competitors.

Mott, 23, needed just 15 minutes, 31 seconds to complete the 5K race. He finished only 27 seconds behind race winner Jeremy Criscione, also 23, of Bartow.

Mott was also credited as the winner of the men's 20-24 division after nudging Lakeland's Scott Mackley by two seconds.

SIESTA BEACH TRIATHLON: A number of local triathletes were age group winners Saturday at the Siesta Beach Olympic and Sprint Triathlon.

In the Olympic triathlon, Katherine Van Allan of Palm Harbor was the fastest runner in the women's 45-49 division in a time of 2:43:45.

Angelica Compton of Clearwater won the women's 15-19 group after crossing the finish line in 2:42:30.

In the sprint triathlon competition, the following runners were age group winners: (M10-14) Mitch Irwin, Oldsmar, 1:13:47; (F25-29) Yova Borovska, St. Petersburg, 1:13:37; (F55-59) Clare Kelley, St. Petersburg, 1:17:44; (F70-74) Mark Parish, Clearwater, 1:28:52.

Whitney Lasseter of Palm Harbor was the overall women's champion in the duathlon competition. She broke the tape in 1:07:46.

Joan Stolz of Tarpon Springs was the women's masters champion after crossing the line 1:13:27.

Clearwater's Jessica Parish was the women's 55-59 group winner in 1:18:48. Sue Van Allan of Palm Harbor was the women's 60-64 group champion in 1:35:10.

HIGHLANDER ADVENTURE RACE: Craig Phillips of Clearwater was the 60-64 group winner at Saturday's Highlander Adventure Race in Bartow.

It was the second age group win in two weeks for Phillips. Last week, the 61-year-old claimed first in the 60-64 division at the Picnic Island Adventure Run by more than seven minutes. With the win, Phillips completed the Picnic Island Adventure Run sweep, finishing top of his age group at all three races.