By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Tampa Bay Rays shuffled their bullpen again Wednesday, calling up RHP Rob Delaney and sending down RHP Jay Buente. Delaney was up earlier in the year, then designated for assignment. He had to be added back to the 40-man roster, which is now at 39. Buente wa called up and pitched Tuesday.
By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Linebacker Quincy Black and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached an agreement on a five-year contract, his agent, Harold Lewis, said.
The deal is worth $29 million and includes a guarantee of $11.5 million, Lewis said. Black, a two-year starter, became an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday. He cannot officially sign his contract until Friday, when the Bucs begin training camp.
From the beginning, the Bucs made it clear they were targeting Black as a priority.
"We got a phone call from (general manager) Mark Dominik (on Tuesday) and he said Quincy was definitely one of the guys he wanted to re-sign," Lewis said.
A day later, the deal was done. The feelings expressed by Dominik were certainly mutual. Black told his agent from the outset he wanted to remain in Tampa and was willing to take less money to do so. Other teams showed interest after the opening of the negotiating period on Tuesday, but it appears things never progressed with any other club because Black and Lewis concentrated their efforts on ensuring Black stayed home.
"Usually, players say (to agents), 'Send me anywhere you want, where the money is,' " Lewis said. "Quincy didn't do that."
Black, considered a versatile and athletic player, is one coach Raheem Morris believes can play multiple roles in the coach's defense. Before coming to terms, Black stressed to the Bucs his desire to have more pass-rushing opportunities, something the team seems open to.
Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
TAMPA — When Tod Leiweke first met Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik last summer, the two walked the halls of the St. Pete Times Forum. This wasn't a customary half-hour tour of the facility. It was the pitch of Vinik's dream to make the Forum one of the nation's top arenas.
"We spent hours in the building, walking and thinking," said Leiweke, the Lightning's CEO. "I would say most of what we talked about that first day was about what we could do to make the building consistent with his vision of a world-class organization."
This offseason, that vision is turning into reality amid the summer sweat and smell of sawdust.
A $35 million-plus facelift to the 15-year-old Forum — all bankrolled by Vinik — is promised to not only fix the wear and tear of time, but create the best fan experience possible.
"We knew we were coming up short, so we said, 'Hey, we need to get this done now,' " Leiweke said. "Something that would have maybe taken years, we're trying to get done in a calendar year."
The project is slated to be mostly complete by the Lightning's home opener Oct. 17. Some parts, mainly the renovation to the west entrance, will be completed in time for the arena to host the Republican National Convention in August 2012.
About 180 construction workers are splitting two shifts to finish the project on time. With just 10 events — and no major concerts — being held at the Forum the next two months, August, typically a slow month for the venue, will be crunch time.
"Right now we have workers working from 6 to 4:30 every day," project manager Mike O'Donnell said. "And at 4:30, if something still needs to get done, we'll use overtime to do it."
The overhaul will give the Forum a completely different look, with new sight lines and seats, and features the Lightning's front office hopes will become signature facets of the arena.
Every suite is being rebuilt, with 60 square feet added to each. Some of the suite renovations were cosmetic upgrades, like the removal of bulky television cabinets no longer needed because of the wall-mounted flat screens.
But on the third-floor suites, the common-area entry vestibules were eliminated to allocate more space. Along the way, four feet was added to the concourse, which received a shiny new vinyl flake flooring sealer. Fifth-floor suite bathrooms were removed to add square footage. Marble countertops, drink rails, induction burners, tile flooring, custom lighting and new leather seats also modernize the suites.
Eight suites were removed — two in each corner of the lower level bowl — where standing tables and drink rails will give fans a direct view of the action from the concourse.
"That was a very challenging decision because ultimately for our long-term viability, we've got to make sure we draw more revenue," Leiweke said. "But we felt the building in some ways needed a soul."
Leiweke said he and Vinik are proud of the suite upgrades, but just as excited about the work being done on the upper concourse. Plastic seats will be replaced with plush cushioned seats, each with a drink holder. A new 11,000-foot outdoor deck and party area is being built on the roof of the arena's west side.
Fifty-four flatbeds worth of concrete were removed from two upper-deck end zone seating sections. Five-hundred seventy-four seats gave way to a pipe organ, which will have a bar on either side, a fixture Leiweke hopes becomes a staple of the arena, similar to the pirate ship in the Raymond James Stadium end zone.
Another signature addition will be Tesla coils on either side of the scoreboard that will shoot lightning 25 feet.
"How can you be named the lightning and not have a signature effect in the building?" Leiweke said.
Other key parts of the project:
• The air conditioning system, which had a failing dehumidifying system that pumped out wet, cold air and caused some of the seat bolts to rust, will be redone. Duct socks will distribute the air throughout the arena better.
• A new lighting system will add more brightness to the arena, which will enhance the experience for hockey fans at the game and watching on TV. Leiweke said the Forum was one of the darkest surfaces in the NHL. The improved lighting will also allow FOX to utilize its super slow-motion technology, something that couldn't happen with existing lighting.
• The final part of the project is the restructuring of the west plaza entrance, giving it the "grand entry" point it's never had. It wasn't part of the initial $35 million project.
At the end of the day, the seating upgrades speak most to the vision of the work being done at the Forum.
Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett said the team was seeking more of a theater feel than that of a stadium, with each new seat passing Vinik's personal comfort test.
Leiweke remembers trying out seats with Vinik, the Lightning owner moving from chair to chair and opting for the costlier, more comfortable ones.
"It was the more expensive option, but at the end of the day it really underscored for all of us how serious this guy was in serving our fans," Leiweke said. "It was a six-figure decision and he was right. I think it was a moment many of us will remember for a long time, his jumping from seat to seat and saying, 'This is more comfortable. This is the right thing to do.' "
By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
TAMPA — When Tod Leiweke first met Lightning owner Jeff Vinik last summer, the two walked the halls of the St. Pete Times Forum. This wasn't a customary half-hour tour of the facility. It was the pitch of Vinik's dream to make the Forum one of the nation's top arenas.
"We spent hours in the building, walking and thinking," said Leiweke, the Lightning's CEO. "I would say most of what we talked about that first day was about what we could do to make the building consistent with his vision of a world-class organization."
This offseason, that vision is turning into reality amid the summer sweat and smell of sawdust.
A $35 million-plus facelift to the 15-year-old Forum — all bankrolled by Vinik — is promised not only to fix the wear and tear of time but create the best fan experience possible.
"We knew we were coming up short, so we said, 'Hey, we need to get this done now,' " Leiweke said. "Something that would have maybe taken years, we're trying to get done in a calendar year."
The project is slated to be mostly complete by the Lightning's home opener on Oct. 17. Some parts, mainly the renovation to the west entrance, will be completed in time for the arena to host the Republican National Convention in August 2012.
About 180 construction workers are splitting two shifts to finish the project on time. With just 10 events — and no major concerts — at the Forum the next two months, August, typically a slow month for the venue, will be crunch time.
"Right now we have workers working from 6 to 4:30 every day," project manager Mike O'Donnell said. "And at 4:30, if something still needs to get done, we'll use overtime to do it."
The overhaul will give the Forum a completely different look, with new sight lines and seats, and features that the Lightning's front office hopes will become signature facets of the arena.
Every suite is being rebuilt, with 60 square feet added to each. Some of the suite renovations were cosmetic upgrades, like removing bulky television cabinets no longer needed because of the wall-mounted flat screens.
But on the third-floor suites, the common-area entry vestibules were eliminated to allocate more space. Along the way, 4 feet was added to the concourse, which received a shiny new vinyl flake-flooring sealer. Fifth-floor suite bathrooms were removed to add square footage. Marble countertops, drink rails, induction burners, tile flooring, custom lighting and new leather seats also modernize the suites.
Eight suites were removed — two in each corner of the lower level bowl — where standing tables and drink rails will give fans a direct view of the action from the concourse.
"That was a very challenging decision because ultimately, for our long-term viability, we've got to make sure we draw more revenue," Leiweke said. "But we felt the building in some ways needed a soul."
Leiweke said he and Vinik are proud of the suite upgrades but just as excited about the work being done on the upper concourse. Plastic seats will be replaced with plush cushioned seats, each with a drink holder. An 11,000-foot outdoor deck and party area is being built on the roof of the arena's west side.
Fifty-four flatbeds worth of concrete were removed from two upper-deck end zone seating sections. Five-hundred seventy-four seats gave way to a pipe organ, which will have a bar on either side, a fixture Leiweke hopes becomes a staple of the arena, similar to the pirate ship in the Raymond James Stadium end zone.
Another signature addition will be Tesla coils on either side of the scoreboard that will shoot lightning 25 feet.
"How can you be named the Lightning and not have a signature effect in the building?" Leiweke said.
Other key parts of the project:
• The air conditioning system, which had a failing dehumidifying system that pumped out wet, cold air and caused some seat bolts to rust, will be redone. Duct socks will distribute the air throughout the arena better.
• A new lighting system will add more brightness to the arena, which will enhance the experience for hockey fans at the game and watching on TV. Leiweke said the Forum was one of the darkest surfaces in the NHL. The improved lighting will now allow super slow-motion technology to be utilized.
• The final part of the project is the restructuring of the west plaza entrance, giving it the "grand entry" point it has never had. It wasn't part of the initial $35 million project.
At the end of the day, the seating upgrades speak most to the vision of the work being done at the Forum.
Lightning spokesman Bill Wickett said the team was seeking more of a theater feel than that of a stadium, with each new seat passing Vinik's personal comfort test.
Leiweke remembers trying out seats with Vinik, the Lightning owner moving from chair to chair and opting for the costlier, more comfortable ones.
"It was the more expensive option, but at the end of the day it really underscored for all of us how serious this guy was in serving our fans," Leiweke said. "It was a six-figure decision, and he was right. I think it was a moment many of us will remember for a long time, his jumping from seat to seat and saying, 'This is more comfortable. This is the right thing to do.' "
By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Much like track and field, the X Games is a loosely knit conglomeration of events. And the Moto X Step Up competition is the equivalent of the pole vault.
But instead of slashing down the runway like a sprinter and erupting into the air on a fiberglass pole, Moto X Step Up riders rocket up a dirt ramp on a motorcycle and try to clear a bar while soaring even higher.
Ronnie Renner, a River Ridge High graduate, knows there are a lot of similarities between the two events. To prepare for last year's X Games, Renner worked with Chelsea Johnson, the 2009 silver medalist in the pole vault at the IAAF World Championships. They each shared tips on how they train for big meets and shot a YouTube video that has generated some buzz.
The extra work was not enough to defend his title last year. Renner finished second behind Matt Buyten, who edged Renner by a foot with a height of 33 1/2 feet at X Games 16 in Los Angeles.
Renner, 34, also has competed in Moto X Speed and Style, but is dropping that event to concentrate on Step Up for this year's X Games, which start today.
"This is the big daddy for me," Renner said of Step Up.
For years, Renner and Buyten have waged a personal dual in their signature event. Buyten has won gold in Step Up three times (2003, '06, '10). Renner is a two-time champion (2007, '09). Last year, their competition went into overtime.
"We have had quite a few square-offs and I have a feeling more is to come," Renner said of his rivalry with Buyten.
Before Renner was a jumper, he was a racer. He learned his craft when he was 4 on the challenging, dirt obstacle course at Dade City Raceway, a small-town track known for producing big-time motocross pros. Ricky Carmichael and James "Bubba" Stewart used to dust rivals here on the amateur circuit. So did Travis Pastrana, one of the X Games' most decorated athletes.
After spinning tires at Dade City, Renner learned to jump at Croome. He started to get serious about motocross when he was 16. He was a strong racer, but realized he could make more money in freestyle, so he stopped racing and began jumping full time at 23.
Since then, he's been trying to reach new heights.
In 2009, Renner set a freestyle motocross world record for biggest air off a quarter pipe, clearing 63 feet, 5 inches during a jump in Chicago.
Now Renner has moved away from competitive jumping and is trying to revive free riding, in which riders find natural jumps in hills and sand dunes. He currently has his own freeriding tour that is sponsored by Red Bull.
"I'm kind of selfishly carving my own path," Renner said. "I'm not starting a revolution, I'm just finding a way to do what I want on my motorcycle."
Still, he finds time for his main event at the X Games.
Renner trains at a test track for the event, though the dirt is drier and slicker at the X Games.
"You can practice, but as soon as the event begins everyone goes way higher than they would in a practice," Renner said.
So Renner tries to gain any edge he can, even if it means picking up tips from a female pole vaulter.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
White Sox 2, Tigers 1
CHICAGO — Alejandro De Aza hit a two-run homer in his first at-bat of the season to lead Chicago. De Aza, who was called up earlier in the day, connected off Max Scherzer in the second, hitting an 0-and-2 pitch to right for his first major-league homer. "Right on time," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said of his new centerfielder. "In the right place in the right time." Austin Jackson hit a leadoff homer in the seventh, but that was it for Detroit against John Danks and two relievers.
Times staff
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Tampa Bay Golf Tour
Looking for one website with information on area public courses? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a video review, breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information.
Shirt of the day
Dustin Johnson was left out of a playoff at last year's PGA Championship when he grounded his club in a bunker that he didn't know was a bunker. Making light of the situation, Johnson is selling "What Bunker?'' T-shirts on his website, dustinjohnson.com.
Quote of the day
"What keeps you going is just your love for the game and the love for the competition. Plus, if I quit I'm probably going to be flipping burgers because I can't do anything else."
Sean O'Hair, who won the Canadian Open last week.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Man of his word
Tom Watson could be at the U.S. Senior Open today in Toledo, Ohio. Instead, he's at the PGA's Greenbrier Classic in West Virginia. Watson, left, is the pro emeritus at the Greenbrier, and he promised course owner Jim Justice he would play this year. That was before Watson, 61, won the Senior PGA Championship. "To his credit, after I won the Senior PGA, Jim called me and said, 'I don't want to put any pressure on you to play. If you want to play in the U.S. Senior Open, I know how much it means to you to play in that,' " Watson said Tuesday. "Very simply I said, 'Jim, I made a commitment to you and I'm sticking to it.' So here I am."
No rush for Woods
When Tiger Woods will return is anyone's guess, but if you read between the lines, it doesn't look like it will be anytime soon. His swing coach, Sean Foley, told CBSsports.com that he and Woods have not hit any balls and has no idea when Woods will return. "It's up to the doctors,'' Foley said in a text message. If Woods hasn't hit any balls with Foley, it's hard to believe he'll be ready for next week's World Golf Championships event at Firestone in Akron, Ohio, or the next week at the PGA Championship, the final major of the season, at the Atlanta Athletic in Georgia.
A head start
To prepare for the challenge of playing at Carnoustie for this year's Women's British Open, American Paula Creamer traveled to the course before last week's Evian Masters in Paris for a couple of practice rounds. "I had a local caddie, the club champion, and played with the pro and I really learned a lot," the 2010 U.S. Open champion said. "I love links golf, this tournament and this golf course. I feel I can play well here."
Annika stays put
Annika Sorenstam is sticking with longtime management company IMG. Sorenstam, who retired from the LPGA Tour in 2008 after a Hall of Fame career, could have followed agent Mark Steinberg, as Woods did, when IMG chose not renew his contract in May. Instead, the Swedish icon says IMG is the best company to support her business and charity work.
Junior clinic
Cypress Run Golf Club in Tarpon Springs is offering a junior clinic with director of golf Lew Smither, Aug. 9-12, from 9 a.m.-noon. Clinic is for kids 11-17 and cost is $150. Clinic is limited to 12 golfers. For more, call (727) 938-3774.
This week on tour
PGA: Greenbrier Classic, Greenbrier Old White Course, White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m. on Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m. on Golf Channel, 3 p.m. on Ch. 10
LPGA: Women's British Open, Carnoustie Golf Links, Carnoustie, Scotland. TV: Today-Friday, 9 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.; and Sunday, 8:45 a.m., all on ESPN
USGA: U.S. Senior Open, Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m. on ESPN2; Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m. on Ch. 8
PGA Europe: Irish Open, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Killarney, Ireland. TV: Today-Friday, 9 a.m.; Saturday, 8:30 a.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m., all on Golf Channel
By Joel Brandenburg, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Hot bait: In the summer, fresh dead bait may be the best bet for attracting fish. When bay waters have temperatures above 90 degrees, game fish become lethargic. They are as hungry as always but less willing to expend their energy chasing bait.
Getting results: Last week we fished the flats and estuaries of Bishop Harbor. From my tower I spotted a tight school of 100 snook on a flat in front of a point of mangroves. Snook feed best in a strong current, and we had a perfect outgoing tide. We drifted into the spot with the wind at our backs and quietly anchored off the snook. We cast live greenbacks on a free line. Nobody got a hit on the first few passes. I decided to throw live chummers into the school. Not one was hit. I put a small split shot on one of the free lines and hooked on a fresh dead bait. A 30-inch snook hammered it. We sat on that school for the next two hours and caught several big snook. The same technique works well for redfish, trout, Spanish mackerel, cobia, shark, grouper, snapper and flounder.
Joel Brandenburg of Ana Banana Fishing Co. of Little Harbor Resort in Ruskin can be reached toll-free at 1-877-766-6566 or via e-mail at anabananafishing@earthlink.net.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
CLEVELAND — Sharp from his first pitch, Ervin Santana came full cycle against the Indians.
Santana threw the Angels' first solo no-hitter in nearly 27 years and exacted some long overdue revenge, leading Los Angeles over Cleveland 3-1 Wednesday.
It was the first no-hitter at Progressive Field, which opened as Jacobs Field in 1994. And it marked quite a reversal for the 28-year-old right-hander.
Santana made his big-league debut on this very field on May 17, 2005, and the Indians gave him a rude welcome. The first four batters he faced teamed up to hit for the cycle.
Asked to recall that rough outing, Santana smiled and shrugged. "It's part of life," he said. "We're here today, we don't know tomorrow."
Santana allowed only two runners, an error by shortstop Erick Aybar on leadoff batter Ezequiel Carrera in the first (he scored after a steal, groundout and wild pitch) and a walk in the eighth.
Just once was Santana's gem in jeopardy, and second baseman Howie Kendrick's nifty play saved it in the sixth.
It was the third no-hitter in the majors this season. The Twins' Francisco Liriano did it against the White Sox on May 3, and Tigers ace Justin Verlander beat the Blue Jays on May 7.
Santana threw the Angels' first complete-game no-hitter since Mike Witt pitched a perfect game on Sept. 30, 1984, against Texas. Mark Langston (seven innings) and Witt (two) combined to hold Seattle hitless on April 11, 1990.
Santana said he began to think a no-hitter was within reach after he got through the eighth.
"Lots of guys get to five, six innings, but that's when things get a little complicated," said Santana, who took a no-hit bid into the sixth against Baltimore in his previous start.
The closest Cleveland got to a hit came when rookie Jason Kipnis led off the sixth with a grounder past Santana. Kendrick made a diving backhanded stop and threw from his knees, and first baseman Mark Trumbo scooped out the low throw.
"I knew the situation. We all did," Kendrick said. "I wanted to get to that ball and at least knock it down. I was happy to play a part."
Santana said he was pretty loose for much of the afternoon. He kept talking to teammates in the dugout, not worrying about superstitions. "I was goofing around, talking to them. Around the seventh or eighth, it got a little more intense," he said.
Said Angels manager Mike Scioscia: "It's anything but tension.
"When you see a guy get within nine outs, then six outs, then three outs … your focus is winning the game, but past that, you're looking for that cherry on top, which Ervin delivered."
By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
TAMPA — Storm coach Dave Ewart is already planning for next season.
Even though the 2011 campaign just ended Saturday, he's lining up visits to upcoming NFL training camps; it's never too early to get a jump on potential players.
A far cry from the this past offseason.
"We didn't have much time to get ready," Ewart said.
That's because Ewart, a former assistant, replaced the AFL's all-time winningest coach just days before the start of the season when Tim Marcum resigned.
"We weren't fully prepared, but how could you be when you find out two or three days before camp?" Ewart said. "At times it was overwhelming."
And predictably, the five-time AFL champion stumbled out of the gate, losing six of its first eight and finishing the season 7-11. It was a long way from a team one year removed from an ArenaBowl loss to Spokane.
"The offseason sets up the season, and we had trouble getting our footing," Ewart said. "Plus we were missing some pretty big guys (from last year)."
The most notable absence was quarterback Brett Dietz, an All-AFL second-teamer in 2010. Mike Potts, who started the season, was released after the third week. Former USF quarterback Grant Gregory was next up and proved inconsistent. Brian Zbydniewski then came in and showed flashes but was also erratic. Danny Southwick got a start late in the season and struggled.
"It's a quarterback league, and we went through five of them," Ewart said. "We never had consistency at the position."
Tampa Bay did get a nice spark from former USF standout Matt Grothe, who came on in relief in a 58-40 loss to Georgia then led the Storm to a last-second win against San Jose in last week's season finale.
"Matt showed us some good things," Ewart said. "He could be the guy, I don't know. Matt and Brian are going to compete (next year), but we're still looking."
Tampa Bay's biggest strength came from a defensive front that set an AFL record with 40 sacks. Linebacker Cliff Dukes led the league in sacks (121/2) and tackles for loss (16). Nose guard Tim McGill finished with nine sacks while USF product Jarriett Buie recorded 61/2 and Jermaine Smith six. The pressure up front helped Tampa Bay's secondary surrender a league-best 245.4 yards per game.
Another former USF player, receiver Amarri Jackson, emerged as the go-to receiver down the stretch, setting team rookie records for catches (125), yards (1,619) and touchdowns (35).
Despite the Storm's up-and-down season, fans' hopes were buoyed when former Bucs linebackers Derrick Brooks and Jeff Gooch were named team president and vice president, respectively, in April. The Storm also finished second in the league in attendance, averaging 10,778.
"We have some good people in place and some things to build on," Ewart said, "but there's still a lot of work to do. We're going to get better."
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
The Mets have pulled the trigger on a trade that will send RF Carlos Beltran to the Giants in exchange for highly regarded minor-league RHP Zack Wheeler.
The trade won't be official for 24 hours because of Beltran's no-trade clause. According to ESPN, Beltran planned to report to San Francisco today in Philadelphia.
Beltran is still owed nearly $7 million this season, of which the Mets will pick up about $4 million, according to reports.
Beltran, 34, is batting .289 with a .391 on-base percentage and a .513 slugging percentage in 98 games. A switch-hitter, he could be a huge boost to the defending World Series champions, who are 15th in the NL in runs.
"He's a complete player," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Carlos has all the tools that you look for in a player."
New York will get a package built around Wheeler, 21, who was the sixth pick in the 2009 draft and was rated San Francisco's No. 2 prospect by Baseball America before the season. Wheeler is 7-5 with a 3.99 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 88 innings at Class A San Jose.
In other Mets news, LHP Johan Santana, coming back from shoulder surgery, is set to begin a rehab assignment today at Class A St. Lucie.
Cards add former Ray
The Cardinals, who have faced pitching questions since spring training, pulled off a three-team trade to beef up their rotation with former Rays RHP Edwin Jackson.
The Cardinals sent CF Colby Rasmus and two relievers to the Blue Jays. Jackson had been dealt to Toronto a few hours earlier by the White Sox, who also sent utility player Mark Teahen to the Jays in exchange for RH reliever Jason Frasor and RHP prospect Zach Stewart.
"He's a power arm, a different look from what we roll out there," GM John Mozeliak said of Jackson. "He has the capability of being a dominant pitcher."
Rasmus, 24, could fill a big need for Toronto as a natural centerfielder with upside.
The White Sox filled a hole on their 25-man roster by recalling CF Alejandro De Aza from Triple-A Charlotte and put him in the lineup in place of Alex Rios.
In other Cardinals news, RF Lance Berkman received a cortisone shot in his right shoulder after an MRI exam revealed a strain. He is day to day.
BRAVES: All-Star C Brian McCann went on the 15-day disabled list after straining his left oblique Tuesday. OF Jordan Schafer also went on the DL with a chip fracture in his left middle finger. The team acquired veteran C Wil Nieves from the Brewers for cash.
BREWERS: 2B Rickie Weeks left the game against the Cubs in the second inning after appearing to injure his left ankle running to first. … CF Carlos Gomez, expected to miss the rest of the season after fracturing his clavicle last week, said he hopes to rejoin the team in September.
D'BACKS: RHP Trevor Bauer, the UCLA star taken third overall in last month's draft, is guaranteed $4.45 million under his four-year contract.
DODGERS: RH reliever Kenley Jansen spent the day in a hospital getting checked for an irregular heartbeat.
NATIONALS: Former Rays OF Jonny Gomes was added to the roster a day after being acquired from the Reds. To make room, OF Matt Stairs, 43, was designated for assignment.
PIRATES: INF Chase d'Arnaud went on the 15-day DL with a fractured right little finger. RHP Chris Leroux was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.
TWINS: RHP Kyle Gibson, one of the team's top prospects, will skip a start at Triple-A Rochester with elbow soreness.
ROYALS: Dominican SS Adalberto Mondesi, 16, son of former major-leaguer Raul Mondesi, signed a contract that included a $2 million bonus.
Times staff
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Welcome aboard
The 16 undrafted free agents signed this week by the Bucs:
Player Pos. Ht./Wt. School
Armando AllenRB 5-10/190 Notre Dame
Matthew Allen C 6-2/295/ Texas A&M
Quintin Borders T 6-5/318 Union College
Cory Brandon T 6-7/324 Oklahoma
Mike Coughlin QB 6-5/221 Boise State
Aaron Feld LS 6-1/230 Mississippi State
Brandon Heath LB 6-1/215 Louisville
Devin Holland S 6-0/205 McNeese State
Josh Jasper K 5-11/171 LSU
Detron Lewis WR 6-0/208 Texas Tech
Mossis Madu RB 6-0/197 Oklahoma
Nick Reveiz LB 5-10/224 Tennessee
Jock Sanders WR 5-6/185 West Virginia
Derrell Smith LB 6-2/232 Syracuse
Raymond Webber WR 6-3/220 Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Christian Yount LS 6-1/243 UCLA
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
TAMPA — The Bucs signed 16 undrafted free agents Wednesday, highlighted by former St. Petersburg Catholic High School star Jock Sanders, a 5-foot-6, 185-pound receiver at West Virginia, Boise State QB Mike Coughlin and Tennessee LB Nick Reveiz, son of former NFL kicker Fuad Reveiz.
GM Mark Dominik revealed Tuesday that the team had already reached agreements with Syracuse LB Derrell Smith and Arkansas-Pine Bluff WR Raymond Webber, who led the nation with 101 receptions and 1,429 yards.
Webber will be joined by Sanders, the Mountaineers' all-time pass catcher, and Texas Tech's Detron Lewis, who finished 15th in the nation in receptions with 6.69 per game.
The team also added a few running backs. Oklahoma's Mossis Madu (6-0, 197) was used mostly as a ballcarrier last season. Overall, he played in 40 games and finished with 160 carries for 724 yards and eight touchdowns while recording 23 catches for 186 yards. Notre Dame's Armando Allen led the Irish in rushing last season with 697 yards (4.9 yard average), despite missing three games. In his career, he rushed 469 times for 2,144 yards and six touchdowns and caught 119 passes for 833 yards and another seven touchdowns.
Idaho RB Deonte Jackson is expected to sign with the Bucs. Sharing the workload with two other backs, he rushed for 2,700 yards in his career.
Coughlin was mired as the backup at Boise State to Kellen Moore but impressed scouts during the team's pro day. The Bucs also signed two long snappers — UCLA's Christian Yount and Mississippi State's Aaron Feld. One of them will have a good chance to replace Andrew Economos, who is recovering from a torn Achilles' tendon.
(MOSTLY) HEALTHY Team REPORTs TODAY: Players report to training camp at One Buc Place this morning and most are healthy.
The list of players who finished the season on injured reserve was lengthy a year ago, but most of those ailments have healed or are healing.
Team officials were especially pleased with second-round pick Da'Quan Bowers, the Clemson defensive end who signed a four-year contract Wednesday. After leading the nation with 16 sacks, Bowers' stock fell when he had knee surgery before the NFL draft.
"Everything we've gotten back from Clemson in terms of what he did after the draft was over until one day ago, he followed a very good plan that we had in place and he stuck to it," Dominik said. "The trainers there at Clemson have worked really hard with him, and now we're fired up to have Todd Toriscelli and our group continue to work with him. But I see Da'Quan being ready to go Day One."
Another player who appears ahead of schedule is WR Arrelious Benn, who had surgery to repair a torn ACL. That recovery can take from six to nine months, but Benn already is running and cutting.
"They were like, 'Wow!' For me to be blessed to have this recovery as fast as I did — it was textbook surgery," Benn said. "I've never had a severe injury like this, but I came back pretty well. I'm still taking it slow. … I cleared my physical, but I'm still taking it slow. There's no need for me to rush into (training camp.) I'm going to be limited for some things, but I'm feeling good."
Benn said he wasn't sure if he would play in the preseason but is confident he'll be ready Sept. 11 for the regular-season opener against the Lions.
S Cody Grimm (broken leg) and DT Brian Price (pelvic injury) might be limited in training camp, but DT Gerald McCoy (torn biceps), C Jeff Faine (triceps) and CB Aqib Talib (hip) are ready to go.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Mets 8, Reds 2
CINCINNATI — Lucas Duda took over for the traded Carlos Beltran in rightfield and homered to lead New York. Duda, a rookie, led off the sixth inning with his homer off former Hernando High standout Bronson Arroyo, who had been 7-1 in his previous 10 starts against the Mets and 5-0 in his past six. The defending NL Central champion Reds fell a season-worst four games under .500 at 50-54.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Blue Jays 3, Orioles 0
TORONTO — Ricky Romero came within two outs of a complete game to win for the first time in five starts, and J.P. Arencibia homered for Toronto. Romero struck out Adam Jones to begin the ninth but was replaced by Jon Rauch after Vladimir Guerrero reached on a wild third strike and Derrek Lee was hit by a pitch. Rauch got Matt Wieters and Mark Reynolds to fly out. Romero was 0-2 with a 5.87 ERA in his past four starts. He is 5-1 in his past seven starts against Baltimore.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Longtime Seahawks starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is leaving for the Titans, the Vikings have reportedly acquired Donovan McNabb from the Redskins in exchange for a sixth-round pick, and talks involving other sought-after quarterbacks continued Wednesday.
The Broncos are shopping Kyle Orton (the Dolphins are interested) and the Eagles appeared close to trading Kevin Kolb, who wants to start, for Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.
McNabb, 34, would have had to restructure his current five-year, $78 million deal to join Minnesota, which drafted former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder in the first round.
Ponder tweeted that he was excited about adding McNabb and expected to learn from him, but Ponder wasn't giving up on being the Game 1 starter.
Hasselbeck, 35, spent the past 10 seasons with Seattle, winning the 2005 NFC title.
The Titans drafted quarterback Jake Locker eighth overall but needed a veteran after Kerry Collins retired; they plan to trade or release Vince Young.
Given the lack of offseason opportunities for Locker, Hasselbeck figures to start.
Orton apparently feels Tim Tebow will start in Denver and wants to leave.
Bengals: Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who knows the team's new offensive system, agreed to terms and will help develop rookie Andy Dalton. Gradkowski was with the Bucs from 2008-09 with Jay Gruden, the Bengals' new offensive coordinator. With Carson Palmer saying he will retire, Dalton will get a chance to start.
browns: Quarterback Jake Delhomme, 36, who played little last season as he helped Colt McCoy develop into the starter, is expected to be released today.
falcons: Linebacker Stephen Nicholas, a former USF standout, reportedly re-signed for five years, $17.5 million and will compete with Coy Wire and rookie Akeem Dent for a starting job. Also, Florida State center Ryan McMahon and Florida A&M running back Philip Sylvester signed as undrafted free agents.
49ers: Former Florida defensive lineman Ray McDonald reportedly reached a five-year deal to remain, and will compete to start. Also, quarterback Alex Smith is expected to sign a one-year deal, and seventh-round pick Bruce Miller — a defensive end at UCF who worked out for teams as a fullback — signed.
giants: Coach Tom Coughlin, who will be 65 next month, received an extension through the 2012 season. He is entering his eighth season. Others in the 87-year history of the franchise to coach at least eight seasons: Steve Owen (1931-53), Allie Sherman (1961-68) and Bill Parcells (1983-90).
jaguars: Former Gator defensive end Derrick Harvey had a noticeable arrival as camp opened, driving through the parking lot gate and breaking it. Also, the team agreed to a six-year, $45 million contract with free agent linebacker Paul Posluszny, upgrading a defense that ranked near the bottom in every category in 2010.
jets: Receiver Santonio Holmes, a top offensive free agent and the team's No. 1 priority, reportedly agreed to a five-year deal to stay. Also, a judge spared receiver Braylon Edwards jail time, extending his Ohio probation by one year for violating terms by driving drunk in New York.
panthers: The team agreed to terms with seven free agents, including kicker Olindo Mare, signaling the end of John Kasay, the only player remaining from the 1995 expansion team. Kasay, 41, is eighth all-time in the NFL with 1,823 points. Mare, 38, has a stronger leg. Also, running back DeAngelo Williams, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, and linebackers James Anderson and Thomas Davis reportedly agreed to five-year contracts.
redskins: Four receivers at least 30 years old agreed to deals in a 24-hour span: Brandon Stokley, 35; Donte' Stallworth, 30; Santana Moss, 32; and former Gator Jabar Gaffney, 30. Also, defensive tackle Barry Cofield left the Giants and agreed to a six-year, $36 million contract, giving Washington an opportunity to get rid of Albert Haynesworth.
seahawks: Receiver Sidney Rice is leaving the Vikings, reportedly agreeing to a five-year deal.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Longtime Seahawks starting quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is leaving for the Titans, the Vikings have reportedly acquired Donovan McNabb from the Redskins in exchange for a sixth-round pick, and talks involving other sought-after quarterbacks continued Wednesday.
The Broncos are shopping Kyle Orton (the Dolphins are interested) and the Eagles appeared close to trading Kevin Kolb, who wants to start, for Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second-round pick.
Former FSU quarterback Christian Ponder, the Vikings' first-round pick, tweeted that he was excited about adding McNabb, 34, and expected to learn from him, but Ponder wasn't ceding the starting job.
Hasselbeck, 35, spent the past 10 seasons with Seattle, winning the 2005 NFC title.
The Titans drafted quarterback Jake Locker eighth overall but needed a veteran after Kerry Collins retired; they plan to trade or release Vince Young.
Orton apparently feels Tim Tebow will start in Denver and wants to leave.
WANTING BURRESS: The Giants and Steelers are the frontrunners to sign receiver Plaxico Burress, who has played for both teams, ESPN.com reported.
BENGALS: Quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, who knows the team's new offensive system, agreed to terms and will help develop rookie Andy Dalton. Gradkowski was with the Bucs from 2008-09 with Jay Gruden, the Bengals' new offensive coordinator.
BROWNS: Quarterback Jake Delhomme, 36, who played little last season as he helped Colt McCoy develop into the starter, is expected to be released today.
FALCONS: Linebacker Stephen Nicholas, a former USF standout, reportedly re-signed for five years, $17.5 million. FSU center Ryan McMahon and FAMU running back Philip Sylvester signed as undrafted free agents.
49ERS: Former Florida defensive lineman Ray McDonald reportedly reached a five-year deal to remain and will compete to start. Also, quarterback Alex Smith is expected to sign a one-year deal, and seventh-round pick Bruce Miller — a defensive end at UCF who worked out for teams at fullback — signed.
GIANTS: Coach Tom Coughlin, who turns 65 next month, received an extension through 2012. He's entering his eighth season.
JAGUARS: Former Gator defensive end Derrick Harvey had a noticeable arrival as camp opened, driving through the parking lot gate and breaking it. Also, the team agreed to a six-year, $45 million deal with free agent linebacker Paul Posluszny.
JETS: Receiver Santonio Holmes, a top free agent and the team's No. 1 priority, agreed to a five-year, $50-million deal to stay. Next, the club will pursue Raiders cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Also, a judge spared receiver Braylon Edwards jail time, extending his Ohio probation by one year for violating terms by driving drunk in New York.
PANTHERS: The team agreed to terms with seven free agents, including kicker Olindo Mare, signaling the end for John Kasay, the last link to the 1995 expansion team. Kasay, 41, is eighth all-time in the NFL with 1,823 points. Mare, 38, has a stronger leg. Also, running back DeAngelo Williams, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, reportedly agreed to a five-year deal.
REDSKINS: Four receivers at least 30 years old agreed to deals in a 24-hour span: Brandon Stokley, 35; Donte' Stallworth, 30; Santana Moss, 32; and former Gator Jabar Gaffney, 30. Also, defensive tackle Barry Cofield left the Giants and agreed to a six-year, $36 million contract, giving Washington an opportunity to get rid of Albert Haynesworth.
SEAHAWKS: Receiver Sidney Rice is leaving the Vikings, reportedly agreeing to a five-year deal.
STEELERS: Left tackle and former Gator Max Starks, who injured his neck in Game 8 and missed the rest of last season, was released, FoxSports.com reported.
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
North Carolina fired football coach Butch Davis on Wednesday, saying the past year of turmoil amid an NCAA investigation into improper benefits and academic misconduct was doing too much damage to the school's reputation.
The school issued a statement announcing Davis' dismissal nine days before the start of preseason practice. Chancellor Holden Thorp said the decision was not prompted by any changes in the ongoing NCAA investigation but said he "lost confidence in our ability to come through this without harming the way people think of this institution."
"Our academic integrity is paramount, and we must work diligently to protect it," Thorp said in a statement. "The only way to move forward and put this behind us is to make a change."
The school has scheduled a news conference for this morning in Chapel Hill to discuss the change. Team spokesman Kevin Best said plans for an interim coach would be discussed today. North Carolina's players report for training camp Aug. 4 and start practice the following day.
The news caught current and former players off guard, including T.J. Yates — the quarterback who served as de facto team spokesman last season during the height of NCAA scrutiny.
"In shock about coach Davis, that man put Carolina football back on the map," Yates, a Texans draftee, posted on Twitter. "And to do it right before training camp starts is just wrong."
Davis compiled a 28-23 record in four seasons with the Tar Heels after taking over for John Bunting. His program looked ready to contend for an ACC championship and a BCS berth last year before NCAA investigators arrived on campus last July.
In all, 14 players missed at least one game and seven were forced to sit the entire season. Last month, the NCAA sent a notice of allegations to the school outlining numerous potential major violations, though none connected to Davis.
'noles, 'canes on preseason team: Florida State and Miami each have four players on the preseason All-ACC team, in a vote of media members at the league's preseason media days.
Quarterback EJ Manuel, cornerback Greg Reid (as a specialist), defensive end Brandon Jenkins and offensive tackle Andrew Datko represented the Seminoles, the favorite to win their first ACC title since 2005.
Miami landed linebacker Sean Spence, safety Ray-Ray Armstrong, guard Brandon Washington and center Tyler Horn on the team.
Pac-12 to launch networks: The Pac-12 will launch national and regional conference television networks next year.
Commissioner Larry Scott announced that the Pac-12 had partnered with cable companies Comcast, Cox, Time Warner and Bright House. There will be a national network along with six regional channels: Washington, Oregon, Northern California, Southern California, Arizona and Mountain.
Once the channels launch in August 2012, they will broadcast about 850 sporting events a year — 350 nationally and 500 regionally. The conference already had a 12-year contract worth about $3 billion with Fox and ESPN.
Top QB recruit commits to IU: Gunner Kiel of Columbus (Ind.) East High, widely considered the top quarterback prospect in the 2012 recruiting class, orally committed to Indiana in what could be a major coup for a program with just 17 Big Ten wins in the past decade.
The 6-foot-4 220-pound Kiel is the nephew of former Notre Dame quarterback Blair Kiel. MaxPreps has him ranked as the second-best high school player in the country. His brother Dusty is a redshirt sophomore quarterback at Indiana.
If the signing occurs — oral commitments are not binding; signing day is Feb. 1 — a key reason would be coach Kevin Wilson, who took over the Hoosiers this year after being an assistant at Oklahoma since 2002. Wilson had a track record of grooming quarterbacks at Oklahoma, including Sam Bradford of the Rams.
vols violations: Tennessee, which has said it agrees with most of the dozen allegations made against its football and basketball programs by the NCAA, argued in its response that some of the violations should be considered secondary instead of major. The Vols' response to the NCAA was filed May 20 and released recently to the media. They are awaiting the NCAA's final ruling on the allegations.
Baseball: In a move praised by coaches, the NCAA plans to use instant replay on an experimental basis to review certain calls at the College World Series next year. Reviewable plays would be limited to deciding if an apparent home run is fair or foul, whether a batted ball left the playing field for a home run or a ground-rule double, or whether there is fan interference on apparent home runs. "Baby steps are good," FSU coach Mike Martin said. "Like anything else, we have to grow with it."
Times wires
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Swimming
Phelps wins 200 fly for 1st world gold
SHANGHAI — Michael Phelps took another small step toward next year's Olympics, and this time it was a winning one.
After losses in his first two events at the world championships, Phelps won the 200-meter butterfly for a record fifth time Wednesday. His time of 1 minute, 53.34 seconds was well off the world mark he set two years ago in Rome (1:51.1), but these days he incrementally measures his progress.
"It was 1½ seconds faster than last year," he said.
Italy's Federica Pellegrini won the 200 freestyle to become the first woman to sweep the 200 and 400 at consecutive worlds. China's Sun Yang won the men's 800 freestyle. Zhang Lin didn't defend his title because Chinese team officials said he was out of shape.
Basketball
Report: NBA resumes labor talks Monday
NBA owners and players will resume talks toward a new collective bargaining agreement Monday, a month after the lockout started, the Associated Press reported.
This will be the first meeting to include commissioner David Stern, union executive director Billy Hunter, owners and players, the AP said.
The sides were far apart on numerous economic issues when owners voted to lock out the players when the old collective bargaining agreement expired June 30.
Rose sentenced: Former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose was sentenced to 20 days in jail for a March drunken-driving crash near Detroit. "I'm humbled, I'm embarrassed, and I'm very apologetic. I can assure everyone that nothing like this will ever happen again," he said.
High school: The man who posed as a teenager to play in West Texas was sentenced to three years in prison after reaching a plea deal. Guerdwich Montimere, 23, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault and three counts of tampering with government records. When Montimere was 21, the naturalized U.S. citizen from Haiti came to Odessa, Texas, saying he was 15-year-old Jerry Joseph and played one season at Odessa Permian. He helped lead the Panthers to the state playoffs. Suspicions were raised after coaches at a tournament said they recognized Joseph as Montimere, a 2007 graduate of Fort Lauderdale Dillard.
ET CETERA
Autos: NASCAR driver Kasey Kahne will take his longtime crew chief with him to Hendrick Motorsports next season. Team owner Rick Hendrick said that Kenny Francis will be the crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet that Kahne is slated to drive starting with the 2012 season. Kahne and Francis have been together since the final race of 2005.
Football: The United Football League is considering contraction as it struggles to survive for the 2011 season, Hartford coach Jerry Glanville said. "I know that they have four plans out there, and that is one of the plans," he said. "I don't know all the plans."
Soccer: World and European champion Spain remained at No. 1 in the monthly men's world rankings, and the United States dropped six places to No. 30. Netherlands and Germany rounded out the top three in the standings that will be used to help decide seedings in Saturday's World Cup qualifying draw.
Tennis: Teenager Ryan Harrison continued his recent run of strong play, beating fellow American Michael Russell 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals at the Farmers Classic in Los Angeles. … Defending champion Juan Carlos Ferrero defeated third-seeded Ivan Ljubicic 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of the Croatia Open in Umag.
Water polo: China edged Russia 13-12 in overtime and Greece beat Italy 14-11 to advance to women's world championships final in Shanghai. The United States, the two-time defending champion, beat Canada 8-4 to advance to the fifth-place game Friday against Australia, which beat the Netherlands, the 2008 Olympic gold medalist, 12-7.
Times wires
