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Sports in brief: Lochte tops Phelps again

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Swimming

LOCHTE STUNS pHELPS, SETS RECORD

SHANGHAI — Ryan Lochte didn't merely defeat Michael Phelps for the second time this week in the 200-meter individual medley in front of a stunned crowd at the world championships Thursday, he also set a world record — the first since polyurethane speed suits were banned two years ago.

"I just wanted to do something that everyone thought was not possible," the former Gator said. "All the hard work I've done this year has definitely paid off."

Lochte took the lead after the first butterfly leg and held on as Phelps closed in the waning meters, touching the wall in 1 minute, 54 seconds — 0.10 faster than the world mark he had set at the 2009 world championships in Rome.

Phelps finished in 1:54.16, a personal best that went under the 1:54.23 he swam at the 2008 Summer Games. The silver medal left Phelps temporarily at loss for words — he uncharacteristically declined to speak with reporters immediately after the race, delaying his comments until the formal news conference that always follows the medal ceremony. He later apologized, admitting he needed time to collect his thoughts.

"I thought I had it on the last stroke," Phelps said. "I felt myself gaining and gaining and gaining. I fell short. He's really just done all the little, small things right. He's super-focused now. I think that race will provide a lot of motivation for the next year. … There is lots of frustration going through my head."



Basketball

Leaving his sentencing, Rose gets speeding ticket

Former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose was given a speeding ticket in suburban Detroit hours after he was sentenced to nearly three weeks in jail for drunken driving, authorities said. Rose was clocked going 46 mph in a 25-mph zone shortly before 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, police said. He was given a citation for going at least 10 mph over the limit. Rose's attorney did not return a message. Rose, 38, was sentenced earlier Wednesday to 20 days in jail for a March drunken-driving crash.

Et cetera

NHL: In a swap of forwards that helps both teams financially, the Devils sent Brian Rolston, 38, to the Islanders for Trent Hunter, 31. … The Avalanche signed first-round picks Gabriel Landeskog (second overall) and Duncan Siemens (No. 11) to three-year deals.

Soccer: Argentina striker Sergio Aguero completed his move to Manchester City, the five-year, $62 million deal one of the biggest in British soccer. Arguero, 23, scored 74 goals in 175 games for Atletico.

TENNIS: Marina Erakovic beat top-seeded Victoria Azarenka 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 at the Bank of the West Classic in Stanford, Calif., to reach her second quarter­final of the year. The 121st-ranked Erakovic, a qualifier, recorded her first win over a top-20 opponent. … Andy Roddick pulled out of next week's Legg Mason Classic because of a partially torn right abdominal muscle.

Running: Top American marathoner Ryan Hall said he would like to set a U.S. record when he runs his first Chicago Marathon on Oct. 9 as a key part of his training for the 2012 Olympics.

WNBA: Becky Hammon scored 33, making three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to lead host San Antonio past Phoenix 102-91. ... Visiting Indiana beat Connecticut 69-58, replacing the Sun in first place in the Eastern Conference. … Angel McCoughtry had 22 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists as host Atlanta beat the Los Angeles 89-80

Times wires


John Romano: A realistic look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2011 prospects

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, July 28, 2011

TAMPA — The day is unlike any other. Expectant. Optimistic. Nearly perfect.

Actually, for an entire generation of Buccaneers fans, the opening of training camp was often the best day of a long football season.

In the time of other coaches, under the stewardship of another owner, this was the day when holes in the roster were not so glaring. When injuries were not yet a factor. When losses had not begun piling up at the locker room door.

The one day when hope was allowable.

So, tell me, how do you feel today?

Are you sold on Raheem Morris? Are you smitten with Josh Freeman? Are you ready to buy the idea that a great, new foundation has been put in place?

Because, honestly, this may be the most upbeat moment the franchise has seen in many a day. There is a marriage of accomplishment and direction that had been missing for far too long. It may be fleeting, and it might even be a mirage, but it is here today.

With that in mind, let's cut through the emotion and the cheer, and take a realistic look at what might become of the Buccaneers of 2011. The reasons for hope. The reasons for doubt. And the possible tipping points along the way.

Hope

1. Quarterback: Brad Johnson was older. Trent Dilfer was more erratic. Vinny Testaverde was not as sharp, and Steve Young never really had a chance.

You can make a pretty good case that the position of quarterback in Tampa Bay has never been in better hands than it is today. Freeman already has the size, the skill and the smarts to be an elite quarterback in the NFL. And the best part? He's just 23.

2. Continuity: The head coach is not on the hot seat, and the coordinators are not being reshuffled. The Bucs arrive in camp today with the same playbooks they had a few months ago, and the philosophies are no longer in doubt.

The defense has grown at a quick pace since Morris took over as his own coordinator late in 2009, and Greg Olson just completed one of the most impressive seasons turned in by a Tampa Bay offensive coordinator.

3. Running back: Grabbing LeGarrette Blount off waivers was the move of the year for GM Mark Dominik in 2010. And now, with Blount having time to absorb Olson's system, it could turn out to be one of the most important personnel decisions in franchise history.

Doubt

1. Middle linebacker: Mason Foster may turn out to have more potential as a middle linebacker than Barrett Ruud (and there's no guarantee that's true), but I have a hard time believing he's better than Ruud today.

Yet, the Bucs seem ready to hand the job to Foster because they do not want to cave in to Ruud's contract demands. Maybe that's good business in the long run, but it will not help the Bucs in 2011.

The last time the Bucs played a rookie at middle linebacker was Jamie Duncan in the final six games of 1998, and that was only because Hardy Nickerson went on injured reserve. The bottom line is you typically don't expect to see teams in the postseason with a third-round-draft-pick rookie starting at middle linebacker.

2. Defensive line: Roy Miller is 24 and has started 17 games in the NFL. And there's a chance he will be the old man of the defensive line. In the past three drafts, the Bucs have invested two first-round picks, two seconds, a third and a fourth-round pick on defensive linemen. It will pay off down the road, but it's asking a lot for rookies and second-year players to form an above-average D-line in the NFL.

3. Odds: The Bucs won an NFL-high five games by three points or less last season. You can look at that in any number of ways.

You can say Morris did a great job of game management. You can say Freeman was Montana-esque. You can say younger, fresher legs prevailed in the end.

Or you can wonder if the Bucs were the beneficiaries of good fortune.

Tampa Bay's scoring margin for the season (points scored minus points allowed) was 1.4 points per game. That's quite low for a 10-6 team. In a broad sense, it suggests a team won more games than its point totals would have indicated. Historically, that's not been a good omen.

Since 2000, 13 teams have won 10 or more games with a margin of victory below 2.0. Those teams, on average, went 7-9 the following season.

Tipping points

1. Cornerback: The starter on one side is facing a possible league suspension, and the one on the other side is the oldest player at that position in the NFL.

That doesn't mean Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber won't turn out to have fine seasons, but you have to be at least a little concerned about the position heading into the season.

The Bucs seem to think E.J. Biggers and Myron Lewis have fine futures in this league. They better be right because the young cornerbacks may turn out to be the difference between desolation and salvation in the secondary.

2. The knee: Kellen Winslow says his right knee is fine. Says he's pain-free. Says he's ready to go. All of which means he will probably be questionable for the first game.

Winslow has gotten used to playing hurt on a knee that supposedly has undergone six operations over the years. He has been forced to skip practices and adjust his game, but Winslow still came through big for the Bucs in 2010.

With the youth of the receiving corps, and some uncertainty about a third-down back, Freeman is going to be depending on Winslow again in 2011. The knee has to survive.

3. Interceptions: The strides made on defense can be attributed at least partly to Freeman's ability to avoid turnovers, which kept the defense from short fields.

Freeman last season had an interception rate of 1.3, which trailed only Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger. That kind of ball possession is rare for a quarterback of his age. No matter what else he does in 2011, Freeman has to keep the interceptions to a minimum again.

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

Tampa Bay Rays news and notes: Harry Potter nearly holds up promotion, cycles vs. the Rays, Wade Davis benefits from rally

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rays vs. Mariners

When/where: 10:10 tonight, Safeco Field, Seattle

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

Starting pitchers

Rays

RH Jeff Niemann (4-4, 3.86)

Mariners

LH Erik Bedard (4-6, 3.00)

Watch for …

The big deal: Niemann has been pitching well since coming off the disabled list (3-0, 2.23 ERA in six starts). He is 3-0, 3.48 in five starts vs. the Mariners, including 2-0, 2.89 in three at Safeco.

Erik the Great: Bedard is 3-2 with a 1.72 ERA in his previous eight starts. He is 11-3, 2.08 in 21 games vs. the Rays.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Bedard

Johnny Damon 4-for-23

B.J. Upton 5-for-26 HR

Ben Zobrist 2-for-12

Mariners vs. Niemann

Chone Figgins 6-for-12

Franklin Gutierrez 3-for-14

Ichiro Suzuki 4-for-15 HR

On deck

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

Wizard nearly holds up promotion

RHP Mike Ekstrom learned of his promotion in awkward fashion, with Triple-A Durham manager Charlie Montoyo knocking on his door around 12:30 a.m. That's because Ekstrom had his phone on silent after taking in the new Harry Potter movie after their game. "I should have had it on," he said. After a couple hours' sleep, Ekstrom was on a 6 a.m. flight through Atlanta to San Francisco.

Cycle of the day

With a single, double, triple and homer in four straight plate appearances during the first inning, the A's became the first team since the Rockies on June 6, 2008, to have a team natural cycle. The only other time the Rays allowed such a feat was on April 18, 2001, to Boston, with Tanyon Sturtze and Ken Hill on the mound.

Lucky you

Wade Davis was the third Ray to allow five runs in an inning and still get the win, joining Edwin Jackson (at Baltimore in 2008) and Jeff Niemann (at Toronto in 2009).

Sooners admit to major violations

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma admitted Thursday that it committed two major rules violations in its men's basketball program as it asked the NCAA for leniency despite its second serious infractions case in five years.

Under NCAA bylaws, a "repeat violator" can face a minimum of having the sport dropped for one or two seasons with no scholarships provided for two seasons.

The school conceded that it qualifies under the description of repeat violator — two major infractions cases within five years in the same sport — but said previous cases show those penalties "are not appropriate in this case."

"This is an isolated incident involving a single member of the coaching staff, who clearly knew his lack of action to prevent or report the violation was not acceptable," the university said.

In the latest case, the school said former assistant coach Oronde Taliaferro broke NCAA rules by failing to report that a player had received an impermissible extra benefit and by lying to Oklahoma and NCAA enforcement staff during the investigation.

Oklahoma asked the NCAA to place the program on two more years of probation, vacate its wins from a 13-18 season in 2009-10, and take away one scholarship, two official visits and 10 in-person recruiting days during the upcoming academic year.

Tar Heels AD resigns, interim coach named: North Carolina is now looking for a new permanent football coach and athletic director.

A day after the school fired Butch Davis amid an NCAA investigation into his program, Dick Baddour said he will step down after 14 years running the 28-sport department. In the final year of a three-year contract extension that expires in June, Baddour will stay until the school can hire a replacement.

The school promoted defensive coordinator Everett Withers to interim head coach Thursday.

Chancellor Holden Thorp admitted the firing was "terrible" timing as players open practice next week, but said he had mulled the move for weeks.

"We tried to hold things together and restore confidence in the football program, and I felt in order for us to have a fair chance for that, I would have to support Coach Davis," Thorp said. "We've given that enough time, and now it's time for us to take the actions that we're taking."

big ten Weathers storm: The Big Ten gathered in Chicago to usher in — and celebrate — a new era in one of college football's most tradition-rich conferences.

The league has a new format, with two divisions and a championship game, and a new powerhouse member in Nebraska to help draw viewers to its already lucrative television network.

No doubt, there were plenty of reasons for Big Ten pride on media day. And one ugly mess at Ohio State is drawing attention from all the good stuff.

Ohio State's NCAA issues come less than a year after Michigan, the Big Ten's other flagship program, was found to have run afoul of the rules.

"It not only reflects poorly on them, it reflects poorly on us," commissioner Jim Delany said.

The Ohio State scandal started in December, when the university learned players were trading tattoos for memorabilia and led to the ouster of coach Jim Tressel and the early departure of quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Michigan State coach and former Ohio State assistant Mark Dantonio, whose relationship with Tressel goes back nearly 30 years, said watching the demise of his former boss was "heart-wrenching."

"To me it's tragic," Dantonio said. "He becomes a tragic hero in my view."

Pats add 2 big names; Dolphins obtain Bush

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Top players found new teams Thursday, including the Patriots obtaining defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth and receiver Chad Ochocinco, and the Dolphins trading for Reggie Bush.

Haynesworth, obtained for a fifth-round pick, was a malcontent bust in Washington. Patriots defensive lineman Vince Wilfork said he will fit in fine: "We had guys come through here with a rap sheet and (people) say, 'He can't be handled; this guy can't do this,' and you know what, it worked out fine for us. So, I don't think it will be a big problem."

Ochocinco reportedly agreed to a three-year deal. Patriots coach Bill Belichick closely monitors and tries to control his players' public comments, but he and the outspoken Ochocinco have a warm relationship.

It was not known what New England gave up to the Bengals.

The Dolphins obtained Bush for reserve safety Jonathon Amaya, and an exchange of undisclosed draft picks was also involved. Bush agreed to a two-year contract for nearly $10 million, a big cut. In a series of tweets, he said "I will never forget our good times'' in New Orleans, and that he looked forward "to building something special in Miami.''

In another deal, the Eagles traded backup quarterback Kevin Kolb for Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a 2012 second-round draft pick. Kolb, who will start for Arizona, reportedly will get a $63 million, five-year deal.

The Eagles are considered a front-runner to get Vince Young as Michael Vick's new backup. The Titans released Young, the No. 3 overall pick in 2006 who has had questions about his work ethic, leadership and injuries.

Bears: Adam Podlesh agreed to a five-year deal that his agent said is in the top five for punters. He replaces Brad Maynard.

Chiefs: Receiver Steve Breaston, who had his best year in 2008 when Kansas City coach Todd Haley was his offensive coordinator at Arizona, reportedly agreed to terms.

Eagles: Receiver DeSean Jackson missed the first day of camp, signaling the start of a holdout. The two-time Pro Bowl player is slated to make $565,000.

49ers: Five-time Pro Bowl kicker David Akers agreed to a three-year deal, leaving the Eagles after 12 seasons.

Panthers: The team reportedly traded an undisclosed 2012 draft pick for Bears tight end Greg Olsen, a former Miami standout.

Steelers: Offensive lineman Max Starks, a former Gator, and receiver Antwaan Randle El were cut. "A necessary business decision," coach Mike Tomlin said.

Titans: Linebacker Colin McCarthy, a former Clearwater Central Catholic standout who was a fourth-round pick out of Miami, agreed to terms.

Vikings: Starting safety Madieu Williams was cut. He never lived up to a six-year, $33 million deal he got in 2008.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon hopes his core players remain through trade deadline

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, July 28, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. — The theory going into this week was that if the Rays didn't get back into the postseason race, they were likely to consider trading a number of veterans before Sunday's 4 p.m. deadline for nonwaiver deals.

But manager Joe Maddon said Thursday that he doesn't expect them to make many, or even any, deals.

"I know how this thing works," Maddon said. "But I really would anticipate that we're probably going to have the same guys over the next week or two weeks or three weeks or four weeks."

That would include CF B.J. Upton, who has been the subject of rampant trade speculation, with the Braves surfacing again. Of course, executive vice president Andrew Friedman, who remained at the Trop to work through the deadline, may decide otherwise, and players such as Upton, DH Johnny Damon, RHP Kyle Farnsworth and other relievers and any of their starters except LHP David Price could end up moved.

Upton, who returned to the lineup after Wednesday's unexpected day off, said he does not expect to be dealt, noting trades that sent Carlos Beltran to the Giants, Colby Rasmus to the Jays and Kosuke Fukudome to the Indians.

"Nobody else needs a centerfielder; everybody that needed a centerfielder just got one," Upton said. "… I still don't think I'm going anywhere."

Upton, who hit several balls hard before homering in the eighth Thursday, said there was nothing wrong with his left quad, which was reported to be tight.

Maddon said he never interferes in trade talks during his frequent conversations with Friedman, but he would like to keep the current group together.

"At the end of the day, I always want the guys that I've got," he said. "I always believe the guys we've got here are capable. And maybe like a week or 10 days ago, everybody felt the same way. We've had a couple bad days and all of a sudden people want to blow things up. I'm not cut from that cloth. I'll say it again, I still believe there's a good run in us."

ON THE OTHER HAND: The Rays did make a deal Thursday, sending INF Felipe Lopez, the 10-year veteran who had been playing at Triple-A Durham to Milwaukee for cash considerations.

Lopez, who had two stints with the Rays (including one when he was benched for lack of hustle), was hitting .305 with seven homers and 37 RBIs for the Bulls. The Brewers needed help after 2B Rickie Weeks was injured Wednesday, though Lopez initially will report to Triple-A Nashville.

COME ON DOWN: RHP Mike Ekstrom was the latest member of the bullpen shuffle, summoned from Triple A (and flown in early Thursday) to replace RHP Rob Delaney, who on Wednesday replaced RHP Jay Buente, who on Tuesday replaced Cesar Ramos.

The shuttling is being done to compensate for being shorthanded, as they are carrying only six relievers, to make sure there is always a fresh arm to handle multiple innings, so each reliever has been sent down after being used.

Ekstrom looked headed for extensive duty Thursday, and thus a trip back, when Davis struggled in the first inning. But Ekstrom wasn't used and instead got to accompany the Rays to Seattle, near his family's Oregon home.

"I'm a big Wade Davis fan after he got through the six innings," Ekstrom said.

MISCELLANY: Fifth-round draft pick 3B J.D. Davis is close to signing, as is 28th-round C Blake Grant-Parks. … 2B/RF Ben Zobrist extended his hitting streak to eight games. … Elliot Johnson was to start at shortstop Thursday but since he played four innings in Wednesday's loss Maddon switched back to Sean Rodriguez.

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 5

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Blue Jays 8, Orioles 5

TORONTO — Edwin Encarnacion and Eric Thames hit back-to-back homers, Carlos Villanueva won for the first time in five starts and the Jays have won 27 of 31 home games vs. Baltimore dating to 2008. New acquisition Colby Rasmus made his Jays debut, starting in center and going 0-for-5 with two strikeouts.

Woods set to play at Firestone

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

JACKSONVILLE — Tiger Woods finally gets back to golf next week at the Bridgestone Invitational, ending an 11-week break to heal injuries to his left leg.

Woods used his website to announce his return. He posted on his Twitter account Thursday that he's "feeling fit and ready to tee it up at Firestone next week. Excited to get back out there!"

It marks the third-longest layoff of his career, only this time Woods returns with as much uncertainty about his future as ever. Along with questions about the strength of his left knee and Achilles, he embarks on his latest comeback with a new caddie, and without guarantees Woods will be eligible for more than two weeks.

Woods last week fired Steve Williams, who caddied for Adam Scott at the U.S. Open, then angered his boss by working for the Australian again at the AT&T National without seeking permission.

The Golf Channel reported Bryon Bell, a childhood friend and president of Tiger Woods Design, would caddie for him at the Bridgestone Invitational. Bell has caddied for Woods three times — a win at the 1999 Buick Invitational, a tie for second at the Buick and a tie for second in 2003 at the Disney Classic.

Woods last played May 12 at The Players Championship, when he withdrew after going 6 over on the front nine because of pain in his left leg.

Lincicome two off lead at British Open

Meena Lee overcame wet conditions to shoot 7-under 65 for a two-shot lead after the first round of the Women's British Open.

The South Korean had seven birdies and no bogeys playing mainly in a heavy afternoon downpour in Carnoustie, Scotland.

"I like links golf. It's very different to what we play on the LPGA Tour and I really enjoyed it today, despite the weather," Lee said.

Seminole's Brittany Lincicome, who started her round in good conditions early in the morning, set the early pace with 67. Among a group at 68 were Angela Stanford, Amy Yang, Caroline Masson and Sofie Gustafson.

Twice a winner on the LPGA Tour in her first two seasons after turning professional in 2005, Lee is making her second visit to Scotland, having played in the British Open at St. Andrews in 2007.

Lincicome made her charge starting at the 12th, where she made a 15-foot birdie putt. She hit a 7-iron to 7 feet at the 13th and holed the putt. Lincicome hit a huge drive on the 14th — "must have been 300 yards," she said — and then a 6-iron to 10 feet and holed that for eagle. She also birdied the long 17th.

"I played really well," she said. "I didn't take advantage of some chances on the front nine but then really got going from the 12th. This is a great golf course and it seems to suit my game really well so I'm looking forward to the next three days."

Paula Creamer had two eagles and finished with 69, along with seven others. Morgan Pressel and three-time winner Karrie Webb shot 70s, one better than defending champion Yani Tseng.

PGA: Trevor Immelman's best round of the year reinforced the former Masters champion's belief that he can regain his top form less than two years after wrist surgery.

The South African shot 6-under 64 to take the first-round lead by a stroke over five others at the Greenbrier Classic in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

"I hope I'm close," he said. "You never know with this game. It's been a frustrating couple of years not being able to swing the way I want to swing and practice the way I want to practice."

Shooting 65s were Gary Woodland, Billy Mayfair, Derek Lamely, Webb Simpson and Steven Bowditch.

Immelman, who failed to advance to weekend play in the 2010 tournament, carded seven birdies and bogey. Although erratic off the tee, his iron play was solid. He missed one green in regulation and five of his birdies came from less than 11 feet.

Champions: Olin Browne has circled the globe playing professional golf the past 27 years. He knows it takes a lot more than 18 holes and a lucky shot to win a major championship.

"Are you ready to give me the trophy today?" he asked an observer who wondered why he was so nonchalant about leading the U.S. Senior Open by two shots. "That's why."

Browne eagled two holes in a five-hole span coming down the stretch and finished 7-under 64 at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio.

Two strokes back were Mark O'Meara and Michael Allen, who each shot bogey-free 66s.


Giants 4, Phillies 1

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Giants 4, Phillies 1

PHILADELPHIA — Tim Lincecum threw six scoreless innings and Pablo Sandoval homered for the Giants. Lincecum showed no effects from the stomach illness that pushed his start back two days, as he allowed just three hits. The Phillies had gone a club-record 45 games without dropping two in a row.

Irabu's death may be suicide

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Former Yankees RHP Hideki Irabu was found "dead by an apparent suicide" in the wealthy suburb of Rancho Palos Verdes, county sheriff's Sgt. Michael Arriaga said.

Irabu, 42, was found Wednesday in his home, and Los Angeles County coroner's official Ed Winter said Thursday that his office was not releasing any circumstances of the death other than it was being investigated as a suicide. An autopsy will be performed today or Saturday.

Neighbors described Irabu as a quiet man who had apparently grown despondent because of a split with his wife, who took his two daughters.

Irabu was billed as the Japanese version of Nolan Ryan when he arrived in the United States in 1997. But after an impressive debut with the Yankees that summer, he was a disappointment to the Yankees and himself during three seasons in the Bronx. Instead, he was forever tagged with a label from late Yankees owner George Steinbrenner, who called him a "fat … toad" after Irabu failed to cover first base during an exhibition game.

He finished 34-35 with a 5.15 ERA in three seasons with the Yankees, two years in Montreal and a final season in the Texas bullpen in 2002.

Still, Irabu left a lasting legacy. Several big stars, from Ichiro Suzuki to Hideki Matsui, followed Hideo Nomo and Irabu from Japan to the United States.

"He was one of the pioneers," said former major-league manager Bobby Valentine, now an ESPN broadcaster, who managed Irabu in Japan in 1995. "There was a lot riding on his shoulders."

In August 2008, Irabu was arrested in Japan for allegedly assaulting a bartender after drinking 20 mugs of beer. In May 2010, he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in the Los Angeles suburb of Gardena.

Indians nab OF Fukudome

CLEVELAND — Spurned by Carlos Beltran, the Indians traded for Kosuke Fukudome and hope to keep upgrading their sagging offense.

Cleveland acquired the outfielder from the Cubs for two prospects one day after making an offer to the Mets for Beltran, who exercised his no-trade clause and was instead dealt to the Giants.

Fukudome, 34, is hitting .279 with three homers and 13 RBIs in 87 games this season. He waived his no-trade clause to allow the deal to go through.

Triple A RHP Carlton Smith and Class A OF Abner Abreu were shipped to the Cubs. OF Travis Buck was designated for assignment to clear roster room in Cleveland, and the Indians also received cash. Fukudome is being paid $13.5 million in 2011.

Beltran starts for Giants: Carlos Beltran joined the Giants officially after the defending World Series champions completed a trade to acquire the All-Star outfielder and cash from the Mets for pitching prospect Zack Wheeler. Batting third, Beltran was 0-for-4 with two strikeouts in a 4-1 win over the Phillies. He made a sliding catch to rob Jimmy Rollins of a hit in the fifth inning, but his streak of reaching base safely ended at 32 games.

Braves: To bolstered its bullpen after consecutive extra-inning victories, the team recalled RHP Anthony Varvaro from Triple-A Gwinnett.

Brewers: 2B Rickie Weeks was put on the 15-day DL and could be out 2-6 weeks after spraining his left ankle.

Cardinals: RHP Edwin Jackson, the former Ray acquired from Toronto in an eight-player trade Wednesday, will start for St. Louis today against the Cubs, replacing Kyle McClellan.

Nationals: RHP Chien-Ming Wang will start tonight against the Mets, his first major-league start since July 4, 2009. He has been recovering from shoulder surgery in 2009.

Rangers: OF Craig Gentry was put on MLB's new seven-day concussion DL. His helmet came off as he slid headfirst Sunday and his neck twisted when he made contact with Blue Jays 2B Aaron Hill's leg.

Yankees: SS Derek Jeter allowed cameras to follow him during his pursuit of 3,000 hits partly because "if and when" he has children, he'd like them to be able to see him as a player. In the documentary, Derek Jeter 3K, which premiered Thursday on HBO, Jeter says he's jealous of teammates whose kids get to watch their dads while they're still playing.

Rangers 4, Twins 1

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Rangers 4, Twins 1

ARLINGTON, Texas — Matt Harrison worked into the eighth to cap his unbeaten July for AL West-leading Texas and won a pitcher's duel against Scott Baker. Harrison allowed one run over 7 1/3 innings with two strikeouts and a walk. The left-hander won all three of his decisions in his five starts this month. Michael Young and Chris Davis had RBI singles that put Texas ahead to stay. Baker struck out four while allowing two runs over seven innings

Pirates 5, Braves 2

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Pirates 5, Braves 2

ATLANTA — Andrew McCutchen had three hits, including a go-ahead double in the fifth and a two-run homer in the ninth, as the Pirates split the four-game series. McCutchen had been 1-for-11 in the series. After comparing his recent swings with old video, he had a first-inning single before breaking a 1-all tie in the fifth off Derek Lowe. McCutchen hit his 15th homer of the year off George Sherrill.

Youth teams earn wins

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Thursday, July 28, 2011

Neighborhood

Youth league baseball tournaments are in full swing, with district tournaments in the rearview and sectional and regional tournaments down the road. A pair of area Little League teams won district championships but came in second place in sectional play.

The Clearwater Little League 10-11-year-old All-Star team won the District 12 tournament and advanced to the Section 7 tournament. Clearwater lost in the section final to Citrus Park 15-14. The district championship snapped a 24-year drought for Clearwater LL 12-under teams in district all-star tournaments. Players are Noah Ackerman, Gabriel Adams Jr., Avery Cordner-James, Hanna Derringer, Stuart Ford, Drew Hansen, Christopher Julian, Devin Ortega, Tanner Richardson, Timmy Rodriguez, Danny Slattery, Blake Wrenn. Coaches are Sean Cordner-James, Dave Richardson, Mark Wrenn and Gabriel Adams Sr.

The Seminole Little League Junior All-Stars won the District 5 championship and came in second at the Section 7 tournament. The team defeated Crystal River and Largo at sectionals, but lost to Palmaceia/Bayshore in the final. Team members are Nate Tomilonus, Dylan Hartog, Luke Biblehauser, Tanner Suarez, Anthony DeRosa, Matt Tharp, Chase Michael, Brandon Farling, Douglas Borgh, Chris Cuellar, Austin Lamoureux, Tanner Rice, Colby Brooks and Kyle Frickmann. Coaches are Mickey Suarez, Mark Michael, Scott DeRosa and Tom Tharp.

Then there is the 13-under Stinger Baseball team from St. Petersburg. It recently finished in second place out of 30 teams at the USSA World Series in Orlando. Team members are Aaron Arnold, Evan Bearnarth, Justin Dahill, J.P Hollandsworth, Tanner Lawrence, Clay Looney, David Rieth, David Sockel, Chase Stevens, Garrett Sullivan and Andy Ly. Coaches are Harold Harris, Steve Lawrence, Rodney Sullivan and Gary Arnold.

Golf

The County Golf Association held two tournaments in the past week. There was an individual tournament July 21 at Mangrove Bay. The regular division gross winner was John Lisenbee, who shot 72. The regular division net winner was Peter Thompson, who shot 64. The senior division gross winner was Greg Farrey, who shot 67. The senior division net winner was Rick Lind, who shot 63. The ladies net winner was Brittany Jones, who shot 71.

The CGA's better ball tournament was held July 25 at the Bayou Club. The regular division gross winners were Steve Bennett and Mark Dinkel, who shot 72. The senior division gross winners were Farrey and Mark Wheaton, who shot 63. The overall net winners were Barry Tosdevine and Gary Shellenberger, who shot 62. The ladies net winners were Judy Barrie and Sheila Dale, who shot 74.

• The West Coast Women's Golf Association held its bimonthly event at Eastlake Woodlands South Course on July 27. There were 43 women in the field. The overall winner was Debbie Mook-Sang, who shot 76 that included a hole-in-one 135-yard fourth hole. The Flight A winner was Kathy Conroy of East Lake Woodlands, who shot 80. The Flight B winner was Lourdes Figuero, who shot 88.

Basketball

The Florida Rams, a 12-under team made up of players throughout the state including seven from Pinellas County, recently participated in the AAU nationals in Hampton, Va. The tournament had 92 teams, and the Rams were quarterfinalists. The team went 2-1 in pool play before advancing in the championship bracket and finishing as quarterfinalists. The local team members are Letrell Randall (Clearwater), Julian Thompson (Dunedin), Paxton Wilson (Clearwater), Eddie Williams III (Largo), Danny Neugebaur (Dunedin), Darius Banks (St. Petersburg) and Pro Wells (St. Petersburg).

Tennis

Daniela Bellini, 11, of Tierra Verde won the North Florida Jr. Designated 12-year-old singles championship in Tallahassee on July 23-25. She also won the 12 doubles with partner Sophia Edwards.

If you have a youth baseball team that recently won a tournament championship, contact Rodney Page at page@sptimes.com.

Astros 5, Cardinals 3

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Times wires
Thursday, July 28, 2011

Astros 5, Cardinals 3

ST. LOUIS — Wandy Rodriguez pitched seven innings and retired the last 13 batters he faced, and Jason Bourgeois hit a tiebreaking double in the fifth for the Astros. Rodriguez allowed just one earned run and five hits. Carlos Lee provided the insurance in the sixth inning with his 10th homer of the season and third in the last seven games.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookie Da'Quan Bowers debuts at full speed

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, July 29, 2011

TAMPA — Bucs rookie defensive end Da'Quan Bowers walked off the field and immediately began to reflect on his travails of the past several months.

After an untimely knee injury, a precipitous fall in the draft and a long wait to disprove many doubts about him, Friday — the first day of training camp — couldn't come soon enough.

"It was long overdue," Bowers said.

And he didn't disappoint, running and cutting and planting and engaging offensive linemen with ease, showing the explosion that made him so coveted before January knee surgery kicked off months of speculation about his medical status in the short and long term.

His performance was a promising sign for the Bucs, who made Bowers the second half of a 1-2 defensive end punch in April's draft. Tampa Bay selected him 51st overall in the second round out of Clemson after choosing Iowa's Adrian Clayborn in the first round. Now the team hopes to make them the cornerstones of its defensive line for years to come.

But until now, it was common to question whether Bowers was in a position to be counted on that heavily given the numerous rumors about the injury to his right knee. Some teams said they took him off their draft boards because of it. League insiders suggested Bowers will be a "one-contract player," predicting the injury would shorten his career.

Bowers, 21, said the concerns were overblown, though he admits the surgery was more involved than he originally believed it would be.

"It was definitely frustrating, hearing one thing and then finding out it was another thing," he said. "You just have to keep faith and try to persevere. I had to fight through it."

Now that he's here, he has a few objectives.

"I'm definitely hungry," said Bowers, who led the nation with 16 sacks in 2010. "Ten defensive ends went before me. Thirty-one teams passed up on me. So I have 31 points to make.

"All the haters, I'd tell them to watch on Sundays."

Bowers spent some of Friday's morning practice with the first team at left defensive end, with third-year veteran Kyle Moore also spending time there.

The lockout prevented rookies from spending the summer immersed in the playbook and working with their coaches. But new defensive line coach Keith Millard expressed confidence that Bowers and other rookies can become acclimated with extra time with coaches in the coming weeks.

"We'll bring him along and get him up to speed and get him on his feet," Millard said.

Another complication brought about by the lockout was the inability of the Bucs to examine Bowers during his rehabilitation. The team drafted him with full knowledge of his medical concerns but wasn't able to consult with him until the lockout ended this week. The training staff was pleasantly surprised by his condition, though Bowers is likely to be limited to a certain amount of work during camp.

"We knew he'd be one of those guys who we didn't really know the plan (for)," coach Raheem Morris said. "We'd have to figure it out in camp. Now, having the ability to develop that plan and go out and do it and execute it and get him ready for the first game, I feel really good about it."

There's already a small measure of gratification for Morris and general manager Mark Dominik after their much-debated draft choice.

"The scrutiny was given by (media)," Morris said. "We were pretty confident when we took (Bowers) with the risk and reward from the first day we drafted him. I am extremely excited to see him get out there."

For the Bucs and Bowers, the wait is over.

"I feel great," he said. "I'm just ready to start the season."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers individual game tickets on sale Aug. 5

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Times staff
Friday, July 29, 2011

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced in a news release that individual game tickets for 2011 home games at Raymond James Stadium will go on sale Friday, August 5th, starting at 10 a.m. Individual game tickets start as low as $35.

Tampa Bay kicks off its 2011 home schedule with a preseason matchup versus New England on Thursday, August 18. Regular season play begins on Sunday, September 11, as the Bucs host the Detroit Lions, and continues with a marquee matchup on Monday Night Football against the Indianapolis Colts on October 3. The home season concludes with the Buccaneers' second primetime game, on the evening of Saturday, December 17, versus the Dallas Cowboys.

To purchase tickets, fans may visit www.buccaneers.com or call (800) 745-3000. Tickets will not be sold at the Buccaneers Ticket Office or Raymond James Stadium.

Former Pasco High football star Dee Reed cautions teens to learn from his mistakes

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By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Friday, July 29, 2011

NEW PORT RICHEY— The man under the lights commands the attention of the 19 teenagers the courts sent here, to the West Pasco Judicial Center.

The shoplifters, the vandals, the drug users and pushers as young as 13 — Dee Reed looks them all in the eye. The former Pasco High football star asks them about the bad decisions they made, the ones that led them to Courtroom 1B on a Tuesday afternoon.

Then Reed tells them about his own.

He tells them what he could have been— an ACC quarterback, a business school graduate, a professional football player.

And he tells them what he became. A drug addict foaming at the mouth. A crack dealer with a gun at his temple. A federal prisoner with a tunnel of mistakes that followed him from middle school to his wedding day.

"I'm gonna tell you why I did it," Reed says, "and why I'm not gonna do it no more."

• • •

Dee Reed was in control.

The three-sport star and Dade City native had just taken Pasco High from 2-8 in 1989 to the 1991 state quarterfinals in football and to a region title in basketball.

"I'm the hero," Reed said. "I was the superstar."

He cemented his legacy under the lights at rival Hernando High. The top-ranked Pirates trailed the No. 7 Leopards 21-0 in what the newspapers called the biggest game in Hernando County history. A news helicopter circled overhead.

On fourth and seven with 40 seconds left, Reed brought Pasco fans to their feet by rolling left and finding Mike Penix for the tying touchdown. The Pirates prevailed 28-21 in overtime to earn the district title, silencing 8,000 Hernando fans.

"It was like something you would have seen TV," Pirates assistant Ricky Giles said.

Recruiters from Georgia Tech, East Carolina and Illinois started pushing harder for the 6-foot-1, 200-pound athlete. Reed signed with Maryland, where he could star as a run-and-shoot quarterback and put a business degree to use in the Washington, D.C. job market.

In 1993, one of the Terps' best athletes held field goals and extra points and lined up against Charlie Ward's national champion Seminoles, but Reed threw only one pass — a 20-yard fake punt against West Virginia.

Reed wanted more.

• • •

Reed smoked his first joint at age 13 and started partying in high school, often to celebrate a Friday night victory after the lights went black.

In college, he drank more, smoked more and listened to the voices who told him he was still a hero. Reed left the Division I-A Terps to start over at I-AA Bethune-Cookman, where he had a solid two-year career at quarterback and running back.

A knee injury during his senior season in 1996 forced him to think about life after football. What would he do when the stadium lights turned off forever?

"That's when you started seeing the tunnel beginning to get darker," Reed said.

He had a way out. The Canadian Football League's Saskatchewan Roughers liked his pro day performance and all but guaranteed him a roster spot.

But Reed said no. He told the team he wanted to finish his degree. He never did.

The tunnel grew darker.

• • •

In 1996, Reed started selling cocaine and crack, according to federal court documents. Three years later, he began taking cocaine from Miami back to Daytona Beach, where others turned it into crack. He went from partying on weekends to partying every night.

Police arrested Reed on suspicion of selling marijuana in 1999 and for possession in 2000.

The tunnel grew darker.

In July 2002, someone called his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Taffini Ellis, after Reed's night of alcohol, Ecstasy, pot and cocaine.

Ellis had never seen him in such poor shape. His mouth foamed as she drove his sedan to the hospital. Nurses thought he was trying to kill himself.

"I was losing him," Ellis said.

When the hospital released Reed a few days later, he pledged himself to Christ. But the tunnel grew darker still.

"Even after that, I tried to hang with the same friends," Reed said, "still tried to do the same things."

In March 2003, he told Ellis that he was in too deep with the pushers and users. Only God could pull him out.

A week later, the doorbell rang at his mom's Dade City home. It was the U.S. Marshals.

• • •

Federal authorities arrested Reed as part of a $15 million drug ring.

He pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine in exchange for 87 months in federal prison. The courts sent him to Estill, S.C., and Pensacola, where inmate No. 40995-018 pulled weeds from an endless field in the summer and shivered in freezing showers in the winter.

Somewhere along the way, he remembers meeting a balding prisoner who recognized Dee Reed, former high school hero.

The man sounded like a disappointed father. He looked Reed in the eye and told him he wasted a shot at a career few athletes ever get.

How could you end up here? he asked.

Reed had never heard anyone talk to him like that before. The tunnel began to lighten.

• • •

After Reed was released from prison in April 2008, the Rev. Jesse McClendon noticed something different in him. McClendon had tried to help plenty of ex-convicts shed old friends and begin a new life. Reed actually followed through.

"He's the first man I was counseling that stuck to it," said McClendon, a bishop at New Life Family Church in Dade City.

Reed reconnected with Ellis and they were married Aug. 30, 2008 — 10 years to the day after they first met at a Bethune-Cookman football game.

"I know who he was," Taffini Reed said, "and I know who he had grown to be."

The former business student landed a job at Wingstop, one of the only places that would hire a felon. Reed saved up enough money to start a car detailing service, Back 2 Life, and hired another ex-convict trying to start over. He became a youth minister.

"I was determined to do what's right," said Reed, 37.

He opened Goody Two Shoes, a Dade City women's boutique. He bought a house on a golf course in Zephyrhills, and his three-year probation ended in April.

But Reed wanted more. Soon after he got out of jail, he began telling his story at courtrooms, prisons and churches across the area. He's a regular speaker in the Juvenile Diversion Program, which works with youths who have already been arrested.

Saturday, he'll host a basketball tournament, Ballin' for Jesus, at Pyracantha Park in Dade City to give youths a way to stay out of trouble for one afternoon.

"I just wish all of them realized just how lucky they are to have someone like him," said Rosalie Johnson, the diversion program's manager at the Pasco County Sixth Judicial Circuit.

Some do. He keeps a folder full of handwritten letters from kids at home:

I don't want to be a cocaine cowboy like my dad, one writes.

I am going to be a hero, not a zero.

You're like a father I never really had.

• • •

The former quarterback looks in control under the lights in Courtroom 1B. With an animated face and booming voice, Reed looks the teenagers in the eye and tells them why their choices — and his — were wrong.

Alcohol damaged his liver. Drugs left one of the top athletes in Pasco County history with a bad heart. The wrong crowd in high school led to five years in jail plus probation that kept him from leaving the state for his honeymoon.

Maybe some of the teens had never heard someone talk like this before.

"If I had a chance to learn what y'all are learning now," Reed tells them, "I'd be worried about this lockout right now."

The session is almost over, and Reed brings the children to their feet. He asks them to make a full turn. Some, he knows, will end up back in this courthouse. Maybe he'll see them the next time he visits jail.

Then he asks them to turn around halfway, away from the judge's stand and toward the way out.

"If you exit that door," Reed says, "will you ever see me again?"

The teens start to fidget. His hour and a half is up.

Before they reach the door, he tells them he loves them, all of them. That's why he's here.

News researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this report. Matt Baker can be reached at (813) 435-7314 or mbaker@sptimes.com.

Georgia Bulldogs lineman Kofi Amichia latest to commit to USF Bulls

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, July 29, 2011

USF continues to pick up momentum in recruiting, as the Bulls picked up a commitment Friday from Kofi Amichia, a 6-foot-4, 263-pound offensive tackle from McEachern High School in the Atlanta suburb of Powder Springs.

"I went down there for a visit last Friday and they really treated me like family, made me feel like I was one of them," said Amichia (a-MEECH-ee-a), who chose the Bulls over Cincinnati, Indiana and Southern Miss.

Amichia is the starting right tackle at McEachern, important because the team has a left-handed quarterback, making him the blind-side tackle, though he said USF is interested in looking at him as a guard in college. His athleticism is a strength -- he has played basketball up until this past year, and he has a 6-foot-10 wingspan with long arms to extend in blocking.

"He's a very athletic kid -- big, tall and long," said McEachern coach Kyle Hockman, who was a graduate assistant at East Carolina in 1990, working directly under current USF offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler. "He's really strong in pass protection, and he's just a real solid individual off the field as well."

Amichia's parents were both born in Ghana in West Africa, and he didn't even realize he has a bond with one of USF's current players -- his name is the middle name of linebacker Sam Barrington, who has visited his father in Ghana in each of the last two springs.

Amichia is rated as a three-star recruit by Scout.com, which ranks him as the No. 80 offensive tackle in the country; Rivals.com has yet to evaluate him in its star system. USF is now more than halfway through its available scholarships -- counting greyshirt Alex Mut, the Bulls now have nine scholarships accounted for for 2012, with only 14 scholarship seniors due to graduate. The Bulls could pick up another commitment next week when Jupiter quarterback Tyler Cameron announces his decision, choosing from USF, LSU, Illinois and Purdue.

New Tampa Bay Buccaneers punter Michael Koenen is a game-changer

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, July 29, 2011

TAMPA - The Bucs know first hand how Falcons free agent P Michael Koenen can change the game by changing field position.

That's why Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris is so happy to have Koenen and his 42-yard career average after the six-year pro agreed to a six-year, $19.5-million contract.

What's not as obvious is that Koenen is probably just as valuable for his ability to kick off. In six NFL seasons, Koenen has had 106 touchbacks, which ranks third in the league from 2005-10. Last season, the Falcons led the league in average opponent starting position after the kickoff (22.2 yard line) and the time opponents began drives inside their own 20-yard line after the kickoff (23).

"He certainly changes field position," Morris said. "He certainly killed us and now he's with the good guys. When I called him I told him that. He brings a specialty to kickoffs, he brings the dynamic of the field position and winning that battle. Controlling the ball, getting the ball back to the quarterback, changing field position. I've been a victim of that enough. We were very fortunate to get him and feel great about it."

PRICE IS RIGHT: Though DT Brian Price has been limited - and has appeared to gain considerable weight - following a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and torn hamstring, Bucs coaches insist he's not that far behind.

Price, a second-round pick in 2010, played just five games last season before being placed on injured reserve with a pelvic injury. Morris believes Price will be able to help the Bucs this season, but acknowledges that to what extent depends on him.

"He's doing really well now, he's coming off the ball, he's clubbing those bags and showing violence," defensive line coach Keith Millard said. "He's just got to fight through his soreness, just like everybody....He's getting close. The thing that really surprised me considering the surgery was how explosive he is off the ball."

GOAL OF THE DAY: Morris' "Race to 10" mantra was very popular last season, with him hoping the team would be the first to 10 wins. The goal this year is a little less catchy, but Morris said the Bucs are capable.

"What we want to do now, which is realistic, is go out and win our division," Morris said. "That would be our goal. Once you win the division, you have a chance to qualify for the playoffs, and once you qualify for the playoffs, anything can happen. As long as I'm the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, we're going to continue the championship search."

MAN IN MIDDLE: Though it would appear the Bucs have moved on from LB Barrett Ruud, the team's leading tackler the past four seasons, Morris wouldn't officially shut the door on the unrestricted free agent returning.

"You never close the door on anything," Morris said. "All those guys are always in negotiations, that's truly a Mark [Dominik] thing. With everything being so close together (free agency and training camp overlapping), it is a little bit different than it has been [in past seasons]. I'm optimistic. I'm a coach, though. Whoever is sitting in those seats (in the classroom) are the guys I'm going to coach."

TALKING TALIB: CB Aqib Talib, who is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Texas and is scheduled to stand trial in March, participated in Friday's practice.

While Talib could face some discipline from the league, Morris didn't appear concerned over any potential uncertainty in the star cornerback's situation.

"I coach the guys in the seats, and right now 25 is a very good football player," Morris said. "All that (legal) stuff is pending. ... It's great to be around him."

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik says he'll spend wisely in free agency

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By Joe Smith and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Friday, July 29, 2011

TAMPA — GM Mark Dominik reiterated his intention to spend wisely in free agency and made an important distinction about the spending required under the new collective bargaining agreement.

Pointing out that the per-team salary cap floor of 89 percent of the cap is not in place this year (it doesn't kick in until 2013), Dominik said Friday that the Bucs will stick to their principles.

"The important thing is to try to keep the continuity (of the team) together," he said. "It's what we all fell in love with back in the '90s with that group of (Bucs). We'd like to do that again. When you see the (expensive) contracts that are going around the National Football League right now, you know you've got to budget accordingly today to make sure you can take care of your team tomorrow. That's what we're doing."

The cap this year is $120.375 million. But it's a soft cap, and the collective bargaining agreement has ways for teams to exceed it. Also, cap figures will be calculated at the end of the season, so teams have all season to spend the money.

Though some fans continue to lament the team's lack of splashy spending in an environment where money is flying, the collective bargaining agreement guidelines won't be a reason for the Bucs to jump in the deep end.

Kickin' it: The Bucs know how Falcons free agent P Michael Koenen can change a game by changing field position.

That's why coach Raheem Morris is so happy to have Koenen and his 42-yard career average after the six-year pro agreed to a six-year, $19.5 million contract.

What's not as obvious is that Koenen, 29, is probably just as valuable for his ability to kick off. In six seasons, Koenen has 106 touchbacks, which ranks third in the league from 2005-10.

"He certainly killed us, and now he's with the good guys. When I called him, I told him that," Morris said. "He brings a specialty to kickoffs, he brings the dynamic of the field position and winning that battle. ."

On the dotted line: G Davin Joseph (seven years, $52.5 million) and T Jeremy Trueblood (two years/no terms available) and LB Quincy Black (five years, $29 million) signed deals Friday that were agreed upon this week. Restricted free agent K Connor Barth, QB Rudy Carpenter, CB Elbert Mack, WR Micheal Spurlock, S Corey Lynch and T James Lee signed their tenders. Rookie RB Allen Bradford, a sixth-round draft pick, remained unsigned, but Dominik expected a deal in time for today's practice.

PRICE IS RIGHT: Though there have been questions about how DT Brian Price would recover from a rare surgery to repair fractures in his pelvis and a torn hamstring, he and the coaches insist he's not far behind the rest of the team.

Price, a second-round draft pick in 2010, played five games last season before being placed on injured reserve with a pelvic injury. Morris says Price will be able to help the team this season but to what extent depends on him.

Price, who participated in Friday's practices, said he was impressed with how he was able to move the other day but knows it's a matter of pain tolerance.

"He's doing really well now," defensive line coach Keith Millard said. "He's coming off the ball. He's clubbing those bags and showing violence. He's just got to fight through his soreness. … He's getting close."

Feeling the heat: WR Mike Williams was carted off the field near the end of the afternoon practice after getting a cramp in his left calf. He was expected to be fine and at today's practice.

miscellany: Morris' mantra last season, the "Race to 10" wins, created headlines. His goal this year is less catchy, but he believes it's "realistic": win the NFC South.

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

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