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John Romano: In 2011, Buccaneer LeGarrette Blount will broaden his appeal and repertoire

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John Romano, Times sports columnist
Saturday, July 30, 2011

TAMPA

The shoulders are wide. The legs are long. The muscles are everywhere.

From a distance, LeGarrette Blount looks imposing. Up close, he can be downright scary.

His first season in the NFL was like a director's cut of a head-swiveling action movie. Linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks in pieces all over the screen.

And for his encore?

In 2011, Blount goes tender.

Okay, maybe tender is an exaggeration. His will still be a game of power moves, and lowered shoulders. He will hit holes, and anyone bold enough to stand in front of them.

But it is Tampa Bay's intention to broaden Blount's appeal. To expand his repertoire. To at least give the impression that they might actually pass the ball when he's in the game.

The plan is not to turn Blount into some slick, change-of-pace back, but to keep defenses from overloading the line of scrimmage whenever he enters the huddle.

It doesn't have to be a 50-50 split between runs and passes. It doesn't even have to be close. The Bucs just need to plant a little seed of doubt when Blount is in the game.

"The whole idea of this camp is to get him to a point where he is not just a first-down back. He's got to become a second-down back and, in some cases, a third-down back," said running backs coach Steve Logan. "We've got to show on film that on third down he can be in the game to either run draws or pass routes, or stay in for pass protection.

"Once we put that on film, that tendency is no longer valid for the defenses."

It's not like this was a huge problem last season. There was zero fear of Blount catching the football out of the backfield last season, and he still managed to top 1,000 yards.

In fact, it had been a dozen years since an NFL running back had gained more than 1,000 yards while catching five passes or fewer.

And to find a back who pulled that off while still averaging better than 5.0 yards a carry, you have to go back to Dolphins legend Larry Csonka in 1972.

In other words, Blount is a unique load. A stop-me-if-you-can running back.

At nearly 250 pounds, he looks like a runaway train when he has enough room to accelerate. And that doesn't even include the moments when he leaps over tacklers.

"I don't know how you can't like the guy's running style. He's fun to watch," said offensive coordinator Greg Olson. "He's such a physical runner with the ball in his hands. The leaps are impressive.

"Even as a coach you're in the middle of the game and it's like "Whoa!' Everyone is on the headsets saying, "Did you see that?"'

The Bucs don't want to change what makes Blount special. They just want to make it easier on him and, in the process, make the offense more diverse.

Of Blount's 206 touches last season, 97.5 were on runs. And 95.5 of those runs were on first or second down.

Think of a pitcher who lives and dies with his fastball. A basketball player whose game is parked on the three-point line. That's Blount.

Most of that is simply a product of his particular style. But some of it had to do with timing. Since Blount didn't arrive until the end of training camp last season, he had little time to learn the offense and so his playbook was kept basic.

What the Bucs are hoping in the next month is that he can become proficient enough in pass protection that they can safely allow Josh Freeman to take an occasional shot downfield when defenses load the box against Blount.

"With a full training camp under my belt I should be able to learn all the pass protections, learn all the blitzes and everything else defenses are going to throw at me," Blount said. "I kept a notebook last season and I studied it in the off-season to stay fresh."

Even if Blount continues to improve on pass protection, the majority of third-down snaps will still go to another running back. Cadillac Williams played that role last season, and coach Raheem Morris is holding out hope that the free agent will return soon.

The key with Blount is expanding the options. Making teams wary of the pass on first down. Giving them different personnel packages on third down. In essence, keeping one of Tampa Bay's top weapons on the field as much as possible.

"The first thing we asked him when he reported in the building was "How are you doing with your protections?" He had a big smile and said "Coach I'm fine. I'm good."' Olson said. "We'll put him in there. With him this year it will be more a matter of want-to and I think he wants to be the guy that plays a lot more.

"He's a prideful kid. He knows he can't just be going in there on running downs. He doesn't want that loaded box every time he's in the backfield."

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


In 2011, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back LeGarrette Blount will broaden his appeal and repertoire

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, July 30, 2011

TAMPA

The shoulders are wide. The legs are long. The muscles are everywhere.

From a distance, LeGarrette Blount looks imposing. Up close, he can be downright scary.

His first season in the NFL was like a director's cut of a head-swiveling action movie. Linebackers, safeties and cornerbacks in pieces all over the screen.

And for his encore?

In 2011, Blount goes tender.

Okay, maybe tender is an exaggeration. His will still be a game of power moves and lowered shoulders. He will hit holes and anyone bold enough to stand in front of them.

But it is Tampa Bay's intention to broaden Blount's appeal. To expand his repertoire. To at least give the impression they might actually pass the ball when he's in the game.

The plan is not to turn Blount into some slick, change-of-pace back, but to keep defenses from overloading the line of scrimmage whenever he enters the huddle.

It doesn't have to be a 50-50 split between runs and passes. It doesn't even have to be close. The Bucs just need to plant a little seed of doubt when Blount is in the game.

"The whole idea of this camp is to get him to a point where he is not just a first-down back," said running backs coach Steve Logan. "He's got to become a second-down back, and in some cases a third-down back. We've got to show on film that on third down he can be in the game to either run draws or pass routes, or stay in for pass protection.

"Once we put that on film, that tendency is no longer valid for the defenses."

It's not like this was a huge problem last season. There was zero fear of Blount catching the football out of the backfield in his rookie year, and he still managed to top 1,000 yards.

It had been a dozen years since an NFL running back had gained more than 1,000 yards while catching five passes or fewer. And to find a back who pulled that off while averaging better than 5.0 yards a carry, you have to go back to Dolphins legend Larry Csonka in 1972.

In other words, Blount is a unique load. A stop-me-if-you-can running back.

At nearly 250 pounds, he looks like a runaway train when he has enough room to accelerate. And that doesn't include the moments when he leaps over tacklers.

"I don't know how you can't like the guy's running style," said offensive coordinator Greg Olson. "He's fun to watch. He's such a physical runner with the ball in his hands. The leaps are impressive.

"Even as a coach, you're in the middle of the game and it's like 'Whoa!' Everyone is on the headsets saying, 'Did you see that?' "

The Bucs don't want to change what makes Blount special. They just want to make it easier on him, and in the process, make the offense more diverse.

Of Blount's 206 touches last season, 97.5 were on runs. And 95.5 of those runs were on first or second down.

Think of a pitcher who lives and dies with his fastball. A basket­ball player whose game is parked on the 3-point line. That's Blount.

Most of that is a product of his particular style. But some of it had to do with timing. Because Blount didn't arrive until the end of training camp, he had little time to learn the offense, so his playbook was kept basic.

What the Bucs are hoping in the next month is that he can become proficient enough in pass protection that they can safely allow Josh Freeman to take an occasional shot downfield when defenses load the box against Blount.

"With a full training camp under my belt, I should be able to learn all the pass protections, learn all the blitzes and everything else defenses are going to throw at me," Blount said. "I kept a notebook last season, and I studied it in the offseason to stay fresh."

Even if Blount continues to improve on pass protection, the majority of third-down snaps will still go to another running back. Cadillac Williams played that role last season, and coach Raheem Morris is holding out hope the free agent will return soon.

The key with Blount is expanding the options. Making teams wary of the pass on first down. Giving them different personnel packages on third down. In essence, keeping one of Tampa Bay's top weapons on the field as much as possible.

"The first thing we asked him when he reported in the building was 'How are you doing with your protections?' " Olson said. "He had a big smile and said 'Coach, I'm fine. I'm good.' We'll put him in there. With him this year, it will be more a matter of want-to, and I think he wants to be the guy that plays a lot more.

"He's a prideful kid. He knows he can't just be going in there on running downs. He doesn't want that loaded box every time he's in the backfield."

Tampa Bay Rays remain quiet in the trade market

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 30, 2011

SEATTLE — If the Rays are going to make a major trade by today's 4 p.m. deadline for nonwaiver deals, it's likely to be something that either gets brought up or revisited in the final hours.

Nothing was close as of Saturday evening, and there didn't appear to be any significant conversations on any of their prime players, though that could change as teams shift focus and seek alternatives with the deadline approaching.

CF B.J. Upton remains a possibility for teams such as the Braves seeking a frontline outfielder as well as the Nationals, and the Rays have pitching to offer, though it would come at a high cost. Veterans on one-year deals such as DH Johnny Damon and 1B Casey Kotchman might generate interest.

"We are active on a number of different fronts," executive VP Andrew Friedman said from St. Petersburg. "My guess is that our talks will go down to the deadline. Most everyone on our roster are guys we control beyond this season which obviously factors into the process."

Manager Joe Maddon said he hadn't heard from Friedman at all Saturday, thus didn't anticipate any deals. "No texts, no e-mails, no conversations, no nada," Maddon said. "There's no change. I've not heard anything."

As a result, Maddon said he expected to have the same roster after the deadline as he did on Saturday: "I really do."

ALEX'S L: Rookie RHP Alex Cobb was the first AL pitcher to go through his first seven starts (and no relief appearances) without a loss since Minnesota's Kevin Slowey in 2007. But eight was too much, as he lost despite a quality start (61/3 innings, 3 runs, 6 hits, 9 strikeouts): "I figured it would happen at some point."

Two batters after leadoff man Ichiro Suzuki's grounder went off his glove, Cobb ended another streak, allowing his first homer (to Dustin Ackley) since the second inning of his major-league debut, a span of 40 innings.

LONGO DROPPED: Maddon dropped 3B Evan Longoria to fifth in the order, the first time he has been that low since one 2009 appearance, in an attempt to boost his offense. In 27 games since his big weekend in Houston June 24-26, Longoria has hit .192 (19-for-97) and after Saturday's 0-for-2 is down to .231.

"He's been doing better accepting his walks overall (an MLB-high 17 since the All-Star break), though the month has not been a kind month, the last 30 days," Maddon said. "So just to give him a little different outlook on life."

REHAB REPORT: RHP Juan Cruz, out since July 18 with a groin strain, worked one inning for Class A Charlotte on Saturday, allowing two hits, striking out two and throwing 21 pitches. He is expected to rejoin the bullpen when eligible on Tuesday.

STANDING TALL: RHP Jeff Niemann doesn't have a really good explanation for why he has pitched so well since his late-June return from the disabled list, his solid 62/3-inning, career-high 11-strikeout outing in Friday's 8-0 win the latest example.

The lower-back strain that idled Niemann for six weeks hadn't been an issue before surfacing in his May 4 game, so it wasn't a reason for his 1-4, 5.74 start to the season. Nor does its healing explain his 4-0, 1.88 mark since returning, the product of better command of his fastball and break on his curve.

"Honestly, the first day I started throwing after that, it was like, 'Wow, something felt better.' Just playing catch with (Wade) Davis, I was like, 'The slider's actually sliding, the curveball was tighter,' " Niemann said. "Maybe it was just a well-needed reset time for me — get your body right, get your mind right."

MISCELLANY: 2B/RF Ben Zobrist extended his hitting streak to 10 games. … RHP Jeremy Hellickson plans to make more use today of his curveball as he gets more comfortable with his new grip.

Tampa Bay Rays news and notes: Listing the Rays' July 31 trades; Joe Maddon impressed by opposing pitcher's height

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 30, 2011

Rays at Mariners

When/where: 4:10 today; Safeco Field, Seattle

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

Starting pitchers

Rays:

RH Jeremy Hellickson (9-7, 3.27)

Mariners:

LH Jason Vargas (6-9, 4.09)

Watch for …

10-spot: Hellickson got a no-decision in his last start Monday in Oakland, leaving with a lead the bullpen blew, but threw 106 pitches in five innings. He beat the Mariners in Seattle on June 4.

Leaning left: Vargas, who pitched at Long Beach State, has lost his last four, with a 6.86 ERA along the way. He is 1-2, 3.25 in five appearances vs. the Rays, including a complete-game four-hitter June 3.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Vargas

Johnny Damon 1-for-7

Evan Longoria 2-for-9, HR

Ben Zobrist 5-for-14

Mariners vs. Hellickson

Chone Figgins 0-for-2

Justin Smoak 1-for-3

Ichiro Suzuki 0-for-3

On deck

Monday: Off

Tuesday: Blue Jays, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays —David Price (9-9, 3.76); Jays — Ricky Romero (8-9, 3.08)

Wednesday: Blue Jays, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (9-9, 3.76); Jays — Carlos Villanueva (6-2, 3.60)

Thursday: Blue Jays, 12:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (8-7, 4.62); Jays — Brett Cecil (4-4, 4.34)

Friday: A's, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (5-4, 3.51); A's — TBA

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

July 31 trades in Rays history

2000: Acquired INF Brent Abernathy from Blue Jays for RHP Steve Trachsel, LHP Mark Guthrie

2003: Traded RHP Al Levine to Royals for cash

2006: Traded SS Julio Lugo to Dodgers for INF Joel Guzman, OF Sergio Pedroza

2010: Acquired RHP Chad Qualls from D'backs for RHP Matt Gorgen

Quote of the day

"He's pretty large. I thought one of the Sonics was pitching tonight; it might have been Spencer (Haywood) out there."

Manager Joe Maddon on facing Mariners rookie RHP Michael Pineda, who is, at least, 6 feet 6

Stat of the day

11-5

Rays record in 1-run games at home.

4-9

Rays record in 1-run games on the road.

Tampa Bay Bucs prefer ensuring they can keep their nucleus to spending big money on free agents

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 30, 2011

TAMPA — Tampa Bay fans who learned their team was $59 million under the salary cap fantasized about how the Bucs would monopolize free agency.

So why hasn't general manager Mark Dominik, who owns the deeds to Boardwalk and Park Place, started building hotels?

For starters, that's not the Bucs' philosophy. Since taking over, Dominik and coach Raheem Morris have turned one of the oldest rosters into the youngest and vowed to build through the draft. Re-signing their own free agents — such as guard Davin Joseph, linebacker Quincy Black and tackle Jeremy Trueblood — was the priority, much to the astonishment of fantasy football fans who saw Raiders free agent cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha in red and pewter.

"An easy thing for all fans to understand is that, by the collective bargaining … there is a spending minimum that the entire league has to do over the next couple of years," Dominik said. "Obviously, we're part of that. We're sticking with our plan of how we want to put this thing together and be a long-term contender.

"The important thing for me, the important thing for Coach Morris and, really, for ownership, is to try to keep the continuity together. It's what we all fell in love with back in the '90s, that group of guys. We'd like to do that again. When you see the 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."

Part of the spending expectations for the Bucs was created by a realization that under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams had to spend 99 percent of the $120 million salary cap in 2011 and 2012. But that only applies on a leaguewide basis.

The "minimum team cash spend" on salaries and signing bonus of 89 percent of the cap applies on a four-year basis from 2013 through 2016, and from 2017 through 2020.

So when the Bucs sign Joseph to a seven-year, $52.5 million deal, only a pro-rated portion of that goes toward this year's salary cap. But the entire value of the contract counts against the league's spending requirement of $3.8 billion.

More important, Dominik wants to be in a position to lock up core players when their contracts expire in the next few years.

The Bucs aren't done spending on free agents. They may even have enough left for a high-mileage Cadillac. But the free agent shopping spree was never in the plans, or the budget.

THREE TO WATCH: Training camp is only a few days old, but here are three of the more unheralded Bucs rookies who could impress:

RB Mossis Madu: The undrafted free agent from Oklahoma was described by fellow Sooner Gerald McCoy as a "scat back." At 6-foot, 197 pounds, Madu is deceptively quick, has great feet and catches the ball cleanly.

TE Daniel Hardy: With the hip injury to fourth-round pick Luke Stocker, Hardy has a great opportunity to get more reps. A seventh-round pick from Idaho, Hardy has the size (6-foot-4) and hands, but he has to continue to impress as a blocker.

S Ahmad Black: Okay, Gators fans know Black is a ball hawk. The Bucs aren't overly deep at safety and the fifth-round pick will get a chance to make his mark. Nobody was expecting Cody Grimm to burst onto the scene a year ago.

Indians trade for Rockies ace Jimenez

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Times wires
Saturday, July 30, 2011

Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez has been traded to the Indians, the right-hander said after pitching one inning in his start Saturday night against the Padres then being pulled from the game.

The Indians reportedly would send two top prospects, LHP Drew Pomeranz and RHP Alex White, plus minor-league 1B Matt McBride to the Rockies.

Jimenez was replaced by Esmil Rogers after allowing four runs in the first for Colorado.

The hard-throwing Jimenez, 27, is having a disappointing season for the Rockies, who were expected to contend in the NL West but went into Saturday 50-56. Coming off a season in which he went 19-8 with a 2.88 ERA, Jimenez has faded to 6-9, 4.46, and was sidelined for more than two weeks in April with a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb.

For his career, Jimenez is 56-45 with a 3.62 ERA. He has a team-friendly contract that earns him $2.8 million this season and $4.2 million in 2012, with a $5.75 million club option for 2013.

He'll join a team that gave up a pair of highly regarded prospects to try to solidify its surprising push in the AL Central.

White, 22, was rated the Indians' second-best prospect and Pomeranz, 22, their fourth-best before the season by Baseball America. Pomeranz is 3-3 with a 1.98 ERA in 91 innings this season between Class A and Double A. White has been on the major-league disabled list since late May with a strained ligament in his finger.

STARTER TO TIGERS: Detroit acquired RH starter Doug Fister and RH reliever David Pauley from the Mariners for OF Casper Wells, LHP Charlie Furbush, 3B prospect Francisco Martinez and a player to be named. Fister is 3-13 but has a 3.33 ERA in 21 starts for Seattle.

RANGERS GET PEN HELP: Texas acquired RH reliever Koji Uehara from the Orioles for 1B Chris Davis and RHP Tommy Hunter. Uehara, who has a 1.72 ERA in 47 innings, joins a team with the fourth-worst bullpen ERA (4.42) in the AL.

D'BACKS BOOST STAFF: The Diamondbacks, a surprise contender in the NL West, agreed to a trade with the Nationals to acquire RHP Jason Marquis for SS prospect Zach Walters. Marquis is 8-5 with a 3.95 ERA in 20 starts.

BREWERS ADD DEPTH: Milwaukee acquired utilityman Jerry Hairston from Washington for OF prospect Erik Komatsu to shore up its depth after injuries to two regulars. 2B Rickie Weeks will miss up to six weeks with a sprained left ankle, and OF Carlos Gomez broke his collarbone a week and a half ago.

PIRATES ADD POP: The Orioles and Pirates agreed to a deal to send 1B Derrek Lee to Pittsburgh, pending a review of his medical records, the Baltimore Sun reported.

FURCAL TO CARDS? The Cardinals and Dodgers have agreed to a trade to send SS Rafael Furcal to St. Louis, NBCSports.com reported.

BOSOX busY: The Red Sox acquired RHP Rich Harden from the Athletics for minor-league 1B Lars Anderson. They also acquired INF Mike Aviles from Kansas City for INF Yamaico Navarro and RHP Kendal Volz.

ASTROS: The contract of OF J.D. Martinez was purchased from Double-A Corpus Christi to take the roster spot vacated when RF Hunter Pence was traded to the Phillies.

ORIOLES: RHP Brad Bergesen was placed on the paternity leave list, opening a roster spot for RHP Chris Tillman, who was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

PHILLIES: RF Domonic Brown, a former Pasco High standout, and RHP Andrew Carpenter were sent to Triple-A Lehigh Valley to clear space for newly acquired RF Hunter Pence and 3B Placido Polanco, who was activated from the disabled list.

RANGERS: RF Nelson Cruz likely will be limited to pinch-hitting duties this weekend after leaving Friday's game with tightness in his left quadriceps.

Earnhardt seeks spark that Busch has found

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

With today's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway beginning the stretch run before September's playoff Chase for the Championship, the fortunes of two drivers connected by one blockbuster moment in NASCAR's history have become a focal point of the season.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the sport's most popular driver, is in the midst of a slump that has threatened his hopes of making the Chase. Kyle Busch, arguably NASCAR's most riveting driver, has been alternately dominating and dumbfounding this year, but he is establishing himself as the top challenger to the five-time defending Sprint Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson.

Can Earnhardt finally be the contender his devoted fans have been waiting for ever since he joined the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports in 2007? Is this the year Busch emerges as the next great champion, a destiny some predicted for him years ago even before he was unceremoniously dumped by team owner Rick Hendrick to make room for Earnhardt?

Earnhardt's race team underwent a major transformation after last season, when he finished 21st in the standings and out of the playoff field for the third time in four years. A new crew chief, shop and fleet of race cars awaited him this year, and Earnhardt thrived in the environment. He was as high as third in the standings and came close to posting his first victory since 2008, placing second at Martinsville, Va., and Kansas and running out of gas while leading on the final lap of the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, N.C., in May.

A berth in the 12-car field for the Chase was seemingly assured just a few weeks ago. But a five-race stumble has dropped Earnhardt to ninth in the standings.

The frustration has bubbled over at times; Earnhardt has complained about the setups and even snapped about teammates after races. But he played down those emotions this week.

"What are you going to do?" Earnhardt said when asked if he was angry about the drop in the standings. "I'm not going to make myself miserable worrying about it. I'm just going to try to put the hammer down when I get to that part of the day and see what happens."

Perhaps the response is evidence of the calming influence of crew chief Steve Letarte.

"I'm probably the only one in the country, I'm not that worried about Dale Jr.," Letarte said.

Busch is fifth in the Chase and has three victories to tie with Kevin Harvick for the best in the Cup series. Asked about the points system punishing drivers for poor finishes, Busch made clear he was looking ahead to how the system could affect him in the playoff.

"A bad day used to not knock you back as far as what it does now," Busch said. "Through the Chase, it's going to be important to not have a bad day."

Busch has been in the headlines seemingly every week. When he was not winning, Busch was deliberately wrecking Harvick's car on pit road after a race. Or he was being punched by Harvick's team owner, Richard Childress, over another incident.

All of which raised the issue of Busch's maturity. But he may be answering that question.

"He handled it well, he didn't say too much. He moved on," said Joe Gibbs Racing president J.D. Gibbs.

Ragan takes pole: David Ragan, who got his first Sprint Cup win earlier this month at Daytona, added the pole for the Brickyard 400 to his resume. He turned a lap of 182.994 mph in his Roush Fenway Racing Ford to bump three-time race winner Johnson from the pole. "It will be cool to lead the pack," Ragan said. "… Any type of accomplishment you get here is cool." Kasey Kahne then ran 182.927 mph to nudge Johnson to third.

Tampa Bay Bucs: Coach Raheem Morris pleased with first two days of camp; Bucs host Children's Dream Fund beneficiary; rookie-on-rookie scouting report

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, July 30, 2011

Quote of the day

"I know who's buying dinner, at least I'll say that."

C Jeff Faine, on G Davin Joseph signing a seven-year, $52.5 million deal

Scouting report of the day

With sixth-round draft pick Allen Bradford, a running back from USC, signing and going through his first practice, rookie LB Mason Foster, a star at Washington who played against Bradford in the Pac-10 and trained with him in Los Angeles in the offseason, gave a scouting report: "He's a monster (5 feet 11, 235 pounds). He's tough."

First impressions

Throughout the first two days of training camp, the Bucs seemed to look sharp in their drills, especially QB Josh Freeman and the receivers working together. "(Freeman) really is sharp right now," coach Raheem Morris said. "He's working on his craft, that's the most important thing." Considering the players' limited offseason work due to the lockout, Morris has been pleased: "They definitely got better from practice to practice, and as a coach, that's all you can ask."

Public practice

When: Today, 5:15-7:15

Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Admission: Free

Et cetera: All practices are weather permitting and subject to change. Go to buccaneers.com for updates.

Practice and games schedule

Public practices

Monday: 5:15-7:15

Wednesday: 2:30-4:35

Friday: 2:30-4:35

Saturday: 7-9 (Raymond James Stadium)

Aug. 9: 2:30-4:35

Aug. 14: 2:30-4:35

Preseason

Aug. 12: at Kansas City, 8, Ch. 13

Aug. 18: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10*

Aug. 27: Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10*

Sept. 1: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10

Regular season

Sept. 11: Lions, 1, Ch. 13*

Sept. 18: at Vikings, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 25: Falcons, 4:15, Ch. 13*

Oct. 3: Colts, 8:30, ESPN*, Ch. 28*

Oct. 9: at 49ers, 4, Ch. 13

Oct. 16: Saints, 4:15, Ch. 13*

Oct. 23: Bears (London), 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 6: at Saints, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 13: Texans, 1, Ch. 10*

Nov. 20: at Packers, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 27: at Titans, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 4: Panthers, 1, Ch. 13*

Dec. 11: at Jaguars, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 17: Cowboys, 8:20, NFLN*, TBD*

Dec. 24: at Panthers, 1, Ch. 13

Jan. 1: at Falcons, 1, Ch. 13

* Broadcast subject to NFL blackout rules

Guest of the day

Malcolm Williams, 12, knew the Bucs were going to grant his wish through the Children's Dream Fund: airline tickets for him and his family to go to Hawaii next week. But Williams, who had stroke in February after hitting his head in a skateboarding accident, had no idea the gift would be delivered Saturday by coach Raheem Morris, with CB Aqib Talib putting a lei around his neck.

"I was surprised," Williams said, smiling. "But I was mainly excited."

Williams' big day was far from over. Morris invited him onto the field at the end of practice to break down the huddle.

"It's always good to be around that type of giving," Morris said. "That's what the NFL is all about."

Mark Williams said his son was "selfless" in picking a trip his whole family, including brother Mark Jr., 15, and sister Moriah, 11, can enjoy. Malcolm hasn't been able to skateboard since the accident; he has been going to physical therapy five days a week. But in Hawaii, starting Thursday, he'll be able to go snorkeling and parasailing.

"He kept fighting and continues to fight," Mark Williams said. "It's such a blessing."

Joe Smith, Times staff writer


Rangers 3, Blue Jays 0

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Times wires
Saturday, July 30, 2011

Rangers 3, Blue Jays 0

TORONTO — Derek Holland pitched a four-hitter to win his fourth straight decision, and Mitch Moreland and Mike Napoli homered for Texas. Holland reached double digits in wins for the first time and improved to 4-0 with a 1.64 ERA since losing to the Marlins on July 2. The left-hander has pitched three shutouts in that span, blanking the A's on July 7 then the Mariners on July 14. Holland leads the AL with four shutouts and is tied with the Phillies' Cliff Lee for the big-league lead.

Brewers 6, Astros 2

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Times wires
Saturday, July 30, 2011

Brewers 6, Astros 2

MILWAUKEE — Yovani Gallardo pitched seven effective innings and Prince Fielder hit a 475-foot home run to lead Milwaukee to its fifth straight win. Corey Hart hit a leadoff homer in the first for the NL Central-leading Brewers, who stayed 11/2 games ahead of the Cardinals. Fielder's drive in the seventh was the second-longest in Miller Park's 10-year history. Gallardo won his sixth straight over the Astros.

Braves 5, Marlins 1

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Braves 5, Marlins 1

ATLANTA — Tim Hudson pitched seven strong innings and Dan Uggla hit a three-run homer for Atlanta. Uggla's three-run shot in the second extended his career-best hitting streak to 21 games. The Marlins have lost two straight following a five-game winning streak. Hudson went 4-1 with a 2.80 ERA in six starts in July. Jonny Venters struck out Hanley Ramirez to end a bases-loaded threat in the eighth.

Cardinals 13, Cubs 5

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Cardinals 13, Cubs 5

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols and David Freese homered and Ryan Theriot had three RBIs to help St. Louis overcome a five-run deficit. Pujols hit his 432nd career homer, 40th all time, one day after he reached 2,000 hits. He just missed a second homer when the ball sailed just outside the leftfield foul pole in the seventh inning.

Nationals 3, Mets 0

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Nationals 3, Mets 0

WASHINGTON — Jayson Werth hit a three-run home run and Yunesky Maya, filling in for traded starter Jason Marquis, earned his first career win to lead Washington. Maya pitched 51/3 sharp innings in his fourth start of the season and 10th of his career. He entered the game with an 0-4 career record. The Nationals snapped a six-game losing streak, their longest of the season. The Mets were shut out for the fifth time.

Phillies 7, Pirates 4

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Phillies 7, Pirates 4

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Howard had four hits, including a homer and two doubles, and three RBIs to lead Philadelphia. Hunter Pence had an RBI single in his debut for the Phillies after he was acquired from Houston Friday night for three minor-leaguers. Cliff Lee struck out 11 to reach double digits for the 16th time in his 10-year career, including seven this season.

Indians 5, Royals 2

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Indians 5, Royals 2

CLEVELAND — Matt LaPorta's three-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning gave Cleveland its 12th home win its last at-bat. LaPorta connected on a 1-and-1 pitch off Kansas City closer Joakim Soria, who hit Asdrubal Cabrera in the right foot with a pitch then gave up a one-out double to Carlos Santana to put runners on second and third. Kosuke Fukudome hit a sacrifice fly to tie it.


Reds 7, Giants 2

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Reds 7, Giants 2

CINCINNATI — The Reds scored five in the first inning and won a second straight game for just the second time since sweeping the Dodgers in three games at home June 13-15. Cincinnati won the series opener 4-3 in 13 innings Friday. Mike Leake earned his ninth win and leads the team despite spending 13 days with Triple-A Louisville in May.

Angels 5, Tigers 1

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Angels 5, Tigers 1

DETROIT — Dan Haren pitched a six-hitter for his second complete game against the Tigers in 25 days. In two starts against Detroit, Haren is 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA. Jacob Turner, Detroit's top prospect, was impressive for 51/3 innings in his big-league debut. He did allow five stolen bases, most by a pitcher in his first game since Brian Barber allowed six for the Cardinals on Aug. 12, 1995. Turner went back to the minors after the game.

Keselowski lurks, leaps to victory

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

CLERMONT, Ind. — Brad Keselowski stayed close to the leaders all night and was strong in the two green-white-checkered laps at the end to win the NASCAR Nationwide Series Kroger 200 on Saturday night.

Keselowski led only seven of the 204 laps and took his first lead in Lap 198. He had earned the pole in his previous two races but hadn't won.

It was a good day overall for Keselowski, who earlier qualified fifth for today's Brickyard 400.

James Buescher finished second after finishing second in the trucks race Friday. Polesitter Ricky Stenhouse Jr. led 189 laps before finishing third. He led by nearly four seconds in Lap 175 before the field tightened because of an accident caution.

Stenhouse still moved ahead of Reed Sorenson into the points lead. Sorenson finished ninth.

Elliott Sadler crashed in Lap 198 while battling for the lead, bringing out a caution and setting up the shootout. The wreck allowed Keselowski to move to the front row with Stenhouse, and Keselowski took advantage of his short-run speed to win.

Formula One: Sebastian Vettel reminded his rivals that Red Bull remains the team to beat in the championship after taking the pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest. The F1 leader earned a top time of 1 minute, 19.815 seconds. McLaren's Lewis Hamilton was within two-tenths for second and teammate Jenson Button was third.

NHRA: John Force became the career leader in No. 1 qualifying positions when he raced to the top spot in Funny Car at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Force (4.060 seconds, 311.99 mph) claimed his 139th top qualifying position, breaking a tie with Pro Stock great Warren Johnson. Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Allen Johnson (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) lead their categories for today's eliminations.

Yankees 8, Orioles 3, Game 1

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Yankees 8, Orioles 3

Game 1

NEW YORK — Nick Swisher had three hits, including a two-run homer, and New York backed Bartolo Colon with plenty of production from the bottom of its lineup. Swisher paced an offense missing Derek Jeter, Curtis Granderson and Russell Martin, all rested after Friday night's rain-delayed loss.

Red Sox 10, White Sox 2

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Saturday, July 30, 2011

Red Sox 10, White Sox 2

CHICAGO — Jon Lester pitched eight strong innings and Adrian Gonzalez and Kevin Youkilis homered for the Red Sox, who beat the White Sox for the first time in their past eight meetings. Lester, in his second start since coming off the disabled list (strained latissimus), earned his first win since June 30. He lost the shutout in the seventh when Paul Konerko homered.

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