By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

TAMPA — For all the hype surrounding prized rookie ends Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers, along with touted tackle Gerald McCoy, it's the quiet man in the middle that holds a key for the Bucs defensive line.

Nose tackle Roy Miller's name — and role — is far from flashy, but the way the 6-foot-2, 310-pounder plugs the middle, taking on double teams and helping stuff the run makes him the glue.

"If we didn't have Roy, none of those guys would matter," defensive line coach Keith Millard said. "They wouldn't be able to do the things we brought them to do. ... It all starts with Roy on defense. …

"He's a fire hydrant in a dog show, that's what he is."

Miller, 24, a third-round pick in 2009, has watched the Bucs build their defensive line through the draft, picking up the likes of McCoy (third overall in 2010), Clayborn (No. 20 overall this year) and Bowers (second-round this year). Tampa Bay also selected defensive tackle Brian Price in the second round last year, envisioning he could share some snaps in a rotation with Miller.

But as Price dealt with injuries, it was Miller who started all 16 games last season, with his stats (47 tackles, one sack) not underscoring his importance. Coach Raheem Morris calls Miller, who has played in 31 of 32 games over two years, a "constant, steady run-stopping force."

"People don't realize how good Roy is and how much he does for this team," McCoy said. "It's hard to move him, he's such a strong guy, and he's quicker than people think. … It's not easy to do what he does and he does it very well. There's a reason he's still here."

McCoy and Miller have been friends in college, since McCoy unsuccessfully tried to lure his buddy to play with him at Oklahoma. Miller decided on the University of Texas, but always hoped he'd be able to play with McCoy.

When that dream came true it was Miller who gave up his number (No. 93) to McCoy, who had always worn it, for a "friendly discount." And then he helped show him the ropes.

"He taught me how to be a professional — how to prepare, how I face games, how I attack things," McCoy said.

Millard said what makes Miller unique is his versatility; he's the "pitbull" who is tough and strong enough to hold his own with double teams, but he also can move, getting up field.

"He's got the tough duty," said Millard, a former All-Pro defensive tackle. "There's no better guy to do it than him."

Miller said he wants to improve in several areas, and be more "well-rounded." It's been an adjustment for him, having been used in three different techniques in three seasons. This year, for example, he'll be lined up more square with the opposing offensive linemen as opposed to at an angle last season.

But as Miller learns, he's welcomed more of a leadership role, including with rookies such as Bowers and Clayborn.

"These guys have had excellent college careers — they brought these guys in, high profile guys, "Miller said. "But one thing we try to let them know is you have to work, guys have been wanting to play your spot. … These guys listen, they're ready to work. And when you got all those things with great talent, it's dangerous what you can get if we all work together."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

USF's first Big East meeting with TCU will be in Fort Worth next season, with the Horned Frogs coming to Tampa in 2013.

The Big East smartly chose the simplest option in adding TCU to the schedule, just filling in on the short end of everyone's schedule -- if you had three home games and four road games this year, TCU joined the three as your fourth road game next year, and vice versa. For USF, that means their Big East road games in 2012 will be TCU, West Virginia, Cincinnati and Louisville.

The Bulls won in their last trip to Fort Worth, winning in overtime in 2004 when the two schools were conference rivals in Conference USA. Needless to say it won't be as easy in 2012 -- the Horned Frogs are 36-3 at home since that USF loss seven years ago.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed free agent linebacker Adam Hayward on Monday, it turns out they held off another suitor for the veteran backup linebacker.

The San Diego Chargers were also making a play for Hayward, and that should come as no surprise. The Chargers now employ former Bucs special teams coach Rich Bisaccia, who holds the same post with his new team. Hayward was among Bisaccia's most reliable special-teams assets figured to be a player he would recommend to Chargers management.

"San Diego and Tampa both stepped up," Hayward said, "but Tampa really stepped up to the plate. It's good to be back here running around."

It's unclear where exactly Hayward will take most of his snaps, but coach Raheem Morris said he's capable of playing all three linebacker positions. Morris did say it's unlikely Hayward would be a factor at middle linebacker because that's not one of his strengths.

However, Hayward is adept at both strong-side and weak-side linebacker. Quincy Black appears a lock for the strong side, but perhaps Hayward pushes Geno Hayes on the weak side.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

NEWPORT, R.I. — The two coaches expected to be Skip Holtz's toughest competition for a Big East title are new to the conference, but USF's coach knows Pittsburgh's Todd Graham and West Virginia's Dana Holgorsen quite well.

Holtz's two Conference USA championships at East Carolina came in wins over those two coaches, having edged Graham's Tulsa team 27-24 in 2008, then beating a Houston team with Holgorsen at offensive coordinator in a 38-32 shootout in 2009.

"Skip is a guy I have tremendous respect for," Graham said at the Big East media day on Tuesday. "I didn't like the last time I played him. We lost the conference championship and were actually picked to win that thing."

Graham and Holgorsen are known for their prolific offenses — in the '09 C-USA title game against ECU, Houston quarterback Case Keenum went 56-for-75 passing for 527 yards (and lost), and in 2008, the Cougars piled up 621 yards in knocking off a ranked ECU team in Greenville.

"This conference is in for an eye-opening offensive explosion," Holtz said of his two new colleagues. "We all better get ready, because it's different than what anybody else has done in this league. Having played against them, they're of that mindset that they're going to snap the ball every eight seconds. ... They both do a great job and I'm excited they're in the league."

The two new coaches met last season when Tulsa faced Oklahoma State (where Holgorsen spent one season as offensive coordinator) and the two offenses combined for 1,150 yards in the Cowboys' 65-28 win.

The gaudy numbers Graham and Holgorsen have put up at Tulsa and Houston were also against comparably soft C-USA defenses. Holtz pointed out that USF ranked 17th nationally in total defense last year and 22nd in scoring defense, while ranking fifth in the eight-team Big East in both categories.

"When you get on the inside, you realize how good our defense is (in the Big East)," he said. "I think it's going to be interesting to see the true emphasis of 'Does offense or defense win championships?' "

Speaking of defense, USF defensive coordinator Mark Snyder also knows Graham and Holgorsen well, having been head coach at Marshall when both were in C-USA. His Marshall team jumped out to a 30-3 lead in beating Houston 37-23 in 2008, but also lost 38-31 and 38-35 to Tulsa in 2007-08, allowing more than 500 yards in each game.

"They put up some points. We had some barnburners," Snyder said last month of his games against Tulsa.

The first reunion is Sept. 29, when USF's Big East opener is at Pittsburgh. Holtz and Graham have a history of tight games — that first conference title came on a field goal with 1:43 left after ECU forced seven Tulsa turnovers, and in 2006, a Rice team coached by Graham beat Holtz and ECU, rallying from a 17-9 deficit in the final three minutes and winning on a 40-yard field goal with 3.1 seconds left.

Holtz and Graham are looking forward to meeting again, but count Holgorsen as the least nostalgic of the group, saying his background with the coaches won't change how he prepares for USF or Pittsburgh at all.

"It adds a storyline for you guys," he said. "It doesn't matter how familiar I am with Skip or Todd or any of that. You're going to treat the game the same. At the beginning of the week, you're going to watch a bunch of film to try to figure out what their football team is all about. ... Good storyline, doesn't affect what we do from a coaching angle whatsoever."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

NEWPORT, R.I. — Skip Holtz doesn't put a lot of emphasis on a preseason media poll, but after being picked to finish third in the Big East, he can appreciate that the perception of USF is different than it was entering his first season.

"A year ago, we were sixth coming into the season," Holtz said at the Big East media day. "I think a lot of people probably look at it and say here's a guy like (QB) B.J. Daniels going into his junior year, there's a couple more names that have been there and played some football. ... I think Pittsburgh and West Virginia are both good teams, but it definitely shows a little bit of respect for the program as we're moving forward."

No Big East program made a bigger leap in expectations from last year than the Bulls, who came in behind West Virginia (21 of 24 first-place votes) and Pittsburgh (two). Told that USF had earned a single first-place vote, Holtz paused and asked, "Did I vote?" USF has only been picked higher once in its seven Big East preseason polls — the Bulls were picked second in 2008 — but this year's third-place nod actually had more vote-points than the Bulls had in 2008.

That won't carry much weight with senior CB Quenton Washington, who said the Bulls had confidence in their position in the league before any polls came out.

"We want to be ranked at the end, when December rolls around," he said. "Preseason is preseason. It's a guess, really."

HEADED TO TEXAS: USF's first shot at new Big East rival TCU will come in 2012 in Fort Worth, with the Horned Frogs coming to Raymond James Stadium in 2013. The Bulls won at TCU in 2004 in double overtime when the two teams were rivals in Conference USA, but it won't be easy for USF next season; TCU is 36-3 at home since that 2004 loss.

THIS AND THAT: USF G Jeremiah Warren enjoyed himself at Monday's clambake social, matching what he was told was a Big East record by eating seven lobsters. He stopped there only because the caterers ran out. "I grew up in Panama City, so seafood is something I grew up on," the 327-pound senior said. ... Rutgers' roster including walk-on long-snapper Stephen Belichick, son of Patriots coach Bill. He spent the previous four seasons on Rutgers' lacrosse team. ... Holtz will release USF's fall roster at a news conference Wednesday, and players will report for preseason camp Wednesday night, with the first practice Thursday afternoon. The team leaves Saturday for 12 days of workouts in Vero Beach.

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

What's hot: Spanish mackerel fishing offshore in the gulf, hit and miss throughout the summer, changed dramatically last week with an invasion of the spotted speedsters on all of the near shore artificial reefs such as those 5 to 7 miles offshore. Trolling two lines equipped with No. 1 planers or trolling sinkers 10 feet from a 00 or 0 spoon produced numerous double headers every day we fished for mackerel. The action continued after we switched to a small spoon fished on light spinning tackle fished right on the surface to provide more sport for the anglers.

Tackle: Because of the force of a No. 1 planer minimum tackle must be at least 20-pound test with a rod that has a fast tip with strength in the body. A trolling sinker allows downsizing tackle to 10- to 12-pound class. Live bait anglers can reduce tackle to 6- to 8-pound class. Mackerel are feeding on very small baitfish, which necessitates very small spoons, jigs or small streamer flies.

Tip: These reefs are 2,000 feet long and have barges, military tanks and piles of concrete rubble scattered throughout them. The bait is concentrated on the structure, which attracts the fish.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach and can be reached at Luckytoo2@aol.com, Luckytoocharters.com or (727) 397-8815.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

FOREST HILLS

As the drives kept finding the fairway, the approach shots kept finding the green and the putts kept finding the bottom of the cup, Brad Brunner started to think this could be the day.

Like every time he and childhood friend Matt Cooney tee it up at Babe Zaharias Golf Course, they were out to set the course record on a steamy day last month. Unlike other rounds, the record was actually in sight.

Front nine

(The Babe Course): Birdie, Par, Birdie, Birdie, Birdie, Birdie, Par, Birdie, Par. 6-under, 29.

The course record at the Babe (as locals call it) was 10 under par, 60. It was set in 2009 by former head pro at the course T.J. Heidel. For years before that, the course record was 62, set by PGA pro and Tampa native Woody Austin.

Now the record was in danger, but only if Brunner could keep rolling on the back nine.

"We always start on the Babe side, and I've shot 29 out there before," Brunner said. "But the George is the tough side. I knew that whatever I did on the George was going to be key. You have to do something special on that side."

Back nine

(The George Course): Birdie, Birdie, Eagle, Par, Eagle, Par, Par, Par, Par. 6-under, 29. Overall score: 12-under, 58.

Fifty-eight?! That's hard to do on a video game. It's not like Babe Zaharias Golf Course is Augusta National. But it is a challenging par 70 layout that plays a little over 6,000 yards and has just enough water and sand to make things interesting.

It used to be known as Forest Hills Golf and Country Club back in 1926. In 1949, legendary Olympic athlete Mildred Ella "Babe'' Didrikson bought the course with famed wrestling husband George Zaharias. Hence, the Babe Course and the George Course.

Brunner not only set the course record, he broke it by two shots. His previous best at the Babe was 63.

"I made every putt I looked at, pretty much," Brunner said. "I missed two putts all day. I had about a 10-footer for 57 that missed on 18."

Golf 24/7

Brunner, 23, plays golf every day. After graduating from Chamberlain High School, he spent one year playing golf at the University of North Florida. He didn't see eye to eye with the coach and decided to turn professional.

Last year, Brunner tried to make the PGA Tour through qualifying school. He made it to the second stage but did not earn any status. This year he plays on the eGolf Tour, a mini tour based in North Carolina.

When he's not playing in tournaments, Brunner usually can be found at the two courses near his Carrollwood home, Emerald Greens and the Babe.

"I'm just learning every week," Brunner said. "It's a different game (on tour). Making the cuts are key. I just want to be consistent."

Brunner grew up in a golfing family, with his father, Larry, serving as head professional at Rogers Park and the Babe during his childhood.

"I think they have a picture of me with a club in my hands when I was 14 months old out at Rogers Park,'' Brunner said. "My dad would bring home hundreds of range balls in a brown box, and I would hit them over the fence into a lake when I was about 3.''

Brunner, who is left-handed, starred in junior events and at Chamberlain. Cooney, whom Brunner met while playing at Carrollwood Country Club (now Emerald Greens), pushed him in tournaments.

Cooney played at Gaither High and also aspires to be a professional. He is on the West Florida Golf Tour and, like Brunner, will try to make it through PGA qualifying school this winter.

"We grew up playing together," Cooney said.

Made to be broken

All Cooney could do on July 6 was try to keep up. As Brunner's putts kept falling, that was proving more and more difficult.

"Golf is one of those games where you can get on a roll," said Cooney, who shot a 67. "And the Babe is one of those courses you can go pretty low on. Any time we don't have anything to do we'll go out there and try to break the course record. He got hot early, and I was just trying to stay out of his way."

It didn't take long for Cooney to realize this was not going to be an ordinary round.

"On the third hole we both had short side chips," Cooney said. "He chipped his about 20 feet past and then made the putt. I told him after the round that was probably the shot of the day. I knew he was going to do it then."

The sign outside the clubhouse recognizing the course record holder has been temporarily taken down. It soon will have a new name and the jaw-dropping score of 58.

It will serve as motivation.

"I'm going to shoot 56 and break it by two shots," said Heidel, the previous record holder and current head pro at Rogers Park. "It's out there. One time I shot a 27 on the Babe side, and then it got dark. I'm going to take the record back."

Asked whether the 58 will last a long time, Cooney said, "Not if I have anything to do with it."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

TAMPA — When Cody Grimm showed up at One Buc Place in 2010 as a baby-faced seventh-round pick, it seemed a stretch to even predict he'd make the team.

"Who knew sitting here at this time last year that Cody was going to be playing for us and would be the clear-cut starter," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said of his free safety. "You never know."

But as he began to learn the Bucs' defense during training camp, it slowly became clear Grimm could be a factor. As it turned out, he became more than that, replacing suspended Tanard Jackson in the starting lineup in Week 3 and starting nine games before suffering a broken leg.

Now, at the start of his second camp, Grimm is not merely trying to catch coaches' eyes. He's trying to fine-tune his game and progress to the next level.

"It's a lot different feeling coming in this year," Grimm said. "I feel more comfortable. Instead of learning just the defense, I'm learning different disguises we can use and some other positions I can help out with. I think it's a real chance to improve in the mental aspect of the game."

There has already been evidence of that. Defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake used Grimm as an example to incoming players this week when he cited Grimm's ability to bait offensive players.

His ability to anticipate and communicate with his teammates has also grown considerably. During Monday's practice, Grimm and CB E.J. Biggers made a defensive shift the Bucs call "Viper." Neither player said a word or even made a gesture.

"I just called his name," Grimm said, "looked at him, and we both know what it means."

The same applies between Grimm and SS Sean Jones, Morris said.

"I was just marveling at that in the walkthrough, watching those guys disguise (coverages)," Morris said. "When (Josh) Freeman checks off, they just move to a different look. They have a great feel for the defense … and how we want to attack people."

About the only concern with Grimm is whether he has fully recovered from the broken leg. He said entering camp, he wasn't confident he'd be cleared to fully participate, but he hasn't been slowed much.

It has affected his quickness, but Grimm said, "I think it's getting better every day."

And with five weeks until opening day, Grimm feels he has plenty of time to recover.

RESTING UP: The Bucs had an off day Tuesday and will practice today through Saturday, then break again Sunday. Players likely relished the break after Monday — the team's first day in pads and a full-contact practice.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Having an extra couple of days to stew over his last start — the worst of his All-Star season — hasn't sat well with RHP James Shields.

"I've been itching to get back out there since that day," Shields said. "I'm ready to go."

Shields tied a career worst by allowing 10 runs on 12 hits over four innings in Oakland last Wednesday. Knowing how competitive Shields is, manager Joe Maddon said he's eager to see how he bounces back tonight against the Blue Jays.

"He's been pretty focused since then," Maddon said. "He's been abnormally quiet, so I know he's not pleased."

Shields said he threw a good bullpen session a few days ago and has things ironed out. He has had success against the Jays, including throwing one of his seven complete games, a shutout in Toronto on April 24.

And with the Rays having an uphill climb to make the postseason — entering Tuesday 10 games behind the first-place Red Sox and nine behind the wild-card-leading Yankees — Shields said it's up to him and the rest of the rotation to get them going.

"We definitely need to put some winning streaks together," Shields said. "I think our starting staff needs to set the tone as far as that goes, give us a chance to win every single night, and those streaks will come."

WAITING GAME: When C John Jaso went on the disabled list July 15 with a right oblique strain, he was hoping it'd be close to a minimum two-week stay. But Jaso acknowledged he's still at least a few weeks away from returning, having felt uncomfortable during a live batting practice session last week.

Maddon said Jaso will start hitting again by the end of the week, when they'll re-evaluate.

"It's taken longer than originally expected," Jaso said. "I thought it was a little more minor than it's turning out to be. I'm feeling it less and less, the sharp pains really aren't there anymore, there's just a stretching thing that needs to happen."

Jaso said he rested for three days after his side hurt during the live BP session, but he hit off a tee Tuesday and hopes to try live BP again today. Maddon said it hasn't come to the point where they'd shut Jaso down for the season.

CRUZ CONTROL: Maddon said RHP Juan Cruz (groin strain), activated from the disabled list Tuesday, would return to his regular role in the bullpen, though they'll monitor how many days in a row he works for a while. He entered Tuesday's game with two outs in the seventh and struck out both batters he faced.

"It's good to have him back, too, he was a big part of what we were doing," Maddon said. "We kind of missed his role. (He) definitely makes our bullpen thicker."

With RHP Mike Ekstrom optioned to Triple-A Durham to make room, RHP Brandon Gomes will serve as long reliever. Maddon said they haven't talked about going back to a seven-man bullpen recently, but they could eventually, either going back to a five-man rotation or losing a position player.

MEDICAL MATTERS: C Jose Lobaton (left knee sprain) said he has been hitting and running but has not caught a bullpen yet since going on the DL July 18. He said he could still be a week away from doing that but hopes to return this season.

MISCELLANY: Bullpen coach Bobby Ramos, who missed the recent 10-game road trip due to a throat problem, returned to his role Tuesday. … The Rays signed their eighth-round pick, 1B John Alexander from Glendora High (Calif.), to a $325,000 bonus. They have signed 15 of their top 21 picks. … LHP Matt Moore struck out nine in five shutout innings vs. Charlotte for Triple-A Durham, which was going for its 6,000th win. … Thursday's Joe Maddon's Summer Social is sold out.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Albert Haynesworth would have been happy just to get away from Washington. Leaving the Redskins for a Super Bowl contender has him downright thrilled.

"It's a great chance to be on a great team," Haynesworth said. "It's a chance to restore my name or whatever you want to say. It's a great chance to get back on the field and play football."

Haynesworth spoke to the media Tuesday, in his first public comments since the Patriots picked up the sometimes-troubled defensive tackle in a trade with the Redskins last week.

Disgruntled in Washington, Haynesworth seemed delighted to be in New England and said he hopes to keep his history of troubles on and off the field from resurfacing.

"Albert has worked hard. I think that it's coming," New England coach Bill Belichick said.

BROWNS: Defensive tackle Phil Taylor, the No. 21 overall pick this year out of Baylor, agreed to terms. Also, punter Reggie Hodges tore his Achilles' tendon and is out for the season. Team president Mike Holmgren said he would have surgery.

COLTS: The team signed its first-round pick, left tackle Anthony Castonzo, and free agent linebacker Ernie Sims, Detroit's first-round pick in 2006 out of FSU. Those moves come less than 24 hours after Indianapolis signed another former first-rounder, ex-Falcons defensive lineman Jamaal Anderson.

EAGLES: Running back Ronnie Brown, who spent his first six seasons with the Dolphins, agreed to terms on a $1 million deal, Philly.com reported.

49ERS: Running back Frank Gore practiced for the first time after ending his four-day holdout.

JETS: Linebacker David Harris signed a new four-year deal which, according to AP, is worth $36 million, with $29.6 guaranteed. Harris signed his franchise tender before the NFL lockout began, but agent Brian Mackler said they tore up the tag and worked out a new deal.

RAMS: Former Falcons running back Jerious Norwood signed a one-year deal.

REDSKINS: Cornerback Phillip Buchanon, a former college standout at Miami, will be suspended for the first four games. Neither coach Mike Shanahan nor league spokesman Greg Aiello gave a reason. Also, former Florida quarterback Rex Grossman re-signed on a one-year deal and will compete with John Beck for the starting job.

SAINTS: Defensive end Cameron Jordan, the team's first-round draft choice, agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth around $7.7 million and ended a five-day holdout, agent Doug Hendrickson said. The team also reached agreements with former San Francisco defensive tackle Aubrayo Franklin and tight end David Thomas.

SEAHAWKS: Pro Bowl tight end Zach Miller agreed to a five-year deal, reuniting with former Raiders coach Tom Cable, now Seattle's offensive line coach. AP reported that Miller's deal is worth $34 million with $17 million guaranteed. Defensive end Jimmy Wilkerson, a former Buc, also agreed to terms; his unit coach is former Bucs assistant Todd Wash.

STEELERS: Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders is out at for at least two weeks after surgery on his left foot. He broke his right foot in the Super Bowl in February then had surgery on his left foot in the spring.

TEXANS: All-Pro receiver Andre Johnson will miss "a day or two" of practice after dislocating his left index finger in a morning workout. Also, former Bears punter Brad Maynard signed.

VIKINGS: Offensive lineman Bryant McKinnie was released after nine seasons in Minnesota. The No. 7 overall draft pick out of Miami in 2002 showed up to training camp out of shape after the lockout. The move will save $5.4 million against the salary cap and help get the team below the $120 million limit.

GUY AUCTIONS RINGS: Former punter Ray Guy is auctioning the three Super Bowl rings he won with the Raiders as part of a bankruptcy case. Guy, 61, played in seven Pro Bowls during his 14-year career, spent entirely with the Raiders in Los Angeles and Oakland. The Swainsboro, Ga., native filed for bankruptcy protection in Augusta, Ga., in April 2010, according to court records. Nate D. Sanders Inc., the Los Angeles-based auction house handling the sales, estimates that the rings are worth $75,000 to $90,000, CBSSports.com reported.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Hall of Fame C Gary Carter has received encouraging news about his brain tumors, according to his daughter.

Carter's tumors are "80 percent better," Kimmy Bloemers wrote on the family's website according to ESPNNewYork.com, which was granted access to the private site.

Carter's doctor "is very encouraged and very very pleased with these results (as we ALL are!!)," Bloemers wrote. "There is much less swelling and the tumors are less dense and 'less angry.' The size is a little smaller but the most important fact is that these tumors are starting to GO AWAY!"

Carter, 57, had just completed his second season as coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University when he announced that he had four small tumors on his brain.

WEAVER PUNISHMENT: Angels RHP Jered Weaver was suspended six games and fined an undisclosed amount for throwing a pitch near the head of Tigers C Alex Avila in Sunday's game, and his manager Mike Scioscia was suspended for one game. Weaver will appeal.

ASTROS: MLB owners will vote on Jim Crane's proposed $680 million purchase of the team during their quarterly meetings Aug. 17-18.

A'S: SS Cliff Pennington has been diagnosed with Bell's palsy, which caused him to leave Monday's game with partial facial paralysis that prevented him from closing his left eye. He is on medication and is day to day.

BLUE JAYS: RHP Dustin McGowan could rejoin the team in September after not pitching in the majors since 2008 because of an injured right shoulder.

CARDINALS: RH reliever Mitchell Boggs was diagnosed with a bulging disc in his lower back but plans to try to pitch through it.

DODGERS: Rookie LHP Rubby De La Rosa has a sprained ulnar collateral ligament and will need elbow ligament replacement surgery that will likely keep him out through most of next season.

GIANTS: 2B Freddy Sanchez will have season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder.

MARLINS: SS Hanley Ramirez left the game against the Mets in the sixth inning after injuring his left shoulder while diving for a ball in the outfield. … The team scheduled exhibition games in its new downtown Miami ballpark against the Yankees for April 1-2.

METS: LHP Johan Santana, trying to come back from September shoulder surgery, cut short his rehab and will visit a doctor in New York on Thursday to examine lingering discomfort in his left shoulder.

ORIOLES: RHP Jake Arrieta will have his sore elbow examined next week. … LHP Jo-Jo Reyes was claimed on waivers from the Blue Jays. RHP Justin Duchscherer was released.

PHILLIES: RHP Roy Oswalt, out since June 24 with lower back inflammation, felt good after a second Triple-A rehab start Monday and said he's ready to come off the disabled list.

RANGERS: LH reliever Arthur Rhodes, 41, was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 25-man roster for newly acquired RH reliever Mike Adams.

RED SOX: RHP Clay Buchholz might be able to return this season from a stress fracture in his lower back. Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles confirmed the diagnosis.

ROCKIES: RF Carlos Gonzalez, out since July 22 with a strained right wrist, took batting practice for a second straight day and could begin a brief minor-league rehab assignment this week.

TIGERS: LH reliever David Purcey was designated for assignment.

WHITE SOX: 1B Paul Konerko was out of the lineup for a second straight game because of a bruised left calf.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Nationals 9, Braves 3

WASHINGTON — Rick Ankiel kept up his sudden power surge, hitting a grand slam off Derek Lowe that sent Washington to its fourth straight win. Ankiel's third home run in two games highlighted a five-run burst in the fourth inning against Lowe that put the Nationals ahead 6-3. Ian Desmond hit a two-run homer in the fifth that finished Lowe. The Braves right-hander lost his third straight start.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

USF '12 class adds highly rated Jupiter QB

Tyler Cameron of Jupiter, thought by some to be the top quarterback in the state for 2012, committed to USF on Tuesday, choosing the Bulls over LSU, Purdue and Illinois.

"It's a program on the rise, and I feel like I can do a lot of big things there," said Cameron, 6 feet 3, 215 pounds.

Cameron, who will join the Bulls in January as an early enrollee, is a key addition to a recruiting class already ranked as high as No. 20 nationally by Rivals.com. That site rates him as a four-star recruit, USF's third (joining tight end Sean Price and receiver LaMarlin Wiggins).

Cameron is rated as the No. 6 dual-threat quarterback in the country by Rivals, and he's the state's No. 18 overall prospect according to the Orlando Sentinel. It's the second year in a row the Bulls will have an early-enrollee quarterback. Milton's Matt Floyd joined the team in January.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Marlins 4, Mets 3

NEW YORK — Rookie second baseman Justin Turner committed a crucial throwing error in the ninth inning, allowing Florida to score two runs off former Rays reliever Jason Isringhausen and rally from a 3-2 deficit. Omar Infante hit two solo homers for the Marlins. The Mets have lost four straight.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

ORLANDO — A judge refused the University of Central Florida athletic association's request to overturn a $10 million verdict awarded to the parents of a football player who died during a preseason practice.

Circuit judge Robert Evans' denial Tuesday came more than a month after a jury found that the association was negligent in 19-year-old Ereck Plancher's 2008 death.

The Orlando judge also determined that Plancher's parents are eligible to have their legal fees paid for by the association.

The family lawyer contended coaches pushed Plancher too much despite knowing about a sickle cell trait that they never told him about.

A medical examiner determined his death was caused by the trait, which causes blood cells to become misshapen and disrupt the body's vascular system under extreme stress.

MIAMI: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reported that offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson will have back surgery on Aug. 8 and the former USC signee will be out indefinitely.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Quarterbacks coach G.A. Mangus must give up a month's salary, nearly $14,600, after he was charged with nuisance conduct last month and suspended. Police said he urinated in public. Coach Steve Spurrier welcomed him back to the staff Monday.

VIRGINIA TECH: A grand jury indicted receiver Xavier Boyce on felony child-endangerment charges, the Washington Post reported. Boyce and his girlfriend were arrested in March after their infant son was found to have head injuries; charges were dropped against Boyce's girlfriend. Boyce faces an Oct. 25 court date, the Post reported, citing Montgomery County (Va.) Circuit Court records.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Cubs 11, Pirates 6

PITTSBURGH — Alfonso Soriano hit two of the Cubs' season-high six home runs, and Chicago had a season-best 23 hits to hand Pittsburgh its fifth straight loss and 10th in 13 games. The Pirates fell back to .500 at 54-54.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Reds 5, Astros 1

HOUSTON — Edgar Renteria hit a grand slam in a five-run fifth inning, and Homer Bailey pitched eight solid innings for Cincinnati. Chris Heisey and Ramon Hernandez sparked the big inning with consecutive doubles, making it 1-0. Wandy Rodriguez walked Bailey and Drew Stubbs with one out to set up Renteria's ninth career grand slam. Bailey bounced back after giving up a career-high nine earned runs against the Mets.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

golf

woods swinging again, feels no pain

Tiger Woods was on the practice range just as the sun began to rise Tuesday over Firestone, his first time on a PGA Tour golf course in nearly three months.

"I'm excited to compete, to play," Woods said. "And hopefully, to win the tournament."

Woods showed up at the Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, at No. 28, his lowest world ranking since the start of his first full season on the PGA Tour. He has a new caddie — at least temporarily — in Bryon Bell, a childhood friend. For Woods, however, the biggest change is how he feels about his health.

"The great thing is I don't feel a thing," said Woods, who has been dealing with injuries to his left knee and Achilles' tendon. "It feels solid. It feels stable. No pain. That's one of the reasons why I took as long as I did to come back, is that I want to get to this point where I can go ahead and start playing golf again like this."

Junior PGA Championship: Zachary Wright of Phoenix shot 6-under 66 and has the lead after one round in Fort Wayne, Ind. Casey Danielson of Osceola, Wis., is atop the leaderboard on the girls side with 68.

swimming

Vollmer golden in 100 fly once again

Dana Vollmer added another memorable event to quite an eventful summer.

Vollmer won the women's 100-meter butterfly at U.S. nationals in Stanford, Calif., adding to the gold she won in the event last week at the world championships. She showed few signs of fatigue one day after arriving from Shanghai, finishing in 57.26 seconds to beat out Claire Donahue.

Former Gator Ryan Lochte, coming off a breakout performance at worlds, did not qualify for the final in his only event of the day. He finished 24th in the preliminaries of the 100 breaststroke at 1:02.96.

tennis

Blake to face neighbor Isner at Legg Mason

James Blake's reward for upsetting defending champion David Nalbandian 6-2, 6-4 at the Legg Mason Classic in Washington will be a third-round matchup against his big-serving pal and doubles partner, John Isner.

Blake and Isner live near each other in Tampa and hit together all the time. They'll team up in doubles today before heading to opposite sides of the net Thursday.

"We're practically neighbors. Last time I was home, I was eating breakfast at his house just about every morning. And he's taken so much food out of my fridge, I think he owes me a few thousand dollars," Blake said. "We practice together so often that I've seen his serve a million times — and it doesn't get any easier."

The 11th-seeded Isner needed only six aces to get past Tobias Kamke 6-1, 6-3.

pro basketball

Bulls' Noah healing, will join French team

Injured Bulls center Joakim Noah should be ready to join his France teammates this week, the French Basketball Federation said.

The former Gators standout has been having treatment in Los Angeles on his right ankle, which he sprained in March.

WNBA: Pienette Pierson scored 20, Leilani Mitchell sank four 3-pointers — all in the final period — and New York held off host Atlanta 85-75. … Maya Moore scored 22 and host Minnesota opened the fourth quarter with a big run to put away Phoenix in a 90-73 victory.

et cetera

Cycling: The inaugural USA Pro Cycling Challenge through the Rocky Mountains this month will feature the top three finishers from the Tour de France. Andy and Frank Schleck will join Tour winner Cadel Evans in the weeklong Colorado race.

Track: Former world and Olympic 400-meter champion Jeremy Wariner will miss the world championships this month in Daegu, South Korea, with a torn ligament on his left foot.

Times wires

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Rays vs. Jays

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

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

Starting pitchers:

RAYS: RH James Shields (9-9, 3.03)

JAYS: RH Carlos Villanueva (6-2, 3.60)

Tickets: $9-$210 at box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa; $3 surcharge within five hours of game.

Watch for …

Bounce back: Shields is coming off the worst start of his All-Star season, having allowed 10 runs on 12 hits in a loss to Oakland last week. He is 7-5 with a 3.98 ERA in 16 career starts against the Jays, including a complete-game shutout April 24.

Stepping up: Villanueva has one win in his past five starts, beating the Orioles July 28 after giving up four runs over five innings. He's pitched well on the road this year, going 4-1 with a 2.53 ERA in 13 appearances (seven starts). Villanueva has faced the Rays twice, both in relief.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Villanueva

Sam Fuld 1-for-2

B.J. Upton 1-for-2

Ben Zobrist 1-for-2, HR

Jays vs. Shields

Jose Bautista 6-for-16, 2 HRs

Travis Snider 3-for-15

Adam Lind 11-for-36, 5 HRs

On deck

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

Friday: A's, 7:10 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (5-4, 3.51); A's — Guillermo Moscoso (4-5, 3.41)

Saturday: A's, 7:10 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (3-1, 2.79); A's — Brandon McCarthy (4-5, 3.58)

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Just like the movie

With OF Sam Fuld drawing "The Legend of Sam Fuld" moniker for his highlight-reel catches, teammate Elliot Johnson had an idea a few weeks back to have a T-shirt made, designed similarly to the movie cover of Legends of the Fall. Thanks to Rays graphic artist Erik Ruiz, a prototype of the design of "Legends of the Fuld" was shown off Tuesday, with Fuld's face replacing Brad Pitt up top (next to Chuck Norris), and Fuld pictured diving (with an ESPY in hand). The words, "After the Dive, the Legend Begins" was written at the bottom. Fuld had no idea the shirt was being made. "It's amazing," he said.

Thumbs up

Executive VP Andrew Friedman was back in the Rays clubhouse Tuesday, recovering from an appendectomy Saturday, the eve of the trading deadline. Manager Joe Maddon said Friedman was still a little "beat up" by the whole process but wasn't surprised how dedicated he was throughout, sending text messages and e-mails. Quipped Maddon: "His thumbs are still in good shape."

Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

DETROIT — Brennan Boesch hit a solo home run off Mike Adams amid an eighth-inning rain shower, sending the Tigers to a 6-5 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night.

Adams was making his Texas debut after coming over from the Padres just before the trade deadline. He got the first out of the eighth, but as the rain began falling harder, Boesch lined a homer over the rightfield wall.

Former Ray Joaquin Benoit blew a 5-2 Detroit lead in the eighth, allowing a solo homer to Nelson Cruz and a two-run shot to Mike Napoli.

Alex Avila homered and drove in three runs for the Tigers, who nearly paid the price for not breaking the game open earlier when they put plenty of runners on base against starter Colby Lewis.

David Pauley, acquired over the weekend from the Mariners, started the seventh in his Tigers debut. He allowed a leadoff double but got two outs after that, and Phil Coke retired Josh Hamilton on a weak grounder.