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Tampa Bay Rays manage three hits, lose 3-1 to Toronto Blue Jays

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

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays continue to cling to the hope that, despite the increasingly large uphill climb to the postseason, they still have a hot streak in them that can put them in October.

"There's no doubt we can make a run," veteran Johnny Damon said.

But after another loss Tuesday night, 3-1 to the Blue Jays in front of 13,333 at Tropicana Field, it appears they're running out of time.

And with a defeat tonight, Tampa Bay would add Toronto as another team it has to chase, being just a half-game from falling into fourth place in the AL East. The Rays (56-52) fell 11 games behind the first-place Red Sox and 10 behind the wild-card-leading Yankeees.

"Tonight wasn't too fun," Damon said. "Everyone really needs to step it up and be better."

Left-hander David Price did his part, delivering a strong 62/3-inning performance, allowing three runs (two via homers). It was his first career loss to Toronto in 10 starts, but he has been given just one run of support over his past three outings.

"Definitely pitched well enough to win," manager Joe Maddon said. "I'll take that every time he pitches. … That's outstanding."

But the Rays offense continued its seemingly season-long funk, held to just three hits, with their first in the sixth inning on a Desmond Jennings homer. They continued to be at their worst with the bases loaded and no outs, squandering another such opportunity in the second against lefty Ricky Romero. Romero struck out Matt Joyce and Kelly Shoppach before getting Sean Rodriguez to ground into a forceout to third.

The Rays have just four hits in their past 27 plate appearances with the bases loaded and have been held scoreless six of their past seven times having the bases full with no outs.

"It's happened way too often," Maddon said. "Even just to move the ball right there is all you're looking for. The hitters are trying, believe me, they're trying. It's just not working right now. That has been a difficult moment for us, you'd like to think you put the other team in a bases-loaded situation, you're in pretty good shape. It's actually worked against us. It's kind of crazy."

Damon said Romero, who has allowed just one run over his past two starts, was as good as he has ever seen him. "Ricky seemed to be pretty much in control of what he wanted to do," he said.

The Rays would get one last chance, starting a two-out ninth-inning rally with singles by Casey Kotchman and B.J. Upton, putting runners on first and third against closer Jon Rauch.

But on a 3-and-0 count, Joyce got the green light and flied out to leftfield to end the game. Maddon liked Joyce swinging there because of the expected fastball and how "(Joyce) hits homers."

Instead, the Rays were held to one run or fewer for the 20th time this season, 11th at the Trop.

"You have to keep pounding on the door until it actually opens up," Maddon said. "And we have to keep pounding on that offensive door until it wants to open up for us."

Before it's too late.

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


Tampa Bay Rays' bats feel homefield handicap

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist


Tuesday, August 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Some years ago, you paid good money to see Ben Grieve, Gerald Williams and Jason Tyner masquerade as big-league outfielders at Tropicana Field.

The year after that, you actually witnessed an infield of Steve Cox, Brent Abernathy, Chris Gomez and Jared Sandberg on a nightly basis in this very ballpark.

Yet through all the comedy, heartbreak and boredom, you have never seen an offense inside of Tropicana Field quite so anemic as the Tampa Bay Rays of 2011.

Yes, given the history of this franchise, that's a bold claim. But, game after game, these Rays seem intent on establishing their place in infamy.

Through a nice, round 50 dates at Tropicana Field this season, the Rays are averaging 3.22 runs per game. That's fewer runs than the expansion Rays of 1998. Fewer than the 106-loss Rays of 2002. That's fewer runs than any Rays team has ever scored at home.

It's truly a remarkable distinction when you think about it. Of all the sad shortstops and wretched rightfielders in this franchise's history, how can this lineup be even worse?

The third baseman is a superstar. The rightfielder played in an All-Star Game less than a month ago. The second baseman is one of the top hitters in the league.

And yet there are nights when they need a GPS to find their way to third base.

"It is really awkward to see us hit here, and then hit on the road. It's like two different teams," manager Joe Maddon said. "Why? I wish I knew, because the work is the same. These guys work. These guys are great. They're self-starters, they're not excuse-makers. We do everything right. We're just not hitting at home.

"If I had another thought, I swear I'd give it to you."

You saw it again Tuesday night against the Blue Jays. The Rays loaded the bases with no outs in the second inning, and failed to score. They hit into a double play in the fourth, and had a caught-stealing in the fifth.

The only thing the Rays had going for them was the guy in the lineup who didn't know any better. Rookie Desmond Jennings was making his 2011 debut at Tropicana Field, and obviously didn't get the memo from the home office.

Jennings' home run in the sixth inning was the only thing separating the Rays from their third shutout in the past six home games.

So is it the home cooking? The field's turf? The mayor's tort?

Actually, chances are, this is just a fluke. A statistical oddity. It's true, this team is built for pitching and defense and so you shouldn't expect scoreboard fireworks every night. But the disparity in offense between home and road is just plain bizarre.

Put this team in another ZIP code, and the Rays score runs at a rate almost 60 percent higher. Tampa Bay's average of 5.06 runs per game on the road is better than the Yankees. Better than the Rangers.

The Red Sox are the only team in the American League scoring more runs away from home than the Rays.

"It's weird. The first inning of games on the road, you can actually feel an energy about our offense. The first inning at home, you don't feel the same energy," Maddon said. "Why? I have no idea. The work is the same. The prep is the same. This has been a very successful spot for us, the Trop has, over the last few years.'

You want to know how James Shields can have a 3.03 ERA and still be a .500 pitcher? It's actually pretty easy when your entire roster is hitting .224 at home.

You want to know how David Price can be in the top five in the league in strikeouts and still have a losing record? It makes perfect sense when you realize your offense has been held to two runs or less in 20 of its 50 home games.

For the most part, Rays pitchers have held their tongues when it comes to discussing the guys who are paid to swing bats. But the reality is the offense has an impact on them.

They walk to the mound at Tropicana Field knowing that their chances of winning are going to be slim if they gave up more than a run or two.

"I think there's definitely a thought in the back of their minds when they pitch that, 'I really can't make that many mistakes.' " Maddon said. "I can't deny that, and I can't say that I blame them right now."

With a bottle of NyQuil in place of a chardonnay on his office desk, Maddon looked every bit like a manager fighting both a head cold and a scoring slump.

He ran his hands through his hair, and then looked up with a wry grin.

"It does prove one thing," he said. "That we're not cheating at home."

Look away!

Barring an avalanche of offense in the next two months, the 2011 Rays will set a franchise record for the fewest runs scored at Tropicana Field in a season.

Year Runs per game

2011 3.22 *

1998 3.92

2001 4.29

2002 4.33

2010 4.33

2000 4.36

* Through 50 games

Phillies 5, Rockies 0

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Phillies 5, Rockies 0

DENVER — Kyle Kendrick pitched eight sparkling innings, and Ryan Howard homered twice for Philadelphia. Newcomer Hunter Pence doubled twice and Shane Victorino and Raul Ibanez singled and scored a run for the Phillies, who have won five straight. Kendrick struck out a career-high seven in his longest outing in 11 starts this season. He didn't allow a runner past second base.

Orioles 8, Royals 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Orioles 8, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mark Reynolds homered, doubled and drove in five runs for Baltimore. Reynolds homered in the ninth with Nick Markakis and Vladimir Guerrero aboard to break open a 5-2 game. Chris Davis also homered in the ninth off Royals rookie left-hander Everett Teaford, just recalled from Triple-A Omaha. Reynolds, who leads the Orioles with 60 RBIs, matched his career high for a game, done three times previously.

Yankees 6, White Sox 0, 61/2 innings

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Yankees 6, White Sox 0

61/2 innings

CHICAGO — Mark Teixeira set a major-league record by homering from both sides of the plate for the 12th time and Phil Hughes pitched six innings to send New York to its fifth straight victory in a game called after 61/2 innings because of rain. Teixeira's two-run shot batting right-handed against John Danks made it 4-0 in the third and gave him 30 homers for the seventh straight season. He hit a solo drive left-handed off Jason Frasor in the seventh.

Red Sox 3, Indians 2

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Red Sox 3, Indians 2

BOSTON — Jacoby Ellsbury hit a one-out RBI single in the ninth inning to lift Boston. After Mike Aviles led off the ninth with a flyout to center, Jason Varitek singled off Cleveland reliever Vinnie Pestano, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia came in as a pinch-runner. Josh Reddick's single moved Saltalamacchia to second before Ellsbury ended it with a single to center.

Angels 5, Twins 1

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Angels 5, Twins 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Ervin Santana followed up his no-hitter with an eight-hitter and the Angels got home runs from Torii Hunter and rookie Mark Trumbo. Santana's bid to duplicate Johnny Vander Meer's feat of back-to-back no-hitters in 1938 with the Reds ended in the second inning when Jason Kubel lined a leadoff single to rightfield on Santana's 20th pitch. Santana did post posting consecutive complete games for the first time in the big leagues on the heels of his 3-1 gem Wednesday at Cleveland.

Cardinals 8, Brewers 7, 11 innings

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Cardinals 8, Brewers 7

11 INNINGS

MILWAUKEE — Lance Berkman singled in Matt Holliday with two out in the 11th for the Cardinals in a testy game where sluggers Albert Pujols and Ryan Braun each were hit by a pitch in the seventh.


Diamondbacks 6, Giants 1

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Diamondbacks 6, Giants 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Paul Goldschmidt hit his first career homer, a two-run shot off Tim Lincecum to help the Diamondbacks tie the Giants for first in the NL West. Justin Upton added a two-run home run as Arizona won its fourth straight to grab a piece of the division lead for the first time since June 24. Daniel Hudson won for the eighth time in his past 10 decisions. The Giants have lost five in a row, matching their season high.

Dodgers 1, Padres 0

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Dodgers 1, Padres 0

SAN DIEGO — Dodgers right-hander Hiroki Kuroda pitched seven shutout innings and snapped a four-game losing streak in his second strong outing in San Diego this season; he also shut out the Padres in April. Matt Kemp had two hits and drove in the only run for the Dodgers, adding to his NL-best RBI total (84). Kemp also made a strong play in centerfield in the ninth, snaring a fly ball off the bat of Aaron Cunningham.

Mariners 4, Athletics 2

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Times wires
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Mariners 4, Athletics 2

SEATTLE — Casper Wells hit a two-run homer in his third game with Seattle and Felix Hernandez pitched into the seventh inning for the Mariners. Wells, acquired Saturday in a four-player trade with Detroit, connected on a full-count pitch from Rich Harden in the sixth. The drive to left was his first homer since he went deep on June 24 for the Tigers against Arizona. Hernandez struck out nine and has 162 strikeouts this season, tied for second in the American League.

USF Bulls football season-ticket sales down 5 percent

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

USF Bulls football's season-ticket sales are down for the third year in a row, with about 1,000 fewer sold for the 2011 season than this time a year ago for a drop of about 5 percent.

According to USF executive associate athletic director Bill McGillis, the Bulls have sold 17,580 season tickets through Tuesday, and with another 3,143 tickets reserved for staff, spirit squads and trade with sponsors, USF's total stands at 20,723, down from 21,760 a year ago. Because the Bulls open the 2011 season at Notre Dame, USF has an extra week of ticket sales before the home opener Sept. 10 against Ball State.

USF's all-time high for season tickets came in 2008 with 27,879 tickets, and as the nation's economic problems heightened, that number dropped 13 percent to a final count of 24,185 for the 2009 season. McGillis said USF's group ticket sales are well ahead of last year's pace, an encouraging sign for the final month before the season starts.

If USF can find success on the field this season, the schedule lends itself to big crowds late in the season -- the Bulls have seven home games and finish the regular season with three straight at Raymond James Stadium: Miami, Louisville and West Virginia. The final game could have the Big East championship on the line, and USF's 2007 game against West Virginia was the program's first sellout at Raymond James Stadium.

North Tampa Pony Bronco-11 team wins 2011 Bronco-11 World Series

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By Ernest Hooper, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

NORTH TAMPA — Joel Brewer says he took thousands of pictures, not so he could remember how the North Tampa Pony Bronco-11 team performed this summer, but so his son Joel Jr. could share the memories with his children.

What Brewer's grandchildren will hear is how a group of 11-year-olds pulled together to overcome wicked heat, cross-country travel and incredible opponents to win the Pony 2011 Bronco-11 World Series.

Guided by head coach Jay Recher, North Tampa won three tournaments in Florida, Texas and Virginia, posted 14 consecutive victories and outscored its opposition 149-30. They wrapped up the title last weekend with a 13-8 victory over a team from Torrance, Calif., in the World Series championship game in Richmond, Va.

From all accounts, it was a true team effort. Defensively, players rotated to different positions but seldom committed errors. At the plate, the lineup produced from the No. 1 hitter to the No. 9 hitter.

"The thing that really made them special is it's a real family-oriented team," said Recher, who noted some of the players had been together since they were 8. "We've been working since January to achieve this goal. There's a special bond not only between the players but between the families."

Allan Gutcher, whose son Daniel played on the team, said the most important aspect may have been how the players never got down and always found a way to pick each other up in tough situations.

"They had great camaraderie," Gutcher said. "They really were no major studs. They all played well together. Just watching them is a great example of how well-coached they are. They played the fundamentals and they didn't get discouraged."

Keeping a positive attitude was never more important than it was in the championship game. Macguire Weaver's throwing error allowed Torrance to tie the game 8-8 in the sixth inning. But Weaver atoned with a lead-off home run in the bottom of the frame that sparked a five-run rally.

Joel Brewer retired the side in order in the seventh to seal the championship. Weaver was named the MVP and officials immediately took his jersey so they could place it in the Pony Hall of Fame in Washington, Pa.

Luckily, they have pictures of the jersey.

A lot of pictures.

New Tampa Little League all-stars win state, head to Southeastern Regionals

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By John C. Cotey, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

NEW TAMPA — The night before he was to pitch against Kendall in the state championship game in Coral Gables — a team that had beaten his team 11-1 just two days earlier, a team that had hit 14 home runs and scored 53 runs in four previous games — New Tampa Little League pitcher Conor Grady said he wasn't nervous at all.

Why would he be?

"I knew we had a good team," he said. "I knew we'd pull it out."

Grady allowed two singles and struck out 11. New Tampa went on to win 6-1, and now is in Warner Robins, Ga., for the Southeastern Regional Tournament, one step short of mythical Little League mecca Williamsport, Pa.

The team faces West Virginia in a pool play game today at 10 a.m. If it advances out of pool play, its semifinal game is scheduled to be televised on ESPN2 on Wednesday.

It is the realization of a goal the New Tampa players had since last year, when they lost in the sectionals.

Even through the regular season, while the all-stars played for the Reds, Giants, Marlins and others, they always had one eye on today.

"Everybody was always kind of talking about it," said pitcher and infielder Bryce Martin, whom they call "the Quarterback" because he's also a rising football talent.

The run by New Tampa marks the first time the league has sent a team this far. Coached by Andy Trujeque, Ed Thinger and Charlie Havre, the team of 11- and 12-year-old all-stars has kept on winning behind a balanced lineup with power at the top, steady defense and solid pitching.

There was one close call — Khalil Almutasim hit a homer in the ninth inning to break a tie with rival Land O'Lakes in a crucial sectional game — and a few comebacks, like the rally from 4-1 down against Maitland. Otherwise, the team is doing much of what it expected with eight players back from last year's all-star team.

"It's already been an experience of a lifetime," said Almutasim, who traveled to Georgia as a member of a Pony League all-star team when he was 8. He is one of only five new players to this year's squad.

"Pretty much everyone said if we were ever going to have a shot to get this far, it would be this team," Trujeque said. "We have a good lineup, with some pop, and we've been pretty opportunistic."

Leadoff hitter and centerfielder Aaron Guiang has 17 home runs, and won the home run competition at state.

Shortstop Ethan Thomas bats behind Guiang, and has 15 homers. Behind them is Clayton Coringrato, another power bat.

Martin bats cleanup, and David Trujeque, Jonathan Baughman, Henry Havre, Jeffrey Guttentag and ironman catcher Eddie Thinger, who caught every inning but one at state, round out what has been a strong lineup.

Coach Trujeque says he can play everyone almost anywhere, meaning there is little dropoff when he inserts Spencer McCabe, Colin Hayes or Almutasim, who plays first and closes.

At state, Almutasim broke his aluminum bat at the handle fouling off a pitch. His dad showed off the two pieces before a practice Tuesday afternoon.

"We knew we had a good shot to do this," said Thomas, the shortstop. "I'm glad it all came together."

John C. Cotey can be reached at jcotey@sptimes.com.

Florida Gators' nonconference basketball schedule features six NCAA Tournament teams

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Florida Gators men's basketball coach Billy Donovan will find himself in a unique situation on Nov. 3.

The Gators will open the season with an exhibition game against Catholic University, which just happens to have Donovan's son, Billy, Jr. on the roster.

After being left out of the NCAA Tournament a couple of years, partly because of his weak non-conference schedule, Donovan has made a concerted effort the past few years to make sure the non-conference schedule is competitive. And this year appears to continue that trend. Florida will play six games against teams in the 2011 NCAA Tournament field, three of which finished in the Sweet 16 or better. The Gators will play eight games against teams that appeared in postseason play last season, along with playing four in-state opponents in Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville and Sunrise.

The Gators' schedule includes games at Ohio State and Syracuse - part of the Big East/SEC Challenge. The Gators will host Florida State and Arizona, and face Texas A&M in a neutral site game in December.

"We've made it a practice to play a difficult non-conference schedule, and this is perhaps the toughest one yet," Donovan said. "That's something that really helps prepare us for the NCAA Tournament. We're also looking forward to playing games in front of our great fans from several different areas of Florida, and we host some exciting matchups on our home court, as well."

Here is the Gators' full 2011-12 men's basketball non-conference schedule:

Nov. 3 Catholic University (Exh.); Nov. 11 Jackson State; Nov. 15 at Ohio State; Nov. 17 North Florida; Nov. 21 Wright State (Tampa, St. Pete Times Forum); Nov. 25 Jacksonville University; Nov. 28 Stetson (Orlando, Amway Arena); Dec. 2 at Syracuse; Dec. 7 Arizona; Dec. 9 Rider (Jacksonville); Dec. 17 Texas A&M (Sunrise, FL); Dec. 19, Mississippi Valley State; Dec. 22 Florida State; Dec. 29 at Rutgers; Dec. 31 Yale; Jan. 3 UAB.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik on free agency: 'The grass isn't greener'

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, perceived by many to be unwilling to spend money in free agency, have written more than $100 million worth in contracts and rank among the NFL's top 10 in two significant spending areas since the start of free agency, according to NFL data.

The Bucs rank in the top 10 in both total contract value and guarantees issued since the end of the NFL lockout, even if most of the deals have been done with their own players.

On that note, Bucs general manager Mark Dominik defends his team's approach to free agency, saying the club will not diverge from its philosophy of limiting its forays into the free-agent market.

"It was our plan from Day 1 and we haven't veered from it," Dominik said. "We knew right off the bat is wasn't popular, we all know that. Not to rehash the names, but it wasn't popular. We're not there yet. We haven't made the playoffs yet.

"But we stayed the course and we're going to stay the course. I feel energy from the fans, that they're excited about this football team, they're excited about these young guys and they can't wait to go out and see the games and see what they can do. I'm the same way."

Dominik indicated that the Bucs wouldn't be engaging in much free-agent activity beyond the deals they've already done. The Bucs have signed five unrestricted free agents, four of which were their own players (Davin Joseph, Jeremy Trueblood, Quincy Black and Adam Hayward).

"I would say in terms of free agency, I'm excited to see what these 90 guys (currently on the roster) can do right now," Dominik said. ". . . That's the way I'm approaching free agency now."

But why not delve into signing outside free agents beyond punter Michael Koenen? Dominik suggested the Bucs' approach hasn't been all that different.

"I think there are a lot of clubs that sat on the sidelines more than we did," he said. "And No. 2, our internal thoughts were always to retain our players. Therefore, by re-signing Davin Joseph, I didn't have to go re-sign some other guard who was more popular because he was from outside.

The grass isn't greener."

Another of Dominik's major themes today: The Bucs' successful drafts the past two seasons have created a situation where there's no pressure to sign free agents. In other cities many free-agent signings are made necessary by the inability of teams' draft picks to produce.

"They're here and they were already winning last year," Dominik said. "So, they were already playing important roles for us. (Rookie guard) Ted Larsen steps in (last season), becomes our left guard and he's here. So, we don't have to go buy a guard in free agency because I have a lot of confidence in Ted Larsen the player."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik reiterates strategy on free agency

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

TAMPA — Mark Dominik wants to point out a couple of things.

The Bucs have spent substantially since the opening of the NFL's free agent signing period, committing nearly $114 million to five players. Nearly $40 million of that is guaranteed.

But because four of those players were the Bucs' own, there's a perception they have been largely inactive during free agency. To that, the team's general manager says this: That's exactly the way it should be.

"I think there are a lot of clubs that sat on the sidelines more than we did," Dominik said. "And our internal thoughts were always to retain our players. Therefore, by re-signing Davin Joseph, I didn't have to go sign some other guard who was more popular because he was from outside.

"The grass isn't greener. We want to keep our guys here."

Dominik reiterated there was no mandate the team spend significant money this offseason. The NFL's new collective bargaining agreement contains a salary floor that each team must reach, but that doesn't apply until 2013. The only requirement this season is teams stay under the salary cap of $120.375 million and pay players $3.8 billion collectively.

The Bucs entered this season with more salary cap space than any other team, creating expectations of a spending bonanza on some of the biggest names on the market.

But the Bucs' philosophy under Dominik and coach Raheem Morris has been to build through the draft, a method that ensures the team will be young. But Dominik said the goal isn't to merely field a young team, but to assemble one with young players capable of playing — and winning — now.

"Our goal is to keep that core but understand that we have to get the right players," Dominik said. "And the last couple of years, they have been. In 2011, it's going to be the same. Those guys are going to have to step up, but I have a lot of confidence that they're going to be able to do that."

Why not sign a free agent here or there to augment what in 2010 was the league's youngest roster? Because, in addition to building for the future, Dominik said, he'd also like to develop consistency in habits and methods. In New England, they refer to it as "The Patriot Way."

Think of it as Tampa's version, Dominik said.

"You want them to do it (our way)," Dominik said. "When you go to the equipment room and we give you six pairs of socks, (we don't want to hear), 'The Colts give you eight.' I don't want to hear it. This is how we do it. This is how we lift (weights). This is how we practice.

"You want the team to understand so when the next class walks in (they understand, too)."

This has been something of an issue with some of the Bucs' past free agent acquisitions, and Dominik suggested he fears the impact it can have on team chemistry.

No one who has listened carefully to Dominik from the beginning should be remotely surprised. In February 2009, he and Morris announced their decision to release stars Derrick Brooks and Warrick Dunn and three other key veterans. Dominik said he didn't hesitate then and he won't hesitate now even though the team is still saddled with its reputation for being tight-fisted with money.

"It was our plan from Day 1, and we haven't veered from it," he said. "We knew right off the bat it wasn't popular. We're not there yet. We haven't made the playoffs yet. But we stayed the course, and we're going to stay the course. I feel energy from the fans, that they're excited about this football team. They're excited about these young guys and can't wait to go out and see the games. I'm the same way."

The drafts of 2009 and 2010 produced key prospects who have contributed in the past two seasons, something Dominik said has created less of a need for free agents. That's true, he said, not only because the players are talented, but because acquiring free agents could stunt their growth. In Dominik's perfect world, free-agent signings aren't even necessary.

"Ideally," he said, "our hope is to never have to go outside our building."

Notebook: FC Tampa Bay in hunt for first-round playoff bye as regular season winds down

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Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

TAMPA — With 10 games left to go in the regular season, FC Tampa Bay has to like where in currently sits in the NASL standings considering its early-season injuries and onfield inconsistency.

FC Tampa Bay (6-6-6, 24 points) heads into Saturday's game at last-place Atlanta in fifth place with four home games and six road games remaining. Six teams make the playoffs.

Tampa Bay has been one of the league's top teams over the past two months, going 4-2-2 in league play since a 2-1 loss to first-place Carolina on June 4. That doesn't include a 1-0 friendly win over the English Premier League's Bolton.

The club owns four wins and five ties against its remaining opponents, including three games (two at home) against Minnesota, which is in a tie for third with Edmonton (25 points).

"We're fighting for second place because second place gets a bye," FC Tampa Bay assistant coach and defender David Hayes said. "…We lost to Atlanta the other day when we could have scored six or seven but we lost 2-1. We're on a hot streak. I think at any moment any team can beat anyone. (Atlanta) is a must-win for us all across the board because we've thrown away too many games at home and we're on the road a lot from here on out."

Take into account that 20 players have started as least two games for the club, with 14 different lineups in 18 games, and it's obvious FC Tampa Bay's biggest battle was finding a regular lineup.

Sanfilippo cleared to practice

Team captain and defender Frankie Sanfilippo, who was hospitalized for dehydration symptoms 10 days ago, was slated to return to practice Wednesday.

"My lower body, it basically just felt like someone had shot me," said Sanfilippo, who played every minute of FC Tampa Bay's first 16 games. "I couldn't walk. I was freaking out because I had never felt anything like that in my life. It was a wakeup call for me. I definitely need to take care of myself better. I haven't sat out any games and I've been going non-stop so I have to realize my restrictions with this heat."

Sanfilippo said he hopes to be in the starting lineup Saturday.

Christie returns

Midfielder Jeremy Christie, who has missed the entire season recovering from offseason hip surgery, is eyeing a return Aug. 20 against Puerto Rico.

"I feel good; my fitness has a little ways to go," Christie said after Tuesday's practice, his second full session back. "For it only being the second day after having six months off I feel pretty good. There's no pain, so that's the biggest thing."

Kickin' it with | D J.P. Rodrigues

The Land O'Lakes product talks about his soccer career, playing close to home and rooting for the Mutiny.

Growing up and going to Land O'Lakes, what did you want to be when you were in high school?

Soccer was always one of the main things I loved from my dad being from South America. I always wanted to play professionally. But I actually went to school to be an accountant. I liked math in high school, but when I got into it, I realized I loved soccer too much and I did not want to sit behind a desk. I pushed a lot harder to make it this far.

Being a local guy, does it mean more being able to play professionally here?

It means everything. It's a dream come true. I grew up going to Mutiny games and Tampa Bay Terror indoor games. I would always say I wanted to play for the Mutiny one day, and as soon as Tampa Bay came back, it was my first goal to get back here.

You won an MISL indoor league title playing for the Milwaukee Wave this year. What was that like?

The fans there are amazing. Everybody knows about the Wave. It's a big deal out there. We didn't even win it at home, but we had fans flying from Milwaukee to Baltimore to watch the game. It was crazy. They love their indoor soccer there. You go to any restaurant downtown and they know who you are. I would be at a Brewers game and kids would be coming down to you.

If you weren't a soccer player, what would you be doing?

I coach now. I think I'd like to get into coaching at the collegiate level. Maybe if I'm good with my finances, I'll open up a restaurant one day.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers bid Cadillac Williams farewell

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers know running back Cadilllac Williams is gone, good-bye. But coach Raheem Morris said the former first-round pick will always be a sentimental favorite.

Williams, 29, agreed to terms on a free-agent deal with the St. Louis Rams, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, ending a six-year career with the Bucs that was marred by two devastating knee injuries.

"One of those guys who was definitely a team leader,'' Morris said. "He'll be missed around here. Of course, obviously, he'll always be remembered for that red 24 and what he brought to our team, what he brought to us. You want to talk about character -- blown out knees, torn (patelllar tendons), coming back two years in a row. We all remember that sentimental injury in Carolina and what it meant when he came back and how bad we all felt for him when it looked like he was getting going again. Those times you never forget.

"Me and Cadillac, personally, again man, it's the business. Those things happen. But again, you move on and you embrace this new battle.''

Williams, the fifth overall pick by the Bucs in 2005, burst onto the scene by rushing for 434 yards over his first three NFL games, setting a league record with three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances to start his career. He was named the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 1,178 yards.

Unfortunately, Williams was limited to playing in only 10 games over 2007-08 after suffering a torn patellar tendon in each knee.

Williams battled back and reclaimed his starting tailback spot. But last season, after averaging only 2.5 yards per carry through nine starts, he was replaced by rookie LeGarrette Blount, who led all first-year players with 1,007 rushing yards. Williams was relegated to a third down back, a role that may revitalize his career.

With Williams gone, the Bucs will let veteran Earnest Graham fight it out with second-year pro Kregg Lumpkin and rookie Allen Bradford for the role as third down back.

"I would say those guys are fighting for a spot with Earnest (Graham) really being in that picture, too, in that role we're talking about,'' Morris said. "Lumpkin, Allen Bradford step into that battle. We've got some other young guys, Mossis Madu and some of these guys you haven't named yet. But you will. I'm going to let those guys fight, let those guys play. Everybody knows the ultimate prize and what the role holds and being that second back, getting a lot of carries and potentially going out there on third down. Even (LeGarrette) Blount is trying to step up and play a little third down.''

In St. Louis, Williams is expected to be the Rams' No. 2 running back behind Pro Bowl tailback Steven Jackson.

"Certainly, we've always appreciated what Cadillac Williams has given the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,'' offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "I hate to lose the player, I hate to lose everything be brought to the offense and really what he brought to the organization. But every player's time must end sometime and those players will have to take his place...we'll just move forward.''

Tampa Bay Buccaneers bid running back Cadillac Williams farewell

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 3, 2011

TAMPA — RB Cadillac Williams traveled a long, hard road during his career, and now it has led him out of Tampa Bay. But Bucs coach Raheem Morris said he will always be a sentimental favorite.

Williams, 29, agreed to terms with the Rams on Wednesday, ending a six-year career with the Bucs that was marred by two knee injuries.

"One of those guys who was definitely a team leader," Morris said. "He'll be missed around here. You want to talk about character — blown out knees, torn (patellar tendons), coming back two years in a row.

"It's the business. Those things happen. But you move on, and you embrace this new battle."

Williams, the fifth overall pick in 2005 out of Auburn, rushed for 434 yards over his first three games, setting a league record with three 100-yard games to start a career. He was named the offensive rookie of the year after rushing for 1,178 yards.

Williams was limited to 10 games over 2007-08 after sustaining torn patellar tendons in each knee.

Williams reclaimed his starting spot. But last season, after averaging 2.5 yards per carry through nine starts, he was replaced by rookie LeGarrette Blount and relegated to third-down back.

With Williams gone, veteran Earnest Graham will battle second-year pro Kregg Lumpkin and rookie Allen Bradford for the role as third-down back.

In St. Louis, Williams is expected to be the No. 2 running back behind star Steven Jackson. Terms of his contract were not disclosed.

"Certainly, we've always appreciated what Cadillac Williams has given the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "I hate to lose the player. I hate to lose everything he brought to the offense and really what he brought to the organization. But every player's time must end sometime, and those players will have to take his place. We'll just move forward."

SUITING UP? Re-signed free agents, including G Davin Joseph, T Jeremy Trueblood and LB Quincy Black, will have an opportunity to join their Bucs teammates at practice today.

But because the collective-bargaining agreement remains uncompleted, they have to wait until 4 p.m., and the Bucs have only a morning walkthrough and afternoon special teams practice scheduled.

C Jeff Faine said players probably enjoyed the extra time off but it might take them a few days to get used to being in pads and hitting again.

"How awesome is that? Sign a huge deal, in Davin's case, and give him a vacation," Faine said. "Those guys deserve it, though, because they had all that uncertainly last year.

"There's going to be acclimation for them because those first couple days, you have to get used to pads and moving around and getting hit."

Others players who can begin practice include: P Michael Koenen, LB Adam Hayward, K Connor Barth, QB Rudy Carpenter, CB Elbert Mack, S Corey Lynch, DE Michael Bennett and DT Frank Okam.

"It's fun. I've got all these guys walking around with scripts that can't do anything," Morris said. "I've got a bunch of extra coaches; those guys … mentoring people and telling them how to do it and deal with it."

FREEMAN STAYS HOT: QB Josh Freeman is threading the needle with passes, especially in the red zone. He completed a move-the-ball drill Wednesday by throwing touchdown passes to TE Kellen Winslow and WR Mike Williams.

"Josh really has come into his own," Morris said. "When the guys make mistakes, you can see them come into the huddle and correct themselves. Everybody kind of knows what's going on. We had a nice move-the-ball period. We were able to get up and down the field, walk down the length of the field and let those guys finish it. He's really playing well."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com.

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