Times wires
Friday, August 5, 2011
Angels 7, Twins 1
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Dan Haren took a one-hitter into the eighth before giving up Jim Thome's 598th career home run, rookie Mark Trumbo had a homer and four RBIs and the Angels won the rubber game of the three-game series. Haren allowed fewer than three earned runs for the 15th time in 24 starts this season, and is 8-1 in those games. Thome's leadoff homer to center was the first of four consecutive hits by the Twins.
Times wires
Friday, August 5, 2011
Phillies 3, Giants 0
SAN FRANCISCO — Cliff Lee threw a seven-hitter and Hunter Pence and John Mayberry hit back-to-back home runs for the Phillies. Lee was commanding in his first regular-season start against the Giants in two years, striking out eight, including Cody Ross four times, with no walks. He retired 10 in a row at one point in his fifth shutout. Lee got some revenge after losing twice to the Giants in last year's World Series pitching for the Rangers. Pence had three hits and two RBIs and is hitting .360 (9-for-25) since joining Philadelphia.
By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
Today is another milestone in this frantic post-lockout period in the NFL.
It's the first day of the new league year, and as such, veterans who signed exclusive rights, restricted free agent or unrestricted free agent contracts since the end of the lockout finally will be able to suit up and practice. The prohibition on such players participating in practice actually was lifted Thursday afternoon, but the Bucs had only a special-teams practice that involved only some of the affected players.
Today, the Bucs will get players like Davin Joseph, Jeremy Trueblood and Quincy Black on the field with the full team, allowing coaches to see their actual lineups. The offensive line, for example, has been one of the most impacted units, with Joseph, Trueblood and James Lee all key components. Trueblood and Lee are expected to battle for the starting job at right tackle, but that battle hasn't begun as a result of the practice limitations.
Also among the players allowed on the field today: Punter-kicker Mike Koenen, who made a brief appearance in Thursday's special teams workout. Several other players were affected, including receiver Micheal Spurlock, safety Corey Lynch, linebacker Adam Hayward and defensive tackle Frank Okam.
Times staff
Friday, August 5, 2011
Jimbo Fisher's son Ethan has been diagnosed with Fanconi anemia (fan-KO-nee uh-NEE-me-uh), a rare blood disorder that is inherited though a gene from both parents and affects bone marrow. It results in decreased production of all types of blood cells.
What is the effect?
FA prevents your bone marrow from making enough new blood cells for your body to work normally. FA also can cause your bone marrow to make many abnormal blood cells. This can lead to serious health problems, such as leukemia (a type of blood cancer).
FA is a blood disorder, but it also can affect many of your body's organs, tissues, and systems. People who have FA are at higher risk of some cancers and other serious health problems.
FA is different from Fanconi syndrome, which affects the kidneys.
What is anemia?
FA is one of many types of anemia. The term "anemia" usually refers to a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal number of red blood cells.
FA is a type of aplastic anemia. In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops making or doesn't make enough of all three types of blood cells. Low levels of the three types of blood cells can harm many of the body's organs, tissues, and systems.
Outlook
Children with FA face a greater risk than other people for some cancers. About 10 percent of people who have FA develop leukemia.
People who have FA and survive to adulthood are much more likely than others to develop cancerous solid tumors. The risk of solid tumors increases with age in people who have FA.
FA is an unpredictable disease. The average lifespan for people who have FA is between 20 and 30 years.
New medical advances have improved the chances of surviving longer with FA. Blood and marrow stem cell transplant is the major advance in treatment. However, even with this treatment, the risk of some cancers is greater in people who have FA.
Source: National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute and National Institutes of Health.
Associated Press
Friday, August 5, 2011
Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher and his wife, Candi, say their youngest son suffers from the rare life-threatening blood disorder Fanconi anemia.
The Fishers announced 6-year-old Ethan Fisher's illness Friday and that they've created a foundation to help find a cure. Fisher says he plans to donate all fees from public speaking appearances to the fund for research.
Fisher says that "we're here to find a cure."
Ethan and his 10-year-old brother, Trey, joined his parents briefly prior to the announcement along with Dr. Margaret MacMillan. She is a pediatric blood and marrow specialist from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Fisher says his career in coaching has taught him to never accept defeat and that "we will go at it every day."
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Jonathan Crompton to a three-year contract, among other moves, the team announced today.
They also re-signed defensive end Tim Crowder to a two-year contract, signed undrafted free agent kicker Jacob Rogers (Cincinnati) and waived tackle Quintin Borders, kicker Josh Jasper and defensive tackle Doug Worthington.
Crompton, a fifth-round pick by the San Diego Chargers in 2010, was released a few days ago by the New England Patriots.
With backup quarterback Josh Johnson scheduled to become a free agent after this season, Crompton most likely will battle Rudy Carpenter for the No. 3 spot.
Crompton was a late bloomer at Tennessee. After passing for 1,387 yards during his first 22 games with the Vols, his career took off in 2009 when he passed for more than 2,800 yards and 27 touchdowns, the third best single-season total in school history.
Johnson is in the final year of his contract and solidly entrenched as the Bucs' No. 2 quarterback behind starter Josh Freeman. But Johnson played for new 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego, so you never know if there might be a trade possibility down the road.
Boise State quarterback Mike Coughlin, an undrafted free agent, is the Bucs other arm in training camp but has struggled at times and could be a candidate to be released.
Crowder, a fifth-year veteran, has played the past two seasons with the Bucs. Last season, he started in a career-high nine games, finishing tied for third on the team with three sacks, along with 42 tackles.
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
TAMPA — DT Gerald McCoy strained his right rotator cuff during practice Friday, but he might have cheated the hangman.
McCoy, who immediately took off his pads and had ice applied to his shoulder, is day-to-day, according to coach Raheem Morris.
In fact, Morris said had there been a game on Sunday, "I think he'd be strapping up. I'm excited about that. I wouldn't worry about that."
GM Mark Dominik was even more reassuring that the injury wasn't serious.
"It's nothing scary," Dominik said. "We just decided to get him out of there."
McCoy, the third overall pick in last year's draft, already has been stung by the injury bug. He tore his left biceps muscle in December in a game at Washington and essentially missed the final month of his rookie year, finishing with three sacks.
WELCOME BACK: For the first time this training camp, the team had all 90 players in uniform and practicing in pads, a list that included G Davin Joseph and T Jeremy Trueblood.
Players who were not under contract until the official start of the league year Thursday could not practice before then. The team had to wait even longer because of a one-hour weather delay.
"It felt really good to play football again," Joseph said. "I was anxious to put the pads on and the weather kind of put a halt to all that, but we got it going and it felt good. Rustiness was expected, but we've got a lot of time to improve."
Offensive line coach Pat Morris said the layoff probably showed veterans the importance of training camp.
"The step you made without any pads on is a little bit different and the movement is faster," Pat Morris said. "Even your pass set or your blocking, and the timing needs work. So I think they're rusty, and they'll be the first ones to tell you that. I always thought there was a 'pad shape,' especially with the linemen."
MORE PLAYING TIME FOR STARTERS: Because of the lockout and players not being able to practice until this week, Morris said he plans to have the team's starters participate in more snaps during preseason games.
"You usually go into that first game and you play about 12 or 15 snaps or so," Morris said. "You might want to get into the 20s right now, that's usually a quarter and a half. Somewhere around there and just let these guys play a little bit because they missed a little bit of stuff. Then maybe that second game, probably the same thing. And then that third game is the simulation game where you go into the half and maybe come out the tunnel or not, you make that decision that day. And then the fourth game is usually when the bottom of your roster is formed and you give the guys a chance to make your roster.
"I'm trying to push the snap count up a little bit to give them more live bullets."
Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.
By Gary Shelton, Times sports columnist
Friday, August 5, 2011
Let me tell you a story, the old man said. This is one that no one knows.
It was long ago, but already he was very old in a young man's profession. Critics said he wasn't making the plays he once did, and fans were falling out of love, and his coaches decided it was time for someone new.
This is the story of the week Ronde Barber was benched.
This is the story of when he felt the NFL pushing him toward the exit.
Barber folds his hands over his shaved head and stares at the ceiling. He is fresh off the practice field, still in his football pants and cleats, still damp with sweat. Four years have passed, but the memory has not faded.
It was late November of 2008, early in the week, when Barber got the news. Monte Kiffin, in his final season, wanted to start Aqib Talib, the talented rookie, in his place alongside Philip Buchanan. Barber, the Bucs' right cornerback since the invention of third down, was benched.
The bench? For an aging veteran, the bench is the NFL's checkout desk. Former starters don't hang around on the bench for long. They get the number to the local alumni chapter.
"I remember thinking, 'If I can just make it through this year, I'll accept my fate,' '' Barber said. "That was the closest I ever felt to being out of the league."
As it turned out, it was a false alarm. By game time, Kiffin had changed his mind, and Barber started against the Lions. He had two interceptions, returning one of them 65 yards for a touchdown.
Four years later, at 36, younger corners are still waiting to replace him.
It may be a while yet.
•••
There have been so many big plays at big moments in big games. When Barber finally leaves — if he ever leaves — they will talk about his plays.
He has been so good so often for so long. That, too, will be part of Barber's legacy. With the exception of Derrick Brooks, has any Buc ever sustained excellence for as long as Barber?
This, however, might be the ultimate compliment to Barber's career:
Amazingly, he has made the fans love him all over again.
This rarely happens in sports. When a player falls out of favor, the fans usually find someone else. Someone younger, someone fresher.
For a while, it got nasty with Barber. A great many fans seemed to feel he should have gone in the great purge of 2009 that took away veterans such as Brooks, Warrick Dunn and Joey Galloway.
The last two seasons have changed that. Barber has played well, and those rare instincts of his have been on display again. He has played more man coverage than at any point in his career.
This year, Barber can become the Bucs' all-time leader in games played (he is currently 15 behind Brooks). He has 40 career interceptions. He has 26 career sacks. He has 13 career returns for touchdowns, which is impressive for a guy who doesn't return kicks.
When comparing him to other corners, the Pro Football Reference website brings up 10 names. Eight of them are in the Hall of Fame. Still, the national impression of Barber is that he has always been just on the outside of greatness. For all of his versatility, for all of his impact, he remains an afterthought when the conversation turns to the great corners of his era.
"I'll remember him as one of the most under-appreciated Buccaneers of all time,'' is the way general manager Mark Dominik puts it. In other words, as highly regarded as Barber has been, perhaps he should have been regarded even higher.
Why hasn't Barber been more valued? Perhaps it is because of the way he has played. Kiffin rarely played man coverage, which left Barber far off the line. He never looked like the classic drape-and-deny corners like Mark Haynes or Deion Sanders or Champ Bailey.
Barber feels the lack of regard, too. Push him, and he admits that it can be a little frustrating. Doesn't every player want to be appreciated?
"Outside of my few (five) Pro Bowl years, I don't even think people consider me,'' Barber said. "All of the talk is about Charles Woodson, who does the exact same thing as I do, and the bigger market corners. I take pride in outplaying these guys.
"There are some guys who put up a lot of numbers and get a lot of attention. A lot of guys started to do the things I was doing. I say that with complete confidence. I wasn't asked to do the things that some of those other guys were.''
So, Ronde, do you consider yourself in the top five cornerbacks of your era. "Yes,'' he said.
The top three? "Yes,'' he said.
•••
When he is on the field, Barber says he feels the same was he did in his late 20s. Ah, but there are times the years and the mileage gang up on him.
On Mondays, the day after games, his shoulders feel as if there are tiny animals gnawing away inside. His quads are sore and his hips are stiff.
There are the times — daily — when fellow players refer to him as "Mr. Barber.'' Times the music sounds strange. Times when he walks into the cafeteria and realizes the people his age are the scouts and coaches.
So why is Barber back for a 15th season? After all, he spent a month this season pondering whether he wanted to return, whether it was time to hang it up and head to the golf course.
"I didn't accomplish everything I wanted last year,'' Barber says. "I'm not ready to give up on it. I'm not ready to say I've accomplished everything. Either they tell you you are done, or you decide you've accomplished everything. I'm not there yet.''
There is another reason that Barber is back, too. He has been on some great teams here and on some bad ones. He has been in locker rooms where the entitlement was overwhelming. This team, he says, is different.
"I love this team,'' he said. "Last year wasn't just fun, it was a whole lot of fun.''
When you get down to it, that's why he's here. That's why he cannot bring himself to say that this may be the final chapter.
It's fun. He still loves running with the kids. He still loves watching tape with the rest of the team and hearing his name singled out for praise. He still loves winning over the doubters.
"When I leave here, I want it to be undisputed that I wasn't just a guy. I think a lot of people nationally think I'm just a guy.''
Around here, people know better. Around here, most acknowledge Barber as one of the top five Bucs of all-time. Maybe more.
Enjoy him while you can. Who knows? Seven or eight seasons from now, he may have had enough.
By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
USF coach Skip Holtz has made a late addition to his fall roster, announcing Friday that Mike McFarland, a tight end from Tampa's Blake High who spent last season redshirting at Florida, has transferred to USF and will start practicing with the team immediately.
USF said it is pursuing a hardship waiver (citing a family illness) that could allow McFarland to play this fall, rather than sit out the season as normally required for transfers from four-year schools to I-A programs. McFarland is the second transfer from Gainesville to Tampa, joining another freshman, receiver Chris Dunkley, who joined the Bulls this summer.
Much like Dunkley, McFarland was a coveted recruit out of high school -- Scout.com rated him as a four-star recruit and ranked him as the nation's No. 12 tight end; Rivals.com called him a three-star and No. 24 nationally at his position.
McFarland, 6-foot-5 and 245 pounds, will wear No. 86 for the Bulls. If he can play this fall, it would help the Bulls at a thin position, as junior Jeff Hawkins was lost for the 2011 season when he tore his right ACL during voluntary workouts last month.
By Stephen F. Holder and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2010 first-round pick Gerald McCoy injured his right shoulder in this afternoon's practice and has been taken to the training room.
McCoy injured the shoulder about halfway through the workout and immediately removed his shoulder pads. He was examined by the head trainer and then had his shoulder wrapped in ice before leaving the field.
GM Mark Dominik said the injury is "not scary'' and called McCoy "day to day.''
McCoy missed the final three games of 2010 with a torn biceps and only now was getting back to 100 percent.
By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 5, 2011
SPRING HILL — For only the fifth time in the 23-year history of the PBA Southern Region Spring Hill Open, a non-Florida resident won the tournament this past weekend at Spring Hill Lanes.
Montgomery, Ala., native Mike Williams II emerged with the championship trophy.
The 2011 field shrank in number to 71, down from 92 last year. In 2007, there were almost 200 participants in the only regular professional sporting event that takes place in Hernando County.
Despite the lower turnout, Spring Hill Lanes proprietors George and Carlos Martins were pleased with the weekend's festivities. The pro-am tournament on Friday and the number of fans who came to watch Sunday's finals were indications that the PBA remains a major draw for area bowling fans.
"With 211 participants in the pro-am, (PBA Southern Region director) Harry (O'Neale) pointed out that we still hold one of the largest tournaments on the tour," George Martins said. "That's always something to be proud of."
The charismatic style of the tournament victor seemed infectious as the finals wore on. Williams, 25, is only in his first full season on tour after competing in about of half the regional events in 2010. His weekend didn't start off like he hoped after the qualifying period Saturday. With the cut at one pin over handicap, the eventual champ narrowly made it by scoring two pins over handicap.
"I went back that night and really studied (the oil pattern)," he said. "It paid off for me when I came back."
His adjustments on the "chameleon" pattern (where increased volumes of oil are placed in "zones" along a lane) were important as he became the hottest bowler in the field Sunday. Facing Spring Hill's Chris Polizzi in the round of 16, Williams overwhelmed the 2009 PBA Southern Region Rookie of the Year. Although Polizzi bowled well, a 745 series by Williams amounted to a three-game sweep.
The quarterfinals matched Williams against another Hernando County resident. Kevin Williams, the owner of Kevin's Pro Shop at Spring Hill Lanes and a member of the Hernando County United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, had already achieved his best showing in the pro tournament.
"Kevin really had me on the ropes," Mike Williams said. "He was capable of putting so many strikes together that I had to be on top of my game."
In the first game of the best-of-three round, Kevin Williams handed the young tour regular his first and only loss. Mike Williams went on to win the following two games to advance to the semifinals against Doug Becker.
Becker was in the lead for much of the semifinal match, but Williams put the pressure on his opponent by throwing strikes on his final four balls to put up a 202. Becker would need to strike on the first two balls in the 10th frame to clinch victory. After a first-ball strike, Becker left a ringing 10-pin for a 200.
With a berth in the finals against Dale Coleman of High Springs, Williams was on the verge of a professional milestone.
Despite not being from Florida, Williams does have some ties to the state. A former University of Central Florida bowler, he has been aiming for a pro career since graduating from college in 2006. He credits his time as a Golden Knight for his ability to handle the ups and downs of the game.
"Those guys helped me out a lot to get me where I am today," he said. "We used to work with sports psychologists and bowl in front of some of the biggest crowds from week to week."
Those circumstances allowed Williams to make adjustments in his game without getting too high or low emotionally. It was a strength that would pay off in his match with Coleman.
With a slight advantage midway through the game, he was having some difficulty with consistency. Although he already had the lead, he decided to change balls. The move worked as he finished with six consecutive strikes and a 234-174 victory.
"I can't explain how much this means to me," he said. "This is what I've always dreamed about in my years coming up. It's going to be a nice ride home."
With a five-hour drive back to Alabama ahead of him, Williams was looking forward to basking in the euphoria that came with his first professional title and the $2,500 in prize money.
Richard Langton, a St. Petersburg native and Tallahassee resident and the defending champion, came in fourth. He lost to Coleman in the semifinals.
There were two other former Spring Hill Open champions in the field. Darin Hays, the only four-time title winner (1995-96, 1999-2000), finished 37th (1,542). Tom Daugherty, the 2006 and 2008 champion, came in 59th (1,509).
By Bill Hardman, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 5, 2011
What's hot: Amberjack season is open. These very strong fish are pretty far from shore this time of year. Most legal-sized amberjack are being fished or speared in depths exceeding 120 feet. As usual, jacks are more prevalent over wrecks and springs, but sometimes a small group can be spotted on big ledges. Not many anglers have designed trips of more than 100 feet just to target jacks. Most of our divers have adapted their fishing plans to include visits to Swiss cheese areas or potholes in 110-150 feet, looking for red grouper. Big reds are prowling the low-profile hard-bottom areas and some exceed 20 pounds.
Lobster season: Today begins the regular Florida spiny lobster season. Last week's two-day sportsman's miniseason was plagued by high winds and rough seas. Due to those conditions, most lobsters in the Keys and South Florida were left on the bottom, so divers are hoping for good harvests the first couple of days of the regular season.
Tournament news: The "world's largest spearfishing tournament, the St. Pete Open, hosted by the St. Pete Underwater Club, is Aug. 19-21 at the Marina Cove in south St. Petersburg. For more information go to stpeteopen.com.
Bill Hardman teaches scuba, spearfishing and free diving through Aquatic Obsessions Scuba in St. Petersburg and can be reached at CaptainBillHardman@gmail.com or (727) 344-3483
By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
GAINESVILLE — When Florida begins fall practice this morning, make no mistake about it, there will not be a quarterback controversy. Senior John Brantley is the starter, and the rush is on to find his backup.
"Johnny continues to play well," coach Will Muschamp said. "We need to create some separation after John. Tyler (Murphy), Jeff (Driskel) and Jacoby (Brissett) are all very talented and we feel are certainly very capable players. We need to get some separation and get a direction going there."
Brantley said he's looking forward to seeing how the backup race shapes up.
"I've seen a lot of improvement with that group," he said. "They work hard, just as hard as anyone else on the team. Their spirits and attitudes are really great. They help each other out — we all help each other out, which in the end makes us all better as players and as a team. They're all great quarterbacks. I'm really looking forward to seeing what they can do here in the next two weeks."
STURGIS READY TO RETURN: After missing the final nine games of the season, senior K Caleb Sturgis is healed and ready to take back his starting job. Sturgis sustained a fractured back just before the Oct. 2 game at Alabama and did not return.
"I think it was a little too much of everything," he said. "Too much weights, too much running, too much kicking all contributed."
As the season progressed, Sturgis' absence became more of an issue. The Gators missed four consecutive field goals in three games without Sturgis — two losses.
"It was hard," he said. "I've never really had to do that (miss games) in my life."
HARDSHIPS APPROVED: Four players have been granted medical hardships by the SEC, effectively giving them four years of eligibility remaining. S Josh Shaw, OL Ian Silberman, WR Quinton Dunbar and RB Mack Brown will be reclassified as redshirt freshmen instead of sophomores. Brown and former Armwood High standout OL Matt Patchan have been cleared by the team's medical staff to begin practice. Patchan, a redshirt junior, missed last season with a hand and wrist injury.
TODAY'S ACTION: Practice begins today with a split squad. Muschamp said he wants to give the younger players a better opportunity to learn and, per NCAA rules, players can practice only one time in the first five days. UF has divided its roster so most of the older players will practice in the morning and the younger ones in the afternoon. Two-a-days as a full squad begin Monday.
Top tackle commits: Tackle D.J. Humphries, ranked No. 1 nationally at his position and No. 3 among all recruits by Rivals.com, orally committed. "I chose Florida because I felt like the coaches would be there the whole time," said the 6-foot-6, 280-pound Mallard High senior out of Charlotte, N.C. "They were just a school that kept it real with me the entire time." He said he will enroll in January. He chose the Gators over Clemson, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee.
By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
GAINESVILLE — Jeff Demps sat among his teammates Friday afternoon during Florida's annual media day and carefully surveyed the situation.
To his left was teammate and fellow running back Chris Rainey. On his right, all-purpose player Trey Burton and tight end Jordan Reed. As Demps watched, spoke and listened to his teammates, it slowly occurred to him that he had made the right decision.
"It feels good just to be around my teammates and just to be in this football atmosphere," Demps said. "I feel better than ever, and I'm ready to kick off the season."
Since January, Demps has spent the majority of his time competing with the Florida and U.S. national men's track teams. The 2010 NCAA outdoor 100-meter champion, Demps didn't even get a chance to defend his title after failing to make the finals of the 2011 NCAA championships. It began to stir doubt about his role as a dual-sport athlete.
"I thought about just focusing on track," Demps said. "Maybe if I was just to focus on track, I would be able to run faster times if I lost some weight. I felt like I could run faster if maybe I just gave track a full year, lost a little weight. I definitely gave (quitting football) some thought.
"But when I got back in the football atmosphere and talking it over with my parents and coaches — both sides, track and football — and praying about it, I came out with the decision that I wanted to play."
Demps, a 5-foot-7, 188-pound senior, admits the foot injury frustrated him and factored into his confusion. He sprained his foot in the Sept. 18 game at Tennessee and said he wasn't completely healed until his first track meet in February.
"It was really mentally tough for me," he said. "I wanted to go, and I felt like I could go, but I couldn't do it physically. It was real frustrating for me."
In his final season, Demps' new attitude includes a new number. He's no longer No. 2, but No. 28.
"I just wanted a running back's number," he said.
Last season, Demps and Rainey were projected to be a 1-2 tandem at running back. But Demps' injury and Rainey's legal trouble derailed that plan.
It was Rainey who helped Demps make his decision.
"I had a long talk with him and I was like, 'Man, it's your choice but I can't do this by myself,' " said Rainey, a redshirt senior. "It's two different ways he could go, but I couldn't do anything when it's his choice. But it's easier if there are two running backs instead of one."
Now both healthy and given one last opportunity, each is hoping to capitalize like never before on their potential. The two have combined for 3,504 rushing yards, and Demps has rushed for 1,901 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Many believe if Demps and Rainey had stayed on the field all season in 2010, UF might have been much better than 8-5.
Rainey doesn't disagree.
"You are probably right about that," he said. "But we're going to have to see that on the field."
Antonya English can be reached at English@sptimes.com.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — Make no mistake, RHP Alex Cobb is the one guy who won't be complaining about the Rays' six-man rotation.
It has given the rookie an opportunity for an extended stint in the big leagues, and he has grown more comfortable and confident with every start. Cobb, who suffered his first loss his last time out, has been pleased with how he has been able to remain consistent, going 3-1 with a 1.91 ERA over his past six outings.
"I'm just happy that I've consistently put my best stuff out there," Cobb, 23, said Friday, a day before his next start; "not having a game where I can't figure something out."
Rays manager Joe Maddon said "it's getting close to the finish line" of the six-man rotation and they will re-evaluate it after the Aug. 16 doubleheader in Boston. They've shuffled their rotation again, moving RHP Jeremy Hellickson back a day to Monday against the Royals and RHP James Shields to Tuesday.
WELCOME BACK: A's RH reliever Grant Balfour, a Ray from 2008-10, admitted it was definitely "weird" to be back at Tropicana Field on Friday — at least heading to the visitors clubhouse for the first time since 2004.
Balfour, who allowed a run over two-thirds of an inning on Friday, was happy to spend the past couple days at his Clearwater home with his wife, Angie, and 2-month-old daughter, Raegan Madison, showing her the new nursery. Balfour plans to live there in the offseason.
"It's nice to bring her back to the house and see where it's going to end up," Balfour said.
ONE AT A TIME: Rookie LF Desmond Jennings, who had bunt singles Wednesday and Thursday, said he has been working on it a lot with bench coach Dave Martinez, knowing that's going to be a part of his game.
"If this guy learns how to bunt for a hit, he should be a perennial over-.300 hitter just based on that," Maddon said; "by the fact he's going to get bunt hits and also by the fact he brings corner infielders in because he hits the ball to both sides. That could be a huge part of his game."
HIGH PRAISE: Having seen Jays 3B Jose Bautista impact a game during the most recent series, including hitting two home runs, Maddon said he has a case for being American League MVP.
"Among all the offensive players … I don't know anybody is in his class right now," Maddon said of Bautista, who has a majors-high 33 homers. "He kind of has (Albert) Pujols status during a good year; even say almost like (Barry) Bonds status during a good year. He's just that dangerous."
YOUNG GUNS: Maddon continued to rave about the makeup of Jennings and fellow rookies C Robinson Chirinos and RHP Brandon Gomes, all of whom showed poise in tense moments of Thursday's 7-6, 12-inning win.
"These guys have really shown the ability to make some really important adjustments here in a very short period of time," Maddon said.
Chirinos, who knocked in the tying and winning runs Thursday, got another start behind the plate Friday. Maddon said while he still wants to see him against lefties, they're likely going to stick with C Kelly Shoppach in that role.
MEDICAL MATTERS: Maddon said C John Jaso (oblique strain) and C Jose Lobaton (left knee strain) came out of their recent baseball activities well.
Jaso took batting practice Thursday while Lobaton said he has run and hit but not caught a bullpen session yet. They are still waiting for re-evaluation, but Jaso will need a rehab assignment. Maddon believes Jaso will be back by September, though it could be earlier.
Time off: Rays pregame and postgame radio host Rich Herrera has been off the air this week for "personal reasons." But he said in a text message all "is okay" and he will be back next week.
Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — Rays CF B.J. Upton said having the uncertainty surrounding Sunday's trade deadline over and done with has given him some peace of mind, allowing him to relax, "have fun and play baseball."
Boy, it certainly has showed.
Upton went 3-for-3 Friday while reaching base five times. He has reached safely in seven consecutive plate appearances, one shy of a club record, including three extra-base hits.
"B.J. looks spectacular," manager Joe Maddon said.
Upton admitted being involved in trade rumors over the previous few weeks weighed on him and was "definitely rough," as he went 5-for-52 in 13 games through Sunday. But since Tuesday he's 7-for-16, including legging out extra-base hits in consecutive innings of Thursday's win and walking twice Friday.
"You're seeing all the different areas of his game that he can be very good at, so it's been fun," Maddon said. "That's a trend I'd like to see continue."
Upton said it has been a matter of making adjustments and the balls he has hit hard at people are "starting to fall."
"B.J.'s a talent, and ever since he got to the big leagues there's always been so much pressure put on him, and it still comes to this day," veteran DH Johnny Damon said. "But we couldn't live without him."
in the swing: Damon snapped an 0-for-15 skid by going 2-for-5 Friday night, saying he has been trying to figure out how to compensate for a left hand injury sustained when Twins LHP Francisco Liriano hit him with a pitch July 6.
"When you talk about fingers and wrists and baseball, it sounds silly, like we're sissies whenever you hear those injuries," he said. "But those are probably the most important parts that we have to deal with. The past couple days the swings have definitely been a lot better."
Rotation station: Maddon said "it's getting close to the finish line" of the six-man rotation and they will re-evaluate it after the Aug. 16 doubleheader in Boston. They've shuffled their rotation again, moving RHP Jeremy Hellickson back a day to Monday against the Royals and RHP James Shields to Tuesday.
WELCOME BACK: A's RH reliever Grant Balfour, a Ray from 2008-10, admitted it was definitely "weird" to be back at Tropicana Field on Friday — at least heading to the visitors clubhouse for the first time since 2004.
Balfour, who allowed a run over two-thirds of an inning Friday, was happy to spend the past couple days at his Clearwater home with his wife, Angie, and 2-month-old daughter, Raegan Madison. Balfour plans to live there in the offseason.
Not quite: Though Maddon was booed for pulling RHP Jeff Niemann with two outs in the ninth, the 6-foot-9 Texan understood, having thrown a career-high 119 pitches.
Niemann pitched to five batters in the ninth, giving up three extra-base hits.
"It was tough," Niemann said. But Joe gave me every chance possible to try to finish that game. It just wasn't in the cards."
MEDICAL MATTERS: Maddon said C John Jaso (oblique strain) and C Jose Lobaton (left knee sprain) came out of their recent baseball activities well. They are waiting for re-evaluation, but Jaso will need a rehab assignment. Maddon believes Jaso will be back by September, though it could be earlier.
Time off: Rays pregame and postgame radio host Rich Herrera has been off this week for "personal reasons." But he said in a text message all "is okay" and he will be back next week.
Miscellany: OF Matt Joyce stole his 10th base, joining Upton and Ben Zobrist as Rays with double-digit homers and steals. Only the Diamondbacks, with four, have more. … Zobrist leads the majors with 35 doubles and has 55 extra-base hits compared with 40 all of last season.
Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.
By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
Tonight
FC Tampa Bay at Atlanta
When/where: 7:30; Atlanta Silverbacks Park
Records: Tampa Bay 6-6-6 (24 points); Atlanta 3-12-3 (12)
Watch: fctampabay.com
Series: This is the last of four meetings, with the teams even at 1-1-1. The Silverbacks won 2-1 at home on July 23, snapping Tampa Bay's four-match unbeaten streak. Tampa Bay earned a 1-1 tie at home on April 30, and Mike Ambersley scored two goals in a 3-2 home win June 12.
Last time out: Tampa Bay earned a 3-1 home win over Edmonton on July 27, getting second-half goals from Shane Hill and Pascal Millien. Atlanta lost 1-0 to first-place Carolina on July 30 in a game called after 50 minutes and three weather delays.
Skinny: Aaron King, who scored in all five league games in July, was named the NASL's player of the month. … For Tampa Bay, this is the first game of a stretch of three in eight days with the first two on the road, including Wednesday against Montreal. With 10 regular-season games remaining, Tampa Bay sits fifth, trailing Edmonton and Minnesota by one point. … Tampa Bay defender and captain Frankie Sanfilippo, who was hospitalized (dehydration) before the previous Atlanta game, returned to practice this week and is probable. Midfielder Chad Burt (foot) is questionable, and midfielder Jeremy Christie (hip surgery) returned to practice this week but is out. … The Silverbacks have allowed a league-high 38 goals in 18 games but only one in each of their past two. … Former Gaither High and USF standout Fernando Gonzalez, an injured midfielder for Atlanta, was recently selected to Puerto Rico's national team for World Cup qualifying.
Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer
Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer
Friday, August 5, 2011
TAMPA — Things could be better for Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib off the field, where he is facing a felony charge in his hometown of Dallas for which he'll stand trial in March.
But the guy bouncing around One Buc Place, trash-talking receivers and baiting quarterbacks, looks like he doesn't have a care in the world.
That's because Talib is back where he feels most at ease: the football field.
It's a place he had not ventured for quite some time, and not only because of the NFL lockout. Sidelined for the final four games of 2010 with a hip injury, Talib was robbed of a chance to play in the season's most critical and contested games.
"It's not good to have to watch those games, man," Talib said this week. "Especially when you're competing to go to the playoffs."
Now, Talib is trying to make up for lost time, even if that has proven to be a process.
"I'm getting there," he said. "I tore my hip flexor. Tore it off the bone. So I just had to let it heal and then slowly but surely get back into working out. But when you're working out in the offseason, you don't really do workouts like this. Now I'm getting used to doing these real long, strenuous workouts. It's getting there. I'm doing good. I think in about a month I'll be there (100 percent).
"I'm not really limited. … There's some soreness there, but it just comes with getting that muscle back strong."
In the meantime, Talib isn't behaving like a guy who suffered a injury of such consequence.
"It's a credit to him," said defensive backs coach Jimmy Lake, noting Talib hasn't skipped any practices. "He's easily one of the top competitors I've ever coached. When the lights come on, he's going to be ready to compete."
That's provided his legal predicament doesn't get in the way.
The Bucs remain hopeful that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will allow Talib to play at least until he stands trial for the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, punishable by two to 20 years in prison (Talib will not comment about the case on the advice of his attorneys).
But answers remain elusive because negotiations between the league and the NFL Players Association this week resulted in Goodell retaining the power to personally decide disciplinary measures for violators of the league's personal-conduct policy.
"I know he has to go through a whole bunch of legal stuff and all that jazz, but I don't think anything will happen as far as the league (is concerned)," coach Raheem Morris said. "I don't have any idea of what's going on with the league office.
"But I would think they wouldn't pass judgment until something happens legally. They do a great job up there handling all those situations, and I'm sure they'll handle this no differently."
Talib's absence in 2010 actually helped the team find depth that could turn out to be pivotal for this season.
After his injury, backups E.J. Biggers and Myron Lewis took on prominent roles. Talib, who had six interceptions in his 11 games, took great pride in watching them perform, knowing he had played at least a small role in helping groom them.
"I look at the bright spots," Talib, 25, said. "(The injury) gave (Biggers) and (Lewis) a chance to get in the game and play in some games that meant something and really get some NFL experience. … Hopefully that'll be big for us this year."
But neither can boast of being nearly as talented as Talib, by far the Bucs' best pure cover man.
He routinely is assigned to opponents' best receivers and is as intuitive a player as you'll see. And he continues to take his knowledge of the game to higher levels.
"It makes the game slow down that much more when you really understand things like route concepts and understand what the NFL is all about," he said.
The outcome of Talib's legal issues will be decided later. So, too, will his availability to the team.
All the while, Talib vows to continue his road back.
"What I can control is, when the alarm goes off in the morning, I get to my meetings on time and do what I have to do," he said. "I come out and practice hard, get my body right. That's the stuff that I can control. I'm just concentrating on that."
Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3377.
Times wires
Friday, August 5, 2011
LONG POND, Pa — The one phone call from his boss that meant most to Carl Edwards wasn't a pitch to stay at Roush Fenway Racing.
Jack Roush simply told his star driver — and the hottest free agent in NASCAR — to make the decision based on what was best for Edwards.
"He said those words to me, and that meant the world," Edwards said Friday at Pocono Raceway. "It meant that I didn't have the pressure to do something for any reason other than what I thought was best."
Edwards decided what was best was to stick with the only organization he has called home in his Sprint Cup career. He signed a multiyear extension with RFR this week because he believed the resources, sponsors, crew and car give him the best chance to win championships.
"Whenever I'd start feeling that pressure start creeping in from the outside I'd think, 'Okay, let's get back to the basics here,' " he said. "Where can I win the most championships? And what would I do if other people's opinions weren't a factor?"
There were plenty of opinions around the garage from fellow drivers to the media speculating on his future. Greg Biffle, his teammate, intimated Edwards was leaving the organization. Four-time Cup champion Jeff Gordon said lingering contract negotiations were a distraction to Edwards as he chased his first title. Edwards enters Sunday's race first in the standings, a spot he has held for the majority of the season.
"I still think it got them a little bit behind, but this will allow them to get back on track," Gordon said. " … Carl's a great driver and that team's a very good team. There's no doubt those talks and that constant barrage of questions is hard to get past until you get settled."
Edwards, who acted as his own agent, said the end of negotiations was a big relief. He kept details private, though he was courted by Joe Gibbs Racing, and insisted money was not an issue. Hard to believe, but Roush said money was never discussed. Edwards had more pressing questions about how the organization is run.
Roush did the equivalent of opening the books, giving Edwards a peek at the organization's secrets.
"If Carl had made the decision not to come back, I was going to feel really stupid for having shown him all these things," Roush said.
Edwards, 31, refused to say how close he was to signing with another team or how many teams showed interest. Once Edwards was back in the fold, Roush started sponsorship discussions for the No. 99, and he said there's no shortage of suitors.
Edwards' contract means other free agents can start seriously considering their options for 2012 and beyond. Clint Bowyer (Richard Childress Racing), Juan Pablo Montoya (Earnhardt Ganassi Racing) and Brian Vickers (Red Bull Racing) are the three top free agents available, and interest is about to pick up. Vickers needs a seat because Red Bull has announced it will leave NASCAR at the end of the season. Bowyer said Friday that he's close to re-signing with RCR.
Also affected was Joey Logano, who likely would have lost his ride in the No. 20 Toyota had Edwards come aboard. JGR star Denny Hamlin made it seem like a deal with Edwards was not as close as it appeared. He asked owner Joe Gibbs to tell him when a deal was close.
Gibbs told him, "If it ever got to that point, I would let you know first."
Hamlin never heard a peep.
By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 5, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — Kennel owner Malcolm McAllister used to count on one hand the number of his greyhounds to pull off a perfect graded ladder climb.
Flying Killerbee changed that.
A promising pup from McAllister kennel, Flying Killerbee started his career with five consecutive victories — capped by a Grade A victory July 29 that completed an undefeated march through Derby Lane's graded system.
For McAllister, 64, it was the sixth time in more than 30 years that one of his dogs has accomplished the feat.
"To go to Grade A like that at Derby Lane, Wheeling (Island in West Virginia) or Southland (Park in West Memphis, Ark.) — some of the toughest tracks — is pretty rare," McAllister said.
"I've got faster dogs than Killerbee, but he is so predictable. He hits the lid, he can come out of any hole, he's front speed and he's not that short."
Flying Killerbee, a male out of a litter by Flying Hydrogen and Kay Oh Honey, won five times in 17 days. In each race (maiden and Grades D, C, B and A), he led at every call. He completed the graded ladder climb July 29 with a 5½-length victory over Bob's Loose in a career-best time of 30.89 seconds at 550 yards.
Barbara McAllister, Malcolm's wife, trains the 74-pound dog for owner Vince Berland of Abilene, Kan. Flying Killerbee's unbeaten streak ended Wednesday with a sixth-place finish behind M's Krazy Guy.
Defeating increasingly better competition in a short time span is rare for greyhounds.
"I don't know when the last time was we had a dog do it," Derby Lane spokeswoman Vera Rasnake said.
Dreamy Blossom, a sprinter for Derby Lane kennel owner Mick D'Arcy, holds the industry's record for most victories to start a career at one oval. She won 13 in a row in 2006 at Tampa Greyhound Track. The following year, Dreamy Blossom captured the $120,000 Palm Beach Grand Classic and was an All-America selection. Uss Raceway of Lester Raines kennel won his first eight starts in 2004 at Derby Lane.
Flying Killerbee was 16 months old when he won the five races by a combined 24 lengths. His average time was 31.00 seconds. Dreamy Blossom was 21 months old at the completion of her graded climb. Her average clocking was 30.83 with victories totaling 29 lengths. Uss Raceway was 20 months old, winning by a combined 30 lengths in an average time of 31.07.
Flying Hydrogen is one of the fastest greyhounds raced by Berland, who will be inducted into the Greyhound Hall of Fame on Oct. 13 in Abilene. In a 2007 interview, he compared Flying Hydrogen with 2007 Derby Lane Million winner Flying Stanley, another Berland dog who holds the sport's all-time earnings record at $559,478.
"The only dog we've ever had that could run with Stanley is Flying Hydrogen," Berland said. "But he didn't have the rush to the turn that Stanley had."
