By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

Bucs practice notes

Guest of the day

Joey Nelson, an 18-year-old Orlando resident and lifelong Bucs fan, wrote an essay for his UCF college application on coach Raheem Morris and leadership. It worked, as Nelson is a UCF freshman studying journalism. The essay also led to him being a guest at Monday's practice, getting to chat with Morris for about 15 minutes on the field. Turns out, Nelson ran into offensive coordinator Greg Olson a while back in St. Petersburg, and told him about the essay. Morris found out about it and the Bucs invited Nelson out. Nelson, who went to four Bucs games last year, said it was a lot of fun learning the ins-and-outs of practice.

Drill of the day

One of the more action-packed drills of Monday afternoon's padded practice was a pass protection drill, where running backs were set to simulate picking up a blitz from a charging linebacker. Both running backs coach Steve Logan and coach Raheem Morris provided commentary, and the RB Kregg Lumpkin and LB Adam Hayward had some physical exchanges.

"It's awesome, I love it," Hayward said. "To get to hit, it's been a while. Took Lumpkin off his feet, so that was fun. It gives them confidence to step up and take on the backers. I just try to go downhill on all of them so they get used to it."

No Joshin'

Coach Raheem Morris is the first to say how much he loves QB Josh Johnson as a player, and what a great teammate is he is in accepting his role as backup to Josh Freeman. Though Morris would like to have Johnson continue to be Freeman's No. 2 long term, he understands why the former University of San Diego star would explore starting opportunities as a free agent next year. That being said, Morris is excited to see what Johnson shows this preseason.

"We have all kinds of packages to put him on the field — as a quarterback, put him on the field as a receiver," Morris said. "We're thinking about different ways to get him out there, you may see him at safety, I don't know. He's that athletic and that talented, we love him a lot."

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

VERO BEACH — USF senior OL Chaz Hine estimates he took "a grand total of 25 snaps" at center this spring as coaches considered their options to replace Sampson Genus, who is now in camp with the Packers.

"It's starting to grow on me. I enjoy it," said Hine, a Newsome graduate who has started 25 games the past two seasons, all at guard. "It's an added responsibility, but that's something I enjoy. It makes me kind of a leader. … I've been a guard for four years, so over the summer I did a lot of snapping, film study at the center position."

With Hine at center, the Bulls have one of their most experienced players running the offensive line; in the spring they had considered using senior Kevin McCaskill, who is a natural center but has not started a game at USF. McCaskill remains an option, but this fall the Bulls have primarily used Hine at center and junior Danous Estenor in his old position at guard.

"I've got to see how Danous progresses at guard, how Chaz handles moving to center," offensive line coach Steve Shankweiler said. "(Hine) is doing fine."

COMES WITH THE JOB: Coach Skip Holtz said USF has its share of bumps and bruises, but nothing significant and nothing he doesn't expect from players as an occupational hazard.

"As I told the players, tell me next time you feel 100 percent. About February," he said. "That's the next time you're going to play without something on your body hurting, whether it's a hamstring, an ankle, a leg, an elbow, a finger, a hand."

THIS AND THAT: USF pushed through afternoon rain, practicing for two hours in wet conditions so as not to conflict with today's two scheduled practices. The Bulls have actual two-a-days just twice this preseason, with today and one day next week. … Senior walk-on DE Rony Delisca, a Wharton graduate who could help on special teams, broke his right hand and worked with a cast on it Monday. He's not expected to miss any games. … Freshman S C.J. Garye was held out of practice with an unknown injury. … James Louis, a receiver from Delray Beach who is transferring after one season at Ohio State due to "family issues,'' said he's considering USF, as well as Miami, Florida State and Florida International. Louis would sit out the 2011 season and then have three years of eligibility.

Times writer 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 Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — 3B Evan Longoria has adopted an unusual batting practice program that he hopes helps him get back to his usual success.

Rather than hit with the team during the standard 4:40-5:40 p.m. slot, Longoria three times this homestand has taken batting practice on the field by himself at around 2 p.m.

The plan allows him to work one-on-one with hitting coach Derek Shelton, and also permits them to use video and hit for extended sessions rather than rotating with other players.

"I've just been trying to get back to my old swing, and we're trying to put videos together of what it was like in 2009-10 and how it's been this year," Longoria said.

"And it allows me when I take a good swing to stay in there and three or four or five or six more until I take a bad one, then take a step back and regroup. Just kind of a different way of going about it."

Though Longoria came into Monday's game just 4-for-27 on the homestand, and hitting .225 overall, he said there has been definite progress.

"I've been feeling pretty good so I kind of want to keep that momentum going and get that swing back into my mind again," Longoria said. "I enjoy being out there with the guys, but just the way my swing feels now, I want to keep a good thing going."

PITCHING IN: Maddon clarified his Sunday answer and said the Rays will not need to call up a starter for next week's day-night doubleheader in Boston since they have a day off before and after the three-games-in-two-days series. Under the current plan, Wade Davis will work the Aug. 16 day game and Jeff Niemann the nightcap, with David Price in the Aug. 17 matinee finale.

MORE MOORE? Top prospect LHP Matt Moore continues to dazzle at Triple-A Durham, earning International League pitcher of the week honors after going 2-0, 1.54 with 19 strikeouts in 112/3 innings. Promoted after going 8-3, 2.20 at Double-A Montgomery, Moore is 3-0, 1.09 in four starts for the Bulls.

Though it's possible Moore will get a late-season callup — "There is a chance," team president Matt Silverman said on 620-AM radio — it is unlikely unless the Rays get back into the postseason race and he could be used in relief, similar to David Price in 2008.

Moore, 22, has thrown 127 innings, plus has pitched in the Southern League All-Star and Futures games.

DOING THE WAIVE: DH Johnny Damon said he heard he has already been through waivers, which would make him eligible to be traded this month. "I'm not really thinking too much about it because it's something I can't control," he said. "Whatever happens, happens. Everybody knows how much I love it here."

RHPs Kyle Farnsworth and James Shields are among other Rays reportedly put on waivers, a common practice as teams will do so with almost all players as they can be pulled back if claimed.

PRICE CHECK: Price was in better spirits the day after his disappointing Sunday start and said his father, who was at the game, texted him with a potential solution. "He said I wasn't finishing my pitches," Price said. "I hope that's it, because that's simple."

MEDICAL MATTERS: C John Jaso (oblique) starts his rehab assignment tonight with Durham and will split time between catcher and DH, though on a conservative schedule that will last at least two weeks. … Maddon said there was nothing new on RHP Alex Cobb, who is on the DL with numbness and a dead arm feeling of undetermined origin.

MISCELLANY: Royals LF Alex Gordon's first-inning double snapped a career 0-for-37 at the Trop. … CF B.J. Upton and Price will visit south St. Petersburg rec centers from 11-1 today as part of the Rays Dugout Club; Price goes to Gladden Park and Campbell Park, Upton to Childs Park and Wildwood. … Price will sign autographs from 11-noon Wednesday at the Florida Blue Center (201 N Westshore Blvd., Tampa).

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

Swimming

Nyad slowed by Winds in Florida Straits

HAVANA — After a solid afternoon in good conditions, things began to turn Monday evening on marathon swimmer Diana Nyad as she attempts to cross the Florida Straits from Cuba to Florida at age 61.

Monday dawned with calm waters and just a hint of a breeze, and her support team provided updates through social media. "Diana is swimming strongly. The swells have subsided," a posting on her Twitter account read. Later, she complained of shoulder problems and asthma, but overall she was doing well about a third of the way in.

As evening approached, a posting suggested a tough night may be ahead. "Wind picking up. … Still going strong 22.5 hours in, but rough seas slowing us."

Nyad is trying to accomplish what she failed to do at 28: swim an estimated 60 hours covering 103 miles from Havana to Key West. This time she's attempting the swim without a shark cage, relying on an electrical field from equipment towed by kayakers.

Nyad would break her own record of 102.5 miles for a cageless, open-sea swim, set in 1979 when she stroked from the Bahamas to Florida.

Follow her progress at diananyad.com.

NBA

James not eyeing overseas options

Heat star LeBron James said he is optimistic the coming NBA season will be played and he is not considering international options if the lockout continues.

"I'm optimistic that we will have a season this year," James said. "Very optimistic."

James said he is committed to helping the United States defend its gold medal at the 2012 London Games and has been working in Houston with Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his post play.

Soccer

Riots postpone matches in London

Police ordered clubs in London to postpone matches as violence and looting spread across the British capital for a third night after a shooting.

As police struggled to contain the disorder, League Cup matches due to take place today at West Ham and Charlton were postponed due to security resources being stretched.

The violence, unrelated to soccer issues, began late Saturday when a protest against the fatal police shooting of a man in disputed circumstances degenerated into a rampage.

Et cetera

Autos: Mary Hendrick, mother of Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick, died Monday in Charlotte, N.C. She was 88. Known as "Miss Mary," she was listed as owner of the No. 5 car that Mark Martin drives in Sprint Cup.

NHL: Coach Randy Carlyle agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Ducks. The deal keeps Carlyle, the winningest coach in franchise history at 266-169-57, under contract through the 2013-14 season. … The Blue Jackets reached agreement with Dalton Smith on a three-year entry level contract and Ryan Russell on a one-year, two-way NHL-American Hockey League deal. … The Predators signed defenseman Jack Hillen to a one-year two-way contract.

Tennis: Ninth-ranked Marion Bartoli was upset in the first round of the Rogers Cup in Toronto, losing 6-3, 6-3 to Galina Voskoboeva, ranked 135th. Tenth-seeded Samantha Stosur, a part-time Tampa resident, beat Ayumi Morita 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. Stanislas Wawrinka defeated David Nalbandian 6-1, 6-4 in the first round in Montreal.

Times wires

By Joe Smith and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Monday, August 8, 2011

TAMPA — The Bucs' decision to put rookie LB Mason Foster first at middle linebacker on the their initial depth chart Monday came as little surprise to many.

That included Foster's main competition, LB Tyrone McKenzie, who said coaches told him a few days ago.

Foster, who is clearly the team's choice to succeed free agent departure Barrett Ruud, was pumped.

"It's exciting to be out there with the twos (second-teamers), let alone the ones," Foster said. "So to be out there with the ones, you're playing with guys I watched as a little kid."

McKenzie, a former USF star, took the news in stride. "The decision has been made," he said. "You respect it and do what you have to do for the team to get better."

Outside of Foster, there weren't any real surprises.

The starting receivers remain Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn, but Dezmon Briscoe is climbing. The second-year player from Kansas who emerged late last season is the No. 2 flanker behind Benn. With Benn being held out of contact drills, it's likely he won't play Friday at Kansas City, meaning Briscoe could start.

Also on offense, Earnest Graham is still listed as the first-team fullback, though the club would like to make him more of a full-time halfback and hand the fullback duties to Erik Lorig. With Lorig slowed by a slight Achilles' tendon injury, that transition has been slowed.

While first-round pick Adrian Clayborn is the starting right defensive end, second-round pick Da'Quan Bowers is the No. 2 left end behind Michael Bennett.

Bennett, who came on strong late last year, said he feels good and is comfortable going into this season. But he points out "anything can change in a hurry."

"I'm just going to work as hard as I can," he said. "I'm not really worried about starting or being second."

Bowers has been limited because of his offseason knee surgery, but he has consistently taken numerous snaps with the first-team defense. He didn't participate in Monday's afternoon padded practice, but he said it was the first day he has really taken off, and it was a coaches' decision. Bowers said he will probably play Friday, and his goal is to start Week 1.

"Once it gets closer time to grind for Detroit, I'm going to be working myself back into that starting lineup," Bowers said.

Roy Miller remains a starting defensive tackle, with Brian Price, still working back into shape after a pelvic fracture, as his backup.

Micheal Spurlock is listed No. 1 at punt returner and kick returner, with Preston Parker No. 2 at both spots.

QB TALK: Coach Raheem Morris said QB Josh Freeman will likely play around 20 snaps Friday, roughly a quarter and a half, with the first-team offensive line in as long as Freeman is. Backup QB Josh Johnson will then play a quarter and a half before Rudy Carpenter finishes.

MISCELLANY: Rookie LB Nick Reveiz has been playing some fullback. … Though he was reportedly doing better, DT Gerald McCoy (rotator cuff strain) didn't participate in the padded practice and is day to day.

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Phillies CF Shane Victorino is appealing a three-game suspension imposed Monday for his part in a brawl Friday at San Francisco.

Two Giants players who expected one-game suspensions only received fines after playing key roles in the benches-clearing brawl between NL division leaders. Nobody was injured.

Major League Baseball also fined Victorino an undisclosed amount. Phillies 3B Placido Polanco and Giants RHP Ramon Ramirez and C Eli Whiteside were fined as well. Victorino, Ramirez and Whiteside were ejected.

"Victorino's aggressive actions prolonged the bench-clearing incident between the Clubs," the commissioner's office said in announcing the penalties.

Victorino can continue to play until the appeal process is complete.

Philadelphia was eliminated by San Francisco in six games last fall in the NL Championship Series. The Giants went on to win the franchise's first World Series title since moving West in 1958.

"I thought it was well done," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said of MLB's decisions. "And I'm not saying that because we didn't have any suspensions. It was pretty clean out there."

In other Giants news, RF Carlos Beltran was out of the lineup with an injured right hand and is day to day.

SLOWER, SLOWEST: The Red Sox and Yankees have been hearing complaints for years that their games take far too long.

After their latest marathon Sunday night, Boston manager Terry Francona said he wouldn't be surprised to hear from Major League Baseball again. The Red Sox beat New York 3-2 in 10 innings in a game clocked at 4:15.

"We'll probably get a letter, which I understand," Francona said. "It makes sense. They want to get it going and I understand that."

In other Red Sox news, RH reliever Bobby Jenks was hospitalized with what Francona described as "intestinal turmoil" and had a colonoscopy.

PROGRESS FOR A-ROD: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez stepped up his workouts while recovering from knee surgery, though there's still no timetable for his return. Rodriguez took part in a situational hitting drill during a 57-pitch batting practice session in Tampa.

TIGERS DUO REWARDED: Detroit extended manager Jim Leyland's contract through the 2012 season, and general manager Dave Dombrowski agreed to a four-year extension through 2015. Both contracts were set to expire after this season, but with the Tigers in first place, owner Mike Ilitch decided the time was right to work out new deals.

AILING METS: New York put SS Jose Reyes on the disabled list for the second time this season with stiffness in his left hamstring. INF Daniel Murphy is likely out for the season with a knee injury.

CARDINALS: 3B David Freese, who suffered a mild concussion when he was beaned Thursday, was cleared to return to game action tonight.

INDIANS: RHP Carlos Carrasco went on the disabled list with right elbow inflammation, temporarily voiding his six-game suspension.

MARINERS: SS Brendan Ryan went on the 15-day disabled list with a left shoulder injury. INF Luis Rodriguez was called up from Triple-A Tacoma.

MARLINS: LF Logan Morrison sat out after needing five stitches in his right knee following a collision with teammate Emilio Bonifacio.

ORIOLES: INF Cesar Izturis went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin. RHP Jason Berken was recalled from Triple-A Norfolk.

PADRES: 3B Chase Headley went on the 15-day disabled list with a broken left pinkie.

RANGERS: LH reliever Arthur Rhodes was placed on release waivers and will become a free agent on Wednesday.

REDS: 3B Scott Rolen said his left shoulder feels much better after Wednesday's surgery to clean it out, but his return is still unclear.

ROCKIES: RHP Kevin Millwood, who opted out of a minor-league contract with the Red Sox over the weekend, signed and might start Wednesday's game.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Jimbo Fisher guided Florida State to 10 wins in his first year as head coach at the school and expects to be even better in Year Two.

He's not alone.

The Seminoles, who finished 10-4 last season, were an overwhelming favorite of the media covering the ACC to win their first league championship since 2005 and run their streak of winning seasons to 35.

They'll have to do it with a new starter at quarterback, but junior EJ Manuel is hardly untested. He has a 4-2 record starting games the past two years when Christian Ponder was sidelined with injuries.

Manuel, some believe, could be just as good or better than Ponder.

"Quarterbacks are the key guy," Fisher said. "I have an extreme amount of confidence in him and belief in him … in what he is going to do."

The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Manuel has accounted for more than 2,000 yards offense and 11 touchdowns in his career and led the Seminoles to bowl victories over West Virginia and South Carolina.

"I think EJ is a little more athletic than Ponder was," fullback Lonnie Pryor said. "When it comes to throwing the ball and reading everything, I'm pretty sure they're on the same level."

Manuel and his teammates get what could well be their biggest test three weeks into the season when Oklahoma comes calling with quarterback Landry Jones, who passed for 380 yards and four touchdowns to lead the Sooners to a 47-17 win over Florida State last year.

Fisher emphasizes that teh Seminoles will be prepared this time for the Sooners, who will likely be ranked No. 1 when they visit Tallahassee.

Their Sept. 17 rematch has become the most anticipated game for the Seminoles since Bob Stoops' upstart Sooners upset Florida State 13-2 in Miami to capture the 2000 national championship.

"Even if you win that game, you've got to go on the road the next week and play a very tough Clemson team," Fisher said. "I think the Oklahoma game will take care of itself."

Fisher is counting on juniors Willie Haulstead and Rodney Smith and senior Bert Reed to lead a host of eager underclassmen fighting for playing time on the receiving corps while tailbacks Chris Thompson, Ty Jones and Jermaine Thomas combined to rush for 1,862 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

Defensive end Brandon Jenkins, linebacker Nigel Bradham and cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Greg Reid lead defensive coordinator Mark Stoops' young defense that ranked third nationally with 48 sacks last season, led by Jenkins' 131/2 sacks.

The Seminoles also return one of the nation's best special teams, featuring field goal specialist Dustin Hopkins, punter Shawn Powell and Reid, who led the nation in punt returns in 2009.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

White Sox 7, Orioles 6

BALTIMORE — A.J. Pierzynski homered and drove in three runs, Alex Rios singled in the go-ahead run in the eighth inning and Chicago won its fourth straight game. Gordon Beckham also connected for the White Sox, who blew a four-run lead before rallying to secure their season-high sixth consecutive win on the road. Third-place Chicago moved within five games of the lead in the AL Central.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

Rays vs. Royals

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

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

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

Starting pitchers:

Rays:

RH James Shields (10-9, 2.95)

Royals: LH Jeff Francis (4-11, 4.88)

Watch for …

Big Game James: Shields rebounded from a rough July with a strong start Wednesday vs. Toronto, allowing 1 run in 7-plus innings. He last faced the Royals in October 2010, and in eight starts overall is 5-2, 4.02 against them.

Leaning left: Francis got roughed up by the Rays in his July 23 start, allowing 3 runs and 9 hits in 5 innings. That was the former Rockie's first start against them, and this is his first game at the Trop.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Francis

Desmond Jennings 2-for-2

Kelly Shoppach 1-for-4

Ben Zobrist 2-for-3

Royals vs. Shields

Billy Butler 7-for-14

Melky Cabrera 4-for-19

Alex Gordon 3-for-15

On deck

Wednesday: Royals, 7:10 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (8-7, 4.55); Royals — Felipe Paulino (1-4, 4.19)

Thursday: Royals: 12:10 p.m., no TV. Rays — Jeff Niemann (6-4, 3.58); Royals — Danny Duffy (3-5, 5.08)

Friday: at Yankees, 7:05 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (9-10, 3.89); Yankees — CC Sabathia (16-6, 2.81)

Saturday: at Yankees, 4:10 p.m., Ch. 13. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.05); Yankees — Freddy Garcia (10-7, 3.16)

Visit of the day

OF Sam Fuld's tour of the USF Diabetes Center included a trip to the kitchen, where families learn how to make diabetic-friendly food, and a visit with USF president Judy Genshaft and Dr. Stephen Klasko.

Return of the day

OF Matt Joyce figures he was a good choice to represent the Rays at today's 11 a.m. Feeding America Tampa Bay charity event at a Sweetbay store (7580 49th St., Pinellas Park). "It kinda worked out, because I used to work at a Kash n' Karry (in Seffner)," Joyce said. "I was a bagger, and I worked my way up to cashier."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

TAMPA — At 6 feet 6, Josh Freeman towers over nearly every player in the huddle, a vertical advantage that helps him view the entire field.

But even more skyscraping are expectations surrounding the Bucs' 23-year-old quarterback.

In his first full season as a starter, Freeman led Tampa Bay to a 10-6 record by passing for 25 touchdowns and only six interceptions.

His ability to protect the football as if it were a family heirloom last year is even more impressive considering he was surrounded by rookies at receiver and running back.

But according to his coaches, Freeman still has a lot of growing to do.

"The more he proves to us he can make the good decisions, the more we'll trust him to do," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said. "We had a situation the other day, a period of practice where it was all 'shot' plays. Well, you know, he showed us the other day, 'Hey, you're not ready yet if you're going to keep forcing the ball. Take the shot when it's there, otherwise, take the check down.'

"(Quarterbacks coach) Alex Van Pelt and I said, 'As long as you're making the good decisions, we'll call the shot plays. But if you show us you can't do that, we're going to be throwing a bunch of conservative (stuff) for you.' So it's still always a learning process."

Several things are stacked in Freeman's favor. Start with his immense size and talent. In addition to passing for 3,451 yards last season, only Michael Vick rushed for more yards as a quarterback than Freeman's 364. He also has the ability to mature with young weapons such as receivers Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and running back LeGarrette Blount.

While young quarterbacks such as the Jets' Mark Sanchez are surrounded by veteran talent, the Bucs will have the youngest team in the league for the second straight season. Freeman doesn't use that as a crutch.

"It really wasn't an excuse last year," Freeman said. "It's the NFL, it doesn't matter if you have freshmen playing or rookies or whatever it is. You've got to go out and compete. You get one shot in the NFL, and we're trying to make the most of it.

"You had some guys who got their first start in pressure situations and they stepped up huge. That's kind of the culture we're building around here. Everybody has got to be prepared to step up and play at a high level, and guys take that to heart. They take it personally."

Even coach Raheem Morris, who spent a year at Kansas State as defensive coordinator when Freeman was a 19-year-old Wildcat, is still learning to trust his 248-pound passer. Case in point: The Bucs were tied at 17 against Detroit last season and faced third and 7 at the Lions' 12-yard line. Rather than take a shot in the end zone or let Freeman pass for a first down, the Bucs ran Freeman on a counter play for 4 yards. Connor Barth's field goal made it 20-17 with 1:39 to play. But the Lions drove for a tying field goal, Tampa Bay lost the overtime coin toss, and ultimately the game 23-20.

Two weeks later, with Tampa Bay leading by a field goal in the third quarter at New Orleans, the Bucs' faced fourth and 1 at the Saints' 18-yard line. This time, Freeman faked a sneak and threw a perfect strike off his back foot to Williams for a touchdown.

"We do have a stud, I believe," Morris said. "And he probably could go out and chuck it around 60 times a game and make it a little easier. But you may create some weaknesses for yourself that may not be ready to close yet."

Olson forecasts Freeman to have another super season, especially if he wants to be mentioned among the league's top quarterbacks with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.

Some Bucs teammates suggest their expectations of Freeman are sky high.

"I can't even imagine what he's going to do this year; I think it's going to be that big and that great," left tackle Donald Penn said. "He's going to be one of the top five quarterbacks in the league. If we keep him safe, I think he's going to be an MVP candidate."

Times staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee safety Janzen Jackson spent the past six months dealing with some tough issues. The toughest was not being around football.

The junior said Monday that he's glad to be back on the field after a five-month break to deal with what he said were personal issues and family problems.

"I didn't think I was gone, but I thought there was a slim chance that I wouldn't come back because I had to get some things in order," Jackson said. "For me to get back out here on the field I had to take care of some stuff, but I'm definitely happy to be back out here."

Jackson withdrew from Tennessee in February and re-enrolled in July. He said he was diligent about lifting weights and maintaining his conditioning program. He met with coach Derek Dooley frequently.

"We've had a lot of one-on-ones, not as coach to player but just as an older guy trying to help a younger guy," Dooley said. "I'm glad he listened. It took him about 28 meetings, but on the 29th he started listening."

Jackson made 69 tackles and a team-high five interceptions in 2010. He is expected to be a key part of the deep and experienced secondary.

Longhorns suspend safety: Texas senior safety Christian Scott was suspended from the team after being arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault with bodily injury.

An Austin police spokeswoman says Scott was arrested Monday morning near his apartment after officers responded to a call about an assault. The charge is a Class A misdemeanor, which brings a maximum of one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $4,000.

Scott started 10 games last season and had 53 tackles and one interception.

QB race continues at Arkansas: Bobby Petrino has made it clear all summer the starting quarterback position is up for grabs at Arkansas.

The Razorbacks coach insists that's still the case, even after junior signal-caller Tyler Wilson was selected by his teammates as one of six team captains.

Wilson is the presumed favorite ahead of sophomore Brandon Mitchell in the race to replace the departed Ryan Mallett, but Petrino won't name either one the starter until they first earn the job on the practice field.

"They know it's a competition at the quarterback spot," Petrino said. "They know it's a competition at every other spot out there.

"I think Tyler being named captain shows that the players respect his work ethic and how much he's put into the offseason and spring and summer and the leadership he's shown to the other players."

Wilson has the experience on the field after filling in for an injured Mallett at Auburn last season, throwing for 332 yards and four touchdowns. He also has the look of a starter off it, organizing offseason workouts this summer.

boosters pursue public records: Attorneys for North Carolina football boosters are seeking public records on the firing of coach Butch Davis as they consider taking legal action against the school. Matthew J. Dixon of Elizabethtown is one of five attorneys representing boosters frustrated by the university's dismissal of Davis a week before training camp. Dixon says those boosters helped fund the Kenan Stadium "Blue Zone" expansion project based on the comments of public support for Davis from chancellor Holden Thorp.

Basketball: LSU forward Matt Derenbecker, who started 16 games as a freshman last season, is withdrawing from school for reasons related to his performance in the classroom. His father, John Derenbecker, said his son is academically eligible to continue playing for the Tigers, but has struggled to meet "personal standards" as it relates to his course work. The 6-foot-7 Derenbecker averaged 6.5 points in 32 games last season, with a season-high 19 against Mississippi.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

Mets 9, Padres 8

NEW YORK — Lucas Duda's two-run single capped a three-run ninth against All-Star closer Heath Bell, and banged-up New York rallied. Angel Pagan, Jason Bay and David Wright homered for the Mets. Pagan, batting first in place of injured shortstop Jose Reyes, hit his third career leadoff homer.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — David Ortiz had four hits and three RBIs and delivered the go-ahead single with two outs in the ninth inning to lift the Red Sox to an 8-6 victory over the Twins on Monday night.

Ortiz, a former Twin, hit a two-run homer in the sixth and finished a triple shy of the cycle. Jarrod Saltalamacchia added a homer and two RBIs to help Boston win for the fifth time in seven games and move 1½ games ahead of the idle Yankees in the AL East.

Marco Scutaro had three hits for Boston and Jonathan Papelbon worked a perfect ninth. But Red Sox starter Tim Wakefield missed out on victory No. 200 for the third straight start when reliever Alfredo Aceves gave up the tying single to Jason Kubel in the eighth.

Twins reliever Glen Perkins left with the score tied and a runner on second in the ninth, then Joe Nathan gave up a single to Ortiz and an RBI double to Saltalamacchia to let the game slip away.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

Braves 8, Marlins 5

MIAMI — Dan Uggla extended his hitting streak to 29 games and Alex Gonzalez hit a three-run homer for Atlanta. Uggla beat out a grounder to shortstop for a single in the fifth inning to extend the longest active hitting streak in the majors. He's tied with Rowland Office for the second-longest streak in franchise history behind Rico Carty's 31 in a row in 1970.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

Rangers 9, Mariners 2

ARLINGTON, Texas — Matt Harrison pitched seven strong innings for his career-high 10th victory, and Nelson Cruz homered for Texas. Overcoming 104-degree heat, Harrison surpassed his nine-win rookie season in 2008. Cruz, Mitch Moreland and Yorvit Torrealba all had three hits for the AL West-leading Rangers, who lead the Angels by 11/2 games. Cruz snapped an 0-for-15 slide when he led off the second with a homer to left.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, August 8, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The home run Casey Kotchman hit to centerfield on the first pitch of the ninth inning that gave the Rays a 2-1 victory over the Royals may have been his second most impressive feat of the night.

During his postgame TV interview with Sun Sports' Todd Kalas, Kotchman somehow sensed Evan Longoria approaching with the now-traditional whipped cream facial and threw up his right hand to block the delivery.

"Fastest I've ever seen him move," Longoria said.

Kotchman's blast - estimated at an impressive 416 feet - turned what was a somewhat uneventful and potentially unsuccessful night into a celebration for the 10,742 gathered under the tilted roof, though it was only the fourth smallest crowd of the season.

Jeremy Hellickson, after a rough start, delivered a solid seven-plus inning outing - "Fantastic," manager Joe Maddon said - with Joel Peralta and Kyle Farnsworth providing solid relief as the Rays improved to 60-54, and moved back within 9 ½ games of the wild-card leading Yankees.

But Kotchman, the Seminole High product, was the story, not just for his first career walkoff homer (and second game-ending hit), but for the latest entry in his remarkable renaissance season.

"This," manager Joe Maddon said, "is a little bit above and beyond."

With three hits, Kotchman improved his average to .341, second in the majors, and extended his hitting streak to a season-high tying eight games. And after hitting .217 in Seattle last season, is making a push for the greatest one-season improvement in AL history - currently the 126 points George Burns added from 1917 to 1918.

And all this after signing a minor-league deal with the Rays and opening the season at Triple-A Durham until Manny Ramirez's "retirement" created an opening and opening day first baseman Dan Johnson's extended struggles provided the opportunity for more playing time.

"All of a sudden he just turns into a different animal right now," Maddon said.

The Royals scored a run in the first and the Rays tied it in the seventh - on Kotchman's RBI single - and it stayed that way until the bottom of the ninth, when Kansas City reliever Blake Wood took the mound on his 26th birthday.

"What a present," Wood said. "It's unbelievable. It's the first time I've ever been walked off. Not a whole lot to say. One pitch, and that's all she wrote. It was just up and out over (the plate). I was trying to get ahead. Ninety-seven percent of the time, that pitch gets fouled off or they hit a fly ball. He just got to it. That's pretty much it."

Kotchman, with three homers in his past six games and seven for the season, said he didn't know it was gone. "No chance," he said. "I thought it was going to be caught."

The celebration was much more complicated. As Kotchman neared the plate, outfielder Justin Ruggiano and pitcher David Price threw the large wads of gum they were chewing on home plate.

In the middle of the celebratory scrum, Kotchman saw it and tried to stay clear. "I was kind of distracted," he said. "That's probably not real sanitary."

Then Kotchman - who credits a major portion of his success to an off-season procedure to clear out his tear ducts - had to deal with the whipped cream.

"Longo tried," Kotchman said. "I'm glad he didn't get me. It might've messed up my eyes again."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Monday, August 8, 2011

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Ravens signed veteran running back Ricky Williams on Monday to a two-year deal to replace Willis McGahee, who they let go days before training camp.

The former Heisman Trophy winner played last season with the Dolphins, and if everything goes well with his physical today, Williams will work in tandem with Ray Rice.

A former Pro Bowl player, last season Williams, 34, split time with Ronnie Brown in Miami and averaged 4.2 yards per carry. He gained 673 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Williams has rushed for 9,569 career yards and 68 touchdowns, recording 325 receptions for 2,523 yards and eight touchdowns.

"It gives us a proven playmaker, an outstanding runner, an outstanding receiver and an outstanding pass protector," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. "He knows this system and he has played extremely well in this system."

Ellis flips to Patriots

Defensive end Shaun Ellis is switching sides in one of the NFL's most intense rivalries.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection signed with the Patriots after 11 seasons with the Jets. The Patriots also signed free agent defensive end Andre Carter, who played 10 seasons with the 49ers and Redskins.

"It's the same; I'm just on the other side now," Ellis, 34, said. "…It feels like a place that's all about winning, like they have been. I'm just happy to be a part of it."

The Jets had said that they wanted Ellis back but offered only the veteran minimum of $910,000 and, Ellis said, refused to increase it substantially when he went back for a final offer.

"There's no way I'm going to wish him well," Jets coach Rex Ryan said Sunday. "… I wish him to be healthy, but I don't want him to play that well."

Broncos: The team released its depth chart and former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow remains No. 2 behind starter Kyle Orton but ahead of Brady Quinn.

Eagles: Receiver DeSean Jackson ended his 11-day holdout, reported to camp and went through an afternoon walkthrough, though he still wants a new contract. He is slated to earn $565,000 this season, the final one of his four-year rookie deal.

49ers: Free agent safety Dashon Goldson rejoined the team after agreeing to terms on a one-year contract.

Lions: Running back Mikel Leshoure tore his left Achilles' tendon and is out for the season.

Steelers: Receiver Hines Ward, 35, completed his first practice in more than six months after being cleared to come off the physically unable to perform list following offseason thumb surgery.

Titans: Cornerback Cortland Finnegan apologized for bolting training camp, saying he left because he was upset over talks for an extension. Coach Mike Munchak said Finnegan will be fined, and the corner says he will pay it.

Obituary: Jerry Smith, whose 26-year NFL coaching career included a stint as the Broncos interim head coach in 1971, died Saturday at age 80.

Monday, August 8, 2011

Times wires
Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Rockies 10, Reds 7

CINCINNATI — Carlos Gonzalez's two-run homer, Colorado's fourth overall, broke an eighth-inning tie and lifted the Rockies in a game that featured a long rain delay and seven homers in all.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Astros 9, D'backs 1

PHOENIX — Wandy Rodriguez pitched six strong innings and J.D. Martinez homered to lead Houston. Jimmy Paredes had a two-run single and Rodriguez drove in his first run of the season for the Astros, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Henry Blanco homered in the seventh for Arizona, which has lost four of five.