Times staff
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

East Hillsborough athletes to compete in Judo competitions: Three Brandon-area athletes will compete on USA Judo International Competition Teams in the coming months.

Jason Huertas already departed for the Cadet World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine, and four-time national champion Sarah Subko and six-time national champion Charles Roche will compete at the October Infantile Pan-American Games in Argentina.

Overall, 12 young judo players placed in the top three at one or more of the 2011 Judo Junior National Championships this summer: Huertas, Subko, Roche, Kiana Lassalle, Jessica Guidry, Peyton Nisy, Katherine Jordan, Gabriella Otterness, Luis Arias, Karina Back, Hannah Wagner and David Cainas.

The Sasaki Judo Club, in conjunction with Casa Maya restaurant in Brandon, will host a party at Casa Maya to honor their achievements at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. The restaurant will provide free nachos, sangria, quesadillas and sodas.

Plant City sluggers win tournament: The Plant City 9-10 Little League All-Star Team won the recent Tournament of State Champions to finish the season 18-0, the largest achievement in the league's history.

The 9-10 team defeated Bridgewater, Va., 3-1 in the championship game Aug. 3 at Mitch Stadium in Ceredo-Kenova, W. Va., to capture the title.

The Plant City 10-11 team also advanced to its Tournament of State Champions before bowing out in pool play.

Boxer wins national title: Tampa's Alberto Fundura captured the National Junior Olympic Boxing Championship in the 201-pound weight division last week with a unanimous decision over Damien Rico of Los Angeles.

Fundura, 15, boxes out of the Hurricane Boxing Gym and is coached by Freddie Fundura, Will Velez and Jimmie Thomas.

Paralympic team competes in national championship: Hillsborough County's Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Team returned home with 66 medals, including 40 gold medals, 20 silver medals and six bronze medals while setting 10 National Records at the National Junior Disability Championships last month.

The championship was held from July 17 to 23, and hundreds of athletes from all over the nation competed at Saginaw Valley State University in Michigan.

The Paralympic Sport Tampa Bay Team's outstanding achievements led team members to a first in the Medium Team Division (team size between five and eight participants). In addition, Carissa Gore, who was competing in her last Junior Nationals, was received the Spirit of Excellence Award in swimming.

Along with Gore, the other participants were Valerie Baker, Emily Clarke, Nigel Diaz and Zach Woodke.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

TAMPA — Say this about former Bucs star defensive tackle Warren Sapp: He never holds back.

Sapp was like that in his career chasing quarterbacks, racking up seven Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl title with Tampa Bay in 2002, and he's the same colorful and charismatic guy today, telling it like it is as an NFL Network analyst.

So after Sapp visited One Buc Place Tuesday afternoon, watching the team's walk-through at Raymond James Stadium before hanging out with the defensive linemen in their meeting room, he had plenty of conviction in his prediction for the Bucs this season.

"I really do believe they're a playoff team," Sapp said. "I really do."

Sapp sounded off on a number of topics in a 30-minute conversation with the local media, from how he's buying in to the Bucs' build-from-the-draft philosophy, to quarterback Josh Freeman's special qualities, to his own Hall-of Fame candidacy.

On why he believes the Bucs are a playoff team:

"The quarterback and the defense. It starts up front, with the two hogs in the middle and these young kids. If (DT Gerald McCoy) is calm and they're active, that eliminates a lot that can be done."

On the key for the Bucs:

"I look at the inside, (DT Brian) Price and McCoy have to show up. They have to be stage-setters. They have to be so strong through the middle because it's going to be them and a rookie linebacker (LB Mason Foster). That's the one thing that I've always known about this defense, the middle backer has to be cerebral, but he has to be the calming force of it. ... That's going to be the biggest thing, the middle of this defense — those two tackles and the linebackers have to be able to lock this thing down. Those two kids in the middle (have to get) themselves back healthy and ready to go and (Foster needs to be) a calming force, understanding what they're asking him to do on defense, being able to identify the shifts, the movement, call that thing and get them lined up."

On the Bucs defensive line:

"They got a combination right now, some loose bodies, some big hogs and, you know, (pass rush coach) Keith (Millard) loves it all. ... That's what pulled this carriage all these years. ... They love working with each other, you can see it, it's genuine. Whenever you got a unit like that, it's something to reckon with."

On how GM Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris are building through the draft:

"I was looking at it from afar and I was like, 'They're $46-59 (million) under the cap and that's the best receiving core in the history of this game that's been on the street, and it's like, no, we're going to go with our guys.' And I'm like, 'I don't know about that.' Then I went, okay, I remember (Derrick) Brooks, (John) Lynch, Ronde (Barber), Dwight Smith, all the guys we drafted, growing together, and I'm thinking, 'That is the way we did it. ... It was homegrown Bucs that we won with and I like their philosophy. ... It's worked before and 10 wins ain't a bad way to start."

On if more people around country are believing in Morris:

"You're going to have your critics and your skeptics because he went from 3-13 to the largest turnaround in franchise history. And then being the youngest coach and then having the youngest team. He's got this new word, 'Youngry.' I kind of like it. He's gone Jesse Jackson on me, inventing words. I said, 'Boy, we might have given you a little bit too much confidence with them bad Bucs. ... I like the philosophy of, 'I don't want any of my critics to believe in me, I just need my ballclub to.' I know he has the pulse of these kids. They don't know nothing but, 'Let's do what coach says, he told us 10 wins, we got 10 wins. It's called a Jedi mind trick. If I can fool you, you'll believe it."

On the Bucs offense, and QB Josh Freeman:

"It's beautiful, I like scoring points. I wish I would have had a couple more points, I might have had a few more championships. ... They have a franchise quarterback (Freeman) and I see this kid as an MVP candidate this year. He's fire retardent. The one thing I've done in this league is chase quarterbacks, and lived quarterbacks, that's the prize. And this young man, there's something about him. ... Watching this kid grow and watching the young men around him grow with him. He commands them like, it's almost like that (Michael) Vick thing, where people want to go play with him. This kid has that kind of quality about him too."

On veteran CB Ronde Barber:

"You need some old, ornery men on your ballclub, some old, ornery stuck-in-their-way, grumpy old men that (say), 'This is what we do.' ... You need that guy, and Ronde is that guy. He's always been the rock, he's always been the nut, that crazy uncle in the lockerroom throwing your helmet at you and everything. He's always fun to be around. He's great."

On impact of the reducing the number of padded practices:

"I'm really worried about the fundamentals of tackling, because the last couple years, not a lot of guys had technique. They were just going at people's heads, launching at people's heads, looking for a highlight, trying to be on 'Hits of the Week.' If you take away their ability to go at somebody's head, now you got to go back to fundamentals and when was the last time somebody taught tackling? I was in the NFL for 13 years and didn't tackle a soul in practice, not one time. Mike Alstott came through, and it's like, 'Look out, keep on running Mike!' That's just what you did. You didn't put yourself in harms way. I'm looking for the fundamentals of the game to come back. ... There's going to be more (yards after catch) and yards after first contact than we've ever seen. I just don't see the fundamentals of the game on the defensive side getting better in this time."

On CB Aqib Talib and his legal troubles:

"I reserve judgment on that. I know this kid is a good man. Because if he wasn't, I know this organization wouldn't have him. I don't think Raheem or Mark Dominik would put themselves in the position to be tarnished or trashed, because they're building something special. And I think this kid is one of those kids who is going to help them build something special. It's one of those situations where, let it get out and see what it is. I'm going to put my chips with Talib on this one

On what defensive line coach Keith Millard brings:

"Hell on fire, going 100 miles an hour. He coaches like he lives, hard and fast. You're talking about the original three-technique. ... His love for rushing, the game, the kids, and the knowledge. ... When I heard the Bucs didn't have a D-line coach ... I called up Dominik and said ... 'Bring him in for an interview, and if you're not blown away by him, call me back and tell me don't ever call you back and I'll delete your number.' He called me back and said, 'My God.' I said, 'I told you.'

On if he thinks about the Hall of Fame:

"I don't. If I'm that lucky, that somebody says those 13 years that Warren did, that puts him in that class, you're talking about a country boy from Plymouth, Florida. That's a long way from home, boy. If I'm that lucky to get in that position, I'll cry like a baby."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

By RODNEY PAGE

Times Staff Writer

The PGA Championship lacks the hype of the Masters, the prestige of the U.S. Open or the history of the British Open, but it is the last chance for players to earn the final major championship of the golf season. After the PGA, casual fans turn their attention to football as the golf season is left with the FedEx Cup playoffs and fall season tournaments.

The PGA Championship has one of the most competitive fields of any tournament, with 100 of the top 102 players in the world playing. Players can redeem their season, or even their career, with a win. Or they can put an exclamation point on an already solid year.

There is sure to be plenty of drama, and heat, in Atlanta this week. That's usually the case when there is one last chance to win a major championship.

Five reasons to watch

1. Tiger vs. Stevie: So Woods supposedly fires his caddie, Steve Williams, over the phone. Then Williams propels Adam Scott to victory last week and rubs it in by saying it was the best win he's ever had in 33 years of caddying. Here's hoping that Woods and Scott are paired together over the weekend.

2. USA!: Foreign born players have won the past six major tournaments and three straight PGA Championships. The last American player to win a major was Phil Mickelson at the 2010 Masters. Dustin Johnson came close to breaking the streak at last year's PGA Championship, but he grounded his club in a bunker on the 17th hole and missed a playoff by one shot.

3. Who will come out of nowhere?: This tournament has a history of turning grinders into major champions. Rich Beem? Y.E. Yang? Shaun Micheel? Who will it be this year? Maybe somebody like Tommy Gainey, Jerry Kelly or Tampa's Ryuji Imada.

4. How hard will this tournament be?: The Masters was won by Charl Schwartzel at 14 under. Rory McIlroy was 16 under to win the U.S. Open. Martin Kaymer was 11 under when he won last year's PGA Championship. From what players are saying, this year's tournament will likely not have a double digit under par winner. This could be like U.S. Open tournaments of the past.

5. It's the last major!: Sure, there is the Fed Ex Cup playoffs, but realistically sports fans start focusing on football once the PGA Championship is over. It's the last chance to see who can control the nerves and call themselves a major champion.

Lasting images

Every major has its memorable moments. Here are five memorable images from the tournament in the past 25 years:

1986: Bob Tway's bunker shot:

On the 18th hole of the final round at Inverness CC in Toledo, Tway was tied with Greg Norman and playing in the same group. Tway's chip from the greenside bunker rolled into the hole, which caused Tway to jump up and down in the sand as red-pantsed officials applauded behind him. Norman was so shaken that he rolled his birdie attempt 10 feet past and took a bogey.

1991: John Daly's arm wave:

He was the ninth alternate at Crooked Stick in Carmel, Ind. He was a mullet wearing unknown 25 year old from the University of Arkansas. But his booming drives actually found the fairways that week and he won by three shots. By the end of the tournament he was a crowd favorite famously waving his arm over his head as he walked down the 18th fairway.

1997: Davis Love III putts under a rainbow:

Love waited 11 years to win his first major. He won by five shots and made a 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green at Winged Foot Golf Club with a rainbow in the background. His father, Davis Love Jr., recently had passed away. Love saw it as a sign that his father was looking down on him.

2002: Rich Beem's 3-wood:

Beem, a former cell phone and car stereo salesman, held off Tiger Woods at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota. Beem had a one-shot lead when he made the turn. On the par 5, 597 yard 11th hole he hit a memorable three wood to within 6 feet and made the putt for eagle. The image of Beem tracking the shot is one that stands out.

2009: Y.E. Yang jumps for joy:

This one actually had two lasting images. Yang was playing with Tiger Woods, who held a two-shot lead to start the final round. On the 14th hole, Yang chipped in for eagle and pumped his fists. Then, with a one-shot lead on the 18th hole, Yang cut a 210-yard fairway wood over a tree and a sand trap to 10 feet of the hole, securing the victory. He jumped skyward several times to celebrate the shot.

Five players with something to prove

1. Tiger Woods: Not only would he like to prove he can contend in majors again, but he needs a good showing in order to make the Fed Ex Cup playoffs. Projections are that Woods needs to finish 14th or better this week to sneak into the top 125.

2. Jim Furyk: He was the Fed Ex Cup playoff winner last year, but this year he has only two top tens and his best major finish was a tie for 24th at the Masters.

3. Dustin Johnson: It would be sweet revenge if Johnson could win the PGA a year after being assessed a penalty for grounding his club in a sand trap and missing a playoff.

4. Padraig Harrington: He is 130th on the Fed Ex points list and needs a 12th or better to get into the playoffs.

5. Luke Donald: He's the No. 1 player in the world and few people know it. A win, or even a top 10, would solidify his place at the top.

Seriously?

Not only is it going to be stiflingly hot in Atlanta this week, but the players also have to deal with a brutally long 7,467 yard course. Highlighting that length is the 260-yard par 3 15th hole. Yep, 260 yards. Course directors didn't think the hole was long enough, so they put in a new tee for this year's tournament. While it is elevated, the hole has water skirting the right side all the way to the back of the green. And just for kicks, there are two greenside bunkers on the left side and back of the green. The best way to attack this hole is to hit a high, soft fade onto the small green …from 260 yards.

"Is that a par 3? I thought it was a par 4,'' said Masters champ Charl Schwartzel. "I don't think you're going to be too disappointed if you walk off with a 4."

Pate returns

On the 18th fairway of the Atlanta Athletic Club there is a plague commemorating Jerry Pate's 5-iron shot that clinched the 1976 U.S. Open. He was a 22-year-old newcomer who ended up hitting the most memorable shot in the club's history. Clinging to a one-shot lead, Pate pushed his drive into the rough right of the fairway. He had 194 yards to the green and had to clear the water. Instead of laying up, Pate laced his 5-iron to 2 feet of the hole and tapped in for birdie. It was his first and only major championship. Even though the shot wasn't hit in a PGA Championship, it was memorable enough for the PGA to give the 57-year-old a special exemption this year.

"For years people had said that to hit it this close on the last hole of the U.S. Open with the pin on the left and the water on the left you had to pull it," Pate said. "Nobody would do it. I said, 'Hey, at 22 years old you don't know what pull is. You're just, boom.' ''

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Promising Tampa Bay Rays rookie RHP Alex Cobb will undergo season-ending surgery on Friday in Dallas to removed a "blockage" from the area of his first rib on the right side.

With a recovery time of 10-12 weeks, he is expected to be ready for the 2012 season.

Cobb, 22, made an impressive rise to the majors this season, going 3-2, 2.42 in nine starts over three stints with the Rays. But he felt something unusual in his arm prior to his last start on Saturday, and when he told the Rays about it after the game he was sent for a series of tests. Further testing revealed the blockage.

Cobb will have surgery Friday at the Baylor University Medical Center performed by Dr. Gregory Pearl.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Promising rookie RHP Alex Cobb will have season-ending surgery Friday to remove a blockage near his top right rib, but the Rays expect him to be back on the mound in the spring.

Cobb, 23, made an impressive rise to the majors this season, going 3-2, 2.42 in nine starts over three stints. But he had some numbness in his hand and a dead-arm feeling throughout his arm before and during his last start Saturday, and though initial tests for a blood clot were negative, subsequent tests showed what the Rays are calling a blockage.

Cobb's surgery will be performed at the Baylor University Medical Center by Dr. Gregory Pearl, a Dallas-area vascular surgeon who has done surgery to relieve thoraric outlet syndrome on several players, including former All-Star LHP Kenny Rogers and Boston C Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

Cobb, in a statement released by the Rays, said he was already looking ahead: "I'm relieved to know what it is and that it isn't career threatening in any sort of way. It's also good to know that I am in the hands of a specialist who has been down this road before and can treat it properly. I'm ready to get this part over and get on with (head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield's) rehab program."

The Rays say the recovery time is 10-12 weeks, and that Cobb will be able to participate in a regular offseason throwing program and should be ready for spring training.

With Cobb out, the Rays plan to stick with their current five starters for now, but with a plan to limit the innings thrown by rookie RHP Jeremy Hellickson they could need another, with LHP Alex Torres seemingly the most likely candidate. Top prospect LHP Matt Moore is considered unlikely at this point.

SHORTSTOP SHUFFLE: Left knee bursitis that sent OF Justin Ruggiano to the disabled list led to a shortstop shuffle across four levels of the organization, topped by Reid Brignac's return to the big leagues.

Tim Beckham, the top pick in the 2008 draft, was promoted from Double-A Montgomery to Triple-A Durham, and Hak-Ju Lee, acquired in the Matt Garza trade, from Class A Charlotte to Montgomery.

Manager Joe Maddon made it clear Brignac needed more work at Triple A to improve his offense, and as a result he will play only "occasionally" with Sean Rodriguez remaining the primary starter.

Brignac, who hit .193 before being sent down July 23, wasn't much better at Durham, with a .231 average in 11 games, though with a .348 on-base percentage.

"Reid had not graduated yet, we have lot of work to do with him and we're going to continue to do so," Maddon said. "Overall there's been some improvement but not to the level that we're really comfortable with yet."

Brignac said he felt he did the things — such as taking walks, bunting and moving runners — he was supposed to and was obviously happy to be back. "It could have been quicker for me," he said.

Maddon said Ruggiano, who has played sparingly since the July 23 promotion of Desmond Jennings, has been bothered for a while by a "kind of achy" knee.

Beckham hit .275 with seven homers, 57 RBIs and 15 steals over 107 games in his first season at Double A. Lee hit .317 (fourth in the league) with four homers, 22 RBIs and 28 steals for the Stone Crabs.

MISCELLANY: RHP Jeff Niemann said he's planning to get up between 6-7 a.m. to prepare for the unusually early 12:10 start. … Today's game is not on TV. … The Rays team beat the Pirates 7-2 to win the Venezuelan Summer League championship.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office made the first of several expected arrests in the burglary of the spring home shared by Tampa Bay Rays LHP David Price, 3B Evan Longoria and SS Reid Brignac.

And they didn't to go far to do it, as Steven Charles Vaughn, a 22-year-old Port Charlotte man, was already in the Charlotte County Jail on unrelated charges. Vaughn was charged with armed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft and dealing in stolen property.

The players did not get back any of the items stolen, which included electronics, a fancy watch owned by Price and an AK-47 rife that was registered to Longoria.

According to the sheriff's office, this is Vaughn's 10th booking into the Charlotte County Jail with 52 records. Detectives said the investigation is ongoing and active and no other details are being released at this time.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Nature Coast Disc Golf Club will have a Labor Day Luau at Floral Park in Floral City from Sept. 2 to 4.

There will be a disc golf tournament for amateurs and pros, sanctioned by the Professional Disc Golf Association (C-tier) — two rounds of 20 holes for all participants.

Limited to 100 players, there will be five divisions. The fees are $25 for juniors, $30 for recreational players, $35 for intermediate players, $40 for advanced, and $45 for professionals. Online registration is available at iregisteredonline.com.

Pairings will be drawn Sept. 2 after sign-ins. Tee-off will be at 4 p.m. On Sept. 3, check-in will be at 8 a.m. with tee-off at 9:30 a.m. The festivities wrap up Sept. 4 with special events and the PDGA Super Class at 9:30 a.m.

For information, call Duane Laudermilch at (352) 263-4475 or send e-mail to naturecoastdiscgolfclub@hotmail.com

SPRING HILL DIXIE BASEBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Baseball will have registration for the fall season at Anderson Snow Park this month.

League officials will accept signups in the office at the park. Volunteers will be present from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 20 and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 22.

All potential players must turn 5 years old by April 30, 2012. Participants cannot turn 15 years old before Nov. 23.

The cost is $65 per child. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies.

For information, call Joe Abbadessa at (352) 263-4488.

MEN'S SOFTBALL: The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department is holding a men's softball league starting the first week of September.

Registration is open to men age 18 and up. The fee is $569 per team ($335 sponsor's fee and $234 players' fee) for a 14-game schedule.

Games will be played starting at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays at Anderson Snow Park and Veterans Memorial Park in Spring Hill.

For information, call Harry Johnson at (352) 540-6356.

CREWS LAKE FOOTBALL: The Crews Lake Cowboys football and cheerleading program is looking for new players for the coming season.

Crews Lake Cowboys is a nonprofit organization interested in promoting leadership, learning skills, teamwork and discipline. The club is one of several Pasco Police Athletic League teams. The league is open to youths ages 5 to 14.

The 2011 season is starting shortly, and the Cowboys are looking for new or experienced players for football and cheerleading. The team is also looking for more coaches and volunteers. The cost is $180 for cheerleading and $160 for football. The team practices at 15480 Green Glen Lane in Spring Hill.

For more information, call Brad Surrency at (352) 556-8380.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES GOLF: Brooksville Golf & Country Club will host the seventh annual Catholic Charities Golf Tournament on Oct. 28.

The event will benefit the building of the Arnold Andrews Northern Counties Service Center, which will serve Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.

Registration is scheduled for 7 a.m., when coffee and doughnuts will be served. The shotgun start is set for 8 a.m., with a buffet lunch at conclusion of play.

There will be prizes awarded for hole-in-ones, including a 2011 Buick-GMC courtesy of Rick Matthews, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle courtesy of Crystal River Harley-Davidson and a golf cart courtesy of Country Club Cars of Brooksville.

The registration fee is $60 per player. Sponsorship opportunities are available until Oct. 20.

For information, call Abby Evert at (352) 686-9897, ext. 25.

SENIOR SOFTBALL: The West Hernando Softball Club for Seniors League is looking for new members for the season that starts in September.

The league is open to players 55 and older. Games are played on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Veterans Memorial Park in Spring Hill.

For information, call Tony Passanesi at (352) 686-6812.

MORE SENIOR SOFTBALL: The Senior Softball Invitational League will start its season in September and is looking for new players.

The league meets at 9:30 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at Veterans Memorial Park in Spring Hill.

The fee is $60 for approximately 40 games, and a player must be 50 or older.

For information, call Sal Ficarra at (352) 688-1605.

ACE PERFORMANCE TENNIS: Ace Performance Tennis is hosting two events this summer.

QuickStart Drills will be offered from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill. The cost is $10 per class. There will be drills and games designed for beginning players, using USTA-approved strategies for 60-foot court players. Participants will learn to play tennis quickly with age- and size-appropriate equipment and modified courts.

Ladies Night Out will be offered from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Delta Woods Park. The cost is $10 per class. Women of beginning and intermediate skill levels will learn to play in a social setting.

For information, call John or Louise Downey at (352) 666-0658 or visit louisedowney.usptapro.com.

BROOKSVILLE BULLDOGS: The Brooksville Bulldogs are seeking players for the coming baseball season, which runs from September through February.

The team plays doubleheaders in Brooksville and tournaments in the Central Florida area. The two age divisions are 13-and-under and 14-and-under.

For information, call Bruce Price at (813) 714-1054 or send e-mail to bruce67price@hotmail.com.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled its annual baseball/softball umpires clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and the sessions also can help seasoned umpires improve. Local clinics will take place at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill on Aug. 21 and 28.

The sessions are open to men and women age 16 and older. Registration will begin at 12:30 p.m. each day, with the clinics starting at 1 p.m. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or send e-mail to clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

ADULT BASKETBALL LEAGUE: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is playing host to an adult basketball league at the Jerome Brown Community Center in Brooksville, beginning Aug. 23.

The league is open to participants 18 and older. Games will take place at 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m. on Tuesdays. The registration deadline is Friday, and players will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $400 per team, with an eight-player minimum.

For information, call (352) 540-3835.

To notify us of community sports achievements or coming events, contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Phillies 9, Dodgers 8

LOS ANGELES — Ryan Howard and Hunter Pence homered as Philadelphia overcame a 6-0 deficit to complete a three-game sweep. The Phillies won for the 12th time in 13 games and completed a 9-1 road trip. At 77-40, Philadelphia is 37 games over .500 for the first time since 1977.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Pirates 9, Giants 2

SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer, Jeff Karstens bounced back from his worst start of the season and Pittsburgh won its first series in three weeks. The Pirates took two of three from the reigning World Series champions on the heels of a 10-game skid.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Tampa Bay Golf Tour

Looking for one website with information on area public courses? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a video review, breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information.

Numbers of the day

0 PGA Championship wins combined for Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson

15 Major championship wins combined for Palmer and Watson

Quote of the day

"Obviously, I'm a finely tuned athlete, so it should not affect me that much.''

British Open champ Darren Clarke, joking, on the heat in Atlanta for this week's PGA

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

What's hot: Recent heavy west winds have put the kibosh on fishing off St. Pete Beach, where Spanish mackerel, flounder, snapper, sharks, cobia and catch-and-release gag grouper have been the norm. After this wicked weather settles down, look for those fish to still be abundant and eager to take white bait, greenbacks and cut squid. Outgoing tides have produced the best bites.

Strategy: Getting on the lee side of the Mangrove Islands will produce redfish (red drum) and the occasional gator-speckled trout on the full moon hide tides. The key to fishing these islands is finding big mullet. Use cut mullet or greenbacks, which will bring strikes if presented properly. Rig an unweighted 2/0 circle or J-hook and put the bait as close to the bushes as possible. The scent might draw in pinfish activity as well, but it also will draw in what you're looking for. Tarpon are still in back bay canals and bayous that are protected from the wind. They can be finicky. Cast a free-line pinfish in front of them when they roll.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at captainrick@luckydawg.com or (727) 510-4376

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Woods mellow about Williams

Tiger Woods had nothing bad to say Wednesday about fired caddie Steve Williams, who has been in the spotlight since making comments some took as shots at Woods after Williams' new employer, Adam Scott, won the Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday. "I was happy to see Stevie and Adam win," Woods said at a news conference at Atlanta Athletic Club for the PGA Championship, which begins today. He said he sent Williams a "nice" text message after the final round but wouldn't elaborate on the contents, saying they were private. Sunday, Williams, on the bag for 13 of Woods' major wins, called Scott's victory the "best" of his career. In other remarks, he sounded like he was slamming Woods for firing him after he had stood by Woods during Woods' sex scandal, and he disputed Woods' version of his dismissal last month. Asked whether he had been surprised by Williams' comments, Woods said only, "Yeah." He said he wouldn't speculate on Williams' motives: "Those are obviously his feelings and his emotions and his decision to say what he wants to say." Williams has apologized for his comments, saying his emotions got the better of him. An Atlanta TV station showed a clip of Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, talking with Williams in the Atlanta Athletic Club parking lot Tuesday. Woods confirmed the meeting but offered no insight into it.

Cooked goose

Germany's Martin Kaymer brought a touch of his country's Christmas to the PGA Championship. The defending champion hosted the yearly dinner for past winners on Tuesday night and shared a traditional German holiday meal of goose, red cabbage and knodel, a dumpling-like side dish. Kaymer said the meal was well received by the dozen or so former champions who attended, including Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. "Even Tiger, he came up to the range to me and said, 'It was a very nice dinner,' " Kaymer said. "He enjoyed the goose."

Et cetera

Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer says it has ended its 10-year commercial relationship with Tiger Woods and hopes he can "overcome his difficulties." Tag Heuer stopped promoting Woods' image in the United States in December 2009, a few weeks after revelations about his marital problems began to emerge. … Pat Perez said on his Twitter account he found the autograph-seeking boy he blew by in anger after losing by a stroke to Scott Piercy at the Reno-Tahoe Open on Sunday. The encounter was caught on video and posted on YouTube for a while before the PGA Tour got the video taken down. "Talked to his father. Great guy. … Apologized to him and son. Getting gift together,'' Perez said on Twitter.

Local tournaments

• Northside Dolphins football and cheerleader teams tournament, Aug. 21, Northdale Golf Club, Tampa. 1 p.m. shotgun start. Cost: $75. Register: northsidedolphins.com/2011GolfFlyer.pdf or e-mail Antonia@northside dolphins.com.

• Gulf High School fundraiser, Aug. 28, Fox Hollow Golf Club, Trinity. 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. Cost: $75, includes golf, cart and dinner. Information: Tom Carter, (727) 774-3300 or e-mail tcarter@pasco.k12.fl.us.

Times staff, wires

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

LOS ANGELES — Two men accused of brutally beating a Giants fan outside Dodger Stadium pleaded not guilty Wednesday even though prosecutors said they had made admissions in the case.

Louie Sanchez, 28, and Marvin Norwood, 30, entered their pleas during a brief arraignment to charges of mayhem and assault and battery in the March 31 attack of Bryan Stow, a Santa Cruz paramedic who suffered severe brain injuries and remains hospitalized.

Prosecutor Frank Santoro said in court he did not object to a motion to allow television cameras in the courtroom because the case is built on admissions, not witness identifications.

Dorene Sanchez, the sister of Sanchez and girlfriend of Norwood who drove them from the ballpark, will not be charged.

Stow's family said on a website posting Monday that he was making slight improvements and had been able to pucker his lips when his sister asked to give him a kiss and could lift his leg and arm slightly.

MORNEAU RETURNING: Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Justin Morneau will rejoin the team on Friday when its opens a three-game series in Cleveland. The star first baseman went on the disabled list June 9, when he had surgery to repair a pinched nerve in his neck.

PITCHER HEALING: Rockies RHP Juan Nicasio was released from the hospital five days after breaking his neck when he was hit by a line drive. The team said Nicasio was resting comfortably at home.

PLAYOFF SCHEDULE: A tightened postseason schedule will start Sept. 30 with two AL playoff games. It will mark the first time since the 1915 World Series that the postseason will begin on a Friday. The schedule includes no off days between games while a series is in one city.

SANTO HONORED: The Cubs unveiled a statue of Ron Santo during a pregame ceremony outside Wrigley Field, honoring the beloved player and broadcaster who died last winter. The sculpture depicts Santo in his playing days, getting ready to throw.

DODGERS SAGA: Facility Merchandising Inc., which sells souvenirs at Dodger Stadium, wants a Delaware bankruptcy judge to force the team to decide whether an exclusive contract that runs through 2017 will be maintained before FMI makes any more payments for this year and inventory purchases for next season.

BRAVES: RH reliever Scott Proctor was released and RHP Arodys Vizcaino called up from Triple-A Gwinnett. Vizcaino, 20, one of the team's top prospects, is expected to be used in relief.

BREWERS: LHP Chris Narveson went on the 15-day disabled list a day after cutting the thumb on his pitching hand with a scissors while working on his glove.

CARDINALS: Rookie RHP Lance Lynn went on the 15-day disabled list a day after injuring his left side making a pitch and could miss the rest of the season.

GIANTS: RF Carlos Beltran sat out for a third straight game with a strained right wrist.

INDIANS: CF Michael Brantley will miss a few games with an injured right wrist.

METS: CF Angel Pagan left in the fourth inning with lower back spasms.

PADRES: 2B Orlando Hudson was out of the starting lineup because of a strained right groin.

PIRATES: 1B Derrek Lee was scratched from the lineup with a recurring left hand injury.

RANGERS: 3B Adrian Beltre, on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, had a setback over the weekend and won't be cleared for baseball activities for three or four days.

REDS: 2B Brandon Phillips is expected to miss about five days after being hit by a pitch on his left elbow. … SS Zack Cozart, on the disabled list with a hyperextended left elbow, expects to have season-ending surgery.

ROYALS: The contract of C Salvador Perez was purchased from Triple-A Omaha.

TIGERS: LF Brennan Boesch left after one inning with a sprained right thumb.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Arrest made in spring break-in

ST. PETERSBURG — They didn't get back their stolen items, but Rays players Evan Longoria and David Price were glad to hear that police finally got the man said to be responsible for robbing their spring home.

"They got the guy,'' Price said. "So I guess justice prevailed" The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday that after "a lengthy investigation" they made an arrest in the March 26 break-in at the Port Charlotte rental home shared by Longoria, Price and Reid Brignac.

They didn't have to go far to do it as Steven Charles Vaughn, 22, of Port Charlotte was already in the Charlotte County Jail on unrelated burglary and theft charges. Vaughn, who has been arrested 10 times on 52 counts, was charged with armed burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, grand theft and dealing in stolen property. He is being held without bail.

Among the $60,000 worth of items stolen were electronics, jewelry and several of Price's expensive watches; and an AK-47 rifle legally registered to Longoria. Sheriff's spokesman Bob Carpenter said most of the items, including the gun, have not been recovered.

"We're obviously happy that there was an arrest," Longoria said. "None of the stuff was returned. But closure is closure, and we're happy about that."

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Seizing opportunity

TE Ryan Purvis has an expanded role with fourth-round draft pick Luke Stocker out with a hip injury and considered week to week.

Purvis has been making an impression on coaches and is bidding to be on the final roster. His chief competition is likely seventh-round draft pick Daniel Hardy.

"Purvis has done a nice job of being a bigger body, working on really being a blocker," coach Raheem Morris said. "We know about (his) receiver skills. He certainly knows how to get open, and he can fill a role by being a big-body guy who we can put (in the lineup) and at least get a stalemate and be pretty happy with him.

"He's competing well. He's obviously got to do it in the game and do it against some other guys, but I like what he's doing."

The Bucs likely will keep three tight ends at the final cut.

Change of scenery

The weather wreaked havoc with the Bucs on Wednesday, prompting a decision to pile the players into passenger vans for a short ride from One Buc Place to Raymond James Stadium, where the club planned to hold its morning walkthrough in the stadium's expansive loading-dock area.

After all that effort, the rain lightened, and the team moved the walkthrough onto the stadium's playing field.

In the afternoon, during the primary practice, the Bucs returned to the stadium and held a game simulation.

Coaches used radio communications, and players lined the sidelines as they would during a game. That required them to be sharp when making changes in personnel groupings, such as a move from the base defense to the nickel defense.

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer



Reading between the lines

WR Raymond Webber, an undrafted rookie from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, left practice Monday with an apparent hamstring injury. Wednesday, he took to Twitter and seemed to suggest he's going to be out awhile, perhaps even the season. "(W)ish I could play this year but (I'm) still a part of tampa bay buccaneers, (there's) light at the end of the tunnel (sic)," he wrote. The Bucs didn't comment on Webber's status.

Number of the day

16

Florida natives on the Bucs' 90-man roster

Next public practice

When: 2:30-4:35 p.m. Sunday

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

Admission: Free

Et cetera: Schedule is weather permitting and subject to change. Go to buccaneers.com for updates.

Games schedule

Preseason

Friday: at Kansas City, 8, Ch. 13

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

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

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

Regular season

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dec. 17: Cowboys, 8:20, NFL Network, TBD *

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

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

* Broadcast subject to NFL blackout rules

By Stephen F. Holder and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

TAMPA — Rookie Mason Foster will be the Bucs' starter at middle linebacker, but he won't always be on the field.

Coach Raheem Morris says SLB Quincy Black will replace Foster in nickel passing situations, which typically occur on third down and when opponents use three receivers.

Morris indicated the rotation is more about Black's versatility than Foster's limitations.

"Fortunately, the way things are going, (Foster) is the base (middle linebacker)," Morris said. "And you're able to put Quincy in that nickel (middle linebacker). And (Foster) really gets a chance to really focus and lock on his base responsibilities. If he grows into it … that's great. But you've got to find a way to play young guys. If you don't play young guys, it's just me making excuses."

Black's versatility makes this possible. He'll be more likely to drop into pass coverage in the nickel defense, something not a major part of his usual duties. But Black isn't daunted.

"I have a job to do, and I'm ready to do it," he said. "They put me on the field, and they're trusting me to do some different things. I feel like I can do the job. Since I've been on the field, I've been pretty good with all my roles."

Foster won't have the same command in his first year. So Morris figures it's better to let him bite off only as much as he's prepared for.

"Let's give him the base stuff, (let him) pick it up, be great at it," Morris said.

"We've got Quincy Black, who we've got a lot of confidence in."

FRIDAY'S LINEUP: With the Bucs looking toward Friday night's preseason opener at Kansas City, a better feel is developing for who will play.

Morris said rookie DE Da'Quan Bowers, coming off January knee surgery, will be on a veteran-like plan, playing between 12 and 15 snaps. Bowers has been held back by coaches and trainers, sitting out a couple of practices and participating in a limited amount of contact.

"He's coming along really well," Morris said. "He's really come on when we put the pads on. We knew that was going to be his game anyway. He's a giant 280-pound end. Those guys are huge. You can see the power rush is kind of his game. … And we're starting to see it more and more now that the pads are on.

"Maybe we've been a little too cautious, but that's because of the lack of experience and time we've had with him. I think it's smart on the part of our training staff and coaching staff not to try and put too much on his plate right away."

WR Arrelious Benn, also coming off knee surgery, said he likely will dress for the game, but he does not anticipate playing. Because practice fields have been wet the past couple of days, Benn hasn't joined the padded portions of practice, as the team had originally planned. He might get back into contact next week.

The statuses of DTs Gerald McCoy (strained rotator cuff) and Brian Price (pelvis) are less certain. Morris wasn't definitive on whether either would play, and neither participated in Wednesday's afternoon practice.

"If they're out there with their groups and units, they'll play whatever everybody else plays," he said.

Price could play less as he attempts to work back into shape after his offseason weight gain.

TE Kellen Winslow and CB Aqib Talib also sat out the late practice, but it was not clear if that was an indication of whether they would play.

By Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

TAMPA

Injury-wise, FC Tampa Bay has been relatively fortunate in recent weeks. One troubling development, however, is worth following closely as the team pushes toward securing a postseason bid. Starting goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has missed two straight games with a shoulder injury. Attinella, a USF and Countryside High alum, was on the bench during Wednesday night's draw at Montreal and Saturday's win at Atlanta. His status for Tampa Bay's return to Al Lang Field on Saturday against Minnesota is uncertain. Backup keeper Evan Newton, on loan to the team from MLS' Houston Dynamo, has started the past two games, and he recorded a shutout in his first league appearance at Atlanta.

"Jeff has been kind of carrying a little shoulder rotation injury, possibly for the last 10 or 12 days or so," Tampa Bay coach Ricky Hill said. "I think it's gotten progressively worse during that period. The thinking behind last week putting Evan in is, we were playing on a turf field, it doesn't give as much as the grass field. …We were quite confident as far as Evan's abilities. We just thought it was the right time to give Jeff a breather so the injury can heal."

Hill had hoped to have Attinella back at Montreal, but the 22-year-old suffered a setback earlier in the week.

"It's still not where it should be," Hill said. "He disrupted it a little bit on Monday. He felt it a little bit more than he had previously. … It's a day-to-day thing. With the end of the season coming up, we don't want to aggravate it."

Attinella has been stellar since taking over for Daryl Sattler, who tore his ACL on April 30.

In 14 starts, Attinella has recorded a league-high 91 saves, posted two shutouts and was honored in May as the NASL's defender of the week.

Kickin' it with | MF Mozzi Gyorio

The Canada native, 22, has been a regular starter during Tampa Bay's recent success.

You've made a handful of appearances for the U-20 Canada national team. Do you anticipate being a part of the team as it prepares for World Cup qualifying?

"We actually haven't had a camp in a while. The next one is early next year. I think the qualifying for the Olympics is going to be May. I'm in the pool of candidates. I don't have a full first-team cap yet, but hopefully I'll get there soon."

What else would you like to accomplish in your soccer career?

"I'd like to go over to Europe and play. That's been my goal ever since I was a little kid. I think the Spanish game would suit me mostly."

You've been used as a midfielder throughout your career at Tampa Bay and you have one of the most accurate shots on goal. Has there ever been any discussion of moving you up into a more attacking role?

"For the national team, they've had me playing center defensive mid, but I like to attack. Even last year with Tampa Bay, I played mainly as a defensive midfielder. I like to play as an attacking mid. I feel that best suits my game. When I was at San Jacinto College, I was used mainly as a supporting striker."

King streak snapped

Tampa Bay tied a season high with four goals at Atlanta on Saturday, but forward Aaron King was shut out, ending his five-game scoring streak in league matches. Still, King is second on Tampa Bay and tied for fifth in the NASL with six goals. Mike Ambersley leads the team with nine and is second in the league.

FC Tampa Bay rallies to tie

MONTREAL — Mozzi Gyorio buried a free kick in the 90th minute to rally FC Tampa Bay to a 3-3 draw with Montreal on Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium. Gyorio's goal capped a furious comeback that saw FCTB come back from a 3-1 deficit with less than six minutes left in the match. Midfielder Shane Hill gave FCTB a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute as he buried the ball into the back of the net for his second goal of the year. It gave FC Tampa Bay at least one goal in the first half in seven consecutive games.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Yankees 9, Angels 3

NEW YORK — Curtis Granderson hit a three-run homer off Garrett Richards before the rookie got his first major-league out, and New York snapped its three-game losing streak. Granderson later added his 31st homer of the season on a shot to the second deck in rightfield. Robinson Cano tacked on a two-run shot in the seventh inning, getting within a single of hitting for the cycle. Ivan Nova took over the big-league rookie lead with his 11th win.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Reds 3, Rockies 2

CINCINNATI — Joey Votto hit the last of Cincinnati's three solo homers, spoiling Kevin Millwood's return to the majors, and the Reds turned a season-high four double plays. Votto's leadoff homer in the sixth inning snapped a tie at 2 and put the Reds in position for only their second win in their past seven games. Edgar Renteria and Jay Bruce also homered off Millwood, who signed before the game.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Autos

Pair facing pot charges fired by their team

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Earnhardt Ganassi Racing fired two team members charged with trafficking in marijuana.

Trevor Lysne, a tire changer for Juan Pablo Montoya, and Jerome David Frey, a team mechanic, appeared in court Wednesday. The team fired them later in the day.

The two were arrested Tuesday after Huntersville police seized 10.5 pounds of marijuana that had been shipped from California.

Team owner Chip Ganassi said in a statement he has a zero tolerance policy and was disappointed by the arrests.

More NASCAR: Kurt Busch will drive the No. 22 Dodge in place of Penske teammate Brad Keselow­ski for Saturday's Nationwide race at Watkins Glen. Keselowski, who broke his left ankle and strained his back in a crash last week, will focus on Sunday's Sprint Cup race. … Pocono Raceway will shorten its Sprint Cup races from 500 miles to 400 starting next year.

Indy 500: ABC reached a deal to air the race through 2018. It has aired the race since 1965.

NHL

Police send along Chara report

Montreal police have completed an investigation into the Bruins' Zdeno Chara for his hit on the Canadiens' Max Pacioretty and sent the report to prosecutors. There is no timetable for determining if charges will be brought. Chara checked Pacioretty into a stanchion March 8, leaving him with a concussion and cracked vertebra.

Tennis

Women's No. 1 falls in second round

World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki lost to Roberta Vinci 6-4, 7-5 in a second-round match at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Wozniacki led 5-1 in the second before Vinci, ranked No. 22, broke three times. Also, Serena Williams' serve reached 122 mph as she beat Julia Goerges 6-1, 7-6 (9-7).

Men's Rogers Cup: Novak Djokovic, in his first match since reaching No. 1, beat Nikolay Davydenko 7-5, 6-1 in Montreal. Djokovic is 49-1 this year, losing to Roger Federer in the French Open semifinal. Federer allowed eight aces but beat Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-3.

Fed Cup: Serena Williams will play twice for the United States in 2012. Doing so would make Williams, who hasn't played in the Fed Cup since 2007, eligible for the 2012 Olympics.

Et cetera

Arena football: The Storm's Cliff Dukes was named the league's defensive lineman of the year. His 121/2 sacks tied for the league lead and was second in franchise history.

UFL: The football league suspended operations of its team in Hartford, Conn., and will play this season with four teams. Commissioner Michael Huyghue said the league, which owns all or part of each team, couldn't afford five teams after losing more than $100 million in its first two years.

College basketball: Virginia Tech F Allan Chaney's career is over because of a heart condition. Chaney, who transferred from Florida in 2009, passed out while exercising in April 2010.

Soccer: MLS reached a three-year deal with NBC effective next season. Financial terms weren't disclosed. NBC will air two regular-season games per year and NBC Sports Network, previously called Versus, 38. A deal with ESPN that includes 26 games and the MLS Cup runs through 2013.

Horses: Breeders' Cup officials announced the 2012 card will be held at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

Brandon Wright, Times correspondent; Times wires