Times wires
Thursday, August 11, 2011

NEW YORK — 3B Alex Rodriguez is expected to be the designated hitter in his first rehab game, at 7 tonight for Class A Tampa against the host Dunedin Blue Jays, and Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he expects his star to be back with the big club late next week for its trip to Minnesota, ESPN.com reported.

Rodriguez has been out since July 8 with a torn meniscus in his right knee that was surgically repaired July 11.

On Saturday, Rodriguez will play in the field for the Yankees' minor-league club while the big club hosts the Rays. His readiness to rejoin the Yankees will be re-evaluated after Saturday.

"Will we have him in Kansas City? I don't know," Girardi said Thursday. "I would think by Minnesota we would have him."

After this weekend's home series with the Rays, the Yankees travel to Kansas City for three games with the Royals beginning Monday night, then travel to Minneapolis for four with the Twins beginning Aug. 18.

"We'll have to build him up," Girardi said. "I think the most important thing is that he feels comfortable and that he feels that he's moving freely."

Indians squabble: SS Asdrubal Cabrera and 1B Carlos Santana went nose-to-nose in the dugout during the first inning of a 4-3 loss to the Tigers, but manager Manny Acta had no issue with it. "I like it," he said. "It means people around here want to win."

The Indians fell behind 1-0 when Austin Jackson hit a routine grounder but 3B Lonnie Chisenhall's throw sailed over Santana's head and into the photo pen. Jackson moved up on a groundout and later scored.

"Asdrubal confronted Carlos about not catching the throw," Acta said. "Carlos didn't like the way he talked to him. That's fine. I like it. People care. That's all I can ask for."

A's: OF Coco Crisp (right calf) missed his fourth straight game and is expected to sit out the three-game series against Texas.

Blue Jays: Edwin Encarnacion has started taking fly balls in leftfield, and manager John Farrell said the third baseman could get playing time in the outfield before the end of the season.

Cardinals: The team bolstered its bullpen by coming to terms with LHP Arthur Rhodes, 41, who was released by Texas this week. He went 3-3 with a 4.81 ERA in 32 games for the Rangers.

Mets: CF Angel Pagan sat out after leaving Wednesday's loss because of a lower back spasm. Scott Hairston started in center, and batted leadoff for the first time this season.

Nationals: 1B Michael Morse left the game vs. the Cubs to get X-rays after being hit on the left elbow by a pitch.

Orioles: RHP Jake Arrieta is scheduled for season-ending surgery today to remove a bone spur from his right elbow. Arrieta hasn't pitched since July 31 and has been on the disabled list since Aug. 6. The right-hander went 10-8 with a 5.05 ERA in 22 games, all of them starts. He was 5-1 with a 4.03 ERA on May 15, but began to struggle with his command shortly after that.

Rockies: Despite his eight-game hitting streak, SS Troy Tulowitzki did not start. "He came to me (Tuesday) and said his legs were starting to feel a little heavy," manager Jim Tracy said. Tulowitzki later pinch-hit. … Jason Giambi, 40, is returning to the big club after going 3-for-3 Wednesday for the Triple-A Sky Sox. He had been on the DL with a strained left quadriceps.

Tigers: OF Brennan Boesch is expected to miss a few games because of a sprained right thumb. Boesch, one of the club's top run producers, had his thumb examined by a hand specialist. There is no timetable for his return.

White Sox: Closer Sergio Santos worked a perfect ninth for his 25th save in a 6-3 win over Baltimore. He set a major-league record by starting the season with 25 straight scoreless appearances on the road, breaking the mark set by the Yankees' Mariano Rivera in 2005. Santos has a 30-game scoreless run on the road over two seasons.

Times wires
Thursday, August 11, 2011

JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The excuse for his poor showing at last week's tournament was he was hitting the ball too flush. When this event began, Tiger Woods said he was too mechanical.

Let's try lost.

Woods shot 7-over 77 at the PGA Championship on Thursday, his worst first round in a major, after a start that was good enough to make his fans believe he would contend. As it stands, Woods, tied for 129th, will have to scramble to make the cut today.

"I'm not down. I'm really angry right now," Woods said, his hands gripping the lectern he stood behind after his round. "There's a lot of words I could use beyond that."

Woods opened with three birdies in five holes at the Atlanta Athletic Club and had his name high on the leaderboard, next to Steve Stricker, who went on to tie a major championship record with 7-under 63 for the lead.

Woods was focused on what he called "mechanical thoughts," the swing changes he and coach Sean Foley have been working on. For reasons he didn't explain, Woods said he then shifted his focus to playing the way he used to. He proceeded to play the next 13 holes in 10 over.

"I thought, 'I can let it go' and play by instinct and feel," he said. "And it just screwed up my whole round. I'm not at that point where I can do that yet."

He can't stop spraying his drives, his short game isn't good enough to save him — especially from greenside bunkers — and he isn't making putts.

His round — his highest in a major since 81 in wind and rain at Muirfield in Round 3 of the 2002 British Open — began to unravel on the brutal 265-yard par-3 15th hole, his sixth of the day (he started on No. 10).

He was 3 under at that point. Then a 4-iron shot meant to land on the front of the green found the big water hazard. He pitched short and two putted for double-bogey 5.

Woods bogeyed the 16th and double bogeyed 18 after having been in two bunkers on each hole. He made the turn at 2 over.

On his second nine, he made double-bogey 6 on No. 6, hitting out of a bunker into another water hazard. Woods finished with a bogey on No. 9, again having been in a fairway bunker and a greenside bunker.

Woods, playing in his second straight tournament after a three-month injury layoff, is in danger of being finished for the season. He is 129th on the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup playoffs points list, and he needs to get into the top 125 to make the playoffs, which start in two weeks.

He isn't scheduled to play next week.

Through Sunday, Atlanta Athletic Club, Johns Creek (Ga.). Today on TV: 1, TNT.

Weather: xxxxxxxxxx

Times wires
Thursday, August 11, 2011

Cardinals 5, Brewers 2

ST. LOUIS — Albert Pujols kicked off a 4-for-4 night with a solo homer, and the Cardinals avoided a three-game sweep and pulled within four games of NL Central-leading Milwaukee. Pujols entered with just five hits in 42 at-bats against the Brewers. He ended the slide with a drive in the first against Yovani Gallardo, tying him with teammate Lance Berkman for the NL lead with 28 homers. Pujols added two singles off Gallardo.

Times wires
Thursday, August 11, 2011

NASHVILLE — The Titans said Thursday that they're ready to make Chris Johnson the highest-paid running back in NFL history — if he shows up at camp. Johnson said he was surprised to hear that.

Johnson, whose 4,598 yards (2,006 in 2009) are the league's most over the past three seasons, refuses to report until he gets a new deal. He has mentioned he'd like $30 million guaranteed.

The Titans reworked Johnson's contract a year ago to give him more money in 2010 and promised to talk to him again a year later. But they want him in training camp before negotiating that deal.

"Even though he has two years left on his contract, we'd like him to go in," general manager Mike Reinfeldt said. "He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches. He can learn the scheme. He doesn't have to practice, but it's something we want to get done. Again, we're willing to make him the highest-paid running back in the history of the NFL."

Later, Johnson said neither he nor his agent have received an offer.

Bears: Receiver Johnny Knox, demoted to second string behind newly acquired Roy Williams, denied he requested to be traded. "I'm a Bear, and I want to stay a Bear," said Knox, the team's leader in catches and touchdown catches the past two seasons.

Jets: Center Nick Mangold left practice with an undisclosed injury sustained during a goal-line drill. Mangold lay on the field for about four minutes before walking off under his own power. Also, receiver Plaxico Burress, recovering from a sore left ankle, is expected to play briefly in Monday's opener.

Packers: Ahman Green, the franchise's all-time leading rusher, signed in order to retire with the team. His most recent stint in the NFL came in 2009. He played last season in the United Football League.

Panthers: Starting receiver David Gettis was diagnosed with a torn left ACL and is expected to miss the season. He was hurt Wednesday.

Steelers: Receiver Jericho Cotchery signed. In seven seasons with the Jets, he had 358 catches. Last week, he requested and was granted his release after New York signed Burress and Derrick Mason.

Pryor still out: Quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who left Ohio State amid NCAA violations, is not among the four players eligible for the supplemental draft set for Wednesday, the Associated Press reported. However, it reported there is time for him to be added.

Tebow's moves yield little

Former Gator Tim Tebow's failed scramble just before halftime stood as the play of the game until Stephen McGee — another option quarterback in college — ran around to throw a 13-yard touchdown and two-point conversion with 15 seconds left, giving the host Cowboys a 24-23 victory in a preseason opener. Tebow led the Broncos to two field goals in four drives. The first came on a drive that started on his own 10-yard line, the other on a series that started 7 yards from the end zone. That series began with Tebow running it into the end zone on first down, but a holding penalty wiped it out. He completed 6 of 7 passes for 91 yards and ran twice for 15 yards.

Game highlights: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert was inconsistent in his debut as his Jaguars fell 47-12 to the host Patriots. Jacksonville scored three field goals on the six series led by the 10th overall pick out of Missouri. Gabbert finished 9-of-16 for 85 yards and was sacked three times. … Michael Vick was 4-of-6 for 74 yards, including a 3-yard touchdown to tight end Brent Celek, on his only series as the host Eagles beat the Ravens 13-6. … Tarvaris Jackson was 3-for-5 for 13 yards and was sacked twice in two series in his debut as Seahawks quarterback in a 24-17 win over the host Chargers.

Times wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

D'backs 8, Astros 5

10 innings

PHOENIX — Chris Young won it with a three-run homer in the 10th for the Diamondbacks. The Astros led 5-3 in the ninth, one strike from victory, when pinch-hitter Paul Goldschmidt hit a two-run homer off Mark Melancon to tie it.

Associated Press
Friday, August 12, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State University President Eric Barron says he's heard the rumors that the Seminoles are moving to the SEC and says that's all they are at the moment — rumors.

But he also didn't say it would never happen.

Barron said Friday that while he finds such speculation fascinating, he has not had any talks about Florida State bolting the ACC for the SEC. He says that the ACC "is a good conference."

The Florida State president also says he will not speculate if FSU could move when there is no discussion about it.

Florida State has largely dominated the ACC in football since joining the conference two decades ago, winning a dozen league titles and two national championships.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 12, 2011

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced five game-time changes for the 2011-12 season. The changes affect two home games at the St. Pete Times Forum and three road games.

The Lightning game-time changes are as follows:

Oct. 25 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 28 at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Devils at St. Pete Times Forum, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Rangers, 7: 30 p.m.

Feb. 14 vs. Senators at St. Pete Times Forum, 7 p.m.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 12, 2011

Just nine days after Skip Holtz proudly noted that all his returning players had reported for training camp, the USF Bulls have lost a third scholarship player from last season, as senior receiver Faron Hornes is no longer part of the team.

Hornes, a Bradenton Southeast graduate who had a key 70-yard touchdown reception in last year's win at Cincinnati, had academic issues over the summer but had appeared to resolve them, traveling with the team and working out in Vero Beach this week. The former walk-on made his biggest impact as USF's primary punt returner in 2009, averaging a modest 5.0 yards on 16 returns. He lost the job last season but had 11 catches for 135 yards.

Hornes is the third reserve player to leave the team since the start of training camp, joining running back Dontae Aycock and defensive end Brandon Wilkinson. With the departures, USF should have at least one scholarship available for another late addition -- Ohio State receiver James Louis mentioned the Bulls as a possibility on Sunday, along with Florida State, Miami and Florida International.

By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 12, 2011

Problem solving: Shallow-water opportunities for redfish, trout and protected snook remain best during the early morning or evening. Floating grass, however, remains a problem. Soft-plastic baits can be rigged to hide hook points, creating a weedless lure. Fly anglers can do something similar. Purchase your fly pattern with a weed or hook-point guard. If you tie your own flies, attach a single or double strand of 20- to 30-pound Mason monofilament before finishing the head. Extend the guard a little past the hook point. For surface poppers, heat a needle and create a hole on the belly in front of the hook point a little larger than the diameter of the monofilament. Cement the Mason in the hole with Crazy Glue at a 45-degree angle so it protects the point.

Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com or (727) 504-8649.

Times wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

No Chase roads yet

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Never say never. That basically was the answer of NASCAR president Mike Helton on Friday when asked if Sprint Cup would ever include a road course in the Chase for the Champion­ship that determines the series winner.

"I've learned over time to never not imagine the possibilities of something," he said in a NASCAR.com story. "But … we still maintain the thought process when we introduced the Chase that we were not going to shuffle tracks around to adapt to the Chase, that the Chase was the last 10 races. … If someone … asks to change stuff around, we would consider it. But there is nothing on the table today."

IndyCar in N.H.

IndyCar is at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the first time in 13 years, trying to attract fans who flock to NASCAR races at the track. Most of the drivers haven't been at the Loudon track, and they were trying to learn the 1-mile oval's nuances before Sunday's 225-mile race. "It's beautiful around here," Ryan Hunter-Reay said. "It's a great place to have a race. Hopefully we can get the fans in here and make this thing permanent for us." With six races left, new venues also are on tap in Baltimore and Las Vegas in efforts to attract new fans.

F1 movie plans

Director Ron Howard is developing a movie about the Niki Lauda-James Hunt 1976 Formula One title fight. Hunt won by one point after Lauda was almost killed in a crash, missed six weeks, had his huge points lead reduced and then retired from the rain-soaked season finale, saying conditions were too dangerous. Asked by Formula1.com if Americans would be interested in an F1 movie, Howard said, "The story has so many elements that everybody can be interested in. Take, for example, James Hunt's personal environment. While he was fighting for the championship, Richard Burton (steals) his wife."

Times wires

Quote of the day I

"The last 10 laps of the races on road courses at almost every race, someone spins me out. After Sonoma this year, I decided that there's a few of them that the next time I get to them, I'm sending them around as quick as I get to them. That's what continually happens to me, and it's with the same people over and over. So it's not happening again."

Jeff Burton, declaring he's done as Sprint Cup's Mr. Nice Guy on road courses such as this weekend's at Watkins Glen

Quote of the day II

"I'm sorry. I feel like a broken record. I feel, like, really boring. Am I really boring you guys?"

Danica Patrick, telling reporters she still hasn't decided her racing future, after the latest round of questions about it

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, August 12, 2011

"Chilly Willie" keeps a sense of humor, even after his latest milestone victory.

Jockey Willie Martinez, a fixture at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar, collected his 3,000th career victory Friday night. After piloting 15-1 shot Squeaky Ceci to a last-to-first win in a $10,000 maiden claiming race at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa., he ended an interview with track spokeswoman Katie Mikolay with a one-liner.

"I got my 2,000th win in the year 2000," Martinez said. "I was hoping and praying I can win (No.) 3,000 before the year 3000."

Martinez, 40, whose nickname reflects his patience on a racehorse, has been winning races since recording his first lifetime victory at Oldsmar in 1989. He was the track's leading apprentice that year, kicking off what he calls a "blessed" career.

"I thank God, my family, all my loved ones," Martinez said. "Nevertheless, the horses are the biggest stars. I've really been blessed."

Martinez, a native of Santurce, San Juan, Puerto Rico, became the sport's 156th rider to reach 3,000 wins. He did it on his 21,821st mount, raising his career earnings to $69,364,023. Martinez, who won his first stakes at Oldsmar in 1991, was the Downs' leading rider the following season with a record 123 victories, a mark that stood for 15 years.

Five of Martinez's 10 stakes wins at the Downs have come in the past three seasons. In 2010, Martinez rode Bold Start to a track record in the Challenger Stakes, clocking 1 � miles in 1 minute, 42.83 seconds.

Martinez, whose nine titles at Turfway Park in Florence, Ky., remain a record, has four career mounts in the Kentucky Derby and three in the Breeders' Cup World Championships.

One of his favorite horses has been $2 million earner Brass Hat. In 2006, Martinez rode Brass Hat to wins in the Grade I Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach and Grade II New Orleans Handicap at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. He also was aboard Brass Hat in the Dubai World Cup that year, a race in which Brass Hat was disqualified from second for a postrace medication violation.

Another top horse for Martinez has been Noble's Promise, who finished fifth in the 2010 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and third in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita in Arcadia, Calif.

MORE HORSES: Jockey Faith Schorr, 20, whose first win came at Oldsmar in 2009, was fined $1,250 and suspended 74 days this week for incidents at Thistledown in North Randall, Ohio. The Daily Racing Form reported Schorr stood up before the finish line in a race, costing her horse a victory; was handed a whip by another rider during a race; attempted to provide a fraudulent urine sample; and failed to provide a valid urine sample. Schorr last rode at the Downs in 2009-10.

By Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer
Friday, August 12, 2011

Tonight

FC Tampa Bay vs. NSC Minnesota

When/where: 7 p.m.; Al Lang Field, St. Petersburg

Records: Tampa Bay 7-6-7 (28 points); Minnesota 7-5-7 (28 points)

TV/radio: BHSN; 1010-AM; live stream on fctampabay.com

Series: This is the second of four meetings between the teams, who played to a scoreless draw May 28 in Minnesota.

Last time out: Mozzi Gyorio scored in the 90th minute to give Tampa Bay a 3-all tie with Montreal on Wednesday. Tampa Bay dismantled Atlanta 4-0 on Aug. 6. The Stars lost to Fort Lauderdale 1-0 Wednesday.

Skinny: Tampa Bay and Minnesota are tied for third in the NASL standings; Minnesota has played one fewer game. … Tampa Bay faces Minnesota three times over the next seven games. … Tampa Bay F Aaron King has a point in seven consecutive games. … F Mike Ambersley's nine goals are second most in the league. … Feeding Children Everywhere will pack 250,000 meals to send to Haiti from 3-6 today at Al Lang.

Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer

Times staff, wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

Basketball

Mullin leads 2011 class into hall of fame

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Chris Mullin's journey from New York star to Hall of Famer is complete.

Mullin, 48, was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday with nine others, earning the sport's highest individual honor after being recognized with the Dream Team last year. A five-time All-Star with one of the game's best jump shots, Mullin also won a gold medal at the 1984 Olympics.

The New York city product stayed home to play in college at St. John's and was presented for enshrinement by his coach, Lou Carnesecca.

"I chose the best coach in the best city, and I played in the world's most famous arena," Mullin said. "Looking out, I realize I'm a long way from Flatbush Avenue."

Dennis Rodman was the other headliner in the class, which also included coaches Tara VanDerveer, Tex Winter and Herb Magee; former NBA players Tom "Satch" Sanders; Artis Gilmore and Arvydas Sabonis; the late Reece "Goose" Tatum of the Harlem Globetrotters; and women's star Teresa Edwards.

Tennis

Fish advances to semis in Montreal

Tampa resident Mardy Fish defeated Stanislas Wawrinka 6-3, 6-7 (8-10), 6-0 to advance to the semifinals of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

"It's certainly nice to play on those courts because they are pretty quick, and they do suit my game very well," Fish said.

He faces Janko Tipsarevic, who ousted Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-4. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, coming off a victory over Roger Federer, downed Nicolas Almagro 6-4, 6-4. Tsonga faces the winner of a late match between top-ranked Novak Djokovic and Gael Monfils.

On the women's side, Tampa resident Samantha Stosur defeated Roberta Vinci 6-4, 6-1 to reach the semifinals. Stosur takes on Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Andrea Petkovic 6-4, 6-3. Victoria Azarenka made quick work of Galina Voskoboeva, winning 6-1, 6-2.

Soccer

Adu returns to MLS four years after exit

Freddy Adu, the once-great hope of American soccer who left MLS midway through the 2007 season, signed with MLS's Philadelphia. The Union plucked Adu, 22, on a free transfer from Portuguese First Division's Sports Lisboa e Benfica.

Philadelphia is one point behind Columbus for first in the Eastern Conference. "I'm ready to learn, listen and help the team in every way possible," Adu said.

England: Manchester United is the favorite of British bookmakers to defend its Premier League title at 6-4 odds. Chelsea, with three titles in the past seven seasons, is the second favorite at 11-4.

Et cetera

Boxing: Scott LeDoux, a former heavyweight contender who took on Larry Holmes, George Foreman and Ken Norton and twice fought for the title from 1974-83, has died at 62. He died Thursday at his home in the Minneapolis suburb of Coon Rapids, almost three years after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, friend and attorney Bob Dolan said. Mr. LeDoux earned a draw with Norton and Leon Spinks, and lost a title fight to Holmes by technical knockout. He was 33-13-4, with 22 knockouts.

NHL: The Lightning announced time changes for two home games at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa next season, both to 7 p.m. from 7:30: Dec. 12 vs. the Devils and Feb. 14 vs. the Senators.

Youth Baseball: Dexture McCall's two-run homer and Jimmy Herget's three-run shot led Tampa Boys & Girls Club over Harrisburg, Pa., 15-3 in five innings in the senior division of the RBI World Series in Minneapolis. John Safe pitched a complete-game, three-hitter, striking out six. Tampa is 3-0 in round-robin play.

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer; Times staff, wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 12, 2011

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball officials are looking into claims by the men charged with burglarizing the spring training rental home shared by Rays LHP David Price, 3B Evan Longoria and SS Reid Brignac that a container of marijuana was among the items they took.

The claims, based on statements, some secondhand, from the suspects and others questioned in investigation of the March 26 break-in, were contained in the five-page probable cause affidavits released by the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office on Thursday. In an accompanying statement, the Sheriff's Office said "no evidence has ever been found and there is no indication the residents of the home were aware of it."

Longoria said the players were not going to address the issue publicly.

"We've decided, obviously the three of us as a group and the organization as a whole, to just let the police do their job and us to keep that to ourselves," he said. "We're just not going to make any comment. … What's been said is said and our only way to react to it is obviously not to go the wrong way and react negatively to it, just to not make a comment on it."

Rays VP Rick Vaughn said, "We are pleased that the thieves have been apprehended, and we will have no further comment on the ongoing legal proceedings."

Deputies arrested and charged two men, Steven Charles Vaughn, 22, and David Kimo Rufino, 19, in the break-in, which netted about $60,000 of electronics, jewelry, cash and an AK-47 rifle legally registered to Longoria. They are looking for a third suspect, 15-year-old Tavarious Smith.

MLB said it will look into the latest developments. Under the MLB drug policy, players are only tested for drugs of abuse, such as marijuana, based on "reasonable cause," and a first offense can result in placement in a treatment program and additional testing rather than a suspension. Players are tested randomly for performance-enhancing drugs.

DRAFT BREEZE: Rays officials continue talks with their top four unsigned picks in advance of the midnight Monday signing deadline.

They appear to be in good position to sign LHP Grayson Garvin, the 59th pick who is weighing a return to Vanderbilt, and 3B Tyler Goeddel, who has an offer to attend UCLA. The toughest sign looks to be OF Mikie Mahtook, their second pick and 31st overall, as he considers going back to LSU.

And somewhere in the middle is top pick RHP Taylor Guerrieri, the 24th overall selection who has an offer from South Carolina and is rumored to be considering junior college (allowing a return to the draft in one year rather than three), though his father, Chris, told the St. Petersburg Times this week that was not under consideration.

If the Rays don't sign any of the four, they get a compensation pick at the same spot next year. They have already signed eight of their unprecedented 12 picks among the first 89.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Alex Cobb's surgery to remove a blockage in a vein near his top rib was delayed, at least for a few days, when he had a reaction to medication and became sick. Cobb will remain at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas and be re-evaluated Monday. … C John Jaso was 3-for-7 through the first two games of his minimum two-week rehab assignment at Triple-A Durham and has shown no problems with his strained right oblique.

MISCELLANY: Top prospect LHP Matt Moore started Friday for Durham and had 10 strikeouts through six innings. … C Kelly Shoppach went into Friday leading the majors in caught-stealing percentage at 56.3 (17 of 31).

Times wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

CLEVELAND — For a brief moment Friday, the Twins' opening day lineup was ready to take the field.

Justin Morneau, the first baseman and former AL MVP, was activated from the disabled list two months after neck surgery. His return meant manager Ron Gardenhire finally had his team intact as the Twins opened a key road trip to Central Division rivals Cleveland and Detroit.

The good feeling didn't last long. Michael Cuddyer, one of only two regulars who hadn't missed time to injuries this year (Danny Valencia is the other), hurt his neck during early batting practice and was scratched.

"From 2 to 2:25, we had our team back," Gardenhire said. "We had 25 solid minutes with everybody out there. I felt pretty good for those 25 minutes, to tell you the truth."

By the time Gardenhire spoke to reporters before the game against the Indians, he said Cuddyer's neck was feeling better. The rightfielder was to be examined by doctors.

"He popped something in his neck on his last swing," Gardenhire said. "He was hurting."

A-Rod homers in rehab: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez (right knee surgery) homered in his first minor-league rehabilitation game for Class A Tampa, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the DH before leaving the game in the fifth inning. He hit a shot to left off former Met Willie Collazo in the first inning against host Dunedin. Rodriguez lined an RBI double off Collazo down the rightfield line in the third. In his third at-bat, he struck out looking. Rodriguez is scheduled to play the field for five or six innings at 7 tonight at Dunedin. The Yankees are eyeing his big-league return for late next week.

Tiger hit in head: Reliever Al Alburquerque, 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA in his past 22 appearances, suffered a concussion after he was struck in the head by a line drive during batting practice and carted off the field. He was to remain hospitalized overnight for observation, a Tigers spokesman said. Alburquerque was walking in leftfield while the Orioles were in the cage.

A's: Former Brewers, Tigers and Astros manager Phil Garner, 62, was hired as a special adviser to the club he broke into the majors with in 1973.

Braves: Former manager Bobby Cox's No. 6 was retired. Cox, who retired last year, led the team to 15 playoff appearances and the 1995 World Series title.

Cubs: The team agreed to terms with 1B Trevor Gretzky, the son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky. Trevor Gretzky was a seventh-round draft pick this year from Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian High and decided to forgo playing at San Diego State. The Cubs have not decided where he will start in the minors.

Indians: OF Shin-Soo Choo (broken thumb) was back in the lineup after six weeks and hit leadoff. Choo, activated from the DL, was put in the leadoff spot vs. the Twins. He said he could not recall hitting leadoff since 2006 in the minors.

royals: P Kyle Davies said he made a "foolish mistake" in getting arrested for disorderly intoxication in Pinellas County the day before the team released him. A Pinellas County Sheriff's Department booking report says Davies, 27, was arrested early Tuesday on the misdemeanor charge and released on $100 cash bond. The Royals played a four-game series at the Trop this week. Wednesday, the Royals asked for release waivers on Davies to clear space on their roster for C Salvador Perez. In 13 starts, Davies was 1-9 with a 6.75 ERA. GM Dayton Moore said he didn't know about the arrest until Thursday.

Red Sox: Kevin Youkilis, scheduled to hit fourth and play third base against the Mariners, was a late scratch with a stiff back. Jed Lowrie replaced him.

Rockies: Closer Huston Street went on the DL (right triceps strain), and backup 1B Jason Giambi (left quadriceps strain) was activated. Manager Jim Tracy said Rafael Betancourt would serve as stand-in closer.

Times wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

ATLANTA — Cubs manager Mike Quade said P Carlos Zambrano cleaned out his locker and "walked out" on the team after giving up five homers in Friday's 10-4 loss to the Braves.

"I'm really disappointed," Quade said. "His locker is empty. He walked out on 24 guys … I don't know where he's gone or what he's doing.

"He's talking about retiring."

Zambrano was ejected in the fifth inning after throwing two inside pitches to Chipper Jones, the second going to the backstop. The pitches followed two homers. In all, Zambrano gave up eight runs and eight hits. The five homers allowed set a career high.

"I come in here and I see an empty locker. I figure he's decided he's had enough," Quade said. When asked if Zambrano would be welcome back, he said, "I don't know."

More Cubs: The team agreed to terms with 1B Trevor Gretzky, son of hockey great Wayne Gretzky. Trevor Gretzky was a seventh-round draft pick this year from Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian High and decided to forgo playing at San Diego State.

Twins get Morneau back, lose Cuddyer

CLEVELAND — For a brief moment, the Twins' opening day lineup was ready to take the field. Justin Morneau, the first baseman and former AL MVP, was activated from the disabled list two months after neck surgery. His return meant manager Ron Gardenhire finally had his team intact.

The good feeling didn't last long. Michael Cuddyer, one of only two regulars who hadn't missed time to injuries this year (Danny Valencia is the other), hurt his neck during early batting practice and was scratched.

"From 2 to 2:25, we had our team back," Gardenhire said. "We had 25 solid minutes with everybody out there. I felt pretty good for those 25 minutes, to tell you the truth."

Later, Cuddyer's neck was feeling better, but the rightfielder was to be examined by doctors.

A-Rod homers in rehab: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez (right knee surgery) homered in his first minor-league rehabilitation game for Class A Tampa, going 2-for-3 with two RBIs as the DH before leaving in the fifth inning. He hit a shot to left in the first inning against host Dunedin and lined an RBI double to right in the third. In his third at-bat, he struck out looking. He is scheduled to play the field for five or six innings at 7 tonight at Dunedin. The Yankees are eyeing his big-league return for next week.

Tiger hit in head: Reliever Al Alburquerque, 5-0 with a 1.16 ERA in his past 22 appearances, suffered a concussion after he was struck in the head by a line drive during batting practice and carted off the field. He was to remain hospitalized overnight for observation, a Tigers spokesman said. He was in leftfield while the Orioles were in the cage.

Strasburg outing: Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg, making his second rehab start in a comeback from elbow ligament replacement surgery, struck out five in three scoreless innings for Class A Potomac against Myrtle Beach in Woodbridge, Va. He gave up just two infield hits.

Braves: Former manager Bobby Cox's No. 6 was retired. Cox, who retired last year, led the team to 15 playoff appearances and the 1995 World Series title.

royals: P Kyle Davies said he made a "foolish mistake" in getting arrested for disorderly intoxication in Pinellas County the day before the team released him. A Pinellas County Sheriff's Office booking report says Davies, 27, was arrested early Tuesday on the misdemeanor charge and released on $100 cash bond. The Royals played a four-game series at the Trop this week. Wednesday, the Royals asked for release waivers on Davies to clear space for C Salvador Perez.

Yankees: SS Derek Jeter will be honored today for getting his 3,000th hit. He reached the milestone July 9 against the Rays, today's opponent.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, August 12, 2011

Rays at Yankees

When/where: 4:10 today; Yankee Stadium, New York

TV/radio: Ch. 13; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers:

Rays

RH Jeremy Hellickson (10-7, 3.05)

Yankees

RH Phil Hughes (2-4, 7.11)

Watch for ...

Jeremy the kid: Hellickson is coming off a solid start vs. Kansas City and seems to have addressed the frequent homers he had been allowing. He is 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in four games vs. the Yankees.

Getting their Phil: Hughes worked in relief Sunday in Boston, so he had his next start delayed until today. He had been pitching well. He is 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 10 appearances (five starts) vs. the Rays.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Hughes

Matt Joyce 3-for-8, 2 HRs

Evan Longoria 3-for-10

B.J. Upton 3-for-12

Yanks vs. Hellickson

Robinson Cano 2-for-5

Brett Gardner 2-for-5

Derek Jeter 1-for-6

On deck

Sunday: at Yankees, 1:05. Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (11-9, 2.80); Yankees — Freddy Garcia (10-7, 3.16)

Monday: Off

Tuesday: at Red Sox, 1:05 and 7:10. Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (8-7, 4.60) and Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.43); Red Sox — TBA

Wednesday: at Red Sox, 1:35. Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (9-10, 3.89); Red Sox — TBA

Thursday: Off

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Birthday gift for dad

RHP Jeremy Hellickson has a chance today to give his father, Steve, a memorable 50th birthday present today: a win over his previous favorite team, the Yankees. "I'm going to try," Jeremy said. Steve and three buddies came from their Des Moines, Iowa, home to New York for the weekend, making his first visit to Yankee Stadium (old or new) and getting a chance to see Jeremy pitch.

Celeb moment of the day

Manager Joe Maddon popped out of the dugout to say hello to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. They'd talked a few times before, plus they have something in common: Maddon went to high school in Hazleton, Pa., with Giuliani's wife, the former Judith Stish. "We're absolutely good on the past," Maddon said.

Number of the day

5

Rays homers Friday, most in a game by Tampa Bay this season; homers allowed by Yankees starter CC Sabathia, most allowed in a game in his career

Times staff, wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

As Texas A&M students chanted "SEC! SEC!" at commencement ceremonies Friday amid growing speculation the Aggies are moving to the Southeastern Conference, a new name surfaced as possibly joining them there.

Florida State has been talking to the SEC for several months about moving from the ACC, and the talks have gotten more serious, according to the Palm Beach Post.

FSU president Eric Barron said he has heard the rumors but that's all they are at the moment — rumors. But he also didn't say never, referring to the reports as "quite fascinating."

"I don't think there is anything to talk about right now," he said. "I don't speculate when there's no conversation."

Football coach Jimbo Fisher also said nothing is concrete.

"There's no offer on the table," he said after Friday's practice. "I have not spoken to anybody about it. We love the ACC. We love the conference we're in."

SEC spokesman Charles Bloom declined to comment as did Florida president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley.

The Texas A&M System board of regents has called a special meeting for Monday that includes an agenda item called, "Authorization for the President to Take All Actions Relating to Texas A&M University's Athletic Conference Alignment, The Texas A&M University System."

The latest talk over realignment was ignited by A&M's unhappiness with archrival Texas' powerful position in the 10-team Big 12. During last year's shuffling of conferences, the Aggies were pursued by the SEC and reportedly were close to switching.

The Big 12 did lose Colorado to the Pac-12 and Nebraska to the Big Ten. And officials already are speaking of a further reduced conference.

"(Kansas) has been assured that the nine schools are firmly committed to the Big 12," Jayhawks athletic director Sheahon Zenger said.

The news of the Monday meeting comes on the heels of the Texas House Committee on Higher Education calling a Tuesday hearing to discuss possible realignment of college conferences in the state.

The committee said commissioners Dan Beebe of the Big 12 and Mike Slive of the SEC have been invited to testify as have R. Bowen Loftin, president of A&M, and Richard Box, the A&M system board of regents chairman.

Beebe declined an interview request by the Associated Press.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry, an A&M graduate, said this week that as far as he knows, "conversations are being had" about A&M moving to SEC.

The only official word from A&M came in a statement released Wednesday: "President Loftin is committed to doing what is best for Texas A&M, not only now but also into the future. We continue to have wide-ranging conversations regarding all aspects of the university, including both academics and athletics."

One possible reason for A&M's renewed interest in leaving the Big 12 could be its unhappiness over the Longhorn Network, which was created through a 20-year, $300 million deal with ESPN and is launching Aug. 26. A&M officials have complained about the recruiting advantages created by it.

A&M has a large and rabid fan base, and many Aggies were upset when the school decided to remain in the Big 12 and are miffed that Texas now has its own network.

Loftin issued a letter last summer addressed to "The Aggie Family" on A&M's decision to remain in the Big 12: "We were able to more than double our financial return to the levels being offered by other conferences."

He said another consideration in staying was maintaining A&M's "strong foothold" in the state and preserving a rivalry with Texas that dates to 1894.

Aggie internet message boards and blogs lit up with chatter about the possible move and several posts on Friday said students chanted "SEC! SEC!" as university president Loftin walked to the podium at commencement ceremonies.

Texas said it would be "disappointed" if Texas A&M left.

"At this point, we do not know if Texas A&M is leaving the Big 12," Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds said. "We are actively looking at every possible option we have and have been talking to other Big 12 schools.

"We'd be disappointed if Texas A&M leaves. But if they do, we wish them well."

As for the Florida State rumors, ACC commissioner John Swofford said he has heard nothing from any of his schools about being contacted by other leagues.

Although wooed by the SEC more than 20 years ago, FSU became the ACC's ninth member when it formally joined in 1991, beginning its football membership in the 1992 season. The ACC is now comprised of a dozen teams with the addition of Boston College, Miami and Virginia Tech in 2004.

Times wires
Friday, August 12, 2011

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas' Knile Davis, second in the SEC in rushing yards last season, is expected to miss the season with a left ankle injury.

Davis, whose 1,322 yards trailed only Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, was hurt during Thursday's scrimmage and carted off the field.

Coach Bobby Petrino declined to disclose details of the injury.

"I am extremely disappointed for Knile," Petrino said in a statement. "He is a captain who was incredibly focused on the upcoming year. His leadership throughout the offseason was significant in the development of this team."

Arkansas likely will turn to juniors Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo. Johnson missed most of last season to injuries. Wingo has 572 yards over two seasons.

Ohio State: School officials and ex-coach Jim Tressel appeared before the NCAA's infractions committee in Indianapolis. They discussed how players received benefits from a tattoo-shop owner and how Tressel learned of the violations and covered them up. The school previously put itself on two years probation and vacated last season's wins. And before the meeting, it said it would repay the $338,811 it received from the Sugar Bowl. The committee can accept the penalties or add to them. A decision is expected in 6-8 weeks.

Fiesta Bowl: Playoff PAC, a group critical of the BCS, filed complaints with nine state attorneys general seeking investigations. It challenged the legality of a contract that calls for the Fiesta Bowl to get more than $8 million over 20 years from an Arizona visitors bureau and a requirement teams stay at designated hotels. Fiesta Bowl chairman Duane Woods said schools benefit by locking up large blocks of rooms at below-market rates. Complaints were filed in states with public schools that have played in the game recently: Connecticut, Oklahoma, Idaho, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, Oregon, Alabama and Florida. There was no comments from the attorneys general.

Times staff
Friday, August 12, 2011

GAINESVILLE — One week into his final fall camp as Florida's starting quarterback, senior John Brantley said he's more confident and more knowledgeable in the new offense. And from what he has seen so far, the entire offense is progressing nicely.

"These past three days (in pads) have been really good," said Brantley, who threw for 2,061 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season. "As long as we keep going in this (direction) next week, we're going to be (okay)."

Brantley credited new receivers coach Aubrey Hill for his work with the receivers, saying he and the receivers are becoming more comfortable with each other.

"We're seeing improvement every single day with route running," Brantley said.

Although the Gators have practiced just seven days, along with spring practices and offseason playbook studying, Brantley said he's pleased with this new offense.

"As long as we keep getting better each day, everyone's confidence is going to keep going up," he said. "Going out there every day, I don't feel as nervous as I used to back in the spring."

USF: Scrimmage today

VERO BEACH — The monotony of camp is about to get broken for USF. After five days of practices at the Vero Beach Sports Complex, the Bulls will scrimmage at 1:10 today.

"It's nice," junior LB Sam Barrington said. "Practice is like homework. Scrimmages and games are like the test. You do all that work throughout the week to see what you learn and put it under the lights on game day."

Coach Skip Holtz said he will use the scrimmage to start making decisions on the depth chart and freshman redshirts.

"We've been rolling four teams pretty regularly through camp, and we can't do that and get everyone ready," he said.

"We can't get 105 guys ready for the opening game."

Daniels update: Holtz said he was unsure how much playing time, if any, QB B.J. Daniels (left hamstring) will get. Daniels did work out for the second straight day.

"The problem with a hamstring is you never really know when it's 100 percent healed," Holtz said. "The last thing you want to do is put him out there, have him change speeds trying to get away from the pass rush and he pops it, and that's two weeks."

Departure: Holtz said senior WR Faron Hornes no longer is enrolled. He did not disclose a reason. Hornes caught 11 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown last season.

Vero Beach Press Journal

FSU: Good practice

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher ordered his team to practice in full pads a day earlier than scheduled. And he was thrilled with the results.

"The practical word of the day was consistency … on both sides of the ball," he said. "We had a little rain delay. That didn't bother them. I liked the execution. I liked the effort. I liked the toughness."

Injury report: RB Chris Thompson participated in noncontact drills after missing three practices with a sore back.

Times wires, Orlando Sentinel

UM: Scrimmage talk

CORAL GABLES — The Hurricanes went back to work after their first two-a-days a day earlier. They will practice twice again today before their first scrimmage Sunday.

"It will be a litmus test for us," coach Al Golden said of the scrimmage. "We'll know right away where we are at and what we need to improve. The dog days are going to be next week between this scrimmage and the next scrimmage (Aug. 22)."

South Florida Sun Sentinel