Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Giants 5, Marlins 2
MIAMI — Ryan Vogelsong gave up a first-inning homer and took a pitch in the biceps batting in the seventh, but that was the only significant damage inflicted on the right-hander en route to his career-best 10th victory for San Francisco. Vogelsong, 34, a journeyman who blossomed this year into an All-Star, was backed by four homers.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Blue Jays 5, Angels 4
10 innings
TORONTO — Edwin Encarnacion hit an RBI single in the 10th inning for Toronto as Los Angeles finished 2-4 on a road trip heading into a showdown with first-place Texas. "Not a good road trip," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "We'll just have to try and bounce back, starting (today)."
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Orioles 8, Tigers 5
BALTIMORE — Nick Markakis homered and drove in four runs, Jo-Jo Reyes allowed four hits in six innings to earn his first win with Baltimore, and the Orioles avoided a three-game sweep. Baltimore led 3-0 after two innings and took an 8-1 cushion into the ninth inning. Closer Kevin Gregg was pulled with the bases loaded, no out and three runs in, getting bailed out by Jim Johnson.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
White Sox 6, Royals 2
CHICAGO — Brent Lillibridge hit a three-run homer, John Danks pitched six strong innings and Paul Konerko had three hits for Chicago (60-60), which has won eight of 10 to reach .500. The White Sox improved their home record to 26-33 and moved within four games of the AL Central-leading Tigers. They won consecutive games in a single series at U.S. Cellular Field for the first time since June 21 and 22 against the Cubs.
By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
He wrote it
"An orphan-adopting, church-building mensch off the field, Zambrano has devolved into a menace in a Cubs uniform, torpedoing all the talent in his right arm with all the demons in his head."
Jon Greenberg of ESPNChicago.com, writing about suspended Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano
Soccer video of the day
A U-17 match in Argentina turned ugly after a referee gave a player a yellow card. The player bumped the ref then punched him before the entire team started attacking him. The referee had to run and jump a fence to get away from the mob. Check it out at thebiglead.com.
Promotion of the day
The New York Islanders are holding a party Friday to watch the Feb. 11 game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The game had multiple suspensions and $100,000 worth of fines. Islanders fans are invited to gather at a sports bar, where there will be a raffle and prizes.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
NEW YORK — Amid their slew of disappointments, the Rays have had a few success stories this season.
Certainly James Shields. Casey Kotchman. Ben Zobrist. Kyle Farnsworth.
And Kelly Shoppach.
Shoppach? The same guy whose batting average is so low — .183 — he admits he has stopped looking up at the video board before each at-bat?
Well, yes. Not for his work at the plate, obviously. But behind it, where his preparation, game-calling and defensive maneuvering have helped make the Rays pitchers the success they are, and where his percent rate for throwing out basestealers — 43.7 (14-of-32) — is the best in the majors.
"What Kelly's done defensively this year has benefitted us in so many ways," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "People talk about our pitching a lot but don't tend to take it to the next level, which is to give Kelly a lot of the credit that he deserves."
"Obviously the offense is what's holding him back from the true recognition," manager Joe Maddon said. "But if you just wanted to go out and rate him as a defender right now, he rates very highly. … Shop, this year as a catcher, is among the best."
Shoppach is 31 and in his sixth season, so he has been around enough to understand what's most important, which is to do anything and everything he can to help the pitchers, not only with what they throw but how they think.
"It's not just satisfaction, that's my job," he said. "It's my job to make sure that I'm doing everything I can to help the pitchers succeed, first and foremost. And when that is your job, then your offense is a bonus."
He's quick to add the obvious addendum, that of course he'd like to do more with the bat. (In addition to the obvious benefit, it would also help him in free agency in the winter, with the Rays not expected to pick up his $3.2 million option.)
But he has grown to understand what he can and can't do, which is what keeps him from being drawn down by his numbers, which include seven homers but just 18 RBIs and a .583 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage). His .183 average is in the bottom 10 of all players with 150 at-bats, he's hitting just .129 against right-handers, and his 63 strikeouts in 198 plate appearances divides out to be among the highest ratios (3.14 SO/PA) in the majors.
"It's just not where I am," Shoppach said. "There once was a time that would just defeat me when I was younger. But that's not where I am anymore. I understand that me going to the plate, having a plan and staying with that plan and approach is all I can do."
So he works on his offense, but he focuses on his defense. And there are reasons he has gotten better, specifically his throwing, after catching only 17.1 percent of runners last season: His shoulder isn't as sore; his right knee, after two surgeries in three seasons, is strong enough to provide a solid base; his motion and footwork improved with some help from bullpen coach Bobby Ramos.
"I've always hung my hat on what I've done behind the plate," Shoppach said, "and I'll continue to do that until I die."
For all the Texas bravado Shoppach usually spews, he acknowledges this is an uncertain time. He isn't ready to retire and move on to his planned next career as a high school football coach, but he knows his job prospects, heading into free agency for the first time, are uncertain: "It's definitely a nerve-wracking time."
His interest in staying with the Rays — obviously for less than his option — is another sign of his grasp of the situation. Because for all the nice things the Rays pitchers say about him — "He does a phenomenal job," Shields said — Shoppach knows whatever success he has had is clearly the mutual result of working with the talented staff.
"These guys," Shoppach said, "make me look like a genius."
Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
D'backs 5, Mets 3
PHOENIX — Justin Upton homered and Paul Goldschmidt doubled twice to help Arizona win its sixth straight game. Goldschmidt snapped a tie at 3 in the sixth inning, doubling to the leftfield corner and scoring on Henry Blanco's double to left off starter Chris Capuano. Upton's homer in the fifth tied it at 3.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Rangers 7, Athletics 6
OAKLAND, Calif. — David Murphy hit a tiebreaking single with two outs in the ninth inning as Texas swept the three-game series. Mitch Moreland hit a sacrifice fly, Michael Young and Mike Napoli drew bases-loaded walks off former Ranger Rich Harden and Texas beat Oakland for the eighth straight time. The Rangers (69-52) are a season-best 17 games over .500.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Dodgers 7, Astros 0
LOS ANGELES — Hiroki Kuroda pitched seven strong innings, Justin Sellers hit a three-run drive for his first major-league homer and Los Angeles swept the three-game series. Matt Kemp matched his career high with his 28th homer for the Dodgers, who had lost four in a row before Houston came to Chavez Ravine. Kuroda won for only the third time in his past 15 starts despite a season ERA of just 2.88.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
SEATTLE — Charlie Furbush was generally used as a reliever with Detroit, though most of his experience in the minors was as a starter. Since acquiring him in a trade, the Mariners have wanted to see if he could fit into their rotation plans.
More performances like Sunday's and he'll certainly be there.
The lanky 6-foot-5 left-hander allowed one run in a career-best seven innings, Casper Wells homered and scored twice and Seattle beat the Red Sox 5-3, taking two of three in the series from the AL East leaders.
"Everything kind of was working, depending on the hitter," Furbush said. "I've faced these guys before, so there were a few things I wanted to stick to in certain situations, certain counts, certain hitters."
Seattle became the first team since late June to win a series against the Red Sox, a span of 11 series.
Furbush gave up four hits in his fifth start of the season. He needed just 95 pitches and regularly hit the mid 90s with his fastball.
"He's putting every ounce of that 149-pound frame into every pitch," Seattle shortstop Jack Wilson joked.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
MIAMI — Logan Morrison apparently isn't planning on going to the minors without a fight.
The Marlins demoted their starting leftfielder to Triple-A New Orleans late Saturday, the same day — coincidentally or not — that Morrison declined to attend a meet-and-greet with season ticket holders.
According to the Palm Beach Post, Morrison plans to consult with the players' union to see if he has grounds for a grievance.
"We are going to, with absolute certainty, explore this and contact the union and make sure Logan's rights are protected,'' agent Fred Wray told the Post on Sunday. "It doesn't seem like everything adds up here.''
Morrison's actions Saturday may have been in protest of a botched charity event. According to the Post, Morrison on Thursday had to cancel a charity bowling tournament because, he said, the Florida Marlins Community Foundation didn't sell enough lanes in advance.
Apparently still upset, Morrison consulted with team union rep Wes Helms, who told him he didn't have to attend Saturday's function. Helms was designated for assignment Saturday.
Morrison, 23, who is in his first full season, has quickly developed into a fan favorite and has 60,000 Twitter followers.
He's batting .249 with a .327 on-base percentage and a .464 slugging percentage for an OPS of .791 that is third on the team. But the former first baseman has struggled in leftfield and has batted .200 since the All-Star break.
"We just thought it was in the best interests of Logan to go down and concentrate on baseball and all aspects of being a major leaguer, and work his way back," president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said.
A-ROD IMPROVING: 3B Alex Rodriguez got 13 at-bats in a simulated game and did situational work at third base at the Yankees' minor-league complex in Tampa. Rodriguez, who had right knee surgery July 11, said he will play Tuesday for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
BRAVES: RHP Tommy Hanson went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Aug. 7 with right shoulder tendinitis. All-Star C Brian McCann was activated from the disabled list.
BREWERS: 2B Rickie Weeks, who is recovering from a severe left ankle sprain sustained July 27, was cleared to begin taking light infield practice.
D'BACKS: RHP Jason Marquis broke his right fibula when he was hit in the shin by a line drive in the fourth inning.
GIANTS: LHP Barry Zito sprained his right ankle during a rehabilitation start for Triple-A Fresno and will be out indefinitely. … OF Cody Ross hit a two-run homer in the third inning, ending the club's record streak of 21 solo home runs.
INDIANS: Rookie 2B Jason Kipnis was out of the lineup with soreness in his right side.
REDS: LHP Dontrelle Willis left in the third inning against the Padres because of a sore forearm. … 2B Brandon Phillips started for the first time since suffering a bruised left elbow when he was hit by a pitch Tuesday.
ROCKIES: Third-base coach Rich Dauer was taken to an emergency room after getting hit on the bridge of his nose by a throw during batting practice.
TIGERS: 2B Carlos Guillen went on the 15-day disabled list with a sore left wrist. 2B Will Rhymes was recalled from Triple-A Toledo.
TWINS: C Joe Mauer, battling some soreness, was out of the lineup as expected.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. — Marcos Ambrose should be on pins and needles. He said he's not.
"No, not at all," Ambrose said Sunday after NASCAR postponed the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen International because of rain. "It keeps me relaxed. You can't fight the weather, so I just worry about stuff you can control."
Steady rain that began just when the race was scheduled to start at 1 p.m. and did not abate in time for track crews to dry the 2.45-mile surface. The race is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. today (ESPN), but rain also is in the forecast.
"We really feel like we have a window," Watkins Glen International president Michael Printup said.
NASCAR spokeswoman Kristi King said the race would be staged Tuesday if necessary.
Ambrose has won three Nationwide races at the road course, and on Saturday, there was a definite mood swing in the pits of the No. 9 Ford he drives for Richard Petty Motorsports. He had the provisional pole until AJ Allmendinger and then Kyle Busch bested his time as all three shattered Jeff Gordon's track record.
Ambrose will start third behind Busch, who won the pole at 126.421 mph. Still, Ambrose is a favorite to get the first Sprint Cup victory of his career. In three Cup starts at the Glen, he has notched one second and two thirds.
"I'm looking forward to it," Ambrose said. "We're a contender, no doubt."
Hunter-Reay wins sloppy IndyCar race
LOUDON, N.H. — Ryan Hunter-Reay raced to his first IndyCar victory of the year after a slippery, crash-marred finish that left drivers upset that it was restarted in the rain with about 10 laps left.
Moments after the race resumed on an overcast afternoon, Danica Patrick's car slid sideways, starting a chain reaction that knocked out the cars of Will Power and Takuma Sato.
Officials reverted to the race order that existed before the final restart, leaving Oriol Servia in second place and Scott Dixon in third in the 225-mile race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the first IndyCar competition at the track since 1998.
Power, second in the series point standings, was irate as he left his car and flashed an obscene gesture that was caught on camera. But he cut Dario Franchitti's lead from 63 points to 47 with five races left. Franchitti led for 115 of the 225 laps before being hit from behind by Sato, ending his race on the 119th lap.
Hunter-Reay then took the lead and held it most of the way for his fifth win in 113 IndyCar races. He came in third in two of his three previous races and now has five consecutive top-10 finishes after managing just one in his other eight.
The driver for Andretti Autosport wished his win "was in a little bit different way, but we'll absolutely take it after the year we've had," he said. "It was a strange day, but sometimes racing is strange."
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
NEW YORK — RHP James Shields was disappointed Sunday's game was rained out because he had been pitching well overall, especially his past two starts against the Yankees, and felt the Rays had a good chance to win the series.
"I was ready to go," Shields said. "I feel really good right now, and I wanted to face these guys."
His consolation prize is to start Tuesday's opener in the day-night doubleheader in Boston (where he is 1-7, 7.71 in eight starts) as the Rays remixed their rotation after the postponement.
Shields will replace RHP Wade Davis, who was bumped back to Friday's home game against Seattle. RHP Jeff Niemann, who is 5-0, 1.65 in his past seven starts, will work Tuesday's nightcap, and LHP David Price will face the Red Sox on Wednesday. With an off day today and another Thursday, the Rays won't need any more than five starters.
"We don't want to skip either (Shields or Price), and Niemann's been kind of a hot hand lately, so it just makes sense to go that way," manager Joe Maddon said.
No makeup date for the rainout was announced, but the Rays are expecting to play a day-night doubleheader either Sept. 20 or 21. They have a previous rainout (July 8) to be made up Sept. 22, so with those four games in New York and the last three of the season at home, they play seven of their final 10 against the Yankees.
IDLE TIME: While having Sunday and Monday off allows the Rays to have their bullpen at full strength for the doubleheader, Maddon said the extra time off wasn't much of a benefit. "One day's plenty," he said. "You don't need all this extra time right now, but Mother Nature said you get two days off."
DRAFT BREEZE: The Rays expect negotiations with No. 1 draft choice RHP Taylor Guerrieri, the 24th overall pick who has an offer from South Carolina, to go right up until tonight's midnight deadline. And it could be the same with three other unsigned top picks: No. 31 OF Mikie Mahtook (return to LSU), No. 41 3B Tyler Goeddel (go to UCLA) and No. 59 LHP Grayson Garvin (return to Vanderbilt).
Executive VP Andrew Friedman said it's more a question of whether the players want to play pro ball than what the club is offering. For whichever players they don't sign, the Rays get a compensation pick in next year's draft at the same spot.
"What we're prepared to do now (financially) is not any different than what we were prepared to do a month ago, but for whatever reason things tend to gravitate toward the deadline," Friedman said.
"I'm very confident that the guys that really want to go out and play professionally that we'll sign and get them out there playing. And the guys that don't, we'll respectfully part ways, and we'll use that same slot compensation next year to go get someone that wants to go out and play professionally."
MISCELLANY: SS Reid Brignac was also disappointed with the rainout since he was scheduled for his first start since being called back up from the minors last week. … Fox dropped the Rays from two 4:10 p.m. national broadcasts, so Saturday's game with Seattle has been moved to 7:10 (with Sun Sports covering) and the Sept. 3 game against Baltimore to 6:10 (with no TV coverage).
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Today: Off
Next games: at Red Sox, 1:05 and 7:10 Tuesday, Fenway Park, Sun Sports
Starting pitchers:
Game 1
Rays:
James Shields (11-9, 2.80)
Red Sox:
Jon Lester (11-6, 3.32)
Game 2
Rays:
Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.43)
Red Sox:
Erik Bedard (4-7, 3.55)
On deck
Wednesday: at Red Sox, 1:35, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (10-10, 3.76); Red Sox — John Lackey (11-8, 6.13)
Thursday: Off
Friday: vs. Mariners, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (8-7, 4.60); M's — TBA
Saturday: vs. Mariners, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.22); M's — TBA
Sunday: vs. Mariners, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (11-9, 2.80) or Jeff Niemann (7-4, 3.43); M's — TBA
Rebounders
Since their 1-8 start, the Rays have been among MLB's best:
Red Sox 70-39 .642
Phillies 71-39 .645
Yankees 67-42 .615
Braves 66-45 .595
Brewers 65-46 .586
Rays 63-47 .573
By the numbers
Home/Road: 31-28/33-27
Day/Night: 23-21/41-34
Grass/Turf: 30-25/34-30
vs. East: 22-20
vs. Central: 20-14
vs. West: 9-16
vs. National League: 12-6
vs. RH/LH starters: 43-41/22-13
1-run games: 18-15
2-run games: 7-11
Extra innings: 5-5
Wins in last at-bat: 11
Come-from-behind wins: 21
Opp. come-from-behind wins: 19
Series W-L-T (home): 8-9-2
Series W-L-T (road): 10-8-1
When commit error: 19-25
Hit homer: 47-26
Homer with men on: 35-8
Hit multiple homers: 25-10
Score first: 45-15
Ahead after 6-7-8: 49-4/53-4/54-3
Behind after 6-7-8: 10-42/6-44 /6-45
Tied after 6-7-8: 5-9/5-7/4-7
Score 5 or more: 42-7
Score fewer than 5: 18-45
Outhit opponents: 44-9
Home runs
Solo (66): Joyce-9, Upton-9, Zobrist-8, Damon-7, Longoria-7, Kotchman-6, Shoppach-4, Jennings-3, E. Johnson-3, Rodriguez-3, Lopez-2, Ruggiano-3, Brignac-1, Jaso-1
2-Run (38): Joyce-6, Longoria-6, Upton-5, Zobrist-4, Damon-3, Fuld-3, Shoppach-3, Jaso-2, Kotchman-2, Rodriguez-2, Guyer-1 Jennings-1
3-Run (14): Longoria-5, Upton-2, Zobrist-2, D. Johnson-1, E. Johnson-1, Joyce-1, Chirinos-1, Ruggiano-1
Grand Slams (1): Zobrist
Back-to-Back (3): Longoria/Upton (6/24 at HOU, W Rodriguez), Longoria/Joyce (7/22 at KC, L Hochevar), Kotchman/Shoppach (8/12 at NY, CC Sabathia)
Marc Topkin, Times staff writer
Travel photo of the day
CF B.J. Upton shows that the Rays were riding the rails in style Sunday, as they took a train from New York to Boston. The three-hour trek — chartered, with three cars — was the first train trip for the team, and for several players. Manager Joe Maddon asked them to wears 1950s style hats in homage to teams that used to travel by rail all the time.
Guest of the day
Senior adviser Don Zimmer could relate, since he played when teams regularly traveled by train. "It was fun," said Zimmer, 80. "I haven't been on one in a long, long time."
Number of the day
4
Road games rained out this season, one shy of the team's most in a season.
Times wires
Sunday, August 14, 2011
ATLANTA — Dan Uggla never thought he'd have a hitting streak as long as 33 games.
Now it's the Cubs who are streaking.
Chicago stopped Uggla's 33-game hitting streak and rallied from four down to beat the Braves 6-5 on Sunday for its fourth straight series win. The Cubs have won 11 of 14 overall.
Uggla's streak was the longest in the majors in five years. "That's more games than I thought I would ever have," said Uggla, who was 0-for-3 with a sacrifice fly.
His best chance to extend the streak came in the fifth, when second baseman Darwin Barney made a diving catch in shallow right. Barney was fully extended when he made the catch in front of Tyler Colvin.
"I wasn't even looking at him," said Uggla of Barney. "I was looking at Colvin and I was like, 'Oh, it's going to drop in front of him.' And the next thing you know Barney comes flying through."
By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
GAINESVILLE — The Southeastern Conference will remain a 12-team league, at least for now, bypassing what had reportedly been an imminent opportunity to add Texas A&M to the nation's premiere football conference.
The SEC presidents and chancellors met in Atlanta on Sunday to discuss expansion criteria and ultimately decided not to make a move at this time, Florida president Bernie Machen said.
Machen, who is chairman of the SEC's presidents and chancellors committee, did not rule out future expansion.
"The SEC presidents and chancellors met (Sunday) and reaffirmed our satisfaction with the present 12 institutional alignment," Machen said in a statement released by the conference. "We recognize, however, that future conditions may make it advantageous to expand the number of institutions in the league. We discussed criteria and process associated with expansion. No action was taken with respect to any institution, including Texas A&M."
It appears the SEC officials' biggest reservation about adding Texas A&M was the potential for a legal battle because of the Aggies' Big 12 television contract. The SEC also did not want to be perceived as raiding the Big 12.
ESPN had reported that FSU, Missouri and Oklahoma were also possible additions; those three denied talking to the SEC.
Talk of expansion heated up last summer when several other conferences realigned, but ultimately that didn't occur in the SEC. Speculation began again late last week after it was reported that Texas A&M had contacted the SEC about joining the league — which Arkansas chancellor Dave Gearhart confirmed Sunday — and that a meeting with SEC officials had been scheduled.
Texas A&M reportedly is considering leaving the Big 12, partly because the university is disgruntled about the new Texas Longhorns television network. The Texas A&M System board of regents will meet today, and among the items on the agenda is conference alignment.
In a statement released Sunday, Texas A&M president R. Bowen Loftin lamented the "considerable amount of misinformation" about the situation.
"As we have seen over the past several days, there has been a considerable amount of misinformation regarding these discussions and any associated timelines," Loftin said. "The chairman of our board has indicated that the regents will proceed with (today's) agenda item, which authorizes the president of Texas A&M to take all actions related to athletic conference alignment."
Texas State Rep. Dan Branch, chairman of the Texas House Committee on Higher Education, called a hearing before his committee for Tuesday with Big 12, SEC and Texas A&M officials. Loftin said he has accepted Branch's invitation.
"These are extremely complex issues, and it is imperative that we proceed methodically and in the best interests of Texas A&M," Loftin said.
Gearhart said A&M was among a number of topics discussed.
"It was really an open discussion, not just about A&M but about the future of the conference and the future of other conferences," Gearhart said. "We did talk about Texas A&M. It's a great university, a great place. But … the decision was to make no decision at this particular time."
Texas A&M said athletic director Bill Byrne was not available.
Information from Times wires was used in this report.
By Susan Miller Degnan, McClatchey Newspapers
Sunday, August 14, 2011
MIAMI — Miami outside linebacker Sean Spence gets splashed with love these days from all directions.
But the other senior outside linebacker, Ramon "Cookie" Buchanan, stays in the background, quietly remorseful for his arrest in March at a bar in Coconut Grove.
According to his coaches and teammates, the 6-foot-1, 222-pound Buchanan, described by Spence as "so freakishly athletic and shredded that he looks like an action figure," is doing everything right to make up for it.
"Coach (Al) Golden gave me a second chance, and I respect and appreciate him for that," said Buchanan, who last week said he had five hours of community service left to complete the 100 he was ordered to do as part of his pretrial diversion program. "I want to be a leader and do everything Coach Golden asks of me.
"It's not hard to stay out of trouble. You just have to do what's right and separate yourself from the negative. It matured me and makes me look at things twice, being cautious and not going out and doing dumb stuff."
Among Buchanan's five original charges were felonies of resisting an officer with violence and battery on a law enforcement officer. The police report stated Buchanan, 21, smelled strongly of alcohol and tried to head-butt an officer.
He has since apologized in person to the officers. "I sat down, talked to them and got to know them," he said. "They were pretty cool people." He said his community service has included working with children in neighborhood programs and sports camps, and working with police.
On the field, Buchanan, who said he moved from Fort Lauderdale to Palm Bay in sixth grade, played in all 13 games last season, starting 10. He was fifth on the team with 54 tackles, including eight for losses, and had an interception. He has run a 4.41-second 40-yard dash.
"He came out of that situation strong," defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio said. "He is remorseful and has done everything right since. Ramon is extremely talented. He has tremendous speed — elite speed."
Linebackers coach Micheal Barrow described Buchanan as "very apologetic for doing something that was out of character."
"He's done everything we've asked," Barrow said. "On the field, he's taken his game to another level. He's fast. He's athletic. He's tough. He plays with energy. He's very coachable.
"We expect big things from him."
Spence said his teammates don't bring up the arrest, knowing it's painful.
"We realize he made a mistake, and he knows it, too," Spence said. "It's in the past."
Buchanan, nicknamed "Cookie" in high school because of his love for chocolate chip cookies, said he sees himself as an on-field leader, "bringing energy to the team and making sure everyone plays with maximum speed. I want to max-out everybody. We want the whole team to have energy."
He said Hurricanes fans have been supportive.
"They tell me to keep my head up and continue going forward," Buchanan said. "And that's what I'm going to do."
Sunday, August 14, 2011
SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame's quarterback derby has evolved into a two-man showdown between Dayne Crist and Tommy Rees.
Coach Brian Kelly said Saturday the two are pretty much even after one week of camp heading toward the Sept. 3 opener against USF.
"Too close to call at this point," Kelly said.
Crist was the starter until a season-ending knee injury Oct. 30 against Tulsa that required surgery. Rees relieved in that game and led the Irish on a four-game winning streak, including a Sun Bowl victory over Miami, which gave the Irish an 8-5 record in Kelly's first season.
"They both have done very good things. So right now I would say they are neck-and-neck," Kelly said.
Rees got a lot of repetitions with the first team Saturday, so he could be more fairly evaluated.
"Dayne has been getting most of the first-team reps, so we wanted to be able to give a balanced evaluation," Kelly said.
The 6-foot-4, 235-pound Crist has a stronger arm, but the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Rees has a nice touch and a quick release. Both are comfortable in Kelly's spread offense.
Michigan: Coach Brady Hoke plans to cut in half the number of carries for star quarterback Denard Robinson, and that's okay with his record-setting playmaker. Robinson became the first player in NCAA history to throw and run for 1,500 yards in a season, averaging nearly 20 rushing attempts a game. "That's all right with me," Robinson said at media day. "I want to stay healthy."
Basketball
LSU: Matt Derenbecker, who averaged 6.5 points in 32 games as a freshman for the Tigers, is transferring to Dayton, where the 6-foot-7 forward will be able to practice right away. He is not expected to play games for Dayton until the 2012-13 season. He withdrew from LSU last week, when his father said that he was passing his classes but needed a new environment where he could refocus on meeting "personal standards" for academics.
By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Rays-Yankees days
The Rays took the national stage Saturday as Fox's Game of the Week, and they threw up all over themselves, so to speak. The 9-2 blowout was great for Yankee nation, but Tampa Bay fans probably tuned out early. Before it got out of hand, there was an interview with Rays right-hander James Shields in the bottom of the fourth. Shields answered questions from Kenny Albert and Tim McCarver about everything from complete games to his charitable foundation, all while dodging sunflower seeds thrown by teammate David Price. Price pretty much stayed in the camera shot for the whole interview. When it was over, Price picked up the headset and started an impromptu interview with Albert and McCarver. Well, David, since you continued the interview, how about some questions about giving up Yankee great Derek Jeter's 3,000th hit? "I'm going to be in the Hall of Fame for that, so that's pretty neat," he said. Shields stayed in the picture but still got blasted with seeds by Price. The interviews lasted the entire bottom of the inning and showed how loose the Rays really are and how good they are at spitting sunflower seeds.
During the first game of the series Friday, there were a couple of interesting quips from broadcasters Dewayne Staats and Brian Anderson. When Yankees 2B Robinson Cano dropped a Desmond Jennings popup in the fifth inning, which allowed Jennings to get to second, it was ruled a hit. Anderson was not going to let that slip past. "That's a routine popup that needs to be caught. This is the major leagues. This isn't a Saturday Little League game at 10 a.m." Not just a Little League game, but one played by 8-year-olds at 10 a.m. Good description. Then there was this from Staats after a Kelly Shoppach home run: "(Shoppach) can supply the power if need be." Really? He has felt the need only seven times this year? Any chance he can feel the need more often?
Around the PGA Championship
CBS and TNT shared coverage of the PGA Championship. Of course, CBS got the best part of the weekend play, including the playoff, while TNT was left with early round action. Not really sure what TNT gets out of its weekend coverage aside from those riveting shots of players walking to the clubhouse from the parking lot or chit-chatting on the putting green or driving range. Just not sure who cares about watching Bubba Watson when he's 3 over or Rickie Fowler pack his clubs into a courtesy car.
One interesting feature TNT debuted this year was called "Billy's Course." Analyst Bill Kratzert, thanks to technology, inserts himself into historical moments from PGA Championships past. For example, he was standing next to Y.E. Yang during his chip-in in 2009 and next to Dustin Johnson when he accidentally grounded his club last year. Creative use of technology, but I wonder if the PGA got any calls from fans who thought Kratzert was actually standing there?
When the big boys at CBS took over, they were not presented with an attractive leaderboard. Nothing they could do about that. But the veteran crew of Jim Nantz, Gary McCord, Nick Faldo, Ian Baker-Finch and David Feherty kept up the drama, even without marquee players. Graphics such as the Golf Tracker and aerial views that show the break of the greens added to the broadcast. And it was refreshing to hear Faldo be critical at times, kind of like a poor man's Johnny Miller. Overall, it was another professional performance from a group of announcers with hundreds of tournaments under their belts.
Sunday, rainy Sunday
Rain on the East Coast messed up three networks Sunday. ESPN was stuck trying to fill time because of rain at the Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen, N.Y. It ended up being a three-hour talk show. And the Rays vs. Yankees rainout not only forced a programming change at Sun Sports but at TBS as well. That's too bad for TBS, which gets one MLB game a week. And there is no safety net. If the network's game of the week gets rained out, that's it for the week. TBS is stuck having to show movies such as Nacho Libre.
Feature of the day
Pretty good story on ESPN's Outside the Lines on Ian Williams, an undrafted free agent from Altamonte Springs and Notre Dame. Williams, a defensive lineman, was not able to talk with teams during the lockout. He expected to get drafted and spent weeks in a state of depression. His mother, Natalie, finally said, "I love you, but get off your butt." The interesting part of the feature was when the lockout ended July 24. Williams' phone started blowing up with calls from the Falcons, Texans, Seahawks, Ravens, 49ers and Jaguars. He and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, got a deal done with San Francisco in one day, and he was off to California on July 26. It showed how accelerated things were after the lockout and how hectic it was for players such as Williams.
Three things that popped into my head
1 A new NFL season brings new hope. Hope that Fox would find something, anything, to replace that mechanical transformer thing that dances before and after commercial breaks. Oh, well. Maybe next year.
2 While watching bull riding Saturday night on Versus (you heard me), I came across the most aptly named athlete in the world: Ryan Dirteater.
3 If ESPN used a K Zone graphic for the Little League regional games, it would have to be from the shoe tops to the brim of the helmet and from the inner line of each batter's box. Man, is it hard for a pitcher to miss the strike zone.
St. Petersburg Times staff writer Rodney Page looks back at a weekend of sports on the air.
Best night of the weekend
F riday night is usually one of the slower nights of the sports weekend, but this past Friday was made for the local sports fan. First, the Rays were hitting solo home runs and beating the Yankees' CC Sabathia on Sun Sports. At the same time, the Little League team from New Tampa was playing for a World Series berth on ESPN (although the sixth inning was painful to watch). And finally, we were getting our first look at the Bucs in a nationally televised preseason game against Kansas City on Fox. It took a steady remote control hand, but it was fun keeping up with everything.
The most interesting event? The Bucs game. It was hard to tell the players had been locked out for months. The Fox broadcast featured Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Howie Long. Not the network's "A" team, but a solid group that seemed to be in midseason form. Long usually stays in studio, but he made a live appearance (sans tie) for three quarters. Even without a tie, Long kept his persona of being the smartest guy in the room.
Perhaps the best part was former NFL director of officiating Mike Pereira, who was on hand all game to fill viewers in on the rule changes for this season. The two biggest are the review policies and the addition of an eighth official.
On the policy of reviewing every touchdown: "I don't like it for two reasons. I'm always concerned about extending the game for more reviews. That's a real possibility here with having to confirm every score upstairs. Second thing, it's only one review. They're only going to review it if a touchdown is scored. To me, they need to review everything that happens in the end zone."
On the eighth official: "They haven't added an official in 33 years. … I'm anxious to see how it works. The officials have their own collective bargaining agreement that expires at the end of the season. You're going to likely get an enhanced severance benefit, so seven or eight guys are going to retire. Combine that with needing 17 new officials and you need 25 new guys. I don't think they're out there."
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, August 14, 2011
All-clear signal for D-linemen
Bucs coach Raheem Morris said defensive tackles Gerald McCoy (shoulder sprain), top, and Brian Price (hamstring/pelvis), who did not play Friday at Kansas City, are both expected to participate in Thursday's preseason home opener against the Patriots. "We certainly think we're going to get McCoy and Price …" Morris said.
Injury update
CB Aqib Talib (hamstring) did not practice Sunday and is day to day. Another corner, Myron Lewis, has a hamstring strain and did not play at Kansas City. Coach Raheem Morris said both were "still iffy" for Thursday's game.
CB Ahmad Black has a high ankle sprain and is week to week. "Hopefully, we can get him back out there in the preseason," Morris said.
TE Luke Stocker (hip) participated in some individual drills but still is week to week.
WR Arrelious Benn (knee) and TE Kellen Winslow (knee) were held out of the first preseason game as a precaution. Morris said Benn probably won't play against the Patriots.
Stars of the day
It was hard to determine which player put on the better show in the final practice open to the public, WR Mike Williams or S Sean Jones.
Williams, who led all rookies last season with 11 touchdowns, had several circus catches for scores in the workout, including a leaping, fingertip grab of a pass from QB Josh Freeman that he virtually plucked off the crossbar. Meanwhile, Jones had two interceptions and batted down a pass in the red zone.
A day for transactions
The Bucs signed WR Aundrae Allison and former Redskins WR Maurice Price. Boise State QB Mike Coughlin was released. WR Raymond Webber was placed on injured reserve. Allison was a fifth-round pick by the Vikings in 2007 out of East Carolina. He was claimed off waivers by the Jets in 2009 before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the final preseason game. Allison did not play last season and was drafted by the Virginia Destroyers of the United Football League. Price has played for four teams in four seasons and has yet to appear in an NFL game.
Rick Stroud, Times staff writer
Quote of the day
"After he calmed down, he really stood out — after he had the first play. He just forgot to run his assignment, he was so hyped up. I think he made the play anyway. So he got a minus, attaboy type of deal. That was bad, but very good, type of deal."
Raheem Morris, Bucs coach, on the play Friday of first-round pick DE Adrian Clayborn, right
Preseason
Thursday: 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
