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Tampa Bay Rays get two three-hitters, split doubleheader with Boston Red Sox

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

BOSTON — The Rays don't get a lot accomplished offensively, the triple play they hit into during the second game of the split doubleheader they split with the Red Sox serving as the latest example of their ongoing futility.

But it's a different story on the mound where they finished what they started twice Tuesday with two complete-game 114-pitch three-hitters, from James Shields in a 3-1 loss in the opener and from Jeff Niemann in a 6-2 win in the nightcap.

"How about it? The starters were fabulous," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's tough. We only gave up six hits in the two games combined and only won one of the two. You'd like to believe you can win both of those."

Instead, they finished the long day basically where they started, nine games behind the wild-card-leading Red Sox and 9½ from the first-place Yankees in the AL East with a 65-56 record, and one less day on the remaining schedule to make up ground. Also, with a 2-8-8 mark in doubleheaders.

But at least they went back to the hotel happy for another short night's sleep as they play again today at 1:35, making for three games in less than 28 hours.

Sean Rodriguez had the roughest day, hit by pitches in both games and hitting the sharp ground ball that started the triple play, the second they've hit into in franchise history.

"What did it feel like?" Rodriguez said. "That's what it's been like all year."

After singles by B.J. Upton and Casey Kotchman in the fourth, Rodriguez grounded sharply right at third, where Jed Lowrie stepped on the bag and threw to second where Dustin Pedroia relayed to first. (The Rays also hit into a triple play June 11, 2006, at Kansas City, though it started with a fly ball.)

"It was hit in the perfect spot," Maddon said. "The imperfect storm for us."

Niemann played the biggest role in the win, striking out 10 to improve to 7-0 in 10 starts since coming off the disabled list in late June. He finished strong after allowing the second of two solo homers, retiring the last 12 for his fourth career complete game.

"I definitely wanted to go back out there (for the ninth)," Niemann said. "It's pretty cool to have two (complete games) in the same day and to be a part of it."

It was the first time a team threw two in one day in about 18 years, since Milwaukee against Detroit on Aug. 13, 1993, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

Niemann had help, as Desmond Jennings — showing off in front of Carl Crawford, the ex-Ray he is replacing — made a leaping catch against the leftfield wall and hit an impressive homer over it, his fifth in 23 games; Ben Zobrist was credited with a steal of home on what started as a pickoff; and Upton delivered a key eighth-inning single that snapped their trip-long 0-for-23 with runners in scoring position.

"We're good at that," Maddon said. "We've got to get better at that play. That's what's held us back."

It certainly did in the first game, though Shields stood in front of his locker almost defiantly, insisting he could have done better even though he'd pitched his remarkable major-league-leading ninth complete game, didn't allow a hit in seven of his innings and only three in the other and retired the last 15 he faced.

"That's a tough loss," Shields said. "You don't give up a hit in seven different innings, you got to win those games. (Tuesday) we got outplayed."

Jennings gave the Rays a 1-0 lead in the first off Jon Lester, but the Rays would get only three hits total for the game.

Shields made his only mistake in the third when he allowed singles to No. 7 hitter Josh Reddick and No. 9 Mike Aviles, then left a 1-and-1 changeup over too much of the plate to Jacoby Ellsbury, who homered again in the nightcap to push his total to 22.

"I feel like I should have won that game 1-0," Shields said. "That's how competitive I am. I have to be. That's just my nature."

It was only the seventh time in Rays history they lost a game in which they allowed three or fewer hits (they've won 60), and the first in more than five years, since Aug. 13, 2006, at Oakland. By the end it also was the second time they allowed three or fewer hits in back-to-back games.

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


Tampa Bay Lightning preseason tickets on sale Friday

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Tickets for the Tampa Bay Lightning's only preseason game at the St. Pete Times Forum — Sept. 23 against the Panthers — will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, the team announced.

There are no box office sales because of the ongoing construction at the Times Forum. Tickets can be purchased at tampabaylightning.com, ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For additional information, call 813-301-6600.

Captain's Corner: Snapper providing decent catches in summer heat

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By Dave Walker, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

What's hot: Oppressive heat and very high water temperatures have complicated fishing in Tampa Bay. Those who have endured the heat have been rewarded with decent catches of snapper. Range markers are a favorite hangout for snapper and many other species. Basically, any area with structure is a good place to look for summer snapper. The braided types of line are particularly useful in these locations, and game fish hangouts in general.

Tactics: Snapper are scrappy and will rip drag on most battles. Set the hook on the first indication of a strike because mangroves are notoriously sneaky and expert bait stealers. The first "tap" is usually your only chance. The second tap is them swimming away from a cleaned hook.

Tip: Slick water-surface conditions still prevail and offer fishermen great opportunity when spotting, feeding or cruising fish. Look for cobia when water is glassy. They can save the day when other species are slow. Smooth water enables surface fish to be seen for hundreds of yards.

Captain Dave Walker charters out of Tampa and can be reached at (813) 310-6531 or at www.snookfish.com or e-mail captdavewalker@verizon.net.

Tampa Bay Bucs think LB Geno Hayes could be a 'dominant player'

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

TAMPA — To coach Raheem Morris, the potential for weakside linebacker Geno Hayes is special.

"He can be a dominant player," Morris said.

Hayes, 24, has used athleticism, aggressiveness and awareness to lead the Bucs in tackles for loss each of the past two seasons.

But though the former Florida State standout is no stranger to "splash plays," from big hits to picks, coaches say they need to see consistency on every play.

"He has the speed, he has the hands, he has the awareness, he has the 'want-to,' " Morris said. "It's just about him putting it all together and doing all the things we grade each other (on), being fast, smart, consistent, the code. If he goes out and does those things consistently, he'll be what we think he is."

Linebackers coach Joe Baker sees Hayes making steps in that direction, taking great notes in meetings and asking detailed questions.

"It's showing up on the field,'' Baker said. "It's just sometimes, one of Hayes' biggest strengths can also be a weakness if relied on too much.

"Geno is a guy who has probably just made a lot of plays just because he has great instincts. He can't always tell you exactly what he saw or what he felt, he just smelled the ball, and goes and gets it. Sometimes that's great, and sometimes, you're not supposed to do that. I think he's understanding better when he can take those shots and when he's got to play his responsibility."

Part of it is maturity. Hayes was just 20 when he was drafted in the sixth round in 2008, and played nine games in a year he would have been a senior.

Hayes, who has started 29 of 32 games since, has had off-field issues; he showed up late the morning of a game Sept. 13, 2009 against the Cowboys (he was benched to start the game), and was arrested in December on charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing after a dust-up with security at the Blue Martini Lounge in Tampa (he wasn't prosecuted for disorderly conduct and pleaded no contest to trespassing).

Hayes promised an arrest would never happen again, and wants to be more responsible on the field, too, including an increased leadership role.

"I'm really trying to be that guy that puts a spark on the squad, keeping guys up and not really wearing my emotions on my sleeve like I used to," Hayes said. "That's one of the biggest things. I know a lot of guys look back at me, 'What's going on here?' What do I have to do here?' I'm just trying to be a better leader and knowing what's going on for the whole defense."

Hayes hopes to build off of a strong season in which he ranked second on the team with 104 tackles last season, plus an interception returned for a touchdown and four sacks. He's still young with high energy, as seen both on the field and on Twitter (@GenoHayes54), where he's one of the most active Bucs. But it's all about channeling his emotions the right way.

"I heard (Ravens star linebacker) Ray Lewis say when I was little, 'You've got to be as hot as fire and as cool as ice,' " Hayes said. "That's the kind of mentality I've got to take right now and learn how to control when I get hyper and know when to cool out before a play."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.

Erik Lorig becoming more comfortable on offense for Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

TAMPA — Who knew a big key to the Bucs backfield would be a former defensive end drafted in the seventh round?

But that's the scenario as FB Erik Lorig tries to make the case that he can start, thereby freeing up Earnest Graham to help at tailback.

The Bucs realize Graham is not a natural fullback, but he has performed the fullback duties since last season out of necessity. Lorig, who missed the preseason opener with an Achilles' strain, is hoping to do something about it.

"(The coaches) have mentioned me being a bigger part of the puzzle," Lorig said. "I've totally embraced that since the beginning. … I love that kind of pressure. When you have that kind of pressure it means you're doing something right."

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said his staff has been unable to assess Lorig's ability to take the job over because of the injury, but he is back this week and should play extensively Thursday against New England.

"He's going to get to play this week and he'll play a lot," Olson said. "So we'll see where he is. There's no reason he shouldn't be able to do it. There's a big difference between being out here (at practice) and the game. But he showed some glimpses last year."

Graham remains a very capable runner, gaining 13 yards in his only carry Friday against the Chiefs. The Bucs want to use him as a third-down option and for depth if Lorig progresses. Lorig gained 15 pounds of muscle, according to Olson, and should be a bit better in his execution this season.

"We feel like with another year of having a chance to absorb the system, he'll play with a little more instinct," Olson said. "He wasn't very instinctive last year and part of it was because he really wasn't sure all the time who he was supposed to block. Sometimes he was a little unnatural. He knew who to block, but if there was any kind of in-play adjustment, those things were kind of new to him."

Lorig played tight end as a freshman and sophomore at Stanford before a move to defense. After abruptly switching back last year, he's growing more comfortable.

"I feel like my offensive capacity is much greater now," he said. "I'm much more confident. … It's been a smooth transition."

THE NEW GUY: The Bucs were recently awarded undrafted rookie TE Collin Franklin off waivers from the Jets, and could make things interesting.

According to Olson, Franklin — in his first practice on Tuesday — stepped in nicely and was effective. Franklin, 6 feet 6 and 256 pounds, made several nice catches despite being new to the offense.

The team hopes he'll push Ryan Purvis, rookie Daniel Hardy and Nathan Overbay. That group is essentially battling for the No. 3 tight end spot behind Kellen Winslow and rookie Luke Stocker.

BREAK OUT: Camp breaks today after three weeks of intense work, curfews and being cooped up in the team hotel.

Asked whether he felt his players handled their sudden return to football after NFL lockout better than expected, coach Raheem Morris said, "I've got some high-character, quality young men, so I wasn't expecting them to come back out of shape and all that stuff.

"I'm really fired up where we are. We've still got a lot of room to get better but I look forward to us getting better."

QUOTABLE: Morris on whether the Patriots present a bigger challenge than the Chiefs, who played few of their starters Friday against Tampa Bay:

"It's kind of hard to say the Patriots wouldn't be a better measuring stick. It's the Patriots, (coach) Bill Belichick and it's a great football team that plays hard and plays fast. You hate to say it doesn't matter who plays for them, but it really doesn't. They've got the Patriot Way."

Tampa Bay Rays top draft pick Taylor Guerrieri says minor drinking incident triggered transfer

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

BOSTON — After signing moments before Monday's midnight deadline, top draft pick RHP Taylor Guerrieri is eager to get his pro career started, hoping to make it to the Rays rotation as quickly as possible.

"I wouldn't mind being up there in two years," he said.

Guerrieri also was willing to finally clarify the incident that led to his unusual switch of high schools during his senior year and sparked questions about his makeup, saying he got caught when he showed up at a high school football game after drinking one beer.

"It was a mistake," Guerrieri said. "I learned from it. I regret that it happened. It won't happen again."

Guerrieri, now 18, said he doesn't have a police record (juvenile records can't be checked) and did not face any discipline from North Augusta (S.C.) High. But his father decided it would be better if he transferred then to Spring Valley High in Columbia, where he would have moved had he gone to South Carolina instead of signing.

"I had one beer in the afternoon prior to a football game," Guerrieri said. "I wasn't drunk or misbehaving. The police resource officer came up to me and she asked me if I had any alcohol and I admitted it and said yes I had a beer. … At that point my dad took me out of the stadium. And we just decided that to switch schools might be best for me.

"That was pretty much what the whole stink was about this year I guess with everybody. … It was something that a lot of people have done before and I just got in trouble."

Scouting director R.J. Harrison said after visiting with Guerrieri and doing their due diligence, they didn't expect any future issues.

Guerrieri said he "flip-flopped" in deciding between the Rays, who made him the 24th pick of the June 6 draft, and the Gamecocks but woke up Monday leaning toward signing. By the end of the night, he had a $1.6 million bonus for doing so.

"I feel like I can get through the minor leagues quicker if I was to go ahead and get an early start on it now than to go to college for three years and then have to start from there," Guerrieri said.

Though he won't pitch this season, he will go to Port Charlotte on Thursday and begin working out with the Gulf Coast League team, then take part in the fall instructional league.

"Taylor has all the physical attributes we look for in a frontline major-league pitching prospect," Harrison said.

MORE DRAFT: The Rays also beat the deadline to land their three other unsigned picks: No. 31 OF Mikie Mahtook ($1.15 million), No. 41 INF Tyler Goeddel ($1.5 million) and LHP Grayson Garvin ($370,000). They also will report to Port Charlotte.

Manager Joe Maddon said he was impressed immediately when he met Mahtook during an Aug. 8 visit to the Trop.

"He had a very eager look about him," Maddon said. "Straightforward, look you right in the eye. He had a good face. All those things, man. I've never even seen a video of him and I liked him."

Overall, the Rays got 42 of their 60 picks, with 19th-round RHP Matthew Ramsey signed previously but not announced.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Alex Cobb's surgery to remove a blockage in his subclavian vein is now set for Thursday; it was delayed from Friday when he had a bad reaction to medication. … Bullpen coach Bobby Ramos missed another trip, going home to Miami for further tests related to his throat infection. Maddon said the condition is not considered serious.

MISCELLANY: DH Johnny Damon passed Babe Ruth for 47th place on the doubles list with 507. … Tough pitching awaits the Rays: Seattle's Felix Hernandez on Friday, and Detroit's Justin Verlander on Monday. … TV man Todd Kalas returned after attending what turned out due to rain to be a private ceremony for the unveiling of his father Harry Kalas' statue at Philadelphia's Citizens Bank Park.

Nationals 6, Reds 4

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Nationals 6, Reds 4

WASHINGTON — Chien-Ming Wang won back-to-back starts for the first time in three years and Michael Morse and Ryan Zimmerman homered for Washington. Wang pitched 61/3 innings, his longest outing since a stint of 71/3 innings on June 10, 2008, that began his previous consecutive wins run. Morse homered to rightfield in the third and hit a two-run double in the first.

Recovery, patience on agenda for Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Arrelious Benn

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

TAMPA — The end of training camp has arrived, and players are plotting their escape. Shoulder pads are being removed, and nightly plans are being put in place.

Meanwhile, on a nearby field, a lone Buccaneer adjusts his helmet and goes back to work. It is either the most uplifting or forlorn scene of the day.

This is Arrelious Benn, the best receiver no one is talking about. The second-round draft pick upstaged by fellow rookie Mike Williams last season. The injured flanker being held out of contact drills while Dezmon Briscoe grabs this week's headlines.

In real time, it's barely been a blip. Not even a year since his pro debut. But NFL careers are short, and wasted days feel long for a player with expectations to meet.

This is why coaches and trainers feel compelled to slow Benn's rehab after major knee surgery. This is why they must convince him that patience has its reward.

"They've seen how frustrated I've been," he says upon finally leaving the field Tuesday. "I don't know anything about the (medical) details, but I tell them, 'I think I can do this.' I just know I feel good. But they know better.

"At the end of the day, I have to listen to the trainers. The best thing is not to rush it, just take it slow and be ready when the season begins."

But how do you take it slow when you feel like you're starting from behind?

You may recall that Benn is the receiver the Bucs targeted in the second round of the 2010 draft. The guy they were so concerned about missing that they traded a fifth-round pick in order to move up a few spots and grab.

Yet it was Williams, a fourth-round pick, who grasped the offense more quickly last training camp, and it was Benn who spent the first few games as a glorified bystander.

He does not sound envious, and he insists he would never compare stats, but it could not have been easy for Benn to watch Williams' star rise.

"We have been very excited to watch the development of our entire receiving group," GM Mark Dominik said. "What is special is they are all working, pushing each other to improve daily. Benn is a special player as well, and it's great to see him do more every day. We expect big contributions from him this season."

After gaining 195 yards in the first 11 games, Benn had 200 yards in the next four before tearing his ACL on Dec. 26 against the Seahawks.

Eight months later, Benn is way ahead of his rehab schedule but, once again, behind the curve in training camp. He was held out of the preseason opener at Kansas City on Friday and will not play against the Patriots on Thursday. His 2011 debut is tentatively planned for the Dolphins game next week.

"You've got to hold him back because you can get fooled and think he's been out 12, 16 months, and it's only been six or seven," said receivers coach Eric Yarber. "We're trying to hold him back, and he's been good about it."

Meanwhile, Briscoe has been the talk of camp. He raised eyebrows after coming off the practice squad at the end of last season and was impressive against the Chiefs.

This, of course, is a good thing. And Benn knows better than to complain about someone else shining in his absence.

The frustration is not that Williams has emerged as a star, or that Briscoe is making a name for himself in the preseason, but that a year later, we have yet to see Benn's best.

He is big, quick and athletic, and still something of an unknown. He is dedicated, humble and patient, and still something of a mystery.

"The fans and everyone else haven't seen my full potential yet. I only showed glimpses of it last year," Benn said. "I was still learning, still trying to figure out what I was doing before I got hurt. Now I know what I'm doing. It's like learning how to drive a car. At some point, it starts to feel natural to you, and that's where I'm at now."

He has been cleared to run full speed and is making cuts and turns as if his knee had never seen a scalpel. His muscles are a little sore, and he's still working himself into shape. The expectation is that he will be cleared for contact early next week.

Until then, he stands on the sideline and watches during practice. And when his teammates head to the locker room, he remains on the field to work with Yarber.

On Tuesday, the coach fired balls at him from a short distance, and Benn reached out to make one-handed catches. The drill was repeated over and over in solitude.

Someday soon, Benn will make an impact.

For now, he will practice patience.

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report. John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.


Diamondbacks 3, Phillies 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Lyle Overbay lined a two-RBI double off Roy Halladay in the ninth inning to lift the Diamondbacks to a 3-2 win over the Phillies on Tuesday night.

Halladay, who was trying to become the NL's first 16-game winner, had retired 12 straight batters before allowing consecutive singles to open the ninth. Overbay hit a one-out double to right that silenced the crowd and helped Arizona win the opener of this three-game series between NL division leaders.

Overbay knocked in all three runs as Arizona won its seventh straight game.

Halladay tied a career high with 14 strikeouts and tossed his seventh complete game.

Shane Victorino hit a two-run homer off Diamondbacks starter Josh Collmenter in the fifth to give Philadelphia the lead. But the Phillies, an MLB-best 78-42, lost for the first time in Halladay's past 11 home starts.

Halladay, who also fanned 14 April 24 at San Diego, struck out the side in the fifth and eighth and had his 14th career double-digit strikeout game.

Eagles legend Pihos dies at 87

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Pete Pihos, a Hall of Fame receiver who helped the Eagles win two straight NFL championships in the 1940s, died Tuesday.

He was 87. He died at a nursing home in Winston-Salem, N.C., after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, the team said.

Pihos played with the Eagles from 1947-55. Philadelphia won NFL championships in 1948-49 and Pihos made the winning catch in the 1949 title game against the Rams.

Pihos finished his nine-year career with 373 catches for 6,519 yards and 61 touchdowns and led the league in receiving yards twice, in 1953 and his final season, 1955. He entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.

A six-time Pro Bowl selection, Pihos was nicknamed "The Golden Greek." He lacked blazing speed, relying on pirouettes and pivots to break free from would-be tacklers.

"I try to get position on my opponent without him knowing it," Pihos told the Philadelphia Inquirer in 1955. "I always watch my opponent's feet. When he crosses them or makes a definite commitment, that's when I make my move."

Pihos is still third in catches in team history behind Harold Carmichael and Pete Retzlaff and fourth in receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.

Peter Louis Pihos was born in Orlando on Oct. 22, 1923 and went to high school in Chicago, The 6-foot-1, 210-pounder starred at Indiana and is also in the College Football Hall of Fame.

BRONCOS: Defensive tackles Marcus Thomas (strained pectoral) and Ty Warren (torn triceps) were injured in practice and are out indefinitely. Also, the team's stadium name will change to Sports Authority Field at Mile High, after the sporting goods retailer took over the last 10 years of Invesco's $120 million, 20-year naming rights agreement.

BROWNS: Jim Tressel, the coach ousted at scandal-ridden Ohio State, visited training camp. Tressel was asked if he would consider an NFL consulting job. "Not right now," he said. "I'm a fan. Always been a Browns fan."

COLTS: The team agreed to a five-year deal that will keep training camp at Anderson University, about 40 miles northeast of Indianapolis, through 2016.

49ERS: New kicker David Akers, the former longtime Eagle, told a grand jury that he lost $3.7 million in a Ponzi scheme with Triton Financial, the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman reported.

GIANTS: Defensive end and former USF star Jason Pierre-Paul (back) missed the end of practice.

JETS: Offensive lineman Robert Turner has a broken right leg and will have surgery this week, the Associated Press reported.

PACKERS: Mike Neal injured his left knee in a non-contact drill; coach Mike McCarthy said the defensive end would have more tests to determine the severity.

REDSKINS: Coach Mike Shanahan said John Beck will start at quarterback Friday against the Colts. A groin injury kept Beck out of the first game.

STEELERS: Cornerback Ike Taylor had surgery on his broken left thumb. He had a pin inserted and said he anticipates returning in time for the regular season.

HAYNESWORTH CASE: A witness was offered $50,000 in exchange for testimony against Albert Haynesworth in a sex abuse case, the player's attorney alleged in a court filing. Scott Bolden, the attorney for Haynesworth, asked the trial judge to make prosecutors provide evidence including the testimony of a security guard who allegedly described the incident — in which Haynesworth allegedly groped a hotel cocktail waitress — to a grand jury. Haynesworth, who joined the Patriots this month, is due to stand trial Aug. 23 in D.C.

DRAFT POSTPONEMENT: The supplemental draft originally scheduled today was postponed; a new date has not been set.

UF backup QB is freshman

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Tuesday, August 16, 2011

GAINESVILLE — With a little over two weeks remaining before the season begins, freshman QB Jeff Driskel has taken over the role as Florida's backup quarterback.

Driskel was impressive in Monday's scrimmage, coach Will Muschamp said.

"He … has good command of the offense," Muschamp said Tuesday. "(Offensive coordinator) Charlie (Weis) and I sat Jeff down and said, 'At this point you've earned this opportunity. But you're a day or two away from those other guys gaining on you because Tyler (Murphy) and Jacoby (Brissett) have done nothing to disappoint us. ''

Driskel, who enrolled at UF in January, threw for 4,844 yards at Hagerty High in Oviedo and was rated the No. 1 quarterback in the nation by rivals.com and Scout.com.

Muschamp said senior John Brantley remains the clear starter.

punter has Crohn's disease: David Lerner, a redshirt junior punter from Gainesville, is competing for a starting job while dealing with Crohn's disease.

Lerner was diagnosed last month. WebMD.com says Crohn's disease is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease that can develop anywhere in the digestive tract. The cause hasn't been pinpointed but can be an abnormal response to bacteria in the intestine.

"There's been a couple of days where (Lerner) hasn't felt well and I've just told him to … go and get some rest," Muschamp said. "But he really has punted well. He's in high competition right now to be our starting punter, he and Kyle (Christy) both. And David has had a great camp. But this is something that he will battle and be fine."

scrimmage: At Monday's scrimmage, the team's first, the Gators spent a good deal of time focusing on late-game situational drills. "We will have four or five games this year that will come down to the last drive of the game,'' Muschamp said. "And we've got to execute in those situations.''

USF: Assistant raises

Defensive coordinator Mark Snyder, whose defense led USF to an 8-5 record last year in head coach Skip Holtz's first season, was rewarded with a $50,000 raise for 2011-12, the highest among Holtz's nine assistant coaches, according to figures released by USF.

Snyder, who had been head coach at Marshall before coming to USF, now earns $260,000, the most ever for a Bulls assistant. He surpasses the salary of former defensive coordinator Wally Burnham, who made $220,000 under former coach Jim Leavitt in 2008.

Snyder kept USF's defense ranked among the nation's best, ranking 17th in the country in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense.

All nine assistant coaches returned for Holtz's second season, and all received raises from their 2010-11 salaries. The other eight earned raises from $5,000 to $15,000.

The salary figures were released in response to a public records request filed by the St. Petersburg Times last month.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

FSU: Versatile freshman

TALLAHASSEE — Several FSU true freshmen have turned heads this preseason, but Rashad Greene may have the best chance to get on the field.

Greene, who is fast and athletic, could see time as a receiver, kick returner, or blocker in special kick coverage packages.

"I have very high hopes for him," coach Jimbo Fisher said. "He's got great ball judgment. I think he's got a great future as a wideout.

Notable: Injuries have ransacked the offensive line, but players shouldn't be out too long, Fisher said. T Garrett Faircloth (knee) and G Tre' Jackson (knee) have missed the past two practices. T Zebrie Sanders (groin) was hurt in Sunday's open practice. Due to the injuries, the Seminoles pushed their first scrimmage back to today.

Orlando Sentinel

UCF: O-line committed

ORLANDO — UCF junior right guard Theo Goins said the offensive line is committed to protecting sophomore QB Jeff Godfrey.

Following QB Rob Calabrese's season-ending knee injury and QB DaMarcus Smith's failure to qualify academically, the pressure is on the offensive line to protect Godfrey and backup Blake Bortles.

"Nobody wants to see their quarterback get hurt," Goins said. "Especially with a guy like Jeff who makes plays, you don't want to see him go down. It kind of punches you in your gut when your quarterback gets hurt."

The Knights have great chemistry, Goins said.

"We want to be a dominant line, just like we wanted to be last year," he said. "We wanted to be physical. We wanted to be known as a good offensive line to get our backs into the line of scrimmage untouched. That's kind of the same goal this year."

Coach George O'Leary said the coaches are still settling on an offensive line rotation. The Knights have their best depth during his tenure, he said.

Orlando Sentinel

Big East, Big 12, ACC talk big picture

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Big East commissioner John Marinatto says he has been in constant contact with Dan Beebe of the Big 12 and John Swofford of the ACC in recent days and has suggested the three meet to discuss conference realignment.

Marinatto on Tuesday didn't reveal details about his conversations with his fellow commissioners but said, "I thought it would be important for us to meet face to face and take the lead in trying to do things the right way."

Beebe's conference, which nearly was wiped out last year when the Pac-10 expanded, is in danger of losing Texas A&M to the SEC. If the Aggies end up in the SEC, the league would likely need to add at least one more member, and there has been rampant speculation the conference, which has 12 members, could target another school or schools from the Big 12, ACC or Big East.

In a statement to the Associated Press, Swofford said, "As it relates to conference realignment, if we can find a more structured way to do business with each other, we need to try to find it."

Conference USA, ESPN Settle suit: Conference USA's football championship game will now air on ESPN, not Fox, after the league and network settled a lawsuit. ESPN sued the conference in March, accusing it of violating their contract when it signed a deal with Fox. Conference USA, which includes UCF, announced in January it had reached a five-year deal with Fox's networks to broadcast its football championship game and other sports events. The sides said ESPN would televise the title game from 2011-15. The rest of the deal with Fox remains intact.

Penn State: Coach Joe Paterno said he feels great but is in "a little pain" after taking a blindside hit in practice, and he expects to coach from the sideline for the season opener against Indiana State on Sept. 3. Paterno, 84, was hospitalized after being hit on the sideline by receiver Devon Smith on Aug. 7; he hurt his right shoulder and pelvis.

Sports in brief

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Times staff, wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

NHL

Jets' Rypien, 27, found dead

WINNIPEG, Manitoba— Rick Rypien was scheduled to fly to Winnipeg on Sunday night to have his knee checked out. But he never boarded the flight.

Rypien, 27, had been dealing with depression for at least a decade, said Jets assistant GM Craig Heisinger, who was the GM of the Manitoba Moose when Rypien played for the AHL team. The former Canucks player was found dead Monday in his Alberta home.

The Jets and Canucks confirmed Rypien's death Monday night. Police in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, said they received a call Monday about a "sudden and nonsuspicious" death.

There was no immediate word on the cause of death.

Rypien spent parts of six seasons with the Canucks organization. He played only nine games with Vancouver last season and spent most of the year dealing with personal issues.

Rypien, the cousin of former NFL QB Mark Rypien, signed a one-year deal with the Jets worth $700,000.

Lightning schedule: The yet-to-be-announced national television schedule continues to play havoc with the Lightning schedule as the team announced three more game-time changes: 7:30 p.m. March 26 at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m. March 27 at Boston and 7 p.m. April 2 vs. the Capitals at the St. Pete Times Forum. That makes eight games with new times. The others: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 25 at Buffalo, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Minnesota, 7 p.m. Dec. 12 vs. the Devils, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at the New York Rangers and 7 p.m. Feb. 14 vs. the Senators.

Pro basketball

San Diego police want Kobe to talk

San Diego detectives want to interview Kobe Bryant after a man claimed he was injured by the Lakers star during a confrontation at a church, police said. Bryant apparently thought the man was taking his picture with a cell phone at a Carmel Valley church Sunday.

Bryant reportedly took the phone from the unidentified man but saw no pictures on it then left the church. The man went to a hospital for treatment of a wrist injury, reports said.

WNBA: Cappie Pondexter scored 26 in host New York's 69-66 win over Washington. … Tina Charles scored 16 and had 18 rebounds to help host Connecticut beat Minnesota 108-79.

Tennis

Serena holds on, wins 12th straight

Serena Williams, winner of her past two tournaments, defeated Lucie Hradecka 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) in the first round of the Western & Southern Open in Mason, Ohio. Williams has improved her world ranking from No. 175 to No. 31 in her comeback from injury and illness. She has won 12 straight matches. French Open champion Li Na beat Lucie Safarova 6-3, 6-4 to become the first woman to reach the third round.

On the men's side, Roger Federer and Tampa resident James Blake reached the third round. Radek Stepanek beat Tampa resident John Isner 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) in the first round.

Et cetera

Little League: Palma Ceia improved to 1-1 in Pool A with a 4-1 win over Bellevue, Wash., at the Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Wash. Palma Ceia, representing the Southeast, plays today against Bacolod City West (Philippines), the Asia-Pacific representative.

Soccer: The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in challenging the Mexico Football Federation for clearing five players of doping after accepting that contaminated meat caused positive tests for clenbuterol.

Times staff, wires

Tigers 7, Twins 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Tigers 7, Twins 1

DETROIT — Justin Verlander pitched 72/3 strong innings to become baseball's first 18-game winner, and Detroit breezed. Verlander labored through a 29-pitch first inning, putting two men on, but he got Justin Morneau on a popup and struck out Jason Kubel to end the threat. He settled down after that, striking out eight to top 200 on the season and improving his ERA to 2.31. Miguel Cabrera had three RBIs for the Tigers.

Braves 2, Giants 1, 11 innings

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Braves 2, Giants 1

11 innings

ATLANTA — Randall Delgado allowed no hits through six innings in his second big-league start, and Atlanta won in its last at-bat for the second straight game on Martin Prado's two-out single in the 11th. Delgado allowed his lone hit on Cody Ross' leadoff homer in the seventh.


Giants add starting pitcher to injury list

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

ATLANTA — Already banged up for the playoff race, the World Series champion Giants received another blow Tuesday night when LHP Jonathan Sanchez sprained his left ankle.

Sanchez was hustling to scoop up a sacrifice bunt by Braves pitcher Randall Delgado in the third inning when he slipped in front of the mound, rolling his left ankle before he made an awkward throw to first base from the ground.

Sanchez threw one more pitch, which was nearly over the head of Michael Bourn. He limped off and was replaced by Guillermo Mota.

The Giants began the day putting two players on the 15-day disabled list, RF Carlos Beltran and RH reliever Sergio Romo.

"We got hit pretty hard," manager Bruce Bochy said. "But we're not the only club. We're not going to make excuses."

Beltran went on the DL retroactive to Aug. 8 with a strained right hand. Romo was disabled retroactive to Aug. 10 with inflammation in his right elbow.

INF Jeff Keppinger got an MRI exam on his sprained right wrist. And OFs Aaron Rowand (strained rib cage) and Nate Schierholtz (right foot bruise) were ruled out of Tuesday's game.

PITCHER FEELS 'LUCKY': Rockies RHP Juan Nicasio fractured his neck when he was struck by a line drive.

The rookie, speaking publicly for the first time since the Aug. 5 incident, knows his injuries could have been much worse, and he also knows that he wants to get back on the mound.

"I'm lucky. The ball hit me right there," he said, pointing to his right temple. "A lot of people who have that injury don't live."

Nicasio received a standing ovation from the Coors Field crowd when he stepped out of the dugout with his mother and waved during the second inning.

THOME RESTS: Jim Thome sat in the dugout, looking upbeat and relaxed less than 24 hours after hitting his 600th home run.

As word of the milestone made its way around baseball, messages began pouring in.

"It was pretty special," said the Twins DH, who got the night off. "A lot of ex-teammates, just friends in the game, and a lot of people from home. Pretty cool. Very cool."

DODGERS SAGA: A Delaware bankruptcy judge denied a request by a Dodger Stadium souvenir vendor to force the team to decide quickly whether it will maintain its contract.

GUARDS investigated: Security guards at the federal courthouse in Washington are under investigation for illegally accepting baseballs autographed by star RHP Roger Clemens after his criminal trial.

YOUNG DEAL COMPLETED: The Twins acquired RHP Lester Oliveros from the Tigers to complete the trade that sent former Rays OF Delmon Young to Detroit.

BLUE JAYS: RHP Jon Rauch went on the 15-day disabled list after the closer had an emergency appendectomy in Seattle.

CARDINALS: RHP Shelby Miller, one of baseball's best prospects, was suspended from Double-A Springfield for a "violation of team policy."

D'BACKS: The contract of LHP Wade Miley was bought from Triple-A Reno after RHP Jason Marquis went on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured right fibula.

PHILLIES: An MRI exam on LHP Cole Hamels revealed inflammation in his pitching shoulder. Hamels will skip a turn in the rotation and be re-evaluated.

PIRATES: LF Jose Tabata was activated from the disabled list. 3B Pedro Alvarez was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

WHITE SOX: C A.J. Pierzynski went on the 15-day disabled list with a fractured left wrist. He said he hopes to return by Sept. 1.

Pirates 5, Cardinals 4, 11 innings

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Pirates 5, Cardinals 4

11 innings

PITTSBURGH — Garrett Jones homered to lead off the 11th for Pittsburgh. Jones connected on Arthur Rhodes' 2-and-2 pitch for his second career game-ending homer.

Tampa Bay Rays: Rays' triple play history; Don Zimmer celebrates anniversary with team

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Rays at Red Sox

When/where: 1:35 today; Fenway Park, Boston

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

Starting pitchers:

Rays: LH David Price (10-10, 3.76)

RED SOX: RH John Lackey (11-8, 6.13)

Watch for …

Price check: Price snapped a three-game losing streak with a strong outing in New York on Friday. He is 5-3, 3.55 vs. Boston, including 2-0, 1.98 at Fenway.

Nothing lacking: After a rough start, Lackey has won six times in his past seven games. He is 12-4, 3.80 in 17 games vs. the Rays, with the no-decision on July 6, 2002.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Triple play history

The Rays previously hit into a triple play June 11, 2006, at Kansas City, though on a Russell Branyan fly with two runners called out. … They have turned two triple plays, one Sept. 13, 2002, at Toronto in Dewon Brazelton's big-league debut and the other Sept. 2, 2006 at home vs. Seattle.

Number of the day

7 Rays losses in 67 games when allowing 3 or fewer hits.

Anniversary of the day

Rays senior adviser Don Zimmer and his wife, Soot, were with the team in Boston on Tuesday to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary, having gotten married at home plate prior to a game in Elmira, N.Y.

Brewers 2, Dodgers 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Brewers 2, Dodgers 1

MILWAUKEE — Mark Kotsay hit a tiebreaking single in the ninth inning, and Milwaukee took its biggest lead in the NL Central ever this late in the season. The Brewers have won 18 of 20 and are seven games up on St. Louis. Reliever Hong-Chih Kuo issued a leadoff walk to Prince Fielder in the ninth then left for Mike MacDougal. Casey McGehee singled on MacDougal's first pitch, and Yuniesky Betancourt walked on four pitches. Kotsay followed with a single.

Astros 6, Cubs 5

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Times wires
Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Astros 6, Cubs 5

HOUSTON — Pinch-hitter Brian Bogusevic hit a grand slam in the ninth inning to help Houston stun Chicago and break a seasonlong seven-game losing streak. J.B. Shuck singled with one out off closer Carlos Marmol and took second on a wild pitch. Clint Barmes singled and Matt Downs drew a walk to load the bases for Bogusevic. Marmol blew his eighth save.

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