Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

Randy Shannon threatened to fire his assistants if they dealt with the booster at the center of Miami's scandal and warned his players to stay away from the booster during his tenure as football coach, CaneSport, an affiliate of Yahoo Sports, reported Thursday.

Nevin Shapiro, in prison for his role in a $930 million Ponzi scheme, told Yahoo he provided 72 players with cash, prostitutes, cars and other gifts from 2002-10 and six coaches (football and basketball) were aware. The NCAA is investigating.

Before replacing Larry Coker as coach in 2007, Shannon had been with Miami as a player or assistant for 13 seasons. CaneSport reported that his warnings to players about boosters and agents specifically mentioned Shapiro. Shannon declined to comment.

In addition, CaneSport reported that Shannon, fired last season, had spies around Coral Gables who warned him Shapiro was causing problems for his players. In response, Shapiro, who made large donations to the university, repeatedly called the athletic department and used profanity and racially charged language about what he perceived as Shannon's lack of respect, the report said.

Other developments:

• Shapiro's lawyer, Maria Elena Perez, said his statements could trigger more allegations: "Whether that comes from Nevin or from outside sources who have additional information about this, I can't tell you. But I believe there will be more."

• Broncos and ex-Florida quarterback Tim Tebow said he was amused by Shapiro's statement that there was a $5,000 bounty on him for the Sept. 6, 2008, game against Miami. "I didn't know about that," he said, chuckling. "It's funny, though."

• Two current players not among the 12 named in the Yahoo report as having received benefits said the team is hurting because of the allegations. Defensive back Brandon McGee said on Twitter, "Know this for sure everyone hurts! We all feel pain!" Running back Mike James said on Twitter: "You have to appreciate the process and accept the struggle." They were the first comments by a player.

• Athletic director Shawn Eic­horst vowed "a better day" would come. "There are tough times ahead, challenges to overcome and serious decisions to be made. But we will be left standing, and we will be stronger as a result," he said in a statement.

• Former AD Kirby Hocutt, who currently holds the same position at Texas Tech, said he has not been approached by the NCAA. Wednesday, the Associated Press reported that he approved much of Shapiro's access to the program.

• Alabama coach Nick Saban said the school vetted offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland and director of football operations Joe Pannunzio, two former UM assistants named by Shapiro, before hiring them this offseason and found no "red flags."

• Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez, hired at the school by Miami president Donna Shalala, said he lost about $1 million in Shapiro's Ponzi scheme.

Auburn: Redshirt junior Barrett Trotter was named the starting quarterback. He appeared in five games in 2010 and has thrown nine career passes. He beat out redshirt sophomore Clint Moseley, who has appeared in one game and thrown no passes, and freshman Kiehl Frazier.

BC: Running back Montel Harris, the ACC preseason player of the year, will miss the opener against Northwestern after having his second surgery on a torn left meniscus that he sustained late last season. His status for the second game, at UCF, hasn't been determined.

Men's basketball: Southern Cal senior point guard Jio Fontan will miss the season with a torn left ACL sustained during Tuesday's exhibition game in Brazil. Last season he averaged 10.5 points, second on the team, and 3.9 assists.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011

Rays vs. Mariners

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

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

Starting pitchers

Rays: RH Wade Davis (8-7, 4.60) Mariners: RH Felix Hernandez (11-10, 3.38)

Tickets: $12-$255 at box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa; $3 surcharge within five hours of game.

Promotion: David Price T-shirt for first 10,000 fans

Watch for ...

Wading in: Davis, who last pitched Aug. 10, has had trouble getting started, with a 7.29 ERA in first innings, and 4.08 after that. He is 0-1, 4.82 in four starts vs. Seattle, including a no-decision June 5.

King and his court: Hernandez, the 2010 Cy Young winner ahead of David Price, is having a solid season with little help. He is 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA in eight starts vs. Rays, but got roughed up in his only Trop start (72/3 innings, seven earned runs in 2006).

Key matchups

Rays vs. Hernandez

Johnny Damon 10-for-18, HR

Evan Longoria 5-for-14, HR

B.J. Upton 1-for-21, 8 Ks

Mariners vs. Davis

Franklin Gutierrez 1-for-5, HR

Miguel Olivo 0-for-3

Ichiro Suzuki 4-for-10

On deck

Saturday: vs. Mariners, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (10-8, 3.22); Mariners — Charlie Furbush (2-1, 4.76)

Sunday: vs. Mariners, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (11-10, 2.83) or Jeff Niemann (8-4, 3.29); Mariners — Michael Pineda (9-7, 3.77)

Monday: vs. Tigers, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (8-4, 3.29) or James Shields (11-10, 2.83); Tigers — Justin Verlander (18-5, 2.31)

Tool time

Rays listed in Baseball America's annual Best Tools poll of American League managers:

• James Shields, best changeup, second-best pickoff move (behind Mark Buehrle)

• Kyle Farnsworth, second-best reliever (behind Mariano Rivera)

• Evan Longoria, second-best defensive third baseman (behind Adrian Beltre)

• Casey Kotchman, third-best defensive first baseman (behind Mark Teixeira and Adrian Gonzalez)

• Joe Maddon, third-best manager (behind Mike Scioscia and Ron Gardenhire)

And in the minors

OF Desmond Jennings, most exciting player Triple-A International League

LHP Matt Moore, best pitching prospect Double-A Southern League

SS Hak-Ju Lee, most exciting player advanced Class A Florida State League

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Florida OL Matt Patchan and WR Andre Debose are eligible to play for the Gators this season despite allegations by a former Miami booster who says he had improper contact with the two during recruiting visits to UM.

Florida athletic officials released a statement Thursday saying there are no eligibility issues with either player.

"We have been in communication with the NCAA, and there are no eligibility issues with Andre Debose and Matt Patchan as it relates to recent reports," the statement said. "Andre, Matt nor the University of Florida will have any additional comments regarding this matter."

Former Miami booster Nevin Shapiro, serving prison time for a $930 million Ponzi scheme, told Yahoo Sports he participated in rampant NCAA violations at Miami from 2002-10. Shapiro says Patchan, a former Armwood player, and Debose were among dozens of players brought to him while they were in high school so he could recruit them to Miami.

OPPORTUNITY ARISES: With the loss of freshman TE A.C. Leonard to a meniscus injury, converted TE Gerald Christian is making the most of the opportunity. Christian played tight end last season, moved to linebacker in the spring and has switched back.

"You don't want to wish injuries upon people, but since there have been injuries, I've had to take a bigger role and take more snaps in practice and show what I can do," Christian said. "It gave me more opportunities."

FSU: Third CB happy

TALLAHASSEE — Officially, only two starting cornerback positions are on Florida State's roster. But try telling that to former South Miami standout Mike Harris.

"Even though I'm coming in as a backup, I also view myself as a starter," Harris said.

Last season, the junior college transfer tied fellow CB Xavier Rhodes for the team lead with four interceptions. But with Rhodes and Greg Reid covering the sides, he has been playing third fiddle.

But he combines with Reid and Rhodes to give the Seminoles a formidable three-man, nickel package.

"We just have a great combination with all of us," Harris said.

Coley Harvey, Orlando Sentinel

USF: Landi role grows

TAMPA — Junior Evan Landi, the Bulls' top returning receiver in yards and catches, is getting work as an "inside receiver", a hybrid WR/TE role that makes good use of his 6-foot-3, 221-pound frame.

"He can play anywhere, he's so smart, but we're trying to make him a multifaceted guy," offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said Thursday.

Landi is USF's tallest and biggest receiver, and the move takes advantage of the Bulls' newfound depth at receiver, as well as an overall shortage at tight end. USF has junior Andreas Shields and sophomore Isaac Virgin returning at the hybrid position, but the two combined for just seven catches for 109 yards last season.

"We're trying to do what's best for us as an offense, but also what's best for a young man," Fitch said. "(Landi's) skill set, his body type … you get him matched up with those linebackers and he's what you call a mismatch."

FRESHMAN HAS SURGERY: C.J. Garye, a safety, had minor arthroscopic knee surgery. He is expected to miss three weeks and likely will redshirt.

Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer

UCF: TE is versatile

ORLANDO — Senior TE Adam Nissley, the strongest player on UCF's team, has always had blocking skills. But now the Knights need Nissley to play a bigger role in the passing attack, and he is. "Adam Nissley is doing a great, much improved job in the passing game," offensive coordinator Charlie Taaffe said. "He's catching the ball, so that and the backs involved in the passing game takes some of the pressure off at receiver, where we don't have a lot of depth right now."

Iliana Limon, Orlando Sentinel

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

tennis

nadal endures tiebreakers to reach quarters

MASON, Ohio — Rafael Nadal wanted to play a lot of tennis at the Western & Southern Open, though maybe not all in one day.

Nadal survived a three-set, three-tiebreaker match against Fernando Verdasco on Thursday, advancing with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (11-9) victory that kept him on the court for 3 hours, 38 minutes. Then he played a doubles match that went 1:10.

How'd he feel? "Fantastic," he said.

Feeling good, back in the quarterfinals, along with Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.

The top three players in the men's bracket advanced. Djokovic beat Radek Stepanek 6-3, 6-3 in a ragged match. Federer knocked off Tampa resident James Blake 6-4, 6-1. Nadal's next match will be against Tampa resident and seventh seed Mardy Fish, who beat Richard Gasquet 7-5, 7-5.

"If you want to play someone like Rafa, you hope that he plays a match that's four hours long before you play him," Fish said.

No. 4 Andy Murray also advanced with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Alex Bogomolov Jr.

Samantha Stosur, another Tampa resident, beat fifth-seeded Li Na 6-4, 3-6, 6-4. Second-seeded Vera Zvonareva advanced to the quarters with a 6-2, 6-2 win over Petra Martic. Daniela Hantuchova upset eighth-seeded Marion Bartoli 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.

basketball

NBA announces preseason games

The NBA says its exhibition schedule will start Oct. 9, provided a new collective bargaining agreement with the players can be reached in time.

The preseason would start with five games Oct. 9 and run through Oct. 28. The regular-season opener is scheduled for Nov. 1.

A preseason that starts on time — or happens at all — seems unlikely given the gap between the sides more than a month and a half into the lockout.

Barbosa signs with Brazil squad: Raptors guard Leandro Barbosa has signed with Rio de Janeiro club Flamengo in his native Brazil. The deal includes a clause that allows him to return to the NBA when the lockout ends. Barbosa, 28, averaged 13.3 points, 2.1 assists and 24.1 minutes with Toronto last season.

WNBA: Cappie Pondexter hit a fall-away jumper with 24.3 seconds left in overtime and finished with 27 points to help host New York rally for an 84-81 victory against Connecticut. … Seimone Augustus scored 18 as visiting Minnesota routed Washington 81-62.

et cetera

Little League: Palma Ceia earned a spot in the U.S. title game at the Junior League Baseball World Series in Taylor, Mich., by defeating Rosenberg, Texas, 8-5. … Palma Ceia advanced to the semifinals at the Junior League Softball World Series in Kirkland, Wash., with a 12-2 victory over Layritz, the Canadian representative. It will next face Bridge City, Texas.

Gymnastics: Jordan Wieber took the women's all-around lead at the U.S. championships in St. Paul, Minn. The 16-year-old scored 59.85 points, putting her 1.85 ahead of Aly Raisman going into Saturday's finals. Olympic gold medalist Shawn Johnson made a promising return in her first appearance at nationals since she won it in 2008. She posted the third-highest score on balance beam.

WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES: Megan Romano of St. Petersburg was on the silver medal-winning U.S. 400-meter freestyle relay team in Shenzhen, China. China won in a Games-record 3 minutes, 59.15 seconds. The United States was one second behind.

Times wires

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

ATLANTA — Mike Minor knew he couldn't afford any big mistakes going against two-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum.

Instead, it was Lincecum who cracked.

Minor pitched six crisp innings and Chipper Jones homered off Lincecum for the only run, leading the Braves to a 1-0 victory over the Giants on Thursday.

"He's obviously the better pitcher," Minor said. "It's a big win."

The left-hander allowed just four hits and struck out a season-high nine. Only two runners got as far as second base against Minor, who didn't flinch when Cody Ross led off the game with a double.

"Instead of giving in, I tried to bear down," Minor said. "I knew if he scored, that would be a big run."

Lincecum surrendered only five hits in seven innings with seven strikeouts. But the wiry right-hander made one pitch he wanted back, serving up a high fastball to Jones leading off the fifth.

"You know you're not going to hit too many homers off Lincecum," Jones said. "He made one mistake, and that's all we needed."

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

DENVER — Mike Jacobs became the first player suspended by Major League Baseball for a positive test for human growth hormone under the sport's minor-league drug testing procedures.

The 30-year-old Triple-A first baseman, who was in the big leagues from 2005-10, received a 50-game suspension Thursday for taking the banned performance-enhancing substance and was subsequently released by the Rockies.

Jacobs said he took HGH to overcome knee and back ailments.

"We have a program in place, and it did what it was supposed to do," commissioner Bud Selig said, adding he wants to get the rule to apply to major-leaguers, too. "We don't duck the issue."

Jacobs apologized. "Taking it was one of the worst decisions I could have ever made, one for which I take full responsibility," he said in the statement released through his representative.

He played six major-league seasons, collecting 100 homers and 310 RBIs with a career .254 batting average with the Mets, Marlins and Royals.

Umps wrong on homer call: Joe Torre, MLB's executive vice president for baseball operations, said Wednesday's Royals-Yankees umpiring crew, led by Dana DeMuth, should have called the ball hit by the Royals' Billy Butler a double instead of a homer, a key play in a 5-4 Royals victory. "There really was a misunderstanding," Torre said. "Obviously, from what went on, (the umpire) was very sure that that ball was a home run 'cause it hit that back fence, which is out of the park." Butler's ball appeared to strike the upper railing of a second wall behind the leftfield wall before bouncing back onto the field. Umpires ruled it a homer, reviewed it and again ruled it a homer. The ballpark's rule is that the ball must go into the stands to be a homer. MLB umpire supervisor Steve Palermo said "it was a misunderstanding of the ground rules. What they thought was, wasn't."

Giants' Wilson ailing: Closer Brian Wilson reported pain in his right elbow in blowing a save Monday and is listed as day-to-day. He had surgery on the elbow eight years ago. For now, rest and treatment are prescribed, so the team has elected not to put him on the disabled list.

Blue Jays: Struggling LHP Brad Mills (1-2, 8.35 ERA in four starts) was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Marlins: LHP Randy Choate was put on the 15-day disabled list because of left elbow inflammation.

Phillies: CF Shane Victorino's suspension for his part in a benches-clearing brawl at San Francisco on Aug. 5 was reduced from three games to two on appeal. He sat Thursday and will not play today.

Red Sox: 3B Kevin Youkilis, 32, was put on the DL because of a back injury, and catching prospect Ryan Lavarnway, 24, was called up from Triple-A.

Royals: RF Jeff Francoeur signed a two-year extension that should keep the 27-year-old with the club through the 2013 season.

Twins: Joe Mauer was in rightfield against the Yankees, the first time he has played there in the majors. Mauer has played catcher his entire career and some first base this summer while Justin Morneau was out. The Twins had little choice: Michael Cuddyer is bothered by a sore neck, Jason Kubel is tending to a family matter, and Triple-A callup Luke Hughes missed his flight.

White Sox: RHP Phil Humber was hit above the right eye by a Kosuke Fukudome line drive in the second inning and left the game against the Indians as a precaution. The team said he was alert and will be evaluated today.

Yankees: 3B Alex Rodriguez (torn cartilage in right knee) rejoined the team, but he's not ready to play. Manager Joe Girardi said the earliest he would come off the DL and play would be Saturday. Rodriguez is comfortable swinging the bat, but he's still missing his first-step quickness in the field and isn't at full strength when he turns going from first to third or second to home.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011

TAMPA — It is, perhaps, the highest-paid unit on the Bucs roster. Its makeup includes two first-round picks, a second-round pick and a couple of Pro Bowl selections.

But none of that seemed apparent when watching the Tampa Bay offensive line Thursday night in a 31-14 preseason loss to the Patriots.

The Bucs linemen were shoved around and run around as they were thoroughly dominated by a New England front seven that blitzed mercilessly.

When the Bucs re-signed right guard Davin Joseph to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract and right tackle Jeremy Trueblood to a two-year, $10 million deal, they didn't envision quarterback Josh Freeman being buried by an onslaught of rushers play after play.

And when the team resolved left tackle Donald Penn's holdout last year by awarding him a six-year, $48 million deal, it didn't plan on him being run over by Patriots defensive end Andre Carter.

Thursday's game was in no way the blueprint for offensive success, not when Freeman could barely set his feet as a result of the constant pass rush. He finished 5-of-10 for 33 yards. Linebacker Jerod Mayo was particularly bothersome to Freeman, with several good rushes and a pair of sacks. Mayo, playing only in the first half, finished with five tackles and a pair of pass deflections.

The performance of the line was a chief reason for the early struggles of the running game, too. Starting running back LeGarrette Blount was rendered meaningless, as lanes were nonexistent. Two of his four carries resulted in losses, and Blount finished with 1 yard.

The offensive line was also responsible for its share of penalties including three holding penalties in the first half alone. Ted Larsen was flagged for the first, with backups James Lee and Derek Hardman cited for the others.

The performance stood in stark contrast to the offensive line's impressive showing in the preseason opener at Kansas City a week ago. In that game, in which the Chiefs sat several defensive starters, the Bucs offensive line gave Freeman plenty of time in the pocket and running lanes were plentiful.

It couldn't have been more different Thursday.

The key now is to determine which brand of football the Bucs can expect from their offensive line in the regular season.

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

Nationals 3, Reds 1

WASHINGTON — Jonny Gomes had a two-run single against his former team, Jesus Flores hit his first homer in more than two years and Jordan Zimmermann pitched shutout ball into the sixth. Flores' homer in the fifth off Bronson Arroyo was his first homer since May 8, 2009. Gomes also made a running catch to end a threat.

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Vick backtracked and league officials reacted Thursday over comments in a GQ story in which Vick said the Eagles were not his first choice when he made his comeback bid.

The article, posted on the magazine's website in advance of its release next week, said Vick chose the Eagles after meeting with commissioner Roger Goodell and other league representatives. He first leaned toward either the Bills or Bengals, teams with which he would not have been so far down the depth chart when he signed.

"I commend and thank them, because they put me in the right situation," Vick said of the league officials.

But Thursday the quarterback, who served federal prison time after a dogfighting conviction, told the media the Eagles were his choice. And NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail statement: "Michael Vick's decision on where to play to put himself in the best position to succeed was entirely his own." Vick was a third-stringer for Philadelphia in 2009 before his breakout season last year.

NCAA punishments to carry over more?

The NFL's decision to have Terrelle Pryor's NCAA punishment carry over to the pros (see 1C) might be the start of a new trend, according to a CBSsports.com report.

The website reported that the league and the NFL Players Association might start disciplining players who are caught violating NCAA rules, then turn pro before serving any punishment. The report said the league could fine and suspend more players if they break rules during their college careers.

CONCUSSION SUIT: Six former players and one current player are suing the league in Philadelphia over its handling of concussion-related injuries, the first potential class-action lawsuit of its kind. The players accuse the league of training players to hit with their heads, failing to properly treat concussions and trying to conceal for decades any links between football and brain injuries. The plaintiffs include former Super Bowl champion quarterback Jim McMahon, who says he played through five concussions and now frequently walks "in a daze" and forgets why he entered a room. Seventy-five retired players sued the league last month in Los Angeles, also saying it concealed concussion information for years.

BILLS: Linebacker Shawne Merriman, via a post on his Twitter page, denied a story posted by the website Buffalo Sports Daily that he was caught carrying steroids in Canada, near the U.S. border, last month.

JETS: Running back Shonn Greene has a "low-grade skin infection" on his right foot and will miss Sunday's game against Cincinnati. Spokesman Bruce Speight said the infection was being treated with antibiotics.

VIKINGS: Ex-FSU quarterback Christian Ponder will play with the second team Saturday at Seattle. He came in third in last week's game, after Donovan McNabb and Joe Webb. Also, former Florida star Percy Harvin (rib) and tight end Visanthe Shiancoe (pulled hamstring) will sit out.

HAYNESWORTH CASE: Albert Haynesworth's lawyer has repeatedly offered money to a waiter so she would help convince the government to drop her sexual abuse case against the Patriots defensive lineman, prosecutors said. Prosecutors wrote in a court document that on "numerous occasions" Haynesworth's lawyer approached the waiter's attorney to offer money. The case is set for trial Tuesday in Washington. Scott Bolden, the attorney for Haynesworth, denies the offer.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011

TAMPA — Trying to find a positive glimmer the Bucs can take from their 31-14 preseason loss to the Patriots on Thursday is like mining for a diamond in the mud.

On the other hand, there's no shortage of dirt.

LeGarrette Blount couldn't run. Josh Freeman couldn't pass. The offensive line couldn't block. The defensive line couldn't stop the run or pressure the pocket. The secondary couldn't cover. Even reliable Connor Barth missed a 47-yard field goal attempt as the first half mercifully ended with the Patriots leading 28-0.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady led touchdown drives on New England's first three possessions and four of the six in the half, tossing scoring passes to Aaron Hernandez and Chad Ochocinco, and getting a pair of touchdown runs from BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

By the time Freeman left the game with 5:42 remaining in the first half, the gap between the Bucs and the Patriots might have been as wide as the statistics.

Tampa Bay was outgained 213-17 and outrushed 117-1. It allowed 11 first downs and produced one. And for bad measure, the Bucs had eight penalties for 65 yards.

"I think we needed this because now we can judge ourselves accordingly," Bucs defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "(The Patriots) are a Super Bowl-caliber team, and the tempo that (the game) was is how it's going to be during the season. So we need to learn it, go get in the film room and handle our business."

Coach Raheem Morris said he knew his team would face a much tougher exam than it did in last week's 25-0 preseason-opening victory at Kansas City, which the Chiefs treated like a junior varsity scrimmage.

But there's no way he expected such total failure.

With McCoy playing in his first game since December because of injury, the Bucs yielded scoring drives of 64, 61, 53 and 60 yards. Brady, who was a spectator in the Patriots' 47-12 win at Jacksonville last week, performed bloodless laser surgery on the Bucs.

He went 11-of-19 for 118 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Both touchdown passes came ridiculously easy. Hernandez, a former Florida tight end, appeared to run right past rookie middle linebacker Mason Foster for a 16-yard score. On the next drive, Ochocinco got behind safety Sean Jones for an 8-yarder.

Meanwhile, Freeman didn't have enough protection from the offensive line to step into many throws. He finished 5-of-10 for 33 yards and was sacked twice for 17 yards.

After going three-and-out on their first two series, the Bucs got their lone first down with Freeman under center on the first play of the third series, when he hit Mike Williams on a slant pattern for 12 yards.

After that, the wheels came off.

Blount was stuffed for a 1-yard loss despite left tackle Donald Penn holding a Patriot, for which he was penalized. Freeman was sacked for a 6-yard loss on the next play. Fullback Erik Lorig had a false start, Freeman fired incomplete under duress, then connected with Earnest Graham for 7 yards.

"We had a couple of mistakes out there," Morris said. "But Tom Brady, as we know, is an awesome quarterback, and (New England) has an awesome offense. They came to play. We came out kind of sluggish and kind of flat on both sides of the ball."

The Patriots used the first half as a situational drill.

On their final touchdown drive of the half, Brady handed the ball off eight straight times. A holding penalty forced him to complete a pass to Wes Welker on second and 15, setting up a 1-yard touchdown run by Green-Ellis.

What few bright moments the Bucs had came in the second half.

On the sixth play, cornerback Elbert Mack intercepted a pass by rookie Ryan Mallett and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown. Linebacker Adam Hayward recovered a fumble. And rookie Allen Bradford capped an 84-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run.

"There's a lot to take from this game for us to really go and correct," Graham said. "At the same time, we had our rout last week where we came out and played really energetic.

"As far as right now, New England came out and schemed us really well and was able to execute. For us to go back and look at the things they were able to exploit is great for us, actually."

Times wires
Thursday, August 18, 2011

Indians 4, White Sox 2

CHICAGO — Justin Masterson pitched six effective innings, Kosuke Fukudome had a tiebreaking RBI triple and the Indians inched closer to the top of the AL Central. Matt LaPorta hit a two-run homer for Cleveland, which pulled within 1 1/2 games of idle Detroit. The teams open a three-game series at Detroit today.

Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 18, 2011

TAMPA — Throughout the preseason, rookie LB Mason Foster will be one of the more scrutinized Bucs, considering he is expected to take over for the departed Barrett Ruud as starting middle linebacker.

Coach Raheem Morris wants to see how Foster fares before declaring the competition over, and while the third-round pick impressed in training camp, Thursday's 31-14 loss to the Patriots likely served as a welcome-to-the-NFL-moment for him.

Just more than three minutes into the first quarter, Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez got behind Foster on a 16-yard touchdown reception from Tom Brady. On the next series, Foster was called for an unnecessary roughness penalty after a hit on WR Chad Ochocinco.

On the play, Ochocinco had his hands on a pass over the middle and Foster launched into him, hitting him and jarring the ball loose.

The Bucs had previously held Foster out of nickel package situations, hoping to simplify things for the rookie. But Morris planned on using him more in those spots Thursday night, an attempt to see his pass-coverage and decision-making skills.

Brady provided quite the test for Foster, who played into the third quarter and had just one tackle (along with a hit on Brady).

In Foster's first NFL game last week in Kansas City, he recovered a fumble and made a third-down stop.

SPLASH PLAY: CB Elbert Mack provided one of the Bucs' lone bright spot, a 69-yard interception return for a touchdown in the third quarter. Mack made a sliding pick of a Ryan Mallett pass, then broke a few tackles before racing down the right sideline, ending it with a celebratory dance in the end zone.

LINING UP: The Bucs' inactives for the game: WR Arrelious Benn (knee), CB Myron Lewis (hamstring), S Ahmad Black (foot), TE Luke Stocker (hip), DT Brian Price (pelvis), DT Roy Miller (knee) and CB Aqib Talib (hamstring).

TE Kellen Winslow dressed but did not play.

MEDICAL MATTERS: S Larry Asante left the game with about nine minutes remaining in the second quarter after getting shaken up on a play, but he later returned. … DT E.J. Wilson left the game with an ankle injury.

MISCELLANY: DT Gerald McCoy, who missed last week's game with a rotator cuff injury, made his preseason debut, recording one tackle.

"Things didn't go the way we planned, as far as the score and how the tempo was going," McCoy said. "Personally, I felt good. It felt great to get back out there with my family, with those guys. I love them. I think once we get it together, we can be a great unit. It felt good being back."

KICKING IT: P/PK Michael Koenen, who signed a six-year, $19 million free agent contract in the offseason, had another strong game, averaging 51.8 yards over four punts. … K Connor Barth missed a 47-yard field goal to end the first half.

FOR THE FANS: Raymond James Stadium was about one-third empty, with an announced attendance of 49,313. The game was blacked out locally on TV.

the ray WAY: Rays manager Joe Maddon, taking advantage of his team's off day, attended the game, sitting in Morris' suite. Maddon is good friends with Morris, who has been Maddon's guest at Rays games. … RH reliever Kyle Farns­worth was also spotted in the stands, shown on the JumboTron in the third quarter.

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

Preseason

Aug. 27: vs. Dolphins, 7:30*

Sept. 1: at Redskins, 7:30

All games on Ch. 10; * subject to NFL blackout rules

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, August 18, 2011

TAMPA — They should forget the score. It means nothing.

They should ignore the groans from the bleachers, and the angry venting of the message boards. At this point in August, it's all less than frivolous.

What the Buccaneers should take from Thursday night's preseason dud against New England was the utter helplessness they must have felt.

The shock. The frustration. The sting.

Now that is worth remembering.

For this is a team that has come far on confidence and swagger. A team that defied expectations a year ago, and embraced its growing celebrity in training camp.

So a slap like this might be just what it required.

"We needed to face a team like that in the second preseason game," defensive tackle Gerald McCoy said. "It shows us where we're at, and now we can judge ourselves accordingly."

In this case, the verdict is not favorable.

The first-string Bucs did not block and did not tackle. They did not run, did not cover, and when it was over they probably did not floss.

If you think a 28-0 halftime score sounds bad, I'm telling you it looked worse. Tampa Bay's defense gave up an average of 7.9 yards a play in the first quarter. As a counter argument, the Bucs offense gained an average of 1.6 yards on its plays.

And when they weren't getting humiliated by the Patriots, they were getting browbeat by the officials with 10 penalties in the first half alone.

It was about as thorough as a 30-minute beating can get. And by the time it was over, the one true casualty was hope.

"I don't know if it was a slap in the face, but it was a reality check," guard Davin Joseph said. "When you don't convert on third down, you're not going to win many games. When you get a lot of penalties, you're not going to win many games. When you can't protect your quarterback and keep him standing up straight, you're not going to win many games. And that was the sum of our offense tonight."

Just to reiterate, the final result is inconsequential. That goes without saying in the preseason. The object of these games is not to take a snapshot of the scoreboard, but to get a glimpse of the future.

So game plans, substitutions and motivations have nothing in common with what goes on in the regular season.

Still, it was the breadth of the beating that was so disturbing. This wasn't a question of the Bucs pulling their starters after a handful of plays. And it wasn't turnovers or flukes.

Josh Freeman was in the huddle for five possessions, and never got the ball past midfield. The drives, if you want to call them that, went 1, 2, 13, minus-9 and 10 yards.

The defensive starters stuck around for about four drives, and surrendered three touchdowns to Tom Brady and Co.

When your punter is in the running for MVP, you know it was a long night.

So does this wipe out all of the good will created by last week's 25-0 trampling of Kansas City? Not at all. It is simply the flip side — or perhaps the downside — to youngry. For, sometimes it can turn yugly. Or yawful. Or yelpless.

"If we're going to be a contender, we can't go from a great game like we played last week to a game like this," Joseph said. "That's what we've got to learn. We have to be consistent from week to week. It's not a big deal in the preseason, but we can't afford to do this in the regular season."

This team is still as young and hungry as last week. It still has more weapons on offense than a lot of teams, and more potential on defense than we have seen in quite some time.

The thing you have to remember is that most of Tampa Bay's defensive linemen still have student IDs in their wallets. And that the 25-year-olds are considered old-school.

A team as young as this one is bound to have growing pains. A linebacker will lose a tight end in coverage. A defensive lineman might overpursue at times. A running back will miss a block, and a quarterback will hold the ball too long.

That doesn't mean the Bucs are heading for a fall, it's just a reminder that there will be moments when this team plays as young as its birth certificates.

Take the defensive front seven, for instance. A week ago they were physical. They were active. They were flying into the Kansas City backfield.

And yet, six days later, they looked befuddled.

As for the Bucs offense, that might have been even more disappointing. This unit is practically intact from last season. The offensive line is expensive and experienced.

And yet there were defensive ends and linebackers coming left, right and straight up the gut. There were no holes for LaGarrette Blount, and no open receivers for Freeman.

The good news is this game does not have to mean a thing in the standings.

Just as long as the Bucs do not forget the lessons learned on this night.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Red Sox 4, Royals 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Dustin Pedroia drove in three runs with a pair of singles and Josh Beckett survived a shaky start to go seven innings for Boston. Jason Varitek drove in the other run for the Red Sox, who had lost five of their last seven. Beckett allowed all three runs in the first three innings but improved to 7-1 in his career against the Royals. Jonathan Papelbon extended his career-best streak to 24 consecutive saves.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Yankees 8, Twins 4

MINNEAPOLIS — CC Sabathia stopped his two-start skid with nine strikeouts over seven innings, and the Yankees hit three homers. New York leads the majors with 163 homers this season as Mark Teixeira hit his 33rd, and Nick Swisher and Andruw Jones hit back-to-back deep balls in the fifth. Jones sent his into the third deck in left, an estimated 434 feet.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Phillies 4, Diamondbacks 1

PHILADELPHIA — John Mayberry Jr. hit a two-run homer, David Herndon tossed three scoreless innings in relief and the Phillies, who took two of three in a potential National League playoff preview, improved to 14-1-1 in their last 16 series. A thunderstorm delayed the game for 2 hours, 17 minutes after three innings.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Padres 3, Marlins 1

SAN DIEGO — Tim Stauffer tossed seven strong innings to rebound from his worst start of the season, leading the Padres. The right-hander won in his first outing since yielding five homers and nine runs in just three innings of a 13-1 loss at Cincinnati. Heath Bell pitched a perfect ninth inning for his 33rd save in 36 chances for San Diego, which defeated Florida for the 10th time in 12 meetings. Florida has lost 12 of 14 overall.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Blue Jays 7, Athletics 0

OAKLAND, Calif. — Ricky Romero had a three-hitter to extend his career-high winning streak to five games for the Blue Jays. Edwin Encarnacion and Brett Lawrie had RBI singles and Jose Bautista doubled and scored in the fourth when Toronto scored three times off Oakland starter Trevor Cahill to break the game open. Romero got out of a series of jams early then retired the final 13 batters. The A's got only two runners to third base and were shut out for the 12th time this season.

Times wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

Angels 2, Rangers 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rookie Mark Trumbo hit a game-ending two-run homer down the leftfield line, and the Angels avoided a four-game sweep. After Torii Hunter led off the ninth with a single, Trumbo hit his 23rd homer of the season off Mike Adams, snapping the Angels' five-game skid and ending Texas' six-game winning streak. Adams wasted seven scoreless innings by Colby Lewis, who outpitched Angels ace Jered Weaver.

Times staff, wires
Friday, August 19, 2011

The Chicago Cubs fired Dunedin native Jim Hendry as general manager today.

"My family and I appreciate Jim's dedication during our time with the Cubs and thank him for his overall 17 years of service to the Cubs organization," team chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement. "It is time for a fresh approach in our baseball leadership and our search begins immediately for our next general manager."

Hendry, 56, joined the Cubs in 1994 and was promoted to general manager in 2002 after serving as assistant to then-president Andy MacPhail.

Hendry hired managers in Dusty Baker in the fall of 2002, Tampa native Lou Piniella in the fall of 2006 and Mike Quade last offseason.

The Cubs won division titles in 2003, '07 and '08.

Hendry had one year remaining on his contract. Assistant general manager Randy Bush was named interim general manager.