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Red Sox to pick through the rubble

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Times wires
Thursday, September 29, 2011

BOSTON — A day after the Red Sox completed an unprecedented September collapse, general manager Theo Epstein told reporters at somber Fenway Park on Thursday that the entire organization shared the blame for blowing a nine-game lead in 25 days and promised his full effort in figuring out what went wrong.

"The bottom line is, we failed. And our owners deserve better, the fans deserve better and we have to fix it," Epstein said. "We're going to take a look in the mirror and see if we're the ones to fix it."

Boston went 7-20 in September to miss the playoffs entirely, a collapse that wasn't complete until Jonathan Papelbon blew a one-run lead with one strike to go against Baltimore on Wednesday and the Orioles won 4-3.

Just minutes later, the Rays completed their comeback from a 7-0 deficit against the Yankees and clinched the wild-card berth.

The nine-game lead was the biggest ever held in September by a team that failed to make the playoffs. "I think we'll be dissecting that forever," Epstein said.

"A very quiet day in Boston after a terrible, terrible month for the fans. Night after night they came, they tuned in. Rain, quiet streets," owner John Henry wrote on Twitter. "Congratulations to the entire Tampa Bay organization on a miraculous, but well-earned passport to the postseason."

Manager Terry Francona acknowledged he and Epstein saw signs of trouble earlier in the season. He did not specify what he saw, but said: "Normally, as a season progresses, there's events that make you care about each other. With this team, it didn't happen as much as I wanted it to. … You need a team that wants to protect each other on the field and be fiercely loyal to each other on the field."

Epstein said everything will be evaluated over the offseason, including the front office and the coaching staff. But he would not make a scapegoat of Francona, saying: "Nobody blames what happened in September on Tito."

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez tried to deflect some blame to ESPN. "We play too many night games on getaway days and get into places at 4 in the morning," Gonzalez told the Boston Globe. "This has been my toughest season physically because of that. We play a lot of night games on Sunday for television and that those things take a lot out of you."

Among the problems Epstein took the blame for were the decisions on some high-priced free agents. Though he didn't call them mistakes, Epstein acknowledged that the team needs more from both pitcher John Lackey, who was 12-12 with a 6.41 ERA in the second year of a five-year, $82.5 million deal, and outfielder Carl Crawford, the former Rays star who signed a seven-year, $142 million deal last offseason.

"The rehabilitation of John Lackey," Epstein said, "I think it's a big priority, for obvious reasons."

And the same is true of Crawford, who was at or near career lows with a .255 average, 18 stolen bases, 11 homers and 56 RBIs.

"Carl has taken full and very public responsibility for having a disappointing year," Epstein said. "The next step is, what are you going to do about it?"


Sports in brief

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Times wires
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Basketball

More Voices at NBA Talks

NEW YORK — The NBA owners' labor relations committee and the union's executive committee will meet today, both committed to keep talks going throughout the weekend. Both sides have cautioned that bringing back the large groups after a series of discussions among smaller parties doesn't mean they are close, but rather that more voices are required to consider the crucial decisions.

Talks broke down last time the large groups were together Sept. 13, but commissioner David Stern said he and union executive director Billy Hunter believe it's necessary to summon them with the Nov. 1 opener at stake.

Pistons' Wallace charged: Pistons center Ben Wallace was charged with drunken driving and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon after a traffic stop, according to authorities in suburban Detroit. Bloomfield Township police said Wallace, 37, was above Michigan's 0.08 percent blood-alcohol limit and had an unloaded pistol in a backpack.

Tennis

Sharapova injures ankle, withdraws from Pan Pacific

Maria Sharapova twisted her ankle while serving Thursday and quit her Pan Pacific Open quarterfinal in Tokyo against Petra Kvitova. Kvitova was ahead 4-3 in the first set.

"I hit a serve and then landed awkwardly on my left ankle," said Sharapova, seeded second. "I felt a sharp pain and next thing I knew I was on the floor. It swelled up immediately and I knew there was no way I could continue."

Kvitova, seeded fifth, will next face fourth-seeded Vera Zvonareva, who defeated Maria Kirilenko 6-3, 6-3.

More tennis: Top-ranked Novak Djokovic pulled out of the China Open because of the back injury he suffered at the U.S. Open. It is not yet clear whether the 24-year-old Serb will also skip the Shanghai Masters that starts in two weeks. … American Donald Young, 22, beat defending champion Guillermo Garcia-Lopez of Spain 6-1, 6-7 (0-7), 7-5 in the second round at the Thailand Open in Bangkok. Andy Murray reached the quarterfinals by defeating Michael Berrer 6-4, 6-2.

Et cetera

ARENA FOOTBALL: The Storm acquired second-year kicker Juan Bongarra and re-signed former Florida State receiver De'Cody Fagg, who saw limited duty last season as he recovered from a knee injury. … Commissioner Jerry B. Kurz announced that New Orleans will host ArenaBowl XXV in Aug. 10 2012.

Autos: NASCAR indefinitely suspended former Joe Denette Motorsports crew member Michael McLaughlin for violating its substance-abuse policy. JDM, which runs Jason White's No. 23 on the Truck series, released McLaughlin.

Soccer: Defender Oguchi Onyewu will rejoin the U.S. men's national team for upcoming matches against Honduras (Oct. 8, Miami) and Ecuador (Oct. 11, Harrison, N.J.).

Times wires

Tampa Bay Lightning's Brett Connolly rises to challenge issued by GM Steve Yzerman

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

MONTREAL — Brett Connolly said just what you would expect of someone in his situation.

He called it "a great honor" to compete for a spot on the Lightning roster. He said he is trying to "live in the moment" and "get better every day."

But press a little and the wing admits he also is kind of proud of himself for getting this far in training camp. The team must reduce its roster from 26 to a maximum 23 by Wednesday.

"Absolutely," Connolly said. "It's what I wanted to do coming into camp."

As well as prove a point to general manager Steve Yzerman: "That I do have character," Connolly said, "that I do work hard and I have a great work ethic."

Yzerman challenged Connolly to show just that after the No. 6 overall pick of the 2010 draft struggled badly in his first training camp. That said, few would have predicted Connolly's quick ascent. Even Yzerman envisioned him playing another season with his junior team in Prince George, British Columbia.

But Connolly has so impressed with his increased strength, speed and poise — and with Tampa Bay in need of top-six depth — the team might give him an extended look through nine regular-season games.

As per NHL rules for junior-eligible players, if Connolly plays a 10th game, the clock on his three-year, $2.7 million contract starts regardless of whether he gets sent back to Prince George.

No decisions have been made, Yzerman said, which is why Thursday's 4-0 win over the Canadiens at the Bell Centre, in which Connolly scored twice, and the rematch Saturday in Quebec City are so important. "He's going to be playing against more NHL veterans," Yzerman said. "It's not the regular season, but it's a step closer.

"If he's going to stay with the team, he's going to have to play regular minutes. In order for him to stay, he's going to have to play well."

Connolly, 6 feet 2, 189 pounds, has three goals and five points and has played on a high-profile line with center Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis. That's quite a difference from his first camp, when he was overmatched in strength and by the game's speed, and heard about it from Yzerman.

"It was the same message I give to all of our players, but particularly the young guys" Yzerman said. "It's a process to become an NHL player and to be an impact player. There's a level of commitment and a certain work ethic you need to do. He needed to hear that."

Connolly said that "growing up, I relied on my talent a little too much. So I took a deep breath and looked in the mirror about where I wanted to be with my work ethic and really thinking, 'Am I giving it my all?' It was a good thing for (Yzerman) to give me a kick."

A summer working in Toronto with trainer Peter Renzetti made, he said, an enormous difference.

"Night and day," coach Guy Boucher said. "Brett Connolly last year was a junior who wasn't in shape and didn't know what it was about. He brought his body up to a level where he at least he can show what he is all about."

Is it enough to win a job?

"We'll see," Boucher said. "But right now he's battling so hard, we have to consider it."

Vols AD says SEC will add another team

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Times wires
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Saturday's games on TV/Radio
Northwestern at IllinoisnoonESPN2
Penn State at IndiananoonESPNU
Texas A&M vs. ArkansasnoonESPN; 1040-AM
Mississippi State at Georgianoon Sun Sports
Minnesota at MichigannoonBig Ten 1
Air Force at NavynoonCh. 10
Tulane at ArmynoonCBSSN
Texas Tech at KansasnoonFSN
Kentucky at LSU12:20Ch. 38
Wake Forest at Boston College12:30 p.m.Ch. 44
Buffalo at Tennessee12:30 p.m.BHSN
Nevada at Boise State2:30 p.m.Versus
Michigan State at Ohio State3:30 p.m.ESPN
Auburn at South Carolina3:30 p.m.Ch. 10
Georgia Tech at N.C. State3:30 p.m.Ch. 28
Bethune-Cookman at Miami3:30 p.m.ESPNU; 820-AM
Towson at Maryland3:30 p.m.FSN
Arizona at Southern Cal3:30 p.m.Sun Sports
SMU at TCU3:30 p.m.CBSSN
W. Michigan at UConn (in progress)4 p.m.BHSN
Clemson at Virginia Tech6 p.m.ESPN2
Duke at Florida International7 p.m.ESPNU
Washington at Utah7 p.m.FSN
Texas at Iowa State7 p.m.FX
Rutgers at Syracuse (taped)7:30 p.m.BHSN
Notre Dame at Purdue8 p.m.ESPN
Nebraska at Wisconsin8 p.m.Ch. 28; 1040-AM
Alabama at Florida8 p.m.Ch. 10; 1250-AM
North Carolina at East Carolina8 p.m.CBSSN
Mississippi at Fresno State9:15 p.m.ESPN2
UCLA at Stanford10:30 p.m.FSN


KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart says the SEC will expand again and officials at each school need to have frank discussions before moving forward.

The addition of Texas A&M as the SEC's 13th team was good, Hart said, but the league's leaders must take their next steps deliberately.

"I think a lot of the conversation is just where we go from here, obviously, because at some point 13 will not be the number," Hart, Florida State's former AD, said Thursday. "There are a multitude of components to this that we have yet to really delve into. We will do that in relatively short order, but it's very complex in nature."

SEC commissioner Mike Slive was not available for comment.

The SEC announced Sunday that Texas A&M will join in July after leaving the Big 12. Slive said later in the week the league's presidents and chancellors are not currently considering any other schools for admission and he anticipates having no additional members for the 2012-13 season.

The Kansas City Star previously reported the SEC has talked to Missouri. The school's board of curators is set to meet about conference affiliation Tuesday, but the Star reported Wednesday it likely won't make a final decision then.

Hart, hired by Tennessee on Sept. 5 after spending three seasons as Alabama's assistant AD, declined to give his preference for the 14th school. He said he anticipated a number of conversations would take place in the coming weeks among the SEC's leaders on topics such as scheduling, division membership, academics and the "business aspect" of realignment. He added that those conversations will help Slive determine the future of the conference.

"I think to say the least, this is and will be a fluid situation for weeks to come; maybe months to come," Hart said. "People understand to some degree the complexity, but they really don't understand the magnitude of the complexity. It's ongoing in nature."

Rebels chancellor says he won't be pressured into firing AD

OXFORD, Miss. — Mississippi chancellor Dan Jones said in a letter to alumni he won't bow to pressure to fire athletic director Pete Boone. In the letter released Thursday, Jones writes he's committed to athletic excellence and will not succumb to "anonymous, malicious and public attacks" demanding Boone be fired.

Boone and football coach Houston Nutt have been under pressure for a 1-3 start. A group called Forward Rebels has taken out several full-page ads in Mississippi newspapers demanding changes in the school administration. And Jones said he has received threats saying if he doesn't make changes, "It is going to get real ugly."

Alabama: Linebacker C.J. Mosley, who sus­tained an elbow injury last week against Arkansas, will be a game-day decision for Saturday against Florida, coach Nick Saban said.

Arkansas: Starting defensive end Jake Bequette, out since Sept. 10 with a pulled hamstring, likely will sit out Saturday.

Auburn: The school announced Dee Ford, one of its most experienced defensive ends, had back surgery this week and is out for the season.

Baylor: The NCAA denied the school's request that redshirt freshman running back Lache Seas­trunk, who transferred from Oregon last month, be granted a hardship waiver and allowed to play this season. The NCAA is investigating Oregon's relationship with Willie Lyles, head of a Houston-based recruiting service and Seastrunk's mentor. Invoices show Oregon paid Lyles $25,000 for a "2011 National Package" that had no information about recruits from the class. Seastrunk, fourth on Oregon's depth chart, transferred to be closer to his ill grandmother.

Cincinnati: The NCAA placed the football and women's basketball programs on probation for improperly calling recruits. The university self-reported the violations, and the NCAA accepted its sanctions, which include restrictions on calls.

TCU: Ed Wesley, the team's leading rusher last season, is expected to play Saturday. He has been out since the opener with a shoulder injury.

Pitching, defense make Tampa Bay Rays a formidable postseason opponent

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas

The Rays feel they can beat the Rangers in their first-round AL Division Series that starts today. Then they can take down the Tigers or Yankees in the AL Championship Series. And after that finish off whichever of the four teams survives the National League side of the bracket. • After what they pulled off to get here, they'd better. • "I think right now there's nothing that we don't think that we can't do," manager Joe Maddon said. "We believe. If anybody in the locker room doesn't believe anything is possible right now, I want to meet them one-on-one in my office." • The Rays have all kinds of mythical and magical reasons to be confident, given how they battled their way back into the playoff picture after being nine games out as late as Sept. 3, how the Red Sox

cooperated with a historic collapse, and how many amazing things happened in both teams' Wednesday season finales.

Enough that the Rangers have noticed. "They've got a lot of luck on their side right now," second baseman Ian Kinsler said.

But the Rays also have distinct advantages that are quite tangible and real: The arms on their top-shelf starting pitchers and the hands of their dazzling defenders.

Particularly at this time of year, when both are at a premium and offense tends to be a minimum.

"Within 162 games, I think teams don't mind playing us," top starter James Shields said. "But when it comes down to a five-game series or a seven-game series, we're a pretty tough team to beat because we do have the pitching and the defense, and we do have some guys that can step up to the plate and get the job done as well. When it comes down to a short series like that, we're definitely a team to reckon with."

Or, with a bit more bravado, from pitching coach Jim Hickey:

"We're as formidable an opponent as anybody out there, and I'm pretty comfortable saying I don't think anybody really looks forward to playing us."

That's because pitching tends to dominate in the postseason, with the Giants' 2010 world championship considered the latest example of why October can be an arms race.

"Very few teams slug their way to the championship," Hickey said. "Everybody gets neutralized a bit. If you go in there with the Philadelphia Phillies or masher lineups like the Yankees and the Red Sox, those types of lineups don't score the seven, eight, nine runs as is relatively common throughout the course of the regular season."

While some teams stagger into October with starters on their last gasp, the Rays stormed in, riding a rotation that posted an AL-low 3.53 ERA and pitched a league-high 1,058 innings. As they waited until Thursday night to name rookie Matt Moore the starter for today's opener, it wasn't because they were desperate but facing multiple options.

"There's no replacement for starting pitching," catcher Kelly Shoppach said.

The defense is also a big part of their success, as they try to have an above-average defender at every position and do extensive scouting and data analysis to position them properly, trying, as Maddon likes to say, to catch line drives.

The emphasis pays off, as they made a major-league-low 73 errors while posting the top fielding percentage, .988.

"We're pretty solid, pretty steady every day," Shoppach said. "And occasionally you look up and it's like, 'Golly, we can really pick it.' "

Given the lack of power and steady production from their lineup, that's kind of how they have to do it. "That's who we are," Maddon said.

And starting today, that's exactly what they want to be.

"I feel like we've got a great chance of winning it," centerfielder B.J. Upton said. "Our pitching and defense carried us all year, and those are definitely two important things you have to have to win. We wouldn't be where we are without it.

"I like our chances against anybody."

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

Johnson fine with caddie's Tiger job

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Times wires
Thursday, September 29, 2011

KINGSBARNS, Scotland — Dustin Johnson doesn't begrudge Tiger Woods for hiring his caddie, saying such decisions are part of the business.

Joe LaCava left Johnson on Sunday to become Woods' third full-time caddie.

"I spoke to Tiger about it. There's no hard feelings at all," Johnson said Thursday after shooting 1-under 71 in the first round of the European tour's Dunhill Links Championship. "We had a great conversation. He just did what he did."

LaCava was the longtime caddie for Fred Couples but joined Johnson this summer. Johnson won the Barclays last month with LaCava on the bag.

"I liked Joe. I still do. But you've got to make decisions, and you can't get mad at him for the decisions he made," Johnson said. "He got offered a job, so he took it.

Johnson will have Keith Sbarbaro, vice president of his club-maker, TaylorMade, on his bag for the rest of the year. Sbarbaro has caddied for Johnson in tournaments in South Korea and Germany this year. "He's a real good buddy of mine," Johnson said.

In the tournament, 2010 British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen had a share of the lead with 6-under 66, joining Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Markus Brier and Michael Hoey.

The tournament ends Sunday at St. Andrews, the scene of Oosthuizen's seven-shot British Open win.

Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S. Open champion, was one of six players a stroke behind.

Each member of the 178-man field plays all three par-72 courses over the first three days of the pro-am. Kingsbarns hosted the high-profile contenders and had most of the low scoring Thursday.

Second-ranked Lee Westwood, Colin Montgomerie, Padraig Harrington and former amateur star Tom Lewis were among the 11 players at 4 under. Donald is aiming for his fifth victory this year.

PGA: Jhonattan Vegas and William McGirt shot career-best 8-under 63s to share the first-round lead in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas. Vegas, a rookie who won the Bob Hope Classic in January for his first tour title, had 10 birdies and two bogeys at TPC Summerlin. McGirt, also a rookie, had eight birdies in a bogey-free round. Nathan Green and Charlie Wi were a stroke back. Nick Watney, a two-time winner this year, was in a group of 11 two strokes back at 65. Tampa resident Ryuji Imada shot 68.

Now pressure builds for the Phillies

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — No team enters this postseason under more pressure than the Phillies.

Expectations are so high that anything less than a World Series title will be considered a failure by fans, players and team officials.

"Our ultimate goal is to win the World Series," LHP starter Cliff Lee said. "We still have a lot of business to take care of."

Their road begins Saturday against the wild-card Cardinals. The Phillies cruised to their fifth straight NL East title and led the majors in wins with 102.

Lee, who spurned the Yankees and Rangers to take less money with the Phillies, raised expectations to all-or-nothing proportions with a 17-8 record and 2.40 ERA and six shutouts.

Much love from Cards: After overtaking the Braves for the NL wild card, Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said he owed the Phillies a tip of the cap for ending the season with a sweep of the Braves, who lost 18 of their last 27. "To me, forever and ever, I have the Phillies in the highest regard," La Russa said.

Attendance: MLB's average attendance rose by about half of 1 percent this year, ending three straight seasons of drops. The overall attendance of 73,425,568 was the fifth-highest in history. The 30 teams combined to average 30,229 (up from 30.067), STATS LLC said. Tampa Bay dropped a majors-high 19 percent to 18,846.

Indians: The club picked up manager Manny Acta's contract option for 2013, and pitching coach Tim Belcher stepped down to spend more time with his family.

Padres: Randy Ready became the fifth hitting coach to be fired since the team moved into Petco Park in 2004.

Royals: Pitching coach Bob McClure and bench coach John Gibbons were let go.

White Sox: The team acquired RHP Jhan Marinez and INF Ozzie Martinez as part of the agreement that allowed the Marlins to hire Ozzie Guillen as manager. The Marlins acquired minor-league RHP Ricardo Andres.

Texas Rangers to find room for Mike Napoli's hot bat in lineup against Tampa Bay Rays in ALDS

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Rangers manager Ron Washington said he will go with three catchers on his postseason roster, which he believes will give him more versatility.

But it appears Mike Napoli will be their main catcher, and they can keep him in the lineup against left-handers by putting him at first base or DH.

Napoli hit two homers Wednesday and is hitting .383 with 18 home runs and 42 RBIs since the All-Star break. C Yorvit Torrealba, also a right-handed hitter, played in 113 games this year but could see his time reduced to make room for Napoli. Matt Treanor is the third catcher.

"I will keep the hot bat in the lineup," Washington said. "That's how I am going to handle that. Torre will get some time, but right now it is about putting the best team on the field. If Napoli gives me that, Napoli will be out there."

PEN NOTES: While RHP Alexi Ogando spent most of the year in the rotation, he'll be in the bullpen for the ALDS, Washington said. Ogando went 13-8 with a 3.51 ERA in 29 starts but has experience as a reliever. RHP Colby Lewis and LHP Matt Harrison are expected to be the Rangers' other starters this series.

"We only can use four guys, and (Ogando's) been a stalwart in our bullpen before," Washington said.

BACK ON TRACK: OF Nelson Cruz, who missed almost three weeks with a strained left hamstring, says he's feeling better, and it showed as he went 3-for-9 with a homer in his last two games of the season. "I'm 100 percent," he said. "I don't feel any issues running the bases. I feel good. I feel like I have a chance to drive every pitch."


Tampa Bay Rays still have several decisions to make on playoff roster

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Rays made the easier decisions on their playoff roster by not including LHP Alex Torres, OF Brandon Guyer, RHP Dane De La Rosa and INF Russ Canzler on their 30-man travel roster.

The tougher ones — five of them — must be made by today's 11 a.m. (Tampa Bay time) deadline.

Manager Joe Maddon said they are leaning toward carrying 14 position players and 11 pitchers but wouldn't say much more than that. Among the more interesting discussions:

• The final spots in the bullpen, specifically whether to include starters RHPs Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann, who apparently aren't scheduled to work; and which regular relievers to exclude, including a potential decision between LHPs J.P. Howell and Cesar Ramos.

• Whether to carry a third catcher, providing protection if, and when, starter Kelly Shoppach is pinch-hit for. And if not, whether the one backup is John Jaso or Jose Lobaton.

• Adding OF Justin Ruggiano as an extra right-handed bat with the Rangers starting lefties in four of the five games, potentially at the expense of reserve INF Elliot Johnson. And whether to keep lucky charm Dan Johnson.

The Rays are able to add rookie LHP Matt Moore even though he wasn't called up until after the Aug. 31 postseason eligibility deadline because RHP Alex Cobb is on the DL, and Moore "replaces" him.

SPECIAL GUESTS: The family of Bucs Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to Game 3 at the Trop on Monday. Selmon died Sept. 4. His wife, Claybra; daughter, Brady; and sons Lee Roy Jr. and Christopher will be on hand.

ABOUT WEDNESDAY NIGHT: The Rays were the first team to earn a postseason berth by overcoming a deficit of seven or more runs to win its final regular-season game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. … It was the first time the Yankees lost when leading by seven or more in the eighth inning or later since 1953. … The Rays became the fifth modern-era team to clinch a postseason spot with a walkoff win on the final day of the regular season, joining the 2009 Twins (over Tigers), 2007 Rockies (over Padres), 1959 Dodgers (over Braves) and 1951 Giants (over Dodgers).

MISCELLANY: The Hall of Fame requested and 3B Evan Longoria agreed to donate the bat used in Wednesday's walkoff homer. … MLB named Dale Scott as the umpire crew chief for the series, with Mark Carlson, Kerwin Danley, Greg Gibson, Brian Gorman and Marvin Hudson working. … Of the Rays' 17 September wins, nine came from five rookie pitchers, four by reliever Jake McGee. … Online oddsmaker bodog.com has the Rays at 8-1 to win the World Series, the fifth choice behind Phils, Yanks, Tigers and Brewers.

Staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

USF Bulls fall behind for the first time in a long time

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

PITTSBURGH — When Pittsburgh's Kevin Harper hit a 47-yard field goal late in the first quarter Thursday, it put USF in a position it had not faced for quite some time: trailing.

Before Pittsburgh's 10-7 lead, you had to go back to last year's regular-season finale at Connecticut, which hit a field goal with 17 seconds left for a 19-16 victory.

Since then, the Bulls went five full games (including all of this season) without trailing, a span of 5 hours, 13 minutes, 6 seconds of football.

Not only had the Bulls not trailed this season, but they barely knew the feeling of being tied. They scored in the first four minutes of all four games this season, and only once (against UTEP on Saturday) had a team answered to tie.

So out of four hours of football this season, the Bulls had been tied for all of 12:55.

Pittsburgh, meanwhile, had its share of adversity in its four games, giving up late leads in losses to Iowa and Notre Dame. Even the wins were close, with just a five-point lead in the fourth quarter of a 35-16 win against Buffalo plus a 35-29 win against I-AA Maine.

LOTS OF OFFENSE: USF and Pittsburgh didn't show much defense during the first half, combining for 506 yards and going 11-for-16 on third downs.

Pittsburgh RB Ray Graham had 102 yards and a touchdown, and USF had three players with 36 yards as it piled up 233 yards.

With WR Terrence Mitchell out with a concussion, there was a question of who would take over the punt return duties for USF. Alas, Pitt went the entire first half without punting. A fumble marked the only possession in which it didn't score.

THIS AND THAT: After giving up 251 yards on kickoff returns last week, USF coach Skip Holtz said he would move starting offensive and defensive players onto the coverage units. Sure enough, RB Demetris Murray and LB DeDe Lattimore were on the field for the opening kickoff. … CB Quenton Washington returned after missing last week with a knee injury. He broke up a pass on third down to force Pittsburgh to settle for a 39-yard field goal during the second quarter. … Freshman DT Elkino Watson, who came in leading the Bulls with 41/2 tackles for loss, got his first sack on the final play of the first half.

Times writer Greg Auman can be reached at auman@sptimes.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

raysplayoffs

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Thursday, September 29, 2011

American League Division Series

Game 1Game 2Game 3Game 4*Game 5*
Today, 5:37, Arlington TBS, 620-AM, 1040-AMSaturday, 7, Arlington TNT, 620-AM, 1040-AMMonday, 5, St. Petersburg TBS, 620-AM, 1040-AMTuesday, TBD, St. Petersburg TBS, 620-AM, 1040-AMThursday, TBD, Arlington TBS, 620-AM, 1040-AM
*If necessary


Friday, September 30 2011 , Section X | 

American League Division Series | Today, 5:37, Arlington TV/radio: TBS; 620-AM



American League Division Series | Today, 5:37, Arlington TV/radio: TBS; 620-AM



American League Division Series | Today, 5:37, Arlington TV/radio: TBS; 620-AM

Up next auto races on major circuits

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Times wires
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sprint Cup

What: AAA 400

When/where: Today, practice (ESPN2, 2:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 1:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (ESPN, 2 p.m.); Dover, Del.

Fast facts: Matt Kenseth won in May at the track.

Standings: 1. Tony Stewart, 2,094; 2. Kevin Harvick, 2,087; 3. Brad Keselowski, 2,083; 4. Carl Edwards, 2,080; 5. Jeff Gordon, 2,071; 6. Kyle Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenseth, 2,068; 9. Kurt Busch, 2,066; 10. Jimmie Johnson, 2,065; 11. Ryan Newman, 2,060; 12. Denny Hamlin, 2,028.

Nationwide

What: OneMain Financial 200

When/where: Today, practice (ESPN2, 12:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, noon), race (ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.); Dover, Del.

Fast facts: In the owner's standings, Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 18 Toyota has a 30-point lead over Roush Fenway's No. 60 Ford. Kyle Busch has driven the No. 18 in 19 of the 28 races, winning eight times. Carl Edwards has made 27 starts (six wins) in the No. 60. Joey Logano drives the No. 18 this weekend, Edwards the No. 60.

Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse, 986; 2. Elliott Sadler, 972; 3. Reed Sorenson, 939; 4. Aric Almirola, 922. 5. Justin Allgaier, 905

Trucks

What: Kentucky 225

When/where: Today, practice; Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 6 p.m.), race (Speed, 8 p.m.); Sparta, Ky.

Fast facts: Ty Dillon, Austin Dillon's younger brother, is making his series debut in Kevin Harvick Inc.'s No. 21 Chevrolet.

Standings: 1. Austin Dillon, 661; 2. James Buescher, 659; 3. Johnny Sauter, 654; 4. Timothy Peters, 636; 5. Ron Hornaday, 614

IndyCar

What: Kentucky 300

When/where: Saturday, practice (Versus, noon), qualifying; Sunday, race (Versus, 2:45 p.m.); Sparta, Ky.

Fast facts: Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon of St. Petersburg will drive Sam Schmidt Motorsports' No. 77 in place of Alex Tagliani.

Standings: 1. Will Power, 542; 2. Dario Franchitti, 531; 3. Scott Dixon, 483; 4. Oriol Servia, 397; 5. Tony Kanaan, 353

NHRA

What: Auto-Plus Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, Sunday, 12:30 a.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 8 p.m.); Reading, Pa.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Spencer Massey, 2,267; 2. Antron Brown, 2,260. Funny Car — 1. Mike Neff, 2,245; 2. Matt Hagan, 2,241. Pro Stock — 1. Jason Line, 2,312; 2. Greg Anderson, 2,200. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,295; 2. Karen Stoffer, 2,232

Formula One

Next: Japanese Grand Prix, Oct. 9, Suzuka International, Suzuka

Standings: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 309 2. Jenson Button, 185; 3. Fernando Alonso, 184; 4. Mark Webber, 182; 5. Lewis Hamilton, 168

Tampa Bay Rays pick rookie Matt Moore to start Game 1 of AL Division Series

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Of course they are.

In picking among three potential starters for today's opening game of the best-of-five AL Division Series, the Rays made the most unconventional and boldest choice, selecting 22-year-old left-hander Matt Moore for what will be the fourth appearance and second start of his 2½-week major-league career.

"I don't think we have qualms about doing anything," manager Joe Maddon said.

The Rays didn't announce the decision until nearly 9 p.m. Thursday, bypassing 11-game winner Wade Davis, who will go to the bullpen, and Jeff Niemann, who has been pulled early from his past two starts.

"We believe Matt can handle the moment,'' Maddon said via text message. "And we like the idea of Davis' stuff in our pen.''

Veteran right-handed ace James Shields will start Game 2 Saturday on full rest after his Monday win. Right-hander Jeremy Hellickson and left-hander David Price are presumably lined up for Games 3 and 4. Shields or Moore could come back for a Game 5 on full rest.

Asked during the afternoon media availability about the possibility of starting the playoff opener, Moore said he welcomed it.

"The opportunity speaks for itself just given what's going on around us," Moore said. "I would try to take it like any other start, that's the only way I know how to. If that does happen, then great, I'm going to do my best to set us up for an early lead in the series."

Moore, who made his first start at Yankee Stadium, was also confident he would not be overwhelmed by the stage or the stakes.

"I don't know how I'd feel initially, but I'm going to get to that point where I do feel comfortable because any other way is not the way I get the best stuff out of my body."

Moore, who features a fastball routinely clocked in the upper 90 mph range, curveball and changeup, has made an impressive rise after spending last season with Class A Charlotte.

He starred at both Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham, going a combined 12-3, 1.92 with 210 strikeouts in 155 innings. In two relief outings (at Baltimore and Boston) and his one start, he is 1-0, 2.89 with 15 strikeouts in 91/3 innings.

The Rays could see a strategic benefit in starting Moore given the late afternoon start time to take advantage of the shadows. Or they see it as a low-risk, high-reward gamble given how much they tend to struggle against Texas starter C.J. Wilson who, including last year's playoffs, is 5-0, 1.94 against them.

PRICE CHECK: Price said his struggles with fastball command were a main reason for his disappointing outing Wednesday, when he allowed six runs in just four innings. But his emotions went through a 180-degree turn after the Rays' improbable comeback victory.

"I went from the lowest of the lows to the highest of the highs," Price said. "It's a team game, it hasn't just happened to me, it's happened to a lot of guys, too. It's part of it, it just so happened to come in Game 162 when we needed to win. Obviously I wish I could have pitched better but I didn't, but my teammates picked me up, which was huge."

Tampa Bay Lightning shuts out Montreal Canadiens 4-0 in preseason game

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

MONTREAL — Lightning G Dwayne Roloson said it had been "a long time" since he was hit that hard.

It took Roloson several minutes to get back on his feet Thursday night after Montreal's Brian Gionta ran into him and hit him in the jaw at the side of the net. "You get hit in the jaw and you never know," Roloson said. "But everything is all good."

It certainly was after Tampa Bay's 4-0 victory at the Bell Centre in which Roloson made 24 saves to help the Lightning (3-2-0) to its third straight win. C Steven Stamkos scored his first two preseason goals, and W Brett Connolly, with two goals, put distance between himself and teammates Dana Tyrell and Blair Jones in the fight for roster spots.

But it was Roloson, the league's oldest player who will be 42 on Oct. 12, who created the most drama. With 9:52 left in the second period, he was facedown on the ice, with head athletic trainer Tommy Mulligan chugging to his aid.

No penalty was called.

Roloson eventually got to his knees, twisted his head to loosen his neck and stayed in the game. As long as he stayed in, coach Guy Boucher said, "I don't want to know anything else."

Roloson called his effort okay. Montreal missed some open shots, he noted, and hit two posts. "For me, personally, it shouldn't happen," he said. "There's still a lot of work to be done."

That said, Roloson is 2-0 in three games with a 1.21 goals-against average and .955 save percentage.

"We have a lot of time to work on stuff and take advantage of the practice time we have now to get better," he said.

OUCH: D Mattias Ohlund was a late scratch because of what the team called a setback to his chronically balky right knee. Victor Hedman played instead.

RAYS FANS: Watching the Rays' dramatic victory over the Yankees on Wednesday in the province of Quebec was a memorable experience for C Nate Thompson, who called the game "the best baseball I've ever watched in French in my whole entire life."

More to the point, Lightning players said the Rays' historic run to the playoffs was a good reminder to never quit.

"The Rays just proved that sometimes pretty incredible stuff can happen," D Marc-Andre Bergeron said. "In sports, when the rhythm is on your side and the belief starts building, for whatever reason, the team feels that. It's contagious. The Rays probably knew they were going to be in, and I'd bet the Red Sox knew they were going to be out."

ODDS AND ENDS: Tampa Bay entered with the league's top power play at 36.4 percent (8-for-22) but was 0-for-3 and failed on a 1:53 five-on-three. … F Ryan Malone (shoulder) played his first preseason game and had an assist and four shots in 13:08 of ice time. … The line of Stamkos, Connolly and Marty St. Louis was plus-9. … AHL Norfolk signed F Ondrej Palat, the Lightning's seventh-round pick in the 2011 draft, and D Trevor Ludwig to tryout contracts.

The Rays, flaws and all, have what it takes to win the World Series

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, September 29, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — Today, the cheers are a distant echo. The exhilaration of Wednesday night has worn off, and the aroma of champagne has been washed away.

Today, the Tampa Bay Rays are just a group of faces in the postseason crowd. And, it turns out, they're really not the most attractive team of the bunch.

The Rays have the weakest offense of any of the eight remaining teams. They won fewer games than every other contender, except for St. Louis. Furthermore, they had an 18-22 record when going head-to-head against this particular crowd.

Which is why it is important, as Tampa Bay prepares to meet Texas in Game 1 of the American League Division Series this afternoon, to make this point:

It can be done.

The Rays can be the last team standing.

Not because they are riding a wave of momentum. And not because fate, karma, mojo or destiny seem to have befriended Tampa Bay in the past few weeks.

The Rays can win the World Series because they have a team built for baseball in October. At a time when leaves are beginning to fall and runs are harder to come by, the Rays have the right mix of pitching and defense to win the necessary 11 games before their time runs out.

And, yes, I acknowledge there have been times when I have heckled this team from beyond the foul lines. Times when I have ridiculed the offense, and dismissed the notion of hope.

So consider me cured.

When I look at the Rays today, I still see a team with limitations and flaws. The bench is weak and the bullpen is not intimidating. The offense needs to be clutch and, to be honest, they won't get far if their luck doesn't hold out.

But, inside the margins, there are also possibilities. Beyond the obvious, there are also advantages that can be exploited.

Admittedly, Tampa Bay's chances are not as good as they were last season. The Rays of 2010 could actually hit, and they had a trio of relievers the rest of the league envied.

So how can this weaker version succeed when the Rays of yesteryear failed to get out of the first round of the playoffs?

Why, thank you for asking.

First of all, we'll simply accept the premise that the pitching has to be superior. And that begins today with 22-year-old wunderkind Matt Moore and his 9 1/3 innings of big-league experience.

If you see manager Joe Maddon on the mound before the sixth inning, you are free to panic, sweat, curse and strangle the remote control. For if the starting rotation does not do its job in three out of every four games, the postseason will turn into a postmortem.

Beyond that, pay attention to the balls Texas hits into the outfield. The Rangers lineup is extremely potent and the Rays know there will be line drives in the gaps. The key is whether Tampa Bay has its outfielders positioned well enough to take away potential hits.

If you listened to Maddon's news conference on Thursday, you heard him allude to this once. Then twice. And then three times.

The Rays have binders full of gorgeous charts. Like a graphic artist's finest hour. They are full of greens, yellows, purples and reds spread across baseball diamonds.

What they represent are projections for line drives for every Texas hitter combined with the tendencies of every Rays pitcher. If those line drives fall in too often, they mean Tampa Bay's projections were wrong. And it means the Rays are in trouble.

You'll also want to keep an eye on Desmond Jennings, B.J. Upton, Sean Rodriguez and Ben Zobrist when the Rays are hitting. The Rangers are throwing consecutive left-handed pitchers, and that puts an extra strain on the right-handed hitters in the Tampa Bay lineup.

Do not count on Evan Longoria to save the Rays this time. The Rangers are not going to let Longoria beat them and will pitch around him whenever possible.

Think of it this way:

If the Rays get past Texas, there's a good chance Zobrist will have been the MVP of the Division Series.

In the meantime, you might want to cheer for the Tigers. Loudly. Even though Detroit went 6-1 against them in the regular season, the Rays match up much better with the Tigers than the Yankees in a potential AL Championship Series showdown.

New York has the ability to bludgeon the Rays. The Tigers are not as potent. The Rays can win 3-2 and 4-3 games. They're not so good at 6-5 and 7-6 games.

Is all of this possible? Absolutely.

Is it probable? Not so much.

But if the Rays have proven anything over the last eight weeks, it is that they are fighters. They are survivors.

Today, they are just one of the eight contenders for the World Series crown. Look long, hard and hopefully, and you can see a scenario where the breaks fall their way.

Where the Rays are the last team standing.

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


No. 16 USF

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0


Thursday, September 29, 2011

Sept. 17

USF 70, Florida A&M 17

(3-0, 0-0)

Sept. 10

USF 37,

Ball State 7

(2-0, 0-0)

Sept. 3

USF 23,

Notre Dame 20

(1-0, 0-0)

Oct. 15

at

UConn

TBA

THURSDAY

Pitt 44, USF 17

(4-1, 0-1)

Sept. 24

USF 52, UTEP 24

(4-0, 0-0)

Nov. 11

at

Syracuse

8 p.m., ESPN2

Nov. 5

at

Rutgers

TBA

oct. 22

vs.

Cincinnati

Noon

Dec. 1

vs.

West Virginia

8 p.m., ESPN

Nov. 25

vs.

Louisville

TBA

Nov. 19

vs.

Miami

TBA



No. 16 USF Bulls lose to Pittsburgh Panthers 44-17

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, September 29, 2011

PITTSBURGH — Forgive us if you've heard this before.

A promising September start, a solid rise in the rankings, a Thursday night spotlight on ESPN and a disappointing loss.

This time for No. 16 USF, it was 44-17 in the Big East opener to a Pittsburgh team that had lost its past two games.

As much as USF coach Skip Holtz said the past should have no impact on this game, there were a lot of familiar refrains. USF dropped to 0-7 on Thursday night games since joining the Big East, including its opening losses in four of the past five seasons. It also dropped its fourth straight to Pitt.

"We couldn't get off the field against a very good football team. It was an old-fashioned tail-whupping is what it was," said Holtz, whose team allowed the most points of his 18-game tenure.

USF (4-1), which forced five turnovers at Notre Dame but gave up 500-plus yards, validated the concerns from Saturday's 52-24 win against UTEP, unable to stop Ray Graham or quarterback Tino Sunseri. Graham rushed for 226 yards and two scores, and Sunseri helped the Panthers convert seven of their first 10 third downs, not needing to punt until the third quarter.

"They drove it. They ran it down our throat," USF safety Jerrell Young said. "We couldn't get off the field on third down. It's tough when you know you've got them and you've got them but third down and they keep the chains moving."

It started well for the Bulls. On the opening drive, after two quick first downs for Pitt, defensive end Ryne Giddins forced a fumble the Bulls recovered. USF then drove 52 yards for a 7-0 lead, evoking memories of the opening win at Notre Dame.

It marked the only time USF stopped the Panthers from scoring for more than a half as they piled up 273 yards by halftime, including 102 by Graham.

USF stayed close early, twice holding the Panthers (3-2) to field goals. And Demetris Murray gave the Bulls a 14-13 lead in the second quarter with a 7-yard run. Pitt answered with an 82-yard touchdown drive. And the Bulls trailed 20-17 at halftime, getting a late field goal after a 42-yard pass to Sterling Griffin.

"What was more disappointing was not getting the ball in the end zone, sustaining drives, meeting our goals on third down," said USF quarterback B.J. Daniels, who threw for 223 yards and ran for an early score.

Could USF's defense make halftime adjustments, as it did against UTEP? Not with Pitt's playmakers still on the field.

After USF went three-and-out, Sunseri hit tight end Hubie Graham for a 12-yard touchdown. On Pitt's next drive, running back Zach Brown scored to make it 34-17. The Panthers finished with 523 yards on 91 plays, controlling the ball for 36:10 compared with 23:50 for USF.

The Bulls now have a long while with this loss lingering — 16 days until they travel to Connecticut, another place they've struggled in the past.

Holtz's challenge is to make sure one disappointing loss doesn't carry over to another — USF is 3-3 after Thursday losses since 2007.

"Physically, I don't know that we were ready to accept the challenge we were dealt, especially from a defensive standpoint," Holtz said. "We knew what we were going to get. I told them all week it was going to be a fistfight, a heavyweight fight, physical, a war. That's the way Pitt has always played, and it was."

Tampa Bay Rays: Dan Johnson has messages; postseason veterans; Don Zimmer realizes his mistake

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By Marc Topkin and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, September 29, 2011

Rays at Rangers

When/where: 5:07 today; Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, Texas

TV/radio: TBS; 620-AM, 1040-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers:

Rays

LH Matt Moore (1-0, 2.89)

Rangers

LH C.J. Wilson (16-7, 2.94)

Watch for …

More Moore: The 22-year-old makes his second major-league start (fourth appearance) and says he doesn't expect to be intimidated by the stage. Texas' hitters, whom he has never faced, could be another story.

Leaning left: Wilson has allowed two earned runs or fewer in nine of his past 10 outings, including a complete-game shutout of the Rays on Sept. 6. In 18 appearances (five starts) against them, he is 5-0 with a 1.94 ERA.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Wilson

Casey Kotchman2-for-16

Evan Longoria2-for-14

B.J. Upton0-for-11

Projected lineups

Rays

1. Desmond Jennings LF

2. B.J. Upton CF

3. Evan Longoria 3B

4. Ben Zobrist 2B

5. Sean Rodriguez SS

6. Johnny Damon DH

7. Kelly Shoppach C

8. Casey Kotchman 1B

9. Matt Joyce or Justin Ruggiano RF

Rangers

1. Ian Kinsler 2B

2. Elvis Andrus SS

3. Josh Hamilton CF

4. Michael Young DH

5. Adrian Beltre 3B

6. Mike Napoli C

7. Nelson Cruz RF

8. David Murphy LF

9. Mitch Moreland 1B

List of the day

Most postseason games from 2008-10:

Team No. Rec.

Phillies 38 25-13

Yankees 24 16-8

Rays 21 10-11

Number of the day

30 Consecutive games won by the Rays when scoring five or more; they are 63-7 overall.

Quote of the day

"I just kept saying to (bench coach Davey Martinez), 'Do you believe this? Do you believe this?' I don't know how many times I said it. And I might have included a word I can't utilize right now."

Rays manager Joe Maddon on Evan Longoria's winning homer Wednesday

On deck

Saturday: Game 2, at Rangers, 7:07, TNT. Rays — James Shields (16-12, 2.82); Rangers — Derek Holland (16-5, 3.95)

Sunday: Workout at Tropicana Field

Monday: Game 3, vs. Ran­gers, 5:07, TBS. Rays — TBA; Rangers — TBA

Tuesday: Game 4 (if necessary), vs. Rangers, TBA, TBS. Rays — TBA; Rangers — TBA

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: Game 5 (if necessary), at Rangers, TBA, TBS. Rays — TBA; Rangers — TBA

Tickets

Games 3 and 4 go on sale at 1 p.m. today at raysbaseball.com. Any remaining tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Saturday at all team outlets, including the Tropicana Field box office, Tampa team store and via Ticketmaster.

Marc Topkin and Joe Smith, Times staff writers

Flashing red light of the day

Dan Johnson knew he'd have a lot of messages on his phone the day after his oh-so-dramatic ninth-inning tying homer Wednesday. What he didn't know was how he could have so many. "I've got 59 new messages and 48 new voicemails," said Johnson, right. "And I don't even know 60 people, so that's amazing."

Stat of the day

According to Nate Silver of the New York Times, Boston's odds of reaching the playoffs peaked on Sept. 3. Following a 12-7 win against the Rangers, the Red Sox held a nine-game lead over the Rays with 24 games to play, giving them a 99.6 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Change of heart of the day

Don Zimmer has seen a lot during his 60 years in baseball. By the sixth inning Wednesday, he figured he had seen enough. The Rays' special adviser left the Trop with his team in a 7-0 hole to the Yankees. About halfway home, he realized he had made a mistake. "I said to myself, 'What am I doing? I haven't even said goodbye to the guys,' " he told the Charlotte Sun. Zimmer, 80, raced back to the stadium and peeled into the players' parking lot only to find someone had parked in his space. He jumped out of the car and threw his keys to someone who looked like a parking attendant and told him to look after it. He reached the clubhouse in time to see the Rays embark on their historic comeback.

College football scouting report: No. 12 Florida vs. No. 3 Alabama, 8 p.m. Saturday, Ch. 10, 1250-AM

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

Florida fans have had this one circled since the Tide put a 31-6 beating on the Gators last season. Florida (4-0, 2-0 SEC) is banking on the warm confines of home to serve as an advantage. On the personal and emotional side of the game, Florida coach Will Muschamp will face his former boss and mentor, Alabama's Nick Saban, without whom Muschamp said, "I probably wouldn't be where I am today."

Watch out for …

Much has been made about the protégée meeting the mentor, but the most fascinating pawns on this chess table may be Saban vs. UF offensive coordinator Charlie Weis. Florida's downfield passing game has not been expansive. But nobody expects Alabama (4-0, 1-0) — with the nation's No. 3 rushing defense led by Courtney Upshaw — to allow Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps to run wild without the threat of a viable passing game. Alabama has the personnel to limit the Gators' ground game, and that's where TEs Gerald Christian and Jordan Reed may come in. The Tide will most likely throw both man and zone coverages at QB John Brantley to force him to throw downfield to receivers who so far haven't been that impressive. But Weis' use of tight ends is legendary, and he admitted this week he plans to "throw the kitchen sink" at the Tide.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Florida Gators seek to avenge last year's loss to Alabama Crimson Tide

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, September 30, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Whatever happens Saturday between Florida and Alabama, the Gators don't plan to let it define their season. They've been there, done that with the Tide.

Florida coach Will Muschamp is adamant that no game is more important than another. And for now, everything is just fine with the Gators.

"We wanted to be 4-0 at this point and that's where we are," Muschamp said.

Which is part of what makes the matchup so ironic. The Gators were exactly where they wanted to be last season when Florida and Alabama met in Tuscaloosa.

Florida and Alabama were in an identical position — two undefeated SEC powers meeting in a nationally-televised, prime-time game. Florida was No. 7, the Tide No. 1.

And much like this season, Florida entered the game with many questions about just how effective its offense could be against the better SEC teams. And Alabama was dominating on defense and answering questions about its quarterback and passing game — as it is now with A.J. McCarron.

Alabama defeated Florida 31-6, but the Gators didn't just lose the game that night: They lost their chemistry, confidence, their season. And by the end, they had lost their coach, Urban Meyer.

The Alabama loss began a three-game losing streak, and the Gators lost five of their last nine games.

"It was a big wake up call," Florida junior safety Josh Evans said. "And it just makes you going into this game getting ready and focused on what's going on and not worrying about everything else. … It's about Alabama this week and staying focused on them and nothing else."

Florida quarterback John Brantley remembers the game well — he was 16-of-31 for 202 yards and had two interceptions and no touchdowns. But he insists he hasn't spent much time dwelling on it this week, determined to keep the past behind him. But there are critical lessons to be learned not only from that game, but from the aftermath.

"There's a lot of things (he learned)," Brantley said. "But you know, this is a whole new year."

So it should probably come as no surprise that those who endured the turmoil of last season didn't want to relive last year's game this week.

"Basically we're not even really looking at last year," Florida linebacker Jon Bostic said. "It's a whole new year. We really haven't even looked back at that. It's a new year and everybody is excited about this year, bringing them to our house. We're on our turf now so basically a lot of the guys are really excited and jacked up."

While Florida has continued to publicly stick with its mantra of nameless, faceless opponents, Alabama's players aren't afraid to say they understand the magnitude of this game and what it means for both.

"Oh yeah this is a very big game," said running back Trent Richardson, a Pensacola native.

And the Alabama players fully expect that the Gators will be out to avenge last season.

"They have home-field advantage this year, they have a new coach and a new drive," Tide receiver Marquis Maze said.

The Gators also have a new offense that will face its stiffest test yet, and a new coaching staff in which the majority have never experienced this rivalry. They welcome the challenge.

"I think that we have a lot of confidence in our own ability, and we realize that this will be quite the challenge," Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis said. "We have a lot of respect for both Alabama's defense and their coaching staff. But we have a lot of confidence in ourselves too."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her coverage at gators.tampabay.com.

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