John Romano, Times Columnist
Sunday, October 2, 2011

ARLINGTON, Texas — August was a month of heartburn, and September was 30 days of panic. Did you really think the Rays would allow you to breathe easier in October?

C'mon, these guys don't play that way. The Rangers? They've had a 12-game winning streak. The Tigers have, too. The Rays can't go 12 days without DEFCON alerts.

"This team is going to continue playing hard until our last breath," said third baseman Evan Longoria. "We've had our backs up against the wall. We know what it feels like.

"For us, this is fun."

It is, in part, what you love about this team. It is the Rays' pluck. It is their lack of fear. It is the way they play baseball on a high wire above a pool of sharks.

So, yes, you probably should have expected that something would go wrong for the Rays in Game 2 of the American League Division Series on Saturday. It is just their way.

"I don't know that there is a par for our course," said catcher Kelly Shoppach. "We've been all over the place all year. This is nothing new."

In this case, it was the end of a seasonlong six-game winning streak, the implosion of an All-Star pitcher and the reminder that the end is never far away in baseball's postseason.

Just like that, an overwhelming advantage in the series was wiped away by one 8-6 loss. The Rays no longer have momentum. They no longer have a 1-0 series lead with an ace still up their sleeve. They no longer have Texas sweating from more than just the heat.

On the other hand, a new toy dog was found for the top of the dugout.

Which is what you should probably be focused on this morning. These guys are too young to be worried. They're too goofy to be scared.

In one part of the clubhouse, their manager spent part of the afternoon trying to get his not-quite-long-enough hair in a ponytail to fulfill a promise that he would go hippie-fied if his team reached the postseason.

In another part of the clubhouse, Longoria was offering a beast-sized plastic dog to protect David Price's toy mascot, Astro, that had been pilfered from atop the dugout during Game 1.

Tell me, do you think these guys know how to panic?

"We are at the point where we believe we can always come back," manager Joe Maddon said. "And that's a great feeling to have."

Granted, there is reason for a bit of apprehension. The Rays had essentially stolen a game from the Rangers on Friday night when they beat Texas ace C.J. Wilson with a rookie on the mound. And now, Texas has returned the favor by beating James Shields in Game 2.

So where does that leave the series?

Probably heading for a Wilson-Shields finale in Game 5.

The Rays needed all 162 games of the regular season to finish ahead of the Red Sox for the American League wild card, so what makes you think they won't need to go the distance if they plan on beating the West Division champion Rangers in their division series?

"We've played pretty good baseball the past two days," said rightfielder Matt Joyce. "We put up a bunch of runs, which I don't think anybody expected us to do. We've gone toe-to-toe with them, and we knew they're a great baseball team.

"Obviously we would have liked to have held on and be up 2-0, but we're pretty happy where we're at."

If you are trying to forecast results — and I'm not sure anyone saw the Rays beating Wilson 9-0 in Game 1 or Shields hitting two batters and throwing two wild pitches in the same inning of Game 2 — then you'd probably like Tampa Bay's chances with Price on the mound for Game 3 at Tropicana Field on Monday evening.

But are you willing to bet on it this morning?

This is what has made this season so remarkable in Tampa Bay. It is what has made following this team so exhilarating and exhausting.

Just when you think you have the Rays figured out, a pitcher with pinpoint control hits two batters in one inning for the first time in his big-league career.

Of course, Shields was not helped by what appeared to be a blown foul-ball call by home plate umpire Kerwin Danley in that fateful fourth inning, leading to an extra two runs for Texas.

Still, there was not a lot of complaining in the Rays' clubhouse.

Facing a nine-game deficit in the pennant race on Sept. 4 helps a team understand the true meaning of urgency. Having a season potentially come down to one last strike in the 162nd game tends to help your perspective.

"This is probably our, what, 20th playoff game we've had already this year," Maddon said. "I am really proud of the guys, the way they are handling this moment."

This may not have been a typical season, but then again, this team isn't typical, either.

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

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Tell me about your hometown, Ferndale, Wash. That's a different world to us down here.

Actually, it's a pretty big football town. It's a farming community. We have a lot of dairy farms. It's your pretty basic town.

So what's the big football rivalry in town?

Our big rivalry is Lynden High. They're about 20 minutes away. It's always a pretty big game when we play them. They have to bring in extra bleachers that we don't have for the other games. It's a packed house; standing-room only. It's a real big environment for a high school football game.

You grew up 20 miles from the Canadian border. Have you gotten used to living in the South from being in Atlanta and now Tampa?

This transition to Tampa was a lot easier. I adjusted really fast after being in Atlanta for six years. But (Atlanta) was a big transition. Boy, it is hot down here. Going through training camp and trying to stay hydrated is rough.

All right. Here are my weekly questions. What is playing the most on your iPod right now?

Probably (Christian rock group) Casting Crowns. That's my go-to music.

What website do you visit the most?

I'm on Twitter a bunch now. I just got into that. And Facebook a little. But I'm always Googling stuff. I'm Googling for stuff about hunting and fishing or cars. That's what I'm into.

What reality TV show do you never miss?

I don't miss Sons of Guns. I don't miss Whale Wars. I got into Swords, too. And you know what? I'm addicted to the jail shows on MSNBC. Lockup: Raw. That stuff is good.

So you say you're into cars. What specifically are you into?

I love cars. If I liked to spend money more, I'd have just about every one I could get. I enjoy it. It's the same as football. It brings people together. I love driving, building, all of it. I love old-school cars. I love off-road stuff. It's all fun to me. My brother-in-law builds cars, so he has a '70 Challenger. It's just pristine. It has a 440 big-block (engine). It's just so clean. I bought a '69 truck that I want to fix up eventually. If I had more time, I'd do more of it.

Where did that passion come from?

My dad always loved cars. He'd always talk about the hot rods backs in the '60s. Plus, my first car was an old Camaro. It was an '80s Camaro. So it wasn't that cool. But to me, it was.

You mentioned hunting and fishing. Is that a result of where you grew up?

A little bit. I've always fished. But I didn't start hunting until I met my wife and her family. But I really started doing it in Georgia with (Falcons quarterback) Chris Redman and some other guys on the team. They got me into it about three years ago. I jumped right into bow hunting. That's my favorite thing. I mean, I play in the NFL, and there's nothing that gets my heart rate going faster than having a big ol' buck walk out and I'm sitting there with my bow in the middle of the woods.

Kind of like making a perfect kick?

Yeah. It's just so nerve-racking. You can sit there all day, and then there's just this one intense moment and everything escalates. Your heart is just beating out of your chest, and you're trying not to mess up. I love it.

You pretty good at it?

Yeah. I've killed two pretty good-sized deer. One was a little smaller, but one was a big eight-point deer. I guess I'm decent at it.

Have you had a chance to get into any of this down here in Florida, although you just got here?

I do want to shoot a gator. I'm trying to find a couple of spots. It's really different because I'm such a mountain guy. Out West, I'd be hunting for elk or something. But I want to get out there and maybe shoot a whitetail or something. I'm sure there's something out there.

I'm glad we did this.

Well, since we're here, there's something else people probably don't know about me. I took up photography a while back, and I've really gotten into it. We've been to Israel and Italy, Yellowstone. That was really amazing. We saw so much. We saw these wild horses on the other side of Yellowstone. It was awesome, man. Plus we always drive home (to Washington state) for the offseason.

You drive?

Yeah. It's fun. We bought an RV, so I guess we're RVers.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Kyle Farnsworth's right elbow has become an issue again, but manager Joe Maddon is "kind of encouraged" he would be available if needed to close out today's Game 3.

Maddon confirmed that Farns­worth had "a little bit of a setback" and could not have pitched Saturday.

Farnsworth returned to action Sept. 24 after sitting out two weeks due to tenderness in the elbow, then pitched four of the next five days, including the last three regular-season games.

"He was doing well but then we used him so many days in a row, I think that kind of put him back a little bit," Maddon said. "But he's doing well. He said he felt really good (Saturday), he said he keeps feeling better. As we continue to move this forward, I just have to be careful with him, that's all."

Maddon said if Farnsworth were not available, they would use an "all hands on deck" approach, but the primary options for closing duty would be RHP Joel Peralta and RHP Wade Davis, who was moved from the rotation to the bullpen for this series.

"I'm up for whatever," Maddon said. "I thought Wade handled himself the other day (in his Friday relief debut). He's got the stuff to do it."

LINING UP: John Jaso will start behind the plate today instead of Kelly Shoppach, primarily because the Rangers are starting RHP Colby Lewis and Jaso swings left-handed.

But also a factor is that Jaso has caught Rays starter David Price more this season than Shoppach and that Price has a 3.34 ERA with Jaso and 3.58 with Shoppach.

Maddon was still deciding Sunday what to do at shortstop, whether to stick with right-handed hitting Sean Rodriguez (0-for-3 vs. Lewis) or switch to lefty Reid Brignac (1-for-2).

Also, Matt Joyce, who hit ninth the first two games against Texas' lefties, will move back into the middle of the order.

PITCHING IN: Maddon said there is no talk of changing the plan to have RHP James Shields start a potential Game 5 on Thursday. Game 1 starter LHP Matt Moore would be available in relief then, or possibly on Tuesday. … RHP Jeff Niemann, left off the ALDS roster due to back issues, threw a bullpen session.

HOME BOYS: After having a sub-.500 record most of the season at the Trop, the Rays closed with a 20-6 run, including eight walkoff wins, and finished 47-34. Interestingly, they did not score 10 or more in a home game, the first AL team to not do so in a season since the 1976 Angels and Orioles. The last time they scored at least 10 at home? Aug. 17, 2010, vs. Texas. … The Rays have lost their past four home postseason games — Game 2 of the 2008 World Series and Games 1, 2 and 5 of the 2010 ALDS.

RANGERS REPORT: Manager Ron Washington plans a few changes to today's lineup from what he used against Moore in Game 1. Mitch Moreland will be at first, with Michael Young the DH instead of Yorvit Torrealba, and Craig Gentry will be in centerfield with former Rays prospect Josh Hamilton in left.

MISCELLANY: Game 4 is set for 2:07 p.m. Tuesday, and a potential Game 5 would be 5:07 Thursday but would be moved to 8:07 if there is no Yankees-Tigers game. … A commemorative scorecard will be sold for $3. … The Rangers went through a full workout; the Rays had an informal voluntary session, with most of the frontline players showing up. Also, RHP Andy Sonnanstine and LHP Cesar Ramos, who aren't on the ALDS roster, threw to hitters. … Saturday's loss ended the Rays' streak of 31 wins when scoring five or more.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Sunday, October 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG

Tonight, Evan Longoria hopes to deliver a big hit. Tonight, Josh Freeman hopes to avoid one.

Tonight, Mike Williams wants to go deep. Tonight, you can say the same about Matt Joyce.

Tonight, Johnny Damon again tries to make you forget that he is no longer 22 years old. Ronde Barber, ditto.

They are the same, you know, the Rays and the Bucs, the Bucs and the Rays. They are born of the same DNA, designed by the same blueprint, and they share the same market. As franchises go, both teams are mostly homegrown, both are payroll challenged, and both would like very much to sell a few more tickets.

Tonight, America pays attention.

Oh, so that is what a Tampa Bay athlete looks like.

In most ways, this will be one of the most exciting nights in the sporting history of Tampa Bay. Certainly, it will be the most watched. Both the Rays' playoff game against the Rangers at Tropicana Field and the Bucs' Monday Night Football game against the Colts at Raymond James Stadium will be nationally televised. Both games, amazingly, are sold out. Both teams could help themselves considerably by winning.

Roughly speaking, about 100,000 tickets have been sold in Tampa Bay. That includes 65,857 for the Bucs, the team's first official sellout in 10 games (that streak would be 15 or 16 games if the Glazers hadn't purchased tickets during the 2009 season to avoid blackouts). The Rays, meanwhile, had an 81-game nonsellout streak at work, all the way back to opening day.

All together, roughly 15 million will view tonight's games. For the Rays, the crowd should be close to that for Friday's Game 1, which drew 2.8 million viewers. Monday Night Football probably won't equal the same 17.1 million who watched the Cowboys and Redskins last week, but it should be on par with the 11.1 million who watched the Raiders and Broncos two weeks before.

In Tampa Bay, there hasn't been a day like this since Oct. 19 of 2008, when the Rays beat Boston in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series to advance to the World Series, and the Bucs beat Seattle 20-10. That day had a bigger baseball game, but it didn't have Monday Night Football.

(During the Lightning's Stanley Cup final in 2004, the Rays had one home game on the day of a hockey game. That was during Game 2. The Rays drew 9,133 that day. No, it wasn't the same excitement.)

So what is the nation going to see?

It's going to see LeGarrette Blount on the turf, where fans hope he will run more. It's going to see B.J. Upton on the basepaths, where fans hope he will run less.

It's going to see Kyle Farns­worth, the closest thing his team has to being a closer. It's going to see Mason Foster, who someday may be the same.

It's going to see the team owned by the Glazers that plays in Tampa. It's going to see the team owned by Stuart Sternberg, who would like to check out Tampa himself.

If you want to operate a professional sports team in Tampa, this is how you have to do it. You have to keep the roster young, which keeps the payroll down. You have to succeed on the strength of drafts and development. You have to tinker and tweak to try to create the best matchups. For that matter, you can include the Lightning in the conversation, too. You have to be satisfied to do things a little differently.

Take the managers, for instance. Joe Maddon is the "9=8'' guy. Raheem Morris is the "Race to 10" guy. Maddon has used the term "woof" to accent a point. Morris has declared his team to be "youngry." Neither guy exactly fits the stereotype of his job.

"Raheem is crazy," Maddon says, grinning as he talks about his buddy. "Compared to Raheem, I'm the most normal guy going."

No. No, he is not.

"I think we're both youngry. When Raheem came up with that, I thought it was outstanding. I wish I had thought of it first."

Consider the owners. The Glazers own Manchester United, a team in another nation. Sternberg's team owned the Boston Red Sox, which is why Terry Francona is no longer united with Red Sox Nation.

Consider the general managers. The Rays' Andrew Friedman, boy genius, is the guy who found pitcher Matt Moore in the eighth round. The Bucs' Mark Dominik, boy genius, is the guy who claimed Blount on waivers.

Consider the leaders. Two games ago, Freeman led his team to a comeback victory after being 17 points down. Three games ago, Longoria led his team to a comeback victory after being seven runs down.

Consider the rosters. The Rays have used a team-record 16 rookies this season. The Bucs have 10 on their active squad.

They are the same. David Price and Arrelious Benn, trying to show off their speed. Mason Foster and Desmond Jennings, trying to harness their potential. Kellen Winslow and Casey Kotchman, still trying to produce.

"Can I be the kicker?" said Rays relief pitcher J.P. Howell.

Tonight, both would like to get off to a good start. Both would like to play solid defense. Both would like to give the fans a reason to come back.

By the way, Jon Gruden is coming.

Does anyone know if Lou Piniella needs a ride to the game?

By Larry Blue, Times Correspondent
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Changing conditions: High winds Saturday kept most offshore anglers at home as an early season cold front pushed through. But cold fronts aren't all bad. They cool the surface water temperature and stimulate the fish to bite just before and after each front because of a changing barometer. The successive cold fronts will help usher in the king mackerel, as they migrate south for the winter. The unofficial kingfish season starts Oct. 15, as we usually catch a few kings by that date.

Grouper bite: During our last trip offshore, with little effort we caught our limit of 12 keeper gag grouper on three spots. Red and black grouper took every bait offered. Frozen sardines with a trace of cut squid worked well. Once the bite slowed we lowered a live bait to stimulate them. Try chumming with live pinfish.

Other bites: Dan Condron reported finding a school of oversized breeder redfish just offshore while trolling for Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel are in good-sized schools less than 5 miles from shore.

Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe from Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 871-1058 or visit CaptainLarryBlue.com.

Times staff
Sunday, October 2, 2011

The poll

What was the biggest defensive play the Bucs made in last week's win over the Falcons?

46 percent: Brian Price's sack that forced a field goal

29 percent: Corey Lynch's pass breakup at the goal line

12 percent: E.J. Biggers twice standing up in coverage of Roddy White, forcing a field goal

7 percent: Ronde Barber's interception

6 percent: Dekoda Watson's forced fumble recovered by Ronde Barber

Total: 554 votes

By the numbers

4 Consecutive losses by the Colts, who haven't lost five in a row since 2001

9-9 Bucs' record on Monday Night Football

4-7 Bucs all-time record against the Colts.

25-191 Average age (years-days) on the Bucs current 53-man roster, making them the youngest team in the NFL.

What they're saying

The Bucs are going for their first three-game winning streak of the three-year Raheem Morris era, a milestone they absolutely have to reach if we're to take Tampa Bay seriously. You've got to hit your layups in the NFL, and facing the Manning-less Colts at home might be as close to an automatic win as exists in today's NFL.

Don Banks Sports Illustrated

The picks

Would have loved to see a Peyton Manning-Josh Freeman matchup because Freeman has so much of Manning's smarts and fearlessness and precociousness. But Freeman won't need any of that fourth-quarter comeback magic. Bucs, 24-9.

Peter King Sports Illustrated

The Bucs have found a way the past two weeks and seem to be growing on defense. Getting the running game going with LeGarrette Blount has helped. Bucs, 23-13.

Pete Prisco CBS Sportsline

Bucs vs. Colts

8:30 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

TV/radio: Ch. 28, ESPN; 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Line/over-under: Bucs by 10; 401/2

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

The Rangers held a workout Sunday at Tropicana Field, with some continuing to get acclimated to the quirks and lights under the dome's roof. Texas OF Josh Hamilton said a key difference is that, at the Trop, "this is one of those places you can't take your eye off the ball and run to a spot and try to pick it up again, you've got to watch it the whole way." Hamilton found one little trick is how he positions the bill of his cap halfway up his forehead. "If you let the lights shine in your eyes the whole time, it's easier to see the ball once it's hit up than if you were not looking in the lights and then you look up in the lights and the dome the same time," Hamilton said. "Then it's tougher."

Quote of the day

"They deserve a lot of credit for that. When you consider the last offseason, they were written off for dead basically. They lost (Carl Crawford), they lost (Carlos Peña), (Matt) Garza gets traded, they lose their closer and setup man. They had a lot of good players left, and to their credit they battled, fought back and here they are."

Rangers INF Michael Young on how impressive it is that the Rays are in the playoffs for the third time in four years while playing in the AL East.

Good luck charm

. Saxophonist B.K. Jackson, who was a fixture performing the national anthem during the Rays 2008 World Series run, will do the honors tonight. "He's good," CF B.J. Upton said. "Looking forward to it."

Giving back

. Rays manager Joe Maddon will host Thanksmas for the sixth consecutive year, Dec. 12-14 at the Salvation Army Shelters in St. Petersburg, Tampa and Bradenton. As he does for every Thanksmas, Maddon will prepare a traditional Italian/Polish holiday feast for hundreds of needy citizens in the Tampa Bay region. A new website, joesthanksmas.com, has been created. The stops will be a fundraiser at 717 South in Tampa (Dec. 9), at Sallie House in St. Petersburg (Dec. 12), Bradenton Salvation Army in St. Petersburg (Dec. 13) and Tampa Salvation Army (Dec. 14).

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com

With the Rays gearing up for their first sellout at Tropicana Field since opening day, players were buzzing. "I was just telling some of the younger guys, they're going to see the 'Real Trop' and how it can really get," reliever J.P. Howell said. "This is what it's known for here (tonight)." It will be the Rays' 12th consecutive playoff sellout, dating to their 2008 World Series run. While Tampa Bay ranked 28th in the majors in attendance this season (1,529,188, the team's lowest since 2007), 3B Evan Longoria said "we play better when this place is full." The record speaks for itself, he says, as Tampa Bay is 45-21 when it gets 30,000 or more fans. "It's huge," Howell said. "It puts us on the other end of the stick. We're used to going into another place and it's a great crowd and unbelievable, but coming here can be pretty rough for the opponents, when they get the (cowbells). The more bells the better." Longoria pointed out how much the Rangers' sellout crowd helped them in Saturday's game, sparking their five-run fourth-inning rally after falling behind 3-0. "That was fantastic," manager Joe Maddon said. "The crowd there, the enthusiasm, the white towel." But Maddon said the Trop can be rocked, too. "We like when the place is packed," Maddon said. "It should be a home-court advantage, because it is loud in there. It is to the point where (bench coach Dave Martinez) and I have to scream to one another and we are standing next to each other at the same time. But it's great, it's fun. And I really believe the people in our area are enjoying it and shall continue to enjoy it."

American League Division Series | Game 3, 5:07 tonight, St. Petersburg TV/radio: TBS; 970-AM, 1040-AM

Heavy hearts

Some special guests will throw out tonight's first pitch: Lee Roy, Christopher and Brandy Selmon, the children of the late Lee Roy Selmon. Selmon, a Bucs legend, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former USF athletic director, died Sept. 4 after suffering a stroke. The Rays honored Selmon with a moment of silence in their next home game, including a video tribute for his contributions to the community.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Bears' big plays ruin Rivera's return

CHICAGO — Devin Hester was performing somersaults. Matt Forte was running wild, too.

One thing the Bears weren't doing was breathing easy.

Hester set a league record with his 11th punt return for a score (see notebook) and Forte ran for a career-high 205 yards as Chicago beat Cam Newton and the Panthers.

Hester's three somersaults in the end zone after the touchdown that made it 24-10 got him flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, but the celebration was a little early.

The Panthers cut the lead to four at halftime and had chances to go ahead in the second half but came up short, spoiling coach Ron Rivera's return to Soldier Field. Rivera played for the Bears 1985 title team and later was their defensive coordinator.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Texans lose major weapon, still win

HOUSTON — Andre Johnson turned upfield, fell awkwardly forward and clutched the back of his right leg. In past seasons, an injury to their All-Pro receiver would've doomed the Texans.

That was before Arian Foster.

After Johnson left with a hamstring injury, Foster rushed for 155 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown to help Houston defeat the Steelers.

"I go into every contest thinking that I'm the go-to guy," Foster said. "When the flow of the game starts going, we need certain things, and you've got to be there for your team."

Johnson was on the sideline late to watch Houston finish off the injury-plagued Steelers. Houston coach Gary Kubiak said Johnson was to have tests late Sunday.

Foster, meanwhile, finally looked healthy after weeks of nursing a left hamstring strain.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Sunday, October 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Every disappointment has an explanation. Every shortcoming has a reasonable rationalization.

So have no fear that the David Price who walks to the mound to start Game 3 of the American League Division Series late this afternoon is a more talented version of the same pitcher who nearly won the Cy Young Award a year ago.

This is true even if the wins are down and the losses are up. It is true even if the ERA has taken a slight tick upward and the reputation has taken a small step backward.

For those who are paid to watch, counsel, measure, tutor and manage him, there is no doubt Price is still one of a handful of the best pitchers in the world.

He is entirely capable of proving that today. He just needs to do it.

Do it for a 2-1 lead in the ALDS.

Do it for his teammates.

Do it for his pride.

Even before the 2011 season began there was an expectation around the ballclub that Price's numbers might take a step backward. It had nothing to do with talent, and everything to do with factors beyond his control.

Take run support, for example. The Rays scored an average of 4.48 runs while he was on the mound during each of his starts in 2010. This season, that number fell to 2.88.

There were also more ground balls that turned into hits and more fly balls that turned into home runs. Yet the more controllable measurables show improvement. For instance, Price's strikeout rate went up, and his walk rate went down.

"I know the expectations are different because he's David Price, but if you covered up his name and just looked at his numbers, you would take that line in a heartbeat," pitching coach Jim Hickey said. "If you had five guys with those numbers, you'd win the World Series."

The fastball is the same. Still consistently in the 94-95 mph range. His control is better than ever, and he has added a cutter to his repertoire.

If there has been a problem, it is how and when Price uses each pitch. He has thrown more cutters and changeups this year, and fewer fastballs and curveballs. In itself, that may not be a problem, but knowing when to throw each pitch is critical.

The catching assignments could have an impact today, as well. With a right-hander throwing for the Rangers, the Rays will start John Jaso instead of Kelly Shoppach. Price's strikeout-to-walk ratio has been much higher with Jaso (4.81) than Shoppach (2.61).

"If he just goes out there with a little better game plan," manager Joe Maddon said, "he'll be okay."

It has not gone unnoticed that Price, 26, has stumbled in some big starts. He was hammered in the regular-season finale last week when the Rays absolutely needed to beat the Yankees, and he gave up a late lead against the Orioles a couple of weeks earlier.

This is after he was the losing pitcher in two of Tampa Bay's three losses to the Rangers in the ALDS last season.

"It was tough to get over that," Price said Sunday of the 2010 ALDS. "The same team beating you twice here at your home ballpark in front of your home fans. That was a tough pill to swallow."

For a guy who walked out of the bullpen and shut down the Red Sox in critical moments of the 2008 playoffs as a 23-year-old rookie, it is silly to suggest Price cannot handle the pressure. But yesterdays tend to matter little when today looks so large.

"No one is harder on (Price) than himself," centerfielder B.J. Upton said. "I think after the last start, he's looking to do big things this time. I think he's up for it, and we're going to see the David we're accustomed to seeing."

The assignment is not simple. The Rangers have one of the best offenses in the big leagues, and they are the one AL opponent Price has never figured out.

Among teams he has started at least a half-dozen games against, his numbers against Texas (0-5, 5.48 ERA) are, by far, the worst.

And so, a year later, this is Price's chance to right quite a few wrongs. He just needs to do it.

Do it for retribution.

Do it for perceptions.

Do it because it's about time.

"To play as hard as we had to down the stretch and to play a full 162 the way we did, and to come into the playoffs and have a David Price starting for you in Game 3, is an incredible luxury," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "He's been a huge part of our success in the past and there's no question in my mind that he's going to step up in this postseason."

It's all there for Price today.

He just needs to do it.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Ohio magic crosses state line for 49ers

PHILADELPHIA — To Jim Harbaugh and Alex Smith, this stunning rally was one for the road.

The 49ers lauded last week's temporary home in eastern Ohio, and how comfortable they felt in the second half in Philadelphia, where they rallied from a 20-point deficit.

"Thanks Youngstown, you've been good to us," first-year coach Harbaugh said about keeping the team in Ohio after its win last week at Cincinnati. "That's as good a win as I can ever remember being a part of."

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick wasn't hampered by his bruised right hand, throwing for a career-high 416 yards and two TDs and rushing for 75 yards. But Philly's defense faded and Frank Gore capped a 77-yard drive with a 12-yard TD run with 3 minutes left.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Put me in, Coach

Forward Nate Thompson, left, scored on five straight breakaways against Dwayne Roloson in a practice at Mont-Tremblant. That not only sent fans into a frenzy, but it sent a message to Boucher that Thompson wants to be in a shootout, something he was not last season.

"I don't know what else I have to do," Thompson said.

On his first breakaway, Thompson took his stick off the puck, kicked it to himself and beat Roloson with a forehand.

"That was imagination, and somehow, it just happened," Thompson said.

Stamkos wondered if Thompson has "the guts" to try it during a game.

"I would," Thompson said. "If I had a chance, it would either be all or nothing. I would either look like a hero or look like a goat."

Cut and run

How do Lightning players congratulate a teammate's great game? In the case of prospect Brett Connolly, they cut his dress pants down to shorts after he scored twice in Thursday's 4-0 victory over the Canadiens.

"You need a new tailor," teammate Ryan Malone told him.

Connolly seemed to take it well and called it "a good prank."

As of this writing, there were no suspects.

Rays fever

The Lightning embraced the Rays' improbable playoff berth.

During Saturday's morning skate in Quebec City, players took a team photo holding a Rays banner and e-mailed it to Texas, where the AL Division Series got started. A Rays banner hung outside the Tampa Bay locker room, and coach Guy Boucher sent manager Joe Maddon a congratulatory text.

"Love the support from Guy and the boys," Maddon tweeted.

Family matter

Lightning season-ticket holders Brent and Mary Jo McDonald live half the year in Clearwater and half in Mont-Tremblant. They even delayed their autumn relocation to watch practices at Mont-Tremblant Arena.

Their kids, 7-year-old twins Alec and Alicia, used the tops of a pair of unused nets outside the boards as hammocks and had a picture taken with Lecavalier.

"I met your mommy and daddy," Alec said to Lecavalier. "You're just like them."

Showtime

Marty St. Louis wowed the crowd of several thousand at Saturday's morning skate at the Pepsi Colisee by scoring on Mathieu Garon during a breakaway contest with a backward-skating backhand: "Try something fun. It's a way to give back."

The team got a standing ovation when it saluted the crowd from center ice.

Unfinished business

GM Steve Yzerman said he had yet to hear from the league about a disciplinary hearing concerning Ryan Malone's head shot on Montreal's Chris Campoli on Saturday. The Lightning does not play until Friday's season opener, so there still is time. … Yzerman said final cuts likely will be Tuesday. … Defenseman Mattias Ohlund will have an MRI exam today on his painful right knee.

The Lightning has become the second team in the province of Quebec behind the Canadiens. That's saying something given there are five other Canadian teams in the NHL. • The support was the revelation of a six-day trip, three days in Mont-Tremblant ahead of a game in Montreal and three days in Quebec City before Saturday's preseason finale and rematch with the Canadiens at the Pepsi Colisee. • "I would say they are the second team," said Le Presse’s Francois Gagnon, who has covered the Canadiens since 1998. • Why? "The players," he said.

The Lightning has five Quebecers on its roster — three more than the Canadiens — including Montreal natives Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. Coach Guy Boucher and assistants Dan Lacroix and Marty Raymond also are from Quebec and were hired, to the dismay of Montreal fans, from the Canadiens organization.

About 500 fans packed each of Tampa Bay's three practices at Mont-Tremblant. They chanted "Guy, Guy, Guy" when Boucher hit the ice for the first time.

"Quebecers like to see Quebecers succeed," Boucher said. "I know that for many years, there's been less French-speaking Quebecers playing for the Canadiens. That's something that's talked about every year. And when they see another team take Quebecers, it stirs things up we can't control. But for us, it's good because it gives us extra fans."

Even Steven Stamkos, from the Toronto area, got a standing ovation.

"It's always fun to hear that reception," Stamkos said. "You try to hide back the smile, but you can't. They're just passionate hockey fans."

And passionate about the Lightning.

"Especially," Gagnon said, "that they are winning."

Other snapshots from the trip:

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Titans' veteran QB leads hot streak

CLEVELAND — Matt Hasselbeck threw three touchdowns in the first half and safety Jordan Babineaux returned an interception 97 yards for a TD as the Titans won their third straight under first-year coach Mike Munchak.

The Titans signed 13-year veteran Hasselbeck to a three-year deal in late July, causing some head scratching around the league. Now, other teams might be kicking themselves.

"We thought he had a lot left in the tank from watching him in the playoffs last year," Munchak said. "We didn't bring him here to retire quietly. We brought him here to do exactly what he's been doing."

Tennessee's Chris Johnson gained 101 yards, 3 more than his total in the first three games.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Buffalo's perfect start hits snag

CINCINNATI — The Bills' stretch of amazing comeback wins ended when they couldn't stop a rookie quarterback from pulling off one of his own.

Andy Dalton led his first winning drive in the NFL and Mike Nugent hit a 43-yard field goal as time ran out as the Bengals topped the previously unbeaten Bills before the smallest crowd in Paul Brown Stadium's history, 41,142.

"I think we needed it a lot, especially at home," Nugent said. "We've got to do a better job of putting fans in the stands."

Dalton ran 3 yards for a tying touchdown with 4:09 to go.

The Bills rallied from deficits of 18 against Oakland and 21 points against New England in their previous two games. No team in NFL history had such back-to-back comebacks.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

SPARTA, Ky. — Ed Carpenter scored his first career IndyCar victory by beating championship contender Dario Franchitti in a wheel-to-wheel battle to the checkered flag in the closest finish in track history Sunday at Kentucky Speedway.

But all was not lost for Franchitti, who reclaimed the points lead from Will Power.

Power, the pole-sitter, led 48 laps, but a collision with a car on pit road during the first round of stops damaged his Penske. Unable to fix it enough to be competitive, he finished 19th.

He started the day with a 12-point lead over Franchitti, but Franchitti now goes to the Oct. 16 finale at Las Vegas up 18.

"It can change in a second, so we'll just go (to Vegas) with an open mind and see what comes of it," Franchitti said.

"We had the quickest car, an unbelievably fast car," Power said, adding that the pit road accident made it "a fight to just hang on to the back of the field."

Even though Carpenter had finished second here the previous two years, there was no buzz about him before the race.

"I've always known that I've belonged, but until you win one, there are always going to be people who think different," shrugged Carpenter, who gave Sarah Fisher Racing its first win and posted the sixth-closest margin of victory in IndyCar history (0.0098 seconds).

"I knew we had a better car than (Franchitti) the second or third stint," he said. "My visor was falling off; I drove 15 or 20 laps one-handed holding it onto my helmet waiting for a pit stop."

NHRA: Rain forced officials to postpone the final eliminations at Maple Grove Raceway event in Mohnton, Pa., until today.

AMERICAN LE MANS: Franck Montagny, Stephane Sarrazin and Alexander Wurz teamed to win the Petit Le Mans late Saturday in Braselton, Ga., in a Peugeot.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Chiefs let out all of their frustrations

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Matt Cassel hit Dwayne Bowe for a 52-yard fourth-quarter touchdown, Ryan Succop made 5-of-5 field goals and the Chiefs won after Cassel and coach Todd Haley had strong words on the sideline.

"It's just part of the game," Cassel said of the flare-up. "You hug, you make up, you do high-fives and you just move on to the next play."

The Vikings are 0-4 for the first time since 2002.

"We've got to re-evaluate everything," coach Leslie Frazier said.

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Saints inefficient but good enough

JACKSONVILLE — It was a mismatch on paper and on the field.

Drew Brees threw for 351 yards and a touchdown, Darren Sproles added 188 all-purpose yards and the Saints won a game that was more lopsided than the score indicated.

The Saints scored touchdowns on their first two drives, but Brees threw two interceptions and John Kasay missed two long field goals as their three-week streak of scoring 30 ended.

"If you had told us … that you're going to have 500 yards of total offense and you're going to convert 50 percent of our third downs, we would have thought that's 40 points," Brees said.

The Jaguars have 39 total points.

"We know we have a lot of talent here,'' Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew said.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Probable starters

Bucs offense

WR: Mike Williams 19

LT: Donald Penn 70

LG: Jeremy Zuttah 76

C: Jeff Faine 52

RG: Davin Joseph 75

RT: Jeremy Trueblood 65

TE: Kellen Winslow 82

WR: Arrelious Benn 17

QB: Josh Freeman 5

RB: LeGarrette Blount 27

FB: Earnest Graham 34

Bucs defense

LDE: Michael Bennett 71

DT: Gerald McCoy 93

DT: Brian Price 92

RDE: Adrian Clayborn 94

SLB: Dekoda Watson 56

MLB: Mason Foster 59

WLB: Geno Hayes 54

LCB: Aqib Talib 25

RCB: Ronde Barber 20

SS: Sean Jones 26

FS: Cody Grimm 35

special teams

P: Michael Koenen 9

PK: Connor Barth 10

KO: Michael Koenen 9

PR/KR: Preston Parker 87

Colts Offense

WR: Pierre Garcon 85

LT: Anthony Castonzo 74

LG: Joe Reitz 76

C: Jeff Saturday 63

RG: Ryan Diem 71

RT: Jeffrey Linkenbach 72

TE: Dallas Clark 44

TE: Bobby Eldridge 81

WR: Reggie Wayne 87

QB: Matt Painter 7

RB: Joseph Addai 29

Colts Defense

LDE: Robert Mathis 98

DT: Antonio Johnson 99

DT: Filil Moala 95

RDE: Dwight Freeney 93

SLB: Pat Angerer 51

MLB: Nate Triplett 54

WLB: Kavell Conner 53

LCB: Jacob Lacey 23

RCB: Jerraud Powers 25

SS: Melvin Bullitt 33

FS: Antoine Bethea 41

special teams

P: Pat McAfee 1

PK/KO: Adam Vinatieri 4

PR: Blair White 15

KR: Joe Lefeged 35

Injury report

BUCS — Out: T James Lee (knee), WR Sammie Stroughter (foot). Questionable: LB Quincy Black (ankle). Probable: QB Josh Johnson (ankle), TE Zack Pianalto (calf), TE Kellen Winslow (knee).

Colts — Out: QB Peyton Manning (neck). Questionable: S Antoine Bethea (heel), QB Kerry Collins (head), G Ryan Diem (ankle), TE Brody Eldridge (knee), DE Dwight Freeney (ankle), DT Fili Moala (ankle), G Joe Reitz (ankle), LB Ernie Sims (knee).

Stat pack *

8:30 p.m., Raymond James Stadium, Tampa | TV/radio: Ch. 28, ESPN; 620-AM, 103.5-FM | Line, O/U: Bucs by 10; 401/2

Avg. Rushing yards

Avg. passing Avg. yards

Avg. total yards

Avg. Rushing yards allowed

Avg. passing yards allowed

total yards allowed

Bucs

Colts

92 (20th)

90 (21st)

The Colts haven't lost five games in a row since Nov. 11-Dec. 10, 2001, and it's easy to see why. Without franchise quarterback Peyton Manning, the Colts aren't built to succeed. They are a team constructed to work with Manning at the controls. With Curtis Painter making his first start, there's going to be yet another transition process tonight.

Colts' best offensive player

Right now, that appears to be Joseph Addai, right. He's gaining 4.8 yards per carry, and each yard he musters takes that much more heat off whoever is playing quarterback. That's something that can only benefit the Colts given the circumstances.

Colts' best defensive player

End Dwight Freeney, left, has been as much of a constant on the defensive side as Peyton Manning has been on the offensive. Coming off a two-sack performance against the Steelers, the 10-year vet shows no sign of slowing down. The matchup of Freeney against left tackle Donald Penn will be one of the game's primary subplots.

Prediction Bucs 24, Colts 14

The Bucs must avoid …

Falling behind early. That would play right into the Colts' hands, allowing them to pound the ball on the ground and play its Cover 2-style defense to prevent big plays. This also would adversely affect the Bucs' run-pass ratio, which is not conducive to winning.

Stephen Holder, Times staff writer

What the Colts do best

Play physical on defense. They harassed Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger throughout last week's game. Josh Freeman has a similar game and is susceptible to the same kind of pressure. Both players like to keep plays alive as long as possible, meaning they will at some point have to elude defenders.

You can beat the Colts if …

You load up against the run — like in last week's Bucs win over the Falcons — and put the game in the hands of the quarterback. If Joseph Addai can't get untracked, the Colts will have to go to the air more than they'd like. That, in turn, creates opportunities for cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber.

223 (21st)

164 (27th)

315 (24th)

254 (29th)

114 (23rd)

113.3 (22nd)

271 (23rd)

252 (18th)

384.7 (24th)

365 (19th)

Times wires
Sunday, October 2, 2011

Redskins stand up, keep Rams winless

ST. LOUIS — The Redskins' defenders knew they could step up when the punchless Rams suddenly made it a game.

James Laurinaitis' interception of an underthrown Rex Grossman pass gave St. Louis (0-4) the ball at the Washington 19 with about five minutes left. But a penalty and two sacks forced a punt on fourth and 30.

"Everybody's looking in each other's eyes, and we're smiling," Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo said. "…We were able to do it and get off the field."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, October 2, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Catcher Mike Napoli has experienced a few firsts during his career year with the Rangers.

But Saturday night will likely be tough to top.

Napoli, 29, long an enemy in Arlington, Texas, after spending his first five seasons with the rival Angels, stepped out of the batter's box during a crucial, fourth-inning at-bat as the sellout crowd chanted his name:

"NA-PO-LI! NA-PO-LI!"

"It was probably the first time ever," Napoli said. "It was pretty loud, too. It was awesome."

Teammate Ian Kinsler said he got chills.

Napoli, as he has done often this season, choked up with two strikes, fouling off three James Shields pitches before delivering a clutch hit, a two-run, tying single to spark an 8-6 Rangers win. It's the kind of contribution the Rangers have gotten a lot from Napoli, who set career highs of 30 homers, 75 RBIs and a .320 batting average. He is one of the team's hottest hitters entering today's Game 3 of the American League Division Series against the Rays.

"He's had an incredible year for us, and he's been just off the charts in every possible way," utilityman Michael Young said. "He's far better than what we thought he was."

Young knew Napoli had some pop, considering he had three 20-homer seasons while with the Angels. But the Rangers got more than they bargained for after acquiring him in the offseason during a four-day period that likely had a big impact on the AL West race. The Angels sent Napoli to the Blue Jays as part of the Vernon Wells trade. A couple days later, the Rangers acquired Napoli for reliever Frank Francisco.

Since then, Texas manager Ron Washington has been impressed with Napoli's work behind the plate, where he "calls an excellent game" and manages the pitching staff.

Rays manager Joe Maddon has noticed Napoli making key adjustments at the plate, improving his two-strike approach by choking up and using all fields, which is partly why his average is up.

"He's getting to balls that he hasn't got to in the past, and putting good wood on a lot of pitches," Rays right-hander Wade Davis said.

Said Maddon: "Nap's really come on this year."

And Napoli was at his best against the Rays, hitting .407 (11-for-27) with three homers in seven regular-season games. With Napoli's ability to play first and serve as designated hitter, Washington is able to keep his "hot bat" in the lineup.

"I never thought this kid could hit .320, but I knew he could pop the ball out of the ballpark," Washington said. "I knew he always had a good on-base percentage. And, you know, he's just fit in perfectly with the atmosphere that we have here, and he's been able to be exactly who he is."