Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

PLANT CITY — After umpiring softball for 30-plus years, Tim Williams pretty much figured he had seen it all. But nothing compared to a January afternoon earlier this year.

Williams, positioned just off second base, watched as a centerfielder tracked a ball heading toward the fence. The outfielder, back to home plate, turned and sprinted while trying to gauge the proximity of the fence and follow the flight of the ball.

The man leapt at full extension, parallel to the ground, and caught the ball over his shoulder just before crashing to the grass and rolling into the fence.

It would have been a remarkable catch by anybody.

It was even more so because the outfielder was missing a leg and an arm.

"It was one of the most amazing things I'd ever seen on a softball field," Williams, 55, said of the catch made by the former soldier with a prosthetic arm and leg. "Truly inspirational."

"I couldn't even make the out call. All I could do was applaud."

Williams umpired the Wounded Warriors against the Fellowship of Christian Athletes all stars that day, but it's just one snapshot from a scrapbook of memories he's compiled at the Plant City Softball Stadium and Randy Larson Four Plex.

The sprawling 75-acre facility east of downtown is one of the premier softball complexes in the nation.

"It's a great facility that I think is without equal," International Softball Federation president Don Porter said. "When we moved our headquarters here in 2000, there were a number of big cities on the final list and this facility and Plant City were simply superior."

The ISF, softball's worldwide governing body, relocated from Oklahoma City in 2000 after Plant City won out over Dallas, Colorado Springs, Colo., and Long Beach and Palm Springs, Calif. The city offered to remodel Plant City Stadium, which had been the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds, as well as renovate office space for the ISF.

"The city has been outstanding to work with in terms of joint projects," Porter said. "They were able to accommodate us and in turn, we want to bring various international competitions to this great area."

The ISF is still in the process of building an international hall of fame as well as a softball museum. Porter said he hopes to have both completed in the near future.

"Our initial funding didn't cover all of the costs associated with the hall of fame and museum," he said. "We're still in the process of searching for alternative funding to make that happen sooner than later."

Williams' Rolodex of memories weaves through the fabric of what has become Plant City's adopted sport. He's been afforded the opportunity to share the field with some of the world's best softball players (Jennie Finch and Dot Richardson, to name a few) as well as the local clerk at the neighborhood convenience store.

"It was an honor to walk out on to the field with Olympic gold medalists," said Williams, a 1975 Brandon High graduate. "But sometimes I'm umpiring for church leagues that are having their championship game. That means the world to them so it's just as important to me."

Williams calls himself "a traffic cop" on the field who's job it is to keep things moving without getting in the way.

"Sometimes you're out there with the big names in the sport but you never know if the recreational players out there are doctors or truck drivers. You treat them all the same and the way you would want to be treated."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabaytimes.com.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The Dixie Baseball District 6 Double-A Rookies (ages 7 and 8) All-Star Tournament took place over the weekend in Wesley Chapel, and Spring Hill National captured its first league championship.

Not even heavy rains could derail Spring Hill National. First, the team dispatched South Lake 9-5 on the opening day of the tournament. That was followed by an 18-4 win over Wesley Chapel National in the second round. The club knocked off Wildwood 20-2 in the semifinals on Sunday.

In a final that pitted Spring Hill National (6-0) against Wesley Chapel American (3-2), the local team won 9-5 in a game that lasted almost four hours because of a lightning delay.

Jaxen Gates starred early in the game to put Spring Hill National up. In the first inning, Gates knocked in leadoff hitter Justin Leyden with an RBI double, then scored himself on a wild pitch. Spring Hill pushed its lead to 3-1 in the second, but Wesley Chapel stormed back after a two-hour delay, scoring three to take the lead.

Gates helped spark the charge back with a leadoff single in the fourth before being knocked in by Anthony Mastrandrea in a frame where Spring Hill plated three runs. Gates was among three more to score in the fifth as well.

To top it off, Gates (3-for-4 with one double, three runs scored and an RBI) came in to pitch and close the game for Spring Hill, working the final two innings. He gave up only two hits and one run.

HERNANDO SPORTS CAMPS: The Hernando County Department of Recreation has several sports camps available for children this summer.

The basketball camp will run three different weeks and be taught by Marion Jones, Michael Jones and Calvin Brown.

The clinics will put emphasis on fundamentals, skills and drills, followed by scrimmages Monday through Thursday. For a fee of $65 per week, the campers will take part from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Extended hours from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and from 3 to 4 p.m. are available for an extra $10.

West Hernando Middle School will host the camp June 18 to 21 and July 16 to 19. Challenger K-8 School will host from July 9 to 12.

A volleyball camp will be held for two weeks by Hernando High School girls volleyball coach Patti Martin and assistant Robin Bailey. The tandem will teach fundamentals with daily drills and skills, followed by interleague games.

The cost is $65 per week, with camp hours from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as well as extended hours from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. for an additional $10.

Challenger K-8 will host both sessions, from June 25 to 28 and from July 30 to Aug. 2.

The baseball camp has one remaining session to learn from former pro third baseman Eddie Looper, who will teach the fundamentals of hitting, catching, fielding and throwing.

The cost is $65 for the clinic, from 9 a.m. to noon June 25 to 29, at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill.

A sports camp will allow kids to enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor sports, including basketball, flag football, tennis, dodgeball, kickball and other activities. Campers will spend each day learning the rules and playing games.

The cost is $65 for each of the two sessions, with a limit of 50 campers. The camp will take place at West Hernando Middle School and is open to ages 8 to 14.

The activities will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with extended hours from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 4 p.m. for an additional $10. The dates are June 25 to 28 and July 23 to 26.

For information, call the Recreation Department at (352) 754-4031 or visit hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

PHCC BASKETBALL CAMP: Pasco-Hernando Community College is offering a summer basketball camp for kids at the West Campus in New Port Richey starting Monday.

The camp will be directed by PHCC head coaches, with assistance from the college's assistant coaches and athletes and high school coaching staffs. Sessions include fundamental skills, individual player development and team competitions.

The registration fee includes a camp T-shirt and instruction.

The camp is open to both boys and girls, age 7 to 16. Instruction will be led by PHCC athletic director and boys basketball coach James E. Johnson and will run from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday. The fee is $75.

For registration or information, visit phcc.edu/athletics/camps.

SPRINGSTEAD SOCCER CONDITIONING: Springstead High School girls soccer coach Scott Wern is holding summer conditioning work from 9 to 11 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the school's soccer/football fields, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill.

The workouts are open to all potential players, including incoming freshmen, who are zoned for Springstead. Each player should bring cleats, sneakers and plenty of water.

For information, call Wern at (352) 238-4230.

WEST HERNANDO COUGARS: The West Hernando Cougars youth football and cheerleading program will have registration for the coming season every weekend in June.

Officials will be at Delta Woods Park on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill for signups from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and on June 30. Coaches and officials will also be on hand from 6 to 8:30 p.m. June 23 for mini-camps, along with registration.

Mini-camps will be free for youths who have paid in full for the upcoming season. Otherwise, the fee for the camps is $10 per player.

The registration fee for football or cheerleading is $195 per child. The fee includes full football uniform with a personalized jersey to keep or cheerleading top, skirt, bloomers and shoes. Divisions are open to youth age 5 to 15.

For information, call Bobby McFarland at (352) 585-6524 or visit West Hernando Cougars Football and Cheerleading on Facebook.

BATTERED MUG GOLF FUNDRAISER: The Battered Mug Saloon will host a golf tournament fundraiser June 23 at Seven Hills Golf Club in Spring Hill. Proceeds will benefit the family of Isaac Wetherington of Brooksville, who died recently. The 18-month-old was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a congenital heart defect.

There will be a shotgun start at 8 a.m. for a cost of $45 per golfer, which includes lunch at the Battered Mug, 2109 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The deadline for registration is Friday.

For information or to register, call Kelley Rose at (352) 688-4077 or (352) 835-1320.

YOUTH SOFTBALL CLINICS: The Spring Hill Sting travel softball team is hosting a series of clinics for youth this summer, with proceeds benefiting the club.

The clinics are being organized to teach and emphasize the basics of the game. The girls will be divided by Dixie Softball age divisions (Sweeties, Darlings, Angels and Ponytails).

Sting coach Dianne McClellan will lead the instruction, with assistance from members of the Sting. The two remaining camp dates are July 11 to 13 and Aug. 1 to 3. The registration fee is $25 per player.

For information, contact McClellan at (352) 442-3047 or dmcclellan105@tampabay.rr.com.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Just about every week on the PGA Tour, players make golf look like an easy game. Almost as if they know something the rest of us hackers don't.

This is not one of those weeks. The U.S. Golf Association, which runs the U.S. Open, likes to make this week the most difficult of the year for those fortunate enough to qualify.

Super slick greens, narrow fairways, and typically thick rough will haunt players at every turn of San Francisco's Olympic Club. And after Rory McIlroy's record setting 16-under at last year's Open, the USGA is in no mood to see a repeat.

"As of right now, I don't like it,'' reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson said after getting his first look at the course. "I don't want to come out here and shoot 80.''

There could be more 80s this week than 60s. Birdies will be few and far between. Kind of like our rounds at the local municipal course.

Good luck, guys.

Five storylines

1. Will Tiger Woods win another major?: With his win at the Memorial Tournament two weeks ago, many believe he will. But consider this: He also won the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March before playing the Masters, where he finished tied for 40th. In fact, the past six times Woods won the tournament before a major he did not win the major. None of that dissuades experts from picking Woods.

"It's so hard to predict the winner in golf because any given week there's a number of players who could win, especially in the PGA tour now,'' said Hank Haney, Woods' former teaching pro. "Having said that, if I'm betting — and I always bet on the best player — right now I think you have to look and say given his history, given his record, given the way he played last week, you have to say that Tiger Woods would be the favorite to win that tournament.''

2. Can McIlroy repeat?: The last repeat champion was Curtis Strange in 1988-89, so history is against McIlroy. And he almost certainly won't match his 16-under total at Congressional last year. McIlroy missed three straight cuts before his tie for seventh last week at the St. Jude Classic. Even though he is only 23-years-old, McIlroy has a knack of playing well in majors.

3. Will the winner be seeing red?: Red as in under par. The consensus among players and analysts is that if somebody does shoot under par to win, it won't be by much. And shooting over par to win the U.S. Open is not unprecedented.

"I still think that if some guy shoots, best case scenario, four 69s, that will most likely win it easily,'' NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller said. "There won't be any 16 under pars this week, I can tell you that.''

4. Will history repeat itself?: The four previous winners at The Olympic Club were lesser known players who came from behind to beat legends. Jack Fleck beat out Ben Hogan in a playoff in 1955. Billy Casper did the same to Arnold Palmer in 1966. Scott Simpson tracked down Tom Watson in 1987. Lee Janzen came from seven shots down to beat Payne Stewart in 1998.

All of the previous winners at Olympic Club won by either one shot or in a playoff. History says this tournament is wide open.

5. How will Casey Martin play?: You remember Casey Martin. In 2001, he won a Supreme Court ruling to use a golf cart during competition. Martin, who has Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome, a rare circulatory condition in his right leg, didn't last long in professional golf. For one week, however, he is back. Now the golf coach at Oregon, Martin, 40, got in through sectional qualifying and tees off at 12:45 p.m. He will be using a cart and has been assigned a cart caddie. Martin played in the U.S. Open in 1998 when it was held at the Olympic Club.

Five players to watch

1. Tiger Woods: If he's in the tournament, he's a player to watch. Woods' last major title was the 2008 U.S. Open, and long courses don't bother him. This could be the week for a 15th major.

2. Jason Dufner: He has won twice and finished second once in his last four tournaments. Dufner, 35, sits atop the money list with $3.8 million. No player on Tour is hotter than Dufner, but he has yet to win a major.

3. Rory McIlroy: He set a U.S. Open record last year by shooting a 16-under-par at Congressional in Maryland. The Olympic Club is a completely different beast, but McIlroy has a way of surfacing for majors.

4. Phil Mickelson: He has been a runner-up in the U.S. Open five times. His window of opportunity gets narrower every year. Mickelson, who turns 42 on Saturday, dropped out of the Memorial due to mental exhaustion. If he's healthy, he could be in contention.

5. Bubba Watson: The Masters champ, Watson is a self-taught country boy who hits it a mile. Kind of like John Daly without all the drama. Is his crazy length and creative shotmaking suited for the Olympic Club? Probably not, but it will be fun to see how he does.

The Olympic Club

The club itself was established in 1860 and the Lake Course was originally designed in 1924. It was redesigned in 1927 after storm damage and has undergone only minimal renovations since. The course has over 30,000 trees, no water hazards and just one fairway bunker. Also, the San Andreas fault line runs underneath the course.

"The course is in great condition, the best it's ever been,'' said Miller, who grew up playing at the Olympic Club.

Open to all

The U.S. Open is truly an open tournament. Anyone with a low enough handicap and enough talent can theoretically qualify. Because of that policy, there are always some interesting players who make the field. Here are some of them:

Andy Zhang: At 14, he is the youngest to ever play in the U.S. Open. Zhang, a native of China who attends the IMG Leadbetter Academy in Bradenton, got into the field when Paul Casey withdrew on Monday with a shoulder injury. He was a second alternate after losing a playoff at the sectional qualifier at Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto. When not at the Leadbetter Academy, Zhang resides in Reunion, outside of Orlando.

"This is the best feeling I've ever gotten,'' Zhang said about qualifying.

Dennis Miller: Not the comedian. Miller, 42, is a club pro from Youngstown, Ohio, who qualified for the Open on his 12th try. He had to endure a four-player, four-hole playoff and made a long putt from the fringe on the final hole that hung on the lip before finally falling.

Brooks Koepka: The Florida State senior helped lead the Seminoles to the NCAA national tournament a week before qualifying for the U.S. Open. He plans on turning pro after this week.

Brian Gaffney: The club pro from New Jersey is 41 and making his first U.S. Open appearance. He's played in PGA Championships in the past but never been able to qualify for this tournament.

Darron Stiles: The former Gulf High School graduate has been banging around the PGA and Nationwide Tour for years. Now 39, Stiles made it through qualifying. He made the cut at the 2003 U.S. Open.

Marquee group

12:33 p.m.: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson. There will be a huge crowd following this group. And don't expect a lot of chatter between shots.

"It's going to be like Sunday at the Masters,'' Watson told reporters on Tuesday.

By the numbers

14: Winners in the past 14 major tournaments.

23: U.S. Opens played by Davis Love III, after he survived sectional qualifying this year. He has played in the most U.S. Opens of anybody in the field.

156: Players in the field (including eight amateurs).

670: Yards of the par 5, 16th hole, making in the longest in U.S. Open history.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Nationals 6, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO — Stephen Strasburg won his fifth straight start, Tyler Moore hit his first two career home runs and Washington completed a three-game sweep. Strasburg left after six innings because of what manager Davey Johnson called a "slight cut" on his middle finger, which happened as the right-hander was trimming a ragged nail between innings. "It was nothing major," Strasburg said. "I wanted to go out there again."

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

What's hot: Tarpon, redfish and speckled trout. For tarpon, grab a well full of greenbacks (threadfin herring) and head to the Skyway for silver kings. Target the incoming tide and anchor uptide of the northside concrete bumpers. Cast your free-lined greenie uptide, and let it drift past the bumpers and into the bumper's eddy. Let it hang out in the eddy for a short time then repeat the process. The more attentive you are to this technique, the more bites you'll get. Have an anchor ball attached to the anchor line so when a fish is hooked, the anchor ball and line get heaved overboard.

For reds, when the tide bottoms out, find some deep-water docks along Pinellas Point. Target the docks with mangroves, oyster beds or a nearby structure. Reds aren't picky, so pick up some live shrimp. Use just enough weight to keep your offering on the bottom.

On the incoming tide, trout can be caught on the shallow grass flats that dot the lower bay area. Drifting is the most productive. Use a weighted float for casting purposes as well as a tool to keep your offering from getting in the grass. Live shrimp will do the job. But bring enough. Pinfish will keep you busy rebaiting.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TAMPA — Longtime CB Ronde Barber is well into his transition to free safety after two months of offseason work, but as the Bucs prepare to wrap up their three-day minicamp, it has become clear that Barber's role will really be much more.

Barber hasn't registered 27 sacks and been a tackling machine by being a mere cornerback. He has always had other dimensions to his game, and that won't change no matter what position he plays.

Case in point: Barber, 37, has been posted in his requisite position on passing downs, lining up in the slot or in the box, near the line of scrimmage. And, Barber said, because of coach Greg Schiano's approach, he'll get frequent opportunities to blitz.

"I'm going to do a lot of different things," Barber said. "(Schiano) is definitely an aggressive play caller and I get to move around with the nickel and dime packages. You can expect some blitzing from me. Maybe one or two per game.

"I get a chance to be an impact player in this defense and I'm looking forward to that."

In addition to potentially decking a few quarterbacks, Barber will also look to add to his interception total. Playing deeper in the secondary, he said, could help him do that. As the free safety, Barber will have the ability to read quarterbacks' eyes. That could allow him to get a better jump on footballs.

"One benefit of being really (deep) in the backfield is you get a chance to really see the quarterback, which has always been a strength of mine," Barber said. "It's putting my strengths to the test."

Another area in which Barber is being tested: In the meeting room, where Schiano said Barber takes comprehensive notes and is practically on the edge of his seat.

"I'm getting to do a lot of things that's keeping me stimulated in the meeting room and out here on the practice field," Barber said. "I'm enjoying it."

FEELING BETTER: Schiano confirmed CB Eric Wright is dealing with an undisclosed health matter, but Wright's increased activity during the past two days is bolstering hopes that the issue is resolved.

Wright on Tuesday said only that he was dealing with "personal issues" that caused him to miss a number of offseason workouts before this week.

"Without getting into the particulars, it was a non-football related health (issue)," Schiano said. "He was very good at communicating where he was (during missed practices) and how he was dealing with it. The thing that excites me is that he did quite a bit (Tuesday) and he did more (Wednesday)."

Along those lines, Wright was more involved in defensive drills Wednesday after seeing more limited action on Monday.

"He made some plays out there (Wednesday)," Schiano said. "I'm excited."

Asked whether the situation is resolved, Schiano was optimistic but uncertain.

"I hope it's behind him," he said.

PRACTICE TIDBITS: Among the notable moments from Wednesday's practice: The first-team defense forced the first-team offense to turn the ball over on downs in a two-minute drill. The mock scenario: 1:31 remaining in the game, two timeouts remaining, the ball at the offense's 31-yard line and a touchdown being necessary to win.

An incomplete pass on fourth down ended the drive near the defense's 20-yard line.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

tom jones' two cents

Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez tied one of the cooler records in baseball Tuesday night when he hit his 23rd grand slam. That matches another Yankees great — Lou Gehrig. So, yeah, it's a cool record, but it's also a bit of a strange record. Skill, of course, is involved, but it involves circumstance, too. A hitter can only hit a grand slam if the bases are loaded. That's what makes an uncommon record.

That got us thinking. See, most baseball fans know the major records such as most hits, homers, strikeouts and so forth. But here are some other off-the-beaten-path baseball records.

Hit by pitch

Officially, the record belongs to Baltimore's Hughie Jennings, a Hall of Famer who was hit 287 times. However, Jennings played from 1891-1917. Let's look at what is considered the modern game. For years, Ron Hunt was the king of the HBP. Best known for playing with the Mets and Expos, Hunt was plunked 243 times. He used to joke that while many gave their bodies to science, he gave his to baseball. Don Baylor broke Hunt's record by being hit 267 times. Then Craig Biggio was hit 285 times, the modern-day record.

Inside-the-park home runs

The record is held by some guy you've probably never heard of — Jesse Burkett. He played back at the turn of the century, mostly for the Cleveland Spiders. Burkett, nicknamed "The Crab'' for his testy onfield demeanor, became the first native of West Virginia to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He hit so many inside-the-parkers (55) that you wonder if he played on fields with fences. More well-known names such as Sam Crawford, Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner rank among the top five in inside-the-park homers, but they, too, played more than 100 years ago. These days, it's rare for even the speediest players to get more than two or three in a career.

Sacrifice flies

Like the grand slam, a batter needs help to hit a sac fly. Someone has to get on third base. What's especially interesting about this record is the leaders spent parts of nine seasons playing on the same team. Eddie Murray had 127 career sacrifice flies while Cal Ripken had 126. The two played alongside one another for much of the 1980s with the Orioles. Then Murray went on to play for the Dodgers, Mets, Indians and Angels.

Grounded into double plays

Another record that requires help. Somebody has to be on base to hit into a double play. The Orioles' Cal Ripken grounded into 350. Ivan Rodriguez is the next closest with 338. Then comes five Hall of Famers: Hank Aaron, Carl Yastrzemski, Dave Winfield, Eddie Murray and Jim Rice.

Intentional walks

This is simply remarkable. Barry Bonds was intentionally walked 688 times in his career. Hank Aaron is second with 293 intentional walks. That's a difference of 395! Check this out: Bonds was given an intentional free pass 120 times in 2004. Bonds' 2004 season alone would put him tied for 78th on the career list.

One-hitters

The great Nolan Ryan threw more no-hitters in the majors than anyone else — seven. That's three more than anyone else. But do you know who has thrown the most one-hitters? Maybe you've heard of him: Nolan Ryan. That's right. Ryan and fellow Hall of Famer Bob Feller threw 12 one-hitters during their careers. Imagine, Ryan came this close to throwing 19 no-hitters.

Outs

Outs are a bad thing in baseball, but you have to be incredibly good to play long enough to make the most number of outs in baseball history. How good? Well, consider that the top eight on the outs list are all in the Hall of Fame. And it shouldn't surprise you that baseball's all-time hit king, Pete Rose, also has made the most outs in MLB history with 10,328. That's more than 1,000 more than the next closest hitter — Hank Aaron with 9,136.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

ST. LOUIS — Cardinals RHP Chris Carpenter took a step forward in rehabbing a shoulder injury that has sidelined him all season, throwing off a mound for the first time.

The 2005 NL Cy Young winner threw 26 pitches Wednesday. He's scheduled to throw again Friday, then a few more times next week.

"We've been getting positive feedback from all his workouts, and every step that he's taken it's always positive," manager Mike Matheny said. "But let's try not to put too much pressure on him that one thing means anything.

"We just want him to continue to get better and get him back as quick as we can."

Matheny said there was no firm timeline for Carpenter's return.

The Cardinals are hopeful that Carpenter, who was 11-9 with a 3.45 ERA last season then went 4-0 in the postseason for the World Series champions, can return after the All-Star break. Carpenter broke down in spring training with a nerve-related ailment that sapped strength in his throwing shoulder after pitching 2731/3 innings in the 2011 regular season and postseason.

Carpenter, 37, said the intensity level was comparable to a session before the team reporting for spring training in mid February. He said everything feels fine and he is guardedly optimistic he'll pitch this season.

LASORDA IMPROVING: Hall of Fame manager Tom Lasorda said he feels good as he recovers from a mild heart attack he had last week in New York. Lasorda, 84, has been resting at home in California since being released from the hospital Thursday, three days after he fell ill.

SECOND PICK SIGNS: The Twins signed second overall pick Byron Buxton, 18, a Georgia high school outfielder. Buxton received a $6 million signing bonus, the biggest contract so far in this year's draft class.

MORE SIGNINGS: The Rockies and 10th pick David Dahl, an Alabama high school OF, reached a $2.6 million deal. The White Sox will give a $2.475 million bonus to Texas high school OF Courtney Hawkins, the 13th pick. And the Giants and Mississippi State RHP Chris Stratton, the No. 20 pick, agreed to a $1.85 million deal.

ALL-STAR STAFFS: Managers Terry Collins of the Mets and Ron Roenicke of the Brewers will serve as NL coaches, and Ned Yost of the Royals and Bob Melvin of the A's will coach on the AL side.

SPITBALL PROBE: Major League Baseball has reviewed video of RHP Jose Valverde that seems to show the Tigers closer throwing a spitball and has discussed the incident with the team, ESPN.com reported. Valverde has denied throwing a spitter in Sunday's win over the Reds.

MILES RETIRES: INF Aaron Miles, 35, a nine-year major-league veteran who was playing for Triple-A Albuquerque, announced his retirement.

BLUE JAYS: Ace RHP Brandon Morrow went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to Tuesday with a strained muscle in his left side. INF Yan Gomes was recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas. … RHP Kyle Drabek left in the fifth inning with soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow. Tests came back negative.

ORIOLES: LHP Brian Matusz was scratched from his scheduled start a day after bruising his nose while bunting during batting practice. His start was moved back to Friday.

PHILLIES: INF Freddy Galvis was diagnosed with a pars fracture in his lower back and will be in a back brace for at least three weeks.

ROCKIES: SS Troy Tulowitzki aggravated his groin injury during his minor-league rehab start and will travel back to Denver to be examined by team doctors.

WHITE SOX: DH Adam Dunn was scratched because of a mildly sprained right ankle.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TAMPA — He makes his living studying receivers the way astronomers look at stars. He calculates their speed, how they stem routes, get in and out of breaks, searching for any subtle clue to gain an advantage.

But Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber admits his data on Vincent Jackson wasn't trustworthy

"I don't know what I thought about him before he got here, but it was certainly completely wrong," Barber, 37, said of the ex-Charger signed as a free agent during the offseason. "I knew he was a great player. He's big. He's fast, competitive. But he is as talented a receiver as I've been around.

"His manner of going about his job is unparalleled for me. I haven't seen many players, especially receivers, spend as much time and dig into his playbook and just be a natural leader."

Bucs coach Greg Schiano, after arriving from Rutgers in February, relied on the tale of the tape to evaluate Jackson. The 6-foot-5, 230-pounder had eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in his past three full seasons. (He played only five games in 2010 due to a contract dispute and suspension.) Jackson also gains 17.5 yards per catch.

"When Mark (Dominik) and Dennis (Hickey) flooded me with tape, it didn't take long to see the production," Schiano said of the Bucs general manager and director of player personnel, respectively. "Just look at the stat line. But what you don't know is what a great worker he is, a true professional he is. He's really fun to coach."

Almost immediately after Jackson signed a five-year, $55.5 million contract (the No. 5s a nod to quarterback Josh Freeman), he impressed teammates and coaches with his work ethic.

Jackson did bring personal baggage. He served a three-game suspension in 2010 for a second drunken driving arrest, and the contract dispute painted him as a prickly personality.

But Jackson immediately bought into the no-nonsense, disciplined program being force-fed by Schiano.

"I go out here, and I work just like everybody else," Jackson said. "For me to come out here and have that enthusiasm, I'm trying to get the young guys to … chase me around. It's exciting, and I think that energy is only going to continue to breed throughout our team throughout the summer."

At 31, Bucs receivers coach P.J. Fleck is only two years older than Jackson. Fleck played two seasons as a receiver with the 49ers, but his coaching experience has been limited to Northern Illinois and Rutgers. Fleck says Jackson has made his job easier.

"He's humble enough … to sit there and listen and take little things," Fleck said; "minor details that he hasn't had in his game before and say, 'I have to get better at that. I want to improve. I think that's great.' So him and I have built a good relationship that way.

"And he's led the group tremendously just with his work ethic and passion. It just pours out in the meetings. His notes are meticulous. And then you go out there, and he's a true professional the way he works. He's one of the hardest workers we have, every rep."

The Bucs have rarely had a legitimate No. 1 receiver.

Mark Carrier had a Pro Bowl season in 1989. Keyshawn Johnson had that status when the Jets traded him to Tampa Bay for two first-round picks in 2000.

Jackson could mean even more to the Bucs and Freeman. Tampa Bay's receivers were young and rudderless last season, the second each for Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Preston Parker. The oldest receiver, Micheal Spurlock, 29, rarely played.

The Bucs knew they got an outstanding receiver in Jackson. Turns out, they acquired a pretty good leader as well.

"He just came in and assumed that role," Barber said. "He certainly carries a presence about him. It's impressive."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com and heard from 6 to 9 a.m. weekdays on WDAE-620.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Reds 5, Indians 3

CINCINNATI — Brandon Phillips helped Cincinnati get through a stomach virus with a strong game against his former team, hitting a two-run homer and driving in three. Phillips' shot in the seventh made it 58 straight games with a homer at Great American Ball Park since July 29, the longest active streak in the majors. Phillips is a .347 career hitter against Cleveland.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Giants coach Tom Coughlin was in no mood to be noble toward the Patriots for claiming tight end Jake Ballard off waivers.

Ballard, coming off ACL and micro-fracture surgery and unlikely to play this season, was claimed Tuesday, a day after being waived in order to sign defensive lineman Rocky Bernard. The Giants intended to re-sign him.

"Discouraged is a minor description," Coughlin said Wednesday. "Very disappointed."

When it was suggested the Giants should not have waived their top pass-catching tight end from last season (38 for 604 yards and four touchdowns), Coughlin shot back, "Don't ask me those questions. I don't have the answer for you."

Coughlin conceded the Patriots did nothing outside the rules, except, perhaps, those of front office etiquette.

"I don't think there's any question about that part of it," Coughlin said. "Whatever the options are based on what the rules are, based on the procedural circumstance, all is fair."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick wasn't concerned with etiquette.

"There are no unwrittens," he said. "(When) a player is on waivers, he's on waivers; ours or anybody else's."

A reporter brought up Belichick being upset when the Vikings claimed tight end/long snapper Garrett Mills from the Patriots in a similar situation in 2007.

"I don't know what unwrittens you're talking about," Belichick said. "Any time you put a player on waivers, you know there are 31 teams out there that can take them."

two Suspended: Lions running back Mikel Leshoure and Bengals linebacker Dontay Moch were suspended for two and four games, respectively, for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Leshoure pleaded guilty to possession of marijuana in May. Details on Moch's suspension were not disclosed.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Orioles 7, Pirates 1

BALTIMORE — Jake Arrieta, filling in for injured Brian Matusz, struck out nine over seven steady innings, Wilson Betemit had a season-high three hits and drove in three runs and Baltimore won its fourth straight game to take sole possession of second place in the AL East ahead of the Rays. Chris Davis hit a broken-bat homer for the Orioles, whose four-game home winning streak is a season best.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

TAMPA — "The Year of the Fan" is quickly turning into the year of the forgettable for the Arena Football League.

Labor strife between the league and players union that resulted in Orlando and Pittsburgh's season-opening game to be played primarily with replacement players — in front of a nationally televised audience — has reappeared.

"The tactics of the Union in our negotiations have been unfortunate," read an open letter to fans on the AFL's website. "The Union has consistently misinformed the public throughout the negotiations."

Friday, Cleveland players took part in a work stoppage that resulted in visiting Pittsburgh being awarded a 2-0 win, the first forfeit in the AFL's 25-year history. Fans who traveled from Pittsburgh heard the news just before kickoff.

"Due to our outstanding unfair labor issues with the league, work stoppages continue to be a reality," players union executive director Ivan Soto told the Tampa Bay Times in an email. "Clearly the only way we can get the league to bargain in good faith and resolve the outstanding labor issues is through the use of labor action, and the players clearly see this."

The labor dispute has affected television coverage. The NFL Network, which televises "Arena Football Friday," pulled the live broadcast of the Pittsburgh-Cleveland game because of "labor uncertainty." The AFL website stated that future live telecasts on the network are in jeopardy.

The website also outlined the league's latest proposal to the AFLPU, which includes an increase in player pay beginning this week and continuing for each of the next seven seasons. It also affords flexibility for player housing and requires each team to pay for travel if a player is traded.

The AFLPU posted a response on its website. Soto said the union won't accept "ultimatum bargaining" but considers the latest proposal progress.

"This proposal is closer to a real deal than we have been for almost a year," he said. "So I am hopeful that the owners will consider how far we have come and how much our fans have put up with."

The AFLPU is expected send its counterproposal today.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas — The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency filed official charges against Lance Armstrong, putting his seven Tour de France titles in jeopardy and at least temporarily ending his re-emergence in triathlons.

Armstrong, 40, who is in France, issued a statement calling the USADA charges a long-held vendetta against him: "I have been notified that USADA, an organization largely funded by taxpayer dollars but governed only by self-written rules, intends to again dredge up discredited allegations dating back more than 16 years. … These charges are baseless, motivated by spite and advanced through testimony bought and paid for by promises of anonymity and immunity. I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one.''

USADA had asked to meet with Armstrong this month, but he was in France training for a June 24 triathlon. Armstrong had hoped to qualify for the Ironman World Championship in the fall.

The U.S. Attorney's office in Los Angeles declined to charge Armstrong in February after a two-year investigation. Unlike in the government's investigation, USADA can't bring criminal charges, but its bar to charge and eventually punish him is not as high.

The new accusations say he was part of teamwide doping schemes from 1996 through 2010, when he was with the U.S. Postal Service team, the Discovery Channel team, the Astana team and the RadioShack team. The letter also said his blood samples from 2009-10 (when he came out of retirement) showed evidence of manipulation and a banned blood booster.

Multiple riders will testify that Armstrong gave them, encouraged them or assisted them in using banned substances, the letter said.

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

CHICAGO — The conference commissioners who have been working on a four-team playoff to determine college football's national champion plan to present the BCS presidential oversight committee multiple formats from which to choose.

Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said the university presidents will "have options — plural" to consider when they meet in two weeks.

What those options are is not clear. But this is: "Status quo is not on the table," BCS executive director Bill Hancock said.

The commissioners have been working on ways to hold a four-team major college football playoff, starting in the 2014 season. Among the details that need to be worked out are when and where to play the games, how to incorporate the bowls, and how to select the four teams.

The BCS commissioners and Notre Dame AD Jack Swarbrick released a statement after the meeting saying they are "approaching consensus on many issues, and we recognize there are also several issues that require additional conversations at both the commissioner and university president levels."

The commissioners are scheduled to meet again next week in Chicago and the presidential oversight committee is set to meet June 26 in Washington.

Scott would not say if the so-called "plus-one," which sets the No. 1 vs. No. 2 title game after the bowls have been played instead of before, is still on the table as he has suggested previously.

"I think there's a focus on a four-team playoff and trying to find a consensus as to the best way that could work, that our conferences can be comfortable with, that our presidents can consider," ACC commissioner John Swofford said. "But I don't think you cut off all conversation of the (other) models that can be in play."

Bulls volleyball coach to step down for family

TAMPA — Claire Lessinger, USF's volleyball coach for the past eight seasons and part of the program for 13 years, announced she is resigning July 15 to spend more time with her mother, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

A national search is under way to find her successor, athletic director Doug Woolard said.

"As much as I love the coaches, student-athletes and staff here, my family is the most important thing to me, and right now, I need to be with them," said Lessinger (101-127 career record).

Kansas basketball: Former Nebraska coach Doc Sadler was hired as the director of basketball operations, making his return to the Big 12 after one season coaching in the Big Ten. Sadler replaces Barry Hinson, now the Southern Illinois coach.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Red Sox 10, Marlins 2

MIAMI — Felix Doubront pitched a career-high seven innings for Boston, tied with Toronto for last place in the AL East. Doubront, coming off the worst start of his career, retired 16 in a row and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning. Miami wrapped up a 1-8 homestand.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

OKLAHOMA CITY — No matter the role, whether it again is off the bench or in the starting lineup, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said Wednesday that it is time to get Chris Bosh back to being Chris Bosh.

Deferential in his four games back after missing three weeks with a lower abdominal strain, the Heat's All-Star power forward largely has been a complementary presence amid his return.

But after losing Game 1 of the NBA Finals to the Thunder 105-94 on Tuesday, Spoelstra said there no longer is time for a patient approach.

"We've got to be more aggressive with our triggers," he said of getting Bosh involved. "Now he's got his feet wet, four games. The last two games he's been able to handle more minutes. I think we can start to incorporate him more to who he was and his strengths right before he got injured."

To a degree, Spoelstra said Bosh has almost been too good of a teammate.

"He was so accommodating the last three or four games just trying to fit in," he said.

Spoelstra has not decided if Bosh will start.

"I didn't know it was such a big deal, the starting thing," said Bosh, who had 10 points and five rebounds in 34 minutes Tuesday. "I just thought people were happy to see me out there."

Okay with his effort: Sixth man of the year James Harden of the Thunder scored only five, 12½ below his playoff average, in his Finals debut, but was hardly lamenting it. Harden had scored in double digits in all 15 playoff games this season.

"I think I did a pretty good job … obviously I didn't score the ball well but just defensively and doing other things to help the team win," Harden said. "W's are all that matter now."

Most notably, Harden, who had the 10th-most free throws in the regular season, didn't attempt one.

In his face: Miami's Shane Battier was jazzed to find out that Thunder star Kevin Durant admitted being bothered by Battier's method of sticking his hand in a shooter's face to keep him from seeing the rim.

"Yes! Someone finally admitted it," Battier said. "For years, Kobe (Bryant of the Lakers) never admitted it. Yes!"

Battier said he started the hand-to-the-face a few years ago after teammates got mad at him when he was testing it in practice.

"I absolutely hate it," Durant said. "But I've gotten used to it over the years playing Shane."

RECORD RATINGS: The Thunder's win Tuesday was the most-viewed NBA Finals Game 1 ever on ABC, posting a 9.9 rating and just under 16.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen. The previous best was the Pistons-Lakers opener in 2004 (9.8 rating, 15.35 million viewers). The rating is the percentage of all homes with TVs.

Barkley as 76ers GM? TNT analyst and former 76ers star Charles Barkley is interested in the team's open GM position, Philly radio show host Anthony Gargano reported.

Around the League: The NBA says its board of governors voted to approve the sale of the Hornets to Saints owner Tom Benson. The transaction is expected to close this week. … Celtics star Kevin Garnett was fined $25,000 by the NBA for failing to make himself available to the media after Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — At 17, Beau Hossler is almost old news at the U.S. Open.

That's what happens when a 14-year-old gets in the field and all Hossler has done is qualify for the second straight year as an amateur. Even Hossler's dad said the attention on Andy Zhang is warranted.

"I understand the crowds around a 14-year-old getting in," Beau Hossler Sr. said Wednesday. "That is incredible."

While Zhang will be battling the nerves of a first-time competitor, Hossler, who shot 76-77 in missing the cut last year, is feeling right at home.

Wednesday, Hossler played a round with Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk and Zach Johnson — who have played a combined 41 U.S. Opens.

"It's pretty cool," said Hossler, who qualified at a nearby sectional. "I feel like I'm a little more experienced this year. I feel comfortable out here."

That has changed his goals.

"I want to be the low amateur and play the entire tournament," he said. "I think (Olympic) suits my game better in that it's very difficult off the tee and plays hard and fast."

Even harder: The USGA requested a last-minute change to the course — a bunker about 50 yards short of the green at No. 17.

The 522-yard par-5 is a risk-and-reward hole for those who try to make the green in two shots. USGA executive director Mike Davis discovered if a player layed up, he had a nice level landing area near the right rough from which he could a hit a short wedge at the flag. The bunker denies a landing area for an easy third shot.

"That bunker has been there for only six weeks," said David Thompson, Olympic's greens committee chairman. "But (course architect) Bill Love made it look as if it's dated from the 1920s."

Cut change: The top 60 and ties still make the cut but no longer will those within 10 shots of the lead. Davis said the decision was mainly to protect against too many players on the weekend (108 in 1996) and noted no one has made the cut under the 10-shot rule and gone on to win.

Nicklaus Award: Starting this year, the winner will receive the Jack Nicklaus Medal. The medal, which has been awarded every year since the championship began in 1895, previously did not have a name. It features an image of Nicklaus on the back.

Times wires
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Boxing

WBO to review Pacquiao Upset

One of boxing's major sanctioning bodies will review Timothy Bradley's controversial split decision victory over Manny Pacquiao, the first step toward what promoter Bob Arum hopes will be "clarity" in the judging of the fight.

WBO president Francisco Valcarcel said Wednesday that his championship committee will review video with five "recognized international judges" and make a recommendation.

Most reporters at ringside and the majority of fans at the MGM Grand arena Saturday believed Pacquiao had defended his welterweight title.

Jerry Roth had it 115-113 for Pacquiao, while Duane Ford and C.J. Ross had it for Bradley by the same score.

"The public saw the fight and they're outraged, and we need clarity here," Arum said.

Mayweather Denied: Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s demand that he be released from jail because the poor quality of the food and water has threatened his health was denied by Las Vegas judge Melissa Saragosa. He is serving three months after pleading guilty to domestic battery.

Soccer

U.S. leads group despite draw

Host Guatemala scored in the 83rd minute on a free kick and the United States settled for a 1-1 draw in World Cup semifinal round qualifying late Tuesday.

The United States (1-0-1) tops Group A of North and Central America and the Caribbean on goal difference over Jamaica (1-0-1), which tied 0-0 tie at Antigua and Barbuda.

Clint Dempsey had put the U.S. ahead, but Marco Pappa converted after a foul.

Russia fined: UEFA fined the Russian association $150,000 because its fans attacked stadium stewards at a European Championship match last week in Poland. UEFA also gave the federation a suspended six-point deduction, meaning Russia could be deducted six points in its qualifying group for the next European Championship if its fans turn violent again at Euro 2012. Russia can appeal.

EC play: Germany beat the Netherlands 2-1 and Portugal topped Denmark 3-2.

et cetera

Autos: The IndyCar race in China scheduled for Aug. 19 was officially canceled because Qing-dao officials, under a deadline, did not want the event to coincide with the city's beer festival, and they could not move the date or location.

Cycling: Andy Schleck, the 2010 Tour de France champion, pulled out of this year's race because of a spine injury he suffered last week. He said he still hopes to compete in the London Olympics. "My world fell apart," he said.

Horse racing: Kentucky racing regulators approved a ban on the race-day use of the antibleeding drug furosemide, making it the first state in the nation to do so. The proposed regulation would be phased in beginning with 2-year-old horses in graded or listed stakes in 2014. The measure needs approval from state lawmakers.

Tennis: American Andy Roddick was ousted from the grasscourt tournament at Queen's Club in London, losing to Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-4, 4-6, 7-5. … Top-seeded Francesca Schiavone and defending champion Sabine Lisicki were upset in the at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England.

Times wires

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Rays vs. Mets

When/where: 1:10 today; Tropicana Field

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

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH Jeremy Hellickson (4-2, 2.65)

METS: LH Johan Santana (3-3, 2.96)

On Hellickson: Joe Maddon insists Hellickson's last start, when he issued seven walks (two to the pitcher) in 41/3 innings at Miami, was an aberration. Up until that game, Maddon says, Hellickson was pitching as well as anyone on the staff. Hellickson hasn't won since May 16, but even that's misleading. His 2.65 ERA ranks fifth in the AL.

On Santana: Despite getting two extra days off following his 134-pitch no-hitter against the Cardinals, Santana still wilted in his encore performance. He surrendered seven hits, including a career high-tying four homers, in five innings in Friday's 9-1 loss to the Yankees. History says he'll bounce back today; Santana is 2-0 with a 1.85 ERA in four career appearances at the Trop.

Key matchups

Rays VS. SANTANA

Carlos Peña 8-for-26

B.J. Upton 1-for-7

Ben Zobrist 0-for-9

METS VS. HELLICKSON

None have faced

On deck

Friday: vs. Marlins, 7:10 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (3-5, 4.59); Marlins — Carlos Zambrano (4-4, 3.55)

Saturday: vs. Marlins, 7:15, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (7-4, 4.06); Marlins — Anibal Sanchez (3-5, 3.40)

Sunday: vs. Marlins, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (2-3, 4.70); Marlins — Josh Johnson (4-4, 4.27)

Monday: off

Survey of the day

The Rays' Joe Maddon was voted as the "smartest manager" in baseball in a Men's Journal magazine survey of 100 major-leaguers, drawing 25 percent of the voting to edge the Angels' Mike Scioscia (20 percent). The same survey had the Marlins' Ozzie Guillen as the "least respected" manager (at 36 percent), and had Philadelphia as having the league's "most obnoxious fans," getting 36 percent to easily beat San Francisco (22 percent).

Knuckling under

Despite Wednesday's struggles against R.A. Dickey, the Rays had fared well against knuckleballers in recent years, winning eight of their previous 10 games against them. Nine of those games were against Boston's Tim Wakefield, with a single win against Dickey.

No easy outs

Six of the Mets' 14 hits came from batters who entered the game hitting below .200: Jason Bay (.182), Ike Davis (.174), Mike Nickeas (.134) and Vinny Rottino (.185). Another three came from leadoff hitter Andres Torres, who was hitting .205 coming in.