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Former Lakewood standout Fowler cleared to enroll at Florida

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 2, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Dante Fowler Jr. had been packed for more than a week, but when classes began Monday at Florida he still wasn't sure he had anywhere to go. But by late Monday afternoon, Fowler and his family were preparing for the trip to Gainesville.

The former Lakewood defensive end was cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse and will enroll today at Florida.

"We feel ecstatic that he's going to college," said Dante Fowler Sr., adding that "everybody was excited'' when coach Will Muschamp and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn called. "It was a stressful situation, going through this whole process — the recruiting and then going through the clearinghouse. But we're relieved. God has been good to us."

Fowler Sr. said the family planned to be in Gainesville by late Monday night.

Several other Florida recruits remain in limbo. Shelby, N.C., defensive tackle Jonathan Bullard is awaiting a Clearinghouse decision. Four-star defensive tackle Dante Phillips of Venice has been denied admission. His stepfather told the Gainesville Sun he had been cleared by the NCAA but denied admission to UF. Federal laws prohibit Florida officials from discussing Phillips' academic status.

Other area recruits, tight end Kent Taylor (Land O'Lakes) and linebacker Jeremi Powell (Pinellas Park), were enrolled as of Monday, UF officials confirmed.


Tampa Bay Lightning plays free agent waiting game along with most of NHL

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 2, 2012

To say Monday was a slow day in the NHL when it came to signing unrestricted free agents would be an understatement.

"It was," Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said, "a very slow day."

Whereas 59 players signed on Sunday, the first day of free agency, only 11 got deals on Day 2, according to TSN.ca.

The reason? The system is paralyzed to a certain extent while defenseman Ryan Suter and center Zach Parise, the year's top two free agents, decide where they want to play.

"Everybody's waiting," Yzerman said. "I think the whole league is waiting for a couple of guys to re-sign and then business will resume."

How two players hold up the works is an interesting, though simple, tale.

Only after they sign will teams that lose in the bidding move on to Plan B. And those Plan B players await the onrush of suitors who still have holes to fill in their rosters and money to spend.

"It becomes a bidding frenzy for the next level of free agent," said former Flames GM Craig Button, an NHL Network analyst.

"Potentially, you could be leaving money on the table by signing now. There's nothing like a lover scorned, especially if they get the feeling that, 'We have to go after the next guy.' ''

How this affects the Lightning, which entered free agency looking mainly to bolster its blue line, is unclear.

Yzerman has said he is not part of the Suter sweepstakes because the asking price is too high and on Sunday he landed defenseman Sami Salo with a two-year, $7.5 million deal.

But it is believed Yzerman has had at least contact with representatives for defenseman Matt Carle, and Michal Rozsival, Carlo Colaiacovo and Bryce Salvadore also are available.

Even so, Yzerman said the system-wide stalemate "is not going to change anything we're going to do right now."

And he will not get sucked into a bidding war.

"We're realistic what the market is and we're prepared to deal with the market," he said, "but we're not going to blow our brains out here."

Yzerman added he would have no problem giving a chance to Mark Barberio, who the general manager called "the best defenseman in the American League last year."

"I'm not going to do something I think is inappropriate out of desperation," Yzerman said. "If it's a player that doesn't really fit us or a contract that doesn't fit what we're trying to do, we're better off saving our money and going with some young guys here. They might be better for the spot than some players we'd have to overpay to get."

But before Suter and Parise sign, no one really knows what teams will have to pay to sign the next tier of players.

"I think you are right in asserting there will be a domino effect," player agent Rich Evans said.

Until that begins, though, there is little choice.

"It's the way it is," Yzerman said. "We have no control over it right now. We just have to sit and wait."

And hope to avoid another slow day.

Brodeur staying put

NEWARK, N.J. — Martin Brodeur is going to remain the face of the Devils.

The 40-year-old goaltender who has led the team to three Stanley Cups, signed a two-year, $9 million contract Monday to stay with the only NHL club he's ever known.

"At the end of the day, this is what I wanted all along," Brodeur said in a conference call.

HABS KEEP PRICE: The Canadiens re-signed goalie Carey Price to a six-year contract extension worth $39 million. Price, 24, was 26-28-4 with a .916 save percentage and 2.43 goals-against average last season.

TORRES SUSPENSION: Commissioner Gary Bettman cut four games off the 25-game suspension given to Coyotes forward Raffi Torres during the playoffs. Torres was suspended April 21 and missed Phoenix's final 13 playoff games after his high hit left Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa with a concussion.

TRADE: The Sabres acquired forward Steve Ott and defenseman Adam Pardy from the Stars for forward Derek Roy.

AVALANCHE: Defenseman Jan Hejda is out at least four months after wrist surgery, the Denver Post reported.

FLAMES: Jiri Hudler signed a four-year deal, 16 million deal, leaving the Red Wings.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com. Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Tampa Bay Rays: Jose Lobaton gets married at the Trop; James Shields acknowledges some urgency

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, July 2, 2012

Rays vs. Yankees

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field

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

Tickets: $17-$275, available at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team Tampa store; $3 surcharge within five hours of game time.

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH James Shields (7-5, 4.04)

YANKEES: RH Ivan Nova (9-2, 4.03)

On Shields: Is winless in his past three starts, allowing a career-high 14 hits in a loss to the Tigers on Thursday. He's 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three starts against the Yankees this season.

On Nova: Is coming off a strong June (4-0, 1.59 ERA) and gave up one run over 71/3 innings his last outing against the White Sox. He's 4-0, 2.82 in six career starts against Tampa Bay.

Key matchups

Rays VS. NOVA

B.J. Upton 3-for-17

Jose Molina 1-for-10, HR

Ben Zobrist 2-for-13

YANKEES VS. SHIELDS

R. Cano 27-for-65, 4 HRs

C. Granderson 5-for-52, HR

A. Rodriguez 13-for-45, 3 HRs

On deck

Wednesday: vs. Yankees, 3:10, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (11-4, 2.92); Yankees — David Phelps (1-3, 3.16)

Thursday: at Indians, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (4-4, 3.44); Indians — Josh Tomlin (4-5, 5.85)

Friday: at Indians, 7:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (3-5, 4.94); Indians — Justin Masterson (5-7, 3.92)

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Getting hitched

Jose Lobaton had a busy day at the plate. Before suiting up to catch Monday night's game, he stepped up for a brief morning ceremony to get married at the Trop. Jose and Nina walked up a red carpet to the plate, as teammate Carlos Peña and his wife, Pamela, stood up for them, and a notary did the honors.

Quote of the day

"We're not really panicking or nothing like that, but we definitely know we have to get better, all-around."

RHP James Shields on the Rays' recent struggles

Number of the day

8

Consecutive home wins by Rays over Yankees, the longest such streak by any team against New York in the past 20 years

Torres bows out at age 45

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Times wires
Monday, July 2, 2012

OMAHA, Neb. — Dara Torres lingered in the water after the other swimmers had climbed out of the pool. Her long career was finally over.

She wanted to soak up the moment as long as possible.

Torres, 45, came up short in her bid to make it to the Olympics for a sixth time. She was fourth in the 50-meter freestyle final Monday night, her only event at the U.S. swimming trials.

"This is really over," Torres said. "That's it, I'm going to enjoy some time with my daughter, have a nice summer and cheer on the U.S. team."

After winning three silver medals in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, Torres had radical knee surgery and put all her hopes into a chaotic dash from one end of the pool to the other. But Jessica Hardy won in 24.50 seconds and Kara Lynn Joyce took the other Olympic spot in 24.73.

"Obviously I was hoping to make the team," Torres said. "That was my goal and missing it by less than a tenth of a second is tough, but I don't think there's anything I could have changed."

To be precise, Torres was denied a trip to London by 0.09 seconds, touching behind third-place Christine Magnuson (24.78). Torres smiled when she saw her time (24.82) and hugged Hardy and Joyce.

When Torres got out, she began motioning for her daughter, 6-year-old Tessa, to join her.

Torres, the former standout at Florida, walked into the stands, still dripping wet, and scooped up Tessa, who was wearing a green shirt that said "Go Mom."

"She's bummed she's not going to London now," Torres said. "I told her I'd still take her."

Meanwhile, Michael Phelps will not try to win eight gold medals again after all.

The world's greatest swimmer dropped one of his eight Olympic events, the 200 free, leaving him with seven in London. The 14-time gold medalist said he was fine with deciding to pull back from any attempt to equal his haul from the Beijing Games.

"Four years ago, we were trying to literally do everything," he said Monday. "That was what we wanted to do but at this point, it's let's go out, let's have some fun, let's relax a little bit."

In the last event of the eight-day trials, Andrew Gemmell won the 1,500 free in 14 minutes, 52.19 seconds. Connor Jaeger (14:52.51) took the second and final spot for London.

Track runoff called off

EUGENE, Ore. — It will be remembered as the most anticipated race never run.

Jeneba Tarmoh conceded the final U.S. Olympic track and field spot rather than meet training partner Allyson Felix in a runoff to settle their third-place tie in the 100 meters.

In the original race June 23, Tarmoh leaned across the finish line and looked up to see her name on the scoreboard in the third spot behind winner Carmelita Jeter and runnerup Tianna Madison. Only later was the spot ruled a dead heat.

"Running in this (runoff) came down to how I felt internally. … If I was at peace, I would have run," Tarmoh told AP. "My heart was not at peace with running."

Felix, who will run the 100 and 200 in London, said in a statement: "The situation has been difficult for everyone involved. … I wanted to earn my spot on this team and not have it conceded to me so I share in everyone's disappointment that this runoff will not happen."

Sports in brief: U.S. softball team wins sixth straight World Cup

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Times wires
Monday, July 2, 2012

softball

u.s. wins sixth world cup

OKLAHOMA CITY — Samantha Fischer doubled in two runs, Michelle Moultrie circled the bases when her bunt just in front of home plate was thrown into rightfield and the United States beat Australia 3-0 Monday night to win its sixth straight World Cup of Softball championship.

Jackie Traina, Jordan Taylor, Keilani Ricketts combined on a one-hit shutout for the Americans, who outscored opponents 43-3 in their six games.

The United States jumped ahead in the bottom of the first when centerfielder Verity Long-Droppert broke inward on Fischer's line drive with two out and the ball got over her head. Kaitlin Cochran and Stacy May-Johnson scored.

The Americans will next head to the Canadian Open, where top rival Japan will be in the field after skipping this year's World Cup for the first time. The sport's two top teams are set to play Saturday.

colleges

Wife of longtime FSU coach dies of cancer

The wife of former longtime Florida State defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews died Sunday at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Diane Andrews was 69. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer six months ago.

"We have lost a member of our Seminole family today," athletic director Randy Spetman said in a statement. "Diane was a special person whose love and caring touched us all, including hundreds of student-athletes."

Mickey Andrews retired following the 2009 season after 26 years with the Seminoles.

Irish coach McGraw gets 10-year extension: Notre Dame women's basketball coach Muffet McGraw signed a 10-year extension through the 2021-22 season. McGraw, 56, led Notre Dame to the national title in 2001. Her teams have made 19 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 17 in a row.

football: Stanford running back Tyler Gaffney will give up his final year of eligibility in football to pursue a baseball career. Gaffney ran for 449 yards and scored seven touchdowns as a junior last season. He played outfield for three seasons and was a 24th-round selection by the Pirates. … Former UCLA starting kicker Kip Smith reportedly transferred to Oklahoma State.

boxing

Title defense, then Ukraine elections

Vitali Klitschko will defend his WBC heavyweight title against Germany's Manuel Charr before turning his attention to Ukraine's parliamentary elections.

Klitschko's management group announced he will fight Charr, 27, in Moscow on Sept. 8 then lead the UDAR party in his country's elections Oct. 28. Klitschko, 40, said he wants to continue fighting but "I will make my decision after the election."

Charr, who was born in Beirut, is unbeaten with 21 wins and 11 KOs. Klitschko has 40 KOs with 44 wins and two defeats.

Klitschko's younger brother, Wladimir, defends his WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles against Tony Thompson on Saturday in Berne, Switzerland.

et cetera

Autos: NASCAR penalized Austin Dillon because his car failed inspection after his Nationwide Series win at Kentucky on Friday, dropping him out of the points lead. Dillon was docked six points in the standings, going from two points up on Elliott Sadler to down by four.

Soccer: Delegates of the Dominica Football Association have voted in favor of a resolution to ban the organization's president from the sport from the remainder of his term. In November, FIFA banned Patrick John from all football activity for two years for his part in an alleged bribery plot involving former presidential candidate Mohamed bin Hammam. Local delegates voted in favor of the ban 24-7. John cannot participate in local activities until 2015.

Times wires

Brewers 6, Marlins 5

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Times wires
Monday, July 2, 2012

Brewers 6, Marlins 5

MILWAUKEE — Pinch-hitter Norichika Aoki drove in the go-ahead run with a safety squeeze in the eighth inning for Milwaukee. Rickie Weeks sparked the winning rally with a leadoff double. He moved up on Martin Maldonado's single to right and scored when Aoki greeted Randy Choate with a bunt single.

Cardinals 9, Rockies 3

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Times wires
Monday, July 2, 2012

Cardinals 9, Rockies 3

ST. LOUIS — Allen Craig hit two home runs, Carlos Beltran extended his RBI streak to a major league-high nine games and Kyle Lohse worked into the eighth inning for St. Louis. The Cardinals punished a pitching staff that entered with a major league-worst 5.37 ERA. Colorado has lost five of seven.

Tampa Bay Rays' Matt Moore battles past New York Yankees to win fourth straight start

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Matt Moore's night got off to a rough, even unfortunate, start.

The Rays rookie left-hander allowed two runs on four hits in the first inning to the first-place Yankees, with a defensive miscue costing him.

But instead of being frustrated, Moore just became more focused, knowing he couldn't afford to give New York any more.

"He does all the right things when adversity strikes," manager Joe Maddon said. "He did not break. He didn't even bend."

Rather, Moore bounced back, delivering a strong seven-inning outing in lifting the Rays to a 4-3 victory over the Yankees at Tropicana Field. He has now won four consecutive decisions.

Moore didn't have his best stuff, saying his changeup wasn't a huge factor, but he was able to locate his fastball, mix in his curveball and battle out of jams.

"When he needed to get the big out, he did," Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira said.

Moore tipped his cap to pitching coach Jim Hickey, who made four mound visits. After three of them, Moore promptly got a double play.

Maddon quipped that Hickey was whispering "sweet nothings" into Moore's ear. But Moore said each trip was well-timed, with Hickey giving him information or encouragement to "put that aroma in the air."

"I think after the third one, I told him, I said, 'If I get another guy on, just come out and talk to me for a little while,' " Moore said, smiling. "That worked out awesome. I felt like it was three pitches and six outs after each one of those. Hats off to Hick."

Hickey's first trip came during a two-run first inning; Nick Swisher grounded into a double play to thwart the threat. Moore also got inning-ending double plays in the third and sixth. He's now 4-0 with a 3.29 ERA since the start of June.

"I was pretty pumped up, it was a good win for us," Moore said. "The Yankees coming in here at the top of the division, we've been kind of hitting a little skid for a while. Hopefully, this is a sign for a lot of things to come."


Padres 6, Diamondbacks 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Padres 6, D'backs 2

PHOENIX — Clayton Richard came within one out of a complete game, Alexi Amarista hit one of three San Diego home runs and the Padres won their third straight game. Cameron Maybin hit a 485-foot homer, and rookie catcher Yasmani Grandal, the former University of Miami standout, hit his third in three games. Arizona lost its third in a row.

Mariners 6, Orioles 3

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Mariners 6, Orioles 3

SEATTLE — Casper Wells hit a go-ahead three-run double with two outs in the seventhfor Seattle. Miguel Olivo and Dustin Ackley added back-to-back homers in the eighth as the Mariners rallied in their first game of the season against Baltimore, which has lost six of its past seven and 10 of 13. Wells drove Jason Hammel's 0-and-1 pitch into the gap in right-center to bring in Ackley, Munenori Kawasaki and Ichiro Suzuki.

Athletics 6, Red Sox 1

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Athletics 6, Red Sox 1

OAKLAND, Calif. — Josh Reddick and Brandon Moss homered against their former team to send Daisuke Matsuzaka to an early exit and lead Oakland. Rookie Jarrod Parker pitched 62/3 strong innings for the Athletics and allowed one run or fewer for 10th time in 14 career starts. He is the first pitcher since the New York Giants' Ferdie Schupp to do that in his first 14 starts, although Schupp was a spot starter who pitched mostly in relief when he did it from 1913-17.

Reds 8, Dodgers 2

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Reds 8, Dodgers 2

LOS ANGELES — Devin Mesoraco hit a two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning to cap a three-run rally, and Homer Bailey pitched eight strong innings for Cincinnati. Mesoraco drove in three runs and Todd Frazier had three hits, including a triple, and three RBIs for the Reds, who won for the third time in four games. Los Angeles has lost eight of its past nine games and 12 of its past 14.

East bay fishing report: The aftermath of Debby

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By Capt. Tim Whitfield, Times Corespondent
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Storm report: Debby did a number on the east side of the bay. The storm mucked up everything from Tampa Bay south to Estero Bay and even farther south. The dark waters from the creeks and rivers had visibility near zero. The beaches and passes look akin to a glass of milk. The good news is with the full moon tides preceding this report, the bay should be much cleaner by the weekend.

Spot work: The dirty water makes fishing tough, but if you found the right spot just far enough away from the creek and river mouths, and just far enough away from the pass, it was game on. Reds and snook cooperated well using dark colored soft plastics. Even top water plugs in dark patterns were scoring a wicked strike by the snook and redfish.

Bait: With bait all but gone in most of the usual haunts the artificials have saved the day on several of my latest trips. That said, a slow presentation and an early start are on the menu heading into the dog days of summer.

Heat index: A way to beat the midday heat is to stick a beach umbrella in one of the rod holders and deploy some cut mullet into mullet schools. This is an excellent way to relax and still catch some nice redfish or snook. Who knows? Maybe the elusive spiny-finned catfish will surface as well.

Capt. Tim Whitfield can be reached at (813) 744-0889 or tim@swiftfishcharters.com.

Evaluating the Tampa Bay Rowdies at midseason

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By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG

The Tampa Bay Rowdies enter the annual July 4 Florida derby against bitter rival Fort Lauderdale at Al Lang Field having won three matches in a row and jumping from fifth place in the NASL standings to third.

With the regular season halfway complete — the Rowdies have played 14 of 28 league matches — now is the time to examine what went right for the Rowdies in the first half of the season, and what to look forward to in the second.

Best performance (team)

Rowdies 3, San Antonio 2 at Al Lang (June 23): The Scorpions came to St. Petersburg at the top of the NASL and in the midst of a nine-match league unbeaten streak. Tampa Bay entered having lost three of its previous four but showed resiliency a week earlier in rallying to win at Minnesota. Against San Antonio, the Rowdies displayed even greater resolve. Twice, the Rowdies responded from a goal down amidst a steady downpour courtesy of Tropical Storm Debby. Keith Savage and Luke Mulholland had tying goals — Mulholland's came in the 88th minute — and Tsuyoshi Yoshitake capped the comeback with the winner in second-half stoppage time to send Al Lang into hysterics. "It was a real team effort from the whole squad," Tampa Bay coach Ricky Hill said.

Honorable mention

Rowdies 2, Minnesota 1 at NSC Stadium (June 16)

Rowdies 3, Fort Lauderdale 1 at Al Lang (April 28)

First half MVP

F Tsuyoshi Yoshitake: To gauge the Japanese product's indispensability, look at Tampa Bay's record in matches Yoshitake has missed. After suffering a chest injury in a brutal collision May 19 in Atlanta, Yoshitake missed three league matches and the Rowdies lost twice and tied once. With Yoshitake's return, the Rowdies have won three in a row against quality opponents. Yoshitake has four goals in those three games and leads the Rowdies in goals (five) and points (12).

Honorable mention

D Takuya Yamada

F Luke Mulholland

Best performance (individual)

F Daniel Antoniuk, two goals at Atlanta (May 19): Playing against one of his former teams, Antoniuk scored two first-half goals and barely missed a few other chances to key a 3-2 win, the team's first road win of the season. The Philadelphia native scored in the 12th minute after a nice feed over the top from M Shane Hill. He added goal No. 2 in the 37th minute, burying M Keith Savage's header pass past Atlanta GK Daniel Illyes. Antoniuk was named NASL offensive player of the week two days later.

Honorable mention

F Tsuyoshi Yoshitake, two goals vs. San Antonio (June 23)

GK Jeff Attinella, eight saves, shutout vs. FC Edmonton (April 14)

Biggest surprise

D Daniel Scott: Hawaii-born Scott used J.P. Rodrigues' call up to the Guyana National Team as a means to break into the top 11 and has since started the past four games. Now, with Rodrigues back, a defense with Scott and Rodrigues in the center and Takuya Yamada and Frankie Sanfilippo on the sides has produced three straight wins. Hill is pragmatic in his player selections; if the team wins, he won't tinker with the lineup. So expect to see more of Scott in the season's second half.

Honorable mention

D Draymond Washington's play as an attacking left back

F Luke Mulholland's quality in his first full NASL season

. Tonight

Rowdies vs. Fort Lauderdale

When/where: 6:30; Al Lang Field, St. Petersburg

Light up the bay: Fans are invited to come onto the field and watch the City of St. Petersburg's fireworks display from the outfield grass following the match.

Records: Rowdies 6-5-3 (21 points); Fort Lauderdale 5-5-4 (19 points)

Last time: Tampa Bay beat Minnesota 2-0 Saturday at Al Lang. Fort Lauderdale halted Carolina's four-game league win streak with a 2-1 win at Lockhart Stadium.

Notes: Rowdies G Jeff Attinella won the NASL's Defensive Player of the Week award for the second time this season following his clean sheet against Minnesota. … Since the return of the Tampa Bay franchise in 2010, the team has lost only once to Fort Lauderdale in 10 matches. … Rowdies F Mike Ambersley has three goals this season, all game winners.

Big budget helps Florida Gators achieve big athletic success

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

GAINESVILLE — A few hours after the No. 1 seeded Florida baseball team was eliminated from the College World Series in a loss to Kent State last month, a message appeared on Twitter: "I guess money can't buy everything."

Though money doesn't automatically translate into winning, it certainly helps. Vast financial resources aid winning at Florida and the nation's other top programs. Money lets them hire the best coaches, build state-of-the-art facilities to help lure the nation's best high school athletes, and travel with relative ease to and from events.

"I've said often people don't want to talk about the business aspect of college athletics, but there is a business aspect," Florida athletics director Jeremy Foley said. "Certainly our job is to graduate student athletes and provide a quality experience for them, but when you're talking about a $100 million budget, there's a business aspect. And if you want to be successful at the level we want to be successful at, you better have some resources to do that."

This season the Gators finished second in the Learfield Sports Director's Cup after 12 of their 17 teams finished in the national top 10 with a school-record three national championships. Just traveling to and from those postseason and championship events cost the Gators more than $1.2 million.

Rewarding success also costs. Florida coaches receive a $4,000 bonus in any year their teams achieve an 85 percent graduation rate, $1,500 for assistant coaches, along with an allocation for academic advisers.

Florida's athletic budget for the upcoming season is projected at $97.5 million, and even in the midst of a recession, facility improvements continue. Among them: a $150,000 resod of the football surface, construction of an indoor tennis practice facility, renovation and expansion of the gymnastics facility, and renovation of the Ben Hill Griffin Stadium west concourse. Since 1982, Florida has invested $242.5 million in facility improvements for its athletic programs.

"There's no doubt we can go out and tell recruits that you will have every opportunity to become successful when you come to Florida," football coach Will Muschamp said. "And that's because of the resources that we have and the commitment of the administration."

The resources include facilities that play a huge role in recruiting.

"Most definitely, especially for female recruits because we know there are high schools around the country that, even though we've just celebrated 40 years of Title IX, it hasn't gotten to some high schools," said volleyball coach Mary Wise, entering her 22nd season at UF. "And when it comes to allocating money at that level, girls are the last on the list. So when they're visiting us and they see the facilities or the weight room or learn of the high quality academic support system, they see things like scholarships for female athletes in the summer … it goes well beyond just what you can see visually."

Foley told board members at a University Athletic Association meeting in June that the program's success is directly linked to the generosity of a staunch fan base. Gators Boosters generates one-third of the money that operates the athletic program — $33.8 million in the upcoming year. But he bristles at the notion that it only takes money to win.

He points out that while the Gators have a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility, coach Billy Donovan won a national title before the facility was built. And Rhonda Faehn's gymnastics program was in the top five using the facility now being renovated. Commitment, Foley said, breeds winners. With a few dollars thrown in.

"I hate to think that the perception is if you have money you're going to win," Foley said. "It takes more than that. I think you support your programs. Obviously if you have quality coaches, you have to retain them. You've got to be competitive in terms of salaries. I think facilities are a statement of commitment. Those things are nice but at the end of the day, it's about the institution and it's about the academic reputation of the institution. But you have to have finances, no question. I mean, that's part of the equation. But is it the only part? No."

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com.


Captain's Corner: Plentiful juvenile tarpon move closer to the gulf

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By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

What's hot: Juvenile tarpon, from 5 to 30 pounds, are in river mouths and deep residential canals. Anclote River, the Cottee, and Gulf Harbors are good areas. Rain has pushed many of these smaller tarpon, usually found up river, closer to the gulf.

Tackle: Tackle used for redfish or snook works for juvenile tarpon. A 7-foot light action rod provides casting distance. Match that with a 2500 to 3000 series reel loaded with 8- to 12-pound line, and finish the setup with a 2-foot piece of 20-pound leader and a 1/0 circle hook.

Tactics: Look for rolling tarpon in early morning, late evening, or just after a rain. If the tide is strong, cast just up current of where the fish breached, regardless of the direction the fish was moving. With minimal tidal movement, cast in front of the fish. These fish also respond well to live chumming with scaled sardines. Dead bait on the bottom also works. Anchor where tarpon have been rolling and toss chunks of cutbait in grouped areas around the boat. Put a hook in a piece of cutbait and cast to areas you've been chumming.

Seth Leto charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at capt.seth@yahoo.com and (727) 385-0382.

Goalie Andrey Vasilevskiy impresses at Tampa Bay Lightning development camp

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

BRANDON — The first save goaltender Andrey Vasilevskiy made Tuesday was good enough; a quick one with his right leg on a shot from in close.

But that was just the primer for a sequence of stops that caused the small crowd at the Ice Sports Forum for the first day of the Lightning's development camp to gasp and then applaud.

Vasilevskiy used flailing arms and stretching legs to repeatedly thwart Vladislav Namestnikov and Dan Milan during a two-on-none drill, and made one save while on his back with legs into the air.

"He pretty much covers up the whole net, and he moves so fast," Namestnikov said.

"I was playing the situation," Vasilevskiy said with Namestnikov translating his native Russian. "Maybe some were lucky, but I played it hard to the end."

Among 30 prospects attending the camp, Vasilevskiy's appearance was perhaps the most anticipated.

The 19th overall pick of the June draft does not turn 18 until July 25 but is ranked by NHL Central Scouting as Europe's No. 1 junior goalie.

He had a 2.23 goals-against average and .931 save percentage in 27 games last season for Ufa in Russia, and Tampa Bay general manager Steve Yzerman likened him to the Kings' Jonathan Quick, whom Yzerman said is breaking the stereotype of goalies "who are big and wear big equipment and just block (the puck)."

"He's so athletic and he makes great saves with his feet and his hands, so kind of re-defining the position," Yzerman said. "We think Vasilevskiy is in the same type of mold.

"He's very big and very athletic. It's only practice, but you see his ability to move in the net — long limbs and he's got a good structure and style to his game."

The question is where Vasilevskiy, 6 feet 3, 204 pounds, will play?

He was selected in the junior import draft by Mississauga of the Ontario Hockey League, and Vasilevskiy said it would be best for his career to play in North America. To do that, either he or Mississauga must buy out the last two years of his Ufa contract.

"Whether it's North America or Russia, we want him playing," Yzerman said. "I think if he's in North America, in juniors, he would be a starting goalie. If he is in Russia, I don't know where he fits in on the depth chart of his men's team or junior team."

Asked through Namestnikov what he will do, Vasilevskiy smiled and said, in English, "no comment."

Speaking volumes, at least Tuesday, was his play.

After a 15-minute technical session, Lightning goaltenders coach Frantz Jean raved about Vasilevskiy's "really quick feet, really good hands" and that "he tracks the puck well."

But it was that sprawling, rolling sequence against Namestnikov and Milan that demonstrated the most.

"He battles, that's what's great," Jean said. "That's exactly why that drill was designed. Is he going to abandon after two saves or keep going till the end? He was going and going and going."

"It looks very good for us," Jean added. "We got a good goalie."

MEDICAL MATTERS: Forwards Nikita Kucherov and Brendan O'Donnell did not skate while rehabbing shoulder surgeries. Forward Maxime Langelier-Parent (hip) also did not skate.

Around the league

Devils free-agent center Zach Parise took another day in his native Minnesota pondering where to play next season.

"I'm back here to talk with my family and make sure that we've done all the work that we need to do make sure we make the right decision," he told the Star Tribune of Minneapolis.

The other top free agent, Predators defenseman Ryan Suter, also has not chosen a team, said his agent, Neil Sheehy.

COYOTE HAS HEART WORRY: Coyotes forward Brett MacLean was admitted to a cardiac ICU in Ontario after a medical emergency late Monday. The team said MacLean, 23, was playing pickup hockey in Owen Sound, Ontario, when he had an emergency. Coyotes general manager Don Maloney said the forward received CPR at the rink, was taken to a local hospital, then was airlifted to Knight University Hospital in London, Ontario.

JAGR FINDS HOME: The Stars signed Jaromir Jagr, a five-time scoring champion and former MVP, for one year, $4.55 million. Jagr, 40, had 19 goals and 54 points — both career lows — for the Flyers last season, his first back in the NHL after he played three years in Russia.

ADDITIONS: Former Flames and Panthers forward Olli Jokinen signed a $9 million, two-year contract with the Jets late Monday. … Taylor Pyatt, a free-agent left wing, agreed with the Rangers on a contract reportedly worth $3.1 million over two years.

RE-SIGNINGS: The Devils gave defenseman Bryce Salvador, 36, a three-year extension worth $9.5 million. … Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson, 24, signed a four-year deal.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com. Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Sagan wins stage, channels Gump

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

BOULOGNE-SUR-MER, France — Pumping his arms in victory, Peter Sagan of Slovakia won a crash-marred third stage of the Tour de France on Tuesday as cycling's showcase race returned to its home country.

Fabian Cancellara of Switzerland remained the overall leader for a fourth straight day. The 122-mile ride featured five small climbs to an uphill finish.

Sagan, at 22 one of cycling's brightest stars, won his second stage in his debut Tour by bolting from the splintered pack with less than 300 meters left. Edvald Boasson Hagen of Norway was one second behind.

Sagan churned his arms, as a runner might, in a nod to the title character in the movie Forrest Gump.

"It's a thing I'd discussed with my teammates about what kind of gesture I'd do on the line," said Sagan, who rides for Liquigas-Cannondale. "Everybody said, 'Do a Forrest Gump' because when he was told to run, he ran. And when I'm told to win, I win."

More humbly, Sagan said he felt honored to ride alongside the likes of Vincenzo Nibali and two-time Giro d'Italia winner Ivan Basso on the Italian squad.

"With Basso, I feel like I'm on the level of someone who would shine his shoes," Sagan said.

American Tom Danielsonseparated his right shoulder in a crash. His status is unclear.

Surgery to shelve Cards ace for year

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Times wires
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ST. LOUIS — Chris Carpenter was starting to think his career might be over. Instead, the Cardinals right-hander hopes he's just looking at another lengthy interruption.

The 2005 NL Cy Young winner will have season-ending surgery this month to repair a nerve issue in his shoulder that has sidelined him since spring training.

Carpenter, 37, has been told the surgery to relieve compressed nerves in the shoulder could allow him to resume his career, though there are no guarantees. The procedure involves removing the first rib and connecting muscles, and cleaning out scar tissue.

"I want to pitch again, and this is the way for me to pitch again," Carpenter said Tuesday.

Carpenter heard what he wanted to hear from the surgeon, Dr. Gregory Pearl of Dallas. He didn't ask about odds of success.

"I asked him one simple question. I'm 37 years old, I've had a nice career, is this worth getting this done?" Carpenter said.

"There's no question he believes I can come back and be as strong as ever."

Carpenter has dealt since 2008 with an injury called thoracic outlet syndrome that causes numbness to his arm, shoulder, neck and face in various degrees. He doesn't believe his heavy workload last year for the World Series champions was a factor.

CHIPPER AN ALL-STAR: Braves 3B Chipper Jones, who is retiring after the season, was named to the NL All-Star team as an injury replacement for Dodgers CF Matt Kemp. Jones was one of five players on the Final Vote ballot at MLB.com.

In other All-Star news, Gerry Davis will be the home plate umpire for Tuesday's game in Kansas City, the 29-year veteran's second time as crew chief. Davis will be joined by Jim Joyce (first), Brian Runge (second), Tony Randazzo (third), Lance Barksdale (left) and Brian Knight (right).

HALLADAY HEALING: Phillies RHP Roy Halladay went through a vigorous bullpen session and could be back shortly after the All-Star break. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has been out since May 28 with a strained muscle in his back.

dukes ARRESTed: Former Rays prospect and Hillsborough High product Elijah Dukes was arrested in Tampa on a charge of driving with an invalid license.

ATHLETICS: Former closer Brian Fuentes was designated for assignment. The left-hander has a 6.84 ERA in 26 appearances.

BLUE JAYS: Duke RHP Marcus Stroman, the 22nd overall pick in the June draft, agreed to a $1.8 million deal.

INDIANS: DH Travis Hafner is set to be activated today after missing more than one month following knee surgery.

MARLINS: RF Giancarlo Stanton missed the game with the Brewers for precautionary reasons because of a sore right knee. He was available to pinch-hit.

METS: CF Kirk Nieuwenhuis was scratched because of a bruised right hand.

PIRATES: OF Jose Tabata was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis after batting .230 with a .295 on-base percentage and a .341 slugging percentage.

RED SOX: RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka went on the 15-day disabled list with neck stiffness. … Rookie 3B Will Middlebrooks sat out with left hamstring tightness and could be headed to the disabled list. … The team reached a contract termination settlement with RHP Bobby Jenks, out all season after offseason back surgery, and placed him on unconditional release waivers.

TIGERS: RHP Max Scherzer was scratched from his scheduled start because of a hamstring injury. The team expects him to miss only the one start.

TWINS: RHP Liam Hendriks, who has a 7.04 ERA in eight starts this season, was optioned to Triple-A Rochester. RHP Cole DeVries was called up from Rochester to replace him.

Tampa Bay Rays' James Shields beats New York Yankees after rough start

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, July 3, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP James Shields had a tough start to his night Tuesday, allowing two first-inning runs and 10 hits overall to the Yankees.

But Shields settled in to get his first victory in four starts, going seven innings in a 7-4 win over the Yankees. After the Rays gave him the lead back in the fourth, Shields held it, taking 32 pitches to get through innings 5-7.

"I tried to keep us in the game as long as I could throughout the game to give us a chance to score," Shields said.

Despite allowing double-digit hits for the second straight outing, Shields didn't walk anybody and stranded a runner on third in the fifth and sixth, when 2B Robinson Cano got thrown out at the plate.

"He had really good stuff," manager Joe Maddon said. "They got their 10 hits … but overall I thought he threw the ball well."

GETTING CLOSE: OF Matt Joyce (left external oblique strain) is certain he'll rejoin the Rays during the weekend series in Cleveland after a two-game rehab assignment in Triple-A Durham that starts tonight.

"Absolutely," Joyce said.

Joyce said he'll play nine innings in the outfield tonight and likely play for the Bulls Thursday, when he's eligible to come off the disabled list.

"I feel great," he said. "I'm ready to go."

Joyce said head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield's initial plan was for him to use the All-Star break to rest and then return. But Joyce felt significant improvement three days ago, and when he had no problems swinging, he said he wanted to get back as soon as possible. "If there's no issues," he said, "there's no point in waiting. I want to get back to help our team win."

MATSUI MATTERS: DH/OF Hideki Matsui, pulled from Monday's game with left hamstring tightness, was encouraged by how he felt Tuesday, saying he took some swings in the cage and was available to pinch-hit. Maddon said Matsui felt better than he and the Rays anticipated, and he should avoid the disabled list. Matsui said the next test is running, which could happen today, and he hopes to be able to play the field in a day or two.

ON MEND: Maddon said 3B Evan Longoria (partially torn left hamstring) will stay in St. Petersburg to rehab when the team travels to Cleveland. Porterfield will also stay back to prepare him for another minor-league rehab stint, which Maddon said could happen after the All-Star break.

FULD UPDATE: OF Sam Fuld (right wrist surgery) starts his rehab assignment Saturday for Class A Charlotte. Maddon has said Fuld would likely need the maximum 20-day stint.

"I'm like champing at the bit," Fuld said. "It's been a long three months, for sure. I'm pumped. I'm going to be like the hardest playing rehabber ever."

STEALING HOME: LF Desmond Jennings was credited with a steal of home in the seventh inning on a double-steal with CF B.J. Upton. It was the ninth steal of home in Rays history, and first on a double-steal since Upton did it April 8, 2008, against Seattle.

TRADE WINDS: Maddon said he doesn't anticipate the Rays making any moves before the trade deadline, rather "our bigger anticipation is getting people (healthy)."

MISCELLANY: The Rays have won nine straight home games against the Yankees since July 21, 2011, tying their longest home winning streak vs. any opponent (Twins, Aug. 8, 2000-April 24, 2002). … The Rays signed Arizona OF Joey Rickard, their ninth-round pick. … Durham 1B Leslie Anderson was added to the International League All-Star team as an injury replacement, joining Bulls RHP Dane De La Rosa.

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

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