By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Palma Ceia on another roll. The Palma Ceia Juniors All Star softball team is one step closer to returning to the Little League Softball World Series, but a few of the best teams in the region stand in the way.

The team opens up play at the Southeast Region Tournament in Fort Myers today with the winner headed to Kirkland, Wash., for the World Series. Last year, the PCLL Juniors finished second at the World Series.

Weather can't stop Citrus Park. Citrus Park's 10-11 All Star team endured a four-hour rain delay to win the state title recently in DeBary. The team will now travel to Virginia for the Southeast Regional.

Hailee DiCicco was strong inside the circle for Citrus Park in a 4-3 win against Windemere in the state championship game. Sydney Palaez came through with a walk-off single in the bottom of the seventh inning.

East Bay boys off to state. East Bay National Junior ALL Star team captured the Section 4 title last weekend and will advance to the state tournament, which begins today in Braden River. East Bay outscored opponents 28-7, sweeping all three games last weekend. The team went undefeated (4-0) the previous weekend to win the District 13 championship, outscoring opponents 29-4 in the four games.

TOPSoccer gears up for season. The Brandon Area Youth Soccer League's TOPSoccer program will hold registration in August and September. The program is geared to teach soccer to youths with special needs. The program is open to boys and girls age 5 and older as of Sept. 17.

The program was recognized with the "2009 Excellence in Action" award presented by the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System of the Hills­borough County Public Schools and also the "2010 TOPSoccer Club of the Year" award by the Florida Youth Soccer Association.

For more information, contact Ken Muzyk at (813) 657-5271 or visit brandonsoccer.com.

Bullets offer tryouts. The Bullets U13 gold baseball team will hold tryouts Aug. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at 2920 Gallagher Road in Dover.

Welcome to the Show. Former Plant and Oklahoma State star Corey Brown was called up by the Washington Nationals this week. Brown, who had six Major League games sunder his belt before the call-up, will serve as a reserve outfielder and takes the roster spot of All Star Ian Desmond, who was placed on the disabled list with an oblique tear.

Brown, taken 59th overall in the supplemental round by Oakland in 2007, was hitting .300 with 21 home runs, 58 RBIs and 14 stolen bases at Syracuse (AAA) before being recalled.

Compiled by Times correspondent Brandon Wright.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays have designated veteran DH/OF Hideki Matsui for assignment.

The move was made to make room for INF Ryan Roberts, who was acquired Tuesday night from the Diamondbacks.

Matsui, 38, who signed a minor league deal with Tampa Bay in late April, had been struggling mightily, hitting .147, and in a 0-for-16 hitless streak.

Whether it is the end of the line for Matsui's big-league career remains to be seen. The two-time All-Star, and former World Series MVP with the Yankees in 2009 has 10 days to clear waivers, get traded. It's unclear whether Matsui would accept an assignment to Triple-A Durham if he made it through waivers.

With OF Sam Fuld returning from the disabled list, and Roberts acquired, room - and time - was simply running out for Matsui to get things going offensively. Matsui, a career .282 hitter with five seasons of 20-plus home runs, hasn't looked right at the plate. He has said part of it was mechanical issues, which he's still not worked through, though added "it's no excuse."

"During a game you can't really pay attention to your mechanics and you just have to make the most out of the opportunities that are given to you. Obviously, the results aren't there, but the best thing that can be done is to get ready for the next opportunity and make sure you're prepared."

Matsui, a legend back in Japan, brought some fanfare - and dozens of Japanese media - when he signed in late April. The media core followed Matsui with the Rays wherever he went.

The Rays have praised Matsui for how professional he's been, how hard he's worked, but it just hasn't worked out.

"In spite of all the years that he played, he's a very proud man," Maddon said Sunday. "He still wants to do well, and I know he feels he can still do well. So he's not used to this kind of failure in a baseball sense because he's always been so good. I know that. I can see it in his face. I know how hard he's trying."

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

LONDON

These are the threats? The smiling, slightly sunburned faces of the British?

This is America's latest rival?

I arrived in London on Wednesday morning, so weary I felt as if I had walked to get here. I hadn't slept in 22 hours, and I wouldn't sleep for many more, and for some reason, my media housing was so far away from the media center, I think it might be in Prague.

And then the volunteers started smiling. And smiling. And smiling.

Why, they want to help me figure out logistics, and they want me to have a good time while I am here, and they will physically escort me to where writers get their press passes. They are all happy all the time, jolly old England all over again, and aren't the Olympics simply lovely? Also, would I care for a Cadbury?

So you wonder: What are these guys up to?

Except, you know, manufacturing the ugliest Olympic mascots since Atlanta's bosses thought up Izzy.

Look, I've been to England often enough to know that it is almost as easy to find the neighborhood grump here as it is in, say, the United States. The first Olympics I covered, I was so moved by an Irish boxer winning the gold medal that I purchased a hat with the Irish flag on it. (Ireland is my mother's birthplace.) Fifteen minutes later, a drunken Englishman threatened to knock it off my head.

(I later relayed this story to family members who live in England, and the general consensus was that, hey, the guy had a point.)

At any rate, England is so full of joy to see everyone that the country is positively fizzy. A volunteer just announced to the room that if writers were working late, pizza and beer could be delivered to the work stations. He announced it with gusto that bordered on breaking into song.

So what is going on here. Are the British this excited to see the Olympics? Are they just being sneaky about the traffic problems to come? Do they want to distract you from the security shortcomings in recent days?

Or maybe it's this: Maybe this time, the English intend to keep some of their gold for themselves.

Who knew?

It happens. Almost every Olympics, the host country wins more medals than it had previously. China went from 63 medals in 2004 to 100 in 2008. Australia went from 41 medals in '96 to 58 in 2000. Greece went from 13 in 2000 to 16 four years later.

Still, this is Great Britain. With the exception of Sebastian Coe and Daley Thompson back in the 1980s, the summer Olympics have rarely been golden for the British. Remember the way the runners moved in slow motion through the sand in Chariots of Fire? Pretty much, that's been England's story. The British make great rock 'n' roll, and they know a lot about comedy, and they can write a play or two.

Gold medalists? Four years ago, the Sun rated the top 10 British Olympians ever. A rower was No. 1. Another rower was No. 2. The rest of the stuff? Their best archer was Robin Hood, and their best fencer was King Arthur, and their best shooter was James Bond. Their Olympic drought is right up there with the one about not winning Wimbledon.

It would be nice to see the Brits do well. After all, they are just so darned happy these days.

Of course, the rest of the world is going to be interesting, too. Already, we have had another Iranian judoka withdraw rather than risk having to compete against an Israeli. A female Greek triple jumper has been kicked off her team because of racist tweets.

Given that, give me a rower every time. Or a cyclist.

Or a Cadbury.

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

The summer season of tournaments and camps will result in the same unsettled situation for the Durant and Strawberry Crest football teams.

Namely, the quarterback situation.

And one player is inextricably linked to both.

Namely, Trey Van DeGrift. He recently transferred from Strawberry Crest — where he started his freshman and sophomore seasons — to Durant.

Strawberry Crest Chargers head coach John Kelly admitted the move disrupted his plans. As in, plans that went from being pretty well decided to just the opposite.

"That battle will, more than likely, not be decided until well into camp," Kelly said.

However, Alex Carswell may have taken a slight lead over Tristan Hyde at last weekend's Sling & Shoot 7-on-7 tournament at the University of South Florida.

Carswell was one of the team's standouts as the Chargers compiled a 6-5 record. Strawberry Crest made it into the third round of single-elimination play, and would have made the quarterfinals but for a last-minute loss to Palm Beach Central.

As it turns out that would have been the Chargers' last game even had they won; bad weather canceled the remaining tournament games on Sunday.

"I was very proud of how our players competed," he adds. "I'm definitely seeing improvements in our guys, in their attitudes, strength/conditioning level, and performance."

The Chargers' quarterback loss was the Cougars' gain, but Van DeGrift will have to earn the starting job. Zach Stephenson is a senior and certainly doesn't want to spend his last year at Durant losing out on his first chance to take the helm.

"It's undecided," said Durant head coach Mike Gottman, who last year had senior Nick Fabrizio calling signals.

Then again it might just come down to who can hand off the ball. Durant went about 80/20 on the run-to-pass ratio, with Fabrizio himself rushing for more than 1,000 yards and a team-high 19 touchdowns.

The Cougars return their top two runners, Jamarlon Hamilton (1,000 yards-plus) and Chase Atkins (311 yards), but Gottman does have a concern about his running game.

"We lost three starting offensive lineman who we have to try and replace. We also lost some key players on defense, so that's our big issue right now," Gottman said. "But we've got a lot of consistency here, within the players, within the coaching staff. Things are good at Durant."

As far as who he picks at quarterback, if the Van DeGrift family name counts for anything Trey may have the advantage. His sister Grace is perhaps the greatest female athlete in Durant school history. She reached multiple state meets in cross country and track, and is on the University of Florida squad for both sports.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

While Jason Mahr walked away with the Professional Bowlers Association Spring Hill Open title last weekend, a host of local amateurs stood out with their performances in the PBA Pro-Am on Friday.

In addition to having the opportunity to compete with six pros over the course of three games, the competitors were battling for prize winnings as high as $150.

The Regular Division champion was Johnny Zuidema III with a 1,565 series. The games of 280, 276 and 241 in the no-tap format game him a 797 scratch series. The pros he combined with shot a 768 series to add to Zuidema's final total. The effort won him $150 and a trophy. He adds this to bowling accomplishments that include an 805 series in 2004 and 14 career perfect games.

Just behind Zuidema in the Regular Division was Budd Sowers (1,562). Sowers, who began competing on the lanes only four years ago, has raised his average to 192 in league play. He earned $125. Vicki Zavrel was the highest-placing female with a third-place 1,528. Zavrel, who averages a 155 in league play, rolled games of 219, 196 and 225 to win $85.

Glenn Forrester (1,504, $50), Bob Cartier (1,472, $20) and Sean Weiland (1,472, $20) were the remaining bowlers who received pay-outs in the Regular Division.

The Senior Division winner was Lou Sauer (1,656), a 217 bowler who divides him time between Spring Hill Lanes and Hudson Bowl. Sauer tossed games of 280, 300 and 300 for a near-perfect 880 series. His success was not that surprising, considering he has had three 800 series and two perfect games since 2007. He took home a trophy and $75.

Second place went to Jimmy King (1,564), a 192 bowler who competes at both Spring Hill Lanes and Mariner Lanes. Combined with a pro series of 842, King cruised to a 30-pin gap over the third-place finisher and won $60. Raine Bledsoe (1,538) placed third, throwing three games (189, 200, 214) well above her average of 165. Bledsoe earned $50.

Rounding out the cash winners in the Senior Division were Clint Bullock (1,536, $40), Lee Foust (1,448, $30) and Bruce Grady (1,444, $25).

While youth entrants did not earn cash due to PBA and U.S. Bowling Congress rules, trophies were handed out in both the Junior (130 & Under) Division and Junior (131 & Above) Division.

Among the 35 competitors in the lower division, Elizabeth Foust (1,545) came out on top with games of 220, 144 and 132. Handicap was a big factor for Foust, who came into the tournament averaging only a 115. Her pros combined to throw an 821 series.

Zack Navert (1,499) came in second with a 468 series on the same pair of lanes as Foust. Norah Healy placed third.

In the upper division, Nikki Williams captured the crown with games of 278, 239 and 254 to go with her pros shooting 776. She outdistanced second-place bowler Jake Bence (1,515). Bence, a 184 league bowler, threw games of 265, 238 and 234, while he pros shot a 736 series. Patrick Valentine (1,488) placed third.

NATURE COAST BASKETBALL CAMP: Nature Coast Technical High School will have a youth summer basketball camp Aug. 6 to 9.

The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day for children age 5 through those students entering seventh grade.

For information, call Nature Coast coach David Pisarcik at (727) 385-2194.

BROOKSVILLE BULLDOGS BASEBALL: The Brooksville Bulldogs, an AAU travel club, are seeking players for the coming baseball season, which runs from September through February.

The team plays doubleheaders in Brooksville and tournaments in Central Florida in the 14-and-younger age division.

For information, contact Bruce Price at (813) 714-1054 or bruce67price@hotmail.com.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled its sixth annual umpires clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and also can help seasoned umpires improve. Clinics will take place at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill on Aug. 12 and Sept. 2, at Ernie Wever Youth Park in Brooksville on Aug. 5 and at Ridge Manor Park in Ridge Manor on Aug. 19. All sessions run from noon to 3 p.m.

The clinics are open to men and women age 16 and older. Registration will begin at 11:30 p.m. each day. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

With more than 90 umpires on its roster in 18 leagues throughout Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, the association continues to grow. This year, the organization will include Mike "Bugsy" Segal, the owner of umpireteacher.com, who has more than 36 years of experience in the field.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register in advance. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or email clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

WEST HERNANDO SENIOR SOFTBALL: The West Hernando Athletic Club for Seniors is looking for new players for its 55-and-older softball league.

Games are played on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at Veterans Memorial Park in Spring Hill. The season begins in September and ends in April. New players are invited to try out during the next two months, prior to the official start of the season.

For information, call Ray Krisa at (352) 596-0575.

BADDEST MUDDER: The Baddest Mudder 5K is coming to Brooksville on Nov. 3 and 4.

Baddest Mudder is a group that runs obstacle races around the Suncoast. It will be holding its first event at the Hernando County Fairgrounds on U.S. 41 in Brooksville.

The race is open to all ages, teams and skill levels. Sign-up prizes will be offered to all participants. The event includes a well-marked and defined course, food, drinks, music and field games.

The two-day event starts at 7 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m. each day.

Participants may sign up at baddestmudder.com. There are discounts for groups, and early-bird registration is currently open for a price of $49.95 per runner.

Kids are also welcome; organizers are offering a kids-only "Mini Mudder" pit for free.

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 remaining camp will run from 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 Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

TAMPA — It has been exactly six months since Greg Schiano became the Buccaneers' ninth head coach.

Since being hired from Rutgers on Jan. 26, he has spent many long days learning about his new team, beginning the process of molding it into what he hopes it can become.

But early this morning, when players report to One Buc Place for the start of training camp, the heavy lifting really begins. And considering the Bucs finished 4-12 in 2011, including 10 straight losses to end the season, there's much to be done.

Though the Bucs have been laboring all summer through practices and minicamps, some of the most important matters have had to be put on hold until now, when they can delve into the gritty parts of training camp that already have Schiano excited.

"Oh, I can't wait," he said about full-squad practices.

And when the players don pads and hit one another for the first time — offseason practices involve no contact — the old-school Schiano will really be in his element.

"There are things that you can't do in the spring: press coverage, one-on-one pass rush … blocking people," Schiano said. "At the end of the day, this game is about blocking and tackling, throwing and catching, running the ball.

"A lot of that does not come through when you're in shorts. It's still about contact."

Though much about players reporting is symbolic — after all, players have been practicing since April — the Bucs will confront some critical issues over the next two weeks.

They will assess the readiness of players such as defensive tackle Brian Price, who missed last month's mandatory minicamp after a death in the family and has dealt with associated physical and mental struggles since.

They also will be moni­toring the health of players such as defensive tackle Amobi Okoye, an offseason signing who had arthroscopic knee surgery in June and was placed on the physically unable to perform list on Tuesday. Reserve linebacker Adam Hayward (foot) also was placed on the list.

Both are eligible to be activated at any point during the preseason.

The team also has position battles, primarily at running back. That's where first-round pick Doug Martin is attempting to seize the No. 1 job from LeGarrette Blount, who has rushed for 1,788 yards over his two seasons.

The Bucs say they haven't made final decisions at linebacker, though rookie Lavonte David looks like a good bet to remain the weakside starter and Mason Foster likely will remain the starter in the middle.

They will try to sort out the issue at receiver where the addition of veteran Vincent Jackson created a logjam of young players looking for roster spots and playing time.

This training camp also will be about toughness.

Schiano is expected to conduct a physical camp, and he wants his players to be ready. He'll put them through a conditioning test when they report that will reveal if they've been adequately preparing over the past month and a half.

"It's a little odd for me because I'm used to seeing them, and I haven't seen these guys in six weeks," Schiano said.

The heat, as always, will be a factor, too.

"Even if you're not new to Florida, the first time you come out and put that helmet on … if it's 90 (degrees) out there, it's 110 in your helmet," Schiano said.

Regardless, players soon will strap on those helmets — and pads. And that's when Schiano's first season with the Bucs will begin in earnest.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @HolderStephen.

By Alli Langley, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

BRANDON

Chris Colwill stood on the 3-meter springboard. A lifetime of work was riding on what he did next. It was the last day of the U.S. Olympic diving trials outside Seattle in June. The top two divers would qualify for the Olympics, and the Brandon native and Tampa Prep grad had been in third place for most of the meet. This final dive was his last shot to make the team.

"The funny thing is, everybody always says I look so calm and relaxed," he said later. Family and friends say they even saw him smile before the dive. On the inside, he said, he was "definitely not calm and relaxed."

Still, Colwill, 27, completed the best dive of his career, a dive that scored 99.75 out of 100 points and earned him a ticket to his second Olympics.

He got a standing ovation.

• • •

His mom, Debbie, enrolled Colwill, an only child, in gymnastics at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center when he was 4.

"He was just a ball of energy," she said. "He'd be flipping over couches. He'd be upside down …"

At the center, the little boy saw divers doing somersaults into the pool.

"I want to do that," he said.

"Why don't we wait a year," Debbie replied.

She promised he could try diving once he turned 5. So on his fifth birthday, he asked his mom again. She enrolled him in diving and started dropping him off for an hour of gymnastics and an hour of diving.

Later she discovered the active preschooler was skipping gymnastics and heading straight for the pool.

"You could tell he loved diving from the get-go," said his first coach, Kathie McNeil.

At 7, he started competing. Soon he was winning junior national championships, and at 14 he became a world champion.

Coaches communicate verbally with their divers while they're in midair. Colwill was born with 65 percent hearing loss. He can't hear high-frequency sounds well, and he wears hearing aids when he's not diving.

But none of this causes him much trouble. His Tampa Prep coach, Jenni Frankowiak, said he has good spatial skills and can spot the water while he's flipping better than most divers. Colwill said his hearing loss helps him focus; he isn't distracted by crowd noises that might bother other divers.

After high school, the die-hard Florida Gators fan chose to dive for Georgia. The 10-time national champion's meets have taken him to Mexico, Canada, Turkey, Germany, Italy and Australia, as well as the 2008 Olympics in China.

• • •

In Beijing he finished 12th in the 3-meter and one spot away from a medal in the 3-meter synchro event, in which two divers perform side by side.

Colwill said his focus in those days was hampered because he was juggling college academics with training and international meets. For the past four years, he has focused solely on training and competing.

Almost every day he has spent two hours diving in the morning, two hours in the afternoon and one hour lifting weights or conditioning.

After his performance at the Olympic trials, he is confident about his chances in London. "My diving is the best it's ever been," he said.

The Olympics mean more than other international meets. The atmosphere feels different. More spectators, more security, more media, more pressure, more stress.

"Everybody in the U.S. wants you to bring a medal back," said Dan Laak, the coach at Georgia, Colwill's coach for the past nine years and an assistant on the Olympic team.

Colwill said he has learned to be patient, take dives one at a time and wait until the final to give his all.

Said his father, Chuck, "I think there's a heck of an advantage to being (at the Olympics) the second time."

And this time he has only one event to concentrate on.

At the trials, Debbie had a sign that flashed "GO CHRIS" with glitter and blinking lights. In London, she said, she'll be decked out in red, white and blue, waving American flags from the stands — reflecting the way she redecorated Chris' old bedroom.

She will try to sit at a right angle, so she can see the distance between Chris and the springboard. While he flips, flies and falls toward the water, she wants to be sure his head doesn't hit the aluminum board.

• • •

When Colwill returns from London, with or without a medal, he plans to retire from diving and work for his dad's engineering company.

But not right away.

"You go through a major, major depression" after the Olympics, he said. "You come off a major high, and you don't know what to do."

He will travel through Europe for a month with his girlfriend of four years, Chelsea Nauta, 23, a former Tampa Prep and Georgia swimmer who almost qualified for the Olympics as a member of the 200-meter freestyle relay team. They will visit friends they've made through the years on the international swimming and diving circuit.

At a goodbye party for Colwill at the Brandon Sports and Aquatic Center on July 7, he signed autographs under signs that read "Good Luck Chris" and "Bring Home the Gold!" Dozens of people — kids in the dive program, former coaches, family, friends — wore "Team Colwill" T-shirts and cheered him on.

If he felt any pressure, it didn't show.

By Dave Walker, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

What's hot: Grouper are still being caught in the bay on the edges of the shipping channel and various rock piles. The quantity of catches has not been impressive, but the fish being reported have been quality catches.

Tip: Fish in areas with good water movement and perhaps a bit deeper than normal to find lazy summertime fish. Baitfish other than threadfins have been difficult to obtain, but the smaller threadfins will work just fine for most game fish.

Safety: Anglers are vulnerable to heat exhaustion at this time of year. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Tip II: For those who do not have a T-top or another way to escape from the sun, try a made-for-the-outdoors crank-up patio umbrella to provide instant shade. Put the pole end in a rod holder while at a stop, and of course remember to take it down before running to the next spot.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 310-6531, email captdavewalker@verizon.net or visit snookfish.com.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

There seems to be some confusion within the Lightning organization about Steve Thomas' title next season.

Thomas said he's not sure he will be considered an assistant, associate "or whatever kind of coach." And general manager Steve Yzerman said Thomas still will be the team's player development coordinator.

One thing is certain: Thomas' job has changed.

After spending two seasons keeping track of Tampa Bay's prospects and minor-leaguers, Thomas will fill the hole on the Lightning's coaching staff created in April 2011 when Wayne Fleming left because of brain cancer.

"He's an experienced hockey guy, so he has a lot to offer," Yzerman said. "It's a way to get him more directly involved with our players, and he fills in a bit of the void not having Wayne around."

Thomas' duties are still to be finalized — Yzerman called him a "jack of all trades" — but there are some parameters.

Thomas, 49, will be on-ice at practices and the eye in the sky during games, reporting to the staff between periods. He said he will be a liaison between players and coaches, and travel with the team.

He will relieve some of the pressure on coach Guy Boucher and assistants Marty Raymond and Dan Lacroix who worked shorthanded last season.

The job will not affect the plan for Thomas to work 10 days a month with Tampa Bay's new AHL affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y., Yzerman said. He added that director of player personnel Pat Verbeek; Tom Kurvers, senior advisor to the general manager; and team scouts will help fill Thomas' previous duties of providing guidance and mentoring to Lightning prospects.

Thomas, who played right wing for 20 NHL seasons, is not going in blind. He was behind the bench for 35 games last season as an assistant for AHL Norfolk (then Tampa Bay's affiliate) during its Calder Cup title run.

"He was exceptional for us," coach Jon Cooper said. "He played 20 years in the league, so there was nothing he hadn't seen. He's a great communicator and great listener, so when you have those attributes, it goes a long way."

Perhaps most interesting about Thomas' new job is his hope to work on the power play, which last season was one of the NHL's worst (15.2 percent). "Guy actually mentioned … it'd be an opportunity to work with him on the PP and give some of my insights," said Thomas, who scored 106 of his 421 goals on the power play. "I think it will be a good working combination."

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

GREENSBORO, N.C. — Florida State, North Carolina and defending league champion Clemson each placed four players on the preseason All-ACC first team as voted by the media.

The Seminoles selected: senior defensive end Brandon Jenkins, junior safety Lamarcus Joyner, senior kicker Dustin Hopkins and senior cornerback Greg Reid, who made the team as the punt and kickoff returner. Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins was player of the year (Full team, 2C).

Gators on carrier: The Florida basketball team's Nov. 9 opener against Georgetown will be played on the USS Bataan at Naval Station Mayport, Jacksonville Mayor Alvin Brown announced. The Bataan, an amphibious assault carrier, will serve as the host ship for the Navy/Marine Corps Classic between the Gators and Hoyas.

Baseball: Demolition work on Rosenblatt Stadium, home of the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., from 1950 to 2010, has begun. Officials say the work to make way for a zoo expansion will take six months. City officials agreed to build the newer TD Ameritrade Park in order to secure a 25-year agreement with the NCAA to keep the CWS.

Time staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

White Sox 8, Twins 2

CHICAGO — Dayan Viciedo homered and drove in four runs, and the White Sox completed the three-game sweep of the Twins. Viciedo hit a two-run single in the second and added a two-run homer in the fourth, finishing with three hits. "They whacked it, and they pounded us — scored a lot of runs, and we got dominated here," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Pirates 3, Cubs 2

PITTSBURGH — Kevin Correia, in jeopardy of losing his spot in the Pirates rotation, won his fifth straight start, and Garrett Jones hit a tiebreaking double in the sixth to beat Ryan Dempster. "Kevin is a grinder," second baseman Neil Walker said. "… He doesn't overpower anyone, but he just keeps battling and he gave us a chance to beat a very good pitcher."

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Padres 6, Giants 3

SAN FRANCISCO — Jesus Guzman hit two home runs and Chase Headley had another to hand Tim Lincecum his latest setback as he allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings. "He was aggressive with the fastball early and then he kind of got away from it a little bit," Padres outfielder Will Venable said. "And we were able to get a barrel on it."

San Diego AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Denorfia cf 3 0 0 0 1 1 .294

Forsythe 2b 4 0 0 0 0 2 .267

Headley 3b 4 0 2 0 0 1 .268

Quentin lf 3 1 1 0 0 0 .267

Grandal c 4 0 1 0 0 0 .296

Guzman rf 3 1 2 1 1 1 .241

Alonso 1b 4 0 0 0 0 1 .258

Ev.Cabrera ss 3 0 0 0 1 3 .239

Volquez p 3 0 1 1 0 2 .081

Totals 31 2 7 2 3 11

San Francisco AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Schierholtz rf 3 1 1 0 1 2 .248

Theriot 2b 2 1 1 0 2 1 .281

Me.Cabrera lf 4 0 1 1 0 1 .359

Posey c 4 0 0 0 0 1 .313

Sandoval 1b 1 0 1 1 0 0 .299

Belt ph-1b 2 1 0 0 1 2 .229

Pagan cf 4 0 1 0 0 1 .278

B.Crawford ss 4 0 1 1 0 1 .239

Arias 3b 3 0 0 0 0 0 .246

Bumgarner p 2 0 0 0 0 1 .133

Burriss ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .214

Totals 30 3 6 3 4 10

San Diego 020 000 000— 2 7 0

S. Francisco 200 000 001— 3 6 0

LOB—S.D. 6, S.F. 7. 2B—Quentin (9), Grandal (5), Guzman (15), Schierholtz (4), Sandoval (19). RBIs—Guzman (29), Volquez (1), Me.Cabrera (50), Sandoval (33), B.Crawford (31). SB—Denorfia (8), Venable (10), Schierholtz (3), Me.Cabrera (11). RISP—S.D. 2 for 11; S.F. 3 for 9. DP—S.F. 3.

San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Volquez 7 3 2 2 3 8 109 3.30

Gregerson 1 1 0 0 0 2 14 3.05

Thatcher L, 0-4 0 2 1 1 1 0 14 3.46

San Francisco IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Bumgarner 7 6 2 2 2 9 111 3.10

Romo 1 1 0 0 0 0 8 0.60

S.Casilla W, 4-4 1 0 0 0 1 2 14 3.16

HBP—by Bumgarner (Quentin). PB—Grandal 2. T—2:49. A—42,559 (41,915).

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Nationals 5, Mets 2

NEW YORK — Stephen Strasburg struck out 11 in seven innings, and Michael Morse and Danny Espinosa hit consecutive homers as the Nationals completed a sweep of the Mets. "Once the lights are on and you're facing another team, you want to go out there to make your stuff really dirty," Strasburg said.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Yankees 5, Mariners 2

SEATTLE — Pinch-hitter Jayson Nix lined a three-run double off reliever Shawn Kelley in the eighth, and the Yankees rallied. Seattle honored former star Ichiro Suzuki, traded to the Yankees this week, before his first at-bat. The Mariners played highlights before flashing up the message "Ichiro: Thanks for all the thrills." He acknowledged the ovation then grounded out to second.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Angels 11, Royals 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jered Weaver won his seventh straight start to tie a career-best, and Mike Trout and Torii Hunter homered for the Angels. The Royals' Luke Hochevar was ejected in the fourth inning after hitting Trout immediately after a homer by Bobby Wilson that gave the Angels an 8-0 lead.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Phillies 7, Brewers 6

10 innings

PHILADELPHIA — Jimmy Rollins hit an RBI single off Francisco Rodriguez with two outs in the 10th and the Phillies rallied in their last at-bat for the fourth straight day.

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Braves 7, Marlins 1

MIAMI — Juan Francisco homered and drove in three runs for the Braves, who overcame seven steals by the Marlins. "I was picking up the pitches well today," he said. "I was aggressive, but at the same time patient, not swinging at pitches wildly." Michael Bourn and Jason Heyward also homered to back Tommy Hanson, who walked seven.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

A fan's guide to camp

The Bucs report for training camp today and will hold the first of eight practices open to the public on Friday. Here's a rundown of what you need to know if you're planning to attend.

Admission

The Bucs no longer require tickets or passes to attend practices. Instead, fans will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where to sit

Workouts during public practices are being restricted to Field 3, which maximizes opportunities for viewing. Virtually all seating is shaded and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. (There is reserved seating for disabled fans.) The sideline seating is, perhaps, most ideal. But if you want to get a good view of goal-line drills, opt for the end zone seating on the south end of the field.

Concessions and merchandise

The Bucs are offering dis­counted concessions during camp. Also, there are opportunities to purchase team merchandise, featuring recently released NFL apparel.

Autographs and more

Fans will have opportunities to get autographs during each public practice, with players likely to be signing during or afterward. Also, Bucs cheerleaders and mascot Captain Fear will be interacting with fans during practices. For details, go to Buccaneers.com.

Directions, parking

Fans are asked not to enter One Buc Place from the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard entrance. Instead, there will be an entrance along Himes Avenue, just north of Raymond James Stadium. Parking is free.

Training camp

Where: One Buc Place, Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just east of Raymond James Stadium, Tampa

Admission: Free

Et cetera: All practices are weather permitting and subject to change. For updates, go to Buccaneers.com.

Schedules

Public practices

Fri.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Sat.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Sun.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Wed.: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 3: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 4: 6:30 to 9 p.m. *

Aug. 6: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 7: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.

* Intrasquad scrimmage at Raymond James Stadium; free parking, autograph sessions, $1 hot dogs and soft drinks, and fireworks

Preseason games

Aug. 10: at Dolphins, 7:30, Ch. 10

Aug. 17: Titans, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 24: Patriots, 7:30, Ch. 10 *

Aug. 29: at Redskins, 7:30, Ch. 10

* Subject to blackout

Regular season

Sept. 9: Panthers, 4:25, Ch. 13 *

Sept. 16: at Giants, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 23: at Cowboys, 1, Ch. 13

Sept. 30: Redskins, 4:25, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 14: Chiefs, 1, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 21: Saints, 1, Ch. 13 *

Oct. 25: at Vikings, 8:20, NFL Network

Nov. 4: at Raiders, 4, Ch. 13

Nov. 11: Chargers, 1, Ch. 10 *

Nov. 18: at Panthers, 1, Ch. 13

Nov. 25: Falcons, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 2: at Broncos, 4, Ch. 13

Dec. 9: Eagles, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 16: at Saints, 1, Ch. 13

Dec. 23: Rams, 1, Ch. 13 *

Dec. 30: at Falcons, 1, Ch. 13

* Subject to blackout

Times wires
Wednesday, July 25, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — LHP Cole Hamels knew the moment he walked off the mound to a standing ovation after allowing five runs in his last start that he was staying with the Phillies.

"Words can't really describe the emotions that you get, and the way the fans were standing and cheering, that was ultimately the deciding point to be here," said Hamels, who signed a six-year deal worth $144 million on Wednesday.

The contract prevents the 28-year-old from becoming a free agent in November, and it includes a club vesting option for 2019 and a limited no-trade provision.

The contract is the largest signed by a Philadelphia athlete and second-highest for a pitcher behind the $161 million, seven-year deal the Yankees gave CC Sabathia in December 2008.

"It was long and laborious," GM Ruben Amaro Jr. said about negotiations, which started last May. "We finally got to the finish line. (Six years) is unprecedented for the Phillies, but we did it with the right person."

"I wanted to give the Phillies every opportunity," said Hamels, who 11-4 with a 3.23 ERA this season and 85-58 with a 3.38 ERA in seven years in Philadelphia. "It's very hard to leave a place that you've had so many great memories. You don't want to miss it and not be a part of it. I know the organization has always done a good job of going out to win."

Marlins deal Ramirez: Former NL batting champion Hanley Ramirez was traded from the Marlins to the Dodgers, part of what appears to be the third big fire sale in team history.

Left-handed reliever Randy Choate also was dealt to the Dodgers. The Marlins received RHP Nathan Eovaldi and minor-league pitcher Scott McGough.

The trade came two days after the Marlins sent P Anibal Sanchez and INF Omar Infante to the Tigers for pitching prospect Jacob Turner and two minor-leaguers.

"We weren't winning with the group we had and we want to make changes," Marlins president of baseball operations Larry Beinfest said.

"Be careful with what you think, what you say, and how you smile because you might be next (to get traded)," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "That's the way it has to go if you don't perform. That's business."

Dempster mulls future: Cubs RHP Ryan Dempster said he is strongly considering whether to accept a trade to Atlanta but added he is "keeping all my options open." Dempster, as a player with at least 10 years of major-league service time, including at least five with his current team, can veto any trade. "I know (Braves GM) Frank Wren from my days in Florida when he was the assistant GM there," Dempster said. "I have a lot of respect for (manager) Fredi Gonzalez. …I have a few days to think about it before (Tuesday's) trading deadline."

A-rod out: Yankees 3B Alex Rodriguez suffered broken bone in his left wrist when he was hit by a pitch Tuesday. He does not need surgery, but he will be out 6-8 weeks. Jayson Nix and Eric Chavez are the likely candidates to handle the position.

Angels: Slugger Albert Pujols was out of the lineup a day after being hit on the right elbow by a pitch he swung at Tuesday. … Manager Mike Scioscia said struggling RHP Ervin Santana will be pushed back in the rotation in favor of bullpen sessions and won't start again until next week's series against the Rangers, with the same 15-out limit he is working with now.

Giants: 3B Pablo Sandoval sat out with a strained left hamstring he injured Tuesday stretching for a catch when he was at first base. The team will wait until Friday to decide whether he needs to be put on the disabled list.