Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Braves 7, Marlins 1

ATLANTA — Kris Medlen had a successful return to the rotation, Brian McCann homered and Atlanta won its seventh straight. The Braves have won 10 of 13 to close within 2½ of the Nationals in the NL East. Rain delayed the game 1 hour, 53 minutes before the start of the sixth. Medlen pitched five solid innings in his first start since Aug. 4, 2010.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — James Shields was relieved to still be with the Rays to make his Tuesday night start after the deadline passed for nonwaiver trades. Then he went out and showed opposing general managers what they may have missed out on.

Shields put his extended struggles behind him with a stellar three-hit complete-game outing reminiscent of his early season and 2011 performance to lead the Rays to an 8-0 win over the A's.

"That was as good as I've seen him in a long time," manager Joe Maddon said. "You look at Shields and his body of work to this point, you know it's in there and you know he's going to come back and pitch this way. It's fortunate for us that he's still here. He's going to pitch like that the rest of this season."

Combining Shields' welcome effort with a productive though not powerful offense that totaled more than six runs for just the second time since the All-Star break, the Rays (54-50) guaranteed a winning record on their nine-game cross-country challenge against other wild-card contenders, and with a chance today to take all three series.

Many of the Rays were just happy to see Shields in the clubhouse before his start given the recurring trade rumors, David Price and B.J. Upton joining him for a group hug. In his seventh career shutout and first complete game this season, Shields allowed only three singles — and no walks — while striking out 11 and throwing 98 pitches, giving the worn-out bullpen a day of rest. After the final out, Shields pointed to the pen in acknowledgement.

After going 5-0, 3.05 in his first six starts, Shields was 3-7, 5.16 in his next 15, and as his struggles went on it was hard not to think the ongoing trade talk was an issue.

"It really hadn't bothered me to be honest with you," Shields said. "But, yeah, it's good to be a Ray. I consider Tampa Bay my home. ... I'm glad to be here."

Maddon said Shields' performance was the product of the trade deadline passing and a chance in game plan orchestrated by pitching coach Jim Hickey to rely more on the fastball and not repeat his changeup and curveball too often.

"I think it was a combination of him relaxing knowing he was here and I think the game plan was outstanding,'' Maddon said. "It was pretty much textbook. I thought he was outstanding.''

Shields agreed it that it looked and felt similar to 2011, when he threw 11 completes games, including four shutouts. "It's been awhile since I felt like last year,'' he said. "I was in control of everything tonight.''

The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the third, combining three hits, two groundouts and, perhaps most importantly, catcher Jose Lobaton getting in an extended rundown, and added on from there.

Rightfielder Sam Fuld, continuing his hot injury-delayed start, had three hits to raise his average to .391 and centerfielder Upton, who was 0-for-7 in Monday's 15-inning marathon loss, had two, singling in the first run and scoring another.

The five runs they got off A's starter Tommy Milone were the most he allowed in a home game, and one fewer than his total for eight starts in the spacious Coliseum.

Lobaton led off the third with a double and went to third on Fuld's single to right. Desmond Jennings followed with a grounder to third and though Lobaton was tagged out, he kept the play going long enough that the Rays ended up in better position as Fuld came around to third and Jennings went to second.

It paid off when Upton singled to left for the first run and Ben Zobrist's grounder to second was soft enough for Jennings to score the second.

They extended the lead to 5-0 in the sixth, when they opened with three consecutive singles, by Upton, Zobrist and Jeff Keppinger, then followed with a sac fly by Carlos Pena and another RBI single by Sean Rodriguez.

Between the pitching, the baserunning and the overall play, Maddon had plenty to be pleased about.

"That was as clean a game as we've played in a long time,'' he said. "It was very clean.''

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

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Giants 4, Mets 1

SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum struck out seven in seven innings and San Francisco took advantage of a two-run throwing error by shortstop Ruben Tejada on a potential double play to snap a season-long five-game losing streak. Justin Turner's RBI double in the second was all New York got off Lincecum. The Giants had not won since slugger Pablo Sandoval strained his left hamstring last week. That landed the All-Star third baseman on the DL.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Diamondbacks 8, Dodgers 2

LOS ANGELES — Paul Goldschmidt homered in the first inning for the second straight game and Miguel Montero added a three-run shot for the Diamondbacks. The only run against Arizona left-handed rookie Wade Miley was a first-inning homer by Mark Ellis, who came in 6-for-11 against him. Dodgers starter Chris Capuano fell to 1-4 with a 4.66 ERA in his past five starts — a stretch that began with a 7-1 loss July 8 at Arizona.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Mariners 7, Blue Jays 2

SEATTLE — Dustin Ackley drove in three runs and Jason Vargas pitched seven strong innings to lead the Mariners to their sixth consecutive victory. Vargas allowed two runs and five hits. The last time Seattle won six consecutive games was May 18-23, 2011. Ackley homered to right in the first inning and grounded into two RBI fielder's choices, in the second and fourth innings, scoring Trayvon Robinson both times.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

TAMPA — It's early, and the Bucs haven't played so much as a preseason game, much less a regular-season one.

But nothing seen to date suggests the player streaking across the middle of the field, the one making athletic catches look easy, is the guy some predicted would never play again.

If you were among those who bet against new Bucs tight end Dallas Clark, what he has displayed so far in training camp strongly suggests he does have something left in his tank.

"I think a lot of people had those negative thoughts about me that were going around," Clark said. "But that's the game. You can't listen to things that aren't always true. That's why I'm grateful the Bucs took a chance and believed in me. I'm going to do everything I can to prove them right. I can't imagine being anywhere else."

Clark has missed 16 games (including one in the playoffs) over the past two seasons due to a displaced tendon in his right wrist (11 in 2010) and a pinched nerve in his neck and broken left fibula (five in 2011).

After last season, the rebuilding effort in Indianapolis left Clark on the outside looking in. After drawing little interest, the Bucs signed him to a one-year, $2.7 million deal in May to replace the traded Kellen Winslow.

Tampa Bay did its due diligence, but reports that other teams passed after doing theirs couldn't be ignored. The Bucs opted to wait and see. So far, they have been encouraged.

"I think he looks really good," coach Greg Schiano said. "He's working his tail off, and he's a true professional. Like anybody else, you keep your fingers crossed until the final game. But I'm very pleased he's on our team."

Even teammates were uncertain what to expect from the 33-year-old. Quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Dan Orlovsky watched film of a practice the other day. Said Orlovsky: "(Freeman) said, 'You know, Dallas is faster than you think he is.' "

Not that he'll sneak up on opponents if he stays healthy. Clark caught a career-best 100 passes in being named an All-Pro in his last full season (2009), when the Colts reached the Super Bowl. He and Atlanta's Tony Gonzalez are the only tight ends with 100 catches in a season.

At this stage of his career, whatever Clark does on the field probably will be matched — or surpassed — by what he does off it. He is with Tampa Bay as much for his ability to influence its young tight ends as for his talents between the lines.

Clark, who took his cues during his nine previous seasons from former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, prepares and works like every day is his first.

"Every tight end is going to look up to a guy like that," second-year tight end Luke Stocker said. "He's just got a wealth of experience."

Orlovsky, a teammate of Clark's last season, said, "Dallas has been in a lot of rodeos and played football on its biggest stage and performed well. He's been around a long time and made a great career for himself by doing the little things."

The examples come in many forms, from the way Clark handles the media to his game preparation to the maintenance of his body that has allowed the 10-year veteran out of Iowa to last despite his recent injuries.

Clark, 6 feet 3, 252 pounds, does not espouse much advice to his younger teammates: "I'm not a big, vocal leader. I try to make my play speak for itself."

But Stocker and others have been smart enough to follow.

"When you think of a pro, he's what you think of; just with the way he goes about his day," Stocker said. "As a young player, you can really appreciate being around that, and it makes you want to do the same thing."

The role of the tight end in new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan's system remains unclear. But when the team's primary targets aren't available, chances are Clark, if healthy, will be.

"It's extremely important when you can drop back and you know you have an instant mismatch more often than not," Orlovsky said. "He's going to be where he's supposed to be when he's supposed to be there.

"If you throw in the vicinity, either he's catching it or no one's catching it. That's comforting, especially when bullets are flying and you're getting hit in the mouth. It's just great to have him here."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

TAMPA — With the Bucs nearing the goal line during a two-minute drill late in Wednesday's practice, WR Mike Williams delivered.

Williams broke free from CB Myron Lewis, headed to the left corner of the end zone and made a back-shoulder catch of a Josh Freeman pass, sparking a celebration with teammates.

"Certainly that last play is an NFL play," coach Greg Schiano said.

"That's what we need to be able to do in practice. It gives us a chance to do it in the game."

Though Williams matched his rookie production with 65 receptions last season, he said his play wasn't good enough. The 2010 fourth-round pick's touchdowns fell from 11 to three, and his eight dropped passes were third in the league.

Schiano said he has liked what he has seen so far from Williams, whose role changed with the signing of receiver Vincent Jackson.

"I consider myself a receiver, not just an outside receiver," Williams said.

"I've adjusted pretty well. The way I can move around and be in the slot and be in the tight end position, it feels good. It's like, 'You've got a linebacker on you now. I can get an easy route right here.' "

SAFETY FIRST: Bucs quarterbacks had to brace themselves for playing under Schiano.

During practice and the regular season, Schiano will require them to wear a brace on their front knee, which for right-handed passers is the left leg.

"When you're throwing the ball and then you follow through and that leg is standing there, people roll into you," Schiano said. "It doesn't guarantee anything, but it gives you a little better chance."

In the first game of 2008, Patriots QB Tom Brady tore his left ACL when struck by a pass-rusher.

McCOY praised: Schiano said he has been impressed with DT Gerald McCoy, the No. 3 overall pick in 2010 whose two seasons have been cut short due to biceps tears.

"I think Gerald has practiced really well," Schiano said. "He's got elite get-off (quickness). I haven't been around a lot of guys like that; maybe two or three. We just need to keep working and developing on technique things. I think he'd be further along had he not had the injuries both years. Repetitions are what lets you get good at those techniques. I think he can be a really special player."

PRACTICE REPORT: DE Michael Bennett, who had offseason foot surgery, slowly walked off the field with a trainer before the end of practice. Schiano said he hopes it was just heat related. … OT Mike Ingersoll, who spent time on the practice squad last season, injured his left knee and was carted off. His status was unknown. … CB Eric Wright was back at practice and seemingly unaffected by the undisclosed condition that prompted him to leave early Monday. … DT Gary Gibson (undisclosed) and CB Derrick Roberson (strained hamstring) returned. Roberson was activated from the physically unable to perform list.

Times staff writer Rick Stroud contributed to this report.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

TAMPA — For Michael Koenen, there are few more frustrating plays a blocked punt.

But the Bucs punter said he's honored one of his failures has been immortalized by the Saints because he will forever be associated with a man who continues to inspire him.

Friday, the Saints unveiled a 9-foot bronze statue outside of the Superdome titled Rebirth. It depicts Steve Gleason fully outstretched in blocking a punt by Koenen — then with the Falcons — on Sept. 25, 2006. It sparked New Orleans' 23-3 victory in its first game at the rebuilt stadium damaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Gleason, 38, who is retired and battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), said the statue symbolizes the perseverance of the city. Koenen, 30, met Gleason last year, when the Bucs played in New Orleans.

And when he heard about the ceremony, he tweeted him, "Awesome day for an inspirational man … God bless you in your fight partner! Half of me likes your statue."

"He's got an amazing fight on his hands, and he's a real quality guy," Koenen said Wednesday. "I have no problem with celebrating somebody's triumph."

The statue doesn't have Koenen's name or the Falcons logo on it because the team refused to grant the sculptor permission, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Falcons president Rich McKay told ESPN.com while it was an "incredible" moment for New Orleans, after discussing it with the league, they didn't believe it was appropriate to have their marks on it.

Koenen said he wouldn't have minded if they used his name, and might check out the statue when the Bucs head to New Orleans for a Dec. 16 game.

"At the time, it was very frustrating, and I never want that again," Koenen said of the blocked punt. "But for him, I'd never change it. And I'm happy for them. I'm glad they're able to celebrate."

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

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

The North Suncoast Junior Golf Association continued its season July 23 at the Plantation Inn in Crystal River with several local youths emerging with victories.

In the Co-ed (age 8 and 9) Division, Gage Richard of Brooksville took the title with 38 strokes for seven holes. Conchade Osceola of Land O'Lakes (42) came in second, just ahead of his brother, Byron Osceola (47). Richard is edging Conchade Osceola in the Player of the Year race, 19 points to 16.

The Boys Intermediate (age 10 to 12) Division was very tight, with Tyler Cash of Spring Hill (47) taking the crown in a tiebreaker over Wesley Chapel's Carey Wong (47). Connor Bishop of Inverness (53) rounded out the top three in the nine-hole round. Cash is tied at 15 points with Dunnellon's Gavin Szydlo in the Player of the Year standings.

Joe Jackson of Brooksville (51) made it three Hernando County winners when he took the Boys Intermediate (age 13 to 18) Division. Spring Hill's Chad Mitchell (51) lost the tiebreaker over nine holes. Brett Maharaj of Brooksville (53) rounded out an all-Hernando County top three. Jackson leads the Player of the Year race with 13 points, ahead of both Corey Mumaw of Wesley Chapel (8) and Tanner Keeran of Lecanto (8).

The Boys Advanced (age 16 to 18) Division played a full 18-hole round before Mark Giardino of Homosassa (82) won in a tiebreaker over Jake Jackson of Brooksville (82) and Jake Schoonover of Hudson(82). Giardino (23) is out front in the Player of the Year standings, with Spring Hill's Ryan Nicoll second (11).

The association's season will conclude Aug. 6 at Southern Woods Golf Club in Homosassa. The Tournament of Champions will start at 9 a.m.

BENEFIT GOLF TOURNAMENT: The local chapter of the Florida Council on Delinquency and Crime is organizing a golf tournament at Brooksville County Club at Majestic Oaks on Sept. 30.

The four-man scramble will benefit facilities that assist victims, including the Dawn Center for domestic violence victims in Hernando County and the Hernando County Sheriff's Office. The registration fee is $240 per foursome or $60 per golfer for those who do not have a group.

The fee includes golf, cart and lunch. The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m., with prizes awarded for first, second and third place, longest drive, and closest-to-the-pin.

The registration deadline is Sept. 10, limited to the first 100 golfers.

For information, call Tonya Griffin at (352) 797-3410.

SPRING HILL DIXIE BASEBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Baseball will hold registration for the fall season at Anderson Snow Park this month.

League officials will accept sign-ups in the office at the park. Volunteers will be there from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 20 and 23 and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 25.

All potential players must turn 5 years old by April 30, 2013. Participants cannot turn 15 years old before Nov. 23.

The cost is $70 for the first child from a family and $65 for other children. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover games, insurance and trophies.

A $30 late fee will be charged after the registration dates. There will also be a $30 concession deposit required during sign-ups, but the fee will be refunded after three hours of volunteer work in the concession stand.

For information, call Joe Abbadessa at (352) 263-4488.

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

The camp will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day for children age 5 through 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 the clinics 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 Sunday 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.

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@hernandosum terumpire.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.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

OAKLAND, Calif. — They've started and stopped, teased and tantalized, given you reason to cheer and curse, sometimes in the same breath, for months. But as the Rays headed home after Wednesday's 4-1 win over the A's, they were convinced the pivotal road trip they'd just completed — winning series at Baltimore, Anaheim and Oakland, six of nine games overall — was, finally, the start of something sustainable.

"I want to believe it is," manager Joe Maddon said. "This the time of the year we normally do do these things. When you go on a road trip like this, which has never been friendly to us, and win three series against three really good ballclubs that are ahead of you, and switch time zones and have to battle all that, day games after night games … that's pretty good."

"Really good," first baseman Carlos Peña said. "To come out of this road trip playing good ballclubs and winning each series is a great sign. It's a very positive sign. We want to ride this positive momentum. … We can always use that.

"We've been battling over the past few months, so to be able to come off this road trip in such a way, end it on a positive note, what a great thing it is for us. I think at the end of the day it could be very positive."

They were feeling so good because they played so well, another solid all-around game to improve to 55-50 and move back into a second-place tie with the Orioles.

Pitching was, again, the key, as Alex Cobb took his turn and maintained the momentum that produced a tremendous 1.70 staff ERA for the trip, working seven innings and allowing just the one run on four hits and one walk. The defense was again smooth.

And, most importantly, the offense continued to show signs of warming. Peña led the way with a home run (off lefty Jordan Norberto) and a run-scoring double to take over the team RBI lead from injured Luke Scott with 46. Jeff Keppinger, Ryan Roberts and Desmond Jennings (who also walked twice) had two hits each, and B.J. Upton two sacrifice bunts.

The trip was a big test for several reasons: All three teams were ahead of them in the race for the two wild-card spots, the schedule was rugged, the history not good. Add in navigating the uncertainty of the trade deadline and the potential residuals from losing Monday's 15-inning marathon, and 6-3 was something to celebrate — which they did, loudly, afterward in the clubhouse. It was the first time in franchise history they won three series on a road trip against teams with winning records.

"It's pretty spectacular," Maddon said. "To win each series is about as good as it gets right now."

To make it matter, of course, they have to keep winning, starting with a six-game homestand against Baltimore and Toronto that opens Friday before they head out on another cross-country journey.

At the least, they are confident they can.

"Absolutely," Upton said. "With the way we've been playing; the confidence is always there but I think it's definitely going to go up after this road trip."

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

AL wild-card standings

Angels 57-47 .548—*

A's 56-48 .538—

Rays 55-50 .524 1.5

Orioles 55-50 .524 1.5

Tigers 55-50 .524 1.5

Red Sox 53-52 .505 3.5

* Late game not included

Road trippers

The Rays gained some ground on the road:

W-L ALE WC

Start of trip:49-47 9 GB 2.5 GB

End of trip:55-50 6.5 GB 1.5 GB

Pitching in

How good was the Rays pitching? Here are the lines from the six wins

Chatter hereyyy

W-L ALE WC

Start of trip: 49-47 9 GB 2.5 GB

End of trip: 55-50 6.5 GB 1.5 GB

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Pirates 8, Cubs 4

CHICAGO — Michael McKenry and Starling Marte homered to back a strong start by Jeff Karstens, and Pittsburgh pulled away with a five-run eighth that opened with seven straight hits.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Brewers 13, Astros 4

MILWAUKEE — Ryan Braun hit his NL-leading 29th homer, and Milwaukee hit four overall to complete a three-game sweep. Rickie Weeks and Cesar Izturis homered in the fifth inning and Jonathan Lucroy added a two-run shot in the seventh.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Yankees 12, Orioles 3

NEW YORK — Robinson Cano hit a grand slam in a seven-run third inning, and New York sent Zach Britton to another shellacking at Yankee Stadium to stop a four-game losing streak. Phil Hughes allowed no homers for only the fifth time this season. Britton has a 24.00 ERA in the Bronx.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

White Sox 3, Twins 2

MINNEAPOLIS — Jake Peavy pitched eight smooth innings, and Alejandro De Aza gave Chicago the lead in the eighth with an infield single off pitcher Scott Diamond's leg. After giving up runs in the first and second, one on his wild pickoff throw, Peavy toughened and had trouble in only two more innings. Denard Span lined into a double play with a runner on third to end the fifth. Joe Mauer popped out to end the eighth with Span on third and Ben Revere on first.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

What's hot: The Fort De Soto area is great for redfish schools. I start at a shoreline where mullet are jumping. This time of year, when the water temperature is high, mullet reveal several things: There is enough oxygen in the water, and the spot is grassy area. Redfish forage in the grass looking for crabs and shrimp.

Setting up: Redfish are probably the most wary fish in our area. Use the lowest setting on a trolling motor to avoid spooking the fish. Figure out what direction the school is traveling, then cast the bait in front of it and wait.

Tackle: I target reds with 10-pound braided line. Braided line, when I'm set up with the wind at my back, allows for longer casts. The farther away I can stay from the fish the better. Twenty-pound camouflage leader with a 2/0 circle hook will provide a high hookup ratio. A circle hook is designed to slowly set itself. When the line comes tight, don't set the hook, just reel.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit captainrobgorta.com.

Times staff
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

This week on tour

World Golf Championships: Bridgestone Invitational, Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio. TV: Today-Friday, 2 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, noon-1:30 p.m., Golf, and 2 p.m., Ch. 10

PGA: Reno-Tahoe Open, Montreux Golf and Country Club, Reno, Nev. TV: Today-Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Golf; Sunday, 7 p.m., Golf

Champions: 3M Championship, TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minn. TV: Friday, noon, Golf; Saturday-Sunday, 4 p.m., Golf

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

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

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

Saturday: 6:30 to 9 p.m. *

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

Tuesday: 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

A dream comes true

Rhonda VanSickle, a Lee's Summit, Mo., physical education teacher, said she watched QB Josh Freeman play in high school and followed him from Kansas State to Tampa Bay. Wednesday, VanSickle, who is battling Stage 4 breast and bone cancer, lived a dream by bringing sons Alex, 20, Austin, 17, and Blake, 15, to practice to meet Freeman and his teammates. VanSickle was granted the wish through the Jack & Jill Late State Cancer Foundation. "It's been amazing; more than we can ever imagine," VanSickle said. "I just don't have words to say about what it means to me to have my boys have this experience. (The Bucs have) been so good to us."

Marquee faces

Each year, the Bucs feature large photos of players on the outside of Raymond James Stadium. This year, there are new faces: rookie S Mark Barron, left, second-year DE Adrian Clayborn and two free agents, WR Vincent Jackson and G Carl Nicks. They join a group that includes CB Ronde Barber, right, and DT Gerald McCoy.

Special guests

The Bucs hosted coaches from USF's staff: Rick Smith (defensive backs), Kevin Patrick (defensive tackles), Vernon Hargreaves (defensive ends), Larry Scott (running backs), Steve Shankweiler (offensive line) and Jerome Pathon (receivers).

Coming up

Today, the Bucs continue their annual tradition of hosting athletes from the Special Olympics. More than 60 athletes from Hills­borough, Pinellas, Pasco and Polk counties will watch practice then participate in drills on the field.

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

CORTLAND, N.Y. — Antonio Cromartie thinks he's the second-best wide receiver on the Jets behind Santonio Holmes. One problem: He's a cornerback.

The former Florida State standout's bold comments predictably didn't sit well with the Jets' actual receivers, particularly Chaz Schilens, who thinks his teammate should pipe down.

"I think it's a slight," Schilens said after practice Wednesday. "I'm not going to lie. I just wouldn't say it. It's not something I would say. I'm not him, I guess."

Cromartie, who could play some at receiver this season, was asked on ESPN First Take on Tuesday where he thinks he'd rank on the team's depth chart. The seven-year veteran said he'd be second to Holmes, putting him ahead of every other receiver, including Schilens, who signed as a free agent in March.

"I heard that," Schilens said. "I'll let him think whatever he wants. I think he thinks that (playing) receiver is a little different than what it actually is. He's unbelievably talented — and he plays cornerback. So, I don't know."

Coach Rex Ryan heard the comments from Cromartie, too, and wasn't pleased.

"I'm going to say this right now," Ryan said. "Listen to me when I tell you this: I'm aware of what was said, okay? I'm on top of it. I'm telling you that right now. I'm on top of it, and it will not be a problem. And that's all that I'm going to say about the whole thing."

REPLACEMENT REFS: With no end in sight to the labor dispute between the league and its officials, commissioner Roger Goodell said he is comfortable with the idea of using replacement officials in preseason games. Goodell said he doesn't think using officials with less experience will pose a safety risk to players.

"That's why we've been training them for the last two months and why they're on the field now, is to make sure they're prepared, they understand the rules," he said during a visit to Green Bay's training camp.

Replacement officials were on the field during practice and are expected to stay in Green Bay through Friday's "Family Night" scrimmage. The Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio, between the Cardinals and Saints is Sunday.

REED WANTS TO STAY: Safety Ed Reed, who hinted at a potential holdout and even retirement, said he wants to remain with the Ravens on a long-term basis and has communicated that to general manager Ozzie Newsome. The 33-year-old former Miami star is entering the final year of a six-year, $40 million contract.

Brantley cut: The Ravens cut former Florida quarterback John Brantley, an undrafted rookie, to create a roster spot for newly acquired tight end Billy Bajema. Brantley was competing with Chester Stewart, Tyrod Taylor and Curtis Painter.

NO COMMENT: The Super Bowl champion Giants didn't bite when asked about Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' prediction — "watch us beat the Giants' (butts)" this season. To a man, the Giants uttered their usual cliches about talk is cheap and playing the game.

CHARGERS: Running back Ryan Mathews is listed as day to day after getting banged up in a car accident. He told reporters he banged an elbow "a little bit" and was sore.

COWBOYS: Running back Felix Jones, receiver Andre Holmes and safety Brodney Pool were cleared to practice starting Friday after passing their second-chance conditioning tests.

REDSKINS: Right tackle Jammal Brown doesn't need surgery on his ailing left hip, but there's no time­table for him to return to action.

STEELERS: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that he has been dealing with a tear in his right rotator cuff since November. He downplayed the injury when asked how his arm felt.

TEXANS: Left tackle Duane Brown suffered a bone bruise in his ankle, X-rays revealed, and the second-team All-Pro will miss a couple of days of practice.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Patrick Corbin was brimming with confidence as he began his third stint this season with the Diamondbacks, convinced he belonged on a permanent basis.

His solid outing against the Dodgers backed up that notion.

The 23-year-old left-hander pitched six two-hit innings after his promotion from Triple-A Reno on Wednesday, and Miguel Montero and newcomer Chris Johnson homered in Arizona's 4-0 victory that completed its first three-game sweep at Dodger Stadium since 2007.

"I feel a lot more comfortable now and I feel like I should be up here," Corbin said. "That's the biggest difference: feeling comfortable and going out there knowing you can pitch against these guys."

Arizona outscored Los Angeles 19-4 in the series.

"This series scared me from the beginning," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "They hurt us with the long ball all three games and we weren't hitting the ball."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Price check?

RHP Josh Lueke's batting practice jersey didn't make it to Oakland after his hurried callup from Triple-A Durham, so he took teammate David Price up on his offer of a loaner Wednesday. That may have been a bit confusing for fans who called him over for autographs, but Lueke joked it could work out well for him. "This is going to eBay," he said. "Maybe I'll try to get him to sign it first."

Today: Off

Next game: Friday vs. Orioles, 7:10, Tropicana Field, Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (7-7, 4.01); O's — Tommy Hunter (4-6, 5.72)

On deck

Saturday: vs. O's, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (6-6, 3.23); O's — Wei-Yin Chen (9-6, 3.65)

Sunday: vs. O's, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (14-4, 2.64); O's — Miguel Gonzalez (3-2, 4.46)

Monday: Off

Rays disabled list

(with eligible-to-return date)

C Robinson Chirinos, concussion, 60-day, June 5

*OF Brandon Guyer, left shoulder surgery, 60-day, July 13

3B Evan Longoria, left hamstring tear, 60-day, June 30

RHP Jeff Niemann, right leg fracture, 60-day, July 14

DH Luke Scott, oblique strain, 15-day, 15-day, Aug. 5

* out for season

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Memorable trip

The Rays won three series on a road trip for just the fourth time in team history, and the first time when all three opponents were above .500:

2004: at San Diego, Arizona, Toronto

2008: at Seattle, Oakland, Texas

2010: at Baltimore, Boston, Chicago

2012: at Baltimore, Los Angeles, Oakland