Times wires
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Pirates 7, D'backs 6
PITTSBURGH — Neil Walker homered and drove in five runs, Kevin Correia won his seventh straight decision and Pittsburgh overcame four errors. Walker hit a three-run homer in the first inning, his career-high 13th, and added a two-run double in the fifth that put the Pirates ahead for good.
Times wires
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
When it comes to lowering the bar for "sellouts," the Buccaneers are not alone anymore.
The Raiders, who sold out every home game last season under the NFL's previous blackout rules, have adopted the league's new 85 percent threshold option to televise games in their local market, CSNCalifornia.com reported Thursday. Oakland joins the Bucs as the only teams known publicly to have agreed to the option.
The Raiders' Coliseum has a listed capacity is 63,132, the second-smallest in the NFL, ahead only of the Bears' Soldier Field (61,500).
In July, Tampa Bay agreed to allow games to be shown on local television if at least 85 percent of general-admission seats at Raymond James Stadium are sold 72 hours before kickoff. Previously, the NFL required all general-admission seating be sold out in order for games to be televised. Thirteen of 15 home games played in Tampa during the past two seasons weren't sellouts and, as a result, weren't televised locally.
The move makes it easier to avoid blackouts but stands to cost teams money. Under the lower threshold rule, half of the revenue from every ticket sold after meeting the threshold will go to the visiting team as opposed to 34 cents on each dollar if teams keep the threshold at 100 percent.
More Raiders: Running back Mike Goodson sat out practice with soreness a day after being hospitalized with a neck injury from a hit in camp. The team doesn't consider the injury serious, but it has no timetable for his return.
Reid back with Eagles: Coach Andy Reid returned to practice a day after his 29-year-old son's funeral and will coach tonight's preseason opener, saying it's "the right thing to do."
Garrett Reid was found dead Sunday in his dorm room at Lehigh University, where he was assisting the strength coach during camp. He was a recovering drug addict, and his father indicated there may have been a relapse. An official cause of death hasn't been determined.
"You feel the strength of the team," Reid said when asked why he came back so soon. "I felt it with my family the past couple of days, and I feel it with the team. I'm a football coach, that's what I do, and I know my son wouldn't want it any other way."
T.O.'s return: Receiver Terrell Owens, 38, returned to an NFL practice field for the first time since late in the 2010 season and worked with the Seahawks' No. 2 offense. He caught a long pass down the sideline during a team drill, but there were also times he couldn't break loose of a cornerback and got a face mask full of grass. Through it all, Owens said he was happy to be back. "It's all about for me now being part of something rather than being the center of something. … I have changed in a lot of ways," he said.
Surgery for Browns RB? Running back Trent Richardson, the third pick in April's draft, is tentatively scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery today to fix loose cartilage causing pain in his left knee, ESPN.com reported. Richardson will see specialist Dr. James Andrews, who operated on the former Alabama star in high school and in February, and the back could return before the season opener, according to the report.
Suspension for ex-Gator? Browns cornerback and former Gator Joe Haden could face a four-game suspension for a failed drug test, according to CBSSports.com and ESPN.com. The NFL is reportedly reviewing an offseason drug test that came back positive for adderall.
Miffed Titan: On the same day receiver Kenny Britt said he will take whatever punishment the NFL dishes out for his DUI arrest in July, he lashed out at the team on social media for fining him $9,915 earlier in the day. According to reports, Britt used his Instagram account to post a photo of the fine sheet for missing a rehab workout, adding a message that included obscenities and "Walk back to dis..Don't dey know I have kids." The team had no comment.
Tebow burns blitz again: Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow took two snaps with the first team and threw a 60-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Turner on one of them. Tebow avoided blitzing linebacker Bart Scott, then got off the pass against a defense that looked similar to when, as a Bronco, Tebow beat the Jets with a rushing TD. After a couple of days of fighting in camp, the practice was trouble-free. Coach Rex Ryan said the starters will play "a quarter or so" Friday, while Tebow could play about two quarters against the Bengals.
Female official: Shannon Eastin, who has officiated games for 16 years, including four in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, will become the NFL's first female line judge tonight when the Packers and Chargers play an exhibition. The appearance comes as the NFL's regular officials are involved in a lockout. "And there are more coming, by the way," commissioner Roger Goodell said.
Bears: Former defensive end Alex Brown will sign a one-day contract and officially retire as a member of the Bears. The former Gators All-American, fourth on Chicago's career sacks list (43½), will be recognized at tonight's game against Denver.
Giants: Cornerback Terrell Thomas, who aggravated the surgically repaired ACL in his right knee, said he will need three to eight weeks before he can get back on the field.
Vikings: The team will evaluate running back Adrian Peterson's left knee this weekend in hopes of getting him carries next week.
AMERICAN CONFERENCE
East W L T Pct PF PA
Buffalo 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Miami 0 0 0 .000 0 0
New England 0 0 0 .000 0 0
N.Y. Jets 0 0 0 .000 0 0
South W L T Pct PF PA
Houston 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Indianapolis 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Jacksonville 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Tennessee 0 0 0 .000 0 0
North W L T Pct PF PA
Baltimore 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Cincinnati 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Cleveland 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Pittsburgh 0 0 0 .000 0 0
West W L T Pct PF PA
Denver 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Kansas City 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Oakland 0 0 0 .000 0 0
San Diego 0 0 0 .000 0 0
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
East W L T Pct PF PA
Dallas 0 0 0 .000 0 0
N.Y. Giants 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Philadelphia 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Washington 0 0 0 .000 0 0
South W L T Pct PF PA
New Orleans 1 0 0 1.000 17 10
Atlanta 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Carolina 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Tampa Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0
North W L T Pct PF PA
Chicago 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Detroit 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Green Bay 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Minnesota 0 0 0 .000 0 0
West W L T Pct PF PA
San Francisco 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Seattle 0 0 0 .000 0 0
St. Louis 0 0 0 .000 0 0
Arizona 0 1 0 .000 10 17
Today
Washington at Buffalo, 7
Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:30
Baltimore at Atlanta, 7:30
New Orleans at New England, 7:30
Green Bay at San Diego, 8
Denver at Chicago, 8:30
Friday
Tampa Bay at Miami, 7:30
N.Y. Jets at Cincinnati, 7:30
N.Y. Giants at Jacksonville, 7:30
Cleveland at Detroit, 7:30
Arizona at Kansas City, 8
Minnesota at San Francisco, 9
Saturday
Houston at Carolina, 7
Tennessee at Seattle, 10
Sunday
St. Louis at Indianapolis, 1:30
Monday
Dallas at Oakland, 8
Times wires
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Yankees 12, Tigers 8
DETROIT — Curtis Granderson snapped out of a 4-for-25 slump by hitting his 30th homer and driving in four runs, helping end the Tigers' six-game winning streak. The AL East-leading Yankees had lost 12 of their previous 18 games.
Times wires
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Royals 2, White Sox 1
CHICAGO — Jeremy Guthrie picked up his first victory since late May, scattering five hits over eight innings for Kansas City. Guthrie got his first win with the Royals and improved to 4-12 overall since arriving in a late July trade with Colorado. His last victory was 11-5 over the Astros on May 31. He then lost nine times in his next 13 appearances. Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez hit solo home runs for Kansas City, which took two of three in the series. Chicago had won its past four series and five straight at home.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Fernando Rodney most likely was going to give up a run again at some point this season.
Having not allowed one since June 14, and having posted a team relief record-tying 22 scoreless innings since then, he made it at times seem unlikely, but it happened Wednesday when David Cooper looped a one-out opposite-field fly ball that hit the top of the low wall in the leftfield corner and bounced over.
"What are you going to do,'' manager Joe Maddon said. "That does not detract in any way, shape or form from Fernando. He was fantastic again.''
Rodney had to settle for his major league-leading 34th save (in 35 chances) and a share of the team record in converting 19 straight, matching Roberto Hernandez (1999) and Rafael Soriano (2010).
He did lose the chance to match James Shields' overall team record of 23 scoreless innings and saw his ERA rise to 0.85.
Setup man Joel Peralta struck out the side and has fanned 20 of his past 40 batters with a 0.77 ERA over his past 12 outings.
LONGO UPDATE: Evan Longoria, who went 0-for-4, including three strikeouts, as the DH in his second game back off the disabled list, may not be in the lineup for today's matinee.
Maddon said his initial thought was to rest Longoria for a day game after a night game — mindful to not "re-break him" — and he said after Wednesday's game he would talk to Longoria and wait until the morning to decide. Of note in the discussion: Longoria is 4-for-6 with three homers off scheduled starter Henderson Alvarez.
Longoria jogged to first after hitting a run-scoring ground ball the Jays easily turned into a double play, and Maddon said that was exactly what Longoria — who missed 85 games with a hamstring issue — should do: "That's all I want.''
REHAB REPORT: RHP Jeff Niemann worked 22/3 innings for Class A Charlotte in the first of four scheduled rehab starts, allowing a run on three hits and a walk, striking out three, throwing 41 pitches. Niemann, out since mid May with a broken right leg, is targeted for a late August return. Maddon said it was unlikely they would go then to a six-man rotation.
DH Luke Scott, recovering from a mild oblique strain, felt good after another batting practice session but isn't quite ready for a rehab assignment yet, as today he will work out at the Trop taking swings at high-velocity pitches from a machine. Maddon said Scott shouldn't need a long rehab assignment, maybe through the weekend. "Every time he hits he reports good, but there's still some residual soreness the next day so you'd really like for that to be gone," Maddon said.
SAY WHAT: INF Sean Rodriguez had a reason for giving Jays RHP Carlos Villanueva a long look after a sixth-inning strikeout. "He was screaming after he struck me out,'' Rodriguez said. "I was just curious why. If it was a big moment I'd understand that. So I guess getting me out is a big moment.''
DAY TRIPPER: Some pitchers don't like their routines to be disrupted by matinees, but LHP Matt Moore said he welcomes today's 1:10 p.m. start.
"It seems like by the time I wake up around 9:30 and get some breakfast, it's time to come over here and get ready, which is nice because you don't have all that in between fluff time where you're trying to figure out what you want to do and you have all day to think about the squad you're going to face," he said.
The numbers don't back him up, however, as Moore is 1-4, 4.61 in nine day games and 8-3, 3.19 in 15 night games.
MISCELLANY: Top 2012 draft pick Richie Shaffer hit his first pro homer and top 2011 pick RHP Taylor Guerrieri got his first pro win for short-season Class A Hudson Valley. … J.B. Long, who did the Rays reports for MLB Network, left for a gig with the Pac 12 Networks. … Friday is the first of eight Rays games moved to 970-AM radio to make way for Bucs broadcasts on flagship 620-AM.
Times wires
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Nationals 4, Astros 3
HOUSTON — Gio Gonzalez pitched a nine-inning complete game and hit a home run, both career firsts, to lead Washington. Nationals manager Davey Johnson was hoping Gonzalez could go deep into this game after his bullpen had been taxed with games of 11 and 12 innings to start this series. He got just what he wanted from Gonzalez, whose other complete game was an eight-inning outing for Oakland in 2010.
By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Excited about the Bucs? Optimistic about new coach Greg Schiano? Encouraged the team is on the right track?
Sorry, but can we hit the pause button just for a moment?
While the Bucs loaded up on offense in the offseason, it was the defense that was the chief culprit in last season's 4-12 nightmare. And they did not address the weakest link on that broken chain of a defense: the pass rush.
Two seasons ago, the Bucs recorded only 26 sacks and somehow they were even more feeble last season with a league-low 23. Now get ready for the really bad news: The pass rush might be even worse this season.
Here are five reasons you should really be concerned about the Bucs' pass rush in 2012.
The stars have yet to be stars
Let's start with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy. This isn't a guy plucked off the waiver wire or some undrafted free agent out of IDidn'tKnowTheyHadAFootballTeam A&M. We're talking about the third overall pick in the 2010 draft. Third overall picks are supposed to be beasts. They're supposed to be monsters. They're supposed to be difference-makers, game-changers, the type of player you build a defense around.
When McCoy (right) was drafted out of Oklahoma, a few folks even had him rated higher than the second overall pick that year, Ndamukong Suh, who has 14 sacks in 30 games with the Lions.
Know how many sacks McCoy has had? Four, in 19 career starts. He played only six games last season, and we should cut him some slack for being in the middle of a crummy defense. He isn't exactly anchoring the '85 Bears or '76 Steelers. And I suppose we need to recognize that he is playing for his second head coach, second defensive coordinator and third position coach, all in just his third season.
"Change is always hard,'' McCoy said, "but I'm used to it.''
Used to it? Maybe. Thriving despite it? Not really. Not like a No. 3 overall pick should. Not like a guy who signed a five-year, $63 million contract.
Then there's defensive end Da'Quan Bowers. He's sidelined with a torn Achilles tendon and, no matter what anyone says, will be a long shot to play this season. The Bucs knew full well Bowers was a high-risk pick because of injury questions. In fact, it's why he went from being a projected high first-rounder to the 51st overall pick in the 2011 draft.
Still, his nation-best 15½ sacks at Clemson in 2010 had Tampa Bay dreaming he could stay on the field long enough to be a sack machine in the league. He played all 16 games last season and even made six starts, but he recorded only 1½ sacks.
The rest isn't exactly the best
What do the Bucs have after Gerald McCoy on the defensive line?
Well, there's defensive end Adrian Clayborn (top). Actually, he's the best hope when it comes to chasing opposing quarterbacks. He led the team with 7½ sacks last season. There's defensive end Michael Bennett (middle), who has six career sacks in 34 games, and defensive tackle Roy Miller (bottom), who has three in 47.
On paper, the defensive line figures to be worse than last year, when the team finished dead last in the NFL with only 23 sacks. (Vikings defensive end Jared Allen had 22 all by himself.) Worse, because defensive end Da'Quan Bowers will have little, if any, impact this season. Worse, because the team parted ways with 2010 second-round pick Brian Price.
Oh, about getting rid of Price: What were the Bucs thinking?
The defensive tackle has issues. I get that. For the moment, he had become unreliable physically and emotionally, partly because of off-the-field tragedies. He scuffled with teammate Mark Barron because Barron was sitting in the wrong chair. That's not normal behavior.
Perhaps the team grew tired of the drama. Maybe coach Greg Schiano wanted no more distractions or problems. But unless there was something more behind the scenes that we don't know about, Price didn't seem so far gone that he couldn't be salvaged. He's only 23, for goodness sakes, way too young and talented to give up on, especially for a team that could really use young and talented.
The Bucs did go out and get tackles Amobi Okoye and Gary Gibson, but both have missed time with injuries during camp.
Don't count on coverage sacks
There's no reason to believe the secondary is so good that it can cover receivers long enough for coverage sacks. Rookie strong safety Mark Barron has never started an NFL game. Ronde Barber has started plenty of NFL games, but not one at free safety, where he is expected to play this season.
At corner, Eric Wright is going to have to prove he is an effective cover man before he can be called an effective cover man. For my money, Aqib Talib is the best football player on the team, assuming he can stay out of taxicabs, off the injury list and on the field. But he can't cover everyone by himself.
No other help
Not all quarterback pressure has to come from the D-line. The linebackers can chip in. Just think of Dallas' DeMarcus Ware or Baltimore's Terrell Suggs or San Francisco's Aldon Smith. But the Bucs don't have a Ware or a Suggs. What they have is a Quincy Black and a Mason Foster (above). They combined for two sacks last season, both by Foster. They also have Lavonte David, a rookie. Don't expect any help from the linebackers when it comes to pressuring the quarterback.
The schedule is loaded with superstar QBs
Maybe the team could get by with a subpar pass rush if it had a schedule of subpar quarterbacks. That's not the case. Drew Brees, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton are each on the schedule twice. Then there's (starting from top left) Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Philip Rivers, Peyton Manning, Michael Vick and Sam Bradford. That's 12 of 16 games against what you would consider good to elite NFL quarterbacks, and that doesn't include Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III.
The Bucs will go into that murderers' row of a schedule with an unproven-at-best pass rush unless something changes in the next few weeks.
"We're always looking outside,'' coach Greg Schiano said. "I believe in that. We're always looking to see if you can make things better.''
From the looks of things, it doesn't appear as if it can get much worse.
By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays can't really keep pitching this well. Really, they can't. Not like this.
But they're certainly going to enjoy it — and take advantage — while they can.
Wednesday was Alex Cobb's turn, and the least-heralded, and least-secure, member of the rotation kept the momentum moving with a sterling seven-inning outing in a 3-2 win over the Blue Jays.
"We're having a blast," Cobb said. "Being on a roll like this, you definitely don't want to be a ripple in the water, so to speak. We're all feeding off each other and kind of competing at the same time. It's a lot of fun right now."
The numbers have been dazzling. In 24 games since the All-Star break, the Rays have a majors-best 2.27 ERA, .198 opponents average and 243 strikeouts. In 12 of their past 18 games, they have allowed two or fewer runs. And as good as the starters have been, the relievers — even after Fernando Rodney lost his scoreless-innings streak on a just-barely homer en route to his major league-leading 34th save — have been better, with a 1.45 post-break ERA.
"It's hard to continue this level, but I really believe that our pitchers can be very good for the rest of the season," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's almost like a team that's really hot with the bats. At some point maybe with runners in scoring position it comes back, but it doesn't mean it has to become awful by any means. Our guys are good."
Or, as centerfielder B.J. Upton said: "Uh-huh. Uh-huh. I mean, heck, I don't even know like how to put it in words. We're in every ball game. We're in every single ball game. And then the bullpen comes in."
The pitching wasn't quite the whole story Wednesday before a gathering of 13,441 at the Trop, as the Rays (58-52) clinched their 16th consecutive home series win over the Jays.
The offense, with Evan Longoria included for a second straight night, did just enough, scoring three times in Carlos Villanueva's 31-pitch mess of a third inning.
Desmond Jennings started it with a double, and Upton delivered the key at-bat, going to right to try to move Jennings and scoring him with a double. Matt Joyce's single set them up for more, and they got one when Longoria (who also struck out three times) grounded into a double play, following orders to take it easy on his way to first, and another when Jeff Keppinger — down to No. 7 in the order — followed walks to Ben Zobrist and Carlos Peña with a single.
"We were 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position; that's good for us," Maddon said.
Cobb's spot in the rotation appears tenuous, with Jeff Niemann beginning a scheduled four-start rehab assignment Wednesday. But Cobb, who had what Maddon said was the best curveball of anyone on the staff all season, could at least make it an interesting decision.
Mixing the killer curve with his fastball and changeup, he logged his third straight quality start, having benefited from some mechanical adjustments and refinement in his command to improve to 6-8, 4.32.
"Once you figure out what you're doing wrong and you feel like that was the key reason you were failing," Cobb said, "you have a lot of confidence when you're going out there and you know your stuff is good enough."
Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.
Times wires
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Giants 15, Cardinals 0
ST. LOUIS — Marco Scutaro hit a grand slam and drove in a career-high seven runs for San Francisco. Scutaro doubled, singled then hit his third career slam in the ninth off Mitchell Boggs. Ryan Vogelsong has gone at least six innings in all 21 of his starts.
Times wires
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Dodgers 6, Rockies 4
LOS ANGELES — Chad Billingsley shrugged off an inside-the-park home run by Eric Young Jr. on his fourth pitch of the game to win his fourth straight start, Matt Kemp hit a three-run homer and Los Angeles avoided a three-game sweep by baseball's worst staff. Colorado's starters included five rookie position players. Kenley Jansen got his 22nd save in 28 attempts.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 9, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — Evan Longoria said he hoped to provide a "spark" to the Rays offense when he returned just three days ago from a more than three-month stay on the disabled list.
On Thursday, he helped deliver a sweep.
Longoria racked up three hits in Tampa Bay's 7-1 win over the Blue Jays in front of 23,462 at Tropicana Field, the team's first sweep since June 8-10 over the Marlins. He reached base four times, including missing a home run by inches in the eighth inning before settling for a replay-confirmed double. And, most important, Longoria's previously partially torn left hamstring held up in his third consecutive start, a busy day on the bases.
"We won three in a row," Longoria said, smiling, "so (the leg) feels good."
The Rays (59-52), who have won six of their past eight, had a lot of reasons to feel good as they headed out Thursday night for Minnesota to start a 10-game, cross-country road trip.
Their pitching staff continued its special run with another strong start by rookie left-hander Matt Moore, who bounced back after a rough first inning to allow just one run and two hits over six innings. The Rays, who moved to a half-game back in the AL wild-card race, have a majors-best 2.22 ERA since the All-Star break.
"Amazing," manager Joe Maddon said.
"Second-to-none," outfielder Matt Joyce said.
But there's no denying the obvious impact Longoria's presence, albeit at DH, has made the past three games. The same Rays offense that entered the series on a 21-inning scoreless streak tallied 13 hits Thursday afternoon and scored nearly as many runs as it did in the previous six games of the homestand combined (six).
"As soon as he walks into the lineup, it just makes it so much better," first baseman Carlos Peña said. "You can't quantify really, what it means to this ballclub.
"I guess you can look at numbers, but it's so much more than that, just his presence, just lifts us up."
Said Joyce: "With the addition of guys like Longo, I think everybody else is kind of able to relax a bit and gain some confidence. And once you're able to do that, things start rolling."
Longoria said his swing didn't feel right in his first two games; he was 0-for-4 Wednesday with three strikeouts. But after working with hitting coach Derek Shelton and looking at video of his preinjury success at the plate, Longoria took a step in the right direction Thursday.
After a strikeout in his first at-bat, Longoria followed with two singles to left, then reached on an error by leftfielder Rajai Davis. Longoria took his steps cautiously on the bases, running slowly, and was encouraged by how he felt, though it won't be decided until today whether he plays tonight against the Twins.
"When he hits the ball, he's hitting the ball hard already, and that's a good thing," Maddon said of Longoria. "When he hits the ball, the velocity off the bat, it's different. That's what becomes contagious."
Third baseman Jeff Keppinger also had three hits and catcher Jose Lobaton picked up two (along with three RBIs), lighting the Captain Morgan lamp as the player of the game.
"Right now we're pretty much running on all cylinders," Joyce said. "And having the confidence that goes along with it."
Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.
By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent
Thursday, August 9, 2012
What's hot: Fishing for redfish during the right tide has been productive. The best tide is a slack tide after midnight in the 1.5-foot range. This allows reds to move onto the flats before sunrise. They feed best during the incoming tide. This lasts until the tide peaks and starts to go out. During the outgoing tide the reds move to the drop-offs. This makes them harder to target. A moving school is slow to feed and when a fish is caught, the rest will be long gone by the time that hooked fish is landed.
Baits: The best baits have been cut pinfish and threadfins. Try to place the bait in front of the moving school. Casting into the school spooks them into swimming faster. When fishing before sunup, work a topwater plug along the edge of the school.
Tip: Keep the wind at your back to allow for longer casts.
Best bets: Filling the live well with small whitebait and anchoring over the grass in 6 feet of water will produce trout, sharks, blues and mackerel. Chum the area with live bait during a moving tide for the best action. Use a frozen chum block to keep the fish that come to the live chum from leaving the area. Rig the rods with 30-pound monofilament leader and a long-shank hook to draw the most strikes.
Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.
By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Bucs roster looks vastly different after seven months of reshaping under coach Greg Schiano.
Tonight, the result of that offseason crafting finally comes into some focus with the preseason opener at Miami. Here are five players to watch.
SS Mark Barron
Yes, he's the first of the team's two first-round picks. This alone puts Barron under a microscope.
But the biggest reason for close examination of his play is less obvious. Many fans have been puzzled by the lack of detailed reports from training camp on his performance. The cause? For one, the starting strong safety has been slowed by a toe injury that kept him out a few days. But he also doesn't always shine in practices because he is a physical and punishing player.
You cannot fully appreciate such a player in the confines of practice, with strict limitations on contact. If Barron gets a running start against a ballcarrier tonight, you'll likely see the impact you've been looking for.
Barron just wants to experience live action.
"The only thing I want to do is to go out and get the feel for the game at this level, to really see what it's like," he said.
WR Tiquan Underwood
For a guy with 11 career receptions — fewest among the top six receivers on the roster — Underwood is making a ton of plays in training camp.
But can he do it in actual games, preseason or otherwise?
He presents a matchup problem for defenses because he possesses something the team needs more of: pure speed. He can run by defensive backs, and in practice he has been a reliable downfield target.
The former Greg Schiano pupil at Rutgers has been discarded by the Jaguars and Patriots, but he hasn't looked like a journeyman during training camp, so maybe his hard work is paying off.
"I've been playing more confident, but just trying to get better," he said.
QB Dan Orlovsky
His acquisition during the offseason was not a splashy headline, but Orlovsky has the look of a solid backup. He has the right attitude, eagerly supporting starter Josh Freeman and trying to share tips he has learned from an eight-year NFL career.
He'll play a lot tonight because Freeman will likely be limited. And with the team carrying just three quarterbacks — many teams have four in preseason — coaches won't have to obsess over how to split up playing time. Brett Ratliff is the third-team quarterback.
Orlovsky can be effective when he has weapons. At times, he's been a victim of circumstance, playing for the winless Lions in 2008 and the 2-14 Colts in 2011 (he authored both of Indy's victories, by the way).
FS Ronde Barber
He won't play much, or so we think. Barber never has been a fan of playing extensively in the preseason.
But this isn't like other years. He will make his debut at free safety, leaving the comfort of the cornerback position he prefers for the first time in his 16-year career.
There will be adjustments. Sometimes, he'll have to cover wide stretches of field to make plays on the ball. Other times, he'll have to ramble at full speed against oncoming ball carriers.
These are much different tasks than the ones the Bucs previously asked of him as a cornerback in the old Tampa Two-based system.
Barber is smart, tough and instinctive, but that doesn't mean this change will be easy.
LB LaVonte David
The Miami native makes his NFL debut not far from his old stomping grounds, but this is no time to be sentimental.
The Bucs are counting on the rookie from the University of Nebraska to start at weakside linebacker. He has had a strong training camp, displaying great instincts near the line of scrimmage and the coverage ability the team was drawn to.
The speed of the NFL game takes some adjusting to, and this will be his first taste. How quickly he makes that adjustment likely will determine how successful he'll be this season.
By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Making news
Volunteers needed for Scallop count
Tampa Bay once had a thriving bay scallop fishery. However, years of habitat destruction and unregulated pollution nearly wiped out the scallop population in local waters. But thanks to strict water-quality regulations and the efforts of nonprofit groups such as Tampa Bay Watch, scallops are making a comeback.
Water sports enthusiasts can still help this bivalve by turning out for the annual Great Bay Scallop Search on Aug. 18. Volunteer boaters and snorkelers are needed to scour select areas within Boca Ciega and lower Tampa Bay for scallops.
Since 1993, hundreds of volunteers have helped count scallops every August, and the data gathered may some day lead to the reopening of recreational scalloping in local waters. Tampa Bay Watch hopes to get 45 volunteer boaters and more than 180 snorkelers to participate this year.
Many factors, including red tide, rainfall and tropical storms, play a role in the health of the scallop population. In 2009, volunteers counted a high of 674 scallops. But the number fell to 32 in 2010 and five in 2011.
To participate in the search, register at tampabaywatch.org.
Gun, knife show this weekend
The Hernando Sportsman's Club is sponsoring its annual summer gun and knife show at the Hernando County Fairgrounds (6436 Broad St., Brooksville) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $6, though children 16 and under are admitted free with an adult. For information, call (352) 799-3605 or go to hernando sportsmansclub.com.
Send your news to ttomalin@tampabay.com.
Solunar chart
AM PM
Minor Major Minor Major
8/10 12:25 6:30 12:40 6:55
8/11 1:10 7:15 1:25 7:40
8/12 1:55 8:00 2:10 8:25
8/13 2:40 8:45 2:55 9:10
8/14 3:25 9:30 3:40 9:55
8/15 4:10 10:20 4:30 10:45
8/16 5:00 11:05 5:20 11:30
By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, August 9, 2012
ISLAMORADA — Richard Stanczyk pointed down toward the pod of permit lingering over the wreck and told me to ready my bait.
"We might only have one shot at these fish," said the legendary fishing guide, 67. "Don't blow it."
Stanczyk, quick to point out that he was fishing the Florida Keys long before I was born, has seen his share of anglers miss big fish.
"Whatever you do, don't let that fish drag you into the wreck," he added. "Then it is gone for sure."
No better place
Stanczyk, owner of the famous Bud N' Mary's Marina in Islamorada, became an international angling celebrity in 2002 when he figured out how to catch broadbill swordfish, a species previously thought to be nocturnal, during the light of day.
But on this warm summer morning, Stanczyk doesn't really care what he catches as long as it pulls.
"There's no other place like Islamorada in the world," he said. "When it comes to world records, we have everybody beat."
It is hard to say exactly how many former, current and pending world records have been set in what locals like to call the "Sportfishing Capital of the World," but a safe number would be in the hundreds.
With easy access to the inshore fishing of Florida Bay, offshore reefs and the deep, blue water where the billfish roam, Islamorada certainly seems like heaven for fishermen.
Wreck lurkers
I was stoked to have a shot at a trophy permit, a species seldom seen, let alone caught, in my home waters of Tampa Bay. So when my bait disappeared in the whirl of feeding fish, I prayed the line would last long enough to at least get a photo.
"It is going to run deep," Stanczyk said. "Don't let it find that wreck."
I could feel the power of the fish, turning its body sideways in the water to increase the resistance on the line. It was like trying to reel in a doormat made of solid muscle.
Permit are typically found on offshore wrecks and artificial reefs, but the flats fishermen of the Keys also catch them on light tackle and fly rods in a few feet of water. These fish are usually released, the thought being that a permit let go today will live to be caught again tomorrow.
That's why in 2001 the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission set up the Special Permit Zone in areas of South Florida. The regulations are more restrictive so the big breeders have time to reproduce.
To land a big permit — 20 pounds or more — is truly a noteworthy entry on any angler's life list. That's why I got nervous when the fish peeled off line, 1 foot at a time, and dragged it closer to the sharp steel hull below.
"I can't make any headway," I told Stanczyk. "It's like trying to stop a runaway freight train."
For 10 minutes we played this game. I'd pull and reel up a few feet of line, then the permit would take its turn and erase all my gains. Then, for a brief second, the permit took a bit of a rest. That's all I needed to turn its head. Slow and steady, I pulled up on the rod.
By now, my forearms were sore and sweat dripped from my brow. The tropical sun beat down on my neck, and I thought the fish might just outlast me. Then I saw a flash of silver 10 feet below. This permit was mine.
Stanczyk's mate grabbed the fish by the tail and lifted it on to the boat. "Let's get a quick photo," he said. "And then get this fish back in the water."
The process took less than a minute. Stanczyk placed the fish gently back in the water, and in an instant it was gone, down to the wreck it had tried so desperately to find before.
"You got your permit," Stanczyk beamed. "What's left on your list? Dolphin, wahoo, blackfin tuna?"
By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 9, 2012
TAMPA — The arrival of coach Greg Schiano has had a galvanic effect on Bucs players, if not the entire organization. The conversions most talked about have not come on third down. He has changed men, and in the process, is trying to reverse a culture.
"Everybody wants to go and everybody's pushing themselves to the limit that they usually don't push themselves to," defensive end Michael Bennett said. "People that usually are lazy are not being lazy, and people that work hard are working harder, so that's going to help the team in ways we don't even know yet."
Schiano makes his debut as an NFL head coach in tonight's preseason opener at Miami against the Dolphins. But the 11-year Rutgers coach, who is prone to remind everyone that there are "only'' 1,440 minutes in a day, is living in the moment. So forgive Schiano if he is not focused on padding his resume.
"I really don't think that way. I never have," Schiano said. "That's probably cheating the process a little bit, though, because you never really get to enjoy it, but I've always kind of been, what's next.
"One of the things I'm just grateful I've been a head coach for 11 years, so I kind of know what to expect in a game. I remember my first game as a head coach. That was a scary proposition."
Taking over a Bucs team that lost the final 10 games last season and allowed a club-worst 494 points in 2011 can also be frightening. First impressions are important, but with so much change, there are bound to be mistakes.
What will Bucs coaches be focused on?
Offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, the former Giants quarterbacks coach who worked with Eli Manning, will pay close attention to Josh Freeman's leadership, decision-making and accuracy.
"I think we'd just like to see him, first and foremost, be a good decision-maker, be someone who is comfortable, plays with a good rhythm and has confidence and just execute," Sullivan said. "Sometimes there may be a ball that gets away from him, there's going to be the decision mistakes. But I'd like to just be able to see him be able to take that next step."
In order to improve on that decision-making, Freeman needs better protection. Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn is out with a calf strain, which means unproven backup Demar Dotson starts in his place, guarding Freeman's blindside from Dolphins sackmaster Cameron Wake.
"I trust him," Schiano said. "Will he learn some lessons? I am sure he will. You try to help a guy out in those situations a little bit, and you know we will make sure, but it is a nice welcome party isn't it?"
Offensively, it will be a coming-out party for free agent receiver Vincent Jackson and guard Carl Nicks. Rookie Doug Martin, a first-round pick from Boise State, begins his competition for the starting tailback job with LeGarrette Blount.
There is more work to do for defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. The defensive line is paper thin with the trade of tackle Brian Price to Chicago and the Achilles injury to end Da'Quan Bowers. The linebackers are young and younger. Mason Foster struggled as a rookie and will line up next to rookie Lavonte David. The secondary has a free agent cornerback in Eric Wright and two new safeties — first-round pick Mark Barron and Ronde Barber, who is making his debut at free safety in his 16th season.
"There are certain things we won't show, but I want to run our stuff," Schiano said. "That's what we do. We are who we are. I want to make sure that we keep it simple enough though that we can evaluate our guys."
How long the starters will play is anyone's guess. "We'll have a plan for every player, and I learned a long time ago whether it was in scrimmages in college football or in the preseason, we're sticking to the plan," Schiano said. "I don't care what the situation is."
While Schiano is in the converting business, that might as well include fans.
"Anytime there is a scoreboard you try to win, but that's not the No. 1 (priority)," he said of preseason. "We need to make sure we evaluate our guys because these don't count and I'm not going to make that mistake. When you're playing a game, you try to win with whoever is out there but it might not be who I would have out there if it ultimately counted. As a competitor, I play cards and I want to win. It doesn't matter what I am playing."
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 practice
Tuesday: 8:45 to 11:30 a.m.
Preseason games
Tonight: 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
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
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 9, 2012
. Up next
at Twins
Tonight-Sunday
What's new: The Twins (49-62) find themselves in a rare spot, near the bottom of the AL Central, a division they've won two of the past three years. A big reason why is the pitching, as Minnesota entered Thursday with the AL's highest ERA (4.77). The rotation is without RHP Carl Pavano (disabled list) and LHP Francisco Liriano (traded to White Sox in late July). On offense, the Twins still have their M&M boys, 1B Justin Morneau (15 homers, 55 RBIs) and C Joe Mauer (.316 average), but their biggest bat has been OF Josh Willingham, who has 29 of their 99 homers.
Key stat: The Twins have scored 145 runs since the All-Star break, which was the best in baseball entering Thursday.
Connections: Twins CF Denard Span is a Tampa Catholic High School product.
Series history: The Rays have won two of three meetings this year, and nine of their past 13 against the Twins. But the Twins lead overall 60-53, including 34-24 in Minnesota.
Joe Smith, Times staff writer
Times wires
Thursday, August 9, 2012
LONDON — When the stakes are the biggest, the spotlight most bright, Usain Bolt is as good as gold.
Good as there has ever been.
Putting the field far enough behind that he could slow up over the last few strides and put his left index finger to his mouth to tell critics to shush, Bolt won the 200 meters in 19.32 seconds Thursday, making him the only man to win the 100 and 200 in back-to-back Games.
"That was for all that people that doubted me, all the people that was talking all kinds of stuff that I wasn't going to do it, I was going to be beaten," Bolt said of his "Shhhhhh" gesture at the finish. "I was just telling them: You can stop talking now because I am a legend.
"I've done something that no one has done before, which is defend my double title (he won the 100 Sunday). Back-to-back for me. I would say I'm the greatest."
Bolt, 25, led a Jamaican 200 sweep. His training partner and pal Yohan Blake got the silver in 19.44, and Warren Weir took the bronze in 19.84.
Fourth was American Wallace Spearmon (19.90), who said of Bolt between sobs of disappointment, "The guy is just on another planet right now."
One world record was set Thursday. David Rudisha of Kenya won the 800 in 1 minute, 40.91 seconds, improving his standard by 0.10. Americans Duane Solomon and Nick Symmonds finished fourth and fifth in a race in which the eighth- and last-place time, 1:43.77 by Britain's Andrew Osagie, would have won the past three Olympics.
Overall it was another good day for the Americans. Ashton Eaton and Trey Hardee went 1-2 in the decathlon, and former Gators Christian Taylor and Will Claye were 1-2 in the triple jump, raising the U.S. track and field total with three days to go to 24 medals, one higher than the total in 2008.
This is the fifth time the United States has gone 1-2 in the triple jump. Taylor's win is the first for the United State since 1996.
"My coach and I have just worked tremendously hard, and to see this all come together at this time is a blessing," said Taylor, the 2011 world champion.
Claye added his silver to the bronze he got in the long jump. He is the first U.S. jumper to win medals in both events since 1904.
"Christian and I have been going 1-2 for a long time," he said. "We have a brotherhood, and jumping against your brother, you go harder than you do with anyone else."
By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, August 9, 2012
LONDON
In one way, it was a story of redemption, the tale of a team finding a way to take away an ache that had lingered for a year.
In another way, it was the story of resiliency, of a benched player finding her way to score two goals in the final of the Olympics.
Most of all, however, it was a story of Hope and how putting up is even better than shutting up.
Hope Solo, the girl with the big mouth and the reckless tweets, was staring down the barrel. It came down to this: The United States women's soccer team was in the 83rd minute against Japan on Thursday night, leading 2-1, and Japanese forward Asuna Tanaka had the ball on her foot, and a one-goal lead never looked so slim. This was putting distance. This was layup distance. This was lean-over-and-turn-off-the-lamp distance.
And Solo stretched and lunged and somehow tapped away a laser beam.
This is what Solo does. She irritates and she annoys and she drives everyone around her crazy, and then the big game comes along and she turns into a giant. She is the shut-your-yap goaltender taking on the world, and somehow she finds a way to back it up when it counts the most.
"She's the best goalkeeper ever on the planet," said teammate Carli Lloyd. "That's what she does. She comes up big in big moments. She's just unbelievable. She's the best ever. The best ever."
Without Solo, the Americans had no hope against Japan. There were huge stretches of the game when the Japanese players seemed to take up residency in the goal box. They sprinted at Solo relentlessly, reminding the world why they were able to upset the Americans in last year's World Cup final.
Solo stood up to the assault, however. She stopped a hard shot in the 17th minute, and in the 18th she pushed a shot upward and over the goal with her left hand. In the 46th minute she survived a pileup and punched the ball away.
"The thing about great athletes and superstars is that they show up when they're needed," said teammate Abby Wambach. "Superstars don't go unnoticed for very long."
Going unnoticed has never been a problem for Solo. She was the goaltender who was sent packing when she complained that Briana Scurry had gotten the start against Brazil instead of her in the semifinals of the 2007 World Cup, a game the Americans lost 4-0. She backed that up in 2008, when she was brilliant against the Brazilians in a match for the Olympic gold medal, a 1-0 win.
This time Solo on Twitter had ripped into NBC analyst Brandi Chastain, a member of two U.S. gold medal teams, for not knowing enough about soccer after a preliminary-round win over Colombia. It was a confusing moment considering how much Solo enjoys her own opinions. It was not, however, the distraction some people believed it would be. Gold medals seem to calm controversies, and Solo was always her team's best shot at that.
"I don't care how people perceive me," said Solo, 31, with some indignation in her voice. "I am who I am. I'm here to win. It's not always pretty, and I don't know when I'm going to be asked to step up, the first game or last game. At some point it's going to come down to the goaltender. I think I tend to play well under pressure, but a lot of great players do."
More than anything, that will be Solo's legacy: a chatterbox who transforms into a champion. She may rub some people wrong, but she can guide a team onto the medal stand.
"Hope was absolutely magnificent," said teammate Megan Rapinoe. "That's the best I've seen her play in a long time. Every time they took a shot, she was there. She's the best goaltender in the world. I don't even think that's a discussion anymore.
"Yeah, she does a lot of talking, but that's who she is. We've accepted that."
Perhaps that's why the Americans have now won four of five gold medals in Olympic play. They never seem to get distracted. They are one of those charmed teams that always seems to have another player grab the moment when it is needed the most.
Solo did that against Japan. Then again, so did Lloyd, a player who began the tournament on the bench. But when Shannon Boxx was injured in the opening game against France, Lloyd came back in. She scored a header in the eighth minute Thursday, and in the 54th she made a nice run and launched the ball into the far corner.
"When 'Boxie' went down, I had to seize the moment," Lloyd said. "When someone tells me I'm not good enough to start, I'm going to prove them wrong."
Pretty good story, Lloyd. So is Wambach, the former Gator who took another step toward joining Mia Hamm as the greatest U.S. women's player of them all. So are the stories of a lot of these players.
And then there is Solo. For a very long time, people will talk about that last moment, the moment when Solo knocked away the final threat.
"I knew I had to make that save," Solo said. "It wasn't my best save. I guess when you look at it now, it's against Japan in the final and it's in the final minutes. It's a bigger deal now."
Soon, Solo will find controversy again. She will say something on Twitter again that outrages people, or she will say something that will raise eyebrows. Some people cannot seem to help themselves. That's part of Solo's legacy.
Eventually, however, there will come a moment when Solo has to protect the net from an opposing threat.
She will, of course. That's the better part of Solo's legacy. The part made out of gold.
By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 9, 2012
ST. PETERSBURG — Rays manager Joe Maddon said he was a little concerned about LHP Matt Moore during his 27-pitch first inning Thursday.
Moore had given up a leadoff double, allowed a stolen base and balked in a run. His fastball was around 93 mph, and he was not locating it well.
"It didn't start out well," Maddon said, "but he settled in."
Moore ended up lasting six innings, giving up just one run and two hits. He said he got a better feel and command of his pitches as the game wore on, retiring 13 straight batters over a stretch.
It was sort of a microcosm of Moore's rookie season, finding his way after a rough 1-5 start to go 8-5 with a 3.01 ERA in his past 15 outings.
"I'm extremely pleased with where I've come from in the beginning of the season, when I was not really putting together too many quality starts," he said. "To now, where I'm getting a little more hungry for the eighth and ninth inning every night out, trying to see what they're like. It's getting closer."
FOR SHORT: Maddon's typically unpredictable lineup had another twist, with Ben Zobrist making his first start at shortstop since 2009.
Maddon said because Moore, a flyball pitcher, was on the mound, he tried the "experiment" because he wanted to get infielders Jeff Keppinger and Ryan Roberts both in the game at the same time, giving the Rays "our best offensive look right there, based on the personnel active right now."
Zobrist said he was asked beforehand about the move, and he was fine with it, having come up as a shortstop. He was the team's opening day starter there in 2007. "It's just like riding a bike," he quipped.
Zobrist felt good and had to make just a couple of plays Thursday. Maddon said Zobrist could start there again, when the right pitcher is on the mound. With Zobrist able to play short, the team might feel more comfortable next week if it sent INF Sean Rodriguez down to make room for DH Luke Scott (oblique strain), who is expected to come off the disabled list.
STANDING TALL: RHP Jeff Niemann admitted he was nervous before Wednesday's rehab start with Class A Charlotte, his first game since breaking the fibula in his right leg in May.
But Niemann settled down and was encouraged with how he felt in throwing 2⅔ innings (41 pitches), allowing just one run. He said he never had to cover first base, but his leg issue didn't cross his mind.
"I just really wanted to reach my pitch count and throw strikes, throw quality strikes, and throw all the pitches," he said. "And I did that."
Niemann is scheduled to throw the second of four expected rehab starts early next week, targeting a late-August return.
GREAT SCOTT: Scott will begin a rehab assignment tonight with Class A Charlotte, and Maddon acknowledged the stint "shouldn't be that long." Scott said he also will play Saturday, then be re-evaluated. It's possible Scott could rejoin the Rays in Seattle early next week. The key will be when he's able to consistently time the fastball.
MINOR MATTERS: INF Brooks Conrad accepted his assignment to Triple-A Durham, and INF Matt Mangini was released. Durham 1B Henry Wrigley, 26, was named Topps International League player of the month for July, as well as Rays minor-league player of the month, after hitting .370 with three homers and 18 RBIs. RHP Alex Colome was named Rays minor-league pitcher of the month after going 5-1 with a 2.23 ERA in six starts for Double-A Montgomery.
MISCELLANY: RHP Jeremy Hellickson said 40-50 family members and friends will make the three-hour drive from Iowa to watch his start tonight in Minneapolis. … Tonight's game will be on 970-AM due to the Bucs' preseason opener.
