By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

What's hot: Tarpon get most of the attention when we talk about exciting fly action for large fish in our area. Earlier in the year as water warmed and baitfish became more prolific, large tarpon followed their forage and populated most of our local waters. Following the tarpon were a variety of sharks, which consider tarpon their favorite food. Waiting patiently for a tarpon that will take a fly can make for a long day. How many times have you seen sharks patrolling a tarpon hot spot? If you cast to them with a tarpon setup and get a hookup, a frayed leader is usually the result.

Equipment: Ideally, have a second rod rigged to save time. A 10-weight fly rod, 200 yards of 30-pound backing and a leader with a 4-foot, 60-pound butt section, 20-pound class tippet and a 1-foot wire bite tippet will attach to the fly. Use a Bimini twist or haywire twist to double the section next to the 40-pound single-strand wire. Attach the wire to the double-strand leader with an Albright knot. The bright orange or red fly size 3/0 will need a haywire twist to complete the connection to the wire leader.

Technique: Cast ahead of the shark and work the fly with a slow, teasing motion. A hookup will need several serious strip sets low and to the side.

Tips: When using single-strand wire, a back-and-forth motion will break the tag end with a smooth finish. Cutting the wire will leave a sharp result that will injure you or cut your leader while playing the fish. Catch and careful release is encouraged.

Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com and (727) 504-8649.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

TAMPA — Affordable ticket prices, the NFL's 85 percent seat exemption, yearly payment plans, half-season ticket plans — the Bucs have tried it all this year trying to generate sales and avoid those annoying local television blackouts.

The fans have spoken.

They prefer to listen to it live on radio.

At least that's true for Friday's preseason home opener against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium.

Because the team failed to sell 85 percent of its general seats at least 72 hours before kickoff, the game is subject to the NFL's local television blackout within a 75-mile radius of the home market, the Bucs confirmed Tuesday.

The game will air locally on tape delay at 11:30 p.m. on Ch. 10. The game also will air Saturday at noon. Ken Tonning, Ch. 10's general manager, said the station was aware of the possibility that home games might not be broadcast live.

"The same thing happened last year and it has worked out fine," Tonning said. "The advertisers are satisfied with the broadcasts."

Tuesday's announcement that the game will be televised only on tape delay is more evidence that the Bucs are still struggling to sell tickets amid a down economy that is compounded by the team's 4-12 record in 2011.

The Bucs have had 13 of their past 15 regular-season games at RJS blacked out dating to 2010.

Tampa Bay is one of three teams to take advantage of the NFL's optional softened blackout restrictions, allowing blackouts to be lifted if 85 percent of non-premium seats — about 44,000 in this case — are sold at least 72 hours before kickoff.

On Monday, the team debuted two "half-season" ticket plans that will allow fans more flexibility. The Red Plan includes games against the Titans (preseason), Panthers, Redskins, Saints and Chargers. The Pewter Plan offers games against the Patriots (preseason), Chiefs, Falcons, Eagles and Rams.

Tampa Bay's other preseason home game, against New England, is Aug. 24.

The regular-season opener is against the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 9 at RJS.

"We want to give our fans every opportunity to watch as many games as they can this year," Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer said recently. "But I cannot stand here today and predict how many there will be (on television). But we're hopeful there will be more games on television than last year."

Times staff writer Stephen F. Holder contributed to this report.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

VERO BEACH — Much can change between now and USF's Sept. 1 season opener, but redshirt freshman Matt Floyd has moved ahead of junior Bobby Eveld in the QB battle to be the top backup to B.J. Daniels.

"Right now, Matt would be the (No.) 2," coach Skip Holtz said after practice at Vero Beach Sports Village. "They've gone back and forth, but when you look at what Matt did in the scrimmage, that's all we have to go on.

"We keep saying the jobs are going to be determined on the field, and all I can do is put them in game-like situations and make the evaluations on whoever does the best in those situations. As tight as it is, as nip-and-tuck as that has gone, it may very well change when we get to Saturday (scrimmage) predicated on how Matt Floyd plays."

Floyd pulled ahead with a solid showing in Monday's first fall scrimmage, where he completed his first 11 passes, including a touchdown to WR Ruben Gonzalez. Floyd, at USF since January 2011, redshirted last fall; Eveld has been the top backup the past two seasons, starting twice when Daniels was injured.

Offensive coordinator Todd Fitch, now also quarterbacks coach, said both have practiced well, but Floyd has been the more consistent.

"Bobby started a little slow but then at the end threw some very nice balls," Fitch said. "I thought Matt probably carried over from spring when he showed some flashes of possibly being the backup. He continued to show that's a strong possibility."

HEALING FAST: USF scrimmaged Monday with five of its top eight defensive linemen sidelined at some point by injuries, but most returned to practice Tuesday.

Most notable was senior DT Cory Grissom, who has been sidelined since breaking his right ankle late in spring drills but looked good running through drills. DT Todd Chandler, who had a boot on his foot Monday, practiced as well, as did DE Julius Forte, who missed the first week of fall practice with a sprained ankle.

Holtz said two injuries he was concerned about after Monday's scrimmage, RB Bradley Battles' ankle and Gonzalez's wrist, both had X-rays come back without showing major damage, so he expects both back at full strength in about a week.

Holtz said he should be able to release a new depth chart this morning, but that there was some "jostling" from the two-deep entering fall drills and he wanted to discuss changes with individual players first.

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3346. View his blog at blogs.tampabay.com/usf. Follow him on Twitter at @GregAuman.

By Joe Smith and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

TAMPA — Bucs WR Mike Williams expects to catch any football he gets his hands on — even if he doesn't get his hands on it first.

Such was the case during a two-minute drill that turned into a thrill in Tuesday's practice. Needing a touchdown to win and a field goal to tie with less than a minute left on fourth and 25, QB Josh Freeman lofted a pass over the middle that rookie S Mark Barron caught near his midsection, keeping Williams on his back.

But Williams reached around Barron with both hands and ripped the ball away before crashing to the turf. The gain kept the drive alive, helping set up Kai Forbath's tying field goal in the mock game.

"When we're playing our defense, man, I hate when they win because we go into the locker room and they talk a lot of stuff," Williams said.

"It was fourth down, we needed the catch. I just tried to do what I do best and make a play."

Those types of plays were common for Williams in 2010, when he led all rookies with 11 touchdowns. But last year, unable to train with the team because of the NFL lockout, Williams struggled. He reported out of shape, had three touchdowns and was among the league leaders in dropped passes.

"His work ethic has definitely picked up," receivers coach P.J. Fleck said. "And he's reaping his rewards."

High praise: Backup QB Dan Orlovsky said he has known WR Vincent Jackson for eight years, ever since they played in the Senior Bowl together.

And Orlovsky has been impressed with the work ethic, leadership and ability of Jackson in their first stint as NFL teammates.

"I've had the chance to play with some Hall of Fame receivers," Orlovsky said. "Andre Johnson in Houston, Reggie (Wayne in Indianapolis) and Calvin (Johnson) in Detroit. The similarities between them are scary. There's an unbelievable amount of humility. I say they have talent and perform like they're elite players, but they work like they're undrafted rookies.

"You would never know by the way that they practice that they're the top of the top. They're so committed to their craft. They're so committed to getting better. It's impressive. Take away their physical skills and what they can do and see how they work and it's unbelievable."

Orlovsky said is somewhat surprised by what he has learned about Jackson since the offseason. The reality, Orlovsky said, has been quite different than the reputation that preceded Jackson.

"I kind of heard that he came with some bad reputation or something," Orlovsky said. "After a couple of weeks, I had to ask him, 'Where's that from?' He just kind of gave me a look. I don't see it. He's quickly bought into what we're doing."

REDEMPTION TIME: WR/KR Preston Parker is eager to bounce back from a disappointing exhibition opener Friday in Miami.

He committed a personal foul penalty during a first-quarter touchdown drive and later fumbled a punt.

"You just put it in the tank, gives me fuel to the fire," Parker said.

Though Parker made a big impact last season, with several key third-down catches among his 40 receptions, he's in a crowded competition at receiver as well as kick returner. The personal foul drew the ire of coach Greg Schiano, who pulled him aside for a "quick talk" on the sideline.

"You've got to think about the team," Parker said. "I was trying to hold it, hold it and I broke. That's what you can't do. He was talking about that, you can't crack and get a personal foul because it hurts the team.

"It's going to get rough between battles, you've just got to be the smart person and walk away from it."

Parker, a former Florida State standout, entered the league as an undrafted free agent and isn't taking anything for granted.

"You've just got to keep focused, knowing that this is not promised to you," Parker said. "Everyday you've got to come out and work."

MEDICAL MATTERS: There's some question over TE Luke Stocker's status. Stocker left Monday's practice early, and watched from the sidelines Tuesday, with Schiano saying he was not feeling well. Schiano would not give details, only that he was scheduled for more evaluation Tuesday. … WR Arrelious Benn (right knee sprain) ran the past few days, but Schiano said he's "probably a few weeks" from returning. Benn suffered the injury on the first day of camp. "We'll see how he progresses, but it's good to have him back out there running," Schiano said. "That's the first step."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com. Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

The extra playoff spot in Major League Baseball this season has thickened the races, with several teams well within October's reach despite taking mediocre records into the stretch run.

That's having an impact in the seats, as has some good weather, signs of life in the economy and other factors. MLB-wide attendance is up again, about 4 percent from 2011.

"There are more teams that have a shot, so it's given teams a lot of hope," said Lou DePaoli, chief marketing officer for the Pirates.

MLB's eight best season attendance totals have all come in the past eight years, and this one is on pace to keep that run going.

The major-league average of 31,516 through Monday was up 4.3 percent from 2011's final average of 30,229, according to STATS LLC, but remains below the pre-recession highs of 32,785 in 2007 and 32,528 the following year. The average usually declines in September, after schools are back in session.

The defending World Series champion Cardinals have been selling an average of 3,383 more tickets per game from last year, even after losing megastar Albert Pujols. They're on track to hit 3 million for the 14th time in the past 15 seasons.

The Rays have seen a boost, too, though a more modest one. They've drawn 1,213,768 fans through 59 home games, an average of 20,572. That's still the lowest total in the majors, but it's 6.4 percent more than last season's 19,327 per game through 59 games.

PETTITTE CAUTIOUS: Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte told ESPN that if he has another setback in his rehab, he might not pitch again this season. Pettitte, on the DL with a fractured left fibula, was shut down in late July because of swelling, and he estimated it cost him about 10 days of rehab. "Now we're probably going to be overcautious and figure out what we can do to make sure I'm back and what do I need to get ready," he told the website.

METS GET SHOPPACH: The Mets acquired former Rays C Kelly Shoppach from the Red Sox for a player to be named following a waiver claim. Shoppach, 32, is expected to start against left-handers.

ANGELS: Pitching coach Mike Butcher was suspended for one game after an argument Sunday over balls and strikes. Major League Baseball also fined Butcher an undisclosed amount.

ATHLETICS: 3B Brandon Inge went on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained right shoulder. 3B Josh Donaldson was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento. … LHP Dallas Braden, who hasn't pitched in the majors since April 16, 2011, because of a torn anterior capsule muscle in his left shoulder, will have a second, exploratory surgery on the shoulder.

BLUE JAYS: Backup C Jeff Mathis agreed to a two-year, $3 million extension with a $1.5 million club option for 2015. Also, C Yorvit Torrealba agreed to a minor-league contract.

BRAVES: OF Matt Diaz, on the disabled list since July 21 with a right thumb contusion, will have season-ending surgery.

CARDINALS: LH reliever Brian Fuentes went on the restricted list after he told the team he needed time off for personal reasons.

D'BACKS: RH reliever Takashi Saito went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.

MARINERS: 1B Mike Carp went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin muscle. 1B Justin Smoak was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma.

ORIOLES: LHP Troy Patton went on the 15-day disabled list after he sprained his right ankle walking in a parking garage. Patton said he rolled the ankle, which he had hurt twice before this season.

PHILLIES: RHP Vance Worley said he will continue to pitch through a bone chip in his elbow and wait until the offseason to have surgery.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

For Lightning star Steven Stamkos, negotiations between the league and the Players' Association come down to this:

"We just want a fair deal."

The union believes it delivered that Tuesday in Toronto, with executive director Donald Fehr calling the proposal to the owners an "alternate view" that could "stabilize the industry."

Twenty-three players, including Stamkos and fellow stars Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, attended the meeting.

"It just shows that we're in support of the union," Stamkos told the Tampa Bay Times.

"If you look at the last deal (after the 2004-05 lockout), a lot of people said the players took a big hit in their salary, which they did. We're trying to find a way we can minimize that from a player's perspective but also help the league. We're trying to be in partnership with the teams that are really doing well financially and trying to partner with them to help some of the teams that are maybe struggling."

The union's proposal apparently is for three years with an option for a fourth.

• Fehr told reporters players are willing to reduce their share of league revenues by $460 million to $800 million depending on how fast revenues grow.

• Canada's RDS Network said the union agreed to keep the hard salary cap the owners want but, as the Canadian Press reported, proposed a luxury tax on teams that overspend. The tax would help expand league revenue sharing.

• The Toronto Sun reported the union wants to keep current rules for player salaries, contract lengths and free-agent eligibility.

• The owners' proposal reportedly cuts the players' share of revenues from 57 to 46-43 percent, reduces salaries 22 percent, extends entry-level contracts from three to five years, caps all contracts at five years and awards unrestricted free agency after 10 years instead of seven.

The CBA expires Sept. 15. Commissioner Gary Bettman, who said the league needs "a little time" to respond to the union's proposal, has indicated players will be locked out if no agreement is reached. Talks continue today.

"The proposal the players made, once implemented, can produce a stable industry … that gives us a chance to move beyond the recurring labor strife that has plagued the NHL the last two decades," Fehr said.

"That was the message," Stamkos said, "trying to find a medium where we can help those higher-income teams and help some of the teams who are struggling and find a way we can do that where both parties will be happy. Both parties want to start the season on time. We saw what can happen with previous (work stoppages) and we don't want that. We just want a fair deal that can hopefully start the season on time."

Tuesday's meeting was the first attended by Stamkos, 22, who made the easy drive from his home in Unionville, a Toronto suburb.

"For the young players of the league this new agreement is going to affect us," the center said. "It's important for players to take an interest and learn as much as we can and be involved in this process."

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

White Sox 3, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO — Jose Quintana snapped a five-start winless streak for Chicago, which won in Toronto for the fourth time in 21 games dating to 2007. The Blue Jays have lost 12 of their past 16 games. Brett Myers got one out in the seventh, Matt Thornton retired two batters in the eighth and Addison Reed ended the inning by fanning pinch-hitter Yan Gomes with a runner at third.

San Diego AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Forsythe ss 4 0 2 0 0 0 .266

Amarista 2b 3 0 0 0 0 1 .265

Headley 3b 4 1 2 2 0 0 .277

Quentin lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 .261

Denorfia rf 4 2 2 0 0 1 .285

Alonso 1b 4 0 3 1 0 0 .274

Maybin cf 3 0 1 1 0 0 .214

Hundley c 4 0 0 0 0 3 .160

Stults p 3 1 1 0 0 1 .250

Guzman ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .248

Totals 34 4 12 4 0 6

Atlanta AB R H BI BB SO Avg.

Bourn cf 4 1 1 0 0 1 .290

Prado lf 4 0 2 1 0 1 .297

Heyward rf 4 0 1 0 0 2 .268

C.Jones 3b 4 0 1 0 0 1 .309

F.Freeman 1b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .279

Uggla 2b 4 0 0 0 0 0 .213

McCann c 3 0 0 0 0 0 .235

Janish ss 3 0 0 0 0 0 .189

Minor p 1 0 0 0 0 0 .026

Pastornicky ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .260

Re.Johnson ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 .305

Totals 33 1 5 1 0 5

San Diego 010 011 100— 4 12 2

Atlanta 000 000 010— 1 5 0

E—Quentin (2), Alonso (9). LOB—S.D. 7, Atl. 5. 2B—Denorfia (15). 3B—Denorfia (5), Prado (5). HR—Headley (19), off Durbin. RBIs—Headley 2 (73), Alonso (42), Maybin (33), Prado (48). S—Amarista 2. SF—Maybin. RISP—S.D. 3 for 8; Atl. 0 for 3. GIDP—Amarista. DP—Atl. 1.

San Diego IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Stults W, 3-2 7M5 1 1 0 3 101 2.45

Gregerson H, 19L0 0 0 0 1 6 2.55

Thayer S, 6-8 1 0 0 0 0 1 10 3.51

Atlanta IP H R ER BB SO NP ERA

Minor L, 6-9 6 9 3 3 0 3 86 4.93

Durbin 1 1 1 1 0 1 18 3.20

Gearrin 1 1 0 0 0 2 15 0.87

O'Flaherty 1 1 0 0 0 0 8 2.38

HBP—by Minor (Forsythe). T—2:23. A—18,250 (49,586).

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Phillies 1, Marlins 0

MIAMI — Kyle Kendrick pitched seven five-hit innings and Jimmy Rollins led off the game with a home run off Josh Johnson, leading Philadelphia. Charlie Manuel earned his 700th win as a manager with the Phillies' second straight shutout. Cole Hamels opened the series between NL East rivals with a 4-0 victory. Miami has not scored in 27 innings. Kendrick has won seven straight against the Marlins dating to September 2008.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Orioles 7, Red Sox 1

BALTIMORE — Mark Reynolds homered twice and drove in four runs, Omar Quintanilla also went deep and Baltimore clobbered erstwhile Boston ace Josh Beckett. The Orioles moved 10 games over .500 (63-53) for the first time since June 24. Beckett is 1-6 in 12 starts since May 20. In his past two outings against Texas and Baltimore, the right-hander has yielded 14 runs and five homers in 101/3 innings. The Red Sox stranded 12.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Braves 6, Padres 0

ATLANTA — Tim Hudson combined with three relievers on a five-hit shutout, and Martin Prado hit a three-run homer for Atlanta. Hudson won his sixth straight decision, rebounding from a poor start against the Phillies. After being held to five hits in a 4-1 loss to Eric Stults and San Diego on Monday night, the Braves had 10, including Dan Uggla's fifth-inning homer.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

A week of trouble keeps getting worse for Chad Johnson.

Evelyn Lozada said she is ending their 41-day-old marriage after the former Bengals and Patriots wide receiver was arrested for allegedly head-butting her over the weekend.

The incident led to VH1 shelving a planned reality series about the couple — and was a contributing factor in Johnson's release from the Dolphins, where he had signed in the offseason.

Danika Berry, a rep for Lozada, confirmed reports that the VH1 reality star filed for divorce Tuesday.

According to Profootballtalk.com, Johnson issued a statement on his website, OCNN.com.

"I would like to apologize to everyone for the recent events that have occurred," Johnson said. "I would like to wish Evelyn well and will never say anything bad about her because I truly love her to death. … I will stay positive and get through this tough period in my life."

Earlier, Lozada issued a statement saying Johnson "needs help."

The Dolphins released Johnson on Sunday, the day after his arrest.

According to Davie police, Lozada found a receipt for condoms and confronted Johnson about it at dinner. The argument continued on the way home, and when they arrived, he allegedly head-butted her. In a 911 call released by authorities, a neighbor told police that there was an incident involving a "high-profile person" and is heard telling Lozada to wipe the blood from her head.

Johnson, who had gone by Chad Ochocinco for the past few seasons, wed Lozada July 4 after their courtship was detailed on VH1's Basketball Wives.

PETERSON BACK: Vikings running back Adrian Peterson took part in his first full-pads practice since reconstructive surgery on his left knee. Peterson carried the ball a handful of times and wasn't touched by the defense as per orders from coach Leslie Frazier.

BEARS: Linebacker Brian Urlacher had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee but hopes to be ready for the season opener. The eight-time Pro Bowl pick sprained the medial collateral ligament and partially sprained the posterior cruciate ligament in last season's finale.

BRONCOS: Right guard Chris Kuper broke his left forearm at practice and could miss six weeks.

DOLPHINS: Defensive end Cameron Wake was back in practice with no visible injuries after Monday's car accident. According to police in Plantation, Wake slammed his black BMW into the side of a white Lexus that made a left turn in front of him at the intersection.

EAGLES: Coach Andy Reid said cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha has whiplash-type symptoms but no concussion after a midair collision on Monday.

GIANTS: Veteran defensive lineman Shaun Rogers is out for the season with a blood clot in his left calf, which swelled after the preseason opener against Jacksonville. Marvin Austin was being seen by doctors in New York after his back acted up, a problem some players blamed on bad mattresses at training camp at the University at Albany. And another defensive lineman, free agent Marvin Parker, needs surgery on a herniated disc.

REDSKINS: Defensive tackle Chris Neild is out for the season after tearing his left ACL during Monday's practice.

STEELERS: ESPN.com reported that receiver Mike Wallace, who has held out of training camp while trying to get a new long-term contract, will return in time for the regular season. The team offered a one-year, $2.7 million tender and, as per team policy, won't negotiate until he signs it. … Offensive tackle Max Starks, a former Florida star, was activated and running back Jason Ford and tight end Justin Peelle signed. The team waived running back John Clay, who scored a touchdown in his first NFL carry last season; he was carted off the field after Sunday's practice.

OBITUARY: Jimmy Carr, a cornerback on the Eagles' most recent NFL championship team in 1960 and a longtime NFL assistant, died in Indiana. He was 79.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

tennis

back spasms boot roddick

MASON, Ohio — Andy Roddick developed back spasms during his opening match at the Western & Southern Open on Tuesday, setting up a two-set loss that left questions about his health heading into the U.S. Open.

Wild card Venus Williams survived a three-set opening match, another encouraging win coming off her Olympic gold in doubles with sister Serena. Later Tuesday, Serena Williams beat Eleni Daniilidou 6-3, 6-4, overcoming 42 unforced errors as she struggled to readjust to a hardcourt.

"I think I'll be okay just getting that match under my belt," Serena Williams said. "I had (42) unforced errors. That's shocking. It's unprofessional. Hopefully I can clean up my act for my next match."

Roddick, who has played through a sore shoulder this summer, developed a new concern as he lost to a player who was in the draw as an injury replacement. He got treatment during the second set of his 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 loss to Jeremy Chardy, who replaced injured No. 9 seed John Isner of Tampa.

Roddick said his back started bothering him a few days ago and he aggravated it Tuesday. He's not sure if he will have to curtail preparation for the U.S. Open, which starts Aug. 27.

Third-seeded Samantha Stosur of Tampa fell behind 4-0 in the third set before rallying for a 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-4 victory over Anabel Medina Garrigues, a match that took 2 hours, 37 minutes.

more tennis

Tampa's Blake earns U.S. Open wild card

Tampa's James Blake and Lleyton Hewitt are among eight men's wild cards for the U.S. Open.

Blake, 32, has twice reached the quarterfinals at Flushing Meadows, but his ranking was too low to automatically qualify for the year's last Grand Slam, which starts Aug. 27. Hewitt, 31, who won the 2001 U.S. Open, has fallen to 134th in the world.

golf

Tide junior tops in qualifying at amateur

Bobby Wyatt finished at the top in qualifying at the U.S. Amateur championship in Cherry Hills Village, Colo.

Wyatt, a junior at the University of Alabama, shot 2-under 68 for a two-day qualifying score of 9-under 132 to snag the top seed heading into match play. He tied the 36-hole tournament record for stroke play, accomplished in 2011 by Gregor Main and in 1994 by Hank Kim.

Wyatt will face the lowest seed once the field of 64 is finalized today by a playoff. The championship round will be held Sunday.

Gary Nicklaus, the 43-year-old son of Jack Nicklaus, shot 74 for a two-day score of 4-over 145, leaving him out of match play in a tie for 82nd place.

"I played okay," Nicklaus said. "I didn't play great. I putted pretty lousy. I was very disappointed being 4 over in my first seven holes (Monday). … But it was fun and I enjoyed it."

et cetera

Diving: Aaron Fleshner and Meghan Houston won 1-meter springboard titles at the U.S. national championships in Greensboro, N.C. Fleshner, of Spring, Texas, dominated the final round, scoring 70 or better on five of his six dives, with three in the 80s. Houston, who will be a freshman at Texas, beat 2011 winner Amanda Burke of Southhampton, Pa., 274.80-270.75. Abby Johnston, who won silver in the 3-meter synchronized event at the London Olympics, withdrew from the competition.

Times wires

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Underscoring the central importance of television in today's college sports world, the Big East on Tuesday announced longtime CBS Sports executive Mike Aresco as its new commissioner as the conference readies for a potentially lucrative TV deal.

"(Aresco) has all the characteristics that we need in a commissioner," USF president Judy Genshaft said in a statement. "His career has been filled with achievement and success in intercollegiate sports. Mike Aresco knows the Big East and has a great vision for our future."

Aresco, 62, is CBS Sports' vice president for programming and has worked at the network since 1996. He worked at ESPN for 12 years before that. He was a key figure in negotiating CBS' recent 15-year deal for SEC football, as well as the network's current deal to broadcast NCAA basketball.

Though Aresco has never worked for as conference or school, his TV experience will factor heavily in his new job in the coming months, which are crucial to the Big East's longterm stability.

"I'm not daunted by it all. I embrace the challenge," Aresco told AP in a phone interview. "…I believe the reconstituted conference really has vast potential."

On Sept. 1, the conference opens a 60-day window of exclusive negotiations with ESPN on a new TV contract, though other suitors like NBC are expected to put in bids. A report in the New York Daily News suggested NBC could be willing to pay $10 million per year to each football member in the Big East, plus another $4 million a year to its basketball schools.

"I've known Mike for a long time and have a lot of respect for him. I think it's an absolute terrific hire for us," USF athletic director Doug Woolard said. "I think television has always had a significant impact on college athletics, probably no more so than in the last couple of years."

Aresco will start next month and can only hope his tenure is steadier than that of John Marinatto, who in the past year saw four schools — TCU, West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Syracuse — announce they are leaving for other BCS leagues.

Another eight schools will join the league, with Temple joining in football this fall and in all sports in 2013. Boise State and San Diego State join as football-only members in 2013, with Central Florida, Houston, Memphis and SMU joining as all-sports members next year and Navy joining for football in 2015.

Aresco will be formally introduced today at a news conference at the New York Athletic Club.

Around the nation

LSU MOVING FORWARD: LSU coach Les Miles declined to close the door completely on the possibility, however remote, of Tyrann Mathieu playing for the Tigers in 2013. "Tyrann can be a student at LSU," Miles said after practice, adding that he is "not in any way speculating" about whether Mathieu could play for the Tigers again. "He will not be on this football team this year — I guarantee that's a fact."

TEXAS TECH: Sophomore starting offensive lineman Brian Thomas and sophomore safety Urell Johnson left the team. Coach Tommy Tuberville said Johnson was transferring to Southern Mississippi to be closer to New Orleans, his hometown.

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Reds 3, Mets 0

CINCINNATI — Jay Bruce hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning and Cincinnati won its fourth game in a row. The NL Central leaders and New York were a combined 0-for-18 with runners in scoring position before Bruce connected off left-handed reliever Josh Edgin after Brandon Phillips drew a leadoff walk and Ryan Ludwick followed with single that sent Phillips to second.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Astros 10, Cubs 1

CHICAGO — Brett Wallace and Fernando Martinez hit three-run homers to back Lucas Harrell's eight strong innings for Houston. Harrell helped the Astros win for the third time in their past 28 road games. He has allowed two runs or fewer in all seven of his starts since the All-Star break. Scott Moore had a solo shot and two doubles for a career-high three extra-base hits.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Royals 5, Athletics 0

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jeremy Guthrie allowed three singles in seven innings for Kansas City. Guthrie, who struck out a season-high eight, ran his scoreless streak to 15 innings. He has yielded eight hits and struck out 14 in his past two starts, against Oakland and Chicago. The A's failed to get a runner past second base and were shut out for a major league-leading 14th time. Alex Gordon and Eric Hosmer delivered run-scoring singles in the Royals' five-run fifth.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

SEATTLE — As part of the rigors of competing in the AL East, the Rays are used to going against top-notch starting pitching.

But their rejuvenated offense will be tested in a particularly rugged five-game stretch that begins today against Seattle's King Felix Hernandez and then continues in Los Angeles against Dan Haren, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Zack Greinke.

That's one no-hitter, two Cy Young Awards, 12 All-Star selections and 444 wins among them.

"I know it's going to be good," SS Ben Zobrist said. "When you're facing a good pitcher, a little bit of it is hoping they make more mistakes than they usually do. The other part of it is realizing that if our pitchers pitch the way they're capable of, it's going to be a one-run game, it's going to be a close game.

"So we're going to have to scratch and claw to get whatever we need to get the next five days against those guys."

OF Sam Fuld said it's not that much different than facing the Yankees, Red Sox, etc.

"Yeah, it looks we do have five games in a row where we're facing really quality guys, but we're pretty equipped to take that on. We see that a lot," Fuld said. "It happens to be a little bit more daunting than normal now, but, gosh, we've got a lot of momentum on our side."

SHORT STORY: With a fifth start in the past six games, Zobrist looks more and more like the new primary shortstop and said he would welcome the move.

"It's the position I came up playing and it's one of my favorite positions," he said. "If it was permanent, I would love it. But if it's for a period of time, then I'm fine with that, too. Whatever works best for the team is going to end up being what's best for me, probably, in the end."

LONGO UPDATE: Evan Longoria was back in the lineup at DH after resting his previously torn left hamstring Monday. Maddon said if all goes well, Longoria is in line to play the rest of the road trip, though Thursday, following the Wednesday night flight, could be a question. Also, Monday's first game back at the Trop seems unlikely.

REHAB REPORT: RHP Jeff Niemann, coming back from a mid-May broken leg, threw 64 pitches over 31/3 innings for advanced Class A Charlotte at Bradenton in the second of four planned rehab starts, likely headed next to Triple-A Durham. Though Niemann allowed four runs in the fourth and six hits total, Maddon said he threw well.

What the Rays will do when Niemann returns in late August is becoming more interesting because of how well Alex Cobb has pitched in his place, which could lead to discussion about using a six-man rotation.

"Right now the guys are throwing the ball really well," Maddon said. "There's creative ways to do that, to give people rest, also. So we'll see when we get to that point."

DH Luke Scott (oblique strain) had an opposite-field homer and a single in his fourth rehab game and will be re-evaluated today, with the Rays deciding whether to bring him to Anaheim on Thursday or get him more rehab at-bats.

MISCELLANY: RHP Alex Colome, a rising prospect who could be in line for a September callup, left his Triple-A Durham start Monday with a right lat strain. … Principal owner Stuart Sternberg was at the game with his family; so, too, was special assistant Rocco Baldelli, attending scouting meetings.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Rays at Mariners

When/where: 3:40 today; Safeco Field, Seattle

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH Jeremy Hellickson (7-7. 3.52)

M'S: RH Felix Hernandez (10-5, 2.74)

On Hellickson: Got a win despite an unimpressive five-inning outing Friday in Minnesota. Has not made it through seven innings in his past 11 starts, 17 of 21 overall. Is 3-0, 0.92 in four starts vs. M's, allowing .189 average.

On Hernandez: King Felix is having another good season for a bad team, 6-0, 1.73 in his past 10 starts (though he couldn't hold a five-run lead in his last outing vs. the Angels). Is 3-2, 2.28 in nine (all quality) starts vs. Rays, 3-0, 1.40 at Safeco Field.

Key matchups

Rays VS. HERNANDEZ

Evan Longoria6-for-16

Carlos Peña2-for-14

B.J. Upton3-for-28

M'S VS. HELLICKSON

Dustin Ackley2-for-9

Miguel Olivo2-for-9, HR

Brendan Ryan0-for-9

On deck

Thursday: at Angels, 10:05 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (15-4, 2.50); Angels — Dan Haren (8-9, 4.68)

Friday: at Angels, 10:05 p.m., Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (10-7, 4.02); Angels — Jered Weaver (15-2, 2.22)

Saturday: at Angels, 9:30, Sun Sports. Rays — Alex Cobb (7-8, 4.08); Angels — C.J. Wilson (9-9, 3.32)

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Catcher quotes of the day

"That took a lot out of him, but I'm sure he went back and regenerated whatever he lost."

Manager Joe Maddon, on Rays C Jose Molina "recovering" from his Monday stolen base.

"He's kind of like the The Big Lebowski kind of guy; he's got that in him."

Maddon, on ex-Rays/current Mariners C John Jaso's laid-back personality.

AL race for wild cards

Team W L Pct. GB

Tampa Bay 63 53 .543—

Baltimore 63 53 .543—

Oakland 61 54 .530 1.5

Detroit 62 55 .530 1.5

Los Angeles 61 56 .521 2.5

Number of the day

12

Most consecutive games won in Rays history, June 9-22, 2004

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Cardinals 8, D'backs 2

ST. LOUIS — Rookie Joe Kelly pitched into the seventh inning of what could be his final start before Jaime Garcia comes off the disabled list, and Matt Holliday and Jon Jay homered for St. Louis. Miguel Montero hit a two-run homer for Arizona, which has lost four of six to drop to .500 and is 0-4 against the Cardinals.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

SEATTLE — Fernando Rodney has deservedly received top billing for his ongoing star turns, producing the most saves in the majors as well as the most entertaining onfield celebration as he shoots his imaginary arrow.

But Joel Peralta's performance in a supporting role has certainly been worthy of some attention.

"What Joel has done hasn't been lost on me or us," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "We get it. It's been fabulous. And I pretty much believe industry-wide it's been recognized."

Cast primarily as Rodney's setup man, Peralta delivered again in Monday's late 4-1 win. After Alex Cobb made an early 4-0 lead stand up with his fourth straight solid seven-inning start, and before Rodney finished for his 22nd straight and 37th overall save, Peralta did his part, yet again, striking out the side.

"Amazing," Rodney said Tuesday. "He's been amazing."

Peralta's overall numbers — 1-4, 3.42 in an AL high-matching 57 games — don't look all that good, primarily the result of a rough start to the season he attributed to his mechanics being out of whack after not playing winter ball.

Take out his first four appearances, and the 2.27 ERA, .151 opponents average and 29 holds (second most in the AL) plus two saves and a win are more representative of his contributions.

Since the All-Star break, after a trip home to the Dominican Republic for a mechanical tune-up with his longtime personal pitching guru, Fausto Mejia, Peralta has been nearly untouchable.

In 161/3 innings over 17 games, Peralta has allowed one run, for a 0.55 ERA, and only four hits, for a .077 average. Of the 56 batters he has faced, he has struck out a staggering 25.

"I've never seen myself as a strikeout pitcher," he said. "So I have no idea why it is happening."

Peralta's combination of pitches and assortment of delivery tactics are challenging for hitters — right- and left-handed, and often the opposing team's best.

"He's gone through the meaty part of the batting order a lot," Maddon said. "And a lot of those have been 1-2-3."

Peralta said Rodney-like attention "is not what I'm looking for," that he is more interested in helping the team. But the question was asked of Maddon if the more workmanlike Peralta should have some type of celebratory gimmick of his own.

"Maybe," Maddon said, "a slingshot would be appropriate."