Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

NEW YORK — The Yankees are in need of a reliable ace right now. Hiroki Kuroda has been the man for the job.

Kuroda pitched a two-hitter and Nick Swisher and Mark Teixeira hit consecutive homers in New York's 3-0 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday night.

In his first season with the Yankees, Kuroda, 37, gave a depleted rotation another boost with ace CC Sabathia and veteran Andy Pettitte on the disabled list.

"This is a very good lineup that he just shut down," manager Joe Girardi said. "Probably our best pitching performance of the year."

Kuroda allowed four balls out of the infield and one runner past first base. He held Texas hitless until Elvis Andrus' infield single leading off the seventh, outpitching All-Star left-hander Matt Harrison in a crisp duel.

The right-hander pitched his fourth career shutout and second this season.

"When you've got a great lineup like that," Kuroda said through a translator, "you can't lose your focus until the end."

The Yankees won for the sixth time in seven games. They've taken the first two in a four-game set between the AL's top two teams.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Tigers 8, Twins 4

MINNEAPOLIS — Miguel Cabrera became the first player to reach 100 RBIs this season with a single in the seventh inning, and Doug Fister pitched eight strong innings for Detroit. Fister won for the third time in four starts for the Tigers, who overcame bad defense in Minnesota's four-run fourth inning to end a three-game slide.

Times wires
Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Dodgers 11, Pirates 0

PITTSBURGH — Chad Billingsley pitched eight dominant innings and Los Angeles matched its highest-scoring game of the season. The Dodgers have won five of six, pushing them to the top of the NL West. Pittsburgh has lost five of six. Luis Cruz tied career highs for hits and RBIs with three each. Hanley Ramirez added three hits, two RBIs and two runs as Los Angeles beat the Pirates for the eighth straight time.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Rockies 8, Brewers 6

DENVER — Carlos Gonzalez had four hits and Tyler Chatwood pitched six effective innings for Colorado. Eric Young and Wilin Rosario homered for the Rockies, who had 15 hits for the second straight night and held on in the ninth.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

SEATTLE — The Rays knew their winning streak was going to end sometime.

Just not like this.

After spending much of Tuesday night looking like they would do just enough to extend their season-high wing streak to eight, they instead lost,  a 3-2 walkoff to the Mariners, when first baseman Carlos Peña did something inexplicably wrong on a routine bunt play.

"It's one of those mistakes that really, really hurts," Peña said. "I'm bummed out because I feel like I let down the ballclub. ... That just kills me. That crushes me."

Peña's extremely errant throw came after Kyle Seager opened the ninth with a single off  Fernando Rodney, working a fourth straight game to close out what would have been a 2-1 win for Matt Moore.

Peña fielded Chone Figgins bunt, looked at second, then double-pumped as he turned to first and threw the ball well past the reach of Sean Rodriguez and into rightfield, setting the Mariners up for the win.

"That's a play Carlos makes 100 out of 100 times," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "I don't know exactly what happened. It was very routine."

Instead, it left the Mariners with the tying run on third and the winning run on second with no outs. A sac fly by Justin Smoak scored Seager to tied it. With the Rays in five-man infield formation, Rodney struck out Miguel Olivo for the second out. But Eric Thames slapped a two-strike single just over second baseman Rodriguez to score the winner, and end Rodney's streak of 22 consecutive saves.

"That's part of the game," Rodney said.

"I tried to make a good pitch. He just slapped at it, threw the bat at the ball, and got a base hit. Nothing I could do." Said Maddon: "Very fortuitous on their part."

Peña said his mistake was two-fold, and actually more mental than physical. He had decided before the play that he was going to charge hard and go for the out at second, then as he scooped up the ball and looked at second he changed his mind, which led to the bad throw.

"As soon as I tried to switch gears I couldn't recover," he said. "I couldn't get my rhythm back. I felt like I didn't even get in position to throw the ball to first, and obviously I didn't. The throw was way off."

Rodriguez, standing on the base, couldn't do anything to help, even trying to reach for the ball with his bare right hand.

"It's frustrating," Rodriguez said. "Mistakes happen. You hope they don't come like that. We all make errors."

Peña said his biggest regret was not going with his initial instinct and trying to get the out at second. "I didn't trust my gut," he said.

"To change all of your intentions in a matter of seconds is not a good idea."

Peña went up to Rodney in the clubhouse immediately after the game to apologize for costing him what would have been his major-league leading 37th save. As Peña went to his locker to dress after a shower, Rodney came across the room to console him, rubbing his back and telling him not to fret, pointing out how many times Peña had saved him.

"I respect that so much," Peña said.

The events of the ninth laid waste to the solid work Moore did over seven innings, allowing only one run, on six hits and a walk, while striking out nine. Plus, of his 95 pitches, only 25 were balls.

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, despite a Canadian Press report, did not propose a luxury tax on teams that overspend.

• 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."

By Captain Matt Santiago, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Nighttime the right time. One of the best ways to beat the heat during the summer is to fish at night. With good nighttime tides, the coolest water temperatures of the day and the lack of fishing pressure, the nighttime bite has continued to be excellent. While you can still employ many of the same tactics that you would during the day, and fish many of the same areas, fishing at night also allows you to use different techniques that you normally do not get to experiment with during the day.

Light 'em up. Dock and navigational lights are not only a boater's best friend at night but they are also a favorite of nocturnal fish and fishermen. Bait fish, whose vision is poorer than that of larger prey, are drawn to the lights for safety and to feed at night, thus bringing in and concentrating larger gamefish to ambush feed. Now instead of working a whole dock or structure, you know with good certainty where most of your targeted fish will be in a certain area. Often when you pull up to a light you will see your redfish, snook, trout, etc. in the light, but when you don't, do not skip it. It is very common for larger and more wary predators to sit just outside the light waiting for a quick snack.

Be quiet. Just like your surroundings at night are quieter, so too are the surroundings for the fish. So it is important to be extra quiet and stealthy when approaching fish and fishing at night. Without the constant vibrations from passing boats, Jet Skis, people walking above and the lack of vision, fish are on high alert for any unusual sounds. It is best to drift up, use a trolling motor on low speeds or pole when possible, as even an idling four-stroke motor can give wary fish lockjaw. This is also a time when a shallow water anchoring device is very helpful as well.

Match the hatch. Although it is a very common saying in the fishing world, it is very applicable and easy to put into practice when fishing lights. Although we all have our favorite seasonal baits, what you see fish eat at night will often surprise you. Many times I have spent hours presenting what I thought were perfect baits to feeding fish at night with few results. One night, I filled the well with hand-picked shrimp and 4-inch whitebait, but instead of catching fish, I watched my baits swim around in the "danger zone" while the fish I targeted ate tiny baits and almost krill-sized shrimp. The next night I went out without bait, drove to the first light, netted the bait that I saw on it, and moved on to my next spot. That night was very productive. Instead of watching my baits swim nervously around fish that wanted nothing to do with them, I was fighting fish and taking pictures. You need to be ready and able to adapt. That is one of the differences between a good and great fisherman.

Matt Santiago can be reached at (813) 205-2327 or CaptainMattSantiago@gmail.com or online at FishingGuideTampa.com.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

TAMPA — Sometimes a cruel twist of fate corkscrews into unexpected success.

Tampa Bay United's U14 team was having a rough half in the opening match of its first Region 3 Premier League competition in February. Two of its defenders went down with injuries and a third, center back Lauren Dodge, broke her tibia just before halftime.

"It was pretty much worst-case scenario to lose all those players in our first Region (3) match," coach Adrian Bush said. "And losing Lauren, we had to move some people."

So Bush called on Emily Evangelista, a center midfielder, to drop back into Dodge's sweeper role. It was a difficult switch, and one Bush said few young players would have accepted so readily.

"Emily is the captain of the team and is all-state at center mid. Players that age don't normally take too well to those kind of switches," Bush said. "What she did was sacrifice her position for the good of the team."

And the move paid off — big-time.

Evangelista anchored a defense that recently pitched a shutout in the US Club Soccer national title game in Chicago as Tampa Bay United U14's beat the West Coast Wild 1-0 in the prestigious tournament.

"It was a big transition being the last person before the goal, and I think it is a harder position to play," Evangelista said. "I'm glad my coaches trusted me. It was such an honor to play against the girls we faced at that tournament and to play alongside my teammates."

Bush said TBU is currently ranked No. 1 in the state and region to go along with a No. 8 national ranking in their age group. Bush, who also coaches the men's team at the University of Tampa, said the lofty national ranking is unprecedented in the area.

"They've only been doing these ranking for about five years or so," he said. "But I believe it's the highest ranking of any team in the area, boys or girls."

Tori Cannata broke a scoreless final open with about 12 minutes to play against the West Coast Wild. Cannata weaved her way through four defenders in the box before burying the eventual winner in the bottom corner of goal.

"It was one of the best goals I've ever seen at for a kid that age," Bush said.

Bush was effusive in praising his team's defensive effort, including goalkeeper Kaylan Marckese and defender Jacqueline Thompson. The unit surrendered just two goals through four matches in Chicago.

"Kaylan was big-time back there," he said.

The national title win was made even more impressive considering this team has been together less than a year.

"We got this team together Labor Day (of 2011)," Bush said. "And I'm going to tell you what: these girls can flat-out play."

All but one of the girls will head to play high school soccer next season, including Julia Lester at Academy of the Holy Names and Evangelista at Plant. And Bush said many of his team's players are popping up on the college radar.

"Coaches from Tennessee, Arkansas, Miami, have all been out to see them," he said. "Colleges already know who they are."

And Evangelista, who hopes to move back to a more attacking position in high school, said gaining valuable time learning a new position will help her when recruiting time comes.

"Colleges look for players who can play more than one position," she said. "I got a lot more confident the more I played back there."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs expected a lot out of rookie S Mark Barron when they drafted him seventh overall this year, penciling him into a starting spot.

But with a toe injury keeping Barron out of last week's preseason opener against the Dolphins, they haven't been able to fully see what the former Alabama standout can do.

That will change Friday night, when Barron is expected to make his NFL debut against the Titans at Raymond James Stadium.

"I'm very excited," Barron said Wednesday. "I was looking forward to last week, but unfortunately, I wasn't able to play. Those same feelings are carrying into this game. I'm ready to get out there and get a feel for the game."

Barron, whose specific injury wasn't disclosed by the Bucs, doesn't know how many snaps he'll get Friday but said the toe won't limit him. He said though he has missed time, he has been able to grasp the defensive scheme. "At this point, I pretty much know everything," Barron said. "It's a thing where you've just got to focus in on every play and make sure you're doing your assignment."

Barron said with the limited contact rules in camp, which ended Wednesday, it was hard for a safety to stand out. And coach Greg Schiano said he is looking forward to evaluating him in a game setting.

"It's hard to say what kind of camp he's having because he hasn't participated enough to really draw a conclusion," Schiano said. "Mentally, I think he's grasping the defense. But how do you know until you're under pressure and have to perform? It's one thing to master the defense in the air-conditioning, and it's another to do it when you've got your pads on and you've got to hit somebody.

"I think we'll see that more as he plays more. I'm confident he will (do well). But like anything else, until you do it, it's talk."

GATOR BAIT: Schiano acknowledged the team is interested in Jeff Demps, a former Florida running back who earned a silver medal at the Olympics last week as part of the U.S. 400-meter relay team.

Demps' agent, Daniel Rose, said Wednesday the Bucs are among the front-runners to sign him. Every team has inquired about Demps, Rose said.

"It's nice that he's an Olympian," Schiano said. "That's a great achievement. But we play football. So if he wasn't a good football player, it wouldn't matter to me. But he happens to be a good football player as well.

"He just happens to be a very good track athlete as well. I don't know how it's going to end up. We had discussions even before he went over to the Olympics. If it's meant to be, it'll work out."

Last season for the Gators, Demps ran for 569 yards and six touchdowns, caught 16 passes for 172 yards, and averaged 25 yards and scored a touchdown on 10 kickoff returns. He hopes to make a decision by Monday, his agent said.

LEANING LEFT: Demar Dotson has been given a big opportunity filling in at left tackle for the injured Donald Penn (strained calf). And Schiano said the tackle, who has appeared in 22 games (two starts) during his two seasons, did a solid job Friday against the Dolphins.

Dotson didn't give up any sacks but said he believes there's room for improvement. "I think I did pretty well, but obviously I have to keep getting better and getting in my playbook and better with my assignments," he said. "I think I had two or three mental errors that I just can't have. There's no excuse for it. I just have to get out there and play better for myself. I hold myself to a pretty high standard. By my standard, I didn't have a great game."

MISCELLANY: TE Luke Stocker missed his second straight practice with an undisclosed injury. … CB E.J. Biggers remains out indefinitely with a broken left foot sustained July 27, Schiano said.

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

By Antonya English and Greg Auman, Times Staff Writers; Times wires
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida's Jeff Driskel, who is battling for the starting quarterback job, was diagnosed with a bruised shoulder blade, but the sophomore was not kept out of practice and won't miss any reps, coach Will Muschamp said Wednesday.

"We expect him to be fine," Muschamp said. "The competition is ongoing. It hasn't affected anything we're trying to do or how we're trying to prepare our football team."

Driskel will wear a noncontact jersey for one week, and he will be re-evaluated Monday and Aug. 27, which is the Monday before the season opener against Bowling Green. Driskel is battling sophomore Jacoby Brissett, who also will return to noncontact status for now.

Muschamp had refuted reports that Driskel had sustained a severe shoulder injury.

Driskel told Muschamp that he needed to review video to see when he might have been injured.

PHU grad out: Palm Harbor University alumnus Mike McNeely broke a foot and is expected to be out six weeks. McNeely, a walk-on, played in seven games last season on the kickoff unit.

USF depth chart to remain in flux

TAMPA — The Bulls released their first official depth chart of the preseason, with some surprises and six true freshmen listed as top backups.

"Obviously, it is a fluid listing with potential changes each day," coach Skip Holtz said. "We took a hard look at each position and determined how the pieces would fit."

Most notable after Monday's scrimmage is a shift on the offensive line. Sophomore Darrell Williams moves up to starting left tackle, with senior Mark Popek, last year's starter, moving to starting left guard.

On defense, sophomore Reshard Cliett, a converted safety, is listed at starting strongside linebacker, and last year's starter, senior Sam Barrington, now is listed as a co-starter at middle linebacker with senior Mike Lanaris.

Six first-year Bulls were listed as top backups: WR D'Vario Montgomery, TE Sean Price, DEs Eric Lee and Daniel Perry, weakside LB Tashon Whitehurst and CB Chris Bivins.

Also of note: Senior Damien Edwards, who had been working at starting left guard, is now Williams' top backup at left tackle. … Two projected starters — DT Cory Grissom and DE Julius Forte — are not listed on the depth chart. They started practicing just this week recovering from ankle injuries. … At cornerback opposite Kayvon Webster, senior George Baker and redshirt freshman Kenneth Durden are listed as co-starters, with junior Fidel Montgomery now listed as Webster's top backup. … There are no less than 13 spots (nine on offense) where an "or" is listed on the depth chart, suggesting an even position battle with less than three weeks before the Sept. 1 opener.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UCF asks for expedited appeal

ORLANDO — The Knights may still face a postseason ban this season after requesting an expedited appeal for that part of the sanctions levied against them by the NCAA last month.

The school was notifying the NCAA of its intent to appeal Wednesday, UCF spokesman Grant Heston said.

"We have cooperated with and respect the NCAA but believe the football postseason ban is not appropriate," Heston said in a statement.

University president John Hitt has hired former NCAA investigator Michael Glazier to aid the school in the appeals process, the Orlando Sentinel reported.

The NCAA imposed one-year postseason bans for men's basketball and football on July 31. Those penalties were in addition to a $50,000 fine, adding two years to UCF's previously proposed three years' probation, reduction of basketball scholarships, the vacating of basketball victories and tighter limits on football recruiting visit days.

UCF has accepted all other penalties except the football postseason ban, Heston said.

The punishments stem from a 2011 investigation that found the programs were involved with runners for sports agents and making cash payments to recruits.

If the appeal is not decided by season's end, UCF would serve the ban in 2013, when it begins competing in the Big East in all sports. Next season is also the final year of the Big East's automatic qualifier status to the Bowl Championship Series.

Times wires

UM: Hurting some

CORAL GABLES — Health issues are creeping into the Hurricanes' camp.

DE Anthony Chickillo, a former Alonso High standout, practiced sick, saying he had stomach flu. Reserve freshman LB Raphael Kirby has a hard cast on his lower leg, and though he will not need surgery, he will miss considerable time. LB Thurston Armbrister wore protective glasses after being poked in the eye last week.

South Florida Sun Sentinel

By Darek Sharp, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

One summer hasn't turned the Plant City High football team into a wily cast of veterans.

The Raiders will still be fielding one of the least experienced football teams among the area's bigger schools.

But man, does their head coach feel a lot better these days.

Offseason momentum, not all of it based on football-related activity, has carried over into the first days of practice.

"It's reassuring," said Plant City coach Wayne Ward on Monday. "Seeing these guys progress every day, very reassuring. They really, really practice hard."

He had, frankly, some need for reassurance considering the team will replace more than half of last year's starters.

There are several seniors for Ward to turn to, and while the school traditionally produces high-level skilled players, Plant City's most notable athlete at the moment anchors the defensive line.

Meet Devyn Salmon, a senior who checks in at an imposing 6-foot-1, 285 pounds. After a spring and summer where he turned heads at various camps, particularly showcases in Orlando and Gainesville, Salmon recently gave his verbal commitment to Michigan State University.

And MSU didn't even need to have him see the campus.

"I haven't visited the school yet," Salmon said. "Denzel Drone (former Raider, now at MSU) told me all about it. He said they're 'straight dawgs' on that line there."

"Straight" is one of Salmon's favorite adjectives. Asked to describe his performance at offseason camps, it happens to coincide with his plan of attack for when the season begins: "straight dominate."

For Ward's purposes he'll take more of a straight line.

"Devyn has to focus, regardless of the (scholarship) offers," Ward said. "And he's starting to do that. If he finishes strong here, he'll have a great season for us."

Salmon says knowing he has a future college home squared away won't affect his focus on the field.

One of the key decisions for Ward to make involves Salmon's speedier Raider teammates. Right now one senior and two freshmen are jockeying to become the starting tailback, the position held down by standout Daz Patterson the past three years.

Ward says freshman Irving Michael reminds him of Patterson, and another ninth-grader, Sterling Day, has a more curious resemblance.

"He reminds me of myself," said Ward, who set Plant City rushing records before his senior season (1995-96) came to a close. "He has a thirst for knowledge. It's hard to keep him off the field."

Jontavia Sykes, more of a bruiser, is the senior vying to carry the ball.

The quarterback position is also undecided but Ward loves the leadership qualities shown by seniors Nick Rodriguez and junior Landon Galloway.

Both players showed what they were made of when the Raiders travelled to Vero Beach for a two-day "boot camp" this month.

That experience, where the Raiders did a lot more than just work on football plays, has boosted Ward's enthusiasm through the roof.

"It was so challenging physically, spiritually and emotionally. They had a 2 a.m. wakeup call to practice, and turn around and had one at 6 a.m. It was really taxing. They held strong when it could have fallen apart."

Ward added that linemen Montel McBride and Dustyn Hart stood out as leaders during the various drills, both on field and off.

Plant City is preparing for its Aug. 24 preseason game against Hillsborough.

Darek Sharp can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

TAMPA — Even after two grueling weeks of training camp, amid wobbly legs and wandering minds, Bucs backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky looked a reporter in the eyes and said with a straight face:

"I've said to (quarterbacks coach Ron Turner) during practice, 'I would love to practice, like, 15 hours a day, just do 7-on-7 all day.' I love the competitive camaraderie."

There are some teammates who might take issue with Orlovsky's proposition, but none are likely to deny he has been a crucial asset for the Bucs and their fourth-year starter, Josh Freeman.

Though Orlovsky, signed as a free agent to a two-year deal in March, has never fully resigned himself to being a career backup, he couldn't be a better fit for Tampa Bay.

Most days, the role is cushy. There's no pressure to perform unless the starter is benched or injured. Best of all, no one writes inflammatory headlines about the backup quarterback.

But Orlovsky's approach goes beyond that. He has taken it upon himself to be a resource for Freeman, to share knowledge from his seven previous seasons. And given his thirst for competition, Orlovsky strives to create something of a rivalry in practice, the goal being to bring out the best in Freeman. In the process, Orlovsky prepares himself to play if necessary.

All told, the Bucs seem to have gotten more than a backup quarterback.

"Having been around a little bit … you kind of learn the way it's done," said Orlovsky, who turns 29 on Saturday. "Hopefully, I can just come in and impart that on Josh and be the person behind him.

"But make no bones about it. I know what my role is. I need to be ready to play. A big part of that is going out and practicing well. If I go out and practice well and prepare well like I'm the guy, then that will push Josh."

The Bucs' process of selecting a backup to replace Josh Johnson, now with the 49ers after the Bucs chose not to re-sign him, was not taken lightly. When coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik mulled their options, Orlovsky stood out because he offered a package much greater than his pedestrian career numbers (14 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 75.9 rating).

"I know the guys that Dan has backed up," Schiano said. "They really enjoyed having him there with them because he works like he's the starter and he works to help the starter prepare to win games. He's a team guy."

Schiano, formerly at Rutgers, coached against Orlovsky when the quarterback played at Connecticut.

"(Coach) Randy Edsall used to tell me stories about his work ethic," Schiano said. "It was above and beyond. And he hasn't changed."

Orlovsky has opened eyes in training camp, with little dropoff evident when Freeman leaves the field. In two possessions of the Bucs' preseason opener at Miami on Friday, Orlovsky completed 8 of 8 passes for 91 yards.

"I would have confidence in him if we have to put him in a (regular-season) game," Schiano said.

The performance against the Dolphins likely will be forgotten when the regular season arrives, but it built credibility for Orlovsky.

"You can do it all in practice, and you can be smart in meetings," he said. "But until you go out and do it in games, that'll be the time when, if something did happen, (teammates) will have trust in me."

Those teammates might have thought otherwise if they based their opinions on Orlovsky's career 2-10 record as a starter. But context is important. Those starts came while playing for the winless 2008 Lions and last season's 2-14 Colts.

Orlovsky has made believers of his new teammates.

"He's a great leader," No. 3 quarterback Brett Ratliff said. "No matter what situation he's been faced with, he just approaches it the same way. He's a leader if he goes with the (third team). He's leader if he goes with the (starters). It doesn't matter. He's a natural. He's uplifting to the guys around him."

Most of all, the Bucs hope Orlovsky propels Freeman. In the process, they can rest assured the ever-prepared backup will be ready.

"I don't think me being No. 1 or No. 2 has ever changed my work ethic," he said.

"And I don't think it ever will."

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

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

TAMPA — At a time when so many other aspects of the economy are struggling, the market for television deals in college sports continues to rise to staggering levels, from millions of dollars to billions in the past six years.

So it's not that surprising that as the Big East sought a leader to build its new identity moving forward, the conference turned to former CBS Sports vice president Mike Aresco, who has never worked for a college or a conference but is being lauded as a smart, progressive choice as the league's new commissioner.

"You've got to be able to understand the television business," said author Keith Dunnavant, who chronicled that relationship in the 2004 book The Fifty-Year Seduction, "particularly in a position like the Big East, where there's been a lot of membership changes. They've had to fight other conferences to survive. They've gone out and tried to grow their membership in what has effectively been a defensive posture.

"I think this definitely is an aggressive move that says the Big East is serious about retaining its place at the big boys' table in college football."

In today's world of college football, a TV deal is a status symbol, something that measures national interest and relevance, and for the individual football programs, it represents their best opportunity to increase the athletic budget and stay competitive fiscally.

"For an athletic department, you have other sources of revenue, like ticket sales, but the big item that has upside is television rights through your conference," said Kevin O'Malley, a former executive with CBS and Turner Sports who lives in Oldsmar and has spent the past nine years as a sports media consultant in these megadeals.

"For that reason, it has absolutely paramount importance."

O'Malley estimated that the value of a major conference's media rights has risen between 300 and 400 percent in the past six years. That allows for a potential jackpot even for a conference such as the Big East that is rebranding itself as a national entity, with member schools now spanning from its Northeast roots to USF, through Texas to San Diego State and Boise State next year.

Last year the Big East turned down an offer from ESPN reported to be about $150 million a year for nine years, hoping a competitive market would drive up the league's value. That move seemed to be a serious gamble when four key member schools — West Virginia, Texas Christian, Pittsburgh and Syracuse — announced they were leaving for the Big 12 and ACC. But with eight schools set to join over the next three years, projections for a TV deal have varied widely, some suggesting the Big East could get as much as $190 million per year for 15 years. That's $2.85 billion.

"It's huge," O'Malley said of Aresco's hiring. "This is something you learn over a career of experience. It's not something you can go to school for and pick up in a couple of months.

"I've been doing this for 39 years, one way or another with the networks and in consulting, and Mike has also had a very long career. There's no substitute for that. You have to have been immersed in the history of this. It's a very, very positive thing for the conferences."

If football is the driving economic force in any major college athletic department, then television easily remains the best source of revenue from football. So it's no coincidence the Big East's future, and its leadership, have a considerable stake in the TV deal to be negotiated by the end of this year. If it comes together, the contract will give the Big East the long-term stability it could have only hoped for during much of a tumultuous past year.

"In the end, the Big East has to perform, on the field and on the court," Aresco said at his news conference Wednesday. "It has done that in the past, and if it does so in football, things will take care of itself. … We embrace the future with tremendous optimism."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The North Suncoast Junior Golf Association concluded its season Aug. 6 with the Tournament of Champions at Southern Woods Golf Club in Homosassa.

In the Co-ed (age 8 and 9) Division, Gage Richard of Brooksville, who had gone back and forth with Conchade Osceola of Land O'Lakes all season, placed third with 47 strokes over seven holes. Osceola clinched the Player of the Year title by edging his brother, Byron Osceola, for the division title. Conchade Osceola finished the season with 21 points in the Player of the Year standings, one more than Richard.

The Boys Intermediate (10-12) Division was very tight among the Player of the Year candidates with Dunnellon's Gavin Szydlo tied with Tyler Cash of Spring Hill coming into the final tournament. Szydlo, who won four times on the tour this summer, clinched the title with another victory in the nine-hole round. Spring Hill's Griffin Morel took third.

Joe Jackson of Brooksville led by five points in the Player of the Year standings going into the event, but he ended the campaign as the co-Player of the Year after Corey Mumaw of Wesley Chapel won the Boys Intermediate (13-18) Division. Brooksville's Zack Gates placed third.

The Boys Advanced (16-18) Division played a full 18-hole round, where Jake Schoonover of Hudson defeated Ryan Nicoll of Spring Hill, but neither could track down Homosassa's Mark Giardino for Player of the Year honors.

PHCC VOLLEYBALL CLINIC: Pasco-Hernando Community College is holding a coaching clinic for middle and high school volleyball coaches on from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday in the gymnasium (Lot 6, Building K) on the West Campus in New Port Richey.

The clinic will provide a diverse perspective on physical conditioning and training, in addition to learning techniques, tactics and drills. Speakers will include PHCC coach Kim Whitney, Anclote High School athletic director Heidi Michaels and Joe Donnelly, a certified referee.

The registration fee of $25 includes coaching instruction and a continental breakfast.

For information or to register, contact Whitney at (727) 816-3341 or whitnek@phcc.edu.

HERNANDO COUNTY RAYS DAY: The Sept. 23 Tampa Bay Rays game against the Toronto Blue Jays will benefit the Hernando County Education Foundation when tickets are purchased through the local organization.

First pitch for the Sunday contest will be at 1:40 p.m., with gates opening at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg at 11:40 a.m. The first 10,000 kids will receive a Rays bobblehead, and kids will be allowed to run the bases after the game.

Tickets in the lower box seats are available for $20 each, with a deadline of Sept. 11 for purchase.

For information, contact Frank Zito at (407) 697-0868 or fzito80@yahoo.com.

KIWANIS GOLF TOURNAMENT: Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville will play host to the seventh annual Kiwanis of Spring Hill Children Charity Golf Invitational on Sept. 20.

Proceeds will be distributed by the Kiwanis Club to local charities and organizations that benefit children.

Registration is scheduled for 8 a.m., when breakfast will be served. The shotgun start is set for 10 a.m., with a buffet lunch, awards ceremony and silent auction at the conclusion of play.

Participants may register by visiting springhillkiwanis.org. The registration fee is $110 per player or $400 per foursome. The deadline is Sept. 10.

For information, contact Richard Sanvenero at (352) 263-7829, ext. 25, or nero280@aol.com.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS FEST: Special Olympics of Hernando County is holding Olympic Fest 2012 on Sept. 15 at Springstead High School in Spring Hill.

Open to all groups, from 3 years old to 40-plus, the event will raise money for Special Olympics. Seven different age groups will compete in short sprints. The entry fee is $5 for kids ages 3 to 13, $8 for ages 14 to 18 and $10 for adults over 18.

There will be vendors, live music, raffles and other games. Activities begin at 11 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m.

For information, send email to Andrea Lee Purvis at AndreaCan Create@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Mike Gore, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

What's hot: Whether it is tarpon, snook, redfish, Spanish mackerel, mangrove snapper or shark, August is exploding with action. Bait is all over the bay, and that entices many predators into a feeding frenzy. Be prepared to lose some of your bait in your live well this time of year. The water temperature is in the upper 80s, and the oxygen level is getting low in some of your favorite fishing spots.

Tips: The bay and beaches are holding a lot of Spanish mackerel and bluefish. Look for the bait balls and you will find the fish. Mackerel can also be caught by anchoring up around range markers and throwing out a chum bag. If you are looking for a bigger species, bull and blacktip sharks can be found in the same locations.

Tackle: Make sure to use gear as light as possible. Small whitebait and shrimp are the bait of choice. Mangrove snapper are showing up on the markers and any bottom that has structure. Nice schools of redfish have been roaming around Weedon Island. They are holding in the deeper troths. Patience is the key with these fish. If live bait is not working, try cut bait. Both are producing good numbers.

Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.



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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

. Up next

Rays at Angels

Tonight-Sunday

What's new: The Angels continue to be one of the majors' most mystifying teams, fizzling in August (5-9 through Wednesday) after showing spark in July. That's despite a rotation full of All-Stars and several dynamic offensive players. The pitching — specifically the bullpen — has been the problem.

Key stat: Mike Trout is threatening to be the first player in history to hit .340 with 20 home runs and 40 steals.

Connections: Rays C Jose Molina and RHPs Fernando Rodney and Joel Peralta are former Angels, as are manager Joe Maddon and 1B coach George Hendrick. … Angels RHP Jason Isringhausen and pitching coach Mike Butcher are former Rays. C Bobby Wilson is a Seminole High and St. Petersburg College product.

Series history: Rays lead 5-1 this season; Angels lead 79-54 overall, 43-23 in Anaheim.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

SEATTLE — The final result, 27 consecutive batters trudging back from the plate with not a thing to show for it, was amazingly familiar as the Rays, for the third time in four seasons, had a perfect game thrown against them.

But in the quiet aftermath of Felix Hernandez's perfection in a 1-0 Wednesday loss to the Mariners, they acknowledged they'd never seen anything like that.

"The most impressive (of the games) because of how overpowering he was," Carlos Peña said. "That was a dominating performance right there."

"On par with anything I've ever seen," Evan Longoria said. "He was able to make pitches in any count."

"This stuff," manager Joe Maddon said, "is prodigious."

Hernandez threw the 23rd perfect game in major-league history and the record third this season, and he really wasn't challenged.

He struck out 12, went to only three three-ball counts and allowed only a couple of hard-hit balls, working in sync with former Rays catcher John Jaso, getting better as the game went on and the Safeco Field crowd of 21,889 roared. After getting Sean Rodriguez looking at strike three for the final out, Hernandez raised both arms in celebration.

"It's always on my mind. Every game I need to throw a perfect game. Every pitcher thinks that," Hernandez said. "But today it happened, and it's something special. I don't have any words to explain this. This is pretty amazing. It doesn't happen every day."

It only seems like it does to the Rays, who became the first team in major-league history to have three perfect games thrown against them in regular-season play (also by Chicago's Mark Buehrle in 2009 and Oakland's Dallas Braden in 2010), and all in a span of 507 games. Of baseball's past 15 no-hitters, four have been against the Rays. And no team has more no-hitters against than their five since their 1998 debut.

Maddon said one benefit of the experience is he has no fear of lingering effects: "I think the one thing I've learned is that the no-hitters and perfect games don't mean anything about tomorrow anyway."

But as other Rays headed out for a flight to Anaheim, where the Angels have four All-Star starters lined up to face them beginning tonight, there was some concern of a carryover, especially after the Rays, who dropped to 63-54, gave away Tuesday night's game on an error by Peña in the ninth to snap a seven-game winning streak and, as Longoria suggested, didn't show much in Wednesday's matinee.

"We have to find a way to turn the page and really focus on (tonight)," Longoria said. "Regardless of (Wednesday), perfect game, it doesn't matter; it's still a loss. We're 4-2 (on the road trip) and going to Anaheim, and we're going to face another four tough pitchers in a row. If we dwell on (Wednesday) and the last two days, we could easily get steamrolled there."

Hernandez did them in with an assortment of pitches equally baffling, going away from the fastball the Rays were looking for as the game went on and making increasing use of his breaking balls and changeup.

"He introduced all his other goodies, and that's when it got kind of ugly," Maddon said.

Hernandez gave credit for the pitch-calling to Jaso, whom the Rays traded due to his inadequacies behind the plate. "I've been on the Rays before, I know their approach against Felix," Jaso said. "It's to hit that fastball and hit it early."

The mix left the Rays even worse off. "It just seemed like every pitch you thought he was going to throw at a certain point, it was the other pitch," Longoria said.

Hernandez also had some help — from the bright day, which made it tough to pick up spin on his pitches; from Maddon, whose lineup excluded the Rays' top hitter, Jeff Keppinger, and hottest hitter, Desmond Jennings; from the Rays' hitters, who swung at too many pitches out of the strike zone, lured by the deception Hernandez has in making his offspeed pitches look similar.

And, at least from the Rays' view, he had help from home plate umpire Rob Drake, whose increasingly widening strike zone made a difficult challenge more so.

"Some of us had to maybe swing at some pitches we didn't want to," B.J. Upton said. "Some of the guys thought maybe some weren't strikes; maybe some of them were. I think we got a lot of the same reactions from a couple of the guys."

Rodriguez called it "a pitcher-favorable strike zone." Maddon used a few more colorful words during the seventh inning, getting ejected by Drake, then sprinting onto the field to further share his views.

His biggest complaint?

"The largesse vs. the left-handed hitter. I thought it was a big zone," he said. "The thing I think sometimes umpires forget is it's not about punching hitters out, it's about what you make them swing at sometimes. When you start expanding huge to one side or the other vs. a righty or a lefty, then you cause them to swing at pitches that they don't normally swing at."

But even when the Rays swung at the right pitches, they couldn't do much. Sam Fuld had their two hardest-hit balls, a drive to right-center to start the game and a liner to third.

"(Hernandez is) one of the best pitchers in the game, and he's pitching probably as well as he's ever pitched," Fuld said. "That's a tough combo."

By the numbers

3 Three-ball counts on Rays hitters

3 Perfect games against the Rays, making them the first team to have that many thrown against them in the regular season

4 No-hitters against the Rays since 2009, making them the only team to be no-hit more than once over that span

5 No-hitters against the Rays since their first season in 1998, most of any team in that span

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

High praise

Former Cowboys QB Troy Aikman, in town a day before he calls the Bengals-Falcons game in Atlanta for Fox, said he likes the changes the Bucs have made and believes in QB Josh Freeman, above.

"I like Josh a lot," Aikman said. "I think he's a really talented player. Obviously, he was exceptional (in 2010). I think that his play last year was pretty reflective of the team: high expectations and just didn't play with the same kind of efficiency. But there's a lot of reasons for that.

"And I think that some of the things that they're going to be doing with the offense and the way coach (Greg) Schiano wants to approach this thing, it's going to help him. And I expect him to go on and continue to have a great career."

Wrap it up

The Bucs broke training camp Wednesday afternoon. But Schiano said there won't be many changes in practices or preparation, with next week a "modified training camp."

"They filled me in … that (Wednesday) was the last day. I wasn't even thinking that way," Schiano said, smiling. "Which is my fault. As a player, I know I'd be thinking that way."

For part of Wednesday's practice, Schiano split the team in half for an 11-on-11 competition, and the Bucs worked on 80 percent of their situational plays.

LB Najee Goode made one of the biggest plays, intercepting QB Brett Ratliff and nearly bringing it back for a touchdown before "running out of gas." "I was actually trying to hide from Ratliff," he said. "I've been telling him every day, him and Josh, to throw me the ball. I got him."

Performance art

Goode hoped to make his mark Wednesday night, when the rookies put on their annual talent show for veterans and coaches. Typically, there are skits and other kinds of performances.

"My talent? We've actually got an award show for the coaches, talking about coach (Bryan) Cox and coach (Bob) Fraser," Goode said. "And you all can let that go to the media. I'm talking about them all day."

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Preseason games

Friday: Titans, 7:30

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

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

Regular-season games

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

Bucs vs. Titans

7:30 Friday, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa TV: blacked out; tape delay 11:30 p.m., Ch. 10 Radio: 620-AM, 103.5-FM

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer


Wednesday, August 15, 2012

An NFL training camp is full of fires to be put out, land mines to step around and hurdles to jump over. A team can have injuries on the field and mutinies off it. Major distractions away from the practice facility can lead to serious problems inside the locker room.

The Bucs have three preseason games left, and the next three weeks might not look a whole lot different from the past three weeks. But officially, the Bucs broke camp Wednesday in great shape, literally and figuratively. Here are some examples of why the Bucs can call their training camp a success:

No catastrophic injuries

Defensive end Da'Quan Bowers tore his Achilles tendon in May, but since training camp, the Bucs have avoided serious injuries. Safety and first-round draft pick Mark Barron and tight end Dallas Clark missed the preseason opener, but both are back in pads. Left tackle Donald Penn is working his way back into shape after a calf strain. Wide receiver Arrelious Benn is rehabilitating a knee injury. But despite coach Greg Schiano putting the team in pads every step of the way, the team is as healthy as you can hope for. Tired and fatigued, but healthy.

tom jones' two cents

Players have bought into the new coach

The Bucs rid themselves of potential problems Tanard Jackson and Kellen Winslow Jr. before camp started. Those who remained not only have accepted the no-nonsense style of new coach Greg Schiano, they have embraced it.

"I love what he's doing with us," linebacker Najee Goode, above, said. "He pushes us and gets the best out of us. The best part about it is everyone wants to play for him. We're all buying into it."

It would have been easy for the Bucs, especially the older ones, to dismiss Schiano as a college guy and dropkick his rah-rah, hard-nosed, toes-on-the-line ways. The players, however, have eaten up Schiano's my-way-or-the-highway demands and asked for seconds.

"They have worked very, very hard," Schiano said. "That is what I was most excited about. … What I was really pleased with was the effort, the buy-in that the guys exhibited."

The offseason moves have looked good

If you want to know how well a player is fitting in with his new team, watch how others behave around him. So far, Bucs players are gravitating toward veteran wide receiver Vincent Jackson and guard Carl Nicks, the organization's two biggest offseason free agent acquisitions. Despite his impressive resume and more impressive skills, Jackson has stood out because of his work ethic. Same with Nicks, right. It's easy to get motivated for games, but when a team has two proven veterans who treat every training camp practice and weight-room session like it's the conference championship game, it has two special players and, best of all, two special examples.

No arrests

Don't laugh. Chad Johnson is out of a job and the Dolphins are down a receiver because of Johnson's arrest, accused of head-butting his wife over the weekend. Remember when Bucs cornerback Aqib Talib had that run-in with a cab driver? That happened during training camp, and it had regular-season consequences when Talib was suspended for the 2009 opener. When a team doesn't have issues off the field, problems on the field can get 100 percent of everyone's attention.

Competition has brought out the best in everyone

If there was such a thing as a training camp MVP, wide receiver Mike Williams and running back LeGarrette Blount would be in the running for the award. Maybe Williams found another gear to keep pace with Vincent Jackson. Maybe Jackson's presence is taking some of the heat off Williams. Whatever it is, Williams has been a training camp star, including making one of the best catches of camp Wednesday.

Meantime, selecting running back Doug Martin late in the first round appears to have motivated Blount, who had a big game in the preseason opener and showed he wants to remain a major part of the offense.

"We help each other, and it's great competition for everybody in the backfield," Martin said.

The starting (and backup QB) look good

Josh Freeman's offseason weight loss of about 20 pounds was alarming to some, but training camp has eased those concerns. Freeman, top left, looks fit and healthy. No more baby fat and chubby cheeks. He is looking, and playing, like a man. Then there's backup Dan Orlovsky, bottom left. If he was good enough to start somewhere, he would be starting somewhere. But he has been sharp enough in camp and in the one preseason game (8-for-8, 91 yards) that the Bucs won't be too nervous putting him in a game if they have to.

Final thought

Greg Schiano isn't going to tear his rotator cuff patting himself on the back. He says next year's training camp, and the one after that and the one after that (assuming he's still here) will be, in his words, crisper and cleaner. And just because training camp has ended doesn't mean Schiano is about to tap the brakes.

"I do understand these guys have been busting their humps," Schiano said, "but we still have some hard work to do."

But so far, so good.

Times wires
Wednesday, August 15, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — Melky Cabrera's MVP-like year is over, at least for the regular season.

The Giants outfielder was suspended for 50 games Wednesday after a positive test for testosterone, putting an abrupt end to what had been a remarkable regular season and throwing his team's playoff hopes into doubt.

"Ultimately, it was just a bad decision," C Buster Posey said.

Entering Wednesday, Cabrera led the National League with 159 hits and was second in average (.346) to Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen. He was second on the team to Posey in on-base percentage (.390) and slugging percentage (.516).

Cabrera's penalty was the first for a high-profile player since last year's NL MVP, Ryan Braun, had his suspension for a positive drug test overturned by an arbitrator last winter.

"My positive test was the result of my use of a substance I should not have used," Cabrera said in a statement released by the players association. "I accept my suspension under the Joint Drug Program, and I will try to move on with my life. I am deeply sorry for my mistake, and I apologize to my teammates, to the San Francisco Giants organization and to the fans for letting them down."

The suspension would extend into the playoffs if the Giants advanced.

"It happened, and now we move on," RF Hunter Pence said. "I know the (drug) program ,and I know they test us, and if we test positive, we get a suspension. That's what happened. And now we play with what we've got."

Cabrera, in his first season with San Francisco, is five hits shy of 1,000 in his career. He singled and hit a two-run homer last month in the National League's 8-0 win in the All-Star Game, earning MVP honors for the game and securing homefield advantage for the NL for the World Series.

Cabrera is set to become a free agent after this season, so he might have cost himself a big pay day, too.

OWNER DENIES RIFT: None of the Red Sox players in a series of meetings with the team's top brass called for manager Bobby Valentine to be replaced, owner John Henry said.

Henry issued a statement one day after Yahoo Sports reported that several players met with him and team president Larry Lucchino in New York on July 27 to complain about Valentine. Chairman Tom Werner was also at the meeting.

Henry said he called the meeting, and it "quickly went to the point: What do we need to do to turn things around?"

In other Red Sox news, DH David Ortiz, out since July 18, was shut down in his rehabilitation from a strained right Achilles tendon.

ASTROS: RHP Bud Norris left the game against the Cubs after being hit in the left foot by a line drive in the fourth inning.

ATHLETICS: RF Josh Reddick was scratched because of complications from a tooth extraction on the team's off day Monday.

CARDINALS: LHP Jaime Garcia, out for a month with a shoulder strain, is set to return to the rotation Sunday. Rookie RHP Joe Kelly will go to the bullpen.

CUBS: Vice president of player personnel Oneri Fleita, a member of the organization since 1995, and manager of baseball information Chuck Wasserstom, a club employee since 1986, were fired. President of baseball operations Theo Epstein said more front office changes were imminent. … OF Alfonso Soriano cleared waivers and can be traded to any team, CBSSports.com reported.

PIRATES: 2B Neil Walker left the game against the Dodgers in the first inning with dislocated right finger.

WHITE SOX: 1B Paul Konerko hit in the cage and played catch, and remains on track to come off the seven-day concussion disabled list Friday.

YANKEES: 2B Robinson Cano was held out of the lineup because of a stiff neck.