By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 16, 2012

TAMPA — It's Week 2 of the preseason schedule, and the Bucs feel good about much of what they saw in last week's opener.But they are far from a finished product. Here, then, are five Bucs to watch against the Titans Friday night.

WR Vincent Jackson

Yes, the receiver played last week against the Dolphins. But he was easy to miss because he played just one series and wasn't thrown to. Should you be concerned? Hardly. But there is something to be said for Josh Freeman hooking up with Jackson when the bullets are flying. They have been quite the duo during camp, Freeman taking advantage of Jackson's ability to exploit individual matchups with his 6-foot-5 frame. But connecting on game day will only solidify what Freeman and Jackson have established in practice.

WR Preston Parker

Parker is still a valuable member of the receiving corps. And he had an impressive offseason. Still, his preseason couldn't have started worse when he muffed a punt committed a personal foul last week. The penalty, in particular, drew the ire of coach Greg Schiano. Schiano often has lamented the messy and undisciplined play that led to the 10 straight losses in 2011. Parker fumbled eight times in 2011, losing three. Rookie running back Michael Smith, who ripped off a 74-yard punt return against the Dolphins, and receiver Tiquan Underwood are being considered to return punts, meaning Parker has competition.

SS Mark Barron

No, you're not mistaken. Barron was, indeed, on this list last week. But he sat as a precaution because of a toe injury. There are high hopes for the seventh overall pick in April, but he hasn't had the instant impact in practices. That's, in part, because of his injury. But it's also because in the new scheme, the strong safety often plays near the line of scrimmage and, thus, is not involved in pass plays downfield. Not until Barron plays in live action, where he's able to tackle ball carriers all the way to the ground (as opposed to practice, where he can't) will he show his value.

TE Dallas Clark

Clark's reason for being on the list is the same as Barron's. He, too, was held out last week as a precaution. You should not expect the veteran to play long given he's 33 and coming off two injury-filled seasons. But given Clark and Josh Freeman are still developing chemistry, they could benefit from some time on the field together. Clark has been a significant part of the passing game during practice. We'll see if that's the case Friday night.

RB Mossis Madu

There has been much talk about the offensive backfield this preseason, especially the brewing battle to start between veteran LeGarrette Blount and rookie Doug Martin. Beyond them, rookie Michael Smith has created some buzz with his speed. The guy you haven't heard much about is Madu, an undrafted second-year prospect from Oklahoma. Whether or not he makes the team might depend on how many running backs the Bucs keep. If they go with three, preseason games could determine the odd man out. Madu rushed for 6 yards on five carries last week.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 16, 2012

VERO BEACH — For all the confidence USF has in being able to bounce back from a difficult, disappointing 2011 season, there are lingering concerns in preseason camp.

The secondary remains one.

"They understand that to be a great defense, you can't give up big plays in the secondary," defensive backs coach Rick Smith said last month. "That's something they've worked on extremely hard."

The problem wasn't as simple as 80-yard bombs. USF allowed only one pass play longer than 40 yards, a 58-yard touchdown by Syracuse late in a game in which USF had a commanding lead. Instead, it was injuries to key players combined with an inability to get off the field, allowing 35.5 percent of third-down conversions, fifth in the Big East.

"Our goal is consistency," senior cornerback Kayvon Webster said. "I've become more of a student of the game — more film, staying after and catching more balls. I dropped a lot of interceptions last year. So that's been my focus and helping the young guys get ready."

One young guy will have to fill the biggest hole in the secondary, at cornerback opposite Webster. The Bulls have plenty of options: senior George Baker, junior college transfer Fidel Montgomery and promising redshirt freshman Kenneth Durden.

"I'm still a little bit concerned about … who's going to hold that spot down," coach Skip Holtz said Tuesday, after the team's first scrimmage in Vero Beach. "We have some guys playing really well. We have more talent than we've ever had there to choose from. At this point, I don't feel like anybody's really stepped up and taken it over."

If the Bulls have one fewer starting cornerback than they'd like, they arguably have one more starting safety than required, including veterans Mark Joyce, JaQuez Jenkins and Jon Lejiste.

"We'll probably be in nickel (defense) most of the time. (New defensive coordinator Chris) Cosh loves nickel anyway," Smith said.

Cosh came to USF from Kansas State and the quarterback-loaded Big 12. Last season, he faced six of the top 13 passing offenses in Division I-A, beating four. He won't have nearly the same challenge in the Big East, though the Bulls made their opponents into record-breaking passers in losing seven of their final eight games in 2011.

The Bulls defense set school records in passing yards (2,928), completions (270), passing first downs (138) and completion percentage (61.2). And it allowed an average 244 yards a game, up 52 from Holtz's first season.

The pass defense will be tested in the second game, Sept. 8 at Nevada. The Wolf Pack ranked sixth in I-A in total offense last season at 506 yards per game. And that was before it brought in Nick Rolovich, the offensive coordinator for the past four seasons at Hawaii, which threw for 308 yards per game last fall.

"He'll throw it every snap," Smith said.

Monday's first scrimmage offered hope for the defense with three interceptions off deflected passes, including one by Webster.

The Bulls tied for the Big East low with five interceptions in conference games last season, contributing to the league's worst turnover margin. But that, too, is something the Bulls expect to change in 2012.

"The coaches are emphasizing turnovers," Webster said. "We do a lot of turnover (drills) before practice starts, and we're starting to see improvements."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @GregAuman.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Making news

Ladies-only event sends anglers afar

The Old Salt Fishing Club, the organization that runs the fall and spring King of the Beach kingfish series and the annual Grunt Hunt, continues its tournament for female anglers. More than 170 women have already signed up for the Ladies Inshore/Offshore tournament scheduled for Aug. 25.

The captains' meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday at the Madeira Beach Marina (503 150th Ave.), and fishing begins at midnight Aug. 25, with a weigh-in at 4 p.m. at the marina.

This year's event will again benefit the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation and All Children's Hospital. Celma Mastry, the matriarch of a well-known local fishing family, was a benefactor of dozens of charities.

The tournament, in which anglers can target trout, sheepshead, Spanish mackerel, flounder, redfish (photo release), snapper, red grouper and amberjack, is more like a festival, with live music, food and drink, as well as vendors of a variety of marine-related equipment. The cost is $55 for Old Salt members and $75 for nonmembers who register before Monday. After that it goes up to $65 and $85.

The Old Salt Fishing Foundation is also sponsoring a Ladies Fish-A-Thon in conjunction with the tournament, which hopes to raise $50,000 for the charities.

"We've purposely set ourselves an aggressive goal this year," said Tom Verdensky, the foundation's president. "We hope the local fishing community will step up and support these fine organizations."

To learn more, go to oldsalt fishing.org.

REgulations

Season reminders

• Amberjack season in the Gulf of Mexico opened Aug. 1 and closes June 1. The size limit is 30 inches, fork length.

• Spiny lobster season, except in designated South Florida areas, opened Aug. 6 and closes March 31. Lobster must have a carapace length of 3 inches and be measured in the water. The bag limit is six per person, per day statewide.

• Gag grouper is also open, except in the state waters (from shore to 9 nautical miles out) off Franklin, Wakulla, Jefferson and Taylor counties. The season closes Nov. 1.

Looking ahead

• Snook season opens Sept. 1 in Atlantic waters. Anglers on the Gulf Coast must practice catch-and-release through Aug. 31, 2013.

• Sept. 1 is a free fishing day for saltwater anglers throughout the state. No license is needed.

• Scallop season closes Sept. 25.

Solunar chart

AM PM

Minor Major Minor Major

8/17 5:45 11:50 6:00 0

8/18 6:30 12:15 6:50 12:40

8/19 7:25 1:10 7:50 1:35

8/20 8:15 2:05 8:45 2:30

8/21 9:10 3:00 9:40 3:25

8/22 10:05 3:55 10:45 4:30

8/23 11:10 5:00 11:40 5:25

By Dave Mistretta, Times Correspondent


Thursday, August 16, 2012

Offshore bottom fishing: Red grouper action remains steady in depths of 80 feet and deeper. We have been successful with both drifting and anchoring. The days that have a bit of wind seem to be more productive, probably because the boat bounces up and down and gives the baits more movement. We have used "knocker-style" rigs and jigs near the bottom with great results, too. This particular setup puts a sinker or jig head directly above the hook, allowing more bait action on the bottom. A couple of twitches with the rod tip makes the bait bounce, enticing even the pickiest grouper. We add octopus and sardines to the hook for extra scent.

August kingfish: The past few weeks have been decent for large kingfish. They have been in the same areas we fish for grouper. Spanish sardines and cigar minnows are available, too, allowing anglers to catch the bait in the same spots as they fish. Many fish will follow schools of bait for days to ensure themselves a consistent food supply.

Cobia: We have also caught several impressive cobia this past week. Every year at about this time we seem to get good migrations of these bruisers at many locations. They are normally quite eager to grab any live bait in their path. Most of the fish are located around wrecks, springs, buoys and other floating debris. Their curiosity often causes them to swim directly to the boat immediately after it arrives on a spot. We recommend having a rod rigged and ready when heading to offshore wrecks.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 439-2628 or visit jawstoo.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, August 16, 2012

GULF OF MEXICO — Dave Zalewski didn't like the looks of his bait well.

"We'll just have to make do with what we have," he said.

We were 25 miles out, and it was close to noon. It was hot, humid and even the baitfish had taken a siesta.

For two hours, we had tried our best to hook a big barracuda, a mainstay for charter boat captains during the dog days of summer.

"They are a lot of fun, especially for kids," said Zalewski, who has been running an offshore boat out of Madeira Beach since the 1970s. "If you like a lot of action, they can't be beat."

Open-ocean slashers

Barracuda are good sport. These open-ocean predators eat whatever is available, including a variety of baitfish, as well as Spanish and king mackerel. These voracious eaters are the bane of tournament anglers because a big 'cuda can slice a 40-pound kingfish in half with just one bite.

This creature's sharp, razorlike teeth helped it earn the nickname "tiger of the sea."

The International Game Fish Association's World Record Game Fishes book lists categories for eight species of barracuda, the largest being the Guinean, which is found in the eastern Atlantic, along the coast of Africa. This fish is a real monster, reaching more than 100 pounds.

But our local variety, Sphyraena barracuda, or great barracuda, is no slouch. It can weigh more than 80 pounds and get as big as a grown man. This barracuda will not only devour a hooked fish, it will also try to take a speared fish off a diver's stringer.

The smaller barracuda, more common in our local waters, sometimes gather in schools. But the big ones, like the kingfish they pursue, tend to be more solitary.

Escape artists

So it came as no surprise when these ravenous beasts made quick work of the variety of baits that we trolled over the artificial reefs and wrecks as the sun climbed in the sky.

It seemed every mackerel we caught got ripped apart before it made it to the boat. And each time we did happen to hook a barracuda, its teeth would saw through the wire leader in seconds.

"I'm getting a little discouraged," Zalewski said after we lost yet another baitfish to the marauders. "It looks like we are going to have to go bottom fishing."

Then, just as he was about to hang up his planers, another 'cuda hit and jumped several times, putting on quite a show.

Aerial acrobatics such as these have helped contribute to the barracuda's fearsome reputation. Hooked barracuda have been known to land in boats and, at times, severely maul anglers. Over the years there have been scattered reports of barracuda "attacking" fishermen, in addition to incidents involving divers and swimmers. The latter can usually be explained by sunlight reflecting off a piece of jewelry, which under water looks just like a reflection off a baitfish's scales.

According to the International Shark Attack File: "Fatalities from barracuda attacks are rare. In 1947, a death off Key West was attributed to a barracuda, followed by another case off the coast of North Carolina in 1957."

But the barracuda's large caninelike incisors are intimidating, especially when one is at your feet thrashing around the deck.

"Let's get this fish back in the water," Zalewski said. "Now let's try for another one."

Zalewski grabbed the last blue runner out of the bait well, rigged it for trolling and dropped it in the prop wash. He let out about 25 yards of line and watched. The baitfish was there less than 60 seconds when it was hammered by something big.

At first we thought it was a shark, judging by the bend in the rod. Then the fish jumped and its long, silver body glistened in the sunlight.

It took about 20 minutes to bring the brute to the side of the boat. The fish, 5-feet long and as thick as a man's leg, laid there for a second.

"Quick," I said, "hand me my camera."

Then the fish turned its head to the side a fraction of an inch, cut the leader and slipped back down to the darkness below, a great battle from a great opponent.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

GREENSBORO, N.C. — If any member's bounces went Carl Pettersson's way Thursday at Sedgefield Country Club, there was a good reason.

"That's right. I am a member," Pettersson said, laughing. "I forgot."

Pettersson shot 8-under 62 to take the first-round lead in the Wyndham Championship, the final event before the FedEx Cup playoffs.

David Mathis and Tim Clark were a stroke back, and Tom Gillis, Scott Stallings and Troy Matteson shot 64. Tampa resident Ryuji Imada shot 67.

The top of the leaderboard had a local flavor. Pettersson went to high school in Greensboro and lives in Raleigh, and he and Clark played at North Carolina State. Mathis grew up in Winston-Salem, played collegiately at Campbell and lives in Wake Forest.

Pettersson, a Swede who became an American citizen during the offseason, had the best first round of his PGA Tour career and his best round at this event since 2008, when he set the tournament record with a second-round 61 and went on to win.

Starting on the back nine, he reeled off consecutive birdies on Nos. 5-8 to move to 8 under. He had a chance to match his record on No. 9 but pushed his 30-foot birdie putt roughly a foot to the right of the hole.

It was another strong round for Pettersson, who won the RBC Heritage in April and has five top-10 finishes this year. That includes a tie for third Sunday at the PGA Championship, which would have been a second-place finish had he not been assessed a two-stroke penalty in the final round for grazing a leaf with his backswing while hitting out of a lateral water hazard.

"I think this game is very streaky," Pettersson said. "It seems like when you're playing well, you never think you're going to play bad. When you're playing bad, you never think you're going to play well."

ryder cup: European captain Jose Maria Olazabal announced three of his four vice captains: Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn. The Ryder Cup is Sept. 28-30 at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago.

u.s. amateur: Bobby Wyatt, who entered match play as the top seed in the 64-player field after tying the tournament record by shooting 9-under 132 in the two-day, 36-hole qualifying rounds, beat Taylor Hancock of Clearwater 4-and-2 at Cherry Hills Village, Colo. Wyatt, 20, plays at Alabama.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: Pure Michigan 400

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 12:30 p.m.), qualifying (Speed, 4 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.); Sunday, race (ESPN, 1 p.m.; Brooklyn, Mich.

Fast facts: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won at Michigan in June to end a 143-race winless streak dating to his June 2008 victory at the track.

Standings: 1.Jimmie Johnson, 777; 2. Greg Biffle, 776; 3. Matt Kenseth, 775; 4. Earnhardt Jr., 760; 5. Brad Keselowski, 733.

Nationwide

What: Napa Auto Parts 200

When/where: Today, practice, qualifying; Saturday, race (ESPN, 2 p.m.); Montreal

Fast facts: Marcus Ambrose is skipping the race. Kyle Busch and Sam Hornish Jr. are the only drivers also racing in the Sprint Cup event Sunday in Michigan. … This is the third and final road-course event of the year. … Ex-F1 champ Jacques Villeneuve will drive the No. 22 Penske Racing Dodge on the track named for his late father.

Standings: 1. Elliott Sadler, 751; 2. Austin Dillon, 733; 3. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 730; 4. Hornish Jr., 717; 5. Justin Allgaier, 673.

Trucks

What: VFW 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 2 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 9:30 a.m.), race (Speed, noon); Brooklyn, Mich.

Fast facts: Kurt Busch makes his first truck series start in 11 years, driving the No. 18 Toyota owned by brother Kyle. Kurt won four times as a truck rookie in 2000 and last raced in the series in 2001 at Milwaukee. … Sprint Cup driver Brad Keselowski also is racing.

Standings: 1. Timothy Peters, 418; 2. Ty Dillon, 410; 3. James Buescher, 403; 4. Justin Lofton, 400; 5. Matt Crafton, 385.

NHRA

What: Lucas Oil Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 11 p.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 9 p.m.); Brainerd, Minn.

Fast facts: NHRA officials approved an optional cockpit canopy for Top Fuel dragsters.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Spencer Massey, 1,236; 2. Antron Brown, 1,231. Funny Car — 1. Robert Hight, 1,143; 2. Ron Capps, 1,112. Pro Stock — 1. Allen Johnson, 1,324; 2. Jason Line, 1,246. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 842; 2. Andrew Hines, 774.

IndyCar

Next: Grand Prix of Sonoma, Aug. 26, Sonoma, Calif.

Standings: 1. Will Power, 379; 2. Ryan Hunter-Reay, 374; 3. Helio Castroneves, 353; 4. Scott Dixon, 351; 5. James Hinchcliffe, 316.

Formula One

Next: Belgian Grand Prix, Sept. 2, Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium.

Standings: 1. Fernando Alonso, 164; 2. Mark Webber, 124; 3. Sebastian Vettel, 122; 4. Lewis Hamilton, 117; 5. Kimi Raikkonen, 116.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

ATLANTA — Former Georgia football coach Jim Donnan used his influence to get high-profile coaches and former players to invest $80 million into a Ponzi scheme, the Securities and Exchange Commission said Thursday.

Donnan and a business partner convinced nearly 100 investors to put money into a liquidation company that bought and resold appliances and furniture, the SEC said. Donnan and his partner, Gregory Crabtree, of Proctorville, Ohio, promised rates of return ranging from 50 percent to 380 percent, it said. But only about $12 million of the $80 million raised was used to purchase leftover merchandise, and the rest was used to pay fake returns to earlier investors or stolen for other uses by Donnan and Crabtree.

The scheme began in August 2007 and collapsed in October 2010, according to a complaint filed in federal court in Atlanta.

Among the coaches Donnan helped attract were current Texas State coach and ex–Alabama coach Dennis Franchione; Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer; ex-Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma coach Barry Switzer, and Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville, the SEC said.

Donnan used his influence with former players who looked up to him, federal regulators said. According to the court filing, he told one player, "Your Daddy is going to take care of you," and, "If you weren't my son, I wouldn't be doing this for you." That former player, who was not named, invested $800,000.

Donnan's attorney has previously acknowledged the former coach was paid lucrative commissions, but he said Donnan believed he was being paid from legitimate profits.

A lawyer for Donnan did not return a phone call and email from the Associated Press seeking comment. An attorney for Crabtree did not return a call.

The SEC said it was seeking to recover the ill-gotten gains and undetermined civil penalties. William P. Hicks, associate director of the SEC's Atlanta office, declined to say whether criminal charges would be filed.

Basketball: UF set for '17 Nike tourney

Florida is among 24 Nike-backed basketball teams that will play in two tournaments in November 2017 that will celebrate Nike founder Phil Knight, Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said. Knight turns 80 during that season, on Feb. 24, 2018.

Hollis said he and ADs at UF, Duke, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio State, UConn, Georgetown, Oklahoma, Texas, Oregon, Stanford, Butler, Xavier, Gonzaga and Portland have agreed to participate. He said he is contacting eight more to be involved and is working on funding.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Rangers 10, Yankees 6

NEW YORK — Craig Gentry started for the first time in two weeks, and his two-out, two-run single in the seventh put the Rangers ahead as they avoided a four-game sweep. Adrian Beltre had three RBIs, and Josh Hamilton doubled twice.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Red Sox president Larry Lucchino replied "Yes" when asked if embattled Bobby Valentine will be his manager at the end of this season during an interview Thursday with a Boston radio station.

Lucchino would not discuss the late July meeting between ownership and players in the interview with WEEI. Instead, he called a Yahoo Sports report that players went into the meeting wanting Valentine out "exaggerated and inaccurate."

The Red Sox started Thursday 6½ games out in the American League wild-card race. They likely would need to go 32-12 or better to have a chance at the postseason.

"We need to start fixing what's wrong with this club and need all the data we're going to get over the next 44 games," he said. "I think we will see an improved culture next year."

Fan dies: A male fan died in a hospital after going into cardiac arrest at the Blue Jays' home game against the White Sox. Play was halted for four minutes in the seventh inning while the fan received CPR and was carted off. Toronto Police Services confirmed the fan had died in a hospital after collapsing. The name of the fan was not released.

GM stunned over Cabrera: A day after All-Star Game MVP Melky Cabrera received a 50-game suspension for a positive testosterone test, Giants GM Brian Sabean said he was shocked when he received word of the decision by Major League Baseball.

"I was so taken aback, it was deflating," Sabean said. "I kind of got emotional because I didn't see something like this coming.

"We've all been around this game a long time. You get used to making changes and adjustments. Things happen out of leftfield, a lot like life, and this was one of those things you're punched in the stomach with."

Gregor Blanco will move into the regular role as leftfielder in place of Cabrera, who joins reliever and teammate Guillermo Mota as two of the four big-leaguers suspended this season.

Padres sale approved: Owners approved the sale of the Padres to a group that includes the O'Malley family and pro golfer Phil Mickelson, commissioner Bud Selig announced after the owners meetings ended in Denver. Under the deal, the group will buy the franchise from John Moores for around $800 million. The final closing will be on or before Aug. 31. Ron Fowler, a businessman in San Diego, will become the executive chairman. The new ownership group includes Kevin and Brian O'Malley, sons of former Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley.

Dodgers vs. the umpire: Slugger Matt Kemp and manager Don Mattingly were ejected during the second inning against the Pirates, setting off an argument that was mostly directed at plate umpire Angel Campos. Kemp struck out swinging to end the first. During the next inning Kemp was ejected by Campos while the player was in the dugout. Kemp's ejection angered Mattingly, who sprinted out to Campos. Kemp wasn't far behind and needed to be restrained. He bumped into an umpire at least once. After a few minutes of arguing, Mattingly was ejected by crew chief Tim Tschida.

Later, Los Angeles starter Joe Blanton ran toward Campos and had words for him as he walked off the field after being removed for giving up a homer.

Blue Jays: RHP Kevin Comer went to the Astros to complete a 10-player trade made last month.

Orioles: INF Wilson Betemit went on the 15-day DL with torn cartilage in his right wrist.

Yankees: Reliever Joba Chamberlain said he didn't hear fans jeering him after the Rangers' Craig Gentry got the tiebreaking single in the seventh inning of a 10-6 loss to the Rangers. "Honestly, I didn't hear it," Chamberlain said of the boos. "My own son booed me, so I guess that keeps it in perspective." Chamberlain, who gave up four hits while getting four outs, has a 9.00 ERA in six games.

Times staff, wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — FSU starting QB EJ Manuel was held out of Thursday's scrimmage with what coach Jimbo Fisher said was a minor ankle sprain sustained late in Wednesday's practice.

"He'd have been out there (Thursday) hobbling and probably would have aggravated the heck out of it," Fisher said. "He'll be fine. It wasn't no sense to push it. It gave us a chance to work some of these other quarterbacks."

Fisher said he believed Manuel, who was unavailable to reporters, would practice today. Manuel injured the ankle when it got caught underneath a teammate during a pass-blocking drill.

"I know EJ's a tough guy," senior RB Chris Thompson said. "There's not much that will keep him off the field."

Last season Manuel played through the second of two injuries, a broken leg, to rally the Seminoles to a victory over Notre Dame in the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando.

Manuel also separated his nonthrowing shoulder and missed parts of three games. FSU lost all three.

In Manuel's absence Thursday, sophomore backup Clint Trickett handled all the first-team snaps, and Fisher got to see more of Jacob Coker, Sean Maguire and Jameis Winston.

On the corner: True freshman Ronald Darby, a candidate at one of the cornerback spots, has caught Fisher's attention. "The thing I see about him is, if he gets beat, well, okay. And he can tell you what he did wrong," Fisher said. "That's rare for young guys."

Darby is battling Nick Waisome at the position.

Injury updates: TE Dan Hicks will be out 3-4 weeks with a cartilage issue in his left knee. … Guard Jacob Fahrenkrug will be out for what Fisher called "a while" with a lower leg injury. He was on crutches.

UF: Lakewood grad impresses at LB

GAINESVILLE — Florida defensive coordinator Dan Quinn said it's early and LB Dante Fowler Jr. is making freshman mistakes, but overall the former Lakewood standout has been impressive in fall camp.

Fowler is showing signs he could earn playing time, Quinn said.

"He plays with a lot of power; he's really strong," Quinn said. "You can see that, where he can set the edge and rush."

Fowler and freshman DL Jonathan Bullard have impressed the coaching staff during fall drills, Quinn said.

TIME TO NARROW: Today's scheduled scrimmage will give the coaching staff another opportunity to see players in gamelike situations. Coach Will Muschamp said he planned to evaluate everything from where the players line up to how well they communicate with each other and understand plays.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

UM: Impact freshman

CORAL GABLES — CB Tracy Howard is a freshman but already a leader with the old-school brash Miami mentality.

In living up to his reputation as the No. 1-rated cornerack last season by ESPN and Rivals.com, Howard wore the first-team black jersey after three practices. Earning that didn't change his approach.

"You have cornerbacks who aren't really technicians, but their confidence level is so high, they play good." Howard said. "If you don't really have confidence, you really shouldn't play corner."

Coach Al Golden said he has never seen a group of freshmen who prepare like this class.

"It means something to them," Golden said. "They compete every day. They're not disrespectful. … They compete in their preparation and compete in their film study."

South Florida Sun Sentinel

UCF: Tight end twists

ORLANDO — Because Knights coach George O'Leary wasn't pleased with the production of the tight ends during spring practice, OL Chris Martin (6 feet 5, 284 pounds) was converted into a blocking tight end.

But sophomore Justin Tukes has shown marked improvement and appears to be the favorite to win the job after Martin missed several days with a minor injury. "Tukes is what you want," O'Leary said. "He's putting competition at the position."

Fan fest: The last open practice is Saturday's scrimmage at 2:30 p.m., which will be followed by a fanfest at 5 at Bright House Networks Stadium. Parking and admission is free to both events.

Orlando Sentinel

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

RENTON, Wash. — Terrell Owens will make his return to the league Saturday when his Seahawks play the Broncos, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said Thursday.

Carroll didn't say how many snaps Owens would get in the second preseason game for his team. He did say they would come early in the game.

"We'll see how it goes," he said.

Owens signed Aug. 6 and had just a couple of days of practice before the preseason opener against Tennessee. Carroll said he didn't believe it was fair to put Owens in a game that quickly but believes Owens is ready after two weeks of work.

Saturday will be Owens' first NFL game action since Week 15 of the 2010 season with Cincinnati. Owens went without a catch in that game against Cleveland. He sat out last season after failing to sign with a team and spent time with an indoor football team.

"He has had two good weeks of work, and he came in in great shape," Carroll said. "So he's ready to go."

Tebow recruits Demps

Quarterback Tim Tebow said he has talked to former Gator teammate Jeff Demps about joining him with the Jets. Demps, a sprinter who won a silver medal at the London Olympics as part of the U.S. 400-meter relay team and was a running back and kick returner at Florida, wants to start his pro career.

"I talked to him as a friend. But the Jets are a great organization and a great place," Tebow said. "Would we love to have him? Absolutely. I would as a teammate just because I know how hard he works and what he could bring to the table."

The Bucs also are interested in Demps, whose agent previously said he expects a decision by Monday.

Bills: A judge ordered backup quarterback Vince Young to pay a loan company about $1.7 million after missing a payment in May. Young, unavailable for comment, took a $1.877 million loan during the lockout in May 2011 and agreed to pay it back by Jan. 13 with 20 percent interest, about $619,000. The rate jumped 10 percent if Young missed a payment. In June, Young sued his former agent and his former financial adviser, alleging they cheated him out of $5.5 million after he signed a $54 million, five-year rookie contract.

Chargers: Defensive tackle Garrett Brown, a third-year player who has never appeared in a game and was a long shot to make the team, was suspended for four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Details weren't disclosed.

Eagles: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha returned two days after sustaining a neck injury in a collision with safety Nate Allen.

Giants: Veteran defensive tackle Shaun Rogers will miss the season because of a blood clot in his left calf.

Steelers: Linebacker LaMarr Woodley donated $60,000 to the Saginaw (Mich.) school district. The donation from the Saginaw native means students won't have to pay $75 to play sports as part of a plan to close a budget deficit.

Texans: Left tackle Duane Brown, who has started all but four games since being drafted in 2008, signed an extension. The Associated Press reported it is for six years and $53.4 million ($22.08 million guaranteed).

Vikings: The team will take advantage of a new league policy that makes it easier to air home games on local TV. Only 90 percent of tickets for games at the Metrodome, about 6,000 fewer than capacity, will need to be sold. The Bucs and Raiders also are implementing the policy.

Concussions: The league sued about 30 insurance companies for refusing to pay for the defense of lawsuits against it over head injuries. The league is a defendant in 143 lawsuits by former players and their spouses, accused of negligence and failing to inform them of the link between repeated traumatic head impacts and long-term brain injuries. The league accuses the insurers of breach of contract and says it has incurred about $5 million in costs.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 16, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. — It's not quite an all-access shocker such as HBO's Hard Knocks or Showtime's The Franchise, but the Rays and Angels are being filmed this weekend for an episode of the behind-the-scenes TV show Caught Looking.

The Rays are cooperating to a degree, manager Joe Maddon said Thursday, but they are not offering unfettered access.

"They're not going to see our secrets. All the esoteric stuff will remain such," Maddon said. "We don't unfetter for anybody."

The show will showcase different teams in the postseason race, with camera crews from MLB Productions shooting scenes before, during and after games. They also planned to follow Evan Longoria and Ben Zobrist for some off-field activities.

"They'll be privy to lively conversations, I believe, more than anything," Maddon said.

The Rays-Angels episode will air 9 p.m. Aug. 23 on the NBC Sports Network.

RHP James Shields said they welcome the exposure.

"It's good to have people really realize what we're all about," he said. "I think people will really find out how fun we are, how relaxed we are when we play and how much we really get along with each other."

SHIELDS UP: Shields has been doing a lot of things well in running off three straight solid starts. But he will take the mound tonight knowing he has little margin for error in facing Angels ace Jered Weaver, who is 15-2 and leads the majors with a 2.22 ERA.

"Jered, he's pretty good," Shields said. "I know it's going to be a battle. They've got a pretty good lineup over there as well. If I can just minimize my mistakes and try to go deep in the game and get a win for us, that's going to be huge."

HOME BOY: Evan Longoria was happy just to be in the starting lineup, for the first time since 2010, at Angel Stadium, a short drive from where he grew up. Even better, to continue his tremendous success on his hometown turf, with dozens of friends and relatives in the stands.

With a home run, his first since before his April 30 hamstring injury, and a single, he is now hitting .431 (22-for-51) with five homers, 13 runs and 15 RBIs in 14 games in Anaheim.

"I was thinking about it before the game, it's kind of been a while since I hit a home run,'' Longoria said. "Historically this has been a good place for me to hit. I've been contributing kind of like I wanted to over the past 6-7 games, so regardless of the home run or not we've been winning ballgames. But it did feel good to finally hit one over the fence and be able to trot around, especially in front of my family. Everybody's here, and that makes it that much more special. So it was a good day.''

Longoria tested the hamstring a bit going first to third on Zobrist's fourth-inning double - though at a throttled pace - and said it felt good afterward.

REHAB REPORT: Luke Scott was "fine" after playing seven innings at first base Wednesday, and then went 0-for-3 with two walks as the DH on Thursday for advanced Class A Charlotte as he continues his rehab from an oblique strain. Scott, 4-for-19 in five games, is playing first again tonight and is likely to rejoin the Rays on Monday or Tuesday. … RHP Jeff Niemann is set to start for Triple-A Durham on Sunday, the third of his four scheduled appearances in completing his rehab from a mid-May broken leg.

MISCELLANY: The Rays are 5-2 on the 10-game, three-city trip. ... The shutout was their 12th overall, and fourth against the Angels. ... Maddon and C Jose Molina will be part of Saturday's pregame ceremonies honoring the Angels' 2002 World Series championship team. … LHP J.P. Howell went into Thursday's game with a team relief-record 22 2/3 inning scoreless streak.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Red Sox 6, Orioles 3

BALTIMORE — Clay Buchholz shook off a rocky start to earn his 11th win, Dustin Pedroia singled in the tiebreaking run in the sixth and the Red Sox avoided a three-game sweep. Serving as DH for the first time this year, Jacoby Ellsbury had his 38-game hitting streak against Baltimore end. Adrian Gonzalez had two RBIs and Cody Ross had three hits.

Times wires


Thursday, August 16, 2012

White Sox 7, Blue Jays 2

TORONTO — The White Sox tied a season with five home runs, including Alex Rios' three-run shot that sealed it in the eighth. Tyler Flowers, Dayan Viciedo, Alexei Ramirez and Dewayne Wise hit solo home runs for Chicago, which won its first series in Toronto since 2006.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Braves 6, Padres 0

ATLANTA — Chipper Jones homered twice on the night Braves fans received his bobblehead. Jones, 40, who is retiring after this season, hit a two-run shot in the first and a towering solo shot over the wall in centerfield in the fifth for his first multihomer game since June 7, 2009. Meanwhile, Atlanta won for the 15th consecutive time when part-time reliever Kris Medlen starts dating to May 2010. It's the majors' current longest streak.

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Mets 8, Reds 4

CINCINNATI — Rookie Matt Harvey drove in one more run than he allowed during the longest outing of his short career for the Mets. The touted prospect had lost three consecutive starts after winning his first. His two-run double capped a three-run fourth.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 16, 2012

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rays manager Joe Maddon insisted his players could handle any embarrassment from having a third perfect game thrown against them in four seasons.

But Maddon wasn't going to tolerate the criticism for his tactics in getting ejected and prolonging the argument with the umpires during Felix Hernandez's perfect game Wednesday.

Maddon fired back Thursday at those critics, including Seattle manager Eric Wedge, who suggested Maddon was more interested in delaying and disrupting Hernandez from continuing his masterpiece than discussing umpire Rob Drake's strike zone. Maddon also accused Drake of addressing the Tampa Bay hitters in a less-than-proper manner.

"It had everything to do with us trying to win the game," Maddon said. "All game I'd been hearing how big (Drake's strike zone) was against left-hand hitters, and furthermore, I'm listening to our guys, and there was kind of an abrasiveness in the way it was handled from the ump to our players, which I didn't like, either."

Maddon said when he could tell from the dugout how bad a seventh-inning pitch to Matt Joyce was that was called a strike, he had had enough and had to do something in defense of his hitters.

"And on top of all that, that game's 1-0," he said. "And on top of all that, we're trying to win a pennant. So it had nothing to do with delaying the other guy."

Plus, Maddon continued, it's not his job to be concerned about what accomplishment an opposing player is approaching.

"With all due respect, I don't care about that whatsoever, whether he pitches a perfect game, a no-hitter, whatever," Maddon said. "I have no interest at all in the success of the Seattle Mariners. I have zero interest in that. So however it's perceived from the other side, that is a matter of perception, how they're going to look at things.

"From my perspective, it's about the Rays, period. And what's right for our guys at a specific moment. And I'll always defend our guys first as opposed to trying to put an opposition member into some form of the history book."

Similarly, Maddon said there would have been nothing wrong with a Rays player trying, at any point, to bunt for a hit. That would go against one of baseball's so-called unwritten rules in dealing with a no-hitter/perfect game, but those rules are "archaic," he said.

"A lot of that stuff to me is ill-advised, ill-informed, just ill," Maddon said. "Why is bunting a nonmasculine way of getting on first base? I don't understand that."

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

Times wires
Thursday, August 16, 2012

PITTSBURGH — Garrett Jones hit two three-run homers, A.J. Burnett became the first Pirates pitcher with 15 wins since Todd Ritchie in 1999 and Pittsburgh avoided a four-game sweep with a 10-6 win over Los Angeles on Thursday.

Jones had a career-high six RBIs, and Pedro Alvarez homered for the Pirates, who had lost six of seven.

"He came out knowing what's at hand here and to put a foot down," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of Burnett, who called players meeting Wednesday.

The pitcher got angry after the Dodgers took a lead in the fourth when Hanley Ramirez hit a two-run homer. As Ramirez rounded second, he circled his eyes with his fingers as he turned toward Burnett. The gesture is a Ramirez trademark.

"If you're going to hit a homer, act like you've hit one before," said Burnett, who struck out Ramirez and screamed at him in the sixth.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, August 16, 2012

Rays at Angels

When/where: 10:05 tonight; Angel Stadium, Anaheim, Calif.

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Probable pitchers

Rays RH James Shields (10-7, 4.02)

Angels RH Jered Weaver (15-2, 2.22)

On Shields: He has allowed only four runs (three earned) over his past three starts, for a 1.13 ERA, while making more use of his fastball. He is 5-3 with a 3.01 ERA in 11 career starts against the Angels.

On Weaver: His loss to Seattle on Sunday was the AL ERA leader's first since May 13, ending a 10-game winning streak. He is better at home, going 8-1 with a 1.23 ERA. He is 4-1, 2.47 in seven starts against the Rays.

Rays vs. WEaver

Evan Longoria 3-for-8

B.J. Upton 4-for-17

Ben Zobrist 4-for-14

Angels vs. Shields

Torii Hunter 8-for-29

Howie Kendrick 12-for-21

Vernon Wells 10-for-41, HR

On deck

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

Sunday: at Angels, 3:35. Sun Sports. Rays — Matt Moore (9-7, 3.60), Angels — Zack Greinke (1-1, 5.54)

Monday: vs. Royals, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (7-8, 3.39), Royals — Will Smith (4-4, 5.09)

Tuesday: vs. Royals, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (15-4, 2.50), Royals — Luke Hochevar (7-10, 5.32)

Rays disabled list

(with eligible-to-return date)

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

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

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

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

* out for season

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer