Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

What's hot: Recent strong winds have hampered offshore activity. However, the easterly flow has kept the nearshore waters along the gulf beaches fishable. East winds allow the protected waters along our coast to stay relatively clean and tend to draw schools of bait. Mackerel and some kingfish have pushed their way into 17-20 feet to take advantage. Consistent catches have been reported within a mile or two off St. Pete Beach, Blind Pass, Treasure Island, Redington and Indian Rocks Beach.

Tactics: If the tide is moving and I believe a bunch of fish are around, we'll anchor and chum. A chum block and cut slivers of fresh bait will let you know quickly if anybody's home. Anchoring over a patch of hard bottom lets you bottom fish at the same time. On a slack or slow tide, trolling can be more productive. Kingfish and mackerel prefer to strike a frisky, moving bait. When fish are scarce or scattered, trolling will cover more area.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

Times staff
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Bucs at Vikings

8:20 tonight, Metrodome, Minneapolis

TV/radio: Ch. 32, NFL; 620-AM, 103.5-FM

Line/over-under: Vikings by 61/2; 421/2

The poll

Who do you blame for the Bucs' 35-28 loss to the Saints on Sunday?

Greg Schiano and his coaching staff: 57 percent

Bucs secondary: 26 percent

Officials: 11 percent

Running back LeGarrette Blount: 5 percent

Receiver Mike Williams: 1 percent

Total: 1,316 votes

Inside the numbers

21-31 Bucs' record against the Vikings; the Bucs have won the past five meetings dating to 2001

652 Rushing yards for the Vikings' Adrian Peterson, tied for third in the league

29 100-yard rushing games for Peterson, tied with Robert Smith for the Vikings' franchise record

35.4 Percentage of third downs the Bucs have allowed opponents to convert, eighth best in the league

What they're saying

Josh Freeman posted 420 passing yards and was two fluke plays away from combining a career statistical day with a win (Sunday). By rule, the illegal touching was called correctly. But more upsetting was that Vincent Jackson got hawked by a safety on the other side of the field.

Brian Billick Fox Sports

Minnesota's ferocious pass rush bared its fangs against the Cardinals with seven sacks. If Josh Freeman and the Bucs insist on taking to the air, Brian Robison, Jared Allen, Kevin Williams and Letroy Guion need to keep snarling up front and wreak havoc in the backfield.

Brian Murphy St. Paul Pioneer Press

The picks

I have a gut feeling that this game gets away from the Vikings somehow. Tampa Bay has been cruising offensively the last two weeks, and they have a really good run D. Which will put pressure on the Vikings to get something done in the passing game. We'll see how they respond. Every part of me says to pick Tampa. But I keep coming back to the 3-12 record road teams have the past two seasons with these Sunday-to-Thursday quick flips. Vikings, 24-23.

Dan Wiederer Minneapolis Star-Tribune

The Bucs have come alive on offense the past couple of weeks with Josh Freeman putting up big numbers. But (the Metrodome) is a tough place to play, especially the way the Vikings' front is playing. They get after it on defense, ranking ninth in the league. The Bucs do stop the run, so look for Christian Ponder to have a bounce-back game. Vikings, 21-17.

Pete Prisco CBSSports.com

In Greg Schiano's first season as coach of the Bucs, the results have been inconsistent. "Again, we're sitting here, what are we, 2-4 now? And we're saying this old song and dance. That's the way it is," he said after Sunday's loss. "Until we get it changed, until we find a way to change it, close but no cigar." The Vikings will be lighting up on Thursday night. Vikings, 27-19

Barry Wilner Associated Press

Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NBA

Lakers' Bryant rests foot

Kobe Bryant will be held out of the Lakers' last two preseason games because of a strained right foot and will be evaluated this weekend, ESPN.com reported. Though Bryant said Wednesday that his foot had improved, he is out indefinitely. The Lakers open the season Tuesday against Dallas.

More NBA: 76ers center Andrew Bynum, who was expected to practice with his new team, remained sidelined by right knee pain and is unlikely to play in the Oct. 31 opener. … Ricky Rubio (torn ACL in left knee) and Kevin Love (broken hand) won't be in the lineup when the Timberwolves open the season against the Kings on Nov. 2.

TEnnis

Serena still on WTA march

Even with a faulty serve that caused her to smash her racket, American Serena Williams beat Li Na 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 for her second win in round-robin matches at the WTA Championships in Istanbul and closed in on a semifinal berth. Williams had six double faults and won only 51 percent of her points on her first serve. Also, top-ranked Victoria Azarenka rallied past Angelique Kleber 6-7 (11-13), 7-6 (7-2), 6-4 at the event for the world's top eight players.

Swiss Indoors: Roger Federer edged Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 7-5 to advance to the quarterfinals of his hometown tournament in Basel, Switzerland.

Valencia Open: Tampa resident John Isner lost to David Goffin 7-6 (7-2), 4-6, 6-4 in the second round in Spain. The loss hurts Isner's bid to qualify for next month's World Tour Finals.

ET CETERA

Autos: Regan Smith will race in the Nationwide series next season driving the No. 5 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.

Golf: Padraig Harrington, the fill-in for British Open champion Ernie Els, closed with 4-under 67 for a one-shot win over U.S. Open champion Webb Simpson at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf exhibition in Bermuda.

Olympics: Jeff Blatnick, who overcame cancer to win a gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1984 Olympics and went on to a career as a sports commentator and motivational speaker, died of heart failure in Schenectady, N.Y. He was 55.

Running: Lance Armstrong, already stripped of his seven Tour de France cycling victories, likely will have his two New York City Marathon finishes (2006, 868th; 2007, 232nd) stricken. Organizer New York Road Runners said it expects to wipe out his times once any appeals play out as the race follows U.S. Anti-Doping Agency rulings. Boston Marathon officials also said his 2008 finish there likely will be wiped out.

Soccer: Bundesliga champ Borussia Dortmund beat Real Madrid 2-1 in Champions League play. Among the day's upsets, Milan lost 1-0 at Malaga, Manchester City lost 3-1 at Ajax, and Arsenal lost 2-0 against Schalke.

Times wires

Times staff, wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

GAINESVILLE — A week after Florida's defense was tasked with shutting down star South Carolina RB Marcus Lattimore, things don't get easier for it.

The Gators will try to contain Georgia's trio of sophomore Ken Malcome and freshmen Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall.

Gurley has 93 carries for 622 yards and leads the team in both categories. All three backs average more than 5 yards per carry.

"They run physical," DT Omar Hunter said. "They're fast, fast guys. They get out in the open field, they can make things happen."

Stopping Jones: Georgia LB Jarvis Jones had four sacks in the Bulldogs' victory over Florida last year and is expected to play after missing a game with an ankle sprain.

"We've made leaps and bounds since last season," LG James Wilson said of the Gators' line.

FSU: Wary of receiver

TALLAHASSEE — FSU coach Jimbo Fisher is impressed with Duke WR Conner Vernon, who enters Saturday's game 93 yards shy of tying the ACC's career receiving yards mark of 3,517, set by FSU's Peter Warrick in 1999.

"He's much quicker and faster than people think. He's such a technician," Fisher said. "When he sticks that foot in the ground, and the angles and leverage he plays with and how he dips his shoulder and rips his shoulder, and he's got tremendous hands."

Orlando Sentinel

USF: Line battle

TAMPA — Sophomore Darrell Williams has a chance to return to the Bulls' starting lineup against Syracuse after working with the first team at left tackle, ahead of senior Damien Edwards.

"He's graded better than Edwards, (but) I don't think either one is playing at the level we need them to play at to be the type of team we want to be," coach Skip Holtz said. "You go back and look at some of the sacks and the pressures, the left tackle position has been involved. We let them compete every week. It's close going back and forth."

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

UCF: Run-ready line

ORLANDO — After rushing for a season-high 229 yards in a win over Memphis, UCF faces Marshall, 10th in Conference USA in rushing defense, allowing an average 227 a game. Backs Latavius Murray, Storm Johnson and former Largo High star Brynn Harvey have benefited from an offensive line that has remained healthy and continues to improve.

"If they see us hustling downfield, that's going to give them that extra burst to fight for those extra yards," reserve OL Phil Smith said.

Orlando Sentinel

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

MINNEAPOLIS — The Bucs defense has done a decent job stopping the run, but the best way to travel with the football against this unit is to fly the friendly skies.

Tampa Bay has given up a hair-raising number of big plays in the passing game. In fact, the Bucs are 31st, next-to-last, in pass defense, allowing 323 yards per game.

At times, the only resistance between opposing quarterbacks and receivers is air.

Need proof? The Bucs have given up seven pass plays of 40 or more yards (tied for most in the league) and 28 of 20 yards or more (tied for fourth most).

Miscommunication, poor technique and overaggressiveness have played a role as well as a revolving cast of players.

Even coach Greg Schiano seemed confused about the confusion.

"I don't want to make an epidemic here, and it hasn't been a problem," he said. "I shouldn't say that. There have been spurts where it has been a problem, but it is not like that's our main issue.

"We just have to get it cleaned up. There was a little indecision. When you are playing against the level of athletes that they are in the secondary against the wide receivers, there is not a margin for error that big. If there is even a little indecision, they've got you. We've got to clean it up and cover people because we can."

In Sunday's 35-28 loss to the Saints, the Bucs allowed five passes of 20 yards or longer. The first typified their problems.

With the Bucs leading 14-0 in the first quarter, nickelback Brandon McDonald shadowed running back Darren Sproles as he went in motion. McDonald tried to communicate a signal to cornerback E.J. Biggers, who was lined up across from receiver Devery Henderson.

At the snap, both moved toward Sproles. Quarterback Drew Brees made the Bucs pay by hitting an open Henderson for 45 yards. The play highlighted a drive capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass from Brees to Marques Colston.

"They just capitalized on our mistake; a little miscommunication," Biggers said. "But it's nothing we can't fix. We'll get in the film room and get better each and every game."

The Saints also completed passes of 20, 30, 35 and 48 yards, the 20-yarder and 48-yarder going for touchdowns.

Adding to the problem is the loss of cornerback Aqib Talib, who has two games remaining on his four-game suspension for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances.

The Vikings' Christian Ponder, coming off a season-low 58 yards passing with one touchdown and two interceptions in Sunday's 21-14 win against Arizona, said teams have taken advantage of the Bucs' aggressiveness in the secondary.

"With double moves and stuff, they try to bite on stuff and try to guess," the second-year quarterback out of Florida State said. "But they can also make plays that way. They're a very good defense. I think its going to be one of the better defenses we face, especially with how aggressive they play.

"But I think if you're going to take chances on trying to undercut a route, you're also going to take chances on giving up a big play."

Bucs defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan said there is no common thread in the coverage breakdowns.

"They were different coverages each one and different guys involved," he said. "It looks like a compounded issue, but they're just individual instances. Still doesn't mean they didn't hit the passes on us, and that's got to get corrected."

What's more confounding is the team's run defense — third in the league at 76 yards per game — should put opponents in predictable pass situations and, thus, help the secondary.

But the Bucs have had almost no pressure on the quarterback. They have not had a sack since Sept. 30 and have only eight overall. Only the Raiders (seven), Eagles (seven) and Jaguars (five) have fewer. Tampa Bay is on pace for 21 sacks, two fewer than last season's league-worst 23. What's more, end Michael Bennett (four) and tackle Gerald McCoy (three) have accounted for seven of those sacks.

The well went dry after a season-ending knee injury to end Adrian Clayborn. Teams have begun to slide protection toward McCoy while Bennett is seeing his share of double-teams and running backs chipping on him.

"We've just got to come up with a better scheme," Bennett said. "We're trying to figure out a way to get me out there and get everybody in position."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NEW YORK — It looks like a full 82-game schedule "is not going to be a reality, although the clock has a little bit of time to run," commissioner Gary Bettman said Wednesday.

In making the NHL's Oct. 16 offer in talks for a collective bargaining agreement, Bettman said a deal needed to be in place by today for the season to begin Nov. 2 and allow each team to play a full 82-game schedule. With no negotiations since Thursday and none scheduled, reaching a deal in one day appeared unlikely as Bettman spoke at a news conference announcing the Islanders' move to Brooklyn in 2015.

"We gave our very best offer," he said. "That offer, for better or for worse, was contingent on playing an 82-game season. So I think things … in some respects may get more difficult."

The players association reached out to the NHL on Tuesday night in an attempt to set up face-to-face bargaining Wednesday, but the league declined. The union wants everything open for discussion. The NHL says if the union isn't willing to talk about its Oct. 16 offer and isn't prepared to make a new proposal riffing off it, there is no reason to talk.

"At the same time (the league is) refusing to meet, they are winding the clock down to yet another artificial deadline they created," union chief Donald Fehr said.

islanders to brooklyn: After seven months of negotiations with the new Barclays Center, owner Charles Wang said the Islanders will relocate about 25 miles west of their Long Island home once their lease expires at Nassau Coliseum after the 2014-15 season. The Islanders have played at the Coliseum, in Uniondale, since they entered the NHL in 1972. Wang tried for years to get a new arena built, but he never got the necessary approval. Wang and Bettman said in the past the Islanders wouldn't play in the Coliseum one day longer that they had to. "I think fans want a good experience," Wang said. "It's not just about watching hockey. It's also the whole ambience of coming to a place where you can get good food and you can see."

blue jackets: The beleaguered franchise hopes to turn around its fortunes by hiring former Blues president John Davidson as president of hockey operations. The club had the worst record in the league last season (29-46-7, 65 points), giving it losing records in 10 of its 11 seasons. "The hardest part is to go through the ups and downs of getting a club to get back on its feet and going in the right direction," said Davidson, 59. "But if you have the right mentality, where your players understand how hard they have to work, we'll do well." Davidson left the Blues after last season after seven years when new owner Tom Stillman bought out his contract in a cost-cutting move.

Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

New England 4 3 0 .571 217 163

Miami 3 3 0 .500 120 117

N.Y. Jets 3 4 0 .429 159 170

Buffalo 3 4 0 .429 171 227

South W L T Pct PF PA

Houston 6 1 0 .857 216 128

Indianapolis 3 3 0 .500 117 158

Tennessee 3 4 0 .429 149 238

Jacksonville 1 5 0 .167 88 164

North W L T Pct PF PA

Baltimore 5 2 0 .714 174 161

Pittsburgh 3 3 0 .500 140 132

Cincinnati 3 4 0 .429 166 187

Cleveland 1 6 0 .143 147 180

West W L T Pct PF PA

Denver 3 3 0 .500 170 138

San Diego 3 3 0 .500 148 137

Oakland 2 4 0 .333 113 171

Kansas City 1 5 0 .167 104 183

NATIONAL CONFERENCE

East W L T Pct PF PA

N.Y. Giants 5 2 0 .714 205 137

Philadelphia 3 3 0 .500 103 125

Dallas 3 3 0 .500 113 133

Washington 3 4 0 .429 201 200

South W L T Pct PF PA

Atlanta 6 0 0 1.000 171 113

New Orleans 2 4 0 .333 176 182

Tampa Bay 2 4 0 .333 148 136

Carolina 1 5 0 .167 106 144

North W L T Pct PF PA

Chicago 5 1 0 .833 162 78

Minnesota 5 2 0 .714 167 131

Green Bay 4 3 0 .571 184 155

Detroit 2 4 0 .333 133 150

West W L T Pct PF PA

San Francisco 5 2 0 .714 165 100

Arizona 4 3 0 .571 124 118

Seattle 4 3 0 .571 116 106

St. Louis 3 4 0 .429 130 141

Today

Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 8:20

Sunday

Jacksonville at Green Bay, 1

Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1

Carolina at Chicago, 1

Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1

San Diego at Cleveland, 1

Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1

Seattle at Detroit, 1

Washington at Pittsburgh, 1

New England vs. St. Louis at London, 1

Oakland at Kansas City, 4:05

N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 4:25

New Orleans at Denver, 8:20

Monday

San Francisco at Arizona, 8:30

Open: Baltimore, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Houston

NEW ORLEANS — The players union asked a federal judge to prevent former commissioner Paul Tagliabue from hearing appeals related to the Saints' bounty scandal and appoint a neutral arbitrator Wednesday.

Commissioner Roger Goodell removed himself and appointed his predecessor last week. The union contends Tagliabue should be disqualified because his law firm has handled bounty-related matters for the league and represents Goodell in a defamation suit filed by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma.

It also contends Tagliabue knew about "pay-for programs" while commissioner from 1989-2006. Last week, it filed a motion that included a 1996 ESPN story on a program led by former Packers defensive tackle Reggie White.

The league said it will oppose the motion. Tagliabue is set to hear the appeals Tuesday.

Bills: Defensive end Mario Williams had what the team called a "procedure" on his sore left wrist. With the team off this week, he's not expected to miss any games.

Broncos: A judge sentenced linebacker D.J. Williams to 30 days of house arrest for a DUI on Nov. 12, 2010, but he doesn't have to serve the house arrest until after this season.

Browns: Guard Jason Pinkston was released from a hospital after being treated for blood clots in his lungs. He is out for the season. … Linebacker Scott Fujita went on injured reserve with a neck injury that might end his career.

Cowboys: Linebacker Sean Lee, the team's leading tackler, went on injured reserve because of ligament damage in his right big toe. Former FSU star Ernie Sims was signed to replace him.

Jaguars: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert expects to play Sunday despite an injured nonthrowing shoulder. The team declined to discuss media reports that he has a torn labrum.

Panthers: Linebacker Jon Beason went on injured reserve and will have surgery for cartilage damage in his right knee and a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Beason, 27, has played only five games since signing a five-year, $51.5 million ($25 million guaranteed) extension in 2011.

Redskins: Linebacker London Fletcher missed practice with a sore right hamstring and a problem with balance. Fletcher, whose status is unknown, has appeared in 231 straight games. That's first among active players, one ahead of Bucs safety Ronde Barber.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

After the Bucs defense was torched by the Saints on Sunday, the Vikings present a better matchup despite their 5-2 record. Running back Adrian Peterson appears recovered from last season's torn ACL and MCL, and second-year quarterback Christian Ponder is improved. But the Bucs have been stout against the run, and Ponder doesn't present nearly the challenge that Drew Brees did.

Vikings' top offensive player

Adrian Peterson ran for 153 yards in Sunday's win against Arizona. His comeback from the torn ligaments sustained Dec. 24 is one of the league's biggest stories this season.

Vikings' top defensive player

End Jared Allen had 22 sacks in 2011 — one-half off the record — and already has six in 2012. Against Detroit on Sept. 30, he had seven QB pressures.

What the Vikings do best

Run a balanced offense. Percy Harvin, left, gives them a big-play threat, but Adrian Peterson's running keeps teams honest.

How you beat the Vikings

Convert on third down. The Vikings have allowed opponents to convert 43.7 percent of third downs, 24th in the league. There's an opportunity to keep the Vikings offense on the sideline and the Bucs defense fresh.

Bucs must avoid …

Coverage mistakes like they had against the Giants and Saints. The Vikings don't throw as much as those teams, but the Bucs secondary, missing cornerback Aqib Talib, is a bit thin.

Projected starters

BUCS OFFENSE

WR: Vincent Jackson

LT: Donald Penn

LG: Carl Nicks

C: Jeremy Zuttah

RG: Jamon Meredith

RT: Demar Dotson

TE: Dallas Clark

WR: Mike Williams

QB: Josh Freeman

RB: Doug Martin

FB: Erik Lorig

DEFENSE

LDE: Michael Bennett

DT: Gerald McCoy

DT: Roy Miller

RDE: Daniel

Te'o-Nesheim

SLB: Quincy Black

MLB: Mason Foster

WLB: Lavonte David

CB: E.J. Biggers

CB: Eric Wright

SS: Mark Barron

FS: Ronde Barber

special teams

PR: Roscoe Parrish

KR: Arrelious Benn

PK: Connor Barth

P/KO: Michael Koenen

Vikings OFFENSE

WR: Jerome Simpson

LT: Matt Kalil

LG: Charlie Johnson

C: John Sullivan

RG: Brandon Fusco

RT: Phil Loadholt

TE: Kyle Rudolph

TE: Rhett Ellison

WR: Stephen Burton

QB: Christian Ponder

RB: Adrian Peterson

DEFENSE

LDE: Brian Robison

DT: Letroy Guion

DT: Kevin Williams

RDE: Jared Allen

SLB: Chad Greenway

MLB: Jasper Brinkley

WLB: Erin Henderson

CB: Antonio Winfield

CB: Chris Cook

SS: Jamarca Sanford

FS: Harrison Smith

special teams

PR: Marcus Sherels

KR: Percy Harvin

PK/KO: Blair Walsh

P: Chris Kluwe

Prediction

Bucs 24, Vikings 22

Injury report

Bucs — Questionable: CB Brandon McDonald (ankle). Probable: LB Adam Hayward (ankle), WR Vincent Jackson (calf), G Carl Nicks (foot), C Jeremy Zuttah (quadriceps).

VIKINGS — Out: TE John Carlson (concussion), S Mistral Raymond (ankle). Probable: DE Jared Allen (groin), RB Matt Asiata (knee), S Robert Blanton (hamstring), DT Fred Evans (knee), T Matt Kalil (back), LB Marvin Mitchell (calf), RB Adrian Peterson (ankle), QB Christian Ponder (knee), WR Jerome Simpson (back, foot), S Harrison Smith (calf), CB Antoine Winfield (knee).

Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

A proposal to create a seventh "access" bowl as part of football's new playoff format is becoming less likely, and commissioners of the BCS might be returning to the original plan of having just six, ESPN.com and CBSSports.com reported Wednesday.

A seventh bowl, which would give a spot to the highest-ranked team from one of the nonpower conferences (Big East, Mountain West, Conference USA, Mid-American and Sun Belt) against either a Big 12 or Pac-12 team was discussed when commissioners met in September, the Associated Press reported.

But commissioners believe the bowl's lesser worth compared to the other access bowls would create too many hurdles, including selling tickets and generating TV interest, the reports said.

'bama recruit investigation: The NCAA is investigating the transfer of defensive tackle Darius Paige, an Alabama commitment, the Pensacola News Journal reported. Paige was academically ineligible while enrolled at Washington High in Pensacola and transferred to Foley (Ala.) High, it said. A Washington assistant alleges the move came at the urging of an Alabama assistant, the report said.

Irish QB switch: Everett Golson, who gave way for a game to Tommy Brees after sustaining a concussion, will start at quarterback Saturday against Oklahoma after completing postconcussion exercises, coach Brian Kelly said.

Ohio State: Quarterback Braxton Miller, who was thrown down on his head and neck against Purdue on Saturday, did not sustain a concussion and was cleared to practice and to play against Penn State on Saturday.

Basketball

Brigham Young: Senior forward Stephen Rogers, a key contributor two seasons ago, has ended his playing career because of recurring knee problems, coach Dave Rose announced.

Tennessee: Forward Jeronne Maymon likely will miss the start of the season after suffering a setback in his recovery from knee surgery.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — Hosting his third World Series since 2002 in one of baseball's most picturesque ballparks, CEO Larry Baer has lots of mementoes of the success the Giants have enjoyed.

And he has one large reminder on his office wall of how close none of it came to happening: The San Francisco Examiner front page — headlined "Bye Bye, Baby" — announcing the 1992 deal to sell the team to Vince Naimoli's group and move it to St. Petersburg. "That was our 'Dewey beats Truman' moment," Baer said. "I gain inspiration from that in the form of 'hey, anything is possible.' ''

Though the group that eventually bought the team and saved it for San Francisco has been in place for 20 years, Baer said the 20-year anniversary has made the issue topical again.

"There's been a fair amount of flashing back," Baer said. "This was an amazingly tough task to step in and turn this thing around. A lot of people said, 'You'll buy the team, but you're going to give up like the last owner gave up' and that the Giants will be somewhere else, maybe back to Tampa."

Instead, with committed local investors, tremendous fan support and success on the field, the Giants have turned into one of the game's biggest success stories.

"What we were fortunate to have happen was just a confluence of events," Baer said.

HEY, KID: Tigers OF Avisail Garcia started his season with Class A Lakeland (going 3-for-5 vs. Tampa in the opener), and he's finishing it in the World Series.

The 21-year-old's impressive rise — a product of his success and the Tigers' needs — got even better with Wednesday's start, an extra right-handed bat to face Giants LHP Barry Zito.

"It's crazy," Garcia said. "I never imagined this."

PITCHING IN: Tigers RHP Doug Fister shared a little secret going into tonight's Game 2 start. "Growing up — don't tell anybody — I was a Giants fan," the Merced, Calif., native said. "Being able to come to a couple games when I was little, it's always been a dream and a goal for me, and now it's happening." … Giants Game 2 starter Madison Bumgarner said his mechanical flaws are fixed.

POMP: Giants Hall of Famers Orlando Cepeda, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry gathered on the field for the first pitch. … American Idol winner Phillip Phillips performed the anthem. … Actor Kevin Pollak, a San Francisco native, was on the field pregame in a Giants jersey. … In the crowd: QB great Joe Montana and rapper M.C. Hammer.

MISCELLANY: Both teams kept their rosters the same from the league championship series rounds. … The Giants played in their 105th Series game, third most behind the Yankees and Cardinals. … Prince and Cecil Fielder are the 22nd father-son combo to appear in the Series.

Times wires
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

NEW YORK— Joe Girardi said Wednesday he has no regrets about how he managed Alex Rodriguez during the playoffs, in which the Yankees' World Series aspirations fell short, and he hopes Rodriguez is back next season starting at third.

Rodriguez was benched three times and called back for a pinch hitter three times in nine playoff games, decisions influenced by his 0-for-18 postseason against right-handed pitching, with 12 strikeouts.

"I made decisions based on the season, the month, what I'd seen," Girardi said Wednesday. "These weren't just, 'Let-me-go-off-the-top-of-my-head (decisions).' These were things we evaluated a lot. I don't look back and second-guess myself."

Girardi fully endorsed having Rodriguez start in 2013, with the hope he can be "a very good player again." An offseason heart-to-heart conversation with Rodriguez is on Girardi's to-do list.

Rodriguez, 37, said last week a clearing of the air was not necessary and he believed it was "difficult" for Girardi to sit him.

Benched for the final two games of the American League Championship Series against the Tigers and seated for the clinching division series Game 5 against the Orioles, Rodriguez was 3-for-25 (.120) in the postseason with no extra-base hits and no RBIs.

dodgers: CF Matt Kemp began rehab from Oct. 5 surgery on his left shoulder. He should be ready for spring training.

marlins: One day after firing manager Ozzie Guillen, the team was granted permission to interview Class A Dunedin manager Mike Redmond. Redmond, 41, a Marlins catcher from 1998-2004, guided Dunedin to a 78-55 record in his only season managing at any level. Bobby Valentine, whom owner Jeffrey Loria was interested in before hiring Guillen 13 months ago, is not a candidate.

Twins: The team will decline a $6 million option on RH reliever Matt Capps, making him eligible for free agency. Right shoulder trouble limited Capps to four innings after June 15.

around the majors: Australian promoters are working on a deal to have the Dodgers and Diamondbacks open the 2014 season with a three-game series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Major League Baseball said it isn't negotiating with any teams to play that series. … MLB and the union determined qualifying offers for eligible free agents will be $13.3 million. A team has until 5 p.m. on Day 5 after the World Series to make an offer.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

SAN FRANCISCO — What Justin Verlander did — or, more accurately, failed to do — in Wednesday's World Series opener was surprising, stripping his Tigers of their built-in advantage and confidence by lasting only four innings in a disappointing performance.

What Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval did in the 8-3 win was downright stunning, hitting a Series record-tying three home runs, including two off Verlander, joining Babe Ruth (who did it twice), Reggie Jackson and Albert Pujols.

Sandoval, the portly slugger known as the Panda (think Kung Fu Panda movie), hit only 12 homers during the regular season, and now has six in the postseason. Wednesday, the 26-year-old Venezuelan went deep in the first, third and fifth innings.

He got help Wednesday, as renaissance man Barry Zito continued his resurgence with 5 2/3 solid innings (and singled in a run), leftfielder Gregor Blanco made a pair of diving catches and NL Championship Series MVP Marco Scutaro singled a run, extending his postseason hitting streak to 11 games.

But Verlander, unexpectedly, contributed to the Giants' success before 47,855 on a picture-perfect night at AT&T Park as the Giants seemed to carry over the momentum from their stirring comeback from a three games to one deficit in the NLCS.

After a 17-8, 2.64 regular season that has him David Price's main competition for the AL Cy Young Award, Verlander had been dazzling in the first two rounds of the playoffs. going 3-0, 0.74 in beating the A's twice (including a complete game shutout in decisive Game 5) and the Yankees once, giving up only two runs and 10 hits.

Wednesday, he allowed five runs and six hits in a span of 17 batters, including the two home runs. The only other player this season to take deep twice in a game? Rays outfielder Desmond Jennings, on June 29 at the Trop.

The Giants took the lead in the first, igniting an already excited AT&T Park crowd, when Sandoval drove a two-out, 0-and-2 Verlander pitch over the left-centerfield wall. It was only the fifth homer Verlander allowed on an 0-and-2 pitch in his career.

They expanded the margin to 4-0 with another two-out rally in the third, Angel Pagan reaching on a double when his ground ball bounced off third base, NLCS MVP Marco Scutaro singling him in and then Sandoval hitting his second homer, slicing a 2-and-0 pitch over the leftfield wall.

They added a run, and an insult, in the fourth when Zito slapped a two-out single off Verlander.

Sandoval made it 6-0 in the fifth with his third homer, a one-out shot to center off reliever Al Alburquerque.

Things just seemed to be going the Giants' way. In the top of the third, Blanco made a sliding catch to rob Miguel Cabrera. In the bottom, Angel Pagan's routine grounder bounced off the corner of third base for a double. In the fourth, they got an easy double play when ex-Ray Delmon Young didn't run.

Zito, so bad during much of his seven-year, $126 million contract signed in 2007, came up with a second straight huge outing, having beaten the Cardinals in pivotal Game 5 of the NLCS.

With MVP, Cy Young and Rookie of the Year Awards on his mantle and a 124-65 regular-season record, all that has been missing from his resume was World Series success.

He was 0-2, 5.73 in his Game 1 and 5 starts in his 2006 rookie season, and said he expected to have learned from that experience, and the six years he waited to get back.

"It was my rookie year, though, and everything was kind of a whirlwind, and I don't think I really appreciated the magnitude of how hard it is to get there," he said.

"You know, I think I had a rude awakening in the years after that, and I think it allows me to appreciate it all the more that I'm here now and getting the opportunity to start Game 1 again. Just being able to take it in a little bit more, having some experience under my belt and having been in situations like this allows me not to be so wide-eyed and be a little calmer and take things in."

MAKE ROOM, LEGENDS

The Giants' Pablo Sandoval joins three legendary sluggers and takes his place in baseball lore with three home runs in a World Series game.

Times staff
Thursday, October 25, 2012

Sports on TV for Thursday, Oct. 25

College football

Clemson at Wake Forest, 7:30 p.m., ESPN

Delaware State at Morgan State, 7:30 p.m., ESPNU

College soccer

Women: Florida at South Carolina, 6 p.m., Sun Sports

Women: Missouri at Texas A&M, 8 p.m., FSN

Golf

PGA Europe: BMW Masters (taped), 9 a.m., Golf

LPGA: Taiwan Championship (taped), 1 p.m., Golf

Web.com: Tour Championship, 3:30 p.m., Golf

PGA: CIMB Classic, midnight, Golf

High school football

Orlando University at Orlando Timber Creek, 7 p.m., BHSN

NBA preseason

Clippers at Nuggets, 10 p.m., TNT

NFL

Bucs at Vikings, 8:20 p.m., NFL, Ch. 32; 103.5-FM, 620-AM

Soccer

Europa League: Tottenham at NK Maribor, 12:45 p.m., FSC

Europa League: Anzhi Makhachkala at Liverpool, 3 p.m., FSC

Tennis

WTA Championships, 10 a.m., Tennis

World Series

Game 2: Tigers at Giants, 8 p.m., Ch. 13; 1250-AM

TV: BHSN: Bright House Sports Network; FSC: Fox Soccer Channel; FSN: Fox Sports Net

Times wires
Thursday, October 25, 2012

NEW YORK — David Stern spent nearly 30 years growing the NBA, turning a league that couldn't even get its championship series on live prime-time TV into a projected $5 billion a year industry.

Confident the league is in good shape and certain he has found someone who can make it better, Stern is ready to end one of the most successful and impactful careers in sports history.

Stern will retire as commissioner on Feb. 1, 2014, 30 years to the day after taking charge, and be replaced by deputy commissioner Adam Silver.

"I decided that things are in great shape and there's an organization in place that will ultimately be led by Adam that is totally prepared to take it to the next level," Stern said Thursday during a news conference after the league's board of governors meeting.

Stern has often been described as the model sports commissioner. He instituted a number of important policies, improved the league's public image and was a fearless negotiator against players and referees, though also their biggest defender any time he felt they were unfairly criticized.

"For all the things you've done for the NBA and for sports generally, I think there's no doubt that you'll be remembered as the best of all time as commissioners go, and you've set the standard, I think not even just for sports league commissioners but for CEOs in any industry," Silver told Stern sitting to his left on a podium.

Stern told owners of his plans during their two days of meetings, and the board unanimously chose Silver as his successor.

Stern, who turned 70 last month, became commissioner on Feb. 1, 1984. He has been the NBA's longest-serving commissioner, establishing the league's brand around the world, presiding over team expansion and overseeing the establishment of the WNBA and the NBA Development League.

MAVs suspend west: Mavericks guard Delonte West was suspended for unspecified conduct detrimental to the team, his second ban in the past 10 days. The first suspension lasted about a day, but tweets by West soon after the team announced the latest suspension raised questions on if he'll be back. "Just dont kick me … on the way out the door," West tweeted. "I didn't do anything to deserve that." The last of several tweets in just a few minutes said, "I'm just sittin here across from the arena wit tear in my eyes." West has bipolar disorder and addressed that topic in another tweet, saying "no I'm not off my meds."

KNICKS: Center Tyson Chandler is day to day. An MRI exam revealed a bone bruise in his left knee.

76ERS: The team picked up a contract option on swingman Evan Turner that will keep him through the 2013-14 season.

WNBA: Bill Laimbeer returned to the league as the New York Liberty's GM and coach.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, October 25, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — At all of my speaking engagements — and it doesn't matter if I am talking to second-graders or Shriners — the conversation usually turns to alligators and sharks.

Both have teeth. Both can be dangerous. And both are great discussion topics, especially when I run out of things to say.

"How fast can an alligator run?" I'm often asked.

"Not as fast as me," I always reply.

Some may disagree. If you've lived in Florida as long as I have, you've probably heard that an alligator can run as fast as a horse. Not true.

How do I know? The answer is simple: personal experience. Once, on Cumberland Island off the Georgia coast, I was chased by an alligator and a wild horse in the same day and lived to tell the tale.

But sharks … they are far more mysterious.

"How many teeth does a shark have," a youngster recently asked.

"I have no idea," I replied. "And I don't plan on trying to count them."

And while I'm what my wife likes to call "an endless repository of not-necessarily insignificant trivia," there are many subjects that I leave to the professionals.

One such topic is the fascinating world of batoid fishes, which are more commonly known as the skates and rays. Take, for example, the cownose ray, which, when seen schooling along local beaches during the spring and summer, sends swimmers out of the water.

If those uneducated souls had been to Marine Quest, they would know that these creatures are harmless. The ones you have to watch out for, I've come to learn, are the ones you can't see.

The primary villain, the Atlantic stingray, is one of the smaller species in local waters. This species is responsible for most of the "stings" or "hits" on beachgoers.

Don't worry. The rays you see in "touch tanks," such as the one on display at this weekend's free Marine Quest in St. Petersburg, have had their spines clipped.

The educational fair, an open house for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, is a great place to pick up lots of great water cooler chit-chat, such as my previously mentioned alligator anecdotes or this interesting factoid: All rays have "spines," which most people mistakenly call "barbs," that are razor-sharp and range in length from 1 to 10 inches.

But Marine Quest has more than touch tanks full of batoids. Nature lovers can also learn about a variety of other marine-related issues, such as how to properly catch and release fish to increase their chance of survival.

My favorite exhibit is the reptile and amphibian booth, where you can learn, once and for all, how to distinguish an alligator from a crocodile. Hint: It has nothing to do with how fast they run. And while you're there, get up close and personal with a 100-pound snapping turtle.

Those with strong stomachs might also find the ecology and fish biology exhibits of interest. If you've ever wondered what's inside a snook's stomach, here's your chance.

And if that's not enough to hook you, check out the man-eating plant show. Well, that might be stretching things a bit, but they do have carnivorous plants — sundews, Venus flytraps and cobra lilies — that actually feed on insects and small frogs. That should be enough to stir up some lively office banter on Monday.

By Dave Walker, Times Correspondent


Thursday, October 25, 2012

What's hot: The wind velocity has been higher recently, making time on the water dangerous, difficult or just miserable. The tropical entity to the east will churn local waters for the next few days. Fishing had been really good up to now. After a few days, the bay will settle and anglers should be able to score good catches.

Tip: If you must fish in the wind, use a section of chain on the anchor line. Some consider chain a noisy hassle, but on a breezy day, it is a friend. A 3-foot chain above the anchor will aid its effectiveness regardless of the anchor type. Even automated pole-style anchors struggle on windy days.

Tactics: When fishing on less-than-perfect days, hold the rod tip low to the water to help prevent a big bunch of slack line that often occurs.

Timing: This is one of the best times of the year for fishing in our area. The season just happens to coincide with more tolerable air temperatures. But check the marine forecast before going out to prevent a lot of grief and even some horror stories.

Dave Walker charters out of Tampa. Call (813) 310-6531, email captdavewalker@verizon.net or visit snookfish.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors/Fitness Editor
Thursday, October 25, 2012

Making news

Gag Grouper season winds down in GUlf

Gulf anglers have less than a week to catch gag grouper. The season closes Nov. 1 in most state and federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The state waters off Monroe County, which are included in Atlantic gag seasons and rules, remain open through Dec. 31. Most gag grouper are caught in federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore on Florida's west coast, except during the winter months, when they move inshore. Gag is one of the most common of the shallow-water grouper and the species most likely to be caught by recreational anglers, who sometimes mistakenly call gag grouper black grouper. For details, visit myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/recreational.

Local sailors excel in Sunfish event

Addison Hackstaff, 16, of St. Petersburg won the Sunfish Youth World Championships at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club on Oct. 13. The event pitted local talent against the top youth sailors from as far away as Venezuela and Peru. Other top finishers included St. Petersburg sailors Nic Baird, 14, in second place and Liam McCarthy, 15, in third. After nine races over three days, Hackstaff was tied at 19 points with Baird. Hackstaff and Baird both had three firsts, but Hackstaff had one more second, giving him the title. The SPYC Junior sailors normally race Lasers and were introduced to the Sunfish the week of the event.

Anchor guide adds mooring field info

If you're a cruiser, powerboater or just a casual mariner, here's a great resource. The Boat Owners Association of the United States, one of the nation's leading boating advocacy groups, just released an updated Florida anchoring information sheet that explains the new pilot mooring field projects, including one here in St. Petersburg. A law passed in 2009 gave relief to boaters who utilized public anchoring areas. The other pilot project areas include St. Augustine, Monroe County (Key West, Marathon) and Sarasota. Martin County and Stuart are currently drafting an ordinance likely to come on line in 2013. These areas will be used to test policies that promote public access, enhance navigational safety, protect maritime infrastructure and deter improperly stored, abandoned or derelict vessels. To get a copy, go to boatus.com/gov/fl anchoringsheet.

Send news to Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com.

Solunar chart

AM PM

Minor Major Minor Major

10/26 3:20 9:25 3:35 9:45

10/27 4:00 10:05 4:15 10:30

10/28 4:45 10:45 4:55 11:05

10/29 5:20 11:25 5:35 11:50

10/30 6:05 0 6:25 12:15

10/31 6:55 12:40 7:15 1:05

11/1 7:45 1:35 8:10 1:55

Times wires
Thursday, October 25, 2012

Sprint Cup

What: Tums Fast Relief 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, noon), qualifying (Speed, 3:30 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 9:30 a.m., and noon); Sunday, race (ESPN, 2 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: The seventh race out of 10 in the Chase for Championship. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been cleared to return after missing the past two races due to concussions. … Richard Petty won a record 15 times at Martinsville, the only remaining venue from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. Jeff Gordon leads active drivers with seven Martinsville victories.

Standings: 1. Brad Keselowski, 2,250; 2. Jimmie Johnson, 2,243; 3. Denny Hamlin, 2,230; 4. Clint Bowyer, 2,225; 5. Kasey Kahne, 2,220; 6. Martin Truex, 2,207; 7. Tony Stewart, 2,203; 8. Gordon, 2,199; 9. Matt Kenseth, 2,195; 10. Kevin Harvick, 2,191; 11. Greg Biffle, 2,188; 12. Earnhardt, 2,128

Trucks

What: Kroger 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 10:30 a.m.), race (Speed, 2 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: Denny Hamlin will drive the No. 51 Toyota owned by Kyle Busch. … Ryan Truex is making his series debut, driving Hillman Racing's No. 27 Chevrolet.

Standings: 1. Ty Dillon, 679; 2. James Buescher, 678; 3. Timothy Peters, 653; 4. Parker Kligerman, 645; 5. Joey Coulter, 629

Formula One

What: Indian Grand Prix

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 4:30 a.m.); Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 4:30-a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 5:30 a.m.); New Delhi

Fast facts: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel is coming off his third straight victory and fourth of the season, with four races left.

Standings: 1. Vettel, 215; 2. Fernando Alonso, 209; 3. Kimi Raikkonen, 167; 4. Lewis Hamilton, 153; 5. Mark Webber, 152

NHRA

What: Big O Tires Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 1:30-a.m. Sunday); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 8 p.m.); Las Vegas

Fast facts: The event is the fifth in the six-race Countdown to the Championship. The top 10 in each class qualified for the playoffs.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Antron Brown, 2,491; 2. Spencer Massey, 2,387. Funny Car — 1. Jack Beckman, 2,437; 2. Ron Capps, 2,414. Pro Stock — 1. Allen Johnson, 2,502; 2. Jason Line, 2,420. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 2,523; 2. Andrew Hines, 2,506

Nationwide

Next: O'Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, Nov. 3, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth

Standings: 1. Elliott Sadler, 1,136; 2. Ricky Stenhouse, 1,130; 3. Austin Dillon, 1,110; 4. Sam Hornish, 1,038; 5. Michael Annett, 986

Times wires
Thursday, October 25, 2012

GREEN BAY, Wis. — Greg Jennings, the Packers' No. 1 receiver, will have surgery Tuesday for a torn abdominal muscle, the team said Thursday. Jennings did not put a timetable on returning but expects to play again this season.

Jennings was hurt late in the season opener. He sat out one game, returned and aggravated the injury shortly after his only touchdown catch of the season. He hoped the injury would heal with treatment and strength work.

Wednesday, he saw a specialist in abdominal and groin injuries.

"The way he described it to me was simply two people pulling on the end of a rope and it starts to fray," Jennings said. "The more tugging, the more fraying, which means the more tearing occurs."

Holmgren to coach? Mike Holmgren, out as Browns president after the sale of the team, said he would consider returning to coaching. "I've learned a lot of things the last three years," said Holm­gren, 64, Green Bay's coach from 1992-99 and Seattle's from 1999-2008. "And one of the things I thought I knew but now I know is I do miss the coaching part. I said (joining the Browns) was going to be my last great adventure. I thought it was going to be longer. And so we'll see what happens."

Broncos: Cornerback Tracy Porter missed practice while seeing a doctor about symptoms he continues to experience after his seizure in August. Porter wasn't allowed to fly to San Diego for last week's game as a precaution because he felt light-headed and had a racing heartbeat. He participated in practice Monday and Wednesday on a limited basis.

Jaguars: Linebacker Daryl Smith, the franchise's all-time leading tackler, went on injured reserve with a groin injury. But the team designated him as eligible to return in eight weeks.

Rams: Danny Amendola, the team's leading receiver, said he is recovering faster than expected from a right shoulder injury and there's an "outside chance" he can play Sunday. He was projected to miss at least two more games.

Redskins: Starting linebacker London Fletcher missed his second practice to see a neurologist for what the team called a "balance issue." It expects to know more about his status today.

Titans: The team announced Michael Roos, who has started 119 consecutive games at left tackle, had an appendectomy this week. He likely will be a game-time decision.