Rays @ BoSox: On Bobby V, Maddon and the organist

Posted May 26, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated May 26, 2012 at 06:29 PM

ROGER MOONEY
BOSTON It’s getting interesting here at Fenway Park.

First Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine accuses the Rays coaches of being too aggressive during Friday night’s bench-clearing altercation between the two teams.

“I thought their coaches were really aggressive and as a matter of fact I took offense to the aggressiveness of their coaches. I thought it was very unprofessional and I really was proud of the way my coaches were trying to do what they were supposed to do in those situations. They seemed very immature and out of control.”

Of course, Joe Maddon said the same thing Friday about the Red Sox coaches.

Then Maddon goes out of his way to talk about “how much respect he has for the Red Sox players.”

Then B.J. Upton sets up a beatbox next to the batting cage because Fenway Park suddenly goes silent when the Rays take BP.

Then the Fenway Park organist belts out Shannon’s smash 1980s hit, “Let the Music Play.” You know the one …

“We started dancing and love put us into a groove
As soon as we started to move …”

Followed, of course, by the can’t get it out of your head chorus …

“Let the music play, he won’t get away
Just keep the groove and then he’ll come back to you again
Let it play
Let the music play, he won’t get away
This groove he can’t ignore, he won’t leave you anymore”

Ah yes, it can be a hot time in the Old Towne tonight as the Rays and Red Sox resume this three-game series that say a bench-clearing dustup during the ninth if the Rays 7-4 win Friday.

Maddon said he expects the umpires to issue warnings.

Luke Scott, wearing a bruise behind his right knee courtesy of a 97 mph fastball from Franklin Morales is in the lineup.

David Price faces Josh Beckett.

The game will be televised cost-to-cost by Fox.

This could get interesting.

Heck, even the organist is ready to mix it up.

Here are the lineups:

RAYS
Peña 1B
Upton CF
Joyce LF
Zobrist RF
Scott DH
Sutton 3B
Rodriguez 2B
Molina C
Johnson SS
—
Price LHP (6-3, 2.88)

RED SOX
Aviles SS
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Youkilis 1B
Gonzalez RF
Middlebrooks 3B
Nava LF
Shoppach C
Byrd CF
—
Beckett RHP (4-4, 4.38)

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Rays-Red Sox, Round II: Can Rays afford a beanball war?

Posted May 26, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated May 26, 2012 at 03:45 PM

ROGER MOONEY
BOSTON Getting ready for Rays-Red Sox Round II here at Fenway Park.

After last night’s ninth inning dustup when Red Sox reliever Franklin Morales threw behind then hit Luke Scott, it will be interesting to see how the teams respond tonight in front of a Fox TV national audience.

Rays manager Joe Maddon didn’t hide his disgust for Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine after the Rays 7-4 victory.

“Quite frankly I think it was ridiculous, and I think it’s absurd, idiotic, and all those different words,” Maddon said.

“I’m kind of curious as to who put out the hit, because I know it wasn’t one of their players by the way their players reacted to the entire situation. It’s kind of incompetent behavior. It’s the kind of behavior that gets people hurt,” Maddon said.

“We don’t initiate anything, I promise you that. It’s not what we’re about. I like to believe we handle ourselves in a classier manner than that. … But we will respond to others who do attempt to do it to us. I promise you that, too,” Maddon said.

Those are fighting words, or at least pitcher throwing at batter words, and with Red Sox fire-baller Josh Beckett on the mound, anything is possible.

But will Rays starter David Price throw at a Red Sox?

And can the Rays risk the suspension that could come from a bean ball war? Maddon points to the ones handed out after the Rays and Red Sox went at it in June 2008 when he talks about all the injuries and adversity his team had to fight through that year.

With 10 players currently on the disabled list, can the Rays risk losing another player or players?

We’ll find out.

Game time is 7:15 p.m. on Fox.

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Robinson product Gibson advances to NCAA track finals

Posted May 26, 2012 by Bill Ward

Updated May 26, 2012 at 12:29 PM

Former Robinson High track star Darrin Gibson, now a junior at Florida State University, earned his first berth in the NCAA Championships’ 800-meter run at Friday’s East Preliminary Round at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

Gibson, a state champion in the 800 his senior year at Robinson, finished strong in the second round of the 800 at UNF to finish third in his heat and ninth overall with a time of 1 minute, 48.84 seconds.

Gibson was one of seven FSU athletes Friday that qualified for the NCAA Championship meet, pushing the Seminoles’ two-day team total to 11 qualifiers. The NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships are June 6-9 at Drake University.

“We had some huge breakthroughs,” Braman said. “[Darrin] Gibson earning his first trip to nationals, all three 100 guys getting through and then the girls steeple.”

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Panini previews Gold Standard autographs

Posted May 26, 2012 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated May 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM

Panini America released photos of some of the autograph cards that will be appearing in its Gold Standard set, which is set for release on July 5. Talk about an aptly named product—some of these autographs are going to be like gold to you if you pull it from a pack.

There will be signature cards from legends like Bill Russell, Jerry West, Larry Bird, Wes Unseld, David Robinson, John Stockton, David Thompson, Bob Lanier and Dolph Schayes. Current stars like Shane Battier, Stephen Curry and Paul George also will be part of the set.

This is going to be a high-end product. One pack to a box, and 10 cards to a pack. A case will contain 10 boxes.

Five of the cards in the pack will be hot cards: one 2011-2012 Dr aft Class redemption autograph cards, two other autographs, and two memorabilia cards.

Russell is always an interesting autograph card. I say that because for years, the Boston Celtics’ Hall of Fame center refused to sign autographs. He said he didn’t like giving away a piece of himself in that way, that it was too impersonal. Times change of course, and wallets were opened up. And soon, Russell began signing.

I don’t blame him; in addition to being a great player and man, Russell was always a smart businessman. If you’re as old as I am, you will remember Russell doing commericials in 1973 for the Bell System phone company, where he sits in a chair and sinks a shot from across the room. The ad went like this: “Score some points the easy way ... (takes shot and scores) ... by long distance (then he cracks up laughing because he didn’t think the shot would go in).

Here’s another ad he did for the same company, same general theme, also in 1973:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DY9t2WeMX1c

Russell was better known for his rebounding, but he still enjoyed making a good shot, as you can tell.

As far as autographs go, when Russell saw he could make some good money and the autographs would be limited, he signed on.

A favorite card in my collection is a 1/1 dual autograph, yellow plate card from 2007 Topps Triple Threads. The autographs are of Russell and John Havlicek.

The autographs in Panini’s set look to be large and bold, and the gold background on the card certainly enhances the signature.

Gold Standard will have a new design for its Gold Rush cards, as each card will have a disk of gold embedded into it. Solid Gold cards will be 1/1 offerings and would be a very nice pull. And the 14K Memorabilia Prime cards will feature players who have scored more than 14,000 points in their NBA careers. These cards also will have a “24K” version.

So if you have the cash to invest and like the idea of possibly pulling a legendary player, this set could be up your alley.

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UD unveils Military Machines inserts for 2012 Goodwin Champions set

Posted May 25, 2012 by Bob D'Angelo

Updated May 25, 2012 at 07:37 PM

Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Upper Deck released images of its Military Machines insert set that will be part of the 2012 Goodwin Champions set that will be released this summer.

There will be 25 cards in the set and it will contain cards honoring airplanes, Jeeps, patrol boats, tanks and helicopters. Famous battleships like the USS Maine, USS Arizona and USS Indianapolis will be featured. Civil War buffs will enjoy the inclusion of the USS Monitor and the CSS Virginia.

The cards will be randomly inserted in packs of Goodwin Champions.

Previously, Upper Deck has worked with non-profit organizations like Operation Gratitude to donate sealed packs of UD product for inclusion in care packages to soldiers serving overseas. The company restated its commitment to the troops and will continue to donate cards, but this year wanted to take it a step further.

In a news release, Upper Deck product development manager Grant Sandground said the Military Machines inserts “touch upon historical and cultural themes that are not often offered in mainstream products.”

“These amazing machines represent an important time line of achievements in military engineering throughout the 19th and 20th century and we’re proud to incorporate this slice of history into 2012 Goodwin Champions,” Sandground said. “We hope members of our armed forces and military enthusiasts enjoy the inclusion of this insert series.”

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Rays @ BoSox: Guyer out for the season, Jennings close to returning and lineups

Posted May 25, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated May 25, 2012 at 06:09 PM

ROGER MOONEY
BOSTON OF Brandon Guyer will miss the rest of the season because of a torn labrum in his left shoulder.

Guyer, on the DL since May 16 with what was believed to be a shoulder strain sustained while taking batting practice in Baltimore on May 13, will miss the rest of the season.

In other injury news, LF Desmond Jennings (left knee sprain) will begin a minor league rehab assignment by the middle of next week.

Carlos Peña will bat leadoff tonight against the Red Sox at Fenway Park for the third straight game. Joe Maddon moved Sean Rodriguez from third to second base and will play Drew Sutton at third.

Alex Cobb makes his second start of the season. He will be opposed by BoSox lefty Jon Lester.

The Rays begin the night one-game behind the first place Orioles.

Here are the lineups:

RAYS
Peña 1B
Upton CF
Scott DH
Zobrist RF
Joyce LF
Rodriguez 2B
Sutton 3B
Gimenez C
Johnson SS
—
Cobb RHP (1-0, 2.57)

RED SOX
Aviles SS
Pedroia 2B
Ortiz DH
Gonzalez 1B
Youkilis 3B
Saltalamacchia C
Nava LF
Byrd RF
Podsednick CF
—
Lester LHP (3-3, 3.95)

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USF softball: It’s game day

Posted May 25, 2012 by Joey Johnston

Updated May 25, 2012 at 01:23 PM

It’s game day for the University of South Florida softball program. The Bulls say the clock couldn’t be moving any slower.

USF (48-11) is preparing for tonight’s NCAA Super Regional meeting with the Hofstra Pride (41-13) at the USF Softball Stadium. Game 1 already is a sellout (first pitch at 7 p.m., gates open at 6). The best-of-three series continues Saturday at 2:30 and a decisive third game (if necessary) would be played at 5. All the games will be telecast on ESPNU.

For now, though, the first-game anticipation has reached its peak.

“We want to play so bad,’’ USF sophomore shortstop Kourtney Salvarola said. “We are so eager to get out there. We wish it already would’ve happened. We’re excited, so when it all starts, we’ll be very happy.’‘

“The waiting is the worst part,’’ said USF senior third baseman Jessica Mouse, a transfer from LSU who is playing in her first Super Regional event. “We’re so excited to be playing in front of our family, friends and fans. And now that it’s a sellout? That’s crazy. It’s going to be great and we want to play great.’‘

This weekend’s Super Regional winner advances to Oklahoma City and the Women’s College World Series, which begins Thursday.

Runs will be at a premium tonight. The expected starters are sophomore left-hander Sara Nevins (29-5) for USF and junior right-hander Olivia Galati (33-5) for Hofstra, two of the nation’s best pitchers. Nevins was in the final 10 for the USA Softball Collegiate National Player of the Year, but didn’t make Thursday’s cut to the final three.

USF coach Ken Eriksen, while acknowledging the fan excitement, said he and his players are focused on keeping things as normal as possible.

“The fans will get really jacked up because they cheer for colors and I get that aspect of it,’’ Eriksen said. “There’s a lot of loyalty, a lot of pride when your university is on the cusp of doing something enormous. But these kids are 18 to 22 years old. We have to keep doing what we’ve been doing.

“Let’s not make this complicated. It’s a game of high-level catch and throw, hit the ball and run your butt off. We’re not changing anything in terms of our approach. We are prepared and now we just need to play the way we’re capable of playing.’‘

USF obviously has an advantage playing at home in its 2-year-old stadium, which will swell to 1,500 fans tonight (in the seats, along the berms, by the railings, maybe even stationed in an outfield tree or two). Another advantage: The Bulls took a bus trip to their NCAA regional at Gainesville. Hofstra, meanwhile, was shipped to Los Angeles. Its players arrived back in New York late Monday night. Galati, on Tuesday, admitted to some fatigue as she slept in until about 11 a.m. Hofstra was on a plane to Tampa on Wednesday.

“I think you’ve got to worry about us and you can’t worry about the other team,’’ Eriksen said. “Look, these are young kids. They’re going to bounce back. This is an exhilarating time. There are only 16 (Division I) teams still playing. The other 304 are back home. If you can’t get jacked up for this, then you’re in the wrong sport and you have the wrong mentality.’‘

Hofstra coach Bill Edwards, a long-time friend of Eriksen, said he hasn’t focused on the Pride’s travel itinerary.

“It has been a whirlwind experience, coast to coast,’’ Edwards said. “If you stop and think about it, yes, it is difficult. But it beats being home and having your season over. If we’re going through some minor inconveniences, the thrill of being here and the opportunity to play for the World Series, that trumps everything.’‘

Edwards said he will play up the underdog role with his team.

“All of our kids are from the Northeast and that’s our recruiting philosophy,’’ Edwards said. “We try to get the best players in the Northeast and take them as far as we can take them. We’d like to show the rest of the country, even though our region doesn’t get much respect, that we can play.

“We’re the only private school left in the field. We’re kind of playing for the little guy. The Super Regionals are filled with schools from BCS conferences and we’re the little guy playing for the Northeast region, the mid-majors, all the teams that are not BCS. We take that role to heart. We’re an old-school program, one that works very hard, and we are very focused on the task at hand.’‘

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Weekly Tampa Bay fishing report

Posted May 25, 2012 by TBO.com

Updated May 25, 2012 at 10:23 AM

By JIM LEE

Fishing results and tips for freshwater and saltwater spots, including Tampa Bay and area locations.

Freshwater

Pan fish catches are easing off a bit as we move away from the dark of the moon. The next full moon is June 4th. In the meantime, troll beetle spins or other similar lures and pick up good numbers of bluegill and shellcracker.

Bass action remains excellent in the summer mode. Fish early and late, but don’t forget night bass fishing. You can troll or drift artificial worms in the deeper haunts or wait until the dewfall and fish top water lures for the big boys that finally come near the shoreline. Lakes Panasoffkee, Okeechobee and Istokpoga are always good for bass action. Live shiners seem to get the larger fish most of the time.     

KISSIMMEE CHAIN: Grape Hammock Fish Camp, (863) 692-1500: Bluegill and shellcracker are still being caught, but catches are spotty. Bass action is excellent. Limits of bass up to 6 and 8 pound range are being taken. Lake Kissimmee bass catches are very consistent.                 

LORIDA-ISTOKPOGA: Trails End Fishing Resort guide service, (863) 655-0134: Great pan fish catches along with bass makes angler’s day this week. Bluegill and shellcracker are not hard on the beds, but can be caught in decent numbers if you work at it. Bass catches to 6 pounds was common.                 

LAKE OKEECHOBBEE: Roland and Mary Ann Martin’s Marina & Resort, 800-473-6766: Despite a few windy and rainy days, bass catches have been up to par for the most part. Good catches to 8 pounds are the norm in South Okeechobee. Live shiner fishing is finding most of the big bass.         

LAKE ROUSSEAU and the Withlacoochee: Captain Frank Bourgeois, (352) 666-6234: Captain Frank is on vacation in the Florida Keys this week and is having a fun fishing trip. He is fishing with only a fly rod for bonefish and barracuda.                           

LAKE PANASOFFKEE: Pana Vista Lodge, (352) 793-2061: You can always catch a bluegill/shellcracker dinner here. However the bass action has been the main attraction. The next full moon however will be a different story and cabins will be booked. Bass catches have been very good.         

Saltwater

Tarpon is the new main event and will run all summer. Tarpon catches are getting stronger, as most guides that specialize in tarpon have shifted to them. Large tarpon moved through the Homosassa area last week with more to likely follow. The boat battle at Boca Grand has begun with boats so thick you could walk from one to the other. Over 200 boats in the pass make for an interesting day. Tarpon, bull sharks and hammer head sharks abound there now. Tarpon are also at the Skyway Bridge and moving along the beaches.

The summer cobia are here as are the flounder. While trout fishing have a cobia rig ready. Permit are moving on the wrecks and soon may be closer in on the artificial reefs. In state waters out to 9 miles you can catch red, black, Yellowfin, yellowmouth, rock hind and scamp grouper. The bad news is that most of what grouper you will find will be undersized red grouper.

Mackerel are a good easy catch. You can find them in the passes or just troll a Clark or similar spoon. Fish the outgoing tide.

Lower Tampa bay still has cobia, bluefish, mackerel, trout and snook. Snook have moved outside in many areas and are also moving to the barrier islands. Fish the outside beaches at daylight in 6 inches of water. Fly rods work well here. You can also find snook in the backwaters around Ruskin. 

Offshore, there is no report on gag grouper. Soon they will move to deeper water if they haven’t already. Red grouper are still mostly only 18 inches and under and to keep one they have to be 20 inches.                             

10,000 ISLANDS: Captain Corey McMillin, (239) 695-4420: NO REPORT. 

SARASOTA: Captain Rick Grassett, (941) 350-9790 or (941) 923-7799: Tarpon turned their nose up at live crabs on one trip. Another fly trip was about the same. However for three days straight, he jumped a lot of tarpon with several hookups on live crabs. Fishing the Sarasota Bay, trout blues and redfish were taken. 

RUSKIN: South Shore Bait & Tackle, (813) 641-2010: Mackerel, trout, bluefish, flounder and redfish were the catch this week. But the catch of the day were a group of big mackerel.

SKYWAY AREA: Captain Sergio Atanes, (813) 973-7132: A great place to fish. With the high number of species available a day on the water in this area can be fantastic. Fish under the Skyway Bridge for tarpon. Use an anchor buoy for releasing your boat if you have one. It is faster than pulling your anchor and with a big tarpon on, seconds count. Fish the islands outside the bridge for redfish. Trout, flounder, redfish, mackerel and bonnet head sharks are still being caught.                   

LOWER TAMPA BAY: Captain Tony Frankland, (813) 915-8541: The Ruskin back country is the go-to place for snook. Fish the creeks and blind cast into the nooks and crannies you find there. However excellent action is happening out in the bay with mackerel, trout, and bluefish.                                                   

UPPER TAMPA BAY: Cody’s Bait & Tackle, (813) 884-3100: Redfish are at the creek mouths, the residential canals and canal ‘A’. This is the normal places for reds all summer. Snook will also be found in these areas, but fish the outgoing tide at the mouths of the creeks. Fish all along the ‘A’ canal for snook… Some bull sharks are still in the upper bay. Swim with care.                 

SOUTH PINELLAS: Captain Paul Hawkins, (727) 560-6762: Tarpon are on the move which means now is the time for you to catch them. Live bait, lures or flies all work well. Regardless, a 100 pound tarpon on any tackle is a formidable adversary. Captain Paul is on top of the tarpon, so if you want to add a 100-pound fish to your trophy list, go for them now. Also look for trout, redfish, mackerel and pompano.                                 

FISHING PIERS: South Pier, (941) 729-0117: Expect the unexpected. Pier fishing offers most of the current species being caught in the bay. Fish the pier for Mangrove snapper, trout, redfish, perhaps a flounder, Spanish mackerel or even a stray tarpon. Grouper are off limits to keep. 

MID-PINELLAS PARTY BOATS: Offshore bottom fishing from Hubbard’s John’s Pass Marina and Kingfish dock, (727) 393-1947: Gag grouper are not in season. But catching is still fun. If it is fishing you want, the gag grouper bite is fantastic this time of year and there are plenty of them. Mostly small red grouper are available by the ton, but are also on the no keep list as well as all other groupers. Gray snapper are big and there are plenty of them to keep. Go offshore for a deep sea fishing extravaganza. Fish the deeper waters for great mangrove snapper catches. Black sea bass, porgies are also on the list.           

GANDY BAIT & TACKLE: (813) 839-5551: The Gandy Bridge is closed to fishing. However, Gandy Bait and Tackle is the place to go in this area for live bait and tackle and information. Weedon Island fishing is good with a lot of redfish taken by wade fishermen. Trout, redfish, and snook are also being caught. Tarpon are beginning to move into Tampa Bay, so get ready to rock a 100 pound fish.                 

CLEARWATER TO DUNEDIN: Captain Brian Mathey, (727) 667-8291: Fish the passes and beach for tarpon. Snook are on the outside of the barrier islands. Mackerel are thick in the passes. Chum on the outgoing tide. This area is prone to good redfish catches in the summer months on the shoreline. Smaller trout are on the flats, but the larger trout will be in the passes and deeper spots. Mackerel will cut you off, so be sure to use the proper leader, like Tyger leader.               

TARPON SPRINGS: Captain Rich Knox, (727) 376-8809 or (727) 808-6688: Tarpon are on the outside of the barrier islands. Redfish, summer flounder and cobia can be found on the flats. A few trout and snook will also be found. Snook have moved to the outside of the creeks and rivers and on the outside of the barrier islands. 

KEATON BEACH (PERRY): One More Cast guide service, (850) 584-9145: Great trout catches reported with pictures to prove it. Most of the trout are being taken under a Cajun Thunder Float in 3.5 to 4.5 feet deep water. Among the legal size trout, many were over 21 inches. Some mackerel and redfish are also being taken. Fish live pinfish, top water plugs and under Thunder Spin floats for best results.

HERNANDO BEACH: Captain Frank Bourgeois, (352) 666-6234: Captain Frank is on a businessman’s holiday and is fishing in the Florida Keys. Tune in next week.

WEEKIWACHEE: Captain Steve Soults, Angling Adventures (352) 686-0853: NO REPORT.                               

FLY FISHING: Tarpon off the beaches, snook on the beaches makes it the best of both worlds. The bigger trout are best caught in the drops and deeper waters. Ambush a tarpon on the beaches and passes. Make sure you have at least a 10 weight or better fly rod for those big boys. Go thrash the water.

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Rays at BoSox: Rivalry renewed

Posted May 25, 2012 by Roger Mooney

Updated May 25, 2012 at 08:07 AM

ROGER MOONEY
BOSTON This weekend series between the Rays and Red Sox could be billed as the battle of survivors.

The Rays have 10 players on the disabled list while the Red Sox have 13.

Brandon Allen (right quad strain) is eligible to come off the disabled list today and could rejoin the team this weekend.

Desmond Jennings (left knee sprain) is eligible to come off the disabled list Sunday, but won’t because he needs a few at-bats in minor league games to get ready.

There was talk Hideki Matsui would join the team on this road trip, but that went away with Matsui’s slow start at Durham. He’s batting .121 in nine games

Alex Cobb makes his Fenway Park debut tonight as the Rays open a three-game series in Boston. A native of Boston, Cobb and his family moved to Vero Beach when he was 2. He visited family in New England every summer and usually found his way to Fenway Park.

A Red Sox fan as a kid, a former spring training bat boy for the Dodgers at Dodgertown, Cobb now gets to face his boyhood team.

Cobb, who made his season debut with seven strong innings against the Braves last Saturday and picked up the win in the 5-2 victory, will be opposed by Jon Lester (3-3, 3.95). Lester is 10-6 with a 3.91 ERA in his career against the Rays.

B.J. Upton brings a .300 batting average into tonight’s game, his highest average at this point of the season since June 10, 2008.

The Red Sox, even without the services of Kevin Youkilis and Jacoby Ellsbury (two of the baker’s dozen on the DL), have won 10 of their last 13.

The Rays are scuffling a little, having won eight of their last 16 games.

The Rays begin the day one game back of the first-place Orioles.

The Red Sox are last in the division with a 22-22 record, 5 ½ back of the O’s. The Red Sox have yet to break .500 this year.

The Red Sox took three of the four games against the Rays at Fenway back in April. The teams split a two-game series at the Trop last week.

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Karen Cooley returns as Zephyrhills girls swimming coach

Posted May 25, 2012 by Mike Camunas

Updated May 25, 2012 at 07:01 AM

Zephyrhills principal Steve Van Gorden announced early Friday morning that Karen Cooley will return as the Bulldogs girls swimming coach.

“Coach Cooley brings a level of eagerness and commitment to the program that will show immediate benefits,” Van Gorden said in a e-mail. “Partnered with boys swim coach Brian Vaile, (they) will provide a strong foundation that will build the program for years to come.”

Cooley returns plenty of experience to her position, coaching Zephyrhills from 1999-2003. Prior to that she coached Land O’ Lakes swimming from 1996-1999.

Correspondent Mike Camunas can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter @MikeCamunasTrib.

Follow us on Facebook here and Twitter here.

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