Smith out at least 2 months to fix knee [Times photo: Carrie Pratt] ST. PETERSBURG -- The crutches were there to hold him up, but Bobby Smith was going to need more support than that.

Hubert Mizell
Aussie Rafter is a real throwback
WIMBLEDON, England -- Patrick Rafter's pals call him "Skunky."

Devil Rays
McGriff named to All-Star team
Rays' representative has been All-Star four times, last in 1996 with the Braves.

Rekar, Guillen power Rays
Starter continues run of solid outings and shortstop homers in 4-1 win over Tigers.

Turf protection forces race delay
Concerns about the well-being of the new FieldTurf at Tropicana Field have delayed the inaugural Baja Challenge truck race, originally scheduled for July 22.

Sports Etc.
Heimlich maneuver saves choking Vitale
A firefighter at Monday's Rays game dislodges some melon.

Arena football
Thomas joins Storm's rival
Stevie Thomas signs with Orlando. Storm coach Tim Marcum didn't ask the free agent to return this year.

Outdoors
Captain's corner
July is a good month for catching giant lunker snook. Contrary to most snook experts, who prefer live bait or lure techniques, my advice for catching a 20-plus pounder is chum as if you were shark fishing.

College basketball
Greenberg says he's staying put
Family, friends and optimism about USF are factors in his bowing out of the picture in Miami.

Bulls grad, new Illini coach to meet
Illinois officials confirmed Wednesday that new basketball coach Bill Self will meet with Illini recruit and Bloomingdale graduate Nick Smith today at Smith's home to talk about the 7-foot-1 center's future.

Bowling
Pro tour's owners attract new sponsor
What was first booked as the Tucson Open, second stop on the Professional Bowlers Association's spring tour, is now the MSN Open because of three former Microsoft whizzes who bought the PBA in April.

Preps
Barons hire ex-Yankee official
It's not that Chris Wiand's track record isn't impressive. Because as athletic director at St. Petersburg Catholic, the Barons enjoyed great success. Principal Louis Molinelli called it "the most successful two-year period in the 43-year history of the school."

Golf
Can Begay tame Tiger?
He is one of the few people in golf who has had a chance to look down at Tiger Woods, kick dirt on him and taunt him.