Gary Shelton
LaMar is 'a C with a chance to get better'
ST. PETERSBURG -- Turn left at the negativity. Follow the slings and arrows down the corridor. Step around the blame. Go around the corner from the barbs. Take a right at the scrutiny.
Devil Rays/basbeall
Kennedy's future top priority in loss
Rookie's solid outing ends after 6 in Angels' 2-1 win as Rays coddle the promising left-hander.
Relief corps gaining McRae's confidence
ST. PETERSBURG -- Whether it's the shaved heads or the 17 games spent without closer Esteban Yan, Rays middle relievers continue to gain praise from their manager.
Second Warhawk agrees to contract
Former Seminole shortstop Bryan Bass, the 31st overall pick in the June draft, has signed with Baltimore and been assigned to its Gulf Coast (Rookie) League affiliate in Sarasota.
Golf
An elemental battle with England
Punishing rain and wind have made this golf major the most difficult tournament to win, some say.
With new TV contract, Florida breathes a sigh of relief
The PGA Tour's new television contract with the broadcast networks announced this week figured to have major implications in Florida. Locally, the changes are huge, with the addition of a new event at Innisbrook. The deal is just as big elsewhere in the state.
Motorsports
NASCAR places trust in safety innovations
Jeff Burton claims restrictor plates were not to blame for his oh-so-boring victory at New Hampshire International Speedway last fall, in which he led all 300 laps.
Et cetera
Bucs, rookie DE agree; 3 picks left
TAMPA -- Arizona defensive end Joe Tafoya, a seventh-round draft pick, agreed to terms Wednesday with the Bucs on a three-year, $914,000 contract.
Sports briefs
USF announces football slate for TV
NHL briefs
Lightning signs D Pratt
Pro basketball briefs
Webber reportedly to stay a King
Sports Extra
Around Hillsborough
FOOTBALL: Jefferson's John Jones will receive a financial aid package to play at Division III Elmhurst (Ill.) College. The 5-foot-7, 175-pound Jones caught 15 passes and scored seven touchdowns last year while playing primarily as a third-down back and blocking fullback.
State meets to move south
The 2001 and 2002 state swimming and diving meet has been moved from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale, the Florida High School Activities Association announced Tuesday.
East Lake crushes field in winning area tourney
The team does everything well and advances to the state tournament.
