Devil Rays Rays generous to Ripken, O's [Times photo: Michael Rondou] Tampa Bay gives in a pregame ceremony honoring Cal Ripken, then gives again in its 7-4 loss to Baltimore. Cal shows every sign of a legend ST. PETERSBURG -- The stampede is on a tight schedule. It begins at 5:15 p.m. and should be over by 5:16 p.m., give or take 30 seconds. If you're stuck behind the elderly woman with the cane, you haven't a prayer. Brazelton reviewing offer ST. PETERSBURG -- Having made their pitch to top pick Dewon Brazelton in lengthy negotiating sessions over the past week, the Rays still are waiting for a response. Alvarez meets with team doctors ST. PETERSBURG -- Just when it looked like Wilson Alvarez would return next month, the pitcher has had another setback with his surgically repaired left shoulder. Today: White Sox at Rays WHERE: Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. Up next SCOUTING REPORT: What was supposed to be a promising follow-up to last year's surprising Central Division championship quickly deteriorated, primarily because of a rash of injuries.

Sapp focused on stopping the run
TAMPA -- The Bucs have made it clear the key to winning is stopping the run, and they seem to be locked on the concept.

No rest is no problem, Cook gains experience
Rookie Jameel Cook has earned respect of Bucs coaches as several veterans nurse injuries.

Keyshawn impressive as live host on WDAE
Keyshawn Johnson acknowledges the Bucs so far have been "a little shaky." His debut as a radio host Wednesday night was anything but.

College football
Darling to try football again at Washington State
Ex-FSU receiver ready for "his time to shine," his sister says. He still faces obstacles.

Autin report negative for illegal drugs
Toxicology exam on UF freshman shows no evidence of "therapeutic or illicit drugs." It does not include steroids test.

Spurrier wows Gator fans with his first online chat
Steve Spurrier had his first online chat Thursday afternoon, a one-hour session at the University of Florida's official site, and everything ran smoothly for the Gators football coach until one tiny rookie mistake.

Around the state
Young Gators get their chance

Little League World Series
Florida's next foe: a mini hero
At 12, pitcher Danny Almonte has captured imaginations in New York and elsewhere.

Lightning
A long-term deal possible?
It is for Vinny Lecavalier and the Lightning if the team is willing to spend.

Colleges
Bulls bits
TAMPA -- USF softball coach Ken Eriksen has been named to the U.S. national team coaching staff. The staff will be responsible for selecting the 2004 Olympic Team that will compete in Athens, Greece.

Preps
For the fans
ADMISSION: Admission to regular-season matches ranges from $3 to $4, depending on the school. District tournaments are $4. Regional tournaments are $5, and the state tournament is $6 per session.

Gibbs off to a dominant start
Gladiators easily dispatch Largo, Palm Harbor University in two quarters of preseason Osceola Jamboree.

Jesuit loses preseason game
ST. PETERSBURG -- In a preseason game Thursday, in an evenly matched battle of miscues and good play, Dixie Hollins defeated visiting Jesuit Tigers 12-10.

East Lake has few problems against Dunedin
The Eagles score on their first play from scrimmage on their way to a 27-3 victory.

Four squads have state title hopes
Berkeley Prep, Durant, Plant and Tampa Prep bring back a lot of talent.

Zephyrhills routs TC behind huge first half
ZEPHYRHILLS -- The host Bulldogs romped to a 38-14 win in Thursday's preseason game, dominating a rebuilding Tampa Catholic team.

Running into some solutions
Springstead, Pasco and River Ridge get some things figured out in their running games as each win their portion of a jamboree at River Ridge.

Ground game propels Leopards past Gators
BROOKSVILLE -- Hernando and Land O'Lakes had their county's top rushers last season, but both showed Thursday there will be life after Dee Brown and Godfrey Pestana.

County sees another attendance upswing
For the second consecutive year, elbow room in the grandstands at Pinellas County public school football games proved a little tougher to come by.

Around the county
Baseball