Alex Cobb sees Tampa Bay Rays’ faith in him materialize

May 18th, 2012

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 18, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — RHP Alex Cobb figured he'd get called up to fill in for injured RHP Jeff Niemann, packing and preparing all week as if he would be starting tonight against the Braves.

But it still felt good for Cobb, 24, to get the news Thursday afternoon, validating manager Joe Maddon's message to him after optioning the pitcher to Triple A in spring training.

"When I got sent down, Joe told me I'd be a big part of the season this year," Cobb said. "You never want to get called up due to injury, but it makes me realize that they do have trust me in me and believe that I can fill the spot okay."

Price on his sister’s death: "She was my guardian angel.’

May 18th, 2012

Brian Price closes his eyes but sleep rarely comes, not more than for an hour a day, not since the hit-and-run automobile accident last week that killed his sister and left two nephews who call him dad without their mother.

“Yeah, she was like my personal cheerleader, like my No. 1 fan,'' Price said Friday of his sister, Bridget James, 33, who died in surgery from injuries sustained in an accident in Los Angeles as he waited to board a plane. "She would be there every day, especially after every game, win, lose or draw, she was like, “Go get them next time.

Bucs sign second-round draft pick LB Lavonte David

May 18th, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continued the process of signing their draft picks Friday when they announced the signing of second-round linebacker Lavonte David to a four-year deal.

Bucs sign LB Lavonte David, their second round pick, to a four-year deal

May 18th, 2012

The Bucs are slowly signing their draft picks from the bottom up.

Linebacker Lavonte David, Tampa Bay's second-round pick, signed a four-year contract, the club announced Friday.

David was the 58th overall choice from Nebraska, where he started all 27 games he played. In just two seasons, he recorded the fourth-most tackles with 285 along with 28 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks.

David is expected to start at weakside linebacker for the Bucs.

Johnson's bat finally up to task for Rays

May 18th, 2012

Elliot Johnson stepped in with a game-winning hit when Evan Longoria went down, and his batting average has been rising ever since.

Bucs' Price loses sister who was his bedrock

May 18th, 2012

Brian Price's older sister Bridget has been the rock the Buccaneers defensive tackle has leaned on ever since he lost his second brother to a gang-related shooting in Los Angeles eight years ago.

Bucs' Price loses sister who was his bedrock

May 18th, 2012

Brian Price's older sister Bridget has been the rock the Buccaneers defensive tackle has leaned on ever since he lost his second brother to a gang-related shooting in Los Angeles eight years ago.

Rays' Moore finishes strong but Red Sox win, 5-3

May 18th, 2012

Matt Moore started slowly and finished strong, but the rookie had only another loss to show for what turned out to be the best outing of his season.

Rays' advisor Zimmer back at Trop after diabetes scare

May 18th, 2012

Don Zimmer made it out to Tropicana Field this afternoon, sat in the seats behind home plate and watched the Rays take batting practice.

Rays notes: Rhymes won't be out long

May 18th, 2012

2B Will Rhymes watched the replay of himself passing out moments after being struck on his right arm by a 95-mph fastball during Wednesday night's 2-1 win against the Red Sox.