ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — All that time watching video, and the subtle tweaks to his swing, paid off for Mike Piazza and the Oakland Athletics.

OAKLAND — For most teams, the third exhibition game is the chance to give the starters their most time on the playing field during the preseason.

SAN FRANCISCO — Bruce Bochy wasn’t surprised Matt Cain outpitched Cubs starter Carlos Zambrano.

Take some trading cards picturing a disgraced NFL superstar. Add some dog slobber and teethmarks. What do you get?

Napa Valley College in need of women golfers

Today

SONOMA — By the looks of the first half of Marco Andretti’s 2007 season, it would appear that the 20-year-old was suffering through a sophomore slump.

The high school soccer season opened Thursday night at Memorial Stadium as Napa High and host Vintage each posted a victory in the first round of the Vintage Soccer Classic.

NOTES AND QUOTES for a Friday in the Napa Valley:

It’s still only the first week of school, a busy time of the year that is reserved for fall sports.

• Clear Lake