Bucs simulate game conditions; heat is on; Ray makes an appearance Times staff Thursday, August 6, 2015 9:42pm 
PORT CHARLOTTE, FL - FEBRUARY 27: Kevin Kiermaier #39 of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo on photo day at Charlotte Sports Park on February 27, 2015 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) Bucs get a little taste of game conditionsThe Bucs did their best to simulate game conditions during a team period at the end of practice Thursday.The offensive and defense lined up on opposing sidelines, there were referees on the field, and plays to the quarterback and linebacker were signaled in using the helmet transmitter."That's big. Getting plays out there, getting personnel," coach Lovie Smith said. "You know, you're trying to get game ready. It's a little bit hard at practice."Take defense. It's hard to see personnel and things like that. But just for our players to get used to coming on and off and listening, the communication. Not having your coach there giving you advice. Situations like this, we want to see how guys handle it when they're out there by themselves. So we'll learn a lot from this video."The heat is onAfter beginning the week with cloudy skies and mild temperatures, the team had its warmest day of practice, with a heat index of more than 100 degrees."(Thursday), that's typical Tampa," Smith said. "The guys did a good job just staying focused. I think sometimes when you get a little tired, that's not the case. I thought we did some good things."Hey, we know youThe Bucs had a special visit from Rays CF Kevin Kiermaier at Thursday's training camp practice. It was Kiermaier's off-day as the Rays begin a series tonight at the Trop against the Mets. Don't worry about those baby blues. Kiermaier was wearing sunglasses.Closed practiceThe Bucs will practice today from 4:30-7 p.m. at One Buc Place. It is open only to season-pass holders.
