By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

BY STEPHEN F. HOLDER

TAMPA — In the cottage industry of NFL draft analysis, predictions can vary wildly. And when it comes to mock drafts, the only consensus is that there isn't one.

Which makes it all the more interesting that an overwhelming majority of prognostications are consistent on one point: Running backs will largely be sitting on the sidelines in the early portions of this draft.

Alabama's Mark Ingram is the only back projected to be chosen in the first round in most predictions, bucking an annual trend of several running backs coming off the board in the first 32 picks.

All of which might suggest the Bucs — who are looking for help in the backfield — are in an unfortunate predicament. But Tampa Bay need not worry about finding quality running back help in the later rounds.

In fact, that's often precisely the place to find it. More than any position, running backs picked in the middle and later rounds can emerge as surprising talents. Even undrafted prospects regularly develop into impressive players.

"Happens all the time," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said.

Look no further than the Bucs' own LeGarrette Blount, the undrafted former Oregon Duck who took the NFL by storm last season with a 1,000-yard rookie season. The 2010 rushing leader, Arian Foster, went undrafted, too, as did the Saints leading rusher, Chris Ivory, and Patriots 1,000-yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Those kinds of finds are no longer rare exceptions.

In fact, a running back's status as a first-round pick guarantees nothing. Of the NFL's top 10 rushers in 2010, just three — Chris Johnson, Adrian Peterson and Steven Jackson — were first-round selections. The list is dotted by players like Michael Turner (fifth-round pick), Jamaal Charles (third) and Ahmad Bradshaw (seventh).

With the Bucs taking a long look at their own backfield, it's obvious addressing the running back corps won't require them to part with a precious early-round choice — though the team did host Ingram for a pre-draft visit.

Furthermore, what the Bucs are searching for hardly calls for a huge investment. Blount has shown he can be a primary ballcarrier, but the Bucs could be in the market for a third-down back and backfield depth in general.

Veteran Cadillac Williams had a strong finish last season when cast as a complementary and third-down back, but he will be a free agent when the NFL's work stoppage ends. Also, his injury history and age (29) could justifiably cause some trepidation.

But the Bucs have other pressing needs, too, which is why the availability of quality running backs late in the draft bodes well for Tampa Bay.

So, what's behind this phenomenon? Primarily, it's a numbers game. There is simply greater depth of available talent at running back than, say, linemen.

Gil Brandt, a longtime Cowboys executive and current Sirius NFL radio host, has been scouting drafts since 1960 and has seen the use of running backs change while the sizable talent pool has not. In his early days in Dallas, he said, the Cowboys carried five tailbacks and two fullbacks. Those days are long gone.

"If you have a tryout camp ... if you have 100 people there, 50 will be wide receivers, 25 will be running backs, and when you get to offensive and defensive linemen, it's probably 2 percent," Brandt said. "People look at the draft this way: the value that you can get in the draft later on is significantly better at running back than at offensive or defensive lineman. There's a huge dropoff in linemen."

That's more true today because teams are using multiple running backs — unlike other skill positions, where players play every down — making them less desirable as early picks.

"There's got to be a premium," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said. When that's lacking at a certain position, he added, "that's what makes them start to fall."

And that's how things are shaping up in this draft, a fact that can only help the Bucs.

"I only counted three or four teams that are even going to think about a running back in the first couple of rounds," Kiper said. "So, these running backs that everybody thinks are going to be second- and third-round picks — I hear all these names — they're not."

That means a running back or two could again fall between the cracks and become the latest in the long line of late-round picks to pile up eye-popping numbers.

"I think this year's running back class is a talented class," Dominik said. "I think there's value to be had from the first round all the way to the seventh round."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

TAMPA — In the cottage industry of NFL draft analysis, predictions can vary wildly. When it comes to mock drafts, the only consensus is there isn't one.

Which makes it all the more interesting that an overwhelming majority of prognostications are consistent on one point: Running backs will largely be sitting on the sideline in the early portions of this draft.

Alabama's Mark Ingram is the only back consistently projected to be chosen in the first round. The last time fewer than two were taken in the first round was 1984.

That might suggest the Bucs, who are looking for help in the backfield, are in a predicament. But Tampa Bay need not worry about finding quality running backs in the later rounds.

In fact, that's often precisely the place to find them. More than at any position, running backs picked in the middle and later rounds can emerge as talents. Even undrafted prospects regularly develop into impressive players.

"Happens all the time," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said.

Look no further than the Bucs' LeGarrette Blount, the undrafted former Oregon star who took the NFL by storm last year with a 1,000-yard rookie season.

The 2010 rushing leader, the Texans' Arian Foster, went undrafted, too, as did the Saints' leading rusher, Chris Ivory, and Patriots 1,000-yard rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Those kinds of finds are no longer rare exceptions.

In fact, a running back's status as a first-round pick guarantees nothing. Among the NFL's top 10 rushers in 2010, just three — the Titans' Chris Johnson, Vikings' Adrian Peterson and Rams' Steven Jackson — were first-round selections. The list is dotted by players such as the Falcons' Michael Turner (fifth-round pick), Chiefs' Jamaal Charles (third) and Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw (seventh).

Furthermore, what the Bucs, who did bring Ingram in for a visit, are searching for hardly calls for a huge investment. Blount has shown he can be a primary ballcarrier, but the Bucs could be in the market for a third-down back and backfield depth.

Cadillac Williams had a strong finish last season when cast as a complementary and third-down back. But he will be a free agent when the lockout ends. His injury history and age (29) could cause some trepidation.

But the Bucs have other pressing needs, which is why the availability of quality running backs late in the draft bodes well for them.

So what's behind this phenomenon? Primarily, it's a numbers game. There is greater depth of talent at running back than, say, offensive and defensive line.

Gil Brandt, a longtime Cowboys executive and current Sirius NFL radio host, has been scouting drafts since 1960 and seen the use of running backs change while the sizable talent pool has not. In his early days, he said, the Cowboys carried five tailbacks and two fullbacks. Those days are long gone.

"If you have a tryout camp … if you have 100 people there, 50 will be wide receivers, 25 will be running backs. And when you get to offensive and defensive linemen, it's probably 2 percent," Brandt said. "The value that you can get in the draft later on is significantly better at running back than at offensive or defensive lineman. There's a huge drop-off in linemen."

That's more true today because teams are using multiple running backs — unlike other skill positions, where players play every down — making them less desirable as early picks.

"There's got to be a premium," Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said.

When that's lacking at a certain position, he added, "that's what makes them start to fall."

And that's how things are shaping up in this draft, a fact that can only help the Bucs.

"I only counted three or four teams that are even going to think about a running back in the first couple of rounds," Kiper said. "So these running backs that everybody thinks are going to be second- and third-round picks … they're not."

That means a running back or two could again fall between the cracks and become the latest in the long line of late-round picks to pile up eye-popping numbers.

"I think this year's running back class is a talented class," Dominik said. "I think there's value to be had from the first round all the way to the seventh round."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

When Mike Pouncey decided to return to Florida for his senior season, his primary goals were to earn his degree and improve enough to become an NFL first round draft pick.

He's got the degree. Pouncey hopes to fulfill the other dream when the NFL draft is held on Thursday night.

"I know a lot of people wondered why I decided to come back, but I knew it was the right decision for me," Pouncey said. "I think overall I had a great season and I think it has paid off for me in the end."

Pouncey is following in the footsteps of his twin brother Maurkice, the 18th pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. At 6 feet 5, 303 pounds, Mike Pouncey is considered the top interior offensive line prospect in the 2011 class, by most NFL experts. But where he'll end up will likely depend on whether teams consider him a center or guard at the next level.

In his latest NFL mock draft, ESPN.com's Mel Kiper has Pouncey as a No. 19 selection by the New York Giants. Todd McShay, the ESPN.com director of scouting, believes Pouncey could surprise a few people and be taken by the Dolphins at No. 15.

"He can play guard or center, gets to the second level very well and should help the Giants in the running game," Kiper said. "I'd slot him in at guard to start and only look for help at center in a backup role, but he's easily the top interior lineman in the draft."

Both agree that Mike Pouncey is not his brother.

"The problem with Pouncey is that he's compared to his brother and he's on a different level," McShay said.

"He's not Maurkice, and I think that's the most important thing to realize with the brothers," Kiper said.

The inevitable comparisons have been coming since the two began playing youth football as small children, so Mike Pouncey is used to it by now. He jokes that he has to be picked higher than his brother — whom he calls his best friend — or "I'll never hear the end of it."

Still, over the past several months, the idea of getting another version of Maurkice Pouncey has become more appealing to NFL teams.

"You definitely take that into consideration because obviously they're very similar," Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said during UF's Pro Day last month. "Both guys could play center or guard, and versatility equals value."

Pouncey, a Lakeland native, said he would love the opportunity to play for his "hometown team" the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and relishes even more the chance to rejoin his brother. But because the Steelers don't pick until No. 31, he doesn't expect that reunion to occur.

"I'm not going to last that long," he said confidently. "It would be nice, but I honestly believe I'll be gone before that."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her coverage at gators.tampabay.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

When Mike Pouncey decided to return to Florida for his senior season, his primary goals were to earn his degree and improve enough to become a first-round draft pick.

He has the degree. Pouncey hopes to fulfill the other dream when the NFL draft begins Thursday night.

"I know a lot of people wondered why I decided to come back, but I knew it was the right decision for me," Pouncey said. "I think overall I had a great season, and I think it has paid off for me in the end."

Pouncey is following in the footsteps of twin brother Maurkice, the 18th overall pick, by the Steelers, last year out of Florida. At 6 feet 5, 303 pounds, Mike is considered the top interior offensive line prospect by most draft analysts. But where he'll end up will likely depend on whether teams consider him a center or a guard at the next level.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN.com's Mel Kiper has Mike as a No. 19 selection by the Giants. Todd McShay, ESPN.com's director of scouting, believes he could surprise a few people and be taken at No. 15 by the Dolphins.

"He can play guard or center, gets to the second level very well and should help the Giants in the running game," Kiper said. "I'd slot him in at guard to start and only look for help at center in a backup role, but he's easily the top interior lineman in the draft."

Both agree that Mike is a different player from his brother.

"The problem with (Mike) is that he's compared to his brother, and (Maurkice is) on a different level," McShay said.

"(Mike is) not Maurkice, and I think that's the most important thing to realize with the brothers," Kiper said.

The inevitable comparisons have been coming since the two began playing as small children, so Mike is used to it by now. He jokes that he has to be picked higher than his brother — whom he calls his best friend — or "I'll never hear the end of it."

Still, over the past several months, the idea of getting another version of Maurkice Pouncey has become more appealing to teams.

"You definitely take that into consideration because obviously they're very similar," Jaguars general manager Gene Smith said last month during UF's pro day. "Both guys could play center or guard, and versatility equals value."

Mike, a Lakeland native, said he would love the opportunity to play for his "hometown team," the Bucs, and relishes even more a chance to rejoin his brother. But because the Steelers don't pick until No. 31, he doesn't expect a reunion to occur.

"I'm not going to last that long," he said confidently. "It would be nice, but I honestly believe I'll be gone before that."

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Follow her coverage at gators.tampabay.com.

By Jeff Harrington, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

See "Super" Sam Fuld making another diving catch custom-made for the ESPN Top 10 highlights. See Sam going four for four at the plate, leading the American League (at least briefly) with a .396 batting average. See Sam's agent, Jim Munsey, seize the moment. "Tampa Bay may not be the strongest for marketing as compared to a Chicago or Boston. Having said that, I'm receiving quite a few calls now," Munsey said. Card show signings. Photo ops. Representing the Tampa Bay chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Even "some nibbles" in local merchandise promotions. Fuld, in fewer than 20 games as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays, has already become a crowd favorite and trending Twitter topic (see: #LegendofSamFuld). But can he transform that into sports marketing gold?

Munsey, whose son played with Fuld in high school in Durham, N.H., thinks he has a shot. "He's hard not to like … from the way he plays the game to his personality to overcoming what he has with diabetes to how good he is with the kids," he said. "He's the whole package."

Taking a gamble on an athlete early in his rise could have a long-term payoff.

Veteran Tampa advertising exec Ben Lee recalled in the 1990s, for instance, when his agency helped arrange for a young Buccaneer running back in his rookie season do a promotion for a car dealer. The dealership: Jerry Ulm Dodge. The running back: Mike Alstott. The subsequent relationship lasted some 15 years.

Here Fuld is in his first season as a Ray, and he's already nearly a household name in the bay area. "Even my 11-year-old knows who he is," Lee said.

Fuld, however, will need to show some staying power to cash in on his instant fame. Baseball is a notoriously streaky sport, and Super Sam was held hitless for two games in a row last week after rising to the top of the AL batting race. A math whiz as a youngster, Fuld knows that he has been playing above his historical averages and that the limelight can be fleeting.

Bill Webster, vice president of brand management for Sun Life Financial, has long been involved in scouting pro athletes for marketing potential. Fuld's personality has some promise. But the Tampa Bay market is too small and Fuld is too early into a breakout season to be viewed as anything more than a regional opportunity, he said. It's too early for Fuld, who makes $418,300 a year, to jump into the range of athletes who can make six figures from promotions alone.

Plus, with so many teams and so many games over the season, baseball lends itself more to regional marketing than to national. "Baseball fans tend to know players in their town," Webster noted.

Enter the Tampa Bay Rays, who were quick to tap into Fuldmania. The team is issuing Super Sam capes at its May 29 game against the Cleveland Indians — a quickie replacement for the previously planned Manny Ramirez bobbleheads, a promotional idea that went out the door as quickly as Ramirez himself.

With Ramirez retired and all-star Evan Longoria sidelined by injury, Fuld helps fill a void in more ways than one.

Tom Hoof, vice president of marketing/community relations for the Rays, said Fuld will be featured in a TV commercial promoting the cape giveaway but not in the broader TV campaign highlighting some core Rays teammates like Longoria, B.J. Upton and James Shields. "What we like to do is feature a lot of our players," Hoof said. "What's on the front of the uniform is more important than what's on the back."

Meanwhile, Chuck Norris-like jokes about Sam Fuld's superpowers have spread in cyberspace and in the clubhouse. Rays ace pitcher David Price said earlier this week about Fuld's fielding prowess: "I heard that the world is covered by 75 percent water and the other 25 percent is covered by Sam Fuld."

Fuld this month has played all three outfield positions (though, contrary to popular myth, apparently not at the same time).

Being a great athlete alone, however, isn't enough to make it as a product pitchman. You need someone who connects with fans/consumers.

"The combination of on-the-field success and off-the-field charisma is the formula most brands are looking for," said Paul Swangard, managing director of the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon. "You can be the best person in the game, but if your charisma is like a palm tree, it's just not going to work."

In that context, it helps Fuld's marketing potential that he's known to flash a sense of humor about the hype surrounding him. When reporters ribbed him about not using his superpowers to prevent a rainout earlier this month, Fuld responded, "This is me, washing my planet."

Back in the mortal realm, Fuld has a story line that builds on his appeal to the masses.

He's managed Type 1 diabetes while a relative unknown in the minors. With fewer than 100 games in the majors with the Chicago Cubs before arriving in Tampa Bay, he has the fresh appeal of a rookie. Yet, at age 29, he handles interviews like a veteran.

His age and maturity "may be a secret ingredient" to Fuld's promotional prospects, Swangard said.

"He's somebody who is reasonably wiser than the kid that surged through the minor leagues to stardom. … Usually, when you're the hottest thing, you're young and inexperienced. … A lot of brands have been burned by that."

At 5 feet 10 and 180 pounds, Fuld also appeals to fans who appreciate the small, hard-working players of the world. Think of him like the Tampa Bay Lightning's Martin St. Louis, but with a full set of teeth.

His reputation for diving and crashing in the field came early. While in the minors with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs, Fuld was alternately called "a crash test dummy with a death wish," and a "manager's dream and a trainer's worst nightmare." (Note: marketing opportunity as the guy who plays "Mayhem" getting thrown at cars in the Allstate commercials.)

St. Petersburg writer Scott Barancik, who, as editor of a Web site called Jewish Baseball News, has doggedly chronicled Fuld's exploits as one of just nine Jewish baseball players in the majors.

Barancik wonders if Fuld connects enough with devout Jews because as a professional ballplayer he "works" Friday nights and Saturdays. His father is Jewish, his mother is Catholic and growing up his family celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah.

"All this is to say for some Jewish people, a guy like Fuld is not Jewish enough," said Barancik, who is also a former St. Petersburg Times staff writer. "He'd be a great spokesman for Jewish causes, (but) I think his marketing opportunities are probably less on the Jewish side of things."

Instead, Barancik offered, Fuld could pitch a laundry detergent to take out those nasty stains from diving into the dirt.

For now, Super Sam is satisfied setting his marketing sights low.

He'd just like to get a second car for his wife and himself to use in Tampa Bay in exchange for tickets to games or an appearance or two. It's a relatively common arrangement between dealerships and pro athletes.

"From Day One we were trying to get a second car," Fuld said, "but they haven't followed through on that yet.''

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report. Jeff Harrington can be reached at (727) 893-8242 or jharrington@sptimes.com.

By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 22, 2011

What's hot: Redfish and speckled trout continue to be the top inshore species. I have been starting a little later in the morning so I can locate the school before I spook the fish. The angle of the sun in the morning is so low that locating the school is difficult. I take extreme caution in approaching the area. Low tides with clear water have redfish wary. Once they are spooked, they are unlikely to take any bait. If I do not see any fish, or I spook them, I move on to where I think the next school might be. When the tide level floods enough to fill the flats, I move into areas where I have found schools in the past.

Tips: Speckled trout have provided the most consistent action this spring. Shallow grass flats that have schools of mullet have held big numbers of gator trout. Locate fish using a quarter-ounce jig rigged with a soft plastic tail. Use super glue to keep the tail on the jig; this will give you a few more uses out of the tail. When trout are hooked, they come to the surface and shake their heads back and forth violently, trying to throw the jig. Once you locate some fish, anchor up and start throwing live bait.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at captainrobgorta.com or (727) 647-7606.

By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

FC Tampa Bay at Montreal Impact

When/where: 2:30 p.m. today; Saputo Stadium, Montreal

Where to watch: Online at montrealimpact.com; watch party at Crowley's, 269 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.

Records: FC Tampa Bay 1-1; Montreal 0-2

Last meeting: Tampa Bay won the season opener 1-0 on April 9 at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg on Takuya Yamada's goal in the 85th minute. Daryl Sattler made eight saves for Tampa Bay.

Last time out: Tampa Bay lost 2-0 at home to Puerto Rico on Sunday despite outshooting it 23-10. … Montreal lost 2-1 at Carolina on April 16.

Skinny: This is Tampa Bay's only game on the road among its first six. It returns for a seasonlong three-game homestand over 12 days. Its next game away from Al Lang Field is May 14 at Fort Lauderdale. … Left outside back Andres Arango makes his Tampa Bay debut after serving a two-game suspension dating to last season. … Tampa Bay has scored one goal in 180 minutes of play. … Midfielder Jeremy Christie (hip surgery) and defender Yendry Diaz (torn ACL) are out for Tampa Bay.

Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 22, 2011

OLDSMAR — If Ronnie Allen Jr. could have aligned the stars, even he would not have realized how surreal the possibilities were. Allen will finish the Tampa Bay Downs meet May 8 as the leading jockey, 23 years after his last championship.

"Easter is going to be real special," said Allen, who will spend the day with girlfriend and thoroughbred trainer Maria Bowersock. "Being leading rider, it's like a dream come true."

Allen hit the Downs with flair in the 1980s, winning three titles within four seasons. He posted a career-high 233 victories nationally in 1987. And in 1993, he rode Marco Bay to victories in the Sam F. Davis and Tampa Bay Derby.

But near the turn of the century, Allen's life turned. He had an alcohol problem, quit riding for five years and worked on horse farms in Florida, Michigan and North Carolina. Allen returned in 2008, winning 150 races with a career-high $3.4 million in earnings.

"I finally decided that I wanted to quit drinking and get back to riding," Allen said. "I got into rehab and cleaned myself up. I haven't drank in over five years. I haven't missed it at all."

This season, Allen united with jockey agent Frank Garoufalis. As wins mounted, the native of East Liverpool, Ohio, benefitted from the absences of several top riders. Four-time defending champion Daniel Centeno was injured in a spill; Leandro Goncalves relocated to Indiana; and Rosemary Homeister Jr. is expecting a child. All had more victories than Allen upon departing.

"I was sitting in the right spot for when those things did happen," he said. "I'm sad about Centeno. Injuries can happen to any of us, but they're part of racing."

Allen leads in wins (90), starts (558) and earnings ($1,200,155). His victory aboard My Sunshine Gal in the $75,000 Sophomore Fillies on Florida Cup Day was Allen's first stakes winner at the Downs since Marco Bay. He nearly won this year's Tampa Bay Derby with Crimson Knight.

Allen said Crimson Knight trainer Gerald Bennett has always been in his corner.

"Jerry and I go way back, ever since I was an (apprentice)," he said.

Allen's 24-year career includes 2,667 wins and more than $25 million in earnings. He will ride this summer at Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pa.

"Ronnie has really straightened his life up," Garoufalis said. "He's 46. Most riders are usually retired by then."

EASTER SCHEDULE: The Downs will be closed. Derby Lane in St. Petersburg and Tampa Greyhound Track will open at 11:30 a.m. for poker and simulcasting.

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

Throwback of the week

Mark Martin will run the Sprint Cup All-Star race May 21 for Hendrick Motorsports in car No. 25. The car will have a paint scheme based on the red No. 25s fielded by Rick Hendrick in 1986 when driver Tim Richmond won seven races and eight poles.

Gesture of the week

Five-time defending Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson is lending a helping hand on an off week for the series. Johnson and team owner Hendrick are providing $1,000 each for employees and customers of a Lowe's store demolished when a tornado hit April 16 in Sanford, N.C. The credit can be applied toward a down payment on a new or used car, or maintenance and/or repairs on a current or future car from Hendrick dealerships. The roughly 100 people in the store survived, but the tornado destroyed 70 or so vehicles in the parking lot.

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

Dodgers 12, Cubs 2

CHICAGO — Juan Uribe hit a two-run homer, Andre Ethier extended his majors-best hitting streak to 19 games and the Dodgers rode a six-run third inning. Uribe also had an RBI single in the third and a sac fly in the sixth, giving him nine RBIs in his past three games. Los Angeles set a season high for runs and hits (14).

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

The situation

Where would the Bucs' running game be if not for LeGarrette Blount? Certainly a lot worse. The rookie, left, went from undrafted to a waiver claim in the preseason to a 1,000-yard rusher. Although Blount rushed for 1,007 yards and showed an ability to be physical and elusive (How many defenders did he hurdle, anyway?), running back is a position of need for two reasons.

First, Blount's body of work, while impressive, is tiny. He played sparingly or not at all in the season's first five games. Second, there is little depth. Veteran Cadillac Williams had a strong finish to 2010 in a complementary role that allowed him to stay fresh, but he's a free agent and determined to test the market. Kareem Huggins returns after a season-ending knee injury but has no resume as a pro. And FB Earnest Graham has been consistently reliable, but at 31, his age will begin to work against him.

What they're looking for

The Bucs fed Blount the ball in large doses coming down the stretch in 2010. But offensive coordinator Greg Olson and coach Raheem Morris have maintained their wish is to use multiple running backs. In the draft, they most likely will be looking for a third-down back who is adept in pass protection and catching the ball. Those are areas in which Blount wasn't reliable while Williams excelled. But Williams' status as a free agent means the Bucs have to protect themselves or, perhaps, look for an upgrade. Because of depth issues, they probably will look to add overall talent.

Fitting the bill

There are several backs available who would be considered good value for the Bucs. One is Jordan Todman, top, of Connecticut. The versatile back is considered a perimeter threat who would present a good complement to a tough-nosed runner such as Blount. Having caught 42 passes during the past three seasons, Todman also offers a receiving option, a key on third downs. And with nearly 2,800 rushing yards during the past two seasons, he has proved he can be an every-down back. The size of Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter makes him unlikely to be a No. 1 back, but he's ideally suited to be the second half of a running-back tandem. Hunter, 5 feet 7, 200 pounds, is a speedy option who would add spice to a running game, evidenced by his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine. Both players are projected to be chosen in the second to fourth rounds.

Top 10 prospects

Best guess

The Bucs probably won't feel pressured to invest an early pick in a running back, but it has to be a consideration at some point. Truth is, the Bucs haven't given much attention to this important position. They haven't drafted a running back before the seventh round since taking Williams fifth overall in 2005. Look for Tampa Bay to use a mid- to late-round pick on a multifaceted running back who can play different roles and provide depth.

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

PITTSBURGH — Without fail, and without prompting Friday, Lightning players were talking about James Neal.

It wasn't so much the goal he scored Wednesday to give the Penguins a 3-2 double-overtime victory in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals; it was what he did before:

He threw the puck at the net from the right wing boards and at such a sharp angle, Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher did not even count it as a scoring chance.

But it went past the glove of goaltender Dwayne Roloson, and that is the point.

"You don't know," Boucher said, "which pucks are going to go in."

For the Lightning, down three games to one in the best-of-seven series and facing elimination today at the Consol Energy Center, it was a good lesson.

Shoot the puck.

"That sounds so cliche," wing Sean Bergenheim said. "You always hear people say that."

"But sometimes, it just seems you have to be reminded," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "I wasn't sure if (Neal) was even looking.

"He just wanted to get a shot on net."

Tampa Bay has been outshot 159-111 in the series. Though Boucher said scoring chances have been more equal, the bottom line is the Lightning has had 48 fewer chances for a puck to get by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury.

And with Tampa Bay desperate, it needs as much help and as many chances as possible.

"When you put a lot of pucks on net, one of them — just one of them — might make the difference," Boucher said.

"Our team has been amazing at that all year. It's been our philosophy, and for some reason in this series, we tend to overthink our shots."

In other words, players look for quality of shots over quantity.

The Penguins have something to do with it, too.

Pittsburgh has blocked 58 shots, but that entered Friday 11th among 16 playoff teams. Its real weapon is fleet and savvy blue-liners Brooks Orpik, Kris Letang, Zbynek Michalek and Paul Martin, all puck possessors, which makes the dump-and-chase game more difficult.

"We have to be more smart about it," wing Simon Gagne said. "We have to try to make plays rather than chip it in and go for the big check. They want us to try to finish our checks against them.

"They like it because they're able to make plays after that. We want to make sure we have the puck as long as we can."

After that, it is back to basics.

"I'm sure you're going to see us put a lot more pucks on net from different angles," Gagne said.

"But not only putting the pucks there," said Bergenheim, whose 16 shots are a team high and 11 more than star Steven Stamkos. "I don't think we've been happy about the way we've gone to the net, too."

It is there, wing Marty St. Louis said, the Lightning can "win some battles, create some chaos."

It starts with that first shot.

"You have to give yourself a chance," Lecavalier said. "We have to put pucks on net."

"You never know what can happen," Gagne said.

Just ask James Neal.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Friday, April 22, 2011

TAMPA — Defense is the last thing most people think about when Arena Football is the topic of conversation, but its importance isn't lost on Storm coach Dave Ewart.

"I know it's an old coaching cliché, but defense wins championships," Ewart said. "Even in this league."

The Storm defense came up big last week in a victory over Philadelphia and needs to again when Tampa Bay (2-3) hosts Dallas (3-2) at tonight at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"We had a lot of cohesion, especially in the second half," defensive lineman Tim McGill said of the Philadelphia game, "and when we come together like that, we can be as good as any (defense) in the league."

Trailing 41-26 after three quarters, the Storm tied it in the fourth after getting the ball on downs. Then Erick McIntosh picked off Soul quarterback Ryan Vena to set up a Grant Gregory touchdown pass that gave the Storm its first lead with 2:43 to play.

Tampa Bay's defensive statistics don't paint a clear picture of how good the unit has been. The Storm is ranked 14th in average points allowed per game (56), yet it is first in the league in sacks (14), fourth in pass defense (238.8 yards per game) and fifth in total defense (268.8 yards).

The Storm's turnovers have left the defense protecting short fields often.

"They've played well of late," Ewart said of his defense. "I saw some spark up in Philly out of our defense."

A big spark came from McGill, who rejoined the team after serving a league-mandated four-game suspension for violating his contract. McGill, a 2010 All-Arena selection, had three sacks against the Soul. Linebacker Eric Ortiz, who had been out since dislocating an elbow in Week 1, also returned.

The league's best pass rush, led by linebacker Cliff Dukes' AFL-high seven sacks, may have become better this week when Jermaine Smith signed. Smith, fifth all time with 44 career sacks, tied for fifth in the AFL last year with seven while playing for the Storm.

As disruptive as Tampa Bay's pass rush has been, Dallas' protection has been almost impenetrable. The Vigilantes have surrendered one sack all season.

"We have to be able to get to their QB and disrupt his timing," Ewart said. "We do that and we're in good shape. We don't and it will be a long night."

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

NEW YORK — The NFL says it does not have a deadline for canceling games if negotiations for a collective bargaining agreement continue to drag on.

"We don't have a date by which the season is lost or a date by which we have to move from 16 games to some other (number)," Eric Grubman, the league's executive vice president for business operations, said Friday. "Our intentions are to play a full season, and we will pull every lever that we can within the flexibility we have or can identify to make that happen."

Even during the lockout, Grubman said, the NFL and teams are working so they will be ready to start the season quickly once a deal is reached.

"We have to be able to figure out: When you turn the key, is the gas going to flow?" he said. "Is everything going to work?"

The 2011 schedule, released Tuesday, has games beginning Sept. 8 but includes room to maneuver.

No division games are set for Weeks 2 and 4. (The Elias Sports Bureau said there has not been a week without a division game since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970). Furthermore, the 16 teams that are home in Week 2 are the same 16 teams on the road in Week 4. So a 14-game schedule could be crafted with each team playing seven home games, seven road games and six division games.

In addition, the league could scrap bye weeks and the week off between the conference championship games and the Super Bowl in Indianapolis.

Finally, the league has a deal with the city of Indianapolis to hold the Super Bowl on Feb. 5 or 12 stemming from the earlier possibility of an 18-game regular season.

Pay cut: All league employees have taken a 12 percent pay cut since the lockout began, New York's Newsday reported. Commissioner Roger Goodell, as he previously said he would, is making $1.

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

BALTIMORE — Yankees manager Joe Girardi has had enough of April showers.

New York's game against the host Orioles on Friday night was postponed by rain. It was the third washout of the season for the Yankees, the second vs. the Orioles.

No makeup date was immediately announced, but Girardi indicated it will not be this weekend. After this weekend, the Yankees return to Baltimore on May 18-19 and Aug. 26-29.

Sooner or later, though, the Yankees will pay for their unexpected time off. New York also must make up a rainout vs. Minnesota on April 6 and the one vs. Baltimore on April 12.

"We don't like it because you know they're probably going to be split doubleheaders," Girardi said. "It makes it tough, it makes it tough on your bullpen, it makes it tough on your guys. But what are you going to do? They don't want to lose the gate."

New York's CC Sabathia, scheduled to start Friday, will pitch today, as will Baltimore's Brad Bergesen.

Along with rainouts in Pittsburgh and Minnesota, there have been 15 postponements this season, just six shy of the total for all of 2010, according to STATS LLC.

Indians-Twins: Rain spared the Twins from playing shorthanded again, with Justin Morneau (stomach virus) and Delmon Young (sore ribs) still recovering from ailments. Young hasn't played since Monday and Morneau since April 16. Neither were in the lineup, but the game was called about a half-hour before first pitch. The game will be moved to July or September.

Nationals-Pirates: Washington's game at Pittsburgh was wiped out by rain and moved to 7:05 p.m. Monday, a common off day for both teams. Each team will move their starting pitchers up a day and stay with the same rotation. The Pirates busied themselves by claiming infielder Brandon Wood off waivers from the Angels. Wood was formerly one of the game's top prospects but has struggled in the majors.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 22, 2011

TORONTO — The previously identified bruise to Johnny Damon's left ring finger is actually a cracked bone in the tip that will take a month to fully heal.

Damon revealed the extent of the injury Friday and said he plans to play through the pain and discomfort from the crack in the tuft as much as he can.

"It's not a huge issue," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's a how-he-can-tolerate-it kind of a thing."

Damon likely will be limited to DH duties since gripping a ball to throw is difficult and there is increased risk of additional pain and damage if he were in the field, though Maddon said Damon offered to do so if needed.

Damon, 37, decided he could return to the lineup Thursday, going 1-for-4. On Friday, he went 2-for-5, extending his hitting streak to 11 games and moving into 78th place all time with 2,587 hits.

"I know if you say it's broke more than likely they'll try to throw you on the DL, so we just kept it under wraps," Damon said. "They knew that I was ready to come back and play, and here I am."

Damon said the key was being able to "grip the bat without feeling too much discomfort." He acknowledged the finger, injured on an April 17 bunt attempt, remained "super numb."

Damon isn't wearing any additional padding or protection when he hits, aside from his usual batting gloves, because he feels it changes his swing too much. "There will be some times when I swing the bat you'll see me probably grimace and you'll know I got stung," he said.

PLATOON AT 1B: Maddon didn't call it a platoon between Casey Kotchman and Dan Johnson at first base, but it sounds like it, even though both hit lefty.

Kotchman started against right-handers Wednesday and Thursday and will again today; Johnson started Friday against a lefty and will again Sunday. Though Johnson is struggling overall, hitting .121, Maddon has said he likes his at-bats against left-handers. Kotchman has a .318 average since being called up April 8 and in 26 plate appearances has not struck out.

J.P. DUTY: LHP J.P. Howell's first rehab appearance for the extended spring training team went well as he threw 25 pitches over 11/3 innings, striking out four and allowing two singles. "The report was very good," Maddon said. "He felt good, maybe like a little fatigue at the end, but overall no concern with the shoulder whatsoever." Howell, completing recovery from shoulder surgery, will throw again Monday. "It was a good day,'' he texted.

LONGOria UPDATE: 3B Evan Longoria said he's "95 percent sure" he will be back in the lineup sometime during the April 29-May 5 homestand. He hit off a tee again Friday with no issues from the strained left oblique. He has plans to progress to flipped balls today and to regular on-field batting practice by early next week and head out on a rehab assignment.

MISCELLANY: Maddon said there are no plans to skip struggling starter Jeff Niemann with Monday's off day. … Maddon and Longoria said the commissioner's plan of adding a wild-card team to the postseason would benefit the Rays.

By Damian Cristodero and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Friday, April 22, 2011

PITTSBURGH — Lightning coach Guy Boucher said he "felt bad" for G Dwayne Roloson, who made 50 saves in Wednesday's Game 4 against the Penguins but allowed a soft goal as the winner in the 3-2 double-overtime loss.

"If you look at the rest of the game, he played great."

Asked Friday if he had confidence in Roloson, Boucher said, "Since he's been with us, he certainly has given us confidence that any game he can pull a few rabbits out of his hat. Obviously, (today for Game 5 and the Lightning facing elimination) we're hoping the rabbit is pretty big."

Roloson, 41, has had an unpredictable playoff. Brilliant at times, he leads the league with a .943 save percentage. But he has allowed several soft goals. It's no surprise, then, that Roloson said in the playoffs, "Stats go out the window. It's all about wins and losses."

Roloson isn't new to elimination games. He was on the 2002-03 Wild team that twice won series after being down 3-1.

For Boucher, it has nothing to do with previous games. "Playoffs are never about momentum. They're about that particular day. They're about urgency and desperation."

It is the same for Roloson.

"(Today) is a new day for him," Boucher said.

NO HARM: D Eric Brewer didn't skate. Boucher said it was a day of rest for a player averaging a team-high 26:58 of ice time. As for the kick in the shin he took in Game 4 from Tyler Kennedy, Brewer said he didn't realize it happened. There was no penalty, and Kennedy was not disciplined by the league.

RETURN ENGAGEMENT: Lightning RW Steve Downie and Pens LW Chris Kunitz return after serving one-game suspensions for Game 3 hits. "It was real tough," Downie said of sitting out Game 4. "It would have been easier if we had won. "You've got to deal with it and move forward."

'A' FOR ASHAM: The Penguins have gotten unlikely firepower from fourth-liner Arron Asham. The right wing, with five goals in 44 regular-season games, has three in four games in the series.

"That's the important thing about having success in the playoffs is putting your team and people in position to have the chance to put the cape on," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said.

Said Boucher, "It's usually the guys who battle so hard, they outbattle the opponent. And Asham has been doing that. If you watch the clips, it ain't no luck. He deserves what he's getting."

CORE FOUR: Asham's line, with C Michael Rupp and Craig Adams, has four of Pittsburgh's 10 goals and is a combined plus-12. "They play eight, nine minutes a game," Lightning W Marty St. Louis said. "But they're dominant minutes. They play hard. They're physical, and they bring the puck to the net. We've got to find a way to slow them down and get in their face a little more so they can't pressure and forecheck our D like they have."

Lineup swap? If Boucher goes with seven defensemen instead of six today, expect Marc-Andre Bergeron to see his first action and W Dana Tyrell to sit.

AHL Playoffs: Norfolk lost its third straight to Pens affiliate Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 2-0 and trails the first-round series 3-2.

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Luke Donald moved a step closer to the No. 1 ranking Friday, shooting 6-under 65 to take the lead halfway through the Heritage.

Donald is ranked third behind No. 1 Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood. Donald would jump to the top with a win at Harbour Town, no matter how Westwood fares this weekend at the Indonesian Masters.

Westwood had a one-stroke lead early today in Jakarta after the end of the second round. Kaymer isn't playing this week.

Donald hasn't let talk of No. 1 distract him through two rounds, finishing at 10-under 132 for a one-shot edge over first-round leader Garrett Willis (69).

Masters runnerup Jason Day (65), defending champion Jim Furyk (66), Camilo Villegas (68) and Chad Campbell (69) were 8 under. Ben Crane (66) and Ian Poulter (66) were three strokes behind Donald.

Donald, 33, was the highest ranked of seven players in the world's top 20 competing at what could be the last Heritage. The PGA Tour fixture seeks a title sponsor, something tour and event officials say is essential to maintaining its place on the schedule for 2012.

Donald could give the Heritage the boost it needs if he can claim No. 1.

"I guess it's always in the back of your mind," the Englishman said. "It's hard to get away from knowing that with Twitter and Facebook and the media and everything; you obviously know what's at stake."

Donald, who won the Match Play Championship in February, thinks he can focus on what got him to this point — steady, unflappable golf.

"I can control where I hit the golf ball, and hopefully, I'll give myself a good shot at it come Sunday," he said.

Donald has gradually found his game the past few seasons on Pete Dye's treacherous layout. Donald finished second two years ago then was third behind Furyk in 2010.

Donald began the round three shots behind Willis and quickly moved in front with five birdies on the front nine. After a bogey on the 10th, Donald moved in front again a hole later with a 20-foot birdie from the fringe. An 8-footer on the par-5 15th brought his final birdie, and he parred the rest of the way to break 70 for the eighth time in his past nine rounds in the event.

CHAMPIONS: Tom Kite and Gil Morgan shot 10-under 62 in better-ball play for a share of the first-round lead with Ted Schulz and Gary Hallberg at the Legends of Golf team event in Savannah, Ga.

Kite and Morgan birdied their first five holes.

"That was probably the key," Kite said. "In the past, we've been slow starters."

Schulz and Hallberg shot 30 on the back nine. The teams of Scott Hoch and Kenny Perry, Hal Sutton and Larry Mize, David Frost and Michael Allen and Sandy Lyle and Peter Senior opened with 63s.

WESTWOOD AT TOP: Lee Westwood birdied the final hole for 6-under 66 and a one-stroke lead at 10-under 134 after the completion of the suspended second round of the Indonesian Masters in Jakarta.

Times wires
Friday, April 22, 2011

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

MIAMI LURES LARRANAGA FROM GEORGE MASON

CORAL GABLES — Jim Larranaga took the Miami job Friday after 14 years at George Mason, a tenure that included an improbable run to the Final Four in 2006.

Larranaga, 61, met with his George Mason players, then flew to Miami for a news conference.

He said he took the job because of the chance to coach in the ACC, which he considers the best league in the country.

"I am very excited to be here," he shouted with pep-rally enthusiasm at the start of his news conference. "It's kind of like the last piece in a coaching career to finalize what I hope to be about."

Three of his siblings live in Florida, and their father grew up in Key West. Larranaga spent summers in Florida growing up and has a second home in Sarasota.

"I feel like I'm back home at the University of Miami," he said

He replaces Frank Haith, who left for the Missouri job. Larranaga's deal is worth around $1 million a year, the Miami Herald reported.

Larranaga led George Mason to five NCAA Tournament berths and went 273-164, setting a school record for victories. This season the Patriots were 27-7 and reached the third round of the tournament.

The hiring was made by Shawn Eichorst 10 days after he became athletic director.

"Jim can coach at any level," George Mason athletic director Tom O'Connor said. "He could probably coach the Los Angeles Lakers if he wanted to."

BYU: Forward Brandon Davies expects to play next season after missing this year's NCAA Tournament run for violating the university's honor code.

CONNECTICUT: Sophomore swingman Jamal Coombs-McDaniel was arrested Thursday on a marijuana possession charge.

GEORGETOWN: Sophomore Hollis Thompson entered his name in the NBA draft but is not hiring an agent and could return if he withdraws his name by May 8.

IUPUI: The school promoted longtime assistant Todd Howard to head coach.

MORE COLLEGES

Both UF tennis teams earn SEC semi berths

Top seed Florida defeated South Carolina 4-0 to reach the semifinals of the SEC women's tennis tournament in Knoxville, Tenn., earning the doubles point and three points in singles. The Gators (23-1) face fifth seed Vanderbilt at 10 a.m. today.

The host Florida men won their quarterfinal 4-2 over Mississippi State. The Gators (16-8), the fifth seed, play at 2 p.m. today against the winner of Friday's late match between Tennessee and Mississippi.

FOOTBALL: Chris Dunkley, a receiver who is transferring from Florida after one year, visited USF, said his Pahokee High coach, Blaze Thompson. … Devon Butler, a Northern Illinois linebacker wounded in a drive-by shooting this month, said he faces a lengthy recovery and will not play in 2011.

tennis

Nadal eases past foe

Rafael Nadal cruised into the Barcelona Open semifinals, defeating Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2 in 75 minutes in Spain. Nadal next plays Ivan Dodig.

GRAND PRIX: Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki reeled off 10 straight games to rally for a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Andrea Petkovic to reach the semifinals in Stuttgart, Germany. Tampa resident Sam Stosur advanced with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win over second-seeded Vera Zvonareva.

ET CETERA

SOCCER: Real Madrid put a replica of the Spanish Cup trophy on display after the original was crushed under the team bus amid the celebrations of Wednesday's win over Barcelona. The owner of the Madrid jeweler that made the trophy provided a replica.

Times staff writer Greg Auman, Times wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer


Friday, April 22, 2011

TORONTO — The Rays waited on their plane for nearly 45 minutes late Thursday for third baseman Evan Longoria to have his passport, which he forgot at his Tampa apartment, brought to the airport.

Now they're waiting for Longoria to make it up to them.

"He probably owes somebody or all of us some kind of a meal or something," manager Joe Maddon said. "We'll figure out something. … There's got to be some kind of due punishment."

The feeling of knowing 50-plus people were waiting on him was uncomfortable; Longoria said, "It wasn't good."

And as if that didn't embarrass him enough, Longoria had to explain it publicly because left-hander David Price shared the news on Twitter. ("Tweeted it?" Longoria said to Price. "Really?")

Longoria, on the disabled list with a left oblique strain but traveling so he could work out with the team, said he forgot where they were going. "First road trip of the year into Toronto, I packed everything, I was up early, took my dog for a walk and just didn't even think about bringing my passport."

And he didn't think about it until asked as he boarded the charter flight.

"Thank God I'm not a rookie, because they would have just left me and said stay back and figure it out," he said.

Price, who is pushing for Longoria to buy him a designer shirt, had little sympathy: "That's the face of baseball. He's fine."

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer