Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

ORLANDO — The Magic isn't ready for its season to end yet.

Jason Richardson scored 17 and J.J. Redick added 14 to lead the Magic to a 101-76 win over the Hawks on Tuesday night.

The victory trims the Hawks' series lead to 3-2, and the Magic faces another must-win scenario in Game 6 on Thursday in Atlanta.

Magic center Dwight Howard battled foul trouble and finished with eight points and eight rebounds. But the Magic didn't need his offense, though, as it broke out of a shooting funk with 11 3-pointers.

"We're a good shooting team," Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. "This is more of us than what we showed in the first four games. … This isn't an aberration. We've been doing this for four years. The first four games were the aberration."

Josh Smith scored 22 to lead the Hawks, who shot a series-low 36 percent overall.

The Magic finished at just 41 percent but hit 42 percent of its attempts from 3.

"The law of averages is eventually going to even out," Redick said. "We didn't shoot amazing (Tuesday night), but we shot very well."

Magic 101, Hawks 76

ATLANTA (76): Smith 7-18 7-12 22, Horford 3-9 3-4 9, Collins 0-1 0-2 0, Hinrich 3-5 0-0 6, Johnson 2-12 0-0 5, Williams 4-6 3-3 12, Crawford 2-8 3-3 8, Pachulia 1-2 2-2 4, Teague 1-4 3-4 5, Wilkins 1-2 0-0 2, Powell 1-2 0-0 2, Armstrong 0-0 1-2 1. Totals 25-69 22-32 76.

ORLANDO (101): Turkoglu 4-7 0-0 9, Bass 2-8 5-5 9, Howard 1-4 6-10 8, Nelson 4-10 0-0 9, J.Richardson 6-14 2-2 17, Q.Richardson 2-6 2-2 7, Anderson 3-9 2-2 11, Redick 6-8 2-3 14, Arenas 4-11 0-1 9, Allen 0-1 1-2 1, Clark 1-3 0-0 2, Duhon 1-2 2-2 5. Totals 34-83 22-29 101.

Atlanta 13 22 18 23— 76

Orlando 26 32 21 22— 101

3-Point Goals—Atlanta 4-16 (Smith 1-2, Williams 1-2, Crawford 1-4, Johnson 1-4, Wilkins 0-1, Teague 0-1, Hinrich 0-2), Orlando 11-26 (Anderson 3-5, J.Richardson 3-6, Turkoglu 1-1, Duhon 1-2, Nelson 1-3, Q.Richardson 1-4, Arenas 1-5). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Atlanta 56 (Horford 14), Orlando 54 (Howard 8). Assists—Atlanta 15 (Horford 6), Orlando 18 (Nelson 5). Total Fouls—Atlanta 22, Orlando 25. Technicals—Orlando defensive three second. A—19,091 (18,500).

Bulls eliminate Pacers

CHICAGO — Derrick Rose scored 25, Luol Deng added 24, and the Bulls finally played like a top seed, knocking off the Pacers 116-89 in Game 5 to wrap up their first-round playoff series.

Rose seemed just fine after spraining his left ankle in Game 4, hitting 8 of 17 shots. He dominated early and came up big in the third quarter after the Pacers pulled within four. He scored 10 over the final six minutes, and the Bulls ended the quarter on a 23-8 run.

Former Florida standout Joakim Noah added 14 points and eight rebounds.

Bulls 116, Pacers 89

INDIANA (89): Granger 7-16 3-3 20, Hansbrough 3-9 8-9 14, Hibbert 4-7 3-4 11, Collison 3-7 0-0 7, George 2-8 2-2 7, Foster 0-1 0-0 0, D.Jones 3-7 4-4 10, Dunleavy 1-6 2-2 4, McRoberts 0-1 0-0 0, Rush 3-5 0-0 7, Price 2-6 2-2 7, Ford 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 29-74 24-26 89.

CHICAGO (116): Deng 7-14 7-8 24, Boozer 1-5 0-0 2, Noah 3-6 8-9 14, Rose 8-17 6-7 25, Bogans 5-7 0-0 15, Gibson 5-8 0-0 10, Brewer 1-1 0-0 2, Asik 1-2 0-2 2, Korver 5-14 1-1 13, Watson 3-8 0-0 6, Butler 1-1 0-0 3. Totals 40-83 22-27 116.

Indiana 25 21 19 24— 89

Chicago 36 18 30 32— 116

3-Point Goals—Indiana 7-16 (Granger 3-4, Collison 1-1, Rush 1-1, Price 1-3, George 1-4, D.Jones 0-1, Dunleavy 0-2), Chicago 14-31 (Bogans 5-7, Deng 3-5, Rose 3-8, Korver 2-7, Butler 1-1, Watson 0-3). Fouled Out—Gibson. Rebounds—Indiana 43 (Hansbrough 11), Chicago 52 (Noah 8). Assists—Indiana 14 (Collison 5), Chicago 27 (Watson, Deng 7). Total Fouls—Indiana 23, Chicago 23. Technicals—Price, Noah, Chicago defensive three second. Flagrant Fouls—McRoberts. Ejected—McRoberts. A—22,822 (20,917).

Artest a good citizen: Lakers forward Ron Artest received the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award, an honor presented annually by the Professional Basketball Writers Association. The award is named for the former NBA commissioner, honoring a player or coach for outstanding service and dedication to the community. "There's been ups and downs, a real roller-coaster ride, but this is one of the times you look back and say it was all worth it," said Artest, who won the award for promoting mental health awareness this year. It's quite a turnaround for Artest, who was involved in an ugly fracas in November 2004 at the Palace of Auburn Hills in suburban Detroit after a win for his Pacers. He was suspended for the rest of that season.

Heat: Forward Udonis Haslem (foot) said he's hopeful of returning to the lineup this postseason. Miami can close out its East quarterfinal series with the 76ers in Game 5 tonight.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Diamondbacks 7, Phillies 5

PHOENIX — Daniel Hudson doubled in two runs to help earn his first victory of the season, and the Diamondbacks ended Roy Oswalt's string of 10 consecutive winning decisions. Oswalt, who lasted just three innings, had not lost since a July 30 outing at Washington.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Braves 8, Padres 2

SAN DIEGO — David Ross hit two home runs and Jair Jurrjens threw his first complete game to lead the Braves. Chipper Jones hit a two-run homer in the first inning to tie Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle for second place among switch-hitters with 1,509 RBIs. Ross drove in four runs with a solo homer in the second and a three-run blast to cap the Braves' five-run sixth inning. The Braves kept Aaron Harang from becoming the NL's first five-game winner.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Angels 8, A's 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Alexi Amarista hit a two-run double on the third pitch he ever saw in the majors and added a sacrifice fly, and Howie Kendrick had three hits and scored three runs for the Angels. Tyler Chatwood pitched 51/3 innings and allowed three runs on five hits, including Conor Jackson's first homer of the season. The Angels' rookie right-hander walked four and struck out one.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

An announcement has been scheduled for Wednesday morning at Tropicana Field, where officials including St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster are expected to announce that the East-West Shrine Game, a top showcase for NFL Draft hopefuls, will be played at the Trop for the next two years.

The game, which is played in late January and dates back to 1925, has been played the past two years at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, but it has drawn less than 10,000 fans in both games. Moving to Tropicana Field also allows the game to move closer to the Shriners International Headquarters in Tampa, as well as the Shriners Hospital for Children in Tampa, where players visited in January.

It's the third annual football game to call the Trop home, joining the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl on Dec. 20 and the Under Armour All-America Game, played in early January.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Because golf is a maddening game that has caused many very smart people to temporarily lose their minds, there is constant tinkering in order to shave strokes. Perhaps it's the position of the hands or the angle of the club at impact.

Or maybe it's the club itself.

All clubs are not created equal. Buying clubs off the rack is fine for the beginner. But for most golfers, clubs are personal. Golfers might go through several drivers, irons or putters before finding one that fits.

The best way to find the right clubs is to get fitted.

"There's two equations to a golf swing problem,'' said Bob VanSweden, who owns a fitting shop in St. Petersburg. "The first is that the equipment doesn't fit you. The second is the swing. We can solve 50 percent of that equation. Then you get with an instructor and fix your swing.''

Getting fit

VanSweden, 43, can talk for hours about shaft flex, lie angle, bounce ratios and spin rate. He is a firm believer in the technology of golf. In his shop, there is a launch monitor, racks of shafts and club heads, club-making machines and artificial turf and a net for practice swings.

When somebody wants to be fitted for clubs, he lets the machines run the data. Golfers are hooked up to the FlightScope Launch Monitor, which measures factors such as club head speed, ball spin and shaft flexibility.

Armed with the data, VanSweden can tell what kind of shaft (flexible for the slow swinger, stiff for the fast swinger) a player needs. The monitor also will show how a ball comes off the club face, determining the lie angle of the club as well as the loft degree and length of the club.

"It's just like a suit,'' VanSweden said. "Not everybody's able to get a suit off the shelf.''

He charges $100 for club fittings, but sometimes, that fee will be waived if someone buys a set of clubs. Sets of clubs can cost between several hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars.

Every club in the bag

Drivers are the most popular clubs to get fitted. Getting the length of the shaft right is an important step. Then finding the right sized club head and face angle is determined.

"Sometimes, you see people hit the ball a mile but it comes down like a parachute,'' VanSweden said. "That's because they have too much spin. We want the ball to come off at a certain angle with less spin so there is more distance.''

Irons also are important. VanSweden will get four sets of data before making an iron: shaft flex, length, lie angle and grip size.

"You've got to match the shaft up first before you do the lie angle,'' VanSweden said. "Different shafts are going to bow differently with club head speed.

"And grip size is key. It's what connects you to the golf club.''

When fitting loftier clubs, such as wedges, VanSweden factors in bounce ratios. That's how the club sweeps under the ball at contact. The higher the bounce, the more the club sweeps through. The less bounce, the more the club digs in.

"You have two types of wedge players, sweeper/slider and a driver/digger,'' VanSweden said. "A sweeper/slider is going to pick at the ball more; typically someone up north, where the ground is softer. If you live down here, we're on that hard sand. You'll be more of a driver/digger to try to get some spin.''

Even putters get fitted

There are, unofficially, a gazillion putters on the market. VanSweden believes technology can help golfers find the right one. He uses high-speed cameras to analyze how the ball comes off the club face. Then he matches the putter to the swing.

"The first thing we do is take their existing putter, measure you and find out the length,'' VanSweden said. "The ball is launching off the face and skidding before it rolls. The goal is to minimize the skid and launch and get the ball rolling as fast as you can. We'll change the loft of the putter until we get zero backspin.''

VanSweden has two putter machines, one for regular-sized shafts and one for oversized shafts. He can adjust the putter face until it is just right.

"It's all about tweaking, tweaking, tweaking,'' he said.

The simple approach

Not every club fitter is convinced technology is the answer. There aren't any fancy machines in Rick Yarrington's shop in Gulfport. He has been fitting golfers with clubs for 40 years, and he has a basic philosophy.

"There's so much baloney in this industry,'' Yarrington said. "I have a very trained eye. I simplify things.''

Yarrington, 54, has made a living fitting average golfers with the right clubs. He will take a static fitting to look at setup and spine alignment. He also will do a dynamic fitting to find club head speed. With that information, he can determine shaft length and flexibility.

"It's not golf-a-metrics,'' Yarrington said. "I'm from the old school. I used to make clubs from trees. I've been helping people all these years, not hoodwinking them. You don't need all that stuff. Like George Bush said, it's not rocket surgery.

"I've never needed or wanted any of those big machines. It's just ridiculous.''

And he doesn't carry a lot of the big-name clubs. Yarrington knows his market, everyday golfers playing on a budget.

"It's like in fishing,'' Yarrington said. "There's a saying that 10 percent of the fishermen catch 90 percent of the fish. Ninety-five percent of the people who play this game struggle to break 100. I don't want to complicate it for them. Some people try to buy a golf game. They get these fancy, overpriced clubs. They don't need it.

"I had a guy in here the other day who was telling me I don't sell the big-name clubs. I said, 'What difference does it make?' He said, 'I want the big-name clubs.' I asked him what he shot. And he said he's been playing for four years and never broke 100. So I told him, you (stink) either way. You might as well save a little money.''

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, in his first public statements regarding the accusation from Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher he either poked or gouged the eyes of ightning star Steven Stamkos, called the accusation "disappointing and childish."

"It's disappointing," Orpik told the St. Petersburg Times and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette after the Penguins' morning skate before Wednesday's Game 7 at the Consol Energy Center. "I didn't hear about it until this morning. It's disappointing. You try to play against their skill guys as hard as you can, try to make it miserable for them. But it's kind of a childish accusation, kind of a little wrestling match on the ground with a couple of headlocks. I don't know where that came from."

The alleged incident took place early in the third period of Monday's Game 6 during a scrum in front of the Penguins net. Stamkos came out of the pile "fired up," as he has said, and still was clearly agitated after the game. There was no penalty on the play, and Stamkos did not immediately address the confrontation, though Boucher said he saw it. Lightning GM Steve Yzerman indicated he spoke to the league about the incident, but the league took no action.

"That's him (Boucher) probably just pulling attention away from the Malone hit or something else," Orpik said of the hit from Tampa Bay's Ryan Malone on Pascal Dupuis that was called an elbow but replays seemed to make a case for shoulder on shoulder. "Or just trying to start something going into Game 7."

Either way, Orpik said, the accusation was "disappointing and childish" on Boucher's part.

As for Stamkos, he said what's past is past.

"I'm not focused on what happened in Game 6," he said. "That game is over right now. I'm focused on Game 7. We have to win in order to move on, so that's where the focus is right now."

Regarding Orpik, Stamkos said, "He's obviously a good defenseman in this league and he plays a physical style, so come playoff time why would you expect anything different? I've played against him a lot over the past three years. He's a competitor and he's going to do everything he can to get the advantage on you, so you've got to stay disciplined and be wiling to take some shots and sacrifice, and I think everybody on our team has been able to do that against everyone on their team so far."

Other stuff from the morning skate: No announced lineup changes for the Lightning, though we will wait and see what game time brings. ... Possible second-round opponents for Tampa Bay, if it wins tonight, are the Flyers and Capitals. Sounds as if it is more likely either series would start Friday, though a series with the Flyers might begin Saturday depending on how the 76ers are doing in their NBA playoffs. ... Here's an interesting stat: the Lightning is eighth in the playoffs with 187 hits. That is an average of 31.2. The team in the regular season was 27th and had an average of 20.1. "In the playoffs, everybody is more physical," said defenseman Pavel Kubina, who has a team-best 22 hits, one more than Nate Thompson. "Everything is on the line. Every shift is important. That's why I think we are more physical." ... Perhaps the most improved player for the Lightning since the start of the playoffs is defenseman Victor Hedman, who, according to Boucher, has really figured out how to manage the balance between offense and defense. "What I like is that in big games he's really good," Boucher said. "He's one of those kids who wants more, and under pressure he seems to be even better. It's the opposite in games that don't really mean that much; those are the games that score me with him." Said Hedman: "It's unbelievable how much you learn and how much you can pick up from other guys just from playing these games. This playoff experience is going to help a lot during the regular season next year, too. An amazing journey so far." ... Boucher on Thompson: "He'd stop a puck with his teeth if he had to." ... And Boucher on the combo of Thompson and Adam Hall, whom he called Laurel and Hardy: "They're together on the ice most of the time. We matched them against the top lines all year. Penalty kills they're triple shifted. I'd keep them out there for two minutes if I could. They're a pair." ... Boucher also talked about why the first round of the playoffs, for the most part, has been so hotly contested. "What we're seeing is what everybody has been talking about," he said. "We have parity in the league right now. Anybody can beat you. If you finished first or eighth, doesn't really make a difference. We can see other teams can win in the other team's rink. Every team you meet will beat you the minute you're a little off. It's such a fine line, and that's what we see in the payoffs right now. With parity and with teams battling since January as if it is the playoffs, you come to the playoffs and everybody is ready because they've been at it since January."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The third annual Hogan Law Firm Charity Fishing Tournament to benefit HPH Hospice will cast off from Bayport on May 7.

The event begins at 7 a.m., and fishing will end at 3 p.m. An awards banquet and silent auction will follow immediately.

The registration fee is $100 per angler for those with their own boat, bait and tackle, and $500 for individuals who need a boat, operator and bait. Anglers receive a gift bag, tournament shirt and three meals for the day.

Last year's tournament included 50 anglers and raised more than $20,000 for HPH Hospice.

This event is sponsored in part by Sonny's Bar-B-Q, Surge Suppression Inc., Sunshine Drugs Inc., Topline Auto, Coastal Engineering Associates, Black Bear Bike, Oak Hill Hospital, Cortez Community Bank, Creative Environmental Solutions Inc., Woodruff & Co. P.A. and Silverthorn Country Club.

For information, call the Hogan Law Firm at (352) 799-8423 or send an e-mail to info@hoganlawfirm.com.

MLB HIT, PITCH & RUN: Two Hernando County sites will host the Aquafina Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for local youth.

The Hernando County Family YMCA will have its event at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Y, 1300 Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill, while the city of Brooksville will have its competition at 1 p.m. Sunday at Tom Varn Park in Brooksville.

The event is free to participants, but officials ask entrants to arrive early to register. Participants must bring a copy of their birth certificates and fill out registration/waiver forms before the start of competition.

Competitors are divided into four age divisions: 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-14. The winners can advance through four levels of competition, including team championships at Major League Baseball parks and the national finals at the 2011 MLB All Star Game.

For information about the YMCA event, call Jennifer Huden at (352) 688-9622 or visit suncoastymca.org. For information about the Tom Varn Park event, call Tina Nichols at (352) 540-3835.

HERNANDO BAR GOLF: The Hernando County Bar Association will have its annual golf tournament at 1 p.m. May 5 at Southern Hills Plantation Club in Brooksville.

The entry fee is $75 per person or $275 per foursome. The format is a scramble with a shotgun start. At check-in, a gift bag will be presented to each participant, along with soft drink vouchers for use on the course. A buffet-style dinner will be provided after the tournament, at which time awards will be presented and a raffle and silent auction will be held.

Proceeds benefit the association's scholarship fund, which allows the organization to award scholarships each year to local students attending Pasco-Hernando Community College.

For information, call Amanda Germann at (352) 596-0526 or send e-mail to amandagermannesq@bellsouth.net.

JEROME BROWN OPEN GYM: The gymnasium at the Jerome Brown Community Center, off Darby Lane in Brooksville, will be open for youth basketball play from 2 to 5 p.m. every Sunday, beginning this weekend.

The open gym is intended to promote sportsmanship, fun and exercise and is intended for ages 12 to 18.

The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is also seeking adult volunteers to supervise and resolve basketball play disputes.

For information, call (352) 540-3830 or visit cityofbrooksville.us.

KIWANIS SUPERKIDS TRIATHLON: The third annual Kiwanis SuperKids Triathlon will take place May 21 at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.

Limited to the first 200 participants, the event has three age groups: 5-8, 9-12 and 13-18. Everyone who participates will receive an award. There will be swimming, biking and running. Helmets are required for biking.

Sign-in is from 5 to 7 p.m. May 20. Bring bikes for inspection and overnight securing. The triathlon will begin at 7:15 a.m. the next morning.

For information, visit kidssupertriathlon.com.

HYL FOOTBALL: The Hernando Youth League is beginning football registration for the 2011 season.

Teams are available for kids ages 5 to 15. Registration will be on the following Saturdays at Ernie Wever Park, off U.S. 98, north of Brooksville: May 7, May 21 and June 11.

Registration forms are available online at leaguelineup.com/hylfootball. Forms must be presented at time of signup. The cost is $125, and space is limited.

For information, call Rick Hankins at (352) 346-0000 or e-mail popwarnerhernando@gmail.com.

JEROME BROWN GOLF: World Woods Golf Club, north of Brooksville, is hosting the Jerome Brown Golf Classic on June 4, sponsored by Bright House Networks.

Proceeds will benefit the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation. For an entry fee of $65 per golfer, participants get 18 holes, a cart, lunch and a cap. The format is a four-person scramble.

Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch at noon. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.

For information, call Dianna Rusk Yoder at (352) 796-2526.

BRITISH SOCCER CAMP: The First Hernando Youth Soccer Club has teamed up with Challenger Sports, a soccer club in the United States and Canada, to host a weeklong British soccer camp July 18 to 22 at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

Each child will work with a member of the team of more than 1,000 British coaches being flown to the United States exclusively to work with these programs. Challenger Sports will have more than 3,000 camps this summer and coach more than 120,000 children between the ages of 3 and 19.

Space is limited, and parents are encouraged to register their kids as soon as possible. To attend for a half day from 9 a.m. to noon, the cost is $117 for the week for ages 5 to 18. For a full day, the fee is $165 for ages 10 to 18. Goalkeepers ages 10 to 18 can attend from 5 to 8 p.m. for a cost of $117.

Each camper will receive a T-shirt, soccer ball, poster and personalized skills evaluation.

For information, call Robert Andreu at (813) 283-4523, or send e-mail to robertandreu@bellsouth.net. To register, visit challengersports.com.

KIWANIS GOLF: Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks is hosting the 41st annual Brooksville Kiwanis Golf Invitational on June 1.

The cost is $75 per golfer, which includes golf, cart, dinner and prizes. The shotgun start is set for 1 p.m. The format of the tournament is a four-man scramble. First-come, first-served. The registration deadline is May 20.

Cash prizes, door prizes and closest to the pin and longest drive prizes will be awarded. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

For information, call Barbara Hitzemann at (352) 442-3412 or visit kiwanisclubofbrooksville.org.

To notify us of community sports achievements or coming events, contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Mock drafts

The mock drafts from the St. Petersburg Times' Stephen F. Holder and two national writers:

Times staff
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Top five players at each position

QUARTERBACK

1. Cam Newton, Auburn, 6-5, 250

2. Blaine Gabbert, Missouri, 6-4, 235

3. Jake Locker, Wash., 6-2, 230

4. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas, 6-6, 251

5. Christian Ponder, Florida State, 6-2, 226

RUNNING BACKS

1. Mark Ingram, Alabama, 5-9, 215

2. Mikel Leshoure, Illinois, 5-11, 229

3. Ryan Williams, Virginia Tech, 5-9, 212

4. DeMarco Murray, Oklahoma, 6-0, 214

5. Daniel Thomas, Kansas State, 6-0, 229

RECEIVERS/Tight ends

1. A.J. Green, WR, Georgia, 6-4, 211

2. Julio Jones, WR, Alabama, 6-3, 220

3. Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky, 5-10, 191

4. Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh, 6-4, 228

5. Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame, 6-6, 259

OFFENSIVE LINE

1. Tyron Smith, T, Southern Cal, 6-5, 307

2. Derrick Sherrod, T, Mississippi State, 6-5, 321

3. Anthony Castonzo, T, Boston College, 6-7, 311

4. Gabe Carimi, T, Wisconsin, 6-7, 314

5. Nate Solder, T, Colorado, 6-8, 319

DEFENSIVE LINE

1. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama, 6-3, 319

2. Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn, 6-3, 291

3. J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin, 6-6, 290

4. Robert Quinn, DE/LB, North Carolina, 6-4, 265

5. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson, 6-4, 280

LINEBACKERS

1. Von Miller, Texas A&M, 6-2, 245

2. Akeem Ayers, UCLA, 6-2, 253

3. Bruce Carter, North Carolina, 6-2, 240

4. Martez Wilson, Illinois, 6-3, 250

5. Chris Carter, Fresno State, 6-1, 247

DEFENSIVE BACKS

1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU, 6-0, 219

2. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska, 6-0, 206

3. Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado, 6-2, 210

4. Aaron Williams, CB, Texas, 6-0, 205

5. Brandon Harris, CB, Miami, 5-10, 191

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

10 years of No. 20

The last 10 players selected with the 20th selection in the NFL draft, the same slot the Bucs are scheduled to pick tonight:

• 2010 (Texans): Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

Started 16 games as a rookie and ranked fourth on team in tackles

• 2009 (Lions): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Has averaged 50 receptions in first two seasons

• 2008 (Bucs): Aqib Talib, CB, Kansas

Plagued by character problems but among NFL's best corners

• 2007 (Giants): Aaron Ross, CB, Texas

Lost starting job after second season

• 2006 (Chiefs): Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State

Feared pass rusher had 14 1/2 sacks in 2010

• 2005 (Cowboys): Marcus Spears, DE, LSU

Six-year starter has been fairly solid defender

• 2004 (Vikings): Kenechi Udeze, DE, Southern California

Retired after four strong seasons because of leukemia

• 2003 (Broncos): George Foster, OT, Georgia

Had 57 starts in six seasons before joining UFL last year

• 2002 (Packers): Javon Walker, WR, Florida State

Had two 1,000-yard seasons before career faded

• 2001 (Rams): Adam Archuleta, SS, Arizona State

Made 86 starts in seven seasons, and had 18 sacks

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Receivers

The situation

The Bucs were blessed last season in selecting wideouts who can grow with QB Josh Freeman. Fourth-round pick Mike Williams, left, led all rookies and his 11 touchdowns were the most by a first-year player since Randy Moss. Second-round pick Arrelious Benn was becoming a physical weapon when he suffered a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee. Third-down receiver Sammie Stroughter is best suited for that role. The Bucs believe Benn will be back in 2011, but it's tough to know the full effect of the injury. Tampa Bay has one of the top tight ends in Kellen Winslow. But John Gilmore is a free agent and Ryan Purvis is untested. The Bucs could use depth at all pass-catching positions.

What they're looking for:

The Bucs could use at least one more young wideout, but they have high hopes for Dezmon Briscoe, the former Kansas star who had six catches for 95 yards the final two games last season, including a big touchdown at New Orleans. Someone with speed who also can help in the kick return game would be a bonus. From the tight end position, Tampa Bay needs a replacement for Gilmore who could conceivably take over for Winslow one day.

Fitting the bill

Leonard Hankerson, above, was productive at Miami and known for his work ethic. He could be available in rounds 2-4. Wisconsin's Lance Kendricks has a big upside as a pass catcher, but he will be the second tight end off the board.

Top 10 WR/TE prospects

Best guess

The Bucs will address either the receiver or tight end position, but with only one pick in each round, it might be difficult to select both. Given the youth and production of their young wideouts, they can concentrate on adding depth at tight end. Overall, it's not a deep receiver class.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Five first-round story lines to watch

Some of the story lines to watch as the first round of the NFL draft unfolds tonight:

The character question

Predicting the draft positions of several prominent players is complicated by questions about character. Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett, left, is among those at the top of the list. He has talent but has caused so many questions about his reliability and dedication that many NFL decisionmakers are concerned about his preparedness to play the game's most important position. Also keep an eye on Colorado CB Jimmy Smith and Georgia DE/LB Justin Houston, who was reported this week to have failed a drug test at the combine.

The Patriots' switchboard

The phones will light up for New England. The team known for pulling the trigger on draft-day trades has three of the top 33 picks. Conventional wisdom suggests the Patriots' 17th, 23rd and 33rd picks could be in play if any of the second-tier quarterbacks begin to fall. Several teams might consider it a good deal to get Arkansas' Ryan Mallett, Washington's Jake Locker, FSU's Christian Ponder or Nevada's Colin Kaepernick in the late first round or early second round. The Patriots deal draft picks better than any team in the NFL.

How will labor uncertainty affect things?

The NFL still isn't open for business. So, while there are provisions for the draft during this work stoppage, the lack of a collective bargaining agreement means whatever trades are made will involve draft picks only. However, the fact that teams have so many needs to meet because they haven't had a chance at free agency means the trade market should be busy anyway.

The quarterback class

Auburn's Cam Newton, who is widely projected to be the No. 1 pick by Carolina (although not a lock), and Missouri's Blaine Gabbert, left, appear to be guaranteed early first-round picks. But beyond those two, there's as much uncertainty as ever in the quarterback class. We could witness a bit of a run at the position if teams such as Minnesota, Miami or Seattle are feeling desperate and are sold on the available prospects. But there's also a chance a group of first-round hopefuls could fall, perhaps out of the round altogether.

Where does Bowers bottom out?

Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers was considered a lock for the top five when this predraft process began. But lingering concerns about the condition of his knee have prompted fears that an early first-round investment might be unwise. The projections for where his potential free-fall ends are all over the map. The final result has a direct impact on the Bucs, who are in the market for a pass rusher and could face a decision on whether to draft the tantalizing talent with their No. 20 pick.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

U.S. Open tweaks its qualifying procedures

Augusta National chairman Billy Payne said the Masters would take a close look at its qualifications to make sure the field doesn't get larger than the club prefers.

The U.S. Open doesn't worry about the size of its field — it is set at 156 players — though it gave the criteria a close review. The U.S. Open prides itself in being the most democratic major, preferring that about half of the players go through qualifying.

Starting in 2012, the U.S. Open is moving away from the money list on the PGA Tour (top 30) and European Tour (top 15) and instead will take the top 60 players in the world a month and a week before the championship. Still intact will be the 30 players who reach the FedEx Cup finale at the Tour Championship.

How many players will be exempt under that criteria in 2012?

"The U.S. Open has done so much study on this," USGA executive director Mike Davis said. "We've gone back on a five-year basis to see if the (2012) rules were in place the last five years, the net results and what it gets us. We do not want to cross the line of more than 50 percent being exempt for the U.S. Open. If we've done our homework properly, half will be exempt."

Davis said the results showed an addition of between zero to five players.

New No. 1 heads to South Korea

Lee Westwood hopes to put on a show in the Ballantine's Championship this week as the first No. 1-ranked golfer to play in South Korea. Westwood reclaimed the top ranking from Martin Kaymer when he won the Indonesian Masters by three strokes in Jakarta on Sunday, his 38th birthday.

Fellow Englishman Luke Donald could have overtaken Westwood a few hours later at the Heritage in Hilton Head Island, S.C., but lost the PGA Tour event in a playoff.

Westwood said, "It's nice to get back to No. 1 on Sunday. I played well last week, and my confidence is high."

This week on tour

PGA: Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La. TV: Today-Friday, 3-6 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 3-6 p.m. on Ch. 10.

LPGA: Avnet LPGA Classic, Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, Mobile, Ala. TV: Today-Friday, 12:30- 2:30 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 4-6 p.m., Golf Channel.

European/Asian Tour: Ballantine's Championship, Blackstone Golf Course, Icheon, South Korea. TV: Today-Sunday, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Golf Channel.

Times wires

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

TAMPA — Two years ago, there wasn't enough smokescreen puffing from One Buc Place before the NFL draft to hide the team's fixation with quarterback Josh Freeman.

Coach Raheem Morris had spent a year as the defensive coordinator at Kansas State in 2006 when Freeman was a 19-year-old freshman. In fact, general manager Mark Dominik was so nervous about all the speculation that he traded up three spots to make sure the Bucs got their man.

Last year, Tampa Bay's selection of Oklahoma defensive tackle Gerald McCoy with the third overall pick also raised no eyebrows.

Which player will be in the Bucs' crosshairs when they make the 20th overall pick tonight? Conventional wisdom (and most mock drafts) suggests it will be a pass-rushing defensive end, or perhaps an outside linebacker.

But the Bucs have to take a more open-minded approach to the draft this year.

"When we had pick No. 20 (in 2009), the whole town wanted a defensive player, and we took Josh Freeman," Morris said. "It was an unpopular choice and now people get it. It's hard to question what our guys have done the last couple of years in the draft. … You follow your board. We have a belief in each other to get a successful player that can help you."

Tampa Bay was tied for 30th in the league in sacks with 26 last season. The last Buc to reach double digits in sacks was Simeon Rice with 14 in 2005.

After doubling down in last year's draft at defensive tackle with McCoy and second-round pick Brian Price, the Bucs are in a prime position to have a sack master fall to them. Defensive ends such as Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan, California's Cameron Jordan and Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers all are expected to go somewhere between the 12-20 range.

Bowers, who had 16 sacks last season, is a top-five talent whose stock appears to have fallen because of a torn meniscus in his knee. Dominik has said the injury did not force Bowers off their draft board, but the question is whether the knee injury would make him a one-contract player.

"Our mentality is to draft a two-contract player, a guy you're going to want to do an extension with," Dominik said. "That's certainly been our philosophy here."

If the elite defensive ends are gone when the Bucs pick, the team says it will consider a hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end such as UCLA's Akeem Ayers, one of 30 players to visit the franchise in Tampa.

The arrest of cornerback Aqib Talib on charges of assault with a deadly weapon in Texas could also have an effect on the Bucs. Talib, who was suspended one game last season, is expected to be released by the team when transactions are permitted again.

Colorado defensive back Jimmy Smith could be available with the No. 20 pick, but his history of off-field problems may take him out of play for the Bucs.

"I stole it from the Jets, but I just don't think you can ever have enough cornerbacks," Dominik said.

According to Dominik, the Bucs also can't invest enough in protecting Freeman. The draft is deep at offensive tackle, and there is speculation Pittsburgh might want to trade up with Tampa Bay to select Florida guard/center Mike Pouncey, whose twin brother, Maurkice, is the Steelers' center.

With no free agency before the draft to fill holes, Dominik says the Bucs can take the best player regardless of position.

"For me, it makes it a little bit easier," Dominik said.

It's hard to argue with the Bucs' success in the draft since Dominik and Morris took over two years ago. Certainly, they're happy to be picking near the bottom, a result of greater success on the field.

According to information on file with the NFL Players Association, the Bucs have spent nearly $104 million in guarantees on eight first-round draft picks since 2001. None of them have been voted to a Pro Bowl, though guard Davin Joseph went once as an alternate.

"No matter who I take at No. 20, there's going to be hundreds or thousands of people say, 'I didn't like him, I liked the other guy,' " Dominik said. "So that's going to put that much more pressure on a first-round pick."

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Tampa Bay Golf Tour

Looking for a place to find public courses on one website? Tampabay.com/golf has you covered. The site has all public regulation and executive courses in Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Hernando counties. Each course has a video review, breakdown of yardage, greens fees and contact information.

Political advice of the day

Donald Trump, top, hasn't announced if he's running for president. But if he does, he said he would be the best presidential golfer ever. He also said Barack Obama should stay off the course right now. "It's a great game. But there's a time to play and a time not to play," Trump said. "When the U.S. is invading Libya, (the president) should not be out playing golf."

Number of the day

743,413 Views, as of Wednesday afternoon, on the YouTube video of Kevin Na shooting 16 on the par-4 ninth hole at the Texas Open on April 14.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

NFL draft: 8 p.m. on ESPN and the NFL Network. The first round of the draft for a league that might not have a season in 2011.

Bud Greenspan Presents: Vancouver 2010 Stories of Olympic Glory: 8 p.m. on Showtime. Great tales from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Inside the NBA: 1 a.m. on TNT. You have to stay up really late after all the games are over. But it's in the wee hours when the crew, led by Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, gets entertaining.

By Jackie Otto, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

What's hot: Tarpon fishing is almost at its peak. Tides for the rest of this week will be slack and not very productive. But the first week in May will have huge "Hill Tides" from the full moon. The outgoing tides flush crabs from the flats and into the gulf, ringing a huge dinner bell for tarpon. From Dunedin Pass south to Stump Pass, crabs will be funneling out on the surface.

Techniques: First, acquire the crabs by dip-netting. Get your boat in what is called the trash line of the outgoing tide and watch as the crabs, about the size of a half-dollar, float by. Most anglers will use a long-handled net with small mesh, dipping it in the water when the crab is sighted. You can keep them in a 5-gallon bucket with a little water and grass or in your baitwell.

Tips: Watch for the tarpon rolling and or "sipping" the crabs. Drift with the current and free-line the crab so it is drifting naturally at the same speed as the current. Proper tackle is a must; at least 30- to 40-pound monofilament or 50- to 65-pound braid main line and 50- to 80-pound leader depending on water clarity.

Jackie Otto can be reached at Betts Fishing Center (727) 518-7637 or jackieotto@msn.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Braves 7, Padres 0

SAN DIEGO — Chipper Jones drove in three, two on a triple, for Atlanta. He moved into second in RBIs among switch-hitters, his 1,512 three more than Mickey Mantle. Eddie Murray has 1,917. The Padres were shut out for the majors-high seventh time and third time on a seven-game homestand, during which they scored 10 runs. Mat Latos has lost nine straight starts dating to last season, tying a team record.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Phillies 8, Diamondbacks 4

PHOENIX — Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino and Ryan Howard homered for the Phillies, who avoided a three-game sweep. Cole Hamels, coming off a shutout of his hometown Padres, gave up an RBI double to Melvin Mora after a leadoff walk in the second then retired the next 10 batters.