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Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher visits Tampa, with Pinellas County next week

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

TEMPLE TERRACE — Florida State football coach Jimbo Fisher was in Tampa on Friday to attend the Tampa Bay Seminole Club's golf tournament and banquet. Before shaking hands and slapping backs at Temple Terrace Golf and Country Club, Fisher talked about the 2011 season, recruiting, the quarterback situation and the Panama City-area beach house he shares with Gators coach Will Muschamp.

Most preseason polls have you in the top 10. How do you handle those expectations?

That's what you want at Florida State. Now, until they can take potential and give you trophies for it, it doesn't really mean a lot.

Is there already chatter about the Oklahoma game (Sept. 17 in Tallahassee)?

There's always chatter because we're both supposed to be ranked high. But the game I think is just as important is that Clemson game (on the road) right after it. Two great rivals. But (Oklahoma) will be a good test early. When you have a game like that early it keeps the kids focused in the summer. They really have to make sure they dot the I's and cross the T's.

With EJ Manuel stepping in at quarterback having three years under his belt and playing behind Christian Ponder, is that the ideal quarterback transition?

Most times when you make that transition you say that you are pretty sure that guy can play, but until he gets out there we don't know. Well, we know he can play. He was 3-1 as a freshman and MVP of the Gator Bowl. He was 1-1 last year and beat Clemson in a big game. Then he led us to a victory in the bowl game. We know he can play, he knows he can play, and more importantly his teammates know he can play.

Were you at all surprised where Ponder went in the NFL draft (No. 12 overall)?

No. I actually predicted it two days before. I keep telling everybody, he has size and speed and he can make decisions with the ball. And he's a leader.

It seems as if in the past few years you've made up some recruiting ground in the Tampa Bay area.

I think we've made a bigger push in the state in general. It's as good a state as any in the country. It's got great players and great high school coaching. But, yes, coach (Lawrence) Dawsey and some of our other coaches have done a tremendous job in this area.

Do you expect (Plant running back/linebacker) James Wilder Jr. to play right away?

I can't wait to get him up there. He's a big, athletic guy. He's a good person to be around. When you're around him you've always got a smile on your face. Hopefully, he'll be able to make an impact right away.

What is the academic status of the incoming freshmen?

I would be shocked if every one of them didn't get in. I'm pretty sure everyone will qualify, and it should be pretty comfortably.

What is the potential for the defense?

It should be great. Talentwise, we're great. We have a lot of guys who can cover. We've got safeties who can tackle. Our linebackers have good size. Our line up front should have size and strength again. And we have depth. You look at that board and there are a lot of second and third (stringers) who have played a lot. Just because they don't start doesn't mean they aren't going to get a lot of snaps. Hopefully they can be a little more dominant.

Is offensive line a concern?

It's not a concern. We've got our two tackles back, Bryan Stork and Jacob Fahrenkrug. I was very, very encouraged in the spring. A concern would be (David) Spurlock and how he comes along with his concussions. If that works out then we'll be in great shape.

Do you still share a beach house (in Carillon Beach) with Gators coach Will Muschamp?

Yep.

No plans to sell it?

Nah. Not unless one of them Gator boosters wants to give me a lot of money for my half. If you can bring one in I'll double the price on him and sell it to him that way.


Veteran leader Frankie Sanfilippo a 'calming influence' for FC Tampa Bay

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By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

TAMPA — When FC Tampa Bay coach Ricky Hill was weighing his options for team captain, he had plenty of choices. Hill could have picked from a handful of veterans.

But Hill said the choice seemed simple. He selected eight-year veteran defender Frankie Sanfilippo, 29, who captained Division 2 clubs in Carolina and Rochester.

Sanfilippo's pro career has carried him across the East Coast — from Syracuse to Rochester to Carolina to Charleston back to Rochester and now to Tampa Bay. He has played with six clubs but has always been one of the most respected and dedicated players wherever he goes.

Hill said he noticed Sanfilippo's leadership qualities early.

"He conducts himself in a great manner," Hill said. "He's always willing to help others. He also has a nice calming influence when needed. You notice that right away. He doesn't allow frustration to boil over.

"Players react in certain ways, and I've never seen Frankie become frustrated with himself or his teammates when things aren't going well. That's one of the qualities you have to have in a captain."

Sanfilippo is always controlled and comes from the "lead by example" mold. He's uncomfortable when boasting about himself. He got that from his first year of Division 2 soccer, when he shared a place with three teammates in Syracuse.

In the sometimes uncertain world of Division 2 — where teams and players come and go — he knows moving around is part of the job.

He thought he had a home in Charleston, but the team moved to Division 3 after his first year. The same thing happened after his return to Rochester last year.

"I think it's definitely tough," Sanfilippo said. "Everyone comes from a big school where they were big players in college, and they come to the professional level, it's a different story. You just definitely have to pick your time, and once you get in the game, you've got to know what you've got."

He hopes Tampa Bay is a destination, not a temporary stop. With a 10-month-old son, Sanfilippo is embracing the role of dad and would like to have a 10-year pro career.

His flexibility will likely keep him there. Besides playing right-outside back, he can move to holding or center midfielder.

"He recognizes danger," Hill said. "He sees danger very well on both ends of the field … and has the appetite to do so."

Sanfilippo was an exemplary athlete at University of San Diego High School, which includes alums such as baseball players Carlos Quentin, Barry Zito and Mark Prior and basketball player Luke Walton. He played football and received a scholarship offer to play cornerback at Washington State.

But he knew soccer was his future.

He was the 56th overall pick in the 2003 MLS draft by San Jose after three years at San Jose State but turned down going pro to finish his degree in sociology. The next year, he joined Syracuse.

"I knew I wanted to play pro soccer," he said. "It was a tough choice choosing to play my last year of college. But I don't regret anything I did in the past. …

"When you're one of the older guys, everybody looks at you and says, 'Man, you've been in this league forever.' Some people might look at me and say, 'He's been around a while. He's got some miles on his legs.' My body feels great."

One more goalie: With goalkeeper Daryl Sattler (right ACL) out for the season, FC Tampa Bay added Evan Newton on loan from MLS's Houston Dynamo. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound Newton, who starred at Old Dominion, will back up former Countryside High and USF standout Jeff Attinella, who makes his first pro start tonight against Carolina.

2011 Kentucky Derby lineup, odds

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Times staff, wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Hockey

Canada beats u.s. at worlds in shootout

KOSICE, Slovakia — The Oilers' Jordan Eberle and the Blue Jackets' Rick Nash scored in a shootout to lift Canada to a 4-3 victory over the United States in the second round of the world championships Friday.

Canadian goalie James Reimer of the Maple Leafs made 17 saves and stopped the Kings' Jack Johnson and the Thrashers' Blake Wheeler in the shootout.

"It was difficult," Nash said. "They have a good team. They work hard."

The Blues' Ty Conklin made 49 saves in regulation and overtime for the United States. Canada outshot the United States 52-20 in the game, 14-4 in the first period.

"We came up a little short," said the Rangers' Derek Stepan, who had one of the U.S. goals. "But I feel we played pretty well. We played the right game."

Canada is tied with Sweden for the Group F lead with seven points and plays Norway today. The United States has four points with two games left. It faces France in a must-win game today.

In Bratislava, the Wild's Marek Zidlicky and Martin Havlat and the Devils' Patrik Elias scored to lead the defending champion Czech Republic to a 3-2 win over Slovakia and a spot in the quarterfinals. The Czechs on Monday play Russia, which will have the Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, who joins the team after being eliminated from the NHL playoffs by the Lightning.

In other games, Finland prevailed in a shootout to beat Germany 5-4 on a goal by the Wild's Mikko Koivu, and Sweden beat France 4-0.

Tennis

Another Nadal-Federer faceoff set in Madrid

Rafael Nadal set up a Madrid Open showdown with Roger Federer for the third straight year, beating Michael Llodra 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals. Federer beat Robin Soderling 7-6 (7-2), 6-4.

Novak Djokovic stretched his perfect 2011 start to 30 matches, beating David Ferrer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to move within 12 wins of John McEnroe's record 42-0 start in 1984. Djokovic faces Thomaz Bellucci, a 7-6 (7-2), 6-3 winner over Tomas Berdych.

In women's play, Julia Goerges beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-2 to reach the semis. Goerges, who defeated top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki in the third round, faces Victoria Azarenka, a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 winner over Lucie Safarova.

et cetera

Basketball: Former Gator Nick Calathes had 17 points to lead Panathinaikos past Montepaschi Siena 77-69 and into the Euroleague final in Barcelona, Spain. Panathinaikos plays Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv, which beat Real Madrid 82-63 in the other semifinal.

Track and field: Former FSU sprinter and 2008 Olympic bronze medalist Walter Dix won the 200 meters at the Diamond League opener in Doha, Qatar, in 20.06 seconds, the world's best time this year and a meet record. American Allyson Felix won the 400 in 50.33.

colleges: Former Memphis quarterback Ryan Williams has transferred to Miami. He's a South Florida native and led Miramar High to a state championship in 2009.

soccer: Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was banned for five Champions League games for accusing Europe's governing body, UEFA, of conspiring to help Barcelona reach the league final in each of the past three seasons. Madrid said it will appeal.

Times wires

Kentucky Derby: Slow field takes another step back

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky.

The pockmarked road to the Kentucky Derby claimed another victim Friday when Uncle Mo was scratched due to a mysterious stomach ailment, further dimming a race already short on star power and speed. Uncle Mo's defection also threw the Derby wide open. "You're never safe until you put that saddle on because anything can happen," Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert said.

Owner Mike Repole announced the decision to scratch 9-2 second favorite Uncle Mo about 40 minutes before wagering opened for the 137th Derby, set for 6:24 p.m. today. The colt has been bothered by a stomach problem, but vets couldn't find a reason for his decreased appetite, energy and poor-looking coat.

"I'm actually relieved, and now I'm really concerned and worried about Uncle Mo," Repole said. "My hope is Uncle Mo gets healthy. He is a superstar."

Uncle Mo's absence reduced the already less-than-dazzling field to 19, with Dialed In as the 4-1 morning line favorite for two-time-winning trainer Nick Zito.

Already lost in one of the flukiest Triple Crown seasons in memory were Premier Pegasus, The Factor, Jaycito, To Honor and Serve and Toby's Corner, among others.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of Zito's first Derby victory, when Strike the Gold came from off the pace in 1991. Dialed In, who won his debut at Churchill Downs in November, shares a similar running style.

"He's a closer, and that's the way he needs to run," Zito said. "There are four or five horses that look good, but you have to beat all of them."

Dialed In won the Florida Derby in a woefully slow time, and that was no exception. The speed figures used to rate a horse's past performance indicate this year's crop of Derby contenders is lacking in zip.

"Slow, fast or in-between, as long as he gets the distance what do we care?" Zito said. "If he does what we ask him to do, what's the difference really?"

Arkansas Derby winner Archarcharch posted the highest speed figure in the major Derby preps, but will have a difficult time duplicating that coming out of the troublesome No. 1 post.

The uncertainty hovering over the race dovetails with a messy run-up that saw a slew of contenders sidelined by injuries and poor performances.

"There's so much parity," said Baffert, a three-time winner who will saddle Midnight Interlude, who will try to buck history to become the first horse since Apollo in 1882 to win without having raced as 2-year-old.

"When you have a lot of equal horses and there's no standout, everybody thinks, 'Well, maybe it's not that tough of a field,' but I think it's a tough field," he said.

Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher still have a shot at winning with Stay Thirsty, who will try to rebound after fading to seventh in the Florida Derby.

Comma to the Top, Shackleford and Soldat figure to be among the early pacesetters. Soldat could benefit most if the forecast of a 60 percent chance of rain holds since he trained well over the sloppy dirt track this week.

"Soldat is going to be tough on the outside," Baffert said. "He's got me a little worried, along with the 18 others."

Nehro, who's won once in five starts, will try to end trainer Steve Asmussen's 0-for-9 skid.

Animal Kingdom, Brilliant Speed, Comma to the Top, Derby Kitten, Master of Hounds, and Twinspired are inexperienced on dirt, having mostly raced on synthetic surfaces or turf.

Calvin Borel, who has won the Derby three times in the last four years, will try to become the first jockey to win three in a row aboard Twice the Appeal.

NBA playoff glance

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Late run gives Perez lead at Quail Hollow

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Pat Perez went from watching a great round to playing one Friday in the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

Four shots behind as he stood on the 13th tee, he ran off five birdies over the last six holes for 7-under 65 and a two-shot lead going into the weekend.

"That's not what I had in mind when I stepped on the 13th tee, let me tell you that much," Perez said.

Everyone was paying attention to Lucas Glover, who was 6 under through 10 holes and in the lead. But Perez started making every putt, finishing with a 30-footer on the 17th and an 8-foot birdie on the 18th.

He was at 12-under 132, giving him more confidence about the overhaul of his swing this year.

"I'm trying to get my body to release and go first and just let the club follow — like all the good players do, the guys that win," he said.

Jonathan Byrd (68) rallied from a double bogey on the 14th to close two shots back along with Bill Haas (70).

Phil Mickelson (66) finished at 9-under 135 along with Glover, whose two late bogeys made him settle for 68.

Among those headed home early was defending champion Rory McIlroy. He shot 72 and finished at 3-over 147.

Champions: Mark Calcavecchia surged to a three-shot lead with 7-under 65 in the second round of the Regions Tradition, the tour's first major of the year, in Birmingham, Ala. He finished at 11-under 133 to pull ahead of Kenny Perry (65). Calcavecchia, 50, has 13 PGA Tour wins but none on the 50-and-older circuit.

Woods' return: Tiger Woods entered the Players Championship, which starts Thursday in Ponte Vedra Beach. He has been recovering from a minor left knee injury.

Majors in St. Louis: The PGA selected Bellerive Country Club of St. Louis as the site of the 2013 Senior PGA Championship and the 2018 PGA Championship.

MLB, union reportedly talk policy on alcohol

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

NEW YORK — Major League Baseball and the players' association are considering a formal plan for dealing with alcohol-related incidents in the next collective bargaining agreement, the Associated Press reported Friday.

Monday, Indians RF Shin-Soo Choo became the sixth player this season arrested for an alcohol-related incident, joining: Indians LF Austin Kearns, Mariners INF Adam Kennedy, A's CF Coco Crisp, Braves RHP Derek Lowe and Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera.

None were suspended by their teams.

The CBA, which expires Dec. 11, has provisions for dealing with "drugs of abuse" such as cocaine and marijuana but does not provide commissioner Bud Selig the authority to discipline players for alcohol-related offenses.

Instead, players are typically offered confidential counseling and treatment case by case. The AP reported the league and union want to "codify" the process.

The plan could mirror the one in place for players who test positive for marijuana. They face mandatory counseling and possible suspension if they refuse to cooperate.

"This is something we have planned to discuss, alcohol in general," MLB spokesman Pat Courtney said. "It's been brought up and will continue to be brought up."

Oswalt goes on DL

PHILADELPHIA — Phillies star RHP Roy Oswalt went on the 15-day disabled list with lower back inflammation. The move is retroactive to April 27, so he can return Thursday.

"Just some soreness, but we're not going to take any chances," Phillies GM Ruben Amaro said.

Oswalt hurt his back April 15 while running the bases but had made two starts since.

"I've been a little tight, and it hasn't got any better," Oswalt said. "I could probably pitch (today) but couldn't promise any results."

More Phillies: 2B Chase Utley, out all season with right knee tendinitis, is set to play in an extended spring training game today. But his return to the majors remains unknown.

Cardinals: SS Ryan Theriot left with a bruised left shin after being hit by a pitch. His status is unknown.

Dodgers: Closer Jonathan Broxton went on the DL with a bone bruise in his right elbow and will miss 4-6 weeks. Vicente Padilla takes over as closer.

Mets: CF Angel Pagan, at extended spring training recovering from a strained oblique, felt pain. Out since April 22, he had hoped to return this weekend.

Padres: C Nick Hundley went on the DL with a strained muscle in his right side sustained while swinging at a pitch Wednesday.

Rangers: Closer Neftali Feliz, out since April 20 with right shoulder inflammation, was activated. … RF Nelson Cruz missed his second game with a tight right quad. An MRI exam is scheduled for today.

Reds: RHP Mike Leake (3-1, 5.77) likely will move to the bullpen. RHP Homer Bailey (shoulder) returned Thursday, and RHP Johnny Cueto (biceps and triceps) is set to return Sunday.

Yankees: SS Derek Jeter returned a day after sitting with a sore right hip. But RF Nick Swisher sat with a cold. And INF Eric Chavez went on the DL with a broken left foot sustained while running the bases Thursday.

Dykstra indicted: Former Mets and Phillies outfielder Lenny Dykstra was indicted by a Los Angeles federal grand jury in a bankruptcy fraud case. Dykstra, 48, filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and is accused of stealing and selling items from an $18.5 million estate. He faces 80 years in prison. Dykstra's lawyer said the case stems from a dispute with the bankruptcy trustee and no fraud was committed.


Kentucky Derby notebook: Jockey loses ride, finds another — for the third straight year

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Another Kentucky Derby, another last-minute change for jockey John Velazquez.

The scratch of Uncle Mo on Friday marked the third straight year Velazquez lost a major Derby contender less than a week before the race.

Velazquez had the mounts on Quality Road in 2009 and Eskendereya last year before they were withdrawn with injuries. He scrambled to find replacements, finishing 15th on Mr. Hot Stuff in 2009 and 10th last year on Devil May Care.

Again, Velazquez didn't stay unemployed for long. Trainer H. Graham Motion grabbed him to ride Animal Kingdom.

Velazquez replaces Robby Albarado, who suffered a broken nose this week when a horse bucked him off and kicked his face. Velazquez is 0-for-12 in the Derby. His top finish was second on Invisible Ink (2001).

Ladies Day? Three women will try to make Derby history. Kathleen O'Connell, a two-time Tampa Bay Downs training champion who oversees Watch Me Go, and heart transplant recipient Kathy Ritvo, who saddles Mucho Macho Man, will try to become the first female trainer to win.

Watch Me Go won the Tampa Bay Derby in Oldsmar and will break from the 19th gate.

Rosie Napravnik, aboard Pants On Fire, will try to be the first female jockey to land in the winner's circle.

For O'Connell, it has been a long, hard journey to her first Derby. "I feel like I've been a trailblazer since time began, to be honest with you," said O'Connell, who began her career at now-defunct Detroit Race Course in 1970.

A Derby win would fulfill a longtime dream. "Whether I was a man or woman, it would be an awesome feeling," she said.

Kentucky Oaks: Bob Baffert is back in the winner's circle at Churchill Downs. He's hoping for a return trip this afternoon.

The Hall of Fame trainer's filly Plum Pretty, with jockey Martin Garcia up, took charge at the top of the stretch and held off St. John's River, with Napravnik aboard, by a neck to win the $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday.

The win gave Baffert his second victory in the filly version of the Kentucky Derby. He won the Oaks in 1999 with Silverbulletday but came up short in the Derby the next day when Prime Timber, Excellent Meeting and General Challenge failed.

No trainer has won both the Oaks and the Derby in the same year since Ben Jones in 1952. Baffert will saddle Midnight Interlude today as he goes for his fourth Derby win.

Tampa Bay Lightning enters East final leading playoff teams in blocked shots

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

For Lightning coach Guy Boucher, a player's most selfless act is blocking a shot.

Think of the "guts" it takes to put one's body in front of a 6-ounce puck traveling at about 100 mph, he said.

"That thing can break your face. It could break an arm. It can break an ankle. That's a weapon coming at you. It is the ultimate sign of paying the price," Boucher said.

If that is the case, Tampa Bay has made more than a down payment while gaining a spot in the Eastern Conference final against the Bruins or Flyers.

The Lightning's 233 blocked shots entered Friday 61 more than any other playoff team.

Sixty-one.

Tampa Bay also has the top four blockers: defensemen Eric Brewer with 43, Mattias Ohlund with 36, and Brett Clark and Victor Hedman with 31 each.

Though Tampa Bay's playoff-high 54 times on the penalty kill certainly has created more opportunities to block shots, it doesn't change the key fundamental, Ohlund said.

"We do take pride in blocking shots, especially this time of year," he said. "It's about sacrificing. Usually it's a good indication you're playing the game hard to do everything to win."

Blocking shots is nothing new for the Lightning. It had the eighth most during the regular season, and the effort went beyond defensemen. Center Nate Thompson was third among forwards with 81, and wing Marty St. Louis was the only NHL player with at least 90 points (99) and 60 blocks (64).

That players picked up their effort in the postseason is no surprise, Boucher said.

"Our emphasis has always been playing playoff hockey, so it's not something new," he said. "It's something we emphasized all year long and have been so in their face about it, so that when playoffs come, now they're used to it. They know about it. Plus, more is at stake. The guys have character. They'll do more."

Given the league's anti-obstruction rules, blocking shots is more important than ever.

Think about it, Boucher said:

"It's very difficult to box out a player now. Before, you could cross-check them. You could really hurt somebody, so no one would go (to the front of the net). With the new rules, you can't push that guy out anymore. Since that guy is going to screen your goalie anyway, let's make a wall and prevent the shots."

Ohlund said he tries not to leave his feet because if he misses a block or the opponent holds the puck, it is difficult to get back into position to play defense.

There also is a fine line between trying to block a shot and not screening the goalie.

"So, if you're going to go down," Brewer said, "you don't want the puck to get through without the ability to recover."

As for the potential for injury, bigger, sturdier pads have lessened the chance. Still, St. Louis once showed a crack in his leg pad caused by a shot that also caused a shin bruise.

"Obviously, there are times (the puck) hits you where you don't enjoy it," Ohlund said. "But 90 percent of the time, it hits your pad."

The other 10 percent?

"You just face it," Hedman said. "It all comes down to who is going to pay the price more. That's what we say to each other. We want to pay the price and win games, and blocking shots is a big part of that."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.

Tampa Bay Lightning leads playoff teams in blocked shots

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

. Fast facts

In the way

The top five playoff teams and players in blocked shots:

Team Games Blocks

Lightning 11 233

Sharks 11 204

Flyers 11 175

Predators 11174

Bruins 11 169

Player, team Blocks

Eric Brewer, TB 43

Mattias Ohlund, TB 36

Brett Clark, TB 31

Victor Hedman, TB 31

Dennis Seidenberg, Bos. 31

For Lightning coach Guy Boucher, a player's most selfless act is blocking a shot.

Think of the "guts" it takes to put one's body in front of a 6-ounce puck traveling at about 100 mph, he said.

"That thing can break your face. It could break an arm. It can break an ankle. That's a weapon coming at you. It is the ultimate sign of paying the price," Boucher said.

If that is the case, Tampa Bay has made more than a down payment while gaining a spot in the Eastern Conference final against Boston.

The Lightning's 233 blocked shots are 29 more than any other playoff team.

Twenty-nine.

Tampa Bay also has the top four blockers: defensemen Eric Brewer with 43, Mattias Ohlund with 36, and Brett Clark and Victor Hedman with 31 each.

Though Tampa Bay's playoff-high 54 times on the penalty kill certainly created more opportunities to block shots — the Lightning also allows an average of 35.5 shots, most of the remaining playoff teams — it doesn't change the key fundamental, Ohlund said.

"We do take pride in blocking shots, especially this time of year," he said. "It's about sacrificing. Usually, it's a good indication you're playing the game hard to do everything to win."

Blocking shots is nothing new for the Lightning. It had the eighth most during the regular season, and the effort went beyond defensemen. Center Nate Thompson was third among forwards with 81, and wing Marty St. Louis was the only player with at least 90 points (99) and 60 blocks (64).

That players picked up their effort in the postseason is no surprise, Boucher said.

"Our emphasis has always been playing playoff hockey, so it's not something new," he said. "It's something we emphasized all year long and have been so in their face about it. So that when the playoffs come, now they're used to it. They know about it.

"Plus, more is at stake. The guys have character. They'll do more."

Given the league's anti-obstruction rules, blocking shots is more important than ever.

Think about it, Boucher said:

"It's very difficult to box out a player now. Before, you could cross-check them. You could really hurt somebody, so no one would go (to the front of the net). With the new rules, you can't push that guy out anymore. Since that guy is going to screen your goalie anyway, let's make a wall and prevent the shots."

Ohlund said he tries not to leave his feet because if he misses a block or the opponent holds the puck, it is difficult to get back into position to play defense.

There also is a fine line between trying to block a shot and not screening the goalie.

"So if you're going to go down," Brewer said, "you don't want the puck to get through without the ability to recover."

As for the potential for injury, bigger, sturdier pads have lessened the chance. Still, St. Louis once showed a crack in his leg pad caused by a shot that also caused a shin bruise.

"Obviously, there are times (the puck) hits you where you don't enjoy it," Ohlund said. "But 90 percent of the time, it hits your pad."

The other 10 percent?

"You just face it," Hedman said.

"It all comes down to who is going to pay the price more. That's what we say to each other. We want to pay the price and win games, and blocking shots is a big part of that."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com.

Auto racing news and notes

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Kyle Busch within one of win mark

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Busch won a NASCAR Nationwide race at Darlington Raceway after near misses the past two years.

Busch passed Elliott Sadler 23 laps from the end and stayed in front of Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin to win the Royal Purple 200 on Friday night, his fifth Nationwide victory this season and 48th overall — one behind Mark Martin's series record.

Busch led for 143 laps at Darlington in 2009 before cutting a tire and finishing 16th, than was edged out by Hamlin a year ago.

Montoya vs. Newman, Round 2

Tempers were still raging Friday between Juan Montoya and Ryan Newman, who had a heated discussion at Darlington about an extended on-track feud.

A meeting moderated by NASCAR did not go well with reports indicating that there was a physical confrontation between the two in NASCAR's hauler.

When asked about the incident, Montoya said, "I'm not going to tell you (expletive). Let's leave it at that."

The two were called in to discuss their actions last Saturday at Richmond, where Newman wrecked Montoya early, and Montoya retaliated by intentionally crashing Newman.

Kahne earns pole

Kasey Kahne continued his strong showing this year at Darlington, following a NASCAR truck victory in March with a record-setting qualifying lap for tonight's Southern 500. Kahne earned his fourth career pole in nine starts at the track "Too Tough To Tame" with a lap of 181.254 mph, surpassing the mark of 180.370 set by Jamie McMurray a year ago. Kahne will be joined on the front row by Newman, who also bettered the previous record at 180.429.

Helio tax concern?

The Miami Herald reported that IndyCar star Helio Castroneves, acquitted in Miami in 2009 of criminal tax-evasion charges, faces a new issue. In U.S. Tax Court, the Internal Revenue Service filed a civil claim stating that the Brazilian still owes more than $6 million in additional taxes and fraud penalties on the same licensing income he had earned from Penske Racing Team in 2000-04.

Elsewhere

Former Formula One and Sprint Cup driver Scott Speed was hired by Jay Penske's team, Dragon Racing, to compete in this month's Indianapolis 500 and October's IndyCar season finale at Las Vegas.

Times wires

A seat swap not found on Stub Hub

Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart and 2008 Formula 1 champ Lewis Hamilton are swapping race cars at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International on June 14. Hamilton will take laps in Stewart's No. 14 Chevrolet and Stewart will climb into the cockpit of a McLaren Mercedes MP4-23. "Tony and I will have some fun with the swap and make sure we put on a good show," Hamilton said. Each will drive the long course at The Glen, 3.4 miles. NASCAR uses the 2.4-mile short course.

Number of the day

76 James Hylton's age; with his start Friday in the Nationwide series he became the oldest driver to drive in any of NASCAR's three national series, breaking his own record (he was 73 when he started a Nationwide race at Daytona). Friday, he ran just two laps before pulling into the garage.

Tampa Bay Rays' Jeff Niemann out at least three weeks

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Friday, May 6, 2011

BALTIMORE — RHP Jeff Niemann, who on Friday was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain, will be missing from the Rays rotation for a minimum of three weeks, manager Joe Maddon said.

Niemann was pulled from his last start, Wednesday against the Blue Jays, after four innings because of tightness after Maddon grew concerned when the velocity on his fastball dipped to 86-87 mph. Maddon said Niemann will not begin throwing for at least a week and would need time to rehab.

"We're going to sit him down for one week, and then he'll start gradually getting back in the swing of things," Maddon said. "I'm looking at probably a minimum of three weeks before you get a good idea what's going to happen next."

Because the Rays have a day off Monday, when Niemann was scheduled to pitch, Maddon could have skipped his turn and pitched David Price on Tuesday at Cleveland. But Maddon said the Rays will start RHP Andy Sonnanstine, depending on how much he works this weekend, or make a roster move so Price and Shields are available May 16-17 against the Yankees at Tropicana Field.

RHP Alex Cobb is not a candidate to start because he was optioned to Triple-A Durham on Monday and must spend at least 10 days there. But LHP Alex Torres, 2-2 with a 1.78 ERA at Durham, is a candidate.

UPTON AWAITS FATE: The Rays expect to learn today if CF B.J. Upton will be suspended for his ninth-inning tantrum after being called out on strikes Wednesday.

Upton said he anticipates a fine and suspension after throwing his helmet and batting gloves and having to be restrained from going after plate umpire Chad Fairchild by third-base coach Tom Foley and bench coach Dave Martinez.

Perhaps in anticipation of Upton's possible suspension, the Rays recalled OF Brandon Guyer from Durham after placing Niemann on DL. But Maddon said the move was made in part to give slumping LF Sam Fuld a day off.

"It's purely based on Niemann's down. We don't need that other starter until next week," Maddon said. "So we want to be able to give (Fuld) a day off. Left-handed pitcher for them (Zach Britton). Why not bring up Brandon? It just makes sense."

SLUMPING SAM: Fuld got his first day off after watching his batting average plummet over the past seven games from .350 to .261 while he went 2-for-35.

Maddon said Fuld needed a rest, a primary reason the Rays recalled Guyer.

"I don't know if I feel like I need it, but I feel like it's a good way to recharge the batteries," Fuld said. "I might be a little mentally tired. It's been kind of a rough last week."

Fuld began the season on a tear and at one point was the American League's leading hitter. Since April 28, Fuld has hit .057, third lowest in the AL.

"Compared to slumps I've had in the past, I haven't analyzed this at all. There may be something mechanically I'm doing wrong, but I've looked at film. There's nothing really glaring that I feel like I'm doing anything different. Some of it has been bad luck. I've hit some balls pretty well at people. I'm sure I'm pressing a little bit, but I don't feel like there's a lot that's going on."

Maddon said Fuld has been hitting the ball in the air too much, which could be a sign he's tired.

"The contact is good. The eye at the plate has been good," Maddon said "It's just been in the air too much. Sometimes, that is the residue of a little bit of fatigue. Smaller guys, I always want to pay attention to them. When they put the ball in the air too much, that could be an indicator of fatigue."

Twins 9, Red Sox 2

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Twins 9, Red Sox 2

BOSTON — Trevor Plouffe hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the first, for the Twins, who have won three straight for just the second time this season. Minnesota scored runs in the third and sixth on balks (Boston manager Terry Francona was ejected in the second for arguing Tim Wakefield's.) and two runs on Jed Lowrie's fielding error in the fifth. The Red Sox are 3-5 on their 11-game homestand and have allowed 21 runs in their past two games.

Astros 3, Pirates 2

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Astros 3, Pirates 2

PITTSBURGH — Wandy Rodriguez allowed two runs over seven innings to win his fourth consecutive start against the Pirates, and the Astros scored twice in the eighth to end a two-game losing streak. Hunter Pence doubled in the tying run and Carlos Lee had the go-ahead RBI in the eighth. Mark Melancon worked a perfect ninth for his first major-league save.


Braves 5, Phillies 0

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Braves 5, Phillies 0

PHILADELPHIA — Derek Lowe took a no-hitter into the seventh for the Braves, who won despite Cliff Lee's 16 strikeouts. Shane Victorino singled to start the seventh off Lowe. Then Placido Polanco doubled. Lee came within one strikeout of the team record set by Art Mahaffey on April 23, 1961, against the Cubs. Atlanta's 18 strikeouts overall tied a team record for a nine-inning game set May 22, 2006, at San Diego.

Cardinals 6, Brewers 0

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Cardinals 6, Brewers 0

ST. LOUIS — Jaime Garcia carried a perfect game into the eighth and finished with a two-hitter for the Cardinals. Garcia issued a four-pitch walk to Casey McGehee with one out in the eighth. On the next pitch, Yuniesky Betancourt grounded a single to left. Garcia threw a four-hit shutout to beat the Padres in his first start but hadn't gone longer than six innings in any of his next five outings. Albert Pujols had a single, sacrifice fly and three RBIs for St. Louis.

Blue Jays 7, Tigers 4

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Blue Jays 7, Tigers 4

TORONTO — Jesse Litsch, a graduate of St. Petersburg's Dixie Hollins High, struck out a career-high nine for the Blue Jays. He has won two of three starts since being called up April 25. Detroit had runners on first and second with two outs in the first, but Litsch got out of it when Brennan Boesch was thrown out at the plate on Victor Martinez's single. After that, Litsch retired seven of eight.

Nationals 3, Marlins 2, 10 innings

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Nationals 3, Marlins 2

10 innings

MIAMI — Adam LaRoche hit a tiebreaking sacrifice fly in the top of the 10th and the Nationals escaped a jam in the bottom half to win despite striking out 15 times. Florida had runners at the corners with none out, but Drew Storen got two outs, and Sean Burnett got the last one on a flyout.

Athletics 3, Royals 2

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Times wires
Friday, May 6, 2011

Athletics 3, Royals 2

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Gio Gonzalez pitched seven effective innings and the A's ruined Eric Hosmer's much-anticipated majors debut. After Alex Gordon's first-inning homer, Gonzalez held Kansas City to two runs and four hits. He lasted at least six innings for the sixth time in seven starts. Hosmer started at first base after hitting .439 at Triple-A Omaha, the highest average of any minor-league regular. He walked twice and finished with an 0-for-2 night.

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