Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

TORONTO — Justin Verlander was picking up the check. The steaks and wine were on him, and why not?

He had just pitched the second no-hitter of his career, and after he made sure the Blue Jays pretty much came nowhere near the ball, he made sure his teammates came nowhere near the bill.

Fresh off the 9-0 victory, Verlander went for dinner at Barberian's Steak House in downtown Toronto.

"A great night," Verlander said. "It was fantastic. Probably one of the best dinners I've ever had."

C Alex Avila, RHPs Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer, utilityman Don Kelly and video coordinator Jeremy Kelch joined Verlander for an evening of food, drink and cigars in the wine cellar of the historic restaurant.

"To be honest, the thing I'm going to remember is having dinner with those guys," Verlander said. "It was a pretty intimate setting, not a lot of guys, just a small group."

Avila, who caught the no-hitter, echoed his batterymate's sentiments.

"Those times are the best, when you can just enjoy something like that, celebrate something as historic as a no-hitter with people you care about," Avila said. "It was a good time, a good meal. It was definitely the best steak and the best wine I've ever had."

Verlander, a self-described "filet connoisseur," picked up the tab after ordering several high-priced bottles of wine to accompany the steaks.

"I don't think I could make those guys pay for that," he said.

In truth, the only ones paying for Verlander's brilliant Saturday were the Blue Jays, who managed just a walk against the Tigers right-hander.

"You could certainly tell from the dugout he sniffed it," Toronto manager John Farrell said. "In the last three innings, he almost took on a closer's mentality and he stepped on it for sure. The fact that he's thrown a couple of no-hitters isn't an accident. He was better than every guy that stepped to the plate."

ROYALS-NATIONALS TRADE: Kansas City traded minor-league OF Gregor Blanco to Washington for a player to be named.

ANGELS: 1B Kendrys Morales plans to travel to Vail, Colo., this week to get a second opinion on his broken left foot from foot and ankle specialist Dr. Thomas Clanton. Morales has not played since breaking his ankle nearly a year ago.

ASTROS: OF Jason Bourgeois went on the 15-day disabled list, and the contract of INF Joe Inglett was bought from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take his place on the roster.

A'S: Closer Andrew Bailey, out all season with a forearm injury, felt good a day after throwing live batting practice and could start a minor-league rehab assignment within 10 days.

MARLINS: LF Logan Morrison, who was batting .327 with a .424 on-base percentage and a .636 slugging percentage when he went on the disabled list April 21 with a strained left foot, could be cleared to begin a rehab assignment today.

METS: RHP Chris Young went on the disabled list with shoulder tightness that prevented him from making his last start. LHP Johan Santana was transferred to the 60-day DL to free up space on the 40-man roster.

PHILLIES: C Carlos Ruiz went on the 15-day disabled list because of inflammation in his back.

RED SOX: SS Marco Scutaro went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique. SS Jose Iglesias was called up from Triple-A Pawtucket. Iglesias is considered one of the team's top prospects but was batting .253 with no extra-base hits and two walks in 24 games at Pawtucket.

Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

DARLINGTON, S.C. — Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick have again focused the NASCAR spotlight on who's fighting instead of who's winning.

One race after Juan Montoya and Ryan Newman traded wrecks and words at Richmond, Harvick squared off with Busch after a late crash Saturday night during the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Busch slowly followed Harvick into the pit area after the race. Harvick jumped from his car and tried to punch or grab Busch through his rival's window. Busch slammed into Harvick's driverless car — sending into the pit wall — and drove off.

"I made a judgment call there, and it wasn't one of the best choices that I had," Busch said. " … I hate it that somebody could have gotten hurt, but I was just trying to get away from it and get back to my hauler and go on with my own business."

It was an ugly way to end a race that produced a huge and popular upset as Regan Smith's earned his first Sprint Cup victory in his 105th race.

But the Harvick-Busch spat is sure to keep fans and drivers buzzing all week long leading to Sunday's race at Dover.

NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said Sunday that the organization will review both disputes this week.

At Richmond, Montoya and Newman were involved in two on-track incidents. The bad blood continued at Darlington as the two met Friday with NASCAR in a session Tharp said "did not go as well as had hoped it would." Whispers popped up that Newman had punched Montoya during the meeting, something both brushed aside.

Then the Harvick-Busch issue popped up. Those two and Harvick's Richard Childress Racing teammate, Clint Bowyer, were three-wide on the narrow Darlington track. In the previous corner Harvick bumped Busch from behind. Harvick and Bowyer went below Busch and contact sent Bowyer into the interior wall. As cars spun out behind, Busch gathered his car, then veered down the track and sent Harvick spinning.

Smith held on through a green-white-checkered finish to beat points leader Carl Edwards, but the real drama was still to come in the pits.

Both Busch and Harvick were asked to go to the NASCAR hauler and both left composed — though with different versions of events.

Busch said Harvick was guilty of "unacceptable racing."

"I gave him room off of (Turn) 2, I didn't get the room," Busch said.

Harvick said he was racing hard and "things happen. That's it. What do you do?"

What do you do, indeed — except carry the dispute to Dover and watch for more fireworks.

Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

ISTANBUL — Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel easily won Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix, clinching his third victory of the season ahead of teammate Mark Webber.

The Formula One champion was never in trouble at Istanbul Park after starting from the pole for the fourth consecutive race. He won by 8.8 seconds.

"Throughout this race we had this cushion and were able to act rather than react," Vettel said.

Vettel, 23, became F1's youngest champ last year and is an odds-on favorite to repeat; he leads McLaren's Lewis Hamilton by 34 points and Webber by 38.

Webber passed Fernando Alonso late in a race that saw a lot of bumping and overtaking early — just not for first place — as well as four tire stops each by the top four drivers. Alonso was third.

F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone said he is "100 percent" certain that major shareholder CVC Capital Partners does not want to sell to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

EAST BAY RACEWAY: Keith Nosbisch won the Late Model main event Saturday in Gibsonton.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 8, 2011

USF softball coach Ken Eriksen, citing the "safety and welfare" of his players, pulled his team off the field during Sunday's game at DePaul, forfeiting the regular-season finale.

Eriksen removed his players during the second inning of the game in Chicago. In a statement issued by the university, USF said it forfeited out of "concerns related to the safety and welfare of … team members."

USF (33-20, 13-5 Big East) informed the conference of its concerns and said it wouldn't comment until the league "reviewed and addressed the matter."

Eriksen, whose team trailed 1-0 at the time, was not available for comment. USF said the decision to forfeit was not related to field conditions or officiating.

The move impacted the Bulls' seeding for the conference tournament. Had they won, they would've been the No. 3 seed. Instead, they're No. 4 and face No. 5 Louisville, the host, on Thursday.

The Bulls and Blue Demons split a doubleheader Saturday, USF handing DePaul just its second conference loss. Notre Dame already had earned the tourney's No. 1 seed. But a DePaul win coupled with a Notre Dame loss would've given the Blue Demons a share of the regular-season title. Notre Dame, however, won to clinch the title outright.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 8, 2011

TAMPA — It is uncanny the similar paths the Lightning and Bruins followed this season.

Both had 46-25-11 regular-season records for the same 103 points. Both fell behind by two games in their first-round playoff series. Both swept their second-round opponents.

So, when the teams meet in the Eastern Conference final, Lightning coach Guy Boucher predicted low-scoring games decided by "the smallest detail."

"One thing for sure," Boucher said, "it's going to be a war out there."

"They're a big, physical team," center Nate Thompson said. "They have big (defense), but at the same time they can do a little bit of everything. We know we have our work cut out for us."

The work for Tampa Bay began Sunday at the St. Pete Times Forum, where the team skated for the first time since Wednesday, when it finished its four-game sweep of the Capitals.

The 60-minute practice began with simple skating and passing exercises and continued with drills to activate the legs.

The plan is to increase the intensity so players peak when the series begins either Thursday or Saturday in Boston.

"Break time," Boucher said, "is over."

Tampa Bay's biggest concern is not that Boston will try to intimidate physically, especially at TD Garden. Nor is it 6-foot-9, 255-pound defenseman Zdeno Chara, or, as wing Marty St. Louis put it, "They attack with five and defend with five."

It is goaltender Tim Thomas, the Vezina Trophy finalist whose 2.03 goals-against average in the playoffs and .937 save percentage are second to the 2.01 and .941 of Tampa Bay's Dwayne Roloson.

"He's making everybody scratch their heads about what to do," Boucher said, "including myself."

That Boston is expected to be without concussed center Patrice Bergeron, who has a team-high 12 points and is a mainstay on the penalty kill, doesn't change Tampa Bay's plan, Boucher said.

"They still have all the tools to be a lethal team."

Besides, he added, "We're expecting everybody to play. I know Bergeron supposedly has a concussion, but he's got a lot of time to get back. I'm expecting him to be back, so we're expecting them to have their full team. We're not hoping for anything to go wrong with them for us to do well. If that's the case, we shouldn't be here."

Boucher pointed out many predict the Bruins will win.

"We know people are not giving us much of a chance," he said. "We hear it everywhere. But we weren't supposed to get a chance in the first or second series either. Our guys battle."

New York Times
Sunday, May 8, 2011

DALLAS — Phil Jackson took the final stroll alone. His players rushed in front of him and into an offseason of scrutiny and uncertainty. His faithful assistants — Frank Hamblen, Brian Shaw and Jim Cleamons — paced behind him. Away from the court and in the depths of the American Airlines Center, Jackson cracked a smile, the calm in the storm, during his walk toward retirement Sunday.

Once Jackson disappeared to address the Lakers, four of his grown children hugged one another amid bleary eyes outside the locker room. They wore hats with the Roman numeral XI — 11, or the number of championships Jackson won as a coach in his wide-reaching, far-touching career.

That will stand as the final total. Something loosely resembling the championship-tested Lakers took the court Sunday, absorbed a 122-86 pummeling from the Mavericks that completed a stunning 4-0 second-round sweep in the West semifinals and brought, in all likelihood, an abrupt expiration to Jackson's coaching career.

"This is, and all my hopes and aspirations are, that this is the final game that I'll coach," Jackson said. "This has been a wonderful run."

The end came swiftly and forcefully, with the first playoff sweep of a team he coached. Jackson, who mentored Michael Jordan, harnessed Kobe Bryant and perfected the triangle offense, watched the Lakers disintegrate.

"A buzz saw," Jackson called Dallas, which plays the winner of the Grizzlies-Thunder series for a spot in the NBA Finals.

"I grew up under him," said Bryant, who scored only four of his 17 points after the first quarter. He and Jackson first teamed 12 years ago, then secured five championships together.

"The way I approach things, the way I think about things, not only basketball but in life in general, a lot of it comes from him because I've been around him so much," Bryant said. "It's a little weird for me to think about what next year's going to look like."

Last summer, Jackson, 65, said he would return for one season to defend the Lakers' two consecutive titles and called this season "The Last Stand."

"I came back this year with some trepidation," said Jackson, a Hall of Famer since 2007. "Kobe's knee was an issue, and obviously our team was older. The thrill of trying to chase a threepeat is always an exciting thing. But, yes, I knew it was going to be a challenge for our team to threepeat."

Jason Terry shredded the Lakers for a playoff record-tying nine 3-pointers, scored 32 and created a partylike atmosphere.

"(Terry's) shot-making was breathtaking," said Mavs coach Rick Carlisle, who also saw Peja Stojakovic go 6-for-6 on 3-pointers as Dallas made 20 of 32 3-pointers.

There were lots of smiles in the Mavs locker room but little celebrating. Their focus is the first title in franchise history.

"The job isn't finished," Terry said. " … This was great. I don't want to understate the meaning of this victory. We're back in the Western Conference finals."

The Lakers' discontent bubbled over in the fourth. Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum committed flagrant fouls within a 45-second span and were ejected. After Bynum's forearm to Barea, the Lakers called a timeout, down 100-68. Bryant wandered away from his teammates in the huddle, lost in the unraveling.

"I wasn't happy with the way our players exited the game, on Lamar and Andrew's part," Jackson said.

"I don't know where we lost it, that drive, that bond we had in the past, that cohesive drive … to overcome adversity," Odom said.

Jackson has retired twice before, but this one appears to be the official end.

Even the NBA got in a final shot, fining Jackson $35,000 for his comments Saturday about Dallas' defense on Pau Gasol.

"That's not fun, having a feeling like I've been chased down the freeway by them," Jackson said. "But as Richard Nixon said, 'You won't be able to kick this guy around anymore.' "

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Mavericks 122, Lakers 86

L.A. LAKERS (86): Artest 3-7 4-5 11, Gasol 4-10 2-2 10, Bynum 2-7 2-2 6, Fisher 1-8 3-4 5, Bryant 7-18 3-4 17, Odom 4-5 2-5 10, Brown 5-10 2-3 15, Blake 1-4 0-0 3, Barnes 4-7 1-1 9, Smith 0-1 0-0 0, Johnson 0-3 0-0 0, Walton 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 31-82 19-26 86.

DALLAS (122): Marion 3-7 2-2 8, Nowitzki 7-11 2-2 17, Chandler 2-4 1-1 5, Kidd 1-6 0-0 3, Stevenson 1-6 0-0 3, Stojakovic 7-7 1-2 21, Terry 11-14 1-2 32, Barea 9-14 3-3 22, Haywood 1-1 2-3 4, Brewer 1-2 0-0 2, Mahinmi 0-0 2-4 2, Cardinal 1-1 0-0 3. Totals 44-73 14-19 122.

L.A. Lakers 23 16 23 24— 86

Dallas 27 36 23 36— 122

3-Point Goals—Lakers 5-24 (Brown 3-5, Artest 1-3, Blake 1-4, Johnson 0-1, Barnes 0-2, Fisher 0-2, Walton 0-2, Bryant 0-5), Dallas 20-32 (Terry 9-10, Stojakovic 6-6, Nowitzki 1-1, Cardinal 1-1, Barea 1-4, Stevenson 1-5, Kidd 1-5). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—L.A. Lakers 44 (Gasol 8), Dallas 48 (Chandler 9). Assists—L.A. Lakers 16 (Gasol 6), Dallas 32 (Barea 8). Total Fouls—L.A. Lakers 21, Dallas 23. Flagrant Fouls—Bynum, Odom. Ejected—Bynum, Odom. A—21,087.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, May 8, 2011

Ennemis amicale (friendly foes)

The Lightning's Guy Boucher and Bruins' Claude Julien represent the first matchup of French-Canadian coaches in a conference final since New Jersey's Pat Burns and Ottawa's Jacques Martin in 2003.

As you would expect, this is big news for Canada's French-speaking media. But Boucher said, "I don't think of it that way. We have a good relationship and a respectful one, so it's a nonissue. He's not going to score any goals, and I'm not going to, either."

Boucher said he and Julien are not buddies, per se.

"But we know each other," he said. "We've talked to each other over the years. He's given me some tips over the years about things he was doing. I have respect for him."

Wedded bliss

Lightning RW Teddy Purcell caught a break when the Lightning on Wednesday finished its four-game sweep of the Capitals. He got a chance to attend a friend's wedding with 100 other guests, including his sister and mother.

John Schwartz, Purcell's buddy from his native Newfoundland, was married Friday on St. Pete Beach. Had the Capitals won, Game 5 would have been Friday in Washington.

"With the sweep, everything worked out perfect for it," Purcell said.

Tickets

An announcement about ticket sales for the series will be made shortly. Because the Lightning is the lower-seeded team, it will host Games 3 and 4 and a potential Game 6. The schedule will be determined after the West semifinals end.

Number of the day

39 Years since the Bruins won their last Stanley Cup championship (1971-72).

Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer

Quote to note

"Boston is one of those original teams that has a great history. If you've got a great history, most of the time you've got a good present. That's why they're always one of those contenders and teams people usually don't want to meet."

Lightning coach Guy Boucher

Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

ATLANTA — The Hawks finally won a second-round playoff game at home. They can thank a guy who frequently gets booed by the home fans, and a young guard who wasn't supposed to be playing much at all.

Josh Smith answered his critics with a huge game — 23 points, 16 rebounds and eight assists — and fill-in Jeff Teague came up with big plays down the stretch to lead the Hawks past the Bulls 100-88 Sunday, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at two games apiece.

The Hawks ended a nine-game home skid in the second round, their misery dating to a May 13, 1996, win against Orlando.

Smith is frequently criticized by Atlanta fans for his inconsistent play. He heard cheers in this one, staying away from the outside jumpers, dominating on the inside and finding the open man.

"There are people who don't understand the game, who don't know the game. That doesn't faze me," Smith said. " … When I was in my rut, (my teammates) told me to stay positive, to stay in the game, just do what I'd been doing all season long. I stayed with it and had the game I had."

Teague, filling in for injured Kirk Hinrich, played with the poise of a veteran. He scored 12 and had four assists, putting the capper on a late 10-0 run that broke open a tight game.

Chicago's Derrick Rose scored 34 but needed 32 shots to do it.

Hawks 100, Bulls 88

CHICAGO (88): Deng 5-14 2-2 13, Boozer 7-10 4-4 18, Noah 2-4 2-4 6, Rose 12-32 9-11 34, Bogans 1-2 0-0 3, Brewer 0-2 0-0 0, Gibson 3-3 3-4 9, Asik 1-2 1-2 3, Watson 0-1 0-0 0, Korver 1-8 0-0 2. Totals 32-78 21-27 88.

ATLANTA (100): Smith 8-22 7-9 23, Horford 9-11 2-2 20, Collins 2-2 0-0 4, Teague 6-12 0-0 12, Johnson 9-14 3-3 24, Pachulia 1-3 3-4 5, Crawford 5-11 1-2 12, Williams 0-5 0-0 0, Wilkins 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 40-81 16-20 100.

Chicago 26 20 23 19— 88

Atlanta 28 19 20 33— 100

3-Point Goals—Chicago 3-16 (Bogans 1-2, Rose 1-3, Deng 1-6, Korver 0-5), Atlanta 4-11 (Johnson 3-5, Crawford 1-5, Smith 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Chicago 48 (Noah 11), Atlanta 49 (Smith 16). Assists—Chicago 19 (Rose 10), Atlanta 23 (Smith 8). Total Fouls—Chicago 20, Atlanta 19. Technicals—Chicago Coach Thibodeau, Chicago defensive three second 2, Pachulia. A—19,263 (18,729).

Celtics healing: Rajon Rondo's elbow tested okay Sunday, and Celtics coach Doc Rivers says his point guard will be a game-time decision for tonight's Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Miami. Rondo dislocated his left elbow in the third quarter of Saturday's 97-81 win when he got tangled up with Miami guard Dwyane Wade and got thrown to the floor. Backup Delonte West has a bruised left shoulder but was feeling better. "Right now, we're going to go with, 'They're all playing,' " Rivers said.

NBA draft status: Butler guard Shelvin Mack is keeping his name in the June 23 draft and won't return for his senior season with the Indiana school that reached the NCAA final the past two seasons. Players can withdraw from consideration by notifying the NBA in writing no later than 5 p.m. June 13. … Kentucky junior guard DeAndre Liggins, Stanford junior guard Jeremy Green and Tennessee All-SEC guard Scotty Hopson all said they will remain in the draft.

Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Tomas Holm­strom tipped in the winner with 6:08 left, one of three goals the Red Wings scored in the third as they beat the Sharks 4-3 Sunday to avoid elimination.

Detroit lost the series' first three games but now has won two in a row to send it back to Joe Louis Arena on Tuesday.

"There's a lot of character on this team. There's not any quit," said Detroit's Jimmy Howard, who made 39 saves. "Our season was on the line there in the third period, and we found a way."

Only three teams have overcome 3-0 deficits to win series: last season's Flyers, the 1942 Maple Leafs and 1975 Islanders.

The Red Wings already have overcome a repeat of last season, when they went down 3-0 to the Sharks in the conference semi­finals before being eliminated in Game 5 at San Jose.

Logan Couture beat Howard on a breakaway Sunday to put San Jose up 3-1 just 54 seconds into the third. But Jonathan Ericsson and Dan Cleary scored in a span of 1:46 to tie it.

Then Nicklas Lidstrom sent a shot from the slot that Holm­strom redirected top shelf past Antti Niemi.

"When we go up 3-1, we usually finish teams off," Sharks captain Joe Thornton said.

"They fought back very hard. We made a couple of careless plays. And against their skilled players, they put those in."

First Period—1, San Jose, Setoguchi 5 (Boyle, Thornton), 17:18. Penalties—Stuart, Det (boarding), 5:46; Lidstrom, Det (tripping), 12:26; Franzen, Det (slashing), 17:43; Thornton, SJ (unsportsmanlike conduct), 17:43.

Second Period—2, San Jose, Pavelski 5 (Clowe, Wellwood), 15:32. 3, Detroit, Kronwall 2 (Datsyuk, Stuart), 16:25. Penalties—Datsyuk, Det (holding), 2:46; Thornton, SJ (hooking), 10:05.

Third Period—4, San Jose, Couture 4 (Heatley), :54. 5, Detroit, Ericsson 1 (Zetterberg, Datsyuk), 3:43. 6, Detroit, Cleary 2 (Kronwall, Bertuzzi), 5:29. 7, Detroit, Holmstrom 3 (Lidstrom, Datsyuk), 13:52. Penalties—Heatley, SJ (high-sticking), 1:25; Abdelkader, Det (elbowing), 14:55. Shots on Goal—Detroit 7-9-6—22. San Jose 16-14-12—42. Power-play opportunities—Detroit 0 of 2; San Jose 0 of 4. Goalies—Detroit, Howard 6-3-0 (42 shots-39 saves). San Jose, Niemi 6-4-0 (22-18). A—17,562 (17,562).

Times wires
Sunday, May 8, 2011

Braves 5, Phillies 2

PHILADELPHIA — Jair Jurrjens pitched neatly into the seventh and Freddie Freeman, Alex Gonzalez and former Ray Eric Hinske homered for the Braves. Jurrjens hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any start. Cole Hamels threw 92 pitches in seven innings before being removed for a pinch-hitter.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

USF point guard Shedrick Haynes, who played sparingly in his only season with the Bulls, said Monday he is transferring to Division II Tarleton State in Texas for his final year of college basketball.

Haynes, a Bradenton native who averaged 1.1 points per game for the Bulls as a junior, will be at his fourth school in as many years, having played at Manatee Community College and Lackawanna (Pa.) Junior College before signing with USF. Bulls coach Stan Heath never came to trust Haynes enough to see significant playing time, relying heavily on starting point guard Anthony Crater.

Haynes could have transferred to another Division I program, but would have had to sit out a season before playing again, and he's joining a successful program at Tarleton, located about 100 miles southwest of Dallas. The Texans went 24-6 last season and won the Lone Star Conference championship, finishing the season ranked No. 17 in the Division II coaches' poll.

USF had two reserve guards request a release so they could transfer after the 2010-11 season, with sophomore Mike Burwell as the other transfer. Burwell has not announced a decision as to where he'll play his remaining two seasons of college basketball. Heath has already signed two point guards to shore up his depth, adding junior college standout Blake Nash and Anthony Collins, a high school guard from Houston.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

USF's $35-million renovation of the Sun Dome has likely been pushed back to June due to "procedural" delays, and those delays will force the Bulls' men's and women's basketball teams to play part of their 2012 Big East conference schedule off campus, executive associate athletic Bill McGillis said Monday.

USF's renovation of its 30-year-old arena -- home to USF basketball and volleyball as well as a busy schedule of concerts and other events -- was conditionally approved by the state's Board of Governors on March 25, though that approval required that USF's foundation to set aside $20-million as a backup guaranteee for the $26-million loan financing much of the project.

Six weeks later, USF has moved its personnel and ticket offices from the Sun Dome into temporary trailers, but construction itself has not begun. McGillis said the logistical process of "dotting i's and crossing t's" is continuing with meetings with architects and builders, and that the renovation itself is not in jeopardy.

"The process is moving forward and we don't have any reason to think it won't happen," McGillis said.

The opening of the renovated arena, which USF officials had once hoped would be in place for fall graduation in December, has now been pushed back "into February," McGillis said, meaning USF will have to play perhaps half or more of its Big East schedule off campus. McGillis said as many Big East games as possible will be played at the St. Pete Times Forum downtown, which can accommodate larger crowds and helps minimize the inconvenience for season-ticket holders.

USF officials had already been working to find off-campus venues to host nonconference games, with preliminary talks with the Times Forum, the University of Tampa's Bob Martinez Center and the Lakeland Center. USF averaged an announced crowd of 4,620 fans in its eight Big East men's games at the Sun Dome last season, with an announced 10,051 on hand when the Bulls faced Syracuse at the Times Forum.

USF's women's team could play off-campus as well, but could also stay on campus by playing on the perimeter of the Sun Dome in The Corral, where USF's volleyball team plays its home matches.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

USF's $35-million renovation of the Sun Dome has likely been pushed back to June due to "procedural" delays, and those delays will force the Bulls' men's and women's basketball teams to play part of their 2012 Big East conference schedule off campus, executive associate athletic Bill McGillis said Monday.

USF's renovation of its 30-year-old arena -- home to USF basketball and volleyball as well as a busy schedule of concerts and other events -- was conditionally approved by the state's Board of Governors on March 25, though that approval required that USF's foundation to set aside $20-million as a backup guaranteee for the $26-million loan financing much of the project.

Six weeks later, USF has moved its personnel and ticket offices from the Sun Dome into temporary trailers, but construction itself has not begun. McGillis said the logistical process of "dotting i's and crossing t's" is continuing with meetings with architects and builders, and that the renovation itself is not in jeopardy.

"The process is moving forward and we don't have any reason to think it won't happen," McGillis said.

The opening of the renovated arena, which USF officials had once hoped would be in place for fall graduation in December, has now been pushed back "into February," McGillis said, meaning USF will have to play perhaps half or more of its Big East schedule off campus. McGillis said as many Big East games as possible will be played at the St. Pete Times Forum downtown, which can accommodate larger crowds and helps minimize the inconvenience for season-ticket holders.

USF officials had already been working to find off-campus venues to host nonconference games, with preliminary talks with the Times Forum, the University of Tampa's Bob Martinez Center and the Lakeland Center. USF averaged an announced crowd of 4,620 fans in its eight Big East men's games at the Sun Dome last season, with an announced 10,051 on hand when the Bulls faced Syracuse at the Times Forum.

USF's women's team could play off-campus as well, but could also stay on campus by playing on the perimeter of the Sun Dome in The Corral, where USF's volleyball team plays its home matches.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

BALTIMORE — Andy Sonnanstine accepted his role working out of the Rays bullpen, but it's no relief.

He has to be prepared for going long stretches between appearances or ready to take the mound at any instant if a starter gets injured or is ineffective early in games.

That's why Sonnanstine (0-0, 2.19 ERA) is embracing his opportunity to start Tuesday's game at Cleveland against the Indians in place of RHP Jeff Niemann, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a lower back strain and could miss three weeks.

Manager Joe Maddon has said he does not see tonight's game against the Indians as a one-and-done chance for Sonnanstine, who could make multiple starts while Niemann is on the mend.

"I think the bullpen mentality is a lot tougher," Sonnanstine said. "I've got a lot of respect for the other guys we've got down there, especially the long relievers in the big leagues. You have to be ready for a line drive shot and you're the guy who goes in. I think knowing when you're going to throw, knowing the game time and being a starter I think is much easier just to be prepared and know every fifth day, you're going to be out there."

Sonnanstine's last start came on the final day of the regular season Oct. 2 at Kansas City. Since then, he has made six appearances, allowing three earned runs in 12 1/3 innings.

He pitched three scoreless innings in relief last week against the Blue Jays. But with the Rays starters routinely going seven innings, Sonnanstine has lived a Maytag Repairman existence.

"The thing about him that I love, he works every day at something," Maddon said. "He always stays ready. He keeps his bat ready in case I need him in the 13th inning of a weird game. So I know he's going to be prepared for the Indians. He's pitched in a World Series, so he's not intimidated by anything."

But Sonnanstine has not had much luck against the Indians. In nine career appearances against them, he has a 9.51 earned run average.

The other thing to watch for is his endurance. Although he normally pitches to contact, Maddon doesn't want to stretch him much beyond 80 pitches tonight. He is hopeful that will be enough to get Sonnanstine through five or six innings.

"It's tough," Sonnanstine said. "It might be a 'day of' type feel, but I would feel 100 percent comfortable throwing 80 to 90 pitches. If we're in the 100s, that might be a little much. I think my last outing, I threw three innings and on 24 pitches. If I keep that carry that over and use that efficient way of pitching, I should be okay.

"I've got some great defenders out there. I'd be an idiot if I didn't use them."

GOOD GUYER: Brandon Guyer's major league debut was short, but sweet doesn't begin to describe it.

The Rays' 25-year-old outfielder homered in his first at-bat, sparking the Rays to a 6-2 win over the Orioles Friday night before being optioned back to Triple-A Durham.

Maddon says he's confident Guyer will be a big part of the Rays future.

"He's definitely going to be back here," Maddon said. "He fits our way of playing baseball very well. I liked him the moment I met him in spring training. He's a really eager fella in a quiet and confident, direct way. I liked that about him. I've had other players like him that have been very successful. I really believe he's going to be very good for us in the future."

MINOR MATTERS: OF Justin Ruggiano was named the International League's Player of the Week after four multi-hit games. Ruggiano had a .476 average, .560 on-base percentage, and five stolen bases were second in the League, while he tied for the IL lead with 9 RBI on the week.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

BALTIMORE — RHP Andy Sonnanstine accepted his role working out of the Rays bullpen, but it's no relief.

He has to be prepared to go long stretches between appearances or take the mound at any instant if a starter gets injured or is ineffective early in games.

That's why Sonnanstine (0-0, 2.19 ERA) is embracing his opportunity to start tonight at Cleveland in place of RHP Jeff Niemann, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a lower-back strain and could miss three weeks.

Manager Joe Maddon has said he does not see tonight's game against the Indians as a one-and-done chance for Sonnanstine, who could make multiple starts while Niemann is on the mend.

"I think the bullpen mentality is a lot tougher," Sonnanstine said. "I've got a lot of respect for the other guys we've got down there, especially the long relievers in the big leagues. You have to be ready for a line drive shot and you're the guy who goes in. I think knowing when you're going to throw, knowing the game time and being a starter I think is much easier just to be prepared and know every fifth day you're going to be out there."

Sonnanstine's last start came on the final day of the regular season Oct. 2 at Kansas City. Since then, he has made six appearances, allowing three earned runs in 12 1/3 innings.

He pitched three scoreless innings in relief last week against the Blue Jays. But with the Rays starters routinely going seven innings, Sonnanstine has lived a Maytag Repairman existence.

"The thing about him that I love, he works every day at something," Maddon said. "He always stays ready. He keeps his bat ready in case I need him in the 13th inning of a weird game. So I know he's going to be prepared for the Indians. He's pitched in a World Series, so he's not intimidated by anything."

But Sonnanstine has not had much luck against the Indians. In nine career appearances against them, he has a 9.51 ERA.

The other thing to watch is his endurance. Although he normally pitches to contact, Maddon doesn't want to stretch him much beyond 80 pitches tonight. He is hopeful that will be enough to get Sonnanstine through five or six innings.

"It's tough," Sonnanstine said. "It might be a 'day of' type feel, but I would feel 100 percent comfortable throwing 80 to 90 pitches. If we're in the 100s, that might be a little much. I think my last outing, I threw three innings and on 24 pitches. If I carry that over and use that efficient way of pitching, I should be okay.

"I've got some great defenders out there. I'd be an idiot if I didn't use them."

GOOD GUYER: Brandon Guyer's major-league debut was short, but sweet doesn't begin to describe it.

The 25-year-old outfielder homered in his first at-bat, sparking the Rays to a 6-2 win over the Orioles on Friday night before being optioned back to Triple-A Durham two days later.

Maddon said he's confident Guyer will be a big part of the Rays' future.

"He's definitely going to be back here," Maddon said. "He fits our way of playing baseball very well. I liked him the moment I met him in spring training. He's a really eager fella in a quiet and confident, direct way. I liked that about him. I've had other players like him that have been very successful. I really believe he's going to be very good for us in the future."

MINOR MATTERS: OF Justin Ruggiano was named the International League's player of the week after four multihit games. Ruggiano had a .476 average, .560 on-base percentage and five stolen bases that were second in the league, and he tied for the IL lead with nine RBIs on the week.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that tickets for Games 3, 4 and 6 of the Eastern Conference final against the Bruins will go on sale to the general public on Friday, though a pre-sale for full and half season ticket holders, among others, will be Wednesday.

Here is the announcement from the team:

The Tampa Bay Lightning will make single-game playoff tickets for home games throughout the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs available to the general public on Friday, May 13 at 10 a.m. A pre-sale will be held beginning Wednesday, May 11, at 10 a.m. for full and half season ticket holders, suite holders, sponsors and individuals looking to purchase 10-packs. There will be a limit of four tickets available for purchase during the pre-sale period.

The NHL's Conference Finals are scheduled to begin following the conclusion of the Western Conference Semifinals. There will be a maximum of three games at the St. Pete Times Forum by nature of the final playoff seeding.

Ticket prices start as low as $40 for terrace level endzones while going up to $200 for Channelside Club seats plus applicable taxes and fees. Season ticket holders have the opportunity to save on their playoff tickets by locking in 2011-12 Lightning full season tickets. Not only will fans freeze pricing from this season, but they will also have the opportunity to "Cheer Now, Pay Later" for the playoffs.

Benefits also include concert and event priority, free tickets to the 2011 Lightning Launch Weekend Concert, guaranteed giveaways and more. For more information call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or skate to >http://www.ticketmaster.com/lightningplayoffs>.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

TAMPA — Simon Gagne said he did not want to wear a red no-contact jersey during Monday's practice at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"But I had no choice," he said.

The Lightning left wing said team rules demand players wear red as a precaution in their first practice after an injury. And Gagne had not skated with the team since April 29, when he was momentarily knocked unconscious after he was checked and his head hit the ice during Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal with the Capitals.

After Monday's high-tempo 60-minute workout, Gagne, who has two goals and seven points in eight playoff games, declared himself fit for Game 1 of the East final against the Bruins.

"I think," he said, "we'll be good to go."

The news is less encouraging for D Pavel Kubina, who apparently has had concussion-like symptoms since his head hit the glass after an elbow to the back of the head from Washington's Jason Chimera in Game 1.

Gagne probably could have come back against the Capitals, coach Guy Boucher said. But when the team took leads of 2-0 and 3-0 on its way to a four-game sweep, there was no reason to rush Gagne back.

"I think it's important you take your time and you don't push it," Boucher said. "Especially because we were winning the series at that point, I think it's important we took our time with it."

If the series with the Bruins, as expected, does not start until Saturday, Gagne will have 15 days between games.

"It's a perfect situation for me," he said, though he admitted being a spectator during the series with the Capitals was difficult.

"It's probably the hardest thing to do," Gagne said. "I was almost like a fan before Game 4. When we won that game I was pretty excited. I was cheering every time we scored a goal. Usually, I'm not like that."

PAST IS PAST: Boucher didn't seem worried the Lightning, in its history, has won just four of 35 games in Boston.

"I'm a strong believer in today's today," Boucher said. "Every second and every moment that you've got is an opportunity to change things."

Besides, he said, "Against Pittsburgh we hadn't won there, and we won there. Washington had the upper hand on us and we won the series. We didn't win in Boston yet, so it's a reality. But we're not supposed to win in Boston because we didn't win during the year, let's just give them the series now."

TALL TASK: Boucher, who dubbed the series with the top-seeded Capitals "David versus Goliath," was asked if he had any similar terms for Zdeno Chara, the Bruins' 6-foot-9 defenseman.

"The Eiffel Tower? How's that?" Boucher said, laughing.

ODDS AND ENDS: LW Ryan Malone came off the ice early but is fine, Boucher said. Malone has done that from time to time to protect the groin that was injured in the regular season. … D Randy Jones and RW Steve Downie, both with lingering high ankle sprains, returned to practice after being given an extra day off. ... C Dana Tyrell (foot) did not skate.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

E:60: 7 p.m. on ESPN. The network's news magazine show returns with a new episode, including a feature on cockfighting.

Fields of Play: 9 p.m. on ESPN. Grounds crews from around Major League Baseball show the preparation of an MLB field.

Sports Connection: 11 p.m. on BHSN (Ch. 47). An interview with Tampa attorney Steve Yerrid, a close friend of the Steinbrenner family and author of the new book The Making of a Championship Heart: Lessons Learned From Baseball and Life.

By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Monday, May 9, 2011

What's hot: Speckled trout remain the top target in low-light conditions around the bay area. Trout of all sizes are eager to pounce on live or artificial bait, with bigger trout most likely to be caught on stronger tides around sunrise or sunset.

Tackle: Medium or ultralight rods and reels will suffice. Use a thin-braided main line with a light 10- to 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. And employ a loop knot to attach lures for the best action of artificial bait. Three-inch paddle tails or 5-inch jerk bait-style tails on an eighth-ounce or a quarter-ounce jighead work well. The light line allows long casts with light lures.

Targeting and techniques: With steadily rising water temperatures, think deeper for speckled trout. Move lures within inches of the sea grass bottom in depths of 3 to 11 feet. Setting up a good drift and being ready to anchor at a location after finding a school of fish is key to targeting trout over open flats. Bending down the barbs on lure hooks helps make releasing fish easier.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at (727) 692-6345 or strikethreekayakfishing.com.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, May 9, 2011

TAMPA — A showdown could be brewing between Tampa Bay's top sports radio station and its most popular host.

Steve Duemig, also known as the Big Dog and host of the afternoon drive show on WDAE-AM 620, is negotiating with the station for a new deal, and the sides do not appear close to an agreement. His deal expires Sunday.

Duemig, 56, has been with WDAE since 1990, mostly hosting from 3 to 7 p.m. weekdays on what has become the area's most listened-to sports talk show.

When reached Monday, Duemig declined comment, only confirming that his contract expires Sunday and that negotiations are continuing. Telephone messages for executives at Clear Channel, which owns WDAE, were not returned.

Because its signal is strong and it's the Tampa Bay affiliate of the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and Gators, WDAE has become the area's dominant sports station. But if Duemig were to become a free agent and stayed in the area, he could draw interest from the other sports stations: WQYK-AM 1010 and WHBO-AM 1040.