By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, May 12, 2011

TAMPA

Officially, there is nothing wrong with Ryan Malone.

The surgically repaired knee? Knee's fine. The muscle pull? Old news. And if a jagged bone was sticking through his skin? Nothing but a flesh wound.

Officially, there is no reason Malone barely has practiced this week. No reason he spent more than an hour in the trainer's room while everyone else was dressing Thursday.

Bumps, bruises and lacerations don't count. Sprains, strains and contusions are occupational hazards.

"That's the price you pay. You wear them with pride," Malone said, grinning, after emerging from the trainer's room with a towel around his waist.

"If you're a hockey player and you don't have stitches in your face or a broken nose or you're not missing some teeth, I don't know about you."

And so today the gauze comes off. The aspirins are swallowed, the stick is held, and the Lightning's biggest forward prepares to take up residence in front of the Boston net.

On a team with some of the NHL's more flashy scorers, Malone is the one-man brute squad: the guy who stands his ground near the crease and waits for pucks and punches.

That he obviously hurt himself in Game 5 of the Pittsburgh series is irrelevant. His number of shifts is up, and he has scored three goals in his past six games.

"I don't know if the guy knows what pain is, to be honest with you," said coach Guy Boucher. "He's very courageous going to the net and blocking shots, being first on the puck and getting hit hard to make the play happen. That's his trademark. That's who he is. And certainly a lot of our players take a lot from that.

"Before the year started, I heard all kinds of things about how this guy is a warrior. And through the big games this year, I saw it. And in the playoffs he's just been incredible."

If possible, even more is now necessary from Malone. The Bruins have size. They have a toughness on defense. They have maybe the hottest goaltender in hockey.

And as quick as Marty St. Louis is, as wicked as Steven Stamkos' shot is, as creative as Vinny Lecavalier is, the Lightning is going to need some garbage goals in this series.

Tampa Bay will need a player who is willing to stand in front of Tim Thomas and block his vision. The Lightning will need someone willing to wait for deflections, rebounds and loose pucks. That is the career Malone, 31, has carved out for himself in the NHL.

"He's been a horse his whole career," Stamkos said. "And that's the kind of guy you need."

It is an odd way to make a living, inviting punishment and expecting pain. Naturally, Malone says it's not that bad, that before rule changes, there were more punches in the back of the head and heavy cross-checks than today.

If that's true, why don't more guys stand their ground in front of the net?

"The pucks are still coming at you pretty good. It's not usually safe in that area," Malone said. "The way shots come these days, especially with people tipping pucks, sooner or later you're going to get one in the head."

Like the one that broke his nose when he was in the playoffs with the Penguins in 2008? Or the one that broke his jaw when he was playing in Europe during the lockout in '05?

Still, this is the style the 6-foot-4 Malone must play. This is why the Lightning signed him to a seven-year, $31.5 million contract three years ago. And this may be why Tampa Bay struggled so much in March when Malone was sidelined.

Boucher suggested it was no coincidence that Tampa Bay was 32-22 in games Malone played and 14-14 when he was out of the lineup in the regular season.

Even though he was limited to a career-low 14 goals, Malone creates scoring opportunities by disrupting the defense in front of the net.

Essentially, he plays the puck like a goaltender, moving from side to side to screen the play and be in position to deflect shots, all the while fending off sticks and shoves.

"You take your beating, and you keep moving," Malone said. "The main thing is to keep giving back and keep going back."

For a moment, Malone is silent, almost as if he's working out a better explanation in his head. And then the perfect depiction occurs to him.

"My son (Will) is 3, and he's realizing it," Malone said. "He whacked the 1-year-old with his stick across the shin and then told him, 'It's okay, Cooper. It's hockey.' "

Yes, it certainly is.

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Making news

Airborne Sturgeon injures Boater

A Safety Harbor woman became the first person injured by a jumping sturgeon this year when a 5-foot fish crashed through her boat's windshield.

Erica Stevens, 27, was hit by shattered glass and suffered cuts to her arms and legs April 27 while boating on the Suwannee River north of the U.S. 19 Bridge in Gilchrist County, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission investigators. She was treated for minor injuries at a hospital in Gainesville.

"This is the first sturgeon strike in 2011," said Maj. Lee Beach, law enforcement commander of the FWC's North Central Region. "And that's one too many."

Stevens, in the passengers seat, and her husband, Scott Stevens, who was driving, were going about 15 mph when the fish went through the windshield, struck a bimini-top support and the motor cowling. The boat sustained about $2,300 in damage, and Scott Stevens told investigators he threw the fish back into the river.

Biologists are unsure why sturgeon, which can grow to 8 feet in length and 200 pounds, jump. FWC officials recommend boaters reduce speed and wear life jackets. To report sturgeon collisions, call toll-free 1-888-404-3922.

Fishing

Lengthy tarpon event nears start

The Suncoast Tarpon Roundup, a summer tradition, kicks off this year with a captains' meeting at Fish Tales in downtown St. Petersburg at 7 tonight. Fishing in the all-release event actually begins May 20 and runs for 10 weekends (Fridays at 5 p.m. until Sunday at midnight). DNA samples are used to verify a released tarpon and will be used by the FWC research team. For information, go to suncoast tarponroundup.org.

Volunteering

Little Bayou park seeks plant help

The Pinellas chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society needs volunteers to help restore the Little Bayou Wilderness Park in St. Petersburg from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Volunteers will plant trees, remove non-native plants, mulch, identify plants and remove debris. Bring a spade shovel, gloves, hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes and long pants.

Paddling

All ahead full for 6 miles

The Salt Springs Alliance is holding its annual Kayak Race and Fun Paddle at 10 a.m. Saturday as part of the 2011 Cotee River Seafood Festival. The paddling event runs approximately 6 miles, from Werner-Boyce Salt Spring State Park in Port Richey to Sims Park. Registration fees are $15 for a single and $25 for tandem. Race awards will be presented for these categories: kayaks 15 feet and under, kayaks over 15 feet, and for tandem kayaks.

Rodney Page, Times staff writer

Solunar table

AM PM major minor major minor

5/13 1:20 7:30 1:40 7:55

5/14 2:10 8:15 2:25 8:45

5/15 3:00 9:05 3:15 9:35

5/16 3:50 10:00 4:10 10:30

5/17 4:45 10:55 5:05 11:25

5/18 5:40 0 6:10 12:00

5/19 6:45 12:35 7:20 1:05

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Sprint Cup

What: FedEx 400

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.), Saturday, qualifying (Speed, noon), Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 1 p.m.); Dover, Del.

Fast facts: Jimmie Johnson won the September race at Dover, his sixth victory on the concrete oval. … Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick were fined $25,000 apiece and placed on probation for four races for their actions Saturday night on pit road at Darlington. … Penske Racing technical director Tom German, who came under fire from Kurt Busch at Richmond two weeks ago, is leaving the team at the end of the month to attend the Sloan School of Management at MIT. Busch expressed his displeasure on the radio during the Richmond race, saying, "I'm sorry, our day was done when Tom German decided he was in charge."

Standings: 1. Carl Edwards, 378; 2. Johnson, 355; 3. Kyle Busch, 339; 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 331; 5. Harvick, 328; 6. Ryan Newman, 317; 7. Tony Stewart, 313; 8. Kurt Busch, 306; 9. Clint Bowyer, 297; 10. Matt Kenseth, 295

Nationwide

What: 5-Hour Energy 200

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 12:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 10:30 a.m.), race (ESPN, 2 p.m.); Dover, Del.

Fast facts: Kyle Busch has five victories in nine races this year to push his total to 48, one behind Mark Martin's series record.

Standings: 1. Justin Allgaier, 346; 2. Elliott Sadler, 341; 3. Jason Leffler, 331; 4. Reed Sorenson, 328; 5. Ricky Stenhouse, 322

Trucks

What: Lucas Oil 200

When/where: Today, qualifying (Speed, 10 a.m.), race 4:45 p.m. (Speed, 8:30 taped); Dover, Del.

Fast facts: Johnny Sauter is the lone series regular to win in the first five races.

Standings: 1. Sauter, 187; 2. Timothy Peters, 184; 3. Matt Crafton, 183; 4. Ron Hornaday, 182; 5. Cole Whitt, 175

NHRA

What: Southern Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 7 p.m. taped); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 7 p.m. taped); Commerce, Ga.

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Del Worsham, 505; 2. Larry Dixon, 410. Funny Car — 1. Mike Neff, 399; 2. Robert Hight, 381. Pro Stock — 1. Jason Line, 390; 2. Greg Stanfield, 389. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 202; 2. Andrew Hines, 184

IndyCar

Next: Indianapolis 500, May 29, Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Standings: 1. Will Power, 168; 2. Dario Franchitti, 154; 3. Oriol Servia, 110; 4. Mike Conway, 102; 5. Ryan Briscoe, 101

Formula One

Next: Spanish Grand Prix, May 22, Circuit de Catalunya, Barcelona

Standings: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 93; 2. Lewis Hamilton, 59; 3. Mark Webber, 55; 4. Jenson Button, 46

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

MLB's Greatest Games: Noon on MLB Network. A replay of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series between the Twins and Braves. Guests include former Twins pitcher Jack Morris and former Braves pitcher John Smoltz.

Friday Night Fights: 9 p.m. on ESPN2. The main event is former WBO junior welterweight champ Kendall "Rated R'' Holt (26-4, 14 knockouts) against former IBF lightweight champ Julio "The Kidd" Diaz (38-6, 27 knockouts).

Showtime boxing: 11 p.m. on Showtime. Raymundo Beltran (24-4, 16 knockouts) takes on Sharif Bogere (19-0, 12 knockouts) for the vacant NABO lightweight title.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

. if you go

Hurricane Club

What: Miami football coach Al Golden will speak at a booster club dinner.

When/where: 6:30 tonight, reception; Avila Golf and Country Club, Tampa

Cost: $45 for Hurricane Club members, $50 for nonmembers, $15 for children

For information: Call (305) 284-6699

Pinellas Seminole Club

What: FSU coach Jimbo Fisher will appear at a scramble golf tournament and luncheon.

When/where: 8 a.m. Saturday with golf tournament, then followed by lunch; Innisbrook Spa and Resort, Palm Harbor

Cost: Golf and lunch $150; Lunch only $50

For information: pinellas noles.com

Times staff
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Let's get physical

Bruins rookie RW Tyler Seguin will play in his first playoff game Saturday. Seguin, 19, a healthy scratch for Boston's first 11 postseason games who is getting a chance because of C Patrice Bergeron's concussion, said he's ready to hit. That might sound funny coming from someone with just 20 hits in 74 regular-season games.

But as Seguin, the second overall pick in June who had 11 goals and 11 assists, said, "I think it comes with the playoffs and excitement, and you've got to compete. You've got to battle, and I'm going to show I have courage and passion.

"I've got to get in there and get involved right away."

Number of the day

31 Penalty minutes for Bruins LW Milan Lucic, tops in the playoffs entering Thursday.

Tickets

Tickets for Games 3, 4 and 6 at the St. Pete Times Forum go on sale at 10 a.m. today at the box office and ticketmaster.com or by calling toll-free 1-800-745-3000.

East final schedule Lightning vs. Bruins

Saturday: at Boston, 8, Versus

Tuesday: at Boston, 8, Versus

Thursday: at Tampa Bay, 8, Versus

May 21: at Tampa Bay, 1:30, Ch. 8

May 23: at Boston, 8, Versus *

May 25: at Tampa Bay, 8, Versus *

May 27: at Boston, 8, Versus *

Radio: All games on 970-AM except May 21, which is on 620-AM

* If necessary

Quote to note

"They've always been a team that can score and kill you on the scoreboard, but they're built a lot more solid now from their goaltender on out. Their defense is a lot stronger, and I think they've made the turn for the better down there. They're a really good team right now." Bruins and former Panthers C Greg Campbell on the Lightning

Same but different

Asked if he could compare his current team with the 2004 Stanley Cup winner, Lightning W Marty St. Louis said the greatest similarity is "we have some good young players who are hungry to be successful, and we have a great mix of veteran leadership as well and, obviously, great goaltending."

Even so, St. Louis said real comparisons can't be made until the season ends.

"We still have a long way to go," he said. "At the same time, do I feel as good about my team as I did in '04? Absolutely. We're relentless, and we're hungry."

Times staff
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Check it out

The newest edition of Sun Sports' Inside the Rays features manager Joe Maddon. The show looks at not only Maddon's job at the ballpark but his life away from it. The show includes clips from Maddon's hometown of Hazleton, Pa., and interviews with his mother, sister and high school history teacher. The show premieres at 5 p.m. Sunday and reairs throughout the next two months.

He wrote it

"(David Beckham's) promise to do everything within his power to help grow American professional soccer doesn't always include playing three games in 10 days. … The league deserves to be more than a diversion between social engagements."

Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Bob Ford, on Beckham staying behind in Los Angeles to rest for the Galaxy's next home game even though a record crowd of 19,178 showed up Wednesday in Philadelphia, many hoping to see the star player

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Pierre McGuire was an assistant coach on the Penguins teams that won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 1991 and 1992. Later he became coach of the Hartford Whalers. These days McGuire is one of the lead analysts for NBC and Versus. He spoke with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Tom Jones about the Lightning and its Eastern Conference final with the Bruins, which starts Saturday.

Are you surprised the Lightning has gotten this far?

I'm a little surprised because of the limited postseason experience they had coming in. But (goalie Dwayne) Roloson elevated his game, and depth players — guys like Nate Thompson, Sean Bergenheim, Dominic Moore, Adam Hall — have made a massive difference. And when you have the role players playing well and the stars playing like stars, you have this kind of result.

How has Vinny Lecavalier looked to you in these playoffs?

This is the best Vinny has played since the season after the lockout (2005-06). Players like Vinny need to be motivated by the players around him, and I think we're seeing that with Vinny and the Lightning. And it all starts at the top. There's a level of professionalism now with the Lightning thanks to (owner) Mr. (Jeff) Vinik and (general manager) Steve Yzerman and (coach) Guy Boucher. Then you have players such as Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos. Victor Hedman has grown as a player. You add an Eric Brewer. Vinny now sees all this around him and realizes he can be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. Not that he was a problem before, but he's surrounded by so much positive that you can see he wants to be an impact player. And I think he's the healthiest he has been in a while.

Would the Lightning be here without Dwayne Roloson?

Not a chance. And this is what you have to really admire about Steve Yzerman. He did something that more general managers need to do. Clearly, he made a mistake picking up (goalie) Dan Ellis (in the offseason as a free agent). But instead of trying to cover it up and make himself look good, Stevie decided to fix it. He had seen what Dwayne had done in the past and knew what he could do now, and he made an aggressive move by going out and getting him (in a trade with the Islanders on Jan. 1).

Your thoughts on Guy Boucher?

He hasn't bailed on his system, even when they were down 3-1 to Pittsburgh (in the first round). He's getting role players to make major contributions. In the Washington series, he manipulated the media to putting all the pressure on Washington. He put a really intense glow on the Capitals, and it was a glow they couldn't handle. There's a line I like to use, and that is: be inclusive, not exclusive. Well, that's Guy Boucher. He empowers his players. He puts them in a position to succeed and then lets them do their job. Really, that's the way the whole organization is now. It starts with the owner, flows down to the general manager. From there, it flows down to the coaches and scouts. I travel a lot and run into Lightning scouts now and they walk around tall with their chests out and their shoulders square. You can see how proud they are to be a part of that Lightning organization. And it's all still growing, and it will continue to grow. No matter what happens to the rest of this season, the future is only getting better.

If you're the Lightning, what concerns you most about the Bruins?

Well, you start with Zdeno Chara on defense. He's a horse. Then there's the line of (Nathan) Horton, (David) Krejci and (Milan) Lucic. They are tough to handle and will cause way more problems than Washington's line of (Alex) Ovechkin, (Nicklas) Backstrom and (Mike) Knuble. Horton is just a runaway freight train right now. He's getting his first taste of the postseason, and he's like a shark getting his first taste of blood. He likes it and wants more.

What does the Lightning have to do to win the series?

Find a way to stabilize that first line of Boston. It has to find a way to manufacture offense against a pretty solid defense. The biggest thing is the role players have to be as successful in this round as they were in Rounds 1 and 2. Roloson has to maintain his energy level and continue to play well. If they can do all that, they have a chance in what I think is going to be a really close series.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

Rays vs. Orioles

When/where: 7:10 tonight, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable starters:

Rays RH Jeremy Hellickson (3-2, 3.72)

Orioles RH Jeremy Guthrie (1-5, 4.09)

Tickets: $12-$255 at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa, $3 surcharge within five hours of game.

Watch for ...

Instant replay: Hellickson posted five shutout innings to beat the Orioles, and Guthrie, in his last start on Saturday in Baltimore, though he walked five. He also beat them last year, and is 2-0 with a 2.13 ERA overall.

Different bird: Guthrie hasn't won since his dominating opening day vs. the Rays that had manager Joe Maddon referencing Greg Maddux, though he hasn't pitched badly. In 17 games vs. the Rays, he is 6-8 with a 4.23 ERA.

Rays vs. Guthrie

Reid Brignac 5-for-16, HR

Matt Joyce 6-for-18

Casey Kotchman 8-for-17, HR

Orioles vs. Hellickson

Adam Jones 2-for-4

Nick Markakis 2-for-7

Luke Scott 2-for-6

On deck

Saturday: vs. Orioles, 4:10 Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis (4-2, 3.07); Orioles — Brad Bergesen (0-4, 5.57)

Sunday: vs. Orioles, 1:40. Sun Sports. Rays — Andy Sonnanstine (0-0, 2.87); Orioles — Jake Arrieta (4-1, 4.17)

Do they know something we don't?

Maybe the answer to the Rays' stadium issue is in the tea leaves. A release promoting a Lipton Iced Tea sampling event during the next homestand said the "Lipton Lounge" will be set up at, and we share verbatim: "Tampa Bay Rays Stadium, 400 North Tampa Street, Tampa." That is the address — for now anyway — of the team's Tampa store.

Quote of the day

"I really wanted to get to second base really bad. … It'd been a while."

Reid Brignac, Rays SS, on his determination to make it on what turned out to be his first extra-base-hit this season

Friggatriskaidekaphobia stat of the day

6-5 Rays record in their first 11 Friday the 13th games.

Promotion of the day

Ladies Love Longo T-shirt to first 10,000 women fans

Times staff, wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

All-SEC cornerback Janoris Jenkins, who was dismissed from the Florida football team last month, is strongly leaning toward enrolling at North Alabama, his attorney said.

The Division II school is coached by Terry Bowden, a former Auburn coach and the son of former FSU coach Bobby Bowden.

On Wednesday, the senior from Pahokee entered a written plea of not guilty on a misdemeanor charge of possession of marijuana, said Gainesville attorney Huntley Johnson, who represents Jenkins. Johnson indicated that a deal could be worked out to avoid a trial.

Johnson said Jenkins, who was kicked off the team after his second marijuana-related arrest this year, is also considering Valdosta State.

Alabama lineman, a former Vol, dies

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama offensive lineman Aaron Douglas, a junior college transfer and onetime Tennessee starter, was found dead on the second floor balcony of a home in Fernandina Beach after attending a party, according to police.

Police Chief James T. Hurley described what authorities know.

Witnesses said Douglas, 21, was taking a taxi to Jacksonville, about 30 miles south of Fernandina Beach, after dinner with friends when two women apparently approached the cab and invited him to a party. He arrived between 11 and 11:30 p.m. and was seen there as late as 2 a.m.

A male resident and others discovered Douglas "apparently dead" on the balcony, Hurley said. The medical examiner's office is investigating.

The residence is listed as a 2,760-square-foot single-family house.

His father, David, was an offensive lineman for the Vols, and his mother, Karla Horton Douglas, was a UT basketball player.

"It is a tragedy anytime you lose someone close to you and even more so when it is a member of your family," Tide coach Nick Saban said in a statement.

USF freshman transfers: Bulls freshman quarterback Jamius Gunsby, who stepped away from the team in the middle of spring drills to focus on his schoolwork, has transferred to Georgia Military College, where he'll play with the hopes of transferring to another major-college program.

"He's an outstanding athlete, tall, quick, with a big arm, and if he applies himself, he can challenge for our quarterback job," GMC coach Bert Williams said.

Gunsby of LaGrange, Ga., is the third scholarship player to transfer from USF this spring, following receiver T.J. Knowles and fullback Chase Griffiths. None of them played enough to earn a letter in the fall.

Basketball: Kent State sued former men's coach Geno Ford for $1.2 million in damages over his recent departure for Bradley. His contract expired in 2015.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

St. Petersburg Times staff writer Tom Jones offers up his Two Cents on the world of sports.

Local news of the week

This week started with a potentially juicy showdown between WDAE 620-AM, the biggest and most popular sports-talk radio station in Tampa, and its most popular host, Steve Duemig. The week ends with a quiet announcement that Duemig signed a new deal that will keep him with the station for at least two more years.

And really, we shouldn't be surprised there weren't any fireworks or big-time changes because, in the end, neither side had any leverage to play chicken for too long.

Duemig's contract was set to expire Sunday, and with the sides far apart as recently as a few days ago, both the station and Duemig might have started considering their options. They likely found they didn't have any other options.

If Duemig wanted to remain in the area, where he has been on the radio for 21 years, he could have flirted with one of the other sports stations in town: WQYK 1010-AM or ESPN 1040-AM. But it's doubtful either could have come up with the money to pry Duemig away from WDAE. Duemig was stuck. He could re-sign with WDAE or go to another market. The station knew that and probably believed it could strong-arm Duemig.

On the other hand, if WDAE had let Duemig walk, it really didn't have a suitable replacement. Love him or hate him, Duemig is the most polarizing sports radio host in town. And when it comes to radio, polarizing is a very good thing. Simply put, there was no one out there who could take Duemig's place. Duemig knew that, and that's probably why he was stubborn about re-signing.

Then throw in a third party. In this case, negotiations not only were going on between Duemig and WDAE, but Clear Channel, which owns WDAE.

Ultimately, WDAE and Duemig realized neither could live without the other and a deal came together fairly quickly. Still, Duemig has said he was disappointed in how he was treated during the negotiations.

He said he would get over it and was happy to remain at WDAE. But will some of these bitter feelings come alive the next time Duemig's contract is up? It just seems like bad business for WDAE and/or Clear Channel to play hardball with its most popular host and give him a reason to look around in the future.

And it makes you wonder what will happen when the contracts of the hosts of other shows at the local Clear Channel stations are set to expire. If they played tough with Duemig, imagine how they will handle contract talks with everyone else.

Sports Emmys

The Sports Emmys were handed out last week, and they finally got it right. NBC/Versus hockey announcer Mike Emrick won his first Emmy as top play-by-play broadcaster, a long-overdue recognition.

Other winners included NBC Sunday Night Football's Cris Collinsworth (analyst) and Bob Costas (host) and ESPN College GameDay's Kirk Herbstreit (studio analyst).

College GameDay was named best weekly studio show, and the MLB Network's MLB Tonight won for best daily studio show.

The Sports Emmys didn't get it all right. HBO's Lombardi was named best sports documentary. While Lombardi was good, no documentary last year was better than The Two Escobars, which was part of ESPN's "30 for 30'' series.

NBC and HBO led all networks with seven awards followed by CBS with six.

Media tidbits

• Golf Channel and NBC are now owned by Comcast, which is why NBC's top golf announcers, Johnny Miller and Dan Hicks, made their Golf Channel tournament coverage debuts Thursday by calling the first round of The Players Championship.

• The Pac-10 (soon to be Pac-12) will start its own network in 2012, according to the New York Times. The network could carry as many as 350 games a year in a variety of sports.

• On Sunday, Versus will air a one-hour highlight show of the college fishing national champion­ship, which was won by Florida for the second year in a row. FLW Outdoors airs at 1 p.m.

Best radio item of the day

It's always a pleasure to listen to Lightning radio announcer Dave Mishkin during his weekly appearance on 620-AM WDAE's Ron and Ian Show. Mishkin is best known for his maximum-volume goal calls but, obviously, is more than just a guy who occasionally screams. When on the show, Mishkin gives objective, measured and intelligent comments about a variety of topics that go much deeper than just general hockey talk. And the conversation gives listeners a real insight into the team and its players. It also helps that hosts Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles set up Mishkin with good hockey questions that do more than just scratch the surface. It's all quite enjoyable and informative and one of the highlights of the Ron and Ian Show.

Three things that popped into my head

1. Didn't LeBron James' behavior during and after the series-clinching victory against the Celtics on Wednesday seem a little over the top for a mere second-round series? He does realize the Heat has to win two more rounds, right?

2. There is nothing more stomach-churning than watching your favorite team play in a Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. And there's nothing more enjoyable than watching a Game 7 that doesn't involve your favorite team.

3. This actually popped into the head of WQYK 1010-AM's J.P. Peterson, who cleverly wondered out loud if there are a slew of owners around Major League Baseball who look at the Rays and say to their general manager, "How come you can't put together a good team on the cheap like Andrew Friedman has?''

Best TV item of the day

The Golf Channel did outstanding work Thursday in the wake of Tiger Woods withdrawing from The Players Championship after nine holes. The network's show, Live from the Players Championship, came on the air at 11 a.m., just a few minutes after Woods withdrew because of a sore left Achilles' and left knee. The show had live shots of Woods pulling out of the parking lot and his interview with the media on tape moments before that. It also went to an array of analysts giving their take on the latest in the Woods' saga. The most interesting comments came from John Feinstein, who said he believes Woods was pressured by the PGA Tour to play in the tournament. "I don't think he ever should have come here this week,'' Feinstein said. "He has had four knee surgeries. That is a big deal, and I think his first priority should have been to say to the tour, 'Look, I understand why you want me there. I need to make sure I'm 100 percent.' "

Best TV item of the day

The Golf Channel did outstanding work Thursday in the wake of Tiger Woods withdrawing The Players Championship after nine holes. The network's show Live From the Players Championship came on the air at 11 a.m., just a few minutes after Woods withdrew because of a sore Achilles and knee. The show had live shots of Woods pulling out of the parking lot and his interview with the media on tape moments before that. It also went to an array of analysts giving their take on the latest in the Woods' saga. The most interesting comments came from John Feinstein, who said he believed Woods was pressured to play the tournament by the PGA Tour. "I don't think he ever should have come here this week,'' Feinstein said. "He has had four knee surgeries. That is a big deal ... and I think his first priority should have been to say to the Tour, 'Look, I understand why you want me there. I need to make sure I'm 100 percent.' "

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 12, 2011

. UP NEXT

vs. Orioles

Tonight-Sunday

What's new: The Orioles bounced back a bit after being swept by the Rays last weekend, winning three games against Seattle, and beating Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez. On the other hand, 3B Mark Reynolds (.174) and 2B Brian Roberts (.215) still aren't hitting. RF Nick Markakis sat out Wednesday with the flu but returned Thursday. SS J.J. Hardy was activated off the disabled list, and reliever Josh Rupe was dropped.

Key stat: Markakis has recorded a hit in 151 consecutive series, the longest such streak in the majors, dating to a May 2008 blanking by the Rays.

Connections: None

Series history: Tied 114-114; Rays lead 61-54 at the Trop.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

NEW YORK — With the Dodgers in danger of running out of cash in less than three weeks, commissioner Bud Selig wouldn't set a timetable for approving a $3 billion television deal that would enable owner Frank McCourt to make payroll at the end of the month.

Selig gave McCourt the face-to-face meeting the Dodgers owner wanted but hasn't loosened baseball's grip on the franchise, hampered by the divorce of Frank and Jamie McCourt. With the team's finances failing, Selig installed former Rangers president Tom Schieffer as team monitor on April 25 and told the Dodgers that Schieffer must approve any expense of $5,000 or more.

MLB officials believe the Dodgers don't have enough cash to make their end-of-May payroll, which runs about $8.25 million. McCourt has said the TV deal with Fox would give the club about $300 million up front.

"Nobody is using the Dean Smith four-corner offense. We're trying to move as fast as possible," Selig said Thursday.

If McCourt is unable to make payroll, MLB would step in and pay players, avoiding a default that might allow them to become free agents. MLB might then begin trying to force a sale of the team.

Threshers fans treated to Oswalt, Utley, Ruiz

CLEARWATER — Clearwater Threshers fans got something extra at Thursday's Florida State League game against Palm Beach: a pair of Phillies All-Stars and their starting catcher on minor-league rehab assignments at Bright House Field.

2B Chase Utley (knee), RHP Roy Oswalt (lower-back inflammation) and C Carlos Ruiz (back) each played five innings in the 7-5 win. Utley hit a solo homer, walked and scored twice in his second FSL outing. He was 1-for-4 Tuesday. Oswalt allowed three runs on seven hits and a walk with five strikeouts. Ruiz had a single in three at-bats and felt good behind the plate: "No pain."

"It's all good so far," Utley told MLB.com. "I was able to see some pitches, especially in that second at-bat, so hopefully, it's coming."

A crowd of 2,677 attended.

Dodgers-Pirates Rainout: The Dodgers' game against the host Pirates was postponed after a long rain delay. The rainout was the 27th this year, surpassing the total from all of 2010.

More Pirates: CF Andrew McCutchen was benched by manager Clint Hurdle for the start of the game as punishment for not running out a dropped third strike Wednesday. McCutchen struck out in the eighth with the Pirates trailing 2-0. The ball squirted away from Dodgers C Rod Barajas, but McCutchen just turned toward the dugout.

Braves: RF Jason Heyward was held out of the starting lineup for the second straight game though an MRI exam showed no significant damage to his sore right shoulder.

Mets: 1B Ike Davis was put on the DL and will be out at least two weeks with a left ankle sprain and bone bruise. He was hurt in a collision with 3B David Wright on Tuesday. … Ace Johan Santana threw off a mound in Port St. Lucie this week for the first time since September surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder and reported no problems, ESPN.com reported.

Yankees: 2B Robinson Cano homered one day after getting hit in the helmet by a pitch. A neurologist gave him clearance after a CT scan.

Fenway thief: Authorities in New York say a Massachusetts man is accused of stealing Red Sox memorabilia from Fenway Park. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said Jamie Pritchard Holland was arrested May 4 and charged with criminal possession of stolen property. It was not immediately clear why the arrest happened on New York's Long Island. Investigators recovered a home plate, uniforms, a first-base glove used by Kevin Youkilis, cleats worn by 2B Dustin Pedroia and other property.

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Mets 9, Rockies 5

DENVER — Carlos Beltran hit a career-high three homers and drove in six runs as the Mets beat Ubaldo Jimenez. Beltran homered from both sides of the plate with his three two-run homers. "I never smile a lot, but I was smiling," Beltran said. "It's going to be a day I'll never forget."

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Braves 6, Nationals 5

10 innings

ATLANTA — Martin Prado hit a tying grand slam in the seventh, then scored the winning run for Atlanta on Brian McCann's single to right in the 10th. Doug Slaten walked Prado, who advanced on a sacrifice bunt. Slaten intentionally walked Chipper Jones so he could face McCann.

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Cardinals 9, Cubs 1

CHICAGO — Matt Holliday's long homer off Casey Coleman got the Cardinals started on a five-run second inning. "I feel like I'm not throwing as many strikes this year. When I need that big pitch, I haven't been able to make it," said Coleman, filling in because fourth and fifth starters Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner are on the disabled list.

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Giants 3, Diamondbacks 2

SAN FRANCISCO — Matt Cain had his best outing in nearly a month, Nate Schierholtz added three hits, Eli Whiteside doubled twice and the Giants finished a 6-0 homestand. The Diamondbacks had the tying run at third with one out in the ninth before Javier Lopez recorded the final two outs for his first save in nearly five years.

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Orioles 2, Mariners 1

12 innings

BALTIMORE — J.J. Hardy singled in two runs in the 12th, and the Orioles completed a three-game sweep. After Seattle scored in the top half of the 12th, Derrek Lee hit a leadoff single, and Brandon League hit Vladimir Guerrero and Adam Jones with pitches to load the bases with no outs. Matt Wieters lined out to short, but Hardy followed with a bouncer up the middle.

Times wires
Thursday, May 12, 2011

Royals 11, Yankees 5

NEW YORK — Eric Hosmer and Melky Cabrera homered and the Royals handed the Yankees their first home series loss of the year while knocking them out of first place. Sean O'Sullivan retired his first 13 batters and pitched into the seventh to give Kansas City its eighth win in 12 games. The Royals' 16 hits were a season high and they won a series in the Bronx for the first time since 1999.

Thursday, May 12, 2011

PONTE VEDRA BEACH — Tiger Woods limped off the golf course and into an uncertain future.

His return at The Players Championship from what he had described as a "minor injury" lasted nine holes Thursday. Woods withdrew because of pain in his left knee and Achilles' after taking 42 shots for his worst nine-hole score on the TPC Sawgrass course.

"I'm having a hard time walking," he said.

It was Woods' toughest nine holes in his last 14 starts. He has shot 43 for nine holes on four other courses.

Nick Watney took a one-shot lead at 8-under 64. Mark O'Meara, the oldest player in the field at 54, shot 66 in his first round at TPC in eight years. The oldest player to make the cut at TPC was Julius Boros, at 55 years, 174 days in 1975.

Woods flexed his left knee after hitting tee shots. He took baby steps to climb out of a bunker. He walked with a golf club for support, lagging far behind his playing partners with a limp. His quickest steps were to catch up to Martin Kaymer on the way to the 10th tee to tell him he was done.

Before driving off in a white Mercedes, Woods ducked into a fitness trailer with a sign painted on the side that said, "Is knee pain holding you back?"

The more relevant question is where Woods goes from here.

The crisis in his personal life that led to divorce last summer no longer appears to be the biggest obstacle in regaining his golf game or pursuing Jack Nicklaus' record 18 majors.

It's his health.

Woods, 35, already has gone through four surgeries on his left knee. Now he has an Achilles' problem. He has gone 18 months since his last win, three years without adding to his 14 majors, and he has no idea when he will be fit enough to compete again.

It started on the first hole, a 3-wood that "just didn't feel good" and sailed left into the pine trees. His left foot slipped on the pine straw, similar to the shot on the 17th hole at Augusta National in the third round that caused this latest injury, and he wound up on the side of a mound short of the green, another awkward stance.

"The knee acted up, and then the Achilles' followed after that, and then the calf started cramping up," Woods said. "Everything started getting tight, so it's just a whole chain reaction."

Asked if he should have walked off the course earlier, Woods replied, "Probably."

He stopped on the seventh hole of the fourth round at TPC last year with what turned out to be a minor neck injury. This time he made it only to the ninth hole of the first round.

"Tiger looked like he was in pain," said Matt Kuchar, the third in their group. "You could tell he was walking quite slowly, quite gingerly. He was last to get to his ball every time. … Probably by the second hole, you could tell that walk wasn't normal. And I think by the third hole, started seeing some grimacing."

Kaymer, who opened with 5-under 67 as he tries to return to No. 1 in the world, was playing with Woods for only the second time. "Nobody really knows how much pain he was in," Kaymer said. "He was walking really slowly."

Woods had not played since the Masters, when he said he hurt his knee and Achilles' after hitting from the pine straw beneath Eisenhower Tree in the third round. He described it as a minor injury two weeks ago.

Off the tee, Woods looked fine. He hit his driver 40 yards by Kaymer and Kuchar on No. 9, and he was 30 yards past Kaymer on No. 5. Of the five times in seven holes that Woods hit the fairway, however, he never hit the green.

His only birdie putt came on the par-3 third, and he missed that from 15 feet.

On the next hole, he pulled his tee shot into the mounds left of the fairway, then said, "No!" when his next shot found the water. After taking a penalty drop some 30 yards short of the hazard, Woods' pitch shot to a back pin hit the bulkhead and went back into the pond. He had to make a 20-foot putt for triple bogey.

Asked if the triple bogey was related to his knee, Woods said, "The tee shot was. It grabbed me on the tee shot there. But the pitch shots weren't. Those were just bad pitch shots. Those were just awful."

Woods typically would next play the Memorial in three weeks, with the U.S. Open at Congressional — a course on which he won two years ago at his AT&T National — starting June 15.

Woods has no idea when he can return.

"I just finished nine holes," he said. "Give me a few days to see what the docs say, and we'll take a look at it."