Times staff
Friday, February 25, 2011

Florida State vs. Miami

When/where: 2; Tucker Center, Tallahassee

TV/radio: Ch. 44; 1040-AM

Records: FSU 19-8, 9-4 ACC; Miami 17-11, 5-8

Notable: Without star F Chris Singleton (fractured foot), FSU is 1-1 after Wednesday's 78-62 loss to Maryland in which the Seminoles had 17 turnovers. G Derwin Kitchen had four turnovers but scored 16 and had seven rebounds and six assists. FSU, 6-0 in ACC home games and 11-2 at home overall this season, is hoping a victory over Miami coupled with a win over North Carolina can get them off the bubble for an NCAA bid. … FSU won the Jan. 19 meeting 55-53, the Seminoles' fourth-straight win in the series. … With a win today, FSU would reach 20 for the fifth time in the past six seasons under coach Leonard Hamilton. … FSU's 1972 team that reached the national title game vs. UCLA will be honored at halftime.

Times staff

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — With nearly half their roster turned over and up to a half-dozen spots, plus shares of playing time at a handful of others, open for competition, Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon have lots to look for as the 33-game exhibition season opens today.

And very little will be obvious.

While acknowledging the boost their majors-best 20-8-2 spring record gave them starting last season, the top Rays aren't as concerned about specific individual results as some of the subtle things the players do along the way.

"It's the process in which these guys go about getting their work in," Friedman said. "It doesn't have anything to do with spring training ERA or batting average."

Instead, it's physical things such as how a runner reacts on the bases or how a fielder breaks toward a ball; how quickly a pitcher can make adjustments or how often he can throw a strike when needed; how a hitter reacts in certain counts or to a type of pitch.

And mental things such as thought process, instincts and demeanor, especially in tight situations.

"A lot of the things we're talking about is the stuff the average fan would never even consider," Maddon said.

With that in mind, here are the main areas they will be watching:

Bullpen

With more than a dozen candidates for the three open seats besides Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta, Adam Russell and Andy Sonnanstine, this is where most of the action — and attention — will be.

The Rays aren't looking only for the three best pitchers, but the three who best complement the other four to provide the options and different looks they want; making relevant repertoire (fastball or breaking balls), style (ground ball or fly ball) and effectiveness against left- and right-handers.

Even more subtle, the tightness of a breaking ball, differential of a changeup, ability to elevate or sink a pitch when needed.

Some will be very obvious.

"Strike-throwing is the biggest thing with the relief pitchers," Maddon said. "Control and command, you're looking for the ability to throw a strike when they want to."

First base

Dan Johnson is considered the starter — more for what he does with the bat than glove — but he will have some competition for playing time.

Casey Kotchman, the former Seminole High star, is in camp on a minor-league deal. Kotchman has a near-golden touch defensively. And if he convinces the Rays he is — as they've heard — regaining his past offensive form after hitting .217 last season (and .241 since July 2008), he could work his way onto the team and into the lineup.

Ben Zobrist isn't that comfortable defensively at first, but the Rays are planning for the switch-hitter to play there against at least some left-handed starters. And the more comfortable he gets, the more he could end up playing.

Batting order

With at least partial platoons at five positions and Maddon's proclivity for tinkering to optimizing matchups, there isn't going to be much of a set order anyway.

But there needs to be a foundation to work from. And the lineup planned for today provides a peek at what they are thinking initially. John Jaso remains in the leadoff spot (against right-handers) with Johnny Damon sliding into the No . 2 slot and Manny Ramirez in the cleanup spot to provide protection for Evan Longoria rather than in front of him to get on base.

From there, they have to decide where to slot the next group of Matt Joyce, B.J. Upton, Zobrist and Johnson.

Also to be determined are the shares of playing time as they are planning at least partial platoons at five positions (catcher, first, second, short and rightfield).

A couple of players will end up facing same-side pitchers each night, so expect to see some experimenting now (Reid Brig­nac and Joyce against lefties, Sean Rodriguez against righties) as part of the determination of what to do later.

Bench

With nine somewhat versatile position players (Brignac, Damon, Johnson, Joyce, Longoria, Ramirez, Rodriguez, Upton, Zobrist) and two catchers (Kelly Shoppach, Jaso) expected to be on the team, there are basically two spots open.

One will be a reserve infielder with Elliot Johnson the favorite over veteran Felipe Lopez (who is on a minor-league deal). The other will be an outfielder with Sam Fuld the leading candidate.

But this decision will be made as much for how the reserves fit onto the roster as how they play.

For example, Johnson's ability to play the outfield, specifically centerfield, could be an edge over Lopez if the Rays believe they need depth there (especially as a switch-hitter). It also could work to Kotchman's advantage as the Rays might be more open to keeping him than Fuld if they know Johnson could, and would be available, to fill in.

"We want to make sure we feel like we're as covered as we can be in all the different areas," Friedman said.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@sptimes.com.

Regular-season tickets

After several presales, the Rays officially put individual game tickets for the regular season on sale at 10 this morning exclusively through raysbaseball.com. Starting at 10 a.m. Monday, tickets will be available at all outlets, including Ticketmaster, the Tropicana Field box office and the team's Tampa store.

Spring training guide

Expanded looks at the bay area's three teams — Blue Jays, Phillies and Yankees — and quick looks at Florida's other teams along with the schedules for all. 4-5C

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

USF at DePaul

When/where: 2; Allstate Arena, Chicago

TV/radio: Ch. 28; 1250-AM

Records: USF 8-20, 2-13 Big East; DePaul 7-20, 1-14

Notable: USF has won five straight against the Blue Demons, and the Bulls need a win to stay out of last place in the Big East standings. USF is 0-11 on the road this season, though it did beat DePaul in Tampa on Jan. 27 in the first meeting this season. … Freshman F Cleveland Melvin leads DePaul with 14.3 points per game, while USF is getting 12.2 points from junior F Augustus Gilchrist. Watch out for G Jawanza Poland, who has been making the highlight reels with high-flying dunks and is averaging 9.9 points for USF. … The Bulls went 6-for-12 on 3-pointers in the first meeting. That kind of perimeter success would give the Bulls a better chance at notching that first road win and securing a better seed for the Big East tournament.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

USF women at Villanova

When/where: Noon; The Pavilion, Philadelphia

TV/radio: BHSN; 1010-AM

Records: USF 10-18, 1-13 Big East; Villanova 10-17, 2-12

Notable: USF will play without senior F Porche Grant, its top rebounder, who is suspended for two games for making an obscene gesture to Rutgers fans in Wednesday's loss. That hurts the Bulls more because Villanova is the Big East's worst rebounding team, averaging 10.9 fewer boards than its opponents. … The Wildcats hit a league-high 7.5 3-pointers per game but don't shoot even 30 percent beyond the arc as a team. … USF needs not only a solid game from G Andrea Smith (17.0 points per game) but a stronger supporting cast — no other Bull is averaging even half as many points as Smith. … Villanova shoots a Big East-best 79.8 percent at the free-throw line; USF shoots 66.1 percent.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — Keep this tidbit in your back pocket when you want to impress friends at a party:

With its 2-1 victory over the Devils on Friday night at the St. Pete Times Forum, the Lightning, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, became the first NHL team to win back-to-back games against opponents with eight-game winning streaks.

Coach Guy Boucher's eyes lit up when told.

"Ooh, I've got to tell the players," he said. "We always tell the players we're in the business of doing the impossible."

That's probably overstating it a bit, but the Lightning did make a statement as it ended its 12-game homestand at 7-3-2 in front of a boisterous announced crowd of 19,563.

Tampa Bay (36-18-7) won a game as tight-checking and choking defensively as a playoff game. And it beat what Boucher called the league's most disciplined team, which went in on a 16-1-2 run.

And though second-period goals in 54 seconds by Marty St. Louis and Simon Gagne, both high on the glove side of goalie Johan Hedberg, produced a 2-0 lead, Tampa Bay was a defensive bulldog and limited New Jersey to 20 shots.

"On a scale of 1 to 10?" goalie Dwayne Roloson said when asked to rate the defensive effort. "Probably a 13, 14. The guys played unbelievable. We stuck to our game plan and did exactly what our coach wanted us to do."

That included clogging the neutral zone, not turning over the puck and getting sticks on pucks and bodies into shooting lanes.

"Every time we tried to chip it back, their D was on the puck," Devils center Dainius Zubrus said. "It was not easy to create offense."

"They are," said Hedberg, who had allowed one goal in three previous games, "a really, really good hockey team."

That team pretty much shut down Ilya Kovalchuk.

The Devils star extended his points streak to 12 games with an assist on Mark Fayne's goal 8:13 into the third period. But he had just two shots while being watched for the most part by defensemen Randy Jones and Eric Brewer and center Dominic Moore.

Jones in the defensive zone in the second period even dislodged Kovalchuk from the puck and knocked him down.

"When you can, you have to be physical on him, because he can dance around you any time," Jones said. "So you have to be physical, and there was an opportunity."

It's not as if the Devils had zero chances. Roloson, who had 19 saves, stopped Kovalchuk and Nick Palmieri on breakaways. But Tampa Bay did not give up a shot in the final 2:10, and Jones and Brewer each had blocks.

"I loved the way we played the last five minutes, with aggressiveness and poise and confidence," Boucher said.

"Nobody was panicking. Nobody was screaming at refs. We weren't looking for anyone to help us. We were doing it."

And making history, too.

First Period—None. Penalties—None.

Second Period—1, TB, St. Louis 23 (Downie, Stamkos), 2:20. 2, TB, Gagne 10, 3:14. Penalties—Arnott, NJ (hooking), 18:51.

Third Period—3, New Jersey, Fayne 4 (Kovalchuk, Zajac), 8:13. Penalties—Bergenheim, TB (holding), 2:01; Tedenby, NJ (holding), 3:31. Shots on Goal—New Jersey 7-5-8—20. TB 8-15-7—30. Power-play opportunities—New Jersey 0 of 1; TB 0 of 2. Goalies—New Jersey, Hedberg 13-11-2 (30 shots-28 saves). TB, Roloson 17-19-2 (20-19). A—19,563 (19,758). T—2:23. Referees—Paul Devorski, Rob Martell. Linesmen—Brian Murphy, Pierre Racicot.

By Kerry Klecic, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — The long nights, bright lights and Saturdays spent walking the sidelines are gone for Bobby Bowden.

But he doesn't see that as a reason to slow down.

The former Florida State football coaching legend hasn't eased into the usual pace of "retirement." On the heels of publishing a book, Called to Coach, he's now on the speaking trail, with about three or four paid appearances per week around the country.

Bowden's latest stop was Raymond James Stadium on Friday night, where he spoke to about 300 guests about faith, family and football at a dinner event hosted by Northside Christian School.

"I won't retire," Bowden said. "I don't want to be retired."

Bowden, 81, who left FSU after the 2009 season with the second-most wins in major college football history, "doesn't miss a drop" of coaching. One thing he has realized now that he's out of coaching is the pressure of the job.

He took the opportunity last fall to enjoy football as a spectator. He watched a lot of football and never missed an FSU game. "It was fun," he said. "I didn't have to worry about winning a single game."

Now Bowden is playing more golf and spending more time with his family.

On Friday he spoke before a group that included former FSU quarterback Drew Weatherford.

"He's the most humble individual I've ever been around," Weatherford said. "There's three things my dad used to tell me every day when he dropped me off at school. … And it was that God asks three things of us every day: be humble, be kind and be just. And I never knew what that meant until I saw that in person. I got to experience that from a man I admired."

Bowden remains involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

"I'd hate to do nothing," Bowden said. "To me, when you do nothing, you're ready for the grave, and I ain't volunteering for that."

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

CLEARWATER — On a half-field in front of the entrance to the Phillies' practice complex, there was SS Jimmy Rollins fielding grounders with a group of minor-leaguers and no-namers.

It was the first day of spring training, and regulars weren't due to report for another five days. In previous year, Rollins was among the last to arrive.

Not this year.

The former MVP is coming off a subpar season and entering the final year of a $46.5 million, six-year contract. That's enough motivation to show up early.

Rollins played a career-low 88 games because of leg injuries. He had a career-worst .243 average. In the years since he was MVP, Rollins hasn't come close to matching the numbers he put up in 2007: .296 average, 30 homers, 94 RBIs, 20 triples, 41 steals.

But Rollins, 32, doesn't believe he has anything to prove.

"Not any more than I've had to prove every year," he said. "My whole life I always feel like I've had something to prove. That's the chip you have to play with. If you want to be the best, you have to go and prove it. People aren't going to give you that title. That's still my intention. It's not like you get hurt and then you come to be that much better the next year. I plan on being that much better every single year. At the end of the season, you look at the numbers, and hopefully they are that much better."

Blue Jays: Regulars to start in opener

DUNEDIN — Blue Jays manager John Farrell said he expects to use his projected regular-season lineup for today's spring opener against the Tigers.

And he plans to allow each to receive two at-bats before handing the reins over to some of the club's top prospects.

"I think everybody in our uniform is looking forward to (today)," Farrell said.

"You get through those first 10 days of when you're in controlled settings, and I think everybody is looking forward to a different color jersey across the field."

Pitching: LHP Brett Cecil, who won a team-high 15 games last season, gets the start. He will be followed by RHP Scott Richmond, one of seven candidates for the final two spots in the rotation. Also expected to see action are LHP David Purcey and LHP Jesse Carlson, who are competing to be the primary lefty out of the bullpen.

Yankees: Steinbrenner to be honored today

TAMPA — There will be a major absence when the Yankees play their spring opener against the Phillies today. It will mark their first spring game since owner George Steinbrenner died in July.

He will be honored during a pregame ceremony at Steinbrenner Field that will include his wife, Joan, being escorted by the couple's two daughters, Jennifer Steinbrenner Swindal and Jessica Steinbrenner, to place a rose on home plate. Haley Swindal, Steinbrenner's granddaughter, will perform the national anthem.

Getting Closer: Closer Mariano Rivera threw off a mound for the second time and didn't rule out pitching in a game after one more bullpen session. Rivera has taken a slower approach at spring training during the past few years.

Said pitching coach Larry Rothschild: "He knows how to get ready."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

Rays vs. Pirates

When/where: 1:05 today; Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte

Radio: 620-AM

Tickets: Reserved seats $19-$27, berm/boardwalk $10. Through raysbaseball.com and Ticketmaster, at Tropicana Field and Charlotte Sports Park box offices and Tampa team store.

Gates open: 11 a.m.

Directions: Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 south to Exit 179 (Toledo Blade Road), go west 6½ miles (crossing U.S. 41) to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, complex is on the left.

Parking: $10, lots open at 10

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297

Pitchers: Rays — David Price, Chris Archer, Matt Bush, Cesar Cabral, Rob Delaney, Dirk Hayhurst, Adam Russell. Pirates — Charlie Morton, Brad Lincoln, Chris Resop, Daniel Moskos, Daniel McCutchen, Justin Thomas, Cesar Valdez

Heads up

The battle for the three open bullpen spots officially begins with Delaney, Hayhurst and Cabral among the dozen or so candidates in action.

Who is this Ray?

He won an Oregon state high school championship — in snow skiing. He grew up on a tree farm. He was on the Rays 2010 opening-day roster. He was acquired via waivers.

On deck

Sunday: at Pirates (Bradenton), 1:05. Rays — RH James Shields; Pirates — RH Kevin Correia

Monday: Pirates (ss), 1:05. Rays — RH Jeff Niemann; Pirates — RH Bryan Morris

Tuesday: at Orioles (Sarasota), 1:05. Rays — TBA; Orioles — TBA

Remaining schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

2: at Blue Jays

3: Yankees

4: at Twins

5: Twins

6: at Phillies (ss)

7: at Pirates

8: Blue Jays

9: (ss) vs. Blue Jays; (ss) vs. Netherlands at Al Lang

10: Red Sox

11: Pirates

12: at Phillies (ss)

13: at Blue Jays

14: Off

15: Marlins

16: at Marlins

17: at Yankees, 7:05

18: Red Sox (ss), 7:05

19: at Twins

20: Orioles

21: Yankees, 7:05

22: at Red Sox, 7:05

23: Phillies

24: at Astros

25: Pirates

26: Orioles

27: at Pirates

28: at Yankees, 7:05

29: at Red Sox

30: vs. Blue Jays at Tropicana Field, 4:10

Who is this Ray answer: RHP Mike Ekstrom

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

T-shirt of the day

DH Manny Ramirez — most important — and other players Friday were sporting a new T-shirt designed by a group of bay area fans and available (for $18 plus shipping) from their website, mannyray.com. Ramirez said he liked the look of the shirt but didn't know where it came from. The idea was spawned a month ago from a conversation the guys had about a new nickname for Ramirez.

Historical context of the day

It's rare to see teammates, such as LF Johnny Damon and DH Manny Ramirez, with 2,500-plus hits. (Yankees SS Derek Jeter and 3B Alex Rodriguez are the only active others.) And it was even rarer Friday to see them playing in a 9 a.m. intrasquad game. "And," Damon said, "we're here to get better still."

Times staff, wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — Playing the first game in its new baseball stadium, USF had the perfect weather, a record crowd, a first-inning home run to set the tone and seven scoreless innings from starter Randy Fontanez on Friday night.

But with 3,126 fans looking on, USF's bullpen couldn't hold a three-run, eighth-inning lead, and Elon rallied for a 4-3 victory in 10 innings to keep the Bulls winless in 2011. Shortstop Sam Mende, who hit the stadium's first homer, had a chance at another memory with two on and two out in the 10th, but he struck out swinging.

"The home run was my one lonely hit of the night, so I didn't do much for us at the end," Mende said. "We just have to come out (today) with the same fire."

USF (0-4) had solid relief from closer Kevin Quackenbush, who struck out seven in 2 1/3 innings. Back in for the 10th, he walked two batters, threw a passed ball, then intentionally walked the bases loaded. Reliever Zach Pietrzyk got one strikeout but issued a bases-loaded walk to give the Phoenix (4-1) the lead.

"The community came out. I'm so excited," USF coach Lelo Prado said. "The atmosphere here (Friday) is what I'm looking for."

Miami AD exits

CORAL GABLES — Kirby Hocutt resigned as Miami's athletic director after 2½ years to take the same job at Texas Tech.

Hocutt told Miami officials of the decision Friday. University president Donna Shalala announced the move in a one-paragraph statement even before Tech officials or Hocutt made the decision public.

"I am deeply disappointed," Shalala said.

Texas Tech later said that it has an "agreement in principle" with Hocutt, noting that details still need to be worked out. At Texas Tech, Hocutt, 38, will replace the retiring Gerald Myers.

Shalala's statement did not discuss how the Hurricanes will search for a new athletic director, specify if an interim will be chosen or how long the university expects to spend on that process.

Saint Leo women's coach resigns

Chanita Olds, whose Lions enter tonight's regular-season finale against Barry 9-17, is resigning as coach after six seasons. Olds, a former Lions player in the late 1990s, said, "I am forever grateful for what Saint Leo has given me, and it really saddens me to leave," said Olds, who is 61-103 going into tonight.

No. 21 Marist 64, Siena 48: Erica Allenspach scored 20 as the Red Foxes (26-2, 17-0 Metro-Atlantic) wrapped up their seventh straight outright regular-season conference title while extending the nation's longest winning streak to 22 games.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Steve Lee, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 25, 2011

ZEPHYRHILLS — Zephyrhills defeated River Ridge last spring in the Class 4A, District 8 championship game. Judging by Friday night's outcome, there might not be a title rematch.

"I don't know if we'll face them in districts or not," River Ridge coach Ernie Beck said after his team's 10-1 defeat of Zephyrhills.

The Royal Knights (6-1) dominated from the outset, taking a 9-1 lead through three innings, relying on starter Lakyn Shull's command on the mound and capitalizing on an uncharacteristic six errors by the host Bulldogs.

"We're just not defensively good enough to beat good teams right now," Zephyrhills coach Craig Milburn said. "Not by any means are we the same as last year."

Shull (3-1) struck out 11 and had a stretch where she retired 15 straight batters.

"She pitched very, very well," Beck said. "She kept them off balance."

River Ridge struck quickly, taking a 3-0 lead in the first on three hits and three Zephyrhills errors. Morgan Toll led off with a single, advanced to third on an overthrow and scored on a groundout. Amber Jones doubled and scored on Shull's triple with Shull racing home on a throwing error.

Zephyrhills (3-3) came right back with Anissa Johns reaching on an infield single and scoring on Briana Blanyar's base hit. The Bulldogs might have had another run, but Lauren Pasquale, who walked, was tagged out at the plate on Blanyar's hit.

"They could have come back with two runs on us, but we threw that second girl out at the plate."

River Ridge scored four in the second, an inning highlighted by Toll's RBI triple and Jones' run-scoring single. Toll added a two-run single in the third.

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

MARANA, Ariz. — Youth gave way to power in the Match Play Championship on Friday with J.B. Holmes and Bubba Watson blasting away in the high desert to advance to the quarterfinals.

No one has been as impressive as Watson, who has played only 43 holes in three matches, has led every hole and is the only player left who has yet to reach the 17th hole.

He was long and straight against Geoff Ogilvy, a two-time champion in this World Golf Championships event. Watson was 7 under through 13 holes and had 10 feet for birdie when Ogilvy hit into the sand and conceded the 6 and 4 win.

"Hit a lot of good putts, a lot of good iron shots," Watson said. "Haven't missed that many fairways, probably no more than five all three days. So it's been good so far."

Holmes, with his ferocious swing, applied enough pressure on Jason Day to win the last two holes and escape with a 1-up victory. That set up a Holmes-Watson quarterfinal today.

Rickie Fowler, who Thursday gave Phil Mickelson his worst loss in this tournament, dropped the first three holes on the back nine and lost 2 and 1 to Matt Kuchar. The youngest player who advanced was Martin Kaymer, 26. Last year's PGA champion and the No. 2 seed had to rally on the back nine against Hunter Mahan, and the match ended on the 17th with a chip.

Kaymer advanced to play Miguel Angel Jimenez, at 47 the oldest player in the field. Jimenez gave Ben Crane another short day at the office. Crane, whose 8 and 7 win Thursday over Rory McIlroy was the second-largest margin in tournament history, didn't make a birdie until the 11th hole and lost 7 and 6.

Expected strong wind this weekend forced officials to move up the starting times for today's quarterfinals and switch the semifinals from Sunday to today.

PGA: Chris Stroud made eight straight birdies, one off the tour record, and shot 63 to take a three-stroke lead at 11-under 131 after the second round of the Mayakoba Golf Classic in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Kevin Stadler (66), Cameron Percy (66) and Sunghoon Kang (67) were tied for second.

LPGA: Chie Arimura shot 6-under 66 to lead Karrie Webb (66) by two at 10-under 134 after the second round of the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome (69) was at par 144. … Organizers of the annual tour stop in Springfield, Ill., said State Farm will drop its sponsorship after this year's June tournament. Kate Peters, executive director of the State Farm Classic, said she was disappointed and would try to find another sponsor. A message left for a State Farm spokeswoman was not returned.

British open: Prom Meesawat of Thailand and Jason Knutzon of the United States will make their tournament debuts in July after grabbing two of four reserved spots in a qualifier at Chonburi, Thailand. Tetsuji Hiratsuka of Japan and Lam Chih-bing of Singapore claimed the other two berths. Prom shot 7-under 65 for a 12-under 132 total to win by two over Hiratsuka (64).

By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 25, 2011

OLDSMAR — They awaken before the rooster crows to care for the horses they love. They work on the Tampa Bay Downs backside, where grooming, bathing and feeding are prerequisites before any race is run.

"The backside workers help put the show on every day," trainer Anthony Granitz said. "They're very important."

More than 400 individuals work on the backside. Granitz, 47, who has 846 career victories and more than $15.5 million in purse earnings, employs five at his 15-horse stable: assistant Juan Gongora, exercise rider Francisco Veloz and the Uribe brothers, Adrian, Jorge and Pedro, all grooms. Granitz, a husband and father to three daughters, said his workers, all from Mexico, are like a second family.

"Juan has been with me for 20 years," Granitz said. "He has three children and a wife. I've seen all his kids grow up, and we've been a family for a long time. Juan's dad also used to work for me. And it's exciting to have the three brothers because they communicate well and get along great."

When the workers' daily responsibilities are complete, the Downs division of the Race Track Chaplaincy of America offers support. A nonprofit organization, the group helps backside workers with programs including church services, counseling, English and computer classes, softball, soccer and fishing trips. Sharyn Wasiluk is president of the Downs chapter.

Substantial revenue for the projects is generated through the group's annual fundraiser, Hearts Reaching Out, this year on March 7. The benefit is composed of a golf tournament, a dinner and an auction. The four-person scramble golf event is at 11 a.m. at, for the first time, Cheval Golf and Country Club in Lutz. The dinner and auction are at 5:30 p.m. at the Downs tent pavilion near the paddock. The auction features racing and sports memorabilia. For information, call (813) 494-1870 or (813) 298-1576.

Granitz, president of the chaplaincy group's Illinois division, will be the auctioneer.

"The fundraiser is a big highlight for the chaplaincy," he said. "The money raised is for use all year and benefits the workers."

MORE HORSES: Grade II winner Striking Dancer is the 2-1 early-line favorite for today's $50,000 Wayward Lass Stakes (Race 8, 3:54 p.m.) at the Downs. … Trainer and co-owner Cathy Cole-Rivera recorded her first career win Thursday when D'coffee Cat broke his maiden under jockey Jorge Guerra.

GREYHOUNDS: Unbeaten Odd Inspector is the points leader with 32 as the $64,000 Sprint Classic enters third-round qualifying tonight at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Aerial Battle, a 2010 All-America second-team choice Monday, is second with 26. Both are in Race 6 (8:55 p.m.). The other qualifier is Race 10 (10:11). All-America team captain Flying Coal City has been eliminated.

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is sharing responsibility with the NFL for the Super Bowl seating fiasco at Cowboys Stadium.

Just hours before the Packers played the Steelers, the league said 1,250 temporary seats were deemed unsafe and moved 850 people to new seats. Still, 400 fans were forced to watch the game from standing-room-only locations around the stadium.

Jones told ESPNDallas.com on Friday that he would look at ways to improve seating issues and the way they are handled.

"I do, along with the NFL, take responsibility for the seating issue and some of the things that we would like to improve on regarding the seating issues," Jones said. " … We certainly intend to and will get much better in terms of the seating and how that is handled."

Jones said he was still proud of the North Texas Super Bowl committee's efforts.

In the days after Green Bay's 31-25 win, the league gave displaced fans two options: $2,400 — triple the face value of the ticket — and a ticket to next year's Super Bowl, or a ticket to any Super Bowl with expenses.

The NFL said an additional 2,000 fans forced to sit in temporary seats will receive a face-value ticket refund or a free ticket to a future Super Bowl.

SENATOR JUMPS IN: The chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee is urging owners to open their financial books to the players union, arguing that will help resolve a labor dispute that is threatening next season.

"Reluctantly, I have come to the conclusion that the only way to sort out this stalemate is for the owners and the league to answer the biggest sticking point: money," Sen. Jay Rockefeller wrote in a Washington Post opinion column Friday. "What I'd like to see from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and the owners is a simple display of good faith: Show the union your books. Don't keep secrets."

Rockefeller, D-W.Va., suggested that a neutral third party review the financial data, remove anything sensitive and prepare an assessment of finances.

PACKERS: Profootballtalk.com reported that Edgar Bennett was moved from running backs coach to receivers coach, one of four staff moves. Jerry Fontenot (formerly assistant offensive line coach) moved to running backs coach, John Rushing (offensive quality control) shifted to assistant receivers/special teams coach and Joel Hilgenberg was named offensive quality control coach.

RAIDERS: Cornerback Stanford Routt agreed to a three-year, $31.5 million deal to stay, with $20 million guaranteed over the first two years of the deal.

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

. Running

Gasparilla race start times

Today

15K: 7:05 a.m.; 5K: 9:30 a.m.

Sunday

Half-marathon: 6 a.m.; 8K: 9 a.m.

Course: All races start and finish on Bayshore Boulevard in downtown Tampa near the Platt Street Bridge.

SOCCER

Glazer

Malcolm Glazer

YEMEN RULING:

WORLD CUP:

TENNIS

Federer to meet Djokovic in Dubai

Novak DjokovicRoger FedererRichard GasquetTomas Berdych

QATAR LADIES OPEN:Vera ZvonarevaJelena JankovicCaroline WozniackiMarion Bartoli

Clermont's Duke leads U.S. Open

Norm Duke

ET CETERA

SKIING:Lindsey VonnMaria Riesch

TRACK AND FIELD:

OBITUARY:Frank Bare

Times wires
Friday, February 25, 2011

Commissioner Bud Selig rejected a proposal under which the Fox TV network would have loaned about $200 million to Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, the Los Angeles Times reported.

McCourt, according to the newspaper, would have used the team's cable TV rights as collateral, extending the current contract with Fox up to four years if he did not repay.

Major League Baseball, Fox and McCourt declined to comment.

Selig made his decision several weeks ago, the newspaper said. McCourt has since explored options that would satisfy Selig and manage a debt that court records say was about $430 million as of November 2009. The Los Angeles Times reported last month that Fox had advanced McCourt money from the team's current TV contract to help cover operating expenses.

When McCourt bought the team from Fox in 2004, Fox loaned him $145 million. He used his Boston parking lots as collateral. Fox has since foreclosed on and sold them.

McCourt is going through a costly divorce with Jamie McCourt, who alleges she owns half the team.

Mets loan: The Mets acknowledged they received a loan from Major League Baseball in November to help cover expenses. They did not say how much. The New York Times and New York's Daily News reported it was $25 million. Owner Fred Wilpon and family members are being sued for about $300 million over accusations they profited from disgraced financier Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme. Last month, Wilpon said he was looking to sell 20 to 25 percent of the team.

Torre hired: Major League Baseball hired former manager and player Joe Torre as executive vice president of baseball operations, the Associated Press reported. An announcement was expected today.

Angels: First baseman Kendry Morales, whose 2010 season ended in May when he broke his left leg jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-ending grand slam, should be ready to play by opening day, manager Mike Scioscia said. But it hasn't been determined if he can play the field. Scioscia said Morales will be the designated hitter for the first few spring games. Also, pitching coach Mike Butcher said he is cancer free. The former Rays pitching coach was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and his thyroid gland and 14 lymph nodes were removed Feb. 10.

Rangers: Third baseman Adrian Beltre is out at least a week with a strained right calf. An MRI exam showed an overstretched muscle but no tear.

Royals: Pitching prospect Henry Barrera walked off the mound holding his right arm during an intrasquad game. Barrera, who had reconstructive surgery on his right elbow in 2009, was scheduled for an MRI exam today.

Twins: Outfielder Michael Cuddyer is day to day with an infected wart on his left foot.

Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — When the ballpark sound system briefly malfunctioned Friday evening at Jefferson High, players and spectators improvised with a spontaneous a cappella rendition of the national anthem.

Moments thereafter, Dragons freshman Nikki Lopez conquered her own technical difficulty.

Escaping a no-out, bases-loaded jam in the first inning, the 5-foot-3 right-hander scattered five hits the rest of the way en route to a 1-0 triumph against Steinbrenner (4-3, 3-1) in a pivotal Class 4A, District 9 game.

"You know what, this is her third game pitching so far and she said, 'I haven't pitched good yet,' " Dragons coach Eve Suarez said. "But tonight she said, 'I'm ready for it.' "

Employing a curve, screwball and changeup, Lopez recorded seven strikeouts, the most critical one on a called third strike to No. 5 hitter Ann Scios that ended the Warriors' first-inning threat.

Steinbrenner had loaded the bases when Savannah Scott and Kaylee Ferrell singled and Kellee Ramsey reached on an infield error. Lopez then forced cleanup hitter Alia Serafini to hit into a double play before retiring Scios.

Lopez also notched inning-ending strikeouts in the third and fourth with runners in scoring position.

"I knew my team would back me up so I wasn't too nervous (in the first inning)," Lopez said. "A little bit, but not that bad."

Jefferson (4-1, 2-0) would get the only run it would need in the third when shortstop Kalyn "KK" Cenal singled to center, stole second and scored on Nadina Sola's two-out single up the middle.

Patti McDonald, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 25, 2011

TAMPA — After a tough loss to Riverview earlier in the week, Brandon was eager to get back to form against Alonso. The Eagles did just that as they defeated the perennial powerhouse 6-0 in Friday's Class 6A-8 matchup.

"We did not need too much motivation after that 5-0 loss," Brandon coach Matthew Stallbaumer said. "We brought our focus back to what we needed to do and came out with the win.

"We took advantage of our opportunities to put the ball in play, got some timely hits we needed to, pitched and played defense late, and for the most part tonight we dictated the tempo of the game."

Junior Chris Toney pitched four solid innings for Brandon (3-1) and senior Chase Sparkman picked up the save.

Alonso (2-1) defeated Brandon in all games at home for four straight seasons until Friday night.

"This is our team's first win in four years at Alonso, and it's great to finally beat them at their own field," Sparkman said.

Not only did Sparkman shine when it came to pitching, he showed off his hitting skills, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

After Adam Sass' home run in the second, Sparkman helped the Eagles to a 2-0 lead after his hit allowed a run to score in the third inning and his single drove in two runs in the fifth, making it 4-0.

"He has been part of this for four years now," Stallbaumer said. "We like to think of him as a pitcher first, but he definitely had some key hits for us tonight."

Eric Hinostroza's single scored two runs for the Eagles, making it a 6-0 lead.

Chris Girandola, Times Correspondent
Saturday, February 26, 2011

TARPON SPRINGS — Coming off a region final appearance last season, Joey Krehbiel demonstrated Friday why he is heading to USF on a scholarship next year. The 6-foot-1 right-hander dominated Tarpon Springs, throwing a one-hitter in a 5-0 win.

Krehbiel had 14 strikeouts and one walk and helped at the plate by going 3-for-4 with one run and one RBI.

"He's a game-changer," Seminole coach Greg Olsen said. "He's a competitor and his competitiveness really came out there when he was faced with some trouble."

Krehbiel faced trouble just once. Up 1-0, the senior captain walked the leadoff batter in the fourth, then gave up a single to Michael Dunnigan. Krehbiel (1-1) picked off the runner at second then struck out the next two batters with ease to end the inning.

The Warhawks (4-1) added three runs in the next inning as Phillips and McGathey each had a run-producing hit.

"Last year was surprising for us big time," Krehbiel said. "It was a good experience for us, though, because we learned what it takes to get far in the playoffs and what it will take to go even farther. Last year, we were just playing and didn't really know what we could achieve. After that (playoff) loss, we immediately made it a mission to work hard to make it a realistic goal this year to go far."

Phillips was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a run, McGathey went 1-for-3 with a double, and Jordan Meyer went 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs.

Dunnigan had seven strikeouts and allowed five runs, four earned, over five innings for the Spongers (3-2).

Times staff
Saturday, February 26, 2011

Atlanta Braves

Where: Champion Stadium (ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex), 700 S Victory Way, Lake Buena Vista

Tickets: $10-$45; (800) 745-3000

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: at Mets (ss), 1:10

Sunday: Mets

Monday: Astros

March

1: at Astros

2: at Red Sox

3: Tigers

4: (ss) at Nationals (ss) (ss) at Blue Jays (ss)

5: Mets

6: at Nationals

7: at Marlins

8: Yankees

9: Cardinals

10: Cardinals

11: at Yankees (ss)

12: Mets

13: Astros (ss)

14: at Cardinals

15: at Cardinals

16: Red Sox

17: Nationals, 6:05

18: at Mets, 1:10

19: (ss) at Tigers (ss) at Mets (ss)

20: Astros (ss)

21: at Mets

23: Marlins

24: at Blue Jays

25: (ss) at Phillies (ss) (ss) at Tigers (ss), 6:05

26: at Mets, 1:10

27: Phillies

28: Nationals, 6:05

29: Twins, 7:05 (Atl.)

30: Twins , 12:05 (Atl.)

Baltimore Orioles

Where: Ed Smith Stadium, 2700 12th St., Sarasota

Tickets: $8-27; (888) 329-3365

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Monday: at Pirates

March

1: Rays

2: at Phillies

3: Twins

4: at Tigers

5: at Red Sox (ss)

6: at Twins

7: (ss) at Red Sox (ss) at Yanks (ss), 7:05

8: at Phillies

9: (ss) vs. Twins (ss) (ss) at Boston (ss), 7:05

10: at Pirates, 7:05

11: Phillies

12: at Astros

13: Tigers (ss)

14: Pirates

15: Astros

16: at Yankees, 7:05

17: at Pirates

18: Twins, 7:05

19: Phillies

20: at Rays

22: Yankees

23: at Twins, 7:05

24: Pirates, 7:05

25: at Twins

26: at Rays

27: (ss) at Blue Jays (ss) vs. Red Sox

28: Tigers

29: Blue Jays

Boston Red Sox

Where: City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers

Tickets: $10-$48; (617) 482-4769, (877) 733-7699

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: Boston Coll. (ss) N'eastern (ss), 6

Sunday: at Twins, 7:05

Monday: Twins

March

1: at Twins

2: Braves

3: Phillies

4: at Yankees, 7:05

5: (ss) vs. Marlins (ss) at Orioles

6: at Mets, 1:10

7: Orioles (ss)

8: (ss) at Cardinals

(ss) vs. Astros (ss)

9: Orioles (ss), 7:05

10: at Rays

11: (ss) at Twins

(ss) at Atros (ss)

12: Marlins

13: at Pirates

14: Yankees, 7:05

15: at Tigers

16: at Braves

17: Mets

18: (ss) vs. Tigers (ss) at Rays, 7:05

19: at Pirates

20: Cardinals

21: at Phillies

22: Rays, 7:05

24: at Marlins

25: Blue Jays, 7:05

26: Twins, 7:05

27: at Orioles (ss)

28: at Blue Jays

29: Rays

30: Astros (Hou.), 8:05

Detroit Tigers

Where: Joker Marchant Stadium, 2125 N Lake Ave., Lakeland

Tickets: $9-$25; 866-668-4437

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: at Blue Jays

Sunday: Blue Jays

Monday: Yankees

March

1: (ss) at Phillies (ss) vs. Blue Jays

2: Astros (ss)

3: Braves

4: Orioles

5: (ss) at Astros (ss) (ss) at Blue Jays

6: Phillies (ss)

7: at Mets, 1:10

8: Marlins

9: Phillies

10: at Marlins (ss)

11: at Cardinals

12: Blue Jays (ss)

13: (ss) at Orioles (ss) vs. Astros (ss)

14: at Nationals

15: Red Sox

16: Cardinals

17: Twins

18: at Red Sox (ss)

19: Braves (ss)

20: at Nationals

21: at Astros

22: Mets

24: Nationals, 6:05

25: at Braves (ss), 6:05

26: Phillies (ss)

27: at Astros

28: at Orioles

29: at Yankees

Florida Marlins

Where: Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter

Tickets: $8-$35; (561) 630-1828

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Sunday: Miami

Monday: at Cardinals

March

1: Cardinals

2: at Nationals

3: at Astros

4: Mets

5: at Red Sox (ss)

6: Cardinals

7: Braves

8: at Tigers

9: Nationals

10: (ss) vs. Mets (ss) (ss) vs. Tigers, 7:05

11: at Mets, 1:10

12: at Red Sox

13: Nationals

14: at Twins

15: at Rays

16: Rays

17: at Cardinals

18: Astros

19: at Cardinals (ss)

20: Mets

22: Twins

23: at Braves

24: Red Sox

25: Mets

26: Cardinals

27: at Nationals

28: (ss) at Cardinals (ss) at Mets, 1:10

29: Cardinals (ss)

30: at Mets

Houston Astros

Where: Osceola County Stadium, 631 Heritage Park Way, Kissimmee

Tickets: $15-$27; (321) 697-3200

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Monday: at Braves

March

1: Braves

2: (ss) at Tigers

(ss) at Yankees

3: Marlins

4: Cardinals

5: (ss) vs. Tigers (ss) (ss) at Cardinals

6: Yankees

7: at Nationals

8: (ss) vs. Mets

(ss) at Red Sox (ss)

9: at Mets, 1:10

10: Nationals, 7:05 (ss)

11: (ss) vs. Red Sox (ss)

(ss) at Nationals, 6:05

12: Orioles

13: (ss) at Braves (ss) at Tigers (ss)

14: Phillies

15: at Orioles

16: Nationals

18: at Marlins

19: Cardinals (ss)

20: (ss) at Braves (ss) vs. Pirates

21: Tigers

22: at Nationals

23: at Pirates

24: Rays

25: at Yankees, 7:05

26: Nationals

27: Tigers

28: at Phillies

29: Okla. City (Okla. City), 7:30

30: Red Sox (Hou.), 8:05

Minnesota Twins

Where: Hammond Stadium, 14100 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers

Tickets: $13-39; (800) 338-9467

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Sunday: Red Sox, 7:05

Monday: at Red Sox

March

1: Red Sox

2: at Pirates

3: at Orioles

4: Rays

5: at Rays

6: Orioles

7: Cardinals

8: Pirates

9: at Orioles

10: Blue Jays

11: Red Sox (ss)

12: at Cardinals

13: (ss) at Yankees (ss) vs. Phillies

14: Marlins

16: Mets

17: at Tigers

18: at Orioles, 7:05

19: Rays

20: at Blue Jays

21: at Pirates

22: at Marlins

23: Orioles, 7:05

24: at Phillies

25: Orioles

26: at Red Sox, 7:05

27: Yankees

28: Pirates

29: Braves (Atl.), 7:05

30: Braves (Atl.), 12:05

New York Mets

Where: Digital Domain Park, 525 NW Peacock Blvd., Port St. Lucie

Tickets: $6-$18; (877) 538-6282

All games 1:10 unless noted

February

Today: Braves

Sunday: (ss) vs. U. of Michigan, 12:10

(ss) at Braves

Monday: Nationals

March

1: at Nationals

2: at Cardinals

3: Cardinals (ss)

4: at Marlins

5: at Braves

6: Red Sox

7: Tigers

8: (ss) at Astros, (ss), 1:05 (ss) vs. Nationals

9: Astros

10: (ss) at Marlins (ss), 1 (ss) at Nationals (ss), 1

11: Marlins

12: at Braves, 1:05

13: Cardinals

15: Nationals, 7:10

16: at Twins, 1:05

17: at Red Sox, 1:05

18: Braves

19: (ss) at Braves (ss), 1 (ss) vs. Nationals

20: at Marlins, 1:05

21: Braves

22: at Tigers, 1:05

23: at Cardinals, 1:05

24: Cardinals

25: at Marlins, 1:05

26: Braves

27: at Cardinals, 1:05

28: Marlins (ss)

29: at Nationals, 12:05

30: Marlins, 12:10

Pittsburgh Pirates

Where: McKech­nie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W, Bradenton

Tickets: $10-$20; (941) 747-303

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Today: at Rays

Sunday: Rays

Monday: (ss) vs. Orioles (ss) at Rays

March

1: Yankees

2: Twins

3: at Blue Jays

4: Phillies

5: at Phillies

6: Blue Jays

7: Rays

8: at Twins

9: at Yankees, 7:05

10: Orioles

11: at Rays

12: (ss) vs. Phillies (ss) (ss) at Blue Jays (ss)

13: Red Sox

14: at Orioles

16: Blue Jays

17: Orioles

18: at Phillies

19: Red Sox

20: at Astros (ss)

21: Twins

23: Astros

24: at Orioles, 7:05

25: at Rays

26: at Yankees

27: Rays

28: at Twins

29: Phillies (Phi.), 7:05

30: Phillies (Phi.), 4:05

St. Louis Cardinals

Where: Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St., Jupiter

Tickets: $8-$35; (561) 630-1828

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Monday: Marlins

March

1: at Marlins

2: Mets

3: (ss) at Mets, 12:10

(ss) vs. Nationals

4: at Astros

5: Astros (ss)

6: at Marlins

7: at Twins

8: Red Sox

9: at Braves

10: at Braves

11: Tigers

12: Twins

13: at Mets, 1:10

14: Braves

15: Braves

16: at Tigers

17: Marlins

18: at Nationals

19: (ss) vs. Marlins (ss) at Astros

20: at Red Sox

21: Nationals

23: Mets

24: at Mets

25: at Nationals, 6:05

26: at Marlins

27: Mets

28: Marlins (ss)

29: (ss) at Marlins (ss) at Springfield, Mo.

Washington Nationals

Where: Space Coast Stadium, 5800 Stadium Parkway, Viera

Tickets: $10-$20; (321) 633-9200

All games 1:05 unless noted

February

Monday: at Mets, 1:10

March

1: Mets

2: Marlins

3: at Cardinals (ss)

4: Braves (ss)

5: at Yankees

6: Braves

7: Astros

8: at Mets (ss), 1:10

9: at Marlins

10: (ss) vs. Mets (ss) (ss) at Astros, 7:05

11: Astros (ss), 6:05

12: Yankees, 1:05

13: at Marlins

14: Tigers

15: at Mets, 7:10

16: at Astros

17: at Braves, 6:05

18: Cardinals

19: at Mets (ss), 1:10

20: Tigers

21: at Cardinals

22: Astros

24: at Tigers, 6:05

25: Cardinals, 6:05

26: at Astros

27: Marlins

28: at Braves, 6:05

29: Mets, 12:05

Basil Spyridakos, Times Correspondent
Saturday, February 26, 2011

DUNEDIN — Dunedin and Seminole may be considered the district's top teams, but don't tell East Lake coach Dan Genna.

"We were under the radar going into it and we kept it that way," Genna said. "We definitely like playing the underdog."

East Lake broke open the game in the sixth inning and held on, handing rival Dunedin their first loss of the season, winning 5-4 Friday night.

East Lake's Eric Handhold allowed four hits and five strikeout through five, while Dunedin's Colyn O'Connell had 13 strikeouts and allowed only one walk through six innings, but errors in the sixth cost the Falcons.

O'Connell struck out Travis Fortin, but a passed ball allowed him to reach first. Justin DiSanto walked and Garrett Franklin put down a sacrifice bunt that was mishandled, allowing for a bases-loaded situation.

Grant Hodges cracked an RBI single toward second and Austin Bembnowski lined one up with middle for a two-run single. East Lake (6-1, 2-1) would score four times, making the score 4-2.

"This was the one team that I really wanted to beat because they've had our number the last three years," said Hodges, who hit another RBI single in the seventh, proving to be the winner.

Dunedin (4-1, 1-1) scored in the bottom of the seventh on a two-run single by Mike Clarkson, but DiSanto forced a groundout.

"We still had a chance to win in the sixth and in the seventh inning, and we fought hard against a good team," Dunedin coach Tom Hilbert said. "Our district's going to be that way."