By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Sunday, November 27, 2011

NASHVILLE

Fourth quarters don't lie. If a football team has any questions about what it is, and about what it is not, fourth quarters are designed to answer them.

First quarters can fool you, and second quarters can be deceptive, and third quarters are known to out-and-out lie. But the NFL is a fourth-quarter league, and those last 15 minutes of football can batter a team into reality.

In particular, the fourth quarter said this to the Bucs on Sunday:

Wow, are you guys bad.

Again.

For three quarters there might have been a bit of a question about that this time. The Bucs actually held a lead into the fourth quarter, the first time that has happened since mid October.

As strange as it might sound, victory was not out of the question. The defense was keeping the Titans out of the end zone — though it should be pointed out that the Titans helped — the offense had the running game going, and for the time being, it was raining water instead of penalty flags.

Then everything unraveled, the way it usually does with struggling football teams. Just like that, the defense couldn't tackle, and the offense couldn't score, and the penalties kicked in, and Captain Comeback turned into Major Turnover.

Yep, these were the Bucs, all right. You probably recognized them.

This time they lost 23-17 to a Tennessee team that frankly isn't any better than the Bucs. If you didn't know the difference, you probably thought you were watching the Peach Bowl, only this time it was played in a car wash.

In other words, you can't blame this one on the schedule, not after the Bucs turned all 1986 in the final quarter. Not after the Bucs came from ahead to lose their fifth straight game (and sixth out of seven) and fall to 4-7 on the season.

In some ways this was the Bucs' most disappointing loss of the season, because these were the most winnable of circumstances.

They didn't need anything Immaculate. They didn't need a miracle. All they needed was one defensive stop in the fourth quarter, or one offensive drive. One impact play on either side of the ball and Tampa Bay could have stopped the bleeding, at least temporarily. Erase one stupid penalty here or one missed tackle there and the Bucs could have eased their pain for a week.

On the other hand, the importance of the fourth quarter is nothing new to the NFL. Good teams almost always come from behind, and then they talk about what character and composure and resiliency it took to pull it off.

Bad teams? In crunch time, bad teams get crunched. They draw penalties, and they surrender touchdowns, and they fail to convert on fourth and inches, and they lose wide receivers on fourth and 2, and officials don't measure for a first down when it's close.

The Bucs should know this as well as anyone. Last year they were terrific in the fourth quarter, and because of it, they kept winning games exactly like this one. Cleveland. Cincinnati. St. Louis. Arizona. Washington. Someone made a tackle. Someone scored a touchdown.

But not now. Not here.

In the fourth quarter, Tennessee had the ball for four drives. It scored on three and ran out the clock on the last one.

In the fourth quarter, Tennessee rushed for 82 yards and a 6.9 average.

In the fourth quarter, Matt Hasselbeck hit 5 of 8 passes for 38 yards, including the winning touchdown on a fourth-and-2 play. On his final throw, it seemed he could have had an hour to throw.

In the fourth quarter, the Bucs had three drives. The first one ended when they were called for three penalties in five snaps. The second ended when Freeman threw an interception that never had a chance to be a reception. The third ended when Freeman fumbled the ball, then picked it up and was stopped on fourth and 1. It was the triple crown of bad offense.

Time was, these were the situation that defined Freeman. He was the king of the fourth quarter, and he seemed to have a knack for snatching away a game from the other team in the final seconds. In the final 21/2 minutes Sunday, however, Freeman had two chances to rescue his team, and he failed both times.

No, no quarterback pulls his team out in the fourth quarter every time. But Freeman has had four shots at a comeback this year, and he has succeeded once. It's another instance where this team has not improved on last year's performance.

Yeah, yeah. You could blame this on turnovers if you want, because the Bucs had five. On the other hand, the Titans had four. You could blame it on an official who wouldn't measure before a fourth-and-1 play at the end. On the other hand, the Bucs couldn't even handle the center snap on the ensuing play.

It has been that way for a while now. Over the past seven games the Bucs have four games where they have scored one offensive touchdown or less.

Because of it? This year's "Race to 10" will go into next year.

Just asking, but do you think anyone is up for "Sprinting to Six?"

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — The way Tom Brady got everyone involved, it was a surprise no linemen or linebackers caught passes.

Brady threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns Sunday as the Patriots beat the Eagles 38-20 in a rematch of the 2005 Super Bowl.

Filling in for the injured Michael Vick for the second straight game, Vince Young threw for a career-best 400 yards but Philadelphia fell further out of the playoff picture.

The AFC East-leading Patriots stayed in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference behind a surgical effort from Brady.

The six-time Pro Bowl quarterback finished 24 of 34, Deion Branch had 125 yards receiving and Wes Welker caught eight passes for 115 yards and two TDs. Brady's favorite targets, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, also chipped in.

Gronkowski caught his 11th TD and Hernandez had six catches. BenJarvus Green-Ellis scored twice on the ground.

"It was more balanced today," Brady said. "That's how it needs to be. You have to run it. You have to throw it to everybody."

The Eagles are all but out of playoff contention after starting with Super Bowl expectations.

Angry fans made their feelings known about coach Andy Reid, chanting "Fire Andy!" in the second half.

"The way we played, I can understand," Reid said.

The defending NFC East champions fell to 1-5 at home and have lost eight of nine at Lincoln Financial Field.

"Andy's a tremendous guy," Young said of Reid. "I have the utmost respect for him. Fans don't understand some of the situations that goes on during the game. You can't put it all on Andy."

Down 10-0 early, the Patriots rallied behind Brady. New England scored on five of its next six possessions, excluding a kneel-down at the end of the first half.

"Overall we did a great job of staying composed on the sideline and making the right adjustments and doing pretty much what we game planned for," Branch said.

Coach Bill Belichick and Brady improved to 4-0 against Reid's Eagles, including a 24-21 win for their third NFL title in four years after the 2004 season.

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Is the tentative labor agreement a done deal?

It could fall apart, but that's unlikely. Commissioner David Stern is confident a majority of owners and players will approve it. But the lawsuits must be dealt with and the union reformed before the deal can be ratified and the lockout can end. Also, some secondary issues still must be settled, and the actual agreement has to be written.

What happened to get this deal done?

As one person involved in the talks told the Associated Press, "sanity prevailed." Owners were losing money. Players were losing money. Fans were getting angry. Because Christmas is traditionally the day when the public starts paying attention, there was a late push to salvage those games, including a Finals rematch between Dallas and Miami.

Who won?

The owners but not by as much as it initially seemed they would. Players will get between 49 and 51 percent of basketball-related income, a decrease from the 57 percent at the end of the last deal. But owners made concessions related to player movement.

How will the schedule work?

The league released a general plan Sunday. The 66-game regular season would end about 10 days later than usual, and the last possible day of the Finals would be June 26, two weeks later than last season. Teams would play 48 games within their conference and 18 non-conference games. No team would play on three consecutive nights more than three times.

What about the players who signed overseas? Can they come home?

In most cases, yes. Nets guard Deron Williams tweeted Saturday he would soon leave his Turkish club. Some who signed with Chinese clubs might have to work a bit harder (or pay) to leave.

Does the deal make it easier for the Magic to keep star center Dwight Howard?

It appears the Magic will get no significant help. According to SI.com, there is no NFL-style franchise tag that could be applied to Howard, who can become a free agent after this season. The Magic still can pay him more money over a longer period than other teams. But according to reports, owners dropped their demand that would have forbidden extend-and-trade deals such as the one that sent Carmelo Anthony from Denver to New York.

Will there be refunds for people who've already purchased tickets?

Magic ticket-holders can get refunds for canceled games or get credit toward future ticket or food/beverage purchases.

Information from the Orlando Sentinel contributed to this report.

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Talk of the town

Five topics suitable for inane debate on talk radio.

Legacy in the balance: Two games. Two weak opponents. Two chances to rescue a lost season. It's true that no matter what happens against Carolina and Jacksonville the next two weeks, 2011 is going to be a step backward in Tampa Bay. But if the Bucs do not win those two games, this season goes from disappointment to disaster.

Not a good sign: For 18 consecutive seasons, Tampa Bay's leading tackler has been a linebacker. From Hardy Nickerson to Derrick Brooks to Shelton Quarles to Barrett Ruud, a linebacker has led the way. This season, Tampa Bay's top tacklers are a safety (Sean Jones) and a cornerback (Ronde Barber).

You let him beat you? Yeah, I remember when Matt Hasselbeck was a good quarterback. It was around the time people were buying Nick Lachey CDs.

Veteran leadership: This makes consecutive games that Kellen Winslow has committed a drive-killing penalty in the fourth quarter. If officials are watching him more closely than most, it's his own fault. He makes himself a target.

More LB bashing: Quincy Black and Mason Foster both bit on Hasselbeck's rollout on the game-winning TD. Not sure if they were responsible for the middle zone, but Damian Williams was all alone in the back of the end zone.

A list of five

Five signs Raheem Morris is losing it.

5. Cut a ball boy for salary cap reasons.

4. Has been calling everyone Sabby.

3. New motto: Race to 9-9-9.

2. Spotted sipping wine with Joe Maddon — in the third quarter.

1. Contacted Bill Cowher's real estate agent.

Five offensive truths

The B-Train? He is 22 games into his career, and LeGarrette Blount may already be the most entertaining back Tampa Bay has ever seen. At this point in his career, Mike Alstott was on his way to folk hero status. Blount deserves the same treatment.

Not ready for prime time: The Bucs have faced three top-10 defenses (Tennessee, Houston, San Francisco) this season. They have scored a total of two offensive touchdowns in those games.

The magic is missing: Last season, Josh Freeman had a passer rating of 99.7 in the fourth quarter when the scoreboard margin was seven points or less. This season, his passer rating in those situations is 48.6.

Steep drop at receiver: Let's hope Arrelious Benn was rushed back from his knee injury. It's either that, or he's not as good as advertised.

QB safety: This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Freeman is running less and picking up fewer first downs than last season.

Five super picks

Checking out the best bets for Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis.

1. Packers: The '72 Dolphins are pulling out their voodoo dolls.

2. Ravens: For this week. Next week, I'll switch back to Pittsburgh.

3. Patriots: Turns out, Charlie Weis was holding Tom Brady back.

4. 49ers: Trust their defense more than New Orleans' offense.

20. Bucs: Right now looking at a top-12 draft pick.

Final five words

Pitchers/catchers report Feb. 20.

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Bernie Fine was fired Sunday by Syracuse after a third man accused the assistant coach of molesting him when he was a child.

"At the direction of Chancellor (Nancy) Cantor, Bernie Fine's employment with Syracuse University has been terminated, effective immediately," Kevin Quinn, the school's senior vice president for public affairs, said in a statement.

Fine, 65, was in his 36th season at his alma mater. He had the longest active streak of seasons at one school among Division I assistant coaches.

Zach Tomaselli, 23, of Lewiston, Maine, said Sunday that he told police that Fine molested him in 2002 in a Pittsburgh hotel room. He said Fine touched him "multiple" times in that incident.

He was the third accuser to come forward in the investigation of child molestation allegations against Fine, who was put on paid administrative leave when accusations surfaced.

Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim said he supported the university's decision and expressed regret for his initial statements that might have been "insensitive to victims of abuse."

"The allegations that have come forth today are disturbing and deeply troubling," Boeheim said in a statement. "I am personally very shocked because I have never witnessed any of the activities that have been alleged. I believe the university took the appropriate step (Sunday).

"What is most important is that this matter be fully investigated and that anyone with information be supported to come forward so that the truth can be found."

Tomaselli, who faces sexual assault charges in Maine involving a 14-year-old boy, told the Associated Press that he signed an affidavit accusing Fine after a meeting with Syracuse police last week in Albany. Tomaselli's father said his son is lying.

Two former Syracuse ball boys were the first to accuse Fine, who has called the allegations "patently false."

Bobby Davis, now 39, told ESPN that Fine molested him beginning in 1984 and that the sexual contact continued until he was around 27. A ball boy for six years, Davis told ESPN that the abuse occurred at Fine's home, at Syracuse basketball facilities and on road trips, including the 1987 Final Four.

Davis' stepbrother Mike Lang, 45, who also was a ball boy, told ESPN that Fine began molesting him while he was in fifth or sixth grade.

On Sunday, ESPN played an audiotape, obtained and recorded by Davis, of an October 2002 telephone conversation between Davis and Fine's wife, Laurie.

Davis told ESPN he made the recording, which also has been given to Syracuse police, without her knowledge because he knew he needed proof for the police to believe his accusations. Davis also acknowledged that he and Laurie Fine had a sexual relationship when he was 18, and that he eventually told Bernie Fine about it.

During the call to the woman, Davis repeatedly asks her what she knew about the alleged molestation. The woman says "there might have been others" and she knew "everything that went on."

Sunday's games

NO. 13 ALABAMA 72, VCU 64: JaMychal Green scored 16 of his 21 in the second half and had 14 rebounds for the host Crimson Tide, 7-0 for the first time since 2006-07.

NO. 17 PITT 81, ROBERT MORRIS 71: Ashton Gibbs scored 21 and Cameron Wright added a career-high 13 as the host Panthers (5-1) won their third straight.

NO. 21 MISSOURI 88, BINGHAMTON 59: Kim English scored a career-high 29 and made 7 of 10 3-pointers for the host Tigers (6-0).

NO. 24 MISS. STATE 82, N. TEXAS 59: Arnett Moultrie had 20 points for the host Bulldogs (7-1), who took a 30-10 lead and cruised.

LATE SATURDAY: Chace Stanback had a career-high 28 points and added 10 rebounds to help UNLV beat top-ranked North Carolina (5-1) 90-80 in the championship game of the Las Vegas Invitational.

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

OAKLAND, Calif. — Missing some of their biggest playmakers and unable to get the ball into the end zone for much of the day, the Raiders held the Bears and their fill-in quarterback in large part because of their kicking game.

Former Florida State standout Sebastian Janikowski kicked a team-record six field goals, Shane Lechler had an 80-yard punt and neutralized ace returner Devin Hester, and Oakland took advantage of three interceptions from Chicago's Caleb Hanie to beat the Bears 25-20 Sunday.

Janikowski made field goals of 40, 47, 42, 19, 37 and 44 yards to break the team record he shared with Jeff Jaeger.

Lechler helped control field position with a 49.2 yard net average, pinning Hester and the Bears inside the 20 on three of five punts and booming the team-record 80-yarder over his head with a boot that generated "oohs" and "aahs" from the crowd and his teammates.

The two kickers are the only remaining ties to the teams that won three straight AFC West titles from 2000-02.

"Our two kickers are fantastic," coach Hue Jackson said. "There's not another punter or kicker in the National Football League I would ever want to have on the football team. I said to the team when this was over, those were the two men who were here the last time this team was 7-4. Those guys have a lot to do with it."

Oakland's Carson Palmer threw for 301 yards and Michael Bush iced the game with a touchdown run in the fourth.

Hanie struggled in his first career start for the Bears in place of Jay Cutler, who broke his right thumb last week in Chicago's fifth straight win.

Hanie had thrown only 14 regular-season passes since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He threw for 254 yards but had three interceptions, including a crusher late in the first half deep in Oakland territory.

"I was a little antsy early on," he said. "A little bit too amped, I feel like. Just kind of felt a little pressure and sailed it on him."

The game ended when Hanie botched a play with four seconds left. Instead of immediately spiking the ball to stop the clock, he took an extra step back and hesitated, leading to a game-ending intentional grounding call.

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Grossman's long TD saves Redskins

SEATTLE — Rex Grossman walked to the line of scrimmage and from the pre-snap read, knew he was going to throw deep for Anthony Armstrong. Even on third and 19 and the Redskins, down by three, only needing 15 or so yards to get into field-goal range.

"It was just a matter of time to buy enough time in the pocket for him to clear that defender and put it in a spot where he could go get it," Grossman said.

The former Florida star came up with the winning touchdown toss, a 50-yarder to Armstrong, and snapped the Redskins' six-game losing streak.

Washington ended its longest skid since it dropped the first seven games of the 1998 season.

The touchdown came one play after Grossman was called for intentional grounding while getting driven to the turf. Grossman stepped up in the pocket to avoid the pass rush, then unloaded his toss for Armstrong.

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bozak and Clarke MacArthur scored 19 seconds apart in the first period for Toronto, which reclaimed first place in the Northeast Division and sent the spiraling Ducks to their seventh consecutive loss.

Goalie Jonas Gustavsson made 26 saves in his fourth straight victory for Toronto during starter James Reimer's injury absence.

Corey Perry and Francois Beauchemin scored for the Ducks, who have won twice in 18 games since Oct. 17.

Jonas Hiller made 23 saves for the Ducks, who have 16 points, the league's second-lowest total, despite the presence of reigning league MVP Perry, an All-Star goalie in Hiller and a wealth of elite talent.

Toronto's Phil Kessel, the league goal and points leader, had an assist for his 31st point.

Lupul, second in the league with 29 points, was impressive in his return to Anaheim, which dealt him to Toronto nine months ago shortly after he returned from a year's absence due to back injuries.

Rookie defenseman Jake Gardiner played more than 25 minutes for the Leafs, who acquired him in the same trade with Anaheim for Beauchemin.

game highlights: Alex Tanguay and Jarome Iginla had third-period goals to pad the Flames' lead and help stop a three-game losing streak with a 5-2 win over the host Wild. … The Blues beat the host Blue Jackets 2-1, giving coach Ken Hitchcock a win in his first game against his former club. Hitchcock, the winningest coach all time for Columbus, guided the Blue Jackets to their only playoff berth, in 2009, before being fired a season later. Hitchcock replaced fired Davis Payne in St. Louis on Nov. 6.

around the league: The Canadiens' Max Pacioretty has a hearing with the league today about the open-ice hit he put on the Penguins' Kris Letang on Saturday that broke Letang's nose. No penalty was called on the play. … Red Wings forward Patrick Eaves was scheduled to have surgery on his broken jaw today and is expected to be out six to eight weeks. Eaves was hit by a slap shot Saturday against the Predators. … The Stars put goaltender Kari Lehtonen, tied for the league wins lead with 13, on injured reserve with a groin injury sustained against the Coyotes on Saturday.

First Period—1, Anaheim, Beauchemin 3 (Selanne, Sbisa), 9:51 (pp). 2, Toronto, Bozak 5 (Liles, Lupul), 14:10 (pp). 3, Toronto, MacArthur 9 (Connolly), 14:29. Penalties—Cogliano, Ana (high-sticking), 6:18; MacArthur, Tor (tripping), 8:20; Guenin, Ana (elbowing), 12:57.

Second Period—4, Toronto, Crabb 5 (Schenn, Colborne), 2:36. Penalties—None.

Third Period—5, Toronto, Bozak 6 (Kessel, Lupul), :47. 6, Anaheim, Perry 10 (Getzlaf, Fowler), 5:38. 7, Toronto, Schenn 1 (Kulemin), 19:48 (en). Penalties—Fowler, Ana (slashing), 2:52; Koivu, Ana (slashing), 10:36; Phaneuf, Tor (high-sticking), 14:39. Shots on Goal—Toronto 10-12-6—28. Anaheim 10-7-11—28. Power-play opportunities—Toronto 1 of 4; Anaheim 1 of 2. Goalies—Toronto, Gustavsson 8-4-0 (28 shots-26 saves). Anaheim, Hiller 5-10-4 (27-23).

First Period—1, Minnesota, Clutterbuck 6 (Koivu, Heatley), 1:57 (pp). 2, Calgary, Giordano 4, 4:37. 3, Calgary, Stempniak 5 (Backlund, Butler), 6:54. 4, Minnesota, Johnson 3 (Brodziak), 8:06. 5, Calgary, Brodie 1 (Stajan, Jackman), 8:45. Penalties—Giordano, Cal (high-sticking), :28; Clutterbuck, Min (high-sticking), 8:53; Glencross, Cal (cross-checking), 12:50; Stoner, Min (roughing), 12:50.

Second Period—None. Penalties—W.Peters, Min (slashing), 2:02; Bourque, Cal (tripping), 10:48; Smith, Cal (holding), 16:12; Stempniak, Cal (holding), 19:28.

Third Period—6, Calgary, Tanguay 4, 1:39. 7, Calgary, Iginla 7 (Glencross, Jokinen), 8:26. Penalties—Minnesota bench, served by Staubitz (objects on ice), 8:26; Stajan, Cal (goaltender interference), 18:38. Shots on Goal—Calgary 15-11-9—35. Minnesota 7-10-4—21. Power-play opportunities—Calgary 0 of 3; Minnesota 1 of 5. Goalies—Calgary, Kiprusoff 9-9-0 (21 shots-19 saves). Minnesota, Backstrom 7-5-2 (8-5), Harding (8:45 first, 27-25).

First Period—None. Penalties—Cole, StL (interference), 9:51.

Second Period—1, Columbus, Dorsett 3 (Pahlsson, Tyutin), 5:06. 2, St. Louis, K.Russell 5 (Steen, Shattenkirk), 19:52. Penalties—St. Louis bench, served by D'Agostini (too many men), 1:01; Tyutin, Clm (holding), 9:32; Steen, StL (holding), 9:40; Carter, Clm (hooking), 18:06; D'Agostini, StL (interference), 18:51.

Third Period—3, St. Louis, Backes 9 (Oshie, Arnott), 7:49 (pp). Penalties—Reaves, StL, major (fighting), 4:21; Bass, Clm, major (fighting), 4:21; Tyutin, Clm (hooking), 6:31; Cole, StL (hooking), 8:50; Tyutin, Clm (hooking), 9:54; Prospal, Clm (slashing), 14:16. Shots on Goal—St. Louis 7-10-12—29. Columbus 7-9-8—24. Power-play opportunities—St. Louis 1 of 5; Columbus 0 of 5. Goalies—St. Louis, Elliott 10-1-0 (24 shots-23 saves). Columbus, Sanford 3-1-2 (29-27).

First Period—1, Ottawa, Spezza 7 (Gonchar, Karlsson), :55. 2, Carolina, Dwyer 3 (Bre.Sutter, Gleason), 15:03. 3, Ottawa, Spezza 8 (Gonchar, Karlsson), 18:03 (pp). Penalties—Condra, Ott (interference), 3:20; Cowen, Ott (hooking), 12:27; Joslin, Car, major (fighting), 17:14; Greening, Ott, major (fighting), 17:14; Bra.Sutter, Car (boarding), 17:21; Skinner, Car (slashing), 19:36.

Second Period—4, Ottawa, Rundblad 1 (Butler, Konopka), 19:46. Penalties—Foligno, Ott (interference), 1:39; Gleason, Car (roughing), 5:57; Winchester, Ott (roughing, unsportsmanlike conduct), 5:57; Spezza, Ott (high-sticking), 14:10; Bre.Sutter, Car (holding), 17:46.

Third Period—5, Carolina, E.Staal 5 (Pitkanen, Ruutu), 6:46. 6, Ottawa, Smith 4 (Daugavins, Kuba), 12:35. 7, Carolina, Ponikarovsky 6 (LaRose), 16:49 (pp). Penalties—Spezza, Ott (hooking), :36; E.Staal, Car (tripping), 4:17; Filatov, Ott (hooking), 14:56; Smith, Ott (high-sticking), 18:16. Shots on Goal—Carolina 14-12-11—37. Ottawa 6-12-7—25. Power-play opportunities—Carolina 1 of 8; Ottawa 1 of 4. Goalies—Carolina, Ward 8-10-3 (25 shots-21 saves). Ottawa, Anderson 10-7-1 (37-34).

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Tim Tebow wasn't watching as San Diego's Nick Novak lined up for a 53-yard field goal that would have beaten the Broncos in overtime.

He was praying, of course.

Did Tebow ask for a miss?

"I might have said that. Or maybe a block. Maybe all of it," the Denver quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner at Florida said with a laugh.

Whatever, it worked.

Novak missed wide right. Tebow moved Denver down the field and Matt Prater hit a 37-yard field goal with 29 seconds left in overtime for a 16-13 victory Sunday, the Chargers' sixth straight loss.

The Broncos are 5-1 since coach John Fox elevated Tebow to starter.

"Tim has outstanding ability," Fox said. "He proved it at a high level of college football in the SEC at Florida. It's (the option) something that he is comfortable with. I think our team has adapted to it. Right now it's working in the run portion of our offense. We still have some growth to do in the pass portion."

Tebow carried 22 times for 67 yards — the most carries by a QB in a game since at least 1950, according to STATS LLC. He threw for one touchdown and had a better rating than San Diego's Philip Rivers, 95.4 to 77.1.

"There's nothing I can say to make it sound good," Rivers said. "It's about as rough as it gets."

By Rick Stroud and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bucs DT Albert Haynesworth had been looking forward to his return to Nashville, where he spent the first seven seasons of his NFL career. In fact, he still has pretty important ties to the area. • "(Saturday) I got to see my kids, and they're getting huge," he said. "I really miss them." • But Haynesworth made it clear he was in town on business. • "Coming here to play in front of the Titans fans was great, but it would have been even better for me if we would have gotten a win here," he said. • Haynesworth finished with four tackles, including two for losses. He consistently helped collapse the pocket around QB Matt Hasselbeck and made penetration into the backfield on running plays. On one, when he decked RB Javon Ringer for a loss, Haynesworth got up from the pile and pumped his fists. That drew some mild boos from the Titans fans, who surely recall his decision to leave the team as a free agent in 2009. • Still, Haynesworth's recollections remain fond. • "I appreciate the memories," he said.

Clearwater Central Catholic grad and Titans rookie Colin McCarthy faced the team he grew up watching in the bay area. • And in this interesting situation, McCarthy made it known he is the Titans' middle linebacker of the future. Having started in place of injured former Bucs MLB Barrett Ruud (groin), McCarthy led the Titans with 10 tackles (seven solo), a pass defensed and an interception of Bucs QB Josh Freeman. • Dropping into coverage in his Cover 2 zone — the deep middle of the field — McCarthy read Freeman's eyes and jumped in front of a pass intended for TE Kellen Winslow, robbing the Bucs of a key fourth-quarter possession. • "What went through my mind was, 'Just catch it! Just catch it!' " McCarthy said afterward. • McCarthy said Tennessee defensive coordinator Jerry Gray had been prepping him all last week to cover throws to Winslow down the middle. • "We'd seen it on film," McCarthy said. "So, the biggest thing is if they throw it to you, don't drop it." • Freeman said there was a miscommunication between he and Winslow, though Freeman wasn't specific. Whether Winslow ran a different route than Freeman expected wasn't clear, but Freeman's decision to throw the ball with McCarthy lurking wasn't smart in either case. • "It's just something that, at that point in the game, can't happen," Freeman said. "Looking back, we had our timeouts, we had plenty of time."

Old friend outdoes Morris

. When Bucs coach Raheem Morris played at Irvington (N.J.) High School, he played for coach Chet Parlavecchio, left, probably never dreaming that they would one day face each other on opposite sidelines of an NFL field. But it happened, and it was an important subplot Sunday. As it turns out, it was Parlavecchio, a special teams assistant with the Titans, who cooked up a beautifully timed reverse on a first-quarter kickoff return that resulted in a touchdown.

"I got outdone by my high school head coach," bemoaned Morris afterward. "Unbelievable, isn't it?"

On the play, Bucs kickoff specialist Mike Koenen and his cover men were attempting a right-side kickoff, putting the ball near the Bucs sideline. That's where KR Marc Mariani fielded it at the goal line and worked his way up the field. The Bucs had a wave of cover men converging to pin him against the sideline when he did the unexpected. At the Tennessee 16, Mariani stealthily handed the ball to DB Tommie Campbell, who was heading in the opposite direction. By the time the Bucs found the ball, they were in a footrace that they would lose, resulting in an 84-yard touchdown return for Campbell.

"It was a great call because nobody saw it," Bucs LB Adam Hayward said. "We were all running to where the ball was. We had no idea." The play was called 37 Special.

"Once I got past the safety, I knew I had it," Campbell said.

"They've done a lot of tricks, but nothing like that," said Hayward, Tampa Bay's special teams captain. "We were expecting something else. It was perfect timing. It was a good call because we had people coming across the field (in the opposite direction) and they just walled us off." And, for that, Morris can thank his old friend, Coach Parlavecchio.

. The Bucs offense seemed to have major issues finding the end zone, so Tampa Bay needed its defense to help show the way.

That's where CB Aqib Talib came up big, intercepting Tennessee QB Matt Hasselbeck in the third quarter and returning the ball 27 yards for a momentum-shifting touchdown. It was Talib's second interception of the season, and both times he has returned them for touchdowns.

The play gave the Bucs a 17-10 lead, but it didn't hold up.

"We got turnovers, but we didn't get enough to win," Talib said.

Talib dived underneath intended receiver Nate Washington, then stopped, cut and hightailed it to the end zone.

Talib had another stellar day, adding three tackles, a pass defensed and a forced a fumble by RB Chris Johnson (which SS Sean Jones recovered).

RB LeGarrette Blount had his second consecutive 100-yard rushing performance Sunday, but it wasn't one that the second-year player is likely to celebrate. • Moments after the game, when coach Raheem Morris was asked about Blount, he succinctly summed up the day of his battering-ram ball carrier, who fumbled twice. • "LeGarrette went out and ran the ball well, but you have to hang on to the football at all costs," Morris said. "When you're carrying that football, you're carrying the whole team on your back." • Blount rushed for 103 yards on 20 carries, a 5.2-yard average. He also caught three passes for 56 yards, including a short reception in which he rumbled 35 yards. • A subdued Blount, who had his third 100-yard game of the season, had few answers afterward. • "We just didn't hold on to the ball tight enough," he said. "We didn't hold on to the ball the way we were taught."

Johnson awakens against Bucs D

. Titans RB Chris Johnson had run for 4,598 yards in his three previous seasons. Yet, this season, he had not flirted with the sort of rare numbers he had since 2008 — until Sunday. The Orlando native had the third-best effort of his career, running for 190 yards on 23 carries, dazzling with his precise, quick cutting and rapid acceleration that left the Bucs exasperated.

The Bucs seemed to have Johnson under wraps in the first half, when they gang-tackled him, dropped him for losses and generally limited his effectiveness, holding him to 46 yards at halftime. Then, everything changed.

"The way he is, he can make up for (negative plays)," said Bucs DT Albert Haynesworth, a former teammate of Johnson's. "He's Chris Johnson. You don't really come in and try to stop him. You just want to contain him. That was kind of the plan."

The Bucs could've limited Johnson by limiting his opportunities, but that would have required getting defensive stops and finishing drives on offense. In the late going, they did neither.

"He got too many yards," coach Raheem Morris said. "He had a couple breakout runs. He's a great running back. Make no mistake about it. When great running backs get that many carries and that many touches, you get a chance to be explosive and (he's) going to be. The only way to stop him is to get him off the football field."

The Bucs entered the game with the NFL's 31st-ranked defense. They didn't help their ranking with Sunday's performance, giving up 352 yards.

Quick hits

. DT Brian Price, who has been hampered by injuries, sprained his ankle in the second quarter and was seen in the locker room on crutches. The severity of the injury is unknown.

. Rookie DE Da'Quan Bowers made his first start, replacing injured Michael Bennett, and had one tackle.

. CB Ronde Barber's forced fumble, which led to a Bucs touchdown, was his first of the season and the 14th of his career.

. DE Adrian Clayborn's third-quarter sack was his fifth of the season, a team high.

. After recording just one TD reception in the first nine games, WR Mike Williams has now scored in back-to-back weeks and has 14 in his career.

Slipping and sliding

. The Nashville area was bracing for a cold front that was expected to drop more than an inch of rain. Mother Nature did not disappoint. The playing surface at LP Field was covered by a tarp before kickoff. But with rain falling consistently, it didn't take long for the conditions to affect the game. There were nine combined turnovers, including six lost fumbles (four by the Bucs). At times, ball carriers lost their footing when trying to plant on the wet turf, which had been resodded just last week. "I think there were some good hits where the ball was going to come out," Titans coach Mike Munchak said. "But I think the weather ends up being the main reason for it. … It adds to it. It was definitely the first time we have played in that weather." Said Bucs coach Raheem Morris: "Obviously there was a lot of rain. But it's football. That's what we play this game for. Nobody wants to play in pretty (weather) all the time. It's about the elements. That's why we play, and that's what we signed up for. I actually enjoyed it. I want to play more games like that."

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

STORRS, Conn. — Don't look now, but Connecticut has another record win streak going.

No. 2 UConn won its 89th straight at home Sunday to set an NCAA record, beating Dayton 78-38 behind freshman Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis' 23 points.

"To go home after every game they play with a 'W,' I don't know that that happens very often in very many places," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. "I love the consistency of our program, and I like how we approach things every year."

Bria Hartley and Stefanie Dolson had 11 points each and Dolson seven rebounds for UConn (6-0), which won its three games in the World Vision Classic by an average of more than 47 points.

Mosqueda-Lewis, who had two points and missed all eight of her shots against Buffalo on Saturday, hit her first five 3-pointers and had 19 points at the half.

"(Auriemma) told me to stop being a baby and if I'm missing to keep shooting, it doesn't matter," she said. "I'm not helping this team if I don't shoot."

Hartley gave the Huskies their first 30-point lead with a driving layup that made it 47-16 at the half.

De'Sarea Chambers scored eight points to lead Dayton.

The Huskies extended their Division I-record home winning streak and set an all-time NCAA mark, passing Division III Rust (Miss.) College, which won 88 straight at home from 1982-89. The Huskies set the mark for consecutive wins last year at 90 before losing at Stanford.

UConn has not lost at home since Rutgers won the Big East tournament final in 2007.

"Being at home, you have those fans you have that environment around you that you just want to play your best for the fans and coaches," Dolson said. "So it's really exciting to know that."

NO. 1 BAYLOR 76, NO. 6 TENNESSEE 67: Brittney Griner scored 17 of her 26 in the second half as the Bears (6-0) pulled out a win against the host Volunteers (2-2) despite being outrebounded 55-42.

NO. 10 GEORGIA 81, N'EASTERN 61: Jasmine Hassell and Erika Ford scored 18 each to lead the Bulldogs (5-1) in the Lady Rebel Round-Up consolation game in Las Vegas.

NO. 14 KENTUCKY 90, MVSU 51: Bernisha Pinkett had 13 points off the bench for the host Wildcats (7-0), who scored 10 before allowing a shot.

NO. 16 UNC 76, KENNESAW ST. 62: Chay Shegog had 21 points and 11 rebounds for the host Tar Heels (5-0), who trailed most of the first half but opened the second with a 20-4 run.

NO. 18 OHIO ST. 77, NO. 20 LSU 68: Samantha Prahalis had 28 points and flirted with a triple double for the host Buckeyes (5-0), and Tayler Hill hit a critical 3 with 3:10 left that kept the Tigers (3-3) at bay.

NO. 19 TEXAS TECH 94, LA.-MONROE 54: Kelsi Baker had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the host Raiders (5-0), who took a 16-3 lead and cruised.

NO. 21 G'TOWN 64, UNLV 45: Sugar Rodgers had 16 points and hit consecutive 3-pointers during an 11-0 second-half run that lifted the Hoyas (5-2) to the Lady Rebel Round-Up championship.

CAL 59, NO. 22 UVA 50: Layshia Clarendon had 16 points and 11 rebounds, and the Golden Bears held the Cavs (5-2) to 31.1 percent shooting at the Rainbow Wahine Tournament in Honolulu.

NO. 23 DEPAUL 88, N'WESTERN 72: Keisha Hampton had a career-high 32 points and Anna Martin had 21 for the visiting Blue Devils (5-1) in the third annual Autism Awareness game.

State

NO. 9 MIAMI 92, LONGWOOD 43: Shenise Johnson scored 22 for the host Hurricanes (5-1), who blew it open with an 18-0 first-half run.

NEBRASKA 66, FSU 63: The host Seminoles (3-4) went nearly nine minutes without a field goal in the second half to blow a 13-point lead and lose for the fourth time in five games.

Times staff
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount, on how to end the five-game losing streak:

"Go back to practice and find a way to win."

Bucs coach Raheem Morris, on going from first and 10 at the Titans 34 to fourth and 24 from the Titans 48 with his team leading 17-13 in the fourth quarter:

"You are doing a pretty nice job up until that point. You get two critical penalties, force you into a third down and 27, force you to run the ball there and punt it. Pretty much give them the ball back with an opportunity to go take the lead."

Titans coach Mike Munchak, on Matt Hasselbeck's winning touchdown pass to Damian Williams:

"There is no doubt they took away the … roll out to the right. They took away what he felt comfortable going to. He was smart enough not to throw that ball into a tough situation where we didn't have anything. He bought time. The protection was good. Then Damian found an opening and made a play."

Titans RB Chris Johnson, on his season-high 190 rushing yards:

"It felt good to finally get out there and get to some open space and make some plays. The offensive line blocked great. (FB Ahmard Hall) was getting on linebackers and making good blocks. It was just giving me room to run and make plays, and the receivers did a good job getting some blocks down the field. I feel like a lot of the running plays we ran we executed well."

Johnson, on Bucs and former Titans DT Albert Haynesworth:

"Me and Albert, we talked a lot during the whole game. It was good to see him out there making plays and just on a team. It's always good to go up against Albert."

CB Tommie Campbell, on his 84-yard kickoff return for a TD that came on a reverse:

"We did the handoff about 50 times throughout last week. I had to come in early to practice the handoff. That was the only thing we were worried about, was getting that handoff down. As soon as I got around the corner, I didn't see anybody there, except a dude (Bucs K Michael Koenen), and I knew he wasn't going to catch me."

Pat Yasinskas, ESPN.com's NFC South blogger:

The Bucs now are on a five-game losing streak. But this one was particularly painful because Tampa Bay had a shot to win. … The Bucs are now 4-7 and have one more loss than they did all last season. Time to face reality. A team that supposedly was on the rise coming into this season has clearly taken a step back and will not make the playoffs. The seat continues to get hotter for coach Raheem Morris.

Don Banks, SI.com:

Whatever happened to Josh Freeman's fourth-quarter magic? It hasn't been in evidence at any point during Tampa Bay's current, season-killing five-game losing streak. Freeman threw a terrible interception with 2:19 to go against the Titans and also fumbled the snap on fourth and 1 with less than a minute to play, effectively ending the Bucs' last-gasp hopes in Nashville.

David Climer, Nashville Tennessean:

One of the most encouraging developments (for the Titans) was the resurgence of the running game. After averaging just 3.4 yards per carry in the first 10 games of the season, Chris Johnson ripped off second-half runs of 34, 25 and 24 yards and finished the game averaging 8.3 yards per carry. Of course, the Bucs entered the game with the second-worst defense in the NFL.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, November 27, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays bolstered their bullpen while continuing the turnover behind the plate Sunday by trading John Jaso to Seattle for right-hander Josh Lueke, who comes with a power arm and a checkered past.

With the signing of veteran free agent Jose Molina expected to be official as soon as today, the Rays will have essentially a new catching tandem, with switch-hitter Jose Lobaton most likely to share time.

Lueke, 27 next month, went 1-1, 6.06 in 25 games for the Mariners as a 2011 rookie, struggling in April then pitching better (3.42 in 17 games) after a three-month stint at Triple A.

While a Texas minor-leaguer in 2009, Lueke pleaded no contest to a charge of false imprisonment with violence — reduced from rape and sodomy — stemming from a May 2008 incident in Bakersfield, Calif., and was sentenced to 40 days in jail, which he had served.

Executive vice president Andrew Friedman said the Rays looked "thoroughly" into the incident. "We're satisfied that he is going to be the kind of person and teammate that we look for, and we expect him to contribute positively to our group," Friedman said.

Lueke said he has put it behind him: "I'm trying to do what I can do for the team and move on. Hopefully that eventually just goes away and people quit judging on what they're hearing and actually get to know me and they can make their own opinion on that."

Neither the Rangers nor Mariners, who acquired Lueke in July 2010, have reported any additional issues.

Lueke has three effective pitches — fastball, slider, split-finger — and said he gained the confidence to succeed in the majors. Friedman agreed: "Josh has the stuff to get hitters out in the American League East and began to show that during the second half of last season. We believe he can be an important part of our success here for many years."

Jaso, who hit .224 and threw out 8 of 58 baserunners in a poor 2011, was caught off guard by the deal, which also nets the Rays a minor-leaguer or cash: "It was a really big shock."

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

Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

VANCOUVER — Travis Lulay led the British Columbia Lions to the Grey Cup title Sunday night, passing for two second-half touchdowns in a 34-23 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Lulay, a former Montana State star who added the game MVP award to CFL season MVP honors, completed 21 of 37 for 320 yards.

The Lions won their sixth title and became the first CFL team to win the championship after opening 0-5. They also are the first to win at home since 1994.

Lulay's 66-yard touchdown strike to former University of Houston receiver Kierrie Johnson on the final play of the third quarter put B.C. ahead 24-9.

The Lions then got a huge break with 12:21 left, when Winnipeg defensive end Odell Willis dropped Lulay's screen pass inside the B.C. 30 with a clear path to the end zone.

Lulay then drove the Lions to another score, capping the 82-yard drive with a 6-yard touchdown to former University of Minnesota receiver Arland Bruce.

Winnipeg made it interesting with Buck Pierce's two late TD passes. The former New Mexico State quarterback hit former FSU standout Greg Carr on a 45-yard scoring strike with 3:38 left, then found Terrence Edwards on a 13-yarder with 1:37 remaining.

By Ian Lanphier, Times Correspondent
Sunday, November 27, 2011

TAMPA — No. 7 seed USF defeated No. 10 seed and previously unbeaten New Mexico 6-5 on penalty kicks in the third round of the men's NCAA Tournament, delighting an energetic and historic Corbett Soccer Stadium crowd Sunday night.

After 110 scoreless minutes, including two 10-minute overtime sessions, the Bulls won when graduate student goalkeeper Chris Blais stopped Carson Baldinger on a penalty kick, sending the stadium-record 3,592 fans into a frenzy. Moments before, senior midfielder Santi Alexis, who didn't play during regulation or overtime, booted what turned into the winner past Lobos goalkeeper Victor Rodriguez.

USF (13-3-4) faces Creighton at 2 p.m. Saturday in Omaha, Neb., with the winner advancing to the Final Four. Creighton beat UC-Santa Barbara 2-1 Sunday.

New Mexico (17-1-3) was ranked No. 1 in the coaches' poll.

"I'm really pleased with our guys," said USF coach George Kiefer. "And, obviously, you know, Chris Blais, I've got to take my hat off to him with the PKs, to come up with the saves he came up with. I know he took a chance on us in transferring (from Michigan), and it says a lot about him to get us to this point. I'm really happy for him right now."

The teams went into a second round of penalty kicks after remaining tied at 4 through the first round. USF star forward Dom Dwyer, who went third in the first round, had his kick stopped by Rodriguez, forcing Blais to make a stop. He knocked away Blake Smith's kick on the next shot.

"I tried to keep my ground as long as I could, so he didn't know which way I was going," Blais said. "I went the right way. Those are the feelings you work really hard for in college."

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Monday, November 28, 2011 , Section C | 

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Times wires
Sunday, November 27, 2011

Steelers pick off Palko and Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Ben Roethlisberger joked that the broken thumb on his throwing hand was "still attached" after Sunday night's game against the Chiefs.

Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Weslye Saunders and Pittsburgh took advantage of four turnovers by quarterback Tyler Palko in a victory that tied them with Baltimore atop the AFC North. "Seems like, no matter who we play, we're going to make it a close game, whether that's playing down to competition or what," safety Ryan Clark said.

The Chiefs reached the Pittsburgh 37-yard line in the final minute. Then Palko threw high and behind Dwayne Bowe. Backup cornerback Keenan Lewis hauled in the pick with 29 seconds left.

Steelers safety Troy Polamalu left in the first quarter when he was hit in the head trying to tackle 290-pound offensive tackle Steve Maneri, who had caught a pass. Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, out of Florida, left with an illness.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 28, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays have made the Jose Molina deal official with a press release.

"Jose has been one of the best defensive catchers in baseball over the past decade, and his presence will bring even more stability to our defense, and he will, of course, be a great asset to our young pitchers," Rays executive VP Andrew Friedman said in a statement.

Molina will get a $1.5-million salary in 2012, and the Rays hold a $1.5-million option for 2013, with a $300,000 buyout.

With John Jaso traded to Seattle and Kelly Shoppach's option declined, Molina is in line to be the Rays' primary catcher.

Molina, who will turn 37 next season, has been a member of several successful teams, but has never started more than 81 games in a season behind the plate.

Jose Lobaton, who played in 14 games for the Rays last season, is likely the top candidate to share playing time with Molina.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 28, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — Jose Molina turns 37 in June and has never started behind the plate more than 81 times in a season, but the 12-year veteran officially joined the Rays on Monday saying he was ready for whatever duty manager Joe Maddon has planned.

"I'll be ready to catch 162 games, put it that way," Molina said. "I'll always be ready to go every day. … If Joe needs me for 162, I'll be ready for 162. If he needs me for 80, I'll be ready for 80. Whatever the team needs me to do, I will be ready for it. I can't tell you I'm going to catch 120 because I never catch that many games, but the one thing for sure is that I will be ready, I will be prepared for that challenge."

Further, he has already sought advice from his brothers, Yadier and Bengie, on how they prepared for everyday duty.

Molina, who will get $1.5 million in 2012, with a 2013 option for the same salary or a $300,000 buyout, looks to be the Rays' primary catcher, with inexperienced Jose Lobaton the likely backup, pending another deal. Kelly Shoppach's option was declined (though there is still a chance he'll return) and John Jaso traded.

Molina said he welcomes the role of mentoring young catchers, as he did with J.P. Arencibia last season in Toronto. "I don't hold anything to myself. I always give everything that I have to everybody," he said. "This time it will happen again."

The Rays are excited to have Molina, primarily for his work behind the plate, with executive vice president Andrew Friedman calling him "one of the best defensive catchers" in the game.

He has been the toughest catcher to steal against over the past four seasons (throwing out 36.5 percent) and is also known for an exceptional ability to frame pitches in the strike zone. "A great addition," starter James Shields said. "We'd be jealous watching the way he caught from the other side."

Coaches set to return

The Rays are set to bring back their coaches on two-year deals and have made Stan Boroski the full-time bullpen coach. An announcement is expected this week.

The two-year term is interesting because Maddon has only one year remaining on his deal, and it is unusual for coaches to have longer contracts than the manager. Both Maddon and the Rays have said they hope to work out an extension.

Boroski, who has been assistant to the pitching coach, filled in as bullpen coach last season when Bobby Ramos left the team due to illness. Boroski is expected to handle both jobs; Ramos could end up with another position in the organization.

The returning coaches are Dave Martinez, bench; Jim Hickey, pitching; Derek Shelton, hitting; George Hendrick, first base/outfield; and Tom Foley, third base/infield.

Also:

• The Astros have received permission to talk to Friedman, a Houston native, about their open GM job, according to the Houston Chronicle. It remains very unlikely that Friedman, who spoke previously with the Angels, would leave. Rays senior VP Gerry Hunsicker, a former Astros GM, is not expected to be interviewed.

• Free-agent 1B Casey Kotchman is working out daily but unsure if he will return to his hometown Rays or sign elsewhere. "We'll let the process work itself out," he said Monday.

• The Rays playoff share was $30,758.08 a man, according to MLB, with the team voting 45 full shares, plus 8.79 partial shares and 24 cash awards.

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, November 28, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays are bringing back all their coaches on two-year contracts, and have made Stan Boroski their bullpen coach.

All coaches' contracts expired after the 2011 season. While manager Joe Maddon said at the end of the season media wrapup that he expected to keep the staff intact, the Rays have yet to announce the deals.

The two-year term is interesting because Maddon has only one year remaining on his deal, and it's unusual for coaches to have longer contracts than a manager. Both Maddon and the Rays have said they hope to eventually work out an extension.

Boroski was on the staff as assistant to the pitching coach and took over as bullpen coach during last season when Bobby Ramos, on the job since 2006, left the team in August due to illness. Ramos could end up with another position in the organization.

Returning to their posts are bench coach Dave Martinez (fifth season), pitching coach Jim Hickey (sixth season), hitting coach Derek Shelton (third season), first-base coach George Hendrick (seventh season) and third-base coach Tom Foley (11th season).

Boroski, 46, joined the Rays for the 2010 season, working with pitchers alongside Hickey and doing some of the pre-game computer work. He continued to handle those duties while filling in for Ramos last season and is expected to continue to handle both roles.