By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

DALLAS — Like the Rays, the Angels went into the offseason targeting a series of areas for improvement. After smaller moves to strengthen themselves at catcher and in the bullpen, the Angels on Thursday jolted the baseball world, signing megastar slugger Albert Pujols and then adding lefty starter C.J. Wilson.

While the Rays have to seek out bargains and trades that maximize value while operating on a budget, and left the winter meetings Thursday with nothing done, the Angels made themselves better the old-fashioned way — throwing millions at free agents.

To lure Pujols — one of the game's elite players — to leave St. Louis, the Angels committed a reported $254 million over 10 years, then gave Wilson, who had been with Texas, $77.5 million over five.

New general manager Jerry DiPoto — who got the job after the Angels talked to the Rays' Andrew Friedman — said the deals were a reflection of owner Arte Moreno's commitment to winning.

"Unbelievable," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said picking himself up off the floor after hearing the Pujols news. "Arte is the best. He tries. He throws it out there. He wants to win. We sit and talk and we want the same thing. We want a ring! ... He's putting it out there. This is one owner I know who is crazy about winning."

The moves will not only increase the Angels chances to win more games, but also their share of the Los Angeles market from the distressed Dodgers, in terms of attendance and television ratings and revenues.

They will also make life tougher for other teams in the American League, certainly in the AL West, but also for the Rays, who have the random scheduling misfortune of facing the Angels 10 times — more than any other non-division team — this coming season. (Overall, the Rays could end up with 52 of their 162 games, 32 percent, against the four highest payroll clubs — Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Marlins.)

"The Angels are a large-revenue team that are going to do things like this," Friedman said. "We know it, we expect it. You can plug in different names. It's similar to teams that we complete against. ... I wish they would have taken a year to start getting aggressive."

There was surprise throughout the game that the Angels got Pujols — "quite possibly the best hitter of our generation," Friedman said — to leave St. Louis, where he hit .328 with 445 homers, 1,329 RBIs and a 1.037 on-base plus slugging percentage over 11 seasons.

"We are disappointed," Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. "I would like our fans to know that we tried our best to make Albert a lifetime Cardinal but unfortunately we were unable to make it happen."

The deal is the second largest in MLB history behind Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees, and obviously comes with significant risk over the long term, as Pujols turns 32 in January, and his stats have been in decline. "I hope he got a box of chocolates with that, by the way," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said.

Reds GM Walt Jocketty said it was "very good news" for the teams in the NL Central Pujols is leaving, and Seattle's Jack Zduriencik said, "It just makes it that much more difficult for everyone" in the AL West he is joining.

Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine said the experience of facing Pujols in the World Series gave them a sense of what they're in for. "We just saw him for seven games and I can't say we've exactly figured him out just yet," Levine said. "So our advance scouts still have a lot of work to do."

There is a residual effect that could benefit the Rays if the Angels decide to trade incumbent first baseman Mark Trumbo (who hit 29 homers in finishing second to Jeremy Hellickson for AL Rookie of the Year honors), non-tender first baseman/DH Kendry Morales or trade DH Bobby Abreu at a discount (though DiPoto talked of keeping them all). The Rays need help at both positions and could be interested, or get a better deal elsewhere if the market gets saturated. Conversely, the Cardinals are now also looking for a first baseman.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

DALLAS — Like the Rays, the Angels went into the offseason targeting a series of areas for improvement. After smaller moves to strengthen themselves at catcher and in the bullpen, the Angels on Thursday jolted the baseball world, signing megastar slugger Albert Pujols and then adding lefty starter C.J. Wilson.

While the Rays have to seek bargains and trades that maximize value while operating on a budget — and left the winter meetings Thursday with nothing done — the Angels made themselves better the old-fashioned way: throwing millions at free agents.

To lure Pujols away from St. Louis, the Angels committed a reported $254 million over 10 years, then gave Wilson, who had been with the Rangers, $77.5 million over five.

General manager Jerry DiPoto, who got the job after the Angels talked to the Rays' Andrew Friedman, said the deals were a reflection of owner Arte Moreno's commitment to winning.

"Unbelievable," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "Arte is the best. He tries. He throws it out there. He wants to win. We sit and talk, and we want the same thing. We want a ring! … This is one owner I know who is crazy about winning."

The moves will not only increase the Angels' chances to win more games but also their share of the Los Angeles market from the distressed Dodgers, in terms of attendance and television ratings and revenues.

They will also make life tougher for other teams in the American League, certainly in the West, but also for the Rays, who have the random scheduling misfortune of facing the Angels 10 times — more than any other nondivision team — this coming season. (Overall, the Rays could end up with 52 of their 162 games, 32 percent, against the four highest payroll clubs: the Yankees, Red Sox, Angels, Marlins.)

"The Angels are a large-revenue team that are going to do things like this," Friedman said. "We know it, we expect it. You can plug in different names. It's similar to teams that we complete against. … I wish they would have taken a year to start getting aggressive."

There was surprise throughout the game that the Angels got Pujols — "quite possibly the best hitter of our generation," Friedman said — to leave St. Louis, where he hit .328 with 445 homers, 1,329 RBIs and a 1.037 on-base-plus-slugging percentage over 11 seasons.

"We are disappointed," Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said. "I would like our fans to know that we tried our best to make Albert a lifetime Cardinal, but unfortunately we were unable to make it happen."

The deal is the second-largest in MLB history behind Alex Rodriguez's 10-year, $275 million contract with the Yankees, and obviously comes with significant risk over the long term, as Pujols turns 32 in January, and his stats have been in decline.

"I hope he got a box of chocolates with that, by the way," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said.

Rangers assistant GM Thad Levine said the experience of facing Pujols in the World Series gave them a sense of what they're in for. "We just saw him for seven games, and I can't say we've exactly figured him out just yet," Levine said. "So our advance scouts still have a lot of work to do."

There is a residual effect that could benefit the Rays if the Angels decide to trade incumbent first baseman Mark Trumbo (who hit 29 homers in finishing second to Jeremy Hellickson for AL rookie of the year honors), nontender first baseman/DH Kendry Morales or trade DH Bobby Abreu at a discount (though DiPoto talked of keeping them all). The Rays need help at both positions and could be interested, or get a better deal elsewhere if the market gets saturated. Conversely, the Cardinals could be looking for a first baseman.

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

By Rod Gipson, Times Correspondent
Thursday, December 8, 2011

TAMPA — Mike Tate is a coach's dream.

The 6-foot, 190-pound inside linebacker for Plant High who loves to hit and specializes in blowing up plays, Tate is respected on the field and admired off of it.

Plant coach Robert Weiner just has one problem with his senior linebacker and defensive leader as the Panthers prepare to face Neptune Beach Fletcher (11-2) tonight in the Class 8A state semifinals:

"We can't block him," Weiner said. "We can't block him in our own practices — and we're pretty good. If we can't, I don't know if they can."

And during Plant's 2011 march towards a state championship game appearance, no one has been able to block Tate. Check out Tate's stat line in the 12-1 Panthers' three playoff victories this fall: 51 tackles, five sacks, 15 tackles for losses, two fumbles caused, one fumble recovered and one punt blocked.

"I've played pretty well," Tate said, mostly deflecting the praise. "But you can always improve."

That attitude, Weiner said, may be Tate's most impressive trait.

"We've had a lot of destructive forces at that position here…" Weiner said. "And he's right there. He has the perfect combination of linebacker smarts and nastiness and off the field, he's a quiet, good guy his teammates respect and he seeks no fanfare at all."

Tate had to wait his turn behind other players before becoming a starter midway through the 2010 season. Once he did, he became a tackling machine.

Tate, who moved from outside linebacker to an inside spot, is the defensive quarterback. He makes sure Plant's defenders are in their proper spots, and then hits whatever ballcarrier is anywhere near him.

"I like to play fast, physical defense, very aggressive," said Tate, who leads Plant with an average of 13 tackles per game. "I like to hit."

Tate's signature moment came two weeks ago in Plant's region semifinal win against Orlando Dr. Phillips. He had 12 tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and deflected two passes in a 49-13 victory.

But after following that up with an overtime win against East Lake, Tate said he and his teammates aren't taking any teams lightly.

"We're pretty excited to be this far (in the playoffs)" said Tate, who is being scouted by several colleges and has an eye on the Ivy League. "Last week was a reality check. We have to keep things up tempo and take nothing for granted."

That could put Tate and his teammates in their fourth straight state championship game and give him a shot at a third state title ring.

"It'd be great for the seniors to go out with a bang," Tate said. "It would be a fairy tale ending and give us something to always look back at."

Associated Press
Thursday, December 8, 2011

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has been hired as Kansas' football coach.

Weis will be introduced during a news conference Friday on campus. The former Notre Dame head coach will try to rebuild a program that won the Orange Bowl a few years ago but floundered under Turner Gill.

Weis is wrapping up his first season as offensive coordinator at Florida after spending one season directing the Kansas City Chiefs' offense. His most extensive college experience came with the Fighting Irish, where he went 35-27 in five seasons.

The 55-year-old former New England Patriots assistant has also spent time with the New York Jets and New York Giants.

Kansas athletic director Sheahon Zenger hopes his high profile will energize a fan base that had grown apathetic under Gill, who was fired Nov. 27 after going 5-19 in two seasons.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Well, there goes the neighborhood.

And there. And way over there. Farther up there than you imagine, and so far that direction you can't help from giggling. This is the Big East? East of what, the Far East? East of Eden? East of Krakatoa? East of wherever west begins?

It's a big neighborhood, in other words. There are blue yards and former graveyards, and yards across four time zones, and yards from this side of the country to that one.

For instance, you could fit 20,058 football fields between USF and SMU.

For instance, you could fit 431,024 first downs between USF and San Diego State.

For instance, you would have to convert 4,627,040 third-and-ones to make it to Boise State.

For a program that has moved neither very far nor very fast in recent seasons, that's quite a ways for a cattle drive. The Big East is suddenly like McDonald's; it has franchises everywhere. It's as if someone sneezed on a map of the United States.

So here is the first question: Was it worth it? Well, yeah, because the other alternatives weren't very attractive. One was to invite Temple and East Carolina and Southern Miss to the party and hope nobody noticed. Another was to disband and hope Conference USA was feeling charitable. The third, was to ignore the geography and hope the results are good enough to not void the warranty on that automatic BCS bid that makes the conference matter.

So here we are, with a Big East that includes a team from Idaho and a team from California and two teams from Texas and another from Florida. So, has anyone heard from Navy? Air Force? Apex Tech? Anybody?

And so a nation laughs. There is widespread scoffing when it comes to the destinations and, for that matter, the desperation.

Now that it is done, however, you have to concede this:

This could be fairly interesting.

You have Boise, the Cinderella team that keeps embarrassing bigger programs. You have SMU, the Lazarus team that came back from the dead. You have Houston, which matters again. You have San Diego State, which is near a pretty good zoo. Also, there is UCF, which should make things fun.

So who are these guys?

There are a few things you know about Boise State, of course. One is the Smurf Turf, that Windex blue field the Broncos play on. Another is that quarterback Kellen Moore has played there for, it seems, 134 straight seasons. A third is that, as of right flipping now, Boise State is the favorite to win the Big East for the next six seasons.

Maybe you don't know this. Boise State is still a newbie in Division I-A. It started playing in I-A in 1996, only five years before USF. Dave Wilcox, who is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, played at Boise State when it was a junior college. Also, the school fight song urges the Broncos to fight on both "bravely'' and "courageously.''

And did I mention the field is blue?

Ah, and then there is San Diego State, Marshall Faulk's old school, Don Coryell's old school. Apollo Creed (actor Carl Weathers) went to school there. Hunter (actor Fred Dryer) played there. Richie Cunningham's mom (actor Marion Ross) went there.

San Diego State's athletic teams are called "the Aztecs.'' You will probably agree that is more fitting than the early nickname of "The Professors.''

SMU is an intriguing addition, considering that for part of the 1980s the Mustangs were, well, dead. SMU remains the only team to get the death penalty from the NCAA for rules violations.

Ah, but there was a time — back in the day of Eric Dickerson and Craig James — when the Mustangs could play with anyone. Doak Walker played at SMU. Forrest Gregg, the old Packer, played there. Rod "Toast'' Jones, the former Bucs cornerback, played there. So did Don Meridith and Jerry Ball.

Things you might not know: SMU's fans, like most Texas schools, have a hand signal. It's called "the pony ears'' and it looks like a drooping peace sign. Also, there is a mascot, Perunia, a Shetland pony.

Not far away is Houston, which has had a surprisingly good season. The Cougars are 12-1 and ranked 19th in the country. Of the Big East teams, only Boise State (seventh) is ranked higher.

Houston, too, has some history. Quarterback Andre Ware won a Heisman playing in the run-and-shoot offense. David Klingler, another quarterback, was a No. 1 draft pick after playing there.

(Houston also has a history of playing excellent basketball. Remember Elvin Hayes? Remember Phi Slamma Jamma?)

Traditions? Houston's hand sign is to bend a ring finger beneath one's thumb, a tribute to when the mascot Shasta (then a live cougar) lost a digit exiting its cage.

Then there is UCF. The students, the players, the fans of USF know all about the Knights. That's good. As of this second, it becomes the best rivalry in the league.

So how did the conference do? It still isn't big enough, and it isn't east enough, but it should be a better league when the new teams arrive in 2013. It's going to be interesting to watch. For now, I don't think the BCS is going to be asking for its automatic bid back.

For now, that's probably the best the Big East could do.

As for the Bulls, they should fasten their seat belts and place their tray tables upright. It's going to be a long flight.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

TAMPA — Just learning of Mossis Madu's arrival in Tampa Bay would have taken some effort.

The Buccaneers running back's name was buried in a list of 16 undrafted free agents signed by the team in July, a routine, annual exercise teams go through hoping to find a keeper or two. Such transactions rarely make headlines and certainly aren't accompanied by expectations.

But Madu came in with intentions and ambitions. Now, for Madu and players like him, opportunity finally is presenting itself.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever get," said Madu, who made his regular-season debut Sunday and could see more action down the stretch.

"I feel like my head is in the playbook and I'm in a good place. I know my stuff and I'm ready to go out there and produce."

With many of this season's goals unreachable after the team's current six-game losing streak, coach Raheem Morris intends to turn an eye toward next season by finding out what kind of talent is hidden deep on his roster.

Already, Da'Quan Bowers has emerged in the past few weeks after playing sparingly for most of the season.

But Bowers was a second-round pick, hardly a long-shot. Morris wants to see the upside of players such as Madu, cornerback Anthony Gaitor, safety Larry Asante and others who prove themselves worthy of opportunities.

Tampa Bay sits at 4-8 with four games remaining. The playoffs, though still a mathematical possibility, look like a pipe dream.

As a result, other considerations have come to the forefront — like the future.

"It's time to go out there and see guys like Madu," Morris said. "We got a chance to see a little bit of Anthony Gaitor. People are getting opportunities to play. Some of those are coming because of injuries. Some of those are coming because they (earned) it in practice.

"You'll get a chance to see a bunch of people. These young guys are going to get their opportunities right now, and it's time to check them out and evaluate them."

The idea is simple: When the offseason arrives and the task of forming next season's roster begins, the Bucs hope to have a better handle on what these players are and — more important — what they might become.

These players, while young, understand the value of precious playing time so early in their careers.

"This is what I've been waiting for," said Gaitor, a seventh-round draft choice who played only on special teams before this week.

"When that opportunity comes, you just better be ready to play. There's no more talking about you're a rookie or whatever. You didn't have an offseason? Whatever. You have to go out and play."

Said Asante, signed off the Browns' practice squad last season: "I'm just praying the Lord makes a way to get me out there on that field. I know what I can do. I just need a chance. That's basically what I'm waiting for, to go out there and have a real shot, to be able to be out there long enough to get comfortable. I've never really gotten a chance to do that."

It's much too early to know what future role, if any, Madu can play. But it's not out of the question he could compete for the team's third-down back role next season. He's already being evaluated with that possibility in mind.

"We want to get a good look at him," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said of Madu, who rushed eight times for 25 yards in his debut. "He's done some good things throughout the year in practice situations. And he's done some things in the game that we've liked. So we'll continue to add to what we're doing with him.

"I think he definitely has the abilities to be a third-down back at a minimum. He's very good out of the backfield. He's got very good hands. He's a smart guy. He understands (pass) protections. I think that would be a good start for him."

For Madu and others like him, whether they assume larger roles in the future is mostly up to them.

"You're going to get some of these guys back and continue to build for the future," Morris said. "To watch a guy like Madu go out there and make a couple of plays, to be a part of the rotation, that is what we're looking for."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

TAMPA — Just learning of Mossis Madu's arrival in Tampa Bay would have taken some effort.

The Buccaneers running back's name was buried in a list of 16 undrafted free agents signed by the team in July, a routine, annual exercise teams go through hoping to find a keeper or two. Such transactions rarely make headlines and certainly aren't accompanied by expectations.

But Madu came in with intentions and ambitions. Now, for Madu and players like him, opportunity finally is presenting itself.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever get," said Madu, who made his regular-season debut Sunday and could see more action down the stretch.

"I feel like my head is in the playbook and I'm in a good place. I know my stuff and I'm ready to go out there and produce."

With many of this season's goals unreachable after the team's current six-game losing streak, coach Raheem Morris intends to turn an eye toward next season by finding out what kind of talent is hidden deep on his roster.

Already, Da'Quan Bowers has emerged in the past few weeks after playing sparingly for most of the season.

But Bowers was a second-round pick, hardly a long-shot. Morris wants to see the upside of players such as Madu, cornerback Anthony Gaitor, safety Larry Asante and others who prove themselves worthy of opportunities.

Tampa Bay sits at 4-8 with four games remaining. The playoffs, though still a mathematical possibility, look like a pipe dream.

As a result, other considerations have come to the forefront — like the future.

"It's time to go out there and see guys like Madu," Morris said. "We got a chance to see a little bit of Anthony Gaitor. People are getting opportunities to play. Some of those are coming because of injuries. Some of those are coming because they (earned) it in practice.

"You'll get a chance to see a bunch of people. These young guys are going to get their opportunities right now, and it's time to check them out and evaluate them."

The idea is simple: When the offseason arrives and the task of forming next season's roster begins, the Bucs hope to have a better handle on what these players are and — more important — what they might become.

These players, while young, understand the value of precious playing time so early in their careers.

"This is what I've been waiting for," said Gaitor, a seventh-round draft choice who played only on special teams before this week.

"When that opportunity comes, you just better be ready to play. There's no more talking about you're a rookie or whatever. You didn't have an offseason? Whatever. You have to go out and play."

Said Asante, signed off the Browns' practice squad last season: "I'm just praying the Lord makes a way to get me out there on that field. I know what I can do. I just need a chance. That's basically what I'm waiting for, to go out there and have a real shot, to be able to be out there long enough to get comfortable. I've never really gotten a chance to do that."

It's much too early to know what future role, if any, Madu can play. But it's not out of the question he could compete for the team's third-down back role next season. He's already being evaluated with that possibility in mind.

"We want to get a good look at him," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said of Madu, who rushed eight times for 25 yards in his debut. "He's done some good things throughout the year in practice situations. And he's done some things in the game that we've liked. So we'll continue to add to what we're doing with him.

"I think he definitely has the abilities to be a third-down back at a minimum. He's very good out of the backfield. He's got very good hands. He's a smart guy. He understands (pass) protections. I think that would be a good start for him."

For Madu and others like him, whether they assume larger roles in the future is mostly up to them.

"You're going to get some of these guys back and continue to build for the future," Morris said. "To watch a guy like Madu go out there and make a couple of plays, to be a part of the rotation, that is what we're looking for."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

TAMPA — Just learning of Mossis Madu's arrival with the Bucs would've taken some effort.

The running back's name was buried in a list of 16 undrafted free agents signed by Tampa Bay in July, a routine, annual exercise teams go through hoping to find a keeper or two. Such transactions rarely make headlines and certainly aren't accompanied by expectations.

But Madu came in with intentions and ambitions. Now, for Madu and players like him, opportunity is presenting itself.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever get," said Madu, who made his debut Sunday against Carolina and could see more action down the stretch.

"I feel like my head is in the playbook, and I'm in a good place. I know my stuff, and I'm ready to go out there and produce."

With many of the Bucs' goals unreachable thanks to the current six-game losing streak that has left them at 4-8, coach Raheem Morris intends to turn an eye toward next season by finding out what kind of talent is hidden deep on his roster.

Already, defensive end Da'Quan Bowers has emerged the past few weeks after playing sparingly for most of the season.

But Bowers was a second-round pick, hardly a long shot. Morris wants to see the upside of players such as Madu, cornerback Anthony Gaitor and safety Larry Asante.

"People are getting opportunities to play," Morris said. "Some of those are coming because of injuries. Some of those are coming because they (earned) it in practice. It's time to check them out and evaluate them."

The idea is simple: When the offseason arrives and the task of forming next season's roster begins, the team hopes to have a better handle on what these players are and — more important — what they might become.

These players, while young, understand the value of precious playing time.

"This is what I've been waiting for," said Gaitor, a seventh-round pick out of Florida International in April who before Sunday against Carolina had played only on special teams.

"When that opportunity comes, you just better be ready to play. There's no more talking about you're a rookie or whatever. You didn't have an offseason (because of the lockout)? Whatever. You have to go out and play."

Said Asante, a standout at Nebraska signed off the Browns' practice squad last season: "I'm just praying the Lord makes a way to get me out there on that field. I know what I can do. I just need a chance. That's basically what I'm waiting for; to go out there and have a real shot; to be able to be out there long enough to get comfortable. I've never really gotten a chance to do that."

It's much too early to know what future role, if any, Madu, a standout at Oklahoma, can play.

"He's done some good things throughout the year in practice situations," offensive coordinator Greg Olson said of Madu, who rushed eight times for 25 yards Sunday. "And he's done some things in the game that we've liked.

"I think he definitely has the abilities to be a third-down back, at a minimum. He's very good out of the backfield. He's got very good hands. He's a smart guy. He understands (pass) protections. I think that would be a good start for him."

Whether Madu and the other young players assume larger roles in the future is mostly up to them.

"You're going to get some of these guys back and continue to build for the future," Morris said. "To watch a guy like Madu go out there and make a couple of plays, to be a part of the rotation, that is what we're looking for."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com.

By Doug Hemmer, Times Correspondent


Thursday, December 8, 2011

What's hot: There's little to no grass on the surface of the water on the flats. So it's a great time to use gold spoons and topwater plugs. Most of the year there's so much surface grass it fouls a plug or spoon after just a few turns of the reel. Trout and redfish are still feeding heavily because the water temperature has been warm enough to keep them from being sluggish.

Tips: The redfish are hitting spoons and topwater lures worked through mullet schools and close to oyster bars. Work the plug in a steady, "walk the dog" retrieve. Retrieve the spoon just fast enough to keep it out of the grass. The trout that suspend in 1 to 3 feet of water will slam a topwater plug during the low-light parts of the day. The first two hours after sunup and the last two hours before sunset will be the most productive times. Plugs that have a loud rattle will help the trout locate the lure. When the trout strikes at the plug and you don't get a hookup, stop the retrieve and twitch the plug. More times than not, the trout will strike the plug over and over until you hook up. If you reel the plug more than a few feet from the first strike, the trout won't find the lure.

Sheepshead: Large numbers of sheepshead are schooling for the winter spawn. They will move toward the beach. Look for them around the bridges and docks closest to the passes.

Doug Hemmer charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 347-1389.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, December 8, 2011

There are only two weeks left to shop before Christmas. But don't give your favorite anglers something you think they want. Give them a gift you know they will use.

Knife set

Nobody likes a dull knife, especially when you're trying to fillet a fish. So why not buy your favorite angler something that helps them clean their catch? The Calcutta seven-piece knife set contains everything needed to get dinner ready for the table. This item comes with a sharpener and carrying case. $24.95.

Fishing pliers

Next to a good, sharp knife, an angler's next favorite piece of equipment is a good set of fishing pliers. This tool is not a luxury but a necessity if you plan to fish offshore, since federal law requires every angler to carry some sort of dehooking device if they target reef fish. The Danco aluminum pliers have tungsten steel cutters that will slice braided line as easily as scissors cutting kite string. The business end — the jaws — is made of stainless steel, while the aluminum frame cuts down on weight. $39.99.

Artificial lures

Looking for stocking stuffers? You can't go wrong with MirrOlures. Locally designed and tested, these hard-body plastic baits will catch just about everything that swims on the flats, including the big three — spotted seatrout, redfish and snook. This veteran lure manufacturer now also has a line of soft-plastic baits that is equally effective for all inshore species. Prices range from $7.99 to $8.99. Terry's tip: Ask the local tackle shop owner which models are the best sellers in the area. Another great gift for less than $15: Boomerang Braid Cutters for $13.49.

Storage

Tired of carrying too much junk on the fishing boat? Now there is finally something that doubles as a cooler and a dry box. Engel has just come out with its Drybox/coolers, available in three sizes (13, 19 and 30 quarts), that will handle all of your needs. Prices range from $54.99 to $69.99.

Waterproofing

And while we're talking about keeping stuff dry, get a Aqua Box to protect that $250 smartphone. The $35.99 spent will be the best investment you ever made.

Items courtesy of Dogfish Tackle, 8750 Park Blvd., Seminole. Call (727) 393-2102.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, December 8, 2011

Things to do

Book signing: Join Times Outdoors Editor and Everyday Adventures author Terry Tomalin from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at USF Barnes & Noble, 500 3rd Street S, St. Petersburg. Call (727) 873-2665 or go to seasidepublishing.com.

Blue crab workshop: Help protect the diamondback terrapin, which get caught in crab traps, and get a free bycatch reduction device from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde.

Fundraiser: Support recently hospitalized chef Walt Gerbase, owner of Waltz Fish Shak, from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Boardwalk Place in Madeira Beach. Call (727) 395-0732.

Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

DALLAS — The Rays left the winter meetings without making any deals but with a better sense of what is realistic as they seek to fill holes at first base and DH, and seek to improve their offense and bullpen depth.

"It was a productive week for us from an information-gathering standpoint," executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "We feel like we're in a better position to understand the lay of the land and to narrow down the scope for kind of which domino we expect to go first.

"So there was a lot of productive internal and external conversations that I think are going to play a very pivotal role in the next month as we go about constructing our 25-man roster."

Most of their talks involved trading starting pitchers, with right-handers Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann considered most likely to go. The Reds, Royals and Marlins are among the teams with interest.

The Rays left last year's meetings in a similar position and on Jan. 8 made an eight-player deal that featured RHP Matt Garza.

Friedman said he couldn't compare the situations or say if a similar move was more or less likely. "It's hard because some things I thought had a chance have kind of gone away, and others I wasn't really focused on have risen up some," he said.

The Rays are also in pursuit of several free agents, including OF/DH Josh Willingham, though Friedman made it sound like the players weren't done shopping. "We're just waiting for the agents that we're talking to whittle it down from the 11 teams that are interested in their player," he said.

DRAFT BREEZE: The Rays didn't make any picks in the Rule 5 draft of minor-league players but lost two in the minor-league phase. INF Matt Sweeney, one of the three players acquired from the Angels for Scott Kazmir, was taken by Baltimore in the Double-A phase as the Rays gave up on him after 1½ seasons at Double-A Montgomery produced a .170 average, nine homers and 54 RBIs. They also lost C Gerardo Olivares, a 23-year-old who hit .298 at short-season Class A Hudson Valley, to Boston in the Triple-A phase.

OTHER DEALS: Pat O'Conner was unanimously re-elected president of Minor League Baseball, headquartered in St. Petersburg. … The Astros hired Cardinals executive Jeff Luhnow to fill their GM job. … RHP Aaron Harang agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Dodgers.

Dodgers case: U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Kevin Gross said he would overrule an objection by Fox Sports and allow the Dodgers to sell the media rights to future games as part of the team's plan to exit bankruptcy.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

TAMPA — QB Josh Freeman took a significant step in his recovery from an injured right shoulder, and the Bucs appear more optimistic he will play Sunday against the Jaguars.

Freeman, who sat out Sunday against the Panthers, resumed regular throwing during Thursday's practice. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Freeman felt good and was taken out only as a precaution.

A key will be how Freeman feels today. He had done only light throwing since hurting his shoulder on the final play against the Titans on Nov. 27. But coach Raheem Morris said Freeman was pretty much full-go Thursday.

"He went out and threw the ball pretty productively, felt pretty good," Morris said.

MEDICAL MATTERS: Morris did not have a lot of details on what the tests showed on CB Aqib Talib's injured hamstring, saying he's still day-to-day.

"Life goes on, even if we play this week without Aqib or the following week, whatever the case may be," Morris said. "We've got to perform. He's certainly a tough guy. We know his pain threshold is a lot higher than a lot of guys."

Morris also said DE Tim Crowder (concussion) went through the battery of mandatory tests and passed but is still suffering from "some issues", so his status remained unclear.

BEING BLOUNT: RB LeGarrette Blount had consecutive 100-yard rushing performances before getting 19 on 11 carries Sunday.

Part of that was the Panthers bringing extra players toward the line of scrimmage. But Olson said there also were some missed assignments "across the board" that plagued the running game.

Olson said he has been surprised by the lack of execution because the team did so well last season. He said he might have expected too much from some of the young players.

"Based upon where we felt we were at a year ago and coming into this season, I probably gave them a little too much credit … maturity-wise, and there are some things we're just not executing. And that falls on me," Olson said. "I just feel like we need to scale back, so we've got to be on the details of our assignments and got to execute better."

WIDE OPEN: The Jaguars have been hit hard by injuries with 21 players on season-ending injured reserve. And they're currently without their top three cornerbacks. Chargers QB Philip Rivers took advantage Monday night, completing 22 of 28 for 294 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-14 victory at Jacksonville.

Don't think the Bucs haven't noticed.

"Hopefully we can go out there and throw for 900 yards," WR Mike Williams said.

Williams said he has had fun teasing Jacksonville CB Ashton Youboty, who played with the Bucs during training camp, about Sunday's matchup.

"I told him … I can't wait to come out and play Jacksonville," Williams said.

Jaguars interim coach Mel Tucker acknowledged his team gave up big plays Monday but said he has seen improvement the past couple of weeks.

"I have confidence in those guys that they can step in there and get the job done," he said.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabaytimes.com

Times wires
Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Lakers were nearing an agreement to acquire Hornets All-Star point guard Chris Paul in a three-team trade that would cost them Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom, according to media reports Thursday.

The other team involved was the Rockets, the reports said. The Lakers would send Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets would receive Odom, and Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola.

The Lakers' deal for Paul was done, CBSSports.com reported.

Paul can opt out of his contract with New Orleans after this season, and the Hornets have been fielding trade offers in an effort to acquire players for him rather than letting him walk in free agency.

Paul, 26, was drafted by the Hornets fourth overall out of Wake Forest in 2005. Speaking earlier in the day, Hornets president Hugh Weber said the franchise has been preparing for months for the possibility he would resist signing an extension, a move that would all but force a trade.

The Hornets have been owned by the NBA since last December, when the league bought the club from founder George Shinn.

It's official: Owners and players ratified the new collective bargaining agreement, commissioner David Stern said, the final step to ending the five-month lockout and paving the way for training camps and free agency to open today.

On the free agent front: Center Tyson Chandler will leave the Mavericks and was closing in on a deal with the Knicks, ESPN reported. One sign that Chandler's time in Dallas is over, ESPN said, was that the Mavericks offered him to the Magic as part of a proposed sign-and-trade deal for All-Star center Dwight Howard, who can be a free agent in July. … Forward Caron Butler, recovered from a ruptured a tendon in his right knee that limited him to 29 games with the champion Mavs last season, will sign with the Clippers, according to media reports. The deal is three years and $24 million, TNT said. … Forward Shane Battier said he would sign with the Heat. … Forwards Tayshaun Prince and Jonas Jerebko will re-sign with the Pistons, the Associated Press reported. Prince, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to sign a four-year, $27 million contract. Jerebko, a restricted free agent, will be back for a $16 million, four-year deal. … Guard Shannon Brown will sign a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Suns, ESPN said. … Forward Mike Dunleavy will sign a two-year, $7.5 million deal with the Bucks, Yahoo Sports reported.

Trail Blazers: Center Greg Oden, Portland's often-injured former No. 1 draft pick, will sign the team's $8.9 million qualifying offer today, agent Bill Duffy said. It was not clear when Oden, coming off left knee surgery, might be available to play.

Times wires
Thursday, December 8, 2011

Commissioner David Stern killed the Hornets' trade of Chris Paul on Thursday after several owners complained about the league-owned team dealing the All-Star point guard to the Lakers, Yahoo Sports reported.

But NBA spokesman Mike Bass told the Associated Press that wasn't true. "The deal was never discussed at the Board of Governors meeting (on Thursday), and the league office declined to make the trade for basketball reasons," he said.

Reports circulated widely Thursday that the Lakers were nearing an agreement to acquire Paul in a three-team trade that would have cost them Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. The third team involved was the Rockets, reports said. The Lakers were to send Gasol to the Rockets. The Hornets were to get Odom and Rockets guards Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic and forward Luis Scola.

Paul can opt out of his contract with New Orleans after this season. The Hornets have been fielding trade offers so they don't have to let him walk in free agency.

The Hornets have been owned by the NBA since last December, when the league bought the club from founder George Shinn.

At the governors meeting to vote on the new labor deal, some owners pushed Stern to demand the trade be nullified and the Hornets be made to keep Paul for the foreseeable future, Yahoo Sports said. Many owners were furious because they believed the five-month lockout had happened largely to stop big-market teams from leveraging small-market teams for star players pending free agency, Yahoo said.

It's official: Owners and players ratified the new collective bargaining agreement, Stern said, the final step to ending the lockout. Training camps and free agency can now open today.

On the free agent front: Center Tyson Chandler will leave the Mavericks and was closing in on a deal with the Knicks, ESPN reported. One sign Chandler's time in Dallas is over, ESPN said, is that the Mavericks offered him to the Magic as part of a sign-and-trade deal for All-Star center Dwight Howard, who can be a free agent in July. … Forward Caron Butler, recovered from a ruptured knee tendon that limited him to 29 games with the champion Mavs last season, will sign with the Clippers, according to media reports. The deal is three years and $24 million, TNT said. … Forward Shane Battier said he would sign with the Heat. … Forwards Tayshaun Prince and Jonas Jerebko will re-sign with the Pistons, the Associated Press reported. Prince, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to sign a four-year, $27 million deal. Jerebko, a restricted free agent, will be back for a $16 million, four-year deal.

Trail Blazers: Center Greg Oden, Portland's often-injured former No. 1 draft pick, will sign an $8.9 million qualifying offer today, agent Bill Duffy said.

Times wires
Thursday, December 8, 2011

The NBA, the owners of the Hornets, refused Thursday to approve a three-team trade that would have sent Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul to the Lakers.

"It's not true that the owners killed the deal, the deal was never discussed at the Board of Governors meeting and the league office declined to make the trade for basketball reasons," league spokesman Mike Bass said.

Yahoo Sports reported that commissioner David Stern killed the trade after several owners complained. Yahoo said the Mavericks' Mark Cuban was one of the most vocal owners upset about the deal, done the same day as the end of the lockout, which was supposed to restore competitive balance in the league.

The proposed deal would have sent Lamar Odom from the Lakers to New Orleans and four-time All-Star Pau Gasol from the Lakers to Houston.

After it fell through, Paul wrote, "WoW," on his Twitter page.

The league's decision makes today awkward for those involved.

Paul will report to the Hornets today, the Associated Press reported. Gasol and Odom were expected to report to the Lakers' first day of training camp under new coach Mike Brown.

"When a team trades u and it doesn't go down? Now what?" Odom said on his Twitter page.

The Rockets also had agreed to send forward Luis Scola, shooting guard Kevin Martin, point guard Goran Dragic and a first-round draft choice to New Orleans.

The Hornets have been owned by the NBA since last December, when the league bought the club.

It's official: Owners and players ratified the new collective bargaining agreement, Stern said, the final step to ending the lockout. Training camps and free agency can now open today.

On the free agent front: Center Tyson Chandler will leave the Mavericks and was closing in on a deal with the Knicks, ESPN reported. One sign Chandler's time in Dallas is over, ESPN said, is that the Mavericks offered him to the Magic as part of a sign-and-trade deal for All-Star center Dwight Howard, who can be a free agent in July. … Forward Caron Butler, recovered from a ruptured knee tendon that limited him to 29 games with the champion Mavs last season, will sign with the Clippers, according to media reports. The deal is three years and $24 million, TNT said. … Forward Shane Battier said he would sign with the Heat. … Forwards Tayshaun Prince and Jonas Jerebko will re-sign with the Pistons, the Associated Press reported. Prince, an unrestricted free agent, is expected to sign a four-year, $27 million deal. Jerebko, a restricted free agent, will be back for a $16 million, four-year deal.

Trail Blazers: Center Greg Oden, Portland's often-injured former No. 1 draft pick, will sign an $8.9 million qualifying offer today, agent Bill Duffy said.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer


Thursday, December 8, 2011

NEW YORK — The Lightning equipment managers put Marty St. Louis' sticks in the rack for warmups Thursday night.

For the first time in 500 games, they went unused.

Tampa Bay's star right wing would have played his 500th consecutive game against the Rangers. Instead, he was at NYU Medical Center recovering from facial and nasal fractures sustained at the morning skate when hit by a backhand shot from Dominic Moore.

"Probably the biggest blow you can get on our team right now," coach Guy Boucher said.

Even so, the news was relatively good. Though general manager Steve Yzerman said St. Louis was "really swollen and still bleeding" around his left eye, which apparently absorbed some of the blow, preliminary examinations showed no eye damage.

St. Louis, who had four goals in his past six games and has nine goals, 22 points in 27 games, stayed overnight at the hospital with head medical trainer Tommy Mulligan. He was scheduled to return to Tampa today. When the swelling subsides, he will be evaluated by team doctors, Yzerman said.

"Generally, bad things happen at the worst times," Yzerman said. "He's been playing phenomenally. It's a difficult loss for the team, but it's an opportunity for other guys to step up."

Tampa Bay, also without center Nate Thompson (upper body), recalled from AHL Norfolk forward Blair Jones, who played against New York.

St. Louis, 36, who had not missed a game since Nov. 14 and 15, 2005, because of a broken finger, was swinging behind a net when hit by Moore's shot. He threw off his gloves and skated wildly to the bench, blood covering his face, and was helped to the medical room by Mulligan.

"Just bad luck," Moore said. "An errant shot. I missed the net."

The Lightning will miss St. Louis's production, speed, leadership and average 21:31 of ice time.

"You take a guy like St. Louis out of the lineup, you just don't slot a guy in there," Yzerman said. "Pittsburgh was without (Sidney) Crosby for a long time (10 months after his January concussion). Guys came out of nowhere and played really well. That's what we need."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

No. 12 Florida vs. Rider

When/where: 7; Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

Radio: 620-AM

Records: Florida 6-2, Rider 1-8, 0-2 Metro Atlantic Athletic

Notable: The Gators play their third neutral-site game this season (beat Wright State in Tampa and Stetson in Orlando) less than 48 hours after an overtime win over Arizona at home. … This is the first meeting between the schools, and they will play where the Gators began their 2006 NCAA national title run. … This will be a homecoming for Florida sophomore C Patric Young, a native of Jacksonville who is coming off a career-best game Wednesday of 25 points and 10 rebounds.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, December 8, 2011

NEW YORK — Looking to enhance and even quicken the development of Brett Connolly, the Lightning will allow the rookie right wing to play for Canada at the world junior championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in Calgary and Edmonton.

The decision was not made lightly, GM Steve Yzerman said Thursday. Connolly, 19, has played in all 28 Lightning games and has four goals and eight points. But his ice time has diminished — he played four straight games entering Thursday without reaching his 12:41 average — and has just one assist in nine games.

"I don't see it as a step back," Yzerman said. "It's important for these young guys to play in these big events in pressure games. They make you better. We still want him here, but what's best for Brett Connolly in the long run is best for us all. I'm confident this is the right thing for him."

Connolly, the No. 6 overall pick of the 2010 draft, will attend Canada's selection camp starting Saturday. He played in the 2011 event, in which Canada lost to Russia in the gold-medal game, and called it an experience he won't forget.

Now, Yzerman said, "he gets to go there and be one of the leaders who is counted on to set the example, and be the guy the coaches and players look to to make a difference. In the long run, that's great for him. You look at some of the kids who come out of these tournaments, they're better players."

Connolly will return after the world championship.

MEDICAL MATTERS: D Pavel Kubina (lower body) skated with the team Thursday morning but missed his third straight game. … C Nate Thompson was out with an upper-body injury.

ODDS AND ENDS: RW Adam Hall said he used two games as a scratch as a "motivational tool." … D Evan Oberg was scratched.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

NEW YORK - Coach Guy Boucher had a message for the Lightning after Thursday's morning skate.

"You've got to be tough."

It already was a tough day for Tampa Bay, which lost star wing Marty St. Louis with facial and nasal fractures from being hit in the face during the skate with a backhand shot from Dominic Moore.

So how appropriate was it that Moore should be the catalyst for a 3-2 shootout victory over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Moore's shorthanded goal, with a backhander no less with 1:57 left in the third period, tied the score 2-2. He also scored in a 1-0 shottout win with goaltender Mathieu Garon making three saves.

The win snapped a five-game losing streak for Tampa Bay (12-14-2), which also got a second-period goal from Ryan Malone.

The Lightning also had a come-together moment as captain Vinny Lecavalier, defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron and Steve Downie took turns attacking Artem Anisimov for his celebration after scoring to break a 1-1 tie with 6:37 left in the second.

The goal was shorthanded and Anisimov used his stick as a rifle to pretend as if he was shooting at the Lightning goal. That set off a fracas in which Bergeron ended up sparring with Brandon Dubinsky.

The event ended with 36 total combined penalty minutes and with Anisimov and Downie - who went after Anisimov after it appeared Anisimov baited him -- getting 10-minute misconducts.

The Rangers had the better of play in the first period, outshot Tampa Bay 13-7 and took a 1-0 lead.

Tampa Bay missed a prime chance of its own during a New York power play when Brett Connolly was stopped by goalie Henrik Lundqvist after Connolly received a terrific pass from Lecavalier.

The Rangers took a 1-0 lead on Ryan Callahan's power play goal 7:49 into the period. It appeared to be a bad goal in that goaltender Mathieu Garon went down too early and gave Callahan a slot on the short side. Callahan went that way high and beat Garon easily.

Garon redeemed himself with 4:14 left when he stopped Jeff Woywitka at the end of a two-on-one with a quick left-leg save.

Things swung the other way in the second period as the Lightning had a 14-6 shot advantage. Yet, it still trailed 2-1.

Malone tied the score with 8:37 left when he scored from the slot after picking off Ryan McDonagh's terrible diagonal pass from a corner of the defensive zone.

Malone stole the puck and walked in on Henrik Lundqvist who had no chance.