By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Vinny Lecavalier was diplomatic last week when he spoke of reasons for the two-year slump from which he is emerging.

And certainly "bad habits" on the ice, as he called them — such as floating on the perimeter of the action instead of grinding through it and leaving the defensive zone early — were big parts of his downturn. He also had surgeries to repair shoulder, knee, hand and wrist injuries.

But several teammates agreed the stress of two years of trade rumors under former ownership and management also took its toll, and it is no surprise Lecavalier believes he is playing his best hockey since 2007-08, before the two years OK Hockey and general manager Brian Lawton ran the team.

"You get treated with respect and how you're supposed to be treated, and you're going to go on the ice every night and compete and play for the people who run the organization and own the team," goaltender Mike Smith said. "It's fair to say the ownership we had before wasn't close to that. Bringing the people we have now helped a player like Vinny play up to his potential."

General manager Steve Yzerman, brought in by new owner Jeff Vinik in May, stated almost out of the gate he was not trading Lecavalier, short-circuiting seemingly constant rumors that culminated in speculation Lecavalier almost was traded at the 2009 draft to the Canadiens for goalie Carey Price, center Tomas Plekanec and defenseman P.K. Subban even while Lawton and then-co-owner Oren Koules denied they were trying to move him.

"It was a fresh start for him," center Steven Stamkos said. "It was a fresh start for everyone.

"You have that respect factor associated with the people involved in ownership and management and the coaching staff now. It gives you some breathing room to go out there and focus and play and not have to worry about the stuff you shouldn't have to worry about but he did because of the situation the team has been in. It's helped him get back to where he should be."

This isn't to let Lecavalier off the hook. As team captain and with an 11-year, $85 million contract, the team and fans deserve his best effort. His second-half spurt has been welcome, though even Lecavalier admitted, "I have to bring my game up even more."

Even so, Smith said, "We're happy he's back to the Vinny we all know and love."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

5 questions | C Dominic Moore

What pet did you have growing up? We had a parakeet named Godzilla

How big was he? About, you know, 4 inches; a tiny little thing.

Did he breathe fire? He had a high-pitched tweet. That's about it.

Any other distinguishing characteristics? He actually was a tragic story.

How so? We went away for a couple of days. We got a warm spell in the house, and he overheated and didn't have any air. He went the way of the dodo, so to speak.

The story that wasn't

After the Lightning lit up Toronto G James Reimer, above, in Monday's 6-2 victory, Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher, left, said extensive scouting of Reimer, as the team does against every opposing goaltender, helped Tampa Bay's cause.

So, Wednesday, after Reimer made 36 saves to beat the Hurricanes, he said he was motivated because he "heard through the grapevine" that the Lightning said he was a typical goalie coached by the Leafs' Francois Allaire: someone whose flaws are easily detected.

Sheesh, it's like playing telephone.

For the record, Tampa Bay players nor Boucher said any such thing. C Nate Thompson said it was better to shoot high on Reimer, but that was about as inflammatory as it got.

"A Francois Allaire goalie?" Boucher said later. "All they have is success."

Twitter feed

C Nate Thompson has embraced Twitter, originally as a way to raise awareness for charitable endeavours but now to have a little fun posting observations and pictures. Follow him at @NateThompson44.

"It's the best word of mouth to keep people aware and help raise some money," Thompson said. "You have to be smart with what you say, but if you're smart with it and say the right things, fans enjoy it and hopefully it grows the game of hockey."

And speaking of charities, seven Lightning players have signed up to shave their heads April 7 to raise money for child cancer research: Thompson, Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis, Victor Hedman, Teddy Purcell, Ryan Malone and Mike Smith.

Quote to note

"I don't mind (if) you get in front of the net, you battle; I don't mind that at all. But slew foots, two of those … he doesn't play the right way."

C Vinny Lecavalier, on Canadiens rookie D P.K. Subban, left

Number of the day

43.4 C Steven Stamkos' road faceoff percentage entering Saturday, ranked 169th among league centers

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

FORT MYERS — In theory, the Rays are going to have some extremely difficult decisions to make over the next 10 days in cutting their roster down to the final 25.

At least, that's what they're going to say.

But in reality, if everything goes as it seems, the final verdicts may be pretty easy. And obvious.

Because of all the guiding principles, theories and philosophies the Rays operate by, the one that often takes precedent is a simple one: conservation of their assets.

So, for example, while Casey Kotchman is having a strong spring, the Rays are still more likely to keep Dan Johnson as their first baseman. And while Felipe Lopez may yet show cause to take the utility infielder job from Elliot Johnson, that's probably not going to happen.

The reason is their roster status. By going with Johnson and Johnson, who are on the 40-man roster, the Rays don't necessarily have to pick.

Kotchman and Lopez, as well as INF Joe Inglett, OF Justin Ruggiano and RHP Chris Bootcheck, are on minor-league contracts. So if they don't make the team — and don't get a legit opportunity elsewhere in the majors, in which case the Rays would likely work something out — they would go to play at Triple-A Durham, providing the Rays depth and the right to change their mind a few weeks or months into the season. (RHP Juan Cruz is on a minor-league deal, too, though it appears as of now he will make the opening day roster.)

"We appreciate the fact that the 25 guys we break camp with are not going to remain status quo throughout the entire season," executive VP Andrew Friedman said. "Depth has been a very important part of the success we've had in the past, and we are extremely mindful of preserving it. We will go about our roster decisions as we have in previous years of balancing that fact.

"If a decision is obvious then we're obviously going to go that way. But when decisions are very close and more of a split camp, then obviously roster status will play a part in that decision."

TROP BOP: Joe Torre acted quickly in his new role as MLB's executive VP of onfield operations to change the Tropicana Field catwalk ground rules back to what they had been.

His primary point was that there had been no real reason to change them for last year's playoffs, and he wanted uniformity with other stadiums. Also, he didn't like the new rule: "The fact that you heard 'do-over,' " Torre said.

He wants to make the best of a bad situation: "That ballpark has plenty of issues, unfortunately, with the structure of it."

RAYS RUMBLINGS: Former Ray and new Cub Fernando Perez was surprised — and somewhat amused — to find out (from a friend …) that an interview he did with author Jonah Keri for the book, The Extra 2%, turned up as a Q-and-A in the April edition of Penthouse magazine. … The Rays will be selling Manny Ramirez dreadlock wigs at the Trop gift shop; also new this year will be game-used merchandise. … 3B Evan Longoria is one of 20 players featured in Diamond Dishes, a new book — by Julie Loria, wife of Marlins owner Jeffrey — focusing on cooking and favorite foods. Longoria, who said he loves to cook, includes his mom's stuffed cabbage and potato dumplings. … In an idea that may not end well, the team is giving some players small video cameras to shoot behind-the-scenes type stuff. … Longoria said no luck so far in recovering his car stolen from an Arizona lot. … Manager Joe Maddon is pushing for more "throwback" music to be played between innings at the Trop.

By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

What's hot: The first day of spring means the worst of Old Man Winter is behind us. Water temperatures have climbed back into the lower 70s after last week's cold front, and the fish are feeding aggressively again. Bait has returned to inshore flats after being scattered from the front. Sometimes persistence and patience are needed when trying to locate scaled sardines. That might be the difference between a good and a phenomenal day of fishing. Look for flips on the surface of the water or flashes deeper in the water column. Once the bait is located, anchor and start chumming to concentrate them close to the boat.

Tactics: Once the livewell's full, you can stay inshore or run just outside to areas of hard bottom. Inshore, big schools of redfish have showed up on their typical springtime flats. Big breeder trout are schooled up in areas with patchy sand and grass bottom as well as areas with limestone bottom. Nearshore, Spanish mackerel have been terrorizing schools of bait on most hard-bottom areas. Anchor up in the area and chum with a combination of live and cut bait.

Seth Leto charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at capt.seth@yahoo.com or (727) 385-0382.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Tampa Bay Sports Central With JP Peterson: 11:30 a.m. on Ch. 44. Includes a revealing interview with Rays manager Joe Maddon, who not only talks baseball, but his love of music and books.

Rangers at Penguins: 12:30 p.m. on Ch. 8. It could shake out that the Lightning plays the Penguins in the first round of the playoffs.

30 Clubs in 30 Days: 10 p.m. on MLB Network. The spring training tour stops to preview the Minnesota Twins.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

It has been a busy year since Will Power won the 2010 Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: He has gotten married, moved into a house in Charlotte, N.C., and turned 30. The Australian IndyCar driver took a minute this month to talk with St. Petersburg Times staff writer Greg Auman.

You won in your third race on this course. Was there a key to getting familiar with the quirks of a street course?

I think every year you gain experience. I think the first two times, I was with different teams. Second time, I was in a Penske car, in a situation where I didn't even have a full-time ride. So I was a little cautious and all that. Last year, I felt very much at home because I knew I had a full-time ride. There's a little less pressure.

How much has the last year changed your perspective? You're a driver to beat now, so the whole field is aware of you.

I'm aware that they're aware. I think it ramps everything up, makes things tougher when someone comes in and wins a bunch of races, all on the road courses. Things have changed. I do a few more (public relations) appearances. Personally, I feel a lot more comfortable. I just moved into a house (in Charlotte), just got married. … I'm working very hard, very aware this is going to be a tough season with a lot of guys to beat. I'll be working harder than ever.

You turned 30 on March 1. How does 30 feel for a driver?

Feels no different than 29. It's just another year, man.

You led the series much of last season but saw Dario Franchitti finish with the championship. What did you learn from that?

It's a lesson for me. I was already very motivated. I learned a lot last year. I guess I was inexperienced a little bit on the ovals. That's one place this year that's not going to be a weakness for me. Just putting the whole package together a little bit better. I don't have to improve much, but you constantly need to be learning, or else you'll fall behind.

What have you been able to work on in the offseason?

We're not doing any racing in the offseason. Testing is very restricted, to contain costs. I just had my first test (this month) at Barber (Motorsports Park in Alabama). That was my first time back in the car in probably six months. I've gotten a lot fitter in the offseason. Last year, after breaking my back (in a 2009 crash), I never got to the same level of fitness. I'm in the gym every morning for an hour and a half, anything from cardio to strength training, usually very high-intensity stuff. Usually in the afternoon, I'll do a ride, cycle for a couple hours or run for an hour or go do a few miles in the pool. I do that six days a week.

Did you play any sports growing up?

When I was in school, I played rugby league. Used to skateboard a bit. These cars are really physical. After a qualifying run here, you come in and you can't talk on the radio because you're so puffed. That's how physical it is. It's very cardio­vascular physical, and it's mentally draining.

What do you like to do in St. Petersburg when you're here?

Every year, I go down for a swim at the beach. I love getting into the ocean. It's great. Australia definitely has the best surfing beaches, from where I've been. I grew up hanging out on the Gold Coast. We had a house there. Used to do bodysurfing. When I was a teenager, had a body board, would be up at 6 every morning. Oh, yeah, absolutely. Australia, you've got sometimes 8-foot-plus waves. I actually caught a little wave (here). They're all dumpers.

What's it like going through life with a name like Will Power?

William Stephen Power. Named after my great-grandfather, who raced motorcycles. They called him Will, too, actually. I'd never planned on being Will Power, but everybody called me Will. It's okay. I know every single journalist asks me that question.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

The poll

Which AL East player will have the biggest impact for his new team?

Total: 394 votes

Rays

Manny Ramirez 39 percent

Red sox

Carl Crawford 28 percent

Red sox

Adrian Gonzalez 13 percent

yankees

Rafael Soriano 8 percent

orioles

Vladimir Guerrero 6 percent

Rays

Johnny Damon 4 percent

orioles

Mark Reynolds 2 percent

Blue jays

Frank Francisco 0 percent

This week's question

Who do you blame for the NFL lockout?

Vote at bucs.tampa bay.com

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TAMPA

For some, the memory of a basketball team may be measured in the amount of floor Chandler Parsons covered.

He came from 15 feet away, maybe from 20, heck, maybe from Orlando. UCLA center Josh Smith was on his way to the go-ahead dunk, the widest-open center in college basketball. And then Parsons flashed in from nowhere, and he blocked the shot, and the Gators never trailed again.

Sweet.

For others, the most important factor for the Gators was the distance Erving Walker fell.

It seemed he had fallen from the rim, maybe from the top of the gym, maybe from an overhead plane. One moment Walker was trying to drive around Smith, and the next he was tumbling toward Earth. He is 5 feet 8, and it seemed he fell 8 feet 5. And then the ball caressed the glass and fell through the net.

Sweet.

Still others may talk of the height Alex Tyus leaped to grab the deciding rebound.

His elbows were above the rim, or was it his belt, or was it his shoes? Whatever it was, it was his rebound that finally stopped the pesky UCLA Bruins, a team that must be getting awfully weary of having to play the Gators in these NCAA Tournaments.

Sweet.

To those with sufficient memories, however, the important distance to remember is the progress the Gators have made in four years, since their team was built largely of lost freshmen trying to find their way through the fog. Those freshmen did not know how hard college basketball is, and they did not know that they did not know.

For the Gators, who have reached the Sweet 16, who have the potential to go even deeper in the tournament, this should be the lasting memory. They have come so far, and they have learned so much, and they have improved more than anyone could have imagined.

In other words, if you think the Gators were impressive during their 73-65 victory over UCLA on Saturday afternoon, well, you should have gotten a load of these guys four years ago when the Gators were leaderless, clueless and pretty much hopeless. This was in the aftermath of back-to-back national championships, and everyone who was anyone had left for the NBA, and no one was around to set an example for the freshmen.

"Oh, it was bad," coach Billy Donovan said. "It was really, really bad. It wasn't their fault. They just didn't know, and there was no one to show them how hard it was.

"It was unbelievable. The (lack of) intensity in practice, how hard they went, the lack of physical aggression. They just had no concept."

So, Billy, back then could anyone have predicted that group would someday reach the Sweet 16?

"No," Donovan said. "Where those guys were at, they had no shot at ever reaching the NCAA Tournament. They weren't bad kids. They just had to get humbled. They had to go through it."

Somewhere along the way, the Gators grew up, and toughened up, and smartened up. Somehow, usually the hard way, they learned about intensity and preparation. Somehow, they learned to win even on an afternoon that didn't seem to be headed their way.

For a half, UCLA made Florida look small and soft. The Gators didn't get a single offensive rebound in the first half, and two of their biggest players, Parsons and Vernon Macklin, didn't get a rebound at all. The Bruins got 10 more free-throw attempts, and they had 10 more rebounds, and the Gators seemed to have no answer for Smith's height, or his width, or his depth.

In the second half, however, Florida was tougher, and scrappier, and it hit more big shots.

"Three years ago, we had no way to win that game," Donovan said.

By his nature, Donovan isn't much for signposts. The rest of us recognize the Sweet 16 as an achievement, and the Final Four, but Donovan insists that to him it's just about playing the next game. That, and being grateful these games aren't like the games of four years ago.

Still, there is nothing like the sight of a team going places to make a coach remember where it has been.

"I definitely can see them in the Elite Eight, possibly in the Final Four," said UCLA forward Reeves Nelson. "They're a good team. They can beat you in a lot of different ways. They definitely earned our respect today."

For others, such as Donovan, it took more time.

"I'm really happy they can keep playing," Donovan said. "It's been very emotional for me because I was very, very hard on them because they didn't have the right understanding of what it was about. I give them credit for their resiliency, because they constantly kept battling and trying to get better."

They have come a long way, in miles and years and lessons learned. Now they have a chance to keep going.

Sweet.

And who knows? Maybe even Elite?

By Kerry Klecic, Times Correspondent
Saturday, March 19, 2011

ZEPHYRHILLS — It didn't matter that Strawberry Crest ace Brianna Alonso didn't have her best stuff Saturday.

The Chargers' batters had theirs.

Strawberry Crest used a big sixth to pull away from Mitchell 9-4 in the Zephyrhills Spring Softball Tournament final.

"There hasn't been a weak spot in our lineup," Strawberry Crest coach Mindy Miltner said. "The girls have worked really hard, and they came through. Hitting is contagious, and right now, we're contagious."

Mitchell (9-4) was in the game until the sixth, trailing 4-2. However, the Chargers (13-1) roughed up Cori Williams, who struck out five and walked six in a complete game. A pair of singles brought in two runs. Then Sierra Larey, who went 3-for-4 with three RBIs, laced a double off the rightfield fence for two more. She eventually came in to score the Chargers' final run.

For a while, it looked as if the Mustangs would pull off the upset. They took a 2-1 lead in the third against Alonso, who pitched four innings without a strikeout. With two on, third baseman Amber Satterwhite lined a fastball into rightfield on which Phoebe Ellington failed to make a diving catch.

The Chargers regained the lead in the bottom of the third. And closer Savannah Bradley came in to pitch three solid innings to allow Strawberry Crest to match its win total from last season.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Rays manager Joe Maddon has a new look.

Maddon switched Friday from his iconic thick-framed black glasses to a slightly thinner, more modern — though still black — frame.

"I'd been wanting to do something different," Maddon said. "The people I got the last ones from offered up some new stuff, and when she pulled these out of the box, it was exactly what I was looking for. So I went with it."

Maddon arrived in Tampa Bay in 2006 sporting his Buddy Holly-style Hugo Boss frames (model name, of all things, the Yankee), then switched to a slightly thinner model a couple of years ago. The new ones — if you are interested — are from Polo, model PH2057.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Stephen F. Holder and Antonya English, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TAMPA — The St. Pete Times Forum was a lively atmosphere on Saturday, and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission had reason to feel content about the region's performance in hosting its latest NCAA basketball event.

A strong walkup crowd bolstered attendance after the pace of ticket sales began to quicken on Friday, commission executive director Rob Higgins said.

"We saw steady sales on (Friday) and then we saw a lot of fans out here early (on Saturday) right when the box office opened," he said. "We were really pleased."

Saturday's games drew 17,771, better than Thursday's day session (14,835) and night session (15,504).

Higgins said determining the event's success involves considering feedback from the NCAA, fans and the teams, but he said there was reason to think Tampa could be in the running the next time the NCAA opens bidding on sites. The next available openings are in 2014-16.

"We know from the 2008 Women's Final Four that we did a good job because we got 2015," Higgins said.

Higgins said the $35 million in planned upgrades to the St. Pete Times Forum will only enhance Tampa's chances of landing future NCAA Tournament games.

BOYNTON BOUNCES BACK: Florida sophomore G Kenny Boynton sprained his left ankle in Saturday's game, but is expected to be able to play when the Gators play Thursday in New Orleans.

Boynton sustained the injury as he came down awkwardly after shooting a jumper with 4:24 remaining.

"He has a mild ankle sprain," UF coach Billy Donovan said. "There's a little bit of swelling at this point. I do not expect him to be in a position that he will not be able to play. He should be able to play and should be fine for next week."

Boynton returned to the sideline during a timeout with 3:20 remaining, and was inserted into the lineup, but Donovan pulled him back out because he said he didn't want Boynton to have to defend on the ailing ankle.

Boynton, who had 12 points and five assists, walked gingerly on the ankle as he headed for the bus with teammates, and said he expected to be "just fine."

HARD TO SAY GOODBYE: Saturday's early game marked the final time on the court for some key West Virginia seniors who have seen the program reach new heights in their time in Morgantown.

Among them: Gs Joe Mazzulla and Jonnie West and F John Flowers. Mazzulla has had a consistent impact for four seasons, right up through Saturday when he led West Virginia with 20 points and four assists.

But perhaps his biggest feat is overcoming a shoulder injury two years ago that coach Bob Huggins said few players have recovered from. The resulting surgery and rehab were taxing.

"It's hard for anybody to understand what Joe's been through," Huggins said. "I mean, he woke up every day for the better part of a year not knowing whether he'd ever play basketball again.

"(He) actually didn't know whether he'd ever be able to get his arm above his shoulder. And I don't think anybody will ever realize the physical part that he went through, the time he spent in the training room, the rehab that he did. It took him pretty much a year and a half or almost two years to be able to play again.

"A lot of people wouldn't have done that."

West, son of West Virginia great Jerry West, is a fifth-year student who had intended to give up basketball and concentrate on his master's degree this season. That is, until Huggins helped change his mind.

"I asked him to come back out," Huggins said. "And he said, 'Coach, if you need me, I'm there.' "

Of his entire senior class, Huggins added, "They're good people who are going to be very successful in whatever it is that they choose to do."

DRY SPELL: West Virginia's loss could, in part, be attributed to a six-minute-plus drought to start the second half, during which the Mountaineers squandered an eight-point halftime lead and wound up trailing by three. The unsightly stretch didn't end until Mazzulla scored on a driving scoop shot with 13:37 left.

Mazzulla attributed it to a "lack of focus on our part. … I think that had a lot to do with (the loss). We knew they were going to come out strong, and we had talked about trying to weather that storm in the first four or five minutes, and we didn't do a good job."

With the Mountaineers trying seemingly everything to find the basket, Kentucky embarked on an 11-0 run to start the second half, taking a 44-41 lead before Mazzulla's basket.

MINI SWAMP: Florida played before an overwhelmingly partisan crowd for the second straight game, and the crowd noise was something of a factor for UCLA late in the game.

Bruins F Reeves Nelson admitted as much.

"We knew coming in that it was going to basically be a road game for us, so they earned it by doing well in the regular season," Nelson said. "So that was to their advantage, and their crowd definitely helped them at the end of the game."

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Johnny Miller was one of the PGA's best golfers in the 1970s and '80s, with 25 tour victories, including two majors. His final-round 63 to win the 1973 U.S. Open, dubbed the "Miracle at Oakmont," is among the game's legendary rounds. In 1990 Miller became NBC's lead golf analyst. Miller, 63, quickly became one of the most respected and controversial analysts in sports because of his willingness to be critical, something rare on golf broadcasts. His pull-no-punches style has made him a favorite among viewers, if not necessarily among tour players. Miller is town this weekend to call the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor for NBC. He spoke about his broadcasting style, the Tiger Woods scandal and who might be the next great golfer.

What do you see as your role on telecasts?

I've always tried to just talk about what I see. I don't have any restrictions on my comments. There are times when the players are going to be upset with me, and the tour is going to be upset with me, but my job is to talk about what I see. It might raise some eyebrows. I might say some things that I could've kept quiet about. But I'm just trying to teach a little and give some perspective in the 15 seconds I have before we have to move on to the next hole.

It's not all about being critical, is it?

I congratulate guys if they hit a great shot. But there was a time that a guy would chip his shot 15 feet from the hole and an announcer would say, "That's a great shot.'' No, it wasn't a great shot. I try not to use the word "great'' unless it really was a great shot.

That are you willing to be critical probably gives you more credibility when you do say something positive, don't you think?

Absolutely. Look, I'm not trying to be critical when I'm on the air. But for so long no one talked about the mental part of the game. When I played, if I got the yips or choked, I was the first guy to admit it. The mental aspect of golf is what makes golf such a great sport. And part of the thrill of golf is to talk about the nerves and the pressure and choking. Before I started announcing, guys just didn't talk about that part of it.

Why didn't they?

Because it's uncomfortable. For me, "choking'' is just another term in golf.

When you started as a broadcaster, did you see it as a long-term thing?

I wanted to quit after one day. I stopped playing at (age) 41. … I was having trouble with my lower legs, my knees. I had other things in my life: six kids, the church. But when NBC called me, (Lee) Trevino was leaving (as lead analyst), and my wife said, "Hey, there aren't a lot of these jobs out there. Maybe you should do it.'' I really wasn't trained for it. But I was a good teacher, and I had a good eye for watching guys and seeing what they were doing wrong, or if they were arguing with their caddies. I could watch players and see how they were handling the pressure.

Did anyone give you advice when you went into the booth?

I didn't have one word of advice. I didn't even know what the Telestrator (the device that allows people to draw on it) was. The only thing anyone ever said was, "Don't pull for the players.''

Was it hard not to root for or against players you played with who you liked or didn't like?

A little bit, especially when it came to the Ryder Cup or if I was watching friends. Some of the U.S. players were upset that it didn't sound as if we were rooting for them in the Ryder Cup. They said we sounded too neutral. But that's what we are supposed to sound like. Players are more educated now, though, about what our role is.

Do players still get upset with you?

They probably do. But you know, I've been doing this for 20 years. Many of the players on the tour grew up with Johnny Miller as a broadcaster. They know this is how I do my job. The guys who used to get upset were the guys closer to my age, the guys I played with. They were more used to being protected.

Do you hear from viewers?

The viewers love it. They want you to be tough on a guy if he blows the U.S. Open. Here's what happens sometimes: I might say something about a player. Take Geoff Ogilvy (at the 2006 U.S. Open). He was on the 13th hole, and I said something to the effect of, "Well, no matter what happens, he can at least tell his kids that on Sunday at the U.S. Open he was leading with five holes to play.'' I meant that in a positive way. Well, he took it as, "You didn't think I could win.'' That's not what I said, but they heard it from some friend or family member who said, "Miller said you weren't going to win.'' A lot of the time what comes out is not exactly what gets back to the player. I once said that Craig Parry had a swing that would make Ben Hogan puke. Really, his swing is literally the opposite of the modern fundamentals of golf. Yet, it works for him. But people get all upset because I said his swing would make Ben Hogan puke. Maybe I should've said, "throw up,'' but that would've gotten me in trouble, too, probably.

Have you ever said something you've regretted on the air?

I will go up to a player after and say, "Hey, you know how I announce, and I crossed the line. I'm sorry.'' I do it immediately. I get to it right away so it doesn't fester. At least I'm man enough to apologize, and hopefully we can move on.

How do you think Johnny Miller the golfer would have reacted to criticism from Johnny Miller the broadcaster?

I'd be the first one to agree with him! Really, I'm not looking for a fight. I used to be that way early on. But I think I'm more polished now.

How has the Tiger Woods scandal affected golf?

The public sort of likes seeing a car wreck as long as no one gets hurt. Well, people were hurt in this car wreck. It's like Humpty Dumpty, and now we're waiting to see if he can pick up the pieces again. And it's going to take more than just fixing his swing. … I'm pulling for Tiger to get his stuff together, make better decisions and get back to being a good golfer again. I don't know that he will ever get back to what he was, but even if he's two levels below what he used to be, that will be enough, because he was so many levels ahead of everyone else.

You recently compared Tiger to Mike Tyson, in that when Tyson lost to Buster Douglas, he lost that invincibility. Now players are no longer intimidated by Tiger.

That's been the big difference. He would always do whatever it took to beat you, and you knew that. You would be tied with Tiger on Sunday and you would think, "He's probably going to make a putt to beat me at some point, and the odds of me winning are one in a thousand.'' Now players don't feel that way. Tiger not being like Tiger gives them hope. I hope Tiger gets it back, because with all these young players coming up, we can have some pretty dang good Sundays, like we did back in the 1970s when you had (Jack) Nicklaus and (Arnold) Palmer and (Raymond) Floyd and myself and (Tom) Kite and (Tom) Watson. It was a fair fight. Before, when Tiger was dominating, it wasn't a fair fight.

TV ratings are up even though Tiger continues to struggle. Is it because of these young players?

Yeah, I do think that's the reason. There are some young guys who fans are pulling for. You got guys like Rickie Fowler and Bubba Watson. Nick Watney is sort of a fun guy. Martin Kaymer is a good player. These are fun players to watch.

Is there one great golfer in that bunch, a guy who could be special?

Jhonattan Vegas is a guy who might be. He's got distance and a great smile, and people are pulling for him. We need a good, young, brash player, like when Seve (Ballesteros) came along.

What do you think of the Transitions Championship and the Copperhead Course here?

Copperhead is truly a great course. It was has wonderful balance. It's a great driving course with small greens. There's enough undulation. It's tree-lined. It's got a good finish to it, with 16 and 17 and a driving hole on 18. It always produces a good winner. Players love it. If you look at how the schedule sets up before the Masters … it would be the natural week to take off. But most of the top players don't because they really like the course and the way they are treated in Tampa.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Speed note of the day

RHP Joel Peralta looked pretty impressive Friday night, beating speedy former Ray Carl Crawford to first for an out. But the 34-year-old has no illusions about a straight race. "Not a chance," Peralta said. "I'm too old, I'm slow and I'm fat."

Shields of the day

The retirement of longtime Angels reliever Scot Shields, top left, should make life easier for Rays RHP James Shields, who gets asked about 20-25 times a year to sign the other's baseball card. "Hopefully I don't get called Scot anymore," James Shields said. "I figure I've got about five years in the big leagues now, I think it's about time people call me by my right name." James is 56-51, 4.25 over 977 2/3 IP; Scot was 46-44, 3.18 over 697 IP.

Waive of the day

Last weekend's waiver weirdness, when Rule 5 pick LHP Cesar Cabral was claimed by the Blue Jays then put back on waivers and reclaimed by the Rays, came with an explanation, the Toronto Sun reported. The Jays had a handshake agreement not to take any Red Sox players in the Rule 5 draft in return for interviewing several Sox coaches and eventually hiring John Farrell as manager. The Jays felt they could claim Cabral from the Rays (who had drafted him), but the Sox felt it still violated the agreement, so — after brief trade talks — the Jays instead gave him up, and the Rays got him back, for now.

Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out?

Rays manager Joe Maddon insists he's going to decline the invite to sing with childhood friend Willy Forte's B-Street Band — a Bruce Springsteen tribute group — during today's postgame concert.

Rays vs. Orioles

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

Radio: 620-AM

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

Gates open: 11 p.m.

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

Parking: $10, lots open at 10

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — Jeff Niemann, Adam Russell, Cesar Ramos, Jake McGee; Orioles — Brad Bergesen, Jim Johnson, Jeremy Accardo, Ryan Drese

Heads-up

The Rays aren't taking batting practice on the field today; most of the big names are expected to play, with Manny Ramirez in leftfield and Johnny Damon at DH.

Who is this Ray?

He named his dog Jeter in honor of one of his favorite players growing up. He was a 2005 fourth-round pick. He is the first Iowa native to play for the Rays. He was named 2010 minor-league player of the year by several publications.

Schedule

21: Yankees

22: at Red Sox

23: Phillies

24: at Astros

25: Pirates

26: Orioles

27: at Pirates

28: at Yankees, 7:05

29: at Red Sox

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

Who is this Ray answer: RHP Jeremy Hellickson

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Times wires
Saturday, March 19, 2011

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Giants closer Brian Wilson will be sidelined with a strained ribcage muscle, an injury that could keep the big-bearded major-league saves leader out for the start of the season.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported Saturday that the right-hander had an MRI exam. Wilson was injured Thursday while pitching against the Angels.

Wilson and manager Bruce Bochy didn't express much concern. But with the season opener less than two weeks away, Bochy conceded to the San Jose Mercury News that "this is a setback."

"His last outing, he felt it a little bit. It's mild," Bochy told the newspaper. "It's not torn or anything. We'll see where he's at Monday and then we'll have a better idea of where we are at."

Wilson, who had missed time this spring with lower-back tightness, said he felt sore after Thursday's outing.

"I feel a lot better than I did Thursday and I'll feel a lot better tomorrow and Monday and we'll take it from there," Wilson told the News. "I wouldn't imagine the team is worried about me. They know the situation … they know I'll be ready."

Wilson is scheduled to be re-evaluated Monday.

If he is out for an extended period, the closer's role likely would be taken by left-handers Jeremy Affeldt or Javier Lopez, or right-hander Sergio Romo.

Wilson, 29, led the majors with 48 saves last season.

BONDS SAGA: Home run king Barry Bonds is scheduled to go on trial Monday on perjury charges, more than seven years after he gave the grand jury testimony that is the focus of the case and 31/2 years after his initial indictment. It is unknown how much money the government has spent pursuing the case against Bonds and BALCO, the lab at the center of the investigation.

According to a New York Times report, the 11 people charged in the investigation of BALCO have served a total of 48 months in prison. Bonds's personal trainer, Greg Anderson, whose refusal to testify against his former client has damaged the prosecutors' case, served 16 months for contempt after serving only three for distributing steroids under the original charges.

BREWERS: Right-hander Shaun Marcum said he felt good two days after leaving a start early with shoulder tightness. "I'll take a couple days off and rest it, then pick the throwing program back up Monday or Tuesday," said Marcum, who met with team doctors Friday.

DODGERS: Right-hander Vicente Padilla threw his first bullpen session Friday since having surgery Feb. 24 to release a nerve entrapped in his right forearm. Manager Don Mattingly didn't rule him out for the start of the season.

INDIANS: Third baseman Jason Donald will not be ready to open the season because of a hand injury. Team trainer Lonnie Soloff said Donald has a small crack in the base of his long left finger.

METS: Left-hander Johan Santana threw from 70 feet for the second straight day and said he felt good as he continued his rehabilitation from a Sept. 14 surgery to repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.

ORIOLES: First baseman Derrek Lee made his club debut, batting third and going 0-for-1 with a walk and a run scored against Phillies left-hander Cole Hamels. Lee had been sidelined all spring with soreness in his right wrist.

PIRATES: Right-hander Brad Lincoln is expected to be fine after being hit on his pitching arm by a line drive but will skip a bullpen session today. Reliever Joe Beimel was scratched from a scheduled appearance because of soreness in his left (pitching) elbow.

REDS: Right-hander Johnny Cueto made a second early exit, lasting one inning against the Rockies after being slated to work three or four. Cueto left a March 11 start against the Rangers with tightness in his right forearm and biceps.

ROYALS: Jason Kendall won't be behind the plate for the season opener, though he might be by mid April. Kendall had extensive shoulder surgery in September and was expected to be out nine to 12 months but is ahead of schedule. He is scheduled to catch five to six innings in a minor-league game today.

Times wires
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TAMPA — Yankees RH reliever Joba Chamberlain appears ready to pitch again.

He had a 31-pitch bullpen session Saturday after being sidelined last week by left-side muscle soreness on his upper body. He's expected to pitch in a game within the next few days.

"Everything was good," Chamberlain said. "My delivery, probably, felt better than it has in a while."

The Yankees' two left-handed relievers also are overcoming injuries.

Pedro Feliciano, who was out with left upper arm soreness, had a 15-pitch mound session Saturday. He's expected to have a longer bullpen session in a few days.

"I'll be ready," Feliciano said of opening day. "I'll be there."

Boone Logan was slowed by a sore back but is on the travel roster for today's road game against the Phillies.

"Right now, we still fully expect everyone to be ready for opening day," Yankees GM Brian Cashman said.

ROCKY START: RHP Freddy Garcia gave up five runs and five hits over six innings in the 5-5, 10-inning game with the Blue Jays. Garcia is competing with RHPs Ivan Nova, Bartolo Colon and Sergio Mitre for two open starting spots. Cashman said the decision will come "sooner than later."

Jays: Reliever ailing

TAMPA— Blue Jays RH reliever Frank Francisco was scratched from a minor-league appearance today because of ongoing discomfort in his right pectoral muscle.

Manager John Farrell said Francisco still felt some felt discomfort during a bullpen session. An MRI exam on Friday showed no structural problems.

"We're hopeful that opening day is still a possibility," Farrell said. "We've got to continue to evaluate him day to day. When he gets on the angle of the mound, that's where he feels it."

RHP Octavio Dotel, who was out with a hamstring injury, had a mound session. His status will be re-evaluated today.

"Decreased symptoms in the hamstring," Farrell said. "He still showed very good arm strength, so there's no restriction for how he's letting the ball go."

HILL IMPROVING: Blue Jays 2B Aaron Hill (strained right thigh) played in the field and went 1-for-4 in a minor-league game.

Phillies: Hamels wild

SARASOTA — Phillies LHP Cole Hamels had another rough outing, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks over 32/3 innings in a 7-5 win over the Orioles.

Hamels, who has a 6.23 ERA this spring, said he's still struggling with his fastball command.

"Even though you get to build up your pitches, it would be nice to be able to have those quick, easy innings," he said. "I don't think I'm allowing myself to do that because I'm not getting first-pitch strikes, or when I get first-pitch strikes, then all of a sudden I throw three balls in a row. I'm not putting myself in a really good count."

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, March 19, 2011

TRANSITIONS CHAMPIONSHIP

Final round today. On TV: 1, Golf Channel; 3, Ch. 8

Times staff
Saturday, March 19, 2011

Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

What: Indy Car season opener plus races in other series (Indy Lights, Star Mazda, USF2000 and World Challenge)

When/where: Friday-Sunday, downtown streets

Defending champion: Will Power

IndyCar schedule: Practices 10:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday, practice 10:10 a.m. Saturday, qualifying 2:30 p.m. Saturday, race 12:30 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: Prices range from $10 for ages 12 and under for Friday or Saturday, up to $110 for a three-day adult upper-reserved seat. Paddock passes and convenience charges extra. Go to gpstpete.com or call (727) 898-4639, extension 225, for more details or to buy.

Times staff

Saturday, March 19, 2011

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Times wires
Saturday, March 19, 2011

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CLEVELAND — Long runs in the NCAA Tournament have become commonplace for Villanova. So back-to-back flameouts on the first weekend have heightened curiosity about the state of Jay Wright's program.

The endings were similarly awful. Last year, the No. 2-seeded Wildcats were upset in the second round by No. 10 St. Mary's, punctuating a 5-7 finish after a 20-1 start. Friday's come-from-ahead loss to George Mason made Villanova the first NCAA Tournament team to finish a season with six consecutive losses since the field was expanded to 64 in 1985.

The Wildcats were ranked sixth in the preseason poll and rocketed to a 16-1 start but went 5-11 after that. A combination of injuries and a brutal February schedule hurt their chances of winning, and the subsequent losing affected the team's confidence, which translated into shoddy execution at crunch time.

But Wright, who completed his 10th season there with Friday's 61-57 loss, said it's all part of college basketball, and he does not see "a crisis in our program."

"I don't look at the season as disastrous," he said. "I look at it as some really tough breaks.

"I'm evaluating how we handle it — how the staff handles it, how the seniors handle it, what the young guys learn from it. As long as we come out and we play hard and we stick together and we never give up on a game and we never give up on a season, I feel like we're going to have a quality of players and a quality of people to contend for the Big East championship each year.

"And I still see that, so I'm not over-evaluating. I know we have JayVaughn (Pinkston) coming back next year. I know we have good recruits coming in. I know this sophomore class is going to get better. So it's a fair question, and I'm not done evaluating. But I won't be evaluating any more than I usually do."

PITCHING STABILITY: The Big East has seen its share of upheaval in recent years. Now, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey would like to see something else: stability.

TCU is joining in 2012, and he hopes that's it for now.

"We haven't done our fans any favors because we keep changing the Big East," Brey said.

Brey said that was one issue he had to overcome after he left Delaware for the Fighting Irish in 2000. Even so, he said, if Notre Dame was in the Big Ten, "I don't know it would be a great fit for me, but it was great in the Big East."

TUNING IN: The NCAA Tournament's new television format is drawing more viewers.

The second-round games Friday across four networks averaged 7.6 million viewers. That's up 19 percent from last year, when games were only on CBS.

The NCAA's 14-year, $10.8 billion deal with CBS and Turner means each game is televised nationally in its entirety on CBS, TNT, TBS or truTV. In the past, broadcasts on CBS were regionalized, and the network would switch among games.

STAY AWAY: Women's basketball fans are not being allowed to watch practices at this year's NCAA Tournament. That is a departure from the men's tournament, where fans are encouraged to come out to open practices the day before each session.

Sue Donohoe, the NCAA's vice president of Division I women's basketball, said the decision to close practice was made in part because open practices were not very well attended and were a hassle for coaches.

QUOTE OF THE DAY: "The perfect scenario is to take over a new job where they've got great players nobody knows are any good, they haven't won and the previous coach was disliked. So, I'm smart enough to take over for Roy Williams, who everybody knew they had great players, he won 80-something percent of his games and everybody adored. So, that was not smart." — Bill Self, Kansas coach

Times staff
Saturday, March 19, 2011

The Florida State women's basketball team heads into its seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament facing a Samford program making its debut in the 64-team field.

But in terms of regular-season playing experience, the teams are pretty even heading into their first-round matchup at 5 p.m. today in Auburn. Ala.

The Seminoles (23-7), seeded third in the Dallas Region, only have two seniors and one junior on their roster.

Junior forward Cierra Brevard, a first-team All-ACC selection, leads Florida State in scoring (14.6 points per game) and rebounding (7.6 average) and senior Courtney Ward leads in assists (3.9 a game) and steals (2.0).

The other senior on the roster, guard Christian Hunnicutt, was named the ACC defensive player of the year.

But the Seminoles also get key contributions from their other two starters, both underclassmen. Sophomore guard Alexa Deluzio (12.2 ppg) and freshman forward Natasha Howard (11.0) are among four Seminoles scoring in double figures.

Samford (25-7), the No. 14 seed and winner of the Southern Conference tournament, relies heavily on its only two seniors.

Guard Emily London leads the Bulldogs in scoring at 16.3 points a game and is second in rebounding (4.1 average) and assists (2.9). Forward Savannah Hill is second in scoring (12.5 average) and first in rebounding (6.3) and assists (4.1).

They are the only two scorers averaging double figures for Samford and have led or co-led the team in scoring in 29 of 32 games this season.

"Our two seniors wanted badly to get to the NCAA Tournament and be on the national scene for at least a couple of weeks," Samford coach Mike Morris told the school's website.

Samford will need a lot of production out of those two seniors today, as the Bulldogs are averaging 64 points a game, 10 fewer than FSU. The Seminoles also have a major advantage in rebounding (42-31 on average) and steals (8-2).

If Florida State has a weak spot it's ballhandling; the team is ranked 200th of 333 Division I teams in assist-to-turnover ratio and is averaging 18.6 turnovers a game.