Times staff
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The U.S. men's national soccer team will kick off qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup when it host Antigua and Barbuda June 8 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, the first World Cup qualifier in Florida since 1980.

The semifinal round opener begins at 7 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN3 and the Univision family of networks.

Ticket information will be announced in the near future. The U.S. team will be making its seventh appearance in Tampa dating to a 1-1 tie with Switzerland in 1985. For more, check ussoccer.com.

By Captain Ric Liles


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Weather: How can you not love being a fisherman in this area? We just had a cold front move through this past weekend and what should have slowed things down had very little effect on the bite. Fishing was affected by the front, but not much.

Location: The one thing about fishing in this area and probably fishing in general no matter where you're fishing, it's all about location. The bite has continued to be good in the areas that I have been fishing due to the fact that I have been spending a lot of time in areas that fish stage during the fall and spring. This can be difficult at times if the wind conditions and tide direction are not in your favor. It is a little earlier than normal to be fishing these areas but this has been anything but a normal winter.

Mackerel time? We are seeing earlier patterns on our fish this year. We are about a month ahead of normal. Trout, redfish, sheepshead and flounder are usually good bets for February but it is certainly not the time of the year that one would expect to have a good mackerel bite. The mackerel are starting to show up and it will not be long until the bay area is full of them. They have been out of the beaches for the most part but have made their presence inside the bay. That excites me because I know that the tarpon bite will soon follow.

Remember: Don't let your kid be the one that got away, take your kid fishing.

Ric Liles fishes out of Tampa, Ruskin, Bradenton and the surrounding areas and can be reached at (813) 601-2900, via email at CaptainRic@msn.com, or at ReelSimpleFishing.com.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Another college assistant may jump ship for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after just landing a new job.

Former Miami Dolphins linebackers coach Bill Sheridan, who recently joined Urban Meyer's staff at Ohio State to coach cornerbacks, is interviewing today for the Bucs defensive coordinator position, according to coachingsearch.com.

Sheridan has a wealth of NFL experience and won a Super Bowl during his five seasons with the New York Giants.

Receivers coach P.J. Fleck., a former Rutgers assistant for new Bucs coach Greg Schiano, left a job as the offensive coordinator Northern Illinois after one day to join Tampa Bay's coaching staff.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have released mercurial defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth after his disappointing end to the season, a move that creates even more salary-cap space for a team already swimming in it.

Haynesworth, claimed off waivers in November after Gerald McCoy's season-ending biceps injury, immediately stepped into the starting lineup for Tampa Bay and had a noticeable impact. But his play and effort level tailed off toward the end of the season. The Bucs considered cutting him during the season.

The decision was an easy one given Haynesworth's $6.7 million base salary in 2012. The move will add that much to the Bucs' available cap space, which already is hovering around the $60 million mark.

"I appreciate Albert playing for us after some key injuries this past season," general manager Mark Dominik said. "He was very professional and we now wish him all the best as he moves forward."

Haynesworth spent time with three different teams in 2011. He began the year with the Redskins, with whom he had fallen out of favor after grossly underperforming on a $100 million contract and publicly complaining about his role in the team's revamped 3-4 defense. The Patriots acquired him during the preseason, but he played only sparingly and had little impact before his release in November.

The Bucs, desparate for depth on the defensive line, claimed Haynesworth but never intended the move to be a long-term solution. That approach was only solidified when Haynesworth's performance declined down the stretch and the Bucs were unable to snap what became a 10-game losing streak.

Haynesworth admitted as much, telling the Tampa Bay Times after the season, "This year right here, you've probably seen me at my worst. I mean just as far as my play. I still did some good things, but I just think that next year I'll be a hell of a lot better, back closer to my '08 form."

That was the year Haynesworth was the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Asked why his play declined so sharply, Haynesworth said, "It was just me not having a good offseason, worrying about whether I was going back to the Redskins, all that stuff. One day before reporting to (training) camp, I get traded (to New England), then I'm there trying to learn that system and dealing with that. I had a lot on my plate and a lot on my mind.

"Then I got here and it kind of freed me up to get back to how I play. So as time went on, I got more comfortable in the system and things got a little easier."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs released DT Albert Haynesworth on Wednesday, creating even more salary cap space for a team swimming in it.

Haynesworth was scheduled to make $6.7 million in 2012 with a salary cap number of $7.2 million. Before his release, the Bucs had $60.496 million in cap space.

Haynesworth, 30, was claimed off waivers Nov. 9, three days after DT Gerald McCoy's season-ending biceps injury. He immediately stepped into the starting lineup, and in his first game, he made five tackles and blocked an extra point. But he was inconsistent. In three games, he had just one tackle. He finished with 25 over seven (starting all but the finale).

"I appreciate Albert playing for us after some key injuries this past season," GM Mark Dominik said in a statement the team released. "He was very professional, and we now wish him all the best as he moves forward."

Haynesworth spent time with three teams in 2011. He began with the Redskins, with whom he fell out of favor after underperforming on a $100 million contract and complaining about his role in their new 3-4 defense. The Patriots acquired him during the preseason, but he played sparingly and made three tackles over six games.

In 2008, his final season with a Titans team that drafted him 15th overall in 2002, he had 51 tackles and 8½ sacks and was the league's defensive player of the year.

"This year right here, you've probably seen me at my worst; I mean just as far as my play," Haynesworth said shortly after this past season ended. "I still did some good things, but I just think that next year I'll be … a lot better; back closer to my '08 form."

RAYE SIGNS ON: Though his role remains vague, Jimmy Raye was announced as the new senior offensive assistant.

Raye, 65, has had eight stints as an offensive coordinator, including with the Bucs under coach Leeman Bennett in 1985-86. His last coaching experience came in 2010 as the 49ers' offensive coordinator. He was fired three games into the season.

In Tampa, Raye will be mostly an adviser and sounding board for the coaching staff.

Said coach Greg Schiano: "With over 30 years of NFL experience, Coach Raye has attained a wealth of knowledge that will be an invaluable resource to our coaches and players."

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TAMPA

Coming off back-to-back state championships, Brittany Betts wasn't used to losing.

Yet, when the Tampa Catholic girls basketball team stood at .500 just over midway through the season, the junior point guard had her doubts about this year's version of the Crusaders.

"To be honest, I wasn't even sure if we would get through districts," Betts said.

All that has changed. With 11 straight wins and a regional championship game set for Saturday against visiting Fort Myers Dunbar at 7, Tampa Catholic again finds itself one game away from Lakeland's final four.

"We've had some ups and downs this year," senior post player Kai Jones said. "But we all have each other's backs and we've held it all together."

Losing even a handful of games is something TC hasn't been accustomed to the past few years. The Crusaders, 20-9 this year, had lost nine games in the past three seasons combined.

"It's not something these kids have been used to, and the losses kept piling up," coach Nancy Kroll said. "But I kept telling them to 'Hang in there, keep hanging in there.' "

At one point during the season, TC was an average 9-9. But Kroll didn't have to look far to point out a big reason for the Crusaders' mediocrity — injuries.

"We've had a ton," she said.

Kroll tried to run down the list, but it appeared to become laborious. Gracie Dziagwa, Micah Kroll, Danielle Battle and Betts all limped through the early part of the season with various leg injuries. But the biggest loss was Jones, who missed seven games with what she called a "health issue."

"You just can't replace 20 points and 10 rebounds a game," Kroll said. "No one can."

Jones, who scored 27 points against Academy of the Holy Names in Tuesday's 4A Region Semifinal win, is the heart of this year's TC team.

"We know that whoever is guarding Kai can't handle her," Betts said. "So we just want to keep feeding her and feeding her."

With those 11 wins in their back pockets, the Crusaders are poised to make a run at a third state title. And with all players back and up to par, Kroll is more than pleased.

"My assistant (coach) said we are back on track," she said. "Right now we are firing on all cylinders."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Ron Ruppe had an amazing night of bowling at Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill on Feb. 3.

In the Friday Early Mariners League, Ruppe tossed an 811 series, the first 800 series of his career. In a first-game 267 in which he threw 11 strikes, one short of a perfect game, he missed a single-pin spare in the eighth frame. The missed spare did not derail him.

After a 244 in the second game, he finished the series with a 300. For Ruppe, a 191-average bowler, it was the second perfect game of his career. He got his first on Sept. 15, 2009, at Spring Hill Lanes in the Mike's Auto Body League.

Ruppe's series was all the more impressive when one considers that he had only thrown two previous 700 series.

BROOKSVILLE ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES: The adult softball leagues hosted by the Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department wrapped up their winter season this month.

The Women's Softball League champion was Loft 352, which upset Spring Hill MRI in the title game. Loft 352 finished with a 9-9 record, while Spring Hill MRI had a 14-4 mark. The Men's Softball League champion was Coney Island (14-1). Beef 'O' Brady's (11-4) took the runnerup trophy.

The Co-Ed Softball League winner was also Coney Island (10-1). After a tight race all season with Master Collision (11-1), Coney Island eventually outlasted its rival in the title game.

HIGH POINT LADIES GOLF: On Monday, the High Point Ladies Golf League had its monthly meeting and a memorial for Barbara Harold, one of its longtime members who recently died.

The preliminary events were followed by the nine-hole and 18-hole competitors joining for a best-ball nine-hole scramble. Brenda Bowley and Sandra Cairns took first place with a score of 37.

The team of Arlene Creger, Shirley McSweeney, Cindy Williams and Nancy Reeves placed second, while Joy Brady, Mary Hewitt, Joan Kaloustian and Sharon Riedel took third.

HORACE COPELAND FOOTBALL CAMP: The Hernando County Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor the second annual Horace "Hi-C" Copeland Football Camp at two locations in March.

After a successful run last year, the program has expanded to two counties. On March 16 and 17, Lecanto High School will host the camp; on March 23 and 24, the camp will be at Springstead High School in Spring Hill.

The cost is $65 for ages 5 to 16. The camp includes interactive football drills and life lessons. Lunch will be provided.

Copeland, a former University of Miami and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, is now lives in the area.

For information, email Harry Johnson at hjohnson@hernando county.us or call Christie Williams at (352) 754-4031.

ST. JUDE'S GOLF FUNDRAISER: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is holding a golf tournament Feb. 25 at the Dunes Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee. Proceeds go to research at the hospital.

The event will be a four-person scramble with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. Registration will begin at noon. The cost is $300 per team or $350 for a team plus a hole sponsorship. The early deadline for sign-up is Saturday.

Sponsors include Felony's Bar & Grill, Friendly Kia, Harley-Davidson of Crystal River, Extreme Fitness, and Joni Industries. Businesses will provide hole-in-one prizes. After the tournament, there will be a social at Felony's in Spring Hill.

For information, call Melissa Turner at (352) 596-7888.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA CLASSIC YOUTH BOWLING: Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill will host the Southwest Florida Classic Youth Bowlers Eliminator Tournament on March 4.

With $1,500 in scholarships to be awarded, the field will be split into three divisions. Division 1 will be for averages of 139 and under. Division 2 will include averages from 140 to 184, and Division 3 will be for averages of 185 and higher. The first two divisions will compete with handicap based on 100 percent of 200, while Division 3 will be scratch.

One of every five entries is guaranteed a cash prize. First place from each division will win $250 and a trophy, based on 20 entries per division. A $100 scholarship will be awarded for any 300 game thrown.

The entry fee is $40 per bowler, and preregistered competitors will save $5. The tournament will begin at 11 a.m., with check-in at 10. All bowlers must be U.S. Bowling Congress certified and under 21 years old.

For information, contact Mark Michel at (813) 486-2641 or send email to SWFCbowling@ tampabay.rr.com.

Information is also available online at southwestflorida classic.com.

WOMEN'S 500 CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT: The Hernando County Women's 500 Club will host a doubles handicap tournament Sunday at Mariner Lanes in Spring Hill.

To compete, bowlers must be members of the Hernando County Women's 500 Club and the Hernando County U.S. Bowling Congress Women's Bowling Association. Entry forms are available at Mariner Lanes and Spring Hill Lanes.

The handicap at the event will be 100 percent of a 200 average. Check-in will be at 1 p.m.; bowling starts at 1:30 p.m. The entry fee is $17 per person, with a deadline of Monday. Entries may be dropped off at either bowling center.

For information, call Sheila Wehrenberg at (352) 688-1575.

HUMANE SOCIETY GOLF TOURNAMENT: Southern Hills Plantation Golf Club in Brooksville will host the third annual Cause Fore Paws Golf Tournament on April 3 to benefit the Humane Society of the Nature Coast.

A shotgun start for the best-ball scramble is set for 9 a.m., with check-in starting at 8.

The entry fee is $75 per golfer, including prizes and a buffet barbecue lunch. The lead tournament sponsor is Brooksville/Spring Hill Regional Hospital. Other sponsors include Century 21 Alliance Realty/The Gail Spada Team, Flagstone Pavers and Sammy the Cat, representing special-needs felines. The hole-in-one sponsor is Rick Matthews Buick/GMC.

Individual hole sponsorships also are available for pets and their human companions. All proceeds will be used to care for homeless pets in Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Sumter counties.

For information, call (352) 797-0962.

WEEKI WACHEE HIGH GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Weeki Wachee High School athletic department will have its second annual Hornet Golf Outing at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks on Feb. 25.

The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. Food and prizes will be provided during and after play. Current and former professional athletes will be among the participants. There will be time for autographs and pictures.

The cost for the event is $100 per person or $300 per foursome. Businesses can sponsor holes or prizes.

For information, call Weeki Wachee athletic director Mark Lee at (352) 797-7029, ext. 230, or email lee_m2@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TAMPA — There are several reasons becoming the Bucs' new offensive coordinator is a good move for Mike Sullivan.

For a longtime position coach, career advancement is among them. The good vibes Sullivan got from new Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano make the list, too.

But as much as anything, Eli Manning's former position coach said Wednesday at One Buc Place: "The attraction was having an opportunity to work with a special talent like Josh Freeman."

Sullivan was hired away from the Giants on Friday, succeeding the fired Greg Olson in Tampa Bay. The Bucs' scheme could change dramatically, but Sullivan said he is confident they can produce largely because of who lines up under center.

"It's a quarterback-driven league," he said. "No matter how you slice it … you've got to have a quarterback. I think a lot of the things you look at with Josh Freeman — the skill set that he possesses, the youth, the ability, the size, the strength — there's an awful lot there that I'm just champing at the bit to work with."

Sullivan, 45, also referenced the backfield (likely running back LeGarrette Blount) and "a veteran offensive line" as elements that appealed to him.

But given his unfamiliarity with the personnel, Freeman remains the basis for Sullivan's confidence in being able to turn around an offense that ranked 27th in scoring in 2011.

Because the Bucs and Giants had four common opponents last season, Sullivan watched video of defenses the Bucs faced.

"And you see this very big, strong, athletic, tough competitor out there, and he catches your eye," Sullivan said of Freeman.

Freeman is coming off a season in which he threw a career-high 22 interceptions despite career bests in completion percentage (62.8) and yards (3,592). It's similar to the scenario Manning faced coming off 2010.

In his first season with Sullivan as quarterbacks coach, Manning threw for 4,002 yards and a career-high 31 touchdowns but also a career-high 25 interceptions. In 2011, he threw for 4,933 yards, 29 touchdowns and 16 interceptions and led the Giants to a title, including being named Super Bowl MVP.

"I remember telling him," Sullivan said, " 'You know what, Eli? You're going to throw an interception. You're going to throw two. You're probably going to throw three. But let's make sure the son of a guns earn it. It's got to be a great play by the defense; just one of those that puts that guy in (the Pro Bowl). Make it be earned.' "

Before his two seasons as quarterbacks coach, Sullivan was the Giants receivers coach for six. He also spent two seasons as an assistant with the Jaguars and nine as an assistant in college.

Regarding his preparedness to become an NFL offensive coordinator for the first time, Sullivan said working in a key capacity under Giants coach Tom Coughlin and offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride — he called them "two of the best offensive minds in the game" — helps.

"Being fortunate enough to have a say and provide input and be a part of the game planning process … I think one can't help but accumulate all that know­ledge."

Sullivan profusely thanked Coughlin and the Giants for allowing him to pursue the job. He was under contract and, per league rules, could have been blocked from interviewing.

"I'm extremely grateful and will forever remember the fact that Coach Coughlin was the one who gave me an opportunity at Jacksonville," Sullivan said. "He gave me a chance to come up to New York and coach receivers. He gave me a chance to coach the quarterbacks.

"I'm forever going to be in debt to he and (general manager) Jerry Reese for allowing me to pursue this incredible opportunity."

Report: Peyton has had four procedures

Colts quarterback Peyton Manning has had four neck procedures, one more than previously acknowledged, SI.com reported.

The Colts must pay Manning, who turns 36 in March, a $28 mil­lion roster bonus by March 8 or release him.

Manning, 35, missed all of last season after having what was reported to be his third neck surgery in less than two years. SI.com didn't report a date for the fourth procedure but said it was between his May 23 surgery for a bulging disc and before his neck fusion surgery Sept. 9.

Said Manning's agent, Tom Condon: "I wouldn't have anything to say about all of that, one way or another."

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

By Mike Manning, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Early spring fishing: The warm weather has made for great fishing for redfish, snook and trout.

Snook: They have moved from their winter homes looking for an easy meal. Most action has been on large, live white bait around the mouths of creeks, rivers and deep water canals.

Redfish: Large schools are moving in on the shallow flats north of the Cotee River. Look for oyster bars with good tidal movement on the incoming tides. The best baits have been jumbo live shrimp, cut pinfish and white bait.

Trout: There is plenty of giant gator trout on the flats. Most action has been on the low incoming tides on most shallow flats on the east sides of the barrier islands from Clearwater to Anclote Key. Some catches have been up to 28 inches, but most are 18-24. Most of the action has been on soft, plastic jerk baits rigged Texas style in less than a foot of water. Use a stealth approach. I prefer a push pole or trolling motor.

In addition: Several cobia have been roaming the flats around the Anclote Power Plant following stingrays looking for an easy meal. The best bait has been a large white bait or pinfish.

Mike Manning runs Action Fishing Adventures out of Tarpon Springs. Call him toll-free at 1-800-644-5940.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

BRANDON — Things are going to be a little more tense around the Lightning locker room the next 10 days or so.

That is because general manager Steve Yzerman on Wednesday at the Ice Sports Forum indicated he will be a seller at the Feb. 27 trade deadline.

"We have to look at any opportunity that makes us a stronger organization moving forward based on where we stand today," he said.

Where the team stands is 13th in the 15-team Eastern Conference and, entering Wednesday, eight points out of the eighth and final playoff spot with five teams over which it has to jump.

Things are just as grim in the Southeast Division, where the Lightning is a gaping 11 points behind the first-place Panthers.

Given those almost insurmountable circumstances — and Tampa Bay's current 1-3-1 swoon — Yzerman's hand was forced.

"The trade deadline is in a week and a half, roughly," he said. "So we don't have the luxury of waiting until the end of the season to see if we are going to make the playoffs or not."

"We're not going to just give our guys away. But if there is an opportunity that makes us a better organization, we're going to consider it."

In whom might teams be interested? The strongest rumors concern defenseman Pavel Kubina, who apparently is drawing interest from several teams, including the Rangers; and center Dominic Moore, who might be of interest to the Penguins, according to reports out of Pittsburgh.

Generally, though, any potential unrestricted free agent could be dealt.

A player the Lightning would rather keep is Ryan Malone. There has been speculation the left wing is being shopped, but Tampa Bay likes his physical presence and how his salary goes from $5.5 million this season to $3 million next season and $2.5 million in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

What does Yzerman want? Most likely draft choices and prospects to help rebuild the team's improving but still thin organizational depth.

The search for a No. 1 goalie is more likely a summer project.

"Every year at the trade deadline is like this," said Lightning defenseman Matt Gilroy, a potential unrestricted free agent. "You just have to ignore it. There's nothing you can do about it, so you can't get all worked up about it."

Yzerman knows fans might get worked up at the notion he is giving up on the season with 26 games to play, including tonight against the Sharks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

That is not the case, Yzerman said: "We want to make the playoffs. Regardless of what we're trying to do, we're going to keep trying to make the playoffs."

But Yzerman said he has to maintain his long-term vision.

"We're not in a position to trade our first- and second-round draft picks or trade what we consider our top prospects to acquire players to help us get into the playoffs," he said. "We're not in a position to do that, and we're not going to do that."

But it is clear Yzerman wants to do something.

"It's not easy," defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron said of the emotions around the Feb. 27 deadline. "I'm sure some people will sleep better on the 28th."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

College Football

Drug sting snares four TCU players

FORT WORTH, Texas — Authorities arrested 17 students, including four football players, at Texas Christian University on Wednesday as part of a six-month drug sting.

Arrest warrants included reports of players who allegedly arranged marijuana sales after class or around practice and who told police that most of the team had failed a drug test just two weeks ago. According to police, players sold undercover officers marijuana in season and as recently as last week.

"As I heard the news this morning, I was first shocked, then hurt and now I'm mad," coach Gary Patterson said.

The 17 people arrested were caught selling marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs, police said. The arrest affidavits raise the possibility that other players were involved.

Three prominent defensive players were arrested: linebacker Tanner Brock, defensive tackle D.J. Yendrey and cornerback Devin Johnson. The other player is offensive lineman Ty Horn.

Documents show Patterson sprung a surprise drug test on the team on Feb. 1, national signing day. Patterson ordered the test after a prize recruit reportedly told him he wouldn't attend TCU because of drug use by players. During a drug buy, an undercover officer asked Johnson about the surprise drug test. "What can they do? Eighty-two people failed it," Johnson said.

More colleges: Georgia cornerback Sanders Commings, a starter in all 14 games as a junior, will sit the first two games after he was arrested Jan. 21. He was charged with simple battery and domestic violence after an incident with a girlfriend.

Tennis

Wozniacki falters

Caroline Wozniacki failed to convert three match points in the third set and lost 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) to Lucie Safarova at the Qatar Open in Doha. Wozniacki was playing her first match since losing the No. 1 women's ranking after the Australian Open. Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, in her first match ranked No. 1, beat Mona Barthel 6-1, 6-0.

World Tennis: Top-seeded Roger Federer moved into the quarterfinals after beating Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 6-4 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

SAP Open: American Ryan Harrison, 19, rallied from a 3-1 third-set deficit to upset eighth-seeded Olivier Rochus 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 in San Jose, Calif.

ET CETERA

Horses: Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, will not race in the $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes on Feb. 25 at Tampa Bay Downs in Oldsmar as first planned. Instead, he will run in an optional claiming allowance turf race Saturday at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, using the $60,000 event as a prep for the $10 million Dubai World Cup on March 31.

AUTOs: Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone dismissed an antigovernment protest as "a lot of kids having a go at the police" and said the Bahrain Grand Prix is still on for April.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TAMPA — With each victory, USF basketball validates its success a little more, and Wednesday night's 65-51 win against Villanova at the Tampa Bay Times Forum was no different.

A year ago, the Bulls had never beaten the Wildcats, and now they've done it three times in a row. Last season's Big East tournament victory at Madison Square Garden was certainly an upset, as, too, seemed a promising 74-57 win at Villanova last month.

But Wednesday, after the Bulls pulled out to a 20-point lead in the second half, it gave a national ESPN2 audience a look at a surprising, surging Bulls team that has amassed a 16-10 record, including 9-4 in the Big East and 13-1 at home.

"People say it's a fluke, our success," said senior Hugh Robertson, who led the defensive effort and matched the team high with 14 points. "We just wanted them to come out and see it's really real."

And really impressive, especially by USF standards. With two minutes left, Villanova — which had scored at least 50 in every game for six years — had 39, threatening its all-time low in 11 seasons under Jay Wright. A late surge avoided infamy, but USF's NCAA Tournament resume now includes two convincing wins against the Wildcats (11-14, 4-9).

"I think they're the better team," Wright said. "They're so good at playing with a lead, because of the way they control the tempo. You saw it at the end. They're great at that."

After grinding out a 20-20 first half, the Bulls pulled away from a 27-25 lead on two four-point plays in the second half: a dunk by Robertson that drew an intentional foul; and a play where Wright drew a technical foul questioning a call and USF freshman Anthony Collins hit all four free throws, giving a Bulls a 10-point lead.

There was history in Wednesday's win before an announced crowd of 4,636. USF matched its all-time high with nine conference wins and became just the third Bulls team to be five games over .500 in conference play. The Bulls were led by guards Robertson and Victor Rudd with 14 points each, and USF went 18-for-20 at the free-throw line, including 17 in a row to finish the game.

The Bulls still likely need at least three wins in their final five games for a shot at an NCAA at-large bid, and those games include trips to No. 1 Syracuse and Louisville. Coach Stan Heath's focus isn't on the postseason but directly ahead.

"It's a good win for us, and now we head to Pittsburgh," he said.

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com and at (813) 226-3346. Check out his blog at tampabay.com/blogs/bulls and follow him at Twitter.com/gregauman.

Times wires
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

CORAL GABLES — The Tar Heels lead the nation in scoring and rebounding. They showed Miami they can be good on defense, too.

Sputtering on offense and evenly matched on the boards, No. 8 North Carolina used smothering defense to erase an eight-point deficit in the second half and beat the Hurricanes 73-64 Wednesday night.

The Tar Heels, who went in averaging 83.5 points, shot 38 percent and made 5 of 18 3-pointers. But they forced turnovers on four consecutive possessions in the second half to get back in the game, and held Miami (15-9, 6-5 ACC) without a point for nearly five minutes down the stretch.

"Defensively we can be a very good team," said center Tyler Zeller, who was held to nine points but made three steals. "We can win games in the 50's and 60's. And when we start making shots, hopefully we can win by a bigger margin."

North Carolina (22-4, 9-2) took a half-game lead over Duke and Florida State atop the ACC.

"It was one of those wins you have to have to have a fantastic year," coach Roy Williams said. "It was a tough win, it was an ugly win in some ways. To be able to grit it out defensively — we did some better things there."

NO. 3 MISSOURI 83, OKLA. ST. 65: Marcus Denmon scored 17 to lead five players in double figures as the host Tigers (24-2, 11-2 Big 12) avenged an earlier defeat.

NO. 16 MURRAY ST. 75, SE MISSOURI ST. 66: Donte Poole hit four 3-pointers and scored 25, and the visiting Racers (25-1, 13-1) clinched their third straight Ohio Valley Conference title.

NO. 18 INDIANA 71, N'WESTERN 66: Cody Zeller scored 23 and Verdell Jones had all six of his in the final 4:03 for the Hoosiers (20-6, 8-6 Big Ten), who are 15-1 at home and gave coach Tom Crean his first 20-win season in Bloomington.

NO. 23 NOTRE DAME 71, RUTGERS 53: Jack Cooley scored 17 of his 22 in the second half for the host Fighting Irish (18-8, 9-3 Big East), who won their seventh straight game.

NO. 24 WICHITA ST. 73, MISSOURI ST. 58: Seven-foot center Garrett Stutz hit four 3-pointers and scored 21 for the host Shockers (23-4, 14-2 Missouri Valley), who clinched at least a tie for the conference title.

ECKERD 73, TAMPA 51: Wayne Sears had 19 points to lead the visiting Tritons (18-5, 10-3 Sunshine State), who swept the season series from the Spartans (6-18, 2-12).

SAINT LEO 75, FLA. SOUTHERN 52: Marcus Ruh had 19 points and nine rebounds for the Lions (13-10, 7-6 SSC), who won their fourth straight, the past two on the road.

UCONN: Coach Jim Calhoun will miss at least two more games while he receives treatment for his ailing back, the school said. Calhoun sat out the past four games because of spinal stenosis.

TENNESSEE: Coach Cuonzo Martin suspended forward Kenny Hall indefinitely for "conduct detrimental to the team."

Women

UNC 71, FSU 66: The host Seminoles (13-14, 5-8 ACC) couldn't complete a rally after cutting a 14-point second-half deficit to two with 20 seconds left. Laura Broomfield had 17 points for the Tar Heels (18-8, 8-5).

TAMPA 46, ECKERD 45: Kamari Smith hit two go-ahead free throws with 1:38 left, and the host Spartans (10-14, 3-11 Sunshine State) rallied past the Tritons (13-9, 6-7) to snap a four-game losing streak.

FLA. SOUTHERN 83, SAINT LEO 64: The visiting Moccasins hit 10 3-pointers. Sophomore Chelsea Connelly scored a career-high 21 for the Lions (7-16, 1-12 SSC).

NO. 1 BAYLOR 83, OKLA. ST. 52: Brittney Griner had 28 points and 10 rebounds, Kimetria Hayden scored a season-high 20 and the Bears (26-0, 13-0 Big 12) won in an arena where they have lost twice in four years.

NO. 5 DUKE 67, VA. TECH 45: Tricia Liston scored 17 for the host Blue Devils (22-3), 13-0 in ACC play for the fifth time.

W. VA. 60, NO. 21 RUTGERS 50: Christal Caldwell scored 16 as the host Mountaineers beat their second ranked team this week, rallying past the Scarlet Knights (17-7, 6-6 Big East).

NO. 4 NOTRE DAME: Coach Muffet McGraw said reserve guard Fraderica Miller is doing fine after spending the night in the university infirmary following a fainting spell.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

TAMPA — Soon, the wise men will gather, and a tournament will begin to take form. Soon, these men will bring their charts and their rankings and their tape measures, and they will debate RPI and S.O.S. and signature wins and disappointing losses and teams that should be in and teams that should be out.

After they have been at it for a while, someone will say the strangest words ever uttered by a member of the NCAA selection committee.

"So," he will say, "what about USF?"

And, equally amazing, the room will not break out in spontaneous laughter.

USF in the NCAAs.

Who would have believed it?

This is no longer a dream for the Bulls, and this is no longer a joke for college basketball. After all of the years of irrelevance, after all of the finishes near the bottom of the Big East, after all of the games there was no longer a reason to watch, the Bulls matter again.

The finest season in USF basketball history added another chapter Wednesday night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. This time, USF grunted and sweated its way to a 65-51 victory over Villanova. To be honest, that isn't the big deal it used to be, but for USF, it was another win in a conference that once looked a lot like a slaughterhouse to the Bulls.

This was the ninth win of the year by USF in the Big East, which is as many as the Bulls have ever had in a season. If nine doesn't sound like a lot to you, consider this: It took four seasons before USF won its first nine games in league play. There were seasons when USF wasn't even good enough to qualify for its own conference tournament.

Look who's dreaming now. The Bulls, who finished 3-15 in conference play last year. The Bulls, who only won 10 games total last year. The Bulls, who had lost 46 of their 52 conference road games in their history before this year. The Bulls, who last made the NCAA Tournament 20 seasons ago, back when they were in something called the Metro Conference.

Yeah, those guys.

"We know we still have work to do," USF coach Stan Heath said, "but yes, this is an NCAA-caliber team. I don't know what the magic number is. I just know we need to keep winning."

With five games to go, this has become one of the incredible stories in college basketball. This was the team that was over its head in the Big East, remember? This was the team that never had a chance. That you can talk about this team in the NCAAs is a staggering achievement itself.

Now, the Bulls are tied for fourth place in the Big East — a league that usually has 8-9 invitations — and these kids can see the prize. They need three victories, and maybe one more in the tournament, to get in. It would help if one of those was a signature win over Syracuse, maybe Louisville. Still, it isn't out of bounds to suggest this team in the NCAAs. To most of us, that's an achievement in itself.

Heath? Not so much. To be honest, Heath still thinks the Bulls team of two years ago (that made the NIT) deserved to go to the NCAAs. That was enough to make this team buy in. The USF players, too, believe they belong. More and more, others believe it, too.

"I just love the way they play," Villanova coach Jay Wright said. "I think they are definitely an NCAA-caliber team. If you're an NCAA-caliber team coming out of our conference, you're going to be successful in the NCAA Tournament. I think this team has a chance to do some damage."

Let's face it. The Bulls won't shoot their way in, and they won't get dragged in by a singular dose of greatness. They are not particularly smooth and they are not remotely pretty. But the Bulls play defense as if they had left their wallets under the basket. No one gets anything easy. When the other team has the ball, they are goaltenders and linebackers, and it is the reason this team has given itself a chance.

Take Wednesday's game. The first half was so ugly that it seemed that any moment, someone was going to take away the backboards and erect peach baskets. USF scored only 20 points, and every one of them came with the strain of a dolphin trying to give birth to a whale. For a while, it was easy to wonder if all of this NCAA Tournament talk left the Bulls a little tight.

Guess what? It didn't matter. Villanova only scored 20, too. It shot only 28.6 percent from the floor. And in the second half, when USF finally found a little offense, Villanova still shot only 32 percent.

More than anything else, that's the message Heath has gotten across to this USF team. It doesn't matter how you beat someone. It's whom you beat. And how many times you win.

Here on the road to relevance, that's an important lesson. Turns out, success isn't too much to ask from the Bulls, and even the NCAA Tournament is not out of reach. That's the best part of this team.

Pay attention, and it will make you believe.

And whoever expected that of USF basketball?

A Big East best

USF matched a school record Wednesday with its ninth Big East win. Its conference records since joining the 16-team league:

Times wires
Wednesday, February 15, 2012

SUNRISE — Craig Anderson made 42 saves as the Senators routed the Panthers 6-2 on Wednesday. Ottawa has won nine in a row overall against Florida and 17 of 20 in South Florida.

"I don't know if they feel that we have an advantage on them," said Daniel Alfredsson, whose shorthanded goal with 5:54 left in the second made it 4-1.

"In today's NHL, we've just got to go out there and work hard for 60 minutes no matter who you play. You can't think, 'This is going to go our way.' "

Tied at 1 in the second, Ottawa got goals 2:06 apart from Milan Daugavins and Bobby Butler. Alfredsson's goal chased Scott Clemmensen.

"We had a decent first period," Florida coach Kevin Dineen said. "But in the second, bang-bang. A couple of goals against, and the rain kept falling from there. A very disappointing game in front of our home fans."

Game highlights: Teemu Selanne scored the winner 7:51 into the third as the Ducks ended the Penguins' home win streak at six, 2-1. The goal was his 656th, tying Brendan Shanahan for 12th all time. They sit three behind the Flyers' Jaromir Jagr and 12 behind Luc Robitaille.

Around the league: Carolina center Tuomo Ruutu, who has a team-high 17 goals, is expected to miss three weeks with an unspecified upper-body injury. He was hurt Monday against Montreal. … Calgary will induct Hall of Famer Al MacInnis into its "Forever a Flame" program. The defenseman played for the Flames from 1981-94, was an All-Star eight times for them and the playoff MVP when they won the Stanley Cup in 1988-89. His No. 2 will be raised to the rafters (but remain in circulation) before the Feb. 27 game against St. Louis, for whom he played his final 10 seasons in the league.

First Period—1, Boston, Ference 5 (Marchand), 17:09. Penalties—Seidenberg, Bos (cross-checking), 9:11; McQuaid, Bos, major (fighting), 14:15; White, Mon, major (fighting), 14:15; Seidenberg, Bos (tripping), 15:16; Pacioretty, Mon (goaltender interference), 15:43; Eller, Mon, double minor (high-sticking), 17:59.

Second Period—2, Montreal, Darche 5 (Subban), 1:39 (sh). 3, Boston, Pouliot 9 (Kelly, Peverley), 5:07. 4, Boston, Bergeron 17 (Seguin, Chara), 14:33 (pp). Penalties—Kostitsyn, Mon (interference), 5:27; Paille, Bos (goaltender interference), 11:52; Leblanc, Mon (goaltender interference), 11:52; Cole, Mon (goaltender interference), 12:39; Marchand, Bos (clipping), 20:00.

Third Period—5, Montreal, Pacioretty 24 (Desharnais, Cole), 3:34. 6, Montreal, Cole 22, 11:12. Penalties—Boychuk, Bos (interference), 5:00; Plekanec, Mon (delay of game), 18:37.

Overtime—None. Penalties—None.

Shootout—Boston 1 (Krejci NG, Seguin G), Montreal 0 (Bourque NG, Pacioretty NG, Eller NG). Shots on Goal—Boston 12-13-2-7—34. Montreal 5-11-10-3—29. Power-play opportunities—Boston 1 of 6; Montreal 0 of 4. Goalies—Boston, Thomas 24-11-0 (29 shots-26 saves). Montreal, Price 21-20-9 (34-31). A—21,273 (21,273).

First Period—1, Ottawa, O'Brien 1 (Foligno, Lee), 5:35. 2, Florida, Matthias 10 (Weaver), 11:47. Penalties—Kuba, Ott (tripping), 15:31.

Second Period—3, Ottawa, Daugavins 4 (Lee, Condra), 5:18. 4, Ottawa, Butler 6 (Michalek, Spezza), 7:24. 5, Ottawa, Alfredsson 20 (Daugavins), 14:06 (sh). Penalties—Smith, Ott, major (fighting), 8:14; Bradley, Fla, major (fighting), 8:14; Phillips, Ott (interference), 11:41; Gonchar, Ott (high-sticking), 13:30; Weiss, Fla (slashing), 17:00.

Third Period—6, Ottawa, Michalek 25 (Karlsson, Spezza), 1:24. 7, Florida, Bergenheim 12 (Campbell, Fleischmann), 4:25 (pp). 8, Ottawa, Kuba 5 (Spezza, Alfredsson), 14:54 (pp). Penalties—Alfredsson, Ott (delay of game), 2:58; Greening, Ott (slashing), 10:51; Florida bench, served by Skille (too many men), 13:54; Smith, Ott, major (fighting), 15:31; Skille, Fla (roughing), 15:31; Strachan, Fla, major (fighting), 15:31; Florida bench, served by Bradley (abusive language), 16:36. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 9-10-12—31. Florida 14-17-13—44. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 1 of 4; Florida 1 of 5. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 27-19-6 (44 shots-42 saves). Florida, Clemmensen 10-5-5 (16-12), Theodore (14:06 second, 15-13). A—14,038 (17,040).

First Period—1, Pittsburgh, Staal 17 (Dupuis), 6:27. Penalties—None.

Second Period—2, Anaheim, Perry 28 (Ryan, Sbisa), 19:08. Penalties—Staal, Pit (hooking), 2:25; Malkin, Pit (tripping), 5:55; Perry, Ana (slashing), 13:52.

Third Period—3, Anaheim, Selanne 19 (Beleskey, Brookbank), 7:51. Penalties—Kunitz, Pit (slashing), 17:17. Shots on Goal—Anaheim 8-13-8—29. Pittsburgh 13-7-6—26. Power-play opportunities—Anaheim 0 of 3; Pittsburgh 0 of 1. Goalies—Anaheim, Hiller 21-19-9 (26 shots-25 saves). Pittsburgh, Fleury 29-14-3 (29-27). A—18,482 (18,387).

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman on Wednesday indicated he will be a seller at the Feb. 27 trade deadline. He took the first step in by asking defenseman Pavel Kubina to submit a list of five teams to which he would accept a trade. Kubina's limited no-trade clause provides for that parameter.

Yzerman would not say if a trade is imminent, but did say that "until the situation is resolved" and "to protect our interests" Kubina will not be on the ice and will not play in tonight's game with the Sharks.

"This doesn't make it official the sale is on," he said. "We're not going to give people away, but if deals make sense and whatever we're bringing in makes us a better organization, we'll do that. But we're not going to unload guys for the sake of unloading them."

The move does send the message those players who are unsigned for next season and potential unrestricted free agents could be dealt. For Tampa bay that includes defensemen Brett Clark, Matt Gilroy and Bruno Gervais, forwards Dominic Moore, Ryan Shannon and Adam Hall and goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

Back to Kubina. Stanley Cup teams in the market for defensemen include the Rangers, to whom Kubina has been most strongly linked, the Flyers, Bruins and Red Wings. It would not be crazy to think Kubina might agree to go to the Panthers, given how much he likes living in Florida.

"Of course," center Steven Stamkos said when asked if Kubina would be a good addition. "He's been playing really good lately. He has confidence. He's big. He's strong. He's poised with the puck. He won before (2004 with Tampa Bay) and knows what it takes. We'll see if something gets done here."

Kubina, 34, has three goals, 11 points and 59 penalty minutes in 52 games this season and is plus-1 while averaging 19:54 of ice time. He has slowed a step but would be a terrific fit for a Stanley Cup team, especially if in a No. 5 or 6 position. Clearly, though, he doesn't fit into the Lightning's long-term plan.

What is that plan? Yzerman was cryptic.

"We'll make our decisions on a player-by-player basis or an opportunity-by-opportunity basis," Yzerman said. "We'll look at opportunities that make us a better tam in the future. That's our basic strategy. We want to be a Cup contender at some point. We're going to have to do some things to become that."

"Ultimately our fans, players, everybody wants to see our team in the playoffs and winning," Yzerman added. "Some steps have to be taken for us to be a perennial Cup contender."

Other stuff from the morning skate: Yzerman said there are no immediate plans for a call-up from AHL Norfolk. He said defenseman Matt Gilroy (hand) is ready to go and defenseman Marc-Andre Bergeron (back) is improving. That said, he will re-evaluate before Saturday's game with the Capitals, and depending on injuries, may bring up someone from the Admirals. ... Roloson gets the start in net against the Sharks.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Alcorus "A.C." Leonard, a Florida tight end from Jacksonville, made his first appearance in an Alachua County courtroom on Thursday after being arrested Wednesday night on domestic battery charges.

Leonard was released on his own recognizance Thursday morning.

According to police reports, Leonard and his live-in girlfriend got into an argument early Wednesday evening, which resulted in her being shoved by Leonard — the force of which knocked her down, causing her to hit her head on a dog cage.

After Leonard reportedly told the woman to leave, he allegedly followed her into a bedroom, and later grabbed her by both feet, dragged her from the apartment and locked her out.

Police reports say the woman did forearm and elbow abrasions.

Leonard, who had eight receptions for 99 yards this past season, is the 10th arrest for the Gators since Florida coach Will Muschamp took over the program in January 2011.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

GAINESVILLE — If he had decided to walk away from it all, declared he had done about all he could do for the Florida baseball team, few could have faulted former Plant star Preston Tucker.

After all, Tucker already has excelled in just three seasons with the Gators. He was SEC co-freshman of the year in 2009, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2010, and this past season he hit .308 with a team-high 74 RBI, 55 runs, 28 walks and 23 doubles in 72 games. Tucker is the school's all-time leader in NCAA Tournament at bats (97), hits (35), home runs (nine) and doubles (eight). He needs seven RBIs to surpass Brad Wilkerson's Florida career record of 214.

So when the Colorado Rockies selected the first-baseman/OF in the 16th round of the MLB draft last year, Tucker's return seemed like a longshot, but ultimately he decided on one more year.

"There were two main factors," Tucker said. "One was getting a degree. Not a lot of guys get to say they have a college degree, and you get a chance to play pro ball. And another one is I think we have a great team this year. I think as hard as it is to believe, I do think we have a better team. We've got more depth in the pen, we've got more talent infield and outfield. So I think knowing that I got to come back to a team that has a chance to do really well this year was a big factor. I like it here. I am enjoying it and knowing it's my last year I'm going to enjoy myself."

Among those eagerly awaiting Tucker's decision was Florida fifth-year coach Kevin O'Sullivan, who was unclear until the end which way Tucker was leaning.

"You don't know either way," O'Sullivan said. "You've got to let the process work its way out and we certainly hoped that he would come back. … We talked the final day of signing (after the) draft and he just kind of indicated he was going to come back. There are a lot of guys on that last day you are waiting to see what happens, but most certainly to get a guy back like him who is going to go down in the record books as one of the best hitters that's played here, there's no question there was a huge smile on my face and from all the coaches. To get back a guy you could plug in the middle of the order and solidify things, it was certainly a huge lift for us."

Tucker is one of four seniors the Gators are counting on for leadership. The Gators return the majority of their everyday lineup, the entire weekend rotation and several key relievers.

Florida opens the season Friday ranked No. 1 in four major polls, and it's part of Tucker's job as a leader to make sure the Gators handle the hype properly.

"It (ranking) doesn't mean you have a talented team. It means they think the players on your team are pretty good," Tucker said. "The next few weeks we're going to figure out what guys are going to play what roles, how well we can mesh as a team and what we can do in good situations."

Whether he wins a national title remains to be seen, but barring injury Tucker will leave with the school's RBI record, a milestone he's quick to credit to his teammates.

"It just means there are a lot of guys on base when I get to hit," he said. "And that goes to the guys hitting behind me and in front of me. … The other team's pitcher is going to want to pitch to me because we've got some pretty good guys behind me."

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

GAINESVILLE — If he had decided to walk away, declared he had done about all he could for the Florida baseball team, few could have faulted former Plant High star Preston Tucker.

After all, Tucker had excelled in three seasons. He was SEC co-freshman of the year in 2009, a second-team All-SEC selection in 2010 and last season a first-team All-SEC selection when he hit .308 with 15 home runs, 55 runs, 28 walks, 23 doubles and a team-high 74 RBIs in 72 games.

Tucker is the school's all-time leader in NCAA Tournament at-bats (97), hits (35), home runs (nine) and doubles (eight). He needs seven RBIs to surpass Brad Wilkerson's school record of 214.

So when the Rockies drafted the first baseman/outfielder in the 16th round in June, Tucker's return seemed like a long shot.

But ultimately, he decided on one more year.

"There were two main factors," said Tucker, who can be drafted by any team in June. "One was getting a degree. Not a lot of guys get to say they have a college degree, and you (still) get a chance to play pro ball. And another one is I think we have a great team this year.

"I think as hard as it is to believe, I do think we have a better team (than last year). We've got more depth in the pen. We've got more talent in the infield and outfield. So knowing that I get to come back to a team that has a chance to do really well this year was a big factor. I like it here. I am enjoying it, and knowing it's my last year, I'm going to enjoy myself."

Among those eagerly awaiting Tucker's decision was Gators coach Kevin O'Sullivan. Last year, his team lost in the World Series final. The year before, the Gators went 0-2 in the World Series. And when Tucker was a freshman, they lost in the Super Region.

"You've got to let the process work its way out," O'Sullivan said. "We talked on the final day of signing (after the) draft, and he … indicated he was going to come back. There are a lot of guys on that last day you are waiting to see what happens.

"But most certainly to get a guy back like him who is going to go down in the record books as one of the best hitters that's played here, there's no question there was a huge smile on my face and from all the coaches. To get back a guy you could plug in the middle of the order and solidify things, it was certainly a huge lift for us."

Tucker is one of four seniors the Gators are counting on for leadership. The Gators return the majority of their everyday lineup, their entire weekend rotation and several relievers.

UF opens the season tonight against Cal State Fullerton (7, FSN) ranked No. 1 in the four major polls — writers, coaches, Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball — and it's part of Tucker's job as a leader to make sure it handles the hype properly.

"(The ranking) doesn't mean you have a talented team. It means they think the players on your team are pretty good," Tucker said. "The next few weeks, we're going to figure out what guys are going to play what roles, how well we can mesh as a team and what we can do in good situations."

Whether he wins a national title remains to be seen, but barring injury, Tucker will leave with the school's RBI record.

"It just means there are a lot of guys on base when I get to hit," he said. "And that goes to the guys hitting behind me and in front of me. The other team's pitcher is going to want to pitch to me because we've got some pretty good guys behind me."

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com.