By Marissa Lang, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

TAMPA — The Tampa City Council publicly honored Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon on Thursday, just one day after Maddon signed a three-year contract extension with the Rays.

"You're such a gift to our community," said city council member Mary Mulhern. "We're glad you're not just property but have become a citizen of the City of Tampa."

As Mulhern passed a plaque to Maddon, he pursed his lips and studied his prize. He flashed the award to a crowd assembled behind him then said thank you.

"I have really come to appreciate and really respect and love this particular area," said the reigning American League manager of the year. "There's no other place I wanted to be."

He promised to display the plaque "proudly" in his office.

Maddon said he's excited to get back to training in the upcoming days; Rays catchers and pitchers report to camp on Sunday.

And Mulhern said Tampa Bay residents are lucky to have him.

"The Tampa Bay area is fortunate to have Maddon leading our Rays for another three years," she said.

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

DAYTONA BEACH — The reporters began camping out at the table with the "Danica Patric" paper nameplate long before her scheduled interview time. By the time Patrick arrived for her nearly 20-minute session at Thursday's NASCAR Media Day, the area was packed.

The 29-year-old is about to begin her first full season in stock car racing after sharing time the past two years racing in the Nationwide Series and in addition to IndyCar races. As she prepares to head into Speedweeks, and her first Daytona 500, Patrick believes she's well-prepared for what's to come — including the massive media attention.

"I feel good," Patrick said. "Let's not forget I've been exposed to the Indy 500 which is one of the biggest races in the world, if not the biggest race in the world, and there's lots of media around that too and lots of hype for kind of like this — an extended period of time. But you know, it's definitely good."

Patrick may have been a bigger draw than some more proven drivers, but the attention on her is ultimately good for NASCAR, veteran driver Mark Martin said.

"Any time there's a lot of noise made there's going to be a lot of supporters and a good bit of negative as well," Martin said. "It's a positive for our sport. ... We saw what she has the potential to do, so I think it's just a matter of time before she shows more potential. She made tremendous progress last year. It was amazing."

Patrick will be part of the Stewart-Haas racing team, and her boss and teammate said she's competitive both on and off the track. Stewart and Patrick were leaving the track on their way to dinner recently when she decided to race him to the edge of the parking lot.

"All right, we've got a long season," Stewart told her. "I'll let you win the first one."

The first of many. Patrick will race 10 Sprint Cup races and the full Nationwide season — the most in her career. Once, that might have been a problem, but she says not now.

"Back a few years ago I definitely was concerned with the work load that NASCAR schedules bring, but the last two years I went from doing a 16 to 18 race season to about 30. And now it's going to be about 34 or 35 weekends so it's really only an extra month worth of weekends. So it's much more tolerable than jumping from IndyCar to NASCAR in one jump."

Patrick will race in her first Daytona 500 nine days from now thanks to a guaranteed spot in the field because of NASCAR rules that allow championship point swapping with other teams.

Still, if Thursday is any indication there seems to be plenty of support for her. Carl Edwards said because the Daytona racetrack is "its own specific style of racing and not like the other tracks," Patrick may have a better chance at Daytona than at some of the other tracks. But the overall switch won't be easy, he said.

"This level is cut-throat, very, very, very tough," Edwards said.

Fourth-year driver Joey Logano has an idea of what Patrick faces. In 2008 he became the youngest driver to make his Cup debut at age 18, and was anointed by Martin as the sport's next superstar. He also got a top-tier ride in his first full year in the series, inheriting Stewart's No. 20 car at Joe Gibbs Racing.

"I think the main thing is you have to be confident in yourself," Logano said when asked what advice he'd give Patrick. "Once you lose that, it's game over. I don't see her doing that. She looks like she's got plenty of confidence. I don't see her in anything like that. I think she'll be fine. She'll work her way through it. The thing is everyone needs to be patient. It's not going to happen overnight."

That hasn't shaken Patrick's confidence at all. Asked on Thursday if she believes she can win the Daytona 500, she didn't hesitate to say yes. With some help.

"Luck," she said. "I have a fast car, so I think that's taken care of but I think it's going to take some good breaks and a patient race, staying out of trouble. … But I think luck is going to play a big factor."

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

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

DAYTONA BEACH — When Joey Logano made his Cup debut at New Hampshire in September 2008 at age 18, it seemed like a quick, but natural progression. Why wouldn't the driver nicknamed "Sliced Bread" — as in the greatest thing since — become the youngest driver in series history?

Now Logano said his rise might have been too fast.

"Looking at it now, probably," said Logano, who has only one career victory in NASCAR's top series.

Logano knew how to race, but he said he wasn't prepared for the off-track responsibilities, team demands and leadership that came with inheriting Tony Stewart's No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing car. In three full seasons, Logano hasn't finished higher than 16th in points, and rumors swirled about his uncertain future with JGR in the offseason. Logano said Thursday that no one has job security but that he doesn't regret his jump to NASCAR's top series.

"I was 18 years old," Logano said. "I had the opportunity to jump in the Home Depot car. I would do it again. Who wouldn't?"

FAVORED AGAIN: Jimmie Johnson's five-year streak of Sprint Cup championships is over, but media members think he'll be back on top in 2012. NASCARMedia.com's annual preseason poll ranked Johnson as the favorite to win the series title in 2012. Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. "Everybody that covers our sport knows the sport well, and I think they know the 48 well," Johnson said. "We're highly motivated to get it done in 2012. Now we'll get out there and get to work."

TANDEM OR PACK: After tandem racing pushed Trevor Bayne into the victory circle at Daytona last year, NASCAR has made communication and mechanical rules changes to cut down on one car pushing another in 2012. The changes are designed to limit follow-the-leader driving and encourage more exciting pack racing. In tests, two cars could push each other for somewhere between one and six laps, depending on the setup, before the cars' temperatures got too hot. Because the configurations haven't been tested in a race setting, Jamie McMurray said the drivers won't know how much tandem racing the 500 will feature until they get a feel for the changes Saturday at the Bud Shootout.

"I don't think anyone really knows yet how much we're going to have," said McMurray, the 2010 Daytona 500 winner.

PATRICK ROOTING FOR REUTIMANN: Danica Patrick's rise to NASCAR's top series has a local tie with Zephyrhills' David Reutimann. Patrick will drive the No. 10 Tommy Baldwin Racing Chevy for 10 races — including the Daytona 500. Reutimann will pilot that machine for the other 26 races of the season and will race the No. 93 BK Racing Toyota at Daytona. The split season means Patrick and Reutimann will have to root for each other to boost the car's standings in the owners' points race. "I'm definitely going to hope that David has good races and that he finishes well or finishes," Patrick said. "I think that's always the hope when it's a car that you're going to be running and points that you're going to be sharing. I'm sure the other is quite true, as well."

NOTHING OWED: Edwards has been one of the sport's brightest stars, but he's still missing two key accomplishments: A win at Daytona and a series championship. He was runner-up in both last year, pushing Bayne across the finish line at the 500 and battling Stewart for the points title until the final laps at Homestead. Despite his close-but-not-quite-there career, Edwards said he doesn't feel as if NASCAR owes him a victory.

"I don't ever feel like this sport owes me anything," Edwards said. "I feel that I owe this sport a lot. I feel that I have a huge opportunity every time I get to put on this driver's suit and go drive a race car. I've already surpassed my wildest dreams 100 times over."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Butch Davis will play a lot of important roles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, from evaluating talent for free agency and the draft, to interviewing college players at the scouting combine, to observing the communication between coaches in the press box on game day. While he may wear a lot of different hats, you won't see a whistle around his neck.

In fact, the only thing certain about Davis' role is that it won't involve coaching.

"Obviously, I'm not going to be on the field and in the meetings and actually teaching and coaching and hands on and those kinds of things,'' Davis said. "I hope players and guys in this organization come and maybe there are thing that I can tell them about being a professional, watching film, having a great attitude, just being a kind of a mentor and sounding board for those guys. As far as the actual go on the grass and those sort of things, that's not my role.''

Davis, 60, was fired by the University of North Carolina just before the start of the 2011 season when his football program was found to have committed multiple NCAA rules violations. Because of his $2.7-million settlement with the Tar Hells, Davis cannot coach. Before accepting the Bucs' position as special assistant to the head coach, Davis checked with the administration at North Carolina to make sure they were okay with the arrangement.

"The other thing that I feel very comfortable in trying to talk about this is that I've discussed with Carolina's administration this particular role and that they are very comfortable with the arrangement and the roles I'm going to play in this organization,'' Davis said. "So this is a terrific opportunity, I'm really excited about it and can't wait to get started and help this organization any way that I can.''

Davis, who has coached for 37 years, said the opportunity to work again with new Bucs coach Greg Schiano is what attracted him to the job. Schiano served as Davis' defensive coordinator with the Miami Hurricanes from 1999-2000.

Davis has experienced making the transition as a college head coach to the NFL. He coached the Cleveland Browns from 2001-04, going 24-34 and reaching the playoffs once. Davis said he made his share of mistakes and hopes to help Schiano avoid some of those pitfalls.

"I've got 10 years experience in the National Football League, and there are so many things within an organization that need attention to detail and one person can't do it all,'' Davis said.

"First of all, I think there's two differences in the two organizations, which I hope will help Greg just in the sense that this is an established organization that has had a history, they've won a Super Bowl recently,'' Davis said. "Things have maybe not gone as well as they've liked over the last couple of years and stuff, but going to Cleveland, it was two years removed from being an expansion franchise and I think one of the things I've already shared with Greg a little bit is make sure you understand who you have on your football team before you start adding all the pieces. Sometimes you get the sense that you're a little bit like a kid in a candy store like I was when (I) went to Cleveland, that gosh, you need these guys in free agency and sometimes you over value them and sometime you don't. Just have a devised plan that I'm sure Greg and Mark (Dominik) have talked long about, that this is the way we want to build this team through the draft and add certain things. But that would've been some of my first things, here's some of the things we did wrong in Cleveland and I think also the other part of it Greg is doing a great job is surrounding himself with guys that he knows. I think that's a big thing.''

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

TAMPA — Butch Davis will play a lot of important roles for the Bucs, from evaluating talent for free agency and the draft, to interviewing college players at the combine, to observing the communication between coaches in the press box on game day and advising head coach Greg Schiano. But while Davis may wear a lot of hats, you won't see a whistle around his neck.

In fact, the only thing certain about Davis' role is that it won't involve coaching.

"Obviously, I'm not going to be on the field and in the meetings and actually teaching and coaching and hands-on and those kinds of things," Davis said Thursday, adding that he doesn't know if he is allowed to wear a headset. "I hope players and guys in this organization come and maybe there are things that I can tell them about being a professional, watching film, having a great attitude, just being a kind of a mentor and sounding board for those guys. As far as the actual 'go on the grass' and those sort of things, that's not my role."

Davis, 60, was fired as head coach at North Carolina just before the start of the 2011 season when his football program was found to have committed multiple NCAA rules violations. Because of his $2.7 million settlement with the Tar Hells, Davis cannot coach. The buyout package includes deferred payments of $590,000 each January through 2015. Before accepting the Bucs' position as special assistant to the head coach, Davis checked with the UNC administration to make sure it was okay with the arrangement.

Davis, who has coached for 37 years, said the opportunity to work again with Schiano is what attracted him to the job. Schiano served as Davis' defensive coordinator with the Miami Hurricanes from 1999 to 2000.

"A lot of people have said, 'Why would you want to come and do something like this with Greg?' " Davis said. "And the thing that I've continually told people is Greg is one of the best football coaches and the best men that I've ever had a chance to work with."

Davis has experienced making the transition from college coach to the NFL. He coached the Browns from 2001 to 2004, going 24-34 and reaching the playoffs once. Davis said he made his share of mistakes and hopes to help Schiano avoid some of those pitfalls.

"I've got 10 years experience in the National Football League, and there are so many things within an organization that need attention to detail and one person can't do it all," Davis said.

"I think one of the things I've already shared with Greg a little bit is make sure you understand who you have on your football team before you start adding all the pieces."

Davis said after being fired by the Browns, he volunteered for a similar advisory role with the Chiefs. The night before Schiano decided to leave Rutgers and accept the Bucs job, he phoned Davis and offered him a chance to join him in Tampa Bay.

"This was a great opportunity," Davis said. " It just seemed like this would be a great fit.

"You can impact an organization in a lot of different ways without actually having to have the chalk in your hands and go on the field."

Around the league

Kickoff concussions down: By moving kickoffs up to the 35-yard line last season, the NFL reduced head injuries on such plays by 50 percent, said Hunt Batjer, co-chair of NFL Head, Neck & Spine Committee. "It looks to me like a decreased number of runbacks played a role."

No Moss: Vikings GM Rick Spielman said his team needs receivers, but it "will be moving on" without former standout Randy Moss, 35, who did not play last season but announced plans for a comeback. "Randy was a great player," Spielman said, "but again our focus is more on trying to get a young team."

Portis return? Running back Clinton Portis, 30, who did not play last season after being released by the Redskins, said he has his passion back and wants to play again. The former University of Miami star suffered a concussion in 2009 and a torn groin in 2010, but his agent said he has been cleared to resume his career.

Bills: The team and soon-to-be free agent receiver Stevie Johnson exchanged offers over the past week and plan to meet at the Indianapolis combine next week, the Associated Press reported.

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent


Thursday, February 16, 2012

What's hot: The flat seas between the recent fronts revealed what should be an early arrival of kingfish and Spanish mackerel. In the 45- to 60-foot depths, where we have been targeting bottom fish, large schools of Spanish sardines and hard tails were seen both on the surface and on the depth finder. Using a Sabiki rig, we quickly produced baits for catch-and-release red and gag grouper. Normally baitfish of the size and quantity that we saw do not arrive in our area until mid March.

What else: Recent catches consisted of gag and red grouper, scamp, triggerfish, white grunts, and several species of porgies.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, February 16, 2012

Making news

Grouper rules altered again

Florida officials adopted new gag grouper regulations last week that may be applauded by some anglers but could prove a headache for those charged with enforcing the state's fishery management laws.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission voted to adopt the same July 1 through Oct. 31 gag grouper season for state waters that is in effect in federal waters, which begin 9 miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

But the commission also authorized chairman Kathy Barco and executive director Nick Wiley to issue an executive order that establishes an April through June gag season in Taylor, Jefferson, Wakulla and Franklin counties. Those waters, which include Apalachicola Bay and Indian Pass, would close July 1 through Oct. 31.

Cycling

Swap and shop

Looking for good deals on biking gear? The South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers, a.k.a., SWFBUD, will hold its first "Swap Meet" from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the Taco Bus parking lot on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg. The swap meet will feature bicycle stores selling closeout bike items and inventory as well as your average bikers selling bike parts, gear, clothing and equipment.

Workshops

Women only

Are you an outdoors woman looking for fellowship and adventure? Learn about Florida outdoors in a noncompetitive, hands-on environment at the FWC's Becoming an Outdoors-Woman workshop. The three-day workshop, scheduled for March 9-11 at the Ocala Conservation Center in the Ocala National Forest, teaches basic outdoors skills such as fishing, canoeing/kayaking, photography, wilderness first-aid and how to use a map and compass.

The workshop, which costs $175, is limited to the first 100 to sign up. For information, visit www.myFWC.com/bow or call Lynne Hawk at (561) 625-5122.

Things to do

Feb. 23: Kayak fishing clinic with guide Neil Taylor, 6:30 p.m., Bill Jackson Shop for Adventure, Pinellas Park. Free clinic on using artificial lures. Information, call (727) 692-6345 or visit strikethreekayakfishing.com.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, February 16, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Todd Fedyszyn spends most of his time teaching other people how to sail fast, so when he does get a chance to race, the competition better watch out.

"We don't get to practice as much as the other teams," said the 36-year-old sailing coach at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. "But we do our research and make sure the boat is tuned up. And that always gives you the edge."

Fedyszyn will be the man to beat this weekend when more than 1,000 sailors hit the water for the opener of the 25th season of the National Offshore One-Design Regatta series.

"We raced six years in a row and finished second a couple of times but never came out on top," said Fedyszyn, who races with his wife, Genoa. "But last year it finally came together for us."

Fedyszyn, and his crew aboard Spoony Tactics, won last year's NOOD event title in St. Petersburg and went on to win the series' championship in the British Virgin Islands.

"It was unbelievable," he said. "You are racing against the winners from all of the other regattas. Everybody is in the same boat. So it really does come down to who is the best sailor."

That close competition is what the NOOD is all about. Fedyszyn competes in a J/24, which one of the largest and most hotly contested classes in racing today. The series always draws a big crowd in St. Petersburg and the six other U.S. cities it visits.

The St. Petersburg regatta comes just a few weeks after Key West's race week, which, next to the America's Cup, is one of the most competitive racing series in the world.

The NOOD boasts three days of one-design (a term used to describe boats with identical measurements and specifications) racing on different courses with easy viewing from the Pier downtown.

Fedyszyn, and at least 20 other four- to five-man crews, will be favoring the International J/24, one of the most popular recreational keelboats in the world today. The hull was designed and built in 1975 by Rodney Johnstone in his garage in Stonington, Conn.

Since then, more than 5,000 of these boats have been built in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America. Today, more than an estimated 50,000 people race J/24s in 150 fleets in 40 countries. The J/24 has proved so popular with racers because it can be trailered and it is relatively inexpensive to race because of the widespread availability of used models.

While the NOOD usually features at least 10 classes, the overall winner is picked on both fewest number of points accumulated (in sailing, the lower the number, the higher the rank) and the overall competitiveness of the class.

Last year, Spoony Tactics edged North American J/24 champion Mike Ingham's Fawn Liebowitz, 18 points to 20, to win the class. Race fans will keep an eye on that class again this year as the J/24s are once again expected to be the largest and most competitive fleet.

After St. Petersburg, the NOOD series heads to San Diego on March 16-18. Additional venues on the 2012 schedule include Annapolis, Md.; Seattle; Chicago; Marblehead, Mass.; and San Francisco. The series championship will once again be in the British Virgin Islands in November.

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

NEW DELHI — John Daly said he may have torn ligaments in his right elbow when he played a shot during the first round at the Avantha Masters.

It's unclear how the injury will affect his participation in the Transitions Championship, March 15-18 at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor. Daly was scheduled to get a sponsor's exemption to the Transitions, where he has been a fan favorite in the past.

He shot 7-over 79, and planned to return home for X-rays.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

Big Ten-Big East Challenge

When: Today-Sunday

What: The conferences open their seasons with 10 games each day played at Bright House Field and Jack Russell Stadium in Clearwater, Al Lang Field and the Walter Fuller Complex in St. Petersburg and Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin.

USF: The Bulls play three games: 10 a.m. today against Ohio State at the Fuller Complex; 1 p.m. Saturday against Michigan State at Jack Russell; and 1 p.m. Sunday against Minnesota at Al Lang.

Admission: All-day ticket for all games is $10; three-day pass is $25

Information: BigTenBigEast BaseballChallenge.com

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

HELENA, Mont. — The stocky man showed up in a basketball uniform for a Century High game in North Dakota. Players and coaches assumed he was a fan who had come with another team, so no one objected when he began to pitch in around the bench.

"He helped lay out uniforms, got water. He even gave a couple of kids shoulder massages. Creepy stuff like that," said Jim Haussler, activities director for the Bismarck Public School District.

After the game, the man joined the winning team on the court and asked for a piggy­back ride. One bemused player gave it to him.

"He makes himself appear as if he's limited or handicapped. I think he plays an empathy card, so to speak," Haussler said. "We didn't realize what we were dealing with until several days later."

What they were dealing with on Feb. 4 was the Piggy­back Bandit — Sherwin Shayegan of Bothell, Wash., a 28-year-old who ingratiates himself with high school sports teams, then hoists his 5-foot-8, 240-pound frame onto the backs of the athletes.

His antics go back to 2008 and were mainly confined to Washington and Oregon. But since last fall, he has worked his way east to Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota, leaving a trail of befuddled athletes in his wake.

Shayegan has asked for piggy­backs, attempted to pay for them and just sprung one upon an unsuspecting kid. He favors basketball, but he also has leapt onto hockey, soccer and football players.

Why he does it is unclear, as is who came up with the "Piggyback Bandit" nickname that now follows him. Shayegan, contacted Tuesday, declined to speak of the rides until he could talk to an attorney. "I'd prefer not to comment, if that's okay," he said.

Shayegan has a lengthy criminal record in Washington as well as nine outstanding warrants in one town in that state. Because of his piggyback antics, he has been banned from high school events in Washington, Oregon, Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota.

"What people don't realize is that he's very smart. He knows how to play the system," said Mike Colbrese, executive director of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Times staff, wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

NEW YORK — Gary Carter was nicknamed "The Kid" for good reason.

His smile, bubbly personality and eagerness to excel on a ballfield made him a joy to watch at the plate and behind it.

Even his Hall of Fame bronze plaque at Cooperstown shows him with a toothy grin — The Kid forever.

The star catcher, whose single for the Mets in the 1986 World Series touched off one of the most improbable rallies in baseball, died Thursday. He was 57.

Mr. Carter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May, two weeks after finishing his second season as coach at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Mets spokesman Jay Horwitz said Mr. Carter died at a hospice in the West Palm Beach area.

He was an 11-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner. His bottom-of-the-10th single in Game 6 of the 1986 Series helped the Mets mount a historic comeback against the Red Sox.

With curly, blond locks flaring out from beneath his helmet and a rigid, upright batting stance, Mr. Carter was immediately recognizable. And anyone who watched him recognized his zest.

"His nickname 'The Kid' captured how Gary approached life," the Mets said in a statement. "He did everything with enthusiasm and with gusto on and off the field. His smile was infectious. … He was a Hall of Famer in everything he did."

Mr. Carter played nearly two decades with the Mets, Montreal, San Francisco and the Los Angeles Dodgers. He led the Expos to their only playoff berth and was the first player enshrined in Cooperstown wearing an Expos cap.

Rays third-base coach Tom Foley, who played with him in Montreal, said Mr. Carter's nickname was well-earned.

"This is one guy that just loved the game," Foley said. "He was always in an upbeat mood, he loved to come to the ballpark, he beamed with enthusiasm every day. That's why they called him 'The Kid.' This is very sad. He was way too young.''

"Gary was one of the happiest guys in the world every day," Mets teammate Mookie Wilson once said.

Mr. Carter was known as much for his effervescent personality as his talents. He earned his nickname as an eager teen in his first major-league camp and the label stuck.

He was especially pumped during the biggest moment of his career. The Mets were down to their last out in the '86 Series when Mr. Carter stepped up. No one was on base, and New York was trailing Boston 5-3 in the bottom of the 10th in Game 6.

He said he had just one thought: "I wasn't going to make the last out of the World Series."

True to his word, he delivered a clean single to left. Kevin Mitchell followed with a single, and when Ray Knight singled, Mr. Carter scored from second.

As Mr. Carter crossed the plate, he clapped his hands, pointed at Wilson on deck and clapped again. Moments later, Bill Buckner's error on Wilson's grounder to first scored Knight for a 6-5 win. Mr. Carter rushed from the dugout to join the celebration at home plate, catcher's gear already on.

"I relied on Gary for everything when I was on the mound, including location, what pitch to throw and when. Even when I didn't have my best stuff, he found a way to get me through. He was just a warrior on the field," former Mets ace and Tampa native Dwight Gooden said.

Mr. Carter was elected to the Hall in 2003 on his sixth try. He had joked that he wanted his Cooperstown cap to be a half-and-halfer, split between the Expos and Mets. The Hall makes the call on the logo.

"It's nice to know that even though my body feels like an old man now, I will always be a kid at heart," Mr. Carter said on his election.

Time staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Four days after a big win at Pebble Beach, Phil Mickelson continued rolling.

Mickelson chipped in from 35 feet for birdie on the 18th hole at Riviera on Thursday for 5-under 66, taking a one-shot lead in the opening round of the Northern Trust Open.

"It wasn't one I was really trying to make," he said. "It was quick, it was downhill, and I had to play about 4 or 5 feet of break, so it's not one that you're trying to get aggressive with. I was trying to get good speed and try to let it feed with the break, and I got fortunate, obviously, that it went in."

J.B. Holmes, in his fourth tourney since returning from brain surgery, mixed birdies and bogeys along his back nine and shot 67. He was with Hunter Mahan, who birdied four straight toward the end of his round. All played in the afternoon as the wind died slightly in the PGA Tour event.

Jonathan Byrd (68) had the best score of the morning, when it was chilly and blustery.

Dating to the back nine of his second round at Pebble Beach last week, Mickelson has made birdie or eagle on one-third of his holes. His streak of holes without a bogey ended at 49 on the par-3 16th Thursday.

Daly injures elbow as Palm Harbor event nears

NEW DELHI — John Daly said he may have torn ligaments in his right elbow when he played a shot during the first round at the Avantha Masters on the European Tour.

It's unclear how the injury will affect his participation in the Transitions Championship, March 15-18 at Innisbrook in Palm Harbor. Daly was scheduled to get a sponsor's exemption to the Transitions, where he has been a fan favorite in the past.

He shot 7-over 79, and planned to return home for X-rays.

LPGA: Ai Miyazato shot 5-under 67 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the LPGA Thailand in Pattaya. The 2010 champion from Japan opened with birdie and had four more on a warm and humid day.

American Paula Creamer had a hole-in-one on the 146-yard 12th hole, hitting a 7-iron that one-hopped into the cup. She's five back.

Brittany Lincicome of Seminole is in a nine-way tie for ninth at 70.

Karrie Webb, Na Yeon Choi, Se Ri Pak, Amy Yang and Anna Nordqvist were at 68.

"It was a really, really long day for me because of the temperature," said Miyazato, who was playing in her first LPGA event of the year. "I felt really calm this morning, so I could control myself really well.''

Around golf: Annika Soren­stam turned down a chance to be captain for Europe in the 2013 Solheim Cup against the United States because of time constraints. "the Solheim Cup has been an important part of my career, and I hope to one day lead the European team," she said. … Paul Casey will not return for the Match Play championship because of a shoulder injury he sustained while snowboarding. George Coetzee will take his spot in the 64-man field next week in Arizona. Casey hopes to return in March for the Cadillac Championship at Doral.

Antonya English, Times Staff Writer; Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

College football

Gator arrested on charges of domestic battery

GAINESVILLE — Florida TE A.C. Leonard was suspended indefinitely, a day after being arrested on charges of domestic battery.

The Jacksonville native made his first appearance in an Alachua County courtroom Thursday morning and was released on his own recognizance. A pretrial hearing was not set.

According to police, Leonard and his live-in girlfriend got into an argument, which resulted in her being shoved by Leonard. Police say she fell and hit her head on a dog cage.

After Leonard told the woman to leave, police say, he followed her into a bedroom, grabbed her by both feet, dragged her from the apartment and locked her out. Police say the woman, who was not identified, had forearm and elbow abrasions.

Leonard caught eight passes for 99 yards last season. He is the 10th arrest for the Gators since coach Will Muschamp took over in January 2011.

"This behavior will not be tolerated," he said in a statement the school released. "I certainly don't condone this type of behavior. It is not what we expect from the University of Florida football program."

South Carolina: Coach Steve Spurrier and school officials will appear before the NCAA today. The NCAA said the school got $55,000 in improper benefits for athletes — mostly football players — who stayed at a hotel at a reduced rate. The Gamecocks have cut six scholarships over three seasons, reduced recruiting visits and offered to pay a $18,500 fine. The NCAA can accept the penalties or hand down new ones. A decision is expected in 2-3 months.

USC: Tee Martin resigned as Kentucky receivers coach for a similar position. He led Tennessee to the national title as a QB in 1998 and joins the staff of Lane Kiffin, who resigned as Tennessee coach in June 2010.

First weekend: Atlanta's Georgia Dome will host N.C. State-Tennessee on Aug. 31 and Auburn-Clemson on Sept. 1.

Boxing

IBF bans former champ after riot

The IBF banned ex-junior flyweight champ Luis Lazarte for sparking a riot after his match Feb. 10. Johnriel Casimero stopped Lazarte in the 10th round in Lazarte's native Argentina to win the 108-pound title. During the match, Lazarte, 40, fouled Casimero with head butts, punches below the belt, punches behind the head and bites. After losing a point in the sixth, Lazarte took out his mouthpiece and asked the referee, "Do you want to make it out of here alive?" After the match was stopped, fans threw chairs and bottles then stormed the ring. One of Casimero's cornermen was hit in the head and suffered a broken rib. The referee needed stitches in his lip.

ET CETERA

Soccer: XV de Jau, a third-division Brazilian team, fired its coach two days after hiring him. Nem was introduced Monday. XV de Jau lost 3-1 Wednesday to Flamengo in the Sao Paulo state final. Club president Jose Construtor said, "The team didn't play well" and Nem "made poor choices. …We need results. I'll find another coach."

Autos: Baltimore officials hired Downforce Racing to promote its Sept. 2 IRL race. The city voided its contract with the previous promoter for unpaid debts and needed to find a new one or risk losing the race.

Tennis: Gael Monfils, 13th in the world, withdrew from next week's Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis with right knee inflammation. He said he hopes to return for the Sony Ericsson Open, which starts March 21 in Key Biscayne.

Antonya English, Times staff writer; Times wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, February 16, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays added depth, if not another option, behind the plate, signing Chris Gimenez to a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

Gimenez, 29, played in 97 big-league games over 2009-11 with the Indians and Mariners, hitting .171 with five homers and 21 RBIs. Over four seasons at Triple A, he hit .264 with a .757 on-base plus slugging percentage.

As the Rays prepare to open spring training on Monday, one of the questions is who will split time with veteran catcher Jose Molina. Jose Lobaton and Robinson Chirinos are the leading candidates. Others in camp include Stephen Vogt, Nevin Ashley, Craig Albernez and Mark Thomas.

FanFest: The Rays' annual FanFest on Saturday at Tropicana Field will feature plenty of familiar faces — including some old ones.

All current Rays — except Ben Zobrist, Joel Peralta and Hak-Ju Lee — are expected and will participate in a series of activities during the 10 a.m.-5 p.m event at Tropicana Field that features free admission and parking.

Former Rays Roberto Hernandez, Doug Waechter and Bryan Rekar are among three-dozen former major-leaguers who will sign autographs (free of charge) and participate in other activities, including a Wiffle Ball game. Other attending MLB alumni include Ron LeFlore, Buck Martinez, Orestes Destrade, Dick Drago and Jose Cardenal.

Autographs from Rays players are available only with a $50 wristband, with proceeds to the Florida chapter of the ALS Association.

Other activities include clinics by Rays coaches, a "Reading with the Rays" station, the chance to run bases, have players call-a-friend, and a "high five" area.

For details and a full schedule, go to tampabay.com/blogs/rays.

Joyce makes pitch: Outfielder Matt Joyce will throw out the first pitch at 7 tonight and present a $10,000 check to the North Brandon Little League (2915 N Kingsway Ave., Seffner).

METS: Left-hander Johan Santana, 32, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this morning, his first big test of the spring. He had surgery on his left shoulder in September 2010 has not pitched in the majors since then.

PIRATES: Outfielder Garrett Jones lost in the final salary arbitration case of the year. He was awarded the team's offer of a $2.25 million salary rather than his request of $2.5 million. MLB teams won five of the seven arbitration cases, including the Rays over Jeff Niemann. The Marlins suffered the two losses.

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

NEW YORK — Jonathan Toews scored on a penalty shot to start the Blackhawks' four-goal first period that helped them beat the Rangers 4-2 Thursday and end a nine-game skid.

Chicago went 0-8-1 after beating Florida on Jan. 20, scoring more than three goals only once. And it was 0-6-1 during a nine-game road trip that ends Saturday at Columbus.

Martin Biron allowed all four goals. But one came on the penalty shot and two on breakaways.

Toews struck just 1:04 in after Rangers defenseman Dan Girardi covered the puck in the crease when Biron couldn't control a rebound.

After Patrick Sharp scored on a breakaway to make it 3-0 just 4:00 into the game, Rangers fans chanted "Hen-rik! Hen-rik!" for No. 1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

When Biron stopped a shot from defenseman Brent Seabrook from the opposite end of the ice — about 132 feet — he received a mock cheer. But Marian Hossa made it 4-0 at 9:38 on another breakaway.

The most goals the Rangers had allowed in a game this season was five, to Ottawa on Oct. 29. They had not given up four goals in a period and allowed three only three times. And Lundqvist has yielded only seven goals during six February appearances.

Game highlights: Wayne Simmonds scored twice after being hit in the face by a puck during warmups as the host Flyers beat the Sabres 7-2. Simmonds joined teammates on the bench a few minutes into the game. Wearing a full shield, he scored power-play goals 3:17 apart in the second to put Philadelphia up 3-2.

Clock issue: Officials in the league's situation room in Toronto will more closely observe the final minute of periods and refine the overall timing process. The changes come after an investigation into a pause of the Staples Center clock during the final seconds of the Kings' game against the Blue Jackets on Feb. 1. The pause allowed the Kings' Drew Doughty to score the winning goal. Colin Campbell, senior vice president of hockey operations, said the clock's maker, Daktronics, examined the clock and found "no defects." He also said the off-ice crew was interviewed and he was "completely satisfied" with the clock operator, whom he declined to identify. He also declined to disclose other changes the league will make.

Around the league: Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg will sit out tonight and is day to day with an undisclosed lower-body injury. The left wing, tied for third on the team with 44 points, was hurt Tuesday against the Stars. … The Flyers acquired defenseman Nicklas Grossman from the Stars for a 2012 second-round pick and 2013 third-round pick. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder has five assists in 52 games.

First Period—1, Chicago, J.Toews 28 (penalty shot), 1:05. 2, Chicago, Leddy 3 (Hossa, Seabrook), 2:07. 3, Chicago, Sharp 23 (J.Toews), 4:00. 4, Chicago, Hossa 22 (Kane, Seabrook), 9:38. Penalties—Scott, Chi (roughing, boarding), 5:18; Shaw, Chi (holding), 5:18; Rupp, NYR (roughing), 5:18; O'Donnell, Chi (interference), 13:33.

Second Period—5, N.Y. Rangers, Staal 1 (Eminger, Rupp), 3:04. Penalties—Stalberg, Chi (goaltender interference), 5:34; J.Toews, Chi (interference), 8:06; B.Richards, NYR (holding stick), 8:33; Dubinsky, NYR (elbowing, roughing), 9:21; Chicago bench, served by Brunette (too many men), 12:45.

Third Period—6, N.Y. Rangers, Hagelin 9 (McDonagh, Callahan), 15:15. Penalties—O'Donnell, Chi (cross-checking), 5:47. Shots on Goal—Chicago 10-9-3—22. N.Y. Rangers 5-7-12—24. Power-play opportunities—Chicago 0 of 3; N.Y. Rangers 0 of 7. Goalies—Chicago, Crawford 19-14-5 (24 shots-22 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Biron 10-3-1 (22-18). A—18,200 (18,200).

First Period—1, Buffalo, Pominville 22 (Myers, Roy), 5:15. 2, Buffalo, Vanek 21 (Ennis, Gerbe), 9:30. Penalties—Talbot, Phi (tripping), 10:35; Briere, Phi (slashing), 13:30; Vanek, Buf (interference), 17:50.

Second Period—3, Philadelphia, Talbot 15 (Coburn, Carle), :54. 4, Philadelphia, Simmonds 19 (Giroux, Hartnell), 3:32 (pp). 5, Philadelphia, Simmonds 20 (Hartnell, Giroux), 6:49 (pp). 6, Philadelphia, Gustafsson 1 (Voracek, Giroux), 13:48. Penalties—Kassian, Buf, major (fighting), 2:54; Sestito, Phi, major (fighting), 2:54; Myers, Buf (tripping), 3:22; Hartnell, Phi (high-sticking), 4:08; Buffalo bench, served by Stafford (too many men), 5:27; Coburn, Phi (hooking), 10:48.

Third Period—7, Philadelphia, Talbot 16 (Wellwood, Couturier), 3:58. 8, Philadelphia, Voracek 10 (Hartnell, Giroux), 4:29. 9, Philadelphia, Hartnell 27 (Read, Giroux), 9:25. Penalties—Lilja, Phi (hooking), 13:26; Simmonds, Phi (cross-checking), 17:06; Gerbe, Buf (roughing), 18:21; Talbot, Phi (roughing), 18:21. Shots on Goal—Buffalo 12-6-11—29. Philadelphia 11-12-12—35. Power-play opportunities—Buffalo 0 of 6; Philadelphia 2 of 3. Goalies—Buffalo, Enroth 8-10-3 (18 shots-15 saves), Miller (6:49 second, 17-13). Philadelphia, Bryzgalov 20-11-6 (29-27). A—19,725 (19,537).

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Draymond Green had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Keith Appling scored 20 and No. 7 Michigan State beat No. 15 Wisconsin 69-55 Thursday night to move back into a Big Ten first-place tie with Ohio State.

The Spartans (21-5, 10-3) have won four straight — the longest active streak in the conference — and six of their past seven.

The Badgers (19-7, 8-5) had won seven of eight, including their previous four road games.

Appling's three-point play with 5:24 left in the first half capped a 14-0 run that gave Michigan State a 22-12 lead.

The Spartans led 31-19 at halftime and built a 53-33 lead midway through the second half. This was their sixth win over a ranked team this season, most in Division I.

Wisconsin's Jordan Taylor scored 13 on 3-for-13 shooting.

The Spartans home crowd was so loud late in the first half that official Mike Sanzere told ranting Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan that he couldn't hear him.

Ryan was often livid in the first half, screaming about calls that were made or that he thought were missed. With 21.4 seconds left in the game and trailing by 14, he called a timeout. Ryan said he had feedback for his players that couldn't wait for the locker room.

It was the first of five games in 13 days for the Spartans, who next play at Purdue on Sunday.

"That win says a lot," Green said. "Wisconsin's not an easy team to play. It's not the most talented team Bo Ryan has had, but it's still a very good one."

Ark.-Little Rock 78, FIU 64: The visiting Golden Panthers (7-18, 4-9 Sun Belt) lost their third straight. Cameron Bell made four free throws before missing his last attempt, setting the FIU record with 24 in a row.

weber downplays criticism: A day after Bruce Weber criticized his performance and his players after a home loss to Purdue, the Illinois coach tried to soften the blow.

"I spoke out of frustration following another difficult loss," he said in a prepared statement. "I am disappointed in myself, as I said, for not developing a culture of toughness with our team up to this point in the season.

"As I told our team, we have a lot to play for over these last five regular-season games as well as the Big Ten tournament. We still have an opportunity to make the NCAA Tournament."

The Illini (16-10, 5-8 Big Ten) have lost seven of their past eight and are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the third time in Weber's nine seasons.

Women

No. 6 Miami 73, N.C. State 61: Riquna Williams scored 17 of her 24 in the first half and Shawnice Wilson had career highs with 17 points and 17 rebounds for the visiting Hurricanes (23-3, 12-1 ACC), who remain a game behind first-place Duke in the conference. "My coaches definitely remind me that I have the height advantage and strength as well and even quickness, for the most part," Wilson said. "I just used it to my advantage, and 17 and 17 was the result."

Alabama 77, No. 7 UK 75: Jasmine Robinson scored 17 and the host Tide held on after the SEC-leading Wildcats (21-5, 10-3) nearly overcame a 23-point deficit. Alabama's last win against a ranked team was against No. 24 BYU on Dec. 21, 2002.

No. 8 maryland 73, UVA 56: Tianna Hawkins scored a career-high 26 and added 14 rebounds for the host Terrapins (22-4, 9-4 ACC). The Cavaliers were ranked 18th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 52.9 points per game, but nearly gave up that many by halftime, trailing 44-21. They never got closer than 11 after that.

No. 9 Ohio St. 75, Indiana 54: Tayler Hill scored 27 and the host Buckeyes (23-3, 10-3 Big Ten) never trailed despite playing without conference scoring leader Samantha Prahalis (flu). Ohio State has won nine straight against the Hoosiers.

No. 10 Del. 89, Hofstra 79: Elena Delle Donne had a season-high 42 points, including the 2,000th of her career, 14 rebounds and six blocks for the visiting Blue Hens (23-1, 14-0 Colonial). Delaware took control with a 15-2 run spanning halftime. "It's been an amazing career so far, and I'm enjoying it every step of the way,'' Delle Donne said. "It doesn't compare to what this team's done this season."

No. 11 Wis.-Green Bay 90, Cleveland St. 59: Julie Wojta had 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the visiting Phoenix (22-1, 12-1 Horizon).

No. 12 Penn State 74, No. 17 Purdue 63: Maggie Lucas scored 28 for the visiting Nittany Lions (21-5, 11-3 Big Ten), who have won five straight and remain in first in the league.

No. 18 UGA 61, No. 25 S.C. 59: Anne Marie Armstrong made two free throws with five seconds left for the visiting Bulldogs (20-6, 9-4 SEC). The Gamecocks (19-7, 8-5) had rallied to tie it with 12 seconds left.

No. 20 Ga. Tech 67, Wake 52: Dawnn Maye had 23 points and Tyaunna Marshall had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the visiting Yellow Jackets (19-7, 9-4 ACC).

Times wires
Thursday, February 16, 2012

DURHAM, N.C. — Seth Curry scored 21 of his season-high 26 in the second half, and No. 5 Duke rallied from 20 down with 11:33 to play to beat N.C. State 78-73 Thursday night.

Freshman Austin Rivers added 16 points on 4-of-13 shooting for the Blue Devils (22-4, 9-2 ACC). They had late rallies of 13-0 and 20-3.

Lorenzo Brown scored 19 to lead the Wolfpack (18-8, 7-4), which trailed 76-73 with the ball in the final seconds with a chance to force overtime. But Brown missed a contested 3 from the corner and Curry hit two free throws to seal N.C. State's 14th straight loss at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

N.C. State plays host to FSU on Saturday and North Carolina on Tuesday.

No. 7 michigan st. 69, Wis. 55: Draymond Green had 20 points and 10 rebounds, Keith Appling scored 20 and the host Spartans (21-5, 10-3 Big Ten) moved back into a first-place tie in the conference with Ohio State. Michigan State has won four straight and six of their past seven. The Badgers fell to 19-7, 8-5, with the Spartans crowd so loud late in the first half that official Mike Sanzere told ranting Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan that he couldn't hear him. Ryan was often livid in the first half about the officiating. With 21.4 seconds left in the game and trailing by 14, he called a timeout. Ryan said he had feedback for his players that couldn't wait for the locker room. "That win says a lot," Green said. "It's not the most talented team Bo Ryan has had, but it's very good."

W. Virginia 66, Pitt 48: Kevin Jones had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the visiting Mountaineers (17-10, 7-7 Big East). The Panthers (15-12, 4-10) are slumping with USF coming to town Sunday. Pitt lost its third straight, shooting 37 percent with as many turnovers (17) as field goals. Panthers star Ashton Gibbs scored eight on 2-of-11 shooting.

Vandy 102, Mississippi 76: Jeffery Taylor scored 28 as the visiting Commodores (18-8, 7-4 SEC) pulled within a game of second-place Florida in the conference. In the first half Vanderbilt hit 10 of 12 3s and took a 53-28 lead. The Rebels received three technicals, one after fans threw ice on the floor for a second time, and the others on coach Andy Kennedy and senior Terrance Henry. After the game, Mississippi's Reginald Buckner and Jelan Kendrick argued and were separated by coaches.

Ark.-Little Rock 78, FIU 64: The visiting Golden Panthers (7-18, 4-9 Sun Belt) lost their third straight. Cameron Bell made four free throws before missing his last attempt, setting the FIU record with 24 in a row.

Women

No. 6 Miami 73, N.C. State 61: Riquna Williams scored 17 of her 24 in the first half and Shawnice Wilson had career highs with 17 points and 17 rebounds for the visiting Hurricanes (23-3, 12-1 ACC), who remain a game behind first-place Duke in the conference.

Alabama 77, No. 7 UK 75: Jasmine Robinson scored 17 and the host Tide held on after the SEC-leading Wildcats (21-5, 10-3) nearly overcame a 23-point deficit. Alabama's last win against a ranked team was against No. 24 BYU on Dec. 21, 2002.

No. 8 maryland 73, UVA 56: Tianna Hawkins scored a career-high 26 and added 14 rebounds for the host Terrapins (22-4, 9-4 ACC). The Cavs were 18th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 52.9 points, but nearly gave up that many by halftime, trailing 44-21. They never got closer than 11 after that.

No. 9 Ohio St. 75, Indiana 54: Tayler Hill scored 27 and the host Buckeyes (23-3, 10-3 Big Ten) never trailed despite playing without conference scoring leader Samantha Prahalis (flu). Ohio State has won nine straight against the Hoosiers.

No. 10 Del. 89, Hofstra 79: Elena Delle Donne had a season-high 42 points, including the 2,000th of her career, 14 rebounds and six blocks for the visiting Blue Hens (23-1, 14-0 Colonial).

No. 11 Wis.-Green Bay 90, Cleveland St. 59: Julie Wojta had 23 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the visiting Phoenix (22-1, 12-1 Horizon).

No. 12 Penn State 74, No. 17 Purdue 63: Maggie Lucas scored 28 for the visiting Nittany Lions (21-5, 11-3 Big Ten), who have won five straight and remain in first in the league.

No. 13 Tenn. 57, Miss. St. 41: Shekinna Stricklen had 22 points and 12 rebounds for the visiting Vols (19-7, 10-3 SEC).

Northwestern 63, No. 16 Nebraska 51: Dannielle Diamant had 19 points and eight rebounds as the Wildcats sent the host Cornhuskers (19-6, 8-5 Big Ten) to a third straight loss.

No. 18 UGA 61, No. 25 S.C. 59: Anne Marie Armstrong made two free throws with five seconds left for the visiting Bulldogs (20-6, 9-4 SEC). The Gamecocks (19-7, 8-5) had rallied to tie it with 12 seconds left.

No. 20 Ga. Tech 67, Wake 52: Dawnn Maye had 23 points and Tyaunna Marshall had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the visiting Yellow Jackets (19-7, 9-4 ACC).

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

TAMPA — Funny guy that Steve Yzerman.

After the Lightning general manager announced Thursday that he asked defenseman Pavel Kubina for a list of five teams to which he would accept a trade, Yzerman said, "This doesn't make it official the sale is on."

But a few hours later, Yzerman announced he traded center Dominic Moore and a seventh-round pick to the Sharks for a 2012 second-round pick.

"We're not going to give people away," Yzerman reiterated.

"But if deals make sense and what we're bringing in makes us a better organization, we'll do that. We're not going to unload guys for the sake of unloading them."

Yzerman's busy day backed up what he indicated Wednesday: With the team facing formidable odds to make the playoffs, he likely would be a seller as the Feb. 27 trade deadline approached.

With the Sharks facing the Lightning at the Tampa Bay Times Forum — Tampa Bay won 6-5 in overtime — Yzerman said the Moore deal came together quickly and a second-round pick was too good to pass up.

Tampa Bay now has three second-round picks in the June draft. The one acquired Thursday first belonged to the Wild, which is 22nd in the 30-team league.

That should set up Tampa Bay in fairly good drafting position.

As for having three second-round picks, "That gives us a lot of options," Yzerman said.

Those include using the picks, trading picks to move up in the draft or, perhaps, for prospects who, as Yzerman said, "are closer to playing in the NHL."

Picks and prospects are the trade-deadline priority for Yzerman so he can keep rebuilding the team's organizational depth.

Consider what Kubina, 34, will command if Moore returned a second-rounder. Seasoned defense­men are like gold, and Kubina, 6 feet 4, 258 pounds and a member of the Lightning's 2004 Stanley Cup team, has played well with three goals and 11 points in 52 games. He also is plus-1 with an average ice time of 19:54.

It is believed the Rangers have the most interest, but the Red Wings and Bruins also need blue line help. Depending on Kubina's list, a function of the limited no-trade clause in his contract, there could be a bidding war.

Yzerman did not say if a trade is imminent but said, "until the situation is resolved (and) to protect out interests," Kubina will be kept off the ice. He did not play Thursday. And Moore, 31, the versatile third-line center, did not play against the Lightning. Neither was available for comment.

Both players fit the model for a trade-deadline deal as they are potential unrestricted free agents. Tampa Bay has more of those in defensemen Brett Clark, Bruno Gervais and Matt Gilroy, forwards Adam Hall and Ryan Shannon and goaltender Dwayne Roloson.

Right wing Steve Downie also has been in the rumor mill.

"We'll be making our decisions on a player-by-player basis or an opportunity-by-opportunity basis," Yzerman said. "The broader strategy is we want to be a better team in the future. If we want to be a Cup contender at some point, we have to do some things to become that."