By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 18, 2012

TAMPA — These are the liberties one can take with a friend:

Lightning wing Marty St. Louis, when asked his reaction to Steven Stamkos scoring his league-best 40th goal Saturday night, looked at his teammate and said with a shrug of indifference, "He should have that many goals with his shot."

Seriously, though, St. Louis said, laughing, "It's great. We're just so used to it."

Stamkos added another chapter in a 2-1 victory over the Capitals at the Tampa Bay Times Forum as the center's breakaway goal 1:50 into the second period was the winner.

But the goal that gave Tampa Bay a 2-0 lead also was historic as Stamkos, 22, became the first Lightning player with three 40-goal seasons. He also became the fifth NHL player with three such seasons before age 23 with Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Dale Hawerchuk and Alex Ovechkin.

"It's surreal being mentioned with those guys," Stamkos said. "I'm just trying to do everything I can to help this team win every night."

He didn't do it alone. Tom Pyatt's goal 2:10 into the game made it 1-0. The team blocked 23 shots with defenseman Brett Clark getting five, and Mathieu Garon made 23 saves, including a terrific blocker stop on Dennis Wideman's slap shot through a screen with four seconds left.

It was the second straight win for Tampa Bay (26-26-6), which kept its smoldering playoff hopes alive by moving to 11th in the East, six points out of the eighth and final postseason spot.

"I feel that's our trademark: fight, fight, fight," coach Guy Boucher said. "If you can dream it, you can do it."

What Boucher wanted his players to do was "isolate" the game; "nothing before, nothing after," he said.

The team also had to control emotions playing for a second straight day on which a teammate was traded — Thursday Dominic Moore and Saturday Pavel Kubina.

"We could have easily folded the tent and said, 'Okay, we're just going to think about next year,' " Stamkos said. "But just because there's a couple of trades we're not going to stop playing. We responded with two big wins and we have to keep going."

Stamkos was going the moment he intercepted Matt Hendricks' cross-ice pass at the Lightning blue line, and deked goalie Tomas Vokoun to score on his forehand.

"Steven was terrific on that," Boucher said. "We asked the players to be tighter on the other team. That's what he did. He was extremely fast and tight and he created that winning goal."

"It's nice," Stamkos said of his 40th. "You set some personal goals throughout the season. It's nice to hit that in a big win."

First—1, Tampa Bay, Pyatt 6 (Purcell), 2:10. Penalties—Clark, TB (interference), 4:04; Lecavalier, TB (hooking), 13:17; Laich, Was (interference), 14:44.

Second—2, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 40, 1:50. 3, Washington, Laich 11 (Perreault, Semin), 9:31. Penalties—Green, Was (tripping), 16:24; Washington bench, served by Perreault (too many men), 18:16.

Third—None. Penalties—Semin, Was (high-sticking), 10:02; Johansson, Was (slashing), 16:41. Shots—Washington 8-8-8—24. Tampa Bay 10-11-2—23. Power plays—Washington 0 of 2; Tampa Bay 0 of 5. Goalies—Washington, Vokoun 23-14-2 (23 shots-21 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 18-15-4 (24-23). A—19,204 (19,204). T—2:27. Referees—Gord Dwyer, Dave Jackson. Linesmen—Jonny Murray, Jay Sharrers.

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

STORRS, Conn. — Shenneika Smith's 3-pointer with 8.1 seconds left lifted St. John's past No. 2 Connecticut 57-56 on Saturday.

It ended the Huskies' 99-game home winning streak dating to March 6, 2007, to Rutgers in the Big East tournament final, and was their first home loss to an unranked team since March 17, 1993, to Louisville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, a span of 261 games.

Smith had made only 3 of 22 3-pointers this season.

"When (coach) wrote the play up … (I knew) this was going to be the one I hit," she said.

On the ensuing possession, Bria Hartley missed a 3-pointer for UConn (24-3, 11-2 Big East).

"St. John's outplayed us,'' UConn coach Geno Auriemma said. "A fitting end for them."

No. 1 Baylor 56, Texas Tech 51: Brittney Griner had 18 points, 14 rebounds and five assists (tying a career high) for the host Bears (27-0, 14-0). Tech lost 72-64 at home last month and is the only Big 12 team to not lose by double digits to Baylor.

No. 3 Stan. 81, Oregon 46: Joslyn Tinkle scored 19 as the visiting Cardinal (24-1, 15-0 Pac-12) clinched its 12th straight conference title.

No. 11 Green Bay 77, Youngs­town St. 72 OT: The visiting Phoenix (23-1, 13-1 Horizon) overcame a nine-point deficit with 59 seconds left then Lydia Bauer scored five of her 14 in overtime. Adrian Ritchie scored nine during the rally, including a 3-pointer, three-point play and three free throws after being fouled on a 3-pointer.

No. 14 Texas A&M 63, Okla. St. 49: Adaora Elonou had 19 points and 11 rebounds for the host Aggies (19-6, 10-4 Big 12).

No 15 G'town 66, Providence 39: Tia Magee had 17 points and 10 rebounds for the host Hoyas (21-6, 10-4 Big East).

No. 21 Rutgers 61, Villanova 52: April Sykes scored 20 as the visiting Knights (18-8, 7-6 Big East) ended a five-game skid.

No. 22 St. Bonaventure 66, Xavier 48: Megan Van Tatenhove scored 24 for the host Bonnies (25-2, 12-0 Atlantic 10).

No. 23 BYU 64, San Diego 50: The host Cougars (22-5, 11-2 West Coast) outscored the Toreros 26-9 over the last 11 minutes.

No. 24 DePaul 77, West Va. 63: The visiting Blue Demons (20-7, 8-5 Big East) made 17 of 25 second-half shots to overcome a 14-point halftime deficit.

USF gets past Pitt

TAMPA — Jasmine Wynne, back after missing three games to a concussion, scored a game-high 14 off the bench to lead USF past Pittsburgh 62-50.

"My teammates, coaches and trainers all encouraged me," said the senior, who also had eight rebounds.

Inga Orekhova made two 3-pointers during a 12-6 run that put USF (15-13, 7-7 Big East) up 43-37. Pitt (8-18, 0-13) did not get closer than six from there.

Barry 63, Eckerd 62: Yvonne Houston scored on an alley-oop with two seconds left to down the host Tritons (13-10, 6-8 Sunshine State).

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

CHICAGO — Pounded all season, the Nets finally got an easy win. And they did it against one of the league's best teams.

Deron Williams scored 29, Kris Humphries had 24 points and 18 rebounds and New Jersey beat the Bulls 97-85 Saturday to snap an eight-game skid.

Chicago's Derrick Rose missed his fifth straight game because of back pain, and the Nets took advantage, taking a 22-3 lead while rolling to their first victory since Feb. 1.

"I'm just happy the streak is over," Williams said. "It's not fun losing. It's a great win for us. This is a good team despite the guys they have out."

The Nets took control right from the start. With Rose sidelined, Williams had his way, scoring 21 in the first half and hitting five 3-pointers in the game.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Gary Neal hit key 3-pointers in regulation and overtime, Tony Parker scored 30 and the visiting Spurs held off the Clippers 103-100 to earn their NBA-best 10th consecutive victory.

AROUND THE LEAGUE: Nets center Brook Lopez is expected to start today against the Bucks after missing 32 games with a broken right foot. … Carmelo Anthony is unlikely to play today, but J.R. Smith and Baron Davis might as the Knicks move closer to getting to full strength. … Rockets forward Jordan Hill injured his right knee in practice and is expected to miss at least two weeks.

Nets 97, Bulls 85

NEW JERSEY (97): Stevenson 2-5 0-0 6, Humphries 10-15 4-6 24, She.Williams 2-7 4-4 8, D.Williams 9-26 6-7 29, Brooks 7-19 3-4 19, Petro 1-4 0-0 2, Morrow 1-4 0-0 2, Farmar 1-3 1-1 4, Gaines 1-2 1-3 3, J.Williams 0-0 0-0 0, Emmett 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 34-85 19-25 97.

CHICAGO (85): Deng 5-14 3-5 14, Boozer 7-12 2-4 16, Noah 0-3 0-2 0, Watson 3-9 4-4 10, Brewer 2-5 1-2 5, Butler 1-2 1-2 3, Asik 0-5 0-0 0, M.James 6-13 3-3 16, Gibson 6-11 2-5 14, Korver 2-6 0-0 5, Lucas 1-4 0-0 2. Totals 33-84 16-27 85.

New Jersey 34 25 14 24— 97

Chicago 19 26 11 29— 85

3-Point Goals—New Jersey 10-22 (D.Williams 5-9, Stevenson 2-5, Brooks 2-6, Farmar 1-1, Morrow 0-1), Chicago 3-13 (M.James 1-2, Deng 1-2, Korver 1-3, Brewer 0-1, Lucas 0-2, Watson 0-3). Fouled Out—M.James. Rebounds—New Jersey 56 (Humphries 18), Chicago 63 (Gibson, Boozer 9). Assists—New Jersey 19 (D.Williams 8), Chicago 17 (M.James 7). Total Fouls—New Jersey 17, Chicago 23. Technicals—D.Williams, New Jersey defensive three second, Chicago defensive three second. A—22,300 (20,917).

Spurs 103, Clippers 100

SAN ANTONIO (103): Jefferson 2-6 0-0 5, Duncan 5-14 1-4 11, Blair 5-7 0-0 10, Parker 11-22 8-11 30, Green 4-7 0-0 11, Splitter 0-1 0-2 0, Ginobili 1-3 0-0 2, Leonard 2-6 0-0 4, Bonner 5-12 0-0 13, Neal 5-14 2-4 17, Joseph 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 40-92 11-21 103.

L.A. CLIPPERS (100): Butler 4-11 4-4 13, Griffin 9-18 4-6 22, Jordan 4-7 0-0 8, Paul 6-19 8-8 21, Foye 8-17 1-1 21, Williams 3-9 0-0 8, Martin 1-4 1-2 3, Gomes 1-2 2-2 4, Evans 0-1 0-0 0, Bledsoe 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 36-89 20-23 100.

San Antonio 15 30 25 25 8— 103

L.A. Clippers 26 17 24 28 5— 100

3-Point Goals—San Antonio 12-28 (Neal 5-8, Green 3-4, Bonner 3-6, Jefferson 1-3, Ginobili 0-2, Parker 0-2, Leonard 0-3), L.A. Clippers 8-26 (Foye 4-10, Williams 2-5, Paul 1-3, Butler 1-6, Martin 0-1, Bledsoe 0-1). Fouled Out—Griffin. Rebounds—San Antonio 53 (Duncan 17), L.A. Clippers 65 (Griffin 20). Assists—San Antonio 23 (Parker 10), L.A. Clippers 22 (Paul 6). Total Fouls—San Antonio 22, L.A. Clippers 18. A—19,217 (19,060).

Grizzlies 104, Warriors 103

GOLDEN STATE (103): D.Wright 0-7 0-0 0, Lee 5-13 4-6 14, Biedrins 1-1 0-0 2, Curry 13-21 4-4 36, Ellis 10-22 9-12 33, Udoh 1-2 3-4 5, Robinson 1-1 1-1 3, Rush 3-7 0-0 8, Thompson 1-5 0-0 2, McGuire 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 35-82 21-27 103.

MEMPHIS (104): Gay 8-16 3-7 19, Speights 7-15 2-3 16, Gasol 5-9 7-7 17, Conley 4-9 6-7 15, Allen 3-3 5-8 11, Cunningham 1-3 0-0 2, Mayo 7-12 1-2 18, Pargo 2-4 2-4 6, Pondexter 0-2 0-0 0, Haddadi 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 37-73 26-38 104.

Golden State 19 37 22 25— 103

Memphis 34 20 22 28— 104

3-Point Goals—Golden State 12-26 (Curry 6-9, Ellis 4-8, Rush 2-2, McGuire 0-1, Thompson 0-2, D.Wright 0-4), Memphis 4-10 (Mayo 3-6, Conley 1-3, Pargo 0-1). Fouled Out—Biedrins. Rebounds—Golden State 39 (Lee 9), Memphis 62 (Gasol 13). Assists—Golden State 18 (Ellis, Curry 6), Memphis 16 (Conley 6). Total Fouls—Golden State 29, Memphis 20. Technicals—Gasol. A—17,151 (18,119).

Times wires
Saturday, February 18, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — The pack is back. So is the Big One.

Kyle Busch edged Tony Stewart in a thrilling finish to the first race of 2012, using a sling-shot pass Saturday night on the last lap of the exhibition Budweiser Shootout to beat the defending NASCAR Sprint Cup champion to the checkered flag.

It gave Busch a victory in a wild race that included two incredible saves by the eventual winner to stay in contention in the 75-lap sprint around Daytona International Speedway.

"I don't know how many times I spun out, but I didn't spin out, you know?" smiled Busch, who gave Toyota its first Shootout victory.

The event was a preview of next weekend's season-opening Daytona 500, and showed that NASCAR has successfully broken up the two-car tandem racing that dominated restrictor-plate racing last year. Fans were overwhelmingly opposed to that style of racing — NASCAR said this month surveys showed over 80 percent hated the tandem — so the sanctioning body developed rules to separate the cars.

It was obvious at the start that the new rules worked as the drivers were lumped into a big pack and raced two or three wide for almost the entire race. Though it led to two big accidents — including an accident that sent Jeff Gordon skidding on his roof for what he said was the first time in his career — the drivers were nearly unanimous in their approval of the racing.

"I actually had fun racing at Daytona again, which I haven't had for a while," said Stewart, who lost by 0.013 seconds — a blink of an eye — at the finish.

"I don't know what the consensus is from everybody else, but I had more fun as a driver tonight than what we've had in the past."

Dale Earnhardt Jr., a strong critic of the tandem racing, also was thrilled with the new product despite having his night ruined in one of many accidents.

"I like this kind of racing better. At least I know what to expect," he said. "And I feel like I've got a better chance with this style than I did last year."

The first "Big One" was nine laps into the race, and began when David Ragan nudged Paul Menard to start a nine-car pileup.

A later wreck with two laps remaining sent Gordon sliding onto his driver's side, then his roof for roughly 1,000 feet, before his car flipped. The four-time NASCAR champion climbed out the window with his car still upside down, but, like Earnhardt, praised the racing.

"It's pretty wild and crazy, but I liked this better than what we had last year. Definitely," he said.

Gordon's accident began when he ran into the back of Busch, who used his second save of the night to avoid the accident. An earlier save left fellow competitors in awe.

"There aren't many people, ever, who could have done that," said three-time champion Stewart, who was behind Busch on the first save.

Busch shrugged off his saves in Victory Lane.

"Stab and steer — that's what you do — and some braking. There were brakes involved too," Busch smiled.

Gerhart wins ARCA race at Daytona again

Bobby Gerhart earned his record eighth ARCA victory at Daytona — and third in a row — after two of the top cars ran out of gas just a few hundred feet from the finish of the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200.

"It took one little slip from the leader," Gerhart said. "Unbelievable! Wow!"

Gerhart started 42nd after failing Friday's post-qualifying inspection. He was just behind the leaders for the green flag on a two-lap sprint to the finish.

Brandon McReynolds led, with Chris Windom close behind, when their cars started sputtering. McReynolds, the son of former NASCAR crew chief and current TV analyst Larry McReynolds, led 64 of 83 laps but finished 11th. Windom was eighth.

Drew Charlson finished second, just ahead of Will Kimmel.

NHRA: Johnny Gray hung onto the No. 1 spot in Funny Car qualifying in the Arizona Nationals in Chandler. Shawn Langdon led Top Fuel and Mike Edwards topped Pro Stock heading into today's eliminations.

EAST BAY RACEWAY: Dennis Erb Jr. won the 50-lap DART Winternationals Late Model Dirt Series event late Friday. Another race in the series was held late Saturday at the Gibsonton track.

By Tim Whitfield, Times Correspondent
Sunday, February 19, 2012

What's hot and not: Despite the weather becoming dicey over the past week, there were productive fishing days. I searched for redfish Friday with a sponsor and a couple of his friends. We found them, but they would not cooperate. What did cooperate was a 27½-inch fat sea trout. Trout is becoming more of a presence in the bay as water temperatures hover around 70 degrees. I have heard several reports of awesome trout catches so be prepared.

Bait: Bait is not on the flats yet so bring the artificials. Medium-sized shrimp would not hurt either. Snook are showing up on the deeper mangrove shorelines with good water flow. They are eating medium-sized white baits and responding to the chummers. Over the next few days, look for them on the higher tides. Redfish are showing up mixed in with the mullet schools. Gold spoons (or white) and dark body jigs through the mullet schools will score. These fish are feeding fairly aggressively and are not afraid to chase down bait for a meal.

Tim Whitfield can be reached at (813) 714-0889 or tim@swiftfishcharters.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

TAMPA — Veteran defenseman Pavel Kubina packed up his Lightning locker Sunday morning, even collecting the nameplate as a keepsake.

"It's hard to leave," Kubina said. "This team is always going to belong to my heart."

Kubina, 34, traded to the Flyers on Saturday for a second- and fourth-round pick as well as a prospect, was emotional in talking about how much he loved the area, the fans and his teammates, whom he called "friends for life."

Drafted by Lightning founder Phil Esposito in 1996, Kubina grew up as a player while spending parts of 10 seasons over two stints, including winning a Stanley Cup in 2003-04.

That's why the past three days have been so tough; since general manager Steve Yzerman asked him for five teams he'd be willing to get dealt to, then sent Kubina home to wait. "It's part of the business," he said. "And it's not fun sometimes."

Kubina, who had a partial no-trade clause, never submitted his list. When Yzerman told him the Flyers offered a great deal, Kubina believed it was the "right thing to do."

"It's another chance for me to go and play for a great team and for a Stanley Cup contender," he said.

Even with the Lightning six points out of the playoffs, Kubina said he believes the team has a great shot, which is why he was "disappointed that Steve lost the patience and the hope for that."

Kubina said he plans to keep his Pinellas County home like he did during four seasons (2006-10) with Toronto and Atlanta. He re-signed with Tampa Bay in July 2010 (two years, $7.7 million), leaving offers for more money and years on the table.

Kubina said the organization is in good hands with owner Jeff Vinik: "He's unbelievable."

That being said, Kubina put to rest any thoughts of another reunion with Tampa Bay.

"I think it happens once," he said.

"And to be honest, I don't think so."

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs have hired Earnest Byner as running backs coach, the Tampa Bay Times confirmed Sunday.

Byner, 49, spent the past two seasons as the Jaguars running backs coach (including for Maurice Jones-Drew's league-high 1,606 yards this past season). New coach Mike Mularkey did not retain him.

Previously, Byner was running backs coach for the Titans from 2008-09 (including for Chris Johnson's 2,000-yard season in 2009) and the Redskins from 2004-07.

Byner played 14 years in the NFL, spending time with the Browns, Redskins and Ravens.

Manning to Seattle? The Seahawks have emerged as a possible destination for quarterback Peyton Manning, the National Football Post reported. The Colts must pay him a $28 million roster bonus on March 13 or release him. Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson has one year left on his contract with Seattle.

Bills: The team and Stevie Johnson, its leading receiver the past two seasons, are far apart on contract talks, the Associated Press reported. He can become a free agent next month.

Eagles: Cornerback Asante Samuel believes he might be traded. The four-time Pro Bowl pick tweeted Saturday night, "If they trade me where would you guys like to see me go?" Philadelphia also has standout corners in Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Nnamdi Asomugha. General manager Howie Roseman said, "We're always open to phone calls and to seeing if something works."

Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times staff
Sunday, February 19, 2012

How the field is set for the Daytona 500

• Sunday's two-lap qualifying determined the first two spots, belonging to pole-sitter Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle.

• The top 35 in last season's Sprint Cup owner points are guaranteed a spot.

• Grid spots 3-39 are determined in Thursday's two 150-mile qualifiers. The top two in each qualifying race who were not in last season's top 35 in points make the field.

• The fastest remaining drivers from time trials will fill spots 40-42. The 43rd and final spot could go to a former Sprint Cup series champion who doesn't get in any other way. If all previous champions race their way in or qualify on speed, the final spot goes to the driver with the best remaining time.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

Quote of the day

"I'm pretty lame. I didn't do anything. I worked out, and I was asleep by 10:30 every night."

SS Reid Brignac, on his off-season "excitement"

Promos of the day

Among this season's promo/giveaway items are Joe Maddon sunglasses (May 6); David Price wallet (June 17); Don Zimmer bear (June 29); Evan Longoria mini-drum set (Sept. 9); figurines of Longoria's walkoff homer (April 21), and Jeremy Hellickson (June 1); bobbleheads for Kyle Farns­worth (May 20), Desmond Jennings (June 3), Maddon (June 15), James Shields (July 1), Matt Moore (July 22).

Who is this Ray?

He is an avid fisherman, so much so he wears a necklace with fish teeth. He is a reliever who pitched previously for the Tigers. He is from the Dominican Republic.

Key dates

Today: Pitchers and catchers report to Port Charlotte, media conference

Tuesday: First workout

Saturday: Position players report

Sunday: First full squad workout

March 1: Intrasquad game.

March 3: Exhibition opener vs. Twins in Fort Myers

April 6: Season opener vs. Yankees at Tropicana Field

The dish

Tuesday's first workout for pitchers and catchers starts around 10 a.m. (subsequent days at 9:30) at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and will last 2½-3 hours. Admission and parking free. Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 south to Toledo Blade Road, go west 6½ miles to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, stadium complex is on left. For more information: (941) 235-5025.

Rays tickets: $9/12-27, available via raysbaseball.com, at box office, through Ticketmaster.

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

All games 1:05 unless noted.

March

3: at Twins

4: Twins

5: Orioles

6: Twins

7: at Yankees

8: Tigers (ss)

at Twins (ss)

9: Orioles

10: at Red Sox (7:05)

11: Pirates

12: Twins

13: at Orioles

14: Marlins

15: Phillies

16: at Jays

17: at Pirates

18: Red Sox

19: Off

20: at Marlins

21: Yankees

22: at Pirates

23: Jays (7:05)

24: at Twins (3:05)

25: Marlins

26: at Twins

27: at Red Sox (1:35)

28: Pirates (7:05)

29: at Phillies

30: at Pirates

31: Red Sox

April

1: at Orioles

2: Twins

3: at Twins

4: vs. Future Rays, 1:40, at Tropicana Field

Who is this answer: RHP Fernando Rodney

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Another Price brush with fame

As if taping a TV spot with supermodel Kate Upton wasn't enough, LHP David Price may soon be hanging out with the Cash Money rappers Lil Wayne, Baby, Slim and Drake. Their manager saw one of Price's tweets and got in touch to tell him Baby (also known as Birdman) was a huge fan. "Then they called and I talked to him, and it was nuts," Price said "They sent me a bunch of stuff, and I'm having jerseys made for them. They're going to try to come (to the Trop) for a game and when we go to Miami they'll be there. We're boys now."

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

FORT MYERS — With a temper that can run hotter than one of his fastballs, Josh Beckett has never hesitated to let it be known when someone has piqued his anger.

The Red Sox ace now appears to be mad at himself, saying he had "lapses in judgment" last season during Boston's historic September collapse.

Beckett held himself accountable, for his struggles on the field and his actions in the clubhouse, on Sunday as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training while still managing to keep things on his own terms.

"I'm not saying we didn't make mistakes because we did make mistakes in the clubhouse," Beckett said. "The biggest mistake I made was not pitching well against Baltimore. I was prepared to pitch every time I went out there. I just didn't execute pitches when I needed to."

The right-hander went 13-7 with a 2.89 ERA, but like the rest of the Red Sox, a sparkling first five months were spoiled by a dreadful finish. He gave up 12 earned runs in his last two starts, and the Red Sox went 7-20 in September and were overtaken by the Rays for the AL wild card.

The Boston Globe then reported that some starting pitchers, including Beckett, Jon Lester and John Lackey, spent off days drinking beer and eating fried chicken in the clubhouse rather than supporting their team from the dugout, painting a picture of a team in disarray.

"I'm upset with myself for the lapses in judgment," Beckett said. "There's also some ill feelings toward some people."

He declined to specify whom he was talking about, but the implication was he was upset with the anonymous sources who spoke to the Globe.

Beckett said he never missed a workout and was prepared to pitch every time he took the mound. He did admit to adding a few pounds during the season.

"I put on a little bit of weight," he said. "I don't have a reason for it. But it happened."

Lester also held himself accountable, saying "it's not something I'm proud of" and vowing be a better teammate.

"I think we both know that we need to do a better job and be on the field and be around these guys more," Lester said of himself and Beckett. "Instill in these young guys that we do work hard and we do take this seriously and that we care. That's the biggest thing is we do care."

POSEY ON MEND: Giants catcher Buster Posey had his first bullpen and batting practice sessions since a season-ending leg injury last year. The 2010 NL rookie of the year and former Florida State standout tore three ligaments in his left ankle and broke a bone in his lower leg in a home-plate collision with the Marlins' Scott Cousins on May 25.

BURNETT DEAL: A trade sending right-hander A.J. Burnett from the Yankees to the Pirates for two prospects was completed when Burnett passed his physical.

CAMERON RETIRES: Three-time Gold Glove centerfielder Mike Cameron, 39, told the Nationals that he is retiring after a 17-season career. He finishes his career with a .249 average, a .338 on-base percentage and a .444 slugging percentage in 1,955 games, along with 297 steals in 380 attempts (78.2 percent).

ANGELS: First baseman Kendrys Morales was cleared to run outdoors, the next step in his recovery from a broken ankle that sidelined him last season.

CARDINALS: The team and All-Star catcher Yadier Molina, 29, put negotiations for a long-term contract on hold.

GIANTS: Right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, 34, an All-Star last season, strained his back this month while lifting weights and said he will miss at least the first 10 days of spring workouts.

PHILLIES: Right-hander Kyle Kendrick agreed to a two-year, $7.5 million contract. Kendrick, 27, went 8-6 with a 3.22 ERA in 34 games, 15 starts, last season.

REDS: Right-hander Brett Tomko, 38, who started his 14-year career with Cincinnati, signed a minor-league deal and was invited to spring training.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

It is easy to understand why Mattias Ohlund said, "I wake up every day in a bad mood."

The Lightning defenseman is in pain, and the ache in his left knee that has kept him sidelined the entire regular season and off skates completely since mid November is getting worse.

"We have great trainers, and they work with me every day," Ohlund said. "We've tried everything. We've been thinking and talking about this and finally came to the conclusion it's time to get it done."

What Ohlund, 35, will have done Thursday at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio is major surgery on his left knee that likely is the last best hope of saving his career.

The complicated procedure performed by noted orthopedist Anthony Miniaci will use a thin layer of titanium to resurface the bottom of the femur behind the kneecap. That should create a cushion where cartilage that usually covers the bone has flaked off to such an extent there is painful bone-on-bone rubbing at the patellofemoral joint.

There is no guarantee the surgery will resurrect Ohlund's 14-season career. There is not even a timetable for rehab.

"It's going to depend on how it takes," Lightning head medical trainer Tommy Mulligan said.

But Ohlund volunteered, "We're talking months, not weeks."

"Do you have thoughts it's going to be tough? Absolutely," Ohlund added. "I know it's going to be challenging, but I'm determined to come back as soon as possible."

Ohlund hoped his knee problems were done after summer arthroscopic surgery on both cleaned out what the team called "loose bodies."

The right knee is fine, Ohlund said. But the left never regained the proper strength and has gotten progressively more painful while his limp became more pronounced.

The Lightning misses Ohlund's savvy, especially on the penalty kill, as well as his average 18:43 of ice time last season that ballooned to 20:12 in 18 playoff games, in which he was plus-5.

The 6-foot-4, 229-pounder also hits like a battering ram, an asset that makes opponents a little less confident in the offensive zone.

His transition to spectator has not been easy. And Ohlund bristled that the coaching staff referred to him as an ad hoc assistant for the observations he shares after watching games from the press box.

"I'm not a coach. I'm a player," Ohlund said. "I watch the games like every other player who watches games. If they ask me for some input, I'm happy to give it. But clearly, I'm not a coach."

What he has been all season is a patient, and that will not change any time soon.

In August 2007, then-Lightning captain Tim Taylor had a resurfacing procedure on his right hip. It took seven months for Taylor to even consider playing again. He never did, though his day-to-day quality of life improved tremendously.

It is a reality Ohlund knows he might face.

"I don't know if I want to put it in those terms," he said. "But this is a major procedure. Everybody seems quite optimistic I'm going to get better."

"I hope this works out for him," coach Guy Boucher said. "We miss him greatly. He's such a good person. I hope his career will continue."

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@sptimes.com. View his blog at lightning.tampabay.com. Or follow him on Twitter at @LightningTimes.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Best coverage

Have you ever been clicking around aimlessly on your television when you suddenly see something on the screen and think, "Oh, cool, I didn't know this was on.'' • I get that rush of excitement when I flip on Fox and see a NASCAR race. And I don't even consider myself a NASCAR fan. But Fox's NASCAR coverage is so good, you can't help but watch. It's right up there with NBC's NFL and NHL coverage, HBO's boxing broadcasts and ABC/ESPN's college football coverage as the finest in sports broadcasting. • Okay, so Fox's NASCAR analysts are a little too pro-NASCAR. But they are enthusiastic, and the production is exceptional, especially if you are watching on a high-definition TV. Take Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona. The camera work on the crash that ended Jeff Gordon's night as well as the thrilling photo finish was as good as anything you're going to see on sports TV. • Fox has added a bunch of bells and whistles to a broadcast that was already as good as it gets. See for yourself at Sunday's Daytona 500.

Best feature

The Lightning got some national air time Sunday during NBC's Hockey Day in America. A feature on 14-year-old sled-hockey player Declan Farmer of Tampa highlighted the pregame show. Not only did viewers across the nation see Farmer's incredible skills, but they saw the support of the Lightning. In fact, the national audience heard lots of nice things about hockey in Tampa Bay, even from the mouth of usual sourpuss Mike Milbury.

Radio news of the day

Don't be surprised if you hear radio personality Justin Pawlowski more and more on 1010-AM. He made a cameo appearance on the station Friday and could see more air time in the future. Pawlowski spent the past few years with 620-AM.

By the way, speaking of talk radio, here's something to keep an eye on: There is more and more talk lately that an FM all-sports station could be coming to Tampa Bay. If it does, it could signal a seismic shift in local sports talk.

And you know what? Local sports talk could use a major shakeup.

Best rumor

I hadn't thought of this, but there's a school of thought that with Monday Night Football dropping Ron Jaworski and going with Jon Gruden, left, as the lone analyst, there's now a spot open for Peyton Manning should he retire this year or even next.

Worst rush to judgment

During Saturday's Florida State-North Carolina State game in Raleigh, N.C., referee Karl Hess had security eject two fans, who turned out to be former N.C. State stars Tom Gugliotta and Chris Corchiani.

Without having the slightest clue of what the two said, ESPN studio analyst Doug Gottlieb rushed to judgment and jumped on Hess, saying, "You can't have rabbit ears."

Corchiani said the two "never used profanity or crossed the line. We were just on him about some of the calls he made.'' He also said, "We're not denying we were all over (the official), but I've been doing that every game I've been at since I retired.''

Actually, that last quote is pretty pathetic. It would have been refreshing if Gottlieb thought so, too, and said something such as, "Look, I don't know what those guys were saying, but maybe they need to get a life."

Having said all of that, I'm a fan of Gottlieb. He might be ESPN's best studio analyst. Yep, even better than Jay Bilas.

Best moment

Excellent hustle by CBS to catch golfer Phil Mickelson sharing a secret with his daughter during Sunday afternoon's final round of the Northern Trust Open. That's a camera person who was on the ball. Kudos. • And, really, after having railed on CBS last week for its nauseating, fawning over Tiger Woods and the course at Pebble Beach, I must say the network rallied nicely Sunday. • Host Jim Nantz, who also gets his share of criticism on this page, was as good as I've heard him in some time as he perfectly captured the thrilling moments when Mickelson and Keegan Bradley made long birdie putts on No. 18 to force a playoff with Bill Haas. Nantz took two special putts and made them even more dramatic. That's what a good host does. • Meantime, lead analyst Nick Faldo offered excellent insight during the playoff, taking viewers inside the minds of the golfers. • By the way, how cool was it to watch Mickelson and Bradley fist-bumping and giving each other high fives after each made those tying putts?

Best man

ESPN's Outside the Lines went to Hazleton, Pa., the hometown of Rays manager Joe Maddon, left, to do a feature on Maddon's attempts to unite a town split on the issue of immigration. Reporter Jeremy Schaap did his usual bang-up job. But the star was Maddon. Every time this guy says or does anything — inside or outside the stadium — you can't help but have more and more respect for him.

What to watch

Don't miss the new Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel, which debuts at 10 p.m. Tuesday on HBO. In particular, be sure to check out Armen Keteyian's piece on sports agent Leigh Steinberg, who was the inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire.

At one point, Steinberg represented about 90 NFL players, including quarterbacks Steve Young, Troy Aikman and Warren Moon. But a drinking problem, bad investments and a divorce left Steinberg empty. In the story, he estimates he was drinking a half-gallon of vodka a day.

Steinberg, 62, went through rehab and says he is clean.

"If my story is a cautionary note to anyone out there who's struggling with any kind of substance abuse, there is help,'' Steinberg tells HBO. "It is possible, but you need to put everything else in your life aside and focus on it. So in an unwanted way, I hopefully still can … ease the pain of other people."

Three things that popped into my head

1. Former Lightning defenseman Pavel Kubina, above left, is one of the good guys. So it's a shame to see him leave Tampa Bay for the Flyers, but at least he has a shot at another Stanley Cup.

2. The women lose for the first time at home in 99 games, and the men are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament. Not a great year for UConn basketball. By the way, Saturday was the first time since Feb. 27, 1993, both Huskies teams lost at home on the same day.

3. The third game Sunday of NBC's Hockey Day in America tripleheader was New Jersey at Montreal? Why not feature two U.S. teams, seeing as how it was Hockey Day in America? A perfect alternative would have been Ducks-Panthers, which started at the same time and featured teams from nontraditional U.S. markets.

tom jones' two cents

Tampa Bay Times staff writer Tom Jones looks back at the best and worst from a weekend of televised sports.

By Marc Topkin and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Sunday, February 19, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — The Rays put considerable effort and emotion into winning the 2010 American League East title, battling to the final day of the season then rallying in extra innings to beat out the Yankees by one game.

But Sunday, New York GM Brian Cashman said his team wasn't trying — and that the championship "really meant nothing more than a T-shirt and a hat."

Rays officials, who take great pride in the two division championships they consider the ultimate measure of success, were limited in their response.

"Our focus," team president Matt Silverman said, "is on 2012 and the challenges and opportunities that it will bring."

Cashman, speaking as Yankees camp opened in Tampa, was talking about the potential new playoff format that adds a second wild-card team and puts a considerable premium on winning the division, since the two wild cards would meet first.

He said since that wasn't the case in 2010, his team was more concerned with getting ready for the postseason — and facing the Twins rather than the Rangers, and was willing to give up homefield advantage to do so. (Yankees manager Joe Girardi, for what it's worth, had previously refuted this.)

"We conceded the division two years ago cause of the previous setup," Cashman said. "I'm not taking away from Tampa Bay's Eastern Division title, but we didn't try to win the division. We tried to line up ourselves for the playoffs, and that worked.

"We wound up sweeping Minnesota and going to play the Texas Rangers two years ago because we got our guys healthy and ready to go. Because, the division title, in essence — the way the wild-card situation was sitting, it was rendered meaningless the way the setup was. Whether you're a wild card or division champ, it really meant nothing more than a T-shirt and a hat."

The Rays obviously felt differently, going 12 innings on the final day to win the title outright (though they had the tiebreaker when the Yankees lost earlier), then celebrating it. "It meant a whole lot to us," manager Joe Maddon said then. "Just to validate the whole thing, to get one more win than the other team."

MLB officials have until March 1 to announce if the new format will take effect this season.

BANNER DAYS: The Rays will add a banner marking last year's wild-card berth to the two AL East banners that hang at Tropicana Field. The design has not been finalized, but it is likely to be similar.

TICKET INFO: In advance of Saturday's launch of single-game ticket sales, the Rays are offering an "early access" presale starting at 10 a.m. today via raysbaseball.com, with tickets available for prices "that start" at $10 above the regular cost. There is also a Friday presale for season-ticket holders and Rays Insider subscribers.

MISCELLANY: Maddon and executive VP Andrew Friedman will hold their spring-opening media session at noon today. … The 30 pitchers and eight catchers on the spring roster are due to check in at the Charlotte Sports Park today in advance of Tuesday's first official workout. … LHP J.P. Howell was the only unexpected no-show at FanFest.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

TAMPA — All of a sudden, the pitching corner of the Yankees clubhouse at Steinbrenner Field is getting crowded.

Just one year ago, New York didn't have enough starting pitching. But Sunday, as the Yankees pitchers and catchers reported, ace CC Sabathia (6-7, 290 pounds) and young fireballing righty Michael Pineda (6-7, 280) make for a tight squeeze in neighboring lockers.

The two heavyweights are part of a reloaded Yankees rotation, one that has a surplus of arms, even with Sunday's finalized trade of A.J. Burnett to the Pirates.

"It's a good problem to have," Sabathia said. "It should be a good battle; it's a win-win situation for us, either way."

And the group could go a long way toward determining whether New York wins a second straight American League East title, as it entered camp knowing significant challengers like the Rays and Red Sox could make it a fight to the finish.

"I think it's going to be tough as always," Sabathia said. "I really think this is the best division in baseball, and with the Red Sox, the way their season ended last year, you've got to expect them to come out and be hungry and want to get back to the playoffs. It's going to be even harder. The Rays are always good, always right there."

Said general manager Brian Cashman: "We've got our hands full."

Cashman focused on the rotation in the offseason, shipping touted prospect Jesus Montero to Seattle for Pineda, who received American League rookie of the year consideration last year. Then veteran right-hander Hiroki Kuroda, 37, signed a one-year, $10 million deal despite hearing of higher offers.

"It's obviously a team that always wins," Kuroda said through an interpreter. "And I wanted to have a chance to win the championship."

With Sabathia, Kuroda and Pineda, along with 16-game winner Ivan Nova, Phil Hughes and Freddy Garcia, Burnett was the odd man out. Once the reported deal with the Pirates was done, Cashman could focus on his next task, finding a left-handed bat/DH. He has fielded calls from agents of several candidates, including Johnny Damon, Vladimir Guerrero and Hideki Matsui, not to mention Eric Chavez, who played in New York last year. But with Cashman saying his preference is one who can also play in the field, former Phillies slugger Raul Ibanez appears the top target.

In a 30-plus minute gathering with reporters Sunday, Cashman covered a variety of topics:

• Cashman and manager Joe Girardi had a conversation with Sabathia about his weight after the All-Star lefty signed his contract extension. Cashman called it a healthy dialogue, and Sabathia — who dropped 10-15 pounds to get down to what he weighed to start last season — is committed to maintaining it. "CC has never let us down," Cashman said.

• Cashman briefly addressed the scandal surrounding his personal life, saying the past few weeks have been "difficult" as news of his divorce and a woman charged with stalking and extorting from him hit the front pages. But Cashman said the situation would not affect his job.

"I have a professional and personal life," he said. "I will continue to do my job to the best of my abilities."

• In injury news, outfielder/DH Andruw Jones will report earlier than other position players as he comes back from arthroscopic knee surgery. Cashman said third baseman Alex Rodriguez is "good to go" following an offseason knee treatment in Germany. Right-hander Joba Chamberlain is expected to be back by June, with the team taking a cautious approach in his rehab from elbow ligament replacement surgery. Lefty Pedro Feliciano, however, is likely out for the year.

• Girardi was a late arrival due to a travel delay with his flight, postponing his scheduled spring-opening news conference until today. Closer Mariano Rivera hasn't reported, but the all-time saves leader is given leeway on when he arrives.

Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — Trevor Bayne will defend his Daytona 500 championship.

Bayne, whose No. 21 Ford didn't have enough owner points to guarantee a starting position in the opener, locked up one of the 43 spots in Sunday's qualifying. Bayne posted the fastest lap (193.615 mph) of the 14 drivers who don't have automatic spots, which belong to the top 35 in last year's owner points.

Tony Raines and David Stremme also earned their way in on speed.

Bayne did it on his 21st birthday, too.

"It's a lot of relief," Bayne said. "We're in the show for good now. We don't have to worry about that or lose some sleep at night."

Still, he might have been a contender for the front row had it not been for the wind, which got stronger toward the end of qualifying.

"I feel pretty good about the lap," Bayne said. "Last year I would have been jumping up and down about qualifying in the top 10, but I really thought we had a shot at the pole, as good as our car was Saturday (second-fastest in final practice). It's just the wind was against us. Going through (Turns) 3 and 4, I could feel it kind of gusting onto the nose of our car, so at that point, there's not much you can do."

Bayne doesn't have a full-time ride in NASCAR's Sprint Cup series. Wood Brothers Racing plans to have him run in 14 Cup races this season. He doesn't have a full-time Nationwide series ride, either. Roush Fenway Racing plans to run him in the first three races, hoping to attract potential sponsors with good results and run more races.

The exposure he should get in NASCAR's premier event could be beneficial.

"Certainly it helps," team owner Jack Roush said. "Trevor is the reigning Daytona 500 champion, and we have not managed to put together full sponsorship for either the Cup program or the Nationwide program. But we do have ongoing conversations."

Since his Daytona 500 shocker last February, little has worked out the way Bayne might have expected. He missed several weeks last season after being diagnosed with a mystery ailment that turned out to be Lyme disease. Bayne feels fine now, good enough to take a mission trip to Kenya in the offseason.

STENHOUSE SOARS: Ricky Stenhouse, the 2011 Nationwide champion, made a strong start to his Speedweeks, running eighth-fastest in time trials.

"It will definitely give you some confidence that you've got a car that is capable of being in the front and running up front for a lot of the race," said Stenhouse, who will start his first Daytona 500 and second Cup race on Sunday.

Stenhouse will start fourth in Thursday's first Duel and says, "On Thursday, our job is to keep our race car as clean as we can so we'll have it for Sunday."

BOWYER BOUNCED: Officials found Clint Bowyer's No. 15 Toyota was too low in post-qualifying inspection. He will have to start from the back in one of Thursday's two 150-mile Duel races. No additional penalties are expected. Bowyer's team is assured of a spot in the 500, based on owner points.

Elsewhere

NHRA: Antron Brown won the Top Fuel division of the Arizona Nationals at Firebird International Raceway in Chandler, holding off Don Schumacher Racing teammate Tony Schumacher in the final round with a run of 3.793 seconds at 319.82 mph. Robert Hight topped the Funny Car field and Jason Line won Pro Stock.

EAST BAY RACEWAY: Steve Francis won $10,000 by taking the finale of the Late Model Dirt Series Winternationals finale in Gibsonton. Dennis Erb Jr. earned the weeklong Winternationals title, worth $5,000.

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

WINTER SPORTS

U.S. earns first 2-man bobsled gold EVER

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Steven Holcomb and brakeman Steve Langton won the two-man bobsled at the world championships Sunday, the first time the U.S. captured the event.

Three years ago, Holcomb won the two-man bronze and four-man gold at worlds in Lake Placid on his home track.

This time, he surged past first-day leader Lyndon Rush of Canada with a near-flawless third run.

"That's going to take a little while to sink in," said Holcomb of Park City, Utah. "My world championship medal, it had been 50 years (since the U.S. won). My (Olympic) gold medal was 62 years. And now this — never, ever."

ANOTHER VONN TITLE: A day after clinching her fifth consecutive World Cup downhill title, American skier Lindsey Vonn took her third straight super-combined crown when the finale in Russia was canceled by heavy snowfall.

TENNIS

Federer wins first title of season

Roger Federer beat Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 6-4 to win the ABN Amro in Rotterdam, Netherlands, for his first title this year. "I have managed to restore my rhythm," Federer said.

QATAR OPEN: Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka shook off a lingering ankle injury to rout Tampa resident Sam Stosur 6-1, 6-2 in the final in Doha.

Colleges

Bulls cap sweep of Big Ten teams

USF's baseball team topped Minnesota 4-3 in St. Petersburg and was one of only three teams to go undefeated in the Big East-Big Ten Challenge over the weekend. Bulls reliever Derrick Stultz gave up three hits and had four strikeouts in 22/3 innings for the win. "I was nervous at first, but 3-0 is a great start," said Stultz, appearing in his first game in more than two years after returning from a shoulder injury. Freshman Blake Sydeski had the winning RBI single in the third. … Host Florida, ranked No. 1 in the four major polls, fell 8-5 to No. 16 Cal State Fullerton. Former Plant High standout Preston Tucker went 3-for-4, including his second homer of the season, for the Gators (2-1).

TRACK: Lindsey Lamar edged teammate Kayvon Webster in 6.78 seconds to win the Big East's 60-meter indoor title in New York, the second straight year a USF receiver has won the event. Derrick Hopkins won in 6.77 last year.

FOOTBALL: Bushnell South Sumter S Keanu Neal (6 feet, 204) and Crestview LB Dillan Lawson (6-4, 225) orally committed to Florida during the university's junior day. … John Junker, a former top executive of the Fiesta Bowl, reached a plea deal to settle allegations related to a political donations scandal. Arizona Attorney General's Office spokeswoman Amy Rezzonico said Junker will appear in court Tuesday.

ET CETERA

BOWLING: Dom Barrett, in his American television debut, defeated Sean Rash 247-204 to win the PBA event in Las Vegas. Barrett is the second Englishman to win a PBA event, joining Stuart Williams.

HORSES: Drill edged American Act by a nose to win the seven-furlong $150,000 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita.

BOXING: British heavyweight Dereck Chisora was released after nearly seven hours of questioning by police following his brawl with former WBA champion David Haye at a news conference in Munich. Chisora and Haye came to blows after Chisora's loss to Vitali Klitschko in their WBC title fight Saturday.

Times wires

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Bill Haas knows anything is possible from even the most dire positions. This is the guy who five months ago saved par with his ball partially submerged in a lake and won the FedEx Cup.

Not even Haas could have imagined such a stunning conclusion Sunday at Riviera.

In thick rough behind the 10th green, the second hole of a three-man playoff with Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, Haas smartly played away from the flag with hopes of making par and going on to the next hole.

He wound up holing a 45-foot birdie putt across the green to win the Northern Trust Open.

"A part of me was saying, 'I've done this once, let's do it again,' " said Haas, son of former PGA Tour player Jay Haas. "Another part of me was saying, 'Don't screw this up.' "

Mickelson and Bradley hit their own clutch shots just to get into the playoff.

Haas, who closed with 2-under 69, was on the practice range at 7-under 277 as he warmed up for a playoff only he thought might happen. He was trying to convince himself that Mickelson or Bradley, maybe both, would make birdie on 18, which had yielded only six birdies all day.

With tournament executive director Jerry West — "Mr. Clutch" from his days with the Lakers — looking on, Mickelson rammed in a birdie putt from just outside 25 feet, pointing his putter and slamming his fist as the gallery let out a roar.

Mickelson bumped fists with Bradley and told his protege, "Join me."

That he did. Bradley's birdie putt from just outside 12 feet took one last, slow turn at the cup and disappeared, setting off another enormous cheer.

After all three parred 18 in the playoff's first hole, it was decided on the 312-yard 10th, regarded as the best short par 4 in America. It can be reached with a drive, but it's all about position, and none were in a particularly good spot.

Haas went long into thick rough, with enough of the back bunker in his way that he smartly played out to the right and left himself a long birdie putt.

Mickelson's flop shot landed near the hole and rolled into the back bunker. Bradley was in the bunker, and he did well to blast out to 15 feet, just through the green.

Haas then ended the suspense.

"I never expected to make a 40-footer, especially in that situation," he said. "A little luck was involved."

LPGA: Yani Tseng defended her LPGA Thailand title for her 13th tour victory, birdieing the final two holes to hold off playing partner Ai Miyazato by a stroke. Tseng shot 6-under 66 to finish at 19-under 269. Seminole's Brittany Lincicome shot 72 to finish tied for 21st at 4-under 284.

CHAMPIONS: Kenny Perry shot 2-under 70 for his second tour title, cruising to a five-shot victory in the ACE Group Classic in Naples. Perry set the tour's 36-hole scoring record in relation to par at 18 under.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Sunday, February 19, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon will have most of the answers this afternoon when they hold their annual spring-training-opening media conference.

The key to the shortstop competition between Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez will be their hitting. … The batting order will be sorted out over the course of the spring, with the No. 2 spot one of the biggest unknowns. … Jose Lobaton, by being out of options, might have a slight edge over Robinson Chirinos in the battle to share time behind the plate with Jose Molina.

But the one question neither they nor anyone else can answer yet is what the Rays will do with their surplus of starting pitchers.

If all are healthy and there (still) isn't a trade by opening day, they'll have eight legitimate candidates for the five-man rotation.

Three of the spots are claimed by James Shields, David Price and Jeremy Hellickson, and a fourth was cleared for rookie phenom Matt Moore, whose new contract eliminated any financial incentive to keep him in the minors. Two others, Alex Cobb and Alex Torres, are likely headed back to Triple A. And though the Rays used a six-man rotation in mid-season last year, there are no plans to do so from the start or for an extended period.

All of which leaves Wade Davis and Jeff Niemann battling for one spot.

And the other apparently headed to the bullpen.

Davis, 26, is adamant that he doesn't want to go.

"I'm a starter," he said. "I don't see any reason for me to be in the bullpen. I understand they've got to do certain things, but we'll see. … I definitely want to be a starter and stay a starter forever. And that'll be my mentality."

Davis said there haven't been any conversations — yet, anyway — with anyone from the Rays about possibly ending up in the bullpen. And if he is sent that way, he might end up approaching them, though he wouldn't have much leverage to force a trade.

"If it ever did come to that, it's something we'd talk about then," he said.

Niemann, 28, takes a more open stance.

"Right now, I think we'll just deal with that when we have to," he said. "I'm just looking forward to going out there and building up (innings) the way we normally do it and see how things play out. It's just an unknown, a definite unknown."

Management's theory is that unless there's a reason not to, it's better off having as much starting depth, and quality depth, as it can. In each of their four winning seasons, the Rays have used at least seven starters, and that has been with relatively good, even great, health. So it's quite likely over the six-month season that both Davis and Niemann — plus Cobb and even Torres — will start meaningful games.

But, initially, one may be relegated to the bullpen, and given the depth the Rays have there with Kyle Farnsworth, Joel Peralta and free agent addition Fernando Rodney, potentially limited to middle or long relief.

Neither has spent much time in the pen.

Niemann, since joining the rotation in 2009, has made two regular-season appearances and one in the 2010 playoffs. Davis has started all of his 202 regular-season games as a professional, though he worked twice from the bullpen — and looked good doing so — in last year's playoffs when Farnsworth was hurt.

Niemann (11-7, 4.06 last season) said it would take some adjustments, but he doesn't think his warmup routine would be a hindrance. "It would be different, but I think at the same time I could do it," he said.

Davis doesn't even want to think about. He said he worked out harder and more often this winter, his arm strength is up considerably from last year (when he was 11-10, 4.45), and he is determined to have a solid season — in the rotation.

"Right now everything I'm doing is to get ready to throw all year long and into the postseason — I want to throw 230 innings," he said. "I'm going to go out this spring and have a great spring. I have a whole different mentality and I'm physically better and stronger."

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

By Dave Mackall, Special to the Times
Sunday, February 19, 2012

PITTSBURGH — Let the bubble talk continue. In fact, chat it up now.

USF's improbable surge to its first NCAA Tournament bid in 20 years took another step Sunday night.

Freshman guard Anthony Collins scored a career-high 22 on 8-of-10 shooting and added six assists and two steals as the Bulls handcuffed Pittsburgh 56-47, their season-high fourth victory in a row.

"I know USF isn't a sexy name around the country, but 10 wins in this conference is 10 wins in this conference," USF coach Stan Heath said. "That's a hell of a deal. We should be in a big discussion nationally for what our guys are doing."

USF (17-10, 10-4 Big East) posted its most victories in a season in the conference and tied a school record with its fourth conference road win, matching Heath's 2009-10 team, which won nine league games overall.

"We're trying to build a tradition at our school," Heath said. "We're motivated. There's still a lot more work to do."

Pitt coach Jamie Dixon, whose team has lost four in a row and 12 of the past 16, praised USF's season. "That's a team that's made great strides this year," he said. "Their patience and defensive mentality has really turned them around."

Despite Pitt's uncharacteristic slide — the Panthers (15-13, 4-11) are in danger of missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years — Heath revered its long-standing basketball mystique.

"To come to Pittsburgh and win is very unusual," he said of the Bulls' first win at the Petersen Events Center.

But that's exactly what USF did, and in convincing fashion. The Bulls outrebounded the Panthers 36-30, with Ron Anderson grabbing nine, and held them to 34.6 percent shooting.

Collins, though, seemed oblivious to it all, despite a crowd of 9,849.

"I just play basketball," he said. "I don't worry about the road or focus on the crowd."

Dixon said USF is playing like an NCAA Tournament team.

"I know their nonconference may hold them back in some people's eyes, but that's in November and December," he said. "They're a different team now. They seem to be playing their best basketball."

USF held Pitt senior guard Ashton Gibbs, the Big East preseason player of the year, to a season-low two points on 1-of-7 shooting. Gibbs had four points in USF's 63-51 win on Feb. 8.

The Bulls clung to a 28-27 halftime lead then scored the first eight of the second half, five by Collins, to go up 36-27.

Pitt closed within 42-39 on a dunk by J.J. Moore, who led Pitt with 21 points, before Toarlyn Fitzpatrick's 3 ignited the Bulls' knockout punch that carried them to a 56-41 lead with 1:15 left.

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

DAYTONA BEACH — Carl Edwards had an inkling he might have a pole-winning car at Daytona International Speedway.

He was right.

With a lap at 194.738 mph (46.216 seconds) Edwards outran Greg Biffle (194.087 mph) for the top spot in Sunday's Daytona 500 qualifying session, as the Roush Fenway Racing teammates locked themselves into the front row for next Sunday's 54th running of the Great American Race.

Edwards, the fifth driver to make a qualifying attempt, earned the 11th pole of his career. He's also the first qualifier for the 2013 Budweiser Shootout after NASCAR and the speedway returned to the traditional eligibility criteria for the season-opening exhibition event.

"I appreciate (crew chief) Bob Osborne and all the work he's done," Edwards said. "(Engine builder) Doug Yates — the engines are so important in this.

"It's neat to come down here and to be so fast and to really have fun qualifying here. We've struggled so much in the past, and so many guys have put so much effort in this offseason."

Biffle was not as thrilled.

"I'm a little disappointed," he said. "I hate the wind. I guess if you're out sailing, it's good. It was singing down the back, but coming down the front I just got a big gust of wind coming off of (Turn) 4 … I knew I didn't have it."

Under the quirky format peculiar to Daytona 500 qualifying, only the fastest two cars in time trials know where they'll start next Sunday — on the front row. The rest of the drivers will start based on their finishes in Thursday's Gatorade Duel 150 races.

Last year's pole-sitter, Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Hendrick Motorsports, had the strongest Chevrolet in the field, but his third-place qualifying effort at 194.028 mph earned him only a front-row starting spot in Thursday's Duel.

"The guys did a great job on putting the car out there for qualifying," Earnhardt said. "We weren't really seeing that kind of speed in the car (Saturday). We made a lot of changes, and I'm sure we got some help — a good push of wind down the back straightaway as well.

"But the guys did a great job. … They took this thing apart several times this winter, trying to make it as good as they could, and we can't appreciate their help enough."

Danica Patrick, who has a guaranteed starting spot by virtue of an owner points deal between Stewart Haas Racing and Tommy Baldwin Racing, qualified 30th for her Sprint Cup debut. When she takes the green flag next Sunday, Patrick will become the third woman to start the Daytona 500, joining Janet Guthrie and Shawna Robinson.

"To say I wasn't nervous at all is a lie," she said. "Of course I was, a little bit. I want to do a good job."

Patrick's car was spewing water long before she completed her second lap at an average speed of 191.738 mph. Race strategist Greg Zipadelli expressed some concerns about the early overheating.

But by and large Patrick, the former IndyCar star making her first Sprint Cup start, was satisfied with her qualifying effort.

"It felt fine," she said. "It got a little hot on the water at the end, but other than that … everybody did a good job. Everybody worked really, really hard on the cars."

Marcos Ambrose was fourth-fastest, followed by Casey Mears, as Fords claimed four of the top five spots, breaking a Hendrick stranglehold on qualifying at restrictor-plate tracks. Hendrick cars won all four poles at plate tracks last year.

Edwards won his pole without Osborne, who missed the weekend events at Daytona after the death of his father. Chip Bolin filled in for Osborne and helped Edwards to his first career pole at Daytona.