Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa senior Matt Gatens has often been viewed as the steady though unspectacular leader of a rebuilding program.

Gatens showed how spectacular he can be against No. 18 Indiana on Sunday, burying the Hoosiers with a remarkable second-half shooting display.

Gatens scored a career-high 30 and the Hawkeyes beat Indiana 78-66 snapping the Hoosiers' three-game winning streak.

Melsahn Basabe had 13 points and five blocks for the Hawkeyes, who beat the Hoosiers in Iowa City for the seventh time in eight tries.

Iowa took an 11-point halftime lead and pushed it to 52-33 midway through the second half. Indiana closed to 10, but Gatens responded with four crucial 3-pointers to guide the Hawkeyes to the easy victory.

"Gatens, who was the most determined player on the floor in my opinion the whole day anyway, just took it to another level," IU coach Tom Crean said. "When he hit those shots, we just couldn't overcome it."

Freshman Cody Zeller had 15 points and 13 rebounds and Victor Oladipo added 15 points for Indiana (20-7, 8-7 Big Ten), which fell to 2-6 in conference road games.

"Give credit to Iowa. They came in and played a lot harder than we did. Outrebounded us, outdid us in pretty much everything, so that's all on us," said Indiana guard Jordan Hulls, who was held to two points.

This one quickly turned into a laugher early in the second half. However, few would have guessed it'd be the Hawkeyes running away with it.

Iowa (14-13, 6-8) pushed its lead to 48-32 on a transition layup from Gatens. Seldom-used big man Andrew Brommer then broke through traffic for a tip-in, giving Iowa a 19-point edge with 12:13 to go.

The Hoosiers finally got going by scoring nine straight to cut it to 52-42. That's when Gatens broke their momentum with a remarkable stretch of 3s.

"It was a lot of fun, but way more fun winning," Gatens said.

NO. 2 SYRACUSE 74, RUTGERS 64: C.J. Fair scored a career-high 21 and Scoop Jardine had 17, including a dagger 3-pointer with 1:11 left, as the visiting Orange (27-1, 14-1 Big East) took a 21/2-game lead in the conference over Marquette and Notre Dame.

NO. 5 DUKE 75, BC 50: Seth Curry scored 18 for the host Blue Devils (23-4, 10-2 ACC), who pulled into a tie for the conference lead with North Carolina and Florida State.

NO. 7 MICH. ST. 76, PURDUE 62: Draymond Green had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Austin Thornton had a career-high 17 points for the Spartans (22-5, 11-3 Big Ten), who won their second straight in West Lafayette and swept the Boilermakers this season to take a one-game lead atop the league.

NO. 15 WIS. 65, PENN ST. 55: Josh Gasser scored 15 for the host Badgers (20-7, 9-5 Big Ten), who have won eight of their past 10 games.

Women

NO. 6 MIAMI 67, FSU 60: Riquna Williams scored 24, and the host Hurricanes (24-3, 13-1 ACC) tied Duke atop the conference. The Seminoles (13-15, 5-9) have lost four in a row for the first time since 2003-04.

UF 61, NO. 18 GEORGIA 57: Jennifer George had 15 points for the host Gators (17-10, 7-7 SEC), who used an 8-3 run in the game's final 2:47 to upset the Bulldogs (20-7, 9-5).

NO. 8 MD. 63, NO. 5 DUKE 61: Tianna Hawkins scored 19, including the tiebreaking basket with 14 seconds left, and the host Terrapins (23-5, 10-4 ACC) ended a bid by the Blue Devils (22-4, 13-1) to go unbeaten in the conference.

NO. 10 DEL. 40, DREXEL 39: Elena Delle Donne's leaner from the wing with two seconds left won it for the visiting Blue Hens (24-1, 15-0 Colonial), who clinched the conference's regular-season title.

NO. 13 TENN. 66, OLE MISS 56: Glory Johnson had 13 points and eight rebounds to lead the visiting Volunteers (20-7, 11-3 SEC).

NO. 16 NEBRASKA 68, WIS. 59: Jordan Hooper had 19 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks to help the host Cornhuskers (20-6, 9-5 Big Ten) snap a three-game losing streak.

MICH. ST. 67, NO. 17 PURDUE 52, OT: Becca Mills scored 17 for the host Spartans, who scored the first 11 in overtime and outscored the Boilermakers (19-8, 9-5 Big Ten) 18-3 in the extra five minutes.

NO. 20 GA. TECH 85, BC 48: Tyaunna Marshall scored all of her 13 in the first half for the host Yellow Jackets (20-7, 10-4), who set a school mark for ACC victories and posted their sixth straight 20-win season.

NO. 25 S.C. 69, ALABAMA 55: La'Keisha Sutton had 13 points and seven rebounds for the visiting Gamecocks (20-7, 9-5 SEC).

Times wires
Sunday, February 19, 2012

MIAMI — Dwyane Wade hasn't had a shooting streak like this since he was a rookie. The Heat hasn't had a winning streak like this all season.

Wade scored 27, LeBron James had 25 points and 11 rebounds, and the Heat beat the Magic 90-78 Sunday for its sixth consecutive victory, each by double digits.

With former President Bill Clinton sitting courtside next to Heat managing general partner Micky Arison, former Florida star Udonis Haslem scored 10 for the Heat, who improved to 25-7, half a game better than Chicago for best record in the league.

Wade was 13-of-23 from the floor, shooting 50 percent or better for the 10th straight game. He had an 11-game run of those nights as a rookie.

"D-Wade was definitely on his game," Magic guard Quentin Richardson said.

J.J. Redick, a late starter for Orlando after Jason Richardson was scratched with chest pain that resembled heartburn, scored 17. Dwight Howard had 12 points and 15 rebounds and Glen Davis — back after a one-game absence to attend his father's funeral — scored 12.

Clinton posed for plenty of postgame photos with fans, plus one with the officiating crew of Bill Kennedy, Mark Lindsay and Rodney Mott. Clinton told the crew: "No one in this building, other than me, has been second-guessed more than you guys."

ORLANDO (78): Turkoglu 0-4 1-2 1, Anderson 3-8 1-2 9, D.Howard 5-10 2-10 12, Nelson 2-11 2-2 7, Redick 6-10 0-0 17, Q.Richardson 4-9 0-0 10, Davis 3-10 6-6 12, Duhon 0-3 1-2 1, Wafer 4-9 0-1 9, Clark 0-0 0-0 0, Harper 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 27-74 13-25 78.

MIAMI (90): James 9-14 6-7 25, Bosh 4-10 0-0 8, Anthony 0-1 2-4 2, Chalmers 2-5 2-2 6, Wade 13-23 1-1 27, Haslem 5-11 0-0 10, Battier 1-3 0-0 3, Cole 2-4 0-0 4, Miller 2-6 0-0 5, Pittman 0-3 0-0 0, Jones 0-0 0-0 0, J.Howard 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 38-80 11-14 90.

Orlando 19 12 23 24— 78

Miami 22 21 27 20— 90

3-Point Goals—Orlando 11-29 (Redick 5-7, Q.Richardson 2-5, Anderson 2-5, Wafer 1-2, Nelson 1-4, Turkoglu 0-3, Duhon 0-3), Miami 3-12 (Battier 1-2, James 1-2, Miller 1-3, Wade 0-2, Chalmers 0-3). Rebounds—Orlando 51 (D.Howard 15), Miami 53 (James 11). Assists—Orlando 15 (Nelson 4), Miami 20 (James 8). Total Fouls—Orlando 10, Miami 18. Technicals—James. A—20,185 (19,600).

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

TAMPA — Jerry Rice watched with keen interest as a parade of emotional speakers reflected on his fallen friend, while a police honor guard stood majestically near the church's altar, with local dignitaries sitting in the pews.

By the end of the 90-minute service honoring the former University of Tampa and 49ers star, who died Feb. 13 at 59 after a battle with colon and liver cancer, Solomon's Hall-of-Fame teammate had a new appreciation for him.

"I heard about all the work that he was doing, but when you see all these policemen out here and the lives that he touched, I (said), 'You know what? Freddie was large!' " Rice said. "I didn't realize the lives that he was touching."

Later, Rice added, "I heard about his college career, that he was a great athlete. Then I had a chance to witness that in San Francisco. Now I see the other side, and it's much bigger than his football career. … I really learned a lot today."

So much of Monday's memorial service for Solomon at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Tampa focused on his post-football career, even if it was attended by former 49ers teammates such as Rice, Joe Montana, Roger Craig and Dwight Clark. It was, really, one last chance for a community to which Solomon gave so much to show its gratitude.

He spent two decades after retiring from the NFL investing time and energy in the lives of the area's youth while working for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office outreach program.

That part of Solomon's life, which meant more to him than any football-related feat, was celebrated Monday.

"When you gave him something," Solomon's brother, Roger Solomon, said, "he never asked for anything in return."

It was that quality that drew former 49ers owner Eddie DeBartolo to Solomon. The two had an unconventional owner-player relationship, as DeBartolo did with many of his players. But their bond grew much deeper when both moved to the Tampa Bay area.

"On paper, Freddie and I couldn't have been more different," DeBartolo said. "We came from different circumstances, different backgrounds. We had vastly different personalities. Seemingly, once football was over, we didn't have much in common.

"But with each passing year, we became much closer, and by the time he left us last Monday, he'd become closer to me than anybody else in my life. People scratched their heads about our friendship. They just couldn't figure it out. But Freddie was simply the finest human being I'd ever encountered in my life."

While talk of Solomon's endeavors in the community and giving nature dominated the service, it was his football prowess that initially brought him into our consciousness — even if many of the youth he served never knew he played the game (he famously never wore his Super Bowl rings).

Solomon was an electrifyingly athletic quarterback at UT in the early 1970s, then was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, with whom he spent three seasons. After his trade to the 49ers in 1978, Solomon flourished, helping the club win two Super Bowls and making memories along the way.

Montana was a part of many, and they've all come flashing back in the past week.

His most memorable play involving Solomon? That came in a 1983 game against Washington, when Solomon displayed the speed for which he was renowned.

"We were playing the Redskins, and they had a defensive back who was supposedly one of the fastest guys around," Montana said. "I hit Freddie on a little short pass and he didn't even come close to Freddie. Dwight (Clark) was always saying, 'We just don't know just how fast Freddie really is.' "

DeBartolo recalled Solomon as, "The fastest man on every football field he ever walked on." Solomon would finish his 11-season career with 371 catches for 5,846 yards and 48 touchdown receptions.

His career was nearly even more historic, however. Clark, the recipient of "The Catch," the reception that sent the 49ers to the Super Bowl in the 1981 season, recalled how the play — Sprint Right Option — was originally intended to go to Solomon. He slipped on the messy field and Montana threw to Clark.

But, as usual, the conversation circled back to Solomon's good nature. Clark said Solomon "took me under his wing and taught me the ropes," after Clark's arrival. It was atypical for a veteran in those days to help a junior player with whom he was competing, something Montana often pointed out to Solomon.

But Solomon's generosity was a staple of his personality, even when it might not have been in his best interest. That's why so many people loved him and packed the church to show it, one last time.

"You have given my brother so much love," Roger Solomon said, "and he left here knowing that so many people loved him."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

When Tampa Bay Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier left Monday's practice early, not many eyebrows were raised. It is not uncommon for players this time of year to take some time for "body maintenance." Right wing Steve Downie sat out Monday for that reason.

But then the team started talking about an upper-body injury, something coach Guy Boucher said "popped up" during Saturday's 2-1 win over the Capitals. Lecavalier did not miss any time in that game. There also was a hint Lecavalier was to have testing done on Monday, and when asked if the whole thing was a concern, Boucher said, "We'll see."

We probably will have to wait until Tuesday to get any more details, but losing Lecavalier would be a blow to a team fighting its way back into the playoff conversation. The center has 10 goals and 27 points in his past 30 games.

Lecavalier, 31, was not available for comment after practice; he already had left the arena, the team said. And the only update is that Lecavalier has an upper-body injury and is day-to-day.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

TAMPA — The Lightning will be without captain Vinny Lecavalier tonight against the Ducks because of an undisclosed upper-body injury coach Guy Boucher said "popped up" Saturday against the Capitals.

Lecavalier left Monday's practice at the Tampa Bay Times Forum early and had an MRI exam.

Boucher said "we'll see" when asked if Lecavalier, who didn't miss playing time against Washington, would face Anaheim. But Lecavalier wrote in a text Monday night that he will be out.

General manager Steve Yzerman texted that the center is day to day.

Lecavalier, 31, has played all of Tampa Bay's 58 games with 21 goals and 46 points.

Center Trevor Smith was recalled from AHL Norfolk.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

TAMPA — Yankees legend Mariano Rivera didn't officially say it.

But the greatest closer of all-time strongly hinted Monday that this could be his final season. Rivera, 42, who broke the all-time saves record last year, admitted he's probably said the past seven or eight years that he'd retire after the season, before changing his mind.

However, Rivera, whose two-year contract is up after this year, said he made a decision on his future three weeks ago, and it is final. He insisted it is "irrevocable," "even if I save 90 games, even if they want to pay me as much money as they want — any team."

"This one is different," Rivera said. "This is it."

He just won't reveal it.

Rivera reported to Steinbrenner Field Monday feeling great, saying he enjoys everything "like it was the first day" and calling himself the "Energizer Bunny." Despite having nothing left to prove, boasting 603 saves and five World Series rings, Rivera said he's driven by his love of the game and desire to win it all again. He said when he chooses to retire, it'll be because there are other things he wants to do with his life.

Rivera said he's already discussed the issue with his family, and will inform the Yankees — and the media — when the time is right.

"Decisions like that are always hard, always," Rivera said. "It involves what you do, it involves what you have done for 22 years, you know? Decisions like that are always hard, but at the same time, they have to be made."

Rivera became the Yankees closer in 1997, becoming uniquely consistent and durable during a career that will likely make him a first ballot Hall of Famer. A 12-time All-Star, Rivera set postseason records for saves (42) and lowest ERA (0.70), setting a standard for those to follow, with Phillies' Jonathan Papelbon calling him "the Godfather of closers."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi said the club has been fortunate to get so many great years from Rivera.

"I would say if he was 32 and we asked everyone in this room, 'Do you think he'll still be pitching at 42?' I don't think a lot of us probably would have said yes," Girardi said. "So it's a blessing, and the Yankees have been blessed well."

NEW DH: The Yankees reportedly reached an agreement with Raul Ibanez on a one-year, $1.1 million deal Monday. General manager Brian Cashman had wanted a left-handed hitting designated hitter who could also play in the field.

"It's a guy that's hit right-handers very well over his career, and can still play the outfield," Girardi said. "He's been a productive player."

A.J. OUT: While RHP A.J. Burnett had his share of struggles and disappointment in his Yankees stint, Girardi said he should be given credit for his contributions, specifically in the team's 2009 playoff run.

"If not for A.J., we may not win that World Series because he pitched in the playoffs that year," Girardi said. "I'll miss him, and I want to wish him the best of luck."

STARTING UP: With six solid starters and five spots in the rotation, Girardi said the members — and order — will be decided throughout spring training, with CC Sabathia (of course) starting opening day. … Girardi said if he had to fill out a lineup Monday, Derek Jeter would lead off, followed by Curtis Granderson, Robinson Cano and Alex Rodriguez, whom he believes will have a "big year."

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — The progress and evolution of the Rays franchise can be measured in many ways. And Tuesday, as their top two baseball people sat on a sun-drenched deck at the Charlotte Sports Park discussing the start of spring training, it was obvious in the words.

No longer is the talk just about playing meaningful games in September or getting to the postseason. After being knocked out in the first round the past two Octobers, and with an unexpected payroll boost from ownership this season, the conversation starts with being one of the teams playing at the end of the season.

"I believe this team is capable of getting back to the World Series," manager Joe Maddon said. "Absolutely."

There is no more optimistic day on the baseball calendar than the opening of camp, but the Rays' confidence seems well founded, given a dominant starting rotation, premium defense, deep bullpen and improved lineup.

"Yes, we not only want to get to the playoffs, we want to get deeper in the playoffs," Maddon said. "We want to get back to the World Series. That is our goal as we stand here. I'm sure almost every camp you're going to walk into right now this time of year they're going to be saying the same thing, but I'm here to tell you legitimately this is our goal. And every day that we work is toward that end."

They have some questions to be answered over the next 46 days, such as who will start at shortstop and split time at catcher, how the rotation will be filled out and which way the batting order works best. But Maddon and executive vice president Andrew Friedman spoke as much Monday about making sure the optimism is handled properly.

"I like the idea of expectations being raised a little bit," Maddon said. "I like the idea of people wanting to include us in that type of discussion. I want our players to like it too. It's more about managing expectations this year as opposed to trying to build some, and I'm very good with that."

Pitcher James Shields, the most veteran Ray, said they've worked hard to get there.

"That's what we want to be, that's our goal every year to be that team that everyone wants to come after," he said. "Our goal is to go to the World Series and win it. ... We've got a really good team. I'm excited about it. ... Everything is right in line for success. We've just got to go right out there and execute it."

There was similar buzz after the Rays' stunning run to the 2008 World Series, but their expected encore was doomed by a 9-14 April and they couldn't make up the ground. There were lessons learned then, and Friedman and Maddon don't expect any issues with being under-prepared or over confident.

The large turnout for winter workouts at the Trop validates their thinking, and the heavy population of veterans in the clubhouse calms their concerns. Maddon will address it when he speaks to the pitchers and catchers before today's workout, and again to the full squad on Sunday.

"The only way or time it can become a problem is if you take on that mentality of, 'We're that good,' or 'We don't have to work,' " Friedman said. "I think our guys have gotten to the point with the culture Joe's created in the clubhouse with our coaching staff, it's not an impediment, it's not an issue, it's not a risk factor I think it might be in other places."

One key will be getting off to a good start, and with 16 of their first 22 games against the five other American League powers — the Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox, Angels and Tigers. And other issues, such as injuries, are sure to emerge.

But for the first day, they were willing to talk the talk.

"We're at the point now, that every time we show up here our goal is get back to the playoffs and our goal is to win the World Series," Maddon said. "It's got to be."

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

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

TAMPA — Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier left Monday's practice early because of an upper-body injury coach Guy Boucher said "popped up" during Saturday's 2-1 win over the Capitals.

Boucher hinted Lecavalier would have some sort of test. Asked if Lecavalier will play Tuesday against the Ducks, Boucher said, "We'll see."

Lecavalier, 31, had 19:39 of ice time against Washington, 36 seconds more than his average, with an assist, two shots on goal and three hits.

Officially, the center, with 10 goals and 27 points in his past 30 games, is day-to-day.

He was unavailable for comment.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

USF Bulls freshman point guard Anthony Collins has been named as Big East Rookie of the Week after averaging 16 points and 6.5 assists in the Bulls' wins against Villanova and Pittsburgh last week.

Collins had a season-high 22 points in USF's win at Pittsburgh on Sunday, and he's had at least six assists in his last six games, during which USF has a 5-1 record.

Can Collins make the Big East's all-rookie team? The only point guard with comparable numbers is Notre Dame's Jerian Grant -- Collins has one more assist in conference play (5.5 per game vs. 5.4 for Grant), but Grant is averaging 13.0 points per game. Collins is also leading Big East freshmen in free-throw percentage in league play (86.9 percent, 4th in the league overall), while Grant has a superior assist/turnover ratio at 2.6 to 1.

The league's Rookie of the Year could wind up going to one of its top scoring freshmen -- St. John's has two in the conference's top 10 in D'Angelo Harrison (18.4 ppg, 3rd) and Moe Harkless, who ranks in the top 10 in scoring (16.3) and rebounds (8.6). Providence's LaDontae Henton, who had 33 points in a game against USF, is averaging 14.2 in conference games.

Wild as it seems, 14 different men's basketball players have been named as Big East Player of the Week this season, none more than once.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

For the sixth time this season, Florida Gators forward Bradley Beal has been named SEC Freshman of the Week.

This past week, Beal averaged 17.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals in victories at Alabama and at Arkansas.

Beal scored 14 points and had a team-high eight rebounds against Alabama. Against Arkansas, Beal had 21 points and nine rebounds. It was his fourth 20-point game of the season.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Fresh off two big road wins this past week, UF coach Billy Donovan didn't have to say much to his players in their first practice after Saturday night's 98-68 win over Arkansas.

In fact, Donovan doesn't plan to do much talking about anything other than the next opponent over the next couple of weeks. After 16 seasons, he has learned not to indulge in the if's, and's and but's of the impending March Madness.

"I don't really talk to them about the seeding and all those kinds of things," Donovan said Monday. "I have always been a big believer of you kind of take care of everything in front of you, right here and now. … For our guys, they understand we need to continue to win, continue to play well and we'll get a better seed. If we don't play well, we don't finish out the year strong, we won't. It's pretty simple."

The Gators moved up to No. 12 in the AP poll released Monday. With four regular-season games remaining, Florida is No. 17 in the NCAA RPI rankings.

NO. 1 TIMES THREE: On Monday the Gator gymnastics team moved into the No. 1 ranking by GymInfo, giving Florida three No. 1 ranked teams: gymnastics, baseball and softball. Florida will host No. 3 Georgia on Friday night.

BACK IN STRIDE: The roller-coaster season of the women's basketball team is nearing the regular season end, with Florida coach Amanda Butler having great optimism. The Gators (17-10, 7-7 SEC) picked up a huge win over No. 18 Georgia on Sunday, and will finish with Mississippi State and at Tennessee. Butler believes the Gators are playing close to their best.

"Especially with (Sunday's) performance and looking at that game statistically,'' she said. "Because I think the value of our team so often this year, you've not been able to find it in the statistics, it's been more in our effort, our fight and some other things that don't show up in a box score. Looking at the box score, statistically it looked like this is what we want our performances to look like."

GATORS OWN NEW STREAK: When the St. John's women's basketball team upset No. 2 Connecticut this past weekend, it snapped the Huskies' 99-game home court winning streak, which had been the longest active home win streak of any NCAA Division I women's sport. The new streak belongs to the Gators. The UF women's tennis team has a 98-match home winning streak. The Gators' next home match is Saturday.

TITLE IS THE GOAL: Everything Mike Holloway and his track and field staff have done since the season began was geared toward this weekend. And when the men's and women's track teams compete in the SEC Indoor Track and Field championships this weekend, nothing short of a title will do. The Florida men are the defending SEC indoor champions, while the women will be looking for their second title in three years. The Gators also have seven reigning SEC champions on their current roster.

"This is a very exciting time of year for us," Holloway said. "We strive (for) and have a lot of pride in being prepared for what we call the championship season and that begins this weekend with the SEC Championships. We expect to go in and fight for championships. That's what we do here. It's going to be tough competition on both sides, but we expect to do well."

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

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

TAMPA — General manager Steve Yzerman said Saturday that if the Lightning keeps winning he might adjust his strategy heading toward Monday's trade deadline.

He probably wouldn't turn into a buyer, but instead of selling might just let the players he has take a run at the playoffs.

"That's great," left wing Ryan Malone said, "if that's how it is."

"GMs are tricky," Malone added. "It's all a game for them to get the pieces they want. If someone gets offered something they can't resist, he probably will make the move."

There's one way for Tampa Bay to find out: make the most of its four games before the deadline, starting Tuesday against the red-hot Ducks at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

With victories Thursday and Saturday over the Sharks and Capitals, respectively, Tampa Bay, despite entering Monday just three points from the bottom of the 15-team Eastern Conference, forced its way into the fringe of the postseason conversation.

Eleventh in the East, the Lightning was just six points out of the eighth and final playoff spot. It was seven points behind the first-place Panthers in the Southeast Division.

"It's definitely in reach," center Nate Thompson said. "It's in our heads. We're right there."

Well, perhaps not right there.

"We're knocking on the door, almost," Malone said. "We're walking up to the door. It's exciting for us to see some results and making up some points. We're in a hole still and have to stay focused on one game at a time."

A Lightning playoff run will be tough not so much because of the points it must make up but because in the conference and division races it must jump three teams, so it would help if those teams wouldn't win as much.

Even so, that the Lightning is in this position at all is admirable. It's not easy to hear on Monday your general manager plans to be a seller at the trade deadline and then play (and win) on consecutive nights in which teammates were traded.

"Guys have said this, but we didn't lose two really good players, we lost two really good people," Thompson said of the deals that sent center Dominic Moore to the Sharks and defenseman Pavel Kubina to the Flyers.

"For us to set it aside and worry about what we have to worry about, what we had to do, is huge — huge character wins for us. If we can just keep that going and worry about just the next game, one game at a time, we're going to be in good shape."

A possible glitch is the upper-body injury to captain Vinny Lecavalier, day-to-day after leaving Monday's practice early.

Coach Guy Boucher said his "very focused" players would be able to overcome that, too.

"I just think that we've been in survival mode for a long time," Boucher said. "Whatever we have — one more, two more, three more, five more adversities we hadn't seen before — it just falls into the same kind of attitude we've had for a long time that no matter what comes at us we have to take a slap and get up and bounce higher. We've bounced higher lately."

It's tricky, but Yzerman has noticed.

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

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, February 20, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — It starts with two men sitting side by side, the way they have for seven seasons, expressing similar thoughts, speaking similar ideas.

Andrew and Joe. Joe and Andrew.

Together, they are Tampa Bay's biggest hitmakers. The good news is, they have another release coming soon.

It was early afternoon on Monday, and Andrew Friedman and Joe Maddon, the brain and the heart of Tampa Bay's baseball operations, sat on matching stools and talked of the season to come. Both of them wore sunglasses, and both held their microphones in their right hands, and both had bottles of water in their left. Thanks to Maddon's hairdresser and her magic bottle of brown, both of them were brunettes.

Oh, and both expect the Rays to be pretty good.

These days, who doesn't?

For seven springs now, these two have been a fit. Together, the general manager and the manager have helped fashion the best moments of the Rays. They have set a new direction, and they have altered expectations, and they have changed the culture of a clubhouse. They have showered in champagne, and they have raised banners. They have ended the losing, and they have not been distracted by the winning.

Guess what?

Here they come again.

Look around. Anymore, what general manager and manager survive each other for seven years? It is a relationship that can grow acrimonious in a hurry. In other places, each can blame the other for failure. On other teams, each can step over the other to get the credit for success.

Here, after three playoff appearances and 368 regular-season victories in the past four years, the furniture remains unthrown.

After an offseason in which they both could have ended up elsewhere making more money, perhaps that is why they are still here. Friedman had opportunites to go elsewhere, either to the Astros or Angels. Maddon still had a year left on his contract, but if his goal was to make as much as possible, the Rays might have traded him or released him.

"In this division, with the resources we have to overcome, it's imperative that everyone is on the same page," said Friedman. "We work very hard to do that. It's easier to not communicate, to not have meetings, to not talk about certain things, because that takes time.

"We get it. We appreciate it. It's not lost on us what a special group of people that we have or how many talented people it has taken to get us to this spot. To have success in this division with all the resource disparity that we face is special. It's a driving force in our creative thought process. We have to approach things differently."

As it turns out, creative thoughts can get loud sometimes. Both Friedman, 35, and Maddon, 56, will tell you how much they admire each other, how much trust they share. But, sure, they argue. What's the old saying? That if two men always agree, one of them is not necessary.

"We do disagree," Friedman said. "We have a lot of very animated discussions. But it's never personal. It's always that we're coming at it with the purest of intentions to make this organization better, to win more games now and to win more in the future. Because both of us know that, everything is on the table. We can talk about anything, everything."

Said Maddon: "Maybe every couple of weeks during the season, we'll disagree. Maybe about a personnel decision, maybe about an in-game decision. The beauty of it is that we have thick enough skin or we're good enough buddies. We trust each other. It's a huge part of our success.

"He knows when he's upset me, and he knows how to get the conversation going back in the right direction. And vice versa. It's never about either one of us trying to be right. His ego is totally in his back pocket, and I'd like to believe mine is, too. If you get credit seekers, that's when things start breaking down. We use the words 'we' and 'us' a lot more than 'I' and 'me.' "

Friedman: "Typically, when someone brings something up, they're right. Because they've thought about it."

As much as anything, that may be why the two men are still together. During the offseason, both the Astros and Angels flirted with Friedman. Maddon still had a year left on his contract, but if it was obvious that money was going to be a dividing issue, the Rays might have traded his rights or released him. The Cardinals, Cubs and Red Sox were all reportedly interested. Neither wanted to go, and Maddon signed a new contract.

"I'm making a great living here," Maddon said. "It exceeds all my expectations. It comes down to being with people you want to work with. I don't know how to break that down into dollars and cents, but that matters a lot to me.

"Look what we've built here. Look what's on the horizon. There is a lot more coming. The last chapter is far from being written, and I want to be part of that. I don't need to be jumping around in different uniforms and pretending to be loyal when my loyalties are here."

Other places, managers are demanding different players. On other teams, general managers roll their eyes at manager's decisions. Not here.

It matters. In a baseball clubhouse, everything matters. When the front office is dysfunctional, players know it. When it is calm, everyone knows.

"When I was with the Royals, they were in transition," said reliever J.P. Howell. "It brings out a person's negativity. It's glaring. Any flaw in the room is loud. Here, we work at fixing flaws. These guys make a player feel like more than a number."

"As an organization, we have a pretty good vibe," said pitcher James Shields. "It hasn't always been that way."

So what's next for these two? Success? Playoffs? A new hair color?

"What color is that?" Friedman said, looking at Maddon's dye job. "Rust?"

Friedman laughed. Maddon, too.

From the sound of it, there are more smiles ahead.

By Steve Papen, Times Correspondent
Monday, February 20, 2012

What's hot: With fishing for red and gag grouper in federal waters closed, our focus is on snapper and amberjack. There are many types of snapper in our local waters. Red snapper is closed so target snapper such as mangrove, lane and yellowtails. These fish can be somewhat tricky; knowing the areas where they may be holding is key.

Location: Concentrate in 70 to 100 feet, the most consistent depth for snapper year-round. Concentrate on the high-profile ledges and rock piles in these depths and tackle down, as these fish are wary and usually pass on baits presented with large leads and heavy leaders.

Tackle: Small, lightweight spinning rods are a great way to catch snapper. Braided lines in the 15- to 30-pound class will provide power to stop these fish and will help detect the sometimes delicate bite. Rigging usually consists of a 6- to 8-foot length of 20- to 30-pound fluorocarbon leader. If the tide is running, a half- to three-quarter-ounce lead should be placed right above the hook. A small jig head can also be used.

Tactics: Chumming is important in this type of fishing. Chum blocks and a steady stream of 1-inch square pieces of sardine will assist in getting the snapper to rise a little higher in the water column, thus making them a little easier to catch. Many of these fish will feed while the bait is falling so be ready to throw the reel in gear and start reeling fast.

Steve Papen charters out of Indian Shores and can be reached at (727) 642-3411 or fintasticinc.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — The biggest position battle in Rays camp will be at shortstop, and the decision between Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez may be determined by the little things.

"A lot of it has to do with under-the-hood kind of stuff, actually," manager Joe Maddon said at Monday's camp-opening media conference. "The different things we want to see each guy make improvements with … regarding becoming more complete baseball players."

Without getting too specific, Maddon said each will be given a checklist of things to work on including physical mechanics, "baseball stuff" such as base­running and "instinctive kind of things." What it won't be decided on is something as basic as batting average.

Otherwise, the decisions include picking from the surplus of candidates for the rotation, picking a catcher to pair with veteran Jose Molina, sorting out the bullpen and settling on a batting order to maximize the additions of 1B Carlos Peña and DH Luke Scott.

Executive vice president Andrew Friedman reiterated that they don't feel the need to trade a starter — "We don't view it as having three first basemen," he said — but acknowledged that as the spring unfolds there will be the usual trade talks.

"If there's a way for us to improve this roster, we're going to be aggressive to do so," he said.

Friedman said that in going over the 59-man spring roster, team officials were struck by how much more depth they had this season, and that several major-league-caliber players will be sent to Triple A.

YANKEE DOODLES: Veteran RHP James Shields didn't think much of Yankees GM Brian Cashman's weekend comments that New York wasn't trying and conceded the 2010 AL East title to the Rays.

"If he wants to say they conceded, that's their deal — we were trying to win," Shields said. "We wanted to win the division. It's one of the toughest divisions in baseball and to be able to have that title is awesome. …

"I hope he lets us win every game if that's the case."

ELBOW ROOM: RHP Kyle Farns­worth said the issues in his elbow that sidelined him at the end of last season went away with rest and he feels fine. "I didn't do anything, just let it heal in time," he said.

Farnsworth has added additional forearm exercises to his workout routine to try to prevent a similar breakdown. "Like any past thing you've got to keep an eye out for it in case something does pop up early and you can take care of it and get rid of it, but hopefully I'm not going to think about it at all and hopefully it's out of the way," he said.

MEDICAL MATTERS: RHP Brandon Gomes (coming off back surgery) and Scott (shoulder) are the only players whose workouts will be limited, Friedman said. Catchers Robinson Chirinos (broken hand) and Jose Lobaton (sore shoulder) are both ready to go after winter ball injuries.

MISCELLANY: Friedman said rookie LHP Matt Moore's innings will be watched but don't have to be limited because he's been "built up in a pretty systematic way" in the minors. … All 38 pitchers and catchers are expected for today's first workout. … Position players already in camp ahead of Sunday's first full-squad workout include OFs Brandon Guyer, Sam Fuld and Desmond Jennings; Scott; and INFs Brignac, Elliot Johnson, Jeff Keppinger, Will Rhymes and Rodriguez. … Maddon was wearing a shirt from The Rockford Files TV show (1974-80) and humming the theme song.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

Times wires
Monday, February 20, 2012

TEMPE, Ariz. — Decked out in Angels' gear from head to toe, Albert Pujols looked like the same slugger whose swing in St. Louis became as symbolic as the Gateway Arch.

With a halo-topped "A" logo on his cap, Pujols, his massive chest and arms filling out every corner of his red shirt, sat behind a microphone and excitedly announced the start of a new stage of his career.

"Here I am," he said.

And here he goes.

Arriving just as the morning sun crept above the horizon, and more than a week earlier than required, Pujols reported to training camp Monday with the Angels. The three-time NL MVP will be paid $240 million over the next 10 years to be the face of the franchise.

"I'm just really excited to be here, it feels good to be outside," Pujols said during a news conference at a nearby luxury hotel. "I've been training for three months, hitting in a cage in St. Louis, and it feels good to be here for some spring baseball."

Although only Angels pitchers and catchers had to be at camp this early, Pujols wanted to be there from Day 1 as well. That's how the 32-year-old has done it since breaking into the big leagues in 2001, and he wasn't about to change his routine.

He also felt it was important to begin bonding with his new teammates, some of whom were caught staring at him from across the clubhouse.

Driving a black Mercedes still tagged with Missouri license plates, Pujols pulled into the players' parking lot at 7:15 a.m. There were only a handful of fans waiting to catch a glimpse of the nine-time All-Star, who helped lead the Cardinals to a World Series championship last season before leaving the only baseball home he had known.

Pujols stopped in the equipment room and shook a few hands before heading to the clubhouse, where his locker is flanked by veterans Bobby Abreu and Torii Hunter.

"The guys are awesome," Pujols said. "They well-received me as soon as I walked in there."

WAITING FOR BRAUN: The Brewers hope to hear this week whether arbitrator Shyam Das will uphold NL MVP Ryan Braun's 50-game suspension for a positive drug test. In the meantime, a large contingent of position players were already in camp ahead of Saturday's first full-squad workout. Manager Ron Roenicke said he expects Braun to arrive in time for that initial practice.

HOWARD ON MEND: Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard, expected to miss the first two months of the season with a torn Achilles' tendon, took some ground balls and a few soft-toss swings in the batting cage in Clearwater and may be ahead of schedule.

PROTECTING POSEY: Giants manager Bruce Bochy has forbidden catcher Buster Posey from blocking the plate. The 2010 NL rookie of the year missed most of last season after a violent home-plate collision.

SHORT LEASH ON ACE: Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who is coming back from elbow-ligament replacement surgery, will be limited to 150-160 innings this season, manager Davey Johnson said.

PITCHER IN CRASH: Braves right-hander Tommy Hanson is being checked for a possible concussion after blowing a tire on his way to the first workout of spring training. Hanson apparently bumped his head on the steering wheel or windshield. In other Braves news, right-hander Tim Hudson expects to miss at least the first month of the season after Nov. 28 back surgery.

CUBS: Infielder Blake DeWitt cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to the minor leagues.

D'BACKS: Shortstop Stephen Drew, who broke his right ankle and severely damaged ligaments sliding into home seven months ago, was back on the field handling ground balls. He isn't sure if he'll be ready for opening day.

MARLINS: Right-hander Juan Carlos Oviedo, formerly known as Leo Nunez, is having difficulty securing a visa in the Dominican Republic, and it's unknown when he'll report. Oviedo was put on the restricted list after it was revealed that he falsified his identity.

RANGERS: Left-hander Neal Cotts, 31, who hasn't pitched professionally since having ligament replacement surgery in July 2009, agreed to a minor-league contract.

RED SOX: Right-handed reliever Bobby Jenks, who had two offseason back surgeries after pitching only 152/3 innings in 2011, will not pitch this spring and might not return until midseason.

ROCKIES: Manager Jim Tracy received what general manager Dan O'Dowd called an "indefinite" contract extension. O'Dowd said it was a handshake agreement, so Tracy eventually must sign a new deal.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, February 20, 2012

LAKELAND — Not even Prince Fielder could wait for a sneak preview.

Fielder, one of baseball's fiercest sluggers, has Motor City fans manic since signing a nine-year, $214 million deal with the Tigers last month.

Think Prince-sanity.

With Tigertown envisioning what kind of video-game like numbers he and Miguel Cabrera could rack up hitting back-to-back, Fielder, 27, recently experimented in the virtual world, trading himself in the video game MLB 2011 from the Brewers to Detroit while playing with sons Jadyn and Haven.

"It was pretty cool," Fielder said. "On paper, it looks great. … Hopefully, it goes like I have planned in real life."

It became more real for Fielder on Monday, when he reported to Tigers camp just before 9 a.m., three days before position players are due. With his two young boys in tow, Fielder was excitedly greeted by his new teammates before putting on a show. He and Cabrera ripped long balls in batting practice on a back field, with Tigers great Willie Horton recalling how a teenage Prince — son of former Detroit home run king Cecil Fielder — completed the same feat while in high school.

"He's had a great career so far and I think what he brings to our organization, it can take us to another level," Horton said. "He's going to leave a big imprint on this game before he's finished. Hopefully we can bring a World Series home."

Fielder, who averaged 40 homers the past five seasons with the Brewers, fueled even higher expectations for a Detroit club that reached the ALCS last year. Cabrera, the reigning batting champion and six-time All-Star, accepted the challenge of moving back to third base to make room for Fielder at first.

"All I know is I'm excited," Cabrera said. "We'll see what happens. We have to do it first."

Fielder combined with National League MVP Ryan Braun for a potent one-two punch and could do the same cleaning up behind Cabrera.

"Whenever you see an MVP-type player hitting in front of you, it's always motivation, because you see greatness every night," Fielder said. "I'm sure Miguel's going to do the same thing. I'm looking forward to it."

Fielder appeared to fit in quickly, with he and Cabrera seemingly attached at the hip. Reigning AL Cy Young and MVP Justin Verlander was quick to walk across the room to welcome him, and backup catcher Gerald Laird, whose locker is positioned next to Fielder and a couple away from Cabrera, joked he'd collect any money left on the floor.

"I'll make sure I keep all my change in my pocket," Fielder said, smiling.

Fielder showed his serious side, too, saying he wanted to get right to work, appearing to want to put the free agent spotlight behind him.

But as manager Jim Leyland said, "When a guy like that shows up, guys obviously take notice."

"I know I grew up around Tiger Stadium and some of the fans," Fielder said. "But I didn't think they'd remember me that much. But seeing that they do, it's pretty awesome. I'm glad I'm part of it."

Times wires
Monday, February 20, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Skylar Diggins felt the pressure building during Notre Dame's 21-game win streak. Now that it's firmly in the past, the guard and her teammates have their swagger back.

Diggins scored 21 and freshman Kayla McBride added 15 to lead the No. 3 Fighting Irish over No. 16 Louisville 68-52 on Monday and moving them one step closer to a Big East title.

"I think we're finally getting back to playing with our swag, playing our style of basketball. And it feels good," Diggins said. "We're smiling, we're laughing, you know what I mean? With that tough schedule, we took it too serious, kind of lost the fun in it."

Notre Dame (26-2, 13-1) has won two straight since losing at home to West Virginia and controls its destiny in its quest for its first regular-season league championship since 2001, when the Irish tied Connecticut on the way to the national title.

Notre Dame is a game up in the loss column against the Huskies with a game left against USF on Saturday before playing at Connecticut on Monday.

Louisville guard Shoni Schimmel said she'd pick the Irish if forced to choose after the Cardinals also lost to the Huskies at home on Feb.  7.

"I would say Notre Dame, just because they're older and they're wiser," Schimmel said.

The Cardinals (19-8, 8-6) lost for the fourth time in six games.

NO. 12 PENN ST. 84, NO. 9 OHIO ST. 66: Nikki Greene had 25 points and 18 rebounds to help the host Lions (22-5, 11-3) rout the Buckeyes (23-4, 10-4) and clinch at least a share of their first Big Ten title since 2004.

MISSISSIPPI ST.: Coach Sharon Fanning-Otis plans to retire after the season. Fanning-Otis is 608-457 over 36 seasons at three schools and is one of 14 women's coaches with 600 career wins.

AP POLL: Miami moved up a spot to No. 5. St. John's entered at No. 20 after ending Connecticut's 99-game home winning streak, and Gonzaga re-entered No. 25 while South Carolina and BYU fell out. Baylor remained the unanimous No. 1.

Men

ALABAMA: Coach Anthony Grant suspended junior forward Tony Mitchell for the rest of the season but cleared senior JaMychal Green to return to practice. Grant didn't elaborate.

REF REPRIMANDED: The ACC publicly reprimanded official Karl Hess for failing to follow procedure when ejecting former North Carolina State stars Chris Corchiani and Tom Gugliotta from the stands during Saturday's loss to Florida State.

AP POLL: FSU moved back up to 15th from 20th. No. 18 New Mexico and No. 22 Temple entered for the first time this season, and Saint Mary's and Gonzaga fell out. Kentucky and Syracuse remained 1-2.