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Despite struggles, Tennessee Volunteers coach Pat Summitt has not given in to early onset dementia

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

GAINESVILLE — When legendary Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt stunned the nation in August by announcing she had been diagnosed with early onset dementia, her primary goal outside of her health was ensuring the upcoming season went on as normally as possible for her team.

"There's not going to be any pity party, and I'll make sure of that," she said at the time.

On Sunday, six months later, No. 10 Tennessee hosts Florida in the regular-season finale. It will be Senior Day, and there is growing speculation it could be Summitt's final home game after 38 seasons. The school expects so many fans, it plans to open the gates a half-hour earlier than usual.

Florida coach Amanda Butler, a Tennessee native who grew up admiring Summitt, empathizes with what Tennessee has had to endure.

"I can't, really, I cannot in my mind conceive what day to day is like for those guys," Butler said. "They are the team that everyone is looking at. She is the representative of our sport and thankfully because she has put all of us collectively in a spotlight that maybe wouldn't have happened as quickly if there hadn't been a Pat Summitt.

"So there's a tremendous amount of attention on everything that happens to them — good, bad, unfortunate or fantastic. A great credit goes to their staff. But to try for a second to go, 'What would that be like?' I probably would fold like a cheap suit."

Summitt, 59, has not folded. She has delegated many responsibilities to her staff but remains part of the daily operation and coached every game.

But there have been struggles.

The Vols have lost eight games this season, including three at home — the most in program history. They desperately want one more national title for Summitt, whose 1,091 victories are the most in NCAA history among men's and women's coaches.

And the seniors are trying not to become the first class to finish their careers without having been to a Final Four.

That's Summitt's legacy and her players' burden.

"I've been praying for them all season because I can't imagine what it's like to go through something like that," Florida senior guard Jordan Jones said.

In nearly every arena, there are reminders: fans with supportive signs and opposing players and fans wearing T-shirts throughout the season representing the SEC's "We Back Pat" campaign against Alzheimer's. How much of a toll has it taken on the Vols?

"I don't think you can know," Tennessee assistant coach Dean Lockwood said Friday. "It's one of those things we may not know until this is long past us. You know things are different, and you deal with it. You keep moving forward.

"In terms of how it has impacted our team, I think they are doing like in any situation where something deviates from the norm. But I think they keep moving forward because that's what we must do."

The Vols are 20-8 (11-4 SEC). For most programs, that would be considered thriving.

But by their lofty standards — based on Summitt's eight national championships and 29 NCAA Tournament appearances, Tennessee is in the midst of a tough season. An overtime loss Thursday night to Arkansas left them in second place in the SEC and Kentucky in the driver's seat for the title with a win Sunday. Tennessee is 0-6 in games when trailing at halftime.

Yet Lockwood said Summitt and the coaching staff remain optimistic mostly because of the makeup of the team.

"I think because of what's happened to them and what they've experienced here in their four years, they are a pretty resilient bunch," Lockwood said. "We're trying as best we can to not make it about them and try to take some of that (pressure) off of them.

"At some point, we just have to simply move past it and realize there are certain things that are beyond your control, and we've got to really focus on the things that are in our control."

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com. Read her blog at tampabay.com/blogs/gators.

1,091

Career victories

8

National championships

14

SEC tournament titles

7

National Coach of the year awards

Career victories


Tampa Bay Rays: Don Zimmer meets Zim Bear; bed bugs bite; Nevin Ashley's baby

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

The name game

Minor-league C Nevin Ashley and his wife, the uniquely named Ashley Ashley, are expecting their first child in August. They recently found out it's a boy and are considering a number of names. But had the baby been a girl? "We would have called her Junior," he said.

Friendly reminder

After taking his "victory lap" with the trophy for winning the Rays' fantasy football league, LHP David Price sent a photo with the trophy to last year's champion, C Kelly Shoppach, now with the Red Sox. "It's all fun," Shoppach said.

List of the day

Most homers since 2007 (players are listed with their current team):

Player Team No.

Ryan Howard Phillies 204

Prince Fielder Tigers 200

Albert Pujols Angels 195

Mark Teixeira Yanks 174

Miguel Cabrera Tigers 173

Carlos PeñaRays172

Who is this Ray?

He was a swimmer growing up in Venezuela with a chance to play water polo but opted for baseball. His older brother Thomas was a minor-leaguer with the Yankees. He was claimed off waivers from San Diego.

The dish

Today's workout for pitchers and catchers starts about 9:30 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road) and lasts 2½-3 hours. Admission and parking are 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, complex is on the left. For more information, call (941) 235-5025.

Heads-up

Today is the last workout just for pitchers and catchers as the full squad takes the field for the first time Sunday.

Exhibition schedule

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

Info: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297

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, Tropicana Field

Who is this answer: C Jose Lobaton

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Zimmer meets Zim Bear

Senior adviser Don Zimmer has been a bit bewildered by all the attention the team's Zim Bear promo item has gotten. On Friday, they met face to face as the Rays had the model version sent to Port Charlotte for some photo ops. "I don't know what to think," he said. Manager Joe Maddon then opened his post-practice media session with the bear on his shoulder.

The bed bugs did bite

Director of baseball operations Chaim Bloom is looking a little better after a reaction to bed bugs at his — now previous — Port Charlotte rental left him with red bumps all over his body. "He looked," executive VP Andrew Friedman said, "like he had an intense acupuncture appointment go bad." Bloom and roommate Erik Neander, also a baseball ops director, moved out after the first night.

Shooting from the lip

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

Hire of the day

As reported earlier this week, Tampa native and former big-league player and manager Lou Piniella has been hired by the Yankees' YES Network to work in the booth and studio. Here's a question: Why didn't Sun Sports hire Piniella to work Rays games? Sun Sports is having a half-hour pregame show for all Rays games, and Piniella, who managed the Rays from 2003-05, would have been a perfect studio analyst.

Instead, he'll work for YES, where he is expected to handle about 25 to 30 games as an analyst and an undetermined number of pregame and postgame shows.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for me to stay involved with the game of baseball, be informative and creative, and let the fans enjoy a broadcast," said Piniella, 68, who will also do work in spring training.

Piniella makes his regular-season debut when the Rays host the Yankees to start the season.

Radio days

So what happened to knock the King David Show off WQYK-AM 1010? Essentially, co-hosts Shaun King, a former Bucs quarterback, and Toby David could not get along and decided to end their relationship. Neither, however, would comment about that.

"I appreciated the time I worked with Shaun and have a great amount of respect for him,'' David said. "I also enjoyed working at CBS Radio and have nothing but the utmost respect for those people, and I hope to land on my feet locally.''

King, a St. Petersburg native, did not return a phone call seeking comment.

Mike Pepper, CBS Radio's assistant programming director, said the station will immediately begin efforts to fill the noon-3 weekday slot with a local show. Interestingly, either King or David might be involved in the new show. David said he would be open to returning to that slot, and it's believed King also might have interest.

Other possibilities include Ronnie "Night Train'' Lane, let go by ESPN's WHBO-AM 1040 this month, and Justin Pawlowski, who is doing work with 1010-AM after recently leaving WDAE-AM 620.

"We would like to fill that slot as soon as possible,'' Pepper said. "But we also want to be sure to have the right show in place.''

In the meantime, Pepper said 1010-AM will run nationally syndicated programming from Yahoo Sports in that time slot, including Tim Brando's show.

The end of the King David Show comes on the heels of Lane being dismissed from 1040-AM's afternoon show, Pawlowski leaving 620-AM for 1010-AM and Nanci Donnellan, aka the Fabulous Sports Babe, being replaced by former 620-AM update guy Whitney Johnson because of an illness.

Media tidbits

• With Phil Mickelson playing well enough to get into a playoff, CBS had 6.2 million viewers for the final round of Sunday's Northern Trust Open, the most-viewed final round for the event since it got 6.5 million viewers in 2003.

• NBC averaged 1.94 million viewers for Sunday's early game coverage on "Hockey Day in America" (different parts of the country got different games from among three 12:30 p.m. contests). That was a 30 percent jump over last year and the most-viewed NHL regular-season telecast, excluding Winter Classics, in six years.

• The NBC Sports Network, which used to be known as Versus, is not off to a great start. According to Sports Business Daily, the network averaged 62,000 viewers in January, the first month of its new name, a significant drop from a year ago. The debut of Bob Costas show, Costas Tonight, from the Super Bowl drew 108,000 viewers. That's about the number of viewers who watched ESPN's lowest-rated program of the month, a World Series of Poker rerun during the NFC Championship Game.

• Basketball legend Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been hired by ESPN.com to write a biweekly column covering a variety of topics, including social and political issues. Knowing Abdul-Jabbar's intelligence and perspective, it should be a must-read.

tom jones' two cents

The latest from the world of sports

Game preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Pittsburgh Penguins

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

. Today

Lightning at Penguins

When/where: 1; Consol Energy Center, Pittsburgh

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Tampa Bay has lost three straight regular-season games in Pittsburgh while being outscored 17-4. … RW Teddy Purcell has two goals, 13 points in his past nine games. … Pittsburgh is 11-5-1 against the Southeast Division and has the league's best home penalty kill, 90.4 percent.

Captain's Corner: Large speckled trout are all over bay area

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By Neil Taylor, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 24, 2012

What's hot: Large speckled trout are being caught all around the bay area. Above 23 inches, these larger specimens fight more like redfish than smaller trout.

Tackle and techniques: Light tackle and lures are the best bet. For lures, use 3-inch paddletail plastic tails on jigheads of one-eighth ounce, 5-inch jerkbait-style plastics on the same jighead or a weedless jighead. Topwater action is excellent in 2 feet and shallower. Make long casts to sandy patches of bottom and work the lure slowly just above the bottom. On higher tides, move closer to shorelines and target areas that have a mix of grass and sand or a craggy, oyster-laden structure. Don't be surprised to catch redfish and long, fat trout in the same locations. On lower tides, fish the ruts and troughs toward the outside of the grass flats. Try to work lures on the edges of these troughs rather than the middle as the fish lay on the edges, ready to ambush their prey.

Food for thought: Slot-sized trout (15-20 inches) are better food fare. The largest make for a great photo but are excellent stock for future generations. Although it is legal to harvest one longer than 20 inches, many anglers release the very largest ones.

Neil Taylor charters kayak fishing trips in the Tampa Bay area and can be reached at strikethreekayakfishing.com and (727) 692-6345.

Fundraiser to help Tampa Bay Downs' backside

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By Don Jensen, Times Correspondent
Friday, February 24, 2012

OLDSMAR — Kathleen O'Connell had no outside issues to deal with when she saddled Watch Me Go in the 2011 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.

Back at Tampa Bay Downs, her home track, assistant trainer Brian Smeak and other staff members had things well under control.

"The (track) backside is important. It's the whole backbone of our industry," said O'Connell, a two-time Oldsmar training champion with more than 1,400 lifetime wins. "People don't realize without grooms, hotwalkers, pony personnel and gallop people, there is nothing left. Without them, you don't have horses going to the big dances. They're the unsung heroes."

O'Connell is a regular attendee of the Hearts Reaching Out fundraiser, an annual event sponsored by Race Track Chaplaincy of America, Tampa Bay Downs Division. It benefits hundreds of backside workers who care daily for the horses. Computers, English classes, worship services, sports and other activities for backside help are funded by the event.

The March 5 fundraiser begins at 11 a.m. with a four-person scramble golf tournament at Cheval Golf and Country Club in Lutz. A dinner and auction with racing and sports memorabilia follows at 5:30 p.m. at the Downs pavilion tent near the paddock.

Former Bucs running back Michael Pittman, jockeys and trainers are expected to play in the tournament. The fundraiser is open to the public. For information, call Sharyn Wasiluk at (813) 494-1870 or (813) 298-1576.

Smeak, 57, has been in the thoroughbred business for 35 years, the past 13 with O'Connell.

"(Backside workers) allow Kathleen to have a 40-horse outfit," he said. "Grooms take care of the horse from the feet up to the mouth seven days a week starting at 5 in the morning. They clean stalls, brush the horses, give them baths and take care of their legs. You have to make feed, come back for night-time feeding and check on the horses until the next morning. Without a good groom, your horse is not going to be happy and healthy.

"You have to have good grooms, good exercise riders and a trainer that's knowledgeable in watching what's going on both on the race track and in the barn."

MORE HORSES. Duke of Mischief goes for his fifth career graded stakes victory in the Grade III $150,000 Tampa Bay Stakes today (Race 9, 4:10 p.m.) at the Downs. … Sunday, Kentucky Derby contenders Algorithms, Discreet Dancer and Union Rags are entered in the Grade II $400,000 Fountain of Youth (Race 11, 5:13) at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Dogs: Third-round qualifying in the $64,000 Sprint Classic resumes tonight in Races 6 (8:55) and 10 (10:11) at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. … Maria Mandalena, who began her career with J.E. O'Donnell Jr. kennel at Derby Lane, won the $75,000 World Classic on Feb. 17 at Mardi Gras in Hallandale Beach.

Ben Zobrist embraces Tampa Bay Rays' high expectations

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — 2B/RF Ben Zobrist is considered one of the more humble and earnest Rays, but it was clear as he reported to camp Friday that he, too, has big ideas for this season.

"We're planning on winning the World Series this year," Zobrist said. "That's the goal, and from Day 1 here looking forward, that's what we're focused on."

Manager Joe Maddon has encouraged his players to embrace the raised expectations and said he has no problem with such bold talk.

"I love the fact we're handling the expectations properly," he said. "Expectations equal the fuel, and if you run away from that, then it probably becomes combustible and you end up in flames."

As proof, even though the first full-squad workout isn't until Sunday, Zobrist was the last of the rostered position players to report to camp.

After playing a team- and career-high 156 games last season while hitting .269 with 20 homers and 91 RBIs, Zobrist, 30, made core strengthening and increased flexibility the focus of his winter workouts, determined to head into camp as healthy as possible.

"I feel very prepared going into this year," he said. "I feel like my offseason was great. I feel very healthy, and I worked extremely hard again to try and be ready to move around and play as many games as I can for the club."

As he has the past three seasons, Zobrist expects to split most of his time between second base and rightfield. But he knows enough — and knows Maddon well enough — to prepare for additional duty during the spring.

Only three gloves were in his locker when he arrived Friday. But Zobrist said, "That's like probably half the shipment. There's more coming."

HANDLING WITH CAUTION: RHP Kyle Farnsworth likely won't appear in at least the first week of exhibitions as the Rays limit what they consider unnecessary work. The obvious bypro­duct is keeping him healthy all season after he was sidelined at the end of 2011 by a sore elbow.

Pitching coach Jim Hickey said Farnsworth will be scheduled for eight or nine appearances rather than the standard 10-11 for relievers.

"A lot of guys don't need the 10-11 appearances, and he's one of them," Hickey said. "This is all by design. There's nothing wrong."

Another factor is Farnsworth didn't throw off a mound much during the winter. So while the other pitchers are set to move on to batting practice starting Sunday after throwing two bullpen sessions, Farnsworth is scheduled for three more bullpen sessions before he faces hitters.

Farnsworth, 35, said there were no issues with his elbow — "not at all, everything feels good" — and he was fine with the plan.

"Obviously, I'm not trying to make a team right now," he said. "So it's just be ready for opening day."

MISCELLANY: SS Hak-Ju Lee, the promising prospect from South Korea, reports today for his first appearance in big-league camp, having learned English well enough that no interpreter will be needed. … OF Brad Coon and 1B Juan Miranda are the only other players who have not checked in early. … LHP J.P. Howell continues to be pleased with his work, saying Friday's second bullpen of the spring was even better than his first.

Tampa Bay Rays shortstop Red Brignac seeks to rebound from poor 2011

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — This much seems universally obvious: Reid Brig­nac isn't going to struggle at the plate as much as he did last season for the Rays.

Either Brignac is going to hit better or he's not going to hit as often.

The Rays first sat him down, then sent him down to Triple A as he struggled his way to a .193 average, five total extra-base hits and a .448 on-base plus slugging percentage over 92 games (76 starts) at shortstop. And it only follows they would be less patient if it happens again.

"I can't do what I did again last year," Brignac acknowledges. "That's not me. I've never done that."

Brignac's spirit was so sapped and his confidence drained, he took six weeks off at the start of the winter just to clear his head. He feels he has recovered well — while also dealing with the pending birth of his first child, confident he and former girlfriend (and Playboy model) Lauren Anderson can handle the complexities of not being together — is certain he can improve and has worked hard to do so.

The end result is what matters most, and the Rays have some ideas, keyed to cutting down his swing and working better at-bats.

Brignac seems to have others.

"I went back to a lot of things I used to do when I was younger and made me successful when I was driving balls and hitting for power and stop worrying, stop just trying to get singles and hit little base hits," said Brignac, 26.

"They want me to be able to do that, and I can do that now. But I don't need to do that all the time. I need to be myself and how I used to be. I used to hit 15 homers a year and hit 30-40 doubles a year. Who wouldn't want that? I know I do. And that's what I'm trying to get back to."

Doing so in the minors — he averaged 15 homers and 30 doubles over five years from Class A to Triple A — is different than against major-league pitching.

But Brignac is determined he can do so if he gets to do it his way.

"From the beginning of spring training to the end of the year, I want to look the same instead of changing this, trying this, doing this and that," he said. "I'm just going to do what I usually do, and we're going to see how that works."

The Rays, though, talk more about the need for Brignac to adjust his swing (which tends to be long and loopy) and redefine his pitch selection while becoming a better situational and more complete hitter.

"He has some power, and that sometimes can be a detriment became sometimes guys have enough power to become not such a good hitter," manager Joe Maddon said. "We're trying to get him to be a little more flat with his swing and with that be able to handle a wider variety of pitches within the strike zone and utilizing the whole field because of that."

Executive vice president Andrew Friedman notes they're "not looking for a middle-of-the-order bat," and said another key is for Brignac to improve the quality of his at-bats.

"He's an aggressive hitter by nature, so it's just refining that a bit and getting him to reorganize the strike zone a little bit better, which will put him in position to get a better pitch to drive," Friedman said.

Brignac acknowledged there were other contributing issues last year, in which he was supposed to take over as the starter following the trade of Jason Bartlett but ended up miserable.

The Rays started giving him more days off when his struggles carried into mid May, and he said the "inconsistent" playing time made it worse as he was — perhaps erroneously — expecting to play every day. And he admittedly didn't handle it well, taking it "more personally than anything" and doubting Maddon's confidence in him.

Brignac said he felt like no matter what he tried — including "changing things around off the field to where I was getting my rest" — didn't help and, for the first time, he wasn't enjoying playing.

With a winter's reflection, he says he has learned from his failures and will be better for it.

"I can't go down that path again," he said. "I can't."

One way or another.

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


As Manning sort of watches, QBs step up

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS — A poster hanging outside Lucas Oil Stadium bears the image of Peyton Manning. Inside the house Manning built, the discussion is all about his successor.

Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III started making their pitches Friday to be this year's No. 1 draft pick and supplant Manning as the face of the Colts, though neither is ready to push him aside.

"Peyton was my hero growing up, he was my football hero, he's who I modeled myself after in high school and middle school. You never truly replace a guy like that," Luck said at the NFL's scouting combine. "If I had the opportunity to learn from a guy like that, of course you're going to take advantage of that, absolutely."

After going a league-worst 2-14, the Colts won the top draft pick, and owner Jim Irsay has said he intends to use the No. 1 overall pick on Indy's next big franchise quarterback, given the state of Manning's health after neck surgery in the past year. He didn't play this season.

Coaches and general managers believe Stanford's Luck is the more polished prospect. Griffin, last season's Heisman Trophy winner out of Baylor, is believed to have more upside. Most believe that barring unknown medical issues, Luck will go No. 1 to Indianapolis and Griffin could go No. 2 if the Rams trade the pick.

"Some people think I came on the scene this year," Griffin said, "so they haven't had as much time to evaluate me. I'm just excited to really show them who I am as a person (at the combine) — happy-go-lucky, like to make people laugh. But I know when to be serious as well."

Draft: The Dolphins won a coin flip for the right to the eighth overall selection, bettering the Panthers, who now own the ninth pick. Also, the Chiefs won a coin toss with the Seahawks and will pick 11th. Seattle will pick 12th in the draft, April 26-28 in New York. The Panthers and Dolphins had identical 6-10 records and strengths of schedule. The Seahawks and Chiefs finished 7-9 and shared identical strengths of schedule. The coin flips finalized the order of the first round.

Bills: The agent for Stevie Johnson, who has led the team in receiving each of the past two seasons and can become a free agent next month, said talks with the club about re-signing were productive and he was "very optimistic." C.J. LaBoy wouldn't give details.

broncos: Vice president John Elway said he hopes Tim Tebow is the team's long-term solution at quarterback. It was a step beyond his statement at season's end that the former Gator would be the starter going into training camp. "I was really happy with his progress," Elway said at the combine. "I know Tim's going to work hard this offseason. We're hoping that he's going to be the guy for a long, long time." Elway said he likes Tebow's physical tools but he needs to work on his throwing fundamentals. Tebow is working with new UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone in Los Angeles on his throwing.

49ers: Special teams standout C.J. Spillman has agreed to a three-year contract, the Associated Press reported. No details were given.

Patriots: Tight end Rob Gronkowski defended his work ethic and post-Super Bowl dancing, the first time he spoke publicly on the subject since a video of him relaxing after New England's loss to the Giants went viral this month. Video of a shirtless Gronkowski on a dance floor, despite an ankle injury, drew criticism from many, including former Patriot Rodney Harrison. "Hard work and dedication, I always put my job first before anything, no matter what it is. I'm always just dedicating myself. Unfortunately, it just happened like that. I mean, it is what it is," Gronkowski said on a Philadelphia radio station.

Ravens: GM Ozzie Newsome confirmed that Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed will play in 2012. Reed, a former University of Miami standout who turns 34 on Sept. 11, has been considering retirement every year since 2008 because of a nerve impingement in his neck and shoulder.

Tampa Bay Lightning's game against Pittsburgh Penguins matches league's top two scorers in Steven Stamkos, Evgeni Malkin

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

PITTSBURGH — So, how does it feel, Steven Stamkos was asked, to lead the league in scoring?

Not just for goals, but points, too.

"It doesn't feel like anything," the Lightning center said. "We still have lots of hockey left, and I'm trying to do everything I can to help us win."

Typical Stamkos, coach Guy Boucher said. "The biggest strength he's got is it's all about the team all the time, and it's genuine."

As much as Stamkos, 22, wants the focus on Tampa Bay's uphill quest to make the playoffs, his personal accomplishments and the circumstances surrounding today's game with the Penguins make it a lot about him.

Behind six goals and five assists in his past four games, Stamkos technically leads the league in points with 73. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin also has 73, but because Stamkos' 43 goals lead second-place Malkin by a whopping 10, Stamkos gets the nod from the NHL.

It's kind of cool, then, the two go head-to-head today at the Consol Energy Center.

"I think that's the story," Stamkos said Friday. "It's going to be that way regardless of what I think. I don't think of it that way. … That's just brought up in the media."

Malkin did not talk to reporters, but Penguins coach Dan Bylsma agreed.

"I don't think at this point in time with 22 games left for us that we're looking at it as a showdown game or head-to-head game between two guys with high numbers," he said. "If there were just a few games left in the season, it might be more of a head-to-head matchup."

Either way, Stamkos has forced his way into any conversation about the game's best players.

He had been around the fringes but before this season was known primarily as a goal scorer. That characterization no longer fits, Boucher said, because Stamkos has become so much better defensively and is even getting some time here and there on the penalty kill.

He scores goals from close to the net rather than relying on his one-timer, his league-best 35 even-strength goals highlights that he fights for scoring space, and his 21:24 average ice time entered Friday fourth among league centers.

In the two games in which captain Vinny Lecavalier has missed with a fractured right hand, Stamkos has three goals and six points.

"He's got a lot of pressure," Boucher said. "But right now he's taken it to another level. He's not perfect every game, but if you would have asked me before the season how far I would have wanted him to go, he's surpassed that."

Boucher did not disagree that if the team makes the playoffs, Stamkos should be an MVP candidate.

"Under the circumstances, I would look at him," Boucher said. "But we're far from that."

Malkin, too, is an MVP candidate for the way he is carrying the Penguins without concussed superstar Sidney Crosby. In his past two games against the Lightning, he has five goals and seven points.

"He's a pretty rare combination of size and skill," Stamkos said. "He's one of the greatest players in the world, and it's going to be tough to try to contain him."

The Penguins could say the same about Stamkos.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

COLLEGES

USF-UM MOVED AHEAD TO NOV. 17

USF's football game in the fall at Miami was moved to one week earlier, from Nov. 24 to Nov. 17, to help both with scheduling.

The Big East has not released its 2012 schedule, as the league is still in the process of securing an eighth football member. CBSsports.com reported this week that Temple is in talks to join the Big East as an all-sports member in the fall, which would let the league play a seven-game schedule in the last year before it expands in 2013.

Also, Marquel Blackwell and Steve Bird left coach Skip Holtz's staff to pursue other opportunities. Blackwell, a former quarterback for USF, also starred at Dixie Hollins.

OREGON: The NCAA is alleging the school committed violations in the way it used recruiting services over the past four years. The accusations were contained in two draft documents, labeled "Proposed Findings of Violations," obtained in a public records request by media outlets. While the documents use language that indicates the NCAA and the university agree to certain points, an athletic department spokesman said the school does not acknowledge any of the violations.

BASEBALL: Former Jesuit High star Jimmy Falla went 2-for-3 with two runs and a home run as USF won its home opener 8-5 over Bethune-Cookman. Former Brandon High standout James Ramsay also had two hits for the Bulls (4-1).

BOWLING

Woman becomes first in final 24

Missy Parkin became the first woman to reach the match play phase at the 69th U.S. Open in North Brunswick, N.J. Parkin, 30, who was ninth after qualifying, was 15th among 24 bowlers after eight games of match play. She was the first woman to join the PBA in 2004. Ryan Shafer (7,592 pins) kept the lead he held after qualifying. Rhino Page of Dade City moved up from 20th to eighth with 7,212 pins. Wesley Chapel's Patrick Allen finished 38th and $1,580.

WINTER SPORTS

Rare U.S. gold in women's skeleton

Katie Uhlaender gave the United States its second gold medal at the skeleton world championships since the women's event debuted in 2000. She finished four heats over two days in 3 minutes, 42.33 seconds in Lake Placid, N.Y., beating Canada's Mellisa Hollingsworth by 0.17 seconds.

MILLER ON MEND: Bode Miller missed a super-G race in Switzerland and will sit out another today after having minor knee surgery.

TENNIS

Top seed Isner falls in Memphis

Jurgen Melzer, playing with a broken big toe on his right foot, upset top seed and Tampa resident John Isner 6-3, 7-6 (7-6) in the quarterfinals of the Regions Morgan Keegan Championships in Memphis.

DUBAI CHAMPIONSHIPS: Defending champ Caroline Wozniacki lost 7-6 (7-3), 7-5 to Julia Goerges in the semifinals in United Arab Emirates. Goerges faces Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 2-6, 6-0, in today's final.

ET CETERA

FISHING: Keith Poche took the lead of the Bassmasters Classic in Bossier City, La., after catching more than 20 fish.

BOXING: Russia's Alexander Povetkin defends the WBA heavyweight belt against WBO cruiserweight champ Marco Huck, a German who moves up in weight class, today in Stuttgart. Huck, at 209, gives up 20 pounds to Povetkin.

Times staff writer Greg Auman; Times wires

Howard gets most All-Star attention

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

ORLANDO — Carmelo Anthony saw the wall of reporters and knew who was being surrounded.

Back in New York, it would be Jeremy Lin.

But with All-Star weekend in Orlando, the focus is shifting back to where it was to start the season, to Dwight Howard's future.

That means Howard gets the same questions Anthony faced last year at the NBA's midseason break, just before he was traded from the Nuggets to the Knicks, where he is now Lin's teammate.

"Thank you, Dwight!" Anthony yelled. "It's your turn!"

The center has asked for a trade, but he's still here and there's no telling for how much longer. The trade deadline is March 15.

Howard didn't want to discuss any of that Friday.

"All the other stuff can wait," Howard said. "I just want people to have fun and enjoy themselves. This is All-Star weekend. This is a time of celebration for guys who've had great first halves and guys who have never even seen this."

Howard's table was between Anthony and LeBron James. Neither had anywhere near the attention of Howard.

Lin wasn't forgotten. Late Friday, the guard played in the Rising Stars Challenge, which matched second-year players and rookies.

Lin got his own evening press conference to accommodate the large media interest.

"Just to be here and to see the company and all the players that are here," Lin said, "it's just been unbelievable."

Lin's first question was from Knicks teammate Landry Fields, who asked his backcourt mate if he knew who the MVP of the San Francisco Pro-Am was in 2009 and 2010. Lin, from the bay area, knew it was Fields. "He played for the Oakland Believers, and he doesn't have a lot of friends," Lin said.

Rising Stars: Cavaliers rookie Kyrie Irving made eight 3-pointers and finished with 34 points, helping Team Chuck (Barkley) beat Team Shaq (O'Neal) 146-133 in the Rising Stars Challenge. Knicks sensation Lin only had two points in the game featuring rookie and second-year players mixed together on teams for the first time.

College basketball game capsule: USF Bulls women basketball at No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 2 p.m. Saturday

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

Today's games

USF women at No. 3 Notre Dame

When/where: 2; Joyce Center, South Bend, Ind.

Radio: 1010-AM

Records: USF 15-13, 7-7 Big East; Notre Dame 26-2, 13-1

Notable: This might be tougher than USF's men's team playing at No. 2 Syracuse on Wednesday. Notre Dame is outscoring teams by 30.3 points per game. … Irish G Skylar Diggins leads the conference at 5.8 assists per game and is fourth in scoring at 17.3 ppg. … One more win and USF clinches a winning record, which should give it a spot in the Women's NIT. … The Bulls close out the regular season at home Monday against Providence but likely won't be able to get a first-round bye for the Big East tournament, which starts Friday in Hartford, Conn. Picked 10th in the preseason by league coaches, the Bulls currently sit ninth.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

College basketball game capsule: No. 12 Florida Gators at Georgia Bulldogs, 4 p.m. Saturday

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, February 24, 2012

No. 12 Florida at Georgia

When/where: 4; Stegeman Coliseum, Athens, Ga.

TV/radio: Ch. 38; 620-AM

Records: Florida 22-6, 10-3 SEC; Georgia 12-15, 3-10

Notable: Florida has won 15 of its past 17 against the Bulldogs and enters having won four of its past five on the road. … Gerald Robinson leads the Bulldogs at 14.2 points per game, and Donte' Williams is their leading rebounder at 5.5 per game. … The Gators play their first game without sophomore F Will Yeguete, who broke his foot Tuesday against Auburn and is out for the season. Florida coach Billy Donovan said injuries are a small issue for his team right now: "We're banged up; just the normal wear and tear. Coming out of the game on Tuesday and Wednesday, there were seven guys in here getting rehab. I can't remember the last time there were seven guys in there getting rehab. But it's not like it's anything (major). These guys would play, but it's enough that it's hampering them where you can tell they're somewhat banged up."

Antonya English, Times staff writer

Westwood starts finding new path

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

MARANA, Ariz. — Lee Westwood had every reason to pack light for the Match Play Championship. He never made it out of the second round in his 11 previous trips to the World Golf Championships event, and he never could understand why.

Now it seems Westwood can do no wrong.

He has led after 48 of the 49 holes he has played through three rounds at Dove Mountain, barely breaking a sweat under the blazing sun in the high desert. And he erased more bad memories Friday with a 3-and-2 victory over Nick Watney, who eliminated Westwood each of the previous two years.

"You want to come out and get momentum as quickly as possible," said Westwood, who birdied the opening two holes for the second straight match. "And the only way to do that is by winning holes."

Now, Westwood is two matches from a shot at his first WGC title, and a return to No. 1 in the world.

But he's not alone.

Rory McIlroy also can go to No. 1 for the first time by winning. He also had an easy time, winning on the 17th hole over Miguel Angel Jimenez.

The battle for No. 1 — made possible by Luke Donald's loss in the first round — put some interest into an otherwise dull afternoon at Dove Mountain.

No matches went the distance until the final last one, when Bae Sang-moon missed a 6-foot putt on the 17th hole, only to finish off John Senden with a par from about the same distance on No. 18.

McIlroy has struggled to block out the idea that he could go to No. 1. Instead, he's trying to use it as an advantage.

"It's a nice incentive," the U.S. Open champion said.

Westwood was No. 1 a year ago, and it's a less of a priority than to capture his first WGC title. Just getting to the quarterfinals is a small achievement.

"I had a little chuckle watching the Golf Channel on Wednesday morning and listening to them make all their predictions and things like that. I don't think they got many right," Westwood said.

And where did the prognosticators have Westwood?

"On the BA 289 on Thursday night," he said, referring to his usual British Airways flight.

Westwood plays Martin Laird today. Laird beat fellow Scotsman Paul Lawrie 3 and 1.

In other matches:

• Hunter Mahan built a big lead over Steve Stricker and held on for a 4-and-3 win. Mahan next faces Matt Kuchar, a 4-and-3 winner against Martin Kaymer.

• Mark Wilson eliminated Dustin Johnson for the second straight year, 4 and 3.

PGA: Daniel Summerhays birdied the final hole for 6-under 65 and a share of the second-round lead at 8-under 134 with Will Claxton and Greg Owen at the Mayakoba Classic in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.

LPGA: Katie Futcher and Jenny Shin shot 5-under 67 in the HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore to join first-round leader Angela Stanford atop the leaderboard at 8-under 136. Tampa resident Kristy McPherson (75) was even; Seminole's Brittany Lincicome was 1 over after shooting 74.


'The truth is on my side,' Braun says

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

PHOENIX — Ryan Braun stood a few feet from the batter's box Friday and hit back at those he believes tarnished his name.

Last year's National League MVP insisted he always believed his 50-game suspension for a positive steroid test would be overturned and he would be able to suit up on opening day for the Brewers.

"We won because the truth is on my side," he said. "The truth is always relevant, and at the end of the day, the truth prevailed."

Less than 24 hours after his suspension was overturned by an arbitrator, Braun professed his innocence while questioning the system that allowed him to be suspended for failing a test he took after a playoff game Oct. 1.

"There were a lot of times where I wanted to come out and tell the entire story, attack everybody as I've been attacked, as my name has been dragged through the mud, as everything in my entire life has been called into question," said Braun, a former star at the University of Miami. "But at the end of the day, I recognize what is best for the game of baseball. I can't ever get that time in my life back."

Soon after thanking teammates and fans, Braun, 28, expressed disappointment that the confidentiality of his urine test was broken. ESPN first reported his failed test for a high testosterone level in October. He called the reports "inaccurate, erroneous and completely fabricated."

Braun rarely looked at his notes while laying out a time line of events that led to his suspension.

On Oct. 19, Braun learned his sample tested "three times" the level of any previous specimen, which he said confused him. He said he began "a humanistic" defense by showing documentation he never gained a pound, his running times did not improve and he didn't get stronger.

"I truly believe in my heart, and I would bet my life, that this substance never entered my body at any point," he said.

Braun said the urine test he provided Oct. 1 was not delivered to FedEx until Oct. 3. Baseball's drug agreement calls for samples to be delivered on the day they are collected, and that was the basis for the suspension being overturned.

"There are a lot of different things that could have possibly happened," Braun said. "There are a lot of things that we heard about the collection process, the collector and some other people involved in the process that have been concerning to us. But as I've dealt with the situation, I know what it's like to be wrongly accused of something. So for me to wrongly accuse somebody wouldn't help."

Braun said he was a "victim" of a "fatally flawed" testing system and there is inherent presumed guilt within the process.

"As players, we're held to a standard of 100 percent perfection, and everybody else associated with that program should be held to the same standard," he said. "We're a part of a process where you're 100 percent guilty until proven innocent. It's the opposite of the American judicial system.

"This is my livelihood. This is my integrity. This is my character. This is everything I have ever worked for in my life being called into question. We need to make sure we get it right. If you're going to be in a position where you're 100 percent guilty until innocent, you can't mess up."

Soon after Braun's news conference, Major League Baseball released a statement defending the testing program.

"Our program is not 'fatally flawed,' " executive vice president Rob Manfred said. "Changes will be made promptly to clarify the instructions provided to collectors. Neither Mr. Braun nor the (players union) contended in the grievance that his sample had been tampered with or produced any evidence of tampering."

The head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, David Howman, said under his agency's rules, Braun would have had to show the departure from the rules was related to the test result.

Sizemore out: Indians centerfielder Grady Sizemore has a strained lower back and will miss the start of the season. There is no timetable for his return. Sizemore was hurt a few weeks ago while working his way back from knee surgery.

Orioles: Second baseman Brian Roberts, who didn't play after May 16 last season because of concussion symptoms, partici­pated in light workouts on the first full day of camp. His status for opening day hasn't been determined.

Nationals: Star third baseman Ryan Zimmerman said he wants the framework of a contract extension completed by today or he won't discuss one during the season. He has two seasons left on a $45 million, five-year deal.

Marquette ekes one out

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Times wires
Friday, February 24, 2012

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Jae Crowder scored 26 as No. 10 Marquette, after benching three starters for the first half, overcame a double-digit deficit to beat West Virginia 61-60 on Friday.

Darius Johnson-Odom, the Golden Eagles' leading scorer, sat with Junior Cadougan and Vander Blue due to an undisclosed violation of team rules. Todd Mayo, normally a reserve, started but sat out the second half for the violation.

Still, the Golden Eagles (24-5, 13-3 Big East) won their fifth in a row and 12th in the past 13 games to move half a game ahead of Notre Dame for second in the Big East.

The Mountaineers (17-12, 7-9) might need to win their last two regular-season games — including March 3 vs. USF at the Tampa Bay Times Forum — plus go far in the Big East tournament to make their fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament.

Marquette trailed by 15 early in the second half. But Crowder and Johnson-Odom led a 24-8 run. Cadougan's layup put the Golden Eagles ahead to stay, 54-53, with 4:17 left. West Virginia had a chance to win it, but Darryl "Truck" Bryant missed a wild, off-balance shot from the baseline with two seconds left.

Bryant led West Virginia with 25 points. Teammate Kevin Jones, the conference's leading scorer and rebounder, spent most of the game in foul trouble and was limited to 12 points and six rebounds.

Alabama: Forward JaMychal Green will be available against Mississippi State today after a four-game suspension, coach Anthony Grant said. The Tide's leading scorer and rebounder violated unspecified team rules. Trevor Releford and Andrew Steele missed one game and Tony Mitchell is suspended for the rest of the season for the undisclosed violations.

Michigan: Reserve forward Jon Horford, out since Dec. 10 with a right foot injury, will not return this season, the school said.

Radford: The program lost two scholarships over two seasons and was placed on probation for recruiting inducements and extra benefits. Brad Greenberg — USF's former director of basketball operations and the brother of Virginia Tech coach Seth Greenberg — was Radford's coach until last season and got a five-year show-cause sanction for misleading investigators. Any school wanting to hire him must petition the NCAA and "show cause" why it shouldn't be sanctioned for doing so.

Women: Duke wins battle of top-10 teams

DURHAM, N.C. — Elizabeth Williams scored 19 to lead No. 7 Duke past No. 5 Miami 74-64.

The Blue Devils (23-4, 14-1) clinched the No. 1 seed for next week's ACC tournament for the third consecutive season. The Hurricanes (24-4, 13-2) had won 13 in a row.

Trailed 67-53 with 5½ minutes left, Miami reeled off 11 straight points — all but two coming at the free-throw line. But Chelsea Gray made a driving layup with 1:15 left, and she and Tricia Liston combined to make 5 of 7 free throws to seal it.

No. 1 Baylor 76, Kansas 45: Brittney Griner scored 20 in 28 minutes of action for the visiting Bears (29-0, 16-0 Big 12). A 22-0 run over 8:24 made it 25-3.

No. 6 Maryland 84, N. Carolina 64: Alyssa Thomas had 20 points and 14 rebounds for the host Terps (24-4, 11-4 ACC), who led by 24 at halftime.

Alonso's perfect timing

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Friday, February 24, 2012

TAMPA — On a breezy night in Westchase, struggling Alonso sophomore Elly Pillers was clutch, and hitting coach Sherman Johnson was clairvoyant.

Credit Johnson for calling the Pillers shot — a one-out single in the bottom of the seventh — that lifted the Ravens (5-0, 2-0) to a 3-2 triumph Friday against Class 8A, District 7 foe Wharton.

"We were just talking earlier and I said, 'She has the potential to do incredible, she hasn't done it yet,' " Ravens coach Robin Kopp said. "(Johnson) was like, 'She's coming, she's coming, she's going to hit tonight.' And she did."

Pillers' winner, a grounder up the middle that barely eluded the glove of second baseman Sam Hathcoat, ended a 2-for-12 season-opening funk for the No. 8 hitter and propelled Alonso to its third come-from-behind triumph.

"I was in a big slump," Pillers said, "but right before, my teammates picked me up and they got me through it and I couldn't have done it without them."

Wharton struck first when Hathcoat led off the game with a single, moved to second on Jordan Brett's sacrifice bunt and scored on Kassidy Kujawa's single. USF signee Monica Santos' fifth-inning double scored Brett, giving the Wildcats (4-2, 1-1) a 2-0 lead.

But 'Cats pitcher Katlin Hall, who retired the first 12 batters she faced, walked Kali Martin to open the fifth before surrendering a triple to Ravens ace Erika Shick. Courtney "Red" Smithgall followed with an RBI double to tie the score.

Shick singled to open the seventh and moved to second on Smithgall's grounder, setting up Pillers' winner.

"They really believe in themselves and they pull through," Kopp said. "It seems to be a pattern lately."

Birds will indicate where fish are

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By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
Saturday, February 25, 2012

Watch the birds: To have consistent success finding shallow-water reds and trout, a pattern is needed. Winter low tides have flats — areas often exposed or with skinny water — awaiting the incoming tide. Wading birds that eat the same things fish do, such as worms, shrimp, crabs and small baitfish, will precede the arrival of reds eager to enjoy the same smorgasbord. These birds are often concentrated in one area. This is where the most food is and also where the fish will arrive. As the water depth increases, look for tails or nervous water. Water surfaces that are different from surrounding water indicate fish beginning to move and feed.

Technique: When a large brown tail appears waving slowly, it means a redfish has his snoot in the soft bottom getting food, causing his body to be almost vertical. This is the time to cast. A 7- or 8-weight fly rod with floating line should have a tapered leader at least 9 feet in length. Accuracy is needed to cast almost on the fish's nose small dark crab patterns with a weed guard and bead chain eyes attached to a 20-pound tippet. When the tail goes down, the fish is horizontal. The fly should be moved a few inches. A violent strike should be your reward.

Pro's pointers: As the water deepens with the incoming tide, fish will not show well. A reliable technique for finding them is to look for sand holes. Grass flats will have areas that look bare, varying from a few feet in diameter to larger. They indicate water that is deeper and a frequent ambush point taken up by reds and large trout. Change to a baitfish fly pattern, such as a chartreuse-white or brown-orange closer or deceiver. Cast enough times to cover the sand hole carefully.

Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters in St. Petersburg and can be reached at captpat.com or (727) 504-8649.

Tampa Bay Rays say they respect Manny Ramirez, wish him well

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, February 25, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE

The way it worked out, Manny Ramirez's abrupt and disgraced departure in April was a good thing for the Rays.

It allowed Johnny Damon to be the primary DH, opened a spot on the roster for 1B Casey Kotchman and created the opportunity for Sam Fuld to become a legend. Obviously, they did fine without him.

But by choosing "retirement" after failing another drug test rather than serving a 100-game suspension and rejoining them in August, Ramirez essentially deserted the Rays. Usually in the macho world of pro sports, them's fighting words.

But the Rays greatly enjoyed Manny being Manny last spring. And now that the 39-year-old has returned to baseball, signing a minor-league deal with Oakland after negotiations to cut the suspension to 50 games, they say they are happy to see him back, no grudges held.

"That was a very tough point in his life, and I'm sure he had to make a decision that, I guess, he felt suited him the best," LHP David Price said. "Some people might deem it as being selfish, but everybody has their own opinion. …

"I'm fine with it. He messed up, and he owned up to it. I wish him the best, just not against us."

(Assuming Ramirez returns on time, they'll see him July 30-Aug. 1 in Oakland and Aug. 23-25 at the Trop.)

CF B.J. Upton said the players loved being around Ramirez last spring and don't hold anything against him.

"He's a great guy, and I'm glad he came back," Upton said. "Sometimes there's stuff that goes on outside of baseball that needs to be handled first. If he had to walk away at that time, if he felt like that's what he needed to do, he's played this game long enough that if he felt he had to go, then he had to go.

"It says a lot about a guy to go through what he went through and deal with all the criticism and still be able to look people in the eye and say, 'Yes I was wrong but, you know what, I'm going to come back.' That says more than anything to me."

3B Evan Longoria said it was obvious to him how much Ramirez loved the game, and he can understand how hard it is to let go. "So in that respect," Longoria said, "I'm excited to see him get a job and continue to play the game."

RAYS RUMBLINGS: When manager Joe Maddon said last week that his ever-evolving hair may change again in March, he wasn't kidding — there's chatter he might shave his head for charity. … Interesting the Rays have bobble­heads planned for Desmond Jennings, Kyle Farnsworth and DJ Kitty but no promotions — though the T-shirt giveaways haven't been announced — for Upton and 2011 All-Star Matt Joyce. Nor for Carlos Peña, though he signed relatively late. … Friday is the likely renewal date for pre-arbitration-eligible players who don't agree to salary terms. … Who would have thought Damon would be the last 2011 Ray without a job? … Shannon Magrane, daughter of former Rays TV man Joe, advanced to the final 24 in American Idol. … CBSSports.com's Jon Heyman has the Rays No. 8 in his ranking of most- to least-improved. … Rays rep Megan Washington is among the 30 finalists for a spot in the MLB Fan Cave. … RHP Jeff Niemann on going through (and losing) an arbitration hearing: "You never know as a baseball player you could be dissected in so many ways."

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