By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Times wires
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

MILWAUKEE — Dino I. Laurenzi Jr., the collector at the center of the Ryan Braun drug-testing controversy, said Tuesday he followed proper procedures in storing test samples in the basement of his home.

"At no point did I tamper in any way with the samples," Laurenzi said in a statement issued through a New York attorney.

Laurenzi, 52, a director of rehabilitation services for United Hospital System in Kenosha, Wis., said he wanted to "set the record straight" in a statement in which he defended his professional credentials and provided details of drug testing in the modern age of baseball.

"I followed the same procedure in collecting Mr. Braun's sample as I did in the hundreds of other samples I collected under the (drug-testing) Program," said Laurenzi, a collector for Comprehensive Drug Testing since 2005.

The statement amounted to a return volley against Braun, who won an appeal over a positive drug test and avoided a 50-game suspension. The appeal turned on the issue of how his urine sample was handled.

Friday, Braun told reporters: "There were a lot of things that we learned about the collector, about the collection process, about the way the entire thing worked that made us very concerned and very suspicious about what could have actually happened."

Braun declined to comment Tuesday.

MISSING THE CAPTAIN: Catcher Jason Varitek is retiring, and even though it was expected for much of the winter, it doesn't make it any easier to take for the Red Sox.

"It's something that we are used to it, seeing Tek walking around and doing his thing," DH David Ortiz said. "Been a while since you walk in here and the first person you see is Tek. Walking in and not seeing him, it's like something unexpected.

"Watching Tek and this decision, hopefully he feels good about it. Hopefully he's being honest with himself. Man, I mean we're going to miss him."

ASTROS: Right-hander Brett Myers, last season's opening-day starter, will be the closer this season, manager Brad Mills said. Myers, 31, started 34 games last season and went 7-14 with a 4.46 ERA.

A'S: Manager Bob Melvin named right-hander Brandon McCarthy his opening day starter.

BRAVES: First baseman Freddie Freeman is expected to miss at least two weeks after injuring his right knee.

MARINERS: Centerfielder Franklin Gutierrez, who played only 92 games in an injury-plagued 2011 season, left camp after injuring his shoulder.

NATIONALS: Left-hander Sammy Solis, one of the team's top prospects, is scheduled to have elbow ligament replacement surgery next week.

ROYALS: Left-hander Danny Duffy agreed to a one-year contract for $487,750.

TIGERS: Centerfielder Austin Jackson is changing his swing, forcing himself to keep his front leg down after 181 strikeouts last season as a leadoff hitter.

Times wires
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

TAMPA — It's only 5 more inches, but in Joba Chamberlain's mind he took his most significant step yet Tuesday morning in his recovery from elbow ligament replacement surgery.

Chamberlain, 26, who had the procedure on June 16, threw off a full 10-inch mound instead of a half mound, the first time he has done so in his rehab that continues to progress ahead of schedule.

"It's the last step in getting back," Chamberlain said after his 16-pitch session, watched by manager Joe Girardi, pitching coach Larry Rothschild and other staff, including guest instructor Andy Pettitte. "Just to know that you're on the mound and the last step for you is to start spinning stuff (curveballs). You know you've gotten over every hurdle to this point and I'm thankful for that."

Every hurdle hasn't been entirely cleared, and Tuesday's step doesn't mean the right-hander is going to be a factor in what is expected to be a crowded — and standout — bullpen anytime soon.

General manager Brian Cashman has maintained that the goal is to have Chamberlain back by, at the earliest, mid to late June. The time frame for pitchers returning after Tommy John surgery is generally 12-14 months.

"I think June," Cashman said earlier in spring training. "If you ask him, he's going to tell you May or April. We have to really help him with that because he's worked extremely hard."

KURODA SET: Manager Joe Girardi indicated that RHP Hiroki Kuroda will join opening-day starter CC Sabathia in the five-man rotation.

Jays: Litsch ailing

DUNEDIN — RHP Jesse Litsch, the former Dixie Hollins standout and Rays batboy, will be shut down for at least a week after feeling soreness in his pitching shoulder.

Litsch was examined by noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews, the National Post of Toronto reported, and was told to rest the injury.

Litsch, 26, pitched 75 innings in 28 appearances, 20 in relief, last season in his comeback from elbow ligament replacement surgery. He went 6-3 with a 4.44 ERA and is expected to compete for a starting job.

PITCHER IMPROVING: RHP Carlos Villanueva, a candidate for one of the final bullpen spots, continued to make progress in his return from a right hand injury that might have been related to a circulation problem.

Villanueva, 28, played catch for a second straight day on and didn't have any issues with the hand, which felt cold when he woke up Saturday. Villanueva went through a series of tests at a local hospital and was placed on medication that acts like a blood thinner.

Phils: Ready to start

CLEARWATER — The Phillies begin their spring training schedule today, sort of.

Philadelphia is scheduled to host Florida State at Bright House Field at 1:05 p.m. Manager Jerry Manuel unveiled a lineup card that included several regulars, including SS Jimmy Rollins and RF Hunter Pence, but said 2B Chase Utley and 3B Placido Polanco will not play. He added that 1B Jim Thome will get at least one at-bat but will not play in the field.

Pitching for the Phillies will be predominantly minor-leaguers, starting with RHP Austin Hyatt, 25, who likely will start the season at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. He's scheduled to be followed by LHPs Jake Diekman and Jeremy Horst, RHP Michael Schwimer, LHP Joe Savery and RHPs J.C. Ramirez, B.J. Rosenberg and Phillippe Aumont.

Times staff, wires
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Brad Keselowski can keep his cellphone in his car during events, and all drivers are encouraged to use social media, NASCAR said Tuesday.

Keselowski drew worldwide attention for posting on Twitter during a two-hour delay in Monday night's Daytona 500. He tweeted pictures, answered questions and kept fans informed of what was happening after Juan Pablo Montoya's crash with a safety vehicle.

The Twitter activity gained Keselowski roughly 140,000 followers during the race. But there was concern having a phone violated NASCAR rules. Teams are prohibited from having recording devices in the car that are not for competition purposes, and two-way communication devices are supposed to be analog only.

Keselowski did not violate any rules and can keep his phone, NASCAR said.

safety worker grateful: The driver of the safety truck that ended up in flames is thanking fans for their concern.

Duane Barnes was driving the jet dryer that was hit under caution when something broke on Montoya's car and sent it careening into the truck. The collision caused a raging inferno that scorched the track.

Barnes was evaluated at a Daytona hospital and released.

"I appreciate everyone for taking the time to write, call and ask how I am," Barnes said in a statement. "I am OK, and I am amazed at how many people have wished me well. I am also glad Juan Pablo Montoya is OK, and thank him for his concern."

Barnes is a 24-year employee of Michigan International Speedway and frequently assists at tracks owned by International Speedway Corp.

night thoughts: NASCAR president Mike Helton was unsure if the sport will consider weeknight racing going forward. "The primary interest is weekends, because that's what we do. But (the 500) unfortunately gave us a sample to look at, I guess, for down the road."

Roush gets No. 300: Matt Kenseth's win made Roush Fenway Racing the first team to get 300 wins in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and trucks combined. "This is a special night," Jack Roush said. "It feels great.

milestone: Kenseth is the ninth driver to win multiple Daytona 500s and the fourth active driver to do so. The other three active drivers are Jeff Gordon (3), Michael Waltrip (2) and Bill Elliott (2).

Times staff writer Matt Baker contributed to this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Rams are willing to trade the second overall pick of the April draft.

The team will make a deal under the right circumstances but has not made any commitments despite a report Monday a trade had been decided, chief operating officer Kevin Demoff said Tuesday.

Quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are expected to go 1-2 in the draft, with Indianapolis holding the top pick. The Rams need plenty of help but are set at quarterback with Sam Bradford, the first overall pick in 2010.

The Colts are widely expected to take Luck as the heir to Peyton Manning. Griffin, last year's Heisman Trophy winner at Baylor, is seen as a good fit with a number of teams.

The Redskins are prepared to part with two first-round draft picks, plus other selections in the early and middle rounds, to secure the Rams' pick, the Washington Post reported.

scouting combine: UCF's Josh Robinson had the fastest 40-yard dash time among 10 defensive backs who worked out Tuesday, the combine's last day in Indianapolis. Robinson's time was 4.33 seconds.

49ers: Linebacker Ahmad Brooks signed a six-year, $44.5 million contract extension that will take him through 2017.

free agency: Receiver Mario Manningham denied saying there is a 75 percent chance he would leave the Giants. "It's a 50-50 percent chance," he said. Free agency begins March 13. … Receiver Plaxico Burress said the Jets want him back but "nothing else would make me happier" than playing for the Eagles, he told a Philadelphia radio station.

concussion suits: In the latest lawsuit accusing the league of negligence in its handling of head injuries, former Cowboys defensive lineman Michael Myers alleges concussions have affected his short-term memory and caused migraine headaches and other health problems. Dallas drafted Myers in 1998; he played six seasons for it in a 10-year career. An NFL spokesman said the league hadn't seen the suit but any allegation it intentionally sought to mislead players has "no merit."

Times wires
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

college football

texas A&M, missouri reach big 12 exit fees

IRVING, Texas — Texas A&M and Missouri have agreed to pay $12.4 million each to leave the Big 12 and join the SEC in July.

The agreements were reached "though a collegial, respectful process among the Conference, its institutions," and the departing schools, interim commissioner Chuck Neinas said Tuesday in a statement.

Texas A&M will receive unspecified benefits from the Big 12's new television contract with Fox Sports and "certain other concessions." The school's bottom-line financial impact will be $9.31 million, president R. Bowen Loftin said.

Missouri waived any claims to revenue from the TV deal, which takes effect in July, and agreed to pay the Big 12 another $500,000 to cover officiating expenses for 2011-12.

more colleges

Temple could vote to join Big East today

Temple's Board of Trustees will meet this afternoon and could accept an invitation to become an all sports member of the Big East, CSNPhilly.com reported.

Reports last week said Temple would likely join the Big East in 2012 in all sports. Temple currently is a football member in the Mid-American and other sports are members of the Atlantic 10. It would cost Temple $2 million to leave the Atlantic 10 with less than one year's notice and at least $2.5 million to leave the MAC, CBSSports.com reported.

"This (board meeting) is driven by the 2012 football schedule," board chairman Patrick J. O'Connor said. "Decisions have to be made. There are time considerations."

texas tech: Football coach Tommy Tuberville has been sued in federal court, accused of defrauding investors out of more than $1.7 million in Alabama following his tenure at Auburn. Tuberville spent two seasons out of coaching before taking the Texas Tech job. He co-founded TS Capital Management, according to the suit, which said Tuberville was "responsible for the investment direction, capital raising, and the day-to-day oversight of business decisions." Tuberville denies wrongdoing and has never met or spoken with most of the plaintiffs, said a statement through his attorney, Vic Hayslip of Birmingham, Ala.

et cetera

boxing: The WBC suspended Dereck Chisora indefinitely for his brawl with former WBA champion David Haye after a title fight against Vitali Klitschko in Germany. The WBC said Chisora's conduct before and after the Feb. 18 fight "is considered one of the worst behaviors ever by a professional boxer." It said it is also giving Chisora a "serious fine," to be determined after a hearing. Chisora will be taken off the WBC rankings and is banned from fighting for its title. He is not prevented from fighting for titles sanctioned by the WBA or IBF. The WBC said it will reconsider the suspension if Chisora seeks treatment for anger management.

tennis: Roger Federer brushed aside Michael Llodra 6-0, 7-6 (8-6) to reach the second round of the Dubai Championships, and error-prone Andy Murray beat qualifier Michael Berrer 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. … Top seed and Tampa resident John Isner outlasted Jesse Levine 6-4, 7-5 (17-15) in their first-round match at the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships.

Times wires

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

TAMPA — There still is no definitive word on the nature of the injury with which Lightning D Victor Hedman is dealing or how long he will be sidelined.

But GM Steve Yzerman said Tuesday "we don't believe it is concussion related" and "I'm hoping" he will play this season."

Asked if he could be more specific, Yzerman said he could not because the injury hasn't been officially diagnosed. "I don't want to give you incorrect information," he said. Yzerman did say Hedman, out two games since he was hurt Saturday against the Penguins, might see more doctors but that has yet to be determined.

There was more information about D Marc-Andre Bergeron, who has missed 20 of Tampa Bay's past 21 games with a back injury affecting his sciatic nerve.

Bergeron flew to New York on Tuesday to see a doctor. "We're trying to find out what's the deal and get rid of it," he said before he left. "I'm sure there's a way to get rid of it and resolve the situation."

Even so, Bergeron said he is wrapping his head around perhaps not playing again this season. "Could be," he said, "yeah."

SICK BAY: The flu is running through the locker room, so today's practice was cancelled.

C Nate Thompson and D Brendan Mikkelson did not play against the Canadiens. Also affected was RW Teddy Purcell and LW Ryan Malone, both of whom played, and assistant coach Marty Raymond, who missed the morning skate but was at the game. Even coach Guy Boucher said he had a bucket at the ready behind the bench.

To compensate, Tampa Bay recalled forwards Mike Angelidis and Trevor Smith and, for the 10th time, D Evan Oberg. RW Pierre-Cedric Labrie also was recalled.

MORE MEDICAL MATTERS: In a best-case scenario, C Vinny Lecavalier, out five games with a fractured right hand, could be back in 10 days, Boucher said.

DISCIPLINE: Because of his second-period altercation with Alexei Emelin, Malone received two minutes for unsportsmanlike conduct, five for fighting and a game misconduct, for which he was automatically fined $200 and is subject to supplemental discipline by the league.

Malone went after Emelin for a check Emelin threw when Malone did not have the puck. Emelin did not fight back as Malone pounded.

"It's not old-school hockey, it's pretty much hockey," Malone said. "If they feel they can take a cheap shot at someone and then not stand up for themselves, that's the way they play. I think I always played fair where if I take a cheap shot at someone, you have to kind of pay your dues."

Told Emelin does not fight because his face was caved in during a 2009 fight in Russia's KHL against former Lightning Alex Svitov and had to be reconstructed, Malone said, "Then he shouldn't do that."

ODDS AND ENDS: D Brett Clark will be at McDonald's, 1905 N Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, from 7-8 tonight for the Lightning Hockey Night radio show. … Wings Ryan Shannon (upper body) and Tim Wallace also were scratched.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, February 28, 2012

TAMPA — Mathieu Garon was not about to say his effort Tuesday night against the Canadiens was his best of the season, but he did allow "it was up there."

After watching him make 23 saves in a 2-1 victory at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, his teammates weren't as nuanced.

" 'Gary' was great," center Steve Stamkos said.

"He was spectacular," center Adam Hall said. "We probably won the game because of him."

It was the kind of game for a goalie to stand tall. Tampa Bay (29-28-6) was depleted with six regulars out because of injury or illness. It also lost Ryan Malone 8:16 into the second period when he received a game misconduct for going after Alexei Emelin in retaliation for what he considered a cheap shot.

Four minor-leaguers were in the lineup. Defensemen Mike Commodore and Brian Lee and right wing Brandon Segal played their first games after being acquired in trades Monday.

So, after Stamkos in the first period scored his league-best 44th goal and Hall's first goal since opening night, 28 seconds into the second, broke a 1-1 tie, it was up to Garon.

"This is the best we could have gotten from these guys," coach Guy Boucher said. "I don't know how many American leaguers we had in there and new guys having no clue how we play jumping out there. Like we say to the players, we're in the business of doing the impossible, and that's what we needed to do."

The Lightning with its second straight win gained a point in the playoff race. It still is 11th in the Eastern Conference but just five points behind the Capitals for the eighth and final spot.

"We're not going to quit," Garon said. "We battle till the end like we've done the last month and a half. That's the way we're going to survive."

The Lightning, outshot 24-22, survived because it killed a five-minute, second-period Montreal power play that stemmed from Malone's altercation.

The Canadiens got just three shots on goal, but Garon had to come up big with left-leg saves on P.K. Subban's slap shot and Erik Cole's close-in wrist shot.

"We didn't give them much time and space, and our guys were in the shooting lanes," Boucher said. "That's what the penalty kill is about, who is willing to pay the price? Our guys were terrific."

Especially the newcomers. Commodore played 15:32 with four hits and three blocked shots, and was on the ice for the final 28 seconds. Lee played 15:31 with two hits and two blocks.

Garon was out there the entire time.

"We needed very good goaltending," Boucher said. "We certainly got it."

First Period—1, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 44 (Purcell, St. Louis), 8:42. 2, Montreal, Desharnais 13, 16:02. Penalties—Commodore, TB (interference), 10:37.

Second Period—3, Tampa Bay, Hall 2 (Malone, Wyman), :28. Penalties—Emelin, Mon (interference), 5:56; Staubitz, Mon, minor-misconduct (interference), 8:16; Malone, TB, minor-major-game misconduct (unsportsmanlike conduct, fighting), 8:16; Connolly, TB (tripping), 15:29; Kaberle, Mon (hooking), 17:27.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Staubitz, Mon, major (fighting), 3:47; Labrie, TB, major (fighting), 3:47; Weber, Mon (high-sticking), 9:37. Shots on Goal—Montreal 9-9-6—24. Tampa Bay 9-7-6—22. Power-play opportunities—Montreal 0 of 3; Tampa Bay 0 of 3. Goalies—Montreal, Price 22-24-9 (22 shots-20 saves). Tampa Bay, Garon 21-16-4 (24-23).

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays have sold out their April 6 opener against the New York Yankees.

The Rays said only scattered single tickets remain.

It is believed to be the third earliest they have done so.

"It's nice to know, it's heartening that we sold out Opening Day in February,'' principal owner Stuart Sternberg said. "Thank God for the 29th.''

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

TAMPA

Prechae Rodriguez never suited up for a regular season varsity football game while at Jefferson High.

But nearly a decade after graduating from the Dragons program, Rodriguez will finally get to show off his football prowess in his hometown — this time with the Tampa Bay Storm.

"It's been a long road," he said. "But eventually, this is where I always wanted to be."

Rodriguez's football odyssey has taken him to the wheat fields of Kansas, through the ol' Dixie, up to the Big Apple and on to nearly every major city in Canada.

"I couldn't be happier to be home," he said.

Rodriguez was academically ineligible for football his junior and senior seasons (2002-03) at Jefferson, but was eligible for spring drills. That's when he caught the eyes of college scouts.

"They all were like 'who is this guy,' because they hadn't seen me play on the field before," Rodriguez said. "And we had such incredibly talented athletes there like (NFL wide receiver) Andre Caldwell. (Scouts) would come out to our practices in droves."

With his academic issues a concern, Rodriguez signed with junior college powerhouse Coffeyville in Kansas. But a curious opportunity arose the summer before he left for Kansas when Rodriguez took part in the And 1 Mixtape Tour basketball open run at USF.

"There was like six or seven thousand people out there that day," he said. "It was amazing."

Rodriguez, who played basketball at Jefferson while eligible during the spring semester, impressed the organizers. He went on to win a dunk contest and was offered a contract to join the And 1 Tour, even earning the nickname "Special Delivery" from tour members in attendance. But Rodriguez turned down the potentially lucrative opportunity due to concern it would interfere with his football eligibility.

"It would have been fun because And 1 was so big back then," he said. "Basketball was always my first love, but I wanted to go to school."

After two years at Coffeyville, Rodriguez finished up at Auburn before joining the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent. Rodriguez was cut from the Jets, but joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League in 2008, earning the East Division Rookie of the Year award after catching 70 balls for 1,099 yards and seven touchdowns.

"It took a little bit to get adjusted to the different rules (in Canada)," he said. "But when I did, I ran with it."

Rodriguez battled knee injuries his second season in Hamilton and bounced around the CFL the next three seasons, making stops in Saskatchewan, Montreal, Edmonton and Toronto.

"I kind of got caught up in the numbers game," Rodriguez said, referring to the CFL's 19 non-quarterback import player maximum per team. "My son was here in Tampa, and I wanted to be closer to him. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

Rodriguez, who originally thought about playing for Storm upon former Tampa Bay quarterback B.J. Hall's recommendation, reached out to coach Dave Ewart.

"He's a big kid with real good hands," Ewart said. "We lost some guys at wideout but I think he's going to make big contributions."

With Tampa Bay losing two of its top three wideouts from last year — Huey Whittaker and Hank Edwards — the 6-foot-4 Rodriguez figures to pair with 2011 leading receiver Amarri Jackson to form a potent outside threat.

"He can go up and get the ball," Ewart said. "That's something we lost with losing Edwards and Whittaker)."

And if area fans aren't familiar with Rodriguez's name yet or don't own one of his Storm jerseys, perhaps one day they'll be wearing one of his designs. He started a clothing line call Alpha Stahr Apparel that will be featured in the upcoming Gasparilla Fashion Week.

"My mother was a model and always dressed nice, so being in style is something that I grew up with," Rodriguez said. "I've got a lot going on right now but football is No. 1. I can't wait to get (the season) started."

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Matt Joyce tested his musical mettle this offseason, learning to play songs on a keyboard, as well as his Yamaha acoustic guitar.

Joyce's newfound hobby served as a release — likening it to Evan Longoria and his drums — but the Tampa native was able to master Beethoven's Fur Elise on the piano and string Oasis' Wonderwall.

"I'm not going for American Idol anytime soon," Joyce said, smiling.

Joyce, 27, would rather focus on following up an All-Star season, his first full year in the majors, and making it less of a roller coaster. There was the spectacular start, leading the majors in hitting as late as June 2, getting as high as .377 to get selected by the players to the midsummer classic. But as the league adjusted to Joyce, and a shoulder injury bothered him, his average dipped back to .277.

"The biggest thing is being consistent," Joyce said. "Finding that consistency to go out there every week, every month, every day and have consistent at-bats, and play consistent baseball. And when you do that, you're able to help your team a lot."

Joyce has come a long way since joining the Rays before the 2009 season. Always known for his hitting and power from the left side, Joyce — nicknamed "Sweet Swingin' " — had to learn the "Rays Way" of doing things, becoming a more seasoned and smart baserunner, and stout defender. Whereas manager Joe Maddon had been brutally honest with constructive criticism in previous spring meetings with Joyce, Monday's session had a lot more positives.

"He's as dangerous a hitter as we thought he is," Maddon said. "I think that's going to continue to get better also as he understands what they're trying to do to him better. ... As a complete player, I thought you could see a little bit of an improvement almost everywhere last year. That's the thing in our meetings we set out for him, we wanted to make him a better baseball player, not just a hitter."

Joyce said his second half struggles last year were partly due to a nagging left shoulder injury, which effected his swing. "I couldn't really stay through the ball," he said. Teams also pitched to him differently, as Joyce moved around in the order. "You slide up and down the lineup so much, I couldn't tell you who was behind me or what not, but protection definitely plays a part in it," Joyce said. "Because you're not going to see the same pitches."

Maddon said the fact the Rays gave him more opportunities against left-handers, which he hit .217 against, played a role in the average drop, compared to his .290 clip vs. righties. Joyce appeared in 141 games, starting 121, with Maddon saying he believes the former Armwood star can be an everyday player, once he "develops a firmer plan" against left-handed pitchers.

"(Joyce) is incredibly talented," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "He's got a really good ability to discern balls and strikes. When he stays in that mode, his production numbers are through the roof. And sometimes, when he scuffles a bit, he starts to expand more. So it's just, for him, remaining process orientated because he's got the skill set to perform extremely well over the course of an entire season, as opposed to some up and down months.'

And while two of Joyce's career-high 19 homers came in the final 31 games, he hit a huge one, a three-run shot in the seventh inning Sept. 27 against the Yankees, giving the Rays the lead as they capped off their historic comeback to the American League wild card.

"Last year was great — to make the All-Star team, to make the playoffs like we did, it was an absolute dream," Joyce said. "To do it on this team where we have such great guys makes it that much more enjoyable. You learn a lot, and hopefully you're able to repeat your success and get more consistent with it."

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Matt Joyce tested his musical mettle this offseason, learning to play songs on a keyboard as well as his Yamaha acoustic guitar.

Joyce's newfound hobby served as a release — likening it to Evan Longoria and his drums — but the Tampa native was able to master Beethoven's Fur Elise on the piano and string Oasis' Wonderwall.

"I'm not going for American Idol any time soon," the rightfielder said, smiling.

Joyce, 27, would rather focus on following up an All-Star season, his first full year in the majors, and making it less of a roller coaster. There was the spectacular start, leading the majors in hitting as late as June 2 and getting as high as .377 to get selected by the players to the midsummer classic.

But as the league adjusted to Joyce and a shoulder injury bothered him, his average dipped to .277.

"The biggest thing is being consistent," Joyce said; "finding that consistency to go out there every week, every month, every day and have consistent at-bats and play consistent baseball. And when you do that, you're able to help your team a lot."

Joyce has come a long way since joining the Rays before the 2009 season. Always known for his hitting and power from the left side, Joyce — nicknamed "Sweet Swingin' " — had to learn the "Rays Way" of doing things, becoming a more seasoned and smart baserunner and stout defender.

Whereas manager Joe Maddon was brutally honest with constructive criticism in previous spring meetings with Joyce, Monday's session had a lot more positives.

"He's as dangerous a hitter as we thought he is," Maddon said. "I think that's going to continue to get better as he understands what they're trying to do to him better. As a complete player, I thought you could see a little bit of an improvement almost everywhere last year. That's the thing in our meetings we set out for him. We wanted to make him a better baseball player, not just a hitter."

Joyce said his second-half struggles last year were partly due to a nagging left shoulder injury that affected his swing.

"I couldn't really stay through the ball," he said.

Teams also pitched to him differently as Joyce moved around in the order.

"You slide up and down the lineup so much, I couldn't tell you who was behind me or whatnot," Joyce said. "But protection definitely plays a part in it because you're not going to see the same pitches."

Maddon said the fact the Rays gave him more opportunities against left-handers, which he hit .217 against compared to his .290 clip against righties — played a role in the average drop. Joyce appeared in 141 games, starting 121, with Maddon saying he believes the former Armwood High star can be an everyday player once he "develops a firmer plan" against left-handed pitchers.

"(Joyce) is incredibly talented," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "He's got a really good ability to discern balls and strikes. When he stays in that mode, his production numbers are through the roof.

"And sometimes, when he scuffles a bit, he starts to expand more. So it's just, for him, remaining process orientated because he's got the skill set to perform extremely well over the course of an entire season as opposed to some up and down months."

And while only two of Joyce's career-high 19 homers came in the final 31 games, he hit a huge one, a three-run shot in the seventh inning Sept. 27 against the Yankees, giving the Rays the lead as they capped their historic comeback to the American League wild card.

"Last year was great. To make the All-Star team, to make the playoffs like we did, it was an absolute dream," Joyce said. "To do it on this team, where we have such great guys, makes it that much more enjoyable.

"You learn a lot, and hopefully, you're able to repeat your success and get more consistent with it."

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

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Gridiron Alumni is planning several full-contact alumni football games in Brooksville during the next couple of months.

Gridiron Alumni is an organization that travels around the country pitting old high school football rivals against each other. Players are still needed. The first 40 players on each team get to play, and the team that gets 30 people registered first gets home-field advantage.

Teams from Central High, Hernando High, Hernando Christian Academy and Nature Coast Technical High are forming. Games are scheduled for this month and April.

For information, call Chris Hall at (530) 410-6396 or go to gridironalumni.com.

ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUES: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department will have three adult softball leagues — coed, men's and women's — starting this month at the adult fields at the Jerome Brown Community Center.

Men's games will be on Mondays, beginning March 19. Women's games will be on Tuesdays, beginning March 20. Coed games will be on Thursdays, beginning March 22.

Games will be at 7, 8:15 and 9 p.m. There is a sponsor fee of $250, a player fee of $20 and a new team fee of $25. All rosters and fees are due by March 8.

For information, call the Parks and Recreation Department at (352) 540-3830.

TENNIS FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS: The Nature Coast Tennis Foundation has announced that 2012 scholarship applications are available for high school seniors.

Two $500 scholarships will be awarded by the organization. There are two applications online at nctf.usta.com — one for an academic scholarship available to all seniors, the other specifically for tennis players. The application deadline is April 1.

For information, visit the website or send email to nctf@tampabay.rr.com.

DAWN CENTER GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Hernando Oaks Women's Golf Association will sponsor a golf tournament to benefit the Dawn Center. The tournament is on April 18 at Hernando Oaks Golf and Country Club in Brooksville.

The event will begin at 8 a.m., with all proceeds donated to the Dawn Center, Hernando County's nonprofit shelter for abused women and children.

Golfer registration is $65 per person and includes the tournament, buffet, contests and prizes. Hole sponsorships are available for $50. The golf reservation deadline is March 30; spots are limited.

For information, send email to Andrea McGregor at HOWGACharities@aol.com.

SMART START BASKETBALL: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor Smart Start Youth Basketball starting Monday at the Jerome Brown Community Center.

The program is designed to teach 3- and 4-year-olds the fundamentals of the sport while emphasizing motor skills. The coaches also will help participants learn how to play organized basketball and spend one-on-one time with parents.

The one-hour camp will be once a week on Mondays for six weeks. Parents can sign up for either the 10:30 a.m. session or the 5:30 p.m. session. The intensity and difficulty of the exercises will increase each week.

For information, call Tiffany Taylor at (352) 540-3835.

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

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

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

Copeland, 41, a former University of Miami and Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver, now lives in the area.

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

ST. JUDE GOLF FUNDRAISER: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital will have a golf tournament Saturday at the Dunes Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee. Proceeds go to research at the hospital.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For information, call Mark Michel at (813) 486-2641 or email SWFCbowling@tampabay.rr.com. Information also is available online at southwestfloridaclassic.com.

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

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

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

Individual hole sponsorships also are available for pets and their human companions. Proceeds will go toward the care of homeless pets in Hernando, Citrus, Pasco and Sumter counties.

For information, call (352) 797-0962.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays officials are eagerly awaiting official word from Major League Baseball that the playoff field will be expanded to include an additional wild-card team in each league for this season.

Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said he expects the change to be implemented. With all parties operating under commissioner Bud Selig's March 1 deadline, an announcement is expected today, FoxSports.com reporting Wednesday that the plan was "a go."

The new format would seem to help the Rays in that it allows another team — and potentially a third-place team — to make the playoffs, but also puts a much greater premium on winning the division, since the two wild-card teams would first meet in what is expected to be a one-game playoff.

Since the regular-season schedule has already been released, MLB, players union and TV network officials have been working out details of when the games will be played, how revenues will be split and where they will be shown.

MOORE BETTER: LHP Matt Moore said his mildly strained lower abdomen "felt great" after playing catch at a distance of 75 feet, but there is still no set timetable for him to return to the mound.

The Rays say they are not concerned but just being cautious, and that unless Moore's absence carries into next week it will not prevent him from being ready to start the regular season. "(Head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield) is going to try to accelerate it a little bit more (today)," manager Joe Maddon said.

GAME BOYS: Most of the Rays will participate in a four-inning intrasquad game after an abbreviated workout this morning.

The concept is for pitchers to get the chance to face hitters in more game-like conditions, but the bigger benefit is the situational work the Rays will do between innings on specific offensive and defensive plays, and implementing their signs (which is a reason why the game is not open to the public.) "We have this opportunity to set things up and have our guys react accordingly to that," Maddon said.

LHP Cesar Ramos and RHP Josh Lueke will start, followed by RHPs Alex Cobb, Matt Torra, Marquis Fleming, Matt Bush and LHP Alex Torres. (See lineups at left.) The teams will be managed by bullpen catcher Scott Cursi and video coordinator Chris "Chico" Fernandez. Among those not listed to play: 1B Carlos Pena, C Jose Molina, LF Sam Fuld and DH Luke Scott.

THE RUNDOWN: The Rays worked on pickoffs and rundowns Wednesday, a focal point of their efforts to control opponents' running games. "We're not any smarter than anybody else; at the end of the day it always comes down to who executes better than the other team," Maddon said.

PITCHING IN: After LHP David Price starts Saturday's exhibition opener, the rest of the rotation has RHP Jeremy Hellickson on Sunday, RHP Wade Davis Monday, RHP Jeff Niemann Tuesday, RHP James Shields Wednesday.

MISCELLANY: 3B Evan Longoria taped a national TV commercial for MLB, one of 10 players to be featured. ... The Rays will partner with four Charlotte County area charities to raise funds during the spring: the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and the Homeless Coalition. … There is an event tonight for spring season-ticket holders including a q-and-a with Ben Zobrist and broadcast of the Countdown to Opening Day radio show from 7-8, on 620-AM.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays officials are eagerly awaiting official word from Major League Baseball that the playoff field will be expanded to include an additional wild-card team in each league for this season.

Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said he expects the change to be implemented. With all parties operating under commissioner Bud Selig's deadline of today, an announcement is expected today and FoxSports.com reported Wednesday the plan is "a go."

The new format would seem to help the Rays in that it allows another team — potentially a third-place team — to make the playoffs. But it also puts a greater premium on winning the division because the two wild-card teams would first meet in what is expected to be a one-game playoff.

Because the regular-season schedule has been released, MLB, players union and TV network officials have been working out details of when the games will be played, how revenues will be split and where they will be shown.

MOORE BETTER: LHP Matt Moore said his mildly strained lower abdomen "felt great" after playing catch at 75 feet, but there is still no timetable for him to return to the mound.

The Rays say they are not concerned but just being cautious and that unless Moore's absence carries into next week, it will not prevent him from being ready to start the regular season.

"(Head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield) is going to try to accelerate it a little bit more (today)," manager Joe Maddon said.

GAME BOYS: Most of the Rays will participate in a four-inning intrasquad game after an abbreviated workout this morning.

The concept is for pitchers to get the chance to face hitters in more game-like conditions. But the bigger benefit is the situational work the Rays will do between innings on specific offensive and defensive plays and implementing their signs (which is a reason why the game is not open to the public.)

"We have this opportunity to set things up and have our guys react accordingly to that," Maddon said.

LHP Cesar Ramos and RHP Josh Lueke will start followed by RHPs Alex Cobb, Matt Torra, Marquis Fleming, Matt Bush and LHP Alex Torres. The teams will be managed by bullpen catcher Scott Cursi and video coordinator Chris "Chico" Fernandez. Among those not listed to play: 1B Carlos Peña, C Jose Molina, LF Sam Fuld and DH Luke Scott.

THE RUNDOWN: The Rays worked on pickoffs and rundowns Wednesday, a focal point of their efforts to control opponents' running games.

"We're not any smarter than anybody else," Maddon said. "At the end of the day, it always comes down to who executes better than the other team."

PITCHING IN: After LHP David Price starts Saturday's exhibition opener, the rest of the rotation has RHP Jeremy Hellickson on Sunday, RHP Wade Davis on Monday, RHP Jeff Niemann on Tuesday and RHP James Shields on Wednesday.

MISCELLANY: 3B Evan Longoria taped a national TV commercial for MLB, one of 10 players to be featured. … The Rays will partner with four Charlotte County area charities to raise funds during the spring: the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and the Homeless Coalition. … There is an event tonight for spring season-ticket holders, including a question-and-answer session with Ben Zobrist and broadcast of the Countdown to Opening Day radio show from 7 to 8 on 620-AM.

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

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Keith Aulie believed he was about to watch his father die.

He could see him underwater, scratching the bottom of the 4 inches of ice keeping him submerged while searching for the hole through which he fell.

"He's searching for the hole, not knowing where to go and he starts going the wrong way," Keith said. "I just thought, this is the absolute worst, standing here watching your dad basically run out of air and die."

But Bill Aulie did not die. After about a minute he got close enough to the hole that his son reached in up to his shoulder, grabbed Bill and pulled him to the surface.

Keith threw his father over his shoulder "like a bag of ice," Bill said, and carried him several hundred yards to the family home.

That was Dec. 22, 2005. Keith, 16 at the time, would be honored with the Canadian Red Cross' Rescuer Award.

"It's something we don't talk about much," said the Lightning defenseman acquired Monday from the Maple Leafs and expected to join the team today. "But it's something that will always be between us. We're not going to take anything for granted."

"He was my son," Bill said. "But after something like that happens, I probably don't treat him like a son anymore. It's more like a very, very, very close friend.

"How do you treat someone who just saved your life? It's just been a real different relationship, a lot more respect."

•••

The Aulie family — Bill, 50, wife Karen and their kids Keith, 22, and Krystal, 21 — has a 3,500-acre farm in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, about 30 miles south of Regina. The farm grows lentils, wheat, oats and flax. In the winter, Bill trains Clydesdale horses.

Bill likes to say he handles the mechanical end of the operation while Keith — the Western league's 2007 scholastic player of the year while playing juniors for Brandon — is on the computers.

"We monitor all our yields and moisture data on all the crops, and he's so good at that stuff," Bill said. "He pushes. He wants above-average performance with everything. Sometimes it costs a bit more money and I drag my feet, but I know it's the right thing because he's researched it. He pushes performance the same as he does on the ice. He's never satisfied with average. He wants to be the best."

"I actually love it," Keith said of farming. "I love being out in the summer and farming with my dad. It's a good transition from being in a rink all winter to being out in an open space. Coming in after a good day's work and sitting in the shed and visiting with your friends, I just love that."

Keith in December 2005 was home to play in the under-17 World Hockey Challenge in Regina. There was a plan to skate on a pond on the farm.

After drilling holes to check ice thickness — 14 inches, Bill remembers, more than safe — he drove a tractor across the pond to clear the snow. But about three-quarters of the way across, the ice cracked and the tractor, with Bill in the cab, crashed through into 14 feet of water.

•••

Bill figures the piled up snow on the far end of the pond was enough insulation so the ice froze to only 4 inches.

For 15 seconds, Bill said, he was okay in the enclosed cab. But then the water pressure blew out the back window and also his left ear drum. He swam out the window to the surface and began the desperate search for escape.

"I would say about a minute," Bill said of being underwater. "I was just mad Keith was going to watch me die under there. I try to be cautious but I thought this was one of the dumbest things I'd done, to put Keith in a spot where he was going to watch his dad die."

Making the drama worse was the water sloshing up on the ice cleaned it so, as Keith said, "I could see him through the ice like a pane of glass. It was a pretty dramatic experience I'll never forget."

When Bill finally was pulled to the surface he said he had lost his sense of balance, likely because of the ear drum issue. "I couldn't get off my hands and knees."

Keith, now 6 feet 6, 217 pounds, carried to the house his 215-pound dad, weighed down more by water-soaked winter clothes.

When Karen saw her drenched husband, she let him have it.

"He came in and he was soaking wet, and I was like, 'What have you been doing? Why are you late for supper?' " Karen said. "I was a little sad for having that reaction."

Bill said it took him two days to finally go to a hospital, and he did so only because his left ear was oozing.

He said he has some hearing loss, but that is the primary leftover of the incident.

Actually, Bill said, there is one other thing: "I haven't been on the ice again."

MINOR MOVES: The Lighting reassigned forwards Trevor Smith and Pierre-Cedric Labrie and defenseman Evan Oberg to AHL Norfolk.

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

FORT MYERS — The pace Bobby Valentine has set in his first camp as Red Sox manager can best be described as a blur.

Blink, and you might miss him.

Valentine, 61, moves like a man half his age, pacing quickly from field to field behind Fenway South. He's on each diamond for only a minute or two, drawing a crowd of fans as he goes.

At one, Valentine offers instruction during pitcher's fielding practice. Next, he pulls a video camera out of his jacket pocket to record a drill. In what Valentine calls the "no-shag camp," there's no standing around. And it starts with Valentine's hands-on approach, even playing catch with starter Daisuke Matsusaka, surprising the Japanese right-hander.

"I couldn't keep up with him," general manager Ben Cherington said. "He eats and sleeps and breathes baseball, and spends every waking moment trying to think of ways to help players and help the team get better. I'm not surprised to see him so active."

After the Red Sox epic collapse in September, losing a nine-game lead before yielding the American League wild-card spot to the Rays, Boston decided it needed a change. They parted ways with the more laid-back Terry Francona, hiring the in-your-face Valentine.

That change has been more than just Valentine's much-publicized decision to ban beer from the clubhouse. Valentine, who served as an ESPN analyst after managerial stints with the Rangers, Mets and Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan), is more forthcoming. He hasn't been afraid to fan the flames of the Yankees rivalry, including praising retired catcher Jason Varitek for how he "beat up" Alex Rodriguez in 2004.

But Red Sox players say Valentine is just as blunt with them, telling pitchers in their first meeting they "stunk" in fielding last year. To get the point across, one of three flat screens in the team's spring clubhouse during the first week of camp had highlight-clips of pitchers from around the league making plays with the glove.

"I've never seen anyone approach a spring training, or deal with players quite the way he does," right-hander Daniel Bard said. "But it's different in a good way. I'm curious to see how it plays out over the course of spring and the whole season. But he's brought a lot of intensity and energy, and those are all things we need."

With Valentine, there's a method to his madness. The cameras, which all coaches have, are for later evaluation. He explains his rapid movement from field to field as "inspecting what you expect" following up on what he asked the coaches to instruct.

Bench coach Tim Bogar, who played for Valentine with the Mets, said he hasn't changed much, that he's a great teacher who is organized, and seems to "see everything." And Bogar, who was a coach with the Rays in 2008, says he sees similarities between Valentine and Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon.

"They're both forward thinkers, think out of the box but also don't settle for the ordinary," Bogar said.

And as for Valentine rarely settling into the same spot at camp, he offered another quip.

"If I sat down," Valentine said. "I'd probably go to sleep."

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

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

FORT MYERS — The pace Bobby Valentine has set in his first camp as Red Sox manager can best be described as a blur.

Blink, and you might miss him.

Valentine, 61, moves like a man half his age, pacing quickly from field to field behind Fenway South. He's on each diamond for only a minute or two, drawing a crowd of fans as he goes.

At one, Valentine offers instruction during pitchers' fielding practice. Next, he pulls a video camera out of his jacket pocket to record a drill. In what Valentine calls the "no-shag camp," there's no standing around. And it starts with Valentine's hands-on approach, even playing catch with right-hander Daisuke Matsuzaka, surprising the Japanese right-hander.

"I couldn't keep up with him," general manager Ben Cherington said. "He eats and sleeps and breathes baseball and spends every waking moment trying to think of ways to help players and help the team get better. I'm not surprised to see him so active."

After its collapse in September, losing a nine-game lead and the wild card to the Rays, Boston decided it needed a change. The Red Sox parted ways with the more laid-back Terry Francona, hiring the in-your-face Valentine.

The change has been more than just Valentine's much-publicized decision to ban beer from the clubhouse. Valentine, who served as an ESPN analyst after managerial stints with the Rangers, Mets and Chiba Lotte Marines (Japan), is more forthcoming. He hasn't been afraid to fan the flames of the Yankees rivalry, including praising now-retired catcher Jason Varitek for how he "beat up" Alex Rodriguez in 2004.

Red Sox players say Valentine is just as blunt with them, telling pitchers in their first meeting they "stunk" in fielding last year. To get the point across, one of three flat screens in the clubhouse had highlights of pitchers from around the league making plays with the glove.

"I've never seen anyone approach a spring training or deal with players quite the way he does," right-hander Daniel Bard said. "But it's different in a good way.

"I'm curious to see how it plays out over the course of spring and the whole season. But he's brought a lot of intensity and energy, and those are all things we need."

With Valentine, there's a method to his madness. The cameras, which all coaches have, are for later evaluation. He explains his rapid movement from field to field as "inspecting what you expect," following up on what he asked the coaches to instruct.

Bench coach Tim Bogar, who played for Valentine with the Mets, said he hasn't changed much. He's a great teacher who is organized and seems to "see everything." Bogar, a coach with the Rays in 2008, says he sees similarities between Valentine and Rays manager Joe Maddon.

"They're both forward-thinkers; think out of the box but also don't settle for the ordinary," Bogar said.

And as for Valentine rarely settling into the same spot at camp, he offered another quip.

"If I sat down," Valentine said, "I'd probably go to sleep."

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Timing: One of the best times to fish inshore is before a passing cold front. Weather fronts cause barometric pressure to drop, sending fish into a feeding frenzy. Recently, Miami residents Leonardo Frydman, his two sons — Alejandro, 14, and Gabriel, 11 — and their friends — Michael Durfzaun, 14, and Francisco Escolar, 11 — experienced the feeding. Cut pieces of fresh shrimp fished over a shallow rock pile brought good action. Sheepshead, sea bass and flounder kept everyone busy.

It was the puffers inflating themselves and the king of ugly dogfish that really sent the kids over the top. We sought shelter from wind on the lee side of a mangrove island, where there was a patch of thick grass. Double anchoring the boat from the bow and stern kept it from swaying.

This time the gang used live shrimp under a float and Michael's bait was hammered by a roaming cobia. The more experienced Alejandro took over and fought the fish through an Eckerd College sailboat regatta, bringing a 34-inch fish. We anchored again closer to the island and out of the wind, which produced speckled trout action and one pompano.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Flashback of the day

CF B.J. Upton came up as a shortstop. And after the infielders worked on fielding balls barehanded and throwing to first, he charged in from the outfield to make a play. "I still got it," he said.

Slowdown of the day

As the infielders worked on rundowns, third-base coach Tom Foley, 52, took a few turns as a baserunner. Upton said Foley filled a role: "When the situation is a slow guy in a rundown." Foley, claiming Achilles' pain, said, "I could have gotten out of a couple of them."

Lineups of the day

Today's intrasquad game:

Cursi's Crushers

Jennings, LF

Upton, CF

Joyce, RF

Keppinger, 2B

Mangini, 1B

E. Johnson, 3B

Vogt, DH

Gimenez, C

Brignac, SS

Ramos, P

Chico's Shiners

Rodriguez, SS

Guyer, RF

Longoria, 3B

Zobrist, 2B

Miranda, 1B

Lobaton, C

Salazar, LF

Chirinos, DH

Feliciano, CF

Lueke, P

Who is this Ray?

He enjoys hunting and fishing. He majored in computer science and says he would be a programmer if not playing baseball. He was acquired from Seattle.

The dish

Today's full-squad workout starts at about 9 a.m. at the Charlotte Sports Park (2300 El Jobean Road ) and lasts until 10:45 a.m. (The ensuing intrasquad game is not open to the public.) 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 details, call (941) 235-5025.

Heads up

The shortstop battle begins in earnest with Reid Brignac and Sean Rodriguez starting in the intrasquad game.

Exhibition schedule

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

* Value game, $2 off

Who is this answer: RHP Josh Lueke

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Maddon's sweet new ride

Manager Joe Maddon showed off his "new-contract present," a blue-gray 1957 Chevy Bel Air he had restored and updated. Maddon, who also has 1967 Galaxy and 1972 Chevelle convertibles, plans to tool around the bay area in his new ride because it has air conditioning. "It's pretty quick when it starts up," he said. "And I love the color, and I love the interior." Better, Maddon's wife, Jaye, endorsed the purchase: "My wife is kind of like a guy sometimes. She likes big, flat-screen TVs. She likes watching football on Sundays. She likes fast cars. She used to drink martinis. She's got a lot of great man cave qualities about her."