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No news on labor talks

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

BOCA RATON — General managers ended three days of meetings Wednesday with little discussion about upcoming collective bargaining negotiations.

The current agreement between the league and the players union, which ended the seasonlong lockout in 2005, expires Sept. 15. "The update is, there was no update because there's nothing going on," commissioner Gary Bettman said. "Whatever will be, will be."

Bettman told the general managers to conduct "business as usual" according to the current agreement, including working under the salary cap of between $63 million and $64 million.

Bettman also said the board of governors has dropped realignment for now to avoid confrontation with the union, which objected to the plan the league offered this season for next, and because the league needed to start planning the 2012-13 schedule.

Game highlights: The host Sabres moved within three points of the Eastern Conference's final playoff spot with a 5-4 shootout loss to the Avalanche, which broke a four-team points deadlock in the West to vault into a playoff spot. … The host Jets closed within four points of the East's final playoff spot with a 5-2 win over the Stars.

Around the league: In addition to Sidney Crosby, the Penguins also could have All-Star defenseman Kris Letang back in the lineup tonight against the Rangers. Letang, out with concussion symptoms since a hit Feb. 29 vs. the Stars, said the symptoms had subsided. He practiced for a second straight day. … Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom, out more than two months with a concussion, skated for the second straight day. He said he had no problems.

Avalanche21105
at Sabres21104
Avalanche wins shootout 1-0

First Period1, Buf, Foligno 2 (Ennis, Stafford), 1:39. 2, Colo., McGinn 18 (Stastny), 8:55. 3, Buf, Stafford 14, 14:42 (sh). 4, Colo., Jones 17 (O'Brien, Wilson), 19:08. PenaltiesSulzer, Buf (tripping), 13:50.

Second Period5, Colo., Landeskog 20 (Mueller, Stastny), 5:35 (pp). 6, Buf, Foligno 3 (Stafford, Ennis), 11:01. PenaltiesHodgson, Buf (tripping), 3:45; O'Brien, Col (kneeing), 6:49; Kaleta, Buf (roughing), 15:36; Downie, Col (roughing), 19:18; Landeskog, Col (roughing), 19:18; Regehr, Buf (roughing), 19:18.

Third Period7, Buf, Sulzer 1 (Boyes, Ennis), 1:55. 8, Colo., McGinn 19 (O'Reilly, Landeskog), 19:58. PenaltiesKaleta, Buf (tripping), 14:50.

OTNone. PenaltiesNone. ShootoutColo. 1 (Hejduk NG, Mueller G), Buf 0 (Boyes NG, Pominville NG, Ennis NG). Shots on GoalColo. 14-11-16-1—42. Buf 11-3-8-2—24. Power-play opportunitiesColo. 1 of 4; Buf 0 of 2. GoaliesColo., Varlamov 23-20-2 (24 shots-20 saves). Buf, Miller 25-18-6 (42-38). A18,690 (18,690). T2:41. Referees—Stephane A

at Jets1405
Stars0112

First Period1, Wpg, Antropov 11 (Miettinen, Clitsome), 2:21. PenaltiesNone.

Second Period2, Wpg, Kane 28 (Burmistrov, Wellwood), 1:19. 3, Wpg, Fehr 2, 8:28. 4, Wpg, Ladd 22 (Little, Wheeler), 9:15. 5, Wpg, Ladd 23 (Byfuglien, Wheeler), 16:12 (pp). 6, Dallas, Eriksson 24 (Ribeiro), 16:29. PenaltiesFiddler, Dal (tripping), 5:34; Ribeiro, Dal (unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:44; Hainsey, Wpg (cross-checking), 10:44; Robidas, Dal (delay of game), 15:59.

Third Period7, Dallas, Eriksson 25 (Ryder, Goligoski), 16:16. PenaltiesFiddler, Dal, misconduct, 17:13; Burish, Dal (unsportsmanlike conduct, roughing), 17:13; Glass, Wpg, minor-misconduct (roughing), 17:13. Shots on GoalDallas 9-13-8—30. Wpg 11-12-5—28. Power-play opportunitiesDallas 0 of 0; Wpg 1 of 3. GoaliesDallas, Bachman 8-4-1 (28 shots-23 saves). Wpg, Pavelec 26-23-7 (30-28).

at Canadiens10103
Senators10102
Canadiens win shootout 1-0

First Period1, Mont, Cole 27 (Nokelainen, Palushaj), 13:45. 2, Ott, Greening 14 (Michalek, Spezza), 14:11. PenaltiesCowen, Ott (roughing), 16:44; Geoffrion, Mon (roughing), 16:44; Cowen, Ott, major (fighting), 19:51; Nokelainen, Mon, major (fighting), 19:51.

Second PeriodNone. PenaltiesPacioretty, Mon (interference), :37; Cole, Mon (slashing), 2:40; Neil, Ott (goaltender interference), 2:56; Markov, Mon (goaltender interference), 3:41; Foligno, Ott (goaltender interference), 14:00.

Third Period3, Mont, Desharnais 16 (Subban, Pacioretty), :24. 4, Ott, Karlsson 19 (Kuba, Spezza), 11:01. PenaltiesKarlsson, Ott (unsportsmanlike conduct), 13:22; Eller, Mon (unsportsmanlike conduct), 13:22.

OTNone. PenaltiesNone. ShootoutOtt 0 (Michalek NG, Spezza NG, Alfredsson NG), Mont 1 (Pacioretty NG, Desharnais G, Markov NG). Shots on GoalOtt 15-9-10-3—37. Mont 9-8-8-1—26. Power-play opportunitiesOtt 0 of 3; Mont 0 of 1. GoaliesOtt, B.Bishop 2-0-2 (26 shots-24 saves). Mont, Price 25-26-9 (37-35).


A look at the Tampa Bay Bucs' newest additions

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer


Wednesday, March 14, 2012

TAMPA — They paraded into the room wearing wide smiles, each having just been made a cornerstone of a franchise for years to come. Receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright shared their reasons for becoming Buccaneers. Then, they explained why they think the Bucs can be winners in the very near future. Here's a sampling of what we learned Wednesday from the three players the Bucs landed in their biggest leap into free agency in franchise history.

Vincent Jackson

Five years, $55.55 million

How he got here

Jackson, 29, had been at odds with his former team, the Chargers, since 2010 when he had a contract dispute and held out. When he reached unrestricted free agency last season, Jackson and the team couldn't come to terms, and he was designated the franchise player.

To retain him in 2012 and beyond, the Chargers either had to agree to a long-term deal with him or franchise him again. The problem? Franchise players must make at least 120 percent of their previous year's salary, which would have pushed Vincent's salary to $13.7 million. The Chargers said no way and let Vincent hit the open market.

He remained there for less than 12 hours, the Bucs scooping him up with a massive deal.

"It's a great feeling," Jackson said. "It has been a meticulous road I've had to travel to get here."

Why he's here

Jackson is here to, as he put it, "take the top off the defense." He's averaged 17.5 yards per catch in his career, 18.4 in 2011 (seventh-best among starting receivers). He's here to be the deep threat that's lacking on offense, a unit that ranked 25th in yards per completion (6.5) in 2011.

Jackson instantly becomes the Bucs' No. 1 receiver, providing top-end speed and the deep threat that should create mismatches for him and other receivers. Jackson's presence also does wonders for running back LeGarrette Blount and the running game, theoretically forcing defenses to back off and consistently play the pass.

What he's saying

"It's an opportunity to do something special. If we didn't believe that it could happen here with the guys that they have, we probably would've been happy to stay where we were at. . . We're all hungry to prove something. I can't wait for that first ball to be kicked off."

Carl Nicks

Five years, $47.5 million

How he got here

Nicks, a fifth-round pick of the Saints in 2008, blossomed into an All-Pro on New Orleans' formidable offensive line, helping protect quarterback Drew Brees and picking up a Super Bowl title.

With the Saints committing to a lucrative, long-term deal with guard Jahri Evans last year, it became difficult to also retain Nicks, 26, as he headed into free agency.

The Saints' last-minute offer Monday night wasn't enough.

"I've got love for those guys and that organization," he said. "But … they're not wearing the same color as I am, so I have to battle for my team and they have to battle for theirs. Expect nothing less than what I used to do for Tampa, I guess."

Why he's here

The Bucs released veteran center Jeff Faine on Wednesday afternoon, completing their revamping of the interior of their offensive line. Nicks is the centerpiece, expected to play left guard, while Jeremy Zuttah, who re-signed for four years last week, will become the starting center.

The Bucs want to be more physical, and Nicks prefers run blocking to what he jokingly described as the Saints' "pass first, pass second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth" philosophy.

"The Saints had great running backs. But here it is a little different. We have big guys, bruisers. We will pound the ball, pound the ball, then (go) over the top," said Nicks, who called himself a grinder.

"Not to sound cocky," he said, "but it's just what I do."

What he's saying

"Right when I got off the plane (on Tuesday night), I checked my phone and I saw that (the Bucs) had signed Jackson. I said, 'Okay, they're doing something here.' … To be a part of something that's eventually going to be great is a good feeling."

Eric Wright

Five years, $37.5 million

How he got here

The Bucs made an unsuccessful effort to sign Wright last year about this time, when he opted for a one-year, $2 million deal in Detroit. His gamble paid off Wednesday when he reached his rich deal with the Bucs.

Wright, 26, sees himself as an elite cornerback, and now he'll have a chance to prove it further in the NFC South against the Saints, Panthers and Falcons.

Why he's here

The Bucs had privately vowed to come out of free agency with a starting-caliber cornerback because, well, how could they afford not to?

Starting left cornerback Aqib Talib is scheduled to stand trial in a felony case in Texas in two weeks, and right cornerback Ronde Barber still might retire.

Look for Wright to take over at right cornerback, provided Talib can play (he faces serious jail time if convicted). The Bucs weren't prepared to make their backup cornerbacks starters if it necessary, so Wright addresses a big need.

What he's saying

"You get to know people (around the league) and they all say the same thing: (this is) a team you want to play for and it's an organization that you want to be a part of. Everybody has one goal and that's to win. I want to help them win and I'm here now, so that's exactly what we're going to do."

What Tampa Bay Buccaneers' spending spree means

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

If free agency kicks off the NFL season, then three days into the 2012 "season," the Bucs are in first place. The Bucs signed three marquee players — wide receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks and cornerback Eric Wright — and likely are not done. So what does it all mean? Well, it depends on who you are. Here's what the Bucs' cannonball into the free agent pool means to the following folks:

Josh Freeman

The Bucs quarterback just got tons better. Just like that, his No. 1 wide receiver is no longer a guy (Mike Williams) who is, actually, a No. 2 receiver. Just like that, his primary option is not a tight end (Kellen Winslow) whose best play is running 7 yards down the field, turning around, making a catch and getting tackled. Freeman's new best buddy is a speedster who stretches the field, changes game plans, makes opposing cornerbacks nervous and opposing defensive coordinators nauseous. It's hard to be an elite quarterback in the NFL without an elite receiver. Freeman now has such a playmaker for the first time in his career. His other weapons (Williams and Winslow, now free of double teams) just got better, too.

The running back

Who knows who the running back will be? Maybe it will be LeGarrette Blount. Maybe it will be Alabama's Trent Richardson, whom the Bucs could take with the fifth overall pick in next month's draft. Maybe it's a free agent. Whoever it is just had a great couple of days. Nicks gives him one more big body to run behind. And nothing helps a running game more than a splash player such as Jackson racing through the defensive backfield.

Defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan

Could the signing of just one player change the fortunes of an entire defense? The Bucs allowed 30 touchdown passes last season — tied for third most in the NFL. Their 23 sacks were the fewest in the league. Every time you turned around, the other team was completing passes for 20, 30, 40 yards. But if Wright is a true shutdown corner, he changes everything. He stops elite receivers. He stops big plays. He allows for more blitz packages, thus improving the pass rush and creating more sacks. He produces turnovers. Now, to be fair, there's some question whether Wright is that kind of shutdown corner, but if he is, the defense improved overnight.

Mark Dominik

The signings mean flexibility for the team's general manager in the upcoming draft. By signing Wright, the Bucs don't have to take a cornerback with the fifth pick. By signing Jackson, they don't have to take a wide receiver. By signing Nicks, they don't have to take an offensive lineman. They could go after any position now or trade down for extra picks.

Director of ticket sales

Okay, so the Bucs didn't bring in Peyton Manning. They aren't going to draft Andrew Luck. As good as Jackson, Nicks and Wright are, their names alone won't sell tickets. But the team appears better. Doesn't that mean you're more inclined to open your wallet now that the Glazers have opened theirs? In a roundabout way, the local Fox affiliate, Ch. 13, might have had as good of a week as anyone. After all, more tickets sales might mean fewer blackouts. That's good for most of you, too.

The Glazers

The day after last season's 4-12 train wreck ended, Bucs co-chairman Joel Glazer said, "We are going to spend whatever it takes to win to put the best team on the field." Show of hands, how many of you actually believed that? Glazer's quote became a rallying cry for cynics, followed by a roll of the eyes and a "Yeah, we'll see." Turns out, the Glazers put their money where their mouths are. Spending the kind of dough the Glazers have spent this offseason buys you credibility and popularity.

Greg Schiano

Nothing improves the relationship between the head coach and the front office/ownership more than the willingness to spend money. One of the first things the first-year NFL coach said in his opening news conference was how he wanted a team that took shots down the field. Before the sun set on the first day of free agency, the Bucs went out and gave Schiano a player who does exactly that. Think that doesn't do wonders for a head coach's confidence in his bosses?

Raheem Morris

On the opposite side of Schiano is Morris. Don't you feel a little sympathy for the former Bucs coach today? Last season, the Bucs had plenty of money but decided to sit on their wallets instead of writing blank checks. Whether or not you thought Morris was a good coach, we can all agree he was expected to make chicken salad out of, well, bad ingredients. Today, Morris must feel like Lehman Brothers. Everybody else got a bailout, while his business shut down.

NFC South

The Saints and Falcons aren't going to concede the top of the division just because the Bucs signed a few players to a team that won four games last season. Just adding a few names doesn't automatically make you better. Right, Philadelphia? But, counting the draft, the Bucs are going to add, at least, four impact players. Those four should make others better. It might not be enough to climb to the top of the division, but the Bucs have taken a few steps up the mountain.

Bucs fans

Today, you feel better about your team, don't you? For the first time in a long time, you feel like ownership is committed. For the first time ever, you believe the GM is capable. You like the head coach, and you love the quarterback. Most of all, you're looking forward to the real start of the 2012 season. You can't wait for opening day. Bet you didn't feel that way a week ago.

tom jones' two cents

Lions' Johnson gets $132M deal

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

The Lions' Calvin Johnson signed an eight-year deal worth up to $132 million Wednesday, surpassing Larry Fitzgerald as the best-paid receiver in league history.

Fitzgerald's eight-year deal signed last season was worth up to $120 million. Johnson's $60 million guaranteed tops that record set by Sam Bradford's rookie deal two years ago.

"I'm so comfortable here now," said Johnson, 26. "At first, not at all, but being here for five years, being around these people here in Detroit, teammates and just the city — I'm just growing accustomed to it."

Johnson has made the Pro Bowl twice, and his 45 touchdowns receiving are the most in the NFL since 2008. Johnson cited quarterback Matt Stafford as one reason he wanted to stay in Detroit.

"I'd have had held out for money, Calvin,'' coach Jim Schwartz said.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, who signed a seven-year deal worth up to $100 million last season, sent a congratulatory tweet asking if he could borrow a dollar from Johnson.

marshall accused: Less than a day after the Bears traded for Dolphins receiver Brandon Marshall, New York City police said 24-year-old Christin Myles filed a complaint alleging Marshall punched her in the face at a Manhattan nightclub early Sunday, leaving her with a black eye. Marshall has not been charged. Both teams were aware of the accusation when the trade was made. Marshall's attorney, Harvey Steinberg, said a fight broke out that did not involve Marshall or his friends, and said Marshall's wife was struck in the face by a thrown bottle and suffered serious injury as they were leaving.

manning, titans meet: The Titans met for several hours with free agent quarterback Peyton Manning. Owner Bud Adams has said he will do whatever it takes to sign Manning, whom he considers the missing piece to a title. Manning, released by the Colts last week, is expected to choose among the Titans, Dolphins, Broncos and Cardinals. He has not given a timetable to decide.

trade finalized: The Rams and Redskins finalized a trade that sets up Washington to take quarterback Robert Griffin III, with the second pick. The Redskins moved up four spots and sent their sixth overall pick and a second-rounder, the 39th overall, plus first-round picks in 2013 and 2014.

seahawks: With interest in free agent offensive linemen Steve Hutchinson and Frank Omiyale, the team said it will release guard Robert Gallery. He never lived up to his billing as the second overall pick by the Raiders in 2004. Also, Green Bay's Matt Flynn — considered the top available quarterback behind Manning — scheduled a visit to Seattle. The Seahawks want him to compete for the starting job with Tarvaris Jackson. In Miami, which is interested in Flynn if it can't sign Manning, he would be the probable starter.

USF Bulls rout Cal Golden Bears 65-54 in NCAA Tournament

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By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

DAYTON, Ohio — USF could have come in rusty, playing in its first NCAA Tournament game in 20 years.

But the Bulls were dominant from the start Wednesday night, jumping out to a 15-3 lead and cruising to a 65-54 win against California, the first NCAA Tournament victory in the program's history.

The 12th-seeded Bulls advance to face fifth-seeded Temple on Friday night in Nashville in the Midwest Region. The Owls (24-7), who join the Big East next season, were the Atlantic-10's regular-season champions but were knocked off by Massachusetts in their first game in their conference tournament.

"It's a big thing for our program here and our fans and so many people," USF coach Stan Heath said on the court during a postgame interview. "We're excited about how we played for 35 minutes or so, and at the same time we know we need to continue to play better."

The Bulls (21-13) didn't look like a bubble team, shooting 67 percent in the first half, with freshman point guard Anthony Collins coolly hitting floater after floater — he had eight points before Cal had made its second field goal. Senior Augustus Gilchrist played his best game in a month, going 4-for-5 in the first half and scoring 11, and guard Victor Rudd hit double digits for the third straight game, banking in a 3 early and pulling off a high-flying dunk in the second half. He finished with 15 points.

Asked after the game what the nation didn't know about the Bulls, Rudd responded, "I guess ya'll didn't know we could score.

"When everybody scores together like we did today, it makes everything easy for us."

USF didn't let up early in the second half, extending its lead to 32 points and allowing Heath to play his bench a bit more, knowing another game was just 48 hours away. Backup point guard Blake Nash had five assists, as many as he had totaled in the previous eight games, and reserve guard Shaun Noriega hit a 3-pointer just before the half for his first points in nearly a month. Cal closed the gap late with a 29-8 run to end the game.

USF opened with its best half of the year, dominating on both ends. The Bulls held Cal scoreless for the final seven minutes of the first half, ending it on a 14-0 run. The 13 points were the fewest USF has allowed in a first half this season, trumping the 16 allowed against Division II Florida Southern and the 17 scored by Penn State. The Bulls also came within 3 points of their highest-scoring first half this season.

Cal, meanwhile, was held to 20.8 percent from the field (5-for-24) with three of those field goals coming in a one-minute span. The Bulls committed only three turnovers against what had been the Pac-12's No. 2 team defensively. Cal's season low in scoring had been 53. Golden Bears coach Mike Montgomery's teams — which includes Stanford — had won their first NCAA Tournament game in 11 of his past 12 appearances.

Even a 23-point halftime lead wasn't something to bank on in Dayton. Iona led BYU by 25 late in the first half Tuesday night and wound up losing, and Mississippi Valley State had led Western Kentucky by 15 points with seven minutes left and also lost.

The Bulls had made only two previous NCAA Tournament appearances, in 1990 and 1992, losing in the opening round both times. Wednesday's victory was USF's first postseason win of any kind since the 1995 NIT. A win against Temple would match the school record for wins in a season, set in 1982-83.

USF Bulls save their best in NCAA Tournament rout of Cal Bears

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By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, March 14, 2012

DAYTON, Ohio

They played like a program that had waited, and waited, and waited for a night such as this.

They played as if they had been locked out of the gym for two decades. They played as if the basketballs had been in storage for most of their lifetimes. They played as if they were finally at the party, and they were having too far much fun to go home.

Oh, those magnificent USF Bulls, making up for lost time.

Is there anyone who thinks they don't belong in the NCAA Tournament now?

They were terrific, these Bulls. They overwhelmed a 24-win Cal team Wednesday night, smothering the Golden Bears offense and shredding their defense on their way to the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. The final score, 65-54, sounds far more merciful than this game actually was.

USF has never been better, not this season, maybe not in its history, than it was for the first 31 minutes of the game. The Bulls played with so much fire that Cal never had a chance. Heck, if someone had told the Bulls that an NCAA game could be so much fun, they might have tried harder to make it back to the tournament long ago.

These were the Bulls unleashed, and after this, no one else is going to call them ugly for some time. They ran. They shot. Why, you might even say they danced.

"We didn't want to come here for just one game," coach Stan Heath said afterward. "We wanted to prove a little bit that we deserve (to be here), and we belong and we're legit. I think the kids took that to heart. This was a step, but we went to take some more steps as well."

Only two other times in its history had USF played a game this big. In the 1990 NCAA Tournament, it lost by 12 to Arizona. In 1992, it lost by 15 to Georgetown. Yes, you could consider this the biggest in program history.

Who knew USF's players had a game like this in them? Who knew they might break it out once they got to the NCAAs? They shot 67 percent in the first half. They didn't allow Cal to score in the first five minutes, or in the last eight, of the first half. At one point, they were ahead by 32.

It was fairly obvious that Cal hadn't seen a defense like this. As far as offense, none of us had seen anything close from this team.

These are the Bulls, remember, and it seems as if every game is 42-42 with three minutes to play. This is the team that isn't supposed to be able to score, the team where a game of H-O-R-S-E can go on for a week.

"They certainly looked like they belonged tonight," Cal coach Mike Montgomery said.

Consider this validation, then, for a program and the league in which it belongs. USF certainly doesn't have to apologize to anyone after this game.

An effort like this, and frankly, the questions change. No one is going to ask if USF belongs anymore. They're going to ask how far the 12th-seeded Bulls can go. Can they beat fifth-seeded Temple on Friday? Maybe fourth-seeded Michigan on Sunday?

If they play like this, why not?

Give credit to Heath. He played an entire season of rope-a-dope. Who knew the Bulls could score like this? Who knew they could make Cal look so ineffective? Who knew they would make up for 20 years of being left out, dismissed and made fun of?

Seriously, Heath had suggested all week that USF wasn't simply going to Dayton to buy a T-shirt. As much as the Bulls had overachieved, he thought they had more in them.

Maybe they do. With USF, everyone has become so used to the low scores that no one has paid enough attention to how much improvement this team has made. Over their last 20 games, the Bulls are 14-6. The losses have come to Notre Dame, Marquette, Georgetown, Syracuse, West Virginia and Notre Dame (again) in the Big East tournament. All five of those teams are in the NCAA Tournament.

Guess what?

So is USF.

From the way it looked Wednesday night, it might be here for a while yet.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' sign backup QB Dan Orlovsky

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

TAMPA — Day 3 of free agency for the Bucs didn't produce more blockbuster signings with eye-popping, eight-figure salaries.

But Tampa Bay made a move Thursday of some consequence, signing backup quarterback Dan Orlovsky to a two-year contract.

Orlovsky, 28, becomes the primary backup for franchise quarterback Josh Freeman, a critical role given how closely Freeman is linked to the Bucs' fortunes. Orlovsky's $2.5 million deal effectively eliminates any chance of the team retaining Josh Johnson, the primary backup the past four seasons who became a free agent this week and hopes to land in a more competitive QB situation.

But if Johnson, 25, fails to find an ideal spot, he seems to have one fewer option in Tampa Bay. In Orlovsky, the Bucs acquired a player who is just 2-10 as a starter but has a bit more experience than Johnson, including some promising appearances last season.

It was Orlovsky who finally led the Colts to consecutive wins in December, their only victories in a 2-14 season. In those wins against the Titans and Texans, he completed a combined 34 of 57 passes for 326 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.

Orlovsky has been relegated to mostly losing teams in his seven-year career, playing his first four seasons in Detroit, where he was a fifth-round pick in 2005 out of Connecticut. He signed with the Texans in 2009, before joining the Colts last season.

But he has managed a positive career touchdown-to-interception ratio (14-12) with a 75.9 passer rating. He went 0-7 as a starter with the 0-16 Lions in 2008, but Orlov­sky has played in various systems and has been competitive despite minimal practice time.

Meanwhile, Johnson, the Bucs' fifth-round pick out of San Diego in 2008, likely has his heart set on finding a situation that will allow him to compete for playing time. It was a virtual certainty he would remain behind Freeman, but his 0-5 mark as a starter didn't help his cause.

Still, Johnson could attract interest once the quarterback market settles. Important dominoes have yet to fall, including decisions by free agents Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn. Where they go will clarify several teams' quarterback situations, including a team such as the Broncos, which would make some sense for Johnson. Denver is among the teams pursuing Manning.

With the Bucs, Johnson appeared, mostly sparingly, in 26 games, completing 96 of 177 passes for 1,042 yards. He threw five touchdowns and 10 interceptions. In his most recent start, a loss to Carolina on Dec. 4, Johnson was 16 of 27 for 229 yards, one TD and one interception.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @holderstephen.

Padraig Harrington sets course-record 61 at Transitions

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

PALM HARBOR — Padraig Harrington has been waiting for days like this. For too many rounds over the past year and a half, the 40-year-old Irishman has walked off courses disappointed with the results.

But on Thursday everything fell into place.

Harrington shot a Copperhead course-record 10-under 61 for a three-stroke lead over PGA Tour rookie Will Claxton after the first round of the Transitions Championship. A group of seven golfers are five strokes back, including veteran Kenny Perry and former Transitions champion Jim Furyk.

Harrington's 61 is the lowest round of his PGA Tour career, and it's only his fourth round in the 60s out of 12 this season. He made 10 birdies during his bogey-free round and needed only 22 putts. He one-putted 14 holes.

"I felt like I've played better than I've performed over the last 18 months," said Harrington, whose last win on any tour was at the 2010 Iskandar Johor Open in Asia. "When things are going well for you, you walk off the course thinking you shot 70 and you shot 68. When things are not going well for you, you walk off the course feeling like you shot 70 and you shot 72. I was on that 72 bandwagon for a long time."

Harrington teed off in the morning and took advantage of the calm conditions. He started with two straight birdies and made the turn at 5 under. By the time he reached the par-5 11th hole, Harrington was 6 under and putting for birdie.

That's when thoughts of golf's holiest of numbers popped into his head: 59. He missed the putt.

"I choked like a dog," Harrington said. "I'd love to tell you I was so good that bad thoughts didn't pop into my head. But unfortunately they do. But I think I gained after that. (Fifty-nine) certainly went out of my head."

After that, Harrington birdied four more times, including three straight to end his round. On the par-3 17th, Harrington drained a 75-footer for birdie. It was the longest putt he has ever made on tour. "That's a bonus, obviously," he said.

Comparatively, Harrington's 15-footer for birdie on 18 was a gimme.

"When it's your day, I could've turned my back on the hole and I would have holed out on the last," said Harrington, who lowered by one the course mark held by Mark Calcavecchia (2007) and Jeff Sluman (2004).

Claxton, also playing in the morning, emerged as Harrington's closest pursuer. He, too, played a bogey-free round and had five birdies and an eagle on the par-5 14th hole. He holed out a wedge from 95 yards.

"That's tough when you get a lot out of your round and you're still three back," Claxton said. "For the most part, I never really had an opportunity to make a bogey. I missed some birdie putts, but I'm not going to complain about that. I even holed one out on 14. That really got me going."

Every other player in the field will spend today trying to close the gap on Harrington. He will play in the afternoon, when scores are typically higher.

Harrington has slipped since his stellar 2008 season when he won both the British Open and the PGA Championship. His official World Golf Ranking has fallen to 90th, which means he does not qualify for the World Golf Championships events.

This is only his fourth tournament of the year, and his last official round was a 79 on the final day of the Honda Classic in Palm Beach. He said he felt good preparing for the tournament, but that has been nothing new lately.

"I've been playing nicely in practice," Harrington said. "I shot a 64 (Wednesday). I've been like that for a long time now. I play better on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday than I do on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. I know my game is good. One of the hardest things is to wait for the confidence."


Tampa Bay Rays players, coaches, executives get heads shaved for charity

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — The Rays like to be bold.

And, as of Thursday, bald.

Manager Joe Maddon and 36 players and coaches had their heads shaved in a fundraiser for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. They were joined by 34 team executives and staff, including principal owner Stuart Sternberg, president Matt Silverman and, after some coaxing, executive vice president Andrew Friedman.

"Perfect," Maddon said. "It feels clean. It feels cool. It feels right."

One-liners were flying as quickly as hair was falling, team barber Wilber Bonilla leading a squad of six cutters from Spring Hill's Studio Uno on the stadium boardwalk.

Third-base coach Tom Foley asked for hair gel then slipped on a visor with spiked gray hair sewn in. Pitcher James Shields wanted to know if he now could be listed as younger than 30. Sternberg wondered if they'd score more runs due to the improved aerodynamics.

"This is a great cause," Shields said. "It's great to see everyone out here supporting the cause. Hopefully, we raise a lot of money."

Thursday, $5,000 was raised. Donations still can be made at pcfcutforacure.org, and $10 contributions can be made by texting CUT to 50555. (Sternberg also made a $25,000 donation to the Moffitt Cancer and Research Institute.) T-shirts reading, "Fortune Favors the Bald" will be available at team stores this month.

Nancy Crane, executive director of the foundation, was thrilled with the Rays' participation, which started with an invite to Maddon from Lightning star Vinny Lecavalier.

"I don't think words can describe it. It's amazing," she said. "From the top down, it's a hair-raising, fundraising event."

There were some residual logistical issues.

Maddon said they'd go hatless for batting practice the next three days to show off and so the players could get their heads adjusted to the sun. And home clubhouse/equipment manager Chris Westmoreland expected a line of players looking to downsize their lids.

"It's a great cause," said. "But it's killing our hat inventory."

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

12 Hours of Sebring celebrates its 60th anniversary

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By Jim Tomlin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

This is a year of big numbers surrounding the 12 Hours of Sebring, Saturday's annual sports car classic. This is not only the 60th anniversary of the race, it's also the 70th anniversary of Sebring International Raceway's establishment as an Army Air Forces training base and 100 years since the city's founding. The race includes a 64-car field in both the American Le Mans Series and the World Endurance Challenge. The ALMS cars race in five classes: Le Mans Prototype 1, LMP2, Grand Touring, PC and GTC. The WEC races in four classes: LMP1, LMP2, Le Mans GTE Pro and Le Mans GTE Amateur. Manufacturers include Audi, Nissan, Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin, Chevrolet, Honda and BMW.

History in a flash

In 1942, early in America's involvement in World War II, Hendricks Field opened as a pilot training base. It was deactivated in 1945 and turned into a 5.2-mile race course. Sebring International Raceway held its first endurance race in 1950, a six-hour event. Two years later the 12-hour race began, with Harry Gray and Larry Kulok winning in a Frazer-Nash. In 1959 the track held the first Formula One race on U.S. soil. The 12-hour race was threatened in 1967 when promoter Alec Ulmann said he would move it to a course in West Palm Beach, but he decided against it two months later. In 1972 Ulmann again said the race would end, but it was saved and run under International Motor Sports Association rules. The event has been stable since.

One race, two series

Sebring this year again opens the 10-race American Le Mans Series schedule. But for the first time it also is a part of the FIA's World Endurance Championship (WEC). The WEC calendar includes eight races of at least six hours and includes the crown jewel of endurance racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Sebring is the lone WEC race in North America; other stops also visit South America and Asia.

Party all the time

The parties at Sebring are part of the lore of the track. Their wild reputation is perhaps best explained by the 1974 race — or nonrace. That year the race was canceled because of the energy crisis, but several thousand fans showed up to party anyway.

Memory lane

The Cunningham CR4 that won the second 12 Hours of Sebring, in 1953, with Phil Walters and John Fitch driving, will be on display this weekend. That is one of only two times an American car has won with an all-American driving lineup. The other was 1965, with Jim Hall and Hal Sharp winning in a Chaparral.

A toast to Sebring

The 60th anniversary celebration will include a red wine called, what else, Redline. It's a cabernet sauvignon-zinfandel-syrah blend produced by Adobe Road Winery in Sonoma County, Calif. Kevin and Debra Buckler, who operate the TRG team that races Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars, own the winery. The wine will be available online at adoberoadwines.com and sebringraceway.com, and at the track during race week.

By the numbers

4 Indianapolis 500 winners who have won at Sebring (Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Bobby Rahal, Arie Luyendyk).

5 Formula One world champs who have won at Sebring (Andretti, Mike Hawthorn, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill, John Surtees).

5 Victories for Tom Kristensen, the race record.

8 Track configurations since 1952.

16 Years since an American manufacturer won the overall title (Riley & Scott, 1996).

18 Victories for Porsche, the most successful manufacturer at Sebring.

28 Starts by Hurley Haywood, eight more than anyone else.

111 Drivers who have won an overall title in the race.

1,416 Miles covered, a race record, set in 2009 by Tom Kristensen, Rinaldo Capello and Allan McNish.

Information from sebringraceway.com was used in this report.

Tampa Bay Rays character Stephen Vogt seeks to be backup catcher

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Manager Joe Maddon believes charismatic catcher Stephen Vogt has a future in show business, saying the two-time team talent show winner is capable of "doing movies with Chris Rock at some point."

The big screen will have to wait, however, as Vogt, 27, has rejuvenated a baseball career nearly derailed in 2009 by a right shoulder injury. Knowing he would have to start over, Vogt said he seriously considered walking away from the game.

But now Vogt, the reigning Rays minor-league player of the year, is competing for the second catcher spot, making impressions on the field in big-league camp that mean more than his impressions off it.

"Every once in a while, I really think about it. And it's one of those things like, 'Wow! Look at what I've gone through!' " Vogt said. "Rewind two years ago, and I'm just trying to make it through minor-league camp and not get released. It's pretty cool."

Vogt, a 12th-round pick in 2007 out of Azusa Pacific University, was just starting his third pro season when while with Class A Charlotte, he slid awkwardly into home, separating his shoulder.

"It was definitely a rough feeling," he said.

Vogt had surgery in May 2009 and couldn't throw or hit for eight months. That summer, he called contacts he had at colleges, lining up a couple of coaching gigs.

When Vogt had a setback in January 2010, he thought it was over. But his wife, Alyssa, a basketball coach at Evergreen State (in Olympia, Wash.), convinced him to give it another try. That advice paid off as the Rays stuck with him, and he came through with a career-high .345 average for Charlotte in 2010.

"I had to fight for playing time at 25 years old in high A," Vogt said. "I was fortunate to just have a job. Most people in my shoes would have been going home."

Vogt, after hitting .298 between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham last year, received the minor-league player of the year award Sept. 26 at Tropicana Field. But he missed the birth of his daughter, Payton, who arrived the next day (a few weeks early) in Washington.

"My daughter giving me headaches from the start," he said with a smile. "But I'd do it the same way over again."

Vogt still does his impressions, most notably of Maddon. In an eight-minute film sparked earlier this month by first baseman Carlos Peña, Vogt wore his Buddy Holly glasses, mimicked Maddon's mannerisms and used big words such as "resplendent."

Vogt has done impressions since he was 12, saying his favorite actor, the late Chris Farley, inspired him. He started by quoting movie lines and now has a "big repertoire of coaches and people in my life."

But Vogt would rather the focus be on the field, where he has worked his way into being a dark horse to back up Jose Molina. With the team's focus on defense and the second catcher potentially starting about 80 games, it would seem unlikely Vogt gets the spot.

But Vogt is a lot closer than he was a few years ago, appreciative of every day he's in big-league camp. And now the talk is more about catching than comedy.

"I want to change (from) I'm the impressions guy to the player (who) by the way, 'He does impressions, too,' " Vogt said. "Instead of the other way around."

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

Captains corner: Spring mackerel migration promises to be more plentiful than fall

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By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent


Thursday, March 15, 2012

What's hot: St. Patrick's Day (Saturday) and Columbus Day (Oct. 10) are the holidays that signify the usual start of the spring and fall kingfish runs. The 2011 fall run was disappointing for Tampa Bay anglers. The spring season is a little ahead of schedule because of the mild winter and the almost-perfect water temperatures in our area. Kingfish, Spanish mackerel and bonito can be found in schools of various sizes from within 100 yards of shore near any of the passes out to the 10 Fathom depths. We recently fished for mackerel using No. 1 planers and No. 1 spoons just outside the swim buoys between John's Pass and Pass-a-Grille.

Tip: There are many juvenile kingfish mixed in with the Spanish mackerel. Spanish mackerel must be 12 inches, fork length, for harvest. King mackerel must be 24 inches, fork length.

The 40- and 60-foot depths have proved productive for kingfish, while both trolling No. 1 and No. 2 planers with larger spoons or slow-trolling with live sardines or hard tails. On a recent trip, the kingfish almost became a nuisance while bottom fishing. A stinger-rigged flat line with a dead sardine retrieved with an inshore "walk the dog" action resulted in multiple hookups.

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

NCAA Tournament matchup between Florida Gators and Virginia Cavaliers is contrast of styles

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

OMAHA, Neb. — It's a formula that has served Virginia very well all season. And the Cavaliers see absolutely no reason to change now.

So the plan for today's second-round NCAA Tournament game is force Florida to slow its up-tempo offense and demand it work for every shot.

"Our two systems are going to clash," said senior forward Mike Scott, Virginia's leading scorer and rebounder.

"They like to get up and down the court, shoot quick off the shot clock. We like to slow it down. So we're going to impose our game plan, and they're going to do the same."

Call it a battle of contrasting styles.

Florida (23-10), which scores 76.3 points per game and thrives on up-tempo play, and Virginia (22-9), which is second in the nation in scoring defense at 53.7 points per game (while scoring 63.1 points per game).

"We want to always play our pace going fast, but we've got to be prepared to play their style and grind it out if it comes to that," Florida senior guard Erving Walker said.

Said junior guard Kenny Boynton: "This year, we have seen every defense I think you can. And with our offense and the type of players that we have, we can adjust to any type of defense."

Florida's challenge will be Virginia's pack-the-line defense, designed to make 3-point shooters such as Boynton, Walker and Bradley Beal fight for every shot.

"It's a position defense, and it relies on being in good position with good pressure on the ball," said Virginia coach Tony Bennett, who has his team to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in his three-year tenure.

"Whether it's guarding the 3-point line, the thing is to make opponents shoot contested 3s. When we have played it well, our defense has been good. This year, it's been solid. Florida will test you with their speed and their ability to stretch it. But our challenge is making them shoot contested shots."

That could be easier if Walker and Boynton continue to struggle. Gators coach Billy Donovan said good shooting in March is critical, but Boynton and Walker are a combined 15-of-56 from the field and 9-of-33 from 3-point range in three games in March (including two in the SEC tournament).

If Boynton and Walker aren't on, it puts more pressure on the frontcourt, notably center Patric Young, who is expected to draw defending Scott. If they are on, it will force Virginia to pick its poison.

"I think our frontcourt has a great challenge. Scott is certainly one of the most unique players in the country," Donovan said. "He's a great, great midrange shooter. They have a good balance, and our frontcourt has a challenge.

"But I think Patric has had a good week."

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

Tampa Bay Rays' Wade Davis struggles again but says he's confident

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — RHP Wade Davis has said he feels great physically and is as confident and comfortable as he has been as a pro.

But Davis, competing for a rotation spot, hasn't had good results this spring, including allowing four runs (three earned) on eight hits over four innings in Thursday's 6-6 tie with the Phillies. In three starts spanning 82/3 innings, he has a 5.19 ERA.

Neither Davis nor manager Joe Maddon said they are concerned, believing it's a matter of sharpening his command.

"At the same time, you want to perform well," Davis said. "You want to put on a show. You want to help your team win the ball games even in spring training. I'm frustrated about that. But at the same time, it's a little adjustment to make that outing look a lot better."

Davis did get some bad breaks Thursday. A bloop two-run double bounced off the glove of diving RF Matt Joyce, and an inning-extending error by 3B Jeff Keppinger led to an unearned run on a wild pitch. Maddon said Davis is pretty close on velocity and movement but "it's just location."

"I've seen him do it in the past," Maddon said; "just start getting that pitch where he wants it to go."

MEDICAL MATTERS: LF Desmond Jennings felt no pain one day after colliding with CF B.J. Upton in the outfield. Jennings didn't play against the Phillies but is set to do so today against the Blue Jays.

Maddon said Upton is "banged up" and more sore than Jennings but should play by Saturday.

Maddon said there has been no progress on Robinson Chirinos (concussion). Chirinos, who is competing for the second catcher spot, tweeted Thursday in Spanish, "We are improving slowly, but we are on the right road."

GREAT SCOTT: DH Luke Scott picked up his first hit of the spring, an opposite-field double to left. Scott, recovering from right shoulder surgery, said it was encouraging because of the mechanics of his swing.

"That at-bat was exactly what I want to do," he said.

Maddon said Scott will not play in the field during the spring.

MORE MOLINA: C Jose Molina is set to start for the second straight day today in Dunedin as the Rays try to see how much they can get out of the veteran this season.

GAME DETAILS: OF Jesus Feliciano hit a run-scoring double with two outs in the ninth to tie it against the Phillies. … RHP Kyle Farns­worth threw a scoreless inning in his second spring appearance. … Molina perfectly executed the squeeze with runners on first and third. … OF Sam Fuld and SS Reid Brignac each went 2-for-3.

New-look Tampa Bay Storm seeks 200th Arena Football victory in home opener

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Thursday, March 15, 2012

TAMPA — There has been plenty of change as the Storm readies for tonight's home opener. New uniforms, a new logo, new turf, and plenty of bells and whistles at the newly renovated Tampa Bay Times Forum will be evident to fans.

So will a revamped team program.

Only eight of the 24 players on the Storm's current roster return as Tampa Bay looks to become the first team in Arena Football League history to reach 200 wins when it hosts division rival Georgia at 8 tonight.

"It's just the nature of the business these days," coach Dave Ewart said. "The league has changed, with the pay structure and everything, so you're not going to have some of the longtime guys sticking around for an extended period of time."

Coming off a 7-11 season, the 2012 roster is younger.

"Our average age probably went from 32 to 24," Ewart said. "But that's not necessarily a bad thing because these guys are driven to get to the next level. Maybe in the past some of our guys had already been to that level and were coming down a little."

Of the eight returners, only offensive lineman Tom Kaleita (fifth season) has more than two years experience with the team. Receiver Prechae Rodriguez, who graduated from Jefferson High, said the chemistry has been good for a team with so many new faces.

"It seems like to me that things have clicked right from the start," said Rodriguez, who caught 12 balls for 186 yards and three scores in his Storm debut last week at Chicago. "We have a good group of guys who want to show people what we can do."

After shuffling through five starting quarterbacks last season, the Storm appeared to have found the answer on the first day of free agency when it signed Nick Hill, who led the AFL at 321.8 passing yards per game in 2011 for Orlando. But Hill was signed by Green Bay in January.

"It was bad timing for us, but you have to be happy to see a guy get that kind of opportunity," Ewart said.

Stephen Wasil, who was traded for AFL defensive lineman of the year Cliff Dukes during the offseason and won a preseason battle against former USF quarterback Matt Grothe, looked good in Week 1. Wasil had the best debut of any quarterback in team history, going 26-for-44 for 326 yards, four passing touchdowns and three more on the ground.

"Stephen is a quiet kid, but the guys respond to him," Ewart said. "He comes in with some experience, which is important, and he's got a big arm and can move well."


Outdoors news and notes: Air potatoes must go, grunt hunt, mammal camp

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By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor
Thursday, March 15, 2012

Making news

Park in need of Potato harvest

Ever come across funny-looking objects on the forest floor that look like potatoes? They are the perfect size and shape for throwing at a hiking companion, but please resist the urge. The invasive species, known as the "air potato," needs no help propagating.

In fact, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and the Pinellas County Parks Department hopes to eradicate this exotic plant from Sawgrass Lake Park (7400 25th St. N) in St. Petersburg. Volunteers are needed to help collect air potatoes from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday from an area that has been recently treated under a habitat restoration project. Please wear closed-toe shoes and a long-sleeved shirt and pants, as well as a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and bug spray. For more information, go to tbep.org.

Fishing

Time nears for angling grunt work

People love to catch grouper and snapper, but the white grunt, sometimes called the Key West grunt, rivals either species as table fare, plus it can be caught just about any time of the year. This bottom dweller may be the most underappreciated fish in the Gulf of Mexico.

But now, after years of neglect, this fine Florida fish will have its day thanks to the Madeira Beach Marina, which will sponsor the first Great American Grunt Hunt on March 24. The event, which has a modest $25 entry fee, will pay out $250 for the biggest, fattest grunt caught in local waters.

The captains' meeting is 7 p.m. Thursday at the Madeira Beach Marina (503 150th Ave.). Call (727) 399-2631 for information or go to squidinkpro.com.

Things to Do

March 26-30: Mammalogy Camp, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Lake Maggiore Environmental Education Center in Boyd Hill Nature Preserve (1101 Country Club Way S) in St. Petersburg. A science-based camp for children ages 7-11 focusing on mammals with an emphasis on diversity, ecology and conservation of Florida species. Students will learn about everything from skull and fur identification to reading tracks. Taught by wildlife biologist and environmental educator George L. Heinrich. Cost: $140. Information: (727) 893-7326.

Send your news and notes to Outdoors Editor Terry Tomalin at ttomalin @tampabay.com or call (727) 893-8808.

Solunar Chart

AM PM

minor major minor major

3/16 1:30 7:40 1:50 8:05

3/17 2:20 8:25 2:35 8:50

3/18 3:05 9:15 3:25 9:35

3/19 3:50 9:55 4:05 10:20

3/20 4:35 10:35 4:45 11:00

3/21 5:15 11:15 5:25 11:35

3/22 5:50 11:55 6:05 0

Wild turkeys rarely give hunters a second chance

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By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 15, 2012

GILCHRIST COUNTY — Randy Ransom told my son he'd have one shot, and he had better make it count.

"The wild turkey is one smart bird," the local hunting guide told Kai Tomalin. "Once it figures out that something is not right, you won't see it for the rest of the day."

Participating in the state's second annual youth turkey hunting weekend, we set up in some palmetto bushes along the side of a dirt road running through the Gilchrist Club, a private hunting lodge located about 10 miles east of Chiefland.

My 10-year-old had practiced a few times with a friend's 20-gauge shotgun, but that firearm was loaded with a "range round" that lacked the punch of the shell he would actually use to hunt.

I knew that if he missed, he would not only spook the gobbler, but also scare himself.

"It's got a kick," said Bob Edwards, Kai's shooting coach. "He'll probably only want to fire it once."

So at about 8:30 a.m. on a windy Saturday when that lone turkey came sauntering along, I prayed he would do as he was taught and gently squeeze, not pull, the trigger.

"There he is," I whispered.

A legendary bird

The Osceola, Florida's resident wild turkey, is one of five subspecies found in the United States (the others are the Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam and Gould's), but it is perhaps the most sought-after one because it can only be found in certain areas of the state.

The National Wild Turkey Federation and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission generally recognize wild turkeys taken within or south of the counties of Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Union, Bradford, Clay and Duval to be the Osceola subspecies. Eastern turkeys and hybrids are usually found north and west of these counties.

Ransom knows these birds well. "They are always looking around for predators," he said. "Bobcat, coyote, foxes … they all love to eat wild turkey."

Male turkeys spend the night roosting in the trees, and at first light, they fly down to collect their hens. The best way to find a turkey is to "call" one. And that's where Ransom, the "gobbler," comes in.

"That is why turkey hunting is always best on calm, still mornings," Ransom said. "You can hear them from a mile away. And they can hear you."

Conservation success

There was a time when the idea of a special turkey season for young hunters would have been just a dream. One hundred years ago, this bird, once considered a candidate as our national symbol, was on the brink of extinction.

By the time of the Great Depression, wild turkeys in the United States numbered fewer than 30,000. But strong conservation laws and a federal tax on guns helped raise the money needed to protect these birds.

Today, there are more than 7 million wild turkeys in the United States, and Florida's hunters (as well as nonresidents who come to target the Osceola) enjoy fall and spring turkey seasons.

Besides keen eyesight and exceptional hearing, the Osceola can run up to 25 mph and fly up to 50 mph, according to some estimates. So to be successful, a hunter must remain quiet, well-hidden and ready to fire with little notice.

Many turkey hunters spend years trying to bag a gobbler. But most don't mind. It's the journey, not the destination, that matters.

One shot

The bird, just 25 feet away, sensed trouble. Cat, canine or a shotgun-wielding fifth-grader, the turkey knew danger was near, and it skedaddled.

Kai fired, but it was too late. The turkey was long gone. But the bruise that 20-gauge left on his shoulder would smart for days.

"That hurt," he said, tears welling up in his eyes.

The turkey covered a quarter mile of dirt road in a couple of seconds. My son seemed almost happy to see it go.

"I can always come back next year," he said. "I think it is fun just being in the woods."

Up next races on major auto circuits

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Times wires
Thursday, March 15, 2012

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: Food City 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, noon), qualifying (Speed, 3:30 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 9:30-10:30 a.m., and noon); Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 1 p.m.); Bristol, Tenn.

Fast facts: The fourth race of the season. … Points leader Greg Biffle has three straight third-place finishes. … Brian Vickers is driving Michael Waltrip Racing's No. 55 Toyota. Mark Martin was in the car in the first three races. … Darrell Waltrip holds the track record with 12 victories, winning seven straight races (1980-84).

Standings: 1. Biffle, 125; 2. Kevin Harvick, 115; 3. Denny Hamlin, 113; 4. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 107; 5. Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards, 102; 7. Tony Stewart, 100; 8. Martin Truex and Joey Logano, 98; 10. Martin, 97

Nationwide

What: St. Patrick's Day 300

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 10:30 a.m.-noon, and 2 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, 10:30 a.m.), race (ESPN, 2 p.m.); Bristol, Tenn.

Fast facts: The team's owner is driving his own Kyle Busch Motorsports No. 54 Toyota this season after racing to his last 36 victories and 38 of series-record 51 wins in Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 18 Toyota. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. is driving a JR Motorsports entry, joining teammate Danica Patrick. … Kevin Harvick is racing along with Richard Childress Racing regulars Elliott Sadler and Austin Dillon.

Standings: 1. Sadler, 131; 2. Dillon, 116; 3. Ricky Stenhouse, 114; 4. Trevor Bayne, 112; 5. Cole Whitt, 109

Formula One

What: Australian Grand Prix

When/where: Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 2 a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 2 a.m., and taped 2 p.m.); Melbourne

Fast facts: The series opener. … Sebastian Vettel has 21 victories in 81 career starts. … Kimi Raikkonen has returned to the series to drive for Lotus, the team formerly known as Renault. The team that used to be called Lotus is now Caterham. … Seven-time champ Michael Schumacher has a record 91 victories, four at Albert Park in Melbourne.

Trucks

Next: Kroger 250, March 31, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway

Standings: 1. John King, 47; 2. Timothy Peters, 42; 3. Justin Lofton, 41; 4. Jason White, 40; 5. Todd Bodine, 38

NHRA

Next: SummitRacing.com Nationals, March 30-April 1, Las Vegas

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Tony Schumacher, 283; 2. Morgan Lucas, 269. Funny Car — 1. Mike Neff, 280; 2. Robert Hight, 273. Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, 308; 2. Mike Edwards, 264

Halladay dismisses concerns

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Times wires
Thursday, March 15, 2012

CLEARWATER — Phillies RHP Roy Halladay, hit hard during the spring, said he is not injured and criticized a report suggesting something might be wrong.

The two-time Cy Young winner allowed five runs and seven hits in 22/3 innings against the Twins on Wednesday. Soon after the outing, a FoxSports.com report quoted two unidentified scouts expressing concern that his velocity is down and sharpness off.

"Poor reporting, on the extreme end of poor reporting," Halladay said Thursday. "It couldn't be further from the truth."

Halladay has a 10.56 ERA in three starts. He acknowledged his velocity is down but said he isn't worried.

"I'm 34 and with 2,500 innings," he said. "The older you get, the more you throw, the longer it takes you to get yourself going."

Willis looks good: LHP Dontrelle Willis, who has struggled with arm tightness and fatigue, pitched a scoreless inning in a 6-4 win over the Braves. Willis, trying to win a bullpen spot, pumped his fist, blessed himself and pointed to the sky as he walked off the mound.

"I took some tips from some guys," he said. "I warmed up a lot better. I slowed myself down.

Jays: McGowan moves closer to starting spot

KISSIMMEE — RHP Dustin McGowan, bidding for a spot in Toronto's rotation after three years of arm and knee problems, allowed just an unearned run in three innings during a 6-3 win over the Astros.

Manager John Farrell said as long as McGowan stays healthy, he has a spot in the rotation.

"It's even more comforting when he's throwing 92 to 95 (mph) with the sink that he's shown," Farrell said. "He's passing every plateau, and that constant buildup and endurance is where he's at."

More pitching: RHP Kyle Drabek, the touted prospect whose struggles last year got him sent to Triple A, also allowed an unearned run over three innings.

"I wouldn't say he's totally on the outside looking in (for a roster spot)," Farrell said. "The most encouraging thing is he's been able to take some of the work done (before) spring training and in the early phases of camp and taken them out to the mound."

Yankees: Changeup pleases Pineda

VIERA — LHP Michael Pineda, likely to be in the back of the Yankees rotation, retired his first seven batters and allowed two runs and four hits in 32/3 innings in a 8-5 win over the Nationals.

Pineda was excited about the development of his changeup, a pitch the Yankees said he needed to complement his overpowering fastball and slider.

"Last year, I didn't throw a lot of changeups," he said. "This year, I focused a little more on my changeup, make it a good pitch all the time."

Scary moment: C Russell Martin avoided an injury when he collided with Nationals RHP Chien-Ming Wang while running to first on a slow roller.

"I fell on my left shoulder," he said. "I'm fine."

Will Claxton's first-round 64 good for second at Transitions

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By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 15, 2012

Transitions Championship

Quote of the day

"To be honest, I'm a professional golfer. There isn't a low point in being a professional golfer. I mean, let's be realistic."

Padraig Harrington, after being asked to name his lowest point in the last 18 months

Number of the day

93 Players, out of 144, who finished their first rounds at par or better.

Quote of the day

"To be honest, I'm a professional golfer. There isn't a low point in being a professional golfer. I mean, let's be realistic."

Padraig Harrington, after being asked to name his lowest point in the last 18 months.

Number of the day

93 Number of players, out of 144, who finished their rounds at par or better.

Hole of the day

Par-4, 465-yard sixth On a day made for scoring, few golfers made up strokes on this hole. There were only nine birdies to go along with 32 bogeys and four double bogeys. It was the toughest hole on Thursday.

PALM HARBOR — Will Claxton played exactly one PGA Tour event last season, the Transitions Championship. Claxton got through a Monday qualifier at Innisbrook's Island Course in 2011, made the cut and finished in a tie for 67th.

This year, after one round anyway, Claxton finds himself in second place after shooting 7-under 64 Thursday. He had to go through PGA qualifying school to earn his card this season and is playing in his seventh event. He has made three cuts.

Unlike all the other stops on tour this season, Claxton is actually familiar with the Copperhead Course. That makes his week a little easier.

"There's no doubt that there's a comfort level here for me," said Claxton, an Auburn grad and a native of Swainsboro, Ga. "I hit the ball well here last year. This year, I know what to expect. I don't have to spend six hours out on the course on a Tuesday to get prepared. I already know what to expect."

Good luck charm: Padraig Harrington has been on a roll since he arrived at Innisbrook. He shot 64 in the Wednesday Pro-Am. Before he teed off in the Pro-Am, Harrington met Palm Harbor's Tyler Whitehurst, an autistic golfer from Palm Harbor who is the national Special Olympics champion. White­hurst called it "the best 10 minutes of my life," and Harrington was impressed as well.

"He was great," Harrington said. "He was a really nice guy to be around. He was the perfect guy to send you off on a round of golf, plus he was happy with life, and it's just infectious."

Look who's lurking: Two years removed from his Transitions Championship title, Jim Furyk is hovering after shooting 5-under 66 playing in the afternoon wave. "I played solid," he said. "I hit a lot of fairways and a lot of greens. I just didn't make a lot of mistakes and hit a lot of good, solid shots."

Furyk tees off in the morning today, when the greens will be a little slower. But he doesn't expect to pull a Harrington and shoot 61. "Just because a couple guys pull away, I'm not expecting it to play easy in the morning," he said. "I'm just going to play smart and pick my spots."

Chip SHOTS: Trevor Immelman withdrew before teeing off due to a wrist injury and was replaced by Brian Harman, who shot 3-over 74. … Defending champion Gary Woodland isn't too far back after shooting 3-under 68. … Tampa's Ryuji Imada shot 3-over 74, Dade City's Tim Petrovic 1-over 72, Valrico's Michael Bradley par 71, and Dade City's Garrett Willis 7-over 78.

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