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Tampa Bay Rays: Joe Maddon getting next best thing to Springsteen show; Maddon impressed by Joe Namath's kindness

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Springsteen note of the day

Manager Joe Maddon can't make Friday's Bruce Springsteen show in Tampa since the Rays are playing but will settle for the next best thing, his buddy Willie Forte's B Street Band, which will play Springsteen covers before Sunday's game vs. Miami, starting at 11. Also, gigs tonight at 9 and Friday at 10:30 at the Tampa Hard Rock.

Namath note of the day

Of all the time he spent with childhood idol Joe Namath on Tuesday, manager Joe Maddon said what struck him the most was how nice Namath was. "My takeaway is genuine good guy," Maddon said. "And I think that's pretty important."

Feast of the day

Reid Brignac's family was down from Louisiana and, with help from their friends (who run Broussard Brothers Catering) and David Price's parents, prepared a feast for the team of red beans and rice, jambalaya, boudin (a sausage), bread pudding. "It was awesome," said RHP Brandon Gomes, who has a clue having attended college in New Orleans (Tulane). "Amazing. Some of the best jambalaya I've ever had."

'I'm not dumb' answer of the day

Jaye Maddon … or Demi Moore."

Joe Maddon, on who he'd next like to bring to a game after Miami's Ozzie Guillen said he'd top Joe Namath with Gloria Estefan.

Who is this Ray?

He is a native of DeLand and lives in DeLeon Springs. He played at Oklahoma State and was a ninth-round pick by Cleveland. He signed as a free agent.

Rays at Pirates

When/where: 1:05 today; McKechnie Field, 1611 Ninth St. W, Bradenton.

Tickets: Reserved seats $10-$22. Available through pirates.com, calling 1-877-893-2827, at box office.

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

Pitchers: Rays — James Shields, relievers TBA; Pirates — Jeff Karstens, Jason Grilli, Tony Watson, Daniel Moskos

Heads-up

1B Carlos Peña, 2B Ben Zobrist and OFs Sam Fuld and Desmond Jennings are on the travel squad for today's game.

On deck

Friday: vs. Jays, 7:05 p.m. Rays — David Price; Jays — Brett Cecil

Saturday: at Twins, 3:05 p.m. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Twins — Jason Marquis

Sunday: vs. Marlins, 1:05 p.m. Rays — Wade Davis; Marlins — TBA

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

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: DH Luke Scott

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer


Video shoot helps Huskies stay loose

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Connecticut's quest for an eighth national title brings with it a lot of expectations, anxiety and a pressure to perform.

Maybe that's why, off the court, the Huskies decided to do a little performing before the NCAA Tournament by dressing up in wigs, visiting a Wal-Mart and shooting a music video.

"It's just a lot of fun," said center Stefanie Dolson, who has been part of several of these team-made productions, the latest being a take on Carly Rae Jepson's song Call me, Maybe. "Our team has so much fun together, so when we were all together, we wanted to make a video. It just kind of shows our personality."

Guard Caroline Doty served as the producer and director of the video, which had more than 25,000 views on YouTube as of Wednesday.

"Everybody was just being themselves," Doty said. "It was cool, because we really didn't have to edit anything out. We were just busting on ourselves. So I just had to clip different cuts that I had and put it all together. I was really, really happy with it."

The full team participated in the video, which was shot over two days last week while the campus was on spring break.

TOO SOON: Elena Delle Donne wasn't ready to go home.

The nation's leading scorer had 34 points Tuesday, but her Delaware Blue Hens fell 70-64 to 11th-seeded Kansas, only their second loss this season. The abrupt end to her junior year was hard to take.

"This really has been a dream season and a dream team," Delle Donne said while fighting back tears. "The thing we're most disappointed about is just it being over, especially saying goodbye to our seniors.

"I'm just sorry for the seniors and to my teammates, because we had a lot of fun."

UNC's Marshall sheds cast

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina PG Kendall Marshall is out of his cast after surgery on his broken right wrist.

In a text message to the Associated Press on Wednesday, Marshall's father Dennis said his son is wearing a removable splint now. Marshall said on Twitter he had shed the cast that afternoon.

Dennis Marshall said it was too early to know if his son could play against Ohio on Friday in the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 in St. Louis. He said his son "hasn't been ruled out, but not cleared to play either."

The school had no update on Marshall's status Wednesday.

The left-handed Marshall was hurt when he was fouled on a drive against Creighton and had surgery Monday to install a screw in the wrist.

Marshall is averaging about eight points and 10 assists for the top-seeded Tar Heels (31-5) in the Midwest Region. He has scored in double figures for six straight games and has been at the helm of UNC's fast-paced attack.

If he can't play, freshman Stilman White or versatile senior Justin Watts would handle the point guard duties.

BRAND NEW IMAGE: With its surprising advance into the Sweet 16, Ohio University has something to talk about other than parties and potatoes.

Ohio, which is known regionally for its annual Halloween party, was ranked the top party school in the country by the 2011 Princeton Review last summer, an annoyance to administrators who have been trying to change that image.

"Honestly, I don't know where that party thing comes from," former Bobcats star Gary Trent said. "I've been on other college campuses. It's no more wild than any other."

The football program got its first bowl victory in December, beating Utah State 24-23 in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl with a touchdown drive in the last two minutes.

CONFERENCE QUIPS: Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim isn't a big fan of all the conference realignment going on.

The Big East is loaded with teams, 16 that play basketball. And that makes Orange F Kris Joseph's first-team all-conference selection more impressive.

"There's 26 or 28 teams, whatever it is, in our conference," Boeheim said, "so you've got to be real good to get in the first five or six. He's had a tremendous year. He's had a tremendous career at Syracuse."

Future stars for the Orange should have a shot at winning ACC honors. Syracuse and Pittsburgh are slated to leave the Big East for the ACC.

IN THE BOOTH: VCU coach Shaka Smart and Kansas State's Frank Martin will serve as guest analysts this week. CBS and Turner Sports said that Smart will join the Atlanta studio group for the region semifinals and finals today through Saturday on CBS and TBS. Martin will work with the New York studio for the region finals Saturday and Sunday on CBS.

This week on major golf tours

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Times staff
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

This week on major golf tours

PGA: Arnold Palmer Invitational; Bay Hill Club and Lodge, Orlando. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m., Golf Channel. Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m., Golf Channel; 2:30 p.m., Ch. 8

LPGA: Kia Classic; La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad, Calif. TV: Today-Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 p.m., Golf Channel

Champions: Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic; Fallen Oak CC, Saucier, Miss. TV: Friday, 12:30 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 2:30 p.m., Golf Channel

PGA Europe: Hassan II Trophy; Golf du Palais Royale, Agadir, Morocco. TV: Today-Friday, 9:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m., Golf Channel

Tampa Bay Rays' Kyle Farnsworth perfectly happy not having official "closer" label

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

. TODAY

Rays at Pirates

1:05, Bradenton

Other area teams

Phillies at Blue Jays, 1:05, Dunedin

Yankees at Red Sox, 7:05, Fort Myers. TV: ESPN

Closing time

Pitchers who went latest into their careers before a 25-save seasons:

Pitcher, teamSeasonYearSaves
David Weathers, Reds17th200733
John Smoltz, Braves14th200255
Kyle Farnsworth, Rays13th201125
Hoyt Wilhelm, WSox13th196427
Mike Jackson, Indians13th199840


PORT CHARLOTTE — Semantics, really. That's all it is.

Kyle Farnsworth saved 25 games for the Rays last season. Of their 44 save situations, he got the call 31 times (while missing two-plus weeks with elbow issues). Every one of his 63 appearances came from the eighth inning on. He finished 51 games.

But, still …

As many times as manager Joe Maddon called on Farnsworth to save the Rays last season, he did not once actually, officially call him the closer.

And given how unexpectedly well it worked out, and how incredibly important Farnsworth was — and is — to the Rays' success, Maddon isn't about to start now.

"I don't want him to think anything differently than he thought last year," Maddon said. "I don't want anybody else to think anything differently. I just like the way it went.

"I'm going to call him Kyle."

Pitching coach Jim Hickey, even more appreciative, goes one further: "I just call him Mr. Farnsworth."

Farnsworth, 35, laughs about the whole thing, that high-pitched giggle that you don't expect from the fierce-looking, camo-wearing, truck-driving guy ESPN The Magazine once dubbed the baddest man in baseball.

"Whatever he wants to do," Farnsworth said. "It worked last year. It doesn't matter to me. I'm just happy to be able to still be pitching."

This will be Farnsworth's 18th season in pro ball, 14th in the majors. He'd been a starter early on and a middle reliever most of the rest of the time. He had 16 saves in a 2005 season split between Detroit and Atlanta and collected 11 others over the years. But he never had the opportunity presented last season, to be the main man, albeit in all but name.

The secret to success, he found, was not doing anything differently.

"I just got an opportunity and just went out and tried to do the best I could," he said. "Tried not to control things I can't control, do what I'm able to do and go from there.

"In a way, I guess it's all in the way you look at it. You just try to look at it the same, whether it's the first inning or the last inning. The game's hard enough as it is, there's enough stuff going on, to worry about what inning you're pitching."

The one thing Farnsworth did learn was to stop using his split-finger fastball. He threw it regularly in 2001 and it hurt his elbow. He threw it again in 2006 and it hurt his elbow. And he starting throwing it again last year — probably about 20 times total — and it hurt his elbow, idling him for much of September.

"It was just stupid," Farnsworth said. "It's definitely not going to be thrown from my arm anymore."

The Rays felt comfortable enough with the elbow to pick up his $3.3 million option, which Farnsworth was hoping for since he enjoyed playing near his Disney-area home — close enough that he made the drive each way every day, allowing him to either take the kids to school or bring the two boys to the Trop.

(And leading to the question of whether it's tougher to traverse I-4 daily than to close out, say, the Yankees. "It depends which way you're going," he said. "If you're going toward Orlando, yes. If you're going toward Tampa, it's not all that bad.")

Maddon and Hickey learned a few things about Farnsworth, primarily that he wasn't just the hard-thrower they'd seen from across the field or on TV but much more of a pitcher, and a pitch-maker, similar to what they saw in Rafael Soriano in 2010.

Specifically, how Farnsworth would take things slower as the pace quickened, using his off-speed pitches in key situations.

"I saw game-planning and I saw execution of pitches," Maddon said. "He never got riled, he had a great heartbeat the whole time. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know him. I hadn't seen him. All that stuff was fabulous."

Almost, you might say, like a closer.

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

Ronde Barber tells Tampa Bay Buccaneers he will return for 16th season

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

TAMPA — All Ronde Barber needed was a few more aging partners in prime.

The Bucs cornerback, who turns 37 on April 7, said he was encouraged by the team's signing of three marquee veteran free agents last week. So he informed the Bucs on Wednesday he will return for a 16th season and agreed to a one-year deal.

"I'm really excited about the direction of the team, the moves we've made, and I can't wait to get back to work," Barber said in a statement released by the team.

When asked why he wanted to continue playing instead of thinking AARP, Barber said in a text message to the Tampa Bay Times, "Because I can. And there is nothing as yet that says I cannot."

The Bucs committed $140.5 million in the first 24 hours of the free agent signing period last week, agreeing to contracts with Chargers receiver Vincent Jackson (29), Saints guard Carl Nicks (27 in May) and Lions cornerback Eric Wright (27 in July). Barber is the only player on the roster older than 30, but a few teammates are creeping up on it.

Terms of Barber's contract were not disclosed. The Bucs captain signed a one-year, $4 million deal to play in 2011.

"Man, I'm so glad ronde coming back that's a great attribute to our organization not only on the field but off as well," defensive end Da'Quan Bowers said on Twitter.

Barber has the NFL's longest streak of consecutive-games started, 199, most by a cornerback in league history. He broke his right arm in last year's season finale at Atlanta and did not play in the second half, but he is expected to be ready for offseason workouts.

Bucs coach Greg Schiano and general manager Mark Dominik met with Barber just before the start of free agency and informed him they wanted him to play in 2012. Barber said he needed time to decide.

"Mark did a good job making me feel like I should be back," Barber said.

Schiano will be the fourth Bucs head coach for Barber, who was a third-round draft pick by Tampa Bay out of Virginia in 1997.

Barber presumably will compete for the starting right cornerback spot with Wright, who signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract last week. Left cornerback Aqib Talib has another year on his contract and is expected to return, pending the outcome of his trial in Texas on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, scheduled to begin April 16.

Barber, a five-time Pro Bowler, was the team's most consistent defensive player last season with 79 tackles, a sack and three interceptions. He also recorded five tackles for loss, 11 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. He was one of only two Bucs to compile a statistic in every defensive category.

But his future was uncertain after the Bucs fired Raheem Morris as coach after a 4-12 season in 2011, including 10 straight losses to end the season.

Assuming Talib's legal problems are resolved in his favor, the Bucs should be improved in the secondary after allowing a league-worst 30 touchdown passes last season.

The Bucs also are expected to draft a cornerback, possibly with the No. 5 overall selection. Louisiana State's Morris Claiborne is a player they are considering if he is available. The Bucs this offseason hired Claiborne's defensive backs coach at LSU, Ron Cooper, to coach their secondary.

Coaches bring star power to NCAA Tournament's West Region semifinals

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

PHOENIX — The star power at US Airways Arena this week extends beyond any player in the NCAA Tournament's West Region semifinals. Three of the four coaches — Florida's Billy Donovan, Louisville's Rick Pitino and Michigan State's Tom Izzo — have won national championships. Only Marquette's Buzz Williams has not.

The three are among the top 15 winningest active Division I men's coaches — Pitino is No. 11 (.729), Izzo No. 13 (.710) and Donovan No. 15 (.704) — and combined have led their teams to 14 Final Fours. Combined, the three have won 1,459 games.

But Donovan downplayed the star power talk.

"Well, one thing I'd say about it is everybody has to start somewhere," he said. "All of us, Coach Pitino, Tom Izzo, myself, Buzz, you have to start somewhere. … Sometimes I think people's perception of coaches, they've won a national championship, but I had to start somewhere. Coach Pitino had to start somewhere. So did Tom. … I think you can do a great job in coaching and be a tremendous coach and never get to a Final Four, and have a tremendous program. There's a lot more that goes into it."

Williams, who has 110 career victories in five seasons overall, couldn't escape questions about his place with the other three coaches, but he handled them with ease — and humor.

"I wish that would have been a question on the SAT, I wouldn't have had to go to junior college," Williams said. "The word association on the SAT, I would have gotten that right. …

"All of them have won national championships. All of them have coached in the league (NBA) or decided they didn't want to coach in the league. And the league that I should be in is the Lone Star Conference, a Division II league in Texas. I should be an assistant in that league. So I don't belong. I don't compare. Those three guys are the ultimate example of what this business should be about as people, the ultimate example of what they should be about as coaches."

GATOR GATHERING: Former Gator Neal Walk attended Florida's open practice Wednesday at US Airways Arena. Walk (1966-69) was the first All-American in Florida history and is the only Gator player to have his number (41) retired. Still UF's all-time rebound leader, he played eight NBA seasons with New Orleans, New York and Phoenix. Also hanging with the Gators was former assistant coach Richard Pitino, who is now an assistant on his father's Louisville staff.

FORGET HOSPITALITY: No offense, Florida fans, but the mayor of Phoenix will be rooting against the Gators in tonight's game vs. No. 3 seed Marquette. Mayor Greg Stanton is an alumnus of Marquette University and will be in attendance openly cheering for his former school.

MISPERCEPTION?: Marquette's players have repeatedly referred to Florida's penchant for 3-point shooting, and some said on Wednesday the Gators have some serious defensive deficiencies. Florida C Patric Young said he's unsure why opponents keep assuming they are just a 3-point shooting team with no defense, but he's okay with it. "I like that," he said. "I want them to think that. We'll see."

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

Ailing Cardinals ace to miss season opener

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

JUPITER — Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter won't start opening day after a setback in his recovery from a bulging disc in his neck.

The right-hander, 37, returned to St. Louis on Tuesday for tests. He threw live batting practice Sunday but didn't feel right the next day.

"He looked really good and felt good; the next day he just didn't respond like we had hoped," manager Mike Matheny said Wednesday. "His shoulder is just not responding and they're uncertain of the root of it. That's what they're trying to get to with tests on the neck and shoulder and trying to figure out where it's all coming from."

Right-hander Kyle Lohse will start April 4 at Miami in his place. Lohse was 14-8 with a 3.39 ERA last season, leading the Cardinals in wins and ERA.

"It's an honor," Lohse said. "But it comes meaning that Carp's not available; that's the tough part about it. I wish it were under different circumstances, but I'm proud to take the ball on opening day."

Right-hander Lance Lynn, a setup man, will take Carpenter's spot in the rotation.

OBITUARY: Mel Parnell, the left-handed pitcher who spent his entire 10-year career with the Red Sox and faced some of the best hitters of the 1940s and early 1950s, died Tuesday in New Orleans after a battle with cancer. He was 89. Mr. Parnell had a career record of 123-75 with a 3.50 ERA and holds the club record for left-handers in games started (232), innings (17522/3) and victories.

UECKER HONOR: The Brewers announced that long-time broadcaster Bob Uecker will be honored this summer with a statue outside Miller Park. The unveiling is scheduled for Aug. 31.

In other Brewers news, rightfielder Corey Hart, already sidelined after right knee surgery, hit himself on the head with the bar while lifting weights and needed eight stitches. Also, right-hander Shaun Marcum, sidelined by shoulder soreness, threw two innings in a minor-league game and said he expects to be ready for the regular season.

A'S: Third baseman Scott Sizemore had surgery on his left knee to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and is expected to be ready for the start of spring training next year.

MARINERS: Manager Eric Wedge announced that right-hander Kevin Millwood, 37, will be the team's fifth starter, beating out Japanese right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma. … Right-handed reliever Shawn Camp, a former Ray, was released.

NATIONALS: Right-hander Stephen Strasburg was named the opening day starter.

ORIOLES: Left-hander Zach Britton will not need surgery on his ailing left shoulder, but a process to help lessen the inflammation could sideline him for up to six weeks.

ROYALS: Closer Joakim Soria will take a few days to consider his options after receiving a second opinion on his elbow injury. The right-hander has damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. He had reconstructive surgery in 2003 to replace the same ligament.


Hughes continues to build his case

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Manager Joe Girardi said early in the spring that he wouldn't start evaluating his rotation contenders until their third or fourth starts. But Phil Hughes looked at every time he took the mound as an opportunity to make an impression.

It has been a good one.

Hughes' standout spring continued Wednesday when he allowed two runs, three hits and a walk in five innings of the Yankees' 5-2 victory over the Rays.

The slimmed-down Hughes struck out three and saw his ERA drop to 2.03 in four spring outings.

Girardi called the difference from last spring "night and day," and barring injury the manager knows the decision on the rotation won't be easy. With CC Sabathia and Hiroki Kuroda the only pitchers guaranteed spots, Freddy Garcia, Michael Pineda, Ivan Nova and Hughes all have performed reasonably well. And Andy Pettitte will soon be added to the mix.

Hughes' fastball peaked at 93 mph Wednesday and sat at 92, but what stood out were his curveball and changeup, which was the best it has been this spring.

"I really hadn't gotten a chance to throw as many changeups as I want," said Hughes, who threw 70 pitches (50 strikes). "Seems like a lot of quick swings this spring and I didn't necessarily have those drawn-out counts. I seemed to have a lot of those (Wednesday) where I could really incorporate my changeup. If I really think about the one thing I took a step forward with, it would be the changeup."

Jays: The right path

SARASOTA — Kyle Drabek faces long odds of making the Blue Jays' opening day roster. He's hoping to at least make it a difficult decision.

In his second start of the spring, the second-year right-hander allowed two runs and three hits in 31/3 innings of a 6-3 loss to the Orioles, walking two and striking out three.

"I might have been wild a few times. Just rushing a little bit, but I got the groundballs that I wanted," Drabek said.

"I feel like he's definitely on the right path," Toronto manager John Farrell said. "He threw a number of curveballs for strikes (Wednesday). He kept himself under control in the first inning that could have been a little shaky for him. It's another step in the right direction for him today."

In 2011, Drabek made the Blue Jays and stayed with them until mid June. He was demoted after posting a 6.06 ERA in 782/3 innings and continued to struggle at Triple-A Las Vegas.

FOREVER YOUNG: Blue Jays INF Omar Vizquel, trying to make the team as a reserve at age 44, went 2-for-3 and is batting .435 this spring.

Phils: Lefty Kiker let go

CLEARWATER — The Phillies' search for a left-handed complement to RH reliever Antonio Bastardo will continue.

A week after releasing Dontrelle Willis, Philadelphia released Kasey Kiker from its minor-league camp. The former first-round pick was claimed by the Phillies after the Rangers released him in December.

Kiker, 24, didn't advance past Double A in six years in Texas' system. He had a 7.05 ERA in 442/3 innings at Class A Myrtle Beach last season.

Freshman Bradley Beal emerging as a star exactly when the Florida Gators need him to

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By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

PHOENIX, Ariz. — It has taken lots of encouragement and support from Florida coach Billy Donovan and his teammates, but freshman guard Bradley Beal is finally becoming the complete player everyone around him has known he could be. Maybe even better.

And Florida is reaping the benefits, particularly of late. You could say March has become Beal's breakout month.

In the SEC tournament, Beal averaged 18 points and was named to the all-tournament team. In March, he is leading the team in minutes played (34.2), scoring (13.8) and rebounding (8.4, up from 4.7 in January). He is shooting 37 percent from 3-point range and 76 percent from the free-throw line and has 18 assists in five games.

"I think I sensed it near the end of conference play before going into the SEC tournament, everything starting to really come together for me," Beal said.

"I think I did a pretty good job in just staying aggressive, attacking as best I could and really trying to get my teammates involved and being more aggressive. I know that coming in the first couple of games, and throughout half of the season, I was kind of worried about what my teammates would say and things like that. I didn't want to step on anybody's toes, messing up team chemistry and anything like that. But then Coach and my teammates made me realize they wanted me to do what was best for the team."

During NCAA Tournament play, he has been outstanding. In Florida's 71-45 win over Virginia, he had 14 points and 11 rebounds, his sixth double double of the season. Against Norfolk State, an 84-50 blowout, he tallied 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. In the two NCAA Tournament games combined, he was 9-for-16 from the floor, 3-for-9 from the arc and 7-for-11 from the free-throw line.

In his evolution from inconsistent freshman to dominant player the past several weeks, what has stood out most is the 6-foot-3, 207-pound Beal's aggressiveness and his willingness to crash the boards.

"He's really patient, a great rebounder," sophomore center Patric Young said. "He's probably not seen as such a great rebounder because he's a guard, but he's a great rebounder.

"He's good at creating his own shot, as far as getting to the basket, and really patient in shooting his 3-pointers as well. And sometimes he gets down on himself for not having a great shooting night, but he realizes there's so many other things he can do to impact the game, especially with his rebounding. It took some time, but he's a really mature freshman, I can say."

Beal, 18, arrived in Gainesville last fall as a McDonald's All-American, the Gatorade national player of the year with high expectations. He has turned out to be all that was expected. But like most college freshmen, he has had his ups and downs. He is now coming to terms with stepping up the way Donovan has encouraged him all season.

"I think the one thing that makes Brad such a good player is he's a real team guy, he understands team dynamics, chemistry," Donovan said. "And I think for him, he's always been a guy that's relied on his offense. I think he's starting to see that there's so much more to his game — the way he rebounds, the way he passes, and the way he's attacking.

"Early in the year he wasn't attacking the basket and driving it and putting it on the floor the way he is now. And the thing I've just tried to get through to him is stop worrying about your shot. You're a freshman. Most freshmen have their peaks and valleys shooting the basketball. You do too many other things as a player that can really impact our team. And I said start stepping up and start to try to be more aggressive. Start enjoying things out there that impact the outcome of the game. And our team realizes that when he does those things, it helps us tremendously."

Tampa Bay Lightning rookie Brett Connolly, challenged to improve, raises his game

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

TAMPA — When Brett Connolly has a breakaway, he usually is so caught up in the moment, not much crosses his mind.

It was different Saturday against the Blues, and as Connolly bore down on goaltender Jaroslav Halak, he said he thought, "This could break me out of a slump."

But Halak gloved Connolly's wrist shot and the goal drought for the Lightning's rookie right wing is now 40 games.

"It's frustrating," Connolly said Wednesday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, "but it will happen. I just have to keep working on my game."

This, though, is not a story about failure. It is about how Connolly has transformed from a player who was benched and called a defensive liability to one playing with more of the confidence and creativity expected of the No. 6 overall pick of the 2010 draft.

Goals are just another hurdle.

"I'm crossing my fingers for him," coach Guy Boucher said. "He's been playing great. He's got it all, and in the next years he's going to be a really good player."

No one is calling Connolly a finished product, not even close — "He still has a lot to learn and a lot to improve on," Boucher said — but it is notable how far he has come.

Just last month, Connolly, 19, was benched for three games in a stretch of seven. There also was the 16-game stretch in January and February in which he played fewer than 10 minutes, and Boucher's assertion Connolly needed to clean up his defensive game.

And not just in a specific area.

"Just overall," Connolly said. "Being aware, being on top of my checks, one-on-one battles, my play along the boards, not throwing the puck away, being patient. I have a lot more time than I used to think. Before, when I had the puck on the wall, I felt like I have to get it off my stick right away."

Now he surveys the ice before moving the puck, makes plays instead of turning the puck over and shows the hand skills needed to maneuver the puck through heavy traffic.

"He just needed that confidence," linemate Ryan Malone said. "It helps when you know you're going to go back on the ice. If you're thinking the whole time, 'If I make a mistake, I'm going to be on the bench,' it's tough to play hockey that way. Now the coaches believe he has the right direction."

Connolly's resurgence is one of circumstance, too; His minutes rose after Dominic Moore and Steve Downie were traded, and Vinny Lecavalier was sidelined Feb. 18 with a fractured hand.

But as Boucher said, "He's played good, so he's getting more time. If others played better than him, he would be getting less."

Connolly, 6 feet 2, 181 pounds, is averaging 11:08 of ice time but has played more in nine of his past 13 games, and Monday against the Sabres he had a career-most 16:48. He has four assists in those games, four goals, 12 points in 46 games on the season.

"I feel a lot more comfortable," Connolly said. "It's been a lot more fun of late to play. It's been good, and I'm going to improve even more the last 10 games."

If only he would have scored on Halak.

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

. Tonight

Lightning vs. Oilers

When/where: 7:30; Tampa Bay Times Forum, Tampa

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Lightning C Steven Stamkos has just two goals and three points in his past six games. … Oilers G Nikolai Khabibulin has not played at the Tampa Bay Times Forum since helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup final. He is 4-3-0 in seven games against Tampa Bay with a 1.85 goals-against average and .927 save percentage. … The Lightning has not beaten the Oilers since January 2008 (0-2-1). … Edmonton C Ryan Nugent-Hopkins leads all rookies with 22 power-play points and 19 power-play assists.

Sports in brief

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Soccer

Doctor: revived player was 'in effect … dead'

LONDON — Fabrice Muamba's heart stopped beating on its own for 78 minutes and "in effect, he was dead in that time," the doctor for his English Premier League team said Wednesday.

Muamba, 23, a midfielder for Bolton, had a heart attack and collapsed during an FA Cup match against Tottenham on Saturday. He was taken to London Chest Hospital, where he was improving and talking to doctors.

Medics tried to revive Muamba for 48 minutes before he arrived at the hospital, Dr. Jonathan Tobin said. It took another 30 minutes, after 15 shocks from a defibrillator, before Muamba's heart started beating again on its own.

"In effect, he was dead in that time," Tobin said. "The longer the resuscitation goes on, the less chance there is of survival, but this is slightly different. This is a very fit 23-year-old."

He likely survived because of the emergency care, which kept blood and oxygen supplied to his organs.

more premier league: Manchester City narrowed the gap on leader Manchester United to a point, beating Chelsea 2-1 to win a league-record 20th straight home game. United is owned by the Glazer family, which owns the Bucs. Nine games are left.

europe: European association president Michel Platini won the support of the European Union's executive office to legally protect his plans to curb excessive spending by top clubs. The association and the European Commission agreed that Platini's regulations conform with rules on government aid and fair competition. Teams can be punished for spending more than they earn under rules set in June 2011.

tennis

Venus wins first match in return

Venus Williams won in her first singles match since August, dispatching Kimiko Date-Krumm 6-0, 6-3 at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne.

Other than playing a doubles match in the United States' Fed Cup first-round victory over Belarus in February, Williams hadn't played an official match since the U.S. Open first round last year. Williams, 31, withdrew from her second-round match against Sabine Lisicki after announcing she was diagnosed with the fatigue-causing auto-immune disease Sjogren's Syndrome.

"Just to get back at this level is a win for me," Williams said.

Unseeded Kim Clijsters opened with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 win against Jarmila Gajdosova. It was her first outing since she hurt her left ankle at the Australian Open.

Tampa resident James Blake lost his opening match to Nikolay Davydenko 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

et cetera

college football: Clemson and Georgia are talking about canceling the series planned between the schools for 2013 and 2014. Clemson initiated the talks as a result of the ACC's move this year to expand to a nine-game conference schedule to accommodate 14 members. … Georgia starting cornerback Sanders Commings pleaded guilty in Athens, Ga., to simple battery and disorderly conduct to resolve his arrest on domestic violence charges. His sentence included 12 months probation and a $200 fine. Commings, suspended by coach Mark Richt for the first two games in the fall, was accused of hitting an ex-girlfriend. … Boston College defensive lineman Jaryd Rudolph was suspended from the team after being charged with secretly making an audio recording of two students having sex.

Times wires

VCU coach Smart rebuffs Illinois

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart ended speculation that he might take the job at Illinois by announcing Wednesday that he'll stay with the Rams.

Smart's $1.2 million contract will be adjusted, VCU said in a news release, but the school provided no details. Smart, 34, said in the release that he appreciates VCU's support of him and his staff.

Smart guided VCU to its only Final Four last season. The Rams won a school-record 29 games and the Colonial Athletic Association title this season.

USF coach Stan Heath, whose team had its first-ever NCAA Tournament victories last week, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for openings, including Illinois, which fired Bruce Weber on March 9. But he said Wednesday that he hasn't been contacted about any jobs and is happy with the Bulls.

"It's flattering, but I really love being here at USF," Heath said. "I definitely like the direction we're going. I know our guys are excited. Since we got back, they've been working and trying to get themselves ready for next season. I think we're in a good place, and I love the guys we have coming in."

NIT: Rodney Williams and Andre Hollins scored 24 each to help Minnesota (22-14) advance to the semifinals with a 78-72 win over host Middle Tennessee (27-7). The Gophers face Washington at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. … Josh Owens and Chasson Randle scored 15 each to help host Stanford (24-11) beat Nevada (28-7) 84-56. The Cardinal meets UMass on Tuesday.

TARK RESTING: Doctors at a Las Vegas hospital decided to keep former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian, 81, overnight for observation after a mild heart attack; the original plan was to release him, a hospital spokeswoman said. Mountainview Hospital spokeswoman Amanda Powell said Tarkanian's status had not changed, and he was still doing "very well."

IOWA STATE: Sophomore forward Royce White, the Big 12 newcomer of the year, said he's leaving after one season and declaring for the NBA draft.

MICHIGAN: Sophomore forward Evan Smotrycz, freshman guard Carlton Brundidge and sophomore forward Colton Christian all intend to transfer.

MARYLAND: Guard Terrell Stoglin, the ACC leader with 21.6 points per game, announced he will return for his junior year.

NEBRASKA: Apparently in response to an Omaha newspaper report that Wichita State's Gregg Marshall turned down a $2 million offer to become coach, athletic director Tom Osborne issued a statement saying that the school has not offered the job to anyone.

RUTGERS: Forward Gilvydas Biruta is leaving the program and intends to transfer.

Times staff writer Greg Auman contributed to this report.

No Manning, so 49ers re-sign Smith

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — No hard feelings, Alex Smith said.

Wednesday, the quarterback re-signed with the 49ers, a deal the Associated Press reported is for three years and $33 million ($16.5 million guaranteed).

Smith signed a day after Peyton Manning, whom the 49ers pursued, was introduced by the Broncos. The No. 1 overall pick by the 49ers in 2005 had his best year last season with 3,150 yards and 17 touchdowns in helping lead them to the NFC title game.

"Not offended at all. I would have relished the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job with Peyton Manning," said Smith, who met with the Dolphins on Sunday. "I feel I've been through way worse than this. Free agency is always going to be a little crazy; maybe this year more than most. You get to a point you stop worrying about that stuff."

Tweeted 49ers CEO Jed York: "Thanks for choosing the 49ers Alex. Sorry it was a tough week."

Bengals: Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis signed, the AP reported. Last season for the Patriots, he ran for 667 yards and 11 touchdowns. He will replace Cedric Benson, whom the Bengals decided not to re-sign.

Bills: Defensive end Mark Anderson signed. Terms weren't disclosed. He has 351/2 sacks over six seasons, including 10 for the Patriots last season.

Colts: Center Samson Satele signed a deal the AP reported is for three years and $10.8 million ($5 million guaranteed). In two seasons with the Dolphins and three with the Raiders, he has started all but four games.

Jaguars: Cornerback Aaron Ross agreed to a three-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. He had four interceptions for the Giants last season.

Saints: Defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley agreed to a five-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed. The star at Florida State and Tampa's Chamberlain High made 43 tackles in 16 games for Denver last season.

Vikings: Nose tackle Remi Ayodele, who signed for three years and $9 million ($4.6 million guaranteed) before last season, was released. He had 15 tackles and 1½ sacks in 16 games.

Rules: The competition committee proposed: booth officials make all decisions on replays — instead of referees — and review all turnovers just as it reviews all scoring plays; expanding the overtime rule used in the postseason — both sides must have a possession if the receiving team kicks a field goal — to the regular season; allowing players hurt during the preseason or early in the regular season to return from injured reserve instead of being out for the season. Owners will vote on the proposals next week.

Obituary: Longtime offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt died in Boca Raton. He was 80. Mr. Erhardt was Giants offensive coordinator from 1982-90, when they won two Super Bowls. He went 21-28 in three-plus seasons (1978-81) as Patriots coach and was offensive coordinator for them from 1977-78, Steelers from 1992-95 and Jets in 1996.

Preds get old-new scoring help for playoffs

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0

Times wires
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

NASHVILLE — Wing Alexander Radulov, often called the best player in the world not in the NHL, rejoined the Predators on Wednesday for the stretch run and playoffs, four years after leaving mid contract to play in Russia's KHL.

"I'm happy to come back and be here," Radulov said. "I'll do whatever it takes to help the team be better."

The Russian, Nashville's 15th overall pick in the 2004 draft, left in July 2008 after signing a three-year KHL contract despite having a year left on his Nashville entry deal. Nashville suspended him indefinitely in September 2008, but general manager David Poile and players stayed in touch with him.

Radulov is a two-time KHL MVP and the league's all-time scorer with 254 goals. His KHL team lost early this postseason, and his contract expired.

"Maybe now we get back a more finished product, a more mature person and player," Poile said, "and maybe this works out really good for us."

Radulov will satisfy a full season of his Nashville contract by playing the final nine regular-season games and become a restricted free agent this summer. He could play his first game tonight at Pittsburgh.

game highlights: The Sabres tied the idle Capitals in points for the East's last playoff spot with a 3-0 win over the visiting Canadiens. Both teams have 80 points. Washington has played one fewer game, so it keeps the spot on a tiebreak. … In the host Blackhawks' 2-1 overtime win against the Canucks, Vancouver's Daniel Sedin left midway through the second after taking a shoulder to the head from Chicago's Duncan Keith.

around the league: Coyotes captain Shane Doan, was suspended for three of their final eight games for elbowing Stars forward Jamie Benn on Tuesday. Doan got a minor elbowing penalty. … Goalie Evgeni Nabokov agreed to return to the Islanders for a one-year deal Canada's TSN TV network said was worth $2.75 million.

at Sabres1113
Canadiens0000

First Period1, Buff, Hodgson 17 (Ehrhoff, Tropp), 6:15. PenaltiesStaubitz, Mon, major (fighting), 2:47; McCormick, Buf, major (fighting), 2:47; Leino, Buf (hooking), 7:55.

Second Period2, Buff, Pominville 28 (Leino, Roy), 2:31. PenaltiesLeblanc, Mon (delay of game), 9:51; Roy, Buf (hooking), 18:22.

Third Period3, Buff, Hodgson 18 (Roy, Vanek), 12:45 (pp). PenaltiesEller, Mon (hooking), 5:30; Staubitz, Mon (interference), 11:56; Cole, Mon (goaltender interference), 16:42; Vanek, Buf (slashing), 17:59; Pacioretty, Mon, served by Palushaj (unsportsmanlike conduct), 18:40; Subban, Mon (cross-checking, roughing), 19:30. Shots Mon 15-7-12—34. Buff 10-11-10—31. PP opportunitiesMon 0 of 2; Buff 1 of 6. GoaliesMon, Price 25-27-10 (31 shots-28 saves). Buff, Miller 27-18-7 (34-34).

at Hurricanes1113
Panthers0101

First Period1, Car, E.Staal 22, :46. PenaltiesSkinner, Car (high-sticking), 5:00; Samuelsson, Fla (slashing), 12:55; Skinner, Car (slashing), 12:55; Kulikov, Fla (high-sticking), 13:27; Bowman, Car (boarding), 16:44.

Second Period2, Car, Pitkanen 4 (Ruutu, Skinner), 10:55. 3, Fla., Fleischmann 23 (Jovanovski, Weiss), 12:33. PenaltiesGleason, Car (hooking), 8:32.

Third Period4, Car, E.Staal 23 (Pitkanen, Tlusty), 8:14 (pp). PenaltiesWeaver, Fla (delay of game), 2:51; Tlusty, Car (hooking), 2:56; Smithson, Fla (hooking), 7:31; Pitkanen, Car (delay of game), 8:34; Garrison, Fla (slashing), 12:43; Upshall, Fla (roughing), 16:43; Skinner, Car (roughing), 16:43; Versteeg, Fla (slashing), 20:00; Gleason, Car (slashing), 20:00. ShotsFla. 8-17-6—31. Car 14-14-11—39. PP opportunitiesFla. 0 of 5; Car 1 of 4. GoaliesFla., Theodore 22-14-7 (39 shots-36 saves). Car, Ward 27-21-12 (31-30).

at Rangers10012
Red Wings10001

First Period1, Det, Zetterberg 19 (White, Nyquist), 3:36. 2, NYR, Richards 24 (Lundqvist), 14:58 (pp). PenaltiesDet bench, served by Bertuzzi (too many men), 14:30.

Second PeriodNone. PenaltiesZuccarello, NYR (trip), 9:43; Holmstrom, Det (goalie interference), 11:54.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesQuincey, Det (holding), 8:20. Overtime3, NYR, R.Callahan 27 (Del Zotto, Dubinsky), 2:42. PenaltiesNone. ShotsDet 10-6-9-2—27. NYR 13-6-11-4—34. PP opportunitiesDet 0 of 1; NYR 1 of 3. GoaliesDet, Conklin 3-5-1 (34 shots-32 saves). NYR, Lundqvist 34-15-5 (27-26).

at Blackhawks01012
Canucks10001

First Period1, Van, Hansen 15 (Pahlsson), :27. PenaltiesStalberg, Chi (hooking), 2:43; Bollig, Chi (roughing), 6:01; Keith, Chi (elbowing), 13:36.

Second Period2, Chi, Kane 20 (Hossa, Brunette), 3:12. PenaltiesBieksa, Van (slash), 4:25; Burrows, Van (roughing), 6:07; Burrows, Van, double minor-misconduct (roughing), 9:09; Kassian, Van, served by Weise, minor-misconduct (roughing), 9:09; Keith, Chi, double minor-misconduct (roughing), 9:09; H.Sedin, Van (hook), 13:06; H.Sedin, Van (goalie interfer), 15:28.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesNone. OT3, Chi, Shaw 11 (Oduya, Bolland), 2:42. PenaltiesNone. ShotsVan 6-3-14-1—24. Chi 12-11-12-2—37. PP oppsVan 0 of 3; Chi 0 of 5. GoaliesVan, Luongo 27-14-8 (37 shots-35 saves). Chi, Crawford 27-16-5 (24-23).


USF Bulls' Stan Heath on job speculation: 'I love being here at USF'

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0

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

With a few high-profile openings and USF coming off its first-ever NCAA Tournament wins, Bulls coach Stan Heath has been mentioned as a possible candidate for openings like Illinois, but he said after Wednesday's pep rally that he hasn't been contacted by any schools and isn't planning on going anywhere.

"It's flattering, but I really love being here at USF," Heath said. "I definitely like the direction we're going. I know our guys are excited. Since we got back, they've been working and trying to get themselves ready for next season. I think we're in a good place, and I love the guys we have coming in."

It's promising for Bulls fans that sophomore Victor Rudd, who is exploring the possibility of entering the NBA Draft, attended the pep rally with his teammates, and Heath said he's encouraged by the fact that Rudd continues to attend his spring classes. "That tells me something, too," he said.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers sign tackle Jamon Meredith, release defensive ends Tim Crowder and Nick Reed

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0

Times staff
Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today in a news release that they have signed tackle Jamon Meredith and released defensive ends Tim Crowder and Nick Reed.

Here is the release from the team:

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that they have signed free agent T Jamon Meredith to a two-year deal, and have also released DE Tim Crowder and DE Nick Reed.

Meredith enters his fifth year in the NFL, having played in 17 games and starting four during his career. He most recently spent the 2011 season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he appeared in four games for the team.

Crowder has spent the past three seasons with the Buccaneers, playing in 41 games with 13 starts during that time. This past season, he played in 10 games and recorded 14 tackles with two tackles for loss.

Reed joined the team for the final three games in 2011 and recorded two tackles.

Aspiring screenwriter Burke Badenhop auditions for role in Tampa Bay Rays bullpen

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Burke Badenhop is a movie buff, an admitted "jumble of useless know­ledge" and critical thinker.

So it comes as little surprise that when the Rays middle reliever watches films, he learns more from the bad ones and identifies with the off-the-radar actors.

"I'm not the No. 1 starter, not the closer, so you're kind of the in-between guy," the right-hander said. "I relate to a lot of the character actors in pieces, the supporting ones. It's easy to pay attention to the main actors, but the others are … who steal the show sometimes."

Badenhop, 29, is an aspiring screenwriter, but his main focus is auditioning for a role in the Tampa Bay bullpen. Acquired from the Marlins in the offseason, he won't light up the radar gun but is an efficient sinkerballer who was among the best National League relievers last season at inducing ground balls.

He threw two scoreless innings Wednesday against the Yankees, and he boasts a 2.70 spring ERA.

"It's kind of like being a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none type thing," said Badenhop, who also throws a slider and changeup. "I take pride in that. If you look at typical closer stuff, I don't have closer stuff.

"But I still have a valuable something that I'm able to bring to a team, whether that is cleaning up the mess or suck up some innings there. It's kind of like being a glue guy."

Badenhop said his critical-thinking skills come from being an economics major at Bowling Green, where he also starred on the mound. He likes trivia and fantasy football and admits he's the go-to guy in the clubhouse for obscure movie references.

Quipped Badenhop: "I don't know history, don't know politics that well. But when it comes down to who was the second sidekick to Michael J. Fox in Teen Wolf, who starred in Teen Wolf 2, I can answer those for you."

Badenhop said his interest in making movies comes from watching the bad ones. The worst? Due Date, featuring Robert Downey Jr.

"That was freaking horrible," Badenhop said. "It's one of those like, 'I could do better than this.' "

Badenhop said he and his buddies have put some ideas — and characters — together for a potential comedy and drama but haven't gotten too far. He has been busy with baseball, going 13-15 with a 4.34 ERA (2-3, 4.10 last year) over parts of the past four seasons with the Marlins.

Badenhop allowed just one home run all of last season (63⅔ innings), and his 74.2 percent ground ball percentage ranked sixth among NL relievers.

And he's not a specialist as 13 of his 50 appearances lasted at least two innings. Whenever Badenhop entered a game, the TV announcers said, "Here comes 'The Hopper,' " a nickname given to him by former Marlins manager Fredi Gonzalez.

Badenhop does have a little hop at the end of his delivery, but he jokes the moniker makes him sound like a fictional character.

"It's like my on-air persona," Badenhop said, smiling. "It's the character I play."

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

IndyCar season preview

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By Jim Tomlin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Rookies to watch

Rubens Barrichello

Calling Rubens Barrichello a rookie seems crazy — he has been an international star for two decades and holds the Formula One record for starts with 322. The Brazilian owns 11 F1 victories, is fifth all-time with 68 podium (top three) finishes, and was runnerup in the championship twice, in 2002 and '04. He was a teammate to Michael Schumacher at Ferrari in those years, and had a resurgence in 2009 with Ross Brawn's team, winning twice.

Katherine Legge

She's a newcomer to IndyCar but not to open-wheel fans. The England native made a splash in the Atlantic series, at that time the top feeder series to Champ Car, with three victories in 2005, becoming the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in a North American series. She went on to race in Champ Car in 2006-07 with a best finish of sixth, then spent the following three years racing touring cars in Germany.

Josef Newgarden

Last year at this time the Nashville native was preparing for his first season in Indy Lights. By the time his spectacular campaign was over, he was the champion in IndyCar's top feeder series at age 20. He earned five victories last year for Sam Schmidt including St. Petersburg and Indianapolis, was on the podium in 10 of 14 races and led a season-high 395 laps. All of that earned him a ride in IndyCar with Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing.

Simon Pagenaud

Another driver who spent time in Champ Car, the Frenchman had a solid season with Team Australia in 2007, finishing in the top five six times in 14 races and winding up eighth in points. Last season he was eighth at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama as an injury replacement for Ana Beatriz, helping to open the door for two more races. In the interim he drove sportscars, winning the American Le Mans Series title in 2010 alongside David Brabham.

By the numbers

3 Consecutive championships for Dario Franchitti, a series record

4 Drivers entered at St. Petersburg who are in the top 15 on the all-time major North American open-wheel wins list (Sebastien Bourdais, Dario Franchitti, Scott Dixon, Helio Castroneves)

7 Americans running full-time in the series, up one from last year

8 Runnings of the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg including Sunday; of the tracks on this season's schedule, only two (Indianapolis, Texas) have held more races under IndyCar sanction

16 Races on the season schedule, down two from last year

36 Career pole positions for Castroneves, the active leader

884 Laps led in 2011 by Dario Franchitti, eighth-most in one season dating to 1946

Hello, old friends

The series returns this season to two tracks with a strong history of open-wheel racing.

Belle Isle Park in Detroit hosted CART events from 1989-2001, then IndyCar ran two races there, but none since 2008. The return to the home of America's auto industry coincides with the return of American engine manufacturer Chevrolet to the series.

Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., hosted CART races in 1997-2002 and IRL (now IndyCar) events in 2002-05 — yes, the 2-mile oval hosted both series in 2002. This is the fourth different oval to host the series finale in the past five years. The track was the site of the series finale in 2005.

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Rev your engines — all three of them

After being the lone engine supplier in the series for the past six seasons, Honda has company this year.

Chevrolet returns to the series, and Lotus joins in as well. There are 11 full-time drivers using Chevy, 10 running for Honda and five for Lotus.

"I think the engine manufacturer might be a little bit of the difference," Penske Racing's Helio Castroneves said. "Always, the big teams seem to have the resources (to run well) but I wouldn't point to one or two teams."

Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend schedule

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0

Times staff
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Today

8-8:30 a.m. World Challenge practice

8:45-9:20 a.m. Ferrari Challenge practice

9:35-10:15 a.m. Indy Lights practice

10:30-11 a.m. USF2000 practice

11:05-11:35 a.m. Star Mazda practice

11:50 a.m.-12:50 p.m. IndyCar practice

Noon-12:30 p.m. Star Mazda and USF2000 autograph sessions

1:05-1:40 p.m. Ferrari Challenge practice

1:55-2:35 p.m. Indy Lights practice

2:50-3:50 p.m. IndyCar practice

4:05-4:35 p.m. USF2000 qualifying

4:40-5:10 p.m. Star Mazda qualifying

5:25-5:55 p.m. World Challenge practice

6:10-7 p.m. Ferrari Challenge qualifying No. 1

7:15 p.m. 5K Run; proceeds to benefit Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation and All Children's Hospital

Saturday

8-8:45 a.m. World Challenge qualifying

9-9:40 a.m. Indy Lights qualifying

9:55-10:55 a.m. IndyCar practice

11:10-noon Ferrari Challenge race No. 1

11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. IndyCar Group 1 autograph session, at fan village

12:10-12:50 p.m. USF2000 race No. 1

1-1:30 p.m. Indy Lights autograph session

1-1:40 p.m. Star Mazda race No. 1

1-2 p.m. World Challenge autograph session

1:55-3:15 IndyCar qualifying

3:30-4:40 p.m. Indy Lights race

4-5 p.m. IndyCar Group 2 autograph session, at fan village

4:55-5:45 p.m. Ferrari Challenge qualifying No. 2

6-7 p.m. Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg, World Challenge race No. 1

Sunday

8:35-9:05 a.m. IndyCar warmup

9:15-9:55 a.m. USF2000 race No. 2

10:05-10:45 a.m. Star Mazda race No. 2

11 a.m.-noon Sports Car Challenge of St. Petersburg, World Challenge race No. 2

Noon-12:30 p.m. IndyCar prerace

12:30-3 p.m. Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, IndyCar race, Ch. 28

3:30-4:20 p.m. Ferrari Challenge race No. 2

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