By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — It took only eight years for Josef Newgarden to climb from a go-cart rookie to an IndyCar series driver — a rise faster than even the 21-year-old Tennessee native envisioned.

"It's unbelievable," Newgarden said Thursday at a media luncheon to kick off the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg festivities. "I didn't expect this was going to ever happen."

Especially so quickly.

Newgarden's racing career began in go-carts at age 13, a late start for a competitive driver. By 16, he was skilled enough to make the jump to open-wheel cars, even if he didn't know if he was mentally prepared.

"It just seemed scary," Newgarden said.

He leapt through the ranks, from a runnerup finish in the Skip Barber National Championship in 2007 to becoming the first American to win the International Formula Ford Festival in 2008.

As his victories piled up, his confidence increased. With some luck and helpful mentors and connections, Newgarden grew from wondering if he could make racing a career to knowing he could compete at elite levels.

"When I started doing well and started realizing that I can drive, you've got the talent to do it, I think that's when my work ethic almost started ramping up," Newgarden said. "I have confidence in myself. Now I can just start increasing the workload."

And as he worked harder, his results became even better.

In his debut last year in Indy Lights, the top feeder series for IndyCar, he led 34 of 45 laps to win the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. He won his first oval race — at Indianapolis Motor Speedway — and took three more checkered flags on his way to rookie of the year honors and the series championship.

Newgarden will make his IndyCar debut Sunday in the cockpit of the No. 67 Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing Honda.

"For the younger drivers like me … it makes you believe that we can make it," said Indy Lights driver Victor Carbone, who raced with Newgarden last year at Sam Schmidt Motorsports.

Five years ago, Newgarden wasn't even sure if he could make it himself.

Now, with one victory at St. Petersburg and a series championship to his name, he's bursting with confidence and ready to make a top-10 charge in his latest series debut.

"You have to have that belief," Newgarden said. "I think that's the position I'm in now."

Matt Baker can be reached at mbaker@tampabay.com.

By Matt Baker and Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, March 22, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Sunday's Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg will feature a laundry list of new features.

A new car, the DW12 Dallara. New engine manufacturers in Chevrolet and Lotus. New drivers such as Rubens Barrichello replacing old ones such as Danica Patrick.

With so much uncertainty heading into the IndyCar series opener, veteran Graham Rahal said he expects the first checkered flag to go to the driver who makes the fewest mistakes.

"I think it's going to take reliability," said Rahal, who earned his first series win here in 2008. "I think it's going to take using your head. There's going to be a lot of adrenaline going. People are going to make mistakes. And of course the best team around you."

Remembering Wheldon: The race will continue to honor St. Petersburg resident Dan Wheldon, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner who died in a crash at Las Vegas in October.

His sister, Holly Wheldon, will wave the green flag Sunday and present the winner's trophy, Grand Prix general manager Tim Ramsberger said Thursday.

"That'll be one small way of us paying tribute to Dan and his family," Ramsberger said at a media luncheon to kick off the race weekend.

Race officials are also wearing orange ribbons to honor Wheldon and benefit the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. Fans will be able to buy the ribbons at the track this weekend.

Heavy traffic: The field in the World Challenge sportscar event is one of the largest, with 50 cars entered in the combined class sprint races for GT, GTS and Touring Car this weekend.

With so much congestion, patience is going to be needed to navigate the street course.

"In a street race like this with so many cars, you have to be careful or else you're going to kiss the wall," said Andy Pilgrim, who competes in the GT class with teammate Johnny O'Connell. "Everybody has to be patient. You want to take some chances, but you want to get out of here with some points."

The GTS class is the largest with 20 cars entered followed by GT and Touring Car, which each have 15.

Moving on up: Last year was a memorable one for Zach Veach. He released his first book, 99 Things Teens Wish They Knew Before Turning 16. He also did well racing in the USF2000 series, winning one race and earning three pole positions.

Now 17, Veach continues his climb up IndyCar's developmental ladder by moving to Star Mazda this season. He already has adjusted well to the new series with victories in the first two rounds of the Formula Car Challenge during the Goodyear Winter Series.

"There were some adjustments jumping to a new series, but I started off well in winter testing," Veach said. "This weekend (in St. Petersburg) will be a challenge. It's a big field, 23 cars. There are lots of good drivers and everyone is so close in time."

Charity 5K: The track will host its third annual 5K tonight at 7:15 for walkers, runners or wheelchairs. Proceeds benefit All Children's Hospital the Sam Schmidt Paralysis Foundation, which was set up after the Indy Racing League driver was paralyzed in a practice crash in 2000 at Walt Disney World Speedway, near Orlando.

Registration begins at 3 p.m. and costs $30.

Matt Baker can be reached at mbaker@tampabay.com.

By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent
Thursday, March 22, 2012

What's hot: This week we caught king mackerel at markers 5 and 6 in the Egmont shipping channel and off the Clearwater hard bottom to the north. Other spots for kings: off the Blinds Pass "drop" in 20 feet of water, a mile south off St. Pete Beach in the same depth and the 26-foot hard bottom about 5 miles outside Blinds Pass Land-based anglers have caught kings at both Skyway piers and in Redington.

Techniques: We've been primarily slow trolling with a variety of live baits. Most often we've used whitebait, greenbacks, cigar minnows, blue runners and ladyfish. During the strong tides of this moon phase, anchoring and chumming can be an effective alternative.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — This week, hordes of reporters will cluster around Shannon McIntosh. Thousands of eyes will lock on her while she drives. Sound-bite seekers will trail her afterward.

"I have to check my calendar each day to know what I'm doing," McIntosh said. "I know I've got a lot of interviews lined up all this week. It can be tough at times juggling all the media attention and getting practice time in and getting ready for the races."

At 22, McIntosh, who lives in St. Petersburg, embodies IndyCar's future. She already is a crossover star, an MTV breakout figure who was a finalist to be on the October 2011 cover of the magazine Seventeen.

McIntosh is entering her second year in IndyCar's developmental USF2000 series, which has races Saturday and Sunday during the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg weekend. Last year, she was the only female driver in the series and the only American woman competing in IndyCar's developmental pipeline.

And now that Danica Patrick has moved to NASCAR, McIntosh could fill the void as the new face of open-wheel female drivers in America.

"The comparisons to Danica are something I take with a grain of salt," McIntosh said. "I don't want to be the next Danica Patrick. I want to be the first Shannon McIntosh. I want to be my own person and not try to emulate someone else."

McIntosh already has had a crash course in the inner workings of the star-making machine. Much like the sport's current crop of rising stars, she first slid behind a wheel and tore around a track years before she ever attended driver's ed.

She also had to learn to become somewhat of a traveling saleswoman, knocking on doors in search of a chance to drive for deep-pocketed owners.

She amassed dozens of victories in quarter midgets and USAC Midgets before making the move to formula-style cars last year when she landed a ride with Cape Motorsports, which is based in St. Petersburg.

It was a difficult transition. McIntosh had one top-five finish during the season.

"It wasn't the best season for me," McIntosh said. "Actually, it was the worst. But I learned a lot going from midget to road races. For me, I'm trying learn every aspect and know all the ins and outs of racing in this series. It's all about moving forward."

In the offseason, she signed with Pabst Racing Services and worked with driving coach Michael Zimicki, who has helped Graham Rahal and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

"Shannon has somewhat of a different background," Zimicki said. "Most drivers start in go-carts, progress and make their way into formula. Shannon started in small oval tracks and it's built in into her brain and reflexes to drive a midget.

"But she is making huge strides. Shannon is above all else a hard worker and quick learner. Driving is not just about pulling the throttle down and feeling your way around. There are a lot more subtleties. She has to push a few reset buttons. But she knows what she needs to do."

McIntosh said her biggest adjustment is learning how to navigate the tight turns in road races.

"I've never really had a dedicated driving coach before and it has helped adjust to a different style of racing," McIntosh said. "All the data was showing that I was overdriving corners. Before, I could be more aggressive, but I can't do that now."

McIntosh will continue to map out a strategy during practice sessions this week. Of course, she also has to squeeze in interviews and prepare to be the host for the downtown Grand Prix after party Sunday at Push that will benefit the Dan Wheldon Family Trust.

"It's always a little more hectic coming back to my home track," McIntosh said. "But it's also an honor. In an ideal world I would just be able to drive and not worry about anything else. But media attention and interviews helps me prepare for what will happen if I get to IndyCar."

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sprint Cup

What: Auto Club 400

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 3 p.m.), qualifying (Speed, 7 p.m.); Saturday, practice (Speed, 12:30-1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.); Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 3 p.m.); Fontana, Calif.

Fast facts: On Tuesday, NASCAR's chief appellate officer overturned the bulk of the penalties levied against five-time championship-winning crew chief Chad Knaus. He still must pay a $100,000 fine because Jimmie Johnson's car failed the opening-day inspection for the Daytona 500. John Middlebrook overturned the six-race suspensions NASCAR handed down to Knaus and car chief Ron Malec, and ruled both instead will be on probation through May 9. Middlebrook also reinstated the 25 points Johnson had been docked. Johnson has a series-high five victories at Fontana. … The race, the fifth of the season, is the last using 2011 owners' points to set the guaranteed 35 spots in the 43-car fields. After the event, 2012 owners' points will be used.

Standings: 1. Greg Biffle, 157; 2. Kevin Harvick, 148; 3. Matt Kenseth, 145; 4. Martin Truex 139; 5. Denny Hamlin and Dale Earnhardt Jr., 137; 7. Tony Stewart, 130; 8. Clint Bowyer and Joey Logano, 126; 10. Paul Menard, 123

Nationwide

What: Royal Purple 300

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 4:30 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 1:30 p.m.), race (ESPN, 5:30 p.m.); Fontana, Calif.

Fast facts: Full-time Sprint Cup drivers are 0-for-4 this season, the first time they've been shut out in Nationwide's opening four races since 1995.

Standings: 1. Elliott Sadler, 178; 2. Ricky Stenhouse, 153; 3. Trevor Bayne, 149; 4. Austin Dillon, 148; 5. Cole Whitt, 137

Formula One

What: Malaysian Grand Prix

When/where: Saturday, practice, qualifying (Speed, 4 a.m.); Sunday, race (Speed, 4 a.m., taped 3 p.m.); Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Fast facts: Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel has 21 victories in 82 career starts. … Italian motorcycle racer Marco Simoncelli was killed in a MotoGP race in October at the track.

Standings: 1. Jenson Button, 25; 2. Vettel, 18; 3. Lewis Hamilton, 15; 4. Mark Webber, 12; 5. Fernando Alonso, 10

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, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Ed Krawiec, 150; 2. Andrew Hines, 101

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, March 22, 2012

Making news

Network seeks America's top fishing town

Florida has plenty of great places to fish. That's why the Sunshine State calls itself the "Fishing Capital of the World." Destin, Pensacola, Palm Beach, Key West and St. Petersburg … any one could be called the "Ultimate Fishing Town."

The World Fishing Network will donate $25,000 and feature the lucky community on television if and when it receives the most votes to become America's No. 1 fishing city.

All you have to do is nominate your town and then promote it through social media channels to generate more comments, photos, videos, etc. You can preregister until April 1. Nominations will be accepted until April 30. Voting begins May 1 and closes May 31. To learn more, go to worldfishing network.com. You can also follow the action at visit florida.com.

Marine LIfe

Seeking horseshoe crab 'hangouts'

Do your part for science on your next trip to the beach. Every spring, horseshoe crabs gather on beaches throughout the state to mate. Biologists with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission need the public's help to pinpoint places where horseshoe crabs spawn.

Beachgoers are likely to have the most luck seeing mating horseshoe crabs at high tide, just before, during or after a full or new moon. The conditions around the full moon on April 6 will create an ideal opportunity to view the spawning behavior. Males cling to the shells of the larger females as the females head up onto the beach to lay eggs.

If you see mating horseshoe crabs, go to MyFWC.com/contact and click on the "Submit a Horseshoe Crab Survey" link, then "Florida Horseshoe Crab Spawning Beach Survey."

You can also email findings to horseshoe@MyFWC.com or call the FWC toll-free at 1-866-252-9326. Observers should note the number of horseshoe crabs seen and whether those horseshoe crabs were mating.

Fundraising

Ballplayers back shooting event

The U.S. Clay Target Association and Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association will host a Shoot with the Legends fundraiser March 31 at the Skyway Trap and Skeet Club in St. Petersburg to raise money for future shooting sports Olympians. Special guests include Wade Boggs, Anthony Telford, Andy McGaffigan, Toby Hall, Travis Phelps, Scott Williamson, Brian Tolbert, Mark Whiten and Michael Pittman. To learn more, call (731) 616-0536.

Solunar Chart

AM PM

minor major minor major

3/23 6:30 12:15 6:50 12:40

3/24 7:20 1:05 7:45 1:30

3/25 8:05 1:55 8:30 2:15

3/26 8:55 2:45 9:20 3:05

3/27 9:45 3:35 10:15 4:00

3/28 10:35 4:25 11:05 4:50

3/29 11:30 5:20 0 5:45

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

Special to the Times
Thursday, March 22, 2012

First in a series of guest columns IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will file this weekend during the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:

It's great to be back at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. This has always been a place that's near and dear to me. I got my first IZOD IndyCar Series win here back in 2008. That's still my only win, which is a shame, but I also won the pole here in 2009, so this racetrack holds a special place in my heart. If there's one race I look forward to, it's St. Pete.

Honestly, if we could race here 20 times a year, I wouldn't complain. It's not just about the racing; it's about the atmosphere. The fans are great and make us feel at home. The drivers and teams that come here all feel comfortable. It's familiar to us.

The track itself is incredibly challenging, which makes it fun for the drivers. They threw in a couple of small changes in the curbing this year. The pavement is generally the same mix of asphalt and concrete that we're used to racing on, with the same bumps and difficult corners to navigate through. It's one of the most challenging street circuits on the schedule, and we're always up for challenges.

If you haven't heard, we have a new engine and chassis this year. They'll look completely different and sound completely different than what you've been used to seeing. It's a much quieter, more pleasant sound, but it still sounds fast. It's also cool to have three engine manufacturers — Honda, Chevrolet and Lotus — involved this year. You'll be able to pick out the three different engines just by listening.

The Dallara chassis is much safer, which we've all anticipated. You'll notice the flared sidepods leading to the rear wheel, which is surrounded by bodywork now to prevent cars from wheel-to-wheel contact. As a taller guy, I'm pleased with the added safety equipment and comfort in the cockpit.

The new car has more technology in the sense that the throttle is electronic like most passenger cars these days. And we have a hand clutch, so there's no longer a pedal for the clutch. Fans won't necessarily notice that, but for drivers it's a huge difference. It's been intriguing for all of us to help in the development of the car. It's been a very busy past couple of months, but we can't wait to see how this car performs under race conditions.

What makes St. Pete so much fun for us is its carnival atmosphere. It's a huge part of the event. It isn't just a race. It's an event. There's more to do than just watch racing. It's family-friendly, colorful, exciting and different, all with a scenic backdrop. For the people in the Tampa Bay area, it's easy to get to and thrilling to see.

St. Pete has always been one of the best when it comes to hosting a large race like this. It's right on the waterfront and right downtown. There's ample parking and some of the best restaurants in town right next to the track. For those of us involved in the race, that's our favorite part — it's all centrally located. And it's never boring.

Everyone here should be proud of this first-class event. It's a great way for IndyCar to start a new season and a new era. I hope everyone is able to come out and support us.

And I hope everyone knows how much we appreciate your hospitality.

Graham Rahal, 23, won the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in 2008. He will drive the No. 38 Service Central Chip Ganassi Racing Honda/Dallara this weekend. The son of 1986 Indy 500 winner Bobby Rahal, he resides in New Albany, Ohio.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

BRADENTON — With SS Reid Brignac's availability for the start of the season in question, the Rays are moving forward with a backup plan that includes Sean Rodriguez as the starter and Elliot Johnson as the backup.

Brignac has a plantar fascia problem in his right foot. Plantar fascia is the tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The odd nature of the injury makes it difficult to predict if he will miss a few days or several weeks.

Manager Joe Maddon acknowledged the injury could affect Brignac's chances to be on the roster for opening day, two weeks from today.

"We need to play Elliot there anyway," Maddon said. "But yes, the fact that Reid's hurting a bit, getting Elliot out there a bit more would be what we're looking for."

Brignac's roster spot wasn't guaranteed. He was competing to win back a share of the job from Rodriguez and was having a good spring. The Rays could face a choice of keeping Brignac in the majors, or sending him to the minors and keeping Johnson, who is out of options and is otherwise likely to be claimed on waivers or traded. The injury might at least prompt them to postpone their decision.

Brignac, who last played in a big-league game March 15, hit off a tee and ran on a treadmill Thursday and said he hopes to be back on the field by early next week. "I just hope it keeps progressing like it is," he said.

The complication is the nature of the injury: Brignac can play in pain and potentially be limited until the sheath tears then would need several weeks to recover.

NEXT Patients: LF Desmond Jennings is the latest regular on the injury list, sidelined at least into next week due to a sore shoulder.

Head athletic trainer Ron Porterfield doesn't consider it serious, Maddon said, more that Jennings "needs a couple days to knock it out and then we'll have no problem with it." Jennings, who could DH in minor-league games, said the issue came from throwing and "we just want to avoid problems."

Maddon had no update on CF B.J. Upton, who remains sidelined with lower back and abdomen discomfort since his collision with Jennings on March 14.

"(It's) just that he's uncomfortable and he's sore right now, and we just have to get him beyond that point," Maddon said.

SHIELDS UP: Opening day starter James Shields didn't "feel too great out there" during a 52/3-inning outing in an 8-6 win over Pittsburgh on Thursday. He allowed five runs (three earned) on 10 hits, including two homers, and 93 pitches. He limited himself at times to fastballs. "I definitely got my work in," he said.

Shields was most pleased with his pickoffs, Nick Evans at third and Nate McLouth at second. Had he also gotten one at first?

"That's the pitchers' version of the grand slam," Maddon said, "or the pickoff cycle."

GAME DETAILS: The Rays (6-11-3) scored a spring-high eight runs. … An error by 2B Ben Zobrist on a tough hop and a poor throw by C Jose Lobaton led to two unearned runs. … Nonroster INFs Will Rhymes and Matt Mangini had key hits in the three-run eighth.

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, March 22, 2012

MADEIRA BEACH — White grunts could be the most under appreciated fish in the Gulf of Mexico.

People love to catch grouper and snapper, but these bottom dwellers rival both species as table fare and can be caught by just about any angler, regardless of skill level.

"That's how I built my reputation," joked Dave Zalewski, one of the longest running charter boat captains on the west coast of Florida. "That's why they call me Captain Grunt."

In an industry that has seen hundreds of fishing guides come and go in recent decades, Zalewski has passed the test of time, in part, because of an open mind.

"A lot of people ignore these fish," he said. "But they are great eating and a lot of fun to catch. After all, isn't that what fishing is all about? Having fun?"

Zalewski motored his sportfisherman, Lucky Too, out of the Madeira Beach Marina one recent morning and headed offshore in search of white grunts, the species of choice for an upcoming tournament sponsored by the Old Salt Fishing Club.

"I take a lot of families out fishing," Zalewski said. "I think it is about time somebody came up with a tournament that the average family can participate in."

Zalewski likes to downplay his angling skill. But the 69-year-old guide has caught just about everything that swims in the Gulf of Mexico. He loves his job, and when the catching is done, he likes to strap on a scuba tank and check out his "gardens," the natural patches of exposed limestone that fish such as grouper, snapper and, of course, white grunts call home.

These benthic predators, relatives of the pigfish and tomtate, can be found on offshore hard bottom in up to 115 feet deep. They are most abundant in water 80 feet or less, or about an hour's ride for most fishing boats.

But Zalewski likes to make the most of his fishing day, so a couple of miles from shore, he cut his speed and tossed out a couple of silver spoons trolled behind planers.

"We'll just see what we catch," he told the three young anglers aboard.

It didn't take more than a few minutes before the port rod bent under the weight of a fat Spanish mackerel. More followed suit. Then their big cousins, the king mackerel, arrived. After an hour or so of catching "schoolie" sized kings, the kids started complaining about the soreness in their arms.

"Now we'll go catch some grunts," he said. "I think it will only take us one stop to get dinner."

The great thing about fishing for grunts is they eat just about anything. All you need is a box of frozen squid and circle hooks, and the fish will practically catch themselves.

Grunts get their name from the sound that is amplified by their air bladder when they grind their teeth. The average white grunt, sometimes mistakenly called gray snapper (which in local waters is called the mangrove snapper), usually weighs 1 to 1 1/2 pounds and measures 12 to 15 inches, but larger specimens are not unheard of. In fact, the largest grunt on record weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces and was caught off Brunswick, Ga., in 1989. But here on the Gulf Coast, an 18-incher is considered a prized catch.

The only downside to fishing for white grunts these days is that they tend to hang around with red and gag grouper. Grouper season is closed, so all grouper caught must be properly vented and released, which some might consider a hassle. Our party, however, considered it fun since we also had Oscar "Butch" Ayala aboard.

Ayala, a research associate with the Florida Marine Research Institute in St. Petersburg, gathers data on a variety of bottom fish. On our half-day outing we caught a half-dozen grouper that had been previously caught and tagged by other anglers.

If an angler catches a tagged fish and sends the information to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, he or she gets a free T-shirt. We not only recaptured several tagged fish but we caught and tagged some of our own, which made our young anglers eager to come back and look for "their" fish another day.

"I think we have enough for dinner, and some for Grandma and Grandpa, too," Zalewski said. "I think we should call it a day."

As we motored in, the kids sound asleep on the deck, Zalewski said: "Isn't that something when you have to fight your way through kingfish to go catch grunts. Isn't this a great place to live?"

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Charitable move of the day

The Rays today start selling "Fortune Favors the Bald" T-shirts, for their head-shaving for charity, for $15.99. Proceeds go to the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Moffitt Cancer Center and All Children's Hospital. Buy shirts at Tropicana Field, Charlotte Sports Park, Tampa team store, All Children's (501 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg) and Moffitt (12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa)

Rays vs. Jays

When/where: 7:05 tonight; Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road, Port Charlotte

Radio: 620-AM

Tickets: Reserved seats $19-$27, berm/boardwalk $9. Available through rays baseball.com, Ticketmaster, Tropicana Field and Charlotte Sports Park box offices, and Tampa team store

Gates open: 4:30 p.m.

Directions: Driving time from the bay area is 1½-2 hours. Suggested route: I-75 south to Exit 179 (Toledo Blade Road), go west 6½ miles (crossing U.S. 41) to El Jobean Road (SR 776), go right 2 miles, complex on the left.

Parking: $10; lots open at 4

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297

Pitchers: Rays — David Price, Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta; Jays — Brett Cecil, Drew Hutchison, Rick VandenHurk.

Heads-up

David Price, in line to be No. 2 in the rotation behind James Shields, makes his fourth start of the spring.

On deck

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

Monday: at Twins, 1:05 p.m. Rays — Jeff Niemann; Twins — Liam Hendriks

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

March

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 Ray?

He was a 16th-round draft pick in 2000. He is cousins with Marlins OF Aaron Rowand. He is the second-longest-tenured Ray.

Who is this answer: RHP James Shields

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Hitmaker of the day

Among the minor-leaguers who joined the roster Thursday, only OF Emeel Salem, right, also is listed on iTunes. Salem, 27, has a four-song EP of his music ($3.96), a fusion of blues and pop, and hopes to hit it big in music and baseball: "I don't want to be the guy who does both. I'd like to be somebody able to do two different, separate things."

TV spot of the day

3B Evan Longoria is among several major-leaguers featured in a Major League Baseball opening day TV spot airing on ESPN and MLB Network. He says he will "make his glove golden." See the video at tampabay.com/blogs/rays.

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee has been daydreaming during practice, and coach Pat Summitt says the Volunteers better snap out of it.

Summitt is concerned about how quiet and distracted the Vols have been while practicing for Saturday's region semifinal meeting with Kansas.

"I think we've got to get them refocused," Summitt said. "It's obviously very important to all of us, and we recognize it, and our players recognize it, but obviously our coaches have to hold people accountable, and that's what we're going to do.''

Forward Glory Johnson and her fellow seniors are trying to do their part to hold their teammates accountable as well. Fifth-year senior Vicki Baugh is the only remaining member of Tennessee's 2008 national championship team, and the other four seniors want to avoid becoming the first four-year class to leave the program without a trip to the Final Four.

"It's spring break, and we're still here," Johnson said. "We're on a mission. We're playing hard and trying to get a championship. You've just got to put that in your mind; whenever you're like, 'Aw, I wish I was on the beach,' (think about) how many people get to play for a championship."

The Vols vowed at the beginning of the season to play for the championship, to avoid a legacy of underachievers and to honor Summitt, who announced in August she was diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Second-seeded Tennessee (26-8) knows it could be primed for an upset in drawing No. 11 seed Kansas as a Sweet 16 opponent. Tennessee had expected to face third-seeded Delaware and the nation's leading scorer, Elena Della Donne, for the chance to reach the Des Moines Region final and a likely rematch with top seed Baylor. Kansas beat Delaware 70-64 in the second round.

top coach finalists: Eight finalists were named for coach of the year, to be announced April 2: Arkansas' Tom Collen, Maryland's Brenda Frese, Notre Dame's Muffet McGraw, Bowling Green's Curt Miller, Baylor's Kim Mulkey, Utah State's Reagan Pebley, Stanford's Tara VanDerveer and Penn State's Coquese Washington.

western kentucky: Former WKU player Michelle Clark-Heard, 43, was named coach. A Louisville assistant the past five seasons, she replaces fired Mary Taylor Cowles.

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

TAMPA — USF coach Jose Fernandez sees that the benefits of an extended run in the Women's NIT may be more for next year's team than this year's.

"We only have one senior playing for us, so we're really using this tournament to be a springboard for next year," said Fernandez, whose Bulls (19-15) play at 7 tonight at James Madison (26-7) in the third round.

"We were fortunate to be able to host two games at home and took care of business, and now there's only 16 teams left."

The Bulls entered the season hoping for more than the WNIT — this is their seventh appearance in nine seasons — but leading scorer Andrea Smith redshirted after knee surgery, and the team has been short-handed beyond that.

The Bulls opened the WNIT with home wins against Florida Atlantic and Florida International despite losing point guard Sasha Bernard, a key reserve, to a torn ACL.

Should the Bulls beat James Madison (which has the highest RPI left in the field, No. 35), they'll play at the winner of Appalachian State and Virginia on Sunday.

"The road doesn't bother us,'' Fernandez said. "We've played at Connecticut and Notre Dame, so we're excited about anyone."

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Just when you thought Tim Tebow mania couldn't get any bigger, the guy is traded to the media and gossip capital of the world. Tebow, now with the Jets, might be bigger in New York City than the Empire State Building. A look at the impact Tebow already is having on the tabloids and Gotham:

It appears as if the religious word play will never end, and the New York tabloids even came up with new ways to do it. The front page of the New York Daily News proclaimed: "Gang Green gets Tebow AMEN!" On the back: the Statue of Liberty Tebowing. The New York Post turned Tebow into a giant and plopped him in the middle of Times Square with a headline that screamed: "Tebow a New York Jet. GOD HIM!"

• • •

What did New York's biggest columnist have to say? The Daily News’ Mike Lupica wrote, "This is like the old line about how I can't hear a word you're saying because your actions are screaming way too loudly. The Jets can say anything they want about how much they love (starting quarterback) Mark Sanchez, but you know they don't work this hard and risk looking this bad for a backup quarterback to bring in a rock star like Tim Tebow and tell him to go wait in the wings. To sing backup or be one.''

New York Daily News gossip writer Carson Griffith is trying to fix Tebow up with three single and available "Gotham Girls'': model-actor Dree Hemingway, great-granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway; actor Elizabeth Olsen, the sister of the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley; and singer-DJ Solange Knowles, baby sister of Beyonce. At one time Thursday, Griffith's story was among the top five most viewed on the Daily News website. Meantime, there are warnings for the wholesome Tebow to stay away from what the Daily News calls "Tim-Tations'' — they would be "hookers and poker and bars, oh my!''

There's Broadway Joe Namath, and now New York is calling its latest Jets QB Times Square Tim Tebow. The normally good-natured Namath is not sure why the Jets went after Tebow, above. On ESPN Radio in New York, Namath said, "I don't think they know what they're doing over there right now. … I'm baffled. They're kind of mixed up over there. Come on. This is crazy. I don't know what it's about. It appears the Jets are trying to grab headlines once again just by making noise."

Whenever the topic of an athlete's marketability comes up, we immediately think of New York City and Madison Avenue. Now Tebow will be living somewhere near Madison Avenue, making him … what? "Tim Tebow can be the king," marketing expert Ronn Torossian told the Daily News. "In terms of the Tebow brand, I think that Tim Tebow is already a national celebrity. He's known off the field. There is no bigger place to shine than in New York City, and I think the Tebow brand is one that transcends sports. I think the guy can get unlimited sponsorships in New York City."

• • •

The trade was barely completed when you could buy an official Jets Tebow jersey for $84.99 on NFLShop.com. But the jersey is made by Reebok, whose contract with the NFL expires next month. Nike will then become the NFL's official jersey sponsor. There's already buzz that Nike could switch the Jets uniform just enough to try to force folks to buy a new official Tebow jersey.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

LAND O'LAKES — After a five-run first inning Thursday, Academy at the Lakes and Hernando Christian settled in to a nine-inning pitchers' duel.

Academy led 5-2 going into the sixth inning, then a Hernando rally tied the score at 5. The teams went 21/2 innings before Wildcats sophomore Lauren Evans crushed a ball to deep left. The ball hit the top of the fence and dropped on the home run side as Evans trotted home with the winning run and a 6-5 victory.

"I was really glad it finished like this," Evans said. "I'm glad to be the one who put us over the top today."

Evans was 3-for-5 with two home runs, including a solo blast in the fourth inning that easily cleared the fence. She was also lights out on defense, with four put outs. Junior Sydney Boynton pitched a full nine innings, striking out 14 and walking one, and all five runs were earned.

On the other side, Hernando's junior pitcher Ashley McKay pitched 81/3 innings, fanned 16 and walked three. Despite getting rattled in the first inning, both pitchers finished strong, putting up 12 empty frames between them and combining for 30 strikeouts.

The compelling matchup was when McKay pitched to Evans. Clearly the centerpieces of their respective teams, McKay and Evans squared up five times.

In the first inning, Evans tripled to leftfield, driving in Academy's first two runs. In the second Evans grounded out; in the fourth she homered to left before striking out on a changeup in the seventh.

In their final encounter, Evans connected for the winner. Academy swept the series and earned the No. 1 seed in Class 2A, District 4 going into April.

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

CLEARWATER — Phillies 1B Ryan Howard, coming back from a torn left Achilles' tendon, is working out without a boot for the first time since a setback three weeks ago.

The 2006 MVP fielded grounders Thursday while sitting on a stool.

"It's good to be out of a boot," Howard said. "I'm trying to make little, miniature goals. The first goal is to get out of the boot. Goal achieved."

Doctors removed an infection from Howard's ankle Feb. 27. He was cleared to start light exercises in a boot last week. He got the okay Wednesday to shed the boot. It's still uncertain when Howard will return, and it's possible he could miss the first two months.

"We'll see," he said. "The whole big thing has been to make sure everything is healed up and that everything is 100 percent; just to make sure we don't have any setbacks or any reoccurrences of anything."

Polanco update: 3B Placido Polanco, out since Saturday with a sprained left ring finger, took batting practice. Manager Charlie Manuel said he could play "over the next couple of days."

Yankees: Pettitte set for batting practice

TAMPA — Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte is scheduled to throw live batting practice today for the first time since ending his retirement March 16. He said he's a little surprised the Yankees already believe he's good to go.

"I know how conservative they usually are," Pettitte, 39, said. "I definitely feel good about (batting practice). As we continue to go, we're just going to see how I feel and make the adjustments from there. We'll try not to push it too hard."

Manager Joe Girardi said the goal is for Pettitte to be in the majors by the first week of May. He added it is possible Pettitte can get into a spring game by the time camp breaks.

"We have a schedule, and we'll stick to the schedule," Girardi said. "We have time. We want to give him what is considered a normal spring training."

Injury updates: SS Derek Jeter, out since March 14 with a sore left calf, is scheduled to play today. He took part in a full workout Thursday, which included running on the infield dirt. He had previously run only on the grass. Also, RF Nick Swisher, who tweaked his groin Tuesday, remains day to day.

Jays: Morrow throws efficient five innings

DUNEDIN — RHP Brandon Morrow allowed one hit, a single in the fifth, and two second-inning walks over five innings in Toronto's 2-0 win over Philadelphia.

He said he was most pleased with needing only 59 pitches.

"Something I set out to do was to improve my pitches per inning and go deeper in games," Morrow said. "I had to go down to the bullpen to throw 15 more to get my pitch count up.

"I'm thinking through at-bats and watching the way (hitters are) reacting to balls and calling a little bit more of my own game. All positives."

Lawrie update: 3B Brett Law­rie, out since March 16 with a sore groin, might return Saturday, manager John Farrell said.

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State is negotiating with representatives of coach Leonard Hamilton to extend his current deal, the Associated Press reported Thursday.

Hamilton has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Illinois job, but no school has contacted FSU requesting an interview, AP reported.

Hamilton is 201-127 in 10 seasons at FSU and 95-41 in the past four, including two trips to the ACC title game.

He earns $1.5 million annually and received bonuses totaling $175,000 this season for winning the ACC tournament and being named ACC coach of the year.

Hamilton, 63, has two years remaining on his present deal. He previously coached at Oklahoma State and Miami and one season in the NBA,

The Seminoles had losing seasons in two of his first three years, but have won 20 or more games in six of the past seven seasons and 19 in the other year.

FSU loses four starters, but several key players — leading scorer Michael Snaer, Okaro White, Ian Miller and Terrance Shannon — return next season.

Creighton: Sophomore star Doug McDermott said he's not considering declaring for the NBA draft because he has more to accomplish as a collegian.

Duke: Associate head coach Chris Collins said he wants to be a head coach and would be interested in any vacancy that is the right fit. Collins, 37, a Blue Devils assistant since 2000 and a former Duke player, said the opening at Illinois is a good fit but denied lobbying for the job and said he has not been contacted by the school.

Villanova: Junior guard Maalik Wayns, the team's leading scorer, will forego his final season of eligibility for the draft.

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

ATLANTA — Few programs can match Kentucky and Indiana for passion and tradition. Tonight the two meet in a South Region semifinal with the Wildcats seeking revenge for a regular-season loss in Bloomington but not satisfied with anything less than a national championship.

"It's Kentucky," coach John Calipari said. "Do you expect anything else? You're supposed to win every game by 25. If you're winning by 15, what's the issue? What's going on with the program? If you lose, God forbid, lose one, how can we lose this game?"

Few fans get as worked up as those in the Bluegrass State. Among those who do are the hoops-crazy Hoosiers.

"There's always been a special aura around and about Indiana to me," said coach Tom Crean, "and I would say the same thing about Kentucky."

Indiana's buzzer-beating 73-72 regular-season victory was a mere speed bump for Kentucky on the way to the Wildcats finishing No. 1 in the rankings, but it was a huge boost to Indiana's self-esteem. Cody Zeller, a Hoosiers freshman center, is 19 and has little memory of his home-state team as being relevant.

"Throughout my life, Indiana basketball hasn't been real great," he said.

This season might be changing that.

"I feel like we're playing with a lot more confidence than we were playing with back then," said junior forward Christian Watford, who hit the winning 3-pointer against the Wildcats.

unc's marshall out? North Carolina coach Roy Williams said Thursday he had a "strong, strong inclination" that starting point guard Kendall Marshall would not play against Ohio tonight in a Midwest Region semifinal. Marshall had surgery Monday for a broken right wrist. "If he comes in to my room and says, 'My wrist feels great' and he drops down to the floor and does 10 pushups on his right hand, then I'll say I'll probably play his rear end,'' Williams said. "But I don't expect that to happen. I mean, the guy can't brush his teeth right now."

Ohio: John Groce isn't saying whether he's interested in any high-profile coaching vacancies. Groce's name has been connected to Nebraska and Illinois. He said he will comment on his future after the season.

xavier: Guard Tu Holloway said he is still happy he passed up the NBA draft last year to return for a final season that has been bittersweet. In December he played a central role in a brawl with Cincinnati. But he leads the team in points, assists, steals, free-throw percentage and minutes as Xavier has reached its fourth region semifinal in five seasons. "I'm about to graduate," he said. "We've been through a lot this year, not only basketball, but the things we've been through are going to help us all out as people later in life."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 22, 2012

TAMPA — Nikolai Khabibulin said he didn't know what fan reaction would be when he hit the Tampa Bay Times Forum ice for the first time since winning Game 7 of the 2004 Stanley Cup final for the Lightning.

"Hopefully," the Oilers goaltender said before Thursday's game, "it will be nice."

He need not have worried. He received a nice ovation when recognized on the scoreboard during a timeout. "He's a big part of Tampa and its history with the Lightning," C Vinny Lecavalier said. "He definitely deserves it."

It is head-shaking it took Khabibulin so long to again play in Tampa. On his first trip back, with the Blackhawks in 2005-06, then-coach Trent Yawney sat him, saying his appearance would be a distraction.

On two more occasions, once more with the Blackhawks and once before with the Oilers, Khabibulin was injured. He has beaten Tampa Bay twice, in November 2007 at Chicago and November 2010 in a shootout at Edmonton.

"It feels good, a lot of good memories," Khabibulin, 39, said of finally returning.

An especially good memory is carrying the Cup after Game 7.

"That's probably one of the best memories for hockey for me," he said. "It's the goal every kid dreams of. Once you achieve that, it's a great feeling. When you raise that, it's the ultimate."

"It seems so long ago, especially after a year like this," Lightning W Marty St. Louis said. "I appreciate that year so much, and I owe a lot of that to 'Habby.' "

To read the entire interview with Khabibulin, go to tampabay.com/blogs/lightning.

WORLD VIEW: If he is feeling up to it, Steven Stamkos said, he will play for Canada in the world championships May 4-20 in Helsinki and Stockholm.

"Any time you get a chance to represent your country, I've jumped on that," Stamkos said. "If I feel good, I'll definitely go."

The center has an undisclosed injury that, though concerning, is not bad enough to sideline him.

"We continue to monitor," GM Steve Yzerman said. "We're not going to do anything to a player that could create any kind of significant damage."

CATCHING UP: Stamkos is on a season-high four-game streak without a point. Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin, with two goals Thursday, has seven in his past five games and cut Stamkos' lead in the goals race from 12 (50-38) to five (50-45).

Stamkos scored five-hole on Khabibulin during the shootout. Had he missed, the Oilers would have won 1-0.

"I had lots of chances and try to stay as positive as I can," he said. "If you're not getting chances, then you start to worry."

Stamkos had six shots, missed the net on two others and had three blocked. Khabibulin stopped his big first-period slap shot and his second-period breakaway. Stamkos, at the side of the net, also whiffed on a perfect set-up from Ryan Malone.

"It's just not going in," coach Guy Boucher said. "If he doesn't get chances, we'll worry. But he's getting tons of chances."

"It's going to come," Stamkos said, "sooner or later."

MEDICAL MATTERS: Boucher said Lecavalier (fractured hand), C Nate Thompson (upper body) and RW Adam Hall (upper body) aren't close to returning. Lecavalier is in the middle of his four- to six-week window. "No setback," Boucher said. "It's just taking longer."

ODDS AND ENDS: The surgery RW Ryan Shannon had Tuesday repaired a torn labrum in his right shoulder. … Shannon, Hall, Thompson, D Bruno Gervais and G Mathieu Garon (groin) were the official scratches.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer; Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

NFL

Bucs add, delete; Ex-QB finds Home

The Bucs shuffled their roster Thursday, signing journeyman offensive tackle Jamon Meredith and releasing defensive ends Tim Crowder and Nick Reed.

Meredith, entering his fifth season, has played sparingly but will get a chance to become the primary backup tackle.

Johnson to 49ers: Former Bucs quarterback Josh Johnson has agreed to a two-year deal with the 49ers, the team announced. Johnson, who played for coach Jim Harbaugh at the University of San Diego, is expected to compete with Colin Kaepernick for the spot behind Alex Smith.

More NFL

Jets see Tebow

in wildcat at first

The Jets plan to use quarterback Tim Tebow in wildcat formations and relish having him as something other teams must prepare for, coach Rex Ryan said a day after acquiring the former Broncos starter.

"Tim is an outstanding football player, and we can use him," Ryan said at a pro day in Baton Rouge, La. "He'll fit our wildcat package. As a defensive coach, I know how hard it is to defend the wildcat. We can take it to another level with Tim."

Tebow's arrival to back up Mark Sanchez has irked Drew Stanton, who signed a one-year, $1.25 million deal last week. Stanton has asked to be traded or released, ESPN.com reported.

Jaguars: Responding to reports in the wake of the team's failed effort to get Tebow that some in the front office didn't want the former Jacksonville-area resident, coach Mike Mularkey said, "Don't believe everything you hear or read in the media. … It's hard not to want a guy like that."

Saints: The team has not decided if it will appeal the suspensions of coach Sean Payton, assistant Joe Vitt and GM Mickey Loomis in the wake of the bounty penalties handed down by the NFL. In the meantime, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer are said to be the top candidates to take over for Payton, the Associated Press reported. Payton and Loomis still have the support of owner Tom Benson, the report said.

Senator's two cents: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said he wants to examine whether federal law should make bounty systems a crime by setting up a Judiciary Committee hearing in the wake of the NFL's investigation of the Saints.

Bears: Former Raiders running back Michael Bush agreed to a four-year deal worth up to $14 million ($7 million guaranteed), ESPN reported. Running back Matt Forte, who has the franchise tag, took to Twitter after hearing the news. "There's only so many times a man that has done everything he's been asked to do can be disrespected!" a post on his Twitter account said. "Guess the GOOD GUYS do finish last." Bush said, "I think there are enough carries to go around."

Draft prospects: LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, whom the Bucs might have interest with the No. 5 draft pick, lowered his 40-yard dash time to 4.39 seconds, but he needs surgery for a torn ligament in his left wrist, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.

Et cetera

Horses: This year's Breeders' Cup challenge series will expand to 10 countries and consist of 73 automatic qualifying races into the Breeders' Cup World Championships on Nov. 2-3 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif.

Tennis: Serena Williams, playing in Key Biscayne for the first time since 2009, beat Zhang Shuai 6-2, 6-3 at the Sony Ericsson Open. No. 2 seed Maria Sharapova overcame 12 double faults to beat Shahar Peer 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, and Tampa resident Samantha Stosur beat Valeria Savinykh 6-4, 6-0.

Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer; Times wires

Times wires
Thursday, March 22, 2012

Kissimmee — With his 40th birthday approaching and a string of injuries slowing him, Braves third baseman Chipper Jones announced he will retire after one more season.

"I have fulfilled everything," Jones said Thursday. "There's nothing left for me to do."

Jones, who has spent his entire 18-year career with Atlanta, planned to retire after the 2010 season only to change his mind. As he battled leg issues this spring, he openly wondered if he would be able to make it through the season.

So he'll give it one more year.

"My dad told me one day I'd wake up and realize it's just time," Jones said as he fought back tears and shared a few laughs. "I'm 100 percent behind this decision. There's no hedging whatsoever."

He was drafted first overall by Atlanta in 1990 out of Jacksonville Bolles High School. "I think we've had a pretty good marriage over the years, don't you think?" Jones laughed, adding, "I never wanted to play anywhere else."

Jones has made seven All-Star Games and won the MVP award in 1999 and a batting title in 2008. He has an average of .304 and is fourth among active players in homers (454) and RBIs (1,561).

The Braves said Jones hopes to remain with the organization in another capacity. He prefers being a hitting instructor over managing. But it won't happen next year.

First, he plans to spend some overdue time with his family: "I just want to be a full-time dad."

More Braves: Righty Adam Russell, who appeared in 36 games out of the bullpen for the Rays last season, was assigned to minor-league camp.

Angels slugger returns

TEMPE, Ariz. — Angels first baseman and DH Kendrys Morales made his first appearance since May 2010. Morales, who had 34 home runs and 108 RBIs in 2009, broke his left ankle jumping onto home plate after a walkoff homer. He singled twice in three at-bats Thursday against the Royals. "Everything felt good," Morales said through an interpreter.

Cardinals: Outfielder Allen Craig took fielding practice for the first time since offseason surgery for a broken kneecap.

Mets: Third baseman David Wright, out with a torn rib cage muscle, took batting practice for the first time since March 2. The team hopes he can make his spring debut early next week.

Nationals: Chien-Ming Wang, vying to be the No. 5 starter but out with a strained left hamstring, played catch. Manager Davey Johnson said he isn't sure if he'll be ready for opening day.

Orioles: Third baseman Mark Reynolds and reliever Kevin Gregg are being shopped around, CBSSports.com reported.

Red Sox: Second baseman Dustin Pedroia sustained a right forearm contusion when he was hit by a pitch while swinging. He is day to day.

Dominican league: Major League Baseball said it is creating a league for amateur players in the Dominican Republic. It is designed to showcase players who will become eligible to sign with teams after July 2 and players already eligible to sign.