Times wires
Monday, March 26, 2012

TAMPA — In Phil Hughes' eyes, he has done all he can do.

He'll find out shortly if the Yankees feel the same.

Hughes, with several members of the team hierarchy looking on, had another solid spring outing Monday afternoon.

"I just wanted to come out and pitch well (this spring) and I feel like I've done that for the most part," said Hughes, who allowed two runs, six hits and no walks with four strikeouts in six innings against Phillies minor-leaguers. "Overall, I felt like I did what I wanted coming into camp and just pitch as well as I could."

Hughes, who entered 0-1 with a 2.03 ERA in four outings, is competing with RHPs Freddy Garcia, Michael Pineda and Ivan Nova for three spots.

Phils: Blanton lit up

CLEARWATER — Phillies RHP Joe Blanton, who missed most of the last season with an elbow injury, allowed five runs on seven hits in five innings in a 6-0 loss to the Red Sox. After pitching five shutout innings in his first two spring starts, Blanton has given up eight runs in 10 innings in his past two games.

"I threw a lot of fastballs up," Blanton said.

Philadelphia pitching coach Rich Dubee hasn't indicated what Blanton's role will be.

"No idea; he hasn't said anything to me," said Blanton, who could start the season in the bullpen since the Phillies have two days off in the season's first week.

Jays: Deal for pitcher

DUNEDIN — RHP Dustin McGowan and the Blue Jays agreed to a $4.1 million, three-year contract that adds an additional two seasons and $3.5 million to the deal he reached in December. McGowan also agreed to make a donation to the Jays Care Foundation.

McGowan, 30, returned late last season after two shoulder operations and finished 0-2 with a 6.43 ERA in five games.

Around the nation

BRAVES: 3B Chipper Jones had arthroscopic surgery to repair a tear in his left knee is expected to be out about three weeks.

CARDINALS: RHP Chris Carpenter, out with a nerve ailment that has weakened his throwing shoulder, returned to camp, with manager Mike Matheny still unsure when his ace will be back on a mound.

INDIANS: The club restructured the contract of RHP Roberto Hernandez, formerly known as Fausto Carmona, to pay him $2.5 million as a base salary with $2.7 million in performance and roster bonuses. He had been scheduled to make $7 million. … DH Vladimir Guerrero worked out for scouts at the club's academy in the Dominican Republic.

METS: The club will honor the memory of Hall of Fame C Gary Carter with a pregame ceremony on opening day. Carter's family will take part in the tribute. … 3B David Wright, who had missed all of spring training with a strained left abdominal muscle, went 1-for-2 and made a couple of nice plays during a 6-3 win over the Cardinals.

ORIOLES: 2B Brian Roberts will begin the season on the 15-day disabled list as he strives to return from a concussion.

PIRATES: Pedro Alvarez will remain the starting third baseman despite a deep slump that began last season and has carried over into spring training.

TIGERS: 3B Miguel Cabrera rejoined his teammates a week after a bad-hop grounder in an exhibition game broke a bone below his right eye and said he'll be ready for opening day.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 26, 2012

PALM BEACH — NFL owners on Monday kicked off three days of meetings at The Breakers resort and added a wrinkle by entertaining comments and inquiries from a panel of fans.

The first question a moderator asked fans was what they most wanted to see from the league. The response was emphatic.

"They said (they wanted) integrity of the game," commissioner Roger Goodell said. "They were asked to define that, and they said to make sure what we see is real and everyone's playing by the rules."

Coming only days after the league levied unprecedented penalties against the Saints for an organized bounty system, the fans were heard.

The first full day of meetings was dominated by conversation about the investigation into the Saints' pay-for-performance program that rewarded players for hits that resulted in injuries. Saints owner Tom Benson made a somewhat conciliatory address in a closed-door session.

"He was very open with the clubs," Goodell said of Benson. "He expressed his disappointment that this occurred. This is not what he's all about and he expects to take whatever steps are needed to make sure this does not happen again."

So far, no one has heard from coach Sean Payton, whose season-long suspension begins Sunday. Goodell said Payton has a right to appeal, and his suspension would be temporarily lifted until an expedited decision. Payton, rumored to be at the meetings, was not seen Monday.

The Saints are reportedly considering former NFL coach Bill Parcells to replace Payton on an interim basis — permissible, Goodell said — but on Monday Parcells told Sports Illustrated he might not have the desire to coach.

"Do I have the bug?" he said. "I don't think so."

Meanwhile, those attending got an earful. Goodell again emphasized that individuals associated with the Saints made continual denials. Future violators risk stiffer penalties because, after this week, no one can say they weren't warned.

"There is zero tolerance in the NFL and it is not acceptable to hide the issue and continue to violate NFL policy, put our players at risk," Goodell said.

Goodell and others have talked about "changing the culture" of a game that is, by nature, violent.

Colts owner Jim Irsay said the game can be competitive but honorable.

"When you go to Canton, Ohio (to the Hall of Fame), and you see the great players there, there's a special bond," Irsay said. "I think there's always been a special bond with your competitors. I think that bond is self respect.

"I know it's a tough game. But I think you try to emphasize that aspect of the game, self respect and competition."

In a larger context, the league's consistent altering of rules to promote safety is an effort to change players' mind-sets.

By "constantly proposing rules … that emphasize player safety," the league underscores that it's serious about cleaning up the game, competition committee chairman and Falcons president Rich McKay said.

As for the players involved in the bounty scandal, Goodell said he will wait for input from the players union before ruling. He said he expects to hear from the union this week.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 26, 2012

FORT MYERS — As Elliot Johnson's ball cleared the centerfield wall of Hammond Stadium in the third inning Monday, the Rays finally had something to smile about.

With the end quickly approaching to what overall has been a miserable spring training, given the long list of injuries and poor results, a stark lack of offense has been the primary cause for concern.

Thus when Johnson's homer, coming an inning after Ben Zobrist's grand slam, gave them a 7-1 lead on the way to a spring-high 10 runs and 14 hits and their seventh win in 24 tries, they gathered in the dugout for good reason.

"It was funny," Zobrist said. "We were joking around on the bench, we're like, 'Guys, this is what it actually feels like to have a lead. This is fun baseball right here.' … We had a good time with it."

Their hope, of course, is that it's the start of something. That after hitting major-league lows of .222 and nine home runs (and not two in a game until Monday), after scoring only 67 runs, and three or fewer 15 times, in the first 23 games, that they are coming alive just in time, with the season opener against the Yankees just 10 days away.

"It's totally ticking right now," manager Joe Maddon said. "I really want to see a better push right now, in regard to playing a better game of baseball in getting ready for the season. We have played just an okay game of baseball to this point. I want it to be better for the last 10 (spring) games. I think that's important for us."

It's even more important given their emphasis on a good start to the season in the face of a brutal April schedule has them playing 16 of their first 22 games against the Yankees, Tigers, Red Sox, Angels and Rangers.

"It's not realistic," Maddon said, "to think that you're going to be able to turn on the switch on opening day and all of a sudden become this good team whereas you have not played well prior to that, or played together."

The injuries are certainly part of the issue, as they have yet to have their projected starting team on the field together, much less settle on a batting order, with B.J. Upton, Desmond Jennings and Reid Brignac still sidelined. Evan Longoria, Carlos Peña, Luke Scott, Sean Rodriguez and Sam Fuld have also missed time for various reasons.

Maddon said there is no other obvious explanation for their lack of offense, that the work by hitting coach Derek Shelton and the players has been great, and they should have enough time to get fully ready. (And the smart alecks would say they are in regular-season form.)

Longoria, hitting .192 with two extra-base hits since recovering from his bruised right hand, said they can use all the prep time remaining.

"I'm glad we have another week, let's just put it that way," he said. "At some point, you do need to experience some success. …

"Confidence goes a long way, so you want to start feeling like you're ready to go out and play a regular season. I haven't really worried about the wins and losses, but you'd like to see guys start playing well together right now."

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

Monday, March 26, 2012

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Tim Tebow got his first New York close-up Monday.

And the former Heisman Trophy winner for Florida handled it all with the same cool approach — smiling, polite, composed — that has won over so many fans around the country.

Speaking at the Jets' field house, because the media crush was so great — more than 200 attended — the session couldn't be held in the team's normal press room, the headline-grabbing backup QB went out of his way to play down any conflict between him and starter Mark Sanchez.

"Me and Mark have a great relationship," Tebow said. "We've been friends the past three years and have already texted back and forth."

Coach Rex Ryan, general manager Mike Tannenbaum and owner Woody Johnson were not in the building. They were at the NFL meetings in Palm Beach. There were no teammates there, either — but Tebow, acquired Wednesday from Denver, said he has spoken with several.

Meanwhile, Sanchez said Tebow's presence didn't bother him.

"I'm not worried about losing my spot," Sanchez told Newsday. "Mike Tannenbaum and Rex Ryan have been firm on that, that I'm the starter."

DRAFT: Of the 14 teams that received compensatory picks in April's draft, the Raiders got the highest one, at the end of the third round. The Packers, Jets and Browns got four picks each.

CONCUSSIONS: Rich McKay, chairman of the league's competition committee, said concussions on kickoff returns fell by 40 percent last season after kickoffs were moved up 5 yards.

DOLPHINS: Owner Stephen Ross said he's undeterred after failing to sign Peyton Manning — and after coaches Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Fisher spurned Miami in the past two offseasons. "I'll do it again and again," Ross said. "I'm going to be bold. You know what, you don't lose for trying."

RAMS: Tight end Matthew Mulligan agreed to a two-year deal and Steve Smith, a former Giants receiver who caught 11 passes with the Eagles last season, signed for a year.

VIKINGS: The Minneapolis stadium bill, stalled for nearly two weeks, got a push when Mayor R.T. Rybak said he'd lined up a city council majority in support of the $975 million plan to rebuild on the site of the Metrodome.

Times wires
Monday, March 26, 2012

Kansas forward Thomas Robinson has even more in common with Blake Griffin now. Not everything, though.

Robinson, who played through personal tragedy as a sophomore reserve, capped his junior season by being a unanimous selection to the Associated Press' All-America team Monday, a day after leading the Jayhawks to the Final Four.

The 6-foot-10 Robinson averaged 17.9 points and 11.8 rebounds this season and was a first-team pick by all 65 members of the national media panel that selects the weekly Top 25.

The last unanimous pick was Griffin in 2009.

"It's a blessing to be named even in the same category as Blake Griffin," Robinson said. "For that to happen, I'm glad all the hard work is paying off."

Robinson did find some similarities between them besides being Big 12 player of the year.

"That man jumps out the gym. He looks like a superhero," Robinson said. "We both try to be aggressive. He knows what he does well. I know what I do well."

Joining Robinson on the first team were Ohio State's Jared Sullinger, the first repeat All-America in three years, Kentucky freshman Anthony Davis, Michigan State's Draymond Green and Creighton's Doug McDermott.

Davis received 63 first-team votes. Green, the lone senior, got 53, Sullinger , 30 and McDermott 29. North Carolina's John Henson, a former Sickles standout, made honorable mention. No Gators or Seminoles were named.

Robinson received national support as a sophomore when he lost his mother, grandmother and grandfather within three weeks. He became a starter this season and a star.

"It's an unbelievable honor for a kid that came as a semi-highly recruited guy, played seven minutes as a freshman, 10 minutes as a sophomore, endured the tragedies he's had and then somehow made so many sacrifices, not only for the betterment of himself but the betterment of all of us," Kansas coach Bill Self said.

WOODEN AWARD: Davis, Sullinger and Robinson were among players chosen for the John R. Wooden Award All-American team. The others are Green, McDermott, Isaiah Canaan of Murray State, Jae Crowder of Marquette, Marcus Denmon of Missouri, Kevin Jones of West Virginia, and Tyler Zeller of North Carolina.

Martin to coach S.C.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Frank Martin agreed to become South Carolina's next coach, the Associated Press reported. The university's board of trustees is scheduled to meet this morning to discuss a contract matter.

Martin will replace Darrin Horn, who was fired two weeks ago after going 60-63 over four seasons. Martin led Kansas State to the NCAA Tournament four of the past five seasons.

DREXEL: Coach Bruiser Flint, who led the team to a record 29 wins this season, agreed to a multi-year contract extension. Terms were not disclosed.

DUKE: Freshman guard Austin Rivers will hire an agent and leave for the NBA draft. The son of Celtics coach Doc Rivers averaged a team-leading 15.5 points.

MISSISSIPPI ST.: Junior forward Renardo Sidney signed with an agent and will declare for the NBA draft.

MURRAY ST.: Coach Steve Prohm agreed to a one-year contract extension and a pay raise after the Racers completed their most successful season. Prohm's base salary will be increased from $195,000 to $270,000.

TEXAS: Freshman guard Myck Kabongo decided not to enter the NBA draft.

UAB: North Carolina assistant Jerod Haase was named head coach, replacing Mike Davis, who was fired after making the NCAA Tournament once in six seasons.

WAGNER: Assistant Bashir Mason was promoted to succeed Dan Hurley as head coach. Hurley left last week to take over at Rhode Island.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 26, 2012

Tonight

Lightning at Bruins

When/where: 7:30; TD Garden, Boston

TV/radio: NBC Sports Network; 970-AM

Key stats: The Bruins have outscored opponents 95-59 in the third period. … Boston RW Brian Rolston has three goals, eight assists in a six-game points streak. … The Lightning is 11-for-11 on the penalty kill against the Bruins this season, 1-for-12 on the power play. … Tampa Bay is 4-4-0 in the second of back-to-back games. … The Bruins have scored in the final two minutes of a period 19 times and are 16-2-1 in those games.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 26, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — The only thing C Steven Stamkos wishes is that his record-breaking season would have happened with the Lightning in the playoff mix.

Other than that, setting a Tampa Bay season record with 53 goals is pretty sweet.

"Any time you can have an individual thing like that on a team that has been around for a while and had a lot of great players come through, it's special," Stamkos said after Monday's 5-3 win over the Flyers. "It's something I will remember."

For such a noteworthy goal, it came on a fairly nothing play with Stamkos, well above the right faceoff circle, fanning on his first shot attempt then sending what seemed a simple wrist shot through traffic that eluded G Ilya Bryzgalov to make the score 2-0 with 1.4 seconds left in the first period.

"But it went in, so you'll take those," Stamkos said of his 11th power play goal that pushed him past the record 52 goals he shared with C Vinny Lecavalier, who set the mark in 2006-07.

"I knew he was going to break it," Lecavalier said. "And he's going to break his own record many more times. I'm happy for him. It can't happen to a nicer person."

It's been quite a season for Stamkos, 22, who also became one of seven NHL players to have two 50-goal seasons before age 23.

"It's something I've worked hard towards," he said. "I've been lucky enough to play with some great players and great people. This is another memory I can share with them."

ON THE MEND: Lecavalier was upgraded to day to day, and after the morning skate, in which he wore a red no-contact jersey, said his fractured right hand "felt really good, probably the best day by far."

Lecavalier, out 17 games, expects to play during the current three-game road trip.

"It depends how it reacts to what I did the last few days," he said.

MEDICAL MATTERS: D Victor Hedman, who skated in the morning, was a late scratch due to illness, the team said. … It sounds as if RW Adam Hall likely will not play the rest of the season because of what is believed a back injury. … C Nate Thompson (upper body) also skated with a red no-contact jersey and said he hopes to play on the road trip.

NO HARD FEELINGS: Flyers D Pavel Kubina said it took his "a few weeks" to get over his Feb. 17 trade from the Lightning but holds no hard feelings.

"I understand," he said. "It's part of the business. It's a hard business, but it's part of that."

In 11 games with Philadelphia, Kubina, 34, has three assists and is plus-1 and entered Monday averaging 18:10 of ice time. He called it a "great opportunity to play for a great organization and a great team."

Still, he said facing the team that drafted him and with which he spent 10 seasons and won the 2004 Stanley Cup would be "weird. … You've got to control your emotions. You don't want to do too much to try to prove something. Keep it simple."

ODDS AND ENDS: Ryan Malone's first-period goal was Tampa Bay's second shorthanded of the season and tied Detroit for the league low. … G Sebastien Caron gets his first Lightning start tonight against the Bruins. … There were no healthy scratches.

By Damian Cristodero, Times staff writer
Monday, March 26, 2012

PHILADELPHIA — There is not much mystery to how the Lightning earned its 5-3 victory over the Flyers Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

In a game in which Tampa Bay was outshot 38-15, including 16-2 in a second period center Steven Stamkos charitably characterized as "not very good hockey from our standpoint," goaltender Dwayne Roloson stood as tall as he has all season.

"In a game like that," right wing J.T. Wyman said, "it's Roli coming up with really big saves."

Roloson made 35 for his third straight win. It also was the third straight for the Lightning (35-33-7), which has benefited from the goalie's mini resurgence.

Roloson has stopped 103 of 111 shots in his past three games for a .928 save percentage. He entered at .884. He also outplayed Ilya Bryzgalov, who is on a 10-2-1 streak and his string of allowing two or fewer goals in 11 straight games come to an end.

And Roloson upstaged Stamkos, whose 53rd goal surpassed the team mark of 52 he shared with Vinny Lecavalier.

"Roli was great again," Stamkos said. "He's been on fire lately. He's a big reason we're pulling out wins here."

"I don't live in the past I live in the now," Roloson said. "I'm just focused on what we need to do as a team to keep pushing."

The Lightning got a huge break when Flyers defenseman Matt Carle lost control of the puck as he carried it from behind his net. Wyman, standing in front, batted it past Bryzgalov to make the score 4-2 with 3:49 left.

"My eyes got as big as Ritz crackers waiting for it," Wyman said. "Luckily, Bryzgalov was out of his net looking down the ice and I just jumped on it."

Good thing because Scott Hartnell scored on the power play with 1:03 left to make it 4-3. Tom Pyatt scored his fourth goal in three games into an empty net.

Still, there was that second period in which the Flyers had Tampa Bay on its heels and scored twice to overcome the Lightning's 2-0 first-period lead built on Ryan Malone's shorthanded goal and Stamkos' tally with 1.4 seconds left.

Roloson's 14 saves kept Tampa Bay in the game. And after Marty St. Louis, off a pass from Tim Wallace, gave the Lightning a 3-2 lead with his breakaway goal 2:27 into the third, Roloson made it stand up with a sprawling save on Brayden Schenn at 9:32.

Roloson said he did not recall.

"For me, you have to forget if something happens," he said. "I'm focusing on each and every individual play. Every one is different."

But taken together, "It is a confidence boost," coach Guy Boucher said. "He's worked really hard on stabilizing his game. It's what he looked like before. He's just calm in nets."

No mystery there.

First—1, Tampa Bay, Malone 15 (Smith), 8:08 (sh). 2, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 53 (St. Louis, Purcell), 19:58 (pp). Penalties—Connolly, TB (tripping), 6:13; Brewer, TB (interference), 10:03; Rinaldo, Phi, misconduct, 19:01; Briere, Phi (interference), 19:54.

Second—3, Philadelphia, Simmonds 23 (Schenn, Kubina), 3:21. 4, Philadelphia, Read 22 (Timonen, Voracek), 18:18. Penalties—Commodore, TB (hooking), 5:38; Rinaldo, Phi (cross-checking), 19:07; Malone, TB (tripping), 19:36.

Third—5, Tampa Bay, St. Louis 24 (Wallace, Brewer), 2:27. 6, Tampa Bay, Wyman 2, 17:11. 7, Philadelphia, Hartnell 36 (Briere, Voracek), 18:47 (pp). 8, Tampa Bay, Pyatt 12 (Brewer), 19:56 (en). Penalties—Jagr, Phi (high-sticking), 4:33; Commodore, TB (hooking), 7:59; Smith, TB (delay), 17:59. Shots—Tampa Bay 7-2-6—15. Philadelphia 10-16-12—38. Power plays—Tampa Bay 1 of 3; Philadelphia 1 of 6. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Roloson 11-14-2 (38 shots-35 saves). Philadelphia, Bryzgalov 32-15-7 (14-10). A—19,590 (19,537).

Times wires
Monday, March 26, 2012

soccer

late goal ends olympic hopes for u.s. team

NASHVILLE — Jaime Alas scored in stoppage time and El Salvador ousted the United States from Olympic qualifying Monday night with a 3-3 tie.

The Americans had to win to reach Saturday's semifinals in Kansas City, Kan., and they led 3-2 on Joe Corona's goal in the 68th minute.

But Alas scored off the hands of keeper Sean Johnson to stun the Americans, who missed the Olympics for the second time since 1976.

Terrence Boyd scored twice for the United States, and nearly scored twice more. His header went over the crossbar in the 10th minute, and he had a breakaway chance in the 11th only to see keeper Yimy Cuellar come out to break up the play.

tennis

Roddick gets third victory over Federer

Andy Roddick beat Roger Federer for only the third time in their 24 meetings, dominating with his serve to win 7-6 (7-4), 1-6, 6-4 in the third round at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne.

Roddick broke serve only once but held every service game in the first and last sets. After falling behind 15-30 in the final game, he closed out the victory with an ace and two service winners, all at more than 130 mph.

"There is no script in sports, you know. I think that's what makes it the best entertainment in the world," Roddick said. "Nights like tonight are why you play the matches. You don't know what's going to happen."

Roddick ended Federer's streak of 77 consecutive wins against players outside the top 20.

Serena Williams matched a career high with 20 aces and whacked enough thunderous groundstrokes to beat Tampa resident Samantha Stosur 7-5, 6-3 and advance to the quarterfinals.

Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka lost 10 of the first 11 games then rallied to remain unbeaten this year by beating No. 16-seeded Dominika Cibulkova 1-6, 7-6 (9-7), 7-5. Azarenka was two points from defeat five times, but swept the last three games.

Also reaching the quarterfinals was No. 2 Maria Sharapova, who overcame 11 double faults to beat Ekaterina Makarova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).

No. 1 Novak Djokovic advanced to the fourth round by beating No. 27-seeded Viktor Troicki 6-3, 6-4.

ET CETERA

College football: Alabama coach Nick Saban said he received overtures for other jobs after claiming the second national title in three years. Instead of bolting, he has received a raise and contract extension worth $5.62 million a year. "From my standpoint, the acceptance of this extension represents our commitment … to the University of Alabama for the rest of our career," Saban said, declining to mention who made the overtures. "We made that decision after the season when other people were interested." The board of trustees approved a two-year extension that will run through Jan. 31, 2020. He will make nearly $45 million over eight years in base salary and "talent fees."

Times wires

Times wires
Monday, March 26, 2012

DETROIT — The Red Wings popped off the bench and skated slowly toward goaltender Ty Conklin to congratulate him as if it was just another victory on Monday night.

Tomas Holmstrom scored twice to help Detroit beat the Blue Jackets 7-2 and clinch a team-record 21st straight playoff appearance. Columbus is last in the NHL with 55 points.

The Red Wings said it was easy to explain their reaction to extending the best active playoff run in major professional sports.

"I think the bar is higher," Henrik Zetterberg said. "That's another thing we don't think about. We just go out, we expect to be in the playoffs, but it is a nice record and hopefully we will keep it going for many years."

Detroit broke its record of 20 straight seasons of reaching the playoffs set from 1939-58.

The NBA's San Antonio Spurs are expected to extend their playoff streak to 15 years; the Philadelphia Phillies (five) and Baltimore Ravens (four) hold the longest current streaks in MLB and the NFL, respectively.

SEDIN HAS CONCUSSION: Canucks coach Alain Vigneault says injured wing Daniel Sedin has a concussion. The team remains mum on the left wing's condition, or if he will return before the playoffs. Sedin was sidelined Wednesday by an elbow to the head from Chicago defenseman Duncan Keith, who drew a five-game suspension.

First—1, Detroit, Holmstrom 9 (Zetterberg, Kronwall), 1:06 (pp). 2, Detroit, Nyquist 1 (Datsyuk, Bertuzzi), 5:35. 3, Detroit, Holmstrom 10 (Zetterberg, Kronwall), 8:55 (pp). 4, Detroit, Hudler 23 (V.Filppula, Bertuzzi), 9:51. Penalties—Atkinson, Clm (tripping), :47; Dorsett, Clm (boarding), 7:50; Abdelkader, Det (tripping), 11:15; Kronwall, Det (hooking), 16:59.

Second—5, Detroit, Lidstrom 11 (Zetterberg, White), 6:17. 6, Detroit, Stuart 6 (Bertuzzi, V.Filppula), 8:34. Penalties—Brassard, Clm (tripping), 1:04; Prospal, Clm (hooking), 6:17; Boll, Clm (roughing), 12:50; Columbus bench, served by Brassard (too many men), 19:18.

Third—7, Detroit, Datsyuk 18 (Zetterberg, Bertuzzi), 1:25. 8, Columbus, Letestu 11 (Nash, Nikitin), 1:44. 9, Columbus, Nash 27 (Prospal, Jac.Johnson), 10:32. Penalties—White, Det (tripping), 2:23; Zetterberg, Det (tripping), 13:59; Dorsett, Clm, misconduct, 17:56. Shots—Columbus 4-9-13—26. Detroit 15-16-8—39. Power plays—Columbus 0 of 4; Detroit 2 of 6. Goalies—Columbus, Mason 14-26-3 (28 shots-22 saves), York (8:34 second, 11-10). Detroit, Conklin 5-5-1 (26-24). A—20,066 (20,066). T—2:25.

First—1, Ottawa, Neil 12 (Spezza, Karlsson), 19:34. Penalties—Burmistrov, Wpg (boarding), 1:48; Gonchar, Ott (tripping), 14:57.

Second—2, Ottawa, Daugavins 5 (Condra, Smith), 1:53. 3, Winnipeg, Miettinen 3 (Bogosian, Wellwood), 3:02 (pp). 4, Winnipeg, Wellwood 16 (Kane, Hainsey), 6:54. 5, Ottawa, Turris 10 (Spezza, Karlsson), 17:26. 6, Winnipeg, Miettinen 4 (Slater, Glass), 17:46. Penalties—Kuba, Ott (tripping), 2:38; Spezza, Ott (tripping), 12:05; Enstrom, Wpg (interference), 13:09; Spezza, Ott (tripping), 14:56.

Third—7, Ottawa, Alfredsson 25 (Karlsson), 2:54. 8, Winnipeg, Kane 29 (Wellwood), 17:03. 9, Ottawa, Alfredsson 26 (Kuba, Turris), 17:27. 10, Ottawa, Michalek 34 (Spezza), 19:26 (en). Penalties—None. Missed Penalty Shot—Wellwood, Wpg, 1:34 third. Shots—Ottawa 10-11-14—35. Winnipeg 13-17-18—48. Power plays—Ottawa 0 of 2; Winnipeg 1 of 4. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 31-20-6 (48 shots-44 saves). Winnipeg, Pavelec 28-27-7 (34-29). A—15,004 (15,015). T—2:32.

Times wires
Monday, March 26, 2012

DES MOINES, Iowa — Baylor has just two wins to go for 40-0. Tennessee's future is far less certain.

Brittney Griner had 23 points, 15 rebounds and nine blocks before being ejected with less than a minute left and top-seeded Baylor rolled over Tennessee 77-58 Monday night to advance to the Final Four. The Bears play Stanford on Sunday night in Denver. The Cardinal rolled past Duke 81-69 in Monday's other region final.

Shekinna Stricklen had 22 points for second-seeded Tennessee (27-9), whose seniors became its first four-year class not to reach a Final Four.

The Vols face an uncertain future as Pat Summitt has yet to say if she'll return for a 39th season as coach. She announced in August she'd been diagnosed with early onset dementia, Alzheimer's type.

"This team is about Pat Summitt. This team has battled all year," said Tennessee associate head coach Holly Warlick, fighting back tears. "I'm proud of them. I thought our team and coaching staff obviously was in a difficult situation. But I thought this team was responsive. I wouldn't trade anything that we did this year."

Summitt was given a standing ovation by both teams' fans when she came out roughly 15 minutes before tipoff. But as defeat became apparent, she sat silently on the bench with her legs crossed.

Summitt has 1,098 wins, more than any men's or women's coach in history, but these Bears were too much for her Vols.

"It's not fun for me to coach against Pat," Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. "I don't take great pleasure in that. But I have a job to do."

Glory Johnson, Stricklen and the other members of their senior class fell short of the Final Four but took solace in their effort against the mighty Bears.

"We played them as strong as we could," Johnson said. "If you don't leave everything out on the floor, whether you're winning or losing, it was the last opportunity to show people what type of player you are. I definitely left it all out there, Shekinna left it all out there, Vicki (Baugh) left it all out there.

"All the seniors played as hard as they could."

The Bears (38-0) are in the national semifinals for the second time in three years. Should Baylor win it all, it'll become the first men's or women's team in NCAA history to finish with 40 wins.

Baylor held Tennessee to 30.3 percent shooting from the floor. Much of that was because of the inside presence of the 6-foot-8 Griner, who was one block shy of her fifth career triple double.

"Defense wins ballgames for you," Mulkey said. "I guess I learned from two of the best. I learned from (Summitt) and (former Louisiana Tech coach) Leon Barmore, you better guard people. And these kids are going to guard you."

A rather ugly game for a purist's perspective got even uglier in the final 46.8 seconds.

Baylor's Odyssey Sims, who led the Bears with 27 points, tumbled to the floor. Stricklen appeared to taunt Sims, and they had to be separated. Both were each assessed technical fouls for unsportsmanlike conduct.

No punches were thrown, but Griner and teammates Terran Condrey and Jordan Madden were ejected for leaving the bench. The NCAA says none of the players will be suspended for the Final Four.

Stricklen said she apologized to Sims, who said: "Just got caught in the heat of the moment. Everything's fine now."

Baylor led 35-20 at halftime despite poor shooting from Griner. Tennessee made a charge to start the second half, highlighted when Johnson scored a second-chance basket on Griner and smiled when Griner tossed her to the floor.

But Sims followed a layup with a 3 to help the Bears go back ahead 49-38 with 11:12 to go. Tennessee made one final run, cutting a 19-point deficit to 64-53 with 4:48 left, but Griner had six points in the next minute.

STANFORD 81, DUKE 69: Nnemkadi Ogwumike will end her sensational senior season right where she has the rest: at the Final Four.

Ogwumike made it happen on both ends of the floor with 29 points and nine rebounds despite constant double-teams, sending the top-seeded Cardinal (35-1) past the No. 2 seed Blue Devils (27-6) in the Fresno (Calif.) Region final for Stanford's fifth straight Final Four berth.

The Cardinal is looking for its first title since 1992.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The family of Anthony Tufano, the victim in the Matt Bush DUI hit-and-run accident, plans to file a civil lawsuit against both Bush and Rays minor league outfielder Brandon Guyer, whose Dodge Durango was involved in the crash.

Richard Hirsch, the Tufano family's Tampa-based attorney, said hospital bills will be in the "hundreds of thousands," and they consider Bush and Guyer, among others responsible. Tufano is in critical condition at a Fort Myers hospital with several serious injuries caused Thursday when police said Bush fled the scene after hitting Tufano's motorcycle with Guyer's SUV.

"It's pretty clear to us from some of the comments being made that everyone is attempting to walk away from this situation and from any legal responsibility," Hirsch said. "Frankly, we're not going to let that happen. ... If you accept what everyone, Mr. Bush, Mr. Guyer, the Rays, what they're saying is that it's a tragedy, but none of us bear any responsibility... is essentially what they're saying. I've been doing this too long to let that happen. I want to make sure that the message has gotten across loud and clear."

Bush is in the Charlotte County jail facing seven charges, with bail set for $1.015 million. Though Bush received a $3.15 million signing bonus from the Padres as the 2004 top overall pick, his attorney, Russell Kirshy, told the court the pitcher could be classified as "indigent," with just $2,000 in his bank account. Guyer, Bush's roommate in Port Charlotte, allowed Bush to use his SUV to drive him to the team facility Thursday afternoon, but had no knowledge of Bush's suspended license, and didn't give him permission to use the vehicle after, said Guyer's agent, Jamie Appel.

But Hirsch said that under Florida law, if Guyer gave Bush permission to drive it at all, it falls under "implied consent" even if Bush drove the car outside of Guyer's direct wishes. Hirsch said the state's "dangerous instrumentality" doctrine imposes strict vicarious liability to vehicle owners when a non-owner negligently causes injury.

Hirsch said they are doing their own independent investigation and are a few weeks away from the filing of the lawsuits. They're also looking into potential responsibility of the bar that served Bush alcohol, as well as what role the Rays played in this situation.

"Our hope is that Mr. Bush and Mr. Guyer would be responsible for the damages they've caused," Hirsch said. "And I don't doubt the sincerity of the Rays expressing remorse, I don't doubt for one minute Mr. (Rays executive vice president Andrew) Friedman's sincere remorse. But there are responsibilities of athletic teams under certain circumstances -- was it foreseeable that this would happen? That's really the issue."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Tarpon Coast Fly Fishers will have their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. April 2 at Boston Cooker, 5375 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill.

Members, guests and visitors are welcome and will be served a selection of dinners for $17.99 each. The program will feature Will Miller, land use program evaluator for the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

The organization, in its fourth year, offers free fly tying classes to its members. Visit tarpon coastflyfishers.shutterfly.com for club information. All members are required to belong to the Federation of Fly Fishers.

For information, contact Roger Maler at (352) 293-3322 or rmaler@tampabay.rr.com.

COUPLES OF HERNANDO GOLF: The Couples of Hernando Golf League had its monthly tournament at Twisted Oaks Golf Club in Beverly Hills on March 12.

The couples played in two flights. Roger and Joann McKay won Flight A, with Doug and Karen Cord coming in second. Larry and Rosemary Tackman placed third, just ahead of Herb and Sandy Rodgers. A tie between Richard and Barbara Schulte and Dick and Mary Holstad rounded out the top five.

In the B Flight, Jim and Dee Karos won the title, with John and Donna Dorgan as the runners-up. Gary and Pat Smith took third place, ahead of Ron & Rosemary Wagner. There was another tie for fifth place with Tony and Jane Szeltner and Al and Maureen Treichel.

Winners of the closest-to-the-pin competition were Richard Schulte, Fred Procious, Jane Szeltner and Susan Avellanet.

For information about the league, send email to Jane Szeltner at szeltjane@bell south.net or Dorothy Cleary at golfergram220@tampabay.rr.com.

WEST HERNANDO COUGARS FOOTBALL AND CHEERLEADING: The West Hernando Cougars Youth Football and Cheerleading program will hold registration at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill on Sunday.

Officials will be on hand from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. by the concession stand.

The Cougars compete in the Mid-Florida Football & Cheer Conference, Sunshine Region, District 3. The schedule includes teams from Pasco and Hillsborough counties. All home games will be played at Delta Woods Park.

The cost is $195 per player for either football or cheer, with payment required in full at time of sign-up.

For information, call Bobby McFarland at (352) 585-6524.

WOMEN'S 500 CLUB BOWLING TOURNAMENT: The Hernando County Women's 500 Club will host an 8-pin No-Tap Handicap Tournament on April 15 at Spring Hill Lanes.

To compete, participants must be members of the Hernando County Women's 500 Club and the Hernando County U.S. Bowling Congress Women's Bowling Alliance. Entry forms are available at Mariner Lanes and Spring Hill Lanes.

The handicap at the event will be 100 percent of a 200 average. Check-in will be at 1 p.m. with a potluck lunch; bowling starts at 2 p.m. The entry fee is $17 per person with a deadline of April 9. Entries may be dropped off at either bowling center.

For information, call Sheila Wehrenberg at (352) 688-1575.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department will begin a First Tee golf program April 10 and running for six weeks at the Quarry Golf Course, Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks and Silverthorn Country Club.

First Tee focuses on golf and life skills instruction. The juniors program strives to instill in participants the organization's nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

The cost is $60 per child, with ages 5 to 17 eligible. Preregistration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers also are needed. Donations are welcome, including youth golf clubs, bags and balls. For information, contact Miles Groff at (352) 540-3835 or mgroff@cityofbrooksville.us.

HYL FOOTBALL: Registration for the Hernando Youth League football season will be May 5, 12 and 19 and June 9 at Ernie Wever Youth Park in Brooksville.

Officials will be on hand to register players from 9 a.m. to noon each day. The cost is $128 per player, which includes a $3 county park usage fee. Payment may be made with cash, money order, debit card or credit card. All players must be present at registration so they can be fitted for equipment.

Space is limited, so participants are urged to sign up early. For forms and information, visit leaguelineup.com/hylfootball online.

For other information, call (352) 346-0000.

GRIDIRON ALUMNI FOOTBALL: Gridiron Alumni is planning several full-contact alumni football games in Brooksville during the coming weeks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For information, call (352) 797-0962.

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

By Brent Gaskill, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Focus: With many options available it has become difficult to focus on one species. So choosing a particular fishing method such as anchoring, drifting, or trolling may be easier. Combining a specific method with a specific location can also help. Catching multiple species has become the norm so carry a variety of tackle and baits.

Offshore options: Recently, kingfish are the most popular offshore species. Spanish mackerel are prevalent in many of the areas holding kings. Combining both species has been the obvious choice as they will both respond to the same baits when chummed. We've used light spinning gear and small wire leaders to minimize cut-offs and maximize excitement.

Inshore options: Snook are always a popular inshore target and the populations of juvenile fish appear healthy in back country areas. Redfish also have frequented many of these same mangrove shorelines and respond to the same baits so this is an easy combination. We've used the same spinning outfits for the snook and reds that we used for the mackerels. Wire leaders were changed to fluorocarbon to reduce line visibility in the clear water.

Brent Gaskill runs Summer Vacation Charters out of the St. Petersburg area and can be reached at captbrent@summervacationcharters.com and (727)510-1009.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Quote of the day

"Believe me, man, I could sit here and try to go back and forth and none of it's going to make any sense."

Manager Joe Maddon, on the tough call between Jeff Niemann and Wade Davis for the final rotation spot.

Accomplishment of the day

Matt Moore started the 2010 season at Class A Charlotte and last year at Double-A Montgomery; now he'll open this season in the majors. "If that was something you asked me last year I would say that was pretty far-fetched," Moore said. "So I'm very excited about that."

0 of the day

The Rays were shut out for the third time this spring, matching their 2003 mark for most in the exhibition season. … The 8-0 loss matched their worst spring shutout, also to Boston, in 2001.

Payback of the day

Elliot Johnson and Matt Joyce are constantly on each other, and Joyce had been kidding Johnson that for being such a good athlete "he had an un-athletic swing." But then Johnson hit a massive homer Monday — and watched it go — and Joyce said he got the message. "I guess he showed me," he said.

Rays vs. Pirates

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 raysbaseball.com and Ticketmaster, at Tropicana Field and Charlotte Sports Park box offices, 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 is on the left.

Parking: $10, lots open at 4.

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

Pitchers: Rays — David Price, Fernando Rodney, Joel Peralta, J.P. Howell; Pirates — Charlie Morton, Evan Meek, Chris Leroux, Jared Hughes

Heads-up

Rodney and Peralta complete their first back-to-back outings of the spring.

Who is this Ray?

He played for eight teams during 16 seasons in the majors. He was in uniform for the Rays 1998 inaugural game. He got the first hit in franchise history.

On deck

Thursday: at Phillies, 1:05 p.m. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Phils — Cole Hamels

Friday: at Pirates, 1:05 p.m. Rays — TBA; Pirates — Brad Lincoln

Saturday: Red Sox, 1:05 p.m. Rays — TBA; Red Sox — TBA

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

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: Bench coach Dave Martinez.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

TAMPA — Terrence Mitchell hasn't taken that first big hit yet, but for the first time in six months the USF sophomore receiver is back on a football field. Mitchell missed most of last season with concussion symptoms after a violent collision in a September win against UTEP.

"I'm just excited to be back out there. It's been a long six, seven months without football," Mitchell said last week as the Bulls opened a month of spring drills. "It's just amazing to get back out there and be with my brothers and be able to play and run around with them."

Mitchell, one of the fastest but smallest players on the team at 5 feet 10 and 158 pounds, was injured making a tackle on a UTEP fake punt in the fourth game of the season. A full-speed hit sent him to a hospital and forced him out of the last eight games of the season (and ultimately resulted in taking a medical redshirt).

He has been symptom-free since the end of last year, and the best step in his recovery was returning to the practice field and the company of his teammates.

"I definitely appreciate football more. It can be taken away from you," said the former Hillsborough High standout. "I saw that in September, that it can be taken away from you quick. I appreciate every moment being out there now."

Mitchell played cornerback the first part of his freshman year in 2010 then shifted to receiver, learning the position over the next year and catching seven passes for 60 yards in the first four games last season. Despite a reputation as a fearsome hitter in high school, he has embraced his role on offense, where his speed could give the Bulls a big-play factor that was missing much of last season. And his background on defense has helped him in knowing what the opposing players covering him are likely to do.

"I feel very at home," said Mitchell, a freshman All-America selection as a punt returner in 2010. "Especially switching from corner, it's not as hard as some pure receivers that have to learn how to read coverages. I go out there and see the safety's this far off the hash, I know it's Cover 2."

Having Mitchell back is a welcome sight for teammates and coaches, who weren't sure that would happen when he was lying motionless on the field at Raymond James Stadium.

"Every once in a while in your coaching career, you see things and you kind of shudder," offensive coordinator Todd Fitch said. "We were in the (press) box, obviously, and we could hear it in the box.

"It was a little scary. You think of it as if it's your son. That's your reaction. They're kind of your kids, you're around them so often. The concern for him was the first thing."

Fitch has moved Mitchell from being an outside receiver inside to the slot, where his time working as a receiver has made him a more refined route runner, combining his natural speed with more polished technique. If there's any tentative nature to Mitchell after last year's injury, Fitch hasn't seen it.

"I don't know if he has that gene to slow down. It's who he is," Fitch said. "We certainly don't want him to lose it, but we have to be smart with him too, and keep him healthy."

Mitchell said he wanted to return late last season, knowing he could help the Bulls as they struggled to a 1-6 Big East record and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2005. But coach Skip Holtz told him he was taking a medical redshirt, something he accepted, knowing it was for his own best interests and that would give him a second chance at his second season with the Bulls.

"He sat me down and said, 'We're more concerned about your safety.' I was like, 'Yes, sir.' I redshirted," Mitchell said. "You want to go help. That's the competitor in you. You have to listen to the head man sometimes. Everybody's got a boss."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

PALM BEACH — Shortly before arriving at the NFL owners meetings on Tuesday morning, a dose of reality suddenly washed over embattled Saints coach Sean Payton, who faces a season-long suspension that begins Sunday.

"I think the biggest challenge is, driving in here this morning, this would probably be (in) 39 years — as a Pop Warner player, as a high school player, as a college player, and then college coach, professional coach — this potentially is the first time in 39 years where you're not directly involved in football for a season," he said.

Fulfilling one of his final official duties as the team's coach in 2012, Payton surfaced in Palm Beach where, a day earlier, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell had again admonished Payton, Saints team officials and players for their roles in the bounty scandal that has rocked America's most popular game.

After an investigation found that players and former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams offered financial enticements for brutal hits that, in some cases, injured opponents, Goodell levied severe penalties that include the suspension of Payton, which will cost him a reported $7.5 million in salary.

Payton had already apologized in a statement, but his comments Tuesday were his first since the news broke last week. Though he clearly is struggling to come to grips with the penalty, Payton dismissed the notion that he wouldn't return, saying he was "100 percent certain" he would be on the sideline in 2013.

"I look forward to winning," he said, "and we'll do that."

Payton can appeal the ruling, but said he hasn't decided "if there would be a benefit." He refused to quibble with the commissioner's decision, probably because Goodell also would rule on the potential appeal.

"I think the commissioner has done a great job communicating with us throughout this process," Payton said. "I think being in a leadership role myself as a head coach, I certainly understand the position he's in. I think he's made it clear, and for good reason, we've got such a good product right now that just the idea of something with this magnitude is an important issue he wanted to address."

Payton confirmed reports that the team in interested in having his confidant, longtime NFL coach Bill Parcells, coach the Saints this fall. New Orleans, which plays the Bucs twice per year in the NFC South, also is considering in-house candidates and planned to meet with Parcells later on Tuesday.

Payton, often brash and surly, was contrite and conciliatory. He made no attempt to shift the blame, saying he should have been more in tune with what was happening on his defense. Payton runs the offense and spends most of his time with that personnel.

"As the head coach, anything that happens in the framework of your team and your program, you're responsible for," he said. "And that's a lesson I've learned. And it's one that it's easy to get carried away (with) in regards to a certain side of the ball or (being) more involved offensively or defensively. And that's something that I regret."

As for what Payton knew and when, he said, "The first awareness, specifically, was after the '09-'10 season. That's when the league came in initially and (interviewed) a few people."

Goodell accused players and team officials of lying during that investigation.

To that, Payton said, "I saw part of what (Goodell) said. And, specifically, I don't know that he made mention of that directly to me. That being said, we take his office very seriously and the role he has. And in the two trips to New York, I made sure to do everything in my power to answer the questions honestly."

In two years, Payton has gone from winning Super Bowl XLIV to the lowest point of his career.

"You go through a range of emotions that kind of hit you," he said. "You're disappointed. You're disappointed in yourself that it got to this point."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3377.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

FORT MYERS — Wade Davis is still a starting pitcher. Manager Joe Maddon made that point several times Tuesday, and Davis said that's how he still views himself.

But Davis will at least begin this season in the bullpen, and as a long reliever at that, as the Rays announced Tuesday they would keep Jeff Niemann in a rotation that also includes James Shields, David Price, Jeremy Hellickson and rookie Matt Moore.

"Not your typical last-starter-of-the-rotation decision most teams go through," Maddon said.

Davis, 26, insisted he was looking forward to the opportunity and was not a bit disappointed with the outcome.

"I'm good; it'll be a good experience," Davis said. "It's not a demotion. We're still all going for the same thing, to get to the World Series as a team. Individualizing yourself and taking it personally would be stupid, and selfish."

But Davis, signed last spring to a long-term deal worth $12.6 million over four years and up to $35 million over seven, said he expects to return to starting, where he has posted a 25-22, 4.22 mark in two-plus seasons.

"I still feel like I'm built for that routine — my body is strong, the way I pitch throughout the season," he said. "I still have tons to prove and tons to give back."

Though the decision unfolded as expected, Maddon maintained it was a difficult call — one of the hardest in his seven springs on the job — and made as much on "feel" as anything.

"It's a tough situation, and a good situation, that we're in at the same time, with having these two guys being as good as they are," he said.

Niemann, who went to the last day of spring in 2009 before earning his spot, was glad for resolution. "It's one of those things that's always there but it's not really weighing on you, but just to have the whole situation resolved, it's more relieving than anything else," he said.

The Rays consider Niemann, 29, the more polished starter, impressed with his "pitch-ability" this spring, hoping he opens the year on one of his dominating rolls.

Though he claimed the final spot, Maddon said they had not decided on the order after James Shields works the opener (and Price most likely the second game), and indicated Niemann could end up pitching in the opening series with the Yankees, against whom he is 3-0, 3.10 in five starts.

"Looking through the first part of the season, we kinda liked it," Maddon said. "It's not like you don't like Wade, it's just you had to make a decision. For right now, Wade might be a little more suited for the bullpen, we think, and could really benefit us out there."

A key to Davis' success will be getting him to throw with more velocity, and more aggressively, since he'll be used in shorter stints, something that has been an issue during his starts. On the other hand, keeping him sharp with sporadic work could be an issue.

"There's also certain things I talked to Wade about that I'm not going to say publicly," Maddon said. "There's things we want to work through and make sure both are pitching at the top of their games."

Davis was moved to the bullpen for last season's playoffs and said those two appearances gave him an interesting taste: "It's a little bit more of a rush to go out there and cut loose."

Though Maddon used the phrase "right now" several times in explaining the decision, and though all parties still consider Davis a starter, Maddon said they don't plan to reverse course if Niemann has a couple of rough outings.

"There's no leash attached," Maddon said. "He's just out there to pitch and be one of our starters, and as he's doing that we're going to try to make Wade into the best relief pitcher we possibly can."

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

By Capt. Mike Gore, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Good times. We could not ask for a better ending to March. The weather continues to cooperate and the fishing is amazing. I can't wait to see what April has in store for us. The bite has been okay during the morning hours, but the best bite has seemed to happen late afternoon into early evening. This may be a result of added pressure a lot of these fish are seeing.

Snook. Snook are eating the best on the bottom of the incoming or the top of the outgoing tides. Try looking for them further out on the grass flats. You will want to freeline a greenback on a size 1 hook with 20- or 30-pound fluorocarbon leader for the best results. If the bite slows down, I have found that chumming aggressively helps.

Redfish. The redfish continue to show up in bigger numbers daily. Look along mangrove shorelines or the top of bars when the tide is high. You will want to look in potholes and the edges of bars and flats when the tide is low. Mullet schools continue to be the key when searching for the redfish. Greenbacks, shrimp and cut bait have all produced good numbers. If using shrimp or cut bait, make sure to use a small split shot and try to keep your bait in the potholes.

Trout. So the theme continues. Trout are also holding up on the grass flats. Freelining a greenback or putting one under a cork will catch fish. We continue to see big gator trout being caught throughout Tampa Bay. Fish up to 27 inches seem to be a daily occurrence.

Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 27, 2012

PALM BEACH — The hardest part of making a trade often is finding a partner to trade with, something Bucs GM Mark Dominik undoubtedly knows.

But if a team gets the urge to make a draft-night trade for Tampa Bay's No. 5 overall selection, Dominik will consider their offer with an open mind.

Dominik has ruled out trading up, but would welcome a trad down, he said this week at the NFL owners meetings. Such a move would likely provide additional lower-round picks.

"I really like where we're at in the draft, picking No. 5," Dominik said. "I know that we'll walk out with a good player if we stay at 5. But I'm willing to move back if I feel like the opportunity is there."

Dominik later added, "If I can move down some, do I? Yes. If I don't, then I'm happy where we're going to be at 5."

Teams rarely trade up near the top of the draft unless there is considerable value to be had, such as a top-flight quarterback who falls unexpectedly. The top quarterbacks in this draft, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, are expected to be chosen with the first two picks by the Colts and Redskins, respectively.

But there is an outside chance the Vikings won't take USC tackle Matt Kalil at No. 3, meaning he could fall to the Bucs. Tampa Bay might receive offers for the pick under that unlikely scenario, but might be tempted to select the top offensive lineman in the draft, too.

"I wouldn't rule it out," Dominik said.

NO INTERVIEW CHANGES: During this year's search for assistant coaches, the Bucs were repeatedly blocked by other clubs when attempting to interview assistant coaches who were under contract.

The rules that permit those decisions aren't likely to change.

While the league is discussing several potential rules changes at its meetings, there won't be debate about softening interview guidelines. Competition Committee chairman and Falcons president Rich McKay said the issue was not raised in the lengthy annual team surveys the committee distributes, meaning no change in the rule will be discussed.

"We expected to see some (feedback) in the surveys and really didn't see it," McKay said. "We had talked about the anti-tampering rules for an awfully long time (in previous years). The ruling we got to is that a contract is a contract."

BUCS BITS: Because the Bucs changed coaches, they can begin offseason work with players and the coaching staff on Monday. Other teams have to wait until April 16. The Bucs will begin with classroom work and meetings then progress to a minicamp later in the month. … Don't look for the Bucs to sign a starting-caliber linebacker before the draft because the new coaching staff first wants to take a closer look at the current group during minicamp. Mason Foster, for the time being, will remain at middle linebacker.