By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

NEWARK, N.J. — Lightning defenseman Brett Clark made a bold prediction about tonight's game with the Devils:

He will, without a doubt, take a puck squarely off his right ankle.

The joint is "like a magnet," said Clark, who for a while has been dealing with a painfully swollen bursa that is larger than a golf ball and causes him to limp slightly when not on the ice.

It's not that great when he plays, either. The compression of the skate boot helps stabilize things, but Clark said, "The movement in the boot, cutting and pivoting, it gets very sore."

Really, it is his own fault.

Second in the league entering Wednesday with 186 blocked shots, Clark constantly puts himself in harm's way.

"You know it's going to hurt," he said. "But you still have to stick your neck out for the team. That's what the whole job is."

Clark, 35, always has been a shot blocker. In 2008-09 with the Avalanche, his 238 blocks were second in the league and set the team record. Last season he led Tampa Bay with 157. This season he is on track for 201.

With the way the league has cracked down on obstruction, blocks are more important than ever, he said: "Because you can't hold, you can't tie up, you can't pin along the boards as much, guys are going to get to the front of the net, so you have to keep the puck away as much as you can."

It is easy to miss Clark's effectiveness. He does not draw attention by sprawling because he generally is so well positioned in the shooting lanes that he can stay upright.

As goaltender Dwayne Roloson said, "When he's there and he's in front of you, that shot's not getting through."

"Those guys are really nuts," coach Guy Boucher said of the best shot blockers. "If you think about the reality of such a hard object being thrown at you at 100 mph with basically no protection, it takes major bravery. We say bravery is close to insanity, so to these guys, I raise my hat."

That brings us back to Clark's battered and bulbous ankle.

In a March 22 victory over the Oilers, it was hit so hard by an Ales Hemsky shot, Clark buckled in pain. With the puck stuck in Tampa Bay's zone, it was perhaps another minute before he got to the bench.

"That's when your (defense) partner helps you out and takes a little bit of that role from you, knowing you can't move," Clark said. "You just hold in front of the net. You just try to get the puck out so you can get off the ice."

But never for long. In two seasons with Tampa Bay, Clark has not missed a game and sees no reason that will change tonight at the Prudential Center.

That said, Clark knows what will happen. "With the initial impact, sometimes it goes numb for a few minutes," he said of the ankle. "You just have to keep pushing through it."

HEALING: Captain Vinny Lecavalier, out 18 games with a fractured right hand, is expected to play against the Devils. Center Nate Thompson, out six games with an upper-body injury, might return as well. In anticipation, right wing Pierre-Cedric Labrie was reassigned to AHL Norfolk.

streaking on: Dustin Tokarski made 32 saves for his 10th straight win and fifth shutout of the season, and Richard Panik and Ondrej Palat scored as Norfolk extended its AHL-record winning streak to 21 games, 2-0 over St. John's.

. Tonight

Lightning at Devils

When/where: 7; Prudential Center, Newark, N.J.

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: Lightning C Steven Stamkos has a league-best 55 goals and five in his past three games. … The Devils have the league's No. 1 penalty kill at 89.6 percent. … New Jersey leads the league with 14 short-handed goals and 13 short-handed goals against. … Devils C Adam Henrique entered Wednesday with a rookie-best 32 assists. … New Jersey LW Zach Parise has two goals, five points in three games this season against Tampa Bay. Stamkos has the same against the Devils.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

TAMPA — When Stan Heath became USF's basketball coach five years ago, he heard about the school investing in the program, about a new practice facility and renovations to the Sun Dome, its home since 1980.

Standing in the Muma Center on Wednesday, USF's new practice facility, Heath smiled as he talked about the upcoming completion of a $35 million Sun Dome makeover.

"Five years ago, none of this existed. It was just a conversation," said Heath, whose team played most of this season's home games at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

"To see it come to fruition is amazing. A lot of people say things; they're going to do this, going to do that. To watch how quickly things have changed here is just so impressive. It doesn't get much better than this."

Heath and athletic director Doug Woolard gave the media a hard-hat tour of the Sun Dome, which is in the final stages of the renovation paid for by the university.

The arena is barely recognizable with a new lower bowl, fixed second level with concourses beneath, baseline-to-baseline club level on one side, 10 loge suites on the other and center-hung scoreboard.

Paired with USF's first NCAA Tournament appearance this season in 20 years (and first-ever tournament victories), it's a huge surge of momentum for Heath's program, which tied for fourth in the Big East after being picked to finish 14th by league coaches.

"From a recruiting standpoint, it's a slam dunk," Heath said of the improved facilities. "It's going to make a world of difference in our recruiting and our program going forward. I can't tell you how many coaches from five years ago were telling me, 'Man, that's a tough job; I don't know if you want to take that job,' to now, 'Man, you've got a great job.'

"You live in a great environment. You've got great facilities, great support. It's really turned into a special, special place."

The Sun Dome is the latest in a wave of facility upgrades at USF over the past 14 months, including new stadiums for baseball and softball as well as the Muma Center and new football practice fields.

"As much as the other athletic venues have surpassed my best hopes, this has even surpassed that," Woolard said.\

"I think when people come in and see this building, they're going to say, 'Are you kidding me?' "

And the 10,000 new seats aren't the only thing green about the Sun Dome. USF says 92 percent of the debris removed from the renovation was recycled — more than 10 million pounds — and new measures will reduce energy costs by 26 percent and water usage by 40 percent.

USF plans to hold a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony May 2, and the arena is scheduled to host commencement ceremonies May 4-5. The Bulls are expected to hold a "Midnight Madness" for fans built around the first practice in October and could have as many as 18 home games in 2012-13.

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

TOKYO — Ichiro Suzuki gave his fans in Japan a performance to cheer about.

Ichiro had four hits in his return home, Dustin Ackley homered and singled in the go-ahead run in the 11th inning and the Mariners beat the Athletics 3-1 Wednesday in baseball's season opener.

"It was very special to open in Japan," said Ichiro, who spent nine seasons in Osaka with the Orix Blue Wave. "I wanted to have fun and give the fans something at this special time and wanted to share a special moment with them."

Major League Baseball and the players association are using the series to assist rebuilding in Japan after last year's earthquake and tsunami. A group of players and coaches traveled to the disaster zone Tuesday to conduct a baseball clinic.

Felix Hernandez combined with two relievers on a six-hitter as MLB opened its season in Tokyo for the fourth time. The continent switch didn't help the A's, who became the first team to lose eight straight openers since the Phillies from 1985-92, according to STATS LLC.

Seattle and Oakland completed their two-game series early this morning. The rest of the majors begins April 4, when the renamed Miami Marlins open their new ballpark against the World Series champion Cardinals.

A capacity crowd of 44,227 at the Tokyo Dome was a sea of flashbulbs every time Ichiro came to bat. He got a standing ovation when he took his position in rightfield in the final inning.

"He's a hitting machine," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said.

By Pat Damico, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

What's hot: Tarpon have come early and continue to improve. Bridges and passes have held them, and now large ones are migrating along our west coast. Start early in the morning. Easterly winds will have the gulf surface flat, allowing rolling tarpon to be seen for a long distance. They can be as close as inside swim markers. Definite pathways are followed with bait, tides and water depth helping develop a pattern. Figure out this pattern and set up.

Best opportunity: Fish coming straight to you are better than at an angle. Tarpon are lazy and want food at their level. Pick a shallow area providing good visibility and time to prepare a cast. Lead it far enough to have the fly at his level before stripping.

Going big: Hooking a large tarpon on a fly might be the greatest thrill in fly fishing. The key to shortening a fight is keeping the fish off balance, not allowing it to rest. Keeping your rod tip low, apply pressure in the direction opposite the fish's movement. When the tarpon swims to the right, apply pressure to the left using the rod's butt, not tip. Your body, not arms, will apply pressure constantly. If the fish is hooked on the right side of her mouth, have the shock tippet over the head and pull opposite. This rolls the fish on its side, disorienting and confusing it. Bow or extend the rod on jumps, creating slack to avoid a straight line to the fish. Otherwise, a break-off can occur.

Fly fisherman Pat Damico charters lower Tampa Bay and can be reached at captpat.com and (727) 504-8649.

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

DUNEDIN — Omar Vizquel has played his way into another season in the majors.

Boosted by an excellent showing in spring training, the backup infielder will be added to the Blue Jays roster, making him the oldest active position player in the majors. Toronto told Vizquel of the decision Wednesday, a month before his 45th birthday.

The 11-time Gold Glove winner signed a minor-league contract Jan. 23. He spent the previous two years with the White Sox as a utilityman and mentor to younger players.

"We knew what his character was and what kind of guy he was going to be in the clubhouse," Jays GM Alex Anthopolous said after Toronto beat the Orioles 9-3. "So that obviously came out the way it was expected. Omar just had a very good camp, and he deserved to be on the team."

Vizquel turns 45 on April 24. The three-time All-Star shortstop from Venezuela is batting .433 in 15 exhibition games.

The team optioned Mike McCoy to Triple-A Las Vegas.

STILL ROLLING: Toronto's ninth straight victory made it a majors-best 21-4 this spring, tying the club mark for spring wins.

Yanks: Kuroda sharp

KISSIMMEE — Yankees RHP Hiroki Kuroda had his longest outing of the spring, going seven innings and allowing two runs and a homer and striking out six in a 5-5, 10-inning tie with the Braves.

Afterward, manager Joe Girardi said Kuroda solidified his spot as the No. 2 starter behind LHP CC Sabathia.

"He was great, just great," Girardi said. "We really got him stretched out good, so I was pleased with what I saw. He's the guy I thought we were getting, so I'm really pleased."

Recovering: RF Nick Swisher went 4-for-8 with a homer in an intrasquad game, his first game action since being sidelined by a groin injury a week ago.

TRANSACTIONS: The team signed 1B Jack Cust to a minor-league contract and claimed C Craig Tatum off waivers from the Diamondbacks.

Phils: Worley unfazed

FORT MYERS — Phillies RHP Vance Worley wasn't concerned after his first rough outing of the spring.

Worley gave up 11 runs, five earned, on 11 hits through four innings in an 11-7 loss to the Twins. He impressed in his first season in the Philadelphia rotation, going 11-3 with a 3.01 ERA.

"Just the location (Wednesday) was the only thing that hurt me," Worley said. "I would imagine it's not going to be like that next time. If it is, we've got a problem and we'll fix it. It happens."

Worley had been tinkering with his changeup, with mixed results: "I did, and I gave up a home run with it. But the speed on it is better. I'm still working on it."

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Tennis

Venus falls in quarterfinals at key biscayne

KEY BISCAYNE — Weary after winning three consecutive three-set matches, unseeded Venus Williams was eliminated Wednesday by fifth-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska 6-4, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Sony Ericsson Open.

No. 1 Victoria Azarenka lost for the first time this year, to Marion Bartoli 6-3, 6-3. She had won 26 straight matches, the best start on the women's tour since Martina Hingis went 37-0 to begin 1997.

Bartoli, seeded seventh, plays Radwanska in one semifinal today. The other has No. 2 Maria Sharapova and No. 4 Caroline Wozniacki.

In the men's quarterfinals, fourth seed Andy Murray overcame an upset stomach to beat ninth seed Janko Tipsarevic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Rafael Nadal played Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in a late match.

Clijsters sidelined: Kim Clijsters has a torn hip muscle and needs four weeks off the tour, her management company said.

Et Cetera

Autos: Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith said he'll make changes to the track before NASCAR returns in August after spending a week reviewing fan input. He'll give specifics later.

Colleges: QB Danny O'Brien, a starter for most of the past two seasons at Maryland, said he's transferring to Wisconsin. … S Bacarri Rambo and LB Alec Ogletree, key members of Georgia's defense, have been suspended for multiple 2012 games for violating team rules, said a report on Fox Sports' Scout.com. … In softball, No. 21 USF (30-5) ended No. 4 UF's (29-3) 16-game home winning streak 4-1. Sara Nevins (17-2) got the complete-game win.

Figure skating: Defending pairs champions Aliona Savchenko and Robin Szolkowy of Germany led after the short program at the world championships in Nice, France. U.S. champions Caydee Denney of Wesley Chapel and John Coughlin were seventh. In ice dancing's short program, Nos. 1 and 2 were 2010 Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir of Canada and 2011 world champions Meryl Davis and Charlie White of the United States.

GREYHOUNDS: Flyin Commandant, Jewelz Fire, Kentucky Fire and Tiger Boy won second-round qualifiers in the $80,000 Distance Classic at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg.

Horses: Union Rags was made the 6-5 morning-line favorite in a field of nine entered for the $1 million Florida Derby, a major Kentucky Derby prep, at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach on Saturday. … A full field of 14 was entered for Saturday's $10 million Dubai World Cup. Game On Dude drew the far outside post. He is trained by Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, who had a heart attack in Dubai on Monday and is recovering.

soccer: Midfielder Colin Clark of MLS Houston was suspended three games and fined an unreported amount for directing a gay slur at a ball boy during a loss at Seattle on Friday. Clark apologized in a statement.

Greg Auman, Times staff writer; Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

1. Duke-North Carolina

Sorry, Bluegrass State, but Duke-North Carolina (actually, we can drop "North'' and call it Duke-Carolina) is the best rivalry in college basketball. Don't feel bad. You could make a case that Duke-Carolina basketball is the best rivalry in all of sports. It's as competitive as heads vs. tails and as nasty as the Hatfields and McCoys.

The last time these teams met and neither was ranked in the writers or coaches poll was Feb. 25, 1955. They have met 70 times when both were ranked, each winning 35 times. Rarely do these teams meet without having a major impact on the ACC regular-season crown.

These programs, separated by a mere 8 miles, have a sort of love-hate relationship. In other words, they love to hate each other. By the way, they've never met in the NCAA Tournament. They did meet once in the NIT, back in 1971. Carolina beat Duke 73-67.

2. Louisville-Kentucky

Here's how bitter this rivalry is: This week, a 68-year-old Kentucky fan and 71-year-old Louisville supporter got into a fistfight while one was get treatment at a dialysis clinic in Kentucky. No one would be surprised if coaches Rick Pitino (Louisville), top, and John Calipari (Kentucky) got into a fight someday.

These teams didn't even play each other from 1959-83, but they met in the NCAA Tournament in 1959 (Louisville won 76-61), 1983 (Louisville 80-68 in overtime) and 1984 (Kentucky 72-67). They began playing regularly again in 1984.

The rivalry went up a notch when Pitino, who coached at Kentucky from 1989-97 and won a national title in 1996, took over at Louisville in 2001. But Saturday, the rivalry will go to another level as these schools become the first from the same state to play each other in the Final Four since Ohio State and Cincinnati in the 1962 final.

3. Kansas-Missouri

This rivalry, it seems, goes back to the beginning of time. In a way, it has. When Kansas and Missouri first started playing each other in 1907, Kansas was coached by James Naismith, who is often credited with inventing the game. The teams have met an astonishing 267 times, Kansas holding a 172-95 advantage.

There's an appropriate nickname for the rivalry: Border War. Hand-to-hand combat has been common, including 1961, when brawls broke out in two meetings and threatened to end the series.

This season featured two thrilling games with both teams ranked in the top 10. Missouri overcame a late eight-point deficit to win at home in Columbia, and Kansas overcame 19-point deficit to win in overtime at home in Lawrence. Sadly, that might be the last time these teams play for a while as Missouri jumps to the SEC next season.

4. Syracuse-Georgetown

Some might say the Big East has been the best conference in the nation over the past 30-some years. And you could make a strong case that Syracuse and Georgetown have been the two best teams in Big East play. Syracuse, mostly under coach Jim Boeheim, top, has won more Big East games than any team while Georgetown is second. Syracuse has won 10 Big East regular-season titles, just one more than Georgetown.

Over the years, the rivalry has gone from intense to bitter. Actually, go all the way back to 1980, when Georgetown won the last game in Syracuse's Manley Field House, prompting legendary Hoyas coach John Thompson, bottom, to say, "Manley Field House is officially closed.''

The rivalry hit its peak in the mid 1980s with the likes of Patrick Ewing and Reggie Williams for Georgetown and Derrick Coleman and Pearl Washington for the Orange, but it remained strong through this season. Such a shame Syracuse is moving to the ACC (likely after next season).

tom jones' two cents

Louisville plays Kentucky on Saturday in the Final Four in the latest chapter of one of college basketball's most heated rivalries. Where, exactly, does the UL-UK rivalry rank in college hoops? Here's our "final four:"

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

LOS ANGELES — Magic Johnson is about to learn $2 billion only buys so much. Now he'll need to bring the Dodgers the same success he brought the Lakers.

News that Johnson and his partners agreed to purchase the team sparked excited chatter and optimism — mixed in with some words of caution — Wednesday that the man who ran "Showtime" could restore luster to the once-proud franchise.

The purchase price would be mind-blowing if it were just for the team. But it also gives the group the right to reel in future riches from TV and real estate associated with the Dodgers.

"A big part of the purchase price is all those other things," said David Carter, executive director of USC Sports Business Institute. "You've got a great piece of property you can develop and make a game-day experience around Chavez Ravine. A likely billion-dollar cable (television) rights deal that will come out of it makes it a very unique sale."

Current owner Frank McCourt picked Johnson's group to buy the Dodgers five hours after Major League Baseball approved three finalists in a bankruptcy auction. Mark Walter, chief executive officer of the Chicago financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, would be the controlling owner.

Johnson told ESPN.com that the opportunity, as an African-American, to become owner of the franchise that broke baseball's color barrier was too enticing to pass up.

"I love baseball," Johnson told the website. "I've been to many, many, not just Dodger games, but baseball games around the country. … When I met Mark Walter he reminded me so much of (Lakers owner) Dr. Jerry Buss in terms of how he approached things, how he wants to win, family man, that whole thing.

"I still can't believe that we're buying the Dodgers. I can't believe the Dodgers were on the market."

Johnson, 52, is revered among area sports fans. He also has proven he can succeed in real estate, retail and entertainment.

"Great day for the Dodgers," slugger Matt Kemp said. "As Magic used to say, the Dodgers were the team that used to run L.A. Definitely we were going to have more fans out there this year. Now there's another reason to have the fans turn out."

Still, some sports economists criticized the new owners for not completely severing ties with McCourt, who would still control half of the land surrounding Dodger Stadium, including parking lots, and would be involved with potential real estate projects on the property.

Guggenheim's Walter told ESPN that he understood the concerns but insisted that McCourt will have only an "economic interest" in the land.

"Frank's not involved in the team, baseball, any of that," Walter said. "What Frank does have is an economic interest in land, but we control the parking and all the fan experience, and that's of the utmost importance to us."

ASTROS: Wandy Rodriguez will be the first left-hander in 38 years to start on opening day for the club. … Shortstop Jed Lowrie sprained his right thumb diving into second and is day to day.

INDIANS: The club began installing an innovative wind turbine on top of Progressive Field. The corkscrew-shaped structure, designed at Cleveland State, will be operating by opening day.

NATIONALS: Closer Drew Storen will start the season on the disabled list because of trouble in his right (pitching) elbow.

REDS: Setup man Nick Masset will start the season on the disabled list with inflammation in his right (pitching) shoulder.

ROYALS: Right-hander Felipe Paulino will begin the season on the disabled list with a sore elbow.

TWINS: Right-handed reliever Joel Zumaya, who is scheduled to have season-ending elbow ligament replacement surgery today, was released.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Medical 'expert' of the day

As a result of his right foot injury, SS Reid Brignac said he has learned a lot about his diagnosed condition of plantar fasciitis. Just not as much as he thought. After boasting he could spell it, Brignac came out with: "F-a-c-e-t-i-o-u-s." Told he was off a bit, he laughed: "That's how I've been saying it in my texts. You have to remember, I have a high school education. And in Louisiana."

Soft spot of the day

Rays manager Joe Maddon can relate to the Quixotic quests of longtime minor-leaguers such as OFs Jesus Feliciano and Jeff Salazar trying to make the team. "Believe me, I identify with all those guys," Maddon said. "I identify with them very easily. I was not the prodigy coming out of wherever."

Quote of the day

"You can handle it two ways: You can go down and be 'Bitter Bob' about it, or you can go down and be your normal self and get your stuff down. I don't plan on being 'Bitter Bob.' "

C Chris Gimenez, on being sent back to the minors

Guest of the day

Former Cubs All-Star 2B Glenn Beckert was in uniform as a guest of Maddon's. Beckert, who lives in Port Charlotte, also attended last spring.

Rays at Phillies

When/where: 1:05 today; Bright House Field, 601 N Old Coachman Road, Clearwater

Tickets: $14-34, available through Phillies.com, calling (215) 463-1000 or at stadium

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

Pitchers: Rays — Jeremy Hellickson, Ryan Reid, Marquis Fleming; Phillies — Cole Hamels, Jonathan Papelbon, Chad Qualls, Joe Savery

Heads-up

RHP Wade Davis said he is scheduled for his first relief appearance in a minor-league game after learning Tuesday he was moving to the bullpen.

On deck

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

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

Sunday: at Orioles, 1:05 p.m. Rays — James Shields; O's — TBA

Upcoming schedule

All games 1:05 unless noted

April

2: Twins*

3: at Twins

4: vs. Future Rays, 1:40, at Trop

* Value game, $2 off

Who is this Ray?

He grew up in Hillsborough County and attended Rays games as a kid. He played at Armwood High and Florida Southern College. He was acquired in a trade from Detroit.

Who is this answer: Outfielder Matt Joyce

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — C Jose Lobaton and RHP Burke Badenhop won two of the final spots on the Rays roster.

Lobaton, 27, will share time behind the plate with veteran Jose Molina in what will be his first extended opportunity in the majors. He was the favorite based on his play at Triple A last season, as well as having the benefit of being out of options, and beat out Chris Gimenez, a pre-spring pickup with more big-league time who was sent to the minors.

Manager Joe Maddon said the Rays like how hard Lobaton hits the ball and how well he throws and that pitchers like working with him, but "there are still parts of his game we've got to continue to improve upon.''

Badenhop seemed the likely choice for the final spot in the bullpen, a product of his good spring and Brandon Gomes' struggles in returning to form after offseason back surgery. Badenhop is a sinkerball specialist and Maddon said though he hasn't shown it much this spring, they "value" his ability "to put the ball on the ground.''

Gomes, who allowed eight hits and seven walks in 51/3 spring innings, said he was not surprised.

"I kind of figured it," he said. "You could tell with the numbers and having not thrown well during the spring. It only makes sense. I'm looking at it as an opportunity to get everything worked out and get back to where I need to be to help the team out when they need me."

FOR STARTERS: Despite a rough spring, RHP Jeremy Hellickson was given the No. 3 spot in the rotation, meaning he'll follow RHP James Shields and LHP David Price in the opening series against the Yankees.

Rookie LHP Matt Moore is No. 4 — scheduled to make his season debut at Detroit on April 10 — and RHP Jeff Niemann fifth. With April 9 off, the Rays may pitch Shields in the fifth game on April 11 to keep him on regular rest and have Niemann make his first start on April 12.

Maddon said the setup was based on the full April schedule, not just the first series.

Hellickson, the 2011 AL rookie of the year, has worked 10 innings in four spring games, allowing 20 hits, for a .408 average, and 17 runs, for a 15.30 ERA. "It's been rough," he said. "Obviously I'd like my numbers to match how I feel, but it's spring training and being healthy and feeling good is the main thing. And I've been feeling really good."

After being hit around in his last outing, he will take a regular-season approach into today's game against the Phillies. "It's getting close, and I need to start doing what I'm going to do in the first game of the season," he said.

GAME DETAILS: There was another injury scare when RHP Fernando Rodney was hit on the right forearm by a line drive in the ninth, but the Rays said it was only a bruise. … Price was exceptionally sharp in a 6-4 win over the Pirates, working seven innings, allowing two runs on six hits and striking out five while throwing 92 pitches. "Where I need to be right now,'' he said. … DH Luke Scott hit a massive homer to right-center that landed on the roof of the one-story clubhouse beyond the boardwalk. "It felt good,'' he said.

MISCELLANY: OF Desmond Jennings is expected to return to the field today, but Maddon wants him to be cautious in making throws, given his sore shoulder. … Minor-league RHPs Marquis Fleming and Ryan Reid were told they will be reassigned. … Executive VP Andrew Friedman and Shields will be guests on tonight's Countdown to Opening Day show, 7-8 on 620-AM.

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

DENVER — For the first time since 1989, all four top seeds reached the NCAA women's Final Four.

This field — Baylor, Stanford, Connecticut and Notre Dame — is, arguably, the strongest ever.

"All four of us, I think, pretty much were the top four teams in the country all year," Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw said. "I'm not sure if anybody ever fell to fifth."

Baylor, behind 6-foot-8 star Brittney Griner and a lineup loaded at every other position, is favored. But to become the first team — men's or women's — to win 40 games in a season, it must get past Stanford, led by star sisters Nnemkadi and Chiney Ogwumike, on Sunday then UConn or Notre Dame on Tuesday.

"Whoever wins this tournament will have earned it because they'll have beaten two of the best teams in college basketball in quite some time," UConn coach Geno Auriemma said.

Auriemma added the loss by defending champion Texas A&M in the Sweet 16 has only added to the intensity.

"I think all the teams have a little bit of a hunger," he said. "There is no defending national champion in the field, so I think the same thing is going through everyone's mind at this point."

That is: Why not us?

All four thrived on high expectations, especially Baylor.

"Not one time have we felt pressure," coach Kim Mulkey said. "It's just a case of we want to win a national championship. And if we lose it, what have we lost? I mean, we have had a great year.

"These kids, they know they're good. And it was just a case of we didn't think we could hide what people's expectations were of us. And we can't hide the fact that we're older now and we have those expectations, too."

Stanford, like UConn, reached the Final Four for the fifth consecutive season.

"I think a lot of the reason that we are going is because we play Tennessee and we play Connecticut," coach Tara VanDerveer said. "We really try to play as tough a preseason schedule as we can so we know what's out there and we know what we have to do to be here."

But the Cardinal hasn't played Baylor in a long time, and it hasn't seen the likes of Griner up close. VanDerveer prepared her players for the matchup by having a 6-foot-8 man practice with them, so "I don't see it as a disadvantage."

The Big East's power pair of UConn and Notre Dame are certainly familiar with each other.

This will be their fourth meeting this season and eighth over the past 14 months. So, Auriemma said, the game won't turn on a strategic surprise.

"I just don't know that you can hide that much from each other," he said. "We've seen each other way too much, know too much, have way too much insight into each other."

Although Auriemma and McGraw would prefer not to face each other again, they're proud the Big East has two finalists.

"You kind of look forward to getting out of conference when you get to the NCAA Tournament and seeing some different teams," McGraw said. "But we're certainly glad to be playing in the Final Four with such great company as Connecticut."

Wooden Award: Griner, Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins, Delaware's Elena Delle Donne and Wisconsin-Green Bay's Julie Wojta are the finalist for the player of the year award. The winner is announced April 6

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Spring football practice began Wednesday as Ohio State's basketball team prepared for its second Final Four in six seasons.

Perfect symmetry.

The basketball team usually plays in the shadow of goal posts at Ohio State. Currently, Buckeye websites count down the days until the football game against Michigan.

And it has been more evident over the past few months as the city is consumed by the hiring of former Florida football coach Urban Meyer.

All-America forward Jared Sullinger knows that even during March, most Ohio State fans would rather talk about touchdowns than 3-pointers.

"We're never going to beat coach Urban Meyer," he said. "He brought the most buzz to Columbus, Ohio, in a long time."

Even when the Buckeyes were on top of college basketball in the early 1960s — winning it all in 1960 and reaching the final in 1961 and 1962 — the basketball team took a back seat. Jerry Lucas, part of those teams, believes football has never loosened its grip on the campus.

"Maybe during our period we elevated it a little bit," he said. "But I think everybody knows the case is that football is predominant there."

"Obviously, there's a lot more interest at Duke in basketball. Football at Duke hasn't been very successful. I think it's the fact that historically Ohio State has been very successful in football. Basketball is kind of a Johnny-come-lately."

Could Ohio State be known just as much for basketball as football?

Said Sullinger: "I probably doubt that will happen."

Kentucky over Wizards? Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said the notion that Kentucky could beat an NBA team is "absurd." Former Maryland coach Gary Williams recently said he believes it could beat the Wizards — who have the second-fewest wins this season — if the game were played at Lexington's Rupp Arena.

The Wildcats, favored to win the title, have multiple players expected to be lottery picks. And forward Anthony Davis could be the No. 1 overall pick.

"It's absurd," Van Gundy said. "People will say, 'Oh, Kentucky's got four NBA players.' Yeah, well the other team's got 13."

Kansas loses assistants: Danny Manning, who led Kansas to the national title in 1988 and has been on the staff for nine seasons, will be hired as Tulsa coach, according to several media outlets. He would replace Doug Wojcik, who went 140-92 over seven seasons before being fired. Tulsa released a statement saying it "has not reached an agreement with any candidate." Meanwhile, Barry Hinson, the former coach at Missouri State who has been a Jayhawks assistant for the past four seasons, was hired at Southern Illinois. He replaces Chris Lowery, who went 145-116 in eight seasons before being fired.

Illinois: The school is nearing a deal to hire Ohio's John Groce as coach, the Chicago Tribune reported. Disagreements on the length of the contract and salaries for assistants have held up a deal, it reported.

Draft: The father of North Carolina freshman James Michael McAdoo said the forward will review his options but "has every intention of being a Tar Heel next year." … Mississippi State center Arnett Moultrie said he will skip his senior season and hire an agent, which prevents him from returning. The 6-foot-11 junior averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds in being named first-team All-SEC.

NIT: Minnesota, which beat Washington 68-67 in overtime late Tuesday, faces Stanford in the final tonight at New York's Madison Square Garden. Stanford beat Massachusetts 74-64.

Times staff
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

This week on tour

PGA: Houston Open, Redstone Golf Club, Humble, Texas. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m., Golf Channel. Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m., Golf Channel; 3 p.m., Ch. 8.

LPGA: Kraft Nabisco Championship, Mission Hills Country Club, Rancho Mirage, Calif. TV: Today-Friday, noon, Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 4:30 p.m., Golf Channel.

PGA Europe: Sicilian Open, Verdura Golf and Spa Resort, Agrigento, Sicily. TV: Today-Friday, 8:30 a.m., Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m., Golf Channel.

Times wires
Wednesday, March 28, 2012

New York is tied with the West-leading Blues, who were idle, with 105 points, but the Rangers have the edge in a tiebreaker. New York leads Pittsburgh by five points in the East.

Winnipeg jumped ahead 2-0 with a pair of goals 56 seconds apart in the second period, but the Rangers cut the deficit in half on Del Zotto's goal at 7:44 and changed the momentum.

"The entire building felt it," winning goalie Henrik Lund­qvist said. "We started to get our game going. It was a big turning point."

The Jets lost their third straight, and with five games left, they are 10th in the East with 78 points. Buffalo holds the eighth and final playoff spot with 86 points; the Capitals are ninth with 84. Both teams were idle.

"I don't know if we're out of it yet, but we can't play like we are," Jets forward Turner Glass said.

game highlights: Allen York stopped 29 shots and earned his first NHL victory in an emergency start as the host Blue Jackets beat the Red Wings 4-2. No. 1 goalie Steve Mason was hurt in the morning when he was hit in the mask by a shot from teammate Colton Gillies. No. 2 Curtis Sanford was out with a leg injury, so Columbus turned to York, who spent time this season in the ECHL and AHL.

canucks to fans: don't riot: With the playoffs beginning in two weeks, the Canucks began an ad campaign aimed at their fans to try to prevent violence like the rioting that occurred after the team lost Game 7 of last year's Stanley Cup final to the Bruins. The campaign features Canucks Henrik Sedin, Daniel Sedin, Ryan Kesler, Kevin Bieksa and Manny Malhotra, former Canucks Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl, and fans asking fans to celebrate the postseason responsibly.

around the league: Penguins All-Star defenseman Kris Letang (lower-body injury) won't play tonight or Friday when Pittsburgh visits the Islanders and Sabres, respectively. Coach Dan Bylsma said Letang, hurt Sunday against the Devils, is day to day. … The Sabres, pushing for a playoff spot, will be without defenseman Christian Ehrhoff indefinitely after he hurt his left knee against the Capitals on Tuesday.

First Period—None. Penalties—Bickel, NYR (holding), 10:24; McDonagh, NYR (tripping), 10:41; Stralman, NYR (delay of game), 14:20.

Second Period—1, Winnipeg, Machacek 2 (Maxwell, Stuart), 3:58. 2, Winnipeg, Little 23 (Wheeler, Ladd), 4:54. 3, N.Y. Rangers, Del Zotto 8 (Callahan), 7:44 (sh). 4, N.Y. Rangers, Callahan 28 (Gaborik, Del Zotto), 18:23 (pp). Penalties—Boyle, NYR (boarding), :27; Dubinsky, NYR (slashing), 6:35; Kane, Wpg (slashing), 8:19; Burmistrov, Wpg (holding), 18:00; Ladd, Wpg, double minor (high-sticking), 18:52.

Third Period—5, N.Y. Rangers, Boyle 9 (Fedotenko, McDonagh), 3:07. 6, N.Y. Rangers, Stepan 17 (Gaborik, Richards), 10:06 (pp). Penalties—Bickel, NYR, major (fighting), 5:56; Glass, Wpg, major (fighting), 5:56; Burmistrov, Wpg (holding), 8:46. Shots on Goal—N.Y. Rangers 4-15-9—28. Winnipeg 11-8-5—24. Power-play opportunities—N.Y. Rangers 2 of 5; Winnipeg 0 of 5. Goalies—N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 37-16-5 (24 shots-22 saves). Winnipeg, Pavelec 28-28-7 (28-24).

First Period—1, Columbus, Prospal 14 (Nash), 6:26. 2, Columbus, Dorsett 11 (Johansen), 14:17. 3, Detroit, Zetterberg 22 (Datsyuk, Holmstrom), 16:23 (pp). Penalties—Stuart, Det (roughing), 8:10; Boll, Clm (elbowing), 10:03; Lebda, Clm (hooking), 16:05.

Second Period—4, Columbus, Brassard 14 (Nikitin, Umberger), 14:30. 5, Columbus, Umberger 15 (Atkinson, Nikitin), 15:57. Penalties—Emmerton, Det (high-sticking), 2:28; Hudler, Det (roughing), 17:27; Prospal, Clm (roughing), 17:27; Dorsett, Clm (goaltender interference), 19:01.

Third Period—6, Detroit, Kronwall 15 (Lidstrom, Datsyuk), 9:34 (pp). Penalties—Quincey, Det (boarding), 3:43; A.Johnson, Clm (high-sticking), 8:31. Shots on Goal—Detroit 5-8-18—31. Columbus 14-8-9—31. Power-play opportunities—Detroit 2 of 4; Columbus 0 of 3. Goalies—Detroit, Conklin 5-6-1 (31 shots-27 saves). Columbus, York 1-1-0 (31-29).

First Period—1, Los Angeles, Mitchell 5 (Kopitar, Voynov), 5:30. Penalties—Stoll, LA (cross-checking), 6:03; Hannan, Cal (interference), 13:23; Richards, LA (goaltender interference), 17:43.

Second Period—2, Los Angeles, Brown 20 (Kopitar, Doughty), 4:22. Penalties—King, LA (tripping), 6:12; Wilson, Cal (interference), 12:31; Giordano, Cal (holding), 16:34; Greene, LA (slashing), 19:09.

Third Period—3, Los Angeles, Williams 19, 18:51 (en). Penalties—Martinez, LA (slashing), 6:31; Jackman, Cal (high-sticking), 6:31; Jackman, Cal (tripping), 19:12. Shots on Goal—Los Angeles 14-7-9—30. Calgary 9-6-4—19. Power-play opportunities—Los Angeles 0 of 4; Calgary 0 of 4. Goalies—Los Angeles, Quick 33-21-11 (19 shots-19 saves). Calgary, Kiprusoff 34-21-11 (29-27).

First Period—1, Dallas, Ryder 34 (Ribeiro, Robidas), 11:53. Penalties—Sutton, Edm (slashing), 6:37; Horcoff, Edm (boarding), 13:11.

Second Period—2, Dallas, Ribeiro 18 (Eriksson, Ryder), 5:05. Penalties—Ryder, Dal (tripping), 8:25; Eriksson, Dal (hooking), 14:49; Horcoff, Edm (hooking), 19:52.

Third Period—3, Dallas, Ryder 35 (Ribeiro, Eriksson), 4:11. 4, Edmonton, Hemsky 10 (Smyth, Potter), 8:21. Penalties—Goligoski, Dal (hooking), 4:51; Whitney, Edm (tripping), 12:50; Garbutt, Dal (hooking), 15:00; Jones, Edm (holding), 16:25. Shots on Goal—Dallas 13-6-6—25. Edmonton 12-9-11—32. Power-play opportunities—Dallas 0 of 5; Edmonton 0 of 4. Goalies—Dallas, Lehtonen 32-18-4 (32 shots-31 saves). Edmonton, Dubnyk 19-18-2 (25-22).

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Florida coach Will Muschamp has allowed suspended sophomore tight end A.C. Leonard to return to practice. Leonard was suspended indefinitely following his arrest for simple battery in February.

"After a six-week suspension from team activities, A.C. Leonard has been cleared to return to practice only," Florida coach Will Muschamp said. "He still has a lot of things to work through before his status for the fall is addressed."

Leonard was arrested after he and his live-in girlfriend got into an argument which University Police said ultimately resulted in her being grabbed by both feet, dragged from the apartment and locked out.

Muschamp said at the time "this behavior will not be tolerated" and Leonard was suspended. The coach said one day before the start of spring practice that Leonard was working through some measures in an attempt to return to the team, but that he had "zero timetable" for Leonard's return.

Leonard had eight receptions for 99 yards this past season, and is expected to be the No. 2 tight end for the Gators behind Jordan Reed.

Times staff, wires
Thursday, March 29, 2012

NEW ORLEANS — Kentucky forward Anthony Davis said Thursday that his left knee feels better but isn't completely healthy.

Davis, a first-team All-American, banged knees with Baylor's Perry Jones while driving to the basket during Sunday's 82-70 win in the region final. Davis crumpled to the court but later returned.

He added he has not participated fully in practice since.

"I sat out some; did some things; rode the bike a little," Davis said about Thursday's practice, about 48 hours before Kentucky plays Louisville in a national semifinal.

"It's about 90 percent. I'll be fine. I've just got to keep icing it."

Illinois: John Groce, who led Ohio to the Sweet 16 this season, was named coach. In four seasons at Ohio, Groce, who replaces the fired Bruce Weber, went 85-56, 34-30 in the MAC. Previously, the Illini were turned down by Virginia Commonwealth's Shaka Smart and Butler's Brad Stevens.

Tulsa: Danny Manning was named coach. Manning led Kansas to the national title in 1988 as a player and has been an assistant there for the past nine seasons. He replaces the fired Doug Wojcik. Manning's current boss, Bill Self, coached Tulsa from 1997-2000, leading it to a region final in 1998.

Michigan Twitter spat: Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis said he regrets sending a message via Twitter to Michigan freshman point guard Trey Burke. Burke is deciding between returning to school or going to the NBA. He tweeted Wednesday: "EVERYONE got something to say … I thought this was my life!" Hollis tweeted to Burke: "My advice, believe in YOUR heart & mind, everything else is interference. People u seek out is better than those that seek u." That drew a response, via Twitter, from Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon: "Mark Hollis had good intentions-but made a mistake. Not appropriate to tweet one of our student-athletes. Won't happen again. End of story."

NIT final: Chasson Randle and Aaron Bright each scored 15 off the bench to help Stanford beat Minnesota 75-51 at New York's Madison Square Garden. Bright had six points, including a four-point play, and an assist during a 12-0 first-half run that put the Cardinal (26-11) ahead for good at 29-21. The Gophers (23-15) made 3 of 13 3-pointers.

Football: Reinstated Gator faces charge

GAINESVILLE — The Gainesville State Attorney's Office filed a misdemeanor battery charge against Florida tight end A.C. Leonard one day after coach Will Muschamp announced the sophomore had been allowed to return to practice.

Leonard, expected to back up Jordan Reed, was suspended indefinitely in February after an arrest for simple battery. He and his live-in girlfriend got into an argument, which escalated into a physical altercation and ultimately led to her being grabbed by both feet, dragged from the apartment and locked out, according to police reports.

An arraignment has not been scheduled.

Muschamp said Wednesday that Leonard had been practicing this week, but "he still has a lot of things to work through before his status for the fall is addressed."

Tennessee: Coach Derek Dooley said receiver Da'Rick Rogers "has got some things he needs to do internally" in order to return to the team. Rogers, first-team All-SEC last season as a sophomore, didn't practice Thursday morning. But Dooley didn't call it a suspension. He declined to give details. Rogers hinted Wednesday that he was transferring to I-AA Georgia State, tweeting: "Georgia State. Wasup? I cannot wait to talk to the media tomorrow. It finally comes out." But Rogers was not available for comment Thursday and did not tweet. Dooley said he had no knowledge of Rogers' plans to transfer.

Hockey: Maine's Spencer Abbott (21 goals, nation-high 41 assists), Minnesota-Duluth's Jack Connolly (20 goals, 40 assists) and Colgate's Austin Smith (36 goals, 21 assists) were named finalists for the Hobey Baker award, given to the player of the year. The winner will be a announced April 6.

Times staff writer Antonya English contributed to this report.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2012

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Fernando Rodney said x-rays of his right forearm showed no fracture and he expects to resume throwing in a couple days.

Rodney was hit flush on the right forearm by a line drive off the bat of Pittsburgh's Alex Presley in the ninth inning of the Rays' 6-4 win on Wednesday night.

He said he didn't see the ball and was scared at the time, then relieved to find out it was only a bruise.

"It's good,'' Rodney said. "I'll be all right.''

By Jessica Vander Velde, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2012

TAMPA — Horse racing authorities searched the barn of the Tampa Bay Downs' five-time leading trainer, Jamie Ness, on Wednesday.

Downs officials say they facilitated the search on their property, which was done by the Thoroughbred Racing Associations of North America. The Maryland-based group investigates "all activity prejudicial to horse racing" to maintain confidence in the racing sport, according to its website.

Ness, 37, lives in Odessa with his wife, former Downs stakes coordinator Mandy McKeever. Officials from the Thoroughbred Racing Associations did not comment Thursday.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, March 29, 2012

NEW ORLEANS

The journey is 77 miles of ill will, most of them punctuated by basketball backboards and loud voices.

To take the trip from Louisville to Lexington, Ky., you take I-64 East past arrogance, past betrayal, on the other side of loathing. You take a left at elitism, then a right at insecurity, then another left at intolerance. If you get to a peaceful coexistence, obviously, you have traveled too far.

These are the Cats, and those are the Cardinals. In between, there is mostly hatred. When it comes to the rivalry between the University of Kentucky and Louisville, there isn't much you need to know. You are red, or you are blue. You are one of Cal's pals, or you are one of Pitino's patrons.

In Kentucky, you can vote for whomever you want, and you can worship wherever you please, and you can make fun of Daniel Boone's hat if you feel like it. But when it comes to basketball, there are no neutral parties.

And so it is that the entire state, it seems, has relocated to New Orleans to watch a basketball game. There was a fight on Bourbon Street on Wednesday night between Kentucky fans and Louisville fans, and the only surprise is it is no longer going on.

"This," said Louisville point guard Chris Smith, "is going to be the most amped-up Final Four game in the history of college basketball."

To understand just how fierce this game is, to understand just how much it will matter back to the fans of either school, you have to understand a little more about what might be the most contentious rivalry in college basketball. Go ahead. Talk about North Carolina and Duke, or Michigan and Michigan State or Indiana and Purdue. This one has a little more bite than any of them.

For years, Kentucky fans mostly ignored Louisville until it was time to talk about how many trophies their team had won. There were elements of class — and of race — in the disdain.

"People always ask me about the best rivalry," said Rick Pitino, the Louisville coach who used to have the same job at Kentucky. "People will say North Carolina and Duke because it's in the same league. I have a different perspective.

"It all started with racial lines. We're the minority university. They're the university of the privileged. That was thrown out the window when Tubby Smith became the first African-American coach (at Kentucky), and the hatred wasn't based on race any longer. Now it's just hatred."

Why? Because Kentucky fans believe the court is their birthright. Because Louisville fans feel like a scorned little brother. Because Kentucky has won seven NCAA titles. Because since 1980, the titles are tied 2-2. Because Louisville's presence here is a surprise. Because Kentucky's isn't. And because a 71-year-old man named Charles Taylor punched a 68-year-old man named Ed Wilson in the snoot because they disagreed on who was going to win Saturday night's game.

By now, you have heard of the dustup. Both Taylor and Wilson, it seems, were waiting for treatment at the kidney dialysis center in Georgetown, Ky. Taylor was talking about how the Cards were going to win, and Wilson disagreed, and Taylor took a swing. It was a hard foul, you might say.

"Did we win the fight?" Pitino said, grinning.

"A Louisville fan punched a Kentucky fan?" Kentucky coach John Calipari said. "I'm very disappointed about that."

Just guessing here, but more punches might come before the final result.

"I go to Wendy's, and there's a big Cats fan working there," said Louisville point guard Peyton Siva. "He says 'Oh, did you see the Cats win the other day?' Man, I don't want to hear that. I just want to get my food."

For the record, Calipari says the rivalry doesn't matter; not now, not here. Ask Calipari, and he'll tell you Kentucky's opponent might as well come from a thousand miles away.

"If you play it as a rivalry game — let's hate those guys, let's be angry, let's hate that coach — what that is physiology, in your body, hatred and fear are really close," Calipari said. "We respect them. They are playing great basketball. They're playing as well as anyone in the country, and we know it. We know they're close to us, but it didn't matter who we were playing."

It seems to matter to the Louisville players. Smith, for one, referred to Kentucky's fans as "arrogant" twice.

"They're so arrogant, they probably think they're going to win by 25," Smith said.

Louisville's players, on the other hand, seem to enjoy reminding everyone that all of the pressure is on Kentucky. Yes, it is. The Wildcats are favored, and they're the tournament's No. 1 overall seed.

"There will be people at Kentucky that will have a nervous breakdown if they lose to us," Pitino said last week. "You've got to watch. They've got to put the fences up on bridges. There will be people consumed by Louisville."

For the record, Pitino acknowledges the stakes are the same for his team. You get close only so many times. Losing would be hard for Louisville fans, too.

Either way, the Kentucky police should be at the ready late Saturday night.

If someone loses a close game on a questionable call, who knows what kind of rumble might go down at the local clinic?

LocationLexingtonLouisville

City population295,803741,096

CountyFayetteJefferson

University founded1865 1798

Enrollment28,00022,249

Presidential politicsVoted for Barack Obama in 2008: Fayette: 51.7% Jefferson: 55.5%

Most famous nativeGeorge ClooneyMuhammad Ali

Less famous nativeJim VarneyFuzzy Zoeller

Beverage of choiceWild TurkeyMint julep

Top culinary contributionLong John Silver'sPapa John's

Final Fours/national titles15/7 9/2

Slogan"Louisville "Neither do doesn't exist."Calipari's previous Final Four trips."

Instate players/starters4/0 3/0

Best hairAnthony Davis' Rick Pitino's unibrowslicked-back mane

Best player moniker "Sky" Walker"Never Nervous" Pervis

Best team moniker"The "Doctors Unforgettables"of Dunk"

Best team1995-961979-80

Most famous coachAdolph RuppDenny Crum

Less famous coachBilly GillispieLawrence Apitz

Most famous female fanAshley JuddDiane Sawyer

Most hated playerChristian LaettnerRex Chapman

Most hated coachRick PitinoJoe B. Hall

Best proDan IsselDarrell Griffith

Worst proSam Bowie"Out of Service" Pervis Ellison

Source: Mark Schlabach, ESPN.com

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 29, 2012

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays reliever J.P. Howell is back to his usual happy-go-lucky self, rocking in his chair while serving as the clubhouse DJ, music blaring from a phone in an adjacent locker.

"Every year, I try to get that job," he said, smiling.

Work is finally fun again for Howell, 28, who has regained his health — and confidence — after a frustrating two-year stretch when he rehabbed from shoulder surgery. He said he was never right upon returning last season, a humbling experience in which he was extremely hard on himself.

"Last year was like shooting a gun without a scope," Howell said. "The ball was coming out of my hand, and I had no idea where it was going. It was like, I couldn't set anything up. This year, I feel like an actual pitcher, where I used to be.

"It's a whole new vibe. I have some weapons to fight with. Last year, it was truly unfair. Last year, it was an uneven playing field, like a hitter going up there with half the bat."

The Rays say Howell looks a lot more like he used to, when he was one of the league's most reliable and durable lefty relievers from 2008-09. There's more sink on his fastball. He has more depth on his changeup. He has been able to repeat his pitches, leading to more swing-and-misses from hitters.

"He's pitching with more confidence — that's the big thing," manager Joe Maddon said. "We've talked about this from day one, with J.P. Howell, to get his confidence back in the right direction, and when he does that you'll see him pitch effectively."

Tampa Bay fans might have lost confidence in Howell down the stretch last year, when he struggled mightily, including allowing a two-run single to Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton in Game 3 of the ALDS. There were some questions whether he'd be back. But the Rays bet on Howell, signing him to a one-year, $1.35 million deal, because of how tough he has been and how hard he worked to rehab.

"I'm looking for some really good things from him," pitching coach Jim Hickey said. "And, of course, we need him to be good."

Hickey said with the major surgery Howell had in May 2010, to repair a labrum, they knew it would take significant time for him to recover and return to form. But Howell's patience was tested, and he beat himself up when he wasn't the same last summer.

He rejoined the team in May and did some good things, holding opponents to a .229 batting average before his last seven appearances, when hitters went 7-for-12. His ERA ballooned to 6.16, the highest since 2007, when he was a starter.

"It hurt, man. It was like the first time where I did everything I could and had a failure still," Howell said. "Usually, if I step it up, I can get it done, and last year the more I tried, the worst it went."

Howell lacked the command, and confidence. He would throw a good pitch, like his first curveball to Hamilton in Game 3. But he couldn't repeat them, like his second curveball to Hamilton, which was ripped to rightfield. There were some times when Howell's shoulder and arm worked together perfectly, but a lot of times they were "out of whack."

"It was a scary thing trying to pitch in a game with that," Howell said. "It was pretty much rolling the dice every day. That was no way to live but, at the time, I was just thankful to be in cleats again."

Howell is thankful to "feel like a professional" again, talking about game plans rather than rehab, and "couldn't be happier." Hickey said it's a product of all the hard work Howell put in to get back on track.

"It was a long, long process, and he did a lot of that on his own," Hickey said. "He was extremely aggressive with it and extremely diligent. He did everything he could do, plus, to come back better than ever, and I think we'll see the fruits of that labor. I hope so."

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