By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

NO.: 3 B/T: R/R HT/WT: 6-2/210 AGE: 26

NO.: 2 B/T: R/R HT/WT: 6-3/185 AGE: 27

7. B.J. UPTON, OF

NO.: 18 B/T: S/R HT/WT: 6-3/210 AGE: 30

NO.: 55 B/T: L/L HT/WT: 6-2/205 AGE: 22

NO.: 14 B/T: L/L HT/WT: 6-6/220 AGE: 26

NO.: 20 B/T: L/R HT/WT: 6-2/205 AGE: 27

13. SEAN RODRIGUEZ, INF

Whether as the starting shortstop, platoon second baseman or super-utilityman, he plays a key role.

6. DESMOND JENNINGS, OF

To-do list for first full big-league season? Just hit leadoff, be catalyst for lineup and fill in in centerfield.

11. LUKE SCOTT, DH

4. KYLE FARNSWORTH, RP

NO.: 23 B/T: L/L HT/WT: 6-2/225 AGE: 33

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

So, LeGarrette Blount was nice enough to help out the NFL today, agreeing to participate in the unveiling of the new Nike NFL apparel in New York. Blount was modeling a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform during the media event there.

But during an interview session accompanying the event, Blount offered a surprisingly honest answer to an interesting question. Asked by CBSSports.com blogger Will Brinson how he would react if the Bucs drafted Alabama running back Trent Richardson, Blount said, "I would not like that pick. I would definitely not be happy with that pick."

That question was followed up with one about the prospect of Blount playing a role similar to that of Brandon Jacobs with the Giants last season, and Blount made it known he prefers to be an every-down back.

His take: "I don't want that role," Blount said.

So, what to make of this?

For starters, here's what needs to be stressed: What Blount thinks doesn't impact the Bucs' draft decisions one iota. Not a bit. Furthermore, did Blount not get the memo about being a team player? Every player wants to be a starter and have as many touches as possible, but thinking it and saying it are two very different things.

Here's the bottom line: Blount has been, for the most part, a featured back for the past 1-1/2 seasons. But despite his 4.6-yard career per-carry average, the Bucs know he has holes in his game that make Richardson appealing. As poor as the Bucs' offense was last season, coaches still felt like they could not afford to play Blount on third downs -- the biggest being that no one wanted to see Josh Freeman taken off the field on a stretcher because of missed pass protections.

Blount is an exceptional runner on early downs and in certain situations. But that doesn't make him a complete running back and it certainly won't prevent the Bucs from drafting Richardson -- no matter what Blount thinks.

By Tyson Wallerstein, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Kingfish update: After a few slow days on kingfish prior to last weekend's weather system, the bite has improved. Better tides and an onshore wind flow have led to the resurgence. Near-shore hard bottom spots haven't quite turned back on, but areas a little deeper have.

Where to look: Artificial reefs in 40 to 50 feet are holding good numbers of schoolie-sized kingfish, as are ledges and general hard-bottom in these same depths. Slow troll blue runners or chum the fish with live pilchards and a frozen chum block. The Spanish mackerel bite has been hot closer to shore in about 15 feet, schools of threadfins are holding in this depth and are attracting the mackerel. Troll No. 1 planers with a silver spoon in tow for the Spanish.

Redfish: The action is looking good. Weekend high tides should be good for redfish, no-motor zone flats are great places to look for schools of reds. First try fan casting top-water plugs in and amongst mullet schools on the early morning incoming tide to help locate the school. Then, higher than normal tides will have reds pushing well under the mangrove branches in the afternoon. Use a fresh piece of cut bait close to the branches to lure the reds from the heavy cover.

Tyson Wallerstein runs Inshore Fishing Charters in the Clearwater/St. Petersburg area and can be reached at (727) 692-5868 and via email capt.tyson@hotmail.com.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

John Alt spent 13 seasons as a left tackle with the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs, protecting the likes of Joe Montana, but he knew his son Mark's future might not be in football whenever he mowed the lawn of their Minnesota home.

"He was always outside on the rollerblades, always shooting around," Alt said Tuesday. "We had pucks all over the yard. The lawnmower chewed up a thousand pucks over the course of his upbringing. Other kids, they play video games or whatever. He had no interest in that. He was always outside."

Mark Alt arrived in Tampa on Tuesday as a 20-year-old sophomore defenseman for the University of Minnesota, vying for college hockey's ultimate prize in the NCAA Frozen Four this week. Choosing hockey over his father's sport wasn't easy, but the Gophers' success this season has only validated his choice to follow the game that was his greatest love.

"Hockey was just my deal, and when it came down to making a decision, I just knew where my passion was," said the 6-foot-3, 202-pound Alt, who was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the second round two years ago.

Even after he had committed to take the ice for the Gophers, football made a tempting push, as he quarterbacked St. Paul's Cretin-Derham Hall to a state championship his senior year. He earned a scholarship offer from Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, his father's offensive line coach with the Hawkeyes in the early 1980s.

Hockey won out, and he's not the first famous Cretin-Derham quarterback to choose another sport — Joe Mauer spurned an FSU scholarship to play baseball and is now a hometown star with the Minnesota Twins; Chris Weinke spent six years in minor-league baseball before returning to football and winning a Heisman Trophy in Tallahassee.

Alt has shown considerable progress this season, establishing himself as a physical defender and a capable scorer, totaling five goals and 17 assists in Minnesota's 42 games. The Gophers, picked to finish fourth in their conference before the season, made the NCAAs for the first time in four years, then beat powerhouse Boston University and top seed North Dakota last week to advance to Tampa.

"When there's something on the line, when our backs are against the wall, that's usually when we play our best hockey," Alt said. "Last week, we were playing the best hockey we've played all year. We're a fast, physical, smart team when we're on."

Alt's hockey experience was limited in high school by a collarbone injury, so he said it took him a year to get comfortable with the college game, and that familiarity has led to the success he has had this season.

"Coming to college, the game was really fast for me, so last year was a big transition year for me, just trying to keep up," he said. "This year, I feel like every game, things slow down a little more and more, so I can make plays and be more productive."

The Hurricanes still have Alt's draft rights, and he expects to return for another season with Minnesota, with a timetable to consider turning pro after his junior year in 2013. His father — who at 6-8 gave up hockey in sixth grade because he "just got too tall" — enjoys seeing parallels on the ice between his son's role as a defenseman and his old job as an NFL left tackle.

"He's protecting the net. You're backpedaling while someone else is going forward — it's very similar to playing offensive line," his father said. "That's how I watch it. I can put myself in position for what he's trying to accomplish. And much like an offensive lineman, if your name isn't mentioned, you did your job."

Greg Auman can be reached at auman@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3346.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

TAMPA — If you'd have asked Josh Freeman to speak in detail about the Bucs' offense before this week, the question might have been met with a blank stare.

But now that the team's starting quarterback has had a couple of days' worth of instruction from his new offensive coordinator, Mike Sullivan, Freeman at least has a reference point for the new scheme.

"It's going to be a variation of the Giants' offense," Freeman said Tuesday. That's no surprise given the fact that new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan was hired away from the Giants in February.

The Bucs are only in the beginning stages of teaching their offensive and defensive systems. But the start of the offseason program this week finally has enabled players to get an introduction. Coaches have not been permitted to work with players until this week, per NFL rules.

"I've just got an idea," Freeman said. "Right now, we're just working on formations, we're getting into (pass) protections, a whole lot of basic procedure of calling the play at the line, all the different cadences."

And that's just a taste of the volumes of info players will have to digest in the coming weeks and months. For Freeman, it's a pivotal time. Entering his fourth season, Freeman is looking to bounce back from a 22-interception season while also having to grasp a new system.

"I'd probably compare it to my rookie year, learning a new system," Freeman said. "But I have a lot of confidence in the guys around me, whether it's the coaching staff, the other quarterbacks in the quarterback room, as far as sitting down and getting the core of this offense and really learning it going into the season."

Freeman said that Sullivan "wants to start real slow, go from the ground up. With a new offense, an offense with different terminology, you need to start with the fundamentals."

The team is concentrating mostly on strength and conditioning during the current Phase 1 of the offseason. But before this week, Freeman and some offensive teammates had throwing and catching at the IMG Academies in Bradenton, working on their timing. Not that they're back at One Buc Place, they can't yet do on-field work with coaches, but they can dive into their classroom work.

And, at the moment, there's plenty of it.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

MIAMI — Perched atop the Marlins' provocative home-run sculpture is a blue marlin, poised for splashdown whenever the home team hits one out.

Call the artwork what you will — gaudy, goofy, grotesque, great — but there's no denying it's new. For the Marlins, that's what this season is all about.

Long overlooked and underfunded, they've become a big-spending, attention-grabbing team as they open the season at home tonight against the World Series champion Cardinals. After a significant roster upgrade, the Marlins predict they'll contend for the NL East title — and more.

"We expect to win," new shortstop Jose Reyes said. "The kind of club we have, we're going to compete, no doubt."

When Josh Johnson throws the first pitch in the new ballpark, the Marlins will begin trying to supplant St. Louis, which mounted an improbable late charge to the World Series title.

The Cardinals also have a new look. Slugger Albert Pujols and manager Tony La Russa are gone and postseason star Chris Carpenter is hurt, so Kyle Lohse will start the opener. But right-hander Adam Wainwright is back from elbow surgery, and the addition of outfielder Carlos Beltran is cause for encouragement.

Plus, only one team has a chance to repeat as the World Series champion, and St. Louis is always eager for a season to start.

"There's a buzz in every home opener," rookie manager Mike Matheny said. "The buzz in our place is ridiculous."

AILING BOSOX: Red Sox closer Andrew Bailey will have surgery on his right thumb and could miss a significant portion of the season. Right-hander Josh Beckett also had a second opinion on a right thumb injury, but manager Bobby Valentine said he is expected to be okay.

UBALDO APPEALS: Indians right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez is appealing his five-game suspension for throwing at Rockies shortstop and former teammate Troy Tulowitzki on Sunday.

NO DAMAGE: Workers at Rangers Ballpark took shelter in hallways when a storm front passed through that included tornadoes in other parts of the region. There was no structural damage reported at the ballpark.

A'S: First baseman Daric Barton went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder.

BRAVES: Right-handed reliever Chad Durbin signed a one-year contract.

METS: New closer Frank Francisco felt good after a throwing session and was cleared for opening day. The right-hander had a cortisone shot in his left knee.

NATIONALS: Left-hander John Lannan was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, making left-hander Ross Detwiler the No. 5 starter.

REDS: Manager Dusty Baker confirmed that left-hander Sean Marshall will start the season as closer. Projected closer Ryan Madson is out for the season with an elbow injury. … Right-hander Alfredo Simon was claimed off waivers from the Orioles.

TIGERS: Infielder Brandon Inge went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left groin.

TWINS: Right-hander Jason Marquis returned from a two-week leave to tend to his seriously injured daughter. Reese, 7, had a bicycle accident in New York and was under sedation for nine days with internal bleeding. Marquis said she is likely to fully recover.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

FORT MYERS — Stephen Vogt was in the trainers room of the Triple-A Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday afternoon having his wrists taped for the Bulls workout, when coach Dave Myers delivered some stunning news:

Vogt was going to the big leagues and would be on the Rays' opening day roster.

"I'm just in shock right now," Vogt said a couple of hours later as he headed to the airport for his flight to Tampa. "It's definitely one of the best days of my life."

Vogt, 27, didn't appear to be in the Rays' immediate plans, having been sent back to the minors March 18 to work on his catching skills, while OF Jeff Salazar appeared to have the final roster spot given today's 5 p.m. deadline.

But the Rays were concerned about their offense with OFs B.J. Upton and Sam Fuld on the disabled list and decided they would rather have Vogt's bat than the experience and better defense they'd get from Salazar, who was sent to Triple A after the 6-2 win over Minnesota.

"We just felt right now, offensively speaking, that Vogt might be able to provide a little bit more with all the different things going on," manager Joe Maddon said. "His bat is one of the more impressive bats we have down below."

Vogt, a left-handed hitter, was the Rays' minor-league player of the year last season with a combined .298 average, 17 homers, 35 doubles and 105 RBIs between Double-A Montgomery and Durham. He hit .323 in spring training.

With Upton out until at least mid April and Desmond Jennings sliding over to center, Vogt will get some time in left and possibly at catcher, first base and as a pinch-hitter.

Maddon said the Rays are comfortable enough with Vogt in the outfield, with plans to use a defensive replacement if they had a lead.

ON THE OUTS: Salazar, 31, seemed in line to make it back to the big leagues for the first time since 2009 until the Rays decided on Vogt. "Sally did a great job," Maddon said. "He was fantastic, he played all the positions well, he had great at-bats, he really understands the game well and is a good baseball player."

The Rays are without a true backup centerfielder, a potential concern as Jennings missed time with a sore shoulder and they have cold-weather series at Detroit and Boston next week. But Maddon said he was comfortable with the options, which he listed in order as Ben Zobrist, Matt Joyce and Elliot Johnson.

TUNED UP: RHP Jeremy Hellickson said he was ready for his first start of the season Sunday after a four-inning, 55-pitch outing, allowing two runs on six hits. "I felt a little better every start," he said.

After a rough start to the spring, Hellickson had back-to-back solid outings, a result of reducing the number of cutters he had been experimenting with and relying on his usual repertoire. "I think I'm just throwing pitches that I normally would," he said.

MISCELLANY: Fuld's surgery on his right wrist went well, the team said. He is expected to miss four-five months. … C Jose Lobaton hit a two-run as the Rays finished their Grapefruit League schedule 10-16-6. … With Vogt added, it appears Reid Brignac, Sean Rodriguez and Johnson will all be on the team, sharing time in the middle infield.

Times staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods seemed mildly surprised Tuesday when he was introduced at a news conference as playing the Masters for the 18th time, dating to when he was the U.S. Amateur champion.

He only made it through two years at Stanford, but he's pretty good at math.

"I've spent just about half my life playing this tournament," said Woods, who turned 36 in December.

Not quite, but point taken.

Over the years, he has learned from some of the best. One of his first practice rounds was with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, who have 10 green jackets between them. He also has played with Greg Norman and Jose Maria Olazabal, along with Mark O'Meara.

"I'm trying to gain as much intel as I possibly can," Woods said of the practice round with Nicklaus and Palmer. "And I'm asking them on every hole, 'What do you do here? What do you do here? What do you do here?' And I'm pretty sure they got sick of me."

In return, Woods has been generous sharing. For years, he would often play with amateurs who wanted to tap into brain and figure out the nuances of Augusta National.

Woods played Tuesday with Sean O'Hair.

"We were talking about the golf course and what flag you fire at and where you want to miss it to this flag, where do you hit over the green, blah, blah, blah," he said. "I help him as much as I possibly can, and we're playing together (today). He wants some more advice on the other nine holes. Obviously, I had something good to say, I guess."

That's one thing that sets golf apart.

It is not unusual for players to offer tips, or share something they see in someone's swing on the practice range, even if they're trying to beat that guy during the week.

"I think it's just the role of being here as a champion, and being here a number of years, is that you pass knowledge on," Woods said. "It's not something that we hold and are going to keep sacred. We pass it on from one generation to the next."

But maybe not everything.

Phil Mickelson has made it a habit of taking younger players out for practice rounds, and he's not bashful about showing them the dangers of various hole locations or the best angle to attack — but joked there's a limit.

"First of all, you only share a little bit," Mickelson said to laughter. "And you want them to know that you've got an advantage."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Pitching change of the day

Wary of the potential wildness of low-level minor-leaguers, the Rays will have their own pitchers — Matt Moore, Wade Davis and J.P. Howell — pitch for the Future Rays squad in today's exhibition. "Of course, anything can happen in any game," manager Joe Maddon said. "You're just trying to eliminate the potential for it. That's all it is."

Future Rays of the day

The Future Rays squad will be composed mostly of players from Class A Charlotte, including OF Mikie Mahtook (a 2011 draft pick), SS Derek Dietrich and OF Ty Morrison.

Quote of the day

"I have, but I haven't."

C/OF Stephen Vogt, on whether he realized he was headed to the big leagues for the first time.

'Prediction' of the day

Yankees GM Brian Cashman wasn't too bold when asked in Port St. Lucie on Tuesday how he saw the AL East race. "I think our division's a toss-up," he said. "I think Tampa Bay is obviously the real deal and I think Boston is better than they finished up last year. So it's a toss-up."

Rays vs. Future Rays

When/where: 1:40 today; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

Tickets: $10 general admission, lower bowl except Avantair Home Plate Club; gates open at 12:10. Available via Ticketmaster, Tampa team store, stadium box office, raysbaseball.com

Parking: $10.

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

Pitchers: Rays — Jeff Niemann, relievers TBA; Future Rays — Matt Moore, J.P. Howell, Wade Davis.

Heads-up

Most of the Rays regulars are scheduled to play at least part of the game, including 3B Evan Longoria and 1B Carlos Peña.

On deck

Thursday: Optional workout, 9:30 a.m., Tropicana Field. Closed to public.

Friday: Season opener, vs. Yankees, 3:10 p.m., Tropicana Field. Rays — James Shields; Yankees — CC Sabathia. Sold out.

Saturday: vs. Yankees, 7:10 p.m., Tropicana Field. Rays — David Price; Yankees — Hiroki Kuroda

Sunday: vs. Yankees, 1:40 p.m., Tropicana Field. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson; Yankees — Phil Hughes

Who is this Ray?

He played at Texas-Pan American and has been inducted into the athletics hall of fame. He was a 13th-round pick of the White Sox who spent eight years in the minors. He spent 16 seasons in the Astros organization before joining the Rays.

Who is this answer: Pitching coach Jim Hickey

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

TAMPA — Yankees LHP Andy Pettitte will see game action for the first time since ending his brief retirement when he pitches against the Mets in today's spring training finale.

Pettitte is set to go one inning at Steinbrenner Field. He called it a big step in his return after his workout Tuesday.

Pettitte ended a one-season retirement by agreeing to a minor league contract March 16. He could be ready to join the Yankees in May.

Pettitte threw his second simulated game Saturday and talked on the phone with pitching coach Larry Rothschild after a 25-pitch bullpen session Monday.

"I bounced back pretty good after that last one, so we feel like an inning would be good tomorrow," Pettitte said. "I realized I feel good enough to pitch."

Rothschild, the former Rays manager, was with the team on a four-game trip to Florida's east coast.

If his comeback is successful and he's added to the major-league roster, Pettitte would get a $2.5 million, one-year contract.

ROCKY FINISH: Yankees RHP Ivan Nova struggled with his fastball location and gave up five runs, eight hits and two walks in 22/3 innings in a 7-6 loss to the Mets. His spring ERA rose to 8.06.

It "was one of the worst days of my life," Nova said. "I wasn't pitching right. I felt good (Tuesday), but I couldn't throw my fastball for strikes and I couldn't locate my pitches, and I don't feel good about that."

The Yankees and Mets will meet during the regular season at Yankee Stadium on June 8-10 and at Citi Field on June 22-24.

Jays: Cecil farmed out

DUNEDIN — The Blue Jays demoted LHP Brett Cecil to Double-A New Hampshire a day after another rough spring outing.

RHP Roberto Coello was promoted from the minors to be part of Toronto's rotation.

The Blue Jays said RHP Kyle Drabek had the fifth starting spot. LHP Aaron Laffey was moved to Triple-A Las Vegas.

Cecil was tagged for nine runs in the first two innings Monday against Detroit. Cecil had a 6.48 ERA in exhibitions this year and was 4-11 with a 4.73 ERA last season.

Cecil said the move was expected after his past two starts didn't go well.

"I really gave them no choice. I really didn't help myself out any," Cecil said

Manager John Farrell said Cecil needs a few more starts to gain consistent command.

RECORD SPRING: With a 13-8 win over the Tigers, the Blue Jays ended at 24-7-1, their most spring wins ever.

Phils: No Utley

PHILADELPHIA — 2B Chase Utley will be in Arizona rehabilitating his injured knees when the Phillies open the regular season on Thursday in Pittsburgh.

The five-time All-Star is starting his second straight season on the disabled list. General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Utley will work with physical therapist Brett Fischer and other medical personnel.

Amaro said before the Phillies' exhibition game against the Pirates that Utley is progressing, but there is no timetable for his return.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Another championship banner has been unfurled at Rupp Arena.

Kentucky returned home to its adoring fans Tuesday, a day after defeating Kansas 67-59 to win the school's eighth NCAA championship.

Blue-clad fans erupted as the team pulled into the packed arena aboard a sleek blue bus emblazoned with "national champions."

It was a joyous curtain call for a team led by talented freshmen and sophomores. The NBA likely beckons for several of them.

Each team member was introduced to ovations as players and coaches took the stage in the middle of the arena. Senior Darius Miller, a basketball net draped around his neck, toted the NCAA championship trophy to a table. Coach John Calipari pumped his fist and raised his arms in triumph as he basked in the cheers.

"You know why we won the national title? Folks, we have the best players and we have the best team," he said as the crowd erupted.

Calipari reminded the crowd that his goal three seasons ago when he took the Kentucky job was to restore the Wildcats to the "gold standard" in college basketball and to raise more championship banners.

On cue, the 2012 title banner slowly unfurled from the rafters at Rupp as the Kentucky pep band played and fans cheered.

Calipari said about 5,000 fans welcomed the team at the airport, and more lined the streets en route to Rupp Arena. "You people never cease to amaze me," he told the crowd.

Calipari praised the chemistry of a team stocked with future NBA players.

"Just talent alone, folks, does not get it done," he said. "It doesn't. These young men sacrificed for each other. They respected one another."

INJURED FAN: Police said doctors amputated the foot of a man who was shot in the leg during raucous celebrations in Lexington of Kentucky's win. Lexington police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said Harold Calloway, 31, remained hospitalized. No arrests have been made in the shooting, which occurred after an argument.

PRAISE FROM PRESIDENT: President Barack Obama called Calipari to congratulate his team.

BATTLESHIP MATCHUP: San Diego State and Syracuse will play in the inaugural Battle on the Midway game on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum on Nov. 9. Last Nov. 11, North Carolina beat Michigan State in the Carrier Classic on the USS Carl Vinson.

EARLY ENTREES: Washington guard Tony Wroten, the Pac-12 freshman of the year, announced he would declare for the NBA draft and hire an agent. … Weber State guard Damian Lillard, who finished second in the country with 24.5 points per game, will bypass his final year of eligibility and declare for the NBA draft.

MICHIGAN ST.: Center Derrick Nix was suspended indefinitely after his arrest early Tuesday on suspicion of operating a vehicle with any presence of drugs and possession of marijuana.

NEBRASKA: Northern Iowa assistant Ben Johnson is joining new coach Tim Miles' staff. … Miles announced that center Jorge Brian Diaz will not return for his senior season.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

COLLEGES

'VERY FORTUNATE' PETRINO RETURNS TO PRACTICE

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bobby Petrino walked slower than normal, his face swollen and red. You couldn't miss the white brace around the Arkansas coach's neck.

But the fact that Petrino was even at Razorback Stadium Tuesday, hours after being released from the hospital following a weekend motorcycle crash, was remarkable.

Petrino, 51, spoke for the first time since Sunday night's accident, minutes before practice. He saw the session from the press box.

"I'm very fortunate," Petrino said. "I feel very lucky to be here and be in good health."

The accident occurred on Arkansas Highway 16 in Madison County, about 20 miles southeast of Fayetteville, and Petrino said he wasn't wearing a helmet. The avid motorcyclist said he plans to wear one in the future, particularly after suffering four broken ribs in his upper chest and cracking the outside of the C-2 vertebra in his back.

BOXING

'Macho' Camacho faces abuse charge

Former champion Hector "Macho" Camacho is facing a felony count of child abuse and turned himself in to Florida authorities on a warrant filed last year. Camacho, 49, posted a $5,000 bond Monday at the Orange County Jail in Orlando and was released. According to the arrest affidavit, Camacho surrendered on a warrant filed by the state attorney's office in November. State attorney's spokeswoman Danielle Tavernier said the office received the case in May. She said a report that includes a narrative of what Camacho is accused of was not immediately available. His attorney, Linda George, said in a statement that a family dispute happened at the home of Camacho's children and a neighbor called police.

SUSPENSION: Puerto Rico's Professional Boxing Commission suspended the license of former WBO featherweight champ Juan Manuel Lopez for one year for criticizing a referee after his March 10 loss to Mexico's Orlando Salido.

TENNIS

Venus Williams advances on clay

Venus Williams beat qualifier Iveta Benesova 6-4, 6-3 at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, S.C., her first tournament on clay in months. She withdrew from last year's U.S. Open after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing autoimmune disease, then returned last week and won four matches at the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne before losing to eventual champion Agnieszka Radwanska. Sister Serena Williams, the No. 5 seed, beat Elena Vesnina 6-3, 6-4. No. 2 seed and Tampa resident Samantha Stosur ousted Jamie Hampton 6-0, 7-5.

SOCCER

Champions move on to semifinals

Lionel Messi scored two first-half penalties to lead host and defending champ Barcelona past AC Milan 3-1 in the European Champions League quarterfinals. Messi, the three-time world player of the year has 14 goals in this campaign to break Ruud van Nistelrooy's Champions League record from 2002-03 and match Mazzola Altafini's 49-year mark in the European Cup, the current competition's predecessor. Also, Ivica Olic scored twice as host Bayern Munich defeated Marseille 2-0 to advance 4-0 on aggregate.

U.S. WOMEN WIN: Carli Lloyd, Shannon Boxx and Amy Rodriguez scored to lead the United States past Brazil 3-0 in the three-team Kirin Cup in Chiba, Japan.

Times wires

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tonight

Lightning at Canadiens

When/where: 7:30; Bell Centre, Montreal.

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 970-AM

Key stats: The Lightning's 29 road points (12-21-5) are last in the East. Montreal's 38 home points (14-15-10) are tied for last. … Tampa Bay's road power play is on a 10-for-31 streak. … The Canadiens are 1-26-5 when trailing after two periods. … Montreal D Josh Gorges has a league-best 243 blocked shots. … D Alexei Emelin leads all rookies with 234 hits.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 3, 2012

DENVER — Brittney Griner and Baylor left no doubt they're head and shoulders above any team in the country. In fact, they're perfect.

Griner had 26 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks to lead Baylor to a dominating 80-61 victory over Notre Dame in the NCAA women's basketball championship on Tuesday night, capping a 40-0 season for the Bears.

"Looking back when we get older, I'm always going to remember this moment, always going to remember confetti falling and being here with my team," Griner said as she and her teammates hugged and celebrated.

They became the seventh women's team to go unbeaten and the first in NCAA history, men or women, to win 40 games. It was the second national championship for Baylor, which also won a title in 2005.

Baylor nearly led wire-to-wire, finishing with a flourish in a season when anything less than bringing a title to Waco would have been a huge disappointment.

The 6-foot-8 Griner was right at the center when the Bears took control. Every time Notre Dame made a run in the second half to cut into the deficit, Griner had an answer. She showed a wide array of post moves, hitting turnaround jumpers and hooks that the Irish had no way to stop, even when they collapsed around her.

"Brittney Griner comes to work every day," Baylor coach Kim Mulkey said. "A lot of great players think they're all that and they half go through drills and they come to practice and they dog it. That child comes to work and brings her work pail every day."

Notre Dame fell short in the title game for the second straight season. The Irish lost to Texas A&M by six last year.

Coach Muffet McGraw's senior-heavy crew did finish the season with a decided edge over rival Connecticut. The Irish won the Big East regular season title and beat the Huskies in three of four meetings, including the national semifinal.

But like every other team this year, Notre Dame couldn't solve Baylor and the most dominant player in women's basketball.

"She made great shots, she's a great player," McGraw said. "She was unstoppable."

Griner, the Associated Press player of the year, also was named most outstanding player of the tournament.

"We wouldn't be here without my team," the junior said. "All the awards; none of that means anything. If I don't have my team here, we can't get this."

All-American point guard Skylar Diggins did all she could to keep the Irish (36-4) in the game, scoring 20. But senior Natalie Novosel had five points, going 0-for-11 from the field. Devereaux Peters, also playing in her final game, was saddled with foul trouble because of Griner. She scored seven.

Diggins "played a great game," McGraw said. "She's just a big-time player and she didn't get a lot of help."

Like Griner, Diggins has pledged to return for her senior year. Every Baylor starter plans to return.

Notre Dame was down by 14 in the first half but rallied and got as close as 42-39. But Griner asserted herself, scoring nine of Baylor's next 19.

"They went on a run there," Diggins said. "I just remember we cut it down to three and went on a run. I saw 10, 12, 14, 16, 19. We couldn't get rebounds when they missed shots."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Tampa Bay Rays have until 5 p.m to set their 25-man roster for Friday's start to the season.

After Tuesday's developments, including news that closer Kyle Farnsworth is headed to the DL, the Rays will make final decisions on what will be an unexpected group.

They have already said OF/DH/C Stephen Vogt will be called up, and today are expected to add RHP Josh Lueke. It would appear that all three middle infielders, Reid Brignac, Elliot Johnson and Sean Rodriguez will also be on the team.

They will start the season with at least three players on the DL, OF B.J. Upton, OF Sam Fuld and Farnsworth. Also, possibly, C Robinson Chirinos.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays still have some decisions to make before opening the season Friday, from how they'll fill the open spot in their bullpen created by Kyle Farnsworth's elbow strain to how they'll arrange their lineup given the injury-affected makeup of the 25-man roster.

But they did come to one significant conclusion Wednesday, naming Sean Rodriguez the primary shortstop.

Rodriguez, 26, held off former starter Reid Brignac to hold on to the job he claimed in the second half of last season and will have the opportunity to play on a somewhat everyday basis.

"Sean will get most of the starts," manager Joe Maddon said.

The Rays set their roster by placing catcher Robinson Chirinos (concussion) and outfielders Sam Fuld (wrist surgery) and B.J. Upton (lower back soreness) on the 15-day disabled list as expected.

Farnsworth is expected to join them — given an MRI exam he said showed a strain and a plan "to give it some time to calm down" — but the Rays held off, including him on the active roster submitted by Wednesday's 5 p.m. deadline.

Most likely, that was a maneuver to buy additional time in considering one of several potential trades for a reliever, with the fallback of promoting one of their own before Friday's game, with right-hander Josh Lueke considered most likely. Other possibilities could include Brandon Gomes, Cesar Ramos and nonrostered Romulo Sanchez.

Farnsworth could need up to six weeks of rest but said he was confident he would return and be able to pitch effectively, relieved that the problem — occasional discomfort, similar to what sidelined him at the end of last season — was in the flexor pronator and not the ligament.

Still, missing the start of the season is disappointing.

"I feel like I let the team down," said Farnsworth, who turns 36 this month. "The goal is to get up to steam, hopefully sooner than later."

Executive vice president Andrew Friedman said the Rays knew there was "a risk element" when they picked up Farns­worth's $3.3 million option, but they were confident that if there were additional problems, he wouldn't miss "a significant amount" of time.

Maddon didn't commit fully to the right-handed hitting Rodriguez, saying Brignac, a lefty swinger, and Elliot Johnson, a switch-hitter, would get some time at shortstop. Also, that Rodriguez at times could slide over to second as a defensive replacement for Jeff Keppinger, with Brignac stepping in at short.

But Rodriguez will get the most time, the Rays apparently more comfortable with his improved defense than Brignac's improved offense. (Plus there is uncertainly of Brignac playing with a plantar fascia issue in his right foot.)

Maddon said Rodriguez's impressive play last season and this spring gave the Rays "an entirely different perspective" on him.

"I've always felt Reid was the best defensive shortstop we had in the organization and I still probably would have to give him the edge overall, but Sean's really close," Maddon said. "Sean has really closed the gap on the actual defensive play."

Offensively, the Rays expect big things, though Rodriguez hit only .223 last season, with eight homers and 36 RBIs.

"I think there's a lot of people in this organization that believe very strongly in his offensive upside," Friedman said. "He's worked very hard to get where he is right now. … We're anxious to see him get a lot of plate appearances this year."

Rodriguez, supremely confident in his abilities, said he should only get better.

"Anybody given an opportunity to play every day is going to have more feel and more comfort level out there on the field," he said. "And I definitely see that happening."

Maddon still has to decide on the outfield alignment with the addition of Stephen Vogt, the batting order, and how best to manipulate their personnel as he is likely to often pinch-hit and pinch-run for catchers Jose Lobaton and Jose Molina.

"There's a whole bunch of moving parts going on," Maddon said. "I've been thinking about all these different things."

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Tampa Bay Rays RHP Kyle Farnsworth said an MRI of his elbow showed only a strain and he is confident he will be back to pitch this season after an still-to-be determined amount of rest.

"We'll just have to give it some time to calm down,'' he said.

The Rays have not said how long they expect him to be out, or how he will be replaced, though Josh Lueke is expected to be called up.

Farnsworth said it is a similar problem to what he had last September, in that he feels discomfort only occasionally, and when he is trying to finish pitches. He said the issue is with the flexor pronator and not the ligament. "Sometimes I would feel it and sometimes I wouldn't so it was just more aggravating than anything trying to figure out what it is,'' he said. "I guess this is the better outcome than in could have been.''

Though relieved it wasn't worse news, Farnsworth said missing any amount of time is still disappointing. "It definitely is; I feel like I let the team down,'' he said. "The goal is to get up to steam, hopefully sooner than later.''

Also, CF B.J. Upton continues to feel better, but Maddon said he likely would need a week-long minor-legues rehab assignment before rejoining the team. He could return by the end of the April 10-19 roadtrip to Detroit, Boston and Toronto. "There's no sense in really going crazy about it,'' Maddon said.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

BRANDON — All eyes are on the man on the mound.

In baseball, there are throwers and pitchers. More often than not, most at the high school level are the former.

Chris Toney is now the latter.

"He wasn't always that way," Brandon coach Matt Stallbaumer said. "Chris would, like most pitchers, try to throw the fastball by everyone or throw that nasty breaking pitch. But he's learned to become a pitcher."

That transformation has been a work in progress for the senior right-hander. Toney, who has been an integral part of Brandon's club since he was a freshman, has evolved from a thrower to a pitcher.

"His main goal coming into the season was to limit the walks and work on his control," Stallbaumer said. "And with the new BBCOR bats, there's now reason to do that. He understands that."

Toney, who was 5-1, a 1.19 ERA and 43/7 K-to-BB split in 41.1 innings as of press time, tweaked his pitching philosophy — and delivery — over the summer.

"I did some work with coach Gary (Cates Jr.) on my release," Toney said. "He suggested I drop down a little. It was comfortable."

By "dropping down," Cates was referring to Toney's arm slot, which had typically been at a three-fourths angle. Cates got Toney to throw more sidearm, which facilitated a different action on the ball.

"I do it about 25 percent of the time now," Toney said. "But I can throw any of my pitches, except for my curveball, from that angle."

The side-winding arm slot helps Toney's fastball and change­up dip down toward right-handed hitters. His cutter has different movement to it as well, giving Toney four legitimate pitches.

"He doesn't have that overwhelming fastball but because of the movement and location, he's been outstanding," Stallbaumer said. "He's really come a long way since (his freshman year)."

Toney has also assumed the role of leader on the team.

"When I came in here as a freshman, the team was already pretty set and I was just trying to help out any way I could," Toney said.

Stallbaumer said that has changed the past two years.

"Before he was a follower because of the guys we had," he said. "Now he's a leader."

When not pitching, Toney has been playing all over the field for the Eagles.

"We were joking the other day about Buster Posey when he played every position in a game for FSU," Stallbaumer said. "(Toney) even wants to catch."

Toney has played every outfield position, shortstop and first base when not on the mound. But the Eagles will likely go only as far as their No. 1 starter takes them as the postseason looms in the distance.

"We don't have a lot of power but we play small ball and do all the little things right," Toney said. "They are things that the coaches stress and I think we have a good chance of making it pretty far in the playoffs."

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Two of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' young offensive players will now be permitted to participate in offseason activities after signing their respective tenders.

Running back LeGarrette Blount and receiver Preston Parker, both exclusive-rights free agents, have signed their tenders, according to the team.

Meanwhile, the Bucs have released backup quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who has spent the past three seasons on Tampa Bay's roster but appeared in just one game.

The two signings are largely procedural. Exclusive-rights free agents – basically players with expired contracts who have two years or less of credited NFL service – have no real negotiating rights and are permitted to sign only with their last team, provided the team tenders the requisite offer.

The collective bargaining agreement calls for those players be signed to a one-year deal for the league minimum based on their experience level. In this case, because Blount and Parker are both entering their third seasons, they'll make $540,000.

The Bucs have quarterbacks Josh Freeman and Dan Orlovsky on their roster and would likely add one two additional quarterbacks before training camp. The Bucs have, at times, carried just two quarterbacks on the roster during the regular season and might elect to do so again.

By Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 4, 2012

TAMPA — The older Taylor Nelson grew, the less he played.

Before his freshman season at Ferris State in 2008, InsideCollegeHockey.com ranked Nelson fourth among incoming goalies. He held many career records for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and the Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame requested his gloves and stick following the Junior A championship.

Nelson played in 19 games during his freshman season, splitting time with then-sophomore Pat Nagle. His sophomore season, Nelson saw action in 16 while Nagle played 26.

Last season, Nelson appeared in just four games. Meanwhile, Nagle became an All-American.

"Goaltending is a position like golf," Bulldogs coach Bob Daniels said. "Sometimes you can try too hard and you lose your swing. And I felt like Taylor was trying too hard, and he lost his swing, so to speak."

Nagle graduated, signed with the Lightning and spent this season in the Double-A East Coast Hockey League.

But going into his senior season, Nelson found himself in an open competition with a touted incoming freshman — just like he was three years ago.

"I always felt that I could play at this level; not only play, but win," said Nelson, who turns 24 on May 3. "Coming into this year, I knew the job wouldn't be given to me just because I'm a senior. I'd have to prove myself all over again."

So after his junior season, Nelson did not return home to Regina, Saskatchewan, instead training all summer on the Big Rapids, Mich., campus. The first step was to get back in game-playing condition as he hadn't seen live action since Jan. 15.

Dave Cencer, the Bulldogs' strength and conditioning coach, put him through interval training — quick sprints mixed in with longer runs and spins on a bike to mimic the bursts of action a goalie sees during a game.

In the weight room, the two focused on one-legged movements, designed to boost his explosiveness when moving around the crease. On the ice, it was all about rebuilding his game one fundamental element at a time. And Nelson logged every workout, meal and calorie burned with TrainingPeaks, a software program designed for triathletes that Cencer adapted.

"Goaltending is kind of a weird position," Cencer said. "You play the entire 60 minutes of the game. But all the action you might see is really in a series of quick bursts, like a scoring chance or a two-minute penalty kill. It's explosive movements from post to post, whether you're down on your knees in a butterfly and have to quickly recover, get back up, push to another part of the crease and repeat."

The results? A school-record .923 save percentage that helped the Bulldogs to the third-most wins in program history and first Frozen Four berth.

"To know that things have finally come together for me, it's been a great feeling," Nelson said. "At the same time, our motto has been all season, 'We're not satisfied.' There's more to give. There's more to do, and the ultimate goal is to win that national championship."