By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The Hernando Heat under-12 girls competitive soccer team will play for the Division II Cup this weekend in Fort Myers after winning the Region C championship earlier this month on the same field.

Hernando beat Valrico 2-1 in a shootout for the title. Aleena Kondek scored a goal in regulation to get the Heat to overtime. Keeper Amanda Stacy was in net for the first half and saved all of the nine shots she faced, while Kennedy Schoonover surrendered the tying goal in the second half, recording six saves.

In the shootout, Hernando edged Valrico 3-2. Kondek, Keryth Rowland and Merriel Reyes accounted for the shootout scores, with Stacy in net for the Heat.

The Heat is now 15-4-3 on the season, with Charlie Kondek serving as coach. Former Springstead High coach Polo Furlong is the team trainer and assists with coaching.

HIGH POINT GOLF: The High Point Golf Club hosted its 2012 Men's Shootout and North/South Couples tournaments earlier this month.

The Men's Shootout included 10 men who qualified over 10 weeks. After each hole, the player with the highest net score was eliminated. On the final hole, Ken Russell and Tom Lynch battled it out, with Russell making a key putt on the ninth hole to win the title.

The North/South Couples Tournament included 25 Florida resident couples (South) competing against 25 snowbird couples (North) in a farewell tournament.

The format was a Modified Scotch Scramble, with alternate shots by each couple. The North defeated the South 18-7.

The low net scores for each side included Bob McBride and Helen Myers (59) for the South and Joe and Marilyn Pellettieri (55) for the North.

NAMI BOWL-A-THON: The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Hernando will host its second annual bowl-a-thon fundraiser at 3 p.m. May 19 at Spring Hill Lanes.

To take part, the donation is $20 per bowler for three games, including bowling shoes and a chance to win dozens of gift cards, prizes and giveaways. Last year, bowlers won more than $1,000 worth of prizes. There will also be a hockey stick raffled, signed by Tampa Bay Lightning star Vincent Lecavalier.

The deadline to register is May 12. Business sponsors and prize donations are still needed. All proceeds go to NAMI Hernando, a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization.

To register as an individual or team of four, call NAMI at (352) 684-0004 or LaVonne Roberts at (352) 596-1541.

JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE GOLF: The Junior Service League will host a golf tournament Saturday at the Dunes Golf Club, north of Weeki Wachee, to benefit Hernando County women and children.

There will be a shotgun start is 9 a.m. The format is a four-person scramble. Entry fees are $75 per person, $300 per team of four or $350 for a team and hole sponsorship. Entry fees include golf, lunch afterward and prizes.

For information, call (352) 596-7888 or send email turnermelissa0322@yahoo.com.

QUICK START TENNIS: Ace Performance Tennis is holding Quick Start drills from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

The cost is $10 per player per week. Games are designed for beginners using the U.S. Tennis Association-approved strategies for players on 60-foot courts.

Ace Performance Tennis is also offering Ladies Night Out from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Delta Woods Park. The cost is $10. Women of beginning and intermediate skill levels will learn to play in a fun social setting.

For information, call John or Louise Downey at (352) 666-0658 or visit louisedowney.usptapro.com.

FIRST TEE SUMMER PROGRAM: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department will begin a First Tee golf program starting the week of June 11 at the Quarry Golf Course in Brooksville.

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

The cost is $60 per child per week, with ages 9 to 17 eligible. Classes will run from 9 a.m. to noon each day, Monday through Friday. Students are encouraged to bring a bottle of water with them.

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

SOUTHERN HILLS 5K: The Red Mule Runners Club will have its fifth annual Run Through the Hills Southern Hills 5K on Saturday at Southern Hills Country Club in Brooksville.

The 5K run will begin at 8 a.m., while a 1-mile run will start at 8:45. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. Entry fees are $20 for the 5K and $10 for the 1-mile run. A $5 fee will be added for those who sign up the day of the race. T-shirts are guaranteed for everyone who preregisters.

Register online at raceit.com or visit redmulerunners.com for race information. All proceeds will benefit the Red Mule Runners Scholarship Fund and the Monique Burr Foundation for Children.

For information, call Chuck Boldt at (352) 688-6484.

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

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

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

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

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

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

The 2012 Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken the field for the first time, kicking off a three-day minicamp here at One Buc Place with a spirited workout, the team's first under new coach Greg Schiano.

Just after the start of the workout, Schiano bellowed to his players: "It is a game of details and it starts here!"

And with that, the Bucs began a quick-tempo, high-intensity practice that didn't suggest that it's mid-April. It was a clear attempt to set a very serious and demanding tone by the new coach, who had players doing everything with a full-speed sprint.

In terms of attendance, the Bucs got a good showing. Most of last season's injured players were on the field participating, including defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, safety Cody Grimm and safety Devin Holland.

Not in attendance: Kicker Connor Barth, the team's designated franchise player who hasn't yet signed his tender. Barth's absence is not a major issue given the fact that kickers play only a small role in a minicamp held in mid-April. Furthermore, this camp is voluntary, meaning players can't be forced to attend nor can they be punished for not attending.

But Barth's decision not to attend is an indication that he's potentially willing to sit out for quite some time while the team decides whether to grant him the long-term extension he's been seeking. How long is Barth willing to drag things out?

Time will tell, but this much is true: There's little incentive for him to show up anytime soon, so don't be surprised if he doesn't.

We also got a first look at some of the team's offseason acquisitions, including receiver Vincent Jackson, guard Carl Nicks, cornerback Eric Wright and defensive tackle Amobi Okoye. Tight end Kellen Winslow and cornerback Aqib Talib also were in attendance.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TAMPA — Laura Fountain didn't know the opposing player she saw writhing in pain after a nasty outfield collision shattered her leg.

But the USF catcher knew two days later Summer Comstock would be lonely on Easter Sunday. Comstock's St. John's teammates had packed up and returned to New York after the game.

So Fountain packed up an Easter basket and headed to Florida Hospital Tampa near the USF campus to visit the St. John's player with two broken bones in her right leg.

"I wanted her to know someone was thinking about her," said Fountain, a pre-med student for the 40-6 Bulls who will graduate next month with a degree in biomedical sciences. "We were all thinking about her. She's going through so much, so having somebody to talk to, even for a little bit, would help take her mind off just sitting in a hospital."

Fountain has visited Comstock several times since the April 6 injury, offering the welcome gifts of friendship, conversation and even a milkshake and M&Ms.

"She seems totally like someone I would hang out with," said Comstock, who has had multiple surgeries but hoped to be released late Tuesday. "She would come by, and we just talked and talked, but it was a lot of fun."

Comstock, whose parents had flown in after the injury from Utah, had titanium rods surgically inserted in both bones, but had a harrowing experience the next day when she was rushed into emergency surgery due to a painful reaction known as "compartment syndrome," which can lead to amputation. Her leg was saved, but she has been told she will not be able to walk for another two or three months as she recovers at home in Utah.

Comstock wants to return to play softball for St. John's and has a redshirt year available to give her more time for a full recovery, but she's also excited about what really brought her there, the school's sports management program. She landed a three-month internship at Nike headquarters in Oregon, and won't let the injury keep her from that experience in June.

"She's such a fun person, so positive," Fountain said. "To be able to go through what she's going through and be so positive, it was good to be around someone like that. It helped me."

By Jackie Otto, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

What's hot: Tarpon fishing is lukewarm but is about to become the hot ticket. Many tarpon-seeking Florida visitors head to more famous areas, such as the Florida Keys and Charlotte Harbor. Many do not know about the tarpon in Tampa Bay. This week we have new-moon tides, which will provide strong incoming and outgoing currents, and turn on a tarpon eating frenzy. Our spring migration is early, and the tarpon are here.

Techniques: If you have never fished for tarpon, Tampa Bay has many experienced guides. Or try it on your own by setting up just outside passes on an outgoing tide or inside on an incoming tide. You can anchor near a major bridge, cast baits uptide, allow them to drift back, then cast again leaving one rod in the holder behind your boat dead-sticking. Or you can drift through the bridge with the tide and allow bait to swim naturally.

Tips: The new moon means strong afternoon outgoing tides this week. Daylight savings allows for fishing most of the late day's outgoing tide. Passes from Egmont to Dunedin will be productive. By-catches from pompano, mangrove snapper and mackerel will be available for line tightening and good eating.

Jackie Otto can be reached at Betts Fishing Center at (727) 518-7637 and jackieotto@msn.com.

Times staff, wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Hillsborough Community College women's point guard Yashira "Cheetah" Delgado signed Tuesday with Florida State.

Delgado, a 5-foot-2 player from Kissimmee, led the National Junior College Athletic Association in assists with 10.8 per game. She also averaged 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.8 steals (fourth-most in the NJCAA).

"We are very excited to add 'Cheetah' to our family," coach Sue Semrau said in a statement. "She has the potential to make an immediate impact."

Delgado spent the 2010-11 season at Arkansas before transferring to the Hawks.

Brown to lead SMU

Larry Brown, the only coach to win an NCAA title and an NBA championship, agreed to become head coach of the SMU men's team, ESPN.com reported.

Brown, 71, has not coached since 2010, when he resigned from the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats.

The website said Brown offered Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich a "coach-in-waiting position." Jankovich is expected to accept the job, leaving a team that returns every key player from a 21-14 season, ESPN.com reported.

dorrell departs: Jessica Dorrell, the former mistress of fired football coach Bobby Petrino, resigned as the football team's student-athlete development coordinator and received $14,000. Athletic director Jeff Long said the decision was mutual and that there are no immediate plans to fill the job.

BOWLING GREEN: Associate head coach Jennifer Roos was promoted to take over the women's basketball team, replacing Curt Miller, who left to take the head coaching job at Indiana last month.

BUCKNELL: University of Chicago coach Aaron Roussell was hired to take over the Bison women's basketball team. Roussell spent eight years at Division III Chicago.

FOOTBALL: Michigan State quarterback Andrew Maxwell could miss the rest of spring practice after spraining his right knee Saturday. … Arkansas backup linebacker Tyler Gilbert was arrested and charged with aggravated residential burglary and theft of property for his role in an apartment break-in in Fayetteville, Ark. … Notre Dame tight end Mike Ragone signed a grant-in-aid form to complete his transfer to Kansas, where he will be reunited with coach Charlie Weis.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TAMPA — Laura Fountain didn't know the opposing player she saw writhing in pain after a nasty outfield collision shattered her leg.

But the USF catcher knew that two days later, Summer Comstock would be lonely on Easter Sunday. Comstock's St. John's teammates had packed up and returned to New York after the game.

So Fountain packed up an Easter basket and headed to Florida Hospital Tampa near the USF campus to visit the St. John's player with two broken bones in her right leg.

"I wanted her to know someone was thinking about her," said Fountain, a pre-med student for the 40-6 Bulls who will graduate next month with a degree in biomedical sciences. "We were all thinking about her. She's going through so much, so having somebody to talk to, even for a little bit, would help take her mind off just sitting in a hospital."

Fountain has visited Comstock several times since the April 6 injury, offering the welcome gifts of friendship, conversation and a milkshake and M&Ms.

"She seems totally like someone I would hang out with," said Comstock, who has had multiple surgeries but hoped to be released late Tuesday. "She would come by, and we just talked and talked, but it was a lot of fun."

Comstock, whose parents had flown in from Utah after the injury, had titanium rods surgically inserted in both bones. She had a harrowing experience the next day when she was rushed into emergency surgery due to a painful reaction known as "compartment syndrome," which can lead to amputation. Her leg was saved, but she has been told she can't walk for another two or three months as she recovers at home in Utah.

Comstock wants to return to play softball for St. John's and has a redshirt year available to give her more time for a full recovery, but she's also excited about what really brought her there, the school's sports management program. She landed a three-month internship at Nike headquarters in Oregon, and won't let the injury keep her from that experience in June.

"She's such a fun person, so positive," Fountain said. "To be able to go through what she's going through and be so positive, it was good to be around someone like that. It helped me."

usf football: Coach Skip Holtz expects senior defensive tackle Cory Grissom (broken ankle) to miss about three months, telling a booster gathering that he's "encouraged" about the defensive leader being able to play this season.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

CLEVELAND — Johnny Damon has left the on-deck circle. He's officially with the Indians.

Next stop: The starting lineup — and maybe the 3,000-hit club.

Damon, 38, who spent last season with the Rays, signed a minor-league contract Tuesday, the next step before he joins the major-league club and possibly moves into a permanent spot in leftfield. The sides agreed on a $1.2 million deal last week, when the Indians were off to a sluggish start with a team batting average below .200.

However, GM Chris Antonetti said he had been in talks with Damon and agent Scott Boras long before the Indians opened 1-4. The Indians believe Damon, entering his 17th season and with an impressive resume of postseason experience, can keep them keep climbing in the standings.

"We still think he has some quality baseball in him," Antonetti said.

Last season, Damon batted .261 with 16 homers, 73 RBIs and 19 steals in 150 games as Tampa Bay's DH. It was the 16th consecutive season Damon played at least 140 games, a feat he shares with Hank Aaron, Brooks Robinson and Pete Rose.

Damon, who can earn $1.4 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances, is excited about joining the Indians, his seventh AL team. He'll be reunited with former teammates Shelley Duncan, Derek Lowe and fellow ex-Ray Casey Kotchman.

"They're a team that's building for the future, but they also have a chance to win now," Damon said. "That's a good thing to have. They locked up a few players and I know they might be working on a few more, possibly. It's that right mix. A team that's as youthful as they are, and adding a guy like Derek Lowe during the offseason, and now adding a guy like me, hopefully we can give them a boost and some experience."

Damon is at the team's training complex in Goodyear, Ariz., getting game ready after not being in a spring camp for the first time since he was picked in the first round by the Royals in 1995. Damon, who needs 277 hits to reach 3,000, will likely spend some time with Triple-A Columbus before joining the Indians.

In other Indians news, All-Star SS Asdrubal Cabrera went on the bereavement list after a family death.

HIT REVERSED: Tigers LF Delmon Young, a former Ray, was charged with an error on a play in Friday's game against the White Sox that was originally ruled a triple for Chicago's Alejandro De Aza. Young spun around nearly 360 degrees as he drifted back for De Aza's deep fly and missed the ball completely.

CUBS: RH reliever Kerry Wood had a cortisone injection in his sore pitching shoulder and is out until at least Friday.

D'BACKS: RF Justin Upton had an MRI exam on his jammed left thumb, and a DL stint is possible.

METS: The team is planning a video tribute to former SS Jose Reyes when his new team, the Marlins, visits Citi Field on April 24. Reyes spent his first nine seasons with New York before signing with Miami in the offseason.

ORIOLES: C Luis Exposito was claimed off waivers from the Red Sox, and former top 3B prospect Josh Bell was designated for assignment.

REDS: INF Miguel Cairo, a regular on the 1998 expansion Rays, went on the 15-day disabled list with an injured hamstring. INF Todd Frazier was called up from Triple-A Louisville.

RED SOX: CF Jacoby Ellsbury, who suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder Friday against the Rays, will not need immediate surgery, manager Bobby Valentine said. He's expected to miss up to two months.

TWINS: RHP Scott Baker had elbow ligament replacement surgery. He originally was to have an operation to repair the flexor pronator tendon in his right elbow, but Mets medical director Dr. David Altchek determined the ulnar collateral ligament needed to be replaced.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Kentucky's starting lineup of three freshmen and two sophomores did most everything together. Now, they will go their separate ways in the NBA.

Freshmen Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Marquis Teague and sophomores Terrence Jones and Doron Lamb declared for the draft in a nationally televised news conference Tuesday night.

"We made it work," Jones said. "We all wanted to be there and do it together like we've done everything else together."

The group, all clad in similar blue UK golf shirts, came into the season largely untested before ascending to No. 1, winning the SEC in dominating fashion and capping an NCAA Tournament run with a 67-59 victory over Kansas in the title game for the school's eighth championship.

"It's been a great opportunity playing here, I'll miss this team, the way we played together. We all love each other," said Davis, who won every major player of the year award and is likely the No. 1 pick in June's draft. "I'm just going to miss this place. We won an NCAA championship here and did a lot. We all did a lot for this school and I'm going to miss it."

The five join seniors Darius Miller, who is also projected to be drafted, and Eloy Vargas in leaving the program.

"This is a players first program. I said it three years ago. During the season, it's about our team. You saw it in this year's team, they were about each other," coach John Calipari said. "When the season is over, it's about moments like this."

The departures mean only freshman Kyle Wiltjer remains from last season's rotation.

Kidd-Gilchrist appeared emotional for a few moments and later said his mother, Cindy Richardson, wanted him to return to school since he was one of the youngest players in Division I after turning 18 in September. He has other plans for her.

"I want to spoil my mom. I think I'm going to spoil my mom to death. That's one thing I'm looking forward to," said Kidd-Gilchrist, who plans to buy her a watch for starters.

Laura Keeley, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS — With a tie for the Class 4A state team title on the line, the stage was set for Plant seniors Natalie Franklin and Claire-Mitchell Andrews in their No. 2 doubles match against Palmetto. And amid a hostile crowd featuring players from a few opposing teams cheering against Plant, sometimes absent FHSAA officiating during key points and a tougher-than-expected opponent, Franklin and Andrews fought back to take the match and a share of the team title, 4-6, 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-4).

Ives Estates Dr. Krop, leading the cheers against Plant, had to settle for a tie after Plant won three points in doubles to clinch a share.

Franklin and Andrews defended their No. 2 doubles title from last year, which also sealed the state championship for Plant. Interestingly, though, the seniors weren't slated to play together until freshman Erica Oosterhout tore her ACL over the weekend. With Oosterhout, Plant's regular No. 4, out, Franklin slid up from her No. 5 spot and back into position as Andrews' partner.

"I wasn't expecting ever to be playing No. 4 in doubles," Franklin said, with a smile and a face full of tears. "It was really upsetting when I was No. 5, but I accepted it. And when I found out that I got the chance to play doubles. …"

"We just wanted to play together our senior year," Andrews finished for her.

The last-minute change also let Franklin defend her No. 4 singles title with a 5-7, 6-3, 6-0 win over Dr. Krop's Dominique Henry. Like last year, she was the only Plant player to win a singles title. But thanks to her nearly three-hour clinching match with Andrews and an earlier 6-0, 6-2 victory from No. 1 doubles pair Blair Martin and Gabby Rodriguez, Plant brought the state title trophy back to South Tampa for the second year in a row.

First-year coach Margaret Drumsta, Andrews and Franklin all agreed though: this year was more intense.

"I was nervous after that first set, but knowing how my girls play, I had hopes," Drumsta said. "Claire-Mitchell and Natalie, probably the goofiest, most fun pair of doubles out there, they know what it takes. As seniors, they knew what it takes to get it done. I just wish I didn't have so many gray hairs after it."

As winners of No. 1 team doubles, Martin and Rodriguez will play today against the winner of the individual No. 1 doubles bracket for the overall championship.

The Plant boys, some of whom stayed to cheer the girls, finished Tuesday when Tristan Kaye and Alec Josepher, the lone Panthers to play on the second day, lost their No. 1 doubles semifinal match to Westin Cypress Bay, 5-7, 4-6.

CLASS 2A: Jesuit's No. 1 doubles pair, juniors Jamie Sullivan and Jordan Nasser, battled back from 5-2 holes in both sets during their semifinal match at Red Bug Lake Park. But the Tigers couldn't complete the comeback, losing to Ponte Vedra's Casey Austgen and Jacob Davis 6-7 (3-7), 4-6.

About 30 minutes before Jesuit's season ended, Academy of the Holy Names finished up as well. Senior Sarah Port and eighth-grader Korina Hernandez-Zimring, the No. 2 doubles team, lost to Plantation American Heritage's Sofia Borcuti and Chiara Goodman 6-1 6-1.

By Rick Stroud and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TAMPA — The Bucs' oldest player may be asked to learn a new position.

CB Ronde Barber, 37, who recently agreed to return for a 16th season, took reps at safety during the first minicamp Tuesday under new coach Greg Schiano.

Last week the Bucs released S Tanard Jackson and have only four safeties on the roster: Cody Grimm, Larry Asante, Ahmad Black and Devin Holland. Only Grimm has started a regular-season game.

The Bucs signed Lions free agent CB Eric Wright to a five-year contract and also have CB Aqib Talib, who is scheduled to go on trial June 25 in Texas on charges of assault with a deadly weapon.

Barber may be asked to provide depth at safety or possibly play there during the regular season.

"That's one of those (experiments)," Schiano said. "I think Ronde can certainly do it and did a good job (Tuesday). How do we get the best 11 on the field?''

There are other safety possibilities on the roster, Schiano said, and the position can be addressed in free agency and the draft.

Barber was unavailable for comment.

Shortly after signing a one-year, $3 million contract last month, the five-time Pro Bowl selection indicated that at 5 feet 10, 184 pounds, he might be too small for safety.

"I'm tiny," he said. "I'll fit in where I fit in. They know that I'm here to help this team win, no matter what role I'm in."

LB MOVES: The Bucs are considering several moves at linebacker, where they haven't replaced departed weak-side starter Geno Hayes and are undecided about whether Mason Foster will continue to be the middle linebacker.

Tuesday the team experimented with Quincy Black in the middle and had him running the defensive huddle and making defensive calls. Foster handled those responsibilities last season.

"We're so preliminary at this point, trying to figure out what's the best way to do it," Schiano said. "Not just to run the huddle, but if he's doing that, maybe somebody else can look at something else and make calls. We'll figure out who the best guys are to do that. But I think Quincy has some maturity about him. You know, he's been doing this for a little bit."

ROLL CALL: Schiano said all but one player he expected to attend the voluntary camp did; he didn't name the player. Also not attending was K Connor Barth, the designated franchise player. He hasn't signed his tender and hopes for a long-term extension.

TRYOUT PLAYERS: The Bucs had five participants who are in the camp on a tryout basis:

RB Robert Hughes (Notre Dame), FB/TE Richard Kay (Central Florida), DT Ayanga Okpokowuruk (Duke), DT Landon Cohen (Ohio) and S Ron Gerault (Rutgers).

KICKER CLAIMED: The Bucs claimed Kai Forbath off waivers, giving them a third kicker. The Bucs didn't say if the acquisition was related to Barth's status. Forbath — who at UCLA won the 2009 Lou Groza Award, given to the top college kicker — spent last season with the Cowboys on the reserve/non-football injury list with a quadriceps injury.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Nationals 1, Astros 0

WASHINGTON — Gio Gonzalez earned his first win in his third start with Washington, pitching seven dominant innings as the Nationals improved to 9-3, their best start since moving from Montreal in 2005. Gonzalez, acquired from the Athletics in the offseason, earned a standing ovation at the plate when he flied out to the warning track. Brad Lidge gave up a double to his first hitter in the ninth and walked the next before retiring three in a row.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TORONTO — LHP David Price has had one decent start this season and one poor one. But as he takes the mound in Toronto tonight, he insists he is equipped for success.

"Honestly," he said, "my stuff right now is better than it's ever been in my entire life. My fastball velocity, my changeup, my curveball. Everything feels good. I've got to get it together, put it together."

Price, who lasted three innings vs. a patient Boston lineup Friday, insists the solution is simple: "I've got to throw more strikes."

There's something to that, as in his win over the Yankees and loss to the Red Sox Price has thrown only 56.3 percent of his pitches (83 of 190) for strikes (and balls hit).

But manager Joe Maddon said there is a little more to it, specifically Price — in his fourth year in the rotation — learning to make better use of his arsenal, especially his fastball.

"We're doing the under-the-hood work regarding pitches, pitch selection, that kind of thing," Maddon said. "With him, it's still about being able to put together all these different pitches that he's throwing and doing an efficient job with it. Because I really believe he's a better pitcher with a better delivery, better strike-throwing ability than he was two years ago (when he was 19-6, 2.72). With no doubt."

UPTON UPDATE: CF B.J. Upton (lower back soreness) is "really, really close" to completing his rehab, Maddon said, but a Tuesday rainout in Montgomery, Ala., will seemingly push his return to the Rays back until Friday.

Maddon had said before Tuesday's game that it was "not out of the question" Upton could come to Toronto. But he is now scheduled to play both games of the Biscuits doubleheader today, centerfield in the opener, DH in the nightcap, making the "probably" Friday return more likely.

The Rays are as concerned about Upton being physically ready (running, playing on turf) as his actual baseball skills. And Maddon acknowledged that Upton may struggle initially as he hasn't seen major-league pitching in more than a month. "I would not expect too much offensively too soon," Maddon said. "The biggest thing is that he's well and he's able to play pretty much on a daily basis."

MR. EVERYTHING: RHP Brandon Gomes made an impressive return to the bullpen, with Maddon planning to use him in assorted roles, from long relief to late-inning work. "He's kind of a utility relief pitcher," Maddon said. "He fits all the roles, he never complains, he stays ready."

Gomes was sent to Triple A at the end of spring training so he could have more time to work his way back into top form following offseason back surgery. After five appearances at Durham (no runs, two hits), he said it was clearly the right decision.

"I needed it," he said. "My mechanics were screwed up in the spring … I feel so much better now than I did a few weeks ago."

DRAFT BREEZE: The draft will be a different experience this year. After having 12 of the first 89 selections last June due to multiple compensation picks from free-agent departures, the Rays will have one of the first 87.

In the order released Tuesday by MLB, the Rays pick 25th then not again until 88th. The Rays didn't get any compensation picks, nor lose any, though two were awarded for signings they made (thus pushing their second selection back a few spots): the Cubs at 56 for Carlos Peña, the Jays at 60 for Jose Molina.

MISCELLANY: Rookie Stephen Vogt popped out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh, breaking the team record with 13 hitless at-bats at the start of a career. He had been tied with RHP Jeff Niemann. … Monday was the first 1-0 game decided by a bases-loaded walk since May 1, 2009, Dodgers over Padres, and the first won by the Rays. … ESPN2 picked up the April 25 game with the Angels.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TORONTO — LHP David Price has had one decent start this season and one poor one. But as he takes the mound in Toronto tonight, he insists he is equipped for success.

"Honestly," he said, "my stuff right now is better than it's ever been in my entire life. My fastball velocity, my changeup, my curveball. Everything feels good. I've got to get it together, put it together."

Price, who lasted three innings vs. a patient Boston lineup Friday, insists the solution is simple: "I've got to throw more strikes."

There's something to that, as in his win over the Yankees and loss to the Red Sox Price has thrown only 56.3 percent of his pitches (83 of 190) for strikes (and balls hit).

But manager Joe Maddon said there is a little more to it, specifically Price — in his fourth year in the rotation — learning to make better use of his arsenal, especially his fastball.

"We're doing the under-the-hood work regarding pitches, pitch selection, that kind of thing," Maddon said. "With him, it's still about being able to put together all these different pitches that he's throwing and doing an efficient job with it. Because I really believe he's a better pitcher with a better delivery, better strike-throwing ability than he was two years ago (when he was 19-6, 2.72). With no doubt."

LEFTY ON LEFTY: Maddon seemed to be going unconventional by starting four lefty hitters against Jays LHP Ricky Romero, but he said their intel is that Romero is a "reverse-split" pitcher, meaning lefties do better, and if he could he would have started nine lefties.

Romero didn't take it well: "I really don't care what he has to say or what his mind-set is against me. If he has nine lefties against me, I'll find a way to win and that's just the bottom line. Obviously there have been days where those guys have been successful against me from the left side and there have been those days where I've come out on top. He can do whatever he wants, I'm not worried about that, I just go out there and pitch."

UPTON UPDATE: CF B.J. Upton (lower back soreness) is "really, really close" to completing his rehab, Maddon said, but a Tuesday rainout in Montgomery, Ala., will seemingly push his return to the Rays back until Friday.

Maddon had said before Tuesday's game that it was "not out of the question" Upton could come to Toronto. But he is now scheduled to play both games of the Biscuits doubleheader today, centerfield in the opener, DH in the nightcap, making the "probably" Friday return more likely.

The Rays are as concerned about Upton being physically ready (running, playing on turf) as his actual baseball skills. And Maddon acknowledged that Upton may struggle initially as he hasn't seen major-league pitching in more than a month.

MR. EVERYTHING: RHP Brandon Gomes made an impressive return to the bullpen, with Maddon planning to use him in assorted roles, from long relief to late-inning work. "He's kind of a utility relief pitcher," Maddon said. Gomes was sent to Triple A at the end of spring training to work his way back into top form following offseason back surgery. After five appearances at Durham (no runs, two hits), he said it was clearly the right decision. "I needed it," he said.

DRAFT BREEZE: After having 12 of the first 89 picks in last year's draft, due to multiple compensation picks from free-agent departures, the Rays will have only two in the top 100: 25th and 88th.

MISCELLANY: Rookie Stephen Vogt popped out as a pinch-hitter in the seventh, breaking the team record with 13 hitless at-bats at the start of a career. He had been tied with RHP Jeff Niemann. … Monday was the first 1-0 game decided by a bases-loaded walk since May 1, 2009, Dodgers over Padres, and the first won by the Rays.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

AUTOS

RAHAL GIVEN PROBATION FOR INDYCAR WRECK

Graham Rahal was placed on probation for six races by IndyCar on Tuesday for his role in an accident with Marco Andretti.

Reviews showed Rahal was guilty of blocking and initiating avoidable contact Sunday on Lap 22 at Long Beach, series race director Beaux Barfield said. Andretti's car hit the back of Rahal's, launched briefly into the air and spun into a tire barrier.

The probation runs through June 23. Neither driver commented through their teams and Rahal posted on Twitter: "I know everyone wants a good quote from me as I've been good for a few in the past, but no comment today."

NASCAR: X Games star Travis Pastrana has a guaranteed spot for his Nationwide series debut next week at Richmond. He will race a Toyota fielded jointly between Michael Waltrip Racing and RAB Racing.

ET CETERA

SOCCER: Mario Gomez scored in the 90th minute to lead host Bayern Munich past Real Madrid 2-1 in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal. The second leg is next week in Madrid.

TENNIS: Kim Clijsters, still recovering from a hip injury, will skip the clay season including the French Open. … On his 27th birthday, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-2, 6-4 to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters.

HOCKEY: Frankie Vatrano scored the winner in the third period to lead the United States past Canada 5-3 at the world under-18 championship in Brno, Czech Republic.

Times wires

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

TAMPA — Panthers quarterback Cam Newton last season became the first rookie to throw for 4,000 yards and the first signal caller to rush for 14 touchdowns.

He may also be the last player you would want to make your NFL coaching debut against, but that is the task facing Greg Schiano.

The Bucs kick off the regular season, and the Schiano era, against Newton and the Panthers in a 4:15 p.m. game Sept. 9 at Raymond James Stadium.

This is the fourth straight year the Bucs will open the season at home.

Newton, the NFL's rookie of the year, had career performances in beating the Bucs twice last season. He rushed for three touchdowns and passed for another in the Panthers' 38-19 win Dec. 4 at Raymond James Stadium and passed for three TDs and ran for one in a 48-16 win at Carolina on Christmas Eve.

After opening with the NFC South rival Panthers, the Bucs have a three-game stretch against the NFC East, with games at the defending Super Bowl champion Giants, at the Cowboys and home against the Redskins, who now employ as an assistant Schiano's fired predecessor, Raheem Morris.

The Bucs, who were 4-12 in 2011, have one prime time game: Oct. 25, a Thursday, at Minnesota.

All four of the Bucs' games against the AFC West make up the middle of the schedule. The Bucs play Kansas City on Oct. 14, Oakland on Nov. 4, San Diego on Nov. 11 and Peyton Manning and the Broncos on Dec. 2.

Tampa Bay's bye week comes in the fifth week of the season, Oct. 7. The Bucs return from that to host the Chiefs and the Saints at Raymond James Stadium.

The Bucs mostly dodged cold winter weather. Their only December road game outside the South is the Broncos game. Not only are their two other December road games in the South, they are in domed stadiums: at New Orleans on Dec. 16 and at Atlanta on Dec. 30 for the regular-season finale.

All three of the Bucs' divisional road games — also at Carolina on Nov. 18 — fall during the final seven weeks of the season.

The Bucs have six games against 2011 playoff teams, including their two each against the NFC South rival Saints and Falcons.

2012 Bucs schedule

PRESEASON

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Yankees 8, Twins 3

NEW YORK — CC Sabathia shook off early trouble to get a rare April win for New York, and backup catcher Chris Stewart hit a go-ahead two-run single and had three RBIs for the first time in his career. After falling behind 3-1 in the third, Sabathia didn't allow a hit and retired 13 in a row during one stretch. He is 7-4 in March and April since joining the Yankees in 2009 and 18-14 through April in his career.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Braves 9, Mets 3

ATLANTA — Atlanta beat New York for the first time in five games this season, handing Johan Santana the shortest start of his career. Tyler Pastornicky's two-run double highlighted a five-run second that finished Santana. Jason Bay dropped a fly ball and Ike Davis made a wild throw that led to two unearned runs.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

MIAMI — There was no protest and just one heckler. The only boos were directed toward the plate umpire, and by the eighth inning Ozzie Guillen's Marlins had the crowd in such a happy frenzy that the roar shook the clubhouse.

Guillen made a victorious return to the dugout Tuesday night, and pitchers Josh Johnson and Heath Bell snapped out of early slumps to help beat the Cubs 5-2.

When the dugout emptied and Guillen joined his players on the field for the postgame celebration, there were only cheers from the crowd.

"It was great to perform and hug Ozzie again," Bell said. "We really want to win for him and try to put all that other stuff behind him."

Guillen returned from a five-game suspension imposed after his comments praising Fidel Castro caused a backlash in South Florida, especially among Cuban Americans.

Johnson pitched seven strong innings and Bell earned the save after several rocky outings. Hanley Ramirez broke a tie at 2 with a three-run homer in the eighth.

For Guillen, the win was a relief.

"Thank God this day is over with," he said.

No demonstrations targeted at Guillen were evident, although a screaming fan in the second deck did call the manager an insulting name several times midway through the game. There were boos when Guillen ran onto the field to complain about a call in the seventh, but they were for the ump.

Guillen said what he heard from the crowd was supportive.

"Everything was pretty nice," he said. "It made my day a little easier. I appreciate the way people were, not just with me but with the team."

Some fans had pledged to stay away in protest. Announced attendance was 24,544, by far the smallest in five games at the Marlins' new ballpark.

The rally in the eighth started when Jose Reyes reached on second baseman Darwin Barney's error. Ramirez homered two batters later.

Times wires
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

NEW YORK — Peyton Manning's first game as Broncos quarterback will come in prime time as Denver hosts Pittsburgh on the opening Sunday of the season, Sept. 9.

"(That) obviously will be an interesting way to start the season," Steelers president Art Rooney said Tuesday after the league released the schedules for all 32 teams.

That is one of four prime-time games in kickoff week, Sept. 5-10. On Sept. 5, the Super Bowl champion Giants host the Cowboys in the first Wednesday game since 1948. The league moved the game to avoid a conflict with President Barack Obama's Thursday night speech at the Democratic National Convention.

The Monday night opening doubleheader has Cincinnati at Baltimore, followed by San Diego at Oakland.

A 14-week package of Thursday night games begins in Week 2 with Chicago at Green Bay. The Thanksgiving games are Houston at Detroit, Washington at Dallas and, in prime time, New England at the Jets.

With 16 Thursday games, every team will have one short week. Every teams plays once on a Thursday, and none has a bye on the Sunday preceding the game.

The Super Bowl is Feb. 3 at New Orleans and will be televised by CBS.

dolphins: Linebacker Gary Guyton signed after spending the past four seasons with the Patriots, the team said. No terms were announced. Veteran receiver Legedu Naanee signed a one-year contract, his agent said. No details were announced.

jaguars: All-Pro running back Maurice Jones-Drew, who led the league in rushing last year, skipped the opening day of the team's voluntary orientation for veterans. Jones-Drew married his longtime girlfriend April 1 in California. "Maybe he's on a really, really good honeymoon," new coach Mike Mularkey said. General manager Gene Smith did not respond to an email from the Associated Press seeking comment. Jones-Drew's agent, Adisa Bakari, did not return a phone call.

Saints: Under the terms of his seasonlong suspension for his role in the team's bounty program, coach Sean Payton is not allowed to have any contact with the organization or anyone around the NFL, and if he does, must report it to league executive Ray Anderson, ESPN reported. Payton's suspension began Monday and ends the day after the 2013 Super Bowl.

vikings: After a Minnesota House committee killed a bill geared toward getting the team a new stadium, Gov. Mark Dayton said, "we've got to get a stadium next year or the Vikings will leave." The team has never said it would leave if it didn't get a new stadium.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Rays at Blue Jays

When/where: 7:07 tonight; Rogers Centre, Toronto

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Probable pitchers

Rays: LH David Price (1-1, 4.82)

Jays: RH Brandon Morrow (0-0, 2.57)

Watch for …

Price check: Price is coming off a rough outing in Boston, lasting only three innings while throwing 83 pitches. He is 9-2, 2.06 vs. Jays, including 3-0, 3.46 in four starts in Toronto.

On the morrow: The fan club hasn't started yet for Morrow, who led the AL with 10.19 strikeouts per 9 IP in 2011. He is 4-3, 2.26 in 12 games vs. the Rays.

On deck

Thursday: at Blue Jays, 7:07, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 3.29); Jays — Henderson Alvarez (0-0, 2.77)

Marc Topkin. Times staff writer

Cable TV commercial of the day

Manager Joe Maddon being featured on HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel was only fitting, since Maddon has been a longtime fan of the cable network. His top five shows: Arli$$, Boardwalk Empire, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Entourage (right) and The Sopranos.

Quote of the day

"I got up at 8:30 (Tuesday); it was like sleeping till the middle of the day like back in college."

Manager Joe Maddon, welcoming the first night game after eight straight day games.

Vacation planning tip of the day

The NFL schedule has the Bucs playing at the New York Giants Sept. 16. The Rays are also in New York that weekend, playing the Yankees 14-16.