By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

The situation

Bucs coach Greg Schiano says he prefers bell cow running backs, players who can stay on the field every down and shoulder the rushing load. LeGarrette Blount, who led the team in rushing the past two seasons, has heretofore been fairly one-dimensional as an inside runner who isn't involved in the passing game. Moreover, Blount has fumbled nine times in two seasons, losing six. The only other tailback on the roster is seldom used second-year pro Mosis Madu. Remember, Schiano had Ravens franchise running back Ray Rice elevate his program at Rutgers. The Bucs will work with Blount to determine if he can be used more in the passing game, which is what the last coaching staff spent two seasons trying to do unsuccessfully. Regardless, the Bucs will address the position early in the draft and there are quality players deep into the second round.

What they're looking for

Alabama's Trent Richardson is the gold standard at running back in the NFL draft this season. Some say he compares favorably to the Vikings' Adrian Peterson. Richardson has lost only one fumble in more than 600 touches at Alabama and he would instantly give the Bucs an identity on offense. Even Blount, who is on record as not wanting the Bucs to take Richardson with the No. 5 overall pick, says he would welcome him as a teammate. The chance of Richardson lasting until the fifth pick has diminished and he likely will be gone to the Cleveland Browns one choice earlier. So the Bucs need to find a running back who can compliment Blount by being used in the passing game.

Fitting the bill

There's depth at the running back position in the draft. Realistically, the Bucs have to consider a player such as Boise State's Doug Martin, a powerful back in his own right with the speed and explosion to get to the corner and the ability to become an asset in the passing game. Further down the draft board are players such as Oregon's LaMichael James, a shifty running back who could be effective immediately on third down. LeGarrette and LaMichael in an all Ducks' backfield. The Bucs may take a quack at it.

Top 10

Best guess

The Bucs most likely won't trade up with the Minnesota Vikings at No. 3 to take Richardson. He probably won't be there at No. 5 for Tampa Bay. That means they address the running back position in the second or third round. Martin may be the best fit for a bell-cow back that Schiano covets.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Albert Pujols comes to Tropicana Field this week for the second time in his illustrious career, and there's a good chance he will put on a show.

But there was a real possibility Pujols could have called the Trop home.

Tampa Bay Midwest scout Fernando Arango was a huge Pujols proponent before the 1999 draft and got as far as convincing his bosses to invite the then-thick-bodied junior college shortstop in for a private workout, the only team to do so.

But it didn't go particularly well. "Just an ugly workout," then-scouting director Dan Jennings recalled. Pujols was unimpressive at the plate and so awkward in the field they had him put on catcher's gear.

"That's the opportunity you look for, but that doesn't guarantee they're going to draft you or sign you," Pujols recalled last week to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County (Calif.) Register. "There's so many guys there. You just go where they tell you. I hit, took a little infield."

The Rays didn't deem Pujols worthy, pegging him as a potential second-day, round 30-plus, pick. The 29 other teams didn't deem him worthy, either. He lasted until the 13th round — 402nd overall — when St. Louis took a $60,000 flyer, which worked out okay.

Overall, the Rays' '99 draft was fruitful. They landed Josh Hamilton, Carl Crawford, Doug Waechter and Seth McClung. And more so under the present regime, the Rays have done well in their decision-making. But Pujols will forever be known as the one — and perhaps the biggest one — who got away from the Rays.

Here are a few others:

Jose Bautista

He didn't look like a two-time American League home run champ in 2004 when he was claimed on waivers from the Orioles (who got him in the Rule 5 draft from Pittsburgh) and then, after three weeks and a .167 average, was sold to the Royals for $50,000.

Josh Hamilton

The '99 No. 1 overall pick jeopardized his career, and his life, with drug issues that led to multiple suspensions. The Rays helped get him back in the game in 2006 but left him exposed in the Rule 5 draft and lost him for $50,000.

Bobby Abreu

He was taken in the expansion draft, then traded infamously by former GM Chuck LaMar to the Phillies for middling SS Kevin Stocker.

Buster Posey

SS Tim Beckham is playing regularly at Triple A at 22 and may yet become the impact player he was projected as being as the No. 1 pick of the 2008 draft. But unless he does become that, his pick will look like a mistake because Posey, taken fifth by the Giants, could have been a long-term answer behind the plate.

And more …

RHP John Burkett was released at the end of spring training 2000, then went on to win 10 games for the playoff-bound Braves, 47 total the next four years. … 1B Mark Teixeira sent word he wouldn't sign if the Rays drafted him No. 3 in 2003, so they instead took RHP Dewon Brazelton. … SS Cesar Izturis was set to be acquired from Toronto in 2001 for C Mike DiFelice, but ownership killed the deal. … OF Andrew McCutchen was targeted in the 2005 draft, but with ownership in flux, the Rays went low end with RHP Wade Townsend. … OF Matt Diaz was lost on waivers in February 2005 and went on to play every day for the Braves and Pirates.

Dotted line …

Among players the Rays drafted but didn't sign:

RHP Heath Bell (1997), RHP Nick Blackburn and OF Luke Scott (2000), RHP Mike Pelfrey and OF Jacoby Ellsbury (2002), 1B Ike Davis (2005).

Rays rumblings

Forget ESPN'S Outside the Lines and HBO's Real Sports, Joe Maddon has really made the big time: The satire website the Onion did a "story" on him, creating a new position: "thwartstop." … Sometimes it is all in a name: Boston baseball writers sent Maddon an award with his first name spelled "Jon"; Baseball America sent one with his last name "Madden." … The radio and TV crews have stepped up their road work, adding postgame manager and player interviews. … RHP Lance Pendleton, signed last week for Triple A Durham, was college roommates at Rice with RHP Jeff Niemann.

Got a minute? Chris Gimenez

Something you're scared of? Snakes. And if dinosaurs were around, I'd be scared of them, too.

Go-to karaoke song? Cold by Crossfade. I did it on the bus the other day, voluntarily.

Favorite TV show? Lost.

What would be your rapper name? Probably Geezy Fresh.

Celebrity crush? Jessica Biel. That's a no-doubter.

By Matt Baker, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

DADE CITY — As they celebrated their 8-4 win over Pasco on Saturday, the Fivay players walked off the field thanking the softball gods: the ones who dried a drenched field from Friday night, and the ones who turned last season's district doormat into this year's district champion.

"Nobody expects a second-year program to jump up," Falcons coach Greg Bollinger said.

But Fivay (16-12) did, rising from a winless district season and 5-18 overall record last spring to knocking off the top two seeds and winning this year's Class 5A, District 8 tournament. The Falcons continued their success Saturday morning after racking up five runs Friday night before rain suspended play. Cristen Pruitt scored in the third to push the lead to six.

That was enough cushion for Fivay ace Jill McElderry, who pitched a complete game and added seven strikeouts to her season total of 154.

"She wanted the ball," Bollinger said. "Her eyes have been seriously locked in this week."

Pasco (18-5) began its comeback with back-to-back RBI singles by Jordan Lane and Sarah Burchfield in the third and another by Kelli Parker in the fourth. Pirates pitcher Emily Pennington struck out 10 Falcons to keep her team in contention.

Fivay tacked on two insurance runs in the seventh with RBI singles by McElderry and Ashlynn Johnson. "That was huge," Bollinger said.

After the softball gods helped the Falcons knock off the defending district champions, Fivay has a chance to make its turnaround even bigger. It hosts Dunnellon in Wednesday's region quarterfinal. Pasco travels to Tavares.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Rangers 10, Tigers 4

GAME 1

DETROIT — Josh Hamilton hit a three-run home run during Texas' eight-run first inning, and Mike Napoli went deep for a fifth straight game to lead the Rangers in the first game of a doubleheader. It was the Rangers' eighth straight win. The Rangers routed Detroit 10-3 on Thursday night, and they picked up where they left off, sending 12 men to the plate in the first inning against Rick Porcello.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Cubs 6, Reds 1

CHICAGO — Paul Maholm pitched six solid innings to earn his first win in nine months, and Chicago stopped a six-game losing streak. Maholm snapped a personal six-game skid, winning for the first time since July 10 for Pittsburgh against the Cubs. Chicago grabbed control with a four-run second inning. Cincinnati has lost six of its past nine games.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Nationals 3, Marlins 2

10 innings

WASHINGTON — Ian Desmond homered and had the winning sacrifice fly for Washington. Wilson Ramos singled to lead off the 10th inning, took third on a throwing error and scored on Desmond's fly as Washington improved to 12-4, its best start since moving from Montreal in 2005.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Mets 5, Giants 4

NEW YORK — Ruben Tejada scored the winner on catcher Buster Posey's throwing error after New York blew a three-run lead. After the Giants had closed within 4-2 in the ninth, Brandon Belt hit a high pop to center. As shortstop Tejada battled the wind, centerfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis charged and overran the ball, which fell for a two-run double.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

While observing the frenetic pace and grueling nature of the Bucs' voluntary minicamp last week, it was difficult not to wonder what some of the team's veterans were thinking.

Were they appalled? Angry? Regretful they didn't stay home?

Turns out, we did not hear any such reactions. In fact, while many admitted to being blindsided by the way new coach Greg Schiano conducted the camp, no player quibbled with whether it was necessary.

"He's re-establishing order," DT Gerald McCoy said. "And he's doing it immediately — on Day 1.

"Nobody's exempt. That means it's going to be a whole organizational turnaround. The whole building is under new rules, and we all have to follow if we're going to get back where we want to be."

So, for example, if your toes aren't on the yard line during a pre-practice calisthenics drill as instructed, you will hear about it — loudly.

And when the staff referred to last week's three-day event as a "camp," it meant it. There was no clocking out at 4 in the afternoon. Players were at One Buc Place from roughly 7 a.m. with some not leaving until past 9 p.m. after jam-packed days of meetings, walkthroughs and practices.

"It was definitely shocking," new DT Amobi Okoye said, only half-joking.

Shocking but not inappropriate.

"A team that has as many young guys as we have definitely needs that because it's hard to police yourself," said CB Ronde Barber, entering his 16th season. "And there aren't enough veteran guys around here to do it. So this is what we need."

Besides the discipline Schiano hopes was instilled during the camp, there could be other payoffs, G Carl Nicks said.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?" Nicks said. "We joked about it in the locker room and said it's kind of like a college atmosphere. But at the same time, if we keep at it at this pace, we'll be the best-conditioned team in the league. It's kind of grueling right now, but it's for a bigger purpose."

McCoy's role: The Bucs will run a different defensive system under Schiano, but it appears at least component will remain constant: a premier interior pass rusher.

That's the logical conclusion after listening to McCoy describe his role in the scheme.

McCoy's job will be to "get upfield and mess something up. They want me to do a little more holding up my (blocker). I'll do what I do within the scheme of the defense. That's not hard for me. Really, they haven't asked me to do something I haven't done. For me, it's pretty much the same. Everybody else had to learn something different."

As for additional elements of the defense, which players are still in the early stages of learning, McCoy said it will not be timid.

"Every gap is filled," he said. "And it's not just filled. It's like every gap is destroyed in same way. People running the ball on us, it's not going to happen. That's just (Schiano's) mind-set and mentality."

Big advantage: Roughly half of the Bucs' 21 assistant coaches came directly from college, and that's become something of a resource ahead of next week's draft.

The Bucs are tapping their knowledge of this class of prospects, many of whom staff members tried to recruit out of high school.

"I think we've had a lot of advantage in terms of getting to know these young men before they even went to college," Bucs GM Mark Dominik said. "They sat in their living rooms.

"They know these young men inside and out in terms of who they are off the football field, which has been an important element for us. It's been a benefit. I hope to be able to use that for the next four or five years as those guys are still going to know the (current) incoming class at their (former) university."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com or (813) 226-3377. Follow him on Twitter at @BucsBeat.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

While observing the frenetic pace and grueling nature of the Bucs' voluntary minicamp last week, it was difficult not to wonder what some of the veterans were thinking.

Were they appalled? Angry? Regretful they didn't stay home?

Turns out we did not hear any such reactions. Though many said they were blindsided by the way new coach Greg Schiano conducted the camp, no player quibbled with whether it was necessary.

"He's re-establishing order," DT Gerald McCoy said. "And he's doing it immediately, on Day 1.

"Nobody's exempt. That means it's going to be a whole organizational turnaround. The whole building is under new rules, and we all have to follow them if we're going to get back where we want to be."

So, for example, if your toes aren't on the yard line during a pre-practice calisthenics drill as instructed, you will hear about it — loudly.

When the staff referred to last week's three-day event as a camp, it meant it. There was no clocking out at 4 in the afternoon. Players were at One Buc Place at roughly 7 a.m. with some not leaving until past 9 p.m. after jam-packed days of meetings, walkthroughs and practices.

"It was definitely shocking," new DT Amobi Okoye said, only half-joking.

Shocking but not inappropriate.

"A team that has as many young guys as we have definitely needs that because it's hard to police yourself," said CB Ronde Barber, entering his 16th season. "And there aren't enough veteran guys around here to do it. So this is what we need."

Besides the discipline Schiano hopes was instilled, there could be other payoffs, G Carl Nicks said.

"Have you ever seen anything like this?" Nicks said. "We joked about it in the locker room and said it's kind of like a college atmosphere. But at the same time, if we keep at it at this pace, we'll be the best-conditioned team in the league. It's kind of grueling right now, but it's for a bigger purpose."

McCoy's role: The Bucs will run a different defensive system under Schiano, but it appears at least one component will remain constant: a premier interior pass rusher.

That's the logical conclusion after listening to McCoy describe his role in the scheme.

McCoy said his job will be to "get upfield and mess something up. They want me to do a little more holding up my (blocker). I'll do what I do within the scheme of the defense. That's not hard for me. Really, they haven't asked me to do something I haven't done. For me, it's pretty much the same. Everybody else had to learn something different."

As for additional elements of the defense, which players are in the early stages of learning, McCoy said it will not be timid.

"Every gap is filled," he said. "And it's not just filled. It's like every gap is destroyed in some way.

"People running the ball on us, it's not going to happen. That's just (Schiano's) mind-set and mentality."

Big advantage: Roughly half of the Bucs' 21 assistant coaches came directly from a college job, and that has become a resource ahead of this week's draft.

The Bucs are tapping their knowledge of this class of prospects, many of whom staff members tried to recruit out of high school.

"I think we've had a lot of advantage in terms of getting to know these young men before they even went to college," Bucs GM Mark Dominik said. "(Assistant coaches) sat in their living rooms. "They know these young men inside and out in terms of who they are off the football field, which has been an important element for us. It's been a benefit. I hope to be able to use that for the next four or five years, as (the assistants) are still going to know the (current) incoming class at their (former) university."

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@tampabay.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BucsBeat.

By Seth Leto, Times Correspondent
Saturday, April 21, 2012

What's hot: Above-average temperatures this winter and spring have had tarpon showing up early. For the next couple of months, large schools of migrating tarpon will be along gulf beaches and the Intracoastal Waterway. Stronger tides will have tarpon congregating around most deepwater passes along the coast. Strong afternoon outgoing tide will provide them with crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other baitfish.

Tactics: Look for schooling fish at all levels of the water column. Tarpon may cruise the floor, lay in potholes or roll on the surface. When a pod is located, position your boat to present baits as the tarpon cruise by. Suspend crabs, pinfish or threadfin herring beneath corks at varying depths. Another tactic best used when fishing the strong outgoing tides around the full and new moon is bridge fishing at night. Free-lining a live threadfin in the eddy behind the pilings is most effective. Casting shrimp or scaled sardines to fish cruising the shadow line of the bridge can also be effective.

Tackle: Medium 20- to 30-pound class spinning outfits lined with 30- to 50-pound mainline are standard setups when sight fishing tarpon. To finish the rig, tie on a couple feet of 60- to 100-pound leader and a hook that matches the size of the bait you're using.

Seth Leto charters out of Tarpon Springs and can be reached at capt.seth@yahoo.com and (727) 385-0382.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

TAMPA — There is a growing belief that running backs have been devalued in the NFL draft. In the past decade, only seven have been selected among the top 10.

The evolution of the league toward a passing game and the increased injury risk to ballcarriers certainly are reasons to go prospecting for them in the later rounds.

But Alabama's Trent Richardson breaks conventional wisdom like arm tackles. And as soon as he sees an opening in the first round, he will be gone.

"Richardson might be the best player in this draft," former Colts general manager and current ESPN analyst Bill Polian said during a recent conference call. "He has very few flaws. And even as nitpicky as we get at this time of year, there's very little to dislike about him or even very few nits to pick."

Richardson is considered by many better than his Heisman-winning predecessor at Alabama, Mark Ingram, the only running back to go in the first round a year ago (Saints, No. 28).

Polian scoffs at the theory that it's bad business to use a first-round pick on a running back.

"Running backs have short careers. They burn out very quickly because of the pounding they take, and in today's game, you really need two of them," Polian said. "So where do you get the best value on a running back? When he's coming out of college.

"You don't get value for him as a free agent — or very few — because the bottom line is he doesn't have much tread left on his tires, especially if he's played a lot. The best time to get a running back is in the draft."

Bucs coach Greg Schiano calls Richardson a "special talent." He has stated he prefers to have a running back who can play every down. At minimum, the Bucs have to find a complement to LeGarrette Blount, their leading rusher the past two seasons who is best running between the tackles but rarely used in the passing game.

Blount, 25, also has nine fumbles in two seasons, losing six. Meanwhile, Richardson lost only one fumble on 636 touches in his three seasons at Alabama.

Richardson, 20, runs with power (he benches 475 pounds and squats 600) but has the elusiveness to make defenders miss. Many believe he's in the same stratosphere as the Vikings' Adrian Peterson, who went No. 7 overall in 2007 and, arguably, is the only back worth a top 10 pick in the past decade.

Conversely, none of the NFL's top five rushers last season — Maurice Jones-Drew, Ray Rice, Michael Turner, LeSean McCoy and Arian Foster — were taken in the first round. In fact, Foster was not even drafted.

"Basically what it tells you is if you're not Adrian Peterson, you probably shouldn't be a top five or top 10 running back," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said. "There are so many good running backs you can get later in the first, why not go down a little bit further and get somebody worth two backs for the price of one?"

That might be what the Bucs have to do. The elite quarterbacks, Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III, will go Nos. 1 and 2 to the Colts and Redskins, respectively.

The Vikings, at No. 3, still have Peterson, who is recovering from a torn ACL, and much bigger needs than running back. But it's unlikely Richardson will last beyond the Browns at No. 4.

That might leave the Bucs to consider backs such as Boise State's Doug Martin, Oregon's LaMichael James and Virginia Tech's David Wilson.

Off the field, Richardson has few peers. He lost his father and two aunts to cancer, so when he heard about a high school senior in nearby Hueytown, Ala., who had beaten cancer but didn't have a date to the prom, Richardson took her.

As a first-round pick, he likely won't disappoint either.

"When it comes to playing football, any game you want to just look at it," Richardson said about himself, "just try to find a negative."

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

MANAMA, Bahrain — The discovery of a protester's body near the scene of clashes Saturday threatened to tip Bahrain deeper into unrest as an antigovernment uprising overshadows the return of Formula One to the Persian Gulf kingdom.

Bahrain's Sunni rulers had pressed for today's race to be held as a chance to rebuild their credibility on the world stage after an F1 race was called off last year as police and army troops cracked down on dissent.

Persistent protests, however, have left the monarchy struggling to keep attention on Bahrain's premier international event as the country's Shiite majority pressed ahead with a campaign to break the near monopoly on power by the ruling Sunni dynasty, which has close ties to the West.

On the track, where security remains tight, two-time world champion Sebastian Vettel claimed the pole position for Red Bull Racing with a lap of 1 minute, 32.422 seconds, edging championship leader Lewis Hamilton of McLaren.

A man died near the scene of Friday's clashes between protesters and security forces about 12 miles from the race circuit.

"Down, Down Hamad" and "We don't want Formula One" protesters shouted in reference to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. No injuries were reported Saturday.

TRUCKS: James Buescher finally got a chance to drive his truck into Victory Lane. He passed Brad Keselowski with 10 laps left in the SFP 250 at Kansas Speedway and pulled away to win for the first time in 76 series starts. "I can't even count the number of times we finished second," Buescher said. It's not his first NASCAR win, though. He took February's Nationwide opener at Daytona.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer

By Greg Auman and Antonya English, Times Staff Writers
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Ask college football coaches how they feel about schools going against each other in spring scrimmages — an idea that will be discussed at next month's American Football Coaches Association board meeting — and you'll get a wide range of responses.

"It's a neat idea that's never going to happen," Florida coach Will Muschamp said Thursday night in Gainesville. "Spring, to me, is for developing players. It's for a new coach putting his systems in, schematically on offense and defense. I don't see it being very feasible, in my opinion. … I don't think it's realistic. … No, I'm not pushing for it."

Some coaches don't mind the idea much. Not every school fills its stadium with game-day-sized crowds in April, and it is appealing to have two rivals meet for a friendly exhibition, as NCAA teams do in other sports, such as soccer.

USF coach Skip Holtz said he'd like the buzz among fans generated by such an event, even if his focus stayed on improving his players.

"I think it'd create a great atmosphere for spring games," Holtz said. "Everybody right now is extremely thin at trying to put 22 (players) on the field at the same time. Now you have to get 44 ready (for a spring intrasquad game).

"I think it would be great to have the opportunity to (play other schools), but the thing I would not want it to take away from, I think spring is great for player development. You're not trying to game-plan, you're not trying to beat an opponent. You're watching your own film."

Coaches such as Alabama's Nick Saban and Oklahoma's Bob Stoops are with Muschamp, liking spring drills just the way they are. Others, including Duke's David Cutcliffe, like the idea of practicing against another team.

And others, such as Michigan's Brady Hoke, would like to have a closed scrimmage — no fans or reporters — so teams could go against each other without the distraction of trying to win at the expense of improving.

Different schools have different levels of interest in spring games. Some charge $5 or $10 and draw tens of thousands. A younger program such as USF might draw 3,000 to 4,000 for a free scrimmage, such as Saturday's at Raymond James Stadium.

Holtz likes the excitement a scrimmage between schools would bring, even if the focus was not on the scoreboard for once.

"I would love to finish up spring with a scrimmage against another team, knowing Saturday night at 6 o'clock we were playing somebody else, somebody here in-state," Holtz said. "I think it would be a great opportunity, kind of like a preseason (NFL) football game. High school football does it, even if it's for a half.

"Maybe you don't play your starters, but you play the guys you want to get an evaluation on. It's not about whether you win or lose that game. It's the game-time experience you get for your players to get ready for the fall."

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

Associated Press
Saturday, April 21, 2012

DULUTH, Ga. — Ashley Priess closed Alabama's decisive balance beam rotation with a 9.950 and the Crimson Tide edged top seed Florida to win its second straight NCAA women's gymnastics championship on Saturday.

Alabama won its sixth championship overall with 197.850 points to beat Florida's 197.775 as the SEC took the top two spots.

UCLA was third at 197.750, followed by Stanford (197.500), Utah (197.375) and Arkansas (196.300).

Entering the final event rotation, Florida led Alabama by .025. The Gators scored 49.40 points on the floor exercise. Alabama won with 49.50 on the balance beam.

UCLA watched the final rotation, with its score already posted as the mark to beat.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Darn those Canucks. Didn't Vancouver's coaches know the Lightning was casting a covetous eye at goaltender Cory Schneider? Didn't they know Schneider was going to solve all the Lightning's problems?

Schneider during the Western Conference quarterfinal with the Kings has been elevated to No. 1, and reports out of Vancouver indicate the Canucks want to trade Roberto Luongo instead.

At the least, the cost of prying Schneider away has become prohibitive, which means Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has some thinking to do as he tries to find Tampa Bay's first legitimate No. 1 — save for the five months in 2011 provided by Dwayne Roloson — since Nikolai Khabibulin backstopped the team to the 2004 Stanley Cup.

Is Luongo the answer? He was in net when Canada, a team assembled by Yzerman, won 2010 Olympic gold. Would the Kings' Jonathan Bernier be better? How about Nashville's Anders Lindback? And how will teams also pining for a No. 1 affect price and availability?

As for the commodities themselves …

Luongo: Never say never, but this seems the least likely option for Tampa Bay. He would provide a veteran presence and good stats: a career 2.52 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. But Luongo, with a no-trade clause, is 33 and two years into a 12-year, $64 million deal that pays $6.714 million the next six years and has a $5.33 million cap hit. Adding Luongo would mean he, Vinny Lecavalier, Steven Stamkos, Marty St. Louis and Ryan Malone would eat up more than $30 million in cap space, seemingly too much for a team needing major upgrades on the blue line and another top-six forward.

Bernier: He is the right age (24 on Aug. 7) to grow with the young stars, and his price ($1.525 million next season) is right. But is he ready after just 48 NHL games to carry the No. 1 load? His stats — 20-17-5, 2.50 goals-against average and .910 save percentage — say, well, maybe.

Lindback: With just 38 NHL games under his belt (16-13-2, 2.53, .914), Lindback, 24 on May 3, carries the same red flags as Bernier. But at 6 feet 6 (compared to Bernier's 5-11), his net coverage is a bonus. A pending restricted free agent who made $737,500 this season, he also would require a trade.

Free agents: A non-inspiring group includes one semi-intriguing option if Yzerman wants a stopgap until something better comes along. Josh Harding, 28 on June 18, has a career 2.65 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 117 games, though in four full seasons with the Wild has not been able to elevate to the top spot.

In the system: Dustin Tokarksi of AHL Norfolk proved this season he is not ready for the NHL. The Lightning owns the rights to Russian Vasily Koshechkin and Finland's Riku Helenius, on whom it used the 15th overall draft pick in 2006. Neither seems to be in Tampa Bay's immediate plans, and as assistant GM Julien BriseBois noted, the NHL at present does not have transfer agreements with either country.

All of which brings the Lightning back to the original premise: Darn those Canucks.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Saturday, April 21, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — 1B/OF Brandon Allen might not have a defined role with the Rays yet, but he's more than happy to have found a new home after a week in limbo.

Allen, the A's opening day first baseman, was designated for assignment April 9 after seven at-bats, making room for 1B Daric Barton's return. The Rays claimed him off waivers Thursday, believing the left-handed hitting Allen could provide some pop off the bench.

"I guess people know me for power, but I want to be more than that," said Allen, 26. "And hopefully the guys here can turn me into a complete player."

Allen has played parts of four seasons in the majors with the Diamondbacks and A's. He has hit .205 with 11 homers, 38 RBIs and 133 strikeouts in 109 big-league games but has 142 homers in eight minor-league seasons. While Allen is primarily a first baseman, he said he feels comfortable in leftfield, where he has played 14 games.

"Obviously, he's got big power," manager Joe Maddon said. "Although there's the fact that there's a strikeout involved but also maybe a three-run homer … too. We'll just wait and see."

Maddon, who hadn't met Allen until Saturday, had heard raves about his makeup and thinks he'll fit in well.

"He dropped a 'Mr. Maddon' on me," Maddon said, smiling. "And I said, 'Come on.' "

Maddon said he'd like to get Allen into a game soon, considering he hasn't played since April 7. But Allen already seemed comfortable in the clubhouse, saying he knew CF B.J. Upton through his brother Justin, a teammate in Arizona.

And the initial meeting with LHP David Price went well for Allen, back on July 17, 2008, when he hit two homers in his first two Double-A at-bats.

"Good times," Allen said. "It was a long time ago. He fared a little better than I did for a long run. But I do remember that. I had a lot of adrenaline going. I wish I could have taken it on up with me; it didn't hinder him any. So I'm glad to be teammates."

Tight squeeze: It did seem like an unusual sight in the fifth inning when veteran C Jose Molina, all 6 feet, 250 pounds of him, rumbled down the third-base line on an attempted squeeze bunt by Desmond Jennings.

"If something had gone awry, (Molina) could have knocked (Jennings) into next week," Maddon said.

The play didn't work, as Jennings popped up the bunt and 1B Joe Mauer made a diving catch before easily doubling Molina off. But Maddon felt like it was "the best chance to score" in that situation, with one out and tough RHP Carl Pavano on the mound. Maddon said Jennings, a strong bunter, just "pushed it a little bit and kept it in the air too long."

And what was on Molina's mind?

"I had to go," Molina said. "I've done it many, many times, both ways. It's part of the game."

ON PACE: Though RHP Jeff Niemann has lost both his starts, lasting five innings in each, Maddon feels he's "not far off" of where he needs to be.

"Stuff-wise, everything is good," Maddon said. "He just has to stay aggressive in the strike zone, and if he is and permits the defense to play, he'll pitch deeper into the game."

Niemann, who has allowed a .189 opponents' average, said he's working on his two-strike curveball and on putting his fastball in better spots.

MISCELLANY: CF Brandon Guyer racked up five hits, including a two-run homer, Friday night for Triple-A Durham, falling a double shy of the cycle. … RHP Kyle Farnsworth and C Jose Lobaton will sign autographs for kids 14 and under from 12:15-12:45 p.m. today along the rightfield line.

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

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

Receiver Mike Wallace will remain with the Steelers after a midnight Friday deadline passed with no team offering the restricted free agent an offer sheet, ESPN.com reported.

The Steelers did not make Wallace their franchise player, which would have required them to pay him about $9.5 million for the upcoming season. Instead, they gave him a first-round tender, which meant a team would have had to give up a first-round draft pick to sign him.

The tender comes with a salary of about $2.7 million.

Wallace, who last season had team highs of 72 catches, 1,193 yards and eight touchdowns, hasn't reported to offseason workouts because he hasn't signed the tender. He has until June 15 to do so before the Steelers can cut the tender to $577,500. Steelers president Art Rooney II previously said the team wants to sign Wallace to a long-term contract.

Rams: Offensive tackle Jason Smith, the No. 2 overall draft pick in 2009, restructured his contract in order to not be released, the NFL Network reported. His salary for this year was reduced from $10 million to $4.5 million. In exchange, he can be a free agent after the 2013 season, a year early than under the original deal.

Saints: Linebacker Jonathan Vilma restructured his contract to lower his salary cap number, CBSSports.com reported. Terms were not disclosed.

Death a suicide: Police in Richmond, Va., ruled former Falcons safety Ray Easterling committed suicide on Thursday. Easterling was among seven former players who sued the NFL in August, alleging it failed to properly treat players for concussions and tried to conceal links between football and brain injuries. His wife said he suffered from depression, insomnia and dementia.

Prospect arrested: Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, projected by analysts to go in the second round of this week's draft, was arrested on a charge of assaulting a police officer in Lincoln, Neb. Dennard is accused of fighting with a man outside a bar. When police tried to intervene, Dennard punched one in the face, they said.

'Hard Knocks': The Falcons declined an offer to be the subject of the HBO show that chronicles a team's training camp, the NFL Network reported.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

SEATTLE — Phil Humber had Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery before his career even started. He bounced around as he tried to make it in the majors.

Now, well, Humber is just perfect.

Humber pitched the first perfect game in the majors in almost two years, leading the White Sox to a 4-0 victory over the Mariners on Saturday.

"What just took place was just awesome," Humber said.

It was baseball's 21st perfect game and first since the Phillies' Roy Halladay threw one against the Marlins on May 29, 2010. It was the third in White Sox history, joining Mark Buehrle against the Rays on July 23, 2009, and Charles Robertson against the Tigers on April 30, 1922.

Before Saturday, Humber was best known as one of four prospects the Mets traded to the Twins for two-time Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana in February 2008. That's no longer the case, not after tossing the majors' first no-hitter of the season and the second April perfect game in history.

"I don't even know what to say," the Nacogdoches, Texas, native said. "I don't know what Philip Humber is doing in this list. No idea what my name is doing there, but I'm thankful it's there."

He was drafted No. 3 overall by the Mets in 2004, one pick after Justin Verlander went to the Tigers. But Humber was sidelined by elbow ligament replacement surgery the next year and didn't win a game in the majors until 2010 with Kansas City.

With the White Sox lined up on the top step of the dugout, Humber fell behind 3-and-0 to Michael Saunders leading off the ninth. But he rebounded to strike him out. Former Ray John Jaso then flied out before Brendan Ryan, another pinch-hitter, struck out to end the game.

Ryan took a checked swing and missed at a full-count pitch that was outside and low, but the ball got away from catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Ryan lingered outside the batter's box for a moment, unsure of umpire Brian Runge's call, and Pierzynski fired to first to complete the play. "I don't really want to talk about (the call)," said Ryan, who threw his helmet. "I will say it was a pretty outstanding game he threw."

"I was more nervous than I was in the World Series," said Pierzynski. "There was no build-up for this, it just happened. And you want it so bad for the guy on the mound and you want him to have that achievement forever and you want to have him remembered forever."

Humber — the seventh former Met to pitch a no-hitter after leaving the franchise, which still has none as it plays its 51st season — fell to his knees when it was over, and his teammates rushed to congratulate him.

"I saw it get away from A.J. and saw the umpire ring him up and at that point, a ton of emotions and a lot of joy and excitement," Humber, 29, said. "Most of all, just gratitude. Just thankful for where I'm at."

Just perfect

The 21 perfect games in MLB history with pitcher, team he pitched for and opponent, score, date:

• Phil Humber, Chicago (AL) at Seattle, 4-0, April 21, 2012

• Roy Halladay, Philadelphia at Florida, 1-0, May 29, 2010

• Dallas Braden, Oakland vs. Tampa Bay, 4-0, May 9, 2010

• Mark Buehrle, Chicago (AL) vs. Tampa Bay, 5-0, July 23, 2009

• Randy Johnson, Arizona at Atlanta, 2-0, May 18, 2004

• David Cone, N.Y. (AL) vs. Montreal, 6-0 July 18, 1999

• David Wells, N.Y. (AL) vs. Minnesota, 4-0, May 17, 1998

• Kenny Rogers, Texas vs. California, 4-0, July 28, 1994

• Dennis Martinez, Montreal at L.A., (NL), 2-0, July 28, 1991

• Tom Browning, Cincinnati vs. L.A. (NL) 1-0, Sept. 16, 1988

• Mike Witt, California at Texas, 1-0, Sept. 30, 1984

• Len Barker, Cleveland vs. Toronto, 3-0, May 15, 1981

• Catfish Hunter, Oakland vs. Minnesota, 4-0, May 8, 1968

• Sandy Koufax, L.A. vs. Chicago (NL), 1-0, Sept. 9, 1965

• Jim Bunning, Philadelphia at N.Y. (NL), 6-0, June 21, 1964

• x-Don Larsen, N.Y. (AL) vs. Brooklyn (NL), 2-0, Oct. 8, 1956

• Charles Robertson, Chicago (AL) at Detroit, 2-0, April 30, 1922

•Addie Joss, Cleveland vs. Chicago (AL), 1-0, Oct. 2, 1908

• Cy Young, Boston vs. Philadelphia, (AL), 3-0, May 5, 1904

• John Richmond, Worcester vs. Cleveland (NL), 1-0, June 12, 1880

• John Ward, Providence vs. Buffalo (NL), 5-0, June 17, 1880

x-World Series

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Love him or hate him — and his brash style provides precious little middle ground — Tony Stewart is back on top.

Some are drawn to his take-no-prisoners style and cocky attitude, while others despise him for the same reasons.

Still, a case can be made that Stewart, who cut his teeth running midget cars on dirt tracks, is one of the top drivers in NASCAR history. His two Sprint Cup wins this season moved him into a tie for 14th all time with 46.

And, after claiming title No. 3 last season, only Richard Petty (seven), Dale Earnhardt (seven), Jimmie Johnson (five) and Jeff Gordon (four) own more Sprint Cup titles than Stewart, who also won in 2002 and 2005.

Stewart, who has won nearly 10 percent of his career starts, is among the favorites despite starting 23rd in today's STP 400. He previously won at Kansas Speedway in 2006 and '09.

But perhaps his greatest appeal is that he simply loves racing.

He made the tough transition to driver/owner when he left Joe Gibbs Racing and started his own team, Stewart-Haas Racing, before the '09 season.

Obviously, he put together a successful team in short order.

"Corporation-wise, we're probably not as corporate as some of the other teams are, but we're a die-hard group of racers, that's for sure," Stewart, 40, said. "And if that's what helps produce the results, we'll take it."

In fact, Stewart was skipping town after qualifying to run at Eagle Raceway, a one-third mile dirt oval in Lincoln, Neb.

"I'm pretty excited about getting there and getting a chance to run my sprint car again," Stewart said. "I've got 40 races on my schedule this year, so I've got more sprint-car races than I do stock-car races. I'm pretty happy about that."

As for Sprint Cup, his No. 14 team picked up right where it left off with wins that year at Las Vegas and Fontana, plus a 150-mile duel race at Daytona.

"These guys did such an awesome job last year in the Chase, and then it seems like as soon as the Chase was over — literally Monday morning — they were back at it, wanting to figure out what we could do to get back to another one," Stewart said.

QUALIFYING: AJ Allmendinger rolled off the track and hopped out of his car, convinced that he had put together a decent qualifying run but expecting to start somewhere in the top 15.

Turns out he'll start up front.

Allmendinger took his second Sprint Cup pole Saturday, turning a lap of 175.993 mph in his Penske Racing Dodge to knock Kevin Harvick off the top spot for today's STP 400.

"I was kind of shocked by it," Allmendinger said of his lap.

Times wires
Saturday, April 21, 2012

BOSTON — Yankees manager Joe Girardi found little to get excited about after Mark Teixeira's solo homer in the sixth inning.

After all, the Yankees still trailed the Red Sox by eight.

"You're down 9-0 and 'Tex' hits what looks like an innocent home run. Then we come back with back-to-back seven-run innings," Girardi said after New York won 15-9. "I don't think I've ever been a part of that."

Nick Swisher hit a grand slam in the seventh to help erase a 9-0 deficit, then added a go-ahead two-run double in the eighth. New York matched its largest deficit overcome in a win, done five times.

"That was pretty cool," Teixeira said. "I've played a lot of games, and that may be the most fun regular-season game I've ever been a part of."

Teixeira also hit a three-run shot in the seventh that made it 9-8. Swisher hit a two-run double off the centerfield wall in the eighth to make it 10-9.