By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

TAMPA

In the span of nearly three decades of coaching girls volleyball at Berkeley Prep, Randy Dagostino seemingly has accomplished almost everything.

Almost.

"The next step is to help put boys volleyball on the map and grow it in this area," Dagostino said. "It thrives in other places around the state. Why not here?"

And that's the question one of the most decorated coaches in the history of girls volleyball is trying to answer. Dagostino, who recently retired from coaching the Buccaneers girls team after capturing 15 state titles in 28 seasons, is in the process of making boys volleyball relevant at the high school level in Hillsborough County.

"My goal," he said, "is to make an impact."

The Florida High School Athletic Association currently oversees 118 schools in boys volleyball. The bulk of those call either Broward or Dade County home. Berkeley Prep, the only Tampa Bay area school with a high school boys program, also stands as the lone school west of Orlando to field a team. Dagostino, who compiled a staggering 829-161 record with the girls team, said that he can envision a scenario one day where the sport catches on in Hillsborough County.

"Because I have been around so long, I can remember the days when girls volleyball wasn't a very big deal around here," he said. "In 1983, Tampa was no volleyball hotbed, believe me."

Dagostino, who has been named Florida High School Athletic Association Coach of the Year seven times and Florida Dairy Farmers Coach of the Year three more times, started the boys program four years ago. After a provisional season, the Bucs became state-series eligible the next year.

"It's stereotypically a girls sport," outside hitter Nick Burgess said. "We're trying to bring to light that the guys' game is exciting and athletic."

Because no other local teams play, the Bucs travel up to two hours one-way to face teams in their district such as Bishop Moore, Apopka and Orlando Edgewater.

"We don't mind the travel too much because we do things to keep us entertained, and I think it brings us closer as a team," setter Kyle Dagostino said. "We'll have freestyle rap contests and play card games. It's a good way to interact with the whole team."

But Randy Dagostino would prefer those district matches to be crosstown trips instead.

"To me, for the school systems to pick this sport up is a no-brainer," he said. "They already have the equipment in place because of the girl's teams. The gyms aren't being used (during the spring). There would be very little expense."

Dagostino isn't sure how long it will take for the boys game to catch on around here, but he believes it will be sooner than later.

"We need to get the right people out to watch this game because I'm telling you, they would be shocked at the level of athleticism," he said. "It's a dynamic game."

Kyle Dagostino said winning a state title would go a long way in helping to get the sport established in the area. The 19-2 Bucs open up district play on Tuesday with an eye on the state finals May 11-12 in Kissimmee.

"If we can finish up the season as successfully as we think we can, it will help grow interest in the sport and create an opportunity to get more teams around here," he said. "We are ambassadors."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

By Captain Matt Santiago
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

On the edges: High winds over the past week afforded anglers only a few opportunities to get out on the bay. Fishing was a bit slower due to the high winds and barometric pressure. The bait has been very consistent on the flats as well as on several of the range markers between the Alafia River and Port Manatee. On the flats, snook and trout have been the hot ticket — both have been readily eating scaled sardines. Just remember to chum with your live bait to get the fish in the mood to eat. The redfish have still been a little scattered on the south shore but the outside bars have been holding decent numbers of redfish. Drifting both sides of the bars inside the 6-foot contour is a great way to use the wind to your advantage and put some fish in the boat. Fan casting with artificials is a great way to cover lots of water while drifting.

In the middle: The open water fishing in the bay has been very consistent as well when the winds are light. Spanish mackerel have been feeding relentlessly and are a great way to keep the rods bent all day.

Chumming dead and live baits around bottom structures and range markers will produce good mackerel action. A small piece of wire in front of your hook will definitely help to cut down on cutoffs. There are still some nice sized kingfish around as well.

The cobia fishing is also really starting to heat up. Even if spending a day searching for cobia is not your cup of tea, take a few extra minutes to stop by a few range markers and keep your eyes peeled for cruising fish.

Remember to check an accurate marine forecast before getting out on the water. Winds can pick up with little warning and can turn a calm day on the water into a dangerous situation.

Be safe and remember to take a kid fishing!

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The situation

The Bucs gambled by going with rookie Mason Foster in the middle last season, particularly on the heels of the lockout and no offseason. Foster struggled with play-calling and coverage, sprained both ankles early in the season, and his legs went dead during the final month.

The day Bill Sheridan became defensive coordinator, he suggested Foster might play on the outside. Quincy Black returns on the strongside and called plays during last week's first minicamp. Dekoda Watson could become a starter but is best suited as an edge pass rusher.

Tampa Bay was 32nd against the run last season, and it could be argued linebacker is its second-biggest need behind cornerback. The Bucs have not addressed the position in free agency, perhaps a clue they will do so in the draft.

What they're looking for

The Bucs have flexibility. Foster is prepared to remain in the middle, so they can find an outside linebacker in the later rounds. Ideally, the Bucs' middle linebacker would be a three-down player who is as comfortable in coverage as against the run. More important, they need some attitude on defense and more instinctive players.

Fitting the bill

Boston College middle linebacker Luke Kuechly makes a lot of sense for the Bucs if Alabama running back Trent Richardson and LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne are gone. Kuechly is projected by some to be a top-10 pick, so it wouldn't be much of a reach. He's a no-nonsense player known for his preparation and work ethic who fits perfectly what coach Greg Schiano is trying to build on defense.

The top 10

Best guess

If Richardson and Claiborne are gone and the Bucs pass on Southern Cal offensive tackle Matt Kalil, Kuechly would be a solid pick at No. 5 and improve the defense.

Rick Stroud, Times staff writer

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

The Hernando County Women's 500 Club 8-Pin No-Tap Tournament took place at Spring Hill Lanes on April 15.

The top four positions were paid out in Division A, and the top eight in Division B.

Sandra Lorefice came out on top in Division A with scores of 263, 227 and 259. Her handicap series of 884 edged out Gina Haywood (880) for first. Lorefice took home $45.60 for her performance, while Haywood earned $38.47. Shannon LaRiviere (879) and Theresa Matos (866) rounded out the top four. LaRiviere won $31.35, and Matos earned $27.08.

While Division A (averages over 150) included 19 participants, Division B (averages 150 or under) had a much larger field, with 38 bowlers. Yvonne Lovell emerged on top with a handicap series of 962. The score was boosted by one of six perfect games shot in the tournament. Lovell won $57 for her effort.

Trudy Kelly (951), Maida Watkins (947), Michelle Toucet (921), Ann Kelly (917), Margaret Imm (907), Nanci McGlashen (905) and Brenda Thompson (902) completed the top eight.

In addition to Lovell's 300 game, perfect games were rolled by Watkins, Toucet, Matos, Geraldine Webb, and Sandra Bock.

DUNES LADIES GOLF: The Dunes Ladies Golf League had its annual Member-Guest Tournament on April 12.

Thirty-six members competed with their 36 invited guests. Golf was followed by lunch and prizes. Many of the clubs in Hernando and Citrus counties were represented.

The sister tandem of Joy and Laura Figueredo (72) won the low gross title in Flight A, with the teams of Louise Bury and Verna Brunswick and Carol Vandenberg and Jan Bishop (63) tying for low net.

Flight B had a tie for low gross with Bev Pickens and Terri Baun and Nancy Duckworth and Sharon Helm knotted at 79. Betty Seeley and Janet Koenig (57) took home top honors for low net.

Karen Berch and Kay Martinez (84) won the Flight C low gross title; Alisa Bobinski and Angela Roberts (59) were the low net champs. Pat Milburn and Trudy Smith (89) had the low gross round in Flight D, with Maureen Sullivan and Doreen Benton (56) winning low net.

Milburn and Pat Arendt won the closest-to-the-pin prizes for members, and Jan Himmelspach and Cathy Willmore won the guest honors. Member Ruth Smith won the closest-to-the-line prize; Pat Faulks was the winner for the guests.

For information about the Dunes Ladies League, call Karen Berch at (352) 382-2867.

KIWANIS SUPERKIDS TRIATHLON: The Kiwanis Club of Spring Hill will host the fourth-annual SuperKids Triathlon at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park on May 19.

This event is free for children ages 5 to 14 who attend Hernando County schools. All participants will receive an award, with trophies for the winners in each age group. Athletes will be divided into three groups: ages 5 to 7, 8 to 10 and 11 to 14.

For information, visit springhillkiwanis.org/super-kids-triathlon. There will be a mandatory pre-race check-in from 5 to 7 p.m. May 18, with the race the following morning. All races will be started by Bryan Blavatt, superintendent of schools in Hernando County.

JEROME BROWN GOLF CLASSIC: The Jerome Brown Golf Classic, sponsored by Bright House Networks, will be on June 2 at World Woods Golf Course, north of Brooksville.

The entry fee is $70 per player or $280 per foursome, which includes golf, cart, lunch and a cap. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served at noon. The shotgun start will be at 1 p.m.

Proceeds go to the Jerome Brown Youth Foundation. Prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place teams.

For information, call Dianna Rusk Yoder at (352) 796-2526.

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 gift cards, prizes and giveaways. Last year, bowlers won more than $1,000 worth of prizes. There also will 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.

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

HYL FOOTBALL: Registration for the Hernando Youth League football season will be on 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 to register 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.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Rockies 2, Pirates 1

Game 1

PITTSBURGH — Troy Tulowitzki broke up James McDonald's no-hit bid with an infield hit in the seventh, and Tyler Colvin hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the eighth to lift Colorado. Pittsburgh set an NL record by playing its 17th straight game starting the season in which neither team scored more than five runs.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Astros 7, Brewers 5

MILWAUKEE — Jose Altuve had a career-best four hits and J.D. Martinez had three hits and three RBIs to help Houston stop an 11-game losing streak against Milwaukee. Chris Snyder put the Astros ahead for good at 5-4 with an RBI single in the seventh off Jose Veras.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Cardinals 5, Cubs 1

CHICAGO — David Freese homered and Lance Lynn pitched eight strong innings to lead St. Louis. Lynn became the majors' first four-game winner and helped the Cardinals avoid a three-game sweep. Freese's two-run blast in the sixth capped a three-run, two-out rally against Chicago starter Chris Volstad. Bryan LaHair homered for Chicago and has four of the Cubs' major-league-low seven home runs this season.

By Joey Knight, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

TAMPA — Dark gray clouds roll in from the west on a warm morning as Stephen Garcia displays his tweaked throwing motion, tightened waistline and temperate philosophy.

His 6-foot, 2½-inch frame carries 218 pounds these days, and the three-quarter-style throwing motion he got away with in college has been supplanted by a compact, overhead delivery. The last time he drank alcohol? "Probably last November," he says.

With that, Garcia — whose prolific career at Jefferson High was followed by a turbulent one at South Carolina — flings another spiral at Skyway Park to workout partner and former Dragons teammate Ardalon "Ardi" Yazdi.

By night, Yazdi works as a bartender at World of Beer. For Garcia's detractors, this is delectable. You can hear their cracks about how this befits a kid with a six-pack of college disciplinary actions, most — if not all — of which were alcohol-related. Garcia, 24, understands the public skepticism of him is as thick as the morning humidity.

He even suggests he deserves it.

"I was immature," says Garcia, dismissed from South Carolina in October after five suspensions. "That's what it came down to. I was immature and hard-headed and was trying to be like every other college kid.

"Even those guys, the frat guys, they learn from their mistakes eventually. I just never did 'cause I kept getting away with stuff. That's kind of what bit me in the (butt), so to speak."

Now, as the three-day NFL draft begins tonight, Garcia is bent on proving he has changed, really and truly. That he is worth a late-round gamble or a free agent invitation to training camp. That he is physically sleek and mechanically sound, disciplined and domesticated.

"The million-dollar question (for NFL teams) is, 'Can we trust him?' " says Jesuit High and Northwestern alumnus Chris Martin, Garcia's agent. "That's one thing we've tried to demonstrate, that he can be trusted."

Garcia, who started 34 games for the Gamecocks, threw for nearly 7,600 yards and led South Carolina to its only SEC East Division title two autumns ago, has dropped nearly 30 pounds since leaving Columbia.

Daily workouts with renowned Tampa athletic trainer Josh Cooper have been interspersed with film and throwing sessions with former University of Maryland and Tampa Bay Storm quarterback John Kaleo, who operates a local quarterback academy.

Garcia observes a strict, calorie-conscious diet — with meals prepared by a chef — and swims daily. When finished, Garcia says, he goes home to the South Tampa apartment he shares with girlfriend Amanda and 41/2-year-old son Memphys.

Martin says those who have spent quality time with Garcia can see a transformation and that Garcia has made a favorable impression on NFL types who have interviewed him.

"They've gotten a sense that he has made that turn," says Martin, whose clientele includes Terrell McClain (Panthers), Eric Weems (Bears) and former Hillsborough High star Jarred Fayson (Colts).

"His focus has been on getting ready for this draft as well as his family lifestyle. I think people on the outside of it can see that and see that he has grown."

Nonetheless, Garcia is projected as a late-round pick at best. CBSSports.com deems him the No. 23 prospect at his position. ESPN draftnik Mel Kiper recently said on a live webchat that Garcia is a "free agent, obviously," meaning he doesn't expect the quarterback to be picked in the seven-round draft.

Yet Garcia's optimism has been buoyed by recent workouts. Martin says Garcia was extremely sharp at South Carolina's pro day, to which he was invited. Garcia also took part in an NFL "super regional" scouting combine in Detroit and had a recent private workout with the Bucs.

At January's Battle of Florida all-star game, a convergence in Boca Raton of draft-eligible players with state ties, he tossed touchdown passes of 60 and 24 yards.

Kaleo says Garcia possesses a "good arm," greatly improved mechanics and the "it" factor.

"If your teammates don't love you, you can't be a quarterback," Kaleo says. "And through all the turmoil he went through, right or wrong, at the end of it, when you talk to his teammates, they all love him. When he played in that all-star game … his teammates all loved him."

The question now is, does the NFL have any love to give?

Martin says about a dozen teams have made overtures. If Garcia goes undrafted, he likely will sign a free agent deal. At this stage, he'll accept any chance to get a team to believe in him the way his inner circle does.

"I say this with 100 percent certainty: He's an NFL player playing college football," Martin says. "I could name 15 third-team quarterbacks in the league right now that he's better than today."



2012

NFL DRAFT

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Phillies 7, D'backs 2

PHOENIX — Cole Hamels pitched eight strong innings and hit a two-run single for Philadelphia. Hamels gave up a leadoff double to Willie Bloomquist in the first then retired the next 18 batters. His single capped a five-run sixth inning. The Phillies won consecutive games to salvage a 5-5 road trip. Arizona has lost seven of nine. Placido Polanco went 3-for-3 with two walks and two runs.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Pirates 5, Rockies 1

Game 2

PITTSBURGH — Pedro Alvarez hit his second home run of the day, Charlie Morton pitched seven solid innings and Pittsburgh split a doubleheader. Alvarez helped the Pirates' tepid offense tie a season high in runs, hitting a solo shot down the rightfield line off Jhoulys Chacin to cap a five-run fifth. Garrett Jones hit a two-run shot off Chacin.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A's 5, White Sox 4

14 innings

OAKLAND, Calif. — Kila Ka'aihue blooped a winning single in the 14th soon after Yoenis Cespedes' tying two-run homer, and Oakland rallied after Alexei Ramirez hit a go-ahead two-run double with two outs in the top half.

By Robert McCue, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

What's hot: Tarpon visit our area as part of their reproductive cycle. For several weeks they were gorging on schools of bait deep inside the bays. Spawning is a rigorous activity for fish. They increase their body fat by feeding on large areas of threadfin herring, scaled sardines and menhaden. These sources of protein are also high in oil content, and that is important in giving the eggs buoyancy to float in the earliest stages of fertilization.

Tips: Last weekend's new moon pulled many tarpon out of the large bays and into the deep natural passes of Tampa Bay and Boca Grande. The next stage of the reproductive cycle occurred almost a month earlier than usual, but strong westerly winds ended that this week.

Technique: The fish will return to the passes in tight schools as soon as the water settles. In the interim, scattered fish remain inside the bays. The key is to find their food source. Once the bait is found, you should see a few scattered fish in the area. The best fishing often occurs in late afternoon into sunset.

Robert McCue can be reached toll-free at 1-800-833-0489 and GiantTarpon.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

ARLINGTON, Texas — Yankees RHP Michael Pineda will miss the season without pitching in a game because of a tear in the labrum of his right shoulder.

The Yankees said Pineda, 23, will have arthroscopic surgery Tuesday in New York and be out for about a year.

"It's a loss," manager Joe Girardi said Wednesday. "He was a guy that we were counting on this year. We traded for him, and unfortunately he's hurt."

New York acquired Pineda from Seattle in January, giving up top catching prospect Jesus Montero to get the All-Star.

Pineda felt weakness in his shoulder during an extended spring training game Saturday, which came three weeks after he had problems in a spring training start. The tear was discovered in a medical exam after that.

When Pineda felt discomfort in the back of the shoulder during spring training March 30, the initial diagnosis was tendon inflammation.

CRAWFORD CHECKS ELBOW: Red Sox LF Carl Crawford, the former Rays All-Star, will visit noted orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Andrews for a second opinion on his sore left elbow and is out indefinitely, ESPN reported. Crawford hasn't played after offseason left wrist surgery.

DIVERSITY STUDY: Major League Baseball received its fourth straight A for race hiring in an annual report by Richard Lapchick's Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports at the University of Central Florida. MLB's grade for gender hiring fell to C+ from B- last year and a B in 2010.

PITCHER PLOTS RETURN: Former Tigers RHP Jeremy Bonderman, 29, had elbow ligament replacement surgery to help him attempt to make a comeback next spring.

A'S: CF Coco Crisp continues to suffer symptoms from an inner-ear infection and likely will sit out until at least Friday. … RH reliever Rich Thompson was designated for assignment less than a week after being claimed off waivers from the Angels.

DODGERS: RH reliever Matt Guerrier went on the 15-day disabled list with elbow tendinitis. LHP Michael Antonini was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque.

GIANTS: Former Ray Aubrey Huff went on the 15-day disabled list while he received treatment for an anxiety attack. He might rejoin the team this weekend.

INDIANS: RF Shin-Soo Choo sat out with an injury to his left hamstring.

NATIONALS: An MRI exam on 3B Ryan Zimmerman's right shoulder showed inflammation but no structural damage. Zimmerman plans to take some swings today to see how he feels.

ORIOLES: LHP Tsuyoshi Wada will get a second opinion on his ailing left elbow from orthopedist Dr. Lewis Yocum.

PADRES: RHP Dustin Moseley had surgery to repair the labrum and rotator cuff in his right shoulder and is expected to miss the rest of the season.

ROYALS: CF Lorenzo Cain aggravated his groin strain during his minor-league rehab and won't come off the disabled list Friday as planned. … RH reliever Jeremy Jeffress was optioned to Triple-A Omaha, and LHP Tommy Hottovy was recalled.

WHITE SOX: RH reliever Jesse Crain, who hasn't pitched since Friday, has an oblique injury and is day to day.

Times staff
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

T

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

State prospects

Those with ties to Florida and the round they are projected to go:

Greg Auman, Times staff writer

Times staff
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

. fast facts

This week on the golf tours

PGA: Zurich Classic, TPC Louisiana, Avondale, La. TV: Today-Friday, 3 p.m. Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 1 p.m. Golf Channel, 3 p.m. Ch. 10

LPGA: Mobile Bay Classic, Magnolia Grove and The Crossings, Mobile, Ala. TV: Today-Friday 12:30 p.m. Golf Channel; Saturday-Sunday, 3 p.m. Golf Channel

PGA Europe: Ballentine's Championship, Blackstone Golf Club, Seoul, South Korea. TV: Today-Sunday, 9 a.m. Golf Channel



BY STEPHEN F. HOLDER | Times Staff Writer

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Nationals 7, Padres 2

SAN DIEGO — Jordan Zimmermann helped set a Washington record for the longest scoreless innings streak for starters before Orlando Hudson homered, and the NL East leaders won a matchup of the NL's top and bottom teams. Zimmermann's four innings gave Nationals starters 26 straight scoreless, surpassing the mark of 24 in 2005.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

tom jones' two cents

Tonight, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will kick off the draft by stepping to the podium and saying, "Welcome to the NFL draft." Deep down, what he really is saying is, "Welcome to the longest three days of your life."

That's the how the draft is. Put on a happy face. People are saying one thing, but they actually mean something else. In fact, that's all the draft is: a bunch of talk. There is no real game. The entire event is made up of … words.

So, to help you through, here are some of the things that you will hear during the draft, and what they actually mean:

A GENERAL MANAGER WILL SAY

"The guy we selected was the highest rated player on our board."

WHAT HE MEANS

"All the guys we really wanted were all taken before it was our turn to pick."

A DRAFT "EXPERT" WILL SAY

"I can't believe this guy is still available. What are teams thinking?"

WHAT HE MEANS

"Man, can somebody please take this guy because my mock draft has turned into a Dumpster fire."

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"You can't measure his heart."

WHAT HE MEANS

"You can measure everything else and it adds up to slow, small and not all that talented."

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"Character could be an issue."

WHAT HE MEANS

"This blockhead might get busted before the night is over."

THE PLAYER DRAFTED BY THE BROWNS WILL SAY

"I'm just happy to be drafted."

WHAT HE MEANS

"Is it too late to go back to college for another year?"

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"There are questions about his durability."

WHAT HE MEANS

"I'm surprised he didn't tear a hammy shaking the commissioner's hand."

A HIGH PICK WILL SAY

"I'm ready to get to work."

WHAT HE MEANS

"I'm ready to get to work … after I get paid."

A TEAM EXECUTIVE WILL SAY

"We don't care about his Wonderlic test."

WHAT HE MEANS

"Hey, Plaxico Burress plays in this league, doesn't he?"

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"This pick is a major reach."

WHAT HE MEANS

"It must be a reach because I didn't have him going this high."

ESPN ANALYST JON GRUDEN WILL SAY

"I love this guy. I love this team. I love this pick."

WHAT HE MEANS

"I love this guy. I love this team. I love this pick."

A DRAFT PICK WILL SAY

"I've heard great things about Coach."

WHAT HE MEANS

"It's never too early to start sucking up."

JETS FANS WILL SAY

"Booooo!"

WHAT THEY MEAN

"Making goobers of ourselves on national television is the highlight our year."

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"This quarterback is a great game manager."

WHAT HE MEANS

"This noodle arm couldn't throw a football through an open window."

AN NFL COACH WILL SAY

"I just coach the players I'm given. The GM makes all the draft decisions."

WHAT HE MEANS

"Hey, if this first-round pick is the next Ryan Leaf, don't blame me."

A TEAM EXECUTIVE WILL SAY

"We think the smartest philosophy is to take the best player available."

WHAT HE MEANS

"Dude, we won four games last year. We need help everywhere."

A TELEVISION ANALYST WILL SAY

"I love this pick. This is a great pick."

WHAT HE MEANS

"Yippee, finally, I got a pick right on my mock draft!"

THE PLAYER DRAFTED BY THE BILLS WILL SAY

"It's a dream come true and I can't wait to get to Buffalo."

WHAT HE MEANS

"What a nightmare. I can't wait to get to Buffalo because the sooner I get there, the sooner I can leave through free agency."

WHAT ESPN'S CHRIS BERMAN WILL SAY AS THE DRAFT STARTS

"And now comes the moment we've all been waiting for."

WHAT WE'LL BE THINKING

"No, the moment we're all waiting for is the first actual game."

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

CollegEs

BCS to Hone in on new options

HOLLYWOOD — When Bowl Championship Series officials leave the hotel in which they've gathered this week to hammer out the future of college football's postseason, they want to have the options narrowed.

"Get down to two, maybe three," BCS executive director Bill Hancock said. "I think we're making good progress on that."

One thing is clear: "The status quo is off the table," said Hancock, though he added they have not ruled out making over the current system that guarantees only a No. 1 versus No. 2 title game.

But all signs point toward a different format by 2014.

"I would say there is an expectation that there will be significant change," added Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany, who said that the Rose Bowl won't stand in the way of change if a suitable playoff format can be found.

FSU transfers: Linebacker Jeff Luc and defensive tackle Darious Cummings were granted permission to transfer, football coach Jimbo Fisher announced, but it is not yet known which schools the reserves will attend.

Middle Tenn.: Men's basketball coach Kermit Davis, whose team won 27 games last season, agreed to a five-year extension that runs through 2016-17.

Soccer

PKs lift Munich to Champions final

Bayern Munich became the first team to advance to a Champions League final it is hosting, beating Real Madrid 3-1 on penalty kicks as Bastian Schweinsteiger converted the final shot after Sergio Ramos skied his over the crossbar.

Bayern, a four-time champion of Europe's top club event, will play Chelsea on May 19.

"When I think about the fact that we can play a final in our own stadium, this is something to go absolutely crazy about," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said.

After Bayern's 2-1 win last week, Real won the second leg 2-1 to force the shootout.

Tennis

Djokovic sits out hometown event

Top-ranked men's player Novak Djokovic said he will skip his hometown Serbia Open in Belgrade, because of the death of his grandfather.

Djokovic said he is emotionally drained since his grandfather died Thursday.

He said it "is impossible for me to play and think about tennis."

ET CETERA

AUTOs: Track owner Bruton Smith will remove some of the banking at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee in response to fan complaints that the racing has been boring since a 2007 reconfiguration. Smith will grind the top line in an effort to reduce the number of racing grooves.

Horses: Trainer Steve Asmussen said Isn't He Clever has been withdrawn from consideration for the Kentucky Derby.

WNBA: All-Star forward Candace Parker signed a multiyear extension to remain with Los Angeles.

Times wires

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Rookie LHP Matt Moore is winless in three starts with some ugly numbers but feels his game will be in much better order when he takes the mound this afternoon.

Moore said that while warming up for the sixth inning of his last start on Friday, his timing and delivery clicked into place.

"It's a bunch of little things to kind of getting that feeling back to where everything is coming out nice and from a similar arm slot," he said. "Where sometimes I felt like I was fighting it a little bit through my delivery. The last three-four days have been really good. … It's a lot better now as far as timing with everything."

Moore, 22, tended to start slow in his three minor-league seasons, specifically in walking too many batters as he seemed to improve his control after his first few starts. That has been an issue again, with 12 walks, compared to 11 strikeouts, in 191/3 innings. But Moore said there's a difference because he has found the zone and is "missing more up and down than east to west."

MATSUI UPDATE: The Rays were still finalizing language on a minor-league contract for OF/DH Hideki Matsui, the 37-year-old former All-Star expected to head to Triple-A Durham and provide depth.

Angels manager Mike Scioscia said Matsui, who was on his 2010 team and a regular AL West foe with Oakland last year, can still contribute.

"He swung the bat really well for us a couple years ago," he said. "Last year, I know he didn't drive the ball as well as he can (12 homers, career-low .375 slugging percentage), but he's still strong. … He knows his way around the box, he's a good situational hitter. He was great on our team."

MISSING MAN: 1B/OF Brandon Allen made his first appearance since being claimed off waivers a week ago, drawing a bases loaded walk in the eighth (giving him the novelty of an RBI without an official at-bat). But Maddon said he didn't have a set plan yet for a start.

"It's hard right now based on what he does and what we have going on right now," Maddon said. "I talked to him and he's as advertised; this is one solid, A-plus human being. I've just got to try to get him out there at some point."

Maddon said outfield coach George Hendrick gave a positive report on Allen, who has played mostly first base: "He said he moves around pretty well out there so I would not be afraid to do that either."

MEDICAL MATTERS: C Jose Lobaton felt good a day after playing catch to test the sore shoulder that landed him on the DL. "I didn't feel anything," Lobaton said. "But maybe in my mind, I was a little scared that I would." Lobaton will be limited to playing catch this week, with a potential mid May return. … Triple-A SS Tim Beckham is on the DL with a left wrist sprain.

LEGAL MATTERS: A judge in Charlotte County will decide this morning whether to reduce the $1.015 million bail for minor-league RHP Matt Bush, who remains jailed facing seven charges from a March 22 DUI hit-and-run arrest.

PRICE CHECK: Of all that LHP David Price did well in Tuesday's five-hit shutout, Maddon said most important was staying in such a good rhythm that his different pitches were undetectable. Also a key, per ESPN: Holding the Angels 0-for-13 with two strikes when hitters in his previous starts were 9-for-36.

MISCELLANY: Neil Solondz, the new pre- and postgame radio host, got to make his first big-league "start" when he filled in for a sick Andy Freed and joined Dave Wills in the booth. … TV analyst Brian Anderson turns the big 4-0 today. … MLB Network has picked up games on May 8 and 10 (Yankees), 17 and 25 (Red Sox).