Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Orioles 3, Blue Jays 0

BALTIMORE — Former Ray Jason Hammel pitched seven four-hit innings, and Wilson Betemit and Chris Davis homered for Baltimore. A day after holding Toronto to one run, the Orioles became the first team this season to shut out the Blue Jays. The Orioles are 4-1 against Toronto after going 6-12 last season. Hammel, acquired from the Rockies in February, improved his ERA to 1.73. Pedro Strop yielded two hits in the ninth but sealed Baltimore's first shutout since Sept. 9, 2011, against Toronto.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mets 5, Marlins 1

NEW YORK — David Wright hit a two-run homer to become the Mets' career leader with 735 RBIs, and R.A. Dickey outpitched Mark Buehrle in a crafty duel as New York handed Florida its fourth straight loss. The Marlins' Jose Reyes singled with one out in eighth for his first hit against his former team in eight at-bats, eliciting another chorus of boos from the crowd that once adored him.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

As the first round of the draft unfolds tonight, so, too, will some key story lines. Five reasons this draft could be fascinating, fun and surprising:

Ryan Tannehill

We think Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill will be scooped up by the Dolphins at No. 8, but what if that popular assumption is wrong?

In 2005, Aaron Rodgers almost went No. 1 overall to the 49ers, who instead took Alex Smith. Rodgers fell all the way to No. 24 and the Packers.

There are a couple of theoretical landing spots for Tannehill beyond Miami, including Seattle at No. 12. But don't forget, there has been disagreement about Tannehill's ability to be a franchise quarterback. If enough teams also have doubts, Tannehill might have a bit of a wait.

The fate of quarterbacks not taken among the top five is difficult to project. Of course, it worked out okay for Rodgers and the Packers. The Bucs, who picked No. 5 that year, were among the teams that lived to regret not picking Rodgers as then-coach Jon Gruden told Rodgers the team would do. (They instead took running back Cadillac Williams.)

Alabama's big night

Nick Saban is not warm and fuzzy, but the Alabama coach knows a good player when he sees one.

That will be underscored tonight when as many as five Crimson Tide players could hear their names called. Running back Trent Richardson, safety Mark Barron, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower are widely projected as first-rounders, making it little wonder Alabama won last season's BCS national title.

Miami set the record for first-round picks, six, in 2004: current Bucs tight end Kellen Winslow, defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, safety Sean Taylor, offensive tackle Vernon Carey and linebackers Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams.

Remaking the Bengals

The Bengals made the playoffs in 2011, and with a pair of first-round picks (Nos. 17 and 21), they have a chance to build on that success.

Do they solidify a defense that ranked seventh at 316.2 yards per game last season? Or do they look for an additional playmaker for quarterback Andy Dalton?

The beauty of having two picks is the opportunity to do both.

A surprise deal

We don't know who it will involve or when it will come. But rest assured, someone will make a bold decision.

Two years ago, the Broncos shook up the draft, trading back into the first round to grab quarterback Tim Tebow, top left. It made for an exciting sequence. Last year, the Falcons moved up 21 spots to grab receiver Julio Jones.

It's wise to eye teams with multiple first-round picks; in tonight's case the Bengals, Browns and Patriots. New England is a master at draft-day trades, and with Picks 27 and 31, it will look to field calls. If there's an elite player sliding, someone might be willing to include a second-round pick in a package to take advantage.

The Jets aren't serious — are they?

Speaking of trades, much of Wednesday's buzz surrounded rumors the Jets are exploring trading up to get Alabama running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson telling reporters that the Jets contacted him on Sunday — double checking his contact information — only added fuel to the fire.

Let's make something clear. The Jets, currently at No. 16, would have to part with a king's ransom to get high enough to draft Richardson — likely to No. 3. That makes this very unlikely.

But because it's the Jets we're talking about, you cannot dismiss this. This is the same team that traded up for quarterback Mark Sanchez, cornerback Darrelle Revis and tight end Dustin Keller.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Royals 8, Indians 2

CLEVELAND — Billy Butler hit two of Kansas City's four homers to help the Royals snap a 12-game skid. Butler's two-run blast off Ubaldo Jimenez put the Royals ahead in the first. He added a solo shot in the ninth off Jairo Asencio, following Alex Gordon's three-run homer against the reliever. Eric Hosmer's two-run shot in the fifth made it 4-0, the Royals' largest lead since April 8 when they beat the Angels 7-3.

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

ST. PETERSBURG — Brandon Allen had every reason to be anxious.

His last time up to bat was April 7 when he was still with Oakland, and the closest he'd been to getting on the field since being claimed off waivers by the Rays last week was catching the ceremonial first pitches before Wednesday's game.

So, naturally, he found himself at the plate, pinch-hitting in an eighth-inning situation and driving in the decisive run in the Rays' 3-2 win over the Angels with a bases-loaded walk by showing his patience.

"I had to calm myself down every pitch," Allen said. "I had a lot of feelings going through me."

The Rays led 2-1 at the time, and manager Joe Maddon felt it important to add on. And he liked Allen against veteran Angels reliever Jason Isringhausen, a former Ray, who had already loaded the bases on three walks (one intentional).

Allen took a ball, swung and missed, took two more, fouled off a good pitch at 3-and-1 then took ball four.

"He worked a great at-bat," Maddon said. "He was up there very calmly. I was very impressed with that whole moment."

It was even more important because what looked at the time like an insurance run turned out to be the difference when the Angels came back with a run in the ninth, thanks to an error by Ben Zobrist at second base.

"That was a big at-bat," Zobrist said. "The game-winning at-bat really."

Allen wasn't the only unlikely star as the Rays won their season-high fourth straight, and sixth of their past seven, to improve to 11-7 and hang on to a share of first place before 14,638 at the Trop.

Catcher Chris Gimenez struck out three times, but Maddon couldn't stop raving about his work behind the plate: the game he called, the pitches he blocked, the play he made on a bunt, the two runners he threw out trying to steal second.

"In spite of not getting hits, he had a great game," Maddon said. "Not a good game; he had a great game tonight, Gimenez did."

And Zobrist, who came into the game immersed in an 0-for-15 skid and with one hit against a lefty pitcher all season, broke out in a big way, with a third-inning home run off former Rangers nemesis C.J. Wilson that put the Rays ahead 1-0.

"I definitely needed that one," Zobrist said. "It's the start of the season and April has not always been the greatest month for me. Hopefully it gets me going a little bit. The good thing is we've been winning."

Fernando Rodney finished to take care of that with his sixth save. Jeremy Hellickson started and won, working six innings while battling some pitch count issues (100 total) but getting the big outs when he needed them, with defensive help from Gimenez and Jeff Keppinger. He twice struck out Albert Pujols, the Angels' $240 million man who continued his miserable start, extending his hitless streak to a career-worst 0-for-19 and his season-starting homerless drought to 72 at-bats.

Maddon liked what he saw from his young right-hander. "I thought he looked more like himself," he said. "He had to work through some messes, I like how he was going about his business."

In a way, that summed up the night for all the Rays.

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

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

2012

NFL DRAFT

ATLANTA — The Falcons acquired Asante Samuel, a four-time Pro Bowl cornerback, from the Eagles for a seventh-round pick on Wednesday.

Soon after, Samuel restructured his contract, signing a three-year, $18.5 million deal. He was set to earn $9.9 million in 2012 and $11.4 million in 2013.

"I wanted to be a Falcon," he said. "So we made it work. The Falcons already have an excellent team and excellent coaches and schemes and talent. I'm just going to add to the bunch to get the one common goal."

Samuel, 31, has 45 interceptions over nine seasons.

"Our game has become more of a passing game," Atlanta coach Mike Smith said. "And you have to have the players who can neutralize how offenses are trying to attack you."

Samuel became expendable when the Eagles acquired Pro Bowl cornerbacks Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rod­gers-Cromartie before last season. But they couldn't find a suitable deal for Samuel, so they kept him and used Rodgers-Cromartie in the nickel spot.

"We obviously feel good about our cornerback situation moving forward with Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie as our starters," coach Andy Reid said.

Ex-Buc found guilty

CINCINNATI — A jury convicted former Bucs and Bengals linebacker Nate Webster of four counts of unlawful sexual conduct with the teenage daughter of a former Bengals assistant. A jury found him not guilty of gross sexual imposition, sexual battery and a fifth count of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor.

The Bucs drafted Webster out of Miami in the third round in 2000. He played for them (2000-03), the Bengals (2004-05) and Broncos (2006-08).

Prosecutors said Webster had sexual contact with the unidentified girl in 2009, when she was 15, and threatened to harm her if she told anyone. He admitted having sex with her when she was 16, the age of consent in Ohio.

The prosecutor's office said Webster, 34, faces up to 20 years in prison during sentencing on June 6. It added he turned down a plea deal that would have required him to serve four years.

Colts: One day before quarterback Andrew Luck is drafted, a large banner of former quarterback Peyton Manning was removed from Lucas Oil Stadium. The team said the timing had nothing to do with the draft. Instead, it was because a crane was in the area and available.

Packers: Nick Collins, a three-time Pro Bowl safety, was released. The team cited concerns about his ability to safely continue playing after last year's surgery to fuse two vertebrae in his neck. Collins, 28, was hurt making a tackle Sept. 18 against Carolina. Agent Alan Herman said Collins has not decided if he will try to play for another team.

Redskins: Neil Rackers, 35, who made 32 of 38 field goals for the Texans in 2011, signed. He will compete with former Florida State standout Graham Gano.

Saints: The league is still doing interviews regarding player punishments for the bounty system, commissioner Roger Goodell said. He said he doesn't expect a decision this week but the league is "in the final stages." Also, coach Sean Payton, suspended for the season for the bounties, said he was annoyed by an ESPN report that said general manager Mickey Loomis' Superdome booth was wired so Loomis could eavesdrop on opposing coaches. "It's hogwash," Payton said.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Reds 4, Giants 2

CINCINNATI — Scott Rolen's homer started a four-run rally in the seventh inning for the Reds, who handed San Francisco its seventh straight loss at Great American Ball Park. Rolen's first homer since July 6 ended Barry Zito's shutout bid, and the Giants bullpen let the game get away.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mariners 9, Tigers 1

DETROIT — Felix Hernandez allowed a run in seven innings and rookie Alex Liddi hit a two-run homer to hand the Tigers their fifth loss in six games after starting 9-3. The Mariners have won two straight after losing four in a row. Hernandez gave up a homer to Brennan Boesch in the third and not much else. The Mariners scored six off Tigers rookie Adam Wilk, who gave up two runs in each of his first two starts.

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

NEW YORK — Commissioner David Stern said Wednesday that the elbow that Metta World Peace used to give James Harden a concussion was "recklessly thrown" and the forward's history absolutely weighed in his decision to suspend the Laker for seven games.

Stern noted World Peace, formerly Ron Artest, received an 86-game suspension in 2004 for jumping into the stands in the Detroit suburbs to fight fans.

"It does take in account the fact that the perpetrator is who he is and has the record that he has, and this called for in our view a very stiff penalty …" Stern said.

In California, World Peace acknowledged he threw a "brutal" elbow while celebrating a dunk. "I was just way too emotional," he said.

Harden passed his NBA-mandated tests and will rejoin the Thunder today.

Magic locks sixth, takes hit: J.J. Redick hit six 3-pointers and scored a career-high 31 as host Orlando won 102-95, handing the Bobcats a 22nd straight loss. The Magic secured the East's sixth seed but lost forward Glen Davis (sprained right ankle, day to day).

late tuesday: The host Jazz clinched the final West playoff berth, beating the Suns 100-88.

Magic 102, Bobcats 95

CHARLOTTE (95): Brown 6-11 4-4 16, Mullens 4-11 2-4 11, Biyombo 2-3 1-2 5, Augustin 8-17 5-5 23, Henderson 5-9 7-7 17, White 0-0 0-0 0, Moon 1-1 0-0 3, Thomas 2-4 9-10 13, Carroll 1-3 0-0 3, Diop 0-0 0-0 0, Walker 2-11 0-0 4. Totals 31-70 28-32 95.

ORLANDO (102): J.Richardson 6-17 2-2 17, Anderson 8-15 6-7 24, Davis 0-1 2-2 2, Nelson 4-13 0-0 11, Redick 9-19 7-7 31, Q.Richardson 0-3 1-2 1, Clark 2-2 4-5 8, Duhon 0-6 0-0 0, Orton 4-5 0-3 8, Harper 0-1 0-0 0, Smith 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 33-82 22-28 102.

Charlotte 24 23 26 22— 95

Orlando 37 20 26 19— 102

3-Point Goals—Charlotte 5-17 (Augustin 2-4, Moon 1-1, Carroll 1-3, Mullens 1-5, Brown 0-1, Walker 0-3), Orlando 14-38 (Redick 6-10, J.Richardson 3-7, Nelson 3-7, Anderson 2-8, Q.Richardson 0-1, Harper 0-1, Duhon 0-4). Fouled Out—Nelson. Rebounds—Charlotte 45 (Walker 9), Orlando 53 (Anderson 13). Assists—Charlotte 18 (Augustin 6), Orlando 21 (Nelson 9). Total Fouls—Charlotte 24, Orlando 28. Technicals—J.Richardson, Orlando defensive three second. A—19,152.

Bulls 92, Pacers 87

CHICAGO (92): Deng 4-11 0-0 9, Boozer 8-10 0-0 16, Noah 5-8 4-4 14, Rose 3-11 4-4 10, Hamilton 2-10 0-0 4, Watson 2-6 0-0 5, Gibson 4-8 2-2 10, Asik 0-0 0-0 0, Korver 8-13 0-0 20, Brewer 2-4 0-0 4. Totals 38-81 10-10 92.

INDIANA (87): George 2-12 3-4 7, West 5-8 3-4 13, Hibbert 2-4 0-0 4, Hill 3-7 0-0 7, Stephenson 10-15 0-0 22, Hansbrough 1-7 2-2 4, Collison 3-7 0-0 6, Jones 4-8 0-0 9, Price 3-4 2-2 10, Amundson 2-7 1-4 5, Pendergraph 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 35-80 11-16 87.

Chicago 32 17 18 25— 92

Indiana 24 12 23 28— 87

3-Point Goals—Chicago 6-17 (Korver 4-6, Watson 1-2, Deng 1-5, Rose 0-2, Hamilton 0-2), Indiana 6-14 (Price 2-3, Stephenson 2-4, Jones 1-1, Hill 1-2, Collison 0-1, George 0-3). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Chicago 50 (Noah 14), Indiana 43 (Amundson 7). Assists—Chicago 27 (Rose 7), Indiana 16 (Hill 5). Total Fouls—Chicago 17, Indiana 10. A—18,165.

Wizards 96, Cavaliers 85

WASHINGTON (96): C.Singleton 4-8 0-0 10, Vesely 3-4 1-1 7, Seraphin 6-12 0-0 12, Wall 7-16 7-8 21, Martin 3-10 0-2 7, Nene 6-7 0-0 12, Almond 2-9 0-1 5, J.Singleton 5-8 0-0 10, Evans 1-9 2-2 4, Mack 3-7 2-2 8, Cook 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 40-91 12-16 96.

CLEVELAND (85): Gee 1-9 4-4 7, Jamison 3-8 4-4 10, Thompson 3-6 1-2 7, Irving 2-4 0-0 5, Parker 2-7 0-0 4, Kennedy 5-6 0-2 12, Samuels 4-6 1-2 9, Walton 3-3 0-0 6, Sloan 3-8 2-2 8, Casspi 4-8 0-0 8, Harangody 1-6 1-2 3, Harris 3-6 0-0 6. Totals 34-77 13-18 85.

Washington 21 28 28 19— 96

Cleveland 27 18 18 22— 85

3-Point Goals—Washington 4-16 (C.Singleton 2-5, Almond 1-3, Martin 1-3, Cook 0-1, J.Singleton 0-1, Evans 0-3), Cleveland 4-17 (Kennedy 2-2, Irving 1-2, Gee 1-3, Casspi 0-2, Sloan 0-2, Jamison 0-2, Parker 0-2, Harangody 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Washington 55 (Vesely 12), Cleveland 48 (Samuels 9). Assists—Was. 21 (Wall 13), Cle. 18 (Sloan 7). Total Fouls—Was. 19, Cle. 18. A—18,086.

76ers 90, Bucks 85

PHILADELPHIA (90): Allen 2-6 0-0 4, Turner 13-29 2-4 29, Hawes 3-13 2-2 8, Holiday 3-7 0-0 6, Meeks 8-19 8-9 27, S.Young 2-6 1-2 5, Brackins 1-6 0-0 2, Vucevic 2-7 0-0 4, Silas 2-5 0-1 5, Battie 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 36-101 13-18 90.

MILWAUKEE (85): Harris 7-12 1-1 15, Leuer 4-8 0-0 8, Udoh 2-4 4-4 8, Jennings 7-16 2-2 19, Livingston 1-6 0-0 2, Sanders 6-12 0-2 12, Dunleavy 5-11 0-0 12, Udrih 4-9 0-0 9, Brockman 0-3 0-0 0. Totals 36-81 7-9 85.

Philadelphia 24 21 26 19— 90

Milwaukee 29 21 13 22— 85

3-Point Goals—Philadelphia 5-16 (Meeks 3-7, Silas 1-2, Turner 1-5, Holiday 0-1, S.Young 0-1), Milwaukee 6-16 (Jennings 3-7, Dunleavy 2-5, Udrih 1-2, Harris 0-2). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Philadelphia 63 (Turner 13), Milwaukee 54 (Harris 13). Assists—Philadelphia 24 (Turner 6), Milwaukee 26 (Udrih 9). Total Fouls—Philadelphia 9, Milwaukee 14. A—13,489.

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

Rays vs. Angels

When/where: 1:10 today; Tropicana Field

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

Tickets: $9-210, available at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team Tampa store; $3 surcharge within 5 hours of game time.

Probable pitchers

RAYS:

LH Matt Moore (0-1, 5.12)

ANGELS:

RH Jerome Williams (1-1, 7.71)

Watch for …

More Moore: The rookie lefty is winless through three starts, primarily because of a high walk rate, 5.50 per nine innings pitched, sixth highest of AL starters. Also, lefties are hitting .500 (10-for-20), righties .189 (10-for-53).

Remember him: Williams, 30, who has allowed three or fewer earned runs in five of his past six starts, last faced the Rays on June 8, 2004, beating them as a Giant.

Key matchups

Rays VS. WILliams

Brandon Allen 1-for-5

ANGELS VS. moore

None have faced

On deck

Friday: at Rangers, 8:05, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (3-0, 2.76); Rangers — Matt Harrison (3-0, 1.66)

Saturday: at Rangers, 8:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (1-2, 4.11); Rangers — Neftali Feliz (1-1, 2.70)

Sunday: at Rangers, 8:05, ESPN. Rays — David Price (3-1, 2.63); Rangers — Colby Lewis (2-0, 2.03)

Rays disabled list

C Robinson Chirinos, concussion, 60-day

RHP Kyle Farnsworth, right elbow strain, 15-day

OF Sam Fuld, right wrist surgery, 60-day

C Jose Lobaton, right shoulder soreness, 15-day

Themed trip of the day

Manager Joe Maddon decided the quick weekend jaunt to Texas would be themed, appropriately, as the "Minimalist" trip. "I'm hoping everybody just brings their little carry-on luggage," Maddon said. "One pair of jeans, three shirts, some socks, and those who wear underwear bring underwear. And your toiletries. … As we move forward into this century I think minimalism is going to become a more popular concept."

Streak of the day

551/3

Innings by Rays pitchers without allowing a home run before Vernon Wells' solo shot in the fourth; the team record is 59⅔, set in 2006.

Quote of the day

"29 spanks on the right cheek from Kyle Farnsworth. … And it's a big paw."

LHP J.P. Howell, on the most interesting "gift" he got for his birthday Wednesday

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

BOSTON — There will be a new Stanley Cup champion this season.

Joel Ward slammed home a rebound at 2:57 of overtime to give the Capitals a 2-1 victory over the Bruins on Wednesday, putting Washington in the Eastern Conference semifinals and ending the defending Cup champions' repeat hopes.

Washington's Mike Knuble blocked a shot by Boston's Benoit Pouliot and raced down on a 2-on-1 with Ward. Goalie Tim Thomas stopped Knuble's backhander, but Ward got position on defenseman Greg Zanon, picked up the rebound and whipped home a backhander.

"When I saw the puck there, I just took a whack at it," Ward said. "It was a sense of relief, a great accomplishment."

Rookie Braden Holtby stopped 31 shots for Washington in Game 7, the seventh one-goal game of the series. It was the first time in league history a playoff series had seven games determined by one goal. Four of the games went to overtime.

Tyler Seguin scored and Tim Thomas made 26 saves for Boston, which became the second straight defending champion to be knocked out in the first round. Chicago was eliminated by Vancouver last season, also in overtime in Game 7.

"The whole year has been a mental challenge for our guys," coach Claude Julien said.

"I didn't think our team was in tune as well as it was (last spring)."

First Period—1, Washington, Hendricks 1 (Carlson, Chimera), 11:23. Penalties—Schultz, Was (tripping), 18:10.

Second Period—2, Boston, Seguin 2 (Boychuk, Ference), 14:27. Penalties—None.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Hamrlik, Was (holding stick), 1:18; Bergeron, Bos (hooking), 11:00; Chimera, Was (holding), 17:34. First Overtime—3, Washington, Ward 1 (Knuble), 2:57. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Washington 5-8-12-2—27. Boston 11-14-6-1—32. Power-play opportunities—Washington 0 of 1; Boston 0 of 3. Goalies—Washington, Holtby 4-3-0 (32 shots-31 saves). Boston, Thomas 3-4-0 (27-25).

panthers-devils: Florida goalie Jose Theodore, who didn't play in Tuesday's overtime loss to New Jersey because of an unspecified injury, worked out and said he felt better. Coach Kevin Dineen said "if he's available" for tonight's Game 7, Theodore will start.

vezina finalists: The Rangers' Henrik Lundqvist, the Kings' Jonathan Quick and the Predators' Pekka Rinne are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, give to the league's best goaltender. The winner will be announced June 20.

around the league: Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, rumored to be on his way out of Vancouver, next week will submit a short list of teams for which he'd waive his no-trade clause, and the Maple Leafs will be on it, Canada's TSN TV network reported. The Lightning has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Luongo. … Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman said he expected forward Marian Hossa, knocked out of the playoffs by a hit to the head from Coyotes forward Raffi Torres in Game 3 of their West quarterfinal, to be ready for next season. Torres was suspended for 25 games for the hit.

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

. Fast facts

Bucs draft party

When: 6:30 tonight (parking lots open at 6)

Where: East Club Lounge, Raymond James Stadium

Admission: Free

Radio: 620-AM will broadcast the event live.

Details: Cheerleaders and former Bucs will sign autographs.

TAMPA — Greg Schiano spent enough time in the living rooms of recruits as Rutgers coach over the past 11 years to know competitive balance is a foreign concept in college football.

Time after time, as signing day approached, his heart was ripped out when a player bailed on an oral commitment for a more prestigious program.

So the idea of not getting every player he wants in the draft is no big deal to Schiano, now the Bucs coach. The fact that the Bucs get to keep the players they select over the next three days is reason enough to excite the 45-year-old.

"The thing I love, when you come from college, you get a chance at 200 and some draft picks," Schiano said. "Those are the 200 or so best players in the world. How can you go wrong as long as you pick the ones that fit your system and fit the kind of people you want?"

The Bucs began the draft process with relative certainty either Alabama running back Trent Richardson or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne would be available when they pick fifth overall.

But Wednesday, the eve of the draft, it appeared the Bucs might have to make a trade with the Vikings, who have the No. 3 pick, to guarantee themselves a shot at one or both.

In their final mock drafts, ESPN analysts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay each had Claiborne going to the Vikings and Richardson to the Browns at No. 4.

The Colts have announced Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck will be the No. 1 overall choice, and the Redskins followed suit by confirming Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III would be their selection at No. 2.

Schiano has called Richardson "a special talent" and says he covets a "bell cow" running back that can play on every down. Starter LeGarrette Blount has been a one-dimensional, inside runner who has fumbled nine times (losing six) over two seasons.

"I do believe at times, the best way to play is to play keep-away," Schiano said. "Especially when you have teams like we have in our division and quarterbacks like we have in our division."

But complicating a trade up is the fact Tampa Bay does not own a fourth-round pick, traded to the Eagles to move up in last year's fourth round. Most likely, the Bucs would have to swap their first- and third-round selections to move up a mere two spots.

The Vikings also have been linked to Southern Cal offensive tackle Matt Kalil. If Kalil goes third overall and Richardson fourth to the Browns, the Bucs would probably be thrilled to select Claiborne, considered the best cornerback in the draft.

Ronde Barber, 37, could be moved to safety. Aqib Talib faces a June 25 trial on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and could be suspended if convicted. The Bucs signed cornerback Eric Wright in the offseason.

Claiborne, a Jim Thorpe Award winner as the nation's best defensive back, caused a stir when it was reported he scored a four out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. Claiborne's defensive backs coach at LSU, Ron Cooper, now has the same job on Schiano's staff. Bucs general manager Mark Dominik has said the intelligence test is only one factor in a player's evaluation.

Kalil, considered by some a franchise left tackle, might be a long-term upgrade over veteran Donald Penn. The Bucs also would have to consider Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon, the top receiver in the draft. Even though Tampa Bay signed receiver Vincent Jackson, it might want another weapon for quarterback Josh Freeman.

"If you look back (at Rutgers) when we had guys, when we had Kenny Britt and Tiquan Underwood, we were the first team in NCAA history to have a 3,000-yard quarterback, a 1,000-yard running back and two 1,000-yard receivers," Schiano said. "So we'll throw it around when we have the guys to do it and when you have the quarterback to do it. I do think we have the quarterback to put the ball down the field."

After cornerback, the Bucs' biggest need might be linebacker. To that end, if Richardson and Claiborne are gone, they could target Boston College middle linebacker Luke Kuechly.

The Bronko Nagurski Award winner as the nation's best defensive player is a tackling machine, averaging an NCAA-record 14 for his career. He would bring toughness to the middle of the defense, which ranked last against the run in 2011. And Kuechly, who is good in coverage, would enable the Bucs to move Mason Foster to weakside linebacker.

Schiano believes being fresh from Rutgers and with former North Carolina coach Butch Davis hired as the special assistant to the head coach, the Bucs might have an advantage in evaluating players for this draft.

"We've had a lot of advantage in terms of getting to know these young men before they even went to college," Schiano said. "We sat in their living rooms."

And this time, Schiano doesn't have to worry about the player the Bucs select going somewhere else.



2012

NFL DRAFT

Times wires
Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Rangers 7, Yankees 3

ARLINGTON, Texas — Adrian Beltre hit a long home run and had two RBI singles as Texas won its sixth straight series to start a season for the first time. Mike Napoli and Mitch Moreland also homered for the two-time defending AL champions, who went ahead to stay when Beltre led off the second against Phil Hughes with a 441-foot drive to center.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Red Sox 7, Twins 6

MINNEAPOLIS — Mike Aviles homered and the Red Sox bullpen barely avoided another big collapse against the Twins, who lost their fifth in a row. Alfredo Aceves struck out Denard Span with the bases loaded in the ninth inning to bail out Boston, which led 7-1 after five innings.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo, rumored to be on his way out of Vancouver, next week will submit a short list of teams for which he'd waive his no-trade clause, Canada's TSN TV network reported Wednesday night.

The Lightning, in need of a No. 1 goalie, has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Luongo, who Tuesday said he would agree to waive his no-trade clause if team officials asked him to do so.

The Maple Leafs will be on Luongo's list, TSN said.

The Canucks were eliminated from the playoffs by the Kings in Game 5 of their Western Conference quarterfinal Sunday. Luongo did not play in the series after surrendering seven goals on 71 shots in the first two losses.

Cory Schneider started the final three games, giving up four goals on 105 shots with a 1-2 record.

Luongo, 33, signed a 12-year, $64 million contract extension with the Canucks in 2009.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Braves 4, Dodgers 2

LOS ANGELES — Chipper Jones singled home the go-ahead run after Dan Uggla tied it with his second RBI single earlier in the ninth for Atlanta. Closer Javy Guerra lost for the third time in his past five appearances, giving up five straight one-out hits in the ninth and staying in after taking a line drive off his face.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012

A decision on the potential bail reduction for Tampa Bay Rays minor league pitcher Matt Bush has been postponed until Monday due to a health issue with the prosecutor.

Bush is in Charlotte County Jail facing seven charges stemming from a Mar. 22 DUI hit-and-run arrest in North Port. He was expecting a decision today in a hearing whether his $1.015 million bail will be reduced.

In today's hearing, Roy Silver, a director of the Winning Inning in Clearwater, testified on Bush's behalf on his experience with him during 2010, when the 26-year-old signed with the Rays.

Tony Tufano, son of the victim in the crash, 72-year-old Tony Tufano, read a two-page statement on what his father went through, and how it's impacted the family. He also gave a couple photos of Tufano to the judge.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — In just the few days since Brandon Allen walked in the door, his new Rays teammates had taken a liking to him based on his pleasant personality and general demeanor.

Then Thursday afternoon, they really embraced him.

And hugged him, jumped on him, pummeled him and poured beer on him in a celebration that stretched from the field to the clubhouse after his two-run, pinch-hit walkoff homer gave the Rays a 4-3 win, completing a three-game sweep of the Angels and extending their season-high winning streak to five en route to a 12-7 start.

"It was amazing. Everybody wants that moment, and I'm thankful I got it," Allen said. "I felt like I was in the mix already, but this is exciting to finally be initiated, to get the membership card."

The walkoff came about 18 hours after his walk, as a pinch-hitter with the bases loaded in the eighth, that delivered the decisive run in Wednesday's 3-2 win. Pretty good for his first two times up since joining the Rays on Saturday, and his first plate appearances since April 7 with the A's.

"Just conversationally, he's made a great impression already," manager Joe Maddon said. "And then to do this, to basically win two games for us two nights in a row, is pretty special."

Allen's blast to right, which went an estimated 431 feet, saved what looked to be a disappointing day before 15,417 at the Trop as rookie starter Matt Moore's improved performance and an early lead seemed to be laid to waste.

"It's all joy right now," Allen, 26, said.

The left-handed batter made himself look good, turning around Jordan Walden's 2-and-2 97-mph fastball for his first hit of the season. Maddon looked good for hitting him for Jose Molina after B.J. Upton singled with one out in the ninth. And the front office looked good for claiming Allen off waivers from Oakland when the Rays didn't seem to have a need.

And he's going to make his mother, Doris, happy as he plans to give her the ball — which he was thankful to get back from a fan, in exchange for a signed bat — from what he said was his first walkoff hit at any level.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so happy for him," DH Luke Scott said. "When you're a guy who's been with a couple teams and you're with a new team, you want to make a good impression, you want to do well."

Allen impressed not only with his power, which the Rays were well aware of, but also his patience, both on Wednesday and again Thursday, numbing himself to the adrenalin surging through his body.

"For him to come in and step up with two huge at-bats in two huge situations, the calmness and the confidence that he has at the plate is really remarkable," outfielder Matt Joyce said. "It speaks a lot to his preparation and his focus; he's very calm. He's one of the nicest guys you're going to meet and talk to. He fits right in with us."

Allen had seen the Rays celebrate after each of his four games with them, but Thursday was his first time in the center of it. After the on-field TV interview and obligatory shaving/whipped cream pie (from Upton), Allen navigated the gauntlet — "I might have bruises," he said — as he entered the clubhouse-turned-club, with the loud music, strobe lights and disco ball, and made his way to the back corner for the ritual of pulling the sometimes-finicky cord to turn on the electronic Captain Morgan sign.

And, he again showed his teammates something.

"He did a great job," Joyce said. "We were really impressed by his ability to slow the game down and really come through with a nice pull in turning the light on."

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

By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Making news

Fishing center's movie night digs out old 'Flipper'

The Florida Gulf Coast Center for Fishing and Interactive Museum is hosting its first Friday movie night at 7 p.m. May 4. The Center for Fishing (12211 Walsingham Road, Largo) will show the first 23-minute episode of Flipper, titled "300 Feet Below," which aired Sept. 19, 1964. The popular TV show set in Florida ran from 1964 to 1967. Wine, beer, soft drinks and popcorn will be served, and there is a Flipper trivia contest. The feature presentation will be followed by a tour of the gallery, museum, classrooms and culinary building. There is no cost for the event but donations will be accepted. Seating is limited, so RSVP to jana@fishwbs.com or call (727) 365-4660.

Big money macks

Check out monster mackerel and the largest waterfront party in Madeira Beach on Saturday when the Old Salt Fishing Club hosts its Spring King of the Beach Tournament. This kingfish event typically draws more than 100 boats. The west coast's top anglers will compete for a $10,000 cash top prize. Anglers can also win the single-engine outboard, ladies, youth and aggregate awards. Preregistration is closed, but anglers can register at the event. Go to old saltfishing.org. The weigh-in begins at 4 p.m. at the Mad eira Beach ball fields (200 Rex Place).

Solunar Chart

AM PM

minor major minor major

4/27 11:00 4:50 11:30 5:15

4/28 11:50 5:40 0 6:05

4/29 12:20 6:35 12:45 7:00

4/30 1:15 7:20 1:30 7:40

5/1 1:55 8:00 2:10 8:30

5/2 2:45 8:50 3:00 9:15

5/3 3:30 9:35 3:45 10:00

Send your outdoors news to Terry Tomalin at ttomalin@tampabay.com.

By Jay Mastry, Times Correspondent


Thursday, April 26, 2012

What's hot: This year tarpon fishing has already begun as they have been ambushing baits at the Skyway Bridge for weeks. Many have already infiltrated the bays, bayous, rivers and backwaters. We caught an estimated 100-pounder last week in the "G" Cut section of the shipping channel about 7 miles up the bay.

Tips: I center my early season tarpon fishing on the backwaters before focusing on the gulf beaches. Tarpon tend to return to the same haunts year after year. My go-to spots include Lizard Flats, Rocky Point and Gadsten Point as well as the rocky edges of the ships channel leading into Port Manatee or along the bar outside of Bishop Harbor.

Technique: If I'm looking for big tarpon, the Manatee River is a good place to look. Much of the shoreline inside Terra Ceia Bay has been known to hold early season tarpon, and some monster tarpon have been caught both early and late in Palma Sola Bay.

Jay Mastry charters Jaybird out of St. Petersburg. Call (727) 321-2142.