By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors-Fitness Editor
Thursday, April 26, 2012

MADEIRA BEACH — Shirley Costello never worried about her son, Michael, when he ventured offshore in search of grouper and snapper. Like many of the young men who grew up fishing the west coast of Florida, he was a seasoned mariner and accustomed to the unpredictability of the Gulf of Mexico.

But on Feb. 27, 2005, the 29-year-old commercial fishing boat captain and his mate, John Molina, 42, were catching amberjack more than 70 miles offshore at a spot known as "The Elbow."

They radioed that they would be back soon. When they didn't return the next day, Shirley Costello began to worry. On March 1, the U.S. Coast Guard found Molina's body and what was left of the Gulf Coaster, her son's boat. Her son's body, however, was never recovered.

"It was hard," Shirley Costello said. "I never thought that I wouldn't see him again."

Shirley Costello isn't alone in losing a loved one to the sea. Since 1933, more than 140 Gulf Coast fishermen, both recreational and commercial, have died on local waters. Nearly two thirds of them were never found, leaving family and friends to wonder about their fate.

That's why Shirley Costello and other representatives of the local fishing community have joined forces to help erect a memorial at John's Pass to those who have been lost at sea.

"We want them to be remembered," said Mark Hubbard, whose family has been working the waterfront for more than 50 years. "People don't realize just how dangerous the Gulf of Mexico can be. Many lives have been sacrificed so consumers can enjoy their fresh seafood."

On Sunday, the Outdoor Arts Foundation will unveil the long-anticipated monument Florida Fishermen Lost at Sea. The ceremony will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. and will include speeches by survivors, loved ones and leaders in the fishing community.

The unveiling at sunset will take place in front of the Bell Tower and main entrance to the John's Pass boardwalk. The memorial, a joint effort between the John's Pass Village and Boardwalk Merchant's Association, the Arts Foundation and artist Robert Bruce Epstein, costs nearly $50,000, with roughly $40,000 of the funds already raised.

Shirley Costello hopes the memorial will cause boaters and fishermen to think twice before they head out on the ocean. "The gulf can look so flat, but people don't realize that it can change in a matter of minutes," she said.

Her husband, John, echoed her sentiments. "It doesn't matter if you are just taking a ride in the bay," said John Costello of Seminole. "You have to keep your eye on the weather. There are too many nice days to go fishing on a bad day."

Tragedy, however, can be averted if boaters/divers/anglers follow the basics of boating safety. Much of it is common sense, such as checking the weather.

Even veterans often forget some the basics. For example, file a float plan. Tell a responsible person where and when you are leaving, where you are going and when you plan to return. Make sure your VHF radio is in working order. Carry a cell phone as a backup if will be within a few miles of land.

Know your boat. Don't overload it with people or equipment (check the capacity plate). Make sure your safety equipment — flares, fire extinguisher, horn, signaling mirror — are in working order. When in doubt, sit it out. The sea will be there tomorrow.

Florida Fishermen Lost at Sea is a not-for-profit organization, and donations can be mailed to the Outdoor Arts Foundation, P.O. Box 323, Safety Harbor, FL 33759, Attention: Florida Fisherman Lost at Sea. For information, visit floridafishermenlostatsea.com.

. fast facts

PFDs save lives

State records show that more than 80 percent of boating-related deaths could have been avoided if the victims were wearing personal flotation devices. So make sure your PFDs are readily accessible and wear one any time you are under way. A PFD is more difficult to put on once you're in the water. Make sure the PFD is the proper size for the person wearing it. The label gives weight and chest size information. This is especially important when it comes to children. To ensure a snug fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If you can still see the child's chin and ears, it fits. Keep the PFDs in good condition. Test the buoyancy in a pool. Over time, the sun can break down the synthetic material inside. Look for rips, tears and weak straps or zippers.

Times staff
Thursday, April 26, 2012

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

Rays at Rangers

When/where: 8:05 tonight; Rangers Ballpark, Arlington, Texas

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

Probable pitchers

Rays: RH James Shields (3-0, 2.76)

Rangers: LH Matt Harrison (3-0, 1.66)

On Shields: He has worked at least eight innings in each of his past three starts, one shy of the team record he shares. He is 5-2 with a 3.05 ERA against Texas in the regular season, 2-2, 3.72 in Arlington but 0-2, 10.61 in two playoff starts.

On Harrison: The 26-year-old, who started Game 7 of last year's World Series, leads the AL in ERA among those with at least three starts. He is 1-0 with a 1.29 ERA in four regular-season and two playoff outings against the Rays, including the Game 4 clincher last year.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Harrison

Brandon Allen 3-for-3

Evan Longoria 4-for-7, HR

Ben Zobrist 2-for-11

Rangers vs. Shields

Elvis Andrus 9-for-17

Adrian Beltre 8-for-33, HR

Josh Hamilton 3-for-21, HR

Note: Includes postseason

On deck

Saturday: at Rangers, 8:05, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (1-2, 4.11); Rangers — Colby Lewis (2-0, 2.03)

Sunday: at Rangers, 8:05, ESPN. Rays — David Price (3-1, 2.63); Rangers — Derek Holland (2-1, 4.78)

Monday: vs. Mariners, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 2.84); Mariners — Felix Hernandez (2-1, 2.48)

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

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Family affair

Cast members of the TV show Modern Family joined the Rays family during a stage show at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Wednesday. The Rays planned to send them jerseys, but show organizers decided to have them presented on stage with PR staffers Dave Haller and Erik Ruiz, both huge fans, delivering them to Ty Burrell, left, and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, right, plus Julie Bowen and Eric Stonestreet. "It was a great thrill," Haller said. "But most of all, I'm thankful I didn't slip on an egg."

Tweet of the day

Bowen, who joked on Twitter the cast would act out "Who's on First" so fans got their baseball fix, seemed to enjoy the attention from the Rays, tweeting: "Thanks so much to everyone who came out tonight in Clearwater, FL. It turns out the Rays have great fans (and so does #ModernFamily)"

Coincidence of the day

Dan Johnson and Brandon Allen were both first basemen claimed off waivers from Oakland, both added to the 40-man roster on April 21 (four years apart) and both in their first official at-bat with the Rays hit ninth-inning pinch-hit homers.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer


Thursday, April 26, 2012

. UP NEXT

at Rangers

Tonight-Sunday

What's new: After losing the World Series the past two years, the Rangers are off to a sizzling start, with an MLB-best 15-4 record and leading the AL in hitting (.295), runs (107), homers (31) and ERA (2.62). They added Japanese sensation RHP Yu Darvish to replace departed ace LHP C.J. Wilson, and added RHP Joe Nathan to an already-deep bullpen. The offense is good from top to bottom, with a mix of speed and power , keyed by red-hot OF Josh Hamilton, who is hitting .390 with eight homers and 19 RBIs.

Key stat: In 37 regular-season and postseason games against the Rays, Hamilton is hitting .218 with four homers and 25 RBIs.

Connections: Hamilton is a former Rays top prospect, 3B coach Dave Anderson is a Gibbs High product. Rays 1B Carlos Peña was Texas' first-round pick in 1988.

Series history: Rangers lead 73-57, including 43-34 in Arlington. Rangers also lead in ALDS play 6-3.

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

ST. PETERSBURG — As rookie LHP Matt Moore watched Brandon Allen's winning homer sail over the fence, he immediately felt better about his day because, unlike his first three outings, at least the Rays didn't lose.

"I was kind of hoping we weren't going to be 0-4 after my starts," Moore said after Thursday's 4-3 victory over the Angels.

Actually, Moore saw lots of reason for optimism after what was the most impressive of his starts. He allowed only a walk through a dazzling first four innings and three runs (two earned) overall for his 5⅔.

"Overall, I felt great," Moore said. "I felt like the timing of all my stuff was better. I wasn't thinking about mechanics or mechanisms or all that stuff that sometimes you get to think about. It was just getting down the hill and going right at them. That made all my pitches sharper and the quality of them better."

Manager Joe Maddon was thoroughly impressed, saying Moore looked "more like what we saw at the end of last season." He was totally unconcerned that their prized rookie has a 4.68 ERA and is winless through his first four starts, the longest a Rays starter has gone without a victory since Jason Hammel in 2007.

"If he keeps pitching like that, honestly, the (Johnny Carson) Carnac thing, I can see many wins in his future," Maddon said.

POWER RANGERS: The Rays are quite familiar with the Rangers, who ended their last two seasons in the playoffs and are off to a majors-best start this season.

"They're off to a hot start for sure," said RHP James Shields, who starts tonight's opener. "That's one team you just can't take lightly. You've got to go out there and pitch your game, stay aggressive and really make your pitches. If you make mistakes, they're going to hurt you."

Maddon heaped even more praise: "They've been tough versus us. They're a very good ballclub. They have everything. They have everything they need. There's no weakness within that group, so it's going to be an interesting three-game series this early in the year."

THE DO RUN-RUN: The Rays uncharacteristically made two baserunning mistakes. 2B Ben Zobrist was picked off second base in the first inning, and birthday boy Sean Rodriguez, who turned 27, was caught rounding third too wide after a force at second. Maddon acknowledged they were "significant mistakes," saying the Angels made a good play on Rodriguez and Zobrist, usually a top-notch baserunner, made a mistake "you won't see again, I think, until 2028."

ALBERT WHO? The Rays did a strong job against Angels 1B Albert Pujols, holding him to 1-for-10 in the series. Though Pujols did end his career-worst 0-for-21 skid with a sixth-inning single, his season-starting homerless streak reached 75 at-bats. "We attacked him really well," Maddon said.

TO THE MATT: OF Matt Joyce continued his torrid start with a double and a triple, giving him seven extra-base hits in his past seven games and hits in 10 of the past 12 for a .322 average. "I think a lot of things are happening with me," he said. "I feel like I'm getting more confident, I'm learning a lot, and I'm growing."

LEGAL MATTER: A decision was postponed until Monday on reducing the $1.015 million bail for minor-league RHP Matt Bush, who remains in the Charlotte County jail facing seven charges from a March 22 DUI hit-and-run arrest. The delay was due to a health issue with the prosecutor.

MISCELLANY: Several Rays had issues with plate umpire Tim Timmons' strike zone, which Maddon used one of his favorite words to describe: "amorphic." … The Rays are a majors-best 8-1 at home, and 5-1 in one-run games. … OF Desmond Jennings has an eight-game hitting streak. … OF B.J. Upton's ninth-inning single was the first hit Angels closer Jordan Walden allowed to a right-hander this year.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012

The first time Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano put on a video of Alabama safety Mark Barron, he thought he had randomly stumbled on his best game.

"I'm really excited about this player,'' Schiano said. "I think he fits into what we do defensively perfectly. You couldn't draw it up better.

"This guy plays at a high level in what is definitely the most competitive college football conference in the land. He not only plays in that conference, but I thought he was a dominating player at his position. I can't tell you how excited I am to get him down here.''

With LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne on the board, the Bucs traded down two spots from No. 5 overall with the Jacksonville Jaguars at No. 7 to select Barron. The two-time captain for Alabama will provide help stopping the run for a Bucs team that was last in the NFL in rushing defense last season.

The 6-foot-1, 213-pound Barron was the quarterback of the defense for the national champion Crimson Tide defense. He is a physical, run-stopper for an Alabama team that led the nation in run defense, allowing 72.15 yards per game).

The Bucs released safety Tanard Jackson earlier this month for a failed physical, saying he wasn't showing growth as a player. That left the Bucs with four safeties, but among them, only Cody Grimm has started an NFL regular season game.

Tampa Bay also used the recently completed voluntary minicamp last week to move cornerback Ronde Barber to safety.

Barron would play strong safety and give the Bucs a hard-nosed player who can be like an extra linebacker in the box.

"It's funny, I was talking to him on the phone and he's fired up,'' Schiano said. "He says, "Coach, can you send me a playbook?' I said, "Well, you're going to be down here tomorrow, Mark, and we'll get you a playbook, I promise you.

"That's the kind of guy he is. He lives this great game, he loves it, he studies it and I can't wait to coach him.''

The Bucs received a fourth-round pick from the Jaguars (101 overall) to move down two spots to No. 7. Jacksonville selected Oklahoma St. receiver Justin Blackmon.

The Dallas Cowboys followed by trading from No. 14 to No. 6 with the Rams to select Claiborne.

Bucs general manager Mark Dominik said he was a little nervous when the Cowboys traded up, fearing they might take Barron. He said the Bucs would've been comfortable taking Barron at No. 5.

The NFL draft was shaken by a trade about an hour before the selection show began, resulting in Alabama running back Trent Richardson going to the Cleveland Browns at No. 3.

The Browns, who owned the fourth overall pick, moved up a spot to the third overall choice with the Minnesota Vikings. In exchange, the Browns sent a fourth (118th overall), fifth (139) and seventh-round picks to the Vikings.

The Browns were dealing from strength, having entered the draft with 13 player selections, including two picks in rounds four, five and seven.

The Bucs had an interest in Richardson, whom coach Greg Schiano had called a 'special talent.' He would've given the Bucs' the 'bell cow,' back that the former Rutgers coach covets, a player who can remain on the field every down.

But in the end, the Browns reportedly were worried about Tampa Bay jumping up to No. 3 with Minnesota to take Richardson. The Browns also had more fire power. Tampa Bay did not own a fourth round pick and most likely would've had to give up their third-round choice as part of any package for Richardson.

Shortly after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell approached the podium to begin the draft, things went according to script. The Indianapolis Colts took Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck No. 1 overall and the Washington Redskins took Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III No. 2.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012

TAMPA — The first time Bucs coach Greg Schiano put on a video of Alabama safety Mark Barron, he thought he had randomly stumbled on his best game.

But the big hits just kept coming.

"The first film I watched, I ran to (general manager Mark Dominik). We watched it together, and I looked at him and said, 'Wow!' " Schiano said. "So then you go back. That's what you do leading up to the draft. You try to find problems and what isn't right. We just felt this guy is a fit for the Bucs.

"He's a leader, a physical presence, a football guy, loves it. He's our kind of guy."

With LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, considered by many analysts to be the top cornerback in the draft, still on the board during Thursday's first round, the Bucs traded down two spots from No. 5 — and in the process acquired a fourth-round pick from the Jaguars — and got Barron, the first safety and only the third defensive back they have taken in the first round.

But the Bucs weren't done.

They acquired a first-round pick — giving up their second-round pick and swapping spots in the fourth round with the Broncos — moving up five spots to No. 31 and selecting Boise State running back Doug Martin.

The 5-foot-9, 219-pound Martin started 25 games for the Broncos and rushed for 3,431 yards and 43 touchdowns. He will provide immediate help on third down and complement tailback LeGarrette Blount.

Stopping the run and rushing the football is paramount to Schiano. And Barron will provide help for a defense that was last against the run in 2011 at 156.1 yards per game.

If some scouts had a knock against Barron, it's that he might not be as effective in pass coverage. But he had 12 interceptions for Alabama.

"If you go back and count how many times I've been scored on in my college career, there probably won't be more than three," Barron said. "I don't feel like that's the case at all."

Schiano said Barron fits the definition of what he has termed a "Buccaneer man." He quarterbacked the defense at Alabama, which has won two BCS national titles over the past three seasons and last season led Division I-A by allowing 72.2 rushing yards per game.

"Mark is, first of all, a really good person," Alabama coach Nick Saban said of Barron during a recent interview on a Dallas radio station. "He's got great character, very mature, very well respected by his teammates. He doesn't say a lot. He's a little quiet, but he's a very effective leader."

In fact, Dominik believed Barron was special enough to pick at No. 5. But the Bucs chose to move down and pick up the fourth-round pick, something they did not have entering Thursday.

Jacksonville selected Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon. The Cowboys followed by trading from No. 14 to No. 6 with the Rams to select Claiborne.

"I would absolutely say I was a little nervous when the Dallas Cowboys traded to six," Dominik said.

The Bucs released safety Tanard Jackson earlier this month for a failed physical, also saying he wasn't showing growth as a player. That left the Bucs with four safeties. But among them, only Cody Grimm has started a regular season game.

Tampa Bay also used the recently completed voluntary minicamp to move cornerback Ronde Barber to safety. Schiano would not say if that experiment would continue.

"I'm really excited about (Barron)," Schiano said. "I think he fits into what we do defensively perfectly. You couldn't draw it up better.

"This guy plays at a high level in (the SEC), what is definitely the most competitive college football conference in the land. He not only plays in that conference, but I thought he was a dominating player at his position."

The draft was shaken by a trade about an hour before it began, resulting in Alabama running back Trent Richardson going to the Browns at No. 3.

The Browns, who owned the fourth pick, moved up a spot in a deal with the Vikings. In exchange, the Browns sent a fourth-, fifth- and seventh-round pick to the Vikings.

The Browns were dealing from strength, having entered the draft with 13 picks, including two in Rounds 4, 5 and 7. Dominik said he made calls to a lot of teams to gauge what it would cost to move in the draft.

But even after moving down two spots, they got their man.

"It's funny. I was talking to him on the phone, and he's fired up," Schiano said of Barron. "He says, 'Coach, can you send me a playbook?' I said, 'Well, you're going to be down here tomorrow, Mark, and we'll get you a playbook, I promise you.

"That's the kind of guy he is. He lives this great game. He loves it. He studies it, and I can't wait to coach him."

Breaking down the first round

By position: DL — 7; LB — 5; DB — 5; QB — 4; OL — 4; WR/TE — 4; RB — 3

By school: Alabama — 4; LSU, South Carolina, Baylor, Oklahoma State, Stanford, Southern Cal, Notre Dame, Illinois, Boise State — 2; Texas A&M, Boston College, Memphis, Mississippi State, West Virginia, North Carolina, Syracuse, Iowa, Wisconsin, Virginia Tech — 1

By conference: SEC — 9; Big 12 — 5; Pac-12, Big Ten — 4; ACC — 3; Big East, Independent, Mountain West — 2; C-USA — 1

Bucs first-round picks by position: DL — 10; OL — 6; RB — 5; LB — 4; QB — 4; DB — 3; WR — 2

What they're saying about Mark Barron

Mark Mayock, NFL.com:

Boy, is this a solid pick. I love this kid because his floor and ceiling are the same thing. His ceiling is to be a Pro Bowl safety; his floor is to be a Pro Bowl safety. That's how good this young man is. This is going to be a good football team next year.

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com:

This is high for a safety, but this is a huge need for the Bucs. Their safeties were horrible last year. Grade: B

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

2012

NFL DRAFT

"I have never asked for the capability to listen to an opposing team's communications," Loomis said. "I have never inquired as to the possibility of listening in on an opposing team's communications. And I've never been aware of any capability to listen in on an opposing team's communications at the Superdome or at any NFL stadium.''

Loomis also pledged to finalize a deal with Drew Brees. He said the quarterback has earned the right to negotiate a deal he likes, but a balance is needed to keep the team competitive.

Loomis said he was prepared to deal with the consequences of the NFL's bounty investigation, which resulted in suspensions and lost draft picks, and said he wasn't discouraged by bad publicity.

Pro bowl in doubt: With commissioner Roger Goodell and others expressing concerns about the quality of play in the Pro Bowl, Goodell is "strongly considering" suspending the game in 2013, according to reports.

The NFL said no determination has been made.

Many players chosen for the game skip it. The game draws solid TV ratings but isn't considered a money maker. The big factor is cost, particularly when played in Hawaii.

NFLPA president Domonique Foxworth said the union and league were talking about improving and preserving the game.

"We have had lots of talks with the players about the Pro Bowl," NFL counsel Jeff Pash said last week. "It's not going to ever look like a playoff game, but it needs to improve so fans don't say, 'I feel bad watching it.' ''

Bengals: A judge dismissed an assault charge against linebacker Rey Maualuga after learning the dispute was settled in mediation. He still faces possible punishment from the league.

Giants: The team signed Pro Bowl defensive tackle Shaun Rogers, who started four games for the Saints last season. The 12-year veteran, 33, also played for the Lions and Browns.

Redskins: Safety Brandon Meriweather, who signed last month, was charged with drunk driving early Thursday, according to reports out of Arlington, Va. Police said the former University of Miami standout failed a field sobriety test and said he was driving home from a club but couldn't remember its name.

Steelers: Quarterback Byron Leftwich agreed to a one-year deal and will compete with Charlie Batch to back up Ben Roethlisberger. Leftwich, 32, did not play last year after breaking his left arm in the preseason. He has thrown seven passes since signing with the team in 2010 after a disappointing and injury-shortened 2009 with the Bucs.

Vikings: The team signed Jerome Simpson, a former Bengals receiver recently convicted on a felony drug charge who reportedly will be suspended for three games by the league. GM Rick Spielman said after a background check he is confident Simpson can be trusted.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Mariners 5, Tigers 4

DETROIT — Former Brandon High star Chone Figgins hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh that was misjudged by rightfielder Brennan Boesch as Seattle completed a three-game sweep. The hit scored Brendan Ryan, who walked with two outs. "I thought I hit it real good," Figgins said. "But when I saw him coming in, I thought, 'I didn't hit it that bad.' Good thing it worked out."

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Royals 4, Indians 2

CLEVELAND — Luis Mendoza pitched into the sixth and Jeff Francoeur had a go-ahead single in a three-run fifth as the Royals won consecutive games for only the second time this year. Kansas City's 8-2 win a day earlier stopped a 12-game skid. "That's why those streaks happen," manager Ned Yost said. "You can't catch a break. You can't find a hole. … Whatever it is, when it turns you get on the right side of it for a while."

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Colleges

Some schools cut academic slack

INDIANAPOLIS — The NCAA's Division I board of directors agreed Thursday to give some schools an additional year to meet new, more rigorous academic standards tied to postseason eligibility. So-called low-resource institutions won't have to hit the four-year average of 930 on the Academic Progress Rate until 2016-17, one year later than all other schools. Though the two-year averages will be waived for the low-resource schools, all institutions must maintain a four-year average of 900 to be eligible for championship events each of the next two seasons.

Low-resource schools are those ranked in the bottom 15 percentile based on the combined average of institutional spending per student, athletic expenses per student-athlete and the average Pell Grant per student. Schools from the Football Bowl Subdivision cannot make the list.

basketball: Illinois State coach Tim Jankovich accepted a coach-in-waiting position under new SMU coach Larry Brown, 71, the school said. No time limit is set for Jankovich to take over. … Ex-Syracuse assistant Bernie Fine was hired as a consultant by a team in Israel's top pro league. Fine, who coached under Jim Boeheim for 35 years, was fired in November after two former team ball boys accused him of sexually abusing them more than 20 years ago. Fine has denied the allegations and has not been charged.

tennis

Nadal, Murray gain Barcelona quarters

Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray cruised into the Barcelona Open quarterfinals with straight-set victories in Spain.

Nadal broke Robert Farah in the first game on his way to a 6-2, 6-3 victory. He faces fifth-seeded Janko Tipsarevic, who beat Frederico Gil 6-2, 6-2.

Murray made quick work of Santiago Giraldo 6-1, 6-2. He plays Milos Raonic, who got past Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-3.

Porsche Grand Prix: Top-ranked Victoria Azarenka advanced to the quarterfinals when Andrea Petkovic retired after injuring her right ankle at Stuttgart, Germany. Azarenka was leading 6-2, 4-4 when Petkovic stepped awkwardly and twisted her right ankle on the indoor red clay court. Fifth seed and Tampa resident Sam Stosur downed defending champion Julia Goerges 6-2, 2-6, 6-3. Angelique Kerber routed former No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki 6-1, 6-2. Petra Kvitova, last year's Wimbledon champion, beat Francesca Schiavone 6-2, 6-2.

et cetera

soccer: The English Premier League has been forced to scrap team handshakes before Sunday's match between Chelsea and Queens Park Rangers due to the July racism trial of Chelsea captain John Terry. Terry is accused of racially insulting Queens Park defender Anton Ferdinand, who is black, during a game in October. Legal advice led to the handshakes being scrapped, the league said. … The sport's governing body published a new code of conduct for all players and officials that includes orders to reject bribery and corruption in the game.

jurisprudence: Eighteen Olympians — including swimming greats Mark Spitz and Janet Evans, and diver Greg Louganis — have sued Samsung Corp. over a Facebook app they allege misuses their names and images. According to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the athletes object to the Samsung Olympic Genome Project, which shows Facebook users how they are connected to famous Olympians. The lawsuit seeks licensing fees that should have been paid, plus a percentage from the gross sales of Samsung's products since the project launched, in addition to unspecified general and punitive damages and attorneys' fees.

Times wires

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Class 2A state track

When: Saturday

Where: Hodges Stadium, University of North Florida, Jacksonville

Admission: $9

Schedule: 4x800 relay, start of field events at 1 p.m.; running event preliminaries at 4; running finals at 6:30

Outlook: Lakewood's Shaquem Griffin is in position to win his first state title in the triple jump. The junior has the top-seed mark after leaping 48 feet, 1 inch at last week's region meet. His twin brother, Shaquill, also could finish in the top three in the event. Both make up half of the Spartans' 4x100 and 4x400 relays, which could medal.

Lakewood's girls also have strong 4x100 and 4x400 teams. Ashlee Funderburk has a chance for a top-three finish in the 300 hurdles.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

AVONDALE, La. — Cameron Tringale and Ken Duke topped the Zurich Classic leaderboard at 7-under 65 on Thursday, leaving defending champion Bubba Watson six back at TPC Louisiana in his first tournament since winning the Masters.

Tringale birdied the final four holes and totaled eight birdies and a bogey. Duke had seven birdies in a bogey-free round. Both are winless on the PGA Tour.

Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Daniel Chopra and Chris Stroud were a stroke back. Ben Curtis, coming off a victory Sunday in the Texas Open, was at 67 with John Rollins and Jason Dufner.

Watson had four birdies and three bogeys. Second-ranked Luke Donald opened with 73.

"I'm very exhausted, tough trying to play golf (Thursday)" said Watson, who took a two-week break after the Masters. "I can't hit a full swing yet. I knew I needed to be here being the defending champ for the local fans. So I'm here, but mentally, I'm not here."

Tringale, coming off eighth-place finishes in the Houston Open and Texas Open, made the turn at 2 under and shot 5-under 31 on the back nine, making a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-4 15th and a 20-footer on the difficult par-3 17th.

"My game felt really nice for quite some time, and I don't know how to explain it," Tringale said.

Duke made three consecutive birdies on the front nine to make the turn at 3 under and birdied the par-5 11th, par-4 12th, par-4 16th and par-5 18th.

Chopra, who has failed to make a cut this season, put himself in position to regain full-time status. He had failed to shoot in the 60s this year, a string of 15 rounds.

lpga: Jennifer Rosales birdied five of the first seven holes on the back nine and finished at 5-under 67 to share the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic's first-round lead with Katie Futcher, Lindsey Wright and Caroline Hedwall.

Rosales, who won the last of her two tour titles in 2005, had a birdie and a bogey on the front nine before making her back-nine move on The Crossings course at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail's Magnolia Grove complex in Mobile, Ala. Futcher had the lead at 6 under after 17 holes but dropped into a tie with a bogey on the par-4 ninth. Wright and Hedwall had bogey-free rounds.

Tampa's Cindy LaCrosse was a stroke back, tied with seven others. Brittany Lincicome of Seminole (70) was tied for 21st.

Futcher talked about how she recently switched from bacon to salami as her on-course snack: "I've tried sandwiches, I've tried nuts, I've tried every kind of bar you can think of. I've switched now to salami. I go back and forth from salami to bacon. Right now I'm on a salami kick because … bacon, you can only eat so much of it for so long.''

Times wires


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Red Sox OF Carl Crawford is expected to miss three months to rehab the ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, ESPN.com reported Thursday.

The former Ray, who signed a seven-year, $142 million deal with Boston and had one of his worst seasons in 2011, will forgo surgery to attempt rehab.

Crawford, who had surgery in January on his left wrist, had begun feeling discomfort in his left elbow while in camp in Florida and started this season on the DL. He had been limited to a DH role in extended spring games.

He visited noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews to try to determine the cause of the soreness in the elbow.

Tigers release Inge: Slumping 3B Brandon Inge, a Tiger all during his 12-year career, was released by the team after going 2-for-20 (.100) with one homer and two RBIs so far this season. "It's one of those things you can kind of see how things are going before they come. But it's no hard feelings whatsoever," said Inge, 34. "But I have a chance to go play maybe somewhere else. … But my heart will always be in Detroit for 100 percent and forever." Detroit announced it had called up 1B Brad Eldred, who was hitting .388 at Triple-A Toledo.

Votto's suite deal: The Reds and 1B Joey Votto finalized their 12-year, $251.5 million deal, the longest guaranteed agreement in baseball history. Votto will be 41 in 2024, when the deal could expire. The team has a $20 million option for 2024 and must pay a $7 million buyout that Nov. 1 if it declines it. Votto receives full no-trade protection. The deal, first announced April 4, contains $41 million in slightly deferred money. While the agreement gives the 2010 NL MVP a hotel suite on road trips, Votto must pay the difference in cost between the suite and a single room out of his own pocket. The Reds will also give a ballpark suite for 10 games per year to the Joey Votto Charitable Foundation. He has the option to purchase a stadium suite for home games at a discount.

Blue Jays: RHP Dustin McGowan experienced shoulder pain while rehabilitating a foot injury and will be shut down for two weeks.

Mets: RHP Mike Pelfrey has a partial tear in his right elbow, and the team said it is "99 percent" certain he will have ligament reconstruction (also known as Tommy John surgery) that would sideline him until next year.

Orioles: LHP Tsuyoshi Wada, a star in Japan who signed in December, will fly to Los Angeles for a second opinion on his sore left elbow and said Tommy John surgery is possible.

Padres: RHP Micah Owings (strained right forearm) went on the 15-day DL.

Royals: LHP Danny Duffy will miss tonight's start because of tightness in his left elbow but is expected to make his next one. CF Lorenzo Cain will miss a month with a strained left hip flexor.

Twins: The team said 1B Chris Parmelee "is doing well" a day after being hit in the head by a pitch. He showed no signs of a concussion and is day to day.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Orioles 5, Blue Jays 2

BALTIMORE — Adam Jones led off the eighth with a tiebreaking homer and the Orioles completed a three-game sweep with their fourth straight victory. Jones ripped the first pitch from Casey Janssen into the first row of the leftfield stands, barely eluding the leap of Eric Thames. Darren Oliver then allowed Matt Wieters' single before Chris Davis hit a two-run homer to right-center.

Times staff
Thursday, April 26, 2012

1. Colts Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

No suspense here. The Colts used the top choice on the Stanford quarterback. After parting ways in the offseason with veteran Peyton Manning, the Colts hand the keys of the franchise to the two-time Heisman runnerup. Luck is the first player the Colts took No. 1 overall since Manning in 1998. Luck became the 20th quarterback to be taken first overall since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, 12th in the past 16 years, fourth in the past five years and third in a row. He also became the fourth Stanford quarterback taken first overall, following Bobby Garrett (1954, Browns), Jim Plunkett (1971, Patriots) and John Elway (1983, Colts).

2. Redskins Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

The biggest news of the draft actually happened six weeks ago, when the Redskins gave up the farm — well, three first-round picks and a second-rounder — to acquire the Rams' second overall in order to pick what they hope is the franchise quarterback they have sought for almost 20 years. General manager Bruce Allen said "RG3" fits the Redskins offense "to a T.'' Expected to start right away, the Redskins hope Griffin will have the same type of immediate impact that Cam Newton, last year's first overall pick, had with the Panthers. "I'm looking forward to winning football games," Griffin said.

3. Browns Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Possibly concerned the Bucs would jump over them and take the most coveted running back in the draft, the Browns swapped places with the Vikings (Nos. 3 and 4) and grabbed Richardson. It cost Cleveland three additional picks to move up one spot. But with 13 total picks, the Browns had plenty to give. Richardson, who rushed for 1,679 yards and 21 touchdowns last season for the Crimson Tide, is a violent runner and considered an all-around threat — inside, outside, pass-catcher and blocker. He had minor knee surgery during this offseason, but the Browns, obviously, don't consider him an injury concern.

4. Vikings Matt Kalil, T, Southern Cal

Some smart maneuvering by Minnesota, which picked up three extra picks from Cleveland, moved down one spot and still got the player most suspected they coveted all along. Kalil, a big man at 6 feet 6, 305 pounds, is considered an All-Pro caliber tackle and will be charged with protecting the blind side of former Florida State quarterback Christian Ponder. Kalil's brother Ryan plays center for the Panthers.

5. Jaguars Justin Blackmon, WR, Okla. St.

The Jags swapped picks with the Bucs (Nos. 5 and 7) to grab Blackmon, who they hope will provide an immediate boost to what last season was the league's worst offense. Blackmon caught 122 passes for 1,522 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. He had 111 catches for 1,782 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010. Blackmon could help Blaine Gabbert, drafted with the 10th pick last season, develop into a franchise quarterback.

6. Cowboys Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Cowboys gave up their second-round pick to jump ahead of the Bucs and take Claiborne, considered the best defensive back in the draft. It was the 59th draft-day trade for the Cowboys since Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989 and helps fill a pressing need by getting a playmaker for coordinator Rob Ryan. Claiborne led the Tigers with six interceptions last season and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back.

State of disrepair

Remember the olden days when Florida, Florida State and Miami owned the first round of the draft? That isn't the case these days, with the Big Three (and everybody else in the state) getting shut out.

It had been 32 years (1980) since Florida schools had no first-round picks. During that stretch, they produced 118 first-round picks.

The state could have several representatives in Rounds 2 and 3 tonight, including UCF cornerback Josh Robinson, Miami running back Lamar Miller, FSU tackle Zebrie Sanders, Florida running back Chris Rainey, FSU linebacker Nigel Bradham and, perhaps, tight end Orson Charles, a Plant High graduate who attended Georgia.

Timing is everything

Two years ago, before there was a rookie wage scale, quarterback Sam Bradford was the No. 1 overall pick by the Rams. His contract: six years, $78 million, with $50 million guaranteed.

Quarterback Andrew Luck was the No. 1 overall pick Thursday by the Colts. But because of the wage scale that is part of the most recent collective bargaining agreement, Luck's deal will be for four years and approximately $22 million — total.

That's expected to be just a percentage point or two above what last year's No. 1 pick, Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, signed in the first year of the scale.

Robert Griffin III, the No. 2 pick by the Redskins, is expected to sign a four-year deal closely resembling the four year, $21 million deal 2011 No. 2 pick Von Miller signed with the Broncos.

NFC South

Panthers take BC linebacker Kuechly with No. 9 pick

The Panthers hope Boston College's Luke Kuechly can immediately bolster a defense that was 28th in the NFL last season. He's expected to compete for a starting job at outside linebacker with Thomas Davis, who is coming off three torn ACLs over the past three seasons. Kuechly made 14 tackles per game during his career and won last season's Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation's top defensive player. He is the only player to lead the ACC in tackles three times.

Falcons: Had no first-round pick. The team traded what became the No. 22 pick to the Browns during last year's draft in order to move up 21 spots and select receiver Julio Jones at No. 6.

Saints: Had no first-round pick. The team traded what became the No. 27 pick to the Patriots during last year's draft in order to move up 28 spots and select running back Mark Ingram at No. 28.

Dolphins get their quarterback

Miami finally used a first-round pick on a quarterback, taking Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill at No. 8. Tannehill became the first quarterback selected in the opening round by the Dolphins since Dan Marino in 1983. (They did select quarterbacks in the second round from 2007-09.) Tannehill might have been a reach at No. 8. He started just 19 games for the Aggies after switching from receiver, and last season he went only 1-4 against Top 25 teams. But Dolphins fans were clamoring for a quarterback, and owner Stephen Ross said upgrading the position was the team's top priority. Since Marino retired after the 1999 season, the Dolphins have started 16 quarterbacks, most in the NFL. The incumbent is veteran Matt Moore.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

NEW YORK — Rangers defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi scored 4:18 apart in the second period, Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves and New York eliminated the Senators from the playoffs with a 2-1 victory in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal Thursday night.

The Rangers, the top team in the East in the regular season, face in the Capitals in the semifinals, which begin Saturday.

"They should be real proud of themselves. For about an hour," New York coach John Tortorella said of his team.

Staal broke the scoreless deadlock, and Girardi, Staal's defense partner, gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead with his first career playoff goal. Lundqvist allowed Daniel Alfredsson's power-play goal in the second but stood tall the rest of the way.

Lundqvist withstood tons of pressure from the Senators, who spent most of the closing 5 minutes in the Rangers' end. The win wasn't secure until Ottawa defenseman Sergei Gonchar tripped Carl Hagelin as he skated toward the Senators' empty net with 36.2 seconds remaining.

Tortorella, who is not easily impressed, praised his team's defensive performance in the third period. Alfredsson said at times it felt like the Rangers had three goalies on the ice throughout the game. New York was credited with 23 blocked shots.

Craig Anderson was nearly as good as Lundqvist in the Ottawa net, making 27 saves.

Ottawa was the last Canadian team remaining in the playoffs. This is the first time since 1996 a Canadian team hasn't advanced past the first round.

The Senators were the East's eighth seed in the first season of coach Paul MacLean, hired after Cory Clouston was fired after not making the playoffs last season.

"We're real excited about our team and the steps we took this season," MacLean said. "At the end of the day, (the Rangers) deserved to win the series and move on."

On the Rangers' first goal, rookie Chris Kreider, who three weeks ago was helping Boston College win the NCAA title in Tampa, forced a turnover and got the puck into the Ottawa end. Ryan Callahan nudged it ahead to Derek Stepan, who sent a pass from the right circle to the left circle to Staal, who scored his first goal of the series 4:46 into the second.

Staal had two goals in 46 regular-season games, his season limited because of a concussion sustained last season.

On the second goal, Rangers forward Brandon Prust had the puck knocked off his stick, but teammate Brandon Dubinsky was there to get it and smack it into the slot to Girardi, who took a hard slap shot a few feet from the crease and slammed the puck past Anderson at 9:04.

Like Staal, Girardi isn't known for great offensive prowess. He had five goals while playing in all 82 regular-season games but had scored only once in the previous 44 games, including the first six of this series. This goal was "a goal-scorer's goal, obviously," Girardi joked.

Ottawa went on its second power play when Michael del Zotto was called for cross-checking Chris Neil in front of the net at 9:59 of the second. Alfredsson, who missed three games in the series after an elbow from Hagelin in Game 2 gave him a concussion, made New York pay.

He took a pass above the left circle from Chris Phillips and one-timed a shot past Lundqvist with 8:26 left to bring the Senators back within a goal.

The Rangers face the Capitals in the postseason for the third time in four years. The Capitals won the previous two meetings, both of which occurred in the first round. The Caps rallied from a 3-1 series deficit in 2009 to win in seven games and won in five games last year.

The teams split their four regular-season contests this season, with each team getting a win on the road.

First Period—None. Penalties—Dubinsky, NYR (holding), 16:08.

Second Period—1, N.Y. Rangers, Staal 1 (Callahan, Stepan), 4:46. 2, N.Y. Rangers, Girardi 1 (Dubinsky, Prust), 9:04. 3, Ottawa, Alfredsson 2 (Phillips, Gonchar), 11:34 (pp). Penalties—Del Zotto, NYR (cross-checking), 9:59; Kuba, Ott (interference), 18:36.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Cowen, Ott (high-sticking), 3:51; Gonchar, Ott (tripping), 19:23. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 10-8-9—27. N.Y. Rangers 8-12-9—29. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 1 of 2; N.Y. Rangers 0 of 3. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 3-4-0 (29 shots-27 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 4-3-0 (27-26).

Norris finalists: The Bruins' Zdeno Chara, the Senators' Erik Karlsson and the Predators' Shea Weber are the finalists for the Norris Trophy, given to the league's best defenseman. The winner will be announced June 20 at the NHL awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

Times wires
Thursday, April 26, 2012

NEW YORK — The Rangers should be very proud of themselves for eliminating the Senators from the playoffs Thursday night, their coach, John Tortorella, said.

And they should feel that way "for about an hour," he said.

His players backed his view.

"You don't want to relax too much" said forward Derek Stepan, who helped set up the opening goal in the 2-1 win in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series. "We have a big round ahead of us, and we have to make sure we stay focused and keep that emotion high."

Defensemen Marc Staal and Dan Girardi scored 4:18 apart in the second period, and Henrik Lundqvist made 26 saves for the Rangers, who face the Capitals in the semifinals, which begin Saturday.

Staal broke the scoreless deadlock, and Girardi, Staal's defense partner, gave the Rangers a 2-0 lead with his first career playoff goal. Lundqvist allowed Daniel Alfredsson's power-play goal in the second but stood tall the rest of the way.

Lundqvist withstood tons of pressure from the Senators, who spent most of the closing 5 minutes in the Rangers' end. The win wasn't secure until Ottawa defenseman Sergei Gonchar tripped Carl Hagelin as he skated toward the Senators' empty net with 36.2 seconds remaining.

Tortorella, who is not easily impressed, praised his team's defensive performance in the third period. Alfredsson said at times it felt like the Rangers had three goalies on the ice throughout the game. New York was credited with 23 blocked shots.

Ottawa was the last Canadian team remaining in the playoffs. This is the first time since 1996 a Canadian team hasn't advanced past the first round.

The Senators were the East's eighth seed in the first season of coach Paul MacLean, hired after Cory Clouston was fired after not making the playoffs last season.

"We're real excited about our team and the steps we took this season," MacLean said. "At the end of the day, (the Rangers) deserved to win the series and move on."

First Period—None. Penalties—Dubinsky, NYR (holding), 16:08.

Second Period—1, N.Y. Rangers, Staal 1 (Callahan, Stepan), 4:46. 2, N.Y. Rangers, Girardi 1 (Dubinsky, Prust), 9:04. 3, Ottawa, Alfredsson 2 (Phillips, Gonchar), 11:34 (pp). Penalties—Del Zotto, NYR (cross-checking), 9:59; Kuba, Ott (interference), 18:36.

Third Period—None. Penalties—Cowen, Ott (high-sticking), 3:51; Gonchar, Ott (tripping), 19:23. Shots on Goal—Ottawa 10-8-9—27. N.Y. Rangers 8-12-9—29. Power-play opportunities—Ottawa 1 of 2; N.Y. Rangers 0 of 3. Goalies—Ottawa, Anderson 3-4-0 (29 shots-27 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 4-3-0 (27-26).

Devils oust Panthers

SUNRISE — Adam Henrique scored his second goal of the game at 3:47 of the second overtime, and the Devils beat the Panthers 3-2 in Game 7 of their East quarterfinal early today.

New Jersey meets the Flyers in the conference semifinals.

The Devils wasted a 2-0 lead in the third period. Stephen Gionta also scored in regulation for New Jersey, which won a series for the first time since 2007.

Martin Brodeur made 43 saves for the Devils.

Stephen Weiss and Marcel Goc scored third-period goals, and Jose Theodore made 32 saves for the Panthers, who made a surprising run to the Southeast Division title this season and earned their first postseason berth in 12 years.

On the winner, Henrique picked up a loose puck in the right circle, skated toward the slot and beat Jose Theodore with a low shot. The Devils mobbed Henrique as Theodore knelt on the ice in disbelief.

Down 2-0 entering the third period, Florida had no choice but to attack. With Florida on a 4-on-3 advantage, Weiss cut the lead in half at 5:02, burying a one-timer from the right circle after a pass from Brian Campbell.

First Period—1, New Jersey, Henrique 1 (Volchenkov, Clarkson), 1:29. Penalties—Salvador, NJ (roughing), 6:04; Gudbranson, Fla (roughing), 6:04; Kulikov, Fla (hooking), 7:16; Clarkson, NJ (diving), 10:39; Jovanovski, Fla (holding), 10:39; Salvador, NJ (interference), 17:20.

Second Period—2, New Jersey, Gionta 2 (Harrold, Carter), 9:15. Penalties—None.

Third Period—3, Florida, Weiss 3 (Campbell, Samuelsson), 5:02 (pp). 4, Florida, Goc 2 (Bergenheim, Garrison), 16:32 (pp). Penalties—Matthias, Fla (goaltender interference), 1:50; Clarkson, NJ (high-sticking), 3:06; Gudbranson, Fla (slashing), 3:52; Harrold, NJ (holding), 4:44; Zidlicky, NJ (delay of game), 16:12. First Overtime—None. Penalties—Versteeg, Fla (slashing), 3:21. Second Overtime—5, New Jersey, Henrique 2 (Ponikarovsky, Clarkson), 3:47. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—New Jersey 9-11-6-9-1—36. Florida 12-2-19-12-0—45. Power-play opportunities—New Jersey 0 of 3; Florida 2 of 4. Goalies—New Jersey, Brodeur 4-2-0 (45 shots-43 saves). Florida, Theodore 2-2-0 (36-33).

Norris finalists: The Bruins' Zdeno Chara, the Senators' Erik Karlsson and the Predators' Shea Weber are the finalists for the Norris Trophy, given to the league's best defenseman. The winner will be announced June 20 at the NHL awards ceremony in Las Vegas.

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, April 26, 2012

TAMPA

The endorsement came from long ago and from far away. The more one safety raved about the other, the easier it was to feel good about the newest employee of the Tampa Bay Bucs.

Yes, Mark Barron has the skills to become the next John Lynch.

At least, that's what John Lynch says.

When it comes to judging safeties, who is in position to argue with Lynch, the best by-gum safety Tampa Bay has ever seen on a regular basis? Yes, it was a bit of a surprise when the Bucs picked Barron with the seventh pick in the NFL draft, and yes, some of those people who guess at the event for a living might consider him a bit of a reach.

On the other hand, Barron — a two-time captain at Alabama — is one of those safeties who leaves bruises, the kind the Bucs have needed since the franchise held the door open for Lynch to leave. And if Barron can return greatness to the position, no one will ever quibble about the price. Just take it from Lynch.

"I think he's a flat-out stud," Lynch said. "He doesn't have any holes. He does everything well."

Lynch should know. Over the past two weeks, he has studied the available safeties for an NFL team (he wouldn't say which one) "as if cramming for a history test." It didn't take him long to be impressed with Barron.

"Now, that's what I'm talking about," Lynch wrote of Barron in his report. "This is a big-time game-changing football player. My own opinion (I know he's hot), is that if he slips and you see an opportunity to go get him, do. This guy is a start and top-line right now. He will definitely impact a team.

"What do I like so much? Everything. He sees things well. He recognizes and reacts quickly. He has very good athletic ability. He tackles well in space. He demonstrates great ball skills.

"In addition, he's nasty. He finishes, and he finishes violently."

Yeah, the Bucs secondary can use as much of that as it can get. Last year, it seems that every time you noticed a safety, it was because one was chasing a receiver across a goal line. Even more than corner, even more than running back, at least as much as linebacker, the Bucs needed a safety.

Evidently, the Bucs recognized it, too. They could have stayed at No. 5 and picked LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne, the player who most mocks had them ending up with. But general manager Mark Dominik suggested the Bucs liked Barron better.

If the Bucs had not moved back, Dominik said, Barron is the player they would have taken at No. 5. In fact, he wasn't nervous the Cowboys might take Claiborne when they moved up to sixth (they did); he was nervous they might take Barron instead.

In other words, the Bucs were impressed. Coach Greg Schiano said his first reaction to watching Barron on tape was this: "Wow."

Ah, but how much can a safety impact Schiano's defense?

"A ton," he said. "Especially the way the game has developed. I know he can cover. He has to be able to cover. He's a big, physical, punishing player. But he's also a skilled athlete with speed and range and the ability to play man-to-man."

The range, Barron will have to prove. No one, however, doubts his toughness in the box, his ability to tackle, his ability to put a big hit on an opponent.

Remind you of anyone else?

"What I remember about John Lynch," Barron said, "is the way he was out there smacking people around."

Maybe, he will make other people remember it, too.

"The way he strikes people reminds me of myself," Lynch said, laughing softly. "He's a complete, big-time player. I liked the courage to go ahead and pick him at seven. There is a feeling in the league that the safety position isn't what it was because everyone is so spread out.

"To me, if you just look at the last 10 Super Bowl teams, every one of them had a great safety. You can't take safeties off the field. Safeties do so many things, covering tight ends, playing in the box, blitzing. When you have a great player, you can find a way for him to take over a game."

The money question? Can Barron be good enough to replace Lynch as the best-ever safety for the Bucs?

"Absolutely," Lynch said. Then he paused.

"Of course, he's got a lot of work to do first."

Times staff
Thursday, April 26, 2012

Phones were ringing

Predictions that the NFL's new rookie salary cap — and the cost associated with it — would lead to a flurry of trades at the top of the draft proved accurate. The Rams had previously traded the No. 2 overall pick to the Redskins, beginning a streak of six consecutive picks that changed hands.

Here's a look at Thursday's deals:

Cleveland: Traded the No. 4 overall pick and selections in Rounds 4, 5 and 7 to Minnesota for the No. 3 overall pick; selected Alabama RB Trent Richardson. With the No. 4 pick, the Vikings selected USC T Matt Kalil.

Jacksonville: Traded the No. 7 overall pick and a fourth-round selection (101 overall) to Tampa Bay for the No. 5 overall pick; selected Oklahoma State WR Justin Blackmon. The Bucs used the No. 7 pick to take Alabama S Mark Barron.

Dallas: Traded the No. 14 overall pick and a second-round pick to St. Louis for the No. 6 overall pick; selected LSU CB Morris Claiborne.

Philadelphia: Traded the No. 15 pick, a fourth-round pick (No. 114) and a sixth-round pick (No. 172) to Seattle for the No. 12 pick, selected Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox.

New England: Traded the No. 27 overall pick and a third-round pick (No. 93 overall) to Cincinnati for the No. 21 overall pick; selected Syracuse DE Chandler Jones.

New England: Traded up again, this time sending the No. 31 overall pick and a fourth-round pick (No. 126 overall) to Denver for the No. 25 overall pick; selected Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower.

Minnesota: Traded picks in the second (No. 35 overall) and fourth rounds (No. 98) to Baltimore for the No. 29 overall pick; selected Notre Dame DB Harrison Smith.

Tampa Bay: Traded picks in the second (No. 36 overall) and fourth rounds (No. 101) to Denver for overall picks No. 31 and No. 126 (fourth round); selected Boise State RB Doug Martin.

Biggest reach Seattle: Bruce Irvin, OLB, West Virginia

The Seahawks pulled a stunner in the first round, addressing their need for a pass rusher by selecting West Virginia's Bruce Irvin with the 15th overall pick. The selection was made after Seattle traded with Philadelphia, moving down from No. 12 overall to No. 15 and acquiring two picks in the later rounds. But no one guessed Irvin would be Seattle's selection. Irvin played two seasons at West Virginia and had 14 sacks as a junior and 8½ sacks his final season. He is expected to be solely a pass-rush option for the Seahawks because he is undersized at 6 feet 3, 245 pounds. Irvin also had off-field problems before his arrival at West Virginia, including jail time.