Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun compares himself to an old car — once shiny, new and well-liked by everyone, he has had his share of dings to his reputation during the later part of his 39-year coaching career.

"The shine will wear off the car, and you'll get some nicks and dents and bumps," Calhoun, 68, said Monday. "And hopefully when it's all said and done, they'll look back and see what the heck you did for your kids, for your university, for your community."

This week, the Hall of Fame coach takes his program to a fourth Final Four, after a year that saw critics calling for his job.

Those calls came after the Huskies failed to make the tournament in 2010, and the NCAA found several major recruiting violations. In February, UConn finished the regular season on a 1-4 skid, and NCAA sanctions included a three-game conference suspension for Calhoun for failing to create an atmosphere of compliance in the program — a suspension he will serve if he returns next season.

"I felt like I was in the corner because the sweat equity that we all have — my players, my coaches, the university — has put into UConn basketball over the past 25 years is pretty deep and rich. And to have people over a couple-of-months period dismiss us, I took that personally," Calhoun said. "If I take something personally, I'm going to do everything humanly possible to make sure that your perception is wrong.

"Any legacy stuff I can look at later. Right now, I just can't wait to get this team to the Final Four to have them see something that they've never experienced."

Kentucky: With its first trip to the Final Four since 1998, university president Lee Todd said he is more certain than ever that John Calipari was the right coaching hire two years ago.

"The more I see him on a daily basis, and (the way) he coaches and teaches players, the more proud I am of the decision we made," Todd said.

Calipari's previous visits to the Final Four, with Massachusetts in 1996 and Memphis in 2008, were vacated by the NCAA for rule violations. Though Calipari was not found at fault in either instance, the stigma is something he bristles at. After Sunday's victory, a fan repeatedly shouted at Calipari: "it will just be vacated."

"We will all be judged 50 years from now," Calipari said. "The good news is, there will be no emotion to it where someone wants to be nasty and mean; it won't be here. It will be here's the facts, here's what he's done."

vcu: Our time. Right now.

That is the rallying cry VCU adopted during its improbable run to the Final Four.

The Rams are having a blast, and their confidence is growing.

"It comes from our personalities and Coach (Shaka) Smart," F Bradford Burgess said. "He wants us to be out there loose and confident and aggressive. We're out there playing with nothing to lose. It's just been a fun ride, and I think we showed how much fun we can have on the court every game."

"We just have a lot of belief in each other," PG Joey Rodriguez said. "We're not scared of anybody."

Ratings increase: The NCAA tournament's television ratings are the highest since 2005. Through the region finals, this year's tourney has averaged a 6.0 rating and 13 share, up 11 percent from 2010. This was the first season every game was televised nationally. Ratings represent the percentage of all homes with TVs tuned into a program. Shares represent the percentage of all homes with TVs in use at the time.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 28, 2011

Smart move of the day

Though manager Joe Maddon drove his 1972 Chevy Malibu convertible with the top down from Port Charlotte to Sarasota on Sunday, he said it was safely in the garage by the time all the storms hit Monday. "That was perfect timing with the rain the way it is," Maddon said. "It's in the garage; it's all good right now, so it worked out well."

A first at first

Before playing two innings at first base Saturday, utilityman Elliot Johnson said he hadn't played there since T-ball, when he was 5. Johnson makes his first start there today, saying it'll be an adjustment but he's open to play wherever the Rays put him. That makes seven positions for Johnson this camp. "It's part of my job description," he said, smiling. Johnson said he got a first baseman's glove last spring, and infield coach Tom Foley put him through his own "First Base 101" workout recently.

Time to get happy

The Rays will host happy hour before all home games this season. It will take place two hours before the start of each home game and include entertainment, live music and $3 Budweiser and Bud Light specials in Centerfield Street. Fans should enter at the Gate 1 rotunda.

Did you know?

The Rays boast the best record in the Grapefruit League over the past four years (since 2008): 67-46 (.593)

Who is this Ray?

At 6 feet 9, he matches LHP Mark Hendrickson as the tallest player in Rays history. But he didn't play high school basketball; he tried out for the Lanier Middle School basketball team but was beaten out by Emeka Okafor, now center for the New Orleans Hornets.

Rays at Red Sox

When/where: 1:05 today; City of Palms Park, 2201 Edison Ave., Fort Myers

Tickets: $10-$46, available at stadium box office, as well as via redsox.com or by phone at 1-888-733-7696.

Radio: Raysbaseball.com audio

Rays information: Toll-free 1-888-326-7297 (FAN-RAYS)

Pitchers: Rays — Wade Davis, Cesar Ramos, Juan Cruz, Joel Peralta; Red Sox — Clay Buchholz, Tim Wakefield, Alfredo Aceves

On deck

Wednesday: vs Blue Jays (Tropicana Field), 4:10. Rays — Jeff Niemann; Blue Jays — Jo-Jo Reyes

Heads-up

Utility man Elliot Johnson will make his first career start at first base. Sean Rodriguez is scheduled to play third, with Reid Brignac, Dan Johnson, John Jaso and Matt Joyce all on the trip.

Who is this Ray answer: RHP Jeff Niemann

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 28, 2011

TAMPA — Manager Joe Maddon said the decision to cancel Monday night's Rays-Yankees spring training game was right, considering how bad the storm was.

But Tampa Bay's first rainout of the spring forced Maddon to make quick decisions on how to handle final preparations for the season.

RHP James Shields, scheduled to go four innings Monday night, will throw two innings in a simulated game today at Tropicana Field, where several Rays will work out.

RHP Adam Russell and LHP Jake McGee, slated to make the second of back-to-back appearances Monday, will also pitch today at the Trop.

Despite the postponed start, pitching coach Jim Hickey said, Shields remains on schedule to pitch against the Orioles on Saturday.

"It's not ideal by any means, but it's also not the end of the world," Hickey said. "You wish it wasn't the start prior to his first regular-season start, but he's as ready as he's going to be. The four innings (Monday) wouldn't have honed him any more than he already was."

Maddon said the only disappointment was that several regulars — including 3B Evan Longoria, LF Johnny Damon and CF B.J. Upton — were supposed to play deep into the game.

Instead, Maddon said, the regulars will play longer in Wednesday's spring exhibition finale at the Trop and not just have a "cameo," with Thursday's off-day giving them rest for Friday's opening day.

Maddon said the players who were expected to make today's trip to Fort Myers to face the Red Sox will still do so.

"It's supposed to rain there (today), too," Maddon said.

ROSTER, ETC: The Rays have returned Rule 5 pick LHP Cesar Cabral to the Red Sox.

Cabral looked impressive at times in camp but was inconsistent, and the Rays were not confident he could handle the jump from Class A to the majors. Cabral cleared waivers, and the Rays get back $25,000 of the $50,000 Rule 5 fee. The Rays considered trade possibilities but couldn't find a deal.

"It's a tough one; he did so well, and he's such a great kid and he fits in here so nicely," Maddon said. "Who knows? We'll see what's going to happen if we're able to get him back somehow. I liked him; we all liked him. He's got some pretty good stuff."

MINOR MATTERS: Hickey said LHP prospect Matt Moore, who will start in Double-A Montgomery, was impressive in an intrasquad game Monday in Port Charlotte.

With the minor-league game canceled, Moore faced the Rays' Triple-A team, striking out nine of the first 12 batters. Moore led the minors in strikeouts last season with Class-A Charlotte.

"He's got a very nice delivery," Hickey said. "He's able to repeat his delivery, got a real nice direction to home plate. Virtually every fastball that I saw was in the 94 (mph) range; he threw 96 to strike out (INF Ray Olmedo). … You've got a guy who is in control of his body and (has) probably three major-league quality pitches right now. That certainly bodes well for us in the future."

RHP Kyle Farnsworth was in the intrasquad game and threw "very well," Hickey said.

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

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, March 28, 2011

There is a point when even talent is not worth the trouble. There is a line where a team has been embarrassed enough. There is a time when an employer's patience is no longer a virtue.

In the case of Aqib Talib, it is time to ask:

Aren't the Bucs there yet?

To the surprise of absolutely no one, Talib is in the headlines again. Of course he is. This time, he is a "person of interest" in a shooting incident near his hometown of Dallas, which should just about complete the Aqib Talib Self-Destruction Tour.

For a long time now, Talib has been a talented troublemaker, a walking bad decision followed by controversy and headed toward scandal. He does not hear the scolding, he is impervious to lapel-shaking, and he is beyond the benefit of doubt. The drugs in college. The fights with teammates. The assault. The suspension. And now this.

Here's a question: Can Talib's career withstand another scandal?

Here's another: Should it?

By now, don't even the Bucs have to be fed up with Talib? After all, it is their reputation, as much as his, that keeps getting diminished. If Talib is out of control, what does that say about those who pay him and who, on occasion, have protected him?

Remember, this is a franchise where one of the goals is to be liked again by the community it represents. In other words, the Bucs aspire to be one of those organizations that stand for something more than touchdowns and that represent more than entertainment.

Ticket-buyers, too, want to believe in the athletes they cheer. They want to believe that beneath the money and the adulation, they're good guys who are willing to like them back. Players like Warrick Dunn and Mike Alstott. Players like John Lynch and Derrick Brooks.

Note to the Bucs: Talib isn't helping.

He doesn't get it. By now, it is obvious he isn't going to get it. And be warned: Because he doesn't get it, this isn't going to be the last headline for Talib.

Let's be honest. I don't know what happened in Garland, Texas, any more than you do. I've read the reports, but I assume there is a reason they don't have a TV show called CSI: Garland. My guess is this case won't amount to much in court since the victim, Shannon Billings, isn't the most savory character himself. There is plenty of room for confusion as to who fired and in what direction.

Of course, the NFL — which has suspended Talib before — doesn't need a court case for a suspension. Then again, perhaps the Bucs shouldn't wait for the NFL. Perhaps they should punish on their own.

I know, I know. Over the course of Talib's rap sheet, the easy thing always has been to say it's someone else's fault. The other player started the fight. The cabbie was looking for a payday. The referee he was cursing shouldn't have cursed him back. And on and on. The stories keep spinning, and the excuses keep coming, and Talib keeps getting a pass.

If the latest allegations are true, however, if he fired a gun at another human being, how can the Bucs defend Talib this time? Other than the usual way, of course, which starts by talking about his considerable talent.

Let's agree on that. Talib is a gifted player. He's the most skilled player on the Bucs defense. He makes the team better. And, yes, turning him loose would make winning games a little harder.

Let's face it: On a lot of franchises, the more talented a player is, the easier he is to believe. And to believe in.

That said, the discussion shouldn't be about talent. It should be about how much trouble a franchise should endure in order to hang on to it.

As the Bucs have internal discussions about Talib, here's a question they need to ask. Besides talent, what matters?

If the answer is that nothing else matters, so be it. But if the team colors stand for something, if the franchise represents the community, then act accordingly.

It's a tough choice, but for the Bucs, it is time.

The next time something is fired, it ought to be Talib.

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — Four former NFL players, including Hall of Fame defensive end Carl Eller, sued the NFL on Monday in hope of joining current players in their antitrust fight against the league and halting the lockout.

Eller, three-time All-Pro running back Priest Holmes and ex-players Obafemi Ayanbadejo and Ryan Collins are listed as plaintiffs in the 44-page complaint filed in federal court in Minneapolis.

It seeks class-action status on behalf of all retired or former NFL players who receive health, retirement or other benefits from the league or its subsidized plans, arguing those benefits will be jeopardized by the loss of NFL revenue in an extended lockout.

The suit was also filed on behalf of potential rookie players, arguing the lockout would harm them by increasing injury risk if they're unable to play in games and stiffening the competition if they must enter the league a year later with another pool of rookies. The lawsuit asks the court to stop the 2011 NFL draft until the alleged antitrust violations are resolved.

The case was assigned to Senior U.S. District Judge Richard Kyle in St. Paul, Minn., where U.S. District Judge Susan Richard Nelson is scheduled to hold an April 6 hearing on a request by current players to immediately halt the lockout.

Shawn Stuckey, an attorney for the former and future players, said he intends to ask the court to combine the retirees' lawsuit with the antitrust suit filed by Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and others.

"We hope that we can be a part of that hearing. For the sake of judicial economy, it would help to streamline things to make sure you get all parties involved at the same table at the same hearing at the same time," Stuckey said. "If we can't get that, we want to give the retired players a voice."

NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said league attorneys had not reviewed the lawsuit and declined comment.

No boycott, union says: The players association said it will not recommend that incoming rookies boycott next month's draft in New York. It has been speculated that the union would urge top-rated players to shun the draft and a chance to shake hands with commissioner Roger Goodell. George Atallah, the NFLPA assistant executive director of external affairs, said the union would not do so. Rookies will be invited to an NFLPA reception and dinner at a Times Square hotel April 28, but the event will end before the draft's 8 p.m. start.

Eagles: Offensive tackle Jason Peters was freed on $628 bond after being charged in Shreveport., La., for violating the city's loud music ordinance and resisting arrest. Police spokesman Bill Goodin said Peters, 29, refused to show his driver's license after police stopped him Saturday night because of the volume of music coming from his vehicle.

Times staff, wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

Tennis

No. 1 wozniacki ousted at sony ericsson Open

KEY BISCAYNE — With her dubious No. 1 ranking secure for at least three more weeks, Caroline Wozniacki's taking a break.

Her enforced vacation began Monday when she lost in the fourth round at the Sony Ericsson Open to Andrea Petkovic 7-5, 3-6, 6-3.

"I'm just going to take a few days of rest now," Wozniacki said. "I need that, you know — maybe on the beach, get some of the tan lines off."

Wozniacki's play paled next to Petkovic's at pivotal moments. Leading 5-4 in the opening set, Wozniacki failed to convert three set points. As the final set slipped away, she angrily kicked at a ball — and failed to make solid contact.

Petkovic, ranked a career-best 23rd, hit an ace to end the first set and another on match point. She waved her arms as she danced at the net to celebrate her biggest victory.

"It's the Petko Dance," she later said with a smile.

No. 16-seeded Maria Sharapova scored her first win over a top-five player in more than three years, beating No. 4 Samantha Stosur 6-4, 6-1. Sharapova, a two-time runnerup at Key Biscayne, earned a berth in the quarterfinals against No. 26 Alexandra Dulgheru.

On the men's side, two-time champion Roger Federer and top-ranked Rafael Nadal advanced to the fourth round. Federer, who slipped to third in the rankings last week, beat No. 32 Juan Monaco 7-6 (7-4), 6-4. Nadal, seeking his first Key Biscayne title, never faced a break point and defeated Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-3.

Soccer

FC Tampa Bay signs three players

With a little less than two weeks remaining until FC Tampa Bay's regular-season opener, the 2011 roster is steadily taking shape.

The team said it signed three players — defender Omar Jarun and forwards Warren Ukah and Matt Clare — to bring the number of players under contract to 19.

Clare has been in preseason camp as a trialist and scored FC Tampa Bay's tying goal in the 86th minute of a 1-1 tie against Sweden First Division club BK Hacken.

Jarun, who will help fill the void left by the season-ending knee injury to defender Yendry Diaz, played in the Polish First League. He was also a key member of the Vancouver Whitecaps' USL First Division championship team in 2008.

Ukah played the past two seasons with Minnesota and Rochester. He made 11 starts for Minnesota last season.

The contracts for all three include club options for 2012.

In other NASL news, David Downs will be the new commissioner. Downs, who takes over next week, was most recently executive director of the U.S. bid committee to draw the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Man U to play in MLS game: Manchester United will play in Major League Soccer's All-Star game for the second straight year. The game, part of the Red Devils' preseason tour, will be played July 27 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, N.J.

ET CETERA

Olympics: Greek sprinter Katerina Thanou testified in Athens court on charges she and teammate Costas Kenteris staged a motorcycle crash to avoid a doping test on the eve of the 2004 Olympics in a major scandal that marred the opening of the Athens Games. Thanou and Kenteris, medalists at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, are accused of staging the crash Aug. 12, 2004, hours after they missed a doping test. The pair subsequently withdrew from the Games.

Eduardo A. Encina, Times staff writer; Times wires

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

DETROIT — Marian Hossa scored on a power play 51 seconds into overtime, lifting the Blackhawks to a 3-2 win over the Red Wings on Monday night.

Henrik Zetterberg was called for hooking Patrick Kane with 3.7 seconds left, putting Chicago on the power play to begin the extra session. The Blackhawks took advantage on Hossa's shot from the left circle — his first goal against Detroit as an ex-Red Wing — off a pass from Kane.

The Blackhawks improved their precarious playoff positioning with a third win in four games.

Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook scored in the first period to give Chicago a 2-1 lead that held up until Danny Cleary was credited with a goal early in the third. Zetterberg appeared to score the second tying goal of the game on a shot that went off Chicago defenseman Chris Campoli.

Detroit's Nicklas Lidstrom tied it at 1 in the first period and became the NHL's first 40-year-old defenseman with 60 points in a season. He surpassed Ray Bourque, who had 59 points as a 40-year-old defenseman during the 2000-01 season — his last — with the Avalanche.

Corey Crawford made 33 saves for the Blackhawks.

Detroit's Joey MacDonald stopped 38 shots while starting in place of Jimmy Howard, who has a balky left shoulder but might play Wednesday at home against the Blues.

The Red Wings had to play much of the night without Todd Bertuzzi, who was called for a five-minute elbowing penalty and a game misconduct for hitting Ryan Johnson in the head 5:17 into the game. Johnson went toward the dressing room but played later in the first period.

Around the league: Alex Ovechkin practiced with the Capitals after taking a week off to recover from an undisclosed injury and said he is ready for tonight's game against the Hurricanes. Center Jason Arnott, who has missed six straight games with a lower body injury, returned to practice and is optimistic he will play by the end of the week. … Forward Anze Kopitar, who leads the Kings with 25 goals and 43 assists, has surgery scheduled Wednesday for torn ligaments in his severely sprained right ankle. He will be out indefinitely. Kopitar twisted the ankle Saturday on an innocuous play along the boards. … Blues forward T.J. Oshie was a surprise no-show for practice, and the team called it an unexcused absence. It's likely Oshie will be held out tonight against the Wild. … Canucks center Manny Malhotra, struck in the left eye by an errant puck, has surgery scheduled today. … The Penguins signed forward Paul Thompson to a two-year, entry-level contract. He was the Hockey East player of the year at New Hampshire, which ended its season Sunday.

First Period—1, Chicago, Toews 31 (Brouwer, Campoli), 2:54. 2, Detroit, Lidstrom 15 (V.Filppula, Rafalski), 7:36. 3, Chicago, Seabrook 6 (Kane, Hossa), 13:18 (pp). Penalties—Bertuzzi, Det, major-game misconduct (elbowing), 5:17; Hossa, Chi (slashing), 6:08; Frolik, Chi (hooking), 9:55; Helm, Det (tripping), 13:08; Kopecky, Chi (delay of game), 14:17; R.Johnson, Chi (tripping), 16:44.

Second Period—None. Penalties—None.

Third Period—4, Detroit, Zetterberg 23 (Hudler, Rafalski), 2:25 (pp). Penalties—Hjalmarsson, Chi (high-sticking), 1:44; Ericsson, Det (holding), 9:26; Kruger, Chi (holding stick), 12:41; Kronwall, Det (slashing), 12:41; Zetterberg, Det (hooking), 19:56.

Overtime—5, Chicago, Hossa 23 (Kane, Keith), :51 (pp). Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Chicago 14-16-10-1—41. Detroit 14-9-12-0—35. Power-play opportunities—Chicago 2 of 5; Detroit 1 of 4. Goalies—Chicago, Crawford 30-15-5 (35 shots-33 saves). Detroit, MacDonald 5-4-3 (41-38). A—20,066 (20,066). T—2:27.

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Kimberly Bell, her voice cracking, talked about the final stretch of her nine-year relationship with Barry Bonds.

The greatest hitter of his era threatened "to cut my head off and leave me in a ditch," she said. "More than once."

She said Bonds told her "he would cut out my breast implants because he paid for them."

As for the Arizona house he had helped pay for, "he told me he would burn it down."

Bonds' federal trial resumed Monday with nearly daylong testimony from his former mistress, who said the slugger attributed a 1999 elbow injury to steroid use. She discussed how Bonds became verbally abusive and said that his physique changed, offering a lurid description of mental and physical symptoms associated with steroid use.

Prosecutors say Bonds lied when he told a federal grand jury in 2003 that he never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs. Bell met Bonds in 1994 and testified that from 1999 to 2001, "he was just increasingly aggressive, irritable, agitated, very impatient."

In testimony similar to that of former Bonds business partner Steve Hoskins last week, she said that in at least two years at spring training, she saw Bonds and personal trainer Greg Anderson "go into a bedroom off the kitchen and close and lock the door." She said Anderson "would always have a little satchel with him."

Prosecutors claim Anderson, in jail for refusing to testify, repeatedly injected Bonds with performance-enhancing drugs.

The defense tried to portray Bell as a gold digger, a scorned former lover, a liar and the instigator of a mortgage fraud scheme.

DIAMONDBACKS: Right-hander Armando Galarraga, best known for losing a perfect game on the final out last season on a blown umpiring call at first base, will fill the final spot in the rotation. He beat out Aaron Heilman.

GIANTS: Closer Brian Wilson isn't likely to be ready by opening day for the World Series champions. Manager Bruce Bochy said Wilson's chances of playing when the season begins are "less than 50-50." He said a final decision won't be made until after a light bullpen session today in Arizona.

METS: Outfielder Carlos Beltran is scheduled to play today in his first major-league spring game since March 6, which eliminates the possibility of the club backdating time on the disabled list. That would have let him miss just three games of the regular season, but the Mets believe he can be ready for opening day Friday as he recovers from left knee tendinitis.

ORIOLES: Left-hander Brian Matusz was struck by a line drive in a simulated game, but manager Buck Showalter said X-rays weren't required and that Matusz should be able to start the second game of the season, as scheduled, Saturday at Tropicana Field against the Rays.

TRADES: The Royals got catcher Matt Treanor from the Rangers for cash. … The Padres acquired infielder Alberto Gonzalez from the Nationals for right-hander Erik Davis and cash. … The Twins sent right-handed pitching prospect Billy Bullock to the Braves, allowing them to retain Rule 5 draft choice Scott Diamond. … The Pirates shipped infielder Josh Fields to the Rockies for a player to be named later or cash.

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

DUNEDIN — Blue Jays manager John Farrell likes Kyle Drabek's ability to "reach back and get a strikeout when he needs it."

Drabek struck out five and allowed five hits over five innings against Boston on Monday in a matchup of sons of former All-Stars. The right-hander left with a one-run lead before Jeremy Hazelbaker's two-run homer in the seventh gave the Red Sox a 3-2 victory in a game shortened to 7½ innings by rain.

"He had good power. He had good action to his stuff despite a couple of fastballs up in the zone," Farrell said of Drabek, who has given up five runs and 18 hits with 14 strikeouts and two walks in 16 innings over four spring starts.

"I think the one thing we're seeing, even when he's not as sharp with his overall command, he's still been efficient, whether it's been in an 'A' game or other outings we've seen in spring training. He's making very good strides to start on Saturday (against Minnesota) and beyond."

Drabek is the son of 1990 NL Cy Young winner Doug Drabek.

Tony Pena Jr., son of the former major-league catcher and current Yankees bench coach, started for Boston in place of John Lackey, who stayed behind in Fort Myers because of the threat of rain.

GONE: It was Toronto's final spring home game.

Yanks: Lefty hurting

TAMPA — Yankees LHP Pedro Feliciano expects to miss two weeks with upper arm and shoulder soreness.

He said he still feels discomfort but that his recovery shouldn't take an extended period.

The reliever added that it hurts knowing he won't be with the team for Thursday's regular-season opener against Detroit.

"I have to take care of it," Feliciano said. "I heal quickly."

SHORT HOPS: The team bought the contract of INF Eric Chavez from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. … CF Curtis Granderson (strained muscle, right side) is scheduled to play in minor-league games today and Wednesday. If the outfielder comes through okay, he might play in the season opener.

Phillies: OF a winner

CLEARWATER — Ben Francisco came into camp fighting for a spot on the Phillies' roster. He's heading to Philadelphia as the starting rightfielder.

With top prospect and Pasco High graduate Domonic Brown starting the season in the minors after he returns from hand surgery, Francisco will replace Jayson Werth, who left for a huge payday with Washington.

Francisco finished the spring hitting .385 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in 26 games.

"He had a good spring," Phillies manager Charlie Manuel said.

The Phillies, who boarded a plane to head back to Philadelphia after the game, gave most of their regulars the day off.

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

NEW YORK — Carmelo Anthony scored 39, his best effort since coming to New York, and the Knicks pulled out a 113-106 overtime victory over the Magic on Monday night to snap a six-game losing streak.

Hours after saying the game was "almost a must win" for the Knicks, Anthony added 10 rebounds, and the Knicks got some help when Dwight Howard fouled out in the extra session, then picked up his NBA-leading 17th technical foul.

Howard rebounded from a quiet first half to finish with 29 points and 18 rebounds, but Orlando didn't score after he picked up his sixth foul going for a rebound with 1:17 left in a two-point game.

Jason Richardson made the tying 3-pointer in regulation and scored 24 for the Magic, which had a five-game winning streak snapped. Hedo Turkoglu scored 18 but fouled out, leaving the Magic furious with the officiating down the stretch.

Howard cut Orlando's deficit to two late in OT by tipping in his own miss, but he was whistled for No. 6 when Chauncey Billups went down as Howard tried to grab another offensive board.

Howard then was hit with the tech for tossing the ball into the backcourt, moving him one away from another one-game suspension, and Billups made the free throw for a three-point lead. Then Richardson was called for an offensive foul away from the ball on Anthony after they became tangled, negating what would have been a tying 3-point basket by Turkoglu.

Jameer Nelson was out, and coach Stan Van Gundy said J.J. Redick's lower abdominal strain is "a little more problematic." The absence of Nelson (sprained left knee) gave Gilbert Arenas his first start with the Magic. Orlando also was without backup forward Quentin Richardson (back spasms), but Van Gundy said both are expected back this week.

GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Thaddeus Young scored 21 for the 76ers, who built a 23-point lead and held on to top the Bulls 97-85, ending Chicago's 14-game home winning streak. … Roy Hibbert scored 26 as the host Pacers beat the Celtics 107-100 to stay in sole possession of eighth place in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Boston point guard Rajon Rondo started after missing Sunday's game against Minnesota with a jammed finger on his right hand. Coach Doc Rivers said before the game that Rondo would not play.

WNBA: Sheryl Swoopes, who turned 40 last week, signed with Tulsa. She returns to the league after a two-year hiatus.

Knicks 113, Magic 106

ORLANDO (106): Bass 7-9 0-0 14, Turkoglu 5-13 4-7 18, Howard 9-17 11-15 29, Arenas 2-11 4-6 9, J.Richardson 10-20 0-0 24, Duhon 0-0 0-0 0, Anderson 2-7 4-4 10, Clark 1-3 0-0 2, Allen 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 36-80 23-32 106.

NEW YORK (113): Anthony 12-26 13-17 39, Stoudemire 6-10 8-10 20, Sha.Williams 2-6 2-2 8, Billups 4-10 6-8 17, Fields 1-3 1-2 3, Douglas 6-17 1-2 16, She.Williams 0-1 0-0 0, Carter 1-2 0-0 2, Walker 2-5 0-0 6, Jeffries 1-1 0-0 2. Totals 35-81 31-41 113.

Orlando 18 26 29 27 6— 106

New York 18 30 27 25 13— 113

3-Point Goals—Orlando 11-32 (Turkoglu 4-8, J.Richardson 4-11, Anderson 2-6, Arenas 1-7), New York 12-35 (Billups 3-9, Douglas 3-10, Walker 2-4, Sha.Williams 2-4, Anthony 2-6, Fields 0-2). Fouled Out—Turkoglu, Clark, Howard, She.Williams. Rebounds—Orlando 57 (Howard 18), New York 52 (Anthony 10). Assists—Orlando 19 (Arenas 5), New York 16 (Billups 6). Total Fouls—Orlando 28, New York 31. Technicals—Howard, Orlando Coach Van Gundy. A—19,763 (19,763).

76ers 97, Bulls 85

PHILADELPHIA (97): Iguodala 7-14 4-5 19, Brand 6-12 1-2 13, Hawes 7-13 0-0 14, Holiday 4-8 3-4 12, Meeks 3-10 0-0 8, Young 10-16 1-2 21, Williams 2-11 6-8 10, Turner 0-0 0-0 0, Speights 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 39-86 15-21 97.

CHICAGO (85): Deng 3-11 4-7 10, Boozer 6-13 3-4 15, Noah 3-7 4-8 10, Rose 12-24 7-9 31, Bogans 2-5 0-0 5, Brewer 2-5 0-2 4, Gibson 2-6 0-0 4, Asik 0-2 0-0 0, Watson 1-3 0-0 2, Korver 2-4 0-0 4. Totals 33-80 18-30 85.

Philadelphia 27 26 16 28— 97

Chicago 13 24 27 21— 85

3-Point Goals—Philadelphia 4-14 (Meeks 2-7, Holiday 1-2, Iguodala 1-3, Williams 0-1, Hawes 0-1), Chicago 1-9 (Bogans 1-2, Korver 0-1, Watson 0-1, Deng 0-2, Rose 0-3). Fouled Out—Hawes. Rebounds—Philadelphia 54 (Brand 9), Chicago 58 (Noah 13). Assists—Philadelphia 24 (Iguodala, Williams 7), Chicago 18 (Rose 5). Total Fouls—Philadelphia 18, Chicago 18. Technicals—Philadelphia defensive three second. A—22,210 (20,917).

Bobcats 87, Bucks 86

MILWAUKEE (86): Delfino 1-7 2-2 5, Mbah a Moute 4-8 3-4 11, Bogut 13-19 0-0 26, Jennings 10-27 4-4 26, Salmons 3-11 2-2 9, Redd 0-3 0-0 0, Sanders 1-3 0-1 2, Dooling 2-6 0-0 5, Gooden 1-6 0-0 2. Totals 35-90 11-13 86.

CHARLOTTE (87): Jackson 8-14 0-0 18, Diaw 3-5 4-6 10, Thomas 3-5 1-3 7, Augustin 4-13 2-2 10, Henderson 7-10 2-4 16, Najera 0-2 0-0 0, Cunningham 2-3 2-2 6, Livingston 1-4 1-2 3, Carroll 3-5 4-5 10, White 1-4 2-2 4, Temple 1-3 0-0 3. Totals 33-68 18-26 87.

Milwaukee 26 20 26 14— 86

Charlotte 27 18 20 22— 87

3-Point Goals—Milwaukee 5-23 (Jennings 2-8, Dooling 1-3, Delfino 1-4, Salmons 1-6, Redd 0-2), Charlotte 3-11 (Jackson 2-6, Temple 1-3, Augustin 0-1, Diaw 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Milwaukee 53 (Jennings, Bogut 9), Charlotte 47 (Thomas 6). Assists—Milwaukee 21 (Salmons 6), Charlotte 25 (Augustin, Diaw 8). Total Fouls—Milwaukee 20, Charlotte 17. Technicals—Milwaukee defensive three second. A—12,368 (19,077).

Pacers 107, Celtics 100

BOSTON (100): Pierce 8-13 4-4 23, Garnett 2-4 2-4 6, Krstic 2-4 3-4 7, Rondo 9-13 4-4 22, Allen 4-8 2-3 11, Davis 7-11 6-8 20, Green 1-3 6-8 8, West 1-5 1-1 3, Pavlovic 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 34-62 28-36 100.

INDIANA (107): Granger 6-12 4-5 18, Hansbrough 2-7 1-2 5, Hibbert 12-17 2-2 26, Collison 8-9 1-1 17, George 0-3 0-0 0, D.Jones 2-5 4-4 8, McRoberts 2-5 2-2 6, Rush 3-8 0-0 8, Price 6-9 1-4 15, Foster 1-2 2-2 4. Totals 42-77 17-22 107.

Boston 33 16 36 15— 100

Indiana 27 30 24 26— 107

3-Point Goals—Boston 4-11 (Pierce 3-4, Allen 1-3, West 0-1, Pavlovic 0-1, Green 0-2), Indiana 6-15 (Price 2-3, Rush 2-4, Granger 2-6, George 0-1, Collison 0-1). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—Boston 34 (Garnett, Pierce 6), Indiana 42 (Foster 7). Assists—Boston 19 (Rondo 8), Indiana 18 (Granger 4). Total Fouls—Boston 21, Indiana 22. Technicals—Boston defensive three second 2, Indiana defensive three second. A—15,932 (18,165).

Times wires
Monday, March 28, 2011

A

A

C

N

2

0

1

1

NCAA Women's Tournament Round of 16

Skylar Diggins scored 24 and the second-seeded Fighting Irish made up for 28 years of beatings at the hands of Tennessee, upsetting the top-seeded Vols 73-59 on Monday night to earn a spot in the Final Four.

The Fighting Irish (30-7) came in 0-20 all time against the Vols. But the operative number on this night was 3-0 — Notre Dame's record in region championship games. The Irish are headed to the Final Four for the first time since 2001, when they won the national championship.

"We went into the locker room after the game and the first thing the team said was, '1 and 20! 1 and 20!' " coach Muffet McGraw said, laughing.

Natalie Novosel added 17 points and Becca Bruszewski — who didn't practice Sunday and was listed as questionable with a knee injury — had 13 for the Fighting Irish. Brittany Mallory chipped in with 10.

Notre Dame will play the winner of tonight's game between Connecticut and Duke.

"We're definitely cheering for the Big East," McGraw said, referring to UConn. "We'd like to have two Final Four teams from the Big East."

Taber Spani and Shekinna Stricklen had 13 points for the Vols (34-3).

"I'm so excited, I'm out of breath," said Diggins, who as a middle-schooler helped her father, Tiger, coach recreation league youth teams in Clearwater. She was named the region's most outstanding player.

Freshman Meighan Simmons, Tennessee's leading scorer at 13.8 points a game, was in foul trouble and was scoreless until the waning minutes, finishing with two points. Senior Angie Bjorklund, the program's all-time 3-point shooter and this season's fourth-leading scorer at 11 points a game, didn't score in the semifinal win over Ohio State and had one point against Notre Dame.

"Obviously I'm very upset; I'm very disappointed in our team," Vols coach Pat Summitt said. "I don't think we came here with the focus. Don't ask me why. I'm kind of at a loss for words."

Tennessee, down five at the half, picked up two quick baskets by Stricklen, but the Fighting Irish scored on five of their next six possessions — Diggins hit two 3s and a long jumper and assisted on Bruszewski's short shot and on Novosel's spinning reverse layup.

That swelled the lead to 41-32 — and the sea of orange at the University of Dayton Arena got nervous.

With Spani twice hitting 3s, the Vols remained in contact, but Diggins came up with big plays time and time again. She drove the lane and flipped in a lefty layup with 11:16 left to keep Notre Dame in charge, 49-41.

"She was terrific, without any doubt the best guard on the floor," Summitt said of Diggins. "She energizes that team. She was the real force."

Stricklen choked up afterward.

"We just didn't show up," she said. "We didn't have leaders step up."

During one physical exchange, Tennessee's Kelley Cain was fouled by Bruszewski as they both fell, and Cain was called for a technical after she got up, stared down at Bruszewski and said something.

After Novosel hit both technical shots and Cain hit one of her free throws, the Irish pulled away.

Stanford 83, gonzaga 60: Nnemkadi Ogwumike dominated inside with 23 points and 11 rebounds, sister Chiney scored 18, and the top-seeded Cardinal (33-2) advanced to its fourth straight Final Four by beating the 11th-seeded Zags in Spokane, Wash.

The Ogwumikes combined for 11 offensive rebounds and 26 total, beating Gonzaga's total of 25.

Gonzaga (31-5) started the second half missing 11 of 12 shots as Stanford's lead ballooned to 21 on the way to a 27th straight win to match the longest streak in school history.

"Some people might take this for granted, but we're very grateful to be going," said Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen, who joins Kayla Pedersen playing in all of the Final Fours.

In her last game for Gonzaga, Courtney Vandersloot scored 25, including 18 straight during a nine-minute stretch in the first half.

"In the second half, we weren't getting the shots we were in the first half, and things just started to go Stanford's way," Vandersloot said.

Bryan Burns, Times Staff Writer
Monday, March 28, 2011

a different sort of grand prix race

One of the more unique events on the running calendar is the St. Pete Grand Prix 5K, which allows participants to race on the same course professional IndyCar drivers speed down two days later during the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

On Friday, Briana Whaley of Clearwater broke the tape more than a minute and a half faster than the rest of the field to win the women's race.

Whaley, 32, was across in 16 minutes, 54 seconds. She was third overall among a field of 640 runners.

Savannah Dearden, 17 of St. Petersburg, was second behind Whaley after finishing in 18:25. Dearden was the top runner in the women's 19 and under age group.

Connie Mendoza, 42 of St. Petersburg, placed third after running 19:11. She was first in the 40-49 group.

St. Petersburg's Nat Glackin stayed close to race leader Oscar Orozco but couldn't chase him down. Glackin, 28, placed second in the men's race in 16:17 and was the fastest runner in the 20-29 group.

Sam Chandler, 15 of St. Petersburg, comfortably took third in 16:57. Chandler claimed the 19 and under age group title.

Orozco, 22 of Tampa, was the men's and overall winner after crossing the finish line in 16:01.

More local runners were age group winners: (F30-39) Christina Noordstar, Tierra Verde, 19:39; (M40-49) Brian Burke, Tierra Verde, 19:14; (M50-59) Casey Chandler, St. Petersburg, 20:19; (F50-59) Deb Robinson, St. Petersburg, 23:57; (F60-69) Carol-Jean Vosburgh, Treasure Island, 27:15; (F70 and over) Annette Frisch, St. Petersburg, 38:43; (M wheel chair) Doyle Mann, St. Petersburg, 13:27.

FIT2RUN 5K

Kristen Proach won the women's title at the third annual Robinson Preserve Fit2Run 5K on Friday after finishing 48 seconds ahead of Jacki Wachtel.

Proach, 26 of Clearwater, had a time of 17 minutes, 42 seconds and was sixth overall.

Local runners placing first in their age group were: (F master) Melody Janson, St. Petersburg, 20:32; (M grandmaster) Jonathan Dunford, St. Petersburg, 19:37; (M30-34) Hank Campbell, St. Petersburg, 16:12; (F30-34) Lisa Williams, Largo, 20:00; (F40-44) Virginia Edmonds, St. Petersburg, 22:01; (F50-54) Pila Cadena, St. Petersburg, 22:49; (M70-74) Jack Keefe, St. Petersburg, 28:28.

The race had 1,065 finishers.

RYAN'S RUN

A pair of local runners placed first in their age division Saturday at Ryan's Run, a 5K through Ybor City.

Jamie Winchester of St. Petersburg ran 21:13 to grab the women's 25-29 title.

Treasure Island's Herb Townsend was the top 65 and older runner after crossing the line in 23:37.

Ryan's Run was created to honor Ryan McCall, a cross-country and track runner for the University of Tampa who was murdered in August 2009..

GATOR OLYMPIC DUATHLON

Covering a course that started with a 5K run, included a 40K bike and finished with a 10K run, Joan Stoltz of Tarpon Springs came across the finish line in third place in the women's competition at the Gator Olympic Duathlon in Sarasota on March 20.

Stoltz, 50, completed the endurance race in two hours, 36 minutes and 39 seconds.

Jessica Parish, 56 of Clearwater, won the women's masters title after crossing the line in 3:11:17.

Tim Nicholls of Cooper City was the overall winner in a time of 2:03:39.

Mary Nicholls of Cooper City claimed the women's title after finishing in 2:09:40.

Bryan Burns can be reached at bburns@sptimes.com.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib is cooperating with Texas police investigating a domestic disturbance last week in which several gunshots were fired.

No arrest has been made but police regard Talib as 'a person of interest'in an incident March 21 involving his sister and her boyfriend.

Talib, 25, has been questioned by Garland police detectives trying to determine who fired shots at Shannon Billings as he fled the scene of a dispute with Saran Talib.

"He is cooperating,'' said Garland police spokesman Joe Harn. "He came and met with them a little bit the other day.''

Talib was suspended one game last season for assaulting a St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009 and could face further sanctions from the NFL from his involvement in the incident.

According to a blog on the website of the Dallas Observer, the altercation occurred a week ago near the home of Talib's sister, Saran, 43, in the 900 block of Green Pond Drive in Garland. Talib reportedly attempted to pistol-whip Billings. Following a struggle, Talib allegedly used the handgun belonging to his mother, Okolo, to fire several shots at Billings, who fled the scene on foot and was not injured.

Billings was arrested on two unrelated charges and remains in jail.

Harn said police will determine whether or not to seek an arrest warrant for Talib sometime this week.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Texas police have obtained warrants for the arrest of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib and his mother, Okolo, in connection with a March 21 shooting in Garland, Tex.

Talib will be arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.

Talib's mother was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and surrendered to Garland, Tex., police Tuesday. At the time of Okolo's booking, an additional charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm was added based on a previous conviction.

Bond for Okolo was set at $25,000 for the assault charge and $5,000 for the possession charge.

Aqib Talib is aware of the warrant for his arrest and expected to turn himself in later this week,'' said Garland Police spokesman Joe Harn.

Bond is set at $25,000, Harn said.

The arrest of Talib and his mother stems from their role in a domestic disturbance on March 21 involving his sister, Saran, and her boyfriend, Shannon Billings.

Police arrived at the second disturbance of the day just before 7:30 p.m. when it was reported people were outside fighting and gun shots had been heard. Police said they found Billings, 40, alone outside his residence.

Shannon was listed as a suspect in a disturbance at that address earlier in the day.

Information gathered at the scene by detectives and follow-up investigations led police to conclude Talib physically assaulted and did fire shots at Billings, who was not injured. Police also believe Okolo Talib fired shots at Billings.

Shannon, 40, who is listed as a registered sex offender in Texas, was a suspect in a similar disturbance at the same address earlier in the day. He was later taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with bodily injury and interference with an emergency phone call.

Harn estimated that it would take between four and six weeks for a grand jury to hear the state's case against Talib.

"We are deeply troubled by the serious charges filed against Aqib Talib,'' Bucs GM Mark Dominik said in a statement. "Due to current labor circumstances, we will withhold any further comment or action."

NFL teams are prohibited from making any trades or transactions during the lockout of players by team owners. However, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said last week that he intends to enforce the league's personal conduct policy.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon said it is looking more and more like the bullpen will remain as it is, with Juan Cruz, Jake McGee and Cesar Ramos getting the last three spots and no acquisitions before rosters are set Thursday.

He hopes to make it official on Wednesday.

"It's becoming less up in the air,'' Maddon said. "These guys, I hate stringing them out like this. But it's getting very, very close and hopefully by tomorrow I'll be able to tell every one of them straight up what's going on. But it's looking a lot like what you're seeing right now.''

Maddon also said he heard that both 1B Casey Kotchman and INF Felipe Lopez, two veterans who were in camp on minor-league deals, will head to Triple-A Durham. "I think everything's going to work out okay there,'' Maddon said.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Tampa Bay Lightning needs four points to clinch a playoff spot. The team can either gain the points on its own with two victories or in combination with points lost by the Hurricanes, who are in ninth place and fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot.

That means the Lightning can clinch tonight. All it has to do is beat the Senators in regulation, overtime or a shootout and Carolina has to lose in regulation to the Capitals.

"It would be a big night for us," coach Guy Boucher said. "Gigantic for the fans, too."

It also would erase the memory of the Lightning's last three games at the St. Pete Times Forum; three bad losses to the Hurricanes, Islanders and Senators.

"Our last three games here we didn't have our work ethic," Boucher said. "People have been coming to the rink because of our relentlessness, not because of our skill, and it wasn't there the last three games."

"It's what you trade individual stuff for," center Steven Stamkos said of making the playoffs. Once you get there anything can happen as we've seen the last couple of years. That's the thing I'm excited about. It's something I've never experienced and that's what my main focus is."

And how about this from right wing Adam Hall:

"There's no doubting in this locker room that we have what it takes. We believe we have what it takes to go all the way to the finals and win the Stanley Cup. That's what we've preached all year."

Other stuff from the morning skate: As expected, Dwayne Roloson gets the start in net. ... Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, each of whom had Monday off, were on the ice for the optional skate. ... Stamkos, whose six-game streak without a goal tied his longest of the season and who has just three goals in his past 21 games, said he does not care if he reaches 50 goals. He has seven games to get seven goals. "No, that's not something that's on my mind right now," he said. "I'm just focused on getting my game ready for this last push to the playoffs and get where I'm comfortable and confident, and whatever happens production-wise happens. I feel like the last couple of games I've played a solid two-way game, so (50 goals) is not something I'm focused on right now. ... Boucher said he believes Stamkos is trying to be too fine with his shot, trying to pick too many corners. Stamkos said that is a fair assessment. Boucher also said he believes Stamkos is on the cusp of breaking out. He claims Stamkos had nine scoring chances Saturday against the Hurricanes, and he's lost count of how many posts Stamkos has hit during his slump. "I told him the post can't exist any more," Boucher said. "It's enough now. It just becomes a song now, 'beep, beep, beep.' It's enough." ... Wing Ryan Malone, who will miss his 21st game tonight with a mid-body injury now believed to be a groin, sounds as if he is on track to play Thursday against the Penguins, which could be a playoff preview, by the way. ... Interesting follow-up today by Boucher about giving players more rest. As we read in the paper today, the coach said he will be cutting back on practices and giving players more time away from the ice. He called it his "mistake" that when Tampa Bay was home for almost all the month of February, he tried to make up some of the practice time lost during a travel-heavy first half of the season. "That was probably a little mistake we made in February," Boucher said. "The entire year we gave a lot of rest to the players because we're a hard-grinding team and all the games we won we pushed so hard. We came into February, because we missed so many practices during the year we wanted to catch up. We were home for the entire month and that kind of threw us off a little bit in terms of the rest ratio. We caught up enough in practices, but as you see, catching up in practices doesn't necessarily mean wins. So, we've gone back to resting some guys." ... Give goaltender Mike Smith credit for the way he has handled a different and difficult role as a backup with sporadic playing time. "It is different," he said, "but I'm not really worried about it. I'm more worried when I do get a chance to play I play up to my capabilities." He added, "practices are important for a guy like me. You have to be sharp in practice and not take any days off. It's time to go to work when you get here in the morning, and be ready to go when you get a chance to play." ... Simon Gagne has six goals and 10 points in his past six games. The left wing said he has just stayed the course, but Boucher said he sees something more. "He's physically involved. If you look at the last game, I have about 20 clips of him finishing checks or winning a battle and forcing himself with the puck or without the puck at their net. That's the biggest difference."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Tampa Bay Lightning needs four points to clinch a playoff spot. The team can either gain the points on its own with two victories or in combination with points lost by the Hurricanes, who are in ninth place and fighting for the eighth and final playoff spot.

That means the Lightning can clinch tonight. All it has to do is beat the Senators in regulation, overtime or a shootout and Carolina has to lose in regulation to the Capitals.

"It would be a big night for us," coach Guy Boucher said. "Gigantic for the fans, too."

It also would erase the memory of the Lightning's last three games at the St. Pete Times Forum; three bad losses to the Hurricanes, Islanders and Senators.

"Our last three games here we didn't have our work ethic," Boucher said. "People have been coming to the rink because of our relentlessness, not because of our skill, and it wasn't there the last three games."

"It's what you trade individual stuff for," center Steven Stamkos said of making the playoffs. Once you get there anything can happen as we've seen the last couple of years. That's the thing I'm excited about. It's something I've never experienced and that's what my main focus is."

And how about this from right wing Adam Hall:

"There's no doubting in this locker room that we have what it takes. We believe we have what it takes to go all the way to the finals and win the Stanley Cup. That's what we've preached all year."

Other stuff from the morning skate: As expected, Dwayne Roloson gets the start in net. ... Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis, each of whom had Monday off, were on the ice for the optional skate. ... Stamkos, whose six-game streak without a goal tied his longest of the season and who has just three goals in his past 21 games, said he does not care if he reaches 50 goals. He has seven games to get seven goals. "No, that's not something that's on my mind right now," he said. "I'm just focused on getting my game ready for this last push to the playoffs and get where I'm comfortable and confident, and whatever happens production-wise happens. I feel like the last couple of games I've played a solid two-way game, so (50 goals) is not something I'm focused on right now. ... Boucher said he believes Stamkos is trying to be too fine with his shot, trying to pick too many corners. Stamkos said that is a fair assessment. Boucher also said he believes Stamkos is on the cusp of breaking out. He claims Stamkos had nine scoring chances Saturday against the Hurricanes, and he's lost count of how many posts Stamkos has hit during his slump. "I told him the post can't exist any more," Boucher said. "It's enough now. It just becomes a song now, 'beep, beep, beep.' It's enough." ... Wing Ryan Malone, who will miss his 21st game tonight with a mid-body injury now believed to be a groin, sounds as if he is on track to play Thursday against the Penguins, which could be a playoff preview, by the way. ... Interesting follow-up today by Boucher about giving players more rest. As we read in the paper today, the coach said he will be cutting back on practices and giving players more time away from the ice. He called it his "mistake" that when Tampa Bay was home for almost all the month of February, he tried to make up some of the practice time lost during a travel-heavy first half of the season. "That was probably a little mistake we made in February," Boucher said. "The entire year we gave a lot of rest to the players because we're a hard-grinding team and all the games we won we pushed so hard. We came into February, because we missed so many practices during the year we wanted to catch up. We were home for the entire month and that kind of threw us off a little bit in terms of the rest ratio. We caught up enough in practices, but as you see, catching up in practices doesn't necessarily mean wins. So, we've gone back to resting some guys." ... Give goaltender Mike Smith credit for the way he has handled a different and difficult role as a backup with sporadic playing time. "It is different," he said, "but I'm not really worried about it. I'm more worried when I do get a chance to play I play up to my capabilities." He added, "practices are important for a guy like me. You have to be sharp in practice and not take any days off. It's time to go to work when you get here in the morning, and be ready to go when you get a chance to play." ... Simon Gagne has six goals and 10 points in his past six games. The left wing said he has just stayed the course, but Boucher said he sees something more. "He's physically involved. If you look at the last game, I have about 20 clips of him finishing checks or winning a battle and forcing himself with the puck or without the puck at their net. That's the biggest difference."

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon said he didn't have much to say about star 3B Evan Longoria having an AK-47 rifle - which was stolen Saturday - in the rental house that he shared with teammates David Price and Reid Brignac.

"They're all big boys and we all make our own choices.'' Maddon said. "It's like a lot of different thngs you're not going to be aware of, I'm not going to be aware of in somebody's personal life, and I'm not going to say whether I'm for or against it. That's a choice that he made.''

Maddon said it's not that unusual that pro athletes - in baseball, basketball or football - have weapons.

And he didn't think anyone from the organization woud talk to Longoria about it.

"I don't know what you would say,'' he said. "It's a legal situation, and it's his choice. I didn't get upset when he bought a "69 Camaro. It's a personal choice situation. I never would attempt to influence somebody's personal choices. ... We, me, I really like to not try to influence people's personal choices. If they were to ask me my opinion I would give it to them, but if my advice is not sought then I'm not going to give it. ... It's up to him, it's not up to me. It's not my choice.''

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Ch. 28 Sunday drew a healthy 1.4 overnight television rating, the highest rating for an IndyCar race other than the Indianapolis 500 since July 2007. The 1.4 rating equates to about 1 million households. That's not a great number compared to, say, the NCAA Tournament, which usually has nearly 9 million viewers, or even NASCAR, which drew a 4.1 rating (about 3.2 million households) for Sunday's race in California. But the 1.4 is well above the 0.8 rating that ABC's IndyCar races drew last year.

Tom Jones, Times staff writer

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 29, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE — Rays lefty reliever Cesar Ramos often sits quietly in his corner of the clubhouse, watching television and keeping to himself.

And that's exactly how All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria remembers him when the two lived together six years ago at Long Beach State, along with Rockies All-Star Troy Tulowitzki.

The trio shared a three-bedroom apartment off campus with another roommate, and Longoria's bed was a futon in the living room, "so everybody always saw my business."

But Longoria said Ramos usually stayed in his room on his computer.

"He's still a pretty quiet guy; he's always been just the kind of go-about-his-business thing, which bodes well for me, because he's kept his mouth shut and just worked," Longoria said. "I think that's how you gain respect around here, just kind of go about your own thing."

Ramos, 26, acquired from the Padres in the Jason Bartlett trade, lets his pitching do the talking, and the Rays are excited about what he could bring to their revamped bullpen.

Boasting a four-pitch repertoire (fastball, changeup, slider, curve), Ramos doesn't overpower hitters, but his command and calmness, along with slight deception in delivery, make him capable of retiring left- and right-handed hitters in key moments.

Manager Joe Maddon said scouts were high on Ramos, but "he's honestly exceeding everything that I had heard."

"What I like about him is he's really, really calm out there," pitching coach Jim Hickey said. "Even if he hasn't been in too many bad spots (this spring), he maintains his composure, maintains his poise and seems to make a quality pitch when he needs to."

Ramos said it's "kind of funny how it worked out," as the Rays were the team that initially drafted him in the sixth round in 2002 out of El Rancho (Calif.) High. But Ramos said it was important to become the first in his family to graduate college, a tribute to his parents, Maria and Ramon, Mexican immigrants who worked in the garment district in East Los Angeles.

So Ramos attended Long Beach State, where he joined a rotation with future big-leaguers Jered Weaver and Jason Vargas. He finished his college career ranking third in starts and second in all-time wins, with his roommates, the Dirtbags' left side of his infield, Longoria and Tulowitzki, a reason why.

"It's crazy to see those two guys being All-Stars and future MVPs," Ramos said. "You would never (have) thought; you knew they were good, but who would have ever thought they were going to be (that)? I'm happy for them and glad to be able to watch (Longoria) play every day.

"He's still Evan to me; he's still the same guy. Just now, to everybody else, he's a star. But he's still my old college roommate."

And after spending most of his first five pro seasons in the minors, Ramos said he's starting to feel more like he belongs in the big leagues. He made his first opening-day roster with the Padres last season, beating out current Rays reliever Adam Russell, and appears likely to break camp with Tampa Bay this season.

Even so, Ramos will maintain his home near his family in East Los Angeles, where he'll continue his other job, being "the fun uncle" to his nephew, Matthew, 3, and niece, Deanna, 8.

"They keep me busy in the offseason," Ramos said. "I pick them up from school, always want to go to McDonald's, Disneyland or for ice cream. I'm their guy to go to."

And when the phone rings in the Rays bullpen this season, Ramos hopes he's a guy Maddon goes to.

Times staff writer Marc Topkin contributed to this report. Joe Smith can be reached at joesmith@sptimes.com.