By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 30, 2012

Rays vs. Mariners

When/where: 7:10 tonight; Tropicana Field

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

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

Probable pitchers

Rays: LH Matt Moore (0-1, 4.68)

MARINERS: RH Hector Noesi (1-2, 8.83)

On Moore: Winless in four starts but showing improvement, Moore's biggest issues have been too many walks, 14 in 25 innings, for a 5.04 per 9 IP ratio that is fourth highest in the AL, and too many hits by lefties, 10 in 20 at-bats.

On Noesi: Acquired from the Yankees in Michael Pineda trade, Noesi has had one dazzling start (8 shutout IP) and three rough ones. He is 0-1, 9.64 in two starts vs. Rays, 0-1, 4.22 in five appearances total.

Key matchups

Rays VS. NOESI

Brandon Allen 2-for-2, HR

Matt Joyce 2-for-3

Evan Longoria 3-for-6

B.J. Upton 2-for-6

MARINERS VS. MOORE

None have faced

On deck

Wednesday: Mariners, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields (4-0, 3.31); Mariners — Blake Beavan (1-2, 3.60)

Thursday: Mariners, 1:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (1-3, 3.86); Mariners — Kevin Millwood (0-2, 5.24)

Friday: A's, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price (4-1, 2.67); A's — TBA

Saturday: A's, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 2.51); A's — TBA

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

Interrogating question of the day

Rookie LHP Matt Moore has worn No. 55 during his short time with the Rays. Hideki Matsui wore it for nine years with the Yankees, Angels and A's. That led to a crowd of Japanese, and then U.S., media asking what he'd do if Matsui joins the team. Moore said he likes the number (he wore 5 in high school, different digits in the minors) but was open. "If Hideki came up to me and asked for it, or whatever that scenario was, I really haven't given it much thought to even comment on what I would say," Moore replied.

Chart of the day

The Rays finished their second-best April in team history:

C John Jaso spent his first nine years of pro ball in the Rays organization, including parts of three seasons in the majors. Monday, he returned as a Mariner. "It's cool to be back here," he said. "Those are all my friends."

By Gary Shelton, Times Sports Columnist
Monday, April 30, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — These days, success tilts to the left.

Victory? For the Rays, it is somewhere off the port side bow.

Fernando Rodney pitches, and it seems as if his head is about to take a left turn toward Pisa. His cap sits crooked on his head, the brim pointing toward the on-deck circle. It gives Rodney a slightly askew, slightly cartoonish appearance, as if his skull is forever throwing curveballs.

Ah, but if you glance beneath the bill of Rodney's cap and into his grave digger's eyes, the smiling will stop.

There, you will find the reason for Tampa Bay's impressive first month.

It is there in the glare, in that slightly ticked-off appearance of Rodney's twisted features, that you can find the biggest reason for the early success of the Rays. You cannot talk about the team's fast start without first discussing Rodney's strong finishes.

Consider:

• The Rays have won 15 games this season, and Rodney has saved seven of them … in seven chances.

• Counting Monday night's scoreless inning in a 12-inning victory over Seattle, he has pitched in 12 games, and the Rays have won 11 of them.

• For the season, opponents are hitting .158 against him, and his ERA is 0.87.

Do you know who Rodney looks like on the mound? He looks like Jules Winnfield, the Bible-quoting killer played by Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction. No one in fiction has ever been cooler while being more lethal.

Ask teammate J.P. Howell, who says Rodney's glare "is about 20 times" more intimidating than former Ray Rafael Soriano. If you remember, Soriano's on-the-mound stare was almost as intense as the one he used whenever he was asked to pitch in a nonsave situation.

"They tell me I look like a lion that is hungry," said Rodney, who was born in the Dominican Republic. "I don't feel angry out there. I am just trying to do my job."

To tell the truth, Rodney is having a blast. Who wouldn't, considering the way the Angels threw him away last year? Through May of last year, Rodney had 25 appearances. After that, he had 14, only two in the final 29 games.

For all of the talent the Rays have found over the years in the discount bin, the best thing they seem to do is find relief pitchers in need of second chances. In Tampa Bay, Rodney has again become a force.

"They told me if I liked to pitch a lot, this was a place for me," said Rodney, 35. "I feel like I am home."

In the House of Rodney, all hats point left. They have since he tugged it that direction back in 2002 when he was playing winter ball.

"The only chance of Rodney wearing his hat straight is if there is a stiff wind when he's here (in mid delivery)," said teammate Luke Scott. "As soon as the pitch was over, he would put it back."

Of course, if all it took was a crooked cap to get hitters out, then Flavor Flav would be Cy Young. Rodney also has a nice fastball, a devastating change and the mental toughness to survive the ninth inning without unraveling when things go wrong.

"He brings that little bit of crazy you need on the mound in the ninth inning," said teammate Ben Zobrist.

Also, did anyone mention his changeup? It's so fierce that when Rays manager Joe Maddon talks about him, he invokes Looney Tunes.

"He has this delivery where he looks like the Tasmanian Devil," Maddon said. "Then he throws the ball, and it's like Bugs Bunny."

You've seen the old cartoon where Bugs takes this big windup, and the ball stops, and it darts, and it stops, and it darts, and eventually, it gets to the catcher and the batter swings three times at the same pitch.

"You've got to try to hit the fastball, because that other thing (the change) is stupid. You don't go up there looking for the other thing."

For the Rays, Rodney is the Other Thing. There are a lot of reasons the Rays won 15 games in their first month. The top three starters are 11-1. The team is 9-1 at home. The team is fifth in the league in runs scored. Because of it, they have survived a stretch in which 19 of their first 22 games were against teams that were .500 or better.

For a month, however, the biggest difference has been Rodney. Every time he throws, that tilted cap looks a little big cooler.

"I want to make mine more caddywompus," Maddon said. "I want to be more like him."

At this rate, who doesn't? The way things are going, the guy with the crooked cap might lead the Rays straight to the post-season.

Times wires
Monday, April 30, 2012

Astros 4, Mets 3

HOUSTON — Matt Downs hit a two-run homer and Jed Lowrie had the go-ahead single in the eighth for Houston. The score was tied at 3 when Jordan Schafer reached on an infield single to start the eighth. He stole second with one out and scored on Lowrie's hit, which reliever Manny Acosta deflected into the outfield.

By Bryan Burns, Times Correspondent
Monday, April 30, 2012

TAMPA — Surrendering 64 points a game, the Tampa Bay Storm entered a rare Monday night game at the Tampa Bay Times Forum with the worst scoring defense in the Arena Football League.

Facing the Kansas City Command, the only winless team in the AFL, the Storm's defense improved considerably.

Tampa Bay benefitted from four Kansas City turnovers and gave up a season-low points in a 63-46 victory, pushing its record above .500 before a crowd of 7,345.

"We got the energy from the defense. They played their butts off," wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez said. "We fed off of them."

After the offense sputtered early and was shut out in the first quarter, the Storm (4-3) took its first lead early in the second. Quarterback Stephen Wasil converted fourth and short at the Kansas City 15-yard line and, a play later, found Rodriguez for a 13-yard touchdown pass.

Matt Gutierrez was intercepted on the Command's next offensive play by Lendy Holmes, who also had a fumble recovery. Wasil's 4-yard pass to Chandler Williams made it 14-3. The Storm led 21-17 at halftime.

Storm defensive back Rod Mosley made a juggling interception in the end zone to keep the Command from scoring to start the second half and six plays later, Wasil (17-of-28, 225 yards, five TDs) connected with Rodriguez on a 23-yard strike for a 28-17 advantage.

Kansas City answered with a long touchdown throw from Gutierrez to Shay Hodge and a successful two-point conversion on the final play of the third quarter. Williams, though, returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for a touchdown to put the Storm back ahead by two possessions.

"I just tried to make a play for my team," Williams said, "because it looked like we needed one."

Kansas City had one last gasp, a Gutierrez to Syvelle Newton touchdown with 9:45 remaining to cut the lead again to three.

That's when Rodriguez (seven catches, 124 yards, four TDs) made the grab of the game, rising between two defenders to snag a long pass from Wasil and outrace the defense 48 yards to score.

The Storm then took advantage of a special teams error to put the game out of reach. Kansas City's Rashad Barksdale misplayed a carom off the net on the kickoff, and Williams recovered in the end zone

The Storm had three sacks — two from Pernell Phillips — after coming into the game with five.

Times wires
Monday, April 30, 2012

NEW YORK — Alex Ovechkin silenced the Madison Square Garden crowd that taunted him for two games.

If he can fire up the fans back at home, too, the Capitals could be in store for a deep playoff run.

Ovechkin scored a power-play goal with 7:27 left to give the Capitals a 3-2 victory over the Rangers that squared the Eastern Conference semifinal series 1-1 on Monday night.

Ryan Callahan got the Rangers even with a power-play goal, but Ovechkin put the Capitals ahead for good after they squandered a 2-0 lead.

Despite diminished minutes in the playoffs, Ovechkin is still every bit as dangerous during crunch time.

"Ovi is a team guy and he is cheering his guys on," Washington coach Dale Hunter said. "He knows what these guys are going through at the end of the game. They've got to go out and slide and block shots.

"He appreciates that. The one thing is that he has been real fresh for the power play."

Washington, which hosts the next two games, is trying to repeat its first-round feat when it lost the series opener but rallied to beat Boston in seven games.

Brad Richards had a goal and assist, and defenseman Michael Del Zotto had two assists for the top-seeded Rangers, who got forward Brian Boyle back from a three-game injury absence. He returned from a concussion suffered in the first-round series against Ottawa.

First—1, Washington, Knuble 2 (Aucoin, Ward), 12:20. 2, Washington, Chimera 3 (Hendricks, Beagle), 17:14. 3, N.Y. Rangers, Richards 4 (Gaborik, Del Zotto), 19:17. Penalties—Hamrlik, Was (holding), 3:59; New York bench, served by Kreider (too many men), 14:53; Carlson, Was (roughing), 17:45; Staal, NYR (slashing), 17:45; Green, Was (tripping), 19:47.

Second—None. Penalties—None.

Third—4, N.Y. Rangers, Callahan 3 (Del Zotto, Richards), 6:58 (pp). 5, Washington, Ovechkin 3 (Backstrom), 12:33 (pp). Penalties—Knuble, Was (high-sticking), 6:02; Boyle, NYR (holding stick), 9:53; Richards, NYR (holding), 12:29. Shots—Washington 12-6-7—25. N.Y. Rangers 10-8-10—28. Power plays—Washington 1 of 3; N.Y. Rangers 1 of 3. Goalies—Washington, Holtby 5-4-0 (28 shots-26 saves). N.Y. Rangers, Lundqvist 5-4-0 (25-22). A—18,200 (18,200). T—2:31.

No. 8 seed Kings take 2-0 lead on Blues

ST. LOUIS — Anze Kopitar scored twice in a four-goal first period as the Kings embarrassed the Blues from the start, whipping St. Louis 5-2 for their fifth straight road win this postseason.

Dustin Brown assisted on Kopitar's short-handed goal and has a hand in all four of the Kings' short-handed goals in the playoffs, two goals and two assists.

Andy McDonald scored 18 seconds into the second for St. Louis but Justin Williams scored on the Kings' first shot of the period.

Blues defenseman Alex Pietrangelo sat out with an upper-body injury. He has not played since taking a hit from Dwight King in Game 1 on a play in which King drew a boarding penalty.

First—1, LA, Richards 2 (Penner), :31. 2, LA, Kopitar 2 (Brown), 14:16 (sh). 3, LA, Carter 1 (Penner, Richards), 18:37. 4, LA, Kopitar 3 (Williams, Brown), 19:43. Penalties—Nichol, StL (high-sticking), 1:38; King, LA, major (fighting), 4:41; Crombeen, StL, major (fighting), 4:41; Shattenkirk, StL (roughing), 7:09; Stoll, LA (holding), 8:25; Mitchell, LA (boarding), 11:16; LA bench, served by Penner (too many men), 13:31.

Second—5, StL, McDonald 5 (Backes, Russell), :18. 6, LA, Williams 1 (Brown, Greene), 1:26. Penalties—Williams, LA (roughing), 4:42; Jackman, StL (roughing), 4:42; McDonald, StL (roughing), 4:42; Williams, LA (cross-checking), 11:29; Brown, LA (charging), 12:17; Colaiacovo, StL (roughing), 12:17; Penner, LA (roughing), 13:53; Jackman, StL (roughing), 18:02.

Third—7, StL, D'Agostini 1 (Backes), 5:16. Penalties—Steen, StL (interference), 1:35; Richards, LA, double minor (roughing), 7:36; Penner, LA (roughing), 7:36; Oshie, StL (roughing), 7:36; Perron, StL (roughing), 7:36; Brown, LA (roughing), 9:14; Berglund, StL, double minor (roughing), 9:14; Nolan, LA, served by Williams, minor-misconduct (high-sticking), 12:19; Backes, StL, misconduct, 12:19; Greene, LA (interference), 14:13; Richards, LA (hooking), 14:38; Brown, LA, misconduct, 17:30; Colaiacovo, StL, misconduct, 17:30. Shots—Los Angeles 16-2-3—21. St. Louis 5-9-15—29. Power plays—Los Angeles 0 of 6; St. Louis 0 of 9. Goalies—Los Angeles, Quick 6-1-0 (29 shots-27 saves). St. Louis, Elliott 3-2-0 (21-16), Allen (14:38 third, 0-0), Elliott 3-2-0 (15:45 third). A—19,366 (19,150). T—2:46.

JACK ADAMS AWARD: Rangers and former Lightning coach John Tortorella is a finalist for coach of the year along with Ken Hitchcock (Blues) and Paul MacLean (Senators).

Monday, April 30, 2012

MIAMI — The Knicks-Heat series took a bizarre turn after Game 2 Monday night when Amare Stoudemire punched a glass fire extinguisher case in frustration outside the locker room at AmericanAirlines Arena and left with his left hand heavily bandaged and his arm in a sling.

He severely cut his hand and his status for the rest of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals was in doubt.

The incident happened shortly after Miami won 104-94 to take a 2-0 series lead.

Media members were prevented by security officials from speaking to Stoudemire as he headed for the team bus. The Knicks said his status would be evaluated upon their return to New York.

The team's locker room was closed for about 40 minutes after the game — four times longer than usual — and paramedics were seen leaving the room after treating Stoudemire. Both the Knicks and Heat doctors also worked on Stoudemire.

His teammates did not sound optimistic that he will play Thursday in Game 3 in New York.

"We just know right now that he has a laceration and he's probably going to be out," Tyson Chandler said. "It's tough, obviously. Amare is a huge part of this team. Without him, it's going to make it more difficult."

Dwyane Wade had 25 points and Chris Bosh scored 21 for the Heat, but their night was completely overshadowed by the Stoudemire incident, in the hallway that's just a few steps from the edge of the court.

"Your emotions run high," Chandler said. "Split-second decisions can obviously alter things and you can't fault anybody. Amare is a person that has high emotions at times, so one quick decision-making mistake and now you've got to deal with the repercussions."

NEW YORK (94): C.Anthony 12-26 6-9 30, Stoudemire 6-9 6-9 18, Chandler 6-8 1-1 13, Davis 5-8 0-0 12, Fields 1-5 0-0 2, Bibby 1-3 0-0 3, Smith 6-11 0-0 13, Novak 1-3 0-0 3, Jeffries 0-4 0-0 0. Totals 38-77 13-19 94.

MIAMI (104): James 8-18 3-7 19, Haslem 0-2 1-2 1, Bosh 7-12 6-8 21, Chalmers 4-10 3-4 13, Wade 11-18 3-3 25, Miller 3-5 2-2 11, J.Anthony 0-0 0-0 0, Battier 4-6 0-0 11, Cole 1-1 0-0 2, Jones 0-1 1-1 1. Totals 38-73 19-27 104.

New York 24 23 22 25— 94

Miami 27 26 25 26— 104

3-Point Goals—New York 5-15 (Davis 2-3, Bibby 1-2, Novak 1-3, Smith 1-3, Fields 0-1, C.Anthony 0-3), Miami 9-21 (Battier 3-5, Miller 3-5, Chalmers 2-5, Bosh 1-1, Jones 0-1, Wade 0-1, James 0-3). Fouled Out—None. Rebounds—New York 48 (C.Anthony 9), Miami 40 (Haslem 8). Assists—New York 15 (Davis 6), Miami 28 (James 9). Total Fouls—New York 22, Miami 17. Technicals—Chandler, Miami defensive three second. A—19,684 (19,600).

Magic loses, series tied

INDIANAPOLIS — The challenge before the Pacers wasn't about game plans, execution or matchups.

It was simply about toughness.

An Orlando team without its top rebounder, injured All-Star center Dwight Howard, dominated the boards in the first half to take a two-point lead. The heavily favored Pacers, trailing 1-0 in the series, stewed in their locker room.

"No one liked the way we were playing," Indiana forward Tyler Hansbrough said. "I didn't think we were playing with energy or aggressive enough."

The Pacers responded, asserting control inside during the second half of a 93-78 win in Game 2 of the East series. Indiana grabbed 12 of the first 13 rebounds in the third quarter and had a 26-13 edge in the second half.

The Magic had no choice but to concede that it was outhustled.

"In the third quarter, they just kicked our butts," Orlando center Glen Davis said. "They got every loose ball."

Indiana held the Magic to 36 percent shooting overall. Indiana has held the Magic below 40 percent shooting in both games.

ORLANDO (78): Turkoglu 4-11 0-0 10, Anderson 3-9 2-2 11, Davis 5-16 8-10 18, Nelson 4-13 4-5 12, J.Richardson 1-5 0-0 2, Q.Richardson 1-3 0-0 3, Redick 5-12 2-2 13, Duhon 1-2 0-0 3, Clark 3-5 0-0 6. Totals 27-76 16-19 78.

INDIANA (93): Granger 7-21 3-3 18, West 5-14 8-10 18, Hibbert 2-5 0-0 4, Hill 6-10 5-6 18, George 7-10 3-3 17, Barbosa 4-10 2-2 10, Amundson 0-0 2-2 2, Collison 1-2 0-0 2, Hansbrough 1-5 2-2 4. Totals 33-77 25-28 93.

Orlando 21 23 13 21— 78

Indiana 24 18 30 21— 93

3-Point Goals—Orlando 8-25 (Anderson 3-8, Turkoglu 2-4, Duhon 1-1, Q.Richardson 1-2, Redick 1-5, J.Richardson 0-2, Nelson 0-3), Indiana 2-20 (Hill 1-3, Granger 1-10, George 0-2, Barbosa 0-5). Fouled Out—Anderson. Rebounds—Orlando 44 (Davis 10), Indiana 55 (Hibbert 13). Assists—Orlando 16 (Nelson, Redick, J.Richardson 3), Indiana 9 (West 4). Total Fouls—Orlando 20, Indiana 17. A—18,165 (18,165).

Celtic Rondo suspended

ATLANTA — Rajon Rondo lost control in the final minute of Game 1, and as a result will miss tonight's Game 2 against the Hawks. Rondo stuck out his chest to bump referee Marc Davis while disputing a foul call with 41 seconds left in Boston's loss on Sunday. "Rondo is an emotional player. … I like his fire, but sometimes he burns you," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said during practice.

JURISPRUDENCE: Lakers reserve forward Jordan Hill, accused of choking a girlfriend, was charged with a third-degree felony and was expected to appear soon in a Houston court. It was unclear when he would have to answer in person to the charges.

BOBCATS: The team decided not to renew coach Paul Silas' contract after finishing 7-59 this season for the worst winning percentage in league history (.106). Silas, 68, said he was not surprised by the decision.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 30, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The celebration over the Rays' latest fantastic finish was somewhat muted Monday night.

They had just beaten the Mariners 3-2 in 12 innings, with Elliot Johnson, of all people, singling in the winning run to cap their surprisingly sturdy April with a 15-8 record, but it was the loss of third baseman Evan Longoria — potentially for weeks — that resulted in the tempered mood.

Longoria left the game after the third inning and left the stadium with crutches due to what manager Joe Maddon described as soreness behind his left knee, seemingly the result of an awkward slide into second on an inning-ending steal attempt.

He will undergo tests, likely including an MRI exam, today to determine exactly what is wrong (knee, hamstring, etc.) and how long he will be out.

Though Maddon described it "kind of a day-to-day gig right now," the sense in the Rays clubhouse was it could be an extended absence.

"I think obviously we're all worried about him," centerfielder B.J. Upton said. "We don't know exactly what's going on … but anytime you lose a guy like that in your lineup, it's a big blow."

Longoria is, obviously, the centerpiece of the lineup — "arguably your best player," Maddon said — hitting .329 with four homers and a team-high 19 RBIs. In the short term, Maddon said the Rays would use Johnson — who took at third over Monday — or Jeff Keppinger in his absence. The Triple-A third baseman is Matt Mangini.

Riding high after taking two of three over the weekend from the red-hot Rangers in Texas, the Rays came home tied for first place in the American League East and looking to cap a splendid first month … and drew only 9,458, their smallest crowd at the Trop in nearly five years. The last smaller? You have to go back to Sept. 4, 2007, for a gathering against Baltimore of 9,112.

Most of night was filled with a dazzling duel between Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson and M's ace Felix Hernandez, each allowing just a single run on his shift. The Mariners took the lead in the 11th on a bad pitch by Wade Davis that Jesus Montero hit out of the park, but the Rays came back to tie it, Luke Scott leading off with a double then Upton scoring pinch-runner Jeff Keppinger with a broken-bat single.

The Rays started their winning rally when Ben Zobrist, batting leadoff with Desmond Jennings not starting, drew a one-out walk from Brandon League. Carlos Peña followed with a single to right, Zobrist stopping at second given Ichiro Suzuki's arm.

Johnson, hitting in Longoria's spot, had failed twice earlier to knock in a run, bunting foul on strike three — on a play called by Maddon — in the fifth with Zobrist on third, then striking out in the 10th with Zobrist again on third.

But this time, Johnson swatted a single to shallow left off League and Zobrist raced home from second, sliding in safely just ahead of Chone Figgins' throw. It was Johnson's first RBI of the season.

"It's fantastic," Johnson said. "Thank goodness I got the third opportunity and I came through. Obviously disappointed with the first two that they didn't work out for me."

It was fitting, or ironic, or something that Johnson, batting in Longoria's spot, got so many chances, first to fail, then ultimately to succeed.

"How does that happen? Why does that happen?" Maddon said. "That comes from support. That only happens because you continue to show support for Elliot. I'm not talking about me, I'm talking about the whole group. … And that doesn't happen everywhere."

The game was moving so crisply due to the starters that it looked like it would be an early night.

Hellickson went seven innings, allowing one run on six hits while striking out seven.

The only run he allowed?

On a home run by catcher Miguel Olivo with one out in the second, on a 1-and-0 pitch.

Hernandez was equally tough.

He went eight innings, allowing one run on five hits, walking four but striking out nine.

The only run he allowed?

A single by Sean Rodriguez with one out in the second, scoring Brandon Allen, who had walked and gone to third on Upton's double.

The Rays have learned to play without Longoria, who missed 26 games during the first month of last season with an oblique strain, and also 30 games with a fractured right wrist during his 2008 rookie season.

"It's not going to be one guy," Upton said. "We have a good enough group around here to find a way to win for the time being. … You definitely never want to do without him. Missing him in the lineup is big. But I think we know how to do it."

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

Times wires
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Rockies 6, Dodgers 2

DENVER — Juan Nicasio pitched six solid innings, Troy Tulowitzki snapped a tie with a two-run double in the fourth and Colorado won the first of 18 meetings this season between the NL West rivals. Continuing his remarkable comeback from a broken neck, Nicasio helped cool off the NL-best Dodgers.

Times wires
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Angels 4, Twins 3

ANAHEIM, Calif. — C.J. Wilson pitched five-hit ball into the eighth inning and Torii Hunter homered and drove in three runs as the Angels returned from a rough road trip to top the Twins, who have the worst record in the majors at 6-16. Chris Iannetta also homered in the Angels' second victory in eight games. Albert Pujols had a first-inning double for his first extra-base hit in 11 days, but finished his first month with Los Angeles without a homer.

Times wires
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Brewers 8, Padres 3

SAN DIEGO — Ryan Braun hit three homers in a game for the first time and tied his career high with six RBIs to help beat the Padres. The Brewers' slugger hit a two-run shot onto the balcony on the fourth level of the brick warehouse in leftfield in the fifth. He's the first player with three homers at spacious Petco Park.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

You can learn a lot about the Bucs' self-evaluation by examining their draft.

Four of their first five selections were defensive players, no surprise considering Tampa Bay gave up a franchise-worst 494 points, was last in rushing defense and allowed 30 touchdown passes last season.

"We wanted to become a much more physical football team with this draft — that was the main concern, and I think we did that," general manager Mark Dominik said. "We also wanted to become a smarter football team with this draft, and I think we did that. And we wanted to create a lot of competition with this draft, and I think we did that."

Let's focus on the competition that was created by this draft. For each of the seven players selected by the Bucs, there is at least one existing player who potentially will be affected.

Round 1 (seventh pick overall)

Pick: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Buc affected: Ronde Barber .

Adding a player such as Barron further justifies the release of Tanard Jackson. It might also end the experiment of playing Barber, a five-time Pro Bowl cornerback, at safety, allowing him to return to his natural position. Cody Grimm has performed well at free safety, but season-ending injuries in each of his first two years create questions about his durability. He will get a chance to pair with the Bucs' first-round pick. Larry Asante and Ahmad Black have an uphill climb. Competition for strong safety is over, fellas. All hail the Red Barron.

Round 1 (31st Pick overall)

Pick: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

Buc affected: LeGarrette Blount

Martin reminds coach Greg Schiano of Ravens and former Rutgers running back Ray Rice for his ability to play all three downs. He is an effective route runner, has good hands and can pass protect. Unless the Bucs missed on Martin, he will be the starting tailback. But he had at least 20 rushing attempts only 13 times in 38 career games at Boise State. It takes two running backs to be effective running the football in the NFL, and the powerful inside running of Blount will be used, especially late in games. This should be a nice tandem.

Round 2 (58th overall)

Pick: Lavonte David, LB, Nebraska

Buc affected: Mason Foster

David is most effective as an outside linebacker, where he can run and hit. That might also be the best spot for Foster, but it's more likely he will either remain at middle linebacker or move to strongside linebacker. Tampa Bay considers David the best linebacker in coverage in the draft, so he'll also remain on the field in nickel passing situations. That means either Foster or Quincy Black will leave the field on third down.

Round 5 (140th overall)

Pick: Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia

Buc affected: Quincy Black

At 6 feet, 244 pounds, Goode is powerful enough to play inside, but coverage is not his strong suit, meaning he's a two-down linebacker. In the Bucs defense, that means he plays either the middle or strong side. Since you would prefer the middle linebacker to remain on the field on passing downs, look for Goode to get a shot to compete with Black, who did not live up to his five-year, $29 million contract last season.

Round 6 (174th overall)

Pick: Keith Tandy, CB West Virginia

E.J. Biggers

Tandy made a big impression on Schiano when his Rutgers team faced West Virginia. Tandy has good skills in zone coverage and could develop into a slot defender. He projects as a possible safety, but the Bucs will give him a shot to compete at cornerback in his first training camp. Biggers has had mixed results as the Bucs' third defensive back and has given up a lot of completions.

Round 7 (212th overall)

Pick: Michael Smith, RB, Utah State

Buc affected: Mossis Madu

Smith is a burner, with legitimate 4.3 speed in the 40-yard dash. He's also a productive running back who was stuck behind a better player (Robert Turbin) at Utah State. Smith averaged 7 yards per carry and eclipsed 100 yards rushing his last two games. He's a change-of-pace runner who also could help on special teams and be a No. 3 tailback.

Round 7 (233rd overall)

Pick: Drake Dunsmore, TE, Northwestern

Buc affected: Erik Lorig

Dunsmore is more of a receiving tight end than a blocker, but the Bucs want to work with him as an H-back and in-line blocker. He was the Wildcats' second-leading receiver, so he isn't likely to be used in short-yardage situations as the third tight end initially. But with some work, and the limited snaps the Bucs will be in a two-back, I-formation set, Dunsmore could develop into that fullback role in a pinch.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — The reality for the Rays is they are going to play most, and possibly all, of the next two months without their best overall player, third baseman Evan Longoria.

The challenge is to see if they can continue to play well.

"We're still a really good team," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "It's definitely not ideal, but we do have a ton of talent around him. That should allow us to still win a lot of games."

Longoria, 26, will be sidelined due to a partial tear of his left hamstring sustained trying to steal second in Monday's game, the diagnosis confirmed with a Tuesday MRI exam. He will rest his leg for the next 2-3 weeks, with a best-case scenario that he could resume baseball activities in late May and rejoin the lineup in mid June, a less-optimistic view that it could be late June or early July before he returns.

"He's always been a pretty good healer," Friedman said. "He's had some hamstring issues in the past and has come back from them pretty quickly, relatively speaking.''

Longoria's frustration at being idled was obvious, though he insisted he would remain positive. He also showed some perspective after a change in his offseason training program designed specifically to prevent these type of injuries, which sidelined him previously.

"It's one of those things where I can go home and look in the mirror and know I've done everything I can do to be as healthy as I can be," he said. "And sometimes it just doesn't happen."

Making it worse, Longoria has been hot, hitting .329 with four homers and a team-high 19 RBIs, plus a .994 on-base plus slugging percentage.

Manager Joe Maddon said he will rotate in different players to fill Longoria's spot in the middle of the batting order based on matchups and plans to primarily use Elliot Johnson and Jeff Keppinger to play third. Other options include shortstop Sean Rodriguez and infielder Will Rhymes, who was called up from Triple-A Durham to add depth. Friedman said an external acquisition was also a possibility.

The Rays have some experience playing without Longoria, who missed 26 games during the first month of last season with an oblique strain, 10 games at the end of 2010 with a quad strain and 30 games with a fractured right wrist during his 2008 rookie season.

"We did good without Longoria for a little while there, but it didn't mean we didn't miss him for sure," Johnson said. "He's our guy. He's the franchise player. How do you replace those guys? You really don't. You just try and weather the storm until he can get back in here and be back to being Longo."

Maddon said the offseason additions of Carlos Peña and Luke Scott should make it easier to absorb the loss of Longoria's bat, though there will be an impact on the entire lineup. They expect the defense to be nearly as good.

Friedman said he was confident the team will rise to the challenge, pointing specifically to 2008, when several other frontline players were also sidelined.

"It's definitely not a great situation from a team standpoint," Friedman said. "That being said … I thought back to 2008 and every single one of our position players with the exception of (second baseman Akinori Iwamura) went on the DL and just the number of different guys who stepped up.

"That's what we try to focus on a lot in the offseason, the depth that we have and the players that we have. So while it's certainly not ideal, I'm excited and anxious to see who is going to step up and who is going to do what some of those guys did for us in 2008."

Staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report. Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Hideki Matsui wants to get back to the majors and play for the Rays.

But first he has to show he is still capable by playing at Triple-A Durham.

And in Tuesday's introductory appearance after signing a minor-league deal with the Rays, he said he was ready to do just that — and to ride the busses for hours and take the early morning commercial flights as well.

"I'm going to be a minor-leaguer," Matsui said through his interpreter, "so I'm going to travel like a minor-leaguer."

Despite being an All-Star in the Japanese and major leagues and making more than $80 million in the United States, Matsui, who turns 38 in June, said he had no problem taking a minor-league deal that did not include any guarantee of a callup or an out clause.

"As far as the minor-league offer, I think that really resembles where I'm at as far as myself as a baseball player," Matsui said.

After playing nine seasons in the majors (2003-09 with the Yankees) and hitting .251 for Oakland last season, Matsui went unsigned but wanted to keep playing in the states, with no thoughts of returning to Japan. The Rays had interest, executive vice president Andrew Friedman said, and after they ended up signing Luke Scott and Carlos Peña, they kept the conversation ongoing, keen to the idea of adding depth.

"We've always had a tremendous amount of respect for him and what he does in the batter's box, the type of person he is, the type of teammate he is, the success that he's enjoyed," Friedman said. "So he's always been someone that's been on our radar."

Even though Matsui signed a minor-league deal (with the terms not available), it was still major news in Japan. About 50 Japanese journalists were at the Trop (and most headed to Port Charlotte), and the news conference was carried live on two networks in Japan, where it was midnight.

Matsui will report first to Port Charlotte, working out for the first time this morning with the extended spring group. The plan is for him to play a few games there, then report to Durham by mid May. Matsui, who spent most of the offseason in New York working out, said he isn't far from being ready: "Physically I feel really good. I feel I'm in pretty good condition, so hopefully it shouldn't take too long."

Asked how long he'd stay in the minors, Matsui said: "I guess I really don't have an answer for that right now."

Though "there's nothing formal" in place regarding an out clause if Matsui doesn't get called up, Friedman said if another team was interested in having him in the majors, they would, as they have in the past, try to work something out: "We've demonstrated over time that we'll be extremely fair with players in our organization and with someone of his caliber we're going to treat him with the respect that he deserves. … But we'll never be an issue in the process of him getting back to the major leagues where he belongs."

Though the interim steps are somewhat uncertain, Matsui is clear on the end game. "It's to hopefully join the team," he said, "and be some kind of force for the team at the major-league level."

Times staff
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced the signing of undrafted free agents Trevor Olson, a tackle from Northern Illinois and Rocky Weaver, a tackle from Central Michigan.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Since taking Tim Beckham with the first overall pick in the 2008 draft, ahead of Buster Posey and others, the Rays have been patient and encouraging that the affable shortstop would eventually make it to the majors and have an impact when he got there.

But Tuesday, the Rays made clear their disappointment and frustration when Beckham was suspended 50 games for a second violation of the minor-league drug policy for using marijuana, classified as a "drug of abuse."

"We are very disappointed by Tim's actions," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said in a statement. "Tim possesses great potential, and he must rededicate himself in order to become the person and player we know he can be."

Beckham, 22 and playing at Triple-A Durham, apologized for his actions in a statement released through the team:

"I regret that my poor judgment resulted in me letting my teammates and the Tampa Bay Rays organization down. I take full responsibility for my actions, and I will use this experience to refocus my commitment to baseball. I recognize that I am blessed to be able to play baseball for a living. I owe it to my teammates, my family and to myself to respect the game and the responsibilities that go with playing it as a professional. I am sorry."

Beckham, who received a $6.15 million bonus for signing, seemed to take a big step last year, hitting .275 with seven homers, 57 RBIs and a .734 on-base plus slugging percentage in 107 games at Double-A Montgomery and earning an August promotion to Durham, where he hit .255/5/13/.744 in 24 games.

He was off to a slow start this season, hitting .204 with a .568 OPS, and had been on the disabled list with a left wrist sprain.

In Durham, Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo said: "I was surprised. But if he did it, he needs to pay the consequences. He's a young kid, I'm sure he's going to learn from it. I don't have much patience for illegal stuff, but as far as I know he's a great kid, he's a young kid, and hopefully he learned his lesson from whatever it was that he was doing."

By Rick Frazier, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

What's hot? Live-bait fishing for snook, red drum (redfish) and speckled trout in southern Pinellas County. Trout in the 20-inch range, keeper-sized redfish and catch-and-release snook are taking Spanish sardines (whitebait) without hesitation. Begin your day early at blue-light to get sardines. If you're like me and don't like fighting the current and anglers trying to get bait at the Skyway, make up some chum and head to a shallow grass flat and chum it up. It's a lot easier.

Trout: On the incoming tide, go to the grass flats near Fort De Soto. The flooding tide brings trout on the flats in search of for prey. Rig whitebait under a float to keep it from going down and hiding in the grass. A float adds weight to aid in casting.

Red drum: When the tide starts to slack off, work deep-water docks for redfish. It's best to find docks adjacent to mangroves, grass flats or other forms of structure. Rig your offering with a small split-shot weight to keep it on the bottom. Attach the weight about a foot above the leader so the bait can swim and send out vibrations the reds can pick up.

Snook: Fish for snook on outgoing tide. Use the biggest whitebait in your well. Target bridges around the bayway, Tierra Verde and Skyway. Free-line minnows, making it so it swims down-current naturally.

Rick Frazier runs Lucky Dawg Charters out of St. Petersburg and can be reached at (727) 510-4376.

By Capt. Mike Gore, Times Correspondent
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Cool change. The little cold front we had, combined with some afternoon showers, has been an early blessing. The water temperature was starting to climb a little faster than it should have for this time of year. It is perfect now and the bite is showing it. Everything is more active and the fish are more aggressive. When you are planning your next trip out, be sure to pay attention to the weather, tides and moon phases. There is a full moon this weekend, which should produce some great fishing. The strong incoming and outgoing tides will really push the bait fish around.

Fishing frenzy. The south shore of Tampa Bay has been on fire this past month and look for it to continue. Fish are stacked up anywhere from the Little Manatee River west to the port. Bait is all over the flats and is pretty easy to net. Snook are staging up in every creek mouth and shoreline that has good tidal flow. They have been sitting ready to ambush any bait that swims by. Just cast your bait up current of the point and let it drift back.

Trout. The trout bite has really stayed consistent this past month. I continue to see fish over 20 inches being caught. The bigger trout are being caught in shallow sand holes up in Cockroach Bay. The bait of choice has been greenbacks.

Redfish. Redfish seem to be staying more out on the flats with the mullet. These fish are not in big schools but we are seeing a good number of slot fish being caught. Greenbacks under a cork have worked best.

Mike Gore charters out of Tampa Bay. Call him at (813) 390-6600 or visit tampacharters.com.

Times wires
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — An Indiana high school basketball standout who survived a Michigan plane crash last year that killed his father and stepmother — this after surviving a plane crash eight years earlier that killed his mother — plans to play college basketball next year.

Austin Hatch of Fort Wayne, Ind., made a verbal commitment to play at Michigan before the June crash near the Charlevoix, Mich., airport. He told the Detroit Free Press in an interview published Tuesday that he'll be on the court with the Wolverines in 2013.

"The most difficult thing is just missing my biological family, because I'm the only one left," he said. "I wish there was an instructional manual in how to deal with this kind of loss."

The 6-foot-6 Hatch, 16 at the time of the June crash, said he'll use a scholarship to live the life he and his father always had imagined. He has yet to be cleared to play but said he didn't care, trusting his doctors will tell him when it's appropriate. He said he thinks no one can relate to his situation.

"No one that I know of," he said. "If there is someone, I haven't met them yet."

Last month, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report that the crash that killed Dr. Stephen Hatch and his wife, Kim, occurred after the single-engine plane stalled because of inadequate air speed.

Stephen Hatch, who was an anesthesiologist and partner at Pain Management Associates, also was piloting a similar plane in September 2003 that crashed in Indiana. He saved Austin after that crash, but his other children — Lindsay, 11, and Ian, 5 — died along with his first wife, Julie, 38.

Following last year's crash en route to a summer home near Boyne Falls in northern Michigan, Austin Hatch was in a medically induced coma for weeks before returning to Fort Wayne. He had a severe brain injury, a punctured lung and rib injuries.

He was a standout player at Canterbury High in Fort Wayne but didn't play this past season. He said the recovery has been difficult.

"My dad's dad, my grandpa Jim Hatch, he's as close a thing to my dad as there is," Hatch said. "So he's been very instrumental in helping me with the recovery process."

Considering how far Hatch has come, much of which he attributes to a passionate Christian faith, the next steps should be easier than the last.

"Some days are more difficult than others, as weird as that sounds," Hatch told the Free Press. "Some days things just kind of hit me. I don't know why, they just do. It's kind of tough because I'm the only one left out of my immediate family.

"But just because tragic stuff happened to me, my life's not over. I've got all kinds of positive things working in my favor. … If you just focus on the negative things, you shouldn't let that outweigh the positive things in your life."

Times wires
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Terry Bradshaw, the Hall of Fame quarterback, TV analyst and horse fancier, was stunned to learn how much money Lava Man, the star pony in trainer Doug O'Neill's barn, had earned on the track.

"Five million bucks that horse has won, and he's walking around here?" Bradshaw said in amazement after posing for a photo Tuesday with the three-time winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Lava Man is enjoying a second career at O'Neill's Southern California-based stable. The 11-year-old gelding escorts O'Neill's current runners to the track to train and race. He will accompany I'll Have Another, the Santa Anita Derby winner, to the starting gate Saturday for the Kentucky Derby.

The former claimer became a stakes star, earning $5.2 million with seven Grade 1 victories. Lava Man still looks fit with a well-dappled gleaming bay coat. After retiring in 2010, he began the career transition with the help of stable foreman Sabas Rivera.

LUKAS IN: Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas got his wish. Optimizer will run in the Derby. Lukas, a four-time Derby winner, was on the outside looking in until Tuesday. The top 20 Derby entrants based on graded stakes earnings are assured spots in the race. Optimizer was No. 21. Then came news that Mark Valeski was pulling out, opening the door for Optimizer to slide into the 20th and final slot. Lukas will face three of his former assistants: Todd Pletcher (El Padrino and Gemologist), Kiaran McLaughlin (Alpha) and Mike Maker (Hansen). The defection of Mark Valeski could mean there will be no female jockey in the Derby unless Rosie Napravnik picks up another available mount.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 1, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — As patiently as INF Will Rhymes waited for his callup to the Rays, he had to rush to make it on time.

Rhymes, 29, said he was told at 5 p.m. Tuesday he was moving up from Triple-A Durham, selected to provide depth due to injured 3B Evan Longoria (hamstring). Rhymes had to pack his bags quickly and get to the airport for his 7 p.m. flight to Tampa.

"It was pretty close," Rhymes said, smiling. "Luckily, the Raleigh-Durham airport isn't that big. It could have been worse."

Manager Joe Maddon said Rhymes will be part of the rotation at third and could play second.

Rhymes, who played 83 games with the Tigers the previous two seasons, said he feels comfortable at third and relishes the opportunity after signing as a minor-league free agent in January.

"I'm excited," he said. "This is kind of what you're waiting for when you're down here. It's what keeps you going, a chance to come up and play."

NO SLOUCH: During RHP James Shields' impressive April, he picked up wins over the AL's elite, including the Yankees, Rangers and Red Sox. But he enters tonight's game wary of his opponent, the Mariners, one of the few teams to have his number during last season.

Shields allowed 15 runs in 111/3 innings over two starts against Seattle in 2011 and is 0-2 with an 8.21 ERA his past three.

"I've gotten off to a hot start, but this team you can't take lightly over there," Shields said. "Last year, I did pretty well against most of the teams, and I didn't do too well against them. Hopefully (tonight) will be a different story."

CLOSING TIME: To make room for Rhymes on the 40-man roster, RHP Kyle Farnsworth (right elbow strain) was placed on the 60-day disabled list. That means the first day Farnsworth can be activated is June 5.

LOOKING BACK: An error charged to RHP Fernando Rodney in the ninth inning Sunday was changed to a single for the Rangers' Mitch Moreland.