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Game preview: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

. Tonight

Lightning vs. Penguins

When/where: 7:30; St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa

TV/radio: Sun Sports; 620-AM

Key stats: Lightning W Marty St. Louis has nine goals, 29 points in his past 23 games. … C Dominic Moore has five goals in his past seven games. … The Penguins are 12-5-0 against the Southeast Division. … They entered Wednesday with the No. 1 road penalty kill at 85.7 percent. … They have not lost in regulation on the road since Feb. 25 (5-0-2).


Tampa Bay Rays to start with closer-by-committee

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — What the Rays have after completing the historically massive reconstruction of their bullpen is a group that will be diversified and complementary in styles and looks, short on late-inning experience and success, rich in upside and potential and, they feel, at least above league average.

What they don't have — and won't for the foreseeable future — is a closer or even a set plan on which of the seven they will use to get the final outs.

"It's much more about having enough high-leverage guys that can get big outs late in the game," executive vice president Andrew Friedman said, "whether that's the seventh inning or the eighth inning or the ninth inning."

They'll do it that way because they feel it's more important to get the biggest outs at the key moments rather than save relievers for pre-assigned situations that could be rendered irrelevant.

But also because they obviously don't feel — at least at this point — they have the one reliever to handle the closer's role the way since-departed (and significantly richer) Rafael Soriano did so well last season.

"I'm not going to declare one," manager Joe Maddon said, "because I think if you are not absolutely certain, then you shouldn't do that because you're only setting yourself up for problems later on."

Of the group the Rays do have — which was solidified Wednesday with confirmation that right-hander Juan Cruz and lefties Jake McGee and Cesar Ramos got the final spots — Kyle Farns­worth and Joel Peralta have the most late-inning experience.

Farnsworth has 27 big-league saves though only one since 2006 and a success rate of less than 45 percent. Peralta has only two saves in the majors but 106 in the minors with four seasons of 20 or more, including last year for Triple-A Syracuse.

Cruz has had only 14 save chances (and three saves) in 310 major-league relief appearances and Andy Sonnanstine one in 41. Adam Russell, McGee and Ramos have never pitched in the ninth inning of a big-league game with a lead.

"We're very confident that Farnsworth and Peralta are going to be good and are going to get really key outs for us late in the game," Friedman said. "Cruz certainly has the upside to do so. And then we've got guys that are a little more inexperienced that it's less certain, but there's upside. So we need a few of those guys to emerge as high-leverage monsters for us to have a really good bullpen."

As it is now — after becoming the first team to replace six relievers who worked at least 55 games the previous season, according to the Elias Sports Bureau — Friedman said they should be above league average though acknowledging they have to exceed that standard to be competitive in the American League East. (The MLB average for save conversions last season was 69 percent; the Rays, who had the most save situations in the AL, were at 76 percent.)

Maddon — whose handling of the bullpen could replace his lineup juggling as the top conversation topic among critics — has his concerns: deciding which guys to use when, not overdoing it in warming them up for potential matchups that disappear and how they, particularly the less-experienced ones, respond to failure.

But he also has confidence in what he has seen, noting this group is more physical than last year's and that a year ago, they didn't know that group would blossom into one of the AL's best.

"I like where they're at right now," Maddon said. "I think there's a nice complementary group out there. And also in the back of your mind you know that J.P. Howell is getting better."

Howell is on schedule for a mid May return from shoulder surgery and could turn out to be the savior given his 17-of-25 performance in 2009.

But until then, or until Peralta or Farnsworth or Cruz or one of the others emerges, there will be nightly meetings of the Rays closing committee.

"Believe me, I'd rather have that ninth-inning animal, absolutely," Maddon said. "It makes the entire day easier game-planning, makes the game in progress so much easier to manage. But this is what we've got."

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

Florida State Seminoles forecast bright future in basketball; Florida Gators assistant Larry Shyatt reportedly interviews at Wyoming

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Times wires


Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Leonard Hamilton said Wednesday that he has achieved the rebuilding he sought when he became Florida State's basketball coach nine seasons ago. With a veteran team returning from a Sweet 16 appearance, he sees even better times ahead.

"We're not surprised that we were in a position to go to the Elite Eight," he said. "We're not going to be satisfied just going to the Sweet 16."

FSU loses one senior, Derwin Kitchen, and junior forward Chris Singleton is expected to leave early. Everyone else returns, and the recruiting class is headed by Terry Whisnant, the North Carolina high school player of the year who averaged 31.7 points.

UF's shyatt to wyoming? Florida associate head coach Larry Shyatt was reportedly in Wyoming on Wednesday interviewing for the head coaching job. He was Wyoming's coach from 1997-98, and Clemson coach from 1998-2003. Shyatt, 59, has been on the Gators' staff since 2004.

Painter stays at purdue: After talking with Missouri about its coaching vacancy, Matt Painter decided to stay at his alma mater, agreeing to an eight-year contract through 2018-19. Painter, 40, is a three-time Big Ten coach of the year.

BOSTON College: Reggie Jackson, the team's leading scorer, made himself eligible for the NBA draft, but the junior guard won't hire an agent, leaving his options open to return to school. He averaged 18.2 points, 4.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

Louisiana tech: Mississippi assistant Michael White, 34, was named coach, his skill at recruiting in the South a key factor.

Marquette: Coach Buzz Williams, 38, finalized a new deal after a run to the Sweet 16.

UC davis: Coach Gary Stewart, 88-148 in eight seasons, is stepping down to become a special projects administrator in the athletic department.

Women

South Carolina: Coach Dawn Staley, considered a leading candidate to take over at her alma meter, Virginia, after Debbie Ryan resigned, said she will stay with the Gamecocks.

Two more admit to HGH use

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — Former major-leaguer Randy Velarde testified Wednesday that he bought human growth hormone from Barry Bonds' trainer throughout the 2002 season, the fourth major-leaguer to admit to drug use during Bonds' perjury trial.

Velarde, who spent 10 of his 16 seasons with the Yankees and 2002 with the A's, also said Greg Anderson helped him inject it.

Marvin Benard, Bonds' teammate with the Giants, also testified about HGH and Anderson. That followed similar testimony Tuesday from Rockies first baseman Jason Giambi and former major-leaguer Jeremy Giambi.

None of the four directly testified about Bonds. Instead, they told the jury how Anderson supplied them with performance-enhancing drugs and instructions on how to use them.

Prosecutors hope to use the testimony to undercut Bonds' position that Anderson misled him into using steroids by telling him they were legal supplements.

Anderson is in jail on contempt of court charges for refusing to testify. So prosecutors are trying to show how he dealt with the players who flocked to him for help because of his link to Bonds.

Braves: Jair Jurrjens, out since last week with a sore right rib cage, is set to throw a bullpen session today. Manager Fredi Gonzalez said it hasn't been determined if the righty needs a minor-league rehab start.

Brewers: Outfielder Corey Hart (strained muscles in his left side) and catcher Jonathan Lucroy (broken right pinky) went on the disabled list.

Dodgers: The team will wear a patch with Duke Snider's No. 4 throughout this season. Also, it will celebrate his life on Aug. 9 with a ceremony and a giveaway of 50,000 bobbleheads of the franchise's all-time leading home run hitter who died in February.

Giants: Closer Brian Wilson went on the DL with a strained muscle on his left side sustained March 17. Wilson, who has thrown bullpen sessions, will be eligible to return April 6.

Indians: Centerfielder Grady Sizemore went on the DL. He is still recovering from microfracture surgery on his left knee (which limited him to 33 games last season) and is not likely to be ready for a few more weeks.

Mets: Leftfielder Jason Bay had tests on his strained rib cage, and the team hasn't decided if he will open the season on the DL. It is unclear if the injury, sustained Tuesday, is related to the back stiffness that kept Bay out on Saturday and Sunday. Also, reliever Jason Isringhausen will remain in Florida for two weeks of extended spring training in hopes of landing a spot with the team. The 38-year-old right-hander signed a minor-league deal at the start of camp. If another team offers him a job, the Mets have the first right to call him up.

Phillies: Second baseman Luis Castillo was released after a brief tryout as a fill-in for Chase Utley, who is out indefinitely with a right knee injury. Castillo signed a minor-league deal March 21, three days after being released by the Mets. Wilson Valdez likely becomes the starter.

Reds: Five players went on the DL, including four pitchers with shoulder issues: right-hander starters Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey, right-handed relievers Jose Arredondo and Jared Burton, and outfielder Fred Lewis (strained muscle on his right side).

Media: Jamie Moyer, a 24-year veteran, will work as an analyst on ESPN's Baseball Tonight while rehabbing. The lefty, 48, had Tommy John surgery in December but wants to play in 2012.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

motocross

Stewart, out on bond, tells fans he's sorry

Motocross and Supercross star James "Bubba" Stewart said he wants to show people that "I am someone that upholds the law" and apologized to his fans after he was charged with impersonating a police officer.

Police said Stewart used red and blue lights to pull over a vehicle that contained two off-duty troopers Monday.

Stewart and his passenger, Quinault Jehrrod, were released on cash bonds after being charged with felonies in Orlando.

Stewart, 25, of Haines City said he is free to race this weekend in a Supercross event in Arlington, Texas.

ET CETERA

colleges: Cam Atkinson of Boston College, Matt Frattin of North Dakota and Andy Miele of Miami of Ohio were named the finalists for the Hobey Baker award given to college hockey's best player. The winner will be announced at the Frozen Four on April 8. Atkinson had 31 goals and 21 assists, Frattin leads the nation with 36 goals and has 24 assists, and Miele has 24 goals and 47 assists for a nation-leading 71 points. … Kassie Liebsch, a former systems analyst at the Kansas ticket office, cried as she was sentenced to 37 months in prison for her part in a $2 million scalping conspiracy. Her attorneys sought probation. Seven people have pleaded guilty.

soccer: A judge ruled that Spanish soccer league matches must go ahead this weekend despite a strike called by top clubs in dispute over television revenue. Madrid Judge Purificacion Pujol backed an appeal made by six mid-ranking clubs — Sevilla, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad, Espanyol and Zaragoza — that opposed the strike.

autos: Rick Ware Racing said it will field a truck for Jeffery Earnhardt this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Ware had said Tuesday that he terminated the contract with the 21-year-old grandson of Dale Earnhardt because he was actively looking for another ride. Ware also accused Earnhardt of trying to steal the team's sponsor. On Wednesday, Ward blamed the decision on emotions and a lack of communication.

Times wires

tennis

fish wins, gets top american ranking

KEY BISCAYNE — Mardy Fish claimed the top U.S. spot for the first time by reaching the semifinals of the Sony Ericsson Open when he beat No. 6 seed David Ferrer 7-5, 6-2 on Wednesday.

The Tampa resident will climb to at least 11th, a career best, in the next world rankings. Andy Roddick will fall from eighth to 14th after losing his opening match last week.

Ferrer said he was bothered by indigestion and also was annoyed by a crying baby in the stands. Ferrer directed a forehand lob toward the baby after losing his serve midway through the second set.

The ball didn't come close to the baby when it landed in the stands, but the crying stopped.

"It was in one moment of the match," Ferrer said. "It was not the problem."

"He'd probably take that one back if he could," Fish said. "He's a very nice guy. Obviously flustered."

Golfer Sergio Garcia was among Fish's rooters, and he expects to attend his next match Friday.

In women's play, eighth-seeded Victoria Azarenka advanced to her first semifinal this year by beating two-time champion Kim Clijsters 6-3, 6-3. Today she faces No. 3 Vera Zvonareva.

Tampa Bay Storm's next QB foe sports impressive resume

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

TAMPA — The Tampa Bay Storm defense has struggled this season against a second-year Arena League quarterback (Tommy Grady) and a backup forced into action due to injury (Kurt Rocco).

Wait until the Storm gets a load of who's under center this week.

Tampa Bay will attempt to snap its two-game losing streak Friday against division rival Jacksonville and Aaron Garcia, the most decorated quarterback in Arena Football League history.

"He's one of, if not the best ever," Storm coach Dave Ewart said.

The 40-year-old Garcia, in his 17th AFL season, has thrown for more yards (45,787) and touchdowns (981) than any AFL quarterback. Garcia, named the league's offensive player of the week after going 17-of-19 for 308 yards and eight touchdowns in a 64-33 win last week against New Orleans, is the only quarterback on any professional level to have accumulated 1,000 total touchdowns and has logged more than 26 miles passing in his career.

"He's like the Brett Favre of the AFL," Ewart said. "He's as good as it gets, and the guy has seen and done it all."

Gregory to start: Tampa Bay's quarterback carousel continues this week as Grant Gregory returns under center. Gregory, who went 16-of-29 for 186 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions against Utah in Week 2, came on in the fourth quarter last week and finished 7-of-11 for 68 yards a touchdown with 21 yards rushing.

"He led us on a nice drive down the field last week," Ewart said. "Grant has intangibles. He gets (the offense) in and out of the huddle. The guys listen to him, and I think they believe in him."

Potts waived: The Storm released QB Mike Potts on Tuesday after a dismal performance against Cleveland. Potts, who went 16-of-30 for 169 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions against the Gladiators, started in Week 1 at New Orleans in the lone win of the season so far. Dixie Hollins alum B.J. Hall was re-signed and will back up Gregory this week.

Injuries: DB Wondy Pierre Louis (ankle) and DL Richard Clebert (shoulder) were nicked up against Cleveland. Pierre Louis had to be helped off the field in the fourth quarter but practiced this week and is expected to play Friday. Clebert missed some practice this week and Ewart said there's a "50-50 chance" he'll play against Jacksonville.

Attendance: Perhaps the only thing more pathetic than the Storm's play Sunday was the attendance. Tampa Bay, which led the league last year with a home average of 14,621, drew an announced 7,939 for its home opener. The Storm likely will have another low turnout Friday thanks to the Rays playing their season opener that night at Tropicana Field.

"I have enough problems to worry about on the field," Ewart said. "I can't be worried about what's going on in the stands."

Go Green: Fans who bring six cans or plastic bottles to the Waste Services of Florida table located on the West Plaza of the St. Pete Times Forum receive a complimentary general admission ticket. Additionally, fans who ride their bicycle and park it on the West Plaza also get a free ticket to the game.

Tampa Bay Rays' relievers save totals

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays' new AstroTurf gets rave reviews

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The new AstroTurf surface at Tropicana Field previously earned rave reviews for how it looks and feels like regular grass.

And after the first game on it Wednesday, a 5-3 Rays victory over the Jays in the spring finale, both teams were pleased with how it played.

"It doesn't play as fast as you think without knowing it's turf," Rays 2B Sean Rodriguez said. "It plays pretty normal. You get your good hops, your bad hops."

AstroTurf's newest model, Game Day Grass 3D-60H, was installed during the offseason, replacing FieldTurf. It was designed specifically for baseball, and the Trop is the first pro facility to have it. (Duke and Wake Forest are the only baseball facilities to use it.)

"It has more of a grass feel to me," RF Ben Zobrist said.

The Jays, who play on an older model of AstroTurf, liked how consistent the Rays' version is.

"It's a true hop," 2B Aaron Hill said. "You don't get any crazy hops — at least not yet, anyway."

1B Adam Lind noted Toronto's turf was laid in several pieces with Tampa Bay's being one large sheet.

"It's definitely less bouncy," Lind said. "Ours is just a bunch of squares. You never know what's going to happen out there."

The Rays had a half-field of the AstroTurf in Port Charlotte, and several players worked out at the Trop a few weeks ago to test it. Manager Joe Maddon said afterward they met with the company's representatives, who made adjustments.

"I think it plays really well for this team," Rays INF Elliot Johnson said.

PERSONAL MATTERS: DH Manny Ramirez was not at the game for what the Rays said were "personal reasons."

Maddon said Ramirez "is fine," and he found out a couple days ago he had "some personal things to attend to … and there was something he really had to do."

Ramirez will be back for Friday's opener, Maddon said.

STANDING TALL: RHP Jeff Niemann said he felt good about his four-inning start Wednesday during which he allowed three runs and four hits on 65 pitches. "Everything felt like it's where it needs to be to start the season," he said. "I'm going in feeling good and feeling confident."

GAME DETAILS: 3B Evan Longoria hit a solo homer (his fourth) as did Johnson, who also had two hits and stole his major-league leading 12th base of the spring. CF B.J. Upton hit a go-ahead two-run single in the seventh, walked twice and stole two bases, including home on a double steal in the third.

RHP Adam Russell and LHP Jake McGee threw a scoreless inning in the second of back-to-back appearances.

The Rays finished the spring 15-14-2 sparked by a 14-7-1 streak that tied the Brewers for the best in the majors over the past three weeks. Maddon said they played Wednesday with the kind of effort and aggressiveness he'd like to see during the regular season.

MISCELLANY: RHP Jeremy Hellickson will pitch in a Triple-A game in Port Charlotte today. … The Rays are approaching a sellout for Friday's opener with just obstructed-view and scattered single seats available.

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


Auburn to investigate claims

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Auburn will investigate claims by four former football players, who told HBO's Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel they received thousands of dollars while being recruited by or playing for the Tigers.

Stanley McClover told the show, which aired Wednesday night, he got about $300 or $400 after games, and got four bags totaling $4,000 after logging four sacks against Alabama in 2004. He said he received cash during "money handshakes" with LSU and Michigan State and received sexual favors during a visit to Ohio State.

Troy Reddick, Chaz Ramsey and Raven Gray are the other players. Gray said he received $2,500 to $3,000 from an Auburn representative when he was recruited. Ramsey said he got $5,000 to $6,000 at Auburn.

"While HBO confirmed to us they have no proof that any of these claims are true, we contacted both the NCAA and Southeastern Conference as soon as these allegations surfaced," athletic director Jay Jacobs said Wednesday. "We have engaged outside counsel to investigate this matter and will spare no resources to find the truth."

Auburn coach Gene Chizik was defensive coordinator from 2002-04, when McClover and Reddick were there. Neither he nor any other person was named by the players.

The SEC said that representatives from Auburn, LSU and the SEC "have communicated with the NCAA Enforcement Staff."

A Michigan State spokesman said, "Our compliance office was never alerted to this alleged handshake." Ohio State declined comment. Joe Alleva, LSU's vice chancellor and athletic director, said LSU "vigorously enforces NCAA and SEC rules and we work diligently to educate boosters on NCAA rules compliance."

Tressel apologizes

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State coach Jim Tressel apologized for letting people down and acknowledged he might be viewed as a cheater because of NCAA violations that resulted in a five-game suspension.

"I suppose there could be some that might feel that way and there might be others who might not," he said.

Ohio State recommended he be suspended for five games for failing to report that his players sold memorabilia and received improper benefits. The NCAA could levy more penalties.

fiesta on outs? The BCS could boot the Fiesta Bowl from the lucrative bowl system used to crown a national champion if warranted, BCS executive director Bill Hancock said. The Fiesta Bowl released an internal report showing "excessive compensation, nonbusiness and inappropriate expenditures and inappropriate gifts" and fired longtime CEO and president John Junker. Hancock said he had "absolutely no indication" of similar behavior by the other BCS bowls — the Rose, Orange and Sugar.

obituary: Jim Seymour, a receiver at Notre Dame in the 1960s who formed a potent combination with QB Terry Hanratty, died Tuesday at 64. When Notre Dame won the national title in 1966, Mr. Seymour caught 48 passes with eight touchdowns.

Tenacity pays for new Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Dan Johnson

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — For more years than he would care to recall, this has been a day of heartache for Dan Johnson. A new season would arrive, and he would inevitably depart.

Maybe there was a time, some years ago, when Johnson assumed his place in the majors was relatively safe, but that moment passed more quickly than he could have imagined.

He has been sent to Sacramento and to Durham. He has started a season on the disabled list and on the bench. In search of a fatter paycheck, he once spent an opening day on the other side of the globe playing for the Yokohama BayStars.

So do not discount what Friday night's first pitch will mean to a 31-year-old first baseman whose opening-day resume in the big leagues begins and ends with one at-bat.

Because now, in 2011, Dan Johnson has a new lease on his baseball life. After all his starts and stops, he is the new first baseman for the defending AL East champions.

"It was a long journey," Johnson said Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field. "It was a lot of trying times, I'm not going to lie.

"Some things happened when I was a younger player that I didn't understand then like I would today. It just kind of slipped through my fingers, and it was hard for me to swallow. It was like, 'How did I let that go?' "

Some of it was circumstance. Some of it was performance. Some of it was just a stink load of poor luck.

At this point, the details are unimportant. The larger issue is that Johnson refused to yield, and the Rays have found reason to place a great deal of faith in a guy who has persevered.

"It's tough. It's tough," said manager Joe Maddon. "I do appreciate the perseverance. The mind-set. You really have to have that reality check at some point and stick your ego in the back pocket.

"I am impressed with that and how far he's come and what he's done to get back here."

Essentially, Johnson has survived being waived in Oakland a couple of weeks into the 2008 season, a year at Triple-A Durham, a year in Japan and a return to Durham in 2010.

Granted, he is not a stranger to Tampa Bay. Johnson was called up from Triple A late in '08 and hit one of the most dramatic home runs in franchise history with first place in the AL East on the line in the ninth inning at Boston's Fenway Park.

Two years later he got another callup from Durham and delivered a handful of game-winning hits on the way to another division title last season.

Yet, for all the heroics, the truth is Johnson is several years removed from being an everyday player in the big leagues. He crushed the ball in Triple A, he hit a couple dozen homers in Japan, but he has a total of 22 hits in the majors in the past three years.

That's not much of a track record for a guy at the most offensive-minded position on the field. Still, the Rays have had success with this kind of player.

In 2007 Tampa Bay gave Carlos Peña a chance at first base after he had spent the previous 13 months bouncing among four organizations. Over the next four seasons, Peña became the franchise's all-time home run leader.

What the Rays see in Johnson is the same thing they saw in Peña: a player with good power potential and a discerning eye at the plate. Johnson will not likely hit for a high average, and he will probably be in the neighborhood of 100 strikeouts, but that should be offset by 25 or so homers and close to 100 walks.

"He's a very similar hitter to Carlos, he really is," Maddon said.

The expectations for defense are not as promising, and Johnson is well aware of that. That's why he spent the winter working on his agility in a gym/batting cage he built at his Minnesota home. His weight is down from 230 at the start of last season to around 205.

He may never convince anyone that he can be as slick around the base as Peña, but Johnson does not want to be considered a liability in the field, either.

"I don't want to be the guy they just throw out there because he has a bat," Johnson said. "I want people to think, 'This is our first baseman. We know what he's going to do.' "

Johnson has been through the disappointment of losing a job he thought was firmly in his grip. Back then, he was in his mid 20s and working to adjust to big-league pitching and a home ballpark that did not reward a hitter going the opposite way.

It has been six years since he arrived in Oakland as one of the top prospects in an organization that also had Nick Swisher and Nelson Cruz in its minor-league system.

And a guy who logged more than 300 games in the majors from 2005-07 was limited to 51 from 2008-10.

"Most guys never get this opportunity, and it's in front of me again," Johnson said. "I'm really going to make the most of it this time. I'm not going to let it go."

'Madden' is okay with Vick

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Michael Vick's return to the cover of the Madden NFL video game hinges on fan voting — and nothing else.

Despite already hearing complaints from animal-rights activists, EA Sports president Peter Moore said Wednesday that if Vick emerges as the last one standing in a 32-player "bracket" to determine Madden's latest cover athlete, the company would have no reservations giving the opportunity to the Eagles quarterback.

Vick returned to the NFL in 2009 after spending 18 months in federal prison for involvement with a dogfighting ring.

"I personally believe, and this is personal commentary right now, that Michael served his time," Moore said.

No bond for lineman: A Houston judge denied bond for Packers defensive lineman Johnny Jolly after his latest drug arrest. That means he'll remain jailed until at least his next court appearance on April 20.

Jolly was arrested Friday and charged with possession of more than 400 grams of a controlled substance. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutor Todd Keagle said Jolly's arrest voided a probation agreement the player had to settle a 2008 drug charge. It was that charge that led to his suspension by the NFL for all of last season.

Police say during a traffic stop of Jolly's vehicle, officers found a bottle containing 600 grams of codeine and another containing an unidentified substance.

NFL invites plaintiff: Texas A&M linebacker Von Miller has been invited to the draft even though he's a plaintiff in a lawsuit against the league, the Associated Press reported. He's among 20 college players invited to the April 28-30 draft. On March 11, Miller joined Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and six other NFL players in the lawsuit seeking an injunction to block the lockout.

Tampa Bay Rays: Number change of the day for Fuld; locker talk of the day for Shields, Manny, Damon and others

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Quote of the day

"They lost their bullpen. But they still have a great starting rotation. They still have a very intelligent, smart manager who is creative, and it's going to be tough to beat Tampa just because they know how to win."

Adam Lind, Jays 1B on the Rays

Number change of the day

There was one number change from the spring as OF Sam Fuld, right, will wear No. 5, worn previously by Rocco Baldelli (as well as Pat Burrell). Fuld, who wore No. 5 since high school whenever he could, said home clubhouse/equipment manager Chris Westmoreland checked with Baldelli then offered the switch to Fuld.

Locker talk of the day

RHP James Shields has gotten his share of ribbing from teammates about his expanded locker in the clubhouse. Like most veterans, Shields has two adjacent lockers, but the wall between was knocked down during the offseason. Shields said he joked with home clubhouse/equipment manager Chris Westmoreland about having more room in his corner, "and he actually redid the whole thing." Westmoreland said there was structural damage to the previous locker anyway. "It's nice," Shields said. "But I'm going to catch some hell from the players for about a week and then they'll get over it."

Locker talk of the day, part II

With all the roster turnover, there are lot of players in new places in the clubhouse. DH Manny Ramirez took RHP Rafael Soriano's two-locker space in the back with Johnny Damon in RHP Dan Wheeler's previous spot in the left corner. LF Carl Crawford's lockers, next to SS Reid Brignac, are left unoccupied, and RHP Kyle Farnsworth is where RHP Grant Balfour used to be. INF Sean Rodriguez got bumped up to the two-locker space previously owned by 1B Carlos Peña. "I hope he left some homers in there for me," Rodriguez said, jokingly.

Who is this Ray?

This outfielder joined the Rays from Triple-A Durham June 25. He ranked third on the team in RBIs over the last three months with 40, 28 coming with two outs. He's a Tampa native and a natural right-hander who does everything — eats, writes, throws — that way except hit.

Long time coming

When manager Joe Maddon called RHP Adam Russell on Tuesday afternoon to let him know he made the team, he said, "Sorry it took so long." But Russell had it worse last year with the Padres, when he said he found out 15 minutes before the roster deadline he didn't make the team. "It's just a really nice thing to hear finally, after all these years, that you're going to be on the opening-day roster," he said. Coincidentally, it was Russell's current teammate, LHP Cesar Ramos, who got San Diego's final spot last season. And now they're in adjacent lockers. "We can't cut the umbilical cord," Russell said, jokingly.

Regular season

Today: Off

Friday: vs. Orioles, 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — David Price; Orioles — Jeremy Guthrie

Saturday: vs. Orioles 7:10, Sun Sports. Rays — James Shields; Orioles — Brian Matusz

Sunday: vs Orioles, 1:40, Sun Sports. Rays — Wade Davis; Orioles — Chris Tillman.

Who is this Ray answer: OF Matt Joyce

Joe Smith, Times staff writer

Butler gets super sendoff

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Matt Howard looked around Hinkle Fieldhouse in disbelief Wednesday afternoon.

Hundreds of fans lined the front hallway of Butler's home arena, and dozens more waited outside in snow flurries. One fan brought her pet bulldog.

To the senior forward, it was a strange to see all those people in the daylight. Butler usually holds its impromptu pep rallies early in the morning.

"It means a lot," Howard said before boarding the team bus and heading to the airport to fly to Houston for the Final Four. "I've never been part of a sendoff quite like this. It's a little bit different."

It's certainly different from last year's NCAA Tournament run. With the Final Four in Indianapolis, the Bulldogs bused 6 miles to the team hotel. Fans didn't show up, figuring they'd see the players all weekend.

This season the Bulldogs turned over the title of tournament darling to Virginia Commonwealth, their foe Saturday. Butler is favored to win and reach another title game.

People from toddlers to grandparents snapped pictures, asked for autographs and high-fived players. The loudest cheers were for coach Brad Stevens.

"The biggest difference this year is that it's 1,000 miles (away) instead of six, so it's a lot further away," he said. "It's special, really special."

kentucky: Though Enes Kanter could not play this season, the freshman from Turkey can take a bow for helping Kentucky reach the Final Four.

Josh Harrellson, whose blossoming this postseason has made him one of the big stories in the tournament, credited Kanter for helping sharpen his skills in practice.

"That helps a lot going against him every day," Harrellson said. "He's making me a better player."

Harrellson said practice competition against Kanter, who was ruled ineligible by the NCAA for receiving impermissible benefits, enhanced his self-confidence.

"Being able to stop him in practice, playing against him every day, playing against the best of the best, just makes me know going into the game I'm not going to go against anyone as good as Enes," Harrellson said.

vcu: Point guard Joey Rodriguez didn't back down when challenged about his assertion that VCU can win the title. "There's only four teams (left), and from what we've done in the tournament, we think we've been the most dominant team, so there's no doubt in our minds we could win this whole thing," he said. "It's crazy, but if you look back on all of our games and how we've performed, you could say if you compare us with the other teams, we're the most dominant one."

Women: Texas A&M isn't content yet

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M is a second seed in its first Final Four, but in a field with Connecticut, Notre Dame and Stanford, the Aggies are considered the underdog.

They beat Baylor on Monday to become the only team remaining that hasn't already been to a Final Four. Sunday, Texas A&M plays Stanford, which has won two titles and is in its fourth straight Final Four.

"It's a blessing to get there, but we're not satisfied," leading scorer Danielle Adams said. "We won't be satisfied until we play that last game and bring home the trophy."

FC Tampa Bay coach likes team's makeup

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By Eduardo A. Encina, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

LARGO — When FC Tampa Bay announced the signing Monday of three more players — raising its number under contract to 19 — the personnel that will make up the club's opening-day roster became clearer.

Already beset by serious injuries to M Jeremy Christie (hip surgery) and D Yendry Diaz (torn ACL), the signings of D Omar Jarun, F Warren Ukah and F Matt Clare, who was a trial player, added to the team's experience and depth.

With two other trial players, M/D Shane Hill and M Tom Ahmed, still with the team, coach Ricky Hill seems satisfied to move on to the April 9 season opener against Montreal with the players he has.

"I look around and there's a lot of maturity here," Hill said. "There's a lot of experience in the numbers.

"As a coach, I want them to be able to manage on the field, make decisions for themselves, organize on the field when necessary and, above all, communicate on the field. With the people we have, I think that will be achievable."

Ukah, who adds attacking depth along with Clare, comes to Tampa Bay after spending the offseason playing indoors with MISL Baltimore. Jarun, 6 feet 5 and with good ball skills, brings experience to the back row. He most recently played in the Polish First League.

D J.P. Rodrigues, who has joined the team after playing with MISL Milwaukee, can play a variety of positions, including central defender and outside back.

"I don't expect them to jell overnight," Hill said, "but it's always good to get accustomed to your teammates as quickly as possible."

Clare impresses: Clare is the only trial player in camp to be offered a contract. With Aaron King the only striker remaining from last year's team, Clare knew he'd have the opportunity to earn a roster spot.

"He's very hungry to improve," Hill said. "I like his movement and his intensity, and he has a nose for the goal. He can attack the goal from both sides. He's always looking to get shots away, which for a striker is good. … He's definitely got the tools to work with and develop. We're very happy he's here."

Clare scored Tampa Bay's tying goal in the 86th minute of a 1-1 preseason tie against Sweden First Division club BK Hacken.

"The experience I've had has been great," Clare said. "Either way, making it or not, it still showed me where I stand as a player at this level. Walking into the office that day and them saying they wanted to offer me a contract was unbelievable."

Timing, connections right: Jarun said his time with his team in the Polish First Division, Pogon Szczecin, ended when he had a falling out with the coach. That left him with two options: playing on the reserve team there or coming to the United States.

When Tampa Bay assistant David Hayes heard Jarun was looking, he called the player who was his teammate with Atlanta in the USL First Division a few years ago.

"David's a great guy, and I know wherever he's going to go, it's going to be a professional organization," Jarun said.

"He told me what they were doing, what their plans were, and I thought it was a good fit for me."

KICKS IN THE GRASS: The uniform kits will be unveiled today. The road jersey will have a different look. … Tampa Bay is launching an advertising campaign that will include two 30-second commercials that will be seen on local TV. … The team will select a captain next week, and it's likely to be a newcomer. … Tampa Bay will hold its first practice at Al Lang Field in St. Petersburg on April 7 but will continue to train regularly at Shimberg Park in Tampa.

Hurricanes edge closer to playoffs

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Times wires
Wednesday, March 30, 2011

RALEIGH, N.C. — Rookie of the year candidate Jeff Skinner had two goals and an assist, and the Hurricanes beat the Canadiens 6-2 Wednesday to continue their push for a playoff spot.

Fellow rookie Jamie McBain also scored twice for the ninth-place Hurricanes, three points behind the Sabres and Rangers in the race for one of the eight Eastern Conference playoff spots. Carolina has won six of its past eight.

Carolina never trailed and was in control all game, scoring twice in each period en route to its highest-scoring game since a 6-4 win over Toronto on Jan. 24.

Play was stopped for 12 minutes early in the third when a hit by Carolina's Tuomo Ruutu on Montreal's Hal Gill shattered the glass.

Game highlights: Jhonas Enroth capably filled in for injured Ryan Miller by stopping 23 shots for his first career shutout, leading the host Sabres to a 1-0 victory over the Rangers in a seventh-place showdown in the East. Miller is listed day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He was hurt Tuesday when he was struck high on the chest by a hard shot from the Maple Leafs' Dion Phaneuf. … The host Red Wings gave up eight goals in the first two periods of a game for the first time since 1986 and 10 in a game for the first time since 1993 in a 10-3 loss to the Blues. Goalie Joey MacDonald, playing for injured Jimmy Howard, was chased after giving up five goals midway through the second. He was back for the third after Thomas McCollum allowed three goals on eight shots in the second.

Crosby cleared for noncontact practice

Penguins center Sidney Crosby, out since Jan. 5 with a concussion, has been cleared to return to morning skates on game days, but he will not participate in full practices with contact, general manager Ray Shero said.

Crosby traveled with the team to Florida and was expected to skate this morning at the St. Pete Times Forum before tonight's game against the Lightning.

"It's a natural return for (Crosby's) progression here. His rehab has been ongoing," Shero said. "He's doing well with it, but at the same time, as a manager, I have no expectations of him coming back and playing in the regular season. That's not going to happen."

Crosby was not available for comment. He was expected to talk to the media today.

The next step for him is full practice and then perhaps a return to game action in time for the postseason. Crosby began individual workouts March 14 and has reported no setbacks.

at Hurricanes2226
Canadiens0112

First Period1, Carolina, Skinner 28, 11:01. 2, Carolina, Skinner 29 (Ruutu), 15:06. PenaltiesNone.

Second Period3, Montreal, Cammalleri 17 (Wisniewski, Plekanec), 5:23 (pp). 4, Carolina, McBain 6 (Cole, Stillman), 6:10. 5, Carolina, Pitkanen 4 (Ruutu, Skinner), 9:03. PenaltiesBra.Sutter, Car (tripping), 3:52; Desharnais, Mon (hooking), 15:39.

Third Period6, Montreal, Subban 12 (Wisniewski, Plekanec), 9:01 (pp). 7, Carolina, McBain 7 (Bowman), 15:24. 8, Carolina, Stillman 11 (Corvo, E.Staal), 17:47 (pp). PenaltiesE.Staal, Car (hooking), 4:44; E.Staal, Car (slashing), 8:56; Subban, Mon (slashing), 10:20; Gill, Mon (tripping), 16:46; Pouliot, Mon, misconduct, 16:46; Subban, Mon, misconduct, 16:46; Gleason, Car, misconduct, 16:46; Hamrlik, Mon (hooking), 17:47. Shots on GoalMontreal 17-15-8—40. Carolina 15-11-9—35. Power-play opportunitiesMontreal 2 of 3; Carolina 1 of 4. GoaliesMontreal, Price 35-28-6 (26 shots-22 saves), Auld (0:00 third, 9-7). Carolina, Ward 34-25-9 (40-38).

at Sabres0101
Rangers0000

First PeriodNone. PenaltiesCallahan, NYR (roughing), 19:52; Stafford, Buf (elbowing), 19:52.

Second Period1, Buffalo, Connolly 12 (Vanek, Gragnani), 5:28 (pp). PenaltiesStaal, NYR (interference), 4:50; Montador, Buf (slashing), 16:31.

Third PeriodNone. PenaltiesSekera, Buf, minor-misconduct (roughing), 20:00. Shots on GoalNYR 8-6-9—23. Buffalo 15-11-9—35. Power-play opportunitiesNYR 0 of 1; Buffalo 1 of 1. GoaliesNYR, Lundqvist 33-25-5 (35 shots-34 saves). Buffalo, Enroth 6-2-1 (23-23).

at Devils1113
Islanders0022

First Period1, N.J., Kovalchuk 28 (Palmieri, Zajac), 4:17. PenaltiesKonopka, NYI, major (fighting), 1:57; Clarkson, NJ, major (fighting), 1:57; M.Martin, NYI, major (fighting), 5:33; Leach, NJ, major (fighting), 5:33; M.Martin, NYI (roughing), 13:01; Clarkson, NJ (roughing), 13:01.

Second Period2, N.J., Josefson 3 (Palmieri, Kovalchuk), 3:23. PenaltiesTallinder, NJ (tripping), :08; Martinek, NYI (hooking), 11:10; Reese, NYI (tripping), 16:18.

Third Period3, NYI, Nielsen 12, 9:38 (sh). 4, NYI, Nielsen 13 (M.Martin, Okposo), 13:44. 5, N.J., Greene 4 (Elias, Zubrus), 15:04. PenaltiesTavares, NYI (hooking), 3:38; Rolston, NJ (tripping), 4:54; Katic, NYI, double minor (high-sticking), 7:57. Shots on GoalNYI 5-10-14—29. N.J. 7-10-3—20. Power-play opportunitiesNYI 0 of 2; N.J. 0 of 5. GoaliesNYI, DiPietro 8-12-4 (20 shots-17 saves). N.J., Brodeur 22-24-3 (29-27).

Blues35210
at Red Wings2103

First Period1, Detroit, Modano 4 (Holmstrom), 5:51. 2, St.L, Stewart 27 (Berglund, Sobotka), 14:06. 3, St.L, Janssen 1 (Reaves, McRae), 16:04. 4, Detroit, Bertuzzi 16 (Franzen, V.Filppula), 17:55. 5, St.L, Porter 1, 18:24. PenaltiesFranzen, Det (tripping), :18; Hudler, Det (interference), 7:01.

Second Period6, St.L, D'Agostini 20 (Nikitin, Sobotka), 1:54 (pp). 7, St.L, Crombeen 7 (McDonald, Polak), 5:23. 8, St.L, Backes 28 (Shattenkirk, D'Agostini), 10:04 (pp). 9, Detroit, Zetterberg 24 (Lidstrom, Franzen), 12:37 (pp). 10, St.L, Polak 3 (Porter, Crombeen), 14:47. 11, St.L, Sobotka 7 (Stewart, Nikitin), 16:10. PenaltiesFranzen, Det (roughing), :14; Cracknell, StL (hooking), 6:07; Zetterberg, Det (holding), 8:24; Cole, StL (holding stick), 10:34; St.L bench, served by Stewart (too many men), 11:40.

Third Period12, St.L, Berglund 20 (Stewart, Shattenkirk), 6:21. 13, St.L, Porter 2 (Janssen, Cracknell), 17:50. PenaltiesShattenkirk, StL (unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:53; Franzen, Det (unsportsmanlike conduct), 10:53. Shots on GoalSt.L 19-14-14—47. Detroit 11-15-18—44. Power-play opportunitiesSt.L 2 of 4; Detroit 1 of 3. GoaliesSt.L, Halak 24-20-7 (44 shots-41 saves). Detroit, MacDonald 5-5-3 (39-32), McCollum (5:23 second, 8-5), MacDonald 5-5-3 (0:00 third).


Tampa Bay Rays sign Wade Davis to deal that could be worth $35 million over seven years

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays acknowledge the risk in signing a young and still somewhat unproven starting pitcher such as Wade Davis to a long-term deal that could be worth $35 million over seven years.

But that type of move is part of their cost, and their way, of doing business as a low-revenue team — an effort to retain their top young players and maximize their production.

And, in the right-hander's case, they don't really consider it much of a gamble.

"We feel like the three most important qualities to consider something like this are ability, work ethic and character," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said Thursday.

"And that's exactly why we're sitting here. We felt like Wade was someone that made a lot of sense to talk about with because of those things and the way that he represents our organization."

Davis, 25, with all of 35 big-league starts (and 14 wins), admitted he was caught a bit off-guard when the Rays approached him at the start of spring training, then flattered and grateful as they worked toward a deal with a deadline of opening day.

"I was definitely surprised a little bit," he said. "It doesn't seem to happen a whole lot in baseball, so it was a huge compliment."

Davis is guaranteed to earn $12.6 million over the next four seasons, including salaries of $1 million this year (up from $434,100), $1.5 million in 2012, $2.8 million in 2013 and $4.8 million in 2014. The Rays hold three one-year options after that, which cover Davis' last year of arbitration eligibility and first two of free agency, at $7 million, $8 million and $10 million. He could get a $2.5 million buyout if they decline. If all three are picked up, he'd make $35.1 million and be a free agent at 32.

The deal is similar, though not quite as lucrative, as what the Rays gave James Shields before the 2008 season, when he was 26.

The Rays' biggest risk, as with any pitcher, is injury, and Davis did spend nearly three weeks on the disabled list last season with a shoulder strain. But Davis is fully healthy now, and Friedman said they are comfortable because of how well they know Davis, his work ethic and drive and desire to stay with them.

There is also a risk of a player not performing as well under a long-term deal, but Friedman said they believe Davis is the type who will benefit from the security.

Davis agreed: "The biggest thing for me is being able to relax. I perform better when I relax. It's going to drive me more, and I think it will push me more in a good direction than anything else."

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

Tampa Bay Rays set lineup for opener against Baltimore Orioles

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Tampa Bay Rays set their lineup for Friday night's regular-season opener against the Baltimore Orioles' Jeremy Guthrie:

Ben Zobrist 2b

Johnny Damon lf

Evan Longoria 3b

Manny Ramirez DH

Dan Johnson 1b

B.J. Upton cf

Matt Joyce rf

Reid Brignac ss

John Jaso c

David Price p

Here is the Orioles' lineup:

Brian Roberts 2b

Nick Markakis rf

Derrek Lee 1b

Vladimir Guerrero dh

Adam Jones cf

Luke Scott lf

Mark Reynolds 3b

Matt Wieters c

J.J. Hardy ss

Jeremy Guthrie p

Also, the Rays formally set their 25-man roster by placing LHP J.P. Howell on the 15-day DL and purchasing contract of RHP Juan Cruz from Durham.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Aqib Talib 'vigorously denies' shooting allegations through attorney

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By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

DALLAS — Aqib Talib had his attorneys play a little defense for him Thursday.

Talib "vigorously" denied allegations that he fired a handgun last week during a shooting incident in Texas that led to his arrest, said Pittsburgh sports attorney Jay Reisinger and Dallas criminal attorney Frank Perez, who issued a statement on behalf of the 25-year-old Bucs cornerback.

"On March 30, 2011, Aqib Talib voluntarily reported to law-enforcement authorities in Dallas County, Texas, to address certain charges that have been lodged against him," the statement said. "It is important to note that these charges are only allegations, allegations that Aqib vigorously denies."

Since Garland police obtained a felony arrest warrant for Talib on Tuesday, he and his representatives had declined comment.

Talib surrendered to police Wednesday on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was released after posting $25,000 bail.

Police say Talib tried to pistol whip his sister's boyfriend Shannon Billings, 40, with a 9mm handgun, which slipped out of his hand in the struggle and jammed after striking a fence.

Talib's mother, Okolo, 58, arrived in her vehicle and began shooting at Billings, who fled on foot, according to the arrest warrant. Police say that's when Talib took his mother's handgun and fired several shots at Billings, who was not injured.

Okolo Talib also was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony that carries a sentence of two to 25 years in prison. She received an additional charge of felon in possession of a firearm and was released after posting $30,000 bail.

One of Talib's coaches at Kansas said Talib told him earlier this week that only his mother pulled the trigger.

The arrest could jeopardize Talib's NFL career.

Considered one of the Bucs' best defensive players, Talib was suspended one game last season by the league for punching a St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009.

Teams cannot contact players or make a transaction during the current work stoppage, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said the player-conduct policy will be enforced when a new agreement between the owners and players is in place.

Bucs general manager Mark Dominik has only said the team is "deeply disturbed" by the charges.

Talib's attorneys said he was optimistic the case will be resolved in his favor.

"Aqib is confident that once all of the facts are known, this matter will be resolved favorably and in an expeditious fashion," the statement said. "Aqib remains very committed to his family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers organization. Given the sensitive nature of this matter, we cannot comment any further."

Since the March 21 incident, Talib has been busy putting together a defense team. Reisinger has helped advise baseball players Alex Rodriguez, Andy Pettitte and Sammy Sosa.

In addition to retaining Perez, Talib hired a Dallas private detective to interview witnesses.

Thursday's statement by Talib's attorneys was critical of media reports after the incident.

"Given that the charges are only allegations, we are deeply troubled that certain members of the media have jumped to unfair conclusions concerning Aqib," the statement said.

According to the arrest warrant, detectives believe Talib and his mother fired shots at Billings about 7:30 p.m. March 21, startling the neighborhood of two-story, brick houses in the 900 block of Green Pond Drive in the Dallas suburb of Garland.

Billings ran into a wooded area, "fearing for his life." When he emerged, Aqib and Okolo were gone, according to the warrant.

Billings remains in the Dallas County jail on $2,500 bond after being charged with aggravated assault and interfering with an emergency call earlier in the day March 21.

Billings is a registered sex offender with the Texas Department of Public Safety. In 1998, when he was 27, he was convicted of sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl and served probation.

Billings declined a written request by the St. Petersburg Times to be interviewed.

Rick Stroud can be reached at stroud@sptimes.com

Evan Longoria, David Price have the talent and attitude to be the faces of the franchise

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

The lightning in David Price's left arm certainly gets your attention. As does the thunder in Evan Longoria's bat, as well as the quickness of his glove and accuracy of his throws from third base.

But as the Rays move into a new era — their era — those are not the most significant attributes.

More important, as they become the faces of the franchise following the offseason departure of Carl Crawford and nearly a dozen others, are less athletic assets.

The dedication in their hearts.

The clearness in their minds.

And the smiles on their faces.

"You couldn't ask for more." Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg said. "Or even that much."

They're each just 25, but they're already established among the game's elite players and biggest names and should be around for a while, at least through 2015, after which Price would hit free agency.

Longoria has been an All-Star in each of his three seasons, having won two Gold Gloves and finished sixth in last year's AL MVP voting, highest ever by a Ray. Price won 19 games in his first full season in the majors and was a solid second in the 2010 AL Cy Young balloting, also a franchise first.

"Cornerstones, perennial All-Stars, you can probably attach any accolades to their abilities," said new Blue Jays manager, and former Red Sox pitching coach, John Farrell. "They're two pillars for an organization."

But — in the baseball vernacular —it's how they go about it that sets them apart.

"Their competitive makeup is off the charts," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said. "They are two great guys to have with bringing up young players behind them and then educating the young guys on what's expected.

"I had conversations with both of them this offseason about how a lot of people are going to talk about and write about how we're rebuilding, and the way they think about it, the way they approach it, their desire to win, the type of teammates they are, it's all off the charts. So to have that coupled with their ability is extremely unique."

Teammates, even new ones, say it's obvious.

"Any team would want them to be the cornerstones for their franchise," Johnny Damon said. "We've got some pretty good building blocks here."

Opponents, too.

"They seem like quality people first and foremost that really care about more than just themselves, and that's always a great start if you are extremely talented because you can really have an impact on a lot of other people," said Yankees manager Joe Girardi, who had both on last year's All-Star team. "And they seem to have a lot of fun when they play the game. They really enjoy it, and you see that, too."

• • •

Longoria on Price:

"I see a guy who is genuinely a kid at heart and loves playing baseball, loves the game, loves being part of a team. And even when he's not on the mound, he loves being in the dugout, cheering on his teammates. …

"I can't say enough good things about him. I lived with him this spring, have been teammates with him for a couple years, he's an awesome guy. The kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. Never selfish. I think of all the good words to describe a teammate, and I would use them to describe David. …

"It's pretty evident he's the kind of guy that you want to build something around. He's a very special talent."

• • •

Price is the more revealing of the two, baring his emotions and his ambition, crossing one of those archaic baseball lines by publicly declaring that he wants, simply, to be the best pitcher in baseball. Period.

"I want to be the best in everything I do," he said. "I have that sense of pride. I don't come out here to be average. I can go sit at a desk if I want to do that. I want to have a competition."

"He's so driven to be that guy," manager Joe Maddon said. "It's important to him. And to admit it and say it matters: some guys might feel that but not say it aloud; he's not afraid to say it out loud. I like that. I think that matters."

Pirates third baseman Pedro Alvarez, Price's roommate at Vanderbilt and a close friend, said that's nothing new, nor surprising.

"The only thing he's bad at is not being good at something," Alvarez said. "He's ultra-competitive, and that's what makes him so good. He wants to be the best, and not taking anything away from anyone else, he's just worried about himself being the best, and he works to get there. And he achieves most things he puts his mind to."

• • •

Price on Longoria:

"He's somebody that busts his tail every day for this team. He's in here and he has a good time, but he brings that same aura to the field every day.

"That's tough for somebody to do at 25 years old, to kind of be put in a position to have the world on his shoulders, not only our organization but you see Major League Baseball doing the same thing as well. They want him to be the face of baseball, and I feel like he's perfect for it.

"He's one of the best players in baseball in my eyes, and I feel like he does it the right way. I've got much respect for Evan. And I like to see him play."

• • •

Longoria is more reserved in front of the cameras and microphones (and in the dugout, where Price cheers like a teenager on days he's not pitching), but he'll speak up when the clubhouse doors are closed. And there's nothing subtle about his drive.

"He wants to be the best," said Rockies shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, Longoria's roommate at Long Beach State. "Some guys don't want to be that guy. He wants to be that guy. He always wants to be up in the ninth inning with the game on the line. He wants the attention. Not everybody wants that."

"Longo, he's the man," said new Ray Manny Ramirez. "He's the captain of this team. He's the caballo (horse)."

By any measure, they are special breeds.

"I couldn't ask for anything more with those two guys," Maddon said. "It's impossible."

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

Free agents

Who's goneToWhat he gotWhat Rays got back

LF Carl CrawfordRed Sox$142M/7 yrsNos. 24, 38 picks

RHP Rafael SorianoYankees$35M/3 yrsNos. 31, 41 picks

RHP Joaquin BenoitTigers$16.5M/3 yrsNo. 52 pick

1B Carlos PeñaCubs$10M/1 yrNo compensation

RHP Grant BalfourA's$8.1M/2 yrs+Nos. 42, 75 picks

1B/OF Brad HawpePadres$3M/1 yr +No. 59 pick

RHP Dan WheelerRed Sox$3M/1 yr +No compensation

RHP Chad QuallsPadres$2.55M/1 yr+No. 60 pick

LHP Randy ChoateMarlins$2.5M/2 yrsNo. 56 pick

C Dioner NavarroDodgers$1M/1 yrNo compensation

RHP Lance CormierDodgersminor-league deal No compensation

OF Gabe KaplerDodgersminor-league dealNo compensation

+ also includes option

Trades

Who's goneToWhat Rays got back

SS Jason Bartlett PadresRHP Adam Russell, LHP Cesar Ramos, minor-league RHP Brandon Gomes, INF Cole Figueroa

RHP Matt Garza, OF Fernando Perez and LHP Zach RosscupCubsOF Sam Fuld, minor-league RHP Chris Archer, C Robinson Chirinos, OF Brandon Guyer, SS Hak-Ju Lee

Others

OF Rocco Baldelli retired, joined front office as special assistant

INF Willy Aybar remains unsigned

Auld acquaintances

Want to see the ex-Rays when they come back to the Trop?

Carl Crawford and Dan Wheeler, with Boston: June 14-16, July 15-17, Sept. 9-11

Rafael Soriano, with New York: May 16-17, July 18-21, Sept. 26-28

Grant Balfour, with Oakland: Aug. 5-7

Joaquin Benoit, with Detroit: Aug. 22-25

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Dynamic duos

With 25-year-olds 3B Evan Longoria and LHP David Price as their foundation, the Rays feel like they are in good shape for the present and the future. Here's how they stack up against 5 other talented position player/pitcher tandems of a similar (or younger) age, based on All-Star games (ASG) MVPs or Cy Youngs, Rookie of the Year (ROY) and Gold Glove (GG) awards:

Player, age ASG MVP/CY ROY GG
Rays
P David Price, 25 1 2nd 0 0
3B Evan Longoria, 25 3 6th, 11th, 19th 1st 2
Braves
RHP Tommy Hanson, 24 0 0 3rd 0
RF Jason Heyward, 21 1 20th 2nd 0
Rockies
RHP Jhoulys Chacin, 23 0 0 0 0
OF Carlos Gonzalez, 25 0 3rd 0 1
Rangers
RHP Neftali Feliz, 22 1 0 1st 0
SS Elvis Andrus, 22 1 0 2nd 0
A's
RHP Trevor Cahill, 23 1 9th 0 0
1B Daric Barton, 25 0 0 0 0
Giants
LHP Madison Bumgarner, 21 0 0 0 0
C Buster Posey, 24 0 11th 1st 0

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

What they're saying about the Tampa Bay Rays

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Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Everything will have to break perfectly for (the Rays) to contend. They have potential with a lot of young players who will help later, but this might be the year they take a step back. Losing the home run threat of Carlos Peña is huge for them—this is a club starved for power. Manny Ramirez showed this spring that he can still hit a fastball. He showed he can still use the whole field. Now he has to show he can regain his power. The other question with Manny, as always, is how long he can stay interested. … The biggest concern is their bullpen, where they have no proven late-inning guy.

Sports Illustrated, which picks the Rays third with an 84-78 record.

• • •

A healthy, happy (Manny) Ramirez will hit 25 homers, putting him 20 away from 600. B.J. Upton will finally deliver on the promise he showed in 2007, then he'll be shopped. Rookie Jake McGee will emerge as the closer by Memorial Day.

The Sporting News, which picks the Rays third.

• • •

Look in the bullpen and I don't see the reflection of an optimistic person staring back. The settling force that (Rafael) Soriano provided — there's nobody who can pitch that well. Kyle Farnsworth? They're seriously relying on Kyle Farnsworth? Rookie Jake McGee is looking good, and J.P. Howell will get some outs, but it's going to be white knuckle time in the final three innings.

Dave Brown, Yahoo! Sports

• • •

James Shields had a 5.18 ERA last year. Expect a nice rebound. A motivated Manny Ramirez could alter the course of this division.

ESPN The Magazine, which picks the Rays to be 88-74 and second.

• • •

The Rays are one of the few teams in MLB who can lose their best player, their top three relievers, their second-best pitcher and their starting shortstop and first baseman and still be in the discussion for a playoff spot. It is a credit to their farm system, which didn't rush their top prospects and groomed them into very talented pro ball players.

But all the defections do hurt. Replacing Crawford with a diminished Damon and a raw Jennings can't pan out well for the Rays in '11. Losing all that talent in the bullpen will cost games and put a lot of stress on a very young rotation.

Can Peña's 28 HRs be replaced by Ramirez? Can Longoria take the next step? What about young catcher John Jaso? Can Upton put the bat on the ball (and cut down on his gargantuan 164 Ks)?

Most of these questions have to be in the "Yes" column if the Rays are going to compete with the Red Sox, much less the Yankees in 2011.

— Paul Catalano, Bleacher Report

• • •

As currently constructed, the lineup isn't inspiring anyone to bust out the Ric Flair strut unless you're impressed by the fact they went out and signed what's left of Manny Ramirez and Johnny Damon.

Six years ago, acquiring these two alone would be enough to pencil in a parade. In 2011, those two just want to enjoy the warm weather as they coast into retirement. Now after saying that, you can fully expect Manny to put up ridiculous numbers and win the MVP, all while the Smurfs theme song happily plays in his head.

Remember how lethal B.J. Upton was in the 2008 ALCS against the Boston? Where the (heck) is that guy? If that version of him can be found, it will restore some faith in this lineup. Starting pitching is what made the Rays relevant, and once again they'll have a nice rotation, but this division is like going 10 rounds with Piston Honda and Soda Popinski at the same time.

Prediction: 87 wins

thebiglead.com

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