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Q&A with Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg

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

Principal owner Stuart Sternberg will joke sometimes that he has nothing to do, but, trust us, he has a hand in all facets of the Rays operation. He sat down recently for his annual Q&A session and discussed everything from his favorite souvenirs (involving Don Zimmer, Elvis Costello and Willis Reed) to his favorite singers (paging Tom Waits) to his favorite TV show (not what you'd think) to his favorite snacks (get the man some Mallomars). He played the old "Who'd play who in a movie" game. And, of course, Bruce Springsteen came up a couple of times. Here are some excerpts:

Your wife, Lisa, shared the story of kissing Bruce Springsteen on stage during a concert when she was in college. Do you have a similar claim to fame?

I caught a drum stick at an Elvis Costello concert in 1977 (and still have it).

With both your boys in college and two young girls and your wife at home, how have the dynamics changed?

It's a relief not having a driver in the house who's coming home at midnight. I was outvoted on things before that.

Since there's now a book out about the Rays, let's go ahead and cast a movie. Who plays you?

I've been told I look like Tom Hanks (left), or Martin Hewitt, who was in the movie Endless Love.

Manager Joe Maddon?

How about (late longtime comedian) George Gobel?

Team president Matt Silverman?

(After some talk of Anson Williams, who played Potsie in Happy Days) Let's go with Steve Carell (left), from The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Executive VP Andrew Friedman?

Jesse Eisenberg (left) (from The Social Network movie).

(At this point, Lisa Sternberg comes over, says Hanks is an absolute no-brainer for Stu and suggests Catherine Zeta-Jones for herself.)

What's the latest gadget you bought?

I just bought a little speaker for my daughter Natalie's iPod.

What's going to be the next big thing?

A. If I told you, it wouldn't be — water.

Investment advice in this economy?

Always keep a long-term approach.

In your five-plus years of ownership, what is the decision you are most proud of?

Hiring the senior executives that I did, specifically Andrew, Matt, Brian (Auld, VP business operations) and Mike (Kalt, VP development and business affairs).

And what has been the worst?

Trying to keep signing a designated hitter. It's always going to come back to that. Also, we had key night, where we made up Rays keys with a burst on them and people could take them and get their house keys made. I was the lone wolf on that, and it didn't go over well.

Coolest souvenir from your Rays tenure?

The Don Zimmer "Then and Now" bobblehead.

And otherwise?

I like the old pennants. Probably my 1969 New York Knicks one.

Do you have a strategy for picking which line to get into?

At the store, I'm generally an express guy. But at the toll booth, always stay to the right.

Favorite kind of pie?

Blueberry, with ice cream on the side.

Favorite movie snack?

Raisinets.

Ballpark snack?

Hot dogs. Is that a snack? It's a staple. Cracker Jack.

You've mentioned chocolate-drizzled popcorn and dates as newly discovered treats the last two years. Is there something new?

Flax seeds. I mix them in with my yogurt in the morning. They're really good.

And we assume Mallomars (a chocolate/graham cracker/marshmallow treat available only seasonally, and primarily in the New York area) remains your all-time favorite?

Absolutely. There's a guy here (at the March 21 spring game) who has a relative who works for Kraft who's going to send me two cases that I can put away for the summer, so they'll be fresh. And I was very surprised to find them in a Publix here near Boca Grande. Shocking actually. So I have two boxes with me.

What singer or band would you like to be on stage with?

Tom Waits.

After your cinematographic debut holding the camera for a St. Pete Times postgame video, do you have plans to get involved in the movies?

I could see being involved with a film production.

Best new music you've heard and downloaded?

The Decemberists.

Your latest must-see TV show?

Modern Family.

Last movie you saw?

Black Swan. It was the last of all the Academy Award movies. It was very good. And disturbing.

What's your car radio set to?

WFUV, the Fordham University station.

The Yankees play New York, New York after their games and the Red Sox have Sweet Caroline; what should "the" Rays song be?

We've tried to make it a (Bob) Dylan or Springsteen song, but my guys keep overruling me. It should be Glory Days.

Three people you would like to see sing at the Trop?

Tom Waits, Darlene Love and Matt Silverman.

What's your current screen saver?

A giant picture of the moon — at about 80 percent.

Ringtone?

It's a sonar beep.

Do you use Twitter yet?

No tweeting. That's why I have people. I need good editors.

What secret skill do you have?

I can wiggle my ears. And I can touch my nose with my tongue.

In a triathlon, which of the three activities could you do best?

Biking. I don't swim hardly at all and I don't have long legs to run.

Punt, pass or kick?

Pass.

Would you rather be the Times movie critic or food critic?

Food critic — though there's not enough food down here.

How do you respond if someone says, "You're a rich guy, why did you cut the payroll so much?"

It shouldn't have been that high in the first place.

Best reason to buy a ticket to a Rays game this year?

Live and in person beats any other experience.

Our annual wrap-up: What Springsteen song that best sums up last year?

Two Hearts.

And one that captures this coming season?

No Surrender. I thought of that as my answer right after we signed Manny (Ramirez) and Johnny (Damon).

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


Hot dates this season for Tampa Bay Rays

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

Five hot dates worth checking out

Today: It's opening day, which means pomp and circumstance and lots of bunting. The governor will be there, though not by high-speed rail. And there is that 2010 AL East championship banner to be raised.

April 17, Twins: There are several cool-sounding giveaways this season (plus bobbleheads for Manny Ramirez, May 29; B.J. Upton, June 19; and Johnny Damon, July 17), but the neatest looks like the David Price arm sleeve. Now if only it came with his fastball, too.

May 16-17, Yankees: The first of three invasions by the Evil Empire, and it's always amazing how fans from Tampa can suddenly find their way over the bridge and through the woods to the Trop. They're also in July 18-21 (following the Red Sox to start the second half), and Sept. 26-28 (to end the season).

June 14-16, Red Sox: The newness and the novelty will have worn off by then, but it's still going to be weird as Carl Crawford makes his first return visit to the Trop as a Red Sox. Oh, and Dan Wheeler, too.

July 1-3, Cardinals:Tampa's Tony La Russa, the third-winningest manager of all time, makes what will likely be his last appearance at home. That deserves a round of applause. And that Albert Pujols guy — who could have been a Ray — is pretty good, too.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Ways to save money at Tampa Bay Rays games

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Baseball bargains

Here are a few ways you can save money while attending Rays games at Tropicana Field:

• Bring your own food. The Rays are one of a few major-league teams that allow fans to bring in their own food, from sandwiches and snacks to select beverages.

• Car pool. Vehicles with four or more passengers will continue to park free in team-controlled lots for all Sunday games, subject to availability. For all other games, the first 100 cars with four or more will park for free up to an hour before game time, with other main-lot Tropicana Field parking rates ranging from $15 to $20 per vehicle.

• Go midweek or to matinees. With the weekend games — and prime opponents like the Yankees and Red Sox — costing more per ticket, try out midweek games against the likes of the Blue Jays and Orioles, which can cost as little as $9 for the cheapest ticket. There's actually a new matinee season ticket plan, which starts at $248.50 for a selection of 22 midweek and weekend day games and includes a couple of games against the Red Sox.

• Buy in advance. Ticket prices increase $3 within five hours of first pitch on game days.

Kickin' back with new Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Johnny Damon

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

New Rays leftfielder Johnny Damon, 37, brings his two World Series titles and clubhouse presence to his "home" team. But the Orlando resident is also one of the game's most colorful figures, discussing his rock star buddies, foray into acting and favorite George Steinbrenner story.

Heard you sang at the Rays' annual spring talent show. How'd it go?

It was a good time. We were going off no practice. And so it sounded all right. Sang (Seven Mary Three's) Cumbersome and (Metallica's) Nothing Else Matters. It was fun.

So is singing your musical talent, or is it playing guitar?

It's probably singing. Not great, but I make it entertaining.

I understand you hang out with a lot of rock stars. You're buddies with Kid Rock & AC/DC.

Brian Johnson (lead singer from AC/DC) sang at our wedding. Sevendust and Alter Bridge, I know quite a few people.

How'd you meet Kid Rock?

Like six years ago when I had the long hair and everything. He wanted to meet me, so I swung by (NHL star) Chris Chelios' place (in Detroit). We stayed in touch. He came to my house one night. … He showed up and went back to the house and he played the guitar and sang until the wee hours.

Favorite band?

Sevendust. A few of them live in Orlando, but they're Tampa, Atlanta. They always seem to be in Orlando.

You've done your share of acting, from appearing in Fever Pitch to being a guest on Saturday Night Live. What was the movie experience like?

It was strange. Because (when) you don't have a speaking role, you're kind of just sitting there. And the speaking roles they do want you to do don't really flow like you think. My acting career is nonexistent, I should say. But I'd like to give it a try … down the road.

How often do you hear that infamous line from Fever Pitch in stadiums, "You've got the sweetest a - - in the league?"

A little too much, and from a few too many guys.

Your hair has taken on a life of its own in your career, including the Jesus and Judas shirts from your long-hair-and-beard Boston days. People actually watched you get your beard cut after the World Series in 2004?

We shaved it for charity. And whenever I have some facial hair everyone's like, "So, you going to grow the hair back, too?" Everyone always wants to see what my hair's doing or my facial hair is doing. It's all right. It takes away from what people think about me as a baseball player. So I kind of just snuck in some pretty good numbers through the years.

It's ironic, because I understand your father (Jimmy, a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army) used to pay you to keep your hair short?

My dad was a big military guy. He paid me to shave my head and when I came back with one side of my head shaved, he said, "No, both sides." I was into skateboarding and surfing, so that was a look we did have. When I did shave it, it stayed that way for a while.

How much did he pay you?

Twenty bucks. That was the going rate. It was perfect.

Worst job?

Probably being a busboy. I was the only busboy there. It was at a restaurant at the hotel my parents lived at. It stunk. I never got a tip.

Favorite George Steinbrenner story?

He called me up to his office at Legends Field one day. He said that he always wanted me, and I started talking to him about boats. And he obviously loves boats. So it was good to get him out of that baseball element.

Favorite ballpark?

Kauffman Stadium. I was born close to Kansas City, it was my dream to play for the Royals. The ballpark was way before its time. Even before the new renovations, it was awesome.

You've got a yacht (47-footer). Are there any other toys at your house?

I used to have a bigger four-wheeler, but now we've got two smaller ones for the kids. I've got a '69 Camaro, a '71 Bronco (and) a big party van so when we do go out on the town. We hire a driver or have a friend drive us. Got a full bathroom, refrigerators and TVs, PlayStation. That's a pretty nice toy.

Since you said the Rays were your "home team" and you plan on rooting for them when you retire, I've got a short Rays quiz for you. Only former Rays player to be in the Hall of Fame?

Wade Boggs.

There will probably be a few more after this year's team.

(Smiling) That's what we're hoping for.

Only Ray to throw a no-hitter?

I don't know.

Matt Garza (who threw it last year against Damon's Tigers).

(Smiles) Good to be part of it, I guess.

When you retire and bring your kids to the Trop and see a game, how will fans remember you?

Probably for being a great teammate. That's all I've ever wanted out of this game. The numbers and stuff are cool, and I've accomplished so much. But to be considered a great teammate is No. 1 for me.

Point after: Debating the Tampa Bay Rays' chances this season

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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sports columnists John Romano and Gary Shelton discuss this year's Tampa Bay Rays:

JR: Trivia time, Gary. Can you remember the last Tampa Bay player other than Carl Crawford to start in leftfield on opening day?

GS: Why, John, that would be Ducky Bobo back in 1962. Or Quinton McCracken. But he may have been '64.

JR: Ooooh, sorry, that's incorrect. Turns out, it was Jason Tyner in 2002. But don't feel too badly. My personal recollection was that leftfield did not exist in Tampa Bay before Crawford.

GS: If it wasn't for a warehouse full of bobblehead dolls, I would think you made Tyner up the way I did Ducky. It really was a place for forgettables with Rich Butler and Danny Clyburn. Crawford made you forget them, but $20 million is a lot for amnesia.

JR: The sad thing is Crawford wasn't alone on that exit ramp. It's pretty remarkable to think the 2008 World Series was just a little over two years ago, and seven of the 10 players in the lineup for Game 1 of that Series are no longer around. It's even more remarkable to think Tampa Bay has had that much turnover and is still a contender.

GS: Ah, but isn't that the big question? ARE the Rays a contender? Despite the defections? Despite a bullpen where only one player — Andy Sonnanstine — recorded a save last year?

JR: I suppose it depends on your definition of contender. Do the Rays look like the best team in the AL East? No. But are they capable of reaching the postseason? Absolutely. The odds are not in their favor, but they're better than, say, you or I running a 5K. Without respirators.

GS: Unfortunately for the Rays, there is even more athletic ability in the AL East than you and I coming down the stretch. It's a lot to ask for what's left of the Rays to get into the postseason. Who closes? Who brings the power? And do Reid Brignac, Matt Joyce, Sean Rodriguez and Jeremy Hellickson all meet expectations?

JR: All legitimate questions. But do the Rays have a better chance of making the playoffs than the Orioles? The Blue Jays? The Royals, Tigers, Indians, Mariners or Angels? I would say yes. And if you order me four more Bud Lights, I might even say they have a better chance than the Yankees.

GS: Only four? I don't drink, but that seems like a six-pack hypothesis to me. The Yankees have a roster filled with players getting paid for what they used to be, but they can still buy an arm or three over the course of the season.

JR: For instance, Matt Garza. In July. When the Cubs are buried.

GS: The Cubs will live 'til July?

JR: Only because the networks will insist on it.

GS: Ah, that explains why the Cubs plan to sign Charlie Sheen.

JR: Bottom line: Will you still be checking the standings every morning in September, or will the lights already be out in Tampa Bay?

GS: Being close enough for math in September is possible, I think. But if the Rays make this year's playoffs, the next big contract the Yankees offer may be to Andrew Friedman.

Tampa Bay Rays sell out season opener against Baltimore Orioles

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

The Tampa Bay Rays have announced that Friday's season opener is now sold out.

Parking lots will open at 2 p.m. and stadium gates at 4 p.m. The pre-game ceremonies will include a moment of silence for the slain St. Petersburg police officers and the raising of the 2010 AL East championship banner.

First pitch is 7:10, with David Price on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles.

Tampa Bay Storm's Michael Lindsey deals with tragedy

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By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Thursday, March 31, 2011

TAMPA — Michael Lindsey walked into his father's hospital room and took a seat. He looked over at his dad, who was rapidly losing weight while battling cancer, and talked about the usual — football.

"Football is almost all we would talk about," Lindsey said. "When I would visit, I would just tell him to stay strong, and he would tell me just to keep doing what I was doing."

And that was trying to make the Tampa Bay Storm's roster. But with his father, Michael Jackson, waging an insurmountable battle at St. Petersburg General Hospital, Lindsey was hoping his dad would hold on to watch the Storm's home preseason game March 3 against Orlando.

"He never missed one of my high school games," said Lindsey, who starred at Boca Ciega. "He was getting so weak, and I could tell through his tears he was hurting real bad."

Lindsey got a call at practice about a week before the Orlando scrimmage and was told to get to the hospital quickly. A few days later, his father was dead at age 50, less than six months after his cancer diagnosis.

"I was devastated," Lindsey said. "He went downhill so fast."

To compound things, Lindsey was also dealing with heartbreaking news regarding another family member. His cousin Nicholas Lindsey was charged in the fatal shooting of St. Petersburg police Officer David Crawford.

"One really crazy month," Lindsey said. "I was just in shock."

For Michael Lindsey, who was far from assured a roster spot after earning a look through an open tryout, emotions came en masse.

"I would think back to when (my father) would call me at college and he would be crying because he was watching tape of me in high school," he said. "He was crying tears of joy because he was just so proud of me."

Still dealing with grief, Lindsey suited up against Orlando.

"And all the kid did was score three touchdowns," Storm coach Dave Ewart said. "With all that he was going through to do that, I knew we had a special, special player and young man."

Lindsey made the team, worked his way into the starting lineup and has been a shining star in an otherwise dismal start to the season for the Storm (1-2). He scored three touchdowns in the season-opening win at New Orleans, leads Tampa Bay with six scores and has a touchdown in all three games this season. Lindsey will look to extend that streak to four tonight when the Storm faces division rival Jacksonville (2-1) at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"I just want to try to keep making plays," he said.

Lindsey has turned into the Storm's Swiss Army knife. He has caught a touchdown, rushed for two and returned a league-leading three kickoffs for scores. He also leads the league in kickoff-return average at 30.9.

"I love returning kicks," Lindsey said. "I pretty much just look for that one crease and hit it as hard as I can."

Considering the tumultuous ride since turning heads at the tryout, Lindsey's rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

"Michael worked very hard and played his way onto this team," Ewart said. "He wants to be here and being a part of the Storm means a lot to him. He's got a bright future as a pro."

Tampa Bay Rays' opening day schedule

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

Opening day schedule

2 p.m.: Parking lots open for tailgating

4 p.m.: Gates open, with players greeting fans at the first rotunda entrance for the first few minutes. Free scheduled magnets for all fans.

4:25-5:25: Rays batting practice

5:25-6:10: Orioles batting practice

6:10-6:20: Rays infield practice

6:20-6:30: Orioles infield practice

6:42: Ceremonial first pitch by Florida Gov. Rick Scott

6:46: Starting lineups announced

6:58: Moment of silence for three slain St. Petersburg police officers — Thomas Baitinger, Jeffrey Yaslowitz and David Crawford

6:59: National anthem performed by saxophonist B.K. Jackson, 19-year-old Tampa native attending Florida A&M; 300-foot U.S. flag and colors presented by officers and employees of the St. Petersburg Police Dept.

7:03: Raising of 2010 AL East championship banner on the catwalk above leftfield

7:10: First pitch by David Price


Playoffs seem like a long shot for 2011 Tampa Bay Rays

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By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Thursday, March 31, 2011

PORT CHARLOTTE

For more than a year, we have known this hour would eventually arrive. An opening day without Carl Crawford. A new season with a reduced payroll. A Tampa Bay team of lesser anticipation.

After three seasons of improved play and higher salaries, the Rays have taken a planned step back in 2011.

Now that opening day is finally here, the question is, how big of a step?

Can this team make the postseason?

(Enthusiastic head shake)

Should this team make the postseason?

(Slight shoulder shrug)

Anyone with a working knowledge of the infield fly rule would probably tell you the Red Sox are the favorites to win the American League East. And while the gap between Boston and everyone else in the division is not insurmountable, it does seem significant.

So that brings us to the AL wild card. And the Yankees and Rays. New York finished one game behind Tampa Bay in 2010 but did not have nearly as many roster defections in the offseason. So, yes, the Yankees should probably be the better team in 2011.

The issue is how much better, and how much variance exists.

The Yankees have flaws. Their rotation is not very solid, and the top half of the batting order will include a lot of guys on the downsides of their careers. That's the good news.

On the other hand, the Rays have flaws, too. Their bullpen is completely untested, and they are also building much of the offense around a couple of guys nearing 40.

On a recent afternoon before a spring training game against the Yankees, I asked Rays mastermind Andrew Friedman to argue his team's case as if he were before a judge.

"We have, in our minds, a really good chance to be playing compelling games in September," Friedman said. "The thing is, our group as a whole really relishes being written off. And that's how everyone feels right now.

"So I wouldn't make the case very staunchly because I like the spirit of this group, and how driven they are to surprise people. I wouldn't want a judge's ruling in our favor right now."

But here's the catch:

The Rays could be one of the four best teams in the American League and still not make the playoffs.

The truth is, it's harder to finish second in the East than first in the Central. Quite a bit harder. During the past four seasons, the AL Central winner has averaged 91.5 victories. The second-place team in the East has averaged 94.75. And that doesn't even take into account the unbalanced schedules in the divisions.

The folks at Baseball Prospectus recently ran a bunch of simulated seasons through the computer and determined the Rays were behind only Boston and New York in wild-card chances. That sounds encouraging and is probably pretty accurate.

On the other hand, the computer says the Rays' odds of making the playoffs are less than Boston and New York (because they were determined to be better) and Minnesota, Detroit, Chicago, Texas and Oakland (because none of them play in the AL East).

So I asked Friedman if the Rays had a better-than-league-average offense. He said yes. Better-than-league-average defense? Yes. Better-than-league-average rotation? Yes. Better-than-league-average bullpen? Yes, even there.

"The problem is," Friedman continued, "we don't play in a division where league average is the standard."

Which brings us back to the original point:

How can the Rays make the playoffs?

It could happen if A.J. Burnett is a head case. It could happen if Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada and Mariano Rivera finally start to show their age. It could happen if Josh Beckett, John Lackey and Daisuke Matsuzaka are all as bad as they were last season.

It could happen.

I just don't know that you can count on it.

John Romano can be reached at romano@sptimes.com.

TrailMix: Locals named to U.S. sailing team; fishing legends; lure of the month

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By Terry Tomalin, Times Outdoors Editor
Thursday, March 31, 2011

trailmix

{outdoors-related bits and bites}

Locals named to U.S. sailing team

Local sailors will be well represented as the U.S. prepares its team for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic competitions in Weymouth, England.

Clearwater's Zach Railey, a silver medalist in 2008, will again be sailing the Finn, the men's one-person dinghy. His sister, Paige, will be competing in the Laser Radial, the women's one-person dinghy.

In the men's windsurfing class, the RS:X, St. Petersburg's Ben Barger will get to show off his skills in the brisk English wind. Mark Mendelblatt, another sailor who got his start with the St. Petersburg Yacht Club's junior program, will be part of a two-man Star team.

In the Paralympic classes, St. Petersburg's Jen French and J.P. Creignou will compete in the SKUD-18, a mixed two-person keelboat, and Tampa's Brad Kendell will crew aboard a Sonar, an open three-person keelboat.

The team was selected based on a series of qualifying events, including January's Miami Olympic Class Regatta.

Fishing legends

When it comes to sport fishing, this state has a long and storied history. Anglers from all around the world have flocked to Florida since the 1880s to catch bass in the state's world-class lakes and tarpon in Boca Grande Pass.

Now you can travel back in time with local author Doug Kelly as he explores Florida's Fishing Legends and Pioneers, a new book from the University of Florida Press.

Some of the book's better-known anglers include Ernest Hemingway, Ted Williams, Stu Apte, Lefty Kreh, Joan Wulff and Guy Harvey.

But Kelly also showcases some locals, including Harold LeMaster, founder of MirrOLure, and Gene Turner, the King of Gulf Coast kingfishermen.

The book, which sells for $26.95, contains more than 120 images, many of which have never been seen before. For details, go to FloridasFishingLegends.com.

Lure of the month

With pompano in the passes throughout April, it is time to break out the old reliable, Doc's Goofy Jig. The artificial lure, a northern ice fishing jig redesigned to catch pompano, started as a hobby back in 1993. The brightly colored jigs have since become the mainstay for fishermen on the west coast of Florida. The jigs, ranging from one-eighth of an ounce to 1 ounce, sell for $1.79. To learn more, go to docsgooffyjig.com.

There are plenty of targets

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By Rob Gorta, Times Correspondent
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Take your pick: It is the best time of the year for fishing in the bay area. Tarpon can be targeted off any of the bridges. The Gandy, Howard Frankland and Skyway would be my top choices to start. While waiting for a tarpon to strike, kill time by dropping smaller baits for Spanish mackerel. Redfish have been hanging around oyster bars on the extreme high tides in the afternoon. A small pinfish under a float is my bait of choice. You can pitch next to the mangroves and monitor where the bait is at all times.

Other targets: Trout continues to provide action in shallow grass flats. I have been targeting mullet schools using large-scaled sardines. Use a cork to prevent the sardine from burying itself in the grass. This also will slow down the bait and make it an easy target. Cobia have been roaming the flats on top of monster stingrays and spotted eagle rays looking for easy meals. When you see a huge ray, toss a pinfish around the ray. Cobia can come out of nowhere and strike.

Blacktip sharks have been roaming the sandbars outside of the gulf passes. Anchor on the edge of the channel and hang a chum block over the side. Use a large, free-lined pinfish rigged with heavy wire to prevent fish from biting through the leader. I tried snook fishing a couple of times with no luck in the usual spring haunts. Looks like another slow snook season in the Pinellas Point area from the cold weather the past two winters.

Rob Gorta charters out of St. Petersburg. Call him at (727) 647-7606 or visit www.captainrobgorta.com.

Farewell of the day: Gil Clancy

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Farewell of the day

Legendary boxing trainer and broadcaster Gil Clancy died Thursday. He was 88. As a trainer, he guided Emile Griffith to welterweight and middleweight titles and also worked with Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, George Foreman and Oscar De La Hoya. As a broadcaster, he worked for CBS and HBO and was ringside for the famous "No Mas'' fight between Roberto Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard.

Retirement of the day

Longtime broadcaster Gary Bender announced his retirement. He's best remembered for calling the NFL and Final Four for CBS, including the 1982 national title game when North Carolina's Michael Jordan hit the winning shot to beat Georgetown. In addition, Bender also called a variety of sports for ABC, TNT and Versus. He currently calls TV games for the Phoenix Suns and will retire after the season.

Dr. Remote

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Orioles at Rays: 7 p.m. on Sun Sports. The Rays open the 2011 season in which they will win, the Doctor predicts, 85 games.

Friday Night Fights: 9 p.m. on ESPN2. The main event is a 10-round lightweight bout between "Hammerin' " Hank Lundy (19-1-1, 10 KOs) and Patrick Lopez (20-3, 12 KOs).

Sports Connection: 11 p.m. on BHSN (Ch. 47). Baseball analyst and former Rays star Fred McGriff joins Rock Riley from the Trop to give postgame thoughts on the Rays' opener.

Up next: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Baltimore Orioles

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tampa Bay Rays 2011 salaries

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

The $41 million club

Rays salaries for 2011

Johnny Damon $5,250,000

B.J. Upton 4,825,000

Ben Zobrist 4,500,000

James Shields 4,250,000

Kelly Shoppach 3,000,000

Kyle Farnsworth 2,600,000

Evan Longoria 2,500,000

Manny Ramirez 2,000,000

David Price 1,250,000

x-J.P. Howell 1,100,000

Wade Davis 1,000,000

Dan Johnson 1,000,000

Joel Peralta 925,000

Andy Sonnanstine 912,500

Jeff Niemann 903,000

Juan Cruz 850,000

Sean Rodriguez 428,600

John Jaso 427,400

Matt Joyce 426,500

Reid Brignac 425,400

Adam Russell 420,800

Jeremy Hellickson 418,400

Sam Fuld 418,300

Cesar Ramos 416,700

Jake McGee 415,200

Elliott Johnson 414,900

Total 41,077,700

x-on DL


Fishing news and notes

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Times staff
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Harvests

Shallow-water grouper begins again today

The recreational harvest of shallow-water grouper in state and federal gulf waters off Florida, except in all waters off Monroe County, reopens today. But the recreational harvest of gag grouper is still prohibited in gulf federal waters off Florida (beyond 9 nautical miles). Also, persons on federally permitted for-hire reef fish vessels may not harvest or possess gag grouper in both federal and state gulf waters (within 9 nautical miles). Recreational and commercial harvest of shallow-water grouper (including gag, black, red, scamp, red hind, rock hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin, yellowmouth and tiger) in Atlantic and Monroe County waters remains closed until May 1

Spiny lobster finishes up today

A reminder that the recreational and commercial harvest season for spiny lobster in Florida waters closes today. The regular season reopens Aug. 6. The special two-day sport season for the recreational harvest of spiny lobster is July 27-28.

Regulations

Downloadable App is now available

It is now much easier to keep up to date on regulations. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council announced the release of a regulations iPhone/iPad App available for immediate download. The App is free and allows users to access from their iPhone or iPad the most updated commercial and recreational federal fishing regulations for species managed by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. The App also provides information on fish identification, measurement guidelines, sanctuaries, closures and important telephone numbers. The council hopes to develop a similar App compatible with other smart phones. To download the new App, visit the App store from your iPhone or iPad, search for "Gulf Council" and click on the Council logo.

Free fishing

No license needed for this weekend

A reminder that residents and nonresidents in Florida can fish in public freshwaters across the state without a license Saturday and Sunday. All other rules apply. The Florida legislature and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission designated the first full weekend in April each year as Florida's Free Freshwater Fishing Weekend. This coincides with Children and Nature Awareness Month.

Things to Do

Island Earth Days are April 16-17

Honeymoon Island State Park in Dunedin hosts the Friends of the Island Parks' annual Island Earth Days festival April 16-17 to raise funds for its many programs. Live music, kayak races, bungee jumping, rock wall climbing, fresh seafood, kids activities and crafts and environmental vendors are just a few of the things visitors will find from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. The park entrance fee is $8 per car (up to eight passengers). For details, call (727) 738-2903 or go to islandearthdays.com.

Plenty of reasons to watch the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field this season

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Play ball! It's opening day for the Tampa Bay Rays. Sure, the Rays lost a few key parts. No more Carl Crawford. No more Carlos Peña. No more Matt Garza or Rafael Soriano. But there are still plenty of reasons to go out to the ballpark. Our reasons why you should go see the Rays at Tropicana Field in 2011:

To see Manny being Manny.

That might mean going 3-for-4 with two homers and six RBIs. Or it might mean missing first on a stand-up double and getting called out. It might mean a walkoff dinger. Or it might mean jogging while hitting into a 5-4-3 double play. It might mean a circus catch in the outfield. Or it might be just a circus, period. Either way, Manny being Manny is always something to see.

. To watch the best left-handed pitcher in the majors. Yep, you heard us. You can have CC Sabathia or Cliff Lee. We'll take David Price, above. Today, tomorrow, next year and five years from now.

. To chow down. There are plenty of new foods to sample this season. We'll be in the line for the pulled-pork nachos or the Cuban burger at the new Burger Up! restaurant.

. If it's cool enough for Dickie V, it's cool enough for us.

. To boo B.J. Upton when he takes a called third strike. Again.

. To cheer B.J. Upton when he makes a sprinting, over-the-shoulder catch in deep left-center. Again.

. When it's 92 degrees or raining sideways, is there anything better than sitting in air-conditioning while chomping on a hot dog?

. At least you don't have to worry about watching Carlos Peña flirt with the Mendoza Line.

. One word: catwalks.

. You can still bring your own food. Try that at Yankee Stadium.

. To boo Red Sox leftfielder Carl Crawford, above. Hey, it's not 2008 anymore. He plays for the other guys now. He won't mind. His heart is in Boston, right?

. Hey, the past two NL MVPs — St. Louis' Albert Pujols and Cincinnati's Joey Votto — come to town for interleague play, not to mention former Rays slugger Jonny Gomes (Reds) and the best manager to ever come out of Tampa — St. Louis' Tony La Russa. Don't believe it? Just ask him.

. To hear all those cowbells. Oh, wait. That's a reason not to come to the Trop in 2011.

. Sit in the outfield and there's a decent chance you'll catch a ball just pitched by James Shields.

. To sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. Think about it, other than Happy Birthday, it might be the most well-known song in America. And is there anybody who doesn't like that song?

. If you don't show up, we have to listen to the national folks ripping Tampa Bay for not supporting the Rays. So show up!

. To see two things the Trop has that Fenway Park and the new Yankee Stadium don't have — two AL East championship banners in the past three years.

. To watch Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter jump out of the way at a pitch over the inside corner of the plate.

. Without Joaquin Benoit and Rafael Soriano closing out games for the Rays, the final two innings should at least be eventful.

. If it's a Tuesday night against Baltimore or Kansas City, you can have a whole row to yourself.

. To watch the pitcher who will win the American League rookie of the year award — Jeremy Hellickson.

. So you can tell your grandkids someday that you saw Joe Mauer, Ichiro Suzuki, Josh Hamilton, Dustin Pedroia and Mariano Rivera in person.

. To smell the grass. Wait, we meant to see the grass. Wait, that's not right, either. Well, at least the new AstroTurf looks good.

. You don't need sunscreen.

. To cheer Rays third baseman Evan Longoria, above, when he makes a diving stop and guns the runner out at first. (Sorry, we couldn't resist.)

. You're going to need something to do after the Lightning gets knocked out in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

. You're going to need something to do because there will be no NFL training camp.

. To see Rays shortstop Reid Brignac, who is going to make fans forget all about Jason Bartlett.

. He's no Lou Piniella, but Rays skipper Joe Maddon is usually good for one or two meltdowns a season.

. To boo umpires such as Angel Hernandez and Gary Cederstrom. You usually have good reason before the third inning.

. After years of booing Johnny Damon, you can cheer for the idiot. And we mean that as a compliment.

. You might run into Don Zimmer, who knows more baseball than anyone alive.

Sports in brief

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Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

Tennis

It's a Rafa, Roger Semi at Key BiscaynE

KEY BISCAYNE — Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have met 22 times on hardcourts, grass and clay. Now, for the first time in six years, the sport's top rivalry is back on U.S. soil.

Rafa and Roger meet tonight in the semifinals at the Sony Ericsson Open. Their most recent matchup in North America took place on the same court in 2005, when Federer beat Nadal for the Key Biscayne title.

"We really get up for these kind of matches against each other because we know the world is watching," Federer said.

"It's special always to play against him," Nadal said. "We always (have) had the big respect for each other."

Top-ranked Nadal advanced to the semifinals by beating No. 7 seed Tomas Berdych 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 Thursday. Federer, the No. 3 seed, won earlier without breaking a sweat when Gilles Simon retired with a stiff neck after losing the first three games.

In the women's semis, Maria Sharapova beat Andrea Petkovic 3-6, 6-0, 6-2. Her opponent Saturday is 2009 champ Victoria Azarenka, who stopped No. 3 seed Vera Zvonareva 6-0, 6-3. "It would mean a lot" to win, said Sharapova, who seeks her first title of any kind since May 2010. "It's the biggest tournament I think after the Grand Slams."



College football

NCAA rules boss: Tressel matter 'totally unacceptable'

The situation involving Ohio State coach Jim Tressel is "totally unacceptable," says the chairman of the NCAA's executive committee, charged with enacting NCAA rules and regulations.

Ed Ray, also the president of Oregon State, was executive vice president and provost at Ohio State and had input into the hiring of Tressel in 2001.

"I just thought the world of him," Ray said. " … But this whole episode to me is beyond the pale. … I'm pretty disappointed and startled by it all."

Tressel will sit out the first five games this season and was fined $250,000 by the university for failing to notify the school about e-mails he received last April involving two players and questionable activities involving the sale of memorabilia. He said he didn't pass along the information because he was trying to protect the confidentiality of a federal investigation. But reports have surfaced that Tressel forwarded e-mails to Terrelle Pryor's mentor that accused the quarterback of selling memorabilia to a man under investigation. CBSSports.com reported Thursday that Ohio State, which said during the initial March 8 news conference only that Tressel had withheld information sent to him, did in fact know at that time that Tressel forwarded the e-mails.

Et Cetera

Lacrosse: Three former Duke players falsely accused of rape five years ago can pursue a lawsuit against former District Attorney Mike Nifong and Durham Police Department investigators who handled their case, a federal judge in North Carolina ruled.

Horses: Soldat has drawn the inside post and been made the morning-line favorite (9-5) in the eight-horse field for Sunday's $1 million Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach.

Times wires

Up next races on major auto racing circuits

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Times wires


Thursday, March 31, 2011

Up next | Races on major circuits

Sprint Cup

What: Goody's Fast Relief 500

When/where: Today, practice (Speed, 12:30-2 p.m., 3:30); Saturday, qualifying (Speed, noon); Sunday, race (Ch. 13, 1 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: Denny Hamlin attempts to match Fred Lorenzen's record of four straight Cup victories (1963-65) at Martinsville. … Jimmie Johnson has six wins at the track, five of those coming in a six-race stretch (2006-09). … Hamlin, Johnson and Kyle Busch have combined to win the past 15 short-track races. … Richard Petty won a record 15 times at Martinsville, the only remaining venue from NASCAR's inaugural 1949 season. … Mark Martin is making his 800th Cup start.

Standings: 1. Carl Edwards, 187; 2. Ryan Newman, 178; 3. Kurt Busch, 177; 4. Kyle Busch, 176; 5. Johnson, 173; 6. Tony Stewart, 170; 7. Paul Menard, 164; 8. Juan Montoya, 161; 9. Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Kasey Kahne, 157

Trucks

What: Kroger 250

When/where: Friday, practice (Speed, 2 p.m.); Saturday, qualifying (10:30 a.m.), race (Speed, 2 p.m.); Martinsville, Va.

Fast facts: Kasey Kahne won the series' most recent race, March 12 at Darlington, driving the No. 18 Toyota for owner Kyle Busch, who has 25 victories as a driver in 87 career trucks starts.

Standings: 1. Matt Crafton, 111; 2. Cole Whitt, 105; 3. Timothy Peters, 104; 4. Clay Rogers, 103; 5. Johnny Sauter, 102

NHRA

What: SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals

When/where: Today, qualifying; Saturday, qualifying (ESPN2, 7 p.m.); Sunday, final eliminations (ESPN2, 4:30 p.m.); Las Vegas

Standings: Top Fuel — 1. Del Worsham, 186; 2. Tony Schu­macher, 162. Funny Car — 1. Mike Neff, 201; 2. Matt Hagan, 175. Pro Stock — 1. Jason Line, 230; 2. Greg Anderson, 182. Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Eddie Krawiec, 124; 2. Hector Arana, 104

Nationwide

Next: O'Reilly Auto Parts 300, April 8, Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth

Standings: 1. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 181; 2. Jason Leffler, 175; 3. Justin Allgaier, 156; 4. Aric Almirola, 155; 5. Reed Sorenson, 151

IndyCar

Next: Grand Prix of Alabama, April 10, Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham

Standings: 1. Dario Franchitti, 53; 2. Will Power, 40; 3. Tony Kanaan, 35; 4. Simona de Silvestro, 32; 5. Takuma Sato, 30

Formula One

Next: Malaysian Grand Prix, April 10, Sepang International Circuit, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Standings: 1. Sebastian Vettel, 25; 2. Lewis Hamilton, 18; 3. Vitaly Petrov, 15; 4. Fernando Alonso, 12; 5. Mark Webber, 10

QB Pennington tears ACL

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Times wires
Thursday, March 31, 2011

MIAMI — Hard-luck quarterback Chad Pennington tore an anterior cruciate ligament in a pickup basketball game and will have surgery next week.

The quarterback will have the operation April 7, and well-known surgeon Dr. James Andrews will perform it, Pennington's agent, Tom Condon, said in a news release Thursday. It did not say which knee Pennington injured.

The former Jets and Dolphins quarterback is a free agent.

The 34-year-old twice has been selected the NFL comeback player of the year, but he lasted just two plays last season with the Dolphins before hurting his right shoulder again. He had surgery on it for the fourth time and said he wanted to try to return to the NFL this season.

A shoulder injury ended his 2009 season in Week 3. After arduous rehabilitation, he began 2010 as a backup to Chad Henne then made his season debut in the ninth game when he started against Tennessee but had to leave after two snaps with a dislocated shoulder and torn capsule.

Pennington's career completion percentage of 66.0 is the highest in NFL history among QBs with at least 1,500 attempts.

Players price tag: NFL players have put a number on how much money the league should owe if it loses a court fight over $4 billion in television revenue.

Just what that number is wasn't disclosed Thursday in court documents filed by attorneys for the players. The exact amounts were redacted.

The players requested revenue "left on the table" in 2009 and 2010 when the NFL renegotiated broadcast contracts. U.S. District Judge David Doty ruled earlier this month that the league failed to maximize revenue for both sides to share when it reached the new deals.

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