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Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play Chicago Bears Oct. 23 in London

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By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

It's official.

The NFL has confirmed one of its worst-kept secrets: The Bucs will indeed meet the Bears at London's Wembley Stadium, with the game now officially set for Oct. 23.

The rumor surfaced last week, but with the NFL set to release its leaguewide schedule on Tuesday, the league firmed up the details of what will be its fifth consecutive season with a regular-season game played in London.

Also confirmed is the fact that the game will be one of the Bucs' eight regular-season home games, which was also the case when the Bucs played in the U.K. in 2009, losing to the Patriots.

The Glazer family, which owns the Bucs and English soccer club Manchester United, continue to embrace the opportunity to take their brand abroad.

"We are honored to be selected to participate in the NFL International Series for a second time," said Bucs co-chairman Bryan Glazer. "We are looking forward to promoting Tampa Bay's emerging young team on the world stage.

"We have the longest running fan club of any NFL team in the UK and look forward to seeing so many familiar faces from the Bucs UK Fan club at the game."

Another motivating factor for the Bucs: The fact they have had major difficulties filling Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, with none of the team's eight home games in 2010 reaching sellout status.

Teams that lose home games to international games are compensated by the league for the lost revenue.

In announcing today's news, the NFL also offered a possible hint of its expectations on the labor front. The league said the contest in London will be played in Tampa if there is no resolution of the current lockout by Aug. 1. That provides something of a target date for the league as it attempts to resolve its monthlong work stoppage.

As a consequence of moving the Bears game to London, the team will have to address ticket holders who already have paid for 10 home games (two preseason plus eight regular season). The team said any ticket holders who have paid in full will receive a refund for the lost game. Those refunds will be made via check for fans who paid their accounts via cash or check. Those who paid by credit card will have charges credited to the card.

Accounts using monthly payment plans will have ensuing payments adjusted to reflect the price of nine games rather than 10, the Bucs said.


Marathon mark shattered, only not officially

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

BOSTON — Kenya's Geoffrey Mutai ran the fastest 26.2 miles in history to win the Boston Marathon on Monday. Then his claim to a world record was swallowed up by the hills.

Not the inclines of Heartbreak Hill that have doomed so many.

It was the downhill part of the race that makes his time of 2 hours, 3 minutes, 2 seconds ineligible for an official world record. In short: IAAF rules have deemed the oldest and most prestigious marathon in the world — long considered one of the most difficult, too — to be too easy.

"You don't look at world records. You just go," Mutai said. "If you are strong, you push it. But if you put it in your head, you can't make it."

Mutai outsprinted Moses Mosop down Boylston Street to win by 4 seconds as both Kenyans beat Haile Gebrselassie's sanctioned world record of 2:03:59. Gebregziabher Gebremariam of Ethiopia and American Ryan Hall also broke the course record of 2:05:52 set last year by Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot.

"These guys obviously showed us what's possible for the marathon," said Hall, whose 2:04:58 is the fastest ever run by an American. "I was out there running, and I was thinking to myself, 'I can't believe this is happening right now. I'm running a 2:04 pace, and I can't even see the leaders.' It was unreal."

The IAAF must certify a world record, and it is unlikely to approve Mutai's feat. The international governing body's Rule 206 requires courses to start and finish near the same point in order to discourage downhill, wind-aided runs and the artificially fast times they can produce. (Boston has a net decline of 459 feet, though the course is dominated by hills.)

Caroline Kilel won the women's race to complete the Kenyan sweep, outsprinting Desiree Davila to win by 2 seconds in 2:22:36. Davila ran the fastest time ever for a U.S. woman.

Masazumi Soejima and Wakako Tsuchida gave Japan a sweep of the men's and women's wheelchair divisions.

SPECTATOR INJURED: A 22-year-old man watching the marathon from the roof of an apartment building crashed through a skylight and plunged five stories in Brookline. The Boston-area university student suffered serious injuries but was conscious after the fall in the atrium of the building at 1834 Beacon St.

Captain's Corner: Time of day, light conditions can dictate kingfish lure choices

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By Larry Blue, Times Correspondent
Monday, April 18, 2011

Luring kings: Recently, I was asked which lures should be used for king mackerel, and whether color selection matters. Many hard-bodied lures will work, but if you lose them, it gets costly. The most popular trolling lure for kings is the silver spoon. It's about 5 inches long and comes with a strip of tape providing color options.

Choices: Which color, at what time of the day? In the early morning the sun strikes the water's surface at an angle that usually reflects most of its light, so little reaches the depths. At that time I use a dark color, such as blue or purple. As the sun rises to mid morning I switch to lighter colors, such as green or chartreuse. Toward noon, switch to plain silver, and on slightly overcast days perhaps gold. In the early morning there is not enough light to flash off the spoon; it's the contrast that makes them effective. The same rule applies on cloudy days, dark for dark. In bright sun, light for light.

Pro tip: You get to your favorite artificial reef only to find 30 other boats. The incessant "pop-pop-pop" from the exhaust is certain to make the kingfish less willing to bite. Leave the area and search for ledges to find kingfish. Also, watch for schools of baitfish on your bottom machine when you don't see them on the surface. The kings follow the bait.

Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe from Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 871-1058 or visit CaptainLarryBlue.com.

Dr. Remote: Best bets for sports on TV, April 19

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

E:60: 7 p.m. on ESPN. The network's news magazine show includes a Buster Olney feature on former Rays leftfielder Carl Crawford with the focus on Crawford's upbringing in Houston.

Gruden QB Camp: 10:30 p.m. on ESPN2. A new episode of former Bucs coach Jon Gruden working with NFL-bound quarterbacks. This episode features Auburn QB Cam Newton.

Real Sports With Bryant Gumbel: 10 p.m. on HBO. A new episode debuts with four new stories, including a feature on Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

Red Sox 9, Blue Jays 1

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

BOSTON — Daisuke Matsuzaka wanted to impress his old pitching coach.

Did he ever.

Matsuzaka pitched seven one-hit innings after one of the worst outings of his career, and the Red Sox got an early start on their third straight win, beating the Blue Jays and new manager John Farrell 9-1 on Monday in Boston's traditional morning Patriots Day game.

"Farrell is on the other side so I wanted to show solid pitching in front of him," Matsuzaka said through a translator.

For the past four years Farrell tried to get Matsuzaka to attack hitters and cut down his pitch count. Monday, the right-hander threw 89 pitches against the free-swinging Blue Jays.

"He threw a very good game," Farrell said. "He's had a lot of success against Toronto in the past and he's used his fastball effectively. He did that (Monday) and we weren't able to put good swings on it."

Matsuzaka also impressed his own manager, Terry Francona, after entering with a 12.86 ERA in two starts.

Young Reds starter accused of shoplifting

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

CINCINNATI — Reds RHP Mike Leake was arrested on a shoplifting charge at a downtown department store Monday, accused of trying to steal six shirts with a total value of $59.88.

Leake, 23, was booked at the Hamilton County Justice Center on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of shoplifting. It carries a maximum of 180 days in jail.

He was arrested about two hours before pitchers were expected at Great American Ball Park to take batting practice.

Leake said in a statement released by the Reds that his attorney told him not to discuss the arrest. He apologized to his family, the club and fans "for this distraction."

The Reds issued a statement reading, "We do not condone behavior of the type alleged, which is wholly inconsistent with the principles of this organization and our community and is detrimental to the positive direction we seek to follow. When the legal process has been completed, we will handle this matter internally."

Police arrest reports said Leake removed the price tags from six American Rag T-shirts at a Macy's and tried to leave without paying for them. Leake makes $425,000 in his second season in the majors.

A Macy's spokesman said the company had no comment beyond what was reported by police.

Leake was the eighth overall pick in the June 2009 draft, receiving a $2.9 million signing bonus, and made the jump directly from Arizona State to the majors last spring.

In other Reds news, utility player Juan Francisco went on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left calf. The contract of OF Jeremy Hermida was selected from Triple-A Louisville.

OWNER TAKES LOAN: Frank McCourt took a $30 million loan this week from Fox to meet the Dodgers' payroll obligations, the Los Angeles Times reported. The arrangement is expected to cover the team's expenses into next month.

A'S: LHP Dallas Braden went on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder soreness. … Oakland acquired LHP David Purcey from the Blue Jays, who reacquired RHP Daniel Farquhar.

DODGERS: OF Jerry Sands, one of the team's top prospects, was called up from Triple-A Albuquerque. Sands, 23, was batting .400 with five homers in 10 games.

METS: LF Jason Bay's minor-league rehab assignment was extended by two games. Bay, on the DL all season with a strained left rib cage, is expected to be activated Thursday.

ORIOLES: The contract of LH reliever Clay Rapada was bought, and RHP Chris Jakubauskas went on the 15-day disabled list. To make room for Rapada on the 40-man roster, RHP Justin Duchscherer was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list.

PHILLIES: RHP Roy Oswalt, who left his Friday start after six innings with lower back soreness, said he felt good after a 40-pitch bullpen session and expects to make his scheduled start Thursday.

RANGERS: RH reliever Mark Lowe was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock, clearing a roster spot to reinstate RHP Colby Lewis from Major League Baseball's paternity leave list.

RED SOX: LH reliever Hideki Okajima was recalled from Triple A, and LHP Felix Doubront was optioned to Pawtucket.

ROCKIES: RHP Ubaldo Jimenez will come off the 15-day disabled list today and start against the Giants. He went on the DL after opening day with a cut cuticle on his pitching thumb. … RHP Clayton Mortensen was called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs, and RHP Alan Johnson was sent down.

YANKEES: LH reliever Pedro Feliciano will put off shoulder surgery for at least 1½ months. Sidelined all season, Feliciano was examined in Pensacola by Dr. James Andrews, who recommended a six-week program of shoulder strengthening.

Report: No solo blame in Notre Dame death

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame said Monday that football staff used out-of-date weather information the day a student videographer fell to his death because of high winds.

Declan Sullivan, a junior from Long Grove, Ill., died when a 40-foot hydraulic lift he was in fell over in a 53 mph wind gust Oct. 27.

The investigation found that staff members likely depended on National Weather Service readings from 1:54 p.m. that day showing 23 mph winds with 29 mph gusts. At 2:54, nearly an hour before practice, the weather service reported 38 mph gusts. The accident was at 4:54.

The school released the details in a report summarizing its investigation into the accident. Peter Likins, an engineer and former University of Arizona president who provided an independent review of the investigation, wrote that no one person was to blame for the accident.

"Several flaws were exposed that need to be acknowledged and addressed," the report said. "Responsibility for these issues is shared by many individuals."

Golf: USF men, women fourth at Innisbrook

The USF women's and men's golf teams were fourth after two rounds at the Big East championships at the Innisbrook Golf Resort's Copperhead Course. The women shot 27-over 315 for a total of 625, 33 strokes behind leader Notre Dame. Shena Yang (74—149) was sixth for the Bulls. The USF men (300—602) were 19 shots behind Notre Dame, with Robby Carl (75—145) tied for fifth.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: North Carolina's Harrison Barnes, the ACC rookie of the year, will return for his sophomore season. … Washington State guard Klay Thompson will forgo his senior season and enter the NBA draft but has not hired an agent. … Suspended Penn State guard Taran Buie will transfer. … Oklahoma State forward Roger Franklin is transferring to North Texas.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: USF signed junior college guard Inga Orekhova, who had offers from powers Oklahoma and Louisville, according to her coach at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, Jim Rowland. She completes a four-person recruiting class.

AL co-player of the week Johnny Damon hoping to return to Tampa Bay Rays by Thursday

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — LF/DH Johnny Damon would have felt better about winning American League co-player of the week honors if his injured left ring finger felt good enough for him to get back in the lineup.

"It's nice to be recognized and I'm glad we won those five games, but I'd definitely like it more if my finger was better," Damon said.

Damon sat out Monday's game and at best could be available to pinch-hit (or pinch-run) tonight, depending on how quickly the swelling subsides. He and the Rays hope he can start again by Thursday's homestand finale.

"Hopefully I can start gripping a bat in the next day or so," Damon said. "As soon as I can grip a bat, I'll be back in there regardless of whatever results come out of it. I know the importance of me being in the lineup and helping turn it over, and just the presence the opposing pitcher has to think a little extra about."

Manager Joe Maddon said Damon was still "very sore" and they should have a better read today on when he can return. "I'd like to believe he'd be able to play (by Thursday), but I'm really not certain," Maddon said.

Damon, who shared the AL award with Angels RHP Dan Haren, hit .375 with a league-high 11 RBIs in the week ending Sunday, earning the honor for the third time in his career.

LONGO'S RETURN: 3B Evan Longoria was eligible to come off the DL, but he and the Rays will be pleased if he's back by his target date of April 29.

Longoria, sidelined April 2 by a left oblique strain, is feeling good and will take "dry" swings — meaning no ball — with a light bat today. He'll then increase activity with hopes of taking batting practice in Toronto by Sunday then going on a four-day rehab assignment with Double-A Montgomery or Triple-A Durham and rejoining the Rays when they get back from Minnesota.

"I feel good now; it's that progression that we have to follow," he said. "In the long run, it's probably the best thing because you get it back to 100 percent, and I feel 100 percent confident that I'm not going to re-injure it.''

Longoria reported to spring training noticeably bulkier, having added about 10 pounds of muscle during workouts at the API facility in Arizona, but said he didn't think that contributed to his injury. "I felt better, I felt more agile and more flexible coming into spring, so who knows,'' he said.

TIME OFF: CF B.J. Upton asked for a day off and Maddon gave him Monday, sensing that "his legs have been getting a little bit heavy" and that playing on the Astroturf is an issue. "I know he's a young man, whatever, but this stuff does take it's toll," he said. … 1B Dan Johnson also was out of the lineup, having been hit by a pitch on the left wrist Sunday.

J.P. DUTY: LHP J.P. Howell (left shoulder surgery) today throws the last of three scheduled batting practice sessions before heading out for 8-10 minor-league appearances (progressing from extended spring to Class A Charlotte to Durham) with a mid May return targeted.

MINOR MATTERS: Durham LHP Alex Torres was named International League pitcher of the week for going 1-0 in two starts with no earned runs and 17 strikeouts. … OF Justin Ruggiano hit a three-run walkoff homer in the 11th to give Durham a 6-5 win. … SS Hak-Ju Lee, the prospect acquired from the Cubs, made his debut for Charlotte, having been sidelined by chicken pox.

MISCELLANY: The Rays scored first for the fourth time. … Today is the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon at the Hilton in Carillon with exec VP Andrew Friedman the featured speaker; see business.stpete.com for info. … RHP Jeff Niemann said an Internet report that he changed agents to the Hendricks brothers was a little late — by about four years.


Sports in brief

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

Pro Football

More retired players sue union over royalties

LOS ANGELES — Five retired players are suing the NFL Players Association in federal court, claiming the organization denied them and other former athletes lucrative royalties from licensing deals that used their images.

The class-action lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles, alleges breach of fiduciary duty by the players association and its for-profit Players Inc. subsidiary. An e-mail message left for NFLPA spokesman George Atallah was not returned.

Among those suing the players association are former Redskins WR Walter Roberts III, former Colts LB Bob Grant and former Bengals S Marvin Cobb.

More than 2,000 ex-players agreed to a $26 million settlement two years ago over similar allegations. The new suit claims thousands of other players are entitled to royalties from video games, trading cards and other products that used their voices and photos.

Concussion watch: As part of the NFL's modified procedures for identifying and treating concussions, the league is reminding medical staffs not to commit the entire staff to one particular player and instead have part of the staff continue to watch action on the field. The league seeks to avoid the Eagles situation from last season, when QB Kevin Kolb and LB Stewart Bradley suffered concussions in quick succession. While the medical staff was examining Kolb, Bradley re-entered the game.

Horses

Dialed In vaults to top of Derby list

Florida Derby winner Dialed In, trained by Nick Zito, has likely earned the favorite's role for the Kentucky Derby on May 7, moving to No. 1 on the Associated Press' latest Run to the Roses top 10 list of contenders.

Dialed In, the son of 2003 horse of the year Mineshaft, has won three of four starts, and his closing style seems suited for the Derby distance.

Former list No. 1 The Factor dropped to No. 10 after a noncompetitive seventh in the $1 million Arkansas Derby, won by Archarcharch. Trainer Bob Baffert is mulling The Factor's future, as the colt might have displaced a palate.

Also questionable for the Derby is No. 4 Uncle Mo, who arrived at Churchill Downs on Monday but is being treated for a gastrointestinal infection.

Et cetera

Golf: Mason Rudolph, who qualified for the 1950 U.S. Open at age 16 and was the 1959 PGA Tour rookie of the year, died at a Tuscaloosa, Ala., hospice. He was 76.

Soccer: The Russian Football Union fined topflight club Kuban Krasnodar $70,000 for illegally terminating the deal of a player from Montenegro, but it said there was no proof he was beaten into tearing up his contract as he claims. Nikola Nikezic said he suffered a 20-minute beating from two men in an office at the club's headquarters and signed a termination out of fear for his life.

Tennis: Eighth-seeded Marion Bartoli beat Tsvetana Pironkova 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the Porsche Grand Prix on indoor red clay in Stuttgart, Germany. The tops seeds, which include women's No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, all had byes.

Times wires

Twins 5, Orioles 3

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

Twins 5, Orioles 3

BALTIMORE — Francisco Liriano took a two-hitter into the seventh, and the Twins handed the Orioles their eighth straight loss. Drew Butera had a career-high three RBIs for Minnesota, which has won two in a row for the first time. The Twins led 3-0 before Adam Jones and Matt Wieters homered in the seventh. Baltimore then got two on with two outs before Derrek Lee flied to center.

Pirates 9, Reds 3

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

Pirates 9, Reds 3

CINCINNATI — Andrew McCutchen doubled in two runs as part of the Pirates' biggest offensive showing this season. Pittsburgh scored three in the first off left-hander Travis Wood, the second game in a row that a Reds starter couldn't get going. Pittsburgh took three of four in the series against the defending NL Central champs.

Tampa Bay Lightning loses 3-2 to Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 3 of series

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By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

TAMPA — Is it possible Lightning players were too pumped up before Monday night's playoff game with the Penguins?

They certainly gave the idea credence after a 3-2 loss in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"Is it possible? Yeah, it's possible," wing Marty St. Louis said. "You can't let your excitement get you away from the game plan. You have to channel your energy and really be patient. That's how you win games."

And here is how you lose a physical game in which there were 68 hits — including nasty ones by Pittsburgh's Chris Kunitz and Tampa Bay's Steve Downie — and fall behind two games to one in the best-of-seven series:

You hear a sellout crowd of 20,545 raising the roof and banging rally drums after an on-ice, 3D video display that celebrates the first playoff game at the Times Forum in four years, and you want to reward them with a good show.

Instead, a defenseman tries to make a big hit at the wrong time that creates a two-on-one on which a goal is scored, the goaltender whiffs on what seems a nothing shot and you fall behind 2-0 6:31 into the first period on goals 45 seconds apart.

"It's almost like you have to be under-prepared when you come into an emotional crowd like that," goalie Dwayne Roloson said. "Once the game starts, they usually pick you up.

Give the Lightning credit. The second of Marty St. Louis' two power play goals tied the score 2-2 2:12 into the third period.

But 31 seconds later, Tyler Kennedy poked a puck past Roloson after Dominic Moore lost a defensive zone draw to Pittsburgh's Jordan Staal and Roloson, jostled he said by his teammates trying desperately to get to the rebound, lost track of the puck.

Still, it was that first period that irked the Lightning and coach Guy Boucher most because they said they spoke before the game about managing emotions.

"We talked about it to make sure we had our emotions in check," captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "It's good to work hard, but you have to work in the right way."

Funny thing, Boucher said, the huge hit Lightning defenseman Mattias Ohlund threw on Arron Asham, while an adrenaline rush, might have had an unintended consequence.

"That big hit happens and everybody has their eyes on it," he said.

"Maybe you get too excited," left wing Simon Gagne said. "You maybe want to be a little more physical and you get out of the game plan. From then on it's not the way you want to play."

And Pittsburgh capitalized.

Max Talbot's 53-foot wrist shot beat Roloson on the short side 5:46 into the game. Roloson said the puck hit a stick and dipped.

At 6:31, defenseman Victor Hedman went for a hit on Michael Rupp at the Lightning blue line, but Rupp went past him, sparking a two-on-one that ended with Asham scoring from the right post as Roloson had no chance.

"I hit the puck and just wanted to finish the guy and maybe lost him too much," Hedman said. "I have to take the rush and stay cool and don't go for the big hit."

"It's an emotional game," Boucher said. "We talked a lot before it happened about not playing our game."

And they didn't, at least in the first period.

Heat starters dominate for 2-0 lead

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

MIAMI — LeBron James outscored the 76ers' starting five in the first half by himself.

So did Chris Bosh.

So did Dwyane Wade.

And that tells the tale of Monday night. The Heat led the whole way in a 94-73 victory to take a two games to none lead in the Eastern Conference first-round series.

James scored 29 and Bosh had his second straight double double with 21 points and 11 rebounds.

Showing no signs of a migraine he battled Sunday, Wade scored 14 for Miami, 17-3 in its past 20 games and halfway to winning its first playoff series since the 2006 conference final.

"Our energy was much better," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, "from beginning to end."

Thaddeus Young scored 18 and Evan Turner added 15 for the 76ers, whose starters were outscored 76-29 by the Heat starters. Philadelphia shot 34 percent, and after getting 42 points in the paint in Game 1, it was held to 24 in the paint Monday.

"If they're playing great, they're a better team," Sixers coach Doug Collins said. "Okay? I mean, they won 58, we won 41.''

Miami has never lost a series after winning the first two games (6-0), and the Philadelphia franchise is winless in 16 tries after falling into an 0-2 postseason hole. Only 14 teams have won after losing the first two games of a best-of-seven series.

Wade played 34 minutes, despite spending Sunday bedridden in a darkened room fighting off a migraine he called a "nightmare."

"He controlled the game," James said of Wade.

Philadelphia shot 26 percent in the first half, a record low for a Heat playoff opponent. The 76ers' starters were outscored 41-9 in the first half.

"If they do score we want them to score outside the paint with a hand in their face," said Bosh, who considered Monday the Heat's best defensive game of the season.

The 76ers didn't have a starter reach double figures until 3:49 remained in the third quarter, when Jrue Holiday made a 3-pointer to get to 10 points. By then, James had 23, Bosh had 15 and Wade 12 — and the Heat led 68-50.

Philadelphia's Andre Iguodala was held to five, giving him nine in the series on 4-for-15 shooting.

Heat 94, 76ers 73

PHILADELPHIA (73): Iguodala 2-8 1-2 5, Brand 1-5 1-2 3, Hawes 1-3 0-2 2, Holiday 5-13 0-0 12, Meeks 2-6 2-2 7, Speights 0-5 0-0 0, Williams 1-8 6-7 8, Young 8-20 2-3 18, Turner 6-10 0-0 15, Battie 1-1 1-2 3. Totals 27-79 13-20 73.

MIAMI (94): James 10-19 8-10 29, Bosh 9-13 3-3 21, Ilgauskas 2-2 3-4 7, Bibby 2-7 0-0 5, Wade 4-11 6-7 14, Miller 0-0 0-0 0, Jones 3-6 0-0 7, Anthony 1-3 2-4 4, Chalmers 1-7 0-0 2, House 1-3 0-0 2, Howard 1-1 1-1 3, Magloire 0-0 0-0 0. Totals 34-72 23-29 94.

Philadelphia 13 18 21 21— 73

Miami 19 30 26 19— 94

3-Point GoalsPhiladelphia 6-14 (Turner 3-3, Holiday 2-5, Meeks 1-2, Iguodala 0-2, Williams 0-2), Miami 3-15 (James 1-1, Jones 1-3, Bibby 1-5, Bosh 0-1, House 0-1, Wade 0-1, Chalmers 0-3). Fouled OutNone. ReboundsPhiladelphia 50 (Iguodala, Brand 7), Miami 53 (Bosh 11). AssistsPhiladelphia 18 (Iguodala 7), Miami 16 (James 6). Total FoulsPhiladelphia 21, Miami 17. TechnicalsPhiladelphia Coach Collins. A20,204 (19,600).

Jason Williams retires: The Grizzlies said point guard Jason Williams, 35, is retiring after 12 seasons with averages of 10.5 points and 5.9 assists. The former UF standout missed the final 17 games with lower back soreness. He is the Grizzlies' all-time leader in assists with 2,069. Williams also played for the Kings and Magic and started on the Heat's 2005-2006 championship team.

Officiating mistake: The NBA says Kendrick Perkins' basket with 1:05 left that put the Thunder ahead to stay in a 107-103 Game 1 win against the Nuggets on Sunday should have been waved off as basket interference. Perkins said missed calls are part of the game: "They didn't call it. So, it was a basket." Denver coach George Karl was happy the league acknowledged the mistake, "but it doesn't mean anything other than we can go out and win Wednesday night."

billups likely out: The Knicks said guard Chauncey Billups is "very questionable'' tonight against the Celtics because of a balky left knee. Former FSU standout Toney Douglas would likely start in his place. "I'm ready,'' said Douglas, who led the Knicks to a 4-2 record in March when Billups had a thigh bruise. Guard Anthony Carter, like Douglas an aggressive defender, will also play a bigger role if Billups is out.

around the league: The Rockets won't renew coach Rick Adelman's contract. Adelman, 64, was 193-135 in four seasons. Players had praised him in exit interviews after the season and lobbied for his return. … Hornets center Aaron Gray said his sprained right ankle feels much better, but he isn't sure if he'll play against the Lakers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Lakers guard Steve Blake returned to practice after missing a week with chicken pox and expects to play in Game 2. He's mystified how he got the disease: "It's not like I went up to someone and shook someone's hand that had spots all over them." … Blazers coach Nate McMillan was fined $35,000 by the NBA for criticizing the officiating in Game 1 against the Mavericks.

David Price, defense shine as Tampa Bay Rays win sixth in seven games, 5-0 over Chicago White Sox

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — There was a lot for the Rays to talk about after Monday's 5-0 win over the White Sox.

The eight sterling innings from blazing starter David Price were nice. A relative offensive breakout — including a three-run first inning and four hits by Super Sam Fuld, increasing his average to an AL-best .396 — was impressive. Beating ex-mate Edwin Jackson for the first time, considering how he had manhandled them before, felt pretty good.

But it was their dazzling defense — led by shortstop Reid Brignac and Fuld in centerfield — that carried the conversation.

"That is so much fun to watch," manager Joe Maddon said. "We were flying all over the place. We played the glove really well (Monday night). … That's who we have to be. That's the kind of game we have to play to be successful."

Brignac made what was considered the play of the day, ranging far to his right and diving for a ball that got by third baseman Sean Rodriguez, then getting up and firing to first to nab catcher Ramon Castro.

"You see where he was on the field; it was ridiculous," Maddon said.

Fuld challenged him with a running/sliding/diving contortion of a catch — "I don't know what it was; it didn't look too pretty," he said — the next inning in shallow center, just getting his glove under Brent Morel's ball.

"I heard that the world is covered by 75 percent water and the other 25 percent is covered by Sam Fuld," Price said. "And I'm buying that right now. He's doing that right now."

Those weren't the only highlight plays for the 7-9 Rays before a Tropicana Field gathering of 12,016.

Rodriguez speared a smash and turned to throw Juan Pierre out at first in the third. First baseman Casey Kotchman made a great scoop on an Elliot Johnson throw in the second. Rightfielder Ben Zobrist made a running and diving catch in right-center in the sixth.

"I'll be watching ESPN later to see how many of those are on the top 10," Price said.

With Johnny Damon, B.J. Upton and Dan Johnson out, and with Jackson, who had a no-hitter and a 13-K game his past two starts against them, on the mound, the Rays knew they'd need to play the game right.

Getting a first-inning lead was a novel concept, just the second time in 16 games they've done it (and just the second game in which they didn't trail). Fuld got them started, and an Elliot Johnson bunt, an RBI single by Felipe Lopez (who had three hits, including a homer) and a two-out, two-run homer by Zobrist (who had been 1-for-8 off Jackson) gave them a 3-0 advantage.

Fuld, a former Cub, had a four-hit game for the second straight Monday.

"This kid was hitting .090 in Chicago, and now I look at the scoreboard and he's hitting .390," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said.

Price, admittedly fired up to beat the White Sox for the first time in five tries, took charge from the start, striking out nine while allowing four hits, hitting 98 mph and breaking out a cross between a cutter and a backdoor slider for the first time.

"He had that real good look about him," Maddon said.

"It was a big game for me. The White Sox have had my number ever since I've been in the big leagues," Price said. "I was 0-4 with them, never beat 'em, never even got a no-decision. That was a big game. I was fired up for it. I had a lot of help, all the trainers and guys they were pumping me up last night, and this morning everyone was sending me texts."

That wasn't all the help he got.

Flyers continue upswing with Boucher in goal

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. — With his mask on, and for a brief moment without it, goalie Brian Boucher provided the Flyers the steadying presence they were looking for to gain an edge in their first-round playoff series against the Sabres.

Boucher stopped 35 shots as the Flyers' new starter to lead them to a 4-2 victory and grab a 2-1 series lead Monday night.

It was Boucher's first start and second straight win of the series after he stopped 20 of 21 shots in relief of rookie Sergei Bobrovsky in a 5-4 win Saturday in Game 2.

That was enough to convince Flyers coach Peter Laviolette, who was rewarded for his decision to stick with "Booosh."

"He just settled things down," Laviolette said. "At the game's start, he had a calming presence about him. … To get a veteran presence in there made a big difference."

Boucher's calmness was particularly apparent eight minutes into the third period with the Flyers clinging to a 3-2 lead and attempting to kill off Buffalo's two-man advantage. Boucher slid left and lunged forward to stop Tyler Ennis, whose shot hit the left side of the goalie's mask and broke a strap. Without hesitation, Boucher pulled off his mask to stop the play.

Fans booed Boucher and yelled for officials to call a delay-of-game penalty.

"The mask was loose, and I felt it was kind of unsafe because the mask was kind of moving around on my face," Boucher said. "I know the rules. Otherwise, I don't know if I would've done it."

Danny Briere and Nikolay Zherdev keyed the victory by scoring second-period goals.

Jeff Carter and Kimmo Timonen also scored as the Flyers improved to 6-0-2 in their past eight visits to Buffalo.

Flyers1214
Sabres1102

First Period1, Phi., Carter 1 (Carle), 4:42 (pp). 2, Buffalo, Stafford 1 (Pominville, Gragnani), 11:55 (pp). PenaltiesKaleta, Buf (roughing), 3:40; Coburn, Phi (interference), 11:17; Hartnell, Phi (interference, delay of game), 16:39.

Second Period3, Phi, Briere 2 (Hartnell), 2:44. 4, Phi, Zherdev 1 (Richards, Versteeg), 16:44. 5, Buffalo, Gerbe 1 (Connolly, Gragnani), 18:12. PenaltiesMyers, Buf (cross-checking), 13:32; Hartnell, Phi (roughing), 14:20; Weber, Buf (roughing), 14:20.

Third Period6, Phi, Timonen 1 (Giroux, Carter), 19:42 (en). PenaltiesGaustad, Buf (interference), :41; Timonen, Phi (holding), 2:24; Zherdev, Phi (slashing), 6:14; Powe, Phi (charging), 6:59; Versteeg, Phi (cross-checking), 19:47; Ennis, Buf (cross-checking), 19:47. Shots on GoalPhi. 6-15-5—26. Buffalo 16-10-11—37. Power-play opportunitiesPhi. 1 of 3; Buffalo 1 of 6. GoaliesPhi., Boucher 2-0-0 (37 shots-35 saves). Buffalo, Miller 1-2-0 (25-22). A18,690. T2:36.

Bruins close gap to 2-1

MONTREAL — David Krejci and Nathan Horton scored first-period goals to lead Boston to a 4-2 win over the Canadiens as the Bruins won on the road after dropping the first two games of their first-round series at home.

"I think it was important for us to have a good start, and we did that," coach Claude Julien said. "We scored some early goals, which helped the confidence."

Tim Thomas stopped 34 shots for Boston, and Rich Peverley scored in the second. Chris Kelly scored into an empty net with 25.6 seconds remaining.

Bruins captain Zdeno Chara returned to the lineup after missing Saturday's 3-2 loss after he was hospitalized for dehydration.

Andrei Kostitsyn scored for the Canadiens with Boston holding a 3-0 lead 7:03 into the middle period. Tomas Plekanec drew Montreal within one early in the third.

Chara, who played his first game in Montreal since his devastating hit on Max Pacioretty, saw his customary boos turn to cheers when the Bruins were called for too many men 1:08 in.

The crowd of 21,273 was silenced moments later when Dennis Seidenberg drew an assist as Krejci beat Carey Price for his first goal at 3:08.

Bruins2114
Canadiens0112

First Period1, Boston, Krejci 1 (Bergeron, Seidenberg), 3:11. 2, Boston, Horton 1 (Chara, McQuaid), 14:38. PenaltiesBoston bench, served by Lucic (too many men), 1:08; Krejci, Bos (hooking), 7:27; Gomez, Mon (interference), 11:21; Bergeron, Bos (interference), 12:12; Ference, Bos, major (fighting), 19:56; Pouliot, Mon, minor-major (charging, fighting), 19:56.

Second Period3, Boston, Peverley 1 (Recchi), 2:02. 4, Montreal, Kostitsyn 1 (Cammalleri, Hamrlik), 7:03. PenaltiesMontreal bench, served by White (too many men), 3:04; Recchi, Bos (holding), 17:55.

Third Period5, Montreal, Plekanec 1 (Cammalleri, Subban), 4:08. 6, Boston, Kelly 1 (Recchi, Bergeron), 19:34 (en). PenaltiesKostitsyn, Mon (slashing), 4:44; Ryder, Bos (tripping), 19:54. Shots on GoalBoston 9-10-6—25. Montreal 8-13-15—36. Power-play opportunitiesBoston 0 of 4; Montreal 0 of 5. GoaliesBoston, Thomas 1-2-0 (36 shots-34 saves). Montreal, Price 2-1-0 (24-21). A21,273 (21,273). T2:21.

Around the league: Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook says he's okay after a hard hit from Vancouver's Raffi Torres. Seabrook, however, says the initial blow was to his head, and he believes Torres should have been suspended. "Whether or not he was targeting it or not, he made contact with the head first," Seabrook said. But NHL vice president Colin Campbell said the hit was not illegal, saying Torres did not leave his feet or use an elbow or an extended forearm and that the hit was not late. The Canucks have a 3-0 lead as the series continues tonight.


Cubs 1, Padres 0, 10 innings

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Times wires
Monday, April 18, 2011

Cubs 1, Padres 0

10 innings

CHICAGO — Pinch-hitter Tyler Colvin doubled home Geovany Soto with two outs in the 10th inning to lift the Cubs. Soto reached on a fielder's choice with two outs then scored from first when Colvin lined a shot to right off former Rays reliever Chad Qualls. Carlos Marmol pitched 11/3 scoreless innings for the win.

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Ryan Malone shakes off being shaken up

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By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

TAMPA — It is going to take an awful lot to keep Lightning veteran LW Ryan Malone out of a playoff hockey game.

This is, after all, the same Malone that took a slap shot off the face late in the second period of Game 5 of the 2008 Stanley Cup final while with Pittsburgh, broke his nose and returned to play the third period.

So when Malone missed a large chunk of the first period of Monday night's Game 3 against the Penguins with an undisclosed upper-body injury — and played just 4 minutes, 55 seconds in the first two periods — it garnered some attention.

But Malone, who logged more than six minutes in the third period and had a couple of quality scoring chances in the game, is fine, coach Guy Boucher said, and is expected to play in Wednesday's Game 4 at the St. Pete Times Forum.

"It's the playoffs; they're all going to hurt," Boucher said. "If they're not, they're not paying the price enough."

Malone was in the training room after Monday's 3-2 loss, in which he played 11:12 total, and declined to make himself available to the media. He appeared to get shaken up after taking a hit into the boards early in the first. The team said after the period that his return was questionable. But teammates weren't surprised he fought through the injury.

"He's a warrior," C Nate Thompson said. "He's a guy that does everything. And he plays through anything. You saw that (Monday night), you know he's going to play no matter what. It's the playoffs; it's what it's all about."

WAITING GAME: Boucher said that D Marc-Andre Bergeron (minor lower-body injury) and D Randy Jones (high ankle sprain) "can play," but with six other healthy defensemen, it allows the team the luxury of giving the two a little more time to get better.

Both were scratched Monday night, along with fellow D Matt Smaby.

MORNING TALK: The Lightning didn't hold a morning skate, and the Penguins did, which isn't surprising considering the approaches of each coach. Pittsburgh's Dan Bylsma said he likes the skate to allow players to get their legs loose. Boucher said he "hates" morning skates because they usually last longer than they should, which drains energy. Tampa Bay has morning skates but generally only after days in which the team has not practiced. Boucher likes it when players go all out, and morning skates have a more leisurely pace.

ALWAYS THERE: Assistant coach Wayne Fleming, who has a malignant brain tumor, was with the team at the St. Pete Times Forum. Boucher said Fleming would be at the game and offer observations. He stayed in constant contact with coaches through text messages and headsets when the team was in Pittsburgh for Games 1 and 2. "We got loads of information from Wayne," Boucher said. "I think having him here present (Sunday) and (Monday) is going to be good for the players. They're happy to see him; it's good for me, good for the rest of the staff, and good for him, too."

MISCELLANY: There has been no change in status for Penguins star Sidney Crosby, out since Jan. 5 after a concussion. Crosby did not participate in Pittsburgh's morning skate and hasn't taken the ice since Friday but has worked out off the ice. … C Steven Stamkos' assist on Marty St. Louis' first-period goal was his first career playoff point.

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

Lightning crowds bring 'insanity' that draws young, old and even the unborn

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By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

TAMPA — As the sun went down, they invaded — suited up in wigs and war paint, hoisting flags and screaming.

Loud.

"It's pretty much insanity," hollered 22-year-old Adam Litchford, itching underneath the bright blue beard strapped to his face. "I mean, I'm excited!"

Litchford and thousands of other Tampa Bay Lightning fans flooded the St. Pete Times Forum on Monday night for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The series marked the first time in four years the home team is back in the playoffs. The last time the team won the whole thing, and took the Stanley Cup, was in 2004.

Going into Monday night, after two games against the Pittsburgh Penguins, they were 1 and 1.

"They definitely have some momentum," said Zachary "Best Pittsburgh Fan in History" Thompson. "But we're gonna win this thing."

Thompson, a 36-year-old St. Petersburg resident originally from outside Pittsburgh, has spent the last three years converting his fiancee to Penguin fanaticism.

Rebecca Muller, 32, went to home Lightning games as a kid, but on Monday night wore a gold jersey to match Thompson's.

Really, she said, she had no choice.

Neither does Zoe Malone Glisson, who has not yet been born.

Her six-month-pregnant mother, Miah Glisson, vows that little Zoe Malone — to be named for Lightning wing Ryan Malone — will come into the world a fan.

"She's due in August, which is right when hockey season starts up again," Glisson said, patting her belly while waiting outside. "Perfect."

As she and the rest of the masses poured into the arena, they were handed aptly named thundersticks — which, outside this event, would be totally obnoxious.

Looking like two ping-pong paddles fused together, the noisemakers clack at the flick of a wrist. The fans didn't give them much rest.

"Here we go, Lightning, Here we go!"

Clack! Clack!

Marcia Gilbert, 72, of Clearwater had one in each hand.

Hockey is Gilbert's favorite sport. It's got more action than other games, more competition, more excitement, she said.

"I like all the noise, and the people who are really into it, with face paint and all that," she said.

Plus, she likes to keep an eye on her favorite player, Vinny Lecavalier.

"Because he's the best," Gilbert said, leaning in closer. "The best looking."

When the clock struck 7:30 p.m., she and everybody else really got to thumping. Especially when the lights went down, and AC/DC's Thunderstruck boomed through the speakers.

"Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na, THUNDER!"

Terry Tozian, a 45-year-old man with a bolt painted across his eye, and Ashley Hartley, a 23-year-old with a Lighting tattoo on her wrist, waved massive blue flags above the crowd.

The two met a couple of years ago, here in the stands. Lightning devotion is the basis of their friendship.

"We're gonna crush them!" Tozian said. "That's a promise."

"Yeah!" yelled Hartley.

They smacked a high-five, then screamed into each other's faces.

It suddenly got quiet as the lights snapped on. Everybody's eyes darted to the rink.

A puck hit ice, and then came the cheers.

Game time.

Reach Kim Wilmath at kwilmath@sptimes.com or 813-226-3337.

This story has been revised to reflect the following correction: The Tampa Bay Lightning were in the NHL playoffs in 2007 and won the Stanley Cup in 2004. A version of the story did not make clear when the team was last in the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Lightning-Pittsburgh Penguins series turns physical

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By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning forward Simon Gagne stuck out his right elbow and leaned out with his body. Then he shoved his elbow out even farther.

That was his postgame imitation of Penguins forward Chris Kunitz, who was penalized two minutes for elbowing Gagne in the head during the first period of the Lightning's 3-2 Game 3 loss Monday vs. the Penguins.

As well as looking back, Gagne made a prediction.

"The league is going to look at it," Gagne said. "We all know the rules."

Gagne's coach, Guy Boucher, said the same thing. "I saw it," he said. "And the league is going to see it."

That was Gagne and Boucher's way of saying the league needs to consider suspending Kunitz for violating Rule 48, which prohibits players from targeting the head of an opponent. Replays appeared to show Kunitz clipping Gagne in the head as they passed one another in the Penguins zone midway through the first period.

"There's a rule now in place for a hit to the head," Gagne said. "No elbows to the head. If you look at the replay, he's not even close to me and he just extended his elbow. And even the referee came and talked to me right after and asked me if I was okay. He saw what happened. Now it's up to the league. Nothing I can do about it."

While Gagne was upset with the hit, he was pleased to have survived it, given his history of concussion problems. "I feel okay," he said. "I finished the game."

Meanwhile, Kunitz's hit wasn't the only nasty one of the night. The Lightning's Steve Downie crushed Penguins defenseman Ben Lovejoy with a first-period hit when Downie appeared to leave his feet. The Penguins scored during the delayed penalty call.

"I knew it was coming," Lovejoy said. "You have to be aware when he is on the ice. It was a good hit, though I haven't seen (a replay). He certainly didn't get me in the head. He put his shoulder right into my chest. I knew it was going to be a hit like that. It's the Stanley Cup playoffs."

Ah, yes, the playoffs, where hardly a few seconds go by without the boards rattling. Even in this series. The Lightning and Penguins traditionally are not known as overly physical teams, but this has been a hard-hitting series. The teams combined for 68 hits in Game 3, more than a hit a minute.

"You look at every (playoff) game on TV and it's pretty much like that," Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "I didn't see (the Kunitz) hit, but there have been a couple of borderline hits. It's been physical, for sure. But that's what the playoffs are all about. This series is no different."

Lightning forward Marty St. Louis chose to sum up this way: "It's playoff hockey. You have to expect that every game."

Tampa Bay Rays: Sean Rodriguez follows mom's advice, Evan Longoria part of new promotion, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says team is helping make bay area fat

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By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Monday, April 18, 2011

Rays vs. White Sox

When/where: 6:40 tonight; Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: Sun Sports, Bay News 9 Español; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers

Rays RHP James Shields (0-1, 3.98)

white Sox LHP John Danks (0-1, 3.15)

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

Watch for …

Shields up: Shields got roughed up a bit by the White Sox on April 8 in Chicago, allowing three homers and five runs in six-plus innings and not striking anyone out. Overall he is 2-2, 5.33 against them, allowing 13 homers in eight starts.

Danks a lot: Danks is considered a "reverse split" pitcher, meaning he tends to be tougher on righties than lefties. He's pretty tough on the Rays anyway, going 5-2, 4.10 in eight starts, including 4-1, 4.50 at the Trop.

Key matchups

Rays vs. Danks

Kelly Shoppach 3-for-15, HR

B.J. Upton 2-for-15, HR, 6 Ks

Ben Zobrist 0-for-10, 5 Ks

Sox vs. Shields

A.J. Pierzynski 5-for-24

Alex Rios 9-for-33, HR

Mark Teahen 10-for-26, 2 HR

On deck

Wednesday: vs. White Sox, 6:40, Fox Sports Florida. Rays — Wade Davis (1-2, 3.26); Sox — Phil Humber (1-1, 3.46)

Thursday: vs. White Sox, 6:40, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeff Niemann (0-2, 6.32); Sox — Gavin Floyd (1-1, 4.29)

Friday: at Jays, 7:07, Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (1-2, 4.50); Jays — Brandon Morrow (0-0, 0.00)

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Commercial of the day

3B Evan Longoria is one of several current and former players (including Lou Piniella) featured in a Pepsi Max commercial — playing off Field of Dreams — that starts airing today. For a preview, see tampabay.com/blogs/rays/

Promotion of the day

The White Sox K'd 11 times, activating the free-pizza promotion for at least the sixth time since Ozzie Guillen has managed them. "It seems like every time we come to Tampa Bay there's going to be a lot of fat people eating pizza,'' he said. "We should be on the payroll for those guys.''



Mom's advice of the day

INF Sean Rodriguez usually listens to his mom, so when Mari told him to watch SportsCenter Monday morning he tuned in. The reason? His leaping catch of Danny Valencia's line drive Sunday was the No. 1 Play of the Day.

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