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sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

AROUND THE AREA

March 23-29, 2012 Volume 10, Issue 30 sportspagedfw.com

Catching up with the Texas Tornado

AROUND THE AREA

BASEBALL

FISHER

OPINION

GOLF

THIS WEEK IN TORNADO ACTION

PITCHING LOOKING GOOD

DERON WILLIAMS IN MAVS FUTURE?

BASEBALL - MORE THAN A GAME

ONE-ARMED GOLFER

COVER STORY

HOCKEY

ROUGHRIDERS 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON

DIVISION LEAD NOT SAFE

SPORT SHORTS DIRK ON FIRE

TICKET WINDOW

DINING

WASH WITH THE HARDLINE

ST PETE’S DELIVERS!

Follow us on Twitter & Facebook twitter.com/spweekly facebook.com/sportspageweekly Publisher / Founder Dan McVicker dmcvicker@sportspagedallas.com Editor /Art Director/Staff Writer Scott Rozsa srozsa@sportspagedallas.com VP of Business Development Chad Floyd (214) 881-0129 chadfloyd@gmail.com

TEXAS TORNADO

Contributing Writers Kate Delaney, Mike Fisher, Dic Humphrey, Tom Ward, Bo Carter, Mike Kravik, Todd Kaufmann, Richard Pollak

To advertise in The Sports Page, Call the contacts above or 214.683.1469 For editorial comments/suggestions, e-mail srozsa@sportspagedallas.com Copyright 2012 Sports Page Weekly, Inc. All rights reserved. The Sports Page Weekly is published every week on Thursdays. Views expressed in The Sports Page Weekly are not necessarily the opinion of The Sports Page Weekly, its staff or advertisers. The Sports Page Weekly does not knowingly accept false or misleading editorial content or advertising, nor is The Sports Page Weekly responsible for the content or claims of any advertising or editorial in this publication. No content (articles, photographs, graphics) in The Sports Page Weekly may be used for reproduction without permission from the publisher. The SportsPage Weekly is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. Additional copies of The SportsPage Weekly may be purchased for $1.00, payable at The SportsPage Weekly’s office in advance. The SportsPage Weekly may be distributed only by The SportsPage Weekly’s authorized independent contractors or The SportsPage Weekly’s authorized distributors. No person may, without prior written permission of The SportsPage Weekly, take more than one copy of each SportsPage Weekly issue.

Tornado Weekly - Week of March 19 The Texas Tornado stayed hot over the weekend after picking up two home wins against the New Mexico Mustangs. With the victories, Texas now has wins in four straight games. The Tornado dominated play on Friday, but still trailed heading into the third period before three straight goals gave the Tornado a 4-2 win. The next night, Drew Allen notched a hat trick, with linemate Drew Mayer assisting on all three of his goals en route to a 5-2 Tornado victory. Texas even got a win in exhibition play on Sunday, beating a roster filled with former pro hockey players in a 4-3 win at the sixth edition of Pros vs. Prospects. Friday, March 16th- Tornado come from behind for 4-2 win The Texas Tornado won their third straight game with a come-from-behind, 4-2 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Friday. Taylor Herndon notched a pair of goals while Drew Mayer had two points, including his first goal as a member of the Tornado. Jackson Leef was the other Tornado goal-scorer, while Hunter Leisner got the win for the Tornado. He saw just eight shots on goal all game, however, as Texas outshot New Mexico by a wide 38-8 margin. The Tornado trailed by identical scores of 2-1 after both the first and second period, but three straight goals in the third pushed Texas to the victory. Saturday, March 17th- Allen s hat trick propels Tornado to 5-2 victory Thanks in part to a Drew Allen hat trick, The Texas Tornado picked up its fourth straight victory with a 5-2 win over the New Mexico Mustangs on Saturday. Jackson Leef and Taylor Herndon were the other Tornado goal-scorers, while Hunter Leisner made 20 saves for his 7th win with the Tornado this season. With the victory, Texas stayed just one point back of Topeka for second place in the South division. Allen had goals in all three periods, Leef scored for the second time in as many nights, and Herndon now has four goals in his last three games. Sunday March 18th - Youth trumps experience in Pros vs. Prospects In the sixth edition of the Texas Tornado s Pr≠os vs. Prospects game, the Tornado defeated the Pros, 4-3. The Pros roster featured Joe Nieuwendyk, Ed Belfour, Jere Lehtinen, and a host of other former NHLers (A complete list can be found below).Four different players scored for Texas, while the Pros picked up two goals from Lehtinen and another from Stars

4 March 23-29, 2012 | The Sports Page | sportspagedfw.com

head coach Glen Gulutzan. Joakim Jutras and Hunter Leisner split time in goal, though Jutras started and did not allow a goal on 11 shots. The victory marked just the second time the Tornado have come out on top in the exhibition contest.

Upcoming Games and Promotions It may be hard to believe, but the final two home games of the regular season are already upon us. After two games on the road in Corpus Christi this upcoming weekend, both teams will be back in

action at Dr Pepper Arena for the FAN-tastic Finale, coming up on March 30th and 31st. The Tornado will have plenty of giveaways from our sponsors, as we put a bow on the 2011-2012 regular season. But don t forget, the Tornado have already clinched a playoff spot and will be announcing dates for playoff games as soon as they become official. And of course, there s still the Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, which will be hosted at Dr Pepper Arena from May 3rd-May 8th.

WEEKLY CALENDAR MARCH

MARCH

FRI

SAT

SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THURS

Mavericks at Spurs 7:30 PM FSSW

Mavericks at Rockets 7:00 PM FSSW

Rockets at Mavericks 7:30 PM FSSW

Flames at Stars 1:00 PM TXA-21

Stars at Flames 8:00 PM FSSW

Americans at Thunder 7:05 PM

Brahmas at Americans 7:05 PM

Tornado at Corpus Christi 7:05 PM

Tornado at Corpus Christi 7:45 PM

Mavericks at Heat 7:00 PM TNT Stars at Oilers 8:30 PM FSSW Legends at Dakota 7:00 PM

Reno at Legends 7:00 PM

Thunder at Americans 5:05 PM

MARCH

Legends at Dakota 7:00 PM

BASEBALL

TEXAS RANGERS

Rangers pitching on display this Spring by DIC HUMPHREY SENIORCOLUMNIST dic.humphrey@yahoo.com Local fans are grumbling about the Rangers 5-12 record in their first 17 Cactus League games, but this is not a stat to worry about. Spring games, especially early spring games are often decided over the final three innings when starters have departed, and the players in the game are minor leaguers that are unlikely to see the light of day in Arlington this season. From this point forward though, the results will have more significance. The initial camp roster of 58 has been pared down by at least 14. Starting position players are playing more innings, some even the entire game. Starting pitchers are now expected to last at least five innings, as they head into their fourth appearance of the spring. So far the starting pitching has been outstanding. With Neftali Feliz's third spring start Tuesday; all seven starters have made three appearances. The collective statistics for the projected starting five of Colby Lewis (0-1, 3.00), Derek Holland (2-0, 2.00), Matt Harrison (1-0, 1.80), Yu Darvish (0-0, 3.00) and Feliz (0-1, 4.50) are 3-2 with a 2.79 ERA. Those statistics are for Major League games only. Lewis has made just two Major League appearances and a third in a triple-A game the stats for which are not included. This weekend, Darvish and Feliz are expected to pitch in intrasquad or minor league game, as the team plays the Angels on their scheduled day, and the Rangers don't want to show them off to their chief division challenger. Scott Feldman has also been good this spring with nine outstanding innings in three appearances. Unfortunately for his statistics, he was hit hard trying to complete a fifth inning last Saturday, which

skewed them. Alexi Ogando likewise was very good in his first two appearances, but gave up some runs aided by poor fielding support as a reliever in a game against the Cubs last weekend.

NEW STARTERS STRUGGLING Actually, the two that have struggled the most are Darvish and Feliz, the two that have never started a major league game. Darvish has shown his reputed assortment of pitches, but location has been a problem. He has walked seven in nine innings. His average pitches per inning are 15.3, a reasonable number, but he's thrown just 58% for strikes. Feliz has blamed his early struggles on concentrating on throwing off speed pitches irrespective of the situation. His outing last Tuesday was his best - three innings allowing just two hits and a walk, while striking out two. However, he did not go out to pitch a fourth inning as planned because of shoulder tightness. Pitching Coach Mike Maddux said afterward that it was precautionary, but there is concern as

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Feliz was shut down at one point last season for two weeks with shoulder fatigue. Overall though, the starting pitching is shaping up just fine. The bullpen though is another matter. Closer Joe Nathan has struggled. He has allowed six runs, all earned, in three innings. He has walked three and given up five hits for a whopping 2.67 WHIP. Primary set-up man Mike Adams had hernia surgery this off season and is slow rounding into form. He's pitched just three innings and hasn't been sharp with a 6.00 ERA. Koji Uehara made his fourth appearance this week, and it's the only one that he did not allow a run. His ERA is 12.46. OGANDO TO FILL HOLES Maddux told Dan Plesac on the MLB network that Ogando is one of the best five starting pitchers on the team. He's also been very good in relief last year in the playoffs and in 2010. With the struggles of Nathan and Adams so far, Ogando is a most important piece to the bullpen puzzle. As for the left-handed reliever position in the bullpen, Michael Kirkman threw two scoreless innings Tuesday, allowing just a hit and striking out one. That's his best outing by far, as his ERA and WHIP were 10.5 and 2.00 in his four prior appearances. The team likes his pitch assortment, and he has pitched in relief in each of the past two seasons, so he has experience in the role at the major league level. He's the favorite despite the poor results so far, but Neil Cotts, Joe Beimel and Mitch Stetter are still in the mix for the roster spot. Robbie Ross is also turning heads in spring training as a candidate for the left-handed reliever. He has pitched just six games above the Class A level in the minor leagues, but has thrown well. GM Jon Daniels said earlier this week that Ross is a serious candidate for the spot. He is forc-

ing the Rangers to decide between his value to the major league team right now, and his development as a starting pitcher. Despite his showing, no runs allowed on just three hits in four innings this spring, Ross would be a huge surprise if he makes the opening day roster. CONTRACT MATTERS Derek Holland agreed to a five year contract this week valued at $28.5 million. It has unspecified incentives, and the club holds options for two more seasons that would bring the total value to $49.5 million if exercised. The team thus controls Holland's services for his three arbitration years and up to three years after arbitration when he could be a free agent. This contract is significant as it is the first one this off season that involved buying out free agency eligible years. Also of note is that Josh Hamilton indicated to former major league general manager Jim Bowden on Sirius XM radio that he wants to be a Ranger and that his price tag will be smaller if a deal gets done before the season begins than it will be if he hits free agency. Hamilton is on the second year of a two-year $24 million contract and can opt for free agency after this season. The Rangers and Hamilton had contract talks earlier this off season that were tabled after Hamilton's alcoholic relapse at Sherlock's Pub in January. Prior to the incident, he had said he wanted a contract extension finalized before spring training, as he didn't want the distraction of contract negotiations during the season. This was the first indication that the deadline has been moved forward. The Dallas Morning News later reported that Nolan Ryan said the team would be in contact with Hamilton's agent.

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sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

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THE FISH

SPORTS TALK WITH MIKE FISHER

Mavs looking to land “big fish” in 2012 by MIKE FISHER FISH fish@dallasbasketball.com

There are lazy assumptions being made regarding the Dallas Mavericks and their cap. There is inaccurate information being issued regarding the money Deron Williams can be paid if he joins the Mavs in the Summer of 2012. But there is nothing dull or unclear about the facts, or about the intentions expressed in recent hours by Deron or by Mavs GM Donnie Nelson. “It's a position we haven't been in recently,” Donnie said Thursday as the NBA trade deadline passed. “This gives us an opportunity to see if we can't get out there and land a big fish.” Nelson can't name the name. But we can. The big fish is the perennial All-Star point guard Deron Williams from The Colony, who can be a free agent and can leave the Nets this summer. Is he planning on leaving? “I'm not opting-in,'' Williams told the New York Daily News today. “It's not monkey-see/monkey-do.'' Williams' comment is a reflection on Dwight Howard's decision to opt-in with his present team in Orlando, a move that may take Howard off the summer market. But Deron? He's clearly prepared to shop himself. And the defending-champion Mavs are clearly prepared to buy. "We like the flexibility we have this summer,'' Nelson said. "We feel like we're in a little bit of a 'have-your-cakeand-eat-it-too' (situation) in that we … can contend this year and then come summertime we can be active out in the market." AND HOW DOES THAT MARKET LOOK? There are some 2012 Mavs numbers that are fixed. Dirk Nowitzki, for instance, will get $20,907,128. That's locked in. There are other numbers that remain fluid. For instance, no matter how many times some outlets keep writing that the 2012-13 cap will be $58.044 million, they are wrong - wrong in thinking it's fixed.

The lowest the cap can be is be $58.044 million. Depending on NBA revenue, it can also be $60 million. Or $61 million. Or whatever. (Using the most reliable source we've found over the last few years in predicting the cap, some currently project it to be $61.078 million for 2012-13.) That will have a great deal of influence regarding what other moves the Mavs make to supplement the employment of Dirk and the addition of a “big fish.'' WHAT WILL DALLAS BE ABLE TO PAY DERON WILLIAMS? One outlet has announced that the number is “four years and $59 million - so far off that we assume it to be a typo. Here are the facts and the true numbers: Deron will probably be limited by a first-year max of $17,177,795, which is 105 percent of his prior salary. But by rule, that limit would be increased to "30 percent of the cap" if the NBA's 2012-13 salary cap is higher than $60,792,168. Which is possible. But using numbers as they stand: With his raises over the course of the four years,

Deron's total contract in Dallas will be at least $73.5 million. It is obviously true that he can make more money over the course of this next contract by sticking with New Jersey and thus being given a fifth year. It's also true that in Deron's comments today, the DFW native talked of wanting to sign in a place where he will eventually retire a tip to the fact that that he's only 27, and that after this four- or five-year contract will come another one, a final once. Do we know where Deron will land? No, though from a Mavs perspective, it is clear they are being dealt into a poker game in which there are precious few chairs. But while we await the courtships that will commence on July 1, know that low-ball guesses on his salary and low-ball guesses on what the cap will be are worthy of correction. And know that there is this one “big fish'' worth courting and worth catching.

Check out Mike Fisher on Twitter at FishSports, on the Mavs telecasts on Fox Sports Southwest, and at DallasBasketball.com

sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

OPINION

When baseball became more than just a game by MIKE KRAVIK COLUMNIST mikek@davstan.com

the church of baseball. That was the baseball season the impossible seemed possible as both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs looked like they might go to or finally win a World Series. My family was also rooting for the impossible to be possible on a much different level because on Valentine's Day of 2003 my father was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer.

I love baseball. One of the saddest sights in the world is the empty baseball diamond on a chilly day in the dead of winter. As the corridor to March opens, that dreadful sight retreats and the promise of a new season arrives. This is the time of year that baseballs and optimism fill the air but so do questions with very few definitive answers.

That spring, my son played on two baseball teams and my older daughter was on a softball team. I threw myself into helping coach every team they played on because baseball was a shelter and a great escape from the reality of going to the hospital to helplessly watch my dad die a little more each day.

Start with the Texas Rangers. Have they recovered from 2011's post-season trauma and what do we make of their slow start in Spring Training? Can Japanese superstar Yu Darvish become a major league ace? Is this Josh Hamilton's last year with the Texas Rangers? What about over in Frisco? Will fans of the RoughRiders get to see prized prospects such as Mike Olt or Jurickson Profar this season? Can the TCU Horned Frogs maintain their powerful status in college baseball? Dallas Baptist made a huge post-season run in 2011 - are they a fluke or are they for real? North Texas area high schools are filthy with talent and district play is in full swing. Expectations are high for schools such as Rockwall-Heath, Flower Mound and Southlake Carroll. There's a chance you haven't heard names such as Jake Thompson, Sheldon Neuse or Billy McKinney in the past but you will this spring. There are kids all over North Texas who have made the jump from rec ball to select ball that are struggling for the first time

After seeing my father undergo 48 doses of radiation and all the effects, it was easier to have compassion and gain the proper perspective when a ground ball went through the legs of an 8 year old boy.

because they're now playing against kids of equal or greater ability. Some kids have just started to pitch while others have made the transition to “coach pitch” from t-ball. There are also several thousand parents throughout this area buzzing with excitement right now because their four year olds will start playing t-ball in May. I know this because in 1999 I was one of those parents. My son is now playing for his high school team and is making an impact on the varsity while my younger nephews are splashing around their JV teams. This is such an electrifying time of year on the calendar and a big reason why is because

the off-season is over and baseball is back. THE GREAT GAME KEEPS GIVING I don't like delving too deeply into my own psyche but I do know that baseball provides a powerful connection between parents and their kids. My father coached me when I was growing up and also took me to several major league baseball games. I was a baseball freak at an early age and yes, I puddled up the first time I saw “Field of Dreams.” As I became older my life changed. I drifted away from baseball but came back to it more and more after my son was born and he began to play. A confluence of events happened in 2003 that brought me back front and center to

That summer my daughter's team lost in the playoffs and my son's Little League All-Star team made it to the regional semifinals. That Fall the Red Sox and Cubs both lost soul crushing Game 7s in the playoffs. My father died on June 27 of that year and while it's true that baseball is designed to break your heart, 2003 was the year it helped mend mine and I am forever grateful. The Texas Rangers season starts on April 6 and all those questions about the team will be answered soon enough in the next few months. Till then, I cannot wait to go to the ballpark, get something cold to drink, eat soggy nachos and listen to Chuck Morgan play “Centerfield” over the loudspeakers while the Rangers make another run at greatness. Play ball!

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GOLF

WITH TOM WARD

One-armed golfer overcoming adversity by TOM WARD S P E C IAL C O NTR I B UTO R tompward@sbcglobal.net

“A diamond can’t be perfected without friction, and people cannot be perfected without trials.” -Anonymous Next time you’re out on the course and start complaining about not playing well let me tell you a story about a friend of mine named Gary Smith. Before you open up your rolodex of excuses about the condition of your golf game and all the reasons you aren’t playing better I want you to remember Gary’s saga. It’s been 14 years ago this month that Gary made a tough decision to have his right arm amputated below his elbow. The reason for this drastic surgery was because he had an inoperable cancerous tumor in his right forearm. It could have spread and cost him his life so he opted to just remove the right arm so he could go on with his life. Prior to discovering the devastating news that he had cancer Gary was an avid golfer. He took up the game in 1973 and got his handicap as low as an eight. Gary told me that seven months after losing his right arm he began the process of taking up the game of golf again. Gary’s journey back was a slow one as he had to relearn simple things that we take for granted like learning to drive a car, buttoning shirts, putting a sandwich in a bag, etc.. Golf was something that brought him joy and immense pleasure and he wasn’t about to give it up.

THE GREAT EQUALIZER We first met about 5 years ago through a mutual friend of ours. My buddy that I was teaching at the time knew Gary when he worked as a sales rep for Coors beer. Gary and I hooked up and I gave him some lessons. Gary knew that I had taught numerous golfers with physical disabilities so it gave me an inside track to helping him deal with playing golf with only one arm. Ironically, just before we first got together I was coming off a long term shoulder injury. I had something called adhesive capsulitis commonly known as a ‘frozen shoulder.’ I couldn’t hold my right arm any higher than about waist level high or I would feel a horrible shooting pain through my arm and shoulder blade. It was like someone took a knife and jabbed me with it. Needless to say I wasn’t able to play any golf during that period. I went through intense physical therapy twice a week for over a year. I could still teach

golf, but I couldn’t play. I started to hit balls with my left arm only which was fine. Many years earlier I taught myself to swing with just one arm(left or right) when I started working with golfers who had lost their arms due to health problems and war veterans who helped serve our country. I thought if I could put myself in their shoes( so to speak) I could have a clearer understanding on what they were dealing with and how approach teaching them. I knew I could help Gary on his return to playing golf again with renewed vigor. I told him like I tell all my students whether they’re physically challenged or not. The golf ball doesn’t care who’s swinging the club whether you have one arm or one leg. The beauty of the game is that it doesn’t discriminate. That’s why I believe golf is one of the best sports- it’s a great equalizer. When Gary and I got together I asked him to hit some balls for me with different clubs so I could observe him in action. As I told him after watching him hit shots, having been right handed and now being forced to use only his left arm was certainly going to be a challenge. However, it was one that he would overcome and ultimately enjoy greater results than he could ever have imagined. “ Failure is not an option” is the mantra I use in all my clinics worldwide. That’s because you should never give up, especially if you have a goal you want to reach. Golfers get frustrated when things don’t go their way. I tell them just remember regardless of how your shot ends up you either have results or reasons you don’t have results, but there are no excuses. You can learn from your mistakes or you can continue down the destructive path of making the same errors time and time again( like a broken record) if you don’t change your behavior. All golfers need to allow their club to swing back on a natural inside path as they take the club head away. Gary, like a lot of golfers was taking his club a little too far outside on his takeaway and lifting the club upwards too steeply as he reached the top of his backswing. This move was causing him some real problems because he was losing control of his club. A club being swung at the inappropriate angle is hard to control, no matter how strong you may be. A person with two hands can periodically get away with this action because they have some leverage with their right arm. Unfortunately, Gary doesn’t have that luxury. Next, I demonstrated to him what I wanted him to do by hitting some shots with my 7 iron only with my left arm. I can hit

one armed 7 irons about 165-175 yards on average. Once Gary could see that what I was talking about was possible we were able to move forward in the lesson plan. I was able to back up exactly what I was talking about to him which really made a big impact he later told me. Then I slowly walked him through his takeaway in slow motion all the way to the completion of his backswing. By systematically helping him feel and see what the correct swing path was relative to his physical build and left arm length everything started to come together for him. It’s almost like you could see a light click on in his brain. Everything I was trying to convey to him finally made

sense, he told me. I won’t bore you with the details, but Gary is well onto his way to shooting in the 70’s again. Finally, I can’t tell you how many times I run into people who greet me with such tired and worn out expressions like ‘You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.’ Listen, you give me a person with one arm and a great spirit like Gary’s and I’ll take them all day long over a healthy person with two good arms and a bad attitude. Tom Ward can be reached at www.teetimewithtom.com

sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

COVER STORY

FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS

Plenty to look forward to in Riders’ 10th season By: Alex Vispoli & Jarah Wright Baseball is just around the corner, and the 2012 season for the Frisco RoughRiders gets underway on April 4 with an exhibition game against the two-time defending champions of the American League, the Texas Rangers. The 'Riders hit the road from April 5 - 10 to start the regular season and return to Dr Pepper Ballpark on April 12 for their home opener. Another exciting season is almost here and this preview will get fans ready for another summer of Frisco fun. HOME ON THE RANGE The RoughRiders' major league parent club makes another trip to Dr Pepper Ballpark, as the Texas Rangers come to Frisco to play the 'Riders in an exhibition game on April 4. The Rangers are coming off a 96-66 season and a second straight World Series berth. Several former RoughRiders played significant roles for the Rangers last season, including Ian Kinsler, Mitch Moreland, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland, and former Ranger C.J. Wilson. This game is part of a series of exhibition

contests for the Rangers, as they will also play the Triple-A Round Rock Express on April 2. Opening Day for Texas is on April 6 against the Chicago White Sox in Arlington.

BUE-YEAH! Former Rangers third baseman Steve Buechele is returning for his third season as manager of the RoughRiders. Last season, Buechele, affectionately known as “Bue,” led the RoughRiders to a 79-61 record and a second-straight playoff berth. Frisco lost in the divisional round of the postseason to eventual TL champion San Antonio. This season Buechele is poised to pass Tim Ireland's record for most managerial wins (needs 8 more wins to break record).

LIVE LONG AND PROFAR The prospect Rangers fans are most excited to see in Frisco this season is 19-year-old shortstop Jurickson Profar. The slender Curacao native is coming off an MVP season in the South Atlantic League in 2011, during which he hit .286 as the leadoff batter for the Hickory Crawdads with 12 home

10 March 23-29, 2012 | The Sports Page | sportspagedfw.com

and the first game was held on April 3, 2003 before a sellout crowd of more than 10,000 fans. A tribute to the unique fan experience and architecture, Dr Pepper Ballpark was named the Best New Ballpark for 2003 by BaseballParks.com. Over the course of the last nine seasons, the RoughRiders have won accolades both on and off the field. The team has been to playoffs six times and won the Texas League Championship in 2004. Dr Pepper Ballpark also hosted the Texas League All-Star Game in 2005 and 2009. In 2007, the RoughRiders were named the top Double-A franchise, winning the Bob Freitas Award by Baseball America. Frisco has been the top-drawing Double-A team across Minor League Baseball and last season welcomed its five millionth fan to Dr Pepper Ballpark.

runs, 65 RBI, and 23 steals. MLB.com named Profar the seventh-best prospect in all of baseball. The Rangers have not announced where he will start the season, but Profar is expected to step into a RoughRiders uniform at some point in 2012.

OLT OVERCOMING OBSTACLES Power-hitting infield prospect Mike Olt should make his way to Frisco this season, perhaps by Opening Day. Olt spent the 2011 season with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Advanced-A affiliate of the Rangers. His terrific start to the season was halted by a broken collarbone that he suffered in a home plate collision, resulting in two months of rehab. Olt returned to play with the Pelicans on August 20 and

finished the final 15 games of the regular season.

RENNY'S RECORDS With a breakout season in 2011, hopes are high for Renny Osuna. The 26-year-old Venezuelan has joined the RoughRiders during the 2009 season and has steadily improved his numbers each year. With Osuna's single in the first inning on August 10, he became the new 'Riders all-time hits leader, passing Steve Murphy's record of 319 base knocks. He ended the 2011 season with 153 hits, good for the third on the

'Riders single-season list; he trailed only Joaquin Arias (157 hits in 2005) and Craig Gentry (155 hits in 2009). Osuna has posted 347 hits in his time with Frisco and is also tied with Emerson Frostad with 131 RBI, the most in any RoughRiders career.

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL The Dr Pepper Ballpark experience would not be complete without mentioning the first-class fun that takes place when the game is taking a break. The betweeninnings entertainment that has become a staple of RoughRiders games returns, with a few new twists added to the mix this season. With an inventory of more than 120 games, contests, and skits, no fan will see the same entertainment show at any of the 70 home games this season. Mascot Deuce and his cousin Daisy are back, as well as the Junior Diamond Dancers who will perform on the dugouts for a fourth straight year. Fireworks will follow every Friday night game and kids can run the bases every Sunday at Dr Pepper Ballpark. There are few other wrinkles to this year's entertainment offerings, like a Mariachi Band on Cinco de Mayo. To find out what else is in store at 'Riders games this season, fans will have to see for themselves as we celebrate ten great years of Frisco RoughRiders baseball.

The 2010 first-round draft pick is known for his powerful bat and posted strong numbers before the injury, hitting .286 batting average with 10 home runs, and 34 RBI in 54 games. A third baseman by trade, he has also gotten some playing time on the opposite side of the diamond at first base during spring training. Olt was also named one of the Rangers Top Ten Prospects by Baseball America this season, ranking fourth.

A DECADE OF MEMORIES This season, the 'Riders are celebrating their tenth anniversary. Construction of Dr Pepper Ballpark began in February 2002

sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

WITH KATE DELANEY

SPORTS SHORTS

DIRK IS ON FIRE, RANGERS ROLLING AND DUTCH GETS NEW DEAL.

The team got some good news on the road about Shawn Marion. There is no structural damage in that sore left knee - thank goodness. Marion has been dependable playing in 44 games before missing these last two; he's key in a playoff run.

by KATE DELANEY S P E C IAL C O NTR I B UTO R katesdelaney@gmail.com

THE DALLAS DESTROYER RIPS DENVER Mr. Automatic, aka Dirk Nowitzki, is a shooting machine; I know it's not a big revelation here in DFW. However the rest of the basketball world was re-introduced to the inhuman skills of Dirk in the Mavericks’ huge road win over Denver earlier this week. He was 12 of 19 from the field; none of the Nuggets could defend him! I'd like to take a moment to relive some of the game highlights if you don't mind. The three point shot at the beginning of the third that led to seven straight points for the Mavericks - a big swing in the game. Also in the fourth quarter Dirk's 16-

foot turnaround jumper, the “Yeah-baby” shot of the night pretty much icing the game and his time on the court. Denver was done with eight minutes to play and a lopsided score of 101 to 82 at that point. Mavs coach Rick Carlisle was even moved to say that it was one of the best games that he has seen played this year in the league. The 112-95 win over the Nuggets not only gives Dallas the series win for the season but it shows they don't have to play erratic basketball to win. Not to sound too much like Phil Jackson but the flow was well almost Zen like.

RANGER MUSINGS This week marked the third game that Yu Darvish pitched in this spring and he didn't disappoint. Darvish held the Brewers to one hit and one run in his four innings of work. The box score doesn't tell the tale; it wasn't easy. His fastball was clocked 9395 miles an hour but he missed the strike zone in key counts in the second inning issuing a leadoff walk. Mix in a wild pitch and a batter hit - Jonathan Lucroy in the second inning of the game but that was the toughest spot of the game. The Darvish start wasn't the buzz in the Cactus league on Monday. Instead, a prank took over as the lead story. Former Ranger Pitcher turned Angel C.J. Wilson decided to tweet catcher Mike Napoli's phone number to his 100,000+ followers.

This led to an avalanche of calls to Napoli's number that had the catcher seeing red. What was Wilson thinking? He said he was pranking his former teammate because Nap said he wanted to hit a homer off of him. Luckily Napoli, who said the move was unnecessary, doesn't use the number anymore. You can bet he'll be dialed in when the Rangers met the Angels this Sunday in Tempe. Wilson is slated to get the start. THE DUTCH OVEN GETS PAID Derek Holland has been on the receiving end of loads of pranks over his cheesy mustache but this week he is laughing all the way to the bank. Holland agrees to a five year contract extension worth $28.5 million dollars. He was money down the stretch as you recall winning 12 of 13 decisions. At 25 years old he is worth every penny! He just needs to keep shaving. Kate Delaney hosts "America Tonight," which airs from 11p.m. - 2a.m. on KKGM 1630AM.

DALLAS STARS

HOCKEY

Division lead creates false sense of security by RICHARD S. POLLAK, The Hockey Attitude SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Dallasentertain@aol.com

WOW! The Dallas Stars are currently leading the Pacific Division and third overall in the Western Conference with only 3 weeks left in the season. Normally, I would be jumping for joy, but it's a false sense of security. Theoretically, I would much rather be in 7th spot knowing exactly how many points I need to make the playoffs. After a 10 game winning streak while at the top of the Pacific division, the Stars are tumbing with loses and are fluctuating from 2-4 points from watching the playoffs once again, on television. STARS EMBREACE ST. PATTY’S The Stars are the only team in the NHL to wear Green on St. Pat's Night. Actually, they always wear a little Green since their days in Minnesota and in honor of original Minnesota North Stars Owner Norm Green's wife Kelly. The Kelly green is gone but the Stars will wore Reebok practice jerseys for pre-game warm-ups which will

feature Gallic fonts for both the numbers and name plates. All of the players were asked to take their name or nickname, and make it Irish-themed, in honor of the holiday. Each jersey will also include a shamrock on the right lapel.The list of surnames to be used includes the team captain, Brenden Morrow, also known as Brenden O’Morrow. Try to figure out their Irish names: McChubbs ,O'Legend, FitzPetie , Guinness, McCrush’em, O’Daddy , Goose, O’Hammer and McRibs. FUTURE STARS HONORED The NCAA announced today that two Dallas Stars prospects, Austin Smith (Colgate) and Reilly Smith (Miami OH) are two of 10 student-athletes that have been nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, given annually to the top player in NCAA Division I hockey. Austin Smith, 23, leads the nation with 36 goals and is tied for second in overall scoring with 59 points. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2007 with the 128th overall pick and was the first Texas-native drafted by the Stars’ organization.Reilly Smith, 20, ranks second in the nation in goal scoring

12 March 23-29, 2012 | The Sports Page | sportspagedfw.com

with 27 goals this season with Miami (Ohio). Smith was a unanimous First-Team All-CCHA selection in 2012, one of two players to accomplish that feat. He was selected by Dallas as the 69th overall selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and is scheduled to play Friday night in the CCHA Championship Semifinal at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

A 23-member Selection Committee and an additional round of fan balloting (at www.hobeybakeraward.com from March 16-25) will determine this year's winner. Criteria for the award include: displaying outstanding skills in all phases of the game, strength of character on and off the ice, sportsmanship and scholastic achievement.

Dirk photo by Karen Soltero

The Big German has it stuck on automatic

sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

TICKET WINDOW Ron Washington with The Hardline Wash: So far we're staying healthy. If you can keep the guys that you depend on healthy, good things will continue to happen.

They gave everything they had. We didn't make that pitch when we had to, we didn't make that play when we had to and that's a part of baseball and you move on.

Mike: How's the bullpen shaping up for you?

We still have a quality team and we're ready to go through the 162 game grind again. I don't want my guys thinking about the next World Series, because you've got to go through some tears to get to that. Let's take care of this season and if we get back to the playoffs then anything can happen. We're set to make another run.

Wash: The bullpen is fine. We don't concern ourselves with the results down here too much. The bullpen is coming together. We've got some decisions to make, but I think i'm going to like my starting pitching staff, and i'm definitely going to like my bullpen.

The Hardline Weekdays, 3:00 - 7:00 PM Rangers skipper Ron Washington joins the boys in Surprise. Mike: How's spring training been for you so far?

Corby: When you went home after the World Series last year, were you able to get away and disassociate from those last couple of games? Wash: You get questions asked, but i've been in the game a long time. I understood what happened. We didn't actually lose the game, the St. Louis Cardinals beat us. I don't ever hear anyone give the St. Louis Cardinals credit. They beat us. The guys busted their butt.

14 March 23-29, 2012 | The Sports Page | sportspagedfw.com

Mike: It seems like Derek Holland and Matt Harrison have been really good so far this spring... Wash: They really have. Holland hasn't walked a batter yet this spring I don't believe. Harrison is getting better each year. He's moving his fastball around and he's totally focused. He's always had good stuff, and so far he's been trusting his stuff. I'm certaintly looking forward to watching these two kids continue to grow.

Corby: Yu Darvish has to be a fascinating case study for you. From our standpoint, just seeing him live for the first time it's pretty cool... Wash: He has tremendous stuff. The thing is he has to learn to figure out what's working that day. That's done in the bullpen, and then you make an adjustment when you need to make an adjustment. He don't have to get in the game and throw seven different pitches. If his fastball is doing what it needs to do, and he can change speeds and sink it and make it move on both sides of the plate then that's all he needs right there. You never know, there may come a point where you need a strikeout. Then you can pull something out, but you don't want to show the hitters everything you have in one game. That's an adjustment he has to make. We just want him to make his pitches and control the tempo of the ballgame out there.

sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

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SPORTS BAR DIRECTORY

White Rock Sports Bar& Grill

2730 Commerce St.

214.698.1511

OPEN DAILY 11 A.M TO 2 A.M.

718 N. Buckner Blvd #108 Dallas, TX 75218 214-321-6979

2470 Walnut Hill Lane Dallas, 75220 (214) 351-5383 www.thewildturkey.net

6465 E. MOCKINGBIRD LANE 2 14 . 8 2 6 . 0 11 0

2523 mckinney ave. MCKINNEY AVE., LAKE HIGHLANDS, PLANO, ADDISON, CAMP BOWIE, DOWNTOWN FT. WORTH

humperdinks.com 2822 MCKINNEY AVENUE 214.969.1984

WWW.JAKESBURGERS.NET

1919 SKILLMAN • DALLAS HAPPY HOUR 11-6 SATURDAY

214-824-1170

703 MCKINNEY AVENUE WWW.DRAFTPICKSDALLAS.COM

5645 SMU Blvd. 214.368. 9212

214-969-9433 812 Six Flags Drive - Arlington, Texas 817.633.8720 chiquitaboom.com

Poke's Neighborhood Grill 14831 Midway Rd. Addison 972.385.7653 www.pokesbar.com

Addison, blackfinndallas.com Arlington

www.uptownbarandgrill.com

2390 PARKWOOD BLVD. FRISCO, TEXAS 75034 214.618.4450 3RDBASESPORTSBAR.COM

1/2 price pizzas during cowboy games! sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

DINING

Dive in to a memorable experience at St. Pete’s by RICHARD POLLAK, The Traveling Gourmet SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR Dallasentertain@aol.com

What can you say about St. Pete's Dancing Marlin Restaurant after 18 years as the anchor of the Deep Ellum Restaurant and Bar scene except: LET’S GO DEEP SEA FISHIN!

anything Chicken Fried again - until NOW! It was sensational, the BEST Chicken Fried Anything I had ever eaten. Even better than Dean Fearing's CF Maine Lobster! The lightest of breading sweetly surrounded a perfectly prepared Tuna Steak with a warm rare center. I was only willing to share the CFT because Pete also served us his famous marinated and grilled “Dancing” Tuna Steak, which locals know is in a class all by itself.

Ribeye steaks, but save room for Pete's mom Connie's recipe for Baklava and the in house made Chocolate Sheet Cake. After covering the menu and the great atmosphere at Pete's all that I can say is dine in then LET'S GO DEEP SEA FISHIN!

ST. PETE’S DANCING MARLIN 2730 Commerce Street Deep Ellum Dallas, Texas 75226 214.698.1511 www.stpetesdancingmarlin.com Food Type: American (Traditional) Price: In line $$ Service: Relaxed, experienced Scene: Casual Credit Cards: All major accepted Outdoor Seating: Yes Group seating: Yes Wheelchair Access: Yes Flat Screens For Sports: Yes Take-out: Yes Caters: Yes Dish to Die For: Chicken Fried Tuna Steak Dessert to Die For: Choclate sheet cake (secret family recipe - OMG!) Hours: Mon-Sat 11:00 am - 2:00 am Sun 11:30 am - 2 am

The restaurant is filled with gigantic Blue Marlins hanging from everywhere. At the helm of St.Pete's (a tribute to the patron Saint to deep sea fishing) is Pete Zotos, who is at his command post, behind the front of the bar where he can see and kibitz with everyone that enters the front door. It's the Deep Ellum neighborhood’s version of Cheers, where Pete knows your name, life story and favorite sports team before you can even put down your glass. Pete is the biggest Dallas Sports Fan in town! St. Pete’s features a full bar that includes more than 50 brands of bottled beer plus another 15 on tap and a complete selection of premium wines. But, we are here to discuss the food. After previewing the menu prior to our visit (which included Radio Personality Kate Delaney, DSPW Editor Scott Rozsa and Publisher Dan Mc Vicker) I was excited to try the Chicken Fried Tuna. I quickly told my lunch table buddies the story about my first week in Dallas after I moved here from Philadelphia and was traveling to Houston for Burger King as Marketing Director. I ordered a Steak Sandwich on the road at a Dairy Queen expecting a "Philly Cheesesteak" NOT A DEEP FRIED BREADED HAMBURGER WITH WHITE GRAVY ON A BUN. I swore never to eat

The kitchen started our lunch with a home made Spicy Carrot Soup and ladies friendly Garden Salad. The veggies were masterfully seasoned and the broth thickened. The Appetizers menu is highlighted by two flavors ( Angel and Wahoo flavored) of Deep Sea Fried Chicken Wings, Buddy's Fried Pickles, Vito Wong's Dumplings and Ivan' Crab Cakes which I highly recommend as an Appetizer,Sandwich or Entree. Pete's Pasta comes with soup or salad and fresh bread with a Linguine, Spaghetti, Fettuccine, Penne, Bow tie, Rigatoni or Angel Hair Pasta. You can add Chicken breast, Shrimp or Scallops to the Vegetables ala Terrio with Meatballs,Clams, red or white.marinara, Ala Vicki Constantine With Italian Sausage, Quattro Formaggi, Garlic and Olive Oil, Pesto Diablo, Diablo Tempestuous, Primavera or just Red or white sauce. There are over 20 toppings for the hand made Sweet Alec’s pizzas and a jumbo array of seafood entrees like Alexa's Fried Catfish, Anna's Fried Shrimp, Cam's Fish & Chips and Oysters on the half shell. In addition to the best Burger, the grill heats up with Veggie Burgers, Chicken sandwiches and Rudolf's Lucky Dog. There are also a couple of large NY Strip and cowboy cut

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sportspagedfw.com | The Sports Page | March 23-29, 2012

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