The Facts: The Bucs had an impressive turnout for their first minicamp, which began today, but one player they did not see was Barth, the team's designated franchise player who remains unsigned.

Diehards Line:According to Times staffer Stephen Holder, Barth's absence is not a major issue given the fact that kickers play only a small role in a minicamp held in mid-April. Furthermore, this camp is voluntary, meaning players can't be forced to attend nor can they be punished for not attending. But Holder went on to suggest that Barth's decision not to attend is an indication that he's potentially willing to sit out for quite some time while the team decides whether to grant him the long-term extension he's been seeking. ... Stay tuned.