Mixed reports from the Grapefruit League home opener for the Rays against the Yankees Thursday.The Rays gave a run out to minor league pitcher Calvin Medlock in the seventh inning and he surrendered a three-run homer to Shelley Duncan as the Rays fell to 0-2 in spring training with a 5-1 loss.
The Tampa Tribune posted this report:
Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson, Ron Guidry and Goose Gossage were among the former Yankees greats introduced before the game and The Boss, George Steinbrenner, was in the owner's box. The line-ups on the field, however, were not quite as star-studded.
Designated hitter Jorge Posada hit a solo shot off Chad Orvella in the third and doubled in a run off Winston Abreu in the fifth. The Rays managed their lone run in the seventh, when Jon Weber singled off the glove of shortstop Eduardo Nunez to score Elliott Johnson.
Rays manager Joe Maddon started righthander Wade Davis of Lake Wales and he impressed, retiring the six batters he faced, including strikeouts of Yankees Mark Teixeira, Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano.
"When I saw him last year, he didn't look nearly as aggressive as he was today," Maddon said. "The first part of this camp is to look at people like that in game opportunities, and they need to take advantage of their opportunities, and Wade did today."
Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey also was impressed and declared Davis, who came on late last year at Triple-A Durham, and pronounced him a candidate for the No. 5 spot in Tampa Bay's starting rotation.
Medlock, a non-roster invitee who made 41 appearances out of the Durham bullpen last year, surrendered three hits, including the homer, in his one inning of work.
The Rays' lineup consisted mostly of backups and players hoping to make an impression. The exceptions were left fielder Carl Crawford, who went 0-for-2, and newcomer Gabe Kapler, who debuted in center field and went 0-for-2.
Friday 27 February 2009
Tuesday 24 February 2009
Vinny going nowhere - Lawton
Lightning GM Brian Lawton has again stated that captain Vince Lecavalier will not be one of those players leaving on a trade this month. And he certainly did not mince his words.
"We're not going to trade Vinny Lecavalier," Lawton said Monday. "I'm going to say, 'never,' so I don't have to deal with it."
Lawton restated his vision for Lecavalier, who has an 11-year, $85million contract extension with a no-movement clause that kicks in July 1. Lecavalier's current deal does not include a no-trade.
"I'll say never right now," Lawton again said Monday, before the team departed for a three-game road trip to western Canada. "You can usually say you should never say never, but because people have taken such liberties with that whole deal, we never shopped Vinny Lecavalier. Did people ask about him? Of course. Who wouldn't? Were we actively calling teams? No. We never did and we never will.
"Let's leave it at that, so I don't have to answer any questions."
With veterans such as Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts and Marek Malik – each of whom could add valuable depth to a playoff team – Tampa Bay will be the target of those teams with more games to play. At 20-28-12, the Lightning are out of the postseason race in the Eastern Conference.
"I think we'll be pretty active because of our situation," Lawton said. "We've got some real good veteran players capable of helping teams down the stretch. I think people are going to have interest in them. The clock is ticking and we have until a week from Wednesday to make some decisions."
"We're not going to trade Vinny Lecavalier," Lawton said Monday. "I'm going to say, 'never,' so I don't have to deal with it."
Lawton restated his vision for Lecavalier, who has an 11-year, $85million contract extension with a no-movement clause that kicks in July 1. Lecavalier's current deal does not include a no-trade.
"I'll say never right now," Lawton again said Monday, before the team departed for a three-game road trip to western Canada. "You can usually say you should never say never, but because people have taken such liberties with that whole deal, we never shopped Vinny Lecavalier. Did people ask about him? Of course. Who wouldn't? Were we actively calling teams? No. We never did and we never will.
"Let's leave it at that, so I don't have to answer any questions."
With veterans such as Mark Recchi, Gary Roberts and Marek Malik – each of whom could add valuable depth to a playoff team – Tampa Bay will be the target of those teams with more games to play. At 20-28-12, the Lightning are out of the postseason race in the Eastern Conference.
"I think we'll be pretty active because of our situation," Lawton said. "We've got some real good veteran players capable of helping teams down the stretch. I think people are going to have interest in them. The clock is ticking and we have until a week from Wednesday to make some decisions."
Friday 20 February 2009
Bucs put faith in Bryant
So the Bucs have done what we all suspected they might and placed the franchise tag on Antonio Bryant - and both parties will be keen to sign him to a long-term deal sooner rather than later.
"It's an honor to have been named the franchise player, and it's a great sign of respect that they've shown me," Bryant said after the news broke. "It shows a commitment to me, but at the end of the day I most definitely would like to see them show me more of a commitment than just the franchise tag."
"I'm not out here worrying about it," he added. "They're in the process of getting something done, and I believe the Bucs and my agent will come up with something."
If they don't, Bryant may have to play under the one-year, $9.884 million tender he was tagged with.
The Bucs GM, Mark Dominik, said this week that the Bucs tagged Bryant simply to protect themselves from losing what they believe would have been the best free agent on the market.
"Antonio is one of those guys who can almost take over a game, and we want him for us," Dominik said. "We want him scoring touchdowns in Tampa and so our thought was, let's make sure we have him here."
Having dealt with Bryant for now, the Bucs will turn their attention to coming up with packages to hold on to fellow receiver Michael Clayton, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and left tackle Donald Penn.
"We're trying to figure out if we have any common ground to bring them back," Dominik said. "That's really our goal first. How many will actually hit the market, it's still too early to tell."
"It's an honor to have been named the franchise player, and it's a great sign of respect that they've shown me," Bryant said after the news broke. "It shows a commitment to me, but at the end of the day I most definitely would like to see them show me more of a commitment than just the franchise tag."
"I'm not out here worrying about it," he added. "They're in the process of getting something done, and I believe the Bucs and my agent will come up with something."
If they don't, Bryant may have to play under the one-year, $9.884 million tender he was tagged with.
The Bucs GM, Mark Dominik, said this week that the Bucs tagged Bryant simply to protect themselves from losing what they believe would have been the best free agent on the market.
"Antonio is one of those guys who can almost take over a game, and we want him for us," Dominik said. "We want him scoring touchdowns in Tampa and so our thought was, let's make sure we have him here."
Having dealt with Bryant for now, the Bucs will turn their attention to coming up with packages to hold on to fellow receiver Michael Clayton, cornerback Phillip Buchanon and left tackle Donald Penn.
"We're trying to figure out if we have any common ground to bring them back," Dominik said. "That's really our goal first. How many will actually hit the market, it's still too early to tell."
Tuesday 17 February 2009
A-Rod set to come straight
All eyes will be on a small tent behind the third-base stands at Steinbrenner Field today as Alex Rodriguez addresses the media.
A-Rod will be talking to the media following his admission that he used banned drugs, although the Yankees still didn't know how many specifics of his drug use. They are about to find out.
"I don't think it's necessary in my eyes that he answer every detail," Manager Joe Girardi said Monday.
But don't expect Rodriquez to be all alone in front of the cameras, as Tampa Bay Online reports, he will just be the center of a much larger three-ring circus of advisors.
The image-conscious Rodriguez appears to be formulating his strategy surrounded by an entourage large enough to fill a television series. Even before Sports Illustrated reported on its website February 7 that Rodriguez tested positive for a pair of steroids during baseball's anonymous survey in 2003, Team A-Rod included agent Scott Boras and his staff, manager Guy Oseary and the William Morris Agency.
He has retained James E. Sharp, a lawyer who represented Pettitte and Sammy Sosa before Congress and then-President George W. Bush in front of a federal prosecutor. Rodriguez also brought in Outside Eyes, a media strategy and crisis management company based in Newport Beach, California, that includes communications specialists from Republican campaigns.
What we are hoping for is straight answers, but with that lot behind, beside and in front of A-Rod, there seems little hope of that.
A-Rod will be talking to the media following his admission that he used banned drugs, although the Yankees still didn't know how many specifics of his drug use. They are about to find out.
"I don't think it's necessary in my eyes that he answer every detail," Manager Joe Girardi said Monday.
But don't expect Rodriquez to be all alone in front of the cameras, as Tampa Bay Online reports, he will just be the center of a much larger three-ring circus of advisors.
The image-conscious Rodriguez appears to be formulating his strategy surrounded by an entourage large enough to fill a television series. Even before Sports Illustrated reported on its website February 7 that Rodriguez tested positive for a pair of steroids during baseball's anonymous survey in 2003, Team A-Rod included agent Scott Boras and his staff, manager Guy Oseary and the William Morris Agency.
He has retained James E. Sharp, a lawyer who represented Pettitte and Sammy Sosa before Congress and then-President George W. Bush in front of a federal prosecutor. Rodriguez also brought in Outside Eyes, a media strategy and crisis management company based in Newport Beach, California, that includes communications specialists from Republican campaigns.
What we are hoping for is straight answers, but with that lot behind, beside and in front of A-Rod, there seems little hope of that.
Friday 13 February 2009
Leafs fall to spirit of St Louis
Martin St Louis had a night to remember for the Lightning Thursday. Nearly everything the 5-foot-9 All-Star forward got a stick on resulted in a goal as Tampa ran out 6-4 winners over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier added third-period goals, but St Louis had already done the damage in the first period, firing his side to a 4-1 lead.
The Lightning scored four times in a 4:13 span, the second-fastest that has been done in franchise history. St Louis assisted on the first three and scored the fourth on a power play with a backhander over Vesa Toskala's shoulder.
Ryan Malone scored twice in a 54-second span in the first, and Mark Recchi also scored. "Marty definitely had a different gear than everybody out there," Malone said. "He was buzzing."
Stamkos, the No1 overall pick in the draft last summer, scored on a power play to give Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead at 6:01 of the third, and Lecavalier added his team-high 25th goal with 6:32 left.
Lee Stempniak scored twice for Toronto, and Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin added goals.
But the night belonged to one man only - and after a shaky run from the Lightning, here's hoping St Louis can keep it going.
Steven Stamkos and Vincent Lecavalier added third-period goals, but St Louis had already done the damage in the first period, firing his side to a 4-1 lead.
The Lightning scored four times in a 4:13 span, the second-fastest that has been done in franchise history. St Louis assisted on the first three and scored the fourth on a power play with a backhander over Vesa Toskala's shoulder.
Ryan Malone scored twice in a 54-second span in the first, and Mark Recchi also scored. "Marty definitely had a different gear than everybody out there," Malone said. "He was buzzing."
Stamkos, the No1 overall pick in the draft last summer, scored on a power play to give Tampa Bay a 5-3 lead at 6:01 of the third, and Lecavalier added his team-high 25th goal with 6:32 left.
Lee Stempniak scored twice for Toronto, and Niklas Hagman and Nikolai Kulemin added goals.
But the night belonged to one man only - and after a shaky run from the Lightning, here's hoping St Louis can keep it going.
Tuesday 10 February 2009
Garcia expecting a cut
It looks as if Jeff Garcia is probably out as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' quarterback for next season. Garcia would be the most high-profile Bucs player to be cut following the disappointing finish to the 2008-09 regular season.
The team re-signed Luke McCown, a backup since arriving via trade in 2005, to a two-year deal on Monday.
"It looks like they have decided to go in another direction with the signing of Luke," Garcia said to the Tampa Tribune. "I'm happy for him and his family. He has worked hard and is a talented player."
Garcia, who led the Bucs to the playoffs two years ago and was their starter in six of their nine victories last season, is expected to become a free agent at the end of the month.
The Bucs are expected to add at least one more quarterback to their roster before training camp begins, but for now they have veteran Brian Griese, second-year pro Josh Johnson and McCown.
"Luke is a talented and athletic quarterback who we have gotten to know well over the last four years," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "I know he is looking forward to the opportunity to be an integral part of our quarterback group this season."
The team re-signed Luke McCown, a backup since arriving via trade in 2005, to a two-year deal on Monday.
"It looks like they have decided to go in another direction with the signing of Luke," Garcia said to the Tampa Tribune. "I'm happy for him and his family. He has worked hard and is a talented player."
Garcia, who led the Bucs to the playoffs two years ago and was their starter in six of their nine victories last season, is expected to become a free agent at the end of the month.
The Bucs are expected to add at least one more quarterback to their roster before training camp begins, but for now they have veteran Brian Griese, second-year pro Josh Johnson and McCown.
"Luke is a talented and athletic quarterback who we have gotten to know well over the last four years," Bucs coach Raheem Morris said. "I know he is looking forward to the opportunity to be an integral part of our quarterback group this season."
Friday 6 February 2009
Best ads from SB42
Well, what a game that was. But for many the best bits were found on TV between the action as Pittsburgh and Arizona battled it out for Super Bowl XLII.
Check out the best bits from the Super Bowl ads this year, some of them were real classics, others not so. Either way, they all added to the fun of another great day on the sofa in front of the TV.
Check out the best bits from the Super Bowl ads this year, some of them were real classics, others not so. Either way, they all added to the fun of another great day on the sofa in front of the TV.
Tuesday 3 February 2009
Just the ticket for watching Rays
Ever been to watch the Tampa Bay Rays? Well, next season might be the time to start thinking about it as the AL champions have just launched the first of two 2009 marketing campaigns with an innovative focus on selling season tickets, designed to capitalize on local interest built last season during the team's first-ever run to the World Series.
According to Tampa Bay Online, Rays management has set a priority on enhancing business and individual season ticket sales with the initial marketing campaign focusing purely on season ticket sales, said Mark Fernandez, senior vice president/chief sales officer. That differs from previous years when the team pushed one marketing campaign and a slogan intended to capture the fans' expectations. Last year, that evolved into a 'Feel The Heat' slogan when the Rays moved closer to playoff contention.
A second campaign will begin this year around opening day in April to carry the Rays through the season.
"We intend to allocate 40 percent of our marketing budget on the season ticket sales drive this year," said Tom Hoof, vice president, marketing/community relations.
The print ads that began Monday and the TV ads on Tuesday are intended to drive home multiple messages to prospective season ticket buyers, who can save 35 per cent on various packages compared with the cost of individual game tickets. The lowest price is $213 for a 20-game package.
Package ticket purchasers also get other benefits: weekend packages, choosing seat locations, priority in purchasing tickets for post-season games, personal service for questions and a wrist band to get on the field for concerts following Saturday games.
Rays Manager Joe Maddon provides the voice for the TV ads, which combine new clips for TV and new still photos for print ads, most of which were filmed at Progress Energy Park showing players like Scott Kazmir and Carlos Pena working out for the 2009 season, along with action clips from 2008.
According to Tampa Bay Online, Rays management has set a priority on enhancing business and individual season ticket sales with the initial marketing campaign focusing purely on season ticket sales, said Mark Fernandez, senior vice president/chief sales officer. That differs from previous years when the team pushed one marketing campaign and a slogan intended to capture the fans' expectations. Last year, that evolved into a 'Feel The Heat' slogan when the Rays moved closer to playoff contention.
A second campaign will begin this year around opening day in April to carry the Rays through the season.
"We intend to allocate 40 percent of our marketing budget on the season ticket sales drive this year," said Tom Hoof, vice president, marketing/community relations.
The print ads that began Monday and the TV ads on Tuesday are intended to drive home multiple messages to prospective season ticket buyers, who can save 35 per cent on various packages compared with the cost of individual game tickets. The lowest price is $213 for a 20-game package.
Package ticket purchasers also get other benefits: weekend packages, choosing seat locations, priority in purchasing tickets for post-season games, personal service for questions and a wrist band to get on the field for concerts following Saturday games.
Rays Manager Joe Maddon provides the voice for the TV ads, which combine new clips for TV and new still photos for print ads, most of which were filmed at Progress Energy Park showing players like Scott Kazmir and Carlos Pena working out for the 2009 season, along with action clips from 2008.
Monday 2 February 2009
Oh what a night
It was the occasion we all hoped it would be. Super Bowl XLIII proved to be just as good as last year's end-of-season extravaganza and really put Tampa back on the map. It's a shame the Bucs couldn't be there, but in their absence the Steelers and Cards did a pretty good job of putting on a show.
But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it is too early to talk about an encore for his side next season.
The Press Association reports: "You won't hear me say words like repeat or defending because it will be brand new," Tomlin said in the wake of his team’s thrilling 27-23 win in Tampa.
"This group will always be special to me, but sometime soon, that group will assume its place with others in history. It will be just that – history."
The 36-year-old Tomlin became the youngest coach to lead a team to a world championship, guiding one of the league’s flagship franchises to a record sixth Super Bowl title in his second year at the helm.
It was the second Super Bowl crown in four years for the Steelers, who won four championships in a six-year span in the 1970s.
With the salary cap and player movement of the current NFL, Tomlin said it is impossible to compare the Pittsburgh franchise of today to the 'Steel Curtain' teams that ruled the NFL landscape 30 years ago.
"I think repeating and defending Super Bowl champions in today’s NFL is somewhat of a misnomer," Tomlin said. "When I walk down the hallway and look at the championships of the Steelers from the '70s, it's the same pictures and same positions in those photos in terms of the 'Steel Curtain' and so forth. That’s not the reality of today’s NFL, to be quite honest with you."
If the Big Game gave you a mind to visit the Sunshine State, come visit Anna Maria Island - the jewel of the Gulf Coast. Visit www.annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals on the island
But Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said it is too early to talk about an encore for his side next season.
The Press Association reports: "You won't hear me say words like repeat or defending because it will be brand new," Tomlin said in the wake of his team’s thrilling 27-23 win in Tampa.
"This group will always be special to me, but sometime soon, that group will assume its place with others in history. It will be just that – history."
The 36-year-old Tomlin became the youngest coach to lead a team to a world championship, guiding one of the league’s flagship franchises to a record sixth Super Bowl title in his second year at the helm.
It was the second Super Bowl crown in four years for the Steelers, who won four championships in a six-year span in the 1970s.
With the salary cap and player movement of the current NFL, Tomlin said it is impossible to compare the Pittsburgh franchise of today to the 'Steel Curtain' teams that ruled the NFL landscape 30 years ago.
"I think repeating and defending Super Bowl champions in today’s NFL is somewhat of a misnomer," Tomlin said. "When I walk down the hallway and look at the championships of the Steelers from the '70s, it's the same pictures and same positions in those photos in terms of the 'Steel Curtain' and so forth. That’s not the reality of today’s NFL, to be quite honest with you."
If the Big Game gave you a mind to visit the Sunshine State, come visit Anna Maria Island - the jewel of the Gulf Coast. Visit www.annamaria.com for the best in vacation rentals on the island
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