Florida Sportszone

Rays win again with the help of another unlikely hero

2008-09-10T00:12:00.009-04:00

The Rays in the midst of a loosing streak, and playing in Boston, another loss would have caused them first place. I wrote Tuesday morning that they would find a way to win, and Tuesday night they did, with the help of another unlikely hero.

It was a game where the Rays left many runners in scoring position, but could not increase their lead by more than one run. For 5 straight innings the Rays got the lead off batter on base, but could not score. Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir was excellent as was the bullpen, but you just knew that one run would not be enough. Jason Bay, who the Rays tried to get at the trade deadline, hit a 2 run homer in the bottom of the eight to give the Red Sox the lead 4-3.

The Rays with BJ Upton out for a couple days called up Dan Johnson earlier in the day, and was going to have him start, but his flight was late due to weather. So in the top of the 9th they bring in Johnson to pinch hit and he hit a blast over the right centerfield wall to tie the game. This was followed up with doubles by Fernando Perez and Dioner Navarro to give the Rays the lead. The Red Sox had a man in scoring position in the bottom of the ninth, but closer Troy Percival was able to hold.

Here was a game as with many others, that the Rays found a way once again. Ever time someone gets injured; there is another to pick them up. Whenever some struggle, the ones you least expect come through. It is hard to put into perspective what this team has done this season. This is partly because in order to compare some of their stats you would have to think back over a hundred years, and not many of us can do that. I just have to think with what they are accomplishing, and who they are doing it with, it is just something special.

Pennant race baseball & the NFL's wacky first week

2008-09-09T09:32:00.006-04:00

I look at the baseball standings and the NFL highlights, and I can tell it is mid September. Three division leads in MLB have diminished to within 2 games, and the NFL has upsets all over the place.

In MLB the Mets lead over the Phillies is 1.5 games, the same as the Dodgers over the Diamondbacks. The Rays lead over the Red Sox is down to .5, with them in the middle of a series against them in Boston. You know, even I still can't get used to saying that, and yes I will have to say that some more. Even though they are struggling in Boston right now, they will find a way, they have all season. Evan Longoria should be back by this weekend, and next week Boston comes to the pit (Tropicana Field) where the Rays have dominated them. Anyway, the wild card picture is dwindling down especially in the American league, but with the upcoming schedules, anything can happen with the division winners.

Now in the NFL, who would have thought that Atlanta and Baltimore would have wins and Detroit, Jacksonville, and Indianapolis would not. There were some very good games this weekend that could have went either way, and some that were lopsided in the wrong way. As I was trying to watch the final minutes of many at the same time, and keep up with the baseball scores, I did not pay much attention to the Falcons and Lions. What in the flippin universe happened there? Atlanta with a rookie QB, and Mike Smith who has never been a head coach before beat up on Detroit, it just goes to show anything can happen.

As I prepare for the upcoming baseball games, and this weekends NFL and college games, I look back at my picks for this past weekend. Now I mostly understand where I went wrong, but I had only 1 college game wrong, and that was the West Virginia loss to East Carolina. Now that one still baffles me, but like I said it is mid September and anything can happen.

Jaguars at Titans: wk. 1 preview

2008-09-07T09:52:00.006-04:00

Tough AFC South rivals the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Tennessee Titans will battle it out today for the right to say they are the team to beat in their division.

The Jaguars after making great improvements during the offseason seemed to end up on a lot of people's prediction list. During training camp though, they suffered quite a few injuries and their program seemed to be heading in the wrong direction after loosing to the Miami Dolphins. Since then they have healed up, but they now have to contend with off field problems. This week has been especially tough with the arrest of Fred Taylor, and the shooting of Richard Collier who is still in critical condition. For the Jaguars to accomplish their goal of their first AFC South title, they will need to put these things behind them, but we will see them use Collier as inspiration in today's game.

The Tennessee Titans trying to make a run for the same championship would like to use the Jaguars as a confidence boost. They have an improved running game, but QB Vince Young still has his share of problems. The Titans have a good defense that was 5th overall last season, and they should be just as good this year. Their toughest defense is against the pass however, which should leave the Jaguars some room for their speedy run game.

This is a rival match up that is shaping up to be a battle within a very tough division every year.
The Jags are favored by 3 and I am going to go along with that.

Jags: Win one for Collier
My pick: Jaguars by 3

Buccaneers at Saints: wk. 1 preview

2008-09-07T07:41:00.006-04:00

The storm has passed, the dome is in good shape, and they are ready for football in New Orleans.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers uncertainties of the preseason may continue today. Jeff Garcia tossing two interceptions after returning from injury leaves us wondering if he is fully recovered. Fortunate for Garcia is that Joey Galloway should return with some playing time today, to help him out with his passing misfortunes. Coach Jon Gruden should watch Garcia's progress closely, and make a temporary change at QB if necessary. The Buccaneer defense should play well, but if the offense takes too long to put points on the board, the game will be out of reach.

The New Orleans Saints spent most of the week wondering if and where they would be playing today's game. They spent the week preparing in Indianapolis, and did not fly home till Friday night. Drew Brees will try and get his offense up and running quickly, to get some points on the board and the crowd into the game. The saints did this in front of 68,000 fans the first game back after hurricane Katrina, before going on to compete in their first NFC title game. The key for them today is if they can do this again, and not let the inconveniences of the past week affect them.

The Saints are favored by 3 in this game, but I am going to give the edge to the Buccaneers. The first reason being the play of their defense, and secondly is that I don't think Jon Gruden will hesitate make a QB change if necessary.

My pick: Buccaneers by 2

Jets at Dolphins: wk 1 preview - Favre vs. Pennington

2008-09-07T05:33:00.011-04:00

Here it is week 1, and after the Favre media circus, and the booting of Chad Pennington it comes down to this. A game where there will be talk about which team made the better move during the preseason, and this game won't necessarily make it go away.

Brett Favre having stayed with a northern team after getting traded by Green Bay will travel to the deep south to try and prove he can still get it done. Favre had one of his better seasons in years last year, but everything is new this season, so we will see if the old QB can learn new tricks. Favre and the Jets say they plan to set the pace in this game, hence the regular season debut of outside linebacker Calvin Pace among many others. Note to Jets: this is a 1pm game in hot and humid Miami, what kind of pace do you plan on setting.

The Miami Dolphins will be out take the great improvements they made during the preseason a step further. During the offseason I would have put the Dolphins somewhere at the bottom of the NFL, but after acquiring Chad Pennington the whole outlook seemed to change. Pennington came into the Dolphins camp and picked up on things rather quickly. In his final preseason games he was able to open up his passing game because of a strong rushing threat put up by Ricky Williams, and Ronnie Brown. I look for it to be the Dolphins offense that sets the pace in this game.

This is a game where the Jets are favored by 3, but the outcome could be determined by the QB that has learned his new offense the most. I believe that QB will turn out to be Pennington.

Oh, and what you see dripping down Brett's face today won't be tears like during the off season, it will be sweat.

My pick: Dolphins by 3

Miami Hurricanes at Florida Gators: preview

2008-09-06T13:51:00.010-04:00

The Miami Hurricanes who got off to a good start with a win over Charleston Southern will blow north tonight to compete in the bigger of the two instate matchups tonight. A new generation of Hurricanes and Gators will go at in the swamp like the many before them.

The Miami Hurricanes who are in a rebuilding phase of their program, would like to leave Gainesville the way they did the last time they visited in 2002, with a win. This may prove to be a little tougher than it was in 2002. The Hurricanes have come a long way, and this game could be a lot closer than I would have thought during the offseason. Just like last week the Hurricanes will start a freshman QB, this time starting Robert Marve. Last week freshman QB Jacory Harris threw for 190 yards completing 16 of 26 with a touchdown. This is the first season to be opened with two Miami freshman QB's since Bernie Kosar & Vinny Testaverde in 1983. The Miami defense also played well last week holding Charleston to 126 yards, tonight though they will have to stop the speedy Gators.

The Florida Gators after clobbering Hawaii 56-10 will have to make more use of QB Tim Tebow tonight. Last week the Gators got 2 touchdowns from their defense and one from special teams, and that won't be as easy against the Hurricanes. The Gators racked up a total of 406 total offensive yards, with Tebow directing 174 of those. The Gator defense shut down the Hawaii offense to allow only 241 yards, to go along with their six turnovers, and the two touchdown returns. Watch for the Gators to not take any chances, and show us everything they got tonight.

The Hurricanes are well on their way back, and I think they may make tonight's game interesting, but the gators will be too much to overcome. The Gators on the other have stepped it up even more than I originally thought, and is inching closer to the Georgia Bulldogs on my list. What a game the Georgia vs. Florida game will be on Nov. 1

South Florida Bulls at UCF Knights: preview

2008-09-06T10:43:00.010-04:00

Here is the in-state rivalry between the University of South Florida Bulls and the University of Central Florida Knights. A battle between a team that has gotten to top 25 status quickly in its program life, and one that wants to follow in their footsteps. It is the battle of Interstate 4.

The South Florida Bulls will take to the road in hopes of winning their 4th in a row against UCF. As I said last week about USF not taking some teams seriously, and not playing tough in the first half, well this is one of them. USF will have to go out and play like they did last week and play hard from the opening whistle. Matt Grothe and his offense will try to continue what they started last week when he went 6 for 8 for 96 yards and their combined player rushing yards was 300. Their rebuilt defense also played well last week, allowing just 97 yards. Look for more of the same this week with the key being to play hard early and take the crowd out of it.

The University of Central Florida Knights will also need to focus on their early play. Last week they only scored 7 through the 3rd quarter and winning 17-0. They will need to turn up there offense quite a bit, especially the running backs that coach George O'Leary was not happy with after last weeks game. Their defense will have to play like last week, and not like last year against the Bulls when they allowed 64 points. This is not a must win for UCF, but they would like to have a good showing on their way to what they hope will be another division winning year in conference USA.

This is not the big Florida vs. Florida State battle that we have seen for many years, and this is also not the matchup between the Bulls and Gators that I want to happen. Even though USF should run away with this one once again, UCF should make this one fun as they continue to move forward and improve their program. We no longer say the Florida big 3, we say the big 4, and pretty soon it could be the Florida big 5.

Western Carolina at Fl. State Seminoles: preview

2008-09-06T07:23:00.006-04:00

It is week 2 of the college season, we have a full schedule, and the match ups get better. Florida State finally gets it going this week against Western Carolina; well most match ups get better anyway.

Western Carolina brings its southern conference student athlete of the week Andy Horn to Florida to take on the Seminoles. Last week W. Carolina cruised to a 35-0 home opening win over Shorter College, where Horn threw 2 touchdowns and was 22 for 33. The Catamounts would like to mimic one of their best performances they ever had, when they played Seminoles in 1981, where they scored 31 points. After last weeks offensive performance they are ranked in many categories on offense, and there defense allowed only 33 passing yards. They will need every bid of that again this week.

The Florida State Seminoles will start sophomore QB Christian Ponder as they look to kick start a season where the expectations for them are a little lower than usual. This will be the first time the Seminoles have played at home since Nov. 17th of last year, so they will be eager to get started. Ponder who did not start out that well in high school, turned it around rather quickly.
He tossed 20 touchdowns, with over 2,200 passing, and 911 rushing yards. The Seminole Defense, missing the most players due to the suspensions resulting from last season's fraud scandal, will have to do some depth adjustments for the first three games. On special teams they lost placekicker Gary Cismesia, and will rely on Graham Gano for both punting and placekicking.
The bright spot of this year would be their schedule, where they don't leave the state of Florida until Oct. 16.

This will be a game where we could see some good offense from both teams. Tomorrow we should have a better feel for where the Seminoles could end up this year, in a season of questions. By tonight though, we will still look at another game that FSU dominated.

What's wrong with Marlins & Rays attendance - I'll tell you!

2008-09-04T09:32:00.011-04:00

I have tried to avoid talking about the attendance issues of the Florida baseball teams. I can't turn on any sports news without hearing the question, where are the fans, so I can't avoid it anymore. For many years I have seen the answers, so here they are.

The main reason is, without a shadow of doubt because to many people in these areas are still fans of other teams. The majority of people living in the state are from the north, and fans of other teams. These fans will only show up when their team is playing the Florida teams. I have seen the Tampa Bay Rays pack the house for Red Sox and Yankees games, and the Marlins for the Cubs and Mets. These folks will remain fans of their northern teams until the Florida teams get on top and stay there for a while. I have seen this before, over and over with almost every upstart team in the state. Tampa Bay Buccaneers had low attendance for many years until they won the Super Bowl. I would see cars driving around with every team's flag but the Bucs. After their Super Bowl win, that all changed. Everyone was suddenly a fan, and would say they were a fan of the Bucs since their inception. To those fans, I still want to see their old creamsicle orange Buccaneer jersey.

Another reason is ownership; many of the former team owners drove away more fans than they brought in. They would put an awful product on the field, and do nothing but criticize the fans for not showing up. Now let's use an example of a grocery store, that doesn't have many customers. To improve, they would remodel, get new items, and run sales. They would not go on TV and complain to folks about them not shopping at their store, that's what happened here in these cases. This reason has been proven over and over too! After almost every change of ownership in the state, the teams have turned themselves around. Take the Lightning for example: They were owned by a group out of Japan. Now tell me, how you think they ran a team playing hockey in the U.S.

This leads me to my third reason, winning! If you don't have good ownership, you won't win, and if you don't win, the fans won't show up. Yes you can say many other teams with good attendance have not won anything for many years, but those teams have been around a whole lot longer. Those teams have a lot of tradition, and not just tradition of loosing. With the Tampa Bay Rays, they started on the bottom and stayed there, for over 10 years. You start that way in any city of the country, and you would have a hard time building a fan base.

I could give you some more, but these reasons are so dominate, there is no need to. Looking back at reason #1: If you would take the 30,000 Red Sox fans that I saw for a game at Tropicana Field, and remove that many from Fenway Park, you could say the Red Sox were having attendance problems too. As these teams win, and earn the respect of the fans and media, all this talk will go away, it always has. Speaking of respect from the media, it is the Tampa Bay Rays, not Tampa Rays, at least get that right.

USF Bulls vs. Tenn.-Martin Skyhawks: wk. 1 preview

2008-08-30T08:48:00.014-04:00

It's Saturday morning and once again it is time to wake up, do your picks, and get ready for marathon football. Looking to prove that last year was not a fluke are the South Florida Bulls taking on Tennessee-Martin of the Ohio Valley Conference. It will not be a slug it out, nail biting game like we will see in the weeks to come. This will be a match up between a team that has made it to the spotlight, and one that would like to get there themselves.

The Tennessee-Martin Skyhawks are jumping into this season like they have the past few, against a top 25 team. This will be the first time they have played the Bulls, and only their second time playing in an NFL stadium. The Skyhawks are looking to rekindle their magic of two seasons ago, when they became Ohio Valley Conference champions. Their defense will try to test South Florida's offense with the help of standout Ray Williams. Last season he had 40 tackles, 3 sacks, 6 hurries, and a fumble recovery, while playing most of the season with a broken hand.

The South Florida Bulls made everyone take notice last year when they climbed to #2. This year they are out to really show the nation what they can do, by getting to the top and staying there. Led by quarterback Matt Grothe and 9 other returning starters, the Bulls offense should be even stronger then last season. The special teams unit has junior Delbert Alvarado returning for field goal and punting duties, while returning senior Justin Teachey handles kickoffs. Their area of concern will be the defense after loosing three key players from last year. The defense still has end George Selvie who led the nation with 31.5 tackles for loss. End Jarriet Buie also returns, and they bring 308lb Sampson Genus over from the offense. So then again, they may not be lacking here either.

The Bulls will use this game to tune themselves up for the weeks to come, although they can't underestimate the Skyhawks either. One thing they did last year was to underestimate some lower ranked teams, at least early on in the games. The Skyhawks know what kind of competition they are up against, and this game will be a learning experience for them. The Bulls are out to say that there are now four big teams in the state of Florida, and they are one of them.

College week 1: Hawaii at Florida Gators

2008-08-29T10:57:00.013-04:00

Tomorrow, college football under the Florida sun really gets started. It actually did last night, when the University of Miami pummeled Charleston Southern 52-7. We won't have battles of top 10 teams tomorrow, but the Saturday's of marathon game watching finally begins.

The University of Hawaii Warriors have practically circled the earth to get to Gainsville, they arrived at GA Tech. and had their final practice there on Friday. Hawaii's first year coach Greg McMackin would like for his team to start and finish the season strong, after a heartbreaking 41-10 loss in the Sugar bowl last year. Their focus on this game will be keeping up with Florida's speed.

The Florida Gators will try to get themselves back to the play they had back in the 2006 championship season. Tim Tebow will try to improve on his Heisman trophy winning year last season. He will look to an unproven but potentially much better running game this season, so he can focus on the passing game. I am particularly looking forward to seeing how Percy Harvin handles the ball as the receiver moves into the backfield. Their main goal for the season will have to be on improving their defense. With Miami's offense playing well, the will want to get their defense going here, in preparation for their instate rival next week.

Overall not a bad way to get our favorite Saturday's started. The game time is 12:30, the stadium will be full, and it will be HOT! Not quite as fun as it will be later in the fall, but the games are back.

Bucs, Dolphins, Jaguars, preseason week 4 preview

2008-08-28T11:24:00.015-04:00

Well it's week four of the preseason, the week where the only thing determined in the games may be the final cuts. Most starters will play very little, and the teams will be just trying to avoid injuries. So here are my previews for tonight in a nutshell.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Washington Redskins
After Jacksonville got a victory against Tampa Bay last week, their confidence should be back up; Look for Jacksonville to run the ball and try to avoid any player from getting re injured. The Redskins with one of their better preseason's in recent years should cruise through this game, eager to get to the regular season. The weather is predicted to be wet, so look for this to favor the Redskins in the mud at home.
My pick: Redskins by 6

Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints
Miami has continued to impress this preseason, as before it started one would say their season would not be very good. Then along came Chad Pennington, whom they officially made the starter this week, and that just seemed to make the whole team up their game. The Saints on the other hand have played how I thought they would, possibly running away with their division. Although I now believe they may have some competition in the NFC South by way of the Panthers and Buccaneers. This will be a game determined by the second strings on both sides of the ball.
My pic: Saints by 3

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
The Buccaneers trying to get Jeff Garcia up to speed after his return from injury, will probably leave him in long enough to get a touchdown. It will then be Brian Griese's turn to fine tune his game. They may also not hesitate to kick a field goal even if they need 7, as they need Matt Bryant to make some after a bad preseason. The Texans after having lost by a 1 to instate rival Dallas would like to just get to the regular season, but the Bucccaneer 2nd and 3rd string will show what they can do all the way to the end.
My pick: Buccaneers by 7

Baldelli returns to Rays with an impact

2008-08-26T10:46:00.012-04:00

A couple weeks ago, I said how the Rays should go after Gary Sheffield rather than Barry Bonds as ESPN was suggesting. I also mentioned in another post that if the Rays did not get anyone, they could still get their right handed bat with Rocco Baldelli coming back. The Sheffield idea went over well, and the Baldelli idea did not. Well look what has happened.

Since Rocco returned from a mitochondrial disorder that left him constantly tired, and unable to play for the better part of 2 seasons. Baldelli has a .308 batting average, a .357 on base percentage, and a .577 slugging percentage, to go along with his 2 home runs.

Now I still don't expect him to play every day, but he is there when they need that right handed bat. When he is brought in to pinch hit, he has an extra advantage, because he was out so long many pitchers have never seen him.

Baldelli is just one of those good stories, a guy that has wanted to play but couldn't. He is one that even though he may not be at full strenght yet, and may not ever be again, goes out there and gives it his all every night.

Now compare Baldelli to the lackluster play of BJ Upton. One who is a great talent but slows down before getting to a base and gets tagged out, and we could have an outfielder controversy on our hands. Now we still don't know the future of Baldelli, but if he did become an everyday player again, look for Upton to be traded next year, unless Upton finally wakes up.

Hopefully things will keep going as they are for Baldelli, but now I can finally say welcome back Rocco.

Preseason week 3 preview: Jacksonville at Tampa Bay

2008-08-23T13:14:00.007-04:00

Tropical storm Fay may play tricks on tonight's game in Tampa. Just as fast as the play I expect on the field tonight, passing downpours will probably come and go all night long.

The Jaguars this week prepared for tonight's game more like they would a regular season game. They would like to do many things better, but mainly on the offense. QB David Garrard has taken heat from the fans after not scoring last week, but the offensive line needs to give him time to throw the ball. The Jaguars are getting some players back from injury, so their focus will be to work the offense in order to rest the defense and to protect the QB and running backs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to surpass my off season expectations. They are doing this by playing sound fundamental football, with very few penalties. The defense kept the Dolphins and Patriots out of the end zone during the first half of each of those games. The alternating of quarterback's Brian Griese and Luke McCown along with excellent running and special teams, has led to an improving offense. They have done this without starting quarterback Jeff Garcia who returns tonight, although we probably won't see him that much. In fact coach Jon Gruden won't reveal his quarterback rotation until game time.

The Jaguars say they are not worrying about the wins or losses, but just their mistakes because it is only preseason. I believe they should treat it like a regular season game and play to win. When you play to win, your mindset is better; you get a winning attitude, and it's then that you have fewer mistakes. The Buccaneers are treating each game like it is the regular season, going out there to prove themselves each week. I believe they will do it again tonight with another upset victory.

As I write this another 5 minute thunderstorm is passing by, these could really make tonight's game interesting.

Today's Line: Jacksonville by 3
My Pick: Tampa Bay 24 Jacksonville 14

Preseason week 3 preview: Kansas City at Miami

2008-08-23T10:36:00.009-04:00

Tropical storm Fay is finally moving north making way for tonight's game between Kansas City and Miami. It is week 3 of the preseason, the week when we actually get to see more of a starting game. Look for both teams starters to play into the 3rd quarter, giving us a glimpse of what's to come in a couple weeks.

The Kansas City Chiefs are going to take the field tonight and try to put it all together. Each of the first two weeks, they have focused on parts of their game. The first week their passing was good and last week there ran the ball well, tonight they would like to have both. They are a little short on defense, primarily at linebacker, so they will have to rely on the offense to control the ball. Their main offensive key will be their play in the red zone, and not settle for field goals.

The Miami Dolphins practiced all but RB Ronnie Brown this week, almost getting them back to full strength. Last week Chad Pennington got off to a good start, getting the Dolphins out in front, and controlled the ball to keep his defense off the field. Coach Tony Sparano said they are playing each game to win, even though it is preseason. He said he was happy with the improvement last week, as they eliminated the sacks. Coach Sparano will not say how long Chad Pennington will play this week, but as the starters play a bit more, the focus will be on cutting down the penalties.

Before the preseason started, I don't know if would have picked the Dolphins to win any of their games. Since they picked up Chad Pennington their play has changed, and their attitude has changed. They are playing each game like it is the regular season, and are improving along the way. The Chiefs will have to play in muggy Miami, in front of a sellout crowd. They will have a tough time in the red zone as I expect it to get pretty loud tonight. If the Dolphins can continue their improvement, they will take this one easily.

Today's line: Miami by 3
My Pick: Miami 24 Kansas City 17

MLB needs to take instant replay a step further

2008-08-20T11:38:00.011-04:00

I have come to determine that if MLB is going to try to fix the problem with bad calls, they need more than the instant replay plan they are working to put in place.

Last night in the Rays-Angels game I witnessed one of the worst calls ever. B.J. Upton already in a stream of controversy this week because of a lack of hustle, first got called safe and them ruled out at first. The first base umpire ruled that Upton motioned that he was going to go to second, after crossing the bag, and just before being tagged. Rays manager Joe Maddon came out to have one of the best arguments that I have seen him engage in, it was the only thing remotely good about all this. Upton if anything may have leaned towards second, but he did not turn or look there, or did his feet even turn towards the base line. Here was a game between the two top teams in the American League, and a bad call was made that could have caused a different outcome of the game.

MLB wants to have instant replay installed before the post season. They want to use instant replay to see if a home run actually clears the fence, or if it was a fair ball. Negotiations are ongoing to determine the procedures umpires will use, and how many umps will view the replay. The umps are also currently unhappy that they won't be able to change a call until they talk with supervisors. The reason MLB wants to use it for home runs is that umps cant get close enough to sometimes determine if a ball made it over a fence. They will have a conference to discuss if any ump had a good view, and know one did, and the wrong call made.

Several times in the past few week I have seen the obvious wrong call, like the one last night, or a trapped ball in the outfield. The umps would gather, and at least two of them would be shaking there heads, or holding there hands up in the air, having not got a good look at the play. In most of these cases the umps seamed not positive about the play in order for them to huddle and discuss it.

I believe MLB is going in the right direction with instant replay, but they also need to leave open the option to review plays such as these. If the umps are not sure on a call, it should be left up to them to choose to review it. Especially a play in a crucial game that has determining factors.

Pennington plays, and Lynch returns to Tampa

2008-08-16T16:56:00.015-04:00

Tonight we have our second in-state matchup when the Miami Dolphins travel north to meet the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tomorrow night the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play a nationally televised game against the New England Patriots

The Jaguars are still banged up from all their injuries, especially in the receiver department. Look for them to rely on backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Greg Jones as they had a very good week last week. Look for them to also get some good starting field positions with the help of the rookie speedster Brian Witherspoon. Look for the team to also put a little more pressure on their rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, after he had a good first outing last week.

The Dolphins would like to get on the wining side of the scoreboard this week, after playing well last week, but coming up short. The big news story of the Dolphins this week will be the first effort of Chad Pennington, who took most of the snaps in practice this week, and will probably see the most game time. Also look to see how rookie kicker Dan carpenter does after winning the starting job this week.

Jacksonville is favored by 4, but I look for Pennington to make his mark after just a couple days, and give Miami a lead, and with the Jags receiver troubles, they should be able to hold it.

My Pick: Miami 21 - Jacksonville 17

The Buccaneers will still be without QB Jeff Garcia this week, so they will go with Brian Griese to start. Griese had a very good week last week, and by starting Sunday it will give him a chance to prove himself against the New England starting defense. Following him, also trying to win the backup job should be Luke McCowen. With the injury to Joey Galloway the Bucs, like the Jags, may rely more on their running game. Chris Simms should get a little playing time after a motivational return from injury last week.

Now, what I am really looking forward to is the return of former Bucccaneer John Lynch to Raymond James Stadium. It is not confirmed that he will play tomorrow night, but they say he is learning quickly. All I can say is if he does, his friends on the Bucs need to tighten their chin straps, because he may give out full speed hugs. One of the hardest hits I ever seen in a game was one Lynch put on his own brother in-law. This could be the one time that a tackle on a Buccaneer gets cheers in Raymond James.

The Patriots are favored by 1- 1/2 in this one and it could go either way. If the Bucs can forget they are playing on national tv, they could pull it off. This one being on Sunday rather than Monday night may help with that.

My Pick: Tampa Bay 17 - New England 14

Big sluggers at Little League World Series

2008-08-16T10:50:00.015-04:00

Fridays Little League World Series game between Citrus Park, FL. and Rapid City, S.D. ended after only 4 innings. That's because the Citrus Park team racked up 10 runs, and did not allow a hit, so the ten run rule was called.

Three Citrus Park pitchers combined to toss the 4 inning no-no, getting into trouble only in the second. With the basses loaded because of a couple errors, Darren Miller relieved Levi Gilcrease and struck out two batters on eight pitches, to retire the side.

This was the second time in the tournament that Citrus Park has scoured more than 10 runs. Last week in the Southeast Regionals, they pounded out 11 runs against Alabama, winning that game 11-0

Rapid City plays against Connecticut today at 3p.m ET. and Citrus Park plays Hawaii Sunday night at 8p.m. ET. This should allow enough time for some pro scouts to get there.

Hey, I know this is only little league, but they would not be the first to play in MLB from their area. Along with the many that live in or grew up around Tampa, Wade Boggs played little league just a few miles from where these kids do. The clock is ticking Rays and Marlins, get someone on a plane.

Rays and Marlins into October?

2008-08-14T20:43:00.041-04:00

With a month and a half left in the baseball season, the Tampa Bay Rays are 3 games ahead of Boston in first place in the AL East. Meanwhile the Marlins are 1 and 1/2 games back in the NL east. Anything can happen in the next month, but if the Rays hold course and the Marlins pick it up a bit. What it takes to make the playoffs in the minds of America, could forever be changed.

The Rays with there low payroll, has built a team the old fashioned way. By developing players when they are young, and signing them to long term deals. This is opposite of the former ownership that spent everything on a couple players, just to have them get hurt. With this weeks injury's of Carl Crawford and Even Longoria, I now hear chatter that they won't make the playoffs, primarily due to loosing Longoria. Now when is the last time it was determined that a team did not have enough to make the playoffs because it lost its rookie. I still would like to see them pick up someone like Sheffield but I still believe they will be there regardless.

The Marlins also with there low payroll are again making a run for the top spot, but now relying more on there pitching instead of the bats. Since the All-Star break their pitchers have best era in the NL. The Marlins, not to be outdone by the Rays record turnaround, could set one of their own. If Jorge Cantu hits 5 more hr's, four of their infielders will have connected with 25 or more, and that has never been done before. If their bats keep on pace, and their pitchers mature like I think they will, they too could be there in October.

Now, how could this be, two teams with very low payroll, and low attendance in the playoffs. Two teams whose combined salaries don't even come close to the Yankees. It is because of talent, young talent that does not know they suppose to lose. Players like Longoria, that goes out there every night to help his team win, and not to stand in his own million dollar spotlight. They are players that don't hear the words "Florida teams don't suppose to win".

It is already being discussed if MLB will like the small market teams in the post season. Bud Selig will probably say that the revenue sharing is now working. I say, get your bags packed Bud. Be prepared to come to some small market towns this October. Be prepared for a beautiful fall Florida vacation, where teams do win!

Note to Rays: Bonds no, Sheffield yes!

2008-08-12T10:38:00.009-04:00

The Tampa Bay Rays have put Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford on the 15 day disabled list. It is not known exactly how long the two will be out. So what do they do now?

The Rays so far this season have made it through many injuries, from closer Troy Percival, and 1st base Carlos Pena, to pitching ace Scott Kazmir. Through it all they have managed to keep winning, as every time someone gets injured, someone else steps up.

As the season is now in mid August, do they still stay with what they have, and hope Crawford and Longoria will not be out longer than a couple weeks. Or, do they go out and try to get that right handed bat that they have needed anyway?

ESPN mentioned that they could possibly get Barry Bonds, and I say NO! Barry Bonds is not what the Rays need. Some of the best things the Rays have are their chemistry, and teamwork. When one player has a bad outing, others on the Rays are always there to get him through it. Barry Bonds will not help with this and he is not what they need.

If the Rays do go out and get someone, it should be Gary Sheffield. He could be the right handed bat they have been looking for. He has post season experience, and he won't hurt the chemistry. Oh, and his hometown is Tampa.

The Rays have been here before, with Wade Boggs, and Fred McGriff both from Tampa, coming to the Rays to finish there careers. At that point in time they did not have the mix of veterans and youth that teams need, but they can have it now.

If they Rays want to add a little veteran power, all they need to do is bring Sheffield home.

It's time for football, Florida style

2008-08-09T18:25:00.008-04:00

Wow, how things can develop in 24hrs! Yesterday morning we were talking about the media being in Miami to cover the possibility of Chad Pennington becoming a Dolphin, last night he did. The heat and humidity is up, and it's time for football folks.

Tampa Bay at Miami
This game will definitely be a quarterback watch. Jeff Garcia will not play because of a calf injury, so that will put Luke McCown to start against his brother Josh McCown. Luke will be playing to try and convince the Bucs that he now deserves to start, and Josh may try to prove a point after the Dolphins picked up Pennington. It will also be interesting to watch Chris Simms, who has recovered from a spleen injury. Chris will be trying to earn a job, with or without the Bucs. I believe the Bucs will have the edge in this, simply due to letting the controversy of Favre pass then by.
My prediction.....Bucs 24- Miami 14

Atlanta at Jacksonville
The Jaguars probably have more injuries going into this game, than any other team. They are though, a team that has made many improvements in the off season. The Falcons essentially had no one left after the preseason. That is something that needed to be done, but will not help them at all here. If you want to see some new talent, this game is for you. Even with the 10+ injuries, the Jags and their defense will take this one.
My prediction.....Jags 21-Falcons 6

Pennington and possibly Simms in the spotlight

2008-08-08T09:25:00.009-04:00

The Favre media circus has finally ended, and now the Pennington one begins. The release of Chad Pennington from the Jets puts him now in the spotlight, with the media caravan shifting a couple hundred miles further south to Miami.

Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has said he is happy with the three quarterbacks he has, and that he only knows about Pennington from playing against him.

Bucs G.M. Bruce Allen (not to be left out of quarterback news) mentioned that Chris Simms would probably be playing, to put himself out there, in Saturday's game against the Dolphins. Opening up trade rumors even more. Simms, trying to make his comeback from his spleen injury, just might be running out of chances. The longer a quarterback does not play, the harder it is for him to make it back. Saturday's game could give him the opportunity to do just that.

Tomorrow night the NFL returns to the state of Florida. There will be quarterbacks playing for jobs, while wondering who might be waiting in the wings to replace them.

Look for my preview of Tampa vs. Miami and Atlanta vs. Jacksonville coming tomorrow, when football in 100% humidity returns.

Favre to Tampa? May be about to happen!

2008-08-05T17:56:00.005-04:00

The word from Tampa is that Brett Favre is about to be traded to Tampa. There are lots of things going on, that normally don't, at the Bucs camp. Bucs GM Bruce Allen is nowhere to be found, and is reported to be talking to Favre. We hear that the head of camp security has been on the phone all day, possibly making preparations. There is a buzz in the camp that is just not normally there. A couple day's ago I would not have believed it, but I do now. I still don't believe this is a good move by the Bucs, but I think it just might happen.

Hall of Fame classic at a wonderful time of year

2008-08-03T10:46:00.015-04:00

Here is the most wonderful time of the year, well almost. We don't have the cool weather and the pumpkin pie yet, but we do have football, and what a classic match up it will be.

It started with the many cheers for former Redskins players being inducted into the hall of fame. While there were many boos for any former Cowboys players that were mentioned during Saturday's induction ceremony, in Canton Ohio. Tonight's game may not be the classic Redskins vs. Cowboys rivalry that we all remember, but it is a classic just the same. This match up of the Redskins and Colts has always been a big event in itself.

Growing up right in between these two teams homes, this match up for me was comparable to the Yankees vs. Red Sox. There was nothing like the Washington Redskins vs. the Baltimore Colts of the 1970's. That was, until the Colts basically packed up and moved in the middle of the night. Though, unlike Dallas and Washington, these two teams did not play each other very much because of being in different leagues. However when they did play each other, it was a game where half a neighborhood would cheer the Colts, and the other half the Redskins. For me, it was a classic way to start the football season...and when you have not had any football in months, any game is great!

With the baseball season now past the trade deadline, the NFL Hall of Fame game tonight, and college football starting in only a couple of weeks...it is time to prepare for the baseball post season, work on football previews, and possibly watch some of the hundreds of hours of Olympic coverage. It may not be the most wonderful time of year just yet, but it definitely is one of the busiest.

No big Florida trades are good trades

2008-08-01T11:01:00.018-04:00

The trade deadline passed Thursday afternoon, and both the Rays and Marlins did not get the big bats they were looking for. The Rays pursuit of Jason Bay ended with him going to Boston. The Marlins push to get Manny Ramirez ended with him going to the Dodgers. In the end, the Dodgers got into a three way deal with Boston and Pittsburgh, which sent four Dodger prospects to the Pirates.

The Rays meanwhile, came out of the deadline still in need of a right handed batter. Fortunately, they may have one about ready. Rocco Baldelli may finally be ready to make his return from a mitochondrial disorder, which has left him fatigued and sidelined all season. He will most likely not be an everyday player, but he can still have an effect on the other team's bullpen.

The Marlins did not get their batter, but gave up minor league pitcher Gaby Hernandez for Arthur Rhodes, to help out in the bullpen. The other concern is catching depth, but the team may get Matt Treanor back sometime next week.

The Red Sox may have gotten the better end of the three-way. They got a proven batter, and got rid of the locker room controversy. The Dodgers though, get Manny, and with league adjustment, may not help much this season. The Pirates get four prospects, but all four are unproven.

In the end, both Florida teams not making the trades, may be best of all. The Marlins kept their team intact, and avoid the thunder storm that Manny would bring. The Rays kept their strong farm system intact, and their current group that works well together. They now look ahead to more of their prospects moving up, even though a trade can still be done off wavers.
The Rays are already being criticized for not making a deal. There are comments such as, "how are you suppose to compete if you don't make any trades?", and remarks like, "how are you suppose to catch Boston like this?"

Well, I would like to inform those people that they did not have to make a trade to compete and to catch Boston. Today is August 1st, and the Rays are 3 games up in first place, and it is Boston that needs to catch them....imagine that!