Letson Runner-Up At 54th Boys Junior Golf Championship

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Adam Adkins

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 03:21 PM

Plant High’s Doug Letson finished as the runner-up at Florida’s 54th Boys Junior Golf Championship on Wednesday.

Letson, a rising senior, fired a final round 1-under 71 Wednesday at Interlachen Country Club in Winter Park to give him a 54-hole total 210, which was four strokes back of the winner, Lake City’s Blayne Barber, in the boys 16-18 division.

It was the best finish in the Boys Junior Championship for Letson. He took ninth in the 13-15 division two years ago, but missed the cut in the 16-18 division last year.

“It feels good,” Letson said. “I played good golf the past three days, and it’s my best finish in tournament ever. This is a big tournament, so it feels good.”

Letson started his final round six strokes back of Barber

“Starting out the round, I was just trying to put a good number up,” Letson said. “Through 13 holes I was two back of lead. I figured I’d have chance if I just played my own game and that’s what I was doing. But my playing partner [Barber] birdied three of the last four to pull away.”

Letson got off to a great start at the tournament, carding a 4-under 67 at the Country Club of Orlando in Monday’s opening round. That essentially set the tone for the week, giving Letson the feeling he had a chance to finish near the top of the leader board when all was said and done.

“I felt really good with my game,” said Letson, who shot even par 72 on Tuesday at Interlachen. “Everyhitng was working good. I just felt if I stuck with my game and played my own game, I definitely had a chance.”

Plant City’s Kyle Martin was the next highest local finisher. Martin (72-76-77—225) finished tied for 21st.

St. Pete Catholic’s Devin Hernandez (81-70-79—230) and Clearwater Calvary Christian’s Michael Baskovich (76-74-80—230) tied for 39th, Jesuit’s Jack Twomey (77-73-84—234) and Mitchell’s Kenny Cavender (72-78-84—234) tied for 47th, and Jesuit’s Trent Silver (74-77-WD) finished 52nd after withdrawing before the start of the third round.

You can view the complete results of the tournament here.

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Homestretch: Longoria still leads

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 02:33 PM

NEW YORK—The Rays just got word from MLB that Evan Longoria is still leading the voting for the final spot on the AL All-Star roster. Trailing him, in order, are Jermaine Dye, Jason Giambi, Brian Roberts and Jose Guillen.

Voting ends at 5 p.m. tomorrow, and the results should be known shortly after that.

“It’s exciting, but it’s something that I’m really not worried about,” Longoria said prior to today’s game. “If it happens, it happens, and it’ll definitely be a dream come true and I’ll be excited to be here and all that. But if not, I’ve got plans to go back to the West Coast and just hang out and be with friends and family.”

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Early July Bucs Update

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 02:28 PM

If you were wondering why there has not been any meaty news concerning Tampa Bay lately, the reason is simple.

Everyone is on vacation.

Many members of Tampa Bay’s organization are currently enjoying their summer before training camp begins later this month. As a result, there has been no progress on quarterback Jeff Garcia’s contract extension, defensive end Greg White is still not under contract, while quarterback Chris Simms’ future is still uncertain.

Expect all of those situations to be resolved soon enough. White will probably receive a new deal right before training camp, and if not, he will not be allowed to practice with the team since he remains unsigned. The same applies to unsigned rookies CB Aqib Talib, WR Dexter Jackson, OL Jeremy Zuttah and QB Josh Johnson, who should be signed before training camp.

Garcia’s new contract will likely be finalized sometime during training camp, while nobody expects to see Simms on an opening day roster.

However, it is not too early for us to talk about two interesting training camp battles.

Tampa Bay CB Phillip Buchanon revitalized his career last season. He appeared in every game and had 14 starts (including the playoff game), recording 63 tackles and three interceptions on the NFL’s top ranked secondary. Tampa Bay not only drafted Talib, but signed Patriots safety Eugene Wilson with plans to convert him to CB.

I do not see Talib or Wilson pushing Buchanon for playing time, but can you foresee any scenario where the incumbent DB does not start this season?

Also, S Tanard Jackson had an excellent rookie year, but S Sabby Piscitelli is healthy after suffering a foot injury last year. Should Piscitelli, who was a second round pick in 2007, play ahead of Jackson, a fourth round pick last year, or does he need to prove himself on special teams this year before starting in the future?

Let me know what you think.

Here are some highlights of Buchanon’s 2007 “Comeback”

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Ex-Durant Standout Giardina Transferring To UT

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Adam Adkins

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 02:45 PM

Former Durant High standout baseball player Carmine Giardina said Wednesday that he is transferring from the University of Central Florida to the University of Tampa.

Giardina, a left-handed pitcher, said his decision was based mostly on the coaching changes at UCF, where head coach Jay Bergman was fired and the rest of his staff was not retained when new coach Terry Rooney was hired in June. Giardina said he asked for and was granted his release from UCF. He added that his transfer paperwork to UT would be completed soon. Because Giardina is transferring from a Division I program to a Division II program, he will be eligible to play next season.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a great transition for me at Tampa,” Giardina said. “I just felt like it would be great for me to over to Tampa and help them get back [to the Division II World Series] and get another ring.”

Giardina originally signed with Texas out of high school but asked for and was granted his release from the Longhorns the summer before he was set to enroll after the departure of pitching coach/recruiting coordinator Tom Holliday, who had recruited him. Holliday left Texas to become the head coach at N.C. State.

Giardina then settled on UCF and spent two seasons with the Knights, compiling a 4-5 record during that stretch.

Giardina is currently playing in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League, home to many of the nation’s top collegiate baseball players during the summer. As a member of the Chatham A’s, the left-hander was 1-1 with a 3.18 ERA with 11 strikeouts in 11.1 innings pitched through Tuesday.

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Ask the Lightning owners your questions

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 02:09 PM

I know I (almost literally) posted some information on this, but just after I hit the submit button, I got the official word from the team, so I figured it would be easier to pass along the information this way rather than trying to update the post I just put online.

Here’s the official release:

The Tampa Bay Lightning will host an open town hall meeting at the St. Pete Times Forum on Tuesday, July 15 at 7 p.m.  The highlight of the event will feature a question and answer session hosted by Lightning television play-by-play announcer Rick Peckham with owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, head coach Barry Melrose and center Vincent Lecavalier.

Fans can log on to tampabaylightning.comimmediately to submit questions for the question and answer session with the four-person panel.  This marks the first time Koules, Barrie and Melrose will be available to the public.  Melrose met with Lightning season ticket holders with first overall draft pick Steven Stamkos on June 26.  Lecavalier will also sign autographs for season ticket holders at 4:30 p.m., prior to the town hall meeting.

Those in attendance will be treated to free popcorn, cotton candy and ice cream, as well as $1 hot dogs, drinks and pretzels.  There will also be giveaways for those in attendance along with games on the plaza for children.  ThunderBug and the Lightning Girls will be mingling with fans. 

Doors to the meeting will open at 6 p.m. while doors will open to season ticket holders at 3:30 p.m. for the autograph signing.  Parking will be in the VIP East and West lots and will be limited. 

Those who wish to submit their questions on tampabaylightning.com should click the link to the town hall meeting and enter their question.  Fans will also be able to submit questions at the event on Tuesday.  Due to time constraints only select questions will be answered

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Elite Tournaments In Tampa This Weekend

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Nick Williams

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 02:02 PM

There will be two elite AAU tournaments in Tampa starting this weekend through early next week.

The Best of the South boys basketball AAU tournament will be held at Jefferson High Saturday through Tuesday and will feature teams from Alabama, North Carolina, Mississippi and Georgia, as well as Florida, consisting of some the top rising seniors, juniors and sophomores in the country.

One of the local AAU teams, Florida Elite, which includes Hillsborough and Pasco county players Sheldon Cooley, Jordan Davis, Austin Suarez and Lukas Poderis, is also scheduled to play.

For more information, Click Here

The Tampa Mustangs travel softball club will host Florida’s Finest ASA Showcase Saturday and Sunday at the Greco Softball Complex and New Tampa Complex. Some of the best 18-Under and 16-Under travel teams from Florida will participate in the 24-team invite showcase. Between 20-25 college coaches are expected to be in attendance.

For more information on the showcase, Go Here

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Hillsborough’s Mitchell Gearing Up For 18U Trials

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Adam Adkins

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 01:40 PM

Hillsborough High’s Marlon Mitchell has waited patiently the last few weeks for this moment to arrive, and now that it’s here he’s ready to make the most of the opportunity.

Mitchell is headed to the United States’ 18-under National Baseball Team Trials, where he’ll try to lock up a spot on this summer’s 18-under national team. Mitchell secured a spot in the trials following his performance at the invitation-only Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., in June.

The fact that he’s just one step away from playing for Team USA’s 18-under squad isn’t lost on Mitchell, who is anxious for the opportunity to participate in the prestigious event.

“Now that I’m at this point, I really want to make it,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning in Phoenix, Ariz., site of this year’s trials. During the next week, he will be evaluated during a series of practices, instrasquad scrimmages and exhibition games, according to a USA Baseball press release. At the conclusion of the trials, 18 players will be chosen to represent the U.S. at the International Baseball Federation AAA World Junior Championships, which are scheduled for July 25-Aug. 3 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Mitchell, a rising senior, is one of four catchers listed on the trials roster. The likelihood is that Team USA will carry two catchers when the team breaks from the trials. Mitchell has seen the numbers and knows he’s got some work cut out for him, but he’s confident he can make the final roster when it is announced Wednesday.

“It will be pretty good competition. I’m just going to have to give it my best,” Mitchell said. “I’m definitely going to have to play real good and show everything I have, all my skills. I’m definitely going to go all out.

“I’m just really excited, pumped up. I’m at the top of my game right now. I’m just ready to go and ready to do this.”

Mitchell is not the only local baseball player trying to land a spot on a U.S. national team. Alonso teammates Brandon Johnson and Thomas Dorminy are in contention for a spot on the 16-under national team. The two Ravens were selected following there performances at the 16U Championships - East in Palm Beach in June.

The 16-under team trials will take place later this summer in Miami. The dates of the trials have not been officially announced.

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Andrew Hutchinson officially signed - Ask the owners

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 01:42 PM

Here’s the official team release on the signing of defenseman Andrew Hutchinson, who signed a two-year deal, presumably with both years on a one-way deal. Still trying to confirm the numbers and will pass them along once I figure them out:

Hutchinson, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, played in 67 games with the Hartford Wolf Pack of the American Hockey League last season while serving as the team’s captain. He recorded 18 goals, 64 points and 13 power-play goals, leading all Wolf Pack defensemen in those categories. He ranked second on the team in assists (46), plus/minus (+28) and power-play goals, third in points and was tied for fifth in goals. He led all AHL defensemen in points and assists, and also ranked third in goals. Hutchinson was named the winner of the Eddie Shore Award as the AHL’s most outstanding defenseman. He set franchise defenseman records for goals and points in a season and tied the mark for assists. He also became the first Wolf Pack defenseman to record a hat trick on February 8 and had the first five-point game by a Hartford defenseman February 29. Hutchinson also had two goals and four points in five postseason games with Hartford.

“Andrew had a great season in the AHL last year,” vice president of hockey operations Brian Lawton said. “He brings a good amount of experience and some offensive spark to our blue line.”

A native of Evanston, Illinois, Hutchinson has appeared in 95 career NHL games with Carolina and Nashville. He has accumulated 10 goals, 33 points and six power-play goals. In 2006-07 he led all Carolina defensemen in power-play points with eight and power-play assists with six. He was tied for third among Hurricanes defensemen in scoring with 14 points. Hutchinson made his NHL debut on October 18, 2003 with Nashville. He was a member of Carolina’s 2006 Stanley Cup Championship team.

Hutchinson, 28, has played in 257 career AHL games, recording 49 goals and 160 points. He represented the PlanetUSA All-Stars in the 2004 AHL All-Star Game and helped the Milwaukee Admirals to the Calder Cup Championship that same year.

A product of the United States National Team Development Program, Hutchinson played four seasons at Michigan State, totaling 19 goals and 78 points in 159 career games. He was named a second-team All-American following his senior season in 2001-02. In 2000-01 he was named the CCHA’s best defenseman and was a CCHA Second Team All-Conference selection.

He represented the United States in the 2007 World Championships and recorded three goals with four points in seven games during the tournament.

Hutchinson was drafted by Nashville in the second round, 54th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. He was acquired by Carolina on June 29, 2005 in exchange for a third-round pick in 2005 and was then acquired by the Rangers on July 17, 2007 with center Joe Barnes and a third-round pick in 2008 in exchange for Matt Cullen.

A couple of other notes to pass along.

First, for everybody that was looking for a chance to voice your opinion directly to the new ownership group about how the team has been assembled or why Dan Boyle was traded, now you have your chance.

Owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie, along with new coach Barry Melrose and center Vinny Lecavalier, will take part in a town hall meeting on Tuesday (July 15) that is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.. Not sure of the exact location at this point, but it will be at the St. Pete Times Forum. The meeting is open to the public, which means anybody is free to attend.

That meeting will be preceded by what I believe is a season ticket holder only autograph session with Lecavalier (I’m not sure of the time yet, but I’ll be sure to pass it along once I find out). Lecavalier will be in town to officially sign his nine-year, $77 million contract extension with the team and will hold a press conference to announce the deal that day.

And finally (for now) if you want to be the first to catch No. 1 draft pick Steven Stamkos in a Lightning jersey, the team will be holding a rookie/prospect camp from July 27 to August 2. But the camp is being held in Victoria, British Columbia, which I hear is beautiful in the summer time. Victoria, by the way, is also the home of Bear Mountain Resort, owned by Lightning co-owner Len Barrie.

Still waiting to hear about a contract for Zenon Konopka, which one would have to think is the last free agent signing the team might snap up. I mean, who else is still left out there? Mathieu Darche, maybe?

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Honoree Longoria, Rays try to rebound

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 01:39 PM

NEW YORK—The first thing I heard as I walked into the Stadium this morning was a security guard imploring a group of girls, all about 8 years old, to wear their mustaches.

They’re giving away 20,000 of them today in support of Jason Giambi as the race for the final spot on the AL All-Star roster reaches its last day. Evan Longoria has no such marketing might on his side as he vies for that slot, but he does have one more accolade.

Longoria today was named the AL Rookie of the Month for June. He hit .300 with 11 doubles, eight homers and 19 RBIs last month while posting a nifty 1.024 OPS. And of course he’s back in the lineup today for the Rays, who are looking to bounce back from a tough night at the plate against Andy Pettitte.

The usual lineup is in there against Sidney Ponson—who was unceremoniously dumped by the Rangers when the Rays were in Texas a month ago—with Reid Brignac at shortstop the one new wrinkle. Joe Maddon just wanted to get him another start.

Here’s how they’ll line up:

Rays
Iwamura 2B
Crawford LF
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Longoria 3B
Floyd DH
Navarro C
Hinske RF
Brignac SS
Jackson P

Yankees
Gardner LF
Jeter SS
Abreu RF
Rodriguez 3B
Giambi 1B
Posada DH
Cano 2B
Cabrera CF
Molina C
Ponson P

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So Much For That One

Posted Jul 9, 2008 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Jul 9, 2008 at 10:33 AM

At some point this spring, Tampa light heavyweight Antonio Tarver was pushing hard to get Joe Calzaghe in the ring. After easily snatching the IBF light heavyweight belt from Clinton Woods in April, adding to his IBO belt, Tarver made it known he wanted a shot at Calzaghe, passing up a bout with Chad Dawson. The interest grew even further after Calzaghe (45-0, 32 KOs) collected a 12-round split decision victory against Bernard Hopkins April 19. Some say the Tarver camp actually had Calzaghe at the table hashing out a possible deal.

Sounds like it’s all for not.

Calzaghe has said this next fight could be his last and now reports have surfaced the highly speculated Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones (52-4, 38 KOs) tilt will take place in September.

Tarver was banking on the fact he beat Jones two of the three times they faced, making him a more coveted opponent. Calzaghe was banking on, well, the bank. Many have said Calzaghe would have a richer payday taking on Jones, which will take place September 20 at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

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