Top pick Beckham moving up

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 07:51 PM

Tim Beckham, the top pick in this year’s draft, will move up from Princeton to Hudson Valley tomorrow, according to the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Princeton’s season ends tonight, but Hudson Valley plays through Sept. 6, so Beckham will have a shot to get in some more games before instructional league begins this fall.

Updating with more prospect news: Just got handed the to-date rosters for the Arizona Fall League. The Rays will be represented on the Peoria Javelinas by LHP James Houser, RHPs Chris Mason and Ryan Reid, C Matt Spring, IF Rhyne Hughes and OF J.T. Hall. Also, Columbus coach Ozzie Timmons, a Tampa native, will be on the Javelinas’ coaching staff.

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Bucs Cut Paris Warren

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 06:14 PM

Tampa Bay has officially reduced its roster by five players, with WR Paris Warren the most notable cut.

The other players released are:

LB Antoine Cash (injured) - neck

CB Sammy Davis (injured) - hip flexor

S Donte Nicholson (injured) - knee

Davis was placed on injured reserve, while Cash and Nicholson are “waive injured”, meaning if they clear waivers, they will be also be placed on injured reserve.

In addition, the Bucs have placed RB Cadillac Williams on the reserve physically unable to perform list. He is can not be activated in the first six weeks.

Warren’s cut does not come as a surprise. He was a standout last year before breaking his foot during the final preseason game. Warren attempted to comeback this year, but did not have the same speed he possessed before that injury.

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Greg White Talks About Cuts

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 05:56 PM

We all have opinions about players getting cut this week, but Tampa Bay DE Greg White has his own views.

White has started a blog on his website and will give Tampa Bay fans inside information this season. He posted his first blog today and the subject was roster cuts.

Click here to read White’s blog: Greg White Blog

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Lightning single game seats go on sale Sept. 4

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Erik Erlendsson

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 05:52 PM

The Lightning announced today that single-game seats will go on sale on Sept. 4 at 10 a.m. Tickets start as low as $15 for each of the 40 home games on the schedule. And don’t forget that tickets to the two home preseason games - Sept 22 vs. Pittsburgh and Sept. 23 vs. NY Rangers - are already on sale.

Here’s the official word from the team on the regular season tickets going on sale:

* Individual game tickets for the 2008-09 Lightning season, starting as low as $15 per game, go on sale Thursday, September 4th at 10 a.m. Tickets can be purchased at the McDonald’s Box Office at the St. Pete Times Forum and all Ticketmaster outlets. To order tickets by phone, call Ticketmaster at (813) 287-8844 or (727) 898-2100, or call the Lightning Ticket Office at (813) 301-6600.

Lightning fans can still save as much as 66 percent off the individual price and secure the best locations by purchasing season tickets or a mini plan, including half-season tickets and a variety of 10-game plans. For details, visit tampabaylightning.com.

The Lightning will open their 16th training camp at the St. Pete Times Forum on Tuesday, September 16. Tampa Bay’s first regular season home game is set for Saturday, October 11 when the Carolina Hurricanes visit the St. Pete Times Forum.

And don’t forget, the entire season schedule can be found here

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Gruden Quotes 8-26

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by TBO.com

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 05:36 PM

HEAD COACH JON GRUDEN

(On roster cuts)
“We’ll make our roster reduction here in the next couple of hours. I don’t have anything to report on it at this time. We had some good practice today.”

(On how Joey Galloway looked)
“Good. Great. He looks better. He’s working himself back into it. He’s not been resting, he’s been injured. We’re happy to have him back. He ran some good routes today and we’re excited about that, that’s for sure.”

(On assessing the 80-man roster overall)
“Like I’ve said all along here, we’ve had a great turnout and these guys have really put forth a tremendous amount of effort. We feel good about the fact we’ve given the players an opportunity to compete and showcase their skills in the three preseason games that we have had. I’m very appreciative and very impressed with the work ethic that we do have.”

(On if it has been one of the more competitive offseasons)
“Yeah, it’s been competitive. It’s been a little bit strange from the standpoint we’ve missed some key players for some lengthy periods of camp. It’s been exciting. It’s been a lot of hard work and we’ve also seen some legitimate competition. I think it’s made guys better.”

(On if one or two players in particular have surprised or impressed him)
“No, I’m not going to get into names. People have our film, they can evaluate it for themselves. The obvious are the obvious – the people that have been to the first three preseason games have seen a couple guys step up and do well. There are a couple guys that might not show up on the stat sheet that have done quite well also. We’ll have some tough calls and we’ll have to make them.”

(On the quarterback rotation for Thursday)
“We’re going to announce all of that when we get to Houston. It’s been a very short week. We used part of these two days, obviously, to get Jeff Garcia a lot of work. He needs it. We’ll make that determination when we get to Houston.”

(On if he has looked ahead to the Saints game yet)
“Not quite yet. We do spend a little time here and there checking out their preseason games. They’ve got some new players at key positions and they’re really rolling right now. They got after Cincinnati defensively and they’ve been rolling up some yardage with Drew Brees and company on offense. Throw in [Jonathan] Vilma, Sedrick Ellis and Jeremy Shockey, the supporting cast they have and the return of Deuce McAllister and they’re going to be a handful.”

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Rays Q&A With Martin Fennelly

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Martin Fennelly

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 05:59 PM

Tampa Tribune sports columnist Martin Fennelly answers your questions about the Tampa Bay Rays.

Note: This portion of the Q&A is now over. Please send us your questions for the next session by clicking here.

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Q: The Tampa Bay Rays & Andrew Friedman MUST sign Barry Bonds!!!! His big bat will land the rays at least a World Series appearance. With Longo & Crawford out, plus Upton slacking (another crap run last night!), the Rays need another bat.  Please, please forward to Andrew Friedman.

- Warren Regala, Lakeland

A: Warren, couldn’t we just find a good player on some prison ball team somewhere and be done with it? You know, some lifer who has alley power? Nothing—repeating: NOTHING—is worth bringing Bonds out of trial prep for this pennant run. It would go against every thing this team has tried to do in terms of chemistry, which is exactly why they’re getting by right now. I wanted a bat at the trade deadline myself _ I think the Rays dropped the ball on not getting either Nady or Bay out of Pittsburgh—I wouldn’t want Bonds. I’d finish third first.

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Q: With the injuries that the Rays have to overcome now with Longoria and now Crawford maybe being out for the year, why don’t we go after Bonds and/or Sheffield?  They would supply us with a left and right handed bat, and could both play the outfield. WE NEED TO MAKE A MOVE!!

- Michael, Valrico

A: I loved the idea of Sheffield a few weeks back. For all his problems, he has a lot less baggage than Bonds, and could throw in his 500th career homer in his hometown for good measure. The Rays will need something more than what they have to make a serious postseason run. But nothing is worth Bonds. Nothing.

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Q: Why are we still using Troy Percival as the Rays closer?  Does anyone at TBO.com sports have an in with Joe Maddon?  I cringe every time they put him in.  4-3 lead going into the 9th and he gives up 2 homers?  What is that all about?  OK, he has a “hamstring” problem. So?  Get him out of the lineup!  Do we have to lose games while we watch this debacle?  Unbelievable. Go Rays!

- Al Yoder, Treasure Island

A: Thanks so much for writing in, and though I have no “in” with Maddon, Percival has 300-plus saves, and he has them in situations most of these guys have never been in, so as long as he’s healthy I still roll with him, though I keep the de-fib paddles handy every time he comes in just in case. He never makes it look easy. I like Wheeler myself, though Balfour has good stuff—but would I trust either of those guys at the end of playoff games? No, not yet. You go with Percy, but stay ready to make a change. I think Maddon will. I think he should. You’re dead on in that regard.

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Q: Why don’t the Rays move there starting rotation from 5 down to 4 for the streach run, and move Andy Sonnanstine to the bullpen or trade bait?

—Matt, Riverview

A: Matt, the problem with that is only one pitcher in the majors has as many wins as Sonnastine does over the last calendar year. Hard to believe, but true. Look, I have issues with Sonnanstine, too, and it cracked me up when he complained about getting run support, because he has had more than any Rays starter. The guys does only one thing: Win. The way Kaz is going, and the way the lead is growing, I’d keep it at five starters, especially since David Price is coming to a bullpen you love very, very soon. Hang in there.

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Q: Hi Mark, how are you?

I was wondering how Evan Longoria was holding up so far.  Are things progressing as quickly as they were originally hoping?  will we see back around sep 1st?

—Jeff White, Harrisonville, Mo.

A: Jeff, this is Martin, not Marc, though I will give him your best. As for Longo man, he appears determined to be back by the 1st, though if I was the Rays I’d have him ready for at least the weekend before the series in Boston with the Red Sox—a series the Rays need to win at least one game in. Two wins up there and it’s the stake through the heart. Longo was the team MVP in my eyes—and still might be when the story is written. Don’t be surprised if he sits past the 1st, though. Wrists always scare me—always.

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Q: How come when B.J. Upton hits the ball, no matter where it’s hit, he jogs to 1st base like he’s gonna getting thrown out so why even try. But, when he gets on base and he is told to steal a base, he can really turn on the afterburners??

—Steve Sutton, Temple Terrace

A: Great, great question. Only B.J. can answer that one—and he better answer it damn fast. This next month could be his stage _ or his prison. Maddon has benched him twice. His teammates have gotten in his face, most notably Rays veteran Cliff Floyd. This stuff won’t do. He has to grow up. In his defense, even when this guy is hustling, he looks like he’s coasting. If he and Shawn Rigans raced to third, and Upton beat Riggans there by 20 feet, Riggans would still look as if he was running harder. Upton is that smooth. But you can’t chill in the heat of a playoff race. You’re absolutely right, but it’s up to him now.

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Q: This is off-the-wall ... Do you know if the front office plans to change the away “unies” from Rays to Tampa Bay? and Why did they go with Rays?

—Jimmy O, Hillsboro, Or

A: No current plans. I think management just think “Rays” looks cleaner, and fits more with the new logos and all and the marketing. And it does look sweet, though when you consider what it was up against, those horrible old unies, well, anything was an improvement. Eventually, I think they’ll go that way. But the way they’re playing right now, they could be wearing kilts and they’d look good.

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Q: Is it me or does it seem the RAYS have a tendancy to sit on its talent too long.  Its typical for a team around this time of year to plug in farm prospects if only to give starter a few days off in August.  Playing Hinske and Aybar out of position instead of giving a farm hand like Price or one of the talented young outfielders a look in the bigs is mind boggling to me.  But what do I Know im just a sailor, not a GM.

—Petty Officer 1st Class Tracy Hunte, Kaneone, HI

A: Tracy, tell me your in Gibraltar, not tied up at the St. Pete pier. Anyway, I do think the Rays wait on their talent a bit—one reason why they didn’t make a deal at the deadline is that, whether they admit it or not, they always get coy about their talent. But now’s not the time. You’re right—the older guys need a blow in September, and you’ll see these kids up, price included. Who knows, the kid could be what Joba was to the Yankees (remember them?) last season, or what Frankie Rodriguez did for the Angels in ’02. So hang in there. Now shiver your timbers for the postseason.

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Let’s go to the videotape…

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Marc Lancaster

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 06:05 PM

There are some dissenters, but the quick read from the Rays’ clubhouse is that instant replay, which will be in effect at Tropicana Field beginning with Friday’s game against the Orioles, should be a positive.

Replay will be used only on home run calls—whether balls clear the fence, are fair or foul, and in cases of fan interference. There will be no challenges, as in the NFL. The umpire crew chief will be responsible for initiating a replay review, and he will determine the proper call after watching the replay. According to MLB’s official release, no argument will be permitted from any player, coach or manager once replay is initiated.

“As it’s constituted now, we’re certainly a proponent of it,” said Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman. “With all the different nuances in these new parks, it’s extremely difficult to discern between a home run and a ball that hits the top of the fence or a fan interferes with. Fans are much more on top of the field than they’ve ever been, and it’s an extremely difficult thing to ask umpires from 150 feet away to be able to discern that.”

Evan Longoria, the Rays’ union representative, said he sees pluses and minuses to instituting replay.

“I think it’s going to be a good thing and a bad thing,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a good thing because it’s going to get some calls right that are going to change games, but at the same time it’s giving the umpires to gripe about and it kind of puts a chip on their shoulder as far as, we don’t think we’re doing as good of a job as they can. And I really don’t want it to open up Pandora’s Box, with calls at home and calls at the bases and eventually behind the plate – I just don’t want it to get to that.”

Joe Maddon has been consistent in his statements for some time now that he is in favor of reviewing home run calls but doesn’t want replay to extend any further than that.

We’ll see how it all works starting Friday; surely there will be some growing pains, particularly in the amount of time it takes to go through the nuts and bolts of the process the first few times. Might see a couple extra minutes added onto games for a while.

Updating: Just got a quick look at the room where replays will be reviewed here at the Trop. It’s a small storage space just off the visitors’ dugout, featuring a newly installed 19-inch flat screen TV with a phone alongside it. The umps may have to close the door to keep managers out of their ears while they’re checking the video…

In other news today, Troy Percival threw off the bullpen mound and apparently felt quite good, and Evan Longoria threw into a sock—a rehab device Scott Kazmir grew weary of during spring training—and hopes to throw for real tomorrow. Sounds like he’s eyeing the start of the Yankees series next week for a return.

And now—live, not Memorex—here are the lineups:

Blue Jays
Inglett 2B
Scutaro 3B
Rios RF
Wells CF
Lind LF
Overbay 1B
Stairs DH
Barajas C
McDonald SS
Halladay P

Rays
Iwamura 2B
Upton CF
Pena 1B
Floyd DH
Aybar 3B
Hinske LF
Navarro C
Gross RF
Bartlett SS
Shields P

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Bucs Work Out Veteran OL Miller

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Roy Cummings

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 04:40 PM

TAMPA - The Bucs have been on the lookout for someone to push Donald Penn for the starting left tackle job and they may have found him.

Fred Miller, a durable 12-year veteran who has spent his last three seasons with the Chicago Bears, spent part of Tuesday working out for the Bucs at One Buc Place.

The Bucs interest in Miller comes in the wake of their decision to let go of veteran Luke Petitgout. Petitgout was struggling to recover from a knee injury and a lingering back problem and had also earned a four-game suspension from the league for violating its steroids policy at the time of his release.

The Bucs considered the loss of Pettigout to be significant because it left Penn with only Anthony Davis to push him for the starting left tackle job. Now Miller may be in the picture.

Miller is also contemplating re-signing with the Bears and at least one other team, according to his agent, Harold Lewis. He was impressed with the Bucs facility, however, and could make a decision on where to play as soon as today.

Miller has missed just three starts since the 1998 season and he has helped pave the way for a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of his last nine seasons. He was part of a Bears line that allowed just 25 sacks in 2006 and his 164 NFL starts include 12 in the postseason.

 

 

 

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Cookin’ Good At Florida Field

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Mick Elliott

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 03:48 PM

Work crews with pressure cleaners were busy at Florida Field, giving bleacher seats a good washing in preparation for Saturday’s season opener against Hawaii.

There is every reason to expect the Gators to look their best.

First off, Florida enters the game with an SEC-best 18 straight season-opening victories. Florida last lost a season opener in 1989 at home against Ole Miss. Furthermore, UF is 38-1 in its last 39 season openers at home.

Also, there is the fact Hawaii, although 12-1 last year, will be playing its first game under new coach Greg McMackin and no longer has quarterback Colt Brennan.

  Now, for what are the Warriors’ real problems.

They are from Hawaii. The game kicks off at 12:30 in The Swamp in August.

If the Warriors have not been running gassers through molted lava, there’s no way they have a clue about the mental and physical demands of an August afternoon in Florida Field.

  There are gentle trade winds in Hawaii with a year-round average temperature in the 70s. People who live in Hawaii are not accustomed to drinking their oxygen from 80 percent humidity.

Oh, and another thing. Kickoff is 6:30 a.m. Hawaii Time.

The Warriors are doing what they can. They are spending this week in Atlanta, working out and adjusting to the conditions.

Apparently, it has been a productive week, suggested by the release of an early copy of Saturday’s game plan.

After the coin flip, drink plenty of liquids.

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What Should The Bucs Do?

Posted Aug 26, 2008 by Anwar S. Richardson

Updated Aug 26, 2008 at 01:51 PM

We are only a few hours away from Tampa Bay’s first set of cuts.

The Bucs are slated to lose five players today, with final cuts occurring on Saturday.

My question to you Bucs followers are which five players would you depart with right now if necessary? Who are some guys that have not impressed you so far?

 

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