Hubert Mizell
A few more to add to the 'overrated-underrated' debate
Sports Illustrated's choices were generally weak, notably uninspiring, in its "Overrated/Underrated" cover offering, so how about taking our own smacks? Surely we can do better.
Darrell Fry
Doubts arise on substitute refs
The league is bracing for what could be the most controversial season opening in years because of the expected use of replacement officials.
Rick Stroud
Okay Rex, fine, you won. Now do it better!
GAINESVILLE -- It is a grand misconception. Almost laughable.
Gary Shelton
They'll mess up, but they'll be dangerous
DURHAM, N.C. -- They lack the polish of their predecessors. They lack the cohesion of those who have worn their colors before them. As yet, they do not possess the recognition, the respect or, especially, the resume of those who have played before them.
Devil Rays
Rays' new identity: comeback kids
Tampa Bay hits for power, runs well and strikes out 14 A's in rallying to win 8-6.
A Rays fan takes back his boos
I was one of the lucky ones to attend the Cal Ripken party at the Trop on Aug. 23. The crowd was electrified with emotion, cheer after cheer echoed through the 30,000. Ripken is a fine example of a sports icon for all to admire, young and old.
Baseball this week on TV
Today
Vaughn out 4-5 days with hamstring pull
ST. PETERSBURG -- A spectacular diving catch by outfielder Greg Vaughn prevented the A's from scoring in the third inning Saturday, but could end up costing the Rays a few runs of their own.
McRae wants to see hunger to play in '02
ST. PETERSBURG -- Hal McRae has been remarkably calm and patient and relatively positive during this trying season. But as thoughts start drifting toward next year, he has a bit of an edge in his voice and something of a warning for the young players who again will make up the core of the squad.
Wild half
If you went strictly by second-half performance, the wild-card standings might look different. While Oakland still would win a playoff berth in the AL hands down, the Cardinals, not the Cubs, would top the NL wild-card standings. So with less than a month remaining in the regular season, here's what the wild-card standings looked like through Friday based solely on how teams were playing in the second half:
Japanese style gives Ichiro edge
All three hit for average and occasional power.
Rays tales
BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: Eddie Bane, a special assistant to GM Chuck LaMar, knows what it will be like for Dewon Brazelton as a rookie going from college to the big leagues. Bane did the same thing in 1973 when the Twins made him the 11th pick (out of Arizona State), gave him a $60,000 bonus and brought him directly to Minneapolis.
Tennis
Sampras cruises through first week
The former No. 1 looks like himself again after another Open victory in straight sets.
Shorts
Highs and lows
Highs
Cross country briefs
Red Mule vet wins once again
Bucs
Facing off with Sapp
Never shy with his opinions, the Bucs' talkative All-Pro tackle sounds off on chasing quarterbacks, leadership and his desire to win.
Backups becoming a worry
TAMPA -- If the preseason proved anything, it's the depth of the Bucs' depth problem.
Hard work comes easy to Darby
He grew up in North, South Carolina. He is the son of a logger and a self-proclaimed country boy. And he puts the "q" in quiet. Here is Bucs defensive tackle Chartric Darby with a few takes on life.
Motorsports
Late charge does not deter Burton
DARLINGTON, S.C. -- Jeff Burton held off a late charge from Elton Sawyer to win the South Carolina 200 Saturday at Darlington Raceway, his second Busch series win at the historic track.
5 drivers to watch
Five to keep an eye on in the Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway with car, today's starting position and best career finish in the race:
Outdoors
Outdoors calendar
(phone numbers are 727 area code unless noted)
Daily fishing report
Be sure to buy a stamp before keeping that tasty snook, because law enforcement officials are watching for offenders. Any store that sells fishing licenses should have snook stamps.
Extra! Extra! Killer sharks trained!
COCOA BEACH -- Sitting on my longboard, waiting for the last waves of Tropical Storm Dean to roll my way, a 4-foot shark cruised through the lineup.
Preps
Wharton cites depth for high hopes
TAMPA -- After teaching Mike Giammaresi honors Algebra, John Benson figured it was time for his student to give him something back.
Falcons star seeks some normalcy in 2001
DUNEDIN -- Roseanne Roseannadanna would have had a field day with Lauren Bullock.
Seniors have repeat in mind
ST. PETERSBURG -- Jordan Raynovich and Brad Snyder know their roles.
