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© St. Petersburg Times, published August 19, 2001
SURGEON GENERAL'S WARNING: Esteban Yan may cause hypertension, sudden nausea, indigestion, respiratory complications, fever, disorientation, rage and acute cases of Tourette's syndrome.
I'd like to attend more Rays games, but I just don't think I carry enough health insurance.
-- Marc Petot, Clearwater
I just can't take it anymore. Hal McRae overmanages every game. He has wasted so many quality starts from some of the young talent with his awful calls to the bullpen that it just makes me sick. So when is he going to realize that Esteban Yan can't get me out? My 14-year-old can close better. What a shame to simply waste some great efforts by some young pitchers by bringing in Yan for the eighth or ninth. Hal has got to go, along with his buddy Esteban.
-- Dave Johnson, Clearwater
On July 31, my family and I had the pleasure of attending the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves game. At the time of the first pitch, the temperature at Busch Stadium was 91 degrees. The people of Tampa Bay should stop complaining about their indoor stadium and be thankful we can watch a game in a climate-controlled 75 degrees.
-- Carole Mason, Oldsmar
What a great photograph (Aug. 10) by Toni Sandys capturing a priceless moment in the life of little Jimmy McPhail. The wonderful expression on his face as he runs between the huge legs of the Buccaneer football players. And the determination of a 6-year-old boy shines on his puckish face. A truly beautiful study in contrasts that brought much pleasure to me and my family. Thank you, Toni, for brightening the whole day. That's a keeper.
-- Les Romer, Palm Harbor
I agree with the comments by Barry Sleesman (Commentary, Berman not the best, Aug. 12) concerning Chris Berman. I think Chris Berman is the most annoying announcer I've ever heard. The nicknames were somewhat amusing the first year or two, but it's gotten to the point of being ridiculous. Some of the names are such a stretch that it's obvious he thinks the fans tune in to watch and hear him.
Berman, like so many other pompous, arrogant sportscasters of the day, seems to think he is the star, the reason people watch. A gentle reminder, Chris, the game is why people watch or listen, and the players are the stars. I realize Berman was instrumental in the early success of ESPN, but his time has passed and his style has worn thin. Give me Kenny Mayne, Stuart Scott, Dan Patrick or Trey Wingo any day, for they still realize it's the games and the players that people want to hear about, not the sportscasters.
-- Eric Sanford, Tampa
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