Random Thoughts: Winston’s growth will take time

August 16, 2015 general

Hello. I’m Tiger Woods, and I think it would be a great idea if they would make a golf tournament that lasts more than two rounds. What? They have those? – What? You were expecting microwaved greatness out of Jameis Winston? – Interesting to see the safeties on the Sports Illustrated all-overrated team, wasn’t it? […]

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Winston’s shaky debut shows he has miles to go

August 16, 2015 general

Saturday, 12:01 a.m. It was 8:15 p.m., Eastern Time, when he first took the field. There, waiting for Jameis Winston, was one of those metaphors that life provides every now and then. In front of him was 95 yards til the end zone. In front of him were 11 fairly pesky defenders who work for […]

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Still struggling to score, Rowdies fall to Strikers

August 15, 2015 general

Saturday,  10:59  p.m. Above all other things, the Tampa Bay Rowdies continue to have problems kicking the ball into the net. The Rowdies lost another match Saturday night, falling 2-1 to the Strikers in Fort Lauderdale. Sadly, it wasn’t the first time that Tampa Bay has struggled to score this year. With eight goals, the […]

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Ask Gary: Full prices for pretend games?

August 15, 2015 general

Saturday, 6 a.m. (Each week, the readers take over GarySheltonsports.com and play Ask Gary. They send in a question, or a couple, and we all talk about the world of sports.  Think of it as a radio show where you don’t have to be on hold. Join us and ask a question, make a comment or be […]

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Things to look for when not looking at Winston

August 14, 2015 general

Friday, 6 a.m. If a drop of sweat runs down his cheek, you will see it. If he shakes his head at a play call, you will see it. If he freshens his chewing gum between second down and third, you will see it. There is nothing that Jameis Winston can do tonight that will […]

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Winston makes a debut that no one will remember

August 13, 2015 general

No one remembers what Neil Armstrong’s steps looked he walked toward the space capsule. Only the ones on the moon. So keep in mind that, eventually, you will forget Jameis Winston’s debut on Saturday night when teams start keeping score. Whether he is good, or whether he is bad, whether he lines up behind guard […]

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Rays come from behind once again to beat Braves

August 12, 2015 general

Wednesday, 11:55 p.m. Crisp, it was not. Smooth, it was not. Elegant, it was not. But for all of the style points that the Tampa Bay Rays’ 9-6 victory over the Atlanta Braves lacked Wednesday night, the Rays’ determination made up for a lot of it. The Rays were not their efficient selves. They didn’t […]

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Rays have an offense? Who would have believed it?

August 12, 2015 general

Wednesday, 6 a.m. They are feared in the deep. In the gaps, too. They walk toward the mound, and the third baseman takes a step back. The pitcher looks around for him. The opposing manager wishes the dugout came with a night light. They are the hitters of the Tampa Bay Rays. And all of […]

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Who’s he? Rays’ Ramirez ranks with AL leaders

August 11, 2015 general

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. He was not supposed to be this good. He was never supposed to be special. He was an afterthought of a trade, just another guy trying to eat up innings. He was not supposed to be dominant. He was not supposed to be a star. Erasmo Ramirez was a pleasant enough guy, […]

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Could one of the Rays young guns grow into a star?

August 11, 2015 Tampa Bay Rays

Tuesday, 6 a.m. As a franchise, the Tampa Bay Rays have had too many hitters steal their money. Perhaps that is why it is so refreshing to see the Outlaw. There is much to like about Kevin Kiermaier, the young centerfielder. On a triple, he goes from home to third so fast you’d swear he […]

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