A couple of weeks ago, there was this big moment, at least for me. I came home late one night after a Rays game and was checking on my 11-year-old, the one and only Conor. He woke up. He asked if the Rays had won. I told him they had, again. I was on my way out of the room and he was on his way back to sleep when I heard his voice. ...more

August 30, 2008

Since closer Troy Percival began his latest stint on the disabled list Aug. 15, Rays manager Joe Maddon has insisted there is no designated fill-in closer. ...more

August 29, 2008

GO FISHING is a daily look at the area fishing scene through the eyes of local charter boat captains and fishing guides. Today: Mel Berman. ...more

August 23, 2008

School's started. It's that no-time-to-do-anything time of year again. ...more

August 20, 2008

This is the time of year in baseball when the panic button's allure can be intoxicating. September is looming and pennant races are heating up with the close of each and every ballgame. With only about 40 contests left for most teams, every close loss and each nagging injury can make that button look bigger, brighter and ever more tempting to slam down for that quick fix. ...more

August 17, 2008

Throughout most of their existence, the Rays could have put in a claim for just about anybody they wanted on the waiver wire and had little doubt that they would end up taking priority. Not that they really needed to most of the time, given they never were playing for anything and only trolled the wire to fill a stray hole here and there. ...more

August 17, 2008