Sports Day Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay Times
Join award-winning journalist Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times and co-host Steve Versnick every weekday as they dive deep into the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports. From the Buccaneers and Rays to the Lightning, USF, and more — they go beyond the headlines to give you the insight you can't find anywhere else. It’s the ultimate insider’s guide to Tampa Bay sports. New episodes drop every weekday morning in your favorite podcast app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Lightning Lose Game 5, Face Elimination Game on Friday Plus Rays Lose in Cleveland But Win Series
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Lightning's 3-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of theif first round series. The Lightning are now on the verge of elimination with Game 6 on Friday night in Montreal. Plus the Rays lose to the Guardians 3-1 but still take the series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Win 6th Straight, Lightning Host Game 5 Tonight & Bucs GM Jason Licht Wants To Keep Baker Mayfield
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 6-game win streak as they beat the Guardians 1-0 behind 7 shutout innings from Nick Martinez. Junior Caminero left the game with a jaw contusion after being hit by a foul ball. The Lightning host the Canadiens tonight for Game 5, Nikita Kucherov is a Lindsay Award Finalist and Bucs GM Jason Licht says they don't won't Baker Mayfield to play for any other team as he enters the last season of his contract. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Pick Up Kancey's Option, Bain Jr. and Trotter is New Foundation for the Defense & Rays Beat Guardians
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers picking up Calijah Kancey's 5th year option and how Rueben Bain Jr. and Josiah Trotter could be the foundation for the defense for years to come. Plus the Rays beat the Guardians to go 12-1 against the American League and the Orlando Magic take a 3-games-to-1 lead over the number 1 seed Detroit Pistons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning Even Series 2-2, Bucs Fills Needs in NFL Draft & Rays Sweep the Twins
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Lightning's comeback win over Montreal to even the series at 2-2. Max Crozier with a huge hit to turn the game and Brandon Hagel is unreal. Plus the Bucs wrap up a successful draft that saw them fit a lot of needs and the Rays sweep the Twins as they are 11-1 against the American League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Take Rueben Bain Jr in NFL Draft, Lightning Game 3 Tonight & County Can't Meet Rays Stadium Deadline
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers taking Rueben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick in the NFL Draft. The Lightning play the Canadiens in Game 3 tonight, the Rays host the Twins as Taj Bradley returns and Hillsborough County says they can't meet the Rays June 1st stadium deal deadline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Have 15th Pick In NFL Draft, Rays' Nick Martinez Pitches 8 Innings & Lightning Ready for Game 3
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on tonight's NFL Draft as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers currently have the 15th pick and a lot of needs on defense. Plus several mock drafts have the Bucs taking a Tight End with the pick. The Rays salvage a game from the Reds as Nick Martinez goes 8 innings giving up just 1 run and the Lightning are in Montreal preparing for Friday night's Game 3. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning Win In OT To Even Series With Montreal & Reds Blow Out The Rays
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Lightning's 3-2 overtime win over Montreal in Game 2 of their first-round playoff series. Nikita Kucherov scores for the first time in 17 playoff games to tie the game while JJ Moser nets the OT winner. The Rays lose to the Reds and will look to salvage a game this afternoon while the Bucs continue to prepare for Thursday night's NFL Draft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning-Canadiens Game 2 Tonight, Rays Mental Errors Cost Them & Bucs Start Voluntary Workouts
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Lightning's prep for tonight's Game 2 after they lost the first game on Sunday. Charle-Eduoard D’Astous is doubtful after leaving game 1 injured. The Rays lose to the Reds after making several mental errors and the Buccaneers start voluntary workouts with the NFL Draft just 2 days away. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning Lose In OT in Game 1, Rays Lose Series to Pirates & Bucs Preparing For NFL Draft
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Lightning's 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their best-of-7 first-round series. The Bolts took too many bad penalties as they allowed 3 power play goals. The Rays lose 2-of-3 to the Pirates but had a huge comeback on Saturday for their lone win and the Bucs are preparing for the NFL Draft this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Sweep The White Sox, Questions Remain on Rays Stadium Plan and Lightning Start Playoffs on Sunday
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 3-game sweep of the Chicago White Sox for their 6th straight win. Questions still remain after Hillsborough County's workshop on a Rays Stadium Deal. The Lightning open up the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sunday afternoon at 5:45pm vs. the Montreal Canadiens. Plus we answer your mailbag questions the Bucs draft needs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Discuss Stadium Renovations With Officials, Rays Win Again & Lightning Preparing for Playoffs
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers meeting with the City, County and TSA about major renovations to Raymond James Stadium and the potential impact it has on the Rays stadium search. Plus the Rays win again and have the best record in the American League plus the Lighting lose their regular season finale as they turn their attention to the playoffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Continue To Score, Lightning Get Home Ice in First Round & Jason Licht Speaks Today
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 8-5 win over the White Sox as they are in first place in the AL East. They continue to find ways to score without hitting a lot of homers. Plus the Lightning will start at home vs. the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht will speak today for his pre-NFL Draft press conference. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning To Face Canadiens In First Round, Bucs Host A Quarterback & Dick Vitale Has Cancer Again
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Lightning's 4-3 overtime win over the Red Wings which means their first round opponent is set with the Montreal Canadiens. Plus Dick Vitale has cancer again and Bucs host Kansas quaterback Jalon Daniels for pre-draft visit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Sweep The Yankees, Lightning Beat The Bruins & Rory McIlroy Repeats
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays sweep of the Yankees as they pull into a 3-way tie for first place in the AL East, the Lightning win in Boston as Brandon Hagel returns but more players are out injured and Rory McIlroy repeats at The Masters. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MAILBAG: What To Do With Baker Mayfield's Contract, Why Mike Evans Left & Rowdies Undefeated
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick answer your mailbag questions 100% correct or your money back. They answer questions about Baker Mayfield and when the Buccaneers should try to re-sign him, why Mike Evans left the Bucs and the Rowdies undefeated start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose Series To Cubs and Mailbag Questions About Yandy Diaz & Signing Prospects
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 6-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs as they've lost 3 of their first 4 series this season. The defense continues to be a problem as they lead MLB with 17 errors. Plus we answer your mailbag questions about where Yandy Diaz ranks amongst the Rays greats, signing young prospects early and when to leave a game when your wife is in labor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Are The Bucs Trolling Mike Evans, Rays and Lightning Lose & Stadium Vote Could Be Next Month
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 9-2 loss to the Cubs as Drew Rasmussen is scratched due to his wife going into labor, the Lightning lose 6-2 in Ottawa as Brandon Hagel, Anthony Cirelli and Pontus Holmberg all miss due to injury, are the Buccaneers trolling Mike Evans by signing former Falcons wide receiver David Sills V, who caught the 4th down pass against the Bucs and Ken Hagan says votes on a new Rays stadium could come next month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Win in Return To Tropicana Field, Lightning Lose As Injuries Mount & Bucs Bring Back Justin Skule
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays Opening Day as Tropicana Field re-opens after a year away. The Rays hit 3 home runs, played great defense and Shane McClanahan continues to pitch well in his return. The Lightning lose 4-2 to Buffalo as Anthony Cirelli missed the game with an injury and Pontus Holmberg left injured and Jon Cooper says it's "not good". Also Buccaneers bring back swing tackle Justin Skule and Michigan wins the National Title in basketball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Are Back at Tropicana Field, Lightning Clinch 9th Straight Playoff Berth & Geno Auriemma Looks Small
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 4-5 start to the season as they return to St. Pete today for the Home Opener at Tropicana Field and Shane McClanahan on the bump. Plus the Lightning clinch a playoff berth for the 9th straight season and are back in first place with 6 games to play. Plus Geno Auriemma looks small in his apology to Dawn Staley and South Carolina in the Women's Final Four. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MAILBAG: Baker Mayfield's Contract Options, Rays Hall of Fame & Lightning's Playoff Chances
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick answer your mailbag questions on if the Bucs should re-sign Baker Mayfield as he enters the final year of his contract, the Rays Hall of Fame, the Lightning's playoff chances and should you give up fandom when you move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Preparing To Ask For Money For Stadium Renovations & Rays Lose 8-2
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers preparing to meet the TSA about renovations to Raymond James Stadium as the Rays stadium deal is drawing closer. Plus the Rays lose again as Junior Caminero has 3 errors, including one while playing first base. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why The Bucs Like Todd Bowles, Shane McClanahan Pitches & Lightning Lose To Montreal
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer's comments on why they like Todd Bowles as their head coach and what the comments truly mean. Plus the Rays lose but Shane McClanahan pitched well in his first appearance in over 2.5 years and the Lightning lose to Montreal despite playing well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should The Bucs Lock Up Baker Mayfield Now & Rays Win Their 2nd Straight Game
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers dilemna on what to do with Baker Mayfield. Should they sign him now to a long-term deal or wait to play out this season to see how he does. There are risks with both scenarios. Plus the Rays win their 2nd straight as Yandy Diaz stays hot, Nick Martinez pitches well and Johnny Deluca hits a bomb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Win Their First Game, Lightning Back Atop Eastern Conference & Final Four Is Set
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 1-2 start in St. Louis as the bats rack up 41 hits but the bullpen blow a couple of leads. Plus the Lightning have won 2 in a row and are back atop the Eastern Conference with 9 games remaining, plus the Final Four is set. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose on Opening Day After Holding 7-1 Lead & Lightning Rally but Lose In Overtime
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays blowing a 7-1 lead to lose 9-7 on Opening Day in St. Louis. Junior Caminero drew 4 walks, Ben Williamson had 3 hits but Ian Seymour couldn't retire a batter with a big lead. Plus the Lightning rally from a 2-goal deficit but lose 4-3 to the Kraken in overtime. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Marc Topkin on Rays Opening Day, New Faces, Returning to Tropicana Field & Junior Caminero's Star
Rick Stroud is joined by Marc Topkin, Rays Beat Writer for the Tampa Bay Times, to discuss the Rays season which begins today. They discuss the team returning to Tropicana Field this season, the new owners, changes on the roster as Brandon Lowe and Pete Fairbanks depart, new faces like Cedric Mullins and Nick Martinez, what to excpect from Shane McClanahan's return and Junior Caminero's star status after the World Baseball Classic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lavonte David Announces Retirement After 14 Years With The Bucs & Lightning Beat The Wild
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Lavonte David's announcement that he is retiring after 14 seasons with the Buccaneers. Plus the Lightning win a wild game over Minnesota 6-3 and we are 1 day from Opening Day and the Rays injuries are starting to mount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Sign A Linebacker So What About Lavonte David, Plus Gators Lose, Hodgson Leaves USF and Kucherov's Scoring
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Bucs signing linebacker Christian Rozeboom from the Carolina Panthers and what it means for Lavonte David's future. Plus the Gators lose in the NCAA 2nd round, USF Head Coach Brian Hodgson leaves for Providence and Nikita Kucherov now leads the NHL in scoring despite a slow start to the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom on Mike Evans' Legacy After Leaving Bucs & Where He Ranks Among Tampa Bay All-Time Greats
Rick Stroud and Tom Jones on Mike Evans' legacy now that he has left the Bucs and who is the greatest Tampa Bay athlete from the 3 major teams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom on the World Baseball Classic, Video Reviews and Getting Ejected From Games
Rick Stroud and Tom Jones from the Poynter Institute on the World Baseball Classic, video reviews and getting run from games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jason Licht Speaks on Mike Evans Leaving Plus Mailbags on Bucs Running Backs, Rays Wins & More
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht's comments about Mike Evans departing Tampa Bay for San Francisco. Plus they answer mailbag questions on if the Bucs are going through a reset this season, which running back will get the tough yards, how many games will the Rays win this season and which happens first, Junior Caminero gets 50 home runs or Chandler Simpson gets 60 stolen bases. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Mailbag: Should Jason Licht Be Fired & Running Backs Plus Brian Hodgson Turns Down Syracuse?
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on reports that USF Basketball Coach Brian Hodgson turned down Syracuse as he prepares for Thursday's NCAA Tournament first round game. Plus mailbag questions asking if Jason Licht should be fired and which Bucs running back will handle the tough yards up the middle this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rex Culpepper Dies, USF Preps for Tourney, Bucs Free Up Salary Cap & Lightning Play Tonight
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the death of Rex Culpepper, the son of former Buccaneers Linebacker Brad Culpepper. Plus USF is preparing for the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years as Head Coach Brian Hodgson could be courted by schools like Syracuse after a successful first year. Plus the US will play Venezuela tonight in the World Baseball Classic, the Bucs rework Luke Goedeke's contract to free up salary cap space and the Lightning return to the ice tonight in Seattle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
USF Goes Dancing For First Time in 14 Years, WBC Has Been Fantastic & Hope For Bucs Free Agent Signings
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the South Florida Bulls going to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 14 years and winning the Conference Tournament for the first time since 1990. Plus the World Baseball Classic has been fantastic theater as the USA is playing the Dominican Republic and why you should be excited with the Buccaneers free agent acquisitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Evans Introduced In San Francisco, Bucs Sign Defensive Lineman and Special Teamer Plus Lightning Win
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Mike Evans' press conference as he signs with the San Francisco 49ers. He said he feels he is the missing piece for them to win the Super Bowl, so what does that say about Baker Mayfield and the Bucs. Plus the Buccaneers add a pass rusher and an all-pro special teamer. The Lightning beat the Red Wings as Nikita Kucherov has another 2 point night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Sign QB Jake Browning, Tender RB Sean Tucker & Mailbag Questions on Bowles, Licht, Glazers and Evans
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers signing Jake Browning to be their backup quarterback and tendering Sean Tucker on a one-year deal as a restricted free agent. Plus your mailbag questions on Todd Bowles, Jason Licht, the Glazers and Mike Evans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning Lose 6th Game Out of 7, Bucs Lose Hall and Bridgewater & Ravens Back Out on Crosby
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on another Tampa Bay Lightning loss as they give up 2 more power play goals to lose their 6th game out of 7. Plus more on Mike Evans choosing to sign in San Francisco, the Ravens backing out of the Max Crosby trade, the Bucs lose Logan Hall and Teddy Bridgewater in free agency and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Evans Leaves The Buccaneers, To Sign With The 49ers
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Mike Evans leaving the Bucs to sign with the San Francisco 49ers after 12 years in Tampa Bay. Plus Jamel Dean signs with the Steelers, Alex Anzalone and Kenneth Gainwell are coming to Tampa and Cade Otton re-signs as NFL Free Agency begins with the legal tampering period is underway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Where Will Mike Evans Sign In Free Agency & Lightning Lose 8-7 At Buffalo
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the NFL's legal tampering period that begins today as Mike Evans will start talking to teams as he hits free agency. Plus the Lightning lose a crazy game in Buffalo 8-7 in a game that saw a lot of fights and penalties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What Is The Market For Mike Evans, Lightning Lose Again & Question About Bucs' David Walker
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on what the free agent market might look like for Mike Evans as Buffalo trades for DJ Moore and there are reports that Houston and Kansas City aren't pushing. Plus the Lightning struggle again in Winnipeg as the NHL Trade Deadline is today, plus a mailbag questions on Bucs edge rusher David Walker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Trey Hendrickson Wants To Sign With The Bucs? Plus Riley Dixon is back & NHL Trade Deadline Is Friday
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the reports that Trey Hendrickson is interested in signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week when free agency begins. Plus the Bucs re-sign punter Riley Dixon, the NHL Trade Deadline is this week and a mailbag question on the NFL's International games plan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Shane McClanahan's Spring Debut, Junior Caminero's Show at WBC & Mike Evans' Future With Bucs
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Shane McClanahan's first outing of the spring while Junior Caminero lights it up for the Dominican Republic in a World Baseball Classic exhibition game. Plus your mailbag questions on Mike Evans' future, should the Bucs go all in and rating national announcers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Reports Of Patriots Interest In Mike Evans & Mailbag Questions on Bucs Defense and Defending Todd Bowles
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on reports that the New England Patriots are interesting in signing Mike Evans, one year after they tried to get Chris Godwin in free agency. Plus mailbag questions on the Bucs defensive scheme and defending Todd Bowles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mike Evans' Free Agency Targets, Bucs' Coach Todd Bowles Wants More Size & Lightning Lose To Sabres
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on The Tampa Bay Lightning's 6-2 loss to the Sabres in a game that saw Jon Cooper pull goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy in the 2nd period. Plus thoughts from Joey Knight's funeral, more on where Mike Evans may end up in free agency and a mailbag question about Todd Bowles wanting more size on defense. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
NFLPA Team Report Cards Leak, Mike Evans' Future with Bucs & Lightning Lose In Carolina
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Lightning's 5-4 loss at Carolina that saw them overcome a 3-0 deficit to tie the game twice. Plus NFLPA report cards on teams are leaked and your mailbag questions on Mike Evans' future and Todd Bowles' impact. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Coach Todd Bowles Blames OC For Defensive Issues & Lightning Win Their 6th Straight Game
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Lightning's 4-2 win over the Maple Leafs as they win their 10th straight home game. Nikita Kucherov has another 3 point night while Brayden Point returned to the lineup with 2 goals. Plus Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles says having a new Offensive Coordinator will improve the defense because he can now focus on it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs GM Jason Licht and Coach Todd Bowles' Comments on Mike Evans' Pending Free Agency
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Bucs GM Jason Licht and Coach Todd Bowles' comments about Mike Evans pending free agency. Plus Evans' agent talked about the Bucs roster as a factor in where he will sign. Plus the Lightning return to play tonight after 20 days off and the Rays score 12 runs in Spring Training. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs GM Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles To Speak Today In Indy & Mailbag Questions on Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Bucs GM Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles getting ready to address the media in Indianapolis at the Scouting Combine this week. Plus some mailbag questions on where the Buccaneers could play during Raymond James Stadium upgrades and should Tampa Bay re-sign Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield and Cade Otten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US Wins Gold Over Canada & Remembering Joey Knight
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the US winning the gold medal in Men's Hockey for the first time since 1980. They beat Canada 2-1 in overtime as Jake Guentzel wins gold while Brandon Hagel takes home the silver medal. Plus remembering Tampa Bay Times colleague Joey Knight who passed away on Friday after a battle with cancer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US Women's Hockey Wins Gold, Should Bucs Sign Bradley Chubb & More On Mike Evans Testing Free Agency
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the US Women's Hockey team taking home gold over Canada in overtime, the men's semifinals games are today, Spring Training baseball games start this weekend and mailbag questions on Mike Evans saying he's going to test free agency and should the Bucs sign Bradley Chubb. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.