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
Baker Mayfield Feels 'Disrespected' and 'Undervalued' By Buccaneers
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Baker Mayfield's comments regarding his lack of contract extension with the Buccaneers. He said he felt 'disrespected' and 'undervalued' while being dissappointed team wouldn't give him more than a 2-year deal for a franchise quarterback. Plus the Rays beat the Rangers as Cedric Mullins hits the game-winning home run and Tampa Bay is now 3.5 games ahead of the Yankees with the Trade Deadline approaching on Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Open Training Camp Without Tristan Wirfs and Vita Vea Who Have Tweaks
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Buccaneers first day of Training Camp as Tristan Wirfs and Vita Vea didn't participate after 'tweaking' something on Tuesday. How does Vita Vea's trade request and Baker Mayfield's contract status impact the team this year. Plus the Rays beat the Rangers 3-0 despite only getting 3 hits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs' Baker Mayfield To Play Season Under Old Contract, Become Free Agent in March
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield reporting to Training Camp without a new contract. He will play this season under his old deal and then become a free agent in March. Add that with Vita Vea's trade request and is there trouble for the Bucs this season. The Rays lose 4-1 to the Texas Rangers, their lead in the AL East is now 1.5 games with 5 games to go before the trade deadline. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Defensive Tackle Vita Vea Requests A Trade
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Vita Vea's request that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade him as he enters the final year of a 4-year contract that will pay him more than $17 million this year. How will this impact the defense, the team and Baker Mayfield contract negotiations. Plus more details on Kyle Shannahan's accident and the reporting on it and the terrible tragedy of Eric Bienemy's son shooting his mother multiple times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Have Won 6-of-7 & Bucs Rookies Report To Training Camp Today
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick are back from vacation as the Tampa Bay Rays have won 6-of-7 including 2 straight shutouts of the Guardians. Plus the Buccaneers rookies report today for Training Camp and the veterans report tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MAILBAG: Baker Mayfield's Health, Bucs Tight Ends, Rays Stadium & Steve Yzerman
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick answer your mailbag questions on how new Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson will use his tight ends this season, Baker Mayfield health at quarterback, the Rays new stadium plan, will there be a baseball season next year and should the Lightning bring back Steve Yzerman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom Telling Old Press Box Stories
Rick Stroud is joined by Tom Jones to reminisce about old Press Box stories of the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom On Jon Gruden As A Play-By-Play Announcer
Rick Stroud is joined by Tom Jones to tell some old stories and discuss the news that Jon Gruden is going to be the play-by-play announcer for a Bucs game this preseason. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Preview: Offensive Players That Need To Break Out This Season
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick preview the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive players that need to break out this season for the Bucs to regain their crown as the NFC South champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Preview: Defensive Players That Need To Break Out This Season
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick preview the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive players that need to break out this season for the Bucs to regain their crown as the NFC South champions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What To Expect in College Football This Season
Rick Stroud is joined once again by Matt Baker from The Athletic to discuss this season of College Football. Who will be good, how will first year coaches at USF and Florida do, can Miami make it back to the playoff and how will Florida State do. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
College Football NIL, Salary Cap & Possible Conference Realignment + Junior Caminero X-Rays Negative
Rick Stroud is joined by Matt Baker from The Athletic to discuss everything College Football including NIL, realignment, a possible salary cap, Brendan Sorsby and more. Plus Junior Caminero get lucky after being hit in the hand in Tuesday night's All-Star Game, but x-rays were negative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Should Baker Mayfield Have Played Every Game Last Year Injured & Junior Caminero All-Star Starter
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Junior Caminero being the first Tampa Bay Ray to start multiple All-Star Games and should Baker Mayfield have played every game last season after seeing how beat up he was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Junior Caminero Out in HR Derby 2nd Round, 5 Rays in All-Star Game & Baker Mayfield on Quarterback
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Junior Caminero's loss in the Home Run Derby in the 2nd round, 5 Tampa Bays set to play in tonight's All-Star Game and a preview of Baker Mayfield on Netflix's Quarterback show that debuts today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Honor Evan Longoria, Junior Caminero in HR Derby Tonight & World Cup's Final 4 Teams
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays honoring Evan Longoria over the weekend as it brought out 10-years of memories. Plus Junior Caminero in the Home Run Derby tonight, the Rays are 3 games up in the AL East at the break and the World Cup semifinals features the top 4 teams in the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays To Honor Evan Longoria, Lose to Yankees 12-4 & Could Martin Gramatica Go Into Bucs Ring of Honor
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays honoring Evan Longoria this weekend as his number is retired and he enters the Rays Hall of Fame. Plus the Rays lose 12-4 to the Yankees to split their 4-game series as the lead is 4 games in the division. Plus a mailbag question about putting Martin Gramatica into the Bucs Ring of Honor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Shutout Yankees To Take 5 Game Lead & Who Should Bucs Induct Into Ring of Honor
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 3-0 win over the Yankees as Tampa Bay is now 5 games ahead and will be in first place at next week's All-Star break. The Rays are now 6-2 vs. the Yankees this season with a day game this afternoon and Drew Rasmussen on the hill. Plus who should the Buccaneers induct into the Ring of Honor this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Beat Yankees 6-4 to Even Series & Messi Does It Again
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 6-4 win over the Yankees as New York strikes out 17 times for the 2nd straight night. Ian Seymour pitched well except for 1 pitch and Yandy Diaz went yard. Plus Argentina-Egypt was another spectacular World Cup game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
World Cup Run Ends For U.S. with 4-1 Loss to Belgium & Rays Lose 5-1 To Yankees
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the USA's 4-1 loss to Belgium to end their World Cup run in the Round of 16. Plus the Rays lose to the Yankees 5-1 as Jose Caballero hits 2 home runs against his former team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Get 4 All-Stars while 9-Game Win Streak Snapped and US Plays Belgium Tonight
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 9-game win streak coming to an end in Houston as Junior Caminero hit 11 home runs in 11 games through Saturday. Caminero, Yandy Diaz, Drew Rasmussen and Bryan Baker were all named to the All-Star Game, the US plays Belgium tonight in the World Cup as they look to make it to the Quarterfinals plus Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot at MSG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Win Streak at 8 Games, Junior Caminero's HR Streak Ends & Why John Carlson Chose The Lightning
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays 8-game win streak that has their lead up to 4 games over the Yankees. Junior Caminero's home run streak ends at 6 games but the bottom of the order carried them and Ian Seymour gave up just 1 run in 6 innings. Plus new Lightning defenseman John Carlson on why he wanted to come to Tampa Bay and a mailbag question on sports superstitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US Advances to Round of 16 in World Cup, Junior Caminero Homers in 6 Straight & Lightning Trade Nick Paul
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the USA's 2-nothing win over Bosnia in the World Cup despite Folarin Balogun getting a red card which makes him ineligible for the next game on Monday vs. Belgium. Plus Junior Caminero is the youngest player in MLB's modern history to hit a home run in 6 straight games while the Rays have won 7 in a row, and the Lightning trade Nick Paul to Toronto while signing 3 free agents including defenseman John Carlson from the Anaheim Ducks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Junior Caminero's 5th Straight Game with Home Run, US Plays Tonight in World Cup and NHL Free Agency to Begin
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Junior Caminero's 5th straight game with a home run and his 8th in 7 games. The Rays win their 6th straight game and are now 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees in the AL East. Plus the US plays Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup's Knockout Stage tonight plus NHL Free Agency starts today but will the Lightning sign anyone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays' Junior Caminero Honored, Terrion Arnold Released, Germany Upset & Chris Johnson Has ALS
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays' Junior Caminero being named the AL Player of the Week after he hit 7 home runs in 6 games and the Rays now lead the AL East by 1.5 games over the Yankees. Plus Terion Arnold is released by the Lions after his arrest in Tampa, Germany is upset in the World Cup and former NFL player Chris Johnson has ALS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Junior Caminero's Red Hot As Rays Are Back in First & Baker Mayfield Hopeful for New Deal with Bucs
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Junior Caminero's host streak that has moved the Rays back into first place in the AL East as the Yankees were swept by the Red Sox. Plus Baker Mayfield's tone shifted when talking about a new contract with the Bucs as he sounded more hopeful of getting a deal done. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Take No-Hitter Into 9th Inning While Junior Caminero Hits 3 Home Runs
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 13-2 win over the Royals that saw them carry a no-hitter into the 9th inning and Junior Caminero hit 3 home runs. Plus we answer your mailbag questions on World Cup fans and sports announcers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Beat Royals 5-3, Yandy Diaz 4 More Hits & Mailbag About Small Ball
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 5-3 win over the Royals that saw Griffin Jax pitch well again, Taylor Walls and Chandler Simpson make back-to-back errors and Yandy Diaz gets 4 hits. Plus Dianna Russini used NFL coaches to get out of tickets and your mailbag questions on the Rays small ball and Trevor Bauer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Hire New Radio Announcer, Rays Lose to Royals Again & The Potential of Buccaneers Offense
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers announcement that Tony Castricone will be their new radio play-by-play announcer, replacing Gene Deckerhoff who retired after last season. Plus the Rays lose to the Royals again and are now only 10-games above .500 for the first time since May 4th. We also answer your mailbag questions about who the Rays could trade at the deadline if they keep losing and just how good can this Buccaneers offense be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose Opener To Royals & Bucs Mailbag on Reuben Bain Jr, Baker Mayfield and Vita Vea
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 loss to the Royals to start their 4-game series as the bats are cold once again. Plus your mailbag questions on Bucs' Reuben Bain Jr. plus Baker Mayfield and Vita Vea's contracts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Minicamp Over, Rays Win Nats Series, US Advances to Knockout Round & Bolts Trade Darren Raddysh
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapping up minicamp last week, plus thoughts on Rick's interviews with GM Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles. Also the Rays take 2-of-3 from the Nationals as Johnny Deluca returns but Junior Caminero has another mental mistake that costs them, the US has already advanced to the knockout round of the World Cup and the Lightning trade Darren Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht on Upcoming Season, Roster Changes, Baker Mayfield & More
Rick Stroud is joined by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jason Licht to discuss the upcoming season, thoughts on last year, drafting Reuben Bain Jr., losing Mike Evans and Lavonte David and the key to this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles on New Players, New Coaches, Baker Mayfield and more
Rick Stroud is joined by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles to discuss the team this season, the new players, new coaches and new attitude. Plus how they can replace Mike Evans and Lavonte David, Baker Mayfield's contract status and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Vita Vea Attending, But Not Participating, In Bucs Minicamp and Baker Mayfield on Last Season
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers first day of minicamp as Vita Vea is attending but not partipating, Baker Mayfield discussed last season and his contract status and Todd Bowles discussed Baker's health. Plus the Rays continue their series with the Dodgers and Lionel Messi gets his first career World Cup hat trick. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Begin Minicamp Today, Rays' Caminero Leads All-Star Voting & Sorsby To The NFL
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers starting their mandatory minicamp today before the team departs later in the week until Training Camp. Plus the Rays' Junior Caminero leads AL 3rd baseman in All-Star voting as the team is in LA to face the Dodgers this week. Also Brendan Sorsby elects to go in the NFL Supplemental Draft instead of returning to Texas Tech ending the court cases due to his gambling addiction. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inside Bucs-Baker Mayfield Contract Talks, Rays Lose 2-of-3 to Angels & US Wins World Cup Opener
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on what to expect with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield with his contract negotiations after Rick talked with GM Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles. Plus the Rays lose 2-or-3 to the Angels with the Dodgers up next as Junior Caminero's first home run in 10 games salvages the final game in the series. The US looked impressive in their first World Cup game while the Knicks and Hurricanes are champions in basketball and hockey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Lose an OTA Day For Being Too Physical, Nikita Kucherov Wins Hart Trophy & Rays In Anaheim Tonight
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Bucs losing a day of OTAs due to having too many guys on the ground during workouts, a badge of honor for the team. Plus Nikita Kucherov wins the Hart Trophy for MVP, the Rays ready to begin a series in Anaheim, the World Cup begins and what a collapse by the Spurs on Wednesday night in the NBA Finals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Drew Rasmussen Dominates For Rays & Bucs Mailbag on Baker Mayfield and Training Camp Battles
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 7-5 win over the Red Sox that saw Drew Rasmussen throw 7 shutout innings with a career-high 13 strikeouts. The bullpen duo of Cole Sulser and Steven Matz gave up 4 runs to make the game closer than it should have been. The Buccaneers will wrap up OTAs today with Cut for a Cure and we answer your mailbag questions about Baker Mayfield's contract and the positional battles to watch in Training Camp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Beat The Red Sox, Now 11-0 vs AL East at Home & Stadium Mailbag Question
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 4-3 win over the Red Sox as they improve to 11-0 vs. the AL East at Tropicana Field. 3 Rays pitchers combined to only throw 92 pitches led by Nick Martinez who made it into the 8th inning. Plus a mailbag question on the Rays and Bucs Stadium plans and where they stand right now. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Beat Red Sox As Yandy Diaz Hits Leadoff HR & Brendan Sorsby Can Play This Season at Texas Tech
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 3-1 win over the Red Sox as Yandy Diaz hits another leadoff home run and Jonathan Aranda gets an RBI single as the game-winning run. Plus Brendan Sorsby is granted an injunction to play this season as Texas Tech despite his gambling addiction that included him betting on his team in the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Baker Mayfield Says Contract Talks With Bucs 'Not Close', Rays Lose Series To Marlins & Vasilevskiy Wins Vezina
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Baker Mayfield's comments that he and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't close on a new contract. Rick has learned that the Bucs first offer was so low that Baker's camp didn't even counter. Mayfield also said he wouldn't negotiate once Training Camp starts. Plus the Rays lose 2-of-3 to the Marlins as they've lost 10 out of 13 games, Andrei Vasilevskiy wins the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender plus the University of Tampa wins their 3rd straight National Championship in baseball. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
MAILBAG: Rays' Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins & Mike Evans Leaving Tampa for San Fran
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick answer your mailbag questions 100% correct, or your money back. We discuss the Rays recent slump, Chandler Simpson, Cedric Mullins, why did the Rays stop running, Mike Evans leaving Tampa Bay and Coordinators being elevated to Head Coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Lightning Coach Jon Cooper Wins 1st Jack Adams & Rays Swept by Last Place Tigers
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on Tampa Bay Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper winning his first Jack Adams Trophy for Coach of the Year. Plus the Rays are swept by the last-place Tigers, giving up 25 runs over the 3 games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bucs Defense Showing Swag at OTAs, Rays Shutout By Detroit & TSA Say Bucs Trump Rays For Stadium Funds
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense's impressive performance against the offense at OTAs on Tuesday. Todd Bowles' unit has swagger this year with the addition of some vets and the rookies as well. Plus comments from Yaya Diaby, Chris Godwin and others. Also the Rays are shutout by the Tigers 8-0 as they've now lost 7-of-9 and the Tampa Sports Authority says Bucs should trump Rays in cash requests for stadiums. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose 10-9, Rams Trade For Miles Garrett & Bucs OTAs Resume Today
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays losing 10-9 to Detroit as Griffin Jax gives up 3 straight home runs as they've lost 6 of their last 8 games. Plus the Rams trade for Miles Garrett, the Bucs begin their 2nd week of OTAs today and the MLB Players Association says players would lose half a billion dollars if they accepted MLB's first CBA proposal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Take 2-of-3 From Angels While MLB and the Players Exchange CBA Proposals
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Tampa Bay Rays series win over the Angels despite giving up 14 runs on Saturday. Drew Rasmussen struggled but Shane McClanahan was great on Sunday, Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda continue to rake while Junior Caminero is working on his defense. Plus Major League Baseball and the Players Association has exchanged CBA offers including the introduction of a salary cap by the owners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom on Rays 4-Game Losing Streak, Money For Stadiums & Bucs Expectations This Year
Rick Stroud and Tom Jones from the Poynter Institute discuss the Tampa Bay Rays recent 4-game slide and what it means for the season moving forward, will the Bucs stadium plans hinder the Rays ability to get a deal done and the expections for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rick and Tom on John Tortorella, The Lightning's Season & Old Sports Writing Stories
Rick Stroud and Tom Jones from the Poynter Institute reminisce on old sportswriting stories and their co-workers, John Tortorella has the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup Final when taking over in April and what to make of the Tampa Bay Lightning's season and if their window is still open. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose 3rd Straight and Sign Craig Kimbrel, Bucky Irving to be Ready for Camp & Bucs Want Nearly $1 Billion for Renovations
RIck Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays 3rd straight loss as the defense commits 3 more errors and the bats are silent again. The Rays did add 9-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel who pitched a solid inning on Tuesday. Plus the Bucs OTAs are underway as Emeka Egbuka makes a spectacular one-handed catch but Bucky Irving won't participate in any OTAs or minicamp next month but should be ready for Training Camp. Also the Bucs are preparing to ask for nearly $1 billion dollars for stadium renovations as the Rays are still working their deal with Hillsborough County and the City of Tampa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Lose 2 Straight Walk-Offs, Wander Franco Guilty Again Plus Bucs OTAs, Is Emeka Egbuka Ready To Be The Guy?
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays losing back-to-back games by walkoff home runs as the offense is struggling early in games and the defensive and baserunning gaffes cost them. Plus the Bucs have OTAs this week as Emeka Egbuka is looking to take the next step so is he ready to be the guy with Mike Evans departing? Plus Wander Franco found guilty again in the Dominican Republic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rays Stadium MOU Approved by Tampa City Council in Narrow Vote & Rays at Yankees This Weekend
Rick Stroud and Steve Versnick on the Rays MOU being approved by the Tampa City Council by a close 4-3 vote. There is still work to be done before a final deal can be reached. Plus the Rays have a big series against the Yankees this weekend as they enter 4.5 games ahead of New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.