* Looks like Tampa is an early front runner for the 2016 college football championship after what Bowl Championship Series commissioners have described as a “surprisingly strong bid” for the inaugural game in 2015. That one goes to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Just one question: With a track record of hosting four Super Bowls and having made good on all four, highly-detailed bid packages that featured regional amenities that play well in January, why the surprise?
* I’m not a politically correct sort, but I do think the “Redskins,” as in the Washington Redskins of the National Football League, is a nickname that has to go. Decades ago. But because it’s been around so long and it’s the name of a pro franchise and not a college mascot, it will probably linger on. But it’s offensive–surely to Native Americans and that’s all that matters. No less than if we were discussing the Washington Sambos. It’s an insult.
* This off-season the Rays parted ways with long-time centerfielder B.J. Upton, who signed a free-agent deal with Atlanta. The Braves also signed his brother Justin. The Uptons were ecstatic. For those keeping score, however, it’s been a perfect storm for B.J. so far. He is off to an awful start, while Justin has played well. B.J. has not hit near his weight (185); he’s been dropped in the batting order; and his brother–his juxtaposed younger brother–is a constant reminder.
*Seen the Rays’ Fernando Rodney, the erstwhile premier relief pitcher in all of baseball, lately? That’s why teams don’t do long-term deals for relief pitchers.