* Joe Maddon is much more than the two-time Manager of the Year who has led the improbable, budget-challenged Tampa Bay Rays into the playoffs three of the last four years. He’s also a civic leader and a role model off the field. And while his three-year contract extension assures that he is well-paid, he’s paid less than his predecessor (Lou Piniella) and less than others who have done less with more.
Call it an adopted hometown discount. He likes the Rays’ organization, and he likes living here. He lives in a neighborhood–not a gated community or a high-rise. He’s also one of the genuine good guys. He’s well-read, well-spoken and, well, fun to be around. His presence is an ongoing advertorial for Tampa Bay.
The Rays chose Maddon and Maddon chooses Tampa Bay. “Win-win” is overused. But not here.
* It’s a given that the Bucs are addressing their discipline issues of last season. New coach Greg Schiano is known as a no-nonsense disciplinarian. But new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan has also earned some discipline chops as well. The West Point alum graduated from Ranger and Air Assault schools and has a blue belt in Brazilian jiujitsu.
* That prominent Tampa Bay Times photo of Lightning owner Jeff Vinik and USF President Judy Genshaft celebrating the new MBA in sports management spoke volumes about the continued community involvement of Vinik.
And didn’t President Genshaft looked particularly animated–even for her? Sure, the Lightning’s two-year contribution will be more than $2.5 million, but you can bet that a good-news respite from the sorry soap opera related to Alexander Poly was most welcome.