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SPORTS MAILBAG

The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 2, 2008

SPORTS MAILBAG

Rays' Shortcomings Exposed

The World Series loss made it abundantly clear: The Rays need a true closer and a bona fide right fielder. Troy Percival probably will not recover enough to be an effective closer, and Dan Wheeler, though competent at times, certainly cannot be classified as such. Collectively, Gabe Gross, Eric Hinske and Rocco Baldelli lack the hitting consistency to measure up in right field. Boston's J.D. Drew and Philadelphia's Jayson Werth displayed the genuine value of steady right fielders.

EARL A. MYERS JR.,

Tampa

Penalties Show Weakness

Thanks to Brett McMurphy for writing about USF's problems with penalties and their negative impact on games ("USF Has Few Peers In Drawing Flags," Oct. 29). I think the continued problems are a result of poor coaching and demonstrate a lack of discipline the Bulls have had year after year. The only constant in the past eight seasons has been Jim Leavitt.

DON GOSSETT,

via e-mail

Coaching Is A Negative

Our Bulls are spiraling downward again. I applaud Brett McMurphy for not ranking them among his top 25. They truly are undeserving at this time. What I have seen this season is no different from the past four years. It is apparent coaching is severely lacking, and with that comes a lack of discipline. The result has been penalties all over the place and mounting losses.

JIM VOGLER,

via e-mail

Leavitt Is Accountable

It is about time for Coach Leavitt to take responsibility for the lack of discipline on his team. Stupid penalties are the result of the lack of consequences for the players. Some extra wind sprints and time on the bench will help a quality player learn about discipline.

KARL TRAMER,

via e-mail

SPORTS MAILBAG

Letters must be brief, signed and include a daytime phone number for verification. Send them to Kim Pendery, Senior Editor for Multimedia Sports, P.O. Box 191, Tampa, 33601; or e-mail sportsletters@tampatrib.com.

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