Update from Bucs Headquarters -  RB B.J. Askew signs a new deal.  Could Earnest Graham be next?  Don't think so.  Graham deserves a pop in the wallet, but he better not let his agent Drew Rosenhaus screw up his career like he did Erictt Rhett's.

    I don't think we'll be hearing any more from QB Jeff Garcia regarding progress, or lack thereof on an extension.  GM Bruce Allen got the message.  Plus, I'm sure Jon Gruden isn't all that happy having his starting QB PO'ed at this point.  Garcia is a class guy.  His deal will get done, as long as he's not asking for some idiotic money.

   I have covererd quite a few MLB owners meetings in my career.  Up until I met the Rays ownership, I thought this fraternity was made up of a bunch of greedy businessmen.  I know Stu and his partners are in to make a buck, but they come across as genuine people.  Thanks.  You guys restored my faith in a group of investors I felt I could never trust.

   More on the Rays.  My earlier blog (a month and change ago) prediction on Andrew Friedman as MLB Executive of the Year is likely a "lock."  Now, the national press is agreeing. 

   One regret.  I haven't had a chance to sit down and talk with new Innisbrook Resort owner Shiela Johnson.  A remarkable woman who has great passion for sport.  I believe her vision of having an LPGA Tournament on the Island Course will fly.  Add that to the soon to be expected announcement of the PGA continuing play at Copperhead will be a "Grand Slam."

   However, I'm not completely sold on the idea of the area supporting a WNBA team. History tells us hoops is not hot in the Tampa Bay area.  Our TV ratings on televised games backs that up.

   Hank Steinbrenner.  I give George's son about a week before he realizes that the Rays are not a "hungry" team.  They are actually a team with "talent" and "passion" for the game.  By the way Hank,  your skipper is over his head.

   Big Brown is a 1-2 favorite in this weekend's Preakness Stakes.  My question is- Why don't they give this monster horse the Triple Crown now?  Better yet, can I get a small stake in ownership?

   Golfer Annika Sorenstam is retiring at the end this LPGA season.  Another classy athlete that will be sorely missed.

   Tennis's Justine Henin retired this week from the sport.  She goes out while ranked #1 in the world.  Justine said she was burned out at the age of 25.  I can hardly believe anyone would get burned out at such a young age, even the queens of tennis who were driven to insanity by overbearing parents. 

   How's it going Oren Koules?  Anywhere near finalizing your purchase of the Lightning?  By the way, my wife, Gil and I watch "2 1/2 Men" almost daily.  I'd run "best of" clips during the intermissions.

   Memo to Oren -  If you buy the team, keep Torts. 

   Randomly Yours,

   Tom Korun