Inspired by Koch's Sporting Goods giving away Cyclones tickets in exchange for Chad Johnson jerseys, I started to look through my closet tonight for the jerseys I regret having.
I almost said I regret my child-size David Robinson jersey, but that couldn't be further from the truth. The Admiral will always be my favorite player (although Kobe's making a strong run), even though I can't stand the Spurs now (that's a blog entry in itself...summed up in one word...flop).
What else do I wish I could give back in my closet? Hmmm, boy, there are some vintage jerseys in there. How about a Priest Holmes! A Jeff Blake! A Peyton Manning Tennessee Volunteers jersey? HAHA, that's a funny story. Three Carmelo jerseys, no lie. All gifts. Some random Packers jersey. It's Sterling Sharpe's number, but it was in the family before he started playing in the NFL. Ah, yes, the Troy Smith jersey. Still smells like vanilla (if you know what I'm talking about, you're laughing loudly). Three World Cup jerseys. Those are cool jerseys because you can actually wear them as a grown-up. The crown jewel? The Maurice Clarett Broncos jersey! How about that for a wedding present from a college buddy. Just what my wife wanted!!
I don't really regret any of them. Maybe, my Andy Katzenmoyer Patriots jersey. That was a gift, though. I asked a friend in Boston for a t-shirt jersey when New England drafted him, but he hooked me up with the real thing just to watch the Big Kat flop in the NFL.
What about you? Do you have any jerseys you'd like to get rid of? Does your significant other have a jersey? My wife has a Carson Palmer jersey. She feels a certain kinship because she twice tore her ACL playing sports in high school. Oh, boy, the night Carson tore his ACL she was a basket case. HAHA, I'm starting to ramble.
BG, Z-Wells, Rufus...I'd love to know what jerseys you wore back in the day.
- Joe D.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Please, Give the Man an MVP
I'm about to commit the ultimate basketball sin...ready...is Kobe Bryant as good as Michael Jordan?
I tried to talk it through with my wife tonight, but she chose to go to sleep instead of watching the 4th quarter of the Nuggets/Lakers game late Monday night. So, congratulations, you get to read my inner monologue argument.
Kobe Bryant is simply unguardable. I remember watching Jordan a lot as a kid, but admittedly have watched much more of Kobe as an adult. I believe Kobe can get 40 points every single night without taking bad shots. He's that good of a scorer.
How about his defense? The best defender on the court for Team USA last summer.
I've never even thought it possible, but it jumped in my head tonight and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. All the time we're looking for "the next Jordan"...are we missing something better?
My answer, no. Kobe is amazing, but Jordan is just Jordan. Kobe might finish with better stats, but a more successful statistical career doesn't make a better player or a larger legend. I don't think the gap is as far as some people think, but Jordan is still the best.
Still, can we get Kobe an MVP? Can you believe that? The best player in the NBA for several seasons now is MVP-less. That's wrong. I love Steve Nash, but c'mon. Heck, can we get the guy a nickname while we're at it?
- Joe D.
I tried to talk it through with my wife tonight, but she chose to go to sleep instead of watching the 4th quarter of the Nuggets/Lakers game late Monday night. So, congratulations, you get to read my inner monologue argument.
Kobe Bryant is simply unguardable. I remember watching Jordan a lot as a kid, but admittedly have watched much more of Kobe as an adult. I believe Kobe can get 40 points every single night without taking bad shots. He's that good of a scorer.
How about his defense? The best defender on the court for Team USA last summer.
I've never even thought it possible, but it jumped in my head tonight and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. All the time we're looking for "the next Jordan"...are we missing something better?
My answer, no. Kobe is amazing, but Jordan is just Jordan. Kobe might finish with better stats, but a more successful statistical career doesn't make a better player or a larger legend. I don't think the gap is as far as some people think, but Jordan is still the best.
Still, can we get Kobe an MVP? Can you believe that? The best player in the NBA for several seasons now is MVP-less. That's wrong. I love Steve Nash, but c'mon. Heck, can we get the guy a nickname while we're at it?
- Joe D.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Marvin Sends a Message
So, the Bengals took three wide receivers in the 2008 NFL Draft. Chad Johsnon, are you paying attention?
Marvin says it has nothing to do with Chad, the loss of Chris Henry or the fact that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the last year of his contract. In fact, Marvin says they drafted three wide outs to underline his commitment to the run game, arguing, more vertical threats will keep defenses busy and off the line of scrimmage.
I'm not buying it. I think the writing is clearly on the wall for Chad Johnson and that writing says the Bengals are preparing to play whether or not you want to. This is going to be one interesting training camp.
Rookie camp, meanwhile, starts this weekend. Keep it locked on Fox19 for what's always a fun weekend at Paul Brown Stadium.
- Joe D.
Marvin says it has nothing to do with Chad, the loss of Chris Henry or the fact that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the last year of his contract. In fact, Marvin says they drafted three wide outs to underline his commitment to the run game, arguing, more vertical threats will keep defenses busy and off the line of scrimmage.
I'm not buying it. I think the writing is clearly on the wall for Chad Johnson and that writing says the Bengals are preparing to play whether or not you want to. This is going to be one interesting training camp.
Rookie camp, meanwhile, starts this weekend. Keep it locked on Fox19 for what's always a fun weekend at Paul Brown Stadium.
- Joe D.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
NFL Draft: Bengals Day 1 Recap
There are only a few people who know exactly how highly the Bengals coveted a stud defensive tackle. Maybe Marvin's telling the truth when he said the team valued Keith Rivers equal to the other defensive players drafted in the same area of the first round. How badly they wanted a Glenn Dorsey or Sedrick Ellis, we'll probably never know, but the chance to get either of them was there. With 10 picks to play with, it seemed logical to trade with New England and pick Ellis at the 7 spot like New Orleans did. Instead, the Bengals waited for the draft to come to them and took the best value meets need player left on the board.
I'm sure Keith Rivers will be a solid player, but the Bengals need a stud defensive tackle and they seemingly missed that chance.
The second round pick caused quite a buzz in the media room at Paul Brown Stadium. Everyone reached for their computers, notes, player blurbs, etc...anything...to find out who Jerome Simpson was. I tell you what, though, I'm excited to see this kid play. He might've played at a small football program, but his combine measurables are off the charts. Also, have you seen his ability to go get the ball? There were a lot of big name receivers left, but the Bengals got their guy in the second round.
Look, there's a reason Marvin Lewis and everyone else in that war room gets paid a lof of money. Either they get it right and look good, or they get it wrong and look bad. Funny thing is, we won't know if they're right or wrong for quite a while until we get a chance to fairly judge these players on the NFL level.
I'm sure Keith Rivers will be a solid player, but the Bengals need a stud defensive tackle and they seemingly missed that chance.
The second round pick caused quite a buzz in the media room at Paul Brown Stadium. Everyone reached for their computers, notes, player blurbs, etc...anything...to find out who Jerome Simpson was. I tell you what, though, I'm excited to see this kid play. He might've played at a small football program, but his combine measurables are off the charts. Also, have you seen his ability to go get the ball? There were a lot of big name receivers left, but the Bengals got their guy in the second round.
Look, there's a reason Marvin Lewis and everyone else in that war room gets paid a lof of money. Either they get it right and look good, or they get it wrong and look bad. Funny thing is, we won't know if they're right or wrong for quite a while until we get a chance to fairly judge these players on the NFL level.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
The Wrong Scapegoat
Wayne Krivsky isn't perfect.
But if the powers-that-be at Great American Ball Park concluded that the former Reds GM was the biggest problem in the organization, then the home team needs far more help than its 9-13 record indicates.
In the same room where Krivsky took the job in February of 2006, his replacement Walt Jocketty said something about how the "culture in the clubhouse" needs to change...and how it needs to reverberate throughout the organization.
A quick observation:
It's not Krivsky's job to run the clubhouse.
It's Dusty Baker's.
And I doubt Baker has the capable lieutenants in there to hold the players accountable and echo Baker's mission and expectations. When the Reds kicked off the season against Arizona, on what should be a ballplayer's most anticipated game of the year, I heard one big bat on the roster say, "Man I can't wait till Opening Day is over."
Just the other day, another guy who easily carries enough clout to be a clubhouse leader said, "Chad Johnson is my hero." (An apparent reference to Chad's overall disdain for Cincinnati).
Krivsky made mistakes, to be sure. The Lopez-Kearns for Majewski-Bray deal hasn't yet panned out. But the former GM often described having "sleepless nights" when making tough decisions. The emotion of it all sometimes brought Krivsky to tears, maybe the most revealing reflection of his passion.
More passion than certain players who are dressed, showered and out the door about 10 minutes after finding themselves on the wrong side of another blowout.
The Reds scapegoated the wrong guy.
--Zach
But if the powers-that-be at Great American Ball Park concluded that the former Reds GM was the biggest problem in the organization, then the home team needs far more help than its 9-13 record indicates.
In the same room where Krivsky took the job in February of 2006, his replacement Walt Jocketty said something about how the "culture in the clubhouse" needs to change...and how it needs to reverberate throughout the organization.
A quick observation:
It's not Krivsky's job to run the clubhouse.
It's Dusty Baker's.
And I doubt Baker has the capable lieutenants in there to hold the players accountable and echo Baker's mission and expectations. When the Reds kicked off the season against Arizona, on what should be a ballplayer's most anticipated game of the year, I heard one big bat on the roster say, "Man I can't wait till Opening Day is over."
Just the other day, another guy who easily carries enough clout to be a clubhouse leader said, "Chad Johnson is my hero." (An apparent reference to Chad's overall disdain for Cincinnati).
Krivsky made mistakes, to be sure. The Lopez-Kearns for Majewski-Bray deal hasn't yet panned out. But the former GM often described having "sleepless nights" when making tough decisions. The emotion of it all sometimes brought Krivsky to tears, maybe the most revealing reflection of his passion.
More passion than certain players who are dressed, showered and out the door about 10 minutes after finding themselves on the wrong side of another blowout.
The Reds scapegoated the wrong guy.
--Zach
KRIVSKY SHOCKED
WAYNE KRIVSKY SAID HE WAS SHOCKED THAT HE GOT FIRED ON WEDNESDAY. AND REALLY I WAS TOO. KINDA.
NOT THAT EVERYONE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING. WHEN WALT JOCKETTY WAS HIRED IN JANUARY THE CLOCK STARTED TICKING ON KRIVSKY. BUT KRIVSKY'S STAMP ON THE REDS IS NOT THIS YEAR'S 9 AND 12 START.
I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE MAIN THING THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE REDS NEEDS TO DO IS FIND A WAY TO GET GOOD PLAYERS IN UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS. SMALL MARKET TEAM? NOT MUCH REVENUE? FINE. BE CREATIVE. I DON'T KNOW... LIKE FINDING BRANDON PHILLIPS ON THE SCRAP HEAP. GAMBLE AND WIN ON JOSH HAMILTON... AND THEN BE SMART ENOUGH TO SELL HIGH AND INSIST ON EDINSON VOLQUEZ FROM THE RANGERS. GET JARED BURTON FOR NOTHING. HITTING MACHINE JEFF KEPPINGER COST THE REDS A SINGLE-A PITCHER. MIKE LINCOLN LOOKS LIKE A PRETTY GOOD PICKUP AND I DON'T THINK TEAMS WERE LINED UP FOR A GUY WHO HADN'T PITCHED IN FOUR YEARS.
46 MILLION DOLLARS OF BOB CASTELLINI'S MONEY LURED FRANCISCO CORDERO TO CINCINNATI... BUT INSIDER'S SAY KRIVSKY HAD THE DEAL DONE BEFORE MILWAUKEE EVEN KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING.
KRIVSKY DIDN'T MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION EVERYTIME... AND THE REDS OBVIOUSLY AREN'T WINNING. THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE. BUT DUSTY BAKER IS THE FIRST MANAGER KRIVSKY HIRED. HE HASN'T EVEN BEEN ON THE JOB A MONTH. HERE'S HOPING BAKER GETS MORE THAN TWO SEASONS TO TURN AROUND A TEAM THAT'S BEEN LOSING FOR THE BETTER PART OF THIS DECADE.
BG
NOT THAT EVERYONE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING. WHEN WALT JOCKETTY WAS HIRED IN JANUARY THE CLOCK STARTED TICKING ON KRIVSKY. BUT KRIVSKY'S STAMP ON THE REDS IS NOT THIS YEAR'S 9 AND 12 START.
I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT THE MAIN THING THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE REDS NEEDS TO DO IS FIND A WAY TO GET GOOD PLAYERS IN UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS. SMALL MARKET TEAM? NOT MUCH REVENUE? FINE. BE CREATIVE. I DON'T KNOW... LIKE FINDING BRANDON PHILLIPS ON THE SCRAP HEAP. GAMBLE AND WIN ON JOSH HAMILTON... AND THEN BE SMART ENOUGH TO SELL HIGH AND INSIST ON EDINSON VOLQUEZ FROM THE RANGERS. GET JARED BURTON FOR NOTHING. HITTING MACHINE JEFF KEPPINGER COST THE REDS A SINGLE-A PITCHER. MIKE LINCOLN LOOKS LIKE A PRETTY GOOD PICKUP AND I DON'T THINK TEAMS WERE LINED UP FOR A GUY WHO HADN'T PITCHED IN FOUR YEARS.
46 MILLION DOLLARS OF BOB CASTELLINI'S MONEY LURED FRANCISCO CORDERO TO CINCINNATI... BUT INSIDER'S SAY KRIVSKY HAD THE DEAL DONE BEFORE MILWAUKEE EVEN KNEW WHAT WAS HAPPENING.
KRIVSKY DIDN'T MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION EVERYTIME... AND THE REDS OBVIOUSLY AREN'T WINNING. THAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE. BUT DUSTY BAKER IS THE FIRST MANAGER KRIVSKY HIRED. HE HASN'T EVEN BEEN ON THE JOB A MONTH. HERE'S HOPING BAKER GETS MORE THAN TWO SEASONS TO TURN AROUND A TEAM THAT'S BEEN LOSING FOR THE BETTER PART OF THIS DECADE.
BG
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
MARV-elous
On Tuesday morning, Marvin Lewis told the local media, in more or less words, if Chad wants to threaten to sit out, be a man of your word and do it.
There are rumors that other organizations are making a play to get Chad out of Cincinnati, but Marvin isn't backing off his original defense of not trading Chad.
Some of the offers, if true, sound great, but why let Chad get his way? I know Mike Brown, Marvin Lewis, the coaches and 53 players aren't in the business of "making examples". They are paid to win football games. But, if Chad gets traded, he wins. I say well done to Marvin Lewis and the front office if they call Chad's bluff and mean it...forcing him to sit out the season.
What do you think of Marvin's statement? Do you want the Bengals to trade Chad and get something in return or would you rather Chad sit like he threatened?
There are rumors that other organizations are making a play to get Chad out of Cincinnati, but Marvin isn't backing off his original defense of not trading Chad.
Some of the offers, if true, sound great, but why let Chad get his way? I know Mike Brown, Marvin Lewis, the coaches and 53 players aren't in the business of "making examples". They are paid to win football games. But, if Chad gets traded, he wins. I say well done to Marvin Lewis and the front office if they call Chad's bluff and mean it...forcing him to sit out the season.
What do you think of Marvin's statement? Do you want the Bengals to trade Chad and get something in return or would you rather Chad sit like he threatened?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Extra Inning Ed-WIN
It's a saying that's become a sports staple, "don't let one mistake turn into two."
Edwin Encarnacion could've easily gone in the tank after booting an inning ending double play ball in the 10th inning of Sunday's Reds/Brewers game at GABP. Instead, Encarnacion went to the bat rack and started the Reds game-winning rally in the bottom of the inning.
In the clubhouse, after the game, I got the sense that his teammates were happy for Edwin because he really cares about his craft. Ken Griffey, Jr. said no one knows how hard Edwin works to get better. Dusty Baker described Edwin as an "internal bleeder" when he makes a mistake.
The third base job, for now, is his despite 6 errors less than 20 games into the season. But, how will it change when Alex Gonzalez gets back. Dusty will have three players with only two positions. So, who do you sit? Gonzalez is a great defensive shortstop with a decent bat. Keppinger plays solid defense and is an on base machine. Encarnacion is in the middle of a ten-game hit streak and might be the team's best clutch hitter.
Good problem to have or is three a crowd?
Edwin Encarnacion could've easily gone in the tank after booting an inning ending double play ball in the 10th inning of Sunday's Reds/Brewers game at GABP. Instead, Encarnacion went to the bat rack and started the Reds game-winning rally in the bottom of the inning.
In the clubhouse, after the game, I got the sense that his teammates were happy for Edwin because he really cares about his craft. Ken Griffey, Jr. said no one knows how hard Edwin works to get better. Dusty Baker described Edwin as an "internal bleeder" when he makes a mistake.
The third base job, for now, is his despite 6 errors less than 20 games into the season. But, how will it change when Alex Gonzalez gets back. Dusty will have three players with only two positions. So, who do you sit? Gonzalez is a great defensive shortstop with a decent bat. Keppinger plays solid defense and is an on base machine. Encarnacion is in the middle of a ten-game hit streak and might be the team's best clutch hitter.
Good problem to have or is three a crowd?
Friday, April 18, 2008
Stay Classy, Bronson
Bronson Arroyo is in a slump. He'll be the first to admit it. He says he feels good on the mound, but things "aren't clicking."
I asked him after Friday's game if the fact that he feels good, but is pitching poorly concerns him. He said he'd be more worried if he felt bad and was pitching well than vice versa. His point being, my stuff is fine, I'm just missing spots and when I hit those spots, I'll put up zeroes.
What's refreshing about Bronson is he's honest with the media. In a town saturated with Chad Johnson's soap opera, Bronson doesn't dodge tough questions or pound his chest when things are going well. He seems to have an appreciation for the game, the history, the players, the way the game is played. I'm sure some of that comes from playing in Boston, where that historical appreciation is probably a must for all Red Sox players.
Sure, Bronson is paid to win baseball games. I'm not here to defend or chastise his performance on the mound. The results will speak louder than anything I can say on this blog. My guess is Bronson will bounce back. He's a streaky pitcher. But, good game or bad game, he'll give you his time. That's all a reporer can ask for.
Well, if it's not too much to ask, maybe I'll ask him to re-think the "Together Again" JTM commercial. To think we'll have to see/hear that all summer long...
- Joe D.
I asked him after Friday's game if the fact that he feels good, but is pitching poorly concerns him. He said he'd be more worried if he felt bad and was pitching well than vice versa. His point being, my stuff is fine, I'm just missing spots and when I hit those spots, I'll put up zeroes.
What's refreshing about Bronson is he's honest with the media. In a town saturated with Chad Johnson's soap opera, Bronson doesn't dodge tough questions or pound his chest when things are going well. He seems to have an appreciation for the game, the history, the players, the way the game is played. I'm sure some of that comes from playing in Boston, where that historical appreciation is probably a must for all Red Sox players.
Sure, Bronson is paid to win baseball games. I'm not here to defend or chastise his performance on the mound. The results will speak louder than anything I can say on this blog. My guess is Bronson will bounce back. He's a streaky pitcher. But, good game or bad game, he'll give you his time. That's all a reporer can ask for.
Well, if it's not too much to ask, maybe I'll ask him to re-think the "Together Again" JTM commercial. To think we'll have to see/hear that all summer long...
- Joe D.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
They Picked the Right Joe-y
After Joey Votto's big day at the plate Thursday in Chicago, I did a quick google search of the young Reds first basemen. Not to find his birthdate (September 10th, 1983 in case you were wondering Zach. Well I'm sure you knew that considering he shares birthdays with Arnold Palmer. The man responsible for Zach's favorite drink), but to read up a little on his past.
Anyway, a majority of the hits that popped up discussed the off-season rumor of the Reds trading for Joe Blanton. Remember that? The rumors say the A's wanted either Homer Bailey or Johnny Cueto and Joey Votto for Joe Blanton. Blanton's allowed 41 hits in 34 innings so far this year and only has 11 strikeouts. He's an innings eater and typically avoids major trouble, but I've got to think the Reds are happy they didn't pull the trigger on this one. Votto is hitting .330+ in his 37 MLB games (dating back to last year), Cueto appears to be special and Homer is only 21-years-old and won 4 of his 6 decisions in his first taste of the big leagues.
Oh, and that September 10th birthday also belongs to Big Daddy Kane. Who happens to be the artist of one of my all-time favorite songs "Ain't No Half Steppin'".
- Joe D.
Anyway, a majority of the hits that popped up discussed the off-season rumor of the Reds trading for Joe Blanton. Remember that? The rumors say the A's wanted either Homer Bailey or Johnny Cueto and Joey Votto for Joe Blanton. Blanton's allowed 41 hits in 34 innings so far this year and only has 11 strikeouts. He's an innings eater and typically avoids major trouble, but I've got to think the Reds are happy they didn't pull the trigger on this one. Votto is hitting .330+ in his 37 MLB games (dating back to last year), Cueto appears to be special and Homer is only 21-years-old and won 4 of his 6 decisions in his first taste of the big leagues.
Oh, and that September 10th birthday also belongs to Big Daddy Kane. Who happens to be the artist of one of my all-time favorite songs "Ain't No Half Steppin'".
- Joe D.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Back to Work
He's one of the most colorful characters in college basketball. And it sure was great to see Miami Head Coach Charlie Coles today at Millett Hall in Oxford. Coles was laughing and relishing his "big chance".
His chance to live.
Ten years ago, Coles suffered a near fatal heart attack during the MAC Tournament Championship. Paramedics revived him on the court. And just last month, he underwent a complicated, 14-hour quadruple bypass surgery at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield.
The health issues forced him to miss the end of the regular season and the conference tournament in Cleveland. But he's back to work, for about 2 1/2 hours a day. Coles even walks the concourse at Millett to get his blood going.
He admits the upcoming season will "probably" be his last in Oxford. But if he's able to get through the season, and finish it out, Coles admits he can walk away just fine with that.
Cards and well-wishes keep pouring into his mailbox at home. From fans, former players, colleagues, and complete strangers. Even the Ohio University Bobcats sent something, a sign that rivalries can take a backseat in circumstances like this. "It means a lot to be cared about," he said, "My wife's in the process of answering all of 'em."
Not one person in his family ever suggested he step down, Coles says. And, from the information he gets, Coles should be able to get back to the quality of life he enjoyed before the most recent heart procedure.
He's so good for college basketball. And an even more enjoyable guy to talk to.
-Zach
His chance to live.
Ten years ago, Coles suffered a near fatal heart attack during the MAC Tournament Championship. Paramedics revived him on the court. And just last month, he underwent a complicated, 14-hour quadruple bypass surgery at Mercy Hospital in Fairfield.
The health issues forced him to miss the end of the regular season and the conference tournament in Cleveland. But he's back to work, for about 2 1/2 hours a day. Coles even walks the concourse at Millett to get his blood going.
He admits the upcoming season will "probably" be his last in Oxford. But if he's able to get through the season, and finish it out, Coles admits he can walk away just fine with that.
Cards and well-wishes keep pouring into his mailbox at home. From fans, former players, colleagues, and complete strangers. Even the Ohio University Bobcats sent something, a sign that rivalries can take a backseat in circumstances like this. "It means a lot to be cared about," he said, "My wife's in the process of answering all of 'em."
Not one person in his family ever suggested he step down, Coles says. And, from the information he gets, Coles should be able to get back to the quality of life he enjoyed before the most recent heart procedure.
He's so good for college basketball. And an even more enjoyable guy to talk to.
-Zach
Adios Ocho?
I understand the financial ramifications of trading Chad Johnson, but there is no way this guy can play for the Bengals again.
How could Chad possibly walk back into that locker room and look guys like Willie Anderson, Carson Palmer and even T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the eye? If what he told ESPN's John Clayton is true (wanting to be traded and telling Carson to stay out of his business), the Bengals have to move him. The problem for the Bengals...they lose a pro-bowl wide receiver and Chad wins. He gets what he wants.
In a perfect world, the Bengals hold onto him and suspended him for the year. But, that doesn't make dollars and sense. So, they really have two choices...play him or trade him. Right now, I just don't see how they can play him after everything he's said about the organization.
I just wish more guys would take pride in being part of the solution instead of compounding the problem. Chad just doesn't seem willing to do that and it appears he's lit the match and the bridge is burning.
How could Chad possibly walk back into that locker room and look guys like Willie Anderson, Carson Palmer and even T.J. Houshmandzadeh in the eye? If what he told ESPN's John Clayton is true (wanting to be traded and telling Carson to stay out of his business), the Bengals have to move him. The problem for the Bengals...they lose a pro-bowl wide receiver and Chad wins. He gets what he wants.
In a perfect world, the Bengals hold onto him and suspended him for the year. But, that doesn't make dollars and sense. So, they really have two choices...play him or trade him. Right now, I just don't see how they can play him after everything he's said about the organization.
I just wish more guys would take pride in being part of the solution instead of compounding the problem. Chad just doesn't seem willing to do that and it appears he's lit the match and the bridge is burning.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Bengals Schedule Released
Initial reaction when I saw the 2008 Bengals schedule? Wow. Exciting. Challenging.
It's difficult to gauge how difficult a schedule is because, for example, the game at Indy looks daunting. But, what if Peyton Manning is injured? What if Eli is banged up for the game in NY? What if the Chiefs are out of it and decide to sit Larry Johnson in week 17?
But, on an injury free piece of paper, the Bengals are looking at an uphill climb to the playoffs.
Some of what I'm looking forward to:
1. at NY Giants - playing on the champs' home turf
2. at Dallas - love Tony Romo's game, love Marion Barber's game could be a lot
points in 'Big D'...oh yeah...Chad vs. TO (gulp)
3. Jacksonville - Maurice Jones Drew has to be fun to watch in person
4. Philadelphia - ditto for Brian Westbrook
5. at Pittsburgh - Bengals vs. Steelers in prime time is big time
6. at Cleveland - a late division game could be big for either CIN or CLE
What's your knee-jerk reaction? Looks pretty juicy to me.
- Joe D.
It's difficult to gauge how difficult a schedule is because, for example, the game at Indy looks daunting. But, what if Peyton Manning is injured? What if Eli is banged up for the game in NY? What if the Chiefs are out of it and decide to sit Larry Johnson in week 17?
But, on an injury free piece of paper, the Bengals are looking at an uphill climb to the playoffs.
Some of what I'm looking forward to:
1. at NY Giants - playing on the champs' home turf
2. at Dallas - love Tony Romo's game, love Marion Barber's game could be a lot
points in 'Big D'...oh yeah...Chad vs. TO (gulp)
3. Jacksonville - Maurice Jones Drew has to be fun to watch in person
4. Philadelphia - ditto for Brian Westbrook
5. at Pittsburgh - Bengals vs. Steelers in prime time is big time
6. at Cleveland - a late division game could be big for either CIN or CLE
What's your knee-jerk reaction? Looks pretty juicy to me.
- Joe D.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Pryor Decisions
This Saturday is the Ohio State spring football game. Amazing. It feels like yesterday Fox19 Sports Director Brian Giesenschlag, photographer Dan Wood and myself were on Bourbon Street looking for colorful characters for BCS Championship coverage.
This will be an interesting year for Ohio State football. It's funny that a BCS team with only one regular season loss the past two seasons is maybe one of the most ridiculed programs in the country. I guess that's what back-to-back lopsided losses in the BCS Championship game will do...oh yeah...there's that winless record in bowl games against the SEC hanging over the heads.
The Bucks could get back to the national championship game again this year and America would hate it. If Ohio State goes to USC and wins and runs through a Big 10 schedule that includes road bumps at Wisconsin and Illinois, Ohio State will get its 4th shot in the BCS big one.
OSU can get there because the roster oozes with talent. I was stunned Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis returned for another season. Vernon Gholston gone, a a healthy Lawrence Wilson will step in and go for 10+ sacks. That said, OSU needs to play better defense. Hard to believe one of college football's most dominant defensive teams in recent memory could play any better, but they can. They need to be more explosive defensively. They need to be nasty. More turnovers and score touchdowns. They need to play tougher in the secondary. SEC defenses are nasty. Ohio State has that talent, they need to be unleashed.
Chris Wells is an absolute beast and could be a major hurdle for Tim Tebow's run at Archie Griffin's back-to-back Heisman benchmark. But, the key to OSU's offense is the passing game. Todd Boeckman needs to be more poised in the pocket against a strong pass rush and the Brians (Robiskie and Hartline) somehow need to create more separation for Boeckman to be successful.
All that said, the big story in Columbus is the arrival of Terrelle Pryor. The nation's #1 rated QB obviously won't play this Saturday because he's still finishing up high school, but how Jim Tressel will use Pryor this season will be fun to watch. He could be that athletic X-factor that's been missing the past couple of BCS championship games for OSU's offense. A backfield threat of Wells, Brandon Saine and Terrelle Pryor would keep NFL defensive coordinators up at night. I can't wait to hear the crowd reaction the first time Pryor runs onto the field at the 'Shoe.
Check out SportsWrap Saturday night for full coverage from Ohio State's spring game.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the BCS Championship game this coming year is in Miami.
- Joe D.
This will be an interesting year for Ohio State football. It's funny that a BCS team with only one regular season loss the past two seasons is maybe one of the most ridiculed programs in the country. I guess that's what back-to-back lopsided losses in the BCS Championship game will do...oh yeah...there's that winless record in bowl games against the SEC hanging over the heads.
The Bucks could get back to the national championship game again this year and America would hate it. If Ohio State goes to USC and wins and runs through a Big 10 schedule that includes road bumps at Wisconsin and Illinois, Ohio State will get its 4th shot in the BCS big one.
OSU can get there because the roster oozes with talent. I was stunned Malcolm Jenkins and James Laurinaitis returned for another season. Vernon Gholston gone, a a healthy Lawrence Wilson will step in and go for 10+ sacks. That said, OSU needs to play better defense. Hard to believe one of college football's most dominant defensive teams in recent memory could play any better, but they can. They need to be more explosive defensively. They need to be nasty. More turnovers and score touchdowns. They need to play tougher in the secondary. SEC defenses are nasty. Ohio State has that talent, they need to be unleashed.
Chris Wells is an absolute beast and could be a major hurdle for Tim Tebow's run at Archie Griffin's back-to-back Heisman benchmark. But, the key to OSU's offense is the passing game. Todd Boeckman needs to be more poised in the pocket against a strong pass rush and the Brians (Robiskie and Hartline) somehow need to create more separation for Boeckman to be successful.
All that said, the big story in Columbus is the arrival of Terrelle Pryor. The nation's #1 rated QB obviously won't play this Saturday because he's still finishing up high school, but how Jim Tressel will use Pryor this season will be fun to watch. He could be that athletic X-factor that's been missing the past couple of BCS championship games for OSU's offense. A backfield threat of Wells, Brandon Saine and Terrelle Pryor would keep NFL defensive coordinators up at night. I can't wait to hear the crowd reaction the first time Pryor runs onto the field at the 'Shoe.
Check out SportsWrap Saturday night for full coverage from Ohio State's spring game.
Oh, and in case you're wondering, the BCS Championship game this coming year is in Miami.
- Joe D.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Master-ful Sportsmanship
I'm a Covington Catholic grad so, certainly, I was rooting hard for CCH's Steve Flesch this weekend. Unfortunately, Steve couldn't keep up with Trevor Immelman on the last day. But, what's more impressive, is the way the Union, Kentucky resident handled himself afterward.
All weekend long, he handled the media like he was a man with nothing to lose, saying, he would enjoy the moment no matter what happened and he didn't disappoint.
Flesch just kept hanging around...that name on the leaderboard bridging the leaders and the lurking Tiger Woods. Flesch eventually made some mistakes that cost him a shot at the green jacket, but even on Sunday at Augusta with microphones in his face and the memories of "what could've been" still fresh, Flesch handled himself the same way he did on Thursday with an "aw shucks" smile and class. He said it didn't really matter what happened, he'd have fun. Heck, this was Augusta and he was in contention.
Good for you, Steve. How many of us would like a top-5 Masters finish on our resumes?
- Joe D.
All weekend long, he handled the media like he was a man with nothing to lose, saying, he would enjoy the moment no matter what happened and he didn't disappoint.
Flesch just kept hanging around...that name on the leaderboard bridging the leaders and the lurking Tiger Woods. Flesch eventually made some mistakes that cost him a shot at the green jacket, but even on Sunday at Augusta with microphones in his face and the memories of "what could've been" still fresh, Flesch handled himself the same way he did on Thursday with an "aw shucks" smile and class. He said it didn't really matter what happened, he'd have fun. Heck, this was Augusta and he was in contention.
Good for you, Steve. How many of us would like a top-5 Masters finish on our resumes?
- Joe D.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
"LOB" Me an Answer
I left the Dodgers/Padres box score on my home laptop screen Friday night before going to bed. So, my wife gets up to use the computer the next morning to check her e-mail and find out who's dating who in Hollywood and comes across my idle screen. Her question: "what does LOB mean?" She actually pronounced it "lob", like lobbing a pass. Anyway, it took me a second to figure out what she was talking about until I put two-and-two together and realized she meant "L-O-B", as in "left on base."
I bring the story up because it's the story so far in Pittsburgh for the Reds. 14 hits Saturday and only 3 runs. The kind of stuff that will drive a baseball team mad.
The biggest culprit is Edwin Encarnacion. He left 7 runners on base Friday night and three more Saturday. Dusty has his hands full with the Reds' third basemen. He has two of the team's biggest hits so far this season, but not much else. He's hitting below the Mendoza line and committed his third and fourth errors of the young season on Saturday.
If you're Dusty, what do you do? Do you let him play every day to work his way through it? Send him to Louisville to fix the problem like last year? When Alex Gonzalez is ready, do you move Keppinger to third? Play manager and send me what you think.
- Joe D.
I bring the story up because it's the story so far in Pittsburgh for the Reds. 14 hits Saturday and only 3 runs. The kind of stuff that will drive a baseball team mad.
The biggest culprit is Edwin Encarnacion. He left 7 runners on base Friday night and three more Saturday. Dusty has his hands full with the Reds' third basemen. He has two of the team's biggest hits so far this season, but not much else. He's hitting below the Mendoza line and committed his third and fourth errors of the young season on Saturday.
If you're Dusty, what do you do? Do you let him play every day to work his way through it? Send him to Louisville to fix the problem like last year? When Alex Gonzalez is ready, do you move Keppinger to third? Play manager and send me what you think.
- Joe D.
Friday, April 11, 2008
The Big Frease
This weekend is the annual Ohio/Kenutcky "Battle at the Border" High School All-Star event. Both squads are packed with talent. However, when we (as sports reporters) look at the rosters, we look for stories and there's no bigger story in this event for our broad audience than Xavier recruit Kenny Frease.
Friday was the ALl-Star skills competition. Much like what you see in the NBA on All-Star weekend. 3-point contest, dunk competition, plus a little 3-on-3. Anyway, Fox19 photographer Dan Wood and I set up at NKU early so we could interview Kenny before the festivities started. I've never met Kenny, nor has Dan, so it was funny when Dan asked me, "how will we recognize him?" I said, "just look for the biggest person to walk through the door."
Sure enough, Kenny was the biggest person in the building. At 6'11", Frease is a monster. He looks much older than a high school senior from a distance until you talk to him. Once you start a conversation, his facial expressions make him look his age.
His favorite word is "sweet". Xavier's program is "sweet". Xavier's run to the Elite 8 was "sweet". Being a big-time recruit was, you guessed it, "sweet". He seemed to really enjoy being interviewed and talking about the recruiting process. He's glad his mind is made up and he'll be playing at X, but he also said he enjoyed "the process" and wishes more kids would take time to enjoy being recruited instead of feeling like it's a job.
I didn't get to seem him play. He didn't compete in any of the skills competitions, but will play in Saturday's All-Star game. The buzz around the NKU gym was a combination of Josh Duncan and OSU's Kosta Koufus. Not bad, eh.
Keep it locked on Fox19 the next couple of weekends for more on Kenny, including highlights from Satuday's game and excerpts from my interview with him. He's a great kid (calls himself a people person) who says his favorite part of basketball is passing. Plus, you won't want to miss why Sean Miller wants Kenny to call himself the "Greg Oden of Xavier".
- Joe D.
Friday was the ALl-Star skills competition. Much like what you see in the NBA on All-Star weekend. 3-point contest, dunk competition, plus a little 3-on-3. Anyway, Fox19 photographer Dan Wood and I set up at NKU early so we could interview Kenny before the festivities started. I've never met Kenny, nor has Dan, so it was funny when Dan asked me, "how will we recognize him?" I said, "just look for the biggest person to walk through the door."
Sure enough, Kenny was the biggest person in the building. At 6'11", Frease is a monster. He looks much older than a high school senior from a distance until you talk to him. Once you start a conversation, his facial expressions make him look his age.
His favorite word is "sweet". Xavier's program is "sweet". Xavier's run to the Elite 8 was "sweet". Being a big-time recruit was, you guessed it, "sweet". He seemed to really enjoy being interviewed and talking about the recruiting process. He's glad his mind is made up and he'll be playing at X, but he also said he enjoyed "the process" and wishes more kids would take time to enjoy being recruited instead of feeling like it's a job.
I didn't get to seem him play. He didn't compete in any of the skills competitions, but will play in Saturday's All-Star game. The buzz around the NKU gym was a combination of Josh Duncan and OSU's Kosta Koufus. Not bad, eh.
Keep it locked on Fox19 the next couple of weekends for more on Kenny, including highlights from Satuday's game and excerpts from my interview with him. He's a great kid (calls himself a people person) who says his favorite part of basketball is passing. Plus, you won't want to miss why Sean Miller wants Kenny to call himself the "Greg Oden of Xavier".
- Joe D.
Bottoms Up
Pick your storyline from the Reds' win Thursday. Aaron Harang dominates for 8 innings. Francisco Cordero returns to Milwaukee and goes 1-2-3 in the 9th in 8 pitches. But, take a closer look at the box score. The top of Cincinnati's order (1-4) went a combined 0-16 and the Reds still won.
How? Because the bottom four in the line-up had a great day. The bats of Encarnacion, Hatteberg, Bako and even Harang went a combined 7-11 with 2 doubles, a home run and all 4 RBI. Most surprising, might be Paul Bako. The journeyman catcher hit less than .210 the last two seasons, but is hitting a team best .364 so far. He might be the biggest surpise in the majors at catcher this side of Jason Kendall.
Cincinnati's stars will hit, but if the bottom of the line-up can give Dusty Baker consistent production, the Reds will be that much tougher to beat.
- Joe D.
How? Because the bottom four in the line-up had a great day. The bats of Encarnacion, Hatteberg, Bako and even Harang went a combined 7-11 with 2 doubles, a home run and all 4 RBI. Most surprising, might be Paul Bako. The journeyman catcher hit less than .210 the last two seasons, but is hitting a team best .364 so far. He might be the biggest surpise in the majors at catcher this side of Jason Kendall.
Cincinnati's stars will hit, but if the bottom of the line-up can give Dusty Baker consistent production, the Reds will be that much tougher to beat.
- Joe D.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Lead-Off Down Patt
Of all the major off-season and early season storylines, the play of Corey Patterson in the lead-off spot is going under the radar.
Francisco Cordero and Goodyear, Arizona stole the off-season headlines. Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez are the talkers since opening day. But, what about the play of the Reds new center fielder?
The former 3rd overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft isn't going to hit for a high average and isn't a prototypical lead-off hitter. But, he's off to a great start and while the Reds sluggers are slumping, Patterson is coming up big in big situations.
I picked out who I thought are MLB's best lead-off hitters to compare Patterson's (very) early season numbers...take a look:
Patterson's three home runs and 6 RBI are more than players like Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Brian Roberts, Ichiro, Alfonso Soriano, Grady Sizemore and Jimmy Rollins.
Patterson's 6 runs scored are also second best of that same group. Only Hanley Ramirez (7 runs) has scored more.
Sure, it's early, very early. But, Patterson could be a big part of Cincinnati's team. He says he's not a home run hitter and wants to hit more line drives. However, two game-tying home runs in the late innings just one week into the season is big time stuff.
- Joe D.
Francisco Cordero and Goodyear, Arizona stole the off-season headlines. Johnny Cueto and Edinson Volquez are the talkers since opening day. But, what about the play of the Reds new center fielder?
The former 3rd overall pick in the 1998 MLB Draft isn't going to hit for a high average and isn't a prototypical lead-off hitter. But, he's off to a great start and while the Reds sluggers are slumping, Patterson is coming up big in big situations.
I picked out who I thought are MLB's best lead-off hitters to compare Patterson's (very) early season numbers...take a look:
Patterson's three home runs and 6 RBI are more than players like Jose Reyes, Hanley Ramirez, Brian Roberts, Ichiro, Alfonso Soriano, Grady Sizemore and Jimmy Rollins.
Patterson's 6 runs scored are also second best of that same group. Only Hanley Ramirez (7 runs) has scored more.
Sure, it's early, very early. But, Patterson could be a big part of Cincinnati's team. He says he's not a home run hitter and wants to hit more line drives. However, two game-tying home runs in the late innings just one week into the season is big time stuff.
- Joe D.
Monday, April 7, 2008
You Never Know Who's Listening
Hall of Fame RB Gale Sayers was an honorary captain for the Reds on Monday at Great American Ball Park, and stopped to talk to Joe Danneman and I about disgruntled Bengals WR Chad Johnson.
It really didn't matter which national microphone was in front of him this offseason. Ocho was willing to talk, and it turns out Sayers, a standout back with the Chicago Bears in the 60s and 70s, was listening.
And not having any of it.
"I think the players on the teams that I played on would say, 'Hey, get the hell outta here. We don't need this. We don't need this.'"
Sayers remembers making $25,000 a year and playing for the love of it. "Today," Sayers says, "the players are playing I believe for just the money. Championship? They don't even care about winning a Super Bowl. They wanna say I'm the highest paid Wide Receiver."
Sayers owns his own business in the Chicago area, a venture he undertook in 1984. He says athletes like Chad, unhappy while in the midst of a $35 million dollar contract, are "sad", and should remember that athletes of the past paved the way for today's stars to flourish under the bright lights.
"They're standing on somebody else's shoulders. You know, players that played 5, 10, 15 years ago, they made this game what it is today. And a lot of players today think they made the game. No they did not."
It really didn't matter which national microphone was in front of him this offseason. Ocho was willing to talk, and it turns out Sayers, a standout back with the Chicago Bears in the 60s and 70s, was listening.
And not having any of it.
"I think the players on the teams that I played on would say, 'Hey, get the hell outta here. We don't need this. We don't need this.'"
Sayers remembers making $25,000 a year and playing for the love of it. "Today," Sayers says, "the players are playing I believe for just the money. Championship? They don't even care about winning a Super Bowl. They wanna say I'm the highest paid Wide Receiver."
Sayers owns his own business in the Chicago area, a venture he undertook in 1984. He says athletes like Chad, unhappy while in the midst of a $35 million dollar contract, are "sad", and should remember that athletes of the past paved the way for today's stars to flourish under the bright lights.
"They're standing on somebody else's shoulders. You know, players that played 5, 10, 15 years ago, they made this game what it is today. And a lot of players today think they made the game. No they did not."
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Finding Perspective
Winning or losing finds its proper perspective when tragedy strikes on Opening Day. The Reds lost to Arizona 4-2, on a day that UK Head Basketball Coach Billy Gillispie called "one of the saddest days of his life", for reasons that had nothing to do with the scoreboard.
The equipment manager for the UK Basketball Team, Bill Keightley, was on a trip to Great American Ballpark to watch his favorite team. His biography on the Wildcats website bills the 81-year-old as an "avid" Reds fan. But yesterday Keightley suffered a fall. Evidently he started bleeding internally from an undiagnosed tumor on his spine. The same guy who made sure guys like Dan Issel, Jack Givens, Kenny Walker, Rex Chapman and Ron Mercer had all the equipment they needed...died at University Hospital last night. On a day that was supposed to be so much fun, Coach Gillispie drove up to Cincinnati to say goodbye to a man he called one of his best friends.
I can't even imagine dedicating my life to a university, and to a particular job, like Keightley did. Nicknamed "Mr. Wildcat", Keightley had been on the sidelines for nearly fifty years, dating back to the Adolph Rupp years in Lexington. Through National Championships, and leaner years, you could always see the guy in the blue sportcoat with the gray hair, sitting in the first seat on the bench. The stories he had would have made for fantastic conversations over a beer or two.
The equipment manager for the UK Basketball Team, Bill Keightley, was on a trip to Great American Ballpark to watch his favorite team. His biography on the Wildcats website bills the 81-year-old as an "avid" Reds fan. But yesterday Keightley suffered a fall. Evidently he started bleeding internally from an undiagnosed tumor on his spine. The same guy who made sure guys like Dan Issel, Jack Givens, Kenny Walker, Rex Chapman and Ron Mercer had all the equipment they needed...died at University Hospital last night. On a day that was supposed to be so much fun, Coach Gillispie drove up to Cincinnati to say goodbye to a man he called one of his best friends.
I can't even imagine dedicating my life to a university, and to a particular job, like Keightley did. Nicknamed "Mr. Wildcat", Keightley had been on the sidelines for nearly fifty years, dating back to the Adolph Rupp years in Lexington. Through National Championships, and leaner years, you could always see the guy in the blue sportcoat with the gray hair, sitting in the first seat on the bench. The stories he had would have made for fantastic conversations over a beer or two.
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