Here are some of my observations from covering Game 2 of the Kelly Cup finals at U.S. Bank Arena Sunday night:
- I haven't been to a sporting event that exciting since covering the NCAA tournament in March
- The Cyclones play very "pretty" hockey. Almost to a fault. Head coach Chuck Weber wants them to muddy up the crease and get more ugly, tip-in goals
- Surprising number of Las Vegas fans in the building. I'm sure they were family and close friends, but a few dozen people in enemy colors was a surprise
- There's really nothing better than a hockey game that's a scoreless tie with less than 5 minutes to play. At that point, it's basically sudden death.
- Tough break for Cedric Desjardins. He played a great game. Stopped about a half-dozen should've-been-goals, but the one that got in was just a bad break.
- Chuck Weber said the winner of this series will be beat up and bruised by the time it's done. I believe him after watching that game. Those two teams don't like each other
- The Cyclones aren't upset about the loss. They feel like they played a very good game, but caught a bad break. They said they knew the series wouldn't be a 4-game sweep and were prepared to win big games on the road
- I heard a fan tell an usher as he left the game, "best $10 I ever spent! I'll be back!" Couldn't agree more.
- Joe D.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Why Cut Odell Now?
The Bengals stood by Odell Thurman through various substance abuse transgressions, a DUI, a two-year NFL suspension and a reinstatement. Marvin showed him "tough love" along the way, by kicking him out of the locker room. But right before Thurman could finally play again, the team cut him. Why now?
The centerpiece on a 2005 defense that created turnovers like you and I drink ice water, Thurman led the team in tackles. The Bengals D never re-captured its playmaking identity with Thurman out of the picture. So he must have really ticked Marvin and Mike Brown off to get a pink slip.
Reportedly Marvin told Thurman's agent that Odell "wasn't around the stadium enough", in so many words. Odell's grandmother recently passed away in Monticello, GA, and Thurman traveled back for her funeral. Betty Thurman helped raise Odell, who lost his mother in a car accident when he was 10 years old. The LB missed voluntary workouts, a chance to "catch up" on the football field, to tend to family matters.
But it has to go deeper than that. Maybe Odell wasn't showing the team enough commitment when he wasn't coping with family issues. I know if I was in Odell's shoes, with so much to lose and this my last chance in Cincinnati, that I would be living at the stadium, in my coach's office, and in the weight room, in an effort to re-gain the trust that was broken with a series of bad off-the-field decisions.
Shortly after Thurman's reinstatement, Marvin Lewis said "He needs to do things the right way. Constantly." Evidently that inconsistency convinced Marvin to part ways with one of the best defensive playmakers PBS has had in some time.
~Zach
The centerpiece on a 2005 defense that created turnovers like you and I drink ice water, Thurman led the team in tackles. The Bengals D never re-captured its playmaking identity with Thurman out of the picture. So he must have really ticked Marvin and Mike Brown off to get a pink slip.
Reportedly Marvin told Thurman's agent that Odell "wasn't around the stadium enough", in so many words. Odell's grandmother recently passed away in Monticello, GA, and Thurman traveled back for her funeral. Betty Thurman helped raise Odell, who lost his mother in a car accident when he was 10 years old. The LB missed voluntary workouts, a chance to "catch up" on the football field, to tend to family matters.
But it has to go deeper than that. Maybe Odell wasn't showing the team enough commitment when he wasn't coping with family issues. I know if I was in Odell's shoes, with so much to lose and this my last chance in Cincinnati, that I would be living at the stadium, in my coach's office, and in the weight room, in an effort to re-gain the trust that was broken with a series of bad off-the-field decisions.
Shortly after Thurman's reinstatement, Marvin Lewis said "He needs to do things the right way. Constantly." Evidently that inconsistency convinced Marvin to part ways with one of the best defensive playmakers PBS has had in some time.
~Zach
Zach Loves the Dunn Chatter!
I forgot to sign my comment.
But I love the Dunn Chatter.
And I love Cincinnati.
---Zach Wells
But I love the Dunn Chatter.
And I love Cincinnati.
---Zach Wells
LOVE the Dunn Chatter!
Perhaps no athlete in Cincinnati, aside from Chad Johnson, stirs up as much debate as Reds LF Adam Dunn. This cat is a strong, strong man, and productive at the plate. 40 HRS for the past 4 consecutive seasons doesn't happen by accident, but the strikeouts are troubling. Making $13 million and hitting in the 7-hole shouldn't happen (and his recent hot streak will move him up in the lineup). In fairness, Dunn made a few nice defensive plays in the home series with the Cleveland Indians, but as a body of work his "prowess" in the outfield leaves a lot to be desired.
I think Joe Danneman raised the most applicable question: "Is this what we're gonna get from Adam Dunn, or is there more?"
I think this is what we're gonna get.
Which is unfortunate.
It's just not in Dunn's personality to be a clubhouse leader. He's a goof off, a big kid, and not one to hold others accountable. I'm not with Dunn in the offseason, so I don't know how much he works on his game, or works on his defense, or conditioning. I see a guy who doesn't appear to be in the best shape. Which begs the question, how good COULD he be...if he truly worked at it? Shouldn't a former quarterback in high school, like Dunn was, have a little bit better throwing arm?
A few weeks ago, I asked Pete Rose what he thought of Dunn. The Hit King stopped short of saying "underachiever", but he said Dunn would be a much different player if he managed the Reds, that he'd take Dunn on as a personal project.
I'm just thinking out loud, but I love the Dunn chatter. He's a guy who sparks debate...for good reason.
I think Joe Danneman raised the most applicable question: "Is this what we're gonna get from Adam Dunn, or is there more?"
I think this is what we're gonna get.
Which is unfortunate.
It's just not in Dunn's personality to be a clubhouse leader. He's a goof off, a big kid, and not one to hold others accountable. I'm not with Dunn in the offseason, so I don't know how much he works on his game, or works on his defense, or conditioning. I see a guy who doesn't appear to be in the best shape. Which begs the question, how good COULD he be...if he truly worked at it? Shouldn't a former quarterback in high school, like Dunn was, have a little bit better throwing arm?
A few weeks ago, I asked Pete Rose what he thought of Dunn. The Hit King stopped short of saying "underachiever", but he said Dunn would be a much different player if he managed the Reds, that he'd take Dunn on as a personal project.
I'm just thinking out loud, but I love the Dunn chatter. He's a guy who sparks debate...for good reason.
Taking the Celtics Off the Front Page
For one day anyway, I'll bet the Celtics get bumped from the cover story in the Boston Globe. And for good reason. Growing up, I loved the Boys from Beantown, still do, but Doc Rivers and the Crew can take a backseat for good reason.
Down at Fenway Park, Jon Lester was the toast of Boston.
A few years back, doctors diagnosed Lester with a rare form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. But the Red Sox lefty beat cancer, and eventually mowed down the Kansas City Royals on Monday night for a no-hitter at Fenway Park in front of a capacity crowd.
From the sounds of it, Lester is a guy who "gets it". The pitcher called Manager Terry Francona a "father-figure" during his troubles. And Sox catcher Jason Varitek, behind the plate for a MLB record 4 no-hitters, lifted his pitcher in the air to celebrate. There was something different about this one.
And for good reason. Good for Jon Lester. He deserves it.
--Zach
Down at Fenway Park, Jon Lester was the toast of Boston.
A few years back, doctors diagnosed Lester with a rare form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. But the Red Sox lefty beat cancer, and eventually mowed down the Kansas City Royals on Monday night for a no-hitter at Fenway Park in front of a capacity crowd.
From the sounds of it, Lester is a guy who "gets it". The pitcher called Manager Terry Francona a "father-figure" during his troubles. And Sox catcher Jason Varitek, behind the plate for a MLB record 4 no-hitters, lifted his pitcher in the air to celebrate. There was something different about this one.
And for good reason. Good for Jon Lester. He deserves it.
--Zach
I Feel Your Pain
Didn't realize what a pain it is to try and post a comment on this blog until I took the time to try and do it. We'll work on that. In the meantime... thanks for your patience.
Here's what I was trying to post in response to one of our earlier comments.
Do we want Adam Dunn to be something he's not? Maybe.
First of all...
Thanks to "jimmyjaim" for checking out the blog.
And you make a good point about Dunn. He showed an all-around game this weekend that I don't think I've seen before.
Some not so surprising 440 foot bombs... but they were clutch home runs too.
How 'bout 3 strikeouts the entire homestand?
And the defense. That's right... I said defense. Dunn tracked down a couple of deep balls in the gaps in the Indians series. Also went in the stands to snare a foul ball... and played a ball off the wall to cut down a runner at second base. His arm still "looks" terrible... but it was at least effective.
Leads the team in HR and RBI but still hits .221.
Still not my favorite player... but he's been huge during the winning streak.
Here's what I was trying to post in response to one of our earlier comments.
Do we want Adam Dunn to be something he's not? Maybe.
First of all...
Thanks to "jimmyjaim" for checking out the blog.
And you make a good point about Dunn. He showed an all-around game this weekend that I don't think I've seen before.
Some not so surprising 440 foot bombs... but they were clutch home runs too.
How 'bout 3 strikeouts the entire homestand?
And the defense. That's right... I said defense. Dunn tracked down a couple of deep balls in the gaps in the Indians series. Also went in the stands to snare a foul ball... and played a ball off the wall to cut down a runner at second base. His arm still "looks" terrible... but it was at least effective.
Leads the team in HR and RBI but still hits .221.
Still not my favorite player... but he's been huge during the winning streak.
The Friendly (and full) Confines
I was in the Chicago area this weekend for a wedding and had a chance to catch my first game at Wrigley Field.
Yup, one of those "Bucket List" places I can cross off my ballparks to visit list (along with Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium).
Beautiful weather, party atmosphere and good baseball. It was a great experience. Just to watch a game played in front of a sold out crowd was energizing. From the highlights I saw, it looked like a lot of the games this weekend at GABP were packed as well because the Indians were in town.
If you're one of the fans that have watched the Reds play in front of 12,000 fans earlier this year and also experienced one or more of this weekend's games, how different did it feel? Did a full house energize the ballpark?
Now if I can just get to AT&T Park in San Francisco...
- Joe D.
Yup, one of those "Bucket List" places I can cross off my ballparks to visit list (along with Fenway Park and Yankee Stadium).
Beautiful weather, party atmosphere and good baseball. It was a great experience. Just to watch a game played in front of a sold out crowd was energizing. From the highlights I saw, it looked like a lot of the games this weekend at GABP were packed as well because the Indians were in town.
If you're one of the fans that have watched the Reds play in front of 12,000 fans earlier this year and also experienced one or more of this weekend's games, how different did it feel? Did a full house energize the ballpark?
Now if I can just get to AT&T Park in San Francisco...
- Joe D.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Zach is "The King"
Fun experiment for the next time you take in a Reds game with Zach Wells.
(No wagering - we frown on that here of course.)
But strictly for the sport of it... make a pregame guess at which number will be higher. Total number of strikeouts for the Reds starting pitcher... or the number of Arnold Palmer's Zach will consume over the course of nine innings.
Today's tally? Edinson Volquez 5 K's in 6 innings. Z Wells... 4 AP's thru six innings. You'll have to ask Wells if he kept up the same pace once the bullpen came in the game.
Either way... 6 straight good ones for the Reds.
And we can all drink to that.
BG
(No wagering - we frown on that here of course.)
But strictly for the sport of it... make a pregame guess at which number will be higher. Total number of strikeouts for the Reds starting pitcher... or the number of Arnold Palmer's Zach will consume over the course of nine innings.
Today's tally? Edinson Volquez 5 K's in 6 innings. Z Wells... 4 AP's thru six innings. You'll have to ask Wells if he kept up the same pace once the bullpen came in the game.
Either way... 6 straight good ones for the Reds.
And we can all drink to that.
BG
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Keep it Up, Kepp
If you're not bummed out about what happened to Jeff Keppinger Tuesday you're either....
A) An opposing pitcher who's had to face him
or
B) Cold, insensitive and not capable of genuine human emotion.
How can you not love the guy? His entire professional career "baseball people" have knocked him. Too small... too slow... not good defensively... etc. etc.
It's been an uphill battle for Keppinger to get to the big leagues despite hitting at every level he's ever played.
Even in Cincinnati the Reds were forced to give Keppinger a chance last year and this year because Alex Gonzalez can't go.
All he's done is play a very solid shortstop (1 error) and lead the team in every major offensive category.
Now he's hurt.
Here's hoping he's back in about a month and picks up where he left off.
Great player. Great story. Plus... he wears his pants the right way. Rockin' the "High socks" is old school.
BG
A) An opposing pitcher who's had to face him
or
B) Cold, insensitive and not capable of genuine human emotion.
How can you not love the guy? His entire professional career "baseball people" have knocked him. Too small... too slow... not good defensively... etc. etc.
It's been an uphill battle for Keppinger to get to the big leagues despite hitting at every level he's ever played.
Even in Cincinnati the Reds were forced to give Keppinger a chance last year and this year because Alex Gonzalez can't go.
All he's done is play a very solid shortstop (1 error) and lead the team in every major offensive category.
Now he's hurt.
Here's hoping he's back in about a month and picks up where he left off.
Great player. Great story. Plus... he wears his pants the right way. Rockin' the "High socks" is old school.
BG
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Cy-Clone Me a Fan
Count me as one of those "playoff hockey fans." You know, the sports fan who loves to watch compelling, meaningful games? Well, what gets better than overtime hockey in the playoffs?
I used to be big into hockey. When you go to school in the Northeast, it just becomes a part of everyday living. Plus, having a college roommate who would miss an exam before missing a New York Rangers game doesn't hurt.
Now that I'm back in Cincinnati and hockey kind of on the national back-burner, I don't follow hockey like I should, but the Cincinnati Cyclones are grabbing my attention.
I played golf with head coach Chuck Weber this past summer and had a blast. Chuck is a good dude and can hit a golf ball a good 150-yards with hockey gloves on. You'll probably never get a chance to try that, so take my word for it, it's tough.
My point is this...give it up for the Cyclones. They play an exciting style of hockey and they're just flat out good. With 6 more wins, they're ECHL champions and right now, a professional championship in Cincinnati would be a rare accomplishment.
- Joe D.
I used to be big into hockey. When you go to school in the Northeast, it just becomes a part of everyday living. Plus, having a college roommate who would miss an exam before missing a New York Rangers game doesn't hurt.
Now that I'm back in Cincinnati and hockey kind of on the national back-burner, I don't follow hockey like I should, but the Cincinnati Cyclones are grabbing my attention.
I played golf with head coach Chuck Weber this past summer and had a blast. Chuck is a good dude and can hit a golf ball a good 150-yards with hockey gloves on. You'll probably never get a chance to try that, so take my word for it, it's tough.
My point is this...give it up for the Cyclones. They play an exciting style of hockey and they're just flat out good. With 6 more wins, they're ECHL champions and right now, a professional championship in Cincinnati would be a rare accomplishment.
- Joe D.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Bengals Talking to Alexander
My first memory of Shaun Alexander is from my freshman year in high school. I was 4-feet-11, 88 pounds (literally) and watched the Cov Cath football season opener from the stands.
I had heard stories about this great running back from Boone County. He couldn't be as good as they said, right? Well, it didn't take long for Alexander to drop my jaw. He took the opening kick back 80 yards or so and made defender after defender slip and fall trying to tackle him.
I'll never forget my older brother's best friend (who played safety and was on the kickoff cover team) shaking Alexander's hand in the endzone and kind of shaking his head as if to say, "wow, you're good." Alexander scored, if memory is correct, 6 touchdowns that night (in a CCH win) and the rest is history.
It seems like the Bengals are pretty interested in bringing the former MVP back to his hometown. We'll just have to wait and see if it happens, but I think it would be a good thing. I know Rudi Johnson is geared up to re-gain his role as the every down back after a disappointing 2007, but when is competition or depth ever bad? Especially, if the price is right. Plus, Alexander's seemingly spotless record would be good for the locker room.
I have a friend who lives by Kenny Irons and sees the running back out jogging often in his attempt to recover from a torn ACL. But, we just don't know how soon he'll be ready. Chris Perry sounds like he's ready to play, but he's only played 22 games in 3-years. Kenny Watson and Dede Dorsey will both have roles as change of pace backs. So, it remains to be seen how Alexander would fit in and how he'd react to a far lesser role than the one he starred in for Seattle.
What do you think? Would you like Shaun Alexander in Cincinnati if the price is right?
- Joe D.
I had heard stories about this great running back from Boone County. He couldn't be as good as they said, right? Well, it didn't take long for Alexander to drop my jaw. He took the opening kick back 80 yards or so and made defender after defender slip and fall trying to tackle him.
I'll never forget my older brother's best friend (who played safety and was on the kickoff cover team) shaking Alexander's hand in the endzone and kind of shaking his head as if to say, "wow, you're good." Alexander scored, if memory is correct, 6 touchdowns that night (in a CCH win) and the rest is history.
It seems like the Bengals are pretty interested in bringing the former MVP back to his hometown. We'll just have to wait and see if it happens, but I think it would be a good thing. I know Rudi Johnson is geared up to re-gain his role as the every down back after a disappointing 2007, but when is competition or depth ever bad? Especially, if the price is right. Plus, Alexander's seemingly spotless record would be good for the locker room.
I have a friend who lives by Kenny Irons and sees the running back out jogging often in his attempt to recover from a torn ACL. But, we just don't know how soon he'll be ready. Chris Perry sounds like he's ready to play, but he's only played 22 games in 3-years. Kenny Watson and Dede Dorsey will both have roles as change of pace backs. So, it remains to be seen how Alexander would fit in and how he'd react to a far lesser role than the one he starred in for Seattle.
What do you think? Would you like Shaun Alexander in Cincinnati if the price is right?
- Joe D.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
I'm from Texas. No big secret.
We live for high school football in the lone star state. Also a well-known fact.
Where am I going with this? Easy.
I don't really miss it because the high school football here is so good.
They officially set the schedule for this year's Crosstown Showdown today. Three months from now... the season starts with three straight days of great games.
Given that it looks like we're in for another long baseball season... I can't wait.
The big one on Friday August 22nd is Colerain and St Xavier. The full schedule is on fox19.com.
Check back later when I'll preview the 2021 season. That's when I'm expecting the recruiting letters to start pouring in for Zachary and Brock Giesenschlag.
BG
We live for high school football in the lone star state. Also a well-known fact.
Where am I going with this? Easy.
I don't really miss it because the high school football here is so good.
They officially set the schedule for this year's Crosstown Showdown today. Three months from now... the season starts with three straight days of great games.
Given that it looks like we're in for another long baseball season... I can't wait.
The big one on Friday August 22nd is Colerain and St Xavier. The full schedule is on fox19.com.
Check back later when I'll preview the 2021 season. That's when I'm expecting the recruiting letters to start pouring in for Zachary and Brock Giesenschlag.
BG
Monday, May 5, 2008
Seen and Heard Monday at GABP
Here are some tidbits Zach Wells and I saw at Great American Ball Park on Monday:
- David Weathers did not like Jeff Brantley's comments in Atlanta. Brantley claims some players appear to be happy just going through the motions and collecting a paycheck. Weathers didn't blast Brantley, but did say Jeff doesn't know everything that goes on in the locker room and said it's up to every player to "tend to their own garden." Translation - each player is accountable.
- Dusty Baker got a big bear hug from Derrek Lee. Obviously, someone in a Cub uniform still likes Dusty.
- Dunn spent almost all of batting practice hitting the ball to the opposite field. After the game, he says he's never felt better at the plate and is seeing the ball better than ever. I think he thinks a hot streak is coming.
- Lou Piniella couldn't stop smiling when talking to reporters about Cincinnati.
- Did anyone see Lou joking with Billy Hatcher when arguing a call at first base? If I read his lips correctly, Lou said something like, "Hey, Hatch. Oakland still hasn't figured out how to get you out." Just kidding.
- All the Reds up on the railing of the dugout for the last couple outs of the game was pretty cool. Seems like the guys really wanted that one.
- Kudos to Junior for gutting out a game after the news of his good friend's passing. Great play in right field, better play by Pie to rob Jr. of #598.
-- Joe D.
- David Weathers did not like Jeff Brantley's comments in Atlanta. Brantley claims some players appear to be happy just going through the motions and collecting a paycheck. Weathers didn't blast Brantley, but did say Jeff doesn't know everything that goes on in the locker room and said it's up to every player to "tend to their own garden." Translation - each player is accountable.
- Dusty Baker got a big bear hug from Derrek Lee. Obviously, someone in a Cub uniform still likes Dusty.
- Dunn spent almost all of batting practice hitting the ball to the opposite field. After the game, he says he's never felt better at the plate and is seeing the ball better than ever. I think he thinks a hot streak is coming.
- Lou Piniella couldn't stop smiling when talking to reporters about Cincinnati.
- Did anyone see Lou joking with Billy Hatcher when arguing a call at first base? If I read his lips correctly, Lou said something like, "Hey, Hatch. Oakland still hasn't figured out how to get you out." Just kidding.
- All the Reds up on the railing of the dugout for the last couple outs of the game was pretty cool. Seems like the guys really wanted that one.
- Kudos to Junior for gutting out a game after the news of his good friend's passing. Great play in right field, better play by Pie to rob Jr. of #598.
-- Joe D.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Delivering a Promise
Before NFL Draft weekend, how many of you had heard of Jerome Simpson? Count me among the many that answered no to that question.
A 2nd round pick for a kid from Coastal Carolina seemed like a stretch when the name popped up on the screen. But, his measurables are as good as any receiver in the draft. Long arms, great vertical, huge hands and a great attitude.
Will he be able to make the jump from small school to the NFL? We'll see. He dropped a lot of passes this weekend in rookie camp, but what happens in May won't matter come training camp and regular season.
Simpson originally wanted to play at ECU. But, the coaches there wanted him to commit during his visit. Jerome wanted to visit some more schools, so ECU gave the scholarship to another player. That's how a super-talented kid ended up in relative obscurity.
Without the big school perks, Jerome had to work in college to make ends meet. His job of choice? Pizza Hut delivery guy. He says he loved the gig because he ate free wings and pizza every night...so did his roomates.
Jerome says he has a big chip on his shoulder because he hears the whispers of a no-name 2nd round pick. "I read the message boards," Jerome said. "But, the (Bengals) coaches believed in me and I'm gonna' make believers out of them. I'm gonna' put this city on my back. This city is gonna' love me."
With his personality, if he performs at a high level, I think he might be right.
- Joe D.
A 2nd round pick for a kid from Coastal Carolina seemed like a stretch when the name popped up on the screen. But, his measurables are as good as any receiver in the draft. Long arms, great vertical, huge hands and a great attitude.
Will he be able to make the jump from small school to the NFL? We'll see. He dropped a lot of passes this weekend in rookie camp, but what happens in May won't matter come training camp and regular season.
Simpson originally wanted to play at ECU. But, the coaches there wanted him to commit during his visit. Jerome wanted to visit some more schools, so ECU gave the scholarship to another player. That's how a super-talented kid ended up in relative obscurity.
Without the big school perks, Jerome had to work in college to make ends meet. His job of choice? Pizza Hut delivery guy. He says he loved the gig because he ate free wings and pizza every night...so did his roomates.
Jerome says he has a big chip on his shoulder because he hears the whispers of a no-name 2nd round pick. "I read the message boards," Jerome said. "But, the (Bengals) coaches believed in me and I'm gonna' make believers out of them. I'm gonna' put this city on my back. This city is gonna' love me."
With his personality, if he performs at a high level, I think he might be right.
- Joe D.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Leadership
With millions in the bank, Carson Palmer could be doing just about anything on a Friday morning in the offseason. Surfing in the Pacific Ocean, playing a round (or two) on just about any golf course in the world, or just hanging out with his dogs at home in Southern California. So where was #9 on Friday, May 2nd?
On the sidelines at PBS, scouting a batch of first-year NFL players at the Bengals Rookie Weekend Minicamp.
"You want to see if they're better than you think, or worse than you think. (The rookies) have exceeded expectations," Palmer said.
We're all about "Fair and Balanced Coverage" at FOX. And given all of Chad Johnson's inflammatory comments about the Bengals organization this offseason, it's only fair to point out leadership when you see it. Entering his 6th season in the NFL, Carson has emerged as a true leader in the Bengals locker room.
Palmer also got a first-hand look at a couple of promising new targets. The Bengals drafted WRs Jerome Simpson in the 2nd Round from Coastal Carolina and Andre Caldwell from Florida in the 3rd Round. From the sounds of it, Palmer likes what he sees and expects an impact, especially from young players selected so high in the NFL Draft.
It's easy sometimes to focus on the negative. Things aren't going very well for the Reds so far down at Great American Ball Park. Their neighbor (or if he had his way, "former neighbor") down the way Chad Johnson seems far more worried about "who has his back" than winning a Super Bowl.
If you're a Bengals fan, and see the Face of the Franchise at PBS, when he isn't required to be there, that has to be encouraging.
-ZACH
On the sidelines at PBS, scouting a batch of first-year NFL players at the Bengals Rookie Weekend Minicamp.
"You want to see if they're better than you think, or worse than you think. (The rookies) have exceeded expectations," Palmer said.
We're all about "Fair and Balanced Coverage" at FOX. And given all of Chad Johnson's inflammatory comments about the Bengals organization this offseason, it's only fair to point out leadership when you see it. Entering his 6th season in the NFL, Carson has emerged as a true leader in the Bengals locker room.
Palmer also got a first-hand look at a couple of promising new targets. The Bengals drafted WRs Jerome Simpson in the 2nd Round from Coastal Carolina and Andre Caldwell from Florida in the 3rd Round. From the sounds of it, Palmer likes what he sees and expects an impact, especially from young players selected so high in the NFL Draft.
It's easy sometimes to focus on the negative. Things aren't going very well for the Reds so far down at Great American Ball Park. Their neighbor (or if he had his way, "former neighbor") down the way Chad Johnson seems far more worried about "who has his back" than winning a Super Bowl.
If you're a Bengals fan, and see the Face of the Franchise at PBS, when he isn't required to be there, that has to be encouraging.
-ZACH
Thursday, May 1, 2008
My Bad
Since I periodically bash Zachary Wells for not signing his posts... I guess I deserve a shot of the same medicine.
The "Jersey Boys" post - that was me.
BG
The "Jersey Boys" post - that was me.
BG
Krivsky Calling
Just got off the phone with Wayne Krivsky.
He called me. Seriously. Said he's calling a lot of people to say thanks. Thanks for treating him fairly... thanks for the chit chat around the dugout... just thanks.
I always liked Wayne. Mainly because he was approachable and probably because he treated us "TV folks" with the same respect every general manager treats print media.
Wayne remembers names and returns phone calls.
Two years ago when the Reds were looking for a GM to replace Dan O'Brien... Krivsky's name had come up a few times so I called the main switchboard with the Minnesota Twins and somehow found my way to his voice mail. Left a message and expected absolutely nothing in return. Instead... he called me back. Said he couldn't talk about it... but he called me back and was polite. Not only that... a few weeks later when he was introduced at GABP as the Reds new GM... he remembered me when I introduced myself and he apologized for not being able to tell me more than he did when I called.
That was all I needed. Doesn't take much to win over the TV guys. Like I said before... most coaches and GMs treat beat writers and electronic media differently. For the most part they should. We're typically not around the team every single day... aren't as well connected ... don't break as many stories. We (and this is completely our fault) haven't earned the same level of familiarity and trust.
With Wayne it wasn't like that. So I'll miss him.
All of that said... I never worked for him or with him.
Sounds like that might not have been a walk in the park - according to my print media brethren. Seems like there's an awful lot of smoke for there not to be some truth to that.
Either way...Wayne told me he's going to take a vacation with his wife and then hopefully get on with another team as a National League scout for the rest of this season. Says he would like to be based at GABP. Fine by me. I like the guy. And who knows... maybe he'll give me a call when he lands another GM job.
BG
He called me. Seriously. Said he's calling a lot of people to say thanks. Thanks for treating him fairly... thanks for the chit chat around the dugout... just thanks.
I always liked Wayne. Mainly because he was approachable and probably because he treated us "TV folks" with the same respect every general manager treats print media.
Wayne remembers names and returns phone calls.
Two years ago when the Reds were looking for a GM to replace Dan O'Brien... Krivsky's name had come up a few times so I called the main switchboard with the Minnesota Twins and somehow found my way to his voice mail. Left a message and expected absolutely nothing in return. Instead... he called me back. Said he couldn't talk about it... but he called me back and was polite. Not only that... a few weeks later when he was introduced at GABP as the Reds new GM... he remembered me when I introduced myself and he apologized for not being able to tell me more than he did when I called.
That was all I needed. Doesn't take much to win over the TV guys. Like I said before... most coaches and GMs treat beat writers and electronic media differently. For the most part they should. We're typically not around the team every single day... aren't as well connected ... don't break as many stories. We (and this is completely our fault) haven't earned the same level of familiarity and trust.
With Wayne it wasn't like that. So I'll miss him.
All of that said... I never worked for him or with him.
Sounds like that might not have been a walk in the park - according to my print media brethren. Seems like there's an awful lot of smoke for there not to be some truth to that.
Either way...Wayne told me he's going to take a vacation with his wife and then hopefully get on with another team as a National League scout for the rest of this season. Says he would like to be based at GABP. Fine by me. I like the guy. And who knows... maybe he'll give me a call when he lands another GM job.
BG
Jersey Boys
First off... question for Joe. Do you own any normal clothes?
My list is short and sweet.
1980 Tony Dorsett. Loved that one. Cowboys home whites with the shiny blue #33. Plus... had the Dorsett cleats. Remember... the white / blue Converse with the fold down "mud flap" in the front on top of the laces. Sweet. One side note though... it's only acceptable to wear cleats in social situations if you're under the age of 10. Wore mine everywhere - church, school, you name it.
Quite a few years went by before I bought my Michael Jordan. Got the cheap version though. Didn't wear it much. Also never did buy the kicks to match.
And finally (unless I'm forgetting one) Ryne Sandberg. Grew up in Texas watching the Cubs on WGN. Loved Ryno. Got the Sandberg jersey just before a trip to Wrigley after graduating high school. It's classic. Timeless. Always will be. No name on the back... just #23.
All of that said...
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh seem to be the most "jersey crazy" sports fans I've ever come across. Ever been to a Steelers game at Heinz? Kids, adults, old people...it's unbeleivable.
I'll put a good jersey on my boys. Not sure how cool it is these days for their old man.
My list is short and sweet.
1980 Tony Dorsett. Loved that one. Cowboys home whites with the shiny blue #33. Plus... had the Dorsett cleats. Remember... the white / blue Converse with the fold down "mud flap" in the front on top of the laces. Sweet. One side note though... it's only acceptable to wear cleats in social situations if you're under the age of 10. Wore mine everywhere - church, school, you name it.
Quite a few years went by before I bought my Michael Jordan. Got the cheap version though. Didn't wear it much. Also never did buy the kicks to match.
And finally (unless I'm forgetting one) Ryne Sandberg. Grew up in Texas watching the Cubs on WGN. Loved Ryno. Got the Sandberg jersey just before a trip to Wrigley after graduating high school. It's classic. Timeless. Always will be. No name on the back... just #23.
All of that said...
Cincinnati and Pittsburgh seem to be the most "jersey crazy" sports fans I've ever come across. Ever been to a Steelers game at Heinz? Kids, adults, old people...it's unbeleivable.
I'll put a good jersey on my boys. Not sure how cool it is these days for their old man.
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