Monday Thoughts from a Sports Fan

Watched a bunch of sporting events today...here are some random thoughts:

- I had a great debate with Derek "Big Red" Froelich (our chief news editor) about how the old Celtics and Lakers teams would do against the current Celtics and Lakers teams. He doesn't think the '80's teams could keep up with today's teams. Certainly, I think a team of Magic, Byron Scott, Kareem, Worthy and Cooper could (and I think would) beat either team in the NBA Finals this year. The Celtics team of Bird, McHale, Parrish, DJ and Ainge might not seem like they could hang athletically with today's guys, but who is going to bet against that bunch? I'd put my money on the '80's teams against these two teams this year.

- I was out at Lakota West high school today as the Firebirds get ready for the State Final 4. Those kids love Jay Bruce. They used words like "stud", "beast" and "monster" to describe his game.

- Does anyone else pick up their phone and start texting/calling their buddies every time Jay Bruce does anything at the plate? Man, I can't think of the last time this city was so excited about a player. I don't think Homer created this kind of buzz. I'm gonna' say Carson Palmer.

- Man, I thought GABP was a small yard. It seems like routine fly balls are 10 rows deep at Citizens Bank Park in Philly. That place is just torture for pitchers.

- Bright spot for the Reds - Gary Majewski. Told the media on Sunday he's sick of coming up here and not doing his job. He's running out of chances. He knows it's time to perform.

- I think Joey Votto is on pace to set an MLB record for first baseman assists in one season. The guy seems to have 3 a game.

- I hope you saw some of the quotes from Junior today. I just wish he would open up like that with the TV folks here in Cincy. Kind of stinks for us that he said such great stuff in Philadelphia.

- I always keep the MLB scoreboard on my desktop at work to keep an eye on other games. Every time I look up Josh Hamilton is getting on base. What a stud. I hope he plays 150+ games. His numbers could be awesome.

- Speaking of all-stars...if they named the rosters today...I'm thinking Volquez and maybe Cordero for the Reds.

- Oh, and as far as post-season awards. There's a chance the Reds could have three candidates for rookie of the year. Votto (who is still considered a rookie), Cueto and Bruce. Certainly, Cueto and Bruce have a lot of catching up to do. But, with the talent they've flashed, who knows.

- Funny moment on Sunday. I stopped Volquez to translate a Johnny Cueto post-game interview for us. He happily agreed, but when we got back to the station, we could barely even tell what Volquez was saying in english. I guess it helps to have a translator who speaks very clear english. Also, I'm sure when they're speaking spanish to each other, they're no doubt making fun of me. That's cool.

- Cueto's outfit on Sunday. White button-down shirt, black dress pants, white shoes. Awesome. Twice he smiled when I was speaking english...when I said "shoes" and when I said "no-hitter" (referencing his no-hit bid into the 6th inning)

- Watched the overtimes of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight. Overtime Stanley Cup hockey rules.

- Hockey announcers are good. What a hard sport to call.

- I'm going back and forth between the College World Series regionals and 'Hoosiers' right now. I'm to the point in 'Hoosiers' now where I only enjoy the basketball scenes. Watching Gene Hackman nearly devour that woman with his lips on the farm is gross. Sweet, Shooter is about to stumble onto the court drunk...I love that part...

- Joe D.