Balance of power shifts
The Cincinnati Reds today announced the acquisition of OF Wladimir Balentien (#64) from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for RHP Robert Manuel.
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Cool time
Our vacation adventure took us to Kalamazoo, Michigan today. We went to Air Zoo....a pretty cool air/space/flight center. It had rides, exhibits, flight simulators, 4-D movie theater, and various war planes and space projects. All indoors.
PS.....Vacations are so much easier when you have a Garmin.
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Bengals sign Maualuga
The Bengals today signed DE Rey Maualuga of Southern California, their second-round selection in the 2009 draft.
Maualuga (6-2, 255) was a consensus All-American as a senior last season, the leading tackler on a unit that led the nation in scoring defense (9.0 points allowed per game). Also last season, USC finished second in the nation in fewest yards allowed (221.8 per game). Maualuga earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters the college game has seen in recent years, while covering the field with superior speed.
"Having Rey on the field from the start of training camp will maximize his potential to lend a physical presence to our defense," said head coach Marvin Lewis. "He showed us a lot in our offseason work, and now we look forward to seeing him in contact situations."
Bengals players report tomorrow to training camp at Georgetown (Ky.) College. The team’s first practice will be at 3 p.m. on Friday.
Maualuga is the ninth of Cincinnati's 11 draft picks to sign. The previous eight are TE Chase Coffman of Missouri (third round), C Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas (fourth round), P Kevin Huber of the University of Cincinnati (fifth round), CB Morgan Trent of Michigan (sixth round), HB Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian (sixth round), FB Fui Vakapuna of Brigham Young (seventh round), DT Clinton McDonald of Memphis (seventh round) and WR Freddie Brown of Utah (seventh round).
Still unsigned are OT Andre Smith of Alabama (first round) and DE Michael Johnson of Georgia Tech (third round).
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Bengals news
Single-game tickets for Bengals 2009 home games will be available for purchase as of this Saturday, Aug. 1, at 10 a.m.
Tickets may be ordered three ways:
By phone through the Bengals Ticket Hotline, 513-621-TDTD (8383) or toll free at 866-621-8383, and also through Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000.
Online through Ticketmaster.com, which can also be accessed through a link on Bengals.com
In person at the Bengals Ticket Office, open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Single-game ticket prices range from $64-82.
Season tickets, which offer the best seating locations as well as priority for any postseason home games, are currently available through the Bengals Ticket Hotline.
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Metro Softball
The bracket
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Reds Hall of Fame ballot 2010
CINCINNATI (July 29, 2009)---The Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum has announced the ten former Reds players who will appear on the Modern Player Ballot for induction into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2010.
Modern Player Candidates are: Bret Boone, Jeff Brantley, Norm Charlton, John Franco, Danny Graves, Kevin Mitchell, Hal Morris, Paul O’Neill, Chris Sabo, and Scott Sullivan.
To be eligible and considered for the ballot, the players must:
*Have played in at least three seasons with the Reds
*Have played within the last 13 years
*Be in at least their third year of retirement
Fans may cast their ballots from August 1 through September 2 at ballot boxes located at:
Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum
Great American Ball Park
Participating Skyline locations
Online at reds.com/HOF
The player receiving the most fan votes will be honored with induction as part of the Reds Hall of Fame’s Class of 2010. Fans can vote for up to three players.
Eligible players, managers and executives from more than 13 years ago will be considered for the Veterans Ballot and selected by the Veterans Committee.
Together, the Modern Player Ballot and Veterans Ballot results will comprise the 2010 Induction Class and will be announced later this year.
One lucky voter will receive two tickets to the 2010 Induction event, a "Super Cincinnati!" package from Cincyfavorites.com and a baseball signed by the 2010 class.
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Wednesday thoughts
*Ran 3-miles on the beach this morning...70-degrees with bright sunshine and a breeze. Rest of the family was sound asleep.
*Is there a reasonable expectation for offense when Taveras and Gonzalez are at the top of your order?
*Wow, is that a ML team of AAA guys or what?
*Read Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, Detroit News, Detroit Free Press and USA Today yesterday on the beach.
*You should see the sunset from the beach around here....amazing.
*Went to amusement park/zoo yesterday. No way I'm not riding a ferris wheel when the guy is working on it with a wrench.Played putt-putt. Had lunch at DiMaggio's (No relation to Joe) in Coloma, MI. It was on the recommendation of an emailer/listener. WOW. Thanks. Fantastic Pizza and Burgers. Casey called it "best burger ever". Keep your recommendations coming. We HAD to get Sherman's ice cream again. I went with Black Cherry this time.
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Stat of the day
From Mark Wagner
Longest active streak without back to back wins
San Diego Padres 27
Milwaukee Brewers 23
Cincinnati Reds 22
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Castellini: Reds not ready to sell
John Fay, Enquirer
"I believe we're not at that point," he said. "If we can get our pitching to show up and get our hitting to show up at the same time, we're still possibly contenders."
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I love Joey Votto.....however
(AP photo by David Kohl)
He can't get thrown out arguing strikes twice in the last month. And certainly not in the first inning. His behavior Monday night was embarrassing. Give me a break. That's not leading. Shut up and hit.
And If the Reds need Votto to get tossed to fire them up, then go ahead and cancel the rest of the season. I'd love to see stats on Votto's strikeout rate and strikeouts looking since his return. He's a hell of hitter. He 'aint Ted Williams. If he's not careful he's going to have a rep with umps that he will carry the rest of his career....and that will be a rep that gets him no breaks and gets him screwed at each opportunity.
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Selig will not ease up on Rose
NY Daily News
Despite growing sentiment from a number of influential Hall of Famers - most notably Hank Aaron-that 20 years has been a sufficient sentence for Pete Rose for betting on baseball, Bud Selig insists nothing has changed from his standpoint. Baseball's all-time hit king remains permanently ineligible, persona non grata, out in the cold and taboo and I'm coming to the belief he's going to remain so as long as Selig is commissioner.
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Sherman's Ice Cream
It's the only ice cream I'd stand in line over 30-minutes for. We took a number when we got there. We counted 42 people in the line to get inside and 33 standing at the window outside. Best ice cream on the planet.
Went with the blueberry...with the Blueberry Festival coming up, how could I not?
Bearcats Rising
I started reading the new book by Josh Katzowitz on the beach yesterday....fantastic. Must read for UC fans. It details the history and rise of UC football. Great stuff on each era of UC football....including Jim Tressel's interest in the job, the condition of the facilities at UC(hilarious story of foot coming through ceiling above the weight room), why Tim Murphy took a 40% paycut to leave UC and coach at Harvard, the impact Rick Minter and Bob Goin had on the program, and the shadow of Huggins on the program, plus much more.
A thorny issue
So...we are eating perch at Clementine's last night when we start discussing Pete Rose. Casey proceeds to say, "He accepted a " lifetime ban" dad. When he said it, he used his hands to make the quotes. The table went silent when I dropped my fork. I looked at him and said, "what did you say?". He said it again. I told him what he said next would determine my will and his college education. He asked what flavor ice cream I was getting after dinner.
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Reds news
Edinson Volquez Monday afternoon threw 76 pitches, including breaking balls, without complaint.He is scheduled to throw a light bullpen on Wednesday, followed on Friday by an 80-pitch simulated game.
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Selig mulls pardon for Rose
NY Daily News
Said another Hall of Famer familiar with the situation: "I think a lot of the guys feel that it's been 20 years now for Pete, and would lean toward leniency and time served. If he had admitted it in the first place and apologized way back then, he'd probably be in the Hall by now."
According to another source, the behind-the-scenes lobbying process began five years ago, but stalled because Selig was still not satisfied that Rose was "reconfiguring" his life, as the late commissioner Bart Giamatti had instructed for him to do when he initially placed him on baseball's permanent ineligible list. In addition, the source said, Selig's conditions for any reinstatement would be stiff. Rose likely would need to make another public apology and he would be prohibited from managing.
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Reds news
Today the Reds placed on the 15-day disabled list OF Chris Dickerson (bruised right rotator cuff) and RHP Micah Owings (tight right shoulder).
IF Drew Sutton (#27) and RHP Robert Manuel (#60) were recalled from Class AAA Louisville.
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Wireless is working
I was missing a digit in my access code...not my fault....that's what the condo association gave me.
Kelly just rolled her eyes.
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On the scene in South Haven
Vacation is underway....love South Haven, Michigan.
We spent Sunday on Lake Michigan and in the pool at the condo.
The beach is right outside the condo door...and the water is 50 yards away. Sat and read SI, listened to Reds and built sand castles yesterday.
They have wireless at the condo. I can't figure out how to get the code to work.
So I made an "extended" run to the coffee house to check emails and the blog.
I have farmed out my What If Sports Hoops Dynasty recruiting for Butler to a friend....how sad am? Got to love a small town with a drawbridge for the boats. You have to time all trips to the store and for food around the top and bottom of the hour. Weather looks like 80-degrees all week....one day for rain. I'll take it.
Gotta run and get my newspapers for the day.....looks like I can get Chicago Tribune, Sun Times, Detroit Free Press, Ann Arbor News and USA Today.
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Aaron goes to bat for Rose
USA Today
"I would certainly like to see him in," Aaron said. "He belongs in, really. His career is one that he needs to be right here in the middle of all of this."
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Lehr and Stubbs lead Bats
Louisville Courier Journal
Boosted by Drew Stubbs' homer and three hits apiece from Chris Heisey and Drew Sutton, Louisville starter Justin Lehr became the International League's first 13-game winner and the Bats defeated the Syracuse Chiefs 5-3 Sunday
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Reds Community Fund
And the beat goes on....
Cubs 8 Reds 5
44-51
On pace to win 75 games
Reds have dropped 4 in a row
They are a season worst 7 games under .500
They have won just 18 of their last 49 games
Questions to be asked/answered on Sports Talk
Do the Reds have your permission to sell?
Who should they sell?
Did they blow it by not pursuing Matt Holliday?
Why is this team so poor at the fundamentals of the game?
Why is this team so poor in their approach at the plate and on the mound?
Why is this team so poor at adjusting?
What has happened to Aaron Harang?
Updated Stat of the day
11: Consecutive starts without a win by Aaron Harang. He's 0-7 5.21 in that span.
11: Wins in his last 51 appearances .
Has not won since May 25.
5-11 this year
He's 11-28 since opening day 2007.
He lead the NL in hits allowed.
He led the NL in losses last year and leads again this year.
Batting average against this year: .294....RH batters hitting .317
Batting average against last 3-years: .242, .284, .294
Contract:
09:$11M, 10:$12.5M, 11:$12.75M ($2M buyout)
Money paid Aaron Harang since Opening Day 2007: 13.25 million
Wins recorded by Harang since Opening Day 2007: 11
Email stat of the day
From Jeff
Since opening the season winning 13 of first 18 road games, the Reds have gone 9-24 in next 33 road games, and have been outscored by 67 runs, 186-119. The average score has been 5.64 - 3.61, a differerence of more than 2 runs per game.
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Show preview
I've got Sports Talk on 700 WLW after Reds-Cubs...probably around 5:20 or so.
Reds: Did they blow it by not getting Matt Holliday? If they are selling at the trading deadline, who should they sell?
I'm looking for an Off The Beaten Path topic.....I'm all ears.
Think of something fun.......... related to Sports, TV, music, movies....maybe tied into a current event in some way. Email away please.
De-Genius
ESPN's Page 2 has a story examining the sports figures that were labeled "genius"...........only to later be exposed.
We discovered the tag was misplaced, premature, flat-out wrong.
They list a Top 10.
Who would make your list?
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Reds news ***** |
Holliday to the Cards
ESPN
The Athletics and Cardinals have completed a trade that sends outfielder Matt Holliday to St. Louis in exchange for third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortense, sources told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney.
In addition, sources said the Athletics will throw in $1.5 million to the Cardinals.
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Reds and Halladay?
FanHouse
So with a week to go before the trade deadline, the Halladay picture has cleared up only somewhat. Based on FanHouse's conversations with people around the game:
Texas, St. Louis (at least before the Matt Holliday deal), Tampa Bay, Milwaukee and---a team not mentioned so far--Cincinnati have also been involved. Word is the Rangers and Reds have attractive packages, but based on Halladay's stance, those teams' position in the standings could keep him from going there.
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Former Bengals still wants to play
Tallahasse Sun
"I still have teams contact me right now," Jackson said. "They say I'm old at 31."
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Top 25 Rickey Henderson quotes
In honor of his Hall of Fame induction this weekend
3) In 1996, Henderson's first season with San Diego, he boarded the team bus and was looking for a seat. Steve Finley said, "You have tenure, sit wherever you want." Henderson looked at Finley and said, "Ten years? Ricky's been playing at least 16, 17 years."
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Reds promote Wood, he'll pitch for AAA Bats Saturday
Bryant Daily
According to Wood's parents Jay and Dena Wood, he will make his AAA debut at Syracuse on Saturday at 7 p.m. The lefty was told last week would be his last at Carolina but made one more start before the promotion.
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Wyche mulls run for Congress
Politico
He said he plans to reach out to Steve Largent, J.C. Watts and Tom Osborne--three other former pro football players who made the transition to Congress. But he cautioned that he’s only in the very early stages of exploring a campaign, and is just now beginning to discuss his interest with statewide party officials.
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Decision time for Reds
John Fay, Enquirer
A few hours before Ramirez's slam, general manager Walt Jocketty said he thought the Reds still had a run in them.
"We're still trying to win it," he said. "We still think we have a good run in us."
He noted that the Reds were only 51/2 games out in the National League Central. That hadn't changed entering Thursday night's games.
But, as their 4-9 record over the last 13 games indicates, the Reds haven't shown any ability to sustain a run of good play.
So what needs to change?
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Rose has done his time
Forbes
.... in America, the punishment is supposed to fit the crime. Commit murder, you get life. Commit assault with a deadly weapon, you get 15 years. Rose, one of the greatest players of all time, committed the sports equivalent of the latter. He didn't throw games, he bet on his team to win. After 20 years, he's done his time.
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LeGree added to Chipola staff
Jackson County Floridan
Legree resigned from his position at Cincinnati in late 2005 after a DUI arrest.
He was teaching 12th grade Geometry in Monroe County, Ala., before being added to the Chipola staff.
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A book recommendation from a former Bengal great
On the way home Thursday night I was talking, by phone, with Richard Dickmann (Dickmann's Kentucky Sports Cafe). He was with former Bengals QB Ken Anderson.
Richard handed the phone to Anderson. Ken mentioned he listened to me on Sports Talk on the way in from Columbus. He recommended the book The Match.
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NFL Draft going primetime
Joe Reedy's blog
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Coach Cal news
LEXINGTON, Ky. University of Kentucky men's basketball head coach John Calipari continues his venture into the technology age.
Calipari has now created the official John Calipari Facebook page, John Calipari. Fans can now "friend" Calipari and get the latest on the UK head coach.
Facebook is a free social networking website that allows people to add friends and send them messages, and update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves. Along with his Twitter account, UKCoachCalipari, Coach Cal is as accessible to his fans as ever before.
There are many Twitter accounts and Facebook fan pages, groups dedicated to following UK Coach John Calipari, but the ones listed above are the only Facebook and Twitter entities that are officially sanctioned by the University of Kentucky Athletics Department and Coach John Calipari.
In addition to his new Facebook page, Calipari rolls out the official John Calipari website, www.CoachCal.com on Thursday. The website is scheduled to launch at noon on July 23
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Show preview
Guests
Josh Katzowitz, author, Bearcats Rising
Sam Arnold, Golfer
Shayne Graham, Start Your Engines!
Topics
Reds
Ultimate Sports Bookshelf: I'm on vacation next week. I'm looking for a sports book to read. What books must be on the Ultimate Sports Bookshelf? Do me a favor. If you email me a book you recommend, send it like the books appear on the list below....title, author......so it's easy for me to copy and paste onto the list.
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Top 10 Reds Prospects
Doug Gray, RedsMinorLeagues.com
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UC football tonight
Josh Katzowitz will join me in-studio at 8pm to discuss his new book,
Bearcats Rising:Rags To Division I Riches: How A Gridiron Minority Bludgeons Its Way Into The Big Time
"When Brian Kelly arrived on the Clifton hill, the city collectively yawned. How many Messiahs had there been in the last decade or so? But then his Bearcats began to do things no University of Cincinnati team had done in over half a century. And they began to do it consistently. By the time they were nationally-ranked and headed for a BCS berth in the Orange Bowl, the university and the city had undergone a wondrous transformation. It might not have been loaves and fishes, but they were sure they had seen something miraculous."
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Hey, now this is an idea
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Few cared about Watson's run
USA Today
The U.S. sporting public was presented with a choice last weekend that it doesn't often face. It was given the most compelling sports story of the year, but one that didn't involve a household sports name for anyone under 35. To follow that story, fans had to watch a golf tournament without the sports world's leading personality. And, by and large, they chose not to do that.
Can there be any doubt that our sports culture is all about the cult of personality these days?
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The Inauguaral STHU list
SPiN
Somewhere in every sports talk radio studio hangs a glass case that reads "Break in case of emergency." Inside that case are some of the most clichéd topics in sports.
Admit it. This time of the year is the black hole in our sporting universe. The NBA and NHL playoffs are over and so are the NBA, NFL and NHL drafts. And as much as TV and Major League Baseball wants to convince you that the races are heating up, we're at least a month from any real pennant race heat.
It sucks.
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On this date
Baseball-Reference.com
1991 During an 8-5 Chicago win, Cincinnati P Rob Dibble throws a ball at Cubs OF Doug Dascenzo as Dascenzo runs to 1B. Dibble is fined by the league office, but not suspended.
2000 After rejecting a trade to the Mets, Reds All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin agrees to a three-year, $27 million contract extension that will keep him Cincinnati until 2003.
2000 The Big Red Machine rolls into Cooperstown, delivering first baseman Tony Perez, manager Sparky Anderson and Reds announcer Marty Brennaman into the Baseball Hall of Fame along with 1975 Red Sox World Series rival Carlton Fisk. Also enshrined are 19th century Cincinnati second baseman Bid McPhee and Negro League star "Turkey" Stearnes.
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Time to turn the page on the Reds?
Or....as Don Meredith used to sing on Monday Night Football...."Turn out the lights the party's over they say that all good things must end.....Let's call it a night the party's over and tomorrow starts the same old thing again"
LA 6 Reds 2
44-50
45-49 in 2008 at this point
18 wins in their last 48 games.
Quote of the night
"How do you let Manny beat you with a fastball down broadway?.....the whole situation makes me want to barf"-Chris Welsh, FS Ohio postgame
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Jocketty: Our position hasn't changed
John Fay's blog
"We're not going to do anything for short-term," he said.
That means the Reds won't be trading young players for rent-a-players, i.e., players who become frère agents at the season's end.
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Doc: Still waiting for Reds' plan
Paul Daugherty, Enquirer
The flea market is setting up. Over here, little cedar boxes from Gatlinburg. Over there, Bronson Arroyo. Step right up, all you treasure hunters.
It's a shame and it's the truth: The Reds might not be the Pirates. But they are a bus station for the big boys. Their bus station is nicer than Pittsburgh's. A few more couches, a better TV bolted to the wall. But it's still a bus station.
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Dusty, Dusty, Dusty...
Jonny Gomes not in lineup Wednesday night.....gotta play Nix vs the RHP.
How long before Dusty figures this out?
vs RHP this year
Gomes: .271 BA, .400 OBP, .921 OPS
Nix: .249 BA, .301 OBP, .787 OPS
Nix is hitting .184 in July
From emailer Jeff: "On June 4th Nix completed a 4 game series against STL where he was 6-13 with 3 hrs and 8 rbis. Since that series Nix's stats are: 33 games 19-100 1 hr 6 rbis 5 walks 27 K's .190 avg .236 obp"
Gomes homered to win the game Sunday...his reward was to sit Monday
Gomes homered Tuesday....his reward was to sit Wednesday.
Think Dusty realizes that Gomes has: 208 fewer AB's than Taveras, 95 fewer than Nix, 53 fewer than Hanigan and 33 fewer than Rosales and only 24 more than Janish?
Think Dusty realizes that Gomes is hitting .305-7-20 in 105 AB's?
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Hef's girls
(Photo courtesy of Playboy)
Hugh Hefner's twin girlfriends, 19-year old Karissa and Kristina Shannon
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Ultimate Sports Bookshelf
I get a number of emails each summer about books I can recommend for reading during vacation.
I'm on vacation next week. I'm looking for a book. This is a list we started to compile last summer.
Got any other "must have" books?
Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer by Warren St. John
Civil War, John Feinstein
A Good Walk Spoiled, John Feinstein
The Last Amateurs, John Feinstein
Let Me Tell You A Story, Red Auerback with John Feinstein
Caddy for Life, John Feinstien
Next Man Up, John Feinstein
The Packer Way, Ron Wolf and Paul Attner
Moneyball, Michael Lewis
The Blind Side by Michael Lewis
Fair Ball, Bob Costas
Seson of Life - Jeffrey Marx
Friday Night Lights, Buzz Bissinger
Three Days in August, Buzz Bissinger
Shoeless Joe, W.P Kinsella
Shooting Star: The Bevo Francis Story, Kyle Keiderling
Pistol: The Life of Pete Maravich by Mark Kriegel
Game Of Shadows, Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams
Summer of '49 by David Halberstam
"The Soul of Baseball" 'A Road Trip through Buck O'Neil's America', Joe
Posnanski
Feeding the Monster, Rob Neyer
Ball Four, Jim Bouton
Season on the Brink, John Feinstein
Politics of Glory, How baseball's Hall of Fame really works, Bill James
Inner Game of Tennis, W. Timothy Gallwey
Who's Your Caddy?, Rick Reilly
Me and My Dad: Paul O'Neill
Sandy Koufax, Jane Leavy
"Unforgiveable Blackness: The Rise and Fall of Jack Johnson" by Geoffrey C
Wardgreat
"If I Never Get Back" by Darell Brock.
The Bronx Zoo, Sparky Lyle
The Pennant Race" by Jim Brosnan
Instant Replay" The Green Bay Diary of Jerry Kramer. by Jerry Kramer & Dick
Schaap
Men at Work, George Will
The Lords of the Realm, John Heylar
Teammates by David Halberstam
Semi Tough, Dan Jenkins
The Boys of Summer, Roger Kahn
Paper Lion, George Plimpton
Bleachers, John Grisham
Wrecking Crew: The Really bad News Griffith Park Pirates, John Albert
Follow the Roar: Tailing Tiger for all 604 Holes of His Most Spectacular Season, Bob Smiley
MVP-- James Boice
The Downhill Lie: A hacker's Return to a Ruinous sport,Carl Hiaasen
A Nasty Bit of Rough, David Feherty
Living on the Black, John Feinstein
I Had a Hammer, Hank Aaron
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Event for a cause
Keith Noble Memorial Golf Outing
Keith suffered a massive heart attack while kayaking in the Atlantic Ocean on vacation with his family at Virginia beach on July 22, 2004. He is survived by his two children---Jake, who is entering the 8th grade this fall & Josie who will be starting 4th grade, Teresa and his siblings Lynn, Gwen, Barbara, Hal & Brian and his beloved mom Margie.
We miss you Keith....
In Keith's honor and to celebrate Keith's life, we are holding a memorial golf outing on September 11, 2009 at Neumann Golf course. You can find all the details by either joining our Facebook group "Keith Noble Memorial" or visiting our website at www.keithnoblememorial.com where you can sign up to golf, sponsor a hole or purchase a memorial T-Shirt.
All proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Please read "Levi's Wish" on the website to see how we impacted the life of one child by granting him his final wish.
And finally.....our sincere thanks to John Burns and CBTS who have been our Gold sponsor every year we have held this event. . .we could not have accomplished what we have without their support.
Compare and contrast
Last two starts by each
Bronso Arroyo: 16 innings, 0 ER, 10 hits,
Homer Bailey: 8 innings, 13 earned runs, 14 hits
Micah Owings: 9.1 innnings, 14 earned runs, 17 hits
Aaron Harang: 10 innings, 8 earned runs, 15 hits
Johnny Cueto: 11 innnings, 7 earned runs, 19 hits
Last two trips through the rotation...excluding Bronson:
8 starts
38.1 innings, 65 hits, 42 runs, 9.92 ERA
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Guest update
Steve Logan, former Bearcat, 9:05
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The Dunk
Great quality video
*****
"A re-made team"
Bengals.com
With the Bengals looking to open his seventh training camp next week, head coach Marvin Lewis is looking at the culmination of his second re-building job since he arrived from Washington in 2003,
In Wednesday's conversation with Bengals.com, Lewis called it "a re-made team," with upgrades at nearly every position and emphasized, "We know who our leaders are."
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Top 100 MLB players today
CNNSI
2 Reds
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What if........
SportsDesignBlog.com
What if the Bengals changed their helmet?
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Show preview
Topics
Reds
Bengals
Sports Reform
Tonight at 8pm on 700 WLW President Barack Obama will discuss his plans for health care reform.
Tonight starting at 6:06 on 700 WLW we will address our plans for Sports Reform.
re-form (Merriam Webster Dictionary)
Function: verb
1 a: to put or change into an improved form or condition
b: to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses
2: to put an end to (an evil) by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action
intransitive verb: to become changed for the better.
So....what are we reforming in sports? What changes can you recommend?
What would improve your enjoyment and interest level in sports?
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If you can't save your season, should you deal your saves leader?
Yahoo Sports
Another popular destination for scouts last weekend was Cincinnati, where
starters Bronson Arroyo. and Aaron Harang are said to be available, along with
veteran reliever David Weathers, and there are indications that the Reds would
listen to offers for closer Francisco Cordero. Moving Cordero, however, is
problematic. He has full no-trade protection and two more years on his contract
at $12 million per, plus a $12 million option in 2012.
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Former Red embarrassed by money he's making and way he's playing
KC Star
"I hate making excuses," he said. "If I suck, then I suck. And I suck. That’s the way I'm playing. If you suck, you suck. You have to take responsibility in this game. Right now, that's the way I feel.
"Yes, I suck."
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On this date
Baseball-Reference.com
1986 The Mets win a crazy five-hour marathon with the Reds in 14 innings, winning 6-3.
In the Reds 10th, pinch-runner Eric Davis steals 2B and 3B, bumping into Ray Knight. Knight decks Davis and both benches empty. Knight, Davis, Kevin Mitchell and Mario Soto are ejected.
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Maloney and Stewart get it done for Bats
Louisville Courier Journal
Maloney (7-6, 2.51 ERA) worked seven strong innings. He was helped out by right fielder Darnell McDonald, who homered, drove in two runs and threw out a runner at home plate. Zach Stewart pitched the final two innings for his second save in as many chances.
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Sad.....but true
Since being a season best six games over .500 at 26-20, the Reds have won just 18 of their last 47 games. They are a season worst five games under .500 at 44-49.
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Save our season: Can these disppointing teams recover?
USA Today
Reds
What's gone wrong: The Reds, who were tied for first place in the National League Central in mid-May, are in a full-fledged free fall. They entered Tuesday having lost 21 of 34 games since June 10 and were closer to the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates than to the first-place St. Louis Cardinals.
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Boston picks UC
Cape Coral Daily Breeze
"I liked the coaching staff," said Boston, who plays quarterback, receiver and defensive back for the Red Knights. "I felt their program was moving in the right direction and wanted to be a part of it."
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Reds vs Dodgers....in a word
Outclassed
*****
Riddle me this Batman: O'Sullivan or Vick?
This thought occured to me while reading Joe Reedy's position group preview for the Bengals. Monday he looked at QB. Nobody else has brought it up...so here goes.....I'll volunteer for the beating.
If Michael Vick is reinstated by the NFL, why shouldn't the Bengals pursue him?
Pluses:
*He'd be insurance for Carson's elbow
*He'd be a better backup than JT O'Sullivan or Jordan Palmer. If Palmer goes down for a quarter, a half, a game or an extended amount of time, who gives you a better chance to survive/win?
*You could use him in creative offensive packages (Wildcat).Lord knows Bob B's offense needs creativity.
*His mere presence on the roster would be a worry for defensive coordinators.
*He'd wouldn't have to worry about being "the man" for a team.
*He wouldn't have to deal with as big a circus as a large market/media town
*He wouldn't cost you a great deal. Give him a one-year, incentive based deal.
*You'll get his best effort and behavior if he really wants to play football again.
*Mike Brown is a redeemer....after all.
Minuses
*Backlash and the PR hit from media, fans, season ticket holders, PETA.
When has that stopped Mike Brown in the past?
*He's 29 and been out of the league for two years.
*****
1st Annual Cornhole Tournament
Brookwood Swim and Tennis Club
1 Fair Oaks Ln
Edgewood, KY
859-341-2933
Saturday July 25
3pm
Beer and food and more
Brookwood is building a new swimming pool due to overwhelming maintenance costs of the existing, original pool. Help raise money for reconstruction of the prized jewel of Edgewood
Contact Justin Slusher: justinslusher@hotmail.com
****
Throw some bags for a cause
The annual MS Cornhole tournament is rapidly approaching! Be there on Saturday, August 1st for your chance to win one of two Visa check cards and a barrage of door prizes.
The tourney will be at the Sandbar this year (www.thesandbarcincinnati.com) at the cabana bar/sand volleyball courts, so throw on your best jorts, whip out your Ray Bans, rip off your shirts and show off your best Iceman, Goose, Slider, Maverick, etc. on the Cornhole field.
Registration starts at 3, tournament begins at 4. Feel free to bring your own partner or we'll find one for you when you get there (sponsored by cornholematch.com). $20 per player gets you entry to the tournament, happy hour prices on drinks and admission to the music festival* on the cabana bar stage afterward. If you don't want to play cornhole but still want to hang, $10 will get you happy hour prices and again, admission to the music festival afterward.
All proceeds go to Team Handlebars and the National MS Society in their quest to dominate the MS 150 once again. Click here to check out their team page:
http://main.nationalmssociety.org/site/TR?pg=team&fr_id=9749&team_id=130643
Hope to see everyone there. It's a great event for a great cause.
*Music will be provided by Josh Bokelman and by Freezercrotch.
*****
NKY Swim League Reunion
The first ever reunion of the NKSL," Northern Kentucky Swim League" will
be held at the Brookwood country club on Friday night, August 14th from 6.30
pm till midnight. Swimmers, divers and coaches who participated in the
league from the sixties, seventies and early eighties are invited as well as
their spouses. The cost is $10.00 at the door and includes light snacks and
a cash bar. Contact Warren Whalen if you have any questions at 513-616-0388
Phillips: I deserve to sit
John Fay's blog
****
Bengals talk tonight
John Thornton will be in-studio at 8pm for a Bengals training camp preview.
I'm honored and excited John will be a weekly co-host of Bengals Roundtable...on Thursday's during the season.
Do you have any questions you'd like me to cover with him tonight? Email me. I think we will take calls as well.
***
Show preview
I've got Sports Talk +.....6-9:40
Mo has HOMER 3-6pm
Topics
Reds: Does it bother anyone that a team short on money, talent, bats and healthy bodies has a "leader" that is short on hustle?
Bengals: Michael Vick anyone?
Guest
John Thornton, in-studio, Bengals training camp preview
****
Reds news
C Ramon Hernandez today in Cincinnati had arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee (Dr. Timothy Kremchek). He is expected to miss about 4 weeks.
****
Turning back the clock
June 14
The Reds trailed the Royals by two runs in the fifth inning. Kansas City pitcher Kyle Davies had already walked two batters when Phillips worked the count to 3-0. Phillips chose to ignore the take sign.
He hit away and flied out.
Phillips after the game: "Honestly, in that situation, why wouldn't I swing on 3-0? "We only had two hits at the time. Our offense stinks right now. To tell you the truth, I didn't even look down there (at 3B coach Mark Berry).
I was trying to make something happen."
Dusty after the game: "It's the first time it's happened to me since I've been managing and it's the last time it's going to happen," Baker said. "Simple. End of subject."
****
Reds: Pitching to give?
Fox Sports
The Reds, one of the few teams willing to move pitching, are not thinking of conceding. Their goal is to move some of their more expensive starters and/or relievers to create opportunities for younger prospects.
****
Stat of the day
Most losses in MLB this season
10-Aaron Harang
10-Micah Owings
10-Doug Davis
10-Barry Zito
*****
Well done
Congratulations to Lindenwold Baseballs' Keene Sporting Goods.
Lindenwold Keene's finished the season undefeated at 20-0, winning the regular season and
the County tournament. The team competes in the Butler County Babe Ruth League
14 & 15 yr old division against teams from Fairfield, Millville and Edgewood.
The players include Zach Payne, Cody Rush, Mark Tuttle, Kenny Carroll, Dakota
Murphy, Matt Dekelaita, Ricky Sowell, Bob McQuinn, Justin Schlegel, Brandon
Engle, and Ryan Arvin.
The team is coached by Jeff Rush, Pat Payne and Mark Tuttle.
Team photo
*****
Bengals news
The Bengals today signed C Jonathan Luigs of Arkansas, the team's fourth-round selection in this year's draft. Also today, the Bengals waived CB Simeon Castille, a second-year player from Alabama.
Luigs (6-4, 315) was a three-time finalist for college football's Rimington Award (nation’s top center), winning the award as a junior in 2007. He started all 49 games he played for the Razorbacks over four seasons (2005-08), and he blocked for six 1000-yard rushing performers while being credited for only 4.5 sacks allowed on 756 career pass plays.
Luigs (pronounced "LOO-igs") is the seventhof Cincinnati's 11 draft picks to sign. The previous six are P Kevin Huber of the University of Cincinnati (fifth round), CB Morgan Trent of Michigan (sixth round), HB Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian (sixth round), FB Fui Vakapuna of Brigham Young (seventh round), DT Clinton McDonald of Memphis (seventh round) and WR Freddie Brown of Utah (seventh round).
Castillejoined the Bengals in 2008 as a college free agent. He played in eight games last season, with nine tackles and a pass defensed.
*****
Phillips draws ire of Baker
John Fay, Enquirer
Baker was still livid after the game.
"You've got to play hard all the time," Baker said. "That was big, real big. We had him on the ropes. We killed the rally....We end up losing by two runs."
Phillips has a history of this.
"Hey, man, we've all talked to him until we're blue in the face," Baker said. "This was going on long before I got here.'
(AP photo)
****
Phillips=Slacker
So, the season hangs in the balance, yet another player is placed on the DL and the Reds kick off a potential roster deciding roadtrip in LA.
Time to rally the team. Time to set a tone. Time for leaders to lead.
Result?
Brandon Phillips is jaking it in the very first inning last night. Par for the course.
What is the record for most times not hustling in one season for the Reds? Phillips wants to be a leader and the face of the franchise? Then the face of the franchise and leader is somebody who hustles when he feels like it and yaps a lot. For all the talk of "changing the culture of the clubhouse" in trading Dunn and Jr.....it appears the Reds simply cleared the way for Brandon to do whatever he wants. That includes ignoring and showing up his manager. But hey, it got him a TV commercial and the cover of the media guide. Some example for the young guys. Hustling is the easiest thing an athlete can do. It requires no skill. It is simply a matter of desire. Sadly Phillips lacks that. He's a front runner, happy when things are going his way.
I guess I'd ask how has Dusty's approach to all of this worked out?
How has the organization's approach to this worked out?
You get what you demand and then settle for.
Dusty's upset? Dusty's calling Phillips out to the media...again. Hot air. Blah, blah, blah.
If you really want to send a message he should have removed Phillips from the game for the bottom of the 1st inning. Wanna bet he's in the lineup tonight? Want to bet the Phillips' apologist will defend him?
*****
Makes my head hurt
Dusty's approach to filling out a lineup is so elementary it is sad.
One day after Jonny Gomes goes 2-for-4 with a game winning HR he got to sit Monday night.
Why? He's a RH bat and Jason Schmidt is a RHP.....so that means the LH Laynce NIx must play.
Dusty is running a straight platoon yet the numbers don't support it.
Nix vs RHP this year: .254 BA, .307 OBP, .804 OPS
Gomes vs RHP this year: .289 BA, .421 OBP, .977 OPS
Hell, Gomes has a higher OBP and OPS vs RHP than LHP!
Nix is hitting .216 in his last 16 starts...with a .260 OBP and .616 OPS.
Either Dusty isn't aware of this...or doesn't care.
*****
Could Lehr be worse than Owings?
Louisville Courier Journal
Justin Lehr worked eight innings, allowing a run and five hits in a 5-1 victory over the Buffalo Bisons at Louisville Slugger Field. He also became the International League's first 12-game winner.
*****
Holliday coming alive for A's
USA Today
Matt Holliday's trade value just went up. For the last-place A's, that's an even better development than pulling off the franchise's biggest comeback victory in 84 years.
The events are directly related.
****
On this date
1988 Yankees trade OF Jay Buhner and 1B-DH Steve Balboni to Seattle for DH Ken Phelps.
Also on this date:
1995 The Reds trade OF Deion Sanders, pitching prospects John Roper, Ricky Pickett and Scott Service, and IF David McCarty to the Giants for pitchers Mark Portugal and Dave Burba, and OF Darren Lewis.
1999 The Reds defeat the Cardinals, 1-0, behind the 1-hit pitching of Ron Villone (8 innings) and Scott Williamson (1 inning).
****
Big Ben named in sexual assault lawsuit
AP
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been named as a defendant in a lawsuit filed by a woman in Nevada.
According to online court records, a defamation lawsuit was filed in Washoe County on Friday. Andrea McNulty is listed as the plaintiff.
****
No Halladay plans for Brewers
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Halladay has a no-trade clause and might shoot down the Brewers from the start. He supposedly wants to go to a team that trains in Florida, where he lives.
****
Vick has the right to return
Ian O'Connor, Bergen Record
I still think Michael Vick should be free to play professional football in the 2009 season.
Vick doesn’t have a right to NFL employment.
Now that he has completed his 23-month federal sentence, Vick should have the right to apply for NFL employment.
Yes, there is a difference.
Vick has paid the price
Chicago Sun Times
Michael Vick has served 18 months in prison and spent two more months under home confinement. He has lost two years of his career and all of his money. He has been humiliated, and then some. Is that enough for you?
Giants and Jets owners say no to Vick
****
Stubbs named mid-season All-Star
The Sporting News Today
****
Got two?
My dad and I are buying season tickets to UC football today.
****
Got ya
From Mark Wagner
Before Ryan Hanigan Monday night the last Reds catcher to throw 3+ base runners out in a single game was Joe Oliver. Oliver caught 3 runners stealing vs Braves on August 22, 1997.
*****
It's Franklin-Henderson 2
Sherdog.com
Dan Henderson and Rich Franklin will go at it again in a light heavyweight bout at UFC 103 on Sept. 19 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
******
High School Physicals
Date: July 25, 2009 Beacon Orthopaedics at Summit Woods 10AM -1 PM
Date: July 29, 2009 Beacon Orthopaedics Center WEST 6 PM - 9 PM
Targeted Audience: Coaches, Parents, Athletes (Grades 7-12)
Location: Beacon Orthopaedics Centers, 500 E. Business Way, 6480 Harrison Avenue,
Times : 10 AM -1 PM at Summit Woods July 25, 2009
6 PM - 9 PM at Beacon West July 29, 2009
Cost: $ 20.00 per physical, 50 % returned to school for sports medicine supplies
Complete ,comprehensive physicals required for pre participation in sports for the upcoming 2009-2010 school year. Must have before practice begins in late July.
Beacon Physicians and area specialists will examine: Height and Weight, Eyes, Blood Pressure Screening, Chest, Lungs, Abdomen, Neck and Back, Upper and Lower extremities.
Ohio High School forms requested with signed consent by parent or guardian: No exceptions. Forms may be obtained through school’s athletic department.
Athletic shorts and shirts required.
Details available at www.beaconortho.com or call: 513-354-3728
*****
Cole Schlesner update
Play for 4 Welcome Home Cole
Cole Schlesner was released from Childrens' Hospital a few weeks ago. However, there was never an official WELCOME HOME PARTY for Cole! Play for 4 is hosting a golf fundraiser and social event on July 27TH. The evening social event festivities will be Cole's official welcome home party. So, even if you can't join us for the golf portion of the event.... please join us for the social event and help us officially welcome Cole home!!
July 27, 2009
6:30 PM
The Oasis Golf Club
Loveland, Ohio
Tickets for this social event and welcome home party are just $40 per adult and $20 for kids under the age of 12. This includes silent auction bidding, dinner, DJ, cash bar, live entertainment and awards.
6:30 PM Silent auction opens, DJ and Cash Bar
7:30 PM Dinner, DJ
8:15 PM Awards
9:00 PM Silent auction closes, Live Entertainment until close
In addition, there will be a special video presentation for Cole that you won't want to miss! There are also a few golf spots available if you are interested in golfing during the day.
To get your tickets to the social event or to sign up to play golf, simply contact Janel Thompson at mailto:janelthompson@cinci.rr.com or call her at 513-404-5381.
We hope to see you on the 27th!
PS-- Scott, Wendy and Cole will be interviewed by Channel 12 news this afternoon and the interview is scheduled to air on Channel 12 Cincinnati at 11:00 PM tonight.
Reds news
C Ramon Hernandez today went on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Friday, with inflammation in his left knee.
RHP Robert Manuel was optioned to Class AAA Louisville....their roster spots will be filled in time for tonight's game by RHP Jared Burton (#51) and C Craig Tatum (#30), who were recalled from Louisville.
Hernandez tomorrow in Cincinnati will have arthroscopic surgery to clean out his left knee (Dr. Timothy Kremchek),,,,he is expected to miss 4-6 weeks...when Tatum plays, he will become the fifth Reds player this season to make his Major League debut. Burton is in his third stint with the Reds this year.
RHP Mike Lincoln today had cervical disc replacement surgery....the 2-hour procedure was performed by orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Daniel Riew at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis....Lincoln is expected to make a full recovery and barring complications could begin a throwing program in September...since 6/17 he has been on the 15-day disabled list with a bulging disc in his neck.
****
Where's Brandon Claussen when you need him?
The last time the Reds beat the Dodgers in LA was July 28, 2005....Brandon Claussen was the winning pitcher.
The only time the Reds beat Roy Oswalt was April 28, 2006....Brandon Claussen was the winning pitcher.
****
Things noticed
Juan Castro batting .347 in a reserve role for the Dodgers.
****
Watch a Game with George Foster:
Reds fans can bid on a special opportunity to watch the Reds battle the San Diego Padres in the new FOX Sports Ohio Champions Club Boxes on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 in the company of Reds Hall of Famer George Foster.
The winning bidder will receive seven tickets to the game, seven Reds HOF memberships and get to watch batting practice from the field.
Bid online at: http://reds.auction.mlb.com.
Auction ends 07/23/2009 17:00 EDT
Auction proceeds benefit the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum and the George Foster Safe Youth Network.
*****
Reds notes
From Mark Wagner
Active home win streak vs an opponent, NL
Brewers vs. Pirates 18
Marlins vs. Nationals 10
Dodgers vs. Reds 9
Reds vs. Marlins 8
Brewers vs. Nationals 7
Rockies vs. Pirates 7
Last 20 games: Reds vs Dodgers, since 2006
Reds 3-17
Batting average: Reds .242, Dogers .301
Runs per game: Reds 3.1, Dodgers 5.1
ERA: Reds 4.39, Dodgers 2.81
With a 50 Plate Appearance Minimum,
James Loney has the highest Active career batting average vs. Reds:
.432 ( 19 - 44)
****
Dodgers eyeing Reds relievers this week?
MLB.COM
The Dodgers might make that easier by sweeping the Reds this week and turning that club into a seller, because it has three relievers the Dodgers are watching---Francisco Cordero, David Weathers and Arthur Rhodes. Among the other veterans they are scouting is Baltimore's George Sherrill.
****
Show preview
Guest
Steve Lyons, Dodgers TV analyst
Topics
*Reds: I wouldn't be a good GM...I'm wavering on selling.....I can't pull the rug out from under this team....yet.
*Tom Watson: Did you watch? What did you think?
*Michael Vick: His sentence is complete Monday. Should he be reinstated? Would you want him on your team?
*Where were you 40-years ago tonight?
The week ahead
I have Sports Talk on 700 WLW every night this coming week.
Extended shows..6 to 9:40 Monday-Wednesday.
John Thornton will be in studio Tueday at 8pm to preview training camp for the Bengals.
Josh Katzowitz will be in studio Thursday at 8pm to discuss his new book about UC football, "Bearcats Rising"
Mo has HOMER covered 3-6pm daily this coming week.
Circle your calendar
The date is set for our 2nd Homer Outing of the season...Tuesday August 4th vs the Cubs.
Details will follow Monday on seat location, ticket prices and how to purchase tickets.
****
Where were you 40 years ago tonight?
Astronaut Edwin E. "Buzz" Aldrin poses beside the U.S. flag on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. (AP Photo/NASA, Neil Armstrong)
****
So sad
(AP photo)
I still can't believe Tom Watson didn't win yesterday. What a magical four days for him...only to end that way. When he birdied 17 and walked to the 18th with the lead I hollered for Kelly, the kids and my mom to come watch....."You are going to see history". We all gathered in the family room. It seemed like the 18th was just a formality....and sounded the same listening to the ABC guys.
But when his 8-iron hit and started rolling past the hole.... I yelled...."Stop!....ohhhhh no."
I convinced myself he was still ok to get up and down in two.
But then he rolled it past the hole and my heart sank. I knew he'd never make the final putt.
An 8-foot putt to win and make history. We let out a collective groan when he left the putt short. What a poor putt. You knew he was done when they headed for the playoff. Nothing against Stewart Cink...but I was rooting against him. Once Watson's drive went left on the 3rd playoff hole it was difficult to watch. I wanted someone to throw in a white towel and show some mercy for the moment. I thought I was going to cry when I saw tears in his eyes on 18. I don't know I've ever felt as bad for an athlete in an event I watched. I don't know I've ever seen an event end where most in the crowd seemed more bummed for the loser than happy for the winner.
When I first heard his score Thursday morning during the opening round I quickly turned on the TV in my office.
I sent out a tweet, " R U watching this?!!!!" I did...for four days
I figured he'd get worn down, feel his age and fade away by the 2nd round..
It was like a movie. He's 59! He's had hip replacement surgery.
It had been 26 years since his last major (British '83)....he would would have become the oldest winner of a major by 11 years.
I think ABC's Curtis Strange said "this is fantasy land".
Did he choke? If you need to label it.....I guess he did. I can't hang that label on him.
I guess I have too much respect for him..for his class and grace....and for what he's meant for golf.
What a four days of golf.
****
Quote to ponder
"We were fighting for our lives today. It was a fight and a struggle," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "We're scratching, fighting and clawing and trying to win every game we can." -MLB.COM
With 71 games remaining and just a 5.5 game deficit....how do you look those 25-players in the eye and become sellers at this point? And how do you ask the public to support you becoming sellers with 37 home games remaining?
Perhaps the team sang this to Walt as he sat up front on the flight to LA........
Blast from the past as the Reds head to LA
An Ear Worm to kickoff your week.....
I'm on a roll.......is it do or die time in LA for the Reds?
****
Then and now
Reds record through 91 games
2009: 44-47, 5.5 games back
2008: 43-48, 11.5 games back
Runs scored
2009: 372
2008: 387
Runs allowed
2009: 422
2008: 446
Interesting that despite losing Dunn and Jr...and missing Encarnacion and Votto the offense is only 15 runs off the pace from a year ago.
From emailer Jeff: Interesting that despite losing Dunn and Jr and using their $25 million in dumped salary to improve pitching and defense, the Reds have allowed only 24 fewer runs than last year thru 91 games.
*****
Cards feel less urgency for move after surge
St Louis Post Dispatch
"....without the first hit from DeRosa or an additional player acquisition, the Cardinals enter Sunday's game with a much-improved self-image over three weeks ago. Right fielder Ryan Ludwick's emergence from a two-month funk has restored a missing bat. Rookie outfielder Colby Rasmus offers a more confident and consistent look.
"I think we look a lot more like the team we saw in April," Mozeliak said, referring to a club that led its league in runs while crafting a 16-7 record. "Looking back, we did enough good things then that it wasn't an anomaly."
****
Vick just looking for a second chance
Chicago Sun Times
For the NFL-- namely commissioner Roger Goodell--- the main question is this: Does Vick deserve a second chance in the league? The underlying question: Is Vick, who pleaded guilty to taking part in an operation that used pit bulls for fighting and executed dogs who didn't measure up, really a changed man?
**********
Rose: "When you do what I did, you're cheating the fan, yourself"
The Sporting News Today
For 20th anniversary, let voters snub Rose
Bill Conlin, Philly Enquirer
Major League Baseball gave Rose his day in court 20 years ago. Now he deserves the same appraisal of his career and his smarmy life in its latter stages as Mark McGwire, a self-hung man indicted by what he didn't say to a congressional committee. McGwire and Sammy Sosa were lionized for revitalizing flagging interest in baseball with their thrilling but "enhanced" 1998 assault on the single-season home-run record. McGwire has been nearly 50 percent shy of the required 75 percentage in each of his first three Cooperstown elections.
Would Pete Rose fare any better if the Hall of Fame directors handed him back to the BBWAA for a onetime special election?
****
Happy Birthday
Julianne Hough turns 21 today
****
Two infielders pitch, Bats win in extra innings
Louisville Courier Journal
Out of pitchers, Louisville manager Rick Sweet used second baseman Michael Griffin to pitch the 12th and shortstop Luis Bolivar to pitch the 13th.And after each tossed a scoreless inning, Sweet tried to force the issue in the home half.
****
UC football #46
The Sporting News Today
****
Reds news
Tom Groeschen, Enquirer
Jared Burton will be recalled from Louisville and P Robert Manuel will head back to Louisville.
****
Reds news
Tomorrow the Reds are expected to place on the 15-day disabled list C Ramon Hernandez and recall from Louisville C Craig Tatum.
Hernandez is scheduled to have surgery Tuesday to clean out his left knee. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
Tatum bio/stats
64 games....batting .239-3-21 in 213 ab's......but batting average has climbed each month...and he's hitting .281 in July. He has thrown out 28% of runner attempting to steal...6 errors, 6 passed balls...ERA of 3.43
Selected by the Cincinnati Reds in the 3rd round of the 2004 draft.
Entered the '08 season rated by Baseball America as the best defensive catcher in the organization
If you are wondering....
Corky Miller
8 games at Louisville...6 for 25 (.240)....Has thrown out 0 of 8 attempting to steal....ERA of 2.78
****
I just don't get it
Ramon Herandez has been fighting a bad knee for two months...
"It's been bothering me for two months," Hernandez said.
"I tried to keep playing, but we've got to do something. I can't run. It's tough."-Cincinnati.com
From June 23 to July 16...Hernandez started behindthe plate in 16 of 20 games with a bad knee....and eventually broke down to the point of needing surgery. Meanwhile, Hanigan sat on his .327 BA and .419 OBP.
Either Hernandez didn't tell Dusty about his knee or Dusty chose to keep playing him over Hanigan.
Either way, how does that help the team?
Taveras played hurt earlier this year and hurt the team. Lincoln pitched hurt earlier this year and hurt the team.
Makes my head hurt.
*****
MLB offers most parity among major sports
Dallas Morning News
Going into Saturday's games, as the season is just past the midway point, 20 teams were either within 5 ½ games of first place in their division or five games within first place in their league's wild-card chase. With two-thirds of the league's teams still in play at a point in the season in which injuries have taken a toll, I would call that parity.
****
Reds news
SS Alex Gonzalez today was sent to Class AAA Louisville on a rehabilitation assignment.
*****
Stat of the day
10: Consecutive starts without a win by Aaron Harang. He's 0-6 5.09 in that span.
11: Wins in his last 50 appearances .
Has not won since May 25.
5-10 this year
He's 11-27 since opening day 2007.
He lead the NL in hits allowed.
He led the NL in losses last year and leads again this year.
Batting average against this year: .294....RH batters hitting .317
Batting average against last 3-years: .242, .284, .294
Contract:
09:$11M, 10:$12.5M, 11:$12.75M ($2M buyout)
*****
Brewers thinking Halladay
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Milwaukee Brewers general manager Doug Melvin said Friday that he had talked to the Toronto Blue Jays about ace right-hander Roy Halladay, who is being shopped around to potential suitors.
*****
Headed for Wrigley this week?
Advice from Jake Cain of BallparkSavvy.com
- Most fans take the El train to the game; it is by far the most convenient way to get to Wrigley. Ideally find a hotel near an el station so you can leave your car behind.
- If you want to drive, parking around Wrigley is outrageous. There is a free shuttle at nearby Devry University where you can park for $6 and get dropped off and picked up at the ballpark gates.
- Games are pretty much sold out, but you can often find last minute deals on eBay for around face value.
- Wrigley has a similar food policy to GABP. Feel free to pack snacks and sealed beverages in plastic bottles to save some money on ballpark food
*****
Event for a cause
Friends of Joe
Meet our friend Joe. He was born and raised in Hamilton, Ohio, or as he would proudly boast, old Lindenwald, a cozy neighborhood in Hamilton. Joe Toerner is husband to Lori, father to teenagers, Zach and Matt...son, brother, employee of Coca-Cola for 30 yrs.....member of Sacred Heart parish, passionate Badin Ram fan, coach and motivator to young people. He's a lover of music, host of JBG, referee, golfer, fisherman, spinner of tales, lover of people, and friend to many.
Joe is a man with a compelling personality. He is the proverbial life of the party; yet has the quiet gift of drawing both friends and strangers close to his heart. He is a man with a big heart. And now he is a man diagnosed with ALS.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It is a progression of weakness, wasting and paralysis of the muscles of the limbs and trunk as well as those that control vital functions such as speech, swallowing and later breathing. At this time, there is no cure and research holds the only hope. There can be significant costs for medical care, equipment and home health care giving later in the disease.
And now, as friends of Joe, it is our time andprivilege to repay him for all he's added to our lives. On Friday, August 21, 2009, there will be an auction with food, drink and celebration at Jungle Jim's Oscar's Event Center in Fairfield.
We are in need of donations to help Joe. Please help in any way that you can.
Donations can be made at any KeyBank branch,
when mailing checks please mail to
5000 Dixie Hwy, Fairfield, Ohio 45014.
Please make checks payable to the
Joe ToernerBenefit Fund.
Joe Toerner Benefit
Therese Kugler
2121 Ross Hanover Road
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
PHONE: 513-678-5231
tbakug@aol.com
*****
Camp McAlister
I decided to camp out in the backyard with the kids last night.
We grabbed blankets, pillows, snacks and....like any hardcore campers, a DVD player.
We watched The Bee Movie, had popcorn and listened to the Reds game.
At 10:17 our dog Bailey crapped outside the entrance to the tent....that was disruptive.
At 10:45 the Reds beat the Brewers.....we all said...."We love winning".
At 11:01 like any experienced outdoorsman, I sent out a Tweet from my phone.
At 11:34 Casey said, "I'm done, the ground is too hard."
At 1am Peyton and I heard a baby crying across the street and our neighbor's air-conditioner turn on.
We decided we'd had enough and it was cold.
We bagged it and went inside. Next up: A reality TV show...The Great Outdoors with the McAlister's.
*****
To borrow a line from the Hannah Montana show....GM say what?
December 27, 2008
Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the signing of free agent OF Willy Taveras to a two-year contract through the 2010 season.
"Willy Taveras fills two significant needs for our ball club, a speed base stealing threat at the top of the order and superior defense in center field," said Jockettty.
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Live blogging from the Kentucky Speedway Saturday
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LeBron takes 'recruiting' visit to UK
Lexington Herald Leader
(Photo from David Coyle)
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Prediction
I'll bet you Edwin Encarnacion will put up better 2nd half stats than Scott Rolen.
Any takers?
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How 'bout Bronson?!
Mark Sheldon, MLB.COM
"We're on the brink of sliding downhill or fighting our way back into this thing," Arroyo said. "Every game for the rest of the year is going to be huge for us. Everybody knows July 31 [Trade Deadline] is always around the corner and looming. We want to continue to keep this team together. [Manager] Dusty [Baker] said in a meeting the other day that if you continue to win, they can't remove pieces."
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So......you were saying about getting rid of Edwin?
Check out the tear he is on......he's reached base eight straight times...including seven consecutive hits.
Reaching via hit, walk, or HBP (consecutive)
8 (7h, 1bb), Edwin Encarnacion, 7/16-current
8 (7h, 1bb), Jeff Keppinger, 5/10-5/11, 2008 at NYM
9 (7h, 2bb), Adam Dunn, 7/26-7/27, 2006 at Hou
10 (9h, 1bb), Dmitri Young, 6/27-6/29, 2001
13, Barry Larkin, 5/25-5/27, 1997 (club record)
14, National League record, Pedro Guerrero, 7/23-7/26, 198
Hits in consecutive at bats
7, Edwin Encarnacion, 7/16-current
7, Jeff Keppinger, 5/10-5/11, 2008 at NYM, most since
7, Adam Dunn, 7/26-7/27, 2006 at Hou
9, Dmitri Young, 6/27-6/29, 2001
(team record is 10)
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Holliday watch
In case you missed it, A's OF Matt Holliday snapped his streak homerless streak at 33 games and 140 plate appearances Thursday night.
Reds news
Today the Reds recalled from Louisville IF Drew Sutton (#27) and optioned to Louisville RHP Josh Roenicke.
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Show preview
Topics
Reds: How they lookin'? Not good.
Off The Beaten Path: In honor of the CBS Sports poll of Toughest Player in the AFC North, I pull out an oldie but a goodie from two years ago...."A Beer, A Brawl and A Bride". Concept is simple...sports figure (dead/alive) you'd most like to have a beer with, the one you'd want to have your back in a bar brawl and the one you wouldn't mind your daughter marrying. Bonus: Got ONE to fit all three categories?
Stories from Softball: The Cincinnati Metro Softball Tournament begins July 30. Will Leitch recently wrote the following in The Sporting News..."I've discovered you can learn a lot about humanity from a softball game. Because many beer league teams are work-related, you'll find the same personality types on your team as you do in your office......Overly Intense Guy, Rah-Rah Guy, Boss Guy and Beer Guy."
Can you relate? Got a softball story?
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Perspective
The starting rotation for the Reds has an ERA of 4.69.....that now ranks 11th in the NL.
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Remember this former Bengals WR?
Lexington Herald Leader
After leaving UK, Yeast was a fourth-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals. He played three seasons in the NFL, two in Cincy, one with the New York Jets, then played four more years in the Canadian Football League.
Back in his college heyday, Yeast said, he did not necessarily have coaching on his radar
And how about this former Bengals WR?
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Congrats to a local product
The Pulse Journal
Like a true Mason High School Comet, the junior-to-be came soaring out of the blue to steal some thunder at Walnut Grove Country Club on Thursday, July 16.
The sweet-swinging blond bomber carded a 3-over-par 75 to capture one of five qualifying berths in the 2009 U.S. Women's Amateur Championship.
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Holtz headlines Hall of Fame class this weekend
Lou Holtz is one of my favorite coaches to deal with all-time. My first job out of Butler was television sports anchor at WSBT-TV and radio in 1988.
Notre Dame won the national championship in my first year on the job. What a season.
Lou had two rules ......1. When filming practice don't show him smoking his pipe (he didn't want kids to see it).
2. Whenever he would come to the station for live interviews on radio or TV he requested a Diet Coke.
I've never met a better story teller. He didn't seem to coach X's and O's as much as he motivated.
He's the classic "sell ice to an eskimo" guy. He was always very good to me. After I left South Bend for CLTV in Chicago he came on my TV show.
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Frazier thrives in new role
The News Observer
"He's very close to the big leagues," Bell said. "He has great hand-eye coordination. He has a good approach. I think he's a strong hitter. He's going to hit home runs, but I don't think anybody is paying a whole lot of attention to that. He's a line-drive hitter." The Reds moved Frazier to left field this season from shortstop. Most scouts see him better suited at first, third or in the outfield. But the Reds are crowded at first base with Joey Votto and now top prospect Yonder Alonso. Third is also crowded, with prospect Juan Francisco.
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Bailey falters, Reds fall
Mark Sheldon, MLB.COM
For a team trying to stay afloat in the National League Central battle, a 9-6 loss to the Brewers was an unneeded rock tied around the ankle. The Reds, which have lost five of six and eight of their last 11 games, dropped to a season-high four games below .500 at 42-46 and are 5 1/2 games out of first place.
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Iconic Swimsuit Moments in Movies
The Huffington Report
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Happy Birthday
Andre Royo...."Bubbles" on The Wire turns 41
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Baker and Owings spend time with kids
MLB.COM
After moving from field to field, both Baker and Owings addressed the group before departing.
"I think it was an awesome day," Baker told the crowd. "If you have a dream and a goal it's going to take hard work."
Owings encouraged the kids to continue to support the Reds in the second half of the season.
"We're going to make a run at this," Owings said.
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Shows we are watching
Here are the TV shows we are currently watching....some were recorded and saved from the fall.
The Closer, TNT...Krya Sedgwick might be the best female TV detective all-time
The Cleaner, A&E....big fan of Benjamin Bratt..like the concept, it's different
Mental, FOX....I like the lead character...he was on Prison Break
HawthoRNe, TNT.......Jada Pinkett Smith is HOT!
Nurse Jackie, Showtime......Kelly has dragged me into it...I watch...not bad
Royal Pains, USA........it's ok
Burn Notice, USA....best show on TV, hands down, case closed
In Plain Sight, USA......love Mary McCormick
Raising The Bar, TNT.....I'll watch any show about lawyers
Rescue Me (recording/haven't watched yet)
Leverage, TNT.....like the concept and Timothy Hutton
Dark Blue, TNT (recording/haven't watched yet)
Crimminal Minds, CBS....outstanding
Two And A Half Men, CBS....laugh out loud funny, can't believe they get away with saying some of the stuff they say
Anyone watch Locked-Up Abroad on National Geographic Channel? Is it worth checking out?
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Minor league video
Listener Harold T. attended the Soutern League All-Star game recently.
He got video of a couple of Reds' prospects you've heard about.
Reds AA LHP Travis Wood
He started the Southern League All-Star game
Todd Frazier
Just one at-bat....a strikeout
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Check these out
Bengals news
The Bengals today signed punter Kevin Huber of the University of Cincinnati, the team's fifth-round draft selection in this year’s draft.
Huber (6-1, 210), the first punter drafted by the Bengals since 1987, played two seasons in the No. 1 role at Cincinnati and led the nation in net punting in both years. He was the first UC player to win a national punting title.
Huber is only the second player drafted by the Bengals who has grown up and attended high school in Cincinnati and has also played in college in the Queen City. Huber attended McNicholas High before enrolling at Cincinnati. The first such player was RB Clem Turner, a fourth-round Bengals draftee in 1969 who went to Woodward High, then to UC. Turner played for the Bengals only in '69; he then played for Denver from '70-72.
Huber is the sixth of Cincinnati's 11 draft picks to sign. The previous five are CB Morgan Trent of Michigan (sixth round), HB Bernard Scott of Abilene Christian (sixth round), FB Fui Vakapuna of Brigham Young (seventh round), DT Clinton McDonald of Memphis (seventh round) and WR Freddie Brown of Utah (seventh round).
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AFC North: Best QB, toughest player
ESPN
*Interesting that 11 players received votes for toughest in the division and not one vote went to a Bengal.
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Things noticed
Baseball Prospectus chat yesterday
Scott: Has Chris Heisey surpassed Drew Stubbs in centerfield for the Reds?
Or will/should they move Heisey to left?
BP's Kevin Goldstein: They should move Heisey over as Stubbs is the best defensive
outfielder in the minors."
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On this date
1990 Steve Lyons slides head first into first base to beat out a bunt. The play becomes memorable when the White Sox first baseman drops his pants to brush away the dirt inside his uniform in front of 14,770 fans at Tiger Stadium.
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The clown act continues for Chad
SportsFanLive.com
Chad's reaction to the NFL ban? Tweet on, baby!
"There's nothing they can do," Ocho Cinco said Monday night from the red carpet of the Sports Dream charity poker tournament at the Playboy Mansion.
"I'll do it anyway. I don't even know why they're fussing with that. When I say I'm gonna do something, I'm gonna do it anyway regardless of what they say."
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Reds in thick of race despite injuries
Mark Sheldon, MLB.COM
.... the bottom line that counts and right now it says Cincinnati is still contending in a wide open, and very winnable, National League Central race. In a division where the gap between first place and fifth place is narrow, the Reds are a season-high three games below .500 at 42-45 while being five games out of first place.
Reds ready for 2nd half
Tom Groeschen, Enquirer
"We've said all along that we're looking for a right-handed hitter," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said last weekend. "So I can see where the speculation comes from. But we're looking more for somebody who can play the outfield." (And, Jocketty said all that before Bruce got hurt).
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Stubbs stars
Sporting New Today
2-for-5 with a 2-run homer..
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On this date in Reds history
From Steven Sharp
Today is the eight-year anniversary of the game that continues to make Lance Davis the answer to at least one trivia question:
Who is the last lefthanded pitcher to throw a complete game for the Reds?
Lance Davis
July 16, 2001
Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds/Cinergy Field
Boxscore
Davis beat current Louisville Bats pitcher Adam Pettyjohn
The Reds have played 1292 regular-season games since the Lance Davis complete game effort.
In those games, the Reds are 595-696-1:
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Spoiler Alert: World Series of Poker
From the World Series of Poker website
"Billy Kopp (Erlanger/UK) Eliminated in 12th Place ($896,730): Wow. That's a succinct
description of what just happened on the secondary feature table. Billy Kopp
opened for 600,000 preflop from early position and was called by the small
blind, Darvin Moon. It was on the turn where everything went haywire. Moon
checked again and drew a bet of 2.0 million from Kopp. Moon then check-raised to
6.0 million. Improbably, Kopp moved all in for about 20.0 million total. Even
more improbably, Moon called!....Kopp looked like he wanted to cry when he saw
Moon's hand. He knew that he was drawing dead and that Moon had him covered. He
didn't even wait for the river to come out, barreling out of the secondary
feature table area as fast as he could "
From ESPN.COM
"A shock fell among the Amazon Room after the elimination of Billy Kopp was mentioned. For most of the day, Kopp was our chip leader, but he got involved in hand with Darvin Moon where both players flopped flushes. After a flop of Kd-9d-2d, Kopp led out for $750,000 and Moon called. The turn was another 2. Kopp bet $2 million. Moon raised to $6 million, Kopp moved in for $20 million and Moon called! Moon showed Qd-Jd to beat Kopp's 3d-5d. Absolutely unbelievable."
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Billy G is writing a book
Lexington Herald Leader
"I am just really excited about what we have done so far," Gillispie said. "And I look forward to continuing on this project. It has been a lot of fun so far, and I am sure it will be a lot of fun to complete. I have more time to do it now."
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Things I'm told
Congrats to local horse trainer Joseph Davis who won the leading trainer at Indiana Downs last night by having the most wins for a trainer in the meet. He lives in Hebron, KY, and trains at the local tracks as well as the ones in Shelbyville, and Anderson, IN. It is the first time he has won leading trainer at a track in his 20 years of training. He has been close several times, but usually the big stables of 70 or more horses stack the deck and take the title. The person that finished runner up had around 70 horses in their stable compared to Joseph Davis racing stable that has about 30. So running half the horses and half the time he was still able to finally take the award. After the victory last night they went to the Waffle House last night, then went home, and are now moving horses all day to Hoosier Park in Anderson, IN.
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© 2010
