Monday Nonsense

02/28/2010 08:00 pm

Nick Brunker

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Canada wins Gold Medal over United States in OT, 3-2....

- That was everything I hoped for a hockey game...short of a USA Gold Medal win. After falling behind 2-0 in the 1st period, USA battled back to tie the game in the closing seconds to force OT. Nothing better than sudden death, overtime hockey with EVERYTHING on the line. Watching the start of OT...I was literally sweating...and we looked in control. Yet, a simple give-and-go in the corner resulted in the game winning goal...stuffed home by Sidney Crosby. If there was one player who didn't deserve to get the GW...it was Crosby. The next "chosen one" of pro hockey was practically invisible all game long....until the final moment. Very frustrating. He's an amazing player....just wasn't amazing in the Gold Medal Game....yet he's gonna be the "hero."

- USA Goaltender Ryan Miller deserves to be considered the MVP of the Olympic Hockey Tournament....as he said in his postgame interview, his team was an afterthought heading into these Winter Games....and backstopped us to the Silver Medal. It was an amazing run....and a thrill to watch!

- This photo makes me sick....

- As a hockey fan...I'm so excited that the nation got to watch my favorite sport at it's highest level. I'm sure we'll be able to welcome in some new fans after these Olympic Games. If you're a sports fan...that was must-see action.

- My friends at Deadspin put it best....

It hurts because you care. And maybe you're already a huge hockey fan, and you understood every nuance of the game. But there are a ton of people out there who are only hurt because they supported their country by tuning in. They just happened to see one of the most exciting hockey games ever. Before Vancouver, maybe they never saw a hockey game. Now, hockey made them care.

Someone made the decision to watch their NHL team's next game. Some kid just made the choice to play hockey. Someone just learned the names Crosby, Miller, Luongo for the first time. Hockey has some new fans.

People are going to be talking about hockey tomorrow. So while Canada takes home the gold medal - and all due congratulations to them - it's hockey as a whole that wins.

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Speaking of puck, we'll be talking hockey tonight at Jefferson Hall....It's another week of the Coors Light Cyclones Coaches Show. I'll be joined by the Chuck Weber to break down another week of Cyclones Hockey. The 1st Place 'Clones will hit the road this week...we'll talk about that and much more from 7-8pm! Hope to see you there!

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BIG news about the 2010 Battle of the Babes Tournament is coming at the end of the week!! If you're not following me on Facebook....sign up today by clicking the button above my picture. I'll be sending out details via Facebook very, very soon.

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Dickerson wants a shot at center field job
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
It's seemed rather clear during Spring Training that center field is Drew Stubbs' job to lose on the Reds. Chris Dickerson wants to know why it can't be his job to win. Dickerson, a natural center fielder, has been mentioned mostly for the left-field job, a position that could very well be a platoon situation with Jonny Gomes. The other day, Dickerson told a reporter that he was disappointed about being overlooked for center field. That opinion hadn't changed as of Saturday morning.

....and Dusty Baker responds

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Reds Camp Tour
CBS Sports

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Scott Rolen happy to be a mentor in Reds dugout....

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Not a big surprise, but fans are still showing up to Spring Training, even though it's in Arizona.....

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Honesty helping Mardy Gilyard.....Gilyard's perseverance makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in the NFL draft. No one will question his mental toughness, as he's worked his way from the bottom to become one of the top receivers available. Scouts Inc. has Gilyard rated as the eighth-rated receiver entering the NFL combine. That likely will land him somewhere in the second or third round, although his draft stock could change after interviews and workouts. But Gilyard's ability to get deep should be attractive to a lot of teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.

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Is Tate golden for the Bengals?
James Walker, ESPN.com
On the field, Tate believes his skills are similar to Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith and Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings, who are definitely big-play receivers. If Tate's projections are correct, he could be a potential prospect who could add excitement and playmaking ability that the Bengals and Ravens currently lack.

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Are the Ravens interested in T.O.??....

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Marvin on team's future, and his
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Lewis wouldn’t elaborate on his own situation, only to say he hopes it gets done. But he made it clear as the NFL heads into a season without a salary cap and no collective bargaining agreement for the 2011 season that the Bengals have no plans to get involved in free agency and are going to put their resources into keeping their own.

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Zimmer: No glaring weaknesses on defense
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer admitted on Sunday that there are some areas of his unit where there hardly was much to complain about last season. But going into the 2010 season, the biggest thing will be taking the defense from good to dominant. “It was hard to find a lot of lot of things that we didn’t do good,” Zimmer said during a break at the NFL Scouting Combine. “We might have had some areas where we tapered off in the end, but the bottom line is we did a lot of good things.”

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Apparently hell might be freezing over.....

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Darren Sproles also reportedly on the market....

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UC falls to West Virginia, could be NIT bound.....Kevin Jones scored 10 of his 15 points in the second half and No. 8 West Virginia came from 13 points down to beat Cincinnati 74-68 Saturday. West Virginia (22-6, 11-5 Big East) can earn a bye in the first two rounds of the conference tournament with a win over No. 11 Georgetown on Monday night. Cincinnati led 46-36 after a pair of baskets by sophomore Yancy Gates two minutes into the second half. But the Bearcats went more than nine minutes without a field goal and West Virginia used a big rebounding advantage to take over in the second half.

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Muskies win 2OT Thriller
Shannon Russell, Enqurier

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Congrats to Jordon Crawford....Xavier University sophomore guard Jordan Crawford has earned Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Week honors for the third time this season. Crawford scored a game-high 26 points in Xavier's win at Saint Louis this past Wednesday to go with five rebounds. Crawford scored 17 of his 26 points in the second half as he helped XU erase a six-point halftime deficit and record the win. Crawford, who leads the A-10 in scoring at 20.0 ppg., has scored 20 or more points in six of the last seven games.

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I don't understand why this is a huge issue.....A number of players, including 18-year-old superstar Marie-Philip Poulin, were drinking alcohol on the ice following the team’s 2-0 defeat of the United States. (The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19.) Players lingered for more than 70 minutes after the awards ceremony reveling in the arena, which was empty except for media and arena staff.

My take: When you win a championship....this type of celebration is flat out NORMAL. Regardless of whether they're 18, 19, or 25 years old....they're gonna celebrate. They're gonna drink. They're gonna smoke. The only possible gripe is "why didn't they just do this in the locker room??" Simply put...if you're offended by this....you've got problems. The Canadian women won the hockey gold medal...on their soil...in front of their fans. Celebrating on the ice just isn't a big deal. Especially since most of the fans were already gone.

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I know mistakes happen....but how does this keep happening?

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Monday's Hangover Cure.....Naveire

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Monday Food Pron....The Cowboy Cafe Barnyard

Two 1/2 pound beef patties, pulled pork BBQ, bacon, 2 slices of cheddar cheese and a fried egg.

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FAIL of the day....wait for it...wait for it....

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The most ingenious product you'll see today....glow in the dark toilet paper....

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Another regrettable tattoo found at Walmart...I know, I know...not that hard to find.....

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Rule #1 before going on the air: NEVER forget the pre-game dump. This TV reporter obviously missed that day of class....

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Friday Nonsense

02/26/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

A trip to the Olympic Hockey Gold Medal Game is on the line today!!!

- USA battles Finland this afternoon at 3pm...CAN NOT WAIT! And with Canada absolutely rolling through Russia on Wednesday night, they'll face Slovakia. Can you imagine a USA / Canada rematch with Gold on the line? I'm crossing my fingers!!!

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5 things to know about the 2010 Reds
CBS Sports

1. The Reds haven't had a winning season in 10 years, the third longest drought in club history and the longest in more than 50 years. The Reds have had five managers in these nine losing seasons, and none has yet finished a third full year. So if you think Dusty Baker (starting his third season) could use some success, you're probably right.

2. Homer Bailey is still just 23 years old, but it's been nearly three years since he made his debut with the Reds. It's understandable that people were starting to wonder whether he'd ever make it, but it's also understandable that the Reds think Bailey's strong finish to 2009 (5-1, 1.75 in his last eight starts) is a sign of things to come. "It kind of helps out my confidence," Bailey said. "But then again, this is a new year."

3. Aaron Harang is still here? Bronson Arroyo, too? It seems the two Reds veterans show up in trade talks every other month, or maybe every other week. "I know the way the calendar works," Harang said. "There's a lot of talk during the winter meetings, and then a little bit before spring training. And I know that towards the end of spring it'll probably come up again."

4. The Reds have five starting pitchers, but one of them is Edinson Volquez, who had Tommy John surgery last August and won't pitch until midseason at the earliest. So the Reds are looking for a fifth starter this spring. While most of the talk has focused on 21-year-old Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, the Reds seem more likely to have him start off in the minor leagues. So who's fifth? Candidates include Micah Owings, Matt Maloney, Travis Wood and Justin Lehr.

5. The numbers for Joey Votto last year don't look bad: a .322 batting average, a .414 on-base percentage, 25 home runs in 469 at-bats. But, of course, the story of Votto's 2009 season also includes the 31 games he missed because of anxiety and depression, after the death of his father. And while Votto seemed in good spirits when he reported to camp this spring, he admitted to John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer that the battle with depression isn't over. "A lot of people want miracles," Votto said. "Life's not like that. I'm making progress. I'm going in the right direction."

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Bruce looks to build on late success..... Jay Bruce would not recommend snapping both bones in your wrist as a learning tool. But he admits it probably helped him. "I learned a lot," he said. "It may have let me catch my breath a little. But I don't necessarily know if that's the reason I was successful. It definitely didn't hurt. I think I made the best of it. That's my goal with everything - take it as it comes and make the best of everything I can."

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Things I'm hearing....FS Ohio might be broadcasting all the Reds games in HD this season. Nothing official yet, but that's the rumor.

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Baker likes what he sees so far....

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Bengals combine notes....In the next few days the Bengals are expected to send out their tenders to the restricted free agents they want to retain the right to match. The Bengals figure to send out between $10-11 million in one-year offers in order to keep such players as third-down standout linebacker Brandon Johnson and starting left guard Evan Mathis.

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Got offense?
James Walker, ESPN.com

Offensive needs: Wide receiver, tight end, offensive guard

2009 recap: Last season's division champs were much different offensively from the Bengals in 2005, which was the last time they made the playoffs. Cincinnati ran the football extremely well and finally looked like a true AFC North team. The problem was, when the Bengals had to throw the football, they couldn't do it with any consistency. Receiver Chad Ochocinco had a solid season with 72 receptions for 1,047 yards, but there was a tremendous drop-off after that. No. 2 receiver Laveranues Coles didn't live up to his hefty contract, and the team didn't get much production from its tight ends.

Potential offensive targets: Gresham, Benn, Hernandez, Tate

Scouts Inc. analysis: "I would say the Bengals' biggest need is wideout, because historically they don't use the tight end. They used a high pick on Chase Coffman last year. So maybe their big-picture plan is to incorporate the tight end into their passing game, but they just didn't get the opportunity because their top three guys got hurt. If they can get Gresham and they dedicate themselves to throwing the football to him, that could be great. But considering Ochocinco's age, the uncertainty around Matt Jones and Jerome Simpson hasn't panned out at all, wide receiver would be a great first-round pick for them. Or, they can make a free-agent acquisition." -- Williamson

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NFL Bargaining Agreement meetings underway....

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Bengals searching for perfect tight end
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
With the passing game in transition, trying to find a tight end who can block and stretch the field is one of the biggest needs for the Bengals in the offseason. The coaching staff and front office personnel will see some of those this week during the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. In some cases they have made some of their draft aims clear to prospects.

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Gilyard/Pike start NFL Combine journey.....

Former University of Cincinnati football players Mardy Gilyard and Tony Pike head to Lucas Oil Stadium Thursday to begin the 2010 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Ind.

The combine is the annual job fair for prospective new NFL players. For four days, players are put through a series of drills, tests, and interviews with more than 600 NFL personnel, including head coaches, general managers, and scouts.
All players will go through the same four-day rotation during the Combine, simply starting it on different days this week. Here's what the schedule looks like:

- Day 1: Travel, registration, pre-exam and X-ray, orientation, interviews
- Day 2: Measurements, exams, media, psych tests, interviews
- Day 3: NFLPA meeting, psych tests, interviews
- Day 4: Workout (timing, stations, skill drills), departure

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Huggins downplays UC / WVU tilt....While UC (16-11, 7-8) needs a strong showing against three teams ranked in the top 11 to reach the NCAA Tournament for the first time since Huggins' departure in 2005, the Mountaineers are trying to secure a double-bye in the Big East tournament that goes to the top four teams in the league standings.

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Xavier faces A-10 showdown on Sunday
Shannon Russell, Enquirer
As No. 23 Richmond remains idle with a week-long break between games, Xavier has continued its push for a fourth straight Atlantic 10 regular-season championship. Wednesday’s win at St. Louis allowed the Musketeers to tie the Spiders and No. 20 Temple atop the conference standings, which makes Sunday’s 1 p.m. showdown between XU and Richmond at Cintas Center among the biggest A-10 games this season.

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Cyclones on the ice TONIGHT and on ESPN 1530...the 1st place 'Clones close out a lengthy homestand tonight when they host Charlotte at US Bank Arena at 7:30pm. Chuck Weber's bunch beat the Checkers 4-1 in their only other meeting this season. Pregame coverage starts on ESPN 1530 starting at 7pm.

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TGIF Babe of the Day.....Daniela Freitas

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Friday Food Pron...introducing the Genoa Salami Surprise...

Four slices of Genoa salami sandwiched between four slices of colby jack cheese....garnished with sour cream potato salad

hat tip to Justin F. for the photo

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Coolest new product you'll see today.....the Wake N' Bacon....

Michael Scott could have used one of these....

hat tip to Sloanie from OQB...

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Now THIS is a good dress code....

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FAIL of the day.....

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Evgeni Malkin might not be going home with an Olympic medal...but he's doing just fine....

but Pittsburgh still sucks....

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Your "Real or Fake" video of the day....I'm goin real.....

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WTF of the day....

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Thursday Nonsense

02/25/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

Bengals to play in 2010 Hall of Fame Game
NFL.com
A pair of 2009 division champions will kick off the 2010 NFL preseason when the Dallas Cowboys take on the Cincinnati Bengals in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio on Sunday, August 8, the Hall of Fame and NFL announced today. The game will be televised nationally on NBC’s "Sunday Night Football" at 8:00 PM ET. The Bengals are appearing in their first Hall of Fame Game since 1988, while the Cowboys last appeared in 1999 with a team that included Class of 2010 enshrinee Emmitt Smith.

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USA Hockey just 2 wins away from a Gold Medal....

- Just another great game...especially if you like defense. Much like they did against Canada, the Switzerland team stayed in the game thanks to their goaltender Jonas Hiller, who flat out stood on his head. But, in the end, the Americans won the battle with an early third period goal and a late empty-netter to advance to the semifinals...which will be tomorrow. Can't wait! USA!! USA!!!

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Chapman wows hitters in live session
John Fay, Enquirer

"Chapman looked very good, very comfortable against hitters," Walt Jocketty said. "He threw a lot of strikes. His slider was pretty nasty."

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More on Chapman
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Burke, Chris Heisey, Chris Valaika, Yonder Alonso and Corky Miller all took their cuts and were asking each other what they saw. Only one hitter -- Heisey -- made solid contact, and that was only once.

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Fox Sports Ohio announces Reds TV Schedule......

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NL in 2010? Take the Reds
The Big Lead
This brings us to Cincinnati, whose roster you can access here. Assuming general lack of injury — which is a big if in baseball — you have Jay Bruce (35 HR guy), Brandon Phillips (100 RBI, 100 run guy), Jonny Gomes (25 HR guy), Joey Votto (ditto) and Drew Stubbs (former college stud about to break out) in a lineup along with Scott Rolen (might have a few dingers left in the tank) and Orlando Cabrera. In the rotation, you’ve got Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto (still need to live up to their potential, but capable), Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang (both can hang 16-12 records when consistent), and Micah Owings and Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman.

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Dusty's Commetns From Spring Training
John Fay

On the chances of No. 1 pick Mike Leake and minor league pitcher of the year Travis Wood: "Leake just came out of college. That would be a long shot right. There’s not many guys who come out of college and spend no time in the minor leagues. Wood had been hurt. Let them pitch.

The Reds can do that with their depth as far as starting pitching: "I think you can afford to do it even if you don’t have depth – for their sake. If it was determined they were ready, it would be no problem. But that’s rare. They’ve got to go pitch. Let’s not get in too much of a hurry to rush them up here. I’ve seen too many ruined by rushing them. I’ve seen a few make it but not many. The No. 1 thing they have to get used to is pitching every fifth day for six months. It’s not like college."

More on Wood: "The reports have been good about Wood. I had never seen until here. People here like his stuff. I talked to him. He’s been working out with (Cliff) Lee in Arkansas, which has got to be good for him."

On Aaron Miles: "He’s a scrappy little player. He’s a tough out. He can play around different position. Our team played against him a lot when he was younger in Colorado.

His role? "I’ve got see what kind of range he’s got. What kind of speed he’s got.

On Chis Dickerson: "I don’t want to put guys roles yet. Get bats and balls and go play. Dickerson has as much ability as anyone around. It’s just a matter of him staying healthy. It’s the same thing as last year. People wonder why he didn’t play every day. That’s because I was trying to keep him healthy with his history of injuries.

"He’s an athlete. There’s nothing he can’t do out there. There’s some things he has to improve. He worked hard this winter with Brook Jacoby. He drove an hour and some change a couple days a week to work with Brook. I’m glad we have this kind of talent and athletes to choose from. He can do a lot of things."

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Bengals add pair of coaches
Official Release
The Bengals today made two additions to the coaching staff, hiring Kyle Caskey as offensive quality control coach and Jeff Friday as assistant strength and conditioning coach.

Caskey comes to Cincinnati from the University of Mississippi, where he served in 2009 as a defensive assistant working with safeties and quality control. In addition to his on-field work, he handled all opponent offensive breakdowns and scouting report materials. Caskey entered college coaching in 2004 at Louisiana-Monroe as a graduate assistant, and from 2006-08, he was at Indiana State. In 2008, he coached tight ends and running backs while also serving as recruiting coordinator. He played tight end at Texas A&M in 1997-98 and was a four-year letterman in track and field from 1998-2002, including 2000 All-Big XII honors in the discus. His hometown is Daingerfield, Texas.

Friday was head strength and conditioning coach for the Baltimore Ravens from 1999-2007, including an NFL Championship season in 2000. He left Baltimore in conjunction with Brian Billick’s 2007 release as head coach. He started his own strength training business in 2008, and for 2009 he was a consultant to the United Football League, supervising the league’s strength and conditioning programs and assisting in the hiring of team coaches. Chip Morton, Bengals head strength and conditioning coach since 2003, worked in Baltimore as an assistant under Friday from 1999-2001. Marvin Lewis, Bengals head coach, was defensive coordinator in Baltimore during Friday’s first three seasons with the Ravens. Friday earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1989 and a master’s degree from Illinois State in 1992. He is a Milwaukee native.

The complete Bengals coaching staff, as set for 2010, is as follows:

Head coach -- Marvin Lewis
Asst. head coach/offensive line -- Paul Alexander
Offensive coordinator -- Bob Bratkowski
Defensive coordinator -- Mike Zimmer
Quarterbacks -- Ken Zampese
Running backs -- Jim Anderson
Tight ends -- Jonathan Hayes
Wide receivers -- Mike Sheppard
Offensive quality control -- Kyle Caskey
Defensive line -- Jay Hayes
Linebackers -- Jeff FitzGerald
Defensive backs -- Kevin Coyle
Asst. defensive backs -- Louie Cioffi
Special teams -- Darrin Simmons
Asst. special teams/asst. LBs -- Paul Guenther
Strength and conditioning -- Chip Morton
Asst. strength and conditioning -- Jeff Friday

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AFC North Draft Watch
ESPN.com

Cincinnati Bengals
Busts: It's well-documented that Cincinnati doesn't put nearly the same resources into scouting as most teams, and it shows in its list of draft busts. Eight players the Bengals selected in the first three rounds since 2004 are no longer with the team. Several -- such as first-rounders Chris Perry and David Pollack and second-rounders Odell Thurman and Kenny Irons -- are out of the NFL. Most recently, the career of 2009 No. 6 overall pick Andre Smith got off to a poor start. But he has time to turn things around. Receiver Jerome Simpson, who was a second-round pick in 2008, is running out of chances and may not make the 53-man roster next fall. It's difficult to maintain a steady level of success when you're missing this often in the first and second rounds. Gems: Seventh-round pick Chinedum Ndukwe was not highly touted out of Notre Dame but continued to make plays for the Bengals until coaches had no choice but to play him. Defensive tackle Domata Peko was a fourth-round pick in 2006 who developed into one of Cincinnati's most important players. Last year's sixth-round pick, tailback Bernard Scott, showed flashes as a rookie.

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Something to consider....
From emailer Alex in Indy

I went back and looked at the last 10 years of Bengals 2nd round draftees to see what kind of an impact those 2nd round players have had on the long-term success of the Bengals. The answer is 'little to none' in 7 of those 10 years. If they think that their 2nd round pick will help the team in 2010 more than Brandon Marshall, then maybe they need to look closer at this list. How depressing is this???

1999 - Charles Fisher (1 games as a Bengal)
2000 - Mark Roman (50 games, only 27 as a starter)
2002 - Lamont Thompson (13 games, 0 as a starter)
2004 - Keiwan Ratliff (48 games, only 8 as a starter)
2005 - Odell Thurman (16 games, 15 starts)
2007 - Kenny Irons (0 games)
2008 - Jerome Simpson (0 games, essentially)

The tally for those 7 picks?
- 128 games, 50 games started, more than half of which were by Roman alone.

If a 2nd round pick is truly all it takes to get Marshall, then this team's management simply isn't trying to win if they pass on that offer.

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UC basketball beats DePaul last night....

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UC Football opens 2010 season on national TV....

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Apparently, Texas isn't talking to the Big Ten after all.....so says their AD

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Spend your Thursday with Marliese Lietner....

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Thursday Food Pron....Mountain Harbor Inn Brownie Stack

Three balls of vanilla ice cream atop a 4 inch thick chocolate brownie, covered in hot fudge sauce, whipped cream and topped with a cherry.

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Best new business you'll see today....introducing the HottieGram.....

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Funniest commercial you'll see today....

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FAIL of the day....

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Women's Olympic Curling...yes please...

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Howard Stern prank calls ESPN....

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Wednesday Nonsense

02/24/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

Aroldis Chapman on his own pace
Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com
The only certainty is that Chapman's timetable will be dictated solely by what he has to offer on the mound. The Reds will throw him into the mix with Matt Maloney, Justin Lehr, Travis Wood, Micah Owings, Mike Leake, Mike Lincoln and Kip Wells for the fifth spot in the rotation, and refrain from making a decision based on potential gate receipts or dollars invested.

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Votto arrives relaxed and ready....When you ask Joey Votto about his offseason, he gives you a polite “fine, thank you.” But the Reds first baseman knows you want to know more. His battle with anxiety and depression that caused him to miss 31 games was a huge factor in the Reds’ success or lack thereof last season. Votto says he had no incidents after last season – his panic attacks led to hospital visits last year – but he wouldn’t say he’s past all of his problems.

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Baker on Left Field
John Fay, Enquirer
"(Left is) going to work itself out. Gomes has been in the mix the whole time. We just had to come to terms. The biggest decisions are the extra players. That’s the always the case."

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Reds still an IF team
P-Doc, Enquirer

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Arroyo senses urgency for 2010 Reds
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Don't let Arroyo's personality be mistaken for apathy. His work ethic has never been questioned, but he is given the freedom to do things his own way. Unlike most pitchers, you'll never see a bag of ice strapped to his arm after throwing. After his Spring Training starts, he's not in the outfield running or conditioning. "After I get on a mound, I never do anything. That was my work," he said. It's obviously a program that's worked for him, because Arroyo has never been on a big league disabled list. He's also thrown at least 200 innings in each of the last five seasons.

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Under the T.O. Circus Big Top
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
The Bengals have done a good job on signing castoffs and giving them second chances — Cedric Benson, Chris Crocker, Tank Johnson, Dhani Jones to name a few. But Owens is a unique case and the biggest person who would have to sign off on it is Carson Palmer. The point is, there’s 10 days remaining until the start of free agency. Everyone has their Plan A about what is going to happen, but more often than not they will be on Plan C or D. Teams have only just begun to release players, so there might be a couple more interesting receivers out there.

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Bengals don't want another aging receiver
ProFootballTalk.com
The idea of Terrell Owens joining Chad Ochocinco was good for a few headlines and Twitter followers for Ocho, but it was never realistic. Glauber tweets that a source familiar with Bengals' situation says there are no plans to sign T.O.

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Sam Wyche calls Tebow "elite"....."If this guy can't be a starting quarterback in the NFL, then I was in the wrong profession for a lot of years," Wyche told Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times.

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Another once-great RB on the market....

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2010 NFL Season likely to be uncapped.....

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No big surprise, Lance Stephenson says he'll likely stay at UC next year.....

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In case you missed it yesterday, here's Sean Miller's response to being asked if Arizona's loss can be attributed to being a "young team." In his answer, he sounds like he's talking about Mick Cronin....

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Aaron Boone calls it quits after 12 Major League seasons.....Aaron Boone, the last active link to one of baseball's most enduring families, announced his retirement and his intention to begin a career as a broadcaster for ESPN on Tuesday. Boone, part of a three-generation chain of All-Stars, last played for the Houston Astros in a distinguished career highlighted by a famous postseason home run for the New York Yankees.

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4 Reds in Baseball America's Top 100 Prospect List....

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Cyclones on the ice TONIGHT....it's another Wet Wednesday with $1 Beers as the First Place 'Clones take on Wheeling. The last two games between these teams have been AWESOME. You should check 'em out. The puck drops at US Bank Arena at 7:30.

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Speaking of the 'Clones, goalie Robert Mayer called up to AHL
Official Release
The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, announced this afternoon that goaltender Robert Mayer has been recalled and re-assigned to the Montreal Canadiens (NHL) and that they have received forward Mark Van Guilder from the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL).

Mayer, 20, is in his rookie season and has already spent time this season with Montreal’s AHL affiliate, the Hamilton Bulldogs. Robert has played in 25 games with Cincinnati this season and has a 16-7-1 record with a pair of shutouts. His 2.68 goals against average is fourth best among ECHL goaltenders.

During February, Robert has a 4-0-1 with a 1.75 goals against average—second-best in the league during the month. Van Guilder, 25, is in his second professional season, having appeared in 21 games with Milwaukee this year. He has collected four assists with the

Admirals. Last season, Mark appeared in 65 games with the Cyclones, leading the team with 26 goals and 44 assists for 70 points. Three of his goals were overtime scores. This season, he has played eight games with the Cyclones, notching a goal and adding three assists for four points.

The six-foot-two, 205 pound native of Roseville, MN, played four seasons at Notre Dame, earning four varsity letters and racking up 42 goals and 56
assists for 98 points in 163 games. Van Guilder and current Cyclone Brock Sheahan played for a Fighting Irish squad that advanced to the National
Championship game in 2007-08.

In other Cyclones news, forward Brett Robinson was placed on the seven day injured reserve list.

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Hump Day = Herika Noronha

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Wednesday Food Pron....introducing the Oreo Cupcake With Built In Milk Cup

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Hillary Duff shows all women how to properly accept a marriage proposal....you've gotta see this....

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Something the Olympic Committee needs to consider for 2014 Winter Games....Naked Sledge Racing....

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FAIL of the day....

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Best commercial you'll see today....

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Best tramp stamp you'll see today.....

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Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods....how many do you eat??

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Tuesday Nonsense

02/23/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

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Does Sean Miller take a shot at Mick Cronin?? You be the judge....

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Jonny Gomes signs with Reds
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Reds full-squad workouts begin Tuesday, and it appears likely outfielder Jonny Gomes will be at the complex in time to participate. Gomes agreed to a one-year Major League contract with Cincinnati that includes a club option for 2011, pending the passing of his physical. He walked into the clubhouse Monday morning and said hello to players before going to see the medical staff.

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Gomes' comments on being back with Reds....

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The official Gomes release
From the Reds
The Reds and free agent OF Jonny Gomes have agreed to terms on a 1-year contract through the 2010 season with an option for 2011...to make room on the 40-man roster, RHP Edinson Volquez (“Tommy John” surgery, 8/3) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list...Gomes, 29, in 98 apps and 75 starts last season for the Reds hit .267 while producing 17 doubles, 20 HR and 51 RBI in just 281 at bats.

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Reds teammates helping Chapman adjust.....Everyone, it seems, wants to know what Chapman is thinking these days. By now, almost everyone in baseball knows about Chapman's potential, the family he left behind in Cuba and the six-year, $30.25 million deal he signed with Cincinnati. Many are familiar with his journey to the United States after defection from Cuba before an international tournament in the Netherlands. His pitching statistics in Cuba are an Internet search away. His image is everywhere.

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Hernandez's bat gives him edge
John Fay, Enquirer
The Reds' catching position is going to depend on how the principals involved – Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan – hit. Hernandez is clearly No. 1. But he’s 33 years old and coming back from knee surgery. “It depends on how he hangs, how he does,” manager Dusty Baker said. "It’s hard to come up with that right away. Ramon historically has been one of the clutch RBI guys for a minimum amount of home runs."

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Bailey hoping for carryover effect.....After Sunday’s workout ended, while other pitchers were relaxing or eating, Homer Bailey decided to do a little extra work. He went to one of the mounds in the batting cages and worked on his footwork. He wasn’t throwing. He used a towel instead. Bailey, 23, a right-hander, had a breakthrough at the end of last season. He went 7-5 with a 4.53 ERA overall, but he was as good as anyone in the majors for the last five weeks of the season. He went 6-1 with a major-league best 1.70 ERA after Aug. 23.

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Free throw woes hurting Bearcats
Bill Koch, Enquirer
Here’s the good news about the University of Cincinnati’s precarious position after back-to-back losses to South Florida and Marquette. “The last four times we played the teams we play on the road, we beat them,” said UC coach Mick Cronin. That would be No. 8 West Virginia and No. 11 Georgetown. And yes, UC has beaten each of those teams the last two times it faced them. So anything’s possible. But it sure seems as if Cronin has reached the grasping-at-straws portion of the 2009-10 basketball season.

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Kentucky still number 2 in basketball polls....

AP Top 25

1. Kansas (61) 26-1 1,621

2. Kentucky (4) 26-1 1,559

3. Purdue 23-3 1,470

4. Syracuse 25-2 1,455

5. Duke 23-4 1,323

6. Kansas State 22-4 1,302

7. Villanova 22-4 1,189

8. West Virginia 21-5 1,183

9. Ohio State 21-7 1,097

10. New Mexico 25-3 997

11. Georgetown 18-7 846

12. Pittsburgh 21-6 806

13. Brigham Young 25-3 795

14. Michigan State 21-7 794

15. Butler 25-4 673

16. Vanderbilt 20-6 599

17. Wisconsin 20-7 528

18. Gonzaga 22-5 506

19. Tennessee 20-6 480

20. Temple 22-5 452

21. Texas 21-6 445

22. Texas A&M 19-7 225

23. Richmond 22-6 202

24. Baylor 20-6 147

25. Northern Iowa 24-3 128

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Miami Hockey slips to number 2 after home loss....

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Must-wins turn into just win
P-Doc, Enquirer
The University of Cincinnati lost another must-win basketball game Sunday, in a manner that begs for outside understanding. The 79-76 overtime L to Marquette just about cooks the Bearcats’ Madness goose. We’ll see you next month at the intersection of NI&T. There were explanations for the loss, but not many reasons. At least not good ones. It’s very hard to lose a game at home when you shoot 48 percent, have 20 assists and hold a decisive edge on the offensive boards, unless the other team is getting paid. It’s hard to lose when you reel off a 23-2 run in the space of seven minutes, at home, against a club whose record is nearly identical to yours.

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Is UC good enough for the NIT?
Bill Koch

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McLean's improvement mirrors that of Xavier
Shannon Russell, Enquirer
While the development of Xavier junior Jamel McLean has been fun to watch, the power forward has been just as entertaining off the court this season. McLean has delivered ‘hard-hitting’ interviews of his teammates for XU athletics Web site videos, including an interrogation of Kenny Frease’s pre-game habits. He asked the then-scruffy Frease if shaving was part of the routine. Other times, McLean is nearly oblivious to his humor. On occasion reporters ask McLean press conference questions, seemingly thinking his eye contact indicates he’s processing an answer.

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Congrats to DeMarcus Cousins....University of Kentucky men's basketball player DeMarcus Cousins was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday. Cousins, a 6-foot-11 forward from Mobile, Ala., averaged 19.0 points and 9.5 rebounds in wins at Mississippi State and at No. 17 Vanderbilt.

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LaDanian Tomlinson released by San Diego after 9 seasons....

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Would you consider bringing LT to Cincinnati?.....

The upside: I think I would consider doing the same thing they did with Larry Johnson: Bring him in (if he's cheap enough), and have him be a strong compliment to Cedric Benson. Plus, LT can catch the ball out of the backfield, which would be a nice addition to the Bengals backfield. Of Tomlinson's 9 seasons in San Diego, he eclipsed 1000 rushing yards 8 times. He will make defenders pay attention.

The downside: After a long career, LT's numbers have fallen off progressively over the last three seasons. He's gone from 1400+ yards in 2007 to just under 800 yards in 2009. Having missed some time due to injury this past season, his durability going forward could be in question.

The bottom line: If the price is right, I'd absolutely consider bringing him to Cincy. Note: "IF the price is right." I'm guessing for a complimentary back...he's simply gonna be too expensive.

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Bengals Free Agency Countdown
Joe Reedy, Enquirer

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BIG night of Olympic Hockey....the single-eliminations begin tonight. You talk about compelling TV....this is it. With USA's win over Canada Sunday night, they can sit back and watch the action before taking the ice in the quarterfinals tomorrow. Tonight's games are: Germany vs Canada, Belarus vs. Switzerland, Latvia vs. Czech Republic, and Norway vs. Slovakia.

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Tuesday Time Vampire....Elle Liberachi

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Tuesday Food Pron...The Rubix Cubewich

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Best Restrooms in America....yes, it is an actual competition....

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Now THIS is a talent....

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Sportsmanship at its finest...

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WIN of the day....the shoplifting bird...

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FAIL of the day.....

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While we're on the subject...here's your FAILbook of the day....

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Monday Nonsense

02/22/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

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USA!! USA!! USA!!

I've been watching hockey practically my whole life...I've witnessed an NCAA National Championship Game, a Stanley Cup Finals clincher, and hundreds of other games along the way, and I can safely say that last night's USA vs. Canada Olympic game was arguably the best hockey game...from start to finish...that I've ever seen. Period. Even if you're not a hardcore hockey fan like me, that game was INTENSE.

It had:
- Amazing goaltending
- Back and forth action all game long
- Big hits
- Speed
- Amazing goals
- Essentially....everything that's great about my favorite sport was on display....albeit on MSNBC. If you're a casual fan of hockey...you have to be at least a LITTLE interested now right??

And while we're on the subject...I just don't understand how the programmers didn't realize that USA vs. Canada was gonna be (far and away) the biggest TV draw of the night. So why not feature it on network TV and have it in HD? As you know, hockey in HD is WAY better than hockey in standard definition. While last night's game was incredible...it really should have been in HD. NBC FAIL. Didn't detract from my enjoyment...but for the casual fan...it would have been a big hook.

- I know it's a LONG shot...but I really hope ESPN decides to bring the NHL back into their family of networks. I miss being able to watch it on a regular basis.

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The official recap of USA/Canada....

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Today is the 30-year anniversary of the 1980 Miracle on Ice.....

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Less stress for Cueto's young arm
John Fay, Enquirer
The Reds are hoping less is more for Johnny Cueto. Cueto threw less this offseason in an effort to get more innings this season. Cueto, a 23-year-old right-hander, did not throw in winter ball at all. “I took it easy,” he said. “… I think it will help me.” Cueto started the season brilliantly last year. He was 8-4 with a 2.69 ERA after 16 starts. But he seemed to hit the wall at that point. He went 0-6 with a 10.64 ERA in his next eight starts.

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Dusty on Reds catching plans and more....

Will catchers Ryan Hanigan and Ramon Hernandez split time to keep Hernandez fresh: “It depends on how he hangs, how he does. It’s hard to come up with that right away. Ramon historically has been one of the clutch RBI guys for a minimum amount of home runs. In a clutch situation, you need a base hit. I think he was second to Joey (Votto) in percentages (that’s correct Hernandez hit .328 with runners in scoring position; Votto .336).That is where Hanigan really needs to improve. If he wants to play more, he’s got to hit better with runners in scoring position. What did he hit with runners in scoring position last year? (.149) We need more than that.

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Chapman getting comfortable on the mound
Jesse Sanchez, Reds.com
Reds rookie Aroldis Chapman threw his second bullpen session of the week Saturday and said he is starting to feel more comfortable each time he goes out on the mound. "Today was really good. It went fine," Chapman said. "I think the week is getting better as it goes." Chapman primarily threw four-seam fastballs during his 10-minute session but also mixed in a few sliders, changeups and two-seam fastballs. Veteran catcher Corky Miller caught Chapman's session Saturday. Ramon Hernandez caught Chapman's first bullpen session Thursday.

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Marvin talks 2010, combine....As much as hope springs eternal for the Reds, it is the Bengals who are now the much closer team, following on the heels of a solid season that came up short against the New York Jets in a first-round playoff loss at Paul Brown Stadium. The winter thoughts Lewis shared Friday indicated that he looks for the team to continue to improve even though he believes the Bengals' schedule next season is the "toughest in the NFL."

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Xavier keeps on rolling, beats Charlotte....This time, Xavier didn’t allow the upset. The Musketeers overpowered Charlotte 81-67 Saturday afternoon before a sold-out homecoming crowd at Halton Arena and avenged their loss here last February as a ranked team. Jordan Crawford scored 13 of his team-high 23 points in the first half and propelled a 14-0 run that ultimately decided the game.

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Texas, Notre Dame apparently NOT in Big Ten expansion talks....

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Talking Puck TONIGHT...It's another Monday, which means another week of the Coors Light Cyclones Coaches Show with Chuck Weber. We'll be hanging out at Jefferson Hall in Newport talking hockey with the coach from 7-8pm. Also on hand, Cyclones players Scott Marchesi and Matt Pierce. Hope to see ya there!

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Miami Hockey has winning streak snapped....No. 1 Miami's eight-game winning streak came to an end Saturday night with a 4-2 loss to Nebraska-Omaha at Steve Cady Arena. The loss is only the RedHawks' second in Central Collegiate Hockey Association play this season and first since Oct. 24, 2009, a span of 23 league games without a loss.

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Have any must-see links?? FAIL's, WTF's, Babes, or other nonsense you want me to add?? Email me and I'll post it!

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Big news about the 2010 Battle of the Babes Tournament is coming SOON!! If you're not following me on Facebook....sign up today by clicking the button above my picture. I'll be sending out details via Facebook soon.

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Monday's Hangover Cure....Ali Heighway

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Monday Food Pron....introducing the Meatini

A full English fried breakfast served in a cocktail glass made out of bacon.

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Tiger makes another BIG announcement....

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The amazing hockey-brawling dog....the video is classic....

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WTF of the day....

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7 TV bosses who would be love to work for
Guyism

2. Michael Scott, The Office.....Most of us have fairly boring desk jobs that we go to everyday. We get to work and start on files or projects that we feel like we’ve been working on our whole life. Everyday it’s the same. And that’s exactly why Michael Scott makes a great boss. Sure, his antics are bizarre, over the top and often self-centered, but that’s what breaks the tedium of the workweek. One day he’s making a YouTube video, another he’s taking the entire office ice skating and the next he’s threatening to kidnap the CEO’s son because of a canceled office party. Sure, you’re probably going to have to work late on some days, but every day would be a new adventure. Plus, you can just tell him you’re his friend and he’d never fire you. That’s job security and loyalty that you don’t just find most places these days.

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Not really sure what this is...but I'm pretty sure it's evil....

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FAIL of the day....

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The Human Shopping Cart....

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Weekend Nonsense

02/20/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

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Tiger speaks....

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My quick opinion on the Tiger Woods situation...

- I watch golf because of Tiger Woods. Like most people (as the ratings indicate), when Tiger isn't playing in a tournament....I really don't care about it. His personal life is none of my business nor do I find interest in following it. Do I justify what he did? Hell no. Would I do what he did? Absolutely not. But what Tiger chooses to do off the course is not my concern. Tiger is a celebrity who is tremendous at what he does. If you're hell bent on a celebrity's every move....you're a loser. Sorry, you just are. The overwhelming interest in private lives of athletes, actors, and other public figures makes my head spin. And spare me on the whole "well, he's a role model" garbage. If you allow a celebrity (athlete or otherwise) to set examples for what is right and wrong....you've failed as a parent. Sure, kids can look up to these figures...but to "live their lives" like them? That's borderline insane.

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Tiger stands alone, delivers
P-Doc, Enquirer
Tiger Woods didn’t just don the human suit at 11 Friday morning. He modeled the whole catalog. Every stitch in the wardrobe. It was a tour de humility. I lost track of the “I’m sorry’’ scoreboard after three. Man-ing up has a new poster spokesman. Future famous miscreants of the world, take note: This is how you do it. You do not seek teary forgiveness, then make a dry-eyed request to “move forward.’’ You do not arrive at the podium surrounded by your peeps. You stand alone. You look the camera square in the eye. And you say what Woods did Friday:

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Harang not guaranteed Opening Day start
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
For the last four years, there was no doubt or debate over who would be the Reds' No. 1 starter and the Opening Day pitcher. It was always Aaron Harang, and his track record backed up the reasoning. To manager Dusty Baker on Friday, that decision was still up in the air. He wasn't ready to name an ace of the rotation.

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Pitching Coach Price says Harang's best days are ahead....Whether Aaron Harang is the pitcher he was in 2006 and ’07 or the pitcher he was in 2008 and ’09. Harang won 16 games in both ’06 and ’07; he won six games each of the last two years. New pitching coach Bryan Price is confident Harang can get back to elite starter status.

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Walt Jocketty says Gomes decision could come by Sunday...“He wants to come back,” Jocketty said. “But he’s taking a last look at what’s out there.” The Reds have a minor-league offer on the table for Gomes. But Gomes’ options are limited. The rumor mill has gone quiet on him. The Reds could use a right-handed hitting outfielder. Gomes hit .307 with five home runs and 19 RBI in 101 at-bats against left-handers last year.

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Reds top draft choice eyes fifth spot....Of all the Reds players to make their way to the new Spring Training complex in Arizona, pitcher Mike Leake probably had the shortest trip. Leake, the organization's first-round Draft pick in 2009, lives in Phoenix and spent the previous three years starring on the mound for nearby Arizona State University.

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Palmer likes big target.....At 6-6, Matt Jones would officially be Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer’s tallest NFL target and he’s intrigued via this text Thursday night from the Left Coast: “I’m excited to see what Matt can do. Any time you add a big fast guy there’s more potential for big plays, which is what we’re looking for.” Palmer should have another 6-6 guy waving at him as rookie tight end Chase Coffman rehabs from his ankle scope late last season. Head coach Marvin Lewis came out Friday singing Coffman's praises.

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Marvin looks to go from good to great
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis is looking to take his AFC North champions from good to great in 2010 and he knows that starts with scoring more points and that scoring more points starts with going down field more in the passing game. And he believes that starts with pass protection, which he thinks is going to now be good enough to give quarterback Carson Palmer the time he had earlier in his career.

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Matt Jones will play WR, not TE....

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Have any must-see links?? FAIL's, WTF's, Babes, or other nonsense you want me to add?? Email me and I'll post it!

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Babe of the Weekend....Gabriella S....

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Weekend Food Pron....introducing The Uruguayan Chivito

A roast beef sandwich with lettuce, tomato, cheese, basil garlic mayo, hard boiled egg, pickles, red peppers, green olives, onions, ham, and bacon on a white bread bun.

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FAIL of the day....that's one clean window...

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WTF of the day....

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Friday Nonsense

02/19/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

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Reds in awe of new Arizona complex
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Gaped mouths, heads turning and guys getting lost. Yes, the Reds have definitely started Spring Training at their brand-new complex in Arizona. Physicals were taken on Thursday morning, with an afternoon workout scheduled for pitchers and catchers on the fields. After 12 years in Sarasota, Fla., at a facility that had grown worn-down and confining, the place in Goodyear has received rave reviews. Two thumbs up all around.

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Chapman could pitch soon for Reds
John Fay, Enquirer
The Chapman plan was set by pitching coach Bryan Price. I’ll get the details of it later. But it sounds like Chapman will be pitching in games from the start. “There’s a plan,” Baker said. “There’s always a plan. It would be hard to imagine not seeing him games. I know you’ve got to ask the question.” Chapman comes in good shape.

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Jocketty on Chapman...."He showed good command," Jocketty said. "Everything was right around the plate. He threw those last few pitches like he was throwing to hitters. He’s a little further along than anyone else."

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Reds pitching coach hints at Chapman with big-league club....New pitch coach Bryan Price spelled out the plan for Aroldis Chapman and at least hinted that the 21-year-old Cuban could start the year in the big leagues.
“There’s no question that what’s best is we do what is right for him in the long run. He could start anywhere. But we want to assess him and make sure it’s the right place. Maybe it’s in Cincinnati. Maybe it’s somewhere else in our system. Turn him loose. Let him compete and see what he’s all about.”

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Volquez rehab going well......Edinson Volquez says his rehab from “Tommy John” surgery is going well. “I was a little scared the first day I threw. But after that it’s been normal. I threw from 130 feet yesterday. It felt good.” He’s holding out of hope of coming back earlier than the August projection. “Some people say August,” he said. “Some people say July - right after the break. We’ll see.”

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With new mindset, Janish arrives to Goodyear early.....Once veteran free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera was signed on Feb. 1, however, Janish's role changed dramatically. Still, he was an early arrival on Thursday and eager to get to work. While pitchers and catchers started their first day of camp, Janish was on another field taking ground balls -- still at shortstop.

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Bengals breakdown by position: OL
Joe Reedy, Enquirer

Starters - LT Andrew Whitworth, LG Nate Livings, C Kyle Cook, RT Dennis Roland, RG Bobbie Williams.

Backups - G Evan Mathis, C Jonathan Luigs, T Anthony Collins, T Andre Smith. G Jason Shirley.

Injured reserve - C Dan Santucci

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USA! USA! USA!!

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Cyclones play on ESPN 1530 TONIGHT....The first-place 'Clones are home tonight taking on Trenton, looking to pad their lead in the North Division. If you can't make it to the game, hear it on ESPN 1530 starting at 7:00pm. The puck drops at 7:30!!

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TGIF Babe of the Day....Althena Lundberg

BONUS VIDEO after jump

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Friday Food Pron....introducing Perky Jerky....

Perky Jerky is the world's first all-natural performance enhancing meatsnack. Put simply, we've combined the most tender and flavorful beefjerky, with an extra dose of energy (caffeine, from the Guarana we add) to provide a jerky experience you won't find anywhere else.
Whether you love it because it's the best tasting jerky around, or because it provides a nice little pick-me-up (similar to coffee or energy drinks), you're not alone. You'll find addicts in both camps.

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I wanna try this to my house....

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This is one hungry baby...

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If there were an Olympic Medal given for "Being a Tool"....this dude would bring home gold....

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FAIL of the day....

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Where else would you see a "Built Ford Tough" head tattoo? Only at Walmart...

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As if you haven't seen it by now....here's Shaun White's SICK snowboarding run from the other night....

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Best victory celebration you'll see today....

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I love the Cyclones...but they could use some Ice Girls...

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Thursday Nonsense

02/18/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

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Spring Training is finally here....Pitchers and Catchers report to Goodyear, Arizona TODAY!

(none of the Reds pictures I found looked like her)

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John Fay is live in Goodyear....I’m coming to you from the press room at the Goodyear complex. The facility is beautiful - light years above what the Reds had at Sarasota. The clubhouse is as nice as the one at Great American. The training facilities are first-rate. The fields look great. Green grass and blue skies are a welcome sight after the winter we had.

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Dusty Baker's chat with John Fay....

On the team in general: “I feel very good. I’m excited with personnel we have. I’m excited with the players and the quality of coaching we have here. We’re trying to get better. That’s the whole key.”

On adding Orlando Cabrera and Aaron Miles: “We’re trying to get better. Cabrera is our shortstop. Miles still has to make the team. We’ve still got competition in couple of spots. We’re not just set on who’s on the team. In the case of Miles, I think he understands that. He’s been in that situation before.”

Will Miles be in the mix for left field? “Probably not. We’ve got a enough dudes in left. There’s only so many games, so many innings. We’re already going to try to schedule some B games.”

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Reds, Gomes talking again....

image

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Volquez brings sunny disposition to Goodyear
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Even though he knows he won't be preparing for Opening Day with the rest of the Reds, pitcher Edinson Volquez never stops smiling, never stops being in a good mood. Volquez is rehabilitating from the Tommy John reconstructive surgery he had on his elbow in August. He has the familiar L-shaped scar on his inner elbow to prove it.

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Top 20 Offseason Pitching Pickups
Sporting News

15. Aroldis Chapman, SP, Reds. The lefthanded phenom won't turn the Reds into contenders overnight, but Chapman might be ready sooner than many think. "Based on the pressure he's already faced and the power arm he has, he should be more equipped to break into the big leagues even if he's not completely culturalized," teammate Bronson Arroyo says. "You have more pressure pitching for the national team in Cuba than probably any team in the world. (On) no other team does the dictator of the country bring you in when you're an 18-year-old kid and say, 'Don't let our country down.' You know if you mess up too bad, you might not eat or your family might not eat."

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The Reds should seriously consider what the San Diego Padres are doing....

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Rey Maualuga won't miss start of offseason camp
ESPN.com
Cincinnati Bengals starting linebacker Rey Maualuga, who pleaded guilty to drunken driving early this month, is not expected to miss the start of the team's offseason program on March 29, a source told ESPN.com Wednesday. Maualuga soon will check into the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center in Rancho Mirage, Calif. The date hasn't been finalized, according to the source. But barring any unexpected setbacks, Maualuga will have enough time to return to Cincinnati and join his teammates by the end of March.

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Chad says he'll take a pay cut to get T.O. in Cincinnati
ProFootballTalk.com
Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco, whose quest to get out of Cincinnati in 2008 fundamentally arose from a desire to get more money, now says that he'll take a pay cut to get receiver Terrell Owens to town. Ochocinco made the comments to a citizen journalist while leaving Roscoe's House of Chicken 'n' Waffles in Los Angeles, and the comments made their way to TMZ.com.

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Bengals Positional Breakdown: WR / TE
Joe Reedy, Enquirer

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Ravens sign WR Donte Stallworth
ESPN.com
Wide receiver Donte' Stallworth has signed a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, hoping to resurrect a career that was halted by a manslaughter conviction. Stallworth was recently released by the Cleveland Browns after being reinstated by the NFL following a one-year suspension. He was suspended for violating the league's personal-conduct policy after pleading guilty to a DUI vehicular manslaughter charge.

My Take....I wonder if people will rip the Ravens for signing a player who killed someone. If the Bengals had made this signing, the national media and fans all over the league would have used this as another "example of how Mike Brown doesn't care about character." Yet, at the end of the day...for practically league minimum salary, it's worth the risk for Baltimore.

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Bye, bye Jamal Lewis....

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Bengals Draft Watch
ESPN.com
The Bengals were a good team in 2009. But their inconsistent passing game prevented the reigning AFC North champs from being a great team, as Cincinnati was one-and-done in the playoffs. Outside of Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco, the Bengals had no reliable receivers or tight ends. So look for the Bengals to address both needs in the draft. The recent addition of free-agent receiver Matt Jones might fill a need if he stays out of trouble. There are also rumors of Terrell Owens being interested in Cincinnati, which would be a solid upgrade over Laveranues Coles. Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham also has been linked to the Bengals as a possible first-round option with the No. 21 overall pick.

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Step forward, step back for UC
Bill Koch, Enquirer
At this point in the season, with 25 games in the books, there are no more surprises, no secret weapon waiting in the wings to bail this team out. What you see from the University of Cincinnati basketball team is what you get and sometimes it’s downright ugly. That was the case Tuesday night in Tampa when the Bearcats produced another feeble offensive performance in a 65-57 loss to South Florida. It’s clear now that no matter who plays point guard, more often than not UC’s half-court offense is a plodding mess. The numbers don’t lie. In their last three games the Bearcats have averaged 57.0 points, shot 39.2 percent from the field, 58.0 percent from the free throw line and 19.3 percent from 3-point range. It’s also clear that Lance Stephenson is not the one-and-done wonder he was thought to be when he signed with UC last summer. Stephenson scored four points against USF on 1-of-5 shooting with no rebounds and four turnovers in 20 minutes. He’s certainly not ready for the NBA.

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U.S. Olympic Hockey on the ice TODAY at 3:00pm......can't wait for more puck all day long. Then, later tonight, Canada takes on Switzerland at 7:30. USA! USA! USA!!

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Hall of Fame coach is a proponent for NCAA Tournament Expansion....

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Mark McGwire apologizes again, hopes steroid issue will subside....

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LeBron lobbying for Amar'e Stoudemire in Cleveland....There were a lot of surprises at All-Star weekend in Dallas, but none came as more of a shock than when LeBron James was asked about Cleveland potentially trading for Phoenix big man Amar'e Stoudemire.

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Cyclones receive pair from Milwaukee
Official Release

The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, announced this afternoon they have received defenseman Jason Jozsa and forward Ian McKenzie from the American Hockey League’s Milwaukee Admirals. Both players are eligible to play in tonight’s game against the Toledo Walleye at U.S. Bank Arena at 7:30pm. The Cyclones are looking for a season-long eighth straight win.

Jozsa, 28, is coming to Cincinnati for the fourth time this season. The seventh year pro has appeared in 31 games with the Cyclones and has three goals and 14 assists for 17 points and 18 penalty minutes. He has also seen action in ten games with Milwaukee and has four penalty minutes.

McKenzie, 22, is in his second season as a professional and is coming to Cincinnati for the second time this season. Ian has played in eleven games and has a goal and two assists for three points and 16 penalty minutes with the Cyclones. He has 24 games and a goal and 14 penalty minutes with
Milwaukee this season

Wheeling rolls in for the weekend (Friday and Saturday). On Friday night (Feb. 19), it is team photo giveaway night and one dollar John Morrell hot dogs will be the discounted food item. Saturday night (Feb. 20), it is Pink In The Rink - with the players wearing pink jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Patty Brisben Foundation. One dollar pizza slices from Donatos will be the discounted food item.

Tickets for the 2009-10 Cincinnati Cyclones season are now on sale. The Cyclones Sales Department can be reached at 513-421-PUCK, extension 3. The Cyclones have selected Friday night games carried on 1530 Homer – The Sports Animal and all contests aired on their website at www.cycloneshockey.com. The next radio game on 1530 Homer – The Sports Animal is Friday night at 7:30pm when the squad battles Wheeling.

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Spend your Thursday with Brittany Marie....

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Thursday Food Pron....introducing Elvis Donut

Peanut butter glazed donut topped with bananas and bacon.

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Get in the mood for Spring Training Baseball with some baseball hotties....

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FAIL of the day....somebody's got issues....

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Determine your chances of getting lucky based on your woman's panties....

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Soccer is so boring, even their TV announcers have trouble staying awake.....

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Now THIS is Walmart fashion....

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Creepiest ad you'll see today....

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Jay Leno continues to take it in the shorts.....

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Coolest musical mash-up you'll hear today....Enter Sandman / Don't Stop Believin'

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Your favorite fish commercial is back....

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Wednesday Nonsense

02/17/2010 12:00 am

Nick Brunker

Tags:

Don't forget....we've changed a few things....

1530 has become Cincinnati's ESPN 1530 and 1360 is now Fox Sports 1360.

That means our daily 1530 lineup will be:
Mike and Mike in the Morning, 6-10am
Colin Cowherd, 10am-2pm
Scott Van Pelt, 2-3pm
Mo Egger or Lance McAlister, 3-6pm
ESPN radio, 6pm-midnight

Cincinnati's ESPN 1530 will be the home of MLB and the NBA along with continuing to be the home of the Bengals, UK and UL. Fox Sports 1360 will carry Stephen A Smith, Dan Patrick, Jim Rome, Fox Sports.

AND.....

Our blogs have moved too.....All the pages will look the same, but they'll now be found at Homer247.com. Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any questions on the switch, and I'll be happy to answer them. Remember, that's Homer247.com.

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Bengals to talk to Graham
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
The Bengals have worked out six kickers this offseason and signed one of them, but indications are they are still going to talk with Shayne Graham’s new agent, possibly as soon as next week’s scouting combine in Indianapolis, two weeks before the start of free agency.

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Bengals sources unimpressed with Matt Jones
Yahoo Sports
Sadly, the word from two team sources is that neither of the Joneses figures to make it back to the NFL in the regular season based on their condition. Matt Jones, a 6-foot-6, 218-pounder who once ran a 4.37 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine, didn’t exactly impress the football people with the Bengals despite getting signed.

"It was one of the worst workouts I have ever seen," one of the sources said. "I don’t care how fast his 40 time is or was, he’s a slow-twitch athlete."

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Jerome Simpson odd man out?
ESPN.com
In an effort to improve their passing game, the Cincinnati Bengals recently signed free-agent receiver Matt Jones and are rumored to be interested in others at the position. So what does this mean for 2008 second-round pick Jerome Simpson? The Coastal Carolina product may be skating on thin ice entering his third season. Simpson hasn't shown the Bengals' coaching staff much the past two years, recording just one catch for two yards.

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USF plows past UC, 65-57.....

A few observations....

- After the great game against the Huskies, UC washed it all away with an absolute mess of a basketball game in Tampa last night.

- After a very solid day against UConn defensively, the Bearcats looked very confused against the Bulls.

- USF's Dominique Jones did whatever he wanted....when he wanted.

- UC simply made too many silly fouls and struggled to connect at the free-throw line.

- Yancy Gates had a rough night....perhaps one of his roughest ever.

- The Bearcats started the 2nd half with practically no energy....despite trailing by only 1.

- There were far too many bad passes / sloppy turnovers...especially in the 2nd half.

- As the 2nd half progressed, the UC players seemed more and more lost...while less and less motivated.

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For UC...here's what remains....

vs. Marquette (7-5 in Big East)
vs. Depaul (1-11 in Big East)
at #8 West Virginia (8-4 in Big East)
vs. #3 Villanova (11-2 in Big East)
at #10 Georgetown (8-5 in Big East)

....Assuming that 7 Big East teams get into the tournament (CollegeRPI.com's bracket and ESPN both have 7 in), UC would need to finish ahead of Louisville and Marquette, who already have 7 wins in conference play. In order to do that, UC would have to win against Marquette and beat Depaul....not completely unreasonable. Yet, with the final three games all against teams in the Top 10 nationally, UC will likely have to steal one to solidify a spot in this year's bracket. Very, very frustrating.

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Xavier back on the court tonight against Saint Joe's....

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I LOVE OLYMPIC HOCKEY.....nothing like turning on the TV in the middle of the day and watching some puck. Yesterday the US beat up on Switzerland and last night Canada absolutely destroyed Norway. If you're a hockey fan...it's the best! I'm pulling for a USA vs. Canada Gold Medal Game. How sweet would that be??

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Cyclones on the ice tonight too....they're looking to pad their lead in the North Division against rival Toledo. It's another Wet Wednesday...meaning $1 beers. That's how you should spend your evening....beer and puck!

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Hump Day = Lindsay Matway