Is your bracket busted yet? I can safely say...mine is. I had Kansas winning it all in most of my brackets and Villanova in the Final Four in a couple. After watching the Jayhawks game and then Kentucky's...I've got no doubt that UK is looking more and more like a championship team. Granted, Wake Forest didn't play their best game....but the Wildcats were flat out flying.
As for the Muskies...they hold on to beat Pittsburgh to earn a spot in the Sweet 16. Chris Mack's team will face 2nd seeded Kansas State on Friday. How's this for a stat: Six teams have made the Sweet 16 four times since 2004...Duke (5x), Kansas, Villanova, UNC, Michigan St., and Xavier.
Meanwhile, the Big East is a FAIL...of the record-tying 8 teams in the tourney this year....only 2 remain.
SWEET 16 Dates / Times:
THURSDAY
Butler / Syracuse - 7:07pm
Washington / West Virginia - 7:27pm
Xavier / Kansas St - 9:37pm (approx)
Cornell / Kentucky - 9:57pm
FRIDAY
Tennessee / Ohio State - 7:07pm
St. Mary's / Baylor - 7:27pm
N. Iowa / Michigan St - 9:37pm
Purdue / Duke - 9:57pm
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Xavier gets sweet revenge
Shannon Russell, Enquirer
Xavier is headed to the Sweet 16 for a third straight season. The sixth-seeded Musketeers downed third-seeded Pitt in a 71-68 second-round game Sunday at the Bradley Center. Xavier (26-8) advances to face No. 2 seed Kansas State (28-7) Thursday in the West Regional in Salt Lake City, Utah. It should be a doozy of a rematch, since one of Xavier’s worst losses came at the hands of the Wildcats earlier this season.
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UC takes on Dayton TONIGHT at 9pm in the second round of NIT....After a four-year hiatus, the University of Cincinnati will meet Dayton for the 90th time - UC’s second-oldest and third longest rivalry in program history. The Bearcats own a 59-30 advantage in the series and have won 14 of the last 16 meetings dating back to the 1989-90 season - UC’s first in Fifth Third Arena. Cincinnati won the last outing on Dec. 22, 2005, 81-63, in the Las Vegas Holiday Classic behind a combined 40 points by Devan Downey (21 pts.) and James White (19 pts.)
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On Sunday, Tiger Woods spoke with ESPN's Tom Rinaldi in the first public interview since his transgressions became public. Topics included the car accident, his time in rehab, and his upcoming return to golf at the Masters. Here is the complete transcript of the interview:
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Fifth starter race still crowded
Mark Sheldon
The fifth starter competition still has seven contenders left -- Aroldis Chapman, Matt Maloney, Micah Owings, Justin Lehr, Kip Wells, Travis Wood and Mike Leake. Surprisingly, no one besides Mike Lincoln has been told they are out -- yet.
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Too soon to plant Dickerson in center field
John Fay, Enquirer
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Cordero enjoying smooth spring.....About one year ago, as closer Francisco Cordero was in the midst of posting a 12.10 Spring Training ERA, Reds fans were stocking up on brown paper bags to hyperventilate. Mass hysteria subsided and order was restored quickly once Cordero flipped the switch for the regular season. He saved his first 15 games and converted 39 of 43 chances overall. There was one Reds representative to the National League All-Star team and it was Cordero.
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Volquez begins throwing off the mound....
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Bengals moves solid, but there's work to do
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
Through two full weeks of free agency it is safe to say the Bengals have taken the right steps in free agency. They signed an experienced and proven second receiver in Antonio Bryant while re-signing defensive tackle Tank Johnson and safety Roy Williams. This is different than the past couple seasons where the Bengals had notable losses. In 2008, it was Justin Smith and Madieu Williams while last year it was T.J. Houshmandzadeh. On Thursday, coach Marvin Lewis said of free agency so far: "There has been a big commitment upstairs and I'm glad we were able to do those things and I hope the fans feel the same way."
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Tebow would energize Bengals
Ludwig at Large
NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay said the best NFL team for Tebow would be Indianapolis or New England, where he could be groomed behind Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. I like the way McShay thinks. He’s right on the money. But I’d like to take this opportunity to add a franchise to his list — the Cincinnati Bengals. I envision Tebow landing in The Nati and serving as Carson Palmer’s understudy. The critics say, “Why?” I say, “Why not?” The Bengals need a solid backup quarterback. Tebow just happens to be a charismatic leader who will energize the club’s fan base and bring huge crowds to training camp at Georgetown College.
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Dhani tackles Mt. Everest
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Dhani Jones, the Bengals middle linebacker who loves being in the middle of it all, takes on the Super Bowl of mountains this week when he attempts to climb Mount Everest. It’s the stunning 10th and last episode of the second season of his Travel Channel series Dhani Tackles The Globe, and it’s not exactly a game at Mile High Stadium. "It’s four miles up. We’re going to go about 23,000 feet, a mile short of the top," Jones said Friday. "If you’re going to jump off a bridge, you don’t want to start out jumping off the highest bridge. I’ll get a taste and I’ll be back."
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Enjoy Crawford while you can
P-Doc, Enquirer
Jordan Crawford’s an assassin. All the great scorers are. Crawford doesn’t want to beat you. He wants to lay you out and leave you begging. Which is what he did to Minnesota in the second half Friday. Enjoy Crawford while you can. If he has another game or two like this one – 28 points, six rebounds, five assists, one turnover -- his stay on Victory Parkway will have been as brief as it was memorable. Career-wise, there won’t be much point in him coming back, unless he really, really likes hangin’ with Sister Rose.
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MIAMI HOCKEY earns the overall #1 seed in NCAA Tournament.....they'll begin their quest for a National Championship this weekend when they face No. 4 seed Alabama-Huntsville in Fort Wayne Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. The game will be aired live on ESPNU. If Miami wins, they would face the winner of the Bemidji State vs. Michigan game on Sunday night.
Here's how the NCAA Hockey Tournament breaks down....
Midwest (Fort Wayne)
1. Miami vs. 16. Ala.-Huntsville
8. Bemidji State vs. 9. Michigan
East (Albany)
2. Denver vs. 15. RIT
7. Cornell vs. 10. N. Hampshire
West (St. Paul)
3. Wisconsin vs. 14. Vermont
6. St. Cloud vs. 11. Northern Michigan
Northeast (Worcester)
4. Boston Col. vs. 13. Alaska
5. North Dakota vs. 12. Yale
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Coors Light Cyclones Coaches Show...It's another Monday night of hockey conversation tonight at Jefferson Hall in Newport. The Cyclones fell out of 1st place this weekend, so the final handful of games are critical. We'll chat with the coach, Chuck Weber from 7-8pm....hope to see you there!
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Miami U basketball to host UC in Oxford next season....Miami, a long-time local rival of the University of Cincinnati, joins the University of Dayton on UC's basketball schedule next season, with the Bearcats traveling to Millett Hall in Oxford for the first time since 1993. The two schools have played each other eight times since then, but all of those games have been either at Fifth Third Arena or U.S. Bank Arena.
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring the remaining hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring the remaining models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring the remaining hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring the remaining hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today you get to vote on the SOUTH REGION...
#1 Marisa Miller vs. #9 Bar Refaeli
*****start poll*****
#2 Heidi Klum vs. #7 Denise Milani
*****start poll*****
#4 Brooklyn Decker vs. #5 Sara Underwood
*****start poll*****
#6 Carmen Electra vs. #14 Brooke Burke
*****start poll*****
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Monday Food Porn....introducing the Bacon Mug
A giant mug made out of bacon filled with cheddar cheese.
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Time Waster of the Day: The Gus Johnson Soundboard
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Now YOU can have your very own Jetpack...
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Coolest elevator ad you'll see today....
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring the remaining hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring the remaining models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring the remaining hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring the remaining hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today we begin Second Round voting in the EAST REGION...
#1 Jessica Alba vs. #8 Eva Mendes
*****start poll*****
#4 Jessica Biel vs. #5 Elisha Cuthbert
*****start poll*****
#6 Jennifer Aniston vs. #14 Emmanuelle Chriqui
*****start poll*****
#2 Megan Fox vs. #10 Scarlett Johansson
*****start poll*****
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Mo decided he'd rather drink beer and watch basketball than not drink beer and talk about basketball on the radio....therefore I'm here today filling the void from 3-6pm on ESPN 1530....here's what we'll get into:
- NCAA Tournament....is your bracket busted? Some pretty big upsets in day 1 could have screwed things up. How ya looking?
- Xavier recap / reaction.....they knock off Minnesota 65-53 and advance to 2nd round.
- If you're a major star at your particular sport....what's more important to you: money or winning? We'll debate.
- Tiger Woods' return to golf...why he'll come back better than ever and be more successful.
- Planning a trip to Vegas??....I'll introduce you to a guy you need to know when you get there.
Guests:
3:40pm - Greg Waddell, voice of Miami Hockey
4:03pm - Byron Larkin
4:30pm - Jay Rankin, author of Under the Neon Sky
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Day of madness a great argument for keeping NCAA tourney as-is
Mike Decourcy, Sporting News
It was fitting the first day of what may well be the final NCAA Tournament as we know it offered all the evidence anyone could need that dramatic expansion of the field is not only unnecessary, but reckless.
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Key for Reds Francisco is consistency
Reds.com
Juan Francisco is a Spring Training marvel. When the Reds infielder steps into the batter's box, he has the ability to make observers drop their jaws in awe after a hit or scratch their heads in confusion after a miss, sometimes during the same at-bat. Opening Day is less than three weeks away and the free-swinging Francisco has the Reds wondering exactly where he fits in with the big league club this season, if he fits in at all. Francisco is hitting .286 with two home runs and five strikeouts this spring.
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Chapman wows Reds again
John Fay, Enquirer
There is no question Aroldis Chapman can pitch in the majors and soon. The only question: How soon? Chapman's third outing and first start of the spring was as impressive as the first two. He went three innings, allowing one run on one hit, in the Reds' 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday. He walked one and struck out five. Chapman gave up a home run to Rickie Weeks to start the game, then retired the next eight in a row.
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Reds All-Decade Team
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
| C | Jason LaRue |
| 1B | Sean Casey |
| 2B | Brandon Phillips |
| SS | Barry Larkin |
| 3B | Aaron Boone |
| OF | Ken Griffey Jr. |
| OF | Adam Dunn |
| OF | Austin Kearns |
| SP | Aaron Harang |
| SP | Bronson Arroyo |
| SP | Elmer Dessens |
| SP | Edinson Volquez |
| SP | Paul Wilson |
| SU | David Weathers |
| CL | Danny Graves |
| MGR | Dusty Baker |
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Hence why T.O. is not a Bengal.....John Czarnecki of FOX reports that Owens wants at least $5 million this time around, even though no one is banging on his door. We continue to hear rumblings indicating that the Bengals haven't ruled out signing Owens. The arrival of receiver Antonio Bryant complicates matters, however, due to a contract that averages $7 million per year. Owens surely will want at least that much in Cincinnati.
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Bryant feels he's the right fit
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
Less than a week after signing a four-year, $28 million contract with the Bengals, Antonio Bryant was at Paul Brown Stadium Thursday to prepare for offseason conditioning, which begins on March 29. The wide receiver touched on many of the same topics he did after his signing last week. "This organization did a great job of building and stacking a foundation, and every year they tried to find a piece that was weak and repair it," Bryant said. "Everywhere I've been it's either the whole team was cleaned out and we were brought in, or we got cleaned out while I was there."
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Antonio Bryant opens his Bengals practice....
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Marvin sounds happy with his group of receivers....
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Marvin hits at "things" holding up contract extension talks
ProFootballTalk.com
In a huge upset, Marvin Lewis has become one of the longest tenured coaches in the NFL despite working for Mike Brown and the Bengals. A much smaller victory for Lewis and the team is the lack of attention on Lewis' lack of a contract extension. Lewis gave some hints at the internal concerns holding up a deal last month, but was more tight-lipped Thursday. "We'll just keep it personal between Mike and I. So there's an update," Lewis said to Cincinnati reporters Friday.
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Five NFL playoff teams that have hard road back
Sporting News
Cincinnati Bengals. This team took on the role of Cardiac Cats last season, surviving many close games en route to dethroning Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh in the tough AFC North. The Bengals were much-improved - especially on defense - but they struggled down the stretch. There was a lack of big-play pop on offense, and the defensive front wore down as injuries took their toll. Those problems caught up with them in the wild-card playoff loss to the Jets. To avoid falling out of the playoffs, it will take an MVP-caliber season from quarterback Carson Palmer.
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Cool feature on Tony Pike....
Fox Sports
hat tip to Joe G. for the link
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John Calipari named Naismith Award finalist....The first-year Kentucky coach has led his squad to 32-2 record (14-2 in conference), and the Southeastern Conference tournament championship – the school’s first since 2005. He has now captured five consecutive conference tournament championships and regular season titles as a head coach. He also won 30 games for the fifth straight year, the only coach in NCAA Division I history to do so. Calipari won the Naismith award most recently at Memphis (2008) and also at Massachusetts (1996). The resurgent Wildcats earned the number-one seed in the East Region of the NCAA Tournament.
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Miami Hockey plays in the CCHA Semifinals TONIGHT against Michigan at Joe Louis Arena....the RedHawks are likely going to be the overall #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament but Enrico Blasi's team would love to close out their conference tournament with a championship trophy before embarking on their National Title run. The puck drops at 8:05pm on the Big Ten Network.
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Congrats are in order for Miami Hockey....Sophomore goaltender Cody Reichard of the regular-season champion Miami RedHawks was named the RBC Financial Group CCHA Player of the Year at the annual CCHA Awards banquet on Thursday, March 18. Twelve individual awards were handed out at Detroit’s historic Fox Theatre, including six determined by a vote of the league’s 12 coaches. Reichard finished the regular season as the CCHA leader in goals-against average (1.23), save percentage (.950), and shutouts (5). He also led the nation in overall GAA (1.48) and winning percentage (.841).
Miami’s Enrico Blasi was named the CCHA Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his 11 seasons as the RedHawk bench boss. Blasi led the RedHawks to the program’s third CCHA regular-season title with a stellar 21-2-5-2 conference record, including a 23-game unbeaten streak in league play.
Miami junior captain Tommy Wingels was named CCHA Best Defensive Forward. Wingels played a key role in Miami only allowing 39 goals in league play. Wingels also had a +12 rating in CCHA games.
Miami sophomore Will Weber was named Best Defensive Defenseman. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound rearguard played a major role in Miami’s record-setting defensive campaign.
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Speaking of puck, the Cyclones are on the ice tonight in Toledo....after clinching a Kelly Cup Playoff spot for the 4th straight year last night, they'll be back home tomorrow against the Walleye at US Bank Arena for "Kids Eat Free" night.
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring the remaining hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring the remaining models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring the remaining hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring the remaining hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today we begin Second Round voting in the EAST REGION...
#1 Jessica Alba vs. #8 Eva Mendes
*****start poll*****
#4 Jessica Biel vs. #5 Elisha Cuthbert
*****start poll*****
#6 Jennifer Aniston vs. #14 Emmanuelle Chriqui
*****start poll*****
#2 Megan Fox vs. #10 Scarlett Johansson
*****start poll*****
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Friday Food Porn....introducing Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf With A Layer Of Mac And Cheese
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South Park tackles Tiger....tremendous...
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This is the most bad-ass grandma EVER....wait til you see this...
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We have our top men working on it. Who? Top. Men....
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Just what you've always wanted....Bacon Flavored Vodka....
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Mo has to fill in for Lance tonight on 700 WLW...so I'll be leading you into Kentucky's first round matchup 3-5:30 on ESPN 1530. Here's what we'll get into:
- March Madness is underway....any early surprises? Who do you have winning it all?
- UC advances in the NIT and will face Dayton....has Mick earned some of your confidence back? With 2,400 people at Fifth Third last night...I'd say not.
- Could an NCAA Tournament ban based on graduation rate really fly? I say hell no.
- Tiger Woods' return to golf...why he'll come back better than ever and be more successful
- Reds spring training....Aroldis Chapman reaction. He's gotta be the favorite for the 5th starter, right?
Guests:
3:03pm - Marty Brennaman
3:30pm - Antonio Bryant
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Reds lineup today vs. Indians...
Chris Dickerson cf
Zack Cozart ss
Joey Votto 1b
Scott Rolen 3b
Jonny Gomes lf
Wladimir Balentien rf
Ramon Herenandez c
Chris Burke 2b
Chris Valaika dh
Homer Bailey p
Bailey is scheduled for four, followed by Francisco Cordero, Pedro Viola, Enerio Del Rosario and Sam LeCure. LeCure is supposed to go two, the rest one.
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Reds roster move.....Prior to today’s game the Reds optioned to Louisville IF Yonder Alonso and LHP Bill Bray; optioned to Carolina RHP Jordan Smith and LHP Philippe Valiquette; assigned to Louisville RHP Jon Adkins and OF Josh Anderson...there are 48 players left in Major League camp…an updated roster is attached.
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Chapman looked good in first start
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Reds left-hander Aroldis Chapman gave up his first home run, but still came away with an impressive first start on Wednesday vs. the Brewers. Chapman worked three innings and surrendered Rickie Weeks' leadoff home run on a 3-1 fastball in the top of the first inning. Of the 11 batters Chapman faced, he struck out five and walked one. At one point, he struck out five of six batters. Overall, Chapman threw 45 pitches, with 29 strikes. In three outings this spring, Chapman has given up one run and four hits with two walks and 10 strikeouts.
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Chapman living up to the hype
Reds.com
Chapman's delivery is smooth enough that it does not suggest extreme velocity. He is 6-foot-4 and listed at 185 pounds, but he appears even more slender than that. His arms are long, even for his 6-foot-4 frame, and between that length and his velocity, his pitches appear to be in the zone and on the hitter almost instantaneously. He has now pitched seven innings in three Spring Training appearances, giving up one run on four hits with two walks, while striking out 10. Speaking through Fossas about his work, Chapman was direct and unassuming. Asked about his command, Chapman said: "I fixed some of the mechanical problems that I had, and my control is not a problem at this moment."
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Mike Lincoln headed to the bullpen
John Fay, Enquirer
From the it-comes-as-no-surprise department: The Reds have decided to move Mike Lincoln back to the bullpen. Lincoln had a 6.23 ERA over three starts. The fifth starter competition is down to: Justin Lehr, Matt Maloney, Micah Owings, Kip Wells, Travis Wood, Mike Leake and Aroldis Chapman. Wells could be next. He gave up four runs in two innings Wednesday. Overall, he’s walked seven in in seven innings this spring.
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Opening Day Info...
91st Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshal: Johnny Bench
Hall of Famer Johnny Bench will serve as the Grand Marshal of the Findlay Market Parade. Bench will also serve as the Honorary Captain of the Opening Day game and catch the ceremonial first pitch. For more information on the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade, visit www.findlaymarketparade.com.
Opening Day Parade Special Guests: Bronson Arroyo, George Grande and Miss Ohio Amanda Tempel
Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo will ride in the parade. This marks the second year in a row that a Reds player will be featured in the parade. In 2009, pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto rode in the parade.
Ceremonial First Pitch: George Grande
Broadcaster George Grande will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Grande was the television play-by-play voice of the Reds for the past 17 years, and is scheduled to return to the booth in September for a few games.
Official Game Ball Delivery: Miss Ohio Amanda Tempel
Miss Ohio USA 2010 Amanda Tempel will deliver the official game ball to the mound to be used by Opening Day starting pitcher Aaron Harang. She is a St. Bernard native and a 2008 graduate of Roger Bacon High School.
National Anthem: Ben Utecht
Recording artist, former Bengals tight end and 2006 Super Bowl Champion Ben Utecht will sing the National Anthem.
God Bless America: Elan Trotman
Saxophonist Elan Trotman will perform God Bless America during the 7th inning stretch.
Flyover: Four F-16’s from the 178th Fighter Wing of the Ohio Air National Guard based in Springfield, Ohio will perform a pregame flyover.
American Flag: Haiti Relief volunteers from the American Red Cross and Matthew 25: Ministries will hold a giant American flag in the outfield during the singing of our National Anthem.
Parade of Colors: Honor Guard units from the Navy, Air Force, Marines, Army and Coast Guard will comprise a Parade of Colors on the field
Pregame Concerts: The Goshorn Brothers and Pete Wagner Dixieland Band will perform pregame concerts in the ballpark.
Gates Open: Gates to Great American Ball Park will open at 11:10 a.m. and the first pitch of the game is at 1:10 p.m.
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Stubbs moving in the right direction
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Underscoring how quickly Spring Training fortunes can turn, Stubbs enjoyed a 2-for-3 afternoon with a double in the first inning and a two-run triple to right field in the second during a 13-7 Reds win over the D-backs on Tuesday. He was called out on strikes in the fourth and raised his average to .179 in nine games.
"Each game I play and get more at-bats, I feel like I'm moving in the right direction," Stubbs said. "I think the results are a byproduct of the process. As long as the process continues to improve, the results will come."
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Bengals, Bobbie Williams talks heating up.....Talks between the Bengals and Bobbie Williams have started to ramp up again with progress toward a deal hopefully happening soon. Both parties would like to agree to a deal by the end of the week since the league meetings are next week in Orlando.
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Bengals Draft Watch
James Walker, ESPN.com
Cincinnati had the same issue as Baltimore, which was a need at receiver. Signing Antonio Bryant to a four-year contract filled a huge void to get help for Pro Bowl receiver Chad Ochocinco. Now the Bengals' biggest focus should be getting a pass-catching tight end. It's been a long time since the Bengals had a quality player at the position who can stretch the field. A case can be made that quarterback Carson Palmer has never had that luxury during his career. Oklahoma's Jermaine Gresham and Florida's Aaron Hernandez are two good tight end prospects who could fill that void in the draft.
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NFL owners considering two-possessions for playoff OT....NFL owners will vote next week whether to allow each team a possession in overtime in the playoffs if the team winning the OT coin toss kicks a field goal on the first series. Previously, the game would end whenever either side scores, as happened in the NFC championship game in January, with New Orleans beating Minnesota on Garrett Hartley's kick. But NFL competition committee chairman Rich McKay says a trend has developed showing too strong an advantage for teams winning the coin toss to start overtime.
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2,210....The three games they played in the Big East tournament last week seemed to offer evidence that the University of Cincinnati Bearcats had turned a corner. As it turns out, the intensity was there - even if most of their fans weren't - and the Bearcats posted a 76-62 victory over Weber State before a season-low turnout of 2,210 to advance to a second-round meeting against longtime rival and No. 3 seed Dayton at 9 p.m. Monday at Fifth Third Arena. The game will be televised on ESPN.
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UC beats Weber St in NIT opener, will face Dayton on Monday....The University of Cincinnati men's basketball advanced to the second round of the National Invitation Tournament with a 76-62 victory over Weber State last night. The Bearcats will now face long-time regional rival, the University of Dayton from the Atlantic-10 Conference, on Monday, March 22 at 9 p.m. in Fifth Third Arena. The game will be telecast nationally on ESPN.
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Cincinnati football players like Butch Jones' approach....The first thing University of Cincinnati football coach Butch Jones did when he met with his new players in December was to write his cell phone number on the board and tell his players that they could call him whenever they needed to. With that small gesture, he quickly differentiated himself from his predecessor, Brian Kelly.
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This will never fly.....U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan pushed a proposal Wednesday to bar men's college basketball teams from postseason play if they fail to graduate 40 percent of their players, an idea that didn't go over well with the NCAA and coaches preparing for March Madness.
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring 16 of the hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring 16 of the models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring 16 of the hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring 16 of the hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today you get to vote on the MIDWEST REGION...
#1 Anna Kournikova vs. #16 Serena Williams
*****start poll*****
#2 Natalie Gulbis vs. #15 Danica Patrick
*****start poll*****
#3 Maria Sharapova vs. #14 Anna Rawson
*****start poll*****
#4 The Canadian Curler vs. #13 Laila Ali
*****start poll*****
#5 Heather Mitts vs. #12 Leryn Franco
*****start poll*****
#6 Ashley Harkelroad vs. #11 Steffi Graf
*****start poll*****
#7 Lindsay Vonn vs. #10 Jennie Finch
*****start poll*****
#8 Amanda Beard vs. #9 Sasha Cohen
*****start poll*****
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HAPPY ST PATRICK'S DAY!!!
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Well that didn't take long.....Tickets for the 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between Bengals and Dallas Cowboys on Aug. 8 went on sale at 11 a.m. and quickly sold out. The hall said on its site, Profootballhof.com, that additional tickets could be released in the future but did not specify when.
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Chapman to make first spring start TODAY.....With two relief appearances under his belt this spring, Cuban lefty Aroldis Chapman will make his first start on this afternoon against the Brewers. Through four scoreless innings of work, the 22-year-old Chapman has allowed three hits while striking out five and walking one. In the appearances, which were both two innings, he touched 100 mph on scouts' radar guns.
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Bruce, Dickerson, and Gomes in the outfield??
John Fay
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Reds / Indians playing a cool event today
Official Release
The Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds will enhance their partnership with the City of Goodyear by announcing that all proceeds from their matchup at Goodyear Ballpark on St. Patrick’s Day Wednesday, March 17 at 7:05PM will be donated to the Southwest Valley Family YMCA based in Goodyear, AZ.
"The proceeds generated from this game will directly benefit families and youth with vital programs and services they need while enduring the challenges they are facing," said Southwest Valley Family YMCA Executive Director RON SITES. "Programs like childcare, youth obesity, aquatics, youth sports, teen programs and family facility memberships are just a few that are supported through funding we receive from great organizations like the Reds, Indians and City of Goodyear."
Revenue from ticket sales, merchandise, concessions and parking will directly impact the SW Valley Family YMCA. Fans wishing to support this cause can purchase tickets for the March 17 game in person at the Goodyear Ballpark Ticket Office and online at indians.com and reds.com.
Indians Manager Manny Acta and Reds Manager Dusty Baker along with representatives from the two clubs and youth from the SW Valley YMCA will all participate in ceremonies pregame and during the game.
To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Goodyear Ballpark for this special event night, fans will enjoy Irish music throughout the game, green beer at the concession stands, green bases pregame and the Reds will be wearing green hats.
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Local 12 sets NCAA Schedule...
Enquirer
Again WKRC-TV and the sister CW affiliate (Ch 12 & 12.2) will air different doubleheaders for most of the day Thursday and Friday, the opening rounds of the NCAA basketball tournament. Digital multicasting will allow folks to see all of the Ohio State and Louisville games, which CBS scheduled to air at the same time Friday night.
CBS’ pregame coverage starts at noon and 7 p.m. both days. Here’s the line-up, including only Thursday games on Dayton’s WHIO-TV (Ch 7) :
THURSDAY, MARCH 18
12:20 p.m.: Florida vs BYU (WKRC)
12:25 p.m.: Old Dominion vs Notre Dame (CW, WHIO)
2:40 p.m. North Texas vs Kansas State (WKRC)
2:30 p.m. Murray State vs Vanderbilt (CW)
2:50 p.m. Richmond vs. St. Mary’s (Calif) (WHIO)
7:15 p.m. East Tennessee State vs Kentucky (WKRC)
7:25 p.m.: Ohio vs Georgetown (CW, WHIO)
9:30 p.m. Lehigh vs Kansas (WKRC) No late game on CW.
9:45 p.m. Tennessee vs. San Diego State (WHIO)
FRIDAY MARCH 19
12:25 p.m.: Minnesota vs Xavier (WKRC)
12:30 p.m.: Cornell vs Temple (CW)
2:30 p.m.: Siena vs Purdue (WKRC)
2:45 p.m.: Oakland vs Pittsburgh (CW)
7:20 p.m.: New Mexico State vs Michigan State (WKRC) No early game on CW.
9:35 p.m.: UC Santa Barbara vs Ohio State (WKRC)
9:45 p.m.: Louisville vs California (CW)
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UC plays Weber St tonight at 7pm at Fifth Third Arena.....Should be interesting to see how Mick's perform. I'd have to think that after winning a couple games in the Big East Tournament (and nearly beating West Virginia), they have to have a big boost of confidence coming in. I'm also interested to see how the crowd looks as well....of course there is a lot of frustration over how this team finished again....but in fairness to Mick...it's the first time he's gotten them to the NIT.
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UC Football, meanwhile, opens spring practice today.....
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Bryant's impact on Bengals
James Walker, ESPN.com
Last season Bryant had the franchise tag with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fought through a knee injury and underachieved with 39 receptions for 600 yards and four touchdowns. Coles had four more receptions (43) and one more touchdown (five) than Bryant last season and was released by the Bengals. Bryant has qualities in his game that should help the team. He has pretty good quickness and size, which quarterback Carson Palmer likes, and toughness to go over the middle and make catches in traffic. That element has been missing in Cincinnati since the departure of T.J. Houshmandzadeh after the 2008 season.
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Jim Tressell gets 2-year extension....Ohio State just announced that coach Jim Tressel's contract has been extended for two seasons, through the 2014 season. There was no increase in compensation. Tressel's current deal, which was re-worked in August 2008, pays him an average of $3.5 million a season. At the time, that was No. 1 in the Big Ten and fifth nationally.
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MARCH MADNESS CENTRAL....
CLICK HERE FOR A VIEWABLE BRACKET
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BRACKET
PLAY AGAINST ME IN MY BRACKET CHALLENGE!!! (Password is case sensitive: espn1530).....the winner gets to sit in with me during the Mo Egger Show!! If that's not a worthwhile prize, I dunno what is...
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Cincinnati Roller Girls coming to the Cincinnati Gardens....
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hat tip to Scott L for the link
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring 16 of the hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring 16 of the models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring 16 of the hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring 16 of the hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today you get to vote on the WEST REGION...
#1 Carrie Underwood vs. #16 Paula Abdul
*****start poll*****
#2 Leona Lewis vs. #15 Britney Spears
*****start poll*****
#3 Nicole Scherzinger vs. #14 Nelly Furtado
*****start poll*****
#4 Beyonce vs. #13 Faith Hill
*****start poll*****
#5 Mariah Carey vs. #12 Shakira
*****start poll*****
#6 Natasha Bedingfield vs. #11 Christina Aguilera
*****start poll*****
#7 Kellie Pickler vs. #10 Alicia Keys
*****start poll*****
#8 Katy Perry vs. #9 Rihanna
*****start poll*****
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Wednesday Food Pron....introducing Bacon Cream Cheese Rolls
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By far, the best car commercial you'll ever see today....
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Man's best friend lives up to its name....she's a gooooood girllllll!!
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10 actors who were originally considered for famous movie role
Super Tremendous
#4 Nick Nolte (Han Solo In The Star Wars Trilogy) - Nolte was one of four finalists (Christopher Walken, Burt Reynolds and Harrison Ford were the others) for the role of Han Solo and he apparently lost the role at the last minute. Thankfully Harrison Ford was offered the part instead and Nolte went on to do 48 Hours.
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Gary Busey always good for a WTF of the day...thanks Gary...
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Bengals Hall of Fame Game tickets on sale TODAY....Here is a memo to Cincinnati Bengals fans: Tickets for the Hall of Fame Game between Cincinnati and the Dallas Cowboys will go on sale Tuesday. The game, which is the first exhibition of the 2010 season, will be held at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 8. Tickets range from $47 to $62. Cincinnati facing off against Dallas will be one of the many events scheduled for this year's Hall of Fame ceremony. The 2010 class consists of Dick LeBeau, Jerry Rice, Emmitt Smith, Russ Grimm, Rickey Jackson, Floyd Little and John Randle.
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Cabrera brings vocal leadership to Reds.....Attention younger Reds players. If there is one person in the clubhouse who shows signs of not wanting to win as much as shortstop Orlando Cabrera, he will find you. Take any plays off, and expect Cabrera to be there to push you to do better. If you become selfish, he will likely tell you.
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For Reds, time to win is now
Mike Bauman, Reds.com
The time for the Cincinnati Reds to have a winning season is overdue, not just on the calendar, but in terms of the quality on the Reds roster. The Reds played only 10 games last year with their projected starting lineup together on the field. And that's to say nothing of injuries to the pitching staff. But now with young and promising talent in place, with increased depth of talent in the organization, perhaps the Reds are on the verge of not only a winning season, but a breakthrough season. But perhaps this progress should be taken one step at a time.
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Reds celebrate Wire-to-Wire 1990 season next week...Join Chris Sabo and other members of the 1990 Reds along with Reds Hall of Famers on Thursday, March 25 from 5:30 - 9 pm for the grand opening of the Hall of Fame’s new exhibit tribute to the 1990 World Champion Reds. This is a unique chance to be among the first Reds fans to preview the new 1990 exhibit. The event also will celebrate the release of Maker’s Mark’s 2010 commemorative bottle that features the 1990 Reds. Ticket prices are $80 per person for the general public and $70 for museum members and/or Maker’s Mark Ambassadors. Event tickets include parking, two drink tickets, a buffet dinner and an entertaining program featuring an audience Q&A with the Reds celebrities in attendance.
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Bengals solid at safety....For four games last season, Roy Williams was able to show how much he was able to add to the Bengals defense. After signing a one-year deal to return, the strong safety is hoping to show it over the entire season. The two sides agreed to terms on Saturday with the Bengals officially announcing the deal Monday. Williams’ return, along with a healthy Chris Crocker, gives them a pair of physical safeties.
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Stalking Erin Andrews will land you 2 and half years in prison.....
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Rashad Bishop out for entire NIT??.....University of Cincinnati junior forward Rashad Bishop, who was suspended for the Big East tournament for breaking team rules, will remain suspended for the Bearcats’ first-round National Invitation Tournament game Wednesday against Weber State.
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UC breaks ground on new athletic complex today
Official Release
The University of Cincinnati will break ground on its $15.5 million Jefferson Avenue Sports Complex. Plans include two practice fields: a 100-yard practice field that can be converted into an indoor facility via an inflatable “bubble,” and an additional 50-yard practice field. The fields will serve the university’s varsity sports programs, functioning as the competitive home of the women’s lacrosse team and as an integral part of the Greater Cincinnati community.
This is the first phase of construction on the facility, expected to be complete in September 2010. A second phase is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2011, pending necessary funding.
Fundraising to support the Jefferson Avenue Sports Complex is part of the university’s Proudly Cincinnati campaign to raise $1 billion by 2013.
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Best news I've heard today...DirecTV and Versus have reached a deal after more than six months to return the sports network to the satellite television service. DirecTV dropped Versus after their contract concluded at the end of August and the two sides were not able to reach an agreement. They said Monday that Versus will be available as part of the same packages as before. Versus' offerings include the NHL playoffs, which begin next month.
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MARCH MADNESS CENTRAL....
CLICK HERE FOR A VIEWABLE BRACKET
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BRACKET
PLAY AGAINST ME IN MY BRACKET CHALLENGE!!! (Password is case sensitive: espn1530).....the winner gets to sit in with me during the Mo Egger Show!! If that's not a worthwhile prize, I dunno what is...
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Kansas wins it all
P-Doc, Enquirer
Kansas. Kansas wins it all. Open and shut. Rock, chalk, Jayhawk. Emphasis on chalk. We’ll get to the Sure Way to Win Your Office Pool momentarily, and a prediction for Xavier. First, this: March Madness isn’t that mad, when you think about it. George Mason comes and goes, and stays away. Remember Valparaiso? Me neither. As much as we like to think the 65-team field is a little slice of democracy, it’s not. It’s more of a big ol’ monarchy. At places such as Duke, Kansas and Kentucky, the Tournament isn’t a highlight. It’s a birthright.
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Tips for picking your NCAA Bracket.....Everyone has their own method for filling out an NCAA Tournament bracket. Some flip coins, others decide which mascot would win in a fight, and many spend hours breaking down Elite Eight matchups that will never take place. In the end, we're lucky to finish 42nd in our office pool. But it sure is a fun ride. To help you along, here are 16 suggestions divided into four tiers - or four regions, to get in the NCAA spirit - to think about when picking your winners.
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Breaking down the regions
Mike Decourcy, Sporting News
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Miami Hockey headed to the CCHA Semifinals in Detroit.....after beating Ohio State in 3 games, they earn the right to play in the CCHA "Final Four." The RedHawks will face the Michigan Wolverines on Friday night at 8:05....a game you can watch on the Big Ten Network.
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For the next few weeks....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring 16 of the hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring 16 of the models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring 16 of the hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring 16 of the hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We're narrowing down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today you get to vote on the SOUTH REGION...
#1 Marisa Miller vs. #16 Audrina Patridge
*****start poll*****
#2 Heidi Klum vs. #15 Kim Kardashian's Ass
*****start poll*****
#3 Erin Andrews vs. #14 Brooke Burke
*****start poll*****
#4 Brooklyn Decker vs. #13 Gisele Bundchen
*****start poll*****
#5 Sara Underwood vs. #12 Naomi Campbell
*****start poll*****
#6 Carmen Electra vs. #11 Cindy Margolis
*****start poll*****
#7 Denise Milani vs. #10 Keeley Hazell
*****start poll*****
#8 Julianne Hough vs. #9 Bar Refaeli
*****start poll*****
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Tuesday Food Pron....introducing Guinness Chocolate Pudding....
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I wonder if alcohol played a factor.....hmmmmm
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If you like movies and TV....you'll find this interesting....
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The Nerdiest Wedding Cake You'll See Today....the Empirical Star Destroyer from Star Wars....
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WTF of the day....Mike Tyson to host show on Animal Planet. Yep, you read that right....
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Are you ready for the Madness??....this should help...
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MARCH MADNESS CENTRAL....
CLICK HERE FOR A VIEWABLE BRACKET
CLICK HERE FOR A PRINTABLE BRACKET
PLAY AGAINST ME IN MY BRACKET CHALLENGE!!! (Password is case sensitive: espn1530)
Bids By Conference:
Big East: 8
Big Ten: 5
SEC: 4
Atlantic 10: 3
Musketeers faces Minnesota, Tubby Smith on Friday....Xavier got a No. 6 seed in the NCAA tournament and a first-round game against a team it hasn't faced since the 1950s. The four-time Atlantic 10 regular-season champs will play Minnesota on Friday in Milwaukee, part of the West Region. Minnesota lost to Ohio State 90-61 on Sunday in the Big Ten title game. Xavier will play Minnesota on Friday at 12:25pm.
Ohio State gets 2 seed, faces UC Santa Barbara....Within an hour after their victory, the Buckeyes learned they are a No.2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and will play 15th-seeded UC Santa Barbara on Friday in Milwaukee.
#1 Kentucky, 10 Things you need to know
Gregg Doyel, CBS Sports
If coaching is the same thing as program-building -- which it is, really -- then nobody's better than John Calipari. Calipari inherited Billy Gillispie's backwash -- a Kentucky program that was coming off an NIT bid and losing its only All-American, Jodie Meeks, to the NBA -- and produced a team that not only reached the NCAA Tournament ... but earned a No. 1 seed. Most improbable coaching debut ever? I would say so.
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UC accepts bid to the NIT....
They'll play Weber St. on Wednesday Night at 7:15pm on 700 WLW / ESPN2....they could draw Dayton if the Flyers win (assuming the Bearcats advance, of course).
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Xavier travel package information...
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Dan Hoard contributed to David Letterman's monologue last Friday night....this is awesome...
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Bengals resign Roy Williams...
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Zimmer welcomes back Roy Williams, intact D
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
With the Bengals expected to announce the re-signing of safety Roy Williams in the next day or two on the heels of tackle Tank Johnson's deal last week, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer is looking at an intact unit that gave the franchise their highest ranking since Reagan’s first term. Which makes the draft a lot more wide open than ever before on defense. Last year they needed a linebacker fairly high for a thin group. The year before that they needed a run-stuffing tackle. The year before that they needed a cornerback.
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Bengals need one more move
John Thornton, AllProBlogger.com
Things are going according to plan for the Cincinnati Bengals this off season. The team got their much needed big play WR. They resigned DT Tank Williams. They resigned SS Roy Williams. Now the Bengals “need” to make a move for a veteran TE. With most of the good TEs off of the market an signing with other teams, I still think a move can be made for a certain TE in Denver that I have been talking about over the past few months. I’m sure the Broncos will deal him for less than his second round tender. This will set up a defense heavy NFL Draft for the Bengals
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Bratkowski says changes are coming to passing game....he says all the receivers are going to be looking a different passing game than the one they saw in their playbooks last year. Bratkowski says it isn’t as massive as the overhaul he gave the running game last offseason, but it is significant as he tries to revive a pass offense that finished seventh from the bottom in the NFL rankings in yards per game. "The players will notice the difference," Bratkowski said. "It’s not as big as the changes we made in the running game last year, but the passing game is getting the same kind of attention we gave the running game in the offseason last year."
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Still a small chance for T.O. to Bengals
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
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Bengals apparent interest in T.O. is to keep Chad happy
ProFootballTalk.com
So, basically, getting on Chad's bad side has its consequences. And so we think the Bengals need to feign ongoing interest in T.O., if for no reason other than to keep Chad from directing his periodic, random venom at the organization.
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Dusty urges caution with "Chapman Mania"....
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Bruce off to strong start
Mark Sheldon, Reds.com
Sure, it's a lot to put on a player who will turn 23 next month, but Jay Bruce has become a very critical cog in the Reds' lineup. For it to be successful at producing, Bruce has to be producing. It's that simple. Therefore, it's optimistic for the club that Bruce has looked very good at the plate in the early going of Spring Training. Not that he's reading too much into it.
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Failure helped Jay Bruce
P-Doc, Enquirer
Bruce is on top of the wave, symbolic of the ride they’re all about to take. :I have the ability to do a lot of things in this game," he says. "I’m learning how to apply the things I need to do to be successful. Things are starting to become a little more clear." The worst thing to happen to Bruce was tearing it up at the plate upon arrival, two summers ago. The best was last year, when he broke his wrist and spent nine weeks observing.
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Phillies discussing a trade for Albert Pujols?
Buster Olney, ESPN.com
It's the sort of thing that is much more likely to happen in fantasy baseball than in real life, but according to sources, a idea has been kicked around within the Phillies' organization: Philadelphia has had internal discussions about proposing a swap of slugger Ryan Howard for St. Louis superstar Albert Pujols. It's not fully clear whether the Phillies have actually approached the Cardinals with the idea, and even if St. Louis were to seriously consider such an offer, executives with the Cardinals would have to swallow very hard to deal Pujols, a player widely regarded as the best in the sport.\
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Cleveland Browns have a new quarterback....
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Cal adds a familiar name to their coaching staff....
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Coors Light Cyclones Coaches Show TONIGHT....After a lengthy southern road trip, Chuck Weber's team is back in town. I'll chat with the coach tonight from Jefferson Hall in Newport from 7-8pm. Hope to see you there!
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Starting today....YOUR votes will narrow down our field of 64 to this year's Battle of the Babes Champion. In the 2010 Bracket, there are 4 different regions:
The East Region...featuring 16 of the hottest actresses.
The South Region...featuring 16 of the models and other babes famous for being hot.
The West Region...featuring 16 of the hottest musicians and performers
The Midwest Region...featuring 16 of the hottest athletes
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BRACKET
We'll narrow down the field, region by region, every day....based on YOUR votes. You can vote as many times as you want...so check back often throughout the day to make sure your favorite moves on! Today you get to vote on the EAST REGION...
#1 Jessica Alba vs. #16 Julia Roberts
*****start poll*****
#2 Megan Fox vs. #15 Cameron Diaz
*****start poll*****
#3 Katherine Heigl vs. #14 Emmanuelle Chriqui
*****start poll*****
#4 Jessica Biel vs. #13 Hayden Panettiere
*****start poll*****
#5 Elisha Cuthbert #12 Eliza Dushku
*****start poll*****
#6 Jennifer Aniston vs. #11 Jennifer Garner
*****start poll*****
#7 Amy Smart vs. #10 Scarlett Johansson
*****start poll*****
#8 Eva Mendes vs. #9 Eva Longoria
*****start poll*****
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Monday Food Pron....introducing Deviled Corndogs
Corndog hotdogs pureed with cheese, mayonnaise and tater tots, then re-baked inside a corndog shell.
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Best song parody you'll hear today....Big Ben Went Down to Georgia....
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Erin Andrews will make Dancing with the Stars watchable....
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FAIL of the day...an oldie but a goodie...
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Your "Real or Fake" video of the day....I'm going fake....
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WTF of the day....seriously, WTF...
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15 Greatest Athlete Movie Cameos
Brobible
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BEGINS MONDAY...
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Bengals sign another WR
Official Release
The Bengals today signed free agent WR Chris Davis, a third-year NFL player from Florida State. Davis (5-10, 181) was a fourth-round Tennessee draft choice in 2007, and in two seasons (2007-08) with the Titans, he played in 17 games plus two postseason games as a receiver and kick returner. He averaged 9.1 yards on 33 punt returns, 26.0 yards on six kickoff returns and had seven receptions for 69 yards. He also had two special teams fumble recoveries. Davis was waived by Tennessee, with an injury settlement, on Aug. 28 of last year, and he was not with an NFL team during the 2009 regular season.
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Bryant fits the stripes
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
Bryant, the former Buccaneers wide receiver discarded four times now by the age of 29 years and a day, joined the Bengals Wednesday in what agent Lamont Smith termed "a verbal agreement." Reports had it at $28 million over four years, a sad price to pay for the death of Chris Henry and a frustrating tag for the failure of Laveranues Coles. And it is a large enough deal that it could put a crimp in their plans to re-sign some of their own free agents, like kicker Shayne Graham, right guard Bobbie Williams, and safety Roy Williams. But the Bengals feel it is worth it because the 6-1, 205-pound Bryant brings some Henry with a 15.3 yards per catch career average and some T.J. Houshmandzadeh over-the-middle toughness they believe revives quarterback Carson Palmer’s long ball and gets a reigning division champion closer to over the hump.
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Bryant's a nice catch
Joe Reedy, Enquirer
It took six days, but the Bengals finally landed a free agent they expect will become Chad Ochocinco's running mate at wide receiver. Antonio Bryant, who agreed to a four-year, $28 million deal with the Bengals on Wednesday, wasn't their first choice - that would be Kevin Walter, who re-signed with the Houston Texans on Friday. But considering the alternatives, Bryant is the right choice for the Bengals now. Terrell Owens would have provided off-field excitement and in pairing with Ochocinco would have been a marketing department's dream. But there's doubt about how many big games he has left in himat 37 years old.
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Bobbie Williams contract talks slowing
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
The priority now looks to be right guard Bobbie Williams, but his agent said Thursday that contrary to a report last week he’s not close to a deal with the Bengals. The Bengals would also like to get deals with safety Roy Williams and kicker Shayne Graham, but it has been a slow go.
"There’s always an open line of communication but we aren’t in the same realm," said Tony Agnone, the agent who has done two deals with the club for Williams. "Bobbie wants to come back. He’s invested there. He lives in the community full time. He’s a captain. He’s hoping something can get done."
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Bengals make Tank Johnson signing official
Official Release
The Bengals today re-signed DT Tank Johnson, who played 14 games with 13 starts last season, aiding Cincinnati’s drive to the AFC North Division championship.
Johnson (6-3, 305; University of Washington) is a seventh-year NFL player in 2010. He played his first Bengals season in 2009, signing as an unrestricted free agent from Dallas, and he logged 39 tackles with two sacks. His one-year Cincinnati contract had expired, and he was again an unrestricted free agent prior to today’s signing.
"Signing Tank now is a positive step for both him and the defensive team," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. "He was a very consistent performer last season and was a big part of our improved run defense. He is a tough-minded man who is a great pro during the week and brings a great competitive attitude to the field on Sunday."
Johnson missed two games and parts of two others with a foot injury last season, but he returned to start the last 11 games at RDT, and he also started Cincinnati’s Wild Card playoff game against the New York Jets. He tied for the team lead in tackles (10) in the playoff contest.
Johnson played his first three NFL seasons with Chicago, and he spent two years in Dallas before joining the Bengals. A player with a track record of providing pressure up the middle, he has 14 career sacks and 2.5 more sacks in postseason play. He has 86 games of NFL experience, plus six games with four starts in postseason play.
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Oh dear lord, when will it end.....Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Chad Ocho Cinco (formerly Chad Johnson) is using his off-season to pursue happiness off the field in his new VH1 reality show The Tournament (working title). The series is a mix of Ocho Cinco’s on-field charisma blended with the drama of the dating pool played out in a bracket-style dating tournament. The 10 episode, one-hour series is set to premiere in July 2010.
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Big Ben on his last chance in Pittsburgh??
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Barry Larkin to be at Reds camp as an instructor.....
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Reds 2010 Preview
Sporting News
Cincinnati's 27-13 finish in 2009 provided some hope. But will Joey Votto have his breakout season? Can Scott Rolen stay healthy? Will Aaron Harang bounce back in a contract year? Will Homer Bailey's strong second half carry over? How good is Aroldis Chapman, and when will he arrive? And the biggest question: Can the Reds be surprise contenders in the NL Central? If they get positive results to even half of their questions, the answer is yes.
Projected lineup
CF Drew Stubbs: Team-best 8 HRs after Aug. 19 call-up.
SS Orlando Cabrera: Led AL SSs with 77 RBIs in '09 with A's/Twins.
1B Joey Votto: .981 OPS was third in NL last season.
2B Brandon Phillips: Only NL 2B projected to hit cleanup.
3B Scott Rolen: .305 AVG, .368 OBP in 128 games in '09.
RF Jay Bruce: Lowest AVG (.223) among 20-plus-HR hitters in NL.
C Ramon Hernandez: Knee limited him to 81 games in '09.
LF Chris Dickerson: .383 OBP in 2 seasons could make him leadoff option.
Projected rotation
1. RHP Aaron Harang: 12-31, 4.52 ERA over past 2 seasons.
2. RHP Bronson Arroyo: Team-best 30 W's and 420 1/3 IP over past 2 seasons.
3. RHP Homer Bailey: 7.53 ERA first 11 starts; 1.70 in final 9.
4. RHP Johnny Cueto: 61 career starts; has lasted 8 IP only once.
5. RHP Justin Lehr: One of the candidates to hold the spot for Chapman.
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Unflashy Leake impressing in camp
Tom Singer, Reds.com
If Mike Leake keeps this up, he'll blow his cover as "the other guy." It would appear to be pretty difficult to tiptoe through pro baseball infancy as the overall eighth pick in the 2009 First-Year Player Draft, but that becomes quite easy for the Reds' No. 1 pick when his pro debut stage includes the nation's No. 1 overall pick and his Spring Training camp includes the, well, perceived global No. 1. So it has gone for Leake, who began his rapid rise in the Arizona Fall League under Stephen Strasburg's shadow and is continuing it in the Cactus League amid Aroldis Chapman hysteria.
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Math geek picks 2010 MLB results
Fox Sports
Bruce Bukiet bases his predictions on a mathematical model he developed in 2000, one that computes the probability of a team winning a game against another team with given hitters, bench, starting pitcher, relievers and home field advantage. For this season, Bukiet has refined his algorithm slightly, incorporating a more realistic runner advancement model. Whatever that is.
NL Central:
Cards - 91-71
Cubs - 86-76
Brewers - 78-84
Reds - 74-88
Astros - 73-89
Pirates - 66-96
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Pike, Gilyard impress at Pro Day
CBS Sports
Tony Pike and Mardy Gilyard got another chance to impress NFL scouts, this time on their own turf. They think they pulled it off together. The quarterback and receiver who led Cincinnati to back-to-back Big East titles were the main feature at the university's pro day on Wednesday. Twenty-six teams were represented, with 49ers coach Mike Singletary in the crowd. The highlight was Pike throwing various routes to Gilyard, reprising the combination that was one of the Big East's best. They're still learning NFL pass routes, which can be much different from the ones they used in college. Both talked to scouts afterward to get their appraisals.
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Tim Tebow takes yet another hit....While former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow wowed evaluators with his on-field performance at the NFL combine last month, he scored a 22 out of 50 on the Wonderlic test. According to the Post, the average Wonderlic score for an NFL quarterback is 24. The newspaper also reported that the quarterback prospects in Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest rankings on ESPN.com -- Sam Bradford of Oklahoma (36), Colt McCoy of Texas (25) and Jimmy Clausen of Notre Dame (23) -- scored higher than Tebow.
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Miami Hockey hosts Ohio State TONIGHT in the CCHA Quarterfinals....the top-ranked RedHawks look to secure a trip to the CCHA Tournament Semis in Detroit next week. They'll have to beat the Buckeyes in a Best-of-Three series at Steve Cady Arena in Oxford. I'll be up there tonight watching my Alma Mater....I'll be Tweeting updates throughout. GO HAWKS!!
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Cyclones acquire forward from Bakersfield
Official Release
The Cincinnati Cyclones, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators, announced this afternoon they have completed a trade with the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) that brings Mathieu Aubin to the team. This is the future considerations part of the deal from earlier in the week that sent forward Mark Voakes and defenseman Scott Marchesi to Bakersfield.
Aubin, 23, is in his fourth professional season and appeared in 52 games with Bakersfield this season, collecting 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points and 25 penalty minutes. The six-foot-three, 204 pound native of Sorel, Quebec played parts of the 2006-07
and 2007-08 seasons with the Cyclones. The fifth round selection (number 130 overall) of the Montreal Canadiens in 2005, Mathieu signed as a free agent with Bakersfield during last summer.
During his two seasons with Cincinnati, Aubin appeared in 85 regular season games and netted 42
goals and 52 assists for 94 points and 88 penalty minutes. Mathieu added eleven power play goals,
seven game winning goals and turned in a +11 plus/minus rating, to go with 305 shots on goal—an
average of nearly four per game. In the Kelly Cup playoffs, he has 32 career postseason games with the Cyclones, picking up eleven goals and eleven assists for 22 points, with three game winning goals.
In other Cyclones news, the club has received forward Mark Van Guilder from the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL). Van Guilder has played in eleven games with Cincinnati this season and has collected four goals and four assists for eight points. Last season, Mark led the Cyclones in scoring with 26 goals and 44 assists for 70 points.
The ECHL trade deadline arrives tomorrow (March 12) and for the fourth straight year, the Cyclones made a deal as the date approached. A little more than a year ago (March 9, 2009), Cincinnati was involved in what would become a seven player deal to bring Max Faulkner and Gerard Miller into the fold. On March 4-5, 2008, the Cyclones received Cody Rudkowsky and Jeremy Swanson as part of two different deals that involved five players. On February 14, 2007, the deadline deal brought Travis Lisabeth and Mike Wirll to the Queen City in a five player swap.
The Kelly Cup Playoffs are coming! Tickets for the 2010 Cincinnati Cyclones postseason will soon be on sale. The Cyclones Sales Department can be reached at 513-421-PUCK, extension 3. Selected Friday night games are carried on 1530-AM Homer, while all 72 regular season games can be heard on the club’s website at: www.cycloneshockey.com. The next game on ESPN 1530 will come Friday, March 19, when the Cyclones travel to Toledo at 7pm.
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This is pretty sweet....
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TGIF Babe of the Day....Bree Conden
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Friday Food Porn....introducing the Chocolate Covered Bacon Maple Donut Bar
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Out of the minds of babes....this list was found in a 3rd grade classroom....
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The funniest thing you'll see today....by far... (probably NSFW)
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TV?? Conan O'Brien doesn't need no stinking TV....
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Jack Bauer has apparently RUN OUT OF TIME!!!!!
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Antonio Bryant signs 4-year deal with Bengals.....the deal is worth $28 million. With incentives the deal could go to $29 million. The paperwork for the deal is still being completed. The team might not announce the deal until later today or tomorrow since coach Marvin Lewis has left for the NFL Competition Committee meetings.
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Bengals stretch the field
Geoff Hobson, Bengals.com
The Bengals were waiting on Antonio Bryant's four-year contract to be faxed back to their offices Wednesday, but it was worth the wait. Bryant is the guy that head coach Marvin Lewis targeted as free agency opened and the man that quarterback Carson Palmer dutifully texted that first weekend. They have to agree with Bryant agent Lamont Smith, who calls it "a verbal agreement," with the club when he said the addition makes them very formidable. And Chad Ochocinco happily tweeted about his new running mate that also happens to be from Miami:
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Reaction on Bryant signing....
Joe Reedy from the Enquirer talks with Mo...
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Dave Lapham talks with Mo...
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T.O. moving on??....he sent this out via Twitter in response to Chad.....
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Cross another WR off your list....Despite reports that he was no longer a priority for the Ravens, wide receiver Derrick Mason may be back in Baltimore in 2010. Jason La Canfora of NFL Network reports that Mason is likely to remain a Raven, and that there is a very good chance of Mason and the Ravens getting a deal done.
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Not surprisingly, Larry Johnson is drawing interest from other teams....The man who has played for two NFL teams has two more NFL teams who are interested in his services. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that former Chiefs and Bengals running back Larry Johnson will visit the Redskins tomorrow. A league source tells us that Johnson is scheduled to visit the Raiders on Sunday.
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Video from UC's Pro Day
Enquirer
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Top 5 Questions About the Reds
John Fay, Enquirer
- Can Aaron Harang bounce back? This is obviously the No. 1 concern. I don’t think Harang has to win 16 games for the Reds to be competitive. But he has to win considerably more than six – like he has the last two years. I don’t think you can get too worked up about yesterday’s performance. It was brutal. But Harang is reworking his mechanics. That’s going to take some time. If he continues to get hit around, go ahead and panic. I didn’t check his velocity yesterday. I’ll try to find out today what it was.
- Will Jay Bruce hit? A solid No. 2 on the list. Dusty Baker is playing Bruce a lot early to get him at-bats. Bruce has looked good. 2-for-3 yesterday with a home run. I think signing Orlando Cabrera and Jonny Gomes takes some of the pressure off Bruce because the lineup is as reliant on him. His strong finish last year (.326, 4 homers, 17 RBI in his last 18 games) is a good sign.
- Is Homer Bailey finally over the hump? Bailey has looked really good – better than Chapman even – but his attitude is the most impressive thing.
- Is Drew Stubbs the real deal? The Reds basically gave him the center field job bases on 180 at-bats. Stubbs is an impressive athlete. But he didn’t hit for much of an average in minors (.269 in 1,588 at-bats).
- Who’s going to play left? Jonny Gomes and Chris Dickerson still are at the top of list. Dickerson’s hit well since popping off about the center field job. Gomes is going to hit his home runs. He also made a nice catch in left yesterday. Chris Heisey is the wild card here. The kid can play. And he plays really hard. You wonder if he can make the team as an extra outfielder.
For a team coming off a 78-84 year, those are about it. The bench has to be sorted out, of course. But seven of the eight every day positions are set, four of five rotation spots are spoken for. and everyone returns from a bullpen that ranked third in the NL last year.
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Reds top draft choice shines yesterday....
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Notre Dame opens door to move to Big Ten??.....
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Cincinnati goes Commando starting this Saturday
Official Release
Prepare for the invasion as Cincinnati’s new indoor football team, the Commandos, storm into Cincinnati Gardens for their inaugural game this Saturday. The Commandos will play host to the Miami Valley Silverbacks, with opening kickoff set for 7:30 p.m.
The initial roster for the 2010 Cincinnati Commandos will feature 30 players, many of whom played their high school or college football in Greater Cincinnati. Eight players spent time playing for the University of
Cincinnati; including recent standouts, quarterback Ben Mauk, wide receiver Dominick Goodman, defensive lineman Terrill Byrd and offensive lineman Khalil El-Amin. Goodman and Byrd were also teammates at Colerain High School prior to their UC days. El-Amin played high school football at Purcell Marian and also had an NFL tryout with the Arizona Cardinals.
Former players from Miami University are also part of the 2010 Commandos; linebacker Clayton Mullins and defensive back Robbie Wilson. Commandos’ defensive back Tez Morris played at Hamilton High School and played collegiately for the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, the roster has players who played high school football at Princeton, Lakota West, Fairfield, Middletown, Woodward and Winton Woods.
Single-game tickets for adults are priced at $12 and tickets for kids ages 10 and under are $7. All tickets are available at the Cincinnati Gardens Box Office, at all Ticketmaster Outlets including select Kroger stores, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Season tickets, including premium seating options, are currently available for purchase through the Cincinnati Gardens Box Office by calling 513-351-3999. Group rates are also available.
2010 Home Schedule
March 13 Miami Valley Silverbacks – 7:30 p.m.
March 26 Marion Mayhem – 8:00 p.m.
April 10 Wisconsin Wolfpack – 7:30 p.m.
April 24 Miami Valley Silverbacks – 7:30 p.m.
May 15 Chicago Cardinals – 7:30 p.m.May 22
Wayne Firehawks – 7:30 p.m.
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2010 Battle of the Babes SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETING.....YOU can help select the field of 64 for this year's bracket. We'll be making our selections TONIGHT at Silver Spring House. Click here for all the details and RSVP if you want to be a part of this year's committee!!!
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Spend your Thursday with Lauren Lacey.....
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Thursday Food Pron....introducing Maple Bacon Truffles
Balls of dark chocolate and bacon bit ganache coated in a white chocolate and maple-infused syrup the garnished with bacon bits.
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When reporters get angry on live TV....hilarity ensues...
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