The young Reds' success has hinged on their graybeards

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Reds moves
Today the Reds recalled from Louisville LHP Matt Maloney (#56) and RHP Jordan Smith (#62) and returned from a rehab assignment and reinstated from the 15-day disabled list SS Orlando Cabrera (strained left oblique).

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Show preview
6-7:45 700 WLW, Sports Talk/Inside Pitch
Topics
Reds

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My Daily Deal
Each weekday I'm offering you 50% off food, golf, spas and more.
Click HERE for today's deal. Deal runs until midnight.

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The series that could define the season
St Louis Post Dispatch
"I had a feeling when we left Cincinnati (after the sweep, with a one-game lead), that we had put ourselves in good position and we still had a lot of work to do. It's never that simple. I don't blame you for picking up that story. The reality is you've still got to play the games, and it's a lot tougher. The reality is a lot tougher. Just like the first six weeks of the season. Everyone was saying the race was over. The race wasn't over. The race wasn't over."

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What the Reds must do
Bernie Miklasz, St Louis Post Dispatch
(2) Avoid engaging in nonsense. Make sure to hit the mute button on Brandon Phillips. Don't try to incite anything. If the Cardinals want to start something to settle old scores---a form of payback for the Johnny Cueto karate exhibition---then let let it be. The Cardinals have embarrassed themselves and proven to be far lesser than the Reds after winning those three games in Cincinnati from Aug. 8-11. So if the Cardinals want to come off as sore losers by seeking retribution, then let them make fools of themselves.

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Chasing homefield
National League
1. Reds 78-55 .586
2. Braves 78-56 .582
3. Padres 76-56 .576

Best record in MLB
1. Yankees 84-50 .627
2. Rays 82-51 .617
3. Reds 78-55 .586

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If..........then.........
If Reds sweep: 11 game lead
If Reds take 2 of 3: 9 game lead
If Reds take 1 of 3: 7 game lead
If Reds get swept: 5 game lead
The Reds will have 26 games remaining after this weekend

Breakdown
Reds vs Cards: 5-10
Reds vs rest of MLB: 73-45

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Cards sore, Reds soar
St Louis Post Dispatch
"If you look at our club as a whole it has underachieved, but it has also been inconsistent," general manager John Mozeliak said. "I think this team is capable of being a quality team, but the bottom line is all about performance and getting it done. As we stand here today, we have not been able to get it done... Excuses cannot be our approach. We have to be accountable. Right now, we need to right this ship and get back to playing better baseball."

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LaRussa, Baker keep heat turned up
St Louis Post Dispatch
The La Russa-Baker matchup has been a delicious, and occasionally messy, one over the years as each has lost his temper and good graces in the heat of battle.

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With Jocketty at control, Big Red Machiine being rebuilt
(Getty Images)
NY Times
"You would have to look long and hard to find someone that doesn?t like and respect Walt---and there's a difference," La Russa said. "People like him because he's a good man, but they respect him because he's honest. The reason he makes deals is he isn't hiding information. He gives value and he receives value, so both sides prosper and want to make another deal."

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Baseball's New Best Enemies: Reds and Cards
Wall Street Journal
Like a kid who finds an old toy in the attic that he forgot he had, baseball has rediscovered a rivalry that makes plenty of sense but that has been largely dormant through recent years: the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals.

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Reds focused since sweep
St Louis Post Dispatch
There's something happeni'' here, and what it is--- with apologies to the Buffalo Springfield---is increasingly clear.
Twenty-three days have passed since "the fight" and "the sweep."

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Catching on
Check out the offensive production the Reds are getting from the cather position compared to the rest of MLB
(Ramon Hernandez, Ryan Hanigan,Corky Miller).
BA; .293 (2nd)
OBP: .365 (3rd)
OPS: .790 (4th)
RBI: 80 (2nd)

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Arroyo and Cueto and.............?
I think these are big starts by Homer Bailey and Travis Wood this weekend in St Louis.
Homer's been inconsistent since coming off the DL and Wood is tired.
Wood is at 166.1 innings this year. His career high is 167.2.
I'll continue to express concern on the 3-4-5 starters in this rotation until I see reason not to.
As Chris Welsh told me on Tuesday, "If you aren't concerned then your head is in the sand".
Three weeks ago the Reds appeared to have more starters than they knew what to do with.
Now.....
Last two starts each for Bailey, Wood and Volquez:
Bailey: 11.1 innings, 17 hits, 9 earned runs, 4 walks, 8 K, 207 pitches, 7.29 ERA
Wood: 9.0 innings, 17 hits, 10 earned runs, 5 walks, 7 K, 177 pitches, 10.00 ERA
Volquez: 5.1 innings, 11 hits, 10 earned runs, 6 walks, 6 K, 144 pitches, 16.88 ERA
Totals in six combined starts:
25.2 innings
45 hits
29 earned runs
15 waks
21 K
10.35 ERA
And don't forget to factor in the added wear and tear on the bullpen when those three starters have averaged just over 4 innings per start their last two times through the rotation.
Amazingly, the Reds are 4-2 in their last six starts.
Beyond Bailey and Wood....
Mike Leake is on the DL with shoulder fatigue.
Edinson Volquez is working on mechanics in Dayton.
Aaron Harang showed little to nothing in his first start back.
I'll ask what I asked earlier in the week: If this weekend was the playoffs who is your Game 3 starter and how comfortable do you feel?

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The scene discussed Thursday

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Bengals/AFC North

Bengals beat Colts in final tuneup

Postgame quick hits: Nugent says he's healthy if wanted

Big play finale

Big Ben suspension reduced from 6 to 4

Steelers QB Leftwich out indefinitely with knee injury

Reason for concerns: AFC North

Seahawks looking to trade TJ

Owner rankings: Mike Brown makes 'em laugh
Yahoo Sports
"He doesn't have a conscience," says the aforementioned NFC owner. "He's all about revenue-sharing-- he comes right out and says, "I just want some of your money.' He's worn out his welcome with 99 percent of that room. He came out and said that new stadiums are the worst thing to happen to the NFL because they raised the bar for other clubs. Unbelievable.?

ESPN's John Clayton ranks the QB's. Where is Carson? Check out the list.

Blood Donors Can Win Season Bengals Tickets
(CINCINNATI, Sept. 3, 2010)--Who Dey! Bengals Season is just around the corner with the first home game scheduled for Sept. 19th. Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati is giving blood donors an opportunity to win a pair of season tickets to all of the Cincinnati Bengals home games at Paul Brown Stadium.
Donate blood Tues., Sept. 7 thru Thurs. Sept. 9 at any Hoxworth neighborhood donor center or mobile blood drive and you will be automatically registered to win.
Donors can visit www.hoxworth.org or call (513) 451-0910 (513) 451-0910 or (800) 830-1091 (800) 830-1091 to schedule an appointment to donate

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Son of former UK Wildcat says he will play for IU

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Pike: 10 for 18, 44 yards in last chance to impress
Panthers.com
"It was fun to get out there and move around a little bit," Pike said. "It's going to be tough sitting around on the day off, but at the same time, I'm grateful for every chance I've had here with Carolina.
"Whatever happens is going to happen, but I love Carolina and love the city, and I love all these guys in the locker room."

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(AP photo)
Bearcats bring winning tradition to Fresno
Fresno Bee
The game footage on the Fresno State coaches' screen changes back and forth.
First, it's Cincinnati. Then it's Central Michigan.
Again and again.

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With heady plays and strong arm, OSU's Pryor hinted at wonders to come
Cleveland Plain Dealer
But Pryor was all that could be expected, and more. There were no "wow" moments with his legs, proving that the "running quarterback" description of his freshman season is no longer accurate. A knee injury that required surgery curtailed the gliding runs in his sophomore season.
But Pryor suprisingly came out throwing early and often against the Ducks in Pasadena, when he was expected to hand off. A chorus of praise followed. Thursday night was more of the same.

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Doing the math
Reds 78-55......8 game lead....29 games to go
Cards 69-62....31 games to go

If Reds go 19-10 the rest of the way (97-65)
Cards would have to go 28-3 (.903) to tie

If Reds go 17-12 the rest of the way (95-67)
Cards would have to go 26-5 (.834) to tie

If Reds go 15-14 (93-69)
Cards would have to go 24-7 (.774) to tie

If Reds go 14-15 (92-70)
Cards would have to go 23-8 (.719) to tie

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Chapman's debut
Thanks to listener Brock

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Better get your rest Cards
The Cardinals are off day. It is their last off day of the regular season.
Because of the makeup game vs Florida on Monday September 20th, the Cards will play 31 consecutive days to end the season. They will also play 44 of the final 45 days of the season.

LaRussa: "We stunk the whole trip"

10 things to know about a 10-game disaster
1. The Cards went 2-8 and were outscored 53-38. Twenty of the Cards' runs came in two games, meaning they averaged 2.25 runs a game in the other eight.
2. Pittsburgh, Washington and Houston had a combined 148-223 record with a .399 winning percentage before the Cards came to town.

No shortage of blame for Cards' collapse
St Louis Post Dispatch
The Cardinals' current 4-13 skid is undoubtedly a humiliating experience for a proud organization that's accustomed to ruling the NL Central. And it must be especially embarrassing for the Cardinals to be so far behind the Reds, who are led by former Cardinals general manager Walt Jocketty.

Yes, blame the players, too

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Free Pete Rose Collectible Print with Museum Admission in Sept.
CINCINNATI (Sept. 1, 2010) -- The Reds Hall of Fame and Museum's collectible gift program of 2010 continues in September with a limited edition lithograph that commemorates the 25th anniversary of Pete Rose?s historic 4,192nd hit on Sept. 11, 1985, the hit that made Rose baseball?s all-time hits leader.
Throughout the month of September, the first 5,000 fans to purchase full-price museum tickets on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays will receive a lithograph.
Pete has personally signed 500 prints which will be distributed randomly throughout the promotion period. There is a strict limit of one lithograph per person per day.
The September Collectible Gift is made possible by the generous support of Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions.
Museum admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Active military and veterans receive 50% off regular admission and children 4 and younger are free.
For more information, visit www.redsmuseum.org or call (513) 765-7923.

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Perspective
The Reds are 78-55 with 29 games remaining. They have equaled their win total from a year ago (78-84).
One year ago today they were 60-73 and 18.5 games out of first place.
They have already topped/equaled their season win total for 12 of the last 19 years since winning the 1990 World Series:
2008: 74-88
2007: 72-90
2005: 73-89
2004: 76-86
2003: 69-93
2002: 78-84
2001: 66-96
1998: 77-85
1997: 76-86
1994: 66-48 (strike season)
1993: 73-89
1991: 74-88

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Here come the Northern Kentucky Rivermonsters
Indoor football is coming to Northern Kentucky. The official announcement will be made at a 2pm news conference this afternoon. The Rivermonsters will play in the Ultimate Indoor Football League. They will play at Bank of Kentucky Center. The GM of the team is former Highlands/UK/NFL QB Jared Lorenzen.

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Cincinnati Bengals' Owens to Catch the Fastest Seat in Sports at Kentucky Speedway Saturday
SPARTA, Ky.--Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Terrell Owens, one of the most enthusiastic sports personalities, will catch the ?IZOD Fastest Seat in Sports? when he helps pace the 27-car "Kentucky Indy 300" field on Saturday, Sept. 4 at Kentucky Speedway.
Owens will climb into a custom-built, two-seat IndyCar Series machine andride along with driver Arie Luyendyk, Sr., before the green flag waves for the 200th event in series history at approximately 8:45 p.m. The two-seat racecarmade its debut at this season's Indianapolis 500 with actor Mark Wahlberg aboard.

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Cincinnati deserves this fun, successful Reds team
Gregg Doyel, CBS Sports
As for the Reds? The worm has turned, my friends. The Reds are going to win this season, and they're going to win next season, and they're going to win for a lot of years. Doesn't matter that ESPN Radio star Colin Cowherd called the team "frauds" a few weeks ago. Cowherd was wrong, dead wrong, but it's hard to blame him that much. The Reds are almost never on national television. They don't get much attention from anyone outside of the 513 area code. Well, not until recently.
But like I said, things are changing around here. And this town deserves it. Fans aren't coming to the ballpark in masses, but that's not a fair measuring stick. Less than 20,000 fans showed up Tuesday or Wednesday, but the Reds' crowd of 19,218 on Tuesday was the seventh-biggest turnout of the 15 MLB games that night -- and on the season the Reds are outdrawing the NL West-leading Padres. The economy sucks everywhere, but the weather is better in San Diego. Cincinnati does what it can to support this team. It always has.

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Only longevity separates Pujols, Votto, MLB.COM

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You stink, Baseball Town
Paul Daugherty's blog
First-place team on a pennant-race rampage. A team that's easy on the eyes because of its dedication to little things. First team in a playoff push since ?99. Very, very likely, first playoff team in 15 years. Phee-nom pitcher arrives. Can't do 20,000. Not for one game of the series. 14,000, 19,000, 16,000. Pathetic.

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Attendance around MLB last night: Reds 11th of 15
45,22 Oakland at New York
39,348 Detroit at Minnesota
37,080 Philadelphia at Los Angeles
33,555 Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs
31,186 Colorado at San Francisco
22,068 St Louis at Houston
19,938 NY Mets at Atlanta
18,045 Washington at Florida
17,599 San Diego at Arizona
17,515 LA Angels at Seattle
16,412 Milwaukee at Cincinnati
16,210 Boston at Baltimore
14,859 Toronto at Tampa
12,563 Chicago at Cleveland
10,811 Texas at Kansas City

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Slicing up the college football pie in town
Results of blog vote for your favorite college football team:
39% Cincinnati
27% Ohio State
9% Kentucky
8% Notre Dame
5% Other
4% Miami
3% Michigan
2% Purdue
1% Indiana
1% Louisville

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Healthy again, Bengals DE Odom looks for big rebound
USA Today
With the new season rapidly approaching, perhaps no NFL player has a stronger sense of unfinished business than Antwan Odom.

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How about friend and guest of the show, Dr. Tim McCrossen?
The former Olympic bobsledder and Track All-American tracked down a bad guy.

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UC football

5 questions for the Bearcats

WR Hazelton ready to get back at it

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Preseason college football?
I've never understood why college football teams don't play preseason games.
Oregon St coach Mike Riley agrees. College basketball teams play exhibition games.
The NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB all have preseason games. Why not play two preseason games each year, a home and a road? You don't think UC's Butch Jones would like a test run before playing for real Saturday night at Fresno St?

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Pete Rose roast, dinner and autograph session
Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Sept. 1, 2010-- Baseball fans have a chance to see Pete Rose up close and personal at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg on the historic 25th anniversary of his 4,192ndhit. Hollywood is honoring Rose the night of Sept. 11 with a dinner, roast and autograph session. Tickets are $200 and are on sale now at www.hollywoodindiana.com and the casino's Rodeo Drive Gift Shop.
The event begins at 6 p.m. in the Hollywood Casino Ballroom and includes cocktails anddinner followed by the roast that Pete will attend at approximately 8 p.m., immediately following his pre-game appearance at Great American Ball Park on the historic anniversary of his achievement.
The roast will be hosted by comedian and former MLB player Jon Warden and will include four members of the Cincinnati Reds Big Red Machine: Tony Perez, Cesar Geronimo, George Foster and Ken Griffey, Jr. Also joining in the roast are former Reds Pete Rose, Jr. and Tom Browning.
An exclusive autograph session for dinner/roast attendees with Pete and the Reds' players will take place immediately following the roast.

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OSU-Michigan stays in place, but all not well

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Vote for the Bearcat as Capital One National Mascot of Year

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Eight is great
Reds 6 Brewers 1
Unreal. An eight game lead with 31 games remaining. Magic Number at 23.
The Reds keep finding a way. Handcuffed on two hits through six innings, they hung six runs on Brewers in the 7th. I don't know about you but I've always loved Todd Coffey.
How about Chapman? Wow....the stadium went from feeling like a library to feeling like a rock concert when he entered the game. The flash bulbs were very cool. There was an eerie pause from the crowd on his first pitch windup...and then the crowd exploded.
He's simply electric. Ever watch a pitcher and just wonder if anyone will make contact?
Another 1-2-3 innings....this time for his first ML win.
11 pitches/9 strikes. He hit 103 on GABP scoreboard....104 on FS Ohio.
Two nights: 6 up, 6 down, 19 pitches/16 strikes. The slider is stunning
The catchers keep producing...Hanigan provides the PH 3-run jack.
10th PH homer by the Reds.
Scott Rolen is such a joy to watch play the game. He's the example of how the game should be played. His glove is spectacular andwhat a swing to go the other way with the big hit in the 7th.
Masset was nasty. Coco was solid...again.
16,412 watched it. I can't figure out why people are so bothered by attendance.
Those bothered seem to be the ones not at the game.
I walked into Dickmann's after the game and a guy yelled, "I loooooooooooooooove winning!" I felt like Norm on cheers.

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You were saying about attendance?
Reds attendance August 2010 vs August 2009
August 2009: avg. 19,599 per game (17 games)
August 2010: avg. 32,212 per game (13 games)
Percent increase: 64%

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Erardi: Chapman improved during season

Chapman keeps all eyes on radar gun
NY Times
CINCINNATI---- AroldisChapman is testing the limits of just how fast a human can throw a baseball. On Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park, in the second electrifying appearance of his major league career, Chapman fired a fastball that registered 103.9 miles an hour, the hardest pitch in the majors over the last three seasons.

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How fast?
From SABR, Since 2008:
103.9 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 9/1/2010, facing Jonathan Lucroy
103.8 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 9/1/2010, facing Jonathan Lucroy
102.7 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 8/31/2010, facing Craig Counsell
102.7 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. CHN, 6/23/2009, facing Milton Bradley
102.7 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. OAK, 6/30/2009, facing Matt Holliday
102.6 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. CHN, 6/24/2009, facing Mike Fontenot
102.6 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. OAK, 6/30/2009, facing Matt Holliday
102.6 mph: Jonathan Broxton, LAD v. SD, 7/3/2009, facing Kevin Kouzmanoff
102.5 mph: Bobby Parnell, NYM v. HOU, 8/18/2010, facing Chris Johnson
102.5 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 8/31/2010, facing Jonathan Lucroy
.........fastest we know of is 104.8 by Joel Zumaya on 10/10/2006 in the
playoffs--I believe it was against Frank Thomas.

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Down on the farm
Dayton, Ohio---Ryan Weigand'ssingle to center field brought in the tie-breaking run in the eighth inning as the Bowling Green Hot Rods spoiled an outstanding starting performance by Dayton pitcher Edinson Volquez by defeating the Dragons 5-3 on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Field.
Volquez, optioned to Dayton on Tuesday by the Cincinnati Reds, worked the first seven innings, allowing five hits andone unearned run with one walk and nine strikeouts. He was not involved in the decision.
Reds shortstop Orlando Cabrera also played in the game for the Dragons, going 0 for 3 as the Dayton shortstop. He is on a Major League injury rehabilitation assignment.

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Free fallin'
When is the last time a first place team lost 9 games in the standings in a 19 day period?
Cards were one game up on Reds after sweeping them August 11. Their lead was still one game after after both had an off day August 12 and still one game after August 13 when both teams won.
Cards are eight games back of the Reds after games on Sept. 1st.....
They have lost 5 in a row and 13 of 16.

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Reds playoff tickets: The breakdown

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Reds: Postseason seating and pricing

Bleacher seats jump from $7 regular season to $35 for first round
Sun/Moon Deck seats jump from $22 regular season to $50 for first round
View Level (511-535) seats jump from $14 regular season to $40 for first round
Infield Box seats jump from $42 regular season to $70 for first round

What I'm told about prices:
MLB sets guidelines that are a framework for pricing. They set a bottom line as
well as a ceiling that all clubs must stay within. The Reds submit pricing, MLB
audits it for any required changes, and then approves.

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Ochocinco treats 65 fans to dinner in Indy
Indy Star
The Cincinnati player sent a tweet just after 4:10 p.m. today notifying his followers about the promotion. The catch: You had be in line by 5:30 p.m. to receive a special wrist band and admittance to the private dinner.

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Happy Birthday

Salma Hayek is 44

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Tony Pike update

Big night coming up for Tony Pike in battle for #3 QB

More on Pike's chances

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Reds Announce Postseason Ticket Details

CINCINNATI (Sept. 1, 2010)-- The Cincinnati Reds announce the details for purchasing tickets for Postseason games at Great American Ball Park.
Full season ticket holders are offered their seats for all Postseason games, as well as the option to purchase the same number of additional Postseason tickets starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 13.
Partial plan holders, defined as Baker's Dozen packages (13 games) and larger have the opportunity to purchase the same number of Postseason tickets as what is on their plan from Sept. 10 through Sept. 13.
Starting Sept. 1 at Noon EDT, fans can register for the opportunity to purchase tickets for any 2010 Reds Postseason games that may be played at Great American Ball Park.
Fans may register for the drawing on reds.com only. The online registration runs from Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Noon to Thursday, Sept. 9 at Noon. All terms and conditions of registration.
Fans that are selected for the opportunity to purchase tickets for National League Division Series games that may be played at Great American Ball Park will be notified via e-mail on or about Monday, Sept. 13.
Winners will be notified via e-mail and will have from Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 9 am EDT to Wednesday, Sept. 15. at 11:59 pm EDT to purchase tickets.
There will be a six-ticket purchase limit for each winner selected. Ticket locations will be subject to availability based on remaining inventory and all orders for the National League Division Series will be subject to convenience fees and processing fees.
Applicants for National League Championship Series (?NLCS?) and World Series ("WS") drawings will be selected from the same pool of applicants at later dates andnotified via e-mail with instructions on the ticket purchase process including dates andtimes for these sales. Applicants (including selected applicants of previous drawings) will be eligible for each drawing. You may not use any tickets purchased in connection with the drawings for any promotional purposes whatsoever. Registrations have no cash redemptions or substitutions.
For fans who do not have internet access, or those not selected in the online random drawing, a limited number of tickets will be set aside for purchase by telephone (while supplies last) beginning at Saturday, Sept. 18 at 9 am EDT by calling (513) 381-REDS. No tickets will be available at the Great American Ball Park ticket office.

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Former Nasty Boy Dibble fired after comments about Strasburg

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HD TV and technology pit NFL stadiums vs fan's living room
USA Today
When the NFL kicks off the 2010 season next week, about 1 million fans will turn out to watch games in stadiums across the nation.
And in their living rooms, an average of 16 million fans will gather to watch each of the 16 opening-weekend games in what has become the golden age for NFL consumption.
That's because of big-screen, high-definition TVs, surround-sound systems, channels that allow viewers to watch multiple games at the same time and check on players' stats, and the NFL's RedZone Channel--- a commercial-free, subscription-based channel that cuts to the most exciting game at anytime.

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Listener photos

From Ron: My 9 y/o granddaughter is a huge Carson fan. She was in Heaven!!

From Kerry: A month ago or so I was at the ballpark catching a Reds game. I was walking up the ramp to the upper level and Eric Davis was walking right in front of me, towards the suites. He said hello, shook my hand, and then I asked for a picture. He was very gracious and kind as can be.

From Matt: Here?s a shot from earlier this summer of my son, Caden, watching one of the Reds pitchers warm up in the pen.

Our son Brennen, born into Bengal fandom, at his first Bengals game a couple
weeks ago. Love the show and blog Lance keep it up! Ian Willman of Harrison

"We Believe!" Kickoff Party
Unites Orange & Black Nation and Supports Community
Kickoff the 2010 Cincinnati Bengals' season at the ultimate Orange & Black party while supporting the community! Cincinnati tailgate group the Bengal Bomb Squad has teamed with The Ickey Woods Youth Foundation and Rooster's in Milford, Ohio to present the "We Believe! Kickoff Party!" As the Cincinnati Bengals take on the New England Patriots to start off the NFL Season, Bengal fans of all ages are encouraged to watch the game & celebrate with their fan brethren!
"The event is not only a party for Bengal fans as we begin the 2010 NFL Season, but also a special fund-raiser for the The Ickey Woods Youth Foundation", offered John "Big John" Robinson of the Bengal Bomb Squad. "We've teamed with Rooster's & Ickey's Foundation to assemble a Who Dey Party any Bengal fan can be proud of! Rooster's has even reserved special parking spots up front for tailgate buses and fan vehicles to display their team pride!"
The event is scheduled to include autographs & photos with former Bengal greats, the opportunity to meet Cincinnati superfans WhoDeyBaby & The Bengal Thing, giveaways, raffles, games, face-painting & more. An excited Robinson commented, "Each & every home game, we strive to put on the best tailgate party possible for our friends, family & guests. We're pulling out all the stops to make this special We Believe! party something special for all to enjoy & remember!" Every guest who attends will be automatically entered to win a one-of-a-kind set of Bengal cornhole boards courtesy of Air Grafx and the first 100 guests under 12 years of age will also receive a free poster!
Not to be lost in all the fun and excitement is the event's support for the Ickey Woods Youth Foundation, a non-profit organization which provides guidance and mentors youth in the inner city of Cincinnati, Ohio. "We'll have some special autograph items & game tickets for raffle, and Rooster's will be offering food & drink specials throughout the event. The funds generated through the raffles, as well as portion the proceeds from the food & drink special, will go directly to the Ickey Woods Youth Foundation," added Robinson. A silent auction of rare autographed local sports items will also be held during the event.
The "We Believe! Kickoff Party!" will begin at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 12th and go through 5 p.m. It will be held at Rooster's at Exit #57 off I-275 in Milford, Ohio. For additional details and to download the event's flyer, visit www.BengalBombSquad.com.
For more info contact "Big John" at bigjohn@bengalbombsquad.com

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Rock Together: Indies for Gulf Coast Relief Friday, September 3rd @ The Southgate House in Newport, KY Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8:00 ALL proceeds are being donated to The United Way for their Guld Coast relief fund $10.00 for adults, $13.00 for those ages 18-20. Seven bands playing: The Mayors of Super Awesome Town, Red Eye Dawn, The Day Fish Band, KELP, Chakras, One Eyed Ruby & The Guild of Calamitous Intent...PLUS DJ Imperical is spinning records between sets. Donations can be sent to: The United Way of Greater Cincinnati Attn: Rock Together 2400 Reading Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45202 (write 'Rock Together' on check memo line)

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St. C 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament & 3 Pt. Shootout
Event takes place on October 16 from 11 am to 6 pm.
Tournament is open to anyone 18 years of age and older.
Shootout is open to all ages.
There is a limited number of spots available. Sign up now!
Visit http://www.stc3on3.com for details.

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St James Athletic Club Fall Bash
The St James Athletic Club is proud to present the First Annual Fall Bash
featuring the Rusty Griswolds.
Please join us on Saturday October 16th from 7:00 PM till Midnight at LaSalle HS
for lots of Fun as the Rusty's Rock the house!
Admission to the Fall Bash is $25 per ticket which includes soft drinks and
snacks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase as well as Skyline
Coney's.
All proceeds from this event are used for the St James Athletic Club Scholarship
Fund and for other club operating expenses.
You must be 21 years or older to attend this event and no refunds will be
issued.
So reserve the date, buy your tickets and get ready for a night of Great Music,
Great Friends and Great Fun!

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The First Annual Putting for Parkinson's Golf Outing
Friday, September 24, 2010
Highland Country Club, Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Register on-line at http://sunflowerrev.kintera.org/puttingforparkinsons
You are invited to join us on Friday, September 24, 2010 at Highland
Country Club in Fort Thomas, Kentucky for our first annual Putting for
Parkinson?s Golf Outing. Our goal is to increase public awareness of
Parkinson's Disease and to raise money to help fund medical research
grant requests through the University of Cincinnati?s Gardner Center for
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders. Your sponsorship, donation
and participation will directly support the golf outing and the Committee's
goal of providing a day of fun for Parkinson's patients, their family and
friends, and others in support of this disease, as well as raise money for a
very worthy cause.

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'Game Day Gridiron' Blood Drive
(CINCINNATI, Aug 6, 2010)-- Hoxworth Blood Center, University of Cincinnati is hosting the 'Game Day Gridiron' Blood Drive on Sat., Sept. 4. The Tri-state is home to proud alumnae and college football fans; therefore, we want to give blood donors a chance to see their favorite collegiate team in action.
Donate blood on Sat., Sept. 4 and you will be automatically entered into a raffle to win a pair of tickets to one of the following college football games (7 winners will be selected): University of Cincinnati, University of Kentucky, Indiana University, Purdue University, Notre Dame University, Miami University and Ohio State.
All donors will receive a free football shaped stress reliever as a thank you for their blood donation.
Donors can visit www.hoxworth.org or call or to schedule an appointment to donate.

Where to Donate:
Hoxworth Anderson
7715 Five Mile Road
8:30am ? 4pm

Hoxworth Central
Platelets Donations Only
3130 Highland Avenue
8:30am ? 4pm

Hoxworth Mason
9554 S. Mason Montgomery Road
8:30am ? 4pm

Hoxworth Western Hills
2041 Anderson Ferry Road
8:30am ? 4pm

How to Donate:
Donating blood is safe and easy. You must be at least 17 years old (16 with a signed parental consent) and in good health. You must weigh at least

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Circle Tail's 2010 Charity Golf Classic
6090 Golf Club Lane
Indian Springs, OH 45011
18 holes of championship golf, with ALL proceeds going directly to provide high-quality assistance dogs to people with disabilities and our new accessible training and education center.
$125 per person $500 per foursome
Registration starts at 7 a.m.
Golf starts at 8 a.m.
Luncheon around 12:30 p.m.
Fee includes: golf cart, green fees, gift & luncheon.
Limited space available---Book now!
Luncheon only packages are available for $35.00 per person. (12:30 p.m.)
1st and 2nd Place Awards!
Raffle Prizes! Closest to the Pin!
Longest Drive! Putting Contest!

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Matt James Scholarship Fund Golf Outing
Where:
Deer Run Golf Course
7414 Pickway Dr. 45233
When:
Monday, September 27th
8:30 AM and 1:30 PM Shotgun Start
Lunch 12:30?1:30PM/Dinner 6:30 PM
Cost:
$100 Per Person
All Green Fees & Golf Carts
Lunch & Dinner
Split the Pot drawing & Silent Auction during Dinner
If you would like to donate items for the silent auction, please contact Tom Ahlrichs -- St. X '78
or tom.ahlrichs@gmail.com
$100 Hole Sponsors
For sponsorship information or any other questions regarding the outing please call
Mark Hanneken (513) 451-6702
Make checks payable to:
Matt James Scholarship Fund
Entry deadline:
Friday, September 17th
Please Mail Entry Info/Hole Sponsorship to:
Mark Hanneken
2374 Quail Run Farm
Cinti. OH 45233

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Reds Fantasy Camp Raffle for A Kig Again
From A Kid Again
You've dreamed about wearing a real Cincinnati Reds® uniform and playing "America's Game" with some of the Cincinnati Reds® Legends. Now, live that dream by being a kid again at Reds Fantasy Camp® in 2011. Get Your Raffle Ticket(s) Now and Help Children with Life Threatening Illnesses throughout the Greater Cincinnati Region Feel Just Like You...A Kid Again
The Raffle is for One Package Valued at over $5,000.

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St. Jude Day at the Reds
September 12, 2010
Great American Ballpark
Join St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Cincinnati Reds on September 12 for a day of baseball to benefit the hospital's lifesaving work. By purchasing discount tickets through the Columbus St. Jude Day at the Reds program, you can enjoy an afternoon at the Great American Ball Park and help children at St. Jude in the fight against cancer.
Kids can also participate by asking for donations from friends and family while earning great prizes such as two tickets to the Reds game on September 12, a stadium tour, running the bases at Great American Ballpark, attending the Reds? batting practice and even being the honorary bat person for the day. A $10 registration fee, which counts towards the fundraising total, is required to secure entry in the program.

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The Brian W. Schira "102" Scholarship Fund 1st Annual Golf Outing
WHEN: Saturday, October 2nd, 2010 @ 1:30 pm (registration begins at noon) registration deadline is Friday, September 10th!
WHERE: Aston Oaks Golf Club (1 Aston Oaks Drive; North Bend, OH 45052)
COST: $125/person ($500/foursome).... price includes lunch, golf/cart, driving range, buffet dinner, 6 drink tickets while on course, gift bag (including dri-fit style polo shirt) and unlimited drinks (soft drinks, water, beer & wine) for two hours after final group finishes. There will also be raffles/silent auction items.
CONTACT INFO: Email - bws102fund@yahoo.com; Phone --- or visit our website at www.bws102scholarship.org. (registration forms are available on the website).

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FINAL: Astros 5 Cardinals 2
Cards have lost 5 in a row....13 of 16 and finished 2-8 on road trip
The lead is 7.5 games
The magic number drops to 24

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Reds/Dragons
Dayton, Ohio---The Dayton Dragons announced today that Cincinnati Reds shortstop Orlando Cabrera will begin an injury rehabilitation assignment with the Dragons tonight (Wednesday) when they host the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Fifth Third Field at 7:00 p.m. Cabrera is expected to play shortstop and bat in the lead-off position in the Dragons batting order. The Dragons also announced that pitcher Edinson Volquez, optioned to Dayton from Cincinnati yesterday, will start tonight's game.

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Big 10 realignment: Ohio St and Michigan split

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Reds: Postseason seating and pricing

Bleacher seats jump from $7 regular season to $35 for first round
Sun/Moon Deck seats jump from $22 regular season to $50 for first round
View Level (511-535) seats jump from $14 regular season to $40 for first round
Infield Box seats jump from $42 regular season to $70 for first round

What I'm told about prices:
MLB sets guidelines that are a framework for pricing. They set a bottom line as
well as a ceiling that all clubs must stay within. The Reds submit pricing, MLB
audits it for any required changes, and then approves.

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Don't blink
From Matt Bynum, Louisville Slugger.
Aroldis Chapman's 104 MPH fastball takes only 0.39 seconds to reach the plate assuming the 60.5 foot distance from mound to plate. Factoring in a stride of about 5 feet before the point of release, this further reduces the time to 0.36 seconds. For comparison sake, I looked up the average speed of a human's eye blink. The average human eye blinks at a speed of 300 to 400 milliseconds or 3/10ths or 4/10ths of a second. So if you are the batter and you blink at the point of Chapman's release the ball will pass you before you open your eyes again.
Also, at a full second Chapman's 104 MPH fastball will travel 152 feet.

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Checking the gun
Using the data from pitchf/x (which is accurate to a fraction of a mph), here are the fastest pitches in MLB since the beginning of 2008:
102.7 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 8/31/2010, facing Craig Counsell
102.7 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. CHN, 6/23/2010, facing Milton Bradley
102.7 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. OAK, 6/30/2009, facing Matt Holliday
102.6 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. CHN, 6/24/2009, facing Mike Fontenot
102.6 mph: Joel Zumaya, DET v. OAK, 6/30/2009, facing Matt Holliday
102.6 mph: Jonathan Broxton, LAD v. SD, 7/3/2009, facing Kevin Kouzmanoff
102.5 mph: Bobby Parnell, NYM v. HOU, 8/18/2010, facing Chris Johnson
102.5 mph: Aroldis Chapman, CIN v. MIL, 8/31/2010, facing Jonathan Lucroy

Trent McCotter
Vice Chairman, SABR Records Committee

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August
The Reds finished August 19-8...the best record in ML for the month. It's their first 19 win month since September of 1999.
The Reds have had a winning month in each of the season's five months....for the first time since 1979. They are one of only three teams (Padres/Yankees) to accomplish that this season.
The last Reds team to have a winning season in each month of a season was the 1976 Reds.

August
Reds outscored their opponents 148-126 in August
Leaders
Batting: Hernandez .368, Valaika .360, Votto .333, Bruce .333, Nix.333, Phillips .312, Stubbs .296, Janish .261, Rolen .261, Gomes .229, Heisey .226, Hanigan .217, Cairo .207
Hits: Votto 30
HR: Bruce 8
RBI: Votto 25
Pitching
ERA: 4.19
Wins: Arroyo, Wood 3
ERA's: Masset 0.53, Cordero 2.19, Harang 2.25, Arroyo 2.97, Bray 3.27, LeCure 3.38, Bailey 3.70, Wood 4.40, Cueto 4.43, Volquez 5.09, Smith 5.19, Rhodes 5.63, Ondrusek 7.24, Leake 8.83

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Reds Announce Postseason Ticket Details

CINCINNATI (Sept. 1, 2010)-- The Cincinnati Reds announce the details for purchasing tickets for Postseason games at Great American Ball Park.
Full season ticket holders are offered their seats for all Postseason games, as well as the option to purchase the same number of additional Postseason tickets starting Sept. 8 through Sept. 13.
Partial plan holders, defined as Baker's Dozen packages (13 games) and larger have the opportunity to purchase the same number of Postseason tickets as what is on their plan from Sept. 10 through Sept. 13.
Starting Sept. 1 at Noon EDT, fans can register for the opportunity to purchase tickets for any 2010 Reds Postseason games that may be played at Great American Ball Park.
Fans may register for the drawing on reds.com only. The online registration runs from Wednesday, Sept. 1 at Noon to Thursday, Sept. 9 at Noon. All terms and conditions of registration.
Fans that are selected for the opportunity to purchase tickets for National League Division Series games that may be played at Great American Ball Park will be notified via e-mail on or about Monday, Sept. 13.
Winners will be notified via e-mail and will have from Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 9 am EDT to Wednesday, Sept. 15. at 11:59 pm EDT to purchase tickets.
There will be a six-ticket purchase limit for each winner selected. Ticket locations will be subject to availability based on remaining inventory and all orders for the National League Division Series will be subject to convenience fees and processing fees.
Applicants for National League Championship Series (?NLCS?) and World Series ("WS") drawings will be selected from the same pool of applicants at later dates and notified via e-mail with instructions on the ticket purchase process including dates and times for these sales. Applicants (including selected applicants of previous drawings) will be eligible for each drawing. You may not use any tickets purchased in connection with the drawings for any promotional purposes whatsoever. Registrations have no cash redemptions or substitutions.
For fans who do not have internet access, or those not selected in the online random drawing, a limited number of tickets will be set aside for purchase by telephone (while supplies last) beginning at Saturday, Sept. 18 at 9 am EDT by calling (513) 381-REDS. No tickets will be available at the Great American Ball Park ticket office.

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Just wondering.....
Is it true that Aroldis Chapman will try to qualify his fastball at the Kentucky Indy 300 in Spara this weekend?

(AP photo)

Chapman lights up TV ratings

Chapman hits 102, Reds beat Brewers

Move over Strasburg, there's a new sheriff in town...his name is Chapman

Chapman proves worthy of the hype

Chapman tops 10 September call-ups to watch
SI
One-oh-five.
That was the speed of a fastball delivered last Friday night in Louisville by Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban lefthander who defected to the U.S. during the offseason and signed a six-year, $30.25 million major league contract with Cincinnati. No matter the veracity of the radar gun at a minor league ballpark---though the reading was confirmed by a scout -- any pitch that approaches 105 miles per hour is nearly unfathomable.

Chapman arms Reds for playoffs
Rob Oller, Columbus Dispatch
CINCINNATI--- The future and past collided last night with the pop of a 103 mph fastball hitting a catcher's mitt.
Out went starter Aaron Harang, who at the decaying old age of 31 represents the dated Cincinnati Reds of the past decade. In walked Aroldis Chapman-- at 10:06 p.m., to be exact--- as a 22-year-old Cuban reliever whose pitch speed resembles an advertisement for an FM radio station. 102.7. Dial it up.

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Elephant in the room
I don't think I'm raining on a parade or being an alarmist when I say...have you looked at the Reds starting pitching options? If the playoffs started today their Game 3 starter would be who exactly?
Bronson Arroyo and Johnny Cueto are good to go.
From there.........
Mike Leake: DL with shoulder fatigue
Edinson Volquez: Pitching at Dayton to work on mechanics
Travis Wood: 9 innings, 17 hits, 10 runs and 177 pitches in last two starts combined. He is at 166.1 innings this year. His career high is 167.2.
Aaron Harang: Batting practice pitcher
Homer Bailey: Shaky on Monday night and up and down since coming off DL

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MLB attendance last night

45,164 Phillies at Dodgers
44,565 A's at Yankees
40,186 Tigers at Twins
31,369 Pirates at Cubs
31,099 Rockies at Giants
29,307 Cards at Astros
19,218 Brewers at Reds
18,737 Angels at Mariners
18,506 Nationals at Marlins
18,430 Mets at Braves
18,247 Red Sox at Orioles
16,250 Padres at Diamondbacks
12,972 Jays at Rays
12,006 White Sox at Indians
10,295 Rangers at Royals

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Where would you go in a sports time machine? Bill Livingston, of The Cleveland Plain Dealer, wrote a column relating it to Cleveland moments in sports. Which Cincinnati or national moment would you chose to go back and see?

*****

Yonder
AA/AAA this year: .290, .362 OBP, .458 SLG, .820 OPS...15 HR, 69 RBI
At AAA: .296-12-56

Looking for stats of the AAA call-up's? here they are

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Stuff

A Chris Perry sighting.......in the UFL

21-year old arrested after posing as 14-year old to join youth football team

Golf shot sparks fire

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Big 10 realignment could come today
Chicago Tribune
Big game talk: Both Jim Tressel and Rich Rodriguez are taking an "if it happens, it happens" attitude regarding the possibility that the Ohio State-Michigan will be moved from the end of the regular season to avoid a potential rematch in the following week's Big Ten championship game.

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(Enquirer photo)
On this date: Pete Jr debuts for the Reds
Monday afternoon, September 1, 1997 (Labor Day)
Kansas City Royals at Cincinnati Reds
From Steven Sharp
On Friday, August 29, the Reds announced that Pete Rose, Jr. would be called up on Monday and would be in the Reds starting line-up. In the next 66 hours or so, an additional approximately 15,000 tickets were sold for the Labor Day game versus the Kansas City Royals. Pete Rose, Jr. started at third base on this day and batted seventh in the Reds order. He became the first Red since 1989 to wear number 14. He took time to draw "H.K. 4256" in the dirt behind third base after sprinting out to his position in the first inning.
In the second inning, following a Joe Oliver double, Rose, Jr. stepped into the batter's box for his first MLB plate appearance. He assumed the "Hit King" stance for the first pitch, as Kevin Appier fired a strike that Rose watched all the way into the catcher's glove. He ended up striking out to complete the at bat.
In the fourth inning, Rose fielded a grounder from Jay Bell that he threw to first base for the out. In the bottom of the fourth, Rose stepped up as the lead-off batter. He lined a pitch off the glove of the diving first baseman Jeff King to reach base safely for his first MLB hit.
The fans in attendance gave him a standing ovation for his first hit.
The line on Rose, Jr. for the day---- 1-for-3, 1 1B, 1 BB, 2 K; 2 assists, 0 putouts, 0 errors.
The game was delayed in the third inning, following a home run by Reds first baseman Eddie Taubensee. His home run cleared the right center field wall in the area where the wall opened to allowed access to the field. A fan, Curtis Staker, 44, of Loveland, OH, in the blue seats in this area fell nearly fifteen feet as fans pushed to try to catch Taubensee's shot.
Staker suffered a punctured lung and fractures of the spine, several ribs, left elbow, and left hand in the fall and lay unconscious while Reds reserve Deion Sanders went out to check on Staker, as medical personnel were on the way.

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St Louis Cardinals
(April 5, 2010-August 31, 2010)

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Want to play?

I have created a listener league for us in Pigskin Pool .
It's a FREE USA Today weekly contest where you simply pick winners in each NFL game.
Join now and compete in our league for cash prizes and trophies.
The league name is: Lance McAlister.

Looking for an easy to play, less time consuming version of Fantasy Football?
Play Football 3-Play vs other listeners. Just pick 3 players a week....QB-RB-WR.
No injuries, no bad draft position, no byes. The league name is: Lance McAlister.

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In a word.................WOW
Reds 8 Brewers 4
Well...how was that for a debut? As Thom Brennaman said, "Holy Moses".
Where you there? We had planned to go. But Casey has school stuff going on and he's still fighting the bug going around. I didn't want him out late. So we decided to watch at home.
I told him he could stay up until Chapman was done.
We were high fiving on the coach and yelling out the MPH's on each Chapman pitch!
A 1-2-3 inning.....he topped out at 103 MPH.
Dang, did he throw strikes or what? (8 pitches/7 strikes). He looked as calm as could be.
Reds finish 19-8 for August...best record in MLB for the month.
First 19 win month for Reds since September 1999.
Sam LeCure has found a role..the bullpen. I like it. He throws strikes, doesn't nibble...and has to face the order just one time out of the pen.
Big hit by Votto early. Big hit by Rolen late.
Gomes helped with a 2-R HR and hurt with an error...kind of par for the course.
Aaron Harang, showed me enough to know he's not a playoff rotation guy. Next?
Who is the 3rd starter in the postseason?
Record 77-55. A year ago they were 59-73 and 18.5 games back.
7 game lead...are you kidding me?
Seven is heaven. Eight would be great.
Magic number 25.
Padres lose again..that's five in a row and 7 of 10.
Reds and Braves tied for best record in NL.

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Cards blanked again
St Louis Post Dispatch
Something the Cardinals had never done in the first 14 seasons with Tony La Russa as manager has now happened twice this season to a team that seems alarmingly capable of letting it happen again, too.

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Another MVP for Albert? Not so fast
St Louis Post Dispatch
I?ll vote for Votto on both counts. The Reds are a tremendous story this season. Votto?s pivotal role in this breakout should make him the landslide MVP. Pujols is having an epic season and could well win the Triple Crown. But he is the leader of a team that died inexplicably down the stretch. This isn?t a vote for best player, it?s the vote for most valuable--- so the guy that helps his team actually win something should always almost get the nod. Long term, I see Votto doing monstrous things in that ballpark now that he has moved past his off-field emotional struggles.

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Reds moves
Wednesday the Reds are expected to recall from Louisville 1B Yonder Alonso
and RHP Carlos Fisher, select from Louisville the contract of C Corky Miller and
transfer to the 60-day disabled list RHP Russ Springer.

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Butch Jones show debuts tonight
CINCINNATI--The University of Cincinnati football team and head coach Butch Jones will hit the airwaves Wednesday, Aug. 28 as the Cincinnati Bearcats Radio Network presented by IMG College debuts its weekly radio show from 8-9 p.m. on ESPN 1530 from the original Montgomery Inn.
The hour-long program will debut from its season-long home at the original Montgomery Inn, and air on Wednesdays and Thursdays this season. All shows except for the Sept. 1, Sept. 14, and Sept. 30 broadcasts will air on 700 WLW. Those shows will be heard on ESPN 1530.
Coach Jones will be joined by co-hosts Tom Gelehrter, Dan Hoard, and Jim Kelly, Jr. during the season.
The Original Montgomery Inn is located at 9440 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45242-7683. Call (513) 791-3482 (513) 791-3482 for reservations to the show.

Bearcats still fighting respect battle
ESPN
Some teams have established enough name recognition to merit inclusion in the preseason rankings just about every other year. Other programs earn preseason spots based on what they accomplished the year before.
And then there is Cincinnati.

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Ouzts sets record
From River Downs
Jockey Perry Ouzts, who has ridden at River Downs in Cincinnati for
37 seasons, has set the record for wins during the Jockey Club Meet. He
rode Regent's Daughter to an easy victory in the second race. Dean Sarvis
had set the record in 2004 with 82 wins breaking the 18-year-old record then
held by Steve Neff.
Ouzts has won 23 individual riding titles at River Downs, the track
he considers his home base. He has also won riding titles at Beulah Park
and during the winter he plans on dividing his time between Beulah Park and
Turfway Park. He currently ranks 18th in the history of riding wins with
over 5,450 victories and is closing in on Hall of Fame rider Jerry Bailey.
The summer meeting at River Downs is split into two meets. Ouzts won
the earlier Turf Club meet this season with 73 victories. With his win on
Tuesday, the 56-year-old Ouzts not only passed Sarvis for the Jockey Club
meet, but also closed to within 8 victories to become the all-time leading
jockey during a summer meet at River Downs that is celebrating its 85th
anniversary this year.
River Downs will return to live racing on Friday, September 3 for
its final four days of live action. At the conclusion of live racing on
Labor Day, River Downs will be open for simulcasting every day but Tuesdays,
beginning on September 7.

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Listener photos

From Jeff in Fairfield: This is a pic of my daughter & me at her first Bengals game a few weeks back. Who-Dey!

Stephen and his girlfriend Lauren check out Bengals vs Eagles at PBS.

Jeff and Grant Beck from Woodhull, Illinois

From Jeff Beck: I live in central Illinois and I'm 30 years old and a father of 2 boys who are 6 and 2. I've been a Bengals fan since 1988 and a Reds fan since 1990 when I was 8 and 10 years old, I was a bandwagon jumping 10 year old obviously. About a month ago we took a vacation to Cincinnati and went to Kings Island on a Friday, Bengals training camp in Georgetown on Saturday, and then the Reds/Braves game on Sunday. For now my boys love my teams as much as I do, I hope that will last when they get to be 10. I should be able to keep them hooked as long as the winning continues for a few more years. Let's hope.
Hears a picture that my wife took of my son and I walking to the game last month. We stayed at the Comfort Suites in Newport. It was a longer walk than I thought, I ended up carrying him quite a bit. It was well worth it of course.

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A chance to help
From Kim Barnard
I am a member of the donation team "I LEFT MY HEART IN HAITI". My friends recorded a song about my trip to Haiti and how volunteers can change the world. ALL THE PROFITS WILL BE DONATED TO PROJECT MEDISHARE (an organization based out of Miami University, Florida supplying the only urgent care hospital in Haiti.) They are in desperate need of funds. Lady GaGa has already sent a generous donation to Medishare so that they won't have to close the hospital in September, as they had feared.
With hurricane season coming very soon, most of the Haitians still live in tents. I have seen this with my own eyes. Almost none of the money that was promised by the governments of the US and many other countries has been sent. The fear is that it will end up in the pocket of the corrupt Haitian leader. This is a way to get the money to an organization that is really helping.
The band, Kickstart, is a local Cincinnati group with a big heart! You can download the song for $.99, and....if you get just one more friend to download it, just think of the possibilities!
Search iTunes for...Kickstart Just One Girl. Here is a link to the video.
Here is a link to the blog that Project Medishare posted about the band:

Reds moves
Laynce Nix to DL, Edinson Volquez to Dayton
Aaron Harang off the DL, Aroldis Chapman recalled from AAA.
What it means....from John Fay

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Bad haircuts, worse baseball
Bernie Miklasz, St Louis Post Dispatch
OK, so the solidarity of scissors and the cute shaved-head thing got the TV people all aroused and provided an opening to divert and talk about something safe and happy instead of directly dealing with the head-on reality of bad baseball and the Cardinals' late-season collapse. But the Cardinals lost again, this time getting blanked 3-0 on two hits and one walk Monday in Houston. So what's next? Medicinal leeches? Store all 25 players in hyperbaric chambers between games? I don't think an exorcism would work.

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#54
Aroldis Chapman will wear number 54 for the Reds.
Others to wear that number in franchise history:
Jolbert Cabrera, '08 (last to wear it)
Andy Abad, Luke Hudson, Joey Hamilton, Elizardo Ramirez, Jared Fernandez
Brady Clark, Chat Mottola, Steve Foster, Bill Selby, Keith Glauber, Tim Leary
Tom Browning ('84), Darrell Osteen, Jim Pearce, Rudy Minarcin, Gene Schott.

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Are you ready for launch?

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Chapman by the numbers
As a starter: 5-5 4.11 in 13 starts
After move to the bullpen : 4-1 2.40, 8 saves in 26 appearances, 30 innings, 17 H, 12 BB, 49 K
July/August: 4-0 1.42 with 8 saves, 25.1 innings, 13 hits, 2 ER, 11 BB, 41 K
Batting average against as reliever: .156
August batting average against: .089
He hasn't allowed a hit in his last 8 apps (8ip)
Last 20 appearances he has posted a 0.83era (21.2ip, 2er)
Last 13 appearances....opposing batters went 4-for-48 (.083, 13.1ip, 4bb, 25k)
Last 10 appearances: 1-0 1.74 with 6 saves, 10.1 innings, 4 H, 3 BB, 19 K, .111 BAA

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Happy Birthday

Frank Robinson is 75

*****

Q/A with Yonder Alonso

*****

Medical mistakes expensive
Paul Daugherty, Enquirer
Antonio Bryant wasn't a mistake. A mistake is ordering scrambled eggs when you wanted poached. It's driving to Los Angeles, via I-95. Paying someone $6.95 million for nothing is a colossal blunder of the highest magnitude. Even in the NFL.

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The view from the stands
Thanks to listener Luke Dooley!

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Holy crap...they have a six game lead
Reds 5 Brewers 4 in 10 innings
Well, that wasn't exactly a Tom Emanski instructional video, but I'll take it.
Six game lead with 31 to go. The magic number sits at 27.
Another comeback win (37th), one run win (22-20) and last at-bat win(19th).
They are a season high 21 games over .500 at 76-55.
Largest lead since end of 1995 season.
The base running was a disaster, the bunting was horrific, and the Brewers ran wild on Homer.
It was one of the ugliest games they have played... but...they hung in and found a way to win.
How about Jay Bruuuuuuuuuuce? What a difference he makes in the lineup when he's hitting.
Huge AB's in the 10th vs Hoffman for Hanigan, Heisey and Bruce.
Homer was disappointing...but it could have been worse....and he added an RBI single.
The bullpen was lights out.
Does Juan Francisco have lightning in his bat or what?
Wow...smallest crowd since June 9?

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How 'bout my guy Coco?
Last 7 appearances:
2-0
4 saves
0.00 ERA
8 innings, 5 H, 1 BB, 7 K, .179 BAA
11 straight saves, 18 of 19, and 35 of 41

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The chase for homefield..best record in NL
Padres 76-54 .585
Reds 76-55 .580
Atlanta 76-55 .580
NL owns homefield advantage in World Series

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Doing the math
Reds 76-55 (.580)....6 game lead....31 games to go
Cards 69-60 (.534).....33 games to go

If Reds go 20-11 the rest of the way (96-66)
Cards would have to go 27-6 (.818) to tie

If Reds go 18-13 (at rate of current win %) the rest of the way (94-68)
Cards would have to go 25-8 (.757) to tie

If Reds go 16-15 (92-70)
Cards would have to go 23-10 (.696) to tie

If Reds go 15-16 (91-71)
Cards would have to go 22-11 (.667) to tie

If Reds go 14-17 (90-72)
Cards would have to go 21-12 (.636) to tie

**********

Harang tonight
I don't think Aaron Harang has an idea of what to expect tonight.
He's taking a ML mound for the first time since July 5 when he was scratched from his start vs the Mets.
He was hammered in two rehab starts...11 runs in 11 innings.
But remember, after a nightmare April, he was pitching well prior to his back injury.
First four starts of season: 0-3 with 8.31 ERA, .322 BAA
13 starts after that: 6-4 4.12 ERA
7 starts prior to injury: 3-2 3.67

From listener Jeff
Aaron Harang Stats by Catcher:
Hernandez: 9 GS, 6.39 ERA, .327 OppBa
R Hanigan: 6 GS, 4.26 ERA, .284 OppBa
C Miller: 2 GS, 2.08 ERA, .174 OppBa

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Email thought of the day
i know the kids are back in school.
i know it's a monday night.
i know it's hot.
i know it's the boring brewers.
but this team is in first place by six games.
joey is on the cover of sports illustrated.
this town should be embarrassed.
i know i am.
and i think the players were flat on monday, in part, because no one was there.
-Listener Keith

From listener Brian: I was there last night and was somewhat embarrassed by the crowd size. I looked at the box scores this morning and noticed two other 1st place clubs and their attendance: Atlanta, 18,842 and Tampa, 11,968.

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Remember this guy?
Chris Denorfia is hitting .315/.389/.604 and has as many home runs (seven) as Matt Holliday and Alex Rodriguez since the All-Star break.
From listener Matt in Cold Spring

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Houston lefthander makes Cards look hapless
St Louis Post Dispatch
The Cardinals lost for the sixth time in seven games, and they assured themselves a losing record on this 10-game tour of losing teams. Coupled with Cincinnati's extra-inning win Monday, the Cardinals slipped to six games behind the first-place Reds in the National League Central. Instead of an opportunity to chomp into Cincinnati's lead, this trip-- featuring series against three teams that had a combined .404 winning percentage before Monday's games - has become a deflating trudge. The Cardinals can't shrug off an evening like Happ's as the inevitable good pitcher having a great night at their expense.
Games are too few, the deficit too large and victories too precious.

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Cards turn to shaving their heads

From listener Frank: St. Louis is shaving their heads....the Reds are loading their missle

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Rolling
The Reds are 76-55 with 31 games remaining.
They have already topped/equaled their season win total for 10 of the last 19 years since winning the 1990 World Series:
2008: 74-88
2007: 72-90
2005: 73-89
2004: 76-86
2003: 69-93
2001: 66-96
1997: 76-86
1994: 66-48 (strike season)
1993: 73-89
1991: 74-88

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Anyone for 19?
The Reds enter the final day of August with a record of 18-8 for the month.
The last time they had 19 wins in any month was September of 1999 when they were 19-9.
The won 18 games in
May 2010
Sept 2009
May 2004
Sept 2000
June 1999

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Bruuuuuuuuuce
5 HR in last 4 games
Last 19 games: .403 (25 for 62), .479 OBP, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 10 BB
Prev 32 games: .184 (21 for 114), .230 OBP, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 7 BB

From listener Kerry
Jay Bruce
In wins:.349/.415/.602
In losses: .162/.235/.257
Looks like when he hits, the Reds win...

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Cincy chemistry one of NFL's mysteries
FoxSports
It's bound to happen at some point, right? Whether it's in September, October or during the second half of the season, you have to assume there will be a play, a drive or a game in which T.O. and/or Chad Ochocinco is unhappy with the lack of attention, balls and/or media he is receiving in comparison with the other. This is a train wreck waiting to happen, right? Right?
Well, maybe not. Solomon Wilcots, the former Bengals defensive back turned broadcaster, who has spent time with the team this summer, had a different take on the situation.

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Prepare to launch
The Reds will promote LHP Aroldis Chapman prior to TUESDAY night's game vs Milwaukee.

Jocketty on Chapman promotion

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Kicking battle too close to call
Kevin Goheen, Cincinnati Enquirer
The competition to replace Shayne Graham as Bengals kicker is going down to the wire. Dave Rayner and Mike Nugent have been sharing the duties this preseason and the final decision won?t be made until after Thursday night?s preseason finale at Indianapolis.

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Careful what you wish for
I continue to be a little stunned by the belief of so many that the Bengals are automatically bettter at the kicker position because Shayne Graham is gone. Anyone watch Dave Rayner and Mike Nugent this training camp?
Fact is Graham is head and shoulders above both Nugent and Rayner as an NFL kicker. I know, I know, Shayne has missed some big kicks. Can anyone tell me about the big kicks that Rayner and Nugent have made?
Career FG %
Graham: 85.2%
Nugent 79.6%
Rayner: 71.2%
From 20-29 yards
Nugent: 96.4%
Graham 94.1%
Rayner 93.8
From 30-39 yards
Graham 89.3%
Nugent 82.4%
Rayner 68.4%
From 40-49 yards
Graham 80.3%
Nugent 69.2%
Rayner 68.4
50+ yards
Graham 50%
Nugent 33%
Rayner 20%
Career kickoff average
Rayner 64.3 yards
Graham 61.8 yards
Rayner 60.2
Playoffs
Nugent: 3 for 3 (2006) kicks of 21, 28 and 37 in 37-16 lose to Patriots
Graham: 1-3 (2005,2009)
Rayner: 0 playoff attempts

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Listener photos

From Pete Ventura: The last time we were in Chicago we were eating at our favorite restaurant, Ron of Japan. After arriving I looked around and saw about 8-10 Reds players eating there as well (They were in town for a series). Towards the end of our dinner we were walking out and walked by Brandon Phillips' table and we said good luck in the game. Brandon saw we were with our son and stood up and asked if we wanted a picture. Of course we said yes. He is my wife's favorite player, as you can see in the picture, I think she almost forgot that I was there, I had to lean in a bit, ha. But, Brandon was very gracious and showed why he has the great reputation that he does around this city. I will never forget this meeting and I am sure my son will think this picture is pretty cool as he gets older. thanks,