Hairston was hurting last night.  WHY IN THE WORLD DIDN'T DUSTY TAKE HIM OUT ? IF HE RIPS HIS HAMMY, HE COULD BE DOING REHAB FOR MONTHS !

Even George Grande, in his own way RIPPED DUSTY ON THAT !

Good for Junior.  Terrific start.  Drives in a couple of runs and shows his warning track power.  A ball as a kid definately goes out.

DID YOU SEE WHERE OZZIE BATTED HIM ????  7TH !

AND, the future Hall of Famer bats behind a rookie second baseman who isn't know for power, but is having an outstanding year batting over. 300.

Wonder if Dusty noticed the White Sox lineup.

Gosh, you hate to say this, but the NEW look Bowden's had speed, youth, and defense last night.  He just dumped a bunch of players making all kinds of moves.  Yes, he's trying to save his job.  But, on paper, it looks better.

One game means nothing.  But, you wonder if Washington looked better because they played the REDS.

Perez is no longer that good of a pitcher.  But, he was last night.

Anyone surprised that Dusty didn't pinch hit for Masset who had Marty laughing in his effort to bunt ?

Nice to see Masset get off to a terrific start.

I give up.  At this point, what the heck do you do with Homer ??  Why not try Brantley's suggestion of putting him in the pen for a while.

Light crowd in Georgetown for the Bengals.  Is it gas prices ? or, a lack of HOPE ?

Great catch by Jerome Simpson.

Did the offensive line take the night off ? or was the defense that good ?

Lynch is for real as a defensive back.  With hitting, the tackle on Perry, and knowing where to be.  He's out early practicing.

Joesph at running back had the big time hype but didn't deliver.

Defense shines and Zimmer with a smile is talking about how he likes his guys and they do what they are asked to do.  Sounds like an obvious statement, but teams that really listen have a much better shot.

BUT IT'S EARLY !

Eric Thomas was a guest with me on Homer on friday.  He talked about how Junior wasn't in shape and that he could have helped him a lot.  And, the former Bengal big time db thinks Junior did not deliver as a player or leader in his time in Cincy.

"He cheated himself and Cincinnati fans," said Thomas.

ET also thinks that Junior got complacent.

I'll bet he's super excited in Chicago.

Thom B. was strong.  In all his years doing baseball he's never been told what not to say.  And, this was REALLY impressive.  When he's felt like he's said the wrong thing about a player, he goes to that player after the game, tells him and says he's sorry !  PURE CLASS !

To the Chickster.  He calls Perry the biggest surprise in camp. AND, he surprised me by saying Perry has the best hands on the team.

See you this afternoon at 3 on WLW.