Xavier news Cincinnati – FSN Ohio and Xavier University have reached a multi-year television rights agreement extending the long-term relationship between the school and the network. It was announced today by Steve Liverani, Senior Vice President and General Manager, FSN Ohio, and, Mike Bobinski, Athletic Director, Xavier University. Financial terms were not disclosed. Under terms of the agreement, FSN Ohio will continue to televise 15.............
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Wright St news Wright State University has awarded a new six-year contract to men’s basketball coach Brad Brownell. The new deal signed by Brownell extends his contract with the University through the 2013-14 season. “My family and I are grateful for the confidence and support shown by the University and we hope we can build on the success we have established........
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Bengals moves The Bengals today terminated the contract of CB Blue Adams, releasing him to free agency. A fifth-year NFL player in 2008, Adams played in 13 games last season in his first year with the Bengals. He recorded seven tackles on defense, 11 special teams tackles and a special teams forced fumble.
Let the debate begin: XU 17, UC 19 ESPN Did you know? Before Bob Huggins' arrival in 1989, the Bearcats were dreadful. In 16 seasons under Huggins, they were a 20-win team 14 times and made the Final Four in his third season on campus. Now it is considered an elite program despite the recent struggles as it has transitioned to the Big East. Did you know? Xavier is the highest-ranked school without a Final Four appearance. The Musketeers have made the postseason in 20 of 24 seasons, including two Elite Eight appearances. They had the best record in their conference 12 times, which certainly helped their profile.
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Gotta love this guy Denver Post Smith, who will make his retirement official this afternoon during a Dove Valley news conference, caught more passes for more yards and more touchdowns than anyone else in Broncos history. But he never danced. Not once. It wasn't who he was, how he played, what he stood for. "I didn't have any dances, I didn't spike the ball, I didn't say 'Hey, look at me,' " Smith said. "And the reason is I knew those other10 guys had more to do with it than I did. I was just the end result."
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Bronson to the Rockies? Rockie Mountain News The Reds have indicated a willingness to pick up part of the salary if the teams could agree on the personnel.
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OSU is the Big 10 pick Park Ridge, Ill. - The Big Ten Conference announced today that Ohio State has been selected as the preseason favorite among members of the media attending the conference's football media day. Wisconsin was chosen to place second, while Illinois was selected third. The Big Ten announces only the top three teams in its preseason poll. The voting members of the media also honored Ohio State running back Chris Wells as the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year while teammate and linebacker James Laurinaitis was tabbed Preseason Defensive Player of the Year for the second-consecutive season.
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The Wire Season 3 We watched the first episode last night. Loved the scene of Stringer Bell discussing his business plan with his drug runners. He's behind a church pulpit with a cup of tea in his hand. Classic. Love that character.
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Show preview Reds: What would you do with Bronson? Dunn? Sports Magazines: The changing landscape of how we get your sports info Bengals Favorite Sports Venue Army/NFL
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What to do? One of the biggest factors that must seperate those running an organization from those who are fans is......emotion. We, as fans, ride the roller coaster....happy during the highs of winning streaks, bummed and angry during the lows of losing streaks. Imagine how many players/managers/coaches you have wanted fired, traded or released during the lows. Now imagine if the organization had granted your wish at those moments. How many regrets would you have? Consider how many times in the last couple of years you wanted Dunn traded and then wanted Dunn resigned. Consider your feelings for Arroyo after he allowed 10 runs in one inning. Fans operate that way...on emotion.....organizations can't. So, are playears like Arroyo and Dunn stocks that are at their highest and perfect for dealing? Are they gold to hang onto or fool's gold to make the best deal for? Consider: Arroyo in June 1-3 8.26, 10 hr's allowed in 28.1 innings, league hit .347 Arroyo in July 3-0 3.32, 1 hr allowed in 19 innings, league hitting .229 Dunn in June .161, 39 k's in 87 ab's....slugging % .425, 6 hr's 12 rbi's Dunn in July .291, 15 k's in 55 ab's .....slugging % .745, 8 hr's 15 rbi's Take the emotional ride out. One week from the trading deadline. What do you do? What is the plan? What matters most? Is it making a run for 82+ wins and a winning season? Is it making this team better for the future? How does the need to sell tickets for August/September compared to selling them for 2009? Which helps the team more...trading players or keeping players? Trading players has brought the Reds the likes of Harang, Volquez, Bray, Thompson, Maloney. Can you keep guys and still fix other areas? Does trading guys simply create other areas that will need fixing?
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Exit strategy for Jr Kind of pushed to back burner of the Reds talk is Jr's future. Wouldn't it appear a safe bet that he will not be brought back? Can you see the Reds picking up his 16.5 million dollar option? If they don't, they must pay him a 4-million dollar buyout. But how does his stay here end? I thought of this yesterday on the anniversary of the 3-year 27-million dollar deal given to Barry Larkin. Up to that point it appeared Larkin's days were over here.....and the crowd that day gave him a standing ovation as a sendoff. Do you trade Jr? Do you tell him he's not coming back and plan a Jr Day at the end of the year? Much is said of the final playing days of athletes in this city and how those days were handled by the organizations and the fans. What would your exit strategy for Jr be?
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Putting sports magazines in perspective Emailer John "I thought magazines only existed still in waiting rooms for doctors and dentists. I can't believe hardly anyone still subscribes to magazines. If I wanted to read old news I could go to the library and check out the old publications. I'm 24 and the magazine thing is definitely generational. I remember reading SI and ESPN when I was a kid, but nowadays I would never subscribe to a magazine. The info is outdated by time it is print (who wants to read about the last weekend's football games by the time it is Thursday when you get SI?). Plus, why would I pay to read old news? The news is on the internet instantly and it is free to read most magazine articles on the websites. My parents, on the other hand, still susbribe to about 5 or 6 publications. You will probably never see your kids get a magazine subscription."
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Do you still read sports magazines? Check out the story below about how The Sporting News is changing to keep up with the times. I've subscribed to the publication since I was 8 or 9 years old. I remember reading guys like Joe Falls and Furman Bischer. I have old issues in boxes in my basement. I used to love to read all the boxscores in the back of it. I even wrote a letter to the editor that was published about how it was silly to compare the 1984 Tigers to the Big Red Machine. It's amazing to consider how much the publication has changed in look and feel over the years. It's changing because we want news now....this minute....not tomorrow...not at the end of the week. I've subscribed to SI for over 30 years. I still remember the swimsuit issue with Cheryl Tiegs in the fishnet suit. I have World Series issues from '75-76 in my basement. But my interest in SI has really dropped over the years. It just doesn't do as much for me anymore. Ironically I find myself reading the print edition of The Enquirer more and more, because it's easier than navigating their new website. I remember loving the concept of The National. It was a daily sports only newspaper. It ran into distribution and time zone issues and faded. I remember when USA Today first came out and loving the idea of a national sports section. I subscribe to The Sporting News, SI, Sports Weekly, ESPN The Magazine, TIME, Blender, Esquire, GQ, Entertainment Weekly, FHM, Pro Football Weekly, Maxim, USA Today and The Enquirer. Why so many? I use them for possible show topics. But I find myself going to the web more and more. Otherwise the info is simply old by the time it arrives in my mailbox. How about you?
The Sporting News makes a digital pitch "Once, it carried the name The Sporting News, was known as "The Bible of Baseball" and arrived in your mailbox weekly. Now, the 122-year-old publication is called Sporting News, covers all sports and, as of Sept. 1, will become a bi-weekly publication. It also will be available via e-mail with Sporting News Today. The free daily digital publication launches Wednesday with the goal of "reinventing the way die-hard sports fans get their news," publisher Ed Baker says.
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Delivery room news Congrats to Todd Curless of Homer Sales and his wife. They welcomed Lindsey Dimitria Curless to the family. She was born this morning (7/24) at 12:51 am...tipping the scales at 8 lbs 6 oz.
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Best Bengals nickname: The Swamp Rat Ludwig at Large .....my favorite Bengals nickname belongs to former University of Tennessee quarterback Dewey Warren...
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HS football news St. Xavier High School head football coach Steve Specht ('86) will serve as defensive coordinator under head coach Chuck Kyle of Cleveland St. Ignatius for USA Football's inaugural junior national team competing in the International Federation of American Football Junior World Championships in 2009. The tournament will be June 27 to July 5 at Fawcett Stadium in Canton, site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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Army does an about face Chicago Tribune Caleb Campbell was a day away from practicing with the Detroit Lions and taking a step toward his dream of playing in the NFL. "He was issued a helmet, ready to go," coach Rod Marinelli said Wednesday. Now, Campbell is closer to joining his fellow West Point graduates in Iraq or Afghanistan.
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It's aye, aye for the Buckeyes Chicago Sun Times There's no truth to the rumor that the Ohio State Buckeyes plan to change their name to the Ohio State Bridesmaids. But the Scarlet and Gray is a popular pick to come up short in the BCS national championship game for a third consecutive season.
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Mauk can practice Bill Koch, Enquirer "I'm still allowed to work out with the team," Mauk said today, "so I can get myself ready in case something would happen. I'll go to Higher Ground (on Aug. 2) if they haven't made a decision. I'll be out there if I'm getting reps or not. Mental reps are just as important as physical reps."
Colerain product given release by OSU Columbus Dispatch Sources close to the Ohio State football program confirmed last night that reserve safety Eugene Clifford has been granted a release that would allow him to pursue his football career at another school.
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Very cool Barkley story Philadelphia Daily News Sir Charles told Abate he would like to help him with his tuition, and Abate wasn't sure how to respond. Barkley didn't give him much time, telling Abate that he had the length of Barkley's meal to decide. Abate wisely accepted.
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Jr on Dunn C. Trent's blog "No, I'm the lightening rod," Griffey said. "He goes out and plays hard. Other than the 24 other guys in here, people don't know how hard he works. Sometimes he tries too hard and doesn't let it come to him. Nobody in this locker room wants to go up there and strike out or make an out or drop a fly ball. With him, if he doesn't dive for a ball or run into a wall, he gets booed. Some of those balls he doesn't get to, none of us would have gotten to. Sometimes it's better to let it bounce rather than dive and then chase it to the wall."
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On this date NY Times Brett, enraged, raced out of the dugout and looked as if he would run over McClelland. Brinkman, however, intercepted him, grabbing him around the neck. "In that situation," Brinkman said later, "you know something's going to happen. It was quite traumatic. He was upset."
Remember this magazine? Baseball Digest I subscribed to it as a kid. I didn't know it still existed. Thanks for Jamie for the heads up.
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Mike Brown moving up? Yahoo Sports 30. Cincinnati Bengals - Mike Brown: In addition to being among the chintziest owners in major professional sports (as evidenced by his insistence on retaining the league's sparsest scouting department), Brown is a funny man. Alas, I have come to believe that he is an unintentional comic genius. Consider that last May, as Goodell opened discussions about further strengthening of the league's personal conduct policy for all employees, Brown was the only person to speak against it. Recalls one owner: "Mike said, ‘We should each be able to manage our own organization without the league getting involved. If we can't manage it ourselves, we shouldn't be running our businesses.' And we were all laughing to ourselves, because Mike is the one whose organization had more players getting in trouble than anyone else's. He's doing a helluva job."
When does fan fashion cross the line? ESPN Page 2 From chest-painters to tan-seekers to fat guys providing comic jiggles, shirtless sports fans are practically an American open-air stadium institution.
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Top 25 Things Vanishing From America Wallet Pop The landscape of America is constantly changing. As culture shifts and new technologies and products are introduced, this is to be expected. But some things are impacted more than others and the once-ubiquitous can even become extinct.
Reds news Because of the injury to Josh Fogg, the Reds' pitching rotation for the weekend series vs the Rockies will be: Friday, RHP Edinson Volquez Saturday, RHP Homer Bailey Sunday, TBA IF/OF Ryan Freel this morning had surgery to repair the torn distal hamstring tendon behind his right knee. The 50-minute procedure was performed by Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek. Freel is expected to return in 4-6 weeks.
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Reds eye a closer? SF Chronicle Briefly: Near-daily Huston Street trade rumor: The Reds apparently have some interest in the A's closer, according to sources, and the Mets also might make a run at trying to get him.
**Making 3.3 mill this year....arbitration eligible again
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Wily Mo surgery called "devastating" Washington Post "It was a really big surgery," Bowden said. "I don't think it was expected to be that severe. The doctors do not understand how he could have swung a baseball bat. They have absolutely no idea. . . . The doctors were absolutely amazed that he was on the field."
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Wednesday show Guest Chick Ludwig, Dayton Daily News, in-studio 3pm hour. Training Camp Preview. Are you ready to talk Bengals? We take your calls Topics Reds Sports Magazines Fan Fashion: Do you dress-up? Paint your face?
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Hoops Dynasty news (AP) Pleasantville Earlier this morning 6'7 Senior Bojan Balic of Butler University was named to the WHATIFSPORTS Hoops Dynasty Pre-Season All-American team. Balic becomes the first player in school history to receive the honor. He averaged 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 5 assists last season. Balic was recruited from Riga, Latvia and the Latvian Jr National team. "This is the payoff for all the recruiting trips and time and effort we put in," said Butler Coach Lance McAlister. "I couldn't find Latvia on a map when this process began....now his mom sends me recipes for Borscht". "It's a great day to be a Bulldog fan," said McAlister. The announcement has sent shock waves around the game. "I've said all along, that Balic kid was a PTP'er, and a Diaper Dandy. And he's developed under the coaching talent of a rising star in McAlister. They are my Final Four darkhorse baby," screamed ESPN's Dick Vitale.
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On this date...July 23, 2000 NationalPastime.com After rejecting a trade to the Mets, Reds' All-Star shortstop Barry Larkin agrees three-year, $27 million contract extension that will keep him Cincinnati until 2003.
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High-definition my new sports toy Jerry Greene, Orlando Sentinel Allow me a moment to tell you how my life has changed. Some people find a new religion. Others hit the lottery. Still others may turn to drink. Me? I've discovered the wonders of high-definition.
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Former OSU QB looking for passing grade The Examiner Finally, Tom Zbikowski got into the act, as he intercepted a pass that had deflected off the hand of rookie safety Haruki Nakamura. It ended a disastrous day for Smith, whose three interceptions were three times as many passes he completed to a receiver, as Smith went 1-for-5 passing during drills inside the 20-yard line.
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A host of walk-off heroes Last night was the 10th walkoff win of the year for the Reds. Jeff Keppinger became the eight different player to deliver a walkoff winner.
* 4/2 vs Ari (6-5 win), Edwin Encarnacion, 3-run HR off Brandon Lyon * 4/5 vs Phi (4-3 win), Paul Bako, RBI-single off Chad Durbin * 4/20 vs Mil (4-3 win in 10), Encarnacion & Bako HR off Eric Gagne; Ken Griffey Jr., RBI-single off Salomon Torres * 5/14 vs Fla (7-6 win in 10), Paul Janish, RBI-single off Renyel Pinto * 5/17 vs Cle (4-2 win), Adam Dunn, 3-run HR off Masahide Kobayashi * 5/30 vs Atl (3-2 win in 10), Jay Bruce scored on Chipper Jones' error on Brandon Phillips' grounder * 5/31 vs Atl (8-7 win in 11), Jay Bruce, solo HR off Manny Acosta * 6/30 vs Pit (4-3 win), Ken Griffey Jr., 2-run HR off Matt Capps (Griffey's fifth career walkoff HR) * 7/5 vs Wsh (3-2 win), Brandon Phillips, RBI-single off Luis Ayala *7/22 vs SD (4-3 win), Jeff Keppinger, RBI-double)
RBI's converted w/RISP update Baseball Prospectus Percentage of runners in scoring position driven in this year (not including driving self in) 1. Hairston: 18 of 55 (.3272%) 2. Keppinger: 20 of 73 (.2739) 3. Phillips: 41 of 152 (.2697) 4. Bruce: 16 of 66 (.2424) 5. Votto: 23 of 102 (.2254)) 6. Bako: 17 of 76 (.2236) 7. Dunn: 25 of 129 (.1937) 8. Griffey: 23 of 126 (.1825) 9. Edwin: 18 of 102 (.1764) Percentage of runners driven in from each base From 1st base: Griffey 10.7%(10 of 94), Dunn 10.6%, Votto 6.2%, Hairston 4.8%, Phillips 3.5% From 2nd base: Keppinger 20.0% (9 of 45), Hairston 18.9%, Phillips 17.6%, Bruce 16.7%, Bako 16.1%, Votto 15.7%, Edwin 12.7%, Dunn/Griffey 12.3% From 3rd base: Hairston 61% (11 of 18), Bruce 44%, Phillips 41%, Bako 40%, Keppinger 39.3%, Valentin 38.5%, Votto/Ross 37.5%, Dunn 31.3%, Griffey 28.9%, Edwin 25.6
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Fogg update During batting practice Tuesday night RHP Josh Fogg was hit in the mouth by a ball batted by Joey Votto, an injury that required 30 stitches on Fogg's upper lip...he will be examined again when he arrives at the ballpark tomorrow.
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Reds Heads Kids Club Tuesday afternoon was a chance for members to meet and get the autograph of Edinson Volquez. Casey and Peyton had a blast. Great idea by the Reds. Click here for how to become a member.
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It's gotta be the shoes I've been asked to provide a close-up, for clarification, regarding my shows....so here....deal with it
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Most overstated stat that's not true in this town "The Reds can't hit lefties" That statement has taken on a life of its own. I'm not sure why it bothers me so much....but it does. Maybe because it's simply not true. They are the 2nd worst team in MLB hitting RHP. They arer batting 20 points below the ML average vs RHP....and are within one point of the MLB average vs LHP. Reds vs Pitcher........BA........OBP.......SLG........OPS.......Runs...........Record Left .264(16) .350(6) .416 .767 (10) 153 (2) 19-18 Right .241(29) .315(26) .406 .717 (21) 292 (25) 29-35 MLB average vs LHP .262 vs RHP .261 Hitters LHP vs RHP Keppinger .393/.247 Hairston .391/331 Phillips .350/.243 Edwin .333/.242 Votto .286/.269 Bruce .212/.298 Jr .198/.256 Dunn .189/.252
It is staggering to find that Jr-Dunn-Bruce combined vs LHP are: 53 for 267, batting .199 with 6 hr's, 31 rbi's and 83 k's and 21 extra base hits
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TV stuff *Ever check out "Happy Hour"...5pm Fox Business? It's a look at the business world live from the Waldorf-Astoria hotela restaurant in New York. Kind of like a business version of PTI in a Cheers setting. Rebecca Gomez is the co-host. One of their reporters is Sandra Smith. She's simply stunning....blonde, with a Rebecca De Mornay look to her. *Cash Cab, Discovery Channel, weekdays 6pm: "Unassuming people enter the "Cash Cab" as simple passengers taking a normal taxi ride, only to be shocked when they discover that they're instant contestants on Discovery Channel's innovative game show" Flashpoint, CBS A police drama about an elite group of cops known as the Strategic Response Unit (SRU). They rescue hostages etc. Two episodes in it's not bad. The leader of the team (Enrico Colantoni) is a little tough to accept, based on other roles I've seen him in(Just Shoot Me). Same with Amy Jo Johnson, who was the Pink Ranger in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and appeared in Felicity.
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From Norman Cox Norm is a friend/loyal listener serving in the Navy in The Middle East. A couple of weeks ago I posted his thoughts on July 4th and re-enlisting in Saddam Hussein's palace. We sent him a care package of baby wipes, powder, hand sanitizer, etc. Many of you have emailed wanting to know how you can help and if you can send stuff? He sent me this today.......adding it's 125-degrees where he is.... "Please send a hello to all you listeners and a thank you for all the thoughts and prayers they send. Where we are is a very established base. If they would like to send stuff over please pass along my address and I will certainly insure it gets to all the troops here at my base. We have a spot at the chaple and here at work where we put boxes of things for all to share. What ever they want to put into a box is always appreciated. They can alway contact thier local reserve centers as well to find the locations of other local troops. I know the Tri-State has people in Kuwait, Iraq, Afganistan and there are reserve and gaurd centers in Cincinnati and Northern Ky. Thank You for your support." The address is Norman D Cox NAVELSG FWD H APO AE 09366
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Rookie holdouts playing with fire Ludwig At Large If you want to make the 53-man roster and not just play in 2008 - but have a positive impact - you had better get your Bengal butts signed in time for the first training camp practice - 9 a.m. Monday, July 28, at Georgetown (Ky.) College.
Reds news Aaron Harang threw from 70 feet without complaint. Jerry Hairston began a running program without complaint. Both will be examined again tomorrow.
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UC news CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Dan Hoard, the radio play-by-play voice of the University of Cincinnati football and men’s basketball broadcasts for the past nine years, will return to that role again this fall. Hoard, who left his position in local television two years ago to become the radio voice of the Pawtucket (RI) Red Sox, will return to Cincinnati at the conclusion of this summer’s baseball season and resume his UC broadcasts on flagship station WLW-AM 700/XM Channel 173. In addition to calling the action on the broadcasts, Hoard also hosts the weekly call-in radio shows featuring head coaches Brian Kelly and Mick Cronin. Hoard also will continue to write a weekly column on GoBEARCATS.com and will contribute his expertise in other areas of operations with the UC Department of Athletics. “It is my joy and privilege to be the ‘Radio Voice of the Bearcats’ and there’s nothing more enjoyable as a broadcaster than describing the action for the team you root for,” said Hoard. “I am extremely grateful to Director of Athletics Mike Thomas, Senior Associate Director of Athletics Mike Waddell, Clear Channel’s President and Market Manager Chuck Fredrick, and Director of AM Operations Darryl Parks for the opportunity to continue broadcasting UC football and basketball, and hope to continue doing so for many years to come. “In Brian Kelly and Mick Cronin, UC has two of the best coaches in the country, and I look forward to broadcasting the words, ‘The Bearcats are BIG EAST champions,’ in the near future.”
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Bengals news The Bengals today signed rookie WR Mario Urrutia of Louisville to a four-year contract. Urrutia was a seventh-round Bengals selection in the 2008 draft. Urrutia is the fourth of 10 Bengals 2008 draft pick to complete contract negotiations. Previously signed were DT Jason Shirley of Fresno State (fifth round), TE Matt Sherry of Villanova (sixth round) and LB Angelo Craig of the University of Cincinnati (seventh round).
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Congrats to Anderson coach Jeff Giesting, head football coach at Anderson High School, was announced today as the 2007 season winner of the Paul Brown Excellence in Coaching Award.The award includes a $5000 donation by the Bengals to the Anderson High athletic department.
The award is given by the Bengals annually to an outstanding high school coach in the region. Last season, in his first year as Anderson head coach, Giesting led the program to the Ohio Division II state championship with a 13-2 record.
Giesting was an assistant coach at Anderson from 1988-2006 under highly successful head coach Vince Suriano, a former winner of the Paul Brown award. From 2000-06, Giesting was Anderson’s defensive coordinator.
A native of Oldenburg, Ind., Giesting attended Batesville (Ind.) High School and is a graduate of Franklin (Ind.) College. Before coming to Anderson, he was an assistant coach at South Putnam High School in Indiana, aiding that team’s drive to the 1986 Class A state championship.
Giesting and his wife, Susie, have two sons and two daughters.
Mike Brown, Bengals president, presented the award to Giesting today, during the team’s annual Pre-Training Camp Media Luncheon at Paul Brown Stadium.
“Anderson has a great football tradition, which Jeff was a part of as an assistant, and it was no surprise to those who know high school football that he was able to continue that success,” Brown said. “We are pleased to honor him as Anderson’s second winner of this award.”
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Mets announcers bothered by Larkin speech NY Daily News Whether they were looking to manufacture an excuse for Oliver Perez or a way to kill time, Keith Hernandez's and Gary Cohen's rant over Cincinnati delaying the start of Saturday night's game was condescending and petty.
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Stats figured I got to thinking about Edwin E last night....he has 18 hr's....a career high (16 previous '07)...yet he has just 39 rbi's and is on pace for just 65. So I looked up his HR's. 15 of his 18 hr's have come with nobody on base. In fact...15 of his last 16 hr's have been solo shots. I looked up Dunn. 18 of his 28 HR's have been solo shots...including 11 of his last 14.
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Plate appearances with runners on base Phillips 210 Griffey 180 Edwin 162 Votto 154 Dunn 149 Bako 106 Keppinger 105 Bruce 90 Hairston 70 Runners on base during plate appearances Phillips 294 Griffey 238 Dunn 223 Edwin 221 Votto 215 Bako 157 Keppinger 140 Bruce 128 Other runners batted in(other than self) Phillips 46 Dunn/Griffey 35 Votto 30 Edwin/Keppiner 21 Hairston/Bako 20 Bruce 17 Highest percentage of runners driven in (other than self) Hairston .20619 Dunn .15695 Phillips .15646 Keppinger .1500 Griffey .14706 Votto .139553 Bruce .13281 Bako .12739 Edwin .09502
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Mike and Marvin speak C Trent's blog On Chris Henry....."I'm not interested," Lewis said. "It's not productive for our football team. You have to be a productive part to be an NFL player. There are responsibilities of being an NFL football player. It's not a right."
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Depressing thought of the day Not only are the Reds 11 games back of first place Chicago........they trail Milwaukee and St Louis by 9 games.
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Tuesday Topics Reds: How aggravating was that? Most over/underrated QB's of all-time Vanishing Act Chris Henry?: Did I miss something while I was gone? Fans actually want the Bengals to bring him back? Henry isn't capable of functioning in society...let alone on a football team. Things I really can't cycle through again today: Carson...OSU-USC
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Things I'm told Jared Lorenzen has been invited to Colts training camp
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Money, money, money The Reds have 13 free agents after this season. What about some of the guys they owe in 2009? Jr: 16.5 mill or a buyout of 4-mill Cordero: 12-mill Gonzalez: 5.375-mill Arroyo: 9.5 mill Freel: 4-mill That's at least 34.875 mill owed, assuming they buyout Jr The killer of Freel being done for the season is he makes this team in 2009. No way they can trade him.
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Love for Kenny Anderson Most underrated QB's all-time Most overrated QB's all-time
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TV ratings Ratings for Sunday's British Open final round were down 15% from a year ago. Why? No Tiger? Tiger finished T-12th last year as Padraig Harrington beat Sergio Garcia in a four hole playoff. Did Greg Norman draw you to the TV Sunday?
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Composer of Leave It To Beaver theme dies at 98 Variety Friends remember him as soft-spoken and modest -- when he composed the "Leave It to Beaver" theme song, he simply remarked, "This will work."
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Sandlot baseball lost to the past (AP) Sandlot baseball, a slice of American life enjoyed for decades by boys from coast to coast, appears on the verge of extinction.
Thought of the day I will always believe this....fans aren't bothered by players/coaches of other teams as much as they are bothered by the fans of those teams. Fans give programs the bad name and image that is discussed. It's not jealousy. It's how you carry yourself that bothers others.
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Livingston rehabs at AAA Louisville Courier Journal "It's just the whole matter of getting back in pitching shape and midseason form," Livingston said. " ... In spring training you kind of get your body prepared for the season; it seems like I'm doing all of that in the middle of the season."
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Why they laughed I guess we are seeing more and more why the rest of baseball laughed at the signing of Cordero. What non/marginal-contender with 8th inning woes gives a 32-year old reliever a 4-year 46-million dollar deal? And does it with Bray, Burton and Roenicke waiting in the wings. And does it when the previous closer had saved 33 of 39 chances in '07. And forfiets their 2nd round draft pick. To think I was drinking the cool-aid over the signing. Ugggg.
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Reds observations *Coco Joke-O 6 blown saves by Cordero.....6 of 26 chances. David Weathers had 6 blown saves in 39 chances in all of 2007. I liked the signing. But welcome to a contract with three more years and 36-million owed. And an option for 12-mill in 2012 with a 1-mill buyout. He has a no trade clause for the first two seasons...and a limited no-trade the remainder of the deal. *How 'bout Stormy? David Weathers gets out of a jam and holds the lead in the 8th. He was pitching in his third straight game and for the 8th time in the last 9 games. ERA over last 9 appearances: 0.88. ERA over last 18 appearances: 2.04. Only 2 of 12 inherited runners allowed to score all season. Sure glad I'm not part of the "he's terrible" club. *Who was that guy? Nice effort by Homer Bailey in his 14th major league start. Looks like a different pitcher. He had his fastball and offspeed pitches working. The 5th innings was spectacular. He seemed to have SD hitters off balance much of the night. I'll take it. Sure glad I wasn't part of the "he's terrible, trade him" club. He did hurt himself in the 1st. I would not have sent him back out for the 7th. Poor guy....thanks to Cordero he's still winless since April 30. *Jr's HR Anyone know the girl who caught the HR? What a catch! Tell her I'd like to talk to her on the show. Anyone know the family of the little boy that got Jr's helmet? I'd like to talk to the dad on the show.
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Events for a cause Click hereto find out about events for a cause and how to help out
Legendary baseball writer/historian dies I had the honored of having him as a guest on my TV show in Chicago a couple of times. Oh the stories he could tell of the things he saw in the game of baseball.
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TV stuff *Ever check out "Happy Hour"...5pm Fox Business? It's a look at the business world live from the Waldorf-Astoria hotela restaurant in New York. Kind of like a business version of PTI in a Cheers setting. Rebecca Gomez is the co-host. One of their reporters is Sandra Smith. She's simply stunning....blonde, with a Rebecca De Mornay look to her. *Cash Cab, Discovery Channel, weekdays 6pm: "Unassuming people enter the "Cash Cab" as simple passengers taking a normal taxi ride, only to be shocked when they discover that they're instant contestants on Discovery Channel's innovative game show" *Deadliest Catch Marathon starts Tuesday at 9am
Carson comments From the Bengals this afternoon “I’m a Trojan all the way, and I was talking to a Trojan audience in California. I guess I got a little fired up, as all good fans will do. But I really do respect the Buckeyes, and I know their fans are passionate, too. I hope they all understand I’m just looking forward to a big game for my school against a very tough opponent, and that it’s all in the good fun of a rivalry. You don’t have a real rivalry unless both sides are great teams.”
Congrats to a local product Dayton, Ohio—The Midwest League of Professional Baseball announced today that Dayton Dragons pitcher Matt Klinker has been selected as the league’s Pitcher of the Week for the week ending July 20th. Klinker made two starts during the week, winning both games. He pitched a combined 12 innings and allowed just two runs. He earned a win over Beloit last Monday at Fifth Third Field, going six innings and allowing six hits and one run with one walk and three strikeouts. Klinker beat Clinton yesterday, again tossing six innings while allowing one run on five hits with no walks and six strikeouts. Klinker has won his last three starts and has allowed just four runs in four starts in the month of July, going 3-0 with a 1.38 earned run average. He is 6-4 on the year with a 3.40 ERA. Klinker, who resides in West Chester, Ohio, was a 15th round draft pick by the Reds in 2007. He was a three-time Southern Conference All-Academic selection at Furman University and is a graduate of Lakota West High School, where he was selected All-Great Miami Conference as a senior and led the conference in strikeouts. He was also selected as a Cincinnati All-City choice.
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Heads up for stalkers Erin Andrews will be signing autographs in the Fan Zone from 5:30-7 p.m at GABP.
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Chatting with Chad ESPN.COM on-line chat with Chad Johnson earlier Monday afternoon: Justin (Ohio): Chad, Would signing Chris Henry make this a better football team and will it happen? Chad Johnson: No, it is not going to happen. Once the situation goes down like that team's are not going to bring a player back. It is too bad. He is one of the best WR in the game, which is not known yet, and whoever gets him is going to be damn lucky. David (Cincy): Chad, I love you. Can we expect any celebrations this year, or more business-like? Chad Johnson: David, my celebrations are business like. I am going to have as much fun as I can. If I stop celebrating then there is something wrong with me. Chad Johnson: Everyone, I love you. I am sorry for what went on this offseason, but please understand this is a business. You will get 100% from me this year, as you do every year...actually, make it 200% this year. Cincinnati I love you; to all the fans I love you, and enjoy the show this year!|
Guest update Geoff Hobson, checks in at 5pm for Countdown to Georgetown
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Things figured Jr hitting in the 3rd spot Here is where Jr ranks among ML with at least 200 plate appearance when hitting in the 3rd spot. 25th BA .245 14th OBP .360 21st SLG .409 19th OPS .769 12th HR 10 12th RBI 41 4th BB 54 12th K 52
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It's gotta be the shoes? I have received numberous emails questioning my choice of shoes while on the beach. (See pictures below). Kelly said she's worried about any guy worried about my shoes. For the record....they are Rockport "boat"/"deck" shoes. What's the problem? We were at dinner, and stopped to take pictures at sunset. Did I violate some Man Law I'm unaware of? Or are you simply jealous of my fashion sense?:)
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Things figured The Reds have committed 72 errors...3rd most in MLB. They are on pace for 116 errors after committing 95 in '07. Reds 1B: 10 errors (Votto 9) Reds 3B: 17 errors (Encarnacion 16) Reds corner defense: 27 errors For comparison..errors from 3B/1B position NL Central: Cards 9, Cubs 16, Astros 13, Pirates 21 Best: Rays/Cards 9, Angels 10, Red Sox 11, Royals/Twins/Padres 13, Braves 14 Worst: White Sox 31, Reds/Marlins 27, Tigers 25, Mets 22
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I'm back We decided to make the trip back in one shot rather than break it up into two days. From my dad's house in Southport, NC to our house in Independence it's 670 miles. We left at 7:27AM and arrived at 7:17 PM. Nothing like a lane closing to bring things to a screeching halt. I-77 was one lane for two miles heading into a tunnel in West Virginia. Ever reach a point where you swear you are going to turn off the car, get out and simply walk away? Catch you Monday at 3pm. How about the storm Sunday night? I saw clouds from our deck that were moving left to right while other clouds were going right to left. Seemed like a funnel cloud waiting to happen. We headed for the basement. Monday topics Reds weekend: Kind of typical isn't it? How many "big" moments have they faced and failed? Good enough to tease.....mediocre enough to disappoint. Larkin: WOW....My email box is jammed with reaction to his speech. Greatest Reds All-Time: Where does Barry rank? Job Status: Would you bring Barry back? What role? British Open: I was rooting for Norman. He led, he lost....is that another choke? Tipping Etiquette: Vacation debates had...whether you tip the Concierge and maid/housekeeping staff?
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This eight would be enough Bengals.com All of these eight things don't need to happen for them to make the playoffs, but they have to get most of them.
King on Bengals CNNSI Quote of the Week II "Going back to the Bengals is possible. I wouldn't mind it happening because I loved playing in Cincinnati. I got real close with all the guys out there and I planned on being out there for a long time. I really had a good time playing ball out there in Ohio.'' -- Suspended former Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry, on the prospect of returning to the team.
King: If the Bengals do that, I will personally demand the entire front office be drug-tested.
Feinstein on LWT Washington Post As it turns out, there is LWT in golf. That would be Life Without Tiger. When Tiger Woods announced last month he was undergoing knee surgery that would end his 2008 season, there were, no doubt, plenty of people who thought golf might just as well shut its doors until he could play again.
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Things noticed *Danny Graves 1 inning, 7 hits, walk, 6 runs for AAA Rochester Friday night *AAA Bats have won 9 of 10 and are 16 games over .500 (59-43) for the first time since 2003 *Jorge Cantu, batting #3 for Florida, .291-18-58....on pace for 30 hr's, 38 doubles, 97 runs batted in, .337 vs LHP. 14 errors at 3B. *Kerry Woods is probably headed for the DL with a blister on his finger. Someone is calling Chicago sports talk at this moment to blame Dusty.
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Stuff read poolside Did you catch the "Where The Money Goes" breakdown in SI last week? The Reds spend 57.46% of their '08 payroll on hitting and 42.54% on pitching. The Reds are 22nd in runs scored and 23rd in runs allowed (As of last week) The Bengals spent 61.17% of the '07 payroll on offense and 38.83% on defense. The Bengals spent the highest percentage of '07 payroll on offense of any team in the NFL. The Bengals finished 11th in Total Offense and 24th in Total Defense in '07.
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Green Diamond Gallery This is the place I've been telling you about for the past few months. It's incredible. I was there to hear Phil Niekro and Robin Roberts speak.
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Dunn in the OF Baseball Prospectus During the broadcast of Saturday night's game, the Mets' announcing team began to discuss the fact that Adam Dunn was leading National League left fielders in putouts. Though Dunn is actually second in the NL as of this writing (behind Milwaukee's recently-converted corner outfielder Ryan Braun) it still may take a second for that thought to sink in, thanks to the image of him we all carry around in our minds. The Reds left fielder is a big, plodding guy, both in the outfield and on the base paths, and he's been accused of being incapable of properly fielding left in the past thanks to poor conditioning. This season appears to be different though-not only is Dunn second in the NL in putouts (and fourth in the majors) but he's also fifth in the majors in John Dewan's Revised Zone Rating. Out of the qualifiers, Matt Holliday leads the league with a .925 RZR, Carlos Quentin is in last at .826, and Adam Dunn is comfortably above the average at .903, and even has 25 plays made outside of his zone. Looking at our own FRAAtells the same story as Dunn is at +6-a result of both this and his .314 EqA (second best of his career)-and is on pace to have the best year on his resume right before hitting free agency. Teams interested in signing Dunn should take note of his defensive play in order to see if he's truly progressed, or if this is a short, half-season blip on the statistical radar. Is Dunn taking better routes to the ball to make up for his lack of speed? Has he improved his conditioning to the point where he can get from Point A to Point B quickly without the use of a bullpen car? If he's even an average outfielder defensively, he's one of the more productive players in the league thanks to a bat that ranks with the best (even when he hits .230) and if he's able to replicate this year's success in the long run, he's going to be worth at least a full win with the glove on the year, something I didn't expect to be typing in my lifetime.
Loved Myrtle Beach! Thanks for all the recommendations for Myrtle Beach. Kelly and I stayed two days...and crammed in a great deal. We got back to my dad's in Southport, NC Wednesday afternoon. We stayed at the Hilton Myrtle Beach Resort.....it was spectacular.
We walked around the "strip", but are glad we stayed miles from the chaos of downtown. We checked out the Gay Dolphin....long story...details to follow. Never seen so many Putt-Putt courses, buffets and Beach Wear places in my life. We were on the beach most of Tuesday morning/afternoon. Kelly read her book, I read my sports pages, but struggled to find decent sports talk radio on my headphones. Sure makes you appreciate living in a pro sports town. I was bummed the Myrtle Beack Pelicans were out of town....Kelly was not. Favorite spot was easily Broadway at the Beach. We went both days. Monday night I convinced the bartender at Margaritaville to flip the TV to HR Derby...just in time for Josh Hamilton. Everyone in the place stopped and watched. People started high fiving each other. Casey and my dad were calling on my cellphone to yelling and screaming. Dinner at Chestnut Hill was top notch. I was in seafood heaven. Our table was by a window looking down to the pond with turtles and gators. We caught the Carolina Opry Tuesday night. Kelly's choice, not mine...(make-up call to watching HR derby) but it was pretty good.
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Vacation pictures
The whole crew enjoys dinner
I go with the old school Bengals t-shirt in Southport, NC
Yacht Basin Provision Co. was voted one of the Top 20 dives in the U.S. Fantastic seafood.
