Latest fight for former Bengal is to save leg NFL.COM He traveled from his home in Orlando to New York on April 14 for surgery on his right knee to clean out infection from previous surgery. He was scheduled to spend three months here. But one surgery turned into nine surgeries since April to clean multiple infections, the last surgery on Sept. 5. His New York stay is growing on seven months now.
****
Now it's a series to watch MSNBC With a little help from the men in blue and a lot of help from the Philadelphia Phillies' reluctance to get a hit when it counts, we've got ourselves a World Series. And if you haven't been paying attention, now would be a good time to start.
****
The breakdown Scouts Inc.
QB
RB
WR
OL
DL
LB
DB
ST
Coach
Do you realize over the last three games the Bengals have been given the edge in ONE category....and that was the Bengals OL over Pittsburgh's OL last week. (And how did that work out?)
****
Peter King's pick At some point, i expect Marvin Lewis' head to explode. Not sure when, but it's only a matter of time. Prediction: Houston Texans 30, Cincinnati Bengals 12
****
No wins, no TV for Lions Detroit News The Lions failed to sell out their game against the Redskins at Ford Field by Thursday's deadline and, for the first time since late in the 2001 season, their game will not be broadcast on local television.
****
OSU-PSU: A homecoming of QB's Philly Enquirer A product of Jeannette, Pa., the freshman sensation will be facing the team from his native state that he once spurned. He will be taking on the friend and Nittany Lions coach now entrusted with stopping him. And he will be opposing a quarterback who was cast aside during his ballyhooed recruitment but still somehow assisted in the process.
****
Keels on OSU "They are playing for the Big 10 championship and a trip to the Rose Bowl. They are not going back to the BCS title game. OSU doesn't have a shot at being back in the championship game. They have too much to overcome." -Paul Keels, voice of OSU with The Cut Man this morning
****
Pike gets another shot Hartford Curant "You never want to see a friend and teammate go down," Pike said by phone Wednesday. "It's been an absolutely crazy roller coaster for me. I get in there, finally, after all this time, and we're building a little success and then all of a sudden I'm on the sideline again. I guess every season has its high points and low points."
****
UConn QB not cleared yet Hartford Curant "I worry about injuries, but the head is a little bit more complicated and all I do is, I get all my information from the doctors and the trainers," Edsall said. "If the doctors and trainers tell me the young man is cleared to play, then we'll play them. If they tell me that he's not cleared to play, then they don't play.
****
UConn likely to start Endres Connecticut Post All indications are that UConn will start its third different quarterback of the season when it takes the field Saturday against Cincinnati.
*****
OSU-PSU: As big as it gets Chicago Sun Times Now here's a game worthy of the words ''Big Ten.'' No. 3 Penn State meets 10th-ranked Ohio State on Saturday on the banks of the Olentangy River in what ought to be the most important conference game of the season.
****
OSU CB won't leave quietly Columbus Dispatch "I'm running out of games, we're getting closer and closer to accomplishing winning the Big Ten, the games are starting to count for more -- everything is starting to hit home," Jenkins said. "And I think my team, we need everybody to play up and above their talent, to play their best."That's all. I'm just trying to do my best for my team."
****
Great time last night Last night was another social night at Green Diamond Gallery. Former Reds 2B Ron Oester was our guest speaker. He was tremendous......full of the same fire and passion talking baseball as when he played it. He told the story of being Reds manager for 10-minutes and some classic stories about getting on guys for not playing the game the right way. His best line about getting guys to hustle...."I won't kiss their ****, I might kick their ****....but I won't kiss it" Tom Browing was in the house, along with George Foster and over 120 members and guests. Ron has accepted a position as roving minor league infield coordinator with the Chicago White Sox. Buddy Bell hired him for the Sox organization. It's a shame those two are not with the Reds orgainzation. Ronnie did say the Reds organization is heading in the right direction for the first time in a while. What a list of guest speakers so far this year....Phil Niekro, Robin Roberts, Johnny Bench, Wade Boggs, and others. Can't wait til next month...Brooks Robinson is the speaker. The gallery is amazing. I see something different each time I'm there. Well done by Bob Crotty and Kevin Manley.
****
Texans have bad memories of Fitzpatrick Houston Chronicle "I remember we had no idea who the backup quarterback was behind (Martin)," Robinson said. "This guy came in and just started slinging the ball all over the place. I remember this quarterback coming off the side and looking better than any quarterback they had out there the whole year."
The 1530 HOMER/Team Fitz Graphics HS Team Of The Week Don't forget to nominate your team this week. Tell me why your HS football team is deserving for the week. Did they pull off an upset? Beat a rival? Tell me who they played, score, record, coach, etc. I will accept email nominations until 6pm each Monday. I will announce the winning team each Tuesday. The chosen team will receive a 4ft by 6ft 1530 HOMER/Team Fitz Graphics Team Of The Week banner for their lockerroom. I will only accept emails sent to the address to the right, by my photo CONGRATS to this week's winner: Western Brown Broncos - Mount Orab, Ohio - Head Coach - Don Sizer On Friday night they beat their Southern Buckeye Conference (SBC) American Division rival, New Richmond Lions 28-14. It was arguably the most important game in school history and moved the Broncos to 9-0. With the victory they clinched their outright conference crown. RB Shawn Davis racked up 202 yds and 4 TD's in the game. He is still leading the city with 1836 yards and has 28 TD's. The Broncos are on track to make their first Division II playoff appearance in school history. The Broncos (9-0) travel to Portsmouth for their final regular season contest to take on the Portsmouth Trojans (1-8).
*****
Porter leads race for UK point guard spot Lexington Herald Leader After enduring a coaching change and a season basically lost to injury in his short college career, Kentucky guard Jodie Meeks could look at 2008-09 as a chance for personal redemption.
****** CB Lindley is UK's quiet artist Lexington Herald Leader In addition to mastering his craft as one of the best cornerbacks in the nation, Lindley is also an aspiring artist who hopes to one day design video games.
******
Here they are Friday Breeders' Cup picks from Dan Cronin
Filly sprint Ventura drew perfect and has perfect style. She has the class to win. 4-1 is decent. Indian Blessing is the fav 2-1 tough to throw out completely. Longshot is Tizzy Tune and Magnificence both will be 25-1 2yr old Turf Best Bet on Friday Consequence will be about 6-1 will love the hard turf and should run solid. C KArma surprised she is not Fav will be 5-1 or so and can't leave out Longshots Heart Shaped, Beyond our Reach both foreign 15-1 2yr old dirt Dominated by top 2. Stardom bound and Sky Diva will not get price but start p4 Longshots CS Silk 8-1 and Be Smart 30-1 Lukas will be right there. Filly Turf Mauralakana is my top pick 5-1 followed by HalfwaytoHeaven. No longshots here Forevertogether and Dynaforce both have big shots. I do not like the Fav Wait a While at all. Classic Zenyatta will be 3-5 She looks unbeatable But NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND Carriage Trail, Music Note, and Cocoa Beach All have a huge chance at prices SA Stake Black Mambo looks tough on the turnback after her take the 2 shippers Pletcher and Motion. Pick 4 starts with 2 yr old fake dirt race 2 tickets for me 2,4,5,8,10,11 with 3,,6,7,8,9 with 1 with 1,5,6,7,8,11,12,13 $240 4,10 with 3,6,7,8 with 3,4,5,6 with 1 $32 saver in case Zenyatta goes down
Saturday Breeders' Cup picks from Dan Cronin
Marathon Who cares this race is a joke but I like Delightful Kiss and Sixties Icon and Zappa in exacta box Turf Sprint IMPOSSIBLE but I am looking at prices Only Answer, One Union, Rouse the Cat all will be 30-1 or better. In pick 4 hit the ALL button. Dirt Mile Stand out Well Armed should win I will take him with Abertus Maximus, Surf cat, Lewis Michael in 2nd then add Pyro, My Pal Charlie and Lord Admiral 3 bombs for the trifecta. Bomb Lord Admiral 30-1 Mile Goldikova is a stand out, Kip Deville and Whatsthescript also have a shot. Goldikova is a top filly who lost to Zarkava the best Euro has to offer. If she gets the trip she wins. Bomb Shakis 15-1 Juvenile My strength over the yrs is 2 yr olds, I like several in here. Street Hero is my top pick at 6-1 followed by Midshipman and Munnings both 5-1 or 6-1. The sleeper is the Euro horse Bushranger he is top class and should love the distance and the fake stuff. One bomb is Elusive Bluff will be 30-1. pick 4 is All with Well armed (8), with Goldikova, Kip Deville, Whatsthescript 2,4,11, with 1,4,7,8,11,12. Its not cheap $252 but its the only way to hit a bomb this could pay $5,000 or higher. Juvenile turf I really like the 2 coming out of Canada Grand Adventure and Skipadate. The Euro Westphalia has a big shot too. Skipdate will be 10-1 What a great price on him. Sprint wow what a draw for my sleeper Fatal Bullet he drew the perfect post 9. Then look at Midnight Lute and Fabulous Strike, bomb is In Summation 15-1 Turf EURO EURO EURO Soldier of Fortune, Eagle Mountain, Conduit. Watch the Euro sweep as usual now that its not a raining mudfest. bomb is Conduit 8-1 Classic In the race of the yr for horse of the yr its CURLIN......................well most likely it is. BUT 3 top quality horses from Europe have a shot now that we are playing the dirt championship on fake rubber. The Duke , Duke of Marmalade , Raven's Pass, and Henrythenavigator all have a shot. bomb is Colonel John 20-1.
I will make 2 tickets , 1 with Curlin , 1 without. 3,4,5,7,8,10,11,12 with 2,3,4,7,9 with 3,4,9,10,11 with CURLIN $200 3,7,10,11,12 with 2,3,4,7,9 with 4,9,11 with 4,5,8 $225 this could pay $10,000 Good luck everyone you can't hit a home run if you don't swing the bat!!!!!!!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 06:02 PM EST [General]
Blood Drive update Yesterday’s seventh annual Bengals/Hoxworth Community Blood Drive at Paul Brown Stadium collected a total of 636 blood products, and for the fourth time in a row the event will be the year’s largest blood drive in Greater Cincinnati. “Each unit donated can save up to three lives,” said Alecia Lipton, community relations manager for Hoxworth Blood Center, “so we are estimating that the drive will save more than 1900 lives in the tri-state area. We thank the Bengals organization for their continued support.” Yesterday’s event also included the registration of 60 individuals with the National Marrow Donor Program. The Bengals will receive an award for largest blood drive at Hoxworth’s 70th Anniversary Gala on Nov. 1 at the Duke Energy Center. “It’s an honor to help take part in this drive,” said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis. “We congratulate everyone who participated. There is no substitute for this vital resource, and no other way to obtain it.” Persons who missed yesterday’s event are encouraged to contact Hoxworth at 513-451-0910 to schedule an appointment to donate at any of several area locations.
****
Reds news Billings, Montana -- The Billings Mustangs and the Cincinnati Reds announced today that they have agreed to extend their current Player Development Contract for an additional two years – continuing one of the longest partnerships in professional baseball through the 2012 season.“The Mustangs and Reds have one of the longest running affiliations in professional baseball and we’re pleased that our relationship will now extend beyond the 2010 season,” said Mustangs General Manager Gary Roller. “The Reds commitment to sending us talented players and quality people year after year falls directly in line with our objective of providing the community of Billings and surrounding areas with a highly competitive brand of professional baseball. “We’re fortunate and thankful to have a baseball partner like the Cincinnati Reds and look forward to many more years of shared success,” Roller added. The 2008 season marked the 35th year that Billings has been affiliated with the Reds. Currently the Mustangs and their Major League parent club are in the middle of a four-year contract that would have expired at the conclusion of the 2010 Pioneer League season.
****
UK practice notes LEXINGTON, Ky. – Starting linebackers Braxton Kelley, Johnny Williams and Micah Johnson, cornerback David Jones and free safety Marcus McClinton, who are recovering from injuries, are expected to be available to play at Florida on Saturday, although none will be 100 percent recovered, Coach Rich Brooks said after Thursday morning’s practice. Brooks also said that offensive tackle Justin Jeffries, who has missed the last three games because of a knee injury, has sustained a setback and will not play at Florida. Kentucky wrapped up on-field preparation for the game with a two-hour practice in sunny, but chilly weather at the Nutter Training Facility.
****
Heard it from Hoard GoBearcats.com The Bearcats are clearly moving in the right direction. In fact, Pitino named Cincinnati, West Virginia, and Providence as his "sleeper teams" in the BIG EAST this season.
****
Little help here If you could...please only email me at lance1530homer@fuse.net It is the address under my picture to the right. I have emails going to Lot D and to my Clear Channel account, which I rarely use. I won't be able to answer emails sent to the other accounts in a timely fashion. Thanks,
****
More bad news for Mick Sophomore forward Kenny Belton has been diagnosed with swelling in his spinal chord is out for three to six months, which means that he, too, will miss the season.-Bill Koch, Enquirer
****
Things I'm told (9:35am) Really, really bad news UC point guard Cashmere Wright will be out for the season with an ACL injury suffered Tuesday in practice and confirmed late yesterday.
UC now confirming the news (10:00am) CINCINNATI - For the second year in a row, the University of Cincinnati Bearcats will go the season minus one of its top players as highly-touted freshman point guard Cashmere Wright suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in practice. Wright will undergo surgery later this week to repair his ACL and will miss the season as he goes through rehabilitation over the next 6-8 months. "We feel terrible for Cashmere as he was looking forward to the season as all young players do," said head coach Mick Cronin. "Obviously he was a big part of our plans this year so we are going to have to make some changes. I want our fans to know that although we have had some setbacks, we are on the right track and our kids are working very hard. Our best days are ahead of us and we can't wait to get started this year." Wright, a 6-0, 175-pound native of Savannah, Ga., was a highly-regarded high school prospect who was listed as one of the nation's Top 100 players by many of the national recruiting services and was listed as the No. 12 recruited point guard in 2007-08 by Rivals.com.
****
Show preview Guests Steve Jones, voice of Penn St football, 3:05 Mick Hubert, voice of Florida football, 3:30 Josh Katzowitz, UC football, 4:05 Dan Clasgens, GetsSportsInfo.com, Fantasy Playbook, 4:30 Erin Rynning, football handicapper, 5:45 Topics UC hoops: Cashmere Wright done for the year UC: Can UC win on the road? Will they be ranked if they do? Is Pike ready? OSU: Is most of the country rooting against OSU Saturday? How juicy is the QB storyline in that game? The Pennsylvania guy is the QB at OSU and the Ohio guy is the QB at Penn St. UK: Any UK fans headed to Gainesville? Can UK overcome the injuries and stop a 21-game skid to the Gators? Exit stage right: I've tried to get to this all week. UK fans are getting an earful about leaving early from the Arkansas game. Rich Brooks has even weighed in. Ever lead early? Got an issue with those that do? World Series: Did you watch? Cyclones
****
You guys are awesome! Thanks for stopping by the Bengals Bloood Drive Wednesday. The place was packed! Well done by Hoxworth and the Bengals. Thanks for giving blood and for signing up for the Bone Marrow Registry. Marvin Lewis was there along with several players. Thanks to Randy Wolf and Amy Zerhusen for hanging out with me yesterday. Here is info if you are still interested in joining the National Marrow Donor Registry
Ah, wouldn't it be nice? Fox Sports "As far as building a franchise, I don't know if you can find a better model than what he's done," said left tackle Matt Light, an eight-year Patriots veteran with three Super Bowl rings. "I just respect the way he does business. Everything is very personal with him and his family. He takes a lot of pride in what he does. He knows every guy in this locker room. If you can say that about your boss, it's pretty good."
****
UC-UConn stuff Harftord Curant The NCAA doesn't keep statistics on the hardest-hitting teams in the country.If it did, Cincinnati would have to be a candidate for the top spot. The Bearcats had that reputation when Mark Dantonio - now at Michigan State - was at the helm. The hits are in surround sound since Kelly came to UC in 2006 from Central Michigan. This year, the Bearcats are the 43rd-ranked defense, 13th against the run.
****
UK in fast company at The Swamp Lexington Herald Leader "They're so fast," UK defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin said. "We've just got to stay in our gaps and not give up big plays. They've got such a big-play offense with Harvin, Demps, and Rainey and those guys. They're just fast. We've got to contain their speed. That's a main focus of ours. We've got to keep everything bundled up because they thrive off the big runs and long passes."
***
Lions sellout streak could end at 51 Detroit Free Press "That's our fault," coach Rod Marinelli said Wednesday. "That's my fault. If we were playing better and if we were executing better and were winning more, then they would come."
****
Big East might be too good Pittsburgh Post Gazette "In my 33 years of coaching I can honestly say I think this will be the finest league in the history of college basketball in terms of its depth and in terms of the number of returning players," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said yesterday at the Big East men's basketball media day at Madison Square Garden.
****
OSU takes a licking and keeps on ticking LA Times Some would rather see Warren Buffett win the lottery than the Buckeyes getting the third "ol' college try" against a team such as Florida or Louisiana State. Call it Ohio State fatigue, Buckeye backlash -- but it hasn't stopped the Buckeyes from playing games and winning most of them. Pollsters may not want to elevate Ohio State, some may even be contemplating a suppression plan, but the BCS computers are in puppy love. The Buckeyes are No. 5 in the computer index, five spots ahead of USC, the team that won the helmet-to-helmet by 32 points. Tom Luicci, a Harris poll voter who writes for the Newark (N.J.) Star-Ledger, typed back to me this week: "I'm tired of seeing Big Ten teams curl into the fetal position every time they're on a big stage." But, he added, "but I don't think you can hold that against either Ohio State or Penn State."
****
Nice story on former Elder TE Chicago Tribune Rudolph's production is solid if not staggering: He has 14 catches for 166 yards and two touchdowns. But for a first-year player, it's more about comfort and reliability, and the Irish's new pass-centric offense accelerated Rudolph's adjustment curve in both departments.
****
Teammate's comment riled up Pryor Columbus Dispatch "You're 19 years old and you're reading all this stuff -- which he shouldn't do anyway. He shouldn't read the papers, I told him that," Daniels said. But after reading it and hearing it, "I think it was a thing for him that was a little bit out of frustration, too. But it doesn't shock me that he would say that, because believe me, that's the kind of kid he is."
****
Time to fix the World Series LA Times ..... as a general interest sports columnist, I must sadly admit that the World Series is no longer an event of great general interest.
****
This series won't capture America's attention Gainesville Sun Which one are you? Are you one of those people who thinks the World Series, which started Wednesday night, will be a ratings disaster and a snoozer because it's Philadelphia and Tampa Bay? Or are you one of those people who thinks it will be a great Series because the Rays are such an amazing story and now they are taking on a team with a great pitching staff and a bunch of boppers?
****
Not to depress you...but From emailer Jeff Last night's Game 1 starters Scott Kazmir, drafted #15 overall in '02 (by Mets) vs. Cole Hammels, drafted #17 overall in '02 Reds drafted Chris Gruler #3 overall in '02 They did find Joey Votto in the 2nd round
*****
World Series observations *Cole Hammels is a stud *The more I watch BJ Upton, the more I think Eric Davis *8:37 first pitch? A 37-minute pre-game, really? *Nothing beats watching and talking baseball with your son. *Length of game 3 hrs 24 minutes? For a 3-2 game? We let Casey stay up an hour later, til 10pm, and it was only the 4th inning when he went to bed. *Jeanne Zelasko...hot or not? I say hot. *Dang, no more close-ups of Joe Buck in HD...ouch *Chris Berman anchors ESPN's World Series coverage? Make it stop.
****
The man behind the MLB logo Wall Street Journal His son once heard a radio broadcaster say that Minnesota Twins slugger Harmon Killebrew served as his model for the logo. Mr. Dior's response: "That's completely untrue. It's not Harmon Killebrew. It's not anyone in particular."
****** UC announces venue change CINCINNATI - The University of Cincinnati men's basketball team has moved its Feb. 4, 2009, game against Notre Dame to U.S. Bank Arena in downtown Cincinnati, the Department of Athletics announced Wednesday. The game, scheduled for a 7:30 tipoff, brings Cincinnati back to one of its former home courts. The Bearcats played at U.S. Bank Arena, then known as Riverfront Coliseum, from 1976-87. UC has compiled a record of 116-50 (.699) in games played in the building, which includes championships of the Conference USA Tournaments played there in 2002 and 2004. The Bearcats have won 12 consecutive games at U.S. Bank Arena. UC is also scheduled to participate in the second annual BIG EAST/SEC Invitational, taking on Mississippi State on Dec. 18 as part of a doubleheader at the 17,000-seat U.S. Bank Arena. "We've got a long-standing relationship with U.S. Bank Arena and I'm happy to see it continue," head coach Mick Cronin said. "This is a chance for more of our fans to buy tickets and see one of the top teams in the country in Notre Dame. We look forward to a packed house on Feb. 4."
******
SPiN Centerfold Picks Hey, she picks the Bengals I'm told this is Stephanie Heinrich of Anderson Township...a Turpin HS grad. She has also appeared in Playboy.
***** Best reason to check out General Hospital when Kelly has it on Kelly Monaco
Bill James on the Reds In the second year of his newly developed “Young Talent Inventory,” groundbreaking baseball analyst Bill James names Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto 25th on his list of the top 25 major league ballplayers under 30 years old. In The Bill James Handbook 2009, to be published on November 1, 2008, James judges the Reds to have the 15th-best overall young talent in Major League Baseball, same place as last year. “2008 really was not a great year for young talent, except pitchers,” James says in his new book. “Some young position players took a step forward (Dustin Pedroia, Matt Kemp, James Loney, Stephen Drew, Joey Votto, Josh Hamilton, Jose Lopez, Geovany Soto, Nate McLouth)...... “In pitching, on the other hand, it was a good year,” argues James. “Tim Lincecum, Jon Lester, John Danks and others emerged as major young talents—others including Jair Jurrjens, Ricky Nolasco, Mike Pelfrey and Edinson Volquez.” James lists the Reds as the #15 team in all of baseball for young talent, just below the St. Louis Cardinals and above the New York Mets: “The Cardinals don’t really have any young studs, but they have a bunch of guys in their late twenties who are pretty decent. The Reds are the exact opposite of the Cardinals. They have four young lions that everybody would love to have (Votto, Volquez, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto), but only two late-twenties guys who can really play (Edwin Encarnacion and Brandon Phillips). Chris Dickerson will make a splash in ’09, if he’s the player we think he is.” Making James’ list of the top 25 young players in order were: 1. Prince Fielder, Milwaukee Brewers first baseman, age 24 2. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins shortstop, age 24 3. Tim Lincecum, San Francisco Giants pitcher, age 24 4. David Wright, New York Mets third baseman, age 25 5. Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers left fielder, age 24 6. Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox second baseman, age 24 7. Matt Kemp, Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder, age 23 8. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels pitcher, age 26 9. Jose Reyes, New York Mets shortstop, age 25 10. Nick Markakis, Baltimore Orioles right fielder, age 24 11. Joakim Soria, Kansas City Royals pitcher, age 24 12. Ryan Zimmerman, Washington Nationals third baseman, age 23 13. Cole Hamels, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, age 24 14. Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies shortstop, age 23 15. Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners pitcher, age 22 16. Jon Lester, Boston Red Sox pitcher, age 24 17. Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman, age 22 18. John Danks, Chicago White Sox pitcher, age 23 19. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres first baseman, age 26 20. James Loney, Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman, age 24 21. Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop, age 25 22. Brian McCann, Atlanta Braves catcher, age 24 23. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers first baseman, age 25 24. Grady Sizemore, Cleveland Indians center fielder, age 25 25. Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds first baseman, age 24 James also listed teams in order of overall young talent currently on the big league squad: 1. Minnesota Twins 2. Arizona Diamondbacks 3. Tampa Bay Rays 4. Florida Marlins 5. Kansas City Royals 6. Milwaukee Brewers 7. Cleveland Indians 8. Colorado Rockies 9. Atlanta Braves 10. Boston Red Sox 11. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim 12. Oakland A’s 13. Los Angeles Dodgers 14. St. Louis Cardinals 15. Cincinnati Reds 16. New York Mets 17. Pittsburgh Pirates 18. Seattle Mariners 19. Texas Rangers 20. Philadelphia Phillies 21. San Diego Padres 22. San Francisco Giants 23. Washington Nationals 24. Baltimore Orioles 25. Chicago White Sox 26. Chicago Cubs 27. Detroit Tigers 28. Toronto Blue Jays 29. New York Yankees 30. Houston Astros
OSU football note Coach John Cooper will be recognized on the field at halftime for his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. Honorary captain this week is Silver Anniversary captain Kirk Lowdermilk. He will address the team and former captains at the Captains’ Breakfast Saturday
Randy Reed update Randy has talked to UC and the Bengals today and graciously declined their kind gestures. The Bengals today offered him four club seats to a game. Last night UC and Brian Kelly invited him and his family to attend next Thursday's South Florida game and be honorary captain. As Randy stated yesterday, his reasons for going public with his story was to help find the culprit.....and prevent further incidents from happening.
****
Xavier preview The Sporting News Another Elite Eight run could be a stretch for these Musketeers, but count on a 20-win season, which would be Xavier's 12th in the last 13 years.
****
UC hoops picked 11th in Big East Connecticut has been tabbed as the favorite to win the 2008-09 BIG EAST regular-season title in the BIG EAST Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Huskies received nine first-place votes and a total of 214 points in the poll. Deonta Vaughn named to All Big East team
****
Got a question for Lap? Dave Lapham checks in at 5pm for his weekly segment. Got a question? Email me.
****
Bengals news The Bengals today signed free agent FB Reagan Maui'a, a second-year player from Hawaii. Maui'a (6-0, 260) was on the Bengals roster for Games 1-5 this season, playing in Games 3-4. He was waived by Cincinnati on Oct. 11. He played in 16 games for Miami as a rookie last season. Maui'a fills an open spot on Cincinnati's 53-player roster. Maui'a's last name is pronounced "mow(rhymes w/‘cow')-EE-uh." The Bengals today signed WR Maurice Purify to the practice squad. (Purify (6-3, 224; Nebraska) is a rookie. He played in all four Bengals preseason games after signing as a college free agent, and had three catches for 25 yards. He was on the Cincinnati practice squad for Games 1-3 and had been released on Sept. 23.
****
UC gets it From MIke Waddell, UC Sr. Associate Director of Athletics in response to Tuesday's interview with Randy Reed who was assaulted at the Bengals game Sunday. (See story below) "We have invited Randy and his wife to be our guest at next Thursday night's UC/USF game at Nippert Stadium. Randy and his wife will be the guest of head coach Brian Kelly and will enjoy a first-class experience as the Bearcats entertain the Bulls in front of a national television audience on ESPN. If he is up to it, we will also have Randy as an honorary captain for the game."
****
Good for him Nate Livings of the Bengals(OL Practice Squad) called Mo Egger on Sports Talk Tuesday night and offered Randy Reed two tickets to the Jacksonville game. Nice to see the rest of the organization asleep at the switch.
****
Show preview Guests Chuck Weber, Cyclones, 3:45 Dave Lapham, 5pm Joe D'Ambrosio, voice of UCONN football, 3:30 Topics World Series: Interested? Why? Why not? Rooting for a team? Cyclones: What impact did last year's success have on you and the money you might spend on them? College Football Early exit: Any issue with fans that leave games early? UK fans are getting an earful about it...even from their coach. Bengals UC hoops: It's Big East media day
****
I can hear Lee Greenwoods' Proud To Be An American playing in the background And you wonder why things are the way they are? Check out Lot D reaction to the fan being beaten at the game Sunday: *I'm just saying, there is a 50-50 chance that Randy couldve asked for it. *I'm hearing that this Randy clown was running his mouth more then he has let us to believe. *Sounds to me like this guy is just trying to get some FREE TICKETS! What a Mr. FOOD STAMP move this is! *Randy totally deserved to get punched in the face. This is a gentleman's game, no place for a drunken loudmouth. You disgrace the colors sir. *Besides the blood on the ground by Randy R's seat,there were 6 plastic Miller lite bottles that he had been downing at a pretty good rate. Randy was Drunk also ! *sounds like this Randy clown was drunk and running his mouth too. *There are always exceptions but I'm beginning to think people are just making stuff up out of sheer frustration. *how do YOU KNOW RANDY DIDN'T DO something to cause this, how do you know????? *all I am saying is quit acting like this guy is the greatest thing sence sliced bread. *OK this guy got punched, OK arrest the guy who did it! Press charges, do SOMETHIMG OTHER THEN BEG on th RADIO
****
UConn returns home with new look Connecticut Post After not playing a home game for more than a month, the UConn football team may be unrecognizable to some fans this week. UConn offense in need of change Connecticut Post I'm just going to throw this thought out there and see if it sticks. Unless the UConn offense drastically changes over the second half of the season -- and what I mean by that is let Zach Frazer throw the football and bring some balance to what is a very one-dimensional offense -- the Huskies could be in big trouble.
****
Rays turnaround would be greatest sports story ever Orlando Sentinel The Rays aren't just a great baseball story; they have a chance to be the greatest story in the history of professional sports. Let me rephrase that and repeat it just so you understand it: The Rays, if they win the World Series, would be THE GREATEST story in the history of professional sports.
****
Is Rays-Phillies a ratings disaster in the making? Seattle Times Believe it or not, a gripping World Series can be conducted without the participation of the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Cubs or Dodgers. Let's give it a chance, please. As someone not concerned with Nielsen families or overnight numbers, here's what I see: A great matchup filled with appealing players and compelling story lines.
****
Hamilton roots for Rays without feeling left out Fort Worth Star Telegram "I think it's awesome," said Hamilton, who served 3 1/2 years of suspensions as a Rays minor-leaguer. "I'm pulling for those guys. I told them every time I saw them this year that I was happy for their success. I played a lot with some of those guys. There's a connection there, so you want to see them do well."
****
World Series gives African Americans chance to step up Philly Enquirer That's seven players who could play prominent roles in baseball's premier event - seven players whom African-American kids across the country can see and admire, and perhaps they will decide to give the national pastime a chance.
****
What are the odds? Think we might see the following in the near future? Cincinnati Enquirer Sunday spread on security at PBS Channel 9 I-Team investigation into security at PBS
****
Isn't it ironic? Tampa Bay has home field advantage for the World Series. Why? The AL won the All-Star game. How? Phillies closer Brad Lidge allowed the game winning run in the 15th inning. Also in that game: Rays pitcher Scott Kamir picked up the win, Evan Longoria had an RBI double and catcher Dioner Navarro threw out a runner attempting to steal.
****
Climb to top reaches obstacle Columbus Dispatch Earlier this year, OSU tailback Chris "Beanie" Wells was asked why he thought so many people disliked his team. "Because it's such a great university," he said with a grin. "I'm thinking those people applied to Ohio State and couldn't get in."
Thanks I wasn't aware of the incident at the Bengals game involving Randy Reed until Tuesday afternoon. It became the main topic on the show. I appreciate your input on the subject and the stories you told about attending games. Heck, I could probably roll over my original Tuesday show to Wednesday.....I never got to it.
****
Welcome back "UFC90: Silva vs. Cote" at Allstate Arena on Oct. 25 marks the return of Octagon Girl Rachelle Leah. After a two-year hiatus, Rachelle is resuming her role as Octagon Girl, and she's featured in Playboy this month.
UK football news LEXINGTON, Ky. – Five defensive starters – tackle Myron Pryor, linebackers Braxton Kelley, Johnny Williams and Micah Johnson, and cornerback David Jones -- missed practice Tuesday morning because of injuries, Coach Rich Brooks announced after the morning workout at the Nutter Training Facility. Brooks confirmed that Pryor will miss Saturday’s game at Florida as he recovers from a high-ankle sprain incurred during Saturday’s win over Arkansas. The other players’ availability for the game vs. the Gators is “questionable to doubtful,” according to the coach. In addition, free safety Marcus McClinton missed approximately half of Tuesday’s practice while he recovers from injury.
****
Bengals news The Bengals today made the following roster moves: * Signed G Andrew Crummey from the Washington Redskins practice squad. Crummey (6-5, 301; Maryland) is a rookie, signed by Washington last May 7 as a college free agent. He played in all four Redskins preseason games, was waived on Aug. 30, and was signed Sept. 1 to the Redskins practice squad. Crummey will wear uniform No. 60. * Placed rookie LB Keith Rivers of Southern California on the Reserve/Injured list. Rivers sustained a jaw fracture in last weekend’s game vs. Pittsburgh. The Bengals’ top 2008 draft choice, he has started every game this season at WLB and ranks second on the team in tackles (50), with one interception and one forced fumble. * Waived K Dave Rayner, fourth-year player from Michigan State. Rayner was signed Oct. 11 as a replacement for injured K Shayne Graham and played in the last two games, going one-for-one on field goals and three-for-three on PATs. The Bengals now have one open spot on the 53-player roster.
Ward won't be fined by NFL NFL.COM After watching replays of the hit, the league determined that Ward will not be fined for the play that left Rivers with a broken jaw, a league official said Tuesday. The ruling was consistent with the officials, who did not call a penalty on the play.
***
How about Tiger as your caddie? AP "It was just such a hoot to play with him," said Abel, who regularly shoots in the 90s. "He showed me things I never even thought about. Like when he walks into a sand trap, he feels with his feet. It was just so neat. it really was."
****
Nothing dirty about Ward's rugged play Pittsburgh Post Gazette So the Cincinnati Bengals want a piece of Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward when the teams play again Nov. 20? Please. They had better get in line. It is a very long line. "I'm a 200-pound wide receiver. [Rivers] is a first-round linebacker out of USC. If I were him, I wouldn't want people talking about me being blocked like that. I'd be embarrassed about it."
****
How was your fan experience Sunday? Check out this email from listener Randy R...a lifelong Bengals fan
My name is Randy and I'm from Miamisburg. I am a lifelong diehard Bengal fan. I can really only afford to go to one game a year and we chose Pittsburgh this year hoping for great weather and we got it. It was my step-daughters first Bengal's game and she was excited. Me, my wife and daughter met up with a my son and a bunch of my friends to tailgate early and had a blast eating and playing cornhole. It was great and she loved it.
We got seats on ebay sitting 28 yards up from the field dead center end zone. We were already down 10-0 and Pittsburgh was driving right towards us. There was a row of Steelers fans behind us. The guy directly behind me, (I had an aisle seat) spilled beer on me and I asked him to him to watch it. They started mouthing off about the Bengals and Mike Brown, whatever.
My wife and daughter went to the restroom. The guy directly me kept going on about Mike Brown and I finally said, "At least he isn't selling our team. You guys might end up the LA Steelers". I never turned around once or confronted anyone. It was just banter during the game. Let's face it, it's pretty hard to come up with anything to defend this franchise currently. Besides this wasn't a fan on the losing side they were well on there way to victory.
The next thing I know I felt a crushing blow to the side of my face. I fell, not really sure where since it knocked me out. I woke up in the security office with my face being attended to. I was covered in blood and my face was a mess. When I fell I must have hit a railing and went face first to the concrete stairs. I have a broken wrist and a bruised knee.
They informed me that they did catch one of the three but that he admitted to being the driver of the other two and didn't throw the punch so they didn't hold him. I was pretty upset over this nonetheless. They didn't follow him to his car to arrest the one who did punch me.
I have seen fights and altercations at previous games but this was different. I have heard of it happening in other cities. They talk about it on the message boards. It's called Hit and Run or Blast and Bolt as well as other things.
They go with the intention of finding someone to blindside and run. A total sucker punch. They get out and knowing that the police aren't likely to follow up on what is a misdemeanor. Yes, the police informed me it's a misdemeanor since he didn't use a weapon like a bottle. It's further unlikely they will follow up since they don't know who it is. Well, they have a camera footage of him but it's unlikely they will do anything with it. The whole process is unnerving.
Apparently it's more popular in bigger cities like Chicago, Philly and New York but it seems to be spreading. So now I'm left to wonder where to go from her. I am a victim. I have no real course of retribution as the police didn't see fit or plan on attempting to find out who did it. The experience ended bad for my wife an daughter and I will never put them in harms way by going again. Are fans heading the way of European soccer? You're crazy to take a kid to the game.
****
Best new breakfast food ever!
Top 5 breakfast foods Eggo Chocolate Chip Mini Muffin Tops Pilsbury Cinnamon Roll Toaster Strudel Sausage Biscuit Otis Spunkmeyer Wild Blueberry Muffin Lucky Charms
****
Fun with the Bengals: On this date 2002 "I don't understand it, either," Frerotte said over the weekend from his family's home in western Pennsylvania, where they spent the bye weekend. "There are things that need to be addressed other than the quarterback situation. To bring in another quarterback is baffling."
****
Show preview Guest Brian Kelly Topics Bengals: They continue to make it hard to be a fan UC: Should they be ranked? UK football/I'm outta here: Any issues with fans that leave games early? Who Am I? Turning back the clock: Monday was the anniversary of the Reds 1990 World Championship. 18 years ago. As cool as it was to play Marty's call of the final out and hear Chris Sabo, it was also sad to think it has been that long. Maybe a topic in there? Anything else? Got another topic for Tuesday? Email me.
***** Later in the week Steve Jones, voice of Penn St football Joe D'Ambrosio, voice of UCONN football Chuck Weber, Cyclones coach Gerry DiNardo, Big 10 Network studio analyst
******
Scouting the opponent Houston Texans Cheerleader: Rachael
****
On this date: I was 9, I was crushed Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hit a ball that struck the left field foul pole in Boston's Fenway Park for a home run, giving the Red Sox a 7-6 victory in 12 innings over the Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the World Series.
****
SEC ref an instant hit... after hit USA Today The umpire in Saturday's South Carolina-LSU college football game is becoming an Internet star for a video that shows him tackling Game**** quarterback Stephen Garcia.
****
Should UC be ranked? Enquirer "We haven't beaten anybody really that has any marquee appeal to it," UC coach Brian Kelly said Monday. "Rutgers is a really good football team but they were 1-4 or 1-5 at the time. You've got to beat quality teams to get ranked in the Top 25. We haven't beaten anybody yet. I think we're right where we should be."
Since Willingham's firing the Fighting Irish have gone a combined 26-17 while the Huskies have gone a mind-boggling 11-30, a record that is unheard of for Washington football and even Tyrone Willingham who previous to taking the Washington job was a combined 65-52 as a head coach, including his 21-16 record in South Bend. Many want to argue that Notre Dame was unjust in allowing Weis to continue after a struggling third year as they fired Willingham after a very average third campaign. However, look where the programs are headed now, Ty Willingham's worst case scenario with the Irish played out the way we feared it may, Charlie Weis' was a result of Ty's with the best days of the Weis era still ahead of the Fighting Irish Four years later, Notre Dame's decision to fire Willingham remains the right move.
****
How about Conner HS footbal? Back to back games! Enquirer "One thing we always talk about it is adversity and handling sudden change during games and we had to deal with both of those things right here," Trosper said. "We will become a stronger team and a stronger program for going through this and it says a lot about these kids that they were excited to play again on Saturday."
****
Bengals a tough team to love Dayton Daily News The problem is, the Bengals make it difficult to be a fan. To some, being a team's fan means no matter what happens, you support the club, win or lose. However, I think it's one thing to root for a team and quite another to support the bad management that has turned the club into a perennial loser.
****
UD coach, player hand deliver season tickets Dayton Daily News "You guys are the best fans in the world, and we appreciate it," Gregory said. "(UD) is a special place to be, and you help make it that way."
Leaving early hardly a sin Lexington Herald Leader At his Monday news conference, Brooks was asked if he understood why so many had hit the exits well before the game ended. "After the last two years, I don't," Brooks said, referring to Kentucky's back-to-back, eight-win seasons that were filled with comeback wins. "But that's their prerogative."
What we are watching (This current season) Fox House, Prison Break, Fringe ABC Boston Legal, Dirty, Sexy Money, Grey's Anatomy CBS The Mentalist, Crimminal Minds, CSI Las Vegas, CSI Miami, The Unit Without a Trace, Numb3rs, New Adventures of Old Christine NBC The Office, Law and Order TNT Raising the Bar A&E The Cleaner FX The Shield Direct TV Friday Night Lights Dropped: Desperate Housewives, How I Met Your Mother, Life on Mars, Private Practice Still to check out: My Own Worst Enemy Wavering: Fringe, Without A Trace Will catch on reruns: Two and a Half Men
UK news LEXINGTON, Ky. – Tailback Derrick Locke is out for the remainder of the 2008 season after sustaining torn knee ligaments during the Arkansas game, Coach Rich Brooks has announced. The injury was confirmed on Monday and Locke will undergo surgery to repair the ligaments. If all goes well, he should be ready to return for the 2009 season. Locke, a sophomore from Hugo, Okla., has been one of Kentucky’s top playmakers this season – · leads the team in rushing with 303 yards and one touchdown · is second on the team in pass receiving with 23 catches for 195 yards and a TD · ranks second in the Southeastern Conference and 13th nationally in kickoff returns with a 28.5-yard average, including a 100-yard touchdown against Western Kentucky · leads the team in all-purpose yardage with 116 yards per game This is the second-consecutive week that Kentucky has lost a key offensive performer to a season-ending injury. Dicky Lyons, the team’s top pass receiver, sustained a knee injury vs. South Carolina that ended the collegiate career of the Wildcat senior. Brooks also announced that defensive tackle Myron Pryor is likely to miss this week’s game at Florida because of a high-ankle sprain. Pryor has 20 tackles this season and leads the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 quarterback sacks. Cobb Named SEC Freshman of the Week: Randall Cobb, who sees action as a wide receiver, quarterback and punt returner, was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in Saturday’s 21-20 win over Arkansas, the league office has announced.
*****
Hey, Bengals....this guys hits harder than anyone on your defense
*****
On this date: October 20, 1990 18 years ago today, with a 2-1 victory in Oakland , the Reds completed a sweep of the A's in the 1990 World Series. Starting pitcher Jose Rijo was named Series MVP after allowing just one run in 15 1/3 innings pitched. Box score
****
Valeri returns tonight
Valeri Abati makes her Channel 5 debut tonight at 6 and 11pm.
*****
Show preview Marvin Lewis, 3pm Topics Bengals Your Sunday: Did you go? watch? listen? do something else? College football: OSU and UK BCS ALCS
The hit
After the play, Ward walked away from Rivers toward the middle of the field and raised his arms in jubilation."It was a clean hit," Ward said. "I didn't stand over the guy or anything. I just celebrated, the same as a guy does when he gets a sack." Pittsburgh Post Gazette "Too bad he can't hit someone face up," safety Chinedum Ndukwe said. "It's too bad he has to wait until he's not looking to get him. "It's unfortunate that's the type of guy he is." Ward didn't much care about that, either. "The defense kept saying, 'We're going to hit you,'" Ward said. "Well, I know you guys are going to hit me. I'm not going to wait around until you hit me. I'd be stupid to wait around for one of those guys. I was just playing hard. He had a helmet on. It was a clean hit. I didn't get penalized for it. "I'm not going to change the way I play this game. The way I play this game, it brings an attitude to our team, it gets us going. I'm not going to change my style of play." Pittsburgh Tribune Review
****
Things I'm told Jim Bowden, aka Leatherpants, was in rare form Saturday. His twin sons play in the Anderson Twnshp. Fall Little League (10-12 yr olds). Jim sat right behind the backstop and made snide comments to the parent volunteer umpire the whole game.
****
Email stat of the day From listener Jeff Steven Jackson 6602 total yards rushing and receiving 40 touchdowns Chris Perry 1040 total yards rushing and receiving 4 touchdowns
******
Observations Line of the game: "I don't get why anyone would go to this game".....8-year oldCasey in the 2nd quarter. Graphic of the game: Most 0-6 starts in NFL history. 8 Bengals , 4 Cards-Lions-Bucs-Colts Graphic of the game Part II: Ben most sacked QB in NFL (111) since start of '06....47 times more than Carson. Stat of the day: Wins...Raiders 2...Bengals 0 Stat of the day II: With 11:44 remaining in the game the Bengals trailed 17-10. They lost 38-10. The hit Legal...agressive and physical. Ward did it. Bengals talked about it. Ward raised his arms in celebration after the hit. Bengals did what? I saw Brandon Johnson side step him coming over the middle on an incompletion on the next drive. I saw JJ laughing with him later in the game. Hit Hines? How can you expect them to hit Hines when they couldn't even hit Ben? The hardest hit of the day by the Bengals was Cedric Benson on Troy P. Offense *5 three and out's to start the game *1st first down at 4:55 of 2nd quarter *14 plays, 92 yards, TD...and the rest of the game 54 plays 120 yards (2.2 per) *17-10 4th qt, 3rd and 10 on Pittsburgh 37...Fitz takes sack...killer *All seven sacks came from the Pittsburgh LB's *If Fitz got sacked 7 times, how many times would Carson have been sacked? *Levi pushed backwards by Harrison *Benson ran hard...hit Troy P harder than a defender hit a Steeler *Watson, Perry and Kelly got used and abused by the Steeler pass rush *No jump by Henry on the deep ball? *This team wants to run, but has what for a FB? *No 100 yard rusher or 300 yard passer this season *Chad's first TD vs Pittsburgh in four years Defense *Ben was not sacked...just the 2nd game in two years he has not been sacked *No sacks, no interceptions, no fumbles forced... missed tackles, bad angles, whiffs *4.6 yards allowed per rush *50 TD pass allowed *13 yard TD rush, untouched *Robert Geathers: 0.5 sacks in 7 games, 1.5 sacks in last 13 games and 4 sacks in last 26 games going back to Week 15 of 2006 *Pope? Jones? Seriously? *Nice 3rd and 1 stop by Johnson *Nice PBU in endzone by Hall and PBU at goal line *JJ 3rd and 2 PBU Special Teams *Nice job by Andre Caldwell *What the hell has happened to Kyle Larson? *Fair catch inside the 10...par for the course *Block in back by Brandon Johnson
First quarter woes vs Pitts: 0 first downs, 4:06 time of possession vs Jets: 0 first downs, 2:39 time of possession vs Dall: 3 first downs, 4:44 time of possession vs Clev: 2 first downs, 5:33 time of possession 1st qt last four weeks combined: 5 first downs,1-8 on 3rd down, 17:02 TOP....opponent's TOP 42:58
*****
Things heard *ESPN's Ed Werder reports Jerry Jones gave the Cowboys a tongue lashing after yesterday's loss. Hmmmm...wonder what Mike Brown did? *Marvin Lewis finally hit on the slogan for Bengals football when he said...."It's not what professional football is all about" Perhaps this will be on season ticket renewal forms.
****
What others are saying *I'm running out of bad things to say about this team. Maybe they should take a cue from the Rams and give coach Marvin Lewis a permanent paid vacation. -Charles Robinson, Yahoo Sports *Hines Ward's textbook de-cleating block of Cincinnati linebacker Keith Rivers -- resulting in a broken jaw for Rivers, which likely will cause him to miss the rest of the year -- is a great example of why Ward's teammates love him and so many opponents loathe him. There was nothing wrong with the block, which had Ward come in from the side, catching Rivers unaware. It's just a vicious but legal football play made by the best downfield blocker among all NFL wide receivers. Opponents will look at tape of the play and think Ward didn't need to explode Rivers the way he did, but that's nonsense. Ward went all out, and when you do that in this game, sometimes people get hurt.-Peter King, CNNSI *I think Carson Palmer must be exceedingly worried about his right elbow. Why else would he be sending his MRI -- supposedly devoid of major damage to his right elbow -- to renowned orthopedist James Andrews and at least three other noted ortho guys around the country?Palmer has talked to Jake Delhomme of the Panthers, who had the ligament replacement surgery that Palmer fears he might be facing, and Delhomme's advice: "I was more trying to reassure him that the surgery works, if that's what he needs. I had more than just that done, but you don't lose your quality of life, and you can be sure the surgery is better now than it was a few years ago, when it was difficult to come back from. I told him it was a very easy rehab. Basically, I told him not to be afraid, that if this is what it was, he'd be able to come back from it.'-'Peter King, CNNSI *In what became a competition to see who could get to the quarterback faster, Pittsburgh linebackers Lawrence Timmons, LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison each had two sacks apiece. James Walker, ESPN.COM *Dungy was seething, and heaven knows, it takes a lot to make Dungy angry. But who could blame him? When his men boarded the plane in Indy, they were the Indianapolis Colts. By the time they got to the Fox Cities, they turned into the Cincinnati Bengals."-Indy Star
*****
What they are saying in Pittsburgh *Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis probably didn't help matters when he deferred the opening kickoff and gave the ball to the Steelers. If Lewis didn't trust his offense in the hands of backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, why should the Steelers respect, much less fear, the winless, hapless Bengals? Pittsburgh Tribune Review *Roethlisberger found Nate Washington streaking behind emergency roster addition Geoffrey Pope for 50 yards and a touchdown."I thought, 'He can't be that open,'" Roethlisberger said.-Pittsburgh Post Gazette "Even as we were shooting ourselves in the foot a little bit in the first half," Tomlin said, "I thought we were controlling the line of scrimmage."
****
Amazing! How 'bout those Rays!? What a game. What a finish. David Price, their #1 pick last year, gets a four out save....3-1 the final. Price has a postseason win and save before he has either in the regular season as a big leaguer! Matt Garza was a stud. What a scene on the mound! I'm very happy for the franchise! Bring on the World Series!
*****
Things I'm told...keep an eye on The Big Blue Congrats to the Hamilton freshman football team. They finished (8-1) and went undefeated in conference play on the way to the GMC conference championship. I'm told they have an offensive line that allowed them to control the ball late in some tight games, including an overtime win against Lakota East and a season ending vitctory over Middletown Middies 16-6. The offensive line is known as "THE BIG UGLIES"..... center Jordon "ski" Wesson, guards Nick Lower, Zach Payne, tackles Adam Panky and Mark "Smokey" Tuttle. Somebody alert the scouts for the Bengals.
****
Rudi watch Six carries for eight yards in Lions loss. Last two weeks: 23 carries 46 yards. Things read MLive.com Quarterback Jon Kitna, on the injured reserve list, replaced as one of the offensive captains by running back Rudi Johnson. While it isn't known if Johnson was voted in by the players or picked by the coaches, it's interesting that a guy who joined the Lions in early September was elevated to captain. That's not a reflection on Johnson as much as it is on the dearth of leadership on the offensive side of the ball.
