Perspective From James in Mason Month of May Corey Patterson 11 for 61 .180, 1 double, 2 rbi Jay Bruce 11 for 19 .579, 3 doubles, 4 rbi
****
Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce!
****
My Man Crush 8 From listener Micah in Southgate
*****
Is TJ Alvin Harper in waiting? Ludwig At Larger T.J. is going to demand big bucks in the $5 million-per-year range, and - in the Bengals' eyes - that's way, Way, WAY too expensive for a No. 2 receiver.
*Chick will join me Monday at 5pm for Countdown to Georgetown
****
Jasper transfers LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentucky basketball player Derrick Jasper, a 6-6 native of Paso Robles, Calif, who has played two seasons in Lexington, has asked for his release from the Wildcats, citing a desire to play closer to home as the reason for his decision "The decision to transfer is in no way an indication of .......
***
I can't wait This is a sports gift....Laker vs Celtics...first time since 1987! I was a junior at Butler in '87. My roommate, Brent Maurer, had posters of Bird, McHale and Parish on his side of the room. Images of Bird, Magic, and Jack Nicholson are dancing in my head. The goggles of Kurt Rambis....the long arms of Kevin McHale. "I Love LA" "Beat LA....Beat LA" I just had about 10 topics dropped in my lap for this week. It's NBA heaven.
Snake Eyes: Las Vegas evens series with Clones Kevin Lalande stopped 27 shots in posting his second shutout of the Kelly Cup Finals and gave Las Vegas a 2-0 win over the Cincinnati Cyclones on Friday night. Aki Seitsonen and Kelly Czuy scored the goals for the Wranglers in the triumph. The series is now even at two games apiece.
*Thanks to John Hammel, Voice/Media Relations Director and the Clones this past week. We had a Clones guest Wed-Thur-Fri from Las Vegas to preview the Kelly Cup Finals.
***
Walking off to victory The Reds' 6 walkoff victories are the most in the Major Leagues (TB & LAD, 5 each). *4/2 vs Ari (6-5 win), Encarnacion 3-run HR off Lyon *4/5 vs Phi (4-3 win), Bako RBI-single off Durbin *4/20 vs Mil (4-3 win in 10 innings), Encarnacion HR, Bako HR, Griffey RBI-single in 10th *5/14 vs Fla (7-6 win in 10 innings), Janish RBI-single off Pinto *5/17 vs Cle (4-2 win), Dunn 3-run HR off Kobayashi *5/30 vs Atl (3-2 win in 10 innings), Bruce scores on CJones' error on Phillips' ground ball
****
Marvin overrated ESPN In Cincinnati, Lewis has a record of 42-38. But he's only 16-24 against teams with a record of .500 or better. He's 26-14 against teams with a losing record. Last season, the Bengals beat only two teams that finished with a winning record and only one of them, the Tennessee Titans, squeaked into the postseason. So, why all the gushing over Marvin Lewis? He's a good guy who's good with the media. But as a head coach, he's overrated.
Chasing 600 in Cincy CBS Sports "The way that 600 thing has been handled has been a joke," Reds outfielder Adam Dunn said Thursday. "You don't
hear anything about it. It's a joke. It's embarrassing.
Friday show preview Guests Jonathan Fanene, Bengals DE Devin Mesoraco, Reds #1 picks last year Chuck Weber, Clones coach Topics Reds Sports Six Appeal: See below Off The Beaten Path: School days. It's the last day of school for my kids. We always have fun with this one...your memories of grade school, jr high, high school.... Why did we square dance in gym class? Why were the answers to only the odd numbered questions in the back of my math book? Jump in the FORUM
****
Best reason to watch the Scripps National Spelling Bee tonight Erin Andrews will host the finals on ABC
****
Stat of the NBA playoffs Kobe Bryant, free throw shooting Jazz series, 6 games.......80 of 96 Spurs series, 5 games....10 of 11
****
Sports Six Appeal Time to revisit a topic we had fun with. I said I'd do it maybe once a month....and I keep forgetting. The idea comes from a book released about 6-months ago. The idea is to sum up an athlete/sports figure in just 6 words. Get to work please. Example: Marvin Lewis: I once trusted, now I doubt Corey Patterson: Couldn't hit water from a boat Pete Rose: He gambled and lost it all Mike Brown: Mastered the art of being mediocre Sean Miller: A winner that will stay a while Jump in FORUM to discuss
Line of the morning "He has the mental agility of a small soap dish" -Attorney Eric Deters on Chad Johnson He joined Cut Man to discuss the Funny Bone case
*****
What they are saying in Vegas Review Journal The Kelly Cup Finals arrived in Las Vegas on Thursday night, and the fervent 6,713 who came to cheer and wave towels and hold signs saw a Wranglers team not up to the challenge of repaying such support.
*****
Dumatrait finds redemption Pittsburgh Post Gazette "I was definitely looking forward to it. I can tell you that," Dumatrait said. "Things didn't go as planned here last year. To have this chance ... yeah, this felt good. It really did." "It means a lot that they believed in me," he said. "I had a good time while I was in Cincinnati, but it didn't really seem like they believed in me, you know? To come to an organization that does ... that definitely makes a difference. It helps you believe in yourself."
***
Things that make you go hmmmm Dumatrait is 2-1 3.08 in his six starts this year...the Pirates are 5-1 when he starts. Wonder what Dick Pole thought as he watched Phil last night, and watched the changeup he added this year?
****
Kirsten Allen update The Ryle HS softball pitcher tossed a one-hit shutout in a 6-0 win over Conner to win the 9th Region Championship. Wins: 30 this year, 128 career Shutouts: 29 this year, 109 career ERA: 0.06 this year, 0.25 career
****
Viva Las Vegas! Clones win LAS VEGAS, Nevada - Cincinnati Cyclones rookie David Desharnais scored a goal and added three assists to be a part of all the scoring in a 4-2 win over Las Vegas on Thursday night. The Cyclones took a two games to one lead in the Kelly Cup Finals series. Cedrick Desjardins stopped 26 shots and had an assist in the triumph. The victory ended a six-game home winning streak for Las Vegas. Cedrick Desjardins stopped 26 shots in picking up the win his ninth of the postseason and running his road record to 5-0 in the postseason.
(Getty Images) That Lewis needed just one syllable to sum up his case this time captures the essence of his urgency. The Bengals have struggled mightily to continue the progress expected of an emerging team. Their 7-9 finish in 2007 was the first losing season under Lewis.
(AP Photo) "I just didn't think I personally was dealt a good hand there," Freel said. "It's easy to say they might have jumped the gun and not see how things panned out. That's what I can't figure out what happened. I came in and didn't think the job was mine or would be given to me. I just thought I would be in heavy competition. They were determined to get Patterson over here. There was no competition. There were no legitimate chances. There was no communication about what my role would be."
Johnny Narron with Josh Hamilton (Getty Images) Six Texas scouts filed a total of 15 reports on Hamilton during the '07 season. All raved about him. In late October the Rangers put in a call to Cincinnati to gauge Hamilton's availability. "They acknowledged a glut of outfielders on their part, but Hamilton wasn't their top candidate to move," says Levine. "From Day One they wanted Edinson Volquez in return." Volquez was the top pitching prospect in the organization, and Texas had no intention of giving him up; instead, they offered 15 different player combinations that didn't include the 24-year-old righthander.
****
Did you see that? Kobe! Kobe! Wow, if you haven't heard, he's pretty good. He took over in the 4th quarter and made some jaw dropping shots. LA rallied from a 17 point deficit and is now headed to the finals. Mitch Kupchak did a heck of a job building that team. Phil did a wonderful coaching job it. And Kobe put that team on his shoulders and lead. Lakers vs Celtics would turn the NBA upside down.
****
Riddle me this Batman I admit this is a total second guess....But.......If Fogg is going to start Saturday.....why not start him Thursday night? He threw 8 pitches Sunday. You could have given Harang another day to recover from Sunday's four innings and 62 pitches. Heck...you could have moved Harang to Friday and Volquez to Saturday. Then both get extra time to recover from last Sunday's relief work. Or am I missing something?
****
Unreal Phil Freakin' Dumatrait?
*****
Junior Mint Slate The Griffey card was the perfect piece of memorabilia at the perfect time.
***
How about Bronson of late? 5 starts 3-0, 1.96 ERA 32 K, 13 BB, 0 HR in 32.1 IP 2 wins on three days rest
****
Breakfast with BK Emanuel Community Center will host Breakfast with Brian Kelly on Thursday, June 19, 2008, from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. at The Phoenix in downtown Cincinnati. Kelly, head football coach at the University of Cincinnati and 2007 Big East Conference Coach of the Year, will headline this event which is open to the community. The breakfast will also include a silent auction of items valued at $100 or more. Tickets are available for $35 per person or sponsored tables for $500 or $1,000. Call Emanuel at 241-2563 for reservations or information.Emanuel Community Center is a resource for a cohesive community, providing education and shared neighborhood experiences that connect all residents of Over-the-Rhine. Emanuel has been serving the Over-the-Rhine community since 1871.
Reds news Today the Reds optioned to Class AAA Louisville RHP Matt Belisle and reinstated from the 15-day disabled list LHP Kent Mercker. RHP Josh Fogg will start Saturday’s game against the Braves.
Bengals news The Bengals today made the following roster moves: * Signed rookie CB Jerrid Gaines, a college free agent from Miami (Ohio). Gaines (5-11, 189) was signed as a CFA by Cleveland following the 2008 draft, and was released by the Browns on May 4. * Terminated the contract of WR Doug Gabriel, releasing him to free agency. Gabriel, a fifth-year NFL player, was signed by Cincinnati as a free agent on April 8.
***
You are watching because of fewer tatoos? Fox Sports Part of the reason more people are watching these playoffs is because the average fan isn't constantly repulsed by the appearance of most of the players on the court. Most of the key players left in the playoffs don't look like recent prison parolees.
***
Show preview Guests Chuck Weber, Cyclones coach Topics Reds: Now 10-5 in their last 15....winners of nine straight at home. What does it mean? How does it feel? 10 Worst Reds hitters since 1980: Brandon Larson, Corey Patterson....... NBA playoffs Stanley Cup Sports Six Appeal: See below Jump in FORUM to discuss
*****
Thanks! We wound up with 153 listeners at our Homer Outing last night. What a fun night.....with great weather....and a win. We had sections 103-104-105. I stood at the top of section 103 most of the night and talked to listeners. Great to see kids, parents, younger, older, men, and women all join us. Can't beat $9.50 for those seats. Thanks for Dave Ziegler and everyone at the Reds for extending the offer to us!
*****
Kirsten Allen update She must be amazing! The Ryle HS softball pitcher tossed a one-hit shutout with 13 k's Wednesday in a 7-0 win over Highlands. Check out these numbers from The Enquirer: Wins: 30 this year, 128 career Shutouts: 28 this year, 108 career K's: 402 this year, 1789 career ERA: 0.06 this year, 0.25 career Ever see her pitch? Ryle faces Conner at Dixie Heights for the 9th Region championship at 5pm tonight.
*****
Casey At The Bat
Casey is in year two of machine pitch. This at-bat last week resulted in his first career home run, a grand slam. He rocketed one over the left fielders head and circled the bases. He wound up with four hits. His next game he went 0-3.....with three K's and was bummed. The next day I wrote down 10 major league players, that he knew, on a piece of paper. Those ten had gone a combined 0 for 37 the night before. His eyes lit up. I told him the game is never as easy as it appears or as hard as it can appear. I added that Pete Rose made more outs than anyone in the history of the game...10,328.
******
SI this week
****
Reds need more hitters like Dunn, not fewer Bill Peterson, City Beat Whatever happens, Adam Dunn is going to be fine. The Reds can sign him to another contract or not. If not, he goes to a ball club of his choice, perhaps his hometown Houston Astros, who don't have a spot for him at the moment, or the New York Yankees, where he could be a star as their designated hitter. It's really up to the Reds to decide their direction.
****
Tab Perry released Sun Sentinel Perry was signed on March 15 for a tad under $1 million. Because he was waived injured, he will receive an injury settlement.
****
Could you substitute Chad for Urlacher in this column? Sun Times If Brian Urlacher hasn't noticed, life is passing him by in Chicago, much like Adrian Peterson blowing past him in the red zone. No longer is he this city's leading sports icon -- or even close. Carlos Zambrano is bigger now, if crazier. Lou Piniella is much more fun. He's even losing popularity votes to the nascent likes of Carlos Quentin, who will make $400,000 this year, and Geovany Soto, who will make exactly one dollar more
*****
Picking up the pace Sitting in LF last night, I watched Adam Dunn at the end of each inning. He is now sprinting to the dugout after the 3rd out each time. Wonder if that is to avoid being left in the dust of Jay Bruce who makes a beeline to the dugout at the end of each inning? Dunn make a couple of nice plays in LF as well.
****
Why Bruce wasn't called up sooner? Beyond The Boxscore Thus, by waiting until now to call up Jay Bruce, the Reds likely ensure that Bruce will only be arbitration eligible for three years. Therefore, in 2011, Bruce will likely make the league minimum of approximately $450,000, rather than somewhere around $10 million. That's a huge difference, and is well his spending two months in the minors in 2008. Additionally, the Reds are missing out on production of age-21 Jay Bruce for two months this season; in exchange, they are only going to paying age-24 Jay Bruce league minimum. As good as Bruce is likely to be this year, he's going to be even better in three years. The Reds were right to keep Bruce in the minors until now. Their mistake was not finding a better stop-gap than Corey Patterson and his .295 career OBP.
****
Perspective for tonight From emailer Steven Sharp Former Reds pitcher Phil Dumatrait will start for the Pirates tonight. Did you know? Dumatrait is the last lefthander to start a regular-season game for the Reds. Oh, what a forgettable start it was on September 9, 2007. Rickie Weeks, J.J. Hardy, and Ryan Braun -- the first three Brewers batters -- all homered, leading off the game. Following singles by the next two batters -- Prince Fielder and Corey Hart, Dumatrait was removed, having not retired a single batter. Dumatrait did not appear in another game as a Red. Since the start by Dumatrait on September 9, 2007, the Reds have played 72 consecutive regular-season games (the last nineteen games of the 2007 season and the first fifty-three games of the 2008 season) in which the Reds starting pitcher was a righthander.
**** I'd love to hear from a Cyclones caller today with reaction to this below. We left as the clock was ticking down...the kids were worn out and it was late. I didn't see any of this.
Wranglers: Fans embarrass Cincinnati Las Vegas Review Journal "Their crowds were pretty nasty. It's kind of embarrassing what they did," said Las Vegas forward Adam Miller, who scored the winning goal with 4:20 remaining in regulation. "I saw water bottles half full and Coke bottles coming right at us. One of them almost hit (Lalande) in the face. He's got his mask on, but it doesn't matter. It was disrespectful to us and not good for their community."
***
Thompson sharp in AAA debut Louisville Courier Journal Promoted from Double-A Chattanooga, where he was 3-2 with a 1.76 ERA in 10 starts, the 22-year-old Thompson (1-0) gave up only four hits and two walks against the Clippers.
****
Headlines read "Patterson sent down to get his swing back"-Enquirer Isn't that assuming he once had a swing that he can get back?
Jr perspective From listener Scott Did a little research last night on players batting 3rd in their lineups. This was based on players who batted 3rd on Tuesday and based on stats through Tuesday night. 26 players had at least 150 AB this season. HR - Griffey 5 - Tied for 16th with one other RBI - Griffey 23 - 18th Runs - Griffey 25 - Tied for 19th with 3 others Avg. - Griffey .249 - 26th
A familiar face LHP Phil Dumatrait will start for the Pirates on Thursday.
****
Patterson to AAA The Reds today optioned to Class AAA Louisville OF Corey Patterson, selected from Louisville the contract of IF Andy Phillips and transferred to the 60-day disabled list SS Alex Gonzalez. Patterson hit .200 in 45g and 29 starts for the Reds. Gonzalez has been on the DL all season with a compression fracture in his left knee. Phillips has spent the season at Louisville (40g, .315, 5hr, 22rbi, 2sb).... he will wear uniform number 46.
Some Reds to wear #46...Pete Mackanin, Joe Mays, John Riedling, Brooks Keischnick, Jason Bere, Rob Murphy, Jeff Russell.
****
More Jay From the Reds: In his Major League debut last night Jay Bruce went 3-for-3 with a double, 2rbi, 2 walks, a stolen base and 2 runs scored...is the first player to reach base 5 times in his big league debut since NYM's Kaz Matsui did it on 4/6/04 at Atl...is 1 of only 2 Reds players in the last 50 years to produce 3 hits in his debut (Willie Greene, 3-4, 9/1/92 vs Mtl)...joined ChiA's Daryl Boston (1984) and KC's Bert Campaneris (1964) as the only players in the last 70 years to have 3 hits, 2rbi and a stolen base in his debut...courtesy ESPN Research
And From Mark Wagner Most Consecutive Times Reaching Base to Start Career, MLB Since 1974 (via H, BB, or HBP) Ted Cox 1977 Bos 7 Jay Bruce 2008 Cin 5 Bob Dernier 1980 Phi 5 Tommy Dunbar 1983 Tex 5 Jose Hernandez 1991 Tex 5 Mike Piazza 1992 LA 5 Ramon Martinez 1998 SF 5 Kazuo Matsui 2004 NYM 5 Brandon Boggs 2008 Tex 5 Kosuke Fukudome 2008 ChC 5
****
URGENT: HOMER OUTING deadline extended Reds vs Pirates TONIGHT. Due to the holiday, we have extended the deadline to get tickets to 5pm tonight. You can get $19 Outfield Terrace seats(Behind Adam Dunn) for ONLY $9.50. All tickets must be purchased through the Reds Group Sales Office. Call (513) 765-7600 (option 2) and mention "1530 HOMER" to receive the special rate!
Wanna bet? For the first time in Cincinnati Cyclones history, a game can be wagered on legally. The Las Vegas Hilton has odds on game three of the Kelly Cup Finals being played between the Cyclones and Las Vegas Wranglers at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The line on the game is a pick 'em at -105. That means that you can bet either team to win the game, but would have to wager $105 to win $100. The over/under on the game is five goals. Other hotels in the area may pick up on the game, however, the Hilton was the first to do so. The Cyclones and Wranglers will meet Thursday night at 10:05pm (ET)--the game will be carried on the club's website: www.cycloneshockey.com
****
Dunn for C.C.? Ken Rosenthal, Fox Sports The Indians probably wouldn't do it, not even after Fausto Carmona returns in a month to restore their surplus of starting pitching.
Sarasota willing to pay for Red Sox The Herald Tribune The cost of the new Sarasota stadium -- almost $30 million more than was offered to keep the Cincinnati Reds here for spring training -- would be covered in part with an increase in hotel bed taxes, according to a preliminary plan being discussed this week by city and county leaders.
***
Show preview Guests Jean-Michel Daoust, Cyclones Kevin Goldstein, Baseball Prospectus on Bruce and Reds prospects Topics Jay Bruce Bengals NBA playoffs Clones
****
Things I'm today by FSN Ohio Last night's Reds/Pirates game on FSN Ohio did its highest rating of the season (9.7). That even tops the opening day rating of 8.7. Overall, Reds/FSN Ohio ratings are up 10% from the 2007 season.
****
Need a Stanley Cup Finals fix? Nick will be live, on the scene, and blogging from Game 3 tonight in Pittsburgh
***
Coolers/food at the ballpark I'm getting a lot of emails about taking coolers into the park. I'll never understand not packing food for a game if you take your family. We let the kids go to BP or Kroger and buy a few snacks. We buy the 16 ounce plastic bottle drinks. And Casey and I always share a Subway. Save money! This is from the team website: COOLERS Guests are welcome to bring SOFT-SIDED coolers into Great American Ball Park provided the coolers' dimensions do not exceed the 16" x 16" x 8" inch Major League Baseball size requirement. HARD-SIDED coolers of any size are prohibited from entering the ballpark. Coolers and all carry-in items are always subject to inspection by Reds personnel prior to entrance to the ballpark or at any time while inside the ballpark. The Reds are not responsible for HARD-SIDED coolers that are left outside of the ballpark gates. Guests are strongly encouraged to return their HARD-SIDED coolers to their vehicles.
**** From listener Matt
****
Why we went We attended last night's game because it was a Cincinnati sports moment. A baseball moment. A father and son moment. Sure, it was a school night and the weather was not good....and gas prices are soaring. But when the news of Jay's promotion came on Monday, Casey and I looked at each other and said, "We've gotta go!" We wanted to see the major league debut of a 21-year old for our team. When Kelly dropped him off last night he jumped out of the mini-van and screamed, "Dad, he's starting in CF and batting 2nd!". We had seats in section 120...about 30-rows up from the Pirates on-deck circle. We packed our cooler and shared a Subway foot-long, peanuts, drinks and snacks. We didn't spend a dime inside the park. The crowd buzzed when Bruce came out of the dugout. The crowd buzzed when the starting lineups were announced. Casey jumped to his feet cheering when Bruce walked to the plate each time. The crowd roared..."Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce". I was looking for bic lighters held high in the air. I called my dad to give him updates after each at-bat. We could not stay for the entire game. But we saw plenty. Casey woke up talking about it this morning. He planned to tell his friends on the school bus today. Casey and I will talk about last night for years to come. It wasn't about the final score, the pitching match-up, the opponent or even if Bruce got a hit. It was a feel good moment. Can you imagine how Jay felt going to bed last night? In his ML debut he had 3 hits, 2 walks and stood next to his boyhood idol in the OF and was cheered throughout the night....and had his parents in the stands. Those kind of moments don't seem to come around here often. Or at least we don't recognize them enough. We seem to have more moments of complaints, doubt and anger. Last night was me with my son. It was a baseball. It was a beginning. It felt right. I have no complaints about that....none....at all. That is why we went.
****
Gotta love his patience Pitches seen by ab last night for Jay Bruce 4....walk 4.....single (fell behind 0-1, 1-2) 5.....walk 2.....single (fell behind 0-1) 7.....double 5 AB's........22 pitches seen
****
17,964 in the stands "I was shocked.......I overestimated Cincinnati fans. C Trent with Cut Man this morning
Chad hasn't paid taxes WKRC.COM The Hamilton County Auditor's Office says the NFL star hasn't paid a dime on his condo since he bought it four years ago.
What they are saying in Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Tribune Review "For crying out loud, I walked, like, 100 people tonight," Snell said. "I can't seem to keep pitches down. Or if I keep them down, they're not strikes. And if they're close, they're not strikes."
****
His name is Bruce.......Jay Bruce and he is a stud! 3 for 3....two walks....5 outstanding ab's. Best MLB debut by a Reds hitter ever? Highlights As John Fogerty sang in Centerfield...."Put me in coach....I'm ready to play" (Nice call by emailer Ramzi)
****
Perspective Jay Bruce reached base five times in five plate appearances in his major league debut...3 hits/2 walks. Corey Patterson has reached base by hit/walk 5 times in his last 38 plate appearances. Corey last walked in a game on April 28th....a span of 25 games and 68 ab's. Jay had walked just once in his previous 10 games at AAA. He had walked just 12 times in 49 games this season.
**** Stat of the night Mark Wagner The last Red with 3+ hits in MLB debut was Willie Greene 3-for-4 on 9/1/1992 vs. Montreal.
****
Hamilton to appear on SI cover MLB.COM "I think it's an awesome feat," manager Ron Washington said. "He's certainly been carrying this team." Grand slam and 5 rbi's vs old team on Tuesday night. 58 rbi's on the season.
****
No call? Good call? Did you see the end of Lakers vs Spurs? LA up 7 with the ball and :50 left. Spurs had a final shot to win it.....Brent Barry got bumped....no call....on their court. He should have hoisted the shot on contact...he didn't.. Lakers win....now up 3 to 1 and going home.
****
Doc Rivers' son will transfer to IU Indy Star "My dad had built this great legacy at Marquette and I just wanted to go somewhere and create my own legacy," Rivers said.
****
Best in Big East by position The Sporting News Defensive back 1. Mike Mickens, Cincinnati 2. Courtney Green, Rutgers 3. Nate Allen, South Florida 4. DeAngelo Smith, Cincinnati 5. Aaron Berry, Pittsburgh
Tressel book Carol Stream, Ill.-Tyndale House Publishers today announced that Ohio State University head football coach, Jim Tressel, will participate in eight book signings for The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life. Cowritten with Chris Fabry, The Winners Manual releases Tuesday, July 15, 2008. For the myriad Ohio State Buckeyes' fans throughout the country, as well as football fans in general, The Winners Manual will provide a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the most respected coaches in college football history and into the huddle of one of the most successful football programs of all time. Coach Tressel will share never-before-published anecdotes about players and games from throughout his storied coaching career at Ohio State and Youngstown State, as well as fundamental lessons he has been imparting to his players and coaching staffs for the past twenty years.
***
Boone calls it a career ESPN "I had no idea how hard it is when you get to be a certain age," Boone told ESPN.com. "My whole life, when the older guys would tell me, I would laugh at them -- like, 'That would never happen to me.' Now I know what 39-year-old middle infielders feel like playing every day. Wow -- it's very hard."
****
Amazing stat From emailer Todd: Edwin Encarnacion is 1 for his last 17 (infield single) and has not hit the ball out of the infield in his last 16 ab's. Thursday May 22rd in the 2nd inning was the last time he hit the ball out of the infield with a line drive to left field. Since then he has not hit the ball out of the infield. Games, dates, and at bats are below. May 22rd Line drive to left field 0-1 (last time - 2nd inning) Struck out looking 0-2 Struck out looking 0-3 He didn't play Friday or Saturday (Because of flu I believe) May 25th Grounded out to third 0-1 Fouled out to first 0-2 Popped out to second 0-3 Struck out looking 0-4 Struck out swinging 0-5 Popped out to SS 0-6 Popped out to first 0-7 Infield single 1-8 Popped out to third 1-9 May 27th Struck out swinging 0-1 Struck out swinging 0-2 Grounded out to SS 0-3 Fouled out to catcher 0-4 Struck out swinging 0-5
Check this out! The previous longest game (time wise) in Reds history was September 1, 1967. The Giants used TWO pitchers in winning 1-0 in 21 innings.......the game lasted 5 hours 57 minutes.
Stat of the day From Mark Wagner Last Reds player to make his MLB debut as a starting CF? Mike Frank, June 19, 1998....at Houston. Ironically, Frank also hit # 2 that night and went 1 - 3 in a reds, 4 - 2 loss
Patterson stays, Hatteberg goes Today the Reds purchased the contract of OF Jay Bruce from Class AAA Louisville and designated for assignment 1B Scott Hatteberg.
****
Congrats to a former Muskie that makes his Olympic mark CINCINNATI - 1996 Xavier graduate Jason Parker was named to the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team after the conclusion of the Men's 3-Position Rifle and Men's Rapid Fire Pistol events at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials on May 19 in Fort Benning, Ga. After holding the lead throughout the three days of the Men's 3-Position Rifle competition, two-time Olympian and U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit (USAMU) member Parker finished on top with an overall score of 3709.5 points to earn his second spot on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team. Parker will represent the U.S. in both Men's 3-Position Rifle and Men's Air Rifle at the Olympic Games in Beijing this August. Parker, who earned All-America status in each of his four years at XU, will be competing in the Olympics for the third time. He also qualified for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and for the 2004 Games in Athens. Parker, who was inducted into the XU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002, won the gold medal in the 1998 World Cup Air Rifle Championship in Munich. Parker was also named USA Shooting Male Air Rifle Shooter of the Year in 1998. es his mark
****
Pokey finds work MLB.COM "He was signed to help [our] Triple-A depth," Bowden said. "All our Major League injuries have hurt our depth at Triple-A. We do not want to rush prospects from Double-A and hurt their development, so he is there to fill out the roster. Also, [his] defense up the middle in Triple-A is important to develop young pitchers like Collin Balester."