Reds hire Bavasi as Special Assistant to GM
Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the hiring of former Anaheim Angels and Seattle Mariners general manager Bill Bavasi as a special assistant. 

Bavasi, 50, will advise and assist Jocketty in matters related to the front office, Major League field and support personnel and scouting.

We're excited Bill has joined our organization," Jocketty said. "Over his career of more than 30 years, he has worked in almost every facet of baseball operations. We will benefit from his experience and insights."

Bavasi was the vice president/general manager for the Angels from 1994-99 and executive vice president and general manager of baseball operations for the Mariners from November 7, 2003 through June 15 of this season.

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Harang back from the DL Sunday, Volquez moved back
RHP Aaron Harang (3-11, 4.76) is expected to come off the disabled list and pitch against the Astros on Sunday. 

RHP Edinson Volquez (13-5, 2.93) will pitch in Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

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NCAA rules against Mauk
Enquirer.com
The NCAA today said it has upheld the original decision to deny the extension of eligibility request for University of Cincinnati football quarterback Ben Mauk. The judgment to uphold the NCAA's orginal decision was based on case precedent, stating there was not sufficient medical documentation or any other objective supporting information to substantiate the claim that Mauk missed the 2003 season due to an incapacitating injury.

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Bengals Training Camp Coverage
C. Trent

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O'Neal embraces new role
Enquirer.com
A year ago, Deltha O'Neal was a starting cornerback, a talented veteran, counted on to provide stability in a transitioning Bengals secondary. Due to a disappointing 2-6 start in 2007, the Bengals' future arrived earlier than originally planned. Rookie first-round draft pick Leon Hall replaced O'Neal as a starter opposite second-year cornerback Johnathan Joseph, the team's first-round pick in 2006.

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Torch going out on the Reds
Enquirer.com
Much has been made of the Reds trying to salvage a winning season. That bus has all but left the depot. After Thursday's 7-4 loss to the Houston Astros, the Reds are 52-64. To finish 82-80, they have to go 30-16. This team seems completely incapable of that.

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Braced for a Browns implosion
Dayton Daily News - Chick Ludwig
The Cleveland Browns made an interesting decision in the offseason. They decided to toss all their defensive eggs in one basket … the line. By trading for Corey Williams (Packers) and Shaun Rogers (Lions), they improved up front. A lot. But here’s the question I want answered: Who’s gonna rush the quarterback and generate the sacks?

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Buckeyes suspend two defensive players
USA Today
Ohio State has suspended cornerback Donald Washington and backup safety Jamario O'Neal for the first two games of the season. Both players will miss the season opener against Youngstown State and the next game against Ohio University. Washington told reporters after team picture day Thursday that he had been suspended for breaking team rules. He declined to elaborate. Sophomore Chimdi Chekwa likely will replace Washington in the lineup. O'Neal also confirmed that he had been suspended.

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Taking things a little to seriously?
WCF Courier
A decision to disqualify a tournament-winning children's ball team in Evansdale has parents and coaches teed off. The Evansdale Youth Sports Association wrapped up a season of T-ball with a tournament over the weekend. Instead of taking home trophies, the winning team, the Walleyes, was declared ineligible. The team's coaches were banned from participating in EYSA organizations after board members discovered the team used two nonroster players.

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