Random Thoughts

- I don't see the Reds making any moves at this trade deadline and that would not all together bother me. There is no reason to trade our young studs like Votto, Bruce, Volquez, Cueto. No one will want the overpaid veterans like Harang, Arroyo, and Taveras. The only player that I see that could bring some value would be Francisco Cordero. Cordero has a big contract but he is also a big arm. If a team that has some cash to spend and needs a closer for the stretch, don't be surprised if they deal Cordero. Outside of that I don't think the Reds will make any significant moves at the deadline.

- I was very excited about the Reds pitching this season and the last couple of months have been extremely disappointing. Homer Bailey was roughed up again last night in LA raising his ERA to over 7.00, Micah Owings has already racked up 10 losses this season, and so has Harang. The only bright spot has been Johnny Cueto. Cueto has shown some great stuff so far this season but he is not yet ready to be a number one. Who knows what will happen with Volquez when he returns.

- The Bengals have announced their inaugural class of the Bengals.com Virtual Hall of Fame. The inductees are Paul Brown, Anthony Munoz, Ken Anderson, Isaac Curtis, and Boomer Esiason. I love that someone is paying homage to the great Bengals of the past but the way that they are doing it is kind of ridiculous. Mike Brown has held on to this mantra of "lets focus on the players on the field" for a long time. This mindset, which I imagine comes from his father, has kept the Bengals from recognizing some of their best legends. I have news for Brown, with your track record you may not want people to focus on the players on the field.

- The Bengals signed their fourth round pick Center Jonathan Luigs this week. There are still four players that remain unsigned. Those players just happen to be the four top draft picks in Andre Smith, Rey Maualuga, Michael Johnson, and Chase Coffman. I worry about Smith and Maualuga. The Jets have signed Sanchez to a ridiculous deal and Smith with his carousel of agents will surely try to get Sanchez money for their guy. But O-lineman don't get QB money.

- Cincinnati is holding on as long as they can to that 2005 season, today the headline on Bengals.com: Bengals Rewind: Bengals magically close in on North. They are re-running the story when the Bengals beat the Steelers to set up a AFC North title. That was 4 years ago, I think it is time to let it go.

- I just can't get excited about College Football. I have tried very hard to be a fan but I just have never followed a program. I like watching Notre Dame on Saturdays, and will try to catch the Buckeyes, but early on in the season I just can't get into it. Once the player story lines develop and we become familiar with names I may try to watch some of the big matchups but I am just not a college football fan.