Friday, February 26, 2010
The kind of Girl to Take home to Mom
In the most shocking news of the Winter Olympics the Canadian women's hockey team didn't act much like civilized and dignified ladies after they won the gold medal in the Olympic games. For nearly an hour after they won they celebrated on the ice with cigars, champagne, and beer. Apparently the IOC is not real thrilled with their actions. Check out the wonderful photo gallery and pick out your future wife.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Fans and Social Media
With the Internet, twitter, facebook, and other social networking sites athletes are way more accessible to fans these days than they were in the past. This can be a good thing, but also a very bad thing. I posted a story a few weeks back about DeMarcus Cousins getting phone calls from Mississippi State fans after his cell phone number was posted online. Well now it seems as if Devan Downey has been receiving messages from Kentucky fans. Does it shock me? Not in the slightest. But does it bother me, hell yes.
Sports can bring out a lot of passion in people, both good and bad. And while the Kentucky fan base is the most passionate fan base on the nation it can also come back to bite them. When Kentucky lost their first game of the season some Kentucky fans went straight to the Internet and twitter and were extremely negative toward the players. This is a case where passion get the worst of them.
I am a grown man. I enjoy watching these kids play basketball, but I also keep in the back of my mind that these kids are just that, kids. We put so much pressure on the shoulders of young men who are just 18,19,20 years old. If I were under that much pressure I don't think I could do it. I think as fans we need to keep that in perspective.
I am not singling out Kentucky fans here, I think this is an issue across the country. But with the growing direct access to college athletes I can see this becoming a major issue in sports.
Sports can bring out a lot of passion in people, both good and bad. And while the Kentucky fan base is the most passionate fan base on the nation it can also come back to bite them. When Kentucky lost their first game of the season some Kentucky fans went straight to the Internet and twitter and were extremely negative toward the players. This is a case where passion get the worst of them.
I am a grown man. I enjoy watching these kids play basketball, but I also keep in the back of my mind that these kids are just that, kids. We put so much pressure on the shoulders of young men who are just 18,19,20 years old. If I were under that much pressure I don't think I could do it. I think as fans we need to keep that in perspective.
I am not singling out Kentucky fans here, I think this is an issue across the country. But with the growing direct access to college athletes I can see this becoming a major issue in sports.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Tiger Woods
The greatest golfer the world has ever seen is holding a press conference today. For the life of me, I cannot understand why. Why does Tiger Woods owe me an apology? I love to watch Tiger play golf, in fact Tiger is usually the only reason I flip over to golf if I am being honest. I don't always root for him, but I can't deny that's the reason I am watching. When he comes back, I am still going to watch Tiger play golf. I was never under the impression that Tiger was a saint, I can honestly tell you I never put much thought into his personal life. Now all of this comes out about his extramarital affairs and all of a sudden, he owes us an apology, the general public and the media? Can someone explain that to me? Sure, he definately owes his wife and his family an apology, but I don't need to see it. He is going to sit in front of the mic, talk for 5 minutes about nothing really, give an empty apology and go back to his 'rehab.' So, watch the live press conference on ESPN, ESPN News, CNN, Fox News and MSNBC if you like, but leave me out of it. I'll wait to watch him at the Masters.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Thoughts on Kentucky
Tough, tough, tough environment last night. The whole night reminded me of the South Carolina game. Mississippi State could just not find an answer to stop Kentucky on offense. Kentucky made some poor decisions on offense at times which is still a little troublesome. They force shots a little quick and do not particularly always move the ball well to look for a good shot. But they found a way to win and that is what is important. I have heard a lot from anti-Kentucky folks that the ref's gave the game to Kentucky. I will agree with you there were some bad calls, the Wall "block" in Overtime was not a block but a goal tend. But blaming the ref's is the easy way out. Mississippi State could not get a shot when they needed it down the stretch and Kentucky won the game. The Bulldogs were a tough out though, don't get me wrong, but finding ways to win the game help a team that is preparing a run in March. I think this team has talent to contend for a National Title, but if they continue to make poor decisions with their shots and turn the ball over they will face an early exit.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Cincinnati Bengals Free Agents
Here are the current Unrestricted free agents on the Bengals. Included my anaylsis on what I think should happen with each of them.
K Shayne Graham: The Bengals was worked out five kickers so far in the offseason and have signed one, Dave Rayner, to a contract. They also will be looking at Kickers in the combine. If they can agree to terms you could see Graham in camp but it is looking more and more like he will not be a Bengal. I am okay with this Graham has been one of the NFL's most accurate kickers, however if you look at his track record of big kicks not so good.
FB Jeremi Johnson: I am sure that as we are reading this Jeremi Johnson is at a Golden Corral somewhere doing his offseason workouts. Johnson has been an effective fullback for the Bengals throughout the years but I think his time has come to part ways. I really wish the Bengals would have held on to Chris Pressley from Wisconsin. I expect them to take a look at some different options at fullback.
RB Larry Johnson: Johnson was a cheap experiment that worked out for Cincinnati. He was productive when they used him but they found that they really didn't need to use him that much. With Cedric Benson signed up I think Johnson will be looking for a little more than what we can give him. However, if the waters of free agency are not good to Johnson he may be willing to take a smaller contract to come back.
DT Tank Johnson: Tank gave us some good games last year, but with some youth at that position on the roster I would expect Cincinnati to stick with the young kids and let Johnson find a spot in the league somewhere where he can play more often.
TE Reggie Kelly: Reggie is a locker room favorite in Cincinnati, and coming off of an injury season he would more than likely not bring a lot of interest in free agency. I expect the Bengals to offer Reggie a contract and have him help the young TE's for at least one more season.
DT Shaun Smith: Smith was a midseason pickup for us to help fill some holes due to injury. I don't expect Smith to come back unless it is for a one year cheap deal.
OG Bobbie Williams: This is the most interesting free agent to keep an eye on in my opinion. Williams is the veteran on an offensive line of mainly inexperienced players. He has been a mainstay in this line and has been very productive the past few seasons. I think this all depends on how much money Williams is looking for. If he wants that blockbuster contract I am not sure he will get it.
S Roy Williams: Injury kept Roy off of the field for most of the season. While he was out the Bengals filled the hole with Ndukwe who did a fine job. If Roy is willing to take a cheap one year deal you may see him back. But I would not bet much money on that. He is very close with Zimmer though and that may motivate him to stay with Cincinnati.
K Shayne Graham: The Bengals was worked out five kickers so far in the offseason and have signed one, Dave Rayner, to a contract. They also will be looking at Kickers in the combine. If they can agree to terms you could see Graham in camp but it is looking more and more like he will not be a Bengal. I am okay with this Graham has been one of the NFL's most accurate kickers, however if you look at his track record of big kicks not so good.
FB Jeremi Johnson: I am sure that as we are reading this Jeremi Johnson is at a Golden Corral somewhere doing his offseason workouts. Johnson has been an effective fullback for the Bengals throughout the years but I think his time has come to part ways. I really wish the Bengals would have held on to Chris Pressley from Wisconsin. I expect them to take a look at some different options at fullback.
RB Larry Johnson: Johnson was a cheap experiment that worked out for Cincinnati. He was productive when they used him but they found that they really didn't need to use him that much. With Cedric Benson signed up I think Johnson will be looking for a little more than what we can give him. However, if the waters of free agency are not good to Johnson he may be willing to take a smaller contract to come back.
DT Tank Johnson: Tank gave us some good games last year, but with some youth at that position on the roster I would expect Cincinnati to stick with the young kids and let Johnson find a spot in the league somewhere where he can play more often.
TE Reggie Kelly: Reggie is a locker room favorite in Cincinnati, and coming off of an injury season he would more than likely not bring a lot of interest in free agency. I expect the Bengals to offer Reggie a contract and have him help the young TE's for at least one more season.
DT Shaun Smith: Smith was a midseason pickup for us to help fill some holes due to injury. I don't expect Smith to come back unless it is for a one year cheap deal.
OG Bobbie Williams: This is the most interesting free agent to keep an eye on in my opinion. Williams is the veteran on an offensive line of mainly inexperienced players. He has been a mainstay in this line and has been very productive the past few seasons. I think this all depends on how much money Williams is looking for. If he wants that blockbuster contract I am not sure he will get it.
S Roy Williams: Injury kept Roy off of the field for most of the season. While he was out the Bengals filled the hole with Ndukwe who did a fine job. If Roy is willing to take a cheap one year deal you may see him back. But I would not bet much money on that. He is very close with Zimmer though and that may motivate him to stay with Cincinnati.
Spring Training Questions
We are sitting in a foot of snow, but, believe it or not, Spring is here! Spring training starts in Arizona on Thursday for the Reds. The lineup, rotation, and bullpen are pretty much set. Long gone are the days of competition at 4 positions and three spots in the rotation. (Remember the Bowden days!) There is still a little competition. LF is wide open. And, the 5th spot in the rotation is available with at least 5 competitors. Here is what we do know...
C Hernandez, Hanigan
1B Votto
2B Phillips
3B Rolen
SS Cabrera
CF Stubbs
RF Bruce
SP Harang
SP Arroyo
SP Cueto
SP Bailey
RP Rhodes
RP Massett
RP Herrera
RP Burton
CL Cordero
LF will most likely be a platoon situation. But, if one of the young guys comes in and blows the coaches away, they could earn the spot. Juan Fransisco (Left handed) has been playing LF in the Carribean but from the sounds of it, is still an adventure. He would certainly provide a power bat in the lineup. He hit 25 home runs in Single A, 23 home runs in Double A and 27 between AA and AAA last year but strikes out a ton! Chris Heisey (RH) flew under the radar until last year when he was the Reds minor league player of the year. He just turned 25 but was drafted out of college. He has hit for average everywhere, has a good glove and showed some power last year when he hit 22 home runs between Double A and Triple A. Todd Frazier (RH) is a natural infielder but has been working out in the outfiled hoping for a spot on the big club. He is 23 and only has 69 AAA at bats. He will probably need a little more seasoning but everyone expects him to be called up at some point this year. Wladmimir Balentien (RH), signed last year from the Mariners is still only 25 years old. He has shown great power and good bat control all over the minors but that has never translated to the majors. This might be his last shot and has a lot to prove after being a minor league star. Chris Dickerson (LH), Laynce Nix (LH), Josh Anderson (LH), and a darkhorse Yonder Alonzo (LH), are also competing for the spot. There are a lot of exciting prospects at this position. Personally I am hoping Chris Heisey plays well in Arizona and earns the right handed spot. Dickerson or Anderson would provide a nice left handed option at the position because of their speed.
The fifth spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Micah Owings filled the role last year, but he was given every opportunity to earn the spot last year when he went 7-12 with a 5.34 ERA, 64 walks and 68 strikeouts. I expect Owings to make the team as a long reliever and pinch hitter. My personal favorite for the position is left hander Matt Maloney. He has shown great control throughout the minors and pitched well when he was called up last year. He walks very few and shows great poise. Travis Wood will get a shot. He is a 22 year old who was absolutely tremendous last year when he was 13-5 with a 1.77 ERA between AA and AAA last year. But, he struggled the previous two years and will probably start the year in the minors. Aroldis Chapman has been written about everywhere. From everything I've read, he has a great arm. He can hit 100 MPH on the gun and has three good pitches but has to work on his control. He will probably start in the minors but with that arm and that contract, may not be there for long. Justin Lehr and Mike Lincoln, seriously, will also compete for the fifth position but I don't think anyone wants to see that!
It all starts Thursday...can't wait!
C Hernandez, Hanigan
1B Votto
2B Phillips
3B Rolen
SS Cabrera
CF Stubbs
RF Bruce
SP Harang
SP Arroyo
SP Cueto
SP Bailey
RP Rhodes
RP Massett
RP Herrera
RP Burton
CL Cordero
LF will most likely be a platoon situation. But, if one of the young guys comes in and blows the coaches away, they could earn the spot. Juan Fransisco (Left handed) has been playing LF in the Carribean but from the sounds of it, is still an adventure. He would certainly provide a power bat in the lineup. He hit 25 home runs in Single A, 23 home runs in Double A and 27 between AA and AAA last year but strikes out a ton! Chris Heisey (RH) flew under the radar until last year when he was the Reds minor league player of the year. He just turned 25 but was drafted out of college. He has hit for average everywhere, has a good glove and showed some power last year when he hit 22 home runs between Double A and Triple A. Todd Frazier (RH) is a natural infielder but has been working out in the outfiled hoping for a spot on the big club. He is 23 and only has 69 AAA at bats. He will probably need a little more seasoning but everyone expects him to be called up at some point this year. Wladmimir Balentien (RH), signed last year from the Mariners is still only 25 years old. He has shown great power and good bat control all over the minors but that has never translated to the majors. This might be his last shot and has a lot to prove after being a minor league star. Chris Dickerson (LH), Laynce Nix (LH), Josh Anderson (LH), and a darkhorse Yonder Alonzo (LH), are also competing for the spot. There are a lot of exciting prospects at this position. Personally I am hoping Chris Heisey plays well in Arizona and earns the right handed spot. Dickerson or Anderson would provide a nice left handed option at the position because of their speed.
The fifth spot in the rotation is up for grabs. Micah Owings filled the role last year, but he was given every opportunity to earn the spot last year when he went 7-12 with a 5.34 ERA, 64 walks and 68 strikeouts. I expect Owings to make the team as a long reliever and pinch hitter. My personal favorite for the position is left hander Matt Maloney. He has shown great control throughout the minors and pitched well when he was called up last year. He walks very few and shows great poise. Travis Wood will get a shot. He is a 22 year old who was absolutely tremendous last year when he was 13-5 with a 1.77 ERA between AA and AAA last year. But, he struggled the previous two years and will probably start the year in the minors. Aroldis Chapman has been written about everywhere. From everything I've read, he has a great arm. He can hit 100 MPH on the gun and has three good pitches but has to work on his control. He will probably start in the minors but with that arm and that contract, may not be there for long. Justin Lehr and Mike Lincoln, seriously, will also compete for the fifth position but I don't think anyone wants to see that!
It all starts Thursday...can't wait!
Mississippi State Students calling DeMarcus
K
entucky fans love our Cousins! But the rest of the college basketball world apparently does not. It seems like this all started from the forearm shiv that was given during the Louisville game. From that point on DeMarcus has been the spotlight of both Kentucky fans and other fans alike. Like him or not he is a very productive big man and arguably the best big man in the country.
But Mississippi State fans have taken their hatred for Cousins to a new level. Somehow Cousins' cell phone number was posted on a Mississippi State fan message board and from their DeMarcus has received hundreds of messages from Bulldogs fans calling him every name including the "N" word. Cousins' seems to be taking it in stride and trying to laugh it off. But I warn you Mississippi State, don't wake this sleeping giant. The last thing you want to do is make DeMarcus mad. Tune in tonight at 9:00 to see if Kentucky can get their 25th win of the season and if Cousins can rack up another double double.
But Mississippi State fans have taken their hatred for Cousins to a new level. Somehow Cousins' cell phone number was posted on a Mississippi State fan message board and from their DeMarcus has received hundreds of messages from Bulldogs fans calling him every name including the "N" word. Cousins' seems to be taking it in stride and trying to laugh it off. But I warn you Mississippi State, don't wake this sleeping giant. The last thing you want to do is make DeMarcus mad. Tune in tonight at 9:00 to see if Kentucky can get their 25th win of the season and if Cousins can rack up another double double.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Hilarious!
I laughed harder at this than I did when I watched Chase Coffman on Hard Knocks. Check it out!
Brown is all about Redemption
Okay, this is getting a little crazy. I think Mike Brown is trying to become of the Patron Saint of Convicted Felon NFL Players. The Bengals have worked out Adam "Pacman" Jones and Wide Receiver Matt Jones.
Pacman of course has had a number of altercations and has been documented as being a fan of "Scrip" Clubs. DeJaVu and Cheeks Gentleman's club have offered to pay part of his salary, although that cannot be confirmed
Matt Jones likes himself a little cocaine so the Bengals offseason parties should get really interesting.
Add to that, the Bengals have also been reported as showing interest in convicted murder Donte Stallworth.
Welcome to the three ring circus that is the Cincinnati Bengals!
Pacman of course has had a number of altercations and has been documented as being a fan of "Scrip" Clubs. DeJaVu and Cheeks Gentleman's club have offered to pay part of his salary, although that cannot be confirmed
Matt Jones likes himself a little cocaine so the Bengals offseason parties should get really interesting.
Add to that, the Bengals have also been reported as showing interest in convicted murder Donte Stallworth.
Welcome to the three ring circus that is the Cincinnati Bengals!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Kentucky's New Uniforms
This Saturday Kentucky will unveil their new uniforms, they are basically the same as Ohio State, Texas, and Duke. But Coach Cal put this picture on his Twitter page. Do you see anything wrong with it?
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
How Big would That Have Been?
The Cincinnati Bearcats are 14-9 this season. They are getting good productions from Deonta Vaughn, freshman sensation Lance Stephenson, and Yancy Gates. But how good could Cincinnati be if they had Kentucky Guard Eric Bledsoe at the point?
You may not remember but Cincinnati was a finalist for the services of Eric Bledsoe. He had narrowed his schools down to Cincinnati, Memphis, Alabama, and Florida. But a late push by Coach Calipari and the Wildcats were able to secure him for Kentucky. Would Bledsoe have put Cincinnati over the top in the Big East? Are they that close? Discuss.
You may not remember but Cincinnati was a finalist for the services of Eric Bledsoe. He had narrowed his schools down to Cincinnati, Memphis, Alabama, and Florida. But a late push by Coach Calipari and the Wildcats were able to secure him for Kentucky. Would Bledsoe have put Cincinnati over the top in the Big East? Are they that close? Discuss.
Monday, February 8, 2010
NFL Pre-Season Playoff Predictions
Before the season started we set up our NFL post-season predictions and assigned a point value for picking the playoff teams, superbowl winner, and individual award winners. Well it looks like our boy SHU needs to go into the business of predicting winners. Not only did he almost nail the NFC playoff teams (missing big on Seattle) but he picked the Super Bowl matchup and winner before the season even started. Congrats SHU!
Shu- 65 points
AFC East: New England, Miami Dolphins*
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans*
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys*
NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks*
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
SuperBowl: New Orleans Saints over Indianapolis Colts
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ray Rice
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aaron Curry
Adam- 40 Points
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals*
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans*
NFC East: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles*
NFC North: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers*
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
SuperBowl: San Diego Chargers over Chicago Bears
NFL MVP: Drew Brees
Coach of the Year: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Beanie Wells
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rey Maualuga
Redleg2420- 35 points
AFC East: New England, Buffalo*
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis, Tennessee*
AFC West: San Diego
NFC East: Philadelphia, NY Giants*
NFC North: Green Bay, Minnesota*
NFC South: Atlanta
NFC West: Seattle
Superbowl: Indianapolis over Green Bay
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Offensive ROY: Hakeem Nicks
Defensive ROY: Vontae Davis
Coach of the Year: Jeff Fisher
Matt- 35 Points
AFC East: New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins*
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals*
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South: Houston Texans
NFC East: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles*
NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons, NO Saints*
SuperBowl: New England Patriots over Atlanta Falcons
NFL MVP: Adrien Peterson (MIN)
Coach of the Year: Mike Smith (ATL)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rey Maualuga (CIN)
Wojo- 30 points
AFC East: NY Jets, New England*
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Houston, Indianapolis*
AFC West: San Diego
NFC East:Philadelphia, NY Giants*
NFC North: Green Bay
NFC South: Carolina, Atlanta
NFC West: Seattle
Superbowl: Philadelphia over New England
NFL MVP: Maurice Jones-Drew
Offensive ROY: Knowshon Moreno
Defensive ROY: Brian Cushing
Coach of the Year: Rex Ryan
Shu- 65 points
AFC East: New England, Miami Dolphins*
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans*
NFC East: Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys*
NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks*
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
SuperBowl: New Orleans Saints over Indianapolis Colts
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Coach of the Year: Sean Payton
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ray Rice
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Aaron Curry
Adam- 40 Points
AFC East: New England Patriots
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals*
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South:Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans*
NFC East: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles*
NFC North: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers*
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC South: New Orleans Saints
SuperBowl: San Diego Chargers over Chicago Bears
NFL MVP: Drew Brees
Coach of the Year: Gary Kubiak
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Beanie Wells
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rey Maualuga
Redleg2420- 35 points
AFC East: New England, Buffalo*
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Indianapolis, Tennessee*
AFC West: San Diego
NFC East: Philadelphia, NY Giants*
NFC North: Green Bay, Minnesota*
NFC South: Atlanta
NFC West: Seattle
Superbowl: Indianapolis over Green Bay
NFL MVP: Peyton Manning
Offensive ROY: Hakeem Nicks
Defensive ROY: Vontae Davis
Coach of the Year: Jeff Fisher
Matt- 35 Points
AFC East: New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins*
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals*
AFC West: San Diego Chargers
AFC South: Houston Texans
NFC East: New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles*
NFC North: Minnesota Vikings
NFC West: Arizona Cardinals
NFC South: Atlanta Falcons, NO Saints*
SuperBowl: New England Patriots over Atlanta Falcons
NFL MVP: Adrien Peterson (MIN)
Coach of the Year: Mike Smith (ATL)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Knowshon Moreno (DEN)
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rey Maualuga (CIN)
Wojo- 30 points
AFC East: NY Jets, New England*
AFC North: Pittsburgh
AFC South: Houston, Indianapolis*
AFC West: San Diego
NFC East:Philadelphia, NY Giants*
NFC North: Green Bay
NFC South: Carolina, Atlanta
NFC West: Seattle
Superbowl: Philadelphia over New England
NFL MVP: Maurice Jones-Drew
Offensive ROY: Knowshon Moreno
Defensive ROY: Brian Cushing
Coach of the Year: Rex Ryan
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Brian Kelly and Notre Dame to build off of Cincinnati Players
When Brian Kelly will run of the tunnel at Notre Dame next season he will do so with some local kids by his side. Elder graduate and Notre Dame junior next season Kyle Rudolph will not doubt again be a key component to the Irish offense. But with today's signing day and the 2010 recruiting class taking shape, many of Brian Kelly's key recruits come right here from the tristate. Check them out:
Austin Collinsworth
3 Star DB
Highlands
Andrew Hendrix
4 Star QB
Moeller
Matt James
4 Star OL
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Luke Massa
3 Star QB
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Tate Nichols
3 Star OL
Ryle
Alex Welch
4 Star TE
Elder
Traditionally nation powerhouse programs such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame have built their teams with Cincinnati talent. Ohio State currently only has one commitment from Cincinnati, Andrew Norwell, 4 star OL from Anderson. Michigan has one, Jibreel Black, 3 star DE from Wyoming.
Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns grabbed the nationally top ranked linebacker recruit from Cincinnati, Lakota West LB Jordan Hicks. (Interesting enough of the 20 recruits for Texas only two are not from the state of Texas.)
Austin Collinsworth
3 Star DB
Highlands
Andrew Hendrix
4 Star QB
Moeller
Matt James
4 Star OL
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Luke Massa
3 Star QB
St. Xavier (Cincinnati)
Tate Nichols
3 Star OL
Ryle
Alex Welch
4 Star TE
Elder
Traditionally nation powerhouse programs such as Michigan, Ohio State, and Notre Dame have built their teams with Cincinnati talent. Ohio State currently only has one commitment from Cincinnati, Andrew Norwell, 4 star OL from Anderson. Michigan has one, Jibreel Black, 3 star DE from Wyoming.
Mack Brown and the Texas Longhorns grabbed the nationally top ranked linebacker recruit from Cincinnati, Lakota West LB Jordan Hicks. (Interesting enough of the 20 recruits for Texas only two are not from the state of Texas.)
Simon Kenton star Miles Simpson to University of Kentucky
Miles Simpson, the star running back from Simon Kenton has committed to play football for Joker Phillips and the Kentucky Wildcats. Simpson chose Kentucky over Indiana and Illinois. Simpson is a big and physical running back, in 2008 he lead his team to the 6A state championship game and ran for 2,310 yards and 37 touchdowns in 2008. This season Simpson fought with injuries but still gained 2229 yards (on 234 attempts!) and 38 touchdowns.
I like this sign from Phillips and Kentucky. I think Simpson was a very underrated prospect in Kentucky since he didn't play for one of the traditional powerhouse programs. When Simpson touched the ball you knew he we going to do something electric. Congratulations to Miles and the University of Kentucky.
I like this sign from Phillips and Kentucky. I think Simpson was a very underrated prospect in Kentucky since he didn't play for one of the traditional powerhouse programs. When Simpson touched the ball you knew he we going to do something electric. Congratulations to Miles and the University of Kentucky.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Reds Roster is shaping up
It doesn't appear that Paul Janish with his gold glove ability and .211 batting average will be the Reds starting shortstop after all. Yesterday the Reds announced that they have reached a 1 year agreement with Orlando Cabrera. They signed him to a relatively cheap deal, $2.02 million guaranteed. There is a mutual option for 4 million for next season. Cabrera is a solid offensive performer. Over his last 4 seasons he has hit at least .280. Last season he hit .284 with 36 doubles, 9 HR, and 77 RBI. He plays in nearly every game, never playing in less than 155 games over the last 4 years. He has also won two gold gloves in his career but he has lost some range. The Reds were the only team offering the starting SS gig, most wanted him to play 2B. Janish is still around as a late inning defensive replacement if needed.
The Reds also made a trade with the Oakland A's. They traded Dusty's favorite CF, Wily Tavares and Mr. Hustle (but lacking in talent) Adam Rosales for Aaron Miles. Miles can play all over the infield and LF. He brings a veteran prescence to the Reds bench. He had a rough year last year in Chicago, but seriously, who didn't? In 2008 Miles hit .317 over 408 AB for St. Louis. A Reds fan has to love this deal because this seals Drew Stubbs spot in CF.
I like the way the roster is shaping up. I feel much better with Cabrera at SS. We need some offense on this club. They did not sign him to a long term deal. This is probably just a stopgap for Todd Frazier, which is all that we need. If everyone can stay healthy, I really like our infield with Rolen, Cabrera, Phillips and Votto and Miles and Janish on the bench.
Pitchers and catchers report in 16 days. Looking forward too it!
The Reds also made a trade with the Oakland A's. They traded Dusty's favorite CF, Wily Tavares and Mr. Hustle (but lacking in talent) Adam Rosales for Aaron Miles. Miles can play all over the infield and LF. He brings a veteran prescence to the Reds bench. He had a rough year last year in Chicago, but seriously, who didn't? In 2008 Miles hit .317 over 408 AB for St. Louis. A Reds fan has to love this deal because this seals Drew Stubbs spot in CF.
I like the way the roster is shaping up. I feel much better with Cabrera at SS. We need some offense on this club. They did not sign him to a long term deal. This is probably just a stopgap for Todd Frazier, which is all that we need. If everyone can stay healthy, I really like our infield with Rolen, Cabrera, Phillips and Votto and Miles and Janish on the bench.
Pitchers and catchers report in 16 days. Looking forward too it!
Monday, February 1, 2010
My Blogging Hero
I recently discovered the blog of Mark Titus, a walk-on from Ohio State. I fell in love with it. Check out http://clubtrillion.blogspot.com/. Why club trillion you ask? Because most walk on's will log 1 minute a game with no stats. So their stat line looks like 1000000000. I had previously heard of this blogger from Ohio State who made himself eligible for the NBA draft and the NBA telling him to remove his name. But I had never taken the time to read it. Over the weekend, I went back and read nearly every post.
Titus has found some relative fame from his blog. He has had over 2 million hits in the time that his site has been up. He has been featured in the NY Times, EPSN, and various other media outlets.
Club Trillion discussed the behind the scenes fun of College Baskteball as well as the difficulties that are faced by a walk-on. With that Titus adds humor and pop culture references that left me laughing out loud. Check out his blog, you won't be disappointed.
Titus has found some relative fame from his blog. He has had over 2 million hits in the time that his site has been up. He has been featured in the NY Times, EPSN, and various other media outlets.
Club Trillion discussed the behind the scenes fun of College Baskteball as well as the difficulties that are faced by a walk-on. With that Titus adds humor and pop culture references that left me laughing out loud. Check out his blog, you won't be disappointed.
King James visits Rupp
In case you missed it this weekend LeBron James sat courtside for the Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt matchup at Rupp Arena. James, who has been a public supporter of John Calipari, was wearing Kentucky Blue and participated as the "Y" in the Kentucky cheer on the court.
Why was James in Lexington? Well, most would think that Calipari's celebrity would just cause LeBron to be gravitated to him. Not so much. Sure Calipari has proven to be a charismatic figure in basketball circles, and LeBron is known to get around to a lot of AAU tournaments and events. But Calipari took it a step further. Calipari gave one of LeBron's high school teammates and good friend Brandon Weem's a spot on the team as a Graduate Assistant. Weems has been learning to use scouting video and getting his foot in the door of college coaching. I am use that LeBron's influence helped get Weem's the opportunity.
It definitely does not hurt having the NBA's biggest superstar associated with your College program. I am not sure about NCAA rules but if a phone call from LeBron is allowed as a recruiting tool I am sure that Cal will make it happen. But just the fact that LeBron was in attendance and clearly in support of Kentucky could help in the eyes of a recruit.
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