Random thoughts ...

• Redsfest promises to be bigger and better than ever when it opens at the Duke Energy Center one week from Friday. Really it's just another excuse for George Grande to talk and Bronson Arroyo to play guitar.
• Jason LaRue's dynamic personality (insert sarcasm) won't be missed in the Reds clubhouse. Nor will his trademark response to most reporters' questions, "Of course". Best of luck in Kansas City.
• Is it just me or are the Reds spending an exorbinate amount of time and money trying to fix two areas on the ballclub - bullpen and defense?
• Beating Villanova in the semis of the Paradise Jam was an important win for Xavier. But, as it seems most often to be the case for XU, a marquee victory eluded the Muskies' grasp against No. 8 Alabama in the finals.
• I'm covering UC hoops for the Associated Press early this season. It should be interesting to watch Mick Cronin's kids mature as the season progresses. But, after watching Wofford of the Southern Conference physically manhandle the 'Cats last night, I shudder to think what will happen when they begin Big East play.
• Marvin Lewis arrived in Cincinnati with the reputation of being a defensive mind. In his fourth season as Bengals head coach, I'm not seeing it. One week after the Chargers lit them up for 42 points in one half, New Orleans QB Philip Rivers threw for 510 yards against them. When they're not gettin' the take-a-aways, the Bengals defense is getting blown away.
• Don't get me started on the hypocricy of journalists voting on major awards within the sports they cover. Integrity and objectivity are to be taken very seriously. I'd like to convey that message to the lone writer who cast a 6th place vote for Derek Jeter for AL MVP.