Sure, the Cardinals nearly blew a seemingly insurmountable lead in the NL Central Division in the season's final days.
They took full advantage of a slew of injuries which crippled the favored New York Mets. And, yes, the Detroit Tigers' vaunted offense, with help from the St. Louis pitching staff, picked October to go into a deep-freeze.
Regardless, it's the Cardinals who will be donning the rings. So much for the much-maligned National League.
http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20061027&content_id=1725895&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=stl
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
NL Central club best in world
Sure, the Cardinals nearly blew a seemingly insurmountable lead in the NL Central Division during the season's final week. Ok, the Cardinals did benefit from a slew of injuries that shelved the favored New York Mets. And, yes, the Detroit Tigers' vaunted offense chose the World Series to go into a deep-freeze.
But ... the St. Louis Cardinals are still the ones wearing the rings.
So much for the National League being baseball's stepchild this season.
Tony La Russa's best managerial job? Jim Edmonds thinks so.
"With the idiots that we've got?," Edmonds said. "Yes. We shocked the world."
Like 'em or not, Cardinals fans are among the best in baseball. They've waited 25 years for a World Series title. That's too long for one of the game's most storied franchises.
Congratulations.
But ... the St. Louis Cardinals are still the ones wearing the rings.
So much for the National League being baseball's stepchild this season.
Tony La Russa's best managerial job? Jim Edmonds thinks so.
"With the idiots that we've got?," Edmonds said. "Yes. We shocked the world."
Like 'em or not, Cardinals fans are among the best in baseball. They've waited 25 years for a World Series title. That's too long for one of the game's most storied franchises.
Congratulations.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Taking a respite from ...
Press Box View to help the folks at WCPO.com with their Bengals coverage.
Come visit:
http://blogs.wcpo.com/wcpo/stripes/
We'll still be posting here with Reds, preps, college and other non-Bengals related news.
See you soon.
Come visit:
http://blogs.wcpo.com/wcpo/stripes/
We'll still be posting here with Reds, preps, college and other non-Bengals related news.
See you soon.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Reds speak on Lidle's death
It was announced today that Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, who pitched for the Reds in 2004 and was traded to the Phillies in August, died when the plane he was piloting crashed into a Manhattan apartment building.
“The Reds family and all of baseball is very saddened by the news of the accident and Cory’s death,” said Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families.”
Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who was a teammate of Lidle with the Reds in 2004, said, “I was shocked by the news. Baseball lost a good player, friend, teammate and competitor. He left an impression on all of us. Our prayers are with his family.”
Said Reds pitcher Aaron Harang, who was a teammate of Lidle’s with the Athletics in 2002, “He was a great friend and teammate. Our thoughts are with Melanie and Christopher and the rest of the Lidle family. He will be missed.”
“The Reds family and all of baseball is very saddened by the news of the accident and Cory’s death,” said Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families.”
Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr., who was a teammate of Lidle with the Reds in 2004, said, “I was shocked by the news. Baseball lost a good player, friend, teammate and competitor. He left an impression on all of us. Our prayers are with his family.”
Said Reds pitcher Aaron Harang, who was a teammate of Lidle’s with the Athletics in 2002, “He was a great friend and teammate. Our thoughts are with Melanie and Christopher and the rest of the Lidle family. He will be missed.”
Monday, October 09, 2006
Moonlighting
The folks at WCPO.com have been kind enough to ask me to serve as a guest blogger on their newly launched Stripes Blog.
I'll be posting on Stripes on a fairly regular basis throughout the Bengals season.
If you feel compelled, hop on over:
http://blogs.wcpo.com/wcpo/stripes/
I'll be posting on Stripes on a fairly regular basis throughout the Bengals season.
If you feel compelled, hop on over:
http://blogs.wcpo.com/wcpo/stripes/
Wolfe howls for Heisman
OXFORD, Ohio - I spent my Sunday evening watching the best college football player in America.
His name isn't Ginn or Smith. He doesn't play for USC, Florida, Texas or Ohio State, although he was clearly the best player on the field when his team faced the Buckeyes, rushing for 171 yards and catching five passes for another 114 against the nation's top-ranked team.
His name is Garrett Wolfe. He plays for Northern Illinois.
The Great Wolfe had an off night on Sunday with "just" 162 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami RedHawks.
You'll have to excuse the Great One. His legs were a little tired after riddling the Ball State defense for a school-record 353 yards last week.
Wolfe, the nation's leading rusher, is on pace to shatter numerous NCAA rushing records.
My Associated Press coverage of Wolfe leading NIU to a 28-25 victory over Miami:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/games/2006-10-09-niu-miami_x.htm
His name isn't Ginn or Smith. He doesn't play for USC, Florida, Texas or Ohio State, although he was clearly the best player on the field when his team faced the Buckeyes, rushing for 171 yards and catching five passes for another 114 against the nation's top-ranked team.
His name is Garrett Wolfe. He plays for Northern Illinois.
The Great Wolfe had an off night on Sunday with "just" 162 yards and two touchdowns against the Miami RedHawks.
You'll have to excuse the Great One. His legs were a little tired after riddling the Ball State defense for a school-record 353 yards last week.
Wolfe, the nation's leading rusher, is on pace to shatter numerous NCAA rushing records.
My Associated Press coverage of Wolfe leading NIU to a 28-25 victory over Miami:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/games/2006-10-09-niu-miami_x.htm
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Thom-ahawk chop
The Reds gambled on Thom Brennaman and won.
Just days after (or hours, or perhaps just prior to) announcing that Steve Stewart's contract would not be renewed, the Reds reached deep into the desert to bring a familiar name, face and voice back to town.
The club announced earlier this week that Thom Brennaman would vacate his seat in the Diamondbacks broadcast booth and join his father, Hall of Famer Marty, on Reds broadcasts beginning next season.
Funny how nepotism is as popular in Cincinnati as cheese coney's and Oktoberfest.
We need more Brennamans like we need more Lukens, Mallorys and Hudepohls.
All kidding aside, this is a wonderful move by the Castellini-led Reds because Thom is more than just the chip off Marty's block.
He's a talented broadcaster, professional in voice and manner, and a likely successor to the throne should his father decide to take up golf full-time.
"It's definitely a tremendous loss," D'backs president Derrick Hall told the Arizona Republic. "Thom is such a talent, not only here, but with his national presence. Fans across the nation enjoy his work."
The Reds still have one broadcast seat to fill.
Just days after (or hours, or perhaps just prior to) announcing that Steve Stewart's contract would not be renewed, the Reds reached deep into the desert to bring a familiar name, face and voice back to town.
The club announced earlier this week that Thom Brennaman would vacate his seat in the Diamondbacks broadcast booth and join his father, Hall of Famer Marty, on Reds broadcasts beginning next season.
Funny how nepotism is as popular in Cincinnati as cheese coney's and Oktoberfest.
We need more Brennamans like we need more Lukens, Mallorys and Hudepohls.
All kidding aside, this is a wonderful move by the Castellini-led Reds because Thom is more than just the chip off Marty's block.
He's a talented broadcaster, professional in voice and manner, and a likely successor to the throne should his father decide to take up golf full-time.
"It's definitely a tremendous loss," D'backs president Derrick Hall told the Arizona Republic. "Thom is such a talent, not only here, but with his national presence. Fans across the nation enjoy his work."
The Reds still have one broadcast seat to fill.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Good old fashioned Pat-down
The Bengals locker room was somber but business-like following Sunday's 38-13 loss to New England.
After the game, head coach Marvin Lewis brushed off questions about Chris Henry's deactivation.
"I can only dress 45 guys and Chris was inactive today," he said.
When asked if Henry was one of his best 45 players, Lewis said, "Today he wasn't".
On Sunday, the best players were wearing red, blue and silver.
"We didn't play good enough in any area to win this football game," Lewis said. "If you don't do the fundamentals, tackling and blocking, you're not going to beat a good team. Let's go back to work. We have a lot of football left to play."
Next up is the bye week, and an opportunity for the 3-1 Bengals to lick their wounds and regroup.
After the game, head coach Marvin Lewis brushed off questions about Chris Henry's deactivation.
"I can only dress 45 guys and Chris was inactive today," he said.
When asked if Henry was one of his best 45 players, Lewis said, "Today he wasn't".
On Sunday, the best players were wearing red, blue and silver.
"We didn't play good enough in any area to win this football game," Lewis said. "If you don't do the fundamentals, tackling and blocking, you're not going to beat a good team. Let's go back to work. We have a lot of football left to play."
Next up is the bye week, and an opportunity for the 3-1 Bengals to lick their wounds and regroup.
Braves chop Astros; Cards claim title
Tony La Russa's decision to save Chris Carpenter for a rainy day nearly cost the Cardinals. But, the Atlanta Braves bailed him out by beating the Astros.
As a result of Houston's loss, St. Louis clinched the NL Central Division title to avoid the worst late-season collapse in baseball history.
La Russa chose to forgo Carpenter and start Anthony Reyes on three-day's rest. Reyes retired only two batters in the first inning in the Cardinals' 5-3 loss to Milwaukee.
Sensing the urgency of the matter, Cardinals fans joined in a collective Tomahawk Chop hoping to will the Braves to victory.
The Reds, who were eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday, lost to the Pirates today to finish with an 80-82 record, their sixth consecutive losing season.
As a result of Houston's loss, St. Louis clinched the NL Central Division title to avoid the worst late-season collapse in baseball history.
La Russa chose to forgo Carpenter and start Anthony Reyes on three-day's rest. Reyes retired only two batters in the first inning in the Cardinals' 5-3 loss to Milwaukee.
Sensing the urgency of the matter, Cardinals fans joined in a collective Tomahawk Chop hoping to will the Braves to victory.
The Reds, who were eliminated from playoff contention on Saturday, lost to the Pirates today to finish with an 80-82 record, their sixth consecutive losing season.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Can't anyone here play defense?
If you're a high school football coach with a struggling defense in the Cincinnati area, I'm the last person you want to see strolling into your stadium with a laptop over his shoulder.
My previous two Enquirer assignments:
Glen Este 42 Turpin 35
Ross 52 Norwood 49
Last night's game at Norwood's Shea Stadium ended after my deadline and, so I learned late in the evening, without a working phone line on the premises. I had to dictate the story to my editor by phone, a first-time occurence for me.
Next week, can I get a nice two-hour, 14-10 game? Anyone?
A press-box worker last night had the audacity to say to me, "Great game, huh?"
I think my glare spoke for itself.
My previous two Enquirer assignments:
Glen Este 42 Turpin 35
Ross 52 Norwood 49
Last night's game at Norwood's Shea Stadium ended after my deadline and, so I learned late in the evening, without a working phone line on the premises. I had to dictate the story to my editor by phone, a first-time occurence for me.
Next week, can I get a nice two-hour, 14-10 game? Anyone?
A press-box worker last night had the audacity to say to me, "Great game, huh?"
I think my glare spoke for itself.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Something to play for
In a season under first-year ownership and with a new GM hired barely two weeks prior to the start of spring training, the Reds managed to remain in the race for the NL Central Division title into the season's final weekend.
Not since 1999 have the Reds been in contention for anything beyond postseason hunting and fishing trips this late in September.
The glass half-empty approach makes it easy to credit the Cardinals for allowing the Reds and Astros to remain in the race and the Reds themselves for refusing to unwrap the many gifts St. Louis has sent their way this summer.
Sure, the NL Central is anything but a powerhouse division in a league that is mediocre at best. But, Reds fans wanted a pennant race and they've got one. While the Reds' chances of winning the division border a miracle, the fact is that they are still not eliminated with three games to play.
FSN Ohio has added Sunday's telecast in the event the season finale means something. The rotation couldn't have set up any better with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo starting the first two games in Pittsburgh.
With the Astros ahead of them as well, it's not likely the Reds, who were picked to finish fifth in the division, will achieve the unthinkable.
On second thought, haven't they already?
Not since 1999 have the Reds been in contention for anything beyond postseason hunting and fishing trips this late in September.
The glass half-empty approach makes it easy to credit the Cardinals for allowing the Reds and Astros to remain in the race and the Reds themselves for refusing to unwrap the many gifts St. Louis has sent their way this summer.
Sure, the NL Central is anything but a powerhouse division in a league that is mediocre at best. But, Reds fans wanted a pennant race and they've got one. While the Reds' chances of winning the division border a miracle, the fact is that they are still not eliminated with three games to play.
FSN Ohio has added Sunday's telecast in the event the season finale means something. The rotation couldn't have set up any better with Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo starting the first two games in Pittsburgh.
With the Astros ahead of them as well, it's not likely the Reds, who were picked to finish fifth in the division, will achieve the unthinkable.
On second thought, haven't they already?
Thursday, September 28, 2006
ESPN: The Evil Empire
Let me get this straight ...
The top annual sports event in Cincinnati is going to be televised on a cable station not available in Cincinnati.
Who could be behind this? You guessed it, our pals at ESPN.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060928/SPT0101/609280360/1078
I'm sure Time Warner Cable has received its ransom note by now, the one which reads 'Buy our station or else. Signed, ESPN'.
The top annual sports event in Cincinnati is going to be televised on a cable station not available in Cincinnati.
Who could be behind this? You guessed it, our pals at ESPN.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060928/SPT0101/609280360/1078
I'm sure Time Warner Cable has received its ransom note by now, the one which reads 'Buy our station or else. Signed, ESPN'.
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Is collapse in the Cards?
Cardinals manager Tony La Russa on his club doing their best impersonation of the '64 Phillies:
"Just recognize that's the reality of our pennant race and we kept busting our ass. In the end, our ass gets busted. I like a lot of things I see except the score."
And, in all likelihood, the standings.
Five games to go in the season. Reds still not eliminated from postseason consideration.
The Astros, meanwhile, are on the brink of achieving what was once seemingly impossible.
NL Central standings
Cardinals 80-76
Astros 79-78 1.5
Reds 78-79 2.5
"Just recognize that's the reality of our pennant race and we kept busting our ass. In the end, our ass gets busted. I like a lot of things I see except the score."
And, in all likelihood, the standings.
Five games to go in the season. Reds still not eliminated from postseason consideration.
The Astros, meanwhile, are on the brink of achieving what was once seemingly impossible.
NL Central standings
Cardinals 80-76
Astros 79-78 1.5
Reds 78-79 2.5
Monday, September 25, 2006
Not a drastic change, but ...
... the Reds will have new logos next season.
The most noticeable change is the vintage Mr. Red complete with Rollie Fingers-esque facial hair.
Nothing to it
When a reporter, in jest, suggested to Ken Griffey Jr. that the game of baseball must be "easy", the Reds outfielder grinned widely.
Of course it isn't, but future Hall of Famers often make it seem so.
After missing 17 games with a dislocated right toe, Griffey made his first plate appearance in the eighth inning of Monday's home finale at Great American Ball Park and promptly delivered a pinch-hit three-run home run to help lift the Reds to a 5-4 victory.
The home run was the 563rd of Griffey's career tying him with Reggie Jackson for 10th on the all-time list.
"I'd like to have the title of Mr. October too," said Griffey. "I was really just trying not to embarrass myself. I just got a pitch up in the zone."
Of course it isn't, but future Hall of Famers often make it seem so.
After missing 17 games with a dislocated right toe, Griffey made his first plate appearance in the eighth inning of Monday's home finale at Great American Ball Park and promptly delivered a pinch-hit three-run home run to help lift the Reds to a 5-4 victory.
The home run was the 563rd of Griffey's career tying him with Reggie Jackson for 10th on the all-time list.
"I'd like to have the title of Mr. October too," said Griffey. "I was really just trying not to embarrass myself. I just got a pitch up in the zone."
Turnstile tales
Attendance for Monday's home finale at Great American Ball Park was 16,278, making the season total 2,144,472, third-best since the ballpark opened and an improvement of 201, 315 over last season.
Average attendance at Great American Ball Park was 26,352 this season, just slightly behind the Brewers for 11th in the National League.
Average attendance at Great American Ball Park was 26,352 this season, just slightly behind the Brewers for 11th in the National League.
Not a morning person
Bronson Arroyo has made clear on more than one occasion his disdain for afternoon ballgames.
The Reds right-hander dislikes them so much that he's volunteered to start on short rest just to avoid them.
In the first inning of today's 12:35 p.m. home finale, Arroyo allowed four unearned runs on two hits and a walk.
His worst pitch of the inning was one intended to force Cubs left-fielder Matt Murton at home plate. Catcher David Ross bobbled, then dropped Arroyo's low and outside toss for an error, one of two committed by the Reds in the inning.
Hey, Bronson, there's this thing called coffee ...
UPDATE: Arroyo recovered to toss seven innings, allowing just four hits, no earned runs, two walks and five strikeouts. He's slated to start on Saturday in Pittsburgh where he'll attempt to match Aaron Harang with 15 wins.
The Reds right-hander dislikes them so much that he's volunteered to start on short rest just to avoid them.
In the first inning of today's 12:35 p.m. home finale, Arroyo allowed four unearned runs on two hits and a walk.
His worst pitch of the inning was one intended to force Cubs left-fielder Matt Murton at home plate. Catcher David Ross bobbled, then dropped Arroyo's low and outside toss for an error, one of two committed by the Reds in the inning.
Hey, Bronson, there's this thing called coffee ...
UPDATE: Arroyo recovered to toss seven innings, allowing just four hits, no earned runs, two walks and five strikeouts. He's slated to start on Saturday in Pittsburgh where he'll attempt to match Aaron Harang with 15 wins.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Who Dey (?)
I watched enough of the Bengals/Steelers game on my monitor at Great American Ball Park to know that Cincinnati's 28-20 victory did actually occur.
Now that I've had a chance to comb over the statistics, I'm beginning to doubt that reality.
Let me sort this through:
Chad Johnson had one catch for 11 yards.
Willie Parker had 133 rushing yards to Rudi Johnson's 47.
Carson Palmer threw two interceptions and was sacked six times.
The Steelers had 365 total yards and 27 first downs. The Bengals had 246 and 15.
And, the Bengals won?
Bottom line:
The Steelers had five turnovers. The Bengals take advantage of other team's mistakes as well as any team in the NFL, and they did so today.
Now that I've had a chance to comb over the statistics, I'm beginning to doubt that reality.
Let me sort this through:
Chad Johnson had one catch for 11 yards.
Willie Parker had 133 rushing yards to Rudi Johnson's 47.
Carson Palmer threw two interceptions and was sacked six times.
The Steelers had 365 total yards and 27 first downs. The Bengals had 246 and 15.
And, the Bengals won?
Bottom line:
The Steelers had five turnovers. The Bengals take advantage of other team's mistakes as well as any team in the NFL, and they did so today.
Bad timing
Just as we were summoned into Jerry Narron's office for post-game comments on Sunday, the Steelers were driving for a potential tying touchdown with less than 50 seconds remaining in the game.
Oh well ... priorities.
Said Narron of Aaron Harang who notched his 15th win via Royce Clayton's game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth:
"At the major league level, you have to continue to make adjustments. The past three years, he's done that. I think, by far, he's the most underrated pitcher in baseball."
We learned upon emerging from Narron's office that a Bengals' interception had preserved a 28-20 victory over Pittsburgh.
A good day all around.
Oh well ... priorities.
Said Narron of Aaron Harang who notched his 15th win via Royce Clayton's game-winning RBI single in the bottom of the ninth:
"At the major league level, you have to continue to make adjustments. The past three years, he's done that. I think, by far, he's the most underrated pitcher in baseball."
We learned upon emerging from Narron's office that a Bengals' interception had preserved a 28-20 victory over Pittsburgh.
A good day all around.
Football Sunday spent working ...
at Great American Ball Park.
Writing a Reds season wrap-up column while keeping a watchful eye on the Bengals/Steelers on my TV monitor.
It's a beautifully sunny afternoon at the ballpark. All things considered, I always hate to see the home portion of the baseball season come to a close.
Interesting tidbit in today's Reds game notes:
The Reds' six errors (I hear there should have been seven) committed last night were the most since April 5, 1971 when Bernie Carbo, Frank Duffy, Woody Woodward and Don Gullett combined for six miscues.
Woodward committed three errors at third base during that game, the first Opening Day contest played at Riverfront Stadium which opened mid-season 1970.
One Red has displayed some nifty glovework:
Scott Hatteberg's error in the fifth inning Sunday was his first since May 5, a 100-game stretch.
Writing a Reds season wrap-up column while keeping a watchful eye on the Bengals/Steelers on my TV monitor.
It's a beautifully sunny afternoon at the ballpark. All things considered, I always hate to see the home portion of the baseball season come to a close.
Interesting tidbit in today's Reds game notes:
The Reds' six errors (I hear there should have been seven) committed last night were the most since April 5, 1971 when Bernie Carbo, Frank Duffy, Woody Woodward and Don Gullett combined for six miscues.
Woodward committed three errors at third base during that game, the first Opening Day contest played at Riverfront Stadium which opened mid-season 1970.
One Red has displayed some nifty glovework:
Scott Hatteberg's error in the fifth inning Sunday was his first since May 5, a 100-game stretch.
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