Follow the Reds with me throughout the 2007 season at Pulse Weekly's web site.
Here's the link to my weekly columns and daily blog page:
http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6
Please adjust your links accordingly, if you so choose.
Thanks,
Jeff Wallner.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Blogging elsewhere
The transition from Press Box View to my blog on the Downtowner Newspaper's web site is nearing completion.
For those who aren't aware, I've been covering the Reds since 1999 for the Downtowner, a free weekly newspaper distributed in Downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Lookout, Oakley, Hyde Park, Clifton, Northern Kentucky and elsewhere.
This, in addition to my work for the Enquirer, MLB.com, Associated Press among others.
My season credential with the Reds has always read "The Downtowner", but until now our paper did not have a web presence, hence the birth of Press Box View.
In short, you are all invited, and urged, to follow me over to my Downtowner blog, where I'll be posting Reds game updates, news as it breaks and an interesting anecdote or two throughout the baseball season.
Here's the link:
http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6
For those who aren't aware, I've been covering the Reds since 1999 for the Downtowner, a free weekly newspaper distributed in Downtown Cincinnati, Mt. Lookout, Oakley, Hyde Park, Clifton, Northern Kentucky and elsewhere.
This, in addition to my work for the Enquirer, MLB.com, Associated Press among others.
My season credential with the Reds has always read "The Downtowner", but until now our paper did not have a web presence, hence the birth of Press Box View.
In short, you are all invited, and urged, to follow me over to my Downtowner blog, where I'll be posting Reds game updates, news as it breaks and an interesting anecdote or two throughout the baseball season.
Here's the link:
http://www.pulsedt.com/blogs/default.asp?Category=6
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Happy pre-Opening Day
Well, it's been a hectic, whirlwind of a weekend ... and it's not even Opening Day yet.
Dot, dot, dot ...
-Big surprise, Fifth Third Field in Dayton was sold out for Saturday's Reds/Marlins exhibition game. Early this season, the Dragons will reach 500 consecutive packed houses - that's more than seven straight seasons.
-Think being a sportswriter is a cushy existence? Perhaps it is, until a foul ball shatters the glass window inches above your head in the press box at Fifth Third Field in Dayton. At least Dragons media relations guru Mike Vander Wood was sympathetic. "Good thing it's shatter-proof glass," he told me.
-If you go to a Dayton Dragons game, Brixx Ice house has a solid beer selection located just steps from the ballpark.
-Sunday's pre-Opening Day workout at Great American Ball Park was a hectic day for me, especially since I was chasing news on both the Cubs and Reds for MLB.com. But, it was also a chance to reunite with a few people I hadn't seen in months:
Old pal Steve Stewart is still pounding the pavement for broadcasting gigs. Steve tells me was a finalist for a couple of TV and radio jobs, including one in San Diego he felt was a lock. For the time being, he's doing around 30 pre-game shows for FSN Ohio and working in the speaker bureau at Great American Ball Park.
Paula Faris is in town covering the Cubs for her NBC affiliate. The former 9Sports favorite is doing well in Chicago. In fact, Paula and her husband, John, are expecting their first child in August. They are living in a neighborhood a few miles north of Wrigley Field. Paula told me today she's still getting used to the Windy City's blistering pace.
Passed by Joe Nuxhall in the tunnel leading to the Reds clubhouse on Sunday. The 'Ol Left-hander said he's feeling "better". It'll be nice to hear his voice on radio on Opening Day.
-In regard to the team, Wayne Krivsky admitted to us on Sunday he's going to pull the trigger on a roster move prior to Monday's game. Will it be made within the organization? Trade? Stay tuned.
-I'm not a conspiracy theorist by nature, but lower back spasms come at an awful convenient time for the Reds and Eric Milton. Eric, take some time off, get things worked out, help us justify your salary. In the meantime, can we have your roster spot?
-Bobby Livingston for fifth starter. He's earned it.
-Josh Hamilton has impressed me on many fronts. First, he's restored his life from the darkest depths. In addition to his breadth of skills, did you know Hamilton could be the fastest player on the team? Met him formally for the first time Saturday in Dayton. He's personable, polite and relates well with his teammates. Hamilton spent more than a few minutes signing autographs following Sunday's workout. A beat writer told me Hamilton did the same thing at spring training.
Play ball!
Dot, dot, dot ...
-Big surprise, Fifth Third Field in Dayton was sold out for Saturday's Reds/Marlins exhibition game. Early this season, the Dragons will reach 500 consecutive packed houses - that's more than seven straight seasons.
-Think being a sportswriter is a cushy existence? Perhaps it is, until a foul ball shatters the glass window inches above your head in the press box at Fifth Third Field in Dayton. At least Dragons media relations guru Mike Vander Wood was sympathetic. "Good thing it's shatter-proof glass," he told me.
-If you go to a Dayton Dragons game, Brixx Ice house has a solid beer selection located just steps from the ballpark.
-Sunday's pre-Opening Day workout at Great American Ball Park was a hectic day for me, especially since I was chasing news on both the Cubs and Reds for MLB.com. But, it was also a chance to reunite with a few people I hadn't seen in months:
Old pal Steve Stewart is still pounding the pavement for broadcasting gigs. Steve tells me was a finalist for a couple of TV and radio jobs, including one in San Diego he felt was a lock. For the time being, he's doing around 30 pre-game shows for FSN Ohio and working in the speaker bureau at Great American Ball Park.
Paula Faris is in town covering the Cubs for her NBC affiliate. The former 9Sports favorite is doing well in Chicago. In fact, Paula and her husband, John, are expecting their first child in August. They are living in a neighborhood a few miles north of Wrigley Field. Paula told me today she's still getting used to the Windy City's blistering pace.
Passed by Joe Nuxhall in the tunnel leading to the Reds clubhouse on Sunday. The 'Ol Left-hander said he's feeling "better". It'll be nice to hear his voice on radio on Opening Day.
-In regard to the team, Wayne Krivsky admitted to us on Sunday he's going to pull the trigger on a roster move prior to Monday's game. Will it be made within the organization? Trade? Stay tuned.
-I'm not a conspiracy theorist by nature, but lower back spasms come at an awful convenient time for the Reds and Eric Milton. Eric, take some time off, get things worked out, help us justify your salary. In the meantime, can we have your roster spot?
-Bobby Livingston for fifth starter. He's earned it.
-Josh Hamilton has impressed me on many fronts. First, he's restored his life from the darkest depths. In addition to his breadth of skills, did you know Hamilton could be the fastest player on the team? Met him formally for the first time Saturday in Dayton. He's personable, polite and relates well with his teammates. Hamilton spent more than a few minutes signing autographs following Sunday's workout. A beat writer told me Hamilton did the same thing at spring training.
Play ball!
Friday, March 30, 2007
The catcher(s) in the rye
Even if Chad Moeller comes north, do the Reds really have three catchers?
David Ross is the Reds' starting catcher. Moeller is an adequate back-up.
Javier Valentin is a catcher by trade, but in reality he's a back-up first baseman and the club's top pinch hitter leading them in pinch-hits (12), pinch-homers (4, one-shy of the club record) and RBI (12) last season.
Late-spring injuries forced the Reds' hand in this respect.
Besides, I think too much is made about which players make the Opening Day roster. The Reds roster in April likely will be barely a shadow of itself by August.
David Ross is the Reds' starting catcher. Moeller is an adequate back-up.
Javier Valentin is a catcher by trade, but in reality he's a back-up first baseman and the club's top pinch hitter leading them in pinch-hits (12), pinch-homers (4, one-shy of the club record) and RBI (12) last season.
Late-spring injuries forced the Reds' hand in this respect.
Besides, I think too much is made about which players make the Opening Day roster. The Reds roster in April likely will be barely a shadow of itself by August.
Gia Farrell to perform on Opening Day
I consider myself to be a knowledgeable music buff, but there are two genres I simply don't know much about. One is country. The other is the dance-pop-Christina Aguilera-Britney Spears ... well, you know the one.
While doing a little research for the festivities for Opening Day a question arose - who is Gia Farrell and why is she singing the National Anthem on our hallowed day at Great American Ball Park?
Turns out, Farrell is an 18-year old Atlanta Records recording artist from New York. Her song "Hit Me Up" reached No. 6 on the Australian charts and was featured in the animated film 'Happy Feet'.
Farrell is also a very lovely young lady, so gentleman keep your eyes on the flag.
Here it all starts ...
Our Downtowner Newspaper site (www.pulsedt.com) and my subsequent blog remains a work in progress, so we'll keep Press Box View going for some time to come.
While the full-time Reds beat writers have already been going at it for a month or so, my work begins in earnest tomorrow with the start of a 72-hour MLB.com marathon, of sorts.
I leave for Dayton at around 9 a.m. to cover the Reds/Marlins exhibition game.
On Sunday morning, it's off to Great American Ball Park to pen notebooks on both the Cubs and Reds from the pre-Opening Day workouts.
Then, it's an early rise on Monday to spin a story on the Findlay Market Parade and all of the festivities, pomp and circumstance surrounding Opening Day before settling in for the game itself.
I'll link the stories as they are posted at Reds.com.
I must say, I was, and continued to be, impressed by the participants in the Reds blogosphere during this past offseason.
You provide hope that beneath the sparse attendance figures at Great American Ball Park and perceived apathy, there exists a knowledgeable and passionate base of Reds fans which is hungry for a winner.
Play ball!
While the full-time Reds beat writers have already been going at it for a month or so, my work begins in earnest tomorrow with the start of a 72-hour MLB.com marathon, of sorts.
I leave for Dayton at around 9 a.m. to cover the Reds/Marlins exhibition game.
On Sunday morning, it's off to Great American Ball Park to pen notebooks on both the Cubs and Reds from the pre-Opening Day workouts.
Then, it's an early rise on Monday to spin a story on the Findlay Market Parade and all of the festivities, pomp and circumstance surrounding Opening Day before settling in for the game itself.
I'll link the stories as they are posted at Reds.com.
I must say, I was, and continued to be, impressed by the participants in the Reds blogosphere during this past offseason.
You provide hope that beneath the sparse attendance figures at Great American Ball Park and perceived apathy, there exists a knowledgeable and passionate base of Reds fans which is hungry for a winner.
Play ball!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Big changes at small paper
The Cincinnati Downtowner Newspaper has been treading water for years as a free weekly paper distributed in the immediate downtown area. I've been serving as a sports columnist for the Downtowner since 1999, with Reds coverage being our bread and butter.
Well, big changes are afoot at our little weekly.
A managing editor and staff reporter have been hired, and the Downtowner announced this week that it is nearly tripling its editorial staff, expanding the paper with a new look, launching a web site and extending the distribution footprint beyond downtown into Northern Kentucky, Clifton and the eastern suburbs.
Since all Downtowner columnists will be maintaining blogs on the new web site, which will go live on March 28, Press Box View will ultimately vanish.
My new blog will be linked to my weekly Downtowner Newspaper column, which had no prior web exposure. I'll be adding live in-game reports and breaking news as it happens. Exciting stuff.
Here's the link to the new site (it'll be up in a week or so):
http://www.pulsedt.com/
The timing of the new Downtowner Newspaper's introduction coincides with our Opening Day issue/Findlay Market Parade insert, annually our most popular edition.
Change is good. Once the new blog is up and running, I'll pass along a link to my loyal readers and bloggers, particularly those in Reds land.
For those of you who work or reside within the Downtowner's new distribution area, pick up a copy. I think you'll be pleased with the new design and format.
Well, big changes are afoot at our little weekly.
A managing editor and staff reporter have been hired, and the Downtowner announced this week that it is nearly tripling its editorial staff, expanding the paper with a new look, launching a web site and extending the distribution footprint beyond downtown into Northern Kentucky, Clifton and the eastern suburbs.
Since all Downtowner columnists will be maintaining blogs on the new web site, which will go live on March 28, Press Box View will ultimately vanish.
My new blog will be linked to my weekly Downtowner Newspaper column, which had no prior web exposure. I'll be adding live in-game reports and breaking news as it happens. Exciting stuff.
Here's the link to the new site (it'll be up in a week or so):
http://www.pulsedt.com/
The timing of the new Downtowner Newspaper's introduction coincides with our Opening Day issue/Findlay Market Parade insert, annually our most popular edition.
Change is good. Once the new blog is up and running, I'll pass along a link to my loyal readers and bloggers, particularly those in Reds land.
For those of you who work or reside within the Downtowner's new distribution area, pick up a copy. I think you'll be pleased with the new design and format.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Right of center
Ok, it's official. When the opposing team's at bat this season, Ken Griffey Jr. will be standing a few steps to Ryan Freel's left.
I realize it's newsworthy that Griffey, in his prime considered one of the finest centerfielders of this era, is moving to right field.
But, it's not like Carson Palmer is being moved to wide receiver. Now, that'd be front page above the fold.
So, Reds manager Jerry Narron has spilled the beans. Now, Griffey will be probed and prodded to see if he's happy with the move. And, every time he sneezes in right field, the move will be documented and dissected to determine how well Griffey's adjusting to his new position.
Forget right field, can Griffey stay healthy enough to play a full season at any position?
I realize it's newsworthy that Griffey, in his prime considered one of the finest centerfielders of this era, is moving to right field.
But, it's not like Carson Palmer is being moved to wide receiver. Now, that'd be front page above the fold.
So, Reds manager Jerry Narron has spilled the beans. Now, Griffey will be probed and prodded to see if he's happy with the move. And, every time he sneezes in right field, the move will be documented and dissected to determine how well Griffey's adjusting to his new position.
Forget right field, can Griffey stay healthy enough to play a full season at any position?
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Charlie "hustle"
This was a common argument early in the Pete Rose saga - if he bet "for" the Reds to win, it's ok.
Rose was a habitual gambler, probably still is. Those addicted to gambling don't bet to lose. If they do, their bookies, or other shadowy figures prominent in their lives, are eventually going to come calling for their payday. That spells real trouble.
It all breeds corruption and, if let unattended to, results in another Black Sox scandal, which would make steroids look like baby aspirin by comparison.
So, less than 24 hours after the Reds Hall of Fame opened an exhibit in his honor, Rose again succeeded in dishonoring himself, his city and his hometown team.
He's proclaimed his love for the Reds by admitting during an ESPN Radio interview that he bet on his team "every night".
Great. Good form Pete.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/SPT04/703150351
Rose was a habitual gambler, probably still is. Those addicted to gambling don't bet to lose. If they do, their bookies, or other shadowy figures prominent in their lives, are eventually going to come calling for their payday. That spells real trouble.
It all breeds corruption and, if let unattended to, results in another Black Sox scandal, which would make steroids look like baby aspirin by comparison.
So, less than 24 hours after the Reds Hall of Fame opened an exhibit in his honor, Rose again succeeded in dishonoring himself, his city and his hometown team.
He's proclaimed his love for the Reds by admitting during an ESPN Radio interview that he bet on his team "every night".
Great. Good form Pete.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070315/SPT04/703150351
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Not a betting slip to be found
For once, there's a place where Pete Rose can be remembered for milestones achieved on the field and not his missteps off it.
The Rose exhibit at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum opens on Saturday and continues until 2008.
Covered the press conference and exclusive preview event for MLB.com last evening.
Regardless of your feelings regarding Rose's reinstatement to baseball, Greg Rhodes and the entire staff at the Reds Hall of Fame deserve kudos for giving the playing career of baseball's all-time hits leader its just due.
Although, I'd like for Pete to get through a press conference without mentioning Las Vegas, dog tracks or horse racing, just once.
If Rose didn't have half a brain, he'd have half the hits.
The Rose exhibit at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum opens on Saturday and continues until 2008.
Covered the press conference and exclusive preview event for MLB.com last evening.
Regardless of your feelings regarding Rose's reinstatement to baseball, Greg Rhodes and the entire staff at the Reds Hall of Fame deserve kudos for giving the playing career of baseball's all-time hits leader its just due.
Although, I'd like for Pete to get through a press conference without mentioning Las Vegas, dog tracks or horse racing, just once.
If Rose didn't have half a brain, he'd have half the hits.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Great American smoke out
Hal McCoy can chew on his trademark cigar, but not light it. The Ol' Left-hander will need to find a new pastime while lounging in the home dugout during BP. Reds fans can smoke 'em if they've got 'em, but they must do so prior to entering the ballpark.
Good thing this didn't come down while Jack McKeon was managing.
Great American Ball Park is smoke free:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/BIZ01/303080046
Ohio's smoking ban is (in the process of) being enforced. The Reds are complying in the most efficient manner possible - a widespread, unconditional smoking ban applied throughout the facility.
With the notable exception of the Pepsi Power Stacks in centerfield, of course.
Good thing this didn't come down while Jack McKeon was managing.
Great American Ball Park is smoke free:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070308/BIZ01/303080046
Ohio's smoking ban is (in the process of) being enforced. The Reds are complying in the most efficient manner possible - a widespread, unconditional smoking ban applied throughout the facility.
With the notable exception of the Pepsi Power Stacks in centerfield, of course.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Xavier women punch first ticket
The men's and women's basketball teams at Xavier share more in common than uniforms adorned with a blue 'X' and a home court at Cintas Center.
They both are led by top transfers - Drew Lavender and Joei Clyburn.
They both have a strong core of seniors - Justin Doellman, Justin Cage, Brandon Cole for the men, and Michelle Miller, Suntana Granderson, Miranda Green, DeAnna Mason for the women.
They both have young head coaches - Sean Miller and Kevin McGuff - who were top assistants at Xavier and elsewhere.
In just a few days, they'll share something else - an NCAA Tournament berth.
Xavier's women got it done Monday night with a 65-59 victory over St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship game at Cintas Center.
With XU beat reporter Dustin Dow swamped as he prepares for coverage of the men's A-10 Tournament which begins Wednesday in Atlantic City, I was pleased to fill in on covering the women's A-10 tourney semis and finals.
Link to my Enquirer story this morning:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/SPT0102/703060328/1065
They both are led by top transfers - Drew Lavender and Joei Clyburn.
They both have a strong core of seniors - Justin Doellman, Justin Cage, Brandon Cole for the men, and Michelle Miller, Suntana Granderson, Miranda Green, DeAnna Mason for the women.
They both have young head coaches - Sean Miller and Kevin McGuff - who were top assistants at Xavier and elsewhere.
In just a few days, they'll share something else - an NCAA Tournament berth.
Xavier's women got it done Monday night with a 65-59 victory over St. Joseph's in the Atlantic 10 Tournament championship game at Cintas Center.
With XU beat reporter Dustin Dow swamped as he prepares for coverage of the men's A-10 Tournament which begins Wednesday in Atlantic City, I was pleased to fill in on covering the women's A-10 tourney semis and finals.
Link to my Enquirer story this morning:
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/SPT0102/703060328/1065
Sunday, March 04, 2007
March madness, sadness for some
Just back from covering Xavier's womens hoops team in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament at Cintas Center for the Enquirer.
The Muskies overcame a 3-for-13 shooting performance from Amber Harris, their leading scorer and A-10 Rookie of the Year, and rallied to beat Temple 54-53.
Xavier will play St. Joseph's in Monday's championship game at 5 p.m. with the winner earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
St. Joseph's semifinal win today over George Washington, ranked No. 8 in the nation and on a 19-game winning streak, came as a surprise to most in attendance, including those close to the team. The upset loss left a Washington Post beat reporter and team officials scrambling to change flights and hotel arrangements.
As maligned as the A-10 has been among mens' basketball conferences, it's a pretty strong womens' league. In fact, if St. Joe's topples Xavier on Monday, the A-10 will likely get four teams into the NCAA Tournament - Xavier, GW, Temple, St. Joe's.
As for the Xavier mens' NCAA chances, these comments just in from ESPN:
Should be in: Xavier [23-7 (13-3), RPI: 32, SOS: 86] I've probably undersold Xavier in past editions of D65. Now that X is the co-champ of the A-10 after eight straight wins to close things out -- to go with nonconference wins over VCU, Villanova, Illinois and K-State -- the profile looks very solid for an at-large. The Musketeers need to avoid a quarterfinal A-10 flameout, but I like their chances a lot right now.
The Muskies overcame a 3-for-13 shooting performance from Amber Harris, their leading scorer and A-10 Rookie of the Year, and rallied to beat Temple 54-53.
Xavier will play St. Joseph's in Monday's championship game at 5 p.m. with the winner earning a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
St. Joseph's semifinal win today over George Washington, ranked No. 8 in the nation and on a 19-game winning streak, came as a surprise to most in attendance, including those close to the team. The upset loss left a Washington Post beat reporter and team officials scrambling to change flights and hotel arrangements.
As maligned as the A-10 has been among mens' basketball conferences, it's a pretty strong womens' league. In fact, if St. Joe's topples Xavier on Monday, the A-10 will likely get four teams into the NCAA Tournament - Xavier, GW, Temple, St. Joe's.
As for the Xavier mens' NCAA chances, these comments just in from ESPN:
Should be in: Xavier [23-7 (13-3), RPI: 32, SOS: 86] I've probably undersold Xavier in past editions of D65. Now that X is the co-champ of the A-10 after eight straight wins to close things out -- to go with nonconference wins over VCU, Villanova, Illinois and K-State -- the profile looks very solid for an at-large. The Musketeers need to avoid a quarterfinal A-10 flameout, but I like their chances a lot right now.
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
No inductee? No problem
Aside from Cooperstown, New York's need for tourism dollars and Major League Baseball's own private initiatives, who's to say there has to be an induction ceremony at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum every summer?
Perhaps the Veterans Committee is sending the proper message but being overly stingy with its voting, failing to elect a single player in three consecutive votes.
Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark feels the committee's apparent lack of "cooperation" merits an investigation, of sorts.
"We are disappointed that no one has been elected in the three voting cycles," Forbes Clark said. "We will be evaluating this process and its trends at our next meeting ... and discussing whether there should be any changes."
What, like uncovering a new crop of more deserving candidates?
In my opinion, the National Baseball Hall of Fame was built for the likes of Ruth, Mays, Cobb and Aaron not Craig Biggio, who with his 3,000th hit this season will likely earn serious consideration.
The most unfortunate part of Forbes Clark's argument is ... she's right. The criteria for Hall of Fame candidacy has been diluted to the point where an argument can be made for virtually any player if you use the dreaded "if he's in, then he should be in" formula.
I, for one, would love to see former Cubs third baseman Ron Santo get his just due, based on the criteria the writers have set forth. Perhaps the veterans have other ideas.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2781628
Perhaps the Veterans Committee is sending the proper message but being overly stingy with its voting, failing to elect a single player in three consecutive votes.
Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark feels the committee's apparent lack of "cooperation" merits an investigation, of sorts.
"We are disappointed that no one has been elected in the three voting cycles," Forbes Clark said. "We will be evaluating this process and its trends at our next meeting ... and discussing whether there should be any changes."
What, like uncovering a new crop of more deserving candidates?
In my opinion, the National Baseball Hall of Fame was built for the likes of Ruth, Mays, Cobb and Aaron not Craig Biggio, who with his 3,000th hit this season will likely earn serious consideration.
The most unfortunate part of Forbes Clark's argument is ... she's right. The criteria for Hall of Fame candidacy has been diluted to the point where an argument can be made for virtually any player if you use the dreaded "if he's in, then he should be in" formula.
I, for one, would love to see former Cubs third baseman Ron Santo get his just due, based on the criteria the writers have set forth. Perhaps the veterans have other ideas.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2781628
Monday, February 26, 2007
Perez wins health battle, now back to baseball
How could I forget perhaps the best budding comeback story of spring camp - Miguel Perez.
Perez, an eloquent minor-league catcher and accomplished violinist, is trying to recover from a blood clot which required the removal of his right rib to relieve pressure on an artery. Shortly thereafter, Perez developed internal bleeding from an infection resulting from the surgery.
Perez, 23, is finally starting to concentrate on baseball again. The ever-articulate backstop says he's gained a new prespective on baseball and life as a result of his recent health issues.
"You're here today, but you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow," Perez said. "That's what I learned from this experience."
Perez, an eloquent minor-league catcher and accomplished violinist, is trying to recover from a blood clot which required the removal of his right rib to relieve pressure on an artery. Shortly thereafter, Perez developed internal bleeding from an infection resulting from the surgery.
Perez, 23, is finally starting to concentrate on baseball again. The ever-articulate backstop says he's gained a new prespective on baseball and life as a result of his recent health issues.
"You're here today, but you don't know if you'll be here tomorrow," Perez said. "That's what I learned from this experience."
Best news of camp ... thus far
It's uncertain whether Paul Wilson will be a major contributor for the Reds this season, but just hearing some positive news in regard to the right-hander's progress will do for now.
It was sad to watch Wilson, one of the true gentleman in the game, become increasingly frustrated during his rollercoaster rehab last season.
I was among the throngs of media who ventured to Dayton to watch his encouraging rehab start with the Single-A Dragons only to see it all unravel for him soon after.
Wilson is a freak when it comes to physical conditioning. Not sure if there is a more physically-fit pitcher in the big-leagues, but even Wilson admits that he can overdo it at times.
Several observers at spring training camp in Sarasota say the early returns on Wilson are outstanding. But, live game-action still awaits as do many other hurdles and obstacles that will test Wilson's mettle.
One thing about this year's Reds, they have a laundry list of guys worth rooting for this spring. Among them are Wilson, Josh Hamilton, and Eddie Guardado who are trying to make comeback bids, and Homer Bailey who is looking to make his much-anticipated debut.
Plenty of storylines to go around.
It was sad to watch Wilson, one of the true gentleman in the game, become increasingly frustrated during his rollercoaster rehab last season.
I was among the throngs of media who ventured to Dayton to watch his encouraging rehab start with the Single-A Dragons only to see it all unravel for him soon after.
Wilson is a freak when it comes to physical conditioning. Not sure if there is a more physically-fit pitcher in the big-leagues, but even Wilson admits that he can overdo it at times.
Several observers at spring training camp in Sarasota say the early returns on Wilson are outstanding. But, live game-action still awaits as do many other hurdles and obstacles that will test Wilson's mettle.
One thing about this year's Reds, they have a laundry list of guys worth rooting for this spring. Among them are Wilson, Josh Hamilton, and Eddie Guardado who are trying to make comeback bids, and Homer Bailey who is looking to make his much-anticipated debut.
Plenty of storylines to go around.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Nuxhall misses pitch to Hall
Well, I guess if you have spent 35 years broadcasting Kansas City Royals games, you deserve something.
Better luck next time, Ol' Lefty.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2775431&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
Better luck next time, Ol' Lefty.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2775431&campaign=rss&source=MLBHeadlines
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Columbus covers the Reds ... too
Beginning January 1, the Columbus Dispatch stopped charging a fee for access to its web site.
After being largely invisible to most area fans who could point and click to the Enquirer, Post and Dayton Daily News sites for free, the Dispatch is now a more easily-accessible outpost for Reds news and opinion.
The Dispatch's Jim Massie has been covering the Reds beat for many years, and he does one heck of a job. Massie fills in on the Ohio State womens basketball beat during the baseball offseason, but he'll be picking up full-time Reds coverage shortly.
If you have room in your links, I suggest you add the Dispatch prior to Opening Day.
After being largely invisible to most area fans who could point and click to the Enquirer, Post and Dayton Daily News sites for free, the Dispatch is now a more easily-accessible outpost for Reds news and opinion.
The Dispatch's Jim Massie has been covering the Reds beat for many years, and he does one heck of a job. Massie fills in on the Ohio State womens basketball beat during the baseball offseason, but he'll be picking up full-time Reds coverage shortly.
If you have room in your links, I suggest you add the Dispatch prior to Opening Day.
What, no hot tub injury?
Unlike the Chicago Cubs' reckless right-hander Kerry Wood, the Reds' rumored-to-be right-fielder Ken Griffey Jr. maintains a rather mundane lifestyle off the field.
Speculation ran rampant about how he suffered a broken right hand this winter, but Griffey cleared the air for Reds beat writers yesterday in Sarasota.
Griffey's injury didn't occur in a barfight, during a 100-mph motorcycle romp or, like Wood, falling out of a hot tub. Griffey, 37, said he got into a wrestling match with a 13-year old ... and lost.
"I was wrestling with my kids, starting with the youngest (Tevin)," Griffey told Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. "We were wrestling and the other two (Taryn, Trey) jumped on. The oldest (13-year old Trey) rolled over on me and I lost my balance. I used my wrist to try to avoid falling on the other two. Trey felt really bad about it."
Did I say "mundane" lifestyle? Griffey's injury occured on his yacht. Trust me, it ain't no bass boat.
Speculation ran rampant about how he suffered a broken right hand this winter, but Griffey cleared the air for Reds beat writers yesterday in Sarasota.
Griffey's injury didn't occur in a barfight, during a 100-mph motorcycle romp or, like Wood, falling out of a hot tub. Griffey, 37, said he got into a wrestling match with a 13-year old ... and lost.
"I was wrestling with my kids, starting with the youngest (Tevin)," Griffey told Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News. "We were wrestling and the other two (Taryn, Trey) jumped on. The oldest (13-year old Trey) rolled over on me and I lost my balance. I used my wrist to try to avoid falling on the other two. Trey felt really bad about it."
Did I say "mundane" lifestyle? Griffey's injury occured on his yacht. Trust me, it ain't no bass boat.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
From hospital to Hall?
That's the hope for Joe Nuxhall.
Not there's ever a good time to be hospitalized, but for the Ol' Left-hander this couldn't have been worse timing - the first week of spring training and just days before the announcement of this year's Ford C. Frick Award winner.
Nuxhall, 78, is currently residing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he's being treated for a recurrence of lymphoma.
"The treatment is going well," said Nuxhall's son, Kim, yesterday. "He was up walking, which is good. The next thing are the spots on his leg, how they're going to treat those. If he has chemotherapy, he'll come back home, if they think that's best. If he has radiation, he'll stay (in Sarasota)."
Nuxhall is among the finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award given for broadcasting excellence. The winner will be announced on Thursday.
First things first, Joe. Get well. The Hall of Fame comes second.
Not there's ever a good time to be hospitalized, but for the Ol' Left-hander this couldn't have been worse timing - the first week of spring training and just days before the announcement of this year's Ford C. Frick Award winner.
Nuxhall, 78, is currently residing at Sarasota Memorial Hospital where he's being treated for a recurrence of lymphoma.
"The treatment is going well," said Nuxhall's son, Kim, yesterday. "He was up walking, which is good. The next thing are the spots on his leg, how they're going to treat those. If he has chemotherapy, he'll come back home, if they think that's best. If he has radiation, he'll stay (in Sarasota)."
Nuxhall is among the finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame's Ford C. Frick Award given for broadcasting excellence. The winner will be announced on Thursday.
First things first, Joe. Get well. The Hall of Fame comes second.
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