Irrelevance

      Sunday was the first Bengals game in 54 weeks not to sell out.  Fans around the tri-state were forced to listen on the radio or, like many I'm sure, completely disregard the game matching two teams with a combined 3-15 record.  And ironically, if you weren't a Bengals fan, it was the most exciting NFL game of the weekend.
      I was one of the poor souls who found somewhere to watch the game online.  Bad decision.  Cincinnati sprinted out to a 28-7 lead.  It looked like they would finally beat a team with far less talent (which is usually the case).  It looked like I would, for the first time in seven weeks, be able to proudly wear my Carson Palmer jersey to class Monday morning.  Not quite.
      The Bills outscored the Bengals 42-3 in the final 32 minutes.  Ryan Fitzpatrick picked apart the Bengals secondary like they were a poor high school defense.  Carson Palmer's efficient first-half performance turned into an all-too familiar two interception day.  A Cedric Benson fumble (yet again) was returned for a touchdown.  They continued to find new ways to lose.  Everyone is looking for a reason.  With this many weapons, how are they this bad?
      First, the passing game.  Terrell Owens, while being an experienced and productive asset, has proved to be a problem.  And no, it's not the usual team chemistry problem we're used to.  His presence, in my opinion, is the main reason for the struggles of Palmer.  Owens has gotten twice as many targets as Chad Ochocinco, a Pro-Bowler last year.  Chad is open.  I still think he has some of the quickest feet in the league.  Owens past success and demand for the ball has completely concentrated Palmer's focus.  He never equally spreads the ball.  He looks for one receiver over and over again, then switches targets.  Therefore, there is no overall rhythm.  And for the defense, I only have one piece of information.  Yesterday, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, dealing with several injuries, walked to the other end of the Bengals' sideline and informed Jordan Shipley and Quan Cosby that they may be used at cornerback.  Enough said.
      At first, there was hope that they'd do better.  Then, there was confusion as to how a team this "good" could lose this many games.  Now, their is acceptance, anger, and embarrassment.  Terrell Owens' press conference after the game sums it up perfectly.  "Let me look you in the eyes and emphasize -- we are terrible...Maybe I'm bad luck.  But at this point, its just unthinkable.  Unbelievable."

Young Wildcats Travel West

     As John Calipari takes his young Kentucky basketball team on a four-game road trip, he has his doubts as to their maturity and focus.
     "We are on our way to Hawaii to play three teams that are better than us," Calipari said.  "This is going to be a learning situation for us.  We have to figure out what we do and how hard we have to play."
     Kentucky begins their trip on Friday at Portland, the hometown of freshman forward Terrence Jones, before flying to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational.
     "The trip will mean a lot," Jones said.  "It's always good to have a chance to play in front of my mom and grandma and show them how much I've improved since high school."
     In Maui, the Wildcats will play Oklahoma on Monday, then face either Virginia or Washington Tuesday.  The trip will tell Cats fans a lot about the cohesiveness of their young team, who will face their first legitimate Division 1 opponent.
     Portland has won each of their first three games, winning each by at least 14 points.  The game will be televised on ESPNU at 10:30 ET.

"King Felix" Gets his Crown

     Seattle Mariner's pitcher, Felix Hernandez, was awarded the 2010 AL Cy Young Award on Thursday.  Hernandez posted a 13-12 record with a 2.27 ERA.  He led the league in innings (249.2) and was second in strikeouts (232).
     His 13 wins was the lowest total for a Cy Young winner ever.  The voters appeared to overlook the Mariner's lackluster offense, which provided Hernandez with one run or less in 10 of his starts.
    "This confirms the Cy Young is an award not only for the pitcher with the most wins, but the most dominant," Hernandez said while celebrating with his family in his native Venezuela.
     The National League Cy Young award was unanimously given to Roy Halladay.  Halladay's regular season perfect game and NLDS no-hitter led to his 2nd career Cy Young award and first in the National League. 
      

Once Teammates, Always 'Brothers'

As students at St. Xavier High School in Louisville, Victor Anderson and Daniel Passafiume were friends on and off the football field.  They made big plays on Friday nights and were inseparable during the week.  At least, once they got used to each other.

"He was a bully to me at first," Passafiume laughed.  "I was just nice to him and eventually he realized I was his friend."

They became the best of friends, actually.  As they led St. X to two consecutive state championship appearances, Daniel and Victor constantly pushed each other to become better players and better people.  "I saw potential in him," Anderson said.  "I would always try to toughen him up.  I still do to this day."

They also both showed promise of being phenomenal football players.  However, few could have expected they would achieve such success in their young careers.

Anderson was a highly touted running back coming out of high school, recruited by several major Division 1 programs, including UK and U of L.

After choosing to be a Cardinal, he was redshirted under a deep core of tailbacks.  Then in 2008, Anderson exploded for 1047 yards and 8 touchdowns, becoming the first Louisville player to receive Big East Rookie of the Year honors.

A nagging shoulder injury has bothered Anderson for the past year and a half, but he was cleared to play this weekend when Louisville traveled to Syracuse.

Passafiume, a wide receiver in high school, endured a much more roundabout path to his success.  He also enrolled at Louisville after turning down an offer to walk on at West Virginia.

A year of studying away from football made Passafiume realize that he missed the game too much.  That's when he visited Hanover College, where he instantly clicked with Head Coach Joe Austin and his pass-happy offense.

"Vic definitely helped me when I wanted to come back," Passafiume said.  "I respected him and his game so much.  He gave me confidence."

Daniel has thrived at Hanover.  In just 23 games, he has 233 receptions and 25 touchdowns.  Last November, he broke Jerry Rice's collegiate record for most catches in a game, hauling in 25 balls in a loss to Franklin College.

Despite being at different schools, they continue to spend time with each other.  "We talk at least once a week," Passafiume said.  "I see him when I'm back in Louisville.  He's always over at the house."

And even though they aren't in the same huddle anymore, they are still able to push each other on Saturdays.  "I think that there is a sense of competitive greatness that exists between Daniel and Victor," Daniel's father, Paul Passafiume said.  "They are very much alike.  They both feed off each other and support each other's achievements."

"Whether it's an injury or a bad game, we help each other overcome adversity," Anderson said.  "We always talk about how we can better ourselves.  That's my brother."

Memorable Season Comes to an End

     The city was energized.  The stadium was electric.  45,999 fans packed Great American Ballpark to see their Reds play in October.  And even for just one night, Cincinnati got a taste of playoff fever.
     The Reds lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 2-0 Sunday night, ending their remarkable season in lackluster fashion.  Phillies starting pitcher, Cole Hamels, threw a complete game, 5-hit shutout to close the door on the series.  Brandon Phillips led off the bottom of the 9th with a single, but Joey Votto grounded into a double play and Scott Rolen struck out to end the threat.  The Reds, who led the National League in batting average, home runs, RBI, and slugging percentage, looked like they were over-swinging against the Philadelphia aces.  They were only able to amount four runs in the series (all in the first five innings of Game 2).
     For the life of me, I cannot curse or abandon this team.  This was not supposed to be the year.  We could say what we wanted in March, but we all wondered if this club was ready for the pressures of a pennant race, let alone a playoff series.  But, the Reds exceeded expectations.  They overcame massive obstacles again and again: the brutal meltdown in Atlanta in June, the sweep at the hands of the Cardinals in July, etc.  However, they did what good, experienced teams do: they beat the teams they were supposed to.
     Cincinnati fans will be saying "what if" all winter.  We will ponder the Game 2 debacle, the constant struggles of Rolen, and the defensive woes that showed up out of nowhere in the playoffs.  But when pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training in February, Reds fan should be reassured that they will be watching a playoff baseball team.  And this was no fluke.  This team will be back.  They are young, talented, deep, and now experienced.  For the first time ever I can say, without any doubt, that I am confident in this team.  See you on March 31st; this team is here to stay.

Upset Bid Falls Short

     A career day for Randall Cobb was not enough for the Kentucky Wildcats to overcome Cam Newton and the Auburn Tigers Saturday night at Commonwealth Stadium.  Down 31-17 at halftime, Kentucky fed off of an electric crowd to score twice in the 3rd quarter to tie the game at 31.  After exchanging field goals early in the 4th, the Tigers got the ball back with 5 minutes left.  Auburn quarterback and Heisman hopeful, Cam Newton, methodically led his team down the field, killing clock, and setting up a last-second 24-yard field to win 37-34.
     Although Kentucky played their most well-rounded game of the season, they struggled to slow Newton, particularly on the ground.  The Tiger quarterback finished with 210 yards passing and 198 yards rushing, including four rushing touchdowns.  Cobb had four touchdowns: one passing, one receiving, and two rushing.  Mike Hartline also had a great game, going 23-28 for 220 yards and a touchdown.  The Wildcats, who fell to 3-3 with the loss, welcome South Carolina to Lexington next Saturday, who just beat #1 Alabama.  The game will be broadcasted on ESPN2 at 6:00 ET.

Halladay Dominates Game 1

     We waited 15 years to watch our beloved Reds play in the postseason.  I guess we can wait another two days to see a postseason base hit.  Roy "Doc" Halladay threw the second no-hitter in the history of the MLB playoffs Wednesday night as the Phillies beat the Reds 4-0.  To put it simply, Halladay was absolutely brilliant.  He struck out eight, walked one, and left Cincinnati hitters clueless time and time again.  It was the best pitching performance I've ever seen.  He did exactly what he wanted, when he wanted.  He threw first pitch strikes to 25 of the 28 hitters he faced.  Granted, he may have received a few generous strike calls, but that comes with being the most dominant pitcher in the game.
     Reds' starter Edinson Volquez was chased after just 1.2 innings.  After giving up one run in the 1st, Volquez allowed an RBI single to Halladay (yes, the pitcher), to extend the inning.  After a walk to Jimmy Rollins, Shane Victorino singled in two more runs to make it 4-0.  Travis Woods then relieved Volquez and quieted the Philadelphia momentum.  The Phillies would only be able to generate one hit the rest of the game, but Halladay made sure that was plenty.
     Luckily, it's a best of five series.  Being no-hit is the same as losing 20-18.  A loss is a loss.  The truth of the matter is that there will be another game on Friday night that is pivotal to the Reds' chances of advancing.  And to the delight of Cincinnati fans, Roy Halladay will not pitch until at least Monday.  Friday is a new day and a new game.  The Reds have been hit with some pretty hard punches this season, and they've prevailed each and every time.  This team will not roll over and they will not give in.  Bronson Arroyo faces Roy Oswalt in Game 2.  First pitch is at 6:07 ET.

Journalism in Democracy Q&A

On Journalism
Q:  What is your definition of journalism?
A:  Journalism is the art of captivating and informing an audience.  It is the goal of a journalist to create a more knowledgeable and intelligent society through his/her writing.

Q:  How many different models of Journalism exist today?
A:  There are three models of journalism.
          Advocacy Journalism - Seeks social change and justice
          Traditional Elite Journalism - Seeks the truth to better inform the audience in their decision making
          Public or Civic Journalism - main goal is community problem solving
On Democracy
Q:  What is the definition of democracy?
A:  Democracy is a government in which the power is entrusted in the people or, in a more indirect version, the power is entrusted in those elected by the people.

Q:  What is the difference between "election politics" and "public politics?"
A:  I think that these two political strategies could be similar, save the ego of the politician.  When a political party begins to focus its entire campaign on pointing out the flaws of the other, "public politics" becomes very ugly.

Q:  What was the Lippmann v. Dewey debate?
A:  These two men argued through their writing in the 1920's over what constituted the best form of representative government.  Lippmann argued that the world was so large and complex that we can't trust the common people to be informed enough to make the right decision.  Dewey countered by saying without a healthy democratic government, no society could be trusted to make the right decision consistently.  He said that journalists should play the role of "fact finder" and that decisions would be still be made by public opinion.
On the First Amendment
Q:  What does the First Amendment say exactly?
A:  The First Amendment says, and I quote, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Q:  Are any of the protections important in your life?
A:  Absolutely.  Without the First Amendment, I would not be able to express myself and be an individual.  I would not be able to practice my religion, or possibly even write this blog.
On Diversity
Q:  Everybody keeps talking about diversity: Why is diversity in religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition so important to a democracy?
A:  As I stated in the previous post about Journalism in Democracy, the true power of the common citizen is in his/her's right to express their opinion and individuality.  If we don't have these simple liberties, how can we possibly have a democracy?  If the power truly is in the hands of the people, whether direct or indirect, these rights should be for all to use and enjoy.

Q:  How do journalists and the First Amendment ensure that people hear diverse voices in the marketplace of ideas?
A:  Journalists work because of and along with the First Amendment to ensure the rights, safety, and liberty of the people.  This means that all people have a voice.  Every person has these rights, regardless or race or gender.  This is because of the First Amendment and the work of journalists to validate these rights.

Q:  Can you speak from personal experience about how diversity, protected by the First Amendment or championed by journalists, made a difference in your life?
A:  I can't speak from personal experience on this matter, but I think that is a good thing.  The fact that my rights or the rights of anybody I know have not been challenged is a testament to the protection of these rights that we have been given.

Why Does a Democracy need Journalism and the First Amendment?

     In 1863, Abraham Lincoln described the United States of America in the Gettysburg Address as a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  These famous words have stood the test of time and are very much prevalent in our present-day American democracy.  I, as an American, believe that we should strive for a political system comprised of selfless citizens who work for the betterment of the world.  We all have the right to vote men and women into office.  Those men and women are then given the right to use their abilities to better the world in which we live.   But, where the citizen’s power truly lies is in their right to voice their opinion. 

     This is where the art of journalism comes in.  Throughout history, journalists have been arguably the most resented people in society.  It is the job of the journalist to report the truth without exception.  And in many cases, especially those involving politics, the truth can be a very ugly thing.  This is why a true, honest democracy needs journalism.  No government of the people, by the people, and for the people can thrive if those same people are being misguided and betrayed.  A journalist must captivate the audience.  He/she must preach the truth in order to create a more informed and intelligent audience. 

     In order to embody the dream that Lincoln had for this country, we must welcome a diverse and unique population.  Not only through race or ethnicity, but in the practice of the citizen’s basic rights and privileges.  The First Amendment to our Constitution states that Congress shall not deny the practice of religion, free speech, or press.  This was written with the idea that people would not be afraid to express themselves, while also not being afraid to challenge one another.  A healthy democracy needs this mentality to succeed.  We must live our lives freely within the law, yet we must have the courage to be a voice of reason that will better the world. 

            

Heads Up

     Later today I'm going to post a few things for an assignment for my Journalism class.  They'll be focused on the art and purpose of journalism, rather than current sports news.  However, as always, feel free to read and comment!

MNF Recap 10/4: New England at Miami

     In the third installment of Monday Night Football this season, the New England Patriots exposed several glaring weaknesses in the Miami Dolphins to run away with a 41-14 victory.  Miami jumped out to a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter on a touchdown pass from Chad Henne to Davone Bess.  However, that was about all the momentum the Dolphins could muster.  Hampered by three interceptions by Henne, Miami could't overcome the miscues by its special teams.  New England's Brandon Tate returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown for the second time this season.  Then, after a Miami three-and-out, the Patriots blocked a punt that was recovered and led to a BenJarvus Green-Ellis score.  Then early in the fourth quarter, New England safety Patrick Chung blocked a field goal that was returned for a touchdown.  Chung also intercepted Henne midway through the fourth quarter and returned it for a score.
     The Patriots look very scary right now.  In this game, Tom Brady became the fastest quarterback to reach 100 wins (131 starts).  With Brady at the helm, a solid defense, and an exciting, play-making special teams, this team has a real chance to return to the Super Bowl, where it virtually called home during the mid 2000's.

"The Tale of Two Cities"

 .

     Cincinnati vs. Philadelphia. The Enquirer vs. the Inquirer.  Youthful talent vs. Professional experience. These are just a few of the storylines surrounding the NLDS series between the Reds and the Phillies.  As the Giants closed out the Padres early Sunday evening, the Reds' road to the World Series was set: and it runs straight through Philadelphia, PA.  In their first playoff series in 15 years, the Reds will play the 2-time defending National League Champion without home-field advantage.  The Phillies won the season series 5-2, although four of those games were decided by one run.  And the last time these two teams played, a four-game sweep by the Phillies in early July, the Reds were a very different team.  Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce were going through the worst month-long slumps of their careers, Aroldis Chapman was still dominating Triple-A hitters, and Edinson Volquez had not even pitched a game yet.  To be fair, the Phillies were also dealing with several significant injuries at the time.  
     In my opinion, this series will be much closer than many experts predict (I sure hope so, since a sweep would waste the money I spent on Game 4 tickets in Cincinnati).  The Reds have not been on this kind of stage yet, but if they don't get too star-struck, their talent should shine through.  Starting pitching will be very key.  Philadelphia has maybe the best three front-end starters in baseball with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels.  Hamels, although the third starter, was the 2008 World Series MVP.  If the Reds starting pitching can keep the Phillies offense at bay, the series will become very interesting.  Cy Young Award favorite Roy Halladay will start Game 1 for Philadelphia, while Edinson Volquez will take the hill for Cincinnati.  First pitch is scheduled for Wednesday at 5:07 ET.  

Offense Clicks, But Defense Falters as Bengals lose to Browns

      What was supposed to be a blowout ended up being a struggle turned failure.  As Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens, and the rest of the Cincinnati Bengals offense finally took flight, the defense was dominated for the majority game in Cleveland on Sunday.  The Bengals really never had control of the game versus a less talented and less experienced Browns squad.  Cleveland running back Peyton Hillis finished the game with 27 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown.  While the numbers weren't overwhelming, Hillis seemed to get the necessary yardage just when his team needed it, with little resistance from a normally exemplary Bengals rush defense.  In Bengals notes, Carson Palmer finished 25/36 for 371 yards and two touchdowns.  Terrell Owens had his best game as a Bengal, notching 10 catches for 222 yards and a touchdown.  

Turnovers, Defensive Inconsistency Plague Wildcats

     The Kentucky Wildcats struggled after a fast start to lose 42-35 to Mississippi in Oxford on Saturday.  After an impressive first drive on offense led to a score, the Wildcat defense failed to keep Ole Miss at bay. Led by dynamic quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, the Rebel offense seemingly did what they wanted on a sluggish, undisciplined UK defense.  The loss dropped Kentucky's record to 3-2, and 0-2 in SEC play.  Randall Cobb led the Wildcats with 6 receptions for 108 yards and a touchdown, his first career 100-yard receiving game.

Wildcats Hit the Road, Look to Rebound

     The University of Kentucky football team will play Mississippi on Saturday in Oxford, MS.  After losing 48-14 to Florida last week, Kentucky will look to get back on track as SEC play heats up.  The Wildcats will need to stop a potent Rebel offense, who posted 55 points last week on a well-rounded Fresno State team.  Kickoff is at 12:20 as the SEC Network Game of the Week.

The Perfect Night

     September 28th, 2010.  For the rest of my life, I will associate this date with the most amazing feeling that I could have imagined while watching a sporting event.  While I longed to be at Great American Ballpark for the 7:10 start, I knew that if things went as planned, I would have no motivation to return to Lexington for class the next morning.  But, I had a seat on the couch with some of my closest buddies, wearing my red Jay Bruce jersey, watching for the inevitable result that I had waited my whole life to celebrate.
     The game played out just as any other.  Edinson Volquez had great stuff, giving up two earned runs and striking out eight in six innings.  After only getting one run out of a bases loaded, no out scenario in the 7th inning, the game was tied entering the 8th inning. Nick Masset and Aroldis Chapman pitched a smooth 8th and 9th, respectively.  That set the picture. Jay Bruce leading off in a tie game, bottom of the 9th, with a chance to set the city of Cincinnati ablaze.  One pitch.  One swing.  Pandemonium.  All of Cincinnati was suddenly in sheer and utter joy.  With one sweet swing from the Reds young, yet inconsistent slugger, 15 years of turmoil were erased.
     The things running through my head in the moments after that are hard to explain.  It was as if every emotion that I had ever invested into the Reds organization was pouring out.  I mean, think about.  For the past 15 years, we, as Reds fans, have endured a wide array of emotion.  We have welcomed Ken Griffey Jr. back to town, only to watch him never reach his full potential.  We've seen 10 different Opening Day starters.  Every April, we've told anyone who would listen that "this is the year."  We've spent hundreds of dollars a year on bleacher seats, $1 hot dogs, and souvenirs.  We've cursed up a storm every time Francisco Cordero entered the game, loaded the bases, and then struck out the side to preserve the victory.  But, it was all worth it.  Every disheartening trip to the ballpark was forgotten.  Every minute of ups and downs and wins and losses became a distant memory when Jay Bruce's home run slammed into the batter's eye in center field.  That is why this feeling is so indescribable.  My entire life as a Cincinnati Reds fan culminated with one swing.  And boy, was it sweet.        
     When I was walking home that night, I really couldn't describe my feelings.  I talked to some people who experienced the same thing I did, and others who couldn't understand what the big deal was.  But I slipped my Jay Bruce jersey back on the next morning and walked out of my room like I was on top of the world.  I didn't have any complaints.  I wasn't already looking to next year.  I wasn't questioning the front office, the managing, or the bullpen.  Everything was right.  September 28th, 2010: a great day to be a fan of the Cincinnati Reds.

One More Day

The Cardinals beat the Pirates tonight, 6-4, to keep their miniscule postseason hopes alive.  That means that the Reds will take the field at Great American Ballpark tomorrow night with an opportunity to clinch the National League Central Division title for the first time since 1995.  Edinson Volquez will get the start for Cincinnati, opposing Houston Astros' left-hander Wandy Rodriguez.  First pitch is at 7:10.

Reds Have Their Eyes on October

        The city of Cincinnati is abuzz with excitement.  Aroldis Chapman is striking out big league hitters with 103 MPH fastballs, Joey Votto is a legitimate MVP and Triple Crown candidate, and for the first time in 15 years, it looks as though the hometown Reds may make the postseason.
        At 79-59, the Reds hold a 6-game lead in the National League Central Division over the Cardinals.  While the head-to-head series between the two teams atop the division is mainly one sided (St. Louis has won 12 of 18), the division thus far has been decided outside of the two cities.  In what is largely an easy schedule in the final two months of the season, Cincinnati has beaten the teams they are supposed to while St. Louis, who have an almost equally elementary schedule, has stumbled over mediocre teams like Arizona, Milwaukee, and Washington.  As of this past weekend, if the Reds were to finish the rest of the season with a .500 record, St. Louis would need to finish 24-7 just to TIE.  

        Personally, I cannot contain my excitement.  The last time my hometown team even sniffed the playoffs this late was in 1999, when Al Leiter thew a complete game to shut down the Reds hopes in a one game playoff with the New York Mets.  Before that, Cincinnati was swept by the Atlanta Braves in the 1995 NLCS...when I was three years old!  So, I've never really seen the oldest franchise in professional baseball play a postseason series.  And as much as any big market team may dispute it, Cincinnati has the best and most knowledgeable baseball fans in the country.  The past ten years have been a struggle watching a team with a lackluster record, but every year there is a full house on Opening Day.  

        And this year has been different.  I was in the right field seats for the Civil Rights Game on May 15th against the Cardinals.  As Orlando Cabrera's relay throw gunned down Skip Schumaker at home plate for the final out to win 4-3, I looked around (after frantically screaming with the rest of the 41,326 fans).  I couldn't help but just smile and clap.  There was an indescribable hope and joy in the stadium.  It was something I had never seen before at a sporting event.  That's what makes this year different.  When the Reds are good, the city is different.  This is a baseball town, and will always be a baseball town.  And as long as the Reds are winning, the nation will see that.

Do the Reds have TOO many young arms?

    Last week Aroldis Chapman made his first relief appearance for the Louisville Bats, the Cincinnati Reds AAA affiliate.  In what was previously stated to be unlikely, it appears that Reds general manager, Walt Jocketty, will find a place in the bullpen for young Chapman. "We may look at that," Jocketty said.  "if Volquez comes back and [Homer] Bailey isn't far away, the best opportunity [for Chapman] will be out of the bullpen."  However, if you look closely at that quote, something doesn't add up.  Let's fast-forward to late July.  The Reds are still hovering around first place and the dog days of summer are kicking in.  Edinson Volquez is back in the majors, Chapman is in the Reds' bullpen, and Bailey is nearly through rehab and ready to start again.  That gives the Reds 6 starters: Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Edinson Volquez, and Homer Bailey.  That's not mentioning Sam LeCure, who has a 4.86 ERA in the majors this year, and Travis Wood and Matt Maloney, who have 3.12 and 3.60 ERAs, respectively, in Louisville.  Besides Harang and Arroyo, the oldest of the other 6 is 26 years old.  And let's not forget about Chapman.  There's no way that he remains in the bullpen for more than 6 months.  The goal is for him to be front-end starter for years to come.  Putting Chapman in the bullpen will only be to gain experience.  So what will the front office do with the over-abundance?  A likely solution is to make a move at the trade deadline for another offensive weapon.  Jocketty has previously said that this would be likely if the club was still in a pennant race come that time.  Either way, the situation can only turn out well.  The Reds look great for the next several years.  They have loads of talented players who are only getting better and more experienced.  The future looks bright for this fiery team.   

Historic Rivalry Renewed

The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Boston Celtics tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.  This storied matchup began to take flight in the mid 1980's, as Magic Johnson's Lakers clashed with Larry Bird's Celtics several times in memorable playoff games.  Those series' were especially memorable due to the fact that 8 world championships in the 1980's were won by either Los Angeles or Boston.  This series is a rematch of the 2008 finals, when the Celtics beat the Lakers in 6 games.  Now, after the Lakers won a title last season, the previous two champions meet.  Kobe Bryant, arguably the greatest Laker player of all time, is in pursuit of his 5th championship ring, which would be one shy of the legend, Michael Jordan.  A key factor to this series could be the play of Boston point guard, Rajon Rondo.  Rondo, a former University of Kentucky guard, has propelled his game to a new level in leading this mediocre regular season team to a finals appearance.  He will be a tough defensive matchup for the Lakers whose starting point guard, Derek Fisher, is a 35-year old veteran who will struggle to combat Rondo's quickness.  If the Lakers can contain Rondo, I think they win the series going away.

Prediction:  Kobe proves to be too much.  Lakers in 7