Reds 7 - Brewers 6 and NFL Draft

Today's Cincinnati Fast Break recaps the Reds gritty win over Milwaukee and wonders how anyone can possibly get excited to clear their calendar to watch all three days' worth of NFL Draft coverage.

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Speaking of the NFL Draft, how are there two worse drafters than Mike Brown?

(Photo courtesy of Sports Are Fun)

One real X factor for the Reds could be Dontrelle Willis who is just biding his time in Louisville.

I'm not sure if this is an insult or just someone pandering to a local audience.

This is great. A victory for a small market, a victory for the Mistake by the Lake. They've either done everyone a favor by taking the curse away from a player that matters or it will cancel out the Cleveland Curse and the Browns will have a fantastic season.

Why??? Act like a minor league franchise, play like a minor league franchise.
Looks like a nice stadium though...

I know this isn't sports related, but it is something that will affect our region. Look I'm not saying we have to turn Cincinnati into the Las Vegas of the Midwest, but if you're going to build a casino at least do it right. The whole point of approving gambling in Ohio was to keep money from going to neighboring states and with plenty of casinos in southeast Indiana within easy driving range you have to make your product as good or better than what's out there now. If location is going to be your only aspect to hang your hat on, then it really would be a big disappointment.

(Image courtesy of Cincinnati.com)

Follow me on Twitter. I hear today might be the last day of rain for a while. One can only hope...

Brewers 3 - Reds 2

Looks like we were all fooled by the offensive explosion that we witnessed on Monday night. The Reds were held to just two hits on a night were all the offense for both teams was supplied via the home run. Brandon Phillips supplied the Reds' lone home run in the top of the 4th, a 2-run variety that gave the Reds a 2-1 lead. But Mike Leake gave up a home run Ryan Braun in the bottom of the same inning to even the score at 2. Logan Ondrusek gave up a solo shot to Prince Fielder in the bottom of the 8th, giving the Brew Crew a lead they never gave up. An excellent pitching performance by Leake that the Reds aren't able to capitalize on due to their lack of offense.

(Photo courtesy of Associated Press/Jeffrey Phelps)

Games like last night are going to happen. Sometimes the offense is just going to have a bad performance against a less than stellar pitcher. But this underscores why it was so important to get out to a fast start. The last homestand where the Reds were only able to scrounge out 2 wins against the Pirates and Diamondbacks was a time where the Reds were supposed to put distance between themselves and the rest of the NL Central early on. Now it's just a matter of treading water until guys like Scott Rolen, Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto come off the DL to reinforce this club.

A sad farewell to my Chicago Blackhawks who were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, dropping game 7 to the Vancouver Canucks 2-1. In what was one of the best hockey games I've seen in a long while, Vancouver got out to a fast 1-0 lead off of a Alex Burrows goal. 55 tension soaked minutes later, the Blackhawks finally evened the score on a Jonathan Toews shorthanded goal which he scrapped and fought until he found the back of the net with just 1:56 to go in regulation. In overtime the Blackhawks got an early power play opportunity on a Burrows holding call but we not able to get one past Luongo. Alex Burrows then took possession off of a turnover deep in Blackhawks territory and buried it for the game and series winner.

A season that was disappointing coming off of a Stanley Cup Championship is finally over. A season fraught with injuries and adjustments after having to make moves due to salary cap restrictions, one can only hope that they'll be able to get some more depth and be able to stay healthier next year so they can give themselves a better chance for playoff success. I'm glad that the Blackhawks were able to fight and battle back to force a Game 7 but I'm not happy with losing to the Canucks. I don't like the Canucks, never have. I hate Rogers Arena, the site of the USA v Canada gold medal game from last year. This game was eerily similar to that championship game, with the same heartbreaking result. Oh well there's always next year... blah blah blah...

Follow me on Twitter. I'm on the call for UC baseball tonight versus Xavier. First pitch is at 6:30, you can listen here. Have a great Wednesday and try to stay dry.

Reds 9 - Brewers 5

Today's Cincinnati Fast Break gives plenty of credit to Dusty Baker for mixing up the lineup as the changes produced plenty of positive results. Also, love for Nick Masset, who has really turned things around after his terrible start to the season.

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(Photo courtesy of Associated Press/Morry Gash)

Nice to see the Enquirer giving some love to our local college baseball teams.

Apparently, I'm supposed to be excited by this. Sorry, wake me when there's a final solution.

This year's NHL Playoffs have been incredible so far and my Chicago Blackhawks just might be the biggest story so far. Down 3-0, now forcing a Game 7 in Vancouver. Should be a great game. Gives me an excuse to post this.


Oh Canada and your wacky commercials. Check out the accent on this kid, what's he talking aboot?




Follow me on Twitter. Here's hoping Monsoon Season in the Tri-State is over soon.

Miserable Weekend in St. Louis

In today's Cincinnati Fast Break, I discuss the lousy weekend of baseball we saw from the Reds, why the hitting may continue to struggle, and why Edinson Volquez doesn't deserve the blame for last night's loss on Sunday Night Baseball.

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As UC wraps up spring practice, Butch Jones and Zach Collaros wrap things up with their thoughts on this spring's efforts.

Follow me on Twitter. More fun stuff to come later.

Pirates 9 - Reds 3

Sorry for the lack of the podcast today. Blame the storm.

The Reds are in big trouble if their starting pitching can't get off to better starts. In what was yet another rocky start, this time by Travis Wood, the Reds found themselves in a 3-0 hole before they ever came to bat. The starting pitching has been nothing if not disappointing over the past week and a half. Sure, Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey returning to the rotation will help, but right now something is just not right with this pitching staff. I don't claim to be too much more than just a fan, so I can't speak to what may be going on with mechanics, pre-game rituals, or warm up techniques. But I do know that the starting pitchers can't keep digging themselves holes and making the margin of error for the bullpen razor thin. Add to that an offense that has looked less than inspired as the Pirates had one of their best pitching performances over the course of a series in decades, and it equals the Reds losing 3 of 4 to Pittsburgh and seeing their lead in the division shrink to 1 game. Sam LeCure takes the hill tonight and looks to stop the bleeding. Certainly, the Reds need to right the ship against Arizona before heading to St. Louis and Milwaukee later in the week.

Right-hander Kevin Correia had another complete game for the Pirates, their second of the series.

(Photo courtesy of The Enquirer/Gary Landers)

Then there was this little gem...

(Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Sheriff's Office)

Here's the Enquirer's take on it.
Here's your official statements from Leake and the Reds.

Look, I've heard all kinds of people talk about the psychological aspects of this supposed theft. While there is never any good reason to steal something, there is even less room for acceptance here. $60 of shirts? Yes, Mike Leake can afford that quite easily. I don't know what he was thinking, or what he wasn't thinking, but this is just unacceptable. Mr. Castellini can't be pleased with his team's good image being dragged through the mud. We'll see what action the Reds take once the legal system runs its course, but while this will probably just end up being a slap on the wrist legally, it just adds insult to the Reds play on the field as of late.

A girl playing on the offensive line? Somehow, I think this is really cool...

(Photo courtesy of Scott Springer)

Nothing like making friends in NYC.

This might get their scholarship offers pulled.

Follow me on Twitter. Hopefully the rain holds off so the Reds can get their game in tonight. See you at the ballpark. Enjoy a this news report gone awry.

Reds Weekend Leaves Fans Disappointed.

In today's Cincinnati Fast Break I discuss the disappointing weekend of Reds baseball down at GABP and the frustration over the mistakes made that led to yesterday's loss.

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Jonny Gomes has been a very pleasant surprise with his new found ability to have more patience at the plate.

Not much is certain after Saturday's Bearcat Bowl V, but there are some reasons to feel good.

I have a feeling this won't address many issues and we'll still be scratching our heads over why a young man is dead.

Everyone gets a statue now!

Follow me on Twitter. Enjoy this brawl that happened at Rutgers over the weekend. You stay classy New Jersey.

Reds Weekend Preview

Today's Cincinnati Fast Break previews the upcoming series with the Pittsburgh Pirates and discusses the importance of Bronson Arroyo to the Reds.

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P-Doc talks about how important it is to keep Aroldis Chapman healthy.

One word describes this list: fraudulent.

I've heard so many people complaining about the lack of Reds games in HD over the past week. It's over, so shut up.

Shout out to Elder's Tim Baldrick who threw a no-hitter last night.

Why are the authorities in Detroit trying to destroy a timeless tradition?

UConn fans can breathe easy, they saved the championship parade.

Normally I hate French stuff, but this is pretty cool.

I still hate the fact that the original version was pretty much a love letter to the city of Pittsburgh and the Steelers.

Wow, just wow. If this isn't a sign from a higher authority, I don't know what is.

Anytime a team has to leave a city, I feel for the fans. The announcers for the Sacramento Kings are taking the move to Anaheim pretty hard too.


Follow me on Twitter. Hope to see you at Great American this weekend. Enjoy one of the funniest moments ever from the guys at Whose Line is it Anyway?

Padres 3 - Reds 2

Here's your Cincinnati Fast Break for today:

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          Nick Masset continues his early season train wreck.

                             (Thanks to AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

P-Doc thinks the Reds should be very concerned about Aroldis Chapman.

This would be the difference between Xavier being a potential Top 25 team next season or just another A-10 also ran.

Another good win for Coach Cleary and the UC baseball team winning the Joe Nuxhall Classic. Here's hoping they can keep it going against Rutgers this weekend.

Brian Kelly's recruiting classes haven't exactly panned out the way most thought they would long term and Coach Jones has to pick up the pieces.

Follow me on Twitter. Enjoy this hockey announcer call a game while it appears that he's getting a prostate exam, ignore the French guy, wait for the end.

Have a great Thursday folks.

Reds 8 - Padres 2

Your Fast Break today talks about the Reds outstanding defense and their ability to battle on and find ways to win.

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In the immortal words of Mr. Lee Corso, "NOT SO FAST, MY FRIEND!"

(Thanks to Associated Press/Lenny Ignelzi for the photo)

Not much blog wise today. I'll be back with some intriguing content later. I know you're waiting on pins and needles. Follow me on Twitter. I'm thankful this West Coast road trip is over. Have a great Wednesday.

Reds 3 - Padres 2

Today's Fast Break:

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(Thanks to Associated Press/Lenny Ignelzi)

I don't know what's more surprising: the fact that a link to this story was under the Bengals section of Cincinnati.com or that anyone might still care about this story anymore.

Chalk this up to meaningless journalism. I mean, seriously, can't they find anything of meaning to talk about the UC football program?


Ah the magic of modern video equipment...


I think we're getting a little too loosey goosey with building statues anymore...

Cocky by sportsxbrooks

Someone is trying to get paid for teams using this at their arenas and stadiums.


Someone's either really confident or really arrogant. Either way, Albert Pujols has been really awful so far this season.

Follow me on Twitter. Here's hoping to see you at the Joe Nuxhall Classic at UC today. If you can't make it, listen here. I've got the call with Duane McDonald at 7:00 tonight.

Diamondbacks 10 - Reds 8

Here's your Cincinnati Fast Break for today:

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Usually I hate when Cubs fans come to GABP, but I really hope this young woman makes the trip down this year.

Opening Day: The Cubs biggest fan from WBEZ on Vimeo.

Yeah, "It's Gonna Happen." What a hopeless phrase for a hopeless franchise.

Follow me on Twitter. I'll have more later. Stupid technology makes me want to punch a hole in a wall. Make it a great Monday.

Astros 3 - Reds 2

Here's your Cincinnati Fast Break for today:

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                                          (Thanks to AP Photo/Al Behrman for the photo)

I've said it before and I'll say it again: we fans deserve better than FSOhio and their crummy coverage.

Big love for UC basketball in this Way-Too-Early ranking for next season.

Some love for Xavier as well, but these rankings are going to change if Tu Holloway leaves for the NBA Draft.

Here's how you can enjoy some great college baseball action this weekend and save some money while doing it. While you're at it, follow Coach Brian Cleary on Twitter.

So, the Yankees travel to Fenway to take on the 0-6 Red Sox this weekend. Let's get you in the mood, shall we?
If you're gonna do a bad parody of Friday (which was terrible to begin with), at least try to sing. Although this guy can barely talk...


Warning: very mild language...

Uh... yeah that just happened...

OK, so this is a little sloppy and not the best video quality, but it's still awesome.


Follow me on Twitter. Plenty to do this weekend with the Cyclones playoff games Friday and Saturday plus UC baseball against Louisville. Get out there and support our Cincinnati teams!

Reds 12 - Astros 4

So, you ever have one of those days where everything mysteriously goes wrong? Today is one of those days for me. I get done recording today's Cincinnati Fast Break and the program that I use to record it shuts down before I can save it. Needless to say, my neighbors are probably not too happy about my language after that incident. So I'll give you a condensed version in text form.

Another great win for the Reds last night. Paul Janish comes up with another big night at the plate going 3-for-5 with two RBI.

                           (Thanks to The Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II for the photo)

Almost everyone in this lineup is contributing, except for Jay Bruce. That's a scary thought because it's just a matter of time before he breaks out. But right now, it's not an issue because the rest of the team is playing so darn well.

As far as Edinson Volquez goes, he's gotta figure out how to get people out in the 1st inning. Look at this stat, courtesy of Lance McAlister:
*Volquez 1st innings this year: 2 innings, 7 H, 5 K, 4 BB, 7 ER, 74 pitches, 31.50 ERA
*Volquez innings other than 1st: 9 total innings, 5 H, 8 K, 3 BB, 2 ER, 116 pitches, 2.00 ERA

There will be times this year when the offense won't be able to bail Volquez out of these bad situations, so he needs to figure out how he can get over these 1st inning jitters.

Still, it's nice to be able to nitpick at little problems when you're 5-0 because there's not a ton to say that's negative. Should be another great day for a ballgame as Sam LeCure faces off against Brett Myers, who should have picked up a win against the Phillies on Opening Day. Here's hoping the Reds can get out of Cincinnati with a perfect record on their first homestand of the season.

Reds 8 - Astros 2

Here's your Cincinnati Fast Break for today:

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I thought Sean Casey did a great job on FS Ohio last night. Need him back in the booth more often.

Apparently this court design from the Women's Final Four was supposed to be all retro and classic cool. It wasn't. Get rid of it now.

Congrats to Texas A&M on winning the National Championship by the way. Notre Dame doesn't need anything else to feel entitled about.

Yeah, this marriage is gonna last a REAL LONG TIME....


Lance McAlister has been going nuts the past couple days about telling people how expensive it is to eat at the ball park. He is absolutely correct, but can't yell at people for buying stuff there. Plus he's not mentioning the Dollar Stands that offer nicely reduced prices on a few menu items, which is a plus. But he must be fuming over this waste of $12 here.

onions from deadspin deadspin on Vimeo.

Have a great Wednesday! Don't be like this guy at :33 into this... Play nice kids.

National Championship Failure

Here's today's Cincinnati Fast Break:

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Nice to see that UC finally was able to come up with a contract extension for Mick Cronin. If only the Enquirer could get their photo captions right...

Dayton Dragons fans are some of the best in minor league baseball and they'll really enjoy having the Reds best prospects start their seasons in Dayton.

No one saw this coming...

Or this one either...


Follow me on Twitter. Enjoy your Tuesday.

Ramon Hernandez - Senor Clutch

Here's today's Cincinnati Fast Break.

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John Axford, the closer for the Brewers, spent all day Tweeting about Domination Station all day yesterday. May I offer you some crow, sir?

Here's Ramon Hernandez's walk off homer with the calls from both Brennaman boys.

P-Doc reminds everyone why you don't leave a game early. Get your money's worth, witness history.

I love Pete Rose. I know he belongs in the Hall of Fame. I also know he needs to stop dressing like he purchased his Reds gear from the back of some guy's van in OTR.

UC's Darnell Wilks competed well in last night's College Slam Dunk Contest. Darnell should have advanced to the Finals but I highly doubt he would have beaten eventual champion Jacob Tucker. The 5'11" kid from D-III Illinois College was expected to win with this video that has become an internet sensation.


Here's your My-Mommy-and-Daddy-Didn't-Give-Me-Enough-Attention-as-a-Child Moment for today.


I'm not sure who's the bigger douche here: the tennis player for trying to hit a baby with a tennis ball or the jackwads making comments on the YouTube feed?


Good thing the Reds' celebrity fans (Charlie Sheen and Nick Lachey?) don't consider their team a punch line like Chris Rock does.

Here's something you'll rarely have me admit. New York > Cincinnati in weather reports. Some part of me really wants to believe some local NYC stations do entire joke news broadcasts just for the shock value.


Follow me on Twitter. Hope to see you down at GABP this weekend!