Who Needs A Bigger Personnel Department?
Less than two weeks after Mike Brown declared that it will be business as usual for his spartan front office, I'm beginning to wonder if he's got it right. You're saying, Ken, a moment please. You spent the better part of the Fall lamenting the Bengals inability to compete front office for front office with the Ravens and Steelers (to say nothing about some of the other solid organizations in the NFL). You are correct. But...
Look at the Bengals last couple of draft classes. OK, Andre Smith is well on his way to 'bust ville' (literally, as well as figuratively). But after Smith came Rey Maualuga and Michael Johnson, two players who will be counted on heavily to produce in the coming years. In that same 2009, they got a decent cover corner in Morgan Trent, in round six. Later in that round, the Bengals drafted Bernard Scott. So after round one, not bad.
From the 2008 draft, the top five picks remain with the team and all are contributing at various levels. First rounder, Keith Rivers, has been a bit of a disappointment. He simply doesn't make enough plays. But Rivers played the majority of 2010 with a bad foot. Second round pick, Jerome Simpson, whom you could not find with a search warrant, finally blossomed in the final three games of 2010. Was it the real deal? Or is Simpson just a couple of dropped balls away from the same road to 'bust ville'? Pat Sims, Andre Caldwell and Anthony Collins are are potential starters for the Bengals in the future.
Brown has a compelling argument for continuing business his way by pointing to the success his few personnel people have had in the past two seasons. But his position takes on a lot water when you continue back in time.
2005? First round pick David Pollack lasted a season and a half before a neck injury ended his career. OK, probably couldn't have predicted that one. But second round pick, Odell Thurman was a red flag for a lot of teams that year, at least the one's who had enough front office people to do a thorough background check on him. Same thing was true, with the late Chris Henry. The ONLY player from that draft who's had any kind of career to speak of is the player the Bengals took in the seventh round, Jonathan Fanene. 2005 came as close to a complete whiff as any team has ever had.
2006 was better with Jonathan Joseph, Andrew Whitworth, Frostee Rucker and Domata Peko taken with the first four picks. But the number of draft busts the Bengals have had make up a not so impressive list. Quarterback David Klingler in 1992, linebacker Reinard Wilson in 1997, quarterback Akili Smith in 1999 just to name first round flame outs. Along the way, there are plenty of examples of later picks that never panned out. Who can forget the chain smoking tight end from San Jose State the Bengals took in round 3 of the 2001 draft, Sean Brewer?
Has every team whiffed badly in the NFL draft? Yep, even the great Patriots, even the great Steelers. But those teams have won Super Bowls. And the Bengals haven't won a playoff game since 1991.
Recent history may suggest things are getting better. Maybe they are. But when you look at the total picture, you gotta wonder.
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Showing posts with label NFL draft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NFL draft. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
THE CASE AGAINST DRAFTING A QUARTERBACK IN ROUND #1
The temptation is there, isn't it? The Bengals sit with the 4th pick in this year's draft and they know, or at least have to know, that Carson Palmer's days as their quarterback are numbered. Maybe not after this next season, or the one after that. But soon, they'll have to replace him. He's 31 now, has a major knee surgery on his resume and probably should have had a major elbow surgery as well.
The temptation is there to use that 4th overall pick on a quarterback of the future. Andrew Luck will sit this draft out. But Arkansas' Ryan Mallett will be there. So will Auburn's Cam Newton.
The Bengals would be fools to draft either one of them.
Since 1995, 22 quarterbacks have been among the top 10 picks in their respective drafts. The investments made by the teams that selected them has had mixed results. For every Peyton Manning, there's an Alex Smith, or worse.
The Tennessee Titans (then the Houston Oilers) drafted Steve McNair with the number three overall pick in 1995. Two picks later, the Carolina Panthers took Kerry Collins. While Collins was in the league as late as this past season, McNair had significantly more success.
Three of those 16 draft classes produced no quarterbacks taken among the top ten picks. You want the Bengals to take a quarterback with their 4th overall pick this year? You must've forgotten the 1999 draft. Tim Couch, number one overall to Cleveland. Donovan McNabb, number two overall to Philly. Akili Smith, you need a refresher course in that?
The year the Bengals took Carson Palmer with the number one overall, 2003, the Jaguars took Byron Leftwich with the seventh overall pick. How'd that work out? They're still gagging in Houston over the Texans taking David Carr number one overall in 2002. Same year, the Lions took Joey Harrington with the third pick. Joey Lawrence would have been a better selection.
And we won't even get into the Raiders and Jemarcus Russell in 2007.
Of the eight teams who played this past weekend in the NFL playoffs only two, Manning and Michael Vick, were number one, overall, picks.
When you watch the Patriots play the Jets this Sunday, remember that Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall, a 6th round pick. Remember that Bart Starr was selected 199th, in the 17th round of the 1956 draft. Remember that Starr is in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame and Brady will be there shortly. So will Jemarcus Russell, if he buys a ticket for the tour.
The liste of quarterbacks who weren't first round picks who won Super Bowls includes six Hall Of Famers, and a lot more who are destined to get there. Johnny Unitas wasn't drafted until the 9th round and was cut by the Steelers before winding up in Baltimore. Cincinnati's own, Roger Staubach was a 10th round pick.
The point of all of this is that the Bengals are in trouble. They have talent at a lot of positions, sure. But at critical positions, right tackle, left guard, safety, defensive end, they have critical needs. Taking a quarterback with a #4 overall pick addresses none of that. And addressing none of that will continue the abyss they find themselves in now.
For better or worse, Carson Palmer should be the quarterback here next season and for the next few beyond. His replacement has to be found. But not this year. And now with the 4th overall pick.
For the latest Broo View Podcast, visit my web site www.kenbroo.com. And, you can always follow me on twitter: @kenbroo
This blog may not be reproduced, repurposed or retransmitted in any manner, in whole or in part without the written consent of Ken Broo
The temptation is there, isn't it? The Bengals sit with the 4th pick in this year's draft and they know, or at least have to know, that Carson Palmer's days as their quarterback are numbered. Maybe not after this next season, or the one after that. But soon, they'll have to replace him. He's 31 now, has a major knee surgery on his resume and probably should have had a major elbow surgery as well.
The temptation is there to use that 4th overall pick on a quarterback of the future. Andrew Luck will sit this draft out. But Arkansas' Ryan Mallett will be there. So will Auburn's Cam Newton.
The Bengals would be fools to draft either one of them.
Since 1995, 22 quarterbacks have been among the top 10 picks in their respective drafts. The investments made by the teams that selected them has had mixed results. For every Peyton Manning, there's an Alex Smith, or worse.
The Tennessee Titans (then the Houston Oilers) drafted Steve McNair with the number three overall pick in 1995. Two picks later, the Carolina Panthers took Kerry Collins. While Collins was in the league as late as this past season, McNair had significantly more success.
Three of those 16 draft classes produced no quarterbacks taken among the top ten picks. You want the Bengals to take a quarterback with their 4th overall pick this year? You must've forgotten the 1999 draft. Tim Couch, number one overall to Cleveland. Donovan McNabb, number two overall to Philly. Akili Smith, you need a refresher course in that?
The year the Bengals took Carson Palmer with the number one overall, 2003, the Jaguars took Byron Leftwich with the seventh overall pick. How'd that work out? They're still gagging in Houston over the Texans taking David Carr number one overall in 2002. Same year, the Lions took Joey Harrington with the third pick. Joey Lawrence would have been a better selection.
And we won't even get into the Raiders and Jemarcus Russell in 2007.
Of the eight teams who played this past weekend in the NFL playoffs only two, Manning and Michael Vick, were number one, overall, picks.
When you watch the Patriots play the Jets this Sunday, remember that Tom Brady was drafted 199th overall, a 6th round pick. Remember that Bart Starr was selected 199th, in the 17th round of the 1956 draft. Remember that Starr is in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame and Brady will be there shortly. So will Jemarcus Russell, if he buys a ticket for the tour.
The liste of quarterbacks who weren't first round picks who won Super Bowls includes six Hall Of Famers, and a lot more who are destined to get there. Johnny Unitas wasn't drafted until the 9th round and was cut by the Steelers before winding up in Baltimore. Cincinnati's own, Roger Staubach was a 10th round pick.
The point of all of this is that the Bengals are in trouble. They have talent at a lot of positions, sure. But at critical positions, right tackle, left guard, safety, defensive end, they have critical needs. Taking a quarterback with a #4 overall pick addresses none of that. And addressing none of that will continue the abyss they find themselves in now.
For better or worse, Carson Palmer should be the quarterback here next season and for the next few beyond. His replacement has to be found. But not this year. And now with the 4th overall pick.
For the latest Broo View Podcast, visit my web site www.kenbroo.com. And, you can always follow me on twitter: @kenbroo
This blog may not be reproduced, repurposed or retransmitted in any manner, in whole or in part without the written consent of Ken Broo
Sunday, April 25, 2010
It's Monday! Don't worry, it's all downhill from here....
Two questions I heard a lot this weekend: what did you think of the Bengals draft and what can be done to fix the Reds
The Reds? I think Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty, and probably Bob Castellini have some serious decisions to make. And I hope they turn out better than the one big decision they made this week. Because moving up Bronson Arroyo to start a day early to give Johnny Cueto an extra day’s rest was a disaster. Arroyo gives the Reds their best chance to rest the bullpen. He may be a ‘500’ pitcher, but he eats inings. Except when the Reds did what they did this week. If Arroyo pitches better in the daytime than at night, then why move him from a daytime start to a nighttime start? Makes no sense. And Cueto didn’t benefit from it.
You know what I’d do? I’d put Harang in the bullpen. If the Cubs can do it with Carlos Zambrano, this team can do it with Harang. For whatever reason, he refuses to pitch inside and because of that, too many pitches are left over the plate. Long relief, 7th inning work, set up anything that will give him a different look at the game. It may help him become an effective pitcher in the rotation again.
I don’t know a whole lot about Bryan Price. I just know he had some success in Arizona and Seattle before that. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing. But a different voice, particularly one who is a very good tactical teacher like Power may be the best course for Cueto.
That opens up two spots in the rotation. I think you’ve got three candidates. One option is Micah Owings. The other two are in Lousiville. Sam Lecure is 2-0 with an earned run average of 2.08. Opposing hitters are hitting .222 off him. Matt Maloney is 3-0 with an ERA of 2.16 and the other guys are hitting .242 off him.
THIS BLOG MAY NOT BE REPRINTED, REPURPOSED OR RETRANSMITTED IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF KEN BROO
Two questions I heard a lot this weekend: what did you think of the Bengals draft and what can be done to fix the Reds
The Reds? I think Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty, and probably Bob Castellini have some serious decisions to make. And I hope they turn out better than the one big decision they made this week. Because moving up Bronson Arroyo to start a day early to give Johnny Cueto an extra day’s rest was a disaster. Arroyo gives the Reds their best chance to rest the bullpen. He may be a ‘500’ pitcher, but he eats inings. Except when the Reds did what they did this week. If Arroyo pitches better in the daytime than at night, then why move him from a daytime start to a nighttime start? Makes no sense. And Cueto didn’t benefit from it.
You know what I’d do? I’d put Harang in the bullpen. If the Cubs can do it with Carlos Zambrano, this team can do it with Harang. For whatever reason, he refuses to pitch inside and because of that, too many pitches are left over the plate. Long relief, 7th inning work, set up anything that will give him a different look at the game. It may help him become an effective pitcher in the rotation again.
I don’t know a whole lot about Bryan Price. I just know he had some success in Arizona and Seattle before that. I’m sure he knows what he’s doing. But a different voice, particularly one who is a very good tactical teacher like Power may be the best course for Cueto.
That opens up two spots in the rotation. I think you’ve got three candidates. One option is Micah Owings. The other two are in Lousiville. Sam Lecure is 2-0 with an earned run average of 2.08. Opposing hitters are hitting .222 off him. Matt Maloney is 3-0 with an ERA of 2.16 and the other guys are hitting .242 off him.
THIS BLOG MAY NOT BE REPRINTED, REPURPOSED OR RETRANSMITTED IN PART OR IN WHOLE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF KEN BROO
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It's Friday!
The Bengals got their man last night. In a sense, selecting Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham was probably their strategy all alone. The only drama was whether or not he'd be available when they picked. Not even the thought of Dez Bryant lining up next to Antonio Bryant and Ochocinco could sway the Bengals in their quest to finally find a pass catching tight end.
Think how much frustrating it must be to have to take a tight end with a first round pick just a year after taking a tight end with a third rounder. That Chase Coffman couldn't get onto the field last season is an indictment of his position coach, the few Bengals scouts that exist and Coffman. It's probably a combination of all three.
Gresham now gives the Bengals something they haven't really had since Rodney Holman: a tight end who can both block and maneuver over the middle of the field. How many times did we see a tight end exploit the Bengals defense last season (too many, as I remember some of my rants on Bengals Group Therapy on 700 WLW) Todd Heap, Heath Miller, Ton Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, the Bengals saw them all. Now, they've finally got one.
The uniqueness of this year's draft, with only the first round on Thursday and rounds two and three Friday, gives the Bengals front office and coaches a chance to re-assess their position on players. Will they now combine their third round picks (they have two) and try to trade up in round two to get Southern Cal safety, Taylor Mays? Will they use one of their three Friday night picks to take former UC wide receiver, Mardy Gilyard? Or maybe take Southern Cal running back and kick return specialist, Joe McKnight? A lot of big names remain to be chosen.
Some other thoughts on round one of the draft....
Jimmy Clausen watched millions of dollars float away, as he went into a free fall. Clausen, believed to be the second quarterback on the board behind Sam Bradford, remains in play as the draft moves into day two...
My pal Ross Tucker of Sports Illustrated had the tweet of the night when he said "Its turning out to be a bad night for former Notre Dame quarterbacks." Clausen was one of them. The other was the last Notre Dame quarterback to go into a round one free fall: Brady Quinn. He's now with the Broncos, who selected Tim Tebow with their first round pick....
How about this theory, courtesy of profootballtalk.com as to why Clausen is probably fuming right now. By the way, that Gruden series with the top college quarterbacks that ESPN ran leading up to the draft is some of the best television I have ever seen.
Speaking of Gruden (whom I really believe will coach again and win big time. He makes Bill Cowher seem meek) did you catch him coming out of a taped feature leaning over and telling Mel Kiper Junior "It's a dumbass league....." He forgot the first rule of broadcasting: every mic is a live mic. But it was priceless.
Mel Kiper Junior doesn't thing Tebow can play in the NFL. But he's now with Bill Belichick protege, Josh McDaniels in Denver. I think he'll find a way to get Tebow on the field, a lot.
Incidentally, Tebow's first exhibition game this summer is at Paul Brown Stadium, against the Bengals.
Guess with CJ Spiller now in Buffalo, Marshawn Lynch will be shuffling off...
You think Clausen will last until the Browns pick, seven into round two?....
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bucs, with the third overall pick in round two, take Notre Dame wide receiver, Golden Tate.....
Although Southern Cal tackle, Charles Brown would be a great early round two selection.....
The Bengals got their man last night. In a sense, selecting Oklahoma tight end Jermaine Gresham was probably their strategy all alone. The only drama was whether or not he'd be available when they picked. Not even the thought of Dez Bryant lining up next to Antonio Bryant and Ochocinco could sway the Bengals in their quest to finally find a pass catching tight end.
Think how much frustrating it must be to have to take a tight end with a first round pick just a year after taking a tight end with a third rounder. That Chase Coffman couldn't get onto the field last season is an indictment of his position coach, the few Bengals scouts that exist and Coffman. It's probably a combination of all three.
Gresham now gives the Bengals something they haven't really had since Rodney Holman: a tight end who can both block and maneuver over the middle of the field. How many times did we see a tight end exploit the Bengals defense last season (too many, as I remember some of my rants on Bengals Group Therapy on 700 WLW) Todd Heap, Heath Miller, Ton Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, the Bengals saw them all. Now, they've finally got one.
The uniqueness of this year's draft, with only the first round on Thursday and rounds two and three Friday, gives the Bengals front office and coaches a chance to re-assess their position on players. Will they now combine their third round picks (they have two) and try to trade up in round two to get Southern Cal safety, Taylor Mays? Will they use one of their three Friday night picks to take former UC wide receiver, Mardy Gilyard? Or maybe take Southern Cal running back and kick return specialist, Joe McKnight? A lot of big names remain to be chosen.
Some other thoughts on round one of the draft....
Jimmy Clausen watched millions of dollars float away, as he went into a free fall. Clausen, believed to be the second quarterback on the board behind Sam Bradford, remains in play as the draft moves into day two...
My pal Ross Tucker of Sports Illustrated had the tweet of the night when he said "Its turning out to be a bad night for former Notre Dame quarterbacks." Clausen was one of them. The other was the last Notre Dame quarterback to go into a round one free fall: Brady Quinn. He's now with the Broncos, who selected Tim Tebow with their first round pick....
How about this theory, courtesy of profootballtalk.com as to why Clausen is probably fuming right now. By the way, that Gruden series with the top college quarterbacks that ESPN ran leading up to the draft is some of the best television I have ever seen.
Speaking of Gruden (whom I really believe will coach again and win big time. He makes Bill Cowher seem meek) did you catch him coming out of a taped feature leaning over and telling Mel Kiper Junior "It's a dumbass league....." He forgot the first rule of broadcasting: every mic is a live mic. But it was priceless.
Mel Kiper Junior doesn't thing Tebow can play in the NFL. But he's now with Bill Belichick protege, Josh McDaniels in Denver. I think he'll find a way to get Tebow on the field, a lot.
Incidentally, Tebow's first exhibition game this summer is at Paul Brown Stadium, against the Bengals.
Guess with CJ Spiller now in Buffalo, Marshawn Lynch will be shuffling off...
You think Clausen will last until the Browns pick, seven into round two?....
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Bucs, with the third overall pick in round two, take Notre Dame wide receiver, Golden Tate.....
Although Southern Cal tackle, Charles Brown would be a great early round two selection.....
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Random thoughts on a random Wednesday....
If the Bengals take a tight end with their first round draft pick Thursday night, they'll continue a trend of paying for past draft day mistakes. Two years ago, wide receiver Jerome Simpson was their second round pick. With as little time as Simpson has played, he might as well be in the witness protection program. He's been so much of a bust, the Bengals had to spend $28 million on Antonio Bryant this off season.
Last year, the Bengals took Missouri tight end, Chase Coffman with a third round pick. Coffman has yet to play a down in the NFL. He didn't appear strong or bright enough to make an impression during training camp (remember how the Bengals TE coach ridiculed him during the "Hard Knocks" segments?). Then Coffman hurt his foot, effectively ending his season. Because the Bengals don't know what they have in Coffman (who could wind up being a Simpson like draft day mistake), the Bengals are rumored to be leaning toward taking Oklahoma tight end, Jermaine Gresham Thursday night.
Best rumor out there: the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft Florida's Tim Tebow. Wouldn't that be a statement to their fans about the disdain they must hold Ben Roethlisberger.....
Of course, as many people are saying Tebow will be anything but an NFL quarterback as those who believe he'll be a productive NFL quarterback.
If the Bengals draft a quarterback in any of the first three rounds, it'll say a lot about how much longer they believe Carson Palmer will be an effective quarterback. Think about this, if there is no NFL in 2011 because of a labor dispute, Palmer will finish the 2012 season 33 years old, clearly an age when a quarterback is 'on the back nine'.......
I still believe Mardy Gilyard will be the best bargain in this draft, particularly if he slips to the third round....
Scott Rolen went three for four Tuesday night and the Reds rallied to beat the Dodgers. Think that's just a coincidence? Since Rolen arrived on July 31, 2009, the Reds have won 67% of the games Rolen has played in. Without him, they've won just 25% of the time....
I tend to believe Edinson Volquez when he says that the banned substance he tested positive for was a fertility drug. He claims he was taking it, hoping it would help he and his wife conceive a child. OK, I buy it. But if that's true, then Volquez is flat stupid for not informing the Reds or MLB about it BEFORE taking the drug...
Besides, 50-games? He'll still be at least a month away from pitching in a professional game when the suspension is over...
Man, could Mick Cronin use a big time recruiting commitment right about now....
Bearcat Bowl IV should be very interesting. It's this Saturday night at Nippert. The word out of the UC spring football drills is that Butch Jones' offense is even faster and more explosive than Brian Kelly's. And, that Jones actually cares about his team playing defense....
If the Bengals take a tight end with their first round draft pick Thursday night, they'll continue a trend of paying for past draft day mistakes. Two years ago, wide receiver Jerome Simpson was their second round pick. With as little time as Simpson has played, he might as well be in the witness protection program. He's been so much of a bust, the Bengals had to spend $28 million on Antonio Bryant this off season.
Last year, the Bengals took Missouri tight end, Chase Coffman with a third round pick. Coffman has yet to play a down in the NFL. He didn't appear strong or bright enough to make an impression during training camp (remember how the Bengals TE coach ridiculed him during the "Hard Knocks" segments?). Then Coffman hurt his foot, effectively ending his season. Because the Bengals don't know what they have in Coffman (who could wind up being a Simpson like draft day mistake), the Bengals are rumored to be leaning toward taking Oklahoma tight end, Jermaine Gresham Thursday night.
Best rumor out there: the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft Florida's Tim Tebow. Wouldn't that be a statement to their fans about the disdain they must hold Ben Roethlisberger.....
Of course, as many people are saying Tebow will be anything but an NFL quarterback as those who believe he'll be a productive NFL quarterback.
If the Bengals draft a quarterback in any of the first three rounds, it'll say a lot about how much longer they believe Carson Palmer will be an effective quarterback. Think about this, if there is no NFL in 2011 because of a labor dispute, Palmer will finish the 2012 season 33 years old, clearly an age when a quarterback is 'on the back nine'.......
I still believe Mardy Gilyard will be the best bargain in this draft, particularly if he slips to the third round....
Scott Rolen went three for four Tuesday night and the Reds rallied to beat the Dodgers. Think that's just a coincidence? Since Rolen arrived on July 31, 2009, the Reds have won 67% of the games Rolen has played in. Without him, they've won just 25% of the time....
I tend to believe Edinson Volquez when he says that the banned substance he tested positive for was a fertility drug. He claims he was taking it, hoping it would help he and his wife conceive a child. OK, I buy it. But if that's true, then Volquez is flat stupid for not informing the Reds or MLB about it BEFORE taking the drug...
Besides, 50-games? He'll still be at least a month away from pitching in a professional game when the suspension is over...
Man, could Mick Cronin use a big time recruiting commitment right about now....
Bearcat Bowl IV should be very interesting. It's this Saturday night at Nippert. The word out of the UC spring football drills is that Butch Jones' offense is even faster and more explosive than Brian Kelly's. And, that Jones actually cares about his team playing defense....
Just posted a new Broo View Podcast on the front page of my web site, www.kenbroo.com. Episode 236 is all about the NFL draft with the editor and publisher of Pro Football Weekly, Hub Arkush. If you're in a hurry, you can download it here.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Good Afternoon
Edwin Encarnacion seems clueless at the plate....again. Why should this be a surprise to us? It's an act we've seen every since Easy Edwin made his way to the majors. As Chris Welsh put it on the TV broadcasts a couple of seasons ago, Edwin goes to the plate without any plan. And invariably, it bites him. It got him again last night, when, with a couple of runners on (second and third no less) and the game tied at 1-1, all EE could do was tap harmlessly in front of the plate. Inning over, rally over and Reds eventually lose.
And this is why the Reds gave EE a two year contract in the off season? Did they not look at history before they dealt with the future?
Don't count me in the crowd that is crowing for EE to be sent to the minors. Hitting minor league pitching won't do anything for Encarnacion. He needs to sit and watch and take a lot of 'real live arm' batting practice. And until and if he proves he can handl that, the Reds shouldn't put him in the line-up. Period, end of story.
My latest podcast is posted on www.kenbroo.com. This episode, we look back on the Bengals draft with Rob Rang from www.cbssports.com and Ross Tucker from www.si.com. If you're on the fly, you can download it here.
Edwin Encarnacion seems clueless at the plate....again. Why should this be a surprise to us? It's an act we've seen every since Easy Edwin made his way to the majors. As Chris Welsh put it on the TV broadcasts a couple of seasons ago, Edwin goes to the plate without any plan. And invariably, it bites him. It got him again last night, when, with a couple of runners on (second and third no less) and the game tied at 1-1, all EE could do was tap harmlessly in front of the plate. Inning over, rally over and Reds eventually lose.
And this is why the Reds gave EE a two year contract in the off season? Did they not look at history before they dealt with the future?
Don't count me in the crowd that is crowing for EE to be sent to the minors. Hitting minor league pitching won't do anything for Encarnacion. He needs to sit and watch and take a lot of 'real live arm' batting practice. And until and if he proves he can handl that, the Reds shouldn't put him in the line-up. Period, end of story.
My latest podcast is posted on www.kenbroo.com. This episode, we look back on the Bengals draft with Rob Rang from www.cbssports.com and Ross Tucker from www.si.com. If you're on the fly, you can download it here.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Good Monday Morning!
Random thoughts about the NFL Draft and your Cincinnati Bengals....
I have no problem with the Bengals taking Andre Smith with the 6th overall pick. I think the mistakes he's made, making illegal contact with an agent while still at Alabama, leaving the Combine early, going through three agents, were mistakes of youth. He has no criminal record. The only downside of signing Smith is that the Bengals will have to play him at left tackle. It's either that, or move Andrew Whitworth from guard to left tackle. That isn't smart. Whitworth could be a Pro Bowl guard for a long time......Rey Maualuga dropped to the second round for a lot of reasons. Inside linebackers, with rare exception, are less desirable than outside linebackers. And Maualuga did seem to be out of position, occassionally at times at Southern Cal. But the biggest reason he dropped? Maualuga scored only a 15 on the NFL's Wonderlick intelligence test. The other Southern Cal linebackers drafted this weekend, Clay Matthews (27) and Brian Cushing (23) did much better.....Getting UC punter Kevin Huber was a steal. It means incumbant Kyle Larson is as good as done. If Huber shows a pulse in training camp, the job is his. You don't draft a punter unless you're intent on keeping him. There are plenty of punters on the street......The Bengals can't help themselves. They drafted another guy with a rap sheet as long as Vine Street. Running back Bernard Scott had so many off the field issues, he didn't play college ball in 2005 and 2006. He's had five separate arrests. Why the Bengals have to go down this road consistently is beyond me. And if you're a fan, you should be livid that they keep doing it. It's arrogance, plain and simple. Character matters, except in Bengal-dom......
The Reds have a major problem in left field. And GM Walt Jocketty had better be working the problem. Neither Chris Dickerson nor Jerry Hairston are hitting. Jocketty made the miscalculation this winter that Dickerson was ready for the majors, full time. He isn't, and may never be. Jocketty bases his calculation on the 31-games that Dickerson spent with the Reds last September. Remember, he hadn't played an inning of major league baseball before that. And at 26, was a career minor leaguer. Hairston is simply a journeyman.
Jocketty's biggest fear has to be the Reds losing a playoff berth this season by a few games and looking back at a number of games that were winnable, simply if he had found a major league caliber left fielder.
The Reds ponied up $10 million for a new scoreboard in left field. Yet they refused to pony up any money for a quality free agent bat. They back off a trade with the White Sox for Jermaine Dye, because of the economy and because Dye came with an $11 million price tag. But they found money for a scoreboard upgrade. You tell me what makes more sense.
Random thoughts about the NFL Draft and your Cincinnati Bengals....
I have no problem with the Bengals taking Andre Smith with the 6th overall pick. I think the mistakes he's made, making illegal contact with an agent while still at Alabama, leaving the Combine early, going through three agents, were mistakes of youth. He has no criminal record. The only downside of signing Smith is that the Bengals will have to play him at left tackle. It's either that, or move Andrew Whitworth from guard to left tackle. That isn't smart. Whitworth could be a Pro Bowl guard for a long time......Rey Maualuga dropped to the second round for a lot of reasons. Inside linebackers, with rare exception, are less desirable than outside linebackers. And Maualuga did seem to be out of position, occassionally at times at Southern Cal. But the biggest reason he dropped? Maualuga scored only a 15 on the NFL's Wonderlick intelligence test. The other Southern Cal linebackers drafted this weekend, Clay Matthews (27) and Brian Cushing (23) did much better.....Getting UC punter Kevin Huber was a steal. It means incumbant Kyle Larson is as good as done. If Huber shows a pulse in training camp, the job is his. You don't draft a punter unless you're intent on keeping him. There are plenty of punters on the street......The Bengals can't help themselves. They drafted another guy with a rap sheet as long as Vine Street. Running back Bernard Scott had so many off the field issues, he didn't play college ball in 2005 and 2006. He's had five separate arrests. Why the Bengals have to go down this road consistently is beyond me. And if you're a fan, you should be livid that they keep doing it. It's arrogance, plain and simple. Character matters, except in Bengal-dom......
The Reds have a major problem in left field. And GM Walt Jocketty had better be working the problem. Neither Chris Dickerson nor Jerry Hairston are hitting. Jocketty made the miscalculation this winter that Dickerson was ready for the majors, full time. He isn't, and may never be. Jocketty bases his calculation on the 31-games that Dickerson spent with the Reds last September. Remember, he hadn't played an inning of major league baseball before that. And at 26, was a career minor leaguer. Hairston is simply a journeyman.
Jocketty's biggest fear has to be the Reds losing a playoff berth this season by a few games and looking back at a number of games that were winnable, simply if he had found a major league caliber left fielder.
The Reds ponied up $10 million for a new scoreboard in left field. Yet they refused to pony up any money for a quality free agent bat. They back off a trade with the White Sox for Jermaine Dye, because of the economy and because Dye came with an $11 million price tag. But they found money for a scoreboard upgrade. You tell me what makes more sense.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Just confirmed, I'll have Bengals 2nd round draft pick, Southern Cal LB Rey Mauluga as my guest Sunday morning at 11:35am on 700 WLW. Other guests: NFL player agent, Jack Bechta, Sports Illustrated's Ross Tucker, Michael Abromowitz from thefootballexpert.com and Rob Rang from cbssports.com. We begin at 9am!
Headline on Bengals draft? Not bad. Mauluga was a second round steal.
Name to watch in Round 3 Sunday, Penn State center A.Q. Shipley, 6-2, 304. I'm told he's the strongest center in the entire draft.
Headline on Bengals draft? Not bad. Mauluga was a second round steal.
Name to watch in Round 3 Sunday, Penn State center A.Q. Shipley, 6-2, 304. I'm told he's the strongest center in the entire draft.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Now less than 24 hours before the annual NFL draft and since everyone and his brother has a mock draft, I figure, why not me. So here goes, my 2009 NFL Mock Draft. We'll know by 9pm Saturday EDT just how out of my mind I am.
1: DETROIT LIONS MATTHEW STAFFORD QB GEORGIA
Let's face it, the rebuilding in Detroit is going to take a long, long time. Draft a guy who'll be the face of the future. Let him sit and learn from someone else
2: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS JASON SMITH OT BAYLOR
They gave up on Orlando Pace and they need to rebuild their offense. Sound a little bit like the Bengals? Smith is a great start
3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AARON CURRY LB WAKE FOREST
They be tempted by Michael Crabtree because their new QB Matt Cassel has to throw to somebody. But plenty of WR option are available later.
4: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS MARK SANCHEZ QB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OK, this is the pick that will affect what the Bengals do the most. If the Seahawks take OT Eugene Monroe, it will make the Bengals brass think real hard about taking DT BJ Raji. But the Seahawks have to think about replacing Matt Hasselback soon. Sanchez is a good options
5: CLEVELAND BROWNS MICHAEL CRABTREE WR TEXAS TECH
Kellen Winslow is gone. Braylon Edwards is going. Somebody has to catch passes. If the Chiefs don't take Crabtree, the Browns will leap on him.
6: CINCINNATI BENGALS EUGENE MONROE OT VIRGINIA
Monroe is the second best option at LT in this draft. Jerry Jones, in the "Drugstore List" says this about Monroe. "Excellent pass protecter, good balance and footwork. Won starting LT job as a junior beating out Branden Albert, who was a first round draft pick in 2008". The Bengals should be so lucky to get this guy.
7: OAKLAND RAIDERS PERCY HARVIN WR FLORIDA
Despite the report that Harvin tested positive for marijuana the the NFL Combine, the Raiders will take Harvin and his myriad talents.
8: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS BJ RAJI DT BOSTON COLLEGE
The Jags need a WR because Matt Jones is no more. Jeremy Macklin will be there. But the Jags also need to do something about their awful pass defense.
9: GREEN BAY PACKERS BRIAN ORAKPO DE TEXAS
Defense, defense, defense for this team. The Pack needs a pass rusher to be truly back
10: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS ANDRE SMITH OT ALABAMA
The 49er's defense isn't bad. But it's constantly put in the position of having to always be on the field. The 49ers need to protect the quarterback better. Drafting Smith, and yes his bizarre behavior lately, gives them the strongest man in this year's draft.
11: BUFFALO BILLS TYSON JACKSON DE LSU
The Bills will be tempted by OT Michael Ohler. But Jackson gives them a legit pass rusher, something this team really needs.
12: DENVER BRONCOS REY MAUALUGA LB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Broncos need help stopping the run. With both of the top DT off the board, Maualuga is the choice.
13: WASHINGTON REDSKINS AARON MAYBIN DE PENN STATE
The Redskins can't throw the ball and their defense can't stop the run. They liked Sanchez and Crabtree is their kind of guy. Assuming they don't trade up, they take Maybin the second best pass rusher in this draft.
14: NEW ORLEAN SAINTS CHRIS 'BEANIE' WELLS RB OHIO STATE
Let's face it, the Saints need a 'horse'. "Beanie" falls into their laps.
15; HOUSTON TEXANS MALCOLM JENKINS CB OHIO STATE
Back to back Buckeyes. Jenkins will give the Texans a 'shutdown' corner that this franchise desperately needs.
16: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS PERLA JERRY DT MISSISSIPPI
Here's my thinking. The Chargers play the run well, the pass not so well. Having Jerry handle double teams will free up the ends for a more effective pass rush. OK, so maybe that's why I'm not an NFL general manager.
17: NEW YORK JETS VONTAE DAVIS CB ILLINOIS
Davis is a corner who can attack the run. That's a valuable and scarce commodity. He also ran a 4.44 at the Combine. J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets hop on him in a heartbeat.
18: CHICAGO BEARS KNOWSHON MORENO RB GEORGIA
The Bears have Jay Cutler. They also have an offense that can't rush. That would make Cutler a sitting duck. Moreno is a great fit.
19: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS JOSH FREEMAN QB KANSAS STATE
Sure, Jon Gruden isn't there anymore but the Bucs have been searching for a franchise quarterback every since Jake Plummer told them to take a hike. Freeman will take a lot of hikes in his time in Tampa.
20: DETROIT LIONS (fr Dallas) MICHAEL OHER OT MISSISSIPPI
The Lions got a franchise quarterback with the #1 overall. They now have someone to protect his butt. Good solid choice. Which means, the Lions probably won't do it.
21: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES JEREMY MACLIN WR MISSOURI
Ha! Bet your were saying "Ken, you forgot about him". No and neither will the Eagles, who have the defense to win now....but not the offense. Maclin will help that, a lot.
22: MINNESOTA VIKINGS WILLIAM BEATTY OT CONNECTICUT
The Vikings can't pass, because they can't pass protect. They would've like Oher. But they're OK, because Beatty has the speed and footwork to pass protect like a horse. 6-6, 307 pounds and a very willing blocker.
23: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ALPHONSO SMITH CB WAKE FOREST
Been awhile since the Patriots drafted this high in round 1. Like the Vikings, the Pats need offensive line help. But they also have a big need in the secondary. Smith is the choice, despite his 5-9 height.
24: ATLANTA FALCONS EVERETTE BROWN DE/OLB FLORIDA STATE
Once thought to be a top five pick, Brown's stock has tumbled some. But in the Falcons defense, he should flourish. He'll have to leap frog some incumbants. But Brown should have no problem doing that.
25: MIAMI DOLPHINS CLAY MATTHEWS OLB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Aside from Curry, Matthews is the best outside linebacker in this draft. He'll be a star in Miami. Matthews gets a lot of his headlines from rushing the passer, but he's also very good against the run.
26: BALTIMORE RAVENS DARIUS BUTLER CB CONNECTICUT
With Chris McCallister gone, Butler has a chance to become the heir-apparent. The Ravens will be tempted by a local, Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, still available. But they can find a WR later in the draft.
27: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS DARRIUS HEYARD-BEY WR MARYLAND
Best choice on the board for the Colts. Marvin Harrison is a memory and Peyton Manning needs a fresh target. Heyward-Bey can leap and his YAC (yards after catch) are impressive.
28: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (fr: Carolina) DONALD BROWN RB CONNECTICUT
The Eagles got a WR earlier in round 1. Now they get a workhorse running back who is also excellent at pass protection. And the Eagles had trouble with that this past season.
29: NEW YORK GIANTS KENNY BRITT WR RUTGERS
This is, of course, assuming the Giants don't make the trade for Browns WR Braylon Edwards. Britt is a big target (6-3 218) and while not a 'burner' has sure hands and runs tight routs.
30: TENNESSEE TITANS ALEX MACK C CALIFORNIA
Tennessee desperately needs wide receivers. But the best of the best are all gone by now. So, take the guy where pass protection begins. Mack will be a fixture on that Titans line for years.
31: ARIZONA CARDINALS MICHAEL JOHNSON DE GEORGIA TECH
The Cardinals need a running back and a pass rusher. But remember, all the good running backs are gone. Johnson should have been gone by now. So the Cardinalsl leap on him. His big wing span and his ability to stop the run is enticing. So too are his dimensions: 6-7 270
32: PITTSBURGH STEELERS EBEN BRITTON OT ARIZONA
They'll look hard at Robert Ayers, the defensive end from Tennessee and Paul Kruger, the defensive end from Utah. But in the end, the Steelers will opt for offensive line help. Immediately after this pick, Ben Roethlisberger will announce he's naming his first born Eben, who can play either RT or LT (not Ben's future kid, Eben Britton.)
So there you have it. We'll see, starting Saturday at 4p how far off I am.
1: DETROIT LIONS MATTHEW STAFFORD QB GEORGIA
Let's face it, the rebuilding in Detroit is going to take a long, long time. Draft a guy who'll be the face of the future. Let him sit and learn from someone else
2: ST. LOUIS CARDINALS JASON SMITH OT BAYLOR
They gave up on Orlando Pace and they need to rebuild their offense. Sound a little bit like the Bengals? Smith is a great start
3: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS AARON CURRY LB WAKE FOREST
They be tempted by Michael Crabtree because their new QB Matt Cassel has to throw to somebody. But plenty of WR option are available later.
4: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS MARK SANCHEZ QB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
OK, this is the pick that will affect what the Bengals do the most. If the Seahawks take OT Eugene Monroe, it will make the Bengals brass think real hard about taking DT BJ Raji. But the Seahawks have to think about replacing Matt Hasselback soon. Sanchez is a good options
5: CLEVELAND BROWNS MICHAEL CRABTREE WR TEXAS TECH
Kellen Winslow is gone. Braylon Edwards is going. Somebody has to catch passes. If the Chiefs don't take Crabtree, the Browns will leap on him.
6: CINCINNATI BENGALS EUGENE MONROE OT VIRGINIA
Monroe is the second best option at LT in this draft. Jerry Jones, in the "Drugstore List" says this about Monroe. "Excellent pass protecter, good balance and footwork. Won starting LT job as a junior beating out Branden Albert, who was a first round draft pick in 2008". The Bengals should be so lucky to get this guy.
7: OAKLAND RAIDERS PERCY HARVIN WR FLORIDA
Despite the report that Harvin tested positive for marijuana the the NFL Combine, the Raiders will take Harvin and his myriad talents.
8: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS BJ RAJI DT BOSTON COLLEGE
The Jags need a WR because Matt Jones is no more. Jeremy Macklin will be there. But the Jags also need to do something about their awful pass defense.
9: GREEN BAY PACKERS BRIAN ORAKPO DE TEXAS
Defense, defense, defense for this team. The Pack needs a pass rusher to be truly back
10: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS ANDRE SMITH OT ALABAMA
The 49er's defense isn't bad. But it's constantly put in the position of having to always be on the field. The 49ers need to protect the quarterback better. Drafting Smith, and yes his bizarre behavior lately, gives them the strongest man in this year's draft.
11: BUFFALO BILLS TYSON JACKSON DE LSU
The Bills will be tempted by OT Michael Ohler. But Jackson gives them a legit pass rusher, something this team really needs.
12: DENVER BRONCOS REY MAUALUGA LB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
The Broncos need help stopping the run. With both of the top DT off the board, Maualuga is the choice.
13: WASHINGTON REDSKINS AARON MAYBIN DE PENN STATE
The Redskins can't throw the ball and their defense can't stop the run. They liked Sanchez and Crabtree is their kind of guy. Assuming they don't trade up, they take Maybin the second best pass rusher in this draft.
14: NEW ORLEAN SAINTS CHRIS 'BEANIE' WELLS RB OHIO STATE
Let's face it, the Saints need a 'horse'. "Beanie" falls into their laps.
15; HOUSTON TEXANS MALCOLM JENKINS CB OHIO STATE
Back to back Buckeyes. Jenkins will give the Texans a 'shutdown' corner that this franchise desperately needs.
16: SAN DIEGO CHARGERS PERLA JERRY DT MISSISSIPPI
Here's my thinking. The Chargers play the run well, the pass not so well. Having Jerry handle double teams will free up the ends for a more effective pass rush. OK, so maybe that's why I'm not an NFL general manager.
17: NEW YORK JETS VONTAE DAVIS CB ILLINOIS
Davis is a corner who can attack the run. That's a valuable and scarce commodity. He also ran a 4.44 at the Combine. J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets hop on him in a heartbeat.
18: CHICAGO BEARS KNOWSHON MORENO RB GEORGIA
The Bears have Jay Cutler. They also have an offense that can't rush. That would make Cutler a sitting duck. Moreno is a great fit.
19: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS JOSH FREEMAN QB KANSAS STATE
Sure, Jon Gruden isn't there anymore but the Bucs have been searching for a franchise quarterback every since Jake Plummer told them to take a hike. Freeman will take a lot of hikes in his time in Tampa.
20: DETROIT LIONS (fr Dallas) MICHAEL OHER OT MISSISSIPPI
The Lions got a franchise quarterback with the #1 overall. They now have someone to protect his butt. Good solid choice. Which means, the Lions probably won't do it.
21: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES JEREMY MACLIN WR MISSOURI
Ha! Bet your were saying "Ken, you forgot about him". No and neither will the Eagles, who have the defense to win now....but not the offense. Maclin will help that, a lot.
22: MINNESOTA VIKINGS WILLIAM BEATTY OT CONNECTICUT
The Vikings can't pass, because they can't pass protect. They would've like Oher. But they're OK, because Beatty has the speed and footwork to pass protect like a horse. 6-6, 307 pounds and a very willing blocker.
23: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ALPHONSO SMITH CB WAKE FOREST
Been awhile since the Patriots drafted this high in round 1. Like the Vikings, the Pats need offensive line help. But they also have a big need in the secondary. Smith is the choice, despite his 5-9 height.
24: ATLANTA FALCONS EVERETTE BROWN DE/OLB FLORIDA STATE
Once thought to be a top five pick, Brown's stock has tumbled some. But in the Falcons defense, he should flourish. He'll have to leap frog some incumbants. But Brown should have no problem doing that.
25: MIAMI DOLPHINS CLAY MATTHEWS OLB SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Aside from Curry, Matthews is the best outside linebacker in this draft. He'll be a star in Miami. Matthews gets a lot of his headlines from rushing the passer, but he's also very good against the run.
26: BALTIMORE RAVENS DARIUS BUTLER CB CONNECTICUT
With Chris McCallister gone, Butler has a chance to become the heir-apparent. The Ravens will be tempted by a local, Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, still available. But they can find a WR later in the draft.
27: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS DARRIUS HEYARD-BEY WR MARYLAND
Best choice on the board for the Colts. Marvin Harrison is a memory and Peyton Manning needs a fresh target. Heyward-Bey can leap and his YAC (yards after catch) are impressive.
28: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (fr: Carolina) DONALD BROWN RB CONNECTICUT
The Eagles got a WR earlier in round 1. Now they get a workhorse running back who is also excellent at pass protection. And the Eagles had trouble with that this past season.
29: NEW YORK GIANTS KENNY BRITT WR RUTGERS
This is, of course, assuming the Giants don't make the trade for Browns WR Braylon Edwards. Britt is a big target (6-3 218) and while not a 'burner' has sure hands and runs tight routs.
30: TENNESSEE TITANS ALEX MACK C CALIFORNIA
Tennessee desperately needs wide receivers. But the best of the best are all gone by now. So, take the guy where pass protection begins. Mack will be a fixture on that Titans line for years.
31: ARIZONA CARDINALS MICHAEL JOHNSON DE GEORGIA TECH
The Cardinals need a running back and a pass rusher. But remember, all the good running backs are gone. Johnson should have been gone by now. So the Cardinalsl leap on him. His big wing span and his ability to stop the run is enticing. So too are his dimensions: 6-7 270
32: PITTSBURGH STEELERS EBEN BRITTON OT ARIZONA
They'll look hard at Robert Ayers, the defensive end from Tennessee and Paul Kruger, the defensive end from Utah. But in the end, the Steelers will opt for offensive line help. Immediately after this pick, Ben Roethlisberger will announce he's naming his first born Eben, who can play either RT or LT (not Ben's future kid, Eben Britton.)
So there you have it. We'll see, starting Saturday at 4p how far off I am.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Another win. This time it was Alex Gonzalez and Jay Bruce who provided the side show to the main acts: Aaron Harang and Joey Votto. Votto goes 4-5 against the Cubs today and Harang goes seven and allows just one, unearned run.
Reds now a game and a half out of first with a weekend series at GABP against the Braves. If the Reds don't draw at least 90,000 for the three games there are serious problems with the way that team is being marketed. Even back in bad old generic Riverfront Stadium, a weekend series with the Braves was usually good for 100,000.
Just posted on my web site www.kenbroo.com is an interview I did for my Sunday Morning Sports Talk show on 700 WLW with Michael Abromowitz of The Football Expert. It's all about the upcoming draft this weekend. You might be surprised to see who he thinks the Bengals will take.
By the way, among my guests this Sunday will be NFL player agent, Jack Bechta, as well as former NFL offensive lineman, Ross Tucker. Sunday Morning Sports Talk airs from 9am-Noon EDT.
Reds now a game and a half out of first with a weekend series at GABP against the Braves. If the Reds don't draw at least 90,000 for the three games there are serious problems with the way that team is being marketed. Even back in bad old generic Riverfront Stadium, a weekend series with the Braves was usually good for 100,000.
Just posted on my web site www.kenbroo.com is an interview I did for my Sunday Morning Sports Talk show on 700 WLW with Michael Abromowitz of The Football Expert. It's all about the upcoming draft this weekend. You might be surprised to see who he thinks the Bengals will take.
By the way, among my guests this Sunday will be NFL player agent, Jack Bechta, as well as former NFL offensive lineman, Ross Tucker. Sunday Morning Sports Talk airs from 9am-Noon EDT.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Marvin Lewis actually said today, the Bengals don't neccessarily have to draft a tackle in the first round of this weekend's draft. He says the Bengals have players on their roster who can get the job done.
Huh????????????
Marvin, here's your guy. Find a way to get Eugene Monroe on Saturday.
Monroe may be gone when the Bengals pick 6th overall. But, watch what Seattle does. If the Seahawks take QB Matt Sanchez with the 4th overall pick, Monroe just might be there when it's the Bengals turn.
Huh????????????
Marvin, here's your guy. Find a way to get Eugene Monroe on Saturday.
Monroe may be gone when the Bengals pick 6th overall. But, watch what Seattle does. If the Seahawks take QB Matt Sanchez with the 4th overall pick, Monroe just might be there when it's the Bengals turn.
Just posted on the front page of my web site: www.kenbroo.com is the latest Broo View Podcast. My guest in this episode, is the editor and publisher of Pro Football Weekly, Hub Arkush. We're scoping the upcoming NFL Draft.
If you want, you can download it by clicking here. But check out www.kenbroo.com. I've got past episodes of The Broo View Podcast and some other cool interviews.
If you want, you can download it by clicking here. But check out www.kenbroo.com. I've got past episodes of The Broo View Podcast and some other cool interviews.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
You can find my latest Broo View Podcast on the front page of my web site: www.kenbroo.com
But, if you're in a hurry, you can download it here.
But, if you're in a hurry, you can download it here.
Monday, March 09, 2009
Good afternoon!
Brand new Broo View Podcast is posted and ready to download on my web site: www.kenbroo.com. Among the tidbits in this episode is an interview with draftinsiders.com founder and editor, Frank Coyle. The topic, of course, is the upcoming NFL draft and how the Bengals need to draft linemen. Some comments from Marvin, Laevrneus Coles and Cedric Benson are also in this current episode. In a hurry? You can download it here.
More coming later today...promise
Brand new Broo View Podcast is posted and ready to download on my web site: www.kenbroo.com. Among the tidbits in this episode is an interview with draftinsiders.com founder and editor, Frank Coyle. The topic, of course, is the upcoming NFL draft and how the Bengals need to draft linemen. Some comments from Marvin, Laevrneus Coles and Cedric Benson are also in this current episode. In a hurry? You can download it here.
More coming later today...promise
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Edwin Encarnacion will drive you crazy. On the most routine ground balls, he'll look like he's never played the game in his life. He already has eight errors this season. Yet, Monday night in St. Louis, here was Easy Edwin on his knees, throwing a runner out at second and ending a 7th inning threat. And then, Encarnacion made a spectacular catch near the Reds dugout to end the game. We'll never know how close he came to a demotion earlier this month. My guess is, fairly close. But now that he's hitting again (2-4, 2 RBI Monday night) Encarnacion has one of the more potent bats in the Reds line-up.
So just to set the record straight, fired GM Wayne Krivsky had this give and take with hall of fame baseball writer, Hal McCoy in the Dayton Daily News.
Meantime, Krivsky's successor, Walt Jocketty may be busy soon, according to foxsports.com.
I've got a confession: I rarely watch ESPN anymore. I have ESPN News on my satellite dish and find myself watching that channel more than the "Mothership". Why? Well, here's an example of what the original all sports network has degenerated into:
ESPN News gives you the highlights and the facts. ESPN caters to the egos of the network's 'stable of the stars', such as they are.
My buddy Mike Florio, from profootballtalk.com has some perspective on the Chiefs trading Jared Allen to the Vikings.
When it happened, I'm sure Bengals LT Levi Jones made a bee-line for the 2008 schedule. Easy, big man, the Vikes and Bengals don't play each other this season.
I've never been a big "Dr. Z" fan. I think he was relevant at one point during the Reagan adminstration. But if the Bengals are looking for someone who thinks they did a good job in the 2008 draft, "Dr. Z" is their guy. Here's what he's saying today on SI.com.
The latest "Broo View Podcast" is up and posted and ready for you to download. Here's the link. It's on the home page of my web site: http://www.kenbroo.com/.
That's it for tonight. I now have to figure out what's the problem with Johnny Cueto, who didn't make it through two innings tonight. See you on WLWT channel 5 in Cincinnati!
So just to set the record straight, fired GM Wayne Krivsky had this give and take with hall of fame baseball writer, Hal McCoy in the Dayton Daily News.
Meantime, Krivsky's successor, Walt Jocketty may be busy soon, according to foxsports.com.
I've got a confession: I rarely watch ESPN anymore. I have ESPN News on my satellite dish and find myself watching that channel more than the "Mothership". Why? Well, here's an example of what the original all sports network has degenerated into:
ESPN News gives you the highlights and the facts. ESPN caters to the egos of the network's 'stable of the stars', such as they are.
My buddy Mike Florio, from profootballtalk.com has some perspective on the Chiefs trading Jared Allen to the Vikings.
When it happened, I'm sure Bengals LT Levi Jones made a bee-line for the 2008 schedule. Easy, big man, the Vikes and Bengals don't play each other this season.
I've never been a big "Dr. Z" fan. I think he was relevant at one point during the Reagan adminstration. But if the Bengals are looking for someone who thinks they did a good job in the 2008 draft, "Dr. Z" is their guy. Here's what he's saying today on SI.com.
The latest "Broo View Podcast" is up and posted and ready for you to download. Here's the link. It's on the home page of my web site: http://www.kenbroo.com/.
That's it for tonight. I now have to figure out what's the problem with Johnny Cueto, who didn't make it through two innings tonight. See you on WLWT channel 5 in Cincinnati!
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
One of my favorite guests on my Sunday Morning Sportstalk show on 700 WLW is Mike Florio from profootballtalk.com. It's a great resource for all things professional football. Mike is doing a position by position look at the upcoming NFL draft...and on camera, no less!
As for our Bengals, it's looking more and more like they're switching to a 3-4 defense this season, under new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
A not so auspicious debut for the Cincinnati Reds in exhibition play today. They lost to the Phillies, 8-1. Gary Majewski, who arrived as "damaged goods" in Cincinnati mid-summer 2006 when the Reds were in the thick of a pennant race was lit up: one third of an inning, six hits and six earned runs. Lefty Jeremy Affeldt, signed in the off-season for $3 million this season, didn't do so bad: two innings, three hits and only one run.
And the Reds got a little good news today, when Baseball America released their Top 100 prospects in the game.
That's it for now. Check out my web site www.kenbroo.com first thing tomorrow morning. I'll have my latest "Broo View Podcast" posted!
As for our Bengals, it's looking more and more like they're switching to a 3-4 defense this season, under new defensive coordinator, Mike Zimmer.
A not so auspicious debut for the Cincinnati Reds in exhibition play today. They lost to the Phillies, 8-1. Gary Majewski, who arrived as "damaged goods" in Cincinnati mid-summer 2006 when the Reds were in the thick of a pennant race was lit up: one third of an inning, six hits and six earned runs. Lefty Jeremy Affeldt, signed in the off-season for $3 million this season, didn't do so bad: two innings, three hits and only one run.
And the Reds got a little good news today, when Baseball America released their Top 100 prospects in the game.
That's it for now. Check out my web site www.kenbroo.com first thing tomorrow morning. I'll have my latest "Broo View Podcast" posted!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
For what it's worth, yardbarkers.com has its latest NFL mock draft up. If you believe what you read, looks like the Bengals are zeroing in on Ohio State defensive lineman, Vernon Gholston. Hmmmm. Can't James Laurinaitis reconsider leaving early? Guess not.
The Reds made it official with Jeremy Affeldt today. He says he chose the Reds because they're giving him a chance to start, which a lot of other teams apparently weren't prepared to do. More on the signing from our good friend, Mark Sheldon at reds.com.
I'm not completely sold on Affeldt as a starter. I know he couldn't crack the Rockies rotation last season, but no shame in that, as the Rocks had a young and talented staff. Is he better than Matt Belisle? I hope so. But if Johnny Cueto is major league ready coming out of the spring, I don't see Affeldt as any more than a number 4. And that's assuming Homer Bailey is better than what he was, for the most part, here in Cincinnati last summer.
See you tonight at 11p on News 5 Tonight on Cincinnati's channel 5. I'll have coverage from the UC vs Uconn game and from the La Salle stag, the kickoff to the Reds season.
The Reds made it official with Jeremy Affeldt today. He says he chose the Reds because they're giving him a chance to start, which a lot of other teams apparently weren't prepared to do. More on the signing from our good friend, Mark Sheldon at reds.com.
I'm not completely sold on Affeldt as a starter. I know he couldn't crack the Rockies rotation last season, but no shame in that, as the Rocks had a young and talented staff. Is he better than Matt Belisle? I hope so. But if Johnny Cueto is major league ready coming out of the spring, I don't see Affeldt as any more than a number 4. And that's assuming Homer Bailey is better than what he was, for the most part, here in Cincinnati last summer.
See you tonight at 11p on News 5 Tonight on Cincinnati's channel 5. I'll have coverage from the UC vs Uconn game and from the La Salle stag, the kickoff to the Reds season.
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Bengals are filling in the blanks. That's what you have to do when you spend a second round draft pick on a player who's really a luxury, and you need help on defense.
Ed Hartwell, a linebacker, Blue Adams a cornerback and Kendrick Allen, a tackle, all signed free agent deals with the Bengals this week. Be still my beating heart.
While the Patriots load up on established super stars and mortgage the future to win now, the Bengals are bargain hunting.
That's the difference between the two franchises. One will take a mortgage out on their future, the other wants to pay bills with cash now.
Two weeks after the draft, I still contend that Kenny Irons, while gifted player who will be a star in the NFL, was a luxury pick. The Bengals defense was crying out for help and was neglected in this draft. Maybe the fourth, sixth and seventh round picks will pan out. But you rarely find impact players that low in the draft. Instead of Irons, the Bengals could have taken defensive tackle, Turk McBride out of Tennessee or defensive end Tim Crowder out of Texas, both excellent young players with tremendous upside. Irons, with Rudi Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson and other wide receivers, may only get on the field a handful of times during a game. Few teams use two man backfields anymore.
I hope I'm wrong. I'll admit it if I am. But I've seen nothing so far since the end of last season, that makes me believe this season the Bengals defense will be any better.
Ed Hartwell, a linebacker, Blue Adams a cornerback and Kendrick Allen, a tackle, all signed free agent deals with the Bengals this week. Be still my beating heart.
While the Patriots load up on established super stars and mortgage the future to win now, the Bengals are bargain hunting.
That's the difference between the two franchises. One will take a mortgage out on their future, the other wants to pay bills with cash now.
Two weeks after the draft, I still contend that Kenny Irons, while gifted player who will be a star in the NFL, was a luxury pick. The Bengals defense was crying out for help and was neglected in this draft. Maybe the fourth, sixth and seventh round picks will pan out. But you rarely find impact players that low in the draft. Instead of Irons, the Bengals could have taken defensive tackle, Turk McBride out of Tennessee or defensive end Tim Crowder out of Texas, both excellent young players with tremendous upside. Irons, with Rudi Johnson, TJ Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson and other wide receivers, may only get on the field a handful of times during a game. Few teams use two man backfields anymore.
I hope I'm wrong. I'll admit it if I am. But I've seen nothing so far since the end of last season, that makes me believe this season the Bengals defense will be any better.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Look, I like Jerry Narron. I think he's a good manager and knows the game infinitely better than I do. But occasionally, he absolutely confounds me.
Wednesday night was a great example. Here he was, locked in a great battle with his counterpart in the the Cardinals' dugout, Tony LaRussa. The Reds and Cards were tied at one, with Bronson Arroyo and Braden Looper tossing terrific games. Narron had to know two things: one, Arroyo had thrown only 96 pitches through seven innings. Two: his bullpen has been anything but trustworthy lately.
Rather than allowing Arroyo to start the eighth inning, Narron elected to pinch hit for him, leading off the seventh. The fact that Ryan Freel, who hadn't picked up a bat since Sunday, failed to get on base is one thing. But why would you trade Arroyo for the bullpen, just to try and jump start your offense?
The Reds manager tried to defend himself on the Reds radio pre-game show Thursday. It didn't work, at least not for me. Lifting a starter who'd thrown only 96 pitches, allowed only five hits for the chance of scoring a run...given the shaky bullpen...is indefensible.
I like Jerry, but it was the wrong call.
Check out my web site, www.kenbroo.com. Just posted today the latest "Broo View" podcast. I've got comments from Marvin Lewis, Carson Palmer and other Bengals about the upcoming draft. It's in the podcast and more section.
Wednesday night was a great example. Here he was, locked in a great battle with his counterpart in the the Cardinals' dugout, Tony LaRussa. The Reds and Cards were tied at one, with Bronson Arroyo and Braden Looper tossing terrific games. Narron had to know two things: one, Arroyo had thrown only 96 pitches through seven innings. Two: his bullpen has been anything but trustworthy lately.
Rather than allowing Arroyo to start the eighth inning, Narron elected to pinch hit for him, leading off the seventh. The fact that Ryan Freel, who hadn't picked up a bat since Sunday, failed to get on base is one thing. But why would you trade Arroyo for the bullpen, just to try and jump start your offense?
The Reds manager tried to defend himself on the Reds radio pre-game show Thursday. It didn't work, at least not for me. Lifting a starter who'd thrown only 96 pitches, allowed only five hits for the chance of scoring a run...given the shaky bullpen...is indefensible.
I like Jerry, but it was the wrong call.
Check out my web site, www.kenbroo.com. Just posted today the latest "Broo View" podcast. I've got comments from Marvin Lewis, Carson Palmer and other Bengals about the upcoming draft. It's in the podcast and more section.
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