THE BROO VIEW with Ken Broo

Breaking news from the Reds today. Bob Castellini went shopping and dropped about $15 million in payroll for next season. Today, the Reds picked up the option years on Adam Dunn, Scott Hatteberg and Javier Valentin. They took a 'pass' on the $3 million the Reds would've owed Eddie Guardado, although 'Everyday Eddie' is on the radar screen for a new deal at less money.



All of it makes sense. Dunn is a cornerstone of this team, despite a hefty $13 million he's now due in 2008. The Reds have several options here. They could try to sign Dunn to a long term deal. After their lunch, Castellini came away a big Dunn fan. They can't trade Dunn now, per his contract, until mid-June and only then to about ten teams of his choosing. Hatteberg is a bargain at just over a million for next year and could be used as trade bait. Valentin, due $1.5 mil in 2008 now, is a solid left handed bat off the bench, and wound up as the everyday catcher after Jerry Narron was fired.


Just posted on my web site, http://www.kenbroo.com/ is the latest 'Bengals Report Podcast". It's right on the front page for easy downloading. Marc Hardin and I break down the loss to the Steelers. Look for another "Broo View Podcast" at the same address later tonight.


Speaking of our Bengals Rudi Johnson was back at practice today. But it appears to be another week without RT Willie Anderson and middle linebacker, Ahmad Brooks. Both are officially 'out' for Sunday's game at Buffalo.


And check out this piece of work from foxsports.com on our Bengals. Ouch.


Among other things, we're tracking with great interest tonight's tipoff to the UC basketball season. The Bearcats have an exhibition game scheduled against Northern Kentucky University. Mick Cronin's team suffered mightily last season, from defections and a late start on recruiting. The players he's brought in since, seem to fit more of his up tempo style. I'll have highlights of that game, and exhibition games at UK and Ohio State tonight at 11p, on Cincinnati's channel 5.


And to close it out, an update from our good friend Pete Rose, again courtesy of foxnews.com.
This could be revisionist thinking on Rose's part, who probably is beginning to wonder if he'll ever be welcomed back by major league baseball before he dies.

I don't think he will, frankly.