First things first, the latest "Broo View Podcast" is posted and ready for your download on http://www.kenbroo.com/. Just go to the "Podcasts & More" section and scroll down to the latest show. Maybe you'll be able to figure out why Marvin kicked a field goal instead of trying to convert on 4th and two last Sunday against the Steelers. Then again, maybe you won't.
Speaking of Baker, I participated in a conference call with the Reds new manager today. He's just getting into his new gig full time, having arrived back from his ESPN work Monday. He says he has a large amount of reading ahead of him, scouting reports sent to him by Reds GM Wayne Krivsky. Baker has been allowed to hire only two coaches and made those decision known today. Former major leaguer, Chris Spier will be his infield instructor and bench coach. Juan Lopez was hired as his bullpen coach.
I asked Baker if the 'recruiting' part of his job has begun. Remember, he said at the news conference introducing him as Reds manager that he'd use his name and reputation to lure free agents to Cincinnati. Baker says he hasn't had time to do that. And says published reports that he spoke with former Cub Mark Prior and soon to be former Cub, Kerry Wood, are true. But, Baker says, those conversations were about everything BUT baseball.
Baker says he and Krivsky will lay the groundwork for trades and acquisitions before the winter baseball meetings in December. He sounded like a guy who expects to make up of his new team to change somewhat.
It ws a day off for the Cincinnati Bengals. They continue to get no love. Power Rankings all over the internet have them in the bottom quarter of the NFL.
And then there's this on Sporting News.com.
I said this before the season began and I'll repeat it today: it will take any AFC team, with the possible exception of the AFC West champ, 10 wins to make the playoffs. The Bengals would need to finish 8-1 in their final 9 games to reach 10 wins. Have you seen anything this season that would allow you to believe they'll win 8 of their final 9? Me neither.
