THE BROO VIEW with Ken Broo

Tuesday it is....

What team are you more geeked about: the Reds or the Cyclones? Plenty of reason to be feeling good about both of our teams right now...

They Cyclones went west to Boise last weekend and came away with two wins in the Kelly Cup finals against the team that had the best record in the ECHL this season. The Idaho Steelheads now have to come to Cincinnati for the next two, and if necessary the next three. The Cyclones are skating like a team that wants no part of a return visit to Idaho.

Think about this, the 'Clones have played six games in the last eight days and have won all of them. Four of those wins were with their proverbial backs again the wall, having dropped the first three games in their conference final to Reading. After storming back to win that series in seven, the Cyclones were on a bus barely six hours after game seven and heading to Dayton for a early bird special out west.

They won the first two games in the finals, with goals in each game in the final minute of play. Saturday night, in game two, a puck bounced into the Idaho net with just 20 seconds to play. It was the only goal of the game.

This could be the 'Clones second Cup in three seasons. Most of the team has turned over since the spring of 2008. There are two holdovers of significances. This year's team captain, Barrett Eghoetz skated on that club. And head coach, Chuck Weber was behind the bench. Eghoetz has been a consistent scorer for the Cyclones in the playoffs. And Weber's defensive system is sure to get him a few looks this summer from AHL, and maybe NHL teams trying to fill out their coaching staffs.

As for the Reds, they continue to win with pitching and defense. Yes, the offense has been a lot better over the last couple of weeks. But the Reds field the ball as good as anyone in the National League. And on Sunday, Bronson Arroyo's complete game win over the Cards was the third complete game win for the starting rotation in a week.

The Reds are still a flawed team. And I think we'll see some of those weaknesses (lack of a true leadoff hitter, no big bopping bat in the order, although Jonny Gomes is certainly stating a case for him to be considered for that) as the Reds get into the meatier part of their schedule. Playing the Phillies and Rockies and Dodgers will be a lot different than playing the Pirates and Astros. But the Reds are in first place as we begin this Tuesday. And how many times in the last ten or so years have we been able to say that?

Later today, I'll be publishing my latest Broo View Podcast. My guest in this upcoming episode is Tom Deinhart from rivals.com. We'll be talking about Big 10 expansion, Notre Dame's role in that and how it will affect teams like the University of Cincinnati Bearcats. Check back for that. Or, if you'd like to be alerted, sign up to follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/kenbroo.

And you can always find up to date sports news on my web site: www.kenbroo.com