THE BROO VIEW with Ken Broo

Random thoughts on this mid week night....

Terrell Owens isn't the player he was even three years ago. But he's an immediate upgrade over every receiver the Bengals had on the field last season not named Ochocinco. Even a shadow of what he's been TO will distract defenses just enough to allow Ochocinco to have a monster year.....

The Steelers aren't dead and won't roll over this year. In the four games (yep, it'll be four not six) that Ben Roethlisberger is away the Steelers will win by running the ball and playing defense. I think they'll go 3-1....

The Ravens should still be the favorites in the AFC North. But that depleted secondary sure makes them look mortal....

I love the way Paul Janish has stepped in for the injured Orlando Cabrera. And this is really some Monday morning quarterbacking, but why didn't the Reds at least think about trading for a middle infielder who can bring some 'pop' at the plate before the July 31st trade deadline. Cabrera and Scott Rolen are both playing well this season, Rolen more so. But they're both long in the tooth. Janish can play anywhere in the infield. But if Rolen were to go down again, what do the Reds do now? It's asking a lot for a rookie like Juan Francisco to step in and take over. Remember, the 1990 Reds made an August deal on their road to a World Series title. They had Ron Oester, Barry Larkin and Mariano Duncan, but that didn't stop them from trading for Billy Doran. That deal probably put that team over the top.....

I don't think Aaron Harang has pitched his last and best in Cincinnati. I look for the big man to make several key starts between his return and the end of the season.....

But I also don't think Harang and Homer Bailey will both be in the Reds five man rotation, when each is back and healthy....

I'm glad Shaq found work today, signing with the Boston Celtics. Even at his age, he's one of the fun players to watch....

The Cyclones will miss coach Chuck Weber, who's moving onto a bigger league (AHL) and a more influential job (head coach of the Rochester Americans). Weber will be coaching players who are just a phone call away from the NHL. And Weber will be just a phone call away too. Good guy, terrific coach. You don't coach teams to two Kelly Cup wins in three years unless you know what you're doing. That series against Reading this spring, where the Cyclones rallied from down 0-3 in games to win in seven, was one of the more stirring comebacks I've seen. Good luck Chuck!

I don't play poker. But watching people play poker on TV is absolutely absurd. It's on a lot. So a lot of people must have a tough time finding a life....

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