Wednesday Rambler

the Enquirer/Patrick Reddy

What a weekend for sports.  On Saturday night was the inaugural Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway in Sparta, KY where "Rowdy" Kyle Busch won his 99th career victory by winning the truck race and the Sprint Cup race.  I don't really care for the guy because of his attitude but gotta give credit where credit due. Apparently with the first race of this magnitude little Sparta experience something it never experienced before ----- traffic jams.   It nearly caused Denny Hamlin to miss the driver's meeting . The traffic was so bad that half way through the race Speedway officials had to start turning people away.  I guess they never anticipated something like this  nor did the state of Kentucky, which has the Governor pledging to work with the Kentucky Speedway to make the traffic flow better for next years race.  I would hope so.   I would hate to have been a ticket holder and had to be turned away because there was no parking.  People driving on I-71 said traffic was backed up for 10 miles by 2:30  in the afternoon.
I know the track officials and the State of Kentucky are being hammered on this issue, however if you have a premier event like a NASCAR Sprint Cup race you better C.Y.A and make sure your i's are dotted and t's crossed.

AL 1 NL 5
NL has 2 wins in a row against
the AL.

 

The National  League beats the American League in the Mid-summer classic at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ  Tuesday night. The big highlight of the game was Prince Fielder's 3 run shot to ensure the Senior circuit would have home field advantage in the World Series.










Today has been a slow sports day unless you follow the college basketball recruiting trail for these elite highschool players that gt some much exposure  its not funny.  I am all for great basketball, but the recruiting services and the media need to quit the hype.  Just because a kid can break the ankles off of another 16 or 17 year old does not translate to the college game let alone the pro game.  Sites like rivals.com I think put undo stress on a kid, I.E. Terrance Jones of Kentucky.   These kids need to make the best decision for themselves not what the talking heads at ESPN, FOX Sports, or CBS Sports.  Let these kids involve their highschool coach not the AAU coach.  Let them involve their parents or legal guardians who usually have the kid's best interest at heart.   Basketball is a great game  these kids that are playing it now in highschool are bigger, stronger and faster than when I played.  
 Don't get me wrong but I like Coach Calipari, but whats wrong with recruiting a kid from Kentucky especially a kid that is a gym rat who can shoot lights out, I know the dribble  drive is not about spot up shooting but on the kick out there is always an open three or two.  I am a proponent of defense sets the tone of a game , I  loved the old Arkansas and UK games  in which you had Corliss Williamson, and Scotty Thurman against Jamal Mashburn and John Pelphrey.  It was '40 minutes of Hell" against the finess style of Pitino.

Enough ranting well maybe not.................. What kind of tool is Richie Farmer?    Sorry Kentucky fans I liked him as a ballplayer, but him turning his back on his wife and kids that comes as a shocker to me.   He finds running for Lt. Governor  is more important that trying to work on his marriage.  Hell his wife is a teacher's aide and she hardly gets a dime from the deadbeat.   Obviously someone needs to take him behind the wood shed and teach him some manners.

Music pic for the day This life by Curtis Stigers the theme song from one of my favorite tv shows on FX , "Sons of Anarchy"   its an awesome show I would recommend it to just about anyone , but is it not suitable for younger audiences.










That's all I have for now make it a great one

Friday night rants and raves

As I am sitting here typing this out the Reds are getting a beat down from the Indians.  Top of the 5th inning and losing 8 to 1.  Good grief I need some Rolaids.   The Indians are actually a pretty good team this year not like these guys.......

Some interesting stuff out there it looks like Michael Vick has finally getting his foot back into the endorsement market according to Yahoo Sports , Vick was re-signed by Nike. Terms of the deal were not released.  I am all about second chances, I don't condone what Vick did.   However he has made the right decisions to get his career back on track.  

I found this pretty interesting Ron Artest aka World Peace playing dodgeball and getting knocked out which was kinda funny , he got knocked out by some skinny dude.   Which brings me to wonder if big Jared Sullinger of Ohio State has gotten over the sting of this.

 

 

That is all I have tonight make it a great night and a better day tomorrow

Its FRIDAY!!!!!!!

I gotta say its been fun so far.    So lets get cracking......... Big news of the day yesterday the NBA and its players association could not agree on how to split the money and the owners will lock out their players.  The World Leader's Michael Wilbon has an interesting take saying it will be a bigger mess than the NFL lockout.  Could we have a year where there is no major professional sports going on next year.  Cause MLB's collective bargaining agreement with its players is up after its season is over.  Only time will tell.

Bengals are 115-204-1 in  20 years

Speaking of NFL my favorite team to hate on besides the Steelers.......... the lowly Cincinnati Bengals.   They were recently ranked last in a listing of the best professional sports franchises in America. Out of 122 , the Bengals ranked you guessed it 122.  Here's to you Mr. Mike Brown, who has no clue on how to run a football franchise.   The Bengals have only had 2, count them 2 winning seasons under your watch.  Its time to fire your family from running the show.   I bet if Coach Marvin Lewis could hire his own coaching staff and maybe if the advance scouting department was bigger you might string together a few winning seasons together.   By the way how did that experiment with  Chad Johnson and T.O. go?? I don't blame Carson Palmer for wanting out of your despot franchise.


Ok lets get back to some more cheerful news the Cincinnati Reds are chipping away and have found themselves 2 games back of the division leaders, they are like the little engine that could.   With the All-Star game coming up the second half of the season should start to heat up.

The University of Kentucky unveiled new football uniforms , here is a link to some of the pictures of the news uniforms , which happens to be one of my favorite sites for all things UK Wildcats.

For you NASCAR nuts the inaugural Quaker State 400 is only 8 days away in Sparta, KY, who you rooting for????

Music pick for the day and for this July 4th holiday weekend, Happy birthday to the USA.

Make it a great one and have fun.

Wednesday Rambler

Its been a busy week here and things are hectic, I gotta say doing this thing gives me some piece of mind , enough about me lets get on with the sports.

The NCAA is at it again asking ... no demanding that the University of Kentucky apologize for celebrating Coach John Calipari's 500th win by sending a five page letter detailing how the apology should be and said apology has to be approved by the NCAA.  Is it me or is the NCAA overstepping its authority here.   You would think the NCAA would not worry about this since you have football programs having players sell their stuff for tattoos , discounts on cars and a coach that ran a muck.   I think UK should tell the NCAA to go to hell; its obvious the NCAA is out to get UK.



To NBA news , I know its been a few days but Dallas Mavericks finally win one and the big German Dirk Nowitzki is the finals MVP.  Mavs owner Mark Cuban and some of the players partied it down in South Beach, spending over a $115k , that is some kind of party, and leaving a tip for the staff of $20k.  I say kudos to Mark Cuban.

Now with basketball done ... oh wait you always have the WNBA to watch if your really have a jonesing for basketball but, myself basketball is done until October-November and getting amped up for college basketball again.

The Reds west coast swing , which in the past has but anything but spectacular, is turning out to be pretty successful.  Johnny Cueto was as Dusty Baker put it "dealing".  Reds beat the Dodgers again last night 3-2.  I don't care how they win.  The Reds have been getting hot at the right time so maybe they can catch the Brew crew, but its a long season its almost half way over.   Reds fans hoping to catch history in the making with the Yankees in town starting Monday night won't have that chance.  Derek Jeter was put on the 15 day DL.

Now for today music pick of the day is Metallica's "King Nothing" in dishonor of Lebron James, the anointed one by the media.  Who checked out of the NBA Finals at about game 5.  Who better work on his game a little more in the off season, and come back hungrier, meaner and more cerebral in his game.   He ain't Mike that is for sure.  Enjoy and have a good day.

Saturday night not so live edition

Greetings and salutations,.....    for anyone that has a mobile device (which should be everyone) you can now view my blog  formatted for your phone.  Special thanks goes out to blogger for that.

Some horse racing history this week on June 9, 1973 Secretariat won the Triple Crown of horse racing by winning the Belmont by an unprecedented 31 lengths.   Here is the video of that race.

On this date June 11, 1990 Nolan Ryan throws his sixth career no hitter striking out 14 batters in a 5 to nothing win against the A's. Ryan became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter for three different teams; and the first to throw one in three different decades. The Strikeout King has to be one of my all time favorites.

The Reds are out in Frisco and so far so good that have taken two from the Giants , and today beat  Tim "the Freak" Lincecum  10-2 go Redlegs!!!!!

SEC basketball is no longer gonna be a two division conference, no more east and west , they have unified much like Germany did .  In the words of President Reagan, Mr Slive tear down that wall.    Rickey  One Minute decided to chime in on this after Coach Cal took a swipe at the Big Least 

In closing for the night I leave  with the music pick of the day , this one goes out to the working man and woman who put in 40 plus hours a week just to make it in this country.    Make it a great one folks

  

Tuesday's Gone

I know an egregious rip off of the song.  This goes out to the egregious rip off of a TV drama "Sons of Anarchy" on FX.  We now have the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle gang in the small town of Olive Hill, KY .  I am not making this up folks.   They are far from  SAMCRO (Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original)  I think its funny they could not come up with an original name. I won't be surprised when the creators hit them with a cease and desist order for copyright infringements.  

Speaking of retreads, former University of Kentucky  Billy Clyde has hired as a graduate assistant and former UK and UNLV guard Derrick Jasper.   This relationship must be better than we though consider Clyde rush Jasper back from micro-fracture knee surgery with in six month instead of red-shirting him for the year.  Because of this Derrick now must try to getting into coaching instead of playing  like he could have.  

Lexington Herald Leader's Jerry Tipton must have had a slow news day and wrote this story to tie in the Mavs Dirk Nowitzki  to tie in UK and the NBA playoffs which start tonight.

Some interesting tidbit,I guess, in preparation of not working this NFL season NBC's Cris Collinsworth is taking an assistant coaching gig for Highlands Highschool (KY). Cris will be the receivers coach for the school and the pay is $0.00 , gotta give kudos for a former NFL great giving his time to his kid's school.

Music pic for the day:


Can't go wrong with the Boss. Glory Days is one of my favorite songs of his reminds me of my friends from highschool in good old Elliott County.   A shout out to the class of '96.  I know showing my age.   had some of the best times there not a care in the world until reality hits you square in the face as you grow older.  


Enjoy and have a good one

Hiatus

I know your probably thinking where you go , I went on hiatus on this cause never thought it would be this tough to talk about the things I like. However now I know why its tough to do these things.   I gotta give it up to the professional guys and gals that do this on a daily basis.   I last left on rant that was either incoherent or maybe spot on who knows.    I am going to stick with sports and maybe every now and then do a piece on the socioeconomic impact that we have in this country.

When I last did this the Reds were doing ok and were in first place in the division.  They have now slid all the way to fourth and the Cuban missile crisis is now in Louisville trying to get his grove back.   If they are going to make him a starter let him get that groove down there and not up here walking the bases loaded.

On to some  better news with the University of Kentucky basketball program.   Yes we lost Liggins and Knight early , and we lost Harrelson due to  graduation.   Coach Cal has reloaded and more than anything we scored a transfer point guard .  So maybe we will have some continuation at the point.

Music pick for this Memorial Day weekend:   Bill Ray Cyrus "Some Gave All"   I know Miley's dad is probably not the best pick but this song fits the weekend.









Now those of you who have a jonesing for basketball we still have the NBA playing  with finals involving the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks.   It the Big 3 vs. Dirk and Co. , but really and truly those who are so against Lebron taking it to South Beach, well stick that in your pipe and smoke it.  Cleveland ownership has to be kicking itself in the rear for letting King James go and not giving him the tools and the team the tools to win.   The Cavaliers much like the maligned Bengals don't care about the fan base or championships.   Just about the bottom lime.

That is all I have for now have a great Weekend everyone and I wanna thank those who serve this great Country, and to those families that have lost loved ones who paid the ultimate price for this Country may God continue to bless you.

Against Big Oil

Exxon $11billion 1st quarter profit
Shell Oil $8 billion in profits

Sorry that I have been away for awhile , however , I am going to divert my attention from sports and get on my soapbox that is the concern of every American. Gas prices.  Don't know about everyone else but I drove past my local station and saw that regular unleaded is $4.19 a gallon.  Never mind that  Exxon posted an $11 billion first quarter profit , Shell oil had over $8 billion in profits.   I am all about business making money but when companies and  oil producing nations such as OPEC can control the price of gas for us  Americans it high time we pull up our boot straps and tell these profit mongers enough is enough.  We can no longer be sustainable with high gas prices but yet we have to pay or we cannot go to work to pay for gas in our vehicles, let alone other bills and needs.   The big fat cat oil executives need to take a trip in the communities like Sandy Hook, KY whose per capita income as of the 2000 census was only $13,278.00, or take a stroll in Portsmouth, OH whose per capita  income was $15,078.00.  I am sorry big oil but your oil profiteering ways stinks like yesterdays diapers.   Those big time executives are so out of touch with  the real people or in the case of  BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg " We care about the small people" , this after the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico , one of the worst ecological disasters caused by man.   That is what big oil thinks about the working man and woman in America that we are the small people that pad their wallets, pay for their company planes, cars, yachts, their lavish parties.  We pay for all of that America.   

would you trust this guy ??
Saudi King Abdullah

While I am at it the Saudis and everyone else in the Middle East that is a major exporter of oil, think about it why you think they got so rich.   They get money from high prices for oil.   Case in point Saudi Arabia's per capita income as of 2007 was $20,700.00.  much higher that most other countries.  


We need to either drill for more of our own oil, and produce our own oil and quit depending on foreign oil.   We also need to bring manufacturing back to this country that is the only way to jump start this economy , we need to boycott  everything made in China people, its made cheap and not held to the high quality of American made things.  We need to support our local farmers cause without them, this country would be in real trouble.   I am sick and tired of the fighting between Republicans and Democrats, damn it Washington we are Americans first do what is right for the country listen to each other quit bickering about who will not do what, or who is grandstanding I do not care.  Just get the job done that you were put in there to do.  Same goes on the State level .  I am going to quote the great Henry Ford here ,"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." , this not only applies in business but in government as well.     OK I will get off my soapbox for now , it just stinks that big oil is not listening.
Make it a great day.

TGIF

Took a day off and spent it with family and went to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens yesterday. I think everyone in Cincinnati had the same idea.  It was a nice day, the sun was out , not too hot or cold.   However a lot happened in the sports world yesterday so lets get cracking.


Reds win.......
Mike Leake helps stop the Reds four game losing skid.  He was able to  focus on the game and the Reds bats finally woke up on the get away game to notch out a 7-4 win over the D-Backs . Whether he is guilty or innocent , the kid was dealing.

• Box Score

Phillips Likes being the bad guy...
Brandon Phillips was talking to the media yesterday before catching  the flight to St Louis stating that, "Honestly, (the boos) will make me feel good, because  it let's me further know  that they have dreams about me."  Hopefully the Cardinals will have nightmares about you Brandon.  I just hope you all can back it up with the play on the field.   The Reds and Cards will  be the Fox game of the day on Saturday and will be the ESPN Sunday Night Baseball game.   Happy Easter Reds fans.   


  


How to win an argument..
Saw this on Kentuckysportsradio.com and found  it very interesting

Driver's Start your Engines....

I hate to say this and I am probably get yelled at for this who knows , and I really don't care. People of Cincinnati do not know how to drive.   They honk their horns if your going to slow, (people that inclines me to drive slower)   This is not  NASCAR your not going to win money for being first out of the chute.  I am not saying all drivers in the Cincinnati metro area don't know how to drive , its just a majority that don't know.  I really don't care if your sitting behind me in the drive thru lane in your Prius on your lunch break you don't need to be rude and honk your horn, again that inclines me to just sit there a little longer just to make you madder.   Speaking of Toyota , I know they are the newest manufacture in the NASCAR series but do you find that your rooting against the Toyota drivers more and not caring if its a Ford , Chevy or Dodge winning.  I say cheer for the big three automakers of Detroit and buy American.  

Kentucky Speedway.....

I know it took years and a lawsuit and having the track sold and the lawsuit dropped , but the inaugural NASCAR Sprint Cup race is finally coming , I know its  old news but what a perfect gift for that race fan to have tickets to the Quaker State 400 .   I am excited to finally have racing in the great state of Kentucky , yes the track has had the Truck series and the Nationwide Series (formerly the Busch series). Finally we get to see the Sunday afternoon  race live and in Sparta, KY the weekend of July 7th thru the 9th.

That all I have now , have a great Easter weekend folks and see you monday

Wednesday news and notes

Well yesterday's news about Mike Leake was not all that surprising in my view according to police when they logged his items he had over $200 cash on him and a couple credit cards.   If dude had the money then why not just pay up, he deserves everything he is getting.  He's an embarrassment to himself, his family and the Reds organization.
Reds Lose Again.......
Sam Lecure started last night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, lets just say he got snake bit a couple times.  What is it with Reds starting pitchers not being able to get out of the first inning at least putting up zeros?  The Reds have dropped 5 of their last 6 games and are 4-8 since starting 5-0 and are now tied with the Brew Crew for first place in the division.

Lamb staying.....
Doron Lamb is staying at the University of Kentucky for next season. Coach Cal was very please with that news, now just waiting to see what Jones and Knight will do.  




Bob Knight apologizes or does he?

ESPN analyst and former Indian and Texas Tech basketball coach Bob Knight said that his comment should not have been 'personal ' to UK or to Coach Cal.    Yeah right Bob this is not the first time you have made comments about UK.  You should direct your frustrations with the NBA and their stupid rules.  The NBA is the one who fostered the one and done player but who can blame these kids for the chance and millions.  Once again Bob Knight showing everyone why he is a horse's rear.



Other News 

The Phillie Phanatic has overtaken The San Diego Chicken as America's favorite mascot, I mean really WTH , the Chicken is an icon but what do I know.  America voted so something has to be right about it, I mean look at Washington D.C..

Yawn...... the NFL released team schedules for the upcoming season......wait a minute they are in a lockout how is their going to be a next season?? The Bungles by the way have the fourth easiest schedule on the books, maybe Mike Brown can look good on this , that is a BIG maybe..

Breaking News


Liggins, Jones, and Knight all three declare for the NBA draft but have not hired agents making possible for them to return.   I just wanna say I don't blame them for testing the waters.   Good luck to all three.

That all for now make it a great day

Leake gets caught stealing he didn't realize the steal sign was off

Mike Leake's mugshot

Good morning and salutations a lot to get too so we will begin.   Reds pitcher Mike Leake has gotten arrested for allegedly shoplifting  about $60 worth of T-shirts from a downtown Cincinnati Macy's .  Leake who is set to make $425,000.00 this year had a statement released thru the Reds and the Reds also released a statement in regards to their transient pitcher.   I don't know what is going on in Mike Leake's head but what was he thinking??  Leake will get to tell his side today in court when he is arraigned in Hamilton County municiple court. Having  all of that happened yesterday when his team the Reds were getting ready for a game against the Pirates last night.  Pirates pitcher Kevin Correia  arrested the Reds bats allowing only three runs in a complete game win.   One of the highlights of the game was  Aroldis Chapman hitting 106 mph on the gun.  The Cuban lefty was coming off three days rest for a tender elbow.  
I must say Reds starting pitchers have not been real good but people its April.  If you recall last year the Reds hovered around the .500 mark all season last season.   Baseball season is a marathon not a sprint still a lot of games need to be played.


Switching gears to college basketball...... Bobby Knight ..... Bobby Knight,  what kind of loser do you have to be to try and cut down a program that you have no direct knowledge of.?   This is not the first time The General has drawn the ire of BBN  with his comments to a pro-Indiana crowd.  Only this time around Barnhart released a statement contradicting Knight's claims.     When will Bobby learn that if you mess with a Cat long enough it will come out and scratch the hell out you.  


In closing for today I have sad news to report dodgeball has been banned at a Dallastown, PA middle school.   because of a parent complaint.  I guess little Johnny or Susie went home crying after taking a ball hard to the face. They obviously did not follow the 5 D's of dodgeball.   That all I have for today make it great one

Monday morning rambler

Sorry folks that I have not been on the past couple of days.  Been helping do a home improvement project old hardwood floors that you would think it was easy.   Unfortunately no........if anyone has tips on refinishing floors it would be appreciated.    Now onto sports related stuff.

First inning ERA 29.25
thru 4 starts

The Reds open up a  can on the Pirates on Saturday at GABP  but on Sunday not so much.  Edinson Volquez 1st inning troubles have carried over into another game allow back to back homeruns in the first inning and digging a 4 zip hold to begin the game with.   His first inning concerns should be least of his worries.  Volquez is having command issues  and with Cueto and Bailey set to return from the DL,  Dusty Baker and the toothpick  should really consider putting Volquez in the bullpen  so that he can calm his nerves and get his head in the game.  



Switching gears to UK......Jerry Tipton. of the Lexington Herald Leader actually has an interesting article on whether or not the UK athletic department gives enough back to the general fund . (In which it gives over 1 million dollars cue Dr. Evil.)  Seriously however in my view Rupp Arena is a fine venue to watch a college basketball game have you ever been there?   I know a bulk of the championships were won when they were in Memorial Coliseum, but you can fill the electricity in the air in that place when students and fans alike get to cheering for their beloved Wildcats.   You don't need luxury boxes for  a college game.   I am sorry UK but for this one Wildcat fan you do not have my support for a new arena.   I am sure the city of Lexington can find better uses for the $350k that is being used for a feasibility study.

In other basketball news Xavier's Tu Holloway has declared for the NBA draft but did not hire an agent, that leaves the door open for him to return if he chooses to pull out of the draft by May 8.  Personally I think anybody leaving early should strongly consider the lockout and not declare, again just my opinion, but hopefully


That is all I have make it a great day people

Reds lose in a wind blown game and NFL ramblings

The ball was not nearly  flying out of GABP last night as the Reds drop the game to the Pirates 6-1.  The one run being a solo shot off the bat of Jay Bruce.  The Pirates stopped a four game losing skid by bringing the bats they garnered up 14 hits against Bronson and company. Arroyo usually able to go 6 or 7 innings in a game could not reach the 5th inning  in this wind blown game, where according to the weather guys winds were gusting up to 56 mph. Here is Kevin Goheen's from MLB.com report.  Reds play again today at 1:10pm.

Switching gears from baseball to the NFL the lockout is now over one month and counting the players and owners are back at the table with a federal mediator.  Here is my spin on things , the players and owners are a bunch a crybabies.  The owners are like the kid that has the ball and if something does not go his way; he says he is going home and taking the ball too.  So all the kids can't play.   The owners and players are being selfish, they need to consider the fans that have so much time and their hard earned money to go watch men play a sport.  They need to get their act together , I for one really don't , reason being the Bengals will suck it up once again.  

Speaking of the Bengals...............................................Mike Brown needs to get a clue and hire a GM, most of the NFL teams have GMs with the exception of the Cowboys , the Bengals are nowhere on the level of the Cowboys.  Mr. Brown I know your not savvy with what the fans want and could care less what the fans think, maybe attendance will have to drop more because your inferior product on the field is not that great.  I really don't blame Carson Palmer wanting out.

My View

Have to be honest this is my first go around for a blog.  So let's begin........................  

 Mitch Barnhart the AD  for the University of Kentucky states that UK basketball needs to play in a ."gold standard arena".  Really Mitch?? I thought Rupp Arena was the "Gold Standard" for college basketball.   I guess 7 national championships and the most wins in basketball is not enough.  If your trying to keep up with UofL then don't.  Does UK really need to keep up with the red headed step-child  UofL???  I think not.     On a lighter note still no word as of yet from any of the UK freshman if they will declare or not, however the deadline is April 24th stayed  tuned will have a list as soon as its available.