CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

The Reds were off Monday and then lost three in a row to the Dodgers who were in town. Griffey was sick and didn't play. They couldn't score a run if they had to. On to New York they went, to begin a nine game road trip and play the red hot Yankees . Edinson Volquez, their only stopper, did the job in the opener. In his major league debut, Daryl Thompson pitched five scoreless in a win on Saturday and Johnny Cueto did a great job on Sunday only to lose. That's 2 wins and 4 loses for the week. The Reds are now 13-1/2 games behind the Cubs, edging out the Astros for last place in their division.

Dija notice how dangerous it is to play shortstop for the Reds? Going into the season, starting shortstop Alex Gonzalez broke a leg and never got on the roster. Jeff Keppinger got the job and did great until he broke his knee cap while batting. Jerry Hairston Jr took over and did great until he broke his thumb while sliding into second base. Jolbert Cabrera took over and did great until he got a compound displacement of his index finger while sliding into second. They called me to take over but I said, "No thanks!" With any luck, they'll let Corey Patterson play shortstop.

The Bengals and Chad Johnson are all kisses and hugs. It makes me sick. This can only work if they go undefeated and that 'aint gonna happen'.

Xavier recruit Kenny Frease, 7'0" 265 lb center from Massillon, has been selected for the U.S. Elite under 19 team playing in a world tournament taking place in France this summer.

The Bearcat football team is still trying to get another year of eligibility from the NCAA for their quarterback, Ben Mauk. A final appeal will be heard this week.