SPORTS - CINCINNATI STYLE

🏀 Last weekend, Xavier played two great games and now moves on to the Sweet Sixteen phase of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.  They are matched with Arizona University and their ex-coach Sean Miller.  It should be interesting.  You'll have to stay up late tonight to watch it.
🏀 The UC Bearcats ran into UCLA in the second round of the tourney and wilted in the second half.  Their season is done. Three starters need to be replaced - I hear there is a great group coming in.
🏀 The boys high school state tourney is down to the final four playing this weekend.  Representing us locally are Roger Bacon in division III and Moeller in division I.

🏃LAX  Lacrosse season is here.  Mariemont HS has hit the ground running - having obliterated Lakota East and Fenwick.

🏉 The Bengals are licking their wounds after the wicked start to the free-agent season.  All eyes are now on the draft of college players which takes place on April 27 thru 29th.  The Bengals have the ninth pick courtesy of their dismal record last year.  As a prep for the draft, coaches and scouts are hanging at the player combined workouts in Indianapolis and the individual pro days held at many large colleges.  The Bengals are probably looking for an outstanding pass rusher.  They added a linebacker in free agency which may solve that problem.  Ray Maualuga is probably not going to make this team.

⚾ It's hard to tell exactly what the Reds are going to have this year.  I would guess they will field an average to better than average offensive team.  The bull pen staff should be better this year - this isn't saying much because they had the worst imaginable last year.  The starting pitchers could be okay if they ever get healthy.  Homer Bailey is on the mend - again.  Another starter, Anthony DeSclafani, pulled a muscle and is out at least a few weeks.  Brandon Finnegan is the only starter from last year who is able to pitch.  They can't call Raisel Iglesias, their best young pitcher, out of the bullpen because he is laid up with a bone bruise.  Don't be surprised if they trade for a starting pitcher real soon.

⚾ The Reds announced that Scott Feldman will be the opening day starting pitcher.  "Who?"  you say.  The Reds signed him as a free agent this winter.  He's 34 and has been around the block a few times.
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