Alright, a lot to cover here, but you have to let me rant for a minute.  As many of you know, I am a West Virginia Mountaineers fan.  I know this team wasn’t good enough to even make it to the Sweet Sixteen, I do.  But man, did they get screwed over by some of the most corrupt decisions in college sports history, as well as Indiana getting the short straw as well.  West Virginia was left out of March Madness, yet North Carolina, Xavier, and Texas somehow found their way in.  Baffling right?  Let’s take a look into the numbers for each of these schools and you tell me if Bubba Cunningham (Athletic Director of North Carolina/Chairman of the Committee) had anything to do with this-he did. He secured a $104,000 bonus for getting the Tarheels in the dance on top of it.  Maybe we should let Peebles High School Athletic Director be the chairman of OHSAA and get Peebles the easiest route in the dance every year, while giving him a bonus for doing so.  Works for Bubba, right?

West Virginia –  111/111 bracketologists had WVU in the dance, Wins over Gonzaga (Neutral court), Arizona (Neutral court), Kansas (at Kansas), and Iowa State, 6 Quad 1 wins, 0 Quad 3 or 4 losses, .500 in the Big 12, Defeated 4 ranked teams, 4 Big 12 road victories, 3 wins against AP Top 10 teams (most in the Big 12), 1 of only 30 teams to have 6 quad 1 victories.  And don’t give me the injury excuse.  Tucker DeVries hasn’t played since December 6^th before conference play.  Give me a break!

North Carolina – 27/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-12 in Quad 1 games (Atrocious), Quad 3 loss, Beat UCLA (Only ranked team they beat), 13-7 in a very poor ACC, 13 losses…But hey, they almost beat Duke

Xavier – 30/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 1-9 in Quad 1 games, ranked wins over Marquette and Uconn, 13-7 in the Big East. 

Texas – 50/111 bracketologists had them in the dance, 15 losses, 6-12 in conference play (WOOF), Wins over ranked opponent Mississippi State, Texas A&M, UK, Missouri.

Which resume would you want if you wanted to get in the tournament?  Do you think the Athletic Director of North Carolina should be a chair on the selection committee?  I didn’t think so.  Shame on the NCAA. 

Bags Secured for Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins

At last, our beloved duo finally has reached an agreement with Chase and Higgins including: 4 year extension for Chase, $161 million, $112 million guaranteed (Highest paid non-QB in NFL history).  Higgins signed a four year extension for $115 million and becomes the highest WR2 in NFL history.  Never say the Bengals are cheap ever again, as they just forked up the cash and added tax!  However, this shows that they waited too long.  Nail the draft Cincinnati and start paying your stars early, while reaping the benefits later.  Prices don’t go down, Brown Family!  Be happy though Bengals fans, as this is huge.  Hendrickson, you’re next if at all possible.  Defense has some major holes that need filled and I expect the draft to be majorly focused on pass rush and secondary help. 

One Week until Reds Opening Day

With just a week and some change until Reds Opening Day, the excitement is building around Cincinnati.  This city is ready for some baseball and the city desperately needs a contender this year-and I think they will get just that.  However, there are some areas of concern as of late:

• Tyler Stephenson will miss some time with an oblique strain-Massive blow to the lineup
• Jose Trevino is day to day with a thumb injury, leaving us with Wynns should Trevino also miss time
• Spencer Steer will likely miss Opening Day, but Francona is giving him every chance to try and be ready come next week

Outside of this though, the Reds are relatively healthy and look to bounce back from these injuries fast.  Cincinnati is in a much better spot than last season regarding health.  Some notable players that will not be making the Opening Day roster this year include Noelvi Marte and Will Benson.  Both have struggled, although I can see Benson joining the team within a month or so of playing time in AAA, as I think he is a true Major League batter.  If Stephenson and Steer both miss time, I expect Blake Dunn to be given a chance to make an impact quick, with Hurtubise ready to get some major league time as well.  They both have been highly impressive this Spring. 

Reds baseball is nearly here and it is the most magical time of the year!  Well unless you ask my wife, as we visited Dollywood this weekend and she got to see Dolly Parton in the parade.  I guess I owed her for the years of dragging her to RedsFest, Reds Games, and Bengals games! Seeing her happy to see Dolly was worth it and I owed her for the amount of time she has spent in line with me to talk to players season after season!

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I didn’t want to have to rant about this and it is sad that it has gotten to this point, but the mismanagement from Bengals ownership has truly sent this organization on a downward spiral.  I’d like to stand outside of Paycor Stadium and yell “The Price will only increase” until one of them understands.  If Cincinnati would’ve acted when they should have, Bates would be playing for 12 million per year, Higgins would’ve signed for 23 million per year, Chase for 35 million per year, and Hendrickson for 25 million per year.  Prices aren’t going down and after the Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signings, these players will want even more.  Now that Duke Tobin has agreed to make Ja’Marr the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history (never ever say that before a signing), we now are looking at 40+ million for Chase. 

It’s time to get the deals done, eat the losses that are a direct result of incompetence, and change the way this organization operates.  I love the Bengals, I really do.  Paul Brown was known as one of the biggest influencers to the game of football, but his family has failed to understand how to properly handle contracts and forming a roster.  As JJ Watt stated, “Reward your players earlier and reap the benefits in the long run.”  Never allow yourself to get in these standoffs year after year with your franchise players.  With that being said, I expect a deal done with Higgins today.  If not and if this team goes into camp with multiple players unhappy with contract situations, you can nearly bank on another slow start.  Now, there has been some good news as of recent, as Cincinnati locked up Gesicki and Ford, but it’s time to take care of our star players.  Easy for me to say though when it’s not my money, right?

17 Days Away from Reds Opening Day

With just over two weeks away from meaningful baseball, the Reds are in a relatively healthy position and I truly believe this team has a chance at surprising a lot of people around the baseball world.  Hats off to Meador, Krall, and ownership for everything they’ve done to get this roster to a point of truly being able to compete.  Francona is ready to make some noise and the city needs a quality year of Reds baseball.  This truly feels like the year that it happens. 

• The Reds announced the first 4 in the rotation to begin the year: Greene, Lodolo, Martinez, and Singer.  The 5^th spot is up for grabs between Abbott (injury), Lowder (injury), Spiers, and Ashcraft.  I’d feel a whole lot better if Lowder or Abbott filled this 5^th spot in the rotation. 
• If Steer is out, I think it comes down to Hurtubise or Dunn for that final spot.  I think they’ve both played well, but Blake Dunn deserves that final spot. 
• We have a true professional that will likely debut this year or next for the Reds in Sal Stewart.  His approach is just different than our other prospects.  He gets a lot of praise around the league. He looks major league ready.
• Chase Petty could find himself on the big league roster after a stint in AAA.  He’s finally coming around and is posting some impressive numbers. 
• I want to see Chase Burns on the fast track to the big leagues.  The 22 year old could find himself in a Skenes situation this season and I hope he pitches well enough to force the hand of calling him up early on this season.  He has major league stuff already. 
• Chris Sabo is the 2025 Findlay Market Opening Day Parade Grand Marshal.  This is awesome and I am hopeful for a Votto appearance in the future. 

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The Cincinnati Bengals made a late season surge. They won their final five games to put themselves in position to be in the playoffs. It came down to the final weekend where the teams hopes were pinned on several scenarios. All the scenarios had to come true. They all did with the exception of one. As a result the late season surge was too little, too late. For the second straight season Cincy will be at home watching the playoffs.

Looking back on the 9-8 season, had just one of those losses been wins the Bengals would have had their chance to be in the playoffs. You could take your pick. I think the most devastating loss had to be the week 1 loss to the New England Patriots. Despite a first year now fired head coach of a team that went 4-13, the New England Patriots came to Cincy and upset the Bengals in week #1 16-10. The loss set the tone for a devastating start to the season. One the Bengals never did recover from.

There were some historically great performances from the Bengal  stars. The Bengal threesome of Jamar Chase, Joe Burrow, and Tre Hendrickson had seasons so elite it’s the first time any team had three players   lead the league in sacks, passing and receiving and not make the playoffs. The 2024 season will go down as one of the most bizarre seasons in Bengal history. Six of the eight Bengal losses ended in nearly identical fashion. Final minutes, nail biter, either team could win type losses.

If you had to point blame for the Bengals this season, you would likely point to the defensive side of the ball. At one point in the season the Bengals scored over 30 points in three straight games and still lost. The failures of the defense  ultimately cost the Bengals a playoff spot and cost defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo  his job. Several other position coaches were let go. Bengal owner Mike Brown traditionally is a loyal owner who seldom sends coaches packing. Brown sent a message at the conclusion of this season. He held  coaches accountable for the failings of the 2024 season and sent them packing.

At the start of next season Cincy will have a new offensive line coach and a new defensive coordinator.  Several decisions will have to be made during the off season. One thing is for sure. Cincy will have to shell out big $$ for Jamar Chase. Not only will Chase command big $, the team will also have to pay if they want to keep Chase’s side kick Tee Higgins.

Stay tuned, because the off-season may be every bit as interesting as was the regular season for the Bengals.

Feature Image: File photo

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Do you really think blaming the Chiefs is the right thing to do after Cincinnati had another slow start and was sitting at 4-8?  Come on now.  Do you think Cincinnati would play starters and risk injury if they clinched and had 1 loss to possibly let the Chiefs in?  The answer is no.  The season is over and there is nobody to blame but themselves, as you can’t wait until your 4-8 to realize that there is talent on the team. Frustrated is an understatement.

• Ja’Marr Chase is the Triple Crown Winner, Joe Burrow had the most yards and touchdowns, Trey Hendrickson had the most sacks, the Bengals had a 4^th place schedule, Joe was healthy all year, and Cincinnati missed the playoffs.  How…
• Many people that we could blame or games we could look back on including the Patriots loss week one, that 4^th down penalty against the Chiefs, multiple McPherson missed field goals, that Chargers meltdown, Steelers blown loss, and the defense not figuring out how to play decent until the Cowboys game.
• Frank Pollack and Lou Anarumo, if this team was serious about wanting to win next season, I wouldn’t get too comfortable.
• Injuries, just as any other team destroyed this roster, specifically the offensive line.
• Let’s not forget to blame the front office for letting Reader walk.  Rankins, I don’t know what sickness you have, but golly…The guy got the bag and barely played due to sickness.  Prayers for him, as that must be one serious illness?
• Evan McPherson, you ruined so many games for me this year.  16-22 this season and he ranks 37^th in field goal percentage, 20^th in XP percentage, and was nearly dead last in points scored by a starting kicker.  Hey, that Super Bowl run was fun though. 
• The Steelers fans that don’t even really like the Steelers, but just say they do to antagonize Bengals fans- Most annoying fans in football.  It’s like your local Michigan fan with zero ties to Michigan.  Keep seeking attention.
• Seeing another wasted Joe Burrow year pains me, as you can see around the league how hard it is to find someone of his caliber. 
• Trey Hendrickson deserves defensive player of the year.  He doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.  You certainly can’t give it to Watt after Cody Ford made him look like a rookie can you?
• If I had the reigns, Zac Taylor would be out of Cincinnati as soon as the snow cleared up.  However, plan on Taylor being here for the next two seasons, if not longer.  He’s not going anywhere. 

Officially Baseball Season

With some areas in the region having 18 inches of snow, now felt like a great time to officially declare it baseball season in the McAdow household.  We will celebrate by crossing our fingers that Krall does something with this outfield before it’s too late.  We have a manager who has been a proven winner.  Now give him the tools and let’s try to bring winning baseball back to Cincinnati already.  80 short days until Opening Day.  I know a few free agents that would be massive upgrades over Cincinnati’s current outfielders.  Make a move!

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At 4-8 earlier in the year, if you would’ve told me the Bengals had a chance to make the playoffs in the final week, I would’ve called you crazy.  Yes, the slow start along with the McPherson missed kicks and that 4^th down penalty vs. the Chiefs will likely keep Burrow out of the playoffs, but let’s enjoy the Broncos victory and stay positive while there is still hope.  What’s it going to take to make the playoffs?  Let’s dive in:

• On Saturday at 8:00, the Bengals must beat the Steelers.  The Steelers will likely have nothing to play for, as the Ravens will clinch the AFC North at 4:30 that day when they beat the Browns. 
• On Sunday at 4:25, the Jets must beat the Dolphins or have the game end in a tie.  Aaron Rodgers, save this season for Joe.
• On Sunday at 4:25, the Chiefs backups must beat the Broncos.  Carson Wentz is starting for Kansas City and I’d be lying if I said I was confident that the Chiefs will win this game. 

Will all of this happen this weekend?  Probably not, but there is still hope.  Burrow, Rodgers, and Wentz, we need each of you this weekend to be on your “A” Game. 

Facts and Comments

• The Bengals are 8 points shy of breaking their All-Time Franchise record in points scored.  How this team isn’t in the playoffs already is truly baffling.  Bad luck, bad coaching, bad defense, and a bad kicker will do that to a team. 
• There is only one team in history to ever play 5 primetime road games in a season in history.  The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals.
• Joe Burrow is the only quarterback in history to have 250+ pass yards and 3+ pass touchdowns in 8 straight games.  He’s the best football player on the planet.  Even if this team misses the playoffs, he is the definition of Most Valuable Player.
• There has been 22 times in NFL History where a quarterback threw for 400+ yards, 3 touchdowns, and completed 79% of their passes.  3 of those occurrences belong to Joe Burrow (more than any other quarterback in history).
• Joe Burrow is the first quarterback in Bengals history to throw for 40+ touchdowns in a season. 
• Amarius Mims continues to battle through injury.  He gave up 0 sacks to Garrett, Watt, Crosby, or Parsons this year.  He’s been astounding. 
• Ja’Marr still leads the league in receiving yards, receptions, touchdowns, yards per game, YAC, and first downs.  We are watching a Hall of Famer in his prime.  Enjoy it.
• Trey Hendrickson leads the entire league in sacks (14), tied with Myles Garrett.  With pressure from nobody else, what Trey is doing is absurd.  He is phenomenal. 
• Cade York, I’ve had enough.  At this point, we are in 4 down territory at all times on our end of the field.  Forget kicking field goals.  Those complaining of not kicking them earlier in the game got to see why York wasn’t on a team during his missed chip shot to end the game. 
• I’m tired of MVP awards being given to the quarterback on the team with the best record.  Enough with the nonsense.  This team would be miserable to watch without Joe.  He has better statistics than every other quarterback.  Give him what he deserves and give Ja’Marr offensive player of the year.

Feature Image: Matthew McAdow and son, Creed, in the stands supporting the Cincinnati Bengals. Photo provided

The post Bengals Playoff hopes are slim, but alive appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

     If you are a Cincinnati Bengal fan give yourself a round of applause. You’ve been through a meat grinder. Your patience has been tested, your heart has been broken, you’ve been absolutely overjoyed, and you now are at the point where you have to wait on glass and needles to see if your team will make the playoffs.

I guess it could be worse. You could be a fan of the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, New England Patriots, or Jacksonville Jaguars.  All the aforementioned teams had very little winning in 2024 if any. All the teams will be rewarded for their losing efforts with a top pick in the 2025 draft. 

     Then you have the fans of the elite teams. Fans of the Chiefs, Bills, Lions, Eagles and Vikings. Some fans of those teams are actually plotting ways to call off work or play hookie from school to attend a possible Super Bowl parade. They all have a chance at the NFL’s highest team award. The Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy.

Bengal fans are kind of in the middle of the pact. Cincy won’t have a top pick, but, sorry, we are not amongst the elite in the NFL this year. As a matter of fact, Bengal fans have to wait until week 18. That will be the final week of the NFL season to see if they even made the playoffs.  There simply has not been a season in more recent memory where fans were kept on the edge of their seat more than in 2024 in Cincinnati. Two games with Baltimore, Los Angeles, Washington and Kansas City. All went down to the final minutes. All ended up in Bengal fan disappointment with the Bengals losing. Had the team managed to win just one of the games, they would probably be solidified in the playoffs now.

The single biggest disappointment for the 2024 season will go down as the week 1 loss to the New England  Patriots. The Patriots had a brand new coach and are amongst the worst teams in the league. Somehow, the Bengals found a way to lose to the Patriots at home. Should the Bengals not make the playoffs, most fans will look back at the week 1 loss and point to the game as the one that did them in.    

     Despite the positioning, Cincy fans will get one last week of hope. One last week to dream of a magical run to the Super Bowl. A Cincinnati win, Denver loss, and Miami loss will mean a chance. Any other scenarios, fans can put the orange and black face paint away, hang up the Joe Burrow jerseys, and stop the Who Dey chants until the end of the summer of 2025.     

Feature Image: Bengals fans had something to cheer about in the home game here last Saturday as they defeated the Denver Broncos in overtime. Photo By Michael Mitchell

The post Bengal fans bend, …don’t break appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

After a dominating victory over the Browns on Sunday, the Bengals now find themselves right back in the playoff race, sitting at 7-8.  With a win over the Broncos this coming weekend, Cincinnati would keep the playoff hopes alive going into the final week of the season.  However, a lot needs to take place for them to get in, but it is possible.  Let’s take a look at the route to the playoffs:

• Bengals must beat the Broncos and Steelers to end the season
• Broncos must lose to the Bengals and Chiefs to end the season
• Colts have to lose 1 more game (Giants 2-13 or Jaguars 3-12) Yikes…
• Dolphins have to lose 1 more game (Browns 3-12 or Jets 4-11) I like that a little better…

If all of this happens, then the Bengals can find themselves in the final remaining Wildcard spot and Burrow can be in the playoffs where he truly deserves to be after a historical year.  Just win against the Broncos first and let’s see where things stand after this week.   

Facts and Comments

• Joe Burrow’s Superman impression was on display this weekend and he continued the heroics by setting an NFL record with 3+ passing touchdowns and 250+ passing yards in 7 straight games.  This breaks Tom Brady’s record when the Patriots went undefeated in 07’. 
• Remember when Ja’Marr said he would break every franchise record the Bengals had when he got drafted?  Well, he is doing just that, as now he has the most receiving yards in a single season in Bengals season with 2 games left.  Sheesh!  He needs 5 more receptions and 2 more touchdowns to hold the franchise triple crown.  I’d say he gets it, if I was a betting man (I am).
• We are finally seeing the Geno Stone that the Bengals paid for, as he has three straight games with an interception.  He’s been great over the last few weeks. 
• Mike Hilton spoke about Lou simplifying the defense and how it’s working.  Did Lou Anarumo mismanage this defense to begin the season? 
• I am so conflicted on signing Tee Higgins long term.  I love Tee, but he is grabbing at his ankle or leg after every tackle.  Availability is everything in this league and Tee is always less than 100 percent. 
• I’m afraid the Bengals are going to miss the playoffs by one game and it’ll be hard not to look back at the McPherson missed kicks, that 4^th down P.I. against the Chiefs, and that Patriots loss in week one. 

Do Something Reds

Free agents are dropping like flies and the Reds continue to be sitting on their hands.  Trevino and Singer are great additions, but power bats are a necessity.  Sign one already!  If Cincinnati runs out Steer, Friedl, Fraley, Benson, Stu, and Hinds in 2025, I might pull my hair out.  Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez, Jurickson Profar, Alex Verdugo, and Jesse Winker remain unsigned.  Get something done, preferably with the first two on this list.  I know Krall wants to do trades rather than sign someone, as there is a premium on free agents (Look at Joc Pederson’s contract), but it’s time we pay the premium and take a risk.  Give Tito the roster and let him go to work!

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      Let’s face it. The Bengal defense has a lot to be desired. A whole lot.  At times this season it looked as if offenses had zero obstacles. Just 11 men doing whatever they wanted, however they wanted, when they wanted. Other times the defensive unit showed flashes of a unit that had been at times dominant in recent years.

      Mike Hilton has spearheaded a resurgent Bengal defense. There are few players who’s career looked like it went from might-not-happen to solid. Hilton was one of those. After a stellar career at Ole Miss, Hilton bounced from Jacksonville to New England. Never really finding a place in either organization, the Pittsburgh Steelers came calling when the Fayetteville, Georgia, native finally found a permanent home. For four years Hilton was part of a solid Steeler defensive unit that was always in contention.

      Cincinnati knew they needed defensive backfield help. The Bengals would come calling on Hilton, signing him to a 4-year, 24 million dollar contract. The deal paid off on both ends for Cincinnati. In Hilton’s first year as a Bengal, he was part of a defense that lead the team to a Super Bowl. Last year in 2023, Hilton had his best season, recording 64 solo tackles along with 20 assists.

      In all honesty, 2024 has been an underwhelming year for Hilton and the Bengals squad. Even in the position the team is in at 7-8 the team still has a chance to make the playoffs. They will need to win the final two games and get assistance from other teams. Hilton has stepped up his play on defense as other players have followed suit. The Bengals have won three in a row. The latest victory was a 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns hjere Sunday. Hilton recorded sis tackles in the game against Cleveland. His total for 2024 is 43 solos with 19 assists. Hilton’s current pace would give him his best season yet. If the team is going to make a run, they will need the leadership and playmaking ability of Hilton to do so.

    Defensively, veteran Logan Wilson is gone for the season. Sheldon Rankins continues to miss games. Hilton has been there and done that. He’s experienced the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows in Cincinnati. The script is not finished for the 9-year veteran. Hilton’s future in stripes may yet to be determined. One thing is for sure.  The former Ole Miss Rebel would be hard to replace. It may be a road Cincinnati may not want to go down.

Feature Image: Mike Hilton, #21, of the Bengals tackles the Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, #17, in the Cincinnati-Cleveland game here Sunday. Photo by Michael Mitchell.

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While the Bengals might have a losing record, they certainly put together the most entertaining games week after week.  37 points for Cincinnati, 10 combined turnovers, and 25 combined penalties – but hey, the playoff hopes are alive.  What exactly is it going to take for the Bengals to make the playoffs?  A lot, but let’s dive in:

• Cincinnati has to go 3-0 over the final 3 weeks (Browns, Broncos, Steelers)
• Dolphins need to lose 1 more game
• Colts need to lose 1 more game
• Broncos or Chargers need to go 0-3

In the words of Lloyd Christmas, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.”  While I don’t think this team finds a way in the playoffs, I can promise you that no team in the AFC wants to see this offense squeeze into the playoffs.  I think a McPherson field goal or the 4^th down penalty against the Chiefs will haunt us in the coming weeks and bring this season to a close, but for now, let’s just enjoy being mathematically still in the hunt. 

Silent Reds

While other teams in the division are making big moves, the Reds have remained silent since the India-Singer trade.  The front office has made it clear that they are in the market for a big bat, but have yet to connect on a deal.  As teams begin to make trades and free agents find homes, names that come to mind in being a good fit for this club include Anthony Santander, Teoscar Hernandez (not happening), Joc Pederson, and Jesse Winker.  Ensuring this team brings in a power bat is a necessity in order for this team to truly contend in 2025, as running out last year’s crew will not be enough.  Since Eugenio Suarez left the Queen City, this team has desperately missed having someone that can change the score of a game in one swing at any given time.  No more silence, let’s get this roster ready to go and not be late for the party and settle. 

Luke Waddell joins Matt’s Take

Loveland High School graduate and a player in the Atlanta Braves organization kindly joined Matt’s Take this week.  Luke has worked up the ranks in the organization and found himself playing AAA ball in 2024.  In his minor league career, he is batting .259, has impressive OBP numbers, and continues to make his hometown proud with his continued success as a professional.  I appreciate him taking the time to join Matt’s Take (if you need a tattoo in the area, go visit Jason Barnhart-Luke’s family, best in the business)!

Q: As a Loveland High School graduate, what is your favorite high school sports memory?

A: Well my freshman year our football team won the state championship so that was pretty special. Playing in Canton on the Hall of Fame field in the snow is something I’ll never forget. My favorite though was probably just my junior and senior years of playing all sports because it was the last year I was able to play with all the guys I grew up playing with. So many years playing with a bunch of guys in youth sports all the way into high school. It’s always my favorite to look back and think about all those memories with them.

Q: What are your goals for the 2025 season?

A: Just getting better every day. I can’t really control anything except what I do every day so I just want to be healthy and be able to play every day.

Q: What are you looking to improve the most before Spring Training?

A: Really everything. I want to be faster, stronger, quicker. I’m just trying to polish everything I can so I can be at my best by the start of the season.

Q: If you ever had a chance to make it back to Cincinnati, would have interest in the Reds organization?

A: Yeah of course. I can’t really control that at all but it’d be really cool to come back here. I remember going to games growing up and Cincinnati has a great fan base. Being able to be close to family like that would be really cool.

Q: What advice would you give young athletes in the Cincinnati area who want to follow in your footsteps of playing baseball for a career?

A: Just go out and play. I think sometimes people think there needs to be specialized training too early. When you’re young just go play baseball and that’ll help you the most. Then when you get older you can really specialize and train specific baseball skills but going out and playing will help the most.

Q: What is the most interesting baseball story you have?

A: Can’t really think of anything specific, but it’s been a lot of fun being on a ton of different teams. Meeting guys from all over the country. I’ve met a lot of great guys and have made a lot of great relationships that I’ll have forever.

Ben Verlander joins Matt’s Take

Throughout the baseball community, one of the most knowledgeable analysts in the game is certainly Ben Verlander. He is a Fox Sports MLB analyst, host of the Flippin’ Bats Podcast, former professional baseball player, and is the brother of Justin Verlander. Ben previously has made some bold predictions regarding the Reds in the National League Central and I was lucky enough to talk baseball and pick the brain of Ben regarding Cincinnati. Our Q&A is below:

Q: What is the biggest weakness of this Reds roster currently in your opinion?

A: I think the Reds weakness right now is in the Outfield. I think 1 big bat needs to be added to add depth to the outfield and their lineup.

Q: What were your thoughts on the Terry Francona hire?

A: I absolutely love the Francona hire. I’m in on this Reds team just as I was last year. But better health this year along with a HOF manager is going to be huge for this young team.

Q: Do you believe the Reds won the Singer-India trade?

A: I do believe the Reds won the trade. Although it can be seen as a win/win. But the Reds just ran out of room for India. And to be able to flip him for Brady Singer is huge.

Q: What are your expectations for Elly De La Cruz for the upcoming season?

A: Elly De La Cruz will continue to take another step forward in 2025. The goal should remain the same as last year. Continue to improve the approach and plate discipline. That will continue to develop and he will continue to get better and better

Q: What is your way too early, NL Central prediction for 2025?

A: My way too early prediction for the NL Central in 2025 is that we will have a 3 team race between the Cubs/Brewers/Reds. If the Reds can add one more bat they can win a very winnable NL Central

Feature Image: Ben Verlander and Luke Waddell. Photo provided

The post Bengals playoff hopes remain alive, silent Reds appeared first on The Cincinnati Herald .

      If the Bengals didn’t have a high powered offense that can score on any team in the league you would almost have to wonder if Cincinnati would have won any games this season. Of the 32 total NFL teams, the Bengals rank 27^th amongst all. For a team that has been to two of the past three AFC Championships, this is not a good standing.

      This past weekend, the Bengals were able to soundly defeat the Tennessee Titans in Nashville. Let’s not get overjoyed. The  Titans are not setting the world on fire. Former Kentucky Wildcat star Wil Levis may as well have gift wrapped the game to the Bengals. It’s almost as if Levis was a Bengal, as he tossed three interceptions and was yanked out of the game for backup Mason Rudolph. For once, the Bengal defense created turnovers and enough stops to send themselves to a 37-27 victory and a 6-8 record.

      A win is a win. All wins count the same, all losses go against you. Cincinnati defeated one of the NFL’s worst teams. No surprise. They absolutely should have left with the victory. If the team is going to go anywhere or do anything, they will have to do it without key defensive starters. Logan Wilson is already out for the remainder of the 2024 season with a knee injury. Starter Sheldon Rankins continues to be out of the lineup as well. The defense as a whole has underachieved all season and failed to stop opponents at key times. Even if Cincinnati does manage to sneak into the playoffs, which at this point is a long shot, the flaws of the defense could easily be exposed by the Kansas Citys, Buffalos, and Ravens of the world.

      It wont be a major secret as to what the Bengals will need to shop for on the defensive side of the ball in the off season. Teams have gashed Cincy running the ball and passing in 2024. Yes, it’s truly nice to have a top three QB and receiver in the league. The Bengals have invested a ton of money in Joe Burrow. They are about to invest a ton of money in Ja’Maar Chase. They will likely make a market offer to Tee Higgins. But please. Somebody remind the person that passes out the dough for the Bengals that at some point you have to stop somebody from scoring. You need players. Good players. If the team doesn’t make signing some top defensive talent in the off season or hitting in the draft, this team will be right back where they were in 2024. Hoping and praying a combination happens so they get in the playoffs. Or worse…Totally out of contention.

Feature Image: File photo by Michael Mitchell

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