Stirrings in Cincinnati

There have been a lot of happenings in Cincinnati sports the last few days and I'd like to put my two cents in on it. But before I mention that, I'd like to give a plug to this web site - http://www.rzim.org. It's the site of Ravi Zacharias. He's a Christian apologist and excellent teacher. He is a lot like C.S. Lewis and uses logic to explain Christianity. If you are an Ipod person, you can also subscribe to his free weekly podcast.

OK, back to the world of Cincinnati sports. First, there was the Reds hiring Walt Jocketty. From an organizational stand point you could make an argument that Wayne Krivsky will be looking over his shoulder and worried about Walt and Bob Castellini stepping on his toes. But I heard in an interview that Walt said he didn't want to be a GM again. The bottom line is that Walt and Bob are good friends and Walt is a really smart baseball guy. He discovered Chris Carpenter and built the Cardinals into a perennial baseball team. Walt will not be making decisions but he will give Wayne and Bob some valuable insight on chasing free agents, making trades and signing contracts. I'm really happy about this, and it's more proof that Castellini means business in getting the Reds back to the playoffs.

With that said, I don't think the Reds are finished this offseason, but it might not be until spring training that they make a move. They feel pretty set in terms of a lineup but I would think something has to happen in outfield. Dunn and Griffey are entrenched and center field is up for grabs. After last year, it's pretty evident that Ryan Freel is not an every day player, especially in center. Chris Dickerson is hardly a viable option (career minor league batting average of .255 and he struck out 131 times in AAA last year). That leaves Norris Hopper or Jay Bruce as your starter in center and if you go with Bruce, who is your leadoff hitter? Look, I love the potential of Bruce being a Matt Holliday-type player but he's only 20. Griffey's contract is running out. Don't rush Bruce, let Norris start in center and let Bruce take Griffey's spot next year.

As for the rotation, I'm not comfortable with Harang, Arroyo, Belisle, Bailey and Volquez. Belisle is OK is a fifth starter but nothing more. Arroyo should be a No. 2 and Bailey has a way to go. Volquez is a question mark. The deal for Erik Bedard is not going to get done and there is no way you can rely on Bailey, Cueto or Matt Maloney to be solid from the start. The best free agent available is former Red Brett Tomko. He's a nice fit in that three spot.

There's been some rumbling in the jungle lately, as well in for the form of Chad Johnson. Chad is clearly not the problem with the Bengals. He's the most consistent and reliable performer on the team. The problem with the Bengals is and has been a lack of leadership at the top. When your franchise quarterback says that the coaches in place cannot get the job done, it's a problem. I'm not sure that Marvin has "lost the team," but a house cleaning is definitely in order. I would never suggest that Chad be traded. He's the best thing to happen to the city since the Ickey Shuffle. But trading T.J. is more reasonable. No. 2 wide receivers aren't hard to find and it's Chad that has made T.J. a pro bowl receiver. You put anyone next to Chad and they might be a pro bowl receiver. T.J. has admitted his selfishness and he has always believed he's the top dog on the team. Moving him and also cutting an obviously slowed Rudi Johnson wouldn't be out of the question in my mind. On the defensive side, the ultimate under achiever in Justin Smith is clearly out the door, I'd be shocked if they resigned Madieu Williams (although that would be a monumental mistake) and Deltha O'Neal wants out...so let him go. Dexter Jackson, John Thorton and Bryan Robinson will also likely be gone. It's a shake up the organization needs.

Also, don't be surprised if another assistant -- mostly likely QB coach Ken Zampese or line coach Paul Alexander -- take jobs elsewhere and aren't begged to stay. I would love Zampese as the offensive coordinator but he's been up for other jobs the last couple years and turned them down. The offseason in Cincinnati should make for some entertainment.

By the way, with the No. 9 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...Vernon Gholston, defensive lineman, THE Ohio State University.