By Andy Furman
Some notes…some quotes…some thoughts…some ideas….
Far be it from me to spend someone else’s money – although I’d love to – yet it’s time we discuss the role of the Cuban Missile on your Cincinnati Reds.
This hard-throwing lefty was signed for some $30 million, and it hurts me as much to say it as write it.
He was a carnival act when he was brought up last season. Throwing the baseball at some 105.3 miles-per-hour. Wow – that 105.3 is FM numbers.
But this year he’s be relegated to the bullpen, and not in the lights-out closer role. He sets-up in the 7th and 8th innings.
And for my money this flamethrower has to be the closer on this ballclub. At this point in time, wandering around the .500 mark – this team needs him.
And if not as a closer, wouldn’t he sell some tickets if he were inserted in the starting rotation? A draw. An attraction. Great for box office.
Who could argue that he should/could replace Mike Leak?
We’ll see. As I said, it ain’t my money.
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The Junior Seau suicide was a stunning loss for the National Football League as well as the world of sports.
Could it have been avoided? We’ll see. His brain will be examined and concussion damage will be sought. But what does the league do? What can they do?
As cold as it may sound, football is a violent, brutal sport. And not unlike other professions – fire fighter, miner, roofer – there are risks. These players know these risks, and honestly are paid handsomely for same.
As for Seau, he played a remarkable 20 seasons in the league. Never missed a game. Was tough. Was admired by his peers as well as coaches.
And he’ll certainly be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
But the 20 years of pounding he suffered, and add to that years at USC and in high school, had to take its toll.
Is it part of the game? Is the game too brutal?
That’s not for us to discuss. It’s a decision to be made by players.
And perhaps parents of players.
How do you protect your kids from possible injury? How do you tell them you can’t play football?
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