Lessons in September

Things I've learned over the last 10 days :

* Aroldis Chapman is as good as advertised. I love it when a player lives up to the hype. For every Chapman, LeBron James, and Tiger Woods; there are dozens of Harold Minor's and Terrell Owens'. Chapman's simply terrific. His own team mate Bronson Arroyo's fastball tops out around 89 MPH. For Chapman? That's a slider. That breaks 2 feet. If I'm Reds' brass, he's the closer now, and for the forseeable future. Good night, Irene. Turn out the lights. With Mike Leake, Travis Wood, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, and Homer Bailey; the Reds have plenty of young starters. Sam LeCure and Matt Maloney - both quality pitchers in their own right - are there for backup if needed. That troop spells long-term success for the Reds; and don't we deserve it after a decade and a half?

* The Indianapolis Colts simply did not look ready to play a meaningful football game. I wish it weren't that simple; but it is. They were man-handled on both sides of the ball, pushed around and made to look totally inferior. Anthony Gonzalez simply HAS to keep his feet in bounds. Pierre Garcon has to hold on to the ball when he's got first down yardage and no one's on him. Jamey Richard would do well to get just a little lower and actually stop the momentum of his opponent..he looked terrible. Linebackers might not want to over-pursue EVERY time. And maybe we find a defensive tackle who can actually fill a gap and take away even a single running lane? Oops...what? Bob Sanders just got hurt climbing off the training table?

* The AFC South is good. The Colts have an uphill climb if they want to win it, and the target on their back has only grown. Eventually, teams are going to hit it, and if week one's any indication; the time might be now. "Manning Bowl II" is by no means "must win" for the Colts, but they'd do well to hang a good one on the Giants. Ahmad Bradshaw is a tough, strong runner who was held mostly in check against the Panthers this week. The Colts have a lot to work on, and their character has never been questioned. We will see if Jim Caldwell's worth his salt this week, and I hope his message to his team is "Peyton can't do it alone." I mean, with just a little help, the Colts still have an opportunity to win that game; and there were just enough mistakes to prevent the chance. By the way? Peyton Manning is good.

* Tiger Woods will win at least 2 majors next year. Remember where you heard it. I saw some mojo in his game the past couple of weeks. I saw a more connected swing, very different from the flailing effort he took to the British Open and PGA Championship. He rolled it better and his short game came back a little bit. You know he'll be practicing like crazy preparing for the Ryder Cup next month, and with most of his toughest competitors playing in the Tour Championship, he has all of that extra time to devote to his game. I think he's back, and the Tour's better for it. But Dustin Johnson's the next big thing. Mark it down.

* I heard a story a year and a half ago about Anthony Gonzalez and a pretty unflattering way he treated someone at the 2009 Indy 500. Seems a fellow Buckeye went to shake his hand, showing him the Buck nuts he keeps in his pocket. Gonzalez just turned away and didn't give the guy even so much as a smile. he lasts 5 plays in 2009 and got hurt again yesterday after whining about playing time and his role on the Colts. Karma is a beautiful thing. The Colts won't miss him, and if I'm the GM? Assuming he's healthy, I trade him for a defensive tackle.

* Lots of Hoosier fans have been pointing to the Michigan game on October 2nd as a big one for Indiana, but I have news for them. Denard Robinson will run through them like plants through a goose. Indiana is a terrific offensive team, but the defense is too young and too small to keep up with Michigan. Last year was their chance, I'm afraid. Indiana will have to figure out a way to beat Northwestern and Illinois if they want to be bowl-eligible; and if I'm Bill Lynch and want to avoid a hot seat, I make sure Indiana doesn't give away late leads like it did last season.

* Sanders just got hurt walking to the X-Ray room.

RT Brightman

No Wonder They Hate It So Much

Today we set a record in Indiana. It was nine hundred degrees during the afternoon; but at least it was humid. I got a few coins out of my pocket this afternoon with the intention of giving them to a homeless lady, but they actually melted as I dropped them from my hand to her jar. I really want to do a "HOW HOT IS IT?" joke.

All I could think about today was the start of football season and the vast number of high school and college players sweating it out this week. It's miserable out there, and most fans who just know the glory of game day will never fully understand the work and physical beating football players take in August. If you're a high school or youth coach and think you need to "push the kids" through this crap, you're out of your mind. Practice in the gym. Practice at night. This has been stupid. The Indianapolis Colts are in camp too; and with the new season comes a series of questions :

First, what will the Colts do with their wide receivers? This group may have more impressive numbers than Heidi Fleiss. I mean who do you stop? Reggie Wayne? Dallas Clark? (I know, he's technically a TE, but work with me) Pierre Garcon? Austin Collie? Anthony Gonzalez? Find me another team in the NFL with that kind of depth at ANY position; let alone a position that can hurt a team the way WR can. The Colts are an offensive juggernaut for a reason; and this year will be no different. Wayne's playing for a new contract, and he'll either blow up or someone will overtake him. If the latter happens, my money's on Garcon. That said, I'd never count Wayne out, and he may have a career season. (Do I dare do a fantasy prediction here? Mmmm......No.)

Is Bob Sanders really healthy? Reports last week were that Sanders may never play football again because of injuries to his legs and shoulders. Then, he was "full participation" on Day 1 of Training Camp; and an absentee - sitting out for precautionary reasons - on Day 2. Sanders and "precautionary reasons" are officially synonyms according to Webster's. You can look it up.

How will Jerry Hughes contribute? At DE, this dog can hunt. He's quick; he's strong; and he's behind two all-pro players. Dwight Freeney's ankle injury may have prevented the Colts from a Super Bowl Championship last year; but he's the man at right defensive end. Robert Mathis is the man on the left side. Which of those two gives up enough 3rd down snaps for Hughes to show what he's made of? We're talking about two of the best players in the business. I don't expect either one to be very happy about giving up snaps; but Mathis wants a new contract and I'm very sure Hughes will be given an opportunity to prove Mathis expendable and ultimately save the Colts money...which they'll need to re-sign Manning. (It always comes back to that guy. He must be really good or something) My guess is Mathis is the guy who'll give up snaps; and I'm predicting he's not a Colt in 2011. That would be a mistake, I think, but I've seen this movie before.

Finally, will the Colts really try to run the ball more often and more effectively this season? I know the one flaw with this team has been the inability to consistently convert the 3rd and short yardage plays. But this team has also improved immeasurably on the defensive side; has won 12 games in SEVEN consecutive seasons (that's insane, people. Enjoy it while you can!), and just went to its second Super Bowl in 4 years. If it ain't broke, don't fix it; and I really don't think trying to build a perfect team should trump what's proven effective. The offensive line has protected Manning (there's that guy again) better than any NFL line has ever protected its QB; and it's led to a record setting win total over a decade. As much as I would love to run the ball a little better; the Colts' DNA is throwing it around. I dance with the lady who brung me if I'm the Colts; but you never know.

Finally, some things I hope :

I hope Terrell Owens and Chad Eight Five end up fighting like NASCAR rivals. But...no team deserves those two divas more than the Bengals. Owens and EIght Five on the same team!? You can't make this stuff up.

I hope I never hear another word about Brett Favre. I hope I never hear his name again. I hope he DOES retire, and I hope Manning shreds his records. I am sick of Brett Favre.

I hope Albert Haynesworth is forever known as a lazy fat ass who once stepped on another player's face with his cleats. He's a bum.

I hope the Jerry Dome in Dallas loses more money than BP.

I hope Tony Romo drops the first snap of the year and breaks a thumb in the pile up.

I hope Tom Brady's run is over; and I hope Bill Belichick doesn't notice for a while.

I hope Phillip Rivers is in pain. Right now.

I hope Mike Singletary never wins another game until he learns how to speak like a normal human being instead of the cliche' ridden tough guy drivel that comes out of his mouth now.

I hope Al Davis never dies and never sells the Raiders. What would happen if we stuck Davis, Elton John, Liberace, and Barry Manilow in the same room for 24 hours?

And...I hope people forget about the Colts again. I hope they DO pick the Chargers, Jets, and Bengals as the class of the AFC. And I hope I'll have as much fun this January as I did LAST January.

Trade or No Trade -- Reds Will Be Fun to Watch

As Saturday’s MLB trade deadline looms, it’s fair to say the Reds’ remainder of the season will be greatly affected by what’s done or not done. For the first time in over a decade, at midseason, Reds fans can comfortably admit to themselves, “this is a good team.” It is a good team. The offensive and defensive numbers are among the best in the NL. The pitching has been spotty, but also brilliant at times. There is good leadership, there is exuberant, talented youth, and most importantly, it’s this writer’s opinion that it is clear that ownership and management are committed to winning. As someone who recently lived in Cincinnati for over three years, I understand the suspicion and doubt that runs deep through die-hard Reds fans.

How could a franchise that once fielded the greatest baseball team of all time endure so many years of mediocre ownership, management and performance? Pointing fingers at individuals is useless at this point (although it's sweet justice that LeatherPants is out of baseball.) It’s best just to be gracious that Misters Castellini and Jocketty came along when they did. In five years of ownership and three years under the direction of Jocketty, the Pride of Cincinnati is in position to win for years to come. But what about the next two months? Are the pieces in place to play in October? The wisest of men once said, “We’ll see.”

Finding consistency from the lead-off spot and from Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs seem to be the obvious questions in the lineup. Disgruntled fans like to criticize Bruce and Stubbs and I’ve even read a couple posts -- from Reds fans no less-- stating that the Reds have the “worst outfield in baseball.” Considering Bruce is 23 and Stubbs is 25 and both are potential Gold Glovers, I chalk those comments up to Disgruntled Housewife Syndrome: the little lady hasn’t gotten any in ten years and will say anything just to complain. Giving up on either Stubbs or Bruce at this point by trading them would be ridiculous and isn’t going to happen. Having Chris Heisey get experience and AB’s along with his ability to play all three outfield positions is a plus. He’s the ideal backup outfielder with speed, pop, and defensive prowess. Those who think Jonny Gomes “isn’t the guy” to get us through the playoffs in left, just aren’t paying attention.

Gomes has become the heart and soul on-his-sleeve Reds player. Rolen and Votto are the clear leaders of the squad, but Gomes brings the emotion. He plays at one speed and that’s the High Gear, all the time. I think he’s having a career year and his style is infectious. He brings that extra attitude that winning teams need. He’s the first guy that walks over to the dugout steps and stands there when one of his teammates is brushed back. Gomes is a gamer, as is his backup, Laynce Nix. Do these guys put numbers up that woo fantasy league players? No. But on a team of 25, their value is unquestionable.

Studies have shown that to win a playoff series, an MLB team needs power pitching, defense, and a strong relief corps (I just read that somewhere, I didn't make it up.) The recent reports on Russ Springer, Jason Isringhausen and Jared Burton are encouraging. We all have concerns over Cardiac Cordero’s consistency but if Isringhausen is “as advertised,” it should allay some of them. The Reds’ defense speaks for itself. The question is can three or four of the litany of starting pitchers stay healthy and lead them through September. With Mike Leake’s innings being monitored, and with his fellow rookie Strasburg’s recent arm issues, counting on him for October isn’t something that Jocketty is prepared to do. Volquez clearly still has some work to do to return to his ‘08 form. Cueto and Arroyo have been the steady horses and I look for them to continue to provide solid innings. And oh yeah, you probably didn't hear because it wasn't on any major news outlet, but there was a perfect game pitched into the 9th by a nice little Reds lefthander not too long ago. If Homer can return strong, even as a long relief guy, and the Cuban Missile is brought up to begin the adjustment to the Bigs, Reds fans will have something to look forward to as the push for the playoffs begins in September.

So the question remains: Is there a bat out there worth trading a few of our AAA prospects (Alonso, Francisco, Frazier) for? If so, how would he fit into the lineup? Could it mess with the chemistry that this team has obviously made tremendous strides to attain? Will the young guys, both in the rotation and in the outfield, put the extra effort in to shore up their respective roles? Is it possible that this team, as it is, could take the AL Champion to seven games in a World Series, or, even sweep them in four? For the first time in years, Reds fans can revel in the fact that every game from here on out counts. And as far as what needs to be done to play in October? Well, we’ll see.

Lou Williams -- sportswriter

Did Someone Say Cliff Lee?

I don't remember being this excited to be a Reds fan. Not since the mid 1970's have they been such a front page story, even as the 1990 team went "wire to wire" with Chris Sabo, Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, and of course "The Nasty Boys." This team is special. There's a chemistry about this group that seems to follow them around like dust follows Pig Pen. I don't think they're a world series contender yet, but with one more addition, I might be swayed and I think it can happen. Here's how (and yes, I think the picture is creepy, too) :

First of all, the Reds have pieces to trade, and that hasn't been true in at least 15 years. The first to go should, and probably will be 2009 first round pick Yonder Alonzo. The Reds tried him in the outfield during spring training and for a while in Louisville, but it apparently didn't work out. Alonzo's a good left handed power bat, but as a 1st sacker, he has no chance to make the big league club as a regular as long as Joey Votto's around. First round choices won't be happy on the bench or in the minors for long; so I think he's as good as gone.

Secondly, the Reds have a dearth of major league calibre starting pitching. Find me an organization in the major leagues that can go as deep as : Cueto, Harang, Arroyo, Leake, Volquez, Bailey, Wood, Maloney, LeCure, Chapman. That's 10 starters with whom I'd be comfortable taking the mound next season. There's simply no way to keep all ten because they're all either major league experienced, ready, or knocking on the door. A few of those guys can be bullpen pitchers in a playoff run, but with so much value, one has to think a couple or 'em can be packaged to attract a hammer at the top of the rotation, a la Cliff Lee. A post-season rotation of Lee, Cueto, Volquez, Arroyo/Leake would be pretty strong for any organization. For a mid-market team with a miserable last decade and a half? Walt Jocketty would be given a key to the city, a 20-year LaRosa's pizza card, free lifetime passes to King's Island, and be made mayor of Clifton. The local radio stations down there might actually go a day without mentioning Pete Rose.

Third, the Reds have a bunch of quality utility players on the major league roster. I think it's a safe bet to say the future of the Reds' outfield includes Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs. It may also include Jonny Gomes or Chris Heisey, but it does not include Chris Dickerson or Laynce Nix. One of those two guys can be packaged in a deal, and the Reds won't miss a beat.

Fourth, the Reds are one of a very few teams with the luxury of two every day catchers. Ramon Hernandez and Ryan Hanigan can each play 130 games a season, and I would bet neither is happy with 80. Hanigan's still hurting, but on his way back from the DL; and with Corky Miller and Devin Mesoraco waiting as viable backup's, the Reds can easily part with a major league catcher if necessary.

Finally, the Reds are loaded with prospects at the high-minor levels. Chris Valaika, Todd Frazier, Danny Dorn, Zach Cozart, and Alonzo are all highly thought of prospects the Reds can part with. Pitchers like Carlos Fisher and Logan Ondrusek might also be packaged with other prospects, and the Reds would already have incredible bullpen depth in the post-season given the assets available to them. Cliff Lee might just be in play for Cincinnati. Unthinkable 2 years ago; especially with the depleted minor league system that was in place then. Now? The Reds are right there with the "big boys," and competing nicely both on-field and off. With all of the tradable assets the Reds have to play with, I would be very disappointed if they don't enter September with a #1 starter and another reliable bat. As much as I love Jonny Gomes, a more experienced and consistent player in left field might really help. And I love Gomes off the bench as a right handed pinch hitter, especially if another option is Paul Janish. The Reds just have too many "fringe" major leaguers (Janish, Nix, Miller, Dickerson, Ray Hererra, Mike Lincoln, etc.) to win a title. They need bigger and better pieces, and the street value of their trade stock is finally enough to attract them.

Lee might not be the only guy on the Reds' radar, but for the first time in a long while, the Reds are major players for a guy like him. As much as I hate the "rent a player" mentality, the Reds organization knows the way to sell tickets is to win. Lee would certainly help them do that. Pig Pen's dust won't hurt, either.

RT Brightman

The Older I Get, the Better I Was

My dad had vascular surgery on Tuesday of this week; which makes 18 "procedures" since 1991. The old man's been through it, and he's out-toughed them every time. Heck, the last one in October of 2008 should have killed him and didn't, but now he's 2 years weaker and it's tough to watch as he battles yet another lengthy and painful recovery. He's drugged up on pain medication, and sedatives which are supposed to help him sleep. Our conversation was superficial to say the least, and I'm sure he'll have no recollection of my even being there.

Sitting with him tonight it was difficult to believe this was the same guy who played freshman basketball for Indiana University in 1956-57. The guy who used to play one-on-one with Archie Dees and Hallie Bryant. The guy who taught me most of what I know about playing baseball and basketball. The guy who used to pitch to me for hours on end when I was a kid. The guy who used to be the star of his lawyer's league softball team. The former president of the Indiana State Bar for crying out loud. The guy I visited in the hospital tonight was a mere shell of that man, and it made me think "how in God's name can I prevent myself from getting older?"

When I was young, I was big; but always relatively fast and very strong. I was coordinated. I could shoot the lights out. I could hit for power and average. I could hit a 6-iron over trees, and I could putt (probably because I could comfortably bend over to read a green). I could play tennis for hours and not get tired. I could go through 2-a-days and be excited to come back the next day after a long soak in an ice tub. And I could stay out all night drinking and chasing women with my buddies. Now? I can still shoot, but it's not as easy to get open. I can hit a little, but first base is now farther away. Golf has taken a back seat to kids and work, but I get out once in a while. My hope is I don't turn into my uncle Bob and pretend I should be able to shoot 75 without practicing or playing more than once every 2 months. And I know I could barely hit a 6-iron over a rose bush, let alone a maple tree. Tennis is a rumor, though I'm still waiting on a call from my friend Marq who swears he's gonna' do that soon. My last 2-a-day was about 18 months ago, and some of the married guys who read this will actually be impressed by that, which is sad. And the same buddies and I now have boys night out by appointment, which is to say it happens about once every 3 months or so. Damn, I miss those guys; and I won't say whether or not we still chase women. But if we DID, it's doubtful we'd have the game to catch any of 'em anymore.

My point is, seeing my dad makes me realize I don't have much time left to be a "doer." I've somehow reached middle age, and no one told me it was coming. I'm 41 and my mind says I can still do everything I used to. I still do flips off the diving board and I still play as many sports as I can. I still exercise and have found real pleasure in riding my bike. But then I think to myself a few of my younger and "in better shape" friends are playing basketball as we speak, and I'm sitting here writing a blog.

Starting tomorrow and assuming tomorrow actually means something, I'm looking for a new hobby. Something new that maybe I've never tried before. I've already broached the subject of flying lessons, and I don't think that'd go over very well with the control tower, if you know what I mean (the married guys will...this is becoming a theme). I've also tried swimming, and while I love it, there's a basketball hoop at the pool I have access to, and laps just don't hold my concentration. I am amazed though, at the lift I can get in the pool! At one point, I could jump high enough to dunk a volleyball on a 10-foot rim. Now? I only elevate like that in 4 feet of water with a deflated rubber basketball, dunking on a 9-year old rim and vinyl backboard. Getting old sucks, but I'm lucky I'm still young by Dad's standards. Watching him get old before my eyes is one of the hardest things I've ever done. If your dad's around, call him or go give him a hug. You'll never regret it.

RT Brightman

Potential, Upside, and the 2010 NBA Draft

I'm no Scoop Jackson, and I'm certainly no Steven A. Smith (though if that guy can have a radio talk show, why can't I?); but this draft seemed loaded with "maybe" to me. There was one sure-fire, can't miss player in John Wall and then, there was everybody else.

The Indiana Pacers have had to say the very least, a forgettable draft decade. Here are the first round selections for the Pacers since 2000; other than Danny Granger, stop me when you double take. Primoz Brezec, Fred Jones, David Harrison, Granger, Shawne Williams, Jarryd Bayless (who the Pacers traded for Ike Diogu - the worst possible fit for Jim O'Brien's offense, Jarrett Jack, and Josh McRoberts), and Tyler Hansbrough who rates an obvious "incomplete" so far. That, my friends is ugly. That is how you go from being a championship contender to an also ran at the back end of the lottery every season. Well, that, a brawl and some key injuries. Larry Bird's done a nice job making a couple of draft night deals, bringing Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert to Indianapolis, but in 2008 he also gave a 2-year guaranteed contract to 2nd round pick James White, only to cut him a few months later. Bird needs to show his mettle and pull the Pacers out from under this pattern of mediocrity and "also ran." The last 4 seasons have been nothing short of pathetic, and as Bird said this week "it's time to win." Sheer brilliance.

The fact is, the Pacers need a superstar. They need a poster child. They needed to take a swing at a player or two who have the dreaded "upside," just because one of these days, a player no one's heard of will come out of nowhere and hit it big. Reggie Miller was a thin, wiry player very few people east of Barstow knew much about; especially Pacers fans. All he did was make himself a first-ballot hall of famer and arguably the best clutch shooter in NBA history.

It's all but impossible to get a superstar beyond the first few picks; and that's what's so incredibly frustrating about the Pacers. No one, least of all Bird likes to lose. But in the NBA, you sometimes have to be really bad before you can be good and Bird has not shown a willingness to pack it it late in meaningless seasons; resulting in picks in the 10-13 range. That's where the Shawne Williams' of the world live. This year, another California product was the Pacers' 1st round choice :

Paul George from Fresno State is athletic, long, he can shoot with range, and has a smooth release. George can also penetrate and finish with authority; but hasn't yet shown an ability to do that consistently. He was only 2nd Team all-conference at FSU, but by all accounts is a player who's "still maturing." See : "upside." The Pacers have bigger needs than a wing player, but George has worlds of potential and of the players left when the Pacers made their selection, I think he was a great choice.

In round 2, the Pacers went with Lance Stephenson from the University of Cincinnati - the same school as White. Uh oh. Indiana Hoosiers' fans will remember Stephenson as a highly recruited, 2009 IU target from Lincoln High School in Brooklyn. He was touted as a future NBA superstar, and had scouts drooling with his combination of size, speed, and play-making ability. Then, he went to college (at least I think that's what UC is), gained weight, and his stock dropped. "Upside" again. Stephenson is a 6'5" 225 pound athlete who has quickness and can finish, but he has the same maddening trait Jeremiah Rivers does - he frequently plays like his hair's on fire. He's best off the bounce and needs to have the ball in his hands, but so did Gilbert Arenas, a player with whom Stephenson has been compared. A man can dream.

Here's what concerns me: Jay Bilas, who's actually a talking head I respect, said the same things about both Stephenson and George. He said they "take a lot of difficult shots" and "they tend to turn it over too often." I am again reminded of Jeremiah Rivers. I hope 3 years from now, I'm reminded of Miller and Arenas. A man can dream.

Late edit : Later in round 2, the Pacers made a deal, trading the #57 overall pick and cash considerations to Oklahoma City for their #51 pick....someone named Magnum Rolle. That's a name made for the San Fernando Valley, not an NBA basketball floor.

RT Brightman

The Family Guy

I may be the dumbest human being alive. Know what I'm doing for Father's Day? No, I'm not spending a day at the pool surrounded by a doting family and a 6-pack waiting on final round coverage of the US Open which I get to watch by myself with a hot pizza. I'm taking my kids to Kings Island. It's going to be 90 degrees and humid on Sunday, and I'm going to be out in it all day with three boys aged 8, 6, and 4. My wife is going too, and this was her idea. (For all the unmarried or childless guys out there, you're not allowed to say no.) Around 2:00 on Sunday, think of me in line for Viking Fury, take a sip of cold beer, and hold up the bottle. I'll be the guy glaring at his wife and sweating like a Russian pig farmer.

Watching the final round of the US Open on father's day is a birthright. It's tradition. It's what every manly man does on the 3rd Sunday in June. I think in South Carolina, it's a law that wives and children must leave dad alone between the hours of 3:00 and 10:00PM. There should also be a law that women must take a class on "grill starting and operation" and "cheeseburger making." They should make sure there's cold beer in the refrigerator, chips in the cabinet, and frozen girl scout cookies in the freezer. And sexy time after dark should be a requirement and right of passage into the international cool wife club. But alas, this year, I will be foregoing my rights as a dad all in favor of spending the day at one of the top 8 hottest places on the face of the planet. And it was my wife's idea

What am I saying? Of course I'll enjoy being with my sons at King's Island. What dad wouldn't love a full day with his kids, roller coasters, ice cream, children laughing, Snoopy, and that pit in your stomach when a ride throws you in directions you dreamed about in high school? What dad wouldn't want to be there to see the smiles on his children's faces when they go to their first big amusement park; and maybe for their first motion sickness? A day like this is what DVR is for, and it was my wife's idea. She's terrific, and I know I'll get a cool new Tommy Bahama shirt or something. Maybe she'll even shave her legs?

For those who expected or maybe wanted a sports piece this week, I apologize. I just couldn't in good conscience do an NBA draft preview or somehow make fun of vuvuzelas (though I did see those are banned for Wimbledon, thank God) and the absolute joke Albert Haynesworth has become. I just felt like being a smartass for a while, then telling you how very lucky I am to have the greatest wife and kids on the planet; and I hope you're as lucky. Enjoy the US Open, cookouts, and all of the wonderful things that come with being a dad. I'll be at Kings Island having the time of my life. Happy father's day.

RT Brightman