1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,840 Speaker 1: It's Tony Pike Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati. From Cincinnati. 2 00:00:06,040 --> 00:00:08,520 Speaker 2: This is ESPN fifteen. 3 00:00:08,240 --> 00:00:10,719 Speaker 1: Thirty Cincinnati Sports station. 4 00:00:11,680 --> 00:00:14,760 Speaker 3: All right, welcome back since e three sixty hour two 5 00:00:15,320 --> 00:00:18,840 Speaker 3: on a Tuesday afternoon underway, which means there's only one 6 00:00:18,840 --> 00:00:20,840 Speaker 3: place we go. It's to the phone lines. It's to 7 00:00:20,840 --> 00:00:24,479 Speaker 3: connect with Fox nineteen zone. Joe Daniman standing by to 8 00:00:24,560 --> 00:00:25,680 Speaker 3: join us right now. Joey D. 9 00:00:25,800 --> 00:00:30,880 Speaker 2: What's going on, gentlemen? Hi Tony, Hi Austin. How's your Tuesday? 10 00:00:31,240 --> 00:00:33,960 Speaker 3: It's great, it's great. So far, Joe, how far into 11 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:36,680 Speaker 3: the drive? What time are you expected to arrive in 12 00:00:36,760 --> 00:00:38,040 Speaker 3: Lubbock for tonight's game? 13 00:00:39,479 --> 00:00:45,360 Speaker 2: Just now passing through Little Rock? Okay, I'm debating having 14 00:00:45,440 --> 00:00:47,760 Speaker 2: lunch in Little Rock to see if it rains and 15 00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:52,320 Speaker 2: I get my first look out of Tommy Tubberville, Arkansas 16 00:00:52,560 --> 00:00:59,280 Speaker 2: Road strikeler. Expected to be in Lubbock right at tip time. 17 00:01:00,280 --> 00:01:04,800 Speaker 2: Live coverage on Fox nineteen now tonight after the game. 18 00:01:04,720 --> 00:01:08,640 Speaker 3: There we go, Here we go. You spend time in Goodyear. 19 00:01:08,959 --> 00:01:12,600 Speaker 3: I'm sure it always goes too fast, but in the 20 00:01:12,680 --> 00:01:14,680 Speaker 3: time you were able to be around this team. And 21 00:01:15,000 --> 00:01:17,000 Speaker 3: last week we talked a little bit about the feel 22 00:01:17,440 --> 00:01:20,120 Speaker 3: and the way in which they carry themselves. What else 23 00:01:20,160 --> 00:01:22,600 Speaker 3: did you walk away with your time and goodyear around 24 00:01:22,640 --> 00:01:23,480 Speaker 3: this Reds ball club. 25 00:01:24,680 --> 00:01:27,440 Speaker 2: Here's what I walked away with. The Reds are good. 26 00:01:27,959 --> 00:01:30,319 Speaker 2: And you can laugh at that and say, yeah, we 27 00:01:30,360 --> 00:01:32,960 Speaker 2: all know this a good roster. But it's the best 28 00:01:33,319 --> 00:01:36,840 Speaker 2: roster I've seen in a while in Cincinnati. And the 29 00:01:36,959 --> 00:01:40,160 Speaker 2: question is how good? Are they that good? The question 30 00:01:40,319 --> 00:01:42,559 Speaker 2: is are they good enough to win a National League 31 00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:45,720 Speaker 2: Central title or compete for it? Are they good enough 32 00:01:45,760 --> 00:01:48,320 Speaker 2: to win a playoff series? Are they that good? I 33 00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:52,600 Speaker 2: walked away feeling yes, When they're healthy as they are now, 34 00:01:53,120 --> 00:01:56,520 Speaker 2: they are constructed in a way that I believe that 35 00:01:56,680 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 2: they should have the expectation they should be held to 36 00:02:00,400 --> 00:02:03,920 Speaker 2: a standard of not just making the playoffs, but now 37 00:02:03,960 --> 00:02:07,440 Speaker 2: competing for division championships in what is a good division, 38 00:02:07,840 --> 00:02:11,720 Speaker 2: and also the expectation and standard that this team should 39 00:02:11,720 --> 00:02:13,720 Speaker 2: be looked at as a team that can do some 40 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:16,920 Speaker 2: damage in the playoffs. When you look at the starting rotation, 41 00:02:17,160 --> 00:02:19,040 Speaker 2: when you look at what they've done in the bullpen, 42 00:02:19,440 --> 00:02:21,360 Speaker 2: when you look at the additions they've made and the 43 00:02:21,440 --> 00:02:25,160 Speaker 2: expected steps from guys within the organization who have been 44 00:02:25,600 --> 00:02:29,600 Speaker 2: groomed by this organization. I think the expectation is, yes, 45 00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:32,200 Speaker 2: they are that good, good enough to win the National 46 00:02:32,240 --> 00:02:35,040 Speaker 2: League Central I didn't know that until I saw it, 47 00:02:35,480 --> 00:02:37,440 Speaker 2: and when you're around it, you see it and you 48 00:02:37,560 --> 00:02:40,240 Speaker 2: feel it. I think that should be the standard for 49 00:02:40,280 --> 00:02:41,799 Speaker 2: the Reds in twenty twenty six. 50 00:02:42,120 --> 00:02:45,440 Speaker 3: What question or questions do you still need answered between 51 00:02:45,480 --> 00:02:46,600 Speaker 3: now and opening Day? 52 00:02:48,000 --> 00:02:51,760 Speaker 2: Is Matt McLean good enough to hit second? Because Terry 53 00:02:51,760 --> 00:02:55,160 Speaker 2: Francona wants that to happen, and I understand why. He 54 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:59,640 Speaker 2: profiles perfectly for that spot. He's the right handed bat 55 00:02:59,639 --> 00:03:02,440 Speaker 2: that can break up whatever a team wants to do 56 00:03:02,560 --> 00:03:05,440 Speaker 2: with their bullpen of bringing in a left hander to 57 00:03:05,600 --> 00:03:09,000 Speaker 2: attack TJ. Friedel and make Ellie hit from the right side. 58 00:03:09,200 --> 00:03:12,040 Speaker 2: He's a right handed hitter who's supposed to be a 59 00:03:12,080 --> 00:03:14,880 Speaker 2: contact hitter or a line drive hitter. He struck out 60 00:03:14,919 --> 00:03:18,760 Speaker 2: too much. He hasn't got on base enough. And my 61 00:03:18,880 --> 00:03:23,840 Speaker 2: biggest thing is this, if Matt Plain the all start hitter, 62 00:03:23,960 --> 00:03:26,840 Speaker 2: is still somewhere inside of him, and I still believe 63 00:03:26,880 --> 00:03:29,799 Speaker 2: he has that kind of a ceiling, I'm not sure 64 00:03:29,880 --> 00:03:33,120 Speaker 2: if there's anything he can do in spring to convince 65 00:03:33,160 --> 00:03:35,760 Speaker 2: me that the Reds should start the season with him 66 00:03:35,840 --> 00:03:40,880 Speaker 2: hitting second. We saw last year literally every single game matters, 67 00:03:41,280 --> 00:03:43,440 Speaker 2: and so I would want to see what Matt does 68 00:03:43,520 --> 00:03:45,920 Speaker 2: the first few weeks of the season, maybe with some 69 00:03:46,080 --> 00:03:49,720 Speaker 2: pressure off hitting lower in the lineup, before throwing him 70 00:03:49,760 --> 00:03:54,200 Speaker 2: in there Game one against a high strikeout pitcher, knowing 71 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:56,120 Speaker 2: what he just came off last year. I think I 72 00:03:56,160 --> 00:03:59,560 Speaker 2: would rather see Spencer Steer hitting second to start the season. 73 00:04:00,080 --> 00:04:03,680 Speaker 2: I would even argue maybe Noelvie Marte hitting second, but 74 00:04:03,920 --> 00:04:06,560 Speaker 2: certainly I think I want to see Matt and what 75 00:04:06,680 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 2: he does in actual big league regular season games before 76 00:04:10,800 --> 00:04:13,120 Speaker 2: I would move him the second Again. Kerry wants him 77 00:04:13,120 --> 00:04:15,520 Speaker 2: to hit there, and I understand why it's the perfect 78 00:04:15,600 --> 00:04:18,440 Speaker 2: profile to put someone there, with his base running ability 79 00:04:18,760 --> 00:04:22,440 Speaker 2: and his other attributes, But until I see it consistently 80 00:04:22,520 --> 00:04:25,520 Speaker 2: for a few weeks in real games, I'm not sure 81 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:27,599 Speaker 2: I want to put that pressure on him there, and 82 00:04:27,640 --> 00:04:29,920 Speaker 2: I'm not sure I wanted to put him into a 83 00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:32,520 Speaker 2: high leverage position this early in the season. 84 00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:35,599 Speaker 3: How much of Matt McClain's success would you weigh on 85 00:04:36,200 --> 00:04:39,400 Speaker 3: the possibility of switching to the long pants instead of 86 00:04:39,440 --> 00:04:41,159 Speaker 3: the pants that are that are riding. 87 00:04:40,920 --> 00:04:44,479 Speaker 2: Up eighty percent of it, Yeah, eighty percent of it, 88 00:04:44,520 --> 00:04:49,720 Speaker 2: the other twenty his mental approach to it. I did 89 00:04:49,839 --> 00:04:52,000 Speaker 2: find it interesting when I talked to Matt out there, 90 00:04:52,200 --> 00:04:54,360 Speaker 2: and I'll pull the curtain back a little bit. You 91 00:04:54,440 --> 00:04:57,080 Speaker 2: usually don't get a lot from Matt, and he doesn't 92 00:04:57,120 --> 00:04:59,240 Speaker 2: give you a lot. He's he's a fun guy to 93 00:04:59,279 --> 00:05:01,800 Speaker 2: talk to. He's very approachable. He just doesn't give you 94 00:05:01,880 --> 00:05:05,039 Speaker 2: a lot of interviews. But what he said about what 95 00:05:05,320 --> 00:05:08,320 Speaker 2: happened to him last year, and you know, it's one 96 00:05:08,360 --> 00:05:10,840 Speaker 2: of those things you can say it and it sounds 97 00:05:10,839 --> 00:05:13,360 Speaker 2: great to say it, but can you go out there 98 00:05:13,360 --> 00:05:17,159 Speaker 2: and actually do it in a game? He said, missing 99 00:05:17,279 --> 00:05:22,479 Speaker 2: an entire season of baseball, sometimes you hang up the 100 00:05:22,600 --> 00:05:26,560 Speaker 2: competitive spirit in a closet and just work on rehab, 101 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:30,320 Speaker 2: and you get so in tune with what you're doing 102 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:33,760 Speaker 2: with trying to get your body back and ready to play, 103 00:05:34,520 --> 00:05:37,640 Speaker 2: that you forget to open the closet door and find 104 00:05:37,640 --> 00:05:40,080 Speaker 2: the competitive spirit and put it back in yourself. And 105 00:05:40,520 --> 00:05:43,320 Speaker 2: he talked last year about the idea of going to 106 00:05:43,400 --> 00:05:48,039 Speaker 2: the plate and feeling healthy and trying to perfect his 107 00:05:48,240 --> 00:05:53,480 Speaker 2: swing right, something that he could repeat, use and repeat 108 00:05:53,560 --> 00:05:56,520 Speaker 2: over years, instead of just going up to the plate 109 00:05:56,640 --> 00:06:00,440 Speaker 2: and just being a gamer. Something that got him to 110 00:06:00,480 --> 00:06:03,039 Speaker 2: where he's been at this point is just being a 111 00:06:03,120 --> 00:06:06,240 Speaker 2: competitive baseball player, the kind of guy that will do 112 00:06:06,320 --> 00:06:08,880 Speaker 2: whatever it takes to win, whether that's in the field, 113 00:06:09,320 --> 00:06:12,120 Speaker 2: in the batter's box. And he said once he locked 114 00:06:12,200 --> 00:06:14,440 Speaker 2: into that, and he said he felt that for a 115 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:16,440 Speaker 2: couple of months. If you go back and look last year, 116 00:06:16,839 --> 00:06:18,680 Speaker 2: he had a two month stretch and Junior in July 117 00:06:18,760 --> 00:06:21,040 Speaker 2: that he was pretty darn productive and helped this team 118 00:06:21,120 --> 00:06:24,680 Speaker 2: win games. If he can tap into that and have 119 00:06:24,760 --> 00:06:28,920 Speaker 2: a full season of just being a grinder, a competitive 120 00:06:28,960 --> 00:06:32,320 Speaker 2: baseball player and able to find whatever it is that 121 00:06:32,400 --> 00:06:35,719 Speaker 2: helps him lock back in, Yeah, the pants are a 122 00:06:35,720 --> 00:06:39,680 Speaker 2: big deal, but I think him finding whatever trigger that 123 00:06:39,920 --> 00:06:42,479 Speaker 2: is that helps him flip that switch last year is 124 00:06:42,520 --> 00:06:45,000 Speaker 2: probably the bigger deal for him in twenty twenty six. 125 00:06:46,640 --> 00:06:49,120 Speaker 3: When you look at the pitching rotation. We've talked a 126 00:06:49,160 --> 00:06:51,560 Speaker 3: lot about Andrew Abbott, We've talked about Hunter Green and 127 00:06:51,600 --> 00:06:54,679 Speaker 3: the rest of this rotation, but in talking to Charlie 128 00:06:54,680 --> 00:06:57,760 Speaker 3: on Froddy, it feels like Chase Burns is just carrying 129 00:06:57,839 --> 00:07:00,920 Speaker 3: himself a different way. Did you have any interaction or 130 00:07:00,960 --> 00:07:04,240 Speaker 3: do you have any takeaways from spending time watching Chase 131 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:05,520 Speaker 3: Burns throughout spring training. 132 00:07:06,600 --> 00:07:09,320 Speaker 2: It was quite literally the most impressive player to me 133 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:11,560 Speaker 2: in the four days I was at red spring training. 134 00:07:11,960 --> 00:07:15,160 Speaker 2: And I use the word competitive fire, competitive spirit with 135 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:19,800 Speaker 2: Matt McClain. The way Chase Burns carried himself on the 136 00:07:19,840 --> 00:07:23,080 Speaker 2: mound in a live batting practice against his teammates, and 137 00:07:23,200 --> 00:07:26,680 Speaker 2: just one session I saw looked like a guy that 138 00:07:26,880 --> 00:07:30,040 Speaker 2: was throwing in a playoff game or throwing in a 139 00:07:30,080 --> 00:07:34,000 Speaker 2: late September game. It was that kind of demeanor and 140 00:07:34,040 --> 00:07:37,600 Speaker 2: the way he carried himself on the mound. I think 141 00:07:37,640 --> 00:07:41,560 Speaker 2: this whole debate for the fifth rotation spot is a 142 00:07:41,600 --> 00:07:45,120 Speaker 2: fun talking point and a good debate, and a hat 143 00:07:45,200 --> 00:07:48,000 Speaker 2: tip to both Rhet Louder and Brandon Williamson, two guys 144 00:07:48,000 --> 00:07:49,920 Speaker 2: this team is going to need over one hundred and 145 00:07:49,920 --> 00:07:53,320 Speaker 2: sixty two game season. But it's like Vince Carter in 146 00:07:53,360 --> 00:07:56,240 Speaker 2: the NBA Dunk Contest. It's like the throat slash. Now 147 00:07:56,320 --> 00:07:59,520 Speaker 2: it's over. After I saw that one session from Chase 148 00:07:59,560 --> 00:08:03,040 Speaker 2: Burns said, this guy's different the way he's approaching it. 149 00:08:03,600 --> 00:08:07,000 Speaker 2: The stuff, the addition of a change up, We'll see 150 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:09,360 Speaker 2: how much of a weapon that becomes for him this year. 151 00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:12,240 Speaker 2: If he masters it or even gets it to a 152 00:08:12,280 --> 00:08:15,200 Speaker 2: point where it becomes just a third pitch for him, 153 00:08:15,720 --> 00:08:18,640 Speaker 2: good luck to hitters in Major League Baseball trying to 154 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:21,400 Speaker 2: figure him out with him throwing one hundred and one 155 00:08:21,480 --> 00:08:23,440 Speaker 2: hundred and two miles per hour and then adding a 156 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:26,840 Speaker 2: change up on top of it. So the whole idea 157 00:08:26,880 --> 00:08:29,520 Speaker 2: that Chase Burns is fighting for a fifth spot, I 158 00:08:29,560 --> 00:08:33,040 Speaker 2: think the narrative should change. Could Chase Burns be one 159 00:08:33,040 --> 00:08:35,400 Speaker 2: of these guys at the end of the season as 160 00:08:35,400 --> 00:08:37,400 Speaker 2: the regiment of the playoff series that he should be 161 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:41,560 Speaker 2: in the playoff rotation? Because you're looking right now, if 162 00:08:41,600 --> 00:08:44,200 Speaker 2: you're in a first round series, you know, and you 163 00:08:44,240 --> 00:08:46,719 Speaker 2: have three pitchers, should Chase Burns be one of those 164 00:08:46,760 --> 00:08:49,560 Speaker 2: three guys? You would say, no, it's Hunter Abbott Lodolo 165 00:08:50,120 --> 00:08:52,280 Speaker 2: if everybody's healthy. But I think by the end of 166 00:08:52,280 --> 00:08:55,560 Speaker 2: the year, I would not be shocked if Chase Burns 167 00:08:55,800 --> 00:08:58,400 Speaker 2: is one of this team's top three pitchers, maybe even 168 00:08:58,440 --> 00:09:01,839 Speaker 2: top two pitchers. Now we'll see how many innings we'll 169 00:09:01,840 --> 00:09:04,240 Speaker 2: see if he throws the you know, the full complement 170 00:09:04,320 --> 00:09:07,719 Speaker 2: of thirty starts. I think that's probably a little bit 171 00:09:07,720 --> 00:09:10,560 Speaker 2: far fetched to think that'll happen. But from what I saw, 172 00:09:10,600 --> 00:09:13,880 Speaker 2: I think he's closer to top three in the rotation 173 00:09:14,320 --> 00:09:17,320 Speaker 2: than he is actually competing to be in the rotation. 174 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:20,320 Speaker 2: And I think that's because of how ready he was 175 00:09:20,360 --> 00:09:23,200 Speaker 2: at spring training on top of the talent he already. 176 00:09:23,240 --> 00:09:27,560 Speaker 3: Has you mentioned Williamson and Rhet Louder. Do you think 177 00:09:27,640 --> 00:09:31,280 Speaker 3: there was ever or has been ever a s thought 178 00:09:31,960 --> 00:09:35,559 Speaker 3: of entertaining a six man rotation or has that never 179 00:09:35,559 --> 00:09:36,720 Speaker 3: been an option in your opinion? 180 00:09:37,720 --> 00:09:39,800 Speaker 2: You know, I don't know if it's been talked about 181 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:42,600 Speaker 2: within the organization. I wouldn't want to do it just 182 00:09:42,679 --> 00:09:47,120 Speaker 2: because look, when you construct a lineup in baseball, and 183 00:09:47,160 --> 00:09:50,559 Speaker 2: we talked about the Red lineup earlier in this conversation 184 00:09:50,679 --> 00:09:52,960 Speaker 2: and the idea of who to hit second, it's not 185 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:55,800 Speaker 2: just to break up TJ. Friedo and Ellie dla Cruz. 186 00:09:56,400 --> 00:09:58,280 Speaker 2: You want your best hitters at the top of the 187 00:09:58,280 --> 00:10:00,520 Speaker 2: lineup to give them as many chances is at the 188 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:03,520 Speaker 2: plate to help you win a game. And again, if 189 00:10:03,520 --> 00:10:05,760 Speaker 2: you go back to look at what we expect to 190 00:10:05,760 --> 00:10:09,120 Speaker 2: be a very highly competitive National League Central, and even 191 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:11,280 Speaker 2: if the Reds don't make this Central, a very highly 192 00:10:11,320 --> 00:10:15,439 Speaker 2: competitive National League Wild card race, Every win matters, every 193 00:10:15,480 --> 00:10:17,160 Speaker 2: game matters. And if you're going to go to a 194 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:20,680 Speaker 2: six man rotation and take away five starts from Hunter 195 00:10:20,760 --> 00:10:24,280 Speaker 2: Green and take away potentially five starts from Andrew Abbot 196 00:10:24,480 --> 00:10:27,520 Speaker 2: and take away five starts from Nick Lodolo and Brady Singer, 197 00:10:27,760 --> 00:10:31,000 Speaker 2: I don't want to do that. Now. The argument would be, sure, 198 00:10:31,360 --> 00:10:33,679 Speaker 2: you can have a better chance of keeping those guys 199 00:10:33,720 --> 00:10:36,400 Speaker 2: healthy and fresh late into the season. But these guys 200 00:10:36,800 --> 00:10:39,200 Speaker 2: are trained for this or built for this. This is 201 00:10:39,240 --> 00:10:42,720 Speaker 2: what they've done their entire professional career is go on 202 00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:45,320 Speaker 2: four days rest and then be ready on a fifth day. 203 00:10:45,440 --> 00:10:48,880 Speaker 2: So while I get it, it's a cool thing to 204 00:10:48,960 --> 00:10:51,440 Speaker 2: have seven guys, and it's a bit of a flex 205 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:53,920 Speaker 2: to say we can go to a six man rotation 206 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:56,439 Speaker 2: and perhaps take some of the wear and tear off 207 00:10:56,480 --> 00:10:58,920 Speaker 2: of a Hunter Green and an Andrew Abbott as the 208 00:10:58,960 --> 00:11:02,440 Speaker 2: season goes. But if you're in September, in your three 209 00:11:02,480 --> 00:11:05,040 Speaker 2: games back, and you had gone to a six man rotation, 210 00:11:05,160 --> 00:11:07,720 Speaker 2: and wonder what would have happened if if Hunter Green 211 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:10,040 Speaker 2: would have had three or four more starts or Andrew 212 00:11:10,040 --> 00:11:11,920 Speaker 2: Abbott three or four more starts, You're going to kick 213 00:11:11,920 --> 00:11:14,840 Speaker 2: yourself because of your all star level pitchers. I want 214 00:11:14,880 --> 00:11:17,560 Speaker 2: those guys to have as many opportunities to help me 215 00:11:17,679 --> 00:11:21,400 Speaker 2: win as possible, and going to a six man rotation 216 00:11:21,800 --> 00:11:22,800 Speaker 2: with short circuit that. 217 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:25,840 Speaker 1: Talking to Joe Danaman Fox nineteen, Joe, as you know, 218 00:11:26,040 --> 00:11:29,920 Speaker 1: today is the second Duke Tobin day of the year 219 00:11:30,920 --> 00:11:33,360 Speaker 1: as he talks to the media later this afternoon, I 220 00:11:33,400 --> 00:11:35,520 Speaker 1: know that the Jeremy is going to be there. What 221 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:38,400 Speaker 1: would you ask Duke Tobin today? What do you want 222 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:41,920 Speaker 1: to know from the Bengals director of player personnel today 223 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:42,720 Speaker 1: at the combine. 224 00:11:43,559 --> 00:11:47,080 Speaker 2: It's so interesting because, yeah, this is typically the big 225 00:11:47,160 --> 00:11:50,200 Speaker 2: day when you're loaded with thirty questions for Duke Tobin 226 00:11:50,320 --> 00:11:52,520 Speaker 2: to try to get some answers to or at least 227 00:11:52,559 --> 00:11:54,640 Speaker 2: try to read between the lines to figure out what 228 00:11:54,679 --> 00:11:57,720 Speaker 2: the Bengals are thinking, what they're doing, and kind of 229 00:11:57,760 --> 00:12:00,520 Speaker 2: rehashing what happened last season. But we've allay done an 230 00:12:00,520 --> 00:12:02,800 Speaker 2: hour's worth of that with Duke Tobin, so it feels 231 00:12:02,840 --> 00:12:07,079 Speaker 2: a little bit different. So with someone with the opportunity 232 00:12:07,160 --> 00:12:10,119 Speaker 2: to get in front of Duke Tobin and ask him questions, 233 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,599 Speaker 2: I think Bengals fans want to move this forward a 234 00:12:12,640 --> 00:12:15,400 Speaker 2: little bit and start addressing some things now that can 235 00:12:15,480 --> 00:12:18,360 Speaker 2: be addressed now, and I think topic number one for 236 00:12:18,480 --> 00:12:21,640 Speaker 2: Duke Tobin would be is there any any clarity on 237 00:12:21,760 --> 00:12:24,079 Speaker 2: what this team is going to do with Trey Hendrickson 238 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:27,240 Speaker 2: in the coming weeks, because on the table right now 239 00:12:27,240 --> 00:12:30,080 Speaker 2: are multiple options for Trey Hendrickson and the Bengals. I 240 00:12:30,080 --> 00:12:33,240 Speaker 2: think everybody listening to this kind of has the same 241 00:12:33,280 --> 00:12:35,719 Speaker 2: idea as I do that Trey Henderson won't be a 242 00:12:35,760 --> 00:12:38,520 Speaker 2: Bengal next season. But what will that form look like? 243 00:12:38,640 --> 00:12:41,680 Speaker 2: Will it be letting him walk, will it be a 244 00:12:41,760 --> 00:12:46,400 Speaker 2: tag in trade. I don't know what the Bengals plans are, 245 00:12:46,480 --> 00:12:48,560 Speaker 2: and I'm not sure Duke Tobin is going to give 246 00:12:48,640 --> 00:12:51,080 Speaker 2: us an answer today, but he has in the past 247 00:12:51,160 --> 00:12:54,680 Speaker 2: addressed these kinds of moments and these kinds of questions 248 00:12:54,720 --> 00:12:57,160 Speaker 2: with more clarity than we expected. Going back to what 249 00:12:57,240 --> 00:13:00,200 Speaker 2: t Higgins did, get your own wide receiver or we 250 00:13:00,280 --> 00:13:03,680 Speaker 2: tag him with the intention to play him. So he 251 00:13:03,760 --> 00:13:06,679 Speaker 2: has given us answers before. I think that's the important 252 00:13:07,320 --> 00:13:10,120 Speaker 2: Number one question is what will this team do with 253 00:13:10,200 --> 00:13:12,880 Speaker 2: Tray Hendrickson even if we don't believe he'll be a 254 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:15,120 Speaker 2: Cincinnati Bengal next season? And I think a lot of 255 00:13:15,120 --> 00:13:18,439 Speaker 2: Bengals fans are wondering about Dalton Reisner. What's going on 256 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:21,480 Speaker 2: with him? Why hasn't been taken care of yet? Is 257 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:23,920 Speaker 2: this Dalton's choice to test the market a little bit 258 00:13:23,920 --> 00:13:27,280 Speaker 2: in free agency with ultimately intention to sign with the 259 00:13:27,320 --> 00:13:29,600 Speaker 2: Bengals and maybe raise his price tag a little bit, 260 00:13:29,720 --> 00:13:32,080 Speaker 2: or can the Bengals just hit him with the deal 261 00:13:32,200 --> 00:13:34,319 Speaker 2: that knocks his socks off and he wants to come 262 00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:37,680 Speaker 2: play in Cincinnati. He's already said that publicly, so I 263 00:13:37,720 --> 00:13:39,760 Speaker 2: think it's trying to find a little bit of clarity 264 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:43,960 Speaker 2: on what's going on with Trey Hendrickson and if anything 265 00:13:44,280 --> 00:13:47,000 Speaker 2: is imminent with Dalton Reisner, because I think those are 266 00:13:47,000 --> 00:13:49,800 Speaker 2: the two players that Bengals fans are looking forward to 267 00:13:49,840 --> 00:13:53,360 Speaker 2: having some kind of resolution with as soon as possible. 268 00:13:53,679 --> 00:13:56,760 Speaker 3: Do you feel like the resolution, regardless of what it is, 269 00:13:56,800 --> 00:14:00,760 Speaker 3: with Trey Hendrickson, allows you to just get to the 270 00:14:00,800 --> 00:14:04,360 Speaker 3: next part of the offseason, because it feels at times 271 00:14:04,400 --> 00:14:07,560 Speaker 3: like the longer that carries on, it takes away from 272 00:14:07,559 --> 00:14:10,240 Speaker 3: attacking all the other spots that this name needs to attack. 273 00:14:10,280 --> 00:14:13,480 Speaker 3: We've talked a lot about mock drafts of players available. Well, 274 00:14:13,480 --> 00:14:15,760 Speaker 3: if this team takes care of business and free agency. 275 00:14:16,160 --> 00:14:19,240 Speaker 3: They open their options up in the draft. Does moving 276 00:14:19,280 --> 00:14:22,720 Speaker 3: on or getting to a decision with Trey Hendrickson free 277 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:25,160 Speaker 3: that up more for this organization to focus on what 278 00:14:25,200 --> 00:14:27,280 Speaker 3: it needs to do and avoid any distractions. 279 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:31,240 Speaker 2: I think that's why it's a big week in Indianapolis, 280 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:35,680 Speaker 2: and not just talking to could be prospects and could 281 00:14:35,760 --> 00:14:38,040 Speaker 2: be draft picks for the Bengals. It's a chance for 282 00:14:38,400 --> 00:14:40,560 Speaker 2: the Bengals and coaches in front office to be around 283 00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:43,920 Speaker 2: other teams and maybe have those times of conversations in person. 284 00:14:44,520 --> 00:14:46,360 Speaker 2: And I think that's why this week could be a 285 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:48,560 Speaker 2: big week for the Bengals to maybe get some traction 286 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:51,960 Speaker 2: towards trying to figure out if there could be a 287 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:55,360 Speaker 2: trade partner for Trey Hendrickson. Now that's on the surface, 288 00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:58,760 Speaker 2: I would like to think that the Bengals have a 289 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:01,240 Speaker 2: plan in mind, either Plan A or a Plan B 290 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:03,680 Speaker 2: with Trey Hendrickson, and they have that already on the 291 00:15:03,720 --> 00:15:07,240 Speaker 2: table and figure it out so that they can then 292 00:15:07,360 --> 00:15:09,520 Speaker 2: go attack the rest of the roster and the rest 293 00:15:09,560 --> 00:15:12,680 Speaker 2: of the off season. So even if they don't publicly 294 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:18,000 Speaker 2: have a resolution, I think internally, if they have a 295 00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:21,400 Speaker 2: resolution of plan A and Plan B they can attack 296 00:15:21,440 --> 00:15:23,480 Speaker 2: the rest of the off season. But I think your 297 00:15:23,520 --> 00:15:27,000 Speaker 2: point is good, and too many times of these kinds 298 00:15:27,040 --> 00:15:30,200 Speaker 2: of things that kind of just hung over the organization 299 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:34,920 Speaker 2: and maybe influence decision making in the past. I do 300 00:15:34,960 --> 00:15:37,880 Speaker 2: think it's very important for this team to have a 301 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:40,520 Speaker 2: lot of resolution before they get to the draft, so 302 00:15:40,880 --> 00:15:43,480 Speaker 2: they don't specifically have to draft for a need, and 303 00:15:43,560 --> 00:15:46,000 Speaker 2: they can have some flexibility in the draft. But I 304 00:15:46,040 --> 00:15:47,760 Speaker 2: do think it's a big week that if you're going 305 00:15:47,800 --> 00:15:50,680 Speaker 2: to find a trade partner, when the entire league is 306 00:15:50,720 --> 00:15:53,920 Speaker 2: in one building, like they will be in Indianapolis this week, 307 00:15:54,000 --> 00:15:55,760 Speaker 2: this could be a good time for the Bengals to 308 00:15:55,800 --> 00:15:59,560 Speaker 2: really test the water, have those conversations, not just talk 309 00:15:59,600 --> 00:16:01,760 Speaker 2: to process, but talk to other teams to see if 310 00:16:01,760 --> 00:16:03,200 Speaker 2: there's interest in Trey Henderson. 311 00:16:03,400 --> 00:16:06,120 Speaker 1: You know, in today's day and age in the media world, Joe, 312 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:09,360 Speaker 1: everybody has a big board, everybody has a mock draft, 313 00:16:09,800 --> 00:16:13,680 Speaker 1: everybody has their guys when it comes to the prospects 314 00:16:14,160 --> 00:16:17,480 Speaker 1: in this draft. Can we expect a big board from 315 00:16:17,520 --> 00:16:20,280 Speaker 1: you at any point, a mock draft from you at 316 00:16:20,320 --> 00:16:22,800 Speaker 1: any point? Are there any players that you're interested in 317 00:16:22,800 --> 00:16:24,000 Speaker 1: at the combine? This week. 318 00:16:24,600 --> 00:16:27,800 Speaker 2: Well, it's interesting because you know, typically the Bangals are 319 00:16:27,800 --> 00:16:30,000 Speaker 2: picking so far down in the first round. I just 320 00:16:30,040 --> 00:16:31,800 Speaker 2: look at it like, Okay, I'm not going to waste 321 00:16:31,840 --> 00:16:35,240 Speaker 2: my time trying to predict what fifteen to twenty different 322 00:16:35,280 --> 00:16:37,520 Speaker 2: gms across the league are going to do. But when 323 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:40,320 Speaker 2: the Bangle was picked top ten, then you can start 324 00:16:40,360 --> 00:16:43,000 Speaker 2: to look at breadcrumbs a little bit. And it's interesting. 325 00:16:43,080 --> 00:16:45,960 Speaker 2: The closer and closer we get to the draft, the 326 00:16:46,080 --> 00:16:48,680 Speaker 2: higher and higher it feels like some of the Bengals 327 00:16:48,800 --> 00:16:53,120 Speaker 2: targets are seeming to be mocked, and certainly, you know, 328 00:16:53,160 --> 00:16:55,760 Speaker 2: we land on the Caleb Downs. It feels like Kalem 329 00:16:55,880 --> 00:17:01,320 Speaker 2: Downs is now earmarked to go before the Bengals to 330 00:17:01,520 --> 00:17:03,720 Speaker 2: even get to him at number ten, which would be 331 00:17:03,760 --> 00:17:06,760 Speaker 2: a huge disappointment I'm sure for a lot of people 332 00:17:06,760 --> 00:17:09,200 Speaker 2: in Cincinnati who feel like he could be an difference 333 00:17:09,200 --> 00:17:13,359 Speaker 2: maker for this team. Myself concluded, it feels like the 334 00:17:13,480 --> 00:17:18,360 Speaker 2: David Baileys and Reuben Bains, considering their skills and how 335 00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:21,200 Speaker 2: much they are valued in the NFL, might not be there. 336 00:17:21,240 --> 00:17:23,919 Speaker 2: It also feels like all of a sudden, Peter Woods 337 00:17:23,960 --> 00:17:26,480 Speaker 2: is starting to drop a little bit for whatever reason, 338 00:17:26,600 --> 00:17:31,040 Speaker 2: so yeah, me getting a big board done will be 339 00:17:31,200 --> 00:17:35,080 Speaker 2: just me kind of aggregating the experts in this field, 340 00:17:35,119 --> 00:17:38,280 Speaker 2: and that would be unfair. But I do think it's interesting. 341 00:17:38,800 --> 00:17:43,800 Speaker 2: I'm looking forward to being around those guys tomorrow and Thursday, 342 00:17:43,840 --> 00:17:47,000 Speaker 2: to be around those those linemen, to see what they're about, 343 00:17:47,080 --> 00:17:50,520 Speaker 2: to see how they handle themselves, to see how they 344 00:17:50,560 --> 00:17:54,040 Speaker 2: speak about themselves. And you know, you don't get a 345 00:17:54,080 --> 00:17:57,160 Speaker 2: whole lot right when it comes to deciding whether you're 346 00:17:57,160 --> 00:17:59,440 Speaker 2: gonna draft somebody from what these guys say in front 347 00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,720 Speaker 2: of the TV camera. But I think there's a little 348 00:18:01,760 --> 00:18:04,600 Speaker 2: bit of kind of trying to figure out what makes 349 00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:09,280 Speaker 2: them pick and what they're all about. And that's gonna 350 00:18:09,280 --> 00:18:12,040 Speaker 2: be interesting to me because it's not just Duke Tebin 351 00:18:12,040 --> 00:18:14,960 Speaker 2: and Zach Taylor talking today. You got the Bengals coordinators 352 00:18:15,240 --> 00:18:19,119 Speaker 2: speaking tomorrow. We have the Reuben Bins and the David 353 00:18:19,160 --> 00:18:22,199 Speaker 2: Bailey's and the Peter Woods talking tomorrow. Then you have 354 00:18:22,359 --> 00:18:26,320 Speaker 2: Caleb down Devailable on Thursday. So it's an exciting, fun 355 00:18:26,400 --> 00:18:29,800 Speaker 2: week to try to project and kind of needle a 356 00:18:29,800 --> 00:18:32,280 Speaker 2: little bit into these guys to figure out what they're about. 357 00:18:32,320 --> 00:18:35,720 Speaker 2: We don't get the chance to go out into the 358 00:18:35,800 --> 00:18:39,600 Speaker 2: actual stadium and watch these guys perform. The only time 359 00:18:39,640 --> 00:18:42,600 Speaker 2: we get around them is to ask them questions, either 360 00:18:42,600 --> 00:18:44,720 Speaker 2: at a podium or off the side of the podium. 361 00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:47,120 Speaker 2: So that to us is our chance to figure out 362 00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:49,040 Speaker 2: more about these guys, and I'm looking forward to that. 363 00:18:49,440 --> 00:18:52,560 Speaker 3: With March Madness right around the corner, I would be 364 00:18:52,600 --> 00:18:54,719 Speaker 3: remiss not to ask because of the fine work you 365 00:18:54,720 --> 00:18:57,640 Speaker 3: guys do at Fox nineteen with the final quarter, who 366 00:18:57,640 --> 00:19:00,840 Speaker 3: are some of the local teams that we should be 367 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:03,560 Speaker 3: watching to have a chance to cut down the nets. 368 00:19:04,320 --> 00:19:06,760 Speaker 2: Well, Lakota West goes right to the top of the list, 369 00:19:06,800 --> 00:19:10,080 Speaker 2: right because Lakota West is so good and they've proven 370 00:19:10,200 --> 00:19:13,680 Speaker 2: all year that their special and conservative of the number 371 00:19:13,720 --> 00:19:18,120 Speaker 2: one ranking in Ohio. In Northern Kentucky, Cupcats has been 372 00:19:18,200 --> 00:19:20,800 Speaker 2: ranked number one before they got knocked off last week 373 00:19:21,240 --> 00:19:24,119 Speaker 2: by Madison Central, who's the top five team in the state. 374 00:19:24,240 --> 00:19:26,800 Speaker 2: So look, those aren't the only two teams. There are 375 00:19:26,840 --> 00:19:28,480 Speaker 2: a lot of teams that are going to be really 376 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:33,479 Speaker 2: difficult outs. We just had Baiden's game on Friday night. 377 00:19:33,520 --> 00:19:36,200 Speaker 2: Baden's put together one heck of a season, taking down 378 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:38,480 Speaker 2: the South for the first time in more than twenty years, 379 00:19:39,280 --> 00:19:42,639 Speaker 2: and there are so many girls teams. Simon Kenton has 380 00:19:42,680 --> 00:19:46,840 Speaker 2: been ranked number one in the state always in Cincinnati, 381 00:19:46,880 --> 00:19:50,240 Speaker 2: you look at our teams coming from the girls Catholic 382 00:19:50,359 --> 00:19:53,879 Speaker 2: leagues that could be difference makers. But certainly the Coda 383 00:19:53,920 --> 00:19:56,359 Speaker 2: West and Cupcat jumped to the top. Right now, It's 384 00:19:56,440 --> 00:19:58,359 Speaker 2: two teams that have been ranked number one in the 385 00:19:58,400 --> 00:20:02,000 Speaker 2: state with a chance to cut down nets. But Wyoming's 386 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:05,040 Speaker 2: another team that everybody expects to take a next step 387 00:20:05,080 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 2: this year and maybe get to the state championship game. 388 00:20:08,119 --> 00:20:12,080 Speaker 2: We're deep this year. I'm excited for Cincinnati. It's not 389 00:20:12,400 --> 00:20:15,720 Speaker 2: just the star power of the cam Mercers and the 390 00:20:15,800 --> 00:20:18,440 Speaker 2: Joshua Tysons and all these guys that are going to 391 00:20:18,480 --> 00:20:21,760 Speaker 2: get big time college offers and recruits, but we are 392 00:20:21,800 --> 00:20:24,680 Speaker 2: really deep with teams this year. And I can see 393 00:20:24,720 --> 00:20:28,760 Speaker 2: Cincinnati sending several teams to the state tournament. I think 394 00:20:28,800 --> 00:20:30,040 Speaker 2: that's a great thing for our area. 395 00:20:30,920 --> 00:20:34,720 Speaker 3: What's everything coming up on Fox nineteen with whether it's 396 00:20:34,760 --> 00:20:37,800 Speaker 3: Reds and the Combine and we've got college hoops and 397 00:20:37,840 --> 00:20:41,479 Speaker 3: high school basketball. What's the what's brewing with Fox nineteen? 398 00:20:42,800 --> 00:20:47,840 Speaker 2: Big day tomorrow at the Combine tone the flagship is 399 00:20:47,880 --> 00:20:52,480 Speaker 2: planting its flag with a live thirty minute streaming. 400 00:20:52,760 --> 00:20:54,960 Speaker 3: So you guys are actually at the Combine. 401 00:20:55,480 --> 00:21:01,119 Speaker 2: Cincinnati Sports Show, unlike you, you're at the Combine the 402 00:21:01,280 --> 00:21:05,280 Speaker 2: Flagship TV station. Yeah yeah, is that the Combine one 403 00:21:05,440 --> 00:21:09,600 Speaker 2: thirty tomorrow find Fox nineteen now. Wherever you find Fox 404 00:21:09,720 --> 00:21:12,680 Speaker 2: nineteen now streaming platforms, we call it Fox nineteen Now 405 00:21:12,720 --> 00:21:18,359 Speaker 2: plus Jeremie Row myself thirty minutes Dangles coverage one thirty 406 00:21:18,480 --> 00:21:23,040 Speaker 2: tomorrow streaming on the Flagship Man Awesome stuff. 407 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:26,600 Speaker 3: Enjoy your time in Indiana. We always appreciate your time here. Joe, 408 00:21:26,640 --> 00:21:27,880 Speaker 3: have a great week. Thank you, Joe. 409 00:21:29,040 --> 00:21:30,840 Speaker 2: Big night for the bear catch tone. 410 00:21:30,960 --> 00:21:34,600 Speaker 3: Oh don't even the word insufferable will be on the 411 00:21:34,600 --> 00:21:36,480 Speaker 3: mind of many if you see wins this tonight for. 412 00:21:36,560 --> 00:21:38,040 Speaker 1: Me tomorrow coming to work tomorrow. 413 00:21:38,080 --> 00:21:42,399 Speaker 2: If they win five in a row, another top twenty 414 00:21:42,520 --> 00:21:47,280 Speaker 2: win and in position, We'll do this. Joe to be 415 00:21:47,480 --> 00:21:51,400 Speaker 2: in position, I love it. Good luck tone yeap yeate. 416 00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:54,720 Speaker 3: I didn't need any more of that Now I'm ready 417 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:57,840 Speaker 3: to go. Joe Daniman Fox nineteen awesome stuff. As always, 418 00:21:57,880 --> 00:22:00,400 Speaker 3: your talkbacks come up next to ESPN fifth teen thirty 419 00:22:00,440 --> 00:22:01,440 Speaker 3: Cincinnati Sports Station. 420 00:22:02,200 --> 00:22:03,800 Speaker 2: Hey Google, what's happening in