August 1, 2025 • 19 mins
Tony and Austin talk Reds and Bengals with Charlie Goldsmith, media extraordinaire.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati, sponsored in part
by Cincy Shirts. Cincy Shirts, all Cincy, all day. This
is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Our number two, Cincy three to sixty thanks to Cincy Shirts.
We'll talk more about Cincy shirts as we get into
our talkbacks, and we'll give away Sinci shirts gift card
later this afternoon. For now, we have an awesome opportunity
to go down to the ballpark and talk to our guy,
Charlie Goldsmith to kick off our number two. He's watching
Brady's singer right now, pitch and he's talking to us.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Hi, Charlie, mister Hall of Famer. Congratulations.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Thank you, Charlie. I genuinely appreciate that, and I appreciate
you making time for us today while the game is
happening and a very important part of the game going on.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Right now, you have the bases loaded here. I'm in
a back hallway so I can get that the audio
n you know, coming in from the ballpark, but there's
a TV here. I would like to say one more
Hall of Fame thing. Though the congratulations is from from
me as a friend, it's also for me as someone
who uh, somewhere I could find it. There's a photo
of a ten year old knee and you wowowhere.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I need this photo.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
You see.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
I need the photo and I need you to sign it.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
We need to put that in the studio.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Sure that goes up.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Make a few copies.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah, that goes up in this studio. Charlie. Was a
tough one last night. Something I've never seen before. An
eight run top of the eighth followed by an eight
run bottom of the eighth. To go through a game
like that remarkable on both sides, but to come up
on the wrong side and the tenth inning, how devastating
of a loss?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Does that?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Does that feel like? From the clubhouse?
Speaker 3 (01:50):
I just look at it as a continuation of when
they don't play clean baseball, they don't win. I just
look at it from that standpoint. Sure there's an effect,
But these guys showed up at nine in the morning
and the biggest thing that was on their mind was
probably the quick turnaround and the upcoming trip to Bristol
more than it was the quote unquote devastating loss last night.
But the theme that continued now that Brian Hayes should help.
(02:14):
But obviously a tough day for him defensively yesterday, but
then you know McLain had to play. You looked at
the corner outfield spots all season. I just view that
game mostly through the prison as, first of all, just
incredible until I'll remember it. But then the importance of
defense and kind of following through from an execution standpoint
on the vision and the type of team they want
(02:34):
to be.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Charlie, what do you make from an overall standpoint of
what the Reds were able to get accomplished at the
deadline and what they ultimately gave up at the deadline.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
So on Power Stacks, you know the podcast they do
with Brian geisen Slaw, we identified the four p's of
the Reds tradeline trade deadline strategy. They were positivity, power, payroll,
and padres. So let's start with positivity and I'll rattle
through these real quick. But the team said, we want
(03:08):
you to make a move for an office in the
front office. Well, they weren't the most aggressive team. I
think both sides saw it as following through on that idea,
committing to who they were, entrenching themselves as buyers. Now
they the next piece is padres because when you look
at how much better San Diego got, when you look
at the needs specifically from a getting to the third
(03:29):
p power standpoint that the Red didn't address, that could
significantly impact what this NL well car the race looks
like going forward. You know, I wouldn't have been surprised
or maybe probably you know, the Reds could have had
conversations about Ramon Loreano and Ryan O'Hearn and now they're
going to be helping the Padres win games instead of
helping the Reds wing games. Then the fourth piece payroll,
because one thing that I don't think you can stress
(03:50):
enough from this deadline is that the Red included Taylor
Rodgers and the Cabrian Hayes deal and then Pittsburg just
ended up being able to flip him for a prospect.
The fact that the Reds had to make the money
pretty much even in that deal and only took on
about three million dollars in payroll, it sounds like they
didn't have a ton of flexibility and that really handicaps
what you're able to do. So payroll is certainly a
(04:13):
part of this conversation UF to factor in as well.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
I was listening to you and Brian talk about it,
and you said that you respect the key Brian Hayes
trade because it is a commitment to their vision. Can
you explain to me and to our listeners as if
they are seven years old, what is the Red's vision
and can they actually do it given what you just
(04:43):
talked about in the payroll and the other piece.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if they can
actually do it. At the end of the day, the
Reds are going to just have to live and die
with these young guys, this young core. That's the business
they're in. The Reds plan in every single market is athletics,
dynamic the defense, and then swing decisions quality at that
being able to drive the ball in the gaps. They
prioritize those skills in quite literally every area. In twenty
(05:11):
twenty two, when they decided to sell to Coeo, you know,
they prioritized the package that got them Marque who at
the times the shortstop and Edwin Royo their last like
the international for agent class that they got. They made
this big deal to get this kid a Ponte I
believe it's his name. He's this slick fielding, defensive shortstop
like they drafted steel Haul just now in the first round.
(05:33):
Because he sets that idea, they are doubling and tripping,
tripling down on a very specific archetype that they believe
gives them the best chance to win. The Reds are
never going to be the best power hitting team in baseball,
even if they just got the best sloggers at all
these spots, because the best power hitters are going to
be guys who are kind of in their primes, guy superstars.
(05:54):
That's the game the Mets, the Yankees, the Cubs, teams
like that are playing. I mean, you have a limited payroll.
They've concluded that you can't beat those teams at your
own game. What you can do is pivot and take
on a different identity and kind of excel at what
you do. So there are again categories and qualities and
characteristics that make the Reds kind of an easy team
(06:14):
to quote unquote mock draft for, even in a situation
like the trade deadline. I also think a big part
of the story is alignment between the player acquisition there
and then how Terry Francona manages this team. I mean,
you know, need me to go through a clean baseball
defense routine, play playing the right way We've been talking
about this all season, So that alignment is good. They've
(06:36):
got another step to take. They've got multiple steps to
take if they want to reach the ultimate goal. But
there is cohesion and what they're trying to do, the
execution on all sides among all parties just has to
be a little better.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
Can they legitimately compete in today's baseball with a team
that doesn't make power a priority?
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Again, like I don't know the Guardians did under Terry Francona.
That's something I also don't think they deprioritize power, like
to Brian Hayes for example. I talked to Chris fa
Laky yesterday and they think he might be hitting the
ball on the ground too much. They're going to try
to work with him to maybe start elevating the ball.
It is hit her by hitter. They weren't telling ces
(07:22):
to try to be Shogolakiyama like it's hit her by hitter.
But overall, collectively, yes, that's the vision. When you play
like that, you don't have a margin for air. You
have to commit and stay consistent with a very specific style.
That makes coaching massively important. That makes players about making
the same mistake twice massively important. What they were doing
(07:44):
previously also wasn't working either. They do have talent here
and again they're very committed to this idea.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Charlie, how how big does today's game feel? I know
we try to simplify and go game the game, but
it felt like one got away from there against the
Dodgers in game two of that series. Obviously, what happened
last night. You're getting ready to head to Bristol. The
margin right now in the wild card is three and
a half. We know what the other teams did at
the deadline. How massive does today feel to try to
(08:14):
get a win here and have the opportunity to win
this series tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
At some point you just got to win, right You're
at that point of the season. What's interesting about where
the Reds you're at right now too, is for a
team that's contending, that's feeling positively, they just have a
lot of moving pieces in questions right now. For example, today,
after using four relievers last night, what's the state of
the bullpen like today from a high leverage availability standpoint?
(08:40):
You know, we'll see that's important directly. I'll kind of
have a position player log gym as well. Where they've
got seven outfielders and like only two of Marte Lucks
Freightly and Benson I believe can be in the lineup
against right handed pitching. Like who's in what role, who's
playing where. There's just a lot that the team has
to kind of learn right now on the fly while
(09:02):
playing some critically important games, you know. And then like
Mark Hayes in right field? What is Hunt Green right now?
What is Andrew Hall right now? Coming in? Can you,
you know, work on some adjustments with to Brian Hayes,
Like here's just all this stuff, you know, how do
you use Nick Martinez that they have to figure out
now while they're playing these urgent games.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Let's switch gears for a moment here, Charlie. An off
day for the Bengals today. They meant to move inside
yesterday because of the rain. But there's been a lot
of conversation about practices ending, and I know you alluded
to it yesterday. Yesterday was about the coverage for the Bengals.
We've talked about the defensive line applying some pressure last year.
I felt like I did, at least for me, a
(09:43):
little bit of the same. And then the defense came
out and they weren't good during the season. Have you
seen anything during this early portion of camp that would
lead you to believe what you're seeing right now from
the defense will translate better during the regular season.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
No, I haven't, because of the shower taste in your
mouth almost with a lot of these players from a
regular season standpoint, plus the complexities of implementing a new
scheme and all that. Now, you have to start somewhere.
I wrote yesterday, like you need something to tape up
on your fridge. And the places that these defensive backs
(10:18):
are making I think really help from a culture perspective,
because they're letting some leaders kind of step up as
they celebrate and kind of collectively revel in those moments.
You're seeing guys help leading making adjustments that are translating
into a positive confidence boost for this defense. Is this
defense going to be very good? I have no idea,
(10:39):
and I've told myself I'm not letting myself come to
any conclusions until October because of just how it looked
last season and how little they did just to improve
the roster from a talent perspective. But it's truly got
to start somewhere, and this is a very very tangible
start that they can play to.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
What is the biggest positive you would say up to
this point in camp that you've witnessed for this team.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
I'll go with TJ. Slayton. I'll start with that, like
there's just a presence that he carried defensively. And I'll
add in two more guys, Josh Newton than Jordan Battle.
When you look for young leaders, when you look for
guys being vocal, when you look at guys who are
our tone setters in that way, they just feel very
comfortable in being where they are. Like a big difference
this year like last year. And part of this was
(11:25):
kind of how lou and remote structured it. Part of
that was what these veterans had earned. But there was
a big curtain almost between what the veterans were, how
much they were empowered their roles, their vocalness, their ability
to say certain things in the room, and then the
young guys were kind of in their own separate camp
in terms of kind of how again the lines were
(11:47):
totally distinct, and it's a lot more opportunity meritocracy, and
you're seeing Battle and Newton really kind of step up
and shine in that way and that's been my favorite
part of camp, just seeing that each get more and
more kind of like they're getting a role in terms
of figuring out who they are. And I mean, I
think Josh Newton starts for this team.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
I've loved what we've seen from Josh Newton. I loved
seeing DJ Turner bounce back after a rough couple of
days and have the day that he was able to
have yesterday. If I flipped the question for you at
this point in camp, and it's hard because they've only
had full pads for a couple of days. We've not
seen a ton of the one on one they're not tackling.
But where's your biggest level of concern at with this team?
Speaker 3 (12:32):
The offensive line? Fair child, he's you know, hanging his hat,
he's carrying the lunch pail, just watching him like an
individual drill. The strength and power does pop. But then
when you look at what's happening specifically up front in
the trenches, and then also factor in just Cody Ford
being Cody Ford. We know who Cody Ford is. You
also look at the fact that the offensive guard battle
(12:54):
haven't even started because Lucas Patrick was playing center, because
Matt Lee was hurt. They needed a second person who
could snap the ball, and then Patrick got hurt. And
I mean, I have no idea who this second team
offensive line is going to be. They're all kind of
the same. They're all guys who the team hasn't invested
much in. None of them have any sort of track
(13:15):
record in the NFL, none of them have any sort
of like, oh, you can hang your hat on this.
I kind of like Jalen Rivers the most, just because
like he's kind of sturdy, he moves well, and he
just has a professionalism about him, just kind of when
you look him in the eye and talk to him
from a coaching perspective. But it's not like you can
come in a fifth round pick saving this offensive line
depth and you're one injury away from from being Jalen
(13:37):
Rivers or Devin Cochrane or who knows. Literally it could
be eight guys stepping into these active game day roles.
I'm worried about that right now, especially if they have
one more injury and you need one of those second teams.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
It makes you worry even more because of the guy
that they're protecting. Joe Burrow has been very open about
how he feels at camp. I loved him talking the
other day about just how how good the ball feels
and what he's able to do now there's no restrictions,
there's no injury that he's coming off of, there's there's
no pandemic, He's got all his weapons at his disposal.
(14:11):
How much can you just see from watching him the
confidence that is exuding from Joe Burrow right now throwing
past this.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
I mean, you see just these wow moments, like I
hope this doesn't really show up on video, but like
you know, you've got a bunch of people in videotaping
these plays, and you know, we all watch the highlights
and that's a lot of fun. And I know there
have been a couple of times where I've kind of
been caught or exposed, like literally laughing as he throws
the ball because he has some sort of idea and
it's kind of like a silly little laugh and he's like, man,
(14:38):
that's great, And I hope that that sound doesn't show
up on video. But there's like a true audible reaction
to some of these throws that are just a treat.
I'd like to add this too. I mean, Jake Browning
looks like a starter. He's actually a guy who has
also played poorly, just not a poorly in training camp
during his career. He's just a gamer. You know, he
(15:00):
was so bad two years ago that they brought in
Wilt Reer to try to take his place as the backup.
Now that changed. What a story. Brown improved himself all
that kind of stuff. But I mean this seems like
I got to who's just even improved since twenty twenty three.
And I think Jake will be a starter in the
league somewhere next year. And we've talked about these flashes
you're seeing from Charlie Jones Areadiah Williams, Jermaine Burton. Well,
(15:23):
Brown is a big part of that. And I've been
very impressed with the campes having.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Uh, Noah Fan is a Cincinnati Bengal in your opinion,
how massive of a signing in this and how can
Noah Fan help this offense?
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Well, two point conversion against Baltimore last year the ball
went to Tanner Hudson and nothing against Tanner, but no offense.
A better player to have him that spot in Tanner Hudson.
You know, I can think of five or six specific
catches like I can think of one very specific fumble
that Tanner Hudson had last year that's a perfect example
of Tanner Hudson trying to get up field and exposing
the ball and maybe costing the Bengals a game that's
(15:57):
no offense game. The signing singles signals to me that
Mike is sick. He's even more of a wide receiver
than we were even thinking that's just going to be
how they kind of move him around. Obviously, the inline
presence just didn't work out, and then it was an
idea maybe they had heading into last season. But leading
more to that, I don't know that he changes you
are as a blocker, but he gives you that option
(16:19):
to have Gaziki just more truly in the flocks. And
again the role matters as we saw it with Tanner Hudson.
I went through a fan film. I saw a lot
of screams. I saw a lot of yak I saw
a lot of hitches get up field. It kind of
reminds me of the Hayden Hurst in his ability to
do all.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
That the running back room. Zach Moss is no longer
a Cincinnati Bengal. You have Chase Brown, you have some
JP round and you have TODs Brooks. What can you say, uh,
to this point of training camp of what you've seen
from the running back group for the Bengals.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Well, you know, like let's say three times Chase Brown,
Chase Brown, Chase Brown. I mean, it's just incredible. It's
funny too, Like I was joking about this. So I'm
working on a story on Chase Brown right now. And
I interviewed Ted Carris about Chase after the third day
of camp and I realized and I made the joke
to Ted, Like actually, Ted, literally a year ago, I
was interviewing you right now about the leap we're seeing
(17:13):
from Chase Brown, And here we are talking about Chase
Brown making just as big of a leap because right now,
like Chase Brown was the buzz of camp at this
point last year, but for him to even exceed those
expectations and now enter twenty twenty five with even higher expectations,
big focus with him almost even his third down routes
and opportunities in the passing game that he's proven he's
ready for Pee Ryan's going to be third and long screens,
(17:36):
maybe a couple of power runs. We all know exactly
who that is Brooks cuts very constantly, and I think
that in a year from now we could talk about
him having a role or at the very least if
an injury happens. Now the Bengals don't have to make
a panic trade for a running back like they did
last season now RB four if they would ever need it.
I don't think is in the building right now. So
(17:56):
that's not great. But from a top three PERSPECTI I
think this is far and away the best top three
when you factor in just whole room. All right, So
twenty twenty was Mixing and Bernard, but like Trivia, Williams
was that number three, so there wasn't a ton of
confidence there, but no, like if you put in Brooks
is a number three and give kind of him that
factor in this conversation, like, yeah, this is the best
(18:18):
top three they've had.
Speaker 4 (18:19):
Are you going to Bristol.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I'm not. I just side. I was decided between Bristol
and Chicago, and because it was right after the trade deadline,
I wanted to really be able to spend some time
around the team and the exact and stuff like that,
and then I'll go to the practice on Saturday and
get that in as well. Before I spent a few
days with the Reds.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Fair enough. You ever grow up watching Nascar, you ever
have a favorite driver?
Speaker 3 (18:43):
You know, Nascar is a massive blind spot on me,
so much so that like what the group of mine,
there was like an arcade game that was around that
was like trivia, and then there would be Nascar trivia,
and I remember we got very competitive with it, and
the Nascar trivia was like no, because none of us
had it. So that's that's all I got. So it's
funny like if you had asked me a question and
(19:03):
it was one of those questions that might bring a
bell because we've played that game a million times and
tried to memorize the answers. That's all I've got on NASCAR.
But I'm very excited to watch Steven. I love the
idea of bringing baseball the new place.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Charlie, you're the best man. Thank you so much for
your time while you're at the ballpark. Enjoy the game
today and have a great weekend. We always appreciate your time.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
See guys there.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
He is Charlie Goldsmith from Great American Ballpark. Where the
game heads to the top of the fourth in a
zero zero tie between something's gotta give, something's gotta give.
We're gonna give away a gift card as we go
along here. Talkbacks are next, and then a gift card
with the best talkback of the week still to come.
(19:45):
Since e three to sixty thanks to Cincy Shirts, Thank
you for listening on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
Hey Alex,
Cincy three sixty about Cincinnati from Cincinnati, sponsored in part
by Cincy Shirts. Cincy Shirts, all Cincy, all day. This
is ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Our number two, Cincy three to sixty thanks to Cincy Shirts.
We'll talk more about Cincy shirts as we get into
our talkbacks, and we'll give away Sinci shirts gift card
later this afternoon. For now, we have an awesome opportunity
to go down to the ballpark and talk to our guy,
Charlie Goldsmith to kick off our number two. He's watching
Brady's singer right now, pitch and he's talking to us.
Speaker 3 (00:41):
Hi, Charlie, mister Hall of Famer. Congratulations.
Speaker 2 (00:45):
Thank you, Charlie. I genuinely appreciate that, and I appreciate
you making time for us today while the game is
happening and a very important part of the game going on.
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Right now, you have the bases loaded here. I'm in
a back hallway so I can get that the audio
n you know, coming in from the ballpark, but there's
a TV here. I would like to say one more
Hall of Fame thing. Though the congratulations is from from
me as a friend, it's also for me as someone
who uh, somewhere I could find it. There's a photo
of a ten year old knee and you wowowhere.
Speaker 2 (01:19):
I need this photo.
Speaker 3 (01:22):
You see.
Speaker 2 (01:23):
I need the photo and I need you to sign it.
Speaker 4 (01:25):
We need to put that in the studio.
Speaker 3 (01:27):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Sure that goes up.
Speaker 4 (01:28):
Make a few copies.
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Yeah, that goes up in this studio. Charlie. Was a
tough one last night. Something I've never seen before. An
eight run top of the eighth followed by an eight
run bottom of the eighth. To go through a game
like that remarkable on both sides, but to come up
on the wrong side and the tenth inning, how devastating
of a loss?
Speaker 3 (01:47):
Does that?
Speaker 2 (01:47):
Does that feel like? From the clubhouse?
Speaker 3 (01:50):
I just look at it as a continuation of when
they don't play clean baseball, they don't win. I just
look at it from that standpoint. Sure there's an effect,
But these guys showed up at nine in the morning
and the biggest thing that was on their mind was
probably the quick turnaround and the upcoming trip to Bristol
more than it was the quote unquote devastating loss last night.
But the theme that continued now that Brian Hayes should help.
(02:14):
But obviously a tough day for him defensively yesterday, but
then you know McLain had to play. You looked at
the corner outfield spots all season. I just view that
game mostly through the prison as, first of all, just
incredible until I'll remember it. But then the importance of
defense and kind of following through from an execution standpoint
on the vision and the type of team they want
(02:34):
to be.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
Charlie, what do you make from an overall standpoint of
what the Reds were able to get accomplished at the
deadline and what they ultimately gave up at the deadline.
Speaker 3 (02:45):
So on Power Stacks, you know the podcast they do
with Brian geisen Slaw, we identified the four p's of
the Reds tradeline trade deadline strategy. They were positivity, power, payroll,
and padres. So let's start with positivity and I'll rattle
through these real quick. But the team said, we want
(03:08):
you to make a move for an office in the
front office. Well, they weren't the most aggressive team. I
think both sides saw it as following through on that idea,
committing to who they were, entrenching themselves as buyers. Now
they the next piece is padres because when you look
at how much better San Diego got, when you look
at the needs specifically from a getting to the third
(03:29):
p power standpoint that the Red didn't address, that could
significantly impact what this NL well car the race looks
like going forward. You know, I wouldn't have been surprised
or maybe probably you know, the Reds could have had
conversations about Ramon Loreano and Ryan O'Hearn and now they're
going to be helping the Padres win games instead of
helping the Reds wing games. Then the fourth piece payroll,
because one thing that I don't think you can stress
(03:50):
enough from this deadline is that the Red included Taylor
Rodgers and the Cabrian Hayes deal and then Pittsburg just
ended up being able to flip him for a prospect.
The fact that the Reds had to make the money
pretty much even in that deal and only took on
about three million dollars in payroll, it sounds like they
didn't have a ton of flexibility and that really handicaps
what you're able to do. So payroll is certainly a
(04:13):
part of this conversation UF to factor in as well.
Speaker 4 (04:16):
I was listening to you and Brian talk about it,
and you said that you respect the key Brian Hayes
trade because it is a commitment to their vision. Can
you explain to me and to our listeners as if
they are seven years old, what is the Red's vision
and can they actually do it given what you just
(04:43):
talked about in the payroll and the other piece.
Speaker 3 (04:47):
Yeah, I don't know. I don't know if they can
actually do it. At the end of the day, the
Reds are going to just have to live and die
with these young guys, this young core. That's the business
they're in. The Reds plan in every single market is athletics,
dynamic the defense, and then swing decisions quality at that
being able to drive the ball in the gaps. They
prioritize those skills in quite literally every area. In twenty
(05:11):
twenty two, when they decided to sell to Coeo, you know,
they prioritized the package that got them Marque who at
the times the shortstop and Edwin Royo their last like
the international for agent class that they got. They made
this big deal to get this kid a Ponte I
believe it's his name. He's this slick fielding, defensive shortstop
like they drafted steel Haul just now in the first round.
(05:33):
Because he sets that idea, they are doubling and tripping,
tripling down on a very specific archetype that they believe
gives them the best chance to win. The Reds are
never going to be the best power hitting team in baseball,
even if they just got the best sloggers at all
these spots, because the best power hitters are going to
be guys who are kind of in their primes, guy superstars.
(05:54):
That's the game the Mets, the Yankees, the Cubs, teams
like that are playing. I mean, you have a limited payroll.
They've concluded that you can't beat those teams at your
own game. What you can do is pivot and take
on a different identity and kind of excel at what
you do. So there are again categories and qualities and
characteristics that make the Reds kind of an easy team
(06:14):
to quote unquote mock draft for, even in a situation
like the trade deadline. I also think a big part
of the story is alignment between the player acquisition there
and then how Terry Francona manages this team. I mean,
you know, need me to go through a clean baseball
defense routine, play playing the right way We've been talking
about this all season, So that alignment is good. They've
(06:36):
got another step to take. They've got multiple steps to
take if they want to reach the ultimate goal. But
there is cohesion and what they're trying to do, the
execution on all sides among all parties just has to
be a little better.
Speaker 4 (06:49):
Can they legitimately compete in today's baseball with a team
that doesn't make power a priority?
Speaker 3 (07:01):
Again, like I don't know the Guardians did under Terry Francona.
That's something I also don't think they deprioritize power, like
to Brian Hayes for example. I talked to Chris fa
Laky yesterday and they think he might be hitting the
ball on the ground too much. They're going to try
to work with him to maybe start elevating the ball.
It is hit her by hitter. They weren't telling ces
(07:22):
to try to be Shogolakiyama like it's hit her by hitter.
But overall, collectively, yes, that's the vision. When you play
like that, you don't have a margin for air. You
have to commit and stay consistent with a very specific style.
That makes coaching massively important. That makes players about making
the same mistake twice massively important. What they were doing
(07:44):
previously also wasn't working either. They do have talent here
and again they're very committed to this idea.
Speaker 2 (07:52):
Charlie, how how big does today's game feel? I know
we try to simplify and go game the game, but
it felt like one got away from there against the
Dodgers in game two of that series. Obviously, what happened
last night. You're getting ready to head to Bristol. The
margin right now in the wild card is three and
a half. We know what the other teams did at
the deadline. How massive does today feel to try to
(08:14):
get a win here and have the opportunity to win
this series tomorrow.
Speaker 3 (08:19):
At some point you just got to win, right You're
at that point of the season. What's interesting about where
the Reds you're at right now too, is for a
team that's contending, that's feeling positively, they just have a
lot of moving pieces in questions right now. For example, today,
after using four relievers last night, what's the state of
the bullpen like today from a high leverage availability standpoint?
(08:40):
You know, we'll see that's important directly. I'll kind of
have a position player log gym as well. Where they've
got seven outfielders and like only two of Marte Lucks
Freightly and Benson I believe can be in the lineup
against right handed pitching. Like who's in what role, who's
playing where. There's just a lot that the team has
to kind of learn right now on the fly while
(09:02):
playing some critically important games, you know. And then like
Mark Hayes in right field? What is Hunt Green right now?
What is Andrew Hall right now? Coming in? Can you,
you know, work on some adjustments with to Brian Hayes,
Like here's just all this stuff, you know, how do
you use Nick Martinez that they have to figure out
now while they're playing these urgent games.
Speaker 2 (09:21):
Let's switch gears for a moment here, Charlie. An off
day for the Bengals today. They meant to move inside
yesterday because of the rain. But there's been a lot
of conversation about practices ending, and I know you alluded
to it yesterday. Yesterday was about the coverage for the Bengals.
We've talked about the defensive line applying some pressure last year.
I felt like I did, at least for me, a
(09:43):
little bit of the same. And then the defense came
out and they weren't good during the season. Have you
seen anything during this early portion of camp that would
lead you to believe what you're seeing right now from
the defense will translate better during the regular season.
Speaker 3 (09:58):
No, I haven't, because of the shower taste in your
mouth almost with a lot of these players from a
regular season standpoint, plus the complexities of implementing a new
scheme and all that. Now, you have to start somewhere.
I wrote yesterday, like you need something to tape up
on your fridge. And the places that these defensive backs
(10:18):
are making I think really help from a culture perspective,
because they're letting some leaders kind of step up as
they celebrate and kind of collectively revel in those moments.
You're seeing guys help leading making adjustments that are translating
into a positive confidence boost for this defense. Is this
defense going to be very good? I have no idea,
(10:39):
and I've told myself I'm not letting myself come to
any conclusions until October because of just how it looked
last season and how little they did just to improve
the roster from a talent perspective. But it's truly got
to start somewhere, and this is a very very tangible
start that they can play to.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
What is the biggest positive you would say up to
this point in camp that you've witnessed for this team.
Speaker 3 (11:02):
I'll go with TJ. Slayton. I'll start with that, like
there's just a presence that he carried defensively. And I'll
add in two more guys, Josh Newton than Jordan Battle.
When you look for young leaders, when you look for
guys being vocal, when you look at guys who are
our tone setters in that way, they just feel very
comfortable in being where they are. Like a big difference
this year like last year. And part of this was
(11:25):
kind of how lou and remote structured it. Part of
that was what these veterans had earned. But there was
a big curtain almost between what the veterans were, how
much they were empowered their roles, their vocalness, their ability
to say certain things in the room, and then the
young guys were kind of in their own separate camp
in terms of kind of how again the lines were
(11:47):
totally distinct, and it's a lot more opportunity meritocracy, and
you're seeing Battle and Newton really kind of step up
and shine in that way and that's been my favorite
part of camp, just seeing that each get more and
more kind of like they're getting a role in terms
of figuring out who they are. And I mean, I
think Josh Newton starts for this team.
Speaker 2 (12:09):
I've loved what we've seen from Josh Newton. I loved
seeing DJ Turner bounce back after a rough couple of
days and have the day that he was able to
have yesterday. If I flipped the question for you at
this point in camp, and it's hard because they've only
had full pads for a couple of days. We've not
seen a ton of the one on one they're not tackling.
But where's your biggest level of concern at with this team?
Speaker 3 (12:32):
The offensive line? Fair child, he's you know, hanging his hat,
he's carrying the lunch pail, just watching him like an
individual drill. The strength and power does pop. But then
when you look at what's happening specifically up front in
the trenches, and then also factor in just Cody Ford
being Cody Ford. We know who Cody Ford is. You
also look at the fact that the offensive guard battle
(12:54):
haven't even started because Lucas Patrick was playing center, because
Matt Lee was hurt. They needed a second person who
could snap the ball, and then Patrick got hurt. And
I mean, I have no idea who this second team
offensive line is going to be. They're all kind of
the same. They're all guys who the team hasn't invested
much in. None of them have any sort of track
(13:15):
record in the NFL, none of them have any sort
of like, oh, you can hang your hat on this.
I kind of like Jalen Rivers the most, just because
like he's kind of sturdy, he moves well, and he
just has a professionalism about him, just kind of when
you look him in the eye and talk to him
from a coaching perspective. But it's not like you can
come in a fifth round pick saving this offensive line
depth and you're one injury away from from being Jalen
(13:37):
Rivers or Devin Cochrane or who knows. Literally it could
be eight guys stepping into these active game day roles.
I'm worried about that right now, especially if they have
one more injury and you need one of those second teams.
Speaker 2 (13:49):
It makes you worry even more because of the guy
that they're protecting. Joe Burrow has been very open about
how he feels at camp. I loved him talking the
other day about just how how good the ball feels
and what he's able to do now there's no restrictions,
there's no injury that he's coming off of, there's there's
no pandemic, He's got all his weapons at his disposal.
(14:11):
How much can you just see from watching him the
confidence that is exuding from Joe Burrow right now throwing
past this.
Speaker 3 (14:18):
I mean, you see just these wow moments, like I
hope this doesn't really show up on video, but like
you know, you've got a bunch of people in videotaping
these plays, and you know, we all watch the highlights
and that's a lot of fun. And I know there
have been a couple of times where I've kind of
been caught or exposed, like literally laughing as he throws
the ball because he has some sort of idea and
it's kind of like a silly little laugh and he's like, man,
(14:38):
that's great, And I hope that that sound doesn't show
up on video. But there's like a true audible reaction
to some of these throws that are just a treat.
I'd like to add this too. I mean, Jake Browning
looks like a starter. He's actually a guy who has
also played poorly, just not a poorly in training camp
during his career. He's just a gamer. You know, he
(15:00):
was so bad two years ago that they brought in
Wilt Reer to try to take his place as the backup.
Now that changed. What a story. Brown improved himself all
that kind of stuff. But I mean this seems like
I got to who's just even improved since twenty twenty three.
And I think Jake will be a starter in the
league somewhere next year. And we've talked about these flashes
you're seeing from Charlie Jones Areadiah Williams, Jermaine Burton. Well,
(15:23):
Brown is a big part of that. And I've been
very impressed with the campes having.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Uh, Noah Fan is a Cincinnati Bengal in your opinion,
how massive of a signing in this and how can
Noah Fan help this offense?
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Well, two point conversion against Baltimore last year the ball
went to Tanner Hudson and nothing against Tanner, but no offense.
A better player to have him that spot in Tanner Hudson.
You know, I can think of five or six specific
catches like I can think of one very specific fumble
that Tanner Hudson had last year that's a perfect example
of Tanner Hudson trying to get up field and exposing
the ball and maybe costing the Bengals a game that's
(15:57):
no offense game. The signing singles signals to me that
Mike is sick. He's even more of a wide receiver
than we were even thinking that's just going to be
how they kind of move him around. Obviously, the inline
presence just didn't work out, and then it was an
idea maybe they had heading into last season. But leading
more to that, I don't know that he changes you
are as a blocker, but he gives you that option
(16:19):
to have Gaziki just more truly in the flocks. And
again the role matters as we saw it with Tanner Hudson.
I went through a fan film. I saw a lot
of screams. I saw a lot of yak I saw
a lot of hitches get up field. It kind of
reminds me of the Hayden Hurst in his ability to
do all.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
That the running back room. Zach Moss is no longer
a Cincinnati Bengal. You have Chase Brown, you have some
JP round and you have TODs Brooks. What can you say, uh,
to this point of training camp of what you've seen
from the running back group for the Bengals.
Speaker 3 (16:52):
Well, you know, like let's say three times Chase Brown,
Chase Brown, Chase Brown. I mean, it's just incredible. It's
funny too, Like I was joking about this. So I'm
working on a story on Chase Brown right now. And
I interviewed Ted Carris about Chase after the third day
of camp and I realized and I made the joke
to Ted, Like actually, Ted, literally a year ago, I
was interviewing you right now about the leap we're seeing
(17:13):
from Chase Brown, And here we are talking about Chase
Brown making just as big of a leap because right now,
like Chase Brown was the buzz of camp at this
point last year, but for him to even exceed those
expectations and now enter twenty twenty five with even higher expectations,
big focus with him almost even his third down routes
and opportunities in the passing game that he's proven he's
ready for Pee Ryan's going to be third and long screens,
(17:36):
maybe a couple of power runs. We all know exactly
who that is Brooks cuts very constantly, and I think
that in a year from now we could talk about
him having a role or at the very least if
an injury happens. Now the Bengals don't have to make
a panic trade for a running back like they did
last season now RB four if they would ever need it.
I don't think is in the building right now. So
(17:56):
that's not great. But from a top three PERSPECTI I
think this is far and away the best top three
when you factor in just whole room. All right, So
twenty twenty was Mixing and Bernard, but like Trivia, Williams
was that number three, so there wasn't a ton of
confidence there, but no, like if you put in Brooks
is a number three and give kind of him that
factor in this conversation, like, yeah, this is the best
(18:18):
top three they've had.
Speaker 4 (18:19):
Are you going to Bristol.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
I'm not. I just side. I was decided between Bristol
and Chicago, and because it was right after the trade deadline,
I wanted to really be able to spend some time
around the team and the exact and stuff like that,
and then I'll go to the practice on Saturday and
get that in as well. Before I spent a few
days with the Reds.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Fair enough. You ever grow up watching Nascar, you ever
have a favorite driver?
Speaker 3 (18:43):
You know, Nascar is a massive blind spot on me,
so much so that like what the group of mine,
there was like an arcade game that was around that
was like trivia, and then there would be Nascar trivia,
and I remember we got very competitive with it, and
the Nascar trivia was like no, because none of us
had it. So that's that's all I got. So it's
funny like if you had asked me a question and
(19:03):
it was one of those questions that might bring a
bell because we've played that game a million times and
tried to memorize the answers. That's all I've got on NASCAR.
But I'm very excited to watch Steven. I love the
idea of bringing baseball the new place.
Speaker 2 (19:15):
Charlie, you're the best man. Thank you so much for
your time while you're at the ballpark. Enjoy the game
today and have a great weekend. We always appreciate your time.
Speaker 3 (19:23):
See guys there.
Speaker 2 (19:24):
He is Charlie Goldsmith from Great American Ballpark. Where the
game heads to the top of the fourth in a
zero zero tie between something's gotta give, something's gotta give.
We're gonna give away a gift card as we go
along here. Talkbacks are next, and then a gift card
with the best talkback of the week still to come.
(19:45):
Since e three to sixty thanks to Cincy Shirts, Thank
you for listening on ESPN fifteen thirty Cincinnati Sports Station.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
Hey Alex,
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