Votto will help Reds make a run

Washington Twp. residents helped Votto on his road back

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By Brian Kollars, Sports Editor 11:39 PM Saturday, July 4, 2009

Ohio is a robust No. 10 in the BCS national obesity rankings. That means many of us need to start doing — in the words of my old P.E. teacher — more push-aways. As in push away from the dinner table faster. But, hey, it’s Fourth of July weekend. Go ahead and have another piece of cherry pie with ice cream. That No. 9 spot will be tough to pry from Michigan’s chubby fingers.

Reasons to believe: The spunky Reds are in a dead heat with just about every other team in the National League Central. So, at the halfway point, are the Reds contenders or pretenders?

As long as Joey Votto is in the lineup, Cincinnati definitely is a contender. With Votto, the Reds averaged 4.6 runs in their first 47 games. When Votto missed 21 games, the Reds scored just 3.4 runs per outing. Since Votto’s return, the Reds are averaging 4.2 runs in 11 games.

I about flunked geometry, but I understand that simple math.

I also understand many of you began yelling at the TV the other night when David Weathers was sent to the mound to face Albert Pujols with the bases loaded.

Quiet, please: The July edition of Sports Illustrated Kids features a poll of more than 1,000 youngsters ages 8 to 14. The kids sound off on sports issues, including bad behavior they witness at their games. Cited as most prevalent bad behavior was “parents shouting too loudly from the stands.”

Makes sense. I’m packing a clean sock and will have it ready to stick in my mouth the next time I’m tempted to provide valuable instruction in the top of the second inning.

Tax trouble: Former Bengals running back Chris Perry owes the city of Wyoming, Ohio, thousands in back taxes and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. His house has been on the market since January.

Perry was supposed to be in court last month, but didn’t show. I’m guessing he had a pulled hamstring or a sprained ankle. Maybe a knee strain or a jammed finger. Perhaps a stinger or stubbed toe.

Quick hits: The Americans’ close call against Brazil in the Confederations Cup final will make next year’s World Cup much more interesting here in football country. ... The Gems seem to be doing a lot right, including signing Greg Labenski, who is one hockey player Dayton fans actually recognize. ... Shaquille O’Neal might be past his prime, but the Big Tweeter is still entertaining.

Knucklehead of the Week

Jim Leyritz must have Springsteen’s “Glory Days” playing over and over on his iPod, because that’s about all the former World Series hero has left. Leyritz, best remembered for his dramatic home run that helped the Yankees beat the Braves in the 1996 Fall Classic, followed up DUI manslaughter charges (the trial begins in two months) with charges of domestic battery against his ex-wife in their Davie, Fla., home. Plus, he says he’s broke.

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