Some Tuesday morning observations:
The Bengals have lost two in a row. Obviously, that’s reason for some concern. The loss to the Houston Texans was a complete dud. But the loss in Arizona was one you can live with: There’s no shame in losing to a good team on the road on a last-second field.
But what’s more troubling in Bengal-land is the recent spate of injuries.
The Bengals were the healthiest team in the NFL through eight games. But cornerback Adam Jones missed the Cardinals with a bad foot. Second-year corner Darqueze Dennard started in Jones’ place.
And then Dennard suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the game.
Anytime you’re down to a third cornerback in the NFL, it’s not a good thing. Safety Shawn Williams is also dealing with an an ankle injury.
The Bengals are still relatively healthy by NFL standards, but the depth at defensive back is becoming a concern.
And if you watch the NFL at all, you can see how quickly injuries pile up.
YROD’S WINTER: Outfielder Yorman Rodriguez is off to a decent start in the Venezuelan Winter League. He went into Tuesday hitting .273/.355/.418 in 55 at-bats for the Bravos de Margarita.
Rodriguez, 23, missed most of the second half with Triple-A Louisville with a calf injury. He’s out of options, so he’s likely to make the Reds out of spring.
He has the talent to be the left field solution — if his bat comes around. A strong showing in Winter Ball will ease some minds in the Reds’ front office.
And with Jay Bruce’s name on the rumor mill, the Reds could be looking for tow corner outfielders.
CROSSTOWN SHOWDOWN: With Xavier and UC both undefeated and ranked, the Crosstown Shootout should have plenty of luster this year. XU is No. 23, UC No. 24. The game is Dec. 12 at Cintas Center.
