In this Labor Day edition of the Weekly Review; the Cincinnati Reds and Cincinnati Bengals make some deals. Reflections on four recently deceased sports legends. Plus, an usual holiday weekend for the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Cincinnati Reds add Goodwin and Bradley at trade deadline

The Cincinnati Reds made two moves in the hours before last Monday’s trade deadline. Adding outfielder Brian Goodwin from the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels got pitching prospect Packy Naughton in exchange for trading Goodwin. Cincinnati also added relief pitcher Archie Bradley from the Arizona Diamondbacks. In exchange for outfielder Josh VanMeter and outfield prospect Stuart Fairchild.

Goodwin is in the middle of his fifth season in the major leagues. Striving to follow up a stellar 2019 batting-wise. Last year he had a career-high 65 runs, 108 hits, 17 home runs and 47 runs batted in. Giving the Reds more depth for their outfield and batting order. The Reds hope Bradley will give the Reds bullpen a well needed boost. Bradley saved six out of seven save opportunities with Arizona this season. After a career-high 18 saves out of 21 save opportunities in 2019.

Meanwhile, outfielder Phillip Ervin was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Mariners last Thursday. Ervin was Cincinnati’s 2013 first round draft pick. He was designated for assignment on August 28th. Ervin was one of Cincinnati’s three lead off batters so far this season. Being Cincinnati’s lead off batter on Opening Day. The lead off spot has been a weak spot in Cincinnati’s batting order this year. Ervin, Joey Votto and Shogo Akiyama all had below .250 batting averages going into last Friday.

Reflections on four American sports legends

The last week was a somber one for American sports. Two hall of fame baseball players passed away in recent days. Lou Brock passed away on Sunday at age 81. Brock is regarded as one of the best base stealers and hitters in baseball history. Along with Brock, Tom Seaver passed away on August 31st at age 75.

Seaver’s family recently announced that he was battling dementia. While most known for his days with the New York Mets. Seaver’s lone career no hitter was in a Reds uniform in 1978. Seaver was with the Reds from 1977 until 1982. His 20 year career featured three Cy Young awards, 12 All-Star appearances and a World Series title in 1969.

On the same day Seaver died, legendary basketball coach and player John Thompson Jr. died. Passing away two days before his 79th birthday. Thompson was the first Black coach to win a NCAA Division I College Basketball national championship. Through Georgetown Basketball’s national championship in 1984. His tenure at Georgetown helped put their basketball program and the Big East Conference on the map.

Thompson also won two NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics. His passing came days after fellow legendary college basketball coach Lute Olsen died. Olsen guided Arizona Basketball to their first and so far only national title in 1997. He died on August 27th at the age of 85. Along with winning national titles, he and Thompson were both hall of fame coaches.

Cincinnati Bengals and Mixon agree to contract extension

The Reds weren’t the only local professional team making moves last week. The Cincinnati Bengals and running back Joe Mixon agreed to a contract extension. A deal reportedly worth $48 million over four years. Mixon is entering his fourth season with the team that drafted him. Shining as one of the Bengals most consistently reliable players.

Mixon is striving to follow up back-to-back 1,100+ rushing yard seasons. Ranking ninth in the NFL rushing yards-wise last year. Along with Mixon’s extension, the Bengals set their 2020 regular season roster last week. With less than a week to go now before the Bengals season opener. When the Bengals face the Los Angeles Chargers at home on September 13th.

FC Cincinnati gets spectators but no goals again

FC Cincinnati enters this week struggling to snap a five match goal-less streak. Not scoring since their last match in the MLS is Back Tournament on July 28th. FCC had a scoreless tie against the Chicago Fire last Wednesday. Along with a 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew on Sunday night. FCC will face NYC FC on the road this Saturday at 7 PM Eastern time.

FC Cincinnati’s match against Hell is Real Derby rival Columbus marked a first. It was the first Ohio professional sporting event with live spectators since March. Ohio guidelines allow teams to host the lesser between 1,500 fans or 15% capacity at sporting events. According to WSYX-TV, 1,500 socially-distanced fans were on hand for Sunday’s match. In a stadium that can fit around 20,000 people. On a separate note, Ohio is giving the Bengals and Cleveland Browns more variance in capacity limits. Allowing both teams to host up to 6,000 fans for two games this year.

Authentic wins the Kentucky Derby amidst unorthodox Derby week

Last but not least, a most unusual Kentucky Derby is now in the history books. Taking place in September for the first time in history. With Authentic ending Tiz the Law’s Triple Crown hopes last Saturday evening. Tiz the Law won the Belmont Stakes back in June; as the first instead of being the usual last leg of the Triple Crown. The race took place with only essential race and Churchill Downs personnel on hand.

Meanwhile, protests over the police shooting death of Breonna Taylor took place nearby. The 146th Kentucky Derby was part of an unusual Labor Day weekend for the Bluegrass State. The Kentucky Speedway in Sparta managed to keep one of the region’s best kept secrets. As the “undisclosed location” for Sunday’s Western & Southern/ WEBN fireworks show. Taking place there instead of it’s traditional spot near downtown Cincinnati.