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Today’s show kicks off with a breakdown of the Cincinnati Reds’ spring training game, spotlighting their electrifying young star, Elly De La Cruz. Fresh off a standout performance last weekend, where he homered from both sides of the plate in his spring debut against the Cleveland Guardians on February 22, De La Cruz went 2-for-2 with two solo shots, totaling 859 feet of raw power. The 23-year-old shortstop’s blazing speed and towering 6-foot-5 frame have fans buzzing about his potential to join the 30/30 or even 40/40 club in 2025. The hosts discuss how his early dominance signals a promising season under new manager Terry Francona, while also analyzing the Reds’ split-squad results—a 6-3 win over the Guardians and an 8-7 loss to the Brewers—offering “too early to tell” gut reactions on the team’s revamped roster.

With the NFL Scouting Combine underway in Indianapolis from February 24 to March 3, the crew examines the Bengals’ strategic moves, including the recent release of defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, hinting at a reshuffling of priorities. Head coach Zac Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin’s press conferences on February 25 provided insights into their draft and free agency plans, spotlighting potential targets like pass-rushers and prospects to pair with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. The hosts debate whether these changes position the Bengals as contenders in 2025. Wrapping up, the episode ties the Reds and Bengals narratives into the broader NFL Combine context, exploring how Cincinnati’s sports scene is gearing up for a transformative year.