On today's show, we discuss the Reds' 3-0 Opening Day loss to the Red Sox on a day that featured Andrew Abbott returning to form and Sal Stewart being the only source of Reds offense. Also, we discuss tonight's Sweet 16 matchups and break down a couple of potential Bengals free agent options who remain unsigned.

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The Cincinnati Reds opened their 2026 season with a frustrating 3–0 loss to the Boston Red Sox, a game defined almost entirely by dominant pitching and missed offensive opportunities. While the scoreline suggests a comfortable Boston win, the reality was a tightly contested duel that remained scoreless deep into the game before slipping away late.

Reds starter Andrew Abbott delivered an encouraging Opening Day performance, matching Boston ace Garrett Crochet inning for inning. Abbott threw six shutout innings, allowing scattered hits while keeping the Red Sox off the board and giving Cincinnati every chance to win. However, Crochet was even more overpowering. The left-hander struck out eight and allowed just three hits across six scoreless innings, repeatedly shutting down Reds hitters in key situations.

Cincinnati’s best chance came in the sixth inning, when they loaded the bases with one out. Crochet escaped by striking out Eugenio Suárez and Spencer Steer, a pivotal moment that preserved the scoreless tie and shifted momentum. From there, the Reds’ offense never recovered.

The breakthrough finally came in the seventh inning when Boston capitalized on a pitching change. A leadoff double eventually led to Ceddanne Rafaela’s RBI single, giving the Red Sox a 1–0 lead. Cincinnati’s bullpen held briefly, but the game slipped out of reach in the ninth inning as Boston added two insurance runs on RBI singles from Trevor Story and Jarren Duran.

Offensively, the Reds struggled to generate consistent pressure, finishing with just four hits and failing to score despite limited opportunities. One bright spot was rookie Sal Stewart, who recorded three hits in an impressive major league debut.

Ultimately, the loss highlighted a familiar issue for Cincinnati: solid pitching wasted by a quiet offense. While there were positives—especially Abbott’s outing and Stewart’s emergence—the shutout defeat underscored the need for more timely hitting as the season begins.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

Today's show is a special 2-hour edition of The Stone Shields show as we set the table for Cincinnati Reds Opening Day, the 2026 Cincinnati Reds season and Opening Day around Major League Baseball. Stone is joined by Reid Maus and Casey McCollister.

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The Cincinnati Reds enter the 2026 season with a renewed sense of urgency and optimism as they look to take the next step from a rebuilding club to a legitimate contender in the National League. After showing flashes of promise over the past couple of seasons, the Reds now find themselves at a pivotal moment where development must turn into production, and potential must translate into wins.

At the core of the Reds’ outlook is a young, dynamic lineup that continues to mature. Players like Elly De La Cruz remain the centerpiece of the offense, bringing elite athleticism, power, and game-changing speed. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him one of the most exciting players in all of baseball, but consistency will be key in 2026. Alongside him, Matt McLain provides stability and a well-rounded skill set, contributing both offensively and defensively. If McLain can stay healthy, he gives the Reds a reliable presence near the top of the lineup.

Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand add further depth to the middle of the order, offering power and run production potential. The Reds will need both players to take another step forward, especially against high-end pitching. Meanwhile, the catching position, led by Tyler Stephenson, remains an important piece not only for offensive contributions but also for managing a young pitching staff.

One of the biggest storylines for the Reds heading into 2026 is their pitching staff. Hunter Greene continues to headline the rotation with electric stuff and ace-level potential. If he can stay healthy and refine his command, Greene has the tools to be one of the top pitchers in the league. Nick Lodolo’s development is just as critical; when healthy, he has shown the ability to dominate with his unique delivery and pitch mix. However, durability remains a major question mark.

Behind them, the Reds’ rotation will likely be a mix of young arms and emerging contributors, making depth a key factor over the course of a long season. Consistency from the back end of the rotation could ultimately determine whether this team can sustain a playoff push. The bullpen, meanwhile, has the potential to be a strength, especially if key arms can lock down late-game situations and limit blown leads.

Defensively, the Reds have the athleticism to be an above-average team. With versatile players capable of moving around the field, they can match up well against different opponents. However, cleaning up errors and maintaining focus in key moments will be an emphasis, as those small details often make the difference in close games.

Another important factor for the 2026 Reds is leadership and experience. As the roster continues to skew young, having steady veteran presences in the clubhouse can help guide the team through the ups and downs of a 162-game season. Whether through returning players or offseason additions, that leadership will play a role in keeping the team grounded during high-pressure stretches.

The National League Central remains a competitive but winnable division, which gives the Reds a clear path to contention if they can put everything together. Avoiding prolonged slumps, staying healthy, and performing well in divisional matchups will be crucial. The margin for error is slim, but the opportunity is there.

Ultimately, the 2026 season will be defined by whether the Reds can turn their potential into consistency. The talent is evident across the roster, and the excitement surrounding the team is real. Now, it comes down to execution. If their young stars continue to develop, the pitching staff takes a step forward, and the team finds consistency, the Cincinnati Reds have a legitimate chance to not only compete for a playoff spot but to reestablish themselves as a force in the National League.

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#CincinnatiReds #Reds #OpeningDay

On today's show we react to the Bengals bringing back Joe Flacco + North Carolina fires Hubert Davis, who are the top candidates to replace him? Also, Cincinnati Reds 2026 season preview on Opening Day Eve.

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The Cincinnati Bengals’ decision to re-sign Joe Flacco to a one-year deal for the 2026 season is a practical move built on experience, reliability, and roster stability. At 41 years old, Flacco is no longer a long-term solution, but his 2025 performance proved he can still contribute meaningful snaps when needed. After being acquired midseason, he appeared in nine games and started six, stepping in for an injured Joe Burrow and stabilizing the offense during a turbulent stretch.

Flacco’s production was efficient and steady. He threw for 1,664 yards, 13 touchdowns, and just four interceptions, showing he could still manage games and push the ball downfield when necessary. His veteran presence helped keep the Bengals competitive, even if the team’s overall record during his starts did not reflect his individual play. More importantly, he demonstrated command of the offense and quickly built chemistry with key playmakers.

For Cincinnati, this re-signing is less about upside and more about security. Burrow remains the franchise quarterback, but injuries in recent seasons have exposed the team’s lack of dependable depth. Rather than gamble on an inexperienced backup, the Bengals chose continuity with a proven veteran who already understands the system and locker room.

Financially, the deal is low-risk, reportedly worth around $6 million with incentives. That price aligns with Flacco’s role as a high-end backup who can step in without drastically changing the offense.

Ultimately, bringing Flacco back is a smart insurance policy. The Bengals are built to contend when healthy, and keeping a capable, experienced quarterback behind Burrow ensures they remain competitive if adversity strikes again.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we discuss the Cincinnati Bearcats officially hiring Jerrod Calhoun as their next head men's basketball coach. Also, Kelsey Conway reports that the Bengals have let DJ Turner and Dax Hill know the team would like to give them contract extensions + Cincinnati Reds bold predictions from The Athletic.

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The Cincinnati Bearcats’ decision to hire Jerrod Calhoun marks a pivotal moment for a program searching for renewed relevance in the Big 12. After parting ways with Wes Miller following five consecutive seasons without an NCAA Tournament appearance, Cincinnati prioritized a coach with both proven success and deep ties to the university—and Calhoun checks both boxes.

Calhoun arrives from Utah State, where he quickly established himself as one of the rising names in college basketball. In just two seasons, he compiled an impressive 55–15 record, led the Aggies to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, and even guided them to a tournament win in 2026. His teams were known for efficient offense and disciplined play, traits Cincinnati hopes will translate to success in a highly competitive conference.

Beyond his on-court résumé, Calhoun’s connection to Cincinnati makes this hire particularly meaningful. A graduate of the university, he previously served as a student assistant under legendary coach Bob Huggins and later worked with him at West Virginia. That background gives Calhoun a strong understanding of the program’s culture and expectations, something fans and administrators value as they attempt to restore the Bearcats’ identity.

Calhoun’s coaching journey also reflects steady program-building ability. He began at Fairmont State, where he found Division II success, then rebuilt Youngstown State into a Horizon League contender before elevating Utah State on the national stage. This track record suggests he is well-equipped to take on the challenge of revitalizing Cincinnati.

Ultimately, the hire signals ambition. With increased resources, including significant NIL backing, and a fresh voice leading the program, Cincinnati is aiming to reestablish itself as a consistent NCAA Tournament team. Calhoun’s blend of familiarity, momentum, and coaching acumen makes him a compelling choice to lead that resurgence.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show we discuss the Bengals letting Tycen Anderson walk in free agency as he has signed with the Denver Broncos. Also, Nick Lodolo suffered another blister injury during his final start of spring training and Wes Miller was hired as the next head coach at Charlotte. 

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Nick Lodolo experienced a concerning setback during his final spring training appearance on March 22, 2026, when a recurring blister issue forced him out of the game almost immediately. The left-handed starter, who was expected to be a key part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation to begin the regular season, lasted only a handful of pitches before discomfort on his left index finger became too significant to ignore.

Lodolo’s outing against the Cleveland Guardians began shakily and ended abruptly. He walked the first batter he faced and then surrendered a two-run home run before trainers were called to the mound. After a brief discussion with coaching staff, Lodolo exited the game having faced just two hitters. Reports indicated the blister had already developed enough to require immediate attention, with team staff later draining it in the training room in an effort to prevent further complications.

While blisters might seem minor compared to other injuries, they are particularly problematic for pitchers, especially those like Lodolo who rely on grip and feel to command their pitches. This is not a new issue for him, either—he has dealt with similar blister problems multiple times in recent seasons, occasionally even requiring stints on the injured list. The recurrence raises concerns not only about his immediate availability but also about his long-term durability.

The timing of the setback is especially unfortunate. This appearance was meant to be Lodolo’s final tune-up before the regular season, where he had been projected to start one of the opening games. Instead, the Reds are now in a wait-and-see mode, evaluating how quickly the blister heals and whether he will be ready to take the mound as scheduled.

Fortunately for Cincinnati, the team has built some rotation depth heading into the season, which could help absorb any short-term absence. Still, Lodolo’s health remains a critical factor. When healthy, he has shown flashes of top-of-the-rotation potential, making his condition something the organization—and its fans—will be monitoring closely in the days leading up to Opening Day.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we break down our second 7-round Bengals mock after the first few waves of NFL free agency have come and gone. Also, we discuss the top 10 players in the NCAAM tournament, Maxx Crosby's return to Vegas and the USA coming up short in the WBC.

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The Cincinnati Bengals could find themselves in a dream scenario on draft night if Caleb Downs is available at No. 10 overall. Downs is widely viewed as one of the most complete defensive prospects in the class, bringing elite instincts, leadership, and versatility to the secondary. For a Bengals defense that has struggled with consistency on the back end, adding a player of his caliber could be transformative. He’s the type of prospect who not only fills a need but elevates the entire unit. If Cincinnati lands him, it would signal a major commitment to retooling the defense with high-end talent and long-term leadership.

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens made headlines after backing out of a blockbuster trade for Maxx Crosby, and Crosby didn’t hold back when addressing the situation. After initially being dealt for two first-round picks, the trade was voided due to what Baltimore described as concerns stemming from Crosby’s medical evaluation. However, Crosby later revealed that the “vibes were off” from the moment he arrived, noting that key figures in the organization were not present to greet him and that the energy surrounding the deal quickly shifted.

As more details emerged, it increasingly appeared that Baltimore may have gotten cold feet, potentially influenced by the falling market for pass rushers in free agency. Rather than commit major assets and a long-term deal to Crosby, the Ravens pivoted, ultimately keeping their draft capital. From Cincinnati’s perspective, this outcome is significant. While Crosby is an elite, game-changing defender, the alternative options Baltimore is now considering don’t present the same level of impact. That’s a win for the Bengals as they look to stay competitive in a loaded AFC North.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we discuss Miami's upset over SMU in the First Four, Logan Wilson's retirement, Erick All's future at tight end, Andy Dalton being traded to the Eagles and more.

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Miami (Ohio) delivered one of the most eye-catching performances of the opening night of the 2026 NCAA Tournament, knocking off SMU 89–79 in the First Four in Dayton. The RedHawks didn’t just survive and advance—they made a statement.

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From the opening tip, Miami played with urgency and confidence, quickly setting the tone with its perimeter shooting. Eian Elmer led the way with 22–23 points, knocking down six three-pointers and stretching SMU’s defense beyond its comfort zone. His performance was part of a broader offensive explosion, as Miami connected on 16 three-pointers as a team and showcased one of the most efficient shooting nights of the early tournament.

The RedHawks built a 43–34 halftime lead and never fully relinquished control, maintaining separation with timely shooting and crisp ball movement. Brant Byers added 19 points and Luke Skaljac chipped in 17, giving Miami a balanced offensive attack that SMU struggled to contain.

What made the win even more impressive was how Miami neutralized SMU’s size advantage. The Mustangs dominated points in the paint, but Miami countered with spacing, tempo, and discipline—finishing with strong rebounding numbers and very few turnovers. In fact, the RedHawks’ efficiency bordered on historic, combining high assist totals, elite three-point shooting, and minimal mistakes.

SMU, led by Jaden Toombs’ 20-point, 11-rebound effort, simply couldn’t keep up from the perimeter. The Mustangs also felt the absence of key guard B.J. Edwards, whose injury left them without a crucial playmaker.

Beyond the box score, the victory carried significance for Miami’s program. It marked the school’s first NCAA Tournament win in 27 years and validated a team that entered March with a 31–1 record but lingering skepticism due to its strength of schedule.

Now advancing to face Tennessee, Miami has already proven it belongs—and that its shooting and confidence make it a dangerous matchup moving forward.

#MiamiRedHawks #Bengals #Reds

On today's show, we discuss the Dolphins trading Jaylen Waddle to the Broncos, Paul Dehner Jr's latest Bengals mock draft for The Athletic, six Reds starting pitchers making the Opening Day roster, Miami vs. SMU and a preview of the NCAAM bracket.

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The Cincinnati Reds are drawing attention ahead of the 2026 season for an unconventional pitching decision: carrying six starting pitchers on their Opening Day roster. This approach, confirmed by manager Terry Francona, reflects both necessity and long-term planning as the club navigates injuries and workload concerns.

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According to recent reports, the Reds’ group is expected to include Andrew Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, Rhett Lowder, Chase Burns, and Brandon Williamson. Rather than forming a strict six-man rotation, the team plans to rotate roles and manage innings more flexibly.

A key factor behind this strategy is the absence of ace Hunter Greene, who is dealing with elbow issues and will miss the start of the season. Without their top starter, Cincinnati is leaning on depth and youth to stabilize the staff.

The decision is also rooted in workload management. Several of these pitchers—particularly Lowder, Burns, and Williamson—had limited innings in 2025 due to injuries or development plans. By spreading out starts early in the season, the Reds hope to avoid overuse and keep their arms fresh for a potential playoff push later in the year.

Andrew Abbott is expected to anchor the staff and has been named the likely Opening Day starter despite mixed spring results. His emergence as a frontline option gives the Reds some stability atop an otherwise fluid rotation.

Importantly, this six-pitcher setup may not be permanent. Francona has indicated it’s a flexible, early-season solution that could evolve as pitchers build endurance or as injured players return.

Overall, the Reds’ decision highlights a growing trend in Major League Baseball: prioritizing pitcher health and adaptability over traditional rotation structures. If successful, Cincinnati could gain a competitive edge in a tightly contested National League Central race.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we take a look at an updated Bengals defensive depth chart after last week's acquisitions. Also, Andrew Abbott continues to struggle in spring training as he likely will only get one more start before getting the ball on Opening Day. Plus, Cincinnati Reds roster decisions as they get closer to cutting the roster down to 26 players.

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Andrew Abbott’s spring training has taken a concerning turn, and another shaky outing yesterday only deepened the unease surrounding his early-season form. After emerging as a reliable arm for the Cincinnati Reds last year, expectations were that Abbott would build on that momentum. Instead, his performances this spring have been marked by inconsistency, wavering command, and an unusual vulnerability to hard contact.

In his latest appearance, Abbott struggled to locate his fastball, frequently falling behind hitters and being forced into the zone in predictable counts. Opposing batters capitalized, squaring up pitches that, at his best, typically generate weak contact or swings and misses. His secondary offerings—particularly the changeup that was so effective during his breakout—have lacked their usual deception, often staying up in the zone.

This outing follows a pattern rather than standing as an isolated misstep. Across multiple spring appearances, Abbott has posted elevated pitch counts early in games, limiting his ability to work deep into outings. More concerning than the raw results is the underlying lack of sharpness; his mechanics appear slightly out of sync, leading to inconsistent release points and diminished command on both sides of the plate.

To be clear, spring training struggles don’t always translate into regular-season issues. Pitchers often use this period to experiment, refine grips, or gradually build arm strength. However, Abbott’s challenges feel more foundational than experimental. The Reds’ coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his approach—reestablishing fastball command and rebuilding confidence in his off-speed pitches.

With Opening Day approaching, Abbott still has time to course-correct. But if these trends persist, what once looked like a stable piece of Cincinnati’s rotation could enter the season with more questions than answers.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow

On today's show, we discuss what the Bengals did in week 1 of NFL free agency and how this sets the table for the rest of the offseason. Also, we roll through the top candidates to be the next head basketball coach at Cincinnati after Wes Miller was fired last Friday. Plus, Miami, the final team to make the bracket, will face SMU in Dayton.

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The Cincinnati Bengals approached the 2026 NFL free-agency period with a clear goal: improve a defense that had struggled in recent seasons. To accomplish this, the team added three major defenders—Bryan Cook, Boye Mafe, and Jonathan Allen—in moves that signal a strong commitment to rebuilding the defensive unit.

The signing of Cook gives the Bengals a significant upgrade at safety. Cook, a Cincinnati native and former Kansas City Chiefs defender, signed a three-year deal worth about $40 million. A two-time Super Bowl champion, he brings experience in high-pressure games and solid production in the secondary, including over 200 career tackles and multiple interceptions. His presence should stabilize the back end of the defense, helping improve coverage and communication in the secondary.

At edge rusher, the Bengals signed Mafe to a three-year, $60 million contract after his time with the Seattle Seahawks. Mafe is expected to help replace lost pass-rush production after the departure of star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Known for his athleticism and ability to pressure quarterbacks, Mafe gives Cincinnati a younger pass-rushing option with upside, while also bringing championship experience after winning Super Bowl LX.

The addition of veteran defensive tackle Allen further strengthens the defensive line. The two-time Pro Bowler signed a two-year contract reportedly worth up to $28 million. Allen has produced 45.5 career sacks and is widely respected for his interior pass rush and leadership. His ability to collapse the pocket should complement Cincinnati’s edge rushers and improve the team’s run defense.

Overall, these moves suggest the Bengals are prioritizing defensive improvement heading into the National Football League 2026 season. By reinforcing all three levels of the defense—secondary, edge, and interior line—the team hopes to become more balanced and better equipped to compete in the tough AFC. If these additions perform as expected, Cincinnati could enter the 2026 season as a more complete contender rather than a team relying primarily on offensive firepower.

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#Bengals #Reds #TheStoneShieldsShow