Sports Shorts

* Bronson Arroyo has cleared waivers. Were I the Reds GM, I would move him this month to any contender looking for a pitcher. Arroyo has been a stalwart for the Reds, taking the ball every fifth day and putting in his work, often as the only sure thing in the rotation due to his health. He's been a solid producer, winning 15 games each of the last three years, and a solid citizen for a club and a city that values such things. I like Bronson Arroyo.

Having said that, he's on the hook for a lot of money next season. That's money the Reds could use to extend Brandon Phillips, spread out amongst the arbitration eligible youngsters, or go out and sign a proven veteran closer to take the place of Coco Cordero as closer next year. I know the money on the contract is a big part of the problem with moving him, but I would be trying like hell to get something done. Getting back a prospect or two would be fine, considering that half the Louisville Sluggers are already wearing Reds unis by now.

* If you haven't read "Big Hair and Plastic Grass," by Dan Epstein, you're not much of a baseball fan. I'm re-reading it right now, it's one of the most enjoyable sports books I've ever read. Epstein doesn't deify the players or the era, the much maligned 1970's, but reminds readers of the fun without glossing totally over the bad.

* I had someone point something interesting out to me this weekend. She is rooting for Plaxico Burress this year because she feels he was given a raw deal by the law. "He shot himself, for God's sake, isn't that punishment enough?" I don't necessarily agree with that, but the man did more time for shooting himself accidentally than Jamal Lewis did for drug trafficking charges, than Leonard Little or Donte Sallworth did for drunkenly killing other people while driving, etc. I do think that Plax was actually treated more harshly than an Average Joe would have been, a rare case of celebrity working against somebody. I also believe in second chances, so I do hope he plays well enough for the Jets that people talk more about his on-the-field exploits than off-the-field ones.

* Finally, the NFL preseason started this week. Someone should have told the Bengals.