Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Chatterbox Sports
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Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

United Dairy Farmers presents Off the Bench, hosted by Chatterbox Sports CEO Trace Fowler. Elliot Riering and Casey McCollister produce Cincinnati’s first local sports show every day of the week. The show is on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube page Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM EST.

  1. 18H AGO

    Cincinnati Reds Lose ELEVENTH STRAIGHT SERIES to Brewers, Bearcats Add Big Time Transfers

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.   The Cincinnati Reds recently wrapped up a four-game series against the Milwaukee Brewers, concluding on April 6, 2025, with a challenging start to their 2025 season. The Reds entered the series with a 2-4 record from their opening homestand and hoped to turn things around on the road. However, they dropped three of the four games to the Brewers, finishing the series with a 3-7 overall record and losing all three series to begin the year. The series opened on April 3 with a 1-0 loss, extending a troubling trend of low-scoring games for Cincinnati. The Reds’ offense struggled mightily, managing just one run across their previous 35 innings. On April 4, they broke their scoreless streak in a 3-2 defeat, with Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jeimer Candelario driving in runs late, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s early lead, powered by Brice Turang’s two-run homer. A bright spot came on April 5, when the Reds erupted for an 11-7 victory, snapping a four-game skid. TJ Friedl led the charge, going 4-for-5 with a homer, joined by Blake Dunn, Encarnacion-Strand, and Jose Trevino, who also went deep. Brady Singer earned the win despite allowing five runs. The series closed on April 6 with an 8-2 loss, as the Brewers capitalized on Cincinnati’s pitching and defensive miscues, sealing the Reds’ fate in the set. It’s been a rocky 3-7 opening. They began at home with a six-game stand against the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers, splitting the Giants series (1-2) and taking one of three from the Rangers, highlighted by a 14-3 rout on March 31, driven by Elly De La Cruz’s seven-RBI performance. However, consecutive 1-0 losses to Texas exposed offensive woes that persisted into Milwaukee. Pitching has been a strength—Hunter Greene and Singer have shone—but the bats have been inconsistent, scoring heavily in wins but vanishing in losses. With a tough stretch ahead, including a rematch with the Giants in San Francisco, the Reds, under new manager Terry Francona, must find offensive rhythm to climb out of the NL Central’s fourth-place spot and reverse their 22-8 deficit against Milwaukee over the last 30 meetings.

    1h 51m

  2. 3D AGO

    Cincinnati Reds Lose THREE STRAIGHT 1-0 Games, Time To Panic? Bengals Relocating? | OTB 4.4.25

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing.   The Cincinnati Reds are currently mired in a frustrating three-game losing streak as of April 4, 2025, with each defeat coming by an identical score of 1-0. This skid, which follows a promising 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on March 31, has dropped the Reds to a 2-4 record early in the 2025 season. What makes this stretch particularly remarkable—and historically rare—is that it marks only the second time since 1920 that a Major League Baseball team has lost three consecutive games by a 1-0 margin, underscoring both the brilliance of Cincinnati’s pitching and the utter collapse of its offense. The Reds’ pitching staff has been nothing short of exceptional during this trio of losses. Across the three games—against the Rangers on April 1 and the San Francisco Giants on April 2 and 3—Reds hurlers have allowed just 12 hits and three runs, with starters like Nathan Eovaldi and Carson Spiers delivering standout performances. Eovaldi, for instance, tossed a complete-game shutout on April 1, only to see his effort wasted by a silent lineup. The bullpen has been equally stingy, keeping opponents in check but unable to secure a win due to a lack of run support. This level of pitching dominance should have Cincinnati sitting pretty, yet the team finds itself on the wrong end of history. Offensively, the Reds have hit rock bottom. After erupting for 14 runs in their series opener against Texas, they’ve been shut out for 27 straight innings, managing a meager nine hits while striking out 27 times over the three losses. Stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain, who powered the early-season surge, have gone cold, leaving manager Terry Francona scratching his head. “We’ll figure it out together,” Francona said postgame, a sentiment that reflects both optimism and urgency. The bats, which showed such promise, have vanished at a critical juncture. This streak isn’t just a statistical anomaly; it’s a wake-up call. While the Reds can’t clinch a playoff spot in April, they can certainly dig themselves a hole. With a tough four-game set against the Milwaukee Brewers starting today, Cincinnati’s offense must awaken fast—or risk letting stellar pitching go to waste in a season that began with postseason aspirations. Baseball’s unpredictability is on full display, and for Reds fans, patience is being tested early

    1h 53m

  3. 5D AGO

    Cincinnati Reds Face Rangers in Decisive Game 3: Can Cincinnati Bounce Back?

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On April 2, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds face the Texas Rangers in the decisive third game of their series at Great American Ball Park, with first pitch set for 12:40 PM EDT. After splitting the first two games, the Reds aim to secure their first series win of the young season. The series opener saw Cincinnati’s offense erupt for a 14-3 victory, powered by Elly De La Cruz’s two home runs and seven RBIs, alongside Brady Singer’s seven shutout innings in his Reds debut. However, the Rangers bounced back in Game 2, with Nathan Eovaldi delivering a masterful complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits in a 1-0 win, evening the series. Today’s matchup features Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (0-0, 3.60 ERA) against Rangers righty Jack Leiter (1-0, 1.80 ERA). Greene, coming off a solid first start, will look to harness his electric fastball to stifle Texas’ lineup, which has struggled offensively outside of Wyatt Langford’s solo homer in Game 2. Leiter, fresh off his first MLB win, brings momentum but faces a Reds offense that showcased its potential in the opener. Cincinnati’s key hitters, like De La Cruz and Gavin Lux, will need to solve Leiter early to avoid another quiet day at the plate. The Reds’ pitching staff has shown promise, but consistency remains a question after Spiers’ loss in Game 2. Defensively, Cincinnati must tighten up after De La Cruz’s error in the field last night. With a daytime start and 67-degree weather in Cincinnati, conditions favor a competitive game. A Reds win would signal early-season resilience, while the Rangers hope to ride Eovaldi’s momentum and steal the series on the road. Expect a tight contest as both teams vie for the upper hand in this final showdown.

    1h 48m

  4. 6D AGO

    Cincinnati Reds DESTROY Rangers in Game One! Elly De La Cruz & Matt Mclain Best Duo in Baseball?

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 31, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds delivered a resounding 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers in their series opener at Great American Ball Park. The game showcased an explosive offensive performance, led by the electrifying Elly De La Cruz, who put on a clinic with a single, double, two home runs, and a career-high seven RBIs. De La Cruz also added a stolen base and scored four runs, demonstrating his dynamic presence on both sides of the ball. His teammate Matt McLain complemented the onslaught, going 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and four runs scored, further fueling the Reds' dominant night. The Reds’ pitching was equally impressive, with Brady Singer taking the mound and silencing the Rangers’ bats. Singer tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight, providing a masterclass in efficiency and control. His performance set the tone early, giving Cincinnati’s offense ample room to build an insurmountable lead. The Reds’ bats erupted for 14 runs, a stark contrast to their sluggish start to the season, where they had averaged just 3.33 runs per game over their first three contests. For the Rangers, the loss marked a stumble after a strong 3-1 start against the Red Sox. Rookie pitcher Kumar Rocker, making his first MLB start, struggled to contain Cincinnati’s lineup, and the Texas offense couldn’t muster a response against Singer’s dominance. The game, which unfolded under a chilly 43°F Cincinnati sky, ended with the Reds firmly asserting their potential. This blowout win not only snapped their early-season funk but also set an optimistic tone for the series ahead, highlighting the Reds’ ability to combine stellar pitching with a suddenly awakened offense.

    1h 50m

  5. MAR 31

    Cincinnati Reds Lose First Series Of The Year... All One Seeds in Final Four!?! NFL Draft Talk Later

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The Cincinnati Reds kicked off their 2025 season with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park, finishing with a 1-2 record over the weekend of March 28-30. The series, which marked the Reds’ Opening Day on March 27 (played on a Thursday), offered a mix of promise and frustration for fans as the team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to secure the series win. In the opener on March 27, the Reds fell 3-2 despite a competitive effort, with the Giants edging them out in a tightly contested game. Saturday’s matchup on March 29 brought a much-needed victory, 3-2, as the Reds bounced back with standout performances. Matt McLain, returning from injury, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand each homered, while Elly De La Cruz contributed an RBI. Starter Nick Lodolo battled through six innings, and the bullpen, anchored by Emilio Pagán’s save, held firm. This win evened the series at 1-1, sparking optimism among fans. However, the rubber match on Sunday, March 30, slipped away with a 5-3 loss. The Reds’ downfall came in two shaky innings that undermined an otherwise solid weekend of baseball. Despite the defeat, the team displayed encouraging signs—defensive highlights like double plays and moments of offensive firepower—suggesting potential for the long season ahead. With 158 games remaining, the consensus among fans, as reflected in posts on X, is that while the Reds could have taken two of three with a few better pitches or breaks, there’s plenty to build on. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds showcased a roster blending young stars like De La Cruz with veterans aiming to turn talent into wins. Though the series ended on a sour note, it’s early days, and Cincinnati’s faithful remain hopeful for a playoff push.

    1h 51m

  6. MAR 28

    Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Game SPOILED! What Was Terry Francona Thinking! Bengals Season Already?

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Cincinnati Reds Opening Day, set for March 27, 2025, is more than just the start of a baseball season—it’s a cherished tradition in a city that claims the title of baseball’s birthplace. As the Reds take on the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park at 4:10 p.m., Cincinnati will erupt in a celebration that blends sport, history, and community spirit. The Reds, the only MLB team granted the privilege of opening every season at home, turn this day into a local holiday, drawing fans downtown for a spectacle that’s uniquely “Cincy.” The festivities kick off with the 106th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade at noon, a 1.4-mile procession from Over-the-Rhine featuring Reds legends like Grand Marshal Chris Sabo, alongside floats, bands, and Olympians. Pregame events include the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at The Banks at 11 a.m., offering music, food, and drinks, with proceeds supporting youth baseball and softball. At the ballpark, gates open at 2:10 p.m., with ceremonies at 3:30 p.m., featuring a giant flag, a flyover by KC-135 Stratotankers, and a first pitch from Sabo. On the field, the Reds, led by new manager Terry Francona, aim to capitalize on stars like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, who’ll start the opener. After a 77-85 season in 2024, offseason moves—like adding pitcher Brady Singer and outfielder Austin Hays—signal playoff ambitions. Fans will receive a 2025 schedule sticker, and the game will air on FanDuel Sports Network. Opening Day embodies Cincinnati’s deep baseball roots, from its first professional team in 1869 to today’s vibrant rituals. It’s a day of hope, renewal, and unity, where the crack of the bat echoes through a city ready to cheer its Reds toward October glory.

    1h 54m

  7. MAR 26

    Cincinnati Reds Lose Another Potential Starter. Richard Pitino Xaviers New Head Coach | OTB 3.26.25

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Yesterday, March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds played an exhibition game against their top prospects at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton, Ohio, kicking off their pre-season preparations for the 2025 MLB season. The game showcased the Reds’ mix of emerging talent and established players as they gear up for Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants. Matt McLain stole the spotlight early, launching a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Reds a commanding 4-0 lead, thrilling the crowd and signaling his readiness after missing all of 2024 due to injury. Elly De La Cruz also impressed, ripping an opposite-field single, further boosting optimism for the season ahead under new manager Terry Francona. However, the prospects fought back, with Will Benson tying the game at 4-4 with a two-run homer off Chase Petty. While full box scores remain unofficial for this exhibition, posts on X highlighted the Reds’ offensive firepower and the prospects’ resilience. The game served as a promising tune-up, with fans and analysts eager to see if Cincinnati’s young core can translate this energy into a playoff push after a disappointing 77-85 finish in 2024. Richard William Pitino, born September 16, 1982, is an American college basketball coach currently leading the Xavier Musketeers. The son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, Richard has carved his own path in the sport. After graduating from Providence College in 2005 with a history degree, he began his coaching career as an assistant at various schools, including Northeastern, Duquesne, and Louisville, where he worked under his father. Pitino’s head coaching journey started at Florida International University (FIU) in 2012, where he turned a struggling team into an 18-14 squad in one season. In 2013, he took over at Minnesota, leading the Golden Gophers to an NIT Championship in 2014 and earning Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 2017 after a 16-win improvement. Despite an eight-year tenure, he was fired in 2021 following a 14-15 season. Days later, he joined New Mexico, revitalizing the Lobos with a 26-10 record in 2023-24, winning the Mountain West Tournament, and reaching the NCAA Tournament—his fourth as a head coach. Now at Xavier, hired in 2025, Pitino’s career record stands at 247-186 (.570). Known for high-pressure defense and roster turnarounds, he continues to build on his father’s legacy while establishing his own.

    1h 47m

  8. MAR 25

    Cincinnati Reds Countdown to Opening Day! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible | OTB 3.25.25

    Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have wrapped up their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, finishing with a 12-17-1 record in the Cactus League. Despite the losing tally, the focus was on preparation rather than results, culminating in a strong 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their final game. Key performances highlighted the camp: shortstop Elly De La Cruz thrived, slashing .452/.553/.839 with six extra-base hits and six stolen bases, showcasing his superstar potential. Outfielder Austin Hays led the team with 14 RBIs and a .310 average, proving his value as a cleanup hitter. Pitching-wise, Hunter Greene, set to start Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, struck out six in four innings during his penultimate tune-up. Nick Lodolo also impressed in the finale, signaling rotation strength. However, injuries impacted the roster—Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson will start the season on the IL, opening spots for prospects like Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds emphasized farm system development and organizational unity, aiming to end their playoff drought since 2020 as they head back to Cincinnati. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

    1h 47m
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    5
    out of 5
    35 Ratings

    About

    United Dairy Farmers presents Off the Bench, hosted by Chatterbox Sports CEO Trace Fowler. Elliot Riering and Casey McCollister produce Cincinnati’s first local sports show every day of the week. The show is on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube page Monday-Friday from 10 AM to 12 PM EST.

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