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Finally got around to taking the family to a Dragons game. Yep, got to experience a rainout at Fifth Third Field. No Heater sighting, but we did manage to drop $50 at the concession stand. I held my ground, though, when the discussion turned to Dippin' Dots.

Junior's move: I don't understand all the hand-wringing about Ken Griffey Jr. I've been asked several times what I think about the Reds picking up his $16 million option next season. Well, that's about as likely as Buzz Bissinger becoming a blogger for Deadspin.

There is absolutely no way Junior lopes out to right field on Opening Day 2009. The Reds are rebuilding, and a former star way past his prime is no way to move ahead. Maybe they'll try to trade him if he ever hits that 600th home run, but they wouldn't get much.

Kirk is cool: I've always thought Kirk Herbstreit was a great guy and a fantastic dresser (my wife's assessment). But it's refreshing to see a star give back to the community. It seems that Herbstreit is in town every other week to help out with a good cause.

This week it's a gala to raise funds for Alzheimer's research. There's no offseason for the Centerville grad.

To the point: Ohio State welcomed standout JUCO point guard Jeremie Simmons to the Buckeyes basketball family last week. That's the same Simmons whom UD coveted before signing Rob Lowery.

Here's hoping Lowery can contribute. I like London Warren's energy as a change of pace, but the Flyers need a reliable point guard who can log 30 effective minutes.

Man vs. machine: I've been thinking about purchasing a new GM product. I drive a 1998 Grand Prix GT, which I really like. The best thing about my car is it doesn't talk back. I took a ride with my father-in-law, who has a newer Avalanche. When I didn't buckle up immediately, the truck went crazy.

I imagine that, in our overly protective culture, all the new models have some sort of device that scolds you for not buckling. I prefer to use Grace, the kindergartner who yells at me to buckle until I give in.

Quick hits: When did Mike D'Antoni become The Next Hot Coach? How many titles have the Suns won? ... The Royal Bank of Canada says Michael Vick defaulted on a $2.5 million loan, taken out in 2007 for a "real estate venture." Why would Vick need a loan for anything? ... Great pub for Joey Votto last week. The Reds first baseman got more air time than Miley Cyrus after hitting three homers in one game.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2163

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bkollars@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Knucklehead of the Week

Richie Sexson made a fool of himself last week after Rangers pitcher Kason Gabbard threw a fastball to the Mariners slugger. It clearly was at eye level, but over the plate. Instead of dusting himself off and thinking about payback, Sexson charged the mound, because that's what baseball players do. He threw his helmet at the timid Gabbard, who needs some karate lessons. Sexson was suspended for "violent and aggressive actions."

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