By Mike Ball
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Thumbs up

1. The Big East. The Bearcats' move to the monster conference is just awesome. But don't insult us by saying academics were the driving force behind the move. One clue: Commercials that hit the airwaves less than 24 hours after the announcement urged fans to buy football season tickets - ensuring you'd get the first shot at season tickets when the 'Cats are in the new loop.

2. The NBA. You have to give that league credit. It can promote like a carnival barker. Its new "stars," Carmelo Anthony and King James, struggle. Doesn't matter. Teams score in the 60s. Doesn't matter. Players can't hit a jumper. Doesn't matter. Classic style over substance.

3. Joe Nuxhall. Good luck to the Ol' Left-hander in his latest health battle. It's good to hear he wants to increase his workload next season from 60 games to 80. (Hey, no one complains about background screaming on Bengals broadcasts! Do they?)

4. The Miami RedHawks. Tuesday night football still seems a bit much. But the atmosphere in Oxford last week was great, as was the RedHawks' victory over Bowling Green. If Miami doesn't get a decent bowl bid this season, it never will. (Remember the Tangerine Bowl!)

5. Tiger Woods. It doesn't matter if he wins today or not. It doesn't matter if he wins the season money title. It doesn't matter that he didn't win a major. Consider this: He was the Player of the Year, led the money list, had the best scoring average and the most wins the four previous seasons! Unbelievable.

Thumbs down

1. The Bengals. They should just man up and admit they lost to Arizona. And for the love of Dewey Warren, don't insult the fans by saying they are having trouble "dealing with their success." (As for coach Marvin Lewis' comments and the aftermath - well, it ruined talk radio for a week, anyway, including the worst Friday show in history.)

2. The Reds. Bleacher seats are cheaper, but some seats are going up $2. Don't try to tell us you are doing us a favor by keeping ticket prices the same on 87 percent of the seats for next season. Those prices were based on a new ballpark and hopes of a new beginning on the field.

3. Andy Roddick. Let's get this straight. He's going to have a reality show next season, but girlfriend Mandy Moore won't be involved? What's the point?

4. NASCAR. Its popularity and television ratings - second only to the NFL - continue to rise. But something's not right. Ryan Newman has won eight races, with 17 top-five finishes. And he's fifth in the series point standings, behind leader Matt Kenseth and his one win and 10 top-fives.

5. Pete Rose. Please, Pete. Shhhh. Don't aggravate Darth Selig.