The Mets-Royals World Series features a pretty good matchup … and there’s even a Cincinnati Reds’ flavor to it.

Former Reds’ starting pitchers Edinson Volquez and Johnny Cueto started Game One and Game Two, respectively, for the Royals.

Volquez was a 17-game winner for the Reds in 2008 and Cueto was a 20-game winner in Cincinnati last year, but the Reds dealt both away – particularly Cueto – for the same reason … they didn’t want to pay them the going rate for a quality starter.

Imagine if both were set to be in Reds’ uniforms next season?

We’d be talking about a potential playoff contender instead of wondering if the Reds will lose 100 games, as they almost did this season.

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The unbeaten Cincinnati Bengals will face a big test on Sunday at Pittsburgh since Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is set to return from a knee injury.

Cincy (6-0) was off this past Sunday but received a gift when the Steelers lost to hapless Kansas City to fall to 4-3.

Those still wondering if the Bengals are for real will know a lot more about the team after Sunday’s contest.

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I feel bad for Dick LeBeau, the London, Ohio, native who is in his first season as assistant head coach/defense with the Tennessee Titans.

In three out of six games, LeBeau’s defense has held its opponent to 14 points or less, but the Titans are still only 1-5.

No matter the team’s record, LeBeau, 78, is doing what he loves – teaching his defense to young players.

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Trivia Time – Cleveland Browns’ backup quarterback Johnny Manziel has thrown three touchdown passes and three interceptions in his brief NFL career.

This week’s question – How many games did pitcher Johnny Cueto win during his tenure with the Reds?