HELP! Need new lens for D90 for sports venues-close up pics from in the bleachers!!!! No Clue!

Bought the D90-I'm afraid it may be to much for a beginner but the features were what sold us. We have kids in sports that venues dont allow camcorders but do allow photography-hence the movie feature. The camera so far has been wonderful but the current 18-105 lens doesnt cut it for distance shots!! great when on the floor, close, but not when up in stands. No clue to what all the numbers, jumbo means when researching lenses-becomes overwhelming. Dont want to spend a huge amount as we're taking this one step at a time!!!! We've been told to try the 55-200 but will that gey close enough? Any comments on the 70-300 as well? HELP!

if you don't want to spend a lot of money get a sigma 18-200mm os ( optical stabaliser) the os part of the lens gives you an advantage in low light and stops camera shake. I've had one for over a year now and it's brilliant and it's costs so much less than nikons 18-200 vr lens. however tamron have just brought out their 18-270mm vc lens which for the same price outperforms the nikon and gives you an extra 70mm.

True that. Photography magazine is digging on Sigma right now, calling their new lens line the best combination of value and quality – up there and even surpassing the likes of Canon. Now, granted, I don’t think a second tier lens can beat a Nikkor, but with savings like that, it frees up cash to go for a faster lens. And that’s even more important, IMHO, then picking up an extra 70mm.