A 3-2 victory in the final game of May brings to close a rather mediocre month for a Reds team that had an outstanding April.

Two months are gone, and this is what I know so far:

• The starting pitching is light years better than anyone thought it would be. The addition of Bronson Arroyo has been amazing for this club, like him or not (Red Hot Mama), and I'm glad of his presence. Aaron Harang is fantastic, and I'd take three more of him to round out the rotation if I could. Eric Milton, take away an awful 2005-esque start against the Marlins before he went on the DL, and a so-so start when he perhaps returned just a bit too soon in Detroit, and he's 3-1 with an ERA around 3. I've said it before, I'll say it again now, I think he is going to help this team win some games. The Lizard has pitched pretty well, with little run support, and Claussen has his days.
• The starting rotation could without a doubt be improved, but I'm willing to hold out just a little longer with Elizardo and Claussen... Dave Williams, best of luck so long as you aren't pitching against the Reds.
• The bullpen has been very hot and cold. Todd Coffey, as he showed again tonight, should be the closer. He came in and got Michael Barrett with two on in the bottom of the 8th, and then pitched a quick 1-2-3 bottom of the 9th. That is precisely what a closer needs to do - I don't like the cardiac arrest-inducing saves I used to see from Danny Graves, and that I've seen this season from David Weathers. NOBODY DOES. As for everyone else, I'm seeing several ERAs over 4 & 5... that's horrific. Here's to hoping that Krivsky has his eye on some relief pitching...
• The offense? I've been to three games this season where the Reds scored 10+ runs. I've also been to a game in which they were shut out. It's amazing how streaky these bats have been! LaRue is hitting under .200, Dunn is right around .235, Kearns has seen his average drop .050 over the last few weeks... Hopefully everything is going to even out because the pitchers can throw "quality starts" all they want, but if the offense scores 0 runs, the 'pen has a good chance of giving it away.
• The Reds lead the league in pinch hits, and pinch hit avg., and are right up there in stolen bases, so Yay! for the "small-ball" stuff.
• Ken Griffey, Jr. continues to work his magic, and after hitting another homer and batting in two today, makes it easy for me to point out that he does so much to help legitimize this team.

The Reds were predicted to finish dead last in the National League Central by at least one major sports publication (which will remain nameless, although you all probably know which one I am talking about). Two months into the season, we're not getting stepped all over, and certainly not within our own division - we're 18-12 against NL Central teams. I've read over and over again about how the Reds would be looking up from the cellar by mid-June. ::smiles:: I make no guarantees about how the season is going to end, but I sincerely doubt that it will involve looking up from sixth place.

29-24? I'll take it. But now I want more.

I want first place back.

And now, I leave you all with one last question, the most important thing to ponder from today...

Was Roger Clemens really wearing a purple tie at his press conference?

I saw this coming a mile away.

Maddux vs. Claussen?

Heck, it wasn't even all that bad until after the rain delay. The Reds even scored first. Did that matter in the end? Nope. The Reds incredible ********* of late danced its way into the spotlight in the form of shoddy defense and horrible relief pitching, and there went another game down the drain.

Jesus.

HOW MANY TIMES AM I GOING TO HAVE TO LAMENT THE FACT THAT THIS TEAM CAN'T PLAY DEFENSE? HOW MANY TIMES AM I GOING TO HAVE TO TALK ABOUT THIS OR THAT RELIEF PITCHER'S AWFUL PERFORMANCE?

Where is the offense? Where is the life? - this team dies if they get down by a couple of runs. And when they do score some runs to come back, the 'pen gives them RIGHT BACK.

What happened to the team I saw in April? It's like that team has been kidnapped by aliens and replaced by robots that can't field or pitch the ball. And for whatever reason, the robot version of Eric Milton is the one that pitches well, but that's for another day. (Tomorrow.)

Yeah, so, am I making horrible pronouncements about the season being over? Absolutely not. Do I see this string of incredibly horrid play continuing? God, I ******* hope not. But something needs to happen, and soon.

I still believe, but I'm not sure if the players do anymore.

The Cubs beat the Reds today, 7-3. (I almost typed 4 because Freelie homered in the 9th, but the umpires didn't agree with me...)

Am I surprised? Not really. Scroll down and look at the comments I made about the upcoming series against the Cubs. Or stay right here, and I'll rehash: This really could go either way - the Reds are throwing the "bottom" of the rotation out there, while we face Wood, Maddux, and Zambrano. Both teams are prone to errors and "extra outs." The Cubs, not playing so well, the Reds, under .500 in May. Both teams have questionable, streaky bullpens. I expressed some fears that this could be the series that "springboards the Cubs out of HeII." Sitting here right now I realize that even if the Cubs take one or both of the remaining games, it doesn't necessarily mean that it will ignite the Cubs to some sort of winning record, and neither does it follow that the Reds would all of a sudden collapse due to a couple of losses to the Cubs. I still want to win, though. Don't get that wrong.

The bottom line is that what will cause this team to collapse is a combination of continued bipolar pitching performances - great starts, terrible relief, and vice versa - and this depressing lack of offense.

The Reds, despite a lukewarm May, are still over .500, and they are still very much a threat to contend in this division.

We need a good start from Claussen tomorrow. I know he has one in him somewhere, and tomorrow would be the perfect time to pull one out. Honestly, I'm not worried about Eric Milton - I think he's turned the proverbial corner, and his first great stretch as a Red is here. Do I think he's going to do nothing but pitch like he did this past Friday - 8IP, 1ER, 9K, 0BB, 0HR? No, I'm not insane. But he's not going to run out there and be a punching bag start after start like he was last season. If the Reds have anything going for them in terms of pitching, a potential resurgence of Eric Milton is it - no one expects it, and if he can do what I think he can, the Reds have a solid 1-2-3 punch, and a decent 4 starter in Ramirez. If Claussen could pull himself together and have some decent starts... this might not be the sad rotation that everyone seems to envision when they think of the Cincinnati Reds.

Somehow this went from me doing a recap of today's game to me spelling out why I think this team still has a shot to surprise everyone before the season is out. ::shrug:: I needed to do that, I think. It was cathartic. You all might think I'm absolutely crazy, but I'm just trying to be optimistic.

Now, how about scoring some runs tomorrow?

As ever, go Reds.

For some reason, I half expected Barry Bonds not to hit his Ruth-passing homer until next Tuesday.

6/6/06
Bwahahaha.

Ehh, all kidding aside, I'm more excited by Javy's walk-off homer. That shot won a game - the Giants lost.

You all lucked out. I worked out one helluva negative, nasty rant-like post in my brain as I was preparing to watch the Reds lose their fourth consecutive game.

And then Javier Valentin hit a walk-off home run.

Now, waves of euphoria are rolling around in my head, and it is currently impossible to recall 99% of what I was mad about as late as the top of the 9th inning of this glorious game.

Are the offensive troubles over? Probably not. But this'll help. All day long, the Reds had to fight an absolutely ginormous strike zone and some speedy, well-placed pitches, but somehow they scored five runs.

More later...

Go Redlegs!

Apathetic.

After two games of brilliant starting pitching - 8IP, 1 ER, 9K, 0BB from Milton last night, 7 IP, 2 ER, 8K, 1BB from Harang tonight - and sad, sorry (lack of) offense - I refuse to post any stats in this category - I am feeling... nothing. I got home from work tonight and caught the last two innings of the game, and wasn't doing my normal talk-to-the-tv thing ("Come on, guys" / "Score some runs" / "Strike him out" etc.), instead I quitely sat there and sort-of chuckled when the Reds refused to do anything offensively, and posted their second straight 0 run performance. Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up on the season or anything, I'm just sick and tired of the anemic offense. 21 innings without scoring a run --> Wow.

15 runs... 7 runs... 0 runs... 2 runs... 0 runs... 0 runs = WHAT THE ****? Did we face Roy Oswalt, Cy Young, and Nolan Ryan in those three shutouts? I'll give you Brandon Webb, but the others, come on!

Lost in these last two losses, as I previously mentioned, are some great starts. The New Eric Milton took the mound last night and could easily gotten out of trouble in the second, but - you guessed it - the shoddy defense struck again. ****, he wasn't really in trouble... at all. All night. 9 Ks! 0 walks! If he keeps pitching like that, and Arroyo and Harang keep doing what they've been doing, we've got a great top of the rotation here, people. And hey, every third Claussen start should be something to look forward to. ;)
It's amazing that both Milton and Harang were the losing pitchers in these games. What happened to the 6+ runs of support Aaron usually gets?

I say Freel leads off and Hatteberg/Encarnacion/Aurilia/Kearns each get a day off on consecutive days to get Ryan in there for a few games. As soon as I post about Kearns having a monster run at the plate, he goes on a skid where his BA drops .040+ points.

Does anyone else think that this upcoming series with the Cubs is going to be big? I don't want to be the Cubs' springboard out of ****, but I just have this absolutely sickening feeling that it might happen. Or we might sweep them. I'm hoping for the latter.

I have no idea who the guy is pitching for the Diamondbacks tomorrow, but I sure hope we can beat the **** out of his shiny, new 0.00 ERA. Watch the Reds score 8 runs in the first inning... Isn't that just how these things go? All or nothing around here lately.

Oh, look. The Cardinals won again. And "World Killer" Pujols was 0 for 4, which means they're winning without his bat. In related news, the Reds remain in second place in the division because no other teams in the NL Central seem to be winning either.

Is May over yet?

Go Go Arroyo tomorrow. I need a winner, please.

I do presume that the lineup tonight will be fully loaded...?

Eric Milton, whose first start off of the DL was forgettable and suggested that he needed a rehab start or two, will hopefully pitch some decent ball tonight so that I don't have to come back here and post a question, for the second time, as to why he didn't spend some time in Louisville.

Brandon Webb, he of the 7-0 record and sub-2.5 ERA, is pitching for the D-backs. I am almost certain, but too lazy to check, that one of those seven wins came against the Reds when we were in Arizona during the first week of this month. Ok, 7-1 sounds good to me after tonight. ::shrug:: ...just a thought.

I really have no idea how this game is going to play out. I keep wavering between extreme optimism (when I think about Milton's first two starts of the season, and the sheer offensive force that is the Cincinnati Reds) and slight pessimism (when I take into consideration the fact that Webb has pitched outstandingly so far this season, and how streaky the offense seems to be from one night to the next). Either way, I'm set to see what will hopefully be a good game.

Here's to improving my own attendance record to 9-4! (Because 8-5 is ugly. And $10 parking is a lot easier to swallow when I see a win.)

As ever, Go Redlegs!

Here is what last night felt like to me:

Jerry Narron is driving the victory bus with the Reds on board after two wins against the Brewers, and all of a sudden pulls over and turns around to face the team.

"Guys, go ahead and get off the bus," he drawls, as the players look around, confused. "I've made some changes in tonight's lineup."

Narron exits the vehicle, sees Brewers manager Ned Yost, and hands him the keys. "Yeah," Narron says, "I'm going to sit Felipe and Dunner tonight, and I'm not going to put Freel in there either."

Yost, confused, elated (?), decides not to remind Jerry that it's Claussen going for the Reds tonight, and that they just might need all of the run production they can get. He takes the keys and directs his 25 guys to hop on board.

Narron proceeds to turn to Quinton McCracken and say "Q, I need to to be ready late in the game, because I'm going to double switch you in so that you can strike out in the 9th on three pitches."

"Ok, boss."

"Hey, Jerry?" pipes up Lopez. "Um, I was just wondering if you were aware that there are going to be paying fans in the stands tonight...?"

Narron answers, "I know, Lopie, but I promised some of you some rest, especially with tomorrow's off day."

"...who are here to see me play," Lopez finishes, "since it's my bobblehead night and all."

"Good point. I'll get you in there after most of the hope for a win is gone. How does that sound?"
_____________________

Late through no fault of my own, I was finally able to sit down in my seat in the middle of the third inning. By then, the Reds were down three runs, and although the Reds were about to score, it wouldn't be enough.

It's like Narron had no intention of winning this game from the minute he woke up this morning.

I understand that Dunn is (was? He had a five-game hit streak snapped recently) in a slump, I understand that guys need a day off here and there... I understand that it is important to have the best team available to you when you are on the verge of playing a tough stretch of games. I don't understand weakening your offense to the point of surrender!

Yes, Cody Ross has a batting average over .400, but how many plate appearances are figured into that? Yes, he was doing well in Louisville, but AAA hitting doesn't automatically transfer to Major League hitting, especially against a guy who usually has the Reds' number. I like Brandon Phillips hitting high in the order, but I don't want him up there hitting leadoff with Ross in the two hole.

The double switch of Quinton into the game in the 8th inning is what killed me. How many guys on the bench aren't hitting right at the Mendoza Line? How many guys on the bench could have had a more productive at bat than a strikeout on three pitches? Pathetic.

This strongly resembles the final game of the series against the Cardinals earlier this month. Tony LaRussa left Jim "Reds Killer" Edmonds out of the lineup, as well as someone by the name of Albert "World Killer" Pujols. Somehow, with Dave Williams starting and getting hit pretty hard, pretty early, the Reds pulled that one out for a win. Cardinals fans everywhere sent up a chorus of "well, they needed a day off, and we needed to be ready for the series against the Astros, because those are more important games." If I remember correctly, that backfired - I think the Cards lost two of three to the 'stros in that series.

At the time, I was amazed that fans would take the view that you can sacrifice one game to benefit you for the next few. Today, I feel EXACTLY THE SAME WAY! We need to take this season one game at a time and not commit a virtual forfeit by throwing the "B-squad" out there after we've won the first two. You might get away with that when Aaron Harang is on the mound, but you don't do that with Mr. Inconsistency, Brandon Claussen.

Looks like Narron rolled the dice and lost on this one.

It occurred to me that I rarely write about anything but situations directly affecting the Reds, or whatever team they happen to be playing that series. In an effort to broaden my horizons and to possibly appeal to a wider base of readers, I offer you... *drum-roll* Reds-less News.

Have you ever been so distracted by something that when you finally remember where you are and what your were doing before the distraction you feel like time moved on without you?

I just experienced that sensation. I was sitting here, at my computer, watching the final outs of the Braves/Padres, and then I turned my attention to a few websites that I usually visit, and then, apparently, half an hour later, I kinda turn around because I hear this music behind me, and I'm thinking what the ****? Why is the theme from "Shaft" playing during a baseball game? Oh, wait... baseball is long over, and the next program has started.

If you're reading this and thinking "Where the heck is she going with this?" ...hang in there, I have a point. Trust me.

Now I have to own up to what was distracting me to the point where I lost track of time.

Goat Riders of the Apocalypse

Yes, ladies and gents, I have been faithfully reading and enjoying a Chicago Cubs blog.

No, I'm by no means ashamed, I'm merely surprised at myself. I am not such a big fan of the Cubbies (to put it delicately), but when I happened upon the site by chance I became absolutely hooked. I can almost guarantee, however, that if the Cubs were doing well I would not be able to stand the self-righteous drivel I am certain that would spew forth. (From the commenters, not the main bloggers.) As it stands, I am thoroughly enjoying the read. (And for the record, there are still some commenters in the Cubs Blog Army that rank the Reds with the Marlins and Pirates. I beg to differ, but we can wait to discuss that on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. ...to look at it a different way, as the Cubs were just swept by the Marlins, I wouldn't mind having that in common with the Fish.)

The bottom line is this: I do not feel sorry for the fans - I doubt they give a rat's *** what I think. I do understand their frustrations and where they are coming from. The current situation with their ballclub - rich, uncaring ownership, hated management, under-performance by richly-contracted players... injuries... I have lived the same thing. The difference? The Cubs have a $90+ mil payroll. And they're 10 games under .500 - Fifth in the division. Yeah, I can't tell you what a $90 million payroll feels like, but I know if I had one and was 12.5 games out of first place... It's ugly. ...Something has to happen soon. Someone, from the hitting coach, Gene Clines, to Dusty Baker himself, is going to get the boot. I know there are thousands upon thousands waiting with baited breath...

Even I'm curious to see what happens. No doubt whatever occurs, I will have some great articles to read, courtesy of Death, Pestilence, War, Famine, Chaos, and Despair. The latter being the stage of grief Cubs fans are experiencing at this point.

I'd like to thank the Reds for turning my day completely around yesterday. I was having a "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day" thanks to work related issues and drama, and I actually came home and considered going straight to bed.

Well, thank you Ken Griffey, Junior!

Another running web gem, another 3-run go-ahead shot into the Moon Deck. I'm getting really used to saying these things, and I sincerely hope that I can continue to say them as the season progresses.

The 'pen had a great showing last night after The Lizard was lifted after the 5th in favor of a pinch hitter, so his final line was 5IP, 3ER. I'll take that from the fifth starter... Heck, I'll take that from Milton and Claussen at this point. Hammond and Java were each responsible for two innings of scoreless relief. (17 pitches for Coffey - probably available tonight if needed!)

'twas a good game, guys. Keep it up!

Tonight is Felipe Lopez bobblehead night. I'm expecting a big crowd at GABP because, well, people usually turn out in droves for bobblehead nights. I'll be one of the masses clamoring for their own little Felipe-with-his-head-on-a-spring doll.

No more "the glove will be what bobbles, not the head" jokes. ;)

As ever, Go Redlegs!

I had the TiVo all warmed up for this one because 7pm meetings really aren't conducive to being a Reds fan. At 5:15 I get the call from my boss - rescheduled until Friday... which poses its own problems because I have tickets for that game as well. (I'll figure something out.)

So I made it down to Great American for an absolute blowout. And boy, was it fun! Homers by Junior and Kearns in the first inning put the Reds ahead by five runs, and for good. Not only did every Reds starter (except for Arroyo) have at least one hit, seven different players had at least one RBI. David Ross had four, Dunner and Junior each had three.

Final tally: Reds win it by a touchdown and a field goal, 15-5.

Arroyo pitched seven very strong innings, striking out six, while not walking a soul. He allowed 1 ER, lowering his league-leading ERA from 2.40 to 2.29. The other four Brewer runs came courtesy of the portion of the bullpen that only sees action when the difference in the score is a good five or six-plus runs - Mike Burns (3ER), and Shack (1ER). (Burns is so out when Mercker comes off of the DL Friday.)

The Lizard pitches tomorow, and I'm hoping that we can do something to improve upon his semi-undeserved 1-3 record.

The offense seems to be clicking, the 'pen is rested... The Reds seem to be in good shape, and off to a fine start on this six game homestand. Let's keep it up!

Go Redlegs!

Let me make something perfectly clear: The Reds are making mistakes that good teams do not make. They aren't doing the little things that good teams do. Right now, the Reds look like they belong in fourth or fifth place in the NL Central.

Fortunately for the Reds, a great April is keeping them in second place, now 3 1/2 games - soon to be 4 - games behind the Cardinals. May, well, not so hot - the Reds are now 8-11 in May. I can't yet begin to believe that the club is starting to fade because the starting pitching is absolutely there, for the most part! Harang today: 8 IP, 1 ER, 9 K, 1 BB. That's a great start. Too bad we couldn't hit worth a ****.

Defense is absolutely killing this club, as is a lack of timely hitting. I think it's safe to say that the loss today was an unfortunate combination of both of these things. The Reds were the beneficiaries of five walks and a HBP today, and scored zero runs. The Tigers were awarded one BB, and of course, that runner came round to score, with the help of Aaron Harang's throwing error.

The Tigers look like a very good team, and no offense to them when I say this, but they did not take two of three from the Reds. The Reds give them two of three on a silver platter. It was like Christmas, birthdays, and whatever other gift-giving holidays are out there all rolled into one.

Ha! "No offense." That's the operative term here today.

Looking ahead, I have been informed by some random human that the Brewers are coming to town and that they are going to beat the Reds senseless. Hey, best of luck with that, although I am hoping for quite the opposite. After that the Diamondbacks come to GABP, and I'm looking forward to some revenge. Then it's a road trip through some NL Central cities, including Houston, Chicago, and St. Louis. Needless to say, an important stretch of games is on the horizon.

FSN Ohio has so far aired four Reds telecasts that were not part of the original schedule. Each of these extra telecasts has resulted in a Reds loss. ...just throwing that out there for you all to ponder.

Ok, so, we've lost a few that we probably should, and easily could have won. Do we return to Cincinnati and let that affect our play against Milwaukee, or do we go forward and begin fresh? We're almost two months into the season, and still hanging around, even with this bad string, playing much better overall than most people expected. Now is the time to move past all of the shoddy defensive miscues, the horrific starts, and the blown saves, and show everyone that this team isn't going to sink quietly away.

Yeah, it's been a lousy month so far, but...

"Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor? **** no!"
(Thank you, John Belushi.)

So there you go. Go Reds!

I am so pissed off right now, I don't even know where to begin to focus my anger.

David Weathers has now blown four saves. Can we please, please, please not bring him in for 1-run save situations anymore? Can we end this horrific "Closer by Committee" nonsense now? "Where was Java" you ask? Java pitched a meaningless inning while the Reds were ahead last night, and was therefore unavailable today. Great.
Brandon Phillips, the defensive wunderkind... yeah. First the dropped ball on Valentin's throw to second, and then the boot of the DP ball that resulted in only one out.
Felipe. Holy ****, man, that was not the time for a throwing error.

THREE!!! THREE!!! defensive miscues in the bottom of the 10th.

I try to censor my language when I am in front of my grandmother... Not tonight, folks, not tonight. How big would this win have been!? HUGE! Nope, we had to throw Weathers out there for not only the 9th, but the 10th as well, after he had already blown the save. Is there no one else in the 'pen who Jerry Narron trusts? (If not then, um, we've got a serious problem.)

On the positive, snarky side of things, I'm guessing Weathers will be unavailable tomorrow because he pitched two innings. Well, technically 1 2/3 BECAUSE THERE WAS NO THIRD OUT.

Ugh.

Griffey hits a grand slam and we still can't pull out the win? What a great comeback... all for naught thanks to shoddy defense and crappy pitching.
And speaking of crappy pitching... what did I say earlier today? I said that Eric Milton probably needed a rehab start. Looks like Ashlee was correct.

Ugh.

That's it, I'm done for tonight.
...
I'm not being sarcastic when I say that my mood just brightened a tad when I was looking ahead to tomorrow's game. Aaron Harang on the mound? Ok, bring it on. There's nothing we can do about tonight, let's go out there and win tomorrow.

Go Reds.

Last night I spent some time figuring out whether or not I could realistically make it up to Detroit for tonight's game. Somehow I lucked out in the work schedule department, and have today off, but tomorrow I work at 5, negating any chance of me seeing two games. In the end, I'm sitting here at my computer in Cincinnati at 2:45 pm... I could still make it if I hurry! ;)

Well, last night's game was fun. Claussen looked sharp for the first few innings, and then faltered later on, but still pitched seven, fairly strong innings. (4 ER, 11 H, 4 K, 1BB) What is this business lately with Reds pitchers giving up a career high amount of hits? First Arroyo and now Claussen... I do not want to see this trend continue through the rest of the rotation. As for the hitting, everything clicked last night. Every Reds starter had a hit, save DH Valentin who still ended up with two BBs and a sac fly.

Dunn's shot to right was estimated at 422 feet. Knowing how large Comerica Park is - believe me, I've heard/read nothing but for the past few days - it looked to me like the ball traveled well into the seats, therefore further than 422'. Eh, it still counts, no matter where it lands so long as it lands past the fence. Nice catch by the Reds fan, by the way!

Eric Milton is making the start tonight for the Reds, and I can officially say that I have no idea how this start will go. I am hoping for the Eric Milton who started off 2006 so well, and not the 2005 version. Um, yeah, that was a "duh" statement. Still, I don't really think we should take much from the rain shortened HOF outing. It was against a few ML and some AAA Pirates hitters, and lasted two innings. Remind me why he didn't have a rehab start in Louisville... it's not like we're hard up for pitching... The Lizard pitched some decent ball. I guess we'll see tonight how foolish or wise the decision turns out to be.

All in all, Griffey is back, Aurilia is back, and Milton is back. With Griffey back... well, I don't need to go into why that's a good thing. Aurilia seems to be some sort of a good luck charm when he's in the lineup - the Reds are 14-4 when he starts, and he can play all over the infield, which equals rest for semi-slumping players, as well as those who just need a day off. For those of you who remain unconvinced as to the value of Aurilia, look at the numbers, folks. Aside from the 14-4 record, he's hitting .293 with 6 HR in 82 ABs. EdE has the same number of dingers in 140 ABs, and a .272 BA. All I'm doing is comparing numbers, and the numbers don't lie. I'm glad Aurilia's still wearing a Reds uni.

I'll leave you with this:
In case you haven't noticed, while the Reds are playing Detroit, the Cardinals are playing the Royals. The Reds are playing the team that, going into the series, had the best record in baseball. The Cardinals are playing the team with the absolute worst record in baseball. Baseball is full of quirks, isn't it?
Last night the Reds, with their win over the Tigers, helped launch the White Sox back into a tie for first in the AL Central. Seeing as that the Sox beat the Cubs, I'm happy that my team assist in any way possible! Since the Sox are beating the Cubs again, this time 7-0, let's do what we can to help the White Sox take sole possession of the AL Central!

As ever, GO REDS!

Down 6-0 after the first inning.

Jesus.

<EDIT>

Yeah, Dave Williams = Death, but the offensive capabilities of this team = Life.

Jason LaRue had four hits - a career high - and raised his batting average nearly 60 points. (That's a good fantasy day right there.)
Ryan Freel, hitting in the eight spot, had two RBI singles.
Junior had a 2-6 day, and batted in the two critical go-ahead runs in the 7th.
Dunner was up twice with the bases loaded - struck out once, and GIDP the other time. Of course, he was up in the 6th with no runners on, and hit a double to center field. Does this bother anyone else?
Kearns hit a solo shot, and Felipe Lopez extended his hitting streak to 12 games.

For the first time since 2003, the Reds overcame a six-run deficit to end up winning the game, and the Reds are now 6-0 on Thursdays this season. And, of course, they have the next two Thursdays off, dammit. ;)

As for the Pittsburgh newspapers that were lambasting Bronson Arroyo for his comments about Pittsburgh's current lineup... ::shrug:: Guys, I know what it's like to be a fan of the team that everyone else thinks they should easily beat. His comments stemmed from the fact that #1: We did take 3 of 4 from the Pirates in April. #2: He was looking to help stop a multi-game skid, and he was unable to do so, really no matter against whom. #3: The Pirates are 13-28. (12-27 at the time of his start.) Criticize all you like, you're still 13 games behind the Cardinals. Oh, not to mention that today you allowed a struggling Reds offense to come back from the grave.

Well, with a season-high 16 hits, I guess "struggling offense" no longer is an accurate descriptor.

We shall see...

</EDIT>

What am I supposed to say?

Pirates 9 - Reds 3. ...That about covers it.

Pitching issues, defensive miscues, very little offense... This is getting old.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Bronson Arroyo will face Oliver Perez. Hopefully Bronson will turn out to be the bad-streak-stopper that I had hoped Harang would be tonight. It's too early in the season to be upset by a four-game losing streak, but that doesn't mean we want to see four turn into five, and so on.

I just wish all of this **** rain would stop - here, and on the road. I don't want to see any injuries because of it.

As ever, go Redlegs!

It can easily be said that not since 1999 have the Reds had a legitimate Major League pitching staff. Sure, from time to time one starter or reliever has had a career year while pitching for the Reds since that time, but overall, pitching has been a problem.

Cut to 2006. Sure, it's early, but the Reds have two pitchers in Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo who seem to, so far, be vying with each other on a start by start basis for the "Staff Ace" title. Over the past two weeks, starting pitching has had an ERA just over 2. Over the past four starts, the starters have gone at least seven innings, while giving up no more than 2 ER each. As someone who has followed this club closely during these past few seasons that have featured sub-par pitching, I have to say that this is truly amazing.

At the same time that the starting pitching has begun to blossom, the Reds' offense has become strangely silent. Over the three game series just completed with the Phillies, the Reds hit .151. Ouch. Sure, every offensively powerful team is going to slump from time to time, but this is getting ridiculous. To truly contend, the Reds need to be able to pull the offense and the pitching together at the same time. Imagine how this home-stand would have turned out with exactly the same starting pitching performances and just a little more offense. Instead of sweep at the hands of the Phillies, perhaps the Reds could have taken two of three? Granted, the Phillies' starters matched the performances of the Reds' starters pretty much pitch for pitch, but the Reds certainly had their chances throughout the entire series. Today alone, the Reds left at least two runners on in four different innings, I believe it was.

Seeing the starting pitching excel this past week while the potentially powerful offense has sputtered has been surreal. I will again contend that the Reds miss Rich Aurilia's presence in this lineup more than anyone could have imagined they would when he was placed on the DL. I know that that it is unlikely that the pitching will continue to be as dominant as it has been, and that the offense will not lay lifeless as it has for too much longer, but it would be nice to see the pitching remain close to the level where it has been, and the offense revert back to the successes it was enjoying throughout the month of April, and soon!

In years past, it's been the pitchers who have been quoted as saying that it's been the offense that has kept this team in games, and that it's nice to have potent hitting that is able to score runs and come back late in games. Now, it's Lopez and Dunner praising starting pitching, and bemoaning the fact that they aren't getting the hits or scoring the runs that they should be to support the pitching.

It truly has been a reversal of roles between the pitchers and the hitters. As nice as it is to see the pitching succeed, if there is no run support, there will be no wins. We've seen this team hit, and now we're seeing this team pitch. Now, let's see the two come together, and make people believe that this team is a legitimate contender.

I think they are.

Go Reds.

I should have known before the game started, when Quinton McCracken's name was placed up on the board while the starting lineups were being announced, that something foul concerning him was brewing. I'm not bemoaning the fact that he was in the lineup, I bring this up because the board read Quiton McCracken. Yup, they spelled his name wrong. (People get paid to do this ****, how hard is it to spell a name correctly? ...asks Ashlee.)

I was right about one thing in my last post: Dave Williams ended up pitching a **** good baseball game, scoreless into the 7th. Unfortunately, McCracken botched a routine play in center with two outs, and the runner came around to score on David Bell's double. Williams ended up pitching 8 1/3, giving up 2 runs, only one earned, with 5 Ks and 0 BBs, and the second run scored on a Todd Java wild pitch. It's amazing, he shouldn't have won his last start, but got the W, and tonight he deserved the win, but Phillie Jon Lieber pitched better.

Who woulda thought that Adam Dunn would break up the no-no with a single? The man has a batting average in the .230 area and has more homers than all other types of hits combined. Hey, baseball is an interesting game, I'll give it that.

Back to McQ, I'm not saying that he lost the game for the Reds... But I'm going to keep "What if?"-ing all night. If he had caught Ryan Howard's fly ball, that would have been two fewer hitters for Williams to face, fewer pitches thrown, and a different set of hitters in the top of the 9th, which is when the Phils scored their second run. Not to mention a still-tied ballgame.

...I just read that Dunner struck out on a 3-2 pitch "in the dirt" to end the game. IN THE DIRT? JC, man. ::sigh:: Austin Kearns up with the bases loaded? I would take that chance in a heartbeat. Stupid "What if?" theoreticals.
...The Cardinals are beating Arizona 9-1 right now. Barring an improbable comeback - the Cardinals didn't acquire Danny Graves after the Indians designated him, did they? }:-D>  - the Reds look like they will end the day in second place.

Here's to hoping that those pink Mother's Day bats will provide some offense that has been sorely lacking during the last couple of games when Dunn, Griff, and LaRue use them tomorrow!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone!
I'll be at the old ballyard with my Mom and Grandmother.

SCORE SOME RUNS, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

Go Redlegs!

Two days ago I called a friend and former manager of mine to chat about the Reds. Actually, it was more of a case of me calling my Reds guru to allow him to calm me down and convince me that the Reds are doing just fine. I convinced myself that the Reds needed to win that night - and they did - and he was there to allay my fears about Griffey and Freel and the starting pitching. Thanks, Steve.

Well, unfortunately, I'm feeling sort-of the same way again. One second I'll be thinking that the Reds need to take this series from Philadelphia, and then two minutes later I'll have decided that so long as they take one of three, they'll still be OK. After today's absolutely masterful performance by the 'pen (Yes, you can cut the sarcasm with a knife there, folks.), I am reminded just how much this team needs to improve in certain arenas if they want to contend.

I'm not going to run around and sing the praises of the Reds on nights like this, even if I love this team, which I do. Tonight was awful. Last night was pretty awful as well - the way it ended made everyone forget for a while how we got to the 11th inning, and I think I'm guilty of falling victim to the same memory lapse.

Here we are, again... tied for first place with the Cardinals. The good news is that this is our position after going only .500 over the last 10 games. The bad news? What if this is it? What if April was a fluke and this team will play sub-.500 baseball here on out? See. I need to talk to Steve again.

What I really need to do is quit watching "Baseball Tonight" and "PTI" and "Around the Horn." "ATH" featured the Reds as one of the ten topics today, and they talked about attendance. ATTENDANCE. No, I'm not making any long run comparisons here, but the White Sox couldn't fill their seats last year, either. Not to mention the fact that it is insanely unseasonably cold and rainy here, and has been for the past 5 days or so, and rain is supposed to be in the area until the middle of next week. Jay Mariotti, whose comments I usually enjoy, was talking about how the Yankees might go after players like Alfonso Soriano, Junior, and Austin Kearns in June to replace the injured Hideki Matusi. EXPLAIN to me exactly which players the Reds would be getting in return. I know Kearns isn't going anywhere, and I doubt Griffey is either. Since ownership is so committed to winning now, I sincerely doubt that we'd trade one of our best hitters (and if you're thinking Kearns, our best defensive outfielder by far) for one of the three or so class A prospects they have left in their system. And the Yankees can keep Johnny Damon, thank you. At least on "PTI," Bob Ley (is that his name?), filling in for Tony Kornheiser, prognosticated that the Reds would win 87 games. Hey, that's totally freaking random, but it's better than the sixth place NL Central finish 'Sports "Ashlee will never buy me again" Illustrated' predicted for the Redlegs, so I'll take it! (Even I said 81-81.)

Bottom line: It's late, I'm tired, and I'm over-thinking all of this mess. I have tickets to the game tomorrow, and I think the Reds will win. Yeah, Dave Williams can feel the flames on his feet and is going to pull a great start out of his ***, 'cause if Milton comes back next week as suggested, Elizardo Ramirez isn't the first one leaving the rotation...

Go Redleggins!

Props to the kid who was holding up the sign at GABP tonight that said:

"Who cares about 714 home runs?
The REDS are in first place!"

Amen, brother.

Ken Grif-fey Juniorrrrr!

Well, I went to the game tonight, and boy was that a good decision.

I was late. I got off of work, stopped and got some Skyline, ran home, scarfed down the 5 Way, and was on my way to Great American. I got there just in time for the top of the second.

I knew before I got to the game that Junior would be in the lineup tonight, and that made me want to go even more. It ended up being Arroyo dominating everything and everyone for the first eight innings of the game. Eight scoreless, eight Ks, an ERA now just above 2. Win number six on the horizon? Sure looked that way... until Weathers took the mound in the top of the ninth and blew the save for the second consecutive night. (I ask, if this finally the end of the "Closer by Committee" that has actually become "Closer by Committee, of which Stormy Weathers is the apparent Chairman and first choice no matter what matchup"?) Yup, so, for the second game in a row the starter gets the shaft from the bullpen.

Skip to the 11th. Score tied 1-1, in comes Rick White. Skip ahead again. Shack comes in to get the final out of the inning... after White has given up 3!! runs. Score: Nats 4 - Reds 1. (Fans are walking out in droves at this point, and although I stayed, I don't blame them. It was ugly.)

Bottom of the 11th. RayRay is on first after a single, and Freel is at the plate. Ryan gets the hit down the left field line, Ray advances to third, and Freel is thrown out at second trying to turn his single into a double. It was the first out of the inning, and down three runs, that is a huge out. A couple of batters later, it's runners on first and second, Reds down 4-2, and #3 is coming to the plate. Frank Robinson makes his second snail-paced trek (I'm not exaggerating, guys... I swear the seasons changed while he was walking.) to the mound of the inning to bring in Joey "Red for a Day" Eischen.

On an 0-1 count, Junior absolutely lasers one into the Moon Deck, and the stadium comes ALIVE! Reds win 5-4, and I'm hugging people I've never seen in my life!!

"THIS ONE BELONGS TO THE REDS!!"

Welcome back, Junior. We've missed you.

For those of you who are unaware what ingredients usually went into a Reds win in 2005, I will recount. From the pitching arena: A decent 5-6 inning performance by the starter, followed by a couple of ERs given up by the bullpen, sometimes keeping the win in line for the starter, sometimes not. And then if the Reds were still ahead in the ninth, it was time for another heart-thumping, cardiac arrest-inducing save attempt by Graves (until the middle of May), and then Weathers or various other members of the bullpen. From the offensive side: Lots of runs. Lots of timely hits. A ton of longballs. On the nights that resulted in a win, usually it was just one or two more runs than the opponents would score, but it was enough.

Tonight, in 2006, the Reds looked a lot like the Reds of 2005. That's not necessarily a horrible thing, but it's not the best compliment I could offer.

Aaron Harang pitched some decent ball. He gave up two HR over 6 innings, and K'ed 5, allowing only 1 BB and 4 ER overall. Last year I would call that "good," this year, my standards are higher. Still, he left in line for the win, and should have it now, if not (in my opinion, partially) for some overeager bullpen usage by Jerry Narron. (Yes, I think Coffey should have been left in the game instead of being replaced by Mercker who failed to retire a batter. I understand that Narron might have been attempting to keep Coffey available for tomorrow or Friday. I don't care, I worry about one game at a time.)

Unfortunately for Harang, the bullpen was unable to preserve the win for him. Fortunately for the bullpen, the offense was able to take the lead and supply the means to win to Weathers.

Now, for the good, very un-2005-like stats from tonight:

• Austin Kearns: 4 for 4. - Amazing. He's healthy, hitting to all fields, and driving in runners. (Not to mention the fact that he's almost single-handedly helping me kill my fantasy opponents!)
• Reds base-runners: 6 for 6 in SB attempts. Yeah, we had Freel swiping bases last season, but we didn't have Felipe doing much of the same. One speedy guy is great, but multiply that by two...
• All pitchers tonight: 3 BBs, 8 Ks. Not too shabby. Last season the walk/strikeout ratio would have been lower. Or closer to even... however you look at that. Nutshell: It's been better this season.

All in all, I'll take the win.
I suspect the Reds will as well.

Go Redlegs!

"Kevin Milwood on the mound, and he got beat like a tied up goat."
~Scott Van Pelt
SportsCenter

(...and he did. 9 ER in 1 1/3 innings. 6 ER in the first alone. That reminds me of Milton and Wilson circa 2005.)

---Tonight's game:
Well, I didn't see the game, but I did see the box score. That's more than enough for me.

Claussen didn't make it through the sixth and gets his fourth loss of the season in the process. Shack gave up a dinger and now has an ERA. In great news, Chris Hammond's ERA is now under 10. Let's throw him a party or something - he's earned it! As for the 'O' - 3 hits. 3 hits? 1 run? At the Small Park? Come on, guys.

<I apologize for the excessive, scathing sarcasm - it's been a bad day outside of my baseball-fan-life.>

---Injuries, or non-injuries. Whatever. ...and cool bats:
It is official. I am absolutely sick and tired of hearing Dr. Tim Kremchek run around throwing out quotes like "It's not a serious injury," and "day to day." It's been a month. Griffey was on the DL for his 15 days and is now wandering around in unactivated limbo. Speaking of which, this seems a little off to me. You can have a player come off of the DL but not be activated for almost two weeks, but a player can only remain on rehab assignment for 30 days before he needs to be activated. It seems like if there is a rule about one, there should be a rule about the other... but I digress. Or is this some sort of "rehab assignment" where he does no rehabbing? Anyway. Back to the Doc... I understand that Junior is the one dictating the situation here, and I sure don't want to see him do further damage to his leg by returning before he is ready, but I don't want to hear that this isn't a serious injury because, frankly, this is taking a "serious" amount of time to heal. If Milton comes back from his surgery before Griffey is activated, Kremchek isn't going to be able to hide behind those statements any longer. I just want to know what is going on, as does every single Reds fan out there that is watching this offense take every other day off. Tell us, we can handle anything.

Speaking of rehab assignments, Cody Ross and his "injured" hand have done very well in 3 games in Louisville. .444 avg., .583 OBP. I'm just sayin'. Oh, yeah, and Chris Denorfia is riding the pine here in Cincy... that's exactly where he should be, not getting any regular playing time while Freel and his sub-.230 average are getting starts in CF. Don't get me wrong, I love Ryan Freel, I think that when he's on his game, he is one of the cornerstones of the Reds. Unfortunately, however, right now he's scuffling, and that ain't good for the leadoff man. I think he needs a minimum of three straight games off... I am a proponent of letting players play through their bad streaks, but not in this case. He was so hot the first couple weeks of the season, and then he hit a wall, and I don't see the wall crumbling anytime soon, and this team can't afford to have his cold bat in a lineup that is already missing Junior and is suffering from a semi-cool Felipe Lopez.

---Baseball luncheons and lobsters:
I enjoyed the Baseball 101 luncheon this afternoon. I can also officially say that I underestimated the power of the sun, and I now resemble a lobSTAR. My arms are burned, holy God, and the tan burn lines that I have are insane. Yeah, I have idiot moments from time to time.
I got to meet Red Hot Mama, see Felipe's tattoos up close and uncovered, and see Doug Gallant, Reds Head Groundskeeper, almost beat the **** out of Gapper. All in all, well worth the sunburn that will probably lead to skin cancer down the road someday. In the 'Most Surprising Turn of Events' category, we all received styrofoam bowls full of dirt and grass. The sheer amount of turf I saw divided up into bowls leads me to believe that there is no way in **** this actually came from the field as we were told - It would seriously take half of the outfield to amount to what was sitting on those tables. In any case, I now have grass from Ohio Stadium, pilfered after I rushed the field when the Buckeyes beat Michigan in 2004, and GABP, which I was given... with dirt... so I can put it in my yard?

Did I mention that I got to sit in the dugout? THATWASAWESOME.

I never thought I'd ever consider paying $215 to sit in the Diamond Seats. Kids, it's nice down there. I'll probably do it one time. Food and drinks are included, right?

---Conclusion:
I know there are about 3 million people out there who don't think Rich Aurilia does a single thing to help this team. I wholeheartedly disagree. He's proved that he can play anywhere in the infield and that he can hit in clutch situations. He's batting .295 with 5 HR and 13 RBI. Just as a comparison, that's 1 more HR and 1 less RBI than Felipe Lopez. In 9 fewer games. Again, I'm just sayin'. The team misses his presence in the lineup, I don't care how many people say otherwise. (Not to mention the record since he went down with the groin pull. What? 2-4. Coincidence? Perhaps, but I'd love to have him back in case it's not.)
Brandon Claussen is such a question mark every time he goes out on the mound. He has a great game, and then goes out five days later and gives up 4 homers. What gives? His control is suspect at times, and when his pitch count is up, like it usually is, he gets into trouble. It makes perfect sense... See the problem, fix the problem!

I've been working on this post entirely too long. If you made it all the way through, I applaud you.

As always, go Redlegs.

Number One Fan
You are the Reds' number one fan. (Yes, yes I am.)

You are a Reds fan first and everything else second. You research the players, analyze the games, read everything you can about the team. (Absolutely true.) You wear Red every day. You dream about the Reds. You're happy when the team is streaking and depressed when they're slumping. Your firstborn is probably named "Barry" (or "Casey" if it's a girl). (I do plan my work schedule around Reds games.)

You might want to seek counselling. (I have heard this as recently as last Friday.)

Those around you know better than to suggest taking a walk because they know you'll give them a lecture on the importance of on-base percentage. They're afraid to say anything about sign language lest you give them a dissertation on the ethical ramifications of stealing signs. In fact, they've begun trying to avoid you all together. But that's OK with you because you've got the on-line community.

You are the most passionate member of the Reds' corps of fans, but it might be a good idea for you to back off just a little. Adam Dunn doesn't want to have to issue a restraining order. I'm not that crazy! ;)
Are You the Reds' Number 1 Fan?

Thanks, Red Hot Mama... that was fun!

Dave Williams should say a prayer to whatever higher power he gives praise to because he lucked out tonight.

I completely missed this game because I was at work, and I was unable to even listen to more than 20% of it because I was training a new empolyee, but I did get to hear the bottom of the ninth, and the Hall of Famer's call that inspired the name of this very blog... There is nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, like hearing Marty Brennaman shout "And this one belongs to the Reds!" when the game was on the line like it was this afternoon. It's one of those things that sends shivers down my spine, and reminds me why I love baseball.

So Williams pitched another mediocre game, but fortunately for him the bats came ALIVE! Four homers by four different Reds, doubles galore... Yay!

I'm done writing about it, I'm going to go watch it now.
Everyone enjoy the off day tomorrow, the luncheon is Tuesday, and the Nats are in town for a three-game series starting Tuesday night.

Go Reds!

<EDIT>
The post-TiVo portion of my entry:

Observations:

• Austin Kearns is a machine. I've said before how good he is, and there he goes. There he goes again. (It's not how good "I think" he is, but how good he is... because he is that good. Yes, my weird sentence makes sense.)
• Errors are a problem. Bucky "Bleeping" Dent better get some of those guys out there a good twelve hours before the games begin for a lot of infield.
• What is it about that elusive third out, or the elusive third strike, even?
• Todd Java is my hero. When is the last time a Reds pitcher has had an ERA under .50, while leading the 'pen in appearances, over a month into the season? Someone get me the stats on that - I'm too lazy to look it up!

I sure hope the Phillies cool off a bit before they come into town for the weekend series... if not, well, I know a team that might just provide a wall for them to run into. :)

Later, kiddies... As always, feel free to let me know if you disagree with anything I have to say. If you actually agree, let me know how right I am!</EDIT>

After last night's crappy loss, the Reds are shooting themselves in the foot tonight... but in a completely different way.

Last night it was a lack of defense, tonight the offense - save for Felipe Lopez's inside-the-parker - is nowhere to be seen.

Come on, guys. The Astros aren't going to keep losing, although it is nice that they're dropping games the same nights as the Reds are! Not that this one is over yet. 3-1 in the seventh, and the pinch hitters didn't quite get it done in the pinch.

Arroyo gave up three runs over six innings, and is on the hook for the loss as I type this, even with the "quality start." 11 hits? Yikes! ...but he was able to get out a trouble a few times. Defensive gems have saved a couple of runs in this game - Phillips snaring a line drive for the second out, keeping the runner from scoring from third, and Kearns and his arm throwing out a runner at home plate to end an inning. It could easily be 5-1, or 6-1 without these plays.

Shack is in there now, and looking pretty good, so lets see if we can use these remaining six outs wisely and score some runs!

Go Redleggins!

<EDIT>
Well, that didn't go well. Final score: 3-1.
Three walks in the first inning following the HR by Lopez, and the Reds couldn't push another run across. Three pinch hitters used and not one hit resulted. Few, if any, productive outs with less than two out.
The Reds beat themselves tonight, no question about that.
</EDIT>

As seen @ reds.com:

Going into tonight's game, Aaron Harang had reached 10 strikeouts on six different occasions.

Tonight, he eclipsed his personal best by two, going 8 1/3 innings, giving up only 1 ER, and 1 BB, while recording those 12 strikeouts. I think it is about the time that people take notice of what Harang has accomplished, and what he is capable of doing. I keep hearing people talk about how he's capable of being a good third starter. Well let me say that he's better than that, and will be even better than he is now, and could do it for any team. He's the Reds' number one (kinda, sorta "tied" with Arroyo) and I think he could easily be a number two even on the teams that have the best pitching. (Not that I want to see him anywhere but in a Reds uni.) He has an ERA under 2 in his last four starts, with tons of Ks, and very few BBs (10 overall)... and apparently he can hit too, going 2-4 tonight.

I'm not predicting any imminent Cy Young Awards, I'm just saying that he's **** good. I think it's time for people to stop calling him Adam Harang... I've heard that twice already this year from various sports programs - At the very least, get the man's name right.

Dunner hit a homer, thank you Shannon for the $1. The Reds won 7-1, thank you Shannon for the second $1.

I thoroughly enjoyed game chat and smack talking with Red Hot Mama over at her website tonight. (www.red-hot-mama.com) We were joined by Rox Girl, and were extremely happy to have things go differently than they did last evening.

The moral of the post? Start respecting Aaron Harang.

Enough said.

<EDIT>
Sister Daealus brought something to my attention.
Aaron Harang currently leads MLB in strikeouts. Yes, that's more than Glavine, Martinez, or Randy Johnson - More than anyone.
I knew he was up there, but I didn't know he held the lead!

Yes, that's A-a-r-o-n H-a-r-a-n-g. Write that down.
</EDIT>

I thoroughly enjoyed yesterday's 3-2 walk-off win down at Great American. Never mind that the guy sitting next to me kept putting his arm around me and talking about how boring baseball is, I still had a **** good time. Did I mention that I had never met the guy before in my life?

Dave Williams got hit hard in the first inning. Seriously, the Cardinals, sans their best players, hit some of his pitches right on the nose, but fortunately some of them were right at people. I am incredibly surprised that they only scored one run in the first - had Pujols and Edmonds been in there, I think the inning would have been incredibly different, not to mention the entire game.
Coffey looked great, as per usual. Rick White got a big out... this bullpen has been looking amazing lately...
The guy next to me commented going into the bottom of the ninth that if the Reds didn't score, he was going to shoot somebody. I was happy a minute later when he amended his statement to "If they don't score, I'll just leave." GOOD IDEA! Fortunately, Javy "Latin Love Ma-cheen" Valentin took the gun/need to leave out of my neighbor's hands.

That brings my record to 6-1. And that includes the Opening Day stinkfest.

Tonight... well, the Reds were shut down early and never recovered. Claussen looked good overall, giving up 3 runs over 6 2/3 innings.***** fifth inning! Jeff Francis didn't seem to have his best control early, but it didn't matter as the Reds managed only four(!) hits the entire game.
I saw a stat somewhere that went something like this: When the Reds win after a loss, they win big, scoring at least six runs in the process. That's quite a string of comebacks, and I'm looking forward to more of the same tomorrow!

Also, the Reds have yet to lose a game on a Thursday this season. Tomorrow is Thursday... you can see where I'm going with this. :)

Go Redleggins!

Dear Mr. Clemens,

I know this is a difficult time in your life concerning baseball and your potential decision as to whether or not you will return to pitch the remainder of the 2006 season. Let me begin by saying that the Houston Astros do not really want you to return to the team, and even more importantly, you do not want to continue to be associated with the team because of the heinous atrocities committed by various members of the front office as well as team members.

It has come to the attention of Bud Selig that the manager of the Astros, Phil Garner, eats babies. It is his intention to investigate the matter until a satisfactory conclusion has been reached. Of course, eating babies is illegal, but baseball has yet to prohibit the act in its rules and regulations - this fact has allowed some to feel they can overlook the whole "against the law, morally repugnant" aspect of the situation. You don't want to be tainted by this potential scandal, do you?

The Astros have released a DVD which chronicles last year's road to the 2005 World Series. The title of the DVD? '2005 Houston Astros - The Championship Season DVD.' The title misrepresents the actual outcome of the 2005 season, as the Astros were swept in the World Series, as you know, by the Chicago White Sox. Don't let the Astros mislead you as well.

Fernando Nieve, the Astros' fifth starter, is on a personal mission to see that you don't return to the club. He wants his shot as a starter and is apparently ready to use any means necessary to retain his spot in the rotation. Do you really want to spend four months watching your back?

Perhaps most importantly, you're a Man. A man's man, right? You don't want that girly-script 'Astros' across your chest! Prove your manhood, go pitch in the AL against 9 hitters, not 8 hitters and an almost-automatic out.

The Red Sox want you. You want the Red Sox. Perhaps if you go pitch for Boston they will have yet another expendable pitcher in their bullpen... and then they can make another trade...

Sincerely,

A Reds fan.

Of Course, most of this is bull, but some of it is true. It's all in jest, don't anyone be offended.