What's been happening, what's to come...

Let me begin by apologizing for my absence over the last few days. Two jobs and house-sitting duty have left me with an extra-busy schedule this week, not to mention the added excitement of World Cup Soccer, and the NHL and NBA finals. Ok, just kidding about the last two - I've watched more baseball in the past two days than either of the two sports playoff series, but I have been one of those goofballs watching their fair share of soccer.

Anyway, enough about me. You don't want to read that, you want to read about the Reds, so here goes...

Back to Sunday's game: Beautiful seats. Crizappy game. I was the one sitting behind the plate shouting at the Reds' dugout to remind them that the pitcher who was shutting them out came into the game with an ERA over 6. I was officially out of it by the seventh inning - no, I don't mean drunk, I just mean sitting back, arms folded, scowl on face. And then the bullpen gave up five runs. (Note: Second game in a row the 'pen gave up five runs! That couldn't possibly happen a third time, right!? Wait for it...)

Monday: So, Wily Mo Who? ... Bronson Arroyo improved his record to 9-3 with a complete game, 2 run win over the hot-hot-hot New York Mets. He pitched all nine innings not because he had been ultra-conservative with his pitches or because he was completely dominant. No, he pitched a CG because Jerry Narron was afraid of his bullpen. Frankly, so am I. Aren't you? Good Lord.

Tuesday: Elizardo finally did what I expected him to do last Wednesday - he got hit hard. He gave up three runs in the first inning, before surprising the heck out of me and lasting for six, only giving up one more run. Seriously, I was impressed - he went back out there after getting a talking to from Hume via Javier Valentin, and showed some incredible poise. We were treated to so many 3-inning, 6-run outings from our starters last season, it's nice to see someone get scored upon pretty hard in the first and then go back out there and pitch some effective innings afterward. Go Lizard!
Of course, after the offense got it to 4-2, the bullpen came out and proceeded to give up - you guessed it! - 5 runs. Mets win, 9-2.

15 runs over the last three games that the 'pen has been used. Fifteen runs. Over... dunno. Like 8 innings. I have no desire to go check and find out the exact numbers, I know it's a horrible stat. Enough! ...Uncle!

So now, Rick White is gone, Jason Standridge is up in his place, and has yet to make an appearance. He was up and throwing at the same time as Weathers was last night, but Narron opted to bring in Weathers, who decided that giving up 4 runs would be his contribution to the game.

I don't know whether to hop on the "Run Narron out of Town" bandwagon or to feel sorry for the guy. Throughout April it seemed that every single move he made worked out perfectly in the team's favor. May, not so much, but then he got his golden touch back during that 8-game-win-streak. Now, well, it's absolutely gone, but look who the man has to work with... The 'pen has some horrendous arms in it, and we've got 16 catchers and 37 shortstops. That said, however, I'm tempted to join the "Run Narron out of Town" bandwagon simply because of his continued use of Quinton K. McCracken in late-inning PH situations. What a waste of a roster spot.

So where are we? Five games behind the Cardinals, who were absolutely pounded, 20-6, by the White Sox last night, and two games ahead of the Astros who have Roger Clemens starting for them tomorrow. What does all of that mean? Beats me, those are just the facts. I'm not making any more predictions.

Royals cast-off Joe Mays is starting for the Reds tonight. Again, not making any predictions. Just swearing, a lot. :)

Upcoming in the blog:

• A look at the minor leagues; my take on Denorfia, Votto, Bruce, and Bailey
• A review of the new 1975 World Championship DVD
• A giveaway of said DVD. 3 copies! Details coming soon!
• A review of 'Clutch Hits'

So much to do... Aargh!!

Go Redlegs!