Wow!!!

Ok so the Jackets are on a tear right now! I will take a win any day but the Vancouver game was insane. 6 goals in 8 minutes is insane and I was holding my breath the entire time. It's still a great win and Williams scored a powerplay goal!!! Keep it up guys...as Hitch says "STAY ABOVE THE DAMN BAR!!!"

Oh no!!!

This could be really bad Tuesday. Hose is out for the game against Detroit and could make an anemic offense really bad especially when you are playing an explosive team like the Red Wings. Hopefully Howson pulls the trigger on on a trade soon. I am optimitic about the Jackets this year especially with the way they are playing and with Mason in net.

On the Reds front:

Taveres is HUGE! I can't wait to see what a true leadoff hitter can do for this team. Now if we can only sign Hariston back...

Fiesta Bowl TOMORROW!! GO BUCKS

Stars game

So, after some thinking, the Jackets still got screwed by the NHL and the VP in charge of the war room tried to justify the decision (see the Dispatch for the interview). Frankly, it sounded like a load of b.s. and he was just trying to cover his ass. I sent Aaron Portzline an e-mail about whether or not the game could be protested. Here is the response:

Tyler: Thanks for the email. You can file a formal protest, but it's nothing more than paperwork and grandstanding. The game is over and official. All that's left is the outrage. Thanks, AP

From what I understand, Howson is going to file the paperwork so it is documented but we shouldn't expect our point ever.

Watch for Gomer and myself carrying the flag at the Kings game! (we're the guys with the Ohio flag if they show us)

Half Way Home

So we are almost to halftime of the 2008 MLB season and the Reds are almost back to .500. There have been some great story lines so far. Edinson Volquez is a monster. I have NEVER seen a change-up move like his. Add that to his fastball and goodnight, sweet prince! Cueto looks good too and Votto is awesome as well.

I think this is a bad time for the all-star break. The Reds are red hot and the break could cool them off. The good news is Dusty won't let that happen. He is cutting the break a day short for the entire team for a mandatory full team workout. Now if he could only teach some of the players how to bunt...

The rest of the year could be fun. Depending on what happens on Sunday, the Reds could start the second half at least 6 games back in the wild card and 2 games under .500. Anyone who said Dusty was awful for this team is wrong. This is essentially the same team as last year and they are on track to win 10 more games. With a ton of games left within the Central Division, look for the Reds to make some noise.

My first half grade: C

The team could play better (and they are starting to) but they could be A LOT worse.

Looking Down!

As our good friend the Professor (from Futurama) would say, "GOOD NEWS EVERYONE!" The Reds are no longer in last in the NL Central!!! Granted the Pirates and the Nationals are not exactly the cream of the NL but it is nice not to have to go to the bottom of a page to find the Reds record.

The big hits are finally starting to show up! Hairston is just going nuts and if he doesn't play everyday I am going to revolt. Brandon Phillips is tearing the cover off the ball now too which means more wins.

Speaking of Phillips, here is a good idea: Walk Jr. to face Phillips. It really doesn't work to well when a guy is hitting everything he sees and it cost the Nationals a chance for extra innings.

WOW...A Weird Night In Baseball

First of all, I am extremely happy. The Reds WON the Ohio Cup. Okay, so not the World Series but at least we won SOMETHING!! Also, it was nice to see good Jonny show up tonight and to see Dunn get his HR swing back. But now, on to the rest of the night in baseball.

How does this box score sound:
R H E
Angles 0 5 2
Dodgers 1 0 2

One would think that would mean a no hitter by the Angles and that was my initial thought. However, because the Dodgers only batted 8 times, MLB does not recognize this as a no hitter. The MLB rulebook states:
"An official no-hit game occurs when a pitcher (or pitchers) allows no hits during the entire course of a game, which consists of at least nine innings. In a no-hit game, a batter may reach base via a walk, an error, a hit by pitch, a passed ball or wild pitch on strike three, or catcher's interference."
Or, the Angles had to pitch 9 innings. This is one of those things that make you scratch your head and ask " AH WAH!?!" This the third "no hitter" of this type. It is just weird. If you what to hear more check out this from ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=280628119 . Also, while there check out Tim Kurkjian's explaintion. It makes the picture of what happened much clearer.

The Comeback

I have to say that it was nice to see the Reds come back and win tonight after the blowout last night. It looks like Griffey and Phillips are getting out of their season long funks and, while not a typical start, Harang looks like he is almost out of his recent funk as well. But the best story is the Hairston will be back TOMORROW!!! With Encarnacion nursing an injured back, Hopper's elbow and the fact that the Reds average 4+ runs with Hairston and 2 without him. He will be a welcome addition to an otherwise anemic offense.

Another great thing I saw this weekend was Daryl Thompson's performance. Yes he only pitched 5 innings and was in trouble, but he battled out of every jam he got into. Another thing is the movement on his fastball. It is down right filthy. Like Volquez, Thompson's change-up is special. I have to say with a 4 pitcher arsenal like Volquez, Harang, Cueto and Thompson, these Reds remind me of the Brewers two years ago. Also, if the Reds play to their potential in the second half, watch out. I think the Reds can have a winning season this year and be competitive for the Wild Card this year.