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.