(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Reds split their four-game series against the Brewers, further complicating the decisions that must be made regarding this club. Buy, sell, or hold? That is what fans, bloggers and talk-show hosts are wondering as the trade deadline approaches.
The series began on Thursday night with Chris Dickerson being scratched because of back spasms. Homer Bailey started for the Reds and reverted back to his wild ways. He walked four and hit a batter en route to giving up seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. The Reds tried to battle back, but the deficit was too large as the Brewers claimed the 9-6 victory.
Joey Votto's 471-foot home run on Thursday was good enough for 12th longest in the history of Great American Ball Park.
Bronson Arroyo's name often comes up when people start talking about possible trade if the Reds fall out of contention. Arroyo doesn't want to see this team dismantled, and if the Reds can win, it won't be.
On Friday night, Arroyo did his part through seven shutout innings. Edwin Encarnacion chipped in as well, going 4-for-4 with a home run. The 4-0 win evened the series at a game apiece.
Saturday night felt like a cool, September evening rather than the middle of July. It was pleasant until the rain came. Then it was just plain miserable...the weather and the baseball. However, we did get an Edinson Volquez bobblehead.
Aaron Harang cruised through the Milwaukee lineup the first time, retiring nine in a row. The wheels fell off in the fourth, as the first five Brewers reached base. Harang proceeded to get pounded. I even speculated that he might be tipping his pitches because the Brewers were teeing off as if they knew what was coming.
The Brewers 5-1 victory was bad enough. Watching the guy who is supposed to be your ace get rocked (again) was excruciating. Remember May 25 when Harang came back to face one batter after a two hour rain delay? I don't really think that has anything to do with his struggles, but it is certainly a valid question.
Sunday was a crucial game for Cincinnati. A loss would not cause the white flag to be raised on the season, but you definitely would begin to think about pulling the strings. Johnny Cueto fought through six innings, then put the 3-3 tie in the hands of the bullpen.
Nick Masset and David Weathers held the Brewers in check, allowing Jonny Gomes' two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the Reds on top, 5-3. Francisco Cordero earned his 22nd save and the Reds march on.
Cincinnati marches on to Los Angeles, where they have not won a game since July 28, 2005. The series opener will feature Micah Owings (6-9, 4.94) against Jason Schmidt, who has not pitched in the Major Leagues in over two years because of shoulder surgeries and rehabilitation.
Other Reds notes:
- Mike Lincoln is scheduled to have cervical disc replacement surgery today. He has been on the disabled list since June 17.
- Josh Roenicke has pitched well for the Reds, but was the odd man out with the club carrying 13 pitchers. Roenicke was sent back to Louisville and Drew Sutton was recalled to give the club more depth on the bench.
- Alex Gonzalez, who had arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow June 22nd, has been sent to Louisville on a rehab assignment. He is expected to be activated on Friday when the team begins a weekend series in Chicago.
- Ramon Hernandez will have surgery on his sore left knee and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. Craig Tatum has been called up to take Hernandez's roster spot and will serve as the backup to Ryan Hanigan.
- Jared Burton has been pitching well at Louisville and apparently the Reds have noticed. Burton has been recalled and Robert Manuel has been sent down.
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