Cincinnati Reds' Push for above .500

The Reds play another rematch game from Apr. 19 tonight, featuring power pitchers Edinson Volquez and Felipe Paulino.  Paulino, a top Astros prospect, has bouts with control but has a fastball that lives around 96-97 MPH.  Similarly, Volquez has the stuff to be dominant but at times has problems locating said “stuff.” If you know anything about baseball, you know that forces you deep into counts against batters, which is not good.  So, I guess tonight we’ll see who has the most walks.  

Unfortunately for the Reds (it seems like I say that a lot), the Astronomicals have won 17 of their last 18 at Great American Ball Park.  That right there, folks, is insane.  That is beyond dominance.  Beyond ownership.  That is flat out nasty.  

Here are some things Reds fans have to look forward to tonight:

Adam Rosales was called up yesterday to replace Edwin Encarnacion after Encarnacion was diagnosed with a chip in his wrist...or something like that.  Whatever it was, we’ll get to see how this kid Rosales can play in the bigs, and we won’t have to watch Edwin go “o-fer” for at least another two to three weeks.  According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Rosales will be in the game tonight in place of Brandon Phillips (who can’t hit or draw a walk).  Rosales will play 3B and bat seventh, with Jerry Hairston playing 2B and batting second.

Laynce Nix will get a rare start in LF tonight, too.  There’s no way he’s worse than Chris Dickerson out there.  No possible way.  Right?  After that mammoth home run he hit late in the game yesterday, I’m willing to give him a shot.  If you look at the guy, you know he can launch it if he gets a hold of one.

Maybe tonight we’ll get a look at how Danny Herrera’s weasel-stache is doing.  If any reader of this blog can find a quality picture of Herrera and his magnificent facial hair, I will gladly pay you in “Schrute Bucks.”

Anyway, the Reds play again tonight, and, as always, I’ll be watching.  If there’s one thing this blog has done for me, it’s forced me to watch as many Reds games as I can. Wait...is that a benefit?  I haven’t figured that out yet.  

I will leave you with a reminder that you have only ONE MORE DAY to vote for Sam LeCure for Fans' Choice Bobblehead!  Vote and don't let us down!

GO REDS!