Cincinnati Reds: Finally A Win

Of all people, it was Justin Lehr who stepped up and put a stop to the Reds’ eight-game skid. Lehr dazzled the Cubs with his 89 mph fastball rendering them only four hits. He really does have a pretty nice curveball. 

Lehr, in only his second major league start, pitched a complete game shutout against the stupid Cubs. This automatically places him in my “hero” category.

The savior of the Reds, Scott Rolen, finally got a chance to hit and did so, belting a two-run homer. 

Perhaps what’s more amazing is the fact that Willy Taveras got a hit and actually stole two bases shortly thereafter. And then, to beat it all, he even scored a run!

Unbelievable.

Willy must have figured he was a little behind pace to get those 100 steals he was blathering about in spring training and since he never gets on base, he should make the most of the rare opportunity.

I guess now it’s time to go on that “winning streak” Dusty was talking about the other day. No one must have told him that Homer Bailey is scheduled to face Tim Lincecum in the first game in San Francisco Friday night.

Where are they now?

Former Reds prospect and Blue Jays All-Star closer, B.J. Ryan, was released from the Cubs organization yesterday. Apparently his fastball was topping out at 86 mph in the minors. It sounds like it’s time for Ryan to make his triumphant return to Cincinnati.

Ryan Freel was designated for assignment Wednesday from the Kansas City Royals. I didn’t even know he was with the Royals, but if you can’t catch on there or in Baltimore, perhaps you should take the hint. This just makes moving Freel for Hernandez, a need that we had at the time (or at least thought we had), look even more brilliant.

The Oakland A’s signed Brett Tomko to a minor league deal. Who knew he was still in baseball?

Elmer Dessens was outrighted to the minors on Monday by the Mets. Again, who knew he was still in baseball?

Corey F’n Patterson signed a minor league deal with the Brewers. Three words: Waste. Of. Money.

The Indians DFA’d Mike Gosling Saturday. Remember him?

In another deal that has nothing to do with the Reds, Mark Prior was released by the San Diego Padres last week. You think Dusty’s interested? You better believe it!

The good things about today

It’s an off day, so the Reds can’t lose tonight. Also, an off day after a win (especially over the Cubs) is nice so you can savor it a little while longer. These wins are becoming more and more cherished as they’re becoming fewer and less frequent. 

Isn’t it about time we see some action on the waiver wire?

Stay tuned and cross your fingers that Bronson’s gone before his next start. (It won’t happen.)