Quick Thoughts

For the past several days, life has been quite hectic. By tomorrow morning, life will be hectic like I’ve never experienced before.

I’m currently sitting in a hospital room with my wife as she is set to deliver our first child tomorrow morning. So I consider my umpteenth excuse for not writing a pretty darn good one.

Anxiously awaiting father or not, there hasn’t been a whole lot to write about concerning the Reds.

They did manage to string together five consecutive wins, including a sweep of the faltering Brewers.

They also managed to play five extra-inning games in their last 12 contests. I have scored only three games this season from the comfort of my living room (or the comfort of a hospital room), and all three have gone to extras. This has given me a new found respect for the official scorers who have to juggle all the pitching changes, double switches, and other scoring nuances.

Quick thoughts

I’m still not the biggest fan of the Scott Rolen trade, especially in light of the fact that they traded a promising young starter knowing full well they would be without Edinson Volquez for the majority of 2010. Even though I had become something of an Edwin apologist, I have to admit that Rolen, when healthy, does legitimize the lineup a little more. Also, no one can argue that he can  make plays at third base that Edwin can only dream of. If (and that’s a big IF) Rolen can stay healthy for the majority of 2010, he will certainly be a major contributor.

Bronson Arroyo has pitched himself back to respectability and hopefully back to quality trade value. I would be highly surprised if the Reds don’t move Arroyo, Harang, or Cordero. They almost have to trade at least one of them and I wouldn’t be shocked to see all of them or a combination dealt away.

Apparently, the Reds are going to bring back Johnny Cueto in the next week or so. My only question: Why? What is the point in rushing him back at this point in the season? I have no idea how severe his injury was, but I would be careful with a guy who has thrown a ton of innings this year. I would be tempted to shut him down for the rest of this season and put him in winter ball when he goes home.

I know Drew Stubbs has been a AAA stud, but I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a guy strike out at the pace he does. Please don’t get me wrong; I’m not getting down on him, I’m just making a though.

If the Cincinnati Reds want to get people like me excited about next season, they should give Brandon Phillips a few starts at shortstop. I like Paul Janish, but I’ve seen the back of his baseball card. Were Janish on a team that could hide his offense, he could be an every day starter. There’s no doubt the guy can pick it. With that being said,  I wouldn’t be too upset were he our starting shortstop next year. 

The Reds brass need to have the nuts to admit when they’ve royally screwed up. They need to release Willy Taveras and eat the stupid contract they gave him.

I’m not sure when I’ll be able to post again, but I’ll try to let you know how my new little Reds fan is doing.