All-Star Week

Lets talk...All-Stars:

First off, it's been about FIVE MONTHS since my last post. Its been awhile, but I had to come back to talk a little bit about Cincinnati in the MLB All-Star Game. Zack Cozart and Joey Votto represented our city this year, Zack as a starter and Joey as an alternate. Unfortunately our Redlegs' presence couldn't help the National League team as they fell to the AL 2-1. What is more boring than a pitchers duel in a game full of the best players in the league? Just my opinion. However, the NL loss is not such a big deal this year, as the MLB has changed how they will do home field advantage in the World Series. The days of the Midsummer Classic's winner taking home field are over, now it's left up to which team has the best record at the end of the year. I'm not 100% sure if that includes the playoffs or not, but I'm not a huge fan of this decision. The previous deciding factor wasn't my favorite either, (mostly because the NL would usually lose), but at least the ASG meant something. MLB hit it out of the park with the new format for the Home Run Derby, (yes the pun was intended), but this I'm not loving.

Lets talk...game winner:

As boring as the first nine innings were, Seattle's Robinson Cano hit a homer in extras to give the AL the W...not that it means anything now LOL. Cozart made us proud when he broke a Reds unimpressive streak of 25 at-bats without a hit in the ASG. Joey Votto, who didn't make it into the game until the 8th inning did what he does best...be Zack's biggest fan. The security guard had picked up the ball that Cozart hit after the next batter lined it foul and handed it to a fan in the crowd. Votto, wanting the ball for Cozart to keep and remember the moment, gave the 13-year-old a signed bat and two signed All-Star baseballs in exchange for the Cozart ball. Good day for that kid.

That's not the only thing Votto will be giving Cozart either! If you've followed the story line at all, Votto promised to buy Cozart a donkey if he ended up getting voted to the ASG. The donkey is not en route yet, but I have faith that this is definitely going to happen. I'm really hoping they let the fans decide the name too! I'm thinking something like George or Dave. Check out the video of Joey and Zack enjoying their time in Miami: http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7417714/v1597932783/cozart-votto-joke-around-with-intentional-talk

WOW. September was my last post. That's slightly depressing, but I'm back! The problem is that I only felt compelled to write after Cincinnati's embarrassing loss to UCF on Sunday. I'll be honest, I didn't even watch the game. But only scoring 49 points? Sounds like a story from years' past. If you have followed this UC program over the past, oh I don't know, decade...you know offense has always been hard to come by, except for this year. Kyle Washington no doubt has ignited this offense from the start of the season. The depth of this year's team doesn't hurt either. Troy Caupain has had many an off night, but they'll pick up with a 20-point night from Jacob Evans. Or, maybe Jarrod Cumberland comes off the bench for a double digit performance. All this has helped lead the Cats to a 25-4 record thus far, and a residency in the Top 25 for the better part of the season. But again, 49 points?!?! Where is this coming from??? To take the words right out of Mick Cronin's mouth, they were awful offensively.

I guess the only silver lining is they held UCF to only 53 points, so at least the defense showed up. Yes, this loss is troubling, but the timing is even more troubling. We're heading into tournament time, and nobody wants to hit a cold streak come March. Despite recent losses to SMU and UCF, the Bearcats continue to win at home. Their 25-game winning streak at Fifth Third will be put to the test Thursday in their final home game against a tough Houston team. This also happens to be senior night, so I hope they can send Caupain, Johnson, and everyone's favorite, Tobler, out with a victory.

Before the loss to UCF, I believed the Bearcats could have made a push for a four seed in the big dance. Now, I'm not so sure that we won't be a six. Cronin needs to get this team back on track and get hot again before the AAC Conference gets underway. After Houston, the Cats travel to UConn for a noon game this Sunday which will also be another tough one away from home. If the Cats can win out, and SMU stumbles we could be looking at a No. 1 seed for the conference tournament, but at the very least we've secured the two seed. Because of our conference and non-conference schedule being weak compared to other Top 25 teams, a conference tournament victory would be a bold statement before Selection Sunday. We all know what happens to five and six seeds in the tourney...it's upset city. I don't want to see another first round knockout for these guys. Finally I feel like Cronin has a team that can score and make some noise in March, but they've got to step it up...quick.

Top 10 Team Visits Nippert

Lets talk...tonight's game:

Let me just start by saying tonight's game is HUGE for the Bearcats. #6 Houston will be coming into Nippert Stadium at 2-0 after knocking off highly touted Oklahoma in week one. Not only is it monumental because I will be in attendance, but this is the first top 10 team to play at Nippert since #5 West Virginia all the way back in 2007! Houston has had some serious hype coming into this season. They shocked the college football world last year, and Tom Herman and crew are looking to do it again. Not if we can help it!

Houston's QB Greg Ward Jr. was out last week due to injury, but he is projected to play in tonight's game. This kid is explosive. He can throw the ball, but he can also beat you on his feet so the Bearcats' D will need to be on top of their game. On the bright side, UC's defense is coming off one heck of a game last week on the road against Purdue. They intercepted a whopping five passes, three of them coming from senior linebacker/safety, Mike Tyson.

Lets talk...the Nippert Advantage:

We are lucky enough to get Houston this year at home. In Thursday night games, the Bearcats tend to fair quite well at home having won nine out of the last ten games they've played at Nippert on Friday eve. This will also be my first time in the new Nippert stadium and I am PUMPED. If the Cats could find a way to pull off a win, not only would it have huge national implications, but it would also
mark a W in the conference win column. Who's ready to get blacked out before the black out?!?! Meet me at Mac's Pizza and join in when I start screaming: Ohhhhhh, Ohhhhhh, Ohhhhh UC!!!!

Bye Bye Bruuuuuuce

Lets talk...this trade:

Say it isn't so! We all knew Jay Bruce was on the trade block for quite some time now, frankly because he's the only one left that's worth anything to other teams, but it still made me extremely sad to see him go. Bruce became one of my favorite Reds over the years. I wear the man's jersey, I'm slightly more attached. However heartbreaking this trade is to fans, it's almost more frustrating. The Reds' organization has made it clear that the past two years were meant for rebuilding. A lot of teams go through these transition periods, but the problem with the Reds is that they are trading away valuable veterans for almost nothing in return. If you don't believe me lets take a look back at all these trades...

Who did we get for Cueto, Leake, Chapman, Frazier, and now Bruce? If you're racking your brain for a player who has made a difference in our lineup your going to be thinking for awhile, because there isn't one! We lost one of the best starters that we've had in years in Cueto. 7 out of 10 starts I'd say Leake would give you a good outing. Chapman is a no brainer. Frazier was a quality third baseman with a decent bat, and brought a HR derby championship trophy to our city in a year that was, outside of the All-Star Game, completely uneventful. And now Jay Bruce. What we lost is a player who has spent his entire nine-year career in our city. Oh, and the National League leader in RBIs this season. In return, we received a 22-year-old 2nd baseman and a 19-year-old left hander, neither of whom have seen a major league field this season. I mean it's a little ridiculous when you actually break it down. Who the hell are we rebuilding around?!?!? Votto and Phillips? Love them both, but they've seen their prime and nobody else is willing to take them because they don't want to pay the chunk of change that we are paying right now.

WHAT IS THIS?!?






I got to hand it to Homer Bailey who really spoke his mind about this trade. He basically said the Reds are trying to lose 100 games this year with the deals they're making. If we're hearing this kind of thing from our own players, wouldn't you assume that something you're doing needs to change? Homer went on to say that the team was just getting back into a rhythm and then all of a sudden it's like someone popped their balloon by trading Bruce. Even though I think Homer Bailey was a $10 million mistake, props to him for saying what everyone else is thinking! I'm upset, but I have to add...thanks for the memories Bruuuuuuuuuce!

Lets talk...a series win against the Cards:

We don't ever get a series win over St. Louis. Good season, bad season, it's just a rarity. By god we took two out of three from them last night! It was an impressive victory too, crushing them 7-0. As bad as it has been this year, and coming off the Bruce trade shockingly the Reds are on a bit of a streak. According to ESPN, for the first time since 1999 Cincinnati has won 6 straight series since the All-Star break.
 It's the little things at this point that you have to cling on to...at least until football season starts ;)

As the First Half Comes to an End...

Lets talk...firing staff:

As we head into the All-Star break, we've had a lot to ponder over the past week. On Monday, the Reds decided to fire pitching coach Mark Riggins. No doubt our pitching is atrocious, but this was his first season with that title. We have the league's worst ERA at 5.51. We all get that an overall ERA that high isn't going to win you many games, but can we not look at the bigger issue? Bryan Price is making these decisions to have unsteady pitchers come in at the most inopportune times. And guess what? They usually end up giving up the game. I think Mark Riggins was used as a scape goat, and the real problem lies in Price. I've said it once, and I'll say it again; Price has a pitching background! Not too long ago he held the same title. I feel bad for Riggins because he's been in the Reds organization for many years as a minor league pitching coordinator, and he didn't even get one damn season.

Lets talk...first half:

32-54. That's our record, and it ain't pretty. We are last in the Central division, which is usually a spot reserved for the Brewers. I've tried to stay positive because it is a rebuilding year and sucking was expected, but it is difficult to watch a losing team. It's not like there haven't been shining moments though. I mean the last two games we beat the Cubs who have been on fire this year...just not as of late. I'm trying to stay POSITIVE I said. Cozart hit three homers in each of the three games against the Cubbies, that's exciting! And hey, lets not forget the big news this week: Adam Duvall is going to

the All-Star Game! Sure he may not play, but by god he made the NL roster. That's right, the Reds have their left fielder on the All-Star roster. For all these analysts that are saying he doesn't belong, screw you! The man has 22 homers on the season. That may be the highlight of his season, but we have been dogged on for the entire year. Can you give us a break on this one, please? Do I think Duvall is one of the most elite outfielders in baseball? Meh, probably not, but I'm glad he made the cut. It's his first All-Star appearance and I say enjoy it! Hell who knows, he may wind up in the Home Run Derby, which he did say he would love to do. Wouldn't that be a story? "Reds bats take home the trophy in two straight Home Run Derbies". I'm a little ahead of myself, but what else do I have to look forward to? Besides college football! Which just so happens to be exactly 50 days away :)

Reds Show Dusty They aren't an Easy W

Lets talk...losing streak first:

The month of May was rough for the Reds, and Reds' fans. An 11 game losing streak isn't going to bring anyone to the ballpark. It started by getting swept in a four-game series against Cleveland. Ouch. Losing hurts, but losing to Cleveland is just painful. My boyfriend is an Indians fan, and for him to finally be on the winning side...well lets just say I'm not too fond of it. I know they are first in their division right now and seem to have a solid team, but my hatred of all Cleveland sports prevails over any winning record they may have. Clearly I'm strictly talking baseball here because lets be honest, a winning record for the Browns is more laughable than Johnny Manziel's rap sheet. And before anyone tries to take a stand for the Cavs, please stay seated. In the NBA it's all about titles. When the entire Eastern conference is terrible and you make it to the Finals I'll give you your two clap, but that's about it. Because it's going to be the same result as last year. The Cavs will lose to Golden State, except this time there is no whining because Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love are both on the floor with Lebron. At least they were in the first two games with concussion protocol still pending for Love after game two.

Whew! I sure know how to get off topic, and I don't even like the NBA, but any who. 11 freaking games we lost in a row. Usually you have to see an entire west coast road trip for those numbers, but the first seven losses either came in Cleveland or at home. The good news is, they turned things around in Colorado. They took three of four from the Rockies, and the team's offense finally started rolling. It's not hard to do when the ball flies out of Coors Field like it does, but we'll take it!

Lets talk...series with the Nats:

Dusty Baker rolled back into town this weekend with his first place Nationals and I'm glad the Reds welcomed him back with open arms. Dusty was put in a tough position when he was fired, and I'm glad to see him doing as well as he is in D.C. That being said, when he comes back to Great American I want us to win! And win we did, taking two of three from the Nats. Hell, we almost had the sweep. We were up 5-0 yesterday when I decided to take a nap. I woke up and we're down 9-5 #BullpenProbs. They still made it interesting with a heck of an offensive comeback. Bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Reds down 10-9...I thought it was going to be a walk-off win, but I'll take two of three any day. Although they have had mostly down days, the Reds can not only compete with division leading teams, but they can beat them. And for a rebuilding year, I call that hope. They've got an off day today, then a three-game series with the Cardinals at home. And if there's any team I hate more than Cleveland, it's St. Louis ;)

Cueto gets Rocked, Reds Still Lose; Plus Thoughts on the Draft

Lets talk...Cueto's Return:

 
 Johnny Cueto made his return to Great American Ballpark last night as the starter for the San Fransisco Giants. Usually not someone you want to see as an opposing pitcher, but Cueto had a rough start to say the least. Although he was welcomed back graciously by fans and former teammates alike, the Reds didn't take it easy on their former All Star. Joey Votto hit a 425 foot bomb that plated 3 of the 6 runs the Redlegs scored in the third inning alone. Six runs; should be enough offense to win a game right? WRONG. Not with this bullpen anyway. True to fashion, the pen let another lead slip away, resulting in a 9-6 loss. If you can recall we had just snapped a six game losing streak on Sunday in extras over the Pirates. Now that we're on this home stand, I'd hope we could avoid another losing streak, but this team's relief is so god awful it's embarrassing.

Once again, I know this is a rebuilding year and that we aren't too expect the Reds to define the odds. But really, this team could have a winning record if not for the relief pitching. Half of last year's starters are still banged up on the DL. The ones that are starting are young, but for the most part have shown great promise. If you take out the dreadful series with the Cubs where we lost 13-0 and 9-0, our offense has been producing runs more than they have the past couple years. So we're left with the bullpen. Bryan Price being a former pitching coach, to me, should be able to MANAGE PITCHERS a little better. So glad Dusty Baker is out of here because he had no chance of getting us deep into the playoffs. Where's Dusty now you say? Oh just tearing it up with the Nationals this season. Yeah, but that's something that can't be changed. However; If I see Bryan Price looking dazed and confused as to why JJ Hoover is giving up run after run yet again I'm going to scream. The man has an ERA of 13.97!!!!! That's absurd. Send him down for the love of God. He can regain confidence in Triple A, but giving up runs every outing in the majors isn't going to do it.

Lets talk...Bengals draft picks:

With the 24th pick of the 2016 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select...William Jackson III, cornerback, Houston. Ok, I like the help in the defensive secondary which we will need with the loss of Reggie Nelson at safety. We'll also have to address the more than likely loss of free agent, Leon Hall, at the cornerback position. He will come into a young team of cornerbacks with the exception of veteran Adam Jones, who clearly still has some maturing to do  after last season. Dre Kirkpatrick and Darqueze Dennard will be mentoring the rookie and Kirkpatrick has strong thoughts on Jackson starting day one. He believes Jackson needs major development and it will take time to adjust into his role on the roster. We'll see, but I'd definitely like to see our first round draft pick making an impact sooner rather than later.

I think the Bengals came away with decent WRs too. They didn't reach in the first round when most of the top receivers had already gone off the board. They picked up Tyler Boyd out of Pittsburgh and Cody Core out of SEC powerhouse Ole Miss. These two will cushion the blow of losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu to free agency this off-season. Lets not forget, our offense is still quite strong. We have an elite WR in A.J. Green still, a standout TE in Tyler Eifert, and a great duo in the backfield with Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. Also, a lot of the experts are saying we got a steal in Andrew Billings, defensive tackle out of Baylor. Billings already has a chip on his shoulder from falling so far in the draft, so hopefully he can use that to the team's advantage.