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 :)

What the F#@! is Bryan Price Thinking?

Lets talk...about the crazy rant:

Alright, if you haven't heard the five and a half minute rant filled with 77 "F" bombs from the Reds' Bryan Price, then you probably have been living under a rock the past two days. I'll catch you up to speed anyway. Basically, a writer from the Cincinnati Enquirer was doing his job and just so happened to be on the same plane to St. Louis as Reds' catcher Devin Mesoraco and minor league catcher Tucker Barnhart. Being the inquisitive journalist that he is, this writer reported that both would be joining the Reds on their road trip against the Cardinals. Price did not appreciate the fact that the opposing team could easily learn the availability of these players. Plus, the organization had not had time to inform Kyle Skipworth, another catcher on the roster, that he would be sent back down to the minors. Do I understand Price's frustration? Yes. The Reds road trip has been horrendous, but don't take it out on a reporter who is...REPORTING. Price also could have used a more vast vocabulary in his tirade. Do I believe he should be suspended? No. Baseball managers are not placed on a pedestal in which they cannot curse, or throw bases, or scream at umpires. It's not that it's acceptable, but the fans understand the frustration. If anything good can come from this, hopefully it can light a fire under a 6-7 Reds team that started the year 4-0.

Lets talk...last night's game:

Another one in the "W" column, thank god! The Brewers are projected to be basement dwellers of the Central Division, but we'll take a win anyway we can right now. DeSclafani pitched another gem, holding onto a shutout through the eighth inning. He could be solidifying himself as a future ace, but I don't want to jinx the kid. The offense was working more last night than it has been this whole road trip. Zack Cozart hit a three-run bomb, yes I did say Zack Cozart. Joey Votto continues to smash the ball, hitting a two-run homer that gave the Reds a 6-0 lead. The bullpen did give up a solo home run to Ryan Braun in the ninth inning as he was sweating out what's left of the steroids. Oops, did I say that? All in all, a good win for the good guys.