Bruce Hits for the Deuce

Lets talk...Bruuuuuuuce:

This is why we gave Jay Bruce that big fat contract, to hit the long ball. Frankly, it needs to happen more often but I'll take two in one game any day. The first homer came in the second inning. Fast-forward to the sixth with Votto and Frazier on base, Bruce jacked another one to right field. That gives him nine on the year. Fun fact; with those two yesterday, Bruce now has 116 home runs in GABP. Second only to former Red, Adam Dunn, who has 126.

Lets talk...Cueto:

What Johnny has been hoping and praying for...run support! Finally he received some help from the offense on Sunday. The main highlights of the game were obviously Bruce's two home runs, but lets not forget, Cueto pitched a heck of a game. He only gave up four hits in seven innings, striking out nine Padres' hitters. Both manager Bryan Price and Cueto wanted to err on the side of caution due to him recently coming off an elbow injury. Price says the next game he pitches will be a full go.

Miraculously, the bullpen did their job! J.J Hoover and Aroldis Chapman came in for relief and combined to retire the last 15 batters, giving Cueto the W. Speaking of bullpen, they did some revamping over the weekend. Jumbo Diaz got a big ol' see ya later and will be headed to Triple A in Louisville. The Reds also picked up the contract of right-handed reliever, Nate Adcock.

Lets talk...Mesoraco:

Big changes are in Devin's future as he can no longer catch due to the aggravation in his hip. The organization has decided to still utilize him, but in left field. The Reds have been making strides to get Mesoraco ready to play left and it has come time for the next step. He's headed to Triple A in Louisville to get some actual game experience in his new position.

Walk-Off in the 5-1-3

Lets talk...catchers:

First, happy 513 day! A made-up holiday to celebrate your love for the Queen City. It was nice waking up this morning after an exciting win! Our catchers were huge contributing factors in last night's victory. Backup catcher Brayan Pena had his first three-hit game of the season. He hit a single in the ninth setting up Devin Mesoraco for glory. Michael Lorenzen, a pitcher in the starting lineup was brought in to pinch run for Pena. Before last night, I had no idea that a pitcher could have that kind of speed, but the kid can move. Mesoraco, who has been out of the daily lineup due to injury the past month, was able to step up to the plate last night, literally and figuratively. He hit his first ever game-ending hit, leading the Reds to a 4-3 victory over the Braves. I have criticized using Mesoraco as a pinch hitter instead of letting him heal, but I stand corrected. If we can keep Pena's bat hot, this catching/pinch hitting duo could be a spark in the offense. Pena is hitting .588 in his last five games.

Lets talk...Todd Frazier:

The Todd Father had himself yet another productive evening. He didn't waste any time, hitting a two-run bomb in the first inning to give the good guys a 2-0 lead. That gives him 11 on the year, which is second most in the NL. Todd received quite the honor this week. He will serve as an official 2015 All-Star Game spokesperson. The Reds' third basemen is well-deserving. He was selected for the first time to the National League All-Star team in 2014 and participated in the Home Run Derby. He has created quite the campaign to be voted into the game again this year the way he's swinging the bat. He has made it publicly known that he would be honored to be invited to both, but he really loves the derby. A lot of players won't participate because it messes with their swing, but Todd has no such worries.

Lets talk...bearcat football recruits:

My favorite subject, bearcat football! When there's a need for speed, head south. We've got some kiddos out of Florida that want to play in the new and improved Nippert Stadium. Earlier this week, Jordan Merrell (WR/RB) out of Fort Lauderdale committed to THEE University of Cincinnati. And cornerback Dontye Carriere-Williams out of Miami has committed on the defensive side. It is said that Carriere-Williams had at least 15 offers on the table, but I'm glad to see he made the right choice.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Lets talk...the good:

Devin Mesoraco will be making the trip to St. Louis after missing the Chicago series with a left hip injury. Another catcher is also coming to St. Louie. Standout Triple-A stud, Tucker Barnhart, hitched a ride but was not told if he is officially called up or not; we shall see.

Cueto will be on the mound! Although he is currently sitting at 0-1, both of Cueto's outings thus far this year have been above average.  We're going to need another strong showing from him if we want to start this series off on the right foot. If we can have Cueto pitch through seven solid innings, AND have some run support, the bullpen will hopefully come to play tonight.

The Reds' offense is the shining light in this young season. Joey Votto finally looks like he's back to performing at MVP level. "The Todd Father" has been swinging the bat exceptionally well, and even Zack Cozart, who I admit is usually frustrating to watch at the plate, is hitting .389 in the last five games. He's 6 for 14 with a double and a triple against Cardinals' pitcher Michael Wacha, who just so happens to be on the mound tonight.

Lets talk...the bad:

After Wednesday's 5-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs, the Reds are looking to avoid their fifth loss in six games. I know it's still early, but how early was it when everyone was hooting and hollering about sweeping the Pirates in the first series? You can't win a pennant in April, but you sure can lose it.

Kevin Gregg. The name is now synonymous in my head with the word bad. Giving up two, two-run home runs in his appearances, I'm hoping we don't see him AT ALL this series. Sorry Kevin.

Lets talk...the ugly:

It's no secret that the Reds have had their struggles against the Cardinals in the past. It's even more well known that they can't get it done in Busch Stadium, "where they've dropped eight straight series and 20 of the last 22," (espn.go.com). The last time the Reds have won a series in St. Louis, it was in September of 2011, OUCH! Lets hope that stat changes this weekend. First pitch goes out at 8:15 tonight. GO REDLEGS!