Reflections on the Reds

It’s the age-old formula to employ against the Yankees: call up a few kids from the minors the Yankees have never seen, hand ‘em the ball and then watch the wins pile up. Yes, the Yankees were playing well until they dropped two of three to the Reds over the weekend. Still, it seems the world is more excited about the Yankees’ pitching than the losses. Mike Mussina looked good, but lost to a very impressive, young Edinson Volquez. Giese lost to first-timer Daryl Thompson (and his bullpen). But Pettitte stepped up and dropped Johnny Cueto — of the Reds’ young guns, perhaps the one with the most impressive stuff.

You had a feeling the Yankees bats weren’t going to get it done when you saw about 15 combined career starts for three opposing pitchers. It’s just the way it’s been for about ten years in the Bronx.

So, uh…Dick Pole…oh, man. Really? How many times did that guy’s name and face come up on tv this weekend? Seriously, I’ve never seen so much attention paid to a pitching coach in my life…announcers loved saying it and the production guys had it up on the screen several times. You would think the guy would go by “Richard”.

Also, a thought on Volquez and the team he came from, the Rangers. As many of us know, he was traded with Danny Herrera for slugger Josh Hamilton. Volquez leads the NL in strike outs and ERA and is second in wins. Hamilton lead the AL in home runs and RBI and is seventh in batting average.

Now, Volquez has no known record of smoking crack and being an alcoholic. Guess who does? Hamilton. Additionally, the Rangers must have an allergic reaction to pitching and their own crack-like addiction to guys that can hit a ton. If they ever get/keep some real arms, perhaps we will see the Rangers in the playoffs again. They should have held on to Volquez who the Reds were smart enough to snag…it should be fun watching Cincinatti develop into a contender. I’m not so certain about Texas.