The Paddock

Here we go again...

That's a winner. Another win for the cards over the reds.

Didn't get to catch the game. . . But I think it's safe to guess that they sucked ass again. . .

We are bad.

I've been thinking the same thing. If things don't turn around quickly I'd say toothpick will last until around Memorial Day. This team looks totally unprepared to play as well as just out and out inept at the plate. Pathetic, pitiful, putrid etc etc. I know it's early but sooner or later something has got to give and maybe a shake up at manager will be just the right medicine.

Other than Arroyo (arguably the Reds most reliable starter over the last 5 years) and Rolen, who is in the last year of his contract, what old players has Jocketty paid for. Bruce is 25, Votto 28, Phillips 30, Cueto 26. Everyone else is either a journeyman or a 1st-3rd year player that hasn't even reached arbitration eligibility. Additionally, Cozart, Mesoraco, Frazier, Leake, Cueto, Bruce, Votto, Stubbs are all products of the Reds system (some Jocketty groomed others not).

This was a playoff caliber team 2 seasons ago. They underachieved last year and look horrid right now. Granted the bats will come around and much of what I've said is blowing off some steam but I still think toothpick isn't the best of managers in the world. And if the Reds are still in the doldrums come late May, the only option they have to shake things up is to fire Dusty because I don't really know who they can trade at this point or would even want to. Their best players are either locked up in long term recently signed deals or are so young that their salary isn't worth dumping.

^That's a distinct possibility. On paper this appears to be a talented team capable of competing of the pennant. Right now, it's hard to describe what they are w/multiple key players hitting below the Mendoza line and nobody hitting worth a damn w/RISP. The 1st game in the Cards series where the 2 and 3 hitter lead off w/ a walk, single, two on w/no outs and the 4 and 5 batter strike out looking and #6 at least strikes out swinging.

The Reds have several key decisions to make. Rolen appears shot and at best he'll hit around 250 w/minimal power #'s. Stubbs is an absolute pathetic excuse for an everyday player and I have ZERO idea why he continually gets the pass that he does. I could care less how great an athlete he is, he's a friggin black hole at the plate.

I know Bruce will come around (260 w/good power numbers), same as Phillips and Votto. I'd give the 3rd base spot to Frazier and move Heisey over to start CF and have Ludwig as my everyday LF. Give that about a month to work out and lets see what happens.

Nice job by Bronson today...

That was a big-boy start for Bronson. I didn't get to see or listen to it, but the way they're talking on some Reds sites, it sounds like he threw the ball as well as he has in a long, long time.

Didn't get to see or hear yesterday's historic win (10,000th in team history), but sounds like Homer had a solid outing. Didn't realize they at Wrigley. My daughter is at a dance competition in Schaumburg this weekend. Unfortunately not able to get over to see them.

Reds really need to start thinking about benching Rolen. I know what he brings in terms of fielding and leadership but he's just a black hole at the plate. He's struck out twice today w/bases loaded which is a microcosm of his season at the plate. I just don't think he has it anymore and you need some production at 3B, certainly much more than a 170 avg.

Rolen needs to hang it up, I'm afraid. I hate to diss the guy, though, because he gives all he can give. His body just won't hold up anymore.