Mr. Redlegs Negotiates Treaty With Tribe, Exchanging Single Win for Cure for Syphilis, Reds Take Two

The Reds dropped the finale today, meaning they only get to have two of the three games. Based on the meltdown in Atlanta, the Reds Rocket is quite pleased with the resiliency of the ballclub. Nix went crazy on Friday night, hitting a bomb and two doubles in support of Arroyo's win. And yesterday the team jumped out to a 5-0 in support of Cueto. Johnny developed a blister by the 6th and headed out after completing that inning. But, the team, with lots of help from Coco who made things exciting in the 9th, held on and Cueto got his 4th win of the year and was able to lower his ERA to the mid-3.00s in the process.

Today, with the above-referenced treaty of the two sovereignties on their mind, the Reds mercifully allowed the Indians the final game of the series. Bailey excited after only 2 and a third with dreaded "shoulder tightness." But, fortunately, he felt well enough to tell the media that he felt fine and should not have been removed from the game. "My shoulder's great and Bryan Price is a dipshit" was the quote. So, he should be ready to go in about five days. Rolen was the only source of offense today, hitting a bomb in the 1st with Cabrera on and another in the 6th to tie things up. Micah Owings, making an emergency appearance, pitched adequately. He loaded up the bases on walks and allowed Bailey's only running remaining to score but didn't give up any runs of his own. That was important because Commander Toothpicks said no Masset or Coco today. Owings was followed by Danny Ray who was followed by Fisher. Danny Ray was the eventual loser. Tough break, I think that flat bill is affecting his velocity.

Reds made the long trip from Cleveland to Cincinnati after the game where they will need plenty of time to prepare for the Pirates, who actually beat somebody today - the Braves. Perhaps they won't be quite as bad as when the Reds saw them last. But perhaps they will. I think the latter perhaps is much more likely because the talent level on that team is running dangerously close to AAA levels. Harang is already employing his positive thinking technique and envisioning his 3rd win of the year. If not, he's planning on going all Scott Hall/Razor Ramon on the surrounding village. 'I'll kill each and every one of you with my bare hands." You'll notice there's not exclamation point. Aaron feels there's no reason to raise your voice.