It sounds very insensitive to me, both to the Reds, who have a tradition to maintain (no other opening day parade in the majors), and to Catholics in general.

^ I'm sure that filthy Milwaukee piece of trash Bud Selig is behind this.  He hates the Reds, and has a history of spiting them.  First he toiled with Marge Schott through the 90’s , then he perpetuated the outcasting of Pete, then he took away Opening Day (which was always the day before the rest of the league, making it a huge deal) and now he’s marred Opening Day even more by scheduling it for Good Friday.  If he doesn’t grant the Reds request to move the game to Thursday, he’ll lose whatever smidgen of respect I still had for him.

Reds' 2012 Opening Day moved to April 5

 

MLB grants club's request; parade to be held before game

 

By Mark Sheldon / MLB.com | 11/15/11 11:28 AM EST

 

CINCINNATI -- In a schedule change, the Reds' request to move up Opening Day has been granted by Major League Baseball.

 

The 2012 opener against the Miami Marlins will now be played on Thursday, April 5 at 4:10 p.m. ET.  The game was originally set for April 6.

 

MORE: http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111115&content_id=25976694&vkey=news_cin&c_id=cin

 

The Reds made their first major deal of the offseason.  They acquired 23-year old pitcher Mat Latos from San Diego for pitchers Edinson Volquez and Brad Boxberger, infielder Yonder Alonso and catcher Yasmani Grandal. 

 

I can understand why the Reds wanted to get Latos.  He's a good young pitcher that fills their need for a #2 starter.  I just wish they didn't give up both Alonso and Grandal for him.  And I also worry about the effect on Latos of going from the extremely pitcher friendly Padres park to the extremely hitter friendly Reds park. 

 

Latos was a phenom in his first full year with a 2.92 ERA in 2010.  He faded a bit in 2011 with a 3.47 ERA but was still very good.  But half his starts were at Petco.  To show how important that is, consider that Aaron Harang had a 3.64 ERA with the Padres last year!  So, how well Latos pitches at the GABP is still to be determined.  Let's just hope he doesn't turn into Harang!

 

More about the trade from ESPN: Padres trade Mat Latos to Reds

I'm not sure if Latos is worth giving up four players but I guess we will find out soon. He had a great ERA away from Petco so thats a good sign. I just hope this trade doesn't turn out like the Volquez/Hamilton of a few years back. Even though maturity has been an issue, if he can pitch well at Great American Small Park the Reds will have a decent rotation.

 

Cueto, Latos, Bailey, Arroyo, and Leake would be pretty nice if Bailey continues to improve and stay healthy. If not they have Wood, LeCure, ??? to step in.

 

They still have positions to fill in LF and closer so it will be interesting to see what they do. I wouldn't be surprised if they fill the holes from within the organizations. Interest has cooled on Cordero so who knows we may see him back even though I hate to say it.

CONGRATS TO BARRY!  WELL DESERVED!

 

 

Barry Larkin Voted Into Baseball Hall Of Fame

 

Barry Larkin, the lifetime Cincinnati Reds shortstop and 12-time All-Star, was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Monday, securing 86% of the vote from the Baseball Writer's Association of America.  He was the only player elected in the 2011 class.

 

MORE: http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/1/9/2694092/barry-larkin-hall-of-fame-voting-election/in/2376703

The Reds made a move to improve their closer position last week.  They are cutting ties with Cordero and signing former Phillies closer Ryan Madson for 2012.  More about it from ESPN below:

 

Reds, Ryan Madson have deal

By Jerry Crasnick, ESPN.com

January 11, 2012, 1:13 PM ET

 

The Cincinnati Reds and former Phillies closer Ryan Madson have agreed to a one-year, $8.5 million deal, according to a source.  Madson, 31, was 47-30 with a 3.59 ERA in eight career seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies. He went 4-2 with a 2.37 ERA and 32 saves in 2011 after taking over for the injured Brad Lidge as Philadelphia's closer.

 

Madson's contract with the Reds includes a mutual option with a buyout, a source told ESPN.com's Jayson Stark.  Although the Reds expect Madson to decline the option in order to pursue free agency again a year from now, the option and buyout will enable the Reds to push some of the money he's owed into next year.

 

Madson was reportedly on the verge of a multiyear deal with Philadelphia in November, but talks between Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and agent Scott Boras mysteriously broke down late in the process and the Phillies signed Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million deal.

 

MORE: http://espn.go.com/mlb/story/_/id/7449185/source-cincinnati-reds-closer-ryan-madson-agree-one-year-85m-deal

 

---

A positive review on the deal from ESPN: Ryan Madson a great pickup for the Reds

 

And if you have access to ESPN Insider, another positive review on the deal:  Ryan Madson a steal for Cincy

Another day, another Ryan signing.  This time it's OF Ryan Ludwick.  Ludwick's not the all-star he was with the Cardinals a few years back.  But he is a decent right-handed bat and adds some depth in the outfield.

 

ESPN: Report: Ryan Ludwick to join Reds

Another day, another Ryan signing.  This time it's OF Ryan Ludwick.  Ludwick's not the all-star he was with the Cardinals a few years back.  But he is a decent right-handed bat and adds some depth in the outfield.

 

ESPN: Report: Ryan Ludwick to join Reds

 

I certainly like Ludwick as the 4th outfielder... I really like the moves the team has done this offseason.  I'm tired or rebuilding, I'm glad ownership is trying to win now.

This sure puts a dent to the start of the season.

 

ESPN: Reds' Ryan Madson out for 2012

Instead of closing for the Cincinnati Reds, Ryan Madson will miss the 2012 season because of a torn ligament in his right elbow. ... The 31-year old reported discomfort in his elbow at the start of spring training but insisted it was an annual ailment he always had worked through.  He didn't pitch in any exhibition games.

Fortunately, the Reds have other options to close - such as Sean Marshall, Nick Masset or perhaps even Aroldis Chapman.  But this is still a major blow to the bullpen to lose Madson.

Wow...

 

Joey Votto, Reds agree to 10 year extension

 

First baseman Joey Votto has agreed to a 10-year, $225 extension with the Cincinnati Reds, the USA Today reported Monday.

 

Earlier Monday, Votto declined to get into specifics when asked how close the two sides were to completing a deal.

 

"Ask Walt about that," Votto said, referring to general manager Walt Jocketty, after Monday's 2-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians.

 

Cont

Wow is right!!!  I never thought the Reds could swing this kind of deal with Votto.  This deal is in the Pujols and Fielder neighborhood!

We could have two streetcar lines for the price of one Votto!

 

Glad he is sticking around, though. Let's bring home a trophy!

Where's the dough for Phillips?  Votto is their top player, but Phillips is #2.  I don't understand why the GM would say that an extension for Phillips would be done by Opening Day when he really meant Joey Votto.  They have treated Brandon with so little respect throughout this process of negotiation that its not even funny, even for guys that are making millions.

Reds extend Brandon Phillips

 

Cincinnati Reds Gold Glover Brandon Phillips left the below tweet on his page earlier today, which could mean that his contract with the Reds is done.

 

Jim Bowden, the Reds former GM also tweeted the following quote from a “Reds source”…. “We have agreed in principal to a 6-year $72.5m deal with Brandon Phillips pending ownership approval”

 

Cont

 

 

Win one, lose one, win one, lose two....

 

Oh the Reds...

Man the Cardinals are just destroying the Reds. Awful display. The Reds has scored only 1 run in 6 of the 12 games so far. What the hell happened????

This is a depressing start, exemplified by the fact that I got cable TV just to watch the Reds.  The bats will wake up at some point.  Hopefully they don't fall behind too far too quickly, though.  5 games back is a lot to be back already.

Interesting trivia tidbit from yesterday's Reds/Cubs game:

 

It was the first time in major league history that both starters were celebrating a birthday, according to information provided by the Reds, citing the Elias Sports Bureau. Both pitchers signed baseballs for the Hall of Fame.

The offense is finally starting to wake up, and it's hard to complain about the pitching at all at this point. 

 

Now, if Dusty would just bat Bruce 4th behind Votto.  I hate the stupid "have to break up the lefties" mentality.  They would both benefit from it. 

^ At least Dusty's leftie issues are shaping up elsewhere.  They sent Willie Harris to Louisville, finally, now that Miguel Cairo is back.  Harris was batting .086. 

Yeah, I was pleasantly surprised that they did not ship Frazier down. 

 

They really need to do something about 3B and LF.  I hope that Heisey starts hitting--I have no faith in Ludwick--but perhaps Frazier playing out there would be good.  I'm very concerned about Rolen.  He's been a great player for a long time, but it may be the end of the line. 

Wish the damn Cards would start losing.

Well it's early. Just keep winning 2 of every 3 games.

Joey Bats earning his big bucks.  3 HR's and 6 RBI's in yesterday's rain delayed game.  The first two home runs were solo shots.  And the last one was a walk-off grand-slam!  BOOM!

That was positively thrilling!

Joey Bats earning his big bucks.  3 HR's and 6 RBI's in yesterday's rain delayed game.  The first two home runs were solo shots.  And the last one was a walk-off grand-slam!  BOOM!

 

It was great.  (Psst....Joey Bats is the nickname for Jose Bautista in Toronto--I prefer Vottomatic....)

Reds are on a mini-roll.  Winning the final two games of last weekend's series in Yankee Stadium.  And winning last night's game at GABP on four solo home runs - three of them hit back-to-back-to-back from Leake, Cozart and Stubbs (who hit another for 2 total in the game).

 

But did they have a better game then Caleb Lloyd?  Who's Caleb Lloyd?  He's the guy sitting in the left-field seats who caught two of the home run balls.  On back-to-back at-bats!  And then gave both of the balls away!

 

Here's the story from Yahoo Sports: Reds fan catches two home runs in same inning — and then gives both balls away

So why did Lloyd give the baseballs up? And who did he give them to?

 

From MLB.com: "I gave the Cozart one to my buddy since his uncle got us the tickets," Lloyd said. "He was the reason I was here. The Leake ball, I gave it back, because I knew it was Leake's first Major League home run. I just want to meet him and shake his hand."

 

Ha, that's awesome.

 

Yeah, the Reds are definitely on a roll. So glad they won the series with those damn Yankees. Now they're only half a game back, which could possibly turn into half a game up this evening.

Five in a row!  The offense needs to pick it up, but the pitching has been lights out.  I'm going tonight, which means they will probably lose.  I think they've lost the first three games I've been to this year.  :(

I am tired of having the Cards in first. It needs to change.

Just give it a week, the reds play the Rockies and the Pirates

The cards play the Phillies, and the Braves.

 

Well, thanks to the Phillies holding on (10-9) over the Cards, the Reds are back in first by a half game. 

 

Pitching has been great so far.  I'd like to see the team start hitting, and I think it's going to happen.  Playing Frazier and Heisey more is the right move; if Votto and Bruce get out of these slumps they are in, look out.  I am concerned about Phillips, though. 

By the way, I was at the game last night.  Pretty good crowd--23,000--but I would like to have seen more.  It was great when Meso hit the grand slam, though. 

I am not as worried about Phillips--It appears BP is making progress from the injury..I have faith in him getting back to his normal level

Nice week for the Reds, sweeping the team from Cleveland.  I was on a business trip down south in Mississippi so only got to watch highlights, although MLB Network showed a big chunk of the Thursday game after spending 20 minutes talking about the Dusty Baker/Lowe incident.  The 9 point lead in the fifth inning was a pleasant surprise during lunch.

The Reds are looking awesome right now. Hope they can keep it up!

One more to sweep the Mets, then we get to pick up our brooms for the Indians for the second time in as many weeks.

 

Red hot.

The Reds are really rolling. 

 

• Sweep of the Indians at home.

• Followed by a sweep of Mets on the road. 

• Six-game winning streak. 

• 11 games above .500. 

• Votto batting .366 - leading the NL and MLB.

 

... MLB Network showed a big chunk of the Thursday game after spending 20 minutes talking about the Dusty Baker/Lowe incident. 

I was surprised to hear about this history/feud between Dusty Baker and Derek Lowe.  Was unaware of it before this.  But it does answer a question I've had.  I've always thought a sinkerball pitcher like Lowe would have been perfect for the Reds and GABP.  I always wondered why the Reds never tried to sign him.  Now we know why!

 

The Reds go up north for another three-game series with the Tribe.  And Monday's starter for the Tribe is ... Derek Lowe.  Could get interesting.

The Reds are playing well...it's good to see after a couple of tough losses, especially the last one against Detroit.  I honestly do not care who they beat as long as they win, although the divisional games are more valuable as a win is a guaranteed loss for a rival within the division.  So far the Pirates are a real anomaly in that they are still 3 games over .500 with a -22 run differential.  It concerns me that the Cardinals are +55, but that appears to be coming down.

Guess who just hit a homer.

^Boy that's a toughie. Did he recently sign a 10-year contant extension?  He wasn't the only one though.  Votto and Bruce each blasted a solo shot for the Reds.  But unfortanately the Tribe blasted three of their own.  Despite the loss, it was a pretty entertaining game.  19 runs, 27 hits, 5 HR's and 5 lead changes

 

---

Speaking of home runs:  The amount of HR's Mat Latos is giving up is downright alarming.  Three in this game, 16 for the year and 11 in his last 6 starts.  This was my biggest concern about acquiring Latos.  How would he transition from San Diego's cavernous park - where fly balls get caught at the warning track - to the GABP bandbox - where those same fly balls become home runs. 

 

I hope Latos doesn't turn out like Eric Milton.  Remember Milton?  The Reds signed in him 2005 after a great year with Philadelphia in the relatively expansive Veterans Stadium.  At GABP Milton gave up 40 HR's and had an NL-high 6.47 ERA in 34 starts.  He never recovered and became an epic bust for the Reds.

The tables have turned. I knew something bad would happen after Latos gave up those 7 runs.

Yeah - I thought they should have won the first two of the series, but Latos really needs to start pitching like a number 2 starter.  I think Bailey has been better than him this year, and that Milton comparison give me chills.  Also, Chapman better learn to get his slider over the plate and mix up pitches a little.  It's a good time to come home for a weekend series.

Masterson + run support = you never had a chance.  All time series is now at 42 tribe 39 reds

 

The Reds made their own mistakes on the lake while visiting the infamous Mistake on the Lake, but they are still in first by 2.5 games.  I still don't believe in Pittsburgh, and the wheels have fallen off St. Louis, things are looking good.

The Reds made their own mistakes on the lake while visiting the infamous Mistake on the Lake

 

hahaha thats so original!!

 

Signed,

1970

So, it was a split series. However, there was a clear winner on the attendance side.

 

 

Attendance at Great American

Tue         24,758

Wed         27,428

Thu (D)   34,193

            86,379

 

Attendance at Progressive

Mon         19,948

Tue         17,213

Wed         23,544

            60,705

Cincy is a baseball town. Cleveland is a football town whose Browns (despite not winning a playoff game in 18 years and only three winning seasons since 1989) has a consecutive home sellout streak that's at 104 games and counting. Meanwhile I can get free tickets to Indians games because a relative of mine works for the Indians, and I've been to only one game so far this year.