By Thaq Diesel 

Bottom line:  The Reds are tied for the second-best record in the majors.  They are on a pace to win 100 games (as are two other teams in their division, so somebody has to slip).  They have hit more home runs than anyone in MLB. They led the league in runs until the Indians opened up a can on the Red Sox today.  And this with Griffey on the DL for half the month. 

 Their pitching has been hot and cold ranging from spectacular (Arroyo, Harang occasionally, Weathers as closer) to miserable like when they gave up five home runs in one inning to the Brewers (tying a major league record).  The Reds have had call-ups from the minors  (Elizardo Ramirez- finally a pitcher that throws first pitch strikes and keeps the ball down!!!) make quality starts and get wins.  Paul Wilson is starting his comeback.  Ryan Wagner is in the wings.  It looked like the cupboard was bare when the spring started, but there are two quality starters to build on and the closing role seems solid. 

Brandon Phillips has emerged as the obvious choice to start full-time at second and is producing both offensively and defensively.  The Reds have three talented catchers (and that’s not even counting Hatteberg).   

It’s a good omen that the Reds can seemingly steal like bandits in making the Arroyo deal for Wily Mo.  You start to think that karma is starting to swing around to the good side.  Based on their track record, the new ownership will definitely make moves shoring up the bullpen if the Reds are still contending in June.

It has been a long dry spell.  Let’s enjoy a successful and entertaining April and hope for the best for the rest of the season.

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