Cheers and Go Redlegs. Let’s keep the faith.

Scott

This is my Opening Day Predictions. The Reds will beat the Marlins 6-3

This is my lineup.

Firstly, Brandon can bat anywhere you put him, it just so happens that he is our best bet for a lead-off hitter. I like Rolen 4th. When healthy he is a doubles machine, and with Bruce and his projected power numbers coming up next, Scotty should see some pitches. Heisey has earned his shot. Ludwick is insurance and a more than capable back-up who will get plenty of playing time due to match-ups and Heisey playing a little center field, too. I agree with Stubbs farther down in the order. Until he eliminates his strikeouts he should be no further up. We all have high hopes for Mesoraco, there will be some growing pains.

Sadly, I actually liked this guy as a player and wished the Reds had him in their outfield. Oh well….

Think about when the test was taken. This was right in the middle of the playoff run for the Brewers, by a guy who was putting out an MVP performance. I think it is reasonable to believe that he may have been under PED’s very recent to the test since this was when he wanted to perform.

Every athlete that has failed a test has claimed it is not accurate. We are supposed to believe, that this one time because of a discrepancy in the hours at FedEx the test failed? Notice in the appeals process that the results were never in question, it was the issue of chain of command.

Also, look at baseball’s reaction. They are angry this was over turned.

I have had to take many drug tests for my career, crazy how never once has there been a false positive for me or anyone that I know. It seems to happen so frequently for pro athletes.

So maybe Braun was using PEDs, maybe he wasn’t. But if the sample wouldn’t make it to evidence in a criminal proceeding, I don’t want it used to cost a player money or playing time….or reputation.

Journalists wringing their hands over this need to get some fresh air.

I think Cozart and Mesoraco will hold their own nicely. Rolen is poised to have a monster year – mark it down. Our starting pitching is going to be key, Lord knows our bullpen will hold up it’s end of the deal. If our starters can go 7 or 8 innings consistently, we should be able to win the majority of those games the way our team is built

I also have had beers with CK on the patio with the boys. That is pretty cool also.

LeCure is one of my faves simply because of the mustache, which now has become a full beard. Seriously though, hard not to root for the underdog. Especially one as gritty as Sam is. He will eat up some innings also-77.2 last season. One batter or 5 innings, doesn’t matter to this man. Go Sam!

Ondrusek is a beast. Besides his imposing size, 6’8″, 240, he is an inning eater. He is a true “gimme the ball coach” kind of guy and doesn’t back down from anyone. Look forward to seeing some of his potential break out this season.

Bill Bray is another stud. For Reds relievers with 45 or more innings pitched, he had the second fewest HR’s given up. Three compared to Chapman’s two. I think this is the year we will see the “real” Bill Bray. Finally healthy for an extended amount of time. With Marshall in the pen now, these two make up a formidable left hand duo.

Arredondo has fantastic stuff. He just needs to find it. Too many walks last season, 31 in 53 innings pitched. Compare that to Bailey, who is a starter, 33 walks in 132 innings. The powers that be say he has it, we’ll see.

With Marshall and Madson rounding out the pen, it looks like a tough year for Reds opponents. Good Lord, this is an incredible bullpen!

My favorite thing about the Reds has to be the radio. Sure, I love going to the ballpark as much as the next guy, but a family of five can get expensive. Radio is free. Several ice cold beers on the patio with Marty and The Cowboy, and I’m good to go. It gets even better when my boys wanna toss ball while listening…..ahhh summertime.

Radio, beer, patio, three sons who love baseball… What more could I possibly need!