The Reds beat the Phillies to the tune of 5-4 this afternoon in the first 2006 spring training game I got to see in person. Aaron Harang started the affair and worked four scoreless innings with just three hits. His four strike-outs were duly impressive.

Tommy Phelps took over in the fifth. He wowed the crowd with a bare-hand catch at first base, but disappointed us even more when he gave up a two run home run to tie the score. However, since the Reds went on to take back the lead in the bottom of his inning, Phelps still took home the win.

Kent Mercker and Matt Belisle each gave up a run in their respective innings. Rick White and Chris Hammon each did not give up a run in their respective innings.

Javier Valentín, Dewayne Wise, and Austin Kearns each scored a run, which made me extremely happy. I shouted as Javy ran by, and I sense that we shared a moment. I called Chris Denorfia “heartthrob” as he ran by, and I sense that he hated me.

I forgot to take my camera into the ballpark today, so I didn't get to start the feature I hoped to include for each game. I'm determined for tomorrow, though, so be on the look out for something new.

On the sunburn front, I'm happy to report that I'm only minorly rosy on the shoulders. However, the freckles are to 90% intensity and threatening to take over entirely.

The win brings the Reds' record to 10-9. Tomorrow the Reds host the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m.

I missed posting to Red Hot Diaries yesterday (Saturday has been my customary day to post here), so I'll have to make up for the omission by posting today instead.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of positive things I can think of to say after the Reds got outscored by a combined score of 25-11 in the two split squad games on Saturday. The good news is, that was the last of the split-squad games. Also, the Reds did better today, spanking the Phillies, 5-4. Javy Valentin had a double while Kearns went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. EE had a double and two ribbies. Womack also had two hits and a ribbie.

Harang started and pitched four scoreless innings, striking out four. White and Hammond each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. What a difference a day makes.

With the split-squad games finished, expect to see some guys being released, or at least sent over to minor league camp, soon. On fact, somebody told me Tuffy Rhodes was released today, but I haven't seen any official word on it.

Here's hoping RHM and her family have a safe trip to Sarasota and eventually back again, with lotsa fun in between. Long trips on a car are the pits, BTDT (been there, done that). Getting there is NOT half the fun when getting there means a thousand miles cooped up in a car with bored children! I'd express admiration for her ability to put up with it, but the final product would probably end up looking like it belonged in the official Hit On RHM thread, so I'll just offer a tip of the hat and a knowing smile.

RHM: Say hello to the guy in the right field bleachers at Ed Smith named Danny for me, he's an ex-pro player and a regular in ASBCR. That's the place to sit, the players are always walking by there, and it's not far to run down for a hot dog or a beer.

HMZ