I’m proud to take credit for first calling the Reds’ backup catcher the Latin Love Machine back on May 27, 2005. In fact, I would call it one of my proudest moments of my blogging career.

Not long after I began referring to Javier Valentí­n as “The Latin Love Machine” (or LLM for short), he began that offensive tear that all Reds fans are so familiar with now. At the time of this writing, just before the start of the 2006 season, the LLM is still demonstrating prime form. He was named the MVP in the Puerto Rican championship series and has been named to the Puerto Rican WBC team.

Since its inception last May, the phrase “Latin Love Machine” or “LLM” has popped up on Reds blogs and message boards across the Internet to refer to Valentí­n. Next, I hope to convince the Reds radio and television announcers to use it, followed by ESPN, and ultimately, the Reds media guide.

I'm proud to take credit for first calling the Reds' backup catcher the Latin Love Machine back on May 27, 2005. In fact, I would call it one of my proudest moments of my blogging career.

Not long after I began referring to Javier Valentín as “The Latin Love Machine” (or LLM for short), he began that offensive tear that all Reds fans are so familiar with now. At the time of this writing, just before the start of the 2006 season, the LLM is still demonstrating prime form. He was named the MVP in the Puerto Rican championship series and has been named to the Puerto Rican WBC team.

Since its inception last May, the phrase “Latin Love Machine” or “LLM” has popped up on Reds blogs and message boards across the Internet to refer to Valentín. Next, I hope to convince the Reds radio and television announcers to use it, followed by ESPN, and ultimately, the Reds media guide.

This week's podcast features all this in just over three minutes:

• The Reds falling out of the Astacio race.
• Krivsky's online chat with fans.
• O'Brien signing on with the Brewers.
• Harang as the projected opening day starter.
• Vern Ruhle's diagnosis.
• Dave Williams' struggle against the Kia Tigers.
• Ben Kozlowki's start against the Detroit Tigers.
• Justin Germano's adventure against the Detroit Tigers.
• Michael Gosling's effort against the Minnesota Twins.
• Farewell to Gabe White.

Red Hot Mama Reviews Reds News for March 4, 2006. (2.3 MB, 3:19)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

The Reds beat the Yankees to the tune of 4-1 this afternoon in Tampa, FL. I love a good spring training win over the Yankees. It's even better when the game's on the radio.

I was super-excited to hear Steve and Marty use the nickname for Chris Denorfia that I provided at the Reds Caravan. Now if I could just get them to give the URL.

But on to the game:

• The much anticipated appearance of likely opening day starter Aaron Harang was about as solid as you'd expect. Harang shut out the Yankees over two innings of work. He allowed two hits, hit one batter, and issued no walks.
• Dave “Pirate Booty” Williams followed up Harang by allowing the Yankees' one run in his two innings of work.
• Mike Burns turned in two scoreless innings. Allan Simpson, Jake Robbins, and Ryan Wagner worked a scoreless inning apiece. Wagner also pulled in the save.
• Little Edwin Encarnación continued his offensive tear with a two-run home run off Randy Johnson in the first inning. That brings Encarnación's home run total for 2006 spring training to 3. He's played in three games.
• The Reds turned four double plays today. Four. Of course, that mostly demonstrates how many Yanks reached base, but still. I'm all for the defense.

You can find the boxscore here.

Tomorrow the Reds will host the Devil Rays in Sarasota at 1:05 p.m. We'll be treated to the pitching stylings of Phil Dumatrait.

This week in baseball: Bret Boone and Gabe White announced retirement. Jose Guillen hurt his wrist. Pokey Reese inexplicably disappeared from the Marlins' ST camp. What's gotten into these former Reds these days?

Is Gabe White nuts? He's lefthanded and he's only 34, he should have at least six more years ahead of him. Retiring? I think it's just a plot to get the Twins to release him so Bowden can sign him in D.C.

And this is only the first week of games.

April cannot come soon enough…

HMZ