Gary Majewski just came into the game with Soriano on second to finish out the sixth inning without allowing a run.

I'm loving this game. I so want the Cubs to lose. Even more than I want the Reds to win, which is quite a lot.

Tonight's game is being played under protest, following the umpires allowing Piniella to make a double-switch even though he did not signal the switch before crossing the foul line. Sounds thrilling. What will the prize be if the Reds get the ruling? Surely they can't be awarded a run or anything of that sort. Perhaps a lovely gift basket featuring a new toaster or an electric blanket?

Woo-hoo! EdE's short fly drops in left field, thanks to some Cubby choking. I'm loving this more all the time.

This special Saturday edition of the Red Hot Broadcast features a very special interview with the Reds newest pitching star—yes, I realize that is not saying much, but still—Tom Shearn.

We discuss:

• His win last night and the redemption he earned after his last appearance against Milwaukee.
• His potential place with the Reds next year, starter or bullpen.
  How close he came to quitting baseball before finally breaking the bigs a few days before turning 30.
• His family’s role in keeping him playing baseball, even after 12 years in the minors. Does “well, what else are you going to do?” really count as support?
• Living in the groundskeeper’s trailer at Slugger Field.
• The impact of Ryan Jorgensen’s substance-related suspension.
• His goals for the future and message to the fans.

Tom’s a nice fella. Not talkative, though, so this one is short and sweet.

Episode 76: Interview with Tom Shearn (5.51B, 7:47)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Among the many changes the Reds have enjoyed with a new manager midway through the season has been allowing Javier Valetín to start some games, particularly those in which Bronson Arroyo takes the mound. Though you might be interested to see how that's worked out for Arroyo so far:

Of Arroyo's nine wins on the season, four have come while Javy is catching. Of his fourteen loses, zero have come while Javy's behind the plate. This really isn't too much of a surprise, since run support was a major problem for Bronson early on in the season, and Javy can actually help in that arena.