April 3, 2007
By
Amanda
Posted at 7:00 pm
Lovable Losers Perspective
Mastrick at The View from the Bleachers is already running into problems with blackouts. Will it take bloodshed for baseball and cable companies to learn?
Ever wonder how Cubs fans keep hoping despite the near-century of losing? Jason of GROTA shares the Guide to Hope.
Al at Bleed Cubbie Blue reminds fans that the Cubs won the last two Opening Day games and had lousy seasons, so this year's loss isn't something to get worked up over. And he's right. It's not worth getting worked up until after their next 95 losses.
Rob G. of The Cub Reporter analyzes the impact of Lou Piniella, if you're into that sort of thing.
Reds Perspective
Jacci of We Heart the Reds had to go to work and so missed Josh Hamilton's first at-bat. You can find it on this page at Reds.com. Of course, stupid MLB site doesn't let me actually link to the video, but it's the first link in the list just before the story begins.
OMG, this is the first time I've actually visited Redus and Weep. Damn my commute eating up my time; I need to get Internet connectivity in the car.
Chad at Redleg Nation has the video of the worst ceremonial first pitch ever. Man, I bet that stings. I don't think I could remotely throw a strike, and I'd be terrified that I wouldn't make it all the way to the plate, but I'd like to think that the boundaries of the batter's boxes wouldn't be too much to ask of my arm.
Jeff at Reds Rally likes the new uniforms, as do JD of Red Reporter, Clint of The Olde 320 Pub, and JinAZ of JOBAR. And me too. They look like romantic heroes in them: our knights in white satin. Or something.
Admin of The Cutting Edge says maybe the Reds aren't going to be as bad as people thought. I think, with the 1 win, they're already better than some people thought. Throw in the beautiful unis, and the season's already a success.
Amen, sister!
April 2, 2007
By
Amanda
Posted at 10:45 pm
Today on the podcast, the Crack Technical Staff and I share our jubilation over the Reds’ win this afternoon, focusing specifically on Aaron Harang, Adam Dunn, and Farney. We also get in the finer points about the uniforms, the new Mr. Redlegs mascot, and Carlos Zambrano’s propensity for losing his cool at least one inning per game.Episode 52: Opening Day is a Reds Win (19.6 MB, 28:39)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
April 2, 2007
By
Amanda
Posted at 8:12 pm
The Reds started the season off right this afternoon with a 5-1 win over the Cubs.
This Opening Day game seemed familiar to Reds fans, who so clearly remember the 16-7 drubbing they took at the hands of the Cubs on Opening Day 2006. And just like last year, the two characters who are the stories of the game are Adam Dunn and Aaron Harang.
But instead of Harang looking like a deer in the laser-bright headlights of Cincinnati Opening Day and giving up nine runs in five innings, we saw a composed master of his trade allowing just one run (zero earned) on six hits through seven innings. That's the kind of confidence that being the previous year's wins and strike-outs leader will give you. Or perhaps that beautiful white uni reflected the light off him. Either way.
And instead of one scored error and two more actual errors from Dunn, we got the slim, toned two home runs and walk-out-of-threat-of-a-third that you want out of your major slugger. He was 2-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored thanks to those homers. He's on pace for 324 for the year, you know.
Ryan Freel turned over a new leaf as well: he actually backed off a play in the first inning. In fact, I blame that lack of dive in center field for his failed attempt to take second base in the third inning. I think he couldn't stand to be clean any longer, and was going to do whatever it took to get a slide in during that trip 'round the bases.
Scott Hatteberg got an RBI for walking with the bases loaded in the fifth inning, and Alex Gonzalez got the last one with a sacrifice fly.
The win brings the Reds' record to 1-0. They take tomorrow to enjoy what they've done (not too much celebrating, please fellas!) before Bronson Arroyo takes on Ted Lilly at 7:10 on Wednesday.
P.S. - Check out what our Cubs counterparts have to say at The View from the Bleachers.
April 1, 2007
By
Amanda
Posted at 10:25 pm
The Cubs have spent a zillion dollars this off-season, and armed with a multitude of overpaid free-agents, they're ready to go into Opening Day battle with our Reds. Now you can do your part to help knock the Cubs down. Whack Carlos Zambrano as many times as you can for a higher score! But don't hit the Reds--they've already got eight guys on the DL for crying out loud!
Whack a Cub
(Game modified from a Flash template provided at Flash Kit.)
Get the latest version of Flash here.
April 1, 2007
By
Amanda
Posted at 6:43 pm
Check it out on The Official Site:
Active Roster
Pitchers
Infielders
Outfielders
Catchers
Odd, you may think, that there are only 24 guys on the roster. There's some mystery surrounding that, as BubbaFan goes into in this comment. The 25th guy will be announced before game time tomorrow.
C. Trent also provides the list of guys on the DL:
Eight guys on the DL? Yikes, though Guardado hardly counts since we knew he was out from the get-go. That Denorfia injury could haunt the team: with Griffey in the starting line-up, four outfielders is not enough.
