Boxscore

Edinson Volquez was shaky at first for the Reds, but he kept the game very close, allowing only 1 run over 6 innings. He also struck out 7.

Starting in place of recently injured Brian Moehler for the Astros was Felipe Paulino, a wild, fire-balling rookie. Of course, that combination meant the Reds were doomed, at least as long as Paulino was in the game. Paulino matched Volquez for innings, but did him one better by allowing no runs.

The Astros were leading until Micah Owings stepped into the batter’s box to pinch hit. Owings wasted no time in doubling off the wall, knocking in two and giving the Reds their first lead.

With the Reds seriously bad offense, they should find a way to fit Owings into the lineup more. I have a feeling I know who’ll be DHing during the interleague games.

New Youth Baseball Initiative Expands on RBI Program for its 20th Anniversary

As part of the Reviving Baseball In Inner Cities (RBI) Program’s 20th anniversary celebration, Major League Baseball (MLB) today announced the formation of the Jr. RBI Program presented by KPMG, a youth outreach program that will create playing divisions for children ages 6 to 12. Like the RBI program, the Jr. RBI Program is designed to increase participation and interest in baseball and softball, encourage academic participation and achievement and teach the value of teamwork.

The Jr. RBI Program presented by KPMG has committed to 16 pilot cities across the country. Pilot cities are Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, Atlanta, Cleveland, Dallas, Detroit, Bradenton (FL), Chicago, Cincinnati, Jackson (MS), Jersey City (NJ), Nashville, Sacramento, Seattle and St. Louis. The Jr. RBI Program presented by KPMG will provide baseball and softball leagues to the underserved youth of those communities.

“Over the past 20 years, RBI has provided a vehicle for inner city youth to play the game of baseball and learn valuable life lessons,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “The launch of Jr. RBI presented by KPMG is an exciting step in bridging the gap for the children in these communities to enter this important process at a young age. I look forward to the further success and development of both programs.”

“We are honored to celebrate the expansion of the RBI program on Jackie Robinson Day,” said Tim Flynn, Chairman of KPMG, LLP. “Jackie represents the kind of role model as both competitor and citizen that the RBI program strives to create. This is our third year partnering with Major League Baseball on RBI and we look forward to giving thousands more kids the chance to play baseball and softball and benefit from the educational and life-skill programs that has made the RBI program such a great success.”

To commemorate Jackie Robinson Day on Wednesday, April 15, MLB and RBI hosted a RBI Presented by KPMG Clinic, sponsored by Nike. The event at the Harlem RBI Fields in New York involved 100 RBI players (50 from Harlem RBI and 50 from the new Jackie Robinson Jr. RBI Program in Jersey City, NJ) and covered basic baseball skills. The clinic was run by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation. New York Mets Outfielder Jeremy Reed, ESPN Broadcaster Joe Morgan, Sharon Robinson, Daughter of Jackie, MLB Executive Vice President of Business Tim Brosnan and KPMG Executives also attended. Nike provided apparel for all participants and has donated equipment to RBI programs around the country.

“Nike is pleased to partner with Major League Baseball and its activities to commemorate Jackie Robinson Day,” said Leroy Ebanks, Nike US Brand Manager, Field Sports. “We are honored to supply apparel for the RBI clinic and equipment for participating RBI programs around the country. It is our hope that Nike’s support of this event will assist in the participation and development of children who wish to follow the path of one of America’s inspirational and iconic trailblazers, the great Jackie Robinson.”

The launch of the new Jr. RBI program is an important element of the RBI Program’s 20th Anniversary, and will be celebrated with the inaugural Jr. RBI Classic presented by KPMG in July during All-Star Week in St. Louis. MLB also will host the 17th Annual RBI World Series presented by KPMG, in Jupiter, FL in August.

KPMG has partnered with Major League Baseball since 2007 to sponsor hundreds of baseball and softball clinics around the country. KPMG also teamed with Major League Baseball to establish the RBI for RBI Scholarship fund in 2008 which provides financial help to RBI participants who exhibit exceptional athletic and academic commitment.

One of the highlights this year is the Jr. RBI Classic presented by KPMG, which will be held July 10-13 in St. Louis, MO. A regular season team in the 11-12 age division from each of the 16 Jr. RBI pilot cities will travel to St. Louis to participate in a friendly 32-game tournament. Teams will also get the opportunity to participate in MLB All-Star FanFest and attend MLB All-Star Week events such as the XM All-Star Futures Game, and the Taco Bell All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game.

The 17th annual RBI World Series presented by KPMG will be hosted August 4-14 at Roger Dean Stadium, the Florida Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals shared Spring Training site in Jupiter, Florida. The RBI World Series is the championship round of the RBI program, the Major League Baseball youth baseball and softball initiative presented by KPMG.

Since it was established in 1989 by former scout and Major Leaguer John Young, the RBI program has provided a path for many players to enter the college and professional game. The program has a presence in more than 200 cities worldwide, and annually provides more than 100,000 boys and girls with the opportunity to play baseball and softball. MLB and its Clubs have designated more than $30 million worth of resources to the RBI program and all 30 Major League Baseball Clubs have supported RBI programs. More than 180 RBI participants have been drafted by Major League Clubs in the program’s 20-year history. RBI alumni currently playing in the big leagues include: Carl Crawford (Tampa Bay Rays), Coco Crisp (Kansas City Royals), James Loney (Los Angeles Dodgers), CC Sabathia (New York Yankees), Justin Upton (Arizona Diamondbacks) and Yovani Gallardo (Milwaukee Brewers).

“Options were limited for a guy like me,” said Crawford. “RBI allowed me to be seen by people who normally wouldn’t have had the chance to see me.”

“Without RBI I wouldn’t be in the big leagues,” said Crisp. “There are so many other things that people can get into during their free time. I guess I found a lot of other places to play, but RBI helped me on the baseball field and as well in the classroom and I like to give back.”

RBI presented by KPMG is one of many Major League Baseball initiatives dedicated to enhancing youth participation and interest in baseball and softball. Specifically, RBI is designed to promote interest in the sport, increase the self-esteem of disadvantaged children, and encourage kids to stay in school. RBI programs have been started in more than 200 cities worldwide, and annually provide as many as 100,000 boys and girls the opportunity to play baseball and softball. For more information, please visit: http://www.mlb.com/rbi

Boxscore

The Reds failed in their attempt at sweeping the Brewers yesterday, and Milwaukee fans can relax just the tiniest bit about the rough start.

Micah Owings started for the Reds, although he batted 9th, even though his bat is clearly superior to that of Ramon Hernandez and Alex Gonzalez. Owings wasn’t very good, allowing 4 runs over 5 innings pitched. Of course, that’s not unexpected when you realize he hadn’t pitched since Spring Training. He refused to admit the truth, though. “I’m not going to go there,” he said. “The last thing I’m going to do is make excuses.”

However, it wasn’t Owings’ fault the Reds lost. Cincinnati had tied the game at 3 until Jared Burton came in and equaled Owings’ output in 1 inning, thanks to a 2-run double by Jason Kendall and a home run by Rickie Weeks.

What did Dusty Baker have to say about things? “It would have been nice to get the sweep going into the off day. Now, we’ve got to go to Houston and start another (streak).”

I’m afraid you just did. I mean, Houston just won their 2nd game of the year last night.

Boxscore

The Red Hot family traveled down to Cincinnati over the weekend to catch a game. Unfortunately, the first one was rained out. Fortunately, the schedule was flexible enough to allow the rain-out tickets to be redeemed for the very next day. The Reds lost of course, but it was neat to see the ballpark. I heartily approve of the new, improved scoreboards. Although the pitch speed is a little slow to appear. Here are a few pictures from Saturday’s game.

“Dusty, are you really sure you want Phillips hitting cleanup?”

Jay Bruce long-tossing with the right field ball boy. Despite capturing him in a bad shot here, Bruce actually looks better than he does later in the game.

Johnny Cueto striking out 1 of 9 on the day.

We ran into Nate McLouth in the elevator of our hotel. The Red Hot Child told him about Friday’s game being rained out. McLouth asked, “Are you a Reds fan?” That’s when we should have responded, “Yes, which is why we don’t know who you are.” I kinda think his joking with our son gave him the karma to destroy the Reds on Saturday.

I’ve heard many, many times that Mike Lincoln is a decent reliever. However, given how badly he always performs when I’m physically present, I think he should consider paying me to stay away.

Here we see the Pirates congratulating themselves after Mike Lincoln allowed a grand slam.

Mike Lincoln’s sterling ERA after the home run.

Jay Bruce looking ashamed after his boneheaded mistake to get doubled up at first. I haven’t seen play that bad since little league.

The Pirates congratulate their bad selves for a job well done.

According to this slice of life story from Reds MLB.com writer Mark Sheldon, Chris Dickerson is now getting beat up by revolving doors.

Apparently, he banged his head during a recent trip through the revolving door of a hotel he was staying at while in Cincinnati. Knowing that Westin is the Reds official hotel and having come from a stay at the Cincinnati Westin and run into one of their revolving doors, I can only determine that Westin is now against the Reds. Hey, one more party jumping on the Fire Dusty Baker bus is fine with me.

Dickerson had this to say:

They do need to do something about that door. It’s a deathtrap waiting to happen. I can only imagine what happens with people less coordinated than me. I’m a little clumsy, but a pretty coordinated guy. I should be able to fly through that thing easy. I struggle with it every day.

Revolving doors are the suck. They allow fewer things through than bigger doors and can stop quite suddenly. Hopefully, Dickerson will overcome this new nemesis soon, allowing him to focus on those dreaded left-handed pitchers.