Last year, the main controversy for the Cincinnati Reds erupted over Brandon Phillips comments about the St. Louis Cardinals. I think that “whiny little bitches” characterization has proven to be true.

This year, Phillips took to the Twitter airwaves, and everyone expected something to come of it: he is a bit of an impulsive person at times. But no, the Twitter controversy came from none other than pitcher Sam LeCure.

I don’t know what to say folks. I desperately want to pitch and I feel like I’m wasting space as I’m sure you all do. Im ready if they call

LeCure tweeted this Saturday after another extra-innings lost when he wasn’t used and a bullpen arm was desperately needed. To that, Reds manager Dusty Baker said the following.

He was available without all his weapons. What I mean by that with that strained right forearm, he could only throw fastball, change-up. That’s not available to me. To me, I like his enthusiasm. I like him. But now is not the time for heroism.

Obviously, that’s bullshit. Baker’s being a hypocritical asshole. You can’t say this isn’t the time for heroism while at the same time you’re sending Carlos Fisher out to ostensibly ruin his baseball career. LeCure having two pitches available in extras is way better than destroying Fisher’s arm. However, Bake didn’t choose that option. In both of the last two extra-innings games, he opted for Fisher.

The team is spiraling into the madness that the Chicago Cubs fell into during Baker’s last season there. As good as Baker was for the Reds last season, I’m beginning to think he’s as wrong for them this year. His refusal to consider new ways of evaluating player data reeks of an anti-intellectualism that will inevitably doom this club, perhaps this year more than any.

LeCure tweeting that may have been out of line, but it sounds like the team didn’t communicate effectively with him about why he wasn’t being used and the team was losing. For being a player’s manager, it sounds like Baker screwed the pooch on this one.

In the same conversation, Baker also said, “I don’t read tweets.” If there’s ever been a telling sign about a manager’s refusal and inability to adapt to changing situations–something that’s required of every successful major league baseball player–that’s it.

The RHM clan headed to Milwaukee, WI this Memorial Day weekend for some fun. We stopped at a Milwaukee Brewers game for our first visit to Miller Park.

The place is very nice, and the tailgating experience is unique. More details wil l come, including a panoramic photo of the park. For now, here’s the view as we approached from the parking lot.

Has it seemed like the Cincinnati Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty has been missing in action lately? The last two weeks have been brutal for the Reds, with players under-performing and others coming down with injuries. Homer Bailey, Sam LeCure, and Matt Maloney are all banged up, with Maloney being placed on the disabled list so someone who can pitch might be called up from the minors.

But that’s the extent of the moves. Nothing but shuffling in one not very good piece to replace another piece that’s not doing as well as it should. With one quarter of the season down, Jocketty might consider leaving the beach and start doing something. Soon.

We got our training done early today because we’ll be off to Milwaukee this evening for a long weekend of getting away from it all. Milwaukee may not sound like much of a party town, but they’ve got beer, cheese, and a team that has gone 8-2 their last 10 instead of 2-8.

Don’t worry, we’ll still find time before we leave to write some actual content. As much of a diversion as all this training is, it’s no substitute for proper smart alecry regarding the cluster of the last couple weeks.

As usual, here’s the info on how to get involved:
1. Go to http://reds.com/5k to register for the Redlegs Run.
2. Email blogjog@reds.com to say you’ll be at the Blog Jog events before and/or after the run.
3. Go to Cafe Press to order your Red Hot shirt, in styles for women or men.

You pay to register for the run, but there’s no additional charge for hanging with the bloggers.

It was a damp run this evening, more from puddles than from actual rain. And cold. That’s weird compared to the heat we’ve dealt with lately.

Our pace was down today, but every day we actually run all the way through the planned training it feels like an accomplishment. I do hope that 16 more days will be enough to get me into race-day shape.

Our shirts arrived from Cafe Press today, just two days after we ordered them. We didn’t even rush order them. So, if that’s any indication, then you’ve still got plenty of time to get yours. If you haven’t already signed up to join in the Redlegs Run fun, here’s how you do it:

1. Go to http://reds.com/5k to register for the Redlegs Run.
2. Email blogjog@reds.com to say you’ll be at the Blog Jog events before and/or after the run.
3. Go to Cafe Press to order your Red Hot shirt, in styles for women or men.

You pay to register for the run, but there’s no additional charge for hanging with the bloggers. You also have the pay for the shirt, but there’s no additional charge unless you look better in it than I do. But don’t worry; I look pretty darn good in this shirt.