Last Game
The Reds won their first series of the year against the St. Louis Cardinals over the weekend and found themselves sitting alone atop 1st place. And for once, it seems less mirage-y than years past. Yesterday, the Reds destroyed the Cardinals and scored 7 runs to their 2. Bronson Arroyo pitched the complete game, and also drove in a couple to break the game open in the bottom of the 5th.

Next Game
The Reds get a chance to prove their mental fortitude and defend 1st place when the Milwaukee Brewers come to town tonight. Johnny Cueto battles against Yovani Gallardo at 7:10pm EDT.

Hoping for an All Star Game
For the second year in a row, Cincinnati hosted a very well received Civil Rights weekend. One hope is that this will lead to an All Star Game for Great American Ball Park soon.

“I think so,” Reds chief operating officer Phil Castellini said. “We’ve had them before. It’s not like the Reds are unable to put on an All-Star Game. It’s one of those things, to be present and to be participating with MLB at this level, I think helps make them aware that our current team, and management team, and city is ready to get behind it and support a bigger jewel event like that. Does it communicate that in real time to them? Sure. But is it a quid pro quo? Not necessarily.”

The All Star Game is set for the next few years, but it would be nice for Great American to get one before it gets moth-balled. I’m still not sure how all those stadiums built after the Reds got to jump ahead in line.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds are 11-4 in their current stretch of 17 games against NL Central division rivals. When the stretch began on April 27, they were in 5th place, 4 games behind St. Louis.