Last Game
The Reds had yesterday off, giving fans everywhere a chance to catch up on their DVR’d TV. That Chef Ramsay sure is a hardass, isn’t he?

Next Game
Tonight the Reds face the Colorado Rockies. Bronson Arroyo (RHP, 5-6, 3.98 ERA) takes on Drew Pomeranz (LHP, 1-5, 4.98 ERA).

Series Preview
The Reds are on a 7-game winning streak and leading the NLC. We know the pitching is great and that the offense has been finding a new hero every night, but that winning streak also has a lot to do with the teams the Reds have been playing since the All-Star break.

The Rockies are the next in the parade of underperforming opponents. With their 37-60 record, the Rockies are 17.5 games back in the NLW. Arroyo goes tonight, then Johnny Cueto tomorrow, and Mat Latos Sunday. Tonight may be the Rockies’ best chance to strike, though Latos can be touch-and-go sometimes. Plus he rolled his ankle the last time out, which he says is fine now, but these things can creep up on you.

Meanwhile, the NLC’s second place team, the Pirates, has faced the Brewers, the Rockies, the Marlins, the Cubs, and now the Astros, which are also all sub-.500 teams. With just a 2.0 game lead, the Reds really have to keep the wins coming in order to continue to fend off the Buccos. After the Rockies, the Reds host a four-game series with the Padres, and then the Pirates come to town.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
We’re about halfway through the time Joey Votto is expected to be out recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery. The Reds have gone 8-2 since he’s been gone.