"SIXTY-EIGHT GOING ON FIFTEEN."

Peter Edward Rose was banned from baseball in August of 1989. Although his records on the field demand admittance into the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame, his post-banishment actions off the field have done everything but support his case.

In this interview from The Howard Stern Show, Rose and his girlfriend Kiana talk about their sex life, gambling, and Pete's appearance in Bruno's deleted scenes. Definitely not the Hit King at his finest, but entertaining nevertheless.

The Reds completed a three game sweep of the Houston Astros on Thursday. After victories from Aaron Harang and Mike Leake, Bronson Arroyo hurled 6 2/3 innings allowing two runs on six hits and received the third straight win by a Reds starting pitcher. Joey Votto and Jay Bruce both homered while the Reds' bullpen (Herrera, Lincoln, and Cordero) pitched scoreless ball. Joey Votto described the Reds current success:

"It took us a little while to get there, considering how panicky it’s felt at times. To get back to .500, it gives us the opportunity to put things in perspective. It’s an up-and-down season. I hope we’re not going to get too high right now. We’ve got a real tough series against St. Louis. I think St. Louis will have a pretty good idea we’ve played well. They’re going to be ready to play against us."

The St. Louis Cardinals have won five straight games, including a four game sweep of the Atlanta Braves, and own the best record (15-7) in the National League. The Cincinnati Reds (11-11) have won four games in a row and occupy second place (four games behind the Cardinals) in the NL Central.

Chris Dickerson re-aggravated his ailing right wrist during the second inning of Thursday's game. He will return to Cincinnati for an MRI exam and will miss the St. Louis series. Both Dusty Baker and Walt Jocketty stated that the Reds will not play the Cardinals shorthanded. Currently the only Louisville outfielder on the Reds' 40-man roster, Chris Heisey (.241, 13RBI), will feasibly get the call. After a slow start to the season in Louisville, Heisey has hit .298 over his last 11 games. Heisey can play all three outfield position and his speed could be used in the Reds' leadoff spot if needed. Other AAA candidates would be Juan Francisco (.123, 3RBI) and Todd Frazier (.173, 5RBI).

The Reds begin a three game series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday at Busch Stadium. Johnny Cueto (0-1, 5.73) will face Brad Penny (3-0, 0.94) at 8:15 pm.

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LET THERE BE VICTORY!!!

Just days after audacious Reds fans began to dismiss their beloved team, the fiery squad put together a modest two game winning streak, and began to appear intact. Manager Dusty Baker supposedly let his players have it after a embarrassing loss to the Padres on Saturday. With reporters and fans quietly waiting for the result, the Reds answered, administering a win on Sunday. On Tuesday, Aaron Harang showed signs of his former self, and became just the second Reds' starter to receive a win this season.

Aaron Harang faced the Houston Astros on Tuesday and went six innings allowing two runs on six hits. After Harang left the game with a 5-2 lead, the bullpen (Herrera, Masset, and Cordero) followed with three innings of one hit baseball.

"I was able to get ahead," Harang said. "That inside corner was working for me . . . I talked to (pitching coach Bryan Price) about being aggressive, instead of picking around the zone. He said: Go out and be the old you."

Of course, one good start for the Reds' ace is no triumph, but we suspect it is the stench of reversal. The Cincinnati Reds will not continue their reckless ways any longer. The aroma of consummation is in the air. Let there be victory!!!

Mike "Godzilla" Leake (1-0, 3.92) will face Felipe Paulino (0-2, 5.94) and the Astros on Wednesday at 8:05pm.



Aroldis Chapman will start for Louisville on Wednesday at 7:05pm.

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CINCINNATI, WE HAVE A PROBLEM.

The Reds will begin a three game series against the Houston Astros on Tuesday before traveling to St. Louis for another three games. Throughout the rest of April and all of May, the Reds' next 33 games will include 25 against NL Central opponents. They will face every team in their division at least once. The Cardinals are currently in first place and the only NL Central team with a winning record (12-7) while the Cubs are 2.5 games behind them with an even season thus far (10-10). The month of May could be momentous for the Reds if they decide to turn things around.

The Reds will be up against a Houston team that contains two notorious Reds' killers. Astros' pitcher Roy Oswalt owns the all-time highest winning percentage against an opponent. Oswalt is 23-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 32 games against the Reds during his career. Bronson Arroyo will face Oswalt during the series finale against the Astros on Thursday. Oswalt's sole loss to the Reds was on April 28, 2006. Last season the Reds handed Oswalt four no-decisions while defeating the Astros eight times in twelve attempts.

Lance Berkman also fancies facing the Reds. In 143 career games against Cincinnati, Berkman is batting .327 with 48 homeruns and 133 RBI. Jeff Bagwell is the only Astro to hit more homeruns against the Reds (49), but that may change this week. Berkman said this about facing the Reds:

"I think a lot of it has to do with the pitching over the years. They've always had a lot of right-handed pitching and not a lot of left-handed pitching, and I'm a much better left-handed hitter than I am a right-handed hitter. I think it's a combination of factors. Statistical anomalies abound in the game. Everybody has one team they do well against and a couple they don't hit very well. I can't explain it more than that. There's a comfort level when you know you've had success against a team in the past, and it gives you more confidence going into a game and a series. So much of this game is mental, and this could give you a little boost."

Aaron Harang (0-3, 8.31) will face Bud Norris (1-1, 4.26) at 7:05pm on Tuesday.

Upcoming matchups from The Reds Report:
April 28: @Houston – Leake (1-0, 3.92 ERA) vs. Paulino (0-2, 5.94 ERA)
April 29: @Houston – Arroyo (0-2, 7.44 ERA) vs. Oswalt (2-2, 2.42 ERA)
April 30: @St. Louis – Cueto (0-1, 5.73 ERA) vs. Penny (3-0, 0.94 ERA)
May 1: @St. Louis – Bailey (0-1, 7.06 ERA) vs. Lohse (0-1, 7.31 ERA)
May 2: @St. Louis – Harang (0-3, 8.31 ERA) vs. Carpenter (2-0, 3.60 ERA)

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"SORRY ABOUT YESTERDAY..."

After Saturday's loss the San Diego Padres, Dusty Baker did not participate in post-game interviews. It was the first time Baker can recall not speaking to the media after a game in his 16 year managerial career. Baker seems to be exasperated at the Reds' substandard season, but composed himself enough to speak to the media prior to Sunday's game:

"Sorry about yesterday … I don’ t like to talk when I’m angry. When I get angry, I’m very angry. Contrary to what people may say…I have a very short temper. It wasn’t just yesterday, it was a number of things. You just gotta keep teaching and preaching. Anybody that’s a parent knows that sometimes you’ve got to chastise your child. Even though you spank ‘em, you still love ‘em. … It’s over now."

The Reds are 7-11 and in last place in the NL Central. There is much more than "yesterday" to be sorry about.

Arroyo on his teams' inadequacy:

"We haven’t as whole gotten off to a good start. We’ve only had two or three really good outings. Even when we’ve started off well, we’ve only made through six it and given up four runs. We’ve got a 22-year-old with no big league experience giving us the best chance to win. That shouldn’t happen, especially this early in the season. You usually feel like the pitchers have the edge . We’ve got to turn the corner somehow, some way."

Rolen on his boss:

"He’s upset and rightly so. He’s not happy with what’s going on out on the field and we’re not either. It’s a group effort and you’re accountable and responsible, each and every one of us for what goes on out on the field. We need to take that pretty seriously right now."

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WRR EP05: 14 QUESTIONS: JOHN FAY

In episode five of Whack Reds Radio, we track down Cincinnati Reds beat writer John Fay. John gives us his thoughts on Edinson Volquez, explains his beef with Brandon Phillips, and shuts us down regarding Mike Leake's "Godzilla" comment. Check out Mr. Fay's blog or follow him on twitter.

WRR:14QUESTIONS EP05:JOHN FAY

53 runs were scored during the Dodgers and Reds series this week. Reds' pitching was once again embarrassing, but the offense came out swinging, securing the series victory for the Redlegs. Leake humbly told John Fay he was delighted:

"Not much gets to me. I’m excited. I just don’t show it."

On Thursday, Mike "Godzilla" Leake became the Reds first starter to receive a win this season. Leake went seven innings, allowing five runs on eight hits. The Reds beat the Dodgers 8-5.

Aroldis Chapman made his third start of the year for Louisville on Thursday. Chapman was inconsistent (5BB), but his dominance was still evident as he struck out eight batters in 5.1 innings of work. Allowing no earned runs, Chapman received his first win of the season.

Bronson Arroyo (0-1, 4.95) will face Kevin Correia (2-1, 3.12) and the Padres tonight at 7:10pm.

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IN AND OUT OF HOT WATER

Current drummer for Against Me!, and former member of Hot Water Music, George Rebelo (pictured above) attended the Reds game against the Dodgers on Tuesday. He caught a homerun during batting practice and managed to rock out at The Southgate House following the game. Against Me! is currently on tour promoting their upcoming record White Crosses. Did the Gainesville natives bring good luck with them while visiting the Queen City? If they did, they took it with them when they left.
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"How much is too much? I'm tired of predicting to lose."

On Tuesday, right before Rebelo and his band took the stage in Newport, the Reds defeated the Dodgers 11-9 at Great American Ballpark. It was their sixth win of the young season, all of them arriving during their final at bat.

Reds' starter Homer Bailey once again looked dismal going 5.1 innings and allowing 5 earned runs on eight hits. After falling instantly behind after a base clearing triple from Casey Blake in the first inning, Bailey managed to throw four more innings and allowed two more runs. When he left the game in the fifth, the Reds' offense had taken control, and the score was 9-5.

Danny Herrera finished the fifth inning while Logan Ondrusek and Arthur Rhodes followed in the sixth. The three relievers notched scoreless outings. Future closer Nick Masset came on to pitch in the seventh with one out and allowed four Dodger runs while only retiring one. With the score tied, Mike Lincoln was brought into the game. He recorded one out to end the inning.

In the bottom of the eight the Reds broke the deadlock. After walks to Jay Bruce and Ramon Hernandez, the light hitting Paul Janish smacked a single to score Bruce. While the Dodgers' infield attempted to play pickle with Janish, Hernandez scored making it 11-9. Francisco Cordero entered the game in the ninth inning, retired the side in order, actualizing the Reds' victory.

Nick Masset currently has a 14.14 ERA as the Reds' set-up man. The idea of replacing him is becoming more relevant by the second. Dusty Baker believes Masset will turn the corner:

"We’ll get Nick straight. He’s got the stuff. You’ve seen it. He’s going through a little bad period. We need him badly. He’ll find it."

On Wednesday, Aaron Harang started his fourth game of the season. It was yet another depressing outing for the veteran right hander. Harang was beat up for seven runs (six earned) on ten hits in 5.2 innings. After a impressive win the night before, and a seemingly rejuvenated offense, the Reds seemed to be turning the page after their recent 2-5 road trip. Reds' hitters did everything they could to keep the Dodgers close, but after Harang left the game with the score at 7-4, Reds' relievers Micah Owings, Logan Ondrusek, and Mike Lincoln allowed seven more runs. The Reds were quickly reminded that their pitching sucks. The Reds lost to the Dodgers by a final score of 14-6. Aaron Harang will not be buying a lottery ticket anytime soon:

"It’s bad luck,” Harang said. “This game’s about luck. I’m going through a bad spell right now."

After Harang's horrific inception to the season, it appears likely that his next start will be skipped. His next start complies with the Reds' next off day on April 26th, but Dusty Baker isn't sure:

"I don’t know. I just got beat to death. I haven’t had time to think about it."

Reds' beat writer John Fay reported after Wednesday's game that Walt Jocketty and Dusty Baker met in the manager's office as he was leaving the ballpark. Fay insinuated that "moves could be coming".

The Reds announced that Hall Of Famer Joe Morgan will join them as a special advisor on Wednesday. Morgan will work with the community, assist Walt Jocketty on occasion, and spend some time in the booth. Morgan's new gig will not affect his current employment at ESPN.

Mike Leake will start for the Reds on Thursday against the Dodgers. Leake has been the Reds best starter thus far (0-0, 2.63 ERA) and will need to give the Reds' pitching staff a break, as well as a boost, during Thursday's game. First pitch from "Godzilla" is at 7:10pm.

Aroldis Chapman will make his third start for the Louisville Bats on Thursday. Chapman (0-1, .93 ERA) will face the Indianapolis Indians at 7pm.
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"DRUGS ARE GOOD." PART TWO

Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez has been suspended by MLB for violating their Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Whether or not you accept Edinson Volquez's reasoning behind using a substance banned by MLB, the ignorance he displayed in undeniable. Volquez released the following statement on Tuesday:

"Prior to the conclusion of last season, my wife and I sought medical advice in Cincinnati with the hope of starting a family. As part of my consultation with the physician, I received certain prescribed medications to treat my condition. As a follow up to our original consultation, my wife and I visited another physician in our home city in the Dominican Republic this past off-season. This physician also gave me certain prescribed medications as part of my treatment. Unfortunately, I now know that the medication the physician in the Dominican gave me is one that is often used to treat my condition, but is also a banned substance under Major League Baseball's drug policy. As a result, I tested positive when I reported to spring training.

Although I understand that I must accept responsibility for this mistake and have chosen not to challenge my suspension, I want to assure everyone that this was an isolated incident involving my genuine effort to treat a common medical issue and start a family. I was not trying in any way to gain an advantage in my baseball career. I am embarrassed by this whole situation and apologize to my family, friends, fans, teammates, and the entire Reds Organization for being a distraction and for causing them any difficulty. I simply want to accept the consequences, learn from the mistake, and continue to strive to be the best person and baseball player I can be."

Drugs are obviously good, but ignoring your employers policies is beyond dense. His fifty game suspension will start tomorrow. Volquez will subsequently lose over $120,000 of his 2010 salary, but will not miss any games thanks to his current stint on the disabled list due to recent Tommy John surgery. Volquez will be allowed to continue his recovery in Goodyear, but will be denied any Major League participation until his intermission is completed. Reds' GM Walt Jocketty stated that Volquez's rehabilitation is still rigorously on target:

"When he’s ready to pitch, he should be able to pitch. He’s still on track probably for the end of July. That’s kind of what the estimate was. When he’s ready to pitch in games, the suspension should be over."
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BLOW ON ROLEN, MAYBE HE'LL WORK.

Prior to Sunday's 5-3 loss to the Pirates, Scott Rolen tested out his sore back in the batting cages and had negative results. He proceeded to miss his third game in a row. Rolen is currently the Reds' homerun leader, but has only drove in 4 runs and is batting only .219 in 32 at-bats. With four straight days off for Rolen (the Reds don't play Monday) and five straight losses from the Reds, Rolen's bat will be required if his team decides to boomerang. Rolen had this to say on Sunday:

"I'm feeling better. I'm trying to figure out if I can play Major League Baseball. I can walk around like a normal human being. But that's a little different than what I'm being called upon to do."

The Pittsburgh Pirates completed a three game sweep of the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday. The last time the Reds were swept by the Pirates was during the 2003 season when they completed the task twice (Once in a 2-game series and once in a 3-game series).

Bronson Arroyo started for the Reds on Sunday and went six innings allowing five runs on five hits. After retiring the first nine batters he faced, Arroyo crumbled during the fourth inning, granting the Pirates all five of their runs. Paul Janish provided the Reds with a RBI double while Jay Bruce answered his critics (and us) with two solo home runs instead of two middle fingers. Reds beat writer John Fay said that Johnny Gomes could have caught the ball that allowed three of Arroyo's runs:

"...Jonny Gomes nearly ran down but it fell for a three-run double. Gomes probably would have made the catch if he took a better route."

Bronson Arroyo commented on his Sunday start:

"I’m reminded every year this stuff ain’t easy. I didn’t have much velocity on my heater, but I was throwing it where I wanted to, setting up guys where I wanted to. Some of big plays were hitting (Bobby) Crosby, then that ball sneaking over Orlando (Cabrera’s) glove. Either one of those don’t happen, I feel like I have a chance to get out of that inning with two runs at the most. You give somebody five that early in the game and it’s tough to come back from."

...and his sense of urgency:

"We always say it’s a long season, but obviously the mentality of the front office is not going to be a 162-game schedule if we get behind the eight ball too much. So we’ve got to turn things around quick."

The Reds with have a much needed off day to collect their thoughts on Monday. Tuesday they will begin a NL west abundant six game home stand. The first three will be against the Dodgers (6-6) and will be followed by three against San Diego (6-6). Here are the pitching match-ups from The Reds Report.
April 20: vs. Dodgers – Billingsley (1-0, 5.73 ERA) vs. Bailey (0-1, 6.97 ERA)
April 21: vs. Dodgers – Kuroda (1-0, 1.20 ERA) vs. Harang (0-2, 7.88 ERA)
April 22: vs. Dodgers – Padilla (1-1, 8.04 ERA) vs. Leake (0-0, 2.63 ERA)
April 23: vs. Padres – Correia (2-1, 3,12 ERA) vs. Cueto (0-0, 5.06 ERA)
April 24: vs. Padres – LeBlanc (0-0, 1.80 ERA) vs. Arroyo (0-1, 4.95 ERA)
April 25: vs. Padres – Richard (0-2, 4.38 ERA) vs. Bailey (0-1, 6.97 ERA)
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