The Reds have been extremely streaky so far in this young 2011 season. They started out by winning the first five games, and they have continued to be streaky ever since. They started the month of May by winning eleven games and only losing two.
But then the Pirates came to town, and they put the Reds batters on ice. After winning five or six in a row the Reds have now lost four in a row including today's game against the Indians. The starters have been pretty good recently especially with the return of Homer Bailey and Johnny Cueto.
It seems like their hitters are out of sync with Votto hitting into a couple double plays, or the opposing team walks Votto and the other hitters can't get the runners home. Gomes continues to struggle, and I don't think he deserves to start anymore. Bruce seems to be getting in his groove at least.
The Reds did sweep the Cardinals pretty convincingly in Cincinnati over last weekend, but the Cards bounced back pretty well and have gone on a winning streak of their own by defeating the Phillies. It looks like the Cardinals are going to be in the hunt for first all season long.
It's been a very exciting season so far and I hope the Reds continue to win and stay competitive.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Cueto and Bailey Make Excellent Returns
The two pitchers that started on the disabled list this season were Johnny Cueto and Homer Bailey. This past week they both returned and had great starts. I was glad to see that Bailey's excellent rehab performances transferred over to the big leagues. I didn't see Bailey's game, but I watched some of Cueto's pitching against the Cubs.
Cueto's pitching wasn't as spectacular as Bailey's but he had a good game especially since he didn't give up any runs. The Cubs did load the bases and it seemed like he was having a little trouble with controlling his off-speed pitches. He did let some Cubs base runners on almost every inning from walks or ground ball singles, but it didn't look like the Cubs were able to get good wood on the ball.
These guys are usually pretty good inning eaters. They are able to pitch much further into a game than Sam LeCure and Mike Leake could. I'm glad they decided to put LeCure in the bullpen. I'm not sure what they are going to do with Leake maybe use him as an emergency starter.
If both of these players continue to pitch well I think the Reds rotation just became a lot stronger, and the Reds might be able to put some series wins together and retake first place.
Cueto's pitching wasn't as spectacular as Bailey's but he had a good game especially since he didn't give up any runs. The Cubs did load the bases and it seemed like he was having a little trouble with controlling his off-speed pitches. He did let some Cubs base runners on almost every inning from walks or ground ball singles, but it didn't look like the Cubs were able to get good wood on the ball.
These guys are usually pretty good inning eaters. They are able to pitch much further into a game than Sam LeCure and Mike Leake could. I'm glad they decided to put LeCure in the bullpen. I'm not sure what they are going to do with Leake maybe use him as an emergency starter.
If both of these players continue to pitch well I think the Reds rotation just became a lot stronger, and the Reds might be able to put some series wins together and retake first place.
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