West Coast Musings

Yes, I'm back.  It's been awhile I know since I posted for you fervent fans of this blog -- all two of you -- but I wanted to wait and see how this West coast trip played out before I assessed the state of the Reds.  Needless to say it was impressive and encouraging if you're a Reds fan, especially in the wake of the three-game sweep of LA.

Truthfully I was a little discouraged after the team split four games with the defending World Series champion Giants.  Jay Bruce said it best, "We're just playing.  We're not playing well, we're not playing badly, but there's more in the tank."

Was there ever.  I'm sure to a man the team felt they should have taken at least three games versus San Francisco.  Which is why the sweep of the Dodgers was sweet and needed as this club now gets set to take on the American League East.

The key to the 5-2 road trip was the starting pitching.  Specifically Johnny Cueto.  In two starts out West, Cueto pitched 14 innings, allowing 9 hits and no runs while striking out 13 and walking just two.  A certain Cincinnati newspaper scribe and MLB Network analyst are just now surmising what was said in this space a month ago -- that maybe Johnny Cueto is emerging as the ace of this staff.  Mike Leake, Edinson Volquez, Bronson Arroyo and Travis Wood held their own as well (Leake more than held is own last Saturday versus 2-time Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum), giving fans a glimpse into what the Reds brass envisioned the starting rotation could do when the season began.  Continued strong starting pitching, combined with clutch-hitting and defense, will be vital during the coming stretch which has brought Cincinnati within at least 2 1/2 games of first place in the NL Central.

Speaking of defense, how about Jonny Gomes flashing the leather Wednesday.  His diving catch during the 3rd inning was a risky play with 2 on and 2 out, but for those who want to criticize Gomes' defense ask yourself one question, "Would Adam Dunn have even got to that ball?"  The answer is no.  The "Big Dunn-key" wouldn't have even come close.  For all the prodigious home runs Dunn launched while a Red, I don't miss his apathetic defense a lick.  Gomes will never be confused for a Gold Glove winner, but I'll take his effort six days a week and twice on Sunday.

Another encouraging sign from the road trip is the possible re-emergence of Scott Rolen at the plate.  On the trip Scotty Role hit .304 with 5 doubles, a triple and 6 RBI.  The troublesome shoulder will mean the veteran will still have his bad days, but here's hoping the All-Star can continue to hit the ball with authority.

Bottom line, Cincinnati showed a little life on this trip after leaving fans to wonder if the season was lost just a week-and-a-half ago.