The Emergence of an Ace?

When the discussion revolves around which among the Reds home-grown starting pitchers could emerge as an ace, the one name you don't hear is Johnny Cueto. Most scouts will tell you Aroldis Chapman, Homer Bailey and Edison Volquez all have "number one type stuff." However "stuff" -- aka velocity -- doesn't automatically translate into the moniker of staff ace. After three seasons, Cueto may have taken a step in that direction.

He at least deserves to be in the conversation after Saturday's performance against the Cardinals in which he pitched seven and two-thirds innings of three hit, three run (all unearned) baseball; while striking out five and walking only two. Cueto threw 101 pitches, 63 for strikes, and likely would have thrown eight innings of shutout ball if it weren't for back-to-back errors from Paul Janish and Scott Rolen. It arguably was the finest performance in Cueto's brief major league career. It came against the number one offensive team in the league and vaulted the Reds over St. Louis for first place the NL Central all in front of a sellout crowd at Great American Ball Park. It's the type of atmosphere October is made of.

Whether Cueto seizes this opportunity to asert himself as the Reds ace or develops into a strong number two starter remains to be seen but he certainly showed the qualities necessary. Like Roy Halladay, Josh Johnson, Tim Lincecum and Cliff Lee (arguably some of the best in the NL), Cueto showed command of his mid 90s fastball and the rest of his pitches, pitch at the bottom of the strike zone; and most importantly, was pitch efficient. Instead of falling behind in the count and trying to strike out every hitter, Cueto got ahead in the count and induced the double play ground ball when needed. If Homer Bailey can do to the rest of the league what he's done against Houston threw his first two starts of the season, he and Cueto could form formidable dynamic duo that would truly make the Reds rotation among the elite in the National League.

Weekend Random Thoughts

Saw Thor last weekend and loved it. Shakespeareian trained actor/director Kenneth Branagh provided a great mix of story, action and even comedy. Chris Hemsworth and Natalie Portman have terrific and believable onscreen chemistry. It was pitch perfect for comic book fans and for those who don't follow the Marvel superhero. Can't wait to see this character return next year in The Avengers.

Shout Outs:

To my boy D.C. for a terrific batting practice session at the cage this week. It's already paid dividends this weekend for yours truly.

To Daffy and 2HitB as they enjoy the big city life this week. Safe travels.

And to Commando B for the hilarious animated videos he sent me!