Despite Poor Series, Reds Still Look Good

Let's just forget about that Arizona series, shall we? It was a disappointment to say the least. Actually, all three of the Reds' losses have been disappointing. I guess that's what happens when you are roaring out of the gates at 5-0. Nonetheless, Cincinnati was not going to win all of their games and in all probability will not win 100 games. So losses should be expected every now and then. But that doesn't have to make them less painful, especially since as fans we are trained to expect our team to always win.

Photo Courtesy of: AP Photo/Al Behrman

After sweeping Milwaukee, the Reds looked very good against the bumbling Houston Astros, beating up on them 8-2 and 12-4. The second game was particularly interesting, considering Edinson Volquez struggled again and surrendered 4 runs in the first inning. The Reds would go on to score 12 unanswered and rout the Astros. The finale of the series, however, was extremely frustrating. Cincinnati, who had worlds of trouble with teams' number one starters last year ran into Houston's Brett Myers, who went 14-8 with a solid 3.14 ERA in 2010. Like a page taken from last year's script, the Reds struggled mightily, leaving 11 men on base for the game. Trailing 2-1, things looked bleak, especially since they seemed unable to come up with the big hit against the Astros' ace. It took a pinch hit homer by Scotty Rolen for the Reds to climb back even after what was a solid outing by fill in starter Sam LeCure. In the 9th, Nick Masset would serve up a tie-breaking RBI double, and Cincinnati would strand a pair of runners in the bottom half of the inning, losing 3-2.

Photo Courtesy of: AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

The first game against Arizona was a no-contest, and isn't worth recapping. The Diamondbacks bludgeoned the Reds 13-2, as they teed off on Travis Wood and Matt Maloney. Bronson Arroyo snapped the Reds mini 2 game losing streak with a solid 6 inning performance, and the Reds broke it open late, winning 6-1. Yesterday, however, was an unmitigated disaster. Cincinnati chased DBacks starter Joe Saunders after just 3 innings and 83 pitches. The offense handed Mike Leake a 5-0 lead and Arizona rallied back to take a 6-5 lead. In a good moment, the Reds showed little quit once again, as Jonny Gomes snatched the lead back with a big two run blast. Nick Masset failed to hold the lead in the 8th, and Arizona took control again at 10-7. Diamondbacks closer JJ Putz struggled in the 9th, surrendering a run and letting the tying runs reach with just one out, but he struck out Juan Francisco and Jay Bruce to slam the door. It was as disappointing as it gets, but the Reds rebounded from tough situations similar to that one many times last year.

Here's some of my general thoughts on the Reds:

- When did this Reds offense become an American League East offense? They look like the Yankees or Red Sox from a few years ago. Every single batter in this lineup makes the pitcher work and makes the pitcher get them out. It's a nice change of pace and even an upgrade from the offense last year. As good as they were last year, they're even better now.

- Edgar Renteria (.600), Joey Votto (.455), Brandon Phillips (.389), Ryan Hanigan (.353), and Paul Janish (.444) are off to to red-hot starts. Votto and Phillips also both lead the league in runs scored at 12 a piece, while Joey leads the league in hits with 15.

- What has gotten into Jonny Gomes? After walking a total of 39 times in 511 at bats last year, he has already walked 12 times in 22 at bats this year. This means even though he's hitting a paltry .227, his on base percentage is a stunning .486. If he can remain this patient and continue to put together solid at bats, it only reinforces and strengthens the lineup all season long.

- Scott Rolen is the man. The man has 9 hits and 10 RBIs. How often does that happen? He is as clutch as it gets, and the Reds would be nowhere near where they are today without his valuable presence in the lineup. As good as Joey Votto is, Scott Rolen is the most important player on this team.

- I'm not ready to panic on the pitching:

Photo Courtesy of: The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

       - Nick Masset has an 11.25 ERA right now. Any guesses what his ERA in April was last year? 11.32 would be the answer. From then on out, he was terrific, including posting 0.64 and 0.53 ERAs in July and August.

       - Travis Wood and Mike Leake are rhythm pitchers. The deeper they get into the season, the better they'll be, especially if they pitch every 5 days. They will both be fine.

       -  Bronson Arroyo just does what he does, already 2-0 in 2 starts to begin the year. And he got a win to stop a losing streak already, which he did a staggering TEN times last year. Don't tell me this guy isn't a great pitcher.

       - Last year the Reds' team ERA in April was 5.41. It ended the season at 4.01. Right now Cincinnati is at 4.90. Give it some time before making judgments on how good or bad the pitching staff is. I think they'll come around. Especially when Johnny Cueto is healthy.

       - I might scream if I see Juan Francisco take another at bat with the Reds. Please trade him while people think he is good, Walt Jocketty. Throw him three curveballs and he will strike out or pop up. The kid can't hit major league pitching, and he definitely cannot field a very good third base. Why was he pinch hitting in the 9th yesterday? Where was Chris Heisey? Didn't he crush 4 pinch hit homers last year?

Tonight, the Reds head to San Diego to take on the Padres. Hopefully Edinson Volquez pitches well, because he'll need his A game tonight against Padres' ace Mat Latos. Should be a good one, check it out at 10 o'clock on Fox Sports Ohio.