bigtenboy07

What is going on with the Reds? After taking 2 of 3 from one of the best teams in baseball (Diamondbacks), 2 out of 4 from the Phillies, and 2 out of 3 from the Brewers the Reds have lost two in a row to the Pirates?

The Pirates?

It took the Reds 14 innings to score on the Pirates after losing hte first game of the series 1-0. The Reds lost the second game of the series 4-3. The pitchers for the Reds were Edinson Volquez who pitched well but was taken out after a lengthy rain delay, and Bronson Arroyo threw today. Johnny Cueto will pitch the finale on Sunday.

If the Reds want to seriously compete for the NL Central they are going to have win the games they are supposed to win. They are supposed to beat the Pirates. Winning close games is also important if the team wants to compete for a division.

The offense for the Reds which was thought to be a strength has struggled thus far, but should improve as the season goes on. Scoring three runs against the Pirates in 18 innings is unacceptable. Luckily the Reds are getting pretty good pitching which is keeping them in a lot of games.

Johnny Cueto one of the Reds prized pitching prospects made his major league debut today, and said Hello world. Cueto has outstanding stuff and all the makings of a great pitcher at the major league level.

He showed his stuff today going 7 innings and giving up just one hit (a leadoff homer to Justin Upton in the 6th inning) and not walking a batter while he struck out 10! What a great performance for this young man.

Johnny Cueto has some fantasy value. He is the third starter in a rotation with a pretty good offense and he has shown that he has the talent to take care of a major league lineup. He is a very good pickup in NL only leagues (if he is available) and in mixed leagues as a sort of risk/reward pick if you have a bench spot available.

Cueto left with a 3-1 lead and the Reds bullpen came in to finish up the rest...but they called on David Weathers who recorded an out and then walked the bases full....before getting taken out.

What an outstanding debut for Cueto...the kid could be really good.