Its nice to get a win. Let's not debate that. But let's not kid ourselves, we went a week without a win, and I am afraid this team is on a downward track.
Having said that, if the Rumor Central part of this trade happened (Milton to the Nats), it would be a boon. Trading Milton to a team in a pitcher's park would be a boon beyond belief, and getting any relief--ANY--from his salary would be a huge benefit. We signed him to a three year deal--stupidly--and he's starting to pitch better and now is the time to strike.
It does leave us woefully thin at starter, but I don't think even Jard Fernandez would be worse than Eric. But maybe I am wrong.
In the Enquirer, Jerry Narron has discovered that if you get guys on you'll score runs. WOW! (We are leading the NL in OPS)
John Fay has a column for all the geniuses on the Internet, which includes people like me, to email him what they would do if they were GM...so, you wanna be a GM, step up with the ideas.
Finally, Mr. Fay has analysis (actual data) of GABP and whether its the launching pad we think it is.
GREAT AMERICAN FACTOR: You can't blame the Reds' pitching woes on Great American Ball Park.
The park has a reputation for being a launching pad, and the ball does seem to fly out some nights.
But since the park opened, the Reds' staff has pitched better at home than on the road:
In 2003, the Reds had a 4.97 ERA at home, 5.22 on the road.
In 2004, the Reds had a 4.74 ERA at home, 5.66 on the road.
This year, entering Friday, the Reds had a 5.16 ERA at home, 6.35 on the road.
The Reds did give up more home runs at home than on the road each of the first two years at Great American - 118 to 91 in '03 and 128 to 108 in '04.
This year, through Thursday, the Reds were on pace to give up 126 at home and 120 on the road.
The Reds' offensive numbers support the theory that Great American isn't the hitting paradise it's thought to be.
The Reds were slightly better at home in 2003 than on the road. They hit .249 here and .241 away. They hit 12 more home runs at home - 97 to 85. But they had only three more RBI.
Last year, they were better in both categories on the road. They hit .242 at home and .250 on the road, with 92 home runs at home and 102 on the road.
This year, they're back to hitting better at home: .270 to .251, 1.58 homers per game to 1.05.
On the other hand, I read that the GABP has given up more homers per game than any park in the majors.
Finally, we would be remiss is we did not mention the possible end of the absolutely inspiring career of John Franco, who was DFA by the Astros. I'm not saying he won't hook on (he is a LH), but if it is the end, it is an absolutely fantastic career and a solid place in Reds lore.
Today, Brandon, whose ERA is finally below 4, will pitch against Roger Clemens. It would be nice to have Brandon keep the game close, and maybe we can win a game started by the Rocket for the second time this season. Its the last home game before the break, and the exact half-way point of the season.
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