I Have a Secret

Guys, I have a secret to tell you. I think the Reds might be good. Our boys are currently 2.5 games behind the first place St. Louis Cardinals with a .536 win percentage. We’re also 6-4 in our last 10, and we’ve won 10 out of our last 15 games. Add that to the fact that the 2012 Central Division Champs are currently in last place and the holder of the 3rd place spot in the Central Division are the Houston Astros at 5 GB, and things are looking pretty positive for our Redlegs.

I think, so far, it has all come down to pitching. I can honestly say that despite a few shaky starts, our pitching has been absolutely solid. Our starting rotation is incredible. Johnny Cueto is doing exactly what he should be doing. Mat Latos, although he seemed to have a tough little run at first, seems to be falling into a groove within our ball club and should only improve as he gets more comfortable as a Red. Bronson Arroyo has been absolutely spot-on and is already a million times better than he was last season. Homer Bailey has pitched all right, but definitely could be doing worse, and Mike Leake is in serious need of improvement. Although Leake is the weakest link of the starting rotation, our starters have been doing an excellent job. Between Arroyo yesterday and Latos on Sunday, the Reds starters have struck out 20 batters (and this isn’t to mention strikeouts by the bullpen.)

And how about that bullpen?! The Reds relievers have gone something like 8 game without an earned run. Here are the ERAs of our relievers:

Jose Arredondo: 0.00
Aroldis Chapman: 0.00
JJ Hoover: 0.00
Logan Ondrusek: 0.00
Alfredo Simon: 2.53
Sam LeCure: 4.63
Sean Marshall: 4.82

Not bad numbers, huh? What a drastic improvement from last year.

With all this pitching, the Reds just have to make sure to keep up the hitting to back up this spectacular defense. Yesterday’s game was an amazing comeback victory, and exactly the type of game that reminds me of why Cincinnati Reds baseball and the game of baseball in general can be so great. After a spectacular fourth inning, thanks to five consecutive hits, including Jay Bruce’s 463-foot three-run homer, Miguel Cairo’s (welcome back!) pinch-hit ground-rule double in the ninth brought the Reds to a 6-1 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers.

It’s only early May, but I think I like what this team has. Homer Bailey faces Yovani Gallardo tonight at 8:10. Let’s see if we can extend our 2-game winning streak to a 3 games.

As always, GO REDS!