Edinson just threw out his first pitch and I know at least some of you guys are watching.  That said, I though a game thread would be in order.  And, of course, rather than going to the person who claims "First," bonus points go to the first person to post the flag.

UPDATE: I am under 75 words, and our own Edinson Volquez is facing some serious HAVOC.

UPDATE #2:  Still under 75, and Edinson is apparently limited to 60 pitches.

I don't know if anybody caught this a few months ago, but I was rooting around for baseball previews this morning and found it.  Wow.

Who spends this much time and effort just to talk trash?  

That being said, he does highlight some of the drawbacks to having Dusty as your manager, including his tendency to play vets and wear out his pitchers.  But the shots at Josh Hamilton are unneccessary.

The two weeks that begin tomorrow and run until pitchers and catchers report are by far the toughest of the offseason for me (and I am sure for many of you). I am desparate for anything baseball (I just procrastinated for 2 hours watching top play archives on reds.com). Thankfully, for the last three years, I have been able to turn to this blog. So really, I just wanted to express my gratitude. This is truly a fantastic community, something that seems to be exceedingly rare on the internets, and I feel kind of ashamed for regressing back into lurker status for the last six months or so.

Here is to a great 2008 season with you all (and hopefully, some success for the Reds)!

With the shenanigans going on around here over the last few days, I thought it would be appropriate to create this poll. What Red Reporter reject got on your nerves the most? Whose inane arguments and irrational hatred for Adam Dunn made you want to resort to violence? Over the last few seasons, who have you found to be more annoying, michael or NEILYNG?

I wonder what it would have taken for the Yankees and Red Sox to have NOT led off BBTN tonight? Another no-hitter? perfect game? 27 up, 27 K's? 

I understand that it was a pretty thrilling finish, but do they have to talk about that game for 25 minutes of 40 minute show? I know I'm preaching to the choir, but goodness gracious, it's just absurd.

I really think that the Brennaman Report (with the game recap and the scores from other games) gives more equitable treatment than BBTN. Why don't they just call it what it really is: Yankees and Red Sox Tonight.

Sorry... I just had to vent somewhere. I don't really expect anyone to comment on this diary, though I know most of you feel the same way.

Per C. Trent: Freel signed a two-year extension today, ensuring that he runs into outfield walls and talks to imaginary little people for the Reds through the 2009 season...

Discuss amongst yourselves.

Farney Freel... Farney Freel... Farney Freel... What's the deal with Farney Freel... 300 characters is for real... kick a rhyme seal the deal... Ryan Freel is off keel