The big day is finally here and, once again, another city in the Midwest of comparable size to Cincinnati get to demonstrate to the masses that its just a hipper place to be. Its time for GABP to get an All Star game so The Queen City can promote itself as a grand city in the nation's eye. C'mon Bud!

Predictions? Mark em down before kickoff. I was pro-Giants all week but saw one stat this am that changed my mind. NYG only sacked the QB 2.8% of dropbacks in a 2TE set. Pats 27 Giants 23.

Whats the SB menu at your place today? I've downsized to NY white pizza, buffalo wings(medium), Caesar salad, and toasted gruyere baguettes.

Beer of choice? Great Lakes Sampler case, if i hit the bottle at all.

Sound off, RR Nation...

I wanted to issue an open invite to Reds fans to attend 2012's MargaWrigleyville -A tHantastic Voyage. A small group of RR'ers have already committed to attending this event. Lodging has been reserved, transportation has been purchased. Wrigley rooftop building management has been contacted. Tickets for Cubs games go in sale in February, and they aint cheap.

I have, however, found pretty damn inexpensive lodging 2 miles from downtown and 2 miles from Wrigley. It just opened Jan 1st and i think its price point puts a weekend at Wrigley within the grasp of even the most budget challenged Red Reporters. Especially if you can cop a ride to CHI on the Megabus or Greyhound Express buses.

Its the IHSP Hostel at Damen CTA stop. its new. its clean. the management is incredibly nice, in fact i'm taking a dry run trip there myself with the family in April...mainly to grab some Chicago slice and do some touristy things. Most hotel's run $200+/night downtown, double occupancy. IHSP can book a room for 4 males for $25/person per night. Here is their website:IHSP Chicago If you book directly through their site it drops their rack rates on the search engines by 33%. There is free offstreet, garaged parking for those that might want to drive their own vehicles there.

Generally, I stay in The Loop at a hotel one block from Pizano's, The Tilted Kilt, Miller's Pub, and the El. But its not inexpensive. But it is worth it. Some of your RR'ers will be staying here for the Reds/Cubs series. Details below:

Dates: August 9, 10, 11, 12

Games: Thurs night, Fri day, Sat day, Sun day

Promos: Friday Foam Finger, Sunday Build a Bear!

Rooftop Game: Prob Sun, which is the cheapest game of series for rooftops. Leaning towards a LF vendor.

Bleacher Game: gotta be a day game, right? so that's Fri or Sat

The CHI weekend will be much like the Mexico trip. Everyone is free to do their own thing anytime, but also is free to join in whatever things the group(s) are doing. No pressure. Several of us are going as couples but several are going "stag" also. I expect the womenfolk to attend one game (rooftop) and make other plans throughout the weekend. Personally, i will be splintering off one evening to hit Margaritaville Chicago with some Chicago Parrothead Club Members. My wife would like to see at least one Broadway show. I know i have to get some of the RR fools to get on The Ledge at Sears (sic) Tower...even though I prefer the view from the John Hancock Observatory. i expect there might be an evening fireworks cruise on the Lake. Live Blues is an option. As is a Second City comedy show. And I do love me some architectural river tour rides! Chicago has plenty to offer folks with all ranges of xFlip!

Personally, I cant wait to see the look on tHan's face when he confronts the trough pisser in the bleachers. it should be high comedy.

I know there is some dissenting opinion but, to me, Wrigley Field is the best place to see a ballgame, especially a summer day game. If you havent been there yet this might be the year. The lodging is affordable and the Cubs should suck this season, which will increase ticket availability and keep prices moderate. Theo is going to improve the Cubbies and tix will be harder to come across and much pricier moving forward. Wrigley has that tiered pricing system and a weekend in August vs the Reds is an upper tier level game. i'm hoping some of our friends at BCB might be able to accomodate some of us by dumping tix they don't need that weekend. there's little chance the group will sit together so small groups will be unavoidable, but they offer the most flexibility.

• • EDIT
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A while back I promised a few of the local RR contigency that I would find time to throw together a Serious Issue, Seriously that focused on awarding "The JD", for Red Reporter Moderator of the Year (2011). I refuse to stump for any candidates this is definitely an above the table contest. I have full confidence that "boobs" would win, if included on the ballot, so that choice (for this one poll only) has been discarded. Who's your favorite Mod, and why?

Thread hijack topic: Within moderation, if you could retire to one US city/rural area where would you select? Why?

Also, can we get a popular vote on the +1 and THIS usage? I feel both suck and are lazy, awful ways to state a thought or opinion.

And, obc's top 5 list of Reds prospects, after the Marshall and Latos trade. (I would have had Grandal 3rd, Alonso 4th and Torreyes 9th.

1. Devin Mesoraco

2. Billy Hamilton

3. Daniel Corcino

4. Robeert Stephenson

5. Neftali Soto

I recently contacted the Yuengling brewing company to inquire when their fine product would be available for purchase in the Buckeye state.  My intention was purely selfish, I wanted to buy a shit ton of Yuengling brands and service them for an event I have planned in early September.  I also wanted to ask where the closest Distributor was to Great American Ball Park juuuuuuuuust in case I have to make a road trip to secure said nectar of the gods.  

It looks like Ohio is on tap for later this year, but probably not before fall.  Kentucky is scheduled to join the madness next year.  Shit salad, that doesnt help!  Looks like Huntington WV is the closest city with a distributor who sells Y.  Naturally when i attempted to call said distributor the phones were unanswered on their end each dial.  Par for the course.   (tip:  Lord Chesterfield Ale is jch's "MAB&G burger", very overrated!) 

1) Why does Yuengling sell two different types of light beer, one 98 calorie per bottle and one 99 calories?  I haven't tried all their product...i'd love to get some feedback on their different brands.  

2) I'm going to stock the bar with one beer that Red Reporter itself nominates.   (must be under $10/six pack)  What beer would you recommend?  Remember, it has to be sold in the I275 loop.  Or in Huntington WV. 

It sure seems to the average fan that the recent drafts have begun to bring in considerably better MLB results from the pitching prospects the Reds have drafted, no?  Is that the case?  Which year did the Reds draft the most pitchers who made the majors?  Was Tom Browning the best pitcher the Reds selected the year he was drafted?  And...who had the worst WAR from all those selected the past two decades?   You be the judge! 

1981

(none) 

1982

7th rd - Bobby Witt  142W 157L (13.1 WAR)

9th rd - Tom Browning 123 W 90L (19.7 WAR)

12th rd - Rick Luecken 2W 5L (-0.4 WAR)

1983 

9th rd - Jeff Montgomery 46W 52L (21.0 WAR)

1984

1st rd - Pat Pacillo 4W 3L (-0.8 WAR)

1985

17th rd - Mike Roesler 1W 1L (0.2 WAR)

1986

1st rd - Scott Scudder 21W 34L (-2.0 WAR)

17th rd - Keith Brown 2W 2L (0.1 WAR)

27th rd - Paul Miller 1W 0L (-0.1 WAR) 

1987 

1st rd - Jack Armstrong 40W 65L (0.7 WAR)

14th rd - Bill Risley 15W 13L (3.1 WAR) 

15th rd - Butch Henry 33W 33L (7.5 WAR)

28th rd - Milt Hill 5W 1L (-0.5 WAR)

1988

3rd rd - Tyler Green 18W 25L (-0.7 WAR)

12th rd - Steve Foster 3W 3L (1.5 WAR)

13th rd - Paul Byrd 109W 96L (16.1 WAR) 

19th rd - Jerry Spradlin 17W 19L (0.1 WAR)

32nd rd - Mo Sanford 2W 4L (0.0 WAR)

60th rd - Don Wengert 14W 32L (-0.5 WAR)

1989

3rd rd - Ross Powell 0W 5L (-0.5 WAR)

6th rd - Tim Pugh 25W 28L (1.2 WAR)

11th rd - Trevor Hoffman 61W 75L (30.4 WAR)

43rd rd - Sean Lowe 23W 15L (-0.3 WAR)

1990 

8th rd - Larry Luebbers 5W 10L (-0.2 WAR)

12th rd - John Roper 8W 7L (0.1 WAR)

20th rd - Marc Vakes 12W 15L (-1.7 WAR) 

1991

8th rd - John Courtright 0W 0L (0 WAR)

21st rd - Kevin Jarvis 34W 49L (-5.1 WAR) 

1992 

6th rd - Kurt Lyons 2W 0L (0.2 WAR) 

21st rd - Will Brunson 1W 1L (-0.1 WAR)

23rd rd - Chad Fox 10W 12L (2.2 WAR)

28th rd - Rickey Pichett 0W 0L (-0.3 WAR)

43rd rd - Kevin Beirne 3W 3L (-0.4 WAR) 

1993

2nd rd - Scott Sullivan 40W 28L (4.9 WAR)

1994

1st rd - CJ Nitkowski 18W 32L (-2.3 WAR)

9th rd - Eddie Priest 0W 1L (-0.5 WAR)

16th rd - Kevin Grybowski 12W 8L (-0.8 WAR)

22nd rd - John Riedling 17W 13L (-0.6 WAR) 

34th rd - Paul Rigdon 8W 10L (0.5 WAR)

1995

2nd rd - Brett Tomko 100W 103L (7.2 WAR)

4th rd - Mark Correy 2W 7L (-1.0 WAR)

8th rd - Ray King 20W 23L (3.4 WAR) 

12th rd - Justin Atchley 0W 0L (0 WAR) 

24th rd - Jeff Sparks 0W 1L (0.5 WAR)

32nd rd - Scott McRae 0W 1L (0.1 WAR)

1996 

2nd rd - Buddy Carlyle 11W 12L (-2.4 WAR)

1997

9th rd - Scott Williamson 28W 28L (8.1 WAR) 

1998 

6th rd - Bobby Maditsch 6W 4L (2.3 WAR)

7th rd - Josh Hall 0W 2L (-0.8 WAR)

12th rd - John Koronka 8 W 13L (-0.8 WAR)

17th rd - BJ Ryan 21W 28L (12.2 WAR) 

40th rd - Lance Cormier 24W 28L (-2.2 WAR)

41st rd - Todd Coffey 20W 17L (2.1 WAR)

1999

5th rd - Mike Espositio 0W 2L (-0.1 WAR)

10th rd - Scott Dunn 1W 0L (-0.6 WAR)

21st rd - Brad Salmon 0W 1L (0.2 WAR)

29th rd - Michael Neu 0W 0L (0.3 WAR)

36th rd - Rich Hill 22W 20L (2.0 WAR)

2000

1st rd - Dustin Moseley 13W 17L (2.2 WAR)

2nd rd - Ryan Snare 0W 0L (-0.1 WAR)

46th rd - Chris Shroder 2W 5L (-0.2 WAR) 

2001 

1st rd - Jeremy Sowers 18W 30L (1.7 WAR)

2002

none

2003

1st rd - Ryan Wagner 11W 9L (-0.6 WAR)

7th rd - Carlos Guevara 1W 0L (-0.2 WAR)

18th rd - Josh Newman 0W 0L (-0.6 WAR)

2004  

1st rd - Homer Bailey 19W 17L (-0.1 WAR)

13th rd - Jake Arrieta 12W 8L (1.9 WAR)

2005

2nd rd - Travis Wood 8W 7L (1.7 WAR)

4th rd - Sam LeCure 2W 6L (0.6 WAR)

6th rd - Jeff Stevens 1W 0L (-0.7 WAR)

11th rd - Carlos Fisher 2W 4L (0.2 WAR)

13th rd - Logan Ondrusek 8W 2L (1.3 WAR)

42nd rd - Justin Axford 9W 3L (2.3 WAR)

2006

6th rd - Jordan Smith 3W 2L (-0.3 WAR)

10th rd - Josh Roenicke 1W 0L (-0.6 WAR)

2007

none

2008

none

2009

1st rd - Mike Leake 12W 6L (0.6 WAR) 

Prior to this past weekend I have passed through St Louis twice in my lifetime (on a trip to and from Kansas City). I have spent a grand total of zero minutes off the freeway in the city limits. After this past weekend’s trip to the Gateway City I am proud to report that number has not increased at all. Like Dallas, if you ever get the chance to go to St Looey, take it from me, pass it on by!

My first thoughts upon entering the metroplex was that STL has a less impressive skyline than CIN. They also have even uglier bridges crossing their dirty brown river than CIN. 2-0 Cincy right off the bat. Almost immediately we came upon Busch Ballpark/Field/Stadium/Whatevertheycallit. It sits within 10 feet of the double-decker interstate. Weird. tHan and I both agreed that Busch must be the closest ballpark to an interstate in the USA. In my minds eye I thought GABP was most likely the closest NL ballpark to a freeway. Nay, friend, NAY! The Cards were in KC so there was no opportunity to see a ballgame.  

After seeing the mighty Mississippi, the Gateway Arch, the STL skyline and Busch Stadium within the first three minutes of our time in the Show Me state we decided it was prudent to get down to brass tacks and see why Missouri wasn’t nicknamed the Taste Me state by hitting up a brewery tour. Anheiser-Busch? Nah, they’re no longer an American company…so we decided to give the Schlafley Brewery a shot at the title. It’s the third biggest brewery in Missouri and probably the only one situated in a residential neighborhood. Plus, there was a Church’s Fried Chicken on the same block and we know that’s never a good sign. I’d give the Schlafley brewery tour a 6/10 on the big board rating scale. Nothing special about the tour itself but major bonus points for the amount of free ale and lager given to the tourees. My assessment is that most of the product is fair to middling but if you have the chance to pick up a sixer of the Coffee Stout I would highly recommend doing so. It’s the only brewery I know that utilizes Missour River water for their product!

The evening ended with brisket and ribs, the first RR BBQ tour stop outside the Greater Cincinnati Area! Thumbs up to mass quantity of meat the restaurant served its patron. Thumbs down for the slaw. Thumbs sideways for the cucumber flavored pickle.

The following day began with a trip to Six Flags St Louis (formerly known as Six Flags Over Mid-America…which is a stupid name for an amusement park). Here are the reviews for the rides:

RIVER KING MINE TRAIN – skipped it, because Mine Ride rollercoasters are also stupid…especially when they have "train" in the name.

SCREAMIN EAGLE – built in 1976, opened as the world’s highest and fastest roller coasters. Roller coasters must have sucked before the 80’s, this one was meh and beat the snot out of you. It had less than a thirty second wait.

NINJA – built in 1989, it is short and unsweet. The highlight was the smell of orange chicken from the Chinese restaurant located under the ride. It had literally no wait whatsoever to ride.

BATMAN – built in 1995. A short 10 minute wait. This was the first ride we rode and it set the bar high for Six Flags. Its an inverted coaster and the most comfortable ride of the day. Only ride we rode twice.

MR FREEZE – built in 1998, one of those premier launch rollercoasters. Pretty, pretty good ….especially the coming to a stop in midair, freefall backwards sensation. About a 20 minute wait, our longest of the day.

THE BOSS – built in 2000, kind of a mini Beast. Actually it reminds me more of a smaller version of the Gemini at Cedar Point. Not bad, and a very short five minute wait.

AMERICAN THUNDER – built in 2008 and oddly situated in kiddie land. A midsized wooden rollercoaster. No wait whatsoever. This coaster exceeded my expectations more than any other ride in the park. Great bang for the buck.

LOG FLUME – skipped it. All log flumes suck. People who like getting splashed with tepid amusement park water are gross.

XCALIBER – built 2003. originally it looked like a sideways Viking fury swing ride, I don’t think I can really explain this ride. But it made Westie almost lose her lunch which is always awesome!

After leaving the park we went to the heavily recommended Imo’s Pizza, home of the Provel Cheese pizza and cracker crust. Provel cheese is a mixture of provolone, cheddar and swiss. We ordered 2 salads, 30 toasted raviols and two large but insanely thin one topping pizzas to feed four people who spent 5 hours walking in an amusement park. We left with two boxes full of super thin pizza and about a dozen T Ravs. Imo’s was a pleasant surprise and all four of us give two thumbs up to the Za. Its not up there in the Pizano’s (of CHI) stratosphere but I must admit it was much better than anticipated. I do not recommend leaving boxes of Imo’s in your sport utility for a half hour while perusing the contents of your local liquor store, however. Not good times. I think 60 degrees is the cutoff mark for comfortably re-entering your car after leaving Imo’s in there for one half hour.

Freshly stocked with a plethora of high end beers, Cachaca, and cherry vodka we headed to the hotel to prepare for the evening’s entertainment, the grand opening of the Central Park amphitheatre in Chesterfield MO. Headliner? My main man Edwin McCain! Granted, Ed may not be as hip as the bands ‘nukkah likes and supports but he’s definitely more my speed. Very witty, super nice (we got to meet him backstage) and one helluva damn good singer. I think tHan and Mrs tHan were significantly surprised at how good the man is live on stage, especially from their 2nd row vantage point. I was more surprised that I was able to bring a cooler full of mango caipirinhas to the park!!! The only downer to the evening was tHan’s choice to end the evening smoking an entire cigar and knocking off a glass of Woodford on the rocks. SHAKE SHAKE SHAKE, indeed!

All in all we found west STL a nice enough place to spend a weekend. I hope to spend some time in the actual city limits next visit, with a focus on attending a Reds game at Busch and taking a ride to the top of the Arch!!!

I picked up the online edition of the Chicago Tribune yesterday and read some sad, sad news.  InBev (nee Anheiser Busch) purchased Chicago's Goose Island article here. In the original article it states Dogfish Head (obc2 approved brewer) is cutting back distribution to maintain integrity which is good, good news.   

MillerCoors outsells InBev products in Chicago? Color me shocked and awed... 

The Holy Grail opened at The Banks across from GABP on St Patrick's Day.  Despite Mo Egger's thumbs up recommendation via Twitter I'm still voting thumbs down on the place. Taps at the table are turrrrrible, usually set to cut off dispensing after 36 ounces most places I've seen.  Plus, look at the owners/clientele who were judged most photo worthy from their grand opening pics and article here

tHan and I tried the Blue Moon Seasonal Spring ale this weekend on Prime Rib Saturday Night...not good.  we did not order a second glass of the beverage.  Best beer of the weekend was Rivertown Brewery's Bockfest.  Deeeeeelicious.  

Samuel Adams has been up and down for me lately.  But if I come across this six pack i will most certainly purchase it. Homebrew winners

"Sustainable Farming" by Geoffrey Taylor 

I'm reading the Annual Articles out of sequential order. This article was the first one i flipped to and began reading in the MSPRA. It begins by describing a game at Wrigley Field from August 8, 2010.  Oddly, I was at that game and a pic I shot with the camera phone from roughly the Bartman Seat is my drooooooooid background.  Travis Wood pitched a great game, 6.1 IP, END started at 3B and struggled greatly just getting infield practice throws on target to the 1B. But Geoffrey points out that 7 of the 9 positional players in the starting lineup were homegrown, a fact that I must admit I didnt pick up on despite being at the game myself.  Here is the game thread from that game.  (Buy the annual to learn what seven players that day were homegrown.  Or just look it up on Retrosheet, I guess) 

The rest of the article details homegrown players on last years Rangers and Phillies ballclubs and transitions into much greater detail on the homegrown talent on the 1975, 1976, 1979, 1990 and 1995 divisional championship Reds ballclubs.  Overall a very interesting and informative read, the bar for the MSPRA has been set high. 

Best photo:  The Great Eight pictured lining up on the third base line before a game.  The order was Rose, Morgan, Bench, Perez, Foster, Concepcion, Griffey and Geronimo.  Davey sixth? And ahead of Griffey?  The elder Griffey had OBPs of .391 and .401 in 75/76, i had no idea he batted 7th at any point of those seasons.  

Favorite photo: Mike Leake from the 2010 Civil Rights Game.  I love the clean lines of this jersey and the color scheme of the Reds insignia.  I'd love for this jersey to be the regular Reds home jersey.  Also, this was one of the best games of the season.  Phenomenal ending.  OCAB! Got $500?

My Editorial Constructive Criticism:  The term "homegrown" was used 11 times in the first two pages.  

Unexpected Flashback:  a Mike LaCoss reference, sadly as the Reds' 2nd best starting pitcher in 1979 and the only one not named Seaver to pitch 200IP.   Methinks I would have lost a bet to someone who stated that Mike LaCoss (whom i vividly remember) was ever the Reds 2nd best SP or that he ever threw 200 IP in a season.  

Spoiler Alert: there is a photo of Juan Francisco on the last page of the article.  Ugh. 

MLB Network is featuring your 2011 Cincinnati Reds in its 30 for 30 series this evening, scheduled start of 10pm.   There is a spring training game that just began, NYY vs ATL (jch alert!!!), and i'm hoping the game ends on time.  Since its also Fat Tuesday I may have an Ichiban beer and a Tommy Bahama rum and Vanilla Coke Zero.  And a cigarette during a commercial break.  

That should be enough words.  

Jim Tressel is the suck.  

So.....who's the funniest comedian of all time?  Who else is in the running for top spot on your list?  Why? 

Like the musical SIS's this one is a loaded question.  I'm hoping that many people go with their honest opinion as opposed to going with the option they feel is most likely to solidify their online persona as Hip & Cool. (Its my guess that, in these parts, Mitch Hedberg is the Black Keys of comedy)

i I've followed comedy pretty closely for the past 30 years and I have my own personal favorties also, some legendary and some not nearly as well known.  

For my money I have to nominate Bill Cosby.  No, not the post Cosby show Bill Cosby...but, rather, the Bill Cosby from the I Spy television series years.  The Bill Cosby from Fat Albert tv show years.  Brilliant.  And, he did it (almost without fail) totally clean.

Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and post your nominations below!  

To Whom it May Concern (if you even give a damn), 

In 6th grade I remember my teacher allowing us to have a free period in order to design and draw Bengals Super Bowl posters as the team was in Detroit preparing to play the big game at the Silverdome.  My freshman year of college I remember hosting a Super Bowl party with many, many folks from the Cleveland and Columbus suburbs...i was the only Cincy kid, and we all rooted like hell even after John Taylor made his infamous catch.  As a teenager I had to rake an acre of leaves every week from fully mature trees, it took 6-8 hours each Sunday after church.  I took a boom box outside and connected it to a guitar amp so I could hear the pregame, the game, and the postgame broadcasts in all corners of the yard.  As a grown man I have attended many games at Paul Brown Stadium and my company hosts multiple events/year there, has several sets of season tickets and has a luxury box.  

I am like many people in this area. I have a long history of being invested in my local football team.  I have watched/listened to almost every game from age 11-40.  I now have children, three to be exact.  None are Bengals fans.   None want to go to PBS.  None want to watch the Bengals on television.  They used to, but have lost interest in rooting for a habitual loser.  (yeah, they don't know about the decade before they were born....The Lost Decade...two playoff berths in eight years is actually "good", when taken in context).  I refuse to make them root for a ballclub that truly doesn't care about its fanbase.  I didnt use to feel this way, I used to think it was simply mismanagement or lack of talent or wrong coaching choices.  

Nahhhhhhhhh.  Its a fundamental and conscious decision(errr, mistake) in how the organization chooses to do business. The lack of a proper scouting department reminds me of the Marge Schott era, all they do is watch games honey!  Not having a GM is criminal. The lack of a Ring of Fame is alarming.  Wanting more and more stadium concessions from taxpayers during an extreme economic downturn in sickening. Not having a indoor practice bubble, which all other teams at or north of our geographical location have, is a deliberate choice to not be competitive with the Joneses. The Marvin/Mike Brown press conference to announce his re-signing was about the worst case of public relations I've ever seen.  Turrible. ENOUGH!!! 

So, Mr Brown, I am led to believe the Bengals are "your team" and not mine.  M'kay, fine.  You can have them.  It is my viewpoint that you are extremely fortunate that the University of Cincinnati football program struggled last season.  If not, I believe a good chunk of local football fans would actually move the Bearcats well above the Bengals in their own personal pecking order.  

I was forced to work the first six sundays of the football season due to a staffing emergency. By that time the Bengals were already out of playoff contention.  Six weeks!!! After that point I have found entertainment outlets on which to spend my disposable income this season.  The kids didn't miss football this fall.  Oddly, I didn't either.  And the Mrs was ecstatic not to have to share football Sundays with your team.  

I understand the economics that guarantee each owner will turn a profit annually on their ballclub.  But owning a NFL team comes with great responsibility.  The morale of an entire city can be increased greatly just by having a competitive/successful team (see: New Orleans Saints).  I don't think the organization is committed to providing a world class fan experience.  I dont think the organization is committed to even providing a good fan experience.  The employees at PBS need to be retrained with the understanding the fans in attendance are VIPs.  They spend a boatload of money on parking, tailgating essentials, team jerseys, game tickets and concessions.  Treat them like they're important, dammit.  Without strong employee engagement one cannot hope to have customer engagement and loyalty.  The PBS game experience is underwhelming, fyi.  Before I lost interest in the franchise I stopped going to games due to how I observed fans being treated by security and stadium workers.  (that's free feedback, fyi. there are lots of people like me who may still root for the team but prefer to watch the game at home on television. they're probably still salvageable. hint. hint.) 

Anyway, don't cry for me Argentina, i'll be all right. The monies previously spent on the Bengals will be deposited into a savings account which will fund an annual family vacation to an all-inclusive resort.  I have committed to still watch the NFL draft.  I will still have some interest in whom the Bengals select each year.  An added bonus will be that I will only have to watch the first hour of the broadcast regularly to see the selection! 

Sincerely, 

OBC2 

P.S.  Go Colts!!!! Go Reds!!!! 

First, I'd like to express wishes of a Happy New Year to everyone who reads or posts or lurks here at Red Reporter, renters and homeowners alike!  All y'all who live at home with parents (unless you're currently enrolled in a school of higher learning) are not included in the wishes of happiness...get out on your own, dammit! 

*Any chance GABP will install Yuengling taps once it becomes available in the Blue Chip/Queen City? That is 1st on my GABP wish list.  Would Slyde consider whispering this request in Bob's ear? Anyone else have something they'd love to see at the old ball orchard? 

*Entertainment question:  What one movie are you looking forward to seeing in 2011? Put me down for the Hangover 2. 

*You have one player you can add to this year's roster from Reds history.  Who it be?  Larkin, someone who is a premium defender at SS and a plus plus bat at the top of the order? Bench, someone who is often rated as the best C ever and a power RH bat?  Morgan, a first ballot HOF who had sick OBPs in the early/mid 70s.  Frank Robinson, 550 HR to drop into LF? 

*Isnt it time for Jimmy Buffett to play GABP?  He can easily sell out more than one show at Riverbend but is hell bent on only performing one show, and a non-weekend show at that, every year.  If Wrigley can host concerts why not GABP?  And...if not Jimmy, who would you book for a profitable and sold out concert at the ballpark? 

*Outside of Duke(prohibitive favorite to win it all), UK, UL, XU, UC and OSU...who are y'all rooting for in NCAA hoops?  My team isn't going to make it two rounds deep in their conference tourney this season so i could use a backup team to follow/root for, besides the local teams.  

*Last, have you personally read Wire to Wire yet?  If not, what's stopping ya?!? 

The 2010 Reds had 7 players with 537+ plate appearances.  I don't expect that run of luck to continue in 2011, however. 

Brandon Phillips should stop attempting to steal bases, asap.  He was 16/28 last season. I still think he should go on the trade block.  Frees up salary.  

Who woulda thunk Drew Stubbs had the third most BB last season by a Red?  The more I look at his numbers the better I feel about young Stubbs.  I would still rather see him in the 7 hole but there really are two gaping holes in the lineup that prevent that (LF and SS).  

Kudos to the Cincinnati Reds organization for giving season tickets, annually, to Chuck Harmon.  He's a great ambassador for the ballclub and the game itself.  I put him right up there with Nuxie and Sparky.   

is GABP going to expand the waffle fries production next season? 

will I Love This Bar and Grill be open by Opening Day?  Will any self-respecting RR go to that joint, ever? 

Johnny Gomes got hit by 12 pitches last season and didnt charge the mound once?  he's getting soft! 

Small sample size but guess who had the lowest OPS+ last season, by far?  four starting pitchers were higher and one was only 1 pt behind. Look over yonder for a clue...

Enerio del Rosario was the luckiest pitcher of the year, easily.  He had an outstanding ERA+ of 200 (behind only Chapman's 202).  he did this with a 1.96 WHIP, 13.5 H/9, and 3.9 K/9.  

Wood led the starters in H/9 with 7.5.  RR Whipping Boy Arroyo was 2nd with 7.8.  Surprisingly Micah Owings was 7.6...guess walks really did haunt! 

Mike Lincoln pitched 4 more games last season than Aroldis?!?  I have deleted all of his appearances from my memory, apparently. 

Earlier today I received a tweet about Mo Sanford hosting a pitching clinic next weekend here in Cincy.  I must admit I am quite surprised that Mo is still active in the local scene.  That got me to thinking what has become of some former Reds ballplayers....Where Are They Now? 

FRANK PASTORE --- pitched for the Reds from 1979 - 1985 compiling a 45-57 record with a 4.30 ERA.  i knew that after baseball Frank went into ministry in the Southwest and that he ate some ginormous steak at a Texas steakhouse in record time (thanks to the Travel Channel, believe it or not).  It turns out he hosts The Frank Pastore Show on a radio station in LA and its the largest Christian talk show in the nation.  He also penned a book released this year (just like Slyde!) entitled "Shattered: Struck Down But Not Destroyed".  It is readily available on amazon.com for ten bucks. http://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Struck-Down-But-Destroyed/dp/1589976118/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1289154458&sr=8-1

NICK ESASKY --- played for the Reds from 1983-88, Boston 1989, Atlanta 1990 before being forced to retire due to complications from Vertigo after his breakout season with BOS, where he put up a 133 OPS+.  He relocated to ATL (suck it, jch) and apparently still lives there today.  The most recent news I could find on him was a heart touching story here

DAVE COLLINS --- One of my favorite ballplayers growing up and probably the only ballplayer I can name who hails from South Dakota (Rapid City). Dave was drafted by the Angels and played for them and the Mariners(he was their first batter in their first game) before being traded to Cincy in 1979.  After two very good seasons he signed a free agent contract with NYY.  He wound up playing 16 seasons, including a 2nd tour with the Reds in 1987-88. After his playing career he wound up alternating between being a high school baseball coach and a MLB first base coach.  He coached first for STL, then the Reds, then the Rockies and for the Marlins (whom he resigned from last June).  

Who do you think has signed the most autographs in the history of man?   I'm going to say Pete Rose.  He certainly has signed more autographs than anyone in baseball history, right?  I recently got into a conversation re: which baseball player signed the most autographs NOT named Peter Edward.  Thoughts?  

Also, what film in history is most in need of a sequel?  

And, we need topics/themes for Slyde's 2nd book. Suggestions? 

Mike Zimmer has to be the head coach of the Bengals next season, no?  

Projections for Yorman Rodriquez next season??? he went .339/.361/.456 at Billings in his age 17 season this year.  OUTstanding.  

Anyone seen the Pete Rose movie yet?   Methinks I'm gonna hop over to the Esquire sometime after Tuesday.  Sue me, i still remember the Hit King as a helluva competitor who never gave less than 100% on the field.  That matters to me.  

The chatter of the weekend at the driveway mini-bonfire was What's The Most Overrated Stuff Out There?   You know, the stuff that garners good publicity that just isnt your cup of tea.  I found it most interesting that the most divisive category was music.  No shocker to me, I've said for years that people publically state they like bands and singers that they really, deep down, don't care for all that much in an attempt to look  hipper and cooler.  

(as an aside, I'm really, really, really glad the Reds are back from San Diego AND that the Black Keys concert is over.  Now....let's get back to focusing 100% on winning baseball.  No way in hell Pete Rose, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan would have spent needless hours fawning over such a concert the last 10 days of a pennant season. Have I mentioned I'm glad Joey Votto doesn't Tweet?) 

Back to Overrated Stuff: 

Dunkin Donuts Coffee -   I know a ton of my NE pals disagree.  But, it really sucks.  Tastes like bark to me.  

Borat - sorry tHan.  Not one of my faves, even on repeated viewings.  Can't wait to see Bruno and see if it slides under the bar set by Borat.   

The Shack - written by some guy.  just unreadable.  probably the worst book selection by bible study groups since "The Five People You Meet in Heaven".  

The NFL Network's Weekly Highlight Recap Show -  Back in the day I certainly loved me some Chris Berman and Tommy Jackson Primetime action before it got old and tired.   The NFL Network show is turrible.   Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin are buffoons, completely unwatchable.  I can't wait for the Michael Vick balloon to pop, fyi.  "YOUDOWHATYOUDOMIKEVICK" seven times in a highlight package is pure garbage.  Ick.  

Mad Men - tried it, couldn't stick with it.  I know several other people who admit the same.  yet, i see this mentioned as the best show on television time and time again.  False.  The best show on television is Psych.  

The Green Movement - just had a large national company start paying its folks via paycard this weekend due to a corporate initiative to "Go Green".  Naturally, none of the PIN worked and none of the employees were able to access their payroll funds.   And i'm not sure how a reloadable plastic card is greener than direct deposit into a demand deposit account at a credit union/bank...but several large companies are falling for that rub.  

Tapas -  nuff said.  

First Watch - terrible coffee and overpriced food.  dollar for dollar its not any better than Waffle House.  

Video Games - i get the allure for children and adolescents.  not so much for grown men and women.  go do something, preferably outside!!! 

Cats - i know there are cat people and dog people.  my sister is both.  that said, cats suck.  

Nirvana - I find them to be the 4th best band of the grunge era to come out of Seattle (behind Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains).  Probably the most overrated band of all time, along with Pink Floyd and The Doors.  

Originally, I was going to ask everyone to submit their three favorite 80s songs. Not the best songs recorded in the 1980s, mind you, but their own personal favorites of the Eighties Music genre. Songs that most people know the words to and can sing along to with ease. My list: 

1. Come on Eileen, Dexys Mignight Runners

2. Sister Christian, Night Ranger

3. Jessies Girl, Rick Springfield 

I know that the PA in Fenway and Wrigley blares "Dirty Water" and "Go Cubs Go" after victories.  And Sinatra's "New York New York" plays in Yankee Stadium.  I can't recall any other songs that play in ballparks after victories however.  

Twofold question today... A) What are your three favorite 80s songs?  B) What song should be played after Reds victories at Great American Ballpark?   

It seems that since its inception RR has always bashed its men in Red.  The earliest Least Favorite Red on Red Reporter I remember was Ryan Franklin back in the day, and I must credit Ash for that.  I remember Red Menace yelling at Hollandsworth for innings and innings from the left field bleaches that season also.  LaWhiff wasn't very appreciated either. That team also had McCracken and Royce Clayton, if im not mistaken.   Plenty of hot mess to chose from as least favorite Red. .   

Then came CPat.  Then Taveras.  And lets not forget the inordinate amount of Rosales bashing last season.   Dusty has been a favorite target all along (although my favorite manager to bask was Jerry Narron, mainly because I couldn't flipping understand a word he was saying into the microphone).   

Badroyo always exhumes a few demons from amongst our midst.  So does Dusty...whether he is 10 games up or out of first place.  

But its pretty clear this season's LFR is Coco Cordero.   Obviously.   

Who are some of your Least Favorite Reds from pre-RR years?  Surely many of us here frothed at the mouth when watching televised games during our youth.  Who'd y'all hate the mostest? 

Just a little check in on some of our favorite topics here on the far right hand side of RR towards the bottom of this post. Gonna float out a few questions here for the masses...   

First, Ash seems willing to bet a tattoo on the OSU/Miami Hurricanes college football game outcome this season.  I, of course, am holding out for whatever point spread is offered at game time.  So far, she is absolutely dead set against offering any points.  tHan, brilliantly I might add, proposed a tat of Bronson Arroyo on the mound toeing the rubber, if you will.  Definitely better than Pete Rose crashing into Ray Fosse guarding the plate.  What tattoo does RR propose for ash to get if the Bucknuts lose to the Hurricanes? 

I was going to post a SIS soon on the film that most needs a sequel to be released then all movie hell went down the past couple days.  Might be movie overkill, but which film would you most like to see a sequel filmed and released? Die Hard, anyone? 

UK BASKETBALL, its back this weekend and its televised.  when and where

If you have read Wire to Wire already and are looking for a decent (so far) book to read, I recommend this

Next Burger Tour outing is long overdue, perhaps the middle of next week works?  I've received an incredibly good peer review of the Summer Burger @ Pelican's Reef and I'm gonna try it, solo if need be.  Speak up if anyone has midweek availability.   By the way, not ready to go to Flipdaddy's yet. Also, Mo Egger made an impromptu appearance on a local food blog and bashed MAB&G.

I picked up the recent Cincinnati Magazine to get more detail and clarity on the burgers chosen as the Best 40 in the tristate region.  Granted, several local Bests were left off the list but I must admit I was intrigued by a few places that I had not previously been aware of and a couple I had forgotten to include in the burger tour.   In reverse order the list: 

40 - 915 Pub and Grill, Black and Bleu Burger (Ft Thomas) $6.75

39 - Black Angus Burger and Brews, Everyday Angus (Woodlawn) $7.99

38 - The Black Sheep, Bah Bah Black Sheep Burger (Cheviot) $6.99 

37 - Fatburger, Fatburger with Cheese (Oakley) $3.89

36 - By Golly's, Route 50 Burger (Milford) $7.50

35 - Gordo's Pub and Grill, Gordo's Burger (Norwood) $8

34 - Mayberry, The Burger (Over the Rhine) $8

33 - Sammy's Gourmet Burgers and Beers, Sammy's Burger (Blue Ash) $8.95

32 - Skinny Legs Pub & Grill, Black & Bleu Burger (Bellevue KY) $6.95

31 - Quatman Cafe, Cheeseburger (and a big ole getdafuckouttahere from the peanut gallery)  (Norwood) $4.50

30 - Quarter Bistro, The Quarter Burger (Mariemont) $11 

29 - Hamburger Mary's, Black & Bleu Boy Burger (Downtown) $10

28 - Doris & Sonny's Homelike Restaurant, Quarter Pound Burger with Cheese Deluxe (Miamitown) $4.25

27 - Maribelle's Tavern, 100% Natural Beef Burger (East End) $10 

26 - Five Guys, Hamburger (all over the place) $4.49

25 - Chalk Food + Wine, The Bison Burger (Covington) $11.75

24 - Zola Pub & Grill, Zola Burger (Covington) $7.25

23 - Zip's Cafe, Zip's Burger with Cheese (Mt Lookout) $5

22 - Habits Cafe, The Godzilla Burger (Oakley) $8.25

21 - Bootsy's, The Bawe Burger (Downtown) $15

20 - Ollie's Trolley, The Ollie Burger (West End) $3.95

19 - Cafe De Wheels, Wheels Burger (mobile mofo) $5

18 - Anderson Township Pub, Federal Hill (Anderson) $7.95 

17 - Arthur's Cafe, Boursin Burger (Hyde Park) $9

16 - Friendly Stop, Garlic Burger (Glendale) $5.50

15 - The Rookwood, The Barnsdale (Mt Adams) $12

14 - Lavomatic, Green Acres Burger(Over the Rhine) $11.49

13 - Gabby's Cafe, Angus Beef Burger (Wyoming) $8.49

12 - Sleepy Hollow Inn, Cheeseburger (Loveland) $7.95

11 - Daveed's, The Black Angus Burger (Mt Adams) $16

10 - Senate, Senate Burger(Over the Rhine)$12

09 - Keystone Bar & Grill, Keystone Burger (Covington)$7.99

08 - Paula's Gourmet Cafe, 7 Minute Burger (Downtown)$6.95

07 - Oakley Pub & Grill, The Soul Burger (Oakley)$6.95

06 - Virgils Cafe, Beef Hamburger (Bellevue, KY) $10

05 - Vanzandt Restaurant and Tavern, VZ Classic (College Hill) $10 

04 - Gas Light Cafe, Gas Light Burger (Pleasant Ridge) $5.75

03 - TTC, Burger with Burgundy Wine, Wild Mushroom & Truffle Sauce (Linwood) $10

02 - City View Tavern, Big Ted Deluxe (Mt Adams) $6.75

01 - Wildflower Cafe, The World's Best Burger (Mason) $10

So what are the misses...who shoulda been there that wasn't?  Which are there that shouldn't be?  Which ones, for you out of towners, make you sit up and say "I'd try that burger!".  

And what beer goes best with a burger?!?!?!? 

There's been a lot of noise out there about xFLIP. Many folks, sadly, are unable to comprehend this new measurement since it is partially based on Fun.  Things that positively impact someone's xFLIP: 

*triples (the most exciting play in baseball) 

*outfield assists.  bonus points for throwing out baserunners at the plate. 

*hitting the cutoff man/strong throw by a relay man 

*getting uniform dirty by end of game 

*diving stops by any fielder 

*stolen bases 

*breaking up a double play as a baserunner 

*working the count even after falling behind 0-2

*throwing a brushback pitch

*striking out a batter to end a ballgame 

*Hustle counts! 

*wearing the baseball uniform properly (see: Bill Bray) 

*interacting with the fans during a game

*hitting tape measure home runs in batting practice  

*signing autographs for kids before the game 

*giving an intelligent, interesting interview (see: Bronson Arroyo) 

I'm open for additional recommendations and will add the best suggestions to the equation. 

Wins by a pitcher are a positive.  So are runs batted in by batters.  Yes, this flies against conventional saber wisdom but xFLIP is a non-traditional, outside the box measurement.   

Stay tuned for the top 5 alltime xFLIP plays... 

There are several new, or new to me, contenders for the burger title in the greater cincinnati area.  I'm looking at working a great deal more in the upcoming 4-6 weeks so it may take even more preplanning to execute a burger tour stop.  That said, I'm free the next two sunday evenings after 5pm...and one of those nights would be so choice for a great burger.  The nominees: 

The Pelicans Reef - they have three menus. Regular, Summer Only and Weekly Specials.  Its very, very, very hard to decide what to get.  For fathers day I had King Crab Legs, Grouper filet, Scallops, Red Snapper, Swordfish, Lobster Gumbo and Conch Chowder.  (I did share many of these orders with the table.  Best Seafood in Cincy, folks.)  It was then that i noticed their summer special burgers. 33% brisket, 33% prime and 33% something i've already forgotten.  CHICKEN POT PIE, I'm in!!! 

The Wildflower Cafe - Home of the Best Burger nominee on pretzel bread.  In Mason, which is a major bummer for those of us in KY.  I love this font!!! 

Flipdaddy's - in Mariemont.  Most of the online reviews weren't too kind.  Poop, i was hoping this place would be a player in the burger tour.  Not near the top of the list, I'm afraid.  

Sammy's Gourmet Burgers - Sharonville location is a bummer.  HLM is intrigued by this place and we have to get him a tour review by the end of the summer.  

I'm thinking Pelican's Reef, near the Beechmont Mall this Sunday or next Sunday.  The burger is the most enticing and it has time is of the essence status since its a summer special only.  

My son is wearing his Kobe Bryant jersey and desperately rooting for the Lakers this evening.  If they win he pockets a cool, crip George Washington.  

I'm going with the Celtics since they have a former UK player in the starting lineup.  Rajon Rondo is sick. Its a shame Kendrick Perkins is injured and out for the final game of the series.  I hate to see ballplayers on the bench in deciding games....unless they are named Albert Pujols or ARod, that is! 

Go Celts, even if ya ain't my favorite team! 

I picked up a copy of Reds Memories: The Greatest Moments in Cincinnati Reds History dvd yesterday (Kroger - $16).  I highly recommend it to all the Reds fanatics on that frequent this site.  

The first thing that caught my eye was the early 1900's film footage. Very cool seeing folks on the tube I'd mostly only read about.  Plus, im midway through "Eight Men Out" so the 1919 Series footage was timely.  Didya know the Reds had a .686 winning percentage that season?  Better than the Big Red Machine!  

The second thing I noticed is that John Eradi appeared on camera sans Slyde.  This dvd was born out of the 1990 championship team's reunion at Redsfest, like Wire to Wire And the Rest of the Book Title Which I've Never Quite Been Able to Memorize.  I reluctantly admit that Eradi's voice is mo better than Slyde's and that might well be the reason he was selected to participate in this project. 

Watching much of the first half of the dvd reminded me that I really, really would have liked to have seen a game at Crosley Field.  

Marty Brennaman, naturally, narrates.  I'm really gonna miss Marty when he turns off his microphone for good.  He's the only Reds play by play announcer I've ever known, and that goes back 35 years, for me.  

This weekend I had a small discussion with an associate regarding the best book I've read recently, then more specifically the best baseball book I've read in the past few years.  That got me to wondering about what were the best baseball books were out there that I haven't read yet. I usually plow through 20-25 baseball books a year with the vast majority being read during the offseason.  

"Ball Four" in an annual re-read during the dog days of winter and it has never failed to deliver (imho probably the best baseball book ever).  "Feeding the Green Monster" by Rob Neyer stands up to repeat reads pretty well also (and it uses the daily game diary style utilized in "Wire to Wire" most recently...and "The Bronx Zoo" by Sparky Lyle/Peter Golenbock is another gem that uses the same style)

The best baseball book I've read in recent years is "The Soul of the Game"...but I'm a longtime fan of Buck O'Neil.  I think the Nancy Story is one of the funniest ruses I've ever heard. If you are familiar with that story run to amazon and order Joe Poz's book, asap, its worth the price of purchase alone.  

So.......what are the best baseball books y'all have read?  

I was talking with ash last night and the Reds record in games she has attended this season in now 1W 6L.  tHan is 1W 5L and i'm 1W 2L.  Which RR has seen the most wins, in person, by the Reds this season?!?   

No cheating and looking up the answers. Name the MLB current active leaders in:

1) Most base hits  (hint: 4 players have 2700+ hits, its closely contested) 

2) Most Home Runs 

3) Most Doubles

4) Most Triples

5) Most Hit by Pitches

5) Most Stolen Bases

6) Most Wins

7) Most Complete Games

8) Most Saves

9) Most Strikeouts

10) Most Balks 

Early returns are in and it seems that several of your longtime RR'ers are going to the Civil Rights Game on Saturday May 15th.  A major bonus is the Chuck Harmon jersey giveaway, free to the first 20000 fans.  Most here probably know Chuck was the first African-American ballplayer for the Cincinnati Reds.  He is a tremendously nice guy to boot.  I'll have the kids in tow so i'll be bypassing the traditional Bar Louie pre and postgame drinkfest but I just might take the Hooters shuttle this year.  The kiddos should love the ride across the river.  

If any RR'ers are interested in attending the game here is the official two week notice.  i've heard from tHan and BK and ash, so far.  anyone else interested? 

Earlier today I thought about the best players who have played the majority of their career steroid era and which of those ballplayers i was 100% certain were steroid free.  

Junya. 

Frank Thomas. 

Greg Maddux

Derek Jeter.  

uhhhhhhhhhhh, i hit a brick wall. 

I almost went with Roberto Alomar but he had waaaaaaay too much personal baggage (spitting on umps, being sued by ex-girlfriend for exposing her to AIDS, etc) for me to be completely confident that he was above juicing. I also think that a great many of the pitchers in this era were on the junk also.  There aren't too many top notch pitchers from that era that I don't suspect at all, unfairly or not. 

So, in my calculation there are four guaranteed clean ballplayers that played the majority of their careers in the Roid Era.  My apologies to any seriously worthy HOF candidates that I have omitted.  But, this really ramps up the case for some former ballplayers who, so far, have not been elected to the HOF.  Ron Santo, first and foremost.  Tim Raines, second.  Bert Blyleven.  Dave Parker.  Vada Pinson.  Dick Allen. Alex Trammell.  Barry Larkin.  Lou Whitaker. Dale Murphy. And put Jim Kaat on my list also.   

What ballplayers did i miss?  Pedro?  I'm not completely sold on him...same with the Big Unit.  I definitely have suspicions of the Killer B's in Houston.  Hell, just a couple years ago I was quite certain ManRam and the Volkswagen were clean as a whistle.   

The Reds have lost five games in a row and it seems like an appropriate time to begin some Food Talk.  

This weekend I visited the Cheezburger Cafe in Symmes Township.  The folks at the table got the The Bleu Onion, The California and The Orient.  Reviews were mixed.  Both of my kids who ordered kiddie burgers ordered a 2nd burger before the adults were halfway through their larger burgers.  The fries were hand cut and on par with Penn Station, if you like that sort of thing.  

I was hoping the CB cafe would join the upper echelon of the Burger Tour but, sadly, that wasn't the case.  It definitely avoided the dreaded Bottom 2.  I would eat there again.  But i must admit i'd prefer going to two restaurants across the strip mall (Hot Diggity Dog, a CHI hot dog shop that's pretty damn solid and Kyoto, a solid if unassuming sushi shop).  

That led me to thinking about the three best restaurants I went to for the first time in the past 12 months.  There were many contenders both inside and outside the 275 loop. I had 3 top notch newbies in Chicago last weekend and i'll include those as one selection, its too close to call on which was truly the best.  

1. Barnesburg Tavern ---- Colerain Township.  

2. New Orleans To Go --- Tri County (currently closed and rumoured to be relocating to NKY) 

3. Pizano's Pizzeria, The Grill Room, and The Park Grill....all in the Loop in Chicago, within a couple blocks of Milennium Park.  

So......which places that were "New To You" made the list for y'all the past twelve months?  

Also, as a sad aside I must regretfully inform RR Nation that one of my divorced pals has tied the knot this weekend.  No, it wasn't jch...but a former coworker who has left the workplace to attend law school.  Godspeed, Craig-O. You crazy bastard.  

It was probably the most beautiful Opening Day, weather wise, in memory.  Currently it is pretty shitty as the Tristate is under a Tornado Watch until midnight.  Whew, sometimes you catch the breaks! Quick recap of some of the highlights, and lowlights, of the afternoon.  

*Newport on the Levee had the best parking value in town today, $2.  Props.  

*Most of the phallic graffiti has been removed from the Taylor Southgate bridge.  

*I was surprised to see that the US Bank Arena was open to some sort of social event.  The arena lets smokers out in a roped area and allows them re-entry.  Win.  

*Ash is now in possession of several PNC Bank magnetic schedules, as per custom.  

*The sushi from the UDF store was a complete and utter ripoff. I planned on paying higher dollar for the product but they missed the mark.  $12 for basic, and tiny, california roll pieces aint gonna cut it.  I'd pay no for than $4.99 for that at a grocery store so I think the price should be $7.50 tops.  It looked like supermarket sushi and one only got 6 pieces.  i chose not to purchase it and im a sushi fanatic.  pfffffft.  

*I had two foul balls land within four rows of me in Section 431.  Its always a charge to get that close to a MLB foul ball.  

*The dude next to Westie put on his earphones and promptly fell asleep in the first inning.  He made it halfway through his first beer then proceeded to nap for the next 1.5 hours, minimum.  This was amusing.  Reminded me of the Killer Carlson scene in "Slap Shot".....too much, too soon!  

*The gentleman next to me said the Reds shouldnt pitch to Pujols with the bases empty and two out in the first inning.  I was a little more optimistic seeing as how Aaron Harang had struck out the first two batter.  GONE!  Crappity.  Albert goes 4 for 5 and literally busted ass rounding the first base bag on each of his two singles.  He must have ran 1/3 of the way to second base before quickly retreating.  Good hustle! 

*i was surprised to see Molson on tap at the UDF stand.  Was that there last year?  Did i miss that update? 

*Ben Utecht nailed the National Anthem.  

*During the pregame introductions every player in the starting lineup went and slapped hands with all the reds field staff, coaches and ballplayers.  Except one, who went directly to his spot near the plate.  May be something, may be nothing, Im on the fence on this one.  

*Votto sure seems to hit more opposite field home runs than anyone I can remember.  Maybe Kal Daniels was close.  

*Two of the more exciting plays were executed by none other than Drew Stubbs.  His infield base hit and when he scored from second base on a sharply lined single to RF.  The dude was motoring... 

Can't wait for Game Two where more interesting shenanighans are sure to take place.