The Front Row

Hannigan with his second HR a 3 run shot Reds up 11-3!!!!!!!!!!

Most experts including many Reds radio people don't think the Reds can repeat their offensive numbers from last year. So far...they look pretty darn good.

What a way to start the season! A 3-game sweep over anyone would have been great, but to do it against the team that is supposed to be their toughest foe in the NL Central was quite impressive.

And don't forget my friends:

www.threewaychili.com

Got a Roy Oswaltless Astro club coming in next. Can't wait til Tuesday.

I could really go for a bowl of that now, they just can't do it right in the Metro DC area.

I was downtown at GABP yesterday for the 12-3 win over the Brewers. Not sure what the crowd was my guess in the 25,000 range, late arriving crowd (must be hard to get there and get parked after leaving church at 12, I dunno).

Those who haven't been yet, get ready for this: All of the parking looks to be up $5 over last year. The "official" Reds parking west of the stadium toward PBS is now a robust $17. I thought they used to charge $10. I didn't see what it is in the garage east of the coliseum.

Even the downtown garages are $10. Oh, and the free parking at Public Landing is no more, either. They charge $10 as well. Apparently, this is what happens when you have a winner.

Reds pounded out 19 hits. I made the comment that if they're going to hit the ball like this, they will be playing a lot of 3-hour games.

We saw 4 HRs. The one Brandon Phillips hit went a mile high and just carried out. Wind was blowing out hard to left. There were no fireworks yesterday, though. I presume that was because of high winds, because I thought I heard them when they won on Thursday.

When Rolen hit the ground rule double into the right-field gap, fan in the front row caught it. He then waved it in the face of the Brewers OFs. Then the guy next to him pulled out his broom and waved it in their faces too. They replayed it on the big board and the whole crowd roared. Great moment. Mind you it was only like 6-2 or 7-2 at that point.

Arroyo was dealing. Yes, he gave up 2 bombs, but he never let small problems become big issues and pitched 7 innings. Ondrusek let 2 guys get on but got out of it somehow in the 8th.

I figured we would see Chapman because he had not pitched yet this year. It was 12-3 but he got a standing O when he trotted in. Man, is he a thoroughbred. I wonder if they let Cordero walk after this year and just make him the closer. It's not like they need him to start with the excess they have there (Volquez, Wood, Arroyo, Leake, Cueto, Bailey).

I think he threw about 10-12 pitches. He hit 103 at least 3 times and 100 a couple more. How about a 91 mph change-up to mess with your head? He got a weak grounder to first, struck out the second guy on a 103 mph pitch and got third guy out weakly to second. Game ova.

We then surrounded Jim Day's new FSN set down the third base line on the concourse and got the loud "Sweep, sweep, sweep, sweep!" chant going.

Man there is an enthusiasm I can't recall since mid-1990s. Walt Jocketty is the best thing to hit Cincinnati since Gold Star Chili. Every move makes sense and they are finding guys who fit roles and can actually play this game. After spending the last 15 years in the desert, this is very refreshing!

Below is a pic I shot from the 500 level down first base line. I will be using it as my desktop backdrop for now. We could have sat in the OF, but I like infield even if I'm up high. My brother-in-law says the Moon Deck behind RF fence isn't bad either.

I'd like to see Chapman in the rotation next year Steve and maybe become that #1 stud stopper we're currently missing. Cordero is gone after this year, but I think Masset could fill the closer role. If we can get Burton back healthy and dealing by next season and put Homer in the pen, we'll still be stacked with some power arms down there. Maybe a relief role might help Homer stay healthy?

My nomination for the most underrated starting pitcher in baseball is Arroyo. Never misses a start, goes deep into the game most of the time, and he won 17 games last year for cryin' out loud! A sub 4 ERA in a big time hitter's park. He's getting better with age. He's the perfect number 3 for most rotations.

There were no fireworks yesterday because it was a dogs in the park day. So they don't want the dogs freaking out