This and that

One of the things you hate to see happen is when a young player finally gets a chance to prove his worth, and comes through.......only to go down to injury. Jeff Keppinger is an example of one of the many good things that Wayne Krivsky did for the Reds. We traded for him for a minor league pitcher who will likely never step foot on a major league field. This season, Jeff proved that last year wasn't a fluke by hitting .320 over the first month and a half and making all the plays at short. He was even starting to look like a possible all star, although likely not because he's a Red. As a result, the Reds lost their best hitter with RISP (seems like the only hitter with RISP) and an excellent clutch hitter.

But with our first two SS's out with knee injuries, the Reds decided to bring up Paul Janish (pronounced YA-NISH). I've known who he was since he was drafted by the Reds several years ago. He has always been known as a stud defensive SS, but just average with the bat. He's never been a power hitter, and until this year, about a .250 career batter. When he was brought up, he was hitting .293, and had a decent RBI count. All he did in his major league debut last night, was show that he needs to be paid attention to. He came up clutch in his first major league at bat with RISP, after flying out to deep left field in the 8th. He's brought a novel concept to the club. With 2 strikes, its ok to just try to make decent contact.

His talent mixed with his enthusiasm might just infuse the Reds with some energy for a while. I hope he gets a chance to start some games in the next 6 weeks, because this may be his only opportunity to make an impression with Jocketty, as the Reds have several young, good hitting SS's coming through the system, at least one of which should stay at Short. I'm rooting for Janish to do well.

One sign that the Reds bullpen is much improved (besides the fact that Coffey is in AAA), is the fact that not only was last night the Reds 1st blown save, but even with that, the Reds have not lost a game in which they lead at the end of 6 innings. The last 4 to 5 years, that wouldn't have been possible. All we need now is for Belisle to be sent down. I'm not gonna scream for Homer Bailey to be brought up, but anybody is better than Belisle. He's gotten a full chance, and has proved that he is not a good major league starting pitcher.

Bruce deserves to be up though. Trade Griffey, release Patterson, or both, then bring Bruce up. He's hitting .350 and tearing the cover off the ball. He's ready.

BTW, I'm heading to Cincinnati at the end of this month, to catch a Reds Braves game, but the wife and I will be in town for 5 nights or so. If anybody has any suggestions, they would be greatly appreciated.

Maltzy