Update on the Reds

I haven't mentioned the Reds much lately, but not surprising since there is not much to say. A couple of weeks ago they did climb to within 6 1/2 games to entertain the idea of getting in the playoff race, but then promptly lost 5 games.

What's nice about this time of year is that you get to see a lot of new faces just called up from the minors. These are kids who might be fighting for a spot on next year's opening day roster. Let me highlight a couple of rookies and a veteran:

Bronson Arroyo - He has not had the success he had last year. The first part of the season, he pitched pretty bad. Yes, he did have a couple of decent games, but there was no consistency. The second half has been better, but he has been victimized by the horrible bullpen (4 blown saves) or lack of any run support. Here is what the Reds page on Fox Sports has to say:-RHP Bronson Arroyo makes his team-leading 30th start Friday when the Reds host the Brewers. In Arroyo's previous starts, the team is 10-19 while scoring 113 runs (3.9 per game). The Reds have scored two runs or fewer in 13 of his 29 starts, and he has been victimized by four blown saves.

Josh Hamilton - The kid, the natural, keeps playing hard, making good decisions and staying on the straight and narrow. He was a featured speaker at the Faith Night hosted by the Reds last month. He will keep the starting CF position for next year.

Joey Votto - --1B Joey Votto's first major league hit Wednesday was a home run, joining teammates CF Josh Hamilton and C Ryan Jorgensen who this made their first major league hit a home run this year. Joey went 3-3 with a walk, a home run, 2 singles, 2 runs and an RBI in his first start. He will be the first baseman next year. He was huge in AAA this year.

Tom Shearn - Tom is a 30 year old, career minor leaguer with 354 minor league appearances before getting his first start. Now 2-0 with a 3.12 ERA, Shearn has put himself into consideration for next year's rotation. Manager Pete Mackanin says that he is fearless, which is attributed to his age and experience over the fact that he is a rookie. He is not the typical rookie. He will be vying for a rotation spot next year.

Well that is it for the update. I hope they sweep the Brewers this weekend.