Louisville manager Rick Sweet says in this Courier-Journal story by C.L. Brown that Homer Bailey is much more prepared for his second stint in the big leagues than he was in his first.

We'll see -- Bailey gave up two runs on three hits in 2.2 innings Sunday night. He pitched well in his previous outing -- giving up just one earned run in six innings at Columbus, but before that, he'd allowed at least three earned runs in each of his previous six starts, and had four or more runs in five of those six.

He'll take the mound Thursday in Philadelphia, a place where he hasn't been too successful. Last season he gave up six runs before being lifted in the second inning of an 11-4 Reds loss. The Phillies' bats are certainly ready for Bailey. The Philies averaged 10 runs a game in their last seven.

* Wow, the Reds and Jay Bruce leading off SportsCenter.

* I think everyone's written a ton already on Jay Bruce, but if you haven't read Tom Archdeacon from the Dayton Daily News today, make sure you do. It gives even more insight on why Bruce has handled his success and why he's just so grounded, despite every reason not to be. Great job by Arch, really.

* The best nickname I've heard so far for Jay Bruce came from Javier Valentin -- "Babe Bruce." ESPN seems to be pitching "The Boss" -- I'm sure Mo Egger likes that one.

* Anyone still want to trade Jay Bruce for Erik Bedard?

* Daryl Thompson is pitching tonight in Louisville. I was thinking about taking Brutus down there for their Dog Day. I still may. But that darn $4 a gallon gas.

* Dusty Baker strikes again. He ruined Mark Prior's arm all the way in San Diego. The Reds were just there, so it can't be a coincidence.

* Buck O'Neil may not have a plaque in the Hall of Fame, but he'll have a statue. I think it's a perfect tribute for one of the great figures of the game.

* Scott Hatteberg could be headed to Seattle. That would be a good spot for him. He's from Washington and lives there.

 * Jose Guillen isn't backing down from his comments earlier this week. An odd guy, maybe because he's pretty much open and honest about everything. Whether he's right or not, he says what he feels, which is interesting.

* Speaking of, another Guillen, Ozzie, is known for the same thing. And here he goes again.

* Baseball is looking at maple bats.

* Yeah, I'm easy, I'm actually excited about Celtics-Lakers. I know it's rooting for laundry, but the NBA Finals looks good with Green vs. Gold and Purple.

* If I started driving now, Brutus and I could probably make it to Athens for the 7 p.m. game against Tech. I can't say I'm not tempted. But if $4 gas is keeping me from Louisville.... But this is Tech...

* Aggies take on Arizona for the Women's College World Series.

 * Can you believe my girlfriend went to see the Sex in the City movie without me? Yeah, darn shame. I'm crushed. Really. (As my friend Josh once perfectly summed it up, "not enough sex, too much city.")

* How about the dogs in China?

 * Prince, Radiohead. Yes.