So I've decided to make a point a) to write on my blog more often, and b) to have a "weekly feature," if you will. It will focus on the good things in sports from the week before, the bad things, and those downright ugly things.

So welcome to the first in what I hope remains a fixture on this blog!

The good

1. Ken Griffey Jr. hits #600.
   
   
   He's a native Ohioan. He's been a quiet legend, never wanting to draw attention to himself.
   
   Most importantly, he's clean.
   
   I'm glad Griffey was able to get the monkey off his back. It's been a long time coming, and I couldn't be happier for him. It's too bad he had to hit it in the vaccuum that is Florida Marlins baseball, but maybe it's fitting, as Griff never seemed to want the attention that came his way with this journey.
   
   Whatever the case, allow me to say it here: Congratulations, Junior - you earned this one.
   
   
2. Volquez continues his domination of baseball.
   
   
   
   What a steal.
   
   Of course, I don't mean for the Reds... I mean for me. I got Volquez in my fantasy baseball draft for 11 points. It's a keeper league, adding 5 points each year I keep a player. We have 260 points to work with. Oh yeah, and did I mention he's garnered me a staggering 242 fantasy points in 11 weeks - an average of 22 points a week!
   
   While I doubt he starts the All-Star game (he's scheduled to start on Saturday, and the AS Game's on Tuesday), he has more than earned his place on the roster. Leader in strikeouts and ERA, 9 wins, one loss that was not really his fault (how do you beat a 3-hit shutout?), and the other loss in a relief appearance... the man has been nothing short of amazing. And this is coming from a Hamilton fan.
   
   I'd make that trade all over again.
   
   
3. Jeff Keppinger is close to coming back.
   
   
   I know Jerry Hairston Jr. has filled in admirably (more on that in The Bad), but having Mr. Consistency back in our lineup will allow us more versatility when Hairston comes back.

The Bad

1. Jerry Hairston, Jr. is out 2-4 weeks with a fractured left thumb.
   
   
   
   Ouch. In more ways than one.
   
   Not only is this bad for Hairston, the Reds have lost another consistent offensive threat. Why is it that all of our shortstops fracture things? Watch out, Soft J!
   
   And who would have thought we would be wanting Hairston back at the beginning of the season?
   
   
2. The Reds' catchers hitting stats are abysmal of late.
   
   
   Not that this should be surprising, but the Reds catchers can't seem to get a hit. Bako and Ross over the last 30 days are averaging .138 and .238 respectively, with 18 hits between the two of them. Bako has struck out 20 times in his last 58 ABs.
   
   At least they can hit homeruns...? Three of their 18 hits are homeruns.
   
   
3. Aaron Harang is in trouble.
   
   
   The losses early I couldn't blame on him - when your team doesn't score, you don't win. But run support hasn't been the problem lately.
   
   That is, unless you mean Harang's ERA support...16 ER in his last three games?
   
   Now, I'm not a fatalist - I think he'll bounce back. But for now, Reds nation has reason to be concerned.

The Ugly

1. The Reds's road woes.
   
   
   12-24. It's pathetic really. And 2 losses in 3 games to rookie pitchers. This Friday (vs. rookie Justin Masterson, 3-0) should be interesting.
   
   
2. Homer Bailey's second start in 2008.
   
   
   No control after the first time through the lineup.
   
   Looks like Homer really didn't learn anything in AAA.
   
   
3. Having to decide how to cheer on Friday...
   
   
   Do I cheer for my team? Or the kid starting for the Sox that I've known since junior high? There's no right way to do this, is there?