Today's heartbreaker of a loss was a microcosm of this entire season.  I was at work and following the game on the computer, expecting a poor outing by Belisle and a reds loss.  Well. the poor outing was delivered as expected, but the offense kept them in it which was an unexpected surprise.  Of course, each time the Reds got the lead, Reds pitchers gave it back, blowing leads in multiple innings, and in the end the Reds bats finally  petered out.  The defense cost them the game and a poor decision to pitch to San diego's top offensive player when Volquez was behind in the count 3-1 instead of walking him and facing a righty with 2 outs proved a fatal mistake.  Reds did better while Dusty was suspended.  Left 17 on base

Excuse the hell out of me if I don't get all excited about a win against the Padres.  Their relievers have already blown 9 of 18 possible saves?  At least they're getting that many save opportunities.  How many times do we have to see this??!!  A starter pitching his **** off and the offense so meager they lose or barely win the game.  As questionable as the middle relief seems to be stat wise (and you can bend stats to make your point any which way) the bottom line is they have absolutely no wiggle room.  Last years' staff would blow a 6 run lead...this year's bullpen has to be nearly perfect, otherwise the Reds offense and their inexplicable amount of baserunning blunders will take them out of every game.  If they can salvage this trip with 3 of 4 from the last place Padres, maybe I'll smile...

Red House...Can't wait to get back to the Reds House!!!