Aaron Harang is not only the veteran Ace of the Reds staff, he apparently is their top magician as well. Why? Well it seems every time the poor guy takes the mound the offense dissappears. I've not seen such a hard luck pitcher in my life!! Although his ERA is below 4.00 he ranks among the league leaders in losses. He must have done something to piss the the rest of the team off for such a consistent lack of production. While the road losses mount, you still have to believe this club is finally starting to move in the right direction. How great to see Danny Herrera in his ML debut enter with 2nd and 3rd no outs and the kid pitches out of it unscathed? For all those naysayers whining about the trade of Josh Hamilton I'd give up a triple crown winner for a Cy Young pitcher everytime, especially if we get a solid middle reliever to boot. So far Herrera has impressed on every level and his 1st major league start was no exception. Bailey's coming up on Thursday and I have no doubt that he may take his lumps against a good hitting Phillies club; but in the long haul he'll pan out...if the Reds could figure out how to win on the road this year look out. If not, at least the future is very bright in Cincinnati.
Chad Johnson was newsworthy today after weeks of silence following his non trade to Washington. He was first quoted as saying he would be showing up for the Bengals mandatory workouts, stating "I may be crazy but I'm not stupid.....of course I'll show up"
Later in the day he gave himself some wiggle room, stating that he had other options, and not playing was a real possibility. From where I'm sitting it looks alot like he'll be collecting his paychecks this year. His backing down from the original "trade me or I sit" demand reminds me of the Seinfeld episode in which George told off his boss and quit from the real estate agency, and then when he realized he wasn't suited for anthing else, he showed up for work on Monday morning as if nothing happened. That would be the best path to follow for both Chad and the Bengals. Let him fall into line and keep his mouth semi-shut (Chad could never close it altogether). If the Bengals start winning, that might heal the wounds caused by his offseason rant (Cincy managment is still partially to blame as well...Chad was right when he said no one had his back other than Carson or T.J.)
On the other hand, if doublespeak Chad does eventually try to wreak havoc ala T.O Marvin and the gand need to follow suyit like the Eagles and suspend his ****...
Cincinnati sports...even if our teams are not winning, there's always enough drama to at least keep our interest!!!!!!!!!!!!
