Archive for fall weather
Fall and recap of the Reds Season
Posted by: | CommentsIt appears autumn has once again arrived. The leaves seem more than typical this year. I love the crisp mornings that seem to bring an energy all their own to each new day. Autumn brings an end to sweltering days but still nice enough to enjoy the great outdoors. It also brings the first thought of the World Series, holidays, and, of course, Cats basketball. However, it inevitably brings to mind the future winter of our discontent.
Well, the Reds are finished for another year after succumbing to superior pitching. They have a good foundation, but some changes must be in order. Several contracts are up and I hope will not be renewed. I believe Harang is a given, but they should also bid farewell to Nix, Gomes, Cabrera, and Rhodes. These older players are too worn down in the second half of the season. Rolen should also have his role curtailed next year. They should be hunting for a third baseman for the future and a good right handed hitting left fielder for the present with emphasis on base hitting and bat control. This team must get away from home run or nothing mentality if they are to proceed deeper in the playoffs. I think the pitching will improve next year if they make the right choices. As the playoffs revealed, Chapman needs more experience. He doesn’t have control of two pitches, let alone the three he would need as a starter. The bullpen needs shoring up. Cordero and Massett are both inconsistent with their control and cannot be trusted on a regular basis. If Homer Bailey continues to throw a lot pitches, he may be better suited to the bullpen. I also believe a couple of the extra starters, LeCure and Maloney might be better than some of the people who are in the bullpen now. Either way, the pitchers must throw fewer and smarter pitches. They would be best served with Arroyo, Cueto, Leake, Wood, and Volquez as starters.
The Reds are set at 1st, 2nd, CF, RF, and catcher. SS should be turned over to Janish and they need to package a pitcher and either Alonso or Francisco for a good base hitting RH LF. They should also try to sign a part time 3rd baseman as Francisco strikes out too much and is a poor fielder. We don’t need any more swing from the heels hitters.
Well, that is my take. See you next week. Doc
Fantasy Football, Baseball Playoffs, George Blanda and we skipped Fall again
Posted by: | CommentsWooHoo! Finally a win in fantasy football although I had to sweat it out until Monday night. I’m now off the schnied. It still appears to be a topsy-turvy year in the NFL with more surprises to follow. The baseball playoffs are still up in the air in both leagues. While six of eight spots have been decided, it’s anyone’s guess who will play whom. With the Padres and Giants closing out the season against one another and only ½ game between Yankees and Rays, the matchups may not be known until the last pitch is thrown. All I know for sure is the Reds need wins to try to nail down the #2 seed and avoid the Phillies in the 1st round.
It was sad to hear of the passing of George Blanda. While I am too young to remember his heyday, I fondly remember his kicking exploits on the Raiders champion teams of the 70’s as the grand old man in the NFL. He was one of the main reasons I became interested in football.
Once again my back has risen up to bite me. It actually went out while reaching for my golf shoes on Saturday morning. I wasn’t sure I would be able to get back in the car. The pain was enormous. Sunday morning I barely made it out of bed. However, with rest, ice, and two trips to the chiropractor, it is gradually getting better. I may not have to use a walker after all! This injury did not allow me to enjoy the wonderful weather of the weekend.
Speaking of the weather—what happened to the temps from 75 to 85. We skipped over that span again. I hate when that happens.
Until next week, Doc.
