Reflections on Today's Game (4/30/06)

While today's game ended the Reds winning streak, there were a lot of positives to be seen here:

• Second consecutive quality start by E-Z Ramirez. It's great to see this young kid having some success. It is somewhat alarming to see that he walked two batters, but if he can just come in and throw a good first inning, it seems like he'll be ok. If Ramirez keeps this up, it'll be interesting to see who gets bumped when either Wilson or Milton come back. Dave Williams is going to have to really pick it up to keep his job...I'll take a game like Elizardo threw today (6 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 6 K, 2 BB, 2 HR) any day over Williams' last "winning" outing (5 IP, 4 ER, 9 H, 0 K, 1 BB, 2 HR).
  
• I get a warm-fuzzy feeling any time the Reds' pitchers allow less than 4 runs in a game. The Reds have allowed less than 4 runs nine times this season. Today is the only one of those games that they've lost. 'Grats to our pitchers today.
  
• One of the things I just love about baseball is how unpredictable it is. Case in point: Brandon Phillips went his first 16 games with the Reds without a walk. Yesterday he walks for the first time all year. Today he walks three times. His OBP has skyrocketed over the past few games, and is now at a very impressive 0.389 after being down in the low 0.300's. Keep it up kid.
  
• Adam Dunn hit his first home run since April 17th today. Dunner's consistently gotten on base (scored 9 runs) during his "slump," but has only hit one extra-base hit in that time (yesterday's double). Hopefully Dunn can start getting hot again, though it is awfully impressive to see how he can maintain productivity via walks even while struggling with the bat.
• The Reds continued to battle the whole game, and had the go-ahead run on base with two-outs in the bottom of the ninth. It's tough to do that against a guy like Brad Lidge, even if he isn't quite in his top form. Let's hope they can continue their roll as the Cards come into town. It will be good to see Arroyo tomorrow.

I'm watching the Indians/Rangers game right now (time-delay). I have to say, I like this Cleveland team. Young, fun, and well-balanced. Jake Westbrook has thrown a heck of a game. I like that kid. I wonder if he's still available... to bad Cleveland doesn't need a catcher.