Although it is only a few games into the Pete McManson era, the Reds are just plain playing better. I am sure to some degree this comes from the normal painful reaction to change = 'I'd better get humping or my ass may be next'  kinda thing. However it just could be that Pete has, at least for a while, taken control of the dugout, the clubhouse and the team. Sounds like he's actually talked "face to face" with some or most of the players. (Jerry tried to but no one could usually figure out what the hell he was trying to say.) Pete seems to know that listening to players and  being more inclusive with persons of great  talent and even greater ego, are good tools to have in the old management toolbox, and Pete appears to know how to use them.I like this guy so far.

HOWEVER exciting this new incarnation of a major league manager may be, I am certain that there is an even deeper, nay, seminal primal-force behind this sudden and renewed interest in actually winning games. This thrilling change (albeit a little late to make much difference this year) can be traced, without question, to the re-incarnation of Alan. A new and larger than life re-invention of a cyber personality who had given his total identity up as a sacrifice for the betterment of the team, has arisen from the void: FVA - Fat Vegas Alan , may I call you Fat Al, is Back. Back and in an incarnation that is cyber-identity incarnate. Which is to say that it is not a coincidence that his resurrection has coincided with a Redserection. Alan fought and gave his life for the players. Since his return games are being won by playing to each player's strengths and not by some antiquated 'basebook book' approach. This new team - this new managemnt has Rolled away the Stone - Fat Vegas Al is on winning streak that may just go on and on.    
Thanks Pete and Thanks FVA