But they must not be planning to do that, because they gave that number to Affeldt. Didn't Joe wear # 39 too?

and do it on June 10th vs. the Cardinals. That is the anniversary of his first game June 10, 1944 (ironically enough vs the Cards).

and make sure it happens. Who do we contact with the Reds organization? Who will head this up?

Forgive his error and check out what he did in his four trips to the plate:

2nd: drew a 2-out walk after falling behing 1-2 to Brandon Webb
4th: drew a walk from a 2-2 count against Brandon Webb
6th: with two outs with the Reds down by a run, he took a pitch and then grounded out to third.
9th: w/ one out and the Reds down by two, he took the first two pitches he saw from Brandon Lyon and then swung and missed at a third.

So all in all, Edwin drew two walks against a guy who will likely average fewer than two walks per game, and then in the ninth EdE tried to draw a walk and bring the tying run to the plate. He saw seventeen pitches on the day. Only Griffey saw more (18).

Well, Chris Young saw more (19). And so did Eric Byrnes (20) and Mark Reynolds (18). And Chris Snyder saw just as many (17). But Justin Upton saw more (21).

Check out the Cubs' dirty diapers.

Maybe it has to do with familiarity but I would rather see NoHo leading off and getting the bulk of the playing time. Brendon Webb was pretty on game yesterday. I was not surprised at the anemic offensive. I think that the offense of the 2008 club is less strong than in 2007. EdE and Votto must emerge as the hitters we all think they can be f the Reds are going to be offensively balanced enough to contend. It is also tough to have such a free swinger (BP) batting in front of Dunn, who is obviously more disciplined. Most of the guys just looked over matched by Webb, hope this is not a trend against the better NL pitchers.

I saw a lot of strikeouts, EdE's error, a mental lapse on Valentin's part, and a crushing extra run given up in the 7th inning. These are worrisome signs, but they seem like things within the team's ability to correct. I think it will take some time.

I liked: Weathers and Cordero, Harang pitching through a rough patch and still producing quality work, Patterson's CF defense. I think the team had a chance to win this one and it slipped away. Here's hoping we don't say that too often this year--it depends on how quickly they learn and adjust.

is already bailing on the reds. You guys should go over there and read some. And i actually really like patterson out in the OF
until someone gets hurt or griffey gets traded. Patterson seems to so far be a better lead off hitter than freel, he didnt strike out against web, which is great for a lead off hitter. I also saw he hit the ball hard 3 times. One was a shot right at the second baseman, one was a line drive to the outfield, and i think he had a hard shot down the line stopped by the 1st baseman. those will eventually fall, but until bruce is here hes our best option.
If they had exhumed Marge Schotte and propped her up against the dugout railing, she would have exuded more enthusiasm and fire than Dusty Baker did today.

"I can't stand Baker. The Reds look like lifeless losers just like they did last year. At least Cordero held it together in the 9th. What a tightrope walk this season is going to be. Oh I know, one game doesn't mean anything. And when we're 20 games under .500, there will be other caveats too. $15 million worth of nothing in the dugout."
-A fay poster

The Rays picked up their 2009 option on Carl Crawford today. I thought ctownboy told me he was gonna be available!

Where's Daedalus? DId she get to go to the game?

When Gonzo gets back, he can lead off. His career OBP is lower than Corey's, he's slower, and according to Dusty one of the best shortstops in all of baseball, so you know it has to be true. I'm waiting for us to trade for Tony Pena. I mean, he steals bases less than 50% of the time, can't get on base to save his life, and has a career error/walk ratio of 2 to 1. Without a doubt, he's the greatest shortstop and next great lead off hitter in the game. All he needs is for us to show our faith.

According to USA Today, he's making $3 million this year.

FWIW, there are several players on the list that do not match MLB4U or Cots, so this may not be completely right. Plus, their total salary of $74,117,695 is about $10 million less than what I came up with on the wiki. I'm not saying that I'm necessarily right, just that there is a disconnect somewhere. For instance, Griffey and Arroyo seem to be missing a large amount of money - Griffey's is deferred money and I believe Arroyo's number on USA Today is his old contract, which was over-written by the new deal.