Red Reposter - 6/2/09

Jared Burton was demoted before the beginning of Monday's game to make way for Edinson Volquez. Burton says he understands the demotion because he knows he wasnt pitching well. He has a 6.33 ERA in 20 appearances.

Chris Dickerson is the yin to Jared Burton's yang as Burton has lost confidence in himself and struggled, Dickerson says boosting his confidence has helped him get back on track. "I was mentally paralyzing myself with negativity," Dickerson said. "That was no way to play. I wasn't having any fun and was putting too much pressure on myself to do well. As long as I go out there and be myself and let things naturally take over, I will have success."

Dusty Baker says he's not worried about Joey Votto.
He says he hasnt spoken to Votto since Friday but he knows he'll call when he's ready. "He is one of the most respectful players I've had, easily. He's wonderful on and off the field. He's a pro like I'd like to have my son be. A great example."

Rick Hummel at the St Louis Post-Dispatch
says Dusty Baker really earned his pay with that win last night. I wholeheartedly agree. It aint easy to pull out a game like that with Jerry Hairston sick, Willy Taveras out with a sore hamstring, your best hitter Joey Votto on the DL, and your starting pitcher leaving after 1 inning. Kudos Dusty.

Jeff at Redlegs Rundown wonders if last night was the biggest win of the year
so far for these Reds. And with Arroyo facing Brad Thompson tonight, who hasnt pitched in over 2 weeks, and Cueto facing Kyle Lohse on Wednesday, he has high hopes for the rest of the series.

Redleg Nation hands out their Minor League Player of the Month Awards for May
and the winners are Chris Heisey and Travis Wood.

The Baseball Analysts: 2009 Draft Day Spotlight: Tanner Scheppers
This is the guy that Baseball America thinks the Reds will pick in the draft, though it's doubtful that he'll be around when the Reds pick.  Personally, I'd be just fine with any of the polished college pitchers coming out, like Kyle Gibson, Aaron Crow, Alex White, or Scheppers.

Here's a neat little website that lists the day's weather for each game.

Name the 90+ Stolen Base Club
A fun little quiz to do instead of work.

The 10 Most Embarrassing First Pitches of All Time
A famous Reds Opening Day first pitch heads up the list. Also check out the TRex!

Good Grief! - ESPN Video - ESPN
ESPN Video: Charlie Brown throws out the first pitch - Likely inspiration for the Top 10 list from Bleacher Report.

The Sporting News takes a look at some of the surprise teams so far
and the Reds make the list. Even after stumbling against the Brewers, series against the Cards and Cubs are still important.  Looks like the Reds are starting to turn some heads.

Adam Dunn thinks he might be too patient at the plate, but he can't change
RLN linked to this a couple of days ago.

THT has their weekly rankings
and the Reds come in at #10.

Chris Heisey Interview
from Randy in Chattanooga at first inning.  I havent got to read this myself yet, but Heisey is becoming one of my favorite prospects.