A sweep would have really helped, but two out of three isn't bad. They're still in the picture anyway. Sort of.
Quick thoughts:
- Bronson Arroyo is nearly singlehandedly allowing the Reds to hang around. That's now three wins in a row, and three wins in the month of September for Bronson. His ERA through 213.1 IP is 3.29. Barring a disastrous outing in his next few starts he's going to finish the year with some incredible stats for a Reds pitcher.
- Every day I have to mention Rich Aurilia, because every day lately he's doing something outstanding. I don't generally buy into the "vet who's been there before" kind of talk, but you look at Aurilia and Arroyo and it's easy to start buying into it.
- I'm not sure using Norris Hopper as a leadoff hitter is generally going to be a good idea, but he got on base yesterday two out of three times. Freel did need a day off, but when Freel, or Hatteberg, or Aurilia, or EdE gets a day off I don't think it's a good idea to compound things by playing Royce Clayton and hitting him second. Not to mention Chris Denorfia. I'm seriously disappointed in his showing so far. Small sample size still, but I really thought he'd be a solid player who'd play good defense and get on base at a reasonable clip. We haven't seen much of that yet.
- Is Scott Schoeneweis the closer from here on out? Fine by me if he is, he's pitched really well. I can't imagine him continuing it long term given his career stats, but I'm enjoying it so far.
- The next three games are pretty much the season. If the Reds can take two out of three, at a minimum, then we can still have a shred of hope. If they lay down again for the Padres then it really will be over.