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Here we are at the midway point of the season. A win today will give the Reds the exact same record they had after 81 games in 1999, 46-35. Win or lose today, the Reds will remain in sole possession of first place. The last time the Reds held sole position of first place at the 81-game mark of the year was 1995, which is also the last time they made the post-season. Have I created enough good vibes for you on this beautiful Summer day?
How about this? You know that consecutive games on base streak we've been talking about for Joey Votto? It stands at 39 straight games, 56 if you include reaches on error. Well, believe it or not, but Brandon Phillips has actually been on base in more games this year than Votto. In fact, BP has been on base safely (i.e. not including reaches on errors) in 70 of the 79 games he's played this year, which is only 2 fewer than the MLB leader, Prince Fielder, and only trails Robinson Cano by one for second most. Votto has reached base safely in 66 of the 74 games he has played. So, kudos to Phillips. At least all BPs aren't incompetent.
Interesting pitching match up today. Both of these pitchers have pitched well against their current opponent over the last couple of years. Bronson Arroyo last pitched against the Cubs on June 7th of last season, and pitched well, allowing 3 runs over 7 innings, but the Cubs won the game in the 14th when Mike Lincoln imploded. Ryan Dempster faced the Reds in May of this year and pitched well until the 7th when Joey Votto did what he does, hitting a 3-run home run in the 7th to give the Reds a 5-3 victory. It's okay to love a man you've never met, right?
I'm looking forward to this afternoon affair. I'm almost to the point that I expect the Reds to win everyday. Not quite there yet, but I'm getting there.
Go Reds!