It was just another manic Monday: Leake got booked for petty larceny on the worst day of the week for bad PR. Chapman cranked it up to 106 (though pitch/fx says he never got over 104). Reds get mastered by Kevin Correia and the Pirates. But that's all in the very recent past. Time to wipe the slate clean, expunge the record and reset the radar gun. The Arizona Diamondbacks, one of the Reds' favorite punching bags, are in town. The Reds posted a 10-3 record against the Snakes over '09 and '10, though they recently dropped 2 of 3 against them out in Arizona - including team's worst thrashing of the season.
You remember Armando Gallaraga, don't you? He was a central figure in one of last season's most dramatic - and ultimately humane - flash-points. He's had a Volquezian season thus far, starting 2-0 despite a 6.00-something ERA and 5 HRs in 12 innings. Gallaraga has been historically prone to flyballs and home runs. Along with Brandon Phillips' return to the lineup, this should be a recipe for a good offensive showing at the Small Park. Though I seem to remember similar salivation for facing Correia. It could be one of those stretches.
So enjoy the premium lineup, complete with current staff ace Sam LeCure and brought to you by Premium Lineup brand police lineups and identity parades - the brand of choice for discerning witnesses. The Reds also have a fully-staffed outfield corps now. I'd be pretty OK seeing any one of these guys starting, though I would like to see Heisey getting as many LIDR opportunities as possible, especially now that Hermida is up.