Tonight will not be the 2011 MLB debut of Dontrelle Willis. But he's probably not far off. The Reds have two 40-man spots open and two woefully under-performing pitchers in the rotation. Obviously, Bronson Arroyo is not going to be DFA'd or traded. But he may be more injured than he's letting on.
It's only two losses in a row. With 74 games left. But we're not in Basket Baby territory yet. So enter Exasperated Richard Schiff, UncleWeez creation and allegorical fan stand-in. If you'll remember: "ERS is unhappy that the Reds are losing. ERS wants the Reds to win. ERS would really just LOVE to get his hands off his head, but he can't." Until the Reds stop playing like it's 2009 again.
Lineup, photo after the jump.
INT. - A Hooter's near the Gateway Arch.
EXASPERATED RICHARD SCHIFF: Whoo boy. You guys are trying to improve the team, right? Please tell me you are? This reminds me of that horrible episode of the West Wing that was about a filibuster. And also featured the staff members e-mailing their family. What is going on with Jay Bruce exactly? Did he drink some kind of Alice in Wonderland-style Opposite potion?
REDS: Calm down, Richie. Remember when Volquez declined that extension offer? That was pretty good, right?
EXASPERATED RICHARD SCHIFF: My exasperation levels are VERY high.
REDS: I know, buddy.
LINEUP
Heisey CF
Renteria SS
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Rolen 3B
Lewis LF
Hanigan C
Arroyo P