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It's a good thing that the Cincinnati Reds have held off trading Johnny Cueto prior to the All Star Break, as they enter the ceremonial midway point 15 1/2 games out of first place and wins in 4 of their last 10 games. Before everyone can catch All Star Fever, the Reds must play one more game in Miami where ASG snub Johnny Cueto will take the mound against Dan Haren.
Despite a lack of run-support, Johnny Cueto has put together a fantastic first half. In 16 starts, he sits at 111 strikeouts in 113 innings with a WHIP of 0.871. While some awfuller people will point to his 6-5 record, his 2.61 ERA is currently 9th in the major leagues while he has walked only 21 batters in 443 batters faced. On Sunday, Cueto may be wary of Marlin Casey McGhee. In 24 plate appearances, McGhee has compiled 7 hits including a home run and 2 doubles.
Today's episode of "Is He Still Around?" features Dan Haren. The 34 year-old righty joined the Marlins in 2015 and, like Cueto, has a 6-5 record. Unlike Cueto, he has a 3.34 ERA and has averaged only 6.5 strikeouts per 9 innings. If there's one person who doesn't fear Dan Haren on the Reds, it is probably Marlon Byrd. In 32 plate appearances, Byrd has 14 hits, including 5 doubles, a triple, and 3 home runs. In fact, his OPS is a beautiful 1.500. Perhaps the Byrdman will be able to up his own trade value this afternoon against Miami.
Based on their performance on Saturday, it appears the front office told the entire Reds organization that yesterday was the official start of the All Star Break. Let's hope they realize the need to play 9 more innings before they break for the second half othe season.
Go Reds.
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