http://www.yardbarker.com/content/team/7 Recent articles about the Cincinnati Reds en-us Trade rumors are swirling around Brian Fuentes, but he's pitching impressively in the meantime, says Mike Harmon. Also, fantasy news on the Mets and latest injury updates on Takashi Saito, Chris Carpenter, Bobby Jenks and David Ortiz. How will Scott Kazmir's and Dan Uggla's performance in the All-Star game affect them? Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:05:42 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292738 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292738 Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips — playing against the Mets this evening — turned one of the most aesthetically pleasing double plays I've ever seen. I don't know if it was on par with his two-bag thievery last season, but it was certainly close. You tell me. Oh, yeah, Chad Johnson's job security is in danger. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:57:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292682 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292682 Foxsports.com fantasy writer Gerritt Ritt's list of the Top 50 fantasy players in MLB. Josh Hamilton leads in RBI and is hitting more than .300 makes him the first half's top fantasy player. These rankings are updated weekly during the MLB season. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 15:50:15 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292595 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292595 A look back at the career of Barry Larkin and his Hall of Fame worthiness. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:48:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292503 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292503 Other stuff that happened a couple days ago was Jerry Hairston went on the DL with a strained hammy, and is supposedly going to be back at the end of that DL stint. Jolbert Cabrera call activated. The other move that I forget to update everyone about was Bobby Livingston getting taken off the 60 day DL after labrum surgery. He was sent to AA to continue his recovery. He is an interesting candidate for some starts at the end of the year if the Reds decide to shut down one of the younger starters. Of course I really doubt the Reds are a smart enough franchise to limit the innings of Cueto, Bailey, or Volquez. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:19:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292419 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292419 In honor of ESPN's horrifically dumb idea to turn 20 places into Titletown, the good folks at Juiced Spots figured, what if you flip the script. What if there was a competition for the Anti-Title town? The area so bad, that their fans are almost ashamed to root for their so called 'teams.' What if you had to pick "Loser-ville?" What city or school would fit the bill? Well, here's the criteria. It's rather simple really. The town has to either: a) been absolutely awful recently, whether it be in pro sports or college. And if you can find a high school bad enough in sports that they deserve to be on this list, well, we commend you, and we'd be more then happy to consider them. b) historically bad, whether it be an area that hasn't won a championship in years (like 20) or if its a college, a school that hasn't won a meaningful championship in only who knows when. c) have atrocious fan support, so bad that the teams are either just about out the door or that their fans stopped showing up. d) have been run so poorly that there seems like there is absolutely no hope whatsoever, and that makes you sad. So get your city or school out there because, we're looking for the worst of the worst. Cities so bad that if ESPN featured them on Titletown as a joke, you'd laugh so hard you'd pee yourself. In the meantime, as we garner your suggestions and eventually compile our list, we'd like you to suggest some players or coaches or even owners, that would represent "Loser-ville" and make them proud. So that's it. That's our story and we're sticking to it. Your only job is to give us your city or town, or just a place that you think fits the title of "Loser-ville." Remember, in this competition, no one wins. But everybody loses! Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:42:11 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292412 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292412 This is by no means anything definitive but it is interesting. Of the three other NL teams to have ever sent 8 players to the All-Star game, two; the 1943 Cardinals and the 1960 Pirates made it to the World Series, with the Pirates winning it. The other team, the '56 Reds finished the season in third place. Does any of this make you feel more or less confident? Me either. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:02:59 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292404 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292404 We are now in the post All-Star break portion of the season, which means it's that magical time where guys like Paul Konerko and Adam LaRoche turn things around. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:06:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292278 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292278 It's ba-ack! That's right, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly has returned! Check out this morning's edition..... Fri, 18 Jul 2008 09:30:35 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292154 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292154 Fenerbahce have emerged as the main competition to Liverpool, for Albert Riera's signature. Liverpool was strongly linked with Riera for a number of months and now Barcelona-based media are suggesting that The Reds have made fresh contact. But the Turkish giants have recently appointed Luis Aragones as coach and the man who led Spain to Euro [...] Fri, 18 Jul 2008 05:35:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292073 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292073 The Cubs begin the so-called 2nd half tomorrow night in Houston.  They have 32 at home and 35 on the road the rest of the way.  The average record of their opponent is 47-47.  In the Central, Cincy, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh have an average opponent record of 46-48 the rest of the way while Houston and St. Louis have to face better than .500 opponents, on average (48-46).  The Cubs have 14 games left this month.  10 of those 14 are on the road.  The Cubs play 3 in Houston, 3 in Arizona, come back home for 4 against the Marlins and then go up Milwaukee for 4 games closing out the month. August is a friendly month to the Cubs.  19 of 28 games in August are at home.  Between August 1st and August 27th the Cubs have a chance to open up an even more comfortable lead in this division.  They do play a couple tough teams, but the month begins with a 9-game home stand with 3 each against the Pirates, Astros and Cardinals.  The Cubs go on the road for 6 after that.  They play 3 in Atlanta and 3 in Florida.  And leading up to the 27th the Cubs then open up a 6-game home stand against the Reds and Nationals and then play 3 in Pittsburgh.  In that span from the 1st to the 27th of August, the Cubs play the Pirates 6 times, Reds, Astros, and the Nationals.  The Cubs should beat up on these teams.  They also play the Cardinals, Braves and Marlins.  The finish out the month of August with 4 at home against Philly. As friendly as August was, September is the opposite.  Only 9 of 25 at home.  The first couple weeks, however, are relatively easy.  They begin the month with 3 at home against Houston.  They then head out on a 9-game road trip to Cincy, St. Louis and Houston.  Just 13 games left at that point, 6 at home and 7 on the road to finish the season.  Milwaukee and St. Louis come in for 3 games each before the Cubs hit the road for the final week of the season.  They play 4 against the Mets and then finish the year with 3 in Milwaukee. A lot of Houston, St. Louis and Milwaukee left for the Cubs.  Thu, 17 Jul 2008 23:19:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292008 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/292008 For a while Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinatti Reds was on the trading block and was very likely to be dealt. Two teams in the bunch were his old team the Seattle Mariners and the surprise Tampa Bay Rays. I had thought he would have been dealt and with all the bats in the lineup from Brandon Phillups to Adam Dunn to even the rookie Jay Bruce it would not be that big of a blow to give the old legend Griffey away for a prospect or a younger player. Certaintly he would not get enough buzz to where the Rays would have to give up Evan Longoria or the Mariners giving away important pieces and prospects, but they each have some good prospects that are not too good to give up but are good fits for both sides. Griffey Jr. is my favorite player even though I have been a Yankee Fan forever and i was almost sure he was on the move. The Diamondbacks and the Mets could have taken an outfielder like Griffey. He has great veteran leadership and provides a nice bat for either of the lineups. Why is he not on the move and why does no team want to go after him? Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:24:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291949 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291949 What an interesting first half of baseball it's been in the 2008 season. Roger Clemens is digging himself a deeper grave, Barry Bonds still doesn't have a team to bother, and the Tampa Bay Rays are near the top of the AL East for some reason. But let's face it, not a day goes by when us New Yorkers aren't checking what the Mets and Yankees are up to. As the opening lines in Charles Dickens masterpiece "A Tale of Two Cities" says, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…" This quote can easily describe how both the Mets and Yankees seasons have gone so far. So what can we expect from the men in the Bronx and Queens? With so much doubt and uncertainty circling around both teams, there are things that both squads can do to try and ensure themselves playoff spots come October 1st. For the Yankees, it would be a very tough road for them to try and win the AL East and they will probably have to settle for a wild card berth. Two players who will become instrumental in their quest to make the playoffs are starting pitchers Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Both of these "young stars" have been extremely disappointing and have been outperformed by guys like Sidney Ponson and even Darrel Rasner. While, before getting hurt, it seemed Hughes may have been showing signs of life, the Yanks should move Kennedy somewhere to get some pieces, whether it be a another reliever like a Brian Fuentes or an Arthur Rhodes. Remember they still need a lefty reliever to get David Ortiz out late in games this season. In addition, the news of Hideki Matsui potentially missing the rest of the season isn't as big a blow as it may seem. While they will lose offensive production with Matsui out of the lineup, they gain defense and speed by perhaps starting rookie Brett Gardner. Now starting him may upset a lot of fans, but because of the Yankees depleted farm system, there may be no other option. Trading for Matt Holliday isn't the answer in this case, but another guy the Yankees should look at is Royals outfielder David DeJesus. He is a guy who has played all three OF positions, can hit anywhere in the lineup - save for the 3, 4, and 5 spots - and is a very solid defensive player. The only downside is that his contract doesn't run out till 2010, but with Matsui and Abreu creeping up in age, it may not be the worst idea. I predict that the Yankees will win the American League wild card spot because teams such as the Rays and the Minnesota Twins lack the experience of competitive September baseball. While the Twins do have guys who have played big games in September, their key contributors such as Nick Blackburn, Denard Span, and Alexei Casilla, have never played any meaningful games in their careers yet. Depending on what Wang can do when he comes back, we'll see how long the Yankees can push off the destruction of Yankee Stadium. Over the Whitestone Bridge in Queens are New York's 2nd team, the Mets. The Mets season has been anything but smooth sailing, but is currently on the upswing. The Mets have won 9 in a row and seem to be making a push for their division crown. While only a .5 game back of the Phillies, the Mets don't currently have what it takes to overtake them and hold off the Florida Marlins. Knowing Mets General Manager Omar Minaya, there will be at least a move or two made before the deadline to help bolster their chances. With so many players available at the trading deadling, who should the Mets try to swing a deal for? It has been mentioned on this site that Mariners OF/1B Raul Ibanez would be a good fit for this team and I happily agree. The Mets just have to be careful about what they give up for Mr. Ibanez. The Mets also expect to boost their club from within. Angel Pagan and Ryan Church are expected to return to the lineup healthy within the next couple of weeks or so. With Carlos Delgado surging as of late, it appears the Mets are blanketing their weaknesses with this winning streak. But as all Mets fans know, something bad is going to happen within the month of August, and something can be done in July to prevent that from occurring. The Mets could use another starting pitcher, in case Pedro Martinez goes down again. The biggest thing the Mets need is another solid bullpen arm. Problem is Brian Fuentes wants to close wherever he goes and has already said he prefers the Yanks over the Mets. So where can the Mets go to find that middle reliever/ set up man. The answer is sitting in the bullpen of the Mets' next opponent. Cincinnati Reds reliever Bill Bray was once acquired for the stretch run by the Reds a couple years ago and performed well. Last season he was battling arm issues and has returned to form this year with a 2.86 ERA and 31 K's in 28.1 innings. Bray would be a cheap arm to throw into the bullpen which as past World Series winners can tell you, is the difference between a championship and a long winter. I see the Mets taking the division from the Phillies, and Jerry Manuel getting some attention for Manager of the Year. But for both the Yanks and the Mets, I don't see a World Series appearance in the near future. Both teams should end up with solid seasons and they shouldn't be disappointed if they don't win it all. Just don't tell that to Hank Steinbrenner. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:09:13 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291730 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291730 This one surprised me, I was expecting to see either Atlanta's 3B Chipper Jones* or CF Josh Hamilton** of the Rangers on top of this list, but instead, we find Houston's 1B Lance Berkman** just edging out Hamilton. In fact, Jones doesn't even make this top 20 list as he has begun to come down to earth. The big difference between Hamilton and Berkman seems to be stolen bases, average and OBP as the differences in runs scored HRs and RBIs seem to offset themselves. Rounding out the remaining top 5 spots are the Ranger's 2B Ian Kinsler*, Phillies 1B Ryan Howard and their 2B Chase Utley**. Please, no booing, he doesn't like it and I can't say that I blame him. Numbers 6 to 20 are as follows: the Marlins SS Hanley Ramirez**, Pirates CF Nate McLouth*, Mets CF Carlos Beltran, White Sox LF Carlos Quentin*, Indians CF Grady Sizemore* and the Mets 3B David Wright*. Then we have the Mets SS Jose Reyes, the Cardinals OF Ryan Ludwick*, Padres 1B Adrian Gonzalez* and Brewers LF Ryan Braun**. Then there were the Cubs 1B Carlos Lee and the Reds 2B Brandon Phillips who are both having All Star type of years, but hey, they can't all play in the game. Returning to the All Star cast is Marlins 2B Dan Uggla* who might have wished that Phillips was selected in his place (his 3 errors in the game set a new All Star game record) and Cubs 3B Aramis Ramirez*. Lastly, we have D'Backs 3B Mark Reynolds. The Fall Guys These are the players in which I expect to fall out of this top 20 list by the end of the season: Lance Berkman**: I may be wrong, he may just slip to the end of this list due to his great first half. I still do not see him maintaining these type of numbers for a whole year, same thing applies to these next four players except that I do not expect to see them on this list at all come October: Nate McLouth*, Carlos Quentin*, Dan Uggla* and Mark Reynolds. The Real Deals These are the players in which I think will either keep up these numbers, fall just shy of them or might even improve upon them. Josh Hamilton** may not hit 40 HRs and knock in 180 RBIs, but he should be good for at least 35 HRs (and may still hit 40) and 120-130 RBIs with a .300+ average and .360+ OBP. I expect Howards' average to climb back to a more respectable figure (like say maybe .250) and Utley* will make a MVP run. Hanley Ramirez** and Grady Sizemore* are right on track to where they should be but I don't think they'll go 40/40, the HRs may not get that high. Beltran, Reyes, Wright*, Phillips, Lee and Aramis Ramirez* should also all stay the course with their current numbers. *All of these players where reserves on the 2008 All Star team. **All of these players where elected or selected starters in the 2008 All Star game. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 12:30:36 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291708 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291708 Not technically a Jersey, but check out this Yankee Stadium Beer Vendor's hair at the All-Star Game. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:44:31 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291603 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/291603