[markymark69]

One of two things I would do with Claussen, both they involve giving up a jolt. First a question that I am not sure about. Does he have any options left? If so, demote him to AAA. If he doesn't, then I'm with most other people, put him in the bullpen.

I have also been a big supporter of Claussen's and was delighted when we traded for him a couple of years back, but he is far and away the weak link in this rotation. There is nobody more disappointed in Claussen than I am.

His problem, to me, and I'm not a pitching coach or anything, is that he nipples to much and then because he does not have a put away pitch, he is forced to throw a strike on a three-ball count and the hitters are ready to waylay it and most of time do just that. He needs to be more agressive early in the count and "freakin" pitch inside a little more!

It pretty easy to tell if Claussen is going to have a good night or bad night, if he is throwing his breaking stuff early for strikes then he'll have a good night, if he is not, then we'll see more of what we saw last night.

I agree with Marty's statement from last night, "I'll be struck dumb if he makes next start in New York."

If the Reds want to stay in the division/wild card hunt, his spot in the rotation must be addressed.

Mays is the obvious choice and based on the way he has pitched for the Reds, he should get a shot, if he doesn't work then go to Germano or Belisle. If they do not work, trade or pick up somebody else to find an answer.