Much Needed Day Off

[RedLegSuperStar]

Now at 67-67 and .500 for the first time since they were 1-1 to begin the season. The Reds are facing a uphill battle as they are 4.5 back of the Cards and 1.5 back of San Diego. I think with this day off today we may see Trader Wayne at his finest and could see another starter added. They may plan to use Jason Johnson as he is throwing a bullpen session today in Louisville. Another option might be former Red and 43 year old David Wells. This was todays article in the Enquirer:

Reds seek an arm or two
Veteran Johnson signed; could Wells be on way?
BY JOHN FAY | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER

LOS ANGELES - It would appear to be a move right out of the throw-a-starter-against-the-wall-and-see-if-he-sticks philosophy.

The Reds signed Jason Johnson to a minor-league contract Wednesday. Johnson was assigned to Triple-A Louisville, but the Reds might have major-league plans for him.

"We get him into the organization before Sept. 1, so he's eligible for the playoff roster," Reds general manager Wayne Krivsky said.

The Johnson move is not going to get fans excited, but more moves could be coming. The Red Sox are reportedly willing to part with veteran left-hander David Wells, who is 2-2 with a 2.65 ERA in five August starts.

"We've got a lot of things working," Krivsky said.

Johnson, a 32-year-old right-hander, pitched with Cleveland and Boston this year with very little success. He combined to go 3-12 with a 6.35 ERA. He allowed 149 hits in 1061/3 innings.

"He's got a good arm, good stuff," Krivsky said. "He's a veteran guy. He adds to our depth, our inventory."

Johnson was 8-13 with a 4.54 ERA last year in Detroit. He's 55-98 with a 5.00 ERA in his career.

The Reds need a fifth starter for four starts in September. Johnson will not be ready for the first of those starts, which will be Tuesday.

"Right now, if everything stays the same, (Chris) Michalak will make that start," Reds manager Jerry Narron said.

The Reds optioned Michalak to Single-A Sarasota Tuesday to get outfielder Chris Denorfia on the roster.

Johnson was going to report to Louisville today and throw a bullpen session. "We'll see how he is and go from there," Krivsky said.

This series with SD could finish us off, but these Reds have heart and if they can get 2 of 3 and come home and do the same to the Giants then we can smell the playoffs yet again. We play the Pirates 6 times, Cubs 7, Houston; who we've handled pretty well, 3 times. That is at least 10-12 wins.