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.

[OldXOhio]

Originally Posted by RedLegSuperStar

We play the Pirates 6 times, Cubs 7, Houston; who we've handled pretty well, 3 times. That is at least 10-12 wins.

There's not a worse team in the Central right now than the Reds. There's no reason whatsoever to think we'll "handle" any of those teams in the coming weeks.

[Reds1]

We are up and down all year and this team always fights back. Day off and then rebound in SD and hopefully come home to a supportive crowd that ignites them for the stretch run.

[cumberlandreds]

Time to regroup and think about how much they really want to be a playoff team. It's imperative,IMO,that they take two of three from the Padres. If they do that they are still right in it with a nine game home stand on tap. Lose two of three or be swept and I really believe it's over. I'm not sure they could rebound from a 2-8 or 1-9 road trip.

[Heath]

I think the fans need a much needed day off - these Western Swings take a lot out of you, especially if you stayed to the bitter end on Tues PM/Wed AM.

[GridironGrace]

I think we are fine.. a nice lil 7-3 stretch could put us back in the WC lead..

a good 8 game win streak would be even better... and if the Cards go on a skid like we did we are back in first so... still to much baseball left to play

[TheBigLebowski]

"He's got a good arm, good stuff."

Come on, Wayne. Don't cause me to doubt you any more than I already do.

[flyer85]

The Reds do need a day off.

One of the effects of "the trade" has been to turn the depth, which was a strength, into a big weakness. As we have seen numerous players slumping in August there has been no bench to turn to for days off or to pick up the performance.

Not looking to rehash all the stuff about the deal that has already been discussed but just wanted to make the point that as the season grinds on having a quality bench is important.

[37red]

They'll need the day off to get rid of the hang over.

[paulrichjr]

Originally Posted by Ricardo Cabesa

The Reds do need a day off.

One of the effects of "the trade" has been to turn the depth, which was a strength, into a big weakness. As we have seen numerous players slumping in August there has been no bench to turn to for days off or to pick up the performance.

Not looking to rehash all the stuff about the deal that has already been discussed but just wanted to make the point that as the season grinds on having a quality bench is important.

Oh come on let's rehash it.

I think you are correct by the way.

[redsrule2500]

Originally Posted by OldXOhio

There's not a worse team in the Central right now than the Reds. There's no reason whatsoever to think we'll "handle" any of those teams in the coming weeks.

Are you talking about the past 6 games? That's just stupid, this team is streaky and there is no reason to claim we aren't better than the Cubs and Pirates.

[Candy Cummings]

This isn't over--if for no other reason than there the competition is only slightly better. We're playing awful, but if we win the series with the Padres, we are back in it again.

[boobhat]

it will be nice going to bed at a decent hour tonight

[OldXOhio]

Originally Posted by redsrule2500

Are you talking about the past 6 games? That's just stupid, this team is streaky and there is no reason to claim we aren't better than the Cubs and Pirates.

Really???

I used the terms "right now" in my description and while that can be rather subjective, here's a look at the three team's records over the last two months:

Reds 23-31
Cubs 25-29
Pirates 26-27

This has nothing to do with the past six games. This team has been on a downward slide since the first half of the season. To say the Reds will definitely handle teams like these on their way to another 10-12 September wins might be wishful thinking.

[OldXOhio]

Originally Posted by redsrule2500

That's just stupid, this team is streaky and there is no reason to claim we aren't better than the Cubs and Pirates.

Still think that was stupid?