Dustpan

So my mom had a birthday, and I know she likes to try different things. My wife also is a baseball fan, so I figure, let's do some baseball. The first step was to see if anyone else was playing but the Reds. I checked Florence, I checked Dayton, and the only team with home games matching my schedule were the Reds. Fantastic.

So off we go, and it was a nice evening. We ate at Dismesh which is a new Indian restaurant and much cheaper and lower key than Ambar, but in the same area. My mom likes that spot even though it has failed repeatedly.

Then we go downtown and wander past the lonely abandoned storefronts. We wandered through Oktoberfest which looked kind of dull if you didn't go with your friends to get drunk. Finally we made it to the stadium.

It was a really nice stadium. We looked over the river. The evening was really nice. There was even a whiffle ball game between local mascots: the Princeton Viking, the Bearcat, Datagnon the Xavier Musketeer etc. All in all it was a great evening. Then they had to ruin it by playing Reds baseball.

Let me just say: I am so SICK of Dusty Baker baseball. The man not only screws up, he never learns. Bronson Arroyo pitches into the sixth with only a solo run. That was nice. Then he starts getting weak. He walks a guy, gives up a hit, then he sneaks his way out of it with a double play. Next thing you know he is trotting out into the eighth with a one run lead.

I said it. I could see it happening. I said: "Why is Bronson out in the eighth? Can't he throw in a reliever for one inning before we get to the overpaid closer? Can't he do that for once? Arthur Rhodes is available."

Next thing you know, lead off double, home run, Reds lose. What was that? This needs to stop. Okay, I know the relief pitchers are weak, but past the sixth with a one run lead, and a weakening pitcher? Come on. If you're going to lose, at least do what you're supposed to do. Bronson did his job, don't put this on him. Let the relief crew take the loss, but no...

Next season, Florence Freedom. No Reds. I'm sick of his crap.