The Reds longest road trip of the year begins tonight in Milwaukee. I embarked on a road trip of my own to San Diego this weekend so I missed Saturday's loss and Sunday's win, but you have to be encouraged by Aaron Harang's effort yesterday. Let's not get too excited because the 2009 Pirates lineup will never be confused with that of the 1998 Yankees, but he threw 80 of his 108 pitches for strikes and appeared to be in complete control, which is something you rarely saw from him last year (especially after that ill-advised relief appearance in San Diego which essentially derailed his season).
Offense could be very hard to come by tonight with Edinson Volquez matching up against the Brewers' emerging ace, Yovani Gallardo. EV was 9-3 away from GABP with a 2.43 ERA last season and needs to assert himself after getting knocked around by the Mets in his season debut. Gallardo threw seven innings of one-run ball in his only start versus the Reds last year.
The Brewers are coming off a bizarre loss last night against the Cubs, when they walked home four runs in the 4th inning. It was only the ninth time since divisional play began in 1969 that a team issued four bases-loaded walks in a single inning.
Other notes: Bill Bray appears to be rounding into form in the minors, retiring all four batters he faced Sunday for Triple-A Louisville. It won't be long before he replaces Danny Herrera on the major league roster, even though Mike Lincoln is the real weak link but is essentially untouchable in light of that ludicrous contract he signed in the offseason. Lincoln is sporting a 0/6 K/BB ratio after week one.
Random question: Anyone have a good reason why the first pitch in tonight's Yankees-Rays game is scheduled for 7:08 pm? Not 7:05 or 7:10? Anyone? Bueller? Didn't think so.
In memoriam: Harry Kalas and Mark Fidrych.
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Bird died? Sad day.
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