Monday, March 31, 2003

Big Boppers come up empty for the Reds After doubling in his season opening at-bat,  Griffey strikes out on a pitch head high with the bases loaded and one out,  thus starting the fans grumbling.  If he can stay healthy,  this won't be the norm.  But I sure was frustrated that he couldn't capitalize on that great opportunity to begin some fan PR by getting a big slam right there,  putting the Reds back in the game.  He wiffs,  and after a walk to Kearns forces in a run to make it 6-1,  Dunn brings on more groans by popping out to shallow right.  Sigh. 4:16:00 PM

Sports Theme remains Blue This sports page will remain Blue in honor of the Kentucky Wildcats of 2003,  and the Tennessee Titans,  who just fell short of another SuperBowl Birth.  Both teams overcame discouraging starts to end the season on amazing streaks (Titans went 11-1 until losing to Oakland in the AFC championship,  and Kentucky won 26 in a row after starting 6-3,  before Bogans went down and the defensive pressure with him.  The "Suffocats" just weren't there without Bogan's skills.   Until the Reds can show some signs of life,  the Reds theme will be absent from this template. 4:00:58 PM

I already want Bob Boone out Used to be the Reds made a good showing opening day,  even in not so hot years.   I was about to say,  "Maybe the Reds offense can come alive and make a game of it yet,  just before Adam Dunn grounded out to the pitcher after jumping ahead 3 balls and no strikes.  I thought that was usually a hitter's count.  There goes Casey for out number two.  This is not starting out good at all.  All of this from walkking the opposing pitcher.  I say,  the quicker the Reds can get rid of Bob Boone,  the quicker they're team can strat winning.  Boone has never won anything (has he even had a team that finsihed over .500?)  Reds go quietly,  1-2-3.  Still 6-0 after two complete. I never liked the idea of bringing him in.  The word was,  players who have had hime don't like him.  So,  that's reason enough to bring him right in.  The Reds are heading in the wrong direction. 3:52:48 PM

Reds stinking up Great American Ballpark early 2003 starts off just great for the Reds.  Haynes gives up a 2-run homer ro ex-Red Reggie Sanders,  then after issuing a 2-out walk to opposing pitcher Benson,  gives up a 3-run homerun to Kenny Lofton?  The pathetic pitching already killing us.  Before I can get another sentence complete,  Jason Kendall jacks another for back-to-back homeruns,  the third in the inning.  All of this off of the "opening day starter",  the supposed " ace of the staff.  At least Griffey started out good with a double in the first.  After one and a half,  Pirates 6, Reds 0. 3:44:14 PM