Cincinnati Reds

Mike Leake is not your typical pitcher. Leake, 22, has made the jump straight from the draft to the major leagues. Aroldis Chapman and Stephen Strasburg have made more headlines with their 100 mph fastballs, yet they are not in the major leagues and Leake is.

Leake is only 5'10" and 180 pounds. His fastball barely tops out in the low 90s. Now how does a right-handed pitcher who puts up average numbers on the radar gun get to the major leagues before two flamethrowers such as soon-to-be teammate Chapman and highly-rated and hyped Strasburg?

Ramon Hernandez knocked in the winning run in the last of the eighth inning as the Cincinnati Reds did what they do best.

They came from behind to score the winning run in their last at-bat for the seventh time in eight wins.

The Reds evened their homestand at 3-3, while putting the skids on the San Diego Padres win streak at eight. They won the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 before the Padres came to town.

Cincinnati, whether deserved or undeserved, has long held a reputation of racist city.

And no, that's not a photo of Joe Morgan giving a "black power" fist. He's waving.

But the photo looked silly after trying to crop it down and get the wave into the shot.

Having never lived in Cincinnati, it's tough to properly judge. 

Just a hunch, but most whites would probably deny it, blacks would agree that the city has serious issues regarding racism.

Joe Morgan, one of the Cincinnati Reds greatest players of all-time, is working with his former team again.

Morgan, 66, joined the Reds as a special adviser to baseball operations. The move was announced during a news conference at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday.

In a 22-season career from 1963-84, where he established himself as one of the best second basemen of all time, Morgan batted .271 with 268 home runs and 1,133 RBI. He was a 10-time All-Star (including eight straight with the Reds) and a five-time Gold Glove Award winner.

Another year, another former All-Star suspended 50 games by Major League Baseball for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

Last year it was Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Manny Ramirez who was suspended for 50 games, and yesterday it was Cincinnati Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez who was suspended.

Obviously Volquez’s suspension isn’t as big of news as Manny being suspended, but it’s still pretty significant nonetheless.

Here is the statement that was released by Volquez’s representatives:

"The so-called 'steroid era'—a reference that is resented by the many players who played in that era and never touched the substances—is clearly a thing of the past."—Bud Selig, Jan. 11, 2010

Looking for a team that is building its way to being competitive? Hoping to get in on the ground floor of a team loaded with young fantasy talent? The Cincinnati Reds might be your team.

Cincinnati general manager Walt Jockety has done a good job of assembling talented youngsters. Then he surrounded them with quality veterans who can produce on the field, lead in the clubhouse and mentor the kids.

Where do I begin? How do you talk about ending a love-hate relationship?

That is where I am with Francisco "Coco" Cordero.

If you watched Saturday night's loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, you should already be in league with me.

Johnny Cueto left after five complete innings pitched and a one run lead. He was in line for the first win for a Reds starter in the young season.

Three pitchers (Daniel Harrera, Logan Ondrusek and Arthur Rhodes) were awarded a hold to set things up perfectly for our local stud, Cordero.

I've said it time and time again.  And this is the final straw.  Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker needs to be fired.  Either Sunday night or Monday morning.

If, for nothing less, the disposition of this club that can and should compete.

I don't hate the man.  In fact, Dusty seems like a stand-up dude. 

But he is an absolutely horrible handler of young talent—where the Reds are stacked.