42 Days Until Opening Day

So I’m procrastinating. I started typing an away message about how I felt about the Cincinnati Reds chances this year, since spring training started Saturday. It got too long, and I liked what I had…hence a blog. This blog will be all things sports, focusing on the Reds, the Bengals, and the Louisville Cardinals. I also like soccer, so I’ll mention it from time to time. Anything else of merit that requires attention will probably be mentioned too (like when UK scored only 11 points in a half, that would have been covered). So, with that, I give you the away message that got too long…plus some on soccer.

I am unusually optimistic about the Reds this year. I mean, I'm a fan, so this time every year I am optimistic, but in the back of my head, they were just the same Reds as they were last year; so I never really got my hopes that high. It's different this year though, and I think that for 5 reasons.

1. Dusty Baker. Here's a guy that finally brings credibility to the manager's office in Cincinnati, a credibility that has not been seen since the days of Jack McKeon (and his cigars), and Lou Piniella. The Reds need a guy like this.

2. Homer Bailey. I know, I know. I know what you're thinking: Dusty screwed up Mark Prior and Kerry Wood in Chicago, so it's going to happen to Homer Bailey too. I realize what happened in Chicago; I'm not a moron. But in the mood of being optimistic, I'd like to think that it's just the crazy Cubs fans that blame the unfortunate injuries of these pitchers on the manager (or maybe it's the goat?). Homer looked good last year, not great, but definitely has potential. I'm excited to see what he's got.

3. Johnny Cueto. Much of my reasoning for being excited about Homer Bailey can be applied to Cueto; however Cueto has yet to pitch in the majors. Something has to be said for a guy that the Reds refused to trade in the offseason for a veteran starting pitcher. He worked his way up from A to AAA last year and got better as he as the competition improved. I can only hope this trend continues (and he learns English).

4. Jay Bruce/Joey Votto. Who knew I could be so excited about prospects? Neither of these guys has had any significant time in the big leagues, but like Cueto, the Reds refused to trade these guys for a veteran pitcher. It's been a while since the Reds have had this many good prospects. It seems like Krivsky's scouting background is beginning to pay off for the Reds. Votto did well in his September outing with the Reds last year, hitting over .300. Bruce apparently has the tools to be a great center fielder and hitter. Give these guys a whole season in the bigs, and I think they’ll do well.

5. Ken Griffey, Jr. What? All my excitement stems around young guys (with the exception of the 58 year old dude I mentioned first). But this also ties in with Baker. Baker has a good history of managing superstars with big egos. Not that Griffey is cocky like Barry Bonds, but in the way that Bonds demands respect. Baker and Bonds had a good relationship in San Francisco, and look what happened (when you throw steroids in the mix). Same goes for Sammy Sosa in Chicago. I’m not saying that Griffey is going to hit 73 home runs this year while his head inflates in size. I’m just saying that Baker has an uncanny ability to relate to the superstars and motivate them and get them to produce. Griffey has a great respect for Baker and vice versa, which could mean Griffey having a good year (fingers crossed/knock on wood…any good luck thing I can do).

So that’s it. Five reasons why I like the Reds chances this year to at least put together a winning season and start this organization back in the right direction. Honorable mention: Bob Castellini, Brandon Phillips, Aaron Harang.

One reason why the Reds will continue to be among the league leaders in errors/strike-outs this year: Adam Dunn.

Also, UEFA Champions League is back today. 2:30 on ESPN2. Get excited. Inter Milan (Italy) takes on Liverpool (England). Keep your eye on Liverpool captain, #8 Steven Gerrard. Become versed in the works of Gerrard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoxQm4oUhx0. Also, Inter’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the world’s best strikers. Another required viewing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRCWJFmsQVU.

For those of you unfamiliar with the UEFA Champions League, here’s a lesson. The Champions League is a World Cup style tournament. Except the main difference is this: the World Cup is countries competing against each other. The Champions League is a tournament of Europe’s (and Russia’s) top club teams, and is the most prestigious trophy a European club team can win. A club team is equivalent to an NFL/NBA/MLB team here, except soccer (football everywhere else in the world; why do we U.S American’s call it something different?).

The soccer season in Europe starts in late August and goes to early May, culminating with the Champions League Final. If you’re so interested now, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Champions_League, or officially http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/format/index.html. If you want to know what I’m talking about in future posts, you may want to read one of these.

Anyway, that’s all the time I can afford procrastinating. I’ll post regularly (probably once a week).