Johnny Cueto just didn't have it today. It's weird because he really doesn't walk anybody, but when he doesn't have his command he tends to make mistakes up and over the plate. Young pitchers can be so frustrating because Cueto especially can look like a Cy Young candidate one day, then get pounded the next, and who knows how long it'll take him to really figure it out. It's taken the Angels something like four years now to see the good Ervin Santana on a consistent basis, and even he may not be there yet (he's had a good month, who knows if he can keep it going).
For Cueto, this season is going to be a constant effort to keep learning, keep getting better and keep it together when things go wrong. He was outwardly very angry with himself after the fifth inning mistakes to Beltran and Church. Some pitchers are like that, some aren't, so I won't pass judgment on that, but it was interesting seeing him be so emotional.
CENTER FIELD
I've been more leaning toward patience when it comes to Jay Bruce, but even with defensive issues he's got to be better than any of the center field options currently on the big club. Despite decent early returns (I'm talking first five games type of early here, not the full season thus far, and yes, I'm saying this because I said I liked him after like three games) Corey Patterson looks to be a total bust, and Ryan Freel's game has completely fallen apart compared to where it used to be. He can't cover the ground center field requires, and whatever benefit he brings at the plate is completely negated by his recklessness on the basepaths. He got picked off again in the seventh today, and down 8-3 there's just no reason to be messing around like that.
BULLPEN
Jared Burton again looked shaky, and judging by the situations he's been used, I don't think Dusty has any confidence in him right now, not that I blame him. Bill Bray was again shaky as well, allowing a run. Guys aren't getting destroyed for the most part, and with a three-run deficit already it wasn't the highest-leverage situation in the world, but a good start by the pen is turning into a rough May. Hopefully with Harang going tomorrow they can get a day off after the doubleheader and the start today with Cueto not lasting through the fifth. VOTTO Joey Votto looked lost against Oliver Perez. He had a fifth-inning AB representing the tying run where he has all tied up in knots.
Now talking about what the Reds should have done in the offseason is a moot point now, and hindsight is always 20/20, but I'm going to do it anyway.
The longer this season goes without a viable righthanded power option at first or in the outfield, the more I wish they'd brought Jorge Cantu back. I know the Reds were worried that he'd get some big $4 or $5 million payday in arbitration, but honestly, it would be worth it, because this team has a ton of trouble still with any lefthanded starter. Cantu's numbers have been pretty good this year for Florida as well, rubbing more salt into that wound.
SPEAKING OF FLORIDA...
The Floridians look mighty mighty tough so far this year. Luckily the Reds are going to face them the next four games and will miss their best starter, Scott Olson. In fact, with Harang and Volquez going the first two games, the Reds have a decent shot at a series win. Place your bets now, Florida will now sweep. But anyway, I'm very much looking forward to the series. Even last year I always liked looking in on Marlins games just to see all their young talent: Uggla, Hermida, Willingham, and especially Hanley Ramirez, who is just sickening. The Reds played a four-game set in Miami last year (at least I think it was four) and I think Ramirez had about fifteen hits in four days. He's on the verge of being locked up longterm if the reports are true, and it will truly be worth it for them if a deal is reached.
GOAT OF THE DAY
EVIL CUETO is apparently a redneck for some reason4 2/3 IP, 8 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
He'll be okay in the long run, and this is just another step in the road for Cueto. We knew this year would be up-and-down and today was a down day. It happens. His next start will come Friday against Cleveland, so he'd best figure some things out quickly. But I still believe in him, oh yes, I do.
Next game tomorrow at 7:05 against the Florida Floridians. It's at 4:05 here in Chargerland. Eat some Skyline for me, will you?
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