It's seemed like an eternity...

[thatohiosportsfan]

The Reds just swept the Astros in Houston for the first time in seven years, and after the last few years of having our asses handed to us (thanks to the stros and cards) in our division...
It feels good to win within our division again...
Hopefully with Pujols on the DL in the next series, we can make a move on the Cards...

[xted30]

Couldn't agree more. With Oswalt not starting and then with Pujols (and I think Edmonds?) on the DL, now is the time to make a major move and get back into the swing of things with some divisional wins.

[thatohiosportsfan]

These next few weeks are where we really see if the reds are real contenders in the division this year, if they can make a move, then they could hang around to maybe september...
...if they start to flirt with .500 for a while, game's over

[benjapage]

1st place? i'm euphoric. never saw this happening; not with this pitching staff. definitely playing over our heads, but i'll take it! i'll take it! not like the '90 reds didn't do the same thing--now i'm even more excited because i feel like the reds are simultaneously building for the future.

i love wayne krivsy. i want a krivsky jersey. do they even make those?

b

[thatohiosportsfan]

theyre in first for a reason b...the pitching is better this year...

You can argue that anything is an improvement from a 5.50+ era, but the reds are consistently getting more quality starts...

They lead the majors in innings pitched by their starters, that has to count for a lot, despite a lackluster bullpen (who would look better if rick white got dumped)...

Either way, this is exposing the central for what it is...a bunch of one man teams...

Cardinals: Pujols
Cubs: Lee (not Prior or Wood)
Astros: (Berkman)

The Reds have a lot of balance, ex. when Junior goes down, the Reds keep pace, and put freel in center...

I'm loving this, the Reds just keep on truckin, I'm just hoping it lasts to September...

[benjapage]

careful, there. one man teams? i think not. pitching for the stros, cubs, and cards should see a dramatic improvement across the board as the season progresses. those teams are strong, and the season is not a sprint.

the reds do this to me every year.

fact is, i'm more excited about their general direction as opposed to the standings this season. i think there are going to be a lot of whiners in september, and i hate whiners.

i love that this team is remarkably young. i love that we ARE building for the future. the current alignment of the standings and a premature hubbub over an early pennant race? hey, it's fun and i'll take it. it's just gravy.

the real meal is bubbling up from underneath!

b