Weekend in review

Obviously, the Reds wrapped up a pretty good series against Cleveland with the 1-0 win in 12 innings Sunday. The key to the run in which the Reds have three of four has been starting pitching. Over the last four games, Reds starters have a 2.05 ERA.

If the Reds are to right the ship and get back in it -- and that's an "if" that is larger than all outdoors -- starting pitching is the key. Avoiding bullpen meltdowns would be nice also, of course. But good starting pitching goes a long way. The guy in the rotation who's struggled, Bronson Arroyo, starts tomorrow when the Reds open three games series with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Baseball needs more teams with five-word names). He was better through six in his last start, unfortunately for the Reds, he pitched 6 2/3.

On the bullpen front: Marcus McBeth looks like he can help. But it's a little alarming that Bill Bray is up here to get checked out. Could be nothing or the dreaded shoulder problems.

I'm headed to Great American today to purchase 12 tickets for an outing for my wife and her co-workers for Thursday's tilt. (They want cheap seats and you have to go to the park to avoid the service charge). Will be interesting to see what kind of seats are available for Homer Start II.