Sports Shorts

* Bronson Arroyo has cleared waivers. Were I the Reds GM, I would move him this month to any contender looking for a pitcher. Arroyo has been a stalwart for the Reds, taking the ball every fifth day and putting in his work, often as the only sure thing in the rotation due to his health. He's been a solid producer, winning 15 games each of the last three years, and a solid citizen for a club and a city that values such things. I like Bronson Arroyo.

Having said that, he's on the hook for a lot of money next season. That's money the Reds could use to extend Brandon Phillips, spread out amongst the arbitration eligible youngsters, or go out and sign a proven veteran closer to take the place of Coco Cordero as closer next year. I know the money on the contract is a big part of the problem with moving him, but I would be trying like hell to get something done. Getting back a prospect or two would be fine, considering that half the Louisville Sluggers are already wearing Reds unis by now.

* If you haven't read "Big Hair and Plastic Grass," by Dan Epstein, you're not much of a baseball fan. I'm re-reading it right now, it's one of the most enjoyable sports books I've ever read. Epstein doesn't deify the players or the era, the much maligned 1970's, but reminds readers of the fun without glossing totally over the bad.

* I had someone point something interesting out to me this weekend. She is rooting for Plaxico Burress this year because she feels he was given a raw deal by the law. "He shot himself, for God's sake, isn't that punishment enough?" I don't necessarily agree with that, but the man did more time for shooting himself accidentally than Jamal Lewis did for drug trafficking charges, than Leonard Little or Donte Sallworth did for drunkenly killing other people while driving, etc. I do think that Plax was actually treated more harshly than an Average Joe would have been, a rare case of celebrity working against somebody. I also believe in second chances, so I do hope he plays well enough for the Jets that people talk more about his on-the-field exploits than off-the-field ones.

* Finally, the NFL preseason started this week. Someone should have told the Bengals.

Bummed as a Reds fan

I'm bummed as a Reds fan right now. Let's face it, five games under .500, 10 games out of first, they're not playing for much right now. But it's not the record that bothers me so much as the way they are playing half-assed. I mean, if we're gonna try out the youngsters, let them play - Alonso included. Why bring up your best hitting prospect to sit him on the bench or use him as a pinch hitter - how his he learning the ropes of the big leagues that way? Isn't that Chris Heisey's job?

Sappelt, Frazier, Alonso - I am in favor of all of them getting their chance to play right now. It's not a pennant race, it's not going to hurt the season, why not? Rolen, Phillips and others are hurt anyway ... why not see what they can do? My biggest disappointment of the season is Zack Cozart not being healthy right now. He should have been up a month before he was, and he was very effective in the short time he played. I feel that way about Sappelt and Frazier, too, and Alonso - at the plate.

Basically, it's all about next year at this point, and finding out what is here for then. I think the team could have a markedly different look, but be more effective on the field. I think there are players right now in Louisville or riding pine that can and will contribute, I just feel like the Reds management needs to have the guts to let them play for the last two months of the season. If nothing else, it better identifies holes in the lineup.

I'm pulling for the young guys - just wish I saw them more.

I get it

I may be the only one outside of Minute Maid Park to say this, but I get what the Astros are doing. Not only that, but I kind of like it.

I watched them take two out of three from the Reds this week, not totally surprising since Team Bipolar is so very capable of sweeping or getting swept by any ballclub on the planet, including my softball team. What was surprising is how much more the Astros resembled their teams from the mid-80's than they did the "glory years" of the Killer B's. This team is now full of quick young players, and though it sounds funny to say it, they may be faster after the trades of Hunter Pence and Michael Bourn. Jimmy Paredes at third base in particular impressed, but getting Carlos Lee out of the outfield and planting his generous derriere at first was a marked improvement in their team defense. Dropping last year's pick-ups, Chris Johnson and Brett Wallace, to Triple A and jumping guys two levels to The Show ... I can't think of a much better wake up call.

It's also a huge culture change. Instead of players who have become inured to losing, management is bringing a youth movement that can't lose. There should be no loss of confidence since the kids aren't supposed to succeed, anyway, just learn and get used to the game at the highest level. Then what do they do but take two of three from a contending team - even a marginally contending team like the Reds are at this point - and win in comeback fashion.

Paredes doesn't have a B, so to keep the Houston faithful happy he may need a "B" nickname, but newcomer Brian Bogusevic has one to spare, Jason Bourgeois is getting a chance to play everyday in the new look outfield, and Brett Wallace can be lumped in with them if he finds his form in time to take first base back next season.

What this team is lacking in power it makes up for in speed and defense, a formula that the Rays used to capture a pennant three years ago, one that the Pirates are using to play above expectations this year, and a mindset that has kept the Twins in contention for years - when they're healthy.

If some of the young pitching develops, the Astros will be a team to watch in two years.

Interesting Reds note

The Reds have three players within reach of 100 RBIs each: Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Brandon Phillips. All three have over 60 with two months to go, so it would take 32-38 depending on the player in the 54 remaining games to break the century mark. The reason I find this interesting is because of the perception that this year's Redlegs are so very un-clutch, but you can't post 100 Ribbies unless you're doing some work with men on base.

The last time that happened was in 1955 ... bonus for anyone who can name the three players who did it that year.