Former Redz in the newz

Former Reds pitcher and current Cardinal Kyle Lohse got smacked with a five-game suspension after throwing at Johnny Cuteo last week. The suspension is being appealed, of course.

Also, Junior hit #609 today to tie Sammy Sosa for fifth on the all-time home run list. The crack staff here at OMGreds.com can't wait until Junior passes the former Chicago Chub. It will be a glorious day.

The rebuild

Got this in an email from the Reds today: An open letter to fans of the Cincinnati Reds from Bob and Walt...

Dear Fans,

Thank you for your loyalty and support of the Cincinnati Reds. You are extremely vital to the success of the Reds, and it is important we share with you the thinking behind our recent personnel decisions.

Since taking ownership of this franchise, we have aggressively tried to improve our Major League roster for the purpose of restoring championship baseball to Cincinnati. We have sought and signed proven players. We have extended the contracts of select current players. We added Dusty Baker, a proven winning manager. And, we have capitalized on our burgeoning younger players like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto.

We had high expectations for the 2008 season. Unfortunately the team has not played up to our expectations and we have sustained injuries to key players within our starting lineup and rotation.

We opted to trade Ken Griffey Jr. and Adam Dunn at this time because we believe it provided the best outcome for the long-term success of the organization. By executing these inevitable changes now, we secured more players as part of our focus towards building a deeper, stronger inventory of young talent.

We are pleased that the trades allow Griffey and Dunn the opportunity to play for teams in tight division races. Both Ken and Adam made significant contributions to the Reds and we are extremely proud and grateful they wore the Reds uniform.

While the run production generated by these two veterans will not be quickly replaced, we chose to endure the short-term ramifications for the sake of building a strong, competitive team for 2009 and many seasons to come.

The vast majority of our 50 draft picks were signed, culminating last week with first-rounder Yonder Alonso and a pair of talented pitchers. Our expanded scouting operations also signed Juan Duran from the Dominican Republic and Yorman Rodriguez from Venezuela, who are arguably the best amateur free agent position players from their respective countries.

As we near September, we will continue to provide valuable playing time to our young players and new acquisitions who we feel can become significant contributors at the Major League level. We ask your continued trust and patience as we build the roster that will get us back on top. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at the ballpark.

Sincerely,

Bob Castellini
President & CEO

Walt Jocketty
President of Baseball Operations & GM

Scary

Mr. Cueto, your autograph is downright scary. That's like some serial killer shit right there. OMG still loves ya though.

Reds Rally Game: Near EPIC WIN!!1!

Finally, I won the damn Reds Rally game today. Everyone else in the ballpark did too. It must have been all that faith from Faith Day going around. So, no big prize for me, though. The 25 items they give away for the game were long gone by time BP hit the three-run jack to help me complete a row. So, I'm prizeless, but I feel good about winning. I really do.

It was a good day at the ballpark. Not only did I win the Rally Game, I also got my photo with Rosie and the Reds routed the Pouljos Nine. I had not been to a game in three weeks, and a lot has happened since then. Most notably: lots of losing. Seeing a big win was a treat. Oh - I also saw that big EE is getting some dental work. Lookin' good!

In the past, we've mentioned the baseball card deal they have at GABP - buy four packs of baseball cards and get two free Reds tickets. If you buy four now, there are actually three games you can choose from: September 2-4. That's a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday is a Business Man's special, of course. So, just a heads up on that deal. When I did the deal a few weeks ago we got decent seats in the View Level.

Reds sign Alonso

For once, some good news... The Reds ended up singing first round pick Yonder Alonso right before the deadline.


First baseman Yonder Alonso from Miami, the seventh overall pick in the amateur draft, agreed to a $4.55 million, five-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds shortly before baseball's midnight deadline on Friday.


Click here or here for more.

I'm not a fairweather Reds fan

But they've been testing me lately. I know I'm not alone.

The past two weeks have been miserable. Junior gone. Dunn gone. A ton of losses. 3 players suspended for using steroids. Former manager Dave Miley's son dies in a car crash. It's been a rough few weeks for the Reds and their fans. Hell, even now the folks in Sarasota are talking about putting up big bucks for the Reds Sox to move their spring training home there after snubbing the Reds for years. Amazing.

But, I'm sticking with them. I always have, I always will. I'll probably watch the Olympics instead of the Reds this week, but I'll be back. I'll probably still get to a few games before the end of the season too. Redsfest will be here before we know it and hope will once again abound. Lets hope these young guys take control of the team and get things going. Next year could be a lot of fun. Either way, I'll still be there, still a Reds fan.

Out of uniform

How did Griffey in a White Sox uniform not make this list?

Top 25 Athletes In Bewildering Uniforms

In the comments of this story: Pete Rose in an Expos uniform. Couldn't agree more.

It's okay, you were distracted

I know, I was too. It's Mega-Junior-Mania today. It's okay.

But you did miss this - the Reds gave us a peek of the new Bronson Arroyo-designed t-shirt to be given away at the game on Saturday, August 9th. The Redlegs take on the Astronomicals that evening.

As you can see by the photo on the left, the tee is Arroyo-tastic. You'll be singing "Together Agaaaaaain!!!!" every time you put it on, I swear.

Here's what the Big Red Promotional Machine has to say about this fine piece of attire:

Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo's musical talents are well known, but now the right-hander has put his art skills to work on a giveaway for the fans! On Saturday, Aug. 9, the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a Reds T-shirt designed by Arroyo, thanks to CBS Personnel. The shirt features a stylish print with Arroyo's No. 61, a white wishbone C and a nod to Bronson's music career with a guitar.

Fan. Tastic.

I think we've had enough fashion this year from the Reds between the Junior Camo jersey, 80's Dunn and the Cowboy's beret.

In better news, you can cleanse your pallet after the Dunn bobble with the Tom Browning "Mr. Perfect" Bobblehead! Here's a look at that one too. Looks nice. Chiquita is a new sponsor of the bobbleheads... looks kinda funny to see their logo on one of these. You can pick one of the 30,000 up on Tuesday, September 16 - the 20th anniversary of Browning's perfect game. Very nice.

Road Trip: Detroit & Toledo

OMGreds.com is sending us out once a again for a baseball stadium fact-finding mission. This time: Comerica Park in Detroit and 5/3 Field in Toldeo. OMGreds.com is on a tight budget, so we have to do both of these ballparks in ONE DAY! INSANITY! Hell, we may pay quick homage to old Tiger Stadium while we're up there - and while it's still standing (somewhat).

Yep, that's right, we are trekking from Cincinnati to Detroit for the 1:05 Tigers game tomorrow against the Chicago White Sox. After that game, we are zipping down I-75 to Toledo to see the Mud Hens take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at 6:30. It will be tight, but it will be fun. You can follow along on our photo blog, of course. There's really no Reds connection to this trip, or at least not one yet, as I'm sure our stat-man Dave could dig up almost anything relevant. No Reds, it's just baseball folks!

Fogg Down! Fogg Down!

Dudes, Fogg got decked with a ball hit in batting practice by teammate Joey Votto and needed 30 stitches.

DAMN, yo!

Road Trip: AAA All-Star Game

Another road trip for the OMGreds.com crew. Tonight, we will be down the river in Louisville at the Triple-A All Star Game at Slugger Field. Future Reds (aka current Louisville Bats) pitcher Jon Adkins and catcher Ryan Hanigan have been voted as All-Stars this year. Good luck to them tonight!

Rosters for both the International League and Pacific Coast league can be found here.

You can catch some of the action over on the OMGreds.com photoblog. We'll be putting up some fuzzy photos as it all goes down.

Arizona on lock

Reds have finalized their agreement with the City of Goodyear, Arizona and will be moving spring training activities there in 2010. The short of the deal is a 20-year agreement with two five-year team options. So, it looks like the Reds will be there a while. For more, clicky, clicky.

We'll see you and all the grey hairs out west in 2010! Any good bars out there?

Baseball cards and baseball games

There's a new ticket deal at GABP these days - buy 4 packs of baseball cards at the Majestic Reds Team Shop and get two free tickets to a future Reds game. I was there yesterday and decided to check it out. Here's the run-down:

- Must purchase 4 packs of baseball cards. They are more expensive at the ballpark - Topps 2008 Series 2: At store: $1.99. At Team Shop: $4.00. So, about $2 more. I did see Upper Deck 2008 Series 1 for $3 a pack.

- The tickets are for a pre-determined game. If you buy 4 packs right now, you get a pair of tickets to the Tuesday, July 22nd game against the Padres. It would have been sweet if it were any game, or if you had a choice, but not bad. Pre-determined tickets will be available for the next home stand according the to the cashier I spoke with. So, it looks like the promotion will be going on for at least a few weeks. I'm not sure when it ends.

- Even though the packs are more expensive ($4 vs. $2) you come out ahead for sure. 4 packs will run you $16 at the Team Shop if you go with the Topps, $12 with Upper Deck. The tickets you receive are View Level which would cost you $28 for the pair. That's $28 if buy at the ballpark - more if you buy online at a kiosk since fees are tacked on.

So, it's a great deal AND you get some baseball cards out of the whole thing. It pretty much hits on all cylinders for me.

Speaking of baseball card deals... I saw in the Target circular that select Topps packs are 3 for $4. Not bad! I have not been there to see which packs fall under that, but the photo in the circular was of a Topps 2008 Series 2 pack - normally $1.99 a pack.

Also... how about those Reds? 4 in a row! It's nice to see. Congrats to Edison Volquez for getting the All-Star nod. And, even through he really didn't deserve it for his season so far, I'm a bit bummed the Junior didn't get the nod.

Miley to Manage AAA ASG

You've probably been too busy voting for Junior to start the MLB All-Star game to notice that the AAA All-Star Game is happening just down the river from us in Louisville, KY.

OMGreds.com will be making the trek to "The L" to partake in the festivities for the "not yet ready for prime time players". While we're there, we'll say hi to an old homeboy of ours - Dave Miley. After getting the boot from the Reds back in '05, Dave has been with the Yankees organization the past three years as manager of the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. Miley has been chosen to manage the International League team at the AAA All-Star Game this year. The Yankees have gone 50-37 under Miley's direction this season, good for 2nd place in the IL North Division. Bats Manager Rick Sweet will help him with the coaching at the game.

Louisville Bats' catcher Ryan Hanigan (.296) and closer Jon Adkins (14 saves) have been named to the International League All-Star team. Sweet!

Proving a 'Black Sox' Ball is Real

Local Reds fan Tom Winstel has had a baseball from the 1919 World Series passed down from him by Father and Grandfather. The 'Black Sox' scandal world series ball is the subject of this article on the Wall Street Journal Online. Though Winstel has no desire to sell the ball, it's approximate value is in question due to lack of provence - or hard proof that it was actually used in play during the 1919 World Series. Experts deem the story likely given it's markings, but no solid proof actually exists. Not long, but an interesting read from the collectors side of things.

Doin' Cincy proud

The Reds have decided to take it up a few notches this weekend and give hell to the New York Yankees. I'll be at the ballgame on Sunday to watch it all fall apart. OK, hopefully not. I have faith.

I have to say though, Reds fans are comin' through this weekend! I've seen a ton of folks out on the streets of NYC sporting their Reds gear. Unfortunately, we have a few folks like the man above. Dude is rockin' the J-Bench throwback smartly tucked into his white jeans complete with a red belt. SMOOOOOOOOOOTH.

We certainly aren't going to win on the fashion tip in NYC, but at least we will win the series on the field.

Look for fuzzy photos tomorrow.

Beef Hoagie!!!

Ol' Double Flaps hit himself a ding dong and personal catcher David Ross had a fatty beef hoagie waiting for him at home plate. THEY'RE TOGETHER AGAIN!

Griffey tributes & giveaways

It's always fun when historic stuff happens... not only do you get to witness (or at least watch on TV) history, but you also get SWAG! You know what we are all about here at OMGreds... SWAG. So, here are the deets about freebies associated with Griffey's 600th, contrary to what Cincinnati.Com posted earlier today. Contrary to that report (which is now updated) there will be no Junior freebie tonight.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Everyone in attendace will recieve a 5x7 art card depicting the swing on the histroic 600th home run.

Junior will be honored personally at the game beginning approximately at 6:45 pm.

The Reds host the Dodgers that evening.

We'll be there! Sounds good. Also, don't miss out tonight on the Joe Nuxhall Bronze Statue replica. Free to the first 30,000.

Total Awesome

Griff blasts no. 600.

Stop the bleeding!

Go 'Clones!

We have to take a quick break from normal programming around here to give it up for the Cincinnati Cyclones, The 2007-08 Kelly Cup Champions! The 'Clones clinched the ECHL's top honor tonight with a 3-1 win over the Las Vegas Wranglers. It's Cincinnati's first Pro Championship since 1990, when the Reds went all ballistic on the A's in the World Series.

Go Cyclones!!!

BOOMSHAKALAKA!

Our favorite (and biggest) donkey is trying to bring that winning spirit on the road. Though it didn't exactly work last night, Dunn lugged his Sega Genesis - complete with NBA Jam cartridge - on the road to lighten the mood in the clubhouse. We here at OMGreds.com fully endorse this idea. If things don't start picking up on the road, we might suggest busting out NHL '94 and see if that generates some dubs.

Homer Returns

The Reds are calling up Homer Bailey for this week's road trip to Philly and Florida. The Bats pulled him in the third inning of his start today to give him the news and the rest. He'll take the mound on Thursday against the Phils, replacing Fogg Hat as the 5th starter in the rotation. Reds are looking to call up the rest of the Bats over the next month or so, replacing all the dipsticks they picked up in the off season.

Let's hope Homer's stuff gets cranked up a notch Thursday... he hasn't exactly been lights out in Louisville during his past few starts. He'll be facing a Phillies team that can absolutely rake... in a ballpark made just for rakers.

N'est-il pas mignon?

OMGreds.com west coast correspondent mike_r whipped up this bad-boy after Marty and Thom discussed how good Mr. Brantley must look in a beret. I missed that action on the radio... but I can only imagine it was some good stuff.

mike_r is also single-handedly the Reds' west coast Reds Killer. He has personally attended... I think... 9 Reds losses to teams on the other side of the country. Zero wins. He even got to take in 14 of 18 innings of that last game in San Diego. Ouch. Regardless, he's got some photos and commentary for your enjoyment. Sorry we didn't post sooner. I guess it was tonight's loss to the Buc-Ohs and Mr. Dumatrait that inspired us.

BRUCEpie

Folks, you knew it was going to be a special night. If you didn't go to ballpark and get a walk-up ticket, you were watching at home. Something special was going to happen - our savior is playing!

Okay, maybe Jay Bruce isn't the Reds' savior, but damn, the future looks pretty good.

Oh, and how about that blast by Dunn? MONSTA! Just as monsta as the David Ross delivered double-barreled pie-in-the-face to Bruce. See above.

First Look: Dunn '80s Bobblehead

Well, Adam Dunn will now officially take over for Bronson Arroyo as the butt of all clubhouse jokes.

The Reds have posted a preview image of the bobblehead being given away on "1980s-themed Adam Dunn Bobblehead Night". The Big Donkey is doing his best to channel Don Johnson with the white jacket and gold chain, complete with medallion. Actually, take that back... not Don Johnson... the bobblehead looks like Spencer, from MTV's "The Hills". MFingOMG, indeed.

Could this be one of the worst bobbleheads in MLB history? Or, could it be the best? Pick one up for yourself and your mom on Saturday, July 26. The Rockies will be in town that night laughing at Dunn and the Reds.

Too bad the 1980s-themed lunchbox being given away the next day is only for kids... that has some serious potential.

Brandon Phillips Bobblehead

It ended up being a great day for Brandon Phillips Bobblehead day. BP went 2 for 4 with an RBI, the Reds came back and won and the rain pretty much held off. The helmet sundaes and beers after the game rocked, of course. We made it a full downtown day by heading to Shanghai Mamma's for dinner and stopped by Fountain Square to watch a little bit of The Natural.

BP Bobblehead: How We Roll

Brandon Phillips' Bobblehead Night* is here and OMGreds is celebrating... by doing homemade helmet sundaes and beers after the game. Great combo, eh? Well, that's just how we do 'round here. There is at least one other blog that's excited about it.

So, BP is going to RAKE tonight, just as he did last night. The cycle, perhaps? Only time will tell.

So, here's to bobbleheads and helmet sundaes... may we never grow up.

Oh, and catch the action on the photoblog today too. I'm sure OMG Helmet Sundae will be throwing down as well.

The Ohio Cup

Seriously?

Maybe I missed it, but this is the first time they have called the Indians/Reds series the "Ohio Cup", right? It does beg the questions, is there actually a cup? A physical cup that the teams take home when they win the series? I guess that would be okay and all... just not really all that baseball like. It's more of a football thing, ya know?

EDIT: There apparently is a cup! According to this post on ClassX Radio Sports and the Reds, the Ohio Cup will be showcased at the Reds HOF and Museum as well as on Fountain Square throughout the weekend. I'll Try and get a photo.

EDIT #2: It's alive! Here's a crummy photo of the Ohio Cup.

Well, after further research the Reds and Indians played an exhibition game every season dubbed the "Ohio Cup". From 1989-1996 the games were played just before the start of the regular season in Columbus' Cooper Stadium, home of the Columbus Clippers. The Indians PWND the Reds in the series, 6-2. The whole thing was scrapped with start of interleague play in 1997. Still no word on a physical "cup".

This brings up another sticking point with me, at least. Must the Reds and Indians play two series every year? I guess after 10 years of interleague play, I'm kinda over it. I would rather see the Reds play one more AL team each season. Maybe do just one Ohio series a season, switching cities each year? I believe that would put a little more excitement in the whole thing. Do folks still get excited about this series?

I should talk though... I'll be heading to two games this weekend. Keep an eye on the photoblog, as always.

I know what you're thinking... we took the high road on this one. It would have been to easy, you know? Well, if you must...

Keppy busts kneecap

Hot hitting Red Jeff Keppinger broke his kneecap after taking a foul ball off his left leg in the Reds' win over the Marlins tonight. He stayed in on the rest of the at bat and fought for an RBI single. Tough guy. Here are some more details:

Cincinnati, OH (Sports Network) - Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger left Tuesday's game against the Florida Marlins after fouling a ball off his left knee, an injury later revealed to be a broken kneecap in the leg.

Keppinger, facing Marlins pitcher Mark Hendrickson, fouled a pitch off his leg with two outs and the bases loaded in the second, breaking his bat on the play.

He walked off the injury for a few seconds, then stepped back in and worked a walk, forcing in a run. The 28-year-old remained in the game for two more innings, but was lifted in the fourth for pinch-hitter Corey Patterson. Jerry Hairston Jr. moved from right field to shortstop the next inning.

Keppinger finished 1-for-1 with a first inning single, raising his batting average to .324. He is in the midst of a great start to a season, with three home runs and 21 runs batted in to go along with his .324 average.

Link

Let's hope he gets better REAL fast... he's been a bright spot on the Reds the past few weeks.

Junior Camo

In spite of all the Junior trade talk going around... we are still stoked about Ken Griffey Jr. Camo Mesh Jersey Night... brought to you by the fine folks at America's Army.

Okay, we're not stoked. But, someone out in Clermont county is. You can go deer hunting in the thing, you know!

Mark it on your calendars, folks. Saturday, July 5th... 7:05... Great American Ballpark. The kids version will be dealt out the next afternoon.

Hat tip: C Trent. Buy one here.

Bray Day

Bill Bray got the call up today. Coffey's getting a new apartment in Louisville. Lets hope that Bray's success in the minors translates to some good pitchin' in the bigs.

Dude. Bra. WTF?

As you probably already know, this blog and others have some serious love for the helmet sundae. If it's not a beer night (it's always a beer night) we are definitely rockin' the helmet sundae. Hell, we'll even rock both. I saw something at tonight's ball game (9-3 loss to the Dodgers - gah!) that pissed me off.

While sitting in the right field stands, a group of folks were sitting to the right me having a good time. When their friend walked up with his helmet sundae in hand, they started to barrage him with hell.

"Dude, are you a sissy?"

"WTF, dude?

"Dude, you got a helmet sundae? Dude."

Something like that at least.

My homie with the helmet sundae trekked all the way to the other side of the stadium to track down his tasty treat and he comes back to only get hell from his "bras".

WTF, dudes? You can't enjoy a delicious helmet sundae and still be a man's man? I don't buy it. It was jealously all the way. Homie had some dedication to track that thing down... and made sure to get a cherry on top. Which some dude called a strawberry. Lame.

Via la helmet sundae!

Brennamania!

Brennamaina... it's running wild right now, folks. Check out this Cubs fan and his take on the whole Marty/Cubs fan thingiamajig. He really makes me look long and hard about how I feel about Cubs fans. Maybe they aren't too bad after all.

Now, I've heard that Marty cussed out Brantley and stormed out of the booth over the weekend. This is not the case, apparently. After a little research, it sounds like he dropped the hammer on Reds PR Director, Rob Butcher in regards to Josh Fogg news from Dusty. I have not heard the audio, but it sounds like an actual "cussing out" is debatable at best. More on this over at Redszone.com. Apparently, a rather heated discussed could be heard through Brantley's microphone. You go, Marty!

Beautiful Day

But Bill Hall went and done killed us again. Nice to see Cueto with another pretty good outing, but the offense needs to give our young arms some support.

Today was fleece blanket day - but I got there too late to get one. Ah well... it looked pretty nice, too.

Voltron... Save Us!

Edinson Volquez takes the hill today for the Reds in Chicago. We'll be there and we'll be square... especially after last night's street alley beat down. Did the Cubs have to take our wallet too? There was nothing in except photos of Junior's kids.

WTF Fogg?

Settle down, cowboy... at least give us a chance tonight.

3rd Inning Update: Holy mother of gawd... that was aweful.

Word on the street is the Matt Belisle is ready to get busy with it up at the show. I don't know that they'll replace Fogg after this start (he did have a good spring), but his leash can't be too long with both Homer Bailey and Belisle down in AAA.

3rd Inning Update #2: We are getting STROKED.

7th Inning Update: Chris Welsh said earlier to Thom that he would shave his mustache if the Reds came back and won tonight. Looks we'll be seeing him with the 'stach tomorrow. This is just an old school beat-down.

Anyways, OMGreds.com will be at Wrigley tomorrow. Tune in on the photoblog. Let's hope they can pull something out tomorrow afternoon.

OMGreds.com heads to Wrigley

Two intrepid OMGreds.com staffers members will be treking to Chicago's Wrigley Field tomorrow (4/17) for the Reds/Cubs afternoon matchup. We'll be posting photos of the day trip on the OMGreds.com Photo Blog, so check in often to witness the Reds winning the rubber game of the series that afternoon.

Things we are looking for at Wrigley:

• Good Beers
• Reds Fans
• The Fukudometer dudes
• Cubs fans diving in the outfield net
• Crying
• Helmet Sundaes

In other site news, an OMGreds group has been started over at Last.fm. If you're on Last.fm, please join us! We like baseball a whole lot, but we love our tunes too. So, let's be social about it, okay?

Reds... let's get our shit together!

The Reds start a three game battle with the Cubs tonight. It should be a blood bath for the next three days. The photo really has nothing to do with anything we are posting... we just posted it. Go Reds. May the power of Mr. Redlegs be with you.

Goodyear is Go

This ugly little guy has a lot to cheer about - the Reds are moving out to his turf in Arizona for Spring Training activites. He's stoked. He's said in the past that he is excited about the Indians moving out there, but deep inside he's a Reds fanatic. Apparently dude is a big fan of Jeff Keppinger. Who knew?

Anyways, the news it out... Goodyear, Arizona has approved the chish cash to build the stadium and the Reds are heading out there for the 2010 season warm-ups games.

Sorry, Sarasota... ya had ya chance.

FO0000000GG!

I hope Josh Fogg has a really good year... he's just begging for a really good nickname.

Repeat after me...

Edwin Encarnacion is not a clutch player.
Edwin Encarnacion is not a clutch player.
Edwin Encarnacion is not a clutch player.
Edwin Encarnacion is not a clutch player.
Edwin Encarnacion is not a clutch player.

OMG.

Reds on the cheap cheap

John Matarese, if you are going to bring the deals... why don't you step up to the plate and BRING THE DEALS!!!!11?!!1/1

Cincy's very own Koupon King posted a King Kwick lineup of deals on/at Reds games this year and pulled a TOTAL FAIL. The Meijer 4 for $54 is great and all, and he had to talk about the all-you-can-shove-down-your-throat seats because everyone does, but he didn't get to the down and dirty.

Now, we have to put a better list together... but there are lots of way to get Reds tickets on the cheap all year long. You just to do a little planning. Here are a few examples off the top of my OMGhead...

Reds Community Fund 1/2 price tickets
Make a $1 donation to the Reds Community Fund and you'll receive a half-price discount on a view-level ticket for any* future Monday-Thursday Reds game during 2008. I believe you will have to make this donation at the Reds Community Fund booth at a Reds game.

*Excluded are 6/10 & 9/16 - promo nights.

UDF Ticket Discount
For a limited time, visit any Greater Cincinnati, Dayton or Columbus UDF location and you can receive a half-price discount on Reds tickets with your gas purchase (minimum 8 gallons). Click here for more information.

Pepsi Ticket Discount - UPDATE!
Here's the info on the Pepsi 50% off tickets deal. From the can:

Offer good on all Field Box, Mezzanie and View Level in April and May, 2008. Bring this can to the Great American Ball Park ticket window or go online to www.reds.com and enter "Pepsi" in the Special Offer Box. Offer subject to availability. Offer not available Opening Day (March 31, 2008) or the Cleveland series (May 16 - May 18, 2008). Limit 4 tickets per can, 2 cans per person. Not to be used with any other offer.

This was pulled directly off a Diet Pepsi can. The person that passed this deal along to me tried to buy tickets online using the "Pepsi" promotional code and was unable to get the discount. The gave a call to Reds ticketing and didn't get anywhere. I'm sure taking a can to GABP will work... plus it will be your least expensive option considering you won't pay extra fees buying tickets directly.

Now, that is not even counting College nights, Teen Nights, Senior Citizen discounts Family Days all those other promos that the Reds have been doing for year. Like Matarese says in his article, the Reds are on of the best deals in baseball... and you can get an even better deal if you work at it a little.

Any other deals that OMGreds.com readers know about? Make sure to leave us a comment and tell us how to do Reds games on the cheap.

OMG! It was Opening Day

The ENTIRE OMGreds.com staff is bummed out about the Reds' loss today in the opening game. We have a day to heal up tomorrow and the Reds will be back at it Wednesday night.

Until then, you can admire the lame camera-phone-photography over at the photo blog. Are we plugging the photo blog enough for you? If we mention photo blog too much, will you not come back? Photo blog. All in all, not bad photos, but we could have done better. We didn't even chase down Mr. Redlegs. We'll get 'em next time, yo.

There are some nice photos up on "THAT OTHER BLOG" too, if you're interested. Some bullshit about helmet sundaes or something. Whatevs.