Redsfest: The Hangover

PHEW - We're whooped. What a great weekend. Just as the off-season is starting to show how long it is, we had this great oasis in Redsfest to get us through another couple of months. The Reds out-did themselves once again at this annual explosion of all things Reds. Even with three of us there, we didn't get to experience everything Redsfest had to offer. Check out a few of the photos we took - wish we would have grabbed more!

Here are a few highlights:

Mystery Jersey Bags
At the Reds Community Fund game-used area they were offering brown bags with a unidentified player's jersey inside for a reasonable $40. We just can't resist this stuff. Two were purchased and we pulled a Juan Castro BP jersey and a Kent Merker BP jersey. What a fun idea.

Reds Hall of Fame VIP Member area
Two of us here at OMGreds are Reds Hall of Fame members and we really enjoyed the nice little perk the HOF offered in their area of Redsfest - a Hall of Fame Members VIP room. They had a nice little set-up using the Reds leather clubhouse couch and chairs, a flat-screen TV and a couple of more chairs and tables. It was a nice place to sit down and get away from the hustle and bustle of the Redsfest floor. But, they best thing was never knowing who else might be in there. At various different times over the weekend we got to chat at length the Ron Oester, Hall Morris, Lee May and Eric Davis. It was nice to talk with these guys in a relaxed situation. They were all great.

Herm Winningham
If you missed Herm this weekend, you really missed out. This guy is off the chain. He single-handedly kept an entire autograph line (along with Glenn Braggs and Tracy Jones) entertained for an hour on Saturday. The dude is a ham, there's no doubt about it.

Chris Dickerson
Tell you what, Chris Dickerson is just fun to be around. That guy has a ton of energy and is pretty much always in a good mood. Even after a whirlwind media tour on Thursday, he still had plenty of energy for the fans at Redsfest all weekend. Plus, unlike a lot of guys in today's game, he's got a great signature. He's old school like that. Overall, you can't help but root for the guy.

Mario Soto's Fedora
As mentioned on Redleg Nation, here's Mario rockin' the fedora, Indy Jones style.

The 'Graphs
There's no way around it, the biggest draw at Redsfest is the autographs. We're all Reds fan-boys here and like collecting autographs. So, it's heaven for us. Not sure the total count was for the three of us that were there, but it's quite a pile. Here's a shot of just my pile.

Here's a pic of buff Glenn Braggs signing a fan's card. Brandon Phillips was great with the fans, while looking Super-Fly. By the way, Dusty DID shake my hand.

Other Reds Fans
Tell you what, when you stand in autograph lines for a while, you get to know the folks around you, for good... and bad. We chatted it up with a ton of other fans, and they were great.

Other Fan's Jerseys
Yeah we love the jerseys. Saw some great ones too... should have taken some photos, huh? Some highlights include a kid in a Dominican Rebulic WBC jersey, a guy in a '30s-era Reds away jersey (beautiful), a few Davey Concepcion jerseys, any Dick Pole jersey, Of course, seeing a couple Sam LeCure jerseys in the game-used area was awesome for us. Not a jersey, but these pants were pretty special. Then, there was this guy in a Scott Ruskin jersey.

Old Junk
Yep, we love perusing the old junk at these shindigs. I saw a pair of Mr. Redlegs cuff links from the '50s that I HAVE to have. Might be on the look out for those in the future.

Swag
There is always a lot of swag being thrown aound (literaly) at Redsfest. It's fun to bring home a few foam baseballs, coupons for 1.50 off Banquet Boneless Chicken Nuggets and free kids meals at Bob Evans. We're definitely going to use the coupon for 1 free fresh cut fry at City Barbeque. Awesome. The Topps Baseball cards were a nice touch too. They featured the 2010 card design, but were exclusive to Redsfest, as they did last year. One of our favorite blogs, The Writer's Journey, has great scans of all eight cards in the set.

The Reds Blogging Community
What a great group. Redsfest was a chance for all of us to be in one place and get a chance to meet one another face-to-face. The nice thing about our little community is the support we all have for one another. There's alot of respect and camaraderie in our little world, we're all pulling for each other's success, and of course for the success for the team we all love (and hate sometimes!), The Reds. It was great to meet folks from Red Reporter, Redleg Nation, Better off Red and to Tweet around with all the other Reds blogs and fans out there. Oh and that C Trent guy too.

So, to officially wrap up all this: We're nuts about Redsfest.

GO REDS!

Cyclones/Reds Jerseys - In Action

After Redsfest, we headed across downtown Cincinnati to watch the 'Cones take down the Florida Everblades 3-0. Gotta tell ya, the 'Clones were looking darn good in those Reds-inspired jerseys. We stayed after the game to take in the jersey auction, but. all of them were pretty much out of our price range with the majority going for $375-$450. It's great though, proceeds from the auction went directly to the Reds Community Fund. Great stuff.

The Cyclones posted video highlights from the game with a great look at the jerseys.

A few photos that we snapped:

2009 Redsfest: Night 1

Wow, another great job by the Reds. Again, this is a first class-event, and this year's is just as good or better than last year. 3/5 of the OMGreds crew was on hand tonight at various points to take in the action. We snagged some autos from Dusty Baker, Ron Oester, Mike Linclon, Nick Masset, Jay Bruce and others. We also heard that Barry Larkin was signing autographs for 2 HOURS! That's awesome. This town loves him, and he knows it. Mad respect from us!

One cool thing about Redsfest is picking up some game-used stuff from the Reds Community Fund. Jerseys, bats, signed baseballs, you name it, they have it. Well, we picked up a couple of "Mystery Bag" game-used jerseys... we just can't resist that stuff. We'll post some photos and reaction from our haul soon.

We also heard a rumor that Rob Oester got into it with Chris Sabo about something and Spuds bailed on his autograph session (9:15 at the Reds Hall of Fame area). We didn't witness it ourselves, but it's all over the radio tonight. Crazy stuff.

Regardless, it's time for us to get some rest and gear up for a long (and awesome) day tomorrow. As always, more on Twitter. See ya there!

Draft Day!

Oh, wait. What?

A dream come true

Nothing like wrapping up Memorial Day weekend with a Reds win and hangin' with a couple BFFs.

Great weekend. Got to see some Reds winz, found a badass Reds hat, had my first helmet sundae of the year, got to watch unsuspecting fans on the Sony StadiumView-a-ma-jig-a-wha-wha, avoided getting shot in the face, rock star seat hook-up, and and it's nice to know that they have a cup for the Ohio Cup! No, not that cup, a souvi cup! Much better than a helmet cup, but not as nutty as this cup.

Never know who you'll meet at GABP

You never know who you will meet at the ballpark, and this past Saturday, I was lucky enough to meet a couple of Reds greats.

Lee May was doing a signing in the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday before the game against the Braves, so I made sure I brought a couple of baseball cards with me to have him sign. After talking to Mr. May for a few minutes, I stuck around and checked out the new Crosely Field exhibit (very cool - you should go) and who walks in? None other than Chuck Harmon, the first African-American player for the Reds. I've always heard he's a first class guy, so I was excited to meet him, and of course, get his autograph as well. So, while all this is happening, I learn that Leo 'Chico' Cardenas is sitting near Chuck Harmon in the back of the stands near first base. No way!

So, in a funny twist to the story, I actually have three Cardenas baseball cards in my bag with me at the game. I had just purchased them that morning, in anticipation of his upcoming appearance at the Reds HOF on May 9th. I had gone straight to the game, and didn't get a chance to drop them off at home. So, needless to say, I am stoked.

I didn't go track down Mr. Cardenas right away, but after a few innings, fellow OMGer, Paul, and I head down to find him. Sure enough, he was sitting right where I heard he was going to be. We chatted with him for a few, he signed our cards and he couldn't have been any nicer.

It was an honor to meet all those great Reds on Saturday. You never know who your going to run into, eh? It sure made up for the bad game the Reds turned in that day.

So, if you can, do yourself a solid and make sure you go meet Leo Cardenas at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum on Saturday, May 9th. He'll be signing from 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM. FYI: You'll have to pay admission to get into the Hall. More info

Oh, and that's also Joey Votto Bobblehead night. Holla.

The 3-Way Helmet

Inspired by the Taco Helmet, we set out yesterday to find what other foods made sense being served in the helmet format. Of course, ice cream in a helmet is a natural and time-honored tradition and will always reign supreme. But, there have to be other concoctions, like the Taco Helmet, that hit a home run on the novelty food scale. The first thing that came up was Skyline Chili's famous 3-Way. Of course, what could be more natural sitting in the bowl of a Cincinnati Reds helmet cup than spaghetti, chili and cheese. Well, we had to try this out for ourselves, and the fine folks at Skyline were more than happy to help us out.

Verdict? Epic Win.

An Endorsement: Sam LeCure

We here at OMGreds resoundly endorse Reds Pitcher Sam LeCure as the 2009 Reds' Fan's Choice Bobblehead. We will be voting for Sam daily at reds.com in hopes that he will get the bobblehead that he so rightfully deserves. As a young minor leaguer, there is no better representative for the Fan's Choice Bobblehead other than Sam LeCure. He has proved hard-working and diligent in his quest to make "The Show" and should aptly be rewarded by having his head proudly bobbling all around Great American Ball Park on the evening of Saturday, July 18, bringing joy to children of the Greater Cincinnati area, and mass hysteria to eBay resellers everywhere.

While Sam is "Our Man," we do realize that there are many pitchers from which fans will be choosing for this very special honor. We implore you to do your duty as a fan, and vote... for YOUR candidate, for the pitcher you feel is most deserving of living on in ceramic glory, to be perched above computer desks in basement home-offices all around the suburban Cincinnati area next to B-Lark, Wily Mo, The Doggie, Felipe, Spuds, Dunner, Vice Dunner, ED and the others. For the candidate that you feel is most worthy of being coveted by a three-year-old child for 15 to 25 seconds, then slammed to the ground, shattering into tens of pieces, with its only hope of being restored left to his grandmother and a tube of Crazy Glue. For the candidate that you want some middle-aged dude to randomly say "What the hell is this??" when they are handed their bobblehead at the gate, not realizing that it was a bobblehead night, and then giving it to the first person they see as they navigate the confusingly dense crowd on their way to find the client and his family he gave tickets to for that night to shake and howdy for 15 minutes about TPS reports and shit and then bolt GABP to get home in his white Taurcedes company car.

We just want you to make a choice. We have made ours, and we would love it if you proudly stood with us and cast your online entry daily for Sam LeCure for 2009 Reds Fan's Choice Bobblehead.

Do the right thing. Vote for change. Vote for the fighter. Vote with your heart. Vote. Vote for Sam.

AND VOTE FOR HIM BEFORE APRIL 30TH!!!1!!1!!!

Champions Club

The Reds are offering some new seating options this year, including the Fox Sports Ohio Champions Club along the first base side (formerly known as Club 4192). Part of OMGReds got lucky enough to sit in this renovated section for Wednesday night's game.

If I could take a moment to quote Ferris Beuller here, "It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up."



Ticket prices are a bit more than your average seat; Club seats are $85 and Club Box seats are $100 - but the Box seats do include two free alcoholic drink vouchers per ticket. With food and (non-alcoholic) drinks included in the ticket price, you can definitely get your money's worth from plenty of delicious options including nachos, a pasta bar, hot dogs, LaRosas pizza and Montgomery Inn among others. Nom nom nom.

They have a ton of HDTVs all over the place, too. So if you decide to head inside to warm up on a cold April night, you don't miss any of the game. Plus, while you're inside, you can check out a bunch of murals commemorating the Reds World Series victories, along with some great photos from the past.

Check out the photo blog for some more shots from the Champions Club.

Harang's Dorito

HAHA... wish we came up with this one:

via The Sports Hernia

Aaron Harang kicks off season with five strong innings, Dorito on chin
How does this guy do it!? He's like one of those insanely disciplined black labs that can balance a milk bone on their snout and let it sit there until their given the proper signal to begin devouring it.

Clicky clicky

It's opening day, nooch!

Headed down the the parade and game today. Follow along on Twitter and our Photoblog. Might throw something up on Twitpic as well. Gotta keep everyone happy, right?

Go Reds!!!

UPDATE #1 It's nasty out there! But, we've got a few photos from the parade for you, including Cows on Segways.

UPDATE #2 Well, this one didn't belong to the Reds. Lack of HAVOC, we suppose. All the photos from our day around downtown are right here.

New JumboTron: Dope

Bigger, stronger, faster. Technotronic.

(h/t: Beilstein)

Top Six is back!

Who doesn't remember the days of heading down to Riverfront stadium, walking up a ticket booth and getting a "Top Six" ticket? Well, the Reds front office has NOT forgotten and have brought back the $5 Reds ticket. Total awesome.

Also coming with the return of the $5 Reds ticket is a whole new "economy menu" at ballpark concession stands. From the article:

$1 Menu Items (sold at two concessions stands, one in the Fan Zone and one on the first base side View Level )

• $1 hot dog

• $1 12 oz. Coca-Cola sodas

• $1 bag of peanuts

• $1 ice cream cup

• $1 Redlegs French Chew taffy

The $7 adult value meals are available at 18 locations and the $5 kids meal will be available at 10 locations

Sweet... C Trent has this too... as well as Reds Internal Affairs.

OMG. Taco Helmet

Words cannot describe what I am feeling right now.

Click here for more on the holy trinity of Minor League concession items.

h/t: C Trent

Agreed.

Hat tip: Urban Prankster > Via Home Run Derby.

Redsfest: FIN

Once again, the Reds put on a fantastic convention. It gets better every year and it's obvious that it's a point of pride with the Reds' staff and management. How awesome is it that our little small-market team can put on one of the best off-season fan conventions? There are some folks out there that are a tab bit jealous...

A few points of interest from my standpoint:

- The autograph opportunities are just awesome. For someone that appreciates players past, present and future, there are tons of opportunities for everyone. Getting an auto from Clay "The Hawk" Carroll is pretty exciting... just as getting one from young star Johnny Cueto or up-and-comers like Todd Frazier or Matt Maloney. For me, it's all good. I did focus my time at Redsfest on autos and ended up scoring 21 on baseball cards and a handful more on my Redsfest pass. What can I say, I'm a nerd. My favorite? Reds Outfielder Jerry Lynch on a 1960 Topps. (Right: Click for larger view) Lines for guys like Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto were insane and I didn't try for any of them, except Cueto.

- The Reds Hall of Fame area had a great set-up of exhibits with old uniforms, spikes, etc. Of course seeing the World Series trophies is always a highlight.

- I love it that the entire convention center is covered in RED. You walk out and your eyeballs need to adjust to seeing the rest of the color spectrum. Immersive - love it.

- All the kids stuff looked awesome. The Reds Heads club area is pretty cool. Batting cages, speed pitch, whiffle ball, etc... all great stuff. If I were 9 years old it might have just been too much... okay, not really... just awesome.

- Free stuff all over the place. The Reds were handing out Redsfest exclusive Topps trading cards that you could put in a little fold-out binder they provided at the Information Booth. Nice little cards to get signed, actually. The set included Bruce, Phillips, Harang, Dickerson, Arroyo, Keppinger, Freel and Votto. I ended up missing out on Bruce and Phillips just because I didn't pass by the desks handing those out. Anyone have any for trade?? Other free stuff included the gift bag to the first 10,000 folks through the gate with a Reds stocking cap AND a coupon for free chips and guac from Chipotle - hellz to the yeah. I think the Louisville Slugger Factory in Louisville was giving out free tickets for it's tour as well. I've been, and it's a good time. Apparently, the factory tour is new and improved? Cool.

- I love diggin' around the collectables area. I got a few cards for some of the Reds minor leagers I wanted to get signed. Overpaid, but that's what you get a things like this. I love all the old dusty Reds promotion stuff people have for sale. I ended up getting a couple of buttons the Reds gave out in 1989. I actually had the John Franco on when I was a kid - I went to the game. But, I lost the button ages ago. Got that one back, along with a Sabo, Larkin and and coupons for a FREE 32oz Pepsi when I order an large or medium pizza at regular price at Pizza Hut. Dine-in or carry out... oh... it expired on September 4, 1989. Oh well.

- So, at one point on Saturday, the Main Stage had the "Reds Idol Karaoke Contest". For the most part, it was a snoozer... but a good idea. THEN... this little chunky kid got up on stage and dropped some Journey and brought the house down. I don't care much for Journey, but Cincinnati loves themselves some Steve Perry power ballads and this kids got some serious love. It was something to see/hear. I give it up for that little guy.

That's all I have for now... might be more later... Check out the photo blog for a look into my experience at Redsfest.

Coming very soon: Bobblehead predictions! Dates have been announce by the Reds for FOUR bobblehead dates, including a bobblehead to be voted on at Reds.com. Good move, Reds!!

Redsfest: Ahoy!

It's that time of year, boys and girls. REDSFEST TIME! We here at OMGreds celebrate it to it's fullest. It's where hope for the upcoming season springs eternal and the autographs flow like fine Two Buck Chuck. We love it. We revel in it. We even wallow in it a little bit. As is customary with anything that crosses Reds with Kickass we'll be there and photoblogin' that shizz. So, keep your eyes peeled over there and drop us a few comments on our lackluster mobile phone photography.

2008 Redsfest goals:

- Ron Oester autograph on our '87 Topps
- Photo with Brandon Phillips' pearly white grill
- A lock of The Cowboy's mullet
- Pitching tips from Chris Welsh
- Heckle the Bronson Arroyo Band
- High five Walt Jocketty
- Strike out Joey Votto in wiffle ball
- Do Da Dip with Rosie Red
- Give Jim Day a noogie.

Have you seen the list of Reds folks that will be appearing? Impressive to say the list.

See ya there.

Photoblog.
Photoblog.
Photoblog.

Srsly, Reds fans are the best

Since the beginning of OMGreds I've struck up a few friendships with fellow baseball bloggers - Reds fans, card collectors, etc. It's been fun, educational and sometimes rewarding. The folks that are apart of the this community can be EXTREMELY generous and that was evident to me tonight when I checked my mailbox. Joe from Cincy Reds Cards sent me a mind-blowing box of Reds cards out of the blue. Seriously, there must be 300 some cards in the box he sent - see the photo on the right. 2/3 of the cards were of our main man, Barry Larkin. Going through all the loot was like Christmas morning when you're 5-years-old. Flat out glorious. Eric Davis, Johnny Bench, Adam Dunn, Junior, Brandon Phillips... the list goes on. The kicker? Two autographed cards from none other than Mr. Larkin (see above and Johnny Cueto. WHAT? WHAT? That's some serious loot right there.

Joe and I have swapped a few emails this year and quite a few blog comments as well. He's out in Salt Lake City, so he's a long-distance Reds fan. It's good to see the love for the Reds across the country. The thing about Joe is that he lost his entire card card collection - and probably a lot his belongings in an apartment fire over the summer. The blogging community came together and sent him LOADS of Reds cards to cheer him up a bit. OMGreds sent a little package as well... but nothing compared to what he just sent me.

Now, the other half of Cincy Reds Cards, Brad has been awesome to me as well - hooking me up with a handful of Joey Votto, Reds and Bengals cards. I was probably doing him a favor taking those Bengals cards! Just sayin'... the fellas at Cincy Reds Cards are the best. Check out their blog. They haven't updated in a bit... but what is there if flat out hilarious.

So, I just want to say thanks to Joe and Brad and tell everyone how truly awesome Reds fans are.

PS... you all see the rumors about Larkin's return to the Reds?

The Offseason?

Is the ON SEASON here at OMGreds.com. Well, that's probably a stretch. But, we're all excited about this Reds offseason for many reasons. The Reds will be looking better next year. What moves will Jocketty have in store for the team? There are many great off-season events we are stoked about: Big Red Machine Reunion, Moeller Sports Card Show, Redsfest. Plus, spring training is right around the corner! Hellz yeah.

We are still sorting out our plans, but we will likely be at all the events and doing a little photoblogging, if not more here at OMGreds.com.

Big Red Machine Reunion
November 14-16
Duke Energy Center
more information

This is a pretty neat event and we'll try and stop by. I have never been before, so not sure what to expect. The autograph prices are pretty steep, so I probably won't be picking anything up at the show.

Moeller Thanksgiving Spectacular
November 28-30
Moeller High School
More information

I haven't been to this show since I was a kid! They have a fantastic line-up this year featuring players from the the '90s as well as current guys. Here's a list of who's signing at the show. It's pretty impressive, really. The prices are not too bad, either.

Dave Parker (The Cobra!!!)
Joey Votto (VOTTOtron is happy)
Chris Dickerson (Exciting!)
Kal Daniels (Awesome, except I remember him more as a Dodger)
Ron Robinson (Big Red Ron)
Tom Browning (Mr. Frickin' Hilarious)
Jon Warden (Actually, we are pretty stoked about Mr. Warden being there)

There are also a slew of minor leaguers with local ties that will be signing as well - very reasonably priced at $3 a signature. Check out http://www.cincycardshows.com for information on times, prices, etc.

We'll be there for at least one day, if not more and putting up some photos from the show while we are there. Stay tuned!

Also, Cincy Card Shows need some help with their website. It makes my eyeballs bleed every time I go there for information. Make it stop!!

Redsfest XI
December 12-13
Duke Energy Center
More Information

OMGreds will be there with bells on. We might even blow out a special section here on the site for it. Planning is in the works now. Of course, most of our planning meeting consist of either going to Cyclones games for cheap PBR or Snappy Tomato Pizza buffet at lunch during the week - so you can imagine how much stuff we actually get done.

Anyways, we're doing our best to win the VIP Sweepstakes so we can bring you an exclusive inside look at the whole thing. But, that hinges on actually winning. We'll see how that goes. Wish us luck.

Of course, what is the best thing about Redsfest? The autographs! We're total nerds about that stuff and we're excited about the folks that are slated to attend Redsfest as of today:

Bronson Arroyo, Jeff Brantley, Marty Brennaman, Thom Brennaman, Jay Bruce, Jared Burton, Leo Cardenas, Clay Carroll, Zack Cozart, Chris Dickerson, Danny Dorn, George Foster, Todd Frazier, George Grande, Paul Janish, Jeff Keppinger, Devin Mesoraco, Brandon Phillips, Adam Rosales, Jordan Smith, Drew Stubbs, Chris Valaika, Joey Votto, Brandon Waring, and Chris Welsh.

UPDATE:

Second wave of confirmations: Daryl Thompson, Ryan Hanigan, Craig Tatum, Jack Billingham, Wayne Granger, Jerry Lynch, Chuck Harmon, Tommy Helms, and Jim Maloney.

Watch out, I need to get my '87 Topps Chris Welsh card signed, so just stay out of my way, okay? Cool. Thanks.


More on all this as each event approachs - Make sure to keep OMGreds.com at the top of your bookmarks and our RSS feed on lock.

Oh, hellz yeah!

So long, Corey Patterson... we hope you do well in whatever independent minor league you end up playing in, but we're glad yer gone!

Walks Will Haunt

One of my favorite old lines from the days of the Riverfront Stadium scoreboard. It's only second to the 8bit Mr. Red Race.

I'm glad "Walks Will Haunt" has made the transition over to GABP. It makes me feel like a kid again every-time I see it - and I got to see it Saturday night when the Nationals intentionally walked Griffey late in the game.

So, these folks have available a t-shirt with those immortal words emblazoned on the front. They also have some other 'Nati themed shirts available. "Two Live Carew" - LOL!

Full disclosure - I have no clue who these folks are that are making the shirts. Just wanted to give them some props. Holla!

Junior night

I have to say, the Griffey banner at GABP is pretty nice. It's DAMN big. It's also great to have a Reds player bring portrayed bigger than life at the stadium. You can see the damn thing all the way across downtown! Say what you will about his career here in Cincinnati, but he has been a great asset to the game from day one.

Congrats to Griffey... he deserves it.

More photos from Griffey night are up on the photo blog.

Click on the photo to the left for a larger view. Food from that nights game is up on OMG Helmet Sundae for all you ballpark foodies out there.

Total Awesome

Griff blasts no. 600.

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.

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.

GABP Goes 'Green'

The Reds posted an article today highlighting the many improvements and new features you'll see while attending game at GABP this season. Among them are the Toyota Tundra in center field waiting for a dent to be put in it, the new stuff-yer-face section and the super-expanded pro-shop thing-a-ma-jigger just off the third base seats. Oh, and there are bunch of new flat-screen TVs with all the other games on them live. That way, all the Cubs fans that got dragged to the game by a client can go catch what's happin' on good ol' 'GN.

But, what I think tops the list of new features this year is the recycling program. FINALLY! I can't imagine the amount of waste that leaves GABP after every game and how much of that can be recycled. I'm sure this has to be a trend at ballparks this season since every corporation in America has tired to appear "green" over the past year. But, better late than never. They are also taking all the cooking oils used in the kitchens and concession stands and reusing it as bio-diesel fuel. Cool.

Kudos to the Reds, Hamilton County and Rumpke for figuring it out.

Now, lets expand this to other venues... US Bank Arena, Riverbend, Cintas Center, Shoemaker, etc. Maybe some of those places already have programs in place... I'm not sure... but, I was really happy to read this today. Even happier than hearing about the newly-remolded Machine Room.