Java du Jour: Reds Roast (6/27/2011)

It appears as though frustration is the theme across Reds-land. This team simply cannot put together a winning streak right now. While I understand the impatience, I encourage you to relax. The Reds’ run differential is best in the NL Central (+36). That is 3^rd best the National League behind only the Phillies and Braves. The Reds have scored more runs and allowed fewer runs than the Cardinals. The point of all this is that the Reds run differential (.5 runs per game) suggests that the Reds are still the best team in the division.

Reds Roast

A disastrous 4^th inning did in the Reds and Homer Bailey yesterday in Baltimore. The Reds lost another series against an AL team. Bailey seemed to be pitching well until the 4^th. Tough loss.

Dontrelle Willis continues to pitch well at AAA – Red Reporter provides us with a look at some other players to watch in the Reds’ farm system.

The Reds will move on to their next interleague opponent, Tampa Bay, as Mike Leake faces off against Jeremy Hellickson tonight.

Baseball Prospectus recaps the draft, focusing on the NL Central (subscription only). Here’s what they say about the Reds’ picks:

First Three Rounds1. (27) Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra HS (CA)2. (84) Gabriel Rosa, OF, Colegio Hector Urdeneta (PR)3. (114) Tony Cingrani, LHP, RiceWho They are: Stephenson is a classic first-round high school arm. He’s already touches the mid-90s with his fastball while sitting at 90-94 mph, and his power breaking ball is already a quality pitch. He doesn’t have a changeup, but scouts love his projection.Rosa is a 6-foot-4 athlete with average to plus power and speed, but his hitting tool will need plenty of development.Cingrani is already signed and could move quickly through the system as a flame-throwing reliever who needs to improve his slider.Later Picks of Note: Fifth-round second baseman Ryan Wright can flat-out hit, but his other tools are a bit short. While he’s the son of the Reds’ scouting director, sixth-round pick Sean Buckley was hardly a nepotism pick; he has classic third-base tools. Ninth-round righty Cole Green was a consistent winner at Texas, and while he lacks stuff, he has the pitchability to be a fifth starter.Analysis: The Reds were expected to take a college arm with their first pick, and surprised many with Stephenson, then surprised again by selecting a second toolsy high school player with their second pick. The team chose safer picks from there, to produce a well-balanced draft.

Broadway Blend

Locally brewed – Cincinnati is going to war with two major banks, with a lawsuit claiming the banks failed to maintain properties.

Hollywood brew – British film-maker Nike Broomfield is making a movie about Sarah Palin.

Strange brew – Americans love fried food. We love it so much, now you can get fried Kool-Aid

Viral brew – Weddings are hilarious

Harmonious brew – Wilco released a new song, “I Might.” Good stuff from a great band.

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