All-Star Brake, Now Let it Off #goReds

Now that we've all gotten over one of the games elite starters being left out of the All-Star game (not to mention the same going for second basemen eloquently penned as 'Dat Dude'), it is now time to focus on the destination, rather than the journey thus far. As Mr. Fitch has penned it, we are all about the destination, having enjoyed the journey in 2010.

So our Reds find themselves one game behind their unlikely rivals, the Pittsburgh Pirates - too young in their success story to come up with a snide-back door nickname. We all know what the Cardinals are capable of, with La Russa or not, and we all know the Cubs never had a chance. Personally, I'm optimistic for the second half, and I don't see how with the Reds being gluttons of pitching cannot win the division, and go further.

It is worth the thought to have Chapman do some starting down the stretch, however with the way Latos wrapped up the first half, All-Star (for all intents and purposes) Cueto mixing it up Luis Tiant-style, and the rest doing their thing I think the Reds are set for continued success 1-4, at least.

The Drew Stubbs-experience needs to end, as it's reach more terrifying heights than the LSD-infused boat ride of Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The outfield has been underwhelming, and Jay Bruce - at times - has looked like a little leaguer, fielding fly balls. Ludwick isn't poised to even repeat the numbers he's put up, and Heisey works hard, is a ball player...is that enough? 

The infield aside from the geriatrics of Scott Rolen has been above average, but how could it not be with the best player in the NL at first base carrying much of the load? Phillips has been Dat Dude, and Cozart, and Frazier have both impressed. One can only expect they'll continue to get better - as long as old toothpick doesn't give the green light to Rolen, day-in and day-out.

As I've alluded, pitching doesn't concern me. Catching has been mediocre, but not a detriment to the team. Again, i don't think it can get worse, but better.

No, what I want to happen is an influx of what is working. Keep Rolen, albeit on the bench and have him continue to groom the young infielders. Move the base-stealing monster that resides in Bakersfield to AA, see how he fares for a few weeks and then get him up here after he's stolen 20 more. Can you imagine calling in Billy Hamilton in a pinch down the stretch, and then watching him proceed to go all Benny 'The Jet' Rodriguez on an unsuspecting NL club?

I don't have faith in the Pirates, and in the rest of the NL Central for that matter. I plan on sipping non-alcoholic champagne by the time October rolls around, and you should too.