Thrice is Nice

1. Has there been a better trade for the Reds than Bronson Arroyo for Wily Mo Pena? Arroyo has been nothing besides the best pitcher in the National League since being brought to Cincinnati. Yes, you read that correctly, Bronson has been the best pitcher in the National League since the trade. He has the most innings pitched and most wins over anyone during that time. Personally, I believe that Arroyo is one of those guys that people think can be replaced, but it will be a very difficult thing to do. The guys throws a ball that looks like a Frisbee mixed with a plastic wiffle ball and he throws its from 1,000 arms angles at roughly 52 different speeds. He's one of a kind, and Cincinnati has been lucky to watch him pitch all of these years. Plus, the dude can sing.

2. I will be making my first trip ever to the Western and Southern open today, courtesy of our friends at Gameday Communications. I am not sure what to expect, but I am expecting to hear a lot of grunting and possibly some celebrities sightings. I plan on taking pictures throughout the day and I will upload them this evening. I feel like this event may be one of the most underrated in the city of Cincinnati, how often do the absolute best of the best all come to Cincy in any sport. Only once a year, and that's the Western and Southern Open.

3. Creeping back in are our fighting Cincinnati Reds. Sitting only .5 game out of the first wild card spot and 3.5 back of the Central lead. After completely the sweep the Reds are off to a 5-1 start in what we will refer to from now on as the "Necessary 17". I believed that the Reds needed to go 12-5 in these games in order to make up some ground to give themselves a change to win the Central again but that would mean that they would close out this stretch going 7-4. This is very logical and should be the bottom end of what to expect, they will not win every game against the Brewers but you have to win at least 5 out of the 7.

Bonus: If this doesn't give you goosebumps and get you excited for some pennant race baseball, I'm not sure what will. The greatest sports moment I've ever been a part of live. Hands down.