Instead of the customary column usually offered here, we're going to change things up a bit.
No detailed story today focusing on one particular topic.
Rather, like a football team emphasizing the run, we're going to rely on some quick-hitters.
Some short blasts of opinion, observation and suggestion. Some Reds' shots you could call them or in a few cases, some shots at the Reds.
So be forewarned . We're planning on driving some ropes right up the middle! We going to deliver some high and tight heat!
To begin with, the Reds should be chagrined if not downright embarrassed. Losing five out of seven to the lowly Cubs in the last two weeks is inexcusable.
How can the Reds ever consider themselves to be legitimate when they get pushed around by inferior clubs. Lesson number one for any would-be contender is that you must beat up on the lesser lights. Feasting on the bottom-feeders is essential. If you don't, the post season is a pipe dream.
Apparently, the Reds aren't yet aware of this precept. After taking the opener against the Cubbies and running their win streak to eight, Cincy proceeded to fan on their next three games. They whiffed big-time.
The Reds shot themselves in the foot by using a formula that leads to nothing but pain and frustration. They played bad ball against a bad club. Even teams like the Cubs will make you pay if don't come with your A game.
As a result, the Reds' stay in first lasted all of two days. Sadly, the Cardinals are again perched atop the Central Division by a game and a half.
So let's hope the message has sunk in. Losing to the dregs is a no-no.
And speaking of losing, the Reds are doing quite a bit of that at Great American Ball Park. There hasn't been much home cooking for Jerry Narron's club. Instead of being a friendly haven, GABP has turned into a house of horrors.
Cincinnati's overall home record is weak 16-14 but lately things have turned ugly. The Reds have dropped three of their last four series in the Queen City while going a combined 4 and 9 in the process. That's hardly the way to win over a local community that's been accused of lack of support.
So the Reds had best start making some noise at GABP. They'd better show some indications that playing at home is a decided advantage for them. They somehow must make opponents leery about coming to Cincy.
Failing that, they'll not only have to worry about getting fan support but something far worse. Their hopes for contending will be on life support.
Now, onto some other unpleasant things.
Bucky Dent's brief stint as a temp manager didn't exactly inspire a lot of confidence in his decision-making.
With Narron having departed Friday to attend his daughter's graduation, Dent was given a one-day rental of the club. He hardly made the most of it. The substitute skipper made a couple of egregious errors.
First, he stayed with veteran reliever Chris Hammond much too long. Though more effective lately, Hammond is nonetheless prone to getting raked if his stuff is the slightest bit off. He's a finesse guy whose margin for error is next to nil. So he must be watched carefully. You keep him on a short rope.
And it was obvious from get-go on Friday night that Hammond wasn't sharp. Yet, Dent allowed him to get tattooed for four hits and three runs in but one inning. Those runs put the Reds in a hole from which they never recovered.
But Dent still had one more gaffe left in his bag of tricks. Trailing by one, the Reds loaded the bases in the ninth with none out. Their eight-game win skein hung in the balance. A remarkable momentum could still be sustained.
Simple baseball logic dictated that your first priority was to get the tying run in and move the runners along. That was objective number one. Hence, the smart play called for a bunt. It offered the most reward for the least risk. Moreover, it probably wasn't expected by the Cubs thus increasing its chances for success.
Executed properly, the game is knotted at 6 and more than likely, you go on to win.
But the thought probably never occurred to Dent. His brain was locked-in on doing the mundane and predictable. He let Felipe Lopez swing away and the results were disastrous. Lopez struck out.
Yet even then, a bunt attempt by the speedy Brandon Phillips was a viable option. Get that tying run in, for goodness sake.
Once more, Dent did nothing but go by the book and Phillips lined out. One out later, the streak was history and a chance to prolong or even win the game outright was blown.
Next time Narron decides to take a leave of absence, how about letting pitching coach Tom Hume handle things. Please!
Which leads us to Narron's one-day sabbatical.
In this politically correct world, very few would have the guts to say that Narron should have stayed with his club and missed his daughter's graduation. One holding to that viewpoint would be crucified in today's climate.
And while no one would suggest that family shouldn't take precedent in almost any matter, responsibility to others should also weigh into the equation.
Narron is entrusted with running a team of some 20-plus men and he has an obligation to them as well. And to the city that team represents. Surrendering his position of authority, even for a day, must be considered very carefully. The fact is that Narron signed on for 162 games and not a game less.
In the case of a clear emergency, there's no doubt what someone should do. He must tend to his family. But when a discretionary situation arises, like a graduation, the situation gets greyer. The line gets a bit more blurred. For those open-minded enough, a legitimate case could be made for going in either direction.
So Narron made his choice and no one would dare condemn him for it.
But the fact remains that had he been present on Friday, perhaps the outcome turns out differently. Maybe Narron makes a move or two that Dent doesn't and as a result, the Reds win their ninth in a row. Instead of dropping a game that has begot two other losses.
Yes, nearly everyone would salute Narron for being with his daughter. But would it have been so outlandish if he had sacrificed family considerations on this occasion and stayed with his club? It says here there would have been honor in either position.
Now, quickly to the field.
Monday's tilt against Milwaukee looms large. It's not hyperbole to say that it's huge and in some ways a virtual must-win situation.
A fourth loss in a row would greatly undermine the Reds' recent run of stellar play. It could render their just concluded eight-game winning streak almost inconsequential.
So it's just the kind of spot for a ascending pitcher to further establish his credentials. To prove that he can be a stopper and buck up his team when they need him the most.
Enter right-hander Aaron Harang. He's on the verge of taking that next step from good to star-in-the making. But in order to make that progression, Monday's contest versus the Brewers is the type he must win with consistency. Harang must become as dependable as the mailman.
Come later Monday night, we'll know a lot more about the kind of pitcher he's destined to become.
And if the 28 year-old should continue his nice run of the last two seasons, it might behoove the Reds to offer him a generous multi-year deal. But quick. They can't afford let one of the few shining lights of their staff test the free agent waters.
Finally, we offer this parting bit of advice. When and if pitcher Paul Wilson returns to active duty, he just might be the answer to the Reds' middle relief woes.
Narron will need to work Wilson in slowly given his lengthy absence since early 2005 because of shoulder surgery. Wilson needs to be eased into things.
And what better spot to do that than in the middle of games where he'll be asked to go only a couple of innings. He can build up his strength and confidence simultaneously.
Moreover, if Wilson can bring his grit and savvy to a relief role, the Reds may have found someone who can help keep them in ballgames.
At present, there doesn't appear to be any room for Wilson as a starter unless Brandon Clausen completely collapses. So long relief appears to be where he'll find himself.
And that could prove to be a blessing. If Wilson can be of use there, it would solve a major headache for his team.