As Mike Leake walked on the Field Tuesday night, many things were becoming clear about this red hot Reds rookie and his 4-0 record, (could easily be 6-0) but one thing was clearer than others: Dude needs to get pants that fit! Remember when you got that first uni and it didn't fit, but you didn't care, thats what "Bagger Vance" Leake looked like walkin' in from the bullpen tonight. (MLB showed him over-tightening his large red belt, resembling a skinny 'Claus with drawers 5 sizes to big in the waist) But you know what, its all good because he's the lucky charm in the magic brew this year! I'm sure its just me and he's quite comfy in his bagginess, but who cares if his "pants on the ground, pants on the gound" its workin! At this rate he may be the front runner (Thats right: phenom Heyward) for the ROY, and maybe even solidifying his spot on the Allstar squad. Even in the loss to the Bucs all ended Rosey Tue night for Cincy as the Birdies lost to the Fathers keeping the Reds tied for first. (Some Buc fan-dude tweeted at the end: "Raise the Jolly Roger!" Raise it, cause were gonna' Redbull that baby manana! BTW.. ahem we did!)
One true testament, as to how a young rookie is being accepted, is by what your teamates say about you: Arroyo on Leake: "I actually enjoy watching him pitch more than anybody I've ever played with. It's fun to say" (Sheldon MLB.com) WOW! http://bit.ly/cf5SiU
But Leake is just the laid back, even keeled, North San Diego Boy in the mix. With Captain Rolen and his leadership, "Perennial Allstar" to be (why not?) Votto mashing, Bruce starting to feel his oats, and Oh how sweet does Mr Gold Glove Brandon look up top! Hey even Dustys getting on board: finally using Phillips speed at the top, and the big bats in the middle. See, when you put someone in a spot where you expect them to perform it gives them ownership of that responsibility, and heck its workin!
Young Heisey, Janish & Nix, travelers Gomes & Cabrera, doing there part, the sticks are workin' and the D? sweeet! Leading the NL! (or really close!)
Pitching: Harang, well see(would you swap him w/Oswalt if you could?) Arroyo/Cueto/ are fine, Bailey? hmmm wally pipped by Chapman/Lecure? Rhodes and Solid CoCo(hope he's listening: karma!)
Here's where I'm gonna end this with The big intangible: Attitude, the reds come to the Park thinking they can win everyday. I'm sure this is just me, but the last time I heard talk like this from a cast of journeyman, some sprinkled in Vets, a vet manager and the town buzzing was, nope I cant say it, well Ok: 1990! Hey a fan can dream cant we?
Brew on Machine!
P.S Oh Yea I would be remise if i didn't rep the biggest campaign in the 'Nati: Vote Votto!
Photo: Al Berhman AP
Nice thoughts :) Really enjoyed it. & VOTE VOTTO!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chelsie! the real estate just went up here with your presence! ;)
ReplyDelete