Hello all. I am blogging to you outside of Ridgecrest South here in overcast Tuscaloosa for move-in day. I am sitting here along with my cohost for Sportscampus (check us out on twitter @Sportscamups), Jordan Eichenblatt, and also new friend and our other radio personality, Ben Rogers. Check out Sportscampus Sundays from 12-2 on 90.7. There will also be podcasts and online coverage.
With that being said, let's jump right into things. What is one thing you think of when you hear Cincinnati Reds? Do the words terrible, horrible, and other synonyms of the preceding words possibly with an adverb attached to further state the severity of the situation such as extremely, tremendously, or, if you're fancy, incredulously. The best answer I have gotten is simply, 'Who?'. Well folks, these are not your typical run-of-the-mill Reds. These are this new decade's dominant, power hitting Reds, and they are out for blood. They will not settle for any blood. They are on the hunt for...Cardinals.
The leader of the pack, Brandon Phillips, said this when asked about the hunt (his feelings toward the Cardinals):
"We have to beat these guys. I hate the Cardinals. All they do is b**** and moan about everything, all of them, they're little b******, all of 'em. I really hate the Cardinals. Compared to the Cardinals, I love the Chicago Cubs. Let me make this clear -- I hate the Cardinals."
Ouch. This is not your typical let's-have-fun game hunt. This is war. This season marks the beginning of the baseball crusades. Better yet, this season marks when the poor rise to power, a coup d'etat or sorts. Will it be successful? Who knows. It makes for some incredible baseball though.
The 'battle of the differing shades of red' has mounted for a while. The perennial powerhouse Cardinals were surprised by the resurgent Reds at the start of the season, but they maintained control and clawed their way back into first place. Then, things boiled over. After the Phillips comment, one could tell that this was going to be resolved one place and one place only, on the field. As Phillips walked up to the batter's box, America held it's breath. Sportscenter had live coverage. I just sat, eyes transfixed, on what would happen next. Phillips gently tapped Cards catcher, Yadier Molina, on the shin guards. It looked to most as a friendly gesture, but one could sense the sadistical undertones. Words were exchanged, faces spat upon, and all hell broke loose.
The brawl, although not the most physical, was enjoyable to watch. Managers La Russa and Baker were right in the middle of things. They have an interesting history to say the least. There were multiple UFC arm, head, and shoulder locks taking place. The Reds's Cueto, pinned against the net, resorted to kicking...with metal spikes. When the smoke, I mean baseball dust, cleared, no one was injured and the game continued to an 8-4 Cardinals win.
The main point gained from this incident is that baseball has become too soft, in my opinion. Being the first REAL brawl of the year, one could not ask for more drama. Two teams, one the perfectionist and one the underdog, battling for what is usually an easy pennant race for the Cards. Baseball needed this. It needs more of this, and I think that teams will respond to the fire shown by these two newborn rivals. The passion for 'America's game' has never been so prominent than it is now in the National League Central division. It is coming down to the wire, and one can only hope this will go down in history as one of the greatest pennant chases ever.
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