My first full day in Sarasota is in the books, and I'm pleased to say that my beer consumption is way, way up. That's how you know a vacation's a success, after all.

I rolled out of bed this morning, got a beer, and started preparing for the day's events. I needed to put the finishing touches on a gift for Jerry Narron that I've been working on for weeks. It didn't come together, so I'm going to have to take it to a framing store or something, but be on the lookout for some photos as soon as it's delivered. It's freakin' bad-ass.

Soon it was time to head to the game. At Ed Smith, I had a couple beers, tried to find the rhythm of the game, and started working on my sunburn. It was a very nice game that started the winning streak that I'd like to think my boys will sustain for the next two weeks, just for me.

After the game, children 12 and under were invited to run the bases. I don't think you can properly appreciate how cute this event is until you have a 12 and under of your own. My boy ran just like all the other kids except that he didn't hit a single one of the bases. And that he ran slightly bent at the waist with his arms sticking straight behind him like a super hero cape.

I headed back to the condo for a couple more beers. Actually, those particular beers might have been a little too much, because I was pretty much unable to get off the bed for the better part of the hour before we left for FinDaddy's. Or maybe it was that I'd had only half a hot dog by way of food so far for the day. Whatever.

FinDaddy's is the restaurant and bar from which the Reds broadcast during spring training. While we were there, I enjoyed a beer and heard Andy Furman talking to Jerry Narron. But I didn't really hear Narron respond. The frequency of his voice is apparently too low to penetrate the crowd noises.

Wayne Krivsky talked next, and we could hear him much better. He recounted how Kirby Puckett always called him “Kriv-dog” or “Kriv-daddy,” which is, of course, how I will refer to him from this day forward. I wanted to introduce myself, but after the interview Kriv-dog was off like a prom dress, so I didn't get the chance.

Bucky Dent was next, but by then our 4-year old had fallen asleep. It was time to head back to home base.

Beer count: seven. Not really that many for a whole day, but I'm just getting started. Tomorrow is a whole new day.

(P.S. -- And to think Kriv-dog didn't let slip a syllable about Wily Mo! He's sneaky.)

I was sitting in my seat on the first base line when one of the ushers came over to a woman in the row in front of me and said:

“Did you see the news? Wily Mo is gone?”

The woman had seen the news, and after the usher left, I asked what was up. She said he'd gone to Boston. For whom? She had to ask her husband:

“Some guy named Arroya or something?” he responded. A few minutes later a guy in our row got an instant message confirming the news. Later, I would be the first to tell Raquel Aurilia about it.

Anyway, I have to run to FinDaddy's. It's probably getting packed. But welcome Bronson Arroyo. May you have a heck of a year. And good luck Wily Mo.

Wily Mo Pena has been traded to the Red Sox for Bronson Arroyo and cash.

HMZ

The Reds beat the Phillies to the tune of 5-4 this afternoon in the first 2006 spring training game I got to see in person. Aaron Harang started the affair and worked four scoreless innings with just three hits. His four strike-outs were duly impressive.

Tommy Phelps took over in the fifth. He wowed the crowd with a bare-hand catch at first base, but disappointed us even more when he gave up a two run home run to tie the score. However, since the Reds went on to take back the lead in the bottom of his inning, Phelps still took home the win.

Kent Mercker and Matt Belisle each gave up a run in their respective innings. Rick White and Chris Hammon each did not give up a run in their respective innings.

Javier Valentín, Dewayne Wise, and Austin Kearns each scored a run, which made me extremely happy. I shouted as Javy ran by, and I sense that we shared a moment. I called Chris Denorfia “heartthrob” as he ran by, and I sense that he hated me.

I forgot to take my camera into the ballpark today, so I didn't get to start the feature I hoped to include for each game. I'm determined for tomorrow, though, so be on the look out for something new.

On the sunburn front, I'm happy to report that I'm only minorly rosy on the shoulders. However, the freckles are to 90% intensity and threatening to take over entirely.

The win brings the Reds' record to 10-9. Tomorrow the Reds host the Blue Jays at 1:05 p.m.

I missed posting to Red Hot Diaries yesterday (Saturday has been my customary day to post here), so I'll have to make up for the omission by posting today instead.

Unfortunately, there's not a lot of positive things I can think of to say after the Reds got outscored by a combined score of 25-11 in the two split squad games on Saturday. The good news is, that was the last of the split-squad games. Also, the Reds did better today, spanking the Phillies, 5-4. Javy Valentin had a double while Kearns went 2-for-3 with a triple and an RBI. EE had a double and two ribbies. Womack also had two hits and a ribbie.

Harang started and pitched four scoreless innings, striking out four. White and Hammond each pitched a scoreless inning in relief. What a difference a day makes.

With the split-squad games finished, expect to see some guys being released, or at least sent over to minor league camp, soon. On fact, somebody told me Tuffy Rhodes was released today, but I haven't seen any official word on it.

Here's hoping RHM and her family have a safe trip to Sarasota and eventually back again, with lotsa fun in between. Long trips on a car are the pits, BTDT (been there, done that). Getting there is NOT half the fun when getting there means a thousand miles cooped up in a car with bored children! I'd express admiration for her ability to put up with it, but the final product would probably end up looking like it belonged in the official Hit On RHM thread, so I'll just offer a tip of the hat and a knowing smile.

RHM: Say hello to the guy in the right field bleachers at Ed Smith named Danny for me, he's an ex-pro player and a regular in ASBCR. That's the place to sit, the players are always walking by there, and it's not far to run down for a hot dog or a beer.

HMZ