Nicknaming Chris Denorfia “Heartthrob” was a happy accident. At the Reds Caravan stop in Indianapolis I tremblingly approached the microphone and asked Mr. Denorfia this question:

With Adam Dunn moving to first base and rumors swirling about trading Austin Kearns, how do you feel about your chances for becoming Cincinnati’s next big outfield heartthrob?

The crowd was very amused, but no one moreso than Marty Brennaman, who continuously referred to Denorfia as “Heartthrob” throughout the caravan. Since then, Steve Stewart has mentioned the nickname several times on the radio, much to my joy.

And it’s really true. If you look at the photos of Denorfia, he looks kind of goofy, but this last year he’s really started to fill out and he’s getting downright dashing. I think he’s a shoe-in for outfield heartthrob—if he can just make the team.

Nicknaming Chris Denorfia “Heartthrob” was a happy accident. At the Reds Caravan stop in Indianapolis I tremblingly approached the microphone and asked Mr. Denorfia this question:

With Adam Dunn moving to first base and rumors swirling about trading Austin Kearns, how do you feel about your chances for becoming Cincinnati's next big outfield heartthrob?

The crowd was very amused, but no one moreso than Marty Brennaman, who continuously referred to Denorfia as “Heartthrob” throughout the caravan. Since then, Steve Stewart has mentioned the nickname several times on the radio, much to my joy.

And it's really true. If you look at the photos of Denorfia, he looks kind of goofy, but this last year he's really started to fill out and he's getting downright dashing. I think he's a shoe-in for outfield heartthrob—if he can just make the team.

I’m proud to take credit for first calling the Reds’ backup catcher the Latin Love Machine back on May 27, 2005. In fact, I would call it one of my proudest moments of my blogging career.

Not long after I began referring to Javier Valentí­n as “The Latin Love Machine” (or LLM for short), he began that offensive tear that all Reds fans are so familiar with now. At the time of this writing, just before the start of the 2006 season, the LLM is still demonstrating prime form. He was named the MVP in the Puerto Rican championship series and has been named to the Puerto Rican WBC team.

Since its inception last May, the phrase “Latin Love Machine” or “LLM” has popped up on Reds blogs and message boards across the Internet to refer to Valentí­n. Next, I hope to convince the Reds radio and television announcers to use it, followed by ESPN, and ultimately, the Reds media guide.

I'm proud to take credit for first calling the Reds' backup catcher the Latin Love Machine back on May 27, 2005. In fact, I would call it one of my proudest moments of my blogging career.

Not long after I began referring to Javier Valentín as “The Latin Love Machine” (or LLM for short), he began that offensive tear that all Reds fans are so familiar with now. At the time of this writing, just before the start of the 2006 season, the LLM is still demonstrating prime form. He was named the MVP in the Puerto Rican championship series and has been named to the Puerto Rican WBC team.

Since its inception last May, the phrase “Latin Love Machine” or “LLM” has popped up on Reds blogs and message boards across the Internet to refer to Valentín. Next, I hope to convince the Reds radio and television announcers to use it, followed by ESPN, and ultimately, the Reds media guide.

This week's podcast features all this in just over three minutes:

• The Reds falling out of the Astacio race.
• Krivsky's online chat with fans.
• O'Brien signing on with the Brewers.
• Harang as the projected opening day starter.
• Vern Ruhle's diagnosis.
• Dave Williams' struggle against the Kia Tigers.
• Ben Kozlowki's start against the Detroit Tigers.
• Justin Germano's adventure against the Detroit Tigers.
• Michael Gosling's effort against the Minnesota Twins.
• Farewell to Gabe White.

Red Hot Mama Reviews Reds News for March 4, 2006. (2.3 MB, 3:19)

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