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Remember when the Reds hired Dusty Baker because he was a proven winner? (I still haven’t gotten the smell out of my clothes from that bull crap.)

Well, Baker proved that statement false, as so many knew he would. The Reds lost their 82nd game yesterday, cementing them as a loser for 2008. That’s, what, 8 years now? Look out Pittsburgh!

For Baker, it’s now his 3rd losing year in a row. I expect at least 1 more, 2 should the Reds insanely not fire him sometime next year.

As for the game, Edinson Volquez looked tired and overworked. It’s a good thing the Reds manager is renowned for his delicate care with young, still-growing pitchers.

Boxscore

With Ben Sheets starting, the Brewers had to feel good about finally getting a win to help stop the recent skid. Well, they won, but they lost Ben Sheets.

Sheets lasted only 2 innings before leaving with an elbow injury. Right now, it looks like there’s more Tommy in his future than playoff appearances.

Still, the Brewers offense finally showed up. It helped that Marquis de Suck was “pitching” for the Cubs. Nothing like a little gasoline to help a fire get going.

The win keeps the Brewers one half game back of the wild card. The Cubs keep their commanding first place lead.

Now that’s a way to light a fire under under-performing players as they head into the end of the season. Milwaukee has gotten rid of Ned Yost, often referred to ignorantly as the worst manager in the majors (see: Baker, Dusty).

I know the Brewers have dived into the crapper for the second straight September, but I’m surprised to see this move. We’ll see if the surprising move helps right the sinking ship. Honestly, I doubt it will hurt.

I’m hoping the Reds will take some hints.

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The Astros continue to play with house money in their improbable charge for the playoffs. What was it? Just last month when the Central was divided into the haves and have nots? Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Louis all sat in the top three spots, distanced from the bottom half of the division by a double digit lead in games. Not anymore.

Houston has had as improbable and unexpected last few weeks as St. Louis did the beginning of the season. Only, it counts more at the end.

Miguel Tejada was the hero yesterday, belting a grand slam in the 5th inning to deliver Brian Moehler his 11th win on a silver platter.

Houston passed the Cardinals, who lost to the Cubs, for sole possession of 3rd place, and now are tied for second in the National League wild card race with Philadelphia, 4 games behind the Brewers.

It’s shaping up to be an exciting end to the season. Of course, the Pirates and the Reds both have nothing to do with that excitement.

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For a time, it didn’t look like even the magic of C. C. Sabathia would prevent the Brewers from being swept at the hands of the lowly Reds and “Sesenta y Uno” (Bronson Arroyo). However, the Reds showed that they are a bad team at heart and the Brewers won a game they really needed.

Cincinnati committed 2 errors, which both lead to runs that ultimately lost the game for the Reds. Good to know that manager Dusty Baker is working on lowering those 107 errors that the team has by preaching good fundamentals.

The Brewers have a 4 game lead in the wild card over both the Phillies and Houston.