Baseball Caps
I added to my Reds baseball cap collection on Saturday at GABP.
I wore a baseball cap almost every day of my life, until I was about 17-years old.
Now, I wear them simply because I don't have enough hair to protect me from the sun.
I collect various styles of hats, throw them on the shelf in my closet and rotate through them.
Saturday, after being told by Casey that I "wasn't cool enough" to wear my first choice, I went with Plan B. I got this 39Thirty style from New ERA. Nothing special about it, I've just never owned a white Reds hat, so I got one:

While studying the landscape of baseball caps in recent years, I've come to the conclusion that the industry has come off the tracks. What has happened? I watched Indiana vs Louisville in the College World Series Saturday night. I found myself wanting to reach through the TV screen and bend the bill on the cap of each player.

(AP photo)

What is it about the flat bill? Is it simply generational? Casey and Peyton often call me (lovingly, I think) a dork. To me, a dork wears a flat billed baseball cap. The first thing I always do when putting on a cap is bend the bill. It's a reflex reaction. The bill of a baseball cap wasn't designed to balance food on it. Which style do you prefer: Flat bill or bent?
VOTE in blog poll. 

Reds

Saturday at the ballyard

I sat with Casey in the Sun Deck Saturday (Section 142). I love those seats. It's tough to beat a sunny afternoon at GABP. Great Scoreboard Stumper: Four players were All-Stars with the Reds and also played for the Brewers--Dave Parker, Rob Dibble, Felipe Lopez and Francisco Cordero. But it was a less than inspiring effort by the Reds. The tone was set early. Joey Votto had another Votto Vapor Lock moment when he was picked off in the first inning. Brandon Phillips led off the second inning by strolling to first on a grounder that Milwaukee shortstop Jean Segura bobled, recovered and still threw in time to get the out. Toss in Homer Bailey's career long struggles vs the Brewers (1-6 6.00) and it added up to a disappointing 6-0 loss.

Broxton to DL
What is your reaction? Comment below. 

From Reds: Saturday the Reds placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Friday, RHP Jonathan Broxton (right elbow flexor mass strain) and recalled from Class AAA Louisville RHP Pedro Villarreal (#65). This will be Villarreal's second stint with the Reds this season...on 6/5 vs Col he made an emergency start for injured RHP Johnny Cueto and suffered the 12-4 loss (3.2ip, 10h, 6er, 2bb, 2k, 3hr, 84 pitches)...Villarreal last pitched Monday for Louisville vs Durham, started and suffered the 5-2 loss (6ip, 5h, 4er, 2bb, 2k, 2hr, 103 pitches, 65 strikes).

Reaction
In my world, Villarreal is up for Saturday and then returns to Louisville when Johnny Cueto is activated from DL Sunday. I would keep Tony Cingrani around to help the bullpen.

Let's remember, Dusty used a sore armed Broxton over Chapman on Thursday:

The Broxton timeline
Broxton reported "soreness" prior to Thursday's game, after not having pitched in three days. 
He had pitched last Saturday and Sunday, vs Cardiinals, throwing 20 and 19 pitches.
Broxton had appeared in five games in a nine day span, from June 1 to June 9. 
Baker said using Broxton Thursday (14th inning) was a "last, last, last resort." 
Baker bypassed Chapman on Thursday to use Broxton.
Broxton threw 20 pitches Thursday, with his fastball averaging 94.8mph and topping out at 95.15 mp. Season stats:  2-2 4.33 in 29 games, 27 innings.

Friday, From John Fay, Enquirer:  "We were trying to wait to get back from Chicago to have him examined," Baker said. "He said he's sore. We tried to not use him. 

Saturday from C. Trent
Dusty says he was assured pitching Broxton on Thursday would not make elbow worse.

Broxton contract 
Resigned by Reds as a free agent November 28, 2012
3 years/$21 million, plus 2016 option
'13: $4M
'14: $7M
'15: $9M
'16: $9M, club option ($1M buyout)
Per Cot's Baseball

Bullpen news
Marshall Plan: 3 weeks or less 
Fay: Bullpen woes magnified

Check out the scene at GABP Friday night

I Do's On The Diamond

Couples Wanted for Mass Wedding at Great American Ball Park – Aug. 2
CINCINNATI (June 13, 2013) — Whether you’re saying “I do” for the first time or renewing your vows, join the Reds for “I Do’s On The Diamond,” the first ever mass wedding at Great American Ball Park on Friday, Aug. 2.
The Reds are offering the opportunity for couples to exchange vows on the field prior to the Reds vs. Cardinals game at 7:10 p.m.
After the ceremony, couples will join 10 of their closest family and friends for an exclusive reception in the luxurious Riverfront Club, including an upscale dinner and open bar.
As a part of the mass wedding, the “I Do’s On The Diamond” package will also include a congratulatory scoreboard message, one-of-a-kind Cincinnati Reds favors and décor, special photo opportunities and more; capped off with unparalleled views of the postgame fireworks show.
For complete details, please contact the Special Events Department at (513) 765-7065 or events@reds.com.

The Dragonfly Foundation
Are you looking to get involved/help an organization? I would recommend The Dragonfly Foundation. The vision of Christine Neitzke and Ria Davidson is powerful and inspiring. 
The help they provide is life changing.

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Pray~Hope~Believe Foundation 5K Walk/Run
July 4th 
"The Pray~Hope~Believe Foundation (PHBF) is a nonprofit organization established to honor the memory of Tony Merk – a 6-year-old boy who died on July 4, 2011 after an almost three-year battle with brain cancer. The PHBF provides funding for pediatric brain tumor research, supports children/teens who have a life-threatening condition and their families, and honors the memory of Tony Merk through scholarships or other community events. Pray~Hope~Believe became the theme for Tony's journey on earth and is now his family's theme for healing and living."

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The Kid Glove Way
You can attend a Reds game and help out boys and girls tri-state baseball and softball programs. The Kid Glove Game program is 65 years. The program has furnished $300,000 in equipment each year for the past five years and over $9.1 million since 1949. 
Game 4: Reds vs Diamondbacks, Monday, August 19, 7:10
Game 5: Reds vs Diamondbacks, Tuesday, August 20, 7:10
Ticket vouchers: $10 each. Each voucher entitles you to a $17 View Level seat at GABP. If you don't want the tickets, you can designate them to be sent to your favorite charity or a charity selected by The Kid Glove committee.
I am proud to be involved with The Kid Glove game again this year.
Click HERE for a Kid Glove order form. Fill out the form and send in your order. 

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Spend the day at the Masters!

Masters Sunday Getaway
Drawing will be at the annual Down Syndrome Association Golf Tournament hosted by Dave Lapham on June 17, 2013. 
You and a guest will depart Sunday 4/13/14 at 8 am AND   
Return Sunday 4/13/14 at approx. 8 pm.

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