The Cincinatti Reds are feeling much better about this year than 
the last two.

      "We are feeling quite a rush from a great start.  We know that 
it's only the first two weeks, but we are taking it one game at a time," 
says manager Don McKeon. "My guys are playing with great spirits and are 
starting to produce.  We've gotten great pitching to start the year, 
especially from Cal(Eldred) who we picked up from Milwaukee."

      Thomas Howard is hitting ninth and is among the league leaders in 
batting average (.371) and slugging percentage (.714).  Tony 
Longmire(not an everyday player) is among the league leaders in 
doubles(6).  This is a much more productive bunch than last season.  

      Cal Eldred, Jeff Fassero, Jimmy Key, Scott Sanderson, and Mark 
Portugal are becoming one of the best starting rotations in the major 
leagues.  This team has promise.

      On the publicity side of the team, tickets are starting to sell.  
The team has had it's biggest ticket splurge for the Chicago Cubs game 
Monday, April 26, the team's next home game.  They are expecting one of 
the biggest crowds in team's history for their next door neighbor, the 
Cubs.

      The Reds are currently on a lllllooonnngggg road trip and are 
playing well considering.  Travis Fryman says it'll be good to get home.

      "If we can get out of the rest of this road trip over 
.500(Houston, St. Louis), we know we are in good shape.  We need to be 
able to win away games as well as home games to fight for position," 
said Travis Fryman in a press conference Thursday.  "We have a big 
series against division rival Houston, and we need to know that we can 
beat them.  We have our man Cal on the mound for game one, hopefully the 
big guy can get us a win to carry our momentum."

      I have to say, Don McKeon should enjoy this season better than the 
last two we had.  So should the rest of the guys.

Red Hot Reds


Cal Eldred


Thomas Howard