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| For the second time in three seasons, the Reds win NL Central. |
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| Indians fire Manager Acta, with six games remaining. |
Cincinnati Reds 94-62 (NL Central Champions; chasing the Nationals for MLB best record)
50-31 Home 44-31 Away RS: 658 RA: 577 DIFF: +81
WOW! I waited to start this article after the Reds/Brewers game, well, I'm glad I did. The Reds collected their 50th home victory, with a 2-1 come from behind walk-off hit by backup catcher Dioner Navarro scoring Jay Bruce. After the first two batters in the bottom of the 9th struck out , Todd Frazier homered to tie it up, then Bruce got on base with a hit and Navarro capped the come from behind win with his full-count walk-off hit. Another outstanding performance from starting pitching Mat Latos, who went 7 innings, allowing just three hits, an ER, striking out three with just one BB. The business day special win still keeps the Reds alive for their chances of 100 wins on the season, and with a Nationals lose tonight, the Reds would share the best record in baseball with the Nationals. In other news, the Reds clinch the NL Central division crown for the 2nd time in the past three seasons, last Saturday afternoon in a win over the LA Dodgers. The differences between this team and the squad from 2010, is the experience their bring and the quality starting pitching that they have been getting in the 2nd half of the season. After underachieving a season ago, the Reds came back to their 2010 form (better actually), with some quality pitching and timely hitting. The Reds finish up the regular season with a 6-game road trip, three in Pittsburgh & three in St. Louis. A chance to win 100, and finish with the best record in baseball, what more could you heading into the final few days of the regular season? Now, I know winning out is stretch, but it would be pretty cool to see that 1-0-0 in the win column at the end of the night next Wednesday. Manager Dusty Baker is expected to return to the team next week, after dealing with a couple health scares this past week or so.
Cleveland Indians 65-91 (last place tied in the AL Central with Twins, worse record in the AL)
34-41 Home 31-50 Away RS: 634 RA: 807 DIFF: -173
Like the case with their brothers on the lake, another losing season, another coaching change, another rebuilding process. #smh With the announcement earlier this afternoon, the Indians with 6-games left in the season have fired manager Manny Acta. Despite quick starts by the Indians the past two season, each of them ended with inconsistent play/injuries and the Indians fading out of contention down the stretch. Acta in his near three seasons as the Indians manager had a record of 214-266. Never a fan favorite after coming over from being the Washington Nationals manager for 2.5 seasons (158-252), Acta was never the guy Indians fans wanted. Replacing Acta for the six remaining games, as intern manager is bench coach and Indians legendary catcher Sandy Alomar, Jr. Now, I'm not sure if Sandy will have a 6-game interview to see if he will become the Indians manager starting next season or if the Indians go out and searching for someone completely different. In the end, its just another coaching change, that for all Clevelanders despite what sport have seen numerous times over the past decade. I got a feeling this won't be the only coaching change in Cleveland this year. I'm talking to you Shurmur, I'm amazed you've made it this long. What's the latest on the Major League reboot, maybe that will bring the Indians franchise the spark it needs.
Browns Notes:
The REAL referees are BACK! The NFL & Referees agreed to a new deal around midnight last night. This means the Browns/Ravens game tonight on the NFL Network (8 PM) will have the guys, who know, "what the heck is going out there!" Thanks to the NFL and its new format with the TNF slate of games this season, they have given each team at least one primetime game this season. The Browns were rewarded with a trip to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. Both teams will be coming off short weeks, for the Ravens it will be even shorter with playing on Sunday Night Football. The Ravens are favorited by two touchdowns, and with the way this series has been in recent years, the Ravens will look to continue their dominance over their AFC North rivals. I'd love to see the Browns pull off the upset, especially on National TV vs. those gosh darn Ravens (I hate 'em!). It's going to be a huge test for Browns QB Brandon Weeden & Co. to move the ball vs. the ageless Ravens defense. With the Browns, still without Joe Haden in the defensive backfield, the Browns will be shorthanded going up against Joe Flacco, Ray Rice & the rest of the Ravens offensive weapons. All I ask, is that the Browns keep it close heading into the 4th quarter. Please don't embarrass yourselves on National television. Let's Go Browns!
Browns Notes:
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| Thanks to the NFL, the Browns get a primetime game. |
Urban Renewal is back for Week 5 tomorrow, when I dive into another discussion on another full weekend of college football. I'll have a game preview on the Buckeyes/Spartans game, and have some picks/predictions on some of the marque games of the weekend.
