Reds Sweep Brewers

* * The first series of the season is in the books for the Reds and it was a good one with a 3 game sweep of the Brewers who have been picked by many to dethrone the Reds atop the NL Central. It started on opening day on Thursday with the Reds winning with a dramatic walk off homerun by Ramon Hernandez. They pretty much dominated from there winning the next two games fairly easy. Today's game, the third against the Brewers, was complete domination by the Reds winning twelve to three with nineteen hits. The Reds crushed the ball today hitting four homeruns including two by Hanigan. Arroyo went seven innings coming off of mono and pitched a great game considering his circumstances. Like previously stated many talking heads predicted the Brewers to win the division due to them adding Greinke and Marcum, giving them a good pitching rotation to go with an already good offense. What many don't realize is the Reds hit the ball better than anyone in the National League last season and it looks like they are picking up right where they left off. It's still early but I think after what we've seen the Reds have to be considered the best team in the Central and it's their division to lose. Another plus is the Reds got to Milwaukee's bullpen early in two of the three games and already have made them overuse an average at best bullpen. Speaking of bullpens, I believe that is the difference between the Reds and the Brewers and Cardinals, and the reason the Reds will repeat as NL Central division champions. The Reds bullpen is considerably stronger than the Brewers and Cardinals. To win in a long season you need to get quality outings out of your bullpen and barring injury should perform much better than their oppenents in this division. The Reds may have the best offense in the Central, have the best bullpen, and although their starters may not be quite as good they are still good from top to bottom and may have the best depth. I also like the decision Dusty Baker made to get Scott Rolen out of the game once it got out of hand. I personally would like to see Rolen sitting day games when they follow night games. I'd like to see Rolen play about 100 games this season. I want him and the Reds need him fresh coming down the stretch and possibly the playoffs if they get back there. I'd give him atleast one and preferrably two off days a week and possibly a stint or two on the 15 day DL throughout the season. A healthy Scott Rolen gives the Reds a better chance to advance into the playoffs and make a deep run in October. So far so good in 2011 and Reds fans should be excited about what's to come. Even though it's early if I'm St Louis or Milwaukee I don't want to fall to far behind the Reds. Both are struggling and even though it's early if they get double digit games behind the Reds it's over for them. This team is too good and if they stay healthy there's no way they will surrender a double digit lead to anyone. So Cards and Brewers fans beware if you don't get it turned around early this season is going to be over quick for your teams.