Reds Reclaim Best Record in Baseball; Make Best Trade Before Deadline

by Robb Hoff

July 31, 2012

The Cincinnati Reds came out blasting Tuesday night against the San Diego Padres, jumping to a 6-0 lead on home runs by left fielder Ryan Ludwick and first baseman Todd Frazier.

But the phenomenal string of starts by Reds starter Homer Bailey soon came crashing to an ugly end as Bailey was drubbed for six runs in the fourth inning to let the Padres think they were of the caliber to compete with the Reds.

A lone solo shot by Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips was all the Reds could add to their offensive output, but it was enough as the Reds bullpen once again rose to the occassion.

Closer Aroldis Chapman again dominated the ninth inning, preserving a one-run win for the Reds, who claimed sole possession of the best record in Major League Baseball.

The win also kept the Reds three games ahead of the second-place Pittsburgh Pirates in the N.L. Central division.

The Reds pulled off an under-the radar ringer with a trade for the best available closer on the market in Jonathan Broxton, who will be a free agent at the end of the season.

The addition bolsters a dominant bullpen that should strengthen even more with the return of power reliever Nick Masset later in August in preparation for a deep run into the post-season.

The trade cost the Reds a promising left-handed reliever prospect in former University of Houston pitcher Donnie Joseph, but the Broxton rental could materialize as the most important addition any team made before the non-waiver trade deadline expired.

The Reds have two games left with the Padres before the stage is set for a showdown with the resurgent Pirates over the weekend.