Enjoy it, Reds fans

As someone who grew up watching Lou Pineilla and the 1990 wire to wire
Reds, it's refreshing and long over due that Cincinnati is back in
first place.

For the loyal, and long-suffering fan base, it's a
deserving time to celebrate. More than 20 years, it seems like a
generation since Jose Rijo and the Nasty Boys bullpen swept the
seemingly powerful Oakland A's. And nine years since the Queen City
enjoyed a winning season.

Those fans have sat through injuries to
hometown boy Ken Griffey Jr., countless strikeouts by Adam 'Country
Strong' Dunn and growing pains to prospect Homer Bailey.  The last
time the Reds enjoyed first place for more than a day was 2006.

The two obvious differences in this season from the previous nine is
veteran leadership and quality pitching. Guys like Scott Rolen and Orlando Cabrera. And for the first time since opening 'Pretty Good' American Ballpark, the Reds have quality pitching.

What's more, super prospect Arnoldis Chapman is still in Triple-A
Louisville. Aaron Harang appears to have shaken two sub-par seasons,
Bronson Arroyo is known again for his day job instead of guitar. And
youngsters Johnny Cueto and Bailey helped the staff turn in a 7-1
record in their previous eight games before taking over first place on
Sunday.

Because the Reds have put together hot streaks before, albeit without
reaching first place, the fan base is understandably hesistant to
print playoff tickets. But don't worry, Reds fans, with that pitching
staff, you won't have to cling to 'In Dusty we trusty.' A wild card
might reach the steamboat stacks before the Bengals' sideshow begins.