I agree with you about Wagner... usually he's been pretty good, but of
late even he has fallen apart. I remember the disaster that was a few
years sago when Graves's was SP, so I'm not sure where his place is.
But you're absolutely right, I shouldn't have to sit here everytime
Graves closes with a 4 run lead and sweat bullets. :o) It's not an
easy time to be a Reds fan.. but they'll be back eventually. .

- Phil

--- In CincinnatiReds@yahoogroups.com, redvyper <redvyper@y...> wrote:
> The fact remains that Danny Graves despite all of his
> saves for the Reds has too much trouble getting
> through an inning without giving up at least a hit or
> walk or both. A closer has to be able to get 1-3 outs
> and usually when the runners are in scoring position;
> Graves doesn't do this consistently. IMO, we haven't
> had a good closer since John Franco was traded. I'll
> admit Dibble had power but Franco was the best. I used
> to argue with friends that Wagner should be the closer
> but lately I won't even admit that. Of course the
> alternative is to have Graves go back to being a
> starter. As it is now the offense has to put up 3 TDs
> and still wouldn't have a safe lead.
>
> I've been a die-hard Reds fan since 1975 when I was 5
> y/o, and it hurts to see the Reds playing like this.
> How about seeing if Tom Browning will come out of
> retirement?
>