After watching Cincinnati Red?s ace pitcher Edinson Volquez toss for the second time this season, I am more than a little relieved that the Reds will be missing this postseason. The Reds are beyond dreadful on the road (7-21 when Volquez isn?t pitching) and will not even sniff the wild card for this 2008 baseball season.

It is not even fun to watch Edinson Volquez throw against the Phillies or any other team for that matter. Last night, Volquez was helped with a generous strike zone by umpire Tim Welke. Brett Myers was given a larger than usual strike zone as well but not quite as gaping as his opponent?s. Volquez?s two-seam fastball is absolutely devastating to left-handed hitters. The pitch is thrown in the low-mid 90?s and starts heading for the players? ribs. It then tails back away and over the inside portion of the plate. Watching the plethora of lefties the Phillies trot to the plate to deal with that pitch is almost laughable.

It might actually be wise to send as many right-handed hitters to the plate as possible. That pitch is just too nasty for our southpaw hitters. Even Shane and Jimmy should be swinging from the right side.

There is just no offense to be generated when this kid is on the hill. I consider myself a die-hard Phillies fan, but I will not be watching the next time Volquez takes the mound.

Here?s to hoping we don?t see this kid again until 2009.

P.S. - Brett, welcome back. I know you're not going to be tossing no-no's every other start, but something is clearly turning around for you. It's a shame we couldn't get one run of support for you. Next time.