There's Always Next Year, Reds Fans

First Roy Halladay tossed a no-hitter. Then the offense rallied behind Roy Oswalt. Then Cole Hamels struck out nine in a five-hit performance.

Then Jayson Werth soaked his beard in champagne for the second time in about a week.

After polishing off the sweep of the once-hopeful Cincinnati Reds, the seemingly unstoppable Philadelphia Philles are headed to the NLCS once again with their eye on a third straight pennant.

No fans ran onto the field, no little girls were puked on. All in all, it was a successful series for the Phillies.

Jay Bruce Swings the Reds into October

March 1 - Yahoo! is founded in Santa Clara, California.

September 1 - The DVD is invented.

September 4 - eBay is founded.

September 12 - Red Hot Chili Peppers release One Hot Minute.

October 3 – O. J. Simpson is found not guilty.

The year is 1995, and it was the last time the Cincinnati Reds won the National League Central division title. In fact, it was the last time they made it past the regular season at all.

Benches Clear After Phillips Pops Off

A day after Brandon Phillips referred to the St. Louis Cardinals as a bunch of bitches, the dugouts and bullpens emptied in Cincinnati.

During the first inning of their Tuesday night game, the second baseman got into it with Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina in the batter's box. Phillips took off his helmet and Molina removed his mask as things got heated.

Both benches and bullpens cleared, and a shoving-match ensued as Tony La Russa and Dusty Baker yelled at each other among the players before they both were ejected.

Brandon Phillips Gets Paid

The Cincinnati Reds agreed to a $27 million, four-year contract with Brandon Phillips Friday, settling their final arbitration case. The new deal includes a club option for a fifth season, bringing the total value to $43.25 million if Phillips is traded.

The 26-year-old infielder kicked ass last year -- while making just over $400,000 -- joining Alfonso Soriano as the only other second basemen in big league history to hit 30 bombs and steal 30 bags in a single season. After his early-season 22-game hitting streak, he hit .288 and led the majors in fielding percentage, making only 8 errors.

[Associated Press]

Cincy Gets Busy

The Cincinnati Reds renewed second baseman Brandon Phillips' contract on Thursday, with undisclosed financial terms. The 25-year-old finally had the opportunity to play regularly last season and responded with a breakout performance, posting a career high .276 average, and career-best 17 home runs, 75 RBIs and 25 stolen bags.

The Reds made a few other moves around the roster Thursday, signing right-handers Todd Coffey, Matt Belisle and Gary Majewski along with lefty Bobby Livingston to one-year contracts.

As the workhorse of Cincinnati's 'pen, Coffey went 6-7 with a 3.58 ERA and eight saves in a team-high 81 appearances in 2006 while Belisle went 2-0 with a 3.60 ERA in 30 games, including two starts.

Majewski was acquired in a midseason trade with the Washington Nationals and went 1-2 with an 8.40 ERA in 19 games over an injury-shortened stint with the Reds.

[Cincinnati Enquirer]