Rockin' His Way to 5-0

Bronson Arroyo. The guy looks more like a rock star than a star pitcher. Actually, Arroyo does have his own band. You may have not much from it this year though because Arroyo is no longer a starting pitcher in over-covered Boston. When Arroyo was a member of the Red Sox (and playing a key role in end their World Series drought) it seemed like ESPN couldn't go five minutes without mentioning the fact that Arroyo played in a band as well as pitched for the Red Sox. Anyway, looking at the guy it looks like he is more suited for his role of a rocker than that of a Major League starting pitcher who has begun the season 5-0.

Arroyo was traded to the Cincinnati Reds before the season started for Reds outfielder Wily Mo Pena. So far, Cincinnati is reaping the benefits of the deal. Arroyo has only had one game in his six starts that you could say was a poor outing. That was when he gave up five runs in five innings on April 16th to the St. Louis Cardinals. But Arroyo redeemed himself on Monday night. Throwing a complete game in which he only gave up one run to the Cardinals (who, on paper, have what seems to be the best team in the National League). Plus Arroyo did what nobody else has been able to do this year. He got Albert Pujols out! Pujols was 0 for 3 against Arroyo.

The funny thing is that Arroyo, who has become Cincinnati's ace, was the Boston Red Sox fourth of fifth starter. The guy at the backend of the rotation that isn't expected to put up big numbers. And his success could very well continue. The Reds play in the National League, which is by far weaker than its American League counterpart. Arroyo pitched in the big-time slugging American League East the last few years. Where he had to deal with the Dream Team lineup the New York Yankees possess, which included superstars like Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, Jason Giambi, Hideki Matsui, the list goes on and on. He had to deal with the Baltimore Orioles, who have big-time slugger Miguel Tejada (a guy who drove in 150 runs two years ago), the Toronto Blue Jays had a formidable lineup from top to bottom, headed by Vernon Wells last year, but two years ago had slugger Carlos Delgado in it. Arroyo is definitely smiling in the National League. Yes, the Cardinals have a nice team, but after Pujols, I don't think anybody else will strike any kind of fear into Arroyo. He's got an easier road this year in the National League, and Bronson seems to be enjoying every bit of it right now.

Publish Date: May 2 in the Missourian. Sports Section Front Page.