It would have been unrealistic to expect newly acquired starter Edinson Volquez to match the performance turned in by fellow youngster Johnny Cueto on Thursday, but Volquez came pretty close.  The right-hander threw consistently in the mid-to-upper 90's and had steady control of the strike zone as he scattered five hits, struck out eight batters, walk two and allowed just one run in 5 1/3 innings.  The Reds won 8-2, taking both Cueto and Volquez to 1-0 marks on the season.

The biggest difference in the two debuts, aside from the weather, is that Cueto was facing a Diamondbacks' team that had never seen him before (they play in Cactus League) to whereas Volquez went against a Phillies' squad that he faced twice in the closing weeks of spring training.

Perhaps with another start or two like that from Volquez, the shrinking percentage of Reds' fans that can't let go of Josh Hamilton will be silenced altogether.

If both young arms continue to develop and come anywhere near to living up to their hype, the Reds are going to be a force in the N.L. Central. Add in Aaron Harang, Bronson Arroyo and a bullpen that has yielded 7 runs in 19 2/3 innings and the team's pitching is suddenly looking like a strength.

Volquez left to a roaring standing ovation from the nearly 27,000 in attendance at Great American Ballpark. I have a feeling there are going to be plenty more ovations ahead for the 24-year old hurler.