On what is undoubtedly the most important homestand of the season, the Reds have stumbled to a 2-3 mark. The fashion in which they have played these game epitomizes their entire season, frustrating. In all three losses the Reds had the lead late in the game, only to watch the bullpen blow it. Closer Francisco Cordero has blown two saves on his own.

A closer look at the stats, suggest the former All-Star closer that the Reds shelled out $46 million for is struggling mightily.

That's two blown saves and two losses in four games for Cordero (4-3) and six blown saves for the season. On Thursday vs. New York, he allowed four ninth-inning runs and six hits for the loss.

"The last three outings, I gave up about seven runs. That's not what I was brought up here to do," said Cordero, who has 20 saves for the season, told Reds.com. "I was brought here to do a job -- to get the last three outs. That's not been the case. I've been pitching in the ninth inning with a lot of trouble. I'll get to the last inning, give up a run or get two men on base. I can't be pitching like that. I've got to do a better job and do better than that. It's not my style and that's not me."

I loved the signing of Cordero and am happy to see ownership pay money to get big time free agents, but he has now blown 6 saves in 26 chances and we still have him under contract for three more years.  Meanwhile, Dave Weathers, last year's closer who is likely going to be dealt before the deadline, only blew 6 saves in 39 chances in 2007.