One of the surprises of late 2008 has been the skill displayed by rookie Ryan Hanigan, who was called up Aug. 10 and has shown enough to be considered next year's starting catcher.
It was thought most of the season that one of general manager Walt Jocketty's offseason missions would be to find a starting catcher. Hanigan, though, was named to the International League All-Star team after the season and continued his strong showing with the major league team.
Hanigan is hitting .266 with two homers and nine RBIs in his 29 games, showing a propensity for working well with pitchers. The team is 14-8 with him as the starting catcher, and the pitchers have a 3.68 ERA.
The team had no complete games through mid-August, but Bronson Arroyo and Aaron Harang pitched complete games with Hanigan behind the plate.
ASTROS 8, REDS 6: Once again the Reds couldn't handle RHP Roy Oswalt, losing to him for the 23rd time in 24 decisions while getting one run and two hits over six innings. RHP Johnny Cueto last only 2 2/3 innings, giving up five runs and seven hits. The Reds are 3-12 this year against the Astros. CF Corey Patterson gave the Reds a 1-0 lead in the first with his 10th home run.
