Lunch was outstanding, although I got full pretty quick and didn’t get to finish something called Big Ted’s Sampler Platter, which was a small helping of ribs, a big pile of pulled pork and an even bigger pile of brisket, all smothered in sauce. But a good time was had by all. We had a table overlooking the Ohio River, which is the closest thing you’re going to get in Cincinnati to the seaside dining we Angelenos seem to take for granted. … It’s a balmy 98 here right now, but for some reason, the rooms in the hotel are freezing. I turned the AC completely off last night, put on a leather jacket that I almost didn’t bring on the trip, went to bed. woke up this morning, and it was still cold. I thought maybe someone had previously died in my room and I was feeling their ghostly presence. But after checking with Scott and Josh, turns out their rooms were freezing, too, so try explaining that.

Here’s the lineup, with Jeff Kent in it and Loney dropped to eighth. Ethier is playing, probably because he is sizzling hot, but the fact he is playing and Kemp is sitting is a bit curious considering this is a park was MADE for right-handed pull hitters. Maybe Grady just doesn’t want Matty to fall into any bad habits.

SS Furcal
CF Pierre
C Martin
2B Kent
LF Gonzo
3B Nomar
RF Ethier
1B Loney
LH Hendrickson