Oh Baseball, won't you be my valentine?

I was in a really crappy mood on account of having to come into work when the roads are a mess due to the incompetence of those who manage this city and then I clicked on MLB.com and saw the picture on the right.

The article accompanying the photo has this to say about the Reds bench:

Last season the Reds led the National League in several pinch-hitting categories, including average (.270), home runs (13) and RBIs (44). The club also was third in hits (66). Recently asked about his club's bench, GM Wayne Krivsky seemed pleased with the depth.

"There are a lot of guys competing there. I think we'll be OK," Krivsky said.

Reds manager Jerry Narron once again will have veteran players who handle their roles well, such as Javier Valentin. The 31-year-old delivered four pinch-hit homers in 2006 after never previously connecting for one in his career.

Juan Castro, Chris Denorfia and Norris Hopper, who hit .359 in 21 games for the Reds last season, also figure in the mix. The Reds also signed Bubba Crosby to a one-year contract to add to the outfield competition. The lefty-hitting Crosby, 30, batted .207 last season as a reserve for the Yankees. Veteran Jeff Conine is expected to take Aurilia's place.

Emphasis on the Reds leading the league statement is mine, but it highlights a strength of the Reds that no one seems to talk about. Aside from Bubba Crosby, that bench has the potential to do as well as last year.

I'm still in a bad mood but at least the photo gave me something to smile about.