“I was thinking about the impact Scott Rolen has made on the Cinncinati Reds since Walt Jocketty acquired him last July 31. We know that Rolen still has the slick glove. And that his professionalism has been a positive and necessary influence in the Reds’ clubhouse. The surprise is the increase in Rolen’s power; he’s 9th in the NL at .549. It seems that Rolen — after all of those shoulder issues — has slowly regenerated his power. The trending supports that. In his final season as a Cardinal (2007), Rolen slugged .398. First season in Toronto, the slugging % was .431. And last season with Toronto-Cincinnati, Rolen slugged .455. So it’s been increasing. Will it last? Hard to say, but again, the arrow is pointing up. Here’s all you need to know about Rolen’s value to the Reds: since he put on their uniform, the Reds are 57-30 (.655) when he plays, and they’re 54-27 (.667) when he has at least two at-bats in a game.”