By Mike Ball
The Cincinnati Enquirer

First-half MVP: Jose Guillen

When he wasn't being upset about his playing time as the fourth outfielder, he turned into their most consistent offensive threat (.335, 17 homers, 45 RBI).

First-half Cy Young: George Herbert Walker Bush, former president

He fired a strike on the ceremonial first pitch at Great American Ball Park, then the staff basically went belly up.

Worst moment: Opening Daze

The anticipation for the opening of Great American Ball Park culminated on a beautiful, sun-filled day. Then the Reds went out and lost to the Pirates 10-1.

Best moment: Larkin's walkoff

On May 6, the Reds were trailing the Cardinals 5-4 in the bottom of the ninth. Barry Larkin, in his first at-bat since returning from the disabled list, hit a two-run walkoff homer. That came one night after Aaron Boone's solo walkoff homer beat the Cards.

Best cameo appearance: Ryan Freel

Ryan Freel. The scrappy infielder gave the Reds a hustling leadoff man, hitting .268 before tearing his left hamstring.

Worst cameo: Wily Mo Pena

He was there the whole time - until a strained left hamstring put him on the DL - but batted only .086 in 35 at-bats.

Signature moments: The Hop

The Reds lead baseball with 21 wins in their last at-bat, including nine walk-off victories, which ended with the players celebrating at home plate.

Worst decision: Infield shift

Moving Aaron Boone to second base to make room for Brandon Larson at third hurt. Larson hit .083 in 48 at-bats and was shipped back to Triple-A. Boone returned to third.

Best decision: Calling up Ray Olmedo

Though the impact of the tiny shortstop/second baseman has been minimal, it's always fun to see a fresh face arrive.

Whipping boy: Bob Boone or Ken Griffey Jr.

When fans weren't second-guessing Boone's sometimes peculiar maneuvers, they were bashing the veteran for being hurt or ineffective.

Best tackle

(tie) Phillies catcher Mike Lieberthal taking down Adam Dunn before he could charge the mound; and Cubs reliever Kyle Farnsworth's fundamentally strong takedown of Paul Wilson, who had confronted Farnsworth after an inside pitch.

Best tantrum

Jose Guillen's bat toss after learning he wasn't going to start.

So long, thanks for the memories

Jose Rijo and Pete Harnisch.