Here's to you Johnny

A 22-year old kid from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, named Johnny Cueto made his Major League debut on Thursday for the Reds at home against the reigning NL West Division Champion Arizona Diamondbacks. Cueto was stellar, carrying a perfect game through five innings before surrendering a home run to Justin Upton in the top of the sixth inning. The home run was the only baserunner he allowed, in addition to striking out 10. The Reds were able to hang on to a slim 3-2 lead, giving Cueto his first major league victory. Cueto's 10 strikeouts are the most by a Reds' pitcher in their major league debut in over 100 years. Furthermore, the Reds have not harboured much in the way of pitching talent since the days of Jose Rijo, Tom Browning and John Smiley in the early to mid 1990's. They seem to be breaking the cycle, with a core of Aaron Harang and Bronson Arroyo. With the emergence of youthful talent in today's game, it's safe to say Cueto would excel as the Reds' #3 guy. All the pitching talent that we see come and go, with performance like Cueto's in his debut makes you wonder, could he be the "real deal". If you look at the past two years, he stormed through Double and Triple A, leaping to the bigs this year could be just the right dose of youth and talent the Reds may need to get into their division race. Like they say.. only time will tell.