Loading ...The first-place Reds are going for the sweep today against the Astronomicals.
I can’t believe I just typed that…but it’s true. Leading the way today will be Elizardo Ramirez, who tries to put together a second straight effective start. On the hill for the Astros is someone named Taylor Buchholz, who has pitched very well this season.
But he’s never faced this offense. Let’s get it on.
Interesting note in the morning’s Enquirer…..
Using the sabermetrics formula, the Reds are a 17-7 team that – mostly according to their runs scored/runs allowed numbers – should be about 13-11. That’s eye-opening, and it indicates the front office’s need to improve the bullpen, the tail end of the starting pitching and the outfield defense.
How do the findings of the formula change if you subtract the two biggest beatings they suffered, the 6-12 loss to Florida and the 0-11 bashing by the Brewers?
Ahh, but as always is the problem with sabermetrics, the non-numbers factors play as important a role in a team’s success as the numbers do. This young team doesn’t know it isn’t supposed to win. It thinks it can win every game. Spirit – the soul of the game has a lot to do with winning.
Of course, you are 500% correct, and everyone knows this, and some people have their suspicions that Griffey is still on the DL to buy some time for Krivsky to make a deal somewhere, though I personally don’t ascribe to that idea. It helps that the Bats are doing well right now, and that some of them we’ll never have use for.
I still believe that something is up with the catchers, and I think we should rake what little pitching is available from teams that are already out of it, namely the Bucs and the Royals.
Jim, don’t forget that 16-7 opening game.
Could we get anything for Hatteberg? I know he hasn’t done a bad job, but Aurilia has been the best clutch hitter, and we could always use Javy as a backup. Has LaRue ever played first? My faulty memory says yes. Using them at first would make carrying three catchers more sensical.
I think the Reds are either going to have to deal minor league talent (what little they have) or good major league talent to get additional starters unless Krivsky can find more diamonds in the rough.
So how is Milton progressing?
Not a good start for the Lizard!!
There are a few of these pitchers who need to develop a two-strike pitch that gets hitters out.
What’s the record for pitches thrown in an inning? Lizzie is thinking about breaking it!
Okay! Let’s trade for this kid!
Phillips walks!
Phillips is a walk machine. 2 in 2 days.
Or, alternatively, 2 in 22 days.
Long ball again for Houston. We’re going to have to score some runs. especially if White of Hammond pitches today
When the Enquirer’s comment about the back-end of our rotation was poor — I think we are seeing that today.
How do the findings of the formula change if you subtract the two biggest beatings they suffered, the 6-12 loss to Florida and the 0-11 bashing by the Brewers?
Comment by Jim McCullough — 4/30/2006 @ 1:16 pm
This early in the season I don’t know that one could begin excluding some really bad games — to take 2 or 3 games out of the total is to exclude 10% of the games.
I understand your point — but it does point to the problems of this club.
Just dreaming — but I still think Roger Clemens would look good in Red to go with Harang and Arroyo.
Ahh, but as always is the problem with sabermetrics, the non-numbers factors play as important a role in a team’s success as the numbers do. This young team doesn’t know it isn’t supposed to win. It thinks it can win every game. Spirit – the soul of the game has a lot to do with winning.
Of course, you are 500% correct, and everyone knows this, and some people have their suspicions that Griffey is still on the DL to buy some time for Krivsky to make a deal somewhere, though I personally don’t ascribe to that idea. It helps that the Bats are doing well right now, and that some of them we’ll never have use for.
I still believe that something is up with the catchers, and I think we should rake what little pitching is available from teams that are already out of it, namely the Bucs and the Royals.
Comment by daedalus — 4/30/2006 @ 1:18 pm
I think Krivsky always is ready to deal to make the club better — but I too don’t believe anything is immenent with Junior.
Could we get anything for Hatteberg? I know he hasn’t done a bad job, but Aurilia has been the best clutch hitter, and we could always use Javy as a backup. Has LaRue ever played first? My faulty memory says yes. Using them at first would make carrying three catchers more sensical.
Comment by daedalus — 4/30/2006 @ 1:22 pm
So far the combo of Aurilia and Hatteberg is performing well enough. Narron seems to subscribe to the idea of keeping a bunch of guys “fresh” and once Junior comes back I think you’ll see this combo/platoon concept at C, 1B, 2B. I think you’ll see Junior and Encarnacion get frequent “rest” as well.
Don’t forget there is still Paul Wilson in the mix to be added — and even this GRant Balfour guy (who I do not know alot about, but he did come over from Minnesota, so I suppose Krivsky knows about him).
We need to produce some runs this inning
So far we have done nothing against this guy — Tayor Buchholtz — hopefully he loses it soon.
Dunn hasn’t homered for 11 games — I hope by saying that that he reverses that trend.
I think the “platoon ball” will continue. Didn’t we have one of the best “catcher” in the leagus last year. I’m sure someone has the stats on that. Most of the players on any team know that they aren’t going to the hall of fame. They do want to play everyday but if they can get a day off and produce more when they are in, I think they are for that
Through four innings — I don’t know that there is a guy who has pitched better agianst us all year.
Long ball again for Houston. We’re going to have to score some runs. especially if White of Hammond pitches today
Comment by Mike — 4/30/2006 @ 2:14 pm
If Hammonds or White are pitching today, it probably means we lost.
How do the findings of the formula change if you subtract the two biggest beatings they suffered, the 6-12 loss to Florida and the 0-11 bashing by the Brewers?
Comment by Jim McCullough — 4/30/2006 @ 1:16 pm
I’m not sure it’s fair to just delete the blowout losses. But in the middle of the week, I ran the numbers deleting the 2-3 biggest blowout losses, and the 2-3 biggest blowout wins. And the projection came out exactly the same.
Everyone’s been up there hacking today, except the usuals (Dunn, Hatt, Phillips :smile:).
I think the “platoon ball” will continue. Didn’t we have one of the best “catcher” in the leagus last year. I’m sure someone has the stats on that. Most of the players on any team know that they aren’t going to the hall of fame. They do want to play everyday but if they can get a day off and produce more when they are in, I think they are for that
Comment by Mike — 4/30/2006 @ 2:26 pm
Yeah — between LaRue and Valentin — they hit (something like) 28 HRs and over 100 RBIs. The platoon-ball has worked well, to be sure.
I have no problem with walking Berkman — ever.
This isn’t good — I am just afraid that EZ is going to get us behind to the point that we are out of this one.
That last inning was key and most revealing. Not to knock Junior, but if he’s in there he doesn’t catch two of the balls that Freel got to and the inning is a big one for the “Stros” and basically this game is over. Our outfield defense is a problem and it only gets worse with Junior playing CF.
Come on, Ears !!!
Houston always seems to be able to come up with good young pitchers. This kid (Buchholtz) has made it look easy today (through five).
If we could come up with pitching like they seem to, we would have another couple of pennants under our belt.
Houston and lots of others seem to find good young pitchers. The others, Reds included have to trade for them or just suffer. Why can’t we get some of the scouts from other clubs to come and work for us? If the scouts for the Reds have been with us for years, and we have been less than average for years…???
Okay, I’ve been able to rationalize the long Harang and Arroyo outings, but Ramirez is 23 years old, and not exactly cruising today – he doesn’t need to be staying in there for 120+ pitches.
That’s a quality start from Ramirez, with this offense, 3 runs over 6 innings from a starter should equal a victory more often than not.
Crack starts us off with a hit! Let’s put some more together!
QUIN-TON.
The only reason Elizardo was out there in the sixth was so Narron could pinch-hit for him in the bottom of the inning.
DOB was the director of scouting for the Astros from ‘85-’96. He was obviously poor GM in many ways, but it’s too early to tell whether his pitching draft picks will ultimately succeed. Bailey is off to a good start (knock on wood).
Nice start Q — maybe this guy is losing it after fine innings…walk to Freel.
And a four-pitch walk to Freel…this is a good way to get things going. 2 on nobody out.
120 pitches over six innings taints the defintion of quality start. I’ll give Ramirex credit for battling, often against himself.
Okay, I’ve been able to rationalize the long Harang and Arroyo outings, but Ramirez is 23 years old, and not exactly cruising today – he doesn’t need to be staying in there for 120+ pitches.
Comment by Chris — 4/30/2006 @ 2:51 pm
You have no reason for concern in that regard.
Marty just said Dunn hasn’t homered in 65 ABs.
Lopez, sorry.
Why WE need ground ball pitchers!
WE need a BLAST from the Dunn-meister!!!
That’s a clutch hit!!!
You called it Jim
Hurray! Quiet, Marty.
Boy, that DP was HUGE.
We got one!
Eddie just misses tying the game.
DOB was the director of scouting for the Astros from ‘85-’96. He was obviously poor GM in many ways, but it’s too early to tell whether his pitching draft picks will ultimately succeed. Bailey is off to a good start (knock on wood).
Comment by Ken — 4/30/2006 @ 2:57 pm
I agree with this. IMO Dan O”brien wasn’t a good GM — but he did do alot of good things that will come to fruition later. He inherited a huge mess from Leatherpants. His first year really was in clean-up mode. He did put some building blocks in place. He just isn’t a good lead guy. Companies see this all the time — the Peter Principle — promoting a guy to the point to where he is no longer competent.
Bomb by Dunner !!!! We’re back in it.
To bad we couldn’t get a win for the kid. He may have pitched himself into trouble, but it sounds like he pitched with more heart than alot of others on the staff
Let’s hope Belisle is on today — it can go either way, the good Belisle or the bad Belisle.
The first month of the season, the starting pitching in Dayton has been outstanding…I’ll be posting something later…but hopefully it’s a good sign of things to come.
Does anybody have any idea how long Milton is supposed to be down???
If Darling Dave Williams gets his brains bashed in by the Cards tomorrow is he finally out of the rotation?
The first month of the season, the starting pitching in Dayton has been outstanding…I’ll be posting something later…but hopefully it’s a good sign of things to come.
Comment by Bill — 4/30/2006 @ 3:05 pm
I hope you’re right — it’s just that we have been looking for a young guy to come thorugh now for so long — and none have — that one tends to get a bit jaded about what to expect from our pitching youngsters.
Berkman seems to bat every inning.
If DOB did make some good choices, we need to let them play out, not trade them for D-Train Willis as some boards have said/stated/demanded.
Alright, we got him. Maybe this is the good Belisle.
Nope, he’s pitching against Ponson on Wednesday. At least, that’s what’s been announced.
I think Narron figured Mulder would be tougher than Ponson to beat up on, so if Williams sux yet again, it’ll be easier to overcome the deficit against Ponson.
I like less-than-ten-pitches innings!!
Come on! Austin! Let one rip!
Continue with the rally, Brandon!!
We have come to expect good things from Phillips… Why is White throwing????
Maybe Narron is anticipating a big inning and the need to pinch hit?
Anything to win but keep White out of the game
Has Phillips ever walked twice in a game in his professional career?
Brandon Phillips: Walk Machine.
Do you think Phillips read the board and the walk pool? 3 walks in 2 days
Phillips is really starting to work counts well. If memory serves, this is his first full-count BB.
If Chambliss can make Brandon Phillips into a patient hitter then he should get some kind of an award.
I was sort of waiting for a more Brandon Phillips-focused thread, but here’s what noted minor-league prospect analyst John Sickels said about Brandon Phillips just before the 2005 season, and just after the 2005 season.
What will the score by the bottom of the 8th inning?
white. groan.
Rick White — o’ my Lord….we are pushing the envelope on this one.
Nice play, EE !!!
Ok we are out of the inning, who is warming up for the next inning, quick get someone else up.
how did that happen? 1-2-3? was someone else wearing the nothing jersey?
Freel got screwed on that strike tyhree call.
FeLo hasn’t had a hit in this series — is 0-12 — his average is down to the .260’s.
yeah, that’s a generous strike zone on freel. that was so low.:evil:
Now we’ll have to comeback against Brad Lidge….not easy.
Lidge has been blowing saves recently.
yeah, that’s a generous strike zone on freel. that was so low.
Comment by daedalus — 4/30/2006 @ 3:39 pm
Honestly, I didn’t even think it was close. It was clearly ball-four
I just don’t feel good about how this is shaping up at all. I wanted to sweep this club so badly.
Tomorrow night is what self examination night?
I think Marty and Steve/Joe should keep abreast of Redleg Nation during the broadcast.
you could email them and tell them so!
alright, walk off wins are fun. ed-e, hatteberg, kearns, and phillips. not too bad.
Let’s demoralize the ’stros with a walk-on HR!!!
I generally like to see my fellow Fightin’ Irish succeed, but I’ll put my ND loyalties aside in this case to see the Reds rough up Lidge.
Walk-off — walk-on. I don’t care so long as somebody hits one.
Come on, EE.
Is their email “martyandsteve@redsonradio.com” ?
Let’s blitz them with emails for the next month until they succumb to our demands!
Brain fart!!
EDDIE! Make it happen!!
So much for Eddie making it happen.
yes, that’s the email.
Set it up for Kearns!!
We need a hit, Brandon! Keep this thing going!
New guy gets a pressure situation. go Phillips
Go for the gap, BP!!
Base hit scores Kearns! Make it happen, BP!!
Three walks for BP!! This is insane!!
Go for the double steal!
The boys are making it interesting
Walk Machine = Brandon Phillips.
LLM!! Hit one for the laidies!!
The ladies are disappointed!! Get some Viagra for that bat!
Damn.
rats. you can’t win them all, i guess.
Valentin is a good hitter, but if any one guy has been hurt by this “platoon thing” — in the catcher’s case over three guys — it has been him. He is not the guy we saw last year — for sure.
It is pouring in Cincinnati now — the baseball-God held off till the game ended.
Tough game for EZ to lose.
Platoon should be between two not three. No one stays sharp then
I think if Junior isn’t coming back any time soon — it might be time to play Q in a game or two in CF. Freel has been seriously slipping and I wouldn’t take Phillips out of the lineup against the Cardinals.
Hey 2 out of three from the evil Astros any other year we would be cheering. Need to keep from losing so much to the Cards and Stros and beat up the rest of the division
Platoon should be between two not three. No one stays sharp then
Comment by Mike — 4/30/2006 @ 4:05 pm
I think that is exactly the situation going on at catcher right now.
Many have said Freel cant play every day. Maybe he plays too all out for everyday
I think Freel and Lopez could benefit by resting for a game or two. I think they have both seen their averages slip down into the .260’s.
Many have said Freel cant play every day. Maybe he plays too all out for everyday
Comment by Mike — 4/30/2006 @ 4:08 pm
I think that might be the case. For all the babbling chatter about when he was splitting time with Womack, it may have been the reason that we were seeing the “best of Ryan Freel” during that stretch.
Wly Mo Pena hit #3 today — he is finally ahead of Bronon Arroyo.
Except against Ortiz on Wednesday, Freel has hit some balls hard but they always seem to be at someone.
Pena’s HR was another of those 9th inning meaningless jobs. He also struck out twice. He is batting .277 though.
Except against Ortiz on Wednesday, Freel has hit some balls hard but they always seem to be at someone.
Comment by Jim McCullough — 4/30/2006 @ 4:30 pm
Freel also had some really bad ABs the last couple of days. He seems to be pressing — maybe it’s wrong to conclude that — but his BA taking a nosedive would substantiate that. Plus he has had some silly decisions on the bases and is getting caught stealing a bit mare than to my liking.
I hope he gets straightened out — I really do.
Pena’s HR was another of those 9th inning meaningless jobs. He also struck out twice. He is batting .277 though.
Comment by Jim McCullough — 4/30/2006 @ 4:33 pm
Wily Mo is goining to do what he can do — hit about .275; hit some monster HRs; strike out allot and play incredibly bad defense.
The fact that he isn’t particularly raising his game in any area would be my concern.
On early returns, our acquisition of Arroyo has been the biggest positive decisive factor in all of baseball.
It would be interesting to see Wily Mo go somewhere and DH. I would love to see the guy in HR Derby at the All-Star Game just for the entertaiinment value.
It would be interesting to see Wily Mo go somewhere and DH. I would love to see the guy in HR Derby at the All-Star Game just for the entertaiinment value.
Comment by Jim McCullough — 4/30/2006 @ 8:44 pm
That would be cool to see.
Me too. I put a few bucks down on Wily Mo winning the Derby at 40-1 odds. That was before the trade.
Perhaps Javier Valentin should be the one to be traded, if he has any trade value based on last year’s numbers.
I don’t know who the real Javier Valentin is or which one will show up this year. Is he the guy who hit .280 near 500 SLG last season, and in AAA in 2001-2002 and back in A-ball in 1995 OR the guy who played in all the other seasons.
Perhaps it is he, and not Larue, that would be the better “trade high” candidate.
I wish we had a thumper at firstbase. you had to love Casey but he had no power at all and Hatteburg is a couple steps down.I say drop Hatteburg now and get a power firstbaseman…
:?:I am in utter disbelief when I see that the Reds do not lead the world in grounding into dp. It seems as if every time there is 1 out and risp inning ending dp!
:???:Has a National league team ever had more than 8 players with more than 100 hits while 1 of them not being a catcher? Everybody gets a chance on this team. Probably with a major injury, but this team hasn’t had a major injury. Even after we have shed Pena,Kearns,and Lopez we still manage the most complicated shuffle in baseball. Best 8 ,hello…
what year{s} was it recently when the reds set the national league record for consecutive games without being shut out? what have they been shut out now like 13 or 14 times? It seems like a couple of times a week recently. All the talk about this awesome offense in spring, I would’ve predicted they’d be shut out 4 maybe 5 times this year. The reds are just to damn streaky. Good luck or bad luck take your pick. So, in conclusion with the season pretty much out of reach, if the reds are shut out ten less game they might of won 4 of them, then the 4 losses Narron is responsbile, they are 8 games under where they would expect to be knowing what this team is capable of, and where they stood 3 weeks ago
how soon we forget, the Reds hosted the Mets in 05. Cubs tradition, what the fu. Banana phone segment 9-22 friday night. I am a baseball guy.
