Loading ...Elizardo Ramirez was demoted to Louisville tonight after the game. I hate to see that, but there’s no question that Ramirez earned this demotion. He’s been brutal lately, and tonight was the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Marc thinks that Matt Belisle or Brian Shackleford will be added to the roster tomorrow in Ramirez’s place.
But hey, what about that Chris Michalak?
I like Elizardo, but whatever’s gone wrong with him needs to be fixed. His solid season has turned into disaster over the course of just a few starts. The minor-league instructors may be better able to address this. What he needs is another long visit with Mario Soto!
No shocker here.
I’ve got to root for Michalak, he’s a Domer and a Redleg!
With every young pitcher you have to worry about his stamina over the course of a full season. No surprise really.
Ilm not so certain – Elizardo has thrown about 140 and 150 innings the last two years, and at this point in 2006 he has only 125 between the minors and majors. Given a typical progression for a young pitcher, I thought he would get to probably 170-180 this year before his arm got tired.
It’s worth noting that he’s a low-strikeout, low-walk, low-HR kind of pitcher (control-artist). That type of guy doesn’t have a margin for error.
Which all makes me think that something is wrong. Whether it’s tipping his pitches, or being mentally spooked, or some kind of minor injury issue, I don’t know.
When is Chris Michalak bobblehead night? Woo hoo!
The Liz seemed to pile up the 6IP 3ER peformances earlier this season, then the wheels fell off. Most batters seem to be hacking at the first pitch, and with great success. Ramirez was one of the pleasant ssurprises of the first half. I don’t think well see him back in a Reds uni until Spring Training ‘07.
And it’s official Shackleford called up to take his place today.
I agree that he is mentally screwed up. His ego is shot to h*ll!
Here’s hoping that Michalak has perfected the classic Jamie Moyer “nothing” ball.
I could see Ramirez returning on the September call-ups. Two weeks at AAA might help him get his flaws corrected.
I think Ramirez is just worn down mentally and physically. He just needs to get his confidence back. Get Soto on the phone..quick!
The pitching carousel will never end if guys like Michalak can step in (out of nowhere) and toss 6+ innings of 3-hit ball
I hate to see Ramirez go, but like you said, he earned it. His last few starts have been ugly.
I think that Lizard is tired. I don’t really think he has been tipping pitches, he just isn’t putting anything on them. It’s like hitting from a tee.