Chris Michalak’s grandmother died, so he’s on the bereavement list for a bit, with Norris Hopper being called up. Lancaster says Michalak is still scheduled to start Wednesday.
Why would Belisle be the closer? I don’t understand that one. When was the last time he pitched in the majors? Weathers has certainly pitched the best since July 1, but I’m uneasy about moving him out of the role he’s in. I honestly don’t know what the answer is. Maybe it’s by committee, whoever is hot and whatever match-up makes sense. If a guy mows them down in the 8th then keep them out there in the 9th.
Glavine is out for the year and Eckstein is out indefinitely for the Cards (at least I thought I read that)
I’d rather Belisle was made the fifth starter. The Reds can’t afford to give a game away every five days with the likes of Michalak, Franklin, Mays, etc… I’d even prefer they’d bring Ramirez back over those guys.
BTW, Elizardo’s first outing back with Louisville was on Friday. He pitched only 4 innings (59 pitches), allowing 2 runs on 5 hits & 2 walks, striking out 4.
I’m not celebrating the Burns move, but it certainly makes sense – they’ve got enough candidates for the bullpen corps already. Look for Gosling next if they need to make any more 40-man moves.
Just realized how key it is for Dunn to get ahead in the count. Hitting behind in the count, he’s put up these numbers:
.153/.159/.298
The OBP can be disregarded due to the fact that it’s impossible to draw a walk whn you’re behind in the count. But the BA and SLG are pretty poor, regardless.
Given that Ross is a catcher and has to be rested more often than any other position player, I’m happier that LaRue is in there against Pittsburgh than I would be if he was in there vs. the Astros over the next 3 days.
Upon further review in the last seven days Ross has had four days off! One off day and three games where he didn’t play. I think he has plenty of rest!
I wonder if the Mets would be interested in one Ryan Franklin now that Glavine is gone?
No seriously, I want to get rid of him A.S.A.P.!!! Wouldn’t that be funny for the Phillies – they get rid of franklin, then he comes back to the Eastern Division and proceeds to help them climb back into the divisional race by blowing games for the leaders.
I guess in a way he’s helped them get back into the wild card by blowing games for us, too. The point is- he’s more valuable off your team.
LaRue 4-9 against Pittsburgh. So? Who was it against? That’s like saying someone is 5-5 with three home runs against the Reds, but they came against Joe Mays and Mike Burns. What does that matter?
Franklin might be the next No. 5 starter. I like him better as a starter than a reliever. I don’t think his stuff is terrible. He has better stuff than EZ.
Are the Reds the worst team in baseball with a runner on third and less than two outs? They may not be, but is sure seems like it? Where is the easiest place to find that stat?
Hence my disclaimer. I wasn’t saying I’d start him on that basis, just that it could’ve entered the equation. Larue has had a terrible year, so any kind of good news becomes magnified.
Hollandsworth’s “cortisone shot” – ha! Likely the same one that enabled him to hit just above the Mendoza line for Cleveland with no patience or power.
Hi all , looks like I logged in just in time to watch Hattie jump out of his slump.. A much needed day off … huh.. Single and a 2 run shot thus far this game!
And as I was typing the Dunner sent a 2 run shot out of GABP
MD, not sure where those stats can be found. Though mlb.com lets you split by # of baserunners and where they are, it doesn’t ahve an option to view those in context with the number of outs.
However, the Reds are the third-best hitting team with the bases loaded, with a batting average of .327 . Shocking to me. They’ve hit very poorly with just a runner on third, and also with runners on 1st and 3rd.
Let’s see Hollandsworthless… He is the automatic K… He sucks and I’d much rather see Denorfia as our 4th outfielder, he’s faster and shows a decent bat. Well he made contact there… right at someone. Automatic out Hollandsworthless!
I’m behind (watching on tivo). In the first inning, George Grande claimed that Freddy Sanchez is “the closest thing to Tony Gwynn or Wade Boggs.” He’s talking about how the Pirates ripped off the Red Sox, etc. Has he created some imaginary world where Freddy Sanchez has been a legitimate hitter for the past several years? It’s his career year. Comment on it, and move on.
La Rue gives Ross a break.. but obviously David Ross should be our everyday catcher… He’s a solid bat, consitently, and he’s proven to be a good defensive catcher. La Rue is a veteran who simply has forgotten how to hit the ball.. his mechanics are sloppy!
I don’t think it’s fair to say that LaRue or Hollandsworth (or Clayton) are slumping. I think they’re just “bad.” (I’ve been waiting all year for LaRue to break out of the slump, but he hasn’t shown any sign of life). I think LaRue has started more games than Ross did.
Why is it my real estate lady is only available on Sundays during Reds day games?!? I’m sadly off to look at houses, but I’ll be with you guys in spirit.
To respond on an earlier statement.. One thing the Reds have struggled with this year is hitting with RISP. Only 3 players done well this year.. Edwin is definately one of em… Clutch but got em that time.
Hard to believe, but Harang has actually thrown one more pitch than Santos so far (84). I really don’t want to see him overworked now if it can be avoided.
Another nice at bet by Freel that last innning, but La Rue struck out again.. his feet are moving and his shoulder dropped, never make contact if your bat drops below the ball.
He has nick names for just bout every team doesn’t he. What was Chris Welsh doing there in the booth.. He asked that Tuskegee guy a question and started messing with something in his hand (no it wasn’t a beer) something to do with the Mic. Just looked a lil side tracked thats all
Grande just referred to Mike Gonzales as “one of the best closers in baseball,” and insists that he “came over from the Red Sox with Freddy Sanchez.” THis, despite the fact that Welsh already explained that Gonzales was RETURNED from Boston to PIT after the Lyon injury. Frustrating guy, he is.
Did I hear right. Hopper is 2nd base/outfield. We need the depth in the outfield and at 2nd. If he proves himself worthy, his presence will allow this starting lineup some time off before the end of the season.
Hopper has had a career year this year (at age 27, this is the first time he’s made it past AA). I’m glad he finally got his chance, but I wouldn’t count on anything. He’s fast, but that’s it.
I happen to like George Grande, and his trademark home run call of “…and its gonna beeeee…..GONE!” is one of the best ever, and sends tingles down my spine just typing it.
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eddie guardado just hit the DL
Tom Glavine out for the season with a blood clot.
So does Bellisle become the closer?
Chris Michalak’s grandmother died, so he’s on the bereavement list for a bit, with Norris Hopper being called up. Lancaster says Michalak is still scheduled to start Wednesday.
It will be interesting to see who the closer will be. Bray is the future, but for the present, maybe it goes back to Weathers.
Why would Belisle be the closer? I don’t understand that one. When was the last time he pitched in the majors? Weathers has certainly pitched the best since July 1, but I’m uneasy about moving him out of the role he’s in. I honestly don’t know what the answer is. Maybe it’s by committee, whoever is hot and whatever match-up makes sense. If a guy mows them down in the 8th then keep them out there in the 9th.
Glavine is out for the year and Eckstein is out indefinitely for the Cards (at least I thought I read that)
freel CF
hatteberg 1B
encarnacion 3B
dunn LF
aurilia SS
hollandsworth RF (oh yay)
phillips 2B
ross C
harang P
duffy CF
wilson SS
sanchez 3B
bay LF
burnitz RF
nady 1B
castillo 2B
cota C
santos P
my prediction for the day
reds win 7-2
hollandsworth reaches base at least once (probably hit by pitch) haha
Belisle last pitched in the majors on July 9th.
Many were calling for Belisle to be the closer a year ago.
Phillies trade for Jamie Moyer. That organization is clueless.
I’d rather Belisle was made the fifth starter. The Reds can’t afford to give a game away every five days with the likes of Michalak, Franklin, Mays, etc… I’d even prefer they’d bring Ramirez back over those guys.
Later,
Tom
BTW, Elizardo’s first outing back with Louisville was on Friday. He pitched only 4 innings (59 pitches), allowing 2 runs on 5 hits & 2 walks, striking out 4.
Jim-Not saying Belisle couldn’t do it, but I don’t think I would be comfortable throwing him into that role right away.
Am I the only one celebrating the fact that Burns got DFA’d?
Great job by Harang. A no-out threat to start the game without the ball leaving the infield, and Harang strikes out the heart of the order 1,2,3.
Pirates get runners on 1st and 2nd w/ no outs and then Harang procedes to strike out the side to end the threat.
Harang really powered his way out of that one, K’ing the side.
Without Guardado there’s no established “closer” here. Go with matchups, whoever’s hot, etc. Make Narron work for his paycheck.
I’m not celebrating the Burns move, but it certainly makes sense – they’ve got enough candidates for the bullpen corps already. Look for Gosling next if they need to make any more 40-man moves.
Just realized how key it is for Dunn to get ahead in the count. Hitting behind in the count, he’s put up these numbers:
.153/.159/.298
The OBP can be disregarded due to the fact that it’s impossible to draw a walk whn you’re behind in the count. But the BA and SLG are pretty poor, regardless.
Ken-I agree on the bullpen.
Why isn’t Ross playing today? He just started to swing the ball well and he’s back on the bench for LaRue.
Given that Ross is a catcher and has to be rested more often than any other position player, I’m happier that LaRue is in there against Pittsburgh than I would be if he was in there vs. the Astros over the next 3 days.
I understand what you are saying but Ross didn’t play Friday either.
By the way, Ross had ONE more at-bat this year than LaRue and only 11 more than Valentin.
For what it’s worth, Larue is 4 for 9 with a HR vs. Pittsburgh this year.
LaRue is 0 for his last 23? And Hatteberg is 0 for his last 17? Yikes.
Upon further review in the last seven days Ross has had four days off! One off day and three games where he didn’t play. I think he has plenty of rest!
I wonder if the Mets would be interested in one Ryan Franklin now that Glavine is gone?
No seriously, I want to get rid of him A.S.A.P.!!! Wouldn’t that be funny for the Phillies – they get rid of franklin, then he comes back to the Eastern Division and proceeds to help them climb back into the divisional race by blowing games for the leaders.
I guess in a way he’s helped them get back into the wild card by blowing games for us, too. The point is- he’s more valuable off your team.
LaRue 4-9 against Pittsburgh. So? Who was it against? That’s like saying someone is 5-5 with three home runs against the Reds, but they came against Joe Mays and Mike Burns. What does that matter?
Wow, LaRue looked like a tee-ball player facing Bob Gibson.
Franklin might be the next No. 5 starter. I like him better as a starter than a reliever. I don’t think his stuff is terrible. He has better stuff than EZ.
Yeah, but he’s 4-9 against Pittsburgh
Are the Reds the worst team in baseball with a runner on third and less than two outs? They may not be, but is sure seems like it? Where is the easiest place to find that stat?
Boy Hollandsworth is struggling bad.
Hence my disclaimer. I wasn’t saying I’d start him on that basis, just that it could’ve entered the equation. Larue has had a terrible year, so any kind of good news becomes magnified.
BTW, the HR was off Santos.
I bet Hollandsworth’s cortisone shot is wearing off and he hasn’t told the Reds management yet.
Fans got on Larue after his strikeout… Why is it we can’t use Ross more often again . . .
Hollandsworth’s “cortisone shot” – ha! Likely the same one that enabled him to hit just above the Mendoza line for Cleveland with no patience or power.
Hatteberg with a 2-run homer! 2-0 Reds. Hope LaRue follows suit with breaking out of his slump.
Big inning? No outs yet.
4-0!
Hi all , looks like I logged in just in time to watch Hattie jump out of his slump.. A much needed day off … huh.. Single and a 2 run shot thus far this game!
And as I was typing the Dunner sent a 2 run shot out of GABP
Another 2-run homer, Adam Dunn pulls it just over the wall. 4-0, no outs yet.
MD, not sure where those stats can be found. Though mlb.com lets you split by # of baserunners and where they are, it doesn’t ahve an option to view those in context with the number of outs.
However, the Reds are the third-best hitting team with the bases loaded, with a batting average of .327 . Shocking to me. They’ve hit very poorly with just a runner on third, and also with runners on 1st and 3rd.
Let’s see Hollandsworthless… He is the automatic K… He sucks and I’d much rather see Denorfia as our 4th outfielder, he’s faster and shows a decent bat. Well he made contact there… right at someone. Automatic out Hollandsworthless!
Ken-Thanks. It at least makes a little more sense, though I still don’t agree (with Narron, not you)
I’m behind (watching on tivo). In the first inning, George Grande claimed that Freddy Sanchez is “the closest thing to Tony Gwynn or Wade Boggs.” He’s talking about how the Pirates ripped off the Red Sox, etc. Has he created some imaginary world where Freddy Sanchez has been a legitimate hitter for the past several years? It’s his career year. Comment on it, and move on.
La Rue gives Ross a break.. but obviously David Ross should be our everyday catcher… He’s a solid bat, consitently, and he’s proven to be a good defensive catcher. La Rue is a veteran who simply has forgotten how to hit the ball.. his mechanics are sloppy!
Great comeback by Harang in the first.
No doubt one good year doesn’t put you in the same category as all stars that were great durng the length of their career!
Grande goes off on tangents sometimes, I think he likes the sound of his own voice. I like Grande
Aflac ??? A good one…
4 Reds since 59 that lead the NL in doubles>
Pete Rose should be on that list… Possibly Eric Davis…
Jason Bay has done what he was incapable of doing in his hilarious Home Run Derby appearance the other year, and that is to hit a home run.
Chris, are you in a time-warp or something? Or do you have the reaction time of a sloth.
Maybe Frank Robinson
The Aflac ?? is tough. I don’t think Davis would’ve had enough ABs. For some reason I remember Sabo leading the league once.
I don’t think it’s fair to say that LaRue or Hollandsworth (or Clayton) are slumping. I think they’re just “bad.” (I’ve been waiting all year for LaRue to break out of the slump, but he hasn’t shown any sign of life). I think LaRue has started more games than Ross did.
Wrong on Sabo – finished 3rd twice.
Why is it my real estate lady is only available on Sundays during Reds day games?!? I’m sadly off to look at houses, but I’ll be with you guys in spirit.
This lineup today gives rest to some of our guys who need it so we will be rested and ready to take on the Astros
I think Dmitri Young might’ve done it. Possibly Casey or Dave Parker.
(Gapper, I said I’m watching on Tivo. I’m in the 2nd now)
Thats right Eric Davis was always hurt… I remember once it was a toenail or something!
I just thought of Parker. He did in ’85, when he should’ve won MVP.
Sean Casey and Dave Parker solid contact hitters but settled for singles due to their speed.
Really Parker!
There it was Vinson, Rose, Robinson, and Parker.
Rose was asure bet, as was Robinson
No PUN Intended
I think that’s LaRues best chance to get on base.. He really crowds the plate.. His elbow was nearly over the plate.
The Aflac was tricky – no Red had done it in 20 years.
Pete Rose did it 4 times .. duh!
Can’t wait till MLB gets a new commisioner and Pete gets in the Hall Of Fame.. Thats where the greatest hitter of all time deserves to be!
I bet he’ll get in as soon as the MLB Executive office changes. Once agin no PUN Intended.
Theres the Hattie I know… Beautiful hit, did ya’ll see Freel slide completely over 3rd.
Great to see Scott swinging it again today.
To respond on an earlier statement.. One thing the Reds have struggled with this year is hitting with RISP. Only 3 players done well this year.. Edwin is definately one of em… Clutch but got em that time.
Hard to believe, but Harang has actually thrown one more pitch than Santos so far (84). I really don’t want to see him overworked now if it can be avoided.
I wonder if everytime George says Buccos (or Brew Crew, or Redbirds, for that matter) instead the real team name, Chris goes a little more insane.
Yeah, but with our bullpen I’m not ready to say this game is safe just yet.
Another nice at bet by Freel that last innning, but La Rue struck out again.. his feet are moving and his shoulder dropped, never make contact if your bat drops below the ball.
He has nick names for just bout every team doesn’t he. What was Chris Welsh doing there in the booth.. He asked that Tuskegee guy a question and started messing with something in his hand (no it wasn’t a beer) something to do with the Mic. Just looked a lil side tracked thats all
Harang was very efficient the last two innings. Only at 106 pitches now, so he should at least start the 7th.
St Louis beating the Cubs right now!.. Won’t hear me say this that often… but here it goes…
Come On Cubbies
(Now I know how all those Cubs fans really feel – disappointed!)
Not surprised if we see Bray first tonight, then either Coffee or Weathers to close it out.
Just want to say I can’t wait for College Football to Kick off… Buckeyes are #1.. Watched a special about Coach Paul Brown last night.
Glad Harang has looked good today. He hasn’t really been stepping up in big games lately.
I have football fever too. Nice to see OSU ranked #1, but I’m nervous about holding on to that position.
Another nice inning. Does Harang start the 8th?
The Great Harang has done his thing.. He’s our only Strikeout artist, and man is he something! Great outing by the Great Harang.
I would think so. He’s rolling.
That ball is really carrying today.
I say no. I know he’s a horse, but I want him relatively fresh in September. 119 pitches so far.
Losing Pedro AND Glavine makes the Mets vulnerable in the post-season.
Harang has been over 115 a lot of times, but only over 121 once.
Grande just referred to Mike Gonzales as “one of the best closers in baseball,” and insists that he “came over from the Red Sox with Freddy Sanchez.” THis, despite the fact that Welsh already explained that Gonzales was RETURNED from Boston to PIT after the Lyon injury. Frustrating guy, he is.
I think Harang has thrown enough.
Why in the name of Sam Hill is George Grande still in the booth? He’s is so unbelievably bad, it’s hard to fathom. Does anyone like him?
Showinweiss is in
I have never met anyone who likes George Grande’s broadcasting style.
I wonder if this guys nick name in school was Dirty Sanchez!!!
I don’t dislike his style…
Nice effort by Show en weiss 123
Schoenweis with an impressive inning. Knock on wood, but this has looked like a nice pickup so far.
His mistakes now thats a different story.. As long as I can watch the games..
I’d love to hear Marty’s boy, Thom, calling the Reds action.. but we all know that won’t happen
Don’t you dare jinx a good thing Ken!
According to Grande there he was heavily scouted by the Yankees during the off season.
“Hippity-Hop Hopper”, says George Grande. What a moron.
Did he just say Hibbidey Hop hopper!
Nice first at bat in the majors
Okay I strike my previous statement about his style.. That was possibly the gayest or in the least stupid call I’ve ever heard! Hippity-Hop-Hopper!
Grande trying to reach out to the younger generation in his clumsy, folksy way. I’m embarassed for him.
least = most
Grande makes me cringe, but I’m happy for ole Hippity-Hop Norris Hopper with his first ml hit.
With Harang pitching tonight… Who will be in the rotation against the Astro’s
Is it possible that the bullpen could hang onto this win?
Two outs for Stormy Weathers.
That’s a nasty looking goatee that Stormy has.
Did I hear right. Hopper is 2nd base/outfield. We need the depth in the outfield and at 2nd. If he proves himself worthy, his presence will allow this starting lineup some time off before the end of the season.
Time for the playoff beards?
…And this one belongs to the Reds!!! Alright, way to come back and win this series.
Bring on the Astronomicals!
TN: we will not face Clemens. He’s pitching now.
We go against: Pettite, Oswalt, Rodriguez. Pettite has had a bad year but picked it up as of late.
We counter with BA and Lohse. Michalak is scheduled for Wednesday, but I don’t know if he can/will pitch bc he’s on the bereavement list.
Cubs are now down 4-2
I got my playoff beard on. Of course, I always do.
Hopper has had a career year this year (at age 27, this is the first time he’s made it past AA). I’m glad he finally got his chance, but I wouldn’t count on anything. He’s fast, but that’s it.
Just for the record….
I happen to like George Grande, and his trademark home run call of “…and its gonna beeeee…..GONE!” is one of the best ever, and sends tingles down my spine just typing it.