Game Thread: Dodgers at Reds - 04.21.2008
Juan Castro has been DFA’d, Fogg is out of the rotation, and Baker has finally realized that Patterson hasn’t been hitting. We throw out 2-0 Edinson Volquez tonight against the Dodgers’ 0-0 Hong-Chih Kuo. We have to win tonight, right?
Discuss it here…
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
CF Hairston leading off instead of CF Patterson…Some habits die hard eh Dusty?
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 pm
I’m really sick of Dusty running his boys out there like they are something really special.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
When is someone going to snap a picture of Volquez with a Reds cap on for the baseball sites>
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:19 pm
Props to whomever noticed Dusty’s predilection for leading off his CF and batting his SS second, pretty much no matter who they were. It’s pretty striking.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Anyone know much about Kuo, the Dodgers’ pitcher? It seems like he has a history of getting hit hard (career ERA 4.49) but he has a miniscule 0.79 ERA this year in 2 starts…
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Hairston gets a hit!!! The Reds offense is resurrected!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Hairston to Patterson: “Dude, it’s not that hard to get a hit.”
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Kuo is out of Taiwan, was a high-school teammate of the Yankees starter Chien Ming Wang.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Welsh says he has trouble getting the ball over the plate.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Any relation to Wang Tang Sweet Pootang?
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
He’s your boy, Dusty!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Hmmm. Speed at the top of the order burns the Reds. Again.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
What a start. Double play from the outfield… Hairston apparently never learned to run the bases.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:26 pm
He must not be able to run in reverse as fast as forward.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Griffey gives it a ride, but to the deepest part of the park… 3 up, 3 down (that’s familiar).
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:28 pm
By the way, here’s a real photo of Voltron in a Reds cap. The MLB Gameday has a photo of him with a Reds’ hat on, but it’s definitely a photoshop job.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Griffey gives it a ride, but to the deepest part of the park… 3 up, 3 down (that’s familiar).
But we did it in a very unique way tonight.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm
What did Ethier use on that hit? A 7-iron?
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:33 pm
But we did it in a very unique way tonight.
The way things are going, I have no doubt that the Reds will continue to find new and exciting ways to make outs.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm
The four-pitch walks works!
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:43 pm
1-2-3 in the traditional way.
April 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Nice job of playing CF, Hairston.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
I’m convinced now more than ever that Dusty Baker is a fucking idiot. Norris Hopper is better than Hairston.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:08 pm
I guess no one practiced bunting with the Reds during spring training.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Hairston’s hittin’ it pretty good, though.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Same old same old from Keppinger. He can’t not hit it up the middle for a base hit. Hits it right off Kuo in fact. Tied up!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Since Hopper barely plays maybe he could teach bunting on the side.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Kepp may not have the range but he throws it pretty well.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Kepp could be the hero of the night. Nice throw.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Great…..Hairston has 2 hits….that guarantees he’ll be leading off for the next two weeks.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Nice inning by Volquez
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:26 pm
Let’s go back-to-back-to-back with BP-AD-EE!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
I finally gave in and just paid for MLB.tv. I predict I’ll get a whole lot less done for the rest of the summer. I did manage to get the yard work done tonight. Anyone else have a back yard full of corn husks?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:27 pm
So much for that idea!!
BP still can’t get solid wood on it.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Building a Field of Dreams, Jared?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:29 pm
There ya go Dunner!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Dunn wants to catch up to Votto in HRs.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Dunn!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:31 pm
We live in a small town now and there are corn fields all around. New experience for me.
We do live about an hour from the Field of Dreams, we’ll have to go some time.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Edwin Encarnacíon en fuego.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Votto took a BIG cut and missed that breaking ball. Look the play at first was CLOSE.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
I heard that field no longer exists and they split it into 2 fields? Absolute baseball sin!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:35 pm
Be a hitter, PB!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Votto gets a 5 1/2 foot base hit
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
Bako is winning me over.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:37 pm
WOW, Bako’s bunt was ugly but almost got him a hit and an RBI. Did they score Votto a hit or was it an error?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Things are coming together. Looking pretty good this inning. Think Voltron can get his first hit?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Let’s see where the infield plays now!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Seriously, Ross can’t hit and LLM can’t catch. I can’t see sending him down with Ross coming back, and carrying all three ain’t the answer.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Jedi Bunt Master has taught you well, EV.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:41 pm
While LLM’s pinch hitting is a plus I think the Reds keep him around for his language skills more than anything.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:43 pm
Living in a small town I’m lucky enough to pay $90 a month for DSL almost fast enough to stream low quality MLB.tv without a hiccup.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Hey, Patterson! You aren’t starting in CF tomorrow night either.
How long with the Hairston phenom performance last though?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
How many hits is that out of the leadoff hitter this season?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
I’d say Hairston’s making a good first impression with the bat, just like Patterson did.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 pm
Wonder where this run scoring hit will go?
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
That was a sweet slide by Bako….went right for the catchers feet and knocked him off balance….
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I love all the Hairston bashing earlier…I hope he keeps it up.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 pm
Great…Hairston will be leading off for the next month.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Less than 30 hits out of the lead off spot with about 10 walks is my guess.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:52 pm
I’m sure we will get more bashing opportunities in the future.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Volquez is looking awesome this inning.
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Two dynamite innings back-to-back for Volquez. Sitting at 73 pitches so I hope he can go two more innings.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:00 pm
BP gets some wood finally!!! Hope that gets his motor running!
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Phillips does better when he’s relaxed, like it’s not all on him. Pretty nice.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Meet Mr. Votto.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Can’t wait until Bruce arrives and does the same thing that Votto is doing.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:17 pm
13-pitch inning by Volquez.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Can’t wait until Bruce arrives and does the same thing that Votto is doing.
That’s assuming that Dusty doesn’t get another ex-centerfielder to play once Hairston cools off… :???:
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:21 pm
Jim — that’s after walking the leadoff guy, too. Go Volquez.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
I’m catching up on Tivo - one point that should be noted is that Patterson catches Kuo’s double early in the game.
This Harang interview is fascinating, by the way. I love that guy.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Volquez ERA currently at 1.27.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:23 pm
domo arigato mr. votto
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Definitely Hairston misjudged that ball.
Harang interview was its best when Welsh asked the questions.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:26 pm
Is Volquez throwing high to Ethier because of a scouting report or because he’s close to 100 pitches?
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I’m thinking he is getting a little gassed either mentally or physically.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:29 pm
Chris, you are mixing up all of Dusty’s ex-Cubs. that’s Hairston, not Patterson, tonight. Unfortunately, his only good CF while with the Cubs is playing left tonight for the Dodgers, and I don’t think we’re getting him.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
No. Chris meant that if Patterson was playing CF tonight that he would have caught it. Of course, he would have gone 0 for 5 as well.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:31 pm
Voltron 1 K away from creating a 3-way tie for 2nd place in strikeouts for all MLB among himself, Harang, and Cueto.
They were passed by Smoltz this afternoon, so hours away from a 3-way tie for first!
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:34 pm
Nice job, EV. Your first complete game will happen in the near future.
Amazing that the Reds have three of the top K artists. Credit to Baker for going with the two youngsters.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:36 pm
Who else came with Volquez in the Hamilton deal? Would have been nice to have a CF that’s competent at the plate but even so, what a deal.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Those strikeouts are VERY, VERY important to their success, given this team’s home ballpark and defense. Aside from Patterson and Phillips, there’s not a plus-defender on the roster.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
The other player in the Hamilton deal was, I believe, Dan Harrera, whom I know nothing about.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm
sorry, I mis-read Chris’ comment
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:42 pm
It’s one of the few deals where both teams made out ok. In fact, if Bruce gets playing time (and does well) this year, the deal might end up being a steal for the Reds, no matter how well Hamilton does.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:46 pm
Garciaparra looks his age.
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Doesn’t first base need to be open for the dropped third strike rule?
April 22nd, 2008 at 9:59 pm
Corey doesn’t like Hairston getting all the hits. Man, he’s fast. Too bad he never gets on base.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Dusty will have sweet dreams tonight. His boys have done well. Heck! Everyone but Junior has had a good night.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:03 pm
If this Reds offense can sustain this kind of performance night after night, the Reds can make up some serious ground in a short amount of time.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:04 pm
Farney pinch hits for junior…that’s gotta hurt jr’s ego a bit.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Hope Arroyo can get his pitching together since he opens two of the next three series.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Baker bringing Coffey in to see if he can give up 8 runs.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:08 pm
The rationale for Coffey pitching the ninth would be what? Dusty trying to build his ego? Starting off with a walk isn’t helping.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Coffey’s pulling an OBama - can’t close the deal…
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
Only three Dodgers had hits tonight and one was that excuse me double from Kuo.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:11 pm
OK. Now four Dodgers with hits.
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:13 pm
We need a winning streak, Reds!!!
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Does anyone else find Jeff Piecoro as annoying as I do?
April 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Did anyone else not understand a word Volquez said in the post game interview?