Game Thread: Reds at Braves — 2008.05.04
Well, this season just isn’t getting any better, is it?
I never would have believed that a team with this much offensive firepower would have this much trouble scoring for this long. I keep waiting for the hitters to snap out of it, but at this point, I’m concerned that they may not until it’s too late.
Bronson Arroyo takes on Tom Glavine today. Discuss it here….
May 4th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Reds lineup:
Freel CF
Junior RF
BP 2B
Votto 1B
EE 3B
Dunn LF
Kepp SS
Bako C
Arroyo P
May 4th, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Same lineup for the second straight day (with Bako in for Ross). Can’t believe Patterson isn’t starting for the second straight day.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Braves:
Johnson 2B
Escobar SS
Chipper 3B
Teixeira 1B
McCann C
Francoeur RF
Kotsay CF
Blanco LF
Glavine P
May 4th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Patterson hasn’t started all season vs. LHP.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Have the Reds gotten a single hit vs. a LHP this season? I know they have, but it sure doesn’t seem like it.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Still don’t understand why Baker won’t try Dunn & Griffey back-to-back in the lineup. Maybe it because of the lefty starter today, but vs. righties, I’d always have those two next to each other in the lineup.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:50 pm
I agree, Greg. You know it’s because “The Book” says you can’t put those lefties back to back, but it’s silly.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Orel Hershiser just movied into the next round in the National Heads Up Poker Championship on NBC. He beat a pro (Freddy Deeb) to move into the Elite Eight.
Crazy. And more exciting than Reds baseball right now.
May 4th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Actually, the “book” say not to bat three lefties in a row. I’ve never heard or seen anyone say you can’t bat two lefties or two righties in a row. Plenty of teams do it.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Reds stats vs. lefties and righties is eerily similar:
vsL - 249avg, 332obp, 391slg
vsR - 248avg, 315obp, 408slg
The batting average is near identical. For the sabrematicians, that’s a 723 OPS vs. L and vs. R.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
one of these days, those bats will start working. one of these days, i keep telling myself…
time to start a dfa corey campaign.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
I like Erardi’s batting order in today’s Enquirer. And it sticks to Baker’s R-L-R requirement.
Kepp
Dunn
EdE
Votto
Phillips
Junior
Ross
Freel
Gets Dunn’s walks up in the order. Of course, we know it would be Patterson in reality over Freel. Wouldn’t it be nice to see Bruce in this lineup, getting his feet wet in the 8-hole.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Personally, I’d prefer Junior in front of Phillips. Erardi’s lineup was specifically crafted vs. Glavine. Vs. RHP, I’d go with Dunn 2nd, Griffey, Encarnacion, Votto, Phillips.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I could certainly live with Erardi’s lineup.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
An ideal lineup should look like this:
Freel
BP
Junior
Dunn
EE
Votto
Ross
P
Kepp
May 4th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
I could live with that lineup, too.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
Man, Tom Browning has a big beer gut.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:20 pm
And Chris Welsh has a big mustache.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Nice FSOH feature on Keppinger.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Haven’t seen it yet today but I saw the Reds picked up a new sponsor the other day. It is for some hangover cure pill. Quality advertising.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Yeah, I liked that, Jim. I’m really hoping Kepp can keep the starting SS job with Gonzo comes back.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
So Dusty had a pre-game meeting with the players.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Are you kidding? A hangover cure?
Boy, that’s appropriate, given the Reds’ level of play this season.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I’ll be surprised if we ever see Gonzalez play again. I think he is a bust as a free agent signing for the Reds.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I’d be very happy if Gonzalez never played for the Reds again. They shouldn’t have tossed all that money at him in the first place, and Keppinger can certainly hold down the SS job. He’s more than adequate.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Dusty with the tough talk. Told the team he won’t stand for an 8th straight losing season. Okay then prove it by sending all your mediocre CFers packing and call up Bruce. You can’t win starting bench players and that is what Patterson, Hairston, and Freel all are.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Ryan Freel with a leadoff single. Let’s hope he doesn’t have another one of his patented brain farts on the basepaths.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I like hearing the tough talk from Dusty. I just hope he’ll back it up with some tough decisions of his own. I know Patterson is his buddy, but he just has to be either cut or dropped in the lineup.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Yet another reason why Freel is not an everyday player.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Of course, Freel gets picked off.
Ryan Freel must be the dumbest player in all of baseball. How many outs has he made on the basepaths this year?
I’m sick of him and Patterson. Bring up Bruce. He can’t be worse than these two jokers.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Griffey pops up to 2B and George says the ball park will hold it.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
What is Marty saying about Freel getting picked off again?
May 4th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Free Jay Bruce!!!
May 4th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I didn’t hear Marty, but I’m tired of Freel’s crap, too. I’m ready for Jay Bruce to be up here. At least he has a little talent.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
Okay, let’s see which Bronson Arroyo has shown up today.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Little bloop base hit to start the game. I bet the Braves won’t run themselves out of a potential run like Freel did.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Like we need the opposing team to get bloop hits.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Bronson’s fastball does look better today than it did earlier in the year.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Call Congress!!! The radar gun at Turner is on juice. Wonder if it is a “Rocket” gun?
May 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Wow! We got Chipper Jones out! That doesn’t happen often.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:48 pm
I love it when Chipper Jones makes easy outs. Ha ha.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Alright, Bronson!!!
May 4th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Looks like the good Bronson today. Thank goodness.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
The Celtics are killing the Hawks in Game 7. Hope Atlanta’s baseball team has a similar amount of success today.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Nice lack of aggressiveness by Votto. Take that, Dusty!
May 4th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Votto walks to lead off the 2nd. Man, this kid is so much fun to watch. He’s a professional hitter, and he’s still young.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Crap, then Votto gets thrown out stealing second. What the heck?
May 4th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
That all Tom Glavine needs - gift outs.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Glavine doesn’t need our help guys! Every baserunner we get just goes ahead and gets out.
May 4th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Another crappy inning. I’m really tired of watching this team, and it’s only May 4.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Did that idiot Freel try to bare hand that ball?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
This isnt football ryan!
May 4th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Freel is such a spaz.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Why did that idiot Freel just roll around on the ground like a moron instead of going after the ball??!!!?!!
May 4th, 2008 at 2:06 pm
Down 2-0 now. Game is over. We just got swept by the Braves.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Patterson will be in CF before the afternoon is done.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Glavine should play CF for the Reds.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
So much for the good Arroyo.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Patterson should be in CF (I can’t believe I’m saying that). Freel is a joke.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Jay Bruce should be in CF for the Reds because he has a future. None of the present three have one.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
4-0 now, still only one out, and Arroyo is getting tagged by every hitter.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Knowing Arroyo’s day game history why would you pitch him in a day game?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
Josh Fogg is up in the pen. Guess Dusty Baker is prepared to wave the white flag on this one. I can’t say that I blame him.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
WOnder what the reasoning could be for Arroyo’s constant struggles in day games? Makes no sense to me.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
the braves announcers are trying to tell bronson how to get outs. i think they actually feel bad for him.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Chipper homers to make it 7-0. I am so sick of the Reds right now.
That’s it for me. Enjoy this crap, guys and gals. I can’t take it any more. I’m going to go do something productive instead of watching this mess.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Horrifying.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
god damn, this team is awful. my lord.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Good grief….
May 4th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
Bronson says it is because he can’t get loose for day games. Maybe he is partying too late into the night.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
well. that seemed like a good time to just walk jones.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
This team is actually worse than last year’s team. Unbelievable. We look like a AAA team.
Bring up Bailey and Bruce NOW.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
By the time this team ever manages to win again, Marty will forget what his signature closing.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
There are few things I’d rather do less than watching Josh Fogg pitch.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
Next time Dusty gives a pep talk he might want Harang on the mound.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
There’s an idea, JJ - I’m going to switch over to the Louisville game. Though it’s a getaway lineup - no Bruce.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I’m glad Dusty had a big talk with the team before the game. It seems to have worked wonders….
May 4th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Maybe Bruce isn’t in the lineup because he’s travelling to Cincinnati. I can dream, can’t I?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
switched to litening to the game, and Marty and Jeff are talking about how no one in the clubhouse seems to care, and how the players don’t get going on the field.
I imagine some players are just like that, but wasn’t that also exactly what Dusty Baker was so good at changing? I feel like the only defense of Dusty this year is that he’s good at motivating players, since you certainly can’t defend what he’s done on the field.
If that’s out, then I don’t know what he’s doing here.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
is there any doubt that bako’s the mvp of this team!?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Agree about Bako, al. He’s a crappy player, but he has been SO GOOD this year for the Reds. I love the guy.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
Heads had better roll tomorrow…
May 4th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
And what Marty and the Cowboy are talking about is very disappointing. I wish I could say I was surprised, though.
Sometimes I think we’re the only ones who care.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Leadoff hitter reaches for the Braves. Surprise!
May 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
How soon until Bronson goes on the DL?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
Two one, no outs. Why am I still watching?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
Is there anyone left who can defend keeping Arroyo in the rotation? Fogg had nowhere near as much slack, and now they’re having to run him out there anyway.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
Hahaha GG said Jockerty again
May 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
I can’t defend Arroyo. But if the choice is Arroyo or Fogg for the rotation, Arroyo DESERVES much more slack. Fogg has never been above average in his career; at least Arroyo has a history of some success.
But they BOTH stink this year.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
seriosly, watching this team, i could see the braves winning this one by 45 runs.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
He said it again?
I missed that, but GG has said that about a million times. It’s getting to be a joke, isn’t it?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Arroyo’s ERA is 8.63, and Fogg’s is 8.02, and I agree Bronson deserved a lot more benefit of the doubt, but that’s through 7 starts now, you can’t just keep running him out there.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Signs of life. Too late?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Arroyo and Fogg have allowed 50 of the reds 142 earned runs.
Great slide by EdE. He and Votto seem to still be playing with some fire. And how bout that, 3 hits in a row!
May 4th, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I understand that Bruce’s contract is a major contributer of why he is not with the club but can someone explain to me the justification of Homer Bailey not being in the starting rotation?
May 4th, 2008 at 2:53 pm
How do you like this? If it were a 3-0 game in the 4th I’d think we still had a chance, so we’re back in it.
great to see the heart of the order (other than griffey who i can hardly watch anymore) come through.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
The comeback is on.
May 4th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
McCann doubles for ATL. Man, he’s a nice hitter for a catcher. One of the few good catchers that can hit.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I think that Bailey still needs more time in AAA, he’ll be ready when he can keep the hits down but get his k rate back closer to 1/IP.
That said, the reds thought that they had belisle and arroyo so he could put the time in, but it doesn’t actually look like they do, and bailey, ready or not, could probably do better.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
It is easy for announcers to claim the clubhouse atmosphere is terrible. What’s their basis? Are players walking around with their heads down? Are they laughing and acting like they don’t care?
I’m really sick of Marty Brennaman. The broadcast booth atmosphere stinks.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I still love Marty, but Jeff Brantley HAS TO GO.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Celtics starting to pull starters with less than 12 minutes in the game and a 36 point lead.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
I think Marty should be paired with George Grande. The attitudes should cancel each other out.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:04 pm
With respect to Arroyo, I agree with al at comment 92. They definitely need to do something instead of continuing to run him out there (although with this crappy team, it doesn’t really matter; we’re gonna lose anyway).
I was just saying why Arroyo should have gotten more of a benefit of the doubt than Fogg. I’ve lost patience with him at this point, too.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Fogg with a base hit. He wants a win here!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
If the Reds were to pull off a comeback and win I do not want to hear a comment that this could be a turn around point for the Reds. The turn around point will be when the Reds win fifteen in a row.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
I say call up Bruce now
have Votto lead off.
geeze.
and what the heck we gonna do when gonzo comes back?
Keppy is one of our best hitters.
AND GET RID OF ARROYO
bring up homer
May 4th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Arroyo needs to meet Gaylord Perry and get some tips.
Hint! Hint!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Will someone tell baseball announcers that we care nothing about their golf games unless they have PGA playing experience.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
I sure hope Ken, Sr. has some good advice for Ken, Jr. because he sure does need it.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Crazy!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Griffey, pulling way off of that one, still gets the job “done.”
May 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Edwin needs to hit a homer here to put the Reds ahead.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
What was the ejection in the Celtics-Hawks game over?
May 4th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Edwin, show these old farts how it’s done.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Let’s take the lead and then in the 9th dust off the cob webs from Cordero.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:15 pm
Bases loaded. Grand slam by Dunn?
Looks like they’re bringing in a righty to face him.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Make Glavine the loser, Reds!
May 4th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Crap! Fodder for the Dunn-bashers on Cincinnati.com.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
So many DUnn critics out there salivating right now. This has always been the knock on him, can’t come up with the big hit in the big spot. At some point, if he ever wants the critics to go away, he’s going to have to step up.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Brain fart by Fogg.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Man, it’s just the 5th inning? Seems like it should be the 9th.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
I like Fogg much better out of the pen than I did in the rotation. Maybe that’s where he needs to stay.
Never mind, he just gave up another hit and now it’s 1st and 3rd with no out.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
Fogg reminding us why he isn’t in the rotation.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
This is a bloodbath. Fogg currently trying to throw 200mph it looks like. Assuming both those runs score, looking at another 5 run deficit at 11-6. Predictions on a final score?
Time to go get fogg dusty. and there he goes.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I don’t even want to think what the final score might be. Braves already have 11, and there are still two on and no out.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
13-6. Bray picks up where Fogg left off.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Nope, 12-6. Grande doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
griffey looks like he’s ready for the Jr Circuit if you’ll forgive the pun. He just doesn’t get to much these days out there.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
the reds must learn, when you send arroyo and fogg out on the same day, you are begging to be crushed.
bray did all right there. gave up a single to a guy hitting over .400 off the league and a walk, but some right fielders come down with mcann’s ball and he’s out without further damage.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
laugher or not, it’s always sweet to see farney burn people in the outfield.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
a 2-out RBI. I’ll take it. How about another one griff…
May 4th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I don’t think many RFs get that ball, but your point on Junior is well-taken. He’ll heat up at the plate soon, though.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
and freel gets burned right back. balls that drop 10 feet before the warning track should get caught when they’re right over your head. making the case for corey.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:56 pm
I’m beginning to think there is a curse associated with Junior. Maybe we are stuck with the curse until he goes elsewhere.
May 4th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Of course, it could be a Jack McKeon curse and we are cursed until he returns.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
You cannot win when you have bench players starting every day in your line up. It doesn’t matter if it is Freel, Patterson, or Hairston. All three are bench players. Bruce needs to be up here.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I can agree with that, definitely.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
well put indeed. phillips has hit a couple of hard ones today, and votto’s taken a couple of walks. both good signs in my book.
as for griffey though, i see no signs of life in his bat. in fact he looks like he’s going the wrong direction right now to me.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
I wish Dunn would just hit some incredibly monstrous shot! Fair, of course.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I don’t see any signs of the that one week MVP that Dusty is looking for.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Wasn’t it about this time of the season in 1999 when the Reds laid down in a 3 game sweep in Atlanta and Greg Vaughn challenged his teammates in clubhouse tirade? It worked. Vaughn played the bad cop and Larkin the good cop as that club won an improbable 96 games.
There is no one on the 2008 roster that is going to take any kind of leadership like Vaughn did that season. Too bad.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
The Jeep Liberty commercial is great. They need to film more versions with different songs and different animals.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
There is no reason Baker couldn’t play the bad cop but he has to demonstrate his own dedication to winning by not playing favorites.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
That said, one of Dusty’s boys enters the game.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Oh man, Jim, I hate that commercial.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
The commercial would be better if the Jeep ran over Justin Timberlake.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
He said Jockerty again!!!
May 4th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Anyone seen Iron Man yet?
May 4th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
when i tried to be as realistic about what the reds really have with their position players (because i think the FO has been delusional the last few years) here’s what i came up with:
1 DH
3 LH !B
1 5th OF
2 UTL
3 No-hit C
1 3b
1 SS playing 2b
1 2b playing SS
You really can’t turn that into a real team overnight.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Especially when you bring in more utility players to start.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
The Reds are really good at hitting very high pop ups.
May 4th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Question for Jacoby:
Is the flaw in Reds hitting one of flaws in their swings or flaws in what they choose to swing at?
May 4th, 2008 at 8:05 pm
After a nice three game winning streak, it’s now a five game losing funk. Thank God for a short flight home to face the Cubbies and their annoying fans at the GABP.
May 4th, 2008 at 10:31 pm
The defense can’t even call the infield fly rule on those very high pop ups because no one is on base.
May 4th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
It is easy for announcers to claim the clubhouse atmosphere is terrible. What’s their basis?
Marty claims to walk through the clubhouse every day so that if anyone has a problem with him, they can approach him. He says he can count on one hand the number of times this happens in his career. As many people as he trashes in that clubhouses, I would venture to guess that whenever he struts through the clubhouse, the mood is pretty somber.
May 4th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I would venture to guess that whenever he struts through the clubhouse, the mood is pretty somber.
Amen. For all of the bravado surrounding Dusty and his ability to motivate players…well, let’s just say I haven’t seen it yet with the Reds. This team looks like it will lose 90-100 games now instead of entertaining wildcard hopes like I thought at the beginning of the year. It’s pathetic.
May 5th, 2008 at 10:41 am
I don’t know how you develop team chemistry. It seems to me its either there or its not. IMO team chemistry is something that the GM and the manager have to consider when they are putting the team together.
As some of you guys have pointed out in the past, this team just seems to just go through the motions.
I’m convinced that there is a great deal of talent on this team. They just don’t seem to function as a team. I don’t know who’s fault it is, (players, GM, Dusty), but without some sweeping changes, I don’t see how this gets any better in the near term.
The Reds need some serious leadership in the locker room. That may have to come from the players themselves. Dusty can only do so much in that area. Greg Vaughn, where are you now?