REDS
Jerry Hairston Jr. rf
Jeff Keppinger cc
Adam Dunn lf
Brandon Phillips 2b
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Andy Phillips 1b
Corey Patterson cf
David Ross c
Homer Bailey p
Does the catcher ALWAYS have to hit 8th for this team no matter what? Ross is hot–move him up!!
P.S. This reminds me of the only game I went to this year, when I remarked that I really wanted to see Votto play for the first time and arrived at the ballpark to find Javy starting at 1st. (Votto did come in and hit a homer later, but still.)
Corey Patterson isn’t a RH. He’s playing for defensive purposes is my interpretation. Maybe the plan is for defense to keep the score tied until the Brewers have to go to the bullpen then Dusty will put Votto, Bruce, and Griffey in to win it.
Wow, that’s beyond awful. And I thought Dusty said he was going to make the lineup stacked with righties. If that’s the case, get Patterson the hell out of there.
I think this might be a case of “overmanaging” Yeah you’d like to see lefty righty matchups and guys who do well against a certain pitcher (though 5 at bats is way too small a sample size) in a lineup, but I mean….
Corey Patterson over Jay Bruce. I don’t think you would find another manager in major league baseball that would do the same thing if Bruce was 100% (which by all accounts he is)
The thing that sorta makes me bugged is that Votto is a lefty but he hits lefties better than righties. Something like a .270-.295 split. Although I recall him looking very silly against CC in Cleveland.
Honestly, I’d rather see Votto playing somewhere in the field than Bruce…but anything’s better than Patterson. Hell. This whole episode is actually so preposterous if you think about it. Dusty announced to the press that he was going to “Stack the lineup with right-handers” meaning that dumpy David Ross gets to start, and dumpy Andy Phillips gets to start. Not to say it’s a bad idea, but to make an announcement about it…
All that without the fact that Patterson’s starting is funny enough if you ask me.
I dont mind giving Votto a break and Andy a chance but c’mon…He who shall not be named? ugh. I also expect Homer will fail again today…unfortunately. Go Reds
Regarding Crapperson…you know what they say “love always wins” so maybe that is Dusty’s plan.
I on the other hand would have moved A. Philips to RF and Hairston to CF then Votto at 1b and Crapperson can sit, which is what he does best.
Here’s an argument for starting Dusty’s bad son: his batting average against lefties (.156) isn’t much below what he’s hitting against righties !
Seriously, batting him ahead of Ross is even less defensible than starting him. We know what Dusty really wants: CP robs the Brewers of a home run, gets 4 hits, including a game winning home run, and becomes the Reds most popular player (for 15 minutes, anyway).
BP swings on first two pitches after CC hits Adam Dunn. If a pitcher starts having trouble throwing strikes you’d never know with him batting. Does he ever take a pitch?
I haven’t seen Bailey pitch all year, but he certainly seems better than described earlier. I guess those reports about increased velocity were correct.
I don’t want to get too excited after one inning, but doesn’t this seem like a different Bailey than we’ve seen before? Command and velocity are very good so far.
Buddy, I have no idea why my post was removed from Fay’s blog. There was nothing abusive or negative about it. I don’t think the regulars over there care for me so probably one of them pushed the abusive button and it was just removed.
Ball in dirt, hit adam dunn, then two hits this inning…Crapperson is almost a foot shorter than CC….and Crapperson takes one for the team!!!!!!!!! Go Corey Crapperson go!!
I want more than one run, too, but that’s not something the Reds are actually able to do with the bases loaded and no outs. Bases loaded and no outs is like their achilles heal.
No, Jesus would have made the correct call and most likely would have chosen for Bailey to bunt with only 1 out. Dusty’s Genious again(speeling incorekt on purpus)
Last night I was in the car and had to listen to Marty and Brantley. They’re just miserable. Everybody sucks, except Hairston, B. Phillips, Votto, and David Weathers. Yeah, I know lots of guys have flaws, but those two are beyond over the top.
Brantley was RIPPING Jay Bruce because he doesn’t rake lefties. He literally said, “If you’re a highly touted prospect like Jay Bruce, you should be able to fall out of bed and hit lefties over .300.” Even Marty had to call him on that nonsense.
It’s one thing for Marty to pretend that professional baseball is really easy – and if you just “try harder,” you’ll succeed. But Brantley knows better. He needs to point out (for example), that Jay Bruce has all of 6 weeks in the major leagues, or that Brian Shouse has one job to do – pulverize left-handed hitters (career .212 AVG; .169 this year).
They keep pointing out the Reds’ record in games Hairston starts – like it’s not just the fact that he’s murdering the ball, but like he has some sort of majewk powers that let the other guys hit better when he’s in the lineup.
Dusty must make sure that this Hairston injury does not bring his team down psychologically. They have some momentum going so keep them in a positive mindset.
I’m curious as to the caliber of pitching that the Reds have faced in Harriston’s games, as opposed to the others. Not to take away from Harriston, but to explain the rest of the 2 runs per game difference.
Chris- I’ve heard many announcers talk about the Mets lead off hitter (name?) and how without him the Mets have their “sparkplug” taken out. I’d agree with regards to Hairston but then again…Crapperson was the previous lead off hitter and Bruce is not one so go figure.
If Hairston is out for the season or however long, I’d like to see him travel with the Reds as much as his rehab lets him. I am tired of injured guys going on vacation. They could be in the clubhouse and dugout exercising some leadership.
Interesting regarding Fays Blog Jim…I’m finding that blog a bit cumbersome these days…the latest format is kinda lame and hard to navigate and the good posts from folks like Mr. Redlegs and Gene in WV seem to be fewer and fewer….o my god CC just homered off of Homer…this game is getting weird.
I hope the shadows are over home plate when Bailey comes out for the 4th and last through the 7th before they reach the mound.
Bailey does look better. The pitch count isn’t great but it isn’t horrible either. If he had a third pitch I think he gets these hitters when he has two strikes on them.
Thom Brennaman praised Patterson for a nice piece of hitting on that opposite field fly out. The ball he hit (on the third pitch) was about six inches outside.
Buddy – I agree that the Cincinnati.com blogs are a very cumbersome blog. All the Gannett papers went to that format including our local paper. I don’t like it at all. They also need more moderation. If the media is going to have blogs then they need to moderate them strictly to keep the libellous stuff in check.
Chris-why would anyone not think Burton is special? He is 6′5″ and has pitched great and shows no fear on the mound (looks like he’d stomp the $ hit out of someone with that picture on mlb)
CC is off but BP couldn’t wait like EE did. He’s not throwing constant k’s. I agree it’s more the Reds fault that there’s only 2runs rather than it being CC being CC
Actually, it looks like Bailey will be lifted now. Oh well, hope the inherited runner isn’t allowed to score (by Bray). Very nice start by young Homer.
Thom makes a good point, if you’re gonna play the lefty-lefty righty-righty game, bringing in Bray to pitch to Fielder why do you leave him in to pitch to Kapler. Thanks Crusty.
Win or lose, it was very, very nice to see the “new” Homer Bailey. Keep it up and the Reds can give Harang a little more time to recup and Walt time to deal Arroyo.
I think this means that Homer is going to stick around for a few more starts, for sure while Harang is out and then I don’t know because Arroyo and Fogg have been pitching decently lately. Though, Arroyo could be traded…
I agree, it’ll be good to see Homer get a couple more starts. If he has the same velocity and command as he had today, things will be a bit brighter for him.
I know I’ve said it before but Bray often gives up a hit or a walk to the 1st batter. His ERA never goes up but he gives up hits and Crusty keeps using him. What a fool, he’s so terrible.
Homer had a couple of better starts last year, but by far his best this year. Nice job by Lincoln, too bad he wasn’t brought in one batter sooner. My problem with Bray is that lefties hit him well. When did we last have a LH reliever who was tough against LH hitters ?
John Fay was telling Marty earlier that Burton actually hurt his lat in the game last Sunday against the Nationals, they didn’t put him on the DL because they hope having these couple of days off plus the All-start break will be enough.
Nice start by Homer. Better than any of us could’ve expected and a positive sign for the 2nd half, especially with Harang’s questionable status.
Also, nice work by Lincoln, and speaking of our relievers and all the hate toward them I feel like I’m always reading on this blog (which is the only one I regularly follow thanks to the educated, easy, and efficient format our editors have put together – thanks to you guys), I’m still wondering why most everyone here seems so down on Stormy.
Don’t get me wrong, I, just as everybody else here seems to agree, am NOT confident when he takes the hill, but regardless, the guy’s really not pitched that poorly for the Reds. Why do we all seem to loathe him so much? Is it because Baker has put him in so many game-changing situations (seemingly beyond his un-closer-like ability_ that has skewed us this way?)
Somebody give me some “real” numbers because his raw numbers should indicate nothing but love from us dedicated Reds fans, simply because he, frankly, has done a decent overall job for the Redlegs. (And I swear I was writing this before his solid 8th just now!
BTW, CC is flat-out awesome at times. (the 9th just now being one of those times).
Holy cow, if you were the manager, wouldn’t it be like pulling teeth to actually have to pull the guy in extras after a 9th like that?
It’s gonna hurt if the Reds don’t come away with this one, no doubt. Still, they played ‘em tough today in a game none of us realistically expected them to win.
thing about patterson is he doesn’t look like he’s even trying to have a good at bat. cc could have been throwing them to the backstop and he’d have swung at them.
as for stormy, i really respect what he’s done and continues to do for the reds these last couple of years. he’s given up some big runs this year, but more often than not he’s gotten the job done.
my worry is just that he has to get people out with his veteran knowhow, because his stuff is just very very hittable. he tops out at 88 or so, and bottoms out at 82 or so, and that means he has no margin of error with his location.
I just don’t think it’s awesome to throw the same pitch over and over and over and over to get guys out. That’s just having one good pitch. One that really only works on lefties.
“Francisco, I’ve made a huge mistake. I need you to work out of a no-outs, bases-loaded jam without giving up any runs, with thousands of people booing at you.”
3-3 road trip. I can’t complain despite losing a winnable game today. Great to see Homer Bailey pitch one of the most solid games in his young MLB career.
Rest up, Reds. Let’s make the 2nd half of the season enjoyable. Good luck at the All-Star Game, Edinson. Beat the A.L.
Disappointing game, but we came out of the road trip at .500 and go into the All-star break at 4 games under, not bad, I guess, considering how discouraged I was a few weeks ago.
Weathers with yet another loss in a close game. This is not something they should be showcasing. But it is something they need to dump before the deadline.
Dusty Baker is to blame again, announcers said “nobody warming in bullpen for the reds” while Bray up there. What a fool, how long before Jocketty sees this? Crappy P.? Why is he in? Why is David Weathers in the game for the second inning? Dusty, why did you load the bases for Counsel, announcers know he’s the “bases loaded guy” and hardly ever strikes out! Dusty, why are you such a buffoon?
If I was in the U.S. for this season, I would actually try to organize some sort of picket line or sit-in of fans who want Baker fired. Will somebody do this? Maybe we can get Mackanin back…
Yes, was good to see Homer pitch a good game. I just can’t get my mind off why Dusty does what he does…my only theory is that he’s testing to see who is capable of what. Why would you ever bring in Maj in a close game last night and Weathers today? You have Burton, Affeldt and CoCO in the pen? WTF? Error or not, they are going to happen. No wonder Dusty Baker never won the world series…when the chips are down, he makes terrible decisions.
I sure hope Hairston isn’t out too long. As soft as the schedule is coming out of the break, we need to be firing on all cylinders from the get-go. And Griffey has to go. I’ll settle for booting him from the #3 hole, but he really needs to be cut free. Maybe Tampa’s mini-slump will make them make a desperation move. At least a guy can hope.
Ok, ok, I’ll stop with the gloom and doom. I was thinking about Mackanin and looked up some old articles…we were 31-51 when Narron got fired…hahahaha. I guess we are way better off this season, ultimatley, we don’t even have 50 losses yet!
Tough loss, although a 3-3 trip to Chicago and Milwaukee isn’t bad. I’m acutally not too disappointed over today’s loss. I hate the Cubs and Cardinals and with the Reds out of contention for the division I’m rooting like crazy for the Brewers.
Kevin—thank YOU, I live in NC but if I lived in Cinci…I would definitely do that. I guess we’re going to have to wait until Castaloony and Jocketty get sick of it. Lets hope it’s not too late that he’s done more damage. Dusty reminds me of one of those Con-artists! The Reds have some great talent but definitely need some new management. Thanks for the support of ridding this team of Dusty Baker…spread the word!
Oh, nevermind, that was our 50th loss, but you get my point.
I forgot about Affeldt, I think he should’ve pitched the 9th for sure…but anyway, as long as Junior, Patterson, and Baker are gone by the end of the all start break, and Burton and Hairston are ready to play, I’ll be totally pleased.
unfortunately Baker will remain and so will Patterson if Baker does…matter a fact Jr. may too because of his 10/5 no trade clause and $16mil contract next year.
I can’t bitch too much about the Bray decision. Thom was arguing about it for several innings, but he was really arguing w/ Tony LaRussa. The fact is pretty simple: Bray was the best available pitcher, so why not use him for several batters.
The thing EVERYBODY ignores these days, is that the opposition gets a say (I feel like they only consider this during the playoffs).
Thom wanted Bray to come out after facing lefty (Fielder). Presumably, that means that Lincoln comes in to face Gabe Kaplar.
What he forgets is that Yost can counter, and bring in a lefty (Craig Counsell or Russ Branyan) to face Lincoln.
So what do you prefer?
Bray vs. Kapler or Lincoln vs. Branyan/Counsell?
The ironic thing is that both Licoln (.200 vs. LHP) and Bray (.213 vs. RHP) have reverse platoon splits.
The final consideration here is the “San Diego Corrolary” – when everything else is equal, don’t change pitchers, because you never know when you’re going to play 18 innings.
Dusty is reluctant to change pitchers, and in particular to bring in Burton or Cordero, late in tie games. This has led to a number of losses. On the other hand, there is the San Diego Corollary, as Chris points out.
I’m going with NO doom ‘n’ gloom (regardless of Hairston’s status) simply because they HAVE been playing decently of late – especially because certain individuals – EE & Jr., regardless of youth and/or age, have not been playing to their potential – which I don’t believe will persist to the current extent.
Don’t get me wrong, I know he’s done, and I’d love to trade Jr. and get the maximum for him, but is “the maximum” even close to being a realistic investment? Come on, who’s gonna take that salary for what he is now?
Honestly, I’d just as soon keep him for the rest of the year, live out the dream we ALL originally had for him and see what kind of damage this team can do in the 2nd half.
Why the heck not? Considering his numbers to this point in the 3-hole and his synonymous decline in the field, who’s really gonna want him at that price?
Still, in my mind (which is admittedly likely unstable after all of these losing seasons), regardless of how old he is, Griffey surely has one more hot month in him, doesn’t he? One of probably the 10 greatest players in baseball history (I know, I know, let’s not bring up the end of Willie Mays’ career) has to have just a little more juice in that bat at least, right? Come on now, there’s gotta be something left for this last second half of his Reds career.
Oh well, maybe I’m a romantic and a dreamer, but I’m gonna stick with that feeling until he fails me at the end of September (October, perhaps? ;-))
I’m sorry. Overly optimistic, perhaps, but there’s nothing I want more in pro sports than to see Griffey’s career end here on a positive note.
For the love of Pete (Rose), let him at least pass Cheater Sosa to get into the REAL all-time top 5 HR kings.
I don’t understand totally, either, Pinson, but John Fay said something about it being a mild injury and that they wanted him to have a week of rest, so pitching Thursday gives him a week afterward. To me that sounds stupid, if he’s hurt, don’t put him in, but in any case that’s the explanation Fay gave.
39-27 the rest of the way equals 85 wins and a shot at the wild card.
Unrealistic with the current line-up – assuming Hairston and Harang can play, let alone other key players – remaining healthy?
Probably, but keep in mind that Freel (when healthy and hot,of course) CAN provide SOME of that sparkplug mentality that Hairston has provided so far.
I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but this is actually the best I’ve felt about this team since the beginning of the season. At least it’s not out of the question that we could have a winning season for the first time in 8 years.
I agree, Steve. And so long as a winning record this year doesn’t translate into a lesser chance of winning a pennant in the next 2-3, then I think it’s a good goal. I also don’t think it hurts from a business standpoint.
Also, is it absolutely unrealistic to think that the Reds could sign Sabathia after this season?
I obviously haven’t crunched the numbers, but considering that Jr’s salary (and presumably Dunn’s if they don’t wake up and sign him fast) is gone, won’t they have enough cash to potentially pony up even with the arbitration hits they’re gonna take?
It seems possible to me, taken with the fact that C.C. would be way smart to stay in the NL, probably take at least a half-run off his ERA, AND get to hit on top of that!
After all, it HAS been done before: The Reds outbid the BrewCrew and the rest of the ML for Cordero…..
Steve, I’m totally with you on Junior. His sweet swing is still there, he likes hot weather, one more good month from him, maybe in the heat of August, would make me happy. I’m counting down the number of homers he needs to pass Sosa. And as a dreamer, I still fantasize about this one last chance for him to help the Reds to the playoffs.
On the other hand, he should not be batting third in the order (lower down might even help him). And next year, if he’s still playing, it should be as a DH and part time left fielder in the AL somewhere.
Even I can deal with 82-85 wins by the end of the year with a wild card as a bonus. With cheating Sosa’s bat and ‘roids it’d be nice to see a clean buy pass him as a Red.
Reds were 13 games out of wild card on this date last year…7 this year so that’s improvement. I must say many games that were lost this year were close and very flew “blow outs” so a few better decisions and/or better plays and the Reds could win 85 games. Let’s hope Harang gets plenty of rest… and Arroyo has a 2nd half like last year. With that, things don’t look too bad.
Just got done cutting the grass and mulling all of this through my head for seemingly the millionth time, but….
I have to wholeheartedly agree with pinson and Chris (let alone everyone else one here) concerning the Griffey front: Why in the name of all that’s good and Reds’ great can’t Jr. come out of the 3-hole and down to 7th or so?
Understanding the whole “one of the greatest to ever play the game” thing and all, everyone – and that HAS to include Dusty – absolutely KNOWS that he’s not the 3-man anymore. SO with that in mind, if anyone can’t tell Jr. that, then who can? I mean, after all, Dusty’s not an HOF’er and all, but he IS one of the more respected guys in baseball by veteran players (from what I’ve read anyway).
I hate to say it, but I think Jr. is now delusional after so many years of dominating the game. I think he actually thinks he can still do that, and somebody who he respects needs to give him that wake-up call….like NOW.
Like I said, until now, who’s had the guts to stand up to him (quite a task I understand, yes, considering his career numbers)? If Baker can’t (ie. won’t), who will?
It’s becoming ridiculous. He’s simply not the same player, and EVERYBODY in baseball (except apparently the Reds brass) knows it.
In fact, they know it, too, just like all of us here do, but they simply don’t have the cheese to do anything about it.
That said, I still want him in the lineup whenever possible because he is still extremely dangerous….I just wish we were in the AL….
Yeah, Kevin, I’d definitely live with 82 wins for a winning season, AND I DON’T think that’s unreasonable at all. There really is NO reason this team should be that bad if they’re healthy – ie. Harang at top form.
Still, regardless that they’re “only” what, 7 games out of the wild card or so and that I think they can possibly end up a winner (in terms of wins vs. losses), it’s not going to break my heart if they do a bit of a fire-sale (specifically Arroyo – though I’m always scared to deal any “solid” starters )before the break and totally go with the youth movement…..
But, that’s only if they can get serious value for what they’re willing to trade – something like what the Cubs and Brewers got for Haren and Sabathia (I’m dreaming, yes).
But who, actually, do the Reds have that can bring serious value that they’re willing to give up? What do you guys think now that we’re at the break? I know there’s already been lots of speculation, but really, in the opinions of the educated Reds fans on this site, who’s “actually” on the block of any “real” value?
As Chris says, as long as “We need to win now” Castellini doesn’t mortgage the future (yeah, we’ve heard it all before many times, I know), Walt SHOULD drop our dead weight, but who does that entail (uh…besides CP, of course)?
Oh, yes, and quickly, I’ll make this point about standing up to Griffey:
Surely we remember all the controversy last year about him moving from CF – which is NOW a NON-issue.
So what’s different now? Why can’t Baker (who you’d imagine Jr. has more respect for than McKanin) simply tell him this? Especially with Dusty being an aging veteran outfielder at one time himself?
All I’m saying is that if Jr.’s ego can allow him to move to right, why can’t he move out of the 3-hole for the better for the team at Dusty’s suggestion?
Steve, Another excellent Junior post: Most of the great ones are delusional at the end. Ozzie Smith, Pete Rose, Willy Mays, it’s a long list. I think the great ones have a built-in confidence and ego that makes them delusional after they’ve lost it.
One thing you’d expect Dusty to bring to the table is to deal with the veteran players as needed, but as we know Dusty can be delusional too, and he keeps talking about Junior getting his timing down. So during the break someone needs to talk to Dusty about his delusions. Well, Mr. Jocketty, why are you here ?
I too want a winning season this year but am all for sensible trades that will make us better down the road. With the young starting pitchers and more on the way, Arroyo for example is expendable but should only be traded for some real value – we can’t get the same as for Harden or Sabbathia of course, but get something reasonable, he could help a contender. I read that some contenders are interested in Ross and Weathers, if so get what you can for them too.
If you look at the 2009 Reds, where are the holes ? Assuming Bruce moves to his natural position (right field), they’re at catcher, SS, and CF. I like Hairston and Keppinger, but their long term value is as utility players. Any upcoming trades would ideally address these areas. As for another need, a LH reliever who can get LH hitters out, we should be able to address that from within.
My above post assumed that Adam Dunn is still with us and in LF. (I have no objection to his changing positions with Joey Votto, if that would improve us.) Another item for Mr. Jocketty. I hate to think of how many runs we would (not) score without his bat
Here’s a crazy idea: Trade BP and give 2b to Keppinger. I think he can handle that spot, and I also think that BP is slightly overrated and underpriced – meaning he’s as good a chip as we have.
As for 2009, don’t forget that Alex Gonzalez is under contract.
Adam Dunn must stay, regardless of his defense. There has been no hitter more consistent than him. He plays nearly every game and appears easy to get along with, joking around, etc. Adam Dunn is NO EGOMANIAC like others we know that can drag a team down. We all have our wish list but a CF and catcher would be nice. I say hold Arroyo b/c you never know with injuries and don’t forget Kyle Lohse doing good. Arroyo may clean it up in the 2nd half like last year. PS Griffey needs to go after # 610 but immediately needs lowered in lineup. Remember who the manager is? He’s liked by a lot of veteran players for a reason…because he doesn’t challenge their ego. Dusty is clearly not a confrontational person…Dear Lord, help us if CP is still here in August.
2009 stats: Sarasota 2-1 8 Games 8 Games Started 42.1 IP 4.89 ERA 1.44 WHIP
Carolina 3-2 6 Game 6 Game Started 36 2/3 IP 2.95 ERA 1.09 WHIP
Louisville 2-2 5 Game 5 Game Started 29 IP 2.48 ERA 1.21 WHIP
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The Big Board -- In-Depth Reds Organizational Depth Chart (updated 2/23/10)
Salary Chart -- Our chart on the current and future contract status for the Reds roster (updated 2/23/10)
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Today’s starting line-up:
REDS
Jerry Hairston Jr. rf
Jeff Keppinger cc
Adam Dunn lf
Brandon Phillips 2b
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Andy Phillips 1b
Corey Patterson cf
David Ross c
Homer Bailey p
“This is a big game,” Dusty Baker said. “It’s the difference between coming out of the break two under or four under. It’s a challenge with CC.”
Patterson is 2-for-5 vs. Sabathia. “I figured if we win it would be a low-scoring game,” Baker said. “I want that good defense in there.”
This is the line-up that beats C.C. Sabathia???
Well, what do you know, Crapperson’s starting…I don’t really feel like it matters that he’s a right hander, his average as it is.
Does the catcher ALWAYS have to hit 8th for this team no matter what? Ross is hot–move him up!!
P.S. This reminds me of the only game I went to this year, when I remarked that I really wanted to see Votto play for the first time and arrived at the ballpark to find Javy starting at 1st. (Votto did come in and hit a homer later, but still.)
Wait a minute, he bats left handed. Oh my gosh.
Corey Patterson isn’t a RH. He’s playing for defensive purposes is my interpretation. Maybe the plan is for defense to keep the score tied until the Brewers have to go to the bullpen then Dusty will put Votto, Bruce, and Griffey in to win it.
Wow, that’s beyond awful. And I thought Dusty said he was going to make the lineup stacked with righties. If that’s the case, get Patterson the hell out of there.
Actually, nevermind, I forgot Freel and Hopper are both hurt. But still, anyone with a brain would rather have Bruce out there.
I think this might be a case of “overmanaging” Yeah you’d like to see lefty righty matchups and guys who do well against a certain pitcher (though 5 at bats is way too small a sample size) in a lineup, but I mean….
Corey Patterson over Jay Bruce. I don’t think you would find another manager in major league baseball that would do the same thing if Bruce was 100% (which by all accounts he is)
I can see sitting Griffey and/or Votto, but Bruce is heating up again. Patterson has no business, stating the obvious.
The thing that sorta makes me bugged is that Votto is a lefty but he hits lefties better than righties. Something like a .270-.295 split. Although I recall him looking very silly against CC in Cleveland.
Honestly, I’d rather see Votto playing somewhere in the field than Bruce…but anything’s better than Patterson. Hell. This whole episode is actually so preposterous if you think about it. Dusty announced to the press that he was going to “Stack the lineup with right-handers” meaning that dumpy David Ross gets to start, and dumpy Andy Phillips gets to start. Not to say it’s a bad idea, but to make an announcement about it…
All that without the fact that Patterson’s starting is funny enough if you ask me.
I dont mind giving Votto a break and Andy a chance but c’mon…He who shall not be named? ugh. I also expect Homer will fail again today…unfortunately. Go Reds
Regarding Crapperson…you know what they say “love always wins” so maybe that is Dusty’s plan.
I on the other hand would have moved A. Philips to RF and Hairston to CF then Votto at 1b and Crapperson can sit, which is what he does best.
Nice not to have George Grande for this series…and how many hours a week does Jeff Piercoro spend in the tanning bed?
Anyone watching the Futures game? If so, are any of the reds prospects doing anything? (are they even in the game yet?)
#11-Votto = .294 vs LHP…Crapperson Baker’s Love = .156
The Reds won’t go too far with that mentality, hope that the others will make up for it.
Hairston’s hurt and Dusty just sits there like duhhh, hottest hitter in line up. If he comes out I’m outta here for a motorcycle ride.
You all know, with this crappy lineup, the Reds will score 6 or 7 runs. Seems like that is what always happens when we complain about a stupid lineup.
hey Y-City Jim, I noticed you had a post removed on Fay’s blog for being abusive or something….What the heck did you say?
I hope Hairston isn’t hurt. But if he has to come out of the game in the bottom half, we’ll probably get Votto in the game.
Dunn HBP and he laughs at Sabathia.
Is BP gonna wake up anytime soon?
Here’s an argument for starting Dusty’s bad son: his batting average against lefties (.156) isn’t much below what he’s hitting against righties !
Seriously, batting him ahead of Ross is even less defensible than starting him. We know what Dusty really wants: CP robs the Brewers of a home run, gets 4 hits, including a game winning home run, and becomes the Reds most popular player (for 15 minutes, anyway).
That’s why I’m going to keep complaining. Also, I take Hairston in the lineup over Votto, at least until the real Hairston starts playing again.
Wonder if Sabathia was intentionally throwing inside at Dunn after Dunn hit two dingers yesterday?
BP swings on first two pitches after CC hits Adam Dunn. If a pitcher starts having trouble throwing strikes you’d never know with him batting. Does he ever take a pitch?
I think he beaned him on purpose because of their little disagreement over the bat he borrowed.
Really need a good outing from you today, Homer Bailey!
Bailey 93 MPH on his first fastball. 92 on his second.
94 mph fastball to second hitter. His fastball looks better than before.
wow, glad Hairston stayed in the game
God I love Hairston!!
Hairston broke his sunglasses diving for that ball. Nice catch.
I haven’t seen Bailey pitch all year, but he certainly seems better than described earlier. I guess those reports about increased velocity were correct.
And what a catch by Hairston!
1-2-3 inning for Bailey. Excellent.
Nice start by Bailey.
I think Reds should keep him next year, even if as a bench/defense player…his work ethic is fantastic.
I don’t want to get too excited after one inning, but doesn’t this seem like a different Bailey than we’ve seen before? Command and velocity are very good so far.
My work ethic is great, too. Want me on the roster even if I can’t hit?
To me, Homer seems more relaxed on the mound this time.
Buddy, I have no idea why my post was removed from Fay’s blog. There was nothing abusive or negative about it. I don’t think the regulars over there care for me so probably one of them pushed the abusive button and it was just removed.
Oh, did anyone see on Reds Live the interview with CC where he said that Dick Pole taught him his changeup lol
Only one inning, but you’re right Chad. Excellent location on his fastball, and Gameday had one clocked at 97 mph.
wooo Andy Phillips lol
The other Phillips with a double! Runners at 2nd and 3rd with no out. And here comes Patterson!!!!!!
Wonder if CC is scared of facing Crapperson?
Corey Patterson came through! hahaha
Patterson gets on-base!!! Will wonders never cease?
Yeah, he was hit by a pitch, so he didn’t do anything right, but he still improves his OBP.
Ball in dirt, hit adam dunn, then two hits this inning…Crapperson is almost a foot shorter than CC….and Crapperson takes one for the team!!!!!!!!! Go Corey Crapperson go!!
Bases loaded for Ross. Grand slam would be nice.
Come on Ross hit a Grand Slam!!!
While Pole was pitching coach in Cleveland, I think Orel Hershiser had more to do with C.C. Sabathia’s success.
Boy, Sabathia just isn’t sharp tonight. Hope the Reds can take advantage.
That’s fine
Is this line-up actually working?
Patterson should do that more often.
“We need baserunners, Stein. Engelberg’s up next and he’s been murdering the ball lately. Lean into one. Ya wanna win, dontcha?”
WIth this team, all I can ask with the bases loaded and no outs is one run, and Ross did it!
Dusty’s a genius !!!???
Nice reference, Chris.
Bad advice by Berry.
I want more than one run with bases loaded and no outs…but the bottom of this lineup isn’t good, so at least we got one.
Who’s making those calls? Hairston, the hottest Right handed hitter was up next
Jesus.
Brewers broadcast just gave the “Piggly Wiggly Scouting Report” on Bailey. Awesome.
He should have kept on trying to bunt. So what if he had struck out.
I want more than one run, too, but that’s not something the Reds are actually able to do with the bases loaded and no outs. Bases loaded and no outs is like their achilles heal.
Sounds more like a report on Dave Weathers.
There are still Piggly Wiggly Supermarkets? I thought they went out of business 20 years ago.
No, Jesus would have made the correct call and most likely would have chosen for Bailey to bunt with only 1 out. Dusty’s Genious again(speeling incorekt on purpus)
Or the dearly departed Mike Stanton.
Yeah, I haven’t seen a Piggly Wiggly in years. But they are still around, and making enough cash to advertise on television.
When Stanton and Weathers used to come in one after the other me and my family called them Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum.
I think Bailey is wearing a camo wristband (one of those small rubber bands).
and how many hours a week does Jeff Piercoro spend in the tanning bed?
I really can’t stand that guy.
Haha Kevin.
Why can’t David Ross catch the stupid ball?
Francisco played and has a hit.
Valaika just got put in, hasn’t swung yet.
Thom is like his old man. He starts talking about irrelevant stuff and forgets there is a game going on.
Bailey is ahead of Kepler and give us a hit. He falls behind Hall and gets him out. Go figure.
Bailey still in line for his first major league shutout.
Are you freakin’ kidding me?
hairston
Son of a bitch.
Oh christ Hairston is down….
Last night I was in the car and had to listen to Marty and Brantley. They’re just miserable. Everybody sucks, except Hairston, B. Phillips, Votto, and David Weathers. Yeah, I know lots of guys have flaws, but those two are beyond over the top.
Brantley was RIPPING Jay Bruce because he doesn’t rake lefties. He literally said, “If you’re a highly touted prospect like Jay Bruce, you should be able to fall out of bed and hit lefties over .300.” Even Marty had to call him on that nonsense.
It’s one thing for Marty to pretend that professional baseball is really easy – and if you just “try harder,” you’ll succeed. But Brantley knows better. He needs to point out (for example), that Jay Bruce has all of 6 weeks in the major leagues, or that Brian Shouse has one job to do – pulverize left-handed hitters (career .212 AVG; .169 this year).
Cowboy thinks it could just be a cramp.
Hamstring.
Hairston hurt, Volquez is NOT going to start the All-star Game (I don’t care as long as he doesn’t pitch too much).
This, friends, is why you don’t build around 32-year-old guys with a history of injuries.
Holy crap Dustys helping carry him off…this is absolutely horrible…
They keep pointing out the Reds’ record in games Hairston starts – like it’s not just the fact that he’s murdering the ball, but like he has some sort of majewk powers that let the other guys hit better when he’s in the lineup.
Dusty must make sure that this Hairston injury does not bring his team down psychologically. They have some momentum going so keep them in a positive mindset.
I’m curious as to the caliber of pitching that the Reds have faced in Harriston’s games, as opposed to the others. Not to take away from Harriston, but to explain the rest of the 2 runs per game difference.
CC hit him last time now needs to give up a HR for that sore arm Dunn has. They’re friends so why not?
Whoa!!! A Brennaman praising Dunn.
Sac fly for Dunn. Marty just had a heart attack.
Somewhere, George Grande is jabbering about “gettem in.”
Chris- I’ve heard many announcers talk about the Mets lead off hitter (name?) and how without him the Mets have their “sparkplug” taken out. I’d agree with regards to Hairston but then again…Crapperson was the previous lead off hitter and Bruce is not one so go figure.
If Hairston is out for the season or however long, I’d like to see him travel with the Reds as much as his rehab lets him. I am tired of injured guys going on vacation. They could be in the clubhouse and dugout exercising some leadership.
I had to walk outside for a moment (to pump up a bicycle tire for my daughter). What happened to Harriston? I didn’t see it.
Did you know: Jared Burton has faced the toughest hitters of any pitcher in major league baseball.
Combined line of his opponents:
.383 .519 .617
That makes a 2.23 ERA look pretty doggone good.
Reds have two runs off Sabathia, but it could VERY easily have been 4 or 5.
Keppinger should take over the leadoff spot with Dunn behind him. It won’t happen though because they aren’t “fast.”
Why can’t Corey Patterson pull a hamstring?
Forget all that. It means that Burton had one AB, and it was off Marino Salas.
Wow. Burton really is going to be a special pitcher, isn’t he? Rule 5 was very good to us last year.
Chris: That’s good for Burton, but how ridiculous is it that he’s used in the spots that he is, when are $46M man is wasted.
our*
Hairston just pulled up running to first. It looked like he may have overextended his leg, but I’m not sure if that was cause or effect.
Chad – Hairston pulled a hamstring or had a sever cramp or something. He was carried off the field.
You got me excited there, Chris…but I still believe Burton is going to be special.
Crap.
There goes Homer Bailey’s first major league shutout.
2 of CC’s 3 career homers have come against the Reds.
Interesting regarding Fays Blog Jim…I’m finding that blog a bit cumbersome these days…the latest format is kinda lame and hard to navigate and the good posts from folks like Mr. Redlegs and Gene in WV seem to be fewer and fewer….o my god CC just homered off of Homer…this game is getting weird.
Reds have two runs off Sabathia, but it could VERY easily have been 4 or 5.
That’s what makes him C.C. Sabathia. Of course, he didn’t do that against Boston in the AL playoffs last year.
Valaika is hitting now on ESPN2.
Valaika struck out on three pitches.
Gave up a HR to the pitcher, but Bailey still looks more sharp than usual tonight.
The Reds lead the world in homers given up to opposing pitchers.
That’s what makes him C.C. Sabathia. Of course, he didn’t do that against Boston in the AL playoffs last year.
If you ask me, that’s what makes us the Reds.
I hope the shadows are over home plate when Bailey comes out for the 4th and last through the 7th before they reach the mound.
Bailey does look better. The pitch count isn’t great but it isn’t horrible either. If he had a third pitch I think he gets these hitters when he has two strikes on them.
that pitcher Henry Rodriguez for the World team is awesome though. He’s real good. A lot of major leaguers would probably strike out against him.
As for Homer, he is looking like a real prospect today. Glad to see he’s more relaxed and calm and is actually not trying to force everything
Hairston has faced the weakest pitching of any Red.
.251 .335 .397
Of course, that also includes Hairston’s own hits, but I’m not sure his 211 PAs would skew that sample significantly.
1. Jerry Hairston CIN 2008 211 186 0.251 0.335 0.397
2. Paul Bako CIN 2008 228 203 0.245 0.335 0.389
3. Ryan Freel CIN 2008 143 131 0.246 0.334 0.388
4. Javier Valentin CIN 2008 76 70 0.246 0.333 0.382
5. Jeff Keppinger CIN 2008 234 210 0.248 0.332 0.392
6. Joey Votto CIN 2008 341 306 0.245 0.331 0.386
7. Edwin Encarnacion CIN 2008 333 294 0.247 0.331 0.390
8. Ken Griffey Jr. CIN 2008 373 314 0.247 0.331 0.390
9. Scott Hatteberg CIN 2008 61 52 0.244 0.330 0.382
10. Brandon Phillips CIN 2008 399 368 0.245 0.330 0.388
11. Corey Patterson CIN 2008 208 196 0.247 0.328 0.383
12. Adam Dunn CIN 2008 364 288 0.243 0.328 0.384
13. Paul Janish CIN 2008 72 64 0.237 0.327 0.366
14. Jay Bruce CIN 2008 180 161 0.243 0.327 0.383
15. David Ross CIN 2008 127 100 0.243 0.326 0.376
16. Norris Hopper CIN 2008 58 50 0.240 0.318 0.384
This Brewer team is really pretty good, top to bottom, aren’t they?
Thom Brennaman praised Patterson for a nice piece of hitting on that opposite field fly out. The ball he hit (on the third pitch) was about six inches outside.
If I were in NYC on a Sunday afternoon, I don’t know if I’d be hanging out at the Futures Game. And I’m as big a baseball fan as anyone around.
Did he really, Jim? That was a terrible swing at a terrible pitch. Unreal.
In Louisville D. Thompson 6ip 97 pitches 2er 2bb, 5k and their ahead 6-2. If they win they’re 56-42. Nice to see AAA with prospects.
Braun just said a dirty word when Bailey whiffed him.
That single by Prince Fielder would have been an easy groundout if they hadn’t had the shift on.
Buddy – I agree that the Cincinnati.com blogs are a very cumbersome blog. All the Gannett papers went to that format including our local paper. I don’t like it at all. They also need more moderation. If the media is going to have blogs then they need to moderate them strictly to keep the libellous stuff in check.
Thom talking about the (corporate-sponsored nonsense) parade to precede the all-star game.
He called it a “New York-style parade. Which is classic, because the parade’s location: New York, NY.
Did you guys know that today was Homer’s 13th career major league start!?!?! Unbelievable!!!!!!
(in case those might not get the sarcasm, that’s all the announcers are talking about)
mhopp – I think Louisville is more old guys than prospects.
Bailey needs to work on holding runners or not allow them to get on base in the first place.
Prince Fielder just stole second against David Ross!
Actually, I’d love to blame Ross for that, but most of the blame goes to Bailey’s deliberate delivery.
What is a New York-style parade? They have over 200 parades a year.
I’m speaking mainly of Dickerson, D. Thompson and Sean Cumberland. (although Dickerson is probably done)
Any word on Hairston?
Homer Bailey may be a good athlete but he is a horrible hitter.
Hamtring strain. MRI tomorrow.
Solid single for Bruce.
Hairston has a hamstring strain. MRI tomorrow.
Chris-why would anyone not think Burton is special? He is 6′5″ and has pitched great and shows no fear on the mound (looks like he’d stomp the $ hit out of someone with that picture on mlb)
Bottom of the line up coming…although Sabathia has a .333 BA
We’ve got problems, but at least we aren’t the Mariners. They keep batting Jose Vidro (hitting .214/.261/.311) cleanup.
O MY GOD…it’s the 5th and Bailey is still in the game…..amazing
Should’ve been an out.
Double play. Bailey is rolling through five innings. How many pitches has he thrown?
5 innings – 4 hits – 0 BB – 4 K – 83 pitches
83 pitches…bottom of 6th will be key with top of line up coming for Brewers
BP 0 for 12 in series…does he ever think of making pitcher work?
Can you imagine the food consumed by Sabathia and Fielder?
Double for Edwin. His swing is really coming around.
Jeff Piercoro has to stop it with the tanning bed.
CC is off but BP couldn’t wait like EE did. He’s not throwing constant k’s. I agree it’s more the Reds fault that there’s only 2runs rather than it being CC being CC
Patterson strikes out again. Glad Dusty started him.
I’ve never seen Piercoro, but honestly, Marty is gross looking, and it’s particularly because of how tan he is.
“…And down goes Patterson.”
Alright Bibbles, this inning is critical…6th, 1 run lead, 83 pitches, top of the lineup…
weeks, not good
thank you Ricky Weeks!!!
Weeks should be demoted for that play alone. Horrible baserunning but thanks, we’ll take it.
I’d bring Bray in against Prince
Get one more out, Homer, then handshakes in the dugout, then go take a shower after a great start.
damn, I’d like to see Homer finish this inning… but he pitched very well today. I hope we can keep this lead so he can get the win today
Actually, it looks like Bailey will be lifted now. Oh well, hope the inherited runner isn’t allowed to score (by Bray). Very nice start by young Homer.
I agree, Matt, I wanted him to finish the inning. From the look on Homer’s face, he wanted to finish the inning too.
Uh oh…on to the bullpen. Of all the days to not have Burton…
Is Dusty finally listening to my complaints? He’s bringing Bray in
Votto is in the game… good!
Jesus! Prince Fielder is a HOUSE.
Terrible, Bray. Baker should have left Bailey in. He could’ve walked Fielder. Just a terrible AB by Bray.
Damnit, they should have left Homer in the game
way to ruin Bailey’s chance at a win, Bray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why take Homer out there? He was still pitching reasonably well, and he had made Fielder hit it on the ground every previous AB, I think.
No, Dusty should have had the Righty ready just in case. Then he’d have put him in. This is why I hate Dusty Baker
Thom makes a good point, if you’re gonna play the lefty-lefty righty-righty game, bringing in Bray to pitch to Fielder why do you leave him in to pitch to Kapler. Thanks Crusty.
Win or lose, it was very, very nice to see the “new” Homer Bailey. Keep it up and the Reds can give Harang a little more time to recup and Walt time to deal Arroyo.
WHat an idiot.
I think this means that Homer is going to stick around for a few more starts, for sure while Harang is out and then I don’t know because Arroyo and Fogg have been pitching decently lately. Though, Arroyo could be traded…
Can Walt deal Crusty too?
I agree, it’ll be good to see Homer get a couple more starts. If he has the same velocity and command as he had today, things will be a bit brighter for him.
I know I’ve said it before but Bray often gives up a hit or a walk to the 1st batter. His ERA never goes up but he gives up hits and Crusty keeps using him. What a fool, he’s so terrible.
MHopp
It does seem like that, but his career stats show that the first batter he faces is only batting .270 against him with a .794 OPS (.323 OBP)
while that’s relatively high, it’s not *terrible*
Sabathia at 92 pitches.
good AB by Bruce
Was this Homer Bailey’s best game thus far as a major league pitcher?
Brandon Webb stays at 13 wins
Homer’s best game I think…looked great. M. Lincoln does not do good often in his 2nd inning of work this year.
GREAT JOB MIKE LINCOLN!! ERA at 3.90 now!
Homer had a couple of better starts last year, but by far his best this year. Nice job by Lincoln, too bad he wasn’t brought in one batter sooner. My problem with Bray is that lefties hit him well. When did we last have a LH reliever who was tough against LH hitters ?
Come on, Dunn. Need you here.
Homer Bailey had two good performances last year on June 19th and July 7th. I think his groin injury popped up shortly after.
Bad luck. Dunn hits a line drive hard, but it becomes a double play.
not fair!!!!!!!!!!!
The Fielder defensive play was huge for the Brewers.
What? Why is Weathers warming? Where is Jared Burton…Dam I hate Dusty Baker!
John Fay was telling Marty earlier that Burton actually hurt his lat in the game last Sunday against the Nationals, they didn’t put him on the DL because they hope having these couple of days off plus the All-start break will be enough.
Did Junior honestly think Sabathia was going to throw him a 0-2 pitch in the zone?
If game-day’s accurate, Junior just looked like an idiot.
Uh oh……..
watching weathers pitch, i have no idea how he gets people out. wily veteran moxy i guess.
Brandon Phillips’ first error of the season?
Dusty holding Francisco Cordero until extra innings? Perhaps figuring the Reds have to get Sabathia out of the game to score again.
Ok, I gladly eat my words on that one.
Criticisms coming from the booth. You sure know that George Grande is not there reporting on the sunny side of the scoreboard.
Nice start by Homer. Better than any of us could’ve expected and a positive sign for the 2nd half, especially with Harang’s questionable status.
Also, nice work by Lincoln, and speaking of our relievers and all the hate toward them I feel like I’m always reading on this blog (which is the only one I regularly follow thanks to the educated, easy, and efficient format our editors have put together – thanks to you guys), I’m still wondering why most everyone here seems so down on Stormy.
Don’t get me wrong, I, just as everybody else here seems to agree, am NOT confident when he takes the hill, but regardless, the guy’s really not pitched that poorly for the Reds. Why do we all seem to loathe him so much? Is it because Baker has put him in so many game-changing situations (seemingly beyond his un-closer-like ability_ that has skewed us this way?)
Somebody give me some “real” numbers because his raw numbers should indicate nothing but love from us dedicated Reds fans, simply because he, frankly, has done a decent overall job for the Redlegs. (And I swear I was writing this before his solid 8th just now!
We made it. Now let’s give Coco a save opportunity in the bottom of the ninth.
Ew…I didn’t realize that it was CP leading it off…
What’s he being critical about?
…
Corey Patterson is so unbelievably horrible. I know it’s Sabathia but…
“And Patterson gone on strikes” How often have we heard some variation of that Dusty? “Not even close to the strike zone”
Oh how I loathe him
I didn’t know I could hate a Reds player this much. Of course, I wasn’t following the Reds during the much-referenced Danny Graves era.
Man, these Reds batters just look like fools right now.
Thom and Chris were really on Brandon Phillips for the error.
Last inning for Sabathia, at least.
120+ Pitches and he’s still shutting us down.
Well, that was a pitiful inning.
Of course, if all I had to do to fool them was throw the same slider low and away and they’d swing every time…
I have a bad feeling about the rest of this game…I can’t decide whether to blame this on Dumpy putting in Bray in the 5th or starting Patterson….
This is just textbook how-to-lose-a-game right now.
BTW, CC is flat-out awesome at times. (the 9th just now being one of those times).
Holy cow, if you were the manager, wouldn’t it be like pulling teeth to actually have to pull the guy in extras after a 9th like that?
It’s gonna hurt if the Reds don’t come away with this one, no doubt. Still, they played ‘em tough today in a game none of us realistically expected them to win.
WTF is going on here?
thing about patterson is he doesn’t look like he’s even trying to have a good at bat. cc could have been throwing them to the backstop and he’d have swung at them.
as for stormy, i really respect what he’s done and continues to do for the reds these last couple of years. he’s given up some big runs this year, but more often than not he’s gotten the job done.
my worry is just that he has to get people out with his veteran knowhow, because his stuff is just very very hittable. he tops out at 88 or so, and bottoms out at 82 or so, and that means he has no margin of error with his location.
error or not why in hell is David Weathers pitching? Where’s the guy who was complaining about us complaining about Dusty?
I hate losing a game because of brain farts.
This is insane.
hahahahahahaha
I just don’t think it’s awesome to throw the same pitch over and over and over and over to get guys out. That’s just having one good pitch. One that really only works on lefties.
“Francisco, I’ve made a huge mistake. I need you to work out of a no-outs, bases-loaded jam without giving up any runs, with thousands of people booing at you.”
Man, what a disappointing game.
3-3 road trip. I can’t complain despite losing a winnable game today. Great to see Homer Bailey pitch one of the most solid games in his young MLB career.
Rest up, Reds. Let’s make the 2nd half of the season enjoyable. Good luck at the All-Star Game, Edinson. Beat the A.L.
1-pitch, shortest outing of Cordero’s career?
Disappointing game, but we came out of the road trip at .500 and go into the All-star break at 4 games under, not bad, I guess, considering how discouraged I was a few weeks ago.
Weathers with yet another loss in a close game. This is not something they should be showcasing. But it is something they need to dump before the deadline.
Dusty Baker is to blame again, announcers said “nobody warming in bullpen for the reds” while Bray up there. What a fool, how long before Jocketty sees this? Crappy P.? Why is he in? Why is David Weathers in the game for the second inning? Dusty, why did you load the bases for Counsel, announcers know he’s the “bases loaded guy” and hardly ever strikes out! Dusty, why are you such a buffoon?
Well, I must agree. Why not Cordero there?
Yeah, there are some encouraging things about today’s game. I’ll stop with the doom-and-gloom. Glad to see Homer pitch so well, Lincoln too.
If I was in the U.S. for this season, I would actually try to organize some sort of picket line or sit-in of fans who want Baker fired. Will somebody do this? Maybe we can get Mackanin back…
We missed Burton today, I hope he’s OK.
Yes, was good to see Homer pitch a good game. I just can’t get my mind off why Dusty does what he does…my only theory is that he’s testing to see who is capable of what. Why would you ever bring in Maj in a close game last night and Weathers today? You have Burton, Affeldt and CoCO in the pen? WTF? Error or not, they are going to happen. No wonder Dusty Baker never won the world series…when the chips are down, he makes terrible decisions.
I sure hope Hairston isn’t out too long. As soft as the schedule is coming out of the break, we need to be firing on all cylinders from the get-go. And Griffey has to go. I’ll settle for booting him from the #3 hole, but he really needs to be cut free. Maybe Tampa’s mini-slump will make them make a desperation move. At least a guy can hope.
Ok, ok, I’ll stop with the gloom and doom. I was thinking about Mackanin and looked up some old articles…we were 31-51 when Narron got fired…hahahaha. I guess we are way better off this season, ultimatley, we don’t even have 50 losses yet!
Tough loss, although a 3-3 trip to Chicago and Milwaukee isn’t bad. I’m acutally not too disappointed over today’s loss. I hate the Cubs and Cardinals and with the Reds out of contention for the division I’m rooting like crazy for the Brewers.
Hope Hairston is OK.
Kevin—thank YOU, I live in NC but if I lived in Cinci…I would definitely do that. I guess we’re going to have to wait until Castaloony and Jocketty get sick of it. Lets hope it’s not too late that he’s done more damage. Dusty reminds me of one of those Con-artists! The Reds have some great talent but definitely need some new management. Thanks for the support of ridding this team of Dusty Baker…spread the word!
Oh, nevermind, that was our 50th loss, but you get my point.
I forgot about Affeldt, I think he should’ve pitched the 9th for sure…but anyway, as long as Junior, Patterson, and Baker are gone by the end of the all start break, and Burton and Hairston are ready to play, I’ll be totally pleased.
unfortunately Baker will remain and so will Patterson if Baker does…matter a fact Jr. may too because of his 10/5 no trade clause and $16mil contract next year.
I can’t bitch too much about the Bray decision. Thom was arguing about it for several innings, but he was really arguing w/ Tony LaRussa. The fact is pretty simple: Bray was the best available pitcher, so why not use him for several batters.
The thing EVERYBODY ignores these days, is that the opposition gets a say (I feel like they only consider this during the playoffs).
Thom wanted Bray to come out after facing lefty (Fielder). Presumably, that means that Lincoln comes in to face Gabe Kaplar.
What he forgets is that Yost can counter, and bring in a lefty (Craig Counsell or Russ Branyan) to face Lincoln.
So what do you prefer?
Bray vs. Kapler or Lincoln vs. Branyan/Counsell?
The ironic thing is that both Licoln (.200 vs. LHP) and Bray (.213 vs. RHP) have reverse platoon splits.
The final consideration here is the “San Diego Corrolary” – when everything else is equal, don’t change pitchers, because you never know when you’re going to play 18 innings.
Burton pitched on Thursdy against the Cubs, so I don’t understand the statement about his getting hurt last Sunday.
Dusty is reluctant to change pitchers, and in particular to bring in Burton or Cordero, late in tie games. This has led to a number of losses. On the other hand, there is the San Diego Corollary, as Chris points out.
I’m going with NO doom ‘n’ gloom (regardless of Hairston’s status) simply because they HAVE been playing decently of late – especially because certain individuals – EE & Jr., regardless of youth and/or age, have not been playing to their potential – which I don’t believe will persist to the current extent.
Don’t get me wrong, I know he’s done, and I’d love to trade Jr. and get the maximum for him, but is “the maximum” even close to being a realistic investment? Come on, who’s gonna take that salary for what he is now?
Honestly, I’d just as soon keep him for the rest of the year, live out the dream we ALL originally had for him and see what kind of damage this team can do in the 2nd half.
Why the heck not? Considering his numbers to this point in the 3-hole and his synonymous decline in the field, who’s really gonna want him at that price?
Still, in my mind (which is admittedly likely unstable after all of these losing seasons), regardless of how old he is, Griffey surely has one more hot month in him, doesn’t he? One of probably the 10 greatest players in baseball history (I know, I know, let’s not bring up the end of Willie Mays’ career) has to have just a little more juice in that bat at least, right? Come on now, there’s gotta be something left for this last second half of his Reds career.
Oh well, maybe I’m a romantic and a dreamer, but I’m gonna stick with that feeling until he fails me at the end of September (October, perhaps? ;-))
I’m sorry. Overly optimistic, perhaps, but there’s nothing I want more in pro sports than to see Griffey’s career end here on a positive note.
For the love of Pete (Rose), let him at least pass Cheater Sosa to get into the REAL all-time top 5 HR kings.
I don’t understand totally, either, Pinson, but John Fay said something about it being a mild injury and that they wanted him to have a week of rest, so pitching Thursday gives him a week afterward. To me that sounds stupid, if he’s hurt, don’t put him in, but in any case that’s the explanation Fay gave.
39-27 the rest of the way equals 85 wins and a shot at the wild card.
Unrealistic with the current line-up – assuming Hairston and Harang can play, let alone other key players – remaining healthy?
Probably, but keep in mind that Freel (when healthy and hot,of course) CAN provide SOME of that sparkplug mentality that Hairston has provided so far.
I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but this is actually the best I’ve felt about this team since the beginning of the season. At least it’s not out of the question that we could have a winning season for the first time in 8 years.
I agree, Steve. And so long as a winning record this year doesn’t translate into a lesser chance of winning a pennant in the next 2-3, then I think it’s a good goal. I also don’t think it hurts from a business standpoint.
Make that NINE years of losing.
Also, is it absolutely unrealistic to think that the Reds could sign Sabathia after this season?
I obviously haven’t crunched the numbers, but considering that Jr’s salary (and presumably Dunn’s if they don’t wake up and sign him fast) is gone, won’t they have enough cash to potentially pony up even with the arbitration hits they’re gonna take?
It seems possible to me, taken with the fact that C.C. would be way smart to stay in the NL, probably take at least a half-run off his ERA, AND get to hit on top of that!
After all, it HAS been done before: The Reds outbid the BrewCrew and the rest of the ML for Cordero…..
Steve, I’m totally with you on Junior. His sweet swing is still there, he likes hot weather, one more good month from him, maybe in the heat of August, would make me happy. I’m counting down the number of homers he needs to pass Sosa. And as a dreamer, I still fantasize about this one last chance for him to help the Reds to the playoffs.
On the other hand, he should not be batting third in the order (lower down might even help him). And next year, if he’s still playing, it should be as a DH and part time left fielder in the AL somewhere.
I’m also with Chris and Steve on 85 wins as a nice goal for this year, as long as we don’t hurt our future.
Even I can deal with 82-85 wins by the end of the year with a wild card as a bonus. With cheating Sosa’s bat and ‘roids it’d be nice to see a clean buy pass him as a Red.
Reds were 13 games out of wild card on this date last year…7 this year so that’s improvement. I must say many games that were lost this year were close and very flew “blow outs” so a few better decisions and/or better plays and the Reds could win 85 games. Let’s hope Harang gets plenty of rest… and Arroyo has a 2nd half like last year. With that, things don’t look too bad.
Just got done cutting the grass and mulling all of this through my head for seemingly the millionth time, but….
I have to wholeheartedly agree with pinson and Chris (let alone everyone else one here) concerning the Griffey front: Why in the name of all that’s good and Reds’ great can’t Jr. come out of the 3-hole and down to 7th or so?
Understanding the whole “one of the greatest to ever play the game” thing and all, everyone – and that HAS to include Dusty – absolutely KNOWS that he’s not the 3-man anymore. SO with that in mind, if anyone can’t tell Jr. that, then who can? I mean, after all, Dusty’s not an HOF’er and all, but he IS one of the more respected guys in baseball by veteran players (from what I’ve read anyway).
I hate to say it, but I think Jr. is now delusional after so many years of dominating the game. I think he actually thinks he can still do that, and somebody who he respects needs to give him that wake-up call….like NOW.
Like I said, until now, who’s had the guts to stand up to him (quite a task I understand, yes, considering his career numbers)? If Baker can’t (ie. won’t), who will?
It’s becoming ridiculous. He’s simply not the same player, and EVERYBODY in baseball (except apparently the Reds brass) knows it.
In fact, they know it, too, just like all of us here do, but they simply don’t have the cheese to do anything about it.
That said, I still want him in the lineup whenever possible because he is still extremely dangerous….I just wish we were in the AL….
Let’s hope Harang gets plenty of rest… and Arroyo gets traded!!
85 sounds so good, but 39-27 will be tough. I’ve got my fingers crossed for a winning season.
Yeah, Kevin, I’d definitely live with 82 wins for a winning season, AND I DON’T think that’s unreasonable at all. There really is NO reason this team should be that bad if they’re healthy – ie. Harang at top form.
Still, regardless that they’re “only” what, 7 games out of the wild card or so
and that I think they can possibly end up a winner (in terms of wins vs. losses), it’s not going to break my heart if they do a bit of a fire-sale (specifically Arroyo – though I’m always scared to deal any “solid” starters )before the break and totally go with the youth movement…..
But, that’s only if they can get serious value for what they’re willing to trade – something like what the Cubs and Brewers got for Haren and Sabathia (I’m dreaming, yes).
But who, actually, do the Reds have that can bring serious value that they’re willing to give up? What do you guys think now that we’re at the break? I know there’s already been lots of speculation, but really, in the opinions of the educated Reds fans on this site, who’s “actually” on the block of any “real” value?
As Chris says, as long as “We need to win now” Castellini doesn’t mortgage the future (yeah, we’ve heard it all before many times, I know), Walt SHOULD drop our dead weight, but who does that entail (uh…besides CP, of course)?
Oh, yes, and quickly, I’ll make this point about standing up to Griffey:
Surely we remember all the controversy last year about him moving from CF – which is NOW a NON-issue.
So what’s different now? Why can’t Baker (who you’d imagine Jr. has more respect for than McKanin) simply tell him this? Especially with Dusty being an aging veteran outfielder at one time himself?
All I’m saying is that if Jr.’s ego can allow him to move to right, why can’t he move out of the 3-hole for the better for the team at Dusty’s suggestion?
Just sayin’…..
Steve, Another excellent Junior post: Most of the great ones are delusional at the end. Ozzie Smith, Pete Rose, Willy Mays, it’s a long list. I think the great ones have a built-in confidence and ego that makes them delusional after they’ve lost it.
One thing you’d expect Dusty to bring to the table is to deal with the veteran players as needed, but as we know Dusty can be delusional too, and he keeps talking about Junior getting his timing down. So during the break someone needs to talk to Dusty about his delusions. Well, Mr. Jocketty, why are you here ?
I too want a winning season this year but am all for sensible trades that will make us better down the road. With the young starting pitchers and more on the way, Arroyo for example is expendable but should only be traded for some real value – we can’t get the same as for Harden or Sabbathia of course, but get something reasonable, he could help a contender. I read that some contenders are interested in Ross and Weathers, if so get what you can for them too.
If you look at the 2009 Reds, where are the holes ? Assuming Bruce moves to his natural position (right field), they’re at catcher, SS, and CF. I like Hairston and Keppinger, but their long term value is as utility players. Any upcoming trades would ideally address these areas. As for another need, a LH reliever who can get LH hitters out, we should be able to address that from within.
My above post assumed that Adam Dunn is still with us and in LF. (I have no objection to his changing positions with Joey Votto, if that would improve us.) Another item for Mr. Jocketty. I hate to think of how many runs we would (not) score without his bat
Here’s a crazy idea: Trade BP and give 2b to Keppinger. I think he can handle that spot, and I also think that BP is slightly overrated and underpriced – meaning he’s as good a chip as we have.
As for 2009, don’t forget that Alex Gonzalez is under contract.
Adam Dunn must stay, regardless of his defense. There has been no hitter more consistent than him. He plays nearly every game and appears easy to get along with, joking around, etc. Adam Dunn is NO EGOMANIAC like others we know that can drag a team down. We all have our wish list but a CF and catcher would be nice. I say hold Arroyo b/c you never know with injuries and don’t forget Kyle Lohse doing good. Arroyo may clean it up in the 2nd half like last year. PS Griffey needs to go after # 610 but immediately needs lowered in lineup. Remember who the manager is? He’s liked by a lot of veteran players for a reason…because he doesn’t challenge their ego. Dusty is clearly not a confrontational person…Dear Lord, help us if CP is still here in August.
Chris-Good idea but he’s the best RH batter we have.