Loading ...After last night’s very enjoyable victory, the Reds will send former Diamondback Micah Owings to the mound to face his old mates. Unfortunately, Arizona will counter with Dan Haren and his 1.84 ERA. The guy has just been great this year.
This would be a mini-landmark win, frankly. It would secure a series victory to start out this road trip, and it would just be nice to beat a really good pitcher. Sort of a validation of the Reds recent good play.
Either way, we’ll be here discussing the game (unless my buddy talks me into going to see Star Trek; any of you seen it?). Enjoy!
Baseball-Reference Game Preview
Do we have the lineup?
Star Trek? Over the Reds? Come on. I can honestly say that I have never seen a Star Trek movie! Now Star Wars, I’ve watched a ton. But Trek? Never!
Go Reds, Go Lakers tonight!
I haven’t left yet.
Same lineup as last night:
Taveras, cf
Hairston, ss
Votto, 1b
Phillips, 2b
Bruce, rf
Hernandez, c
Nix, lf
Rosales, 3b
Owings, rhp
And go Rockets!
I am sure glad Walt Jocketty with the Cards made that trade for Mark Mulder and gave up Danny Haren and Kiko Calero. Both of those guys would have helped to make St. Louis pretty dominating if they were around, especially Haren. Calero has been more up and down, but he would have added bullpen depth.
It might be something to remember with the Reds young pitchers.
Im a hardcore movie buff myself, but have never seen 1 Star Trek flix. Though I plan on catching Sunday afternoon, the reviews are quite stellar for this new reboot.
Last nights game was great, but the best thing about it for me was how we yet again bounced back after a rough loss the following day (Florida 14 inning affair; Milwaukee 15 run whooping; St. Louis nail biter 10 framer). Really does say a lot to me about this teams mental makeup.
One thing I noticed looking at the stat sheet is that Brandon Phillips has already drawn 14 walks. The guy has never gotten over 40 in a full season, so that while he is still a pretty wild swinger, the guy is working the count a bit better this year.
Of the Star Trek movies, only the Wrath of Kahn and First Contact were the only two I really cared for. I plan on seeing the new one though.
The May offensive stats for the Reds are interesting. The question is how long and how well can they sustain that production especially when they reinsert Gonzalez into the line-up on Friday?
Yeah, really have a hard time seeing Hairston exiting this lineup anytime soon with the numbers he has been putting up of late. Maybe last year wasnt a fluke..
Umm, he was so very Out.
I know the Reds pitchers have hit a lot of hitters (14) this season but do they ever trail MLB leaders Boston (24) and NYY (23).
Phillips strikes out on ball 4.
remove a slumping 3B because of injury
replace a non-hitting SS because of injury
and finally replace 2 left fielders who weren’t hitting with someone who is
and have your leadoff hitter get hot. Taveras’s OPS in May is .950!
have your slumping cleanup hitter start to hit, 1.059 OPS in May!
and the offense starts to score!
only one team in May in baseball (including the AL) has a higher OPS than the Reds.
the ex-Reds, err, I mean Washington
MAY Reds leaders
RC
10.7 Votto (11th in baseball, top 1B for May so far)
10.2 Taveras (15th, 2nd only to Beltran for May)
8.9 Phillips (27th, 2nd only to Burriss)
8.2 Bruce
8.2 Hairston
I’m worried about facing Haren.
The thing about the ex-Reds (Washington). They are still losers. The new Reds aren’t.
Washington looks like the Reds from 2000-2007.
NO PITCHING
14-pitch 1st inning for Owings, 7 strikes, 7 balls
He has to be a little pumped up to pitch and hit versus Arizona.
Did the RF almost drop that?
Mike, good stuff.
Nasty breaking ball by Haren to Nix.
Micah looking sharpish through 2. Nice.
Where’s Gonzo?
One thing the current Reds are not as bad currently at as the Ex-Reds is that they are not a K machine. Washington’s lineup is filled with guys that strikeout about 1/3 of the time. Those kind of lineups seem to get completely voided by good pitching, just ask your average Yankee fan how the playoffs have worked out since 2001.
The pre-game stat:
Reds hit 16 HR in April & 17 already in May.
Nasty pitch by Harren
2009 Nationals (so far) = 2005 Reds
One of the top offenses in the NL, but by far the worst pitching.
these two pitchers are mowing down these hitters
what was that?
That was an interesting DP.
GredD you are right on about the 2009 Nationals
team ranking in baseball comparing 2005 Reds, today’s Nationals, and today’s Reds
Offense
3rd 2005 Reds
4th Washington
18th 2009 Reds
Starters
7th 2009 Reds
27th 2005 Reds
29th Washington
Bullpen
3rd 2009 Reds
24th 2005 Reds
30th Washington
Defense
12th 2009 Reds
28th 2005 Reds
30th Washington
the similarities are stunning between the 2005 Reds and current Nationals
Isn’t there a limit to the number of days you can retroactively DL a player? So, if A-gon is put on the DL tomorrow, they can’t retro it back to last Monday (or whenever it was)?
Let one rip, Votto!!!
Also dead last in defense.
Havoc Hairston on the bases!
Votto just under it.
That wouldve hit the Toyota Tundra at the GABP.
Ball is bouncing the Diamondbacks’ way tonight thus far.
sigh BP
Need Phillips here.
The GABP physics would have caused it to carry another 20 feet.
Not pretty but it got the job done.
Whew and BP came through…I’d never have guessed but I sure like the approach the Reds are taking at the plate
That stolen base led directly to a run. Lets steal a few more, Dusty?
Phillips was lucky because that was stupid base running.
Another high five for Team Phillips!
There is no smart and stupid. There is only HAVOC
Big hit versus Haren. He is up to 60 pitches. The Reds are doing a good job this year building up those pitch counts.
Thom Brennaman: “Reds are playing a brand of baseball that hasn’t been seen in Cincinnati for quite some time.”
You mean, winning baseball?
Well said, GregD.
Alright! 2-0.
This probably will be the only inning that Haren will allow runs. He is a tough pitcher…Great running and team-work for the REDS!
There is no smart and stupid. There is only HAVOC
How right you are. HAVOC rules!!!
HAVOC is to baseball as the Force is to Star Wars.
I see your HAVOC is as big as mine
Well played, Y-City adn Jared.
What the ….what?
I saw Votto clutching his chest in the dugout earlier…that really concerns me
Well, this stinks.
OH NO NOT VOTTO!
Not DLing Gonzalez looks genius right now.
What happened?? Anyone have a guess?
I guess we don’t have to worry about Votto going on the DL.
It looked like he was sick and I hope that’s all it is.
Let’s hope it is just some after effects of the flu mixed with the Arizona heat that can be remedied with some hydration.
These D-backs announcers have been talking about Votto the whole game…they too have a man-crush on him.
Let the HAVOC be with you just doesn’t have the same ring.
Thom Brennaman: “Reds are playing a brand of baseball that hasn’t been seen in Cincinnati for quite some time.”
Thom is wrong. They’ve always had these HAVOCy type players. Right now, they are about middle of the NL pack in stolen bases, and among league leaders in sac hits. It’s been the same in 2007-2008. 2006 tied for 3rd in SB.
Im working the radio and tv right now in hopes of hearing something on Joey.
Maybe it is timing.
GredD…they just never won playing this :p type of baseball
Not over the flu?
Captain Votto, I notice sometimes when you are creating havoc or-or openin’ up a can of whoop-ass, as you like to say, you seem to be sweating quite profusely. I was wondering if, perhaps, you might need the services of an experienced waterboy.
I’m not watching the game.. could it just be cramps?
I figure they’ll run Jim Day down there and get to the bottom of it.
Come on Jim Day, find out whats going on with our MVP.
Brilliant Waterboy reference.
The D-Backs are a depressing team to watch. They just look lifeless.
Cheers to the Reds early 2-0 lead. Gonna try and join you fellas on the in-game conversation some nights. I’m covering the Louisville Bats this season, so hit up my site when you want to check out how the youngsters are doing. Here’s to hoping Owings can hold it down against his old team tonight…
http://www.examiner.com/x-6603-Louisville-Bats-Examiner
They’re winning the one and two run ball games. They won when they weren’t hitting earlier in the season. I think that’s what Brennamen means.
Owings out pitching him. He has something to prove tonight. I bet he is going to be trying for a big fly too.
Found an answer on Gonzalez…via Fay’s blog:
Alex Gonzalez declared himself fit to play. “I’m ready, man,” he said. “I’m good. I’m ready to play.”
But as is Dusty Baker’s policy, Gonzalez was not in the lineup. “I’m big on when a players says he’s ready giving a few more days,” Baker said. “We have the off day (Thursday). I know he’s champing at the bit. He says he feels great. I’ll give another few days to practice and get his stroke.”
Monday was the first time Gonzalez took batting practice since straining his left oblique. He’d clearly like to be in lineup tonight. “Nobody likes to sit out,” Gonzalez said.
The other factor is Jerry Hairston Jr., who started at shortstop Tuesday, went into the game with on a seven-game hitting streak in which he was hitting .414 with six RBI and 10 runs scored.
“You knew Hairston was going to do well,” Baker said. “Nobody is Alex at shortstop. But again, this is an example of having interchangeable parts. It comes into play almost everyday.”
Gonzalez was available.
“If it’s a double switch or something,” Baker said. “But I’ve got to give him plenty of time to get loose. I’ve got to see him myself in practice.”
Perhaps Votto is HAVOCing into the toilet right now.
How does FS Ohio NOT have a camera on Votto during that ordeal?
We can only hope thats it, Y-City. We can only hope.
I still can’t believe the D-backs gave up Owings for the Dunn deal…who is their GM?
Couldn’t Rosales play first, Hairston to third and Janish to short?
I believe the GM is the guy who just took over as manager, AJ Hinch? The talking heads were making an ordeal because he has no managing experience and has only worked as a suit in this league.
All kinds of HAVOC tonight!
Willy TaHAVOC.
I can’t believe they traded Owings and Buck and didn’t seem to be all that interested in resigning Dunn.
Also, I don’t think you want Hairston’s weak arm over at third.
Can’t say enough lately about Taveras.
But they want his weak arm at short?
Owings was coming back from shoulder surgery. Those are pretty unpredictable to bounce back from.
I don’t know if them not even attempting to sign Dunn says more of economy or the player. But GM should be in trouble over it.
Yes, Rosales played mostly 1B in 2007 while recovering from an arm (elbow, I think) injury.
When was the last time the Reds had two catchers play at the same time as much as Hernandez and Hanigan have played lately?
Better there than at third. He’s always been considered to be better at 2B than SS or LF, but he’ll never get any time at 2B with the Reds.
Ok, that looks promising.
Did FSN Ohio show this (from Fay’s blog):
“The local TV showed Votto in the dugout wincing in pain after his last at-bat. “
At the Futures Game in Dayton AR took a lot of fielding practice at 1B.
I’m late to the party. Good to see the good guys on top, but I hope Votto is ok.
True about the economy and true about the GM needing his head examined. And what did Washington end up giving Dunn anyway? If I recall correctly, it wasn’t a bad deal for them.
Sweet performance thus far for Owings.
GregD, no FS did not show or saying anything like that.
The one clip made it look as if Votto was about to upchuck.
Does JD go find out what’s going on with Votto? No, he goes and sits by himself in the outfield. But I’m sure that was FSN’s call.
Thanks, Jim Day for going into the clubhouse to find out what happend to our MVP. Send Daddy Waggs! Send Jessie!! Just get down there and find out something!
Ryan Zimmerman, again in his first at-bat, extends his hitting streak…now at 30 games.
That was LONG GONE!
Remember when B.P was slumping? Yeah, he doesnt either. Get Some Team Phillips!!
Reds beating up on one of the best pitchers in the game? Team Phillips AGAIN!! Give me five TeamBP!
Moonshot by Team Phillips.
Haren getting some ball hit off him deep this inning.
We all knew coming in to this season the Reds were going to have a kickass offense.
Apparently BP knocked the crap out of that scoreboard.
That was a dumbass play.
67 pitches through 5 for Owings…if he doesn’t shoot himself in the foot here defensively, will he make it 7 innings (or more)
Any ideas on who the Reds might draft? I’m hoping they take Alex White from UNC since he’s from where I live. Good kid.
Lakers 43, Rockets 24 – middle of second quarter.
Jared: We all knew coming in to this season the Reds were going to have a kickass offense.
We did? Do I detect sarcasm?
Marty:
Joey was Dizzy.
Votto = dizzy according to Jim Day
Jim Day comes through. Votto’s just sick.
Good news on Votto.
Maybe a bit. The hinge on my laptop just broke.
Get Some Micah!!!
Sweet!!!
What did Baker tell him? “Don’t make me bring in Janish!”
Alright Alright!!! Way to be Micah Owings!
Wait, is Weathers in the game already? Sure looks like it.
Nice pitching!
D-backs really suck…I feel a sweep considering this is their best starter by far going tonight.
Chad, if you’re reading this, I have a question for the Jim Day interview(a serious one, actually). Hopefully it hasn’t been recorded yet.
How does he go about getting information on players during the game? Who does he talk to, where is he allowed to go in the clubhouse?
Thank God Votto is okay…wonder if he’ll hit a pinch-hit home run tomorrow?
Jim Day really is amazing, I see a Pulitzer in his future.
If he can remain pitch efficient, Owings might go 8 innings.
He’s sitting on 80 pitches through 6.
We absolutely should sweep this team and we have a darn good chance at sweeping the Padres too.
Totally off topic here, but does anyone know when the HOF Marty B. plans to walk away from the booth? The though alone makes me sad, but I was curious if anyone knew his plans, if any for the long term future.
Not another knee cap problem!
That’s why Owings shouldn’t be the first RH pinch hitter off the bench.
I’m not sure there are any plans. None at least that are known to the public.
Watching Owings run back to 1st base reminds me of the ol’ SNL skits with Mike Meyers playing a hyperactive kid on chocolate.
Looks like Cueto will still be 2nd in ERA in the NL after this game. And the way the D-backs look, he should have no trouble lowering it tomorrow…and he’s only 23, and a RED LEG!
Could this be a CG for Owings?
Wow, nice drop of the hyperactive kid tied to the jungle gym skit on SNL. Old school.
nice catch by Hairston
I don’t see Oings going another 2 innings
Hairball! Nice Net!
That’s right. I said it. Oings.
Did anyone catch Welsh say last night that the Reds have won 9 of their last 11 in Ariz.? Pretty impressive stat there.
Hairston must have been purchased at Best Buy, he can play multiple positions and do a little of everything.
Don’t you mean Steve Nebraska?
Our #5 is beating their #1.
Cardinals lost but too early to scoreboard watch.
and the Team Phillips Show must go on!
WTF is this? Owings hit the guy and then leaves?
This is me tipping my hat (for those interested im not wearing one, but if anyone is interested thats just a big bowl of odd. i digress…) in the general direction of our #5 starter in this 2009 season, Micah Owings.
Son of B.
I’m going to be pissed if that hit batsman costs the loss.
I’m going to be pissed if we lose this game period.
There’s no way I’d let Rhodes pitch to Upton, a right-hander.
This is a good move by Dusty.
Storm Front coming…
can someone fill me in where were at in the game. Thanks
Oh dddddear it’s a storm coming in, better than Rhodes though in this situation.
bottom of 8th, runner on 2b, 1 out, weathers on the mound, 3-1 Reds.
Upton had 18 game hit streak coming into today.
nice pitch right there. upton gone on strikes, big red.
time to sweat with Weathers on the mound.
Stormy does have a way of making it interesting and exciting. He wants everyone to get their $$$ worth
this is the david weathers we all know and love. making it interesting now.
Is that what hes doing? If so, he should be doing pretty well for himself.
Doesn’t Eric Burns look like The Lawnmower Man from the 1990’s movie?
Aghh, Stormy. Love that guy!
Wheww….oh Coco don’t make me loco.
Weathers got off the hook there. Nice work.
.252, 10 HR, 21RBI through 32 games.. Is Bruce not Dunn?
I was thinking Bruce and Dunn are a lot alike but Bruce is definitely a better fielder.
Ok, i realize this is probably getting a tad redundant, but I love seeing the fun these guys are all having together in the dugout this year.
Reds were 17-23 this time last year and 15-23 the year before.
Ok, as long as you’re in the lineup, you’re in the game, right? So could a reliever come in to face someone who is a bad matchup for Owings, while he moves to left field, and then back to pitch with a new guy in left?
I wish Thom would stop talking about CoCo being perfect in SVO this season.
Coco 23 out of last 23 SVO? didn’t know that until now…let’s make it 24 of 24!
HAIRSTON!! Web Gem after Web Gem!
Was that first pitch called a strike?? I’m not so sure.
Terrible call by ump
And this one belongs to the Reds!!! 5 Games over .500!
I’m back. Star Trek was awesome.
What did I miss?
everyone thinks he called the first pitch a strike and it was a ball. everyone got confused there.
…gulp..
Not Lopez again!
this is the last guy i want to see at the plate.
A nail biter!
Hey! Reds win again!
Wow.
Are You Kidding Me!!! What a Game!! Go RedLegs!!! HAHA! Yes!
So did Owings get taken out by Dusty for drilling that guy or was he tossed?
oh yeah! i didn’t think we’d beat Haren, but we did.
Pulled.
Excellent game. This team is fun to watch.
Sarasota, Carolina, Louisville and Cinci all win today. Pretty darn good day if you ask me.
We ought to sweep this team.
It looks like the first game ever for the starter tomorrow. Sometimes that is tough as no one knows a thing on the guy.
Augenstein is 5-0, 0.78 ERA, 31 SO/34.2 IP… Might be a nice matchup tomorrow.
I’m not 100% sure on these numbers but Coco recorded his 24th save in a row without blowing one as a Red
With tonight’s save he passes two great Reds closers.
John Franco who had 23 saves in a row 7/1988-9/1988 which is one of the most unhittable streaks ANY pitcher in baseball history has had. During Franco’s streak he had a 0.32 ERA and allowed only 14 hits in 28 1/3 IP.
and
Clay Carroll who also had 23 saves in a row 5/1972-8/1972
with his 24th consecutive save without a blown save Coco now sets his sight on the Reds record which is 26 by Rob Dibble.
In 1990-91 Dibble saved 26 in a row but also struck out 58 in 37 IP in one of the most dominant pitching streaks ever.
The NL record, of course is unreachable. Gagne saved 84 games in a row without blowing a save which spanned 3 seasons. No pitcher has come ANYWHERE NEAR that many. 2nd is Tom Gordon with 54 for Boston.
That’s in AA though. He’s going to be facing a little different batters tomorrow.