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Time for a recap of tonight’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
Houston 1
Cincinnati 7 6
WP: Arroyo (7-3)
LP: Paulino (1-4)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–Smiling side of the scoreboard! Six games over .500, 1.5 out of first place, and just a half-game out of second place right now. They’re hanging in there, aren’t they?
–Jay Bruce! Where has this Bruce been? Two homers and a triple tonight; he’s now hitting .241/.315/.536 with 14 homers. Anyone who has a problem with those numbers is a complete moron. The kid is 22 years old! Yeah, I want to see that OBP come up eventually, but…he just turned 22!
–Bronson Arroyo was simply brilliant tonight. A complete-game victory, giving up just a single run while throwing only 92 pitches. Yeah, the Astros are terrible, but Bronson was on tonight. More starts like that, please?
–As Marty said tonight: “Here’s Ryan Hanigan, with two hits tonight, but what’s new?” Toss in a walk, and all of a sudden, Hanigan is hitting .328/.403/.397. Toss in his gun of an arm, and you have a pretty productive backup catcher.
–Jerry Hairston had a couple more hits, including another homer. I hope he stays hot, because he has been a big part of what’s going on here.
NEGATIVES
–NONE!
ETC.
–Game time was two hours and eight minutes. Wow. Thanks, Bronson.
–Bronson Arroyo is 7-3. With a 5.12 ERA. Oh yeah, and he leads the National League in wins, and is behind only Roy Halladay and Zack Greinke for the major league lead. That’s absurd.
–Reds are now 13-12 at home, 13-8 on the road, and they’ve won four in a row. Hope the momentum doesn’t disappear with tomorrow’s off-day. It’s off to Milwaukee on Friday.
–Are you having fun?
I absolutely love this team!!! Go Reds, I think they are for real! :love:
He may be hitting .241, but what’s his average w/o the homeruns. :p
Let’s take care of business the next 10 games! vs Milwaukee (3), St Louis(4), and Chicago(3).
If they take 2 of 3 vs. Milwaukee, they’ll be in 2nd place heading to St Louis.
2 hours and 8 minutes is a positive!!!
Jeff Brantley’s yee haw approach to broadcasting is a negative. They need to revive Hee Haw and make him the host. The rest of the crew encouraging him is another negative.
If Bruce is getting hot, he couldn’t have picked a better time.
Louisville got one-hitted again.
Carolina got two-hitted.
Yes, I said it last year. I’ll say it again this year. I prefer George and Chris to Thom and Jeff. George doesn’t grate on me like a lot of folks here. I think the best TV tandom has become Thom and Chris.
I think the day off this week really helped Bruce. His bat appeared to be really slowing down I hope Dusty will give him a day off once every ten games or so.
Jerry Hairston had a couple more hits, including another homer. I hope he stays hot, because he has been a big part of what’s going on here.
Chad, I couldnt agree more with you here. I really continue to wonder what is going to happen to JHJ when EE returns, especially w/ emrgence of Nix/Gomes platoon in left, who hits in the 2 hole? etc.
I am currently mulling a 7 hour drive to Milwaukee this weekend (Sat), I have never been and cant think of a better time than now to head out there and root on our Battling Redlegs.
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of looking at that photo of Jonny Gomes.
Arroyo only leads in wins
cause the offense scores runs for him
they do this because they realize he usually gives up alot…
so they know they need to score alot…
luckiest pitcher in the majors if you ask me
the offense sucks when our other boys are on the mound
but oh well!
positives!
YAY!
Jason, Miller Park is AWESOME. I saw the Reds win up there last July.
Make sure it’s not already sold out. They can get huge crowds on the weekend.
What is Bronson’s ERA without his meltdown games?
Bronson is Bronson but he has been pretty good this year.
6 of 10 quality starts.
8 or more innings three times.
Currently tied for 6th in innings pitched (ahead of Aaron Harang)
His cumulative numbers look horrible because of two starts with 9 ER.
Other than that he’s been very good.
How many sac flies for Bruce? That’s what I want, no, need, to know.
From a distance I wasn’t impressed with Miller Park, but once inside it seemed nice. I didn’t get to see a game there though. I was there for business and we went to check it out and we went into the restaurant in the outfield. The most surprising thing about Milwaukee for me was the amazing salmon I had at some trendy restaurant near downtown. Who would’ve thought that?
Nick, Mil. is a great town. I love the place. Hate the Brewers, but I love the city. I’ll be at all three games this weekend. I really like the matchups in Milwaukee. Cueto v. Looper, Harang v. Bush and Owings v. Gallardo. It’d be a bit better if Volquez was matched with Gallardo. I think the Crew has a definite advantage in game three. BUT I like Cueto over Looper and Harang over Bush. These should be really good games and we’ll know a lot about the Reds if they can go .500. They still need a LF. I’m interested to see if Stubbs great start, Bailey’s “potential” and maybe a Dorn, etc. score a legit LF. As much as Nix and Gomes can add, they are no Matt Holliday, etc.
Buster Olney is saying on the insider that Reds are looking form outfield help:
http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=olney_buster
Never thought I would be saying this, but with EE coming back and the way we are playing, I might let things ride?
Marty was on WLW today again complaining that Bruce needed to do better, citing his batting average as the sole reason.
I Love this side of Bronson’s split personality
I hope he can continue to bring solid outings to the mound. He is a key component of this staff and how good we can be. GO REDLEGS!!
I will make this simple point: Reds 26-20 – winners across the board. Enjoy it.
Per Olney’s blog:
I’m looking around baseball and struggling to find any OFer who might be available who the Reds would want and could afford. And if I Jocketty, I’m looking for SS help or 3B help before I look for OF help, because frankly, the LF conglomerate has been pretty productive.
It seems like the Reds’ offensive production at 3B would improve once EdE returns, but if you are the Reds, you can’t stand pat. The same holes which were holes at the beginning of the year are holes now, i.e. SS and LF. You have to look to upgrade there. If you are a couple games out, with the system we have, you HAVE to make a move if you think its the type that will push you over the edge. How does Jermaine Dye look now?
Reds TV broadcasters was talking about the Arroyo trade in 2006, being one fo the best trades in Reds history, was wondering what some of your thoughts are on this: Some of the BEST Reds trades in History?
I like EdE. Always have. But right now, LF is more productive than 3B is and I think it will stay that way even after he returns. (Of course, the Reds are basically using 4 roster spots to create a productive LF.) So, I guess my only point is that if they are going to make a move, I’d look at 3B as well as SS and LF.
Does anyone realize that Edwin Encarnacion has hit better than Brandon Phillips, and he is younger. EE isn’t even in his prime yet. He’s only four months older than Joey Votto.
Unless EE is going to be hurt longer than they said he is, it’s silly to toss him under the bus. All projections had him as the Reds second best hitter this year (behind Votto).
Don’t forget how good EE is just because he started the year terribly and he frowns a lot.
Now that’s the way you give your bullpen a rest!
I know a lot of people who like Brantley, and he’s actually pretty insightful on pitching if inane on most other topics, but I really hate the way the Brennamans interact with him. Thom treats him like a cool older brother, and Marty acts a lot more arrogant when he’s in the booth.
Chad, do you realize that EE is not good? I would take BP on my team everyday before Edwin. He is always “projected” to be great b/c he finishes well. He gets his “numbers” in the last third of the season when the Reds are out of it. But the first 1/2 or 2/3 of the year he is brutal and this year has been no exception. Couple that with his defensive liabilities (in stark contrast to BP’s gold glove) and I say No Thanks. I realize he is still young and am as anxious as anyone to see him “put it all together”, but for my money, I would use his youth and potential as trade bait and go after a bona fide 3B like Ryan Zimmerman.
Not good?
An above-league-average OPS+ for three years running, at ages 23, 24, and 25. That’s not good? To the contrary, that’s exceptional at those ages.
(BP, of course, has had one above-league-average year in his entire career. Count ‘em, one.)
You’re right about the defense, but if you really think EE isn’t good, I’m not going to waste any more of my time discussing it. It’s silly.
The truth of the matter is that if Edwin smiled all day long and drank milk, he would be extremely popular in this town. Just producing on the field isn’t enough, evidently.
But in truth, Chad, you were the one who brought up the BP/EE comparison. I don’t think we would be high on BP either if not for his defense, which is an area that EE has traditionally struggled in. If BP’s offense has not been that stellar, and EE’s is just above that, and he doesn’t have the glove, then the best way for him to increase value is to increase versatility. Unless he can be converted to a full time LF’er I don’t think we will ever see him at his full potential. However, I really appreciate what Nix/Gomes have brought to the table. I really am interested in seeing what a healthy Nix can do long term. He is really looking like that top prospect again. Could EE patrol center? That might be another possibility.
Ryan Zimmerman? Hell, if we’re being unrealistic, why not go after Longoria?
The point is that Edwin is an above-average player. We have below-average hitters at four other positions, at least. EE isn’t one of the first fifteen upgrades I would advise Walt to look at.
As for comparing EE and BP, I just did that because BP is the golden boy cleanup hitter. Yet, he is a worse hitter than the guy some want to throw under the bus.
Finally, while we can argue the merits of EE, its silly to say he “isn’t good.” Just silly, that’s all.
He is always “projected” to be great b/c he finishes well. He gets his “numbers” in the last third of the season when the Reds are out of it.
That is not accurate. Look at his numbers by month below. (AVG & OPS)
2006 April .288/.937
2006 May .242/.738
2006 June .357/1.018
2006 July .375/.991
2006 August .317/.992
2006 Sept .205/.560
2007 April .221/.554
2007 May .286/.842
2007 June .305/.820
2007 July .221/.614
2007 August .350/.908
2007 Sept .322/.969
2008 April .287/.938
2008 May .172/.475
2008 June .294/1.025
2008 July .291/.987
2008 August .234/.743
2008 Sept .239/.715
@ Nick… and Jason if you make the drive. Miller Park is an excellent ball park. Parking is super easy in and out, and a really nice atmosphere with tons of fans. People tailgate football style before the game. I’m hoping to go Saturday as well.
So according to the stats GregD posted on EE, we should expect to see him come to life in June, if he’s healthy. Sounds good.
Of note: The Reds made ZERO errors in the sweep.
Good note, Matt. The ’speed and defense’ mantra doesn’t mean much without, well, defense.
Chad, Ok, “not good” is probably silly, but I was just using hyperbole to counteract your making him out to sound like a superstar.
Travis, why is Zimmerman so unrealistic? He had to fight Wash to get a multi-year contract and they are in desperate need for young pitching (which we have.) Longoria, however, is on the AL defendinding champs.
Greg, still his best numbers are in June, July and August. And my guess is he doesn’t have as many ABs, relatively speaking, in September.
And Chad, I’m not saying I want them to dump EE, I’m all for sticking with him as he matures. However, if the team is out looking for a right handed slugger, I think 3B is their best option. EE, coupled with a pitcher, provides our best trade bait.
And, he’s just not that good!
I’m with RCR… if we can get Edwin hot and sell high, I’d be willing to part with him first of the Reds “young core” for something of strong value in return. Otherwise, we keep him.
So which of Cueto or Volquez are you willing to package with EdE and possibly a minor-leaguer to land Zimmerman? Because that’s about what it would cost.
The dude’s 24 years old and recently inked to a five-year, $45 million deal, and has posted a career line of .287/.347/.473 while playing outstanding defense. Teams just don’t trade players like that, especially not when they’ve got a couple good arms taking their lumps in the big leagues and an unprecedented two draft picks in the top 10 (one of which should net them the greatest college pitching prospect of all time).
The Nationals suck right now, but things are about to start looking up for them very soon.
June is the only month that he’s never had a slump.
He’s slumped once in July, once in Aug, twice in Sept. It appears those were pretty “full” months for Edwin.
He’s had a great April two of his three years.
PA by month
2006
April 93
May 105
June 16
July 37
August 111
Sept 101
2007
April 85
May 71
June 108
July 86
August 107
Sept 99
April 115
May 101
June 83
July 90
August 107
Sept 86
Zimmerman’s a pipe dream. No way do the Reds come close to that guy without giving up major pieces. An All Star/Gold Glove caliber 3B under control for 5 years (at the end of which should be his “prime”)? No way the Nats just signed him to that deal just to trade him away.
If we are putting names out there, I have always liked Chone Figgins. He is in the last year of his contract (stating this by memory, so I could be wrong), is 31, and can play everything but the battery. Heck, that could be a starting shortstop. I would love to have that versatility when forming a roster. He also fits that “speed and defense” type. That way we still have a bonofide lead off hitter and could perhaps move EE to left and Nix to CF. Or put him at short. It opens up options.
Well, I started a firestorm I didn’t meant to start. I like EdE. I think he’s underrated. I think he’ll be a good player. But, you only get a chance to really win so often and IF the Reds have a good June and it looks like this could be the year to really make noise, then you have to consider upgrading at your weak spots. And this year, the weak spots are SS, 3B, and LF (and in that order).
Everyone assumes that 2010 and 2011 are going to be THE years. Well, those types of plans get derailed. Look at the Rockies. Look at the Indians. Two or three years ago everyone thought they would be entering a golden age right about now. It hasn’t happened. All I’m saying is, if the Reds have a good June and decide they’re going to commit to THIS year, then they have to consider an upgrade at 3B even if that upgrade is only for the rest of the season.
I’d like to see what a healthy EdE can do before we go making any moves, but per14 is exactly right about going for it while you have the chance.
Landing a bona fide slugger to play LF and hit cleanup would be a relatively easy fix (assuming Nix and Gomes can’t continue to form an effective platoon), and I could get behind a deal for Adrian Beltre, if EdE’s stuggles continue once he returns. I love the idea of improving the SS position, but who’s available? Khalil Greene? David Eckstein? Blech, no thanks.
I don’t disagree with trying to make upgrades. Like most any trade, I wouldn’t be against trading Encarnacion IN the right deal/return. What I completely disagree with is the idea that when Edwin comes off the DL that “the Reds have a tough choice to make” about who’s the starting 3rd baseman.
Making a deadline deal can change the chemistry in the clubhouse (good or bad), if you believe in such a thing.
Not making a deal *could* deflate the current mood in the clubhouse if the Cardinals, Cubs, Brewers all make moves and the Reds don’t. It could also put you behind the 8-ball if other teams improve significantly (Brewers adding Sabathia last year) and the Reds don’t.
Last year the Dodgers added Manny Ramirez, Casey Blake, and Greg Maddux. They had promising LH starter Clayton Kershaw come up from the minors. The D-Backs only added Tony Clark (who hit .206 mostly as a PH/backup) and Jon Rauch (6.56 ERA out of the pen) in July. They acquired Adam Dunn in mid-August to replace the offense lost in the season ending injury to Orlando Hudson.
Some folks like to blame Adam Dunn for the D-backs dropping to 2nd place, but I’d pin the blame on the D-backs front office OR give the credit to the Dodgers front office for the significant mid-season upgrades.
GregD: So I’m clear–totally agree that when EdE comes back, it’s a no-brainer that he’s the starter. I kinda believe in chemistry, but having your best 8 out there is more important than chemistry (if it’s real).
Follow-up to discussion in last night’s game thread…
Run Support this year for starting pitchers:
Volquez – 5.4 R/G
Arroyo – 5.0
Owings – 4.9
Cueto – 4.0
Harang – 3.9
Hey Chad, final score was 6-1, not 7-1, wasn’t it?
It would be interesting to study the lineups during those games. Is it possible Dusty puts out worse lineups when Harang is starting because he thinks Harang will need less support? I know it sounds silly, but it is Dusty…
Also, since Harang was the opening day starter, it’s possible the Reds have faced better pitchers during Harang’s starts. By now, teams aren’t on the same 1-5 cycle, but for the first few weeks they probably were.
D’oh! Thanks, Dan. Fixed.
I think it’s funny that the person most similar to EE on Baseball Reference is Ryan Zimmerman. I say give EE a chance to produce when he comes back and go from there. After all it wasn’t like Hernandez was hitting early or BP, AGon, JHJ or any of the others besides Votto.
And just to get annoying with similarity stats, BP is very similar to Khalil Greene, who isn’t necessarily the face of the franchise anywhere. I know, I know, BP’s defense is better but hitting wise it’s pretty close
Greene’s defense is pretty darn good at SS, actually. He has a strong arm, very good hands, and can throw on the run better than anyone’s I’ve seen.
But offensively, they’re quite different guys. I guess neither one walks, and both have good power, but that’s about it.
Isn’t this the same team that just last week a lot of you were bitching about having the worst line-up in team history? Isn’t it amazing how quickly a lot of the folks on here forget about how they’ve nitpicked and denigrated the hell out of the team when they begin winning?
Whatever. Troll much? Every post you make is nothing but trolling, it seems.
Those same people you are talking about have been excited the whole way about all the wins. I guess we aren’t supposed to say anything even mildly critical, just because they’ve won a few games? That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.
Yeah, hitting Alex Gonzalez sixth makes for a TERRIBLE lineup, but I guess in your world no one is allowed to point that out.
You better never say anything good about Homer Bailey, as much as you’ve bitched about him. And you better never say anything even mildly critical about the Reds. After all, they’re winning! Only happy positive thoughts! Right, George Grande?
Sorry about that. I get so sick of trolls COMPLAINING about other people complaining. It’s so hypocritical.
I probably should just put on my rose-colored glasses and pretend everything is, has been, and always will be just perfect about this organization.
Or maybe I’d like to discuss the positives AND the negatives, the strengths AND the flaws with this team that I love. After all, isn’t that what an internet discussion site is for? To discuss EVERYTHING about the Reds?
I love the Reds. I want them to be the best team possible. And I reserve the right to point out when they are less-than-perfect. After all, that does happen occasionally here in the real world.
Crap, now I went and got worked up again.
This second post was supposed to be an apology for flying off the handle. Guess I’ll have to make another apology post next.
The truth of the matter is that if Edwin smiled all day long and drank milk, he would be extremely popular in this town. Just producing on the field isn’t enough, evidently.
———–
I love all those errors he produces. Nothing like throwing the ball into the stands to show off his talent.
Troll alert!