Loading ...Johnny Cueto makes his final start of a successful 2009 season today.
If you had asked me before the season whether I’d be happy with a 10-11, 4.35 ERA season from Cueto, the answer would have been an unequivocal “yes.” That is a superb season from a 23-year-old pitcher, as far as I’m concerned.
Yes, if his arm doesn’t fall off, Mr. Cueto has a very bright future ahead of him.
Anyway, only two games left this year. Let’s discuss the next-to-last game here.
a superb season from a 23 year old starter for sure
the last 10 Reds to have 25 or more starts and an ERA+ over 100 when 23 or younger??
Pastore 1980
Lacoss 1979
Gullett 1971 and 1974
Grimsley 1972 and 73
Nolan 1967 and 1971
Simpson 1970
Maloney 1963
O’Toole 1960
Blackwell 1946
Junior Thompson 1940
Is this evidence of yet another burned up young arm by Dusty Baker?
It’s way too early to say that.
On the other hand, I always scoffed at the whole “Baker ruined Prior and Wood” thing. But after watching Dusty all season continually try to coax that extra inning/extra hitter out of young pitchers… let’s just say I’m a bit less scoffy now.
Game’s not in HD, and the standard definition quality is worse than usual tonight on DirecTV. Almost unwatchable.
Of course, even in HD the Reds and Pirates are barely watchable anyway.
Was it just my imagination, or was Cueto limping a little when he got to the bag after that bunt?
BTW, it’s not just Direct TV – I’m on TW cable, and the picture’s exceptionally lousy for me, too.
Just who is showing the game tonight? It isn’t on anything local.
It’s on Fox Sports Cincinnati (on DirecTV). I guess the Blue Jackets are on FSN Ohio.
I’m watching the Islanders/Penguins, Auburn/Tennessee, and Reds/Pirates. I love DirecTV.
Once again, Dusty leaves a pitcher in too long. Cueto had already thrown 80 through 5 which isn’t that bad, except he’s thrown a ton of pitches this year at such a young age. I guess he’s saving his bullpen for next year? What a joke. Should have shut him down after 5 with a 5-1 lead. That way he get’s to leave on a positive.
That Joey Votto is not bad.
How about a healthy Votto, Phillips, and Bruce for all of next year. Then, no Gonzo or Taveras trying to hit their weight. All of a sudden you’ve got the makings of a decent offense when you throw Rolen into the mix. There may yet be some hope for next year.
Votto this season with a little over a game left
.318 batting average
.408 OBP
38 doubles and 25 HR
How many Reds in their entire history have hit for…
>= .300 AVG, >= .400 OBP, >= 35 2B and >= 25 HR
TWO!!!!!!
Votto
and
Frank Robinson in 1962
That year Robinson hit .342 with a .421 OBP, 51 2B and 39 HR
6 other Reds have come very close
Mitchell in 1994 but he only had 18 2B
Daniels in 1987 but he only had 24 HR
Morgan in 1976 but he only had 30 2B
Perez in 1970 but he only had 28 2B
Robinson in 1961 but he only had 32 2B
Klu in 1954 but he only had 28 2B
Votto is incredible. I still remember three years ago when one of the editors on RLN posted a report from an MLB scout who doubted Votto’s ability to hit major league pitching. At the time, I prayed that guy would be wrong. Not only was he wrong, he missed by a mile. Votto is a BEAST.
I know this is going to disappoint many of you, but George Grande is not returning, per Hal McCoy, because he wants to spend more time with his family.
Hopefully, this means Kelch will be doing more games.
Very good to see Joey going so strong, Cueto ending up at .500. WT relegated to pinch running, etc.
Now let’s win tomorrow, I don’t want to end the season losing a series to the Pirates at home. Would love to see Homer end the season on a dominant note.
BTW Junior hit no. 630 tonite, nice to see him reach that total. And with his 19th HR of 2009 he surpasses last year’s total. But it is time to retire, Junior, as a fan of his I hope he does.
Do his 40-something-year-old kids still live at home?
Well, they do stay in the yard.
Votto has definitely exceeded my expectations, based on his minor #s and reports, thought reds were getting a decent player with low 20 HR power who occasionally might hit .300. Instead seems like Reds got a bona-fide guy who can a major offensive threat and hit consistently close to .300+/30/100rbi and finally be first red player to hit 30HR at 1B since Lee May in 1971, 38 years ago. That is just crazy to think about. Only Tony Perez and Sean Casey in that time have hit more than 25. I look forward to seeing what Votto will do over next several years swinging the bat. No more Dan Dreissen’s, Hal Morris’s, Todd Benzinger’s, Scott Hatteberg’s types at the spot.
@mike:
uuggg, you just had to remind me of Frank Pastore and Mike Lacoss.
That’s great news if true about GG.
I have actually gotten to the point where I will NOT watch a Reds game with the sound on if he’s there. And I like Welch a lot!
I just put on the radio instead – which is also annoying since the TV and radio broadcasts are 3 seconds out of synch with each other.
Still, it beats all those George-isms.
Good luck George and good bye, as they say in the barber shop………..next!!!!!!!!!!