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Well, so much for the sweep. As I write this (it’s 6:20 am), we still don’t know who will be starting for the Reds tonight. All we know for sure is it probably won’t be Johnny Cueto. Of course, the last time the Reds had to improvise, it turned out okay.
Let’s see if the Reds can close this thing out. Go Reds.
Howdy all! Did Navarro ever catch Leake?
Pretty sure he has caught him a few times.
Lets go Reds!!! Finish this thing off today…
As we speak the Cards are up 5-0 on the Nats
6-0. Getting a gift infield fly call and not having to face Strasburg, them are the breaks I guess.
Not feeling confident about the pitcher who’s had a 5.27 ERA since the All-Star Break.
Look at it this way. 5.27 sucks, but 4.50 is a quality start. I’d be happy with a quality start today. Leake is more than capable of getting us to a quality start and keeping us in this game for a shot at the win. Believe.
I said it in the other thread, but 6 of Mike Leake’s last 9 starts have been quality starts and that 2 of those 3 non-quality starts were both against the Phillies.
In the quality starts, only 1 game was 6ip/3er. The line on the 6 starts was 2.43 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. 40.2ip, 40h, 8bb, 24K, 4 homeruns allowed. 3 starts at home, 3 on the road. 2 homeruns on the road, 2 homeruns at home. Only 1 walk at home, 7 on the road.
Here is the url to vote for Todd Frazier to win the Roberto Clemente award.
https://secure.mlb.com/sponsors/chevy/building_diamonds/?cmp=OLA_BRAND_6467160_0
It seems you have to pledge your soul to Government Motors in order to vote.
Need to win today. If it goes to a game 5, Latos would pitch. That would put Latos in line for game 3 and game 7 in the NLCS. If the Reds win today, Latos would go game 1 and game 5.
With a win:
Game 1 – Latos
Game 2 – Arroyo
Game 3 – Bailey
Game 4 – Leake
Game 5 – Latos
Game 6 – Arroyo
Game 7 – Bailey
With a loss:
Game 1 – Arroyo
Game 2 – Bailey
Game 3 – Latos
Game 4 – Leake
Game 5 – Arroyo
Game 6 – Bailey
Game 7 – Latos
@RedForever:
Nice work. Thank you.
Lets go Reds! Woooo!
Nice ceremony on the field recognizing Homer and Hanigan for the no hitter.
@RedForever: What Dusty should do is go to a three man rotation after this series. Mike Leake frightens me.
Leake is a pretty decent hitter. Any chance Dusty bats him in the 8 hole and moves Stubbs to 9?
What channel is the game on? 4:07 start time too right?
I’m not home yet, but game was scheduled for TBS. If the Cardinals-Nationals game is on TBS, check TNT.
Wow, that intro is brutal.
In other news, Cardinals look like the most dangerous team in the playoffs right now. Stomping Washington yet again.
Uh oh. First punch to the Giants. Stay calm Leake.
Yikes!
Well, he got that out of his system. He’ll settle down now.
Breathe Mike Leake. Hang in there bud
Get Lecure up.
Well, this is why Leake’s the 5th starter.
Get the bullpen warmed up. Gonna need them before the 1st inning is over.
4 hitters, 4 hard hit balls.
Get LeCure up NOW…
Keep the faith.
0-2 count…need to K him. Did.
Pence looks horrible.
Leake doesn’t look like he’s fooling anyone to me.
He’s also started a lot of games like that and settled down. Hopefully he calmed the nerves there.
I hope so.
ok, that could have been worse. Our offense needs to bring it. NOW
Way to limit the damage, Mike. Safe to say offense is going to have to step up today.
There ya go, Mike! Just breathe and be calm! That was a big strike out for all of us…
Offense: Pick him up early. Get the crowd crazy. Or crazier. Runs by the bunches. It’s going to be a fun day.
Alright first inning out of the way. Relax now Leake.
Home run on to the first batter is a bit discouraging, but anyone expecting a pitcher’s duel just isn’t paying attention. We’ll put some runs on the board, don’t worry
Our crowd needs to going crazy right now getting behind our hitters
It’s like a morgue at the stadium right now.
Isn’t that the third straight high fly ball to left for Phillips?
The Reds need to actually do something to get the crowd involved.
Shouldn’t be the case at all with a potential series-clinching game on the line.
Wow, they are swinging at some bad balls. There’s a good AB by Votto.
votto still getting on base at a crazy pace. who is gonna step up for this offense?
Brantley insists that the Reds avoid Zito’s curve and just sit fastball. If he can’t locate the curve, he’s done.
why are the Reds wearing Red today but yesterday they wore white?
“day” game
Crush one Jay, crush one baby.
Frazier absolutely must make it a good pitch. But he’s not good at that.
Come on Todd
C’mon Frazier.
This is big the Reds tended to struggle with 2 outs and RISP this yr.
Please Todd, please.
Come on Todd!
@Scott: Right they considered yesterday a night game?
We’ll take a freebie!!!!!
Masterful at bat!!!
@Hank Aarons Teammate:
I couldn’t have said it better.
That’ll do Todd, that’ll do.
The Reds have to have patience today Zito does not have it.
That home run allowed by Leake looks pretty damn good in comparison to the run Zito just allowed.
Todd Frazier doesn’t even need to put the ball in play to score runs.
Watch out, world.
SuperTodd—mature beyond his years!
I like this Barry Zito guy. Now we just need a dagger hit.
Pathetic AB by Navarro.
I sure hope this is not a repeat of yesterday.
I miss Ryan Hanigan.
Navarro looked terrible at that AB.
Well, the K was on a terrible pitch, but Zito threw two very good pitches to get ahead 0-2.
Crap.
Ugh!!!!
With Zito already at 30 pitches and their bullpen tired, a hit there would’ve really put the pressure on.
Nice at bats there, especially by Todd. Navarro.. well, I guess that high pitch getting called put him behind and it made those breaking balls work.
We have absolutely worn out the Giants starters in the 1st inning the last two games without having a lot to show for it
Not a bad inning considering Phillips and Cozart didn’t do anything. Still terrified with Leake in there though.
Maybe Hanigan SHOULD have started…
If we can stay patient at the plate, Zito will only go 4 at most. All the guy does is nibble.
Advantage Reds.
If Leake struggles with the bottom of the order, you gotta seriously look at replacing him.
That’s just a bad play by Votto.
Giants averaging over 20 pitches for the first inning in the series.
Votto should have made that play.
This is just ridiculous. Leake needs to get pulled, NOW.
Leake looks awful. I didn’t want to say anything after the first inning but wow, he’s leaving everything up and over the plate.
Another HR? Next pitcher need to start warming up.
There hasn’t been a ball hit yet that hasn’t been smoked.
Time for the hook.
Oh man. Mike, Mike, Mike. This is not how we drew it up. 3-1 Giants, top of 2 for those who can’t access.
Zito is not throwing enough strikes. Leake is throwing too many. Wow, Leake looks so hittable right now
There is no difference between Leake today and Leake every day. He just throws it over. I have no idea how he is as successful as he is.
I’m pretty sure Cingrani could’ve done as well as this.
This. A “sick Latos on three days rest” could have too.
Remember that time when Cueto got hurt and we all instantly thought the series was over? And then by the end of the night it looked like we were completely wrong?
Well now how do you feel about that moment?
It’s the Reds. I don’t feel safe about anything ever.
Leake has given up home runs to a guy that had 8 on the year and another guy that had 5…
Just throwing 88 MPH fastballs over the plate is going to result in more of the same.
Leake should be the 5th starter every year, and then be banished for the postseason.
We lost Cueto from the NLCS for this!
Man…not sure who to blame for this. Bad luck is all this is.
Blame Leake. This is a huge opportunity for him. A lot of pressure, sure. But a great opportunity that he is doing his best to squander from the get go
GABP does not look as small as it did yesterday.
Walk the lefty Pagan to get to the righty… might not be a bad move.
Now a walk, which opens up a giant hole on the right side for an opposite field hitter.
Good Evening Ladies and Germs. First things first WHERE’S HANIGAN!? Leake needs Hanigan behind HP to help him call the game. I like Navarro but with Hanny behind the plate I like our chances better. Do you think the Cards are going to sit Molina, heck no. Ain’t no pussyfooting around in a 5 game playoff. Oh well, C’mon Reds lets go!!
@Sergeant2: On target as usual Sarge. Where in the heck is Haniga? Dusty has to manage to win these games. Inexcusable, IMO. If nothing else, we can not afford the defensive downgrade. Reds have to pick it to hope to win today. I’m talking to you MVP.
Nice job Navarro! Gotta get some runs.
@ToddAlmighty: Latos also could have ended up being overused and sitting on the bench next to Cueto.
Atta boys!!
Reds have got to go out and get some hits now… with the bottom of the order.
Nice end to the inning. Need hits now.
Mike Leake is a contact pitcher and sometimes that contact reults in Home Runs.
Maybe Leake can actually help his own cause with the bat right now.
Really glad Hanigan’s sitting but we’ve gotten to see Stubbs’ ineptitude for all 4 games.
@RedLegHerrm: I’m actually okay with Stubbs starting – as long as he is batting eighth. You know what you’re going to get on offense though: ZIP. But I’m sorry, benching Hanigan is just plain dumb.
The Reds are gonna be alright.
This is not looking very good.
I think we are pressing too hard here at home. This is not the Reds offense we saw in San Francisco
If they get 4-5 innings out of Leake I’ll be happy.
If they got 2 innings out of him I’d be happy. GET HIM OUT.
Navarro will be fine. Did you see he threw that guy out?
@seat101: I’m not feeling it today. God, I hope I’m so wrong.
Need Joey to be MVP-like, right here. Come on Big Guy.
Finally, a situation where they have to pitch to Votto!!!
JV needs to show he is an MVP here.
Not exactly hitting the cover off the ball, but we’ll take a couple of hits any way we can get it. Need a hit here, Joey…
Zito getting squeezed some in this inning.
Be nice if we would quit waiting til 2 outs and noone on to start something.
That one hurts, chased a ball down there.
Lazy swing like that’s something you always like seeing from your best player in a clutch situation.
He was trying to foul it off and he was a little early.
Votto is gonna be fine.
Just a terrible at bat by Votto. At a bad time too.
Crap.
52 pitches for Zito. Still on pace to only go 4. This is it for Leake. LeCure or Simon need to be warming up now in case Leake lets the leadoff guy get on w/ the middle of their order up.
The Reds only have so many chances vs Zito before their much better pen comes in. They are losing the game in these first few innings. Just like yesterday.
You all know that I’m not a Mike Leake fan at all so this is not surprising to me. I would have started Lecure and gone from there.
Take. Him. Out.
@CharlotteNCRedsFan:
Don’t worry, I’ll feel it for the both of us.
The Giants have more well hit balls in 2+ innings then they do in the sum total of the
other 3 games. Bring in Simon or Lecure.
Hey, don’t worry. The Reds will surely be able to score more than 3 runs in a game at home!
Oh, wait.
#shouldnthavebeenagame4
This is why Dusty should not have pitched to Arias last night. They screwed around and lost last night and now they are in big trouble.
Why is Leake still in there? What is the pen being saved for?
I’m thinking 5 homers for Giants today.
Maybee Leake will settle in now the bats need to wake up.
Alright, better inning by Leake.
Nice inning, Mike Leake. Now get a hit!
An inning without a HR!
Everybody chill out—-Leake’s got this!!!
*snark*
Atta boy Leake. 1-2-3. Let’s get some runs.
Come on Ludwick, Bruce, and Frazier.
@jas_428: Maybe you’ll watch the game without making another comment.
Well it is appearing more and more that the Reds are on the verge of making playoff history again. Had a no hitter tossed at them in 2010, and now after being up 2-0, failing to win the series…ugh, we need to new and fresher view from the dugout next year both from our manager and hitting coach…
Reds need something to go their way here and get the ball rolling.
Anybody else think Dusty’s going all-in for tomorrow right now? As in, he’ll be pleasantly surprised if we can pull out Game 4, but he’s banking on trying to win Game 5? Thus, making sure Hanigan is fully rested tomorrow, giving Rolen a breather (which I love, because I think Super Todd offers more than Rolen at this point anyway, but you know that’s not how Dusty sees it), giving Latos the extra day’s rest … like we’re playing to be competitive today, but if that doesn’t work, the A-team is ready for tomorrow.
Waiting for Matt Cain to be on the mound? Sounds like a good plan.
I wasn’t suggesting it was a winning strategy … just wondering if it was the one Dusty was using.
That said, I know Matt Cain’s a great pitcher. But based on the Reds’ numbers against him vs. the Giants’ numbers against Latos, I do like that matchup on paper. Of course, ask the folks in Atlanta what being the better team on paper gets you …
@Jared:
A pessimist is never disappointed. Let him be.
So we have scored how many runs now at home in how many innings in this years playoffs?
@indianajoe: I certainly hope that’s not the way Dusty’s mind works.
Ludwacked! He was trying to do that all at bat. Nice!
LUDDERS!
Ludddddddddddddddddddddddddyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!
Thank you, Ryan Ludwick. Go Reds! Go Reds!
Ludwick!
Man, I wish they’d have had the bags full after a Votto walk there!
Ludwick was all over him that entire AB. Ludwhacked!!
@seat101: You’d think. Yet somehow they are disappointed every time. Such as when the #5 pitcher strikes out. It’s just further proof that this team is destined to lose.
Ludwick!!!!!!
Wooooo!!!
Lud. Whack.
Ludwick Von Bam yeah baby!
All balls in that AB. Patience, guys.
Bochy is playing to win. It looks like Baker is playing to have the best chance in game 5, should that happen.
Reds doing an excellent job on pitch count.
Of course Bochy’s playing to win. He has no alternative. Dusty might be playing to his “My No. 1 starter got hurt, so losing a series we were up 2-0 isn’t my fault” excuse he’ll give the writers if they lose tomorrow.
Great AB by Frazier until he swung at ball 4 there. Shoot.
@indianajoe: I like the matchup of Latos vs for recliner tomorrow.
I’m such a lazy boy that I am not inclined to sort out the recliner comment.
That was still a great at bat by Frazier. That was the at bat of a top of the line player.
Eh.. it’s up to you to put my words in the right order.
A’s Ludwick resuscitates (sp?) the nations hope…
I wish Baker would have the same quick hook here. Advantage Giants right now, Kontos is good. I think Bochy feared Zito would groove one to Stubbs and he’s run into a big fly.
@Hank Aarons Teammate: Thats the reality when u are up 2-1, not saying I agree with it.
Navarro working it. Can Grew find a needle in a haystack?
It’s amazing how we’ve been able chase their pitchers out of the games so early, yet the last 2 games we haven’t really had much to show for it. I do feel better about the game now that it’s back down to 1 run. I honestly think Mike is a little more settled, the bats just need to back him up.
Zito had 76 pitches through 2 and 2/3. Wow
The Reds should be able to feast on the bullpen, since they have had to pitch almost every game for 5+ innings.
Why? Lincecum is going to be the main guy, I’m guessing. He shouldn’t be tired.
Dear Drew Stubbs. Now would be a great time to remember you can hit bombs. Welcome Kontos in style for us.
Dusty has to have a quick hook as well.
That ball by Ludwick was (by far) the hardest ball hit by the Reds in the last 2 games.
HOpe they keep their patience at the plate though…
@seat101: That’s a shame. It was a good one.
Come on Stubbs 1 time get a hit.
Was Kontos named after the candy?
Kontos tougher on lefties?
I predict Kontos his 75 pitches before the end of the 3rd, just like Zito.
Just pitiful by Stubbs. A 2-0 pitch out of the zone.
I wish Xavier Paul could play center field.
Stubbs’ speed is obviously needed in CF with all of these balls staying in the park. Oh, wait…
Can we get a quick hook for Drew Stubbs?
@Larry1980: Or Jay Bruce.
Bochy didnt worry too much about hurting Zito’s feelings. Quick hook *before* he got in trouble.
Yeah, one of the reasons he owns a big hat and a big ring.
5 innings tops out of Mike Leake
Think Lincecum will come out for a few?
Take him out.
@Hank Aarons Teammate: I didn’t assume Lincecum would be the one coming out.
Sanchez has been hot over the past two weeks. Might be reason Dusty elected to pitch to cool-hitting Arias last yesterday?
This is where having a team built for the long haul of the season hurts. The Cardinals are a lineup full of smart hitters, so they hit when it counts. The Reds have Votto, Hanigan and a lineup of morons who swing at whatever managed by a guy who cares too much whether or not they like him. I think Dusty’s whole “even keel” thing is overrated. But what are the chances he doesn’t get re-signed if they lose this series?
@rfay00: Yeah I would.
It’s just going to be too late, once the Reds go to their bullpen.
Wait, are you of the mindset that Mike Leake should be taken out of this game right now?
I was wondering the same thing. Leake seems to be settling down; 1, 2, 3 against the meat of the order last inning, and this inning the only blemish was a walk on what was a pretty solid at-bat by Sanchez.
Yes.
Not very excited to see Lincecum any time soon. He looked tough the other night.
Leake has settled down he may have been a little jazzed up early on, the Offense has to get it going.
Atta boy Leake!
Infield hit? You gotta be kidding me.
Mike leake helping his cause. Come on BP!!!!!
The Giants have a leake-y infield!
Leake helping himself out there.
That was an awful at bat
Bad ball chasing. What else is new? That was an at bat far worse than Stubbs.
BP trying too hard there. Looked like he was swinging for the fences.
Wait, guys on with less than 2 outs? What do we do now?
Come on JV make up for last time.
It’s time to bring this little catchphrase out that I’ve held back on…………..MVottoP!
Gotta have something here. Only going to get so many chance. Votto up with one out and two on.
is Bochy overreacting?
No Lincecum, is he warming up still?
We can hammer on Leake all we want, the problem again isn’t the pitching. We are not getting it done at the plate and that falls on the big 4 of Phillips/Bruce/Votto/Ludwick. It’s time for these guys to start pounding the ball. It’s sad how poor our offense can be at times.
Come on, Joey!!!
Votto needs to be Votto here
@jas_428: no its the reality of being down 2-1 in a best of 5 and u are playing matchups.
Need JV to step-up.
Can someone who sees the reds on tv regularly inform me, just how fast is leake?
He is fast but no so quick.
Just not getting it done.
Fellas, Votto is a shell of himself right now.
he is sure chokeing up on his bat.
Not pretty. That.
This is gonna be as long as an AL game.
Crap! Come on Ludwick, do it again.
No lower body messes up the entire swing process. Votto’s knee needs the off-season worse than Rolen’s back/shoulder/
@cliff: pretty fast.
I think Joey was trying too hard there. I think he feels like they are down 1 because of his error (which is true technically), but he should have just put the ball in play.
Lincecum is very hittable and not so good. We ought to shell him.
Leake’s gotten a lot of heat on here (understandably so to an extent) but Votto’s the goat of this game thus far.
@RedLegHerrm:
Game is not over.
Thus. Far.
Key part of RLM’s post: “so far” and I agree. He has left a small village on base this game. Ans booted a ball that led to a run.. He owes us.
Lincecum puts the hammer down. Got a bad feeling for the next few innings.
8 left on. Not gonna cut it
Once again, early inning non-cashing in.
Oof. Two bad swings by Ludwick.
Anyone happy we’re into their bullpen, I still say it’s a bad thing.
If we can’t score on Licecum, we deserve to lose.
@RedLegHerrm: Yeah. 1-3 with a run and a missplayed ball. I say we cut his head off.
@CharlotteNCRedsFan: According to Gameday it’s 1.
Okay……………and your point is?
They just won’t take Leake out, will they?
Naw, Dusty is playing for game 5. Mike will have to take one for the team.
Thank you Dusty Baker. You just don’t get postseason managing, do you?
There is a reason Dusty baker has NEVER won a World Series.
Consider this: 2002 World Series – Russ Ortiz pitching a shutout in Game 6 would-be clincher and up 5-0 in seventh, Angels win in seven games. 2003 NLCS – Cubs up in eighth inning of Game 6, Marins win in seven games. 2012 NLDS – Tie game in ninth inning of would-be clincher for the Reds – fill in the blank.
Ouch. Thanks for that – I guess.
Get Leake out of there right about now.
It’s about to be 5-2, but at least the Reds are saving their bullpen for game 5.
Anyone in the Pen? Knowing Dusty, probably not yet.
We have woken the sleeping Giant!
Just too much faith in Leake by Dusty in this game. He settled down a little but too many rockets, too many balls up in the zone.
This offense is offensive and Dusty’s lack or grasp that this is a 5 game series is really showing.
Sure glad we gave up Cueto for 4 1/3rds of 4 run ball…
Cueto wouldn’t have been able to pitch physically till the WS anyway, that is not the issue here, the whole management of this roster and team in “playoff” baseball by Dusty is what the problem is.
LeCure coming in. About time.
Leake was TERRIBLE…up with everything all game.
But what’s really concerning to me, offensively, like last night, as the game goes along, the Reds get less selective at the plate. Votto swung at pitches out of the strike zone and Ludwick goes 2-0 then strikes out on 2 pitches down out of the strike zone.
I hope I’m wrong, but we’re looking at a game 5, I’m afraid, unless a) LeCure slams the door here and b)the offense starts hitting the ball, other than Ludwick no one has hit the ball hard.
Game 5 won’t be any different, if anything worse…sorry but this team is done…
No, what revitalized their offense was Leake.
THIS GAME IS NOT LOOKING GOOD! Bochey seems to be a much more active manager than Dusty.
I don’t know about “active” but certainly “better”. Need to score on Tim or it will be next to impossible to win this game, IMO.
Of course he is. He’s managing to win Game 4. Dusty’s managing to win Game 5.
While I agree that Dusty should have been more proactive regarding Leake, Bochey’s “activeness” also turned a 4-0 game into a 9-0 game. We still have 4 innings.
I have no problem with starting Leake, because there was not a great option. But Baker managed him horribly. Leake isn’t like Zito, where he just struggles. Instead, every 4th batter, a guy hits a rocket. Baker needs to understand that. I don’t get what he’s saving the pen for.
The Dusty Tax is mighty expensive during the postseason.
I don’t know what you want Dusty to do. He can’t get base hits with runners in scoring position. He can’t make quality pitches in tough spots. The only decision I have disagreed with is taking Hanigan out of the lineup today. Even if we win this game, its up to the players
I think we all saw exactly what we expected today when Leake was named the starter. We had hoped for the best but expected the worst. Talk about taking the air out of the crowd today.
Looks like the Reds might become the first National League team to blow a 2-0 lead.
Mike Leake was a total disaster.
The one thing the Reds are missing is a true clutch hitter. There isn’t one on this team. Votto has been a complete no-show in the series.
Or, you could say the Reds are missing a healthy Joey Votto. Same thing.
It simply looks like the Reds offense is trying to hit a HR every AB, whereas the Giants are trying to drive the ball.
That’s what I was getting at when I commented on Votto. He should have just put the ball in play, but instead it looked like he was swinging for the river.
Those were some horrific at bats.
The absence of Hanigan in the lineup is pretty evident. Navarro has looked pretty bad at the plate today.
Everyone go do something other than what you’ve been doing.
that was a quick inning.
Does anyone have ANY confidence in these guys scoring more than 1 or 2 off Cain tomorrow? Unreal. Beats losing to the Cards I guess. Sorry – in a glass-half-empty mood.
Cool, that means you got room for another 1/2 a beer.
I agree about the home run issue. I feel like the Reds are trying to put every pitch in the outfield seats instead of just trying to center pitches and drive them. Almost like they have changed their offensive approach because GABP
I am so disheartened by this. I am going to drown my sorrows and I’ll just get text updates.
Is there a reason that LeCure would not be considered for a spot start and get them thru a few innings? I can’t imagine him doing worse than Leake.
Lecure can miss bats. So can the rest of the pen. Leake simply cannot.
I need to start drinking. Playoff baseball is too much for me
Drew Stubbs gets a hit who would have thought that up.
We got 4 Innings left to hit, and strong back end of the pen. We can chip our way back into this….
Lovely. Miguel Cairo.
It is early yet.
Why not put a real hitter up there? How many chances are the Reds going to have?
Leave it to Dusty to bring in your worst hitter in this situation
Cairo really strikes fear into my heart.
Get him in, Brandon…
Shoot! Now we won’t have Cairo to pinch hit later.
That’s where Leake is missed – had to settle for Cairo batting.
Good job, but now there’s no one on and 2 outs. Not really a rally.
@AnnapolisHoosier: Its funny and sad at the same time.
Dusty is naturally nullifying all of his right moves in San Fran with the way he’s managing today.
Those two runs that Dusty let Leake give up loom really large now. Still can’t believe he left him in there.
Why can’t you believe it? His managing today is a joke, but he sticks with guys, postseason or not.
Can’t help but laugh at “good fundamental execution comment.
That slider is climbing higher and higher…..
I’m stuck at work. Can anyone tell me how it looks watching it? Trying to keep track. It’s not looking good. Playing tight? Just playing poor? Anything?
Votto, of all people, is pressing. I wish Frazier had started last night and Rolen today. Todd is great, yet, as a ROY candidate, he is by definition, not a veteran.
One of Cozart’s best ABs in long time.
2 more innings to get back in this. Simply cant let them have another run. And could we please have more than one more pitcher up at a time. Its not like a bullpen is taxed and plus we cant use them in the next series if we arent in the next series.
If Marshall-Broxton-Chapman are as good as they can be… we can come up with three runs off of this bullpen can’t we?
I knew we should have saved some of those game 2 runs. Used up way too many there.
@Sam Jackson: Looks like someone has not learned from his mistakes.
Wait, Arredondo? We’re hosed.
Why did we bring Simon again?
Let’s follow up our worst pinch hitter with our worst reliever in the bullpen.
Sure as heck doesn’t seem like Dusty wants to save the best for last. As I type this Arredondo gives up a run. Man, if I bought tickets for this mess, I’d be bummed.
Arrendon-don’t…Dusty is trying to just give it away.
Dusty!!!! Arrendondo is getting killed! Thats why you should have two pitchers up and ready.
Someone remind me why Simon is on the playoff roster.
Apparently so he could pitch the last two innings of this blowout.
Jose is not exactly fooling ‘em.
Once again Baker is playing for tomorrow, or else he’d not be bringing Arredondo in here.
Great, it’s almost as if the Reds have given up on this game. Get Arrendondo out.
Game, set, match! Dusty needs to take a cue from Bochey. Have guys up and ready in big playoff games, just in case your pitcher is not pitching well. This is absurd.
Maybe Dusty is in a Little League “make sure everybody gets to play” mood.
Man, it’s hard to chip away when they just keep getting the runs back.
This is crazy. Just giving the game away. Glad I didn’t pay for a ticket today. I would demand a refund.
Strike that… reverse it.
Wow………the boos.
I’m so sick of Dusty Baker. If we lose this series it will hurt worse than 2010. Of course not having Cueto is the biggest factor but this game is all on Dusty.
Arredondo is worthless.
We are playing a game 5 tommorow.
Talk about a B team effort.
WAY TO GO DUSTY BAKER! Now can you see Arredondo is not pitching.
This so ticks me off.
Big Gulps, huh? Welp, see ya later.
…and game over.
Let’s put it this way. I would rather be the Giants right now than the Reds. Doesn’t mean the Reds lose tomorrow for the historic collapse, but again, if I were a betting person, I’d go with the Giants.
I can’t wait to hear the interview with Dusty at the end of this one…
If the goal is to win the World Series, Dusty can’t return next year. He’ll never get it done.
This game has been so frustrating. I’m so mad about the way this game has been managed, I can’t stand to watch much more.
Leake- in way too long after all could see how rusty he was.
Arrendondo- puts it so far out of reach he should finish the game and release him immediately after.
In fairness, Bochy is in an elimination game, so he has no choice but to throw all he has out there. Dusty, though, doesn’t seem to do that. Whether that’s to protect players’ confidence, as seems to be his greatest strength, I don’t know. You also have to look at how bad the offense has been the past two games. You don’t win if you don’t score and that isn’t Dusty’s doing, necessarily.
The walk of shame for Dusty.
Finally Dusty dislodges the toothpick to take this guy out.
If this team completely collapses & loses Game 5 tomorrow – it had better be the last game that Toothpick ever manages in this town.
Arredondo did not deserve to be on the major league roster this season, much less the postseason one. He’s terrible. I question this move by Dusty most of all.
I feel like Dusty was playing this for Game 5 the entire time. Leake starting, Navarro catching, Cairo your first PH in the game, Arrendondo even sniffing the field…. that just tells me the Reds weren’t playing this one for the W, or for seriousness.
And he leaves Arredodo in there after the two double and 2 run homer … but then takes him out after a walk? Are you kidding me? This game is a total joke at this point.
Dusty is a players manager which is why he used his worst hitter and worst relief pitcher in key situations.
goodbye 2-0 lead, hello offseason.
You can not give away games in postseason. We did today. If the Reds lose tomorrow, Dusty should be shown the door. Very poor effort from the dugout today. Should have just forfeited this game.
Let’s hope Latos gets over his flu in a hurry.
I’m not normally one of the negative people on here but let’s face it folks: We’re toast. If we win tomorrow we’ll be swept by the Cardinals.
Fire Dusty Baker.
Why waste another pitcher after this game has been put out of reach? Might as well save all hands for tomorrow
I agree.
First, Hoover was up WAY too late. But once it goes 8-3, I’d just let Arredondo eat up innings.
Wow…this thread has lost all perspective
Not sure I’m following you. Given the circumstances I would say the sentiment here is pretty spot on.
My perspective is that I’m pissed about the way this game has gone and been managed without any degree of urgency to win. How about you?
Why waste more of the bullpen? At least if we get knocked out by the Giants tomorrow, we’ll be spared getting swept by the Cardinals.
@Larry1980: I disagree, the team is not playing for Game 5, Dusty Baker is.
That sound you hear is the sound of the other shoe dropping, Reds Country.
Its all on Matt Latos tommorow 4 players were traded for him, He can show it was all worth it.
No, it’s on the pitcher and the offense. The team has to find a way to get runners in.
Giants are full of themselves now. After they were demoralized. If you can’t tell I’m really pissed right now.
Someone needs to defend the use of Arredondo in this game for me. I don’t want to be a Dusty basher, but that seems like pure insanity to me. Is it logical to entertain the idea that he is managing for game 5 and is trying to save his bullpen? That’s the only thing I can think of.
If the Reds lose this series Dusty will not come back.
All the good Dusty did this season appears to be vaporizing in the last two games. Is he really that confident about the Reds’ chances in game 5?
Even if Latos no hits them tomorrow through the 7th, well…T.O.S….
Wow, what a bunch negativity. This team has bounced back from diversity all year every time you’d thought they’d collapse. I like our chances tomorrow with Latos on the hill against Cain. That is, if game 5 is necessary.
I like Latos tomorrow as well, but is it realistic to think the Reds can beat Cain 4 times this year? I’m sure hoping that will be the case, but this has been a beat down and it reflects on the board.
Yeah Tom, today has been a ball. I’m all giddy. Why be negative………are you kidding?
Well, there’s plenty of diversity on the team, and they’ve bounced back from adversity, but I think the negativity right now is pretty warranted, actually. You ain’t seen nothing yet, if the Reds lose tomorrow.
Diversity?
You know, young guys/old guys/Cubans/Texans…
Yeah, diversity….. or adversity maybe….. You said that positively though right?
Diversity? Really?
I thought he was talking about Marge Schott. She always did her best to overcome diversity.
The announcers are bragging on Arias and how he hit 2 doubles. Hey, he hit them off the 2 worst pitchers on the roster. Nothing to get too excited about.
The only hope right now is to get close enough to make Bochy use Romo again.
If the Reds stage a miracle comeback and come up a run or two short, Dusty should not be at the helm tomorrow.
Well it’s gotten to Votto now. Looking at a fastball right down the middle. What the hell is going on?
His body language has looked bad all day. I’m sure he’s bummed that his knee is so gimpy and he can’t be his usual amazing self.
Wow. Just wow. We needed two people to do a simply MEDIOCRE job for us today to win this game: Mike Leake and Dusty Baker. And, neither of them decided to do their jobs well. Leake was up in the zone all day, and I cannot think of a reason Arredondo should be on the flipping ROSTER right now, let alone pitching in Game 4 of the NLDS. Good news, though: Latos is pitching tomorrow. One of the only people on this team that I can really trust to have a good start here (Besides Votto, Phillips, Arroyo, and Ludwick. Maybe Bruce and Bailey,too–give me one more game to draw that conclusion)
Those were three terrible ABs by the heart of the order. Looks like they have given up on today.
I know everyone is bummed out right now but that shot by Sandoval just landed in my back yard. I’m going to throw it back.
Nicely played. I think we all needed that.
Well, it was a good season. not great, despite Dusty Baker. But Dusty has been thoroughly exposed as the bad manager that he is. I knew that a short series would expose him.
Maybe next year can be better, if they fire Dusty Baker.
I’ll see you guys on opening day.
Enjoy the off-season.
Out!
Don’t let the door hit you on the way out. And I’d say don’t bother coming back on here should the Reds advance tomorrow.
Second that motion, RLH. I don’t care for DB but I love them Reds. Yes I do!
Okay, Driesman may have a point. The winner of the Negativity Award belongs to you. And it’s not even close. Get a grip.
What a bunch of whiners and crybabies we have around here. I suspect this team has a lot more courage than you bunch of dopes, and we’ll see it tomorrow.
That’s funny, people like you said the same thing yesterday. Perhaps if they lose tomorrow, you can say that the team will get them in next year’s NLDS.
Also, it’s a lot different when you play the game and when you watch it. You feel like you have control over at least part of it when you play. It’s more difficult to watch this, at least to me.
Isn’t it obvious? The Reds are losing on purpose in order to play more home games. They will come out and mash again tomorrow.
As to the negativity, I’m sure Yankees fans were thrilled going to game 7 the year the Sox came back down 3-0.
SF should start The Freak if they go on to the NLCS.
I think it’s pretty obvious they will. Zito was horrible. And Lincecum has pitched well in two games.
@RedForever: Don’t let the door hit you on the way out loser.
Is Ondrusek on the PS roster? He should be pitching here and not Hoover. This is mop up time.
Don’t you know that Dusty thinks Ondrusek is a lot better than anybody else does. He will be used in a crucial situation tomorrow and we will all have to close our eyes.
Ondrusek isn’t on the postseason roster.
That’s right. Sorry.
If you want to get anything out of this series- put a bundle on the Giants tomorrow with Cain pitching; I know I’m going to with what I won off of the WLB’s game today.
@jessecuster44: He has to be.
Why didn’t Hanny start today and maybe Heisey over Stubbs?
Looking for a couple of positives from today: We won’t see Lincecum tomorrow, Rolen didn’t make an error today, Stubbs got a double and the best of our bullpen is well rested…
Nothing is impossible, but Cain helped the Giants win a world series two years ago and is one of the best in the league. Latos has been excellent, but he’s sick and the offense has had seemingly two good games in the past three weeks. It doesn’t look good. I don’t know if you bring Dusty back if they lose tomorrow or not, but he’s only one of several decisions to be made. And, they don’t have to fire him. He has no contract for 2013.
I don’t really think it’s Dusty. This team just got too cocky. Maybe the best thing to happen to them is this woodshed beating today. They probably just passed off last night as an unlucky break. If today doesn’t wake them up, they really don’t deserve to move on tomorrow.
Haha, yeah, some of these comments are pretty off the cliff.
Assuming Latos is feeling well, I like our chances tomorrow.
@RedForever: Okay dude, I’m infuriated right now. But we can still win this series. I actually think we will–the guy who I think is pitcher #1b, Latos, is on the mound against a team he has had a ridiculous amount of success against. We will have our best relievers ready tomorrow. Ludwick is on fire, BP is still hitting decent, and Bruce doesn’t look bad. Also, Votto is Votto. Be negative about this game all you want, but don’t give up on this team. They haven’t lost the series yet.
I don’t see any situation where getting your ass kicked is good for you. And Dusty will be all “Settle down, guys. We’ve been here before. Everything will be all right” after the game when perhaps a Piniella or Sparky-esque “get your butts in gear or else,” rant would be more appropriate. I just see this team more as the type that is frustrated and swinging from their heels, then putting their heads down and stumping back to the dugout because they’re down on themselves.
@Sam Jackson:
Hey, I never said tonight was good for us. I’m just trying to be positive and not completely throw away everything just because the manager is being more absent-minded than usual (imo). I’m looking forward to tomorrow, because, I actually believe in our team. Whether or not we get our asses handed to us in 1 game of five.
Really surprising to me that they’re burning Lincecum for tomorrow.
This is sort of surprising.
Stubbs actually hit today. I’m not really down on him for his performance. I find the management of the pitching and choice of Cairo for PH was lousy as well.
If the offense is desperately swinging for the fence today going into the game 2-1 up — what are we going to see tomorrow?
Also, the Giants won 90-plus games and a division this year, too, and they did win the series two years ago. If ever there was a commercial for the benefits of not only having been there before but having WON before, this round is it.
Fans are even booing Frazier. Not any happier lot than RedlegNAtion.
Dusty should have treated this game like he did in game 1 when Cueto sat down. Use the best available pitchers to put together the game much like the Giants have today. Leake was not the answer and he would have been better as a pinch hitter than Cairo!
I’m getting tired of the announcers bragging about the Giants offensive outburst. The Astros could have got 8 runs off of Leake and Arredondo the way they pitched today. The Reds need to put this behind them and go get ‘em tomorrow. It wouldn’t hurt if they could push a run or two across and send a message for tomorrow.
Maybe Walt wanted more revenue and going to game 5
How about a dinger for Heisey…
What’s the game time tomorrow?
I believe it’s the first game around 1:15pm…
or not… wishful thinking.
Wow..Dusty will now have blown leads in a WS and two different playoff games with 3 different teams..that has to be some kind of record…
@RedLegHerrm: He had already thrown 4 1/3 before this inning, he wasn’t going to pitch tomorrow anyway.
Getting into the Giants pen is not the goal, or at least, it shouldn’t be.
Tomorrow it most certainly should be.
@RedLegHerrm: Precisely. We have some deep thinkers here but at times they miss the big picture. I hope Cain doesn’t get an out tomorrow. Bullpen be damned.
That wasn’t what I meant, and you must know that.
No, I believe you missed RLH’s.
I’m “not” a deep thinker so when I consider a starting pitcher exiting early, I surmise he must of been hammered. I’m thinking that was Red’s point but I could be wrong.
I was referring to the last two days, when the starter left after the 5th and before the 3rd, and the Reds got a total of 3 runs. Usually it’s good to knock a starter out, but not in either of these cases.
Now, Cain is better by a mile than those last two guys, but their bullpen guys are better than Cain. You can check the stats….
Okay. My apologies. I really wasn’t getting the point. Pretty worked up today. Point taken and accepted. Just hope Cain doesn’t see the 2nd inning tomorrow because he was knocked out.
No issues. I’m a bit worked up myself. Plus, tomorrow, some of have to work for a living. What should I do so I can watch this? Or should I skip. I want to know, Charlotte.
Why? Their pen is good. And the good part of it didn’t pitch at all today.
What I mean is running up pitch counts solely for the purpose of getting into the pen makes no sense to me. Tomorrow the Giants will not use anything but their best relievers. Even if Cain goes 3 innings. Obviously, I’d like to get into their pen because we scored 6 runs.
On the other hand, I would be shocked if the Reds go to the pen before the 6th or 7th. Baker doesn’t work that way. For me, if Latos were to struggle (hopefully he won’t), I’d have Marshall in in the 4th inning if that’s what it took, pitching 2 innings.
They could have pulled him well before this inning.
It’s not so much the negativity… it’s not even the pronouncements of doom for tomorrow. It’s the armchair psychoanalysis that gives me gas the most. Feh.
@seat101: Still “feeling it” Seat? No idea it was going to be this brutal. Worse Reds’ performance I’ve seen all season. Just glad I didn’t drop $100+ to watch this debacle. So things could be worse.
1 pm start time tomorrow for those brave enough to watch.
I forgot, Canadians, too. (sorry, Joey)
@SirRibShack: 3 1/3*
Pretty clear that Dusty is a good manager over a long season, but his short series record is suspect, to say the least. I DO NOT like sacrificing game 4 for tomorrow. Still I remember dusty leaving Bailey in vs St. Louis all the way back in July, and that paid huge dividends. Can Dusty finally win a huge postseason game? I still have faith.
I turned it. I’m guessing they didn’t come back an win?
@CharlotteNCRedsFan:
I may go down tomorrow and see if there are any last minute sellers.
@seat101: Don’t they normally win when you are in attendance? If so, please go. A little good karma can’t hurt. Luckily it is an early afternoon game so we don’t have to reflect on this turkey for too long.
@RedLegHerrm: Why? They’re bullpen had been quite used the last three games why wouldn’t they want to give everyone a rest?
Lincecum’s been their best arm out of the bullpen. Why wouldn’t you want to save him for Game 5?
This team doesn’t look like the 2010 team at all. Postseason experience has made all the difference.
Dusty will be 19-24 as playoff mgr. in 20 yrs, he’s won 3 playoff series…2 in 2002
@Tom Diesman:
Positively I was positive. Just like I was when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor.
Tomorrow will be better.
I’m glad I don’t live in the market. The unrest will be absolutely unreal if this team drops three straight at home to blow a series. A poll question, though: Better to (A.) lose to the Giants in five during the LDS or (B.) get beat in the NLCS by the Cardinals. I say B. I think St. Louis is clearly playing the best of any team in the postseason right now.
There is zero reason Dusty should be back next season. Also need to get a new approach hitting coach…
@Sam Jackson: Dusty certainly doesn’t have to play that card. The next tough question he gets from the writers that cover the team will be the first. The only writer I’ve seen willing to question him at all is John Erardi. In all the years I’ve followed the Reds I’ve never seen a manager that the press fell all over themselves defending more than Dusty. Make no mistake, nothing that happens short of a world championship will be blamed on Dusty by Fay and Co.
This +1
Yeah, they treat him like Obama.
@CharlotteNCRedsFan:
I’m over .500, but I was fading at the end. I’ll check Stubhub. I think there are a lot of folks who have ductats but were not planning to go to a game five.
1 o’clock start so it might just be a buyer’s market. Good luck.
Well, I’ll be at work tomorrow during the entire game. Was for most of today’s, but when on the computer from time to time. I think I’ll take myself off the grid tomorrow and just check in @ 5 o’clock and hope for the best. GO REDS! Don’t go out like this, please.
@RedLegHerrm: Exactly. He was pitching in a two run then three run game. By the time it was 5 runs he had probably thrown too many pitches to pitch tomorrow. Why would you pull the guy that’s getting outs and not allowing runs to bring someone else in out of their gassed bullpen?
He hadn’t though. That’s been my point this entire time. He had a reasonable pitch count around 25 by the time game was out of hand.
The Reds have not lost 3 straight at GABP all yr.
Always a “first” in everything…
Paint It Black for Votto? How long has this been going on?
All year, at least.
@Abel: Started using it last year I’m pretty sure.
@RedLegHerrm: You’re missing the bigger point. They’re best relievers are spent, they HAVE to win tonight. Lincecum was effective why would you pull him for someone that could be less effective and piss the lead away? You have to win game 4 to play game 5…
Again: Lopez has pitched to 1 batter in the series. Romo has pitched a total of 2 innings, right, and has a day off from those 2. Affeldt pitched 2, but had a day off. Casilla and Kontos are spent, I’d guess. But unless the Reds knock Cain out in the 2nd inning, they’re probably going to do just fine tomorrow with the front end of the bullpen spent.
@Abel: Huh, I just never noticed. Depending on who’s announcing, I do watch muted a fair amount…
Okay..Reds have played 4 games and/or 37 innings and have scored a whopping 17 runs, of which 9 came in one game. Who here really thinks we are going to open a can of whoop butt tomorrow on Cain? Basically Latos in not 100% shape is going to have to do what Bailey and Bronson did in games 2 and 3 for us to even have a shot and I don’t see that happening. It was a great season with a lousy ending, I just hope Walt and Bob see that Dusty while a nice guy and well loved/respected doesn’t have the ability to take this franchise to the next level, because if he returns with a 2-3 year deal nothing is going to change….
I’ll be listening on MLB Audio as part of my MLB-TV subscription, at work. Rather listen tomorrow. I’ll need Marty’s insight, especially if we lose. Which I do not believe is likely. Heck, any decent pitcher we have is rested. Even Arroyo or Bailey might be able to get an out or two. We need 6 strong out of Latos, more than anything. Jose should not even wear a uni tomorrow if Dusty has any sense. Miss your insights if your not around. Go Reds!
@Hank Aarons Teammate: This was for you HAT.
There is no way a Reds fan can lose tomorrow. We have Latos on the mound, a well rested best of the bullpen and Hanigan will be back. On the other hand, if the Reds get swept at home, one would think the Reds ownership would have to be thinking the management situation needs a new face (see OSU and Urban Meyer).
I wonder if Dusty knows that after tomorrow there are no more games if we don’t win? Someone might want to remind him of that…
Anyone want to fly me up from Chattanooga? The Reds are 6-0 when I’m in attendance