5/6/2013 Braves at Reds

[cumberlandreds]

Here's tonights lineups. Robinson drew the short straw for LF tonight.
McCann is making his 2013 debut tonight for the Braves.


Braves

1. B.J. Upton (R) CF
2. Chris Johnson (R) 3B
3. Justin Upton (R) RF
4. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B
5. Evan Gattis (R) LF
6. Brian McCann (L) C
7. Dan Uggla (R) 2B
8. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS
9. Paul Maholm (L) P

Reds

1. Shin-Soo Choo (L) CF
2. Zack Cozart (R) SS
3. Joey Votto (L) 1B
4. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
5. Jay Bruce (L) RF
6. Todd Frazier (R) 3B
7. Devin Mesoraco (R) C
8. Derrick Robinson (S) LF
9. Bronson Arroyo (R)

[Tom Servo]

Scary lineup for Bronson to face.

[LeDoux]

Scary lineup for Bronson to face.

I agree. If gives the Reds a quality start I will be impressed.

[NeilHamburger]

Braves really struggle against righties with a good breaking ball. I actually think this is a good matchup for Bronson. Only thing that hurts is McCann coming back for this series.

[R_Webb18]

I could be wrong but I think Bronson could do well. A lot of these hitters strike out a lot and they might not be able figure Bronson at least early.

[Raisor]

What are the odds they play tonight?

[LeDoux]

What are the odds they play tonight?

From the forecast it looks like a coin flip for getting an official game in. And a small chance they complete nine today.

[Tom Servo]

Braves really struggle against righties with a good breaking ball. I actually think this is a good matchup for Bronson. Only thing that hurts is McCann coming back for this series.


I could be wrong but I think Bronson could do well. A lot of these hitters strike out a lot and they might not be able figure Bronson at least early.

I just look at the names and remember the damage, and the stats seem to back my memory up, granted it's not murderer's row though. Excluding BJ because he's new to the NL and Gattis and Simmons because they haven't face him, here's this lineups #s against Bronson:

Johnson has batted .400 against BA
Justin Upton is .223 with 2 HR
McCann is .500 with 4 HR
Freeman is .429 with 1 HR
Uggla is .333 with 2 HR's

[Tony Cloninger]

Robinson is a switch hitter right? Why not try him batting 2nd?

[Kc61]

Scary lineup for Bronson to face.

The lineup would be a heck of a lot more scary with Juan Francisco. Say what you will about Juan, he's very tough on righties -- and considering Arroyo's fly ball tendencies and GABP's dimensions, Juan might be a nightmare tonight.

Fortunately for the Reds, Juan hurt an ankle sliding the other day and is out tonight. He is "day to day" so he could return this series.

As is, the Braves are mostly right handed which plays to Arroyo's strength.

Derrick Robinson is now the righty platoon in LF, which makes sense, although you wonder if the Reds couldn't find a more potent bat for that role. Reds are weak in righty hitters off the bench.

[Kc61]

Robinson is a switch hitter right? Why not try him batting 2nd?

That ship has sailed.

It really shouldn't matter that Robinson is a switch hitter because with Paul, if a lefty comes in, you hit for him.

So either way the Reds can avoid the handedness problem, it shouldn't come up in a strict platoon.

Dusty is simply sticking with Cozart. And against a lefty it has a better chance of working.

[Tony Cloninger]

That ship has sailed.

It really shouldn't matter that Robinson is a switch hitter because with Paul, if a lefty comes in, you hit for him.

So either way the Reds can avoid the handedness problem, it shouldn't come up in a strict platoon.

Dusty is simply sticking with Cozart. And against a lefty it has a better chance of working.


Against LHP sure....just like we used to say about Stubbs as well.

Baker's intangibles that we cannot see as a manager must be off the charts with his inability to understand match ups against LHP and platoon systems.

I wish Earl Weaver was his mentor....instead of Lasorda.

[bubbachunk]

Just bat Frazier second, move Mez up to 6 and Cozart 7th where he should be...

[reds44]

Just bat Frazier second, move Mez up to 6 and Cozart 7th where he should be...
It's not like Frazier is on an base machine.

Or Mez has been an anything machine.

[VR]

If the game gets played....I think Maholm gets lit up by this Reds lineup.

[Reds Fanatic]

Upton strikes out swinging.

[R_Webb18]

3 pitches 1 out

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson walks

[Reds Fanatic]

Bloop hit to right by J. Upton. 1st and 3rd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freeman singles to right. 1st and 2nd. 1-0 Braves

[Mutaman]

Boy Bronson has trouble with left handed hitters.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gattis strikes out swinging. 2 Ks.

[REDSEER]

I suggest we not throw Gattis a fastball tonight.

[redsfaninbsg]

I suggest the Braves only hit right handed.

[19braves77]

I wonder if the Reds would be interested in McCann ?

[BluegrassRedleg]

Just turned it on. Those wide-angle shots of GABP are embarrassing. Where are the fans tonight???

[Reds Fanatic]

McCann walks. Bases loaded.

[redsfaninbsg]

Big at bat here.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Wow. Arroyo got away with that 0-1 pitch to Uggla. Hung that sucker in the upper part of the zone.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo has thrown a ton of pitches already

[Reds Fanatic]

Uggla strikes out looking. 3 Ks. 1-0 Braves mid 1st.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Big pitch there. Minimal damage.

[Mutaman]

Nice job by Bronson. Not pitching to McCann was smart. Nice play by Bruce.

[PuffyPig]

Arroyo looked pretty good that inning, done in on a couple of bloop hits.

[ProfessorTofty]

Nice job getting out of the jam.

[Reds Fanatic]

Choo strikes out looking

[Screwball]

Just turned it on. Those wide-angle shots of GABP are embarrassing. Where are the fans tonight???

I think the threat of rain is keeping the crowds away tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart strikes out looking

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Good grief. Six inches to the left and right side of the plate getting strike calls.

[Reds Fanatic]

I think the threat of rain is keeping the crowds away tonight.

I think that probably held it down but the rain has really cleared out. This will probably be about the best weather of the week as there is a chance of rain every day through Saturday

[Kc61]

Just joining game thread. Glad to see so many gave kudos for Arroyo in the first.

Bronson gets out of jams very well, always has. I appreciated his refusal to give in to McCann, walked him, but for the greater good.

Let's hope the Reds get him some runs.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

The offensive black hole that is Cozart continues.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto with a soft liner to left. 1-0 Braves after 1.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just got home. Down 1-0. How did Bronson look? Bad Bronson or Good Bronson against a good club?

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

The center fielder leading off and whoever plays shortstop bats second routine with Dusty is just maddening.

[Reds Fanatic]

Simmons with a long homer to left. 2-0 Braves

[Tom Servo]

crushed

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* I guess my question just got answered by Simmons. Gone...by a LOT.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Looks like it's gonna be a long night.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Just joining game thread. Glad to see so many gave kudos for Arroyo in the first.

Bronson gets out of jams very well, always has. I appreciated his refusal to give in to McCann, walked him, but for the greater good.

Let's hope the Reds get him some runs.

He threw a lot of pitches but struck out the... Never mind, bomb by Simmons. This might be bad Bronson.

[Reds Fanatic]

Just got home. Down 1-0. How did Bronson look? Bad Bronson or Good Bronson against a good club?

Wasnt that bad in the first. Really a couple of bloop hits but Simmons crushed that ball.

[redsfaninbsg]

Reds are going to have to score some runs in this one.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Location could not have been worse if it was a on a tee.

[reds700]

One bloop hit. Others have been roped.

[Reds Fanatic]

Malholm grounds out to 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wasnt that bad in the first. Really a couple of bloop hits but Simmons crushed that ball.

Thanks RF. Bad timing on my part...show up and BOOM. Ugh.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

[Reds Fanatic]

B. Upton strikes out swinging. 4 Ks.

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson strikes out looking. 5 Ks. 2-0 Braves mid 2nd.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

Soft-tossing lefty; of course he does ;)

[Gainesville Red]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

7-4, 3.70 in 20 starts



From Fay's twitter.

[Screwball]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

He's tough on lefties, but struggles against RHBers. Phillips and Frazier (and Mesoraco?) might have to do the heavy lifting tonight.

[Kc61]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

My memory is exactly the same.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just going by memory but doesn't Maholm own us??

I know he owns the lefties Votto & Bruce. Not sure of the rest. At least he did with the Bucs.

[gilpdawg]

Just bat Frazier second, move Mez up to 6 and Cozart 7th where he should be...

Votto second....move everyone up a spot, Cozart 7th or 8th.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to short.

[Screwball]

Phillips grounds out to short.

Nice play by Simmons. He made it look easy.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging

[_Sir_Charles_]

Where did that slow curve come from? I don't remember him having that before. That'll be hell on lefties.

[50YrRedsFan]

Bruce strikes out swinging

What else?

[foxfire123]

Gonna be a looooonnng night. :(

[Reds Fanatic]

Frazier grounds out to short on a 3-0 pitch. 2-0 Braves after 2.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Simmons. He made it look easy.

He looks smooth over there.

[reds700]

That a boy Frazier.

[nate]

Chat is open!

[Kc61]

Just as a matter of roster management.

There are righty hitters who really can hit lefty pitching. They don't do much else, but guys who just hit lefties.

With Ludwick out the Reds should have acquired such a hitter. One example (from another thread today) is Scott Hairston of the Cubs.

Derrick Robinson is a decent fifth outfielder he can field, run, get a single to right occasionally, but he doesn't provide any pop.

Reds have nothing on the bench from the right side, no power righty platoon man for LF.

I guess they would say Heisey has pop, but he hasn't hit in a long while and now is out.

Don't understand why the team has Lutz and Robinson and no righty bat.

[Screwball]

3-4-5 due up for Atlanta this inning.

[Reds Fanatic]

J. Upton flies out to left

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Does Jacoby or Anyone work with Bruce at all???? I'm so tired of watching him strikeout 2-3 times a game only to be followed up with 2 to3 groundouts to shortstop or 3rd by Frazier.

[thatcoolguy_22]

Has anyone ever won the Toyota?

[Reds Fanatic]

Freeman doubles to right

[gilpdawg]

Has anyone ever won the Toyota?

No. They usually donate it to a local fire or police dept. at the end of the year.

Sent from my Transformer TF101 using Tapatalk HD

[Reds Fanatic]

Gattis grounds out to 2nd. Ball hit off Arroyo but he is ok. Runner to 3rd.

[gilpdawg]

Does Jacoby or Anyone work with Bruce at all???? I'm so tired of watching him strikeout 2-3 times a game only to be followed up with 2 to3 groundouts to shortstop or 3rd by Frazier.

No. No one ever works with Bruce, and he isn't trying at all.

/sarcasm :D

[Reds Fanatic]

McCann grounds out to 1st. 2-0 Braves mid 3rd.

[kaldaniels]

Love to watch Bronson pitch. Never panics. You can see he has a plan and sticks to it.

[Kc61]

Does Jacoby or Anyone work with Bruce at all???? I'm so tired of watching him strikeout 2-3 times a game only to be followed up with 2 to3 groundouts to shortstop or 3rd by Frazier.

Again, the roster management point. They may want to sit Bruce against certain lefties right now. Why subject him to a guy like this when he's striking out almost every time.

But there really is no righty alternative.

Reds bench (when Robinson plays) is three lefties - Lutz, Hannahan, Paul -- catcher, and switcher Izturis.

Don't want to beat a dead horse, but it really isn't well thought out. I'll move on at this point.

[Reds Freak]

Does Jacoby or Anyone work with Bruce at all???? I'm so tired of watching him strikeout 2-3 times a game only to be followed up with 2 to3 groundouts to shortstop or 3rd by Frazier.

Jacoby has offered to work with Bruce in the past but Jay has politely declined.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Love to watch Bronson pitch. Never panics. You can see he has a plan and sticks to it.

Agreed. Simply no other pitcher I enjoy watching more. Sure, he gets lit up every now and then...but he's just so different from any other pitcher it just accentuates his fine nuances.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

I never see the Fox Sports girl that I thought was the cutest of the 3. I guess she quit??

[Reds Fanatic]

Mesoraco grounds out to short.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Boy, Upton played that poorly. Could've been a triple for Robinson.

[50YrRedsFan]

Mesoraco has a good approach at the plate...doesn't swing blindly when he is behind in the count like others on this team.

[Reds Fanatic]

Robinson singles to right.

[Wonderful Monds]

Oh yeah, let's just give away an out with 1 away already. Brilliant.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo sacrifices the runner to 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Choo soft line out to short. 2-0 Braves after 3.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

choo's lip swelled bigtime

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds with 1 base runner through 3. Another slow offensive start.

[kaldaniels]

Oh yeah, let's just give away an out with 1 away already. Brilliant.

When a pitcher is bearing down with a pitcher at bat I have to think its not that bad to sacrifice...if not advantageous.

[Mutaman]

Oh yeah, let's just give away an out with 1 away already. Brilliant.

What are you talking about? its Arroyo batting. Move the runner into scoring position for Choo. This is pretty basic stuff.

[Kc61]

Choo doesn't hit lefties much.

In the last seven games before tonight, Reds have a homer by Choo and a homer by Phillips. And none other.

[WildcatFan]

My favorite question: What's everyone drinking?

Kentucky IPA for me.

[Screwball]

Maholm looks like a LOOGY out there. His stuff is just death on lefties.

[_Sir_Charles_]

When a pitcher is bearing down with a pitcher at bat I have to think its not that bad to sacrifice...if not advantageous.

I wouldn't have minded seeing a butcher boy there though, Johnson was charging pretty hard. But I agree, a sac there is a good idea.

[Reds Fanatic]

Uggla triples to right center.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bad break there. Ball got stuck at the base of the wall. Uggla turns it into a triple.

[50YrRedsFan]

Uggla with a 3 bagger. More trouble for Arroyo

[Wonderful Monds]

When a pitcher is bearing down with a pitcher at bat I have to think its not that bad to sacrifice...if not advantageous.

Maybe with no outs, IMO you don't give away an out to go to 2 outs, I like my chances better with the pitcher swinging away (unless its Aaron Harang) than a runner on 2nd with 2 away already.

[Wonderful Monds]

Braves got the runs tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

Simmons singles past a drawn in Cozart. 3-0 Braves

[Wonderful Monds]

What are you talking about? its Arroyo batting. Move the runner into scoring position for Choo. This is pretty basic stuff.

It might be conventional, but that doesn't make it the smart thing to do necessarily.

[Kc61]

Maybe with no outs, IMO you don't give away an out to go to 2 outs, I like my chances better with the pitcher swinging away (unless its Aaron Harang) than a runner on 2nd with 2 away already.

I think this has to be a minority view. I agree that bunting with a position player in that spot is a mistake.

But with Arroyo up, you have to bunt. Choo doesn't hit lefties that well but the best play there is to let Choo hit with a man on second.

Now a fielding miscue. This is a disaster so far.

[WildcatFan]

Blown call.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bad call. He was out.

[Wonderful Monds]

Curious decision, even though I think he was out.

[Kc61]

Cozart touched the bag, terrible call, ridiculous.

[Reds Fanatic]

This is getting ugly fast. Bunt in front of the plate. Mesoraco throws it to Cozart. They call him off the base but that is a missed call.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Bad call by the second base ump

[Wonderful Monds]

Thanks human element.

[Kc61]

Throwing error on Mes on that play.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Already 70 pitches with 0 out in the 4th

[Reds Fanatic]

B. Upton strikes out for the 3rd time in 4 innings.

[kaldaniels]

BJ trying to hit it in the River.

[Wonderful Monds]

I really don't see why the review umpire watching the game on a TV screen somewhere hasn't already been done.

[WildcatFan]

Man, I do not like BJ Upton.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KKKKKK

[holster10]

Arroyo pitching up in the zone....that doesn't bode well.

[kaldaniels]

Already 70 pitches with 0 out in the 4th

On pace for 6 innings. Honestly, do you want him out there past 6 tonight?

Edit - I erred on the math, but still, pitch count is least of my concerns. If he holds them at 3 runs, I still think he gets thru 6 based on pitch count alone.

[Screwball]

Could really use a ground ball here.

[Mutaman]

Maybe with no outs, IMO you don't give away an out to go to 2 outs, I like my chances better with the pitcher swinging away (unless its Aaron Harang) than a runner on 2nd with 2 away already.

I doubt many would agree with you. Different strokes.

But your post inferred that Baker did something stupid by calling for the bunt and thats rediculous.

[WVRedsFan]

This game is really hard to watch. Their luck with our ineptness at the plate and in the field. Recipe for disaster. If BA can hold them to 3 runs, we have a chance, but if it gets to their bullpen, it's goodnight Irene.

[WildcatFan]

Wonder when the last time a guy had three strikeouts in the third inning was.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Chris Johnson is a guy I wanted the Reds to go after back when he was with the Astros. I really liked his game. He's starting to really put it together now.

[Reds Freak]

Arroyo seems annoyed by Mesoraco tonight, rarely are they on the same page.

[Wonderful Monds]

I doubt many would agree with you. Different strokes.

But your post inferred that Baker did something stupid by calling for the bunt and thats rediculous.

I do think its stupid, regardless of how many would agree with it.

[holster10]

chris johnson won't swing the bat until he has two strikes on him.

[reds700]

When do we play another bad team? Can't beat the good ones.

[Wonderful Monds]

Mes still too jumpy behind the plate.

[_Sir_Charles_]

When do we play another bad team? Can't beat the good ones.

Little early to call this one, don't ya think?

[Mutaman]

Arroyo seems annoyed by Mesoraco tonight, rarely are they on the same page.

i agree. he seems to really miss hanigan.

[nate]

Jacoby has offered to work with Bruce in the past but Jay has politely declined.

I've never heard this before. Is there a link?

[Wonderful Monds]

i agree. he seems to really miss hanigan.

Kind of surprised a savvy vet like Bronson needs his own catcher at this point.

[kaldaniels]

I do think its stupid, regardless of how many would agree with it.

It stinks when posters stake themselves to a position so strongly they can't step back and acknowledge the other side has a point.

[WildcatFan]

Little early to call this one, don't ya think?

Third inning game thread predictions are not doing well against the spread.

But they're 100% on getting eye rolls from me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I've never heard this before. Is there a link?

Same here. News to me.

[Wonderful Monds]

It stinks when posters stake themselves to a position so strongly they can't step back and acknowledge the other side has a point.

I'm not saying there's no point to bunting there, I see the point, I just personally think its stupid.

[holster10]

i agree. he seems to really miss hanigan.

i am watching the same game....not seeing that.... arroyo is pitching up and over central (center of plate) and you couldnt miss that with an ironing board.

[Kc61]

I can see why Chris Johnson has good numbers so far. He makes contact and fouls off the two strike pitches.

[WildcatFan]

Wow, 80 pitches.

[dabvu2498]

Kind of surprised a savvy vet like Bronson needs his own catcher at this point.

Greg Maddux hardly ever threw to Javy Lopez.

[kaldaniels]

I'm not saying there's no point to bunting there, I see the point, I just personally think its stupid.

I would have bunted. The way I read it you are calling my (would-be) decision stupid.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bronson at 80 pitches. We're gonna see some Simon tonight.

Yessirree!

[Reds Fanatic]

6-4-3 DP. 3-0 Braves mid 4th

[Kc61]

DP ends the inning. Reds need to hit the baseball.

[ProfessorTofty]

And another nice job getting out of trouble, but now we need to avoid more trouble and get some runs.

[WildcatFan]

And another nice job getting out of trouble, but now we need to avoid more trouble and get some runs.

Can't argue this.

[reds700]

Little early to call this one, don't ya think?

Have had a streak of looking stupid lately. Hope it continues.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Little early to call this one, don't ya think?

Would love for them to prove us wrong but have seen this already many times this year so I honestly dont think it is too early

[Reds Freak]

i am watching the same game....not seeing that.... arroyo is pitching up and over central (center of plate) and you couldnt miss that with an ironing board.

Arroyo typically works pretty fast. Lots of shake-offs, lots of step-offs and yes a lot of balls right down the can tonight...

[Wonderful Monds]

I would have bunted. The way I read it you are calling my (would-be) decision stupid.

I mean kind of I guess, although I think you're going a little out of the way to make it a personal thing.

I just think that when you're trying to give away an out, it's almost always going to result in that happening. At least with the pitcher hitting, there's at least a chance of successfully advancing the runner and having more than one chance to drive him in.

[50YrRedsFan]

And another nice job getting out of trouble, but now we need to avoid more trouble and get some runs.

It's hard when you start the inning with an automatic out. Prove me wrong, Zach, please.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I can see why Chris Johnson has good numbers so far. He makes contact and fouls off the two strike pitches.

He's a solid hitter, a solid defender, heady baserunner....just a very solid ball player. Probably never an all-star...but rock solid. Before we had the Frazier/Francisco thing settled...he's a guy I thought the Reds should've gone after. It was pretty obvious that the Astros were selling off everybody. He hadn't really broken out yet as it were, but if you watched him day in and day out you could see it. I'll be shocked if Francisco ever pushes him out of the starters role.

[Wonderful Monds]

Would love for them to prove us wrong but have seen this already many times this year so I honestly dont think it is too early

Have we?

[Screwball]

Reds' 2-3-4 are due up, with two righties. Good time to scratch one across.

[redsfaninbsg]

Cozart is due right?

[WildcatFan]

I'll be shocked if Francisco ever pushes him out of the starters role.

Unless he physically pushes him.

He's fat.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Arroyo typically works pretty fast. Lots of shake-offs, lots of step-offs and yes a lot of balls right down the can tonight...

A lot of that might just be that he's gassed. He's thrown an AWFUL lot of pitches in 4 innings. Lots of that is just him catching his breath and settling himself down.

That being said, there's still a world of difference between Hanny and Mes behind the dish.

[Kc61]

He's a solid hitter, a solid defender, heady baserunner....just a very solid ball player. Probably never an all-star...but rock solid. Before we had the Frazier/Francisco thing settled...he's a guy I thought the Reds should've gone after. It was pretty obvious that the Astros were selling off everybody. He hadn't really broken out yet as it were, but if you watched him day in and day out you could see it. I'll be shocked if Francisco ever pushes him out of the starters role.

Hate to disagree, but Johnson does not currently have the starters role.

Francisco and Johnson basically platoon.

Francisco, however, has had injuries this season. Right now he is out with an ankle sprain.

Juan has good numbers this year. His OPS+ is 117.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart lines a single to left

[Screwball]

Nice AB there from Cozart. Especially after getting down 0-2.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cozart !!!!! a base hit. I'll challenge him more often.

[holster10]

this pitcher rarely throws strikes, everything sinks out of the zone just before the plate.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hate to disagree, but Johnson does not currently have the starters role.

Francisco and Johnson basically platoon.

Francisco, however, has had injuries this season. Right now he is out with an ankle sprain.

Juan has good numbers this year. His OPS+ is 117.

Really? I'm really surprised by that. I just looked at Juan's numbers...not too shabby. But I'm clearly higher on Johnson than most.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto walks. 1st and 2nd.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

Have we?

Heard Kelch say on tv a few days back after 28 games we had scored 2 runs or less in 12 of those games.

[Wonderful Monds]

Joey Vottos down to first

[Mutaman]

It stinks when posters stake themselves to a position so strongly they can't step back and acknowledge the other side has a point.

Sorry buddy but I think 2 plus 2 equals 5 and I don't care how many people disagree with me.

[Wonderful Monds]

Sorry buddy but I think 2 plus 2 equals 5 and I don't care how many people disagree with me.

That's not even close to being analogous to my point, but whatever, enjoy yourself.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice. RBI 2 bagger for BPhil!

[ProfessorTofty]

Alright, we're on the board!

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips doubles to left! 3-1 Braves. 2nd and 3rd

[WildcatFan]

Somebody's really got to start telling Reds hitters that the games are over in the fourth inning.

[Wonderful Monds]

That's what happens when you play a catcher in the OF.

[Tom Servo]

DatDude!

[Wonderful Monds]

The rave scoreboard when caught by TV cameras is hilarious.

[kaldaniels]

I mean kind of I guess, although I think you're going a little out of the way to make it a personal thing.

I just think that when you're trying to give away an out, it's almost always going to result in that happening. At least with the pitcher hitting, there's at least a chance of successfully advancing the runner and having more than one chance to drive him in.

I know it's not personal. But it is a debatable point at minimum. Calling the other view "stupid" just seems...I don't have a good word for it right now, but it doesn't help matters.

[Kc61]

Really? I'm really surprised by that. I just looked at Juan's numbers...not too shabby. But I'm clearly higher on Johnson than most.

Thing about Juan is that people always thought walks was his biggest problem. IMO his biggest problem is his wide split. He really kills righties. He cannot hit lefties at all.

Braves are such a smart organization, they use these guys perfectly.

Look the Reds were obviously mad at Francisco he came to camp in bad shape, they got a good reliever for him, the trade was sensible.

But don't sell him too short. The Braves will make good use of his skills.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Unbelievable play there by a catcher playing left field. I can't believe he kept it in front of him.

[Tom Servo]

just as good as a sac fly

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce grounds out to 1st. Run scores. 3-2 Braves. Runner to 3rd.

[kaldaniels]

Productive Out!

[_Sir_Charles_]

RBI groundout to 1st by Jay. 3-2 now.

[50YrRedsFan]

If it wasn't for BP's production, we'd be lucky to have won 10 games. Phillips with 28 rbi's now.

[Reds Freak]

I've never heard this before. Is there a link?

I was joking :)

[Kc61]

These guys pitching to Todd here, he has to get this run in.

[Wonderful Monds]

I know it's not personal. But it is a debatable point at minimum. Calling the other view "stupid" just seems...I don't have a good word for it right now, but it doesn't help matters.

I'm not saying its not debatable in the least. Just by my analysis, the logic in the decision is pretty flawed.

[Screwball]

If it wasn't for BP's production, we'd be lucky to have won 10 games. Phillips with 28 rbi's now.

Excellent point. If our good players weren't playing well, we'd def. be in last place.

[Reds Fanatic]

Frazier strikes out looking.

[WildcatFan]

Oof, that was an unfortunate AB.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Thing about Juan is that people always thought walks was his biggest problem. IMO his biggest problem is his wide split. He really kills righties. He cannot hit lefties at all.

Braves are such a smart organization, they use these guys perfectly.

Look the Reds were obviously mad at Francisco he came to camp in bad shape, they got a good reliever for him, the trade was sensible.

But don't sell him too short. The Braves will make good use of his skills.

I was pro-Frazier back then. I didn't care for Juan defensively. The dingers were nice, but I didn't see him hitting for an average or drawing walks. He reminded me of Dunn without the walks. Probably a bad comparison...but that's always what he made me think of. I just think Johnson's the more well rounded complete player. I wish Juan luck....just not TOO much luck. :O)

[kaldaniels]

Nice crowd tonight for a pre-summer-vacation weeknight.

[Kc61]

Maholm just outsmarted Frazier in that at bat.

[50YrRedsFan]

Frazier can't get the run in, K's looking.

[Reds Fanatic]

Mesoraco grounds out to short. 3-2 Braves after 4.

[reds700]

Frazier has to swing the bat. That is pitiful.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yep. If our good players weren't playing well, we'd def. be in last place.

Hehe. Well played Mauer. :O)

[Wonderful Monds]

Despite that AB, I hope Mes still gets a lot of time when Hanigan returns. He's got a good approach, needs to develop it.

[Kc61]

I was pro-Frazier back then. I didn't care for Juan defensively. The dingers were nice, but I didn't see him hitting for an average or drawing walks. He reminded me of Dunn without the walks. Probably a bad comparison...but that's always what he made me think of. I just think Johnson's the more well rounded complete player. I wish Juan luck....just not TOO much luck. :O)

Francisco is playing third fine for the Braves.

Must admit that Frazier's defense has far exceeded my expectations, at least so far this season.

It's a tough call, I don't think the Reds made a big mistake.

But some of the adverse comments about Francisco on this site have been over the top IMO. He is a very tough hitter against RHP. Against Arroyo at GABP? I'm glad he's not playing tonight.

[Wonderful Monds]

Frazier has to swing the bat. That is pitiful.

Got any more analysis for us, mr. sunshine?

[WildcatFan]

Frazier has to swing the bat. That is pitiful.

Just say Game Over again?

[redsfaninbsg]

Got back in the game, big inning here for Arroyo. Reds need a zero on the board.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Francisco is playing third fine for the Braves.

Must admit that Frazier's defense has far exceeded my expectations, at least so far this season.

It's a tough call, I don't think the Reds made a big mistake.

But some of the adverse comments about Francisco on this site have been over the top IMO. He is a very tough hitter against RHP. Against Arroyo at GABP? I'm glad he's not playing tonight.

Fair assessment. (And just to be clear, I haven't seen Juan play third at all since he left Cincy that I can recall)

[Beatlessp]

It may be nitpicking, but how does Brandon not score on that play.....I couldn't see if he crossed the plate, but they didn't force mes....he was tagged out....

[Reds Fanatic]

J. Upton singles to right

[50YrRedsFan]

Arroyo in trouble again.

[Screwball]

Arroyo vs. Freeman scares me.

[WildcatFan]

Thom comparing Justin Upton to Jay Bruce is an exercise in futility.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freeman flies out to left

[WildcatFan]

Arroyo in trouble again.

Man on first?

[reds700]

Big out there to get Freeman.

[50YrRedsFan]

Arroyo not long for this game.....Freeman smoked that one

[WildcatFan]

That ball was crushed.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Man on first?

Yeah, I know. I didn't consider that to be "trouble" but as it turns out.....*sigh* Double plates a run.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gattis doubles to left center. 4-2 Braves

[reds700]

I bet we lead the league in giving up runs the inning after we score.

[Kc61]

It may be nitpicking, but how does Brandon not score on that play.....I couldn't see if he crossed the plate, but they didn't force mes....he was tagged out....

It's still a force play on a ground ball, whether the first baseman touches the base or tags the runner.

Player not allowed to score.

[WildcatFan]

Yeah, I know. I didn't consider that to be "trouble" but as it turns out.....*sigh* Double plates a run.

NOW he's in trouble.

[LexRedsFan]

Sheesh.

[Wonderful Monds]

Gotta think about pulling Bronson I imagine, he doesn't seem be on top of his game tonight.

[BluegrassRedleg]

It may be nitpicking, but how does Brandon not score on that play.....I couldn't see if he crossed the plate, but they didn't force mes....he was tagged out....

Don't think it applies on play at first IIRC.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hoover warming. I'm surprised it's not Simon.

[50YrRedsFan]

Man on first?

Going by pitch count. We all know BA loses it fast.

[Raisor]

Just say Game Over again?

If I knew my new phone better I would post a photo of Hudson from aliens here

[holster10]

Arroyo getting hit hard as he continues to pitch up in the zone.

[50YrRedsFan]

BA around 100 pitches already.

[Reds Fanatic]

Uggla strikes out looking. 4-2 Braves mid 5th

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, NOW Simon is up.

KKKKKKK

[Billy Hamilton's Legs]

not a terrible result for a bad bronson outing

[_Sir_Charles_]

not a terrible result for a bad bronson outing

Agreed. He did a good job of minimizing the damage.

[holster10]

not a terrible result for a bad bronson outing

You're right. As much as he as been up in the zone tonight, the results could be worse.

[50YrRedsFan]

not a terrible result for a bad bronson outing

He kept it from a blowout. We have to score more than 2 runs though.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bronson on deck....I can't imagine he'll hit.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Simon hasn't pitched since April 22nd?!? That can't be right, can it?

[Raisor]

He kept it from a blowout. We have to score more than 2 runs though.

I promise I will score tonight

[Kc61]

Bronson on deck....I can't imagine he'll hit.

1. I wouldn't let Arroyo pitch any more tonight.
2. I wouldn't use Simon in this spot.

[nate]

I was joking :)

Got it!

[_Sir_Charles_]

I promise I will score tonight

*high five* Raisor's gonna get him some! :laugh:

[Reds Fanatic]

Robinson walks

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice AB from Robinson there.