Hey look a win! 5/31/06 Reds @ Cubs Game Thread

[reds44]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2006/05/30/qP3uguQC.jpg

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/100x100/cin.gif @ http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/mlb/images/team_logos/100x100/chc.gif
Reds (28-24, L2) @ Cubs (20-31, W2)

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/gameday/mugshots/mlb/132980.jpg vs. http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/gameday/mugshots/mlb/407296.jpg
Milton (2-2, 5.52 ERA) @ Zambrano (3-2, 3.45 ERA)

Eric Milton will look to repeat his last pitching performance to help the Reds avoid a sweep by the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Wednesday.
Milton looked strong in his last start for the first time since his knee surgery, giving up one run on three hits over eight innings against Arizona on Friday. Milton walked none and struck out nine.

"He looked confident, he was aggressive [and] his location was pretty good," Reds catcher Javier Valentin said after Milton's last outing. "He was outstanding. He gave us an opportunity to win."

After a solid start to the season, Milton gave up nine runs in 4 1/3 innings against the Florida Marlins on April 18. That was Milton's last start before having arthroscopic surgery on his knee that kept him out for more than a month.

Milton struggled again on his return from the disabled list, giving up five runs on 10 hits to the Detroit Tigers on May 20.

But Milton will look to build off his most recent start to help the Reds avoid their first three-game sweep by the Cubs since May 28-30, 2001.

Pitching matchup
CIN: LHP Eric Milton (2-2, 5.52 ERA)
In his second start since coming off the disabled list, Milton was brilliant against the D-Backs over eight innings despite suffering the loss.

CHI: RHP Carlos Zambrano (3-2, 3.45 ERA)
Zambrano carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his last start. He's pitched with some tough luck this season, but has also been uncharacteristically wild in recent outings.

Player to watch
Adam Dunn is 3-for-5 this season against Zambrano with two homers and three RBIs.


On the Internet
MLB.TV
Gameday Audio
• Gameday
• Official game notes

On television
• FSN Ohio

On radio
• WLW 700 AM

Up next
• Friday: Reds (RHP Aaron Harang, 5-4, 3.70) at Houston (LHP Wandy Rodriguez, 6-2, 3.95), 8:05 p.m. ET.
• Saturday: Reds (RHP Bronson Arroyo, 6-2, 2.58) at Houston (RHP Fernando Nieve, 1-3, 5.36), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Sunday: Reds (RHP Elizardo Ramirez, 2-4, 4.11) at Houston (RHP Roy Oswalt, 5-3, 3.11), 2:05 p.m. ET

Ryan Crawford is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

Wrigley Field:
http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouses/stadiums/chc_photo.jpg
http://espn.go.com/i/mlb/clubhouses/stadiums/chc.gif




Reds:
Freel
Lopez
Griffey
Dunn
Kearns
Hate
EE
LaRue
Milton

Pierre
Perez
barrett
Ramirez
Walker
murton
Joens
Cedeno
Zambrano

[Matt700wlw]

Cincinnati Reds

R Freel 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .252 .370 .331
F Lopez SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .290 .371 .405
K Griffey Jr. CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .248 .296 .467
A Dunn LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .236 .378 .573
A Kearns RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286 .358 .516
S Hatteberg 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .282 .392 .427
E Encarnacion 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .262 .361 .470
J LaRue C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .194 .306 .347
E Milton P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .222 .222 .556






Chicago Cubs

J Pierre CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235 .272 .305
N Perez 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .204 .227 .269
M Barrett C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .285 .344 .500
A Ramirez 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .244 .313 .466
T Walker 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .317 .391 .437
M Murton LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .287 .365 .414
J Jones RF 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .279 .317 .481
R Cedeno SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .289 .314 .378
C Zambrano P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .048 .048 .048

[Reds Fanatic]

Starting Lineups:


Reds (28 - 24)
2nd in NL Central
Cubs (20 - 31)
5th in NL Central

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. R Freel, 2B .252 1 7 11
2. F Lopez, SS .290 5 19 16
3. K Griffey Jr., CF .248 6 26 0
4. A Dunn, LF .236 17 32 1
5. A Kearns, RF .286 10 32 2
6. S Hatteberg, 1B .282 3 11 0
7. E Encarnacion, 3B .262 6 30 0
8. J LaRue, C .194 3 9 0
9. E Milton, P .222 0 0 0

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. J Pierre, CF .235 0 4 16
2. N Perez, 2B .204 0 11 0
3. M Barrett, C .285 6 24 0
4. A Ramirez, 3B .244 9 25 1
5. T Walker, 1B .317 3 26 0
6. M Murton, LF .287 4 20 2
7. J Jones, RF .279 8 26 0
8. R Cedeno, SS .289 1 14 5
9. C Zambrano, P .048 0 0 0

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
E Milton 2 2 5.52 1.32 24

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
C Zambrano 3 2 3.45 1.36 79

[reds44]

lineups posted

[TeamBoone]

I like the lineup.... isn't this the one used most frequently during April, or at least close to it? Except for LaRue, I guess.

Man oh man, do I want to see a Reds win tonight... big time. I hope they mess with Zambrano's head from the get go... and it doesn't take much to do that.

[Caveat Emperor]

Is it time to bring back the "Milton Meter" this season?

Eric Milton + Wrigley Field + Reds Batting Slump = :help:

[KronoRed]

He Hate ME is playing??

;)

[TheBigLebowski]

I was just wondering if someone could post the lineups...

[KronoRed]

Glad to see Narron not panicking and putting Hat and Rich in 3 and 4.

[RedsMan3203]

EE in the starting line up... :beerme:

[realreds1]

Fark a lark! Somebuddy get on a roll tonight!

[reds44]

lol fark a lark?

[KronoRed]

Anyone ever notice the outfield diagram for Wrigley looks like a wave sign? :D

[realreds1]

Anyone ever notice the outfield diagram for Wrigley looks like a wave sign? :D

It also looks like a Cubby fan's beer belly.

[realreds1]

lol fark a lark?

Lark farkin', baby! Somebody gotta roll it tonight! :beerme:

[gm]

Anyone ever notice the outfield diagram for Wrigley looks like a wave sign? :D

I see McClellan oscillators everywhere

http://www.superbtrade.com/FL-McClellanOscillator.aspx

[George Foster]

Correct me if I'm wrong but did Milton pick up his first win of the year at Chicago?

[reds44]

Correct me if I'm wrong but did Milton pick up his first win of the year at Chicago?
2nd I think.

I was there. :D

[George Foster]

2nd I think.

I was there. :D

thanks, I thought he pitched like 6 and 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs, got out of some early trouble.

[GridironGrace]

Yea pretty sure he did.. i'll look at my spreadsheet :)

Nope he beat the pirates on April 7th, then the Cubbies on the 13th.


its on WGN .....YAY......

[Gallen5862]

This is the first chance I have been able to see the Reds on tv in well over a month. I hope it brings us luck.

[George Foster]

This is the first chance I have been able to see the Reds on tv in well over a month. I hope it brings us luck.

I hope you enjoy the game...I actually thought I would not watch the game on TV Tonight to change the Reds Luck...I promise I really thought that....are we desperate or what?

[Matt700wlw]

Cool evening, wind blowing IN from Lake Michigan.

[KronoRed]

I see McClellan oscillators everywhere

I'd get that checked

[KronoRed]

Freel singles to right and the offensive resurgence begins

[Matt700wlw]

Lopez with a productive at bat...

[GridironGrace]

NICEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEe

1st and 3rd :)

[Matt700wlw]

The Cubs "Cub up" another play...Freel gets to third

[MrCinatit]

Wow...what in the world was Ronnie Cedeno thinking on that throw? That Berry would catch it for him?

[KronoRed]

I like when the other team gives away outs

[OnBaseMachine]

Ump has a big strikezone tonight (as usual).

[GridironGrace]

even niccccccccccceeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr dunn walks bases juiced :)

[Gallen5862]

Bases are loaded on a walk by Dunn.

[George Foster]

Is Kearns due for a big hit or what?

[GridironGrace]

Dang i wish Ears got ahold of that.. what a MONSTER swing lol

[Matt700wlw]

Ump has a big strikezone tonight (as usual).


As long as he's consistant, he'll get no complaints from me.

[kbrake]

This whole team is due for a big hit.

[KronoRed]

Is this clutch? :D

[GridironGrace]

lol........EARS got handled :(

[Matt700wlw]

Right now, Kearns couldn't hit a basketball

[George Foster]

Is Kearns due for a big hit or what?

is this possible, night after night?

[remdog]

The 3 strikes to Lopez were all in the same place so ya' can't complain about that.

Rem

[GridironGrace]

wow.. no way that was a strike

[Matt700wlw]

wow.. no way that was a strike

Hatteberg agrees

[Falls City Beer]

Kearns looks tired. At the end of May. That's what I mean when I say "old player skills."

[kbrake]

So much for the consistent part.

[OnBaseMachine]

This umpire is every bit as bad as Sunday's ump.

Wow. Those pitches are eight inches outside.

[cincyinco]

Holy smokes batman, I can actually watch a reds game since they're finally showing it on WGN..

I see the ump is already calling fastballs 6" off the plate for strikes.

[kbrake]

That was fun.

[KronoRed]

Yikes.

Not too bad, they gave us extra outs.

[cincyinco]

This umpire is every bit as bad as Sunday's ump.

Wow. Those pitches are eight inches outside.

Haha.. no doubt. Umpiring has been deplorable all year long.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow...what a wasted inning.

Can't let Zambrano get comfortable.

[OnBaseMachine]

As long as he's consistant, he'll get no complaints from me.

Home plate is there for a reason - they need to use it properly. If MLB wanted a bigger strikezone then they should have made the plate bigger.

[TheBigLebowski]

Soooo....we still making the argument that Kearns is a good hitter w/RISP? Still the company line?

This team is LOUSY. CHI can't even force these guys to score.

[MrCinatit]

I really think there should be a stat for failing to move a runner on third with less than two outs - consistently not being able to even touching the ball (aka, strikout) is inexcusable in that type of situation.

[CTA513]

If Milton doesnt get those calls Narron better flip out on that ump.

[remdog]

Holy smokes batman, I can actually watch a reds game since they're finally showing it on WGN..

I see the ump is already calling fastballs 6" off the plate for strikes.

As long as he calls it for both sides it's OK. If he's just giving Zambrano that pitch then that's bad. We'll see. Reds are going to have to adjust to it if the ump is going to call that all night.

Rem

[Gallen5862]

Well at least Zambrano had to throw alot of pitches that inning.

[TeamBoone]

I see the ump is already calling fastballs 6" off the plate for strikes.

I hope he offers Milton the same courtesy.

[cincyinco]

Kearns looks tired. At the end of May. That's what I mean when I say "old player skills."

Old player skills?


Old Player Skills: this term was coined by Bill James. It refers to skills that old players often have: power, patience, low batting averages.

I dont think that defines Austin Kearns.

[Matt700wlw]

Home plate is there for a reason - they need to use it properly. If MLB wanted a bigger strikezone then they should have made the plate bigger.

I agree, but as long as the strike zone is equal for both pitchers, I can live with it.

This season though, it hasn't been the case, which has been very irritating to watch (among other things).

[OnBaseMachine]

As long as he calls it for both sides it's OK. If he's just giving Zambrano that pitch then that's bad. We'll see. Reds are going to have to adjust to it if the ump is going to call that all night.

Rem

Zambrano is a much better pitcher than Milton, so that means he won't get the same calls. That's how MLB umpires are.

[KronoRed]

Well at least Zambrano had to throw alot of pitches that inning.
With Dusty it doesn't matter, he'll be throwing 150 if needed.

[TheBigLebowski]

and....CHI already has a baserunner.

Their leadoff guy reached with a single, same way ours did.

Let's see how they execute. Cubs gave us 4 outs to move Freel home and we could not.

[cincyinco]

As long as he calls it for both sides it's OK. If he's just giving Zambrano that pitch then that's bad. We'll see. Reds are going to have to adjust to it if the ump is going to call that all night.

Rem

Ugh, and I think this is exactly whats gotten the Reds in trouble in May... trying to adjust to the umps zone..

BS

[TeamBoone]

I really think there should be a stat for failing to move a runner on third with less than two outs - consistently not being able to even touching the ball (aka, strikout) is inexcusable in that type of situation.

It doesn't help with the ump calling balls strikes... most of our guys are pretty good at working the count as long as they don't have to swing at balls all night because the umpire is screwing them.

[pedro]

Soooo....we still making the argument that Kearns is a good hitter w/RISP? Still the company line?



The stats are what they are. He's been great this year with 2 outs and RISP, mediocre with less than 2 outs and RISP.

Although he hasn't delivered the last fews nights, neither has anyone else.

In a nutshell Austin Kerans isn't this teams problem.

[KronoRed]

Have the cubs run out a lineup with both Perez and Womack?

I think the OBP would be in the negative if they did ;)

[BoydsOfSummer]

What is Neifi doing backing out of the box? He should be standing on the plate hoping to get hit.

[pedro]

Marty says Joe is doing better.

[pedro]

Oh, and Zambrono has chunks of RH hitters in his stool.

.145/.248/.297/.546

[pedro]

It does look to me like Kearns is trying to swing too hard lately though.

[TheBigLebowski]

The stats are what they are. He's been great this year with 2 outs and RISP, mediocre with less than 2 outs and RISP.

Although he hasn't delivered the last fews nights, neither has anyone else.

In a nutshell Austin Kerans isn't this teams problem.

Those stats to which you constantly refer are shrinking by the night.

In the last few weeks, AK has CONSISTENTLY failed to produce w/RISP, oftentimes not even making contact. That 0-2 slider he whiffed on is one of the fattest pitches I've seen in some time.

So while AK is certainly not our only problem, he definitely IS a problem.

[Falls City Beer]

Old player skills?



I dont think that defines Austin Kearns.

Well, I was kind of goofing on the James term, implying that he plays like a worn-out old man, such as me.

[George Foster]

geez how many pitches was that at-bat?

[cincyinco]

It does look to me like Kearns is trying to swing too hard lately though.

He looks that way all the time to me?!?

[MrCinatit]

Marty says Joe is doing better.

Excellent, excellent, excellent news.
I know many of us are sending our well-wishes to the Old Left Hander.

[TheBigLebowski]

Milton around 89-90 tonight. Probably not good news.

[cincyinco]

Well, I was kind of goofing on the James term, implying that he plays like a worn-out old man, such as me.

LOL

zing.. right over my head :) Ol man Kearns better get the bat going eh?

[pedro]

He looks that way all the time to me?!?

Maybe it just looks more so when he misses.

[TheBigLebowski]

2 down...Pierre still at first.

[CrackerJack]

Ugh, and I think this is exactly whats gotten the Reds in trouble in May... trying to adjust to the umps zone..

BS


Really? The umps? I would say bad pitching, hitting and defense. Nothing to do with the umps ultimately.

[Gallen5862]

Milton gets out of trouble.

[KronoRed]

On to the 2nd.

Wind is our ally.

[TheBigLebowski]

Geez...did Milty ever groove that one.

[cincyinco]

Milton out of the inning with 1 hit... his pitches looked pretty solid IMO.. might not have the velocity, but I liked where he was commanding them. Lets hope he keeps it up.

[George Foster]

How was that a 1st inning rally by the Cubs as stated by Grande?? What a tool!

[MrCinatit]

Hate to be repetetive...but "...At the warning track"???
Kearns took about three steps back for that one, George. It was not at the warning track, unless the warning track now conists of 10 feet of grass :p:

[pedro]

Those stats to which you constantly refer are shrinking by the night.

In the last few weeks, AK has CONSISTENTLY failed to produce w/RISP, oftentimes not even making contact. That 0-2 slider he whiffed on is one of the fattest pitches I've seen in some time.

So while AK is certainly not our only problem, he definitely IS a problem.


That's what happens when players slump. The truth will be in whether he bounces back or not. That remains to be seen.

I wouldn't call that pitch fat either.

[Caveat Emperor]

Hallmark #1 of Reds Slump: Lack of patience at the plate.

Hallmark #2 of Reds Slump: Wasting scoring opportunities.

Two for two tonight.

[cincyinco]

Really? The umps? I would say bad pitching, hitting and defense. Nothing to do with the umps ultimately.

Its not the only reason.. but offensive woes? I think the Reds are being less patient, becuase they know there getting balls 6" off the plate called as strikes, and are therefore chasing them.

So, bad hitting.. yes. Just my opinion though, I have no factual data to back this up. :p:

[Falls City Beer]

Hate to be repetetive...but "...At the warning track"???
Kearns took about three steps back for that one, George. It was not at the warning track, unless the warning track now conists of 10 feet of grass :p:

It's the "forewarning" track--*for all those grammar geeks on the non-BB board.

[KronoRed]

Reds complaining about the strike zone.

[George Foster]

Wow, LaRue, pulled the ball...not seen that in a while

[KronoRed]

3 ground outs and the Reds are done in the 2nd.

[George Foster]

1st time through the line-up and no one really hit the ball hard except for maybe Freel...not good.

[TheBigLebowski]

This Grande guy cannot possibly be as bad as you all make him out to be.

[KronoRed]

This Grande guy cannot possibly be as bad as you all make him out to be.
Never heard him?

[TheBigLebowski]

Milton's stuff just looks pedestrian tonight.

That'll probably be an ironic statement when we see how many walks he issues.

[TheBigLebowski]

Never heard him?

No...I haven't heard a Reds broadcast for years. Don't get WLW down here in FL.

[George Foster]

This Grande guy cannot possibly be as bad as you all make him out to be.

If you are at a single's bar trying to meet some ladies....don't take Grande.

[KronoRed]

No...I haven't heard a Reds broadcast for years. Don't get WLW down here in FL.
He's on FSN Ohio.

He's something.

Another flyout.

[pedro]

This Grande guy cannot possibly be as bad as you all make him out to be.

You'd be surprised. I ride Marty as much as anyone on this board and lately I'd just as soon listen to the rdaio than watch a game if the Reds announcers are on. Of course, that might have something to do with not wanting to watch this travesty in action.

[TheBigLebowski]

So he's a TV guy and not a radio guy??

[SandyD]

Hallmark #1 of Reds Slump: Lack of patience at the plate.

Hallmark #2 of Reds Slump: Wasting scoring opportunities.

Two for two tonight.

Hallmarks of pretty much all slumps.

[KronoRed]

So he's a TV guy and not a radio guy??
Yeah, he and the craty left hander in Welsh

[pedro]

So he's a TV guy and not a radio guy??

Yup. he's the guy that looks like Charlie Brown with hair.

[Matt700wlw]

Esteban Yan wears a size 54 jersey!!

Rick Stowe was having trouble finding a uniform for this guy.

[pedro]

Hal says Yan's jersey is Calvin Pickering size. Size 54. They didn't have to make him custom pants though.

[George Foster]

So he's a TV guy and not a radio guy??

The best way I can explain it to you is he is a walking, talking, character from "Saturday Night Live."

[KronoRed]

Well that's something for Yan then :D

[SandyD]

It's the "forewarning" track--*for all those grammar geeks on the non-BB board.

:lol:

Like you sig, btw. What's that from? Ever read "Becoming William James"? Sort of a bio of his early life? Some family, the Jameses.

[TheBigLebowski]

I'm moving to Gainesville in 3 days w/the woman. Think I can talk her into getting MLB Ticket. I'm almost looking forward to finally experiencing George Grande more than I am to seeing the Reds every night. Actually...considering the way the Reds are playing, there's no question about it.

[KronoRed]

A ground out! shocking..on to the 3rd

[Big Klu]

So he's a TV guy and not a radio guy??

Yep.

His claim to fame is that he was the anchor on the very first telecast of SportsCenter on ESPN. Actually, he is quite good at being a sports anchor. But IMO he leaves a lot to be desired as a Reds play-by-play man.

[cincyinco]

Milton has retired 6 in a row!

[pedro]

yeah, that was a good one FCB.

[George Foster]

What nationality is Yan? It can't be Asian with that first name.

[TheBigLebowski]

Well...I finally saw the "multi-tasking" commercial. FSN Florida carries the Marlins in this area, and they run those same awful commercials.

You all were right about multi-tasking - sure you're right about Grande as well.

[KronoRed]

What nationality is Yan? It can't be Asian with that first name.
Dominican Republic

[CrackerJack]

This Grande guy cannot possibly be as bad as you all make him out to be.

Move to Ohio, and listen to him for 5+ years...you will be one of us.

[Big Klu]

Esteban Yan wears a size 54 jersey!!

Rick Stowe was having trouble finding a uniform for this guy.

I can't see why that is such a problem. I have to think that guys like Adam Dunn, Aaron Harang, or Rick White have to wear close to a size 54. (When I was coaching high-school ball last year, I wore a size 52, and those guys are bigger than I am!)

[TheBigLebowski]

We're struggling bad enough w/o Zambrano getting an extra 3 inches on the outside part of the plate.

[Nugget]

I believe he is a Dominican by nationality as to his heritage I can cast no aspersions.

[cincyinco]

Wow, the ump is horribly inconsistent.

I dont know why thats surprising tho.

[KronoRed]

Come on Lopez..that was in the dirt

2 down

[George Foster]

Lopez has no clue tonight!

[Caveat Emperor]

Again, Lopez starts an AB by looking at 2 strikes.

He does that an awful lot and needs to stop.

[cincyinco]

Jr pulls one just foul.. that had some oomph behind it though..

[George Foster]

I can't see why that is such a problem. I have to think that guys like Adam Dunn, Aaron Harang, or Rick White have to wear close to a size 54. (When I was coaching high-school ball last year, I wore a size 52, and those guys are bigger than I am!)

Wow you are the Big Klu!!:laugh:

[KronoRed]

JR K's on ball 4, 3 down.

On we roll.

[Big Klu]

Wow you are the Big Klu!!:laugh:

And don't you forget it! :D

[KronoRed]

3 up 3 down for the Milton

On to the 4th

[George Foster]

Not to depress anyone, but In the last 6 games, we have only led, during the game, those 4 innings lastnight.:help:

[KronoRed]

Kearns also swings at ball 4 :dunno:

[KronoRed]

EE with an infield single :clap:

[Cyclone792]

Excellent baserunning by Hatteberg right there to take third on EE's infield single. Ramirez picked it deep behind the third base bag and tried to throw out EE at first, but Aramis didn't get back to the bag at third and Hatteberg slid in safely since nobody was covering.

And LaRue strikes out to end the inning anyway.

[George Foster]

LaRue is now batting a buck...??????

[Matt700wlw]

Why are the Reds paying Larue?

[TheBigLebowski]

ho hum....more suckitude.

[pedro]

Larue now oh for his last 18. He's really struggling.

[NC Reds]

This is depressing. :bang:

[KronoRed]

Doing well on getting them on :D

[Caveat Emperor]

Paging Mr. Mendoza -- you have a call from a Mr. LaRue on line 1.

[CTA513]

The Reds might have a better chance stealing home than getting a hit with a runner on 3rd.

[Caveat Emperor]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.

[Matt700wlw]

It was DanO who signed Larue to that crazy contract, wasn't it?

He's not worth my shoes at this rate...

[NC Reds]

Dumatrait isn't having a good night either in AA. Bailey was not good in his last start. There is a serious shortage in good news right now.

Maybe the draft will go well next week.

[KronoRed]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.
I agree with said statement, and would suggest that 3 catchers is a bad idea all the way around.

[George Foster]

At what point to you set LaRue for an extended period of time and see what Ross can do for a stright week?

[pedro]

really is such a shame to be wasting the alnmost decent SP the Reds have gotten this month.

[Matt700wlw]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.

David Ross says hi....

[Falls City Beer]

3 catchers. 12 pitchers.

:nono:

[NC Reds]

I agree that Larue's problems are traceable to lack of consistent playing time. He is a streak hitter that is not getting in enough games consecutively to have a streak.

[Big Klu]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.

I think that there is something to that. LaRue has always been a streaky hitter, but in the past he has always gotten regular at-bats to work out of his down cycles.

[George Foster]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.

I don't remember Jason ever being in a real groove at the plate.

[KronoRed]

Krivsky should not have brought Ross in if he wasn't going to deal someone else off (Valentin)

[Big Klu]

3 catchers. 12 pitchers.

:nono:


Especially the 12 pitchers! :bang:

[Matt700wlw]

Krivsky should not have brought Ross in if he wasn't going to deal someone else off (Valentin)

He may be trying. I would be surprised if he's NOT trying.

[Cyclone792]

Statement: Jason LaRue's struggles are based, in part, on the fact that he's involved with a 3 person platoon that has limited his ABs and made it difficult for him to get into any sort of groove.

Discuss.

I think that statement does have merit to some degree.

Other factors to consider: 1) LaRue's BABIP so far this season is .220, which is considerably lower than his lifetime BABIP of .304, and 2) LaRue's Predicted OPS is .870, which is 217 points higher than his actual OPS.

Just plain ole bad luck has probably got something to do with his struggles too, I think.

[George Foster]

really is such a shame to be wasting the alnmost decent SP the Reds have gotten this month.

We should be at the very worse 10 or 11 games over .500 with our SP this month.

[KronoRed]

It's been 1 month, something should be done by now.

[pedro]

At what point to you set LaRue for an extended period of time and see what Ross can do for a stright week?

or sit Ross and Valentin and let Larue get into a groove?

Sad as it may be, even with his current struggles, don't fool yourself into thinking Ross is any kind of long term solution for replacing Larue. Valentin sure isn't either.

[TheBigLebowski]

Deal LaRue or Javy and lets see what Ross can do as a full-timer.

[Caveat Emperor]

David Ross says hi....

Dave Ross also had a full spring training and experience at being an exclusively bench player vs. LaRue coming off an injury and now dealing with reduced playing time to an even greater extent than he had last year with the 2 catcher platoon.

Just throwing darts out there -- I know LaRue is a better player than he's showed and I'm genuinely curious why he's been doing so poorly.

[pedro]

Dave Ross also had a full spring training and experience at being an exclusively bench player vs. LaRue coming off an injury and now dealing with reduced playing time to an even greater extent than he had last year with the 2 catcher platoon.

Just throwing darts out there -- I know LaRue is a better player than he's showed and I'm genuinely curious why he's been doing so poorly.

I'd say it has something to do with sliders in the dirt.

[TheBigLebowski]

Hell...call up Denorfia and have him don the Tools of Ignorance.

[Big Klu]

On the other hand, LaRue is nowhere near as bad as Henry Blanco for the Cubs. If I were Dusty, I would seriously consider batting my pitcher 8th when Blanco starts behind the plate. Maddux, Wood, and Zambrano are all better hitters than Blanco!

[pedro]

Deal LaRue or Javy and lets see what Ross can do as a full-timer.


I'm pretty sure OPS'ing around .580 is what he'd do in a full time role.

I like him as a back up though.

[TheBigLebowski]

The Cubs have all seen Milty now...really expect them to get some good swings off against him.

[George Foster]

Deal LaRue or Javy and lets see what Ross can do as a full-timer.

If anybody wants Jason's contract...you can have it.

[pedro]

Pete called Marty twice today to check on Joe.

[KronoRed]

Ross as a FT starter is asking for trouble.

[Cyclone792]

More LaRue figures ...

2005 BB%: 10.2 percent
2006 BB%: 11.1 percent

2005 K%: 28.0 percent
2006 K%: 26.4 percent

2005 LD%: 22.5 percent
2006 LD%: 22.2 percent

2005 FB%: 36.3 percent
2006 FB%: 35.2 percent

2005 GB%: 41.2 percent
2006 GB%: 42.6 percent

The more I see those stats above, the more I'm inclined to believe that LaRue's just suffering from some horrid bad luck right now. When the bounces start falling his way, I expect he'll bounce back and give us what we expect out of him. When the bounces aren't going his way, it's just ugly to watch.

[Caveat Emperor]

The Cubs have all seen Milty now...really expect them to get some good swings off against him.

Didn't seem to help Arizona last time around -- knock on wood.

[Big Klu]

Didn't seem to help whoever Milty faced last time around -- knock on wood.

I think you mean Arizona? :)

[Matt700wlw]

Pete called Marty twice today to check on Joe.



He's got $100 on a full recovery.
















And that was just wrong. :evil:

[George Foster]

shhhhh....Milton's pitching pretty good.....don't tell anybody.

[OnBaseMachine]

Pray that Milton can string together a few good start in a row and maybe some team will come along and take him off our hands.

[Caveat Emperor]

I think you mean Arizona? :)

Yeah, I got tongue tied -- I wanted to say Detroit, but I knew that was wrong. I'm sitting in a Contract Law BAR/BRI course and it's numbing my mind.

[pedro]

I think from the way Valentin has played this year we shoudl all be wary of small sample sizes and career years from journeymen.

[Big Klu]

Pray that Milton can string together a few good start in a row and maybe some team will come along and take him off our hands.

And then Billy Hatcher can have his old uniform number #22 back! :D

[KronoRed]

Yeah, I got tongue tied -- I wanted to say Detroit, but I knew that was wrong. I'm sitting in a Contract Law BAR/BRI course and it's numbing my mind.
Write some new Deno facts.;)

[KronoRed]

JR homers to right

[Big Klu]

Home Run Griffey!

[Matt700wlw]

:griffey:

:jump:

[KronoRed]

Right after the TV guys saying he should bunt ;)

[remdog]

Interesting that the Cubs are talking about Nevin as the emergency catcher. The Reds have Hatteberg that could do the same thing. Deal either Javy or Ross get another bat for the bench and let LaRue start 6 games a week.

Rem

[George Foster]

Pete called Marty twice today to check on Joe.

Pete has Marty's cell number?? I would not want my cell number in Pete's phone memory. Could get a late night visit by someone you don't want to talk to.:laugh:

[Matt700wlw]

Denorfia's would have gone out of the ballpark...

:evil:

[Big Klu]

Updated Reds HR list (players in italics are active):

Reds All-Time Home Run Leaders
1. Johnny Bench - 389
2. Frank Robinson - 324
3. Tony Perez - 287
4. Ted Kluszewski - 251
5. George Foster - 244
6. Eric Davis - 203
7. Barry Larkin - 198
8. Vada Pinson - 186
9. Adam Dunn - 175
10. Wally Post - 172
11. Gus Bell - 160
12. Joe Morgan - 152
12. Pete Rose - 152
14. Lee May - 147
15. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 145
16. Dan Driessen - 133
17. Reggie Sanders - 125
18. Ernie Lombardi - 120
19. Sean Casey - 118
20. Frank McCormick - 110
21. Dave Parker - 107
22. Chris Sabo - 104
23. Dave Concepcion - 101
24. Gordy Coleman - 98
25. Paul O'Neill - 96

[KronoRed]

Looked fair.

[remdog]

Right after the TV guys saying he should bunt ;)

Yeah, I was laughing at that too. :laugh: Stopped him right in mid-sentance. :)

Rem

[Caveat Emperor]

Denorfia's would have gone out of the ballpark...

:evil:

He's Tom Emanski good. :devil:

[George Foster]

Best swing by Griffey in a couple of days!! Good for us!!

[OnBaseMachine]

That hit by Dunn looked fair. Should have been a double.

Then he swung at balls 4 and 5.

[TeamBoone]

That ball Dunn hit sure as heck looked fair to me. As it happened, I thought it hit the line... on the replay, it looked like it hit just inside the line.

TV guys just said it didn't miss by much (after the replay). Glasses guys, glasses!

Bummer.

[VR]

Weird seeing Dunn groundout to the left side.

[CTA513]

Umps make another bad call on Dunns bloop hit that landed on the line.

:/

[reds44]

Thank God for Junior.

[Matt700wlw]

Kearns walks.

This game isn't real.

[TheBigLebowski]

Dunn's ball was fair.

[flyer85]

Weird seeing Dunn groundout to the left side.kinda amusing that he hit right at the only guy on that side of the infield

[vaticanplum]

Sweet, I see the crazy creeping into Zambrano's eyes.

[CTA513]

JR homers to right

Umps just had a meeting and ruled it a double.

;)

[KronoRed]

Ump was shocked to see the opposite field Dunn and called it foul out of habit

[TheBigLebowski]

Chris Denorfia would have moved the chalkline 3 inches.

[TheBigLebowski]

Nice break there on the high-chopper from He Hatte Me.

[Matt700wlw]

Am I asking too much for some clutch hitting now?

[vaticanplum]

Hatteman!!!

Walker fumbles, Kearns at third

[reds44]

Let's see if EE can be clutch here like he was in April.

[Big Klu]

Hatteberg is having a good game so far.

[OnBaseMachine]

Offense is waking up. This could have been a huge inning if the 3B ump had a better pair of glasses.

[vaticanplum]

Meeting at crazy mound.

[TheBigLebowski]

Believe LaUseless is up now, so clutch hitting is out of the question.

[WebScorpion]

Sweet, I see the crazy creeping into Zambrano's eyes.

I see 90+ pitches creeping into his arm :D

[Cyclone792]

Big time infield hit right there.

Hatteberg chops one down towards first, it bounces high and deflects off Walker's glove into a sort of no man's land for a second, and that enables Kearns to roll on to third.

We need to capitalize.

[TheBigLebowski]

Yeah....Zambrano's done.

[KronoRed]

The crazy one is coming unglued

[reds44]

That'll help out the OBP.

LaRue is up however.

[Matt700wlw]

Believe LaUseless is up now, so clutch hitting is out of the question.

Not hitting into a DP would be clutch for him :devil:

[George Foster]

That was on purpose...I would want to pitch to LaRue

[Big Klu]

Zambrano is walking the ragged edge now. A timely hit by LaRue will send him off the deep end.

[KronoRed]

2-0 on the productive out

[reds44]

At least he got an RBI.

2-0

[TheBigLebowski]

LaUseless tried his best to ground into an inning-ending DP, but Zammy would not cooperate.

Still score a run...2-0 good guys.

[Matt700wlw]

A clutch out.

[George Foster]

Was that a fielders choice or RBI?

[VR]

shhhhh....Milton's pitching pretty good.....don't tell anybody.

Take out his debacle on April 18th before he had surgery....and he's got a 2.84 earnie on the year.

Now, that's not reason to get overly optimistic.....but IF he could pitch in the 4-5 era range, what a plus that would be (and maybe make him attractive to a trade suitor? :-) )

[GridironGrace]

Scored an RBI :)

[Big Klu]

Was that a fielders choice or RBI?

RBI ground out, 1-3 on the putout.

[GridironGrace]

Ya'll back off Milton.... he had an injury that day.. and is pitching some really nice stuff so far this season.

Reds finally with some runs :)

[KronoRed]

I will continue to mock Milton because it's working :evil:

[KronoRed]

Womack to PH for the crazy one, the crazy one is very upset.

[vaticanplum]

Zambrano throwing a tantrum at being pulled. There's little I like more in life than a proper Zambrano freakout.

[TheBigLebowski]

Here comes Womack.

[Matt700wlw]

Zambrano throwing a tantrum at being pulled. There's little I like more in life than a proper Zambrano freakout.

Zambrano in a Reds uniform wouldn't be a bad thing.

[Puffy]

Thank God for Junior.

You mean the same Junior who in another thread, earlier today, you said the Reds should cut bait on??

[Matt700wlw]

Here comes Womack.

"Return of the Mac"

[pedro]

Could you please stop with the Larue cracks? He's struggling, we get it.

[KronoRed]

If he walks Womack we need to get the pen going

[vaticanplum]

Zambrano in a Reds uniform wouldn't be a bad thing.

I'd be really torn on that, I really dislike him. But that's one of many reasons I'm not a GM.

The WGN announcers kill me. They are awful.

[Big Klu]

George, if Womack was that good, we would have kept him! :angry:

[TheBigLebowski]

Womack really did look pretty helpless in that AB.

[reds44]

Man outside of his 1st start before he went on the DL and his 1st back, Milton has been $$$$$$ this year.

[KronoRed]

George, if Womack was that good, we would have kept him! :angry:
Womack played for the Cards..you know George and the cards ;)

[Matt700wlw]

The first last man to get a hit before 17 in a row were retired by Milton breaks the string.

[TheBigLebowski]

And here come the boo-birds...

[George Foster]

Man outside of his 1st start before he went on the DL and his 1st back, Milton has been $$$$$$ this year.

Don't jinx it!:thumbup:

[KronoRed]

Wonder of Womack will stay in with Neifi? :D