9/15/13 - Reds @ Milwaukee

[Falls City Beer]

The story has been the same since June. The pitching has been unable to shut down even decent offenses, and the offense has been hit or miss. This team isn't the kind that's going to go on a torrid streak. They're designed to avoid long losing jags, but not for long unbroken win streaks.

[1940757690]

Not in Milwaukee. That team can hit.

Nope, they've only played 4 at home before us this month. Lost one to the Angels and 2 of 3 to the Bucs. In August, they lost 2 of 3 to the Nats at home and lost 2 of 3 to the Cards.

It's just us. We can't beat them. Why? Haven't a clue.

[Tom Servo]

.........and if they hadn't where might they be?

Probably in the same exact spot.

[Mutaman]

Not in Milwaukee. That team can hit.

Brewers had lost 5 of their last 6 at home to Pirates and Angels coming into this series. On paper, Reds and Brewers aren't even in the same universe. Same old Red Legs who just dropped 2 out of 3 to the Cubs at home.

[Ironman92]

Fitting I guess that Bruce couldn't haul in the big play in the 8th and then Gomez robs Bruce of the big play in the 9th.

Our OF defense this series was troubling.

[Reds Freak]

Yes really. We've seen it already. Everyone reacts differently with Hamilton on the bases. The great Molina's throw was off the mark because he rushed it....Hamilton safe. Pitchers divert their attention when Hamilton's on base. Choo is not the base stealer that Hamilton is. Hamilton hasn't been caught yet...and everyone in the stadium knows that when Hamilton's on the bases, he's stealing...and they still can't throw him out. He would've been on second with Phillips still at the plate. As I mentioned already, Phillips is a better hitter with runners in scoring position (maybe he shouldn't be, but he is). There would've been a legit RBI opportunity earlier in the inning. Choo stole with 2 outs and Votto at the plate....of course they're going to intentionally give him a pass at that point.

The opportunities are completely different if Hamilton is running rather than Choo.

Bruce hit a bomb and was robbed of a 3-run homer. Would Hamilton have stole all 3 bases? This game was lost by Bronson's and the bullpen's inability to throw strikes in the 7th and 8th.

[RedsBrick]

Not saying the game was lost by not using Hamilton but it could have definitely made a difference. If Hamilton steals right away we all know BP would bunt him to third. They probably still pitch around/walk Votto and now the Bruce long fly is a sac fly and Chapman is pitching the bottom of the 9th. You have a great weapon for close games late. Use it.

There was already one out with BP batting, so unless he bunts for a base hit Bruce's out still would've been the third. But I agree...put Hamilton in, let him steal and let BP salivate over another RBI

[WVRedsFan]

This was a team loss. Bronson lost it in the 7th and was allowed to stay until the bases were full and a run scored. Hoover clearly is not the plus reliever many think and we're tied. Then Dusty puts Parra in, the retread rejected by a couple of teams for just this. Luck? Maybe, but three decisions led to this loss outlined above. We will be lucky to get the wild card this year, but if the Reds do, they could come around. I hope.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm confident we make the postseason. I'm just no longer confident that we'll be at all successful.

That's where I am. There's just no evidence to suggest any other kind of outcome. In order to win the pennant, this team will have to find a way to post eight wins against very good competition within a two week span. That's flat out insurmountable for this club.

[MillerTime58]

I'm confident we make the postseason. I'm just no longer confident that we'll be at all successful.

Based on this one game?

[kbrake]

There was already one out with BP batting, so unless he bunts for a base hit Bruce's out still would've been the third. But I agree...put Hamilton in, let him steal and let BP salivate over another RBI

Yeah I just realized that. Still think Hamilton gives you a much better chance of scoring in that inning.

[RollyInRaleigh]

Probably in the same exact spot.

Maybe, but maybe not. One will never know.

[xsteve1]

I still think Reds will still be fine. Get 4 or 5 of the next 6. Really would be nice to get Marshall back.

[Tom Servo]

Maybe, but maybe not. One will never know.

This one man knows that acquiring a 36 year old/probably back on PEDs in a career year Marlon Byrd and a washed up Justin Morneau isn't 'all in'. If somebody wants to say they were solid moves, that's one thing. But 'all in' is getting Cliff Lee or Giancarlo Stanton.

[RedsBrick]

Bruce hit a bomb and was robbed of a 3-run homer. Would Hamilton have stole all 3 bases? This game was lost by Bronson's and the bullpen's inability to throw strikes in the 7th and 8th.

Your argument about Bruce is 20/20 hindsight and is analysis going backwards.

I don't disagree that pitching didn't hold up today....but the Reds still had a chance to be aggressive and win this game despite that. Unfortunately it was managed passively....playing for extra innings...and we see how that turned out.

The kid has been on base 5 times for the Reds...he's stolen 5 bases...and scored 4 times. That's 80% of the time he's been on base he's scored. But, let's keep him on the bench...especially in the very situation in which he excels.