Reds vs. Cardinals Thread (5/8-5/10)

[Eric_the_Red]

Coming in to the series...
Cardinals 19-10, .655, 1st in Central
Reds 15-13, .536, 4th in Central

Probables
Friday
Joel Pineiro, RHP (4-1, 3.24)
vs.
Johnny Cueto, RHP (2-1, 1.65)

Saturday
Kyle Lohse, RHP (3-1, 3.22)
vs.
Aaron Harang, RHP (2-3, 3.00) (Pitching on his 31st birthday!)

Sunday
Adam Wainwright, RHP (3-1, 4.08)
vs.
Edinson Volquez, RHP (4-2, 3.47)

Notes:
- Willy Taveras and Jay Bruce both have 8 game hitting streaks
- The Reds are 12-8 vs. the Central
- The Reds and Giants are the NL's only undefeated teams when leading after 5 innings (12-0)
- Opponents are hitting a combined .167 against Weathers and Rhodes (11-66)
- The Reds are 0-3-2 in five home series this season
- The Reds were 5-10 vs. the Cardinals in 2008, 4-5 at GABP
- Albert Pujols has 13 HR at GABP, 3rd most by a visitor (Berkman 20, Bay 14)
- Due to an event at Sawyer Point, the post-game fireworks cannot start before 10:00, regardless of what time the game ends

[Eric_the_Red]

Huge series here for the Reds. 2-1 would be great, a sweep would be a major statement.

Three very good pitching match-ups. If the Reds defense doesn't improve and the flu-bug hangs around, they could be in major trouble.

[WILD THING]

If the Reds defense doesn't improve and the flu-bug hangs around, they could be in major trouble.

I don't think that can be emphasized enough. We need Votto desperately if we want to gain some major ground on the Redbirds. Phillips' glove would be great to have around, but his bat could hurt us if he's protecting Votto in the lineup.

[PhillipsHead]

We badly need 2 out of 3 if we want to be taken serious in the central at this point...

[WILD THING]

The lineup for Friday's game is out already. No Votto or Phillips again... Hopefully this is the only game of the series they're sitting. Here's to hoping they get healthy soon..

Taveras CF
Hairston 2B
Bruce RF
Hernandez 1B
Nix LF
Rosales 3B
Hanigan C
Janish SS
Cueto P

I'm pleasantly surprised to see Nix in the 5th spot. Hernandez's hot bat also provides some more protection for Bruce that BP hasn't really been able to provide early in the season.

[OesterPoster]

I hope someone (Fay, Sheldon, McCoy) will ask Dusty why he's being short-armed with a 24 man roster. Gonzo can't play, Votto and Phillips are sick...why can't they make a decision to get another guy on the bench? It's ridiculous to have both of your catchers in the starting lineup, and yet have so few options on the bench. Either put Gonzo on the DL and at least bring Sutton or Castillo up to provide a warm body...or send someone with options, like Herrera, down for a game or two until you've got Gonzo/Votto/Phillips.

[cbowen2112]

I think either Hopper or Gomes needs to be called up soon for McDonald. He is a waste of space.

We also need another IF so Castillo would be the best option being able to play anywhere he is asked.

[WILD THING]

I think either Hopper or Gomes needs to be called up soon for McDonald. He is a waste of space.

We also need another IF so Castillo would be the best option being able to play anywhere he is asked.

Gomes would be my choice if we're going to bring up an outfielder. He's turned it around after his early season struggles. I'd like to see what he can do with his bat in GABP.

[cbowen2112]

Gomes would be my choice if we're going to bring up an outfielder. He's turned it around after his early season struggles. I'd like to see what he can do with his bat in GABP.

Absolutely, he is also a great persona to have around in the clubhouse. Ask any Rays player...

[Ghosts of 1990]

I have honestly not been this pumped about a series in several seasons. I am interested to see how our guys do battle tonight.

[bgwilly31]

Those guys must really be bad to not be able to play in this series.


You know they've been waiting for this.

I dont like our chances tonight.

The stars aligned last night with this lineup.

Im not so sure again.

[Shawn_RedsFan]

we will take 2 of 3. We will also win tonight

[texasdave]

With Cueto, Harang and Volquez going the Reds have to like their chances of taking 2 out of 3 no matter how anemic the offense. These three are the heart of HAVOC!!!

[defender]

Has the weather cleared?

[reds1869]

Has the weather cleared?

Still raining hard as I look out my window. In all honesty a rainout could be a good break for the Reds.