4/8 - Reds vs Marlins

[MikeS21]

He was pitching a pretty good game.... 6 innings, PC at approximately 75, 2 runs (1 unearned). Where I fault Dusty is not having someone throwing in the BP to start the 7th. Because as soon as Bronson hit the first batter (Dobbs), that's when I would have jerked him. But he couldn't immediately because he had no one warming up. So he had to continue to let Bronson throw - do some stalling - until Ondrusek was ready. IMO, that's where Dusty screwed up.

Unlike most other posters, I am willing to give Arroyo a longer leash in that situation.

I am not concerned about 2001. He proved during spring training that he was past 2001. He is a veteran pitcher who has pitch his way out of MANY jams. And he had not pitched poorly up to that point. I do not see what all the fuss was about. To Dusty's credit, he didn't allow things to get too far out of hand. But I would have gone as far with Arroyo as Dusty did, in order to allow him to get out of it.

Let's face it. Had Dusty taken him out of the game after the 6th, and had a reliever given up a couple runs, everyone would be bellyaching because Dusty took Bronson out too early. More than anything, I believe Dusty wanted to save his bullpen for the St. Louis series.

My question for Dusty deals with the wisdom of using Chapman at all. Honestly, Chapman and Marshall are the only two relievers on the team that I feel halfway comfortable with. Those are the guys I want ready to pitch against St. Louis.

[membengal]

I would have hoped Arroyo was vet enough not to bring a gas can and a match to the mound with him in that situation. He gave the lead away right quick.