"No matter how good you are, you're going to lose one-third of your games. No matter how bad you are you're going to win one-third of your games. It's the other third that makes the difference." ~Tommy Lasorda
I think XP has given them something to think about in the offseason.
Prior to this season, X hadn't done much in his limited chances in the bigs. He has been pretty solid in the minors though. Maybe it just took time for himto become acclimated. I don't look for him to be an all-star, but I see no reason while he can't be a solid LH bat off the bench for the Reds. As long as too much more isn't expected of him, I see no reason for him to go gourd on us.
I don't see it (and I like Xavier Paul). CF is the outfield position at which he has the least experience. With the club's commitment to pitching and defense, I don't know if they would go with Paul as anything more than an emergency option in CF.
I see Xavier as a decent 5th OF on a good club (or a 4th OF on a bad club). There's nothing wrong with that--Herm Winningham was very useful in that same role for the Reds in 1990.
Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.
I just want to say congratulations to Hanigan. First career walk-off hit. (at least that's what the announcer said)
Winningham is a good comp to Paul. I don' think he ever starts in CF but he has been a very good lefty bat so far of this season and maybe beyond 2012.
I watched the postgame interviews and Dusty isn't happy at all with the defense. One of the few times I have ever seen Dusty really upset openly with his team. They do need to tighten things up. If this had been a better opponent this weekend the Reds could have easily lost 3 of 4 instead of winning 3 of 4. Thank goodness the Cubs were the Cubs and gave back nearly every gift that was given them.
Reds Fan Since 1971
Watching the replay, it appears to me that Valdez has hit foot in the way and gets the tag down. Valdez also field the throw from Frazier with the runner having rounded third. His hand was down where the runner's was coming back in and kept it off the plate as he applied the tag.
“In the same way that a baseball season never really begins, it never really ends either.” - Lonnie Wheeler, "Bleachers, A Summer in Wrigley Field"
The Baseball Emporium - Books & Things.
The Baseball Bookstore
http://tsc-sales.com/
http://tscsales.blogspot.com/
http://silverscreenbooks.com/
Someone's YouTube video from the Sun Deck of the Paul and Hannigan ABs in the 9th. Really captures the atmosphere well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MfFd4R2_qY
I was at this game yesterday and the atmosphere was pretty great overall. When XP hit that triple I about went hoarse screaming my head off for him. I had just said in the previous part of the inning (after Hanny threw out the guy at third) that I hoped Ryan got a chance to win the game in the bottom of the 9th since he had that great defensive play earlier and low and behold, XP set him up perfectly to be the hero! We went ballistic when Hanny got that hit and I actually kind of felt bad for the Cubs pitcher for a minute (only two pitches and he gets saddled with the loss, LOL). It was so awesome and you gotta love Latos being ready to get Hanny with the pie! You know, I've been to a lot of games this year and I honestly think this was the first walk off win I've seen all season. Awesome fun and for anyone who may not have noticed, Joey was also out there cheering with the guys at the end which was awesome. I love this team!
"I tried to play golf, but I found out I wasn't very good." -Joey Votto on his offseason hobby search
An MLB.com reporter asked what one thing Votto couldn’t do. “I can’t skate or play hockey,” Votto said. “Well, I can skate ... but I can’t stop.”
Board Moderators may, at their discretion and judgment, delete and/or edit any messages that violate any of the following guidelines: 1. Explicit references to alleged illegal or unlawful acts. 2. Graphic sexual descriptions. 3. Racial or ethnic slurs. 4. Use of edgy language (including masked profanity). 5. Direct personal attacks, flames, fights, trolling, baiting, name-calling, general nuisance, excessive player criticism or anything along those lines. 6. Posting spam. 7. Each person may have only one user account. It is fine to be critical here - that's what this board is for. But let's not beat a subject or a player to death, please. |