5/1/2013 Reds at Cardinals Lutz First Start

[cumberlandreds]

Here's todays Reds lineup. Game tine is 1:45 pm. First start for Lutz and another Corky special today.


1. Shin-Soo Choo (L) CF
2. Zack Cozart (R) SS
3. Joey Votto (L) 1B
4. Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
5. Jay Bruce (L) RF
6. Todd Frazier (R) 3B
7. Donald Lutz (L) LF
8. Corky Miller (R) C
9. Homer Bailey (R) P

[NebraskaRed]

Corky and Lutz? Interesting game for sure. We'll see if that's interesting-good or interesting-bad.

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the birdies lineup. Looks like they have all of their regulars in today.


1. Jon Jay (L) CF
2. Carlos Beltran (S) RF
3. Matt Holliday (R) LF
4. Allen Craig (R) 1B
5. Yadier Molina (R) C
6. Matt Carpenter (L) 3B
7. Pete Kozma (R) SS
8. Daniel Descalso (L) 2B
9. Lance Lynn (R) P

[texasdave]

Would a third straight 2-1 ballgame surprise anyone? 15-13 in April is not bad considering the injuries, schedule, etc. Hoping the Reds make Lynn cry 'May Day" this afternoon.

[CySeymour]

Corky and Lutz? Interesting game for sure. We'll see if that's interesting-good or interesting-bad.

Corky I get, day game after night game. Lutz I'm not so sure about.

[Maldez]

Freese is the coldest Card, so won't start.

[Gallen5862]

The Reds game is the free game today on MLBTv.com.

[OnBaseMachine]

Can the Reds score more than two runs today? It's hard to get excited about a 15-13 start when the Reds offense has blown so many great pitching performances.

[Tom Servo]

Freese is the coldest Card, so won't start.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRH-Ywpz1_I

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo k's
Cozart pops out to 2nd.
Votto grounds out with a tapper to 3rd.

[Red Raindog]

Will Cozart ever stopping hitting the bottom half of the baseball?

[Kc61]

Reds have played 20 games in a row. No off days. Tomorrow is an off day.

I'd posit that this has hurt the offense. Everyday players are probably exhausted.

Would LOVE to see them get a win today. Reds have three off days in the next 11 days and I think this is going to help.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. 8 straight games for Votto without a walk.

[RedsBrick]

Corky I get, day game after night game. Lutz I'm not so sure about.

I don't get the Cork at all. It's not like Mes is upper 30s...the guy's a young stud. You gotta put your best team on the field. Now if Dusty's arguing that Cork's a better catcher...we'll that would be a head-scratcher but, ok.

I don't buy the day game after night game theory. You don't see Molina sitting.

[CySeymour]

I don't get the Cork at all. It's not like Mes is upper 30s...the guy's a young stud. You gotta put your best team on the field. Now if Dusty's arguing that Cork's a better catcher...we'll that would be a head-scratcher but, ok.

I don't buy the day game after night game theory. You don't see Molina sitting.

Didn't say I agreed with it, just that I see why.

[texasdave]

Wow. 8 straight games for Votto without a walk.

Did the world come to an end and nobody bothered to tell me?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jay grounds out to Phillips. 1 down.

[texasdave]

Day baseball is awesome. The sun, the green grass.

[texasdave]

Beltran flirting with a dinger. Ends up K'ing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Loud foul ball. *whew*

K

[RedsBrick]

6483

I know the Reds don't win much in STL but CBSSports.com should know better than this...Sheesh.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Holliday grounds out to third. 1-2-3 for Homer.

[Kc61]

Day baseball is awesome. The sun, the green grass.

Yeah, and with the Reds, the game isn't prolonged. The pitchers mow down the other side quickly. And the Reds hitters don't produce very long half innings themselves.

[Tom Servo]

Lutz wearing #23, previously worn by Reds luminaries like Jason LaRue, Corey Patterson, Adam Rosales, and Yonder Alonso.


Also some other nobodies like Hal Morris.

[Red Raindog]

I don't get the Cork at all. It's not like Mes is upper 30s...the guy's a young stud. You gotta put your best team on the field. Now if Dusty's arguing that Cork's a better catcher...we'll that would be a head-scratcher but, ok.

I don't buy the day game after night game theory. You don't see Molina sitting.

and an off day coming

[Kc61]

Wow. 8 straight games for Votto without a walk.

Guy is only human. Verducci wrote an article about it. Lots of criticism that he isn't being paid a fortune to walk. Team wasn't scoring that much.

I'm guessing all this has impacted Joey. Probably he's also trying to single handedly get the offense going and figures walks won't do that.

Personally, I hate for Votto to become overanxious at the plate. Hope he remains selective.

[texasdave]

Lance Lynn lost 40 pounds? :eek: He is still large.

[_Sir_Charles_]

and an off day coming

But now Mes gets 2 days off in a row which is reinvigorating. I've got no problem with Mes off today.

Phillips pops out in foul ground.

[Red Raindog]

Lance Lynn lost 40 pounds? :eek: He is still large.

The TV adds 10 lbs.

:laugh:

[texasdave]

May is for Jay. He will be en fuego soon.

Oh, yeah.

[cumberlandreds]

TRIPLE!!!!!!!

[Tom Servo]

Good start to May for Bruce!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce with a flair that Holliday muffs and Jay's at third! Ruled a triple!

[Kc61]

I don't get the Cork at all. It's not like Mes is upper 30s...the guy's a young stud. You gotta put your best team on the field. Now if Dusty's arguing that Cork's a better catcher...we'll that would be a head-scratcher but, ok.

I don't buy the day game after night game theory. You don't see Molina sitting.

Some of the Reds' injury replacements baffle me.

I respect Corky but at this stage wonder if they don't have a better replacement catcher. Really was shocked when he was called up.

Also didn't understand calling up Lutz. He wasn't doing that well at AA. He's not even a natural LFer. I would have brought up a AAA hitter (probably Soto) and lived with four outfielders, Frazier in an emergency.

[Red Raindog]

Bruce is back!

[texasdave]

Time for a bat throw.

[RiverRat13]

But now Mes gets 2 days off in a row which is reinvigorating. I've got no problem with Mes off today.

Phillips pops out in foul ground.

If Hanny is close to coming back, I'd ride Mes like a mule. He'll get plenty of rest soon enough. Corky has played way too much.

If Hanny is still a couple of weeks away, I agree with you.

[klw]

Wow. 8 straight games for Votto without a walk.

And 8 straight games in which Choo has not been HBP. Coincidence? I think not.

[texasdave]

Is that dark spot in the front of the plate quicksand?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Frazier HBP. Charge the mound!!! :O)

[texasdave]

A bloop and a plunk and a blast. Works for me.

[Kc61]

If Hanny is close to coming back, I'd ride Mes like a mule. He'll get plenty of rest soon enough. Corky has played way too much.

If Hanny is still a couple of weeks away, I agree with you.

I would be playing Mes today in any event. Corky, once a week until Hanny comes back.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is that dark spot in the front of the plate quicksand?

That's where they bury the syringes. :O)

[texasdave]

Not deep enough. Grr.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lutz flies out to Holliday, Frazier tags and heads to 2nd.

[RiverRat13]

I would be playing Mes today in any event. Corky, once a week until Hanny comes back.

Especially if Mes is only going to play once a week once Hanny gets back.

[Kc61]

XPaul or Derrick Robinson have a better chance of getting that run in, but I guess their names didn't get drawn in the random LF drawing this morning.

[texasdave]

Corky striking fear in the hearts of the Cardinals.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fear the 'stache!

4 pitch walk to Corky. Bases loaded for Homer.

Make 'em pay Homer!!!

[texasdave]

Homer can handle the bat.

[klw]

They don't fear the Stache on the bathpaths??????

[50YrRedsFan]

Walk to Corky...Why? Bailey may be the better hitter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

XPaul or Derrick Robinson have a better chance of getting that run in, but I guess their names didn't get drawn in the random LF drawing this morning.

Not sure I believe that. Lutz has considerably more power than either of those guys. Only needed a deep fly ball.

[klw]

Wow where was that 0-1 to Homer?????? I may be a Reds fan but that looked like a strike to me.

[Kc61]

Still seething that Lutz was up in that spot.

This is a serious game, it's not a AA tryout situation. February is over, Dusty.

[Chip R]

Walk to Corky...Why? Bailey may be the better hitter.

Sets up a force play. If it's 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and Corky grounds to 2nd, it's 1-0 Reds. Bases loaded and Homer does the same thing, force at any base.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Homer grounds out to 3rd. Pretty decent ab there from Homer. But the rally fizzles. 0-0 it stays.

[klw]

Sets up a double play. If it's 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and Corky grounds to 2nd, it's 1-0 Reds. Bases loaded and Homer does the same thing, double play.

Uhh there were 2 outs.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Wow where was that 0-1 to Homer?????? I may be a REds fan but that looked like a strike to me.

I've felt like there's been an unusually-high number of strikes called balls for both teams in this series.

[texasdave]

Sets up a double play. If it's 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and Corky grounds to 2nd, it's 1-0 Reds. Bases loaded and Homer does the same thing, double play.

Only if teams get four outs nowadays.

[cumberlandreds]

Only good thing is that Lynn is up to 39 pitches after only two. Maybe that will pay off later in the game. Two runs will win this game just like the last two nights.

[RiverRat13]

Should Frazier have advanced on the Lutz flyout? If he stays at first, they pitch to Corky.

I still say yes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sets up a force play. If it's 2nd and 3rd with 1 out and Corky grounds to 2nd, it's 1-0 Reds. Bases loaded and Homer does the same thing, force at any base.

But what if there are 2 outs already? ;)

AAAAAH, you beat me with the ninja edit. :O) You had DP first. *grin*

[Chip R]

Uhh there were 2 outs.

I edited my post but the point still stands.

[50YrRedsFan]

Man on third with 1 out......we have to execute and get those runs.

[Kc61]

Not sure I believe that. Lutz has considerably more power than either of those guys. Only needed a deep fly ball.

I cannot tell you how profoundly I disagree with this. If power was the answer, the Reds should have pulled a defensive tackle from the NFL draft.

Lutz was at AA where he was not hitting much. There was very little reason he had to fill the roster spot. There was no reason he had to start today.

This is a game vs. the Cards, the team's big rival, in St. Louis. Must we treat it as a tryout camp?

XPaul and Robinson are far more advanced players. Or even use Hannahan and play Frazier in LF for a day.

Lutz is a fine prospect, he'll have his day. I don't see why it is today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I edited my post but the point still stands.

True, but with it edited we can't make fun of you. Spoil sport. :O)

[CySeymour]

Do intentional walk pitches get counted into the pitch count?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I cannot tell you how profoundly I disagree with this. If power was the answer, the Reds should have pulled a defensive tackle from the NFL draft.

Lutz was at AA where he was not hitting much. There was very little reason he had to fill the roster spot. There was no reason he had to start today.

This is a game vs. the Cards, the team's big rival, in St. Louis. Must we treat it as a tryout camp?

XPaul and Robinson are far more advanced players. Or even use Hannahan and play Frazier in LF for a day.

Lutz is a fine prospect, he'll have his day. I don't see why it is today.

Because Walt brought him up. Dusty's going to give the kid a shot sometime...what's wrong with today?

And I was only saying that in that specific situation, a deep fly ball would've plated Bruce...and Lutz has more power than the other 2. Not saying he's a better player or would have more impact on this game.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 out double for Carpenter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ground out to Cozart to end the inning. 0-0 after 2.

Homer at 18 pitches
Lynn at 40.

[texasdave]

Should Frazier have advanced on the Lutz flyout? If he stays at first, they pitch to Corky.

I still say yes.

I agree. If you can take a base, take it.

[texasdave]

Do intentional walk pitches get counted into the pitch count?

Yes.

[Kc61]

Because Walt brought him up. Dusty's going to give the kid a shot sometime...what's wrong with today?

1. At St. Louis, key division rival.

2. Rubber game of the series.

3. Why does he have to play as a starter in any game? Why not let him hit off the bench?

4. Team slumping, need to use best hitters.

5. Again, this is not a tryout camp.

I hope Lutz wins the game with a grand slam. Nothing against the young man. The decision making, IMO, is -- well, questionable (to be kind).

[New York Red]

We continue to lead the universe in runners left on base.

[CySeymour]

Yes.

Thank you.

[50YrRedsFan]

Choo scuffling some lately....that doesn't leave many who are actually hitting the ball.

[Kc61]

We continue to lead the universe in runners left on base.

The bottom of the order today is not built to capitalize on opportunities at the major league level.

It's frustrating when guys like Bruce leave runners on base.

When Lutz, Miller, and the pitcher don't get them home, look in the dugout.

[Red Raindog]

Choo scuffling some lately....that doesn't leave many who are actually hitting the ball.

is that # greater than zero?

[_Sir_Charles_]

1. At St. Louis, key division rival.

2. Rubber game of the series.

3. Why does he have to play as a starter in any game? Why not let him hit off the bench?

4. Team slumping, need to use best hitters.

5. Again, this is not a tryout camp.

I hope Lutz wins the game with a grand slam. Nothing against the young man. The decision making, IMO, is -- well, questionable (to be kind).

1. Every game is key regardless of who you're playing
2. Every win is important, no matter which game of a series it is.
3. Why not? Zero problem with giving a kid a shot. He was also a favorite of Dusty during ST. He really hated cutting him.
4. Neither Paul or Robinson are anywhere close to being in our "best hitters" catagory.
5. If you're on the roster, Dusty will get you playing time. Guys get called up from AAA and AA all the time.

I agree someone else could've been called up, but they were limited by the 40 man roster first off...of those guys, none were doing anything really. Maybe Lutz has some intangibles that Walt & Dusty really like. Anyway, moot point. He's here, best of luck kid.

And with that, single to left for Votto with 2 down.

[coachpipe]

ahhh..I liked vottos high sock look

[RedsBrick]

Hey STL fans....get over the booing of DatDude...sheesh

[50YrRedsFan]

is that # greater than zero?

It's real close to zero.

[50YrRedsFan]

We have to find a #2 hitter.

[Red Raindog]

4 - 1 putout!

[coachpipe]

We have to find a #2 hitter.

we have one named brandon phillips

[Kc61]

1. Every game is key regardless of who you're playing
2. Every win is important, no matter which game of a series it is.
3. Why not? Zero problem with giving a kid a shot. He was also a favorite of Dusty during ST. He really hated cutting him.
4. Neither Paul or Robinson are anywhere close to being in our "best hitters" catagory.
5. If you're on the roster, Dusty will get you playing time. Guys get called up from AAA and AA all the time.

I agree someone else could've been called up, but they were limited by the 40 man roster first off...of those guys, none were doing anything really. Maybe Lutz has some intangibles that Walt & Dusty really like. Anyway, moot point. He's here, best of luck kid.

And with that, single to left for Votto with 2 down.

I disagree with just about every word of this, except I agree Votto got a single.

All I know is that Bruce got a triple with one out and an inexperienced hitter swung at the first pitch and popped up. So far, I'm right. Hopefully he will do better later in the game.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm surprised how far Votto went to his right there. Homer gets to first in time though.

[50YrRedsFan]

BP grounds out..0-0 mid 3rd

[50YrRedsFan]

we have one named brandon phillips

OK...we have to find a cleanup hitter

[texasdave]

If Descalso's shoe is two sizes larger, he is safe. =)

[_Sir_Charles_]

I disagree with just about every word of this, except I agree Votto got a single.

All I know is that Bruce got a triple with one out and an inexperienced hitter swung at the first pitch and popped up. So far, I'm right. Hopefully he will do better later in the game.

LOL. Glad we agree on the single at least. :O) We do seem to be disagreeing quite a bit lately. We need to find some common ground. :thumbup:

2 down after the ground out to Votto.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

If Descalso's shoe is two sizes larger, he is safe. =)

Or if Homer is 5'11 ;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

OK...we have to find a hitter

Some words just aren't needed. :laugh:

[coachpipe]

OK...we have to find a cleanup hitter

I wonder how mes or frazier would do there

[50YrRedsFan]

This game will be just like yesterday's game...one mistake and it's over.

[texasdave]

Bailey has turned into a fine pitcher.

[Red Raindog]

sure is fun watching BP play defense

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips....smooth as silk. 0-0 after 3 full.

[RedsBrick]

Let's go Reds! How about putting up a crooked number...

[texasdave]

Nice play, Brandon.

[cumberlandreds]

Nice play by Phillips to end the inning. Bailey looks mighty good again today. This guy has arrived if there were any doubt.

[Red Raindog]

Bailey has turned into a fine pitcher.

sign him up

[50YrRedsFan]

Bailey has turned into a fine pitcher.

I think Bailey is going to want the Bank when this year is over.

[mbgrayson]

After three innings, the pitch count:

Lynn has thrown 56 pitches, 37 strikes.
Bailey has thrown 33 pitches, 27 strikes.

They have got to get into the Cardinal pen ASAP today...

[Red Raindog]

Let's go Reds! How about putting up a crooked number...

I'd take a straight one

[Red Raindog]

Bruce -- 1/2 way to the cycle!

[Tom Servo]

Can't stop May Bruce.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jay 2 for 2. Welcome to May!

[cumberlandreds]

Nice solid single by Bruce. Maybe, just maybe, he's coming around.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'd take a straight one

I'll take a double digit number please. :O)

[NebraskaRed]

Nice solid single by Bruce. Maybe, just maybe, he's coming around.

Tweet him about that

[texasdave]

May is for Jay. Hurray!

[Red Raindog]

ugh - 5 4 3

[_Sir_Charles_]

Todd grounds into the DP. :(

[cumberlandreds]

Tweet him about that


Tweet. Tweet. That's as far my tweeting goes. :)

[BluegrassRedleg]

This team is brutal to watch at the dish.

[redsfaninbsg]

Unless Lutz gets on, Lynn's pitch count problems became borderline moot.

[texasdave]

Donald Lutz is a healthy young man.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lutz flies out to right. Still scoreless.

[Kc61]

Glad to see Lutz' development progressed by the experience of flying to right there. Very helpful to the organization.

[coachpipe]

Glad to see Lutz' development progressed by the experience of flying to right there. Very helpful to the organization.

About the same thing heisey gives you

[50YrRedsFan]

Glad to see Lutz' development progressed by the experience of flying to right there. Very helpful to the organization.

I share your frustration, but the Reds have absolutely no one in the minors that is even close to ready for the big show.

[Red Raindog]

deep hole now

[Tom Servo]

Beltran - Reds killer

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-0 Cards. Dinger Beltran.

[texasdave]

Beltran is locked in. Seems like every time I watch him he is locked in.

[50YrRedsFan]

Well, that could be it. Beltran makes it 1-0 Cards

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

deep hole now

Grand Canyon

[coachpipe]

I hate losing to the cardinals more than i like beating them

[BluegrassRedleg]

Scariest part about that, it may be enough to beat us.

[tomnuetten]

Glad to see Lutz' development progressed by the experience of flying to right there. Very helpful to the organization.

he had 3 at bats this season and no single hit! this guy is a bust ;)

[Red Raindog]

Grand Canyon

at the very least!

;)

[klw]

Nice to see Homer settle down quickly after the homer and not get derailed.

[cumberlandreds]

Scariest part about that, it may be enough to beat us.

I;m afraid you may be right. This offense is just abysmal right now. Bottom of the order is beyond abysmal today.

[texasdave]

Datdude nearly comes up with a web gem.

[redsfaninbsg]

It's probably a good thing they have tomorrow off, that series in Chicago is not going to be easy based on the pitching and the way the Reds are hitting.

[redsfaninbsg]

Now a base hit probably ends it.

[Tom Servo]

I hate Matt Carpenter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Uh oh. 1 in already, back to back hits now.

[klw]

Nice to see Homer settle down quickly after the homer and not get derailed.

Oops wrote too soon.
Carpenter with the 2b 2nd and 3rd

[50YrRedsFan]

Nice to see Homer settle down quickly after the homer and not get derailed.

spoke too soon?

[BluegrassRedleg]

Datdude nearly comes up with a web gem.

Had it been anyone but the unretirable Molina, it would be in his glove. :(

[Red Raindog]

I pitch to this guy Kozma

[Kc61]

I share your frustration, but the Reds have absolutely no one in the minors that is even close to ready for the big show.

Again, I profoundly disagree. There was no reason whatsoever to reach down to AA Pensacola for a player.

Neftali Soto has an .860 AAA OPS. He has a year at AAA under his belt. He is a bat. There are also a few other guys at AAA who would have sufficed.

The Reds reflexively went for a guy who has played some LF. But they could have easily lived with four outfielders plus Frazier in an emergency. They should have gone for the best hitter.

Soto also makes sense because the Reds have no righty power on the bench. Their current RHH are Izturis (switch), Robinson (switch) and the backup catcher.

And even the Lutz decision could be justified if he merely pinch hit. Instead, we're seeing player development today against the Cards.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*whew* Ground out to short to end the threat. 1-0 Cards after 4.

[Falcon7]

Bruce and his overrated arm... When was his last assist?

[BluegrassRedleg]

Again, I profoundly disagree. There was no reason whatsoever to reach down to AA Pensacola for a player.

Neftali Soto has an .860 AAA OPS. He has a year at AAA under his belt. He is a bat. There are also a few other guys at AAA who would have sufficed.

The Reds reflexively went for a guy who has played some LF. But they could have easily lived with four outfielders plus Frazier in an emergency. They should have gone for the best hitter.

Soto also makes sense because the Reds have no righty power on the bench. Their current RHH are Izturis (switch), Robinson (switch) and the backup catcher.

And even the Lutz decision could be justified if he merely pinch hit. Instead, we're seeing player development today against the Cards.

It would be out of character for the organization, but is there anyone worth taking a flier on who's a free agent?

[50YrRedsFan]

Again, I profoundly disagree. There was no reason whatsoever to reach down to AA Pensacola for a player.

Neftali Soto has an .860 AAA OPS. He has a year at AAA under his belt. He is a bat. There are also a few other guys at AAA who would have sufficed.

The Reds reflexively went for a guy who has played some LF. But they could have easily lived with four outfielders plus Frazier in an emergency. They should have gone for the best hitter.

Soto also makes sense because the Reds have no righty power on the bench. Their current RHH are Izturis (switch), Robinson (switch) and the backup catcher.

And even the Lutz decision could be justified if he merely pinch hit. Instead, we're seeing player development today against the Cards.

I forgot about Soto. Lutz was doing little at Pensacola. Quite a few K's. At this point in time, we desperately need a hitter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Again, I profoundly disagree. There was no reason whatsoever to reach down to AA Pensacola for a player.

Neftali Soto has an .860 AAA OPS. He has a year at AAA under his belt. He is a bat. There are also a few other guys at AAA who would have sufficed.

The Reds reflexively went for a guy who has played some LF. But they could have easily lived with four outfielders plus Frazier in an emergency. They should have gone for the best hitter.

Soto also makes sense because the Reds have no righty power on the bench. Their current RHH are Izturis (switch), Robinson (switch) and the backup catcher.

And even the Lutz decision could be justified if he merely pinch hit. Instead, we're seeing player development today against the Cards.

Your way is certainly an option. The reds however clearly wanted someone who could play left.

I think you're blowing it out of proportion though.

[redsfaninbsg]

I'm sure it's already been discussed but why is Lutz starting today and not Paul?

[Red Raindog]

Corky gets to take his seat quickly

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Homer with a shot to right....tried for 2, nailed. Heck of a throw by Beltran.

[Tom Servo]

Can't blame Homer for trying to spark something.

[texasdave]

He ran on Beltran. Oh, no!

[redsfaninbsg]

Reds certainly aren't getting any breaks.

[coachpipe]

that was a perfect throw by beltran..damn..

[Red Raindog]

Can't blame Homer for trying to get an extra base because he has had as a good of swings as anyone today

[50YrRedsFan]

Damn. Homer with a shot to right....tried for 2, nailed.

Just nothing going right offensively.

[RedsBrick]

I have that gut feeling that this game is over. I hate that feeling. I don't always have it....but I do today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

For what it's worth, Neftali Soto just recently came off the DL. Like a few days ago IIRC. That may have been a deciding factor in the choice of Lutz.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

You stink ump - personally responsible for that K.

[coachpipe]

These UMPS SUCK this series..The strike zone the past 2 days has been awful and always in the cardinals favor. Then the missed call at 2nd with phillips yesterday..that was awful

And that 2nd strike to choo was a foot outside..thats the only reason he swung at that last pitch..If you dont know where the strike zone is, how do you know what pitch to take for a ball?

[New York Red]

Choo now 3-25 on the road trip.

[50YrRedsFan]

Choo k's for the 3rd time........just nothing going right.

[redsfaninbsg]

Strike zone expanding, forces Choo to swing at one out of the zone and he goes down on strikes for the third time.

[Red Raindog]

Choo - 3/4 of the way to the Sombrero

:barf:

[texasdave]

If you wanna test Holliday, fine. I would think you would know better than to test Beltran. Beltran has been passing that test for years.

[malcontent]

Welsh on Bailey challenging Beltran's arm: "I like that."

:explode:

[Tom Servo]

Choo now 3-25 on the road trip.
Well he probably wasn't going to continue hitting .392

[Kc61]

Your way is certainly an option. The reds however clearly wanted someone who could play left.

I think you're blowing it out of proportion though.

Over the last 7 games, the Reds have the lowest OPS in the major leagues, .514.

Either you attack the problem or you don't.

Is it life or death? No. But as a Reds fan I expect them to do better than this.

So we have Lutz, Corky Miller, and a pitcher hitting today at the bottom of the order.

[50YrRedsFan]

How long do we tread water before it is too late to address the offensive woes?

[redsfaninbsg]

This guy is calling strikes a good 2-3 inches off the plate.

[50YrRedsFan]

Wiiiiiiiiiiiide strike zone....wow

[NebraskaRed]

Bailey looks like he hasn't slept in a week.

[Tom Servo]

Bailey looks like he hasn't slept in a week.
Noticed that too, looks like a vampire.

[NebraskaRed]

hey, Lutz caught it!

[50YrRedsFan]

Bailey looks like he hasn't slept in a week.

He stays awake at night worrying about how many runs the team will score for him.

[texasdave]

Just walk him. Please.

[NebraskaRed]

Noticed that too, looks like a vampire.

maybe he is, and he's feeding off the other members of the team. That explains their offense lately.

[Tom Servo]

Balk. Now you definitely walk Beltran, if you ask me.

[Red Raindog]

brain cramp by Homer for a balk!

[redsfaninbsg]

Reds really need to string some good at bats together next half inning. Cozart is over due, in fact, he's the one regular I'm starting to worry about.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm not sure I've ever seen that before. Balk on Bailey as he bluffs a throw over to first...Votto wasn't covering though.

[texasdave]

Ghost fielder. LOL.

[Tom Servo]

Balk. Now you definitely walk Beltran, if you ask me.
Pay no attention to this man.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Over the last 7 games, the Reds have the lowest OPS in the major leagues, .514.

Over the last 7 games, the Reds have faced....

Jeff Samardzija
Gio Gonzales
Jordan Zimmerman
Dan Haren
Ross Detwieler
Adam Wainwright
Jamie Garcia

I think THAT has more to do with our OPS than who was batting. Just sayin'.

[Red Raindog]

Is there a luckier team?

[redsfaninbsg]

91 down the can and he takes, then grounds out on a check swing curve ball. Yipeee.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

It would be nice to have one bad hop work out for the Reds, as opposed to bouncing perfectly to the defender.

[Red Raindog]

that was strike?

how wide and low can this ump go?

[redsfaninbsg]

Cozart is in a serious funk and the Reds really have no place else to turn at SS. He has got to get it going.

[CySeymour]

Another out by Cozart. WHy, why, why does Dusty love hitting him second?

[texasdave]

Votto ties it right here. One base at a time.

[Red Raindog]

all primed for the BP Blast

[_Sir_Charles_]

Walk drought has ended. Votto on with 1 down.

[malcontent]

Never been so relieved to see Votto walk.

[Kc61]

For what it's worth, Neftali Soto just recently came off the DL. Like a few days ago IIRC. That may have been a deciding factor in the choice of Lutz.

Soto has played every day since April 20, and probably before that, I just don't have the previous game logs. He's on fire right now, so it's not too late, but Dusty liked Lutz in spring training so I guess that's all there is to it . . . .

[redsfaninbsg]

Another out by Cozart. WHy, why, why does Dusty love hitting him second?

A better question might be, if you can't hit in front of Joey Votto where can you hit? He's getting challenged on a daily basis and failing.

[757690]

Votto stops drawing walks, and the Reds offense goes into a slump... Hmmmmmmmm

[tomnuetten]

Another out by Cozart. WHy, why, why does Dusty love hitting him second?

I agree but at the moment nobody hits like a #2 hitter...

[757690]

Soto has played every day since April 20, and probably before that, I just don't have the previous game logs. He's on fire right now, so it's not too late, but Dusty liked Lutz in spring training so I guess that's all there is to it . . . .

Lutz can play LF. Probably the biggest factor in choosing him over Soto.

[redsfaninbsg]

Brandon Phillips has just been an RBI machine.

[Tom Servo]

DatDude2B!!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Datdude 2-bagger. 1-1 ballgame!

[coachpipe]

wooooooooo

god that even sounds annoying when i type it

[Red Raindog]

I ♥ me some BP

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

The disappointment in the Cards announcers voices makes me quite giddy.

[757690]

Great call by Welsh. Hit and run works to perfection.

[Kc61]

BTW, Charles, Soto came off the DL on April 11.

[Larry Schuler]

Reds don't pay Votto to walk and score the game tying run.

[tomnuetten]

votto walks => reds score :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Soto has played every day since April 20, and probably before that, I just don't have the previous game logs. He's on fire right now, so it's not too late, but Dusty liked Lutz in spring training so I guess that's all there is to it . . . .

Could be. I don't follow the minors on a daily basis. Just thought I'd mention the DL thing.

[Kc61]

Could be. I don't follow the minors on a daily basis. Just thought I'd mention the DL thing.

He was activated April 11.

[texasdave]

Yes!!!

[Red Raindog]

Bruce - ugh

[_Sir_Charles_]

BTW, Charles, Soto came off the DL on April 11.

I thought it was the 20th or so. My bad. I was going by the minor league dl thread here.

[redsfaninbsg]

Jay Bruce tries to hit the ball to Illinois and whiffs.

[coachpipe]

keeping the strike out streak alive

[texasdave]

Lynn getting ready to yell, "May Day".

[Red Raindog]

Frazier will swing at most anything sometimes

[CySeymour]

I agree but at the moment nobody hits like a #2 hitter...

True, however Cozart has a career OBP under .290...nothing in his profile suggests he should be hitting there.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier not happy.

[redsfaninbsg]

If nothing else, maybe Lynn is out of the game. Big inning for Homer right here.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Gotta get that run in there.

[Red Raindog]

hey - we got a run -- of course - failed when one was actually in scoring position by fanning twice

[NebraskaRed]

Think Lynn comes back next inning?

[Kc61]

If nothing else, maybe Lynn is out of the game. Big inning for Homer right here.

99 pitches for Lynn.

He sure did a good job against Bruce and Frazier there.

[50YrRedsFan]

Another runner in scoring position left out there to die.

[tomnuetten]

True, however Cozart has a career OBP under .290...nothing in his profile suggests he should be hitting there.

as I said, I agree with you ;)

but at the moment I don´t know who should bat 2nd though

perhaps

choo
votto
phillips
bruce
frazier
mes
paul
pitcher

[redsfaninbsg]

One-pitch, one-out.

[redsfaninbsg]

as I said, I agree with you ;)

but at the moment I don´t know who should bat 2nd though

perhaps

choo
votto
phillips
bruce
frazier
mes
paul
pitcher

Playing without a SS?

[NebraskaRed]

One-pitch, one-out.

He should just do that every time

[Kc61]

Playing without a SS?

How about:

Votto
Votto
Votto
Phillips
Votto
Votto
Choo
Votto
Votto

I'd let Bruce hit ninth if he gets another hit today.

[tomnuetten]

Playing without a SS?

yes ss is overrated :laugh:

mhm I knew I forgot someone ;)

edit: and as a german I have problems with the ss ...

[redsfaninbsg]

C'mon Homer, need you to get through this inning. With Marshall/Broxton/Chapman ready to go, I like the Reds chances if they can get it even going to the pens.

[redsfaninbsg]

Molina can't make an out.

[Tom Servo]

I hate the Cardinals.

[Red Raindog]

like to see a Price visit here

[NebraskaRed]

[QUOTE=Kc61;2845521]How about:

Votto
Votto
Votto
Phillips
Votto
Votto
Choo
Votto
Votto

http://content.clearchannel.com/cc-common/mlib/4977/03/4977_1363711626.jpg

Votto could do it. He has seven arms, as seen here.

[klw]

as I said, I agree with you ;)

but at the moment I don´t know who should bat 2nd though

perhaps

choo
votto
phillips
bruce
frazier
mes
paul
pitcher

How about:

Robinson/ X Paul
Choo
Votto
Phillips
Bruce
Mes
Frazier
Cozart
Pitcher

[Tom Servo]

of course.

[NebraskaRed]

This might be the last inning for vampire Bailey.

[Red Raindog]

walk -- seeing eye -- bleeder = run

[redsfaninbsg]

I keep telling myself at some point this stuff is going to even out but, my God.

[CySeymour]

How about:

Robinson/ X Paul
Choo
Votto
Phillips
Bruce
Mes
Frazier
Cozart
Pitcher

Robinson has never really hit at any level, so why should he be leading off in the majors?

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

That would have been a pop up to 2nd if the Reds were batting btw.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Fitting. Complete clustertouch by the Reds to end the top half of the inning, followed by the Cards just putting bat on the ball to reclaim the lead.

[Kc61]

Too bad, Reds could have used a series victory here. At this point I suggest Walt and Dusty just bring up some more AA guys and get them into the game. Good experience.