5/3/2013 Reds v. Baby Bears

[NebraskaRed]

Choo 8
Cozart 6
Votto 3
Frazier 5
Bruce 9
Paul 7
Mesoraco 2
Izturis 4
Leake 1

No Phillips? Frazier hitting cleanup?

Cubs lineup: DeJesus 8
Castro 6
Rizzo 3
Soriano 7
Schierholtz 9
Castillo 2
Valbuena 5
Barney 4
Villanueva 1

[kaldaniels]

Dusty likes to give 2 off days in a row. Maybe that's why.

[cumberlandreds]

Hopefully just a day off for Phillips. Now I'm off to adjust my fantasy lineup for the day.

[redsfaninbsg]

What's the weather look like? They going to get this in?

[50YrRedsFan]

With no Phillips, where are the runs going to come from? Not a lineup that will score much, if any.

[OesterPoster]

With no Phillips, where are the runs going to come from? Not a lineup that will score much, if any.

Votto's career numbers at Wrigley are higher than any other park, IIRC.

[oneupper]

Brandon is 3 for 21 lifetime vs. Villanueva. Maybe that's it.

[traderumor]

With no Phillips, where are the runs going to come from? Not a lineup that will score much, if any.After 40 years, you should know that any lineup on any given day can score runs in MLB.

[1940757690]

Not sure which fountains will spew runs today and do like the Votto data. But, my thought here more around pitching. Looking for Leake to do something memorable since this'll be an especially good chance to keep the Cingrani wolves at bay. If Leake can throw a at least 7 or 8 inning shutout, it'll give fuel to those arguing to send Cingrani back down. I won't be one of them but just sayin' :)

[CySeymour]

After an off day yesterday, not sure I agree with Dusty giving Phillips the day off. Is Phillips also nursing some sort of injury?

[Mitri]

Just an off day for Phillips, not a terrible idea vs. Villanueva. Bats are due...I smell a 7 or 8 run day.

[OesterPoster]

After checking the numbers, I guess Votto's numbers have dipped a bit at Wrigley. It's not his best park, but one of the best. More HRs at Wrigley than any other visiting park. Kind of odd to look at his crazy OPS at other parks, and see that Wrigley's .976 is barely in his top 10 for parks he regularly visits.

[OesterPoster]

Anyone else's radio feed sound a bit goofy today? Maybe my local affiliate's feed from 700?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sounds like an old transistor radio. I agree Oester.

[traderumor]

Anyone else's radio feed sound a bit goofy today? Maybe my local affiliate's feed from 700?Yes, it sounds like a taped version from 1973

[texasdave]

Looks frigid.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway!

[Red in Chicago]

Looks frigid.

we have a wind chill :thumbdown:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo K's looking

[texasdave]

K looking. Welsh already breaking out the "will to win" card.

[texasdave]

we have a wind chill :thumbdown:

Is the wind blowing out or in?

[_Sir_Charles_]

3 pitch K swinging.

[texasdave]

We have us a base runner. Votto singles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is the wind blowing out or in?

sideways according to Dusty. Single for Votto.

[redsfaninbsg]

Cozart is lost. Takes back-to-back fastballs for strikes then swings at a curve in the dirt.

[redsfaninbsg]

Big early run.

[cumberlandreds]

Now that's a nice two out rally.

[scott91575]

hit the snot outta that one.

[texasdave]

Frazier!! 1-0.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dave, feel free to take the pbp...I've got the baby running around here, so I'll be distracted for sure.

YES! 1-0 Reds!

[Kc61]

In the Frazier v. Francisco debate, I always thought Frazier had ordinary power. That's wrong, he hits the ball a long way. Nice double there.

[texasdave]

Why would anyone throw Frazier a fastball middle-in?

[NebraskaRed]

Nice hustle from Votto there

[texasdave]

It's cold and the players are up there a-hacking. LOL.

[50YrRedsFan]

A run in the 1st inning....let's get more

[_Sir_Charles_]

It's cold and the players are up there a-hacking. LOL.

Of course. They're cold...need the movement to warm up. :O)

[cumberlandreds]

Boy, Bruce missed a hanger in that sequence that he should have sent to the moon.

[Vottomatic]

#42 for Jay.

[texasdave]

Bruce goes down swinging. 1-0 after one. That should be all the runs Leake's needs.

[OesterPoster]

Seems like it's been a few days since the Reds held a lead. Oh, it has?

[Gallen5862]

I am not getting the feed on internet radio. Is it messed up?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I am not getting the feed on internet radio. Is it messed up?

I'm getting it through MLB.tv (wlw)...but it is odd sounding.

[texasdave]

I am not getting the feed on internet radio. Is it messed up?

Not sure.

[texasdave]

Leake has made 11 starts against the Cubs. 9 have been quality.

[_Sir_Charles_]

If Leake is getting ground balls, he's going to be tough.

[50YrRedsFan]

Frazier is busy today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish would've had that.....errr....Phillips. :O)

[texasdave]

That Rizzo can hit.

[_Sir_Charles_]

That Rizzo can hit.

Anybody see that catch he made the other day diving over the tarp. Nice.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Back to back singles. 2 down.

[50YrRedsFan]

Didn't Soriano have almost 100 Rbi's last year? He has 2 after a month this year..wow

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-0 after 1 full.

[texasdave]

Nice play, Votto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Didn't Soriano have almost 100 Rbi's last year? He has 2 after a month this year..wow

108 last year actually. 3rd in the NL behind Headly & Braun.

[texasdave]

Sir_Charles did you see how few fans there are at Minute Maid? By September, when the Reds come to town, you might be able to sit in the dugout.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff double for Paul. Kc jumping for joy. (as if we ALL aren't? *grin*)

[redsfaninbsg]

It amazes me how poor this team can be at situational hitting.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sir_Charles did you see how few fans there are at Minute Maid? By September, when the Reds come to town, you might be able to sit in the dugout.

yeah, I know. There's absolutely ZERO news coverage about the Astros here this year. It's not just the fans that are disinterested. But that's par for the course in Houston for all sports. If the team is good, fans come out in droves...if not...*crickets*.

And yes, I'll be there. I'm thinking of throwing out the first pitch...I like my odds.

[NebraskaRed]

It amazes me how poor this team can be at situational hitting.

The Cubs? they sure are.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Izturis....OBP machine. BB.

[texasdave]

yeah, I know. There's absolutely ZERO news coverage about the Astros here this year. It's not just the fans that are disinterested. But that's par for the course in Houston for all sports. If the team is good, fans come out in droves...if not...*crickets*.

And yes, I'll be there. I'm thinking of throwing out the first pitch...I like my odds.

I figure by September they will be about 50 games out of first, it will be football season and tickets will be dirt cheap.

[757690]

Izturis strikes fear in the heart of the Cubs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leake not bunting. Good.

[CySeymour]

It amazes me how poor this team can be at situational hitting.

Situational hitting is usually just another fancy way of saying they made an out. You want Mes trying for base hits, not trying to make an out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And now he IS bunting....crappy one too. Popped up but it falls foul. LET HIM SWING!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Leake with a rocket to right....right at the defender. Shame.

[texasdave]

Nice hop. 2-0 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

YEAH BABY! Liner over short. 2-0 Redlegs! CHOO!

Wait...was that a one hopper?

[NebraskaRed]

Choo!

[NebraskaRed]

Has Choo's batting helmet been in a war or something?

[50YrRedsFan]

Choo gets it done with an rbi single, 2-0 mid 2nd

[HeatherC1212]

Choo was due. ;)

BTW-Sir_Charles, we want to see pics after you throw out that first pitch later this season. :p

[ProfessorTofty]

Two innings, two runs so far. Let's keep it up.

[texasdave]

Choo was due. ;)

BTW-Sir_Charles, we want to see pics after you throw out that first pitch later this season. :p

Bo Porter will probably let him throw the first pitch as well as the next 80 or so. And bat leadoff.

[redsfaninbsg]

Situational hitting is usually just another fancy way of saying they made an out. You want Mes trying for base hits, not trying to make an out.

Sure, is it to much to ask him to go the other way? If it is a hit, great, if not, you still move the runner up 90 feet.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo was due. ;)

BTW-Sir_Charles, we want to see pics after you throw out that first pitch later this season. :p

Yeah, right. Maybe I can start a one-man wave too? :O) I think Dave is right...it'll look like a Marlins game in there by then.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bo Porter will probably let him throw the first pitch as well as the next 80 or so. And bat leadoff.

LOL. Well.....I did pitch in Little League after all. So I've got that going for me.

[CySeymour]

Sure, is it to much to ask him to go the other way? If it is a hit, great, if not, you still move the runner up 90 feet.

If the pitch is more of an inside pitch, yeah it is too much. Drive the ball where you can, not try and push the ball in a direction that won't result in a hit.

[50YrRedsFan]

two - 2 out rbi hits, what is this world coming to? :laugh:

[HeatherC1212]

Yeah, right. Maybe I can start a one-man wave too? :O) I think Dave is right...it'll look like a Marlins game in there by then.

It should be packed with Reds fans then since they should be able to get some really cheap tickets! :thumbup: I'd come down there if I didn't all ready have one big vacation and three mini weekend vacations planned for this summer (in addition to all my Reds games at GABP). :eek:

If we keep scoring one run per inning, we should win this game 9-0 easily. :beerme: :laugh:

[_Sir_Charles_]

I could live with that Heather. 9-0 sounds fine. :O)

And there usually are a BUNCH of Reds fans at the Juice Box. Lots of native texans on the reds.

WOW! What a DP!

[Tadasimha]

Damn fine turn there!

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds 2-0 after 2

[1940757690]

2 runs might be enough if Leake is pitching to restore his good name

[ProfessorTofty]

2 runs might be enough if Leake is pitching to restore his good name
:) Might be, but it'd be nice to see more out of this offense. I'm hoping for more.

[redsfaninbsg]

If the pitch is more of an inside pitch, yeah it is too much. Drive the ball where you can, not try and push the ball in a direction that won't result in a hit.

Your opinion of Mesoraco is higher than mine. I agree your theory if it's Votto, Phillips, Bruce, Choo, or Frazier. At the bottom of the order hit it to the right side. He's hitting where he is for a reason.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto hit that one solidly...but the wind just killed it. Blew it back towards home.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. On a normal day that would've been on Waveland. Frazier flies out.

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds out quickly in the 3rd

[NebraskaRed]

Reds fight the wind, and lose

[CySeymour]

Your opinion of Mesoraco is higher than mine. I agree your theory if it's Votto, Phillips, Bruce, Choo, or Frazier. At the bottom of the order hit it to the right side. He's hitting where he is for a reason.

lol we'll just have to agree to manage our teams differently :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

K

[_Sir_Charles_]

DeJesus flies out to Paul. 2 down.

[texasdave]

Worst display of leftfieldmanship I ever witnessed came right here in this park. Yonder Alonso. It was brutal.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yes it was. Wrigley though can make good fielders look horrid. Not excusing Yonder, he is beyond bad out there....just sayin'.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-2-3 for Leake.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cubs gone in the 3rd....2-0 Reds end 3

[HeatherC1212]

We didn't score a run that inning. Make the final score 8-0 if they get back on track next inning... :p

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Castro....Devin nearly beat that out. Great hustle to even make it close.

[Billy Hamilton's Legs]

well that was a quick inning

[_Sir_Charles_]

We didn't score a run that inning. Make the final score 8-0 if they get back on track next inning... :p

Nah, we'll have a big inning to get us back on track.

Or not. 1-2-3 go the Reds for the second inning in a row.

[NebraskaRed]

5 pitch inning. Reds are trying to finish the game before the rain starts

[texasdave]

By the end of the season we may be pining for Wilson Valdez. I did not think that was possible.

[traderumor]

By the end of the season we may be pining for Wilson Valdez. I did not think that was possible.Why?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rizzo grounds out to a shifting Frazier in the SS hole.

[NebraskaRed]

Frazier decided to be shortstop for this inning

[texasdave]

Why?

Because by the end of the year we may realize that he is/was better than Izturis.

[OesterPoster]

Why?

Must be Valdez's SIX career HRs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I like Brantley as a color commentator (when discusing pitching) but as a PBP guy....BRUTAL!

[NebraskaRed]

Must be Valdez's SIX career HRs.

Hey, six more than any of us have ;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hey, six more than any of us have ;)

Hey, speak for yourself. I had 10 one year in high school. Oh...you mean in the bigs. ;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Stolen base. High throw from Mes. His accuracy this year has been really bad.

Schierholtz had a single to left btw.

Grounder back to Leake to end the inning. 2-0 it stays after 4 full.

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds 2-0, end 4

[kaldaniels]

Wait. Mike Leake has a 3.82 ERA? I haven't really been following it but figured it was 5+ based on the hand wringing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Last 5 outs made by the reds....on 7 pitches total.

Make that 6 outs on 10 pitches.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Not fair. The Cubs have WAY too many defenders out there. A good dozen seagulls in center.

[kaldaniels]

Last 5 outs made by the reds....on 7 pitches total.

Make that 6 outs on 10 pitches.

If it was a regular day, I would not be happy. But today with no balls leaving the yard you just need to put the bat on the ball and luck out a few runs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

If it was a regular day, I would not be happy. But today with no balls leaving the yard you just need to put the bat on the ball and luck out a few runs.

True. I don't disagree with that, but it's still kinda amazing how many outs in that little streak there with so few pitches.

[Tadasimha]

Barney will feel that one in the morning!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ouch. Barney hit that bench hard.

[NebraskaRed]

Looked rough for Barney. Hope there's no rib injury there

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cozart K's finally, but a 10 pitch ab.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Looked rough for Barney. Hope there's no rib injury there

Or wrist.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cozart is completely lost at bat. He needs to go to Louisville to work it out.

[1940757690]

Ouch. Barney hit that bench hard.

Reminded me a bit of Gerry Ford and the curtains

[50YrRedsFan]

Cubs get the lead off man on.

[scott91575]

I am really getting tired of this Valbuena guy.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff single from Valbuena. Ground out to short. 1 down, man on 2nd.

[REDREAD]

Wait. Mike Leake has a 3.82 ERA? I haven't really been following it but figured it was 5+ based on the hand wringing.

I don't want to jinx Leake, but that's worthy of a :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Apparently, the Blue Jays' announcers are claiming that the Red Sox pitchers are doctoring balls. It does look fishy IMO.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130502&content_id=46446816&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

[_Sir_Charles_]

KK

[REDREAD]

Cozart is completely lost at bat. He needs to go to Louisville to work it out.

We're committed to him all year.. He will get better.
He's never projected to be a high OBP bat, and never will be.
He's low OBP, great defense and some pop. He's going to be roughly league average at SS... maybe slightly above average. And that's ok.

[NebraskaRed]

Apparently, the Blue Jays' announcers are claiming that the Red Sox pitchers are doctoring balls. It does look fishy IMO.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130502&content_id=46446816&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Nothing fishy there. It's just that multiple Red Sox pitchers have the exact same, bizarre tic where they keep rubbing their forearms in really suspicious ways. Nothing weird about that

[HeatherC1212]

Cozart is completely lost at bat. He needs to go to Louisville to work it out.

Then you get Izturis playing SS regularly and being another blot in the lineup. I think he's still dealing with a hand issue from when he got hit during that bunt attempt and even with that, I prefer Cozart in there every day. :eek:

The weather there sounds horrible. :(

[kaldaniels]

I don't want to jinx Leake, but that's worthy of a :)

I usually have a good grasp of where everyone stands but I was 100 percent stunned by that.

[scott91575]

Apparently, the Blue Jays' announcers are claiming that the Red Sox pitchers are doctoring balls. It does look fishy IMO.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130502&content_id=46446816&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Accusations from a team that puts a guy in centerfield to steal the catcher signals.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Then you get Izturis playing SS regularly and being another blot in the lineup. I think he's still dealing with a hand issue from when he got hit during that bunt attempt and even with that, I prefer Cozart in there every day. :eek:

The weather there sounds horrible. :(

Agreed. Cozart is perfectly acceptable....just not in the 2 hole.

[757690]

Kelsh goes all hipster and drops the name of the "rock band, Flock of Seagulls"

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Official game baby!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pop out to Izturis. 2-0 it stays after 5 full.

[HeatherC1212]

Apparently, the Blue Jays' announcers are claiming that the Red Sox pitchers are doctoring balls. It does look fishy IMO.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130502&content_id=46446816&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

Don't pitchers usually have a rosin bag out on the mound with them to use when they need to get a better grip on the ball? Why on earth would you put that crap on your arm??! I have never seen any of the Reds (or Orioles for that matter) pitchers do this weird arm thing but I've seen almost all of the Reds guys use that rosin bag sitting on the mound when they need it. Interesting.... :eek:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Don't pitchers usually have a rosin bag out on the mound with them to use when they need to get a better grip on the ball? Why on earth would you put that crap on your arm??! I have never seen any of the Reds (or Orioles for that matter) pitchers do this weird arm thing but I've seen almost all of the Reds guys use that rosin bag sitting on the mound when they need it. Interesting.... :eek:

Well, I personally don't think they were trying to get a better grip but rather a better and sharper break. If ya know what I mean.

[757690]

Apparently, the Blue Jays' announcers are claiming that the Red Sox pitchers are doctoring balls. It does look fishy IMO.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130502&content_id=46446816&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

I had no idea Dave Duncan was the Red Sox new pitching coach.

[HeatherC1212]

Agreed. Cozart is perfectly acceptable....just not in the 2 hole.

I still feel like if we weren't dealing with that injury to Ludwick that Brandon would be the one hitting in that spot instead. IMO, I really do think that Cozart's struggles have been much greater since he got hit on the hand. I hope he's doing all right. Hand injuries suck. :(

[HeatherC1212]

Well, I personally don't think they were trying to get a better grip but rather a better and sharper break. If ya know what I mean.

I think even six year olds in Little League understand what you mean, LOL :p :laugh: :lol: :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto does what Votto of old does. Liner for a hit. Leadoff single.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I still feel like if we weren't dealing with that injury to Ludwick that Brandon would be the one hitting in that spot instead. IMO, I really do think that Cozart's struggles have been much greater since he got hit on the hand. I hope he's doing all right. Hand injuries suck. :(

I'm absolutely POSITIVE that Brandon would be hitting second if Luddy was healthy.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think even six year olds in Little League understand what you mean, LOL :p :laugh: :lol: :D

I saw an interview with the Sox and they claimed it was rosin on his arm. So why was it SHINY? Unless they've come out with some new kind of rosin...mine was always a chalk-like powder that dried your hand.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bowden warming for the cubs.

[NebraskaRed]

I think I need to purchase one of those umbrellas that look like baseballs. They keep showing a guy with one

[_Sir_Charles_]

LAZER SHOT by Bruce. 2 bagger into the RF corner. 3-0 Reds as Joey motors around.

[NebraskaRed]

Bruce with a nice RBI double1

[Kc61]

I still feel like if we weren't dealing with that injury to Ludwick that Brandon would be the one hitting in that spot instead. IMO, I really do think that Cozart's struggles have been much greater since he got hit on the hand. I hope he's doing all right. Hand injuries suck. :(

I agree on the hand injury. Cozart isn't a good OBP man but he usually generates some power. Now he's hitting a bunch of weak grounders.

[757690]

Bowden warming for the cubs.

I would think Leatherpants would be too old to pitch In the majors, but I guess the Cubs are hurting for bullpen arms.

[OesterPoster]

LAZER SHOT by Bruce. 2 bagger into the RF corner. 3-0 Reds as Joey motors around.

I suppose that Jay needs to rip on this Twitter followers more often. :thumbup:

[Red Raindog]

I agree on the hand injury. Cozart isn't a good OBP man but he usually generates some power. Now he's hitting a bunch of weak grounders.

instead of weak pop ups

;)

[Kc61]

I'm absolutely POSITIVE that Brandon would be hitting second if Luddy was healthy.

You're right, he undoubtedly would hit second. I don't love him as a second hitter, BP has traditionally hit into too many DPs, but a lineup with Phillips second and Ludwick fourth would be much better.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I agree on the hand injury. Cozart isn't a good OBP man but he usually generates some power. Now he's hitting a bunch of weak grounders.

It may have some to do with it....but he wasn't exactly hitting the cover off the ball before that bunt attempt. But we're talking such small samples...who knows. As long as he's still picking it at short, I'm fine with him out there. Batting 2nd though....not so much.

[757690]

Jim Kelsh, like nearly all baseball announcers, doesn't know what the word ironic means.

[NebraskaRed]

Odds on someone hitting a seagull in this game?

[texasdave]

I saw an interview with the Sox and they claimed it was rosin on his arm. So why was it SHINY? Unless they've come out with some new kind of rosin...mine was always a chalk-like powder that dried your hand.

They shouldn't allow players to put resin on their forearms. Seems to me like you are opening up a can of worms by doing that.

[REDREAD]

I suppose that Jay needs to rip on this Twitter followers more often. :thumbup:

Heck yea.. Beat those twitter jerks, Jay :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Paul grounds out to 2nd. Jay to third. 2 down for Devin.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Odds on someone hitting a seagull in this game?

And it making a tasty rotisserie dinner? :D

[Kc61]

instead of weak pop ups

;)

As I've posted elsewhere, if you look at the 2013 numbers, it's not the pop ups. Cozart's fly ball rate is the same as always. I think he has fewer infield pop ups this year (didn't double check, just from memory).

Cozart has the lowest line drive rate of any qualified hitter in the major leagues, excluding pitchers, this year.

Cozart's big increase is in ground balls so far this year.

I think his hand must be bothering him. I expect him to hit much better after some more time passes.

[REDREAD]

Jim Kelsh, like nearly all baseball announcers, doesn't know what the word ironic means.

Ironically, "ironic" is probably the most misused word in the English language.

[_Sir_Charles_]

They shouldn't allow players to put resin on their forearms. Seems to me like you are opening up a can of worms by doing that.

It was NOT rosin. It looked exactly like vasaline would look. Or just a really sweaty forearm.

4-0 Reds! Double into the LF corner by Devin!

[texasdave]

Odds on someone hitting a seagull in this game?

If Randy Johnson was on the mound, I would say the odds are pretty good.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4QcEWV7ANM

[NebraskaRed]

Mes RBI double! Nice to see them hitting with RISP

[texasdave]

It was NOT rosin. It looked exactly like vasaline would look. Or just a really sweaty forarm.

4-0 Reds! Double into the LF corner by Devin!

I wasn't saying it wasn't rosin. I am just making a generic statement that allowing pitchers to put rosin on their forearms is asking for trouble.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Why are the seagulls more interesting than a 4-0 Reds lead to our announcers?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I wasn't saying it wasn't rosin. I am just making a generic statement that allowing pitchers to put rosin on their forearms is asking for trouble.

No, I understood you. You're right without a doubt.

[NebraskaRed]

Why are the seagulls more interesting than a 4-0 Reds lead to our announcers?

Maybe they're high.

[NebraskaRed]

How many pitches this inning? I lost count

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think I need to purchase one of those umbrellas that look like baseballs. They keep showing a guy with one

Unfortunately, that might be a bannable offense here. It had a Cub logo on it. :laugh:

[BluegrassRedleg]

Marty: "And they're going to pitch to Izturis even though a better hitter is waiting on deck, and there ain't no doubt about that." :p

Poor ol' Izturis.

[NebraskaRed]

Unfortunately, that might be a bannable offense here. It had a Cub logo on it. :laugh:

I just noticed that, too! :laugh:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Maybe they're high.

No, the seagulls are on the ground. *rim-shot*

[texasdave]

In case anyone missed it. Practical joke on A.J. Burnett with a rosin bag.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37HNPhcyRY0

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leatherpants on the mound.

[Kc61]

It may have some to do with it....but he wasn't exactly hitting the cover off the ball before that bunt attempt. But we're talking such small samples...who knows. As long as he's still picking it at short, I'm fine with him out there. Batting 2nd though....not so much.

Well, Cozart has four homers. On April 17 Cozart hit his last homer of this season (to date). That day he also hit a double.

Cozart hasn't had an extra base hit since. He was hit on the finger three days later (4/20).

[BluegrassRedleg]

Savvy PA guy would play "I Ran (So Far Away)" during that break in the action.

[HeatherC1212]

They shouldn't allow players to put resin on their forearms. Seems to me like you are opening up a can of worms by doing that.

I still can't figure out the point of it. The rosin bag is RIGHT THERE on the ground next to you. You can't just bend over and pick up the darn thing when you need it??! :eek:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, Cozart has four homers. On April 17 Cozart hit his last homer of this season (to date). That day he also hit a double.

Cozart hasn't had an extra base hit since. He was hit on the finger three days later (4/20).

Valid point. He was also facing really tough pitching during that stretch too. Not that any of this matters. Healthy or not, he is ill-suited for hitting second.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wrong Marty. Leake had a 1-2-3 in the 3rd.

[NebraskaRed]

is there such a thing as "seagull interference"?

[texasdave]

I still can't figure out the point of it. The rosin bag is RIGHT THERE on the ground next to you. You can't just bend over and pick up the darn thing when you need it??! :eek:

Maybe the pitcher should have a special signal to the umpire, who pushes a button that makes the rosin bag elevate on a little platform. :laugh:

[Red Raindog]

As I've posted elsewhere, if you look at the 2013 numbers, it's not the pop ups. Cozart's fly ball rate is the same as always. I think he has fewer infield pop ups this year (didn't double check, just from memory).

Cozart has the lowest line drive rate of any qualified hitter in the major leagues, excluding pitchers, this year.

Cozart's big increase is in ground balls so far this year.

I think his hand must be bothering him. I expect him to hit much better after some more time passes.

My (incomplete) comment was towards the thought that it seems he hits weak pop ups whenever there are runners on that need advanced or a runner on third with less than two outs --

I like him a lot -- I think he's a better hitter than we've seen this year - and I think his glove makes him worth it

[kaldaniels]

Marty: "And they're going to pitch to Izturis even though a better hitter is waiting on deck, and there ain't no doubt about that." :p

Poor ol' Izturis.

Zing. But that sentence doesn't make sense to me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Broken bat weapon laced over to Votto. Dangerous as all get out.

Rizzo with a double to left.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Shutout gone. Back to back doubles to left. 4-1 now.

RBI #4 for Soriano.

Get somebody up Dusty. He did. I didn't see who though.

[HeatherC1212]

Broken bat weapon laced over to Votto. Dangerous as all get out.

Rizzo with a double to left.

And Rizzo just went on my hit list for the weapon aimed at Joey....not to mention the stupid hit. BOOO!!! :thumbdown:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Seeing eye flair to left. 4-2. Bad break there.

Price out to buy the pen time to warm.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LeCure is up btw.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Zing. But that sentence doesn't make sense to me.

Yeah, it was a bit odd, but still delivered the message. :)

[Kc61]

This is where pitch count gets you in trouble. Some pitchers fade even when the pitch count is relatively low.

Leake sometimes just falls apart later in games. Hope not here.

[scott91575]

Castillo doesn't hold anything back every time he swings.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Castillo doesn't hold anything back every time he swings.

Yep. On all 3 of them. :O)

KKK

[BluegrassRedleg]

Wheels off.

[Kc61]

Leake coming out. Proper decision.

[scott91575]

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47654000/jpg/_47654521_buemi.jpg

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yuck. Hard hit single to right. 1st & 3rd with 2 down.

Dusty coming to get him.

LeCure in.

Solid start from Leake. 3 hard hit balls that inning. The bloop hurt though.

[scott91575]

Yep. On all 3 of them. :O)

KKK

http://i0.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/original/000/002/135/sw50sw8sw578.gif

[_Sir_Charles_]

If you say so scott.

[Kc61]

One pitch for Lecure ends the rally.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 pitch, pop out to right. 4-2 after 6

[NebraskaRed]

They should try that "one pitch and you're out" thing every time. Seems efficient

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just to be clear, I stopped caring a long time ago about those KKK responses. I'm going to post the punchouts regardless.

[bigfunguy]

so does lecure come out after one pitch or stay for the 7th?

[_Sir_Charles_]

They should try that "one pitch and you're out" thing every time. Seems efficient

LOL. NebraskaRed for pitching coach! :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

so does lecure come out after one pitch or stay for the 7th?

I'd be shocked if he came out.

[NebraskaRed]

I asked before, but what's the deal with Choo's batting helmet? Did it just get back from a tour in Afghanistan?

[HeatherC1212]

I have to leave and head home from work now but hopefully this game ends well for our guys and extremely badly for the Cubbies. ;)

Happy Friday everyone!! *waves* :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just think of all the extra pinch hitters we could carry if all our starters went 9 everytime out and we didn't need the bullpen. I think Nebraska's onto somthing. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

I asked before, but what's the deal with Choo's batting helmet? Did it just get back from a tour in Afghanistan?

It's pinetar. Lots of players end up with loads there.

[NebraskaRed]

Just think of all the extra pinch hitters we could carry if all our starters went 9 everytime out and we didn't need the bullpen. I think Nebraska's onto somthing. :O)

Seems like someone would have thought of it before

[scott91575]

If you say so scott.

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/3829042/lighten-up-francis-o.gif

[_Sir_Charles_]

See ya Heather. :wave:

[_Sir_Charles_]

http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view1/3829042/lighten-up-francis-o.gif

I didn't take it seriously. At all. There were times a while back that it was frustrating though...just that people's thoughts went there automatically.

[traderumor]

Cozart is an out machine and is hitting himself right out of a long-term job.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 down, Choo on first after the leadoff walk. Votto up. Bowden still on for the Cubs.

[NebraskaRed]

Time for Votto to homer.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bad swing by Votto. Castillo throws it away. Choo was faking his steal....and headed back to first. Once the ball gets past 2nd into the OF, Choo takes 2nd afterall.

[Wonderful Monds]

Joey should go back to wearing the high socks. Anyone know why he was rocking those last week? Was he copping Choo's style?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Joey should go back to wearing the high socks. Anyone know why he was rocking those last week? Was he copping Choo's style?

They matched his designer shirts?

[_Sir_Charles_]

No, but NOW he's copping Choo's style. HBP. Just above the elbow.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1st & 2nd, 1 down for Frazier.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Castillo's getting a workout with all these breaking balls in the dirt.

[REDREAD]

Not a bad start for Leake. Not exactly quality since he needed help to finish the 6th, but nice that it's not bad.

Good for Dusty to pull Leake when he did.

[_Sir_Charles_]

BB to Frazier. Bases jacked for Bruce. *crosses fingers*

[traderumor]

Need a base hit right now from Brucie.

[traderumor]

Ok got a run back :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Line shot right back at the pitcher. He recovers and Bruce is out at 1st but the run scores. 5-2 Reds.

[Kc61]

The more I watch baseball, the more pleased I am with at bats like Bruce's.

He made good contact with the bases loaded. More often than not, a run will score. That's really all you can ask.

While something more would have been great, Jay did his job.

[_Sir_Charles_]

IBB to Paul to re-load them for Mesoraco. Seems like a strange choice there.

I get the righty-righty matchup...but Mes is also a much better hitter overall than Paul. I don't get that choice.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Popped out to the catcher. Inning over. 5-2 Reds.

[Kc61]

IBB to Paul to re-load them for Mesoraco. Seems like a strange choice there.

I get the righty-righty matchup...but Mes is also a much better hitter overall than Paul. I don't get that choice.

Since when?

Against the righty, I'll take Paul any day of the week and twice on Sunday over Mes.

I expect in two years that won't be true, but right now? What on earth has Mesoraco ever done in the major leagues to deserve that praise.

[Kc61]

Damn. Popped out to the catcher. Inning over. 5-2 Reds.

Mes popped up on ball four. He usually has good plate judgment. Bad at bat.

[Wonderful Monds]

I tuned in late, has anyone tagged a seagull with a batted ball yet?

[Crumbley]

Kelsh goes all hipster and drops the name of the "rock band, Flock of Seagulls"

I cringed.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Since when?

Against the righty, I'll take Paul any day of the week and twice on Sunday over Mes.

I expect in two years that won't be true, but right now? What on earth has Mesoraco ever done in the major leagues to deserve that praise.

Maybe I'm just higher on him than you...not sure. But I think Mesoraco is a MUCH more dangerous hitter than Paul. That's not a knock on Paul but rather praise for Devin. I just don't think you put that man on unless you get a decidedly improved matchup. I haven't looked at the splits...so maybe I'm wrong.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I tuned in late, has anyone tagged a seagull with a batted ball yet?

No, but Randy Johnson exploded one earlier in the thread.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hoover & Marshall both warming.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 on, 1 out after the DeJesus single and walk to Castro.

Marshall coming in.

[Wonderful Monds]

No, but Randy Johnson exploded one earlier in the thread.

And boom goes the dynamite.

[Kc61]

Maybe I'm just higher on him than you...not sure. But I think Mesoraco is a MUCH more dangerous hitter than Paul. That's not a knock on Paul but rather praise for Devin. I just don't think you put that man on unless you get a decidedly improved matchup. I haven't looked at the splits...so maybe I'm wrong.

Mes has a lifetime OPS of .637. Mike Leake's lifetime OPS is about 35 points higher.

Mes has potential, but let's not confuse that with performance. Mes has not hit. Period.

[Wonderful Monds]

What's going on here...

[Wonderful Monds]

I wish the Reds broadcasters would stop talking about Marshall like he's a lefty specialist.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Marshall staying in to face Soriano? Okay. Let's see.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Soriano .500 career AVG vs. Marshall? Yep. Sounds like a Dusty matchup. :confused: