6/18/2013 Bucs at Reds

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the Reds lineup for tonight's game. Mez back in there and Cozart back in the two hole.

Reds

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. Xavier Paul (L) LF
8. Devin Mesoraco (R) C
9. Mat Latos (R) P

[Tom Servo]

Our best starting 8, not quite in the order I'd like, but I'll take it.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Cozart returns to the 2 Hole!!

I just don't get it, but it's ok. I'm happy to be above .500.

[Kc61]

Cozart returns to the 2 Hole!!

I just don't get it, but it's ok. I'm happy to be above .500.

Cozart is a righty who splits the lefties and has an .826 OPS over the last month. In that time frame he has 8 doubles, tied with Choo for most on the team. Also a triple and two homers.

That's why he is still hitting second.

The big issue tonight is the bullpen. I presume Cingrani won't pitch. I also presume that Simon is still unavailable. Not sure if he wants to use Lecure back-to-back, he didn't look great last night.

Hope Latos can go seven innings tonight. Last time he allowed four runs in six and the pen couldn't shut them down.

[klw]

Lets hope there are no weather issues tonight.
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[Degenerate39]

Wonder if we'll see anyone hit by a pitch in the first few innings tonight.

[NeilHamburger]

I'm hoping for some BANANA PHONE tonight.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cozart returns to the 2 Hole!!

I just don't get it, but it's ok. I'm happy to be above .500.

I think it'll be pretty common that when Robinson plays, he leads off and Choo is bumped to 2nd with Cozart near the bottom of the order. If Paul starts, he's low in the order like today. I think it has more to do with handedness and skill sets than OBP for Dusty. That's not him ignoring OBP, it's him looking at OTHER things besides it (before he gets jumped on for my statement).

[oneupper]

Who is pitching for the Pirates?

[NebraskaRed]

Who is pitching for the Pirates?

Either this guy http://sharing.abc15.com/sharekshb//photo/2013/03/26/piratePARROT_20130326132722_640_480.JPG

or Charlie Morton

[RedsfaninMT]

Who is pitching for the Pirates?

Morton...hope the wife and daughter have a great float!

[RedsBrick]

I think it'll be pretty common that when Robinson plays, he leads off and Choo is bumped to 2nd with Cozart near the bottom of the order. If Paul starts, he's low in the order like today. I think it has more to do with handedness and skill sets than OBP for Dusty. That's not him ignoring OBP, it's him looking at OTHER things besides it (before he gets jumped on for my statement).

I wouldn't mind Choo in the 2 but d-rob was in that spot last night when he started.

[foxfire123]

I'm hoping for some BANANA PHONE tonight.

Be nice and humor me without actually saying "You Idjit" 'kay? :thumbup: :D

what's a Banana Phone? :confused:

I do try and google stuff before I ask, BTW, but all that's coming up for this is some Raffi kids song....

[Red Raindog]

Be nice and humor me without actually saying "You Idjit" 'kay? :thumbup: :D

what's a Banana Phone? :confused:

I do try and google stuff before I ask, BTW, but all that's coming up for this is some Raffi kids song....

It's what Marty calls it when they have a rain delay and they take calls from fans.

[texasdave]

Be nice and humor me without actually saying "You Idjit" 'kay? :thumbup: :D

what's a Banana Phone? :confused:

I do try and google stuff before I ask, BTW, but all that's coming up for this is some Raffi kids song....


For those who don't know, the Banana Phone is the call-in show that Marty Brennaman and Steve Stewart, the Reds announcers, do during rain delays. There is only one rule for calling in: your IQ must be no greater than 75.

[NeilHamburger]

When the Reds have a rain delay, 700 wlw does a call in show with the announcers (usually Marty) that they call the Banana Phone.

The callers are legendary.

[foxfire123]

Ah, gotcha. So, sounds like I need to online WLW... lol!

[Red Raindog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d94tRqUS3o

here is the music for it ---- you were on the right track -- if that is possible for what some think of as the most annoying song ever made!

[BCubb2003]

RedsZone should mobilize at these times and fill the lines with questions about BABIP and peripherals.

[foxfire123]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-d94tRqUS3o

here is the music for it ---- you were on the right track -- if that is possible for what some think of as the most annoying song ever made!

Oh...my....gawd... There are no words....

[RedEye]

Cozart is a righty who splits the lefties and has an .826 OPS over the last month. In that time frame he has 8 doubles, tied with Choo for most on the team. Also a triple and two homers.

That's why he is still hitting second.
.

Except, as we all know, that's not why he's hitting second. He hits second because... He hits second.

[Red Raindog]

Oh...my....gawd... There are no words....

pretty much spot on with that thought!

[LexRedsFan]

Great start.

[Tom Servo]

leadoff triple for Marte

[Red Raindog]

Great start.

Now officially a great start --- jeesh

[LexRedsFan]

Yech. Gonna need some runs tonight.

[Tom Servo]

ugh.

[Stray]

Not the best start

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[redsfaninbsg]

Just hold them to a run and move on.

[Red Raindog]

My eyes say the ump is blind

[LexRedsFan]

Blown call by the ump on a steal attempt brings Dusty out and fired up. Edit: Maybe a really bad tag by Cozart.

[Stray]

Lol

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[Red Raindog]

My eyes say the ump is blind

on replay --- I need my eyes checked

[Tom Servo]

He was safe, sadly.

[RedsBaron]

He was safe but ragged defense by the Reds so far.

[Falcon7]

Should be 2 errors on Cozart this inning!

[dubc47834]

Pray for rain...and lots of it. Could be a long nite if no rain!!!

[texasdave]

Incredible slide, unfortunately.

[LexRedsFan]

I think Latos may be trying to drag this inning out long enough that rain cancels it out.

[dubc47834]

I feel a Mat Latos blow up tonite!

[Tom Servo]

Well this is a lousy start

[Falcon7]

Incredible slide, unfortunately.

Piss poor tag attempt...

[BCubb2003]

Incredible slide, unfortunately.

One argument for sliding head first.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Three poop plays. The Choo throw, Votto drop and Cozart miss.

[redsfaninbsg]

Tight zone.

[texasdave]

Piss poor non-tag...

That as well.

[dubc47834]

Latos gonna get tossed..lol

[LexRedsFan]

Oh boy. Latos MELTDOWN engaged. Get Cingrani ready :laugh:

[Falcon7]

Latos about to blow a gasket!

[Tom Servo]

This is like a slow death.

[texasdave]

One ground ball and it's (mostly) all good.

[Red Raindog]

This has all the looks of a laugher

[ProfessorTofty]

Wow. Well, we're definitely going to need to bring out the offense tonight.

[LexRedsFan]

Belted 0-2 pitch. 3-0 Pittsburgh already. No signs of slowing down.

[texasdave]

This has all the looks of a laugher

Latos isn't laughing. :laugh:

[reds44]

I'm not going to label Latos an ace until he learns how to pitch after bad things happen to him. He's a really really good pitcher, but I'm not sure how much I trust him in big games.

[Red Raindog]

Thought that was gone

[Tom Servo]

I'm not going to label Latos an ace until he learns how to pitch after bad things happen to him. He's a really really good pitcher, but I'm not sure how much I trust him in big games.
All pitchers will have games like this, 'ace' or not.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Bad jump by Paul on the double?

[Stray]

Missed tag, missed pick at first, close play at third...walk. ugly inning but if it's only three I'll take it

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[Red Raindog]

let's hope the strike is this tiny for both sides

[Tom Servo]

If the Pirates hit a Red in the bottom of this inning, Latos may come out with a charging tackle.

[ProfessorTofty]

Grounder there, and finally out of the inning. Lucky to get out of it with only three runs.

[Gizmo]

Hope we're getting all these "balls" when we're batting.

[BCubb2003]

Still working on a quality start.

[Red Raindog]

Bad jump by Paul on the double?

I don't think anyone catches that one -- except Gomes (:D)

[reds44]

All pitchers will have games like this, 'ace' or not.
It has less to do with this and more to do with his shenanigans in Game 5 last year. Hard for me to get by that.

[LexRedsFan]

Well, if we can battle back and score one here I think Mat will settle in. OTOH, if we go quickly and the zone is wide he may take someone's head off.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Settle down Latos. I'd be ticked to but we gotta keep it close.

[Kc61]

Bad jump by Paul on the double?


Paul could only have caught that if he was playing toward the line. Couldn't get it given his positioning.

[LexRedsFan]

Choo plunked in the knee. Here we go.

[Kcbuckeye22]

I don't think anyone catches that one -- except Gomes (:D)

I wasn't sure. Looked like he was moving slow or got a late jump.

[Red Raindog]

Number 38 for the Bucs?

[reds44]

Latos is going to drill somebody lol

[Falcon7]

I wasn't sure. Looked like he was moving slow or got a late jump.

BOTH!

[Tom Servo]

Go to hell, Pirates.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Here we go. Latos is going to burn someone.

[LexRedsFan]

I'm pretty sure that one was intentional. It went right at him.

[BCubb2003]

I wasn't sure. Looked like he was moving slow or got a late jump.

He seemed to stumble in mid-route.

[LexRedsFan]

Cozart GIDP on the second pitch, first strike. TWO HOLE!

[Red Raindog]

And Choo is erased with the Cozart DP ball

:thumbdown:

[coachpipe]

Well. Pirates are the new cardinals. I hope they all break a leg

[LexRedsFan]

Now one up and at Votto.

[Red Raindog]

I sense a brawl possibility tonight -- @ 50%

[Kcbuckeye22]

Get em Votto!!

[LexRedsFan]

Would you plunk someone if you're the Reds?

[Stray]

I almost wouldn't be surprised to see Latos plunk Morton here lol.

[SirFelixCat]

Love that Votto stayed in the box and didn't move after that high and tight first pitch.

[Kcbuckeye22]

I almost wouldn't be surprised to see Latos plunk Morton here lol.

Not a fan of it at all. Someone's getting tossed tonight.

[Vottomatic]

I wonder if Latos informed Dusty yet to get someone warming up in the bullpen because he's going to bean someone.

[BCubb2003]

They should bring Choo in to pitch to one batter.

[Vottomatic]

I almost wouldn't be surprised to see Latos plunk Morton here lol.

I hope plunks McCutcheon in a bad, bad spot.

[Stray]

I wonder if Latos informed Dusty yet to get someone warming up in the bullpen because he's going to bean someone.

I didn't see any warnings issued.

[LexRedsFan]

Latos pitching angry and quick now.

[Stray]

C Trent just tweeted that was the 6th time the Pirates have hit Choo this year.

[LexRedsFan]

This season, 9 Reds batters have been hit by Pirates pitchers (Choo, 6 times) and 6 Pirates batters have been hit by Reds pitcher.

Just tweeted by the @Reds account. Cracks me up that they tweeted that for some reason.

[NebraskaRed]

I hope plunks McCutcheon in a bad, bad spot.

Pittsburgh?

[Red Raindog]

I didn't see any warnings issued.

none given

[Larry Schuler]

They are the Pittsburgh Pirates. No amount of plunking or retaliation can sting more than that.

[Cedric]

If Cozart wants to continue being the worst hitter in the world he needs to not play lazy and make every single play in the field.

[Kcbuckeye22]

How do you react to the plunking? 3 fanned pirates. Way to go Latos!

[Tom Servo]

Would like to see the Reds begin to chip away at the lead here.

[Falcon7]

No error on the crap throw by Cozart, Martin was 4 steps away from the bag when Votto failed to make the scoop!

[ProfessorTofty]

How do you react to the plunking? 3 fanned pirates. Way to go Latos!
That's the right way. Now let's continue that with some run-scoring.

[WVRedsFan]

Would like to see the Reds begin to chip away at the lead here.

They're going to have to. Latos obviously doesn't have it tonight and with nearly 50 pitches already, the bullpen will come early. So, lots of runs needed

[LexRedsFan]

This just has the early feeling of one of "those" nights. If we had to have one against Pittsburgh, I'd pick tonight with the USMNT and The Finals both being on. Not giving up yet though.

[Vottomatic]

I hate when Reds hitters struggle against mediocre pitchers.

[Gizmo]

some guy is throwing a no hitter, i think. Pretty sure the Reds don't have a hit yet.

[Kcbuckeye22]

I hate when Reds hitters struggle against mediocre pitchers.

The game is still young my friend. My picks are the 4th 6th innings.

[reds44]

Dear God, Choo.

[NebraskaRed]

Dear God, Choo.

Bless you

[Falcon7]

Tony Cingrani: "The Mad Italian"

[redsfaninbsg]

Latos is locked in now.

[dubc47834]

Mat is bringing the heat now!

[NebraskaRed]

Ok, Latos has recovered. Now get some runs.

[Kc61]

Latos with five Ks in the last two innings. Back on track, nice.

Let's start chipping away Reds.

Game thread pretty brutal tonight, it's only 3-0. Let's wait until it's 6-0 before trashing the guys, LOL.

[50YrRedsFan]

Mat is bringing the heat now!

Yeah, he's pissed

[klw]

Dear God, Choo.
Huh?

[50YrRedsFan]

59 pitches through 3 innings isn't real bad. A couple of quick innings will help.

[dubc47834]

Pirates playin some D tonite!

[BCubb2003]

Maybe the Pirates will hit another batter.

[50YrRedsFan]

Come on boys, 27 pitches through 3 innings from Morton......we have to do better than 9 pitches an inning.

[mbgrayson]

Morton is throwing a NO HITTER against the Reds tonight!

[Goose1701]

Nice recovery by Latos so far after a crap inning.

[Falcon7]

So it was Roger Clemens, I "misremembered" that.

[LexRedsFan]

Man alive, Latos is getting squeezed.

[Degenerate39]

Reds‏@Reds34m
This season, 9 Reds batters have been hit by Pirates pitchers (Choo, 6 times) and 6 Pirates batters have been hit by Reds pitcher

[Red in Chicago]

latos on fire since that terrible first inning...let's get him some runs boys

[mbgrayson]

Prospects for free pizza for fans tonight=Good.

[Slyder]

Odds Choo gets beaned again since they missed on that up and in on Votto?

[50YrRedsFan]

Second time thru the line up....it's get Morton time.

[redsfaninbsg]

Need a run or four here.

[Degenerate39]

No hitter is still on btw

[Kc61]

Choo lines out, but the second strike on him seemed like a really poor call.

[757690]

I'm so glad the Reds didn't score 4 runs in the first inning today. That only allows the opposition to get back into the game.

[ProfessorTofty]

Votto gets the Reds's first base hit, and it's one on! Now let's end the shutout.

[50YrRedsFan]

C'mon Cozart, 4 pitches in 2 AB. jeesh

[Kc61]

C'mon Cozart, 4 pitches in 2 AB. jeesh

What's wrong with four pitches in two at bats?

[Vottomatic]

Funniest commercial on TV.

Buffalo Wild Wings

[50YrRedsFan]

What's wrong with four pitches in two at bats?

Over anxious. Cozart needs to take pitches. But not all strikes.

38 pitches from Morton through 4 innings is way too few.

[Kc61]

Over anxious. Cozart needs to take pitches. But not all strikes.

Zack seemed ok when he homered to break the tie yesterday.

He doesn't walk much, granted.

[50YrRedsFan]

Latos smokin' em

[UCBrownsfan]

What's wrong with four pitches in two at bats?

3 outs?

[757690]

4-0 Cubs over Cards in top of the first. Wainwright gives up two HR's.

[50YrRedsFan]

OK, McCutchen up....will it happen now?

[Kc61]

3 outs?

Correct.

Latos pitching a gem tonight, except he's losing by three.

Way it goes sometimes. Reds need to get to this Morton fellow.

Cubs got four against Wainright in St.L.

Nice play Frazier.

[50YrRedsFan]

Latos mowin' em down....now we need to get runs.

[Magdal]

4-0 Cubs over Cards in top of the first. Wainwright gives up two HR's.Gonna be a long night for the Redbirds.

[Vottomatic]

I like that AT&T commercial too. Slow turtle.

[757690]

Gonna be a long night for the Redbirds.

Don't know about that. They are playing the lolCubs.

[50YrRedsFan]

Why do we have to swing so early in the count. We're making it easy for Morton

[kbrake]

Why do we have to swing so early in the count. We're making it easy for Morton

Might have something to do with the fact he is pounding the strike zone.

[ProfessorTofty]

Frazier on now with one out. Let's get something rolling.

[Kc61]

Reds need to warm up somebody because Latos' spot could come up with men on base.

[mbgrayson]

I seem to remember the Reds having trouble getting to Charlie Morton at least once before. He is throwing a SHUTOUT and a QUALITY START against us in the bottom of the 5th.... Cy Morton.

[Vottomatic]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7FqWCVtPGQ

[TheBigLebowski]

Might have something to do with the fact he is pounding the strike zone.

Or the fact that it's just what we do?

Morton has been very successful against the Reds throughout his career as a Pirate for a reason.

[kbrake]

Well this is certainly getting old.

[krm1580]

I seem to remember the Reds having trouble getting to Charlie Morton at least once before. He is throwing a SHUTOUT and a QUALITY START against us in the bottom of the 5th.... Cy Morton.

Yeah, he was hurt last year but I think in 2011 he was 3-0 with 2 complete game shutouts.

[ProfessorTofty]

Xavier Paul now is hit with a pitch and hoo boy...

[TheBigLebowski]

We have got to do something about this!!!!

[mbgrayson]

There it is! Morton hits Paul with Pitch #50, with one out in the 5th. At this rate, Morton will get to 100 pitches in the 10th....

[50YrRedsFan]

2 on for Mes.....

[Gizmo]

We have got to do something about this!!!!

I think there's a speech about control and people getting hurt that could be recycled from yesterday....

[Raisor]

Why do we have to swing so early in the count. We're making it easy for Morton

If you're doing it, why can't you explain it?

[Slyder]

Xavier Paul now is hit with a pitch and hoo boy...

So we've had 2 guys hit tonight and Votto thrown up and in, can we flip out like morons like the Pirates announcers?

[TheBigLebowski]

I think there's a speech about control and people getting hurt that could be recycled from yesterday....

The sarcasm oozing from my keyboard should have dripped on to yours.

[Raisor]

2 on for Mes.....

Rocco

[Degenerate39]

If you're going to take Latos out in this situation at least put a better hitter in.

[50YrRedsFan]

Latos gonna have to do it himself.

[Vottomatic]

Well write this game off. Parra set to come in.

[Gizmo]

The sarcasm oozing from my keyboard should have dripped on to yours.

It's pretty full of my sarcasm already. :D

[TheBigLebowski]

I stick with Latos. This is an AWFUL gambit. Awful.

[Kc61]

If you're going to take Latos out in this situation at least put a better hitter in.

Which would require a different bench.

[50YrRedsFan]

Hannahan, oh boy. Might as well have called Valdez.

[mbgrayson]

Jack Hannahan hitting for Latos. We just replaced a .139 batter with a .208 batter. If he gets a hit, maybe a good idea. Otherwise, Latos had two innings left in him...88 pitches tonight.

[Strikes Out Looking]

I stick with Latos. This is an AWFUL gambit. Awful.

He's already at 88 pitches. He would only go one more at most- he needs to be more pitch efficient.

[TheBigLebowski]

I know he gets second-guessed a lot, but this was a purely boneheaded decision. Terrible.

[kbrake]

Don't have a problem with the move but wow this bench is limited.

[TheBigLebowski]

He's already at 88 pitches. He would only go one more at most- he needs to be more pitch efficient.

Latos is dealing and hits almost as well as the guy who replaced him.

Enjoy Parra.

[50YrRedsFan]

What a waste.

[Vottomatic]

I know he gets second-guessed a lot, but this was a purely boneheaded decision. Terrible.

........as usual.

[reds44]

I stick with Latos. This is an AWFUL gambit. Awful.
What? You want to pretty much punt with 2 runners in scoring position to MAYBE get 1 more inning out of Latos?

[Kc61]

I know he gets second-guessed a lot, but this was a purely boneheaded decision. Terrible.

Correct decision.

Pirates have the best bullpen in the league, maybe in baseball.

Waiting to score in the eighth and ninth against them is bad strategy.

Reds had a shot, had to take it.

[ProfessorTofty]

Yeah, I would have liked to see Latos go longer. He seemed to have settled in nicely and given this bullpen, he really shoulda stayed.

But I guess I can see the other side too.

[reds44]

Yeah, I would have liked to see Latos go longer. He seemed to have settled in nicely and given this bullpen, he really shoulda stayed.
No. If the game was scoreless, sure. Down by 3? Not a chance.

[kbrake]

Down 3-0 and struggling against Morton you have to play for the runs there.

[dubc47834]

Parra....nasty?

[Kc61]

Parra the LOOGY gets a K.

Only thing is Lutz might have been a better choice than Hannahan for that spot. No huge Lutz fan, but he seems to do ok pinch hitting against RHP.

But agree that Reds had to go for the runs there.

[Vottomatic]

Parra impersonating a real major league pitcher.

[TheBigLebowski]

What? You want to pretty much punt with 2 runners in scoring position to MAYBE get 1 more inning out of Latos?

Latos put a better swing on Morton than Hannahan. He'd only thrown 88 pitches. The way he'd been pitching, you could probably get him through the 7th at less than 110. And need I remind you our bully is awful?

[Vottomatic]

Why not Lutz?

[TheBigLebowski]

No. If the game was scoreless, sure. Down by 3? Not a chance.

You're right if we're having this conversation in the 7th. In the 5th, in this ballpark with a starter who is dealing, well..you're wrong.

[reds44]

Latos put a better swing on Morton than Hannahan. He'd only thrown 88 pitches. The way he'd been pitching, you could probably get him through the 7th at less than 110. And need I remind you our bully is awful?
Latos has a career .331 OPS.

He could have pitched the rest of the game and not given up another hit, and that was still the right move. You have to take your chance to get those runners in.

[ProfessorTofty]

Strikeout to end the inning and the crowd gets their pizza.

[mbgrayson]

Nice frame by Parra...

[Vottomatic]

Reds up 11-1

In strikeouts that is.

[dubc47834]

You're right if we're having this conversation in the 7th. In the 5th, in this ballpark with a starter who is dealing, well..you're wrong.

Why does someone always have to be wrong? Because you say so?

[Kc61]

Latos put a better swing on Morton than Hannahan. He'd only thrown 88 pitches. The way he'd been pitching, you could probably get him through the 7th at less than 110. And need I remind you our bully is awful?

Reds bullpen is weaker than last year, but it's not awful. Mid-pack for NL.

[Vottomatic]

Choo dealin'.

[TheBigLebowski]

Latos has a career .331 OPS.

He could have pitched the rest of the game and not given up another hit, and that was still the right move. You have to take your chance to get those runners up.

Disagree.

We lament this park's ability to give up cheap home runs time and time again.

You don't take out one of your aces in the 5th in a game which is still within striking distance in the 5th inning.

But it's a philosophical thing, and I respect your opinion.

[dubc47834]

Choo goin for the Shin...see what I did there...lol

[Vottomatic]

How many pitch at-bat will this be for Cozart?

[Kc61]

Poetic justice.

Let the Reds tie this, load the bases in the ninth, and win it on a HBP.

[Kc61]

How many pitch at-bat will this be for Cozart?

Is that the new way to keep score? Team with the most pitches taken wins?

[reds44]

Disagree.

We lament this park's ability to give up cheap home runs time and time again.

You don't take out one of your aces in the 5th in a game which is still within striking distance in the 5th inning.

But it's a philosophical thing, and I respect your opinion.
Not all games are created equal. Pirates have a great bullpen, their pitcher has (had) given up 2 hits, and Latos was already at 88 pitches.

If Latos was at say, 68 pitches, I would have been more willing to listen to an argument about leaving him in.

[Vottomatic]

If Pirates blow this out. I say we bring in pitcher after pitcher and bean every batter the rest of the game until we're out of pitchers. Call Louisville right now and tell Corky to get on the road.......he's pitching the 9th. :D

[dubc47834]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

[ProfessorTofty]

Cozart reaches on a strikeout. How often do we see that happen? Wow.

And the Pirates will change pitchers.

[kbrake]

I know their pen is great but Morton has had the Reds number I'm glad to see him leave.

[TheBigLebowski]

Unreal...why is he attempting a steal??

He can't be depending on Cozart to put a ball in play.

And why play small ball if a 3 run lead is so insurmountable?

The guy has no strategy.

[Vottomatic]

Seriously? Hurdle is taking out Morton?

He and Dusty must be twins.

[dubc47834]

61 pitches and Morton is gone!

[dubc47834]

Unreal...why is he attempting a steal??

He can't be depending on Cozart to put a ball in play.

And why play small ball if a 3 run lead is so insurmountable?

The guy has no strategy.

He we go again!!!

[Kiko]

Why was Choo stealing? Was there a missed sign? Martin threw him out last night. Reds need baserunners.

[krm1580]

Why are they taking out Morton. Is he on a pitch count or something?

[Vottomatic]

Morton wore himself out wearing out Reds hitters.

Iron man he is not.

[TheBigLebowski]

Not all games are created equal. Pirates have a great bullpen, their pitcher has (had) given up 2 hits, and Latos was already at 88 pitches.

If Latos was at say, 68 pitches, I would have been more willing to listen to an argument about leaving him in.

I get your point. I just disagree. 7 IP, 110-115 pitches is well within standard.

[Vottomatic]

Unreal...why is he attempting a steal??

He can't be depending on Cozart to put a ball in play.

And why play small ball if a 3 run lead is so insurmountable?

The guy has no strategy.

Dead on. :thumbup:

[CySeymour]

The Reds have been an awful base stealing this season.

[Vottomatic]

Time for the Pirates bullpen to implode.

[reds44]

Unreal...why is he attempting a steal??

He can't be depending on Cozart to put a ball in play.

And why play small ball if a 3 run lead is so insurmountable?

The guy has no strategy.
It wasn't a steal it was a hit and run. And Cozart grounded into a double play in the 2nd inning. He was trying to open a hole for Cozart. There was plenty of strategy.

Now batting Cozart 2nd, just dumb.

[ProfessorTofty]

Votto smokes one to the wall! We've got second and third with only one out. Tying run at the plate. Come on, let's do this!

[kbrake]

I could be wrong I don't know the numbers but I'll never understand why opposing managers think the lefty reliever thing works against Votto.

[Gizmo]

should be 3-1 with no outs :(

[TheBigLebowski]

He we go again!!!

Tell me why it's smart to start a runner with a leadoff hit in the 6th inning, with no outs, with a batter at the plate who certainly cannot be considered trustworthy in his ability to make contact?

[reds44]

should be 3-1 with no outs :(
Well sure, except you can't reach first on a drop third strike with a runner on 1st.

[Kc61]

Second and third. Lefty pitching to Phillips.

BP, make some good contact.

[reds44]

Tell me why it's smart to start a runner with a leadoff hit in the 6th inning, with no outs, with a batter at the plate who certainly cannot be considered trustworthy in his ability to make contact?
I told you, to open a hole for him.

[Gizmo]

Well sure, except you can't reach first on a drop third strike with a runner on 1st.

eh, semantics... forgot that's how cozart got on.

[Vottomatic]

Tell me why it's smart to start a runner with a leadoff hit in the 6th inning, with no outs, with a batter at the plate who certainly cannot be considered trustworthy in his ability to make contact?

Yep.

[Kc61]

I could be wrong I don't know the numbers but I'll never understand why opposing managers think the lefty reliever thing works against Votto.

They can't resist with Votto and Bruce coming up. BP hits lefties usually so it's not a great strategy.

Votto is quite a bit better against righties in the last few years, but still hits lefties plenty good.

[redsfaninbsg]

DatDude fail.

[krm1580]

I never want to hear again that strikeouts are the same as any other out.

[kbrake]

Starting to look like it might just be one of those nights.

[dubc47834]

Tell me why it's smart to start a runner with a leadoff hit in the 6th inning, with no outs, with a batter at the plate who certainly cannot be considered trustworthy in his ability to make contact?

Like someone else said, Cozart had doubled up earlier in the game. I don't think putting Choo in motion was all that bad a call.

[Kc61]

That was a terrible at bat by Phillips.

Way overanxious, swinging at everything.

BP looked better last night, but I sense he's swinging for the long ball, not a good strategy for him.

[Vottomatic]

I never want to hear again that strikeouts are the same as any other out.

A fly ball would have been nice there. But then again, it goes as a Sac Fly. Even a grounder to 1B.

[Vottomatic]

Tell me why it's smart to start a runner with a leadoff hit in the 6th inning, with no outs, with a batter at the plate who certainly cannot be considered trustworthy in his ability to make contact?

It's a terrible strategical move.

But par for the course.

[TheBigLebowski]

I told you, to open a hole for him.

And I'm telling you, you don't attempt to "open a hole" and sacrifice a valued runner with a guy who can't be depended to hit the freaking ball. You either sacrifice him or you hope your 20% chance that he might score a base hit comes through.

And we just stranded two more.

[Kc61]

Phillips is a much better hitter when he shortens his stroke and hits to right.

When he swings away like that, he's not nearly as good.

Very disappointing at bat.

[TheBigLebowski]

Like someone else said, Cozart had doubled up earlier in the game. I don't think putting Choo in motion was all that bad a call.

The call ended up, essentially, resulting in a DP.

[RedEye]

Phillips is a much better hitter when he shortens his stroke and hits to right.

When he swings away like that, he's not nearly as good.

Very disappointing at bat.

He looks off to me. Ever since the injury he has not looked right. Not surprising, I suppose.

[Kc61]

The call ended up, essentially, resulting in a DP.

Not sure I understand that one.

[reds44]

And I'm telling you, you don't attempt to "open a hole" and sacrifice a valued runner with a guy who can't be depended to hit the freaking ball. You either sacrifice him or you hope your 20% chance that he might score a base hit comes through.

And we just stranded two more.
That's fine. Disagree with it all you want, but I told you why he did it.

For the record, Cozart has struck out the 2nd least of the everyday players.

[dubc47834]

It's a terrible strategical move.

But par for the course.

Excessive criticism much?

[RedEye]

Excessive criticism much?

Criticism? Yes. Excessive? Judgment call.

[Kc61]

He looks off to me. Ever since the injury he has not looked right. Not surprising, I suppose.

Agree, although he had some better at bats last night.

More than the injury, I'm wondering if the RBI thing is hurting BP's approach. Trying to do too much.

He doesn't LOOK hurt.

They need to work with him a little to get him going better.

[dubc47834]

The call ended up, essentially, resulting in a DP.

Which coulda happened very easily if he didn't run!

[reds44]

Reds are losing, must be Dusty's fault!

(Reds have no runs).