Reds vs Cubs 8/14/13 -- A sweep day at Wrigley?

[Matt700wlw]

Heisey 8
Frazier 5
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9
Ludwick 7
Cozart 6
Hanigan 2
Arroyo RHP

[Kingspoint]

Lineups are fun.

[Matt700wlw]

They're a big deal in this town, sometimes bigger than the game itself! :)

[klw]

Here is some info on today's opposing starting pitcher. Sound like the kind of guy that traditionally gives the Reds fits.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_08_14_cinmlb_chnmlb_1

On Wednesday, Cincinnati will have to solve Chicago southpaw Chris Rusin, who blanked St. Louis over six frames in his last outing. In five starts this season, the 26-year-old has posted a 2-1 record and a 3.08 ERA.

"With him, when he throws strikes, he's able to get back in the count with a strike and throw a quality pitch to get back in the count," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "His ball can move so much, he gets some swings and misses at balls quite a way out of the zone. He makes the ball move and keeps the ball down."

Down is Ludwick's wheelhouse if my memory serves me correctly.

Career stats:
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/rusinch01.shtml

Reds faced Mr. Rusin last September and won in extras 6-5.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN201209190.shtml


His games this season


DATE OPP W L ERA SV IP H ER BB SO
07/02/2013 @OAK 0 0 8.10 0 3.1 6 3 0 2
07/22/2013 @ARI 1 0 5.40 0 5.0 2 2 2 4
07/27/2013 @SF 0 0 2.93 0 7.0 3 0 2 3
08/01/2013 LAD 0 1 3.98 0 5.0 7 4 3 4
08/09/2013 @STL 1 0 3.08 0 6.0 7 0 2 5

TOTALS 2 1 3.08 0 26.1 25 9 9 18

[CySeymour]

Since Choo has been slumping of late, probably best to give him a day off with a lefty pitching.

[VR]

On Wednesday, Cincinnati will have to solve Chicago southpaw Chris Rusin, who blanked St. Louis over six frames in his last outing. In five starts this season, the 26-year-old has posted a 2-1 record and a 3.08 ERA.

"With him, when he throws strikes, he's able to get back in the count with a strike and throw a quality pitch to get back in the count," Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. "His ball can move so much, he gets some swings and misses at balls quite a way out of the zone. He makes the ball move and keeps the ball down."

Nice to have a sweep against 3 quality pitchers, on the road.

[oneupper]

Hanigan to catch again after going last night.

[cumberlandreds]

Good day to rest Choo with a tough lefty going. I think I would have played Mez today. Maybe Ludwick can crank it up today and get a couple of hits.

[RedTeamGo!]

Heisey and Frazier are most likely going to have the most at bats for the Reds today. let that sink in for a moment. haha.

[cumberlandreds]

Here is the Cubby Bear lineup. I have never heard of Logan Watkins?

1. David DeJesus (L) CF
2. Darnell McDonald (R) LF
3. Anthony Rizzo (L) 1B
4. Welington Castillo (R) C
5. Nate Schierholtz (L) RF
6. Donnie Murphy (R) SS
7. Logan Watkins (L) 2B
8. Cody Ransom (R) 3B
9. Chris Rusin (L) P

[joshua]

Wow. I'd feel a little better about that lineup if Robinson was still with the club and playing CF today. A little worse about it if we weren't playing the Cubs.

[MillerTime58]

Nothing to complain about with this lineup from me. Choo resting vs a lefty is a good idea and we've got him to pinch hit in a high leverage situation.

[Kingspoint]

Heisey and Frazier are most likely going to have the most at bats for the Reds today. let that sink in for a moment. haha.
I'd rather have Heisey leading off and playing Center than Choo leading off and playing Center.

[Big Klu]

The pregame segment "Conversations With The Cowboy" is must see TV! :D

Brantley actually described the mechanics of the cut fastball and splitter pretty well. But the hook had to have been Fox Girl Kristine's tag line at the end, "If you'd like to get a hold of me, just email...." :eek:

[Fullboat]

Love to see a sweep and a ticked off Cubs team face the Cards next.

[cumberlandreds]

Frazier!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HR!!!!!

[BluegrassRedleg]

Hey hey, Todd Frazier. :beerme:

[Fullboat]

Boom goes Frazier 1-0 Good guys

[RedTeamGo!]

There it is...almost 2 months to do the day

[redssince75]

OMG Todd Frazier hit a home run. Maybe we ARE in a good spell. Did he do it one-handed?

[REDREAD]

Loving Frasier in the #2 slot :)

[Chip R]

Stupid, selfish Frazier denying Votto of those sweet RBI opportunities. ;)

[cumberlandreds]

Nice,easy inning for BA. Two K's to boot.

[RedTeamGo!]

People on twitter complaining Votto ran with the bat in his hand down to first - was it really that bad?

[kbrake]

We might not get a ton out of Ludwick coming off the injury he is coming off of but it sure is nice to see him back out there.

[cumberlandreds]

Easy inning for Rusin,1-2-3. 1-0 Reds in the 2nd.

[New York Red]

Eight Reds batters have seen a total of 18 pitches. Oh well, whatever it takes for a W, I'm ok with.

[Sea Ray]

People on twitter complaining Votto ran with the bat in his hand down to first - was it really that bad?

Make that two ABs in a row where he's not hustled to 1st...:thumbdown:

[cumberlandreds]

Another 1-2-3 inning for BA. 1-0 Reds after two.

[Brutus]

23 minutes and we're already through 2 innings.

[reds44]

23 minutes and we're already through 2 innings.
Long trip to Milwaukee waiting for them.

[Brutus]

Long trip to Milwaukee waiting for them.

That is indeed quite a long haul.

[traderumor]

Make that two ABs in a row where he's not hustled to 1st...:thumbdown::rolleyes:

[Gizmo]

This pitcher must be terrible, Heisey just walked.

[cumberlandreds]

Frazier K's to leave Heisey straned at first. 1-0 Reds in the third. I have to go now. Bring home a win RZ!

[Sea Ray]

:rolleyes:

Thems the facts. If it wasn't Joey it'd have a lot more legs.

[Mitri]

Bronson w/ the wind blowing in at Wrigley = deadly.

[redssince75]

Bronson w/ the wind blowing in at Wrigley = deadly.

:thumbup:

Good Bronson definitely showing up so far today.

[OesterPoster]

Thems the facts. If it wasn't Joey it'd have a lot more legs.

And how do you know he's not nursing a minor injury? I personally don't think he's looked 100% while running in the past couple weeks. I'd rather he not blow out a hammy or whatever he's nursing on a routine ground ball, because 85% Votto is >>>>>> 100% whoever else plays 1st.

[reds44]

Thems the facts. If it wasn't Joey it'd have a lot more legs.
Not unless it was Edwin Encarnacion and Jerry Narron was the manager.

[Sea Ray]

And how do you know he's not nursing a minor injury? I personally don't think he's looked 100% while running in the past couple weeks. I'd rather he not blow out a hammy or whatever he's nursing on a routine ground ball, because 85% Votto is >>>>>> 100% whoever else plays 1st.

I mentioned that very possibility yesterday and it concerns me as well:

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=2938237&postcount=734

[Tadasimha]

That Cozart can pick it!

[LexRedsFan]

Is this thing on?

[Tadasimha]

Is this thing on?

You say something?

[LexRedsFan]

You say something?

This is why I hate weekday games. :)

[Tom Servo]

Ludwick took a good hack.

Cozart with a base knock.

[Larkin Fan]

Nice to see Ludwick put a charge into one, even if it was caught.

[Tadasimha]

This is why I hate weekday games. :)

Happy to see you too! :laugh:

[Tadasimha]

Nice to see Ludwick put a charge into one, even if it was caught.

Hopefully he doesn't take too long to get going.

[RedTeamGo!]

Will probably take Ludwick into September until he gets going.

[LexRedsFan]

Cubs'd.

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan doubles, Cozart scores!

2-0 Redlegs.

[Tadasimha]

Nice AB there results in a solid double and an rbi.

Good job, Ryan

[NebraskaRed]

Hanigan had a great AB there.

[Tadasimha]

Will probably take Ludwick into September until he gets going.

Just a couple of weeks is much quicker than the two months it took last season!

[VottoFan54]

Cubs'd.

I thought we might have a triple on that ball, then I remembered who was running.

[Tom Servo]

Will probably take Ludwick into September until he gets going.
Considering this is just his second start, I think it's still way too soon to say.

[Mutaman]

Nice to have old Hanigan back.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Whoops.

[CarolinaRedleg]

Derp!

[Tom Servo]

And in that moment, I swear we were the Cubs.

[OesterPoster]

Hurry up and get out of Chicago before the Cubs start rubbing off too much.

[Tadasimha]

Hurry up and get out of Chicago before the Cubs start rubbing off too much.

Thinkin' really dirty thoughts here! Stopitstopitstopitstopit!

[reds44]

Hurry up and get out of Chicago before the Cubs start rubbing off too much.

#pause

[reds44]

Hope Hanigan was done having kids lol

[LexRedsFan]

Ouch.

[Larkin Fan]

Ouch!!!!

[OesterPoster]

Poorly worded, I know. I'll keep it for your enjoyment.

Hannigan's voice just went up an octave.

[RiverRat13]

At least we know the Cubs won't be rubbing off Hanigan for a while...

[Tom Servo]

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lytnxizB4N1rnj5ujo1_400.gif

[NebraskaRed]

5 K's for Arroyo. What's the Chicago equivalent of free pizza? Free Italian beef sandwiches?

[reds44]

http://31.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lytnxizB4N1rnj5ujo1_400.gif
Literally lol'd at my desk.

[Tadasimha]

At least we know the Cubs won't be rubbing off Hanigan for a while...

Too soon

:lol:

[reds44]

At least we know the Cubs won't be rubbing off Hanigan for a while...

HEY HEY

[Tom Servo]

5 K's for Arroyo. What's the Chicago equivalent of free pizza? Free Italian beef sandwiches?
Goat cheese pizza.

http://www.sowerbyandluff.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/goat.jpg

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Bronson is dealing. Faced the minimum through 5.

[50YrRedsFan]

Bronson is dealing. Faced the minimum through 5.

Arroyo makes it look so easy.

[NebraskaRed]

Goodroyo is good.

[Tadasimha]

Rusin looks like a high school kid who showed up and put on his older brothers' uniform!

Could turn out be a good pitcher for them.

[Tom Servo]

nice camera work FSO, focusing on the CF when the ball is hit to the LFer.

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds bats quiet in the 6th.

[Tom Servo]

Reds bats quiet in the 6th.
Cubs bats dead silent thru 6.

[NebraskaRed]

Cubs bats dead silent thru 6.

Cubs silent thru 2013.

[Larkin Fan]

Poorly worded, I know. I'll keep it for your enjoyment.

Hannigan's voice just went up an octave.

He's singing soprano now. Poor dude

[50YrRedsFan]

Arroyo teaching Mr. Watkins how a major league pitcher pitches.

[50YrRedsFan]

Arroyo got squeezed on that 2-2 pitch.

[50YrRedsFan]

Hanigan is going to have bruises all over his body after today.

[Tom Servo]

Bronson having himself a ballgame.

[texasdave]

Starling Castro reminds me of Ralph Macchio. And, incidentally, Reds' pitchers are good.

[Wonderful Monds]

Page 5 of this thread may be the single greatest page in any thread in the history of Redszone.

[texasdave]

Odds the Reds miss the playoffs are now less than zero.

[VottoFan54]

Who is closing today? Would they use Chapman four days in a row?

[50YrRedsFan]

Could use a few more runs this inning.

[50YrRedsFan]

Who is closing today? Would they use Chapman four days in a row?

not a chance. Broxton most likely.

[Tom Servo]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce

[Tom Servo]

drat, Ludwick just needs to straighten that one out.

[50YrRedsFan]

Chance for Ludwick's 1st RBI here.

[Gizmo]

Page 5 of this thread may be the single greatest page in any thread in the history of Redszone.

strange, I'm still on page 4. I assume we win or play add on when page 5 comes around?

[VottoFan54]

not a chance. Broxton most likely.

I kind of figured they wouldn't use him again. With Chapman unavailable and Hoover's long outing yesterday, I would guess that the back end of the bullpen will be LeCure and Broxton today.

[Wonderful Monds]

strange, i'm still on page 4. I assume we win or play add on when page 5 comes around?

don't wanna spoil it for ya

;)

[Tom Servo]

Hugging those lines! Cozart with a double!


3-0 Redlegs.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cozart with 2 hits today.

[reds44]

Ludwick has just missed two HRs today. His power appears to be there at least.

[Brutus]

Other than the game against San Fran last year, I think this is the best game Arroyo has pitched.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just thought I'd throw this out there....Raisor and I have been waiting for the big winning streak that will propel us to the division title.

It has begun. Enjoy. :D

[50YrRedsFan]

If I'm not mistaken, the Reds will be 16 games over .500 for the first time this year if we hold this lead.

[Raisor]

Just thought I'd throw this out there....Raisor and I have been waiting for the big winning streak that will propel us to the division title.

It has begun. Enjoy. :D

Your welcome

[OesterPoster]

Just thought I'd throw this out there....Raisor and I have been waiting for the big winning streak that will propel us to the division title.

It has begun. Enjoy. :D

Of course, out of these past 8 games, I attended the one they lost and looked horrible in doing so.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cubs with 3 hard hit balls this inning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Some solid contact off of Bronson this inning. Might be a REALLY good time to get someone warmed up. Hint, hint!!!

[50YrRedsFan]

Arroyo losing it?

[ProfessorTofty]

Gets out of the inning safely, but that should be the end for Arroyo.

[redsfaninbsg]

Arroyo getting hammered. I would have someone in the pen ready.

[50YrRedsFan]

4 line drives=3 outs

[reds44]

Good lord, Arroyo gives up the first couple hard hit balls of the game and you'd swear he just gave up 4 runs.

I'd leave him in for the 8th without a doubt.

[reds44]

Arroyo getting hammered. I would have someone in the pen ready.
Yeah, 2 hits (one of which went off BP's glove). Getting torched!

[Mutaman]

That's a quality start.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

4 line drives=3 outs

Eh, the McDonald base hit wasn't really a line drive. I bet Phillips gets to it if it hadn't hit the mound.

Still, the last one was a rocket to Frazier. Get Simon and Brox some work today.

[redsfaninbsg]

Yeah, 2 hits (one of which went off BP's glove). Getting torched!

When he goes bad, he goes bad fast. I wouldn't take any chances.

[Puffy]

Good lord, Arroyo gives up the first couple hard hit balls of the game and you'd swear he just gave up 4 runs.

I'd leave him in for the 8th without a doubt.

Yup. If message boards managed a teams pitching staff then each team would need 16 man pitching staffs.

[Tom Servo]

I'd leave Bronson in to start the 8th, but I would have somebody up in the pen.

[50YrRedsFan]

Simon warming up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. Loved the clip of the silent treatment the bench gave the Toddfather after the dinger. Too danged funny.

[Brutus]

Yup. If message boards managed a teams pitching staff then each team would need 16 man pitching staffs.

People have been conditioned into believing the arbitrary 100-pitch threshold means therefore that every hit around 80-100 pitches must be automatically a sign of fatigue.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier! Doubles in Heisey.

4-0 Reds.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

ThrowBat, if you want to get all sorts of hot at the plate right about now, that'd be just fine with me. :thumbup:

[ProfessorTofty]

Double scores another.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good lord, Arroyo gives up the first couple hard hit balls of the game and you'd swear he just gave up 4 runs.

I'd leave him in for the 8th without a doubt.

I'm not saying to pull him. I'm saying get someone warmed up.

TODD! 2 bagger RIBBEYE! 4-0 Reds!

[Tom Servo]

Votto with a precious RBI double!

5-0 Redlegs.

[Brutus]

Toddfather 2: Frazier's Revenge

[50YrRedsFan]

That's a much more comfortable lead.:thumbup:

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

That's what they pay him to do? :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

Make that 5-0! 2 bagger for Votto!

[LexRedsFan]

Toddfather and Cozart heating up at the right time...?

[Chip R]

Lasix? Todd don't need no stinkin' Lasix.

[BluegrassRedleg]

The Cincinnati Reds. Gettin' back to fun again.

(Obscure 80s fan reference.) :)

[Brutus]

Baltimore leads Arizona 4-1 in the 2nd inning for you non-scoreboard watchers.

[Tom Servo]

Here's my impression of Jeff Brantley during DatDude's at-bat


"RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Baltimore leads Arizona 4-1 in the 2nd inning for you non-scoreboard watchers.

Couldn't care less. I refuse to look behind us. No point, we're moving UP the standings. :beerme:

[Gizmo]

Baltimore leads Arizona 4-1 in the 2nd inning for you non-scoreboard watchers.

I think they've been winning every game in that series in the 9th, how'd that work out for them?

[Puffy]

Here's my impression of Jeff Brantley during DatDude's at-bat


"RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI RBI"

Dude, are you Rich Little????

[Tom Servo]

Bronson done, Fredo in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bronson... :clap: :clap: :clap: Well done Mr. Arroyo!

[Brutus]

Couldn't care less. I refuse to look behind us. No point, we're moving UP the standings. :beerme:

I'm simply treating Arizona's hopeful demise as NL Central insurance.

[kaldaniels]

What a drastic turn of events (and attitudes) we've seen in the past 74 hours. :beerme:

[reds44]

Yeah, I'll take the Diamondbacks losing too.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Excellent inning from Simon.

Remember a while back when everyone was moaning and groaning about the bullpen. Nuthin' wrong with this pen. Nuthin!

[Gizmo]

I'm rooting for the Diamondbacks to keep the damn Cardinals out of the picture in October.

[redssince75]

I would like to see Simon hit for himself. No reason to do anything different with the way the game is going.

[Red Rover]

Excellent inning from Simon.

2 hard hit balls that inning, better get Simon out of there. :D

[Fullboat]

We were 7 game out last week.Crazy game this baseball.

[Big Klu]

Lasix? Todd don't need no stinkin' Lasix.

Doesn't Lasix make you pee like a racehorse? :p

[kaldaniels]

Hypothetical from the Deadspin funbag today

http://deadspin.com/is-a-hamburger-a-sandwich-1124864789


If there was a baseball player who hit 14 uncatchable foul balls in a row before flying out every time that he came up to bat, would he be on a major league roster? Would teams be willing to take the out to significantly increase the pitch count of the opposing pitcher? Assume he has average defensive skill.

I'd sign that guy in a second. Get him 3 at-bats in a game and that's 45 pitches off the starters pitch count.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 hard hit balls that inning, better get Simon out of there. :D

LOL. Like I said...I wasn't saying to PULL Bronson...just get someone warming up. And they did.

And here comes Broxton.

[ProfessorTofty]

Time to sweep this one up!

[Tom Servo]

When they kick out your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting in death row

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, Guns of Broxton

[Brutus]

I'd dearly like to get Marshall back, but this pen with Chapman, Hoover, Broxton, Parra, Simon and LeCure is looking quite nice recently.

[REDREAD]

Hypothetical from the Deadspin funbag today

http://deadspin.com/is-a-hamburger-a-sandwich-1124864789



I'd sign that guy in a second. Get him 3 at-bats in a game and that's 45 pitches off the starters pitch count.

Interesting thought.
I think in the 80's, it would be a lot more tempting, since there was a big dropoff from starting pitchers to middle relief.
Today? I don't think that it's as good of an advantage. Most teams have decent middle relief.
Now if the guy could play a passable skill position like C or SS, then he'd be a great backup for when you face an ace like Karsay.. but if you are facing a run of the mill starting pitcher, I don't think it's worth the automatic 0-4.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'd dearly like to get Marshall back, but this pen with Chapman, Hoover, Broxton, Parra, Simon and LeCure is looking quite nice recently.

Logan left standing in the doorway yet again. *sigh*

[Gallen5862]

Lets finish the Sweep Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice high heat from Jonathan.

[Brutus]

Brox is bringin' the heat

[_Sir_Charles_]

Beautiful breaker.

[RedTeamGo!]

Fay just tweeted the last pitch by Broxton was at 99 mph? well, that is a nice turn of events.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Hypothetical from the Deadspin funbag today

http://deadspin.com/is-a-hamburger-a-sandwich-1124864789



I'd sign that guy in a second. Get him 3 at-bats in a game and that's 45 pitches off the starters pitch count.

Interesting. I guess I'd say no, but I can definitely see some value in that. If he was elite defensively, I'd sign him up.

Have they come up with a metric in any of the new type of stats that factors in pitches a batter forces as part of his value?

[PuffyPig]

Big difference between early season Broxton and late season Broxton.

He's gone from passing gas to throwing gas.

[RedlegJake]

Fay just tweeted the last pitch by Broxton was at 99 mph? well, that is a nice turn of events.

heck...rest Brox for a month or two every summer

[Tom Servo]

take that, dejesus

[_Sir_Charles_]

DeJesus gets clipped. HBP.

[ProfessorTofty]

Goodness. Smacked him on the foot. Ouch.

[kaldaniels]

Well the one thing I've learned from this series is that Homer Bailey is a bum.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fay just tweeted the last pitch by Broxton was at 99 mph? well, that is a nice turn of events.

Gameday's got his high at 97 fwiw.

[RedlegJake]

So far this series there have been 10? pitchers used by the Reds. All four earned runs go to 1 of them (a rough start but not horrible). The other 9 have allowed zip.

[Tom Servo]

We're still good! :beerme:

[ProfessorTofty]

Congrats, Reds. Nice one.

[Brutus]

And there she is.

Ho hum, that's 10 K's and no walks by Reds' pitching today. Just another day at the ball yard.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this one belongs to the reds! SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

http://www.marthastewart.com/sites/files/marthastewart.com/images/content/pub/ms_living/2009Q4/mld104674_1009_broom1_l.jpg

[PuffyPig]

Interesting. I guess I'd say no, but I can definitely see some value in that. If he was elite defensively, I'd sign him up.

Have they come up with a metric in any of the new type of stats that factors in pitches a batter forces as part of his value?

If you've read the book "The Kid Who batter 1.000", you'd know that any player who could foul off balls at will would eventually walk every time up. Well, not every time, but I don't want to spoil the ending.....

[BluegrassRedleg]

When they kick out your front door
How you gonna come?
With your hands on your head
Or on the trigger of your gun

When the law break in
How you gonna go?
Shot down on the pavement
Or waiting in death row

You can crush us
You can bruise us
But you'll have to answer to
Oh, Guns of Broxton

A dead ball era, but I have no fear
Chicago is drowning... and the Reds play by the river.

[LexRedsFan]

Season high over .500. Great time to be heating up.

[Gallen5862]

"And This One Belongs To The Reds."

[BluegrassRedleg]

If you've read the book "The Kid Who batter 1.000", you'd know that any player who could foul off balls at will would eventually walk every time up. Well, not every time, but I don't want to spoil the ending.....

Welp, there's the answer to our 2 hole issues. :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

*waiting patiently*

Klu? I need 'em. :O)

[Tom Servo]

A dead ball era, but I have no fear
Chicago is drowning... and the Reds play by the river.
Phony Cardinal-mania has bitten the dust

[WVRedsFan]

Sweep! Nice. 16 over. Nice. Time to leave Heisey on the bench. And give Brandon a rest, but the bench s so pitiful. Keep on winning, biys

[BluegrassRedleg]

Phony Cardinal-mania has bitten the dust

Well played, sir. Well played. :beerme:

[Chip R]

Too bad we're having such a mediocre season.

[Big Klu]

*waiting patiently*

Klu? I need 'em. :O)

Ask, and ye shall receive!

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/CubsLFlag.jpg

http://www.sowerbyandluff.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/goat.jpg

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hmmm....Reds considering Cueto in the pen?

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130814&content_id=56964848&notebook_id=56965714&vkey=notebook_cin&c_id=cin

[Brutus]

Is +16 the high water mark?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ask, and ye shall receive!



Hell yeah! :beerme:

[UKFlounder]

Is +16 the high water mark?


Only so far... :beerme:

[ProfessorTofty]

Is +16 the high water mark?
Yep.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is +16 the high water mark?

For now my friend...just for now. The water's rising and the other teams are outta life-preservers.

I say, let 'em drown. :O)

[LexRedsFan]

Back to cheering "for" the Cubs come the weekend vs. STL.

[Tom Servo]

Back to cheering "for" the Cubs come the weekend vs. STL.
We love you Cubs, we know you can do it!!! :D

[traderumor]

Logan left standing in the doorway yet again. *sigh*
How about locking him in that one room with crazy grandma and throwing away the key?

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds win! Great game in all aspects by the Reds today! Arroyo was.on top.of his game and nice to see Frazier step up.

[PuffyPig]

The Reds pitching since the all star game is 3.07. Subtract the two debacles to the Cards an it's at 2.13.

[oregonred]

Finally cracked the 15-over mark on the 5th or 6th try. Thank you Lovable Losers.

Now let's have the Pirates and Cards play another 14 inning one tonight with a couple of bench clearing brawls...

[oregonred]

The Reds pitching since the all star game is 3.07. Subtract the two debacles to the Cards an it's at 2.13.

Wow. That's insane. This team left many games on the board on the 5-6 WC trip, but is rolling now.

[Mutaman]

It's still been a disappointing season. And I'm not going to over react to sweeping the Cubs, even on the road. But having Ludwick on the field makes this a whole different ball Club. And BP is starting to hit. So I'm starting to develop a little optimism. Need to take the series in Milwaukee.

[redssince75]

It's still been a disappointing season. And I'm not going to over react to sweeping the Cubs, even on the road. But having Ludwick on the field makes this a whole different ball Club. And BP is starting to hit. So I'm starting to develop a little optimism. Need to take the series in Milwaukee.

It's really hard to figure this team has "turned the corner" when it's the Cubs and Padres. I'm going to the 3 games in St. Louis Aug 26-28, let's see how it looks after that.

[Brutus]

It's still been a disappointing season. And I'm not going to over react to sweeping the Cubs, even on the road. But having Ludwick on the field makes this a whole different ball Club. And BP is starting to hit. So I'm starting to develop a little optimism. Need to take the series in Milwaukee.

If someone told you that the Reds would be +16 on August 14 and on pace for 92 wins, would that really be disappointing? I know folks were hoping for 95-100 wins, but that's really not far off the pace.

It hasn't always 'felt' like it, but the Reds are having a good season nonetheless.

[Brutus]

It's really hard to figure this team has "turned the corner" when it's the Cubs and Padres. I'm going to the 3 games in St. Louis Aug 26-28, let's see how it looks after that.

I guess you're ignoring the two wins against Oakland?

[oregonred]

Nice to be able to ease Ludwick and Broxton back in over the last week with a 5-1 run against the Pads and Cubs.

I attribute the good fortune to my being in Cinci since the start of the Oakland series last week.

[EMAW]

What is the Reds win loss record in Chicago since 2010, it has to be ridiculous, Dusty loves Wrigley:D

[redssince75]

I guess you're ignoring the two wins against Oakland?

No, I liked the wins against Oakland. But they don't feel like an "old nemesis" and a hurdle we need to get over, like the Cardinals. (Or even the Phillies or Giants, I guess I have playoff trauma). The last time we played Oakland in the playoffs, we swept them 4. :D

[Brutus]

No, I liked the wins against Oakland. But they don't feel like an "old nemesis" and a hurdle we need to get over, like the Cardinals. (Or even the Phillies or Giants, I guess I have playoff trauma). The last time we played Oakland in the playoffs, we swept them 4. :D

But when the conversation is whether the Reds have "turned a corner" why ignore beating a very good team in two straight games? I don't see what being a "nemesis" has anything to do with it. Winning is winning and beating a good team is not easy regardless of who it is.

[_Sir_Charles_]

How about locking him in that one room with crazy grandma and throwing away the key?

outside of 1 dinger and 1 poor outing against the Cards, Logan's been pretty darned good this month too.

[texasdave]

You cannot have too much pitching. I am calling it right now. This team will reprise 39-40 and 75-76. Two straight World Series appearances. Get those October vacation requests in now.

[redssince75]

But when the conversation is whether the Reds have "turned a corner" why ignore beating a very good team in two straight games? I don't see what being a "nemesis" has anything to do with it. Winning is winning and beating a good team is not easy regardless of who it is.

Wasn't trying to forget them, I could barely remember who was before the Cubs (Padres did come to mind finally). I didn't look back at the schedule. I agree 2 wins over them is nice.

[Mutaman]

If someone told you that the Reds would be +16 on August 14 and on pace for 92 wins, would that really be disappointing? I know folks were hoping for 95-100 wins, but that's really not far off the pace.

It hasn't always 'felt' like it, but the Reds are having a good season nonetheless.

It may have been a good season considering, but its still been disappointing. With this kind of pitching, even with the loss of JC, we should have a better record. The non-pitchers have under achieved at bat, on defense, and running the bases. Hopefully, with Ludwick back, that will change around.

[Kingspoint]

Masterful performance by Arroyo today.

This off-season, they are seriously going to have to consider trading Bailey and keeping Arroyo. They'd get a good Right-handed bat for Bailey, but nothing for Arroyo (except for draft pick(s) depending upon many factors). Bailey has not progressed as much as has been hoped for, while Arroyo is actually getting better and looks like he could give a solid three years to the team in a new contract. That new contract, however, could keep the REDS from doing other things, so all of that has to be considered, also.

Anyway, congrats to Arroyo and his dominating performance today.

[Brutus]

It may have been a good season considering, but its still been disappointing. With this kind of pitching, even with the loss of JC, we should have a better record. The non-pitchers have under achieved at bat, on defense, and running the bases. Hopefully, with Ludwick back, that will change around.

Come on man, you can't tell me that if someone had told you that the Reds would have Ludwick out of the lineup for 4 1/2 months, Cueto make only a handful of starts, Marshall would miss almost all season, Broxton miss well over a month and that the Reds would be relying on Manny Parra in the bullpen for significant innings while Todd Frazier had a .225 BA and Xavier Paul, Chris Heisey and Derrick Robinson split time in left that you wouldn't be thrilled to still be on pace for 92 wins.

Given all the Reds have overcome thus far, they deserve far more credit than they're getting.

[PuffyPig]

It may have been a good season considering, but its still been disappointing. With this kind of pitching, even with the loss of JC, we should have a better record. The non-pitchers have under achieved at bat, on defense, and running the bases. Hopefully, with Ludwick back, that will change around.

4th in the NL in pitching, 4th in runs scored, I'm not seeing that the pitching is carrying the hitting.

[George Foster]

If someone told you that the Reds would be +16 on August 14 and on pace for 92 wins, would that really be disappointing? I know folks were hoping for 95-100 wins, but that's really not far off the pace.

It hasn't always 'felt' like it, but the Reds are having a good season nonetheless.

We don't play the Astros 15-18 times this year either, and still on pace to win 92.

[Brutus]

We don't play the Astros 15-18 times this year either, and still on pace to win 92.

True. And the Cubs are better than they were last year, while the Pirates and Cardinals have been two of the top teams in baseball all season.

Needless to say, the Reds are in a really tough division.

[Mutaman]

4th in the NL in pitching, 4th in runs scored, I'm not seeing that the pitching is carrying the hitting.

You're ignoring the ball park we play in. It makes those stats meaningless. I seriously doubt that the majority of Red's fans are satisfied with the way the offense has performed, Ludwick or no Ludwick.

[Mutaman]

Come on man, you can't tell me that if someone had told you that the Reds would have Ludwick out of the lineup for 4 1/2 months, Cueto make only a handful of starts, Marshall would miss almost all season, Broxton miss well over a month and that the Reds would be relying on Manny Parra in the bullpen for significant innings while Todd Frazier had a .225 BA and Xavier Paul, Chris Heisey and Derrick Robinson split time in left that you wouldn't be thrilled to still be on pace for 92 wins.

Given all the Reds have overcome thus far, they deserve far more credit than they're getting.

Sorry to have upset the pollyana crowd. Its not a question of giving credit. Its an issue of whether the boys are playing up to expectations. Name one player on offense who is doing as well as you expected at the beginning of the year. Name one.

[Brutus]

Sorry to have upset the pollyana crowd. Its not a question of giving credit. Its an issue of whether the boys are playing up to expectations. Name one player on offense who is doing as well as you expected at the beginning of the year. Name one.

I'll name several. Choo, Phillips, Mesoraco, Cozart, Paul and Bruce are all doing what I expected from them. Votto is only minimally less than I expected, but certainly not enough I'd consider him a 'disappointment.'

Really, to be perfectly honest, the only hitter in the Reds lineup that has been disappointing for me is Frazier. But while his offense has been below what I expected, his defense has been a pleasant surprise.

Not sure what you expected, but the team is in the upper 75 percentile of baseball in runs scored. Without Ludwick in the lineup, I can't imagine you truly had radically different expectations.

[texasdave]

Sorry to have upset the pollyana crowd. Its not a question of giving credit. Its an issue of whether the boys are playing up to expectations. Name one player on offense who is doing as well as you expected at the beginning of the year. Name one.

Cesar Izturis is hitting just about what I thought he would hit. :beerme:

[Mutaman]

Cesar Izturis is hitting just about what I thought he would hit. :beerme:

I thought he'd do better, but I'm an optimist. :)

[Mutaman]

I'll name several. Choo, Phillips, Mesoraco, Cozart, Paul and Bruce are all doing what I expected from them. Votto is only minimally less than I expected, but certainly not enough I'd consider him a 'disappointment.'

Really, to be perfectly honest, the only hitter in the Reds lineup that has been disappointing for me is Frazier. But while his offense has been below what I expected, his defense has been a pleasant surprise.

Not sure what you expected, but the team is in the upper 75 percentile of baseball in runs scored. Without Ludwick in the lineup, I can't imagine you truly had radically different expectations.


Choo is playing as well as you expected? Cozart? BP? (I'll cut BP some slack because of the beaning). I had decent xpectations even without ludwick because I thought Choo would be such a major addition over Stubbs offensivly. And I certainly cant figure the decline in defense and fundmentals which has taken place. On the otherhand some have super performed, all pitchers. Cingrani, Arroro. Latos, Leach. Para and hoover, Keepin us within shouting ditance. hopfiully ludwick would be the spark.

[Raisor]

Question: for the season not to be disappointing at this point, how many wins should the team have and how many runs per game should they score?

[NJReds]

Tweet from Peter Gammons:


Since being traded for Willy Mo Pena in March, 2006, Bronson Arroyo leads the NL in innings and wins

[RedTeamGo!]

You're ignoring the ball park we play in. It makes those stats meaningless. I seriously doubt that the majority of Red's fans are satisfied with the way the offense has performed, Ludwick or no Ludwick.

I was unaware the Reds play all 162 at home.

If you actually look at the numbers (I know, why look at the numbers when you can just blindly make statements?) you will notice there is not much of a difference between home and away offensive stats.

Home:
265 runs
104 2B
6 3B
60 HR

Away:
251 runs
109 2B
9 3B
54 HR


My opinion? If you are honestly disappointed with this season, you should probably just stick to football.

[Sea Ray]

Question: for the season not to be disappointing at this point, how many wins should the team have and how many runs per game should they score?

Aren't you the one who predicted them winning the division by ten games? Given that expectation, they must be a disappointment

[Sea Ray]

No, I liked the wins against Oakland. But they don't feel like an "old nemesis" and a hurdle we need to get over, like the Cardinals. (Or even the Phillies or Giants, I guess I have playoff trauma). The last time we played Oakland in the playoffs, we swept them 4. :D

They're 6-1 vs the Giants (4-2 vs Philly)...What more do you want?

[Raisor]

Aren't you the one who predicted them winning the division by ten games? Given that expectation, they must be a disappointment

Season isn't over yet.

[Brutus]

Choo is playing as well as you expected? Cozart? BP? (I'll cut BP some slack because of the beaning). I had decent xpectations even without ludwick because I thought Choo would be such a major addition over Stubbs offensivly. And I certainly cant figure the decline in defense and fundmentals which has taken place. On the otherhand some have super performed, all pitchers. Cingrani, Arroro. Latos, Leach. Para and hoover, Keepin us within shouting ditance. hopfiully ludwick would be the spark.

Choo's career OPS was .847 before the season. It's .854 right now. I'm not sure why you expected something different?

[RedTeamGo!]

Choo's career OPS was .847 before the season. It's .854 right now. I'm not sure why you expected something different?

Anything less than 1.000 is disappointing. :rolleyes:

[redssince75]

They're 6-1 vs the Giants (4-2 vs Philly)...What more do you want?

Good point.

I guess the "more I want" is for them to have that kind of record against the Cardinals (I live in SL, so I'm naturally skewed on what I see and care about), and to win a playoff series or two.

[Mutaman]

My opinion? If you are honestly disappointed with this season, you should probably just stick to football.

So if a fan is "honestly disappointed" in the performance of their team, they should stop being a fan. I don't think much of that opinion.

[Raisor]

So if a fan is "honestly disappointed" in the performance of their team, they should stop being a fan. I don't think much of that opinion.

It might have been lost up thread:

What record would the Reds need to have today for you to not be disappointed?

[Mutaman]

Choo's career OPS was .847 before the season. It's .854 right now. I'm not sure why you expected something different?

Cherry picking. Choo's career Numbers are distorted by one very bad injury ridden year. His WAR is 3 points lower than what it was in 2010-2011 playing in a much friendlier hitters park. I expected better.

[Mutaman]

It might have been lost up thread:

What record would the Reds need to have today for you to not be disappointed?

The defense has been a huge disappointment. Their inability to play ever average fundamental baseball, particlarly when running the bases, has been a disappointment. Considering the quality of the pitching, this team should be doing better. On paper they are better than the Pirates.

I think they should be about 5 wins better than they've achieved so far.

[RedTeamGo!]

So if a fan is "honestly disappointed" in the performance of their team, they should stop being a fan. I don't think much of that opinion.

Hm, definitely didn't say that. I said in this particular season, one in which the Reds are 16 games above .500 despite the fact they have had injuries to their ace, cleanup hitter, catcher and 2nd and 3rd best relievers.

You can obviously do whatever you want with your fandom, but your mentality is similar to a football fans mentality.

[RedTeamGo!]

The defense has been a huge disappointment. Their inability to play ever average fundamental baseball, particlarly when running the bases, has been a disappointment. Considering the quality of the pitching, this team should be doing better. On paper they are better than the Pirates.

I think they should be about 5 wins better than they've achieved so far.

With 5 more wins the Reds would be 73-47 (would be 1/2 behind the braves for best record in MLB)

So, basically, you are disappointed because the Reds do not have the 2nd best record in baseball (1/2 game behind the braves)

Gotcha.

[Mutaman]

Hm, definitely didn't say that. I said in this particular season, one in which the Reds are 16 games above .500 despite the fact they have had injuries to their ace, cleanup hitter, catcher and 2nd and 3rd best relievers.

You can obviously do whatever you want with your fandom, but your mentality is similar to a football fans mentality.

And you're bordering on the ad hominems.
A football fan thinks in terms of a sprint rather than a marathon. If you are suggesting that I don't look at the "big 162" you haven't been reading my posts over the years.
As of 8/15/13, all things considered, particularly the step up performances by Latos, Bronson, Leake, Cingrani, Hoover, and Para, the Reds have been a disappointment.

[Mutaman]

With 5 more wins the Reds would be 73-47 (would be 1/2 behind the braves for best record in MLB)

So, basically, you are disappointed because the Reds do not have the 2nd best record in baseball (1/2 game behind the braves)

Gotcha.

Yeah, pretty much where we were at last year when we had Stubbs playing every day instead of Choo.

[Raisor]

Tough crowd.

[Mutaman]

Tough crowd.

You really predicted they'd win the division by 10? I'd sure like to see that post.

[Raisor]

You really predicted they'd win the division by 10? I'd sure like to see that post.

Over and over. Easiest to find is probably the win prediction thread.

Still think they can do it too. But I'm not going to be disappointed in the regular season unless the don't make the playoffs.

My disappointment level will grow higher for every level they reach:

Win World Series no disappointment.
Win NL lose World Series disappointed
Make NL championship. Don't make World Series- more disappointed.
Don't make NL championship more disappointed
So on and so forth

[Brutus]

Cherry picking. Choo's career Numbers are distorted by one very bad injury ridden year. His WAR is 3 points lower than what it was in 2010-2011 playing in a much friendlier hitters park. I expected better.

He has almost 3,500 plate appearances (and will after tonight or tomorrow) and you think one injury-riddled, 350-PA season that was 100 points below his average drastically changes his career OPS?

But you know what? We'll play along. Even if you completely exclude his 2011 season, his career OPS coming into the year was .860. It's .854.

So I ask again, what sort of expectations did you have for him?

[Mutaman]

He has almost 3,500 plate appearances (and will after tonight or tomorrow) and you think one injury-riddled, 350-PA season that was 100 points below his average drastically changes his career OPS?

But you know what? We'll play along. Even if you completely exclude his 2011 season, his career OPS coming into the year was .860. It's .854.

So I ask again, what sort of expectations did you have for him?

I thought he'd hit better than .270. A 2.3 WAR is disappointing. I'm surprised at how many boneheaded plays he makes. His defense has been fine.
I thought the change of scenery and playing in this little league park combined with relativly good health would trigger big numbers. Hasn't happened.

[RedTeamGo!]

4th best obp in the majors

he is the leadoff hitter. it is his job to get on base and this season he is literally the best leadoff hitter on the planet in that category.

[Sea Ray]

Good point.

I guess the "more I want" is for them to have that kind of record against the Cardinals (I live in SL, so I'm naturally skewed on what I see and care about), and to win a playoff series or two.

I'm disappointed that they have't fared better againt good teams but overall they're right where I figured they'd be. The Pirates and Cards are ahead of where I thought they'd be

[757690]

I'm disappointed that they have't fared better againt good teams but overall they're right where I figured they'd be. The Pirates and Cards are ahead of where I thought they'd be

Exactly. It seemed that the prevailing view going into this season was that the Reds wouldn't win as many games as last year, but that their wasn't much competition in the division, so they would win it easily. Very few predicted the Pirates and Cards would be this good this late into the season.

[reds44]

You're ignoring the ball park we play in. It makes those stats meaningless. I seriously doubt that the majority of Red's fans are satisfied with the way the offense has performed, Ludwick or no Ludwick.
Hasn't GABP played as a pretty fair park over the years? Heavy on the homers yes, but I think on runs scored it hasn't been too much of an offensive park.