Dodgers vs Reds 9/7/2013

[powersackers]

#Reds lineup
Choo 8
Izturis 4
Votto 3
Bruce 9
Ludwick 7
Frazier 5
Cozart 6
Mesoraco 2
Latos 1

#Dodgers lineup at Reds:
Crawford LF
Puig RF
Gonzalez 1B
Ramirez SS
Ethier CF
Young 3B
Schumaker 2B
A Ellis C
Greinke P

Check out @ctrent's Tweet: https://twitter.com/ctrent/status/376358398414954496

[kaldaniels]

I guess Cezar is the designated bunter today.

[R_Webb18]

Izturis batting 2nd seems smart.

[RedlegJake]

I guess Cozart hitting about .370 over the last month is a good reason not to bat him second for once. At least Izturis can bunt. Facing Greinke, though, this may be a 1-0 or 2-1 game anyway. There is good news for the Reds, though. Greinke is not LH. The Reds do ok against aces - it's the scrub LH dweeb that they have fits hitting. (I'm getting senile - thought for a minute Kershaw was RH - better win tonight)

[keeganbrick]

I think this marks the first time Ludwick is playing a day game after a night game. Hopefully Dusty feels he is back too full strength now and he is done with sitting.

[Matt700wlw]

Izturis batting second. :lol:

I hope he goes 4-4 with 2 Home Runs.

[Red Raindog]

Izturis batting 2nd seems smart.

yeah - can never get him to the plate too many times

[powersackers]

Grienke has allowed 2 runs or less in his last 7 starts. And 10 of his last 11.

Latos has allowed 2 runs or less in 8 of his last 9 starts.

[Raisor]

Naked Saturday commences! Play ball!

[Tom Servo]

Blacked out of the game, tremendous.

[Raisor]

Servo, it could be worse. You could be in prison.

[NebraskaRed]

FOX thinks I would want to watch the Red Sox/Yankees.

Thanks, FOX!

[RedsfaninMT]

Ruh Roh

[Raisor]

Not a terrific beginning. Makes the comeback more exciting!

[757690]

Latos doesn't have much right now. Hopefully it's just a first inning thing.

[KittyDuran]

Not a terrific beginning. Makes the comeback more exciting!

Don't say that... I haven't got to my seat yet. Oh, and put some pants on! ;)

[Tom Servo]

Could have been worse.

[757690]

Latos got hit hard by everyone in the first, but escapes with giving up just one run. I'll take that as a good omen.

[NebraskaRed]

Not the greatest start, but Latos got out of that little jam.

[Raisor]

Great damage control in the first. Time to put a hurtin on

[757690]

Dusty is a genius again ;)

[Tom Servo]

Iztruis singles, Dusty is a genius.

[Ironman92]

I think this marks the first time Ludwick is playing a day game after a night game. Hopefully Dusty feels he is back too full strength now and he is done with sitting.

He's also followed up Heisey's 0-7 with an 0-7 of his own.

[757690]

Can Hanley win the MVP playing only around 90 games this season? I think he clearly is the league's MVP.

[Raisor]

Don't say that... I haven't got to my seat yet. Oh, and put some pants on! ;)

No. #nakedsaturday

[Raisor]

Bruuuuuuuce

[Tom Servo]

Tie game!

[NebraskaRed]

Boom. Tie game.

[Matt700wlw]

2-1

[VR]

Perhaps the offense needed to stop facing guys with a 5+ earnie....and get a shot at dudes with sub 3's to get going. This is crazy.

[757690]

Glad to see 2 runs, but again with the bad baserunning?

[Kc61]

What happened? Can't tune in now.

[Tornon]

Ludwick singled to left, Votto scored. Bruce tried to advance to 3rd on the throw home but it got cut off and he was thrown out

[757690]

Ludwick singled to left with two one, one out. Votto scored easily, but Bruce overran second, and got caught in a rundown, but not long enough for Ludwick to get to second.

[1940757690]

Awesome--answering quickly and hard with middle of the order! Love it.

Knowing I won't get much (any) sympathy here, may I vent for just a second?

It's a frickin' crime....crime I tell you...that a September Saturday Latos-Greinke matchup is virtually unobtainable on the East Coast. Not on satellite. Not on MLB.TV (why the f++k even pay for MLB when they block out the Saturday games for broadcast networks who then don't carry it nationally?!?!). Not on national FOX showing, of course, Yankees/Sox.

Wow. Of course, I love the radio team (best in the country, Scully notwithstanding) but it's just stinkin' wrong I can't also watch this game when not in a car.

Yeah! We've got the lead!!!

Crap. Can't watch it.

OK, I'm done. Thanks for humoring an East Coast Reds Fan in a serious a schizophrenic moment (damn! Can't watch. yes! We're up by 1!!!!).

[757690]

With these two pitchers, this could be the final score.

[Kc61]

Thx

[1940757690]

With these two pitchers, this could be the final score.

That'd be A-OK with me. And, I suspect, with all of you too. :thumbup:

[Tom Servo]

With these two pitchers, this could be the final score.
Or they could both be gone by the 5th. :scared:

[RedlegJake]

It's a frickin' crime....crime I tell you...that a September Saturday Latos-Greinke matchup is virtually unobtainable on the East Coast. Not on satellite. Not on MLB.TV (why the f++k even pay for MLB when they block out the Saturday games for broadcast networks who then don't carry it nationally?!?!). Not on national FOX showing, of course, Yankees/Sox.

Wow. Of course, I love the radio team but it's just stinkin' wrong I can't also watch this game not in a car.

Can't get it here in the midwest - I believe its a national blackout unless you are in a Fox area where they play the Reds-Dodgers. Otherwise you are out of luck. It is a crime. Of course they play the Yanks Sox game in 90% of the country - Fox thinks the Yanks are the only team in MLB.

[RedlegJake]

Puig.

[RedsManRick]

I'm so glad Fox is showing me the White Sox game instead of Reds-Dodgers. I mean, here in Chicago it's darn near impossible to get those games otherwise. At least I can watch the Reds on mlb.tv. Oh wait... nm. Is there any reason to not hate Fox?

[RedlegJake]

Take out the U. Ughhh.

[1940757690]

Can't get it here in the midwest - I believe its a national blackout unless you are in a Fox area where they play the Reds-Dodgers. Otherwise you are out of luck. It is a crime. Of course they play the Yanks Sox game in 90% of the country - Fox thinks the Yanks are the only team in MLB.

Thank God for Brennaman, et al.. They're the veritable bone thrown to someone otherwise in solitary.

Crap--Puig! Kelch got the call wrong calling it a tie game. Forgot about Ellis. Latos needs to settle down. Can't expect our guys to come back to many times today.

[Tom Servo]

Kelch keeps saying it's a tie game, but the Dodgers are ahead 3-2 by my count.

[757690]

Hanger from Latos. And with two strikes against a guy who swings at everything. Ugh.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, I just tuned in during the Puig AB. Is it 3-2 or 2-2? Kelch keeps saying it's tied 2-2. What's up?

[RedlegJake]

Mat - cover the bag fella

[Matt700wlw]

HE was out. Slow to the bag or not, Mat's foot touched the bag first.

[Tom Servo]

Bad time for a clunker from Mat.

[757690]

Throw the red flag, throw the red flag!

[RedlegJake]

This is what I don't like about Latos - he does tend to get ticked off and rattles. Point the anger at the plate big guy. Pitch the anger at em. Don't scatter it

[1940757690]

I'm so glad Fox is showing me the White Sox game instead of Reds-Dodgers. I mean, here in Chicago it's darn near impossible to get those games otherwise. At least I can watch the Reds on mlb.tv. Oh wait... nm. Is there any reason to not hate Fox?

Not that I can think of. Checked online and even Fox Ohio is listed as showing college football. Don't think I can even order this from my satellite provider. Damn the cable/broadcast industry desperately needs a Steve Jobs like figure to overturn the existing and incredibly stupid model.

[Tom Servo]

Jeez, somebody tell Kelch the freakin score.

[Gunner44]

So no argument from dusty? And people wonder why some of us despise him

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, what's the score? Gameday is saying 3-2. Kelch has said like 5 times it's 2-2.

[Red Raindog]

Blacked out of the game, tremendous.

same here but we do the White Sox

:laugh:

[1940757690]

Okay, I just tuned in during the Puig AB. Is it 3-2 or 2-2? Kelch keeps saying it's tied 2-2. What's up?

You watching or listening? I ask since your sig here says Houston. They do keep saying tied at 2; just said it again before breaking for a commercial. Odd.

[757690]

So no argument from dusty? And people wonder why some of us despise him

Baker did come out to argue, for the record.

[RedlegJake]

The score is 3-2. There was a man on for Puig's homer.

[Gunner44]

Its 3-2 dodgers

[_Sir_Charles_]

So no argument from dusty? And people wonder why some of us despise him

What's the point? Other than getting the crowd riled up, seriously what's the point? Have any of you EVER seen an ump change the ruling on the field because a manager argued? Considering Dusty's recent health status...not getting riled up for no point is probably a good idea.

[VR]

I'm so glad Fox is showing me the White Sox game instead of Reds-Dodgers. I mean, here in Chicago it's darn near impossible to get those games otherwise. At least I can watch the Reds on mlb.tv. Oh wait... nm. Is there any reason to not hate Fox?

I'm in SF today, and didn't even think to see if the Reds were on......guess what? They are!

thanks for the discussion boys, I would have never checked :thumbup:

[Gunner44]

Baker did come out to argue, for the record.

I must have missed it. Thanks 757690

[RedlegJake]

What's the point? Other than getting the crowd riled up, seriously what's the point? Have any of you EVER seen an ump change the ruling on the field because a manager argued?

No - but ya gotta admit it would be fun to see Dusty get excited once in a while. Might not signify a thing but it would fun to see him go all Earl Weaver. No other reason really. I just like the fireworks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You watching or listening? I ask since your sig here says Houston. They do keep saying tied at 2; just said it again before breaking for a commercial. Odd.

Listening. MLB.tv is blacked out. Fox is showing the Yankees here in Houston.

[VR]

Baker did come out to argue, for the record.

Yes, but he should have looked really, really mad.....especially when the cameras were on him. He's obviously a lousy manager.

[RedlegJake]

Listening. MLB.tv is blacked out. Fox is showing the Yankees here in Houston.

That makes as much sense as the Yankees here in KC.

[1940757690]

I'm in SF today, and didn't even think to see if the Reds were on......guess what? They are!

thanks for the discussion boys, I would have never checked :thumbup:

Happy for you...really. But big grumble. I'm in DC. You're in SFO. You get this game on regional broadcast and I don't? Man I'd love to see someone take a metaphorical bazooka to the broadcast/cable television industry.

[757690]

Yes, but he should have looked really, really mad.....especially when the cameras were on him. He's obviously a lousy manager.

I honestly think Baker goes out not to argue, but ask how are the wife and kids. He the anti Earl Weaver.

[RedlegJake]

Happy for you...really. But big grumble. I'm in DC. You're in SFO. You get this game on regional broadcast and I don't? Man I'd love to see someone take a metaphorical bazooka to the broadcast/cable television industry.

As advanced as satellite/cable is you'd think between three games you could select the game you want with on demand. Shouldn't be that hard to do technologically. And it defaults to a regional game.

[Tom Servo]

bottom of the Reds order out in order

[RedlegJake]

2 innings 5 combined runs. I'm kind of surprised.

[VR]

Happy for you...really. But big grumble. I'm in DC. You're in SFO. You get this game on regional broadcast and I don't? Man I'd love to see someone take a metaphorical bazooka to the broadcast/cable television industry.

http://cardboardgods.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/1975jgbaz4.jpg

[_Sir_Charles_]

That makes as much sense as the Yankees here in KC.

I guess they could argue that it's an AL game and Houston is now an AL town. I loathe the NY/BOS lovefest nationwide with the media. :(

[1940757690]

As advanced as satellite/cable is you'd think between three games you could select the game you want with on demand. Shouldn't be that hard to do technologically. And it defaults to a regional game.

Has nothing to do with technology limitations. Has everything to do with idiocy around revenue maximization and good old fashioned arrogance. It's why I made the Steve Jobs reference. For all his flaws, he was uniquely talented at recognizing customer-antagonizing idiocy and doing something about it bull-in-china-shop style. That's what the cable, satellite and broadcast idiots need. They haven't learned from what happened to traditional book publishers and music labels. Their day of reckoning is coming. Our grandkids won't have to deal with this stupidity. The existing model is unsustainable.

[757690]

http://cardboardgods.files.wordpress.com/2010/04/1975jgbaz4.jpg

I believe Kurt Bevaqua won that, and Johnny Bench finished second.

[RedlegJake]

that would have been a great effort if I could have seen it

[_Sir_Charles_]

I believe Kurt Bevaqua won that, and Johnny Bench finished second.

Don't know about Bench, but Bevacqua definitely won it. That baseball card is rather memorable. :O)

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTmj--d4XR1wr-hCC1TjzZ2k9TdM0U5p1NeCv5Hnj9JJrS9fucWYw

[1940757690]

Being a relatively new member here, I've always wondered why Operator and others often do quasi play-by-play on the threads. Today, I both understand and appreciate it.

[RedlegJake]

1 down with a K

[RedlegJake]

5-3. 2 down. Nice comeback by Mat being down 2-0 in the count.

[1940757690]

1 down with a K

Not just any "1." Ethier. Latos is as good as anyone in the game when he keeps a lid on his emotions.

[RedlegJake]

Schumaker, the Dodger version of the utility guy that seems to always kill us. This time Ludwick grabs a flyball. 1-2-3.

[1940757690]

And that's 3. Gorgeous inning by Latos. I really, really, want us to take this game. We are so due to roll the Cards and get beyond an LDS. Winning series against baseball's best teams like this shows we can do it.

[RedlegJake]

Not just any "1." Ethier. Latos is as good as anyone in the game when he keeps a lid on his emotions.

That's the key - I love his fire - he just needs to keep it focused and not blow up.

[RedlegJake]

Time to get the lead back...

[_Sir_Charles_]

Clearly a ball via gameday.

[757690]

Wow, one of the worst called strikes I've ever seen. I thought Eric Gregg retired.

[Red Raindog]

I'm in SF today, and didn't even think to see if the Reds were on......guess what? They are!

thanks for the discussion boys, I would have never checked :thumbup:

you are out of my will

[Brutus]

I see a lot of you complaining about blackouts. Well, I'm literally blacked out as my FOX station has been a black screen for the last inning running.

[Matt700wlw]

Look who's bat woke up :)

[RedlegJake]

Votto double. 6 straight PAs with a safety

[_Sir_Charles_]

I see a lot of you complaining about blackouts. Well, I'm literally blacked out as my FOX station has been a black screen for the last inning running.

Nah, just a camera zoomed in on Wilson's hideous facial abomination.

[1940757690]

Votto is seriously back in form!!! This is scary for other teams in the very best of ways. So pissed I couldn't watch that double.

[757690]

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling hearing Joe Morgan talk about the Reds as "we."

[1940757690]

Crap! JB grounds out after working the count full.

[New York Red]

I believe Kurt Bevaqua won that, and Johnny Bench finished second.
I still have a couple of those Kurt Bevaqua baseball cards with the giant bubble being measured with calipers.

[Matt700wlw]

I get a warm and fuzzy feeling hearing Joe Morgan talk about the Reds as "we."

Joe's allowed. We are not :D

[RedlegJake]

Greinke hits 92-93 max but changes speeds, hits spots, mixes pitches, throws hard and slow sinking changeups - hand it to him quite a pitcher. Pitches better than his raw stuff would indicate.

[757690]

I still have a couple of those Kurt Bevaqua baseball cards with the giant bubble being measured with calipers.

I have hard time remembering my last girlfriend's name. But I immediately remembered that card. Lol.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Joe's allowed. We are not :D

Yes WE are. That was MY trophy too. :O)

[RedlegJake]

Ellis singles. He is becoming a pain in the neck.

[1940757690]

Sounds like Latos is letting himself get frustrated. Nice comeback to 3-2 after the three straight balls only to give up another hit to Ellis.

[Brutus]

I suppose I'm resigned to missing this game. Two innings running now my FOX affiliate is broadcasting dead air, or like Sir Charles said, they're fascinated with Wilson's beard.

[RedlegJake]

Frazier charges, Greinke swings away and Frazier still grabs it and throws Ellis out at second

[1940757690]

I suppose I'm resigned to missing this game. Two innings running now my FOX affiliate is broadcasting dead air, or like Sir Charles said, they're fascinated with Wilson's beard.

The WLW feed and gameday are decidedly better than nothing imho.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Frazier charges, Greinke swings away and Frazier still grabs it and throws Ellis out at second

It's going to happen one day. Butcher boy right to Todd's forehead. I didn't see THAT play, but he habitually gets WAY too close.

[Brutus]

The WLW feed and gameday are decidedly better than nothing imho.

True.

[RedlegJake]

Crawford singles, Greinke to 2nd. Puig to the plate. 1 down.

[Brutus]

The Red Sox are one some kind of run offensively. Up 9-2 today in the 4th inning on the Yankees. They've scored 50 runs in their last 3 1/2 games.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The WLW feed and gameday are decidedly better than nothing imho.

after the game is over, they'll post the video highlights on gameday...but not during. Just so you know. Yeah, I'm VERY used to the gameday & audio combo. These last 2 seasons are the first times I've gotten to watch the Reds regularly on tv since the mid 80's.

[RedlegJake]

It's going to happen one day. Butcher boy right to Todd's forehead. I didn't see THAT play, but he habitually gets WAY too close.

Luckily Greinke just chopped the ball - had he stung it either Todd gets knocked out or the ball goes way down the line past him

[1940757690]

The Red Sox are one some kind of run offensively. Up 9-2 today in the 4th inning on the Yankees. They've scored 50 runs in their last 3 1/2 games.

Now 10-2. How incredibly cool would it be for a reprise of '75 come WS time? I'd mortgage my house again to see those games in person.

[RedlegJake]

BIG KO. 2 down.

[50YrRedsFan]

Latos not very sharp today. Not comfortable on the mound. Has stumbled several times during his follow through.

[RedlegJake]

Puig flips the bat in disgust and hits himself in the face. Smart fella.

[1940757690]

Yes! Mat! K's Puig with runners on!!!! Alrighty, we can win this.

[RedlegJake]

Line drive single, Bruce throw catches Greinke in a riundown with a bullet throw. 3 down!

[1940757690]

Puig flips the bat in disgust and hits himself in the face. Smart fella.

More an immature but very dangerous fella. Sort of like a pit bull puppy that way.

[757690]

Dodgers catch a case of Redsrunningitis.

[mth123]

Nice to see another team with boneheaded base running. Thanks for the bailout Mr. Crawford.

[50YrRedsFan]

Dodgers with a bonehead base running blunder.

[Larkin Fan]

Bruce's arm never ceases to amaze me.

[RedlegJake]

Love to see another team make running blunder - bluffing on Bruce's arm was dumb, dumb, dumb

[Brutus]

Greinke's stuff isn't his best today. I expect the Reds to tack on some more runs. Hopefully Latos and the pen can limit any further damage.

[Larkin Fan]

Anyone think Latos' lack of sharpness today may have something to do with that foul ball he took off his leg in BP the other day?

[RedlegJake]

Ludwick Ks on a high fb

[Matt700wlw]

Anyone think Latos' lack of sharpness today may have something to do with that foul ball he took off his leg in BP the other day?

I think he's just human :p

[RedlegJake]

Toddfather strikes out 2 down

[Brutus]

I take it back, the Reds seem to be content to letting Greinke get into a rhythm now.

[RedlegJake]

Cozart singles for a 12 game hit streak, career high for him

[Larkin Fan]

I think he's just human :p

That's a given. However, as another poster mentioned earlier, he's stumbled off the mound a few times leading me to wonder if the leg is bothering him after all.

[RedlegJake]

Mes hammers a long long foul....couple more foul balls....strikes out

[Gunner44]

Is Mes crouching more than usual?

[1940757690]

Sigh....Meso goes quietly after chewing up some Grienke pitches (at 77 now).

[Brutus]

Mesoraco looked like he was turning a corner a month ago, but he's really been struggling since.

[RedlegJake]

Mes looks like his timing is just a split second off - he is fouling off a lot of pitches rather than squaring them up

[RedlegJake]

Frazier with a nice play to nail Ramirez

[RedlegJake]

long lazy fly to Ludwick by Ethier. 2 down

[RedlegJake]

Young rips a single

[RedlegJake]

Schumaker to the plate

[RedlegJake]

Choo hauls in a fly at the base of the wall in CF. 3 down.

[1940757690]

And, that's 3. Onto the bottom of the 5th. Let's get a couple of runs.

[Brutus]

With 8-9-1 coming up, I'd think Latos can get through one more inning. After that, will probably be up to the bullpen.

[757690]

Now I'm afraid this will be the final score.

[Gunner44]

Mes hot for the playoffs would be huge......who do you think gets the bulk of the playing time come playoffs? Mes or Hanigan?

[RedlegJake]

Nice inning. 82 pitches for Latos through 5.

[RadfordVA]

Is the one more inning out of Latos worth not pinch hitting here?

[1940757690]

Wow. The Red Sox phenom, Bogaerts, just popped his first HR to make it 12-3 over the Yanks. Think the Sox are approaching a record for runs in a four-game span.

[Kc61]

Mesoraco looked like he was turning a corner a month ago, but he's really been struggling since.

One move that might have helped the Reds is to add another catcher. Navarro would have been ideal, but would have cost.

The catching duo just hasn't hit. In Mes' case, he may be injured, there's been talk of a hamstring problem. And maybe Mes just lost it when Hanigan starting taking a number of his at bats.

If the Reds had added a catcher who hits lefty, the XPaul spot could have been used. Xavier doesn't play much anyway.

Hanigan has hit better of late, but has no power at all. Maybe Mes will come around again to moot the issue.

[RedlegJake]

Mat leads off and fans. 1 down

[1940757690]

Is the one more inning out of Latos worth not pinch hitting here?

Tough call. Latos can totally do the job when his emotions don't get the better of him and his pitch count is 82. And good to save some pen, especially Chappy. Can understand Dusty's thinking here.

[RedlegJake]

Choo singles.

[RadfordVA]

Tough call. Latos can totally do the job when his emotions don't get the better of him. And good to save some pen, especially Chappy. Can understand Dusty's thinking here.

Yeah was not questioning just throwing it out there. Not sure what I would do but with expanded rosters and Latos coming off complete game and allowing 9 hits so far I lean toward pulling him.

[1940757690]

One move that might have helped the Reds is to add another catcher. Navarro would have been ideal, but would have cost.

The catching duo just hasn't hit. In Mes' case, he may be injured, there's been talk of a hamstring problem. And maybe Mes just lost it when Hanigan starting taking a number of his at bats.

If the Reds had added a catcher who hits lefty, the XPaul spot could have been used. Xavier doesn't play much anyway.

Hanigan has hit better of late, but has no power at all. Maybe Mes will come around again to moot the issue.

I'd have loved to see us pick up Kurt Suzuki when the Nats shipped him a couple of weeks ago. Stand up clubhouse guy who can hit clutch and handles pitchers decently well. But back to Oakland for him.

[RedlegJake]

Izturis bunts foul. Choo almost picked off.

[757690]

Dusty Baker... Mad Genius.

[RedlegJake]

Izturis hits it thru the infied as Choo goes and its first and third! Hit and run special...

[Matt700wlw]

Izturis has 2 hits.

Dusty knew something :)

[Kc61]

I'd have loved to see us pick up Kurt Suzuki when the Nats shipped him a couple of weeks ago. Stand up clubhouse guy who can hit clutch and handles pitchers decently well. But back to Oakland for him.

mth also suggested Ryan Doumit, who may be more of a DH than a catcher on a contender. But I'm just looking for a bat to use in a game like this, against a tough righty who would give Mes/Hanigan trouble.

With all the angst over some of these hitters, the catcher's spot has really been the biggest issue statistically, compared to the rest of the league.

[757690]

Joe Morgan and Eric Karros wanted Joey to swing at that first pitch. They don't like him walking with runners on base.

[50YrRedsFan]

Anyone think Latos' lack of sharpness today may have something to do with that foul ball he took off his leg in BP the other day?

Doesn't seem to be. He has looked at the ground several times like he is having a problem with the landing spot.

[RedlegJake]

Votto walks

[RadfordVA]

This is a situation where back to back lefties pays off.

[RedlegJake]

bases loaded, Bruce up, 1 down.

[757690]

Karros not as hard core old school as earlier portrayed. He applauds Votto on that walk.

[50YrRedsFan]

Bruce just not as disciplined a hitter as Votto. Swinging at 2 borderline pitches.

[Tom Servo]

damn

[R_Webb18]

strike 3 to bruce all balls

[RedlegJake]

Bruce strikes out. Mighty Casey....2 down.

[RadfordVA]

That is a dagger if Ludwick does not come through.

[50YrRedsFan]

I don't think Bruce had a strike thrown to him there. K's on 3 out of the zone pitches.

[Larkin Fan]

Votto obviously should have expanded his strike zone and swung st that final pitch that was 20 feet outside.

[RedlegJake]

Lud loves the first pitch. Fouls it off. Ellis and Greinke mound visit - having trouble getting it together.

[R_Webb18]

strike out

[RedlegJake]

Lud fans on a pitch in the dirt.

[RedlegJake]

Sheesh. That could be the game.

[RadfordVA]

Ludwick is swinging at 50% of first pitches this season. 28% is league average.

[Tom Servo]

well damn

[757690]

Joe Morgan is telling Joey Votto, "I told you to expand the zone."

[RedsManRick]

Joey Votto chokes again.

[RedlegJake]

bases loaded. 1 out. hitters 4 and 5 up. both strike out. Unacceptable.

[gilpdawg]

That last pitch to Luddy was absolute filth.

[RedlegJake]

anyone that says that is on Votto is out of their darn mind.

[757690]

Sheesh. That could be the game.

Dodgers will go to the pen soon. So I doubt it.

[Red Buckeye]

I guess Ludwick and Bruce both forgot that you can get RBI's by getting walked. All of those pitches they swung and missed at weren't even close. I could tell they were balls as soon as they left Grienke's hand.

It's weird that Ludwick and Bruce couldn't. Idiotic play by those two.

[RedlegJake]

Dodgers will go to the pen soon. So I doubt it.

Their pen is pretty darn good - not much of a dropoff.

[RedlegJake]

well...its baseball you forget that inning and move on

[RedlegJake]

Choo grabs a fly and its 1 down

[Matt700wlw]

anyone that says that is on Votto is out of their darn mind.

It has to be. He makes the most money. /sarcasm

[50YrRedsFan]

Greinke with 8 K's in 5 innings. Reds could end the season with 6 hitters with 100 or more K's

[Brutus]

anyone that says that is on Votto is out of their darn mind.

It was a great at-bat by Votto, and he actually did expand the zone and protect the plate several times. So yeah, I agree that is definitely not on Votto.

Philosophically, though, that is why Votto sometimes would be better served to expand the zone. The Reds just need to get the ball in play to score runs sometimes. When you have hitters four and five striking out that often, you're wasting too many opportunities.

Not at all blaming Votto. Just saying that type of situation happens too frequently with the Reds.

[RiverRat13]

I think Greinke just stepped off again...

[RedlegJake]

Greinke flies to Ludwick in left 2 down

[Larkin Fan]

well...its baseball you forget that inning and move on

Yep. When you break it all done, baseball is a game of failure. You just have to hope that in the end you fail less than the other guys.

[NebraskaRed]

It was a great at-bat by Votto, and he actually did expand the zone and protect the plate several times. So yeah, I agree that is definitely not on Votto.

Philosophically, though, that is why Votto sometimes would be better served to expand the zone. The Reds just need to get the ball in play to score runs sometimes. When you have hitters four and five striking out that often, you're wasting too many opportunities.

Not at all blaming Votto. Just saying that type of situation happens too frequently with the Reds.

You mean the way Bruce and Ludwick just did?

[Tom Servo]

Good inning for Latos.

[RedlegJake]

Crawford fans and 1-2-3 for Latos in 6th. Easy as pie. 94 pitches.

[Brutus]

You mean the way Bruce and Ludwick just did?

No reason to expand the zone with the bases loaded. If they throw you balls, you score a run. Bruce could have been up 2-0 or 2-1 in the count if he lays off those pitches. I'm also not suggesting Votto should expand the zone early in the count, either. There's no reason to swing at a ball at the shins, especially on the first two pitches.

[Tom Servo]

Greinke with 8 K's in 5 innings. Reds could end the season with 6 hitters with 100 or more K's
The Atlanta Braves have 5 hitters with 100+ K's already.

[RadfordVA]

Time to figure out when Hamilton gets his pinch running opportunity. Come on slow guys get a hit!

[757690]

You mean the way Bruce and Ludwick just did?

Yeah, I don't remember any pitch in that Votto AB that he coils have driven for a SF. He did what he could with what he was given.

[RedlegJake]

Yep. When you break it all done, baseball is a game of failure. You just have to hope that in the end you fail less than the other guys.

Exactly. My dad always told me the best trait in baseball is lack of memory.

[Matt700wlw]

Maybe Greinke is a good pitcher, and it's not all on the Reds hitters

<ducks for cover>

[50YrRedsFan]

Doesn't seem to be. He has looked at the ground several times like he is having a problem with the landing spot.

Latos had the grounds crew work on the mound between innings.

[Matt700wlw]

Find a way to win this one, because Kershaw goes tomorrow...

[Brutus]

Yeah, I don't remember any pitch in that Votto AB that he coils have driven for a SF. He did what he could with what he was given.

Hence the reason I said I wasn't referencing this particular at-bat, but rather philosophically.

[RedlegJake]

No reason to expand the zone with the bases loaded. If they throw you balls, you score a run. Bruce could have been up 2-0 or 2-1 in the count if he lays off those pitches. I'm also not suggesting Votto should expand the zone early in the count, either. There's no reason to swing at a ball at the shins, especially on the first two pitches.

But you point to the obvious problem and it isn't Votto - it is Bruce and Ludwick swinging at bad pitches. They need to be more Votto, not Votto being more them.

[RadfordVA]

Find a way to win this one, because Kershaw goes tomorrow...

Hitters are hitting .458 off Kershaw in September so not worried about him. :laugh: Sample is big enough for me.

[RedlegJake]

Brutus - we are driving at the same thing, really. You have to find some way to score a run with a man on third and 1 out. Someone, somehow.

[Tom Servo]

productive inning

[RedlegJake]

Well that was quick and unimpressive half inning for the Reds.

[Brutus]

But you point to the obvious problem and it isn't Votto - it is Bruce and Ludwick swinging at bad pitches. They need to be more Votto, not Votto being more them.

But they're not Votto. I agree in a perfect world, you'd have every hitter doing their jobs correctly. But they're not, and whether it's fair or unfair, Votto is good enough to make that kind of adjustment. They clearly aren't.

I'd rather have my best hitter making the adjustments and doing what it takes to score the runs rather than hoping the other guys do their jobs when they haven't been with any consistency.

If Votto had two more Vottos behind him, believe me, I'd be thrilled to death to have him do what he does every time up. Unfortunately though, Bruce is a feast or famine type hitter.

[RadfordVA]

Also batters have an OPS of 1.389 when they hit line drives off Kershaw. So if we hit nothing but line drives tomorrow it should be no problem. Simple really.

[Matt700wlw]

Also batters have an OPS of 1.389 when they hit line drives off Kershaw. So if we hit nothing but line drives tomorrow it should be no problem. Simple really.

Piece o' cake

[RedlegJake]

Also batters have an OPS of 1.389 when they hit line drives off Kershaw. So if we hit nothing but line drives tomorrow it should be no problem. Simple really.

LOL - you got it! Send a note to the coaches to tell the guys just hit line drives....sounds good to me

[RedlegJake]

Puig out 5-3

[Matt700wlw]

Ha ha. Latos EMPHATICALLY stomps on the bag this time just to make sure

[RedlegJake]

AGon up. Maybe the oldest looking guy in the majors. He'd be in the conversation. JV to Latos covering. 2 down.

[757690]

Who do you pinch hit with in the top of the inning?

[Brutus]

Raise your hand if you thought, after the first few innings, Latos would wind up lasting seven?

[50YrRedsFan]

Who do you pinch hit with in the top of the inning?

Pete Rose

[NebraskaRed]

Another nice inning for Latos.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice 1-2-3 from Latos. Looking sharp.

Okay boys, I'm back from the store...time to smack around a pitcher in dodger blue.

[RedlegJake]

HR grounds out 6-3. 1-2-3. 106 pitches. Should be it for Mat. Good game - 1 mistake to Puig.

[Matt700wlw]

Pete Rose

He technically never retired.

[Tom Servo]

Raise your hand if you thought, after the first few innings, Latos would wind up lasting seven?
Not I.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Raise your hand if you thought, after the first few innings, Latos would wind up lasting seven?

After the last 2 years....I don't doubt Mat anymore.

[1940757690]

Raise your hand if you thought, after the first few innings, Latos would wind up lasting seven?

Uh, I did. Simply because he's done this before and has been money the past month or so.

[RedlegJake]

Some good pitching from both starters. 5 combined runs in the first 2 innings and that is it. Both have choked off any threats with great pitching since then.

[50YrRedsFan]

He technically never retired.

He's more than twice the age of our bench players, but can probably still hit better.

[RedlegJake]

DRob to pinch it and Mattingly yanks Greinke and goes to the funny deliverer Paco Rodriguez - he of the goofy short arm mechanics

[757690]

So you go all TRL and put in Heisey for DRob?

[1940757690]

I like our chances against Kershaw and, especially against the pen that'll follow Kershaw if JV and others can grind the pitch count fast and furiously per their norm.

But, right now, totally irrelevant. I want THIS game. Whoever said time for the slow guys to single, I'm on that bus. Let's get a runner or two on and replace one with Hamilton. Need to tie this ASAP if not retake the lead.

[Ironman92]

What's the point? Other than getting the crowd riled up, seriously what's the point? Have any of you EVER seen an ump change the ruling on the field because a manager argued? Considering Dusty's recent health status...not getting riled up for no point is probably a good idea.

He can argue.....he threw a fit that game with Joe West...didn't hurt him.

[RedlegJake]

So you go all TRL and put in Heisey for DRob?

I'd love it. Then Mattingly could yank Rodriguez for a RH

[1940757690]

I get the take-it-slow mentality but why not give Billy his first AB here rather than Robinson?

[RedlegJake]

line drive to the pitcher. 1 down.

[Kc61]

But they're not Votto. I agree in a perfect world, you'd have every hitter doing their jobs correctly. But they're not, and whether it's fair or unfair, Votto is good enough to make that kind of adjustment. They clearly aren't.

I'd rather have my best hitter making the adjustments and doing what it takes to score the runs rather than hoping the other guys do their jobs when they haven't been with any consistency.

If Votto had two more Vottos behind him, believe me, I'd be thrilled to death to have him do what he does every time up. Unfortunately though, Bruce is a feast or famine type hitter.

I agree. This is why the whole walks/OBP allure goes overboard.

"Just get on base" only works if lots of other guys also get on base. But sometimes you can't expect lots of other guys to also get on base. So sometimes the theory doesn't translate to reality. Sometimes you need a top hitter to do something other than walk.

Seems like Votto tried there, not blaming him. But sometimes a walk doesn't do the trick.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He can argue.....he threw a fit that game with Joe West...didn't hurt him.

I'm not saying he can't. I'm saying what's the point? Does it make the players feel better?

[Ironman92]

Raise your hand if you thought, after the first few innings, Latos would wind up lasting seven?

Raise your hand if you thought Mike Leake had a good chance to give the best start in this series.

[RedlegJake]

Choo against a left hander. Please walk.

[RedlegJake]

Choo with a single!!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Alright! Choo with a single to start off the big inning rally. :O)

[RedlegJake]

<bowing> sorry I doubted you Choo

[Ironman92]

I'm not saying he can't. I'm saying what's the point? Does it make the players feel better?

It has it's place (mainly with the HP ump)....and if rarely done can fire up a team.....but I agree that arguing there was pretty much pointless.

I would go out and let him know that you watched the replay and he missed it....no biggee but being at home I hope we get the next bang bang call.

[1940757690]

Choo against a left hander. Please walk.

Or single. We really need to find some $ for Choo.

[757690]

Can the Reds win three scratch off tickets in one game?

[Ironman92]

Greinke with 8 K's in 5 innings. Reds could end the season with 6 hitters with 100 or more K's

As long as one of them doesn't lead off, have a .290 OB% and strike out 100 times twice.....I'm ok with that.