9/17/13 - Reds at Sir Charlestros

[mdccclxix]

ctrent ‏@ctrent 1h

#Reds lineup: Choo 8, Phillips 4, Votto 3, Bruce 9, Paul DH, Frazier 5, Cozart 6, Mesoraco 2, Robinson 7. Leake RHP

Um, go, Reds.

[mdccclxix]

...ye Reds, go ye Reds, I meant.

Hitters AB R H RBI BB SO AVG OBP SLG
J Villar SS 0 0 0 0 0 0 .284 .356 .377
J Altuve 2B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286 .317 .367
M Krauss LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200 .241 .362
M Dominguez 3B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .242 .285 .409
B Wallace DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 .225 .288 .442
C Carter 1B 0 0 0 0 0 0 .219 .316 .446
C Corporan C 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235 .298 .386
B Barnes CF 0 0 0 0 0 0 .246 .296 .351
J Paredes RF

RHP Lyles presiding over this Reds win.

[Kc61]

Not surprised Ludwick is resting tonight. Dusty rested him frequently last year, even before this year's injury. He's played four in a row, three in the outfield as I recall.

Thought we'd see Heisey again but Baker decided to load up on lefty hitting tonight with Paul and switcher Robinson.

Three in a row lefties, four out of five, Dusty has turned a new leaf. And righties have a higher OPS against Lyles this season (lifetime lefties a bit better). Lyles also has a higher OPS against him at home.

All very small samples, but Votto, Cozart, Frazier have hit Lyles hard, among those playing tonight.

[VR]

Robinson has a .544 OPS in the 2nd half.
Leake has a .721 OPS in the 2nd half.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leaving for the game now. Here's to hoping I'm 2 for 2. :O)

[VR]

Leaving for the game now. Here's to hoping I'm 2 for 2. :O)

Re%

[edabbs44]

Leaving for the game now. Here's to hoping I'm 2 for 2. :O)

Small sample size.

[Red Raindog]

Robinson has a .544 OPS in the 2nd half.
Leake has a .721 OPS in the 2nd half.

ouch

[Magdal]

Luddy hits RHP just fine. Bad Dusty. :thumbdown:

[Magdal]

Pirates down 3-0 in the 3rd!

[Kc61]

Luddy hits RHP just fine. Bad Dusty. :thumbdown:

It's not lefty/righty. It's Ludwick playing four in a row for the first time since his injury. Good Dusty.

[Ironman92]

BP on by error....Votto single

1st and 3rd....1 out

[Red in Chicago]

i think joey wanted that ribbeye

[Ironman92]

i think joey wanted that ribbeye

No way Phillips could go on that

[dougdirt]

No way Phillips could go on that

Could have. It would have been poor base running, but he certainly could have.

[Red in Chicago]

No way Phillips could go on that

i agree...i just got that impression from looking at joey's face...

[BluegrassRedleg]

Jim K is struggling.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Sacks are packed for Frazier, one out.

[miamiredskin]

if you were the Astros manager, would you commit suicide now, or wait until the end of the season?

[BluegrassRedleg]

2-0 Redlegs on Todd Frazier single.

[BluegrassRedleg]

2-run knock by Cozy.

Redlegs 4-0.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Double play ends inning with runners on 1st and 3rd.

Good start for the good guys, though.

[MillerTime58]

if you were the Astros manager, would you commit suicide now, or wait until the end of the season?Commendable that he's made it this far. Might as well see it through. He should be given some a medal or something, though.

[757690]

I'd like to start a petition to MLB that argues that The Astros are the Reds natural AL rival, and they need to meet 9 times a season at least.

[BluegrassRedleg]

He just kissed BP's backside. LOL

[Red in Chicago]

dude slid right into brandon's butt...

[Ironman92]

Could have. It would have been poor base running, but he certainly could have.

Thanks Captain Literal

[Ironman92]

Looked safe.

[MillerTime58]

Lol that guy got a face full of BP's butt. On top of committing a TOOTBLAN.

[BluegrassRedleg]

He may have been safe. BP got away with clowning a bit there with the blind tag. Hand may have been in there.

[Ironman92]

Error on Cozart

[toledodan]

What do we call that baserunning blunder lo

[Ironman92]

He may have been safe. BP got away with clowning a bit there with the blind tag. Hand may have been in there.

A bit?

[Ironman92]

What do we call that baserunning blunder lo

I'll go with asinine obviously.

[miamiredskin]

What the hell was that?!?!

[Ironman92]

Two balls touched....two balls not caught

[miamiredskin]

Two balls touched....two balls not caught

I like it when that happens...

[Red in Chicago]

leake not showing much in the early going....

[toledodan]

leake not showing much in the early going....

Yep. Not fooling anybody

[Ironman92]

leake not showing much in the early going....

He's tard....could also be 3 outs.

[Kc61]

Just keep it in the stadium, Mike.

[Ironman92]

Phillips can give it 100% any time now.

[toledodan]

He's tard....could also be 3 outs.

Is now

[WrongVerb]

Is now

Yep. Leake still isn't fooling anyone. Maybe time to shut him down.

BTW, I've got 9 300 games and counting. You're right.

[Kc61]

Pirates trail Pads 4-2. Nats lead Braves 1-0 in the sixth.

[Kc61]

Lot of bench time for Leake with these long half innings.

[Falcon7]

Phillips can give it 100% any time now.

Really! He's getting ridiculous! Joey bailed him out on the DP.
Oh yea the runner was safe at second, he had plenty of time to turn around and tag him.

[Norm Chortleton]

Hometown scoring.

:lol:

[Magdal]

Molina gets the Cards on the board...1-0 after 1

[WrongVerb]

The Reds look like they're just toying with the Astros. This could get really, really ugly.

[Ironman92]

Yep. Leake still isn't fooling anyone. Maybe time to shut him down.

BTW, I've got 9 300 games and counting. You're right.

Yeah....the guy that just went 7 2/3 against the Dodgers on 1 ER and 4 hits....

[Ironman92]

Hometown scoring.

:lol:

Ridiculous....why even have scorekeepers?

Uh....charge the ball and get it on a short hop....he played that into a big ol shin burger

[PuffyPig]

The Reds continue their year long ability to hit with RISP, going 5-7 this game. The Reds rank 2nd in OPS in the NL in that category.

[Kc61]

The Reds continue their year long ability to hit with RISP, going 5-7 this game. The Reds rank 2nd in OPS in the NL in that category.

And also they improve on their hitting with RISP with two out, in which they are tenth in the league, and hitting with men on base with two out, in which they are twelfth.

[Kc61]

Bottom 8, Nats still lead Braves 1-0. Still 4-2 Pads and 1-0 Cards.

Nats add a run, 2-0, Zimmerman homer.

[Kc61]

Choo with 105 walks for the season. I think he's received 90 of them in this series.

First and third for Votto, one out, Reds up five. Fourth inning. 2-1 count.

[Tom Servo]

The Reds continue their year long ability to hit with RISP, going 5-7 this game. The Reds rank 2nd in OPS in the NL in that category.
But the Reds are the worst at everything, I seen it!

[kaldaniels]

And also they improve on their hitting with RISP with two out, in which they are tenth in the league, and hitting with men on base with two out, in which they are twelfth.

As long as they are in the top few in terms of the overall standings of RISP, I really can't complain.

[Kc61]

But the Reds are the worst at everything, I seen it!

Like all teams, they are what they are. There's good, and there's bad.

C'mon Votto bust this open. 3-2 count.

[Red in Chicago]

i really enjoy bronson's interviews

[Kc61]

Votto loads the bases with a walk.

That at bat was a clinic.

[redhawkfish]

i really enjoy bronson's interviews

He is outstanding!

[Tom Servo]

Bronson is so cool, it'll be hard to see him potentially leave.

[Red in Chicago]

Omg - bruce!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BluegrassRedleg]

SALAMI FOR BRUCE! :beerme:

[Kc61]

We're in good shape now. Slam.

[Ironman92]

Leake must feel like he's in his 3rd rain delay this game lol.

[WVRedsFan]

Grand Salami!!! Bruce

[Magdal]

Carpenter drives in his 74th as a leadoff man! (1st 17 games not leadoff) 2-0 now

[Tom Servo]

Bruuuuuuuuuce :jump:

[Ironman92]

100 RBI?

[11larkin11]

I wish FSNOH would do more in-game dugout interviews. I enjoy hearing Bronson's thoughts on his start the other night. Maybe a recap of the previous game with that night's starter.

[Tom Servo]

That gives Jay 100 RBI, no?

[Red in Chicago]

I LOVE JAY BRUCE:beerme:

[Tom Servo]

You know, I'm starting to think the Astros aren't very good.

[RedlegJake]

Bruce!! Grand Salami!!!!

[powersackers]

Yes!

[1940757690]

Pretty good baseball day imho. Caught the Nats/Braves makeup game. Attendance was abysmal but that means you get a better shot at foul balls (nada) or bazook'ed t-shirts (2!). And, because I'm well on record here with my strong belief that the Nats are irrelevant to the Reds this year, it was a fun game to see the way it ended.

5-0 for us. Loving this game.

And, the Padres are handling the Bucs. Pittsburgh may well be a stop on the road to St Louis for us.

[marcshoe]

Watching with the sound off because I'm writing, and something about the accompanying silence made that one even sweeter.

30 home runs, 100 RBI's. Decent.

[Kc61]

Pads now up 5-2 an still threatening v. Bucs. Pirates have to go on the road to finish the season, presumably they want to win these home games rather badly.

Nats will sweep it looks like.

[Tom Servo]

Mr. Perfect in for Houston.

[WrongVerb]

Watching with the sound off because I'm writing, and something about the accompanying silence made that one even sweeter.

30 home runs, 100 RBI's. Decent.

You know...if only he'd strive to reach his potential.

Or something. :rolleyes:

[Ironman92]

Hi, my name is Billy. Mind if I play CF for 6 inn?

[1940757690]

Gone! Slam! Boom-bah! Bruuuuuuce!

Wow. Can we keep hitting like this when we get to PNC? 'cause that'd be most cool.

[Chip R]

The LAstros: the gift that just keeps on giving.

[Raisor]

Love to see Bruce wind up with a 850 OPS. Getting hot for a final push

[Ironman92]

Quick.....who did Leake last face in the lineup?

[1940757690]

Pads now up 5-2 an still threatening v. Bucs. Pirates have to go on the road to finish the season, presumably they want to win these home games rather badly.

Nats will sweep it looks like.

Nats are definitely sweeping today's twinbill. Series is a different matter. But won't matter either way if We Keep Hitting Like We Are Tonight!

[Raisor]

The LAstros: the gift that just keeps on giving.

Like Javy's mustache

[RedlegJake]

Humber with the 8.27 ERA in the put out the fire

[Ironman92]

Leake will be 26 minutes between pitches.

[paintmered]

The Houston Astros are the perfect cure for an ailing pythag.

[smith288]

Brett Wallace looks like he is not a fun person. Just a stick in the mud personality.

[RedlegJake]

Man I am getting old....Leake looks about 16 but this Dominguez guy looks about 14...older I get the younger these players look

[Kc61]

Cards up four now on Rockies. Pads up 5-2 over Pirates in the eighth.

[1940757690]

Cards up four now on Rockies. Pads up 5-2 over Pirates in the eighth.

Yay, fathers. :thumbup:
Boo, Rox. :thumbdown:

[RedlegJake]

Brett Wallace looks like he is not a fun person. Just a stick in the mud personality.

He would probably want to fight me because I would impulsively want to tease him about his silly looking hair. I can't help it. I have that pick on ya type of personality but I can take it too. He looks like he wouldn't take it it well. And I'd have to find out.

[Ironman92]

Jim Kelch is going for the single game record for errors in broadcasting. He's 3 away.

[PuffyPig]

And also they improve on their hitting with RISP with two out, in which they are tenth in the league, and hitting with men on base with two out, in which they are twelfth.

Since hitting with RISP includes those at bats with RISP and 2 outs, the latter stat isn't particularly meaningful. I assume that their hitting with RISP and either 0 or 1 outs is even better.

2nd in runs scored in the NL, tied for 4th in OPS, shows they are getting it done, generally, when it matters.

[Magdal]

Cards batting around this inning. They rock the Rocks.

[RedlegJake]

Since hitting with RISP includes those at bats with RISP and 2 outs, the latter stat isn't particularly meaningful. I assume that their hitting with RISP and either 0 or 1 outs is even better.

2nd in runs scored in the NL, tied for 4th in OPS, shows they are getting it done, generally, when it matters.

This also means when we complain about the low scoring games it is happening across the league to all teams or else the Reds wouldn't be near the top of the league in OPS in both those categories. Pitching is dominating the game right now - it's not just our team struggling to score at times.

[PuffyPig]

The LAstros: the gift that just keeps on giving.

If Axford could get traded mid-game to the Astros I don't think I could contain myself.

[Kc61]

Since hitting with RISP includes those at bats with RISP and 2 outs, the latter stat isn't particularly meaningful. I assume that their hitting with RISP and either 0 or 1 outs is even better.

2nd in runs scored in the NL, tied for 4th in OPS, shows they are getting it done, generally, when it matters.

Hitting with two outs is only important when you need runs with two outs.

[Norm Chortleton]

_Sir_Charles_ should sneak down to the seats behind the plate and get some airtime.

[1940757690]

Cards batting around this inning. They rock the Rocks.

Yup. Now 7-0; that game would appear to be largely over.

It's okay though. On balance, a big Reds win and a Bucs loss is a pretty good day. I'm counting on the Nats to do some big damage in St Louis next week. They seem to have awakened finally and maybe could take that series.

[RedlegJake]

Leake looking pretty good after a bit of a rough start

[Kc61]

Is Leake very sharp or are the Astros terrible. Maybe both?

It's really great to see Leake pitch well these last few outings. It would have been a shame if he slid back with a second half slump.

Big surprise for the Reds this year, great progress by Leake.

[PuffyPig]

This also means when we complain about the low scoring games it is happening across the league to all teams or else the Reds wouldn't be near the top of the league in OPS in both those categories. Pitching is dominating the game right now - it's not just our team struggling to score at times.

You go to the Cards boards and they constantly complain about their ability to consistently score runs.

The lead the NL in runs scored by a large margin, based solely on their out of this world hitting with RISP, which shouldn't be a repeatable skill.

Since the all star break, they lead the NL in runs scored but ranked 10th in OPS.

[Big Klu]

Just got home...


Updated Reds HR list (players in italics are active):

Reds 100-Home Run Club
1. Johnny Bench - 389
2. Frank Robinson - 324
3. Tony Perez - 287
4. Adam Dunn - 270
5. Ted Kluszewski - 251
6. George Foster - 244
7. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 210
8. Eric Davis - 203
9. Barry Larkin - 198
10. Vada Pinson - 186
11. Wally Post - 172
12. Jay Bruce - 164
13. Gus Bell - 160
13. Brandon Phillips - 160
15. Joey Votto - 156
16. Joe Morgan - 152
16. Pete Rose - 152
18. Lee May - 147
19. Dan Driessen - 133
20. Reggie Sanders - 125
21. Ernie Lombardi - 120
22. Sean Casey - 118
23. Frank McCormick - 110
24. Dave Parker - 107
25. Chris Sabo - 104
26. Dave Concepcion - 101

[M2]

I cannot get enough Houston Astros. Why did we ever let them leave the division?

Nice to hand them that 100th loss.

[1940757690]

BP doubles. Again.

[Redsfansince72]

thats a homer at home.. good swing by Votto

[Kc61]

Astros shortstop has a great arm. Astros CFer Barnes is really good defensively.

[Tom Servo]

Afwhat? How on earth was he out?

[Redsfansince72]

looked like his right foot was on the plate when tagged..

[Krawhitham]

BP is slow

[Ironman92]

Ohio kid just threw out BP from the warning track.

[Kc61]

Thought he was safe. Ump probably just wants to get to the hotel.

I'd probably give Choo and Phillips a rest now. Not completely clear, but get more speed in CF and let Brandon rest up for tomorrow.

[1940757690]

Afwhat? How on earth was he out?

Is it just me or does it seem to others that there are more bad calls, impacting scores, being made this year than usual?

[Roy Tucker]

Good thing the Reds have a big lead.

That was one of the most half-assed slide I've ever seen. Just weak.

[RedlegJake]

No - replay showed he got him...beautiful block kept him off the plate - he tried to get his other foot around but too late. Give credit where its due. Great play by the catcher. Perfectly executed block and throw. Even BP didn't argue too hard and he was smiling the whole time. He knew it.

[RollyInRaleigh]

How's he going to explain that to Doug Harvey?

[Kc61]

Astros announcers saying too close to call at home.

I say he was undoubtedly safe, not even close.

[Tom Servo]

Obviously BP did that on purpose so Bruce won't be able to pass him on the team RBI list. ;)

[armybrat45103]

Catcher blocked the plate and terrible slide by Phillips. Should not have even been close at home.

[RedlegJake]

Not every play making an out is a bad play in your player's part - sometimes the other guy makes a great throw and a good block - that was a play if Mesoraco or Hanny made it we'd be screaming what a fantastic throw and block they'd just made. Give the Astros due down 9-0.

[1940757690]

Astros announcers saying too close to call at home.

I say he was undoubtedly safe, not even close.

Did you see the replay like Jake? I couldn't on MLB but, live, looked very safe to me.

[Tom Servo]

Give the Astros due down 9-0.
No. :alien:

[Larkin Fan]

I'm going to miss the Astros. :(

[RedlegJake]

Tom....you crack me up sometimes....well....most of the freakin' time

[Kc61]

Did you see the replay like Jake? I couldn't on MLB but, live, looked very safe to me.

I'm watching the Astros feed on Extra Innings. It looked like Phillips hooked his leg on the plate before he was tagged. Ugly slide but it looked to me like he was clearly safe.

Maybe a different angle looks different. Whatever, hopefully irrelevant play.

[Roy Tucker]

It was a nice throw and block of the plate, no doubt.

But it was also about an 85 per cent effort from BP. And the purist in me doesn't like that. This isn't the NBA.

[RedlegJake]

Thing is the ump had perfect position and was right over top of the play. I'll go with his call. Camera angles can be really deceptive on calls like that.

If it was a 2-1 game I admit I might be influenced the other way....

[Larkin Fan]

I must be watching a different game because Phillips looked to be clearly safe to me. The catcher actually has to tag the runner before he puts his foot on the plate, which he did not.

[RedlegJake]

Amazingly - it is MUCH easier to be fair minded in a blow out in your favor...hmmm..

[RedlegJake]

I must be watching a different game because Phillips looked to be clearly safe to me. The catcher actually has to tag the runner before he puts his foot on the plate, which he did not.

I thought he got him before he hooked his foot around to the plate....and we are watching the same game....that's why the guy in blue standing right there has the only opinion that really matters

[Kc61]

Blocking the plate without the ball should be illegal. Probably is against the rules technically, but the catcher argues he's just trying to catch the ball so it's allowed.

But if the intent is to prevent the runner from scoring without the ball in catcher's hands, it should not be allowed.

[MillerTime58]

The Astros may suck, but they look pretty good while sucking. Love their new uniforms.

[Kc61]

Hannahan Ks, thereby reducing the Reds RISP hitting percentage.

Let's see if Izturis can get it home. Yup.

[1940757690]

Blocking the plate without the ball should be illegal. Probably is against the rules technically, but the catcher argues he's just trying to catch the ball so it's allowed.

But if the intent is to prevent the runner from scoring without the ball in catcher's hands, it should not be allowed.

That'd be way too revolutionary for MLB to even consider. Blocking w/o the ball has been the norm for...I don't know...maybe 200 years? So can't change that. Same as using replay for balls/strikes. :thumbdown:

[RedlegJake]

Ar least we got some controversy to create some posts in a big win game thread

[Kc61]

That'd be way too revolutionary for MLB to even consider. Blocking w/o the ball has been the norm for...I don't know...maybe 200 years? So can't change that. Same as using replay for balls/strikes. :thumbdown:

I'm not sure it's been the norm throughout baseball history. It's the norm now, for sure.

Just seems ridiculous to me to let a player without the ball simply block the plate.

What if on a single to right field, Votto simply sat on first base and didn't let the baserunner have any access to the bag.

Whole thing is absurd.

[Kc61]

We got Soto, Rodriguez, Heisey, Izturis, Hannahan all getting some playing time.

[RedlegJake]

The Reds now playing their own version of the Astros AAA lineup

[Kc61]

How about Sean Marshall to finish up tonight?

[Larkin Fan]

I thought he got him before he hooked his foot around to the plate....and we are watching the same game....that's why the guy in blue standing right there has the only opinion that really matters

I was under the impression that we were on a Reds discussion forum where everybody's opinion matters?

The catcher was blocking the plate causing BP's left leg/ foot to be blocked during the ugly slide. BP appeared to then touch the plate by slipping his right foot in to touch the plate just before the tag.

[Kc61]

Pirates lost. Cards way ahead. Nats swept the Braves.

[1940757690]

I'm not sure it's been the norm throughout baseball history. It's the norm now, for sure.

Just seems ridiculous to me to let a player without the ball simply block the plate.

What if on a single to right field, Votto simply sat on first base and didn't let the baserunner have any access to the bag.

Whole thing is absurd.

I'm not 100% sure but I think it was the norm from the earliest days. From when baseball was more like football with tackles and plenty of fisticuffs.*

*Source: Re-watched Ken Burns' "Baseball" 72-DVD set recently.

[WVRedsFan]

You know...after all the drama in games most of the season, a game like this seems almost boring--not that I mind it.

[RedlegJake]

Leake 7 IP 3 H 3K shutout
even against the Astros I'd have never thought it the way he looked the first couple innings - nice job so far!

[Roy Tucker]

Nice Erardi story in the Enquirer this AM about the Phillies '64 epic collapse and the Reds almost winning the pennant.

The Nats are making me nervous.

[M2]

The Reds now playing their own version of the Astros AAA lineup

Think again, the Astros would KILL to have these guys in their MLB lineup.

[RedlegJake]

I was under the impression that we were on a Reds discussion forum where everybody's opinion matters?

The catcher was blocking the plate causing BP's left leg/ foot to be blocked during the ugly slide. BP appeared to then touch the plate by slipping his right foot in to touch the plate just before the tag.

Everyone has an opinion Larkin Fan - I wasn't trying to be snarky - I only meant that the umpire's is the only one that matters in the sense that yours, mine, anyone elses is just discussion fodder - his counts. No offense was intended.

[RedlegJake]

Think again, the Astros would KILL to have these guys in their MLB lineup.

Yes - I agree. The Reds version is much better. But it is their version of the same thing. If the Reds got rid of their best players for prospects ala Houston this is what we'd have (only better with the guys we'd get back).

[Ironman92]

Billy goes oppo for a fly out to LF

[Reds Freak]

I remember being on the other end of these games for years and years. The only reason to watch Reds baseball in September was to see how the call-ups looked.

[Tom Servo]

The Nats are making me nervous.
If they get to within 2 games of us, I let it into my mind. Until then, I don't feel it's worth my time.

[1940757690]

Nice Erardi story in the Enquirer this AM about the Phillies '64 epic collapse and the Reds almost winning the pennant.

The Nats are making me nervous.

Don't be nervous, Roy. Really, don't be nervous.


Billy goes oppo for a fly out to LF

Was really wanting that to be his first hit. If not in Houston, when?

[Ironman92]

Yep. Leake still isn't fooling anyone. Maybe time to shut him down.

BTW, I've got 9 300 games and counting. You're right.

Lol

[RedlegJake]

my g/f is a Rocky fan. She is upset right now. I told her I was more upset - her freakin' team cost mine a chance at gaining ground. Only left that they're good for. Now she won't fetch beer for me. Probably nothing else either...

[Ironman92]

Just keep it in the stadium, Mike.

Yes sir

[Ironman92]

my g/f is a Rocky fan. She is upset right now. I told her I was more upset - her freakin' team cost mine a chance at gaining ground. Only left that they're good for. Now she won't fetch beer for me. Probably nothing else either...

Tell her to go make you a sammich.

[1940757690]

my g/f is a Rocky fan. ...Now she won't fetch beer for me. Probably nothing else either...

Sly Stallone or the movie? :D

[RedlegJake]

Tell her to go make you a sammich.

She ain't talkin. Something about my head stuck in the computer all night...damn Reds and those Cards suck....she's crazy you know...

[WVRedsFan]

She ain't talkin. Something about my head stuck in the computer all night...damn Reds and those Cards suck....she's crazy you know...

I think I married her sister :).

[RedlegJake]

Altuve is a ballplayer

[Kc61]

No need to push Leake. 99 pitches. I'd make this his last batter.

[M2]

I'm not sure it's been the norm throughout baseball history. It's the norm now, for sure.

Just seems ridiculous to me to let a player without the ball simply block the plate.

What if on a single to right field, Votto simply sat on first base and didn't let the baserunner have any access to the bag.

Whole thing is absurd.

Totally agreed. I think it's technically illegal, but no one enforces the rule.

Personally, I'm of the belief that baserunners should mow down any catcher who sets up in front or on the plate, like what Domonic Brown did to Jeff Mathis yesterday.

[Ironman92]

Altuve....

[Ironman92]

He gone.

[RedlegJake]

Leake gets out of it with a big K!

[Brutus]

Standing ovation to you, Leake.

[Larkin Fan]

Altuve is the only legitimate ballplayer on the Astros. He's scrappy.

[kaldaniels]

Nice Erardi story in the Enquirer this AM about the Phillies '64 epic collapse and the Reds almost winning the pennant.

The Nats are making me nervous.

If the Reds go 5-5 from here on out , the Nats must go 9-1 to tie.

If you have to worry about something worry about the 50 percent chance of losing the WC game.

[Ironman92]

This non free-fall from the norm by Leake sure has been a delight to watch.

[Larkin Fan]

Tonight would be a good night to have Marshall work the ninth.

[Ironman92]

Tonight would be a good night to have Marshall work the ninth.

Or Corky

[Larkin Fan]

Tonight would be a good night to have Marshall work the ninth.

Obviously the Reds thought the same... lol

[Roy Tucker]

If the Reds go 5-5 from here on out , the Nats must go 9-1 to tie.

If you have to worry about something worry about the 50 percent chance of losing the WC game.

OK, I'll try. But strangers things have happened. I don't like it when someone gets really hot and the team getting chased is assuming its a done deal.

• The ’64 Phils had a 6 ½ game lead with 12 games to play – and blew it. They lost eight games in the standings in 10 days.

• In 2012, the Texas Rangers were up five games with nine games to go -- and the Oakland A's caught them, beating the Rangers six times head-to-head among those final nine.

• In 2011, the Atlanta Braves led St. Louis by 4 1/2 games with 10 to play; the Boston Red Sox led Tampa Bay by 4 games with 12 to play. The chasers -- St. Louis and Tampa Bay -- won the wild-cards slots.

[Kc61]

OK, I'll try. But strangers things have happened. I don't like it when someone gets really hot and the team getting chased is assuming its a done deal.

• The ’64 Phils had a 6 ½ game lead with 12 games to play – and blew it. They lost eight games in the standings in 10 days.

• In 2012, the Texas Rangers were up five games with nine games to go -- and the Oakland A's caught them, beating the Rangers six times head-to-head among those final nine.

• In 2011, the Atlanta Braves led St. Louis by 4 1/2 games with 10 to play; the Boston Red Sox led Tampa Bay by 4 games with 12 to play. The chasers -- St. Louis and Tampa Bay -- won the wild-cards slots.

I'm calling the Marlins heroically to slay the Nationals and end any drama.

[RedlegJake]

Thing is the Reds need the Nats to be really hot and beat the Cards - better yet sweep them. That means the Reds need to stay hot and keep winning too.

[Kc61]

Hope Marshall does well.

[WVRedsFan]

Regardless of the blowout, Heisey at .226-.272-.682 and Hannahan at .224-.327-.626 do little to help the Reds with the stick.

[Mutaman]

This will be Leake's 42 Big league win, 14 more than Strasburg.

[Roy Tucker]

I'm calling the Marlins heroically to slay the Nationals and end any drama.

OK, I'll shut up, I'm just a big wuss.

Is that word still used? I think I first used it in 7th grade. Which was a long time ago.

[Ironman92]

Mike Leake has not allowed a run in 21 consecutive innings.

[KittyDuran]

OK, I'll shut up, I'm just a big wuss.

Is that word still used? I think I first used it in 7th grade. Which was a long time ago.

I call someone a wuss all the time... ;)

[LeDoux]

In spite of the results, the Cowboy seemed concerned about what he saw from Marshall.

[RedsfaninMT]

In spite of the results, the Cowboy seemed concerned about what he saw from Marshall.

Elaborate please?

[PuffyPig]

Mike Leake has not allowed a run in 21 consecutive innings.

I hope they are consecutive, otherwise it's not much of an achievement.....

[OesterPoster]

Yeah, what was wrong? His fastball was 87, which is about where he normally sits, no?

[WVRedsFan]

In spite of the results, the Cowboy seemed concerned about what he saw from Marshall.

What did he say?

[LeDoux]

Elaborate please?

He seemed to think his breaking stuff lacked "snap" and he might have been overusing the change-up because the curve might be hurting the shoulder.

[osuredleg24]

dude slid right into brandon's butt...

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3238835/villar-butt-phillips-butt.gif

[xsteve1]

Mike Leake has not allowed a run in 21 consecutive innings.

In his last 3 starts Mike Leake is 3-0, 0.84. His active scoreless streak is at a career-high 20.1 innings.
Pretty darn impressive.

[Tom Servo]

We're still good. :beerme:

[armybrat45103]

This will be Leake's 42 Big league win, 14 more than Strasburg.

Leake has also pitched 4 full seasons. Strasburg only 2. Might have something to do with it lol. Still a great outing for Leake.

[1940757690]

This will be Leake's 42 Big league win, 14 more than Strasburg.

Great win for Leake today. And really nice progress.

But the comparison to Strasburg is a bit apples-to-oranges. They both began their careers in 2010 but Strasburg has missed a ton more time due to injury and shutdown. Career stats:

Leake: 667 innings 112 games
Stras: 421 innings 73 games

Of course wins are a very imperfect metric for pitching effectiveness but both have won 38% of their games. FWIW.

[UPRedsFan]

Yes so given all that who would you rather invest in?

Strasburg and his shaky elbow or Leake and his reliability?

[1940757690]

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3238835/villar-butt-phillips-butt.gif

Mark Sanchez did that much, much better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxBEHWFYzbM

[1940757690]

Yes so given all that who would you rather invest in?

Strasburg and his shaky elbow or Leake and his reliability?

Totally different question. Would I trade Leake straight up for Strasburg if I had Jocketty's seat? You betcha I would. In a Cincinnati minute.

[Ironman92]

In his last 3 starts Mike Leake is 3-0, 0.84. His active scoreless streak is at a career-high 20.1 innings.
Pretty darn impressive.

8 inn
5 2/3 inn
7 inn (HR to Hanley with 2 outs in 1st)

20 2/3?

[Mutaman]

Great win for Leake today. And really nice progress.

But the comparison to Strasburg is a bit apples-to-oranges. They both began their careers in 2010 but Strasburg has missed a ton more time due to injury and shutdown. Career stats:

Leake: 667 innings 112 games
Stras: 421 innings 73 games

Of course wins are a very imperfect metric for pitching effectiveness but both have won 38% of their games. FWIW.

Durability is huge and its one of Leake's main talents. An apt comparison.

[1940757690]

Durability is huge and its one of Leake's main talents. An apt comparison.

Recent and limited history is no guarantee of future trajectory. Big raw talent difference in terms of pitching skiils and strengths. Durability isn't a talent; it's a characteristic. So, IMHO, not so apt a comparison but good people can disagree.

More importantly, Leake is doing great and that's a wonderful thing. We need him if we're going to get this division, make it to and through an LDS, etc.

[Mutaman]

Totally different question. Would I trade Leake straight up for Strasburg if I had Jocketty's seat? You betcha I would. In a Cincinnati minute.

1. Over the 3 plus seasons since they've been drafted, Leake has been a lot more valuable to the Reds than Stasberg has to the Nats.

2. As far as trading one for the other, lets have this conversation a few years down the road. I suspect Leake will be still winning games and Stasburg will be having yet another operation.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just got home. Well....THAT was fun. :O) SMACK DOWN IN H-TOWN! *grin*

Nearly caught a foul ball tonight. Down the 3rd base line but I backed off the last second because Frazier had a play on it. Me and a guy in a dodger jersey ended up trying to keep Todd out of the stands. :O) Oh well, no foul ball for this old fart.

So, 2 for 2....how am I doin' fellas? :beerme:

[Brutus]

Just got home. Well....THAT was fun. :O) SMACK DOWN IN H-TOWN! *grin*

Nearly caught a foul ball tonight. Down the 3rd base line but I backed off the last second because Frazier had a play on it. Me and a guy in a dodger jersey ended up trying to keep Todd out of the stands. :O) Oh well, no foul ball for this old fart.

So, 2 for 2....how am I doin' fellas? :beerme:

These first two were easy. Tomorrow you have to bring a win with Greg Reynolds on the mound. That's where you'll earn your keep.

[Norm Chortleton]

Nice Erardi story in the Enquirer this AM about the Phillies '64 epic collapse and the Reds almost winning the pennant.

The Nats are making me nervous.

If the Reds and Nats were scheduled to play 5 times in the last 12 games like the Reds and Phils that year, I might agree. They don't and I don't. 5 games is too much to make up this late when you don't play head-to-head.

[WVRedsFan]

Just got home. Well....THAT was fun. :O) SMACK DOWN IN H-TOWN! *grin*

Nearly caught a foul ball tonight. Down the 3rd base line but I backed off the last second because Frazier had a play on it. Me and a guy in a dodger jersey ended up trying to keep Todd out of the stands. :O) Oh well, no foul ball for this old fart.

So, 2 for 2....how am I doin' fellas? :beerme:

Good job! Keep it up :beerme: Ready for a weekend vacation in beautiful downtown Pittsburgh?

[_Sir_Charles_]

As for the Astros...while obviously pitiful...I thought Humber looked quite good.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is Leake very sharp or are the Astros terrible. Maybe both?

It's really great to see Leake pitch well these last few outings. It would have been a shame if he slid back with a second half slump.

Big surprise for the Reds this year, great progress by Leake.

He looked very rough early, but once he started throwing from the stretch...his control improved by leaps and bounds. Sometimes that's all it takes.

And yes, the Astros are terrible. :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

In spite of the results, the Cowboy seemed concerned about what he saw from Marshall.

I was impressed with his slider and his fastball. But his bread and butter pitch, the curveball was all over the place. He looked comfortable on the mound, but it seemed he couldn't find his release point of the Uncle Charley.

I was hoping he'd get some time tonight. I'm also hoping that Billy gets a start tomorrow. Might be a good game to give a breather to a starter or two. Votto, Choo, Bruce, Phillips...they could all use a day off (especially with a day off thursday). Obviously not ALL of them in one game...but 2...yeah.

[_Sir_Charles_]

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3238835/villar-butt-phillips-butt.gif

LOL. I couldn't see that play...blocked by Brandon. Too damned funny. Also never saw the replay of the play at the plate with Phillips. They don't show replays in the juice box if they're slightly controversial.

[1940757690]

1. Over the 3 plus seasons since they've been drafted, Leake has been a lot more valuable to the Reds than Stasberg has to the Nats.

2. As far as trading one for the other, lets have this conversation a few years down the road. I suspect Leake will be still winning games and Stasburg will be having yet another operation.

#1 is largely true. Leake has pitched much more and reasonably well, especially this year/lately.

#2 is my point and where we diverge. I'd love it if you were right but my rational part would never take that bet. Hence why I'd make the trade in a second. But guessing you wouldn't.

BTW, there's absolutely no way the Nationals would make such a trade. I'd guess you'd be pretty hard-pressed to find a knowledgeable analyst/journalist who'd agree with you here. But, you are right that it's all about the future and what one expects to happen so uncertain.

[1940757690]

Just got home. Well....THAT was fun. :O) SMACK DOWN IN H-TOWN! *grin*

Nearly caught a foul ball tonight. Down the 3rd base line but I backed off the last second because Frazier had a play on it. Me and a guy in a dodger jersey ended up trying to keep Todd out of the stands. :O) Oh well, no foul ball for this old fart.

So, 2 for 2....how am I doin' fellas? :beerme:

Pretty good. You need to hand me that baton Thursday so I can take it to PIttsburgh with me this weekend.

And, on your foul ball that wasn't, today was at the first Nats/Braves game in DC. You know those t-shirts they throw and blast from special bazooka-type contraptions? I got two of them. What are the odds of that?

[Mutaman]

I'd guess you'd be pretty hard-pressed to find a knowledgeable analyst/journalist who'd agree with you here.

You mean all those knowledgeable analyst/journalists who predicted the Nats would be playing the Angels in the World series? :)

[Larkin Fan]

http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3238835/villar-butt-phillips-butt.gif

That play certainly gives a whole new meaning to the name Astros!

[klw]

Reds Win!!!!!!!!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/6278ecadf9d9326c814bf68f451697c6/tumblr_mt9wxpuZax1rrldglo1_400.gif

[cumberlandreds]

Reds Win!!!!!!!!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/6278ecadf9d9326c814bf68f451697c6/tumblr_mt9wxpuZax1rrldglo1_400.gif

Is that Charles? :D

[1940757690]

You mean all those knowledgeable analyst/journalists who predicted the Nats would be playing the Angels in the World series? :)

Seems like a kind of irrelevant question with other agenda. But, putting that aside, answer this: Would you refuse a trade of Leake for Strasburg straight up?

[traderumor]

That play certainly gives a whole new meaning to the name Astros!Where I thought they couldn't top the botched bunt play to quickly summarize the Astros suckitude of the current era, this here is a perfect video metaphor of this historically bad time for the franchise.

[Mutaman]

Seems like a kind of irrelevant question with other agenda. But, putting that aside, answer this: Would you refuse a trade of Leake for Strasburg straight up?

Lets put it this way, before even considering such a trade I'd want Strasberg to be checked out by the Mayo Clinic and then I'd want a second opinion from Mt Sinai. And assuming He got a clean bill (which I doubt he would get), I'd have to really think about it.

The real question is, going back 3 years, putting aside all the hype, and putting aside the bias in favor of a guy who throws in the high 90s as opposed to a real pitcher, and knowing what they've produced from 2010-2013, do you draft Strasberg or Leake? Particularly in light of the fact that Strasberg cost 7 mill and Leake 2 mill.

[PepperJack]

Lets put it this way, before even considering such a trade I'd want Strasberg to be checked out by the Mayo Clinic and then I'd want a second opinion from Mt Sinai. And assuming He got a clean bill (which I doubt he would get), I'd have to really think about it.

The real question is, going back 3 years, putting aside all the hype, and putting aside the bias in favor of a guy who throws in the high 90s as opposed to a real pitcher, and knowing what they've produced from 2010-2013, do you draft Strasberg or Leake? Particularly in light of the fact that Strasberg cost 7 mill and Leake 2 mill.



If i'm pretending I can redo that draft, I'm picking Trout. Anything else is just a tease.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is that Charles? :D


Very, very, VERY much NOT me. Good lord. :eek:

[texasdave]

Is that Charles? :D

I was just hoping that he hadn't eaten Charles. :lol:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Isn't that "belly dancer" in Kansas City?