9/21/13 - Reds @ Pirates - Choo/Frazier out, Robinson/Hannahan in

[Tom Servo]

Robinson 8
Phillips 4
Votto 3
Ludwick 7
Bruce 9
Cozart 6
Hannahan 5
Hanigan 2
Bailey 1


:dunno:

[Stray]

Choo get hurt? Understand Frazier sitting but I gotta think Choo would be in there unless he was hurt.

[Brutus]

To paraphrase Harry Doyle,

"Obviously Baker is thinking... I don't know what the hell Dusty is thinking."

[Brutus]

Is BP the guy that gets ceremoniously plunked?

[PepperJack]

https://twitter.com/johnfayman



Heard Choo jammed his thumb that slide last night. Will check on it. #reds @Cincienquirer

[OnBaseMachine]

Stunning lineup. Wow.

Unless Choo's thumb got amputated, he should be in the lineup, as should Frazier. Now it not the time to give guys a day off for anything less than a major injury.

[Kc61]

Choo was double switched out of last nights game. Highly unusual. Must be the jammed thumb or other hurt.

[Kc61]

Stunning lineup. Wow.

Unless Choo's thumb got amputated, he should be in the lineup, as should Frazier. Now it not the time to give guys a day off for anything less than a major injury.

Disagree in both counts. If Choo jammed thumb he likely can't hit today.

Burnett has dominated Frazier and is a very tough righty pitcher.

[Stray]

Feels like a one run game every time we play Pittsburgh this year. I like that we have Hamilton to run for anyone who gets on late in the game.

[kbrake]

I am fine with Choo sitting if he is banged up although it does make the whole head first slide into first even more annoying. Would have liked to see Hamilton get the start instead of Robinson.

[OnBaseMachine]

Choo did jam his left thumb. "Not bad, but I don't want to make it worse." On the slide: "Stupid play." #reds

https://twitter.com/johnfayman

[AmarilloRed]

I have to wonder why not give Hamilton the start over either of those two.

[dfs]

I want choo available and full strength for the wild card game and beyond.
If he sits today....ok.

But, yeah......why not billy meep-meep?

Don't give me any frup-fru about pressure. Not after the last couple of days.

[Tony Cloninger]

This is where I feel OK with getting on this manager. This game is not too big for Hamilton...Dusty. I do not care what Hammerin Hank told you back in 1973.

[cincinnati chili]

I don't like it at all.

[Stray]

Robinson will have a big game for sure now

[Magdal]

That was a hulluva win last nite, simply a bone crushing loss for the Pirates. But they are a good team, and likely will bounce back tonite, especially with Choo ailing. But if the Reds can pull it out....I think they are screwed. I don't think the Nats will catch them, mind you, but still, they will be toast!

I agree that Hamilton should be playing....he provides an X factor that cannot be measured.

[mth123]

Would be nice to have Marlon Byrd about now. I kept hearing how the Reds wouldn't have had any use for him.

[vaticanplum]

No pressure, Homer.

BTW it is a miserable day here in Pittsburgh. Has been raining non-stop since the middle of last night. No crazy slides please.

[goreds2]

I posted this another thread but thought it should be here:

From Fox Sports Ohio:

Channel Info for Reds & Crew on September 21
FS OHIO STAFF | Published: Thursday, September 19, 2013, 10:50am | 0

Saturday September 21, 2013
Reds @ Pirates at 7:00pm | Pregame at 6:30pm
Crew v. Fire at 7:30pm
Reds @ Pirates
Reds Live Pregame Show begins at 6:30pm | First Pitch at 7:00pm
· Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Bowling Green (KY), Evansville (IN), Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Louisville/Lexington, Charleston/Huntington, Wheeling/Steubenville areas:

o Main FOX Sports Ohio cable channel
o DirecTV: FSCincinnati
o Dish: FSCincinnati
o AT&T: FSCincinnati
·
Columbus/Lima areas:

o The game is being made available to providers to air on the alternate FOX Sports Ohio cable channels. Alternate channel information can be found here: http://www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/channelfinder
o DirecTV: FSCincinnati
o Dish: FSCincinnati
o AT&T: FSCincinnati
__________________________________________________ ______

Crew v. Fire
Kickoff at 7:30pm

· Columbus, Lima, Cleveland, Youngstown areas:

o Main FOX Sports Ohio cable channel
o DirecTV: FSOhio
o Dish: FSOhio
o AT&T: FSOhio

· Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Bowling Green (KY), Evansville (IN), Indianapolis, Terre Haute, Fort Wayne, Louisville/Lexington, Charleston/Huntington, Wheeling/Steubenville areas:
o The game is being made available to providers to air on the alternate FOX Sports Ohio cable channels. Alternate channel information can be found here: http://www.foxsportsohio.com/pages/channelfinder/
o DirecTV: FSOhio
o Dish: FSOhio
o AT&T: FSOhio

[kbrake]

Apparently Dusty said he didn't like the match up of Burnett vs. Hamilton but Hamilton will be starting tomorrow.

[Tom Servo]

Any word on the weather? Heard there was rain in Pittsburgh.

[kbrake]

Any word on the weather? Heard there was rain in Pittsburgh.

From what I've seen on Twitter it should start on time.

[Matt700wlw]

Any word on the weather? Heard there was rain in Pittsburgh.

http://llnw.radar.cbslocal.com/anim/kdka/radar_anim.gif

[Raisor]

As I noted at the end of yesterday's game thread, I fell asleep during the game last night and missed the end.

To prevent that from happening again I took a five hour nap this afternoon.

Go Reds!

[Kc61]

Would be nice to have Marlon Byrd about now. I kept hearing how the Reds wouldn't have had any use for him.

Not tonight. Burnett holds righties to a .534 OPS this year. Tomorrow, if Byrd plays CF.

[mth123]

Not tonight. Burnett holds righties to a .534 OPS this year. Tomorrow, if Byrd plays CF.

I'd still take him over Robinson. I'd take you over Robinson.

[Krawhitham]

BP squaring to bunt, I think he is just messing with RZ

[Brutus]

Not tonight. Burnett holds righties to a .534 OPS this year. Tomorrow, if Byrd plays CF.

Not all righties and lefties are created equal. And it's certainly not predictable as to what nights someone will have success or won't.

One simply cannot look at the handedness of a batter and make conclusions. Too many other variables.

[Stray]

Nice start

[vaticanplum]

Any word on the weather? Heard there was rain in Pittsburgh.

Rain looks to be stopped now. Beautiful lovely evening actually. But the field has to be saturated.

[Raisor]

I forgot how annoying the Pirates announcers are

[Tom Servo]

Have to admit Burnett is getting a little bit of a squeeze, that 1-0 pitch on Ludwick looked good.

[Raisor]

Score!

[Tom Servo]

1-0 Redlegs on a Ludwick liner under Barmes glove!

[Raisor]

Have to admit Burnett is getting a little bit of a squeeze, that 1-0 pitch on Ludwick looked good.

Bad Servo!

[Tom Servo]

Bruce swings at all 3 pitches, grounds into a DP. Oh well.

[Brutus]

Am I losing my mind, or didn't we see a Ludwick run-scoring single followed by a Bruce DP last night? This feels like deja vu.

[goreds2]

I love how Ludwick stays within himself with runners on base. He started the 9th inning ralley last night.

Great to have him and his experience back. :beerme:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Am I losing my mind, or didn't we see a Ludwick run-scoring single followed by a Bruce DP last night? This feels like deja vu.

It's not QUITE deja vu. Homer's thrown 5 pitches now and no HR's yet. :O)

[vaticanplum]

There goes the no-hitter.

[Tom Servo]

Am I losing my mind, or didn't we see a Ludwick run-scoring single followed by a Bruce DP last night? This feels like deja vu.
Speaking of deja vu, Matt Adams homered to put STL up. He was a 23rd round pick in 2009, and has a 16 HRs and a .835 OPS this year. I hate the Cardinals so much.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I don't like agreeing with Casey, but he's right. Cozart would've have a much better chance on that play already running towards the bag.

[Raisor]

Great pick by Hannahhhaaaannnn

[Raisor]

What a choice: Bob Walk or Sean Casey

[Red in Chicago]

5-4-yessiree3

[Raisor]

Hannahannnnaaannanann II

[Magdal]

Speaking of deja vu, Matt Adams homered to put STL up. He was a 23rd round pick in 2009, and has a 16 HRs and a .835 OPS this year. I hate the Cardinals so much.I wonder what the Cards will do with him when Craig returns?

[Tom Servo]

Yesiree, another great pick by Jack.

[kaldaniels]

Lol Cutch.

[Brutus]

Speaking of deja vu, Matt Adams homered to put STL up. He was a 23rd round pick in 2009, and has a 16 HRs and a .835 OPS this year. I hate the Cardinals so much.

The secret is a high-carb diet.

[Raisor]

The secret is a high-carb diet.

Not sure it's much of a secret

[Magdal]

Bucs have Lynn on the ropes...bases loaded.

[Big Klu]

It would appear that Irish Jack can play a litle D at 3B.

[Raisor]

Boom goes the dynamite!

[WebScorpion]

Cozie goes BOOM!! :jump: Reds 2-0!

[Tom Servo]

Cozy! :jump:

[Raisor]

Bucs have Lynn on the ropes...bases loaded.

Split squad game?

[757690]

The secret is a high-carb diet.

Wouldn't be surprised if Adams tested positive for PED's... Performance enhancing doughnuts.

[_Sir_Charles_]

:jump: Cozy!

[WebScorpion]

Bucs have Lynn on the ropes...bases loaded.

I'm guessing you meant the Brewers. ;)

[Gallen5862]

Mlb network is showing the rangers game instead of the Reds. Thanks for the PBP.

[Matt700wlw]

Maybe Cozart has "figured it out"

[Magdal]

Split squad game?

LOL...hard to keep it strait watching 2 games at once! Brews plate 1 still batting

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bucs have Lynn on the ropes...bases loaded.

Bucs?

[Brutus]

I like post-August Cozart at the plate.

[Mutaman]

Zack has located his Bucky Dent gene over the last month.

[Tom Servo]

Man, even after some success over the last few weeks Hanigan's line is still an eye-sore.

[NebraskaRed]

I'm late, but.... Cooooooooooooooooozart!!!

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. Okay, I"m watching it "live" now. *sigh* Somehow I hit rewind or something with nexdef on mlb.tv. So I've been like 2 or 3 minutes behind everyone. :O)

Hanny with the BB

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan works a walk though, and I still have to admit the zone is tight.

[WebScorpion]

Mlb network is showing the rangers game instead of the Reds. Thanks for the PBP.I thought they'd do that here in the northwest too, but we got lucky! :thumbup: These Pirate announcers are trying to put me to sleep tho... :sleep:

[Tom Servo]

Homer unable to get the bunt down, K's.

[Raisor]

Hanigan works a walk though, and I still have to admit the zone is tight.

I'm going to have Gypsy adjust your optical sensors because you seem to be malfunctioning

[Magdal]

I'm guessing you meant the Brewers. ;) Watching 2 red and white teams vs 2 blue teams....my head is spinning

[Tom Servo]

D-Rob K's to end the frame.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanny is stranded...but the Redlegs play add on with the big-fly from Zack.

[BCubb2003]

Mlb network is showing the rangers game instead of the Reds. Thanks for the PBP.

Same in Upstate New York.

[Tom Servo]

Watching 2 red and white teams vs 2 blue teams....my head is spinning
The Pirates are blue?

[Brutus]

The Pirates are blue?

Last night they were pretty blue :)

[Raisor]

The Pirates are blue?

Big loss last night

[Mutaman]

Same in Upstate New York.

MLB re New York doesn't know that the National League exists. Last night it was the Orioles and the Rays.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Pirates are blue?

Pretend Magdal is Belushi from Animal House. "forget it...he's rolling"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8lT1o0sDwI

[Tom Servo]

Leadoff walk to Morneau.

[Brutus]

Good grief. This umpire isn't going to call anything unless it's belt high.

[Tom Servo]

Yesiree!

[WebScorpion]

The Pirates are blue?It appears someone has begun the celebrating early. :alcohol::ughmamoru:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yessirree!

[Raisor]

Good grief.

Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, your the Charlie Browniest!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto can't get the handle. E3

[Tom Servo]

Joey thinking about the sodas.

[Red in Chicago]

unreal

[Tom Servo]

Well crap. The sodas cost us. Martin homers. 2-2 game.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Brilliant.

[Matt700wlw]

Thanks Votto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, that sucked. Error hurt...a bunch. Dinger, tie ball game.

[Raisor]

****

[Falcon7]

Votto can't get the handle. E3

And of course...

[Billy Hamilton's Legs]

Talk about a mistake being amplified. More work to do, redlegs.

[Tom Servo]

Votto's error doesn't excuse the meatball from Homer.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It's okay. Just get 'em back.

[BluegrassRedleg]

I had started a post just as Martin stepped in the box...

"Old Homer would unravel after that. I like New Homer."

D'OH!!!

[Brutus]

Of all the Charlie Browns in the world, your the Charlie Browniest!

Thank you. Hope you have a very snoopy Christmas!

[Cedric]

It's okay. Just get 'em back.

What a gigantic error though. The Pirates completely imploded two nights in a row and were down early against arguably the Reds best pitcher.

I can't believe the amount of easy plays he screws up in the field. I can't understand it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Thank you. Hope you have a very snoopy Christmas!

What about the great pumpkin?!? You're completely bypassing the GREAT PUMPKIN!

[OnBaseMachine]

Good grief Votto. That was the most routine play in baseball. Unreal. Guy has went from a Gold Glover to one of the worst defensive 1B in the game.

[Tom Servo]

I see it's time to declare the end of the world again.

[_Sir_Charles_]

What a gigantic error though. The Pirates completely imploded two nights in a row and were down early against arguably the Reds best pitcher.

I can't believe the amount of easy plays he screws up in the field. I can't understand it.

Sure, it was big....but still plenty of game left to play. No point fixating on it. Let it go and move on. Just put up a crooked number right here.

Lost the ball on the transfer. Happens to the best of them.

[Cedric]

I see it's time to declare the end of the world again.

I see you are in hero mode overreacting to reasonable posts. Nobody is saying the game is over. It was an obvious important play, that's it.

[Cedric]

Sure, it was big....but still plenty of game left to play. No point fixating on it. Let it go and move on. Just put up a crooked number right here.

Lost the ball on the transfer. Happens to the best of them.

I agree that the game isn't over. I just think in a game thread it's reasonable to talk about possible implications of such a big play. I have no doubts the Reds can still win this game.

[Tom Servo]

BP K's
Votto singles

[_Sir_Charles_]

There ya go Joey. Nice easy base knock to the opposite field.

[OnBaseMachine]

What a gigantic error though. The Pirates completely imploded two nights in a row and were down early against arguably the Reds best pitcher.

I can't believe the amount of easy plays he screws up in the field. I can't understand it.

Agreed. He had all the time in the world.

[DocRed]

Well at least Votto doesn't have to stay awake wondering if he will win a GG this year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I agree that the game isn't over. I just think in a game thread it's reasonable to talk about possible implications of such a big play. I have no doubts the Reds can still win this game.

Sorry Cedric....I wasn't really directing that at you but rather at our Redlegs.

[kbrake]

Still seems to be a much more fun thread than last night at this time haha

[WebScorpion]

I had started a post just as Martin stepped in the box...

"Old Homer would unravel after that. I like New Homer."

D'OH!!!
It's still true though. Homer has made one mistake pitch tonight and he paid dearly for it. Old Homer would have unraveled after the home run, but new Homer went right after the next batter. :thumbup:

[Tom Servo]

Ludwick K's on 3 pitches.

[kaldaniels]

I agree that the game isn't over. I just think in a game thread it's reasonable to talk about possible implications of such a big play. I have no doubts the Reds can still win this game.

Reasonable.

He has had a rough year, but is he one of the worst first baseman in the league, especially going forward? (Not that you said that)

[Brutus]

Need J.B. to hulk up here

[_Sir_Charles_]

Huge shift on again for Jay. I still think that the bunt play to the 3rd base side is a smart play here.

[Matt700wlw]

Votto has 3 more errors than any other first baseman in baseball

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lined out right into the teeth of the shift.

I still say that the proper play was to stick your middle finger up at that shift and lay one down.

[kaldaniels]

Votto has 3 more errors than any other first baseman in baseball

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

[Tom Servo]

Bruce lines out into the shift to end the frame.

Burnett may be settling in, but the good news is that he's alright thrown 53 pitches through 3.

[Brutus]

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

It doesn't matter, he's not paid to field any more than he's paid to walk :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

I know. It means defensive metrics suck right now.

Choo hasn't been anywhere close to as bad as the metrics are making him out to be. Below average, yes. Worst in the league by a wide margin, no.

[Cedric]

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

I'd rather have a reliable first basemen with less range. Not a position that can handle mental errors and blunders all the time, imo.

[BluegrassRedleg]

It's still true though. Homer has made one mistake pitch tonight and he paid dearly for it. Old Homer would have unraveled after the home run, but new Homer went right after the next batter. :thumbup:

Agree. It wasn't a critique of him at all. Just showed how I was surprised that he actually gave something up. With the old version, that could have been the flood gates opening.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Quickly 2 down. Dribbler to Cozart, then a one hopper to Phillips.

[Cedric]

And I'm speaking in generalities about position differences. Most certainly enjoy having Votto on the Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice 1-2-3 for Homer. Solid.

33 pitches for Mr. Bailey
53 for that dude on Chip's shirt.

[BluegrassRedleg]

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

Seems to be implying Choo's had a bad defensive year (when I've noticed him being a problem about 2 games out of 160) while Votto is not (when I've noticed him botching a play about a dozen times).

No idea how they come to those figures.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cards up 2-1 in the 3rd btw.

[Tom Servo]

Cozart hammers it but Alvarez makes the nice snag and throw.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He just looks like a different guy at the dish. Rocket shot to third and he's out, but great contact...again.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down after Jack K's.

[Tom Servo]

Hannahan doesn't stand a chance against the Burnett slider.

[Billy Hamilton's Legs]

I want Welsh back.

[Matt700wlw]

Hannahan doesn't stand a chance against the Burnett slider.

Dusty thought he had a better chance at it than Frazier.

[_Sir_Charles_]

K

Sit down Cutch!

[Red Raindog]

Good grief Votto. That was the most routine play in baseball. Unreal. Guy has went from a Gold Glover to one of the worst defensive 1B in the game.

Just got in -- I hear our DH made his 14th error which ties him with Cozart for the team lead.

:eek:

[_Sir_Charles_]

KK

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single for Byrd just past Phillips. 1 on, 2 down.

[Red Raindog]

so far KRob has not been the answer --- hope he proves me wrong

[_Sir_Charles_]

Back to back punchouts for Burnett. Homer & DRob. 2 down, Phillips up.

[Matt700wlw]

Dusty started Robinson over Hamilton because he thought he could better handle Burnett's breaking ball.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Right now, nobody's handling it. I don't see any reason to think Hamilton would have better luck.

Need to lay off the slider. Easier said than done though.

[Matt700wlw]

It's definitely breaking tonight.

[Brutus]

Dusty started Robinson over Hamilton because he thought he could better handle Burnett's breaking ball.

We don't know that he was wrong.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-2-3 go the Reds after Brandon flies out to right center.

[757690]

I was looking up Choo's defense today. -17 UZR/150 (someone said he has been solid...I did not respond.)

However Votto was at +3 I believe.

What does that mean? Don't ask me.

This just means that there a lot of great fielding CF'ers in the league right now, and a lot of crappy fielding 1B.

According to UZR, Joey has been 3 runs better than the average 1B, while Choo has been 17 runs worse than the average CF'er. It doesn't mean that Votto has been 20 runs better defensively than Choo.

This is why adding UZR to WAR is flawed.

[_Sir_Charles_]

79 pitches for Burnett through 5.

[Matt700wlw]

Not that Pittsburgh's bullpen is a weakness, but the good news is Burnett is around 80 pitches after 5 innings...

[Brutus]

It looked early like they would get Burnett out fairly early but he's now on pace to get through 7 innings, unfortunately.

[Brutus]

This just means that there a lot of great fielding CF'ers in the league right now, and a lot of crappy fielding 1B.

According to UZR, Joey has been 3 runs better than the average 1B, while Choo has been 17 runs worse than the average CF'er. It doesn't mean that Votto has been 20 runs better defensively than Choo.

This is why adding UZR to WAR is flawed.

Why is that a flaw? Positions aren't created equal, so a player's value should be compared to their own positions.

WAR does adjust for positions in the formula though. So the average baselines are taken into account.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ugh. This byplay is nauseating.

I thought Grande retired. I didn't realize that he was the second coming of Favre. :(

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fly out to center, ground out to short. 2 down for Homie.

[Billy Hamilton's Legs]

casey saying pettitte should be in the HOF. What?

[Magdal]

Carpenter gets his 54th dbl to pass Musial for most by LHB'er but is stranded. Still 2-1

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang. 2 out walk to the pitcher. Homer's kicking himself on that one.

[_Sir_Charles_]

casey saying pettitte should be in the HOF. What?

He'll say yes for everyone. I don't think I've ever heard him say that someone doesn't deserve to be.

[Brutus]

I didn't get the 2-2 offspeed pitch. With the pitcher up and no one on base, just go after him with the old No. 1 and make him hit it.

[Matt700wlw]

Marty saying the umps have warnings for both benches not only tonight and tomorrow but also in place for next weekend.

Seems a bit much.

[Red Raindog]

casey saying pettitte should be in the HOF. What?

He simply says words like throwing spaghetti on a wall -- which is why I have the sound off

[_Sir_Charles_]

Marty saying the umps have warnings for both benches not only tonight and tomorrow but also in place for next weekend.

Seems a bit much.

Yep, I heard the announcers say that the umps got a message from the league saying this series was on a "watch list" or some such nonsense.

[Raisor]

Back after eating supper.

[Raisor]

I didn't eat my green beans

[_Sir_Charles_]

Go to your room young man

[Kc61]

Burnett's on a roll now, but he has 84 pitches. So maybe he tires soon. Good pitcher, great slider.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Smart pitch by Burnett. Votto chokes up with 2 strikes which hurts his plate coverage...comes with a breaking ball on the outside corner that Joey has zero chance of reaching.

[Raisor]

Go to your room young man

I do have my own room btw. I snore.

[50YrRedsFan]

the Reds looking feeble at the plate the past few innings.

[50YrRedsFan]

need patient AB's like Ludwick's

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ludwick works a BB. Patience. I like it.

His slider is nearly unhittable...but it's also out of the zone most of the time. Hold off and make him force it into the heart of the zone. Again...easier said than done.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down after Jay K's. Up to Cozart.

[Tom Servo]

Burnett's on a roll now, but he has 84 pitches. So maybe he tires soon. Good pitcher, great slider.
I miss the days when he was in New York and sucked and had horrible hair.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqs647GFkY1qkzq2g.jpg

[kbrake]

Bruce just can't lay off the Burnett breaking stuff. Ugly AB's tonight.

[Stray]

lol

[Matt700wlw]

If I'm Pittsburgh, I pitch Burnett in the wild card game vs the Reds if it comes to that.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ludwick to second on the wild pitch. One sweet swing Zack...just one more.

[kbrake]

If I'm Pittsburgh, I pitch Burnett in the wild card game vs the Reds if it comes to that.

I think they'd be crazy to not go with Liriano.

[_Sir_Charles_]

5-3 ground out. 2-2 it stays.

[Tom Servo]

nothin doing

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good news...98 pitches for Burnett. Homer at 70.

[Brutus]

Pretty safe to say they'll throw Burnett out there for the 7th, yeah?

[Kc61]

There's this aura of life and death about the Pirates this weekend. The crowd, the announcers (I have the Pirates TV feed), the whole thing just smacks of exaggerated crisis.

Maybe they had their hearts set on the division title, maybe that's it, but they are solidly in the playoffs right now. While these games are important, I just don't see them as super urgent.

Neither of these teams is facing elimination or anything close at this point.

[50YrRedsFan]

MLB Network just froze with Cozart up. Now a blank screen.

[Magdal]

For those interested, the Bratwurst won the sausage race :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

MLB Network just froze with Cozart up. Now a blank screen.

Cozart hit a line drive off of Harold Reynolds' forehead. They paused for a moment of silence (and Brian Kenny was busy laughing)

Either that or technical difficuties. You choose. :O)

[kbrake]

There's this aura of life and death about the Pirates this weekend. The crowd, the announcers (I have the Pirates TV feed), the whole thing just smacks of exaggerated crisis.

Maybe they had their hearts set on the division title, maybe that's it, but they are solidly in the playoffs right now. While these games are important, I just don't see them as super urgent.

Neither of these teams is facing elimination or anything close at this point.

Literally the most important games the city has seen in 20 years. Some say act like you have been there before. They have no idea what that means.

[mbgrayson]

There's this aura of life and death about the Pirates this weekend. The crowd, the announcers (I have the Pirates TV feed), the whole thing just smacks of exaggerated crisis.

Maybe they had their hearts set on the division title, maybe that's it, but they are solidly in the playoffs right now. While these games are important, I just don't see them as super urgent.

Neither of these teams is facing elimination or anything close at this point.

It's important to determine who gets home field for the one game playoff. Both these teams much better at home.

[50YrRedsFan]

big inning for Homer here.

[Tom Servo]

There's this aura of life and death about the Pirates this weekend. The crowd, the announcers (I have the Pirates TV feed), the whole thing just smacks of exaggerated crisis.

Maybe they had their hearts set on the division title, maybe that's it, but they are solidly in the playoffs right now. While these games are important, I just don't see them as super urgent.

Neither of these teams is facing elimination or anything close at this point.
Definitely. I think we felt the same thing at the end of the 2010 regular season right up until Bruce's big HR.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 down. Fly out to Derrick.

[Kc61]

Literally the most important games the city has seen in 20 years. Some say act like you have been there before. They have no idea what that means.

They are most important by comparison, sure, but the team will have a winning season, they will be in the playoffs, and most likely they are fighting now for home field in a wild card.

Even the players seem to be sitting on the edge of their seats in the dugout.

I'm glad you sense it too, I had to shut off the sound on the telecast because it's like watching an intense thriller in the movies every minute of play.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang. BB to McCutchen. He had him I thought.

[Matt700wlw]

Gut check time

[_Sir_Charles_]

Homer's been off since the stumble.

[Matt700wlw]

Crudsticks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Errant pick off move....McCutchen to THIRD. :(

[Tom Servo]

Ugh.

[DocRed]

WTH Votto!!@#@!#

[Kc61]

It's important to determine who gets home field for the one game playoff. Both these teams much better at home.

Not denying the games are important. Just sense that the atmosphere may be a bit over the top.

Uh oh, man on third now on the bad throw.

Reds defense failing them tonight so far.

[50YrRedsFan]

Well, that's not good. E-1

[Billy_Bearcat]

You gotta pull him. He's lost his composure.

[Cedric]

I've never seen someone regress in the field like this before. I don't really understand it.

[Matt700wlw]

WTH Votto!!@#@!#

That one's on Bailey

[_Sir_Charles_]

You gotta pull him. He's lost his composure.

No, he's lost his traction.

[Matt700wlw]

Dusty is going to let him blow this game open...

[50YrRedsFan]

Huh?

From what I saw, That was on Homer all the way

[Cedric]

No, he's lost his traction.

I agree. On the first replay I thought Votto could have at least stopped the ball. Not sure after the second replay because Homer slipped pretty bad.

[Tom Servo]

Byrd hit into a DP last night and tonight. I'd rather face him here in that spot now than giving something to Morneau.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yes, that one was on Homer. But the other guys are right too. Poor effort to reach over on it by Votto.

[Billy_Bearcat]

No, he's lost his traction.

I believe that has caused him to lose his composure.

[xsteve1]

JV's gotta get that ball.

[Tom Servo]

Sac fly puts Pitt ahead. Now just get the third out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I believe that has caused him to lose his composure.

Disagree 100%. He's calm and composed out there. He wants the ball too.

Clogged up cleats makes it VERY tough to push off properly and nearly impossible to turn and throw to first.

Tough sequence for sure...but not a loss of composure IMO.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer's day is done. 3 unearned runs

[Brutus]

Homer's day is done. 3 unearned runs

The third run is earned. Errors on the pitcher are earned runs.

[Tom Servo]

Don't really agree with pulling Homer here.

[The Operator]

Pirates shouldn't even have a run right now. Ridiculous.

[50YrRedsFan]

I don't see anything good about Duke replacing Bailey. I just don't trust Duke.
Maybe it will work out.

[Matt700wlw]

The third run is earned. Errors on the pitcher are earned runs.

Ok 1 earned run :D

[BCubb2003]

The third run is earned. Errors on the pitcher are earned runs.

But the Pirates didn't earn it.

[Billy_Bearcat]

Disagree 100%. He's calm and composed out there. He wants the ball too.

Clogged up cleats makes it VERY tough to push off properly and nearly impossible to turn and throw to first.

Tough sequence for sure...but not a loss of composure IMO.

I totally get your stance, I just see it differently. Burnett's pitching on the same mound. I see a guy get some dirt in his spikes and then couldn't throw a strike.

[BCubb2003]

I don't see anything good about Duke replacing Bailey. I just don't trust Duke.
Maybe it will work out.

His shoes are clean.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. Where did THAT pitch come from?

[Tom Servo]

crap

[DocRed]

Nice Dusty....Zach Duke really?

[kbrake]

Duke was a minor leaguer for a reason. No reason he should be in this game. Bailey should be furious.

[Gallen5862]

What happened?

[Tom Servo]

What happened?
Alvarez singled the other way over Hannahan's head. 4-2 Bucs lead.

[Red Raindog]

I don't see anything good about Duke replacing Bailey. I just don't trust Duke.
Maybe it will work out.

or not

[Crumbley]

Zach Duke. In a playoff race. In 2013.

[Matt700wlw]

Big game, scrap heap pitcher.

Well done.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Is Zach Duke dating Dusty's daughter?

[_Sir_Charles_]

4-2 Pittsburgh.

Duke has gotten the job done up until now...but I have less faith in him than in Parra. I've seen both of those guys too long as starters to believe that they can maintain what they've done this year. Rational? No. Still true? Yep.

[DocRed]

Terrible decision by Dusty..that's all on him.

[50YrRedsFan]

What happened?

Alvarez with an RBI single to left on a fastball right down the middle.

[Tom Servo]

Terrible decision by Dusty..that's all on him.
If he uses a different pitcher and that pitcher gives up the hit, is it still on Dusty?

[Kc61]

Homer's batting turn comes up next inning, Dusty probably figured he's hitting for Bailey anyway. So why not go lefty/lefty.

Hope he's learned that Duke isn't a prime time pitcher anymore and that he shouldn't make this kind of move.

I would have preferred Sean Marshall for one lefty batter, assuming he feels ok.

[DocRed]

If he uses a different pitcher and that pitcher gives up the hit, is it still on Dusty?

Of course...duh.

[OC_Red]

Where's Marshall? Is he dead?

[New York Red]

JV's gotta get that ball.
Yep, it wasn't a good throw, but easily playable by a MLB first baseman. Three of the Pirates' runs tonight are on Joey.

[DocRed]

Where's Marshall? Is he dead?

In Dusty's mind yes

[WVRedsFan]

Where's Marshall? Is he dead?

He's no Zach Duke :)

[Kc61]

Where's Marshall? Is he dead?

Maybe Marshall needs more time to get ready after the injury. I agree Duke was a mistake, but the Reds defense has really cost it this lead.

Still have a chance if they can get the offense going.

[Brutus]

Pedro Alvarez career vs. LHP: .602 OPS

Doesn't seem like a terrible gamble

[_Sir_Charles_]

If he uses a different pitcher and that pitcher gives up the hit, is it still on Dusty?

Before that inning, Duke had allowed 4 hits and 1 run in a Reds uni. Kinda hard to say Dusty was wrong to pick him. Me, I have zero faith in Duke or Parra...but hard to nitpick with the results we've seen this season from both.