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View Full Version : 9/29/13 Reds vs. Pirates (This is the end...of the regular season)



NebraskaRed
09-29-2013, 11:03 AM
Reds lineup:
Choo 8,
Ludwick 7,
Votto 3,
Bruce 9,
Frazier 5,
Cozart 6,
Mesoraco 2,
Izturis 4,
Reynolds 1

reds1869
09-29-2013, 11:10 AM
If the regulars go more than one time through I'll be disappointed.

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 11:26 AM
Here, but no BP, some Bucs are stretching, and Cueto and Leake signed a few autographs. Very overcast and cool. "Girl I Knew Somewhere" by the Monkees playing (nice).

davereds24
09-29-2013, 11:37 AM
I really hope there are only 5k that show up to this game as a statement. Unfortunately too many people bought tickets expecting this to mean something.

mbgrayson
09-29-2013, 11:48 AM
Dusty is going to keep using this lineup with Ludwick 2nd until it works, by golly!

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 12:05 PM
Season ticket seat POV:
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/09/30/8ymege6e.jpg
Going to check my postseason ticket location in the bleachers + possible seats for next year.

Note: know it's been mentioned before but for those that live in the area season tickets are a great investment.

reds1869
09-29-2013, 12:10 PM
Kitty, I'll be joining you across the way in 521 in about 15 minutes. You are right, season tickets are a tremendous investment for those that live nearby.

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 12:22 PM
Probably Choo's last regular season game as a Red?

I'd say yes.

BTW... Went and sat in my postseason ticketed seats. Great view of... the FOUL POLE! Oh well, hoping I'll be able to use them. :)

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 12:28 PM
Bucs are playing their scrubs, if the Reds win 10 to 0, I guess this will build their confidence, at least in Dusty's mind...

lollipopcurve
09-29-2013, 12:37 PM
Hurdle not afraid to rest guys.

Kc61
09-29-2013, 12:37 PM
Dusty wants my 91 wins prediction to come true. I thank him.

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 12:40 PM
Pirate lineup:
Yea, beating these guys would be an awesome confidence builder...

1. F. Pie, CF
2. J. Tabata, LF
3. T. Snider, RF
4. P. Alvarez, 3B
5. J. Buck, C
6. G. Jones, 1B
7. J. Mercer, SS
8. J. Harrison, 2B
9. B. Cumpton, P

Brutus
09-29-2013, 12:40 PM
Hurdle not afraid to rest guys.

The Reds just had Thursday off, will have tomorrow off and if they win Tuesday will have Thursday off as well.

Rest is not an issue.

Kc61
09-29-2013, 12:45 PM
Pirate lineup:
Yea, beating these guys would be an awesome confidence builder...

1. F. Pie, CF
2. J. Tabata, LF
3. T. Snider, RF
4. P. Alvarez, 3B
5. J. Buck, C
6. G. Jones, 1B
7. J. Mercer, SS
8. J. Harrison, 2B
9. B. Cumpton, P

I think scoring some runs will be a confidence builder.

NebraskaRed
09-29-2013, 12:46 PM
Pirate lineup:
Yea, beating these guys would be an awesome confidence builder...

1. F. Pie, CF
2. J. Tabata, LF
3. T. Snider, RF
4. P. Alvarez, 3B
5. J. Buck, C
6. G. Jones, 1B
7. J. Mercer, SS
8. J. Harrison, 2B
9. B. Cumpton, P

Choo, Votto, Bruce, etc. will probably be in the game for 2 ABs. They'll get plenty of rest.

BCubb2003
09-29-2013, 01:11 PM
The TBS announcers sound very bummed about this game.

NebraskaRed
09-29-2013, 01:14 PM
http://www.tradingcarddb.com/Images/Cards/Baseball/67620/67620-10Fr.jpg

Old school 1983
09-29-2013, 01:22 PM
Why we start the regulars? This game means nothing and all it takes us one freak injury to really screw stuff up.

foxfire123
09-29-2013, 01:23 PM
Figure this thread is my safest way to "watch" the game. *sigh*

Sometimes I really don't like this team. :(

And due to the fact that I told off a Cardinals fan co worker yesterday, loudly *and* in front of customers, I'll probably be in trouble with the boss tomorrow. He started it, I didn't cuss, nor did I threaten him, and I was off the clock, but still.... Wrong place, wrong time and I know it. I hate this state, countdown to moving back to Ohio starts today--4475 days +/- 100...

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 01:26 PM
Why we start the regulars? This game means nothing and all it takes us one freak injury to really screw stuff up.

Grasp for any positives offensively the team can find before Tuesday. Who knows, perhaps one or two rediscover their stroke.

Ironman92
09-29-2013, 01:30 PM
It's for Votto and Bruce stats and then fan appreciation day.

Everyone will want a refund if they don't get to see Ludwick

NebraskaRed
09-29-2013, 01:34 PM
Inside the park home run. 2-0 PIT

Larkin Fan
09-29-2013, 01:34 PM
Can this get anymore humiliating?

Gandalf the Red
09-29-2013, 01:37 PM
No worries. This weekend has gone perfectly. All part of Dusty's plan to lull the Pirates into a false sense of security.

757690
09-29-2013, 01:40 PM
Inside the park home run. 2-0 PIT

A real CR backs up that play and holds the runner to a triple or even a double. Choo was nowhere to be found on that play.

Todd Gack
09-29-2013, 01:44 PM
Honestly, this weekend really hasn't meant much to me.

It will mean a HELL OF A LOT on Tuesday if we lose.

foxfire123
09-29-2013, 01:45 PM
Can this get anymore humiliating?

It can Try being a Reds fan in eastern Missouri right now...

Ok, I'll quit. I know I'm harping and incredibly bitter right now.

Tom Servo
09-29-2013, 01:59 PM
Forreal though, how devastated will Pirates fans feel if they lose on Tuesday?

LeDoux
09-29-2013, 01:59 PM
These guys are playing their worst ball of the season right now. Hopefully they will get it all out of their system by Tuesday.

Ironman92
09-29-2013, 02:00 PM
Alvarez 186 K
Bruce 185 K

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 02:01 PM
Raisor says its "Rocco"... Kid PA announcer having trouble with Devin's last name... :)

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 02:03 PM
Which Red will get beaned?

LeDoux
09-29-2013, 02:03 PM
Raisor says its "Rocco"... Kid PA announcer having trouble with Devin's last name... :)

Give me a break. I was nervous.

Todd Gack
09-29-2013, 02:04 PM
Forreal though, how devastated will Pirates fans feel if they lose on Tuesday?

Very. I feel like this will be our 2010 season to them.. . .at least I'm hoping. They make the playoffs for the first time in forever only to have a short-lived memory of it.

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 02:04 PM
Starting to sprinkle and the wind is kicking up.

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 02:12 PM
Reds confidence going through the roof...

Larkin Fan
09-29-2013, 02:15 PM
No worries. This weekend has gone perfectly. All part of Dusty's plan to lull the Pirates into a false sense of security.


Sounds vaguely familiar to a post in the ORG.

LeDoux
09-29-2013, 02:21 PM
In my opinion, Reynolds has pitched as well as you could expect from your 7 or 8 starter. Why the Reds are baffled by the likes of Cumpton is a mystery.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 02:22 PM
Nah. Dusty has pretty much waved the white flag. He knows with the Pirate pitching and his silent bats, it wasn't worth it to go all out.

Red Raindog
09-29-2013, 02:23 PM
The Reds just had Thursday off, will have tomorrow off and if they win Tuesday will have Thursday off as well.

Rest is not an issue.

Didn't the Reds have Friday & Saturday off too?

:evil:

texasdave
09-29-2013, 02:27 PM
Didn't the Reds have Friday & Saturday off too?

:evil:


Tuesday and Wednesday as well. They might be too well-rested. ;)

xsteve1
09-29-2013, 02:28 PM
The Reds have to have the worse BA of any team heading to the playoffs. One guy barely over .300.

BCubb2003
09-29-2013, 02:29 PM
Clint Hurdle looks exactly like Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Moneyball," who did not look anything like Art Howe.

Larkin Fan
09-29-2013, 02:29 PM
Standing ovation for Chris Welsh on his comments regarding Votto. Only member of the Reds broadcasting staff that GETS it.

LeDoux
09-29-2013, 02:32 PM
Standing ovation for Chris Welsh on his comments regarding Votto. Only member of the Reds broadcasting staff that GETS it.

I missed it. I assume he talked about Votto not getting paid to walk and pointed out the lack of RBIs.

powersackers
09-29-2013, 02:33 PM
Tuesday and Wednesday as well. They might be too well-rested. ;)

No. The sad fact is that they are trying and do want to win. They just can't do it.

BCubb2003
09-29-2013, 02:35 PM
Standing ovation for Chris Welsh on his comments regarding Votto. Only member of the Reds broadcasting staff that GETS it.

What did he say?

Red in Chicago
09-29-2013, 02:35 PM
was hoping joey would get hit #1000 today, but guess it will have to wait until next year.

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 02:36 PM
Votto looks like a beaten Man. After 4, 1 measly single total.
I just do not see this team winning this Tuesday.

redssince75
09-29-2013, 02:39 PM
Pirate lineup:
Yea, beating these guys would be an awesome confidence builder...

1. F. Pie, CF
2. J. Tabata, LF
3. T. Snider, RF
4. P. Alvarez, 3B
5. J. Buck, C
6. G. Jones, 1B
7. J. Mercer, SS
8. J. Harrison, 2B
9. B. Cumpton, P

Um.....so what will losing to them do?

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 02:41 PM
Welsh is right. Votto set two all time season records for a Reds player and deserves kudos. The problem is that once you get past Bruce, who's going to get he and Choo in? Ludwick is normally that guy, but he's still trying to get up to speed. Truth is, even banking on guys like Luddy and the outcasts won't do it. And money is short.

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 02:51 PM
Hate to knitpick, but part of the frustration with this team this season is on full display here in the 5th. Leadoff double followed by two free swingers who hit ground balls to the left side. Hannigan then pops up for the third out and not only do the Reds not score, they don't come close to advancing the runner. Perhaps I was spoiled for years by the Barry Larkin's of the game, but the approach of many hitters in this lineup is frustrating to watch.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 02:52 PM
What approach? Go up hacking...these guys never heard of fundamentals

sorry, pretty disgusted right now

BCubb2003
09-29-2013, 02:53 PM
Welsh is right. Votto set two all time season records for a Reds player and deserves kudos. The problem is that once you get past Bruce, who's going to get he and Choo in? Ludwick is normally that guy, but he's still trying to get up to speed. Truth is, even banking on guys like Luddy and the outcasts won't do it. And money is short.

I wonder what else could have done between Phillips, Bruce and Ludwick. The Frazier, Cozart, catcher bloc was a burden.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 02:57 PM
I wonder what else could have done between Phillips, Bruce and Ludwick. The Frazier, Cozart, catcher bloc was a burden.

Agree. But, they needed more than Luddy and Frazier. Luddy wasn't around and Todd has been mostly MIA all years. They needed to do like other teams and, like a welsh said, get a banger or two but we've said that for years. For sone reason this club likes "projects."

Raisor
09-29-2013, 02:58 PM
The Reds have to have the worse BA of any team heading to the playoffs. One guy barely over .300.

Atlanta and Pittsburg say "hi"

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 02:58 PM
Well, they made Cumpton look like an ace...a 9th round pick with a 3.22 era and 1.30 whip at AAA

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:00 PM
There is why BH is not the answer in CF next year.

texasdave
09-29-2013, 03:01 PM
Hamilton looked overmatched on that particular AB.

Mutaman
09-29-2013, 03:01 PM
Too many negative vibes around here. Look on the bright side- the Bears are losing.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:01 PM
Pimentel ate Billy's lunch with that slider

texasdave
09-29-2013, 03:02 PM
It would be nice to see Soto go deep. Anything.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:02 PM
There is why BH is not the answer in CF next year.

I agree - he really needs at least another half year at AAA, maybe a full season with a September call

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 03:03 PM
It would be nice to see Soto go deep. Anything.

Not much chance of that happening with a RH on the mound. Now if a LH were throwing? Well there wouldn't be much chance either as he pretty much has shown next to nothing in this recent stint.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:04 PM
Soto 0 for everything...don't even see a glimmer of his AAA ability

tomnuetten
09-29-2013, 03:04 PM
There is why BH is not the answer in CF next year.

I donīt like the idea of bh as everyday cf without a good backup... but his at bats are not enough to say that he canīt be a solid mlb center fielder

texasdave
09-29-2013, 03:05 PM
Not much chance of that happening with a RH on the mound. Now if a LH were throwing? Well there wouldn't be much chance either as he pretty much has shown next to nothing in this recent stint.

True. But I'm the king of wishful thinking. Go West!

Mutaman
09-29-2013, 03:05 PM
It would be nice to see Soto go deep. Anything.

Have any idea what his problem has been? Does he have the talent to perform in the bigs?

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:06 PM
I donīt like the idea of bh as everyday cf without a good backup... but his at bats are not enough to say that he canīt be a solid mlb center fielder

I don't know - he has had a number in his limited appearances where he simply looks completely overmatched. You're right, though, it is a very limited sample.

xsteve1
09-29-2013, 03:07 PM
Soto and Rodriguez look like career minor leaguers.

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 03:08 PM
There is why BH is not the answer in CF next year.

so these at bats are more meaningful than his earlier ones when he was getting on base regularly?

I don't see how he's going to get markedly better hitting MLB pitching when he's sitting in the minors. I think he's at least got to be considered a platoon type next season.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:08 PM
Soto and Rodriguez look like career minor leaguers.

They sure haven't done much to add to their perceived value going into winter

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 03:09 PM
Soto and Rodriguez look like career minor leaguers.

I think they look like the chaffe we regularly had on the rosters during the lost years.

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:10 PM
so these at bats are more meaningful than his earlier ones when he was getting on base regularly?

I don't see how he's going to get markedly better hitting MLB pitching when he's sitting in the minors. I think he's at least got to be considered a platoon type next season.

He'll see good pitching - especially the offspeed variety at AAA - there is a point where there is nothing to learn at AAA anymore but I think Billy is far from that point. He can take this time and apply what he's learned and if he makes some adjustments come up at some point during the summer better prepared.

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 03:12 PM
Do we really need to look at this guy's God awful nail fungus every time we post in this thread? Couldn't there be an ad for something with a more palatable appearance, say excessive ear wax or nose hair?

RedlegJake
09-29-2013, 03:14 PM
Heisey-Hanahan-Rodriguez

scary trio that

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:17 PM
Heisey-Hanahan-Rodriguez

scary trio that

Sad. Really sad. Starters can't score and bench can't hit.

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 03:18 PM
Heisey-Hanahan-Rodriguez

scary trio that

The PIT broadcast team is running through great moments in Pirates baseball 2013 right now. I would say the Reds sending these three to the plate this inning has to make the Reds 2013 list.

Falcon7
09-29-2013, 03:21 PM
Yea, we really expect too much from him.
Just recently with runners on, what has he done, when we need it.
Strikes out swinging, strikes out looking (took 3 strikes in that ab), hits into a dp, but that did score a run!
Pop out to CF, ect. ect. He has not been clutch period.
Sometimes you need the 3 homer or a bases-loaded double... don't you?
If he is no longer 3 hole hitter, hit him 1st or 2nd. Yea I know he's slow, but more ab's would = more times on base.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:26 PM
Reds have scored 9 runs total since Monday (6 games including today). Have mercy.

xsteve1
09-29-2013, 03:30 PM
Reds have scored 9 runs total since Monday (6 games including today). Have mercy.

That after they scored 11 in Pittsburgh last Sunday. I thought GABP was a hitters park?

Raisor
09-29-2013, 03:30 PM
Yea, we really expect too much from him.
Just recently with runners on, what has he done, when we need it.
Strikes out swinging, strikes out looking (took 3 strikes in that ab), hits into a dp, but that did score a run!
Pop out to CF, ect. ect. He has not been clutch period.
Sometimes you need the 3 homer or a bases-loaded double... don't you?
If he is no longer 3 hole hitter, hit him 1st or 2nd. Yea I know he's slow, but more ab's would = more times on base.

What percentage of your posts have to do with Votto?

George Foster
09-29-2013, 03:31 PM
I'm at the game...this team is dead.....they got nothing. Going through the motions.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:32 PM
What percentage of your posts have to do with Votto?

It's the Griffey Syndrome, Phil. Make lots of money and you need to bat 1.000. :eek:

George Foster
09-29-2013, 03:35 PM
They said Cuato is starting Tues. He has pitched a total of 12 innings against the Astros and mets...

LeDoux
09-29-2013, 03:38 PM
The great awakening has begun! Lock up you wives, children, and goats!

powersackers
09-29-2013, 03:38 PM
This game was worth watching after all. Corky!

Red in Chicago
09-29-2013, 03:38 PM
Corky gets it done

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:39 PM
Well. The scrubs come through. 4-2. Showing more life than the starters.

Big Klu
09-29-2013, 03:39 PM
Corky! Two-run double!

(In what could be his final major-league at-bat.)

xsteve1
09-29-2013, 03:40 PM
Miller's the Reds best hitting catcher.

tomnuetten
09-29-2013, 03:40 PM
Corky! Two-run double!

(In what could be his final major-league at-bat.)

in regular season... but his going to be the mvp of the world series this season :confused:

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:42 PM
Miller's the Reds best hitting catcher.

Huh?

BCubb2003
09-29-2013, 03:42 PM
I hope they aren't peaking too soon.

xsteve1
09-29-2013, 03:43 PM
Huh?

joking but he's been pretty productive his last few appearances.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:44 PM
joking but he's been pretty productive his last few appearances.

:)

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 03:49 PM
Heisey-Hanahan-Rodriguez in the ninth. Bet the farm. Ain't no way.

WVRedsFan
09-29-2013, 04:01 PM
Fodder.

OldXOhio
09-29-2013, 04:04 PM
Let's Go Bucs ringing through the stadium.

And we're swept. Well done boys, can't wait for Tuesday.

Red in Chicago
09-29-2013, 04:06 PM
Terrible series. But no way we lose on Tuesday. Just sayin.

Larkin Fan
09-29-2013, 04:08 PM
What percentage of your posts have to do with Votto?

Trolls are gonna troll. It's what they do. Just like Gallagher1, Nux's Nuthole, DrewN, and a long list of other trolls in Redszone's history. Luckily, RZ now has an ignore list.

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 06:05 PM
That after they scored 11 in Pittsburgh last Sunday. I thought GABP was a hitters park?For the opposing teams...;)

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 06:10 PM
Well, stayed till the bitter end... :p
Believe it was the first time that I went to 5 straight games and came out 0-5. But then it is very rare that I get to go to 5 straight games anyway (that was the problem! ;))
Still 10 games over .500 is a very good year for me as a season ticket holder - beats the first year when I was 14-31 in 2001!

Big Klu
09-29-2013, 06:23 PM
Well, another regular season is in the books! Bruce, Phillips, and Votto all made significant progress this year, and by this time next year one of them (most likely Jay) will likely crack the Top Ten!


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 - 157
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

KittyDuran
09-29-2013, 07:41 PM
Well, another regular season is in the books! Bruce, Phillips, and Votto all made significant progress this year, and by this time next year one of them (most likely Jay) will likely crack the Top Ten!


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 - 157
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
Thanks Big Klu for this each season! :thumbup:

Degenerate39
09-29-2013, 07:56 PM
It's hard to beat a good team four times in a row.

Gizmo
09-29-2013, 10:30 PM
It's hard to beat a good team four times in a row.

I hope the Reds are a good team

Matt700wlw
09-29-2013, 10:36 PM
I hope the Reds are a good team

90 wins in baseball's toughest division would suggest they are

Gizmo
09-29-2013, 11:07 PM
The final week+ of the season may suggest otherwise. Got to come out Tuesday like a 90 win team, not like a team playing out the end of a season.

WVRedsFan
09-30-2013, 12:08 AM
With Cueto pitching, I do have some hope. It will depend if we can score some runs. You can bet on Johnny allowing 2 or 3, so we need four at least. If we can do that, we will go on, but how far will the Reds go? It will depend on the bats IMHO.

Slyder
09-30-2013, 12:16 AM
With Cueto pitching, I do have some hope. It will depend if we can score some runs. You can bet on Johnny allowing 2 or 3, so we need four at least. If we can do that, we will go on, but how far will the Reds go? It will depend on the bats IMHO.

I still have no faith in this team in a best of series. We still give away too many outs, our manager has a lot to prove after that debacle of the last postseason, and we've been playing like hot trash the last week.

Falcon7
09-30-2013, 12:30 AM
With Cueto pitching, I do have some hope. It will depend if we can score some runs. You can bet on Johnny allowing 2 or 3, so we need four at least. If we can do that, we will go on, but how far will the Reds go? It will depend on the bats IMHO.

If Cueto just does not have it, is Homer the first in?

WVRedsFan
09-30-2013, 12:55 AM
If Cueto just does not have it, is Homer the first in?Who knows? I have this recurring dreams about Zach Duke and Manny Para. And Logan Ondrusek. If it comes to that, it's time to look forward to 2014. I'm serious. Johnny has to pitch no-run ball and hope the offense grits out a couple of runs.

Slyder
09-30-2013, 12:59 AM
If Cueto just does not have it, is Homer the first in?

With Dusty managing? Just means wait for the wheels to finish falling off THEN warm up someone (see Latos in game 5 last year).

WVRedsFan
09-30-2013, 01:11 AM
I still have no faith in this team in a best of series. We still give away too many outs, our manager has a lot to prove after that debacle of the last postseason, and we've been playing like hot trash the last week.

Slyder, it not just Dusty. Seriously. This is a poorly constructed club, Votto, Phillips, Choo, Bruce, and Ludwick are fine. Trouble is, you cannot count on Cozart, Frazier, Hannigan (or his backup Meseraco) in the starting lineup. The bench is totally horrible. Who can live with a bench of Heisey, Isturis, Hannahan (with a shiny two year contract), Paul, and whoever else is out there? If I'm manager and faced with a tough lefty, I have to play Choo, Bruce, Votto, etc. I have no choice. If my hammers, Latos, Cueto, and Bailey, give up runs, and my soft tossers, Arroyo and Leake, do what they do occasionally, I burn up my bullpen.

I watched the ERA's of the Pirate pitchers over the last few weeks and most have ERA's below 3.00. If they score runs off their starter, it's a tough job. I know Dusty has his faults and lots of problems, but who could handle a team like that? I can't name anyone who could do better. Maybe the big contracts to Brandon and Joey (and some of the stupid ones to Ondrusek and Hannahan) have handcuffed the FO, but an anemic offense, even though they scored a lot of runs (in bunches--11 runs on Sunday and only 11 the rest of the week) has to make for a difficult job.

I remember Dave Miley, Bob Boone, and even Jerry Narron, and though I'm not so sure Dusty is the best manager in MLB, I shudder at the thought of what we might get.

cumberlandreds
09-30-2013, 07:38 AM
Thanks Big Klu for this each season! :thumbup:

I concur ! :thumbup: If Bruce get his normal 30+ HRs next season he will be in the top 10. If Votto can find his power stroke again he will make the top 10 too.

Larry Schuler
09-30-2013, 10:13 AM
Tomorrow, the Reds offense comes to life after a week of hibernating/powering up.

GO REDS.

SporkLover
09-30-2013, 11:57 AM
It's hard to beat a good team four times in a row.

I can't rest easy with this after seeing the Tigers Sweep the Yanks in the ALCS, just to get swept in the World Series.

Oh and then the littany of other collossal post season sweep examples (2004 Red Sox vs Cards probably my favorite example).

Reds just need to bring their fight to Pittsburgh and not give up the early lead.