NL WILD CARD 2013 October 1 Reds @ Pirates

[klw]

National League Wild Card game

Cincinnati Reds (90-72) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68)

Today at 8:07 p.m.

PNC Park, Pittsburgh

TV: TBS


Reds ‏@Reds 1m

Reds Wild Card Game lineup:
1. Choo CF
2. Ludwick LF
3. Votto 1B
4. Phillips 2B
5. Bruce RF
6. Frazier 3B
7. Cozart SS
8. Hanigan C
9. Cueto P

Pirates:


1. Starling Marte (R) LF
2. Neil Walker (S) 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Justin Morneau (L) 1B
5. Marlon Byrd (R) RF
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Russell Martin (R) C
8. Clint Barmes (R) SS
9. Francisco Liriano (L) P

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/files/2013/09/CuetovsLiriano2.jpg

roster
http://mlblogsramsey.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/wc-roster.jpg?w=555&h=357

Phillips available:

Phillips said he took home a machine that ices and massages injuries and it has help quell the swelling. TV cameras showed a large welt on his left shin. That welt has dramatically decreased. He wore a piece of padding and bandaged up the leg for Monday’s workout, but he did participate, taking grounders and batting practice with the rest of the team.


Brandon Phillips, who left Saturday’s game after fouling a ball off his shin, will start tonight. “I saw him (Sunday),” Baker said. “He wasn’t limping. He was pimping ... Not literally.”
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20130930/SPT04/309300165/Big-game-Cueto-healthy-at-the-right-time-for-Reds

http://studiotees.com/images/sh20/98232.jpg

[vaticanplum]

Has anybody talked about the fact that Cueto and Liriano are both from the DR and both wear #47?

[NebraskaRed]

Has anybody talked about the fact that Cueto and Liriano are both from the DR and both wear #47?

I can't seem to find the link, but I did read a quote yesterday from Cueto where he spoke about his hope that the people in the DR could watch the game, and that maybe it would show them what's possible if they worked hard.

[NebraskaRed]

"We need the sweet pain of anticipation to tell us we are really alive" - Albert Camus

[klw]

"We need the sweet pain of anticipation to tell us we are really alive" - Albert Camus

billy hamilton ‏@b_ham_3 22h

Can tomorrow get here already to hyped up

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BVaqriOCIAAtVB-.jpg

[klw]

I can't seem to find the link, but I did read a quote yesterday from Cueto where he spoke about his hope that the people in the DR could watch the game, and that maybe it would show them what's possible if they worked hard.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2013_10_01_cinmlb_pitmlb_1&mode=preview&c_id=mlb


The Wild Card matchup between Cueto and Liriano is just the third in postseason history between two starting pitchers from the Dominican Republic. In both 1999 and 2004, Pedro Martinez faced off against Bartolo Colon.

"I want to tell my people in the Dominican Republic to follow this game," Cueto said. "There are two Dominicans on the mound. I want to give advice to all the youth in the Dominican that you have to work hard and continue working hard to do things like this."

[klw]

Pirate Roster
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BVf_on2CEAAP-ac.jpg

[goreds2]

TBS

Satellite TV
DirecTV Channel 247 (SD/HD)

Dish Network Channel 139 (SD/HD)
Cable

Available on most U.S. cable providers Check your local listings

Verizon FiOS Channel 52 (SD)
Channel 552 (HD)

IPTV
AT&T U-Verse
(US) Channel 112(East) & 113(West) (SD)
Channel 1112(East) & 1113(West) (HD)

XM Satellite radio:
Reds Broadcast: XM 89 (Internet 846) I will record this.

Pirates Broadcast: XM 86 (Internet 861)

National Broadcast: XM 84 (Internet 84)

[redsfan30]

Does it make me a bad person because I want to inflict the same pain we as fans suffered a year ago in the Playoffs to somebody else this year? Let somebody else get thier hearts broken....not us. We've had enough of that lately.

[reds44]

The fact Ludwick can't bench press or do a curl makes me really think he needs to stop playing.

[klw]

From the last time the Reds and Pirates played each other in the playoffs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvd6IGZeup4

[OesterPoster]

The fact Ludwick can't bench press or do a curl makes me really think he needs to stop playing.

Had Ludwick not made it back this year, I'm wondering if Marlon Byrd is wearing a different uniform tonight.

[klw]

From the last time the Reds and Pirates played each other in the playoffs

And earlier:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xx3i-LewMT4

[WildcatFan]

The fact Ludwick can't bench press or do a curl makes me really think he needs to stop playing.

I read that and got furious that he's been playing so much since he's been back. His strength is his power. Why else have him out there?

[WildcatFan]

One of the keys today?

P...A...T...I...E...N...C...E...

Don't let Liriano carve you up with 70 pitches in the first 6 innings. Make him throw strikes, work the pitch count.

[cumberlandreds]

Had Ludwick not made it back this year, I'm wondering if Marlon Byrd is wearing a different uniform tonight.

Bryd should be here anyway. The Reds kicked the can when they didn't pick him up. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if Bryd wouldn't get the game winning hit tonight.

[OC_Red]

National League Wild Card game

Cincinnati Reds (90-72) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68)

Today at 8:07 p.m.

PNC Park, Pittsburgh

TV: TBS

http://studiotees.com/images/sh20/98232.jpg

I realize this is tangential but I have to say...whoever designed that t shirt at www.studiotees.com needs to take a course in typography. That is maybe the ugliest choice I could have come up with for a shirt design. What says "Reds postseason" better than a font straight out of Eastern bloc propaganda from the 50s? (unless this is a clever reference to the "Red scare" name change imposed on our beloved Reds during the Mcarthy era :laugh:)

And to be more on topic...I bet Marlon Byrd could perform a bench press. :eek:

[CySeymour]

And to be more on topic...I bet Marlon Byrd could perform a bench press. :eek:

Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.

[klw]

Today's roster
10 pitchers, no corky, Leake is the Long guy
http://mlblogsramsey.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/wc-roster.jpg?w=555&h=357

[NeilHamburger]

I'm so nervous I feel sick to my stomach.

[OC_Red]

Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.

If Luddy pulls a Gibby tonight, I will do something extravagantly outrageous that I can't really think of right now.

Does anyone else already have sweaty palms? :p

[reds44]

Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.
Was Gibson playing everyday and patting cleanup or 2nd?

[klw]

I realize this is tangential but I have to say...whoever designed that t shirt at www.studiotees.com needs to take a course in typography. That is maybe the ugliest choice I could have come up with for a shirt design. What says "Reds postseason" better than a font straight out of Eastern bloc propaganda from the 50s? (unless this is a clever reference to the "Red scare" name change imposed on our beloved Reds during the Mcarthy era :laugh:)


I am guessing you are are forgetting about this movie
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/36/The_Hunt_for_Red_October_movie_poster.png/220px-The_Hunt_for_Red_October_movie_poster.png

it was released the same year as this SI cover
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/October-29-1990-Chris-Sabo-Cincinnati-Reds-Sports-Illustrated-A-/00/s/NTc1WDQ0Mg==/z/J5cAAOxyQyJRk8wn/$T2eC16FHJIkE9qU3iLuJBRk8wm8Sjg~~60_3.JPG

[LexRedsFan]

I'm dying here. Still 6 hours away.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I was stuck at work during all 3 of the final games against the Pirates. So you all can blame me for the sweep. But fear not....I'm watching tonight. :O)

[CySeymour]

Was Gibson playing everyday and patting cleanup or 2nd?

My point was stranger things have happened.

[Reds Fanatic]

Here is the Pirates lineup for tonight:


1. Starling Marte (R) LF
2. Neil Walker (S) 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Justin Morneau (L) 1B
5. Marlon Byrd (R) RF
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Russell Martin (R) C
8. Clint Barmes (R) SS
9. Francisco Liriano (L) P

[Matt700wlw]

REDS, because it's worked so well... :p

Choo CF
Ludwick LF
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Frazier 3B
Cozart SS
Hanigan C
Cueto P

[SirFelixCat]

Hate the lineup, but it's what we have come to expect.

All that matters is just find a way. Anyway, anyhow, just win the day today, boys!

[osuredleg24]

ludwick in the 2? geezus:thumbdown:

[powersackers]

ludwick in the 2? geezus:thumbdown:

He has enough Strength to bloop one over ss. It's part of our bloop and a blast Stategy against Grilli?

[BungleBengals]

Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.

Don't have to worry about leg press when the ball goes over the wall.

[Kc61]

Forget the batting order, there aren't very good options with a tough lefty. None of the righty hitters for the Reds are hot.

Just want to comment that it's a tribute to the Reds' pitching depth that with Latos out, and Bailey and Arroyo coming off subpar outings, Johnny Cueto is there to pitch tonight.

And with plenty of backup. Looking for Johnny to win a relatively low scoring game.

Go Reds!

[dubc47834]

Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.

NIIIIIICCCCCCEEEEE!!!!!!!:thumbup::beerme:

[Stray]

Billy Hamilton pinch runs in the bottom of the 9th to steal second and score the winning run.

Reds 3
Pirates 2

[Kc61]

Billy Hamilton pinch runs in the bottom of the 9th to steal second and score the winning run.

Reds 3
Pirates 2

I guarantee this will not happen.

[Larkin Fan]

Getting swept in the final series by PIT was the plan. The Reds were lulling them into a false sense of security so they can pummel them tonight. The Reds have the 'rats right where they want them!

[Larkin Fan]

Billy Hamilton pinch runs in the bottom of the 9th to steal second and score the winning run.

Reds 3
Pirates 2

Only if the Pirates steal Hamilton first. ;)

[redsfan30]

I was pretty even as far as my excitement/mood went most of the day but I find the nerves/anticipation creeping up on me.

Come on 8:07!

[RedsfaninMT]

I guarantee this will not happen.

That would be a very safe bet to make. I don't think you can find anyone to take it.

[mbgrayson]

Tonight's lineup:

Choo CF
Ludwick LF
Votto 1B
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Frazier 3B
Cozart SS
Hanigan C
Cueto P

[Kc61]

That would be a very safe bet to make. I don't think you can find anyone to take it.

Agree, and it wouldn't be fair if I did.

Hope Cueto has it tonight. If Reds ahead I expect two innings from Chapman.

Need the RH bats to get hot for tonight.

Go Reds!

[vaticanplum]

Assuming we're having a separate pool for who wins swag tonight? Over/under on swag factor for each team?

[Wonderful Monds]

I guarantee this will not happen.

I don't know, I bet Hamilton is so good he could steal a base when the Reds aren't batting.

[reds44]

Billy Hamilton pinch runs in the bottom of the 9th to steal second and score the winning run.

Reds 3
Pirates 2
He got traded to the Pirares?

[OnBaseMachine]

I won't be able to watch the game, I'm on evening shift. This has been a disappointing season most of the year IMO but that can all change tonight. Beat those Pirates so their fans can go back to being Phillies fans.

[redsfan30]

I won't be able to watch the game, I'm on evening shift. This has been a disappointing season most of the year IMO but that can all change tonight. Beat those Pirates so their fans can go back to being Phillies fans.

Agreed. A lot of the negative feeling towards this club can go away tonight with a win.

[Stray]

I guarantee this will not happen.

lol top of the 9th my bad...forgot where we were for a sec :laugh:

[REDREAD]

ludwick in the 2? geezus:thumbdown:

Heisey or Hamilton would get eaten alive by Liniaro's slider.
Ludwick starting is a good call.
Also, good idea to break up the lefties against Liniaro and the Pitt pen.
I guess I don't think juggling the lineup makes that much of a difference, particularly in one game.. Dusty put the best 8 guys out there, although I guess we could debate Hannigan/Mes.. At this point, I say start Hannigan because that's who Cueto is the most comfortable with.

[texasdave]

Here is the Pirates lineup for tonight:


1. Starling Marte (R) LF
2. Neil Walker (S) 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF
4. Justin Morneau (L) 1B
5. Marlon Byrd (R) RF
6. Pedro Alvarez (L) 3B
7. Russell Martin (R) C
8. Clint Barmes (R) SS
9. Francisco Liriano (L) P

I can hear Pirate fans now. Morneau's batting cleanup??? He's shown no power at all! OMG! Alvarez led the league in home runs. How can he possibly hit sixth?!? Byrd should be in the two-hole. Why isn't he? It's like Hurdle doesn't even wanna win this game. And yadda, yadda, yadda. Blah, blah, blah.

:lol:

[redsrule2500]

One of the keys today?

P...A...T...I...E...N...C...E...

Don't let Liriano carve you up with 70 pitches in the first 6 innings. Make him throw strikes, work the pitch count.

I can almost hear Dusty in the locker room now...

"Guys, we gotta be aggressive out there! It's a 1-game playoff, don't take pitches, this guy likes to strike batters out. There's nothing worse than a strikeout." ;)

[klw]

The fact Ludwick can't bench press or do a curl makes me really think he needs to stop playing.


Kirk Gibson couldn't have performed a leg press in the 1988 World Series. Someone forgot to tell Dennis Eckersley.

I didn't realize the Reds were in the CrossFit playoffs. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODygoM-VZt8

[RedTeamGo!]

Starting to get anxious/nervous/excited.

It's going to be quite the scene tonight in Pittsburgh. Playoff baseball, LETS GO!

[goreds2]

http://cdn1.therepublic.com/smedia/819e4f9908794deea328300f9e9ab838/inline_411107845246.jpg

[Sea Ray]

We finished 4 games behind the first Wildcard team. It's a gift that we even have a shot at moving on the playoffs. We have nothing to lose. We're "not supposed to be here".

[redsrule2500]

We finished 4 games behind the first Wildcard team. It's a gift that we even have a shot at moving on the playoffs. We have nothing to lose. We're "not supposed to be here".

Good point; I like this way of looking at things.

[powersackers]

Good point; I like this way of looking at things.

Except no one believed this team wouldn't be here.

[powersackers]

We have the only playoff team that didn't get an on field or locker room celebration. That's pretty sad. Let's fix that tonight.

[Kc61]

Heisey or Hamilton would get eaten alive by Liniaro's slider.
Ludwick starting is a good call.
Also, good idea to break up the lefties against Liniaro and the Pitt pen.
I guess I don't think juggling the lineup makes that much of a difference, particularly in one game.. Dusty put the best 8 guys out there, although I guess we could debate Hannigan/Mes.. At this point, I say start Hannigan because that's who Cueto is the most comfortable with.

Hanigan is the right call behind the plate tonight.

Ryan's hitting isn't very good at this point, but Reds can't have defensive mishaps behind the plate tonight.

[vaticanplum]

Starting to get anxious/nervous/excited.

It's going to be quite the scene tonight in Pittsburgh. Playoff baseball, LETS GO!

Starting to completely freak out. I'm nauseated.

[Larry Schuler]

Do you think there will be enough clean baseballs in PNC to replace all of Liriano's off speed pitches in the dirt?

[Larry Schuler]

We finished 4 games behind the first Wildcard team. It's a gift that we even have a shot at moving on the playoffs. We have nothing to lose. We're "not supposed to be here".

The second wild card is likely a big reason why the Reds stood pat. If taking 2nd or 1st in the division was a life or death scenario I think we'd have seen Jocketty go after a C grade difference maker like Byrd or Mornaeu.

[Sea Ray]

Except no one believed this team wouldn't be here.

Expectations, yeah. But after 162 games it's about results and the Reds didn't earn much. I'd be much more nervous if I was the team that was at home and finished 4 games in front--something that I worked all season long to achieve--only to lose it all in one game. That's pressure

[Sea Ray]

Do you think there will be enough clean baseballs in PNC to replace all of Liriano's off speed pitches in the dirt?

The sad thing is we'll swing at a lot of those; especially when there are runners on base

[Kc61]

Expectations, yeah. But after 162 games it's about results and the Reds didn't earn much. I'd be much more nervous if I was the team that was at home and finished 4 games in front--something that I worked all season long to achieve--only to lose it all in one game. That's pressure

Reds should feel much more pressure. Who knows, it's up to the personalities, but Reds should.

They blew a two game lead last year in the NLDS. They were swept in 2010. They were favorites to win the division this season and finished third.

Pirates are a great story even if they lose tonight after all the winning seasons. They will say, well, one game, we're back, and go for a victory dance.

The one thing that may help the Reds is playing on the road. Team doesn't seem to respond to home field pressure games that often. It may let the Reds concentrate on baseball rather than other distractions.

Go Reds.

[vaticanplum]

Do you guys know about the duck? There's a huge rubber duck floating around the rivers by downtown Pittsburgh. He will no doubt get screen time tonight.

[VottoFan54]

The sad thing is we'll swing at a lot of those; especially when there are runners on base

If it makes you feel any better Liriano has a 5.48 ERA in his career in Sept/Oct.

[Larry Schuler]

The sad thing is we'll swing at a lot of those; especially when there are runners on base

In the first or second, when Liriano walks two runners on base with less than 2 outs, the Reds need to take a deep breath and remember, "I don't have to quickly strike out on three pitches here." If they can stay patient, they'll run Liriano out of the game.

[OC_Red]

I am guessing you are are forgetting about this movie
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/3/36/The_Hunt_for_Red_October_movie_poster.png/220px-The_Hunt_for_Red_October_movie_poster.png

it was released the same year as this SI cover
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/October-29-1990-Chris-Sabo-Cincinnati-Reds-Sports-Illustrated-A-/00/s/NTc1WDQ0Mg==/z/J5cAAOxyQyJRk8wn/$T2eC16FHJIkE9qU3iLuJBRk8wm8Sjg~~60_3.JPG

No, didn't forget. Just really dislike the font choice. Sorry, I make my living on such things. It's boring, but it's my life. ;)

[powersackers]

The sad thing is we'll swing at a lot of those; especially when there are runners on base

So I've never tried to hit a slider... is there no way to differentiate it from a fastball. I mean if you know based on spin/height it's going to end up in the dirt just don't swing!

Anyone who's played the game at a high level care to comment?

[Larry Schuler]

So I've never tried to hit a slider... is there no way to differentiate it from a fastball. I mean if you know based on spin/height it's going to end up in the dirt just don't swing!

Anyone who's played the game at a high level care to comment?

A good pitcher can aim the initial trajectory of a slider to appear similar to a fastball's plane headed for a strike, so that when the hitter commits to swinging they are planning on fastball and by the time their swing reaches the zone the pitch has broke.

But a bad slider pitch will break too early and the hitter can identify it. It seems like Liriano's slider is effective so it's not just that the Reds are dummies. The best way to combat a good slider is to be patient and make the pitcher prove he can pitch it for a strike before you start swinging at every pitch.

[powersackers]

A good pitcher can aim the initial trajectory of a slider to appear similar to a fastball's plane headed for a strike, so that when the hitter commits to swinging they are planning on fastball and by the time their swing reaches the zone the pitch has broke.

But a bad slider pitch will break too early and the hitter can identify it. It seems like Liriano's slider is effective so it's not just that the Reds are dummies. The best way to combat a good slider is to be patient and make the pitcher prove he can pitch it for a strike before you start swinging at every pitch.

Look at some of these: Nasty!
http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=29252861&topic_id=44436214&c_id=mlb

[Rantly]

Look at some of these: Nasty!
http://wapc.mlb.com/play/?content_id=29252861&topic_id=44436214&c_id=mlb

:eek::eek:

[davereds24]

My heart says the Reds are due to put a beatdown on the Pirates.

My head says this will be Halladay part II.


Last year I was really stressed about the games, at least now I don't have any expectations.

[Falcon7]

I was stuck at work during all 3 of the final games against the Pirates. So you all can blame me for the sweep. But fear not....I'm watching tonight. :O)

Why didn't you quit? Priorities man... :thumbup:

[NebraskaRed]

I plan on some celebratory drinking if the game is going well.

I plan on some consolation drinking if the game is going badly.

Either way, I'm getting drunk.

[Falcon7]

I plan on some celebratory drinking if the game is going well.

I plan on some consolation drinking if the game is going badly.

Either way, I'm getting drunk.

Right there with ya, but I much prefer celebration drinking. :beerme:

[lollipopcurve]

I have placed on my body my 1990 World Series Champion sweatshirt. This is one of the ugliest sweatshirts on the planet. It's Christmas sweater masquerading as baseball apparel.

Bringin the mojo.

[cumberlandreds]

Just watched the Reds take BP on my MLB13 app. I'm ready to go. Hamilton will pinch run in the 9th for Ludwick. Then proceed to steal 2nd,3rd and home for the go ahead run. Chapman will come in the 9th and strike out the side for the win. Then off to St. Louie.

[Raisor]

I wore my red chucks and red golf shirt to work today. Been awake since 3am but I'm pumped full of caffeine.

gO REdS!

[BlackPete Ibold]

I plan on some celebratory drinking if the game is going well.

I plan on some consolation drinking if the game is going badly.

Either way, I'm getting drunk.




Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue! :p



Seriously, I don't know if I am pouring vodka down my throat at a fever pitch more because of worry about the Reds or to make this store bought, frozen butt Skyline more palatable...

[reds44]

I've gone from excited to nervous to terrified to calm to back to excited and we're still an hour away from first pitch.

[Magdal]

This is the most important game of the season for the Reds, and the most important game for the Bucs in the last 23 YEARS! This going to be an awesome game for any true baseball fan to watch.

Their fans, gagging on the Steelers fail will be in a lather tonight. That joint will be jumping. If Cueto has his best stuff going, obviously the Bucs will lose the game, assuming the Reds can score a couple of runs. They are due.

Good luck guys, meet you in St. Louie, Louie :)

[jojo]

Meaningful October baseball people!

[Red in Chicago]

I've gone from excited to nervous to terrified to calm to back to excited and we're still an hour away from first pitch.

i'm sure the hour long pre-game show will put you to sleep. they are horrible.

[Raisor]

I'm skipping the first hour to watch Agents of Shield.

[NebraskaRed]

I'm skipping the first hour to watch Agents of Shield.

I really liked the first episode. Even if it contained zero Scarlett Johansson.

[Magdal]

i'm sure the hour long pre-game show will put you to sleep. they are horrible.I'm watching Baseball Tonite on ESPN2...it's all about this game! :beerme:

[19braves77]

Is John Smoltz announcing tonight ? I think he is a great announcer.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Interesting. Watching Mitch Williams break down the matchups on MLB Network. He likes Cueto over Liriano in the SP matchup.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It's not just me is it. This pre-game show is ALL about the Pirates. The only thing they've said about the Reds really is how overmatched Choo is going to be. Nice to see some unbiased reporting. Refreshing. :thumbdown:

[Raisor]

Is John Smoltz announcing tonight ? I think he is a great announcer.

The only thing good about Smoltz is that he isn't Glavine.

[TSJ55]

It's not just me is it. This pre-game show is ALL about the Pirates. The only thing they've said about the Reds really is how overmatched Choo is going to be. Nice to see some unbiased reporting. Refreshing. :thumbdown:

You watching TBS or MLB?

[NebraskaRed]

It's not just me is it. This pre-game show is ALL about the Pirates. The only thing they've said about the Reds really is how overmatched Choo is going to be. Nice to see some unbiased reporting. Refreshing. :thumbdown:

Pirates have the more interesting narrative this year, so the media have been focusing on that.

[BluegrassRedleg]

It's not just me is it. This pre-game show is ALL about the Pirates. The only thing they've said about the Reds really is how overmatched Choo is going to be. Nice to see some unbiased reporting. Refreshing. :thumbdown:

Bias, maybe, but somewhat natural. They ARE the story after a 21-year drought.

[reds44]

I'm shocked you guys can even watch the pregame. Been watching the Dark Knight Rises since 6 lol

[BluegrassRedleg]

I wore my red chucks and red golf shirt to work today. Been awake since 3am but I'm pumped full of caffeine.

gO REdS!

Come at 'em like a spider monkey!

[cumberlandreds]

Is John Smoltz announcing tonight ? I think he is a great announcer.
Yes I'm sure he said he was doing this game.

[Reds Freak]

I just watched the E60 Teddy Kremer special and the Jeff Crews piece that Fox Sports 1 recently did to calm my nerves and give me some perspective. I'm excited to watch this game tonight and, regardless of the outcome, I'll be grateful for another Reds season that ends in the playoffs. Go Reds!

[tomnuetten]

Pirates have the more interesting narrative this year, so the media have been focusing on that.

that´s the reason we´ll enjoy the win even more :lol:

[Puffy]

I plan on some celebratory drinking if the game is going well.

I plan on some consolation drinking if the game is going badly.

Either way, I'm getting drunk.

I like where your head is at.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Keith Olberman just said it's the Reds and Pirates first postseason meeting since the 70s. Skimpin on your research there KO.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You watching TBS or MLB?

TBS. I don't have the MLB network anymore. I miss it dearly.

[kbrake]

I don't really care what the media types have to say and I'll admit I haven't been the most confident coming into this game but watching TBS I feel like they think we're the Astros and somehow slipped into this game.

[Reds Freak]

By my count, this is the Reds 26th playoff game in my lifetime. They are 13-12 overall.

[RedWilly]

Keith Olberman just said it's the Reds and Pirates first postseason meeting since the 70s. Skimpin on your research there KO.

I think it was also him who just said "Choo has been leading off for the reds for a couple weeks now"

[powersackers]

Mlb and TBS seem fair and balanced.

[RedTeamGo!]

These tbs guys hate the reds. The dude in the middle just said bham should be leading off instead of chip and Pedro Martinez by said votto thinks too much.

[reds1869]

Anyone else having their TBS picture freeze periodically bad/or sound stutter? Happened to me during the AL Game 163, too. Only happening on TBS.

[Larry Schuler]

I think the TBS commentators are behind a bit in their knowledge of the game and feel more comfortable praising players who were stars 5-7 years ago i.e. Byrd, Liriano, Morneau, Martin, etc.

They also criticized Votto for not having more RBIs and Pedro Martinez said he'd "take advantage" of Votto's patient approach by throwing balls down the pipe to get ahead. I'm sure Votto would hate being given strikes!

[tomnuetten]

By my count, this is the Reds 26th playoff game in my lifetime. They are 13-12 overall.

I hope that today will be the first time I´ll see a Cincinnati team advance in postseason play....

I was to young 90.. I didn´t even know what baseball or american football is

[_Sir_Charles_]

These tbs guys hate the reds. The dude in the middle just said bham should be leading off instead of chip and Pedro Martinez by said votto thinks too much.

That's the feeling I was getting too. I understand that the Pirates are a feel-good story...but come on...cover BOTH teams.

[tomnuetten]

That's the feeling I was getting too. I understand that the Pirates are a feel-good story...but come on...cover BOTH teams.

they will in the ws ;)

than the reds will be the comeback story and the feel good story :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think the TBS commentators are behind a bit in their knowledge of the game and feel more comfortable praising players who were stars 5-7 years ago i.e. Byrd, Liriano, Morneau, Martin, etc.

They also criticized Votto for not having more RBIs and Pedro Martinez said he'd "take advantage" of Votto's patient approach by throwing balls down the pipe to get ahead. I'm sure Votto would hate being given strikes!

While I agree with you....to be fair, Pedro's strikes were not the same as other guys' strikes. :O)

[Reds Fanatic]

Anyone else having their TBS picture freeze periodically bad/or sound stutter? Happened to me during the AL Game 163, too. Only happening on TBS.

My picture has been fine tonight and last night too.

[reds44]

Did Pedro just say long ding dong Johnson?

[Reds Fanatic]

Keith Olberman just said it's the Reds and Pirates first postseason meeting since the 70s. Skimpin on your research there KO.

Kind of amazing they missed the 1990 NLCS which was a great playoff series.

[RedWilly]

I hope that today will be the first time I´ll see a Cincinnati team advance in postseason play....

I was to young 90.. I didn´t even know what baseball or american football is

'95 too?

[elfmanvt07]

I have my bourbon. I'm ready now.

[tomnuetten]

'95 too?

I´m born 87 so yes, I never saw a baseball or american football game at that time...

Couldn´t stay awake from 2-5 am during the week ;)

[11larkin11]

By my count, this is the Reds 26th playoff game in my lifetime. They are 13-12 overall.

5-10. Although I don't remember '95, so more like 2-6.

If I was born one year earlier, it would be 13-12.

[Raisor]

I'm sacrificing watching Agents if Shield so my wife can record Brooklyn Nine Nine and I can watch the game.

I should be able to find shield online tomorrow

[foxfire123]

I have never been so nervous about a game....

[RedWilly]

I´m born 87 so yes, I never saw a baseball or american football game at that time...

Couldn´t stay awake from 2-5 am during the week ;)

Hope you get your first advancement tonight then

[Reds Freak]

Since we'll all probably be bickering at each other once the game starts, I'll say it now in case the season ends tonight. Win, lose, or draw I always enjoy coming here throughout the season, visiting with everyone and following the daily ups and downs. I sure do miss the game threads during the off-season!

[foxfire123]

I'm sacrificing watching Agents if Shield so my wife can record Brooklyn Nine Nine and I can watch the game.

I should be able to find shield online tomorrow

I'm sorry, but I can't miss NCIS--I have to see how they take Ziva off the show... Call me a horrible fan, but I know my nerves aren't going to be able to take this game anyway.

[reds44]

I don't think people realize the amount of diehard Reds fans who have never seen post season success.

I am another one of them.

[nate]

Post-season chat is most certainly open!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Alright Redlegs...jump on 'em early and jump on 'em hard! Make a statement! Crush their spirit and stomp on their heart!! Blowout!

[SirFelixCat]

Go Reds!

[Raisor]

I need to take a second Prozac

[Reds Fanatic]

'95 too?

That reminded me I was there the last time the Reds won a postseason series. The sweep of the Dodgers in the 95 NLDS. The atmosphere at Riverfront was electric that night.

[OldXOhio]

Probably late to the game here, but anyone see Melancon's tweet from last night?

[Tom Servo]

Apparently the color yellow is gold now.

[Reds Freak]

I'm without cable so I bought the Postseason.tv option. Anyone know if the cameras move to follow the ball or are they stationary?

[Gandalf the Red]

I'm thinking Votto and Bruce spent the afternoon climbing a mountain outside Pittsburgh and upon reaching the top proceeded to take turns yelling "Dragov!!"

[powersackers]

Great broadcast team

[Reds Fanatic]

I'm without cable so I bought the Postseason.tv option. Anyone know if the cameras move to follow the ball or are they stationary?

They are stationary as far as I know.

[klw]

I need to take a second Prozac

Don't forget the chaser!

http://gifs.gifbin.com/1238408638_superman_drinking_.gif

[kbrake]

I want this one so bad. Let's gooooooooooooooooo.

[KoryMac5]

Everyone doubting us tonight, time to shut em up like an Eric Davis home run off Dave Stewart.

[reds44]

My God, Darling's forehead is huge.

[Falcon7]

I have never been so nervous about a game....

The 7th game in 1975 for me, until Tony hit one a country mile off the Spaceman.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

My God, Darling's forehead is huge.

I heard him earlier today on Mad Dog Radio. Only guy not named Pedro Gomez giving the Reds a chance it seemed.

[Reds Fanatic]

The 7th game in 1975 for me, until Tony hit one a country mile off the Spaceman.

The 1990 NLCS is the one I will always remember that whole series was intense with several close games.

[Bob Sheed]

I would fire Dusty solely for batting Ludwick 2nd. Hanny would even be an improvement.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Let's do this!

[membengal]

Def don't have a good feeling about this. Hope I am very wrong with that bad feeling.

[nate]

I'd just like to reiterate that POST-SEASON CHAT is now OPEN!

[CySeymour]

Let's go Reds!!!!

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway!

[Reds Fanatic]

Choo strikes out swinging

[AmarilloRed]

Strikeout to start the game.

[xsteve1]

That was predictable from Choo.

[RedsfaninMT]

Well...rats. Cmon Ludwick!

[Magdal]

My God! Are they gonna scream like that after EVERY strike!!?

[Tom Servo]

At least Ludwick didn't K.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ludwick grounds out to short

[AmarilloRed]

Ludwick grounds out to third.Looked like third, must have been short.

[TheBigLebowski]

Doesn't look like this offensive hangover has passed.

[BluegrassRedleg]

1 out by Choo.

1 out by Dusty.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto grounds out to 1st

[Tom Servo]

That looked foul...

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Booing Votto? Classy bunch.

[Redsfansince72]

if i was manager they would have mostly seen curve balls during Batting Practice.. I still dont get the Baker trust of Ludwick batting 2nd??

[xsteve1]

Rat farts. Terrible start.

[Larkin Fan]

Not a good start. :(

[Playadlc]

Good start.

[NeilHamburger]

Wow. Cueto better hold them to -1 run.

[Reds Fanatic]

This is a big inning for Cueto important to get off to good start then setttle in.

[OC_Red]

1 out by Choo.

1 out by Walt.

Fixed.

[RedTeamGo!]

Cueto best be on his A game, Liriano is.

[WildcatFan]

I don't think I'm gonna be able to talk to you find men and women tonight. Way too nervous.

[RedsLvr]

My God! Are they gonna scream like that after EVERY strike!!?

I've been to the playoff games at GABP. Most of the time you wouldnt even know a playoff game was happening in front of the crowd. Not that we've had much to cheer for though.

[LexRedsFan]

Well... Crap

[Playadlc]

Board sluggish?

[Tom Servo]

Fixed.
Walt also acquired Choo, but I guess that doesn't count because god forbid we praise the guy who has helped construct this team to reach the playoffs three times in the last six years.

[RedsfaninMT]

I don't think I'm gonna be able to talk to you find men and women tonight. Way too nervous.

I have no interest in you being able to find men or women. I'm watching this ball game! ;)

[reds44]

hey Cueto hasn't got hurt yet! Improvement from last year.

[D-Man]

I still dont get the Baker trust of Ludwick batting 2nd??

Tough lefty on the mound, plus Luddy hit like Babe Ruth in the postseason last year.

Not my preference, but I see the logic.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Cueto on the bunt

[BluegrassRedleg]

Heckuva pounce by Cueto. :beerme:

[powersackers]

Wow. Nice fielding

[Red in Chicago]

nice play cueto

[xsteve1]

Nice play by Cueto..please don't hurt yourself.

[nate]

I'm telling you, post-season chat is where it's at!

Real time Reds support: we'll talk you out going all Mark Spitz off the roof!

(not guaranteed)

[11larkin11]

So...that out was on Clint Hurdle? Am I getting this right?

Or Neal Huntington?

I'm not good at this game.

[AmarilloRed]

Groundout by Marte to start the Pirates 1st.

[Playadlc]

Cueto missing up early.

[Reds Fanatic]

Walker flies out to left

[Magdal]

8 pages and we are just in the 1st???? I'm having trouble posting....quite a lag.

[reds44]

Missing up early. That's not good.

[Falls City Beer]

For the cynical among us, this could very well be Dusty's last game managing the Reds.

[Tom Servo]

I agree, Pittsburgh fans, Cueto has MVP stuff.

[11larkin11]

OK now I'm catching on. Thanks for the out, Roethlisberger.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Side rant: Hate the stupid patches the put on the side of the playoff hats in recent years. Tacky.

But it beats having a team that didn't get to wear a hat patch. :D

[reds44]

Everything is up.

[powersackers]

I like this Approach to Cutch

[50YrRedsFan]

Cueto missing up early.

Walker's fly ball was on a fastball up.......needs to calm down a little.

[OC_Red]

Walt also acquired Choo, but I guess that doesn't count because god forbid we praise the guy who has helped construct this team to reach the playoffs three times in the last six years.

Walt also watched LF do nothing most of the season with the hope that Ryan would return to his 2012 form. WJ has made several awesome moves that have improved the club immensely, but there are a handful of head scratchers too, that's all.

At any rate, I should have resisted the temptation to put that in the game thread. Apologies.

Back to the action! Go Reds!

[reds44]

That was dirty.

[Reds Fanatic]

McCutchen walks

[Magdal]

No shame in walking THAT guy!

[reds1869]

So basically I should boo every event, right? Pittsburgh logic.

[Playadlc]

Great 3-2 pitch.

[reds44]

That was up too.

[Reds Fanatic]

Line out to right. 0-0 after 1.

[TheBigLebowski]

3 hard outs...but 3 outs nonetheless.

[RedsBrick]

2 well hit balls....but no harm.

[50YrRedsFan]

Morneau hit it hard.......waist high.

[xsteve1]

This is like a Dodger Stadium crowd where everything hit is a home run.

[reds44]

3 hard outs...but 3 outs nonetheless.
The bunt was hard hit?

[George Foster]

there were 2 balls in that inning hit about as hard as you can hit a ball.

McCutchen just missed hitting a 3-0 fastball 500 feet.

[Wonderful Monds]

Booing Votto? Classy bunch.

Actually, they were saying "boo-urns".

[TheBigLebowski]

The bunt was hard hit?

Hard as in difficult; challenging. Cueto had to make a nice play on the bunt, which was well placed.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Cueto better get down in the zone from this point on.

[50YrRedsFan]

Was Walker's fly out a HR at GABP?

[reds44]

Hard as in difficult; challenging. Cueto had to make a nice play on the bunt, which was well placed.

ah

[Kc61]

there were 2 balls in that inning hit about as hard as you can hit a ball.

McCutchen just missed hitting a 3-0 fastball 500 feet.

I liked Cueto in that inning. He seemed very cool for a big game.

You don't want a pitcher overly emotional out there.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to 2nd.

[Tom Servo]

Damnit BP, what are you swinging at.

[TheBigLebowski]

Meanwhile, we are not challenging Liriano at all.

[George Foster]

crushing it.....

[Wonderful Monds]

Btw is TBS cutting out for everyone else or is it just Fioptics being terrible as usual? Right now I'm stuck on a still image from the beginning of an NKU ad and I hear the Spanish audio feed.

[Krawhitham]

hey BP maybe run hard to 1st base

maybe they make an error rushing the throw

[Tom Servo]

Was Walker's fly out a HR at GABP?
lol wat

[BluegrassRedleg]

A little pitch selection would be nice.

[George Foster]

Was Walker's fly out a HR at GABP?

no....but it was a bullet to Ludwick..

[reds44]

hey BP maybe run hard to 1st base

maybe they make an error rushing the throw
Dude's leg is barking

[NeilHamburger]

Wow. Just dominate.

[Wonderful Monds]

hey BP maybe run hard to 1st base

maybe they make an error rushing the throw

Dude has a grapefruit on his shin right now.

[Playadlc]

Pathetic stuff from Bruce.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging

[jojo]

hey BP maybe run hard to 1st base

maybe they make an error rushing the throw

Is hustle part of small ball?

[Todd Gack]

Jay Bruce doing what Jay does best.

[LexRedsFan]

Good to see our bats made the trip.

[xsteve1]

Bruce has no clue against Liriano.

[AmarilloRed]

So-about 20 years since their last playoff game. It's understandable if they're a bit excited.

[Playadlc]

Didn't throw a strike to Bruce.

[Todd Gack]

Is hustle part of small ball?

I think he made it further down the line than Votto.

[Reds4Life]

Bruce is ridiculous, those pitches were not even in the same zip code as the strike zone. Ugh.

[Krawhitham]

Dude has a grapefruit on his shin right now.

then bench him

If he is too hurt to play hard then he is doing nothing but hurting the team

[reds44]

then bench him

If he is too hurt to play hard then he is doing nothing but hurting the team
Yeah play Izturis!

[kbrake]

Bruce is ridiculous, those pitches were not even in the same zip code as the strike zone. Ugh.

Might be Liriano this ridiculous right now. That slider is insane.

[Wonderful Monds]

Whoever would've thought a couple years ago Francisco Liriano would start a playoff series and it would be for the Pirates?

[RedTeamGo!]

Is it bad that at this point I am just hoping for a hit?

[George Foster]

and we expected different? Just because it's October 1st?

[Playadlc]

This team is just awful at the plate.

[Reds Fanatic]

Frazier grounds out to short. 0-0 mid 2nd.

[Tom Servo]

Frazier almost snuck one through.