5/19/14 - Reds vs Nats

[villain612]

7189

Hopefully the first of many lineups to have Rocco the barbarian batting cleanup.

[cumberlandreds]

Good to see Mez batting 4th. I will be there tonight. Hopefully I can bring home a win. I am on five game losing streak watching the Reds over the last couple of years. It has to change tonight doesn't it? At least the law of averages has to kick in?

[cumberlandreds]

Here's the Nats lineup. They are missing a few too. Harper,Zimmerman and LaRoche are all on the DL. They have weathered their injuries better than the Reds though.

1. Denard Span (L) CF
2. Anthony Rendon (R) 3B
3. Jayson Werth (R) RF
4. Wilson Ramos (R) C
5. Ian Desmond (R) SS
6. Greg Dobbs (L) 1B
7. Danny Espinosa (S) 2B
8. Nate McLouth (L) LF
9. Stephen Strasburg (R) P

[SirFelixCat]

Good to see Mez batting 4th. I will be there tonight. Hopefully I can bring home a win. I am on five game losing streak watching the Reds over the last couple of years. It has to change tonight doesn't it? At least the law of averages has to kick in?


My wife was 0-10 to start her career as a Reds fan. I hope you're not akin to her....

[Red Raindog]

7189

Hopefully the first of many lineups to have Rocco the barbarian batting cleanup.

I like it!

[Red Raindog]

My wife was 0-10 to start her career as a Reds fan. I hope you're not akin to her....

obviously no court would stop you from divorcing her

:p

[Strikes Out Looking]

I'm leaving for the park in a few minutes; hopefully the Redszoner's at the game tonight will be able to bring victory.

[_Sir_Charles_]

As of right now, this is probably the best lineup possible. :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

obviously no court would stop you from divorcing her

:p

Yes they would....did you not read that right...his wife is a BASEBALL FAN. And a Reds fan to boot.

I mention any sports to my wife...all I get is :rolleyes:

[Kingspoint]

My wife was 0-10 to start her career as a Reds fan. I hope you're not akin to her....

You need a Going-to-REDS-games wife. Maybe she'll swap you a going-to-the-shopping-mall husband. Good for about 3-4 times a year.

[Kingspoint]

Seriously, who doesn't take certain people to games with them, wondering to yourself if that person is a jinx or not? I know I do, no matter how silly it is to have thoughts about it.

[SirFelixCat]

2011, when the Reds came to town, I mentioned that streak to Ondrusek and he suggested that she go watch the game from one of the bars near Coors Field. :lol:


But I'm happy to report that the streak was broken in 2012. She's now safe to attend! :)

[Kingspoint]

But I'm happy to report that the streak was broken in 2012. She's now safe to attend! :)

Must have been the reverse REDS shirt you made her wear. :)

[Kingspoint]

Time for excuses are over.

If this season is going to be successful, it's now time for the team to get timely hits. They've had the great defense and great starting pitching, but haven't had the timely hits.

They need to start playing .620+ ball for the next three months, or they aren't going to be in the race come September 1st.

More simply put, they need to be winning three out of four series from here on out.

[Big Klu]

7189

Hopefully the first of many lineups to have Rocco the barbarian batting cleanup.

The only change I would make with this personnel would be to switch Heisey and Schumaker in LF and RF. I think Heisey has the stronger arm and should be in RF.

[Chip R]

Yeah, I don't know about Rocco batting 4th. I don't know if he can handle the pressure. ;)

[kbrake]

Great start.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Full out extension. Heck of a snag by Ramos.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Double by Schumaker. Risky move to go for 2 there. Thank goodness Span has a noodle for an arm.

[toledodan]

Schu with a hustle double to right center

[Stray]

Even Mesoraco's outs are crushed

[Red Raindog]

Yes they would....did you not read that right...his wife is a BASEBALL FAN. And a Reds fan to boot.

I mention any sports to my wife...all I get is :rolleyes:

point taken --- my wife did go the 1990 world series with me but she felt guilty taking up a seat

[_Sir_Charles_]

K

[_Sir_Charles_]

point taken --- my wife did go the 1990 world series with me but she felt guilty taking up a seat

But to "she who must be obeyed" it was just a night out with snacks, right? :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-2-bb-3 for Leake.

[Red Raindog]

Merry christmas!

[JaxRed]

On the Nats broadcast, they showed Strasburg looking into the Nats dugout like he's saying "You've got to be kidding me"

[kaldaniels]

Plus baserunning by Frazier taking third there.

[Red Raindog]

Plus baserunning by Frazier taking third there.

any chance of a plus AB by Heisey?

nope

[_Sir_Charles_]

(reds announcers) Please stop mentioning the team rankings in defense...I can just see karma kicking our tail and having like 4 errors.

[757690]

No surprises there.

[RedsLvr]

Is it just me or does our team seem to have a very hard time hitting curveballs?

[kbrake]

Is it just me or does our team seem to have a very hard time hitting curveballs?

I don't know but that is a very good curveball and Chris Heisey has a hard time hitting anything.

[Cedric]

Stop playing Chris Heisey. This isn't hard. He is not a professional.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Wash.

Rinse.

Repeat.


Same as it ever was...

[kaldaniels]

Be careful pitching to Werth the rest of the game. He will be trying to make up for his doofus play.

[gilpdawg]

I don't know but that is a very good curveball and Chris Heisey has a hard time hitting anything.

No one was hitting that. That was filth. Heisey still isn't good though.

[757690]

Nats' poor defense canceled out by the Reds playing Chris Heisey.

[toledodan]

Is it just me or does our team seem to have a very hard time hitting?

Fixed it for you :D

[RedsLvr]

I don't know but that is a very good curveball and Chris Heisey has a hard time hitting anything.

Well of course he has a great curveball and Heisey doesn't hit much anyways, but I was at the game Thursday and saw our knees buckle about a dozen times on curveballs. It's really bizarre

[Cedric]

You can't really sustain anything when you have so many hackers in a lineup. Injuries or not this team doesn't make pitchers work. Opposing pitchers get confidence early and it's lights out.

[Tracy Jones]

Heisey needs to go.

Going on 5 years now and the guy is atrocious.

[Stray]

Just put on a squeeze play if someone is at third. I'd enjoy that more than watching someone fail at getting him in the traditional way.

[Kc61]

Stop playing Chris Heisey. This isn't hard. He is not a professional.

I can't figure out Price's choices in the outfield with Bruce out. Heisey doesn't play against lefties too often. He seems to play more against righties. Bernadina doesn't hit but perhaps against a Strasburg he's a better option.

I'll admit there isn't much to choose from, but I'm not sure Heisey is being used optimally. Then again, Price must have his reasons.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just put on a squeeze play if someone is at third. I'd enjoy that more than watching someone fail at getting him in the traditional way.

With Heisey at the plate and Todd at third...that is actually a really solid idea. Excellent bunter, smart runner, Strasberg on the bump.

[Tracy Jones]

I can't figure out Price's choices in the outfield with Bruce out. Heisey doesn't play against lefties too often. He seems to play more against righties. Bernadina doesn't hit but perhaps against a Strasburg he's a better option.

I'll admit there isn't much to choose from, but I'm not sure Heisey is being used optimally. Then again, Price must have his reasons.

The optimal way to use Heisey is in Louisville

[_Sir_Charles_]

I don't get the complaining about Heisey. If he's not playing today...the other option is Bernadina. And down at Louisville...it isn't any better.

[toledodan]

I don't get the complaining about Heisey. If he's not playing today...the other option is Bernadina. And down at Louisville...it isn't any better.ludwick

[Tracy Jones]

I don't get the complaining about Heisey. If he's not playing today...the other option is Bernadina. And down at Louisville...it isn't any better.

Because we've had 4+ years of this guy. He stinks. We know it.

I'd rather watch new blood stink with at least some tiny speck of hope for improvement rather than stink that has stunk for 4+ years.

[Kc61]

I don't get the complaining about Heisey. If he's not playing today...the other option is Bernadina. And down at Louisville...it isn't any better.

Bernadina is a lefty hitter and has played in Washington extensively. So he might be a better choice today. Heisey used to hit righties well, but not for over two years.

As for Tracy's comment about Heisey in Louisville, the Reds must like him on the club, they signed him for about $1.75 million in the off-season. Suprised me when they did.

[_Sir_Charles_]

ludwick

I wasn't counting him as it seems pretty obvious Price wanted to give him the day off.

[kbrake]

I don't get the complaining about Heisey. If he's not playing today...the other option is Bernadina. And down at Louisville...it isn't any better.

My frustration with Heisey people constantly complain that he should get a chance and every single time he has been give a shot he plays like complete crap. If Bernadina were playing people would probably be just as annoyed. With Bruce and Votto both out of the lineup and a good RH pitcher throwing I'd like to see Lutz out there.

[Tracy Jones]

Leake saves the day

[toledodan]

Good comeback for mike. No score after two

[Tracy Jones]

Bernadina is a lefty hitter and has played in Washington extensively. So he might be a better choice today. Heisey used to hit righties well, but not for over two years.

As for Tracy's comment about Heisey in Louisville, the Reds must like him on the club, they signed him for about $1.75 million in the off-season. Suprised me when they did.

Yeah they obviously do.

Why is anybody's guess.

[Stray]

I can't wait for next year, when an OFer goes on the 15 day dl and Heisey gets his chance to show the Reds he belongs. He'll show us then guys, he'll show us then.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bernadina is a lefty hitter and has played in Washington extensively. So he might be a better choice today. Heisey used to hit righties well, but not for over two years.

As for Tracy's comment about Heisey in Louisville, the Reds must like him on the club, they signed him for about $1.75 million in the off-season. Suprised me when they did.


Even with Chris' struggles, he's still got 100 points in BA and OPS over Roger. I have ZERO clue what anybody sees in Roger Bernadina at this point. None.

[Kc61]

ludwick

Yeah, I guess Ludwick is getting a day off. He's down to a .670 OPS and hasn't hit for any power this year whatsoever.

[_Sir_Charles_]

My frustration with Heisey people constantly complain that he should get a chance and every single time he has been give a shot he plays like complete crap. If Bernadina were playing people would probably be just as annoyed. With Bruce and Votto both out of the lineup and a good RH pitcher throwing I'd like to see Lutz out there.

I think his "chance" has come and gone. But as a 4th outfielder, he's pretty darned solid IMO.

As for Lutz, if I had to guess I think they don't want to rush him like they were sort of forced to last year. And that's a solid argument. But yeah, I'd prefer Lutz over Bernadina for sure. And Soto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

BB for Hamilton. :D

Billy should be able to run wild of Strasberg.

['69]

Between Heisey and Bernadina, Heisey is the lesser of the two evils. Still even little leagers are taught to protect with two strikes.

[kbrake]

I think his "chance" has come and gone. But as a 4th outfielder, he's pretty darned solid IMO.

As for Lutz, if I had to guess I think they don't want to rush him like they were sort of forced to last year. And that's a solid argument. But yeah, I'd prefer Lutz over Bernadina for sure. And Soto.

He has been solid as a 4th OF when it comes to PH and defensive replacement. I think a 4th OF though should be capable of filling in for a guy on the 15 day DL.

[Tracy Jones]

He has been solid as a 4th OF when it comes to PH and defensive replacement. I think a 4th OF though should be capable of filling in for a guy on the 15 day DL.

Word.

And time and time and time again, he's proven incapable.

[Kc61]

Even with Chris' struggles, he's still got 100 points in BA and OPS over Roger. I have ZERO clue what anybody sees in Roger Bernadina at this point. None.

Let me try to give a clue.

This is Strasburg a tough righty. Just my view, I don't think Heisey can hit him. Hope Chris proves me wrong, but not so far tonight with man in scoring position.

Bernadina isn't a hitter either. But he's a lefty. And he does walk quite a bit. So I guess for one game against this pitcher I'd take my chances with Roger.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He has been solid as a 4th OF when it comes to PH and defensive replacement. I think a 4th OF though should be capable of filling in for a guy on the 15 day DL.

He is capable of doing that. But if people are expecting him to put up a starters' type of production, they're expecting to be disappointed IMO.

[Kc61]

He has been solid as a 4th OF when it comes to PH and defensive replacement. I think a 4th OF though should be capable of filling in for a guy on the 15 day DL.

You have just defined a fifth outfielder.

A fourth outfielder can fill in for a stretch effectively.

[UPRedsFan]

Let me try to give a clue.

This is Strasburg a tough righty. Just my view, I don't think Heisey can hit him. Hope Chris proves me wrong, but not so far tonight with man in scoring position.

Bernadina isn't a hitter either. But he's a lefty. And he does walk quite a bit. So I guess for one game against this pitcher I'd take my chances with Roger.

Ditto

['69]

Nice play by Schumaker, throws a seed from RF to cut Rendon down trying for two.

[Tracy Jones]

He is capable of doing that. But if people are expecting him to put up a starters' type of production, they're expecting to be disappointed IMO.

Then what's he still doing here after 4+ years? And like KC said...a new $2 mil contract?

We can get crappy production out of LeMarre for about 75% less money.

[_Sir_Charles_]

GONE! Rendon tries to stretch it into a double. Schumaker nails him!

[Kc61]

He is capable of doing that. But if people are expecting him to put up a starters' type of production, they're expecting to be disappointed IMO.

I'm expecting outfield bench players to have a good approach at the plate. Maybe they lack power, maybe they get fooled, maybe they are weaker defenders in the OF.

Schumaker isn't a great player by any means. But he has a good approach at the plate.

[Tracy Jones]

Nice throw.

Surprising. Didn't think Schumaker had that good an arm

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fine. I'm wrong, you guys are right. I'm not in the mood to argue tonight. I just want to relax and enjoy a ballgame. Agree to disagree.

[Tracy Jones]

I'm expecting outfield bench players to have a good approach at the plate. Maybe they lack power, maybe they get fooled, maybe they are weaker defenders in the OF.

Schumaker isn't a great player by any means. But he has a good approach at the plate.

Exactly.

Schumaker seems to know what he is too, and approaches his AB's accordingly.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice to hear that about Devin. " I WANT to be that middle of the lineup guy they count on." I like it.

[Kingspoint]

The only change I would make with this personnel would be to switch Heisey and Schumaker in LF and RF. I think Heisey has the stronger arm and should be in RF.

You were sayin'?

;)

[Tracy Jones]

Fine. I'm wrong, you guys are right. I'm not in the mood to argue tonight. I just want to relax and enjoy a ballgame. Agree to disagree.

Haha no worries buddy! I think of it as a "spirited discussion" rather than an argument.

Hopefully he cranks 2 homers tonight and makes me look like a fool.

[Stray]

RBI chances just finding Heisey and Cozart tonight lol

[Kc61]

Fine. I'm wrong, you guys are right. I'm not in the mood to argue tonight. I just want to relax and enjoy a ballgame. Agree to disagree.

Heisey is ok on the ballclub as the fifth outfielder with Schumaker fourth. With the injuries, Heisey is playing more and it's not his strength to play so often. To his credit he has walked more lately.

I always liked his defense and hustle, Heisey is just too aggressive at the plate usually.

And lately he hasn't hit righties well. He's got a big spot here, rooting for him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Haha no worries buddy! I think of it as a "spirited discussion" rather than an argument.

Hopefully he cranks 2 homers tonight and makes me look like a fool.

Just a bad day today. Ignore me.

['69]

Jala JalaPena

[_Sir_Charles_]

Really slick baserunning today by Todd.

[Stray]

lmao what

[Chuckie]

Hitting and running with Heisey up is also referred to as "Russian Roulette" in some circles.

- - - Updated - - -

The threat of Brayan Pena's wheels gets the Reds a run!

Great job by Frazier Fraz too.

[kaldaniels]

I'll take it!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Really slick baserunning today by Todd. And AGAIN! 1-0 Reds

[Stray]

Do whatever works. Good job.

[Chuckie]

You know the pitcher is distracted when Pena is on the basepaths!

Strasburg couldn't concentrate with Pena bouncing around over there at first. Hehe.

[gilpdawg]

I'd take my chances on that play than on Heisey to get that run home.

[Stray]

That says a lot about the faith we had in Heisey's ability to hit a flyball. But hey the run counts the same.

[Tracy Jones]

Nice play Leake

[Kc61]

Leake nice play.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play Leake

Mike will win a GG one of these years. I really believe that.

[Kingspoint]

...Heisey is just too aggressive at the plate usually.



Can't get the bat off his shoulder tonight.

I'm really disappointed in Heisey this season. You said some nice things that are true about him, but he's failed miserably in his opportunity this season. With all of the injuries and the young player on the team, he needed to step up. He's not a kid anymore and has been around long enough to have more success than he's having.

[Chuckie]

Damn, where was that 1-2 pitch at?

[RedTeamGo!]

Excellent call by Price there. Deserves props for calling that knowing Heisey sucks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KKK

Love the movement Mike's getting tonight.

[Chuckie]

The 1-2 pitch was closer than the 2-2 pitch. And the 2-2 pitch is called a strike! Haha. Whatever works.

[Tracy Jones]

Leake really does look sharp tonight.

Hitting the corners. Lots of movement.

[Chuckie]

Gotta make that catch Skip (and I'm a huge Schumaker fan).

[_Sir_Charles_]

Heck of an effort by Schumaker. In and out of his glove.

[Chuckie]

Of course it's ruled a double. Because Little League moms are official scorers for MLB.

[RedTeamGo!]

Tough play, but why did he slow down to jump?

[Tracy Jones]

Mike will win a GG one of these years. I really believe that.

He's really quick off the mound.

When I saw him going for it I was like "no no no...yes! Nice play!"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Of course it's ruled a double. Because Little League moms are official scorers for MLB.

Why wouldn't it be? Really tough play.

[Chuckie]

This is MLB. An MLB right fielder should make that catch every time. That should be an error, period.

I'll never understand MLB official scorers. They favor the batters like crazy. How bout analyze the play and make an educated decision. Don't act like a Little League mom. "Johnny tried hard, we'll call that one a hit even though he dropped it."

[_Sir_Charles_]

He's really quick off the mound.

When I saw him going for it I was like "no no no...yes! Nice play!"

Yep. He moves around just like a regular infielder (played short in college)

[_Sir_Charles_]

This is MLB. An MLB right fielder should make that catch every time. That should be an error, period.

I'll never understand MLB official scorers. They favor the batters like crazy. How bout analyze the play and make an educated decision. Don't act like a Little League mom. "Johnny tried hard, we'll call that one a hit even though he dropped it."

Come on. Full extension over his shoulder and hit hits the tip of his glove. No way that should be an error. I'm not sure Bruce gets that one and he's WELL above average out there.

If it was in the pocket of the glove and he drops it, yes. But that's not what that was.

[Roy Tucker]

Of course it's ruled a double. Because Little League moms are official scorers for MLB.

Victory tunnel then juice boxes and Pop-Tarts after the game.

[Chuckie]

Come on. Full extension over his shoulder and hit hits the tip of his glove. No way that should be an error.

An average defensive RF makes that catch 99 times out of 100. I'm sure Schumaker would make that catch 99 times out of 100. Should be an error IMO.

[Chuckie]

Victory tunnel then juice boxes and Pop-Tarts after the game.

Haha. One of my memories from Little League is going to concession stand and ordering "Suicides." All the pop they had (sans the Diet) mixed together.

So gangster.

[_Sir_Charles_]

HBP to Cozart. Up and in.

[Tracy Jones]

Yep. He moves around just like a regular infielder (played short in college)

Yeah I know. If he weren't such a good athlete he doesn't get taken in the draft where he did.

I used to be down on Leake. Thought he was a poor man's Arroyo without the pitching brain Arroyo had. Even coming off his good season last year, I was skeptical that he could repeat it. I also thought Homer would take the next step and become a true front line pitcher.

Shows you what I know

[Kingspoint]

HBP to Cozart. Up and in.

Taking one for the team.

[_Sir_Charles_]

For an excuse me bunt...that was actually pretty darned good. :O) Sac works.

- - - Updated - - -

Inconsistent strike zone tonight. Drives me nuts. Small, big, up, low....I don't care...just keep it consistent. Marty Foster behind the dish. I know nothing about this guy. So far, not impressed.

[Chuckie]

Billy Baseball!

[Tracy Jones]

Taking one for the team.

7196

[BluegrassRedleg]

Just keep puttin it on the ground, Billy. :)

[Chuckie]

Let's create some great dishes here, Skip.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Smart play by Desmond. Tried to slip a throw behind Cozart hoping he'd round third. If he did, he would've been toast.

IF single for Billy. 1st & 3rd, 1 down for Schumaker.

[RedTeamGo!]

See Billy. See Billy run. See Billy run fast.

[Roy Tucker]

This just in... Hamilton is fast.

[Chuckie]

Schumaker baby! 2-0 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

See Billy. See Billy run. See Billy run fast.

Nope. He's too fast. You can't see him.

[Kc61]

Can't get the bat off his shoulder tonight.

I'm really disappointed in Heisey this season. You said some nice things that are true about him, but he's failed miserably in his opportunity this season. With all of the injuries and the young player on the team, he needed to step up. He's not a kid anymore and has been around long enough to have more success than he's having.

I have always seen some value with this player but Heisey just hasn't hit. He will always have the power potential but for quite some time hasn't been a steady hitter. And he doesn't walk enough, although he's done a bit more walking this year.

I was surprised the Reds agreed to pay him near $2 mllion this year. I thought they would let him go. But the front office apparently didn't want to make many changes this off-seaon.

[toledodan]

Small ball working tonight

[Chuckie]

You gotta be kidding me BP. C'mon Mez.

[RedTeamGo!]

Billy Hamilton as Thunder

Skip Schumaker as Lightning

[Kingspoint]

The magic number for the REDS is 4. If the REDS can get 4 runs, they will win most of their games.

[757690]

Tonight, with runners on third and less than two outs, we saw the difference between Heisey and Schumaker.

[_Sir_Charles_]

That's like 3 times I've seen Devin wince and reach for his lower back. I hope he didn't tweek something in that first AB tonight.

[Tracy Jones]

That's like 3 times I've seen Devin wince and reach for his lower back. I hope he didn't tweek something in that first AB tonight.

I think he always does that.

Like that thing Canseco always did with his neck.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think he always does that.

Like that thing Canseco always did with his neck.

Insert a needle?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think he always does that.

Like that thing Canseco always did with his neck.

I hope you're right. (Not that I want Devin mentioned in Canseco's neighborhood)

[Tracy Jones]

Insert a needle?

Wrong body part

[toledodan]

Time to move mez back down:)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Time to move mez back down:)

Louisville or Dayton?

[Kingspoint]

7196

And, he scores our second run.

These guys looked like the Bad News Bears in April on the basepaths. They hit as weakly as the Bad News Bears. But, they play Defense like the '76 REDS with starting pitching like the '70 Orioles.

[Chuckie]

Cozart is so damn solid defensively. He gets his share of criticism for his bat. Just wanted to throw that out there. There is some value in having Cozy around. And "solid" is really an understatement when talking about his D.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And, he scores our second run.

These guys looked like the Bad News Bears in April on the basepaths. They hit as weakly as the Bad News Bears. But, they play Defense like the '76 REDS with starting pitching like the '70 Orioles.

I may get blasted for this, but I think this defense (when fully healthy) is better than anything the BRM put on the diamond.

[toledodan]

Louisville or Dayton?

Lol lexington feedom need a catcher?

[Chuckie]

Haha. They ruled that a hit for Strasburg. Comedy hour continues.

[Tracy Jones]

And, he scores our second run.

These guys looked like the Bad News Bears in April on the basepaths. They hit as weakly as the Bad News Bears. But, they play Defense like the '76 REDS with starting pitching like the '70 Orioles.

Hopefully Price pulls a Buttermaker for Cozart's next AB and says "Alright Zack...same thing"

[toledodan]

Figures as soon as we get a couple runs all the seeing eye hits start coming.

[Kc61]

Cozart is so damn solid defensively. He gets his share of criticism for his bat. Just wanted to throw that out there. There is some value in having Cozy around. And "solid" is really an understatement when talking about his D.

But to say that his hitting gets criticism also is an understatement. The guy plays everyday and his OPS is .526. You really can't have .526 in an NL lineup with a pitcher hitting too.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Come on Mike. Perfect time for a GIDP.

[Tracy Jones]

Hopefully Leake can get through 7 tonight so we only have to see Broxton and Chapman

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pop out to Hamilton. 2 down.

[gilpdawg]

Cozart is so damn solid defensively. He gets his share of criticism for his bat. Just wanted to throw that out there. There is some value in having Cozy around. And "solid" is really an understatement when talking about his D.

4th in MLB in UZR and DRS. Quite solid.

[Chuckie]

But to say that his hitting gets criticism also is an understatement. The guy plays everyday and his OPS is .526. You really can't have .526 in an NL lineup with a pitcher hitting too.

His hitting deserves criticism. I wasn't suggesting that it didn't. I rip on his offense too. I was just saying I see what they see in the guy because of his top-shelf D.

And our minor league system is devoid of any replacements anyway. We'd have to make a trade. Or make the bad move of signing the overrated Stephen Drew and losing a first-round draft pick in the process. I might be OK with signing Drew if we do it after the draft [no draft pick lost] but I'm still not a fan. There's just not many choices out there at SS. Hopefully we take a college SS with one of our first two picks in this year's draft (we have two of the first 29 picks).

[Tracy Jones]

Whew. Lucky

[toledodan]

Nice job Mike

[_Sir_Charles_]

Line out to Heisey to end the inning. I think that ball caught Chris instead of the other way around. Right in the gut almost.

[Kingspoint]

I may get blasted for this, but I think this defense (when fully healthy) is better than anything the BRM put on the diamond.

They've set a record that the BRM didn't achieve, defensively.

[kaldaniels]

Whew. Lucky

No kidding, if Heisey had missed that he'd never be able to bear children.

[kaldaniels]

Nice job Mike

Nothing against your post but baseball is a funny game.

Nice job Mike, you just served up a screaming liner to Werth with 2 men on.

[Kingspoint]

But to say that his hitting gets criticism also is an understatement. The guy plays everyday and his OPS is .526. You really can't have .526 in an NL lineup with a pitcher hitting too.

And, other sub-.650 OPS'ers in the lineup at the same time. Just hoping the "timeliness" of our hits gets better. Left a lot of players at 3rd today.

[VR]

Strasburg has to be spittin' nails to be losing to Leake right now. I dig it.

[gilpdawg]

I may get blasted for this, but I think this defense (when fully healthy) is better than anything the BRM put on the diamond.

You may not be wrong, according to park adjusted defensive efficiency. The 75 team was 5th. The 76 team was 12th. The 14 team is second behind Oakland and has been up high for several years, since 2010 basically.

[_Sir_Charles_]

They've set a record that the BRM didn't achieve, defensively.

Billy's got more range than Cesar, but not the arm. Bruce is better than Griffey all around IMO. Frazier, Phillips are both better IMO than Morgan & Rose. Votto WAS clearly better than Doggie, but lately I'm not so sure. Cozart is rock solid, but he falls short of Davey. Devin is improving but sorry...nobody holds a candle to JB. But overall, I'd give the edge to this club for the past few years.

[Tracy Jones]

Great. Heisey's up

7197

[Tracy Jones]

Heisey!

I love that guy!

[toledodan]

Nothing against your post but baseball is a funny game.

Nice job Mike, you just served up a screaming liner to Werth with 2 men on.

Lol so true. However it was justice on the way the first two guys reached. I honestly thought heisey was going to miss that.

[gilpdawg]

Great. Heisey's up

7197

Keep doing that, since he just smoked one for a double.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Double for Heisey.

[Kingspoint]

We've won a lot of games scoring 2 runs or less this season, but I certainly don't want to have to do it again. Really would like to see a couple more runs before we go into the bottom of the ninth.

[toledodan]

Maybe heisey should hit with nobody on base.

[Mutaman]

Votto WAS clearly better than Doggie, but lately I'm not so sure.

I'd take Perez and its not even close. Tony was a solid first baseman. Can't disagree re the rest.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'd take Perez and its not even close. Tony was a solid first baseman. Can't disagree re the rest.

The way Joey's been last year and this year...I absolutely agree. But prior to last season, I think Joey was better.

[50YrRedsFan]

Ah, the Cozout lunge.

[toledodan]

I'd take Perez and its not even close. Tony was a solid first baseman. Can't disagree re the rest.

This would make for an interesting thread. What would you think the big red machine would demand in today's market?

[Tracy Jones]

This would make for an interesting thread. What woukd you think the big red machine would demand in today's market?

More than the Reds could pay

[Mutaman]

The way Joey's been last year and this year...I absolutely agree. But prior to last season, I think Joey was better.


Agreed. But based on what we've seen so far, last year was not an aberration for Joey.

[_Sir_Charles_]

This would make for an interesting thread. What woukd you think the big red machine would demand in today's market?

Part ownership. LOL.

[Mutaman]

More than the Reds could pay

Wern't we one of the first teams to lose a star to free agency when Gullet signed with the Yankees?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Agreed. But based on what we've seen so far, last year was not an aberration for Joey.

Well, last year it was the knee and he just refused to stretch for anything it seemed. The other thing he's kind of fallen in love with is that risky play of going to second to get the lead runner on a tough play...it's burned him quite a bit the past 2 seasons.

[kbrake]

I'm not sure Leake has thrown a strike yet in this AB. 3-2 count.

[RedTeamGo!]

I'd take Perez and its not even close.

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

- - - Updated - - -

Haha that was a ball

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gift strike for Leake. Crappy zone still.

But a 1-2-3 for Leake.

[Tracy Jones]

Wern't we one of the first teams to lose a star to free agency when Gullet signed with the Yankees?

I think so. I was 2 years old though so I'm not certain.

And the Reds ended up being better off not paying him. I believe he lasted just 2 years or so with the Yankees

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.

No, he's right. Perez didn't excel at anything at 1st really, just didn't have any real weakness either. Rock solid. And since the start of last year, that's not something Joey's been.

[Mutaman]

Nostalgia is a hell of a drug.


Not real big on nostalgia. Nostalgia doesn't make Morgan and Rose better than fraser and Phillips. I prefer other drugs.

[Tracy Jones]

I was right. Gullett signed with the Yanks after the 76 season, was pretty good for them in 77, then got hurt in 78 and retired.

They still paid him $2 mil per through 1982 though.

Sweet justice.

[Mutaman]

I think so. I was 2 years old though so I'm not certain.

And the Reds ended up being better off not paying him. I believe he lasted just 2 years or so with the Yankees

He had health issues. But I did see him gut out a world series game at the Stadium against the Dodgers.

[Tracy Jones]

Billy?

What are you doing?

[Tornon]

I think Billy was trying to say Strasburg balked on that one

[The Operator]

Billy giveth and Billy taketh away.

[RedTeamGo!]

Tootblan

[Tracy Jones]

Nice play Phillips

[RedWilly]

Couldnt be a balk the pitch was called a strike wasnt it? Why did Phillips just get outta the way and why did Strasburg just lob it in there? I'm really perplexed on this and want answers.

[reds1869]

I love watching this team play defense. Truly special.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm trying to figure out exactly what happened with Hamilton. Why was he so far off the bag? Was it supposed to be a squeeze or something?

[RedTeamGo!]

I like how Phillips laughs while making the play.

Leake starting to get hit hard. He's done.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sharp 1 out single to left for McClouth

102 pitches for Mike. I hope somebody is up.

[reds1869]

I'm trying to figure out exactly what happened with Hamilton. Why was he so far off the bag? Was it supposed to be a squeeze or something?

Such an odd play. Once he took off he should have just went for it.

[Tracy Jones]

I'm trying to figure out exactly what happened with Hamilton. Why was he so far off the bag? Was it supposed to be a squeeze or something?

Welsh said that he was trying to steal home...didn't get a good enough break, and tried to get back.

[The Operator]

Couldnt be a balk the pitch was called a strike wasnt it? Why did Phillips just get outta the way and why did Strasburg just lob it in there? I'm really perplexed on this and want answers.A play so weird you'd think it was a Hunter S. Thompson quote being acted out on a baseball diamond.

[Tornon]

They haven't shown a replay of it yet for me, something looked awkward with Strasburg's delivery on that pitch though - he might have stopped

[kbrake]

Folks on Twitter saying it was a balk.

[RedTeamGo!]

Mesoraco was confused and thought it was going to break 4 feet

[_Sir_Charles_]

Such an odd play. Once he took off he should have just went for it.

Was it a faked attempt to steal home or something? I just can't figure it out. I never saw a good camera angle of it BEFORE the rundown.

[RedTeamGo!]

A play so weird you'd think it was a Hunter S. Thompson quote being acted out on a baseball diamond.

This is.....NAT country!!

.....I'll let myself out...

[Tracy Jones]

1 more out Leake...

Please?

[The Operator]

This is.....NAT country!!

.....I'll let myself out...Fear and Loathing in Washington DC??

[RedWilly]

My official opinion on Hamilton play: Straight steal of home - nats stole (caught on) the signal (usually multiple signals involved with something like this to make sure EVERY player knows its on and batter doesnt take off runners head). Thats why strasburg had a REAL quick windup and pitch to the plate which caused Hamilton to stop halfway.

[REDSEER]

I went back and watched the play again. It's like the Nats knew he was going to go. Strasburg did a quick motion and move to the plate, which caught BP off guard and caught Billy in between.

Basically, the Nats baited us into an out.

[RedTeamGo!]

Fear and Loathing in Washington DC??

Fear and Loathing in Stras Vegas?

[The Operator]

2-1... Leake is running on fumes.

[Tracy Jones]

Freaking 0-2 pitch

[_Sir_Charles_]

Crud. Single plates a run. 2-1

[toledodan]

Crap

[Norm Chortleton]

Price = Capt. Hook

[RedTeamGo!]

Excellent call to pull Leake, regardless of the outcome.

[Tom Servo]

Had him down 0-2. C'mon Mike.

[RedWilly]

I went back and watched the play again. It's like the Nats knew he was going to go. Strasburg did a quick motion and move to the plate, which caught BP off guard and caught Billy in between.

Basically, the Nats baited us into an out.

Haha this sounds familiar

[The Operator]

Fear and Loathing in Stras Vegas?I like yours better!

http://kmpunksays.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/tumblr_m9dndq66tz1qlknxjo1_500.gif?w=830

[Roy Tucker]

When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.

[kbrake]

Tonight would be a perfect time for this bullpen to start to live up to its potential.

[The Operator]

Sam with the LeCURE!!

2-1 good guys

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good job Sam

[Tracy Jones]

I'd feel much better with at least 1 more run

[Tornon]

As long as the bullpen gets to go LeCure-Broxton-Chapman, I feel decently confident they can pull this out

[RedTeamGo!]

I like yours better!

http://kmpunksays.files.wordpress.com/2012/12/tumblr_m9dndq66tz1qlknxjo1_500.gif?w=830

Haha - the role Depp was born to play.

[Kingspoint]

I'd feel much better with at least 1 more run

I want two more.

[RedTeamGo!]

Frazier is going deep

[kbrake]

I so badly want to get to a point where we can see a healthy run of lineup of Hamilton, Votto, Rocco, Bruce, Frazier, BP, Ludwick/Lutz, Cozart.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rocco down to a pedestrian .466 now. Da bum.

- - - Updated - - -

Wow. What a snag by Espinosa.

[RedTeamGo!]

Wowzer. Tip your hats, heck of a play by Espinosa

[The Operator]

A Redszone Game Thread is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs.

There's also a negative side.

:p

[Kingspoint]

9-pitch inning for our Offense in the 8th. Looks like we're going to have to win this game with just two runs tonight. This bullpen hasn't bee able to handle that kind of pressure this season. Good luck to them. They need six outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Btw, 6th inning, Brewers down 4-2 to the Braves.

[Roy Tucker]

I so badly want to get to a point where we can see a healthy run of lineup of Hamilton, Votto, Rocco, Bruce, Frazier, BP, Ludwick/Lutz, Cozart.

Not Murderers Row, but coupled with the starting pitching and D we've been seeing, it would be pretty all right.

[The Operator]

Rocco down to a pedestrian .466 now. Da bum.Better send him to Louisville - the REAL Bat Country.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Better send him to Louisville - the REAL Bat Country.

Same bat time, same bat channel?

- - - Updated - - -

Broxton in.

[RedTeamGo!]

Every time I see Broxton I am flat out amazed at how fat he is. It's impressive.

[villain612]

I'm late to the party. Let's go Brox

[The Operator]

Billy giveth!

Nice snag on a blooper by Werth.

[kbrake]

I love watching Billy Hamilton play baseball. Even on botched steals of home.

[Kingspoint]

Werth was the dangerous one.

Five to go!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Billy made that look WAY too easy.

[RedTeamGo!]

How do welsh and kelch not know what injury Latos has? Is Latos still a red? I'm skeptical at this point.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Kelch was right, but it wasn't a surgery. Welsh was talking about the surgery.

[The Operator]

Every time I see Broxton I am flat out amazed at how fat he is. It's impressive.I think it's time for the return of Homer in the moo-moo.

http://www.beehappy.ca/beelog/wp-content/uploads/2007/08/homermoomoo.jpg

- - - Updated - - -

Frazier should have put that in his pocket. D'oh!

[Roy Tucker]

Every time I see Broxton I am flat out amazed at how fat he is. It's impressive.

He's a big boy. Massive frame.

[RedTeamGo!]

Oops goes frazia

[_Sir_Charles_]

Really tough play. Todd probably should've pocketed that one....especially with Pena at first.

[RedTeamGo!]

Dobbs going to get a hit

[The Operator]

How do welsh and kelch not know what injury Latos has? Is Latos still a red? I'm skeptical at this point.
He actually died under the knife. Kremchek accidentally removed his heart instead of the bone chips in his elbow which he was supposed to.


Those shots of him in the dugout are a product of the same holograph technology that was used at the VMA's for that fake Michael Jackson performance.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dobbs going to get a hit

Or not.

[Kingspoint]

J.B. does his job.

Three outs to go. C'mon Chapman!