7/8/14 - Reds vs. Baby Bears - Game Deux

[The Operator]

http://mlblogsramsey.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/7-8g2.jpg?w=555

[Wonderful Monds]

Votto bout to get Pipp'd

[RedTeamGo!]

Barnhart to start.

My prediction: pain, pain for the cubs.

[NebraskaRed]

Wada, the guy pitching for the Cubs, gives up a lot of home runs. They picked a great ball park for his first major league start.

[Big Klu]

I would rather start Heisey in RF vs. the lefty instead of Skip.

[VR]

Like the fact that the big guns (except Mez) are back out there again.

[VR]

Rain delay?

[Wonderful Monds]

Rain delay?

Nope, none here.

[Red Raindog]

Fox just showed BH hitting .377 --- :laugh:

- - - Updated - - -


Rain delay?

yup --- cell is tiny though

[Wonderful Monds]

Fox just showed BH hitting .377 --- :laugh:

- - - Updated - - -



yup --- cell is tiny though
Weeeeeeird. It's perfectly blue sky outside my apartment.

[Kc61]

Guessing Holmberg is in there for four or five innings tonight (if reasonably effective) with heavy bullpen usage. Probably the same for Cubs' starter.

Should be an interesting game, go Reds.

[RedlegJake]

Man do NOT read the comments on facebook memes about the Reds. If you do you will lose all respect for the brainpower of fandom....



Thank goodness for RZ

[villain612]

http://mlblogsramsey.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/7-8g2.jpg?w=555

It's a good thing Bruce is hot right now. That lineup could be ugly after his batting spot.

[VR]

Now saying 7:45

[RedlegJake]

look around baseball though - only a handful of teams have good numbers beyond 3 or 4 guys. Even previous stars seem to be having down years all over the place.

[PuffyPig]

Wada, the guy pitching for the Cubs, gives up a lot of home runs. They picked a great ball park for his first major league start.

10 in about 100 innings is about normal I would say.

The only Reds starter who is appreciably better this year is Latos, and his career numbers are in line with that ratio.

[RedlegJake]

I like pairing Holmberg with Barnhart for this 1 game. Be nice if Devin could play first just once a blue moon though - hate missing his bat

[RedlegJake]

10 in about 100 innings is about normal I would say.

The only Reds starter who is appreciably better this year is Latos, and his career numbers are in line with that ratio.

Same rate his career so far 20 overall in 207 total innings. That's not bad at all. Having a really good year at AAA and he's not a "normal" rookie, having extensive Japan experience. I don't expect a cakewalk against this guy.

[malcontent]

I like pairing Holmberg with Barnhart for this 1 game. Be nice if Devin could play first just once a blue moon though - hate missing his bat
He should ask Ludwick where to order a 1B mitt.

[NebraskaRed]

10 in about 100 innings is about normal I would say.

The only Reds starter who is appreciably better this year is Latos, and his career numbers are in line with that ratio.

Apparently, the reputation for giving up lots of a HRs comes from his record in Japan.

I now know far too much about Wada's career in Japanese leagues.

[Hillsdale87]

I would rather start Heisey in RF vs. the lefty instead of Skip.

Nah. He had 3 hits earlier today... Gotta wait for him to cool off before playing him again

[villain612]

It'd be nice for the Reds to fire off a good 8 game win streak or so.

This is a good team to start it against.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good lord. That was a few feet from a monster shot.

[RedlegJake]

oldest looking 22 y/o I've seen in a while

[Red Raindog]

Dodgers just dropped a 5 spot on Velander -- got be hurt -- era now 5.01

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just a few pitches into the game and Holmberg looks VERY hittable.

[PepperJack]

ctrent @ctrent · 4m
In his first AB for the @DragonsBaseball, Jack Hannahan doubled and drove in a run #Reds


Problem solved!!!!

[villain612]

There goes the no hitter

[RedlegJake]

1/27th of a great game for Holmie

[Red Raindog]

Just a few pitches into the game and Holmberg looks VERY hittable.

now a WP -- while Homberg looks at the landing area

[RedlegJake]

welp, obviously my game is delayed quite a bit

[malcontent]

He hasn't touched 90 yet. Hope he's real crafty.

[RedlegJake]

couple of the balls hit have topped 90 though


going the other way

[Red Raindog]

He hasn't touched 90 yet. Hope he's real crafty.

Baseball Prospectus says he has 4 decent pitches


2013 AA + 6.6 K/9 2.9 BB/9 41% GB rate == era 2.75

[villain612]

No runs.

We'll take it

[_Sir_Charles_]

He got out of it. Well done. If he gets by with smoke and mirrors...I'm okay with that. Just keep us in the game big boy.

[villain612]

If the Cubs can't beat our B team in the nightcap of a doubleheader, then I will feel excellent about the remaining two games of the series.

[malcontent]

Baseball Prospectus says he has 4 decent pitches
Hopefully saving the curve and slider for the right time.

[The Operator]

He hasn't touched 90 yet. Hope he's real crafty.

We got this.


http://rymimg.com/lk/f/l/ad1d0431e7db2786490e05b5c36180a3/1553087.jpg

[RedlegJake]

he does have a nice changeup, play up that fastball

[Larkin Fan]

Holmberg has to rely on his change because he doesn't have a fastball.

[wheels]

So we've already decided Holmberg is a bad pitcher?

[Larkin Fan]

If the Cubs can't beat our B team in the nightcap of a doubleheader, then I will feel excellent about the remaining two games of the series.
We're going for the five game sweep. How often do you get to say that?

[villain612]

With that long stride, I think the Reds will be active on the bases tonight.

[RedlegJake]

might work though with this rotation - different speed than anyone in the rotation., Leake is our soft tosser and he can dial it up to 93-94. Holmberg with his curves and changes is a different look.

[Red Raindog]

BB to BH --- let the fun begin

[The Operator]

Billy Baseball is on base. I like.

[_Sir_Charles_]

So we've already decided Holmberg is a bad pitcher?

Not me. He looked nervous and hittable due to him leaving the ball up quite a bit.

[The Operator]

Leake is our soft tosser and he can dial it up to 93-94.You mean kilometers per hour, right? :p

But in all seriousness, can he really get it up that fast? I've never seen him throw faster than 92. Ever.

- - - Updated - - -

Todd Frazier GIDP.

DFA immediately.

[wheels]

I don't know. I'm not saying one way or another, but pitchers over the history of the game have different ways of getting things done.

I thought people knew that.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You mean kilometers per hour, right? :p

But in all seriousness, can he really get it up that fast? I've never seen him throw faster than 92. Ever.

I've seen him reach 96 once. But yeah, he's been reaching 93-94 quite a bit this season.

[The Operator]

Wada's windup reminds me a bit of Clayton Kershaw.

That's where the similarities end, though.

[RedlegJake]

You mean kilometers per hour, right? :p

But in all seriousness, can he really get it up that fast? I've never seen him throw faster than 92. Ever.

- - - Updated - - -

Todd Frazier GIDP.

DFA immediately.

He sits 90 or so but he can - start before last he hit 94 on the gun? They commented on how hard he was throwing that night

[The Operator]

I've seen him reach 96 once. But yeah, he's been reaching 93-94 quite a bit this season.For realz??

Where's the stat guys with their Pitch F/x stuff when you need them...

[Red Raindog]

You mean kilometers per hour, right? :p

But in all seriousness, can he really get it up that fast? I've never seen him throw faster than 92. Ever.

- - - Updated - - -

Mike Leake pitch speeds

Todd Frazier GIDP.

DFA immediately.

7495

[RedlegJake]

great - my mlb.tv is going in and out. About every 4-5 games I have to watch in bits and pieces. Streaming is still not all that

[villain612]

Nice curveball.

[WrongVerb]

Did Chris call him Holmgren?

[cbowen2112]

Holmgren....haha...classic Chris Welsh.

[toledodan]

great - my mlb.tv is going in and out. About every 4-5 games I have to watch in bits and pieces. Streaming is still not all that

Mine is on the ps4.

- - - Updated - - -

Frazier not having a good day at the plate

[The Operator]

7495Well I'll be damned.

[WrongVerb]

great - my mlb.tv is going in and out. About every 4-5 games I have to watch in bits and pieces. Streaming is still not all that

I haven't had an issue. The picture ratio has been a little wonky at the start but it's fine now. Might be your provider.

[RedlegJake]

Maybe Chris thinks he'll be a great coach someday

[villain612]

Yep.

[Stray]

just start intentionally walking this guy

[The Operator]

I do not like Chris Coghlan.

[Red Raindog]

That Coughlan guy is not in my will

[cbowen2112]

7496

[_Sir_Charles_]

For realz??

Where's the stat guys with their Pitch F/x stuff when you need them...

I can't say how accurate the gun was though. Seemed fine the rest of the game. 2 seasons ago IIRC.

Ugh. Gone. 2-0 Cubs.

[toledodan]

This guy sucks

[The Operator]

Damn, Skippy came so close to robbing that.

[villain612]

Where's fan interference when you need it?

[Falcon7]

Did Thom just say "good crowd"? Maybe he meant well behaved...

[RedlegJake]

I think it is Suddenlink's connection - they've gotten all critical about bandwidth lately, adding a ceiling and charging for overage. So once I saved money streaming, now it's a tossup with cable, plus there is a noticeable decline in connection quality even at 30mbps

[50YrRedsFan]

great - my mlb.tv is going in and out. About every 4-5 games I have to watch in bits and pieces. Streaming is still not all that

Mine too. Now it is at least a 6 or 7 minute delay. I'm just now seeing BP make an out, while Olt actually just walked. Now it is buffering again. Won't see much of this one.

[WrongVerb]

Will someone PLEASE drill this Coghlan guy? I can't imagine Bob Gibson letting a player destroy his team like that.

[toledodan]

2-0

[villain612]

Is he gonna walk the pitcher???

[_Sir_Charles_]

nm

[RedsfaninMT]

Yes, we have decided that "Holmgren" sucks. Reds are going to need that large bull pen.

[wheels]

I don't care about his velocity. He hasn't located any of his pitches so far.

[Stray]

Will someone PLEASE drill this Coghlan guy? I can't imagine Bob Gibson letting a player destroy his team like that.

Cueto did earlier today. Then he hit a homer in his next at bat.

[The Operator]

Walks the opposing pitcher on 4 pitches.

Skillz.

[Red Raindog]

Tigers drop a 5 spot on Ryu --- maybe there will offense in MLB tonight because Holmberg is not looking like he's going to hold the Cubs down

[50YrRedsFan]

Boy, we must have garbage in the minors, if Holmberg was the best option to use.

[757690]

I'd have more confidence with Ryan Hanigan pitching this game.

[Falls City Beer]

So do you let Holmberg take it on the chin, or do you stretch the pen to try to win it? I stretch the pen.

[toledodan]

You scared me. You meant the count?

No the homer was a two run shot

[Red Raindog]

nm

no -- score 2-0

[NebraskaRed]

https://img.4plebs.org/boards/pol/image/1390/14/1390142030770.gif

[RedlegJake]

Doug Gray called it on this guy - has said all along he won't make it

[_Sir_Charles_]

I thought the HR derby was the day before the All Star game?

This looks like batting practice.

[Red Raindog]

Boy, we must have garbage in the minors, if Holmberg was the best option to use.

because he was on the 40 man roster?

[villain612]

So do you let Holmberg take it on the chin, or do you stretch the pen to try to win it? I stretch the pen.

Depends on how bad it gets.

- - - Updated - - -


I thought the HR derby was the day before the All Star game?

This looks like batting practice.


Junior Lake has almost homered twice.

[WrongVerb]

Cueto did earlier today. Then he hit a homer in his next at bat.

Yeah, but that was on a full count with runners on. I doubt he was sending a message.

[Red Raindog]

OK -- let's not forget --- this is the Cubs

[The Operator]

2-0 middle of 2

[_Sir_Charles_]

No the homer was a two run shot

Yeah, I saw it. I stepped away and didn't realize there was somebody on base for the HR.

[The Operator]

OK -- let's not forget --- this is the CubsI hope you're right, but I fear the worst.

The guy on the mound for them is the type of guy that gives this team fits. They can't hit junkballers to save their life.

[50YrRedsFan]

My MLB TV just keeps buffering......I'll have to follow on Gameday........Streaming has a long way to go.

[_Sir_Charles_]

So do you let Holmberg take it on the chin, or do you stretch the pen to try to win it? I stretch the pen.

Use the pen. Price has said he wanted the extra arms for this game. Use them. Otherwise, what's the freakin' point of being shorthanded on the bench?

[WrongVerb]

Doug Gray called it on this guy - has said all along he won't make it

I've never liked him as a "prospect" either. But I'm hoping for the best, too. Seems to me if he could get his fastball up into the low 90s with a solid changeup and curve, that he'd make a career out of eating innings as a very poor, down on his luck, living in his 25 year old rusted out beater man's Tom Glavine.

[Falcon7]

22 and that out of shape, tells me a lot about this kid...

[The Operator]

Take a shot!!

Tom just described the Reds' starting pitching as "UNBELIEVABLE" on this recent run...

[50YrRedsFan]

Use the pen. Price has said he wanted the extra arms for this game. Use them. Otherwise, what's the freakin' point of being shorthanded on the bench?

Contreras probably the first to use.

[WrongVerb]

Bruce is zeroing in on Wada. Look out.

[The Operator]

Use the pen. Price has said he wanted the extra arms for this game. Use them. Otherwise, what's the freakin' point of being shorthanded on the bench?Gotta save 'em for a potential 47 inning game.

[50YrRedsFan]

Phils with a first inning run against MIL, 1 -0, top 1

[_Sir_Charles_]

Luddy tattooed that ball. Double off the wall.

[The Operator]

Ludwick doubles!

[keeganbrick]

Did Schumaker really come up to the plate with Luke Bryan music? If that's not some kind of club house joke then I really just lost a lot of respect. :bang:

[The Operator]

2 outs as Schumaker flies out to Lucifer Coghlan

- - - Updated - - -

Cozart base hit, Ludwick held at third.

Barnhart up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay Tucker...time for #2

[Red Raindog]

Okay Tucker...time for #2

I'll take rbi #2

[The Operator]

Boy does Barnhart ever look bad at the plate. Yikes.

[JaxRed]

Terrible swings on 2 balls out of strike zone for Barnhart

[Mutaman]

They can't hit junkballers to save their life.

Relative to what other kind of pitcher?

[Red Raindog]

Take a shot!!

Tom just described the Reds' starting pitching as "UNBELIEVABLE" on this recent run...

done!

[JaxRed]

Relative to what other kind of pitcher?

They destroy that guy that does batting practice

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nuthin' doin'. 2-0 it stays.

[villain612]

This is going to be a tough game to watch. Maybe I should be productive instead.

[The Operator]

Relative to what other kind of pitcher?Well, they beat Madison Bumgarner senseless and have had their way with a few other high profile guys too if I remember correctly.


Put a guy throwing 85 mph slop out there and they're helpless.

[malcontent]

He's young, I know. But Barnhart seems like a good designated catcher.

[50YrRedsFan]

Boy does Barnhart ever look bad at the plate. Yikes.

Holmberg and Barnhart are not Major League players.....If they are the best available, I'd hate to see the rest.

[toledodan]

Pitch homberg three, Contreras three and back fill the rest. I want this game

[The Operator]

He's young, I know. But Barnhart seems like a good designated catcher.He'll make a fine once every 5 or 6 days backup for Devin.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Congrats Brayan. Looks soooooo happy. :O)

[The Operator]

3-0

This guy is garbage.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Let's just give a game away... for the hell of it.

[villain612]

Put me in coach.

[keeganbrick]

Gonna take 6 runs to win this one.

[villain612]

Gonna take 6 runs to win this one.

Has Bruce hit 6 homers in a game before?

[BluegrassRedleg]

Geez Louise, what a bad pitch. Cedar Rapids!

[toledodan]

Lol where is Wang?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, now I'm gonna call it. Holmberg sucks. I was giving him the benefit of the doubt, but poor velocity, little movement, everything middle or up in the zone....not much to like thus far.

I'd have Logan & JJ warming right now.

[The Operator]

Castro with a screamer base hit to right field.


This. guy. sucks.

[Red Raindog]

OK --- guy is not ready ---- get someone up please

[50YrRedsFan]

Lou Brown says: I think you can go get him now!

[JaxRed]

Think I may check out the minor league box scores....

[757690]

22 and that out of shape, tells me a lot about this kid...

Would love to read your scouting report on Babe Ruth.

[cbowen2112]

Might start watching some Netflix...this is not fun to watch....he is not Major League ready IMO....

[The Operator]

The only bright side in all of this is there was a time when this guy would get 25 starts on a Reds team.


So glad the lost decade is behind is.

[_Sir_Charles_]

So....10 years ago, he'd be what....our #2 starter?

[villain612]

I was scratching my head at the beginning of the game about why he was pitching tonight.

The guy has a 5+ ERA at AAA this year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Think I may check out the minor league box scores....

Way ahead of you.

5-0 Cubs. Another dinger. As I was saying....HR derby.

[villain612]

When the Cubs are lighting you up......it's a sign.

[The Operator]

Jesus Christ

5-0

[cbowen2112]

LOL....NOT

[Red Raindog]

Wow --- get him out of here before the crowd gets ugly

[50YrRedsFan]

I was scratching my head at the beginning of the game about why he was pitching tonight.

The guy has a 5+ ERA at AAA this year.

The Reds don't want to lose him by taking him off the 40 man....like he is someone you would want to keep?

[RedTeamGo!]

Think I may check out the minor league box scores....

Don't, it's worse.

[BluegrassRedleg]

What is it going to take, Price???

Good God, you're carrying an army of pitchers.

[cbowen2112]

So...let's bring in Schumaker to play 2nd, Santiago at 3B, Heisey in RF and any other pitcher....

[villain612]

Let's go Phillies I guess.

[RedsfaninMT]

Hanigan had to have been able to bring more than this load of dung pitcher.

[50YrRedsFan]

I haven't thrown a pitch in 42 years, and could do better than this.

[toledodan]

Did I mention this guy sucks

[Big Klu]

To quote Raisor, "Bah, Holmberg!"

I've seen enough. Time to get Carlos Contreras up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, positive thoughts.

Ummm....he works quickly? That's all I got.

[Billy_Bearcat]

Why does this organization always forfeit a doubleheader? "Well we have to play 2 today so let's plan on giving one away to rest."

[BluegrassRedleg]

Newsflash, Thom: With this offense, it ALREADY is a rout.

[757690]

The good news is that it looks like Todd Frazier found someone to pitch to him for the Home Run Derby.

[toledodan]

The Reds don't want to lose him by taking him off the 40 man....like he is someone you would want to keep?

Can't have Walt looking bad

[cbowen2112]

They should have kept Jurjens for like 2 more weeks.

[50YrRedsFan]

Let's go Phillies I guess.

Brewers with 5 in the 1st and still hitting....5-1 over Phils

[Norm Chortleton]

All this needs is Chris Berman telling terrible jokes and screaming "back, back, back..."

[The Operator]

Pete Rose weighs in on tonight's game:

http://nbchardballtalk.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/pete-rose.jpg

[Kingspoint]

The person responsible for picking our Starting Pitcher for this game whiffed on that decision.

[NebraskaRed]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm27/Boyd506/Forum%20Pictures/76895-grandpa-simpson.gif

[keeganbrick]

Overbat hit a grand slam in the Brewers game. That game should pretty much be over with Peralta pitching and Kendrick out there for the Phillies.

[Falls City Beer]

Losing winnable games is no fun

[_Sir_Charles_]

The good news is that it looks like Todd Frazier found someone to pitch to him for the Home Run Derby.

LOL. There we go. The silver lining. :O)

[cbowen2112]

Back to 5.5 games behind 1st.

[Larkin Fan]

So we've already decided Holmberg is a bad pitcher?

Do you have any additional questions?

[cbowen2112]

Losing winnable games is no fun

This wasn't winnable with this bum on the mound.

[WVRedsFan]

I don't know why they just didn't forfeit this game and move on. This kid is not ready for prime time and the Cubs--I say the Cubs--might just give a good old fashioned butt whipping.

[malcontent]

I got lit up the other day when I referred to Holmberg and a few other cats on the 40-man as chaff.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Lumbergh > Holmberg


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVmC0ktznNo

[Larkin Fan]

Lord, can it get any worse? Safe at first.

[Billy_Bearcat]

We've got to find the drive to want to sweep double headers and quit being content with a split.

[JaxRed]

Don't, it's worse.

Yeah it was ugly there also...

[keeganbrick]

Braves have already taken out their ace who is getting roughed up tonight and I guess we are content on forfeiting this one.

[RedTeamGo!]

Dude is pitching terribly in his debut, and it's unlikely he will ever be good , but let's remember he is a 22 year old making his debut.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Holmberg done.....

WHAT?!? Price is leaving him in!?!

[The Operator]

LOL Price is leaving him in.

[WrongVerb]

Get this guy out of the game!

[Red Raindog]

that was pretty ugly --- and yet he stays in

[Gandalf the Red]

All part of the plan to do just good enough/bad enough to justify standing pat.

[cbowen2112]

We didn't have anyone else that could do better than this guy? I mean, why is he even on the 40?

[NebraskaRed]

If he walks the pitcher again...

[BluegrassRedleg]

Even though it was the Reds doing it in this case, still think it's total BS for MLB to allow managers to go out and stall/pseudo-argue while awaiting word on whether to challenge.

[WrongVerb]

Holmgren...again

[Cedric]

Wow --- get him out of here before the crowd gets ugly

Walt has done some great things with this organization but this is an obviously dumb decision. He really needed to wake up and make a move before bringing up someone as bad as Holmberg.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay. NOW he yanks him. 2 2/3 of an inning too late I think. That was abysmal.

Contreras in.

[Hillsdale87]

Good to see everybody's in a good mood tonight... Holmberg's clearly not ready but he was the logical choice to pitch. His ERA is high because he's coming back from injury. He'd given up 3 ER total in his last 4 starts.

[Marc D]

So Walt has our 40 man to the point we don't have a backup 1B or a pitcher that can even be competitive against an offense as weak as the Cubs.


Awesome.

[WVRedsFan]

Teams are always worried about tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come and by giving the Cubs this game, and that's what this is, and stumble tomorrow, yu find yourselves 7 back again. You have to win today. Of course most will disagree, but today is the day that matters. We punted.

[50YrRedsFan]

Holmberg, Don't wait for the inning to end....pack your suitcase and hit the road now.

[NebraskaRed]

http://images.amcnetworks.com/ifc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/tumblr_min7s7wY2K1rqy2z0o1_400.gif

[kbrake]

This place is so comical at times.

[The Operator]

Walt Jocketty, spotted while making the decision to throw Holmberg tonight instead of - gasp - maneuvering the 40-man roster for someone who might get some outs.


http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3304083/2ypunt.gif

[RedTeamGo!]

Justin Verlander gave up 5 runs in the first inning tonight, what a bum, dumbrowski should dfa him.

Ryu have up 6 in 2.1 innings, what a bum.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dude is pitching terribly in his debut, and it's unlikely he will ever be good , but let's remember he is a 22 year old making his debut.

Yes. 22, but hard to ignore this.

2.2 ip / 7 hits / 5 runs / 5 earned / 3 bb / 1 k / 3 hr / 16.88 era

Hey, at least he struck a guy out....something to tell the grandkids about.

[Larkin Fan]

Holmberg done.....

WHAT?!? Price is leaving him in!?!


And then he pulls him after he records an out. Mixed signals much?

[Hillsdale87]

BTW, the Cubs pitcher is making his debut too. This is certainly not over

[The Operator]

Good to see everybody's in a good mood tonight... Holmberg's clearly not ready but he was the logical choice to pitch. His ERA is high because he's coming back from injury. He'd given up 3 ER total in his last 4 starts.Logical if all you care about is not touching the 40-man roster.

[Larkin Fan]

I hope Welsh is wrong about there being another day for Holmberg with the Reds.

[Gandalf the Red]

And then he pulls him after he records an out. Mixed signals much?

It's like when I go out in my driveway to shoot 3-pointers. It's important to end on a make, even if it takes 2 dozen tries.

[hebroncougar]

Good to see everybody's in a good mood tonight... Holmberg's clearly not ready but he was the logical choice to pitch. His ERA is high because he's coming back from injury. He'd given up 3 ER total in his last 4 starts.

He's given up 82 base runners in 44 innings in AAA. He needs to get healed real quick. We are in a pennant race. Giving him a start shows how bad our #6 starter is. Thank god for Alfredo Simon.

[RedTeamGo!]

"Picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue."

[villain612]

I can't even come up with a snarky gif to express how I feel about this game.

[Big Klu]

And then he pulls him after he records an out. Mixed signals much?

Only thing I can think of is maybe Contreras wasn't ready yet.

[The Operator]

Justin Verlander gave up 5 runs in the first inning tonight, what a bum, dumbrowski should dfa him.

Ryu have up 6 in 2.1 innings, what a bum.Justin Verlander throws 100 MPH in the 8th inning and has a Cy Young and an MVP on his mantle.



I'm willing to give him a little more benefit of the doubt than a soft tossing lefty who walks the opposing pitcher and leaves every single pitch over the plate against an awful offense.



Ryu, same argument but to a lesser extent.

[kbrake]

BTW, the Cubs pitcher is making his debut too. This is certainly not over

Nope only the Reds punt and don't have the desire to win. They've made up 4 games in 2 weeks but Walt is an idiot and they don't even try to win.

[WrongVerb]

His fastball was up...his curveball was hanging...in the show they ripped him.

[PuffyPig]

Back to 5.5 games behind 1st.

Giving up on two separate games (both early) isn't usually done by people who have watched a lot of baseball.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Contreras hitting.

Change that. Contreras "hitting".

[WVRedsFan]

BTW, the Cubs pitcher is making his debut too. This is certainly not overHe's a lefty-the kind that give the Reds fits and the lineup. Ugh. Schumaker against a lefty? Barnhardt instead of Pena? I really don't understand a lot of things. It smells of white flag...so be it.

[NebraskaRed]

Pity the guy who purchased a Holmberg jersey before the game.

[villain612]

I wish there was a way to get Rocco into this game and at least get 2 AB's.

This kid is making his debut too.

And it's the Cubs.

[RedTeamGo!]

Justin Verlander throws 100 MPH in the 8th inning and has a Cy Young and an MVP on his mantle.



I'm willing to give him a little more benefit of the doubt than a soft tossing lefty who walks the opposing pitcher and leaves every single pitch over the plate against an awful offense.



Ryu, same argument but to a lesser extent.

My point is people are tar and feathering a guy after 1 start. He's probably never going to be even an average major leaguer, but I'm sure he's not this bad.

[kbrake]

He's a lefty-the kind that give the Reds fits and the lineup. Ugh. Schumaker against a lefty? Barnhardt instead of Pena? I really don't understand a lot of things. It smells of white flag...so be it.

Pena is banged up. They're not "punting".

[Kc61]

I view this home stand as critical in the sense that the Reds have eleven games at home. A big opportunity for a strong winning stretch and gain on the other contenders. And 5 with the last place Cubs.

I figured that 6-5 would be disappointing. 7-4 would be acceptable. 8-3 would be excellent.

Assuming a split today, the Reds would be 4-2 on the home stand so far, still in good shape to have an acceptable or better home stand.

Too bad about this one so far, in retrospect Holmberg was not the correct choice, Wang probably better, but it's only one game. Holmberg was on the forty and had some good outings since his return (although very limited work in that span).

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pity the guy who purchased a Holmberg jersey before the game.

Nah, it's all good. Name was attached with velcro.

[Hillsdale87]

He's given up 82 base runners in 44 innings in AAA. He needs to get healed real quick. We are in a pennant race. Giving him a start shows how bad our #6 starter is. Thank god for Alfredo Simon.

Verlander and Ryu were just as bad tonight. Holmberg is not as good as those guys and never will be, but judging his value off one start is pointless. Yes his AAA numbers are awful. Half of those we're while injured. Since getting healthy his ERA is just above 1. He's also our 7th starter. Cingrani is hurt

[Larkin Fan]

Contreras hitting.

Change that. Contreras "hitting".

I'm pretty sure they call that fanning, not hitting. ;)

[Gandalf the Red]

Pity the guy who purchased a Holmberg jersey before the game.

It was actually purchased by a Cubs fan.

[RedTeamGo!]

He's a lefty-the kind that give the Reds fits and the lineup. Ugh. Schumaker against a lefty? Barnhardt instead of Pena? I really don't understand a lot of things. It smells of white flag...so be it.

Newsflash: Pena hasn't hit a thing in over a month. He is officially a pumpkin.

[WVRedsFan]

Pena is banged up. They're not "punting".Must have been a tough delivery :). Sorry. I couldn't resist.

[kaldaniels]

I surrender. Save the team for tomorrow. Feed Ondrusek to the wolves for the rest of the game.

[villain612]

It was actually purchased by a Cubs fan.


Post of the night so far.

[Hillsdale87]

Pena is banged up. They're not "punting".

Nope. Price is losing on purpose.

[_Sir_Charles_]

WOW!!! What a play by the dinosaur!

[The Operator]

Not our night.

Darwin Barney robs Frazier of a base hit.

[Larkin Fan]

Damn that purple dinosaur!

[50YrRedsFan]

My point is people are tar and feathering a guy after 1 start. He's probably never going to be even an average major leaguer, but I'm sure he's not this bad.

Reds management shouldn't have put him in this position. They know how he has performed at Louisville. They should have had someone else come up with at least some experience.

[NebraskaRed]

Phillies score 3 to make it 5-4. That game is definitely not over.

[Big Klu]

Pity the guy who purchased a Holmberg jersey before the game.

Bob Castellini?

[The Operator]

Why wasn't Cingrani an option?

[BluegrassRedleg]

Why wasn't Cingrani an option?

DL'd, I believe, in Louisville.

[Larkin Fan]

Why wasn't Cingrani an option?

He's injured

[Kc61]

Reds management shouldn't have put him in this position. They know how he has performed at Louisville. They should have had someone else come up with at least some experience.

The other choice was Wang. In retrospect they should have found a way to get Wang on the forty. They didn't, it's one game, likely they weren't sweeping five games anyway.

Need good outings from Simon and Bailey, and then a good series against the Pirates.

[RiverRat13]

Why wasn't Cingrani an option?

He's on the DL, I believe.

[50YrRedsFan]

Why wasn't Cingrani an option?

On the DL

[mrherd05]

Just love giving games away.

[villain612]

Just a question...what was the logic behind starting Holmberg? I know hindsight is 20/20 but I was just curious.

Did Simon need a break?

Are they trying to save the pen to go all out against the Pirates this weekend right before the all star break?

I need booze.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. Rizzo swings and misses on a ball that hits him.

[Playadlc]

Chip away boys. Chip away.

[Gandalf the Red]

Phillies score 3 to make it 5-4. That game is definitely not over.

Quick--let's trade Holmberg to the Brewers.

[Hillsdale87]

Reds management shouldn't have put him in this position. They know how he has performed at Louisville. They should have had someone else come up with at least some experience.

You mean how he's been the best starting pitcher down there for the last 3 weeks?