7/9/2014: Reds vs. Cubs--What a Lineup!

[NebraskaRed]

https://mlblogsmarksheldon.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/20140709-144618-53178297.jpg

[reds44]

Hamilton CF
Schumaker LF
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Mesoraco C
Pena 1B
Santiago 3B
Cozart SS
Simon P

I have no idea how this team is winning games haha

[cumberlandreds]

Gotta keep Santiago's hot bat in there. ;) Frazier hadn't been off for a while. He probably needs a day.

[PepperJack]

The Cubs also called up one of their uber prospects in Alcantara for 2B, so much for Barney.

http://mlblogsramsey.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/7-9.jpg?w=555&h=350

Also, it's tough to give Frazier a day off(hope that's all it is) when it means more playing time for Ramon, even though he has been okay lately.

[reds44]

Gotta keep Santiago's hot bat in there. ;) Frazier hadn't been off for a while. He probably needs a day.

I'm not complaining about it, I have no problem with giving Todd a day off. It's not like Price has many options. It's still bad though haha.

[villain612]

3 backups in the lineup tonight.

I'll hope for the best.

[NebraskaRed]

Reds are facing Dallas "not Latos" Beeler tonight, and Kyle "not Kendrick" Hendricks tomorrow.

I know nothing about either.

[westofyou]

Hamilton CF
Schumaker LF
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Mesoraco C
Pena 1B
Santiago 3B
Cozart SS
Simon P

I have no idea how this team is winning games haha




Since May 30, they've gone 25-13 to go from 8 1/2 games back to 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

Offensively, only the Brewers have scored more runs in this stretch. Pitching? Only the Nationals and Dodgers have a lower team ERA.

Teams evolve during a six-month season, and during this time of so much competitive balance, playoff berths will be decided by the teams playing their best in September.

Still, the Reds are a team with very few weaknesses. Very few? Try none. At least, none at the moment.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140709&content_id=83854544&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_83854544

[villain612]

Since May 30, they've gone 25-13 to go from 8 1/2 games back to 3 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central.

Offensively, only the Brewers have scored more runs in this stretch. Pitching? Only the Nationals and Dodgers have a lower team ERA.

Teams evolve during a six-month season, and during this time of so much competitive balance, playoff berths will be decided by the teams playing their best in September.

Still, the Reds are a team with very few weaknesses. Very few? Try none. At least, none at the moment.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/images.hitfix.com/assets/2059/keanu2.gif

[reds44]

OPS by batting spot tonight:
.730
.626
.695
.737
.995
.681
.577
.592

To say they don't have a weakness right now, is a big time stretch lol.

[RedTeamGo!]

I have no idea how this team is winning games haha

It is because of their very high TWTW rating

The Will To Win

[villain612]

Hamilton CF
Schumaker LF
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Mesoraco C
Pena 1B
Santiago 3B
Cozart SS
Simon P

I have no idea how this team is winning games haha


7507

[powersackers]

It's a very good run prevention lineup with some hot hitters in at the top and in the middle. It's Solid.

[Larkin Fan]

We are winning games because our players are defying the laws of statistics. I can't explain it, but really no one else can either. It's quite simply magical.

[50YrRedsFan]

Reds are facing Dallas "not Latos" Beeler tonight, and Kyle "not Kendrick" Hendricks tomorrow.

I know nothing about either.

More "nobodys" to give Reds hitters fits.:confused:

[Tadasimha]

We are winning games because our players are defying the laws of statistics. I can't explain it, but really no one else can either. It's quite simply magical.

The Reds' players follow the Laws Of Awesome!

http://youtu.be/LtOhj2hsA7U

[RedlegJake]

Beeler has reasonable stuff, not overwhelming. Not a big K pitcher. Hits 92 but sits about 89-90. Throws a decent curve, forkball/splitter sorta changeup and added a cutter which he has been using a lot. So far in his minor league career he has been a lowish strikeout/do not walk guys/groundball kind of pitcher. Doesn't give up many dingers. (5 in 66 AAA innings this year). Pitched very well in his only ML start against Washington. Will give up hits but when effective no long balls and few walks to help offenses out.

Really want to see this Alcantara kid. He's called up too. The Cubs begin their youth movement. Wonder who else gets dealt by the deadline?

[PepperJack]

Bill Shaikin ‏@BillShaikin 15m
Zack Greinke, asked if Verlander/Scherzer is best P duo #Dodgers have faced this year, opts for Cueto/Simon of #Reds.

[VR]

Bill Shaikin ‏@BillShaikin 15m
Zack Greinke, asked if Verlander/Scherzer is best P duo #Dodgers have faced this year, opts for Cueto/Simon of #Reds.

As my 12 yr old would say...that is 'cray cray'.

High praise!

[Puffy]

OPS by batting spot tonight:
.730
.626
.695
.737
.995
.681
.577
.592

To say they don't have a weakness right now, is a big time stretch lol.

What this tells me is Billy Hamilton for 3 hitter!!! I'm startin' the movement

[RedsfaninMT]

Beeler? Anyone? Beeler? Beeler?

Can't believe nobody's posted that yet.

[Magdal]

If I was a Reds fan I would be very exited tonight. Why? What could top yesterday's standings coup?

1) Dodgers losing right now to Detroit 4-1

2) Hamel takes the mound for the first time for the A's facing the Giants who send out out Matt Cain, who has been horrid this year.

3) And most interesting: the possibility of the Pirates losing to Lance Lynn setting up the possibility of losing in a four game sweep, effectively keeping them behind the Reds and the rest of the pack for good. They just don't have the arms to compete.

Like last year I believed that the Reds would win the Central, but of course I never figured that the Brews would be in the mix. I now think they will finish 3rd, ahead of the stumbling Pirates.

[villain612]

Tanaka goes to the 15 day DL with right elbow soreness.

Sucks for the Yanks. They'd be dead in the water without him this year.

[Magdal]

Tanaka goes to the 15 day DL with right elbow soreness.

Sucks for the Yanks. They'd be dead in the water without him this year.Probably sucks for the Cards too. Can't out-bid the Yankees for Peavy. NY loves to raid the Red Sox you know.

[_Sir_Charles_]

3) And most interesting: the possibility of the Pirates losing to Lance Lynn setting up the possibility of losing in a four game sweep, effectively keeping them behind the Reds and the rest of the pack for good. They just don't have the arms to compete.

I'm pulling for the Pirates.

[Red Raindog]

I'm pulling for the Pirates.

I'm pulling for Argentina --- sorry my German Redszone friend

[Magdal]

I'm pulling for the Pirates.Don't blame you Chuck. I'll be pullin' for 'em too when they face the Brews and YOU. ;)

But all the "pulling" in the world won't effect the outcomes one iota, as you well know. What'll be, will be.

[Red Raindog]

Don't blame you Chuck. I'll be pullin' for 'em too when they face the Brews and YOU. ;)

But all the "pulling" in the world won't effect the outcomes one iota, as you well know. What'll be, will be.

do not invade my reality with your reality!

;)

[Magdal]

do not invade my reality with your reality!

;):oops:

[villain612]

I feeling a Rocco homer tonight.

[Red Raindog]

:oops:

apology accepted -- I know my double finger cross has saved us many times this year ---

[_Sir_Charles_]

Don't blame you Chuck. I'll be pullin' for 'em too when they face the Brews and YOU. ;)

But all the "pulling" in the world won't effect the outcomes one iota, as you well know. What'll be, will be.

Clearly you have no idea how powerful my lucky hat is. Bwahahahahaha!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Pena...horrible toss, nice snag by Simon to pull it in.

[Tom Servo]

I think FS Ohio got the graphic wrong on the last batter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down after Alcantara pops out to Cozy.

[Tom Servo]

2 out walk to Rizzo, and now Castro singles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I just can't get over how much Rizzo crowds the dish. Bust him in and it's all knuckles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Juuuuuuust a bit outside. :O)

And Rizzo ends up with the BB. Already 3 really wild pitches from Simon.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sharp single to left for Castro. 1st & 2nd, 1 down.

[Tom Servo]

Simon K's Valbuena to escape two out trouble.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Another pretty bad miss by Simon, crossed up Rocco...passed ball. Rizzo to third.

[VR]

Just when you think 'fredo is going to regress, gets the big K.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Simon K's Valbuena to escape two out trouble.

Looks like I've got quite the delay again. You wanna snag PBP?

[Raisor]

Just when you think 'fredo is going to regress, gets the big K.

I knew it was you Fredo, you broke my heart

[_Sir_Charles_]

Beeler looking to get in trouble early. 3-0 to Billy.

Or not. Pop out to center.

[Magdal]

Is it my imagination or is Billy trying more to get the ball up in the air nowadays?

[Mutaman]

I have no idea how this team is winning games haha

Good pitching and solid defense will take you a long way. No one wants to believe me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down as Skip bounces one back to the pitcher.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-2-3 go the Reds. Brandon grounded out to short.

[Raisor]

Good pitching and solid defense will take you a long way. No one wants to believe me.

And also scoring more runs than every other team except the Brewers since the middle of May

[_Sir_Charles_]

COZART!!! Fantastic!

[WrongVerb]

I am just fine with Cozart being Cozart as long as they solve LF/1b.

[WrongVerb]

Is it my imagination or is Billy trying more to get the ball up in the air nowadays?

Trying? No. They're pitching him down and away and his swing is lifting the ball into the air. He'll figure out how to turn that into line drives and ground balls to the opposite field soon enough.

[toledodan]

One out double

[WrongVerb]

Is something wrong with Mez tonight? He doesn't look his usual smooth self back there.

[toledodan]

First and third on a broken bat single

- - - Updated - - -

Simon not sharp early

[50YrRedsFan]

Simon having trouble with his control......almost 40 pitches already.

[Mutaman]

And also scoring more runs than every other team except the Brewers since the middle of May

Then April must have been a pretty bad month considering they're still 10th out of 15 teams in runs scored despite playing in a little league park. Pitching and defense.

[toledodan]

Pitcher strikeout. 2 down runners on corners

[cbowen2112]

can we get this Coghlan character out please...

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is something wrong with Mez tonight? He doesn't look his usual smooth self back there.

It's not him, it's Simon. He's very wild and his pitches are moving like CRAZY.

[cbowen2112]

so he wants to load the bases?

[cbowen2112]

wheew

[toledodan]

Inning over on force out

[_Sir_Charles_]

Simon playing with fire tonight. Groundout to Phillips to pull the Houdini.

[50YrRedsFan]

Simon at 46 pitches after 2 innings.....big time bullpen use tonight.

[Red Raindog]

Then April must have been a pretty bad month considering they're still 10th out of 15 teams in runs scored despite playing in a little league park. Pitching and defense.

early on the Padres were hanging with the Reds in runs scored --- so yes

[BluegrassRedleg]

Simon has a calm demeanor to him that helps him thru jams like that. Think it helps being a former middle reliever.

[_Sir_Charles_]

After seeing some of the plays this past week that Cozart has made, at some point he may get considered for a GG. Unfortunately that Simmons character is in the NL. But Zack is certainly good enough to warrant consideration.

- - - Updated - - -


Simon at 46 pitches after 2 innings.....big time bullpen use tonight.

Too early to say. He could easily settle down...and he IS facing the baby bears.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Haven't seen the defensive stats, but Cozart may be out in front of him this year. Rep will be hard to overcome, though.

[Red Raindog]

Haven't seen the defensive stats, but Cozart may be out in front of him this year. Rep will be hard to overcome, though.

I can't think of another glove I want out there

[WrongVerb]

Simon at 46 pitches after 2 innings.....big time bullpen use tonight.

Simon started the last game vs. Milwaukee like that, then settled down. Someone else said it: his pitches almost have too much movement to them tonight.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Haven't seen the defensive stats, but Cozart may be out in front of him this year. Rep will be hard to overcome, though.

Yep. But defensive stats? :thumbdown: They've got a long way to go IMO. I can't wait to start seeing more of those ones from MLB. Those are sweet.

- - - Updated - - -

Wow. Helluva play by Alcantara. That was about a 9.9 on the difficulty level. Sheesh!

[WrongVerb]

I wonder if we'll ever see a move back to maple bats from ash. The maple wood has longer fibers, so when an ash bat shatters, the maple bat just cracks.

[Red Raindog]

Yep. But defensive stats? :thumbdown: They've got a long way to go IMO. I can't wait to start seeing more of those ones from MLB. Those are sweet.

- - - Updated - - -

Wow. Helluva play by Alcantara. That was about a 9.9 on the difficulty level. Sheesh!



true -- but it was Mes running

[_Sir_Charles_]

I wonder if we'll ever see a move back to maple bats from ash. The maple wood has longer fibers, so when an ash bat shatters, the maple bat just cracks.

Balsa bats. :O)

[Magdal]

Trying? No. They're pitching him down and away and his swing is lifting the ball into the air. He'll figure out how to turn that into line drives and ground balls to the opposite field soon enough. Thanks. That's interesting to know.

[_Sir_Charles_]

true -- but it was Mes running

Oh, I wasn't talking about how much time he had to make the play....just the difficulty of the catch, transfer, throw off the wrong foot. Unbelievably awkward play to make...he made it very smoothly. I'd heard good things about his glove...so far, spot on.

[Tom Servo]

Who dared question Ramon Santiago?!

[Red Raindog]

Todd who?

[Larkin Fan]

Pena running around the bases is hilarious.

[50YrRedsFan]

Move Santiago to #4:laugh:

[toledodan]

Razor did beat us with a home run in Cincinnati while with Detroit.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Santiago with a double to plate Pena! Out at third going for the 3 bagger. Ramon is shocking the hell out of me this past week. I hope nobody tests him for PED's. *grin*

[BluegrassRedleg]

Yep. But defensive stats? :thumbdown: They've got a long way to go IMO. I can't wait to start seeing more of those ones from MLB. Those are sweet.

- - - Updated - - -

Wow. Helluva play by Alcantara. That was about a 9.9 on the difficulty level. Sheesh!

I'm not a fan of defensive stats, either. Just not at my PC tonight and wanted to make that caveat. It doesn't seem like I've seen Simmons on top plays as much tis season as the last couple.

[Chuckie]

Bruce AND Santiago on fire at the same time? This could be special, kids.

[villain612]

Santiago must have figured they were throwing home.

[Larkin Fan]

Who dared question Ramon Santiago?!

He's been money ever since that bozo interfered with his hit on Sunday. Lol

[cbowen2112]

Does every double need to be a try for a triple? I would have liked more than one run.

[RedsBrick]

Santiago...the AB woulda been perfect if you'd stayed at 2nd, burning Simon's AB this inning.

Good rip, though.

EDIT: Nevermind...I got lost in the order. Cozy next.

[Raisor]

Razor did beat us with a home run in Cincinnati while with Detroit.

I pack serious lumber

[Red Raindog]

Pena running around the bases is hilarious.

I keep expecting him to fall face first

[toledodan]

Looked like another cub outfielder than can't make proper routes in the field. Thanks

[Chuckie]

Does every double need to be a try for a triple? I would have liked more than one run.

Let's not complain when the result is good.

*Remembers beeotching about Holmberg last night*

Nevermind.

[50YrRedsFan]

Yankees put Tanaka on DL today...... won't be available for the Reds series in NY.

[reds44]

Santiago > Votto

[Superdude]

This may have been brought up earlier, but what is it about Halladay's delivery that has spawned a legion of pitchers plagiarizing it to the absolute tee? I can't hardly recall anyone just straight copying a delivery outside of Halladay.

[Larkin Fan]

Bruce AND Santiago on fire at the same time? This could be special, kids.

I think it may be the first time in his life that Santiago is en fuego but I'll take it!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce AND Santiago on fire at the same time? This could be special, kids.

You forgetting Billy?

[cbowen2112]

Santiago makes them a little too close for comfort over there...

[Mutaman]

Yankees put Tanaka on DL today...... won't be available for the Reds series in NY.

A major blow to Yankees. 4 of their 5 opening day starters on dl.

[cbowen2112]

I would walk Rizzo every time from now on.

[toledodan]

Simon not very good tonight

[Tom Servo]

Rizzo the rat

[Red Raindog]

Rizzo is going to be a problem for a long time

[Larkin Fan]

I keep expecting him to fall face first

I keep waiting for him to start yelling, "water! Water! I need water!"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rizzo gets ahold of one. Too high! It's TOO HIGH! It hasn't got a chance to go out! Oh....nevermind. 1-1

[villain612]

Rizzo'd

[BluegrassRedleg]

Rizzo is pretty good at baseball.

- - - Updated - - -

Pena! :D

[cbowen2112]

See...that other run would have been better... thanks Santiago...or Smith, or baseball Gods.

[Raisor]

Rizzo'd

Stockard Channing?

[Larkin Fan]

Nice grab by Pena!

[50YrRedsFan]

Rizzo is pretty good at baseball.

And to think the Padres traded him knowing they had Alonso to play 1B.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Watching Devin back there tonight it's like watching a catcher try to deal with a knuckleballer. He's diving and hoping all over the place.

Nice snag by Pena to end the inning. But they even it up. 1-1

- - - Updated - - -


Stockard Channing?

Mrs. Bartlett?

[Raisor]

Mrs. Bartlett?

Doctor Bartlett

[_Sir_Charles_]

Doctor Bartlett

My apologies. :O)

[Tom Servo]

And to think the Padres traded him knowing they had Alonso to play 1B.
To be fair they did get a pretty good pitcher in Andrew Cashner in exchange for Rizzo but yeah, they backed the wrong horse.

[_Sir_Charles_]

To be fair they did get a pretty good pitcher in Andrew Cashner in exchange for Rizzo but yeah, they backed the wrong horse.

It might still be too early to call that one yet. Yonder's got a load of talent.

[Tom Servo]

Wait, Huston Street didn't make the All-Star team? Afwhat?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wait, Huston Street didn't make the All-Star team? Afwhat?

Yep. The one that surprised me was Arrieta.

[Tom Servo]

Loving BHam's plate patience of late.

[_Sir_Charles_]

BB to BH

[BluegrassRedleg]

And to think the Padres traded him knowing they had Alonso to play 1B.

Oops.

[Kc61]

See...that other run would have been better... thanks Santiago...or Smith, or baseball Gods.

I think you have to blame the baseball "book" and tradition.

It's a pretty standard play that's been used for years. Potential close play at the plate. Hitter running the bases. Hitter tries for an extra base to draw a throw. This makes it easier for baserunner to score and avoid the close play at plate.

We see it often. I think too often. Usually seems like the baserunner would score anyway and no need for that baserunning play.

But it's not an unusual play by Santiago or coach Smith.

[Chuckie]

Billy walked! That's the one area of his game that needs the most improvement. If he can take more walks ... look the hell out. (And I'm about as high on him as you could possibly be. But he needs to walk more often.)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rizzo leading the final vote.

[Red Raindog]

is BH hurt? he grabbed an ankle on that slide

[Chuckie]

Well fudge. 13th caught stealing for Slidin' Billy on the year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Toast. Crappy jump. Nice throw. Out by a mile.

[_Sir_Charles_]

is BH hurt? he grabbed an ankle on that slide

Just jammed his foot into the bag. He looks fine.

[Kc61]

I think that one was too obvious. Cubs knew Billy was stealing immediately making it very tough to steal the base.

Billy goes on the first pitch very often. Might want to change it up once in awhile and go on a later pitch.

[Chuckie]

is BH hurt? he grabbed an ankle on that slide

Uh, please tell me this isn't true.

- - - Updated - - -


Just jammed his foot into the bag. He looks fine.

Wheeeeew.

[toledodan]

Huston street made the all star team I thought

[_Sir_Charles_]

Huston street made the all star team I thought

Nope. Tyson Ross only Padre.

Street's more deserving that Chapman IMO.

[villain612]

Simon's control is a little off tonight. But he's battling.

[cbowen2112]

I hope he can go 7...

[Kc61]

Pretty nice inning for Simon there. Guy has been amazing. Let's generate a couple of runs, fellows.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KKKK

[50YrRedsFan]

Pretty nice inning for Simon there. Guy has been amazing. Let's generate a couple of runs, fellows.

The Reds would more than likely be out of contention without Simon's contributions.

[Chuckie]

73 pitches through 4 innings for Big Pasta. The results have been good but he might only be able to go 2 more innings tonight.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1 down as Skip flies out to center.

[Chuckie]

The Reds would more than likely be out of contention without Simon's contributions.

Completely on point. Couldn't agree more.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. That side-by-side with Halladay was cool. Almost identical.

[Chip R]

Billy walked! That's the one area of his game that needs the most improvement. If he can take more walks ... look the hell out. (And I'm about as high on him as you could possibly be. But he needs to walk more often.)

He does. I thought he should have taken that 3-1 pitch in the 1st but he will hopefully improve.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brandon scoots one through to left. 1 on, 1 down for the Beaumont Bomber!

[villain612]

This would be perfect timing for the home run I talked about earlier Rocco

[Chuckie]

He does. I thought he should have taken that 3-1 pitch in the 1st but he will hopefully improve.

It's a "conservative" approach, but I would fully endorse Billy taking on every 2-0 pitch and every 3-1 pitch. Taking on 3-0 is a given. But I think Billy taking on 2-0 and 3-1 should be almost automatic as well.

[_Sir_Charles_]

BB to Jay. 2 on.

- - - Updated - - -


This would be perfect timing for the home run I talked about earlier Rocco

I approve of this message. :)

[villain612]

Nevermind

[AmarilloRed]

Pop out by Mesoraco.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down as Devin pops out to 3rd. Sawed off at the knuckles.

[50YrRedsFan]

a 2 out hit would be good here.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Making this guy look like Cy Young. Why can't this happen when we start some no-name?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Making this guy look like Cy Young. Why can't this happen when we start some no-name?

2 walks, 2 hits, 1 run in 4 innings. 2 on. Cy Young?

[Kc61]

I thought Mes was a little overanxious there, this pitcher has iffy control. Maybe Pena can do it.

2-2 count.

[WrongVerb]

Wow. That side-by-side with Halladay was cool. Almost identical.

You guys ever want to see something uncanny, watch Pete Rose and Wally Post side by side. Nearly identical, although Pete crouched just a bit more than Post did. Pete grew up watching Post, so it isn't too hard to fathom that he imitated Post's style.

[toledodan]

Hit hard but out three

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang. Liner to center that hangs. 3 down. 1-1 it remains.

[Gandalf the Red]

Making this guy look like Cy Young. Why can't this happen when we start some no-name?

Because our hitters are good Samaritans who do their best to give no-name pitchers a sense of identity.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You guys ever want to see something uncanny, watch Pete Rose and Wally Post side by side. Nearly identical, although Pete crouched just a bit more than Post did. Pete grew up watching Post, so it isn't too hard to fathom that he imitated Post's style.

I'll look into that. I never saw Wally. I've got a couple of his cards, but I've never seen footage of him playing. (a tad before my time...I started watching around 72'ish)

[villain612]

Simon will keep us in this for a few more innings.

It's tough to beat the same team 4 times in a row. But I have faith in the Cubs' losing potential.

Gonna need a big hit from the O.

[WrongVerb]

I'll look into that. I never saw Wally. I've got a couple of his cards, but I've never seen footage of him playing. (a tad before my time...I started watching around 72'ish)

There's a YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA2IbV-CqS8 of a home run derby of Post vs. Aaron.

[50YrRedsFan]

Is there a promotion at GABP tonight? Big crowd for a Wednesday.

[Kc61]

Simon will keep us in this for a few more innings.

It's tough to beat the same team 4 times in a row. But I have faith in the Cubs' losing potential.

Gonna need a big hit from the O.

Need Simon to go seven or hope a secondary reliever can pitch a good seventh. Could be a Rizzo/Castro inning.

If Reds hold them through seven, then Brox/Chapman can pitch and I like our chances.

[Chip R]

It's a "conservative" approach, but I would fully endorse Billy taking on every 2-0 pitch and every 3-1 pitch. Taking on 3-0 is a given. But I think Billy taking on 2-0 and 3-1 should be almost automatic as well.

Shouldn't be automatic cause word will get around and they will just lay it in there every time. But he should take in those counts most of the time.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Missed that half inning. But another 1-2-3.

[BluegrassRedleg]

2 walks, 2 hits, 1 run in 4 innings. 2 on. Cy Young?

1

[WrongVerb]

Now they're talking about Wally Post. THAT'S uncanny, too!

[Magdal]

Matt Adams doubles home 2 runs in the 1st vs the Pirates

[dubc47834]

He's no datdudeovertheshoulder!!!

[cbowen2112]

cubs with their best phillips impression...no dice

[Gandalf the Red]

Is there a promotion at GABP tonight? Big crowd for a Wednesday.

Word got out that Santiago was starting.

[50YrRedsFan]

Cozart will his patented pop up, but this one falls for a hit.

[_Sir_Charles_]

home run derby of Post vs. Aaron.

Very similar. Definitely not as much of a crouch as Pete and not as tightly bunched together, but I can see it for sure.

[villain612]

Billy.

'Nuff said.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Cubs gonna Cub!!! :D

[dubc47834]

Don't hold him back....daaaammmmmnnnnnnnn!

[_Sir_Charles_]

1

One what?

[Tom Servo]

I'd have let Billy go for it.

[BluegrassRedleg]

One what?

:beerme:

[villain612]

It would've been close, but with two outs, I woulda let him go.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang. Thought we had an inside the parker.

[Larkin Fan]

Why on earth did Smith stop BHam? Billy would have made it by a mile. Geez.

[toledodan]

Billy is pretty good

[WrongVerb]

Run Billy-ed In!!!

[BluegrassRedleg]

Why on earth did Smith stop BHam? Billy would have made it by a mile. Geez.

Smith operates in the Bizarro World of third base coaching.

He needs to adopt George Costanza's "The Opposite" method.

[50YrRedsFan]

It will be SRO on Saturday for Billy bobble head night.

[BCubb2003]

What's the record for a triples streak?

[WrongVerb]

Very similar. Definitely not as much of a crouch as Pete and not as tightly bunched together, but I can see it for sure.

Yeah, Pete definitely made adjustments but you can see where he got his basic style from.

[Kc61]

Hamilton is such an exciting player.

I'm glad they held him. I don't want Billy in close plays at home. Not good for his health.

[_Sir_Charles_]

:beerme:

Seriously....1 what? Did you mean 1 hit? Phillips singled in the 4th. Ramon doubled in the 2nd.

[Tom Servo]

DatDude1B

3-1 Redlegs

[villain612]

The ball got to the cutoff man right when Billy was rounding 3rd. It would've been a close play but I think he had a good shot at it.


DatDude knocks him in so we're all good!

[PepperJack]

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lp268wtVfH1qhqmx8.gif

[_Sir_Charles_]

Make that 3-1. :O) RUN IT UP!!!

[dubc47834]

Datduuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuude

[Larkin Fan]

Smith makes me want Mark Berry back.

[dubc47834]

It will be SRO on Saturday for Billy bobble head night.

I'll be there nice and early to get mine!

[Gandalf the Red]

Hamilton is such an exciting player.

I'm glad they held him. I don't want Billy in close plays at home. Not good for his health.

Yeah. Billy's awesome and all, but he's not Norm Charlton.

[villain612]

Cy Young is having a tough inning

[Tom Servo]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce


4-1 Redlegs

[dubc47834]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuuuce.

Nice base running by datdude

[_Sir_Charles_]

4-1! Keep playin' add-on fellas. It's a fun game to play.

[Kc61]

Smith makes me want Mark Berry back.

Smith was totally right. Just completely.

Keep Hamilton away from close plays at home. Unless it's the playoffs. Keep him healthy.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Seriously....1 what? Did you mean 1 hit? Phillips singled in the 4th. Ramon doubled in the 2nd.

1 run, bro. (Obviously obsolete now.) :p

[Chuckie]

YEEEESSSSSSSS! I think it's safe to say Jay is on one of his patented hot streaks.

[Gandalf the Red]

Cy Young is having a tough inning

:lol:

[50YrRedsFan]

I'll be there nice and early to get mine!

It's a shame they are only giving out 25000. Will be a lot of disappointed fans.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Notice no shift on Bruce? He would've hit right into the teeth of one that he'd normally face.

[Larkin Fan]

Smith was totally right. Just completely.

Keep Hamilton away from close plays at home. Unless it's the playoffs. Keep him healthy.

That's assuming it would have been close at the plate. It wouldn't have been.

[Kc61]

That hit by Billy was predictable.

He has a similar thing as does Votto. When something goes wrong (caught stealing last time) he tends to step up next time up.

Hamilton is really tremendous.

[villain612]

lol goodbye

[dsmith421]

If I get to heaven(*) and they have baseball, my guess is it's the Reds hosting the Cubs for a doubleheader every single day for eternity.

* Longshot.

[AmarilloRed]

Not a good way for the Cubs manager to get tossed on.

[villain612]

I love manager/umpire arguments.

[WrongVerb]

This game is about to get out of hand in our favor.

[villain612]

That was easily a foul ball.

[Kc61]

That's assuming it would have been close at the plate. It wouldn't have been.

Ok. I thought it would be close, but debatable.

Worked out well anyway. I just remember Eric Davis and I want Billy to be babied a little.

[Tom Servo]

I thought it was fair in real time, but that's clearly foul. No idea what Renteria got himself tossed for.

[BluegrassRedleg]

That's clearly a foul ball.

Gotta figure he just wanted to get run after watching his team the last three or four days.

[_Sir_Charles_]

That replay is pretty cut and dry. Clearly foul. Even with the slightly off angle.

[villain612]

This game is about to get out of hand in our favor.

http://blog.gleanster.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/burns-excellent.gif

[dubc47834]

It's a shame they are only giving out 25000. Will be a lot of disappointed fans.

Don't know what time the gates open, but I'm gonna be there way before that. I need to look it up!

[WrongVerb]

Not a good way for the Cubs manager to get tossed on.

He doesn't have to stick around and watch this debacle now. So in a way it's good for him. :D

[kbrake]

I thought it was fair in real time, but that's clearly foul. No idea what Renteria got himself tossed for.

Wouldn't you if you had to watch the Cubs every single day?

[_Sir_Charles_]

This game is about to get out of hand in our favor.

I approve of this message. :)

[Larkin Fan]

Ok. I thought it would be close, but debatable.

Worked out well anyway. I just remember Eric Davis and I want Billy to be babied a little.

Having memories of Davis as well, I can't fault you for feeling that way. Not at all.

[villain612]

If I was the Cubs manager, I'd make sure I got tossed every game.

[cbowen2112]

please walk Rizzo

[Larkin Fan]

That replay is pretty cut and dry. Clearly foul. Even with the slightly off angle.
Have to wonder what Renteria was looking at.

[_Sir_Charles_]

please walk Rizzo

Why? Strike da bum out!

[cbowen2112]

getting squeezed badly

[_Sir_Charles_]

If I was the Cubs manager, I'd make sure I got tossed every game.

If I was the Cubs manager...I'd kill myself...with a DNR clause in my contract.

[Ironman92]

Rizzo not being an all-star before the final vote is a joke

[Larkin Fan]

Anyone else think Renteria might have just been mad someone woke him up from his nap?

[villain612]

PHI 1
MIL 1
Bottom 3rd

PIT 1
STL 2
Top 2nd

[_Sir_Charles_]

Have to wonder what Renteria was looking at.

An early table reservation at the Montgomery Inn?

[Kc61]

Rizzo not being an all-star before the final vote is a joke

Agree. Reds handled him in previous years. This year Rizzo is extremely impressive.

[Tom Servo]

sit down, rat

[dsmith421]

I can't believe Rizzo is complaining about that pitch. His entire body is over the plate by the time the ball is delivered. Heck, he swung and missed at a ball that hit him in the gut yesterday. That was right down broadway.

[_Sir_Charles_]

See? :O)

KKKKKKK

[Tom Servo]

Reds marketing staff, this cliched "Girl's Night Out"...no. Don't.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down. Grounder to Cozart. Crappy hop, played it well.

[Kc61]

This is Simon's last outing before the ASB. He needs to be added to the NL team forthwith.

[50YrRedsFan]

Who was the last player who brought this amount of excitement to the Reds? Votto had a great 2010, but sheer excitement has to be Billy.

[kbrake]

please walk Rizzo

Yeah up 3 runs let's starting walking guys to just put guys on base.

[villain612]

Alfredo is dealing.

We're not done scoring runs either.

I can feel it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Who was the last player who brought this amount of excitement to the Reds? Votto had a great 2010, but sheer excitement has to be Billy.

Bruce's first week. No doubt.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Cozart with another nice play.

Regarding the earlier topic on SS...

Cozart with 5 Es to Simmons' 9 so far. He's got a +0.10 edge in fielding percentage, and the RF is roughly equal.

Tulo is actually leading both of them, but I'll stick with our assertion that we'll take Cozart with the glove any day.

[AmarilloRed]

Who was the last player who brought this amount of excitement to the Reds? Votto had a great 2010, but sheer excitement has to be Billy.

Eric Davis.