Tuesday 9.16.14 Reds @ Cubs Game 2

[klw]

#Reds lineup:

Hamilton CF
Pena C
Frazier 1B
Bruce RF
Phillips 2B
Heisey LF
Santiago 3B
Cozart SS
Cueto P

#Cubs lineup:
Coghlan LF,
Baez SS,
Valbuena 3B,
Soler RF,
Castillo C,
Valaika 1B,
Watkins 2B,
Szczur CF,
Arrieta P

[mbgrayson]

Do we have the current 'A team' playing tonight because Cueto is pitching, and the organization wants to see him get 20 wins?

[Rantly]

Do we have the current 'A team' playing tonight because Cueto is pitching, and the organization wants to see him get 20 wins?

I think so and i like it,

[klw]

I don't see how that can actually be the A team though it does seem to be what the Reds consider it to be. Really need Mesoraco in there and it isn't as if he and Cueto didn't combine for 8 scoreless last time out.

I would go:
Hamilton CF
Pena 1B
Mesoraco C
Frazier 3B
Ludwick LF
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Cozart SS
Cueto P

There is plenty of debate on a few of the spots- LF, RF, 2B, 1B but I think this would make sense. if the goal is giving Cueto the best shot of winning they need to figure out how to have Mesoraco in there and to not play half the team of of position.

Not that it really matters much at this point.

[757690]

Is there really a difference between the current A team and the current B team?

[Ironman92]

I don't see how that can actually be the A team though it does seem to be what the Reds consider it to be. Really need Mesoraco in there and it isn't as if he and Cueto didn't combine for 8 scoreless last time out.

I would go:
Hamilton CF
Pena 1B
Mesoraco C
Frazier 3B
Ludwick LF
Phillips 2B
Bruce RF
Cozart SS
Cueto P

There is plenty of debate on a few of the spots- LF, RF, 2B, 1B but I think this would make sense. if the goal is giving Cueto the best shot of winning they need to figure out how to have Mesoraco in there and to not play half the team of of position.

Not that it really matters much at this point.

Cueto has had 2 wins of his last 3 that would not have been if not for Heisey's hitting.

[Ironman92]

Pena whining about the strike 3 but even though the catcher was positioned outside and the ball went to the inside.... It completely caught the plate and then some to spare.

[Ironman92]

Coghlin single to LF

[Ironman92]

Tight....not sure if he was safe or not

[Ironman92]

So close....couldn't argue either way

[texasdave]

Strong breeze blowing out at Wrigley tonight, the cause of which is Reds' batsmen.

[texasdave]

No Rizzo tonight. How is either team going to score now? Ex-Reds' farmhand, Chris Valaika, playing first. Advantage Cueto.

[Ironman92]

No Rizzo tonight. How is either team going to score now? Ex-Reds' farmhand, Chris Valaika, playing first. Advantage Cueto.

Someone for the Reds will throw on into the Soler System

[DocRed]

MLB umps blind idiots as usual...worst in all of sports easy.

[Ironman92]

Cueto has missed the plate completely and it called a strike and then just threw one dead center of plate but lower 1/3 of zone...ball

[Ironman92]

MLB umps blind idiots as usual...worst in all of sports easy.

We get it. Your thoughts on the bang bang at first?

[Ironman92]

Heisey 0-2

[Tom Servo]

Shaping up to be another exciting night via the Reds offense.

[texasdave]

Chris (0-2) Heisey looking to extend the inning. Six-pitch inning for Arrieta.

[texasdave]

Looks like two teams playing out the string. Time for a little dog walking.

[Kc61]

Arrieta doubles.

I'm tempted to say ballgame even though the Cubs didn't score.

[Tom Servo]

"Bruce went his entire minor league career without one sac fly"

lol Thom hates Jay Bruce so much

[Ironman92]

Cueto laboring a bit...need someone to complain that he is tired and done from too many innings

[Ironman92]

"Bruce went his entire minor league career without one sac fly"

lol Thom hates Jay Bruce so much

Didn't he say sac bunt?

[Ironman92]

No chance Thom

1-0 Cubs

[Kc61]

1-0 Cubs through 3 innings.

Reds may never score another run this season. Hopefully, only this season.

[Ironman92]

Kyle Irving? C'mon Thom

[Ironman92]

Tight again...might've got him

[757690]

Nothing clear and decisive. Which means the replay crew in NY will overturn it.

[757690]

Replay is joke. Example #748,843

[Ironman92]

Out

[Ironman92]

Tired of the bunt talk

[Kc61]

Billy has some work to do on the steals.

Still think the Reds overused him this year, but hopefully he'll learn from it and get better.

I would have sacrificed there instead of the steal. Normally I don't like the sac, but with this offense I bunt.

[Tom Servo]

Thom way too busy talking about bunting to realize that Frazier clearly fouled off a ball and didn't strike out.

But now he strikes out.

[Ironman92]

Billy has some work to do on the steals.

Still think the Reds overused him this year, but hopefully he'll learn from it and get better.

I would have sacrificed there instead of the steal. Normally I don't like the sac, but with this offense I bunt.

In his nearly 80 attempts I swear 77 have been on easy catch and throw fastballs. Run on 0-1, 0-2, 1-2 counts

[Kc61]

In his nearly 80 attempts I swear 77 have been on easy catch and throw fastballs. Run on 0-1, 0-2, 1-2 counts

Doesn't get a great jump and his timing seems predictable. Most of the year he always ran on the first pitch. He's varying it a bit now.

Billy is young, have to give him time. As I said, don't really like that Price used him so, so much. Has seen a bit worn out the second half.

[757690]

Out

The problem is the consistency in those calls. Many precious calls that were even clear than that one, were not overturned, doe to lack of "clear and convincing" evidence. They could have called him safe, and there would be zero outrage.

[Ironman92]

Doesn't get a great jump and his timing seems predictable. Most of the year he always ran on the first pitch. He's varying it a bit now.

Billy is young, have to give him time. As I said, don't really like that Price used him so, so much. Has seen a bit worn out the second half.

Yeah, but I'm 40, not fast and haven't played organized baseball since age 18 as a freshman in college and I know with the fastest guy in baseball on first that a fastball is coming on nearly every 0-0, 1-0, 2-0, 2-1, 3-1 and more 1-1, 2-2 and 3-2 counts because Billy is on first.....run on the other counts more!

[Ironman92]

The problem is the consistency in those calls. Many precious calls that were even clear than that one, were not overturned, doe to lack of "clear and convincing" evidence. They could have called him safe, and there would be zero outrage.

I get you and agree...just want the right call in the end and I believe that happened.

[Kc61]

The problem is the consistency in those calls. Many precious calls that were even clear than that one, were not overturned, doe to lack of "clear and convincing" evidence. They could have called him safe, and there would be zero outrage.

Replay has improved the game. Nothing is perfect. The take away on that play is that Hamilton is not very good at using his great speed to steal bases, as yet.

I don't see any huge inconsistency. You can easily see how that call would be overturned.

[toledodan]

Is this the night the reds get no hitted?

[texasdave]

I know the Reds' season is over, but come on, this is a boring team.

[Kc61]

I know the Reds' season is over, but come on, this is a boring team.

But the games end more quickly and when they do score it's a wow moment.

[Ironman92]

Is this the night the reds get no hitted?


I know the Reds' season is over, but come on, this is a boring team.

We got this!

[texasdave]

I see the problem now. According to ESPN Gamecast, the Reds only got two outs in the fourth.

[toledodan]

This is the 5th time this season that the #Reds have had just 15 batters thru 5 innings. I have zero other context for you.

[Ironman92]

This is the 5th time this season that the #Reds have had just 15 batters thru 5 innings. I have zero other context for you.

0 games have ended for the Reds this year after 15 outs

[toledodan]

0 games have ended for the Reds this year after 15 outs

True but that doesn't mean it really isn't out of reach

[texasdave]

At least they are making Arrieta work. Not! 65 pitches through 6. And he threw 17 in the first. Still, a walk and a knock and we all go home happy.

[toledodan]

At least they are making Arrieta work. Not! 65 pitches through 6. And he threw 17 in the first. Still, a walk and a knock and we all go home happy.

You were saying?

[757690]

I get you and agree...just want the right call in the end and I believe that happened.

I do believe that they are getting better at this, and this call is an example of that. Hoping this continues.

[Ironman92]

Do NOT bring the IF in!

[Tom Servo]

Is this the night the reds get no hitted?
Yes.

[kaldaniels]

Toledodan lamenting the game on Fay's twitter and Redszone.

A hat tip to you sir!

[Ironman92]

Cueto walks Valaika on about 10 pitches 2-0

[Tom Servo]

Honestly just don't watch if it makes you truly miserable. I missed yesterday's game and am kind of half watching this one. Up until then I was fine but with just a handful of games left I have just hit a wall.

[toledodan]

Toledodan lamenting the game on Fay's twitter and Redszone.

A hat tip to you sir!

I really do love the reds. I just think I need an affair :)

[texasdave]

Who breaks up the no-hitter? I say Frazier.

[Ironman92]

Toledodan lamenting the game on Fay's twitter and Redszone.

A hat tip to you sir!

I just followed him to give him 3 followers....and sent him back a message through Fay lol

[toledodan]

I just followed him to give him 3 followers....and sent him back a message through Fay lol

I'm a Twitter newbie. Cut me some slack lol

[texasdave]

You were saying?

I meant a walk, another walk, another walk, another walk, another walk, another walk and a knock. =)

[Ironman92]

I'm a Twitter newbie. Cut ne some slack lol

I've around and still only have about 50 lol

[Ironman92]

That may put him in a battle for the #2 in the Cy

[toledodan]

I've around and still only have about 50 lol

My daughter and her friend are my only true followers. The other two people I haven't a clue if they're even real people lol

[texasdave]

Cueto finally cracked. Can't say that I blame him. It must be tough knowing one run will probably beat you.

[WVRedsFan]

Not that often you get to see a blowout no hitter. This team just cannot hit. Cueto didn't have it.

[toledodan]

Cueto finally cracked. Can't say that I blame him. It must be tough knowing one run will probably beat you.

I wonder if they should just shut him down now.

[WVRedsFan]

Cueto finally cracked. Can't say that I blame him. It must be tough knowing one run will probably beat you.

Exactly.

[kaldaniels]

Honestly just don't watch if it makes you truly miserable. I missed yesterday's game and am kind of half watching this one. Up until then I was fine but with just a handful of games left I have just hit a wall.

I can't explain it, and I sound spoiled, but these out-of-contention September games with a shell of the projected Opening Day roster just don't feel like Reds games. Actually that explains it pretty well.

[WVRedsFan]

At least they are making Arrieta work. Not! 65 pitches through 6. And he threw 17 in the first. Still, a walk and a knock and we all go home happy.
I've noticed that most teams down the stretch are making Reds pitchers throw strikes. They're patient--something that this team does not have from top to bottom.

[texasdave]

I'm sticking around to see Frazier break up the no no. And then sayonara.

[texasdave]

It is sad when as a fan you are reduced to saying 'at least he hit it hard'.

[WVRedsFan]

I've been half watching. Might turn it off and track iPhone pre orders (I'm kidding)

[JMO]

Arrieta has pine tar on his cap. Blatant. Watch him before every pitch. black spot is obvious

[WVRedsFan]

This team just does not know the strike zone. Watched it several times tonight. Swing at a ball outside and take a strike.

[powersackers]

Arrieta has pine tar on his cap. Blatant. Watch him before every pitch. black spot is obvious

So that explains our offensive woes for 150 games. Whew, I was worried.:)

[BCubb2003]

A surprising lack of Cubbing these past two games.

[JMO]

Did I say that? Reds offense is horrific. Has been all year, no fun to watch. I was just pointing out how obvious it is tonight that Arrieta is cheating.

[Ironman92]

Arrieta has pine tar on his cap. Blatant. Watch him before every pitch. black spot is obvious

Sam LeCure is pitching with black all over his cap...blatant as well

[Ironman92]

....into the Soler System

[toledodan]

Sam LeCure is pitching with black all over his cap...blatant as well

Needs more

[WVRedsFan]

Now it's become embarrassing.

[JMO]

Yep, didn't seem to work well

[powersackers]

In other news, The Orioles clinched the AL East. Must be nice.

[texasdave]

....into the Soler System

Next time up he needs to take one in the Soler Plexus. JK.

[Ironman92]

In other news, The Orioles clinched the AL East. Must be nice.

Also....Jose Altuve has 210 hits, 43 doubles and 52 SB

No one has done that since Ty Cobb in 1917

[Ironman92]

Next time up he needs to take one in the Soler Plexus. JK.

5 days

[powersackers]

Also....Jose Altuve has 210 hits, 43 doubles and 52 SB

No one has done that since Ty Cobb in 1917

That's awesome. I love that little guy. Hard not to root for him.

[texasdave]

Hamilton's numbers since the ASG: .214/.265/.276/.541. Not including tonight's game. Of course, pretty much the entire team stopped hitting after the break.

[powersackers]

Did I say that? Reds offense is horrific. Has been all year, no fun to watch. I was just pointing out how obvious it is tonight that Arrieta is cheating.

Sorry I've had 6 mixed drinks tonight. I've had a total of 6 drinks this year prior to tonight. I'm just happy I can still type coherent thoguhts.

[757690]

Hey, a no hitter so far. I may actually watch the last few innings.

[Ironman92]

Bruce Hooten

[WVRedsFan]

Well' I've had it.

[Kc61]

No hitter ends, everybody can shut this one off.

[SirFelixCat]

Oh thank Christ.

[WVRedsFan]

Maybe not. BP breaks it up.

Now just get a run.

As if they will, of course.

[toledodan]

Yay!

[Chip R]

Now it's become embarrassing.

Now? I think we passed embarrassing about 3 weeks ago.

[texasdave]

Jay looks on silently. Can't break up the no-hitter without swinging the bat.

[757690]

Arrieta has pine tar on his cap. Blatant. Watch him before every pitch. black spot is obvious

It's rosin. Pine tar looks different. Many pitcher use rosin on their caps or pants. It's legal.

[Ironman92]

Great effort by Szczur

[KittyDuran]

No hitter ends, everybody can shut this one off.

Or go to bed... Night! :)

[Ironman92]

It's rosin. Pine tar looks different. Many pitcher use rosin on their caps or pants. It's legal.

I need statistics

[texasdave]

DatDude says, "Not on my watch!"

[powersackers]

Phillips thought that was out or something? Admiration of the first hit of the game in the 8th, just wow.

[Ironman92]

Heisey with a Heisey

[Ironman92]

Phillips thought that was out or something? Admiration of the first hit of the game in the 8th, just wow.

Down by a TD

[texasdave]

DatDude says, "Not on my watch!" Heisey with a Heisey.

[klw]

Good thing they are not playing the kids cuz they might have looked overmatched.

[WVRedsFan]

Hamilton's numbers since the ASG: .214/.265/.276/.541. Not including tonight's game. Of course, pretty much the entire team stopped hitting after the break.

Not to mention him getting thrown out often. I keep asking myself if he really is the answer at leadoff. He just doesn't have the hitting skills to lead off. Or so it seems. I blame The staff.

[WVRedsFan]

Now? I think we passed embarrassing about 3 weeks ago.

Agreed.

[Ironman92]

Thom tonight

Teddy Savalas
Bruce Hooton
Kyle Irving

SMH

[WVRedsFan]

Thom tonight

Teddy Savalas
Bruce Hooton
Kyle Irving

SMH

WW2, for the second straight night. He's just annoying.

But maybe not as annoying as the Dodge Dart commercial.

[Roy Tucker]

Not a fun night for the Rhinelanders.

[WVRedsFan]

Why PH Jack? What in the wide wide world of sports has he done in two year that makes Price think he can do anything? Goes back to the judgment argument.

[Ironman92]

A SPECIAL shout out to Mildred Cummings of Coalton Ohio. Mildred tunes in every night to watch the Reds and listen to my greatness on FOX Sports Ohio. Mildred was the first grade teacher of WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT....TODAY Mildred celebrates her 168th birthday. That's awesome. Mildred, happy birthday and hopefully MANY MANY more. WOW I'm great.

[Ironman92]

Why PH Jack? What in the wide wide world of sports has he done in two year that makes Price think he can do anything? Goes back to the judgment argument.

He can flat out rake.

[50YrRedsFan]

In my 50+ years watching baseball, I can't remember any team so inept on offense as this Reds team. They are pushing the 1968 White Sox for the worst in the last half century.

[WVRedsFan]

He can flat out rake.

:confused:

[Ironman92]

And Thom now think Billy Hamilton is up....Aka Tucker Barnhart

[toledodan]

Why PH Jack? What in the wide wide world of sports has he done in two year that makes Price think he can do anything? Goes back to the judgment argument.

Walt maybe telling price he wants the money players getting at bats.

[Ironman92]

:confused:

At this point I'm just trolling Thom

[Ironman92]

Walt maybe telling price he wants the money players getting at bats.

There are zero other answers for this and it's still hideous

[WVRedsFan]

Mercifully, it's over and I wasted 2 hours, 38 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

[Roy Tucker]

An awful lot of this last string of Reds hitters were hitting one-something.

Not much fun.

[50YrRedsFan]

It's going to be a very interesting off season.

[texasdave]

A SPECIAL shout out to Mildred Cummings of Coalton Ohio. Mildred tunes in every night to watch the Reds and listen to my greatness on FOX Sports Ohio. Mildred was the first grade teacher of WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT....TODAY Mildred celebrates her 168th birthday. That's awesome. Mildred, happy birthday and hopefully MANY MANY more. WOW I'm great.

Mildred thew out the first pitch for the Reds on Opening Day back in '69. 1869 that is.

[Ironman92]

Mercifully, it's over and I wasted 2 hours, 38 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

Not often do you get to see a pitcher have as many hits as he allows in a CG

And you've never seen a player admire a hit when trailing by 7 runs

[Ironman92]

Mildred thew out the first pitch for the Reds on Opening Day back in '69. 1869 that is.

No she didn't.

[texasdave]

No she didn't.

She might have. She had season tickets.

[WVRedsFan]

It's amazing how many players had horrible years while a couple others broke out.

Cozart fell from .254/.284/.381 to .222/.271/.297
Bruce fell from .262/.329/.478 to .214/.283/.365

Heisey and Phillips had almost the same season as last year, making you wonder why Heisey gets the playing time he does--112 games. Phillips gets his PT because there is few who can his position as well as he does.

Hamilton had a good start, but since the AS game is hitting just above .210.

Breaking out were:

Frazier went from .234/.314/.497 to .277/.351/..454
Mesorocco from .198/.306/.261 to .278/.365/.536. Interesting enough, he played five less games than Heisey

Obviously, Ludwick was missing last year but hit .253/.314/.454 and played less games than Heisey
Also missing was Votto's .305/435/.491 line as well as Choo's .285/.423/.462 line.

The result was a lineup of banjo hitters plus Frazier most days wit Mes playing half time. Hamilton is not Choo and it hurt. Ludwick, with better numbers was passed over by the weaker Heisey or the hurt Schmaker. Pena was a tremendous backup but ended up playing more games than Mesorocco, mostly at first base.

The bullpen was a disaster with only Chapman and Broxton being effective. Amazingly, JJ Hoover pitched more than anyone with horrible results.

A fine mess.

I don't envy Walter, but it's his job to fix this from the dugout to on the field. It will be interesting.

[chuck6660]

This team is just pathetic, I seems the whole organization is "waiting for next year"...we'll bounce back in 2015. :barf: :castellini

[Crumbley]

Fire everyone.

[Ironman92]

Meso 414 plate appearances

Heisey 279 plate appearances

[cumberlandreds]

This team has obviously chucked it in for the season. I really doubt they win another game this season. Everyone looks to have given up and since Price has lost this team I really wonder if his job is in jeopardy now? I know I have lost most of my confidence in him to get the job done if he's back in 2015.

[REDREAD]

I took a break from the Reds.. picked a horrible game to come back to .
I'm just bewildered that Price let Cueto walk in two runners and then pitch to Couglan. And yes, before Coughlan hit, I said, "He's going to knock in a couple".

The team sleep walking at the end of 2013 seems like outstanding baseball compared to what we are seeing now. This team believes it's a last place team.