Friday August 7 2015 Reds @ Arizona

[klw]

Reds lineup:
Phillips 4,
Votto 3,
Frazier 5,
Bruce 9,
Byrd 7,
Pena 2,
Suarez 6,
Iglesias RHP,
Hamilton 8

[Ironman92]

Excited to see players on a team I don't get to see much.

My series prediction will be an inside the park HR....and no it won't be Hamilton.....maybe (don't laugh) Votto

I hope Suarez keeps on hitting and hope Frazier can mash a HR and hit some doubles to RCF....on non-fastballs

[Ironman92]

Pregame entertainment on ESPN

Kershaw vs Cole

Polanco first pitch HR off Kershaw ending streak. Third pitch he fielded bare-handed and 3rd batter walked.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway!

[757690]

In my opinion, Thom is at his most annoying when broadcasting from Arizona, his home town.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips grounds out to short.
Votto with a rocket of a double just short of the wall in left center
Frazier pops out to shallow left. Dude needs a break in the worst way. 2 down.
Jay juuuuuust missed a bomb. 0-2. Works his way back to full. 3-2. K swinging to end the inning.

0-0 as Raisel takes the bump

[Chip R]

Selfish double?

I don't think it would be the worst idea in the world to switch Frazier and Byrd in the lineup.

[Tom Servo]

Starting to hate everyone on the Reds who isn't Votto.

[kaldaniels]

Pregame entertainment on ESPN

Kershaw vs Cole

Polanco first pitch HR off Kershaw ending streak. Third pitch he fielded bare-handed and 3rd batter walked.

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images//visual/whatshot/Orel-Hershiser-Dodgers-broadcaster-120813.jpg

[_Sir_Charles_]

Starting to hate everyone on the Reds who isn't Votto.

Comparing people to Votto ain't fair.

2nd half: .467/.636/.767/1.403

- - - Updated - - -

Lead off single by Inciarte to right
Pollock bb
Goldschmidt up. Iglesias struggling to find the plate. 3-1 count. Flies out to Bruce. Inciarte to third.
Peralta singles to right. 1-0 Dbacks. Pollock to 2nd.
Castilla grounds into 6-4-3 to end the inning.

[Tom Servo]

Agreed with Welsh, Iglesias looks a bit off so far. Also only 91 on the gun, usually goes a bit higher than that in the first inning.

[Tom Servo]

Peralta is v. good against righties. Singles to give Arizona the 1-0 lead.

[Tom Servo]

Nice job by Iggy to limit the damage with the inning ending DP.

1-0 Arizona after 1.

[Raisor]

Nice job by Iggy to limit the damage with the inning ending DP.

1-0 Arizona after 1.

We are NOT going with "Iggy".

[_Sir_Charles_]

We are NOT going with "Iggy".

Mez agrees.

[Tom Servo]

We are NOT going with "Iggy".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkjbGRNggVs

You guys get too sophisticated with nicknames. Baseball people aren't necessarily in to cleverness. They call Iglesias 'Iggy'.

[WrongVerb]

We are NOT going with "Iggy".

Iggy's poppin' tonight? No? Don't like? :D

[WrongVerb]

I finally put my finger on what it is I don't like about the non-Votto Reds' players approach at the plate. They're super aggressive, swinging at a lot of pitches. But that requires making a lot of contact. And making contact is hard to do, it's a lower percentage play than selecting a good pitch and putting the sweet spot on it. I'm a gambler, but I want to be the house: I want high percentage plays.

[Tom Servo]

Thom still isn't over his first love of Arizona. Just get back together already.

[Tom Servo]

Damnit Thom, stop confusing Jay Bell and Jay Bruce.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1-2-3 for Iglesias. But it took 19 pitches again. He needs a couple nice quick innings or he won't be in here very long.

[Banshee]

Thom still isn't over his first love of Arizona. Just get back together already.

I vote for the reds to leave him in Arizona after this series. Reunited.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nobody's going to mistake Iglesias for Leake at the plate. 3 pitch k.

Billy with a texas flair for a single.

[Ironman92]

Thom is so damn happy

[Ironman92]

Thom is happier to be in Arizona than Eileen Coyle

[_Sir_Charles_]

6-4-3 dp :(

[Tom Servo]

DatDudeDP strikes to end the inning.

Thom is disgusted, but not enough to actually show disgust towards BP.

[Chip R]

Thom is so damn happy

That'll take some of the wind out of Thom's sails.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I finally put my finger on what it is I don't like about the non-Votto Reds' players approach at the plate. They're super aggressive, swinging at a lot of pitches. But that requires making a lot of contact. And making contact is hard to do, it's a lower percentage play than selecting a good pitch and putting the sweet spot on it. I'm a gambler, but I want to be the house: I want high percentage plays.

I can live with "super aggressive" as long as it's aggressive IN THE ZONE. The problem is that most of them aren't that picky. Jay's gotten better this year it seems, but he's about the only one.

[Tom Servo]

Tony La Russa hired as the Arizona CEO of Partying Down

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/670xX/photos/larussamug1.jpg

[_Sir_Charles_]

Tony La Russa hired as the Arizona CEO of Partying Down

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/670xX/photos/larussamug1.jpg

Why is it my first impulse on seeing that image is the same one Bluto had when they first flashed Flounder's picture up on the screen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdPlM6vvr3o

[Banshee]

Now the Tony LaGenius lovefest has begun.
Every. Day.
Where's the I want to die pic..?

[Chuckie]

I think Iglesias might be the best pitcher of his generation.

Just kidding, but I love the guy. What a great signing. And he's under team control for another 5 years, right? At least 4, but perhaps 5.

[marcshoe]

Is that a mug shot? Did LaRussa have a run-in with Sheriff Joe?

[Banshee]

Is that a mug shot? Did LaRussa have a run-in with Sheriff Joe?

DUI muggy.

[_Sir_Charles_]

9 pitch inning. Raisel needed that.

[klw]

Iggy's poppin' tonight? No? Don't like? :D
Iggy sees what you did there and approves.

https://metrouk2.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/ad6344902iggy-pop-during-hi.jpg

[Fil3232]

Votto is incredible.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Joey does what Joey does. BB

[marcshoe]

DUI muggy.

Eh, I was hoping it was a fresh one. He'd love the Phoenix jail, what with their wardrobe choices and all.

[Tom Servo]

Is that a mug shot? Did LaRussa have a run-in with Sheriff Joe?
You don't remember that story? Found drunk and asleep at the wheel in his running car during spring training in Florida in 2007.

[klw]

I finally put my finger on what it is I don't like about the non-Votto Reds' players approach at the plate. They're super aggressive, swinging at a lot of pitches. But that requires making a lot of contact. And making contact is hard to do, it's a lower percentage play than selecting a good pitch and putting the sweet spot on it. I'm a gambler, but I want to be the house: I want high percentage plays.

Sorry but to be snarky but you have been here 15 years and only just put your finger on this?

[Tom Servo]

So have Cincinnati fans officially turned on Frazier yet?

[WrongVerb]

Jay Bell batting now

- - - Updated - - -


So have Cincinnati fans officially turned on Frazier yet?

Family board!

[WrongVerb]

Iggy sees what you did there and approves.



Man that is some seriously weathered skin.

[marcshoe]

You don't remember that story? Found drunk and asleep at the wheel in his running car during spring training in Florida in 2007.

I didn't make the connection. I was hoping we'd get to see him in these outfits:

http://www.annemini.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Prisoners-in-Arpaios-jail.jpg

[KronoRed]

So have Cincinnati fans officially turned on Frazier yet?

It's not like he's being lazy and drawing walks.

[Chip R]

So have Cincinnati fans officially turned on Frazier yet?

Thought I might have heard some boos the other night but I'm not sure.

[Banshee]

Jim Day is close to many players? Who'd have guessed that?

[Tom Servo]

Nice K of Goldschmidt by Iglesias

[Fil3232]

Iglesias has a chance to be really good. I'm really impressed with him. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if he's the best of the bunch in the next wave of pitchers.

[_Sir_Charles_]

WOW. Where in the world did THAT miss?!? "ball 1" on Castillo.

[Chip R]

Thom spewing over Schwarber again.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Iglesias getting squeezed mightily in this ab. Cost him 6 more pitches. :(

[Banshee]

Iglesias has a chance to be really good. I'm really impressed with him. Wouldn't surprise me a bit if he's the best of the bunch in the next wave of pitchers.

Can't agree more, kid just knows how to pitch beyond his experience. Love watching him work.

[Ironman92]

Thom spewing over Schwarber again.

I was outside watering the flowers and my wife turned the channel

....but I still heard him

[WrongVerb]

Reminds a lot like Arroyo.

And ALL these young arms have a chance to be really, really good. Love the movement on Iglesias' pitches though. Wow!

[klw]

Thom spewing over Schwarber again.

Is it true Schwarber is from Ohio? If so they could mention that. It would be funny if he hadn't been a Cub fan growing up but actually liked another team.

[_Sir_Charles_]

22 innings now without the Reds scoring.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Suarez singles to left. First two reach.

Iglesias is pretty bad with the bat. A strikeout might be the best option here.

Bunt...out at third. Try for double play and it goes wild into RF and Iglesias out at 2nd. :( Yep, I would've preferred the strikeout.

[miamiredskin]

Gene, again.

[WrongVerb]

Is it true Schwarber is from Ohio? If so they could mention that. It would be funny if he hadn't been a Cub fan growing up but actually liked another team.

I heard somewhere that he's got a bunch of siblings or something. They should talk about that as well.

[Tom Servo]

So that could have gone better.

[Chip R]

Rasiel's first TOOTBLAN.

[Banshee]

That could've gone better.

[klw]

I will go on the record and say I am okay if Iggy bunts here.


Oh well, still probably the right move in theory.

[Tom Servo]

They're playing Jay Bruce's theme!

[miamiredskin]

Iglesias grounds into a 3-5-9-6 dp?

[Tom Servo]

lmao Iglesias' slide

[WrongVerb]

Iglesias needs the DH instituted in the NL sooner rather than later. Man that was an ugly slide.

[klw]

What happened? Any chance of an overturn?

[Chip R]

Iglesias needs the DH instituted in the NL sooner rather than later. Man that was an ugly slide.

Or he needs to learn how to slide.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Out after the review. Billy up with 2 outs man on third.

[Ironman92]

They're playing Jay Bruce's theme!

That's an old school Votto slide before he learned better at age 27

[WrongVerb]

He missed that tag. Did you see him try to sell it at the end of the play?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Or he needs to learn how to slide.

And bunt. And hit.

[Banshee]

Probably missed the tag, but out for looking so bad on the slide. The Soviet judge gave him a 5.6 .

[Tom Servo]

What happened? Any chance of an overturn?
Call stands, I thought it looked like he avoided the tag before his foot touched the bag but the umpire disagree.

[WrongVerb]

Or he needs to learn how to slide.

Needs to learn how to hit and bunt first.

[klw]

I will go on the record and say I would be okay if Billy hits an inside the park homer here.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Needs to learn how to hit and bunt first.

He can take his lessons AFTER Billy's done.

[Chip R]

I blame that inning on Votto.

[miamiredskin]

I used to wonder what I would look like facing ML pitching. Now I watch Billy and I know.

[Red Raindog]

I will go on the record and say I would be okay if Billy hits an inside the park homer here.

wouldn't that normally require him actually making contact with the ball?

[marcshoe]

Missed the tag because he couldn't figure out what R. Iglesias was doing. He was confused by the slide-thing.

- - - Updated - - -


wouldn't that normally require him actually making contact with the ball?

Not with Billy's speed. The strategy is he'll start running when the pitcher goes into the windup and score before the pitch crosses the plate.

[klw]

I know Billy went with the K but I maintain a homer would have been the more successful play.

[Banshee]

I know Billy went with the K but I maintain a homer would have been the more successful play.

You're definitely using science now.

[Tom Servo]

Nice play by the error prone Suarez.

[miamiredskin]

Nice play in the hole from Suarez!

[WVRedsFan]

I will go on the record and say I would be okay if Billy hits an inside the park homer here.What were the odds? Maybe worse than getting struck by lightening in an enclosed building?

[Ironman92]

Suarez is doing better because of Brandon Phillips

[Ironman92]

Hadn't seen that arm by Suarez...nice

[miamiredskin]

6th inning wall coming up. What are the chances Iggy comes out unscathed?

[Chip R]

Suarez is doing better because of Brandon Phillips

Doesn't everyone? Brandon for President!

[marcshoe]

In the first inning, I wouldn't have believed that Iglesias would turn in this kind of performance. Encouraging.

[Tom Servo]

http://i.imgur.com/A3YpXX1.png

[Big Klu]

http://i.imgur.com/A3YpXX1.png

The Reds offense is also dressed as zombies tonight.

[miamiredskin]

Thom unimpressed with Votto.

[Chip R]

That is just unbelievable!

[klw]

You're definitely using science now.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwUHESZ69B4/UD1PKljRIaI/AAAAAAAAEPw/Q-kKT1rOPOk/s1600/533+magnus_pyke_science.jpg

[Ironman92]

Votto right on Goldschmidt in OB%....still a bit behind Harper because they aren't pitching to him either because the Nats lineup is loaded with 80 OPS+ guys

[Ironman92]

BATS SUAREZ behind Votto

[Tom Servo]

Starting to hate everyone on the Reds who isn't Votto.

[WrongVerb]

I used to wonder what I would look like facing ML pitching. Now I watch Billy and I know.

And watching Iglesias, I know what I'd look like running the bases. Except add 100 lbs.

[WVRedsFan]

I'd just like to see a fly ball.

[Ironman92]

Votto has been on base 60x since the break and Frazier has been on base 4x since the break (seems)....quite the cancel out

[marcshoe]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwUHESZ69B4/UD1PKljRIaI/AAAAAAAAEPw/Q-kKT1rOPOk/s1600/533+magnus_pyke_science.jpg

I am suddenly inspired to put together a science-themed playlist. Guided by Voices "I am a Scientist", Oingo Boingo, Barenaked Ladies Big Bang Theory theme, the above song, of course, Mondo Rock's "Chemistry". There are many others.

[klw]

Why would anyone pitch to Votto these days?

[Ironman92]

I'd just like to see a fly ball.

You didn't like Heisey

[Ironman92]

Why would anyone pitch to Votto these days?

He's Bonds right now

[marcshoe]

The Reds offense is also dressed as zombies tonight.

Votto's walking and the rest are just dead.

[Tom Servo]

Nice play by the sub-high school level defensive player Votto.

[Big Klu]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BwUHESZ69B4/UD1PKljRIaI/AAAAAAAAEPw/Q-kKT1rOPOk/s1600/533+magnus_pyke_science.jpg

http://i251.photobucket.com/albums/gg318/BeTheBalls/SheBlindedMeWithScience.jpg

Good heavens, Miss Sakamoto! You're beautiful!

[marcshoe]

That first baseman, whoever he is, made a decent play.

[WrongVerb]

I'd just like to see a fly ball.

Keep watching Hamilton.

[WrongVerb]

Votto has been on base 60x since the break and Frazier has been on base 4x since the break (seems)....quite the cancel out

I think that's what they call "in the aggregate."

[klw]

Votto has been on base 60x since the break and Frazier has been on base 4x since the break (seems)....quite the cancel out
58 to 18 from what I can tell.

[Tom Servo]

Great job Iggy!

[Banshee]

Iggy is pretty darned good already.

[marcshoe]

With a pitch count in the nineties, that's likely Iglesias's last inning. Get him a couple of runs.

[Powder River]

With a pitch count in the nineties, that's likely Iglesias's last inning. Get him a couple of runs.

Let's get him five or six...

[BCubb2003]

Don't let Votto in the OBP Derby next year; it'll mess him up.

[miamiredskin]

Leake has a career-threatening hamstring injury. We dumped him just in time...

- - - Updated - - -


Don't let Votto in the OBP Derby next year; it'll mess him up.

haha

[Stray]

Haven't been able to watch as many games lately, but I always try to check box scores and Votto is ridiculous haha. Every time it's like 1-1 with 3 walks...or 2-3 with 2 walks. Insane how much that guy gets on base.

[Kc61]

The Reds' offense on the road is really weak. Votto should claim non-support. Their away stats are bad, but it takes an actual viewing to see the futility.

[WrongVerb]

HR for Pena. Oh, wait...

[Banshee]

If Iggy's spot doesn't come up to be PH for, I bet Price sends him back out.

[Tom Servo]

RIP offense

[WrongVerb]

Leake has a career-threatening hamstring injury. We dumped him just in time...

Career threatening? What's that all about?

[Powder River]

I haven't been able to watch Iglasias pitch for a while.... Kid looked really good tonight. It's one start but my gosh he looks to have quite an impressive arsenal.

[Banshee]

Good job Price for setting the kid down. Awesome night, lots to build on.

[marcshoe]

For a variety of reasons, this is the first game I've seen in a couple of weeks. Racecar (palindrome nicknames are always good) looked better than I imagined.

[Powder River]

I saw that they were talking with Marshal before the game but wasn't able to really listen to what was said.... Was there any mention of a time table for him to actually pitch in a game - AAA or otherwise?

Edit - Parra certainly isn't the lefty answer....

[Tom Servo]

Can't stop Wellington Castillo.

[marcshoe]

sigh.

[WrongVerb]

It's strange. We all watch Votto do what he does. It really seems like no one else on the team is trying to emulate his successful style.

I bowl and am a pretty successful amateur. But when I try to give a tip or two to other people, they either seem unwilling or unable to change. These are your typical show-up-after-work-drink-a-pitcher-or-two league bowlers. At that level, I can see being set in your ways and not trying something different. But at the major league level, is it the same mentality? Is there a general unwillingness to try something different when night after night you prove that what you're currently doing isn't working (and what Votto is doing IS working)?

[marcshoe]

I know that in the long run a win here is meaningless, but still. . . .

[WVRedsFan]

Manny just had to allow a homer, didn't he?

[miamiredskin]

My eyelids are almost as heavy as the Reds' bats at this late juncture. If I thought we might score I would try to stay up...

[Kc61]

Manny just had to allow a homer, didn't he?

Yeah, too bad, they are obviously showcasing him. Pretty high salaried guy.

[WVRedsFan]

My eyelids are almost as heavy as the Reds' bats at this late juncture. If I thought we might score I would try to stay up...Go to bed. Nothing to see here

[Ironman92]

58 to 18 from what I can tell.

It was 60 when I posted because Thom yelled and told me....I think 39 AD 39 from Votto/Frazier would've produced more runs

[WVRedsFan]

Yeah, too bad, they are obviously showcasing him. Pretty high salaried guy.

Yep. I think everyone knows the book on Manny, unfortunately. We will get nothing for him, but getting rid of him is the main goal.

[Ironman92]

Leake has a career-threatening hamstring injury. We dumped him just in time...

- - - Updated - - -



haha

Bochy said if it was crunch time in Sept he could go....but it's not and Giants don't want to risk it.

Pulled it during his workout on his final sprint....that really sucks

[Ironman92]

I didn't know Cueto and Leake would be gone and maybe didn't know about Homer but after his 1st start, maybe 2nd I said I wouldn't be surprised if Iglesias didn't end the season as our 2nd best starter. Lucky guess with a lot of circumstantial help

[Powder River]

Just a side note here, but is 'ol Colonel Sanders in these KFC comercials giving anyone else the creeps?

[Tom Servo]

Did Thom's voice get really weird there for a minute?

[Chip R]

It's strange. We all watch Votto do what he does. It really seems like no one else on the team is trying to emulate his successful style.

I bowl and am a pretty successful amateur. But when I try to give a tip or two to other people, they either seem unwilling or unable to change. These are your typical show-up-after-work-drink-a-pitcher-or-two league bowlers. At that level, I can see being set in your ways and not trying something different. But at the major league level, is it the same mentality? Is there a general unwillingness to try something different when night after night you prove that what you're currently doing isn't working (and what Votto is doing IS working)?

I read in the book 3 Nights in August that pitchers are more open to suggestions than hitters. The theory is that they must have done something right to have got where they are. So when someone who didn't hit that well in their major league career tries to tell them how to fix their swing they don't have an open mind.

[Big Klu]

Just a side note here, but is 'ol Colonel Sanders in these KFC comercials giving anyone else the creeps?

Sounds kind of like Dana Carvey's impersonation of Ross Perot impersonating the Colonel.

[757690]

I love when Thom gets on his soapbox, keeps talking about it, and Welsh just listens, not saying a word, until Thom finally forces him into the discussion.

[WVRedsFan]

Just a side note here, but is 'ol Colonel Sanders in these KFC comercials giving anyone else the creeps?I had the pleasure of meeting Harlan Sanders once upon a time and I'm sure he's spinning in his grave over this. Whoever the actor is, he needs to be removed immediately. I haven't talked to a person who has an opinion on this that doesn't use the word "creepy". It's especially women who despise him. Looks like a child molester

[Big Klu]

Did Thom's voice get really weird there for a minute?

Thought I was imagining it. Sounded like he was getting super-mellow there, dude, like back in the old days at Beta House. ;)

[Chip R]

I had the pleasure of meeting Harlan Sanders once upon a time and I'm sure he's spinning in his grave over this. Whoever the actor is, he needs to be removed immediately. I haven't talked to a person who has an opinion on this that doesn't use the word "creepy". It's especially women who despise him. Looks like a child molester

It's Darrell Hammond from SNL.

[757690]

I had the pleasure of meeting Harlan Sanders once upon a time and I'm sure he's spinning in his grave over this. Whoever the actor is, he needs to be removed immediately. I haven't talked to a person who has an opinion on this that doesn't use the word "creepy". It's especially women who despise him. Looks like a child molester

Met Col. sanders at "Goodies" in Dayton way back in the early 70's. Still have his card. One of the highlights of my childhood. Boy do I miss "Goodies."

[Tom Servo]

Thought I was imagining it. Sounded like he was getting super-mellow there, dude, like back in the old days at Beta House. ;)
I muted the sound for a minute (I should probably do it more often) and when I put it back on I had no idea who was talking and what he was talking about.

[Banshee]

Mattheus must be deep in thought.

[BCubb2003]

It's former SNL member Darrell Hammond. I wonder if they're trying to outdcreep the Burger King.

[Powder River]

Met Col. sanders at "Goodies" in Dayton way back in the early 70's. Still have his card. One of the highlights of my childhood. Boy do I miss "Goodies."

I haven't thought of Goodies in years.... Nothing like a Goodie burger and that secret sauce.

[Wheelhouse]

Dr
It's strange. We all watch Votto do what he does. It really seems like no one else on the team is trying to emulate his successful style.

I bowl and am a pretty successful amateur. But when I try to give a tip or two to other people, they either seem unwilling or unable to change. These are your typical show-up-after-work-drink-a-pitcher-or-two league bowlers. At that level, I can see being set in your ways and not trying something different. But at the major league level, is it the same mentality? Is there a general unwillingness to try something different when night after night you prove that what you're currently doing isn't working (and what Votto is doing IS working)?

In short the answer is yes, there is an unwillingness to change. The conventional "wisdom" among players is stick to what got you to the big leagues. Unfortunately, that thinking leads to a ceiling on your achievement: simply being in the big leagues. If you want to win in the big leagues, you must, must, must be able to adapt, as Votto does, because your opponent, sure as shootin', will adapt to you. It's tough for this coaching staff to help, because the manager is a pitching coach who has a feeling of being in a little bit above his head...

[WVRedsFan]

Mattheus must be deep in thought.Regardless of his record, he's another pitcher off the scrap heap ala Krivsky that has no business on our roster.

[Powder River]

Mattheus must be deep in thought.

Embarrassing....

[Ironman92]

I met Bob Evans....they've went downhill since he's passed.

[Ironman92]

What's Mattheus ticked about?

[Tom Servo]

What's Mattheus ticked about?
Maybe the zombies were distracting him.

[WVRedsFan]

I met Bob Evans....they've went downhill since he's passed.So true. Notice they don't name restaurants after the founders anymore because they know they're going to die sometime. Bob Evans came to the grand opening of the Beckley restaurant eons ago, and I couldn't get within 40 people of him. People loved him. Then they took away any control from him and removed his picture from the restaurants. Sad.

[Tom Servo]

'The Showoff' Brad Ziegler in to close it out.

[WVRedsFan]

Frazier finally gets a hit. Jay is the tying run.

[Ironman92]

I'm ticked they tore down the original Bob Evans in nearby Rio Grande Ohio and rebuilt an ugly model one. Dummies. His son remarried a lady from Jackson who I know very well.

[Ironman92]

Frazier finally gets a hit. Jay is the tying run.

Fluff low and away and no way Jay

[Ironman92]

Fluff low and away and no way Jay

Swear I could get him out

[WVRedsFan]

27 consecutive shutout innings. Offense is not the problem. Right?

[Banshee]

Great outing by Iggy. Go get 'em tomorrow.

[Tom Servo]

We're still bad.


But Iglesias was good and I had a few beers. I feel aright.

[Chuckie]

Draft pick enhancement! Iggy pitched great yet we still lost. Perfect!

[WVRedsFan]

11 over .500. 2013-2014 record stands at 124-145 or .461.

[Big Klu]

So true. Notice they don't name restaurants after the founders anymore because they know they're going to die sometime. Bob Evans came to the grand opening of the Beckley restaurant eons ago, and I couldn't get within 40 people of him. People loved him. Then they took away any control from him and removed his picture from the restaurants. Sad.

A friend of mine knew Bob's son, Stan. Nothing would fire Stan up more than the changes corporate made to the restaurant and to the sausage recipe. Sadly, Stan has also passed on.

[Ironman92]

A friend of mine knew Bob's son, Stan. Nothing would fire Stan up more than the changes corporate made to the restaurant and to the sausage recipe. Sadly, Stan has also passed on.

Steve is now the sausage man....it's still really good

[Big Klu]

Tonight's "Joe Nuxhall Star of the Game" is D-Backs RHP Chase Anderson, who pitched 7 innings allowing no runs on 4 hits with 7 K's and only 2 BB's to get the win.

[Chip R]

Steve is now the sausage man....it's still really good

Unlike the offense which is really bad.

[Chuckie]

Bob Evans needs to learn how to cook their bacon. Who likes bacon medium-rare? I need me some crispy bacon. They always fail in this category.

[WVRedsFan]

A friend of mine knew Bob's son, Stan. Nothing would fire Stan up more than the changes corporate made to the restaurant and to the sausage recipe. Sadly, Stan has also passed on.Heard the same thing from a friend of mine who knew the situation. They also changed the sausage gravy recipe which is nearly inedible these days. My father, who loved the biscuits and gravy for breakfast, would be upset. Same with the KFC's dipping sauce. OTOH, White Castle stays the same. Gas City, lol

[Big Klu]

Steve is now the sausage man....it's still really good

It's good, but not as good as it used to be. I can't describe it, but I can tell that it's not quite the same as it was.

[Big Klu]

Bob Evans needs to learn how to cook their bacon. Who likes bacon medium-rare? I need me some crispy bacon. They always fail in this category.

Who orders bacon at a restaurant famous for breakfast sausage? ;)

[Ironman92]

I feel like we've ventured off like Chris and Foghorn.

Hard to stay focused on the Reds these days.

[WVRedsFan]

Well, outside of Iggy, there wasn't much to talk about, but 27 scoreless innings seems like something the 1962 Mets would have done and that, frankly, scares me to death.

[Roy Tucker]

Bob Evans is still a go-to breakfast. Rise and Shine, 2 eggs over easy, sausage patties, hash browns, and wheat toast. And a pot of coffee.

[Chuckie]

Who orders bacon at a restaurant famous for breakfast sausage? ;)

I mean, I get both. And their sausage is on point. But how hard is it to cook bacon properly? ;)

[traderumor]

The offense is in a slump. They have been above average for two months now.

Actually longer, they had strong offensive May and June, average July, and have scored 10 runs in the 6 games in August. Again, its not a bad offense. The pitching is bad. End of story.

[klw]

It's strange. We all watch Votto do what he does. It really seems like no one else on the team is trying to emulate his successful style.

I bowl and am a pretty successful amateur. But when I try to give a tip or two to other people, they either seem unwilling or unable to change. These are your typical show-up-after-work-drink-a-pitcher-or-two league bowlers. At that level, I can see being set in your ways and not trying something different. But at the major league level, is it the same mentality? Is there a general unwillingness to try something different when night after night you prove that what you're currently doing isn't working (and what Votto is doing IS working)?

Dioneer Navarro has frequently stated that his time with the Reds watching and working with Votto helped him tremendously and lead to his late career success.

http://www.thestar.com/sports/bluejays/2014/03/28/blue_jays_preview_dioner_navarro_looking_forward_t o_rebirth_with_the_blue_jays.html


Navarro credits part of his turnaround to his offseason work with Toronto-born Cincinnati Reds superstar, Joey Votto.
“He sent me a text like a month ago saying to please stop mentioning his name in the papers because he got nothing to do with my success,” Navarro says, laughing while ignoring Votto’s request. “That’s the type of person he is.”

The two met back in 2012 when Navarro played a season as the Reds backup catcher.

“For some reason, we just clicked and we’ve been working ever since then.”
Gregarious and outgoing, Navarro says that when he first started working with the notoriously cerebral Votto, it was a little awkward.
“When we stepped into the cage, he didn’t talk at all,” Navarro recalls. “He was so freaking weird at the beginning, but after we finished our hitting, that’s when we sat down and we talked.” Some days, they talked for five minutes, other days for an hour.
Navarro says it’s hard to explain the specifics of what Votto taught him, but it all centred around altering his approach at the plate so that he was in a better position “to do damage.”

“I could always make contact — like hit a weak ground ball or something, and you’re still going to have to do that when you’ve got two strikes or whatever — but, early in the count, you want to look for a pitch to hit haaaaard.”
Here, Navarro opens his eyes wide and draws out the vowel sound.

[traderumor]

If folks could simply mimic the superstars in a professional sport, they would all then be average and there would be no superstars. Votto's approach is more an art than a science. If anyone could do it, it would become trivial and there would be no "professionals."

[klw]

I read in the book 3 Nights in August that pitchers are more open to suggestions than hitters. The theory is that they must have done something right to have got where they are. So when someone who didn't hit that well in their major league career tries to tell them how to fix their swing they don't have an open mind.

I think pitchers are in a better position to be able to adjust their approach because pitching does not require a split hundredth of a second decision to be made like in hitting. I think with a hitter there is sometimes a desire to do one think but then gut instinct takes over. It takes a lot more to overcome that as a hitter. As a pitcher I would occasionally what pitch I would throw mid-wind up but there is not really that split second reaction of recognizing a pitch, location, speed that can overwhelm a hitter if they are not set to their plan. It sounds like what ultimately Votto go Navarro to do was to adopt a plan and stay with it. Be in charge instead of just reactive.