9/28/2015 Reds at Gnats

[cumberlandreds]

This is a makeup game from a July 8th rainout when it allegedly rained in DC but no one had evidence that it actually did rain. The Gnats are now paying for that mistake. One only wonders why they are actually playing this game but they are playing. You should be excited in that we get see Skippy play LF another day. We can never get enough of that. Apparently Phillips didn't make the flight and is not starting today. The only TV is the Nationals broadcast.

Game 156: Reds at NationalsFirst pitch at 3:05 pm ET. I am not in DC but we have it covered on MLB.com and reds.com. No TV in Cincinnati either.
Schumaker 7
De Jesus Jr. 4
Votto 3
Frazier 5
Bruce 9
Suarez 6
Boesch 8
Barnhart 2
Finnegan 1

[klw]

Nats lineup- no Harper


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CQAG05sWcAAQhyD.jpg

[cumberlandreds]

^ That is the Nats B lineup for sure. Also Papelbon has decided to take his three game suspension starting today. So maybe he and Harper are at the DC strip clubs having a party. Phillips is probably with them too.

[Tom Servo]

Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before: Votto walks and that's it for the Reds in the 1st.

[Big Klu]

No radio here, either. The local affiliate has chosen not to cover today's game, and I can't pick up WLW indoors.

[Tom Servo]

I don't know if even Billy Hamilton would have caught that ball in shallow CF, but I just have no idea how the Reds were ever fooled into thinking Brennan Boesch could play CF.

Barnhart guns down Trea Turner trying to steal 2nd.

[Kc61]

This game has some meaning in the battle for high draft choices. The Reds have one more game to play than the others. In essence, this is that extra game. After today the Reds will be even in games to go with all the other competing teams for the highest draft choices (one exception).

The exception is the A's who, after today, will have one more game completed than the others. But that will even out on Thursday when the A's are off.

My guess is that the Reds will finish with pick 2, 3 or 4. It's only a guess, and certainly things could change. Based on current standings, schedule, and the like.

I hate to be focusing on draft choices, but I'd also hate for the Reds to miss out on a great prospect. After two years of watching this, I want the best talent possible coming in . . . .

[Tom Servo]

This game has some meaning in the battle for high draft choices. The Reds have one more game to play than the others.
In essence, this is that extra game. After today the Reds will be even with all the other competing teams for high draft choices.

The A's will at that point will have one more game completed, but that will even out on Thursday when the A's are off.

My guess is that the Reds will finish with pick 2, 3 or 4. It's only a guess, and certainly things could change.

I hate to be focusing on draft choices, but I'd also hate for the Reds to miss out on a great prospect. After two years of watching this, I want the best talent possible coming in . . . .
Don't worry, I don't think the Reds need any extra rooting to lose games, they're fine on their own.

I'm rooting for the Phillies, Braves, A's, Rockies, and Brewers to win.

[klw]

^ That is the Nats B lineup for sure. Also Papelbon has decided to take his three game suspension starting today. So maybe he and Harper are at the DC strip clubs having a party. Phillips is probably with them too.

Sounds like the Gnats have suspended Paps on top of the MLB suspension. He will be out the rest of the season.

[757690]

The only TV is the Nationals broadcast.

Ugh. They are the worst. Going with the mute button.

[Tom Servo]

Not like anybody is reading these threads anymore, but I feel like bringing it up whenever we see Scherzer. Take a look back at the three years of Scherzer's stats from 2010 through 2012, his age 27 season, and Homer Bailey's stats from 2011 through 2013, his age 27 season.

http://i.imgur.com/rhD0O07.png?1

http://i.imgur.com/IeDCiIe.png?1

That's why the Reds gave Homer the contract extension they did, betting on the Scherzer-like emergence.

[Tom Servo]

Okay, for those keeping tabs on Servo's opinions on things, I am beginning to worry about Eugenio at shortstop. The bobbles. Always with the bobbles. It can be corrected.

Still not an outfielder though.

De Jesus tries to top him with some more lousy defense on a tailor-made DP ball, two in a row that the Reds have blown.

[757690]

Finnegan not getting much support from his double play combination.

[WVRedsFan]

That's why the Reds gave Homer the contract extension they did, betting on the Scherzer-like emergence
Amazing. After seeing that, I wonder when Homer will be on the trade block? Just kidding of course, but if he comes back strong and with the kids that look promising, we may be ready to rumble the second half of next year. I sure hope so because this season almost ruined my summer.

[ScotlandRed]

I'm 100% against bringing Pena back next season. Barnhart looks so much more rounded and confident behind the plate. I like him.

[757690]

Finnegan getting support from the home plate ump, Marty Foster.

[Tom Servo]

Finny(he officially gets the nickname now) works out of the trouble the defense made for him.

[klw]

Okay, for those keeping tabs on Servo's opinions on things, I am beginning to worry about Eugenio at shortstop. The bobbles. Always with the bobbles. It can be corrected.

Still not an outfielder though.

De Jesus tries to top him with some more lousy defense on a tailor-made DP ball, two in a row that the Reds have blown.

Yesterday after watching DeJesus struggle in LF, the Mets radio broadcast had this line about DeJesus "For an outfielder, he makes a great infielder" but maybe they spoke too soon?

[klw]

I'm 100% against bringing Pena back next season. Barnhart looks so much more rounded and confident behind the plate. I like him.

It may have to do with who caught more in the first half with Cueto and Leake, but the Mets broadcast yesterday kept on pointing out that the Reds pitchers had an ERA over a run lower with Pena than with Barnhart. They didn't know that Pena was not playing much because of his recent injury so I took it with a grain of salt.

[TRF]

Okay, for those keeping tabs on Servo's opinions on things, I am beginning to worry about Eugenio at shortstop. The bobbles. Always with the bobbles. It can be corrected.

Still not an outfielder though.

De Jesus tries to top him with some more lousy defense on a tailor-made DP ball, two in a row that the Reds have blown.

2B..

I see it.

[Fil3232]

Okay, for those keeping tabs on Servo's opinions on things, I am beginning to worry about Eugenio at shortstop. The bobbles. Always with the bobbles. It can be corrected.

Whoa! ;)

[Tom Servo]

Skippy robbed by (Mary) Tyler Moore in left field.

[757690]

Nate announcers can't stop talking about how great Skip is. Like I said, they are the worst.

[TRF]

Nate announcers can't stop talking about how great Skip is. Like I said, they are the worst.

He can have them for one of the president mascots.

I prefer Roosevelt.

[Tom Servo]

Is there a stat about what team has the most non-intentional 4 pitch walks? I feel like the Reds have to be #1 this year.

[WVRedsFan]

TR would tear the clubhouse up with this bunch. Rookies or not, play like a man!!

[Big Klu]

He can have them for one of the president mascots.

I prefer Roosevelt.

Shouldn't we take Taft, due to his Cincinnati connections?

[klw]

Is there a stat about what team has the most non-intentional 4 pitch walks? I feel like the Reds have to be #1 this year.

Reds lead NL in hits given up to #9 hitters.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/pitching/split/117/league/nl/sort/hits/type/expanded/order/true

[Tom Servo]

Reds lead NL in hits given up to #9 hitters.
http://espn.go.com/mlb/stats/team/_/stat/pitching/split/117/league/nl/sort/hits/type/expanded/order/true
Sounds right.

[Tom Servo]

Taylor makes a catch on a ball by Votto hit into the gap look routine.

Frazier has no clue against Scherzer.

[TRF]

Shouldn't we take Taft, due to his Cincinnati connections?

I almost went to Taft High School..

Then I moved and went to Aiken, which seems to have vanished off the face of the earth.

edit: it transformed into a 7-12 school.

go falcons.

[WVRedsFan]

Hmmm. Mariners just named Jerry Dipoto their new GM

[Tom Servo]

Hmmm. Mariners just named Jerry Dipoto their new GM
Solid hire for them, was hoping they would take Kevin Towers away.

[ScotlandRed]

Taylor makes a catch on a ball by Votto hit into the gap look routine.

Frazier has no clue against Scherzer.

Frazier has had no clue against anyone 2nd half.

[Tom Servo]

I just have no idea how the Reds were ever fooled into thinking Brennan Boesch could play CF.
It's embarrassing, another red mark against Jocketty and Price.

[Tom Servo]

Boesch's missed catch haunts, den Dekker ropes a double to right to drive in the run. He's out at third though.

1-0 Nats

2 out walk to Dan Uggla...not a good idea Finny.

[Tom Servo]

And another hit for opposing pitchers, Scherzer is 2-2 after Finnegan slows a groundball down to a dead stop and now has himself in trouble.

[Tom Servo]

And Michael Taylor singles to make it 2-0, all because of the two out walk to Uggla.

Why am I watching this? This is really bad.

[klw]

Why am I watching this? This is really bad.
Only reason to watch at this point is to see the Votto at bats.

[Tom Servo]

I'll say this though, I am still encouraged by Brandon Finnegan. To my eye, he looks like he can be a starter. But he also looks like a 22 year old just over a year removed from pitching in college ie: he still needs work. Some non-terrible defense behind him would be a nice as well.

[Tom Servo]

lol i just realized the Reds are being no-hit

[Tom Servo]

3-0 Nats on a solo HR with two outs in the 5th by Wilson Ramos

[Kc61]

Walt recently said that he doesn't think the Reds are that far away. Or words to that effect.

This last week, I think they are not that far away from the '62 Mets.

I mean, it really took work to have the 2012 team reach these depths in three short seasons. Hard to imagine.

If Scherzer no-hits the Reds today, I wonder if it will count as a major league no-hitter.

Looking at the schedule, I thought the Reds would beat the Mets Sunday (post-celebration) and the Nats today (another struggling outfit). Doesn't look promising.

[Tom Servo]

Walt recently said that he doesn't think the Reds are that far away. Or words to that effect.

This last week, I think they are not that far away from the '62 Mets.

I mean, it really took work to have the 2012 team reach these depths in three short seasons. Hard to imagine.

If Scherzer no-hits the Reds today, I wonder if it will count as a major league no-hitter.

Looking at the schedule, I thought the Reds would beat the Mets Sunday (post-celebration) and the Nats today (another struggling outfit). Doesn't look promising.
Honestly, as miserable as things look, I don't expect the Reds to be this bad next season. I think they can be an adequately average/below average team. It's pretty hard to be this bad.

But boy, they need to make some changes.

[Kc61]

Honestly, as miserable as things look, I don't expect the Reds to be this bad next season. I think they can be an adequately average/below average team. It's pretty hard to be this bad.

But boy, they need to make some changes.

Not sure how you feel, but I don't root for average/below average.

Either you're contending or you're rebuilding.

I reject the idea that the goal is "semi-decent and hope for good luck." I know some fans feel that way, I don't.

Reds out in 30 seconds there.

[Tom Servo]

Not sure how you feel, but I don't root for average/below average.

Either you're contending or you're rebuilding.

I reject the idea that the goal is "semi-decent and hope for good luck."

Reds out in 30 seconds there.
Next year is rebuilding, I just don't think it will necessarily be 90 loss type of rebuilding unless the Reds somehow replace our current offense with even worse players.

This no-hitter is happening, I can feel it.

[Tom Servo]

Jumbo gives up another HR, please tell me again how impressed I should be with him.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Walt recently said that he doesn't think the Reds are that far away. Or words to that effect.

.

I think Walt is not far away from the unemployment line. I am beginning to rank him with Dick Wagner and Jim Bowden as a GM. I just don't see any hope with the all-rookie all "potential" pitchers they've been tossing out day after day.

[Kc61]

Next year is rebuilding, I just don't think it will necessarily be 90 loss type of rebuilding unless the Reds somehow replace our current offense with even worse players.

This no-hitter is happening, I can feel it.

If the Reds rebuild the right way, I'll be happy no matter what the W-L record is next year. Hoping for wins, but mostly happy that they are emphasizing the right skills, giving opportunities to the right guys.

My fear is that they will be driven by W-L record to satisfy fan short-term-interest.

[757690]

Jumbo gives up another HR, please tell me again how impressed I should be with him.

Jumbo is a perfect example of why K's and missing bats don't tell the whole story.

[Tom Servo]

Votto is K victim #9. The no-hitter all but confirmed.

[Tom Servo]

Bruce with a good AB to draw a walk

[BCubb2003]

Bruce with a good AB to draw a walk

Bruce for Star of the Game.

[Tom Servo]

Suarez grounds out, Scherzer no hitter thru 7.

I'm getting on the train and heading home.

[klw]

Bruce's walk guarantees that Votto's spot in the order will come up again.

[TRF]

Jumbo gives up another HR, please tell me again how impressed I should be with him.

playing out the string?

dunno. but he can miss bats, his nickname is Jumbo, and he's at least a good story. Nobody is perfect.

Except Votto.

[kaldaniels]

IBB Votto to keep the no-hitter intact?

I'd love to see the fallout from that.

[TRF]

Jumbo is a perfect example of why K's and missing bats don't tell the whole story.

Stated just before Badenhop gives up a leadoff double.

over/under on runs this inning by the GB specialist? eleventy billion.

[TRF]

Though... I could be wrong. :)

[TRF]

Badenhop gets the K to end the inning.

Color me stunned.

[Kc61]

Stated just before Badenhop gives up a leadoff double.

over/under on runs this inning by the GB specialist? eleventy billion.

Of course, Badenhop this year isn't a great test case for ground ball pitchers. His 46% GB rate is much lower than his norm.

He's a test case for ground ball pitchers who aren't throwing that many ground ball these days.

[klw]

It just seems like Badenhop is pitching every game at the moment.

[TRF]

Of course, Badenhop this year isn't a great test case for ground ball pitchers. His 46% GB rate is much lower than his norm.

He's a test case for ground ball pitchers who aren't throwing that many ground ball these days.

That's exactly my point, without trying to derail. I want relievers that miss bats and keep runners off the bases. Gobs of K's low WHIP's.

In other words the 2015 Houston Astros bullpen. Sadly the only thing close for the Reds is Aroldis and Jumbo. Next year though...

I can hope right?

[Kc61]

A hit.

[ukredleg]

Hahaha Tucker!

[klw]

Rally time!

[Kc61]

That's exactly my point, without trying to derail. I want relievers that miss bats and keep runners off the bases. Gobs of K's low WHIP's.

In other words the 2015 Houston Astros bullpen. Sadly the only thing close for the Reds is Aroldis and Jumbo. Next year though...

I can hope right?

I want bat missing too. But for the Reds, playing in GABP, ground ball pitching is good too. With the regular infielders playing.

The combo of Ks and GBs has resulted in great success for some Reds pitchers.

[klw]

Skip with the RBI, he has had a nice week.
4-1 bottom 8

[TRF]

I want bat missing too. But for the Reds, playing in GABP, ground ball pitching is good too. With the regular infielders playing.

The combo of Ks and GBs has resulted in great success for some Reds pitchers.

I'm struggling to remember the success the Reds have had with a GB specialist relief pitcher. I'm not doubting it, just none spring to mind.

[BCubb2003]

I'm struggling to remember the success the Reds have had with a GB specialist relief pitcher. I'm not doubting it, just none spring to mind.

Danny Graves?

[NebraskaRed]

I really couldn't have expected more from Boesch in CF.

That's the nicest way I could put it.

[Kc61]

I'm struggling to remember the success the Reds have had with a GB specialist relief pitcher. I'm not doubting it, just none spring to mind.

I was talking about starters, like Cueto, like Volquez his good season.

A relief example would be Sean Marshall.

These guys aren't known as ground ball specialists, but they have good K/GB combos.

I recognize the danger of a low K ground ball pitcher. Too much contact. Too many bad things can happen. And when they elevate the ball, disaster.

But nobody Ks all hitters, a ground ball tendency in GABP is generally good.

[klw]

I really couldn't have expected more from Boesch in CF.

That's the nicest way I could put it.

I hope they have Lorenzen out there in CF on closing day.

[TRF]

Danny Graves?

I guess it depends on how you define success. But man after looking at how Graves was used... that's a lot of innings for a relief pitcher.

Put it this way... Would you rather have Danny Graves with the game on the line or Scott Williamson?

Loved Graves even despite his dumb comments, but to be honest, I'd take Williamson every time. Too bad the Reds did their level best to ruin both arms.

[Kc61]

Reds' comeback failed today. Lot of losses.

[TRF]

I was talking about starters, like Cueto, like Volquez his good season.

A relief example would be Sean Marshall.

These guys aren't known as ground ball specialists, but they have good K/GB combos.

I recognize the danger of a low K ground ball pitcher. Too much contact. Too many bad things can happen. And when they elevate the ball, disaster.

But nobody Ks all hitters, a ground ball tendency in GABP is generally good.

Chapman does. :)

ok not all, but still I posted a list of high K low WHIP relief pitchers. 2 were GB specialists. The list was really a who's who of the best relievers in baseball. And only Britton and Familia make the cut as guys with severe GB tendencies.

I'll say it again. If you go into an inning and you can get 1/3 of the outs on your own, every time. That is huge. It is the most huge thing in baseball for relief pitchers. Everything past that is secondary.

[WVRedsFan]

Well, that was a quick 9th. I really don't know if this team will win another game. If they go 63-99, they had better make some big changes.

[klw]

Another day in which Votto reached base 2+ times. I believe that is 104 games he has done that in this season, 1 shy of his Reds record.

Steven Sharp ‏@TheStevenSharp 10m10 minutes ago

#Reds single-season franchise leaders in Times on Base (via H/BB/HBP):
Votto -- 316 (2013)
Votto -- 312 (2015)
@PeteRose_14 -- 311 (1969)

[WVRedsFan]

Even if the Reds win the final 6 games, they will be 69-93. If they lose them all, they will be 63-99. better than 1982's 61-101, but just barely. To think that this club has the worst record in 33 years should get people off their duffs and do something. The MLB guys said it best--everyone has injuries but what happened here in inexcusable. If not, fans might be on for another lost decade, and I don't think baseball in Cincy can survive through that.

[Tom Servo]

Even if the Reds win the final 6 games, they will be 66-93. If they lose them all, they will be 63-99. better than 1982's 61-101, but just barely. To think that this club has the worst record in 33 years should get people off their duffs and do something. The MLB guys said it best--everyone has injuries but what happened here in inexcusable. If not, fans might be on for another lost decade, and I don't think baseball in Cincy can survive through that.
On pace to be the worst Reds club of my lifetime, didn't see that coming in April.

[RedLegsToday]

embarrassingly bad. Their should never be a roster crunch so dire that brennan boesch and skippy are starting in the same game.....

In AAA....

[Roy Tucker]

And here I thought it was a night game...

Having seen live and in color 2 of the weekend series games against the Mets, I can testify the Reds are playing both bad and lifeless baseball.

I'd have guys running laps and doing suicides till they puke. It wouldn't do any good, but it would make me feel better. A below average 2016 is a real stretch.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Even if the Reds win the final 6 games, they will be 69-93. If they lose them all, they will be 63-99. better than 1982's 61-101, but just barely. To think that this club has the worst record in 33 years should get people off their duffs and do something. The MLB guys said it best--everyone has injuries but what happened here in inexcusable. If not, fans might be on for another lost decade, and I don't think baseball in Cincy can survive through that.

To see a record like that from a team that has Joey Votto, Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto is simply stunning IMO. There IS talent on this team...but the discrepancy between the good players and the rest of the team is staggering. The rookie starting rotation is certainly part of it...but the bullpen has been a season long nightmare. Quite possibly the worst bullpen performance I've ever seen for an entire season. And that's saying quite a bit.

[GADawg]

Okay, for those keeping tabs on Servo's opinions on things, I am beginning to worry about Eugenio at shortstop. The bobbles. Always with the bobbles. It can be corrected.

Still not an outfielder though.

De Jesus tries to top him with some more lousy defense on a tailor-made DP ball, two in a row that the Reds have blown.

Welcome to the party

[WVRedsFan]

To see a record like that from a team that has Joey Votto, Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Johnny Cueto is simply stunning IMO. There IS talent on this team...but the discrepancy between the good players and the rest of the team is staggering. The rookie starting rotation is certainly part of it...but the bullpen has been a season long nightmare. Quite possibly the worst bullpen performance I've ever seen for an entire season. And that's saying quite a bit.And I totally agree. A lot of it is the lineups. In what universe should Boesch and Skip play in the same outfield? Why sit Brandon Phillips, basically taking the one guy who is hitting, when you were facing Scherzer? And the losing continues. At least try to win. Or maybe no one cares?

[Mutaman]

And I totally agree. A lot of it is the lineups. In what universe should Boesch and Skip play in the same outfield? Why sit Brandon Phillips, basically taking the one guy who is hitting, when you were facing Scherzer? And the losing continues. At least try to win. Or maybe no one cares?

[cumberlandreds]

Skippy robbed by (Mary) Tyler Moore in left field.

He turned his glove on with a smile.

[cumberlandreds]

On pace to be the worst Reds club of my lifetime, didn't see that coming in April.

Just stick around and you will probably see worse next season. Unless the Reds pick up a couple of veteran starters that can give them 6 or 7 inning a game next year we are looking at well over 100 loss season. Reds can't win many games at all with the pitching they have now. Even if some of the youngsters improve some next season. Even if the Reds improve the bullpen substantially they will be shot by June with all the work.

[Tom Servo]

Just stick around and you will probably see worse next season. Unless the Reds pick up a couple of veteran starters that can give them 6 or 7 inning a game next year we are looking at well over 100 loss season. Reds can't win many games at all with the pitching they have now. Even if some of the youngsters improve some next season. Even if the Reds improve the bullpen substantially they will be shot by June with all the work.
I don't think there's any way next year is as bad as this year, Castellini simply won't allow it. There won't be an all-rookie rotation.

[cumberlandreds]

I don't think there's any way next year is as bad as this year, Castellini simply won't allow it. There won't be an all-rookie rotation.

I sincerely hope you are right.

[Big Klu]

I don't think there's any way next year is as bad as this year, Castellini simply won't allow it. There won't be an all-rookie rotation.

Of course not. They will all be sophomores next season. ;)