4/2/18 Reds v. Cubs

[NebraskaRed]

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

[reds44]

I feel like these lineups are throwing poop at a wall and hoping it sticks

[Tom Servo]

I feel like these lineups are throwing poop at a wall and hoping it sticks
I think Price is already struggling with the four man outfield plan.

[Raisor]

I think Price is already struggling with the four man outfield plan.

How do you figure?

[reds44]

I think Price is already struggling with the four man outfield plan.

I know it’s only 4 games, but how Duvall is seemingly the odd man out is confusing. Better than Winker, I guess.

[Raisor]

I know it’s only 4 games, but how Duvall is seemingly the odd man out is confusing. Better than Winker, I guess.

Schebler took his start today, since he's the only one to start every game.

[Tom Servo]

How do you figure?
I can’t sense any pattern yet other than that Winker sat against the lefty yesterday.

[reds44]

Schebler took his start today, since he's the only one to start every game.

Which is also weird to me

[Raisor]

I can’t sense any pattern yet other than that Winker sat against the lefty yesterday.

It's four games, and one guy has sat twice and something something Price is struggling with the rotation?

Man, I know you take shots at Price. I know it's your thing.

I get it.

This is pushing it even for you.

[Raisor]

Which is also weird to me

He and Winker will probably play the most since they are the two guys playing multiple positions in the rotation.

[Raisor]

Duvall career against RHP .238/.286/.477

Schebler has been hot since the start of spring training. Not sure what the issue is.

[Raisor]

What I don't get is Pennington hitting second

[Raisor]

@ Reds

Lineup change: Schebler scratched with a sore right elbow. Duvall will start in LF, batting 6th; Winker moves to RF.




Darn elbow ruined a nice debate

[JaxRed]

Wonder if Scheb is available for pinch hitting.

- - - Updated - - -


I feel like these lineups are throwing poop at a wall and hoping it sticks


I feel like these lineups are poop.


FIFY. I don't really feel that way, it was just too much of an opportunity to pass up.....

[CySeymour]

What I don't get is Pennington hitting second

Exactly. And why bump Suarez all the way to fifth?

[NebraskaRed]

What I don't get is Pennington hitting second

Dude, look at his numbers this year: 1.000/1.000/1.000/2.000

gotta play the hot hand

[WrongVerb]

If these lineups are poop, then four games in I'm feeling pretty constipated. #OldRedsFanProblems

[Reds Fanatic]

Cubs Lineup


CF Ian Happ (S)
3B Kris Bryant (R)
1B Anthony Rizzo (L)
C W. Contreras (R)
LF Kyle Schwarber (L)
SS Addison Russell (R)
RF Jason Heyward (L)
2B Javier Baez (R)
P Tyler Chatwood (R)

[klw]

@ Reds

Lineup change: Schebler scratched with a sore right elbow. Duvall will start in LF, batting 6th; Winker moves to RF.




Darn elbow ruined a nice debate

I forget if we still blame Dusty for elbow injuries or is this on Kremchek?

[cumberlandreds]

What I don't get is Pennington hitting second

SS always hit 2nd. You know that. Now get with it! That's been the problem with Peraza this season. He has hit 7th or 8th and not 2nd. When Price realizes this today Peraza will be hitting 2nd and all will be well with the lineups.

[BillyMcCool]

[QUSo Duvall is starting?...........Reds will get their 1st WIN of the season today.OTE=Raisor;3760192]@ Reds

Lineup change: Schebler scratched with a sore right elbow. Duvall will start in LF, batting 6th; Winker moves to RF.




Darn elbow ruined a nice debate[/QUOTE]

[Kinsm]

Scheb got jacked yesterday, I'm surprised he's not on the DL today.

[Boston Red]

I'm feeling win #1. I'm (for no reason in particular) expecting a big year out of Mahle.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

I hope this isn't another year of the Chicago Nines... Every time I would check out a Reds-Cubs score last year the Cubs were at 9 runs...sadly we were always less than that

[Kc61]

I can’t sense any pattern yet other than that Winker sat against the lefty yesterday.

There is a pattern, Price’s original lineup was correct, it makes sense if we look ahead.

1. It was Schebler’s turn to sit today. Duvall’s turn to sit tomorrow, Tuesday.

2. But Lester is scheduled for tomorrow, very tough lefty.

3. So Price switched the off-days. He gave Schebler the start against the RHP today, and advanced Duvall’s “off day.”

4. Against LHP Lester tomorrow, Schebler would have had the day off and Duvall would have started.

Of course, if Scheb is out today with injury, that changes things, but the original lineup made sense and was in keeping with trying to have Duvall play against LHP and trying to have Scheb play as much as possible againt RHP.

[JaxRed]

I'd have a Duvall/Hamilton/Ervin outfield tomorrow.

[Kinsm]

I'm shocked this game isn't sold out yet, with the parade going on beforehand.

Reds brass should be taking note of how disengaged the fanbase is at this point.

[Kc61]

I'd have a Duvall/Hamilton/Ervin outfield tomorrow.

LOL, poor Ervin would get one start - against Jon Lester. (Not disagreeeing with you.)

Seriously though, my guess is Price will want to use three of Winker, Scheb, Duvall, and BH virtually every game. If only to get them all near 500 PAs, “starters’ numbers.”

This could come at Ervin’s expense, if I’m right, and I still wonder if Phil wouldn’t be better off every day at AAA. Guessing that will happen eventually.

[reds44]

Isn’t Ervin’s upside 4th OF anyways?

[Tom Servo]

Isn’t Ervin’s upside 4th OF anyways?
Yeah.

[texasdave]

Today's contest is the MLB FreeFreeFree Game of the Day. 410 EDT.

[RedsfaninMT]

Today's contest is the MLB FreeFreeFree Game of the Day. 410 EDT.

Is it worth taking my time away from work productivity (self-employed)?

[Boston Red]

Is it worth taking my time away from work productivity (self-employed)?

Of course. You don't want to miss NL ROY Tyler Mahle's first outing of the year!

[RedsfaninMT]

Of course. You don't want to miss NL ROY Tyler Mahle's first outing of the year!

Oh, I'll be watching and keeping the volume down as my wife also works from home...and hoping it's not a waste of time like the past 3 games.

[texasdave]

Reds are gonna win 84 this season. The more they lose now, the more they win later on. Good times are coming!

[WrongVerb]

Reds are gonna win 84 this season. The more they lose now, the more they win later on. Good times are coming!

I like this enthusiasm!

[Boston Red]

Big crowd! I assume most of the fans actually in the stands are Cubs fans, so this is quite sad. I get that it's a Monday afternoon with awful weather, but ouch.

[ochoa30]

Winker and Votto go deep off chatwood today

[Rantly]

What I don't get is Pennington hitting second

Agree, learned that from Dusty, utility infielder when he gets in, bats second

[RedsManRick]

I swear. What is about Cincinnati where our pitchers simply forget how to throw strikes. I can deal with losing. But for God's sake, please throw strikes.

[kaldaniels]

I swear. What is about Cincinnati where our pitchers simply forget how to throw strikes. I can deal with losing. But for God's sake, please throw strikes.

I hear you!

Mahle was right on the edges there I truly believe looking for a chase and usually adjusts in game accordingly. I'm not upset...yet.

[CaiGuy]

I swear. What is about Cincinnati where our pitchers simply forget how to throw strikes. I can deal with losing. But for God's sake, please throw strikes.

Seems like all of the young guys start off pounding the zone, get ahead, and then throw 3 straight balls.

Just keep doing what you were doing.

[kaldaniels]

I hear you!

Mahle was right on the edges there I truly believe looking for a chase and usually adjusts in game accordingly. I'm not upset...yet.

Now the HBP was bad.

[Red Raindog]

Seems like all of the young guys start off pounding the zone, get ahead, and then throw 3 straight balls.

Just keep doing what you were doing.

well there's always the option to hit the batter after getting ahead

[kaldaniels]

well there's always the option to hit the batter after getting ahead

All great pitchers know how to add a wrinkle.

[CaiGuy]

well there's always the option to hit the batter after getting ahead

Keeps the pitch count down? ;)

- - - Updated - - -

I think Mahle in particular will be fine in the long run, just the nibbling is no fun to watch.

- - - Updated - - -

Woh, right down the middle. Speed had him fooled.

[Boston Red]

Hitting spots right now.

[kaldaniels]

He's right on the edge of the zone with most pitches. That's a good thing for me. Just avoid the meatballs, and I hate when guys waste a pitch a foot high or a foot off the plate.

[BillyMcCool]

Good start for Tyler Mahle........shuts out the Cubs in the 1st inning.....with 2 K's

[Boston Red]

94 right down the middle to Schwarber. Was lucky to get away with that one.

[kaldaniels]

Too many pitches but that seems to be the last thing to come around for many pitchers.

No hard contact that time through.

[membengal]

That was a really great comeback, and two swinging Ks. Nice.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice recovery by Mahle with 2 Ks to end the inning

[Tadasimha]

Mahle is not the Cubs pally

[ochoa30]

Nice! Finally a scoreless first inning. Let's get a lead!

[Reds Fanatic]

First time all year the Reds are not behind after the top of the 1st

[membengal]

94 right down the middle to Schwarber. Was lucky to get away with that one.

I guess I disagree? He's got good speed and movement on the fastball and locates well. That's how he will get swinging strikes.

[Strikes Out Looking]

The strike 3 pitch to Schwarber was the textbook up in the zone defeat launch angle pitch that the Reds pitchers need to master.

[CaiGuy]

Schwarber=Bust

[M2]

For the first time this season the Reds come to back not trailing.

[NebraskaRed]

If the Reds score first, it'll be the first time this season in which they've had a lead

[kaldaniels]

94 right down the middle to Schwarber. Was lucky to get away with that one.

You are right, he will get burned on that at a point.

But the swing and miss is a function of him reaching back for 94 after mostly softer stuff.

- - - Updated - - -


The strike 3 pitch to Schwarber was the textbook up in the zone defeat launch angle pitch that the Reds pitchers need to master.

Exactly. I mean if a batter knows that is what is coming or guessing, he will tee off. But up in the zone is hard to get around on if you are hesitant.

[Strikes Out Looking]

FYI, the 4 OF rotation will for the most part, work itself out like it did today - the 3 healthy OF's play.

[kaldaniels]

I'm down with OBP.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lead off walk for Winker

[Raisor]

Pennington looks a bit yellow

[Boston Red]

I guess I disagree? He's got good speed and movement on the fastball and locates well. That's how he will get swinging strikes.

I think he was trying to get to where he ended up on the next pitch.

[Raisor]

I'm down with OBP.

Yeah you know me

[CaiGuy]

Love Winker in the lead off spot.

[ochoa30]

Every batter in this inning needs to take a strike

[KYExtemper]

Screwy strike zone

[Strikes Out Looking]

The Reds should keep the bat on their shoulders until Chatwood k's someone looking (and I hate K's looking).

[Reds Fanatic]

Good start with back to back walks.

[Tadasimha]

Pennington looks a bit yellow

He's on the Reds now

[membengal]

At some point this year, the Reds will not have an ump hose them on strike calls.

[Boston Red]

The Reds should keep the bat on their shoulders until Chatwood k's someone looking (and I hate K's looking).

I'm okay with Votto swinging!

[CaiGuy]

Nice, first lead of the year coming. Can feel it...

[KYExtemper]

Votto got busted up inside

[Boston Red]

Bizarro world start!

[kaldaniels]

Pennington looks a bit yellow


Kramer (pulling a liquor bottle from his jacket pocket): Well, I guess it
started about twenty years ago when I got back from Viet Nam, and this was the
only friend I had left.

Mickey: Hey! That's my cirrhosis! He's stealing my cirrhosis! (he jumps
Kramer) You wanna be sick? I'll make you sick.

They fall to the floor, wrestling.

Student #2: Cirrhosis of the liver and PCP addiction?

[ochoa30]

Really nice pitch there unfortunately

[Reds Fanatic]

Bases loaded on a Scooter single

[Tadasimha]

Winker and Pennington work walks and Votto sees three pitches? Whats with him to start the season?

Scoots it through!

[Red Raindog]

162 game hitting streak --- called it first for Scooter

[Tracy Jones]

Pennington looks a bit yellow

13412

[membengal]

Just brutal luck for the Reds right now - wild pitch that bounces back perfectly to catcher so Winker can't score.

[KYExtemper]

Okay, show of hands. How many people saw that double play coming?

[membengal]

I mean. Good grief.

[Boston Red]

Of course

[Tadasimha]

Dang pitcher's friend

[Reds Fanatic]

Ugh. DP ends the inning. 0-0 after 1

[Boston Red]

Okay, show of hands. How many people saw that double play coming?

The FSO graphics guy is raising his hand.

[ochoa30]

That's nuts

[Strikes Out Looking]

I say it again, swinging against Chatwood is stupid. Even Joey- should have made him work to get to 2 strikes.

[M2]

Chatwood + Cubs IF is going to induce a ton of DPs this year.

[Big Klu]

The Reds should keep the bat on their shoulders until Chatwood k's someone looking (and I hate K's looking).

They are not acceptable.

[NebraskaRed]

if wins and losses were determined by a team's ability to load the bases but not score, this team would be a world series-caliber club

[CaiGuy]

Nice, first lead of the year coming. Can feel it...

I am putting myself on ignore.

[ochoa30]

I say it again, swinging against Chatwood is stupid. Even Joey- should have made him work to get to 2 strikes.

They were all strikes so he couldn't have possibly worked more unless Votto fouls off that nearly perfect strike 3 pitch.

[Tracy Jones]

It seems as though the Reds have developed a bit of Cleveland Browns syndrome. You expect things to go wrong, and low and behold, things go wrong.

[Tadasimha]

I am putting myself on ignore.

You say something?

[NebraskaRed]

get LeCure back in the bullpen right now. you know it couldn't hurt.

[Strikes Out Looking]

They are not acceptable.

In this case, I believe one or two would be - he'd end up walking enough runs in that it would be worth it.

[KYExtemper]

if wins and losses were determined by a team's ability to load the bases but not score, this team would be a world series-caliber club

I've just seen us ruin too many RISP chances over the last four seasons

[ochoa30]

get LeCure back in the bullpen right now. you know it couldn't hurt.

Cant be worse then Gallardo or the Quack

[Strikes Out Looking]

They were all strikes so he couldn't have possibly worked more unless Votto fouls off that nearly perfect strike 3 pitch.

I'm not sure it would have ended up being the same pitch sequence as he eventually got.

[ochoa30]

I'm not sure it would have ended up being the same pitch sequence as he eventually got.

Fair enough

[kaldaniels]

I'm suprised they rolled out the red carpet for Danny Graves. (I don't have a problem with it, just given the uptightness of the organization/local media)

And Danny looked good...wasn't there a pic of him looking rather plump a few years back?

[Big Klu]

So the grand marshals for the Findlay Market Parade were Danny Graves and Sam LeCure?

Kinda scraping the bottom of the barrel.

[Tracy Jones]

Cant be worse then Gallardo or the Quack

What’s Kremcheck got to do with this?

[Raisor]

KKKK

[757690]

Enjoying LeCure in the booth. Hope he does more games.

[kaldaniels]

I look forward to seeing Mahle and the Cubs adjust the second time through. If they know he will eventually throw strikes they will swing earlier in the count...hopefully leading to weak contact.

[Reds Fanatic]

4 straight Ks for Mahle

[Tadasimha]

Niice

[ochoa30]

What’s Kremcheck got to do with this?

Lol, probably make a better Doctor then him too

[membengal]

Mahle's current plan of striking out all the Cubs is a sound one.

[Big Klu]

In this case, I believe one or two would be - he'd end up walking enough runs in that it would be worth it.

I know...just riffing off the joke we had going the other day. :)

[kaldaniels]

So the grand marshals for the Findlay Market Parade were Danny Graves and Sam LeCure?

Kinda scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Danny, I get. But on a macro level, who the hell is Sam Lecure?

[ochoa30]

Love how he's painting the corners so far. Keep that up.

[M2]

Oh Jesse

[Tracy Jones]

Winker is a poor defender #captainobvious

[757690]

Winker doing his best Alonso impression.

[kaldaniels]

Bad Winker.

[Reds Fanatic]

They are giving Baez a triple on that but that ball has to be caught

[ochoa30]

Man he's going to need to hit to overcome that D

[Raisor]

KKKKK

[Tracy Jones]

Mahle kills any rally

Wah wah

[Reds Fanatic]

5 Ks for Mahle

[membengal]

Mahle didn't mess around with Chatwood though, nice to fix the mistake. 5 Ks through first time through the Cubs line-up...wow.

[KYExtemper]

Danny, I get. But on a macro level, who the hell is Sam Lecure?

Mustache Man

[CaiGuy]

Time to bump the Winker's Defense Thread.

[Tadasimha]

Mahle kills any rally

Wah wah

Going back to Cali

[50YrRedsFan]

Winker is a poor defender #captainobvious

He looked tentative going after that ball.

[Strikes Out Looking]

If you cannot catch the ball with a dive, do not dive - that allowed the runner to go from a double to a triple.

[ochoa30]

If you cannot catch the ball with a dive, do not dive - that allowed the runner to go from a double to a triple.

Agreed, hopefully he will get better at judging when to go for it and when not to. Tough decision to make on the fly. You want to catch that ball. Most if not all RF's would have.

[Tracy Jones]

Going back to Cali

To hang 10 in the valley. No one hits Tyler Mahle...not even Terry Crowley.

[M2]

Love how he's painting the corners so far. Keep that up.

Mahle can paint. The other thing is he's got stuff. He throws plenty hard and he does it without a lot of effort. His curve (or maybe it's a slider, damned if I can tell from watching television) is looking good today - tight rotation, sharp break.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Danny, I get. But on a macro level, who the hell is Sam Lecure?

Chris Welsh?

[Tracy Jones]

He looked tentative going after that ball.

Yeah he did. That was an ugly looking effort all the way around.

[Raisor]

The Ghost of Nuxy was just shown in the crowd

[membengal]

Duvall flies out to regular LF depth, Lecure - "get up". How high did that have to get, Sam?

- - - Updated - - -


Mahle can paint. The other thing is he's got stuff. He throws plenty hard and he does it without a lot of effort. His curve (or maybe it's a slider, damned if I can tell from watching television) is looking good today - tight rotation, sharp break.

He's super-easy to dream on, like when Castillo broke through last year.

[kaldaniels]

Chris Welsh?

1989 Chris Welsh?

[Red Raindog]

good move giving Billy 5 take signs

[Tadasimha]

Nice, Billy. Cmon, Pally

[Tracy Jones]

Billy gets a walk with the pitcher on deck. That’s poor.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Mahle needs to teach Billy how to bunt.

[M2]

He's super-easy to dream on, like when Castillo broke through last year.

We're going to have to remind ourselves at times he's only 23 without much experience in AAA, but he's got some of the proverbial "it."

[ochoa30]

Nice Jon Tyler!

[CaiGuy]

Billy gets a walk with the pitcher on deck. That’s poor.

What was he to do...swing at balls?

[KYExtemper]

Situations like the one we just saw with the bunt make me sympathetic to the argument for a DH in the National League

[Reds Fanatic]

Duvall flies out to regular LF depth, Lecure - "get up". How high did that have to get, Sam?

Sam must have George Grande's depth perception. George always acts like every ball to the OF is about to go out

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Oof. Winker mincemeat.

[Tadasimha]

That wont make up for the defense

[kaldaniels]

Ummm Jim Day keeps touching Sam.

[Reds Fanatic]

This teams awful performance with RISP continues

[Tracy Jones]

What was he to do...swing at balls?

Poor on the pitcher’s part. I thought that observation was a fairly obvious one.

[CarolinaRedleg]

This teams awful performance with RISP continues

Reds gonna Red.

[NebraskaRed]

LeCure is aiming to be a color commentator

[CaiGuy]

At some point this season, the Red's will have a lead.

At some point...

[M2]

Ummm Jim Day keeps touching Sam.

Little known fact, Sam LeCure's skin is soft like a plushy.

[Tracy Jones]

At some point this season, the Red's will have a lead.

At some point..

Nah. 0-162

[ochoa30]

At some point this season, the Red's will have a lead.

At some point..

Let's hope

[Tracy Jones]

Little known fact, Sam Lecure's skin is soft like a plushy.

He gets his lotions from Votto’s skin care guy.

[Raisor]

KKKKKK

[membengal]

Good lord, Tyler Mahle.

[Tadasimha]

Mahle got that inside corner dialed in

[M2]

How many of these Ks have been looking? Like, five?

[Reds Fanatic]

That is 4 Ks in a row the Cubs have struck out looking

[Tadasimha]

Little known fact, Sam LeCure's skin is soft like a plushy.

Regular chemical peels

[M2]

Oh Jesse

[kaldaniels]

That K was a pitch that belongs on Pitching Ninja Twitter.

[KYExtemper]

Winker's dives are really awkward. I thought he was going to botch that one too.

[Tracy Jones]

Lol Winker. Better to be lucky than good sometimes

[WrongVerb]

https://neilrogers.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/lotion-basket.jpg

[membengal]

Are we sure Duvall isn't able to play RF? Because Winker should probably only be in LF.

[kaldaniels]

Cubs aiming for Winker.

[Tadasimha]

Well, that was unnecessarily exciting, Jess

[Reds Fanatic]

Lol Winker. Better to be lucky than good sometimes

This OF defense especially on days Hamilton sits could be brutal with Winker and Schebler in center.

[Boston Red]

So have they started engraving Tyler's name on that ROY trophy, or do they have to wait? You know, as a formality.

[UPRedsFan]

Let’s give the Reds organization some good credit for not holding Mahle down for service time. Mahle was clearly ready and deserves to be here. My new favorite Reds pitcher!

[CaiGuy]

Did he start running backwards before that dive?

I think he will surprise a lot with the bat/power, but dudes a LF through and through, at best.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Ummm Jim Day keeps touching Sam.

Family board.

[RedsfaninMT]

This OF defense especially on days Hamilton sits could be brutal with Winker and Schebler in center.

They may need to put both of them in center, and go with 4 outfielders.

[M2]

Cubs aiming for Winker.

It's a sound strategy.

[Tracy Jones]

This OF defense especially on days Hamilton sits could be brutal with Winker and Schebler in center.

By the looks of things, yes. It’s why Billy is still quite valuable to the team now matter how much of an auto out he is at the plate.

[CaiGuy]

This OF defense especially on days Hamilton sits could be brutal with Winker and Schebler in center.

I don't mind the rotation, but I probably keep the corner guys...on the corners.

[NebraskaRed]

https://images.fastcompany.com/upload/OompaLoompa2.jpg
Cliff Pennington

[CaiGuy]

Let’s give the Reds organization some good credit for not holding Mahle down for service time. Mahle was clearly ready and deserves to be here. My new favorite Reds pitcher!

Castillo all the way for me, but I hear ya.

[ochoa30]

I don't mind the rotation, but I probably keep the corner guys...on the corners.

So Hamilton who is the worst hitter by a large margin plays every day?

[Boston Red]

Cliff Pennington made an out?!?

[ochoa30]

Cliff Pennington made an out?!?

Say it ain't so

[Reds Fanatic]

So Hamilton who is the worst hitter by a large margin plays every day?

I hate the thought of it but especially in some of the big parks on the road like San Francisco, Houston I can't imagine these other guys handling center field

[BluegrassRedleg]

I need an app that just tells me when Joey Votto is coming to the plate.

[Tracy Jones]

So Hamilton who is the worst hitter by a large margin plays every day?

He kinda has to, no? Unless you believe Schebler or Ervin are good enough in center.

[CaiGuy]

So Hamilton who is the worst hitter by a large margin plays every day?

Yes, for the most part, unless they bring on another legit CF.

Or if Ervin can by that guy, haven't watched him play D much.

[ochoa30]

He kinda has to, no? Unless you Schebler or Ervin are good enough in center.

I guess so but it won't be much of a rotation then

[50YrRedsFan]

Did he start running backwards before that dive?

I think he will surprise a lot with the bat/power, but dudes a LF through and through, at best.

Probably a first baseman when Votto is done.

[Tracy Jones]

I guess so but it won't be much of a rotation then

There will still be the rotation (provided that Winker hits) but Billy still has to play 120 or so games IMO

[ochoa30]

Yes, for the most part, unless they bring on another legit CF.

Or if Ervin can by that guy, haven't watched him play D much.

From what I've heard and read Ervin could probably be adequate out there but the hitting is the question. Be interesting to see it play out.

[Raisor]

There will still be the rotation (provided that Winker hits) but Billy still has to play 120 or so games IMO

If it turns out to be an even rotation each guy would get about 120 games, so yes.

[ochoa30]

There will still be the rotation (provided that Winker hits) but Billy still has to play 120 or so games IMO

That makes sense. I love watching the guy play Defense but the hitting is sub optimal. My hope is Taylor Trammel tears up Daytona and Pensacola and we may see him at some point next year but were stuck until then.

[Tracy Jones]

If it turns out to be an even rotation each guy would get about 120 games, so yes.

That’s about 60 games too many to a lot of folks. But Billy has to be in there...weak bat and all.

[KYExtemper]

Nice play, Pennington!

[Raisor]

That was slick

[Boston Red]

Not as pretty (from Mahle), but a clean frame nonetheless.

[Tom Servo]

The answer to the outfield problem was to have traded Hamilton in the offseason when he still retained some value and brought in a center fielder who could hit even just a little. But here we are.

[ochoa30]

Wow, great play!!

[TheBigLebowski]

Thank you Cliff.

We don’t need Peraza at all anymore.

And gracious, Mahle looks fantabulous.

[Tracy Jones]

That makes sense. I love watching the guy play Defense but the hitting is sub optimal. My hope is Taylor Trammel tears up Daytona and Pensacola and we may see him at some point next year but were stuck until then.

I wouldn’t count on him next year. Maybe 2020. From what I’ve read Trammel can or cannot play CF. The jury on him is mixed.

[kaldaniels]

I look forward to seeing Mahle and the Cubs adjust the second time through. If they know he will eventually throw strikes they will swing earlier in the count...hopefully leading to weak contact.

Schwarber aside, Contreras and Russell went up hacking and thusly proceeded to quickly ground out... nice.

[Ironman92]

Pennington!

[Tracy Jones]

Cliff Cozart

[ochoa30]

The answer to the outfield problem was to have traded Hamilton in the offseason when he still retained some value and brought in a center fielder who could hit even just a little. But here we are.

Who could they have gotten? Also, his value wasn't very good otherwise he'd be gone.

[RedsfaninMT]

I wouldn’t count on him next year. Maybe 2020. From what I’ve read Trammel can or cannot play CF. The jury on him is mixed.

I think Doug has said he fields CF fine, it's his weak arm that's the issue.

[BillyMcCool]

I thought Cozart played for the Angels..........who needs Peraza?.........Pennington!

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Get ya some Suarez!

[Red Raindog]

uh oh -- E-O triples

[BluegrassRedleg]

A. Hugh triples to CF.

Will he score?

[Boston Red]

Would have been better last time, but I won't quibble. :)

[kaldaniels]

I see your Jesse Winker and raise you Ian Happ.

[thatcoolguy_22]

Pennington! Great play! Loving some Mahle. This is the first time I've seen him pitch. Generous strike zone helps, but he's pitching on black.


Suarez!!!! Man was gassed rounding second ������

[Tom Servo]

Who could they have gotten? Also, his value wasn't very good otherwise he'd be gone.
Carlos Gomez only cost $4 million to go to the lousy Rays. Reds could have afforded that.

I don't think Billy had a ton of value, but whatever value he did have isn't going to go up unless he becomes a completely different hitter overnight in the next few months.

[ochoa30]

I think Doug has said he fields CF fine, it's his weak arm that's the issue.

Yeah, the arm is weak but he's no Damon. He should work fine out there.

[BillyMcCool]

Reds lead.......1-0.

[thatcoolguy_22]

We have a lead!

[BluegrassRedleg]

Thom is ecstatic.

(I am, too, but for different reasons.)

[Tracy Jones]

Wish that triple came in the 1st inning. But hey...Reds lead! Reds lead!

[Boston Red]

Reds lead

Official first sighting of the year.

[Strikes Out Looking]

I'm impressed that the ump behind the plate works without his dog.

[thatcoolguy_22]

"The way mahle is throwing the baseball, it's really important to get that run in."

Well, he's not wrong.

[Stray]

we're winning woohoo!

[Boston Red]

Two more zeroes from Mahle? That's about all we can ask, right?

[Raisor]

Thom is ecstatic.

(I am, too, but for different reasons.)

Are you hanging out with him, because he isn't doing this game? If you are hanging out with him tell him to go away.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Wish that triple came in the 1st inning. But hey...Reds lead! Reds lead!

He also doubled in the Nats series after petering out with the bases-loaded. No clutch gene. :evil:

[ochoa30]

Carlos Gomez only cost $4 million to go to the lousy Rays. Reds could have afforded that.

I don't think Billy had a ton of value, but whatever value he did have isn't going to go up unless he becomes a completely different hitter overnight in the next few months.

Gomez wouldn't have been bad but I'm not sure he's any good anymore. He's been very up and down the last few years. Plus if he signs and they don't trade Hamilton when would he have played? He probably felt he had a better shot for playing time in Tampa. Also, I don't think Billy will lose much value this year. Doubt he gains any but you never know. Maybe the extra rest will benefit him.

[Raisor]

Carlos Gomez only cost $4 million to go to the lousy Rays. Reds could have afforded that.

I don't think Billy had a ton of value, but whatever value he did have isn't going to go up unless he becomes a completely different hitter overnight in the next few months.

They could have let him go for nothing, and I'd personally be ok with it, but I'm guessing there would have been some upset folks.

[kaldaniels]

Gomez wouldn't have been bad but I'm not sure he's any good anymore. He's been very up and down the last few years. Plus if he signs and they don't trade Hamilton when would he have played? He probably felt he had a better shot for playing time in Tampa. Also, I don't think Billy will lose much value this year. Doubt he gains any but you never know. Maybe the extra rest will benefit him.

Had Billy been traded Gomez would have definitely had a path to lots of PT.

[BluegrassRedleg]

Are you hanging out with him, because he isn't doing this game? If you are hanging out with him tell him to go away.

He says he doesn't want to hang out with anyone who would hang out with the likes of him.

[ochoa30]

They could have let him go for nothing, and I'd personally be ok with it, but I'm guessing there would have been some upset folks.

Without a replacement that just wouldn't have made much sense

[Red Raindog]

Official first sighting of the year.

kind of like the first:

13413

[Tracy Jones]

Are you hanging out with him, because he isn't doing this game? If you are hanging out with him tell him to go away.

No tHom’s over at my house. His anger with the Reds woes with RISP forced me to ask him to leave.

[jredmo2]

Are you hanging out with him, because he isn't doing this game? If you are hanging out with him tell him to go away.

Meanwhile. Marty is calling this "Jason Heywood" at-bat

[Boston Red]

Glad the shutout wasn't ruined by the likes of Jason Heyward!

[Kc61]

Carlos Gomez only cost $4 million to go to the lousy Rays. Reds could have afforded that.

I don't think Billy had a ton of value, but whatever value he did have isn't going to go up unless he becomes a completely different hitter overnight in the next few months.

If Billy could OBP .315 I think he’d have very good value.

Particularly an AL team with a good DH can afford a defensive-oriented player in key positions.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

What does Mahle top out at? Gun had him at 96 on the Baez groundout.

[Raisor]

If Billy could OBP .315 I think he’d have very good value.

.

If I had some bacon I could have a bacon sandwich

[Tracy Jones]

He also doubled in the Nats series after petering out with the bases-loaded. No clutch gene. :evil:

It’s the ridiculous chin strap beard he’s currently got going. Not only does it make him look foolish, it drained his clutch juice.

[ochoa30]

What does Mahle top out at? Gun had him at 96 on the Baez groundout.

About there but I've heard he's gotten up to 97-98 in the past

[Boston Red]

Not wasting his good pitches on Chatwood. I like it.