4-19 vs Cubs(Freel starting at 2B, Pena in RF)

[WVRed]

First Gamethread Ever:D.

Reds
Ryan Freel, 2B
Ken Griffey Jr., CF
Sean Casey, 1B
Joe Randa, 3B
Adam Dunn, LF
Wily Mo Pena, RF
Rich Aurilia, SS
Javier Valentin, C
Brandon Claussen, P

Cubs
Jerry Hairston Jr., RF
Corey Patterson, CF
Nomar Garciaparra, SS
Aramis Ramirez, 3B
Derrek Lee, 1B
Jason Dubois, LF
Neifi Perez, 2B
Michael Barrett, C
Mark Prior, P

[Riverfront]

Woo Hoo!!!! ;) Go Reds!!

[flyer85]

Beating the Cubs two in a row while they are running out Woods and Prior would be fun. However, if Claussen is anything like the guy I saw in ST the Cubs are going to open up a can on him tonight.

[Larry Schuler]

Mark Prior, meet Wily Mo.

[realreds1]

Mark Prior, meet Wily Mo.

Let's just hope Brandon Claussen has talked to Matt Belisle before he meets Jeromy Burnitz, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Corey Patterson.

[Aronchis]

Hopefully WMP is on the bench tonight. Kearns rocked Prior last year and cost the Cubs a postseason bid, I wouldn't be surprised some lingering effects are still being felt by Prior.

[flyer85]

Hopefully WMP is on the bench tonight. Kearns rocked Prior last year and cost the Cubs a postseason bid, I wouldn't be surprised some lingering effects are still being felt by Prior.Honestly after 4 days in a row I would give Jr the night off.

[Larry Schuler]

Let's just hope Brandon Claussen has talked to Matt Belisle before he meets Jeromy Burnitz, Derrek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Corey Patterson.

Belisle was blowing fastballs by all of them. He just threw poor 2 strike pitches. Also Ramirez looked fooled and had a terrible uppercut swing on his home run.

[flyer85]

Belisle was blowing fastballs by all of them. He just threw poor 2 strike pitches. Also Ramirez looked fooled and had a terrible uppercut swing on his home run.Poor command does not always show up as walks. Everytime Belisle threw his curve last night he didn't locate it. he kept leaving it in the middle of the plate.

[Aronchis]

Belisle was blowing fastballs by all of them. He just threw poor 2 strike pitches. Also Ramirez looked fooled and had a terrible uppercut swing on his home run.

Belisle threw the worst sequence of breaking pitches I have seen of a young pitcher in some time. Man, that must have been embarrasing.

[HotCorner]

Honestly after 4 days in a row I would give Jr the night off.

:thumbup:

Seriously. Keep Wily Mo in the lineup and get Kearns some AB's.

[DoogMinAmo]

Belisle was blowing fastballs by all of them. He just threw poor 2 strike pitches. Also Ramirez looked fooled and had a terrible uppercut swing on his home run.

How fooled could he have been if a "terrible uppercut" swing hit a hanging breaking ball (note no heat) over 480 feet? Although I did not see the play, so you could be right, I would have to disagree by sheer consequence.

[SYCMiniBus]

Poor command does not always show up as walks. Everytime Belisle threw his curve last night he didn't locate it. he kept leaving it in the middle of the plate.

Its not that he didnt locate it, the ball just didnt CURVE. He basically threw a really slow pitch with spin. That is not a recipe for success. Also he couldn't throw a change for a strike. His fastball was fine but when your not Billy Wagner you can not get by throwing only fastballs.

[Larry Schuler]

How fooled could he have been if a "terrible uppercut" swing hit a hanging breaking ball (note no heat) over 480 feet? Although I did not see the play, so you could be right, I would have to disagree by sheer consequence.

He took a long sweeping swing that managed to just catch the curve ball. The ball went straight up into the air and just carried. And it was Lee's homerun that was a blast. Ramirez' was just a few rows into the seats if I recall.

[flyer85]

How fooled could he have been if a "terrible uppercut" swing hit a hanging breaking ball (note no heat) over 480 feet? Although I did not see the play, so you could be right, I would have to disagree by sheer consequence.It was a curveball that had some bite but it was down on the inner half of the plate when the pitch was supposed to be down and away. If he had thrown it where Larue wanted it Ramirez could not have hit it. Instead Ramirez went down and launched it.

[flyer85]

The Rocks just brought Ace on with 2 on and 2 out while leading 3-1 in the top of the 8th and he got Tracy out.

[KronoRed]

First Gamethread Ever:D.
I'm not seeing any lineups in here!! ;)

[CTA513]

Reds
Ryan Freel, 2B
Ken Griffey Jr., CF
Sean Casey, 1B
Joe Randa, 3B
Adam Dunn, LF
Wily Mo Pena, RF
Rich Aurilia, SS
Javier Valentin, C
Brandon Claussen, P

Cubs
Jerry Hairston Jr., RF
Corey Patterson, CF
Nomar Garciaparra, SS
Aramis Ramirez, 3B
Derrek Lee, 1B
Jason Dubois, LF
Neifi Perez, 2B
Michael Barrett, C
Mark Prior, P

[OnBaseMachine]

Move Dunn up, drop Casey down. Casey and his .292 SLG isn't scaring anyone.

I think Steel could retire Casey with his knuckleball (http://www.redszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=665162&postcount=10) right now.

[Aronchis]

WMP is going to have a rough night against Prior looking at past history, I would rather have seen Kearns who's plate discipline can better handle Prior's stuff at this time(even a slumping AK).

[Red Leader]

Hmmm, no Felipe Lopez and D'Angelo vs RHP.

Not the decision I would have made.

I think Freel makes a very good player off the bench in a game like this, as a pinch hitter vs LH reliever, or a pinch runner late in the game. I wouldn't have started him today.

[DoogMinAmo]

Ok, D'lo needs a rest, put Freel in, works for me. Griff in the 2 hole, he has been in 4 straight games, he is due for a rest, but has been hitting well more or less, so I can buy his spot. No Kearns yet, ride the hot hands of Dunn and WMP, fine, but get Kearns out of his funk ASAP (tomorrow!).

For everyone who says Aurilia earned a start today with his play yesterday, wait until the nightmare of Freel and Aurilia trying to work the field together has sunk in...

Man, I actually long for the days there was a defensive sub for the infield, and we did not have to worry as Reds' fans in late inning close games.

[CincyRedsFan30]

I like seeing Freel start.

I don't like seeing Aurilia/Valentin in there though. The bottom of our lineup tonight could be pretty scary... and not in a good way.

[danforsman]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlbpa/players/6787/batvspit?year=career&type=Pitching

LaRue is 5/11 lifetime against Prior with 4 doubles and had his biggest/best hit of the young season in the 8th last night. Interesting timing to give him a rest.

[Red Leader]

LaRue is 5/11 lifetime against Prior with 4 doubles and had his biggest/best hit of the young season in the 8th last night. Interesting timing to give him a rest.

I didn't even see that LaRue wasn't starting, I just kind of mentally skipped that part of the order assuming he'd be there. That is shocking. Let's hope these "gut" feelings pay off.

[membengal]

It's weird. It feels like the Reds are playing with house money in this game thanks to the improbable comeback last night.

As for the line-up, I don't have any complaints with what Miley is doing in any given game. He has a tough job finding at-bats for everyone. I think we will see AK worked back in tomorrow night against Oliver Perez (with Jr. or Casey resting against the lefty) and will see him stick for a bit this week after that (Dontrelle Willis on the horizon).

[Falls City Beer]

The tail continues to wag the dog: Casey bats third :rolleyes:

[DUNN 44]

Does this mean Wily Mo has taken Kearns's job or is Miley just riding a hot hand?Claussen scares me tonight and the bullpen got overworked last night not a good combo :(

[oneupper]

Red's Hitters in "Prior" games



Opposing hitter AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
Sean Casey 13 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0.154 0.154 0.154 0.308
Jason LaRue 11 5 4 0 0 1 1 3 0.455 0.500 0.818 1.318
Adam Dunn 9 1 0 0 0 0 4 6 0.111 0.385 0.111 0.496
Austin Kearns 9 2 0 1 1 1 0 4 0.222 0.222 0.778 1.000
Felipe Lopez 6 1 0 0 0 2 1 3 0.167 0.286 0.167 0.452
Eric Milton 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
D. Jimenez 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Paul Wilson 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Aaron Harang 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Ray Olmedo 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Jacob Cruz 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Totals 64 11 4 1 1 7 6 25 0.172 0.243 0.313 0.555

Good thing LaRue has hit well.... :dunno:

[DoogMinAmo]

Does this mean Wily Mo has taken Kearns's job or is Miley just riding a hot hand?Claussen scares me tonight and the bullpen got overworked last night not a good combo :(

Wagner and Valentine both rested, and Weather (GASP) could go again having only pitched 1.1 innings last night, not to mention the Redszone poster child Coffey. If Claussen can get through 5, the Reds should be ok.

[Matt700wlw]

Claussen's first start so the best catcher sits....

....am I missing something?

[wheels]

not to mention the Redszone poster child Coffey.

Not a big fan of Coffey, eh?

[Dunner44]

LaRue has had a lot of games in a row... but we should have let him rest and let our cruddy backup catcher handle harang. Young guys like Clausen and Belisle need LaRue. Harang no longer qualifies as young since he has been starting for over 2 years now. BC has yet to pitch this season and could use all the help he can get. The only way this is good is if he worked his simulated game with Valentine... maybe they developed rapport. BENCH GRIFF. Put in Kearnsie. Or give casey or randa the night off. Randa would be the third choice, Casey the second.

[CrackerJack]

not to mention the Redszone poster child Coffey.


Not a big fan of Coffey, eh?


I took that to mean RedsZone has a strange obsession with yet another minor leaguer, who really isn't all that overly special. He will go down in the same RZ HOF as Ben Broussard. :p:

Edit: BTW, not that I should have to say this, but I do like Coffey and of course hope he exceeds expectations and is successful.

[DoogMinAmo]

Not a big fan of Coffey, eh?

Why do you say that? I just know nothing about the guy, and am waiting before I pass judgement. However, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out he is loved around here, by many more that his bro.

[oneupper]

Wagner and Valentine both rested, and Weather (GASP) could go again having only pitched 1.1 innings last night, not to mention the Redszone poster child Coffey. If Claussen can get through 5, the Reds should be ok.


Kiddie Corps on the mound tonite!

[pedro]

I don't get the impression that Miley looks at stats at all.

[wheels]

I, for one enjoy the idea of having a young pitcher with serious upside, and great minor league stats to back it up.

I am brimming with confidence in regards to Todd Coffey.

Call me an optimist. ;)

[Hoosier Red]

Red's Hitters in "Prior" games



Opposing hitter AB H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
Sean Casey 13 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0.154 0.154 0.154 0.308
Jason LaRue 11 5 4 0 0 1 1 3 0.455 0.500 0.818 1.318
Adam Dunn 9 1 0 0 0 0 4 6 0.111 0.385 0.111 0.496
Austin Kearns 9 2 0 1 1 1 0 4 0.222 0.222 0.778 1.000
Felipe Lopez 6 1 0 0 0 2 1 3 0.167 0.286 0.167 0.452
Eric Milton 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
D. Jimenez 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Paul Wilson 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Aaron Harang 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Ray Olmedo 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Jacob Cruz 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
Totals 64 11 4 1 1 7 6 25 0.172 0.243 0.313 0.555

Good thing LaRue has hit well.... :dunno:

Seems odd to look for Prior success when there's only been three games at most. My guess is Larue doesn't have Prior figured out but rather caught a game during one of his hot streaks.

Also speculating Valentin was told when they settled on Claussen starting tonight that he would have the game. In the same way Maddux has his personal catcher, nothing wrong with nursing in Claussen with the same after the 12 games off.

[wheels]

Anyone have any guesses as to what to expect from Claussen tonight?

[cumberlandreds]

Anyone have any guesses as to what to expect from Claussen tonight?

Lots of hard hits by the Cubby bears,I'm afraid. Hope I'm wrong. :(

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Anyone have any guesses as to what to expect from Claussen tonight?

I'll go out on a limb and say he doesn't give up three homers in the first inning. If he does that then the Reds are already ahead of last night's pace. Seriously, the Cubs lineup still doens't scare me. I expect Claussen to be alright tonight through 5 innings.

Now, can we hit Prior?

[OnBaseMachine]

Tonight's Weather(s) forecast is calling for loud thunder off the Cubs bats in the late innings.

;)

[DoogMinAmo]

I have a gut feeling the extra rest has done Claussen's arm a ton of good. Through this whole dead arm phase where his heat has been missing, I have been wondering if some time off could do him a lot of good. I remember reading where he said he hadn't seen movement on his pitches like it was a few days ago during his simulated game in a long while. This is good news, and hopefully bodes well for today.

[jfar23]

Sweet, I just scored free tickets to next tuesdays game agains the Cards, right behind the 3rd base dug out. I've never been to GABP either...woo! :dancingco

err, I guess it's in two weeks.

[44 Magnum]

Hey guys, new to the post as of tdy. My biggest worry is when does Willy Mo/Austin Kearns start griping about playing time. I don't think either of these to guys want to split time. I hope Dave Miley can keep their two egos at bay. Not that either of them are on an ego trip, but that they both want to be everyday players.

PS - Went to the game on SAT 16th, had a good time, R. Wagner put on a show (even if it was just for the 7th...LOL)

[CincyRedsFan30]

I'm willing to do some play-by-play tonight if that would work.

[Fullboat]

In the voice of the soup nazi........No day of for you Randa. :D

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Hey guys, new to the post as of tdy. My biggest worry is when does Willy Mo/Austin Kearns start griping about playing time. I don't think either of these to guys want to split time. I hope Dave Miley can keep their two egos at bay. Not that either of them are on an ego trip, but that they both want to be everyday players.

PS - Went to the game on SAT 16th, had a good time, R. Wagner put on a show (even if it was just for the 7th...LOL)

I don't really think A.K. has anything to complain about. If he does complain then he isn't a team player because, right now, WMP gives the Reds team the best chance to win. If he is upset then he needs to produce when he is in there, not stand and watch three strikes whiz by.

[Matt700wlw]

GRAVES HAS THE NIGHT OFF!!!

Wagner will be the closer if needed tonight ( :pray: )

[flynn78]

I worry about the same thing Magnum. If Austin/Wily Mo can co-exist I think that we are especially dangerous. If our pitching stays on this pace or one close we could be a contender.

[CincyRedsFan30]

GRAVES HAS THE NIGHT OFF!!!

Wagner will be the closer if needed tonight ( :pray: )

YES! I like it.

[DoogMinAmo]

I'm willing to do some play-by-play tonight if that would work.

Works for me! :thumbup:

[DoogMinAmo]

GRAVES HAS THE NIGHT OFF!!!

Wagner will be the closer if needed tonight ( :pray: )

Is this official or hope, Matt?

[flynn78]

I agree. Graves with the day off. I'm giddy.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I wonder if Cubs fans will be as annoying tonight. Last night they were ridiculous and it was sweet seeing them stunned in the end.

1908 World Champion Chicago Cubs... :ughmamoru

[CincyRedsFan30]

The Reds take the field and we are about set to go here...

[Matt700wlw]

Is this official or hope, Matt?


Miley said it in Marty's pregame show

[Matt700wlw]

I wonder if Cubs fans will be as annoying tonight. Last night they were ridiculous and it was sweet seeing them stunned in the end.



Why does losing still shock them?

[flynn78]

Cubs fans and Red Sox fans can be either great people or annoying. There is no in-between that I have seen.

[Raisor]

Claussen's going to be wild tonight, hasn't pitched since April 1st, back in ST.

[flynn78]

Is it just me or does Claussen look downright skinny this year. As he K's Hairston.

[Matt700wlw]

Nice movement on the strike 3 ball!

[CincyRedsFan30]

Hairston leads off for the Cubbies.
Pitch 1: Stike one
Pitch 2: Foul
Pitch 3: Strikeout swinging. 1 out.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Can't exactly start much better than that.

[Matt700wlw]

...oh boy

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Here we go again. Deja vu. And idiot Cubs fans with their cheers.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Patterson batting:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Strike Swinging
Pitch 3: Patterson hits a HR. 1-0 Cubs.

[flynn78]

Griff did not even move. Knew it was bye bye baseball. Patterson HR 1-0.

[flyer85]

New name for the Reds starters - Bad News Gophers

[CincyRedsFan30]

Nomar up:

Pitch 1: Pop out. 2 outs.

[Walkerforpres]

Cubs with a weak-looking lineup tonight. If Claussen can dodge that 2-5 hitter damage, he might be okay. So far.......not so good.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ramirez up:

Pitch 1: Strike
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Ramirez reaches on infield single.

[d2pmr11]

Where was the infield hit to?

[CincyRedsFan30]

Claussen got hit on the leg by that last pitch... Gullett and Miley out to look at him.

[DoogMinAmo]

What happened to Claussen, Gameday says injury delay.

[OSURedLeg]

What happened to Claussen's velocity? He's only hitting 88 on the radar, and from what I was told, he's supposed to throw around 91-94. Does anyone know anything about this?

[OSURedLeg]

He got hit in the foot on a liner back to the mound. He's fine and staying in the game.

[Raisor]

O'Brien should be ashamed of his roster management. If the Reds didn't need a 5th starter until today, there's zero reason to have kept as many pitchers on the roster as he has.

Keeping a guy from pitching in a game situation for 19 days is crazy.

[flynn78]

Ball hit Claussen on the foot. He's okay.

[SteelSD]

Claussen made an unintentional kick-save on the Ramirez comebacker (smashed) off his foot, Doog. He threw some test pitches and said he was good to go.

[d2pmr11]

What happened to Claussen's velocity? He's only hitting 88 on the radar, and from what I was told, he's supposed to throw around 91-94. Does anyone know anything about this?

I don't know but Wood started the game yesterday by throwing 88 mph fastballs in the first inning.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

That ump isn't giving Claussen any close pitches.

[PuffyPig]

O'Brien should be ashamed of his roster management. If the Reds didn't need a 5th starter until today, there's zero reason to have kept as many pitchers on the roster as he has.

Keeping a guy from pitching in a game situation for 19 days is crazy.

Claussen was out of options so couldn't be sent down. We needed the rest.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Nice play by Ryan Freel. Saves a run

[OSURedLeg]

Great Play By Freel!!! Saves a run.

[flynn78]

Freel with a beauty to end inning.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Freel saves a run.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Claussen appears to be OK.

Lee up:
Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Ball
Pitch 5: Foul
(Runner to 2B on Wild Pitch)
Pitch 6: Lee grounds out. 1-0 Cubs, Mid. 1st.

[Raisor]

Claussen was out of options so couldn't be sent down. We needed the rest.


then Besile should have been sent down and Claussen given his work.

if Besile was out of options, then Weber or Weathers never should have made the team in the first place.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Tonight is the night Griffey gets his first HR.

[d2pmr11]

Claussen appears to be OK.

Lee up:
Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Ball
Pitch 5: Foul
(Runner to 2B on Wild Pitch)
Pitch 6: Lee grounds out. 1-0 Cubs, Mid. 1st.

where was the wild pitch? GameCenter went ball, ball, ball, foul, strike looking (wild pitch), groundout. And the ball location on Gamecenter didn't look like anything was wild.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Freel on base. He should be off to the races now.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Bottom of 1st inning...

Freel up: (Prior pitching)

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Single to left-center.

[Matt700wlw]

Ryan Freel continues to make a case about his playing time...

[RFS62]

Great pick by Casey too.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Doh! Cubs are so freakin' lucky. That went to the deepest part of the park

[CincyRedsFan30]

where was the wild pitch? GameCenter went ball, ball, ball, foul, strike looking (wild pitch), groundout. And the ball location on Gamecenter didn't look like anything was wild.


The wild pitch was just a bad pitch in the dirt. It was definitely wild.

[KronoRed]

Nice contact for JR..almost had that one

[Raisor]

JR should have worked out more during the offseason, that ball would have been out if he had.

[tongue/cheek/planted]

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey up:

Pitch 1: Griffey lines out to deep CF. 1 out.

[ws1990reds]

I think Junior has lost something off that bat. In his prime, that shot to center wouldn't have been an issue.

[Reds Fanatic]

Tonight is the night Griffey gets his first HR.
Almost had it right there.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Casey up:

Pitch 1: Ball (Was a pitchout)
Pitch 2: Strike looking
Pitch 3: Casey lines out ot LF. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

2 straight to the warning track.

[KronoRed]

Crimity!

Can we get a freaking break?! :bang:

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Are you kidding me? This inning was a joke. Griffey, Casey and Randa all robbed of extra bases. I hate the Cubs

[CincyRedsFan30]

Randa up:

Pitch 1: Ball
(Throw over to 1B)
Pitch 2: Randa lines out to CF. Inning over. 1-0 Cubs after 1.

[OSURedLeg]

That was the best defensive effort I've ever witnessed by an outfield in one half inning. :bang:

[letsgojunior]

I think Junior has lost something off that bat. In his prime, that shot to center wouldn't have been an issue.

He's 35 years old and has had like 15 injuries... he's not the same player he was but that doesn't mean he still can't be good.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wow Patterson made a spectacular catch on Randa's fly to the wall. All 4 batters hit the ball hard but nothing to show for it.

[919191]

Was that Jim Edmonds?

[DoogMinAmo]

Gameday showed all three fly outs as home runs? I guess they were hit pretty deep, I wonder if the wind is blowing in, or just not enough on them?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

JR should have worked out more during the offseason, that ball would have been out if he had.

[tongue/cheek/planted]

Where's the steroids?
;)

[SteelSD]

Was that Jim Edmonds?

No. Patterson ran as fast as he could until he reached the ball. ;)

[OSURedLeg]

How can you possibly ask any more than that from your hitters? I'm still in awe that we hit the ball that hard and never even had a runner in scoring position.

[d2pmr11]

those hits will start to fall soon. 4 balls hit pretty hard off Prior isn't a bad start.

[ws1990reds]

He's 35 years old and has had like 15 injuries... he's not the same player he was but that doesn't mean he still can't be good.

Just testing the metal of those who say that he's going to have a "breakout season". ;)

[flyer85]

another 5 feet and a 4-1 lead

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

C'mon Claussen. He looks terrible.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dubois batting:

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Dubois HBP.

[Matt700wlw]

That was nice...

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Pitcher's best friend.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Perez batting:

Pitch 1: Perez GIDP. 2 outs.

[flyer85]

Freel turns the DP so much better than DJ does

[Fullboat]

I like the way were hitting Prior.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Barrett up:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Strike(foul tip)
Pitch 3: Barrett flies out to RF. Inning over.

1-0 Cubs, Mid. 2nd.

[OSURedLeg]

Pretty nice start from an arm that hasn't seen any action this far into the season.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Nice at bat by Dunn. Forces Prior to throw some pitches resulting in a walk

[CincyRedsFan30]

Bottom of the 2nd...

Dunn up:

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Foul
Pitch 4: Ball
Pitch 5: Ball
Pitch 6: Dunn walks.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Pena up:

Pitch 1: Pena flies out to RF. 1 out.

[RFS62]

Wily sure has that plate discipline

[OSURedLeg]

Wily needs to show better patience than that. But, at 22 it's probably unfair to criticize him for trying to attack against Prior.

[Matt700wlw]

Pena up:

Pitch 1: Pena flies out to RF. 1 out.


Bench him...put in Kearns :D

[traderumor]

O'Brien should be ashamed of his roster management. If the Reds didn't need a 5th starter until today, there's zero reason to have kept as many pitchers on the roster as he has.

Keeping a guy from pitching in a game situation for 19 days is crazy.

Had to hide Claussen somewhere, he's out of options.

[letsgojunior]

Wily sure has that plate discipline

Is this your first game thread post of the year?:)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Aurilia up:

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Strike swinging
Pitch 5: Foul
Pitch 6: Foul
Pitch 7: Aurilia K's swinging on a foul tip. 2 outs.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

At least that hit clears Claussen for the next inning

[CincyRedsFan30]

Valentin up:

Pitch 1: Foul
Pitch 2: Strike looking
Pitch 3: Valentin singles to RF. 1st and 2nd, 2 outs.

[RFS62]

O'Brien should be ashamed of his roster management. If the Reds didn't need a 5th starter until today, there's zero reason to have kept as many pitchers on the roster as he has.

Keeping a guy from pitching in a game situation for 19 days is crazy.



Yeah, he should have done the right thing and renegotiated his contract so we could send him down, unlike that selfish bastard Wily Mo who wouldn't do it.

:p:

[CincyRedsFan30]

Claussen up:

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Foul
Pitch 3: Claussen K's swinging. 1-0 Cubs after 2. 30 pitches for Prior through 2 IP.

[RFS62]

Is this your first game thread post of the year?:)


Not really, but if I'm gonna complain about things, I guess I should try to do my part to do something about it.

Great to see you here.

[letsgojunior]

Hi Puffy!

[SteelSD]

Wily sure has that plate discipline

As of last night, only four MLB batting title qualifiers had seen fewer pitches per PA than Pena.

For all his pop, that scares me.

[letsgojunior]

Not really, but if I'm gonna complain about things, I guess I should try to do my part to do something about it.

Great to see you here.

Great to see you back in the game threads as well. We need as many of the original 'game threadies' back as possible. Unfortunately I can't watch any of the games for the next 3 weeks, so I'm just following along through the thread.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Ridiculous. Opposing pitchers are batting like .400 against the Reds this year.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Top of the 3rd...

Prior up:

Pitch 1: Strike looking
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Strike looking
Pitch 4: Prior singles to RF.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cubs have the best hitting pitchers in the league. Their staff is batting over .300 this year.

[RFS62]

As of last night, only four MLB batting title qualifiers had seen fewer pitches per PA than Pena.

For all his pop, that scares me.


I'm tickled to death that he hits the ball nearly three miles every time he makes contact. He still looks to me like a guy with a lot of moving parts. That means holes in the swing.

His talent is off the charts. How he's gone from a guy who would probably have swung at a pitchout if it was a breaking ball to what he is now is still beyond me.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Brewers blew a 6-0 lead today and lost to the Dodgers in extra innings. I'm glad we don't play the Dodgers for awhile. They are white hot.

[letsgojunior]

I feel naked without my avatar.

[Reds Fanatic]

Brewers blew a 6-0 lead today and lost to the Dodgers in extra innings. I'm glad we don't play the Dodgers for awhile. They are white hot.
That was the Dodgers 7th win in a row. They are now 11-2.

[Puffy]

Hi Puffy!

Hey hot stuff!!

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Claussen digging himself a big hole. Gives up a hit to the pitcher then gives up a double with no outs. Get someone up in the bullpen.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Hairston up:

Pitch 1: Bunt attempt...foul
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Ball
Pitch 4: Ball
Pitch 5: Strike looking
Pitch 6: Hairston doubles to CF...2nd and 3rd, 0 outs.

[RFS62]

Damn, junior saves a run

[Matt700wlw]

Nice sliding stop by Junior

...I can hear a dumb Cub heckler in the crowd mike.....annoying (and nothing can be done)

[flyer85]

Claussen just doesn't have much

[KronoRed]

Brandon looking better then Matt

[Puffy]

Hey hot stuff!!

Whoops, that was meant for RFS - Hi you too Karin!!

:mooner:

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Bases loaded no outs. Getting ugly.

[letsgojunior]

Hey hot stuff!!

How are you?

[RFS62]

what the hell

[CincyRedsFan30]

Patterson up:

Pitch 1: Grounder... Randa steps on 3B... ump says the runner is safe at 3B. Bases Loaded, 0 outs.

[KronoRed]

Come on..he was out..Dave only argues when he's right

[RFS62]

bad call

[letsgojunior]

Puffy are you feeling hot?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Garciaparra pops out on the first pitch. Thank you

[flyer85]

looked like he was out ... but no way the ump could have seen it

[RFS62]

come on brandon, throw a groundball

[CincyRedsFan30]

Nomar up:

Pitch 1: Pop out to 1B. 1 out.

[Puffy]

Puffy are you feeling hot?

Always - why?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

3-0. No make that 4-0 ...

Claussen didn't back up the play. Not only can't he pitch but he can't field. Pathetic

[RFS62]

damn

[flyer85]

Claussen with his head us his you know what

[ws1990reds]

Welcome back, Claussen. :rolleyes:

NEXT.

[Reds Fanatic]

Claussen not backing up the play at third costs the Reds a run,

[KronoRed]

What a great inning this is turning out to be ;)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ramirez up:

Pitch 1: Ramirez singles. Three runs score.(ball got by 3B as 3rd run scoring came to 3B).. 4-0 Cubs. That could be it here.

[flyer85]

Randa should have caught that throw

[Matt700wlw]

Just what the Reds need...kill the bullpen on back to back days 2 weeks into the season...

[Walkerforpres]

Sportsline is slower than crap. How do you get 3 runs on a single?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I don't understand this. After the runs scored there are people in the front row behind the plate up and cheering, people cheering behind the Reds dugout, people cheering down the third base line.

How do these Cubs fans get these seats?

[d2pmr11]

that's going to take GameCenter hours to catch up on.

[OnBaseMachine]

I can remember the day we acquired Claussen. I was excited. I thought we finally had that stud pitcher we were looking for. Man, was I wrong or what?

[letsgojunior]

Always - why?

With all that talk of burning virgins before, I would think you'd be on fire now.

:mooner:

It's nice to see you and RFS hitting it off though.

[Reds Fanatic]

Sportsline is slower than crap. How do you get 3 runs on a single?
2 runs on the single, and the third scored when throw went wild at third and Claussen did not back up the base.

[flyer85]

Looks line Brandon finally started to cut it loose ... nice change to K Lee

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lee up:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Strike looking
Pitch 3: Foul
Pitch 4: Foul
Pitch 5: Foul
Pitch 6: Foul
Pitch 7: Strikeout swinging. 2 outs.

[Walkerforpres]

2 runs on the single, and the third scored when throw went wild at third and Claussen did not back up the base.

Much appreciated. Sportsline still not there yet.

[ws1990reds]

I can remember the day we acquired Claussen. I was excited. I thought we finally had that stud pitcher we were looking for. Man, was I wrong or what?

He's a project, with talent. Soon to be a retread. Blame Gullet? Nah, he doesn't deserve any blame. :rolleyes:

[RFS62]

With all that talk of burning virgins before, I would think you'd be on fire now.

:mooner:

It's nice to see you and RFS hitting it off though.


He's a manly man, with manly ways.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

That pitch bounced in the grass. Claussen isn't getting it done.

[KronoRed]

Good thing the cubs swing at most anything

[flyer85]

Finally started using all of his pitches as well. They really didn't hit the ball hard that inning

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dubois up:

Pitch 1: Ball(Nice block in the dirt by Valentin)
Pitch 2: Ball
Pitch 3: Strike swinging
Pitch 4: Strike looking
Pitch 5: Stikeout swinging. 4-0 Cubs, Mid. 3rd.

Hopefully Claussen is out of there.

[d2pmr11]

I don't understand this. After the runs scored there are people in the front row behind the plate up and cheering, people cheering behind the Reds dugout, people cheering down the third base line.

How do these Cubs fans get these seats?

Because the Reds don't market to the only loyal fan base - single people in their 20s and 30s. The Reds think they can get the married fans and their kids to go to games, but as it turns out, it's too damn expensive to bring the whole family to the ballpark. So they don't go.

[Walkerforpres]

Man......Still high hopes for Claussen, but it just looks like TJ surgery was not very good to him.
So with equally crappy lines, who gets the 5th starter position? Soon enough, Miley's going to be doing a Jack McKeon and spot-starting Weathers. :(

[DoogMinAmo]

The funny thing is, he can go 3 more innings and still get a QS. Depends on if he can settle down. If I am Miley, I give him a short leash the next inning.

On a side note, either Claussen's breaking stuff is wicked, or the Cubs have no discipline whatsoever. Some of the stuff Gameday has them King on looks 6-12 inches off the plate!

[flynn78]

Am I the only one who is tired of being fleeced by the Yankees with "pitching prospects". Claussen and does anyone remeber Ed Yarnall.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I don't understand why the Reds keep swinging at the first pitch. Isn't the idea to get Prior's pitch count up since this is only his second start.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Bottom of the 3rd:

Freel up:

Groundout. 1 out.

[OSURedLeg]

I can remember the day we acquired Claussen. I was excited. I thought we finally had that stud pitcher we were looking for. Man, was I wrong or what?

It's Brandon's first start of the year, and everyone is ready to give up and place him on waivers. Give me a break, he's 3 starts behind everyone else, and I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The kid hasn't even been in the majors for more than a season yet.

[flyer85]

Reds have actually hit the ball harder than the Cubs

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior has two fly outs to the wall tonight.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey up:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Strike looking
Pitch 3: Girffey flies out to deep RF. 2 outs. Prior rolling.

[Little Alex]

nice drive by Griff there. Almost had #1

[flyer85]

It's Brandon's first start of the year, and everyone is ready to give up and place him on waivers. Give me a break, he's 3 starts behind everyone else, and I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The kid hasn't even been in the majors for more than a season yet.He finally started pitching after the Ramirez single

[flynn78]

Griff has developed warning track power. I swear that is six or seven I have seen from him this year.

[d2pmr11]

Am I the only one who is tired of being fleeced by the Yankees with "pitching prospects". Claussen and does anyone remeber Ed Yarnall.

Ed Yarnall wasn't very long ago, and he was quickly sold to Japan.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Casey up:

Pitch 1: Groundout to 2B. Inning over. 4-0 Cubs after 3.

[Matt700wlw]

6 pitch inning.....must be nice

[d2pmr11]

there goes Casey after the first pitch again.

[letsgojunior]

Eventually one will get out... I have faith.

[OnBaseMachine]

Typical Casey. Swing at the first pitch and groundout.

Dunn and Kearns get benched for slumping. Casey bats 3rd everyday during his slumps. :rolleyes:

[KronoRed]

Am I the only one who is tired of being fleeced by the Yankees with "pitching prospects". Claussen and does anyone remeber Ed Yarnall.
I do!

We also have another former yankee lefty prospect in Eric Milton ;)

[PuffyPig]

I don't understand why the Reds keep swinging at the first pitch.
Because they are crushing it.

[SteelSD]

It's Brandon's first start of the year, and everyone is ready to give up and place him on waivers. Give me a break, he's 3 starts behind everyone else, and I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The kid hasn't even been in the majors for more than a season yet.

The reason people are concerned right now is that Claussen has no velocity.

He's not the guy the Reds traded for and there's valid concern that he'll never be that guy.

[redsrule2500]

They really need to make him pitch.

And wow - that first inning was dissapointment after dissapointment.

[Aronchis]

Bad team ball all around for the Reds tonight. They could easily have this game 2-2 heading to the 4th. sloppy,sloppy.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

It's Brandon's first start of the year, and everyone is ready to give up and place him on waivers. Give me a break, he's 3 starts behind everyone else, and I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt. The kid hasn't even been in the majors for more than a season yet.

He was horrible in spring training. And he didn't do much of anything last year either. There is a reason why he was the last player on an opening day roster to appear in a game this year - he is mediocre to below average.

[RFS62]

Pitchers are almost always ahead of the hitters this time of year.

Our big bats will come around.

[wheels]

You know what?

It's easy to blame the pitcher in games like these, and it seems to be the first inclination of many, but to offer a different perspective....

I think alot of this stuff that happened was simply bad luck.

A stupid bloop hit by the pitcher
A batter hits a good pitch in on his hands over a drawn in infield
The subsequent throw was not fielded by the third baseman

Blame Claussen for not backing up that play, no problem, but he's not walking the park, and he's given up two hard hit balls all night.

I for one am trying to look at this objectively, and no....The sky is not falling.

[flynn78]

That was my point short stint with the Reds.

[ws1990reds]

Griff has developed warning track power. I swear that is six or seven I have seen from him this year.

I get the feeling that you're fishing here. :p: Anyway, depending on how you look at it, warning track power isn't a good thing if you're 35 years old and in the very twilight of your career.

[letsgojunior]

Hey wheels... good to see you.

[flyer85]

woohoo ... he just hit 91

[wheels]

Hey wheels... good to see you.

Hello, lady.

I'm drinking lots of beer toady.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Typical Casey. Swing at the first pitch and groundout.

Dunn and Kearns get benched for slumping. Casey bats 3rd everyday during his slumps. :rolleyes:

I'd like to see a few games with Dunn at first and an outfield of Pena/Griffey/Kearns.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Top of the 4th... Claussen still in...

Pitch 1: Strike swinging
Pitch 2: Foul
Pitch 3: Foul
Pitch 4: Ball
Pitch 5: Perez grounds out to SS. 1 out.

[OnBaseMachine]

FWIW, I still think Claussen can be a decent pitcher someday. But right now, he just doesn't look good at all. Low velocity, average command, etc.

[d2pmr11]

I do!

We also have another former yankee lefty prospect in Eric Milton ;)

Don't forget the non pitching prospects Wily Mo and D'Angelo.

[RFS62]

Hey wheels... good to see you.


That damn Wheels is holding out on us. I know he's been into all kinds of adventures, and he's keeping it all to himself.

He didn't used to be like that.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Barrett up:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Single.

[ws1990reds]

Hello, lady.

I'm drinking lots of beer toady.

Who you call'in toady? ;)

[wheels]

The reason people are concerned right now is that Claussen has no velocity.

He's not the guy the Reds traded for and there's valid concern that he'll never be that guy.

Not that I'm not concerned about his velocity Steel....

BUT, he's broken off some pretty good breaking balls, and he's been around the plate.

It's not like the Cubs are teeing off.

Am I watching a different game?

[Matt700wlw]

Don't forget the non pitching prospects Wily Mo and D'Angelo.


Their non-pitching prospects seem to work out.....Derek Jeter comes to mind...

[d2pmr11]

The reason people are concerned right now is that Claussen has no velocity.

He's not the guy the Reds traded for and there's valid concern that he'll never be that guy.

I'm not concerned at all. We could be paying Aaron Boone $8 million per year to swing for the moon and boot ground balls.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Whoopee...we got the pitcher out for a change

[CincyRedsFan30]

Prior up:

(Throw to 1B)
Pitch 1: Foul
Pitch 2: Bunt... foul
Pitch 3: Strikeout swinging. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Hairston up:

Pitch 1: Fly ball to LF. Inning over.

4-0 Cubs, Mid. 4th.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Randa, Dunn and Pena due up. We gotta get at least 1 run if we're gonna start the climb back in this one. And please...no more swinging at first pitches!

[Aronchis]

The key for Claussen is developing more pitches to "replace" his fastball in some respects. He has a good slider, now he needs a good breaking/offspeed pitch. If he can dial it up to 91-92 with his fastball occassionally, it would help.

M2 compared Claussen to Al Leiter, which is probably a good projection, though you are going to have to be patient IMO. But I think the projections of him being a top shelf lefty are over sadly however.

[flynn78]

WS, not fishing just so frustrated that this thing will never work out the way I envisioned with Griff. I feel bad for all involved, Reds and Griff. As for Claussen, I agree that it is early, but he has never impressed me and tonight has not helped him in my eyes.

[GAC]

Randa, Dunn and Pena due up. We gotta get at least 1 run if we're gonna start the climb back in this one. And please...no more swinging at first pitches!


Alot of times the first pitch is the best pitch. ;)

[Larkin Fan]

I'm here.

[OSURedLeg]

Look the Cubs may have 4 runs, but they haven't hit the ball half as hard as the Reds. A few plays pulled out of their rear ends like the Cubs have had, and if the ump makes the correct call the Reds are down 3 - 0. I am actually not disappointed in Claussen tonight. His velocity isn't great, but he is fooling hitters. I think some Reds fans would criticize Brandon regardless of what he's doing out there, just so they can hear themeselves talk.

[KronoRed]

To fly out on ;)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Randa up:

Pitch 1: Ball
Pitch 2: Strike looking
Pitch 3: Groundout to Prior. 1 out.

[Larkin Fan]

Alot of times the first pitch is the best pitch. ;)

That's what Dunn says! ;)