5/9 vs Padres(Kearns sits again)

[westofyou]

FCB I wrote a blog the other day with Golem as the keyword (comparing Reds 1st baseman since the beginnig of time they are all Casey pretty much)

But I switched the Golem metaphor for Ralph Hinkleys Suit IN GAH.

But me?

Love the Golem.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[westofyou]

Yeah, we throw that word around a lot. I think we generally mean we hate the players game.

Although, in Lumpy Gravy's case, somebody needs to smack the zen outta his little whiny baby act.

And I'm all about zen. But not with closers underperforming at his level.

Guys who wear camoflauge and drive a Rolls should just be quiet and enjoy it while it lasts.

[letsgojunior]

Yeah, we throw that word around a lot. I think we generally mean we hate the players game.

Although, in Lumpy Gravy's case, somebody needs to smack the zen outta his little whiny baby act.

And I'm all about zen. But not with closers underperforming at his level.

Hate was probably a strong word, but there's something about him that just bothers me. It's weird: my mother doesn't know much about baseball, and the only players on the Reds she can name are Junior and Dunn... but whenever I call her after a game mad, she always says "Did that Graves blow a save again?" She's still smarting over the Mother's Day Massacre from 3 years ago.;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Randa strikes out looking and the runner is left at third. 5-1 Reds after 7.

[westofyou]

If the Reds win 8 straight games I'll get a crewcut.

[westofyou]

Randa strikes out looking and the runner is left at third. 5-1 Reds after 7.

Krispy

[RFS62]

If the Reds win 8 straight games I'll get a crewcut.


Will you post the photos?

[westofyou]

This was the Padres first logo.

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/Baseball/MLB/SD_2251.gif

[letsgojunior]

Will you post the photos?

Yeah I'm thinking we're going to need photographic evidence.

[westofyou]

Will you post the photos?

Sure... but I'll tell ya I'm thinking of getting one anyway.

[westofyou]

First Reds pitcher to make the 8th inning this year IIRC

[Reds Fanatic]

Sweeney pinch hits and draws a lead off walk.

[Reds Fanatic]

Roberts grounds into a 4-6-3 double play!

[Caveat Emperor]

First Reds pitcher to make the 8th inning this year IIRC

Harang was the last Red to toss a CG, no?

[RFS62]

113 pitches so far

[Reds Fanatic]

Loretta grounds out to 2nd. Good play by Lopez. 5-1 Reds middle of the 8th.

[MWM]

Hey RFS, I just sent you another book. I'm going to make the purchase either tomorrow or Wednesday. I leave for the summer a week from Thursday and I need them by then.

[letsgojunior]

I'm still really ticked about Kearns not playing, especially with WMP on the DL. There's really no excuse for it.

[oneupper]

Loretta grounds out to 2nd. Good play by Lopez. 5-1 Reds middle of the 8th.

Lopez played that ball like a shortstop!

[Puffy]

4 runs just doesn't seem safe enough to me. How bout two or three more.....

[RFS62]

Hey RFS, I just sent you another book. I'm going to make the purchase either tomorrow or Wednesday. I leave for the summer a week from Thursday and I need them by then.

Working on it right now.

[MWM]

You're a good man! It's nice to have an expert at my disposal. :cool:

[Kc61]

Nice defense by Lopez that inning. Good range.

I wonder if one of the reasons for this lineup is a decision by the Reds that Lopez is a second baseman, not a shortstop. With his range and arm, Lopez can certainly be a fine defensive second baseman. Perhaps they think he makes too many wild throws for shortstop.

This could explain why D'Lo hardly plays and why Aurilia is at short.

[PuffyPig]

Casey with the great scoop to end the inning.

Now, why does that make me feel melancholy?

[Stormy]

Lopez deftly handling the assist on the DP, and then ranging deep to his backhand for the inning ender. This is a kid whose entire game is evolving right before our eyes, as is his on-and-off the field demeanor... great to see his development under adverse circumstances, and the volatility of not knowing, when, where, or if you're going to play.

Great outing by Harang, as well. We so rarely get a 7+ inning start of quality, even versus the worst offenses, that it's refreshing to experience for a change.

[westofyou]

Harang was the last Red to toss a CG, no?
Yeah after Lidle got dealt I think.

Graves led the Reds with 2 in 2003.

[MWM]

I wonder if one of the reasons for this lineup is a decision by the Reds that Lopez is a second baseman, not a shortstop. With his range and arm, Lopez can certainly be a fine defensive second baseman. Perhaps they think he makes too many wild throws for shortstop.

Cue princeton. :D

[Reds Fanatic]

Aurilia grounds out to 2nd. 1 out.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Harang was the last Red to toss a CG, no?

Paul Wilson. Oct. 1, 2004 vs. Pirates. 9IP, 5H, 1ER.

Harang had the last one before that. Aug. 26, 2004 vs. Cardinals. 9IP, 3H, 0ER... REDS won, 1-0.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valentin flies out to left. 2 outs.

[letsgojunior]

4 runs just doesn't seem safe enough to me. How bout two or three more.....

or ten...

Why can't Wagner be the closer?

[PuffyPig]

Nice defense by Lopez that inning. Good range.

I wonder if one of the reasons for this lineup is a decision by the Reds that Lopez is a second baseman, not a shortstop. With his range and arm, Lopez can certainly be a fine defensive second baseman. Perhaps they think he makes too many wild throws for shortstop.

This could explain why D'Lo hardly plays and why Aurilia is at short.

Perhaps, but it's bad thinking.

Coming into this season, I thought that the Reds needed to improve their infield range every bit as much as their pitching. Lpoez at SS is the only real we can do that.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cruz pinch hitting for Harang. Great start by Harang on his birthday.

[Mitri]

RA's a game away from the mendoza. I feel like that's only way he'll be out of the lineup, so bring it on.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cruz fouls out to the catcher. 5-1 Reds after 8.

[RedlegNation]

Please, Dave, no Graves!!!

[RedsBaron]

Maybe when Sparky comes in to get his number retired, we can keep him.
If Sparky won't go for it, name Bill McKechnie as the new manager. Sure, he's dead, but he'd still be an improvement over Miley.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wagner is coming in to pitch

[Kc61]

Perhaps, but it's bad thinking.

Coming into this season, I thought that the Reds needed to improve their infield range every bit as much as their pitching. Lpoez at SS is the only real we can do that.

Maybe the eventual plan is Machado at short and Lopez at second. Just speculation, of course.

[letsgojunior]

RA's a game away from the mendoza. I feel like that's only way he'll be out of the lineup, so bring it on.

At this point I think he could be hitting .050 and still be in the lineup. I wonder if he stole DanO's binder, or has some compromising photos of Miley. It's hard to fathom two alleged "baseball guys" agreeing that it's a good idea to put him in there day after day when there's already a much better option in Lopez.

[oneupper]

Wagner is coming in to pitch

As much as I love it not being Graves, wouldn't Merker make more sense?

[westofyou]

If Sparky won't go for it, name Bill McKechnie as the new manager. Sure, he's dead, but he'd still be an improvement over Miley.

Bill liked 2 LH's on the bench and glove guys,

[PuffyPig]

Maybe the eventual plan is Machado at short and Lopez at second. Just speculation, of course.

Yes, that would be a pretty good rangy duo.

[Reds Fanatic]

Uh oh. Klesko homers to right. 5-2.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Aaron Harang with 5 quality starts in 7 starts this year. 5 of the 11 QS on the staff.

3.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nevin lines a single to center.

[westofyou]

Wagner is on my Fantasy team (Freel, Lopez and Kearns too)

Got to have some Reds

I love guys who play 3 positions.

Did Graves rub Wagners head before this inning?

[Caveat Emperor]

Dear God no...

He's made it a save situation!!

Run Away! Run Away!

[Reds Fanatic]

This can't be happening again. Giles walks. 1st and 2nd with no outs.

[letsgojunior]

Want to know what's especially painful?

Graves is on my fantasy team.

That's what I get for autodrafting.

[Puffy]

Lopez deftly handling the assist on the DP, and then ranging deep to his backhand for the inning ender. This is a kid whose entire game is evolving right before our eyes, as is his on-and-off the field demeanor... great to see his development under adverse circumstances, and the volatility of not knowing, when, where, or if you're going to play.

Great outing by Harang, as well. We so rarely get a 7+ inning start of quality, even versus the worst offenses, that it's refreshing to experience for a change.

Kinda reminds one of first Guillen, then Pena. You could just watch them finally turn all that talent into production.

[MWM]

Somebody make it stop. I'm begging you!

[westofyou]

Kid Glove game eh?

Back in the day they were always exhibitions against the Tigers

[Reds Fanatic]

Now 3-0 on Hernandez.

[MWM]

booooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mitri]

Want to know what's especially painful?

Graves is on my fantasy team.

That's what I get for autodrafting.

my autodraft picked up Rivera. so far he's been a complete waste of that very early pick.

[westofyou]

The Reds love to ride the camel through the eye of the needle.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hernandez with an infield hit. Bases loaded with no outs. I can't believe this is happening 2 Monday's in a row. Here comes Graves.

[letsgojunior]

:rant:

[westofyou]

This was planned by John Allen.

I Know it!!!

[Big Klu]

Danny Graves....

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Caveat Emperor]

Oh...

Dear....

God....

NOOOoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Not Danny Graves...Anyone but Danny Graves!!

I'll go to bed on time!

I'll eat my vegetables!

Please, anything, just don't bring him in!

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Oh boy. the crowd is REALLY pouring it on as Graves comes in from the pen. Here we go again? No way, not two mondays in a row.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Nobody Scores On Danny Graves :help:

[letsgojunior]

I'm going to have to go do something else for a few minutes... I HATE DANNY GRAVES.

I feel better now. I'll pursue therapy soon.

[RedFanAlways1966]

<let us pray> pitcher's bestfriend, pitcher's bestfriend... please! Amen.

[TeamBoone]

Seems Wagner hasn't pitched as well since the baby was born... lack of sleep?

[Virginia Beach Reds]

After 2 pitches, it appears as though Graves has at least something on the ball tonight.

[SteelSD]

All right. What's going on here? Wagner throws harder than 89-91 MPH, yet anything resembling a fastball is being chucked up at that speed. In fact, I've seen a loss of velocity from just about every pitcher on this staff.

And now it's tied. Nice.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fick doubles in 3 runs 5-5. Unbelievable.

[Big Klu]

Danny Graves......

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Next pitch launched to the wall.

[westofyou]

Danny Graves is gristle on the bone.

[Stormy]

<let us pray> pitcher's bestfriend, pitcher's bestfriend... please! Amen.

Too late, Padres already prayed first for "Hitter's Best Friend, Hitter's Best Friend" and got Danny Graves.

[Caveat Emperor]

boooooooo!!!!!!!

[Raisor]

Always Be Closing!

[Reds4Life]

If Danny Graves is the closer of this team tomorrow someone needs to be fired.

[westofyou]

Dave Miley just sent a line up the ridge at Gallipoli.

Friendly Fire please.

[FlyingPig]

Harang ought to whoop both their butts..

:bang:

[Virginia Beach Reds]

If Danny Graves is the closer of this team tomorrow someone needs to be fired.

then who will take over the role. Danny Graves makes 6 frickin million dollars a year.

[Reds Fanatic]

They blow the great start by Harang :censored:

[remdog]

Shame to waste that nice start by Harang. Maybe a starter is going to have to pitch a complete game for the Reds to get a win.

Rem

[Falls City Beer]

Second time in a week and a half that Ryan Wagner's folded like an accordion.

[MWM]

:lol: :lol: :lol:


It's all you can do. You've got to admit. It IS pretty funny.

[Raisor]

Miley's blinking thing makes me feel small.

[Reds Fanatic]

They try to throw the runner out at third on the bunt and everyone is safe. 1st and 3rd with no outs.

[letsgojunior]

I'm going to my happy place now... I can't take this game right now, and I'm not even watching it.

[Reds4Life]

then who will take over the role. Danny Graves makes 6 frickin million dollars a year.

Ryan Wagner. At this point, Don Gullet can probably pitch better than Graves.

[westofyou]

This is like that level in Missle Command when everything goes too fast.

[ws1990reds]

Can we all just agree that Danny Graves is washed up, and that Ryan Wagner isn't ready to be a closer yet? :(

[Caveat Emperor]

All right. What's going on here? Wagner throws harder than 89-91 MPH, yet anything resembling a fastball is being chucked up at that speed. In fact, I've seen a loss of velocity from just about every pitcher on this staff.

And now it's tied. Nice.

I've been saying this for weeks.

EVERYONE has lost velocity.

Wagner (-3/4 mph)
Graves (-3/4 mph)
Valentine (-4+ mph)
Claussen (-3 mph)
Wilson (-3/4 mph)

Across the board drop in velocity. I'd chalk it up to a new radar gun at the park (it's that uniform), but it's happening on the road too.

I can't figure it out at all.

[RedlegNation]

I'm always in favor of a good Atari reference.

BTW, what's happening in the game? I resolved never to watch Graves pitch again.

I'm happy right now. The game is over and the Reds won, right?

[westofyou]

Wagner was throwing gas, and he was replaced buy someone looking for their game. I would have prefered Weathers at this point, at least his probelm is walks and not getting smacked around.

[Larkin411]

I feel sorry for Harang. 8 innings and he can't even get a W. Just goes to show what a dumb stat W-L's are.

[Raisor]

I wish they'd stop putting the camera on Miley, that squinting thing is freaking me out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ojeda grounds out to short. 2nd and 3rd with one out.

[remdog]

Maybe bringing in Graves is Miley's way of getting some playing time for Austin Kearnes. :devil:

Rem

[Reds Fanatic]

Intentional walk to Roberts. Bases loaded.

[Raisor]

Miley, even when the Reds are winning, always has a "deer in the headlights" look on his face.

[Puffy]

On the bright side, I think Jack Bauer will prevent the warhead from going off.

[westofyou]

Miley, even when the Reds are winning, always has a "deer in the headlights" look on his face.

Too much Zinc

[Caveat Emperor]

On the bright side, I think Jack Bauer will prevent the warhead from going off.

He's a half-inning too late.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

If Graves spins another one up there, Lorettas gonna jack one outta here.

[SteelSD]

I've been saying this for weeks.

EVERYONE has lost velocity.

Wagner (-3/4 mph)
Graves (-3/4 mph)
Valentine (-4+ mph)
Claussen (-3 mph)
Wilson (-3/4 mph)

Across the board drop in velocity. I'd chalk it up to a new radar gun at the park (it's that uniform), but it's happening on the road too.

I can't figure it out at all.

If I had to guess?

It's the sinker. I swear to God that i honestly believe that we're seeing the result of an organizational mandate that every pitcher learn that pitch.

[ws1990reds]

I wish they'd stop putting the camera on Miley, that squinting thing is freaking me out.

I believe it's called a "tic". A neurological disorder, the other thing I can think of is that he has a weak eye that tends to wander (which you can sort of alleviate by blinking).

[Reds Fanatic]

Loretta grounds into a 6-4-3 double play 5-5 middle of the 9th.

[Big Klu]

Double play! Yayyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danny Graves! BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RedlegNation]

"It's the fault of the fans. They were booing me too hard, and I couldn't concentrate."

--Danny Graves, in tomorrow's Enquirer.

[RFS62]

Lord, please make the bad men stop.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

DP....nice turn.

Another collapse in the ninth. At least were not losing, yet....

[ws1990reds]

Classic Daves. Abandon his teammates in favor of a win or save opportunity. :D

[jmcclain19]

I've been saying this for weeks.

EVERYONE has lost velocity.

Wagner (-3/4 mph)
Graves (-3/4 mph)
Valentine (-4+ mph)
Claussen (-3 mph)
Wilson (-3/4 mph)

Across the board drop in velocity. I'd chalk it up to a new radar gun at the park (it's that uniform), but it's happening on the road too.

I can't figure it out at all.

The Fellas at GNC and other fine athletic supplement stores around the Cincy areas who are hurting say hello

[SteelSD]

And on another positive note...

My fantasy team just lost 62 points due to Ryan Wagner and Keiichi Yabu.

GrEAT.

[oneupper]

Graves gets away with a clean line...there is no justice.

[Falls City Beer]

Wagner looks bad. Maybe it's the mandate; maybe it's nerves. But he's as shaky as anyone in that BP right now. For my money, Mercker's the closer. No, I'm not kidding.

[FlyingPig]

Did Danny Graves just throw a ball at an opposing batter in the ninth inning, and make that batter ground into a bases loaded inning ending double play?

:eek:

[Kc61]

Well, Wagner's at 5.19. He'll fit right in now.

[RedlegNation]

I believe it's called a "tic". A neurological disorder, the other thing I can think of is that he has a weak eye that tends to wander (which you can sort of alleviate by blinking).

So it's either a lazy eye, or he has Tourette's Syndrome.

That would actually explain why he screams out "Aurilia!" at inopportune moments.

[Reds Fanatic]

Otsuka in to pitch for the Padres

[PuffyPig]

Wagner was throwing gas.....

Passing gas more like it.

He faced 4 batters and didn't throw one decent pitch.

[Caveat Emperor]

The Fellas at GNC and other fine athletic supplement stores around the Cincy areas who are hurting say hello

I don't want to make baseless accusations, but I really do think there might be some merit to that...The "supplment" argument makes sense; I could see a lot of players cycling off some "gray-area" supplements in order to make sure there was no chance of them coming up as a false-positive or even cast a shadow of doubt onto their honesty.

But, I think Steel has a good point too: a sinkerball mandate for guys who really don't have the stuff to "take a bit off" and still be successful.

[ws1990reds]

So it's either a lazy eye, or he has Tourette's Syndrome.

That would actually explain why he screams out "Aurilia!" at inopportune moments.

Don't know about a lazy eye, but the second possibility is a real one. :laugh:

[RedsBaron]

Bill liked 2 LH's on the bench and glove guys,
McKechnie had a weakness for good field, no hit guys. Miley evidently has a weakness for no field, no hit guys, at least at shortstop.

[westofyou]

Passing gas more like it.

He faced 4 batters and didn't throw one decent pitch.

he was off the plate a little but compared to Graves it was Gas.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel strikes out. 1 out.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Freel caught looking. Geesh.

[westofyou]

I believe it's called a "tic". A neurological disorder, the other thing I can think of is that he has a weak eye that tends to wander (which you can sort of alleviate by blinking).

Reds 1st baseman from 1897-1905, Jake Beckley had a lazy eye.

Guess which one.

http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers_and_honorees/hofer_bios/images/beckley_jake_1.jpg

[Caveat Emperor]

Alright, this guy's leg action is bothering me...

[RedlegNation]

You know someone is going to hit a homer and Graves is going to get a win out of this. You do know that, don't you?

[Reds Fanatic]

Lopez grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[PuffyPig]

he was off the plate a little but compared to Graves it was Gas.

Graves threw one bad pitch (albeit at the wrong time). As bad as Graves has been, he looked better than Wagner.

[Raisor]

If you combined the Pad's pitcher's leg kick to Weber's arm jerk when he goes into the stretch I think you could solve the world's energy crisis.

[Reds Fanatic]

Casey singles.

[ws1990reds]

What would it take to convince the Reds that it's considered smart hitting to swing at pitches that resemble strikes?

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Casey base hit.
Griffey up with chance to win this thang.
Pinch runner at first? Yes, Bergolla. He's got wheels.

[Caveat Emperor]

If you combined the Pad's pitcher's leg kick to Weber's arm jerk when he goes into the stretch I think you could solve the world's energy crisis.

It'd look like C-3PO trying to pitch.

[Stormy]

Passing gas more like it.

He faced 4 batters and didn't throw one decent pitch.

I thought he meant to allude to Harang, but I'm not certain (I see now he meant Wagner, who I thought was having a hard time ramping it up velocity wise, and focusing purely on sinker, sinker, sinker). Harang still had nice movement, stuff and velocity (he really has himself in nice condition)... however, if a guy can't be lifted after giving 8IP of 8K 1ER ball and feel secure with a 5-1 lead, when can they? FCB is right that Mercker is the most reliable reliever at the moment, but it's also hard to believe that a 5-1 lead isn't a spot where our alleged closer of the future can find himself, or our closer of the present can put out a fire for a change. Graves misleading ERA and Blown Saves vs Save Opp numbers won't tell the story of yet another one he let slip away, even if the mess wasn't of his making.

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior singles to center. 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.

[westofyou]

Graves threw one bad pitch (albeit at the wrong time). As bad as Graves has been, he looked better than Wagner.

IMO Wagners worst stuff still looked better than Graves

[Caveat Emperor]

Welcome to the Show, Mr. Bergolla. :thumbup:

[Puffy]

This Junior cat is starting to hit a little. He's no Jim Coombs, but not many are.

Just pontificatin'

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Base hit Griffey.
Walks Dunn.
Randa up with a basehit or passed ball to win this thang.

[MWM]

Doesn't Dunn know it's not his job to walk? Jeez.

[Reds Fanatic]

Intentional walk to Dunn. Bases loaded for Randa.

[RFS62]

Oh man, how much of this are we supposed to be able to take.

[letsgojunior]

I go do laundry for 10 minutes convinced that we'll pull it out, and now we're in the bottom of the 9th.

I HATE DANNY GRAVES.

[Raisor]

Just because it seems to help him offensivly:

Joe Randa freaks me the heck out.

[Kc61]

IMO Wagners worst stuff still looked better than Graves

He has better stuff, but he gets no kudos tonight. Just didn't have it. Neither of them.

[RFS62]

IMO Wagners worst stuff still looked better than Graves


Hell yes it does.

[SteelSD]

I don't want to make baseless accusations, but I really do think there might be some merit to that...The "supplment" argument makes sense; I could see a lot of players cycling off some "gray-area" supplements in order to make sure there was no chance of them coming up as a false-positive or even cast a shadow of doubt onto their honesty.

But, I think Steel has a good point too: a sinkerball mandate for guys who really don't have the stuff to "take a bit off" and still be successful.

I first raised my eyebrow when it was announced that Eric Milton was going to be learning the sinker. That concerned me because Milton has always had "stuff". He's just never been consistent enough with it.

But then I keep watching these guys pitch and they're all looking like templates of each other. And when Wagner, who can bring it at 94+ starts throwing pitches with a hard downward bite instead of his usual heat (which has a lot of natural movement anyway)...well, let's just say I'm getting a bad feeling.

Now, maybe I'm wrong but it sure seems to me that it's more than just probable.

[Puffy]

Doesn't Dunn know it's not his job to walk? Jeez.

Kelly from the Bad News Bears would reached out and tripled.

Just pontificatin'

[Raisor]

Doesn't Dunn know it's not his job to walk? Jeez.

See, Dunn's problem is that he's TOO good, which in turn makes him bad.

[letsgojunior]

This Junior cat is starting to hit a little. He's no Jim Coombs, but not many are.

Just pontificatin'

I'm trying to give you points, but dammit it won't let me. I love it when you use words like pontificate.;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Randa lines out to right and we are headed to extra innings.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Again, no big hit late in the game with RISP.

[MWM]

See, Dunn's problem is that he's TOO good, which in turn makes him bad.

Wouldn't be good for his OBP*.

[RFS62]

But then I keep watching these guys pitch and they're all looking like templates of each other. And when Wagner, who can bring it at 94+ starts throwing pitches with a hard downward bite instead of his usual heat (which has a lot of natural movement anyway)...well, let's just say I'm getting a bad feeling.

Now, maybe I'm wrong but it sure seems to me that it's more than just probable.



Yeah, it makes a lot of sense to go out and sign two fly ball pitchers and then try to teach them a sinker.

Good plan.

[jmcclain19]

Ugh, CBS Sportsline is frozen w/ Griffey coming up to bat.


Keep the PBP updates coming guys - Much appreciative of that.

[Reds Fanatic]

Mercker in to pitch the 10th.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Mercker in to pitch in top of 10.
Klesko, Giles and Nevin.
Klesko lines out to left.

[Reds Fanatic]

Klesko lines out to left.

[RFS62]

Kearns in finally

[Raisor]

Kelly from the Bad News Bears would reached out and tripled.

Just pontificatin'

Tanner would have called Graves a "booger-eatin' moron" for blowing the save, then kicked his booty.

[Caveat Emperor]

It took 9 full innings of baseball, but let's give a warm Cincinnati welcome to Austin Kearns (now playing in RF)!

:bang:

[Reds Fanatic]

Defensive changes. Dunn to 1st, Freel to left and Kearns is in right. Kearns will bat 9th.

[Puffy]

Again, no big hit late in the game with RISP.

I blame Terry Pendleton. It was his signing that kept Willie Green out of the lineup, which in turn led to Brandon Larson being drafted, which lead to Martha Stewart getting busted for insider trading, which led Ben Affleck and J Lo to get together, which led the Red Sox to the World Series win, which screwed up everything.

And now our RISP hitting is flummuxed

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Kearns in finally

I wonder if he is being 'punished' for dropping those lines in the Enquirer today re: playing time?

[Caveat Emperor]

Yeah, it makes a lot of sense to go out and sign two fly ball pitchers and then try to teach them a sinker.

Good plan.

Par for the course in this city. It's the baseball equivalent of drafting a Run 'N Shoot QB and try to make him a dropback passer.

How'd that end up working out with David Klingler?

[ws1990reds]

Yeah, it makes a lot of sense to go out and sign two fly ball pitchers and then try to teach them a sinker.

Good plan.

It's all about Don Gullet. :laugh: :help: :laugh:

[Reds Fanatic]

Nevin grounds out to short. 2 out.

[Puffy]

Wouldn't be good for his OBP*.

Great.

Now I'm gonna have to go to Krispy Kreme and get donuts tomorrow. Thanks.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I blame Terry Pendleton. It was his signing that kept Willie Green out of the lineup, which in turn led to Brandon Larson being drafted, which lead to Martha Stewart getting busted for insider trading, which led Ben Affleck and J Lo to get together, which led the Red Sox to the World Series win, which screwed up everything.

And now our RISP hitting is flummuxed

Alright then. Whatever that was supposed to mean, I'm not gettin' it. :confused:

[Reds Fanatic]

Giles walks

[Puffy]

Alright then. Whatever that was supposed to mean, I'm not gettin' it. :confused:

Ummmmm, its just a joke.

[MWM]

Nice frame job by Valentin there.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Ummmmm, its just a joke.

I thought it was a joke, but I don't get it...
Oh well, no problem.

[Reds Fanatic]

Jackson pops out to 2nd. 5-5 middle of 10. Aurilia, Valentin and Kearns due up. Hopefully Kearns homers to win this.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

3rd out on infield fly.

Aurilia is up...he's due :laugh:

[letsgojunior]

I would really like to see Kearns homer here as well, just because I'd like to see what excuse Miley would offer next for not putting him in the lineup.

[Reds Fanatic]

Scott Linebrink in to pitch for the Padres

[MWM]

Aurilia will get a walk-off Hr thus solidifying his place in the lineup for another 3 weeks.

[Falls City Beer]

Hopefully Kearns homers to win this.

Then after that, he breaks Miley's Spooky Tooth 8-track over his knee.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

How much longer will Miley continue to play Aurilia on a regular basis? As he k's on high cheese?

[Reds Fanatic]

Aurilia strikes out swinging. 1 out.

[SteelSD]

Yeah, it makes a lot of sense to go out and sign two fly ball pitchers and then try to teach them a sinker.

Good plan.

Yeah. Exactly. And that's why I'm getting a bad feeling about this. I honestly think that Dan O'Brien is incapable of anything that's not entirely oversimplistic. In fact, I believe that cat is an analytical type who boxes...templates...oversimplifies. Think about it...

Boxes minor league pitchers at low levels.

All minor league pitchers are to learn one new pitch per season.

All minor league hitters at low levels take the first pitch.

Pitchers go deeper into games if their pitch counts are lower so "Pitch to Contact" to use fewer pitches.

Sinkers get ground balls and ground balls are good so everyone must learn the sinker and use it.

Vets bring experience and experience is good thus go get vets.

Regardless of whether or not any of that is a good idea is immaterial. There's no data to suggest that any of it actually works. But again, that's immaterial as well. What is material is that it demonstrates a methodology.

Guy brought a binder to his interview. How much you want to bet that binder had nothing in it about adjusting to an individual's strengths? Nothing innovative. Just an overgeneralized recycling of concepts someone else thought of. Because the ideas sound good. Not because they actually work.

I'm more and more flipping over to the idea that Gullett is simply implementing O'Brien's plan. Now, considering that Gullett is the expert, that doesn't reflect well on him IMHO. But this thing looks like it starts right at the top.

Bad feeling. Bad.

[Mitri]

.204...getting closer

[RFS62]

Rich Mendoza goes down swinging.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valentin strikes out. 2 outs.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Rich Mendoza goes down swinging.

Miley:
but he did really look upset at his slow bat walking back to the dugout after that K.

Ah, give him another shot.

Rich, you're in the lineup tomorrow. bring your spikes.

[MWM]

Nice eye by Keanrs on that first pitch. Those are the pitches he's been swinging at this year.

[wally post]

Yeah. Exactly. And that's why I'm getting a bad feeling about this. I honestly think that Dan O'Brien is incapable of anything that's not entirely oversimplistic. In fact, I believe that cat is an analytical type who boxes...templates...oversimplifies. Think about it...

Boxes minor league pitchers at low levels.

All minor league pitchers are to learn one new pitch per season.

All minor league hitters at low levels take the first pitch.

Pitchers go deeper into games if their pitch counts are lower so "Pitch to Contact" to use fewer pitches.

Sinkers get ground balls and ground balls are good so everyone must learn the sinker and use it.

Vets bring experience and experience is good thus go get vets.

Regardless of whether or not any of that is a good idea is immaterial. There's no data to suggest that any of it actually works. But again, that's immaterial as well. What is material is that it demonstrates a methodology.

Guy brought a binder to his interview. How much you want to bet that binder had nothing in it about adjusting to an individual's strengths? Nothing innovative. Just an overgeneralized recycling of concepts someone else thought of. Because the ideas sound good. Not because they actually work.

I'm more and more flipping over to the idea that Gullett is simply implementing O'Brien's plan. Now, considering that Gullett is the expert, that doesn't reflect well on him IMHO. But this thing looks like it starts right at the top.

Bad feeling. Bad.

Steel - I think that's totally insightful! too bad you are prob right.

[Caveat Emperor]

Guy brought a binder to his interview. How much you want to bet that binder had nothing in it about adjusting to an individual's strengths? Nothing innovative. Just an overgeneralized recycling of concepts someone else thought of. Because the ideas sound good. Not because they actually work.

You know, the anecdotal evidence about Ryan Wagner "returning to what made him successful in college" as opposed to what the Reds were having him do seems to support this theory...

Not working with a guy's strengths, trying to pound the whatever-shaped peg into the round hole they have cut.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kearns strikes out looking. 5-5 after 10.

[Reds Fanatic]

Weathers in to pitch, Larue in to catch.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nady leads off with a single.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

nady singles....first batter reaches in the 11th.

[Caveat Emperor]

Weathers in to pitch, Larue in to catch.

And we do use "Pitch" in the very loosest sense of the word...

[Reds Fanatic]

Larue throws out the lead runner on the bunt attempt. 1 out runner on 1st.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Burroughs bunts, larue fields, nails Nady at 2nd for FO

[Raisor]

I feel dirty, I just upped Steel's rep for that great post.

[RFS62]

I have no doubt DanO is a good administrator, great planner, outstanding organizer, and good man to work for. He seems like a very decent man, from a baseball family. He's been around it all his life.

But, that doesn't make him a good GM. He needs to be running an Office Depot somewhere. He's made a number of astonishing misjudgments as a talent evaluator, most notably Milton.

I'd really like to know what part he plays in the Lopez/Aurilia fiasco, and if he is involved, how Miley feels about it.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ojeda grounds into a 5-4 fielder's choice. 2 outs.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

grounder to 3rd. Randa to Lopez and fumbles the relay. out at 2nd though.

2 outs.

[MWM]

If Roberts get any closer, he'll be standing directl on the plate.

[wheels]

I have no doubt DanO is a good administrator, great planner, outstanding organizer, and good man to work for. He seems like a very decent man, from a baseball family. He's been around it all his life.

But, that doesn't make him a good GM. He needs to be running an Office Depot somewhere. He's made a number of astonishing misjudgments as a talent evaluator, most notably Milton.

I'd really like to know what part he plays in the Lopez/Aurilia fiasco, and if he is involved, how Miley feels about it.

I he plays a big part in it. I'd go as far as to say Aurilia signed with the Reds because DanO promised him the starting job.

Miley? What does he care?

After years of bus rides, he's not gonna complain one bit.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

I have no doubt DanO is a good administrator, great planner, outstanding organizer, and good man to work for. He seems like a very decent man, from a baseball family. He's been around it all his life.

But, that doesn't make him a good GM. He needs to be running an Office Depot somewhere. He's made a number of astonishing misjudgments as a talent evaluator, most notably Milton.

I'd really like to know what part he plays in the Lopez/Aurilia fiasco, and if he is involved, how Miley feels about it.

Well said....it is really embarrassing to think that the Reds brass who interviewed this guy either didn't ask the right questions or were looking for a candidate in the opposite mold of Bowden. Someone who wouldn't embarrass them at a moments notice. Looks like the joke is on the interviewers.

[MWM]

Nice job staying in front of the ball by Dunn.

[Reds Fanatic]

Roberts grounds out to 1st. Freel, Lopez and Larue due up for the Reds.

[Caveat Emperor]

This is where speed can make the difference between winning and losing baseball. Freel needs to get on and swipe a bag...

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Freel grounds out to third.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lopez grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

LaRue is really struggling. Looks really lost up there. Avg down to .177.

and falling.

LaRue strikes out...again.

[Reds Fanatic]

Larue strikes out. Headed to the 12th.

[westofyou]

Paul Wilson will get the win in the 23rd inning.

[37red]

I told you it doesn't get exciting until Graves comes in. What's bad is that I'm right. Maybe they'll interview Graves and Harang together after the game.........

[Reds Fanatic]

Loretta flies out to right. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Klesko lines a single to left.

[RFS62]

Well, bullpen gassed again for the next few days

[Reds Fanatic]

Infield hit for Nevin. 1st and 2nd with one out.

[RFS62]

Great Googly Mooglie!!!!!!!

What a throw!!!

[Reds Fanatic]

Eaton singles and Freel throws out the runner at home. 2 outs.

[MWM]

What was Klesko thinking?

Nice throw by Ryan.

[Caveat Emperor]

Wow...talk about an outfield strike. LaRue didn't even move... :eek:

[westofyou]

That was as purty as Lisa Douglas.

[RFS62]

That was as purty as Lisa Douglas.


Arnold Ziffle couldn't have done it any better.

[westofyou]

The Reds are trying to kill me.

[SteelSD]

I have no doubt DanO is a good administrator, great planner, outstanding organizer, and good man to work for. He seems like a very decent man, from a baseball family. He's been around it all his life.

But, that doesn't make him a good GM. He needs to be running an Office Depot somewhere. He's made a number of astonishing misjudgments as a talent evaluator, most notably Milton.

I'd really like to know what part he plays in the Lopez/Aurilia fiasco, and if he is involved, how Miley feels about it.

You may be right. But here's the thing I'm really afraid of:

I've long been trying to figure out why O'Brien is so darned impossible to listen to. He's the worst read imaginable. I've often wondered why. My initial impression is that's just his nature. He just doesn't communicate well and tends to be rather tight-lipped about "plans" so he talks in circles when addressing questions.

But more and more I'm thinking that it's because he doesn't know how to explain and/or defend choices and concepts that he doesn't understand. Yeah, I don't think he's ever attempted to rationalize what he's doing on anything more than a superficial level. Because of that, I don't think he's capable of explaining what he's doing on anything more than a superficial level and, because he's smart enough to aptly dance around the topic, he feels he can do so without losing face.

I've often used the term "Just smart enough to be dangerous". To me, that's Dan O'Brien in a nutshell. And the real danger is that the guy is smart enough to snow his bosses long enough to do maximum damage to this organization.

I hope I'm wrong, but that's my perception of the current dynamic. And it scares me more than just about anything.

[Reds Fanatic]

Jackson grounds out to short. Griffey, Dunn and Randa due up.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

What was Klesko thinking?

Nice throw by Ryan.

He wasn't...the 3b coach almost wrestled him down as he rounded 3rd.

[Puffy]

Well, here is the Reds best chance to end this thing - Junior, Dunn, and Randa. All we need is for one of them to get on so our superstar Rich Aurilia, he of the 37 homeruns in 2001, can come up and win this puppy.

Just watch.

[wheels]

This game ends now.

[Reds Fanatic]

Chris Hammond in to pitch

[RFS62]

If you're right, he fooled some pretty good businesmen in the interview process. They may not know squat about baseball, but I can't believe Lindners crew didn't get a good feel for his business acumen.

It's the baseball judgment and talent evaluator skills that are killing us, IMO.

[MWM]

And the real danger is that the guy is smart enough to snow his bosses long enough to do maximum damage to this organization.

Great point and I agree. And it's not like the people he's trying to convince are all that sophisticated either. It's a match made in heaven.

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior strikes out. 1 out.

[SteelSD]

Wow. Didn't know you could throw a strike at the shoulders.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn pops out to short. 2 outs.

[MWM]

If you're right, he fooled some pretty good businesmen in the interview process. They may not know squat about baseball, but I can't believe Lindners crew didn't get a good feel for his business acumen.

It's the baseball judgment and talent evaluator skills that are killing us.

I think you over-estimate Carl's business acumen in these types of endeavors. Carl made his fortune in a different era. If he came along in today's world with the same business ideas, I think he'd be just as likely to go borke as he would be to make his fortune.

[remdog]

Help me Randa, help, help me Randa....

Rem

[Virginia Beach Reds]

Hammond throwing 65 mph frisbees up there.

[Reds Fanatic]

Randa lines a single to center.

[Caveat Emperor]

But more and more I'm thinking that it's because he doesn't know how to explain and/or defend choices and concepts that he doesn't understand. Yeah, I don't think he's ever attempted to rationalize what he's doing on anything more than a superficial level. Because of that, I don't think he's capable of explaining what he's doing on anything more than a superficial level and, because he's smart enough to aptly dance around the topic, he feels he can do so without losing face.

So, the real question then becomes: is he even capable of handling situations where the plans just don't work? If the only thing Dan O'Brien knows how to do is follow things that he's read about in other places, what happens in situations that require deeper analysis and situation-specific plans to be formulated?

I think we're seeing the answer to that question. It seems to me that Dan O'Brien has the unfortunate tendency to alter the facts to fit his views as oppsoed to altering his views to fit the facts.

[westofyou]

Rich Aurilia Time babeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[Virginia Beach Reds]

basehit Randa.

Aurilia up there to atone for a miserable BA, OBP, FP, etc.

[Puffy]

Game. Set. Match.

No way a player of Aurilia's caliber goes 0 for 6 in a game!!! We're gonna win it here.....

[westofyou]

An 0-6 looks bad

Just sayin.

[Virginia Beach Reds]

yep, on to the 13th.

[RFS62]

You have to know that he came into that interview process with a classic presentation. Total antithesis of Jimbo's legacy.

I think the fact that he was the polar opposite of Bowden in demeanor that had the most appeal. They weren't qualified to judge his baseball knowledge or potential as an evaluator, and his resume and pedigree looked good on paper to them.