Game Thread---3/3/2006 Reds at Twins

[Dunner44]

Here's the lineup for the game over at the Twin's Hammond Stadium as per Marc's blog:

Reds
Quinton McCracken, CF
Frank Menechino, 2B
Scott Hatteberg, 1B
Edwin Encarnacion, 3B
Jacob Cruz, DH
Tuffy Rhodes, LF
Chris Denorfia, RF
Ray Olmedo, SS
Dane Sardinha, C
Michael Gosling, P

Twins
Shannon Stewart, LF
Luis Castillo, 2B
Torii Hunter, CF
Rondell White, DH
Glenn Williams, 3B
Michael Cuddyer, RF
Terry Tiffee, 1B
Mike Redmond, C
Nick Punto, SS
Brad Radke, P

http://frontier.cincinnati.com/blogs/spring/


Wonder how Gosling will do... and boy does Menechino seem to be getting a lot of work, but I guess thats b/c he's leaving for the WBC in Italy soon.

[TRF]

Has Dunn been killed by bees? just wondering.

[Dunner44]

Has Dunn been killed by bees? just wondering.


Its a split squad today... he is probably playing the Tigers in Ed Smith.... I couldn't find Bucky Dent's lineup (I think Bucky is managing... either him or Ed obviously)

[Chip R]

Has Dunn been killed by bees? just wondering.

They want his pollen.

[redsfan30]

Hopefully Encarnacion playing with what looks to be the B team isn't a sign.

[Dunner44]

Hopefully Encarnacion playing with what looks to be the B team isn't a sign.

Same goes for Cruz.... I really like him, he had a great game yesterday... 2 for 2 with an RBI and 3 walks... every time up he was productive. There is a reason this guy led the NL in pinch hits. He is a solid producer off the bench. Please keep him over the likes of Woeismemack.

[acredsfan]

Same goes for Cruz.... I really like him, he had a great game yesterday... 2 for 2 with an RBI and 3 walks... every time up he was productive. There is a reason this guy led the NL in pinch hits. He is a solid producer off the bench. Please keep him over the likes of Woeismemack.I really don't think Cruz will ever be more than a 25th man\pinch hitter for any team, i honestly think Hatteburg can do just as good of a job, you just lose the ability of Cruz to play OF along with 1st. Jacob may be a nice guy and everything, but i just don't think he's that big of an asset to the team. Thats just my opinion though, to each his own....

[Dunner44]

If we carry 13 pitchers, which is highly possible, then maybe I would keep Hatteburg... Cruz's ability to play outfield is negated by Freel and Dunn's ability to go out there whenever Scott plays 1B. And J.V. fills in well as a lefty hitter off the bench when he's not starting, so the need isn't pressing (as does Scott H.). I'd rather see the roster spot go to a young guy like Chris Denforia, but if we go w/ 12 pitchers, I'd love to see Cruz over Woeismemack.

[membengal]

I think the only sign you can take, at this point, from EE being in Ft. Myers is that young guys ride the bus.

[traderumor]

I think the only sign you can take, at this point, from EE being in Ft. Myers is that young guys ride the bus.:laugh:

[Chip R]

I think the only sign you can take, at this point, from EE being in Ft. Myers is that young guys ride the bus.

Some things never change. :)

[cumberlandreds]

EdE hits a 2 run hr in the top of 1st. 2-0 Reds.

[Dunner44]

The other guy on base was Hatteburg... he got a clutch 2 out single and Double E ripped the next one outta there

[flyer85]

EdE hits a 2 run hr in the top of 1st. 2-0 Reds.Yeah but RA is better :rolleyes:

[cumberlandreds]

Twins collect two hits but no runs. Reds still lead 2-0 after one.

[LincolnparkRed]

Twins collect two hits but no runs. Reds still lead 2-0 after one.
Mike Gosling avoids the first inning shelling that has befallen our starters so far this spring:beerme:

[cumberlandreds]

Machado lays down a suicide squeeze to bring home Tuffy Rhodes. 3-0 Reds still in the 2nd.

[KronoRed]

EdE hits a 2 run hr in the top of 1st. 2-0 Reds.
HR's suck..bring us sac flys and productive outs :D

[BRM]

Machado lays down a suicide squeeze to bring home Tuffy Rhodes. 3-0 Reds still in the 2nd.

Doing things the right way...;)

[LincolnparkRed]

Mike Gosling avoids the first inning shelling that has befallen our starters so far this spring:beerme:


It appears that on the other thread Justin Germano was not so lucky

[traderumor]

Please explain to me why Lohse would be upset at the Reds for playing baseball by laying down a suicide squeeze, as the Minny announcers indicated he might be. :confused:

[flyer85]

Doing things the right way...;)he sure knows how to play the game

[KronoRed]

That run is worth more then the 1st 2 ;)

[Falls City Beer]

Why do I get the impression that at some time during this season, Gosling will be one of the Reds very best pitchers, or perhaps with a few injuries, our ace pitcher? Now please don't take that as a compliment to Gosling, but rather, take it as a denigration of this pitching staff.

[flyer85]

Please explain to me why Lohse would be upset at the Reds for playing baseball by laying down a suicide squeeze, as the Minny announcers indicated he might be. :confused:especially since Machado can't hit ... at all.

[flyer85]

Why do I get the impression that at some time during this season, Gosling will be one of the Reds very best pitchers, or perhaps with a few injuries, our ace pitcher? Nice to think he might turn into a Goose.

[cumberlandreds]

The Twins announces said Lohse glared into the Reds dugout after the squeeze. Must not have liked that this early in the spring.:p:

[BRM]

especially since Machado can't hit ... at all.

Maybe he can lead the league in productive outs.

[KronoRed]

Bean him! ;)

[NJReds]

he sure knows how to play the game


From Marc's blog:
It's all about the fundamentals

FORT MYERS -- Jerry Narron does love his situational hitting, and he just conducted a little clinic.

Tuffy Rhodes led off the second with a double to right, then was sacrificed to third by Denorfia. On the next pitch, Anderson Machado laid down a suicide squeeze to score Rhodes easily from third.

[cumberlandreds]

So far so good for Gosling. 1-2-3 inning. 3-0 Reds after two.

[BRM]

From Marc's blog:
It's all about the fundamentals

FORT MYERS -- Jerry Narron does love his situational hitting, and he just conducted a little clinic.

Tuffy Rhodes led off the second with a double to right, then was sacrificed to third by Denorfia. On the next pitch, Anderson Machado laid down a suicide squeeze to score Rhodes easily from third.

Wait a minute...that's back-to-back productive outs!!! We will suppress our run scoring potential this year if it kills us!! :p:

[medford]

I think the only sign you can take, at this point, from EE being in Ft. Myers is that young guys ride the bus.

Another thought, I believe JN said he was going to travel to furtherest away game anytime there is a split squad game. Perhaps JN just wants to closely monitor EE progress, so he's making sure that he goes to all of the farthest road trips along with him.

Either way, a first inning homer of Radke has got to earn EE a checkmark in JN's book.

[flyer85]

maybe everybody should be bunting no matter the situation.

[flyer85]

Either way, a first inning homer of Radke has got to earn EE a checkmark in JN's book.Nah, a sac bunt, now that would have earned him a star and an extra treat after the game.

[BRM]

maybe everybody should be bunting no matter the situation.

Bunts are better than singles and walks.

[traderumor]

It was Radke pitching, to correct my earlier post. I still don't know why he would upset about it.

[guttle11]

Machado lays down a suicide squeeze to bring home Tuffy Rhodes. 3-0 Reds still in the 2nd.


Hello playoffs!!

[Dunner44]

To correct the lineup, Machado is the SS, and still batting where Olmedo was supposed to hit. Ray didn't make the trip it turns out... blame Marc, not me.

[cumberlandreds]

Reds go out 1-2-3. EdE line out hard to left to end the inning. 3-0 Reds bottom 2nd.

[Chip R]

To correct the lineup, Machado is the SS, and still batting where Olmedo was supposed to hit. Ray didn't make the trip it turns out... blame Marc, not me.

Too late. We still blame you. :p:

[cumberlandreds]

Dunn homered in the other game in case you hadn't been over to that thread. The big bats are out today.

[flyer85]

The big bats are out today.I always enjoyed the game when I could get my big bat out, or at least the Billy Baroo :yikes:

[membengal]

Btw, I think Bailey is supposed to go in this one.

[M2]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.

[cumberlandreds]

No runs one hits for the Twins. 3-0 Reds after three. Gosling doing well thus far.

[flyer85]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.The Reds are going to have much improved pitching. Three runs is going to win a bunch of games this year.

[KronoRed]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.
Like getting inside the 30 and then spending 3 plays centering the ball for a field goal.

[cumberlandreds]

Btw, I think Bailey is supposed to go in this one.

I was wondering when we might see him. It will be interesting to see how he fares.

[Chip R]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.

Get used to it, big boy. :bang:

[BRM]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.

Narron will be trying very hard to shave 100-125 runs off the team's total runs scored this year.

[M2]

The Reds are going to have much improved pitching. Three runs is going to win a bunch of games this year.

In fact, out of fairness, I think the Reds should stop scoring after they reach three runs this season just to keep the games interesting.

[Hoosier Red]

Like getting inside the 30 and then spending 3 plays centering the ball for a field goal.

I hadn't seen that analogy before Krono, but that may be the best analogy I've seen.
quite brilliant.

[traderumor]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.What would be more painful is if our roster includes Rhodes and Machado. With Andy at the plate, I'd squeeze there too.

[cumberlandreds]

Reds leave one on and go to the bottom of the 4th still leading 3-0.

[registerthis]

I understand this is all practice baseball, but situationally speaking a leadoff double in the second isn't a spot where you should start playing for one run. What's cute today would be painful to watch in a real game.

Which is why you likely won't see it. Nothing wrong with practicing the play when you get the opportunity, be it in the 1st or the 9th.

[Heath]

is it me or is Lancaster writing to us cryptically? He mentioned "your pal Anderson Machado". That's writing to the masses.

[membengal]

Jason Standridge now on for the Reds in the fourth.

[cumberlandreds]

Standridge into pitch for the Reds. Gosling a good outing.

[flyer85]

is it me or is Lancaster writing to us cryptically? He mentioned "your pal Anderson Machado". That's writing to the masses.... that's writing to DanO.

[KronoRed]

is it me or is Lancaster writing to us cryptically? He mentioned "your pal Anderson Machado". That's writing to the masses.
He's here every now and then ;)

[registerthis]

is it me or is Lancaster writing to us cryptically? He mentioned "your pal Anderson Machado". That's writing to the masses.

He knows his readership.

[cumberlandreds]

Standridge walks one but no runs. 3-0 Reds after four.

[membengal]

Doh.

[cumberlandreds]

One hit,McCracken was thrown out trying to steal 2nd was the only thing going on this half inning. Still 3-0 good guys going to bottom 5th.

[membengal]

Todd Coffey on in the bottom of the 5th, still 3-0.

[cumberlandreds]

Coffey strands two runners to get out of a jam in the 5th. He gave up two hits and one walk. He picked off a runner at 2nd or things could have been worse. 3-0 Reds after five.

[IslandRed]

Encarnacion homers again. 4-0.

[traderumor]

EE second homer of the day. Woo Hoo!

[cumberlandreds]

EdE Homers again! 4-0 Reds! The Twins announcers are impressed.

[guttle11]

Encarnacion homers again. 4-0.

That was just a really long sac fly.

[membengal]

Course, the Twins announcer also just said "I am not sure Aaron Harang is someone you can pencil into your rotation" which may be the single stupidest thing I have ever heard uttered from a professional announcer (with full awareness of the chasm of stupid things that have ever been said).

[Yachtzee]

Homer Bailey v. Ruben Sierra

[dougdirt]

Course, the Twins announcer also just said "I am not sure Aaron Harang is someone you can pencil into your rotation" which may be the single stupidest thing I have ever heard uttered from a professional announcer (with full awareness of the chasm of stupid things that have ever been said).
Wow. 3.83 ERA and over 200 inning pitched last season and he isnt someone you can pencil into your rotation? Much less the Cincinnati REDS rotation....just wow. But go Edwin!

[Heath]

But, in fairness to the Twins, they weren't facing a professional hitter with veteran experience who knows how to play the game.

:bang:

[traderumor]

Bailey walks first two he faces

[KronoRed]

EE MUST be sent to AAA to work out those homers.

[M2]

Bailey walks first two he faces

Walk me Bailey!

[Heath]

Walk me Bailey!


There's a WKRP joke in there somewhere.... :D

[membengal]

6-4-3 DP, runner at 3b.

[M2]

There's a WKRP joke in there somewhere.... :D

Actually "Motherless Brooklyn" in this case. If Homer ever makes the majors, I'm going to be all Tourrette's all the time.

[traderumor]

Bailey goes 3-2 on the next hitter, then gets the old 6-4-3 after hanging tough on some foul outs.

[membengal]

Pop out, runner standed.

Bailey, one inning, 2 walks, no hits, no runs.

Still 4-0.

[Chip R]

EE MUST be sent to AAA to work out those homers.

Well, he probably won't be able to do it against legit big leaguers so he needs to go to AAA.

[Hoosier Red]

Would it have been too easy to include a DOH! whenever Homer walks a batter?

[membengal]

Reds have scored another on hits by Sardhina, Abad and Buchanan

[Caseyfan21]

5-0 Reds now. Brian Buchannon with a double to score Sardinha.

[Caseyfan21]

Abad and Buchannon score on a hit by Jesse Guitierrez.

7-0 Reds :beerme:

[Caseyfan21]

Encarnacion with a double - Guitierrez to 3rd.

Encarnacion out for a pinch runner - not injury related, just a substitution.

Cruz grounds out for second out but runner on third (Guitierrez) scores to make it 8-0 Reds.

Jeff Bannon with a base hit to score the pinch runner and he advances to second on the throw to the plate.

Denorfia grounds out to 1st to end the inning.

9-0 Reds in the middle of the 7th.

[guttle11]

Encarnacion with a double - Guitierrez to 3rd.

Encarnacion out for a pinch runner - not injury related, just a substitution.


I think it's obvious that he was supposed to sac bunt.

[Caseyfan21]

End of 7...

Reds still leading 9-0.

[Heath]

ESPN is showing the Dodgers/Braves - 7-3 Dodgers after 6

[KronoRed]

This squad rocks over the other ;)

[membengal]

Really nice to see EE have a big day early. Should help to quell any bent toward he-who-must-not-be-named.

[Caseyfan21]

Machado tripped and fell going out of the batter's box and limped off the field after making an out - Twins announcer didn't act like it was too serious.

Other than that, uneventful top of the 8th.

Still 9-0 Reds

[Heath]

Really nice to see EE have a big day early. Should help to quell any bent toward he-who-must-not-be-named.

Dear membengal,

It didn't work for me

Love,
Felipe Lopez, Spring Training 2005.

[membengal]

Dear membengal,

It didn't work for me

Love,
Felipe Lopez, Spring Training 2005.

Dear Felipe,

I am still pretending that the start of last year for you never happened.

Love,

Membengal

Btw, Bailey 2 innings, 2 walks, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts, 0 runs.

Brian Shackleford in now.

[nycredsfan]

Actually "Motherless Brooklyn" in this case. If Homer ever makes the majors, I'm going to be all Tourrette's all the time.

Loving the Jonathan Lethem reference in the middle of a game thread. I completely forgot that his outbursts often ended in Bailey.

[flyer85]

Machado tripped and fell going out of the batter's box and limped off the field after making an out - Twins announcer didn't act like it was too serious.supposedly he is day-to-day with a bruised ego.

[Doc. Scott]

Andy stayed in the game. Gritty.

[Heath]

Actually "Motherless Brooklyn" in this case. If Homer ever makes the majors, I'm going to be all Tourrette's all the time.

Hey, it worked for Jim Eisenreich.

My opinion is if Homer makes the bigs, my neck would suffer from Tennis Neck going too much side-to-side.

[Doc. Scott]

Twins break the shutout at the expense of Brian Shackleford, who gives up three hits and a single tally in his inning. Bubba Nelson now pitching.

Since when was Brian Buchanan in the Reds' camp? That must have been a Krivsky thing, because Buchanan is best known as a Twin and the Twinkie announcers seem to just love the guy.

[KronoRed]

Bring in Graves!

[registerthis]

Bring in Graves!

Yeah, the Reds don't want to run away with this one or anything.

[Doc. Scott]

Nelson pitches very well in his inning of work. Reds wrap up a 9-1 win.

[Caveat Emperor]

Great to see Eddie E mauling at the dish -- giving a big ol "Just shut up" to Jerry Narron and anyone else talking about not handing someone a job.

Also, although it wasn't a great outing by Bailey, at least he avoided getting shelled and pitched out of trouble. Confidence is the most important thing he can take away from this big league experience. If he walks away from spring training with a belief that his stuff is good enough to compete with major leaguers and/or high minor leaguers, it could go a long way to keeping him from overreaching as he works his way through the system.

[reds44]

Wow keep it up EE! Give them no choice but to start you!

Good to see Homer and EE doing well.

[lollipopcurve]

Good to see Homer and EE doing well.

Absolutely. Two of the most important players in the system.

[lollipopcurve]

Also, although it wasn't a great outing by Bailey, at least he avoided getting shelled and pitched out of trouble. Confidence is the most important thing he can take away from this big league experience. If he walks away from spring training with a belief that his stuff is good enough to compete with major leaguers and/or high minor leaguers, it could go a long way to keeping him from overreaching as he works his way through the system.

Well put, CE.

[Dunner44]

Encouraging stuff from the game:

Double E with a double and 2 HRs (10 stinkin total bases)
Todd caught someone stealing... good for him...
Gosling: 3 innings, 3 hits, 0 runs, 0 BB, 1 SO, 5 groundouts vs. 3 flyouts
Bailey (3 GO vs. 1 FO, 2 SO) and Standridge (2 GO vs. 1 FO) pitched well too... at least on the stat sheet...

Not so good:

Only one base on balls.... and none vs. the Tigers today
Little rough there for shackelford
Not a lot of production from the bottom of the order

[KronoRed]

Only one base on balls.... and none vs. the Tigers today

Grady Little around? :D

[Dunner44]

Well Narron seemed impressed with Bailey


FORT MYERS -- Homer Bailey was pleased to get through his first appearance in a big-league spring training game with no damage. Despite walking the first two men he faced, he didn't allow a run in two innings fo work and was not hit hard by the collection of Twins reserves he faced. The lone hit he allowed was a bloop single on a sawed-off changeup, and he ended his day by freezing minor league infielder Tommy Watkins on a looping strike-three curveball.

"Today I just had a little bit of nerves, first big-league spring training game," said Bailey. "So yeah, I was nervous. I think that was 90 percent of it, but once I got it through my head that the plate is still 60 feet, I just went out there and played."

Thinking about the plate still being 60 feet (6 inches) away, I made a reference to that scene from Hoosiers. You guys know which one I'm talking about, when they measure the basket and all that. He looked at me like I was from Mars. So I came upstairs and looked it up. Homer was born May 3, 1986, and Hoosiers came out Nov. 14, 1986. So I guess he's a little too young to have that movie committed to memory. And yeah, I felt a lot older -- I mean, John Fay-type old.

Jerry Narron, by the way, was thrilled with Bailey's performance, despite the hiccups. He actually seemed more impressed than anything else.

"I can’t imagine being 19 years old and playing in a major league game – even if it’s an exhibition game," said Narron. "He’s going to be outstanding."

Lancaster's blog, of course....

[TeamBoone]

03/03/2006 4:00 PM ET
Encarnacion lifts Reds past Twins
Starter Gosling throws three shutout innings
By Kelly Thesier / MLB.com

REDS 9, TWINS 1 at Hammond Stadium, Fort Myers, Fla.
Attendance: 5,936

Twins at the plate: It was a struggle offensively for Minnesota, as none of the starters recorded more than a single. Two of the new Twins did record their first hits though, as Luis Castillo singled in the first and Rondell White singled later in the inning. Ruben Sierra made his Twins debut as White's DH replacement and was 1-for-1 with an RBI and a walk.

Reds at the plate: Edwin Encarnacion blasted a two-run homer off Brad Radke in the first. Encarnacion finished the game 3-for-4 with another long bomb to left and a double. Tuffy Rhodes went 2-for-3 with a run scored.

Twins on the mound: Radke made his first appearance of the spring, giving up three runs, all earned, on three hits. Radke also hit a batter. Glen Perkins followed Radke and threw two shutout innings while striking out three. J.D. Durbin struggled in his first outing of the year, giving up five runs in the seventh.

Reds on the mound: Starter Michael Gosling threw three shutout innings, giving up only three hits and striking out one. Jason Standridge pitched one shutout inning, allowing only one walk.

Grapefruit League records: Twins, 1-1; Reds, 1-1.

Up next: The Twins split up on Saturday for two split-squad games. The club will host the Indians at Hammond Stadium at 1:05 p.m. ET. Boof Bonser will get the start against the Indians, with Scott Baker taking the mound against the Devil Rays at 1:05 p.m. ET in the game at St. Petersburg. The Reds head to Tampa to face the Yankees at 1:15 p.m. ET with Aaron Harang making the start.

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060303&content_id=1332050&vkey=spt2006gamer&fext=.jsp&c_id=cin

[TeamBoone]

Well Narron seemed impressed with Bailey

I hope he was also impressed with EE.

[Caveat Emperor]

I hope he was also impressed with EE.

He was, but he's not just going to hand him a compliment.

[Heath]

He was, but he's not just going to hand him a compliment.

That would be like giving EdE the job, and Narron's pal Richie's gonna have words if that happens :rolleyes:

[KronoRed]

EE doesn't bunt enough.

[Marc_Lancaster]

Such cynics...

To placate you, some words from the manager. In fact, this was the first thing he said to me after the game: "Encarnacion had a great at-bat on the second home run, just a great at-bat. He fouled off a lot of pitches and still hit the ball out of the park."

[Heath]

Such cynics...

To placate you, some words from the manager. In fact, this was the first thing he said to me after the game: "Encarnacion had a great at-bat on the second home run, just a great at-bat. He fouled off a lot of pitches and still hit the ball out of the park."


Krono - I think we got schooled by Narron on that one...... :D

[KronoRed]

He said the 2nd at bat, I'm sure on the 1st it was all about the fundamentals



;)

[Tommyjohn25]

He said the 2nd at bat, I'm sure on the 1st it was all about the fundamentals



;)

:laugh: You're killin me Krono!

[flyer85]

Such cynics...
I plead guilty

[Chip R]

Such cynics...

To placate you, some words from the manager. In fact, this was the first thing he said to me after the game: "Encarnacion had a great at-bat on the second home run, just a great at-bat. He fouled off a lot of pitches and still hit the ball out of the park."

And with good reason, or do you not recall the great Aurilia/Lopez duel last year? I've seen WWE matches that weren't as fixed as that "competition" was.

[wolfboy]

And with good reason, or do you not recall the great Aurilia/Lopez duel last year? I've seen WWE matches that weren't as fixed as that "competition" was.

The scariest part is that we have the same situation after adding a different manager, general manager, and owner. When all this change starts to look like more of the same, all that's left is cynicism.

[Ron Madden]

Course, the Twins announcer also just said "I am not sure Aaron Harang is someone you can pencil into your rotation" which may be the single stupidest thing I have ever heard uttered from a professional announcer (with full awareness of the chasm of stupid things that have ever been said).

"The Home Run is the most over rated stat in Baseball"....

The Hall Of Famer Marty Brennamen. ;)