3/22 game thread Reds v Twins night game

[medford]

Happy birthday President Washington, I'm guessing that Fox Sports Ohio is not celebrating this lineup for tonight. Think many people will tune out after the first inning? No Griff, No Dunn, No EE and Milton on the mound. At least Freel's at 2nd leading off. I'm sure that makes some happy. Of course that Aurilia, Cruz 3-4 combo in the middle of the order might just make some people's eyes roll. Gotta love spring training road games.

From Marc's blog...

SARASOTA -- Before I head out the door...

Reds
Ryan Freel 2B
Dewayne Wise CF
Rich Aurilia SS
Jacob Cruz DH
Austin Kearns RF
Jason LaRue C
Andy Abad 1B
Frank Menechino 3B
Matt Kata LF
Eric Milton P

Twins
Shannon Stewart LF
Luis Castillo 2B
Joe Mauer C
Rondell White DH
Torii Hunter CF
Justin Morneau 1B
Tony Batista 3B
Lew Ford RF
Jason Bartlett SS
Scott Baker P

Also, Dave Ross is expected to be in uniform tonight. He's inherited the 54 jersey from Luke Hudson, apparently.

Edited to include the Twinkies lineup.

[flyer85]

That lineup ought to draw a crowd

[redsfan30]

Well, my enthusiasm for watching tonight's game just dropped about three levels.

:(

Oh well...Saturday's game is on and we'll get to see the debut of Bronson Arroyo.

[Falls City Beer]

http://www.britishbattles.com/images/trenton/washington-delaware-l.jpg

Since it's his birthday, I thought maybe he'd cross the Delaware one last time to take out Milton.

[BRM]

That lineup ought to draw a crowd

Absolutely! An infield that has Abad, Aurilia, and Menechino will pack the house!!

[Heath]

Any reference to Eric Milton with George Washington has to involve Valley Forge.

[NC Reds]

Kata is just taking AB's away from my boy Denorfia. Not good. :thumbdown

[Red Leader]

Well, they managed to get 4 second baseman into the game.

Glad to see Sadaharu Oh's son, Kata-hairy Oh in the game.

[David Cubbedge]

Are they providing some showcasing ABs for LaRue? Had to present the thought.

[LincolnparkRed]

Are they providing some showcasing ABs for LaRue? Had to present the thought.

I wouldn't think so, where else would you bat him in that lineup?

[marcshoe]

Okay, I give. What's the Washington's Birthday stuff? He just had one in February.

[Heath]

Okay, I give. What's the Washington's Birthday stuff? He just had one in February.

Because in February, he had a birthday, and we here at RedsZone.com are all sheep when it comes to game threads and don't do any exact research.

Kinda like Peter Gammons - :D

[marcshoe]

I was just worried that I had missed something. You know how they're always moving around holidays....

[Heath]

I was just worried that I had missed something. You know how they're always moving around holidays....

I know - Buddy's Carpet Barn thinks Christmas is in July.

:dunno:

[Matt700wlw]

It's on TV tonight!! :D

[Heath]

It's on TV tonight!! :D

another reason for Matt to concentrate.....

[creek14]

I'm DVRing this game and Adam isn't even playing?!?! :angry: :bang: :cry: :bash: :explode: :runawaycr :censored: :rant:

[Heath]

I'm DVRing this game and Adam isn't even playing?!?! :angry: :bang: :cry: :bash: :explode: :runawaycr :censored: :rant:

Calm down dear, there are games for real on in about 13 days. Plus, I'm sure you could go to your Adam Dunn Video Vault and find a game and pop it in the machine. :D

[medford]

Okay, I give. What's the Washington's Birthday stuff? He just had one in February.

Whoops busted.... I haven't bothered to flip my calander at work since all the days & dates match up from feb to march. Besides I never took the chance to wish him a happy birthday 28 days ago. Better late than never:D

[Doc. Scott]

Okay (stretches fingers), I'll be in for PBP for the first few innings. Can't wait for Mr. Milton.

[Doc. Scott]

Bronson Arroyo is apparently set to make his first Reds appearance on Saturday. He last pitched on Sunday the 19th, shutting out Baltimore for five innings and walking nobody.

[KronoRed]

Okay (stretches fingers), I'll be in for PBP for the first few innings. Can't wait for Mr. Milton.
Hard hats mandatory in the outfield

[Doc. Scott]

Okay, the Coney Island commercial is causing me to eye sharp objects vis-a-vis my eardrum.

[Chip R]

Gosling is supposed to pitch tonight too.

[Heath]

I'm turning down the radio to listen to Doc. Scott

Sorry Matt - :D

[Heath]

Gosling is supposed to pitch tonight too.

Second verse same as the first.

[Doc. Scott]

Twinks starter Scott Baker went to Oklahoma State. I wonder if Coach Colvard knows him well...? Quite a prospect, and one that figures to spend a lot of time in Minnesota's rotation.

Reds bat in the top of the first.

Freel. Goes hacking and bounces out immediately. Lessons from T-Woe? One down.

Wise. Bounces almost quickly to second, two outs.

Aurilia. Batting where he should be. (Ducks tomato) 2-2 count, then a foul. Waves at the offspeed ball down, see ya.

0-0 after 0.5.

Heath, that's funny, but without Mr. Butterworth, these waffles don't get sticky. Perhaps you are just a master of irony.

[Heath]

setting your Twins inner defense, Tony Batista back from the dead, is starting at 3b.

He might be the Twins' version of Tony Womack.

[RedsMan3203]

And here comes Milton!

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds go down 1-2-3 in the top of the 1st.

[Doc. Scott]

MILTON TAKES THE MOUND THE CROWD GOES WILD

with anticipation. The Christians are ready and the lions hungry!

Stewart. STRIKE CALLED! STRIKE AGAIN! (Rest on your laurels, buddy.) High and tight, ball one. A foul ball is "fisted" into the Reds dugout. Ow. SWING AND A MISS! Shannon might have undiagnosed glaucoma. Nevertheless, he retires immediately and takes up ice fishing. One out.

Castillo. High, ball one. SWING AND A MISS! CALLED STRIKE TWO! Down low, count evens. STRIKE THREE CALLED ON THE FASTBALL! Man, lightning!

Mauer. 1-1 count. Just missing, and not by much. Grounder to second, easy out!

Man, Marty's pumping the sunshine on Eric tonight! 0-0 after 1.

[Heath]

plenty of people disguised as empty seats tonight - traffic to the Lee County Sports Complex must be heavy tonight.

As Vin Scully says, take your time folks, plenty of baseball to be played here tonight.

[Heath]

So, we've got our D team against their A- team.

And Milton's pitching.

[Reds Fanatic]

Milton strikes out Stewart.

[M2]

So, we've got our D team against their A- team.

Or would that be F-Troop vs. A-Team?

[KronoRed]

So our E pitcher.

[Heath]

Milton's looking a little shaggy tonight. Maybe he picked that up from Browning. He never shaved during a start either.

[Heath]

So our E pitcher.

He's more like an L pitcher. or a Q.

[RedsMan3203]

93 MPH heater...

[Reds Fanatic]

Castillo also strikes out.

[KronoRed]

Gun must be broken ;)

[guttle11]

George just said that Milton leading the team with 34 starts was a "good thing."

[Heath]

I see Marc Lancaster lurking, maybe we can get him in here for a top of the 2nd inning visit with a writer :D

[RedsMan3203]

Milton... 2ks and a grounder to 2nd... Awesome

[Reds Fanatic]

I rarely get to say this but Milton retires the Twins 1-2-3.

[KronoRed]

George just said that Milton leading the team with 34 starts was a "good thing."
Good meaning we got our moneys worth in bad pitching?

[Doc. Scott]

Man, as long as the game doesn't count, Milton's been pitching great! A simulated game, and now this! What's next, Alfonso Soriano playing the outfield?

[Caveat Emperor]

I rarely get to say this but Milton retires the Twins 1-2-3.

TRADE HIM! His value is never going to be higher! :)

[traderumor]

93 MPH heater...
He hit 94 too. :eek: He might be able to miss some bats again if he can pump it up there in the 91-93 range instead of the 88-90 he worked at last year.

[TOBTTReds]

Man, as long as the game doesn't count, Milton's been pitching great! A simulated game, and now this! What's next, Alfonso Soriano playing the outfield?

I'm guessing you heard he played LF today?

[RedsMan3203]

Cruz K's lookin....

He gonna make the 25 man roster or not?

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 2.

Jacob Cruz fouls off a couple to hang in, but looks at a breaking pitch on the inside corner. Two Ks for Baker. One out.

Kearns. Strike called. Easy grounder to third to finish him. Two outs.

Blabber about the World Baseball Classic obscures the action, but Jason LaRue visits familiar territory by falling behind 0-2, then striking out swinging.

0-0 after 1.5.

[RedsMan3203]

Ears grounds out to 3rd....

[guttle11]

Isn't George part hispanic? You'd think someone could have taught him the proper way to pronounce Batista.

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds go down 1-2-3. 0-0 mid 2nd.

[Heath]

I've got this muted both radio & tv - i'm at work - it doesn't look like I am missing much from the Mustachioed One.

[Doc. Scott]

Krono, what will you do if Milton becomes a good pitcher again? That's like 70% of your posts.

[KronoRed]

Krono, what will you do if Milton becomes a good pitcher again? That's like 70% of your posts.
I've still got Womack, Aurilia, and Hatteberg
:devil:

[Heath]

Its the bottom of the second - and the visitors are at bat, so of course, we welcome in, from the Cincinnati Post and resident Georgia football expert Marc Lancaster. :D

[Falls City Beer]

Krono, what will you do if Milton becomes a good pitcher again? That's like 70% of your posts.

If you're going to put your shoulder to the stone, you might as well make it Everest, correct?

[Reds Fanatic]

Great diving catch by Wise in center.

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 2. Milton out to do it again.

Missed the first out due to bodily functions. The second too.

Justin Morneau, slugger of Team Canada, in to keep the Twins from embarrassing themselves any further.

But two good changeups put him in an 0-2 hole, then strike three is called on the inside corner. He immediately goes looking for an appropriate precipice.

Four Ks for Eric through 2. Incredible. 0-0 still.

[Reds Fanatic]

Milton gets his 3rd K of the night.

[ajmlx9]

It would be highway robbery if Wise didn't make the team. How can you pick Cruz over Wise, anyway?

[Heath]

Attention, Attention, all personnel. All who are in the vicinity of Fort Myers Florida, please DO NOT return the Eric Milton you stole. Thank you.

[KronoRed]

Is this Mecha Milton?

[RedsMan3203]

Milton gets his 4th K.

[Reds Fanatic]

4 K's. Ok who is this guy and why is he wearing Milton's uniform.

[KronoRed]

Milton for Cy Young

[Heath]

It would be highway robbery if Wise didn't make the team. How can you pick Cruz over Wise, anyway?

Cruz was a solid pinch-hitter the past year - but I would probably take Wise right now. I think Jacob Cruz will do some team some good. He's a non-roster invite - so an outright release would be in order.

[Doc. Scott]

It would be highway robbery if Wise didn't make the team. How can you pick Cruz over Wise, anyway?

I know Wise has had a great spring, but he's still more or less got Reggie Taylor skills. I want Denorfia anyway.

[Heath]

Milton for Cy Young

I'd do that trade. I mean, come-on, Cy can pitch complete games, for crying out loud.

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 3.

Andy Abad leads off. Works the count to 3-1 (first time at three for Baker today), then waves at a change to run the count full. Foul. Big fly to deep center, but Torii Hunter ranges back to make the catch. One out.

Shut Up Frankie utilizes his main skill and draws a walk on four straight.

Kata. Ball's high. Throw over to curb the speed demon Menechino. Ball's even higher. Ball's high a third time. Finally a strike. High drive hammered to right-center, but Lew Ford makes the catch. Two outs.

Freel. Shows bunt, takes strike one. Foul, strike two. Menechino almost gets picked off. Foul again. Strike three called, inning over.

0-0 after 2.5.

[Nugget]

If Wise makes the team I reckon you will see Denorfria in AAA. They will be playing the same role otherwise.

[Heath]

I know Wise has had a great spring, but he's still more or less got Reggie Taylor skills. I want Denorfia anyway.

Well, if you are tossing in Deno, oh yeah. But I would hope Deno's here so he can start.

[guttle11]

First time seeing Abad, doesn't look scrappy. He looks like he'd hit the ball too hard to fall in for a hit.

Get him outta here.

[Heath]

Top of 3.

Andy Abad takes a strike.

That's why his name is Abad .. not Agood.

[Nugget]

Abad's not one of the invitees is he - I think he is just one of the minor league fillers for ST.

[RedsMan3203]

Haven't been watchin much of the Reds this spring...

But I know Cruz has been soild the last 2 years as a PH. Why not keep him around.. He has been there... Done that.... He knows what he is doing...

[Reds Fanatic]

Menechino walks.

[Heath]

(in a Harry Caray, Old Style Slur..err..voice) - I'd like to say Hi to Brian in Portland, following the action live over the computer. Damndest thing I'd ever heard..

[Heath]

Matt Kata = WayneK's answer to Jason Romano.

He needs to wear his socks high, tho.

[Heath]

Kata swings at a 3-1 pitch and flies out to right. Scrappy.

[Falls City Beer]

Scrappy.

Kata-tonic.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel strikes out to end the inning. 0-0 mid 3rd.

[Heath]

this might be the most exciting spring training game ever

0-0-0 for the Reds
0-0-0 for the Twins

And there are 42 people reading this. Opening Day is 13 days away.

Yikes - I miss baseball

[Doc. Scott]

Kata's not the world's worst hitter, but he's not going to draw a lot of walks or put up a decent OBP without a lucky-high batting average. The question is this: does Menechino's better OBP outweigh Kata's better pop and versatility? Honestly, for a backup player, I don't think so.

[Heath]

7-8-9 for the Twins.

[Doc. Scott]

Batista, Ford, and Bartlett in the third for Minnesota.

Batista takes strike one, then strike two. Popup foul. Dirt, a ball. SWING AND A MISS HE STRUCKIMOUT! Five for Eric.

Make way for the Miltonganger!

Ford. Either the crowd hates his guts or it's just his first name used as a cheer. Hit hard off the 3B Menechino, picked up by Aurilia, but throw is not in time. Infield single, first hit of the game for anyone.

Bartlett. Fly to right-center, gloved by Wise. Two outs.

Stewart. He unretires to give this a second chance. Strike. Ball outside. Liner to left gets by Kata and goes to the wall! Run scores, but a good relay throw from Aurilia nails Stewie at third base.

1-0 Twins after 3. Sounded like Kata played that one into what it was more than anything.

[RedsMan3203]

Milton gets another one!

[Reds Fanatic]

5 K's for Milton.

[guttle11]

I don't think Puckett jumped for that ball against the plexiglass, he levitated.

[Heath]

Kata's not the world's worst hitter, but he's not going to draw a lot of walks or put up a decent OBP without a lucky-high batting average. The question is this: does Menechino's better OBP outweigh Kata's better pop and versatility? Honestly, for a backup player, I don't think so.

Doc - I know that's a serious question - but honestly - will either one make the team? You now have to figure that Aurilia's the back-up infielder and Freel's the everyday everyplace utility guy.

[Doc. Scott]

Doc - I know that's a serious question - but honestly - will either one make the team? You now have to figure that Aurilia's the back-up infielder and Freel's the everyday everyplace utility guy.

I choose to believe Womack's getting cut. No, seriously, I think Kata will make the team. He's out of options and he wasn't claimed to be put back on waivers.

Catchers: LaRue, Valentin
Infield: Hatteberg, Aurilia, Lopez, Encarnacion, Kata, Womack
Outfield: Dunn, Kearns, Griffey, Freel, McCracken.
Pitchers: Milton, Arroyo, Claussen, Harang, Williams, Belisle, Shackleford, Coffey, White, Hammond, Mercker, Weathers.

[KronoRed]

Twins trying to be bad for their old co-gm? ;)

[Heath]

Twins trying to be bad for their old co-gm? ;)

Is there any ex-Twins to pick up?

(please hold your Mary Kate & Ashley jokes here, please. Thank you.)

[Reds Fanatic]

Stewart doubles in a run and is thrown out at 3rd. 1-0 Twins after 3.

[guttle11]

Whew, I was starting to get scared there. 1-0 Twinkies after 3.

[Reds Fanatic]

Aurilia flies out to the wall in right.

[Heath]

Here's Wise - Hot smash to first - wow - hard play by Morneau - gets up and tags the base.

Great play by Morneau - really sacrificed his body for that one - he's got a family to think about!

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 4.

Lew Ford has to go to the wall for Aurilia's drive. One down.

Second man retired while I try to formulate my 25-man roster. That was apparently Wise getting robbed by Morneau.

Cruz. Gets ahead 3-0. Strike finally called. Draws the two-out free pass.

Kearns. Ball. Failed check evens the count. Strike called. Foul to the opposite field. Very manly of him. Grounded foul to third. Ball's inside. In the dirt, full count. Cruz will be running, so he'll get to third if there's a double. 3-2 pitch SWUNG ON AND MISSED!

Middle of the fourth, 1-0 Twinks.

[Big Klu]

setting your Twins inner defense, Tony Batista back from the dead, is starting at 3b.

He might be the Twins' version of Tony Womack.

It's a little-known fact that Batista is Spanish for "Womack". :D

[Heath]

Kearns looks like he's slouching a little more at the plate - still keeps his arms close to his body though -

[Heath]

Top of 4.

Second man retired while I try to formulate my 25-man roster. That was apparently Wise getting robbed by Morneau.

It was a 42 bouncer to Morneau's glove side. I just had Harry Doyle flashbacks.

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 4. This'll be it for me.

Castillo watches a ball, then a strike. Taken outside, ball two. Foul back evens it up. Broken-bat flare drops into left for a base hit.

Mauer. Strike taken. Jammed popup circus-caught by Aurilia (guess he had to take four or five steps) for the out. One down.

Rondell White. 0-2 count. FASTBALL TAKEN ON THE INSIDE CORNER STRIKE THREE! Six Ks for Eric. Two outs.

Did I miss an out? I must have. I must focus better before the season starts.

1-0 Twins after 4.

[Big Klu]

I choose to believe Womack's getting cut. No, seriously, I think Kata will make the team. He's out of options and he wasn't claimed to be put back on waivers.

Catchers: LaRue, Valentin
Infield: Hatteberg, Aurilia, Lopez, Encarnacion, Kata, Womack
Outfield: Dunn, Kearns, Griffey, Freel, McCracken.
Pitchers: Milton, Arroyo, Claussen, Harang, Williams, Belisle, Shackleford, Coffey, White, Hammond, Mercker, Weathers.


My ideas for the 25-man roster:

Starting Lineup
2B Ryan Freel
SS Felipe Lopez
CF Ken Griffey, Jr.
LF Adam Dunn
RF Austin Kearns
3B Edwin Encarnacion
1B Scott Hatteberg/Rich Aurilia (platoon)
C Jason LaRue
<pitcher>

Bench
C Javier Valentin
INF Rich Aurilia
2B Tony Womack
OF/1B Jacob Cruz
OF Chris Denorfia

Rotation
Aaron Harang RHP
Brandon Claussen LHP
Bronson Arroyo RHP
Eric Milton LHP
Dave Williams LHP

Bullpen
David Weathers RHP
Kent Mercker LHP
Chris Hammond LHP
Matt Belisle RHP
Todd Coffey RHP
Rick White RHP
Brian Shackelford LHP

[Heath]

I think Krono's doing the rest - ;)

[Heath]

My ideas for the 25-man roster:

Starting Lineup
2B Ryan Freel
SS Felipe Lopez
CF Ken Griffey, Jr.
LF Adam Dunn
RF Austin Kearns
3B Edwin Encarnacion
1B Scott Hatteberg/Rich Aurilia (platoon)
C Jason LaRue
<pitcher>

Bench
C Javier Valentin
INF Rich Aurilia
2B Tony Womack
OF/1B Jacob Cruz
OF Chris Denorfia

Rotation
Aaron Harang RHP
Brandon Claussen LHP
Bronson Arroyo RHP
Eric Milton LHP
Dave Williams LHP

Bullpen
David Weathers RHP
Kent Mercker LHP
Chris Hammond LHP
Matt Belisle RHP
Todd Coffey RHP
Rick White RHP
Brian Shackelford LHP

I'm guessing there's a few things going on that will shake the above before we hit Cincinnati. Good work nonetheless, Big Klu

[Reds Fanatic]

Now 6 K's for Milton.

[Reds Fanatic]

1-0 Twins after 4.

[Doc. Scott]

My ideas for the 25-man roster:


I didn't say my list was who I wanted, but what I thought would happen.

Me, I'd cut Womack and McCracken and keep Denorfia, but that's just me.

[Big Klu]

I'm guessing there's a few things going on that will shake the above before we hit Cincinnati. Good work nonetheless, Big Klu

I wouldn't be surprised if you were right. So my tentative 25-man roster is still a work in progress.

You will notice that I have Freel at 2B and Womack on the bench. This is because I naively still believe in the inherent goodness of mankind!

[Reds Fanatic]

Larue gets hit by the pitch even in spring training.

[Patrick Bateman]

My ideas for the 25-man roster:

Starting Lineup
2B Ryan Freel
SS Felipe Lopez
CF Ken Griffey, Jr.
LF Adam Dunn
RF Austin Kearns
3B Edwin Encarnacion
1B Scott Hatteberg/Rich Aurilia (platoon)
C Jason LaRue
<pitcher>

Bench
C Javier Valentin
INF Rich Aurilia
2B Tony Womack
OF/1B Jacob Cruz
OF Chris Denorfia

Rotation
Aaron Harang RHP
Brandon Claussen LHP
Bronson Arroyo RHP
Eric Milton LHP
Dave Williams LHP

Bullpen
David Weathers RHP
Kent Mercker LHP
Chris Hammond LHP
Matt Belisle RHP
Todd Coffey RHP
Rick White RHP
Brian Shackelford LHP

I think I would replace White with Wagner, Womack with Kata, and hope we pick up a real starting 1st baseman that would replace Cruz on the roster. Otherwise I think that sounds pretty good.

[Heath]

Hi, Jim Bowden? Come on down. You're the first contestant on "Trade Eric Milton Day".

[Reds Fanatic]

Abad homers.

[guttle11]

Like I said, not scrappy.

Away with him.

[Matt700wlw]

Abad homers.

No...homers are good!

[Doc. Scott]

C'mon Andy. Be a man. 2-1 Reds.

Kata doubles and makes the Roseian headfirst slide! So he's even for the game, base-wise.

[Big Klu]

Who is this Andy Abad?! :eek:

[Heath]

Andy Abad does his best impression of Rob Stratton and 5-irons one over the fence. 2-1 Cincinnati.

[RBA]

So far MLB.tv sucks. The stream keeps dropping.

[Heath]

Hey, Chris Welsh just said that if a ball is hit well on the bat, it's got a good chance to be gone.

[Heath]

Matt Kata does his Ryan Freel impersonation and is on second after an infield double.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hey, Chris Welsh just said that if a ball is hit well on the bat, it's got a good chance to be gone. You always learn something watching Reds baseball.

[Big Klu]

I think I would replace White with Wagner, Womack with Kata, and hope we pick up a real starting 1st baseman that would replace Cruz on the roster. Otherwise I think that sounds pretty good.

I wouldn't mind seeing Wagner and Kata instead of White and Womack. But I'm OK with the current 1B platoon of Hatteberg/Aurilia (though I would rather see Aurilia get more of the PT), as long as they hit in the #7 spot in the order, and it is only a stopgap measure until a legitimate first baseman is found.

On a semi-related note, could either Joey Votto, Rob Stratton, or Andy Abad eventually develop into someone who could handle 1B?

[Heath]

Dennys Reyes - proud member of the Slim-Fast Shake. Has a nutrious shake for breakfast and lunch with a sensible dinner - now on the mound for the Twins.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kata thrown out at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch. 2-1 Reds mid 5th.

[Heath]

Wise hits a screamer to first - runners hold

edit - switch redfanactic's post and my post -

[Falls City Beer]

Kata thrown out at the plate trying to score on a wild pitch. 2-1 Reds mid 5th.

s-Kata-logical

[Patrick Bateman]

On a semi-related note, could either Joey Votto, Rob Stratton, or Andy Abad eventually develop into someone who could handle 1B?

Only Votto.

Abad and Stratton are minor league filler with maybe Jacob Cruz like upside. Votto is still a decent prospect.

[Heath]

On a semi-related note, could either Joey Votto, Rob Stratton, or Andy Abad eventually develop into someone who could handle 1B?

Votto's the best shot of those three - Stratton's not swung a bat in a year, and Andy Abad's older than me.

[TOBTTReds]

wow milton, 1-2-3 5th!

[Heath]

George Grande's alternative Bizzarro Reds' World Comment # 2134

"David Weathers came in as the Reds closer and did a wonderful job."

[Nugget]

On big Rob does anyone know how he is going in minor league camp?

On the lineup situation based on how ST is going I think there are two open spots on the bench and maybe one in the bullpen. I think Krivsky has shown he is not afraid to DFA someone if it will do good and Kullman really stuffed it in bring in Rick White on a guaranteed contract.

The bench is essentially Freel as the supersub, Valentin, Aurilla and I think the space belongs to either another catcher/infield sub and an outfielder. Given that Aurilla will be covering the corner spots Kata is really competing with Ross and Larue/Valentin performance over next couple of weeks to see how things go. The outfield position is Wise/McCracken/Deno.

Bullpen I would say Shackelford/Burns and Robbins are competing for White's spot.

[Aronchis]

Grande really needs checked for mental illness.

[Heath]

Ironic - Dennys Reyes pitching to Rich Aurilia.

[Big Klu]

George Grande's alternative Bizzarro Reds' World Comment # 2134

"David Weathers came in as the Reds closer and did a wonderful job."


"Bye, Good-bye, and Go Away! Me Bizarro-George!"

http://theages.superman.ws/Encyclopaedia/Bizarro1.jpg

[Heath]

I think Jake Robbins will be a nice asset in Louisville.

I like Shackelford - but, man, when he gets rocked, he gets ROCKED. But he's got the potential to be that Norm Charlton/Will McEnaney herky-jerky lefty out of the pen.

[Heath]

Tony Batista, using a walker and wheelchair, fields the ball nicely and throws Cruz out.

[Big Klu]

Tony Batista, using a walker and wheelchair, fields the ball nicely and throws Abad out.

I thought it was Cruz.

[Heath]

Austin Kearns takes a free pass, while Chris Welsh babbles that Quentin McCracken is the answer if Kearns fails.

[Big Klu]

E-6!

[Heath]

I thought it was Cruz.

Left handed hitter with a goatee - I missed the number...my bad...it's not Abad.

[Heath]

Here's Abad, the hitting star after LaRue reaching on an Zolio Versailles error.

[Larkin411]

O/T, I'm watching the Yankees vs. Red Sox as well and Wily Mo just hit a two-run homer to tie it.

[Big Klu]

Austin Kearns takes a free pass, while Chris Welsh babbles that Quentin McCracken is the answer if Kearns fails.

Wouldn't Freel be a better answer if Kearns doesn't work out?

[Heath]

Andy Abad with a 2 run double, misplayed by Lew Ford, 4-1 Cincinnati.

[Heath]

Wouldn't Freel be a better answer if Kearns doesn't work out?

yes, but this is Chris Welsh talking. McCracken's a veteran and he can switch hit.

Hey, don't kill the messenger.

[Heath]

By the way, I know now how Krono has 39,000 posts.

[Big Klu]

Left handed hitter with a goatee - I missed the number...my bad...it's not Abad.

9...78...not much difference... (well, actually a difference of 69!) :D

Andy A(in't)bad with a 2-run double! 4 RBIs in the game!

[KronoRed]

Heath is bringing solid posting tonight.

[Heath]

Last Red of the inning pops out, strands Joe Adocock..err..Andy Abad at second, 4-1 Cincinnati mid 6th.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coffey comes in and hits the lead off batter with a pitch.

[Heath]

Heath is bringing solid posting tonight.

This is the first time this spring I've been able to sit at a computer and do this. I'm going more than my posted limit tho, the posting coach hasn't pulled me yet.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dave Ross is also in to catch.

[Heath]

Coffey comes in and hits the lead off batter with a pitch.

Yea, but that pitch was clocked at 95. THAT'S the Coffey I know.

[Heath]

If Todd Coffey keeps tossing mid-to-high 90's - he closes. Now.

Gets the Twin to ground into a pitcher's best friend, left-handed style. 4-6-3.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coffey gets the next batter Stewart to ground into a 4-6-3 DP.

[Caveat Emperor]

Yea, but that pitch was clocked at 95. THAT'S the Coffey I know.

My philosophy has always been that if you're going to give a guy a free pass, at least cause enough pain to make him contemplate whether he needs to back off the plate a bit.

[Heath]

Castillo pool balls a shot into no-man's land in left.

[KronoRed]

If Todd Coffey keeps tossing mid-to-high 90's - he closes. Now.

Gets the Twin to ground into a pitcher's best friend, left-handed style. 4-6-3.
He doesn't have that veteran presence a Hammond of a Weathers have.

[Heath]

My philosophy has always been that if you're going to give a guy a free pass, at least cause enough pain to make him contemplate whether he needs to back off the plate a bit.

That's why I think Kyle Farnsworth could really do some damage....and be actually a closer to fear.

[Heath]

Former phenom Joe Mauer to hit - He got K'd

4-1 Reds after 6.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coffey strikes out the last batter on 93 MPH fastball.

[Heath]

Tonight's post attendance is 47. Forty-Seven. redszone.com thanks you for coming to tonights game thread! :thumbup:

[Heath]

Nelson..errr..Francisco Liriano in for the Twins to pitch.

Wholesale defensive changes for the Twins.

[Caveat Emperor]

Good inning by Coffee -- I liked his pitch sequences there, getting ahead of Mauer 0-2 and then throwing some junk down in the zone and then getting him to K on a solid fastball.

I think you have to regard Coffee as a good candidate for set-up man with, perhaps, a move to the closer's role if he dominates hitters. He hasn't shown me enough to nominate him as closer, but on pure stuff, he belongs at the back end of ballgames.

[Heath]

Kata's leading off - now hitting RH off the LH Liriano - K's.

[Heath]

Freel's up - Chris Welsh, doing research on redszone.com, describes his feelings on the WMP deal.

M2 - He stole your ideas - except he didn't use the words SABR.

[KittyDuran]

Good inning by Coffee -- I liked his pitch sequences there, getting ahead of Mauer 0-2 and then throwing some junk down in the zone and then getting him to K on a solid fastball.

I think you have to regard Coffee as a good candidate for set-up man with, perhaps, a move to the closer's role if he dominates hitters. He hasn't shown me enough to nominate him as closer, but on pure stuff, he belongs at the back end of ballgames.Umm, CE, it Coffey - not Coffee [tho' I don't know if you're being "cute" ;)]

[Heath]

Wise, making an effort to be put on the roster, got absolutely ruled by Liriano and K's.

Liriano hit 97. Twice.

4-1 Reds - seventh inning stretch time.

[Heath]

Umm, CE, it Coffey - not Coffee [tho' I don't know if you're being "cute" ;)]

same cute people sometimes also spell Womack with an "e" ;)

[Caveat Emperor]

Umm, CE, it Coffey - not Coffee [tho' I don't know if you're being "cute" ;)]

I was typing the post from a Coffee shop here in the GC, it seemed mildly appropriate. ;)

[Heath]

4-3-0 for the Reds
1-4-0 for the Twins
Mike Gosling into pitch the seventh.

First Twin - Rondell White - gets on an Error by Freel at 2nd.

[KronoRed]

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/coffee/images/coffee.gif

[Heath]

Torii Hunter up - guess Ron Gardenhire's getting him to game speed - grounds into a 4-3 double play.

[Big Klu]

Mr. Coffey:

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/players/action/ph_434298.jpg




Mr. Coffee:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6e/Joe_DiMaggio.jpg/240px-Joe_DiMaggio.jpg

[Heath]

Hey, the Best Sports Show period is on after the game tonight.

Has there ever been a TV show that bad stay around for so long? (Besides Who's the Boss)

[Heath]

Morneau grounds to Freel - out 4-3.

4-1 Reds after 7.

[Caveat Emperor]

Hey, the Best Sports Show period is on after the game tonight.

Has there ever been a TV show that bad stay around for so long? (Besides Who's the Boss)

For some reason, they keep making new episodes if According to Jim as well.

[KronoRed]

Hey, the Best Sports Show period is on after the game tonight.

Has there ever been a TV show that bad stay around for so long? (Besides Who's the Boss)
Sportscenter :evil:

[Heath]

Joe Nathan in for the Twins.

More multiple defensive changes for the Twins.

[Heath]

Aurilia flies to left , one down

[Heath]

http://www.clipartguide.com/_small/0060-0502-0916-2846.jpg

[KronoRed]

That was a solid out Rich :clap:

[Heath]

Grande and Welsh just complement Marty, the Bad Boy, and Joe.

[Heath]

Cruz lines out to 2nd. Hard hit ball. 2 away.

[KronoRed]

Grande and Welsh just complement Marty, the Bad Boy, and Joe.
Marty to the TV booth? :evil:

[flyer85]

I choose to believe Womack's getting cut. interesting to note that Hatcher said on the Hot Stove that he didn't think Womack was an everyday player. That's a step in the right direction since the truth is he is not an anyday player.

[Heath]

Grande now pumping up the old guys who have came back.

[KronoRed]

If Womack gets cut before opening day I'll dance a jig on the purple bridge.

[KronoRed]

Grande now pumping up the old guys who have came back.
Plenty of material on the Reds

[Heath]

AK gets a hit - 1st hit of the night.

Welsh complements his 0-2 pitch hit to the opposite way.

[Heath]

David Ross - welcome to Cincinnati - 1st AB as a Red.

[Heath]

Welsh called David Ross a Cactus-League type player.

He promptly grounds into a 6-4 force.

4-1 Redlegs - Mid 8th.

[Caveat Emperor]

Dave Ross: Scrappy.

[Heath]

If Womack gets cut before opening day I'll dance a jig on the purple bridge.

We need to have pictures -

[KronoRed]

They will be provided.

[Heath]

How is a Cactus League-type player compare to, say, a National League-type player?

[Heath]

They will be provided.

They better be clothed. We aren't THAT type of board.

[KronoRed]

How is a Cactus League-type player compare to, say, a National League-type player?
They use the DC (designated cactus) in the NL

[KronoRed]

They better be clothed. We aren't THAT type of board.
Word :help:

[Heath]

Matt Belisle in for the Reds.

Chris Denorfia in to play the OF somewhere.

[Heath]

Tony Batista, using his cane as a bat, collects his Social Security Check, and mails it in - K's.

[Heath]

Lew Ford grounds out to the Belisle - 1 to 3.

2 away.

[Caveat Emperor]

Matt Belisle -- sub 2.5 ERA for the spring, quietly getting the job done.

I'm a Belisle supporter, and not just because he's named Matt too. :)

[membengal]

I am still reeling from Milton's 6 Ks in four innings. Even though I watched them, I still don't believe what I saw. At all. But it was a nice hallucination.

[Heath]

Chris Welsh, knower-of-all - explains his views of a simulated game, since he "pitched in a few".

[KronoRed]

He's crafty ya know.

[Heath]

Infield hit - Belisle off Bannon to Abad.

BTW - Bannon's in for Aurilia.

[Heath]

Chris Welsh just explained that the veterans are more important in the bullpen and that gives less spots to the young guys.

[Heath]

:bang:

Cliffs Notes version - Narron told Welsh that there are guys who pitched well last year in Cinti that may not break the camp this year which makes our bullpen better.

Did we have a body change with these guys? Did I miss some transactions?

[KronoRed]

Craft explanation for bad pitchers :D

[KronoRed]

:bang:
Hey hey! the PBP guy isn't allowed to do that, that's the color mans job.

[Caveat Emperor]

Hey hey! the PBP guy isn't allowed to do that, that's the color mans job.

"He's not the best colorman in the business for nothing, folks"

[Heath]

Belisle, pitching like game 7 of the World Series (according to Welsh) K's a Twin.

4-1 Reds top 9th coming up.

[TeamBoone]

If Womack gets cut before opening day I'll dance a jig on the purple bridge.

Let me know if that happens; I definitely want to come watch!

[Edd Roush]

It's great to see Milton go five innings and give up only one run, but does any body have Milton's official line?

[Heath]

Hey hey! the PBP guy isn't allowed to do that, that's the color mans job.

Then where are YOU?!

:D

[KronoRed]

Then where are YOU?!

:D
:bang:

[gm]

Marty to the TV booth? :evil:

Definitely. George and Chris will never disagree about anything. OTOH, the "foofy-haired fancy boy" and "the Creeper" had some animated discussions during the middle innings of Red's TV broadcasts back in the late 90's. Dump Grande and bring back the noogies!

[KronoRed]

Let me know if that happens; I definitely want to come watch!
I should sell tickets, if only the Reds oblige ;)

[Heath]

Andy Abad, the star of the game is up

[Heath]

Hey Clem, get the glasses on the Twins pitcher.

[Heath]

New Twin Pitcher, fearing the Abad, allows an inning opening Single.

[DoogMinAmo]

I should sell tickets, if only the Reds oblige ;)

I will only buy a ticket if you promise me it will be scrappy!:D

[KronoRed]

Solid.

[Big Klu]

Definitely. George and Chris will never disagree about anything. OTOH, the "foofy-haired fancy boy" and "the Creeper" had some animated discussions during the middle innings of Red's TV broadcasts back in the late 90's. Dump Grande and bring back the noogies!

And then Joe could work on radio broadcasts with Steve during the games that are televised.

[KronoRed]

I will only buy a ticket if you promise me it will be scrappy!:D
It'll be so scrappy you'll think I'm a solid vet:cool:

[Heath]

Hey, lurking tonight is CoffeyBro - after a fantastic outing by the Big Guy wearing #56. - Send him our good wishes!

[Heath]

My eyes are atrocious tonight - Frankie (I think) grounds out 6-3, but Abad's running on the play.

1 down - runner on 2nd .

[Heath]

Reds Baseball - its Kata-strophic!

[Heath]

Kata flies out to the LF....Abad holds - Freel up.

[Coffeybro]

Coffey strikes out the last batter on 93 MPH fastball.

Just got back from watching this at my parents who can get fsn ohio. If you have it dvr'ed or recorded go back and slow down that last pitch. It was his splitter. :thumbup: Had a small arguement with my dad as he didn't think it was until he rewound and slow motioned it. Just wanted to let you guys know he will still bring it out on occasion.

[Big Klu]

GG says that Kata has an option. Is that correct?

[KronoRed]

Reds Baseball - its Kata-strophic!
Catch the fever.

[Heath]

Narron, pulling a Ron Gardenhire, lets Freel hit in the 9th - he grounds out 6-3.

Time to "slam the door" per Grande - 4-1 Reds mid 9th.

[Coffeybro]

Hey, lurking tonight is CoffeyBro - after a fantastic outing by the Big Guy wearing #56. - Send him our good wishes!

:D not lurking just didn't have access to broadband, i.e. wasn't worthwhile until i got home.

[Heath]

GG says that Kata has an option. Is that correct?

He has an option to stay in Cincinnati. Whether he gets to go to Louisville is anyone's guess. Conflicting reports either way.

[Heath]

:D not lurking just didn't have access to broadband, i.e. wasn't worthwhile until i got home.

redszone.com sucks if you use dial-up.

[Falls City Beer]

Matt better be careful or his career might end up on a Kata-falque. :devil: :thumbdown

[Heath]

Here we go - Bottom of the ninth - yet Krono's on the bottom of his fifth :dunno:

[Heath]

Will McEnaney...err..Norm Charlton...err..Brian Shackelford...into pitch the ninth.

[KronoRed]

Krono does not drink 5ths

[Heath]

After the Bucky Dent interview...one wonders if he took the job, knowing he might be the manager in August.

[Heath]

Krono does not drink 5ths

...sierra mists.... :D

[KronoRed]

3rd person will bring this one home

[Heath]

First Twin gets a walk off Shackelford.

[KronoRed]

...sierra mists.... :D
To quote Kitty
"Piss water!"