4/5/6 Game Thread vs baby Bears

[Puffy]

I am now firmly of the mindset that Freel has to be in the lineup somewhere everyday.

Welcome - a lot of us have been in that mindset for years. Your button and complementary hat will arrive in the mail shortly

[registerthis]

Narron with his screwball lineups single-handedly destroyed last year's April and May.

Can he get it right this time?

Ehrm....Miley, you mean?

[Caveat Emperor]

Ryan Freel is a blast. Play him everyday and he'd lead MLB in stolen bases.

He has incredible "baseball instincts" -- which you can't really quanitfy other than just by saying "He's got 'em."

He works the pitcher in the batters box, showing great discpline and doing whatever it takes to get on base, including waiting and taking a walk. Then, on the basepathes, he's a difference maker. The ESPN announcers had it perfectly broken down: he forced Eyre to show his pickoff move twice and then timed a stolen base out perfectly, took the extra base on a bad throw, and then scored on a tremendous hustle play at the plate.

If I'm a manager/GM, that's what I want leading off every day, and that's the brand of baseball I want my fans excited to see.

[flyer85]

Narron with his screwball lineups single-handedly destroyed last year's April and May.that would be Miley

[Aronchis]

Considering Weathers age and how he pitched last April, things could get very very bumpy indeed.

[OnBaseMachine]

1 out after a groundout.

[M2]

Narron with his screwball lineups single-handedly destroyed last year's April and May.

Can he get it right this time?

Umm, Dave Miley was the manager last April and May.

And horrific pitching was way worse than Miley's lineups (which admittedly were awful).

[Chip R]

He's too valuable to play every day.

He might get hurt if he plays every day. Then again he could get hit by a falling satellite.

[flyer85]

Tackleberry!!

[Red in Chicago]

one up...one down!!!

[GridironGrace]

1 down

[GAC]

Yeah - Hatteburg can't play any D. :rolleyes:

[Eric_Davis]

that would be Miley


doh!

[Falls City Beer]

The thing about Freel is that style also gets him on the DL too much, but that still doesn't mean he shouldn't be playing every day when he is healthy

Exactly. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. But this benching him to "protect" him crap is absolute nonsense.

Uh, I think I'll stop going to work because I might get run over by a bus. :rolleyes:

[traderumor]

1 down baby, nice play by Hatteberg.

[Blimpie]

Yes,...I was inferring that they wouldn't let him pitch to one more batter, so Mercker could make his debut in the 8th.

And by the way....I guarantee that the REDS will score in their half of the 8th.Gotcha!

[GridironGrace]

way 2 get on the horse jr

2 down

[Red Rover]

Narron with his screwball lineups single-handedly destroyed last year's April and May.

Miley was making out the lineup in April & May I think.

[OnBaseMachine]

1 more out!

[flyer85]

Exactly. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. But this benching him to "protect" him crap is absolute nonsense.

Uh, I think I'll stop going to work because I might get run over by a bus. :rolleyes:and then they could put in TWo or Richie.

[registerthis]

He might get hurt if he plays every day.

I hate that argument. It assumes that he's going to get injured regardless, and by playing him less you lessen the risk of an injury.

You also lessen the impact he has on this team. i don't get it.

[traderumor]

Warning Track fly, F-8

[Red Leader]

Welcome - a lot of us have been in that mindset for years. Your button and complementary hat will arrive in the mail shortly


Oooooooohhh. A hat!

[HalMorrisRules]

This One Belongs to the Reds!

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds win!

[NavyRedsFan]

And this one Belongs to the REDS!!!

[NatiRedGals]

Top 9TH B:0 S:0 O:0
Pitcher Change: David Weathers replaces Todd Coffey, batting 4th.

Top 9TH B:1 S:0 O:1
Jacque Jones grounds out, first baseman Scott Hatteberg to pitcher David Weathers.

Top 9TH B:0 S:2 O:2
Michael Barrett flies out to center fielder Ken GriffeyJr.

Matt GROUNDS OUT

THIS ONE BELONGS TO THE REDS!!!!!

[traderumor]

C'mon Weathers, make me look smart

[GridironGrace]

win #1 of 2006.............

wtg boys

[Doc. Scott]

One more strike. Carrot Top is still evil.

And we got it! Phew.

[redsfan30]

Hey! We're out of last place!!

[NJReds]

:beerme: Nice to get the first one in the books.

[FlyingPig]

Is it true?

A starter got the win??

:eek:

[registerthis]

Print the playoff tickets now!

[GAC]

I'd love to punch Steve Stone out. What an idiot!

To him... "the Reds got lucky, that's all"

[traderumor]

ah, mlb.com delay, yesssssssssssssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

See, we only needed 7 to win today after all. We keep that up, we got .500 made, baby.

[Red in Chicago]

sure, i went to opening day and we lost...i had tickets to today's game, but didn't go and we win...hmmm..maybe i should stay away from gab?

[uks2h]

YES. 1 Win for Arroyo! Save for Weathers!

[CincyReds2003]

Good job Tackleberry...I mean Weathers!!!!

[Chip R]

I hate that argument. It assumes that he's going to get injured regardless, and by playing him less you lessen the risk of an injury.

You also lessen the impact he has on this team. i don't get it.

I hate it too. I was just mocking. :)

[vaticanplum]

Good job boys!

[Falls City Beer]

Uglier than Bea Arthur, but I embraceth all wins.

[Puffy]

Yeah - Hatteburg can't play any D. :rolleyes:

Kevin Mitchell once made a great barehanded catch. Once.

Small sample sizes are never indicitive

[NatiRedGals]

See ya all later tonight and tommrow night !:)

[Caveat Emperor]

Uglier than Bea Arthur, but I embraceth all wins.

Hey, a W is a W.

The 81-81 dream is alive again!

[Chip R]

Kevin Mitchell once made a great barehanded catch. Once.

My father put me on a hanger once. Once.

[Red Leader]

I'm glad Arroyo got the W.

[GAC]

Exactly. If he gets hurt, he gets hurt. But this benching him to "protect" him crap is absolute nonsense.

I don't think anyone is saying bench him to protect him. They are simply looking at his history, and there is an endurance issue over a 162 game schedule.

But scrappy should definitely be playing over crappy. :lol:

[redsfan30]

I'd love to punch Steve Stone out. What an idiot!

To him... "the Reds got lucky, that's all"
Did he really say that?

[OnBaseMachine]

Now, I can't wait for he Pirates to come in. The offense looks great. Arroyo pitched a great game, certainly much better than his line indicates.

I'd like to take three of four from the Pirates - a split at worse.

[Spitball]

Arroyo will be a big plus if he can consistently stay aggressive and keep the team in the game. I predict he proves to be the Reds' number one guy.:beerme:

[WebScorpion]

Hey! We're out of last place!!
We were already out of last place when the Pirates lost their second one yesterday...this just ensures we'll stay out of the cellar if they beat the Brewcrew tonight. ;)

[PTBNL]

Narron wasn't the manager until June....

:laugh:
I'm gonna give you rep points for that one! :D

[Falls City Beer]

out of the cellar ;)

Obviously a fan of Ratt.

[traderumor]

I know Weathers does not have great stuff, but I have more confidence when he closes than I ever had the last two years with Graves coming in. Weathers, when closing, comes in and doesn't mess around. He generally throws strikes and pounds the zone. Today, it took him 8 pitches. Too bad we don't have someone with stuff for him to teach how to pitch the 9th.

[Caveat Emperor]

So where's BF now that Adam Dunn is sporting the .571 AVG? :laugh:

[remdog]

.....Arroyo pitched a great game, certainly much better than his line indicates.

Actually, I thought that Arroyo got away with a lot of pitches that could have/should have been hit hard. His curve was more of a slurve and he topped out at 91 (that I saw) on the gun.

Rem

[Chip R]

I don't think anyone is saying bench him to protect him. They are simply looking at his history, and there is an endurance issue over a 162 game schedule.


You could have used the same argument for Eric Davis and Jr. They certainly were/are not very durable but you put guys like that in the lineup pretty much whenever they are healthy. Giving them a day off now and then is OK but to use that endurance excuse isn't logical.

[redsmetz]

Actually, I thought that Arroyo got away with a lot of pitches that could have/should have been hit hard. His curve was more of a slurve and he topped out at 91 (that I saw) on the gun.

Rem

Good pitchers don't have to be overpowering. That said, he'll have to stay on top of his game as teams become familiar with him again.

[edabbs44]

Dunn already has one sac fly and 75% of his hits are non-HRs...could he be primed for his best season yet?

DON'T TRADE DUNN!

[PTBNL]

Actually, I thought that Arroyo got away with a lot of pitches that could have/should have been hit hard. His curve was more of a slurve and he topped out at 91 (that I saw) on the gun.

Rem

He does in fact throw something he refers to as a slurve and with the various arm angles as well it can be quite deceiving to the hitter. 91 is good for him, if he is hovering over that, even at 93, it's usually a sign of some trouble.

[Johnny Footstool]

Good pitchers don't have to be overpowering. That said, he'll have to stay on top of his game as teams become familiar with him again.

Good pitchers also know better than to try and slip a chest-high 90-mph fastball past Derek Lee.

As long as Arroyo doesn't try to overpower someone like that, he can be successful.

[Big Klu]

Just got home from work! Great win today! Ryan Freel was definitely a difference-maker. Hopefully he continues to play regularly. Bronson Arroyo pitched well, and also contributed with the bat. (HR, baby!) Junior and Aurilia also hit bombs.

(Richie is my new "favorite" player, just out of spite. Kind of like how part of the fun in being a Ric Flair fan was that everyone hated him, and you could rub it in when he slapped the Figure 4 on guys like Dusty Rhodes! Wooooo!)
:aurilia:


Weathers pitched well in the ninth, but I would have left Coffey in to finish. He did well against Lee and Ramirez, and I would have given him the opportunity to get the save.



Updated Reds HR list (players in italics are active):

Reds All-Time Home Run Leaders
1. Johnny Bench - 389
2. Frank Robinson - 324
3. Tony Perez - 287
4. Ted Kluszewski - 251
5. George Foster - 244
6. Eric Davis - 203
7. Barry Larkin - 198
8. Vada Pinson - 186
9. Wally Post - 172
10. Gus Bell - 160
11. Adam Dunn - 159
12. Joe Morgan - 152
12. Pete Rose - 152
14. Lee May - 147
15. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 139
16. Dan Driessen - 133
17. Reggie Sanders - 125
18. Ernie Lombardi - 120
19. Sean Casey - 118
20. Frank McCormick - 110
21. Dave Parker - 107
22. Chris Sabo - 104
23. Dave Concepcion - 101
24. Gordy Coleman - 98
25. Paul O'Neill - 96

[traderumor]

An intelligent post from Marc's blog:


At 4/05/2006 3:00 PM, Kenj said...

Heres another reason it is hard to watch the Reds these days. Dunn has a terrible day in left field on opening day and contributes 3 plays that led to a lop-sided loss and he is in the line-up the next game. In that game he over runs second base and nearly gets picked off the bag. Why? because of his hitting power. Lets trade him to the American league where he can be a DH and pick up a real outfielder or pitching!

Just as an aside, the blog post was "Minor League Transactions"

[Chip R]

(Richie is my new "favorite" player, just out of spite. Kind of like how part of the fun in being a Ric Flair fan was that everyone hated him, and you could rub it in when he did well. Wooooo!)
:aurilia:


Does that mean that Rich's new song when he comes up to bat is Also Sprake Zarathustra? ;)

[Spitball]

Good pitchers also know better than to try and slip a chest-high 90-mph fastball past Derek Lee.

As long as Arroyo doesn't try to overpower someone like that, he can be successful.

I like Arroyo's aggressiveness, though I believe the pitch to Lee was not where he intended it. And, is the guy an athlete or what? He fields his position and takes his cuts.

[RichRed]

Nuke Laloosh was right -- winning IS better than losing! ;)

And Freel needs to start every day until parts of his body start falling off.

[Big Klu]

Does that mean that Rich's new song when he comes up to bat is Also Sprake Zarathustra? ;)


I'm a jet-flyin', limo-ridin', wheelin'-dealin', kiss-stealin', son-of-a-gun! WOOOOO! Just like Space Mountain, baby--I may be the oldest ride in the park, but I've still got the longest line!

So whether you like it, or don't like it, learn to live with it! Cuz I'm the BEST THING GOING---WOOOOO--TODAY!!! Diamonds are forever, and so is Rich Aurilia!! WOOOO!!! WOOOO!!!

:aurilia:

[OnBaseMachine]

You gotta love the fact that our offense has scored 15 runs in two games and has yet to get much production from Lopez or Encarnacion. Those are two guys that I am very confident in to hit soon.

[Blimpie]

An intelligent post from Marc's blog:



Just as an aside, the blog post was "Minor League Transactions"In one of my recent Jane Goodall moments, I tried reading a few of the posts on Marc's blog. I think it went something like this, "Why did we sign Larue 'cus he sux 'cus he only bats .230 LOL LOL..."

That night, I wrote three pages in my diary and had to drink a bottle of merlot to get to sleep.

[Red Leader]

I'm a jet-flyin', limo-ridin', wheelin'-dealin', kiss-stealin', son-of-a-gun! WOOOOO! Just like Space Mountain, baby--I may be the oldest ride in the park, but I've still got the longest line!

So whether you like it, or don't like like it, learn to live with it! Cuz I'm the BEST THING GOING---WOOOOO--TODAY!!! Diamonds are forever, and so is Rich Aurilia!! WOOOO!!! WOOOO!!!

:aurilia:

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[DropDocK]

Couldn't ask for a better spring day to get the juices flowing after a windy, chilly Opening Day.

Props to Freel and Arroyo, home run in his first AB this season!
:beerme:

[Red Leader]

Couldn't ask for a better spring day to get the juices flowing after a windy, chilly Opening Day.

Props to Freel and Arroyo, home run in his first AB this season!
:beerme:

Also Arroyo's first career HR. :clap:

[blumj]

I like Arroyo's aggressiveness, though I believe the pitch to Lee was not where he intended it. And, is the guy an athlete or what? He fields his position and takes his cuts.

He does have a tendency to make the odd pitch selection now and then, and there will be some hangers. That was a pretty typical Arroyo start, 6+IP, a few mistakes, some entertainment. He's not boring, and he is fearless.

[Caveat Emperor]

In one of my recent Jane Goodall moments, I tried reading a few of the posts on Marc's blog. I think it went something like this, "Why did we sign Larue 'cus he sux 'cus he only bats .230 LOL LOL..."

That night, I wrote three pages in my diary and had to drink a bottle of merlot to get to sleep.

The level of discourse is staggeringly unintelligent at times.

I've also noticed that in a lot of these other "locales" the word "RedsZone" is thrown around with the same amount of contempt as people addressing members of an opposite political party.

[Red Leader]

He does have a tendency to make the odd pitch selection now and then, and there will be some hangers. That was a pretty typical Arroyo start, 6+IP, a few mistakes, some entertainment. He's not boring, and he is fearless.

Give me 5 of those types of pitchers and I'll be a happy guy.

[M2]

The level of discourse is staggeringly unintelligent at times.

I've also noticed that in a lot of these other "locales" the word "RedsZone" is thrown around with the same amount of contempt as people addressing members of an opposite political party.

Those Morlocks intend to eat us I tell you.

[Blimpie]

The level of discourse is staggeringly unintelligent at times.

I've also noticed that in a lot of these other "locales" the word "RedsZone" is thrown around with the same amount of contempt as people addressing members of an opposite political party.Yep. I have seen the RedsZone haters in full force. Kinda like dyslexics trying their collective bests to avoid phone books...

[Blimpie]

Those Morlocks intend to eat us I tell you.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[pedro]

Those Morlocks intend to eat us I tell you.

Personally, I'm more afraid of the CHUDS.

[Roy Tucker]

Also Arroyo's first career HR. :clap:
Was it Hoyt Wilhelm that hit a HR in his first major league AB and then didn't hit another for the 80 bazillion years he played?

[Spitball]

He does have a tendency to make the odd pitch selection now and then, and there will be some hangers. That was a pretty typical Arroyo start, 6+IP, a few mistakes, some entertainment. He's not boring, and he is fearless.

The guy pitches off his curve instead of his fastball and usually pitches backward (Curveballs in fastball situations). He is very aggressive out there, going after batters and staying ahead in the count.

[vaticanplum]

Also Arroyo's first career HR. :clap:

Between "work" and a lengthy thread, I somehow missed this until now. He had a freaking home run?

Man! How you like Cincy now, Bronson?!

[Red in Atl]

Was it not really nice to see a Major League pitcher, pitch for US? No diss to the rest of the staff, but I went out at lunch to watch the game and had no problem leaving even though B.A. was only ahead 7-4.

Last year I was certain anyone on that staff would give up a homer to anyone at the plate no matter what the score or how hard we worked to get in front.

[pedro]

they said bronson had one HR when he was a pirate.

[reds44]

Marty just said that other than Jr, Aurilia had the best season of the Reds in 2005
Felipe Lopez?

[Johnny Footstool]

I like Arroyo's aggressiveness, though I believe the pitch to Lee was not where he intended it. And, is the guy an athlete or what? He fields his position and takes his cuts.

I think that pitch was right where he wanted it. Ross called for a high fastball and stood up out of his crouch when Arroyo was in the stretch. The pitch was headed straight towards Ross's mitt until Lee's bat turned it around and sent it into the stands. It looks like they tried to sneak one by him.

That said, Arroyo was pretty impressive today. He had the Cubs diving for low breaking balls all day.

[ochre]

I think that pitch was right where he wanted it. Ross called for a high fastball and stood up out of his crouch when Arroyo was in the stretch. The pitch was headed straight towards Ross's mitt until Lee's bat turned it around and sent it into the stands. It looks like they tried to sneak one by him.

That said, Arroyo was pretty impressive today. He had the Cubs diving for low breaking balls all day.
Sounds more like a scouting issue then. Perhaps Lee has addressed a hole in the offseason. Hard to criticize a pitcher too much for delivering a pitch exactly where the catcher called for it.

[redsmetz]

they said bronson had one HR when he was a pirate.

Not according to his stats on baseball-reference.com.

[redsmetz]

Not according to his stats on baseball-reference.com.

By the way, while looking at his stats, I see he led the majors in Hit Batsmen in 2004 and was 3rd in 2005 - sounds like he's pounds batters inside. Jason will be glad he's catching and not batting against him!

[reds44]

"Looks like we got a two-tool player. I haven’t seen him run yet."

Haha you have to love Adam Dunn!

[KronoRed]

Felipe Lopez?
Adam Dunn?

[KronoRed]

By the way, while looking at his stats, I see he led the majors in Hit Batsmen in 2004 and was 3rd in 2005 - sounds like he's pounds batters inside. Jason will be glad he's catching and not batting against him!
Jason will still find a way to get hit :D

[reds44]

Adam Dunn?
Both? Ken Griffey Jr?

[OnBaseMachine]

they said bronson had one HR when he was a pirate.

They made a mistake. I think they meant to say it was his first hit since late 2001 when he was with the Pirates.

[guttle11]

I'm a jet-flyin', limo-ridin', wheelin'-dealin', kiss-stealin', son-of-a-gun! WOOOOO! Just like Space Mountain, baby--I may be the oldest ride in the park, but I've still got the longest line!

So whether you like it, or don't like it, learn to live with it! Cuz I'm the BEST THING GOING---WOOOOO--TODAY!!! Diamonds are forever, and so is Rich Aurilia!! WOOOO!!! WOOOO!!!

:aurilia:

I could see Aurilia saying the following to Narron when he isn't in the lineup:

"ABUSE OF POWER!! YOU! ABUSE OF POWER! YOU! BENCH ME!!! I'M ALREADY BENCHED!!!! BENCH ME!! I'M ALREADY BENCHED!!!!!!

[M2]

Adam Dunn?

Aaron Harang?
Ryan Freel?
David Weathers?
Jason LaRue?
Javier Valentin?
Sean Casey?

Aurilia would do well to crack the top 10.

[OnBaseMachine]

I hated the trade when it happened, but with each day passing I have grown to like it more and more. Bronson is quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the team.

[cincyinco]

I said it from day 1, a lot of people here underestimate Arroyo. I personally tihnk last year is the abberation and he's more of the 2004 version. If it proves true that we got that version, then I say we got a helluva pitcher. Even if we dont get quite that version, for what he's locked up for, I still think we got a very good deal.

[reds44]

If Arroyo can put up similar numbers to last year, and Milton can put up similar numbers to 2 years ago, they are both going to win 15-20 games with our offense.

And that to Harang and Claussen and you have alot of wins.

[Joseph]

I hated the trade when it happened, but with each day passing I have grown to like it more and more. Bronson is quickly becoming one of my favorite players on the team.

I've already been looking for my #61 t-shirt, since I don't buy the full fledged jerseys.

[registerthis]

An intelligent post from Marc's blog:

Just as an aside, the blog post was "Minor League Transactions"

Well somebody called the guy who posted that an idiot. Can't say I disagree, but the level of discourse is lacking. :)

[ochre]

If Arroyo can put up similar numbers to last year, and Milton can put up similar numbers to 2 years ago, they are both going to win 15-20 games with our offense.

And that to Harang and Claussen and you have alot of wins.
You forgot to subtract the bullpen. Oh, yeah, and carry the 5.

[Chip R]

Well somebody called the guy who posted that an idiot. Can't say I disagree, but the level of discourse is lacking. :)

Not exactly the Algonquin Round Table, is it? ;)

[westofyou]

Was it Hoyt Wilhelm that hit a HR in his first major league AB and then didn't hit another for the 80 bazillion years he played?

Yes.

[kbrake]

With this bullpen I dont see anyone getting more than 15 wins. I think 15 would be really tough, but this bullpen is just going to be a nightmare.

[redsfan30]

I really don't think the bullpen is going to be terrible this year.

Just a hunch.

[Caveat Emperor]

With this bullpen I dont see anyone getting more than 15 wins. I think 15 would be really tough, but this bullpen is just going to be a nightmare.

It's not as tough as one might think -- the further a starter pitches into a game, the less exposure the bullpen gets on a nightly basis.

If a starter can throw 7IPs, that leaves the bullpen to cover 6 outs. As bad as this bullpen is, I think some combination of Weathers, Mercker and (hopefully) a hot hand from one of the kids (Belisle or Coffey) can be reasonably counted on to get 6 outs more often than not.

The problems start to mount when you see the starters getting yanked in the 6th and 5th innings and leaving the bullpen to cover more and more outs. That's when guys like White, Burns and Hammond start trotting out with increasing regularity, and that's when things really start going bad.

If the starters want to see more wins, and if this ballclub wants to win, they need to be pitch efficient, make outs, and take their team deep into games.

[kbrake]

Based on what? Gut feeling? I mean thats fine if thats what it is, but I was just wondering what gave you that hunch.

[TeamBoone]

I don't want to start a riot, but a noticided a fair amount of posts alluding to things Marty said during the game, but none had much depth. Can anyone tell us, with a little detail, what Marty said today about different players and/or the team in general?

Thanks.

[redsmetz]

Joe Kay's AP Story on today's game:


Griffey, pitcher take Cubs out

By Joe Kay
The Associated Press
Published April 5, 2006, 2:38 PM CDT

CINCINNATI -- Ken Griffey Jr.'s 537th career homer got upstaged by Bronson Arroyo's first.

Arroyo got the loudest and longest ovations Wednesday -- and a respectful bow from Griffey -- in a successful Cincinnati debut. He pitched into the seventh inning and hit his first career homer in his first at-bat, leading the Reds to an 8-6 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

"I'll take that 50 times over," Arroyo said.

His do-it-all debut overshadowed a big moment for Griffey, who moved ahead of two Yankees with his first homer of the season.

Griffey's solo shot was his 537th, breaking a tie with Mickey Mantle for 12th on the career list. It also provided his 1,538th RBI, moving him ahead of Joe DiMaggio for 31st on that list, which doesn't include anything before 1920, when RBIs became a statistic.

"Those guys are legends," Griffey said. "You can't say enough for those guys and what they've done for baseball. Both of those guys are arguably in the top 10 players in the history of the game."

Although Griffey's homer was the more historic, Arroyo's was the more memorable. It changed the mood and the music at Great American Ball Park two days after the Cubs opened the season with a 16-7 win.

The Reds got Arroyo from Boston in a trade for popular outfielder Wily Mo Pena on March 20, a move that stunned and unnerved the lanky right-hander. Fans looking for him to prop up the NL's worst rotation of 2005 gave Arroyo a loud ovation on opening day.

"I definitely noticed it," Arroyo said. "It just means that people are expecting big things from me. I hope I can come here and satisfy that need for us to have some quality pitching."

His hitting made the first impression.

Arroyo came to bat in the third inning and homered off left-hander Glendon Rusch (0-1), who got ahead 0-2 in the count before throwing a down-the-middle fastball. Arroyo, a .073 career hitter, timed it perfectly.

Everyone knew the ball was gone long before it landed in the left-field seats, 403 feet away. Arroyo dropped his head and rounded the bases briskly, his shoulder-length hair flapping behind his helmet.

"I was in another world after hitting it out," said Arroyo, who hadn't hit one since high school.

Griffey waited for him on the top step of the dugout, grabbed the bill of his own batting helmet and bowed in respect over the shocking swing. Griffey noticed that Arroyo's batting helmet had protective ear flaps on both sides -- something most hitters frown upon.

"It's amazing for a guy hitting with a double ear flap," Griffey said. "I didn't know if he hit left-handed or right-handed."

It was Arroyo's first hit since Oct. 2, 2001 at Shea Stadium. Before that swing, he was 4-for-55 career with 33 strikeouts.

Led Zeppelin blared over the public address system while Arroyo, a rock guitarist in his off-hours, warmed up to start the game. When he went back to the mound to warm up after his homer, the videoboard showed a replay while Joey Scarbury's "Greatest American Hero" played.

"Anytime you come to a new place, everybody wants to be accepted and wanted," he said.

Rich Aurilia and Griffey followed Arroyo's homer with their own, helping the Reds pull ahead 7-2 after the fifth inning.

"I fell behind and made a bad combination of pitches," said Rusch, who threw 85 pitches in only four innings. "Once you get behind in the count, you've got to make real good pitches instead of just good ones."

Each team hit three homers Wednesday in a ballpark where a major league-leading 246 flew out last year. The Cubs scored 22 runs in the two games but managed only a split because their pitching staff -- missing injured starters Kerry Wood and Mark Prior -- had control problems.

"We've got to get our bullpen shored up and do what we can until we get our big boys back," manager Dusty Baker said.

Aramis Ramirez hit a two-run homer for his 10th at Great American Ball Park, tying Geoff Jenkins for most by a visiting player. Derrek Lee also hit a two-run shot in the sixth, a couple of pitches after catcher David Ross dropped his foul pop for an error.

Arroyo got two outs in the seventh before Kent Mercker relieved and gave up a pinch two-run homer to John Mabry that cut it to 7-6. David Weathers, who led the staff with 15 saves last year, retired all three batters in the ninth for his first this season.Notes: RBIs weren't kept as a statistic before 1920. ... In contrast to the cloudy, blustery opener, the weather was much more favorable Wednesday -- sunny and 54 degrees with a light wind blowing out. ... The crowd of 27,287 cheered loudly whenever left fielder Adam Dunn caught a fly ball. Dunn was jeered on opening day for dropping one and misplaying another. ... Rusch had won his last four decisions in 2005, matching his career high. ... It was Mabry's fourth career pinch-hit homer.

[KronoRed]

WIth Richy, Freel and Womack off to hot starts I will officially predict that EE and Denorfia will be sent down next Tuesday when QM and JL come back.
Deno yes, but I still can't see these yahoos keeping 3 catchers.

[ochre]

Spahn and Sain and pray for rain from Dusty? How long was Warren on the DL?

[Newport Red]

Actually, I thought that Arroyo got away with a lot of pitches that could have/should have been hit hard. His curve was more of a slurve and he topped out at 91 (that I saw) on the gun.

Rem

Possibly so, but I was on the third base side and the Cubs had no idea what to do with many of his curves.

[Newport Red]

Just for clarification, I thought Freel scored from third on a grounder to third.
He had a great lead because he could beat the third baseman back to the base.
If this is not true,, let me know.

[reds44]

EE isn't going anywhere. You guys don't give Narron enough credit. EE has a higer average then Felipe, but no way Felipe is sent down.

And 1 game for Womack, Freel, and RA don't count as "hot starts".

[KittyDuran]

Man, I LUV reading the game threads after returning from the game. :laugh:
It's even better when the board's favorite whipping boy helped with a win. :devil:

[Oops, sorry I mean last year's favorite whipping boy! ;) ]

I know not everyone agrees with me [heck, most of the board probably disagrees with me on this] BUT I root for whoever wears the red wishbone "C". :beerme:

Anyhoo, there were WAY too many Cub fans in attendance today - I get to the gate and have my purse checked and a roar goes up from the crowd. I don't know what inning it is, so I ask what's going on and one of the ticket takers said that the a Cub hit a 2-run HR. And I replied who let all the Cub fans in...?:p:

[Spitball]

I think that pitch was right where he wanted it. Ross called for a high fastball and stood up out of his crouch when Arroyo was in the stretch. The pitch was headed straight towards Ross's mitt until Lee's bat turned it around and sent it into the stands. It looks like they tried to sneak one by him.

That said, Arroyo was pretty impressive today. He had the Cubs diving for low breaking balls all day.

I'm sure it got more of the plate than he intended. When he is successfully locating, he is always on the paint with his fastball, outside and usually inside off the curve. He felt he had Lee looking curveball and tried to pound him inside, but got too much of the middle. That's the way he pitches.

[Blimpie]

Joe Kay's AP Story on today's game:Well, I guess I need to pay Redsmetz for delivering me my Thursday morning paper early. Our local paper (which I will not plug) doesn't have a Reds beat writer; thus, we get Joe Kay's AP articles after each game.

[Blimpie]

Griffey waited for him on the top step of the dugout, grabbed the bill of his own batting helmet and bowed in respect over the shocking swing. Griffey noticed that Arroyo's batting helmet had protective ear flaps on both sides -- something most hitters frown upon.

"It's amazing for a guy hitting with a double ear flap," Griffey said. "I didn't know if he hit left-handed or right-handed."
:D

[vaticanplum]

"Arroyo's batting helmet had protective ear flaps on both sides -- something most hitters frown upon."

Ok, showing off my bad fundamentals...why do most hitters frown on it? Vision? hearing? Fashion?

[remdog]

The Cubs new helmets with the 'wrinkles' on top make me think the Klingons are playing for them. :laugh:

Rem

[pedro]

"Arroyo's batting helmet had protective ear flaps on both sides -- something most hitters frown upon."

Ok, showing off my bad fundamentals...why do most hitters frown on it? Vision? hearing? Fashion?

it makes him look like a 9 year old.

[pedro]

Originally Posted by remdog
Actually, I thought that Arroyo got away with a lot of pitches that could have/should have been hit hard. His curve was more of a slurve and he topped out at 91 (that I saw) on the gun.


I kind of thought the same thing. reminded me of that really good game Belisle pitched against the cards last year. the next time out they sat on the curve and killed him.

I do think Arroyo locates his fastball better than Belisle though, so that'll offset it some.

[Blimpie]

Is anybody else nauseated by the Nike long sleeve undershirts the Reds have worn thus far? They have some kind of slimy, Spiderman-looking sludge pattern right at the elbow crease on both arms.

When I first saw them on opening day, I though the entire team got carried away with the pine tar in BP....

[reds44]

Is anybody else nauseated by the Nike long sleeve undershirts the Reds have worn thus far? They have some kind of slimy, Spiderman-looking sludge pattern right at the elbow crease on both arms.

When I first saw them on opening day, I though the entire team got carried away with the pine tar in BP....
Yeah they were wearing these things in the WBC also, I hate them.

[Nugget]

Is anybody else nauseated by the Nike long sleeve undershirts the Reds have worn thus far? They have some kind of slimy, Spiderman-looking sludge pattern right at the elbow crease on both arms.

When I first saw them on opening day, I though the entire team got carried away with the pine tar in BP....

Actually I understand that they are called Skins. They're used quite a lot here in Australia as what they do is provide support to certain muscles so that they are not as likely to get injured. There are also recovery skins which have different compression areas that assist in muscle recovery.

[Blimpie]

Actually I understand that they are called Skins. They're used quite a lot here in Australia as what they do is provide support to certain muscles so that they are not as likely to get injured. There are also recovery skins which have different compression areas that assist in muscle recovery.Yeah, the concept I have no problem with. Under Armor has managed to make them for years without them looking offensive. I believe Nike makes the current style and they are uglier than a mud fence...

[NatiRedGals]

and it sure didnt help the cold on monday hah ! Feel sorry for Harang! :( Hes gonna be a ace again soon enough

[KittyDuran]

A couple more other observations on today's game...

I think that the PA was playing some cuts from Bronson's CD - I've never heard the album, but some of the songs played sounded familiar but different.

Had a slice of LaRosa's pizza - much better than Papa John's - also there was a new in-between inning game. A fan spins a wheel and if the player picked hits a HR they win a year's worth of pizza from Snappy Tomato. I think the wheel landed on Junior so the fan (from Hamilton!) won! :beerme:

[TeamBoone]

Is anybody else nauseated by the Nike long sleeve undershirts the Reds have worn thus far? They have some kind of slimy, Spiderman-looking sludge pattern right at the elbow crease on both arms.

When I first saw them on opening day, I though the entire team got carried away with the pine tar in BP....

No, they don't nauseate me at all. I think they look sharp... and I thought they looked sharp in the WBC too. In fact, I mentioned it to someone.

Different strokes for different folks. I like them a lot.

[remdog]

it makes him look like a 9 year old.

:laugh: I said much the same thing in chat during the game. I thought he looked like an oversized Little Leaguer. :laugh:

Rem

[remdog]

Actually I understand that they are called Skins. They're used quite a lot here in Australia as what they do is provide support to certain muscles so that they are not as likely to get injured. There are also recovery skins which have different compression areas that assist in muscle recovery.

Hmmmmm.... Thanks for the expaination. When I was watching the game I thought it was pine tar on the jerseys. You know how a lot of players put the bat behind their back, cradle it with their elbows and twist? That's where I thought pine tar was rubbing off on the shirt sleeves. Who knew! :laugh:

Thanks again.

Rem

[Chip R]

Ok, showing off my bad fundamentals

What does he have to do with this? ;)

[GAC]

Kevin Mitchell once made a great barehanded catch. Once.

That's because someone told him it was a Big Mac. ;)

[GAC]

it makes him look like a 9 year old.

Here is the first image that came to mind when I saw Arroyo in that batting helmet. :lol:

http://norbizness.com/archives/spaceballs.jpg





And it's the next day and I still think Steve Stone is an idiot! ;)

[cumberlandreds]

The most obvious thing to come out of this game to me was that the Reds are a much better team with Freel and Aurilia in the lineup. Freel gives you speed at the top of the order and you can't replace that. He should start at 2nd base everday. Period. End of story. Aurilia is a good solid player and I think a clutch hitter. I know a lot of people don't like him and maybe I wouldn't like him as a person but as a baseball player I think he does his job and does it pretty well most of the time. First base is a good fit for him since his range at the other infield position has diminished.
BTW when did the Reds start having cheerleaders? I recorded and watched the Cubs broadcast, via EI, of the game and they showed them(all two of them) late in the game.

[Chip R]

BTW when did the Reds start having cheerleaders? I recorded and watched the Cubs broadcast, via EI, of the game and they showed them(all two of them) late in the game.

Just this year.

[westofyou]

Just this year.

Ahhh but you'd be missing the time it's happened before.

We Got Spirit Yes We Do - We Got Spirit How About You? (http://www.baseballminutia.com/)

[Chip R]

Ahhh but you'd be missing the time it's happened before.

We Got Spirit Yes We Do - We Got Spirit How About You? (http://www.baseballminutia.com/)

:notworthy I actually met some of those ladies before the parade. They certainly use a lot of makeup.

[Blimpie]

No, they don't nauseate me at all. I think they look sharp... and I thought they looked sharp in the WBC too. In fact, I mentioned it to someone.

Different strokes for different folks. I like them a lot.What's with the elbow smear?

[TeamBoone]

I recorded and watched the Cubs broadcast, via EI, of the game and they showed them(all two of them) late in the game.

There are more than two, unfortunately.


I actually met some of those ladies before the parade. They certainly use a lot of makeup.

Probably so they can be seen better from afar.... very far.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

No, they don't nauseate me at all. I think they look sharp... and I thought they looked sharp in the WBC too. In fact, I mentioned it to someone.

Different strokes for different folks. I like them a lot.


I like them too.

[TRF]

wait... they were wearing makeup?