5/9/06 - Reds vs. Nationals Game Thread

[Reds Fanatic]

Starting Lineups:


Nationals (11 - 21)
4th in NL East
Reds (21 - 11)
1st in NL Central

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. M Byrd, CF .258 1 3 2
2. J Vidro, 2B .336 3 17 1
3. A Soriano, LF .286 9 19 6
4. N Johnson, 1B .313 8 20 4
5. J Guillen, RF .238 3 13 0
6. R Zimmerman, 3B .246 4 17 2
7. M LeCroy, C .250 0 2 0
8. R Clayton, SS .229 0 6 0
9. T Armas, P .000 0 0 0

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. R Freel, CF .237 0 4 8
2. F Lopez, SS .280 4 14 11
3. A Dunn, LF .248 12 24 0
4. E Encarnacion, 3B .295 5 26 0
5. S Hatteberg, 1B .273 2 5 0
6. A Kearns, RF .328 6 22 2
7. B Phillips, 2B .287 3 23 5
8. J LaRue, C .235 1 4 0
9. B Claussen, P .000 0 1 0

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
T Armas 2 2 3.98 1.33 22

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
B Claussen 2 3 5.63 1.56 25

[top6]

I don't know how to react to the Reds this year. The lineups consistently make sense to me. What are we supposed to talk about before the game?

[sampson]

I don't know how to react to the Reds this year. The lineups consistently make sense to me. What are we supposed to talk about before the game?


lmao. Exactly. Isn't it great though?

[Heath]

Memo to Ryan -

First AB - please drag one down the line.

If that doesn't work, try to go to the Travelodge and find a slumpbuster.

[Caveat Emperor]

I don't know how to react to the Reds this year. The lineups consistently make sense to me. What are we supposed to talk about before the game?

I dunno...the sheer lunacy of having a player posting a .962 OPS and batting in the number 6 hole surely merits SOME attention, right?

[VR]

Memo to Ryan -

First AB - please drag one down the line.

If that doesn't work, try to go to the Travelodge and find a slumpbuster.

His average is making me think of the Red Roof Commercial......"how low can you go"

[SirFelixCat]

The lineup is not bad. Go Reds. :)

[Dunner44]

I dunno...the sheer lunacy of having a player posting a .962 OPS and batting in the number 6 hole surely merits SOME attention, right?

RBI opportunity? Recently the 4 and 5 guys have been getting on more than the 1 & 2....

P.S. I'm in chat, y'all should join me. Rebel

[VR]

I dunno...the sheer lunacy of having a player posting a .962 OPS and batting in the number 6 hole surely merits SOME attention, right?

What is he batting in the 4 or 5 hole this year?

[OUReds]

Looks like more or the waiting game with regards to Griffey.

[VR]

What is he batting in the 4 or 5 hole this year?


someday I'll figure out how to post these..



G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB K SB CS AVG OBP SLG OPS
Batting 4th 4 15 3 3 1 0 1 2 1 3 0 0 .200 .294 .467 .761
Batting 5th 8 31 8 9 1 0 1 7 5 7 1 0 .290 .421 .419 .840
Batting 6th 9 32 6 14 3 0 2 7 3 4 1 0 .438 .472 .719 1.191
Batting 7th 10 41 5 13 6 0 2 6 1 10 0 0 .317 .333 .610 .943

[Doc. Scott]

Marty goes right for Jerry Narron's throat: "Coming into the game, your team is dead last in the NL in fielding percentage. Can you really expect to be a postseason club with that kind of defense?"

[Heath]

Jerry Narron - Wellllll, Marty - we've got to field tha ball better than everyone else and we'd be just fine. (chuckles) .

[reds44]

Anybody else having trouble with mlb.tv?

[pahster]

Anybody else having trouble with mlb.tv?

It keeps saying I have to reload, but its not working. Same for all the games.

[reds44]

It keeps saying I have to reload, but its not working. Same for all the games.
Yep that is what I'm getting.

[Mario-Rijo]

This has the makings of a thumpin' if you ask me. Claussen vs. those RH's all of whom have plenty of pop. If Brandon holds these guys to 3 or less I will be shocked! Plus Armas has only walked 5 this year. Hmmm we'll see.

[Patrick Bateman]

Anybody else having trouble with mlb.tv?

Yep, can't get it, but can get radio.

[Reds Fanatic]

Byrd singles to left.

[OnBaseMachine]

That's a ball Felipe should catch, IMO.

[letsgojunior]

Hi game threadies!

[Reds Fanatic]

Vidro strikes out swinging. 1 out.

[Big Klu]

Claussen K's Vidro.

That didn't take long.

[OnBaseMachine]

That was a great cutter by Claussen to K Vidro.

[paintmered]

If you can read this, get yer butt into chat!

[PickOff]

Soriano just missed that one, flies out to left.

[Reds Fanatic]

Soriano flies out to left. 2 outs.

[reds44]

working now.

[Big Klu]

If you can read this, get yer butt into chat!

No hablo inglés. :D

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson flies out to right. 0-0 mid 1st.

[OnBaseMachine]

Are they playing this game in Montreal?

Sure looks like it.

[Heath]

Are they playing this game in Montreal?

Sure looks like it.

Late arriving crowd.

LA ain't got nothing on us! :D

Even the season ticket posters don't arrive to the mid 2nd around redszone.com ....;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel flies out to center. 1 out.

[OnBaseMachine]

What is up with Freel hitting so many flyballs lately?

[Reds Fanatic]

Lopez flies out to center. 2 outs.

[paintmered]

http://www.masscitizensforlife.org/images/pagemaster/UncleSam.jpg

We want you to go to chat!

[PickOff]

Lopez is definitely going deep tonight, I can see it in his eyebrows.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn grounds out to 2nd. 0-0 after 1.

[OnBaseMachine]

Three easy outs for Armas.

[Big Klu]

Late arriving crowd.

LA ain't got nothing on us! :D

Even the season ticket posters don't arrive to the mid 2nd....;)

I know that I find it difficult to get to a game until June, when school lets out. I have been to only one game this year (Opening Day), but I plan to get to seven or eight games at GABP this summer, as well as a game at Cleveland in June. I'm also planning on taking in two games at Pittsburgh next week. (Pittsburgh is a much easier drive from where I live.)

[Falls City Beer]

This is either going to be a really high-scoring game or a really low-scoring game. I really don't see this being a 5-4, 6-3 kind of game for some reason.

[Reds Fanatic]

Guillen lines out to left. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Zimmerman flies out to left. 2 outs.

[PickOff]

I think Claussen has got "pitch to contact" stuff tonight, hopefully the Nats will continue to miss.

[OnBaseMachine]

Great inning by Claussen.

[Reds Fanatic]

LeCroy strikes out swinging. 0-0 mid 2nd.

[Mario-Rijo]

Hal & Marty didn't speak until Lecroy was up, it's the only reason I even listen to the radio anymore. Is to here "the gossip" if you will. They get in about 10 seconds because they are talking about the weather and everything else.

[Reds Fanatic]

Encarnacion lines a single to center.

[Falls City Beer]

Scott Hatteberg looks like Timothy Busfield as Poindexter.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hatteberg lines out to left. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kearns grounds into a 6-4-3 DP. 0-0 after 2.

[Big Klu]

Hatteberg lines out to left. 1 out.

Don't be surprised if a Soriano adventure in LF plays a role in the outcome of this game.

[OnBaseMachine]

I thought the Reds would knock Armas out of the game by the 4th inning tonight, but so far he has looked pretty good.

[Reds Fanatic]

Don't be surprised if a Soriano adventure in LF plays a role in the outcome of this game.
Byrd has looked a little lost on a couple fly balls to center. So that may be a factor too.

[Reds Fanatic]

Clayton doubles to left.

[Reds Fanatic]

Armas sacrifices back to Claussen. Runner goes to 3rd. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Byrd singles to left. 1-0 Nationals.

[OnBaseMachine]

Royce Clayton and Marlon Byrd - what a crew.

[Falls City Beer]

Claussen's going to have a brutally short career unless he's somehow able to knuckle down and retire the other team's chaff. He seems to constantly get burned by the bottom of teams' orders.

[Reds Fanatic]

Vidro bloops a single to center. 1st and 2nd.

[Falls City Beer]

Get Belisle up.

[Mario-Rijo]

Here comes the blow up!

[Falls City Beer]

I believe the hit merry-go-round has commenced.

[Reds Fanatic]

Soriano grounds out to 1st. 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs.

[Falls City Beer]

Johnson's going to go yard here. Watch.

[Heath]

All we have to do is get Nick Johnson to get an out......

[gilpdawg]

Ah, battle out of it.
BTW, I just turned the game on, where's the crowd? Looks bad on TV. Almost as bad as the games in Colorado last week.

[gilpdawg]

Ah, battle out of it.

He did.

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson strikes out looking. 3 K's for Claussen. 1-0 Nationals mid 3rd.

[Mario-Rijo]

Wow, I'm shocked!!!!!!

[reds44]

He Gone!

[MrCinatit]

Ah, battle out of it.
BTW, I just turned the game on, where's the crowd? Looks bad on TV. Almost as bad as the games in Colorado last week.

At least the seats behind home are filled - seems in Colorado, they couldn't even fill those.

[Falls City Beer]

Wow, I'm shocked!!!!!!

That makes two of us. Claussen never, ever gets himself out of jams. He always caves. It's either feast or famine with him.

[Reds Fanatic]

This is a pretty pitiful crowd for a team in 1st place and they said it is Kid Glove night.

[Patrick Bateman]

I wouldn't get too excited by a couple of bloop hits.

The Nats have 4 hits, but only one was well hit.

[Aronchis]

This is a pretty pitiful crowd for a team in 1st place and they said it is Kid Glove night.

1st place? They have only played 32 games. A little early to use that as a reason to come to a game.

[gilpdawg]

Brandon Phillips, you know his story......
we know George, we know.

[Big Klu]

George says that we know Brandon Phillips's story....

[reds44]

1st place? They have only played 32 games. A little early to use that as a reason to come to a game.
I don't need reasons to go to a game.

:beerme:

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips pops out to 2nd. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Larue hit by a pitch on the wrist.

[Reds Fanatic]

Claussen bunts right back to the pitcher and it turns into a 1-6 fielder's choice. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel grounds out to short. 1-0 Nationals after 3.

[Gallen5862]

How bad was larue hit will that be a dl move?

[Reds Fanatic]

How bad was larue hit will that be a dl move?
He looked ok. It hit pretty much where he wears that protection around his wrist.

[OnBaseMachine]

Freel has been an automatic out lately. Just a .130 OBP and no walks in the month of May.

[Aronchis]

Freel and Phillips have been deader than a doornail.

[Reds Fanatic]

Guillen grounds out to short. 1 out.

[Big Klu]

My guess for the AFLAC trivia question: Johnny Bench

[Falls City Beer]

Freel and Phillips have been deader than a doornail.

You could see it coming a mile away with Phillips, but Freel's slump is much harder to figure.

[Larry Schuler]

Me and my friends invented this new drinking game: everytime Freel reaches base safely we take a shot. So far we've been working on the same bottle for the past two weeks.

[Reds Fanatic]

Zimmerman homers to center. 2-0 Nationals.

[Aronchis]

You could see it coming a mile away with Phillips, but Freel's slump is much harder to figure.

Yeah, maybe he is tired playing CF regularly. Start Deno and bench Phillips.

[Falls City Beer]

:rolleyes:

[Patrick Bateman]

That makes two of us. Claussen never, ever gets himself out of jams. He always caves.

Claussens' OPS Against in the last 3 years:

No One On Base: .808
Runners On Base: .791
RISP: .770

That does not suggest a pitcher that caves in the cluth.

[OnBaseMachine]

Ryan Zimmerman and his .398 SLG takes Claussen deep.

Claussen has been every bit as bad as Williams has, IMO.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Is the AFLAC question--what ex-player will come onto the field and take out Reds starting pitcher Dave Williams so that he is unable to perform his duties?

[Reds Fanatic]

LeCroy grounds out to 3rd. 2 outs.

[Falls City Beer]

Ryan Zimmerman and his .398 SLG takes Claussen deep.

Claussen has been every bit as bad as Williams has, IMO.

He's not been as bad as Williams, but he's been bad.

[Reds Fanatic]

Clayton doubles to left again.

Clayton now 6 for 11 against Claussen.

[PickOff]

Claussen has been every bit as bad as Williams has, IMO.

He certainly doesn't look any better tonight.

[Big Klu]

Is the AFLAC question--what ex-player will come onto the field and take out Reds starting pitcher Dave Williams so that he is unable to perform his duties?


Good one again, but no. :laugh:

Who is the only player to hit 3 HRs in one game off Steve Carlton?

[Heath]

Royce Clayton - meet Bill Hall and So Taguchi. Red Killers.

[OnBaseMachine]

When Royce Clayton owns you, you know you're not pitching too well.

[Wheelhouse]

Dunn with top effort could have cut that one off IMO.

[Falls City Beer]

Claussen will never have a career unless he learns to retire righties.

I'm predicting a shift to the pen before this season's out.

[CrackerJack]

nice job Freelie - perfect throw

[reds44]

You could see it coming a mile away with Phillips, but Freel's slump is much harder to figure.
Career utility man?

[Big Klu]

Good throw by Freel!

[OnBaseMachine]

Dunn with top effort could have cut that one off IMO.

:rolleyes:

Yep, this is all Dunn's fault.

Get over it. We know don't like Dunn, but don't be ridiculous.

[Reds Fanatic]

Armas singles to center. Freel throws out Clayton at home! 2-0 Nationals mid 4th.

[The_jbh]

GREAT THROW BY FREEL

who says he can't field?

[reds44]

What a play by FREEL!!!!!

[Strikes Out Looking]

Didn't Bench do it twice against Carlton? I remember listening to at least one of them.

[KittyDuran]

Good one again, but no. :laugh:

Who is the only player to hit 3 HRs in one game off Steve Carlton?Johnny Bench?

[PickOff]

Career utility man?

Stellar CF?

[Big Klu]

Johnny Bench?

That's my guess.

[Aronchis]

Claussen will never have a career unless he learns to retire righties.

I'm predicting a shift to the pen before this season's out.

Way off. Claussen will always have a career as a low rotation starter. You want to much. Claussen's days as a top 3 starter left when he went under the knife 4 years ago.

Just temper your role for him and he is allright.

[Big Klu]

Career utility man?

That's what I'm beginning to think. And there's nothing wrong with that. Freel serves a very useful function on the club. But I think supersub is his best role.

[Patrick Bateman]

:rolleyes:

We know don't like Dunn, but don't be ridiculous.

Hello Pot. This is the Kettle. You're black.

:laugh:

[KittyDuran]

Glad Hume got new glasses...:p:

[flyer85]

Claussen's going to have a brutally short career unless he's somehow able to knuckle down and retire the other team's chaff. He seems to constantly get burned by the bottom of teams' orders.his stuff just isn't all that good

[reds44]

That's what I'm beginning to think. And there's nothing wrong with that. Freel serves a very useful function on the club. But I think supersub is his best role.
I agree, and I like Freel, but people tend to vastly overrate him on this board.

[OnBaseMachine]

Lopez takes a horrible strike 3 called.

Questec!

[Reds Fanatic]

Lopez strikes out looking. Pitch looked inside. 1 out.

[PickOff]

That was begrudgingly a good pitch to strike out Lopez.

[Big Klu]

Didn't Bench do it twice against Carlton? I remember listening to at least one of them.

Good call!

[KittyDuran]

Didn't Bench do it twice against Carlton? I remember listening to at least one of them.
You're RIGHT!!! :beerme:

[Larry Schuler]

Throw your bat at him FeLo! Do it!

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

That's what I'm beginning to think. And there's nothing wrong with that. Freel serves a very useful function on the club. But I think supersub is his best role.

I'm pretty sure he means it as a compliment, but Harold Reynolds for the past few years now on BBTN has been lobbying to get a utility spot on the All-Star team. He says Freel would be in 3 straight years if they had that position.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[KittyDuran]

Armas is not THAT good is he??? :(

[OnBaseMachine]

Hello Pot. This is the Kettle. You're black.

:laugh:

Hey look! My stalker is back. :laugh:

:mooner: :mooner: :mooner:

[Falls City Beer]

I think Jeff Francis can throw a bit harder than Claussen, but the difference between the two really lies in their ability to locate pitches. Claussen is constantly getting behind and never busts anybody inside.

[Reds Fanatic]

Encarnacion grounds out to 3rd. 2-0 Nationals after 4.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Bench also killed Phil Neikro.

[reds44]

Offense has been all or nothing as of late.

[OnBaseMachine]

Armas is not THAT good is he??? :(

No. Just another bad pitcher that the Reds are making look good.

[cincyinco]

Armas is not THAT good is he??? :(

Come on, we all know that this team can make even terrible pitchers look very very good.

I am still not a a believer that this team is for real. I just don't see it. The start is great, but I don't see them holding up all 162.

[Falls City Beer]

Armas is not THAT good is he??? :(

He whipped the Cards about a week and ahalf ago.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

I think Jeff Francis can throw a bit harder than Claussen, but the difference between the two really lies in their ability to locate pitches. Claussen is constantly getting behind and never busts anybody inside.

Maybe that's the case other nights, but tonight Brandon's throwing 3 strikes for every ball. Last inning they put up a graphic saying 27 strikes out of 33 pitches.

[Big Klu]

I'm pretty sure he means it as a compliment, but Harold Reynolds for the past few years now on BBTN has been lobbying to get a utility spot on the All-Star team. He says Freel would be in 3 straight years if they had that position.

Harold Reynolds, for all his faults, recognizes the worth that a good utility player brings to a club. An All-Star position might be a little much, but if they are selecting middle relievers to the All-Star team (which they are), then why not a utility guy?

[Reds Fanatic]

Byrd strikes out looking. At least this ump is consistently bad. 1 out.

[gilpdawg]

No. Just another bad pitcher that the Reds are making look good.
Bad? Not this year. Only 32 hits in 35.2 innings, and only 3 BB on the year, and a middle 3 ERA. I'm not sure of the WHIP off hand, and I don't wanna look it up because I'm lazy.

[Reds Fanatic]

Vidro singles off Lopez's glove into left.

[Aronchis]

I think Jeff Francis can throw a bit harder than Claussen, but the difference between the two really lies in their ability to locate pitches. Claussen is constantly getting behind and never busts anybody inside.

Everybody has a different peek time though Francis has better stuff. Claussen built up his rep with a 91-94mph fastball and a crushing slider. TJ cost him both, so he has to rebuild himself. I don't think we have seen peek Claussen which may pitch better than a 4/5th starter for a couple years, but a 4/5th starter is what he is.

He is what Dave Williams is supposed to be, while Dave Williams should be a AAAA career guy.

[OnBaseMachine]

That was an awful strike 3 call on Byrd.

MLB home plate umps are terrible these days. They don't give hitters a chance unless they are Barry Bonds or Albert Pujols.

[Patrick Bateman]

Claussen will never have a career unless he learns to retire righties.



Claussens lifetime OPS Against:

Vs. LH: .867
Vs. RH: .783

Just sayin'.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bad? Not this year. Only 32 hits in 35.2 innings, and only 3 BB on the year, and a middle 3 ERA. I'm not sure of the WHIP off hand, and I don't wanna look it up because I'm lazy.

He's had one good year in his career, and that was way back in 2001.

[Falls City Beer]

That was an awful strike 3 call on Byrd.

MLB home plate umps are terrible these days. They don't give hitters a chance unless they are Barry Bonds or Albert Pujols.

I like a big strike zone. But I like a consistent strike zone more.

[Reds Fanatic]

Soriano flies out to center. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson grounds into a 4-6 fielder's choice. 2-0 Nationals mid 5th.

[Falls City Beer]

Thank you Nick Johnson.

[OnBaseMachine]

I like a big strike zone. But I like a consistent strike zone more.

Not me. Big strikezone's kill this team.

I define giving guys like Pujols and Bonds a different strikezone as cheating. It's not fair and it cheats the other hitters and pitchers.

[gilpdawg]

He's had one good year in his career, and that was way back in 2001.
Well, currently, he's doing pretty good. Not saying he won't regress to the mean, but that helps the Reds tonight how?:)

[Falls City Beer]

Not me. Big strikezone's kill this team.

I define giving guys like Pujols and Bonds a different strikezone as cheating. It's not fair and it cheats the other hitters and pitchers.

Big strikezones help this pitching.

Plus, I like a fast-moving game. The offense will be fine if the zone is consistent.

[cincyinco]

Big strikezones help this pitching.

Plus, I like a fast-moving game. The offense will be fine if the zone is consistent.

Well, there lies the problem now huh?

Umpiring has been bad all around this year.. just terrible. I never thought I'd root for Questec, but this year has me thinking about it...

[Reds Fanatic]

Hatteberg flies out to left. 1 out.

[Falls City Beer]

Well, there lies the problem now huh?

Umpiring has been bad all around this year.. just terrible. I never thought I'd root for Questec, but this year has me thinking about it...

Like I said just a second ago: I like a consistent strike above all else.

[gilpdawg]

Tony Armas is one of only two players to have four body parts as part of his name! :jump:

[KYRed]

It'd be great if we could give Claussen some run support. It's not as if he's been pitching great, and he has really struggled tonight, but he has been keeping us in the game. No runs scored tonight and we've been shut out 2 of his 3 prior starts.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kearns grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[cincyinco]

Like I said just a second ago: I like a consistent strike above all else.

Yeah, I read that.. sorry. I just wanted to jab at the umpiring this year... :mooner:

[OnBaseMachine]

At this rate I'm expecting Zach Day to throw a no-hitter on Thursday.;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips flies out to right. 2-0 Nationals after 5.

[OnBaseMachine]

1 hit shutout through 5 for the great Tony Armas Jr.

[gilpdawg]

At this rate I'm expecting Zach Day to throw a no-hitter on Thursday.;)
Shhhhh!

[Falls City Beer]

The offense was headed towards some dormancy before Phillips showed up, but then Phillips' sugar rush lasted all of a week and boom! like a bunch of kids jacked up on Peeps, they crashed.

[Matt700wlw]

It'd be great if we could give Claussen some run support. It's not as if he's been pitching great, and he has really struggled tonight, but he has been keeping us in the game. No runs scored tonight and we've been shut out 2 of his 3 prior starts.

It's the Mario Soto syndrome. No, I'm not saying he's anywhere Mario Soto, but he had a run support issue as well.

[gilpdawg]

1 hit shutout through 5 for the great Tony Armas Jr.
On 64 pitches, so we probably won't be seeing the bullpen anytime soon.

[gilpdawg]

The offense was headed towards some dormancy before Phillips showed up, but then Phillips' sugar rush lasted all of a week and boom! like a bunch of kids jacked up on Peeps, they crashed.
This group of players has always been streaky on offense, IMO. They're either on fire, or just crap. Next week they'll be rakin'.

[Larry Schuler]

I don't like Brandon Phillips.

We know.

[Reds Fanatic]

Guillen homers to right. 3-0 Nationals.

[OnBaseMachine]

Guillen homers to probably put this game away.

[Matt700wlw]

Luckily for Brandon, these HRs aren't multiple runners. That's how the Reds are still in the game.

Some offense would help...

[reds44]

The offense was headed towards some dormancy before Phillips showed up, but then Phillips' sugar rush lasted all of a week and boom! like a bunch of kids jacked up on Peeps, they crashed.
Which is exactly why we need Junior back.

Athor some would say Freel and Deno are better. :rolleyes:

[Reds Fanatic]

Zimmerman grounds out to short. 1 out.

[Strikes Out Looking]

In other news, Kevin Millwood got rocked by the Twins for 6 runs in the 1st inning in Texas, and Boston up 3-2 over the Yanks in the third.

[gilpdawg]

I'd venture to guess that they'll PH for Claussen next inning, he's due up second, so if he can get thru this inning without anymore damage, he'll actually get a QS, but I don't have much faith in this offense tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ugh. LeCroy homers to left. 4-0 Nationals.

[gilpdawg]

Well now it's 4-0.

[Matt700wlw]

The offense was headed towards some dormancy before Phillips showed up, but then Phillips' sugar rush lasted all of a week and boom! like a bunch of kids jacked up on Peeps, they crashed.

So you expected him to avg 17 RBIs (and the other sparkling numbers he put up in that stretch) a week?

Wow...you expect a lot. No wonder you're peeved.

[BoCcc2832]

I know that everyone will disagree with me, because that's all you people do, but Claussen is not a quality pitcher, just like Ramirez and Williams. He is better, but cannot hold his own very well. He's consistenly pitching bad and is in a "rut" as Marty called it and just gave up his ninth home run. Get rid of Claussen too.

[KYRed]

Okay, now there is absolutely no excuse for BC to still be pitching. Why was there not already action in the bullpen after the 1st homer this inning?

[cincyinco]

Someone forgot to tell Claussen that pitch to contact is over..

[OnBaseMachine]

Claussen has given up three homeruns tonight - all three have been to hitters with a SLG below .420. Congrats on that great feat, as it's pretty hard to do.

[RedFanAlways1966]

And with another HR by the Nats (LeCroy), Claussen overtakes Williams for most HRs allowed. Brandon - 9 ; Dave - 8.

[PickOff]

Third time through the order.

[reds44]

I know that everyone will disagree with me, because that's all you people do, but Claussen is not a quality pitcher, just like Ramirez and Williams. He is better, but cannot hold his own very well. He's consistenly pitching bad and is in a "rut" as Marty called it and just gave up his ninth home run. Get rid of Claussen too.
Ramirez is a 23 year old with a 3 ERA. Nothing to complain about right now.

[gilpdawg]

You know who Claussen reminds me of? Chris Hammond. No, not old bullpen Chris Hammond, but up and coming hot-shot prospect Chris Hammond. Flashes of brilliance, but couldn't put it together consistently. I mean, I could be wrong, because I was only 12 or 13 when he came up, but from what I remember...

[Reds Fanatic]

Clayton singles for his 3rd hit of the game. Is anyone warming up??

[BoydsOfSummer]

I agree with FCB on him pitching inside more. He has a decent cutter,he needs to run that sucker in on those righties more.

And as I type....KABOOM! out goes another.

[Aronchis]

You know who Claussen reminds me of? Chris Hammond. No, not old bullpen Chris Hammond, but up and coming hot-shot prospect Chris Hammond. Flashes of brilliance, but couldn't put it together consistently.

Not even close.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rick White coming in to pitch.

[KYRed]

I'd have thrown Belise out there over White, but maybe that's just me.

[OnBaseMachine]

Claussen is as bad as Dave Williams. I was expecting a decent year out of Claussen this year, what a huge disappointment.

This team is falling back to earth pretty quickly. Can't say that I didn't expect it though.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Matt LeCroy looks like the guy that plays 1st for your beer league softball team.

[flyer85]

I know that everyone will disagree with me, because that's all you people do, but Claussen is not a quality pitcher, just like Ramirez and Williams. He is better, but cannot hold his own very well. He's consistenly pitching bad and is in a "rut" as Marty called it and just gave up his ninth home run. Get rid of Claussen too.I think Ramirez has better stuff than Claussen and Williams, of course that is not saying much but his potential seems to be higher. Claussen has a very small margin for error especially since he can never consistently throw his breaking ball for strikes.

[gilpdawg]

Not even close.
Like I said, I was pretty young then.:laugh:

[Joseph]

Claussen should be a reliever. Good the first time thru usually, then gets hit harder.

[Falls City Beer]

Claussen is as bad as Dave Williams. I was expecting a decent year out of Claussen this year, what a huge disappointment.

This team is falling back to earth pretty quickly. Can't say that I didn't expect it though.



Claussen was definitely the linchpin; if he succeeds, the Reds compete. If not, then the Reds are screwed. Well....

You can patch up two pitching spots, but not three.

[gilpdawg]

Claussen is as bad as Dave Williams. I was expecting a decent year out of Claussen this year, what a huge disappointment.

This team is falling back to earth pretty quickly. Can't say that I didn't expect it though.
No, Williams is much, much worse. Not that's that's good, or anything.

[cincyinco]

I think Ramirez has better stuff than Claussen and Williams, of course that is not saying much but his potential seems to be higher. Claussen has a very small margin for error especially since he can never consistently throw his breaking ball for strikes.

Tell me what I'm missing.. ? ? ?

Claussen, 94 pitches.. 66 of them strikes.. the ratio was even better before the 6th...

[BoydsOfSummer]

I think Lizard has a better breaking ball than the other two.

[Reds Fanatic]

Armas strikes out attempting to bunt. Clayton steals 2nd.

[Matt700wlw]

This team is falling back to earth pretty quickly. Can't say that I didn't expect it though.

Wow....already giving up.

Not a great weekend for the boys (2-3), but I was out of town. Before I left, they were doing great.

I'm back now for the rest of the season :D :p: :D

[GAC]

Mr Inconsistency is on the bench shaking his head.

You should have fielded that throw Felipe on the steal attempt. ;)

[reds44]

Man this defense pisses all over themselves alot.

[Reds Fanatic]

Byrd grounds out to short. 4-0 Nationals mid 6th.

[Falls City Beer]

I will say, though, that now that Vidro's back in the Nats lineup, and now that they're not at RFK, their offense isn't awful. It's a pretty nice middle of the lineup.

[flyer85]

Tell me what I'm missing.. ? ? ?

Claussen, 94 pitches.. 66 of them strikes.. the ratio was even better before the 6th...almoat all fastballs, he has not been able to locate the breaking ball or changeup.

[gilpdawg]

One good thing....if the Reds lose tonight, their record will be 21-12! Rush! We are the priests of the temples of syrinx....:D :rockband:

(Do lame jokes constitute a neg?):oops:

[flyer85]

I think Lizard has a better breaking ball than the other two.The difference I have noticed in the Lizard is an improved changeup

[Reds Fanatic]

Larue flies out to right. 1 out.

[GAC]

Wow....already giving up.

Not a great weekend for the boys (2-3), but I was out of town. Before I left, they were doing great.

I'm back now for the rest of the season :D :p: :D

You've been around here long enough Matty to know that some around here throw the white flag up rather early.... even when your team is still in 1st place while going through a team slump.

I'm not concerned about this offense one bit.

The pitching? yes. ;)

[RedFanAlways1966]

Bullpen stats in games started by (low ERA to high ERA)...

* E. Ramirez: 3G, 9IP, 0ER, 0.00 ERA.
* Claussen: 6G, 19IP, 7ER, 3.32 ERA.
* Williams: 6G, 24.1IP, 10ER, 3.77 ERA.
* Arroyo: 7G, 11.1IP, 6ER, 4.76 ERA.
* Harang: 7G, 15.1IP, 11ER, 6.46 ERA.
* E. Milton: 3G, 9.0IP, 7ER, 7.00 ERA.

[reds44]

The difference I have noticed in the Lizard is an improved changeup
Thank you Soto!!!

[Reds Fanatic]

Olmedo pinch hits and strikes out. 2 outs.

[Falls City Beer]

This game is krap. Be back in a while. Though it looks like Armas is cruising.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Christ, did Rey even swing at a pitch in that at bat?

[gilpdawg]

Could Olmedo's strike zone have been any larger?

[Matt700wlw]

The difference I have noticed in the Lizard is an improved changeup

Mario Soto says thank you. :)

[reds44]

.232 average for our leadoff hitter.

yummy

[reds44]

5 of last 8 games we have scored 3 runs or less

the offense has been MIA

[gilpdawg]

Don't worry, Kearns is gonna hit a granny next inning.:pray:

[Reds Fanatic]

Freel strikes out looking. Yet another inside pitch called a strike. 4-0 Nationals after 6. Hard to believe the Reds are being 1 hit by Armas.

[OnBaseMachine]

Another poor strike three call. The plate is there for a reason - use it. If MLB wanted a bigger strikezone then they would have made the plate larger. Questec, baby.

[Patrick Bateman]

This team is falling back to earth pretty quickly. Can't say that I didn't expect it though.

The Reds are currently in first place, 1.5 games in front. It's our biggest lead of the season.

While you may ultimately be right, the free fall hasn't started yet.

[Reds Fanatic]

Belisle in to pitch.

Vidro grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.

[gilpdawg]

What parks currently have Questec, anyway? Are they even still doing that?

[flyer85]

Could Olmedo's strike zone have been any larger?
its been a large zone all night, there is a reason for no walks

[Mario-Rijo]

I know that everyone will disagree with me, because that's all you people do, but Claussen is not a quality pitcher, just like Ramirez and Williams. He is better, but cannot hold his own very well. He's consistenly pitching bad and is in a "rut" as Marty called it and just gave up his ninth home run. Get rid of Claussen too.

Actually I agree Claussen isn't real good. His FB is around 87-88 consistently, and even though the cutter isn't a bad pitch it's not far enough off his FB 84-86 and it's not consistently far enough inside. I think he would likely be a solid lefty out of the pen. He could bump up the FB to 90-92 and get some distance between it and the cutter thus making it more effective. He also needs to throw the change-up more often.

I also think Phillips will be our near future SS, I am growing weary of Felipe's adventures out there. He's got an excellent bat and he seems to flash a great ability now and then but his consistency stinks and he still has way too many brain farts.

[gilpdawg]

its been a large zone all night, there is a reason for no walks
Yeah, I'm only been paying attention intermittenly, so I didn't really notice until that AB. I saw posts about it earlier, but that was the first time I really said, "woah."

[Reds Fanatic]

Soriano srikes out swinging but reaches on a passed ball.

[Nugget]

Wow....already giving up.

Not a great weekend for the boys (2-3), but I was out of town. Before I left, they were doing great.

I'm back now for the rest of the season :D :p: :D

I'm pretty sure OBM had given up on Opening Day.

Unfortunately a lot of the players in the team are going through an offensive slump. The POST writers think it has to do with Junior, some here don't. Anecdotal evidence would suggest that they are suffering in some form or another. It is unfortunate that offensively the REDS have not been able to put it together and a lot of the players are down at the same time. Maybe it is time to rest them or support them and know that like all ballplayers they will come back - hopefully sooner rather than later.

As for Claussen if my memory serves me correctly he was a slow starter last year as well. As bad (or as not powerful as his numbers indicate) he has been there and there abouts in the game - he hasn't had to be pulled after 2 innings so I'm not that desparate to have him out. Sure if someone comes along in AAA and shows that he can make a difference then promote him but if your going to release to take a punt then no. What are you giong to do when the replacement pitcher flames out, go to a well we all know is dry!!

[oneupper]

its been a large zone all night, there is a reason for no walks

Large Strike zone favors a free-swinging team.

[Matt700wlw]

Belisle K's Soriano....Larue misses it, Soriano gets on base.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm pretty sure OBM had given up on Opening Day.


You're right, I only predicted this team to finish around .500. Unfortunately, that's probably where they will be in October. I hope I'm wrong though.

[gilpdawg]

Well, have a good night everybody, I've got some errands to run in town real quick. Let's get some runs! Gotta crank up the ol XM and keep tabs on the rest of the game.

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson grounds out to 1st. Runner goes to 2nd. 2 outs.

[Mario-Rijo]

its been a large zone all night, there is a reason for no walks

Regardless of the zone Armas came into the game with 5 BB's on the season. I have noticed this before they (the Reds) always stick with the idea that no matter who is out there they are gonna take pitches. Well if a guy has great control, why wouldn't you come in swinging? I hate seeing the pitcher throw 1st pitch fastballs right down the gut and the guy at the plate is trying to "get a pitch to hit"? Come on!

[Reds Fanatic]

Guillen homers again. 6-0 Nationals.

[flyer85]

should have at least shown him an off speed pitch

[OnBaseMachine]

The ump just gave the Nats two runs! That's absolute BULLCRAP!

That 0-2 pitch to Guillen was clearly a damn strike! He called the same pitch a strike just one pitch earlier.

Screw these umps.

[reds44]

Get Belisle in.
Well you got your wish.

I don't know why everyone loves Belisle so much. He ain't a reliever.

[Big Klu]

I believe those are unearned runs, because of the passed ball, but still runs nonetheless.

[Reds Fanatic]

Zimmerman grounds out. 6-0 Nationals mid 7th.

[Nugget]

You're right, I only predicted this team to finish around .500. Unfortunately, that's probably where they will be in October. I hope I'm wrong though.

I'd be happy with a 500. Considering that not many teams have winning seasons and the REDS are still in a rebuilding stage.

[Redmachine2003]

It would have been nice to see him throw a change up or a curve to JG instead of fastball after fastball.

[OnBaseMachine]

Absolute bullcrap.

MLB has to do something about these blind umps.