Game Thread 5-20-06 Reds vs Tigers:

[Buckeye33]

Reds:

1. R Freel, LF
2. F Lopez, SS
3. K Griffey Jr., CF
4. R Aurilia, 1B
5. A Kearns, RF
6. A Dunn, DH
7. E Encarnacion, 3B
8. B Phillips, 2B
9. D Ross, C

Tigers:

1. P Polanco, 2B
2. M Thames, LF
3. I Rodriguez, C
4. M Ordonez, RF
5. C Guillen, SS
6. C Shelton, 1B
7. D Young, DH
8. C Monroe, CF
9. B Inge, 3B

I like the lineup.

[reds44]

Woah Dunn 6th and EE 7th??

[OnBaseMachine]

Dunn was hitting well in the second slot...so Narron drops him to 6th! Brilliant!

[Matt700wlw]

Ross catching Milton?

Is this new?

[edabbs44]

I think Narron pulls names out of a hat when he writes the lineup...except for Jr at 3.

[Dunner44]

Ross catching Milton?

Is this new?

He caught him for all three of his regular season games.... LaRue didn't come off the DL unti lafter Milty was gone. Ross caught Arroyo and Milton exclusively, hasn't caught another pitcher yet.

[edabbs44]

He caught him for all three of his regular season games.... LaRue didn't come off the DL unti lafter Milty was gone. Ross caught Arroyo and Milton exclusively, hasn't caught another pitcher yet.
I think this has more to do with a LHP going for Detroit.

[Matt700wlw]

He caught him for all three of his regular season games.... LaRue didn't come off the DL unti lafter Milty was gone. Ross caught Arroyo and Milton exclusively, hasn't caught another pitcher yet.

Oh yeah....duh.

[James B.]

Good lineup. I really like Freel and Lopez at the top.

[Joseph]

I think this has more to do with a LHP going for Detroit.

I don't follow the logic. Both LaRue and Ross ar RH.

[Caveat Emperor]

Was going to be at the game tonight, but the car died at a BP station just outside Toledo. Stopped to get gas then when I went to start it back up -- nothing. :bang:

So, I'll be stuck with you jokers on the game thread tonight, it seems. Though, I can think of worse fates. ;)

[edabbs44]

I don't follow the logic. Both LaRue and Ross ar RH.
Yeah, but LaRue can't play every game and Valentin won't play vs lefties. So Ross goes today and LaRue tomorrow.

[Red in Chicago]

i like milton coming back off the dl to pitch in this big ballpark...

[OnBaseMachine]

Ryan Freel flies out on the first pitch.

This guy is just not very smart.

[Caveat Emperor]

Ryan Freel leads the game off and does the job of a leadoff hitter, by swinging at the first pitch he sees and flying weakly out to Marcus Thames.

WTG Ryan. Way to make the pitcher work.

1 out.

[Caveat Emperor]

Felipe Lopez at least sees a few pitches before bouncing out to short for the 2nd out.

Maroth starting off well.

[Kc61]

this one is going to be tough.

[Caveat Emperor]

Ken Griffey Jr. puts his patented KGJ Sweet Swing™ on the ball, but lifts it weakly out to CF for the final out of the inning.

Maroth barely breaks a sweat on the Top-3 of the order.

End of 1 0-0

[OnBaseMachine]

You can already tell that this is going to be a long night for the offense. A soft tossing lefty with a poor K rate and high WHIP - those guys always have success against the Reds.

[Caveat Emperor]

Eric Milton takes to the hill for the Reds. I don't know about anyone else, but I'm keeping the booze handy for this one.

Placido Polonco leads off for the tigers and takes a 86 MPH fastball for strike 1. Yikes. 88 MPH is the next fastball to run the count 1-2. Then again, Claussen seemed to work OK at that speed last night. Polanco hits a little league home run out to Austin Kearns for out #1.

1 out.

[NC Reds]

Maroth is the poster boy for the pitching to contact mantra. DanO probably loves him.

[flyer85]

Milton tossing softballs up there

[Matt700wlw]

I thought Freel was supposed to catch those?

That's what I hear every time Griffey doesn't at least...

[Caveat Emperor]

1 out

Marcas Thames puts a little English on a ball out to Freel, who seems to lose the ball a bit in the sun that's setting behind the plate at Comerica. Thames rivers his way into 2nd with a double.

1 on, 1 out.

[flyer85]

Thames doubles as Freel does a 360

[OnBaseMachine]

And now Freel misplays a ball.

[SteelSD]

Thames just smoked one over Freel's head. That was hit HARD. Double.

[Caveat Emperor]

1 on, Man on 2nd

Pudge Rodriguez up with an RISP opportunity. He grounds out to Phillips at 2nd for the 2nd out of the inning. Tigers announcers noting that Milton used to throw harder. We all remember.

2 outs, man on 3rd.

[redsrule2500]

Here we go!!!

[reds44]

I thought Freel was supposed to catch those?

That's what I hear every time Griffey doesn't at least...
:beerme:

Very true Matt. Griffey catches that.

[flyer85]

Looks like Milton has his nothing fastball from 2005

[Caveat Emperor]

Man on 3rd, 2 outs

Maggy Ordonez takes a fastball the other way for an RBI single. Well, at least it wasn't a home run.

1 on, 1 in 1-0 Tigers.

[WVRedsFan]

I thought Freel was supposed to catch those?

That's what I hear every time Griffey doesn't at least...
AMEN!!!

Anyway, with as big as this park is, wouldn't you guys say that there will be many fly balls?

Hope Freel is up to the task.

[SteelSD]

1-0 Tigers. Milton looks awful with his location right now.

[flyer85]

1-0 Tigers. Milton looks awful with his location right now.coupled with low velocity is a deadly combination

[OnBaseMachine]

Milton looks awful early on, but Freel's defense hasn't exactly helped things.

[Caveat Emperor]

1 on, 2 out

Carlos Guillen up to continue the inning. Milton throws an 87 MPH fastball followed by an 82 MPH change up. That, sports fans, is a recipe for total disaster. Guillen runs the count to 3-0 and Milton would be well off just to walk him and move on.

Milton gets a generous strike call from the umpire to continue the AB -- still not having good feelings about things -- way outside for ball four to put Guillen on base.

We cut Dave Williams for this?

[cincyinco]

coupled with low velocity is a deadly combination

Hey Flyer, whats his velocity at?

[SteelSD]

coupled with low velocity is a deadly combination

He's like a basketball player who can't shoot but makes up for a lack of quickness by having no discernable vertical jump.

[flyer85]

Hey Flyer, whats his velocity at?86-88. He looks like a pitcher that needed some rehab starts

[OnBaseMachine]

Hey Flyer, whats his velocity at?

87 at best.

[Matt700wlw]

Hey Flyer, whats his velocity at?

He hasn't hit 90. 87 I think was the fastest yet.

[Fullboat]

Milton is the O'brien pickup that will be the hardest to get rid of.:(

[edabbs44]

Get DWill up in the pen!

[Caveat Emperor]

Milton being Milton with 2 on, 2 out...

Chris "Hot April" Shelton up with another RISP opportunity. Milton cannot locate his curveball and falls quickly behind 2-0. No location, no velocity -- this guy is not ready to pitch and is going to be lit up in VERY short order if he keeps offering up 87 MPH with no movement.

He hits a drive out to CF that Griffey can't get and another run scores.

2-0 Detroit, the national nightmare continues...

[redsrule2500]

yay milton

[Matt700wlw]

Get DWill up in the pen!

um...

[flyer85]

He's like a basketball player who can't shoot but makes up for a lack of quickness by having no discernable vertical jump.reminds of John McKay when he coached the Bucs, he stated his team made up for poor blocking with bad tackling

[reds44]

We rushed Milton back. He should have had another rehab start, and for that I will give him tonight no matter how poor he pitches.

[jhiller21]

Milton looks like he's pitching without a mound.

[flyer85]

No way Milton makes it to the 5th

[cincyinco]

86-88. He looks like a pitcher that needed some rehab starts

Why didn't he get sent on assignment? What was the rush?
If Milton isn't up above 90 then he's not effective.

Williams and Milton... sigh.

Ish in one hand, crap in the other...

[Aronchis]

Milton's knee is all messed up. Time to retire Eric.

[edabbs44]

We rushed Milton back. He should have had another rehab start, and for that I will give him tonight no matter how poor he pitches.
Good point...why isn't he in the minors right now?

[SteelSD]

Why didn't he get sent on assignment? What was the rush?
If Milton isn't up above 90 then he's not effective.

Williams and Milton... sigh.

Sh*t in one hand, crap in the other...

You're right with the analogy, but you might want to ixnay on the veiled rofanitypay.

[flyer85]

Maybe shortly we will be wishing for Williams

[redsrule2500]

Dave Williams or Eric Milton???

Edit: ^Haha, my thoughts exactly.

[Matt700wlw]

Maybe shortly we will be wishing for Williams

I doubt it.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

My goodness, how many pitches is Milton up to?

[edabbs44]

29 pitches already...

[redsrule2500]

That was HARD HIT. Lucky.

[edabbs44]

And on the 30th pitch, the Tigers rest.

[Caveat Emperor]

Dimitri Young, a blast from the past, steps to the dish in "Everyone Gets a Hit" inning at the ballpark. Milton still with no velocity and no location on his pitches. Maybe it's rust (he said, hopefully)?

Milton finally gets ahead of a hitter 1-2. He can't even spot a high fastball to Ross, as the ball stays down in the zone for a foul ball. More foul balls as Milton can't put Young away (still a tough out, after all these years) and the count runs full at 3-2. Young finally flies out to Ryan Freel in Left.

Wow...$8 million well spent. Dan O'Brien's lasting legacy to us all.

2-O Les Tigres.

[CTA513]

My goodness, how many pitches is Milton up to?

30 pitches after the 1st inning.

[flyer85]

I doubt it.after watching a year plus of Milton I am not so sure. They look a lot like the same pitcher

[Caveat Emperor]

Milton can't get enough velocity differential for his changeup to be effective and can't spot his breaking ball.

It's going to be a short outing for him. Mark it down.

[flyer85]

Milton can't get enough velocity differential for his changeup to be effective and can't spot his breaking ball.

It's going to be a short outing for him. Mark it down.change doesn't have any tumble either

[Caveat Emperor]

Top of 2,

Rich Aurillia -- WOOOO the NATCH-AH BOY -- up for the first time tonight. He gets under a high pitch and flies out to Right-Center for the first out.

Another quick AB for a Reds hitter.

1 out.

[indyred]

Was Milton plan A when they signed him......or was there some other's Dano tried to land but didn't.................

[SteelSD]

Wow...$8 million well spent. Dan O'Brien's lasting legacy to us all.

Even while typing indictments of O'Brien's ability, a little voice in the back of my head kept asking, "He can't really be as bad a GM as I think he is, can he?"

Yet, he was. Historically bad.

[cincyinco]

You're right with the analogy, but you might want to ixnay on the veiled rofanitypay.

My bust, wasn't trying to break any rules or stir up any trouble.. just didn't have a better way to put it.

[Caveat Emperor]

Austin Kearns is the 1 out batter, looking to start a new hot streak for himself. He works the count a bit (shocking, thus far) before retiring himself on a fastball that he swung straight through.

2 out.

[flyer85]

pitch on the ground called a strike

[Caveat Emperor]

Adam Dunn up with a RISP (himself) and 2 outs. He gets behind in the count 1-2, but surprisingly refuses to strike out running the count full to 3-2. Even if the outocme is inevitable, at least he forced Maroth to throw extra pitches.

Dunn works an evil walk. The crashing sound you heard was Prose14 banging his head against the wall.

1 on, 2 out.

[edabbs44]

Was Milton plan A when they signed him......or was there some other's Dano tried to land but didn't.................
Not 100% sure, but I think DanO wanted Pavano.

[Redhook]

Wow...$8 million well spent. Dan O'Brien's lasting legacy to us all.

.

$9.8 million this year believe it or not...amazing. :thumbdown

[cincyinco]

Not 100% sure, but I think DanO wanted Pavano.

I thought it was Millwood?

[Aronchis]

Not 100% sure, but I think DanO wanted Pavano.

It was Matt Clement.

[edabbs44]

Swing the bat EE.

[flyer85]

Maroth looks a lot more comfortable throwing to righties

[Caveat Emperor]

"Easy" Edwin Encranacion up to continue the inning. He gets ahead quickly, 2-0 as Maroth suddenly finding it difficult to pitch now that he's been forced to go to the stretch. Eddie takes a called strike then whiffs at a pitch he couldn't have hit with a 9-iron to even the count.

He then takes a dead-center fastball -- not sure what he was looking for there, but I'd have advised him to push the B button and swing anyway.

Inning over, but at least the Reds worked Maroth a little bit.

2-0 Tigers

[reds44]

EE took 2 pitches right down the middle and swung at 1 in the dirt.

[Kc61]

Looks like umps will give Maroth every call tonight.

Milton is one game back from surgery. He deserves this outing to get back in shape. Next outing, when he gets bombed, then he's fair game.

[OnBaseMachine]

pitch on the ground called a strike

Yep. This ump is pretty bad.

Last night's home plate umpire was one of the best I've seen this year.

[cincyinco]

Maroth, how is he 5-2 w/2.18ERA?

more hits than innings, and only 17k to 14BB.

[flyer85]

the DanO legacy - Milton, Williams, Womack

[Caveat Emperor]

Looks like umps will give Maroth every call tonight.

Milton is one game back from surgery. He deserves this outing to get back in shape. Next outing, when he gets bombed, then he's fair game.

The only explanation I can have is that Eddy was looking for a knuckleball, because he isn't going to see a better pitch than the one he took for strike 3.

[SteelSD]

Looks like umps will give Maroth every call tonight.

Milton is one game back from surgery. He deserves this outing to get back in shape. Next outing, when he gets bombed, then he's fair game.

With all due respect, when Eric Milton was one of the two worst Starting Pitchers in 2005, he was already well past the point of "fair game".

[Caveat Emperor]

Bot 2, Tigers still in front.

Craig Monroe (no relation to Dr. Marvin) gets ahead of Eric Milton 2-0 before lining an at'em ball right to Ryan Freel. I sat behind LF last night at Comerica and that sun is WICKED.

Good job by Freel. He'll have to fight that for at least 3 more innings.

[Kc61]

With all due respect, when Eric Milton was one of the two worst Starting Pitchers in 2005, he was already well past the point of "fair game".

Yeah, but let's give him tonight. I'm only asking for one game.

[flyer85]

Maroth, how is he 5-2 w/2.18ERA?

more hits than innings, and only 17k to 14BB.2 factors luck and a big yard

[SteelSD]

Freel can't see much of anything with that sun out there. I really don't blame him for the first Double (which was absolutely smoked). He had a rough time with the last fly ball and Monroe scorched one as well that Freel almost took in the head.

One down.

[cincyinco]

With all due respect, when Eric Milton was one of the two worst Starting Pitchers in 2005, he was already well past the point of "fair game".

I agree, his 2 good starts don't outweigh the entire 2005 season.

[Caveat Emperor]

The Inge up at bat and grounds out to Edwin at 3rd, who makes a wild throw over to 1st, but Aurillia makes the tag for out 2 anyway.

2 out.

[edabbs44]

Det announcers just said Freel isn't wearing sunglasses...

[SteelSD]

Yeah, but let's give him tonight. I'm only asking for one game.

Quick question: Why?

He's way past the point of demonstrating that he's "bad pitcher" so what about tonight should allow him quarter?

[realreds1]

Yeah, but let's give him tonight. I'm only asking for one game.


Sounds like lyrics to a sappy ballad by Blessid Union of Souls on a Reds compilation disc.

[Caveat Emperor]

Placido Polonco drops a shot down the line in right field for a double. He went the other way with the pitch and hit it right on the line. Good bit of hitting, awful bit of pitching.

1 on, 2 out.

[flyer85]

Tigers are just on all of his pitches. He has nothing to get them out with, just has to hope there is a person there to catch it

[Caveat Emperor]

Marcus Thames union jacks one out to Center Field, but it hangs up for Griffey to make a play on the ball and end the inning.

3 out, Milton out of trouble for at least the moment.

2-0 Tigers.

[cincyinco]

2 factors luck and a big yard

Those were the 2 I assumed.. I guess it was more a stab at the offense thus far...

"why the heck aren't we beating the daylights out of Maroth?"

Or anyone for that matter.. heh.

[Kc61]

Quick question: Why?

He's way past the point of demonstrating that he's "bad pitcher" so what about tonight should allow him quarter?

Guy just coming back from surgery. Gets one game. Just one.

[OnBaseMachine]

That walk by Dunn was the 500th of his career...in only 2770 plate appearances.

Think he has a chance to pass Ricky Henderson(the real record holder)?

[realreds1]

Det announcers just said Freel isn't wearing sunglasses...

At least they didn't say he isn't wearing pants!

[cincyinco]

Tigers are just on all of his pitches. He has nothing to get them out with, just has to hope there is a person there to catch it

Guess he has to hope he can do his best impression of Marroth ?

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips HR!

[flyer85]

Has a Tiger swung and missed in the first 2 innings?

[Caveat Emperor]

Top of the 3rd -- time for the Reds to strike while Milton is somehow retiring batters.

Brandon Phillips goes BIG FLY to put the Reds on the scoreboard. He scorched it on a line out to Left-Center. Great swing on a first pitch fastball.

2-1 Tigers.

[Matt700wlw]

Krivsky guys are good :)

[reds44]

Uh-oh BP is finding it again.

[SteelSD]

Guy just coming back from surgery. Gets one game. Just one.

Gets one game for WHAT?

Milton is awful. He's been awful for quite some time. Not sure why a DL stint means that we should ignore Milton being awful while he's being awful after he's been awful for a loooong time.

[realreds1]

*thinking happy thoughts in tonight's game thread*

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 3

David Ross gets behind Maroth quickly 0-2 -- I'm still wondering why Ross is playing, especially when they're paying LaRue so much. Ross looks awful swinging at the hook that was a solid yard out of the zone.

1 out.

[edabbs44]

At least they didn't say he isn't wearing pants!
That's later at the bar.

[Kc61]

Gets one game for WHAT?

Milton is awful. He's been awful for quite some time. Not sure why a DL stint means that we should ignore Milton being awful while he's being awful after he's been awful for a loooong time.

Ok, don't give him a game.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 3, 1 out

Ryan Freel takes Ball 1, doubling his P/PA number for the evening. He scorches a liner right to 3rd base, which is caught on a fly.

Tough break for Freel, who hit a bullet.

2 out.

[cincyinco]

Ryan Freel not seeing very many pitches today... not like him..

[realreds1]

That's later at the bar.

Yikes. What kinda bars do YOU frequent?

[SteelSD]

Ok, don't give him a game.

Well, as long as you're finally compliant. ;)

[OnBaseMachine]

That walk by Dunn was the 500th of his career...in only 2770 plate appearances.

Think he has a chance to pass Ricky Henderson(the real record holder)?

Anyone? :)

Felipe extends his hitting streak to 14 with a single.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 3, 2 out

Felipe Lopez gets a rare right-handed hit to extend his hitting streak to 14 straight. Nice hit right back up the middle.

1 on, 2 out.

[edabbs44]

I think it's time for Griffey to lay into one...he's overdue.

[reds44]

Felipe extends hitting streak to 14

[cincyinco]

Lopez!!! Whats that.. 14 or 15 game streak?

[Matt700wlw]

Lopez!!! Whats that.. 14 or 15 game streak?

14

[edabbs44]

Yikes. What kinda bars do YOU frequent?
You got me...I mean Freel likes to drink.

[realreds1]

Ok, don't give him a game.


Wow... you lasted all of two pages. What you've just suffered is the Redszone.com equivalent of old-skool wrestling's "sleeper hold." The naysayers wear you down until you submit.

[Falls City Beer]

Milton's pitching makes me drunk. Punchdrunk!

Come on, Joonyah.

[reds44]

Griffey has driven in 14 runs in 16 games.

Yeah he was the reason we were losing right.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 3, 1 on, 2 out

Ken Griffey Jr. up to bat, with the ever dangerous Felipe Lopez on 1st. For purely selfish reasons, I'd like to see Felipe running (my fantasy team needs the help this week) -- but against Pudge, not advisable IMO.

Griffey gets ahead in the count 2-0 and should see a pretty darn good pitch right here -- which he ignores as a fastball sails by him at belt-high. He flies out to center on the next pitch, ending the inning.

Reds half the score on B-Phil's HR.

2-1 Tigers.

[Kc61]

Wow... you lasted all of two pages. What you've just suffered is the Redszone.com equivalent of old-skool wrestling's "sleeper hold." The naysayers wear you down until you submit.

Nah, Steel just reminded me of 2005, that's all. Milton gets no slack, nada.

[Falls City Beer]

Is Marcus Thames a viscount?

Or just a Benny Hill fan?

[Caveat Emperor]

Is Marcus Thames a viscount?

Or just a Benny Hill fan?

He fled the homeland after his father was killed by a Dalek.

[edabbs44]

Griffey has driven in 14 runs in 16 games.

Yeah he was the reason we were losing right.
He's also hitting .239.

[reds44]

Nah, Steel just reminded me of 2005, that's all. Milton gets no slack, nada.
No you were right the 1st time.

Milton deserves one start because the Reds rushed him back. He should be starting in AAA again tonight, he needed another rehab start.

[Caveat Emperor]

Pudge Rodriguez sends a ball screaming down the left field line for extra bases to welcome us to the bottom of the 3rd inning. He motors on into 2nd with a double.

Fantastic.

1 on, 0 out.

[Matt700wlw]

Griffey has driven in 14 runs in 16 games.

Yeah he was the reason we were losing right.

Who said that?

[SteelSD]

A very sleek-looking Pudge just smokes one down the LF line.

Another Double.

[cincyinco]

Ugh, Milton is getting shelled. 3 doubles already.

[reds44]

Who said that?
Who said he was the reason we were losing?

Believe it or not some people on this board were.

[Kc61]

No you were right the 1st time.

Milton deserves one start because the Reds rushed him back. He should be starting in AAA again tonight, he needed another rehab start.

We can all agree that he should be at AAA. Whether for one game or longer is debatable. But certainly tonight.

Of course, we don't exactly have Cy Young on the bench waiting to take his turn.

[Caveat Emperor]

Pudge on 2nd, 0 out

Magglio Ordonez (my fantasy sleeper pick in the 23rd round) up with an RBI opportunity. Conflict, thy name is Yahoo Fantasy. Milton wants no part of the RH slugger, throwing pitches out of the zone to go 3-0 and finally give up the Luke Hudson 4 Pitch Special.

Mags to First -- 1st and 2nd, 0 out.

Milton: In trouble.

[NC Reds]

I don't see the point in continuing the charade of Milton posing as a big league starter.

The only chance we have to win is to get him out of the game now. :bang:

[flyer85]

Seems like there is a good chance Milton may not survive the 3rd

[Matt700wlw]

Oh boy

[OnBaseMachine]

Pathetic defense.

[flyer85]

where was the CF on that play?

[Matt700wlw]

Now he's hurt...

[Falls City Beer]

Jodie Foster continues to track Eric Milton's career:

http://i3.ebayimg.com/03/c/03/0d/b2/5f_9.JPG

[Caveat Emperor]

1st and 2nd, 0 out

Carlos Guillen looking to really make Reds fans miserable as Milton falls behind immediately. Tigers announcers perfectly break down the problem with Eric Milton: no strength in the knee, no velocity, fastballs get elevated. Guillen misses a pitch and pops a shot out to Center that nobody gets to.

Bases loaded. Brandon Phillips is hurt trying to make a Willie Mays type catch.

[reds44]

where was the CF on that play?
That outfield is huge.

[cincyinco]

someone fill me in, specifics please.. all i have is gameday :(

[edabbs44]

1) AK should have had that ball
2) Griffey also had a shot if he was running at any point during that play

[reds44]

He rolled his ankle.

[OnBaseMachine]

where was the CF on that play?

Griffey wasn't even in the picture.

That ball has got to be caught.

[Matt700wlw]

Phillips....Willie Mays he ain't...

Phillips appears to be ok

[flyer85]

Ugh, Milton is getting shelled. 3 doubles already.he doesn't have any pitch to get them out with

[George Foster]

This game is about to get out of hand. Milton is not fooling anybody.

[cincyinco]

sigh.. i'll be back.. i'm gonna go make me a ham sandwhich and pray that milton somehow, someway, finds his way out of this without putting us in too much of a hole.

[NC Reds]

I love Griffey, but he plays too deep to be effective defensively anymore. It's past time for him to learn to play first base.

[reds44]

Milton is throwing Dave Williamsesque heaters

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow. Griffey gives up another hit. I love the guy but he got to be moved. Awful.

[Caveat Emperor]

Phillips stays in the game, apparently OK after turning his ankle a bit

Chris Shelton up with nobody out and the bases loaded. Nothing good can result from this. Shelton hits a ball between center and left, and nobody can get it.

I don't know what's going on, but Griffey isn't coming close to ANY of these balls.

1 run scores.

[flyer85]

Sorry but a good CF would have caught both of those balls. Even Welsh just said it

[edabbs44]

OK...Griffey is putting on a clinic of why he cannot play CF anymore. That landed 5 feet from him.

[Matt700wlw]

What the hell is going on?

[Falls City Beer]

Milton is not fooling anybody.

Himself? :dunno: :drink:

[George Foster]

Has anybody told these guys you don't have to play with your back against the wall like in GAB?

[reds44]

Ok now that one was on Junior. Freel came just as close to the ball then he did.

[Caveat Emperor]

Bases STILL loaded

Dimitri Young grounds to the Fielders Choice, where Encarnacion goes home to get the force coming home.

Milton to 50 pitches already.

[flyer85]

This game is about to get out of hand. Milton is not fooling anybody.and he is getting no help when he needs LOTS of help

[edabbs44]

Milton is lucky that they are hitting bullets since only 1 run is able to score.

[Matt700wlw]

Milton SHOULD be out of the inning right now....

[Caveat Emperor]

Bases STILL loaded

Craig Monroe lines a hit to left field to drive in another run.

4-1 Tigers.

[reds44]

4-1

[OnBaseMachine]

This inning should already be over.

I love Griffey, but the man can not play CF any longer. He's absolutely killing the team out there.

[edabbs44]

At least Jr is DHing tomorrow.

PS: Post #1000!

[Caveat Emperor]

I've gotta jet for a bit...been a pleasure, but this game is out of hand and I've got errands to run.

Hope things turn out better!

[George Foster]

Sorry but a good CF would have caught both of those balls. Even Welsh just said it

Your NEVER suppose to say anything negative about Griffey on this board...
He is the second coming...

[flyer85]

Milty gets a break that pitch was off the plate

[Larry Schuler]

Give Milton times guys. His hair will reach Arroyo length soon.

[reds44]

He Gone!

backwards style

[reds44]

Your NEVER suppose to say anything negative about Griffey on this board...
He is the second coming...
Duh nobody on this board has said that for at least 4 years.

[Matt700wlw]

Your NEVER suppose to say anything negative about Griffey on this board...
He is the second coming...

I'm one of his biggest supporters, but he's not helping himself out there tonight.

[edabbs44]

I wonder if Griffey even knows how bad he looks in the OF.

[flyer85]

Your NEVER suppose to say anything negative about Griffey on this board...
He is the second coming...He never even went hard after either ball which is a bad sign because either he just can't cover ANY ground or his legs are bothering him. I suspect the latter.

[edabbs44]

He never even went hard after either ball which is a bad sign because either he just can't cover ANY ground or his legs are bothering him. I suspect the latter.
I don't think so...I think he's scared to.

[realreds1]

Summary of Milton's night:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a311/lennonsong/CharlieBrownbaseball002.jpg

[OnBaseMachine]

If teams were smart they would throw a soft tossing lefty at the Reds everytime they face them. Automatic win everytime.

[flyer85]

If Dave Williams had Milton's contract he would still be here

[Kc61]

I agreed that Milton gets no free pass because of his injury. I do, however, give him a pass for the third inning. Somebody has to catch those balls.

More seriously, Krivsky is very astute. He has to understand that the outfield defense/coverage has to improve. Hope he has a plan.

[Matt700wlw]

That was a nice strike out

[Matt700wlw]

More seriously, Krivsky is very astute. He has to understand that the outfield defense/coverage has to improve. Hope he has a plan.

So far he has. I have no reason not to have faith in him

[indyred]

hit 91 there

[flyer85]

The thing is Milton isn't going anywhere and will continue to go out there every 5th day.

[edabbs44]

I agreed that Milton gets no free pass because of his injury. I do, however, give him a pass for the second inning. Somebody has to catch those balls.

More seriously, Krivsky is very astute. He has to understand that the outfield defense/coverage has to improve. Hope he has a plan.
I believe it, but I am definitely worried about the OF situation. It is beyond obvious that Griffey cannot perform at a high level out there in CF. I really think that it's time for Grif to swallow his pride and make the move to LF or 1B. Maggs just hit a bomb...tonight sucks.

[Matt700wlw]

It's the Shelton/Odonez show tonight

[indyred]

Mags Hits A Bomb

[OnBaseMachine]

Would have been nice to win this one and guarantee a series win. Not gonna happen now.

5-1 after an Ordonez homer.

[realreds1]

Tonight's Game Summary So Far (To Be Continued...):

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a311/lennonsong/z36848436.jpg

[indyred]

406 ft shot

[DoogMinAmo]

All the runs tonight have come with 2 outs. What is it FCB says? Oh yeah, this pitcher needs an out pitch.

[Matt700wlw]

Would have been nice to win this one and guarantee a series win. Not gonna happen now.

5-1 after an Ordonez homer.

They need Harang to do well tomorrow

[Parliament]

Question:

Is there any reason why Grande keeps calling Detriot the bengals?

[Matt700wlw]

Question:

Is there any reason why Grande keeps calling Detriot the bengals?

Bengals are Tigers....

[NC Reds]

Milton's ERA is now a cool 7.36.

I would rather see Hall or Germano every five days.

[edabbs44]

I think EE would swing at anything tonight.

[realreds1]

Question:

Is there any reason why Grande keeps calling Detriot the bengals?

The same reason why people call Parliament "Funkadelic," "Parliament-Funkadelic," "George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars."

Or, wait, maybe not.

[DoogMinAmo]

Maroth had 47 pitches through 4, wow.

[flyer85]

he threw EE 5 straight changeups

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips takes one at the shoulders for a called strike.

[OnBaseMachine]

Poor baserunning by Phillips. I've never seen a team make as many stupid mistakes as this Reds team.

Good grief.

[flyer85]

Phillips morphs into Freel, stupid

[edabbs44]

Wow...wow...wow

[Matt700wlw]

wow

[George Foster]

I don't remember a game that the Reds did not have a base running error

[reds44]

You can't block 1st base like that can you?

[Larry Schuler]

I blame that on Phillips' low OBP.

[OnBaseMachine]

Could be 1st and 3rd now with only one out after the Ross single.

[DoogMinAmo]

Maroth starting to creep up in the zone, and he is only at 56 pitches.

[cincyinco]

Top 5TH B:1 S:1 O:2
Brandon Phillips singles on a pop up to second baseman Placido Polanco. Brandon Phillips out at 2nd, second baseman Placido Polanco to shortstop Carlos Guillen to catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

man, we look like the bad news bears out there tonight... may be time to go hit the bar!

[SteelSD]

That was not good. With that type of hit, you have two choices...

1) Run really fast and take your chances.
2) Concede that you're on 1B to stay.

There is no middle ground to give. Bad baserunning.

[oneupper]

Man...you guys are tough...give the guy a break. He just twisted his ankle...is still going all out and happens to slip.

[Redmachine2003]

Phillips looses his footing again and cost the Reds a baserunner.

[OnBaseMachine]

Maroth getting the Tom Glavine strikezone.

[George Foster]

You can't block 1st base like that can you?

Why not, run him over like at home. If you can block home you can block first after you have made the turn.

[Kc61]

Top 5TH B:1 S:1 O:2
Brandon Phillips singles on a pop up to second baseman Placido Polanco. Brandon Phillips out at 2nd, second baseman Placido Polanco to shortstop Carlos Guillen to catcher Ivan Rodriguez.

man, we look like the bad news bears out there tonight... may be time to go hit the bar!

Phillips would have made it back but he fell. Wonder if that ankle is ok.

[reds44]

Man...you guys are tough...give the guy a break. He just twisted his ankle...is still going all out and happens to slip.
Yeah I agree.

[reds44]

Why not, run him over like at home. If you can block home you can block first after you have made the turn.
Thats what I would have done. I really don't think you can block 1st base like that, isn't it baserunners interference?

[cincyinco]

Phillips would have made it back but he fell. Wonder if that ankle is ok.

yeah, all i got is gameday so thanks for the details..

i hope he's okay too.. if he's still in, thats good..

[Larry Schuler]

The replay shows Pudge going on his knees 2 feet in front of first base without the ball in his possession? Is that legal?

[saboforthird]

Facing Cy Young again, I see.

[edabbs44]

Facing Cy Young again, I see.
Cy Maroth, actually.

[oneupper]

Was that a streaker?

[Matt700wlw]

That was a foul ball!!!!!

Ump says fair....

[Reds Fanatic]

Shelton gets a hit on a ball that stays right on the infield foul line.

[George Foster]

Thats what I would have done. I really don't think you can block 1st base like that, isn't it baserunners interference?

It is interference if the position player blocks first while you are running to first down first base line. After you have made the turn, he can be in the baseline to make a play on the ball if you are returning to first. If he is not making a play on the ball, it is interference. Pudge was making a play on the ball, and a good one at that. I played first base and was taught to actually place my right foot inbetween the bag and the runner when holding him on to block his return to the bag.

[RedFanAlways1966]

The replay shows Pudge going on his knees 2 feet in front of first base without the ball in his possession? Is that legal?

I say, yes it is legal. As long as the runner does not touch him before the ball arrives. The fielder has a right to all spots on the field as long as he does interfere with the runner... without the ball (unless he is making a play on a hit ball).

[Reds Fanatic]

Ross throws out Shelton attempting to steal.

[Wheelhouse]

Wow. This Detroit team plays hard. I can't see any of our power guys running that out...

[SteelSD]

Jim Leyland is his own worst enemy.

[Fullboat]

Wow. This Detroit team plays hard. I can't see any of our power guys running that out...

Its the leyland way

[Reds Fanatic]

Young walks.

[flyer85]

GG - "Dane Sardihna, fine catching prospect"

[Matt700wlw]

Wow. This Detroit team plays hard. I can't see any of our power guys running that out...

Leyland's dog house is not where any player wants to be

[flynn78]

Its the leyland way
They are trying to out-SCRAPPY us.

[Reds Fanatic]

Monroe grounds into a 6-4-3 DP. 5-1 Tigers after 5.

[edabbs44]

GG - "Dane Sardihna, fine catching prospect"
GG - "This Jack Daniels sure is good."

[Matt700wlw]

Was that a streaker?

oh...not quite...

[Reds Fanatic]

Lopez strikes out swinging.