May 30 Snub the Cubs game thread

[TeamCasey]

Cincinnati
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
F. Lopez ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .295
S. Hatteberg 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
K. Griffey Jr. cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .248
A. Dunn lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
A. Kearns rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .293
J. Valentin c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
E. Encarnacion 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .262
R. Freel 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .252
B. Claussen p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .067
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Chi Cubs
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
J. Pierre cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .234
T. Womack 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .367
M. Murton lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .286
A. Ramirez 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238
T. Walker 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .309
R. Cedeno ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .288
J. Jones rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .273
H. Blanco c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .051
G. Maddux p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .211
Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

[flynn78]

Lineups

Reds (28 - 23)
2nd in NL Central
Season Stats | Roster | Tickets
Cubs (19 - 31)
5th in NL Central
Season Stats | Roster | Tickets

Starting Lineup
Season | Against Opposing Pitcher

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. F Lopez, SS .295 5 19 16
2. S Hatteberg, 1B .291 3 11 0
3. K Griffey Jr., CF .248 6 26 0
4. A Dunn, LF .230 17 32 1
5. A Kearns, RF .293 10 31 2
6. J Valentin, C .230 1 6 0
7. E Encarnacion, 3B .262 6 29 0
8. R Freel, 2B .252 1 7 11
9. B Claussen, P .067 0 1 0

Name AB AVG HR RBI
1. F Lopez, SS 3 .333 0 0
2. S Hatteberg, 1B 2 .000 0 0
3. K Griffey Jr., CF 1 .000 0 0
4. A Dunn, LF 2 .000 0 0
5. A Kearns, RF 2 .000 0 0
6. J Valentin, C 2 .000 0 0
7. E Encarnacion, 3B 3 .333 0 1
8. R Freel, 2B 1 1.000 0 0
9. B Claussen, P - - - -

Starting Lineup
Season | Against Opposing Pitcher

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. J Pierre, CF .234 0 4 15
2. T Womack, 2B .583 0 1 0
3. M Murton, LF .286 4 20 2
4. A Ramirez, 3B .238 9 25 1
5. T Walker, 1B .309 3 25 0
6. R Cedeno, SS .288 1 14 5
7. J Jones, RF .273 7 22 0
8. H Blanco, C .051 0 2 0
9. G Maddux, P .211 0 2 1

Name AB AVG HR RBI
1. J Pierre, CF 3 .333 0 0
2. T Womack, 2B - - - -
3. M Murton, LF 2 .500 0 0
4. A Ramirez, 3B - - - -
5. T Walker, 1B - - - -
6. R Cedeno, SS 2 .000 0 0
7. J Jones, RF - - - -
8. H Blanco, C - - - -
9. G Maddux, P - - - -


Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
B Claussen 3 5 5.25 1.49 44

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
G Maddux 5 4 4.28 1.30 41

[pedro]

The Reds own Maddux over the last 3 years.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=3933&type=pitching3&three=1

[TeamCasey]

Sticky me, mods!

Ouch ..... that could win an out of context award.

[edabbs44]

I wouldn't mind the flip flop of Dunn and Kearns, but all in all not bad. Javy hitting 6th? I think he has great numbers against Maddux, but I remember when Enrique Wilson was deemed "Pedro Killer" by the NY media and Pedro whiffed him every time he came up.

[TeamCasey]

Flynn, I beat you by one minute. :D

Mods .... you can delete my thread. I was just trying to be helpful. :beerme:

[TeamCasey]

TY Reds4Life.

[edabbs44]

Narron getting help on deciding on tonight's lineup

http://www.culcom.net/~shadow1/celie_pin_donkey_tail.jpg

[James B.]

Good lineup but I would rather have Freel at leadoff, Lopez second and Hatt. batting 8th.

[HBP]

I wouldn't mind the flip flop of Dunn and Kearns, but all in all not bad. Javy hitting 6th? I think he has great numbers against Maddux, but I remember when Enrique Wilson was deemed "Pedro Killer" by the NY media and Pedro whiffed him every time he came up.

Javy has 4 HR's against him I believe. Yahoo pegged him as a good fantasy matchup today.

[HBP]

FSN shows zero pitches of the first at bat. It could be my cable provider though.

[Ltlabner]

Don't forget that chat is open in addition to the game thread.

[fisch11]

Just got in....looks like I didn't miss much for the Reds at bat in the 1st.

[KoryMac5]

Oh no got the Cubs announcers on XM's broadcast. I get to listen to Santo for 9 innings.

[KronoRed]

Just got in....looks like I didn't miss much for the Reds at bat in the 1st.
6 pitches

[KoryMac5]

Santo discussing how womack has given the Cubs a much needed shot in the arm. A shot of what embalming fluid.

[KoryMac5]

Claussen gets through the first which Brandon shows up tonight.

[fisch11]

Here's a pretty interesting article to read between innings....or if you're just bored. It's about baseball's most difficult records. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2433030

[fisch11]

I love this ump. Definitely makes sure you hear the calls!

[KoryMac5]

Dunn leading off has 4 hits off Maddux 3 hr's. As I type that he reaches out and gets a nice double.

[KoryMac5]

Wind is knocking balls down tonight, Kearns flies out.

[KoryMac5]

Javy pops up to Pierre 2 down.

[CrackerJack]

Man, much needed 2 out RBI hit for Edwin

[KoryMac5]

Nice bit of hitting by Edwin, Jones throws the ball to the abckstop Edwin to third.

[LINEDRIVER]

I havent seen a throw that far off track since WMP's days as a Red.

[KoryMac5]

Confidence boost for Edwin.

[fisch11]

They're hitting Maddux pretty solid so far. Maybe he won't own us this time around. Nice hit by EDE to prevent Dunn's leadoff double from going to waste.

[edabbs44]

Man, much needed 2 out RBI hit for Edwin
Without a doubt...seems like a long time since EdE had a ribbie.

[fisch11]

Freel gave his bat as a souvenir......nobody died.

[KoryMac5]

Maddux K's Freel 1-0 Reds

[KoryMac5]

Claussen gives up a single to Aramis

[KoryMac5]

Another base knock by Walker two men on.

[KoryMac5]

Now we get to see which Claussen shows up.

[Redlegs23]

Kearns = Cannon

[CrackerJack]

Hehe tried to run on Kearns, gunned down at 3rd. Nice.

[KoryMac5]

Kearns nice play terrible bit of base running by Aramis.

[edabbs44]

http://www.akdess.com/images/cannon.jpg

[Redlegs23]

Claussen is tough on leftys, wish we could say the same about righty's.

[KoryMac5]

Claussen nice job getting out of the jam.

[Redlegs23]

Reds go 1-2-3. Maddux only at 28 pitches through 3. We need to get that count up and get to this bullpen badly.

[EKURed]

Somebody please tell Grande that Lopez's ground ball was exactly a rocket. Why did it seem he got much more excited about Maddux fielding that ball than he did when Kearns made a much more difficult play with his cannon from right???

[Tornon]

Claussen & Lopez bounced back to Maddux and Hatteberg flied to left. Reds go 1-2-3 in the 3rd, 1-0 Reds middle of 3

[KoryMac5]

Reds went quietly again.

[fisch11]

Wind must be blowing in tonight. Hatteberg caught that one pretty solid.

[Tornon]

Blanco bounces back to Claussen, 1 out

[Tornon]

Maddux grounds to Lopez, 2 out

[EKURed]

Complete ball player "Mad Dog" grounded to short....

[Tornon]

Pierre bounces back to Claussen, 1-0 Reds after 3

[KoryMac5]

Good inning for Claussen as the rain clouds threaten.

[fisch11]

I think we may have the "more controlled" version of Claussen tonight. He's looking aggresive and throwing alot of strikes.

[Redlegs23]

Forecast not looking too pretty for Chicago. We might miss an inning or two due to a thunderstorm.

[Tornon]

Griffey grounds back to Maddux, 1 out

[Tornon]

Dunn pops to short, 2 out

[Tornon]

Kearns shows off warning track power to left, 1-0 Reds middle of 4

[fisch11]

Kearns hits another warning track shot. Not so friendly wind at Wrigley tonight. The broadcasters on the Comcast feed says it's "howling." Take that for what it's worth I guess.

[edabbs44]

http://www.perimetergallery.com/media/small/Aeling_F-3_Tornado(2).JPG

Headed towards Wrigley...Auntie Em better lock up Toto.

[Tornon]

Womack grounds to Freel, 1 out

[Tornon]

Murton doubles into the left field corner

[Tornon]

Ramirez flies to Griffey, 2 out

[Tornon]

And we have rain, take 5 everyone

[fisch11]

Figures, we get the good Claussen and now he might not return depending on the length of this delay.

[REDSEER]

If we have a long delay, is it possible that we see Germano out of the break for a few innings?

[CTA513]

If we have a long delay, is it possible that we see Germano out of the break for a few innings?

Germano is the long relief man now that Belisle is on the DL, so yes we could see him tonight if its a long delay.

[Edskin]

Rain dealy means it's time to play.................

THE BAND NAME GAME.

This was a big hit a few years back within a thread of it's own. It's simple, someone names to things (car part, color) and then someone replies with an answer: Engine Black. Then, when the Reds game resumes, we choose our favorite band name.

Here's how it works: If you answer, you then leave clues for the next one.

I'll start:

A negative emotion and common American last name

[fisch11]

I'm still hoping for Claussen obviously.....don't like to see 5 innings from our bullpen.

[fisch11]

A negative emotion and common American last name

One word?

[KronoRed]

I think it's 2

Like Angry Smith :D

[Edskin]

That's right Krono, Angry Smith.

Try this one:

Something you'd say when seeing Jessica Alba in a bikini and something you'd find in the garage..

[KronoRed]

Yowzers and Table Saw

Something that sits in the kitchen and a cats name

;)

[Joseph]

Please oil pan.

[jesusfan]

Marty just went off about Dunn not being a "run producer" and he should stay 2 in the order....

[Tornon]

Anyone heard news on when we may get started up again?

[flyer85]

Marty just went off about Dunn not being a "run producer" and he should stay 2 in the order....even though he isn't he still leads the team in RBIs. I wonder what the magic number really is.

[Edskin]

Toaster Ruffles

A color and the last name of a former Reds player

[fisch11]

Tarp is coming off. Marty expects a restart here as soon as they prep the field.

[KittyDuran]

Toaster Ruffles

A color and the last name of a former Reds playerPink Geronimo

A phobia and a President's last name.

[griffeyfreak4]

Game time

[edabbs44]

Game time
President Time?

[fisch11]

Tough break for Claussen. He was looking good throwing stirkes, and the rain delay throws him back to his wild side.

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

Ugh.

Not sure Claussen needed to be back out there, but given that the alternative was more Rick White ...

[redram]

Maybe Maddox will lose his stuff also agggghhhhhhh

[CrackerJack]

This gets tougher to watch by the day...

[redsfan4445]

i want the APRIL REDS back!!!!! they played to win.. these guys are playing not to lose

[cincyinco]

This gets tougher to watch by the day...

I'm sorry, but it should come as no surprise to anyone who's watched the Reds the last several years. Anyone who thought we were as good as April indicated was really fooling themselves. Its a marathon, not a sprint.

That said, I can be happy watching this ballclub. I think for the first time in ages, the clouds have begun to part, and the sun is finally starting to shine on our fortunes. Give Krivsky some time to work on this team, and he'll transform it into his vision - whether thats a winner or not remains to be seen, but I feel good about our chances.

[griffeyfreak4]

^:clap:

[saboforthird]

Claussen is a bust, folks.

[redram]

I'm sorry, but it should come as no surprise to anyone who's watched the Reds the last several years. Anyone who thought we were as good as April indicated was really fooling themselves. Its a marathon, not a sprint.

That said, I can be happy watching this ballclub. I think for the first time in ages, the clouds have begun to part, and the sun is finally starting to shine on our fortunes. Give Krivsky some time to work on this team, and he'll transform it into his vision - whether thats a winner or not remains to be seen, but I feel good about our chances.


I agree, this year will be full of ups and downs and right now they are down, BUT, this years teams is far better than last years and 2 years ago. They are putting together some pieces and at least making some moves. They won't all work but at least were not sitting and doing nothing. Give it time and The Reds will be back, until then just keep thinking how much fun April was

[CrackerJack]

I'm sorry, but it should come as no surprise to anyone who's watched the Reds the last several years. Anyone who thought we were as good as April indicated was really fooling themselves. Its a marathon, not a sprint.


Didn't mention nor infer that I was suprised. It is what it is.

[cincyinco]

Didn't mention nor infer that I was suprised. It is what it is.

haha.. well then in that case i agree..

Sorry bud, wasn't tryin to hammer on you and I'm sorry if that seemed the case.. I was just kind of thinking out loud. Post wasn't intended to target you at all.. perhaps I shouldn't have quoted what you said - it just made me think about what I posted.

:beerme:

[griffeyfreak4]

Wow, White comes in and gives up a leadoff single

He's terrible

[redram]

As Bad as he has been, I just cannot imagine WHY he keep getting sent out there. As I type this Todd Walker splits the gap and a runner scores.

WHY WHY WHY WHY

[griffeyfreak4]

This is terrible (just like this game thread), leadoff single, then a double, and a run scores with no outs

DFA him now

[flynn78]

Rick, give us a chance to stay in this one please:pray:. Too late 6-3. For Jerry narron right now looking to the bullpen has to be like walking the plank for Blackbeard.

[edabbs44]

As Bad as he has been, I just cannot imagine WHY he keep getting sent out there. As I type this Todd Walker splits the gap and a runner scores.

WHY WHY WHY WHY
I was watching this inning and was just about to post what everyone else has been. White is a travesty and now a circus just broke out. Do you think the team just gives up when this guy comes in?

[redram]

When it Rains it Pours. Can't watch anyore of this. Have a great night
:bang: :bang: :bang: :bang:

[flynn78]

Can I have defensive ineptitude for $1000 Alex?

[saboforthird]

How much of this struggle by the Reds is lack of defensive talent, and how much of it is just plain bad management by Narron? Any dibs on how long Narron sticks around? :D

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

Rick White makes Jimmah Anderson look both skinny and less inept.

And Anderson was REALLY fat and REALLY inept.

[edabbs44]

How much of this struggle by the Reds is lack of defensive talent, and how much of it is just plain bad management by Narron? Any dibs on how long Narron sticks around? :D
Personally I think Narron is not all to blame. He has absolutely NO BULLPEN to rely on in the early to mid innings. Coffey and Weathers and that's it. If the starter doesn't make it to the 7th, a least, it's like free runs for the opposition. Germano and Shack warming and I would love to see Germano get in the game. When you think about it, Burns and White have to be 2 of the top 5 worst pitchers in baseball this year. How sad is that?

[flynn78]

You almost needed a blindfold and a cigarette to watch that last play. We need help soon or it is time to scrap and build.

[edabbs44]

JJones whiffs. Dusty should bench him for embarrassing the city of Chicago.

[KoryMac5]

This team has some holes and needs an overhaul of the bullpen quick. Any warm body in AAA or AA has got to be better than White and Mercker.

[flynn78]

Cut the Lead to Two, Stretch It to Four: The Story of the 2006 Reds bullpen

[jimbo]

I know a lot of criticism is thrown towards the outfield (Dunn and Griffey) when it comes to the defense, but I think the biggest defensive weakness on this team is the left side of the infield. With Lopez and EE over there, it's a circus on a nightly basis.

[edabbs44]

White Ks 3 in a row. The Four Horsemen are riding down the street as we speak...

[flynn78]

Is it sad that I almost long for "pitch to contact" to come back?;)

[flynn78]

White Ks 3 in a row. The Four Horsemen are riding down the street as we speak...
You talking to me?
3679

[edabbs44]

You talking to me?
3679
http://www.apocalipsis.org/image6-1.jpg

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are mentioned in the Bible in chapter six of the Book of Revelation, which predicts that they will ride during the Apocalypse. The four horsemen are traditionally named War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.

[flynn78]

3680
Is it just me or did someone steal Freel's Mojo?

[edabbs44]

Question: How worthless is Q?

[flynn78]

http://www.apocalipsis.org/image6-1.jpg

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are mentioned in the Bible in chapter six of the Book of Revelation, which predicts that they will ride during the Apocalypse. The four horsemen are traditionally named War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.
Not a wrestling fan ed?

[edabbs44]

Not a wrestling fan ed?
No, I was years ago. But I was speaking of the end of the world.

[flynn78]

Who had the 7th for a "professional" at bat from Welsh about Hatte?;)

[flynn78]

No, I was years ago. But I was speaking of the end of the world.
I got it ed, just trying to keep it light. If I don't I get very sour and I won't let this team do that to me again.

[edabbs44]

Who had the 7th for a "professional" at bat from Welsh about Hatte?;)
Hatte is another one on my hit list...there are so many players on the Reds that bring nothing to the table it is amazing that they are in a race.

[flynn78]

Hatte K's on a check swing. On to the bottom of the 7th, 7-4 Cubs.

[edabbs44]

I got it ed, just trying to keep it light. If I don't I get very sour and I won't let this team do that to me again.
I hear you. It is very hot in NJ tonight and I am a little cranky I guess. My bad.

[flynn78]

I hear you. It is very hot in NJ tonight and I am a little cranky I guess. My bad.
Ed, a hot summer night in Jersey and this team would do that to anybody.:)

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

This game is over, and it's the bullpen's fault.

What does Shackleford possibly give you except more runs allowed?

Put in Germano.

[edabbs44]

Flynn, go over to the ORG thread...it is hysterical. A month ago I was complaining about how much I hated Hatte and I got jumped by a bunch of ORG members, telling me how his OBP was phenomenal. Now people hate him and nothing is said about how he can work a pitcher and the like. Exactly what that crazy thread is saying...the ORG and Reds Live threads are eerily similar. ORG is one big complaint forum right now and it's just us down here in the bowels of Reds Live.

[KYRed]

The defense in this game by the Reds is beyond horrid. It's truly comical, they look like a Pee Wee team out there.

[fielder's choice]

I think Freel is drunk.

[REDSEER]

Man oh man has this game been ugly. I think I've seen it all, and then another mental mistake happens.....those are the ones that drive me crazy.

[saboforthird]

Now the "old timers" here that don't like being criticized and having the truth out about how treat newcomers, are starting to make appearances in the "Let's all take a deep breath" thread. Whatever it takes, I guess.

[NastyBoy]

Defense and bullpen will be the death of this team.

[REDSEER]

Defense and bullpen will be the death of this team.
It seems like it's been that way all year long....

[flynn78]

Flynn, go over to the ORG thread...it is hysterical. A month ago I was complaining about how much I hated Hatte and I got jumped by a bunch of ORG members, telling me how his OBP was phenomenal. Now people hate him and nothing is said about how he can work a pitcher and the like. Exactly what that crazy thread is saying...the ORG and Reds Live threads are eerily similar. ORG is one big complaint forum right now and it's just us down here in the bowels of Reds Live.
Can't bear the wrath of "the powers that be";). But it is a bit testy in there.

[NastyBoy]

This game is over, and it's the bullpen's fault.

What does Shackleford possibly give you except more runs allowed?

Put in Germano.

Defense is not of much help...

[flynn78]

Defense and bullpen will be the death of this team.
or me

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

has anyone else had problems with fox with a real jiggly camera for about the past 5 or 6 games now???

[saboforthird]

If I was Narron I would have replaced EVERY player on the infield that I could have, when taking out Shackelford. Embarassing. At this point in time, unless Narron is able to suddenly get the defense to "click" (which I doubt Narron has the ability to do), the Reds will be heading south real fast.

[REDSEER]

Germano rolls the 5-2-3 DP......Hatte with the nice scoop at first

[flynn78]

has anyone else had problems with fox with a real jiggly camera for about the past 5 or 6 games now???
Noticed that too Butler. I'm getting seasick from that and I'm not doing too well with what is on the field.

[edabbs44]

Can't bear the wrath of "the powers that be";). But it is a bit testy in there.
This thread is a classic example of what was spoken about in the deep breath thread. I got destroyed and now it seems like there are others who have the same feelings I had a while back. No destruction happening up in the luxury boxes.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45506&highlight=hatte

[saboforthird]

Noticed that too Butler. I'm getting seasick from that and I'm not doing too well with what is on the field.

You all HAD to mention that, and now I can't ignore it. Ugh.

[NastyBoy]

Germano rolls the 5-2-3 DP......Hatte with the nice scoop at first

Hatte can pick it pretty well with the glove...

[flynn78]

Somebody needs to take hold and have a closed clubhouse meeting tomorrow. They need to get it in gear and a veteran needs to rile things up.

[NastyBoy]

Germano has a good debut... maybe we found our middle relief help.

[REDSEER]

Germano impresses in getting out of the bases loaded jam.....7-3 after 7....We might be onto something here with bringing minor league arms to the bullpen

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

whats with the reds catchers holding the gloves behind the batters ears or practically standing behind the plate-seems like they are all doing that this year

[flynn78]

This thread is a classic example of what was spoken about in the deep breath thread. I got destroyed and now it seems like there are others who have the same feelings I had a while back. No destruction happening up in the luxury boxes.

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45506&highlight=hatte
You are close to the call to ORG ED, don't forget us down here.;)

[Jr's Boy]

Germano in ,White adios.:bash:

[REDSEER]

Germano in ,White adios.:bash:
Not necessarily......although White has been straight up horrible in his past outings, he is still probably a short relief guy, while Germano is a long relief and will most likely end up in the mop up role that Belisle had...what I really wish would happen is that we would DFA White and bring up Shafer, the closer, from Chattanooga, who is having a great year so far.

[NastyBoy]

You are close to the call to ORG ED, don't forget us down here.;)

The senior circuit is waiting... ;)

Hatte had a HR opening day and then went what seems like month with maybe 2 RBIs... not sure what his OPS or OBA was.

[REDSEER]

and the first pitch from Kent Mercker to Jacque Jones is gonna beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...................... .................gone.......darn it

[flynn78]

Mercker continues to be overmatched. HR JJ 8-3

[NastyBoy]

Looks like the cubs hitters are getting fat on reds pitching.

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

I miss Ryan Wagner ... the good one.

[REDSEER]

Looks like the cubs hitters are getting fat on reds pitching.
Seriously, though, who doesn't?

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

someone help me be optimistic-i want this team to turn it around but i dont see a light at the end of the tunnel--our defense is 3 stooge like,our bullpen is 80% poopoo,our offense is jekyl-hyde 8 runs one game,0 the next 2--we make every crappy team look like world series champs...yet pujols seems to win every game for st. louis singlehandedly...weve lost about 8 games in the standings in the last 3 weeks, keep thinking if we could get an 6 out of 8 stretch going we'd be ok but dont see that happening---where's the positives

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

someone help me be optimistic ... where's the positives

Jimmy Haynes pitches for his local softball all-stars instead of in Cincinnati?


I'm trying ...

[edabbs44]

The senior circuit is waiting... ;)

Hatte had a HR opening day and then went what seems like month with maybe 2 RBIs... not sure what his OPS or OBA was.
Hatte has no business playing more than once or twice a week. I guess OBP doesn't hold up when you do nothing else...the ORG thread hates Hatte and I haven't seen one mention about him working the count, walking etc.
Mercker is very close to permanent mop up duty, if he's not there already.
Q is a disaster.
White is worse.
Hammond, IMO, is awful. He's had a nice run, but he'll be back. Just wait.
LaRue is useless this year, esp when you figure his salary into the equation. Ross is the only catcher I have no problems with right now.
RA is overused, esp when Narron hits him cleanup. It is a sad state of affairs when he is your 4 hitter.

[NastyBoy]

someone help me be optimistic-i want this team to turn it around but i dont see a light at the end of the tunnel--our defense is 3 stooge like,our bullpen is 80% poopoo,our offense is jekyl-hyde 8 runs one game,0 the next 2--we make every crappy team look like world series champs...yet pujols seems to win every game for st. louis singlehandedly...weve lost about 8 games in the standings in the last 3 weeks, keep thinking if we could get an 6 out of 8 stretch going we'd be ok but dont see that happening---where's the positives

On a positive note... starting pitching has been pretty decent. Defensively... Griffey and CF and Kearns in RF have been solid. Hatte shows some good glove work over at 1B... and Richie A is our best defensive player at any infield position.

Big Positive: Club record for errors is 314... and I don't think we have a chance that record... but who knows.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

argh!!!!!!!!! to see each batter seemingly watch at least 2 pitches go right down the middle then normally swing at one in the dirt...............:bang:

[flynn78]

someone help me be optimistic-i want this team to turn it around but i dont see a light at the end of the tunnel--our defense is 3 stooge like,our bullpen is 80% poopoo,our offense is jekyl-hyde 8 runs one game,0 the next 2--we make every crappy team look like world series champs...yet pujols seems to win every game for st. louis singlehandedly...weve lost about 8 games in the standings in the last 3 weeks, keep thinking if we could get an 6 out of 8 stretch going we'd be ok but dont see that happening---where's the positives

This team needs a wakeup call plain and simple. If it does happen then things will change. The light at the end of the tunnel is that we have a FO that is committed to winning and not commited to competeing and covering its tail. Time, unfortunately is what this team needs and there is not much during the season. This offseason will be big. It is hard to see, but we are headed in the right direction. It will just take longer than we want.

[RedsFanBrooklyn]

I like Kearns' arm in right ... I can see why he was considered a plus outfield prospect and not just a good hitter.

[REDSEER]

And Narron decides to pinch hit Larue.....sometimes I think that Narron is the biggest problem with this team.....

[NastyBoy]

Kearns show moments of brilliance at the plate... But I am always wondering about the collision at teh plate a couple of years ago and if he will ever be the same.

[flynn78]

Kearns show moments of brilliance at the plate... But I am always wondering about the collision at teh plate a couple of years ago and if he will ever be the same.
Agreed Nasty. He has never been the same.

[BUTLER REDSFAN]

i never got into all the womack hating that went on at the beginning of the season...he played for some good teams last few years and i figured he still had some gas in the tank...lotta posters new and old both bashing him yet he is handing it to us this series...seems like he's on base or making something happen each at bat

[flynn78]

Cubs win 8-3. Thanks for keeping a Live game thread alive.

[OldRightHander]

Cubs win 8-3. Thanks for keeping a Live game thread alive.

That's easier than keeping my hopes for this season alive.

[NastyBoy]

i never got into all the womack hating that went on at the beginning of the season...he played for some good teams last few years and i figured he still had some gas in the tank...lotta posters new and old both bashing him yet he is handing it to us this series...seems like he's on base or making something happen each at bat

I never bashed him... he seems to be helping the cubbies win.