Break Out the Brooms! Reds @ Astros Game Thread - REDS WIN!

[reds44]

Reds:
Freel
Lopez
Griffey
Dunn
The Hat
Kearns
Valentin
EE
Ramirez

Astros:
Biggio
Burke
Berkman
Ensberg
Wilson
Ausmus
Lane
Bruntlett
Oswalt

Why oh why is EE batting 8th???


Reds-Astros Preview

After a rough start to a grueling road trip, Cincinnati seems to have reversed its fortunes.

The Reds try for their second road series sweep of the season when they wrap up a three-game set with the slumping Houston Astros Sunday at Minute Maid Park.

Cincinnati (31-24) won its third straight game on Saturday, beating the Astros 7-5. After consecutive losses to the Chicago Cubs, the Reds have bounced back to improve to 3-2 on a 10-day, nine-game road trip, their longest of the season.

Cincinnati has outscored its opponents 24-10 after being outscored 15-6 in the first two games of its trip.

The Reds' other road sweep this season came April 24-26 in a three-game set at Washington.

Bronson Arroyo pitched six strong innings and went 3-for-3 with a career-high four RBIs in Saturday's win. Ken Griffey Jr. added a solo home run, the 544th of his career, for the Reds, who got six hits, six RBIs and three runs from the last three batters in their order in the first six innings.

Elizardo Ramirez (2-4, 4.11 ERA) will look to give the Reds a quality outing in the series finale. He gave up four runs and a career-high nine hits in six innings of Monday's 7-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs.

Ramirez is 1-4 with a 4.33 ERA in his last five starts.

''He's a young guy who's come in and done a decent job for us,'' manager Jerry Narron said. ''He's got to be able to pitch, got to be able to locate his pitches. He's done a good job for us. We don't have any complaints. We feel like he's going to give us a good outing when he's out there.''

Ramirez made his only career start against the Astros on April 30, allowing three runs and six hits - including two homers - in six innings of a 3-2 defeat.

Houston will counter with Roy Oswalt (5-3, 3.11), who allowed seven hits in six scoreless innings but did not receive a decision in the Astros' 3-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. He left the game because of tightness in his right hamstring, but a team off day on Thursday gave him an extra day to recover.

Oswalt threw a full bullpen session on Friday and said he felt okay.

''I wasn't 100 percent, but it was a lot better than I thought it would be,'' he said.

Oswalt is 0-2 over his last five starts despite earning a 3.52 ERA over that span. He has been tough against the Reds, going 15-1 with a 2.51 ERA in 20 career appearances against them.

The Astros (27-29) have dropped three straight games and 20 of their last 28. Eric Bruntlett, who has hit safely in his last six games, doubled in a run Saturday.

The Astros, who left 10 batters on base, are two games below .500 for the first time this season. They were 10 games above .500 at 19-9 on May 4.

''We seem to get in a state of panic when we don't score runs,'' manager Phil Garner said. ''We get them on base and then we stall - seems like we've been doing it for the last 10 or 11 days.''

[Matt700wlw]

Where's Phillips?

I hope he didn't tweak somthing.....then again, you can't play 2 second basemen..:D

[wheels]

He fould that pitch off his knee or whatever the other night.

He's resting, I presume.

[Falls City Beer]

As long as Rich is out of the lineup, I'm okay.

[PickOff]

Freel's at second?

[redsrule2500]

Oswalt...let's get him again.

[Wheelhouse]

As long as Rich is out of the lineup, I'm okay.
Pfah.

[RBA]

As long as Rich is out of the lineup, I'm okay.

Yup, that error RA made yesterday cost the Reds 2 runs. Luckily the Reds overcame that and scored more runs. It would of gotten ugly in here, if the Reds ended up losing that game due to errors by RA and EE. EE is young and has upside, RA is old and his days are numbered.

[dsmith421]

Yup, that error RA made yesterday cost the Reds 2 runs. Luckily the Reds overcame that and scored more runs. It would of gotten ugly in here, if the Reds ended up losing that game due to errors by RA and EE. EE is young and has upside, RA is old and his days are numbered.

B..b...b...but veteran leadership! RISP! (head explodes)

[Matt700wlw]

Just announced....Oswald is NOT starting...

Fernado Neive (sp?) is!!

Marty has the goo.. :lol:

[rdiersin]

I thought the whole reason we got BP was because of some spring training home run off Oswalt.;) Now he's sitting today.

EDIT: That explains it, Matt. :)

[Matt700wlw]

I thought the whole reason we got BP was because of some spring training home run off Oswalt.;) Now he's sitting today.

So is Oswalt.

[reds44]

OSWALT IS NOT STARTING!!!!!

wooooooooooo!

[Matt700wlw]

Alex Madrid, anyone?

:yikes:

[LoganBuck]

Yippee!

[CTA513]

Just announced....Oswald is NOT starting...

Fernado Neive (sp?) is!!

Marty has the goo.. :lol:

Nieve was supposed to start yesterday but they had Pettitte take his spot.

[Matt700wlw]

Phil Garner tying to throw a chink in the Reds armor, not announcing this until game time.

Dirty devil, is he...

[Matt700wlw]

In other news, the Reds get Chris Carpenter on Tuesday, fresh off the DL....

[RBA]

Oswalt has back spasms.

[reds44]

In other news, the Reds get Chris Carpenter on Tuesday, fresh off the DL....
:bang:

[RBA]

Nieve has a 6.06 ERA at home.

[LincolnparkRed]

Quick note Timo Perez starting for STL today. Guess he got that visa situation resolved

[Matt700wlw]

Griffey thought he had that one....stupid deep center field :)

[reds44]

Freaking Minute Maid.

[OnBaseMachine]

That's why I hate when hitters swing at 3-0. It seems like Reds hitters never do anything in that situation.

[Matt700wlw]

Lizard needs to get his pitches down....he's playing Russian Roulette right now.

[Matt700wlw]

That works too :D

[Matt700wlw]

In other news, Cubs up 1-0 in the first

[Gallen5862]

what happened? Does anyone have the pbp for the inning?

[Matt700wlw]

what happened? Does anyone have the pbp for the inning?

You poor soul...can't see or hear any of these games.

You haven't missed anything yet.

[RBA]

Hat grounds one of his patented dp balls (if there was someone on first) to the SS for 1 out.

Kearns up.

[RBA]

Kearns HIT!

[Matt700wlw]

That was loud.

[RBA]

Kearns left hand was hit hard. Gardner is crying that it hit the bat.

[RBA]

Valentin is up.

[RBA]

Valentin skys one to LF for an out. 2 outs. 1 on.

[Matt700wlw]

Marty saying Jerry Narron is getting tired of EE's lack of defense and has said something to him about it.

A threat of sorts....:eek:

[RBA]

Edwin "why is he batting 8th" Encarncion flys out to right. 3 down.

[Matt700wlw]

That didn't take long...Ensberg smoked that one.

[RBA]

Ensberg makes it 1-0 Astros with a dinger.

[SirFelixCat]

As said yesterday, outside of Ensberg and Berkman, this lineup is gravy...just be careful to those two and you're golden.

[Aronchis]

Marty saying Jerry Narron is getting tired of EE's lack of defense and has said something to him about it.

A threat of sorts....:eek:

Jerry better watch it, he is nothing more than a scab of the old regime.

[reds44]

Ramirez has an impressive swing.

[OnBaseMachine]

Freel homers!

That should be three this week.

[reds44]

I love the Crawford Boxes!!!!

[Matt700wlw]

:freel:

:jump:

[reds44]

Junior singles

[WebScorpion]

Ramirez has an impressive swing.

He's no Arroyo.;)

This Nieve is very hittable...I expect the Lizard to get plenty of run support. :thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

Fernando up to 55 pitches thru 3

[reds44]

Dunn K's

[traderumor]

Marty saying Jerry Narron is getting tired of EE's lack of defense and has said something to him about it.

A threat of sorts....:eek:What did he say, hurry up and get older? Hurry up and get more experience? With that said, he needs to lose that side arm throw on routine plays to first, too erratic form of throwing.

[RBA]

Great play by EE.

[Matt700wlw]

What did he say, hurry up and get older? Hurry up and get more experience? With that said, he needs to lose that side arm throw on routine plays to first, too erratic form of throwing.

I have no idea, but EE just made a nice play.

[reds44]

EE wowza

[reds44]

K

[CTA513]

Marty saying Jerry Narron is getting tired of EE's lack of defense and has said something to him about it.

A threat of sorts....:eek:


I think he needs to stop throwing side arm.
Yesterday he threw it side arm and the ball sailed on him.

[reds44]

I think he needs to stop throwing side arm.
Yesterday he threw it side arm and the ball sailed on him.
EE's defense isn't that much worse then Felipe's.

He is 23, he'll learn. Narron needs to teach him, not bust him out.

[Matt700wlw]

:kearns:

:jump:

[reds44]

Ears!!!!

[flyer85]

Dunn K'son a pitch that was at least 3-4 inches outside yet the umps rings it up

[M2]

Burke put the meat tenderizer on Ramirez with an 11-pitch AB and now Berkman's walked on six pitches. If the Astros have a pounce in them, this would be the time to show it.

[Tony Cloninger]

Maybe Narron just told EE that he is tired of turning his head and feeling ill...every time a ball is hit at him. Maybe it worked.

Is he not allowed to tell EE that his defense could be better...even despite his age. I think Narron would tolerate the fact EE might get into hitting slumps more than him not improving his defense. I am sure they have discussed and tried working on his footwork and the way he throws. Maybe EE is frustrating them by not improving.

Glad to see AK did not get something broken on his previous HBP.

[M2]

Elizardo tries to pick off Berkman at 1B. Why? Does he think Lance is going somewhere?

And now we've got a balk call. Settle down son.

[reds44]

4 IP, 1 ER, 66 pitches for Elizardo.

Astros only have 2 hits.

[M2]

Maybe Narron just told EE that he is tired of turning his head and feeling ill...every time a ball is hit at him. Maybe it worked.

Is he not allowed to tell EE that his defense could be better...even despite his age. I think Narron would tolerate the fact EE might get into hitting slumps more than him not improving his defense. I am sure they have discussed and tried working on his footwork and the way he throws. Maybe EE is frustrating them by not improving.

Glad to see AK did not get something broken on his previous HBP.

He's not going to improve overnight. Reasonably what you should be hoping for is that he's better in the second half of the season than in the first.

I think it's fine to set an expectation for where his defense needs to be, but folks inside the baseball world (IMO) are sometimes quick to read inexperience as a personal defect and I certainly hope that isn't done in the case of Encarnacion. He's too talented (in the field as well as at the plate) for the team to have any other view on this outside of being resolved to work through it.

[KronoRed]

Good lineup today except 7 and 8 need to be flipped.

[Tony Cloninger]

I understand that M2....... and i have confidence EE will not get lazy or try to slide by on his natural talents, unlike Willie Green, but it seems like whenever any manager or coach has something to say about certain players.....it's a call to arms to tell said manager/coach to shut up and leave that player alone. Some players need some tough love maybe.

[Tony Cloninger]

This place is deader than a Kevin Federline concert.

[Matt700wlw]

Lizard having problems...

[Tony Cloninger]

Damien Easley hit 3 HR's yesterday in Game 2 of a DH vs the Braves....he just hit a 3-run homer against Chris "Better than a Bong" Reitsma..... in the ninth to make it 8-3 AZ.

Yanks are losing 10-1 in Bottome of 7th.... It is a good day so far today.

[reds44]

Nice.

Need a dp now.

[M2]

I understand that M2....... and i have confidence EE will not get lazy or try to slide by on his natural talents, unlike Willie Green, but it seems like whenever any manager or coach has something to say about certain players.....it's a call to arms to tell said manager/coach to shut up and leave that player alone. Some players need some tough love maybe.

I agree with you. EdE in particular seems to thrive under those circumstances. He strikes me as a guy who puts a lot of pressure on himself to succeed (which is probably why he's a major league 3B at age 23) and tough love probably feeds into his natural tendencies.

Though to be honest, when Marty starts talking about EdE I don't get the sense it's done as reporting that Narron's showing Encarnacion some tough love, I take it as Marty's way of saying, "See, I told you this kid isn't so great." I can't imagine Marty likes the crow diet EdE's been feeding him this season. If I were a coach, I'd compile Marty's greatest busts on the kid and let Edwin hear them. That might make an excellent motivator.

[Matt700wlw]

Nobody throwing in the bullpen....

That's a mistake.

[Matt700wlw]

Now there is....the next to be DFA'd is warming up....

[Matt700wlw]

GRIFF!!!!!!!!!

Holy crap!!!!!!

[reds44]

JUNIOR!!!!

omg!!!!

[StillFunkyB]

Wow!

[KronoRed]

00?

[StillFunkyB]

I just wish that I could have seen it, maybe TBS will show it...

[Matt700wlw]

Griffey's back, folks. Griffey's back!! :cool:

[RBA]

Jr Tells His Bashers To Shut Up! Or maybe he needs people to light a fire underneath him?

[penantboundreds]

griff covered a lot of ground on that ball, i mean a lot of ground

[Matt700wlw]

Griffey give a big one finger salute to those who doubt.

[M2]

Got to be honest, I thought Jr. made that look a lot harder than it was.

Meanwhile, Ramirez gets a huge K on Burke. He did not need to see Berkman that inning.

[Aronchis]

Please, that wasn't that impressive. Mercy, anytime the guy makes a catch that doesn't look routine, you go nuts.

[KronoRed]

Got to be honest, I thought Jr. made that look a lot harder than it was.
Edmonds? :devil:

[reds44]

Big pitch by ELizardo to K him.

2-2 to the 6th

[Matt700wlw]

Please, that wasn't that impressive.

Neither is your post.

[reds44]

Please, that wasn't that impressive. Mercy, anytime the guy makes a catch that doesn't look routine, you go nuts.
:|

[Matt700wlw]

That was a pitiful at bat, Adam.

[StillFunkyB]

I am happy anytime Jr makes good plays in CF, and I would rather have Griffey out there in CF than not out there at all.

I still think, IMHO, that this team would be better off with Freel in CF, Griffey in LF, and Dunn at 1B.

[OnBaseMachine]

Can't blame that one on the umps; Dunn just took three straight right down the middle.

[Aronchis]

Neither is your post.

Neither is the constant fanfare over the guy.

[RBA]

Looked impressive to me. I guess if you take out your slide rule and calculate the the speed and trajectory of the flight of the ball with Jr. speed and path to the ball, it might not look impressive to you.

[Matt700wlw]

Neither is the constant fanfare over the guy.

When he deserves it, I give it. When he doesn't, I don't.

[Matt700wlw]

Looked impressive to me. I guess if you take out your slide rule and calculate the the speed and trajectory of the flight of the bal with Jr. speed and path to the ball, it might not look impressive to you.

Denorfia would have done summersaults across the field and caught the ball, and rolled up onto his feet like he planned it.

[reds44]

Darth Kearns!!!

[Matt700wlw]

:kearns:

:jump:

[StillFunkyB]

Ears!!!

[KronoRed]

Go Austin :clap:

[RFS62]

Ear shot

[Matt700wlw]

Marty saying Jerry was going to sit Kearns today...Kearns talked him out of it.

[RBA]

Denorfia would have done summersaults across the field and caught the ball, and rolled up onto his feet like he planned it.

All while eating a 6 dollar burger without spilling any of the contents of it on the ground.

[KronoRed]

Javy hot on Larues tail for the plummeting bat avg ;)

[M2]

Looked impressive to me. I guess if you take out your slide rule and calculate the the speed and trajectory of the flight of the ball with Jr. speed and path to the ball, it might not look impressive to you.

It's really more of an eyeball thing for me. His legs move slow and he doesn't get a good push on his strides anymore. It's almost like he's trying to pull himself forward with his front foot rather than rocketing off his back foot.

[George Foster]

Marty saying Jerry was going to sit Kearns today...Kearns talked him out of it.

Kind of like the 3rd game against the Brewers when we had a chance to sweep. He sat Lopez and Dunn when the next day was a travel day. His bat is heating up...way up...Why would you even consider sitting him?

[Matt700wlw]

It's really more of an eyeball thing for me. His legs move slow and he doesn't get a good push on his strides anymore. It's almost like he's trying to pull himself forward with his front foot rather than rocketing off his back foot.

He caught it. Had he missed it, we wouldn't hear the end of it.

[George Foster]

Cards put up a 3-spot against the Cubs, lead 6-5 in 5th .

[Aronchis]

He caught it. Had he missed it, we wouldn't hear the end of it.

Nah, we just would have said he doesn't cover much ground, which is the truth.

[M2]

He caught it. Had he missed it, we wouldn't hear the end of it.

I'm glad he caught it. Honestly, I wouldn't have said a word about it if others hadn't held it up as an example of good defense. IMO, most CFs get to that without nearly as much trouble as Jr. had there, therefore I don't consider it to be an exemplary defensive play.

[Matt700wlw]

Nah, we just would have said he doesn't cover much ground, which is the truth.

I can't argue that, but I think he, at times, covers more than some people want to give him credit for.

[KronoRed]

ER rolls on.

[RBA]

I'm glad he caught it. Honestly, I wouldn't have said a word about it if others hadn't held it up as an example of good defense. IMO, most CFs get to that without nearly as much trouble as Jr. had there, therefore I don't consider it to be an exemplary defensive play.


Can't agree with you that most CF's get to it.

[Matt700wlw]

Can't agree with you that most CF's get to it.

He got to it. He just made an ESPN highlight reel in the process :D

[reds44]

6 IP, 3 H, 2 ER for EZ.

QS

[Matt700wlw]

Q-tip batting under .200

[Joseph]

Q can't be off this team fast enough.

[KronoRed]

Q-tip batting under .200
He Jason and Javy are working hard at it ;)

[StillFunkyB]

What's really sad is that it's a Sunday afternoon in June, and there is no baseball on TV (at least here in Florida).

[M2]

Can't agree with you that most CF's get to it.

No way to prove it either way, but I can tell you that if a kid ran like that in a track tryout he'd be put in with the distance runners and not the sprinters.

[Matt700wlw]

What's really sad is that it's a Sunday afternoon in June, and there is no baseball on TV (at least here in Florida).

Cubs on WGN :D

[RBA]

No way to prove it either way, but I can tell you that if a kid ran like that in a track tryout he'd be put in with the distance runners and not the sprinters.


Maybe you would prefer Deion Sanders? If you think speed is the only tool for outfield. But you know that already.

He got a good jump on the ball, took the right route, and timed his diving leap at the right time.

[StillFunkyB]

Cubs on WGN :D

Maybe you misunderstood me, I said BASEBALL :evil:

[KronoRed]

Yeah..what he said :lol:

[George Foster]

What's really sad is that it's a Sunday afternoon in June, and there is no baseball on TV (at least here in Florida).

you need the MLB package on the internet. Money well spent.:thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

Hammond has been money!

Hammond for closer!! :D

[StillFunkyB]

Hammond's ERA is under 5? When did that happen?

[KronoRed]

Ship him out before he goes back to normal ;)

[StillFunkyB]

you need the MLB package on the internet. Money well spent.:thumbup:

I was thinking of doing that, but I am usually in hotels. Sometimes it's a decent connection, but usually it's not very reliable.

[StillFunkyB]

Ok, Dunn needs to launch one here...

[OnBaseMachine]

Ugly swings by Dunn. Rough day.

[StillFunkyB]

Ok, Dunn needs to launch one here...

Ok, maybe not. Going for the sombrero... :bang:

[Matt700wlw]

Ok, Dunn needs to launch one here...

He has to hit it first.

[George Foster]

I was thinking of doing that, but I am usually in hotels. Sometimes it's a decent connection, but usually it's not very reliable.

What about Red Roof Inn? I once saw a commercial about Red Roof Inn on Foxsports Ohio...they look pretty nice.:laugh:

[KronoRed]

Ugly swings by Dunn. Rough day.
He's the worst baseball player in history

(getting that in early :D )

[Matt700wlw]

Weathers in...


Not sure if this is good or bad...I guess we'll see

[George Foster]

Weathers in...


Not sure if this is good or bad.

thunderstorm warning just issued for the Houston Metro area:thumbdown

[StillFunkyB]

Weathers in...


Not sure if this is good or bad...I guess we'll see

Leadoff single, It's not looking good so far...

[Matt700wlw]

Weathers just screwed that up....he's going to blow this, I fear.

[redsrule2500]

Weathers is reaslly sucking it up. He gives up a run every outing now.

[Matt700wlw]

Excellent... :rolleyes:

[KronoRed]

:bang:

[reds44]

Weathers is awesome.

[Matt700wlw]

He's pretty much sucked lately (except last night)

[George Foster]

Weathers just screwed that up....he's going to blow this, I fear.

How did he score from second? Kearns can't make every play. Still had a great series.

[flyer85]

Weathers missed an easy out at 2nd on the bunt and it costs the Reds and with Berkman there is more coming

[KronoRed]

Hammond gets better as Weathers starts to stink

It's a bullpen curse, the curse of Gullett

[redsrule2500]

How did he score from second? Kearns can't make every play. Still had a great series.

Can't blow a lead.

[reds44]

Good start by EZ blown by us (as usual).

[StillFunkyB]

I remember the good ol days when the Reds pen was one of the best in the league.

You know, just a couple of seasons ago...

[Matt700wlw]

How did he score from second? Kearns can't make every play. Still had a great series.

Weathers could have thrown the runner out at second on the bunt, but did not throw it.

That run would not have scored on Burke's single had he done what he should have done.

This is all on Stormy...

[KronoRed]

I remember the good ol days when the Reds pen was one of the best in the league.

You know, just a couple of seasons ago...
But our starters sucked that year, it's a curse

[Topcat]

Tough crowd in here today ;)

[George Foster]

I smell extra innings on a "get-away day" no one likes that, especially Marty.

[Matt700wlw]

I smell extra innings on a "get-away day" no one likes that, especially Marty.

Nah...he doesn't like rain delays...or double headers :)

[flyer85]

Weathers could have thrown the runner out at second on the bunt, but did not throw it.it wouldn't even have been a close play. Lamb is slow and the play was right in from of him. Lamb would have been out by 10 feet.

[M2]

Maybe you would prefer Deion Sanders? If you think speed is the only tool for outfield. But you know that already.

He got a good jump on the ball, took the right route, and timed his diving leap at the right time.

I agree he did all of those things. Unfortunately sports is a cruel business. You can do everything right, but if you're slow then it's just compensating for ability.

Think about it this way: He did everything right and he barely got there. That's the play as a I saw it.

[flyer85]

hopefully the Stros just returned a favor, maybe the Reds will take advantage

[reds44]

There's a break.

[StillFunkyB]

E - 6...

Make 'em pay Kearns!

[Matt700wlw]

Mercker warming up :help:

[KronoRed]

Coffey? Please? :(

[captainmorgan07]

whats goin on gameday is slow

[RFS62]

Think about it this way: He did everything right and he barely got there. That's the play as a I saw it.



Yeah, me too. He put out a maximum effort with what he's got. He's running as hard as he ever did, just not getting there as fast.

[flyer85]

Mercker warming up :help:guess it also shows how much confidence Narron has in his RH relievers left not named Coffey

[StillFunkyB]

Hatte reached on error, and Kearns popped up, 1 out.

[KronoRed]

That guy stinks :D

[Matt700wlw]

Coffey? Please? :(

He's warming too...hopefully the Reds get the lead here

[max venable]

Boy oh boy...did we have it made with the Nasty Boys or what? Those dudes made it a 6-inning game every day.

Nowadays...well...we don't even have a bullpen.

[StillFunkyB]

Single by Javy

[Tony Cloninger]

I do remember everyone in RZ writing about how the Reds could always develop relief pitchers...or they always seemed to sign the right cast off who happens to have a career year (Ruffin, Carrasco) or years (Shaw. Brantley) But for the last 2-3 years it's been all bad..... but now it is the bullpen that is worse. Is this progress? :D

[Matt700wlw]

EE can be the hero...

[StillFunkyB]

0-2 on EE now...

[StillFunkyB]

So, 2 on with one down (1st, and 2nd)

[max venable]

Yeah...supposedly the bullpen problems had been addressed in the offseason...Hammonds, Mercker, whatever.

The pen is B-A-D, bad! If we had a pen, we'd be in first place.

[StillFunkyB]

EE K's, 2 down. RA PH..

[Matt700wlw]

Yeah...supposedly the bullpen problems had been addressed in the offseason...Hammonds, Mercker, whatever.

The pen is B-A-D, bad! If we had a pen, we'd be in first place.

Right now, Hammond isn't a concern of mine.

[StillFunkyB]

Phillips gonna PR for Hatte at 2nd.

[StillFunkyB]

Aurilia ahead 3-1....

[StillFunkyB]

called strike...full count....Freel on deck

[OnBaseMachine]

Aurilia is worthless.

That ball bounced up there.

[Matt700wlw]

If Mercker is coming in I'm going to hide under the table and fear the worst.

[reds44]

scrappy

[WVRedsFan]

Those last two pitches were balls four and five to Rich.

That hurts.

[RBA]

Aurilia swings on ball 4. He was guessing because he's too old too catch up to the heater.

[StillFunkyB]

RA K's to end the inning...tied at 3

[Matt700wlw]

Aurilia is worthless.


Yeah. Ok.

[KronoRed]

Pray for the pen :pray:

[Spitball]

Lidge had to make a ton of pitches that inning. Gotta' hope we're going out for the tenth.

[flyer85]

This is not a shot at RA ... he had a walkd but Lidge didn't throw a strike in that entire AB.

[WVRedsFan]

If Mercker is coming in I'm going to hide under the table and fear the worst.

And you won't with Coffey? :)

Right now, I wouldn't bet the farm on any of our relievers. They all seem to fit the same pattern. Pitch an inning and give up a run.

[Joseph]

Mercker in to seal the loss.

[flyer85]

BTW, I noticed Simpson is up with the Brewers

[Matt700wlw]

And you won't with Coffey? :)

Right now, I wouldn't bet the farm on any of our relievers. They all seem to fit the same pattern. Pitch an inning and give up a run.

I may fear anyway, but I won't hide.

[Matt700wlw]

This is not a shot at RA ... he had a walkd but Lidge didn't throw a strike in that entire AB.

strike 2 looked a little high....

[flyer85]

Astros have a bunch of righties and Narron brings in Mercker. I guess WHite, Yan and Germano are for mopup

[StillFunkyB]

Why in the hell do you bring in a LHP to face 3 straight righties?

[redsrule2500]

Wow why do you think Mercker is so bad, he's a solid pitcher.

1 out.

[WVRedsFan]

Mercker in to seal the loss.
Narron is a "pattern manager." He goes with the same bullpen lneup regardless. Only difference today was we didn't see Hammond and we'll see Mercker. Coffey comes on if we get the lead.

FWIW, I don't guess it matters much anyway.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow why do you think Mercker is so bad, he's a solid pitcher.

1 out.

Since coming off the DL, he's been rocked.

Today...so far, so good.

[flyer85]

strike 2 looked a little high....it was definitely inside and should have been ball four

[Matt700wlw]

Narron is a "pattern manager." He goes with the same bullpen lneup regardless. Only difference today was we didn't see Hammond and we'll see Mercker. Coffey comes on if we get the lead.

FWIW, I don't guess it matters much anyway.

Hammond pitched a perfect inning.

[Joseph]

Absolutely right WV, I just remember what we've seen his last 3 outings and its disheartening.

[flyer85]

Since coming off the DL, he's been rocked.

Today...so far, so good.given up an HR in each appearance

[WVRedsFan]

Hammond pitched a perfect inning.

I know. I just fear the return to the earlier Hammond. It's coming.

[redsrule2500]

Nice inning for Mercker!

[Joseph]

Wow, color me impressed.

[OnBaseMachine]

Good inning.

[redsrule2500]

I know. I just fear the return to the earlier Hammond. It's coming.

Hooooooray for positive thinking. :thumbup:

[Spitball]

Why in the hell do you bring in a LHP to face 3 straight righties?
His change is real tough on right handers.

[StillFunkyB]

Wow, color me impressed.

Same here...

[Matt700wlw]

Good job, Merck.

[flyer85]

Wow, color me impressed.Mercker has always been solid in his career. WIth his lack of innings on the season he needed to do a 3-4 outing rehab stint before they brought him back

[PickOff]

Why in the hell do you bring in a LHP to face 3 straight righties?

I'm not a big fan of "the book" in this case. Do you have a righty closer and a lefty closer? No. You have a closer. Same goes for a top setup guy, IMO. For the Reds, Weathers is the top setup guy, as was Coffee before, regardless of who is at the plate. Since Weathers was used and Coffee will be in for the save you go with your next best - Mercker, who has performed well in that role in the past.

[Joseph]

Same here...

Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Reds.

Just to bring them the win.

[Matt700wlw]

That was ball 4 - yet called strike 2

[Joseph]

Mercker has always been solid in his career. WIth his lack of innings on the season he needed to do a 3-4 outing rehab stint before they brought him back

No question. I just didn't want to roll the dice on him in a situation like this. I'm not advocating getting rid of him or anything of the sort, I know he has been solid in the past.

[redsrule2500]

Ryan Freel gets on base

[Matt700wlw]

Freel walks on ball 5, which balances out Dunn's 3 ball walk a while back.

[flyer85]

Nice AB from Freel. That was how he hit early in the year

[flyer85]

I would not bunt

[redsrule2500]

Why bunt?!

[flyer85]

if the bunt is successful someone will get pitched around anyway, is that really what Narron wants

[Matt700wlw]

Hopefully Dunn doesn't bunt :)

[KronoRed]

Stop with the bunting :dunno:

[KronoRed]

Ok for every 5 pick off attempts it should count as a ball.

[Matt700wlw]

See..why bunt?

Lopez!!

[CrackerJack]

Felipe! nice.....

[flyer85]

good thing Felipe couldn't bunt

[KronoRed]

Bunts suck :D

[Matt700wlw]

Junior getting passed.....

[CTA513]

lol some of these Reds hitters can look so bad in an at bat then end up getting a hit.

:)

[Joseph]

FeLo!!

Griff with the IBB.

2 on, no out for Dunn.

[Matt700wlw]

Dunn is due...ESPECIALLY with RISP :D

[westofyou]

Quick question.

Are the Reds paying Freel to walk?

[PickOff]

Quick question.

Are the Reds paying Freel to walk?

Ask Marty.

[KronoRed]

Call a double steal.

[Matt700wlw]

Quick question.

Are the Reds paying Freel to walk?

As long as it's a scrappy walk.

[westofyou]

Ask Marty.
I prefer not to break the 4th wall with him.

[Spitball]

I'm not a big fan of "the book" in this case. Do you have a righty closer and a lefty closer? No. You have a closer. Same goes for a top setup guy, IMO. For the Reds, Weathers is the top setup guy, as was Coffee before, regardless of who is at the plate. Since Weathers was used and Coffee will be in for the save you go with your next best - Mercker, who has performed well in that role in the past.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?statsId=4441

Check out Merck's splits. He is tougher on righties. I tell you that change kills them.

[Matt700wlw]

Dunn strikes out for the 4th time.

Yeesh.

[PickOff]

I prefer not to break the 4th wall with him.

Fine, maintain your suspension of disbelief.

[KronoRed]

Trade him for cheese he's the worst ever

[westofyou]

http://www.educar.org/inventos/sombrero.jpg

[harangatang]

http://www.educar.org/inventos/sombrero.jpgThe good ol' golden sombrero. :beerme:

[redsrule2500]

The good ol' golden sombrero. :beerme:
???????????

[KronoRed]

Phillips also fails with RISP..but he's scrappy so he gets a pass ;)

[Matt700wlw]

Coffey...please do better than last night.

Thank you.

[reds44]

Javavavavava

[Matt700wlw]

The good ol' golden sombrero. :beerme:

Not usually something you cheer, but as long as there's beer involved, I'nm ok with it. :beerme: