Wild Card Breakdown/Scoreboard Watch

[Joseph]

National League
W L GB Left
Cincinnati 53 47 -- 62
Arizona 51 48 1.5 63
San Francisco 51 49 2.0 62
Milwaukee 48 53 5.5 61
Atlanta 47 52 5.5 63
Colorado 47 52 5.5 63
Florida 46 52 6.0 64
Houston 47 53 6.0 62
LA Dodgers 47 54 6.5 61
Philadelphia 44 53 7.5 65
Washington 44 56 9.0 62
Chi Cubs 39 61 14.0 62
Pittsburgh 36 66 18.0 60

Unless Houston goes on a tear over the next two weeks I think everyone below Florida is done. I think the Reds can finish off Milwaukee this weekend. I think Colorada is done as well.

That leaves San Francisco, Arizona, and Atlanta as threats to the Reds current lead in the WC. Of that trio, I only think Atlanta has a serious chance to challenge the team. Arizona doesn't have the starters, and San Fran is just too old. Atlanta has been there before and Cox probably won't let them fade.

Now granted, the Reds could fold and give away the playoff slot, but if things continue as is, I don't think anyone but Atlanta could overtake them.

Of course if the Reds play over their head against St. Louis in the first half of August they could potentially still win the division title, but I think the WC is the likliest scenario for making the play offs.

When do tickets go on sale? :)

Just rambling I know, but thought I'd ramble out loud.

[Falls City Beer]

National League
W L GB Left
Cincinnati 53 47 -- 62
Arizona 51 48 1.5 63
San Francisco 51 49 2.0 62
Milwaukee 48 53 5.5 61
Atlanta 47 52 5.5 63
Colorado 47 52 5.5 63
Florida 46 52 6.0 64
Houston 47 53 6.0 62
LA Dodgers 47 54 6.5 61
Philadelphia 44 53 7.5 65
Washington 44 56 9.0 62
Chi Cubs 39 61 14.0 62
Pittsburgh 36 66 18.0 60

Unless Houston goes on a tear over the next two weeks I think everyone below Florida is done. I think the Reds can finish off Milwaukee this weekend. I think Colorada is done as well.

That leaves San Francisco, Arizona, and Atlanta as threats to the Reds current lead in the WC. Of that trio, I only think Atlanta has a serious chance to challenge the team. Arizona doesn't have the starters, and San Fran is just too old. Atlanta has been there before and Cox probably won't let them fade.

Now granted, the Reds could fold and give away the playoff slot, but if things continue as is, I don't think anyone but Atlanta could overtake them.

Of course if the Reds play over their head against St. Louis in the first half of August they could potentially still win the division title, but I think the WC is the likliest scenario for making the play offs.

When do tickets go on sale? :)

Just rambling I know, but thought I'd ramble out loud.


The Reds are better than each team on that ledger with the exceptions of Atlanta and maybe Florida. Should be a fun couple of months.

[KronoRed]

We need to finish the Astros this week.

[howyoufreelin]

The Reds are better than each team on that ledger with the exceptions of Atlanta and maybe Florida. Should be a fun couple of months.

You don't think we're better than Florida?

[Falls City Beer]

You don't think we're better than Florida?

Maybe. But I wouldn't bet on it. Their top two pitchers stack up nicely to the Reds' top two. And a respectable argument could be made that their pitching is deeper than the Reds.

And while the Reds' offense is better, their young offense isn't all that far behind--and should only improve.

They'll certainly be better than the Reds next season, no doubt about that.

[princeton]

The Reds are better than each team on that ledger with the exceptions of Atlanta and maybe Florida. Should be a fun couple of months.

what's you do with the real FCB?

[Falls City Beer]

what's you do with the real FCB?

They are. That should be no great surprise.

I'd prefer to take out the Cards; but that's not going to happen.

[RBA]

what's you do with the real FCB?

The real FCB is out campaigning for Senator Santorum. :help:

[Ltlabner]

what's you do with the real FCB?

Oh wait, here he is....


I'd prefer to take out the Cards; but that's not going to happen.



They'll certainly be better than the Reds next season, no doubt about that.

There's our little ray o' sunshine.

[Falls City Beer]

The real FCB is out campaigning for Senator Santorum. :help:

Ack. God, those eyes! Eyes only a sociopath could love.

[Boston Red]

I'm not the overly pessimistic type, but I would absolutely agree with FCB that Florida will be better than the Reds next year (assuming two guys named Willis and Cabrera are still on the payroll). Florida should be a contender for the NL pennant next year.

[Ltlabner]

Thanks for doing the leg work Joseph.

If we can knock the Stros out this week and Milwaukee next that would be a big step in the right direction. That is for sure.

Certinally gives you a good picture that baringing an implosion we have a real shot at being in contention. I don't care what the doom and gloom crowd has to say, that my friends is exciting.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm not the overly pessimistic type, but I would absolutely agree with FCB that Florida will be better than the Reds next year (assuming two guys named Willis and Cabrera are still on the payroll). Florida should be a contender for the NL pennant next year.

Right. The Marlins' high end talent far outpaces the Reds high end talent. And roleplayers are cheap.

[Joseph]

The Bravos creep one game closer.

Fear. Fear. Fear.

Hopefully they'll win tonight and finish off the 'stros.

[redsfan30]

Sure is fun worrying about the standings in the last week of July, isn't it?

:)

[Joseph]

Sure is fun worrying about the standings in the last week of July, isn't it?

:)

Damn right it is. It's even nicer to feel like there is a legit chance and not just waiting for the fall.

[Ltlabner]

Sure is fun worrying about the standings in the last week of July, isn't it?

:jump:

Couldn't agree more.

[Jr's Boy]

We need to finish the Astros this week.
Yes lets hope the Lizard can pitch a good game.And Junior gets out of his funk.

[redsfan30]

I'm following all three of the afternoon games today here at work that have bearing on the Wild Card race.

I've got the Braves vs. Marlins on the tv, I'm listening to the Phillies and Diamondbacks on Gameday Audio and I'm following the Giants and Nationals on cbssportsline.com.

Ain't nothing like a pennant chase!

[Joseph]

Go Marlins, Phillies, and Nationals!

[crazybob60]

Call it a hunch, but a far-fetched one, but with the recent trades and acquisitions they have made and if they can get Patterson and Vidro to comeback to even maybe 80-90% and if they do not trade Soriano, I truly believe that the Nationals could make a legit run for it. Yes, I know that it is far-fetched, but hey, they did stack up pretty good on the offense, now if the injury bug would just stay away from them, they could do some damage.

Besides that, I really don't see Florida making a run, I just think that they are too young and inexperienced. Imagine if they did and just happened to win it? Do you think another Florida fire-sale would happen? Ha! J/K, just seems to always happen to them right after they win it all.

Also Atlanta and San Francisco are the only two that really seem to frighten me in that list as true legit ones to battle with. I think the Reds have a good shot as any of them to win the WC if not the division if they sweep the Cards in their next matchup.

I just have a good feeling about the Reds club this season, unlike the previous ones, the feeling that I had about them in 1999, lets just hope it doesn't end the same way!

[Spitball]

Some of these teams will soon decide to become sellers and will fall back further into the pack. Unfortunately, some of these teams will become buyers and could seperate themselves from the others. I hope the Reds are one of the latter.

[redsfan30]

Score updates:

Phillies 3 Diamondbacks 2 in the middle of the 6th
Giants 3 Nationals 3 in the bottom of the 7th
Marlins 5 Braves 0 in the top of the 6th.

[Redleg39]

The Reds have some crucial series comin up that could significantly affect the race. The two series back to back that seem very important is in early August when we play the Braves in a three game set, and then four against the cardinals. It would really be great if we could pull within two games of the cards before that series so we can win the series 3-1 and tie for the division lead.

[Joseph]

Every team they play until August 17th is theoretically in the race. It will be almost like playoff baseball in those two series against the Cards. Hopefully there will be a packed house cheering the boys on.

[Red Leader]

Go Marlins, Phillies, and Nationals!


As of now, all 3 are winning. All 3 by 2 or more runs.

[redsfan30]

Hopefully there will be a packed house cheering the boys on.
Yeah.....right.

Got any more jokes?

[redsfan30]

Phillies up the lead to 3.

[ThornWithin81]

As of now, all 3 are winning. All 3 by 2 or more runs.

Good. Very good.

Makes me feel a little better about the car-accident last night.

[NJReds]

Washington holds off San Francisco, 6-5

[dabvu2498]

I truly believe that the Nationals could make a legit run for it.
I know now why you call yourself "crazybob."

[jesusfan]

Assuming Phily holds off Zona, we need a win tonight, that would push the Reds lead up to 2 1/2 on Zona, and 3 on San Fran.....

[KYRed]

Phillies up 3 and Marlins up 5 as both enter the 9th. Barring a comeback we'll get losses for the Braves, DBacks, and Giants, the top 3 below the Reds. Now we just need to take advantage of it tonight!

[redsfan30]

This (assuming the Fish and Phillies hold thier 9th inning leads) could be a very profitable day for the Reds if they can pull out a win tonight against the Astros.


If they win tonight, they'd gain a game on each of the four teams directly below them.

Can't believe I'm going to say this, but we've gotta root for the Cubbies tonight, as well.

[redsfan30]

Phillies game just went final!!!

Phillies beat the DBacks!

[Joseph]

So we keep our lead at the verry very worst. Let's hope we can expand it.

[captainmorgan07]

marlins up 6-1 in the 9th about to take 2 of 3 from the bravo's sosa just went out with an injury another blow to the bravo's pen

[Gallen5862]

East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 53 48 .525 -
Arizona 51 50 .505 2.0
San Francisco 51 51 .500 2.5
Atlanta 48 53 .475 5.0
Houston 48 53 .475 5.0
Milwaukee 48 54 .471 5.5

[bounty37h]

Every team they play until August 17th is theoretically in the race. It will be almost like playoff baseball in those two series against the Cards. Hopefully there will be a packed house cheering the boys on.

Thats my birthday, so hopefully it is a run to give me a great, great present!!!!

[redsfan30]

Braves game just went final as well!

Very productive afternoon of baseball for the Reds, now go take care of your own business in Houston!

[Mario-Rijo]

Braves lose! So all 3 have laid an egg and we have a chance to drop the Stros down another notch tonight. A nice day.

[Tommyjohn25]

I gotta admit, this IS fun!

:D :thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

D-backs lost

Giants lost

[Joseph]

If the Reds stay in this, this could be a really fun thread down the stretch.

[ThornWithin81]

If the Reds stay in this, this could be a really fun thread down the stretch.

Amen.

It already feels great being in position for a playoff birth as we approach August.

[Gallen5862]

East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 54 48 .529 -
Arizona 51 50 .505 2.5
San Francisco 51 51 .500 3.0
Atlanta 48 53 .475 5.5
Houston 48 54 .471 6.0
Milwaukee 48 54 .471 6.0

[Joseph]

NL Wildcard


W L GB Left
Cincinnati 54 48 -- 60
Arizona 51 50 2.5 61
San Francisco 51 51 3.0 60
Atlanta 48 53 5.5 61
Colorado 48 53 5.5 61
Milwaukee 48 54 6.0 60
Florida 47 53 6.0 62
Houston 48 54 6.0 60
Philadelphia 46 53 6.5 63
LA Dodgers 47 55 7.0 60
Washington 46 56 8.0 60
Chi Cubs 40 61 13.5 61
Pittsburgh 37 66 17.5 59

NL Central

St. Louis 58 43 .574 --
Cincinnati 54 48 .529 4.5

[Edd Roush]

We're a consistent #5 starter (could be Germano) and a bullpen arm away from winning this thing.

[crazybob60]

We're a consistent #5 starter (could be Germano) and a bullpen arm away from winning this thing.

It would be really nice and huge help is Germano really did step up and own that role similar to the way E. Ramirez has really stepped up in his role this season, that would help the Reds out big time down the stretch run!

[Joseph]

Cards are up 3-0 in the 3rd right now, but Marquis is pitching so a 5 run inning is in the offing for the Cubs any moment.

[BRM]

3-3 now in the 4th. Mabry just hit a two run homer.

[jesusfan]

Rolen just committed a throwing error... bases loaded... 3-3

[Joseph]

See :)

[BRM]

Juan Pierre with a bases loaded triple. 6-3 Cubbies.

[dabvu2498]

Rolen just committed a throwing error... bases loaded... 3-3
I'd trade em Rich Aurilia for Rolen. :thumbup:

[fielder's choice]

3 run triple for Pierre. Cubs up 6-3. Marquis ERA now at a healthy 5.67

[Tommyjohn25]

:clap:

[jesusfan]

I am salivating over the fact the Red's will get to face Suppan, Weaver, and Marquis...

[fielder's choice]

Cards are up 3-0 in the 3rd right now, but Marquis is pitching so a 5 run inning is in the offing for the Cubs any moment.

Good call.

[CTA513]

I am salivating over the fact the Red's will get to face Suppan, Weaver, and Marquis...

Suppan has a .90 ERA in 3 starts since the All-Star break.

[jesusfan]

yeah... well... he's still terrible...

[zombie-a-go-go]

See :)

You are prophetic.

[Blue]

Could this be the Cardinal slide that is pretty much inevitable given their stringing together or several extra inning wins? I sure hope so.

[Red Leader]

I really have a hard time seeing the Cardinals playing too much above .500 barring a trade for a SP. They will get decent starts from Carpenter and Suppan, but the other three (Weaver, Marquis, Reyes) are getting flat out pounded each time out. You win two, you lose three. That puts a lot of freaking pressure on Carpenter and Suppan and the offense. They can be caught and overtaken I think.

[zombie-a-go-go]

I really have a hard time seeing the Cardinals playing too much above .500 barring a trade for a SP. They will get decent starts from Carpenter and Suppan, but the other three (Weaver, Marquis, Reyes) are getting flat out pounded each time out. You win two, you lose three. That puts a lot of freaking pressure on Carpenter and Suppan and the offense. They can be caught and overtaken I think.

Now that's just crazy talk.

I heart it.


I fear George Grande will get an ulcer before the season's through, though.

[CTA513]

Cubs are now only up 6-5 in the 7th.

[Joseph]

Going to 8, still 6-5.

[Matt700wlw]

Go Cubs! Go Cubs!






Now I feel yucky.

[Red Leader]

The Cubs will have to get through the top of the order in the 9th to hold off the Cards, which means one more AB for Pujols. Bottom of 8 now, still 6-5.

[Falls City Beer]

The Cubs will have to get through the top of the order in the 9th to hold off the Cards, which means one more AB for Pujols. Bottom of 8 now, still 6-5.

Looper gets the DP. I smell a comeback. Because, well, it's Dempster.

[Joseph]

Cubs win! Cubs win!

Shoot me for saying that.

[Gallen5862]

Four games behind the Cards now for the NL Central. Reds can make it 3 and a half tonight with a win.

[Dunner44]

Sir Albert with the final out, ah sweet irony. Actually, thats not ironic, but it does give me a warm feeling. Tonight would be another good night to gain on the cards and cut their division lead to 3.5 games. Sadly, the Reds have to do it against Tomo Okha, while Milty pitches for them. We all saw what happened last time these two squared off.

[Joseph]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 55 48 -- 59
Arizona 52 50 2.5 60
San Fran 51 52 4.0 59
Colorado 49 53 5.5 60
Florida 48 53 6.0 61
Atlanta 48 54 6.5 60
Milwaukee 48 55 7.0 59
Houston 48 55 7.0 59
LA Dodgers 48 55 7.0 59
Philadelphia 46 54 7.5 62

Arizona hanging tough still.

The Braves are losing to the Mets right now though.

[MaineRed]

Lots of teams still in it, but how many have realistic shots?

Starting at the bottom, the Phils seem like sellers. If they trade Abreu and Leiber, they're out.

The Dodgers could get hot but they are a long way out and they have 3 teams in their division ahead of them. If they start blowing by everyone, that means the other 3 are probably slipping.

Houston seems to have some issues. Besides Berkman they have no bats, for the most part. They'd concern me if they were closer but they need to win 7 in a row just to reach .500.

The Brewers just don't have the talent. They have some guys who would look nice on better teams but as a whole they just don't have it. And they just traded off their best hitter.

A lot of people expect a run from the Braves and they probably scare me as much as anyone. For no good reason other than the fact that it has been 15 years since they missed the play-offs. Bobby Cox is still their manager. But no doubt the talent level has dropped off for the Braves.

Personally I can't see the Marlins or Rox winning the wild card. Both teams are nice stories but do they have the talent? Crazier things have happened but I have to believe the odds say neither will be the WC winner. Combine the two teams and they might not win the WC.

The last two are from the West and I think all those teams are going to beat on each other and drag each other down. One will probably get hot and win the division while the others will fade.

The Reds have a real shot. Just keep taking 2 out of 3.

[redsfan30]

3-3 tie heading to the bottom of the 5th in Atlanta.

[Gallen5862]

Delgado was taken out of the game a few innings ago by the Mets. He was hit in the knee by a Braves pitcher.

[adampad]

Big games in the next homestand. LA, STL, and ATL. If we come out of that with winning record, I will really start getting my hopes up.

[redsfan30]

Mets take a 5-3 lead in the top of the 6th.

[Falls City Beer]

Make that 7-3. Hudson continues to come unglued. Boy has he had a rough go of it.

[Gallen5862]

The Mets are now beating the Braves 7-3 with 1 out in the top of the 6th inning.

[Joseph]

I love score board watching, especially when it's going how I want it to go.

[redsfan30]

10-3 now!

:beerme:

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Personally I can't see the Marlins or Rox winning the wild card. Both teams are nice stories but do they have the talent? Crazier things have happened but I have to believe the odds say neither will be the WC winner. Combine the two teams and they might not win the WC.


Wow ...I would take that combined Marlins/Rockies team in a heartbeat. You would have one of MLB's best starting rotations and an awesome offense.

[Jpup]

Cubs and Cardinals are underway in Chicago. Pujols is on 2nd after getting a single and stealing 2nd base. 2 out in the top of the first against Maddux for the Cubs.

[Jpup]

Rolen gets jammed and bloops a single to center.

1-0 St. Louis

[Falls City Beer]

Cards take early 1-0 lead on a bloop by Rolen. Strong guys get bloops.

[Jpup]

Encarnacion singles. 1st and 2nd with 2 outs. Maddux isn't looking to have a very good game.

[Falls City Beer]

Not that I think the Reds are even considering acquiring him, but Maddux looks absolutely NOTHING like he once did; I really would not want to pick him up.

[KronoRed]

I'd get him just to get a 5th starter who isn't crap at his best.

[Joseph]

Nice new icon FCB :thumbup:

Yeah, Maddux looks horrible.

[Falls City Beer]

Give the Mets credit: they had their foot on Atlanta's neck...and they stomped.

Let's hope the Cards don't do the same to the Reds.

[Jpup]

Maddux strikes out Jimmy;) Edmonds. 1-0 after 1/2 inning.

[Jpup]

Give the Mets credit: they had their foot on Atlanta's neck...and they stomped.

Let's hope the Cards don't do the same to the Reds.

They have lost 2 straight to the Cubs, the Cardinals aren't that great.

[traderumor]

It seems like the Braves may be settling back into what they really are after playing over their heads for a couple of weeks. That's good news if they are indeed falling by the wayside. Short of Arizona or SF going on a tear, it seems like ours to lose at this point. And I don't see the former happening as they seem to be .500 ballclubs. Of course, we have all our games left with the Giants, Dodgers and Padres. Those games are going to be very important in determining the WC. We beat up on those three and we should be in good shape.

[Falls City Beer]

They have lost 2 straight to the Cubs, the Cardinals aren't that great.

Are they poor, or is it simply that the Cubs have their number? I'd argue a mix of both.

[Jpup]

It seems like the Braves may be settling back into what they really are after playing over their heads for a couple of weeks. That's good news if they are indeed falling by the wayside. Short of Arizona or SF going on a tear, it seems like ours to lose at this point. And I don't see the former happening as they seem to be .500 ballclubs. Of course, we have all our games left with the Giants, Dodgers and Padres. Those games are going to be very important in determining the WC. We beat up on those three and we should be in good shape.

The Braves are coming back down to earth a little and Chipper is going on the DL on Sunday. That will not help their chances.

As for the Cubs/Cardinals game, Anthony "I'm not really that good" Reyes is on the hill for the Cards. Last 4 starts, an ERA of 7.52.

[Falls City Beer]

The Braves are coming back down to earth a little and Chipper is going on the DL on Sunday. That will not help their chances.

As for the Cubs/Cardinals game, Anthony "I'm not really that good" Reyes is on the hill for the Cards. Last 4 starts, an ERA of 7.52.

Reyes may be overrated. But he's got some nice movement and gets some bad swings on occasion. If he can harness his control and pitch inside a little he might be alright. I wouldn't throw him under the bus just yet. But he has been disappointing so far for the Cards.

[Jpup]

Reyes may be overrated. But he's got some nice movement and gets some bad swings on occasion. If he can harness his control and pitch inside a little he might be alright. I wouldn't throw him under the bus just yet. But he has been disappointing so far for the Cards.

good stuff, little command. I agree that he could get that under control, but he's been touted as the second coming, and that, he ain't.

[Jpup]

1-0 St. Louis heading the bottom on the 2nd.

The Dodgers lead the Nats 4-3 in the top of the 2nd. Lowe is not pitching well. Kearns grounded out in the 1st.

[Jpup]

1-1 after Pagan drives in Mabry and a bone headed play by Rolen. How funny was that?:laugh:

[justincredible]

Nice play by the Cubbies to get Pagan home for the 2-1 lead.

[Jpup]

LMAO 2-1 Cubs. They had Cedeno picked off with runners on 1st and 3rd, but Cedeno scored from 3rd.

I hate both of these teams, I love watching them play bad.:cool:

[Jpup]

WOW! Cedeno should have scored. :lol:

2-1 Chicago after 2.

[justincredible]

That was a pretty weak hit by Cedeno to knock himself over and for Molina to drop the ball. He shoulda been paying attention and scored.

[Falls City Beer]

That was a pretty weak hit by Cedeno to knock himself over and for Molina to drop the ball. He shoulda been paying attention and scored.

I agree. Cedeno looked like a troglodyte.

[Jpup]

nice play by Jones.

[Clepper]

That was the longest double play i have ever seen

[Jpup]

This is a lesson in Little League baseball.:help:

[justincredible]

This is one of the strangest Major League games I have ever watched. It definitely has the feel of a little league game. Oh well, Go Cubs! (that feels disgusting to say)

[redsfan30]

I went probably two years without seeing an appeal work and I've seen it work twice in about three weeks.

:laugh:

[Jpup]

Oh well, Go Cubs! (that feels disgusting to say)

dont ever say that again. ;)

[Clepper]

I can't run, my bat broke!

[Jpup]

it's getting better by the moment. Perez broke his bat on a grounder to third and stood at home looking at his bat.:confused: :laugh:

[Jpup]

I said Reyes has liitle command, well today, he has zero command.

[Jpup]

2-1 Cubs Mid 4th

[Jpup]

2-1 Cubs, Mid 5.

Maddux is pitching very well today.

[justincredible]

Leadoff triple for Pierre.

[Jpup]

3-1 Cubs on a Barrett double to left.

[traderumor]

Ah, the Cubs as spoiler this year in another losing season. The baseball universe is starting to get back on keel ;)

[Jpup]

3-1 Cubs Mid 6th

[Falls City Beer]

Ya know, the Cards can still win this game, but they're really treading on thin ice sending Reyes out there. They've got a good bullpen; they should use it. But I'm alright if they don't.

[redsfan30]

Maddux just tipped his cap and said "thank you" while leaving the mound at Wrigley.

Maybe he knows something we don't....??

[Rocket_Fuel]

If the Reds and Astros can take care of business then the Reds will be sporting a 3.5 game lead in the Wild Card after tonight. We need to get some run support for Germano, and Oswalt is going tonight against Arizona.

[Gandalf the Red]

Cubs batting in bottom of the 8th, still leading 4-1.

Due up for the Cards in top of 9th:

-Pujols
-Rolen
-Encarnacion
-George Grande's Favoritist Player in the Whole Wide World

[Gandalf the Red]

Top 9:

Dempster pitching.
Pujols leads off with a single.
Rolen grounds to third, Pujols to second.
Encarnacion up...

[Gandalf the Red]

Encarnacion grounds to second, Albert to third.
Two outs, Edmonds up.

[Gandalf the Red]

Edmonds walks.
Runners at first and third. Two outs. Duncan up.

[Golden Hands]

4-2 Cubs
Duncan singles down the line
1st and 3rd 2 outs

[Gandalf the Red]

Duncan singles, Pujols scores. 4-2 Cubs. Edmonds to third...

[Golden Hands]

Bases Loaded
4-2 cubs A. Miles up
top 9 2 outs

[Golden Hands]

Miles K
Game Over Cubs win 4-2 W: Madduz L: Reyes S: Dempster
Reds can move to 2.5 behind with win

[Gandalf the Red]

Cubbies hang on 4-2 :thumbup:

Cards leave the bases loaded.

Heartbreak for Tony LaRussa and George Grande.

[Gandalf the Red]

Update on current games:

D'backs 1
Astros 3, top 6th

Giants 1
Bucos 3, top 5th

Fish 1
Phillies 9, bottom 5th

Pads 0
Rocks 0, top 2nd

[ThornWithin81]

Update on current games:

D'backs 1
Astros 3, top 6th

Giants 1
Bucos 3, top 5th

Fish 1
Phillies 9, bottom 5th

Pads 0
Rocks 0, top 2nd

Not to jinx it, but we're starting to inch away in this WC fight. :beerme:

[Gandalf the Red]

D'backs 1
Astros 3, bottom 8th

Giants 2
Bucos 4, bottom 6th

Fish 3
Phillies 12, bottom 7th*

Pads 0
Rocks 0, top 4th


*Rough night for D-Train:
2.1 IP, 8R, 6ER, 5H, 3BB, 2HR

[traderumor]

Everybody loses at the top, Cards, Reds, DBacks, Giants again. Missed opportunity to gain ground going both ways tonight.

[redsfan30]

The Reds losing tonight is tolerable because they didn't lose any ground in any of the races, but that fact also makes it frustrating because they lost a chance to gain even more ground.

But like I said, if you have to lose, lose when everyone else loses too.

[Joseph]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 55 49 -- 58
Arizona 52 51 2.5 59
San Fran 51 53 4.0 58
Colorado 49 54 5.5 59
Florida 48 54 6.0 60
Milwaukee 49 55 6.0 58
Houston 49 55 6.0 58
LA Dodgers 49 55 6.0 58
Atlanta 48 55 6.5 59
Philadelphia 47 54 6.5 61

Some of the bottom feeders inched a bit closer but all the ones at the top stayed the same essentially.

[justincredible]

The Cubs take an early 2-0 lead over the Cards in the 1st on a sac fly by Nevin and a RBI double for Jones. If the Cubs win today it would be there first 4-game sweep of the Cards since 1972.

[KYRed]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 55 50 -- 57
Arizona 53 51 1.5 58
San Fran 51 54 4.0 57
Colorado 50 54 4.5 58
LA Dodgers 50 55 5.0 57
Milwaukee 50 55 5.0 57
Philadelphia 49 54 5.0 59
Houston 49 56 6.0 57
Florida 48 56 6.5 58
Atlanta 48 56 6.5 58


It's interesting that after this weekend some teams (ATL, Hou, and Fla as darkhorse) that have been deemed our WC top challengers recently are now behind others that aren't getting the publicity recently (Col, LA, & Phi). Of course they are all bunched so closely that it switches every few days. We really unfortunately need to continue to be Cubs fans, they start a home series against the D-Backs tomorrow!

[Joseph]

The fins beaet the Phils today, bunching things even further.

[Joseph]

Arizona up 6-3 over the scrubs in the 5th.

[jesusfan]

C'mon Cubbies.... Gosh I have been rooting the Cub's on for seemingly weeks now.. what's wrong with me??? lol

[Joseph]

C'mon Cubbies.... Gosh I have been rooting the Cub's on for seemingly weeks now.. what's wrong with me??? lol

The same thing thats wrong with the rest of us. :)

Colorado also winning albeit early still.

[goreds2]

Arizona is up 15-4 late in the game. They will pull to within one game of Cincy. :thumbdown

[fearofpopvol1]

I think Milwaukee is a sleeper team.

Now with Sheets back (and looking filthy since), Cordero giving their pen a HUGE boost and Kevin Mench hitting the bat pretty well in place of Lee...I think they're a team to watch for. They have very solid starting pitching. If they figure out something for the closer role, I think they have a shot.

[redsfan30]

The Nationals have a 6-1 lead on the Giants in the bottom of the 4th out west.

[RedsFanatic]

The Giants are done. They've lost something like 6 of 7. They should ship us Schmidt :)

[GOREDSGO32]

Yup, you play like crap versus the freaking Brewers, and blow two games we should have won versus the Mets and Astros, now we're only a game up. Maybe some of the players will decide to step up instead of blowing leads or turn completely blind when runners are in scoring position. "Oh no, a runner is on, they distracted me".

[Joseph]

Arizona and St. Louis are both losing at least.

[REDREAD]

Here's the latest:



Team GB
Cincinnati
Arizona 1.0
Colorado 4.0
Los Angeles 4.0
Milwaukee 4.5
San Francisco 4.5
Philadelphia 4.5
Florida 5.0
Houston 5.0
Atlanta 5.5

[fielder's choice]

Weaver goes tonight for the "Redbirds"

[REDREAD]

I think Milwaukee is a sleeper team.


Yeah, I fear LA and Milwaukee the most.

[Redleg39]

Right now, the thing that is so frustrating is that Arizona and St. Louis are giving every oppurtunity to either one, run away with the wild card, or two, Catch up and take the division lead.

[redsfan30]

It is nice that when the Reds are losing, so is everyone else so we don't lose any ground.

But it's soooo frustrating at the same time because they are missing alot of chances to gain ground and put some distance between themselves.

[Red Leader]

Having a one game lead with two games remaining against the Dodgers scares the poop out of me. We'll have to face Penny and Maddux the next two days. Penny has been getting hit pretty hard recently (which I hope continues). Maddux could be a big difference maker in this series.

[NJReds]

Having a one game lead with two games remaining against the Dodgers scares the poop out of me. We'll have to face Penny and Maddux the next two days. Penny has been getting hit pretty hard recently (which I hope continues). Maddux could be a big difference maker in this series.

It's going to be a mad scramble to the finish for the Wildcard. With the up-and-down nature of all of these teams, I anticipate a lot of highs and lows (last night being a definte low). But I do think the Reds will be in it for the long haul.

For what it's worth, NY talk radio has been down on the Mets. Some hosts/fans even debating whether they could beat Cincinnati in a first round series...:eek:

[REDREAD]

It is nice that when the Reds are losing, so is everyone else so we don't lose any ground.

But it's soooo frustrating at the same time because they are missing alot of chances to gain ground and put some distance between themselves.

Col and Mil are playing each other now, so someone gets a W no matter what for the next days.. Although I guess the bright side is that someone is also guaranteed a L.

We've got to step it up in this LA-StL-Atl series. This could very well be the make or break time.

[Cyclone792]

It's going to be a mad scramble to the finish for the Wildcard. With the up-and-down nature of all of these teams, I anticipate a lot of highs and lows (last night being a definte low). But I do think the Reds will be in it for the long haul.

For what it's worth, NY talk radio has been down on the Mets. Some hosts/fans even debating whether they could beat Cincinnati in a first round series...:eek:

If Harang and Arroyo are healthy and pitching well during the final weeks and into the playoffs, then I can envision a scenario where this team wins the NL Pennant. Now that's a massive if, but if we have those two starters firing bullets in an NL playoff series, we can win the series.

The World Series, OTOH, would be a completely different story. If we'd somehow happen to make the World Series, then the AL Pennant winner would likely beat us worse than the Yanks beat us in the 1939 World Series.

[Falls City Beer]

LA beat the Reds last night. But don't let that fool you. They and San Fran are the weakest of the bunch. That they beat the Reds last night is no great feat: Arroyo has been a punching bag for a month and the bullpen...well, you know their story. There's really no reason the Reds CAN'T win the next two games. Whether they will or not is another matter. Milwaukee, Atlanta, Florida. Keep your eyes trained on those three teams.

[Matt700wlw]

LA beat the Reds last night. But don't let that fool you. They and San Fran are the weakest of the bunch. That they beat the Reds last night is no great feat: Arroyo has been a punching bag for a month and the bullpen...well, you know their story. There's really no reason the Reds CAN'T win the next two games. Whether they will or not is another matter. Milwaukee, Atlanta, Florida. Keep your eyes trained on those three teams.

You have a man-crush on Milwaukee... :lol:

[Falls City Beer]

You have a man-crush on Milwaukee... :lol:

They improved the most at the deadline. Plus they got Sheets back. What's not to like?

[REDREAD]

LA beat the Reds last night. But don't let that fool you. They and San Fran are the weakest of the bunch. That they beat the Reds last night is no great feat: Arroyo has been a punching bag for a month and the bullpen...well, you know their story. There's really no reason the Reds CAN'T win the next two games. Whether they will or not is another matter. Milwaukee, Atlanta, Florida. Keep your eyes trained on those three teams.

I agree that Mil is stronger. But if LA beats us today (and with Milton starting, they've got a chance), they'll only be 2 games back.

I agree with you that LA isn't exactly a powerhouse, but they made some nice deadline deals. If they get a revival from Maddux, they've certainly got it in them to overtake the Reds. It's certainly not a sure thing that Maddux will rebound, but we're counting on Louse to rebound.. I think I like Maddux's odds better.

That's another thing that disconcerns me. It appears Louse will get 3-4 starts to prove himself (my guess, not official). The guy has been horrid in the starting role this year. That's going to help everyone trying to catch us.

[REDREAD]

Cincinnati - -
Arizona 0.5
Colorado 3.0
Los Angeles 3.0
San Francisco 3.5
Philadelphia 3.5
Houston 4.0
Milwaukee 4.5
Atlanta 4.5
Florida 5.0

[Red Leader]

ARZ has scored 5 runs in the 1st inning against Marmol and the Cubs and still batting with 2 outs...ungood.

[justincredible]

Marmol is getting rocked by the D-backs. Lets hope the Cubs offense can pick it up.

[flyer85]

I really like the Snakes. The one thing helping everyone out is their continuing to play Green at the expense of Quentin. Of course that is minor compared to some of the decisions the Reds make on a daily basis. The Reds inability to build a working margin over the last month, when they could have, is likely to come back and haunt them. A number of teams other than Cincy seem better positioned to reel off a winning streak.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dbacks now up 6-0. Unless the Cubs pull off a huge comeback the Reds and Dbacks will be tied for the wild card lead.

[redsfan30]

Don't forget the Dbacks play two today. If they sweep and the Reds lose.....

Tonight is a HUGE game for this Reds team.

[Gandalf the Red]

I guess depending on the Cubbies to heroically beat up the division-leading bully for us and preserve our wildcard lead against the D'backs is probably asking a bit much...


Incidentally, I forgot who was pitching for the Reds tonight. Just logged onto the Reds' site and saw Eric Milton smiling back at me.

My reaction was similar to Darth's at the end of Sith:

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"


Which admittedly is nothing new, since that same scene has been playing through my mind whenever I see Clayton's name in the starting lineup. ;)


I fear the real value of Lohse's starts may be that they're likely to have the effect of making me begin to look forward to Milton's in comparison...

[Redleg39]

7-1 now. Hopefully the cubs can get the next one

[REDREAD]

bottom of 8th, Pit leads Atl 3-2

top of 6th, Arizona leads Cubs 7-1.

If Diamondbacks win, they tie us for wildcard (at least momentarily)

[Gallen5862]

If the diamondbacks win the first game then they tie the Padres for the Nl west lead. This would also create a 3 way tie for the wildcard of the Reds, Padres and Diamondbacks.

[cincy09]

Atl lost

[Gallen5862]

If the diamondbacks win the first game then they tie the Padres for the Nl west lead. This would also create a 3 way tie for the wildcard of the Reds, Padres and Diamondbacks.

[Matt700wlw]

This whole rooting for the Cubs thing makes me feel like a criminal.

[Joseph]

Go Cubs.

How often do we have to say that these days? lol

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/standings/wildcard.jsp?ymd=20060803
Team W L PCT GB E# L10 STRK LAST GAME NEXT GAME
Cincinnati 55 52 .514 - - 4-6 L4 8/2 v LAD, L 3-5 8/3 v LAD, 7:10P
Arizona 54 52 .509 0.5 56 5-5 L1 8/1 @ CHC, L 3-9 8/3 @ CHC, LIVE
Colorado 52 55 .486 3.0 53 6-4 W1 8/2 v MIL, W 8-2 8/4 @ SF, 10:15P
Los Angeles 52 55 .486 3.0 53 5-5 W5 8/2 @ CIN, W 5-3 8/3 @ CIN, 7:10P
San Francisco 52 56 .481 3.5 52 1-9 W1 8/2 v WSH, W 8-6 8/4 v COL, 10:15P
Philadelphia 51 55 .481 3.5 53 7-3 W2 8/2 @ STL, W 16-8 8/3 @ STL, 8:10P
Houston 51 56 .477 4.0 52 5-5 W2 8/2 @ SD, W 7-1 8/3 @ SD, LIVE
Milwaukee 51 57 .472 4.5 51 5-5 L1 8/2 @ COL, L 2-8 8/4 @ STL, 8:10P
Atlanta 50 57 .467 5.0 51 4-6 L1 8/3 @ PIT, L 2-3 8/4 @ CIN, 7:10P
Florida 50 57 .467 5.0 51 5-5 L1 8/2 v NYM, L 5-6 8/3 v NYM, 7:05P
Washington 48 60 .444 7.5 48 6-4 L1 8/2 @ SF, L 6-8 8/4 @ SD, 10:05P
Chicago 44 62 .415 10.5 46 7-3 W1 8/1 v ARI, W 9-3 8/3 v ARI, LIVE
Pittsburgh 41 68 .376 15.0 40 6-4 W1 8/3 v ATL, W 3-2 8/4 @ CHC, 2:20P

[Gallen5862]

Arizona just beat the the Cubs 10-2.

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/standings/wildcard.jsp?ymd=20060803
Team W L PCT GB E# L10 STRK LAST GAME NEXT GAME
Arizona 55 52 .514 - - 5-5 W1 8/3 @ CHC, W 10-2 8/3 @ CHC
Cincinnati 55 52 .514 - - 4-6 L4 8/2 v LAD, L 3-5 8/3 v LAD, 7:10P
San Diego 55 52 .514 - - 5-5 L3 8/2 v HOU, L 1-7 8/3 v HOU, LIVE
Colorado 52 55 .486 3.0 53 6-4 W1 8/2 v MIL, W 8-2 8/4 @ SF, 10:15P
Los Angeles 52 55 .486 3.0 53 5-5 W5 8/2 @ CIN, W 5-3 8/3 @ CIN, 7:10P
San Francisco 52 56 .481 3.5 52 1-9 W1 8/2 v WSH, W 8-6 8/4 v COL, 10:15P
Philadelphia 51 55 .481 3.5 53 7-3 W2 8/2 @ STL, W 16-8 8/3 @ STL, 8:10P
Houston 51 56 .477 4.0 52 5-5 W2 8/2 @ SD, W 7-1 8/3 @ SD, LIVE
Milwaukee 51 57 .472 4.5 51 5-5 L1 8/2 @ COL, L 2-8 8/4 @ STL, 8:10P
Atlanta 50 57 .467 5.0 51 4-6 L1 8/3 @ PIT, L 2-3 8/4 @ CIN, 7:10P
Florida 50 57 .467 5.0 51 5-5 L1 8/2 v NYM, L 5-6 8/3 v NYM, 7:05P
Washington 48 60 .444 7.5 48 6-4 L1 8/2 @ SF, L 6-8 8/4 @ SD, 10:05P
Chicago 44 63 .411 11.0 45 7-3 L1 8/3 v ARI, L 2-10 8/3 v ARI
Pittsburgh 41 68 .376 15.0 40 6-4 W1 8/3 v ATL, W 3-2 8/4 @ CHC, 2:20P

[BRM]

3 way tie for the WC lead now.

[IslandRed]

3 way tie for the WC lead now.

Two-way, technically, as Arizona and San Diego are tied for the NL West lead.

[BRM]

Two-way, technically, as Arizona and San Diego are tied for the NL West lead.

You're right. My mistake.

[Gallen5862]

The Cubs are winning 3-0 going into the top of the Second.

[Gallen5862]

The Cubs are winning 4-1 in the top of the 4th.

[Gallen5862]

The Cubs are winning 4-3 in the bottom of the 5th.

[Gallen5862]

The score is now 6-3 Cubs with a runner on second. No outs in the bottom of the 5th.

[Joseph]

I hate rooting for the Cubs, but go little bears!

[Gandalf the Red]

I hate rooting for the Cubs, but go little bears!

Yeah, I feel the same way.
But I'm still sending my mom over to wash your mouth out with soap.

[Joseph]

Yeah, I feel the same way.
But I'm still sending my mom over to wash your mouth out with soap.

Ok, but if she cooks I'm going to keep her.

[Gandalf the Red]

Ok, but if she cooks I'm going to keep her.

Well, her macaroni and cheese pretty much rocks.

But assuming she stays true to the form I grew up with, the trade-off is that she won't stop nagging you to take out the trash, turn down the television, and straighten your room.

Back on topic: Arizona batting with 2 outs in the 7th, Cubs still lead 6-3.

[Gallen5862]

East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 55 52 .514 -
Arizona 55 53 .509 0.5
Colorado 52 55 .486 3.0
LA Dodgers 52 55 .486 3.0
San Francisco 52 56 .481 3.5
Philadelphia 51 55 .481 3.5

[REDREAD]

Arizona - -
Cincinnati - -
Los Angeles 2.0
Colorado 2.5
Philadelphia 2.5
San Francisco 3.0
Florida 4.0
Houston 4.0
Milwaukee 4.0
Atlanta 4.5
Washington 7.0


Washington included for comic relief :)

[Joseph]

I just want to know what happened to all the 6 and 7 GB teams, where did they all go?

[fielder's choice]

Cardinals host the Brew crew this weekend, while Arizona hosts Houston.

[Joseph]

Brewers leading the Cards in the bottom of 5th 3-2

[Joseph]

Astros take the lead on the D-Backs and the Cards lose to allow the Reds to pull to within 2 1/2

[KYRed]

After Friday games:


W L GB Left
Cincinnati 56 53 -- 53
Arizona 55 54 1.0 53
LA Dodgers 54 55 2.0 53
Colorado 53 55 2.5 54
Philadelphia 53 55 2.5 54
San Fran 52 57 4.0 53
Milwaukee 52 57 4.0 53
Houston 52 57 4.0 53
Florida 51 58 5.0 53
Atlanta 50 58 5.5 54


A nice 4 or 5 game winning streak could do wonders! :beerme:

[GOREDSGO32]

Need another win tomorrow. Wow I would have loved even 2 wins out of that 5 game losing streak though .. that would have put us in pretty awesome shape.

[fielder's choice]

Sheets goes for the Brewers tonight @ St. Louis (Reyes).

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/standings/wildcard.jsp?ymd=20060805
Cincinnati 57 53 .518 - - 4-6 W2 8/5 v ATL, W 8-6 8/6 v ATL, 1:15P
Arizona 55 54 .505 1.5 52 4-6 L2 8/4 v HOU, L 7-8 8/5 v HOU, 9:40P
Los Angeles 54 55 .495 2.5 51 7-3 W7 8/4 @ FLA, W 6-2 8/5 @ FLA, LIVE
Colorado 53 55 .491 3.0 51 6-4 W2 8/4 @ SF, W 5-2 8/5 @ SF, 9:05P
Philadelphia 53 56 .486 3.5 50 7-3 L1 8/5 @ NYM, L 3-4 8/6 @ NYM, 8:05P
Houston 52 57 .477 4.5 49 5-5 W1 8/4 @ ARI, W 8-7 8/5 @ ARI, 9:40P
Milwaukee 52 57 .477 4.5 49 5-5 W1 8/4 @ STL, W 4-3 8/5 @ STL, 7:15P
San Francisco 52 57 .477 4.5 49 1-9 L1 8/4 v COL, L 2-5 8/5 v COL, 9:05P
Florida 51 58 .468 5.5 48 5-5 L1 8/4 v LAD, L 2-6 8/5 v LAD, LIVE
Atlanta 50 59 .459 6.5 47 3-7 L3 8/5 @ CIN, L 6-8 8/6 @ CIN, 1:15P
Washington 49 60 .450 7.5 46 6-4 W1 8/4 @ SD, W 6-2 8/5 @ SD, 10:05P

[Joseph]

Brewers win again tonight is my prediction.

The Reds win 3 of four from St Louis next week though.

[fielder's choice]

Cardinals lead 4-2 in the 4th after the Jenkins homer.

[jesusfan]

now 4-3 Cardinals lead... 1st and 2nd with Gross up...

[Sean_CaseyRules]

lol Why don't we just make a Cardinal game thread?

[Joseph]

Go Brewers

[OUReds]

Cards win 4-3

Stros up 4-0 on an Ausmus (!!) grand slam.

I don't know much about Dustin Nippert but he definately has the potential to be my favorite Arizona pitcher down the stretch :thumbup:

[Joseph]

Well, while I don't want the Cards to get hot before coming in, I'd rather the streak ended today or tomorrow so the odds weren't against us as much for a game 1 win, which will be very important in setting tone.

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
Cincinnati 57 53 .518 -
Arizona 55 55 .500 2.0
LA Dodgers 55 55 .500 2.0
Colorado 54 55 .495 2.5
Philadelphia 53 56 .486 3.5
Houston 53 57 .482 4.0

[Matt700wlw]

Cards win 4-3



Of course. Reds win.

Something's gotta give this week.

[Matt700wlw]

Well, while I don't want the Cards to get hot before coming in, I'd rather the streak ended today or tomorrow so the odds weren't against us as much for a game 1 win, which will be very important in setting tone.


I'm thinking along the same lines. Oh yeah...I think Weaver goes Monday, which helps

[Joseph]

Cards lead 1 nil in the 2nd.

LA trails the fish 3-1

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 57 54 .514 -
Arizona 56 55 .505 1.0
LA Dodgers 56 55 .505 1.0
Colorado 54 56 .491 2.5
Philadelphia 53 56 .486 3.0
Houston 53 58 .477 4.0

[BoomerSoonerRed]

Right now, the D-Backs are losing to the Giants, 7-3 in the 7th but the Dodgers are beating the Rockies, 5-1, in the 5th at the Ravine. So it looks like we'll be tied with the suddenly resurgent Dodgers for the wildcard lead.
And to think the Dodgers couldn't buy a win against the Cards a couple of weeks ago....:(

[Joseph]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 57 55 -- 50
LA Dodgers 57 55 -- 50
Arizona 56 56 1.0 50
Philadelphia 54 57 2.5 51
Colorado 54 57 2.5 51
San Francisco 54 58 3.0 50
Houston 53 58 3.5 51
Milwaukee 52 59 4.5 51
Atlanta 51 60 5.5 51
Florida 51 60 5.5 51
Washington 49 62 7.5 51


Who has the best horses down the stretch?

[REDREAD]

Who has the best horses down the stretch?

Well, with the unbalanced schedule, we have an advantage being in the NL Central. Those West teams have to play each other, which will help us.

Do we have the best horses? Sadly, I doubt it.

[RedsMan3203]

LA busted their run.... I seem the keep fighting the up hill battle then falling off here with in the week.

[NJReds]

Do we have the best horses? Sadly, I doubt it.

Well, considering the consensus prior to the season was that our horses would be glue by now, I guess everything isn't all that bad.

The wins are more exciting, and the losses sting more than Augusts of the past few years -- it's good to be in the hunt.

[Ltlabner]

Well, considering the consensus prior to the season was that our horses would be glue by now, I guess everything isn't all that bad.

The wins are more exciting, and the losses sting more than Augusts of the past few years -- it's good to be in the hunt.


What's interesting is that people have been prediciting an implosion almost from day 1. The loosing streak right before we swept the Cards/Astros seemed to be when the "it's about to go down" talk really kicked into gear.

Yet here we are....in contention in the begining of August. Hard to believe aint it. Despite all the predictions of dire destruction we're in 2nd place, and tied for the lead for the WC. Considering how soon it's been since the reign of terror ended, I'd like more of that sort of implosion please.

We could actually take the death plunge anytime. I'm not arguining that we woln't. But some here don't want to give any credit for the fact we are in contention despite being projected to be last. They'll dimiss it, or say that it was luck and happenstance or blow it off as "the rest of the league sucks".

My personal favorite are those who are irrate because we could be XYZ games further ahead if we only did things their way. Guess what.....we can get our shorts in a bunch about "what could have been", "what should have been" and "what might have been" all we want. The cold hard fact is we are where we are right now. This is reality, not the pretend world of "how it could have been". Maybe we should expend less energy on how things coulda, shoulda, woulda, and more on how to improve upon what is going on in reality.

[NJReds]

What's interesting is that people have been prediciting an implosion almost from day 1. The loosing streak right before we swept the Cards/Astros seemed to be when the "it's about to go down" talk really kicked into gear.

Yet here we are....in contention in the begining of August. Hard to believe aint it. Despite all the predictions of dire destruction we're in 2nd place, and tied for the lead for the WC. Considering how soon it's been since the reign of terror ended, I'd like more of that sort of implosion please.

We could actually take the death plunge anytime. I'm not arguining that we woln't. But some here don't want to give any credit for the fact we are in contention despite being projected to be last. They'll dimiss it, or say that it was luck and happenstance or blow it off as "the rest of the league sucks".

My personal favorite are those who are irrate because we could be XYZ games further ahead if we only did things their way. Guess what.....we can get our shorts in a bunch about "what could have been", "what should have been" and "what might have been" all we want. The cold hard fact is we are where we are right now. This is reality, not the pretend world of "how it could have been". Maybe we should expend less energy on how things coulda, shoulda, woulda, and more on how to improve upon what is going on in reality.

All I know is that I was watching the game on the edge of my seat on Saturday afternoon. I jumped up when BP broke the tie in the 8th, and pumped my fist like Eddie on the game ending DP.

I don't remember the last time I was that into a game in August. I'm just enjoying the ride right now, and I hope we take it right down to the wire.

[KYRed]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 58 55 -- 49
LA Dodgers 58 55 -- 49
Arizona 57 56 1.0 49
Philadelphia 54 58 3.5 50
Colorado 54 58 3.5 50
Houston 54 58 3.5 50
San Fran 54 59 4.0 49
Milwaukee 52 60 5.5 50
Atlanta 52 60 5.5 50
Florida 52 60 5.5 50



We can't catch a break as far as the Dodgers ever losing again, tonight was win #11 in a row! Arizona won as well, but we put a little distance back from everyone else.

Looking at LA's remaining schedule, they'll earn the WC if they get it. They still have 7 games against the Padres, 6 against Arizona, 3 against the Reds (ugh!), and a 4 game series @ Shea. Then of course multiple series against the Giants & Rockies, hopefully those type of clubs can at least start winning a few against LA.

[jesusfan]

I personally feel we'll be battling with the D-backs, Padres, and Astros for the wild-card spot,that's if we dont win the Division... The Dodgers will win the West... Let's just win the Division and not worry about this wild card!

[KYRed]

I personally feel we'll be battling with the D-backs, Padres, and Astros for the wild-card spot,that's if we dont win the Division... The Dodgers will win the West... Let's just win the Division and not worry about this wild card!

I can see that, as SD is only a 1/2 up on LA in the West now. Of course every game counts the same, but I just see the WC chances (or slim Division hopes) coming down to the great Western road trip at the end of this month. 10 straight on the road against SF, LA, & SD. Last year we actually went 7-4 on the road against those 3, thanks to a sweep of the Pads. Hopefully we can recreate that success. I think 6-4 would be great for those 10 games, with 5-5 keeping us in it for September.

[Gizmo]

I want us to be roughly where we're at (hopefully better!) come September. Looking ahead to Sept. following the western trip we've got a bunch of games against Pittsburgh and Chicago and Houston, which we should win the majority of. So yes, that west trip is important, but so is winning the games we should in Sept. (see 1999 at Milwaukee).

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 59 55 .518 -
LA Dodgers 58 55 .513 0.5
San Diego 58 55 .513 0.5
Arizona 57 56 .504 1.5
Houston 55 58 .487 3.5
Philadelphia 55 58 .487 3.5

[jesusfan]

I know we don't exactly care about the AL race, but KC just beat the Red Sox again, this time with 2 runs off Papelbon in the 9th... winning it on a Mike Sweeney single!! wow...

[jnwohio]

The Reds are back into sole possession of the Wildcard lead. The Padres have already lost so their record is 1/2 game worst than the Reds. If the Dogers win they will take over the west lead; and, the Reds will lead the WC by 1/2 game over the Padres. On the other hand if the Dodgers also lose, the Padres will retain the west lead by 1/2 game over the Dodgers; and the Reds will lead the WC by a full game over the Dodgers (and possibly the Snakes depending on their game).

I think this situation in the west can really play out to the Reds advantage if they can just play 5 or so over .500 the rest of the way. Before tonight the Dodgers had a combined 13 games left with the Padres and Snakes. And incredibly, the Snakes and Padres have 13 face to face meetings left with each other. (I went back and checked that one about 5 times on the foxsports.com team schedule site).

If one team gets hot (i.e. the Dodgers right now) and runs off a string against the other 2 or even if they round robin split, the Reds should be in good shape. The only bad scenario for the Reds would be if one of the 3 teams just went clear into the dumper inflating the win totals for both the other 2.

[jesusfan]

Rockies are now up 3-1 on the Dodgers... Fuentes in to close the game... D-backs beat the Giants too...

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 59 56 .513 -
Arizona 58 56 .509 0.5
San Diego 58 56 .509 0.5
Houston 56 58 .491 2.5
Philadelphia 55 58 .487 3.0
Colorado 55 59 .482 3.5

[Joseph]

Big series in Philly this weekend. Who would have thought we'd be saying that a couple weeks ago?

[justincredible]

I know I pegged Philly as dead in the race a few weeks ago. A sweep would be huge for us and also knock them down a peg or three.

[Matt700wlw]

Go Pirates!

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 59 57 .509 -
Arizona 58 57 .504 0.5
San Diego 58 57 .504 0.5
Houston 57 58 .496 1.5
Philadelphia 56 58 .491 2.0
Colorado 56 59 .487 2.5

[Redhook]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 59 57 .509 -
Arizona 58 57 .504 0.5
San Diego 58 57 .504 0.5
Houston 57 58 .496 1.5
Philadelphia 56 58 .491 2.0
Colorado 56 59 .487 2.5

That is amazing how close this race is. I really hope we can bounce back again with a win today. It seems like every time this team is about to fold we come back strong with a good win. It is certainly needed today.

I believe we have to stay above .500. I have the feeling that if we dip below .500 this season we won't get above it again this year. Unfortunately, we're trending that way. But, if we stay above it for the rest of the year, I think we'll win the wild card. The next few games are huge (not that they all aren't). We need something positive to come out of them to get back on track.

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 60 57 .513 -
Arizona 59 57 .509 0.5
San Diego 59 57 .509 0.5
Colorado 57 59 .491 2.5
Houston 57 59 .491 2.5
Philadelphia 56 59 .487 3.0

[Joseph]

1 and a half back of the Cards for the Central. I'm going to have an ulcer by the end of the season. :)

[JTMONEY]

keep gaining on the cards and stay in the wildcard lead....AND BRING UP BAILEY

[Gallen5862]

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
Central
Team W L PCT GB
St. Louis 62 55 .530 -
Cincinnati 61 57 .517 1.5
Houston 57 60 .487 5.0
Milwaukee 55 62 .470 7.0
Chi Cubs 49 68 .419 13.0
Pittsburgh 45 73 .381 17.5

http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/index.jsp?c_id=cin
East Central West Wild Card
Team W L PCT GB
Cincinnati 61 57 .517 -
San Diego 60 57 .513 0.5
Arizona 59 57 .509 1.0
Colorado 57 60 .487 3.5
Houston 57 60 .487 3.5
Philadelphia 56 60 .483 4.0

[KYRed]

W L GB Left
Cincinnati 61 57 -- 44
San Diego 60 57 0.5 45
Arizona 59 58 1.5 45
Colorado 57 60 3.5 45
Houston 57 60 3.5 45
Philly 56 60 4.0 46
Milwaukee 55 62 5.0 45
Florida 54 62 6.0 46
Atlanta 54 62 6.0 46
San Fran 54 63 6.5 45


The Giants are no threat and we can use L's for the NL West leaders. It wouldn't be the worst thing though if one team (LA) continued to gobble up all the W's when they play AZ, SD, and Colorado.

[redssouth]

National League
National League
Team W L PCT GB E# L10 STRK LAST GAME NEXT GAME
Cincinnati 61 57 .517 - - 6-4 W2 8/13 @ PHI, W 7-5 8/15 @ STL, 8:10P
San Diego 60 57 .513 0.5 45 5-5 W2 8/13 @ HOU, W 7-2 8/14 v SF, 10:05P
Arizona 59 58 .504 1.5 44 4-6 L1 8/13 v FLA, L 5-6 8/14 @ COL, 9:05P
Colorado 57 60 .487 3.5 42 5-5 L1 8/13 v CHC, L 7-8 8/14 v ARI, 9:05P
Houston 57 60 .487 3.5 42 6-4 L2 8/13 v SD, L 2-7 8/14 v CHC, 8:05P
Philadelphia 56 60 .483 4.0 42 5-5 L2 8/13 v CIN, L 5-7 8/14 v NYM, 7:05P
Florida 55 62 .470 5.5 40 5-5 W1 8/13 @ ARI, W 6-5 8/14 @ LAD, 10:10P
Milwaukee 55 62 .470 5.5 40 4-6 L1 8/13 @ ATL, L 4-7 8/14 @ PIT, 7:05P
Atlanta 54 62 .466 6.0 40 4-6 W1 8/13 v MIL, W 7-4 8/14 @ WSH, 7:05P
San Francisco 54 63 .462 6.5 39 3-7 L5 8/13 @ LAD, L 0-1 8/14 @ SD, 10:05P
Washington 51 66 .436 9.5 36 3-7 L2 8/13 v NYM, L 1-3 8/14 v ATL, 7:05P
Chicago 49 68 .419 11.5 34 5-5 W1 8/13 @ COL, W 8-7 8/14 @ HOU, 8:05P
Pittsburgh 45 73 .381 16.0 29 5-5 W3 8/13 v STL, W 7-0 8/14 v MIL, 7:05P


San Fran vs. San Diego= Go giants
Arizone vs. Colorado = Go Rockies
Houston vs. v CHC, 8:05P =Go Cubbies
Phillies v NYM, 7:05P =Go mets
Fla @ LAD, 10:10P=Go Dodgers
Brewers @ PIT, 7:05P Go Buccos (im really worried about this one, because Fall City Beers says the Brewers are a much better team than the Reds) :)

[Ltlabner]

im really worried about this one, because Fall City Beers says the Brewers are a much better team than the Reds

I wouldn't sweat it man, FCB says the same thing about the Cards and Astro's too ;)

[Hoosier Red]

This game reminds me of a basketball game where one team gets a big lead, then the other team comes back, and can't quite get over the hump.
A lot of times you feel as if the second team would have runaway with things if they had just gotten one lead, but getting over the hump proved to be too much.
I feel like the Reds are fine so long as they don't give up the lead, but if they lose it, things could go down hill quickly.
How long have the Reds had a lead of 1/2 game to 2 1/2 games? about three weeks now?
The only team to catch them was the Dodgers who will now win the division.

[redssouth]

Thanks to whoever merged the thread... poor board recognition by redssouth... I blame Jerry Narron!!!

[jesusfan]

The Rockies just beat the D-Backs on a Brad Hawpe RBI single... D-backs are now 2 GB, Padres are down 1-0 to the Giants as we speak in the 7th...

[RedsFanatic]

Don't we still have to play the Padres twice?? I'm not really worried about them, considering Jake Peavy has been awful this year.

[redssouth]

Giants just beat the Padres...Full game lead in the wildcard.

[MaineRed]

On a night they didn't play, the Reds couldn't of asked for a better night.

[REDREAD]

Phillies and Diamondbacks gain on us this morning.. Not too bad.

Reds --
SD 1
AZ 1
Phi 2.5
Col 3

At least I think that's right.

[oregonred]

what a mess... It's pretty comical at this point that the Reds keep holding onto the WC lead despite themselves.

Philly doesn't look to be going away and has suddenly emerged as a bona fide threat pounding the Mets the last couple of nights. Good thing for 2/3 last weekend.

All the Reds need is a week where they can go 6-1 or even a modest 5-2 and half these jokers in the 4-6 GB 5-8 game sub .500 pack can finally start playing for next season :)

Sooner or later in the couple of weeks someone is going to go Dodgers on everyone and find a way to runoff 7 or 8 in a row.

What a mess...