7/27 Game Thread: Reds VS Astros

[pahster]

Reds

Freel RF
Dunn LF
Griffey CF
Aurilia 3B
Hatteberg 1B
Valentin C
Phillips 2B
Clayton SS
Ramirez P

Astros

Biggio 2B
Burke CF
Berkman 1B
Huff 3B
Wilson LF
Scott RF
Munson C
Everett SS
Buchholz P

No Encarnacion. So much for "he'll play the next three games."

[Matt700wlw]

Griffey didn't move. ;)

[cumberlandreds]

Griffey didn't move. ;)

Neither did Aurilia. They are the proverbial mountains that can't be moved.:)

[Tommyjohn25]

Val 6th?

Strange.

[M2]

Eric Munson is catching for Houston tonight. Allow me to impart the following advice to the Reds:

STEAL LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW

[captainmorgan07]

Val 6th?

Strange.
javy usually is ramirez's personal catcher but batting him 6th that's intersting

[CTA513]

Eric Munson is catching for Houston tonight. Allow me to impart the following advice to the Reds:

STEAL LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW


Munson catching: 11 stolen bases, 8 caught stealing
Ausmus catching: 43 stolen bases, 13 caught stealing

:eek:

[edabbs44]

Jerry needs to take a class called Lineups 101.

[westofyou]

Val 6th?

Strange.
Stacking LH's vs the RH.

[M2]

Munson catching: 11 stolen bases, 8 caught stealing
Ausmus catching: 43 stolen bases, 13 caught stealing

:eek:

Wow, I'm amazed. I say keep testing him because that's got to be a fluke.

Sooner or later he's going to pull a Munson.

http://www.moviepropking.com/WATCHWO.jpg

[pedro]

Only one Red has gotten a hit against Buchholz. Dunn hit a HR.

[edabbs44]

Stacking LH's vs the RH.
With Old Faithful manning the cleanup spot.

[westofyou]

With Old Faithful manning the cleanup spot.
That's would be General Sherman, splitting the LH's...

[Falls City Beer]

Offense is very important tonight with Ramirez on the mound; I'd rather the Reds not have to get into a battle of the bullpens with the Astros, cuz they'll lose.

[Patrick Bateman]

Only 5 teams in the NL above .500. The Giants, Diamondbacks and Braves all lost today already. The Diamondbacks at 1 game above .500 are 2 games back of us.

[Gallen5862]

Who will be able to do the pbp? The Reds need a win tonight.

[MrCinatit]

If Narron actually believes Rich is the team MVP, then there is no wonder he is inked in at cleanup and starts at third over Edwin.
I guess if you tell yourself something enough times, it eventually becomes true. Especially if you make out the lineup card.

[Falls City Beer]

If Narron actually believes Rich is the team MVP, then there is no wonder he is inked in at cleanup and starts at third over Edwin.
I guess if you tell yourself something enough times, it eventually becomes true. Especially if you make out the lineup card.

But I thought Narron favored "the little guy," "the back-up," "the role player?"

So, why isn't Edwin in there?:devil:

[WMR]

http://www.moviequotequiz.com/reviews/GroundhogDayBig.gif


http://www.wavsite.com/store/Photo/Full/groundhog01.jpg

Jerry and his top advisor.

Yes, the groundhog is driving.

[Tornon]

Freel takes ball one & we are underway

[Tornon]

Freel lines a double down the RF line

[captainmorgan07]

freel doubles

[Tornon]

Dunn launches a foul into the 4th deck

[Matt700wlw]

Marty complimenting Dunn...

(how can you not, really...he's been outstanding).

[Tornon]

Dunn singles into left center, 1-0 Reds

[captainmorgan07]

nice job dunn 1-0 reds i hope elizardo has his stuff tonite

[Matt700wlw]

Have I mentioned how impressed I am of Dunn?

:)

[Tornon]

Griffey.. GONE!! 3-0 Reds

[NJReds]

Houston announcers mention that Dunn's BA started climbing when he went to a lighter bat.

[MrCinatit]

There we go...That is a Junior swing I have missed seeing

[Matt700wlw]

Well....that's one way to get out of a slump!

:griffey:

:jump:

(must have got him some last night ;))

[NJReds]

Nice start for the Redlegs.

[CrackerJack]

oh I hope that HR means he's about to go on a tear...but tonight it looks like everyone's hittin...

[captainmorgan07]

junior trieng to break out the slump 3-0 reds

[M2]

Taylor Buchholz giveth.

[flyer85]

Jr showed the patience, taking a ball just off the plate and taking a low change for a strike before getting a good one to hit. That was refreshing

[MrCinatit]

Houston announcers mention that Dunn's BA started climbing when he went to a lighter bat.

I believe they also made mention of it on the Reds FSN pregame.

[LINEDRIVER]

Im glad to see Jr is awake and ready to play tonight.

[Tornon]

Aurilia pops a 2-0 pitch to short, 1 out

[Falls City Beer]

All they'll need is about 15 more runs; then they'll be cookin'.

[guttle11]

Junyah!

[Matt700wlw]

Rich ruins a perfectly good rally :)

[captainmorgan07]

All they'll need is about 15 more runs; then they'll be cookin'.
i hope ramirez has his stuff if not u'll be right

[Falls City Beer]

i hope ramirez has his stuff if not u'll be right

He hasn't had his "stuff" for a month.

[Tornon]

Hatteberg lines to center, 2 out

[flyer85]

of course rich swings at ball three while ahead 2-0

[M2]

All they'll need is about 15 more runs; then they'll be cookin'.

The real test tonight will be if Elizardo can keep the Astros under wraps. If he can't, that's a big red flag.

[NJReds]

I believe they also made mention of it on the Reds FSN pregame.

These Houston guys are progressive for baseball announcers. They talk about OPS, WHIP, etc. They noted the other day that Dunn strikes out a lot, but that it doesn't matter because he gets on base, scores runs and drives in runs. While obvious, that's rarely noted by announcers.

[flyer85]

He hasn't had his "stuff" for a month.not quite as bad as that Buchholz guy:D

[Falls City Beer]

The real test tonight will be if Elizardo can keep the Astros under wraps. If he can't, that's a big red flag.

I imagine the score will be tied by the end of the first. Elizardo has two pitches; that ain't gonna do it.

[Tornon]

Valentin Ks by swinging at a couple pitches in the dirt, 3-0 Reds middle of 1

21 pitches for Buchholz

[Falls City Beer]

not quite as bad as that Buchholz guy:D

At least Buchholz Ks people; if he could get traded to D.C. or Seattle, he could have himself a nice little career. He keeps people off base--and he Ks them.

[flyer85]

I imagine the score will be tied by the end of the first.
your hoping anyway :p:

[flyer85]

At least Buchholz Ks people; if he could get traded to D.C. or Seattle, he could have himself a nice little career. He keeps people off base--and he Ks them.just gives up HRs at a Miltonian rate.

[Tornon]

I imagine the score will be tied by the end of the first. Elizardo has two pitches; that ain't gonna do it.

Fastball, curve, changeup?

[Falls City Beer]

just gives up HRs at a Miltonian rate.

He's young. He pitches in a bandbox.

[Tornon]

Biggio lines the first pitch to left for a single

[Falls City Beer]

Fastball, curve, changeup?

That curve sucks.

[captainmorgan07]

walker just went yard cubies up 1-0

[Tornon]

Burke flies the first pitch to Dunn, 1 out

[flyer85]

He's young. He pitches in a bandbox.That would Ramirez. OJ Park reduces LH HRs quite significantly.

[captainmorgan07]

barret just went yard back to back for the cubies weaver getting smacked

[NJReds]

He's young. He pitches in a bandbox.

So is Elizardo. And GABP isn't Dodger Stadium.

But god forbid you cut some slack to a Reds player.

[Falls City Beer]

That would Ramirez. OJ Park reduces LH HRs quite significantly.

I realize Ramirez pitches in a bandbox too. But Ramirez doesn't K anybody and puts too many people on base.

[Tornon]

Berkman walks on 4 pitches

[NJReds]

CB Buckner should not be a major league umpire.

[TeamCasey]

The Red's have to win for TeamBoone tonight!

[Matt700wlw]

Where's OBM been?

I miss his rants :D

[MWM]

When is the last time Dunn did NOT knock a runner in when they were in scoring position? He's been every bit as good in July as he was bad in May and most of June.

[flyer85]

I realize Ramirez pitches in a bandbox too. But Ramirez doesn't K anybody and puts too many people on base.Ramirez has an HR rate ~50% lower, that is by the most signigicant difference between the two.

[Cyclone792]

I'm hoping that walk to Berkman was more of the pitching around variety than it was of the shaky control variety. If Ramirez put Berkman on to avoid him, I'm not necessarily upset with that. But if that walk is indicative of control problems tonight, it could be a long affair.

And as soon as I say that, the Lizard gets out of the inning. Good sign.

[Matt700wlw]

When is the last time Dunn did NOT knock a runner in when they were in scoring position? He's been every bit as good in July as he was bad in May and most of June.

Dunn bashers: He doesn't hit enough homers... :evil:

[Tornon]

Huff with a good ol 4-6-3, 3-0 Reds after 1

11 pitches for Ramirez

[Joseph]

Double play!

[Matt700wlw]

I imagine the score will be tied by the end of the first. Elizardo has two pitches; that ain't gonna do it.

Care to try again?

[TheBigLebowski]

Yes!!!

[NJReds]

I'm hoping that walk to Berkman was more of the pitching around variety than it was of the shaky control variety. If Ramirez put Berkman on to avoid him, I'm not necessarily upset with that. But if that walk is indicative of control problems tonight, it could be a long affair.

At least two of those pitches were borderline strikes. He was pitching carefully, but he didn't look wild. Old CB isn't going to give the pitchers a big target tonight.

[TheBigLebowski]

Care to try again?

Dude..just let him be.

[flyer85]

Huff with a good ol 4-6-3, 3-0 Reds after 1

11 pitches for Ramirez
got him out with a changeup. I thought he didn't have that pitch. :ughmamoru

[Tornon]

When is the last time Dunn did NOT knock a runner in when they were in scoring position? He's been every bit as good in July as he was bad in May and most of June.

July 20 vs. the Mets..

He flew to right with Freel at 2nd base

[PuffyPig]

Care to try again?
Well he said he "imagined" so he meant it was just a "dream".

[Tornon]

Phillips pops the first pitch to first, 1 out

[Falls City Beer]

got him out with a changeup. I thought he didn't have that pitch. :ughmamoru

Huff's never faced him before. I suspect he'll be ready next time.

[Matt700wlw]

Well he said he "imagined" so he meant it was just a "dream".

A boy is allowed to dream. :)

[flyer85]

Huff's never faced him before. I suspect he'll be ready next time.Buchholz doesn't even have one of those.

[Tornon]

Clayton singles to left

[Tornon]

Clayton steals second

[flyer85]

Bailey

4IP 3H 0R 0BB 5K

[Matt700wlw]

Clayton = scrappy.

[Falls City Beer]

Clayton steals second

They listened to M2.

[Matt700wlw]

Bailey

4IP 3H 0R 0BB 5K

He just keeps on rollin' :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Tornon]

Ramirez lines a double to right, 4-0 Reds

[TheBigLebowski]

Nice...first time I've complimented Clayton.

[MrCinatit]

The Lizzard carrying the Dunn-like battt!

[Cyclone792]

Eric Munson is catching for Houston tonight. Allow me to impart the following advice to the Reds:

STEAL LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW

M2's a prophet so far :D That throw on Clayton's steal was pretty lousy, I must say.

And now the Lizard does himself a huge favor by doubling Clayton in!

[guttle11]

Fear the Lizard!!!

[TheBigLebowski]

Wow..The Lizard smoked him....

Taylor must not have it tonight.

[NJReds]

Wow...nice swat for the Lizard.

[flyer85]

Buchholz :luvu:

[MrCinatit]

Bailey
4IP 3H 0R 0BB 5K

Wow. Kid's not doing too bad in AA. I like that walk number.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer update:

5ip, 4 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts

[NJReds]

Happy Birthday Aubrey.

[Tornon]

Freel grounds one right over the third base bag, nice play by Huff to get him. 2 out

[flyer85]

I like that walk number.Homer has walked 6 in 34IP in AA

[Falls City Beer]

Buchholz :luvu:

One of the best offenses in the league will make any pitcher look bad.

The trick is for OUR pitcher to shut down one of the worst offenses in the league. Can he do it?

[M2]

At least Buchholz Ks people; if he could get traded to D.C. or Seattle, he could have himself a nice little career. He keeps people off base--and he Ks them.

Somewhere along the way you mentally substituted Taylor Buchholz in your mind for a guy who can pitch. He's getting his head kicked in despite carrying a .252 BABIP.

He's a right-handed Eric Milton.

[flyer85]

One of the best offenses in the league will make any pitcher look bad. :p:

[WMR]

FCB has more than picked up the slack in OBM's absence! :)

[Ltlabner]

One of the best offenses in the league will make any pitcher look bad.

I thought we traded away all of our offense? ;)

[NJReds]

One of the best offenses in the league will make any pitcher look bad.

The trick is for OUR pitcher to shut down one of the worst offenses in the league. Can he do it?

Yes. Clayton and Ramirez can put a scare into the mightiest of pitchers.

[Matt700wlw]

I thought we traded away all of our offense? ;)

That was yesterday

[Falls City Beer]

I thought we traded away all of our offense? ;)

Nah. I knew they'd absorb the loss of Lopez and Kearns just fine. That's not the concern. What we got back is, however.

[flyer85]

Reds have the 2nd lowest average in the NL against RHP.

[RFS62]

One of the best offenses in the league will make any pitcher look bad.

The trick is for OUR pitcher to shut down one of the worst offenses in the league. Can he do it?


Yep. We've got them right where they want us.

[Tornon]

Dunn.. GONE!! 6-0 Reds

[Matt700wlw]

This Dunn guy is pretty good

:dunn:

:jump:

[Falls City Beer]

Yep. We've got them right where they want us.

You bet, Bronson. Just get that juju around your neck for the 5th inning. It's a doozy.

[guttle11]

Dunn hits one to El Paso!!

Or Dallas, Cancun, or Miami, depending on which way the stadium faces. Point is, it was long.

[MrCinatit]

So....Jerry...tell me again why Rich is the team MVP over Dunn? Hm?

[flyer85]

Buchholz is trying to lap Milton

[CrackerJack]

time to stop pitching to Dunn - no one should want any part of him right now

[TheBigLebowski]

:beerme: :beerme: :beerme:

[kyred14]

Why is anyone pitching to him? Wait, keep doing it. :D

[NJReds]

Dunn is absolutely on fire. But, as our old friend BadFundamentals (aka Prose14) said on the other board...he's just auditioning for Houston so they'll trade for him.

[Falls City Beer]

Dunn rules. Keep 'em comin. The Stros have a bullpen.

[Matt700wlw]

That was a shot!!

[M2]

Dunn bashers: He doesn't hit enough homers... :evil:

Now he kills rallies with them.

[Tornon]

Griffey swings at a bad pitch and grounds to second, 6-0 Reds middle of 2

39 pitches for Buchholz

[RFS62]

Dunn is absolutely on fire. But, as our old friend BadFundamentals (aka Prose14) said on the other board...he's just auditioning for Houston so they'll trade for him.



That poor bastard is probably hating life these days.

:laugh: :laugh:

[Falls City Beer]

Cards resume their terrorization of the National League: 3-2 Cards 2nd inning.

[flyer85]

Comeon FCB, abandon the HMS Buchholz, its listing hard to port.

I can't help myself. "I'm a bad man"

[RFS62]

Dunn rules. Keep 'em comin. The Stros have a bullpen.


Yeah, and you're gonna get to see it very soon

[Caveat Emperor]

Back from the Ohio Bar Exam -- this is a good score to come back to!

:beerme:

[Cyclone792]

Dunn has 11 bases in his last six plate appearances without making an out.

That's real good.

[Tornon]

Wilson lines to Clayton, 1 out

[Matt700wlw]

Lizard has the run support tonight...

No excuses tonight....win it.

[Tornon]

Scott lines one by Clayton for a single

[RFS62]

Back from the Ohio Bar Exam -- this is a good score to come back to!

:beerme:



Congratulations CE. That's a big moment in your life.

:beerme: :beerme:

[Falls City Beer]

Comeon FCB, abandon the HMS Buchholz, its listing hard to port.

I can't help myself. "I'm a bad man"

Yeah, I guess he does suck. He's got some interesting peripherals. We'll see if anything becomes of him. He is still young.

[flyer85]

Dunn is just drilling to LC. Ya know, TC said this was going to happen.

[PuffyPig]

I realize Ramirez pitches in a bandbox too. But Ramirez doesn't K anybody and puts too many people on base.

Well, the only 3 things pitchers can control are walks, strike outs and HR's allowed.

Yes, Bucky does K more guys than Ramirez, but not that many, 6.32 to 5.64 per 9 innings.

But at what cost. He outwalks Ramirez 2.53 to 1.91.

And he gives up 1.74 HR's per 9 innings vs. 1.07 by Ramirez.

Ramirez stats that matter are much, much better this year.

And the theory that Ramirez doesn't strike out anyone is an Old Wives Tale.

[RFS62]

Yeah, I guess he does suck. He's got some interesting peripherals. We'll see if anything becomes of him. He is still young.


Yeah, and tonight most of his peripherals are souvineers

[Tornon]

Munson grounds to Aurilia, Phillips drops the ball as he tries to turn the DP.. only get one. 2 down

[NJReds]

Yeah, and tonight most of his peripherals are souvineers

:laugh:

[flyer85]

Yeah, I guess he does suck. He's got some interesting peripherals. We'll see if anything becomes of him. He is still young.I think he profiles to be a very good reliever. His lack of a real 3rd pitch is too much to overcome at this point.

[Tornon]

Yeah, I guess he does suck. He's got some interesting peripherals. We'll see if anything becomes of him. He is still young.

So is Elizardo.. but you seem to have given up on him already

[WMR]

Whoever works the FSN scoreboard must be a pot-smoker.

[Heath]

just got in - 17 posts before EdE complaints.

We're slipping around here.

[guttle11]

Arizona, Atlanta, and SF all lost today. This game is pretty big.

[VR]

time to stop pitching to Dunn - no one should want any part of him right now

When Dunn finally decided to adjust, it was going to be a very, very, bad deal for the NL. The horror has begun.

[Tornon]

Everett singles up the middle

[Tornon]

Willy Taveras pinch hitting

[NJReds]

Taylor B., we hardly knew you.

[captainmorgan07]

taveras up to pinch hittin long nite for the astro pen

[Falls City Beer]

And the theory that Ramirez doesn't strike out anyone is an Old Wives Tale.


Really?

5.64 K/9 sucks. There's nothing old or wivish about it.

[Caveat Emperor]

Arizona, Atlanta, and SF all lost today. This game is pretty big.

After game 100 of the season, if you're still in contention you stop having non-big games.

[flyer85]

Elizardo is walking his own razors edge. His HR rate is keeping him just on the right side for the moment.

EZ is a huge ? for the 2nd half

[guttle11]

After game 100 of the season, if you're still in contention you stop having non-big games.

True. Ok, a win today is bigger than big.

[Tornon]

Taveras bloops a single to right, 6-1 Reds

[NJReds]

Really?

5.64 K/9 sucks. There's nothing old or wivish about it.

But 6.32 K/9 is great?

[Matt700wlw]

That messed up DP bites EZ....

[Falls City Beer]

But 6.32 K/9 is great?

It's respectable, sure. Particularly for a young pitcher who started the season with a very low K/9 rate.

[RFS62]

When Dunn finally decided to adjust, it was going to be a very, very, bad deal for the NL. The horror has begun.



Yep. Been saying that for a long time now.

[PuffyPig]

Really?

5.64 K/9 sucks. There's nothing old or wivish about it.

Yet Bucky's 6.32 is fabulous????

[Matt700wlw]

In other news, The Royals picked up Estebn Yan and sent him to the Pacific Coast league.


Now back to our normally scheduled arguing :D

[PuffyPig]

Ramirez's bad luck with BABIP continues.

.400 this game so far.

[Falls City Beer]

Yet Bucky's 6.32 is fabulous????

I said it was good. It is.

[DoogMinAmo]

It seems like EZ is getting squeezed by Gamecast, anyone watching concur/ feel otherwise?

[PuffyPig]

It's respectable, sure. Particularly for a young pitcher who started the season with a very low K/9 rate.

So the difference between sucks and respectable (I see you've lowered your standards on Bucky) is about 2/3rds of a K per 9 innings???

This is too much.

[flyer85]

Bucknor is seriously squeezing tonight

[Tornon]

Biggio flies to Dunn, 6-1 Reds after 2

29 pitches for Ramirez

[NJReds]

It seems like EZ is getting squeezed by Gamecast, anyone watching concur/ feel otherwise?

Yes. It's a very small strike zone tonight.

[flyer85]

It seems like EZ is getting squeezed by Gamecast, anyone watching concur/ feel otherwise?yep, hasn't gotten a call on the corner yet

[membengal]

Sounds like nice work by the Lizard to work through the smallish strike zone and minimize the damage following the error.

[GAC]

It seems like EZ is getting squeezed by Gamecast, anyone watching concur/ feel otherwise?

I'm watching the game and think he is getting squeezed by this ump.

[Falls City Beer]

So the difference between sucks and respectable (I see you've lowered your standards on Bucky) is about 2/3rds of a K per 9 innings???

This is too much.

Well, when you consider that Buch's Ks have been in general on the incline and Ramirez's have been shrinking dramatically, yeah.

[flyer85]

I said it was good. It is.it's mediocre. Any starting pitcher around 6 is walking a fine line and will be heavily dependent on keeping the HR rate and BB rate down.

[flyer85]

Bailey

6IP 5H 0R 2BB 8K

[Tornon]

Matt Albers in to pitch

[Tornon]

Aurilia lines the first pitch to center, 1 out

[WMR]

Oh my, that 2nd strike on Hatte was beyond bad. Wow.

[Tornon]

Hatty grounds to first, 2 out

[flyer85]

Well, when you consider that Buch's Ks have been in general on the incline and Ramirez's have been shrinking dramatically, yeah.haven't bailed quite yet?

They are very similar pitchers, the difference now is the HR rate but that can always change. That rate is all that keeps EZ afloat.

[Tornon]

Valentin grounds the first pitch to third, 6-1 Reds middle of 3

[flyer85]

Bucknor is generally regarded as the worst umpire in baseball.

[Falls City Beer]

When I think that what stands between a Reds victory and an offense that has nothing to lose (Astros) is Elizardo Ramirez, I begin to have my doubts.

[WMR]

Congrats on the bar, CE. Didn't you say it's a multi-day exam? Are you finished now?

Was it everything you expected?

[flyer85]

When I think that what stands between a Reds victory and an offense that has nothing to lose (Astros) is Elizardo Ramirez, I begin to have my doubts.just cross your fingers and rub that rabbits foot.

[Ltlabner]

When I think that what stands between a Reds victory and an offense that has nothing to lose (Astros) is Elizardo Ramirez, I begin to have my doubts.

As opposed to all the other doubts you have about the Reds? hahahahaha

[PuffyPig]

it's mediocre. Any starting pitcher around 6 is walking a fine line and will be heavily dependent on keeping the HR rate and BB rate down.

That's right. Ramirez has done that. Bucky hasn't.

And the difference is about 2 runs per game on DIPS ERA.

[oregonred]

Bailey

6IP 5H 0R 2BB 8K

Bum, he let 10 guys get away without striking out. Needs another three years in the minors...

[Tornon]

Burke Ks swinging, 1 out

[wheels]

As opposed to all the other doubts you have about the Reds? hahahahaha

:laugh:

Zzzzing!:D

[Tornon]

Berkman grounds to Phillips, 2 out

[flyer85]

Bum, he let 10 guys get away without striking out. Needs another three years in the minors...K rate ~10, BB rate < 3, HR rate ~0.5 suggest that if Homer isn't ready stuffwise then he is close.

The issues with Homer at this point are workload related. Bring him up and put him in the pen. :D

[oregonred]

Burke Ks swinging, 1 out

How can this possibly be? Lizard can't strike anyone out.

Still bummed about last nights loss when I left work at 5-1 in the 5th... need this one tonight badly to atone.

[VR]

I think the optimism there is on EZ is that he had an incredible k/bb rate in the minors and a decent k rate overall. He hasn't shown that same poise in the bigs, but that is certainly something to be expected with maturity. Time will tell, but he's had the history to say that his problem right now is overall control, not just lack of k's.

[PuffyPig]

How can this possibly be? Lizard can't strike anyone out.



I think it was "imagined".

[Tornon]

Huff Ks swinging, 6-1 Reds after 3

44 pitches for Ramirez

[Cyclone792]

K rate ~10, BB rate < 3, HR rate ~0.5 suggest that if Homer isn't ready stuffwise then he is close.

The issues with Homer at this point are workload related. Bring him up and put him in the pen. :D

My big question mark on Bailey right now is how much he's utilizing pitches other than his fastball. I'm hoping he's starting to develop his offspeed stuff and a change-up in these starts rather than just continually blowing everyone away with a fastball.

I've actually been looking to see if it's possible to track Bailey's individual pitch data, such as how many pitches in a given start were fastballs, breaking balls, change-ups, etc., but I think that might be asking too much. That said, we do have some good Homer Bailey minor league pitching splits right here (http://www.minorleaguesplits.com/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?pl=456701&tm=ChaSL&bp=p).

[flyer85]

Huff goes down on a nice change

[oregonred]

I think the optimism there is on EZ is that he had an incredible k/bb rate in the minors and a decent k rate overall. He hasn't shown that same poise in the bigs, but that is certainly something to be expected with maturity. Time will tell, but he's had the history to say that his problem right now is overall control, not just lack of k's.

You'd think that having two real pitchers who are hard workers on the staff (Harang and Arroyo) would bode well for some of these youngsters like EZ. Plus no Gullett. Two good things for Homer's development when he arrives at GABP for good next April or May

[kbrake]

FCB suprised to see the Reds even showed up after last nights season ending loss. How much does it pain you to see this team continue to win? I know prolly not Series contenders yet, but it must be hard for you, this team just wont go away.

[flyer85]

My big question mark on Bailey right now is how much he's utilizing pitches other than his fastball. I'm hoping he's starting to develop his offspeed stuff and a change-up in these starts rather than just continually blowing everyone away with a fastball.
IMHO, not that big of a deal at the moment(all young pitchers need improvement in that area). If you spot your 97 mph fastball you will get people out at any level.

[Tornon]

Phillips grounds to third, 1 out

[Caveat Emperor]

Congrats on the bar, CE. Didn't you say it's a multi-day exam? Are you finished now?

Was it everything you expected?

3 days -- 6 30 minute essays and 2 MPT 1.5 hour essays on Tuesday, 6 hours of multiple choice on Wednesday, and 6 30 minute essays on Thursday.

It was hellacious -- I never want to repeat that! Just the out of pocket cost to register for the exam, pay for the hotel and pay for parking in Columbus was bad enough!

[Tornon]

Clayton flies to the wall in left, 2 out

[oregonred]

Huff goes down on a nice change

Lizard toying with FCB, decided to strike out 2 and toss a 1-2-3 inning through the heart of the 'Stros order at him -- simply out of spite ;)

[Tornon]

Ramirez Ks on 3 pitches, 6-1 Reds middle of 4

[Cyclone792]

IMHO, not that big of a deal at the moment(all young pitchers need improvement in that area). If you spot your 97 mph fastball you will get people out at any level.

There's nothing wrong with getting people out. But complete domination is even better. If Bailey can develop at least some decent off-speed stuff and a change-up to go along with a well-located 97mph fastball, then we're looking at another beast altogether.

[flyer85]

There's nothing wrong with getting people out. But complete domination is even better. If Bailey can develop at least some decent off-speed stuff and a change-up to go along with a well-located 97mph fastball, then we're looking at another beast altogether.the question is can he help the Reds now or not? Dominating is not the issue.

[PuffyPig]

Last year Ramirez was considered a non prospect by lots here.

He's now pitching, at the age of 23, in a major league rotation with a DIPS ERA in the low 4's.

That's a big jump over 1 year.

He looks like a pitcher to me.

[Tornon]

Wilson Ks swinging, 1 out

[WMR]

Can someone 'accidentally' push Grande into the bronzer while he's in Cooperstown

[Tornon]

Scott Ks swinging, 2 out

[Matt700wlw]

EZ strikes out somebody else just to irritate FCB

[flyer85]

EZ "the K King" must have heard the conversation

[CrackerJack]

Ramirez reads FCB posts on his palm pilot between innings and goes on to K 4 out of next 5 batters. :)

[CrackerJack]

make that 5 of 5....and that was a nasty pitch there

[Tornon]

Munson Ks swinging, 6-1 Reds after 4

62 pitches for Ramirez

[ochre]

Huff goes down on a nice change
I think you can get arrested for that in some states.

[RFS62]

k

[GAC]

The Lizard has K'd 5 of the last 6. ;)

[oregonred]

EZ strikes out somebody else just to irritate FCB

Don't worry he'll be back at the first sign of danger :evil:


strikes out the side (5th in a row) :beerme:

[WMR]

EZ K's him on the 5th thrown strike.

[Ltlabner]

Wow, The Lizzard just struck out the side. Thats pretty amazing since he never K's anybody.......

[Cyclone792]

the question is can he help the Reds now or not? Dominating is not the issue.

Can he help now? Probably, though not by much, and there's too much risk involved, IMO, for that to be a smart decision.

I'd like another 100 innings or so in the minor leagues. I'd let him finish comfortably in AA this season - nothing wrong with a guy dominating a level for a few months - then look for some innings in AAA next spring with a possible promotion up sometime in the 2007 summer.

[LincolnparkRed]

EZ's high for K's is 9 or 10 right. After looking shaky through 2 he has definitely settled down. I am sure porn stache told him something good in the dugout

[RFS62]

Hey FCB ...

Are you oK?

[StillFunkyB]

Ok, what I miss? You are all laying it on to FCB pretty thick!

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp Tornon. Its been storming here.

[Caveat Emperor]

Hey FCB ...

Are you oK?

And, more importantly, can you give me some lottery numbers not to pick? :evil:

[Tornon]

Freel Ks swinging, 1 out

[flyer85]

Can he help now? Probably, though not by much, and there's too much risk involved, IMO, for that to be a smart decision.the only risk is workload related. Now if they bring him up and put him in the rotation, that could be a problem.

[oregonred]

Freel Ks swinging, 1 out

Now Lizard is even striking out his own teammates. Settle down EZ... :thumbdown

[Tornon]

Ok, what I miss? You are all laying it on to FCB pretty thick!

He was on EZ for not striking anybody out and he has been striking people out

[Matt700wlw]

Hey FCB ...

Are you oK?

I think he passed out...

[Tornon]

Dunn walks

[TheBigLebowski]

Why can't we touch this Albers character?

[oregonred]

I think he passed out...

FCB gets a bad wrap, he's behind the Reds "win" or "win big" :cool:

[Ltlabner]

I think he passed out...

Naaaahhhh...he's out slamming his fingers in a door. Again and again and again and again....

[Tornon]

Griffey walks on 4 pitches

[NJReds]

Dunn, Berkman, Hatcher and the Ump having a conversation down at 1st.

[RFS62]

Man, these Astros announcers are really hip.

One of them just said "Adam has a new movie coming out soon.... Taladega nights"

[Tornon]

Aurilia grounds into a double play, 6-1 Reds middle of 5

[Cyclone792]

the only risk is workload related. Now if they bring him up and put him in the rotation, that could be a problem.

Not worth it, IMO. I'd rather see him staying in the minor leagues refining his stuff and continuing to learn how to mix his pitches while developing the offspeed stuff instead of pitching a few sparse innings for us out of the bullpen down the final two months.

I do think he'd help out in the rotation, but that's mostly because our #5 spot has been so lousy that it's almost impossible to do worse. But that's just way too big of a risk, and not one I'd touch with a 500 foot pole.

[oregonred]

Griffey walks on 4 pitches

Amazing, and it wasn't even an intentional.

Let's get a couple more runs, I'm paranoid after last night's 5th inning mess.

[KronoRed]

You know what gets old?

Slamming FCB

Just sayin ;)

[flyer85]

Why can't we touch this Albers character?
swinging at bad pitches

[Falls City Beer]

Naaaahhhh...he's out slamming his fingers in a door. Again and again and again and again....

Watching Dave Chappelle's Lost Episodes. The wife just brought it home. I come back to see Rich ground into a double play.

A very last-nightish feel to this game.