August 7th - Reds vs. Cardinals - Game Thread

[CTA513]

Reds Cardinals
1. R Freel, RF 1. R Belliard, 2B
2. A Dunn, LF 2. C Duncan, LF
3. K Griffey Jr., CF 3. A Pujols, 1B
4. E Encarnacion, 3B 4. S Rolen, 3B
5. S Hatteberg, 1B 5. J Edmonds, CF
6. B Phillips, 2B 6. J Encarnacion, RF
7. J Valentin, C 7. Y Molina, C
8. R Clayton, SS 8. A Miles, SS
9. E Ramirez, P 9. J Weaver, P

Ramirez 4-7, 4.47 ERA Weaver 4-12, 6.71 ERA

Game Time: 7:10 p.m. ET
TV: FSN Ohio
Radio: WLW 700

[BrooklynRedz]

I love that lineup.

[vaticanplum]

I'm feelin pretty groovy, I have to say. Nice lineup, and the pitching matchups this series really couldn't be much better for us.

I think "August 7th" has a historic ring to it. :p:

[Highlifeman21]

I love that lineup.

I'm with BrooklynRedz.

Given that Royce Clayton is our everyday SS, and that's something we have to stomach, this is the best lineup I think we can field.

[kaldaniels]

Terrific lineup tonight...for one day at least (In the eyes of some) Narron is the Man!!!

[DoogMinAmo]

Given the personnel, I would still want Hattie 2nd, Dunn 3rd, EE 4th, and Junior 5th, but I can live with the above.

[kaldaniels]

EE's coming out party this series anyone??? He'll play his way into the lineup (everyday) with a strong performance.

[VR]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/bvsp?playerId=4039&teamId=17

Collectively, poor historical performance by Reds Vs. Weaver.

Looks like a 9-2 Drubbing over the Cards tonight. :)

[guttle11]

Dunn's got a 1.283 OPS against Weaver. Look out Moon Deck.

[Falls City Beer]

I see the game following this pattern: Ramirez gets in trouble early (4 runs through 3 innings), then settles down; Reds chip away at Weaver and by the 5th have tied the game. Weaver leaves after the 5th. Ramirez stays in through 6 complete, with no more activity. Reds score in the bottom of the sixth, 6-4 after six. Weathers goes two innings, giving up a run in the 8th. Guardado closes it out, final 6-5 Reds.

[Matt700wlw]

I see the game following this pattern: Ramirez gets in trouble early (4 runs through 3 innings), then settles down; Reds chip away at Weaver and by the 5th have tied the game. Weaver leaves after the 5th. Ramirez stays in through 6 complete, with no more activity. Reds score in the bottom of the sixth, 6-4 after six. Weathers goes two innings, giving up a run in the 8th. Guardado closes it out, final 6-5 Reds.

You picking them to win frightens me...

:D

[BrooklynRedz]

I see the game following this pattern: Ramirez gets in trouble early (4 runs through 3 innings), then settles down; Reds chip away at Weaver and by the 5th have tied the game. Weaver leaves after the 5th. Ramirez stays in through 6 complete, with no more activity. Reds score in the bottom of the sixth, 6-4 after six. Weathers goes two innings, giving up a run in the 8th. Guardado closes it out, final 6-5 Reds.

Works for me :thumbup:

btw, anyone know if Eddie G is available tonight?

[Ltlabner]

Ramirez gets in trouble early (4 runs through 3 innings), then settles down; Ramirez stays in through 6 complete, with no more activity.

FCB, dare I say that this is the closest you've every come to complimenting The Lizzard? ;)

[Puffy]

btw, anyone know if Eddie G is available tonight?

Dude - he's married, and besides that I don't see what his availabilty has to do with the Reds/Cardinals game.

Geez, everything with you people is sex, sex, sex.

[BrooklynRedz]

Dude - he's married, and besides that I don't see what his availabilty has to do with the Reds/Cardinals game.

Geez, everything with you people is sex, sex, sex.

touche!

[KronoRed]

Nice to see Dunn and EE in the right spots

[kaldaniels]

sample size

[reds44]

:clap:

I love the lineup!

It appears Edwin has goten his starting job back!!

[OnBaseMachine]

Pretty good lineup.

[Puffy]

For luck:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-9/825505/cs_samjackson2.jpg

[Puffy]

For even more luck:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-12/916060/raisor.jpg

[Tony Cloninger]

Where is RA? How is he going to get his stroke back by sitting? ;)

[dsmith421]

Where is RA? How is he going to get his stroke back by sitting?

His pinch hit at bat yesterday was just preposterous. He needed more than an ironing board, I'd say maybe a small boat in order to make contact.

[SirFelixCat]

Great lineup. Now just gotta go out and take this series!!!

Go Reds!

[Tommyjohn25]

Sooo....who's nervous?

[Fullboat]

:wave:

[reds44]

Sooo....who's nervous?
I know I am.

Better question


Who's not nervous?

[Ltlabner]

Sooo....who's nervous?


I am...seems like every time people here generally like the lineup the Reds get shut out.

[Matt700wlw]

Sooo....who's nervous?

I'm excited. With that, there is nervousness.....I think it usually goes hand in hand a bit :)

This is what summer is supposed to be about. MEANINGFUL games....



I'm actually not in all-out Bengals mode yet (althought I can't wait for the season to start)...it would be fun to be excited about both professional franchises at the same time come September/October.

[reds44]

"We didn't play very well and we ran into a hot team. It's a different view playing first base, and that team looks like it's playing Wiffle ball right now." - 1B Jim Edmonds on the Reds

That was after our sweep in St. Louis.

Let's play some more wiffle ball!!!!

[Tommyjohn25]

My stomach is turning over this series, which is a good thing. I live for series like this. But man, I am tied in knots over this one.

[George Foster]

My stomach is turning over this series, which is a good thing. I live for series like this. But man, I am tied in knots over this one.

We will know by next Wed. if we are for real or not. The waiting is allmost over. I think we must go 7-3 the next 10 games. This .500 stuff is not going to cut it anymore. One team is going to bust out in the wildcard...it better be us.

[LexingtonRedsFan]

The cards have been struggling and the Reds need to put the hammer down and win this series...if the cards, even struggling can win the series, it might put doubt in the minds of the players that they can make the post season

[Strikes Out Looking]

Prediction: Reds 4 Cardinals 3

The Reds are now 3-0 when I predict a victory--I haven't hit the score on the head yet, but I'm working on it.

[Matt700wlw]

Jerry says Bray is not available today...

He also said avoiding Pujols as much as possible is a key in this series

[George Foster]

Narron has no business pitching Franklin tonight unless it's a blowout either way. It's just a lot to ask of a guy. You hop off a plane, put on a new uniform that smells like polyester, and POW....your in the game, 8th inning, bases loaded. A lot to ask of anybody.

[reds44]

Jerry says Bray is not available today...

He also said avoiding Pujols as much as possible is a key in this series
No surprise there. He pitches 2 and 2/3 the past 2 days.

I assume Eddie is available?

[Tony Cloninger]

How about a CG from Ramirez then? :D

So mant bullpen arms.....yet always a day where someone is N/A....for some reason or another.

If Bray is out....and EG has problems...... then we can hope the offense has waited out Weaver and they have scored 10 runs, at least.

[redsfan30]

Isn't this fun?

Go Reds!!!!

[Matt700wlw]

No surprise there. He pitches 2 and 2/3 the past 2 days.

I assume Eddie is available?

I would assume....haven't heard either way.

[redsfan30]

I sure hope the delay isn't too bad between WLW and FSN, but at home this year it's usually been pretty bad.

This big of a series, I'd really like to listen to Marty.

[George Foster]

How about a CG from Ramirez then? :D

So mant bullpen arms.....yet always a day where someone is N/A....for some reason or another.

If Bray is out....and EG has problems...... then we can hope the offense has waited out Weaver and they have scored 10 runs, at least.

Chris Welsh just signed a 96 hour contract.

[CrackerJack]

Game plan for the Lizard: No el pitcho to Pujols

[KronoRed]

Just bean Albert..will get the cards all good and mad

[redsfan30]

Game on, Reds fans!!

[Big Klu]

The George Grande Lovefest is on.

[reds44]

Good start.

:|

[CrackerJack]

No el pitcho to Belliard either....

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 0 on 0 out

Ronnie Belliard gets crunk on an Elizardo Ramirez fastball for a double. George Grande busy thinking up a new and creative nickname for him.

1 on, 0 out

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 1 on, 0 out

Chris Duncan up. George Grande describing him as "Mark McGwire" looking. To most people, this would be an insult describing chemical makeup, but to George, it's a term of endearment.

Duncam hits a sharp single to left that scores one run. Somebody check George's pants.

1-0 St. Louis.

[Matt700wlw]

The Reds need to make Jeff Weaver sorry he ever stepped into GABP...


If it's not to late by then :bang:

[Big Klu]

George is now comparing Duncan to Mark McGwire.

[redsfan30]

Bad decision by Dunn to take that ball to the plate. He had little shot to knock that runner off and now they have another runner at second because of it.

[Joseph]

Ballgame?

[George Foster]

I hope this is not a preview of coming events. 2-0 cards.... wow

[redsfanmia]

Exactly the way we didnt want the game to start :(

[CrackerJack]

Lizardo throwing straight cheese to these guys right now

[TeamCasey]

I just had a little temper tantrum.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 1 on, 1 in

Albert Pujols comes up and doubles to left to score another run. How inconsiderate of him to rob George Grande of the opportunity to praise and laud the greatness of Albert.

2-0 St. Louis.

[reds44]

Maybe FCB was right.

[redsfan30]

Let's not get too down....it's only the top of the first. Ramirez has not been good early, but often he's settled down.

[MrCinatit]

Didn't George compare Duncan with McGwire the last time, too?
Might have to look through some old game threads....

[KronoRed]

CE PBP..we can't lose

[Falls City Beer]

No el pitcho to Belliard either....

Or Duncan. Or Rolen. Or Edmonds.

They are still a mighty offense. A much better one through five than the Reds.

[TeamCasey]

The George Grande Lovefest is on.

I was thinking that too. :laugh:

[OnBaseMachine]

Ramirez is falling apart. Arroyo has already fell apart. The Reds have one good starter now.

[redsfan30]

We've got problems....

[Matt700wlw]

We've got problems....

Big problems...

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 0 out, 1 on

Scott Rolen up next, and I hope everyone brought their batteries. Rolen quickly doubles out to deep center field to score another run.

Hope those $1 hot dogs are loaded with booze tonight.

3-0 St. Louis

[reds44]

This is stupid.

[CTA513]

Ramirez getting owned by the Cardinals.

:bang:

[Strikes Out Looking]

Somebody needs to whack Ramirez in the head.

[Edskin]

Only two words give me hope right now:

Jeff Weaver

[KronoRed]

That's enough runs for them now.

[Matt700wlw]

Let's not get too down....it's only the top of the first. Ramirez has not been good early, but often he's settled down.

This is true...

[Falls City Beer]

This is stupid.

But not surprising, considering Ramirez's last month.

[George Foster]

"Hey I got an idea, lets give our fans half off tickets, dollar hotdogs, then play like crap."

[NC Reds]

Don't worry - Krivsky will trade for some more middle relief help. :bang:

[TeamCasey]

I may have to drink.

(Kidding ..... they're on their own until Friday.)

[OnBaseMachine]

I really wish the Reds wouldn't have had that half ticket promotion. More people=more embarrassment. This team simply chokes in front of big crowds.

[redsfan30]

About the only thing that we have to take solice in is Jeff Weaver will be taking the mound for the Cardinals.

[reds44]

But not surprising, considering Ramirez's last month.
I can't even argue with you. You called this yesterday.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 1 on, 0 out

Elizardo Ramirez: Not fooling the fooler

Jim Edmonds grounds out to Scott Hatteberg on the first pitch. Where's your hero NOW George?! What?! That's right, I thought you weren't saying anything.

1 out. Bronx Cherring may commence.

[Joseph]

Only two words give me hope right now:

Jeff Weaver

You got that right.

[redsfan30]

Good play by Encarnacion.

[Matt700wlw]

Nice job, Edwin....nice nice nice!!!

[Aronchis]

The Lizard meets the wall, finally after running along side it for most of July. The Reds season hits the wall, though the National League had already hit the wall lol!!

[Joseph]

Aurilia has no chance at a play like that.

[MrCinatit]

Great play by EdE - almost a historically spectacular play!

[OnBaseMachine]

Nah, Weaver will probably shut our offense down.

[George Foster]

This is stupid.


Maybe FCB was right about ER. Automatic.....

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 1 out, Runner on 3rd

Juan Encarnacion up next. Personally, with all this dealing for injured pitching, I can't help but smile at the ol' Ryan Dempster deal.

Encarncion hits a bullet to Eddie E out at 3rd who throws the runner out at first from his knees. He barely missed tagging Rolen as well.

2 outs.

[redsfan30]

Good call.

[CrackerJack]

My God I don't know how EE snagged that - he was safe though sit down Jerry

[redsfan30]

Oh boy.

[KronoRed]

Gold glove like :D

[reds44]

My God what a play.

[Matt700wlw]

I'm fuming now....

:explode:

[Joseph]

Even Jeff Weaver pitching doesn't give any hope after this.

[redsfan30]

There is nothing to say right now....

[NC Reds]

Grande has a woody now - he's loves him some Yadi Molina.

[TeamCasey]

:censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored:

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 2 outs, Man on 3rd

Yadir Molina gives an extra-special F-U to Elizardo Ramirez with the big fly to score Rolen from 3rd.

It's a home run, and this crowd is looking like it might want to run home.

Chris Welsh even laying into Elizardo.

5-0 STL

[Falls City Beer]

EdE is a marvelous defensive third baseman. Amazing, in fact. I can't wait to watch this kid become an All-Star.

[Joseph]

Who wants to call the time of death for the Reds Divisional hopes?

[CrackerJack]

Giving that up to Molina is weak, WEAK

[reds44]

afhahfajhfjoajfaajfoafjao

[Big Klu]

George is giddy as a schoolgirl.

[MWM]

Yadir Molina
:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Matt700wlw]

Who wants to call the time of death for the Reds Divisional hopes?

Get swept, and it's done....hard to tell with the WC, depends what the other teams do.

[OnBaseMachine]

The worst position player in baseball just hit a home run.

4.5 back most likely. Sorry folks, the Reds don't stand a chance to win the division. And the wild card is very iffy.

[pedro]

The Reds are going to win this game 8-7

[guttle11]

I say we win 9-7.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 1, 2 out, 5 runs in

Aaron Miles grounds out weakly to Scott Hatteberg to blissfully end this inning. I hate to say it, folks, but Elizardo Ramirez does this WAY too often to be ever described as "reliable" or "inflammable" (or is that flammable? I can never remember).

5-0 Bad Guys. Reds coming up.

[redsfan30]

:(

Take the worst possible senario going into this game, multiply it by 25 and you still haven't gotten to what just happened.

[Edskin]

Yep, this outing tells me a lot about EZ. Young guys can be up and down, but when they choke like that in such an important game, it really changes my opinion of them. He looks more and more like a so-so 5th starter to me than a young pitcher w/ "potential." Molina? Yikes.

[TeamCasey]

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

[IslandRed]

Yes, the Yadier Molina who is barely outhitting the Cards' starting rotation.

Where's that reset button?

[George Foster]

Who wants to call the time of death for the Reds Divisional hopes?

7:22 EST August 7, 2006

[reds44]

Chris Welsch is pissed.

Good to see.

[CTA513]

I guess we will get to see Ryan Franklin pitch tonight.

[Fullboat]

At least its the first inning.

[NC Reds]

The Lizard's ERA now stands at 4.87. Maybe it's time to have Ross catch him.

[redsfan30]

Elizardo Ramirez has given up a five spot in the first inning already this year.

That game ended with a Dunn walkoff homerun of some sort......

[kaldaniels]

Two Things

1) Grande's comparison of Duncan to Big Mac was the stupidest thing I've heard all year.

2) Just remember how bad you all said Weaver was when he was DFA and many didn't want the Reds to be interested...good news he is on the mound...anything is possible.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm not the least bit surprised by what just unfolded. Not in the least.

One of the perks of being a "pessimist."

[SteelSD]

Ok...so when is batting practice over? I have to go back to work and I've been waiting for the game to start.

[MWM]

Well, I'm really tired. At least now I can go to sleep without worrying about the Reds.

I'm not going to read too much into this game. But I will express concern with Elizardo. He's starting to get to the innings pitched level where 23 year olds in their first full season start to hit a wall. I'm not trying to take anything away from him as he's been pretty good for the Reds this year, but I had a bad feeling he was going to explode, and in a bad way. I hope tonight is just a bad outing and nothing more. But I worry that it's much more than a bad outing.

[reds44]

Don't let Elizardo go back out there.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks CE for the pbp.

[kaldaniels]

Elizardo Ramirez has given up a five spot in the first inning already this year.

That game ended with a Dunn walkoff homerun of some sort......

No, Dunn's walkoff was the 0-0 game in extras I believe...EZ started that one.

[GridironGrace]

Ah........hopefully the bats have came to hit 2nite.

Make this a game get a few back.

[pedro]

The Lizard's ERA now stands at 4.87. Maybe it's time to have Ross catch him.

yeah, that'll fix him.

[George Foster]

The Reds are going to win this game 8-7

That's what I like about you Pedro......your a stat man, until it comes down to wins and loses ,then you go with your heart...to hell with the stats!

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm not the least bit surprised by what just unfolded. Not in the least.

One of the perks of being a "pessimist."

You called it last night. Good call.

[KronoRed]

Is Franklin ready to go?

[Falls City Beer]

Well, I'm really tired. At least now I can go to sleep without worrying about the Reds.

I'm not going to read too much into this game. But I will express concern with Elizardo. He's starting to get to the innings pitched level where 23 year olds in their first full season start to hit a wall. I'm not trying to take anything away from him as he's been pretty good for the Reds this year, but I had a bad feeling he was going to explode, and in a bad way. I hope tonight is just a bad outing and nothing more. But I worry that it's much more than a bad outing.

He keeps getting worse. And a different pitcher needs to take his place. But that wasn't addressed.

[paintmered]

Dear game thread,

Chill.



Thanks,
paint

[Caveat Emperor]

Bottom 2, 5-0 St. Louis

Ryan Freel up to face Jeff Weaver. Fortunately, if there's one pitcher who I'm confident the Reds can light up like a Christmas Tree, it's Santa Weaver.

Freel takes some pitches to 3-1, which puts him in the drivers seat (always a dangerous spot for Ryan). The count runs full and Freel lines out to Belliard for the first out.

1 out

[reds44]

No, Dunn's walkoff was the 0-0 game in extras I believe...EZ started that one.
That was the Brewers

He was talking about the walkoff granny v. Cleveland.

[MWM]

The Lizard's ERA now stands at 4.87. Maybe it's time to have Ross catch him.

Are you serious? Ross is not a very good defensive catcher. And certainly you dn't believe catchers matter THAT much. Afterall, Larue catches our best pitcher in Harang.

[Matt700wlw]

Reds - be patient with Weaver...he's prone to suck, then he gets disoriented, and sucks some more.



At least, usually...

[Caveat Emperor]

Adam Dunn, first pitch swinging (why would you take pitches and extend the starter? Why, I ask?) flies out to right field.

2 outs. Weaver thankful for the gift.

[reds44]

Those balls were hammerd.

[WMR]

I would like to know exactly what Valentin was calling for that 1st inning.

That first pitch meatball to Molina is unforgiveable.

[Matt700wlw]

I'm not the least bit surprised by what just unfolded. Not in the least.

One of the perks of being a "pessimist."

You did predict he would settle down....


I haven't found many of them to be right unless they're predicted every inning, so hopefully you get one tonight :) :p:

[kaldaniels]

That was the Brewers

He was talking about the walkoff granny v. Cleveland.

Ahh yes...

[George Foster]

Don't let Elizardo go back out there.

You got to let him pitch at least 5 innings. You can't beat up your bullpen the first game of 4. Sacrifice this one

[OnBaseMachine]

Again, I have never in my life seen a team who gets ahead in the count 3-1 or 3-0 so much and still finds a way to make an out.

[Matt700wlw]

No, Dunn's walkoff was the 0-0 game in extras I believe...EZ started that one.

Vs Brewers (I was there :D)

[Falls City Beer]

Reds - be patient with Weaver...he's prone to suck, then he gets disoriented, and sucks some more.



At least, usually...


As bad as Weaver is, he's certainly got one thing going for him: he's not 23.

I know, I know...bring on the scrappy vet jokes. But, of course, it's true.

He's not going to choke it up. He may lose it through ineffectiveness, but it won't be a choke job, like Liz's dong to Molina.

[Caveat Emperor]

Bot 1, 2 outs

George Kenneth Griffey Jr. is the 2 out batter. I'm not a betting man, but if I were, I'd be playing Poker online right now. I'd also bet Jr. will ground out to 2nd weakly and allow Weaver a rare 1-2-3 inning (his first in this decarde, I believe).

Junior takes pitches (I know, I'm shocked and dismaed too) to 3-0 before tattooing a pitch to right field for a long single. Lots of long singles for Ken, who is not the fleetest of foot.

1 on, 2 out

[redsfan30]

Ramirez has no choice but to go back out there.

[George Foster]

Geez, Sean Casey could of got a double there...

[reds44]

All 3 balls have been tagged.

[CTA513]

Its amazing that Ramirez only threw 15 pitches in the 1st inning.

[Tony Cloninger]

Dunn fooled them by swinging at the 1st pitch.....something he rarely does.

Not watching the game.......BUT i imagine that he just barely missed that one.


CW might be pissed....but i imagine GG is oblivious to all of it and thinks...All is well.

[Falls City Beer]

Its amazing that Ramirez only threw 15 pitches in the 1st inning.


Rope-a-Dope!

:)

[Matt700wlw]

You got to let him pitch at least 5 innings. You can't beat up your bullpen the first game of 4. Sacrifice this one

Had Magic not lost yesterday's (could have happened if wasn't him, we don't know)....and they win it...losing tonights puts the Reds as many games back as they stand right now.

With yesterday's loss, a loss tonight gaurantees the Cardinals leaving Cincy in first place.


It's early....let's hope things turn around.

[Caveat Emperor]

Bot 1, 2 outs, 1 on

"Easy" Eddie Encarnacion up next, with a chance to either prove the doubters right or wrong (maybe that should have [/MADDEN] tags around it). Weaver throws him a breaking ball to get ahead 1-2, but lets be honest, Weaver is never ahead of any hitter -- merely at less of a disadvantage in certain counts.

Edwin fouls off and then takes a couple balls to go to a full-count before striking out on a high fastball around his eyelashes.

5-0 St. Louis. The horror that is Elizardo returns to the mound

[guttle11]

Again, I have never in my life seen a team who gets ahead in the count 3-1 or 3-0 so much and still finds a way to make an out.

Well lets see. The three batters got ahead in the count and one got a hit. That's a .333 BA and OBP. In a game where you fail much more than you succeed, that's decent.

[reds44]

Swung at ball 4.

[Falls City Beer]

Bot 1, 2 outs, 1 on

"Easy" Eddie Encarnacion up next, with a chance to either prove the doubters right or wrong (maybe that should have [/MADDEN] tags around it). Weaver throws him a breaking ball to get ahead 1-2, but lets be honest, Weaver is never ahead of any hitter -- merely at less of a disadvantage in certain counts.

Edwin fouls off and then takes a couple balls to go to a full-count before striking out on a high fastball around his eyelashes.

5-0 St. Louis. The horror that is Elizardo returns to the mound

Smart advanced scouting by the Cards. Edwin loves him some fastball up and out of the zone.

[OnBaseMachine]

Would have been ball 4. Watch Weaver shut down these free-swingers.

[George Foster]

Bot 1, 2 outs, 1 on

"Easy" Eddie Encarnacion up next, with a chance to either prove the doubters right or wrong (maybe that should have [/MADDEN] tags around it). Weaver throws him a breaking ball to get ahead 1-2, but lets be honest, Weaver is never ahead of any hitter -- merely at less of a disadvantage in certain counts.

Edwin fouls off and then takes a couple balls to go to a full-count before striking out on a high fastball around his eyelashes.

5-0 St. Louis. The horror that is Elizardo returns to the mound

.....now this is PBP my friends.....:thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

Would have been ball 4. Watch Weaver shut down these free-swingers.

I may cry if that happens...

[reds44]

I may cry if that happens...
It won't.

We'll get him.

[Caveat Emperor]

TOP 2nd, 5-0 St. Louis

Jeff Weaver leads off the inning for St. Louis, as the only man not to bat in that disaster of a first inning. About the only thing missing was the quarters and the pitching machine.

Jeff does a swinging bunt in front of the plate and is thrown out by Javy Valentin.

Elizardo happy to make an out.

1 out.

[MrCinatit]

Weaver hits a screecher up the middle :D

[Matt700wlw]

It won't.

We'll get him.

I don't think it will either. That's why I may cry if it does :D

[Joseph]

I'm usually about 75% optimist and 25% pessimist, but unless we score quite a few in the bottom of the second and EZ doesn't give up anything over the next couple then I have almost 0 optimism we will win tonight and will be luck to split the series.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 1 out

Ronnie Belliard up after a double in the first. He tattoos a pitch directly to Edwin, who makes a good stab in on the grass and throws Ronnie out at first.

2 outs in a row. I smell consistency (or is that the sub I left in the fridge?)

[MrCinatit]

I see he hasn't settled down yet.

[Joseph]

And EZ didn't live up to his end of the equation.

[paintmered]

Get thee to the chattery.

There's people who want to hear your Redslegs related suicidal thoughts in there. Oddly enough.

[Matt700wlw]

It may be time for EZ to go back south.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 2 outs

Chris Duncan takes Elizardo Ramirez to the cheapies. That smell earlier? Yeah, that was pure, unrefined, awful.

6-0 St. Louis

[smith288]

This team is atrcious against Cards. Simply horrible.

[Joseph]

Owwww.

Jimmah reference.

[OnBaseMachine]

Chris Duncan HR. :bowrofl:

Yadier Molina and Chris Duncan. Wow.

[Matt700wlw]

Kriv and Kremcheck are holding a media press conference right now.

Something may be a brewing right now...

[guttle11]

I'm telling you, 9-7...

[BoydsOfSummer]

Welsh: "I haven't seen a guy get hit this hard since Jimmy Haynes." LMAO

[CTA513]

Nothing like leaving a pitcher out there to get hammered.

:beerme:

[reds44]

The Cards don't even have a good lineup.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 1 run in, 2 outs

Albert Pujols up with the bases empty, which, really, is the best way to face him. Chris Welsh, for those playing along at home, name-checked Jimmy Haynes after that last batter.

I got the chills.

Albert Pujols walks to set up the 2 run homer.

1 on, 2 outs

[kaldaniels]

Kriv and Kremcheck are holding a media press conference right now.

Something may be a brewing right now...

Serious??

[Highlifeman21]

HAHAHAHAH

Chris Welch: "I haven't seen a guy get hit this hard since Jimmy Haynes"

priceless

[Falls City Beer]

Chris Duncan has been an absolute panacea for the Cards' offense.

They find answers like others find change between the cushions of the couch.

[redsfan30]

I can't put how disappointed I am into words right now.

Gonna be interesting to see what that news conference is about though.

[KittyDuran]

Franklin up in the bully...

[reds44]

Kriv and Kremcheck are holding a media press conference right now.

Something may be a brewing right now...
It's prolly just Clauassen.

[Falls City Beer]

The Cards don't even have a good lineup.

Yeah they do.

[George Foster]

See ya tomorrow night boys....going to rent a movie. Boy I was looking forward to this game all day. See ya!!

[KronoRed]

Now is the time to head to the pen, EZ hasn't got anything tonight

[reds44]

If they get a run or 2 more, this one may be done.

[reds44]

Yeah they do.
No they don't.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 1 on, 2 outs

Scott Rolen up, looking to do some more damage to the pride, hopes, and dreams of Reds fans around the tri-state area.

Elizardo hits him with a pitch. Because the humor value is just simply too high for him to start pitching well now.

2 outs.

[redsfan30]

The Cards don't even have a good lineup.
I wouldn't say that at all.

[WVRedsFan]

Nothing like leaving a pitcher out there to get hammered.

:beerme:

Jerry's Kids have to learn the hard way--just like he did walking to school uphill both ways.

[Falls City Beer]

No they don't.

Look at their top 5 hitters. And then say that with a straight face.

[alloverjr]

CW all over the Reds and Narron this game. Funny stuff.

[Joseph]

So, EZ back to AAA and *gulp* Claussen back to the rotation?

[paintmered]

Tonight and tonight only: Chat room promotion!

Free Prozac to the first 50 chatters. Be there, or be emotionally unstable.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Um,this isn't as much fun as I hoped it would be.

[Matt700wlw]

Serious??

Yes.


News conferences aren't usually called during a game, at least to my knowledge...

[BigRedSmokey]

Well, talk about putting a damper on all the excitement. Geesh, this is just pitiful.

[Matt700wlw]

So, EZ back to AAA and *gulp* Claussen back to the rotation?

Claussen is done for the season...it's looking like he's having shoulder surgery.

[NC Reds]

Are you serious? Ross is not a very good defensive catcher. And certainly you dn't believe catchers matter THAT much. Afterall, Larue catches our best pitcher in Harang.

I never said Ross was a great defensive catcher. I don't believe in this pitcher-catcher tandem deal and think it might help Ramirez to work with someone different. Cool your jets.

[Eric_Davis]

REDS will win today 13-12!

[reds44]

Claussen is done for the season...it's looking like he's having shoulder surgery.
Call up Germa.....

oh.

HOMER
:evil:

[OnBaseMachine]

I wonder if Poo-holes is sharing his HGH with the rest of the Cards offense?

[redsfan30]

I seriously feel tears welling in my eyes.

[paintmered]

Claussen is done for the season...it's looking like he's having shoulder surgery.


"Done for the season" and "shoulder surgery" make me nervous when used in the same sentence.

[Matt700wlw]

It's looking like this young team can't handle the pressure of a playoff hunt...

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 2 on, 2 outs

Jim Edmonds up with some RISP. George Grande so excited that he can't find any words to describe his euphoria.

Elizardo falls behind 3-1 to Edmonds before throwing a meatball to get back to a full count. I don't like what's about to happen next, and I don't even know whats going to happen next.

Edmonds grounds to Phillips, who bobbles the ball and then throws the ball away just to make it that much more humorous. Another run scores.

Right now, I'd like a standing 10-count for Ramirez. Somebody stop the match.

7-0 St. Louis

[Puffy]

Would have been ball 4. Watch Weaver shut down these free-swingers.

No offense - but by my count Freel saw 6 pitches, Dunn 1, Junior 4 and Encarnacion 7.

Thats not free swingers.

[MrCinatit]

ah, good, the defense has decided to have a melt down as well.
This will be a miserable game. Hopefully, it will be the only one - and not the beginning of the end.

[OnBaseMachine]

It's looking like this young team can't handle the pressure of a playoff hunt...

Pretenders.

[Matt700wlw]

"Done for the season" and "shoulder surgery" make me nervous when used in the same sentence.

Rotator Cuff and Labrum...

[WVRedsFan]

Claussen is done for the season...it's looking like he's having shoulder surgery.

I knew there had to be something wrong. You dont forget how to pitch over a winter.

[redsfan30]

The gathering has to be about Majewski.

Are we sending him back to Washington as damaged goods??

If that's the case, who do we get back?

[reds44]

The entire team is playing tight right now.

[Hubba]

You want the bullpen?:)
Nothing like leaving a pitcher out there to get hammered.

:beerme:

[CrackerJack]

And they wonder why they can't get fans to consistently come out to the games without some major promotion

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2, 2 on, 2 out

Juan Encarncaion get the intentional base on balls. Ramirez successfully completes the IBB -- the first thing he's done right all night.

See ya kid. Bus to Louisville leaves in 2 hours.

Ryan Franklin coming in next.

[reds44]

The gathering has to be about Majewski.

Are we sending him back to Washington as damaged goods??

If that's the case, who do we get back?
FELIPE!

We'll go back to winning 14-10 games.

woo

[KronoRed]

We don't even get the half priced hotdogs in the game thread

[pedro]

welcome to 2004.

ok, now they've got their seven, let's get our 8 runs now.

[BoydsOfSummer]

It's looking like this young team can't handle the pressure of a playoff hunt...

I don't buy that for a second. That's a cop-out.

[reds44]

The good news is it's only the 2nd inning. This offense can put up 8 runs against Weaver in a hurry.

[D-Man]

This game reminds me of the 1999 one-game playoff against the Mets. . . Another must-win, and the opponents come out on top of their game (and Reds come out flat and pressing).

[CTA513]

You want the bullpen?:)

They have Ryan Franklin who can pitch alot of innings.
Its better to use him then let your young pitcher get hammered.

[Falls City Beer]

I don't buy that for a second. That's a cop-out.

Yeah, I think the Cardinals have more talent. Keep it simple.

[OnBaseMachine]

No offense - but by my count Freel saw 6 pitches, Dunn 1, Junior 4 and Encarnacion 7.

Thats not free swingers.

I was referring to the numbers of free swingers in the lineup. Freel, Dunn, Encarnacion, and Hatteberg are the only hitters that will accept walks. The others are free swingers.

[redsfan30]

Things look as bad as they have in a game all season, but the game's not over and neither is the season.

Let's not give up quite yet on tonight.

[MrCinatit]

At least Franklyn isnn't coming out of the pen in a pressure situation.

[dsmith421]

This team is just not good enough. Bottom line. If we were an AL team we'd be 13 games out of a playoff spot.

What a depressing night.

[Joseph]

Rotator Cuff and Labrum...

I assume thats what the presser is about and not the Washington thing?

[paintmered]

Rotator Cuff and Labrum...

It makes me nervous because those words usually follow in the next sentence. :(

[Matt700wlw]

I don't buy that for a second. That's a cop-out.

Ok...they actually stink and because of the National League being bad, they've hung around.

Better? :)

[Falls City Beer]

The good news is it's only the 2nd inning. This offense can put up 8 runs against Weaver in a hurry.

Weaver sucks, but he's going to keep the Reds in check.

[Caveat Emperor]

Top 2nd, Bases Loaded, 2 outs

RYAN FRANKLIN is your new Reds pitcher. Elizardo Ramirez is shown on the bench with the ol' 1,000 yard stare.

Yadir Molina up as the first batter to face Franklin. Maybe he can get that fierce .216 hitting stick to pop out another dinger again. Instead, he grounds softly back to Franklin.

Reds down a touchdown as we head to the bottom of the 2nd.

[Hubba]

Pedro I belive that you are a fan. Can't say that about all on here though. shame
welcome to 2004.

ok, now they've got their seven, let's get our 8 runs now.

[BigRedSmokey]

Hey, is there any rain in the forecast in Cincinnati? Time to break out the rain dance.

[Aronchis]

Claussen's career just flushed down the drain. The Reds problems mount, Krivsky's problem becomes bigger.

[kaldaniels]

I assume thats what the presser is about and not the Washington thing?

Where'd the Washington reference come from anyway...lets stick to the facts.

[redsfan30]

Weaver sucks, but he's going to keep the Reds in check.
Can't really argue that. The Reds have made a living off making horrible pitchers look like Cy Young.

I'm not giving up yet, though.

[reds44]

2 innings don't make a season, they don't make a series, they don't even make a game.

We are a very young team with a very young pitcher on the mound. Most of our players haven't played in a series like this before.

We'll be alright.

[Mario-Rijo]

Bottom line, I think Javy was as much to blame as was EZ. The Cards were just sitting on the curve and Javy kept calling for it. Throw another pitch for the love of god!