8/18 - Reds v. Pirates

[HotCorner]

Per Marc's blog:


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

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[reds44]

Narron has figured it out.

[RedsManRick]

Per Marc's blog:



Rather. Rinse. Repeat.

Lather peharps?

[Matt700wlw]

Same lineup 3 days in a row?










Is that allowed? :p:

[flyer85]

Same lineup 3 days in a row?Nope, Javy is catching

[Kc61]

Valentin is new. He struck out yesterday. But I think he needs to play more against right handed pitching. It gives you four lefties in the lineup and it adds one to the bottom of the order.

Yesterday the Reds got 4 guys on base the whole game. Let's hope they get a few more tonight.

[TheBigLebowski]

Early lineup posting?

[Matt700wlw]

Nope, Javy is catching

As long as it's Ross/Javy catching, it doesn't matter to me.

[Phil in BG]

Finally, the appearance of a set line-up.....and the one WE want.:D

[creek14]

I'll be there tonight. I'll be the one cheering for the Reds.

[Falls City Beer]

Snell, well, Snell is really good.

Michalak is, well, 35.

[HotCorner]

Lather peharps?

Woops. :redface:

[TOBTTReds]

Snell, well, Snell is really good.

Michalak is, well, 35.

Thankfully he isn't very good. We should take care of him tonight. His whip is about 1.5 and opposing teams bat around .350! And LH'ers mash him.

[Crash Davis]

Snell, well, Snell is really good.

Except when he's really bad?

Snell would seem to be in the category of pitchers the Reds usually hit very well -- young guys with good fastballs who have trouble finding the strike zone from time to time.

[Ltlabner]

Snell, well, Snell is really good.

Michalak is, well, 35.

[insert sunshine and pep George Grande voiceover here]

"And this timeout to gush over the competiton brought to you by Falls City Beer. Remember everybody, if you want to find every other team in the league better than yours, drink Falls City Beer! "

;)

[Falls City Beer]

Except when he's really bad?

Snell would seem to be in the category of pitchers the Reds usually hit very well -- young guys with good fastballs who have trouble finding the strike zone from time to time.

He's been great for the last month after some early season poundings. He destroyed the Cards, IIRC. Trends.....

[Crash Davis]

He's been great for the last month after some early season poundings. He destroyed the Cards, IIRC. Trends.....

I'll bet you a 6-pack of your favorite :beerme: the Reds hit him up tonight.

[Falls City Beer]

I'll bet you a 6-pack of your favorite :beerme: the Reds hit him up tonight.

You're on.

And Bay hits two dingers off Michalak.

[redsrule2500]

Love the lineup.

Well, except for Griffey at 3, but that's not gonna change I guess...

[Crash Davis]

You're on.

And Bay hits two dingers off Michalak.

Wait a second...I didn't say anything about Michalak.

Let's make the proverbial "quality start" the over/under for Snell. I'll take the under, you get the over or tie. If he goes 6 and gives up 3 or less, you win.

[Falls City Beer]

Wait a second...I didn't say anything about Michalak.

Let's make the proverbial "quality start" the over/under for Snell. I'll take the under, you get the over or tie. If he goes 6 and gives up 3 or less, you win.

No, Michalak doesn't figure in to the equation. That's just a separate observation.

I'll say Snell goes 7, giving up two runs.

[RedLegSuperStar]

Snell has look pretty solid for a team who has played pretty poor..

[TheBigLebowski]

No, Michalak doesn't figure in to the equation. That's just a separate observation.

I'll say Snell goes 7, giving up two runs.

Snell goes 5+, giving up 6 er

I'll bet you a shot of Cuervo, or some expensive bourbon.

[PuffyPig]

Snell hasn't really been all that much better lately, as he's 8-6, 4.74 ERA before the all star break, 2-2, 4.50 after.

But his DIPS is 4.19, as he's been pretty unlucky this season.

He misses bats, and will be better next season than this season. He's not particularly good vs. LH hitters, which is good for us. He's much better on the road.

He's not your avarage high 4 ERA pitcher; he's better than that.

This is one time where I tend to agree with FCB, Snell is, today, a pretty good pitcher. I'd much rather face any starter in the Cards rotation not named Carpenter. I'd consider him the Pirates best starter these days.

[Doc. Scott]

I'm cutting and pasting, but peep this:

---
Two Pirates hitters are by far the major threats- Freddy Sanchez (NL-leading .348 with a .489 SLG, but a low-for-the-average .384 OBP) and Jason Bay (.291/.406/.534). Both hit right-handed. Sanchez, who is exactly one year to the day younger than yours truly, is curbstomping left-handers to the tune of .457/.475/.617 in 94 at-bats. Bay is at .296/.418/.574 in 108 ABs. The Pirates as a team are at .266/.330/.409 overall. Versus lefties, it rises to .282/.347/.438. Jack Wilson, Jose Castillo, Jose Hernandez, Jose Bautista, and Ronny Paulino all have higher OPS figures against LHPs. New acquisition Xavier Nady has a plus-100-point split against ‘em, too.

See, this is why I’m not enthused about Chris Michalak getting the ball tonight.
---

[Doc. Scott]

Already the Reds can't gain any ground on the Cards- St. Louis blasted Chicago today for its first 2006 victory at Wrigley Field and fourth over the Cubs in 14 games.

Stupid Cubs. Try harder.

[RedLegSuperStar]

Pittsburgh Pirates
Lineup
Name Season/vs AVG HR RBI
Chris Duffy CF Season .208 0 7
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Jack Wilson SS Season .274 7 31
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Freddy Sanchez 3B Season .346 5 64
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Jason Bay LF Season .291 25 81
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Xavier Nady 1B Season .268 14 44
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Ronny Paulino C Season .309 6 38
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Jose Bautista RF Season .251 13 33
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Jose Castillo 2B Season .271 14 55
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Ian Snell P Season .057 0 1
vs. pitcher --- 0 0

Starting Pitcher
Name Season/vs Wins Losses Saves ERA
Ian Snell P Season 10 8 0 4.67
vs. Reds 0 0 0 7.20

Cincinnati Reds
Lineup
Name Season/vs AVG HR RBI
Ryan Freel RF Season .287 7 24
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Scott Hatteberg 1B Season .317 11 38
vs. pitcher .500 0 0
Ken Griffey Jr. CF Season .246 25 66
vs. pitcher .500 0 1
Edwin Encarnacion 3B Season .297 13 59
vs. pitcher 1.000 0 1
Adam Dunn LF Season .251 36 82
vs. pitcher .000 0 0
Rich Aurilia SS Season .281 17 46
vs. pitcher .000 0 0
Brandon Phillips 2B Season .289 11 57
vs. pitcher --- 0 0
Javier Valentin C Season .238 5 21
vs. pitcher 1.000 0 0
Chris Michalak P Season .500 0 0
vs. pitcher --- 0 0

Starting Pitcher
Name Season/vs Wins Losses Saves ERA
Chris Michalak P Season 1 0 0 1.35
vs. Pirates 0 0 0

[Doc. Scott]

Beyond the top two, I've seen much worse lineups out of the Pirates. Jack Wilson should be hitting seventh or eighth and Chris Duffy is having rookie issues, but otherwise it's a solid-hitting bunch.

Especially against lefthanders.

[vaticanplum]

I do like Ian Snell a lot, actually.

But we win tonight. I bet my beer.

edit: of which I have already had two. Dang double headers.

[TheBigLebowski]

I do like Ian Snell a lot, actually.

But we win tonight. I bet my beer.

edit: of which I have already had two. Dang double headers.

When you say "double headers," are you referring to big beers or consecutive baseball games?

[vaticanplum]

When you say "double headers," are you referring to big beers or consecutive baseball games?

Both, actually. should have been clearer though: Yankees-Sox doubleheader. Our dear Reds play a mere single game today.

[SirFelixCat]

Like the lineup. Michalak earned a start, regardless of how Pitt hits LHP'ing. Go Reds.

[TheBigLebowski]

Both, actually. should have been clearer though: Yankees-Sox doubleheader. Our dear Reds play a mere single game today.

I didn't know the Yanx/Sox played a double today. I did see NY cranked them in the first game.

[Doc. Scott]

Luke Hudson must be a resilient sort, having survived the major labrum surgery, getting released, and that 10ER start against Cleveland last week to throw six one-run innings against Oakland today.

I'd love to see what KC did to fix Mr. Hudson. That was one guy I was certain there was no hope for, at least as a starter.

[TheBigLebowski]

Luke Hudson must be a resilient sort, having survived the major labrum surgery, getting released, and that 10ER start against Cleveland last week to throw six one-run innings against Oakland today.

I'd love to see what KC did to fix Mr. Hudson. That was one guy I was certain there was no hope for, at least as a starter.

Um...I don't think he's "fixed." This is a guy who just gave up 10 ER in one inning of work. Maybe there is hope for him, but I certainly would not consider him a finished work.

[Doc. Scott]

I didn't know the Yanx/Sox played a double today. I did see NY cranked them in the first game.

Right now the Red Sox sure are trying hard to have some vacation time come the first of October.

[Cedric]

Right now the Red Sox sure are trying hard to have some vacation time come the first of October.

Theo did that himself with his odd work.

[Doc. Scott]

Um...I don't think he's "fixed." This is a guy who just gave up 10 ER in one inning of work. Maybe there is hope for him, but I certainly would not consider him a finished work.

Well, okay, "fixed" in a larger sense of seven good starts out of eight, at least. Sure, he pulled this off in 2004 as well, but this isn't coming against September callups, either.

JULY
DATE TEAM OPP RESULT RECORD SV ERA GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO
07/07 KC TOR W 13-3 2-3 0 5.79 1 0 0 5.0 2 1 1 0 1 1
07/17 KC @BOS L 4-5 2-3 0 5.40 1 0 0 6.1 8 3 3 0 0 4
07/22 KC ANA L 3-4 2-3 0 5.17 1 0 0 6.1 5 3 3 0 3 5
07/28 KC @TEX W 11-3 3-3 0 4.82 1 0 0 6.0 7 2 2 0 1 7

AUGUST
DATE TEAM OPP RESULT RECORD SV ERA GS CG SHO IP H R ER HR BB SO
08/02 KC CHW W 7-3 4-3 0 4.67 1 0 0 7.0 4 3 3 2 3 5
08/08 KC BOS W 6-4 5-3 0 4.65 1 0 0 6.0 8 3 3 1 2 1
08/13 KC @CLE L 0-13 5-4 0 6.39 1 0 0 0.1 8 11 10 1 3 1

[flyer85]

I have this sinking feeling that the heavily RH hitting Pirates are going to light up Michalak.

[Matt700wlw]

7-0 Bengals on a fumble recovery and return by Dexter Jackson.


Back to baseball...

[NJReds]

Verne Ruhle in the dugout w/the team tonight. :clap:

[flyer85]

guys with fastballs in the low 80s make me nervous

[NJReds]

Pirates are 7-32 v. lefties this year.

[Doc. Scott]

Pirates are 7-32 v. lefties this year.

Man, they must have gotten some terrible pitching in those 39 games, then.

[NJReds]

Man, they must have gotten some terrible pitching in those 39 games, then.

Maybe they're too KRISPY? :evil:

[NJReds]

Duffy K's
Wilson GO to 3rd.

[NJReds]

Ballpark looks empty tonight.

[NJReds]

Single up the middle for Sanchez.

[flyer85]

I believe it was 17-32

[NJReds]

...and I'm posting to myself.

[MrCinatit]

Verne Ruhle in the dugout w/the team tonight. :clap:

that is some great news!

[Doc. Scott]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdLRfUZvR4Q

Here's a heartwarming if hilariously overwrought Pirates '06 video, complete with maudlin soundtrack and a plea for ownership change.

[Matt700wlw]

Bengals 7
Bills 7

[NJReds]

Nice play by EE on a slow roller by Bay.

Reds coming to bat.

[MrCinatit]

Bay almost undressed himself at home platee swinging at that pitch. Weak grounder to Edwin, though.

[NJReds]

Freel pops up a 3-1 pitch to RF.

[Doc. Scott]

EZ Ramirez serving up liners all over Louisville Slugger Field against Norfolk (the Royals/Pirates of the IL). Edgardo Alfonzo singles in the first run with two outs in the first inning.

[OnBaseMachine]

I continue to be amazed at how many times Reds hitters get ahead 3-0 or 3-1 and result in making an out.

[Tommyjohn25]

EZ Ramirez serving up liners all over the yard against Norfolk (the Royals/Pirates of the IL). Edgardo Alfonzo singles in the first run with two outs in the first inning.


Good Lord...what happened to that poor kid?

[Tommyjohn25]

I continue to be amazed at how many times Reds hitters get ahead 3-0 or 3-1 and result in making an out.

I've noticed that too OBM. I wonder if that is actually a stat somewhere?

[OnBaseMachine]

I continue to be amazed at how many times Reds hitters get ahead 3-0 or 3-1 and result in making an out.

Hatteberg just did the same (got ahead 3-1 and made an out).

[NJReds]

Hatte lines out to Wilson.

[flyer85]

this team has lost a lot patience from early in the year

[OnBaseMachine]

Griff is getting hot.

[NJReds]

Jr. lines a one hopper off Snell's leg for a single. Richochet's off his ankle into foul ground.

Snell's okay.

[OnBaseMachine]

EdE is going yard tonight.

[MrCinatit]

(as Grande would call it)
Junior with a deep fly ball to right field...it hits the pitcher's leg and bounces into foul territory. Base hit.

[Doc. Scott]

Good Lord...what happened to that poor kid?

Make it 2-0. Four hits and 23 pitches (17 strikes) in the first for the Lizard.

[NJReds]

EE pops out to SS. I'm out for a while.

Go Reds!

[OnBaseMachine]

I can't believe that ball wasn't caught.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp NJREDS.

[Gallen5862]

Where was the ball hit obm? How close was it to being caught?

[George Foster]

Good play by M, that was almost a hit.

[flyer85]

I would walk Castillo

[George Foster]

Balk...wow....

[MrCinatit]

Ugh. The Pirates are presently outplaying us. Time for this Reds team to wake up.

[Gallen5862]

How did he balk?

[George Foster]

You cannot throw to first with with the bases loaded if the firstbasemen is not on the bag.. you have know the rules....:bang:

[flyer85]

This is very likely to get ugly

[TeamCasey]

Beautiful throw

[Matt700wlw]

Marty agrees with us....Rich and Ross should play at SS and C 95% of the time, with EE at third

Screw feelings....play the best 8. That's the best 8.

:clap: Marty :clap:

[George Foster]

As quite as our bats have been...2 runs is like 4 runs..

[flyer85]

I;m not throwing barbs at Wayne but for all the activity the pitching problems are as prominent as ever.

[George Foster]

hitting is contagious.....this team is in a germ free zone....:laugh:

[George Foster]

Does anybody know off-hand what Freel's OBP has been the last 5 games?

[flyer85]

Does anybody know off-hand what Freel's OBP has been the last 5 games?slumps happen but he sure isn't looking to take walks like he did early

[George Foster]

Do you bunt them over the way we are hitless the last 3 games?

[George Foster]

no way that was a strike

[Matt700wlw]

Phillips didn't have a clue.

[George Foster]

GREAT at bat Phillips...just GREAT

[George Foster]

its up to Havey

[MrCinatit]

Two of those called strikes were questionable. Heck, it was like he had to swing at the pitch three feet out of the zone or have it called a strike.

[flyer85]

ump sure helped Snell out

[Matt700wlw]

Bills 10
Bengals 7

[George Foster]

come on man....

[Matt700wlw]

LaWho?

;)

[George Foster]

ump sure helped Snell out

some umps will not walk three guys in a row...I'm serious. Anything close will be strike...makes the game go faster

[George Foster]

Freel we need you here

[George Foster]

If we don't beat this guy....we are toast...

[Matt700wlw]

This game's pace isn't much to be desired so far :laugh:

[Red in Chicago]

anyone know why there is only one game on directv tonight? and from what i can tell, the reds aren't on tomorrow either:bang:

[MrCinatit]

This game's pace isn't much to be desired so far :laugh:

Are you not a fan of six-hour nine-inning games?

[OnBaseMachine]

Hatteberg swung at ball four. Jeez.

[George Foster]

three walks...1 hit......1 run.....horrible....:thumbdown

[Gallen5862]

The Reds again blew a chance at a big inning. It was good they at least scored one run.

[flyer85]

there is a really good chance that the real Hatty has finally arrived

[George Foster]

anyone know why there is only one game on directv tonight? and from what i can tell, the reds aren't on tomorrow either:bang:

Don't you have the "Fox sports net package?"

[Fullboat]

Hatteberg swung at ball four. Jeez.

The third time in a row counting yesterdays last at bat.

[Matt700wlw]

Hello girl on TV... :eek:

[flyer85]

Hatteberg swung at ball four. Jeez.as he did the first time up

[George Foster]

The Reds again blew a chance at a big inning. It was good they at least scored one run.

It's impossible not to score a run with three walks and a hit, when there is not a pick off or a double play. Best case senerio for the Bucks

[Matt700wlw]

Are you not a fan of six-hour nine-inning games?

Not really :laugh:

I'm not sure what's worse.....4.5 hours and 14 innings or 4.5 hours in 9 innings...

[George Foster]

God Sanchez can hit...him and Bay are good...real good

[Red in Chicago]

Don't you have the "Fox sports net package?"


normally, the reds games show up under some channel in the 700's on my tv, but i just saw it under the 600's thanks to you:beerme:

[Gallen5862]

Wkki.net is working now. It is playing the Reds game.

[Matt700wlw]

Bengals 14
Bills 10

[George Foster]

normally, the reds games show up under some channel in the 700's on my tv, but i just saw it under the 600's thanks to you:beerme:

I'm the man baby...:D

[flyer85]

UGH.

Not sure what happened with Bays liner

[MrCinatit]

I am hoping the bad feeling I have in my gut about this game is actually the fish I had earlier.

[flyer85]

I am hoping the bad feeling I have in my gut about this game is actually the fish I had earlier.I didn't eat fish

[Gallen5862]

Nady 3 run homerun.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Two balls any other Cf gets to, fall in....so far.

[flyer85]

This was all so predictable.

Randy Keisler where are you?

[Matt700wlw]

There's a reason this guy spent most of his career in the minors...

[flyer85]

Two balls any other Cf gets to, fall in....so far.and one no CF could catch

[George Foster]

As of now...we have not shown up...this is pitiful...like watching a deer die after being hit by a car...

[flyer85]

There's a reason this guy spent most of his career in the minors...nah, the way he pitched in Philly he deserved another start.

By the time Narron gets him out they will be down 7 or 8

I thought they had a bad offense?

[OnBaseMachine]

I feel like the Reds forfeited this game tonight by pitching Michalek. Seriuosly. The guy is a 35-year old minor leaguer for a reason. Last Saturday night was pure luck.

[BoydsOfSummer]

and one no CF could catch


Edmonds could have gotten that one though!

[Matt700wlw]

nah, the way he pitched in Philly he deserved another start.

By the time Narron gets him out they will be down 7 or 8



I agree...but he may this may not be a very long experiment...

[flyer85]

Michalak's hardest pitch has been 82. If we complained about Williams ...

[MrCinatit]

The pitch called a ball against Xavier before his homer looked like a strike called against Phillips.
Can thank the ump for some of that homer, can thank Michalak's lack of talent for the rest of it. A few innings pitched in a relief appearance does not make a starter.

hit batter - get this guy out of here!

[George Foster]

up 0-2 and you hit him....get this juck out of there:thumbdown

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Jerry, let him pitch all 9.

Gotta rest that awesome bullpen of yours. You know, the one you waste in 7-1 games so that you rely on Ryan Franklin.

Sweet.

[flyer85]

as crucial as every game is, he should already be gone

[CTA513]

So who gets Michalaks next start?
Franklin, Ramirez or someone from the minors?

[oneupper]

Well Michalak isn't showing much veteran presence...

First the balk...
Then, even GG and CW called the location of the gopher ball to Nady
Now...hit a guy at 0-2..

[OnBaseMachine]

as crucial as every game is, he should already be gone

Exactly.

This guy makes Dave Williams look like Sandy Koufax.

[MrCinatit]

as crucial as every game is, he should already be gone

No one in the bullpen.
Sounds like we are waving the white flag already.

[flyer85]

I agree...but he may this may not be a very long experiment...I was being sarcastic. I was one who said thank your lucky stars and ship him out

[Matt700wlw]

So who gets Michalaks next start?
Franklin, Ramirez or someone from the minors?

I have a suggestion, but I'm not going to go there :D

[George Foster]

So who gets Michalaks next start?
Franklin, Ramirez or someone from the minors?

I bet my house Michalaks starts again

[George Foster]

I have a suggestion, but I'm not going to go there :D

no, the China is too fine....

[dsmith421]

The season is going down the tubes on the arms of Chad Michaulik and Ryan Franklin. Ugh.

[flyer85]

Larussa got Reyes after five runs the other night, but who knows the way Wayne collects guys that are hurt

[Red in Chicago]

I'm the man baby...:D


i think i liked the game better before i could watch :angry: ;)

[Patrick Bateman]

The pitch called a ball against Xavier before his homer looked like a strike called against Phillips.


It also looked like that Nady had gone around.

But it was just a matter of time probably anyway.

[George Foster]

Larussa got Reyes after five runs the other night, but who knows the way Wayne collects guys that are hurt

Larussa thought he still had a shot with our bullpen, it was a good move to pull him. They were trying to win, and not save "feelings"

[Matt700wlw]

Bengals 21
Bills 17


The Bengals game is much more exciting than this....(so far) :)

[flyer85]

The season is going down the tubes on the arms of Chad Michaulik and Ryan Franklin. Ugh.it really defies all comprehension that the Reds have thrown in their lot with mid 30 "never weres"

[Matt700wlw]

Junior bunt single :laugh:

[MrCinatit]

wow! gutsy move by JR!!!! Bunt base hit!

[George Foster]

bunt hit for Jr. the world will end tomorrow...30 games to late however

[BoydsOfSummer]

He barely beat that out. :D

[MrCinatit]

I have said it many times before - I would love a Marvin Lewis-type guy managing the Reds.

[George Foster]

Bengals 21
Bills 17


The Bengals game is much more exciting than this....(so far) :)

No Palmer=no fun

[flyer85]

I'm sure Michalak is at least better than Homer

[George Foster]

I have said it many times before - I would love a Marvin Lewis-type guy managing the Reds.

Billy Hatcher?

[Matt700wlw]

No Palmer=no fun

He's been medically cleared. It's all up to him now.

Hopefully next week vs Green Bay.

[RedLegSuperStar]

Elizardo not faring well tonight. Through 3 has given up 2.

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds are swinging at everything.

Edwin chased two bad balls and then Dunn took a meatball before flying out on a pitch around the ankles.

And now Aurilia chases one in the dirt.

[flyer85]

rich hacking at balls

[George Foster]

He's been medically cleared. It's all up to him now.

Hopefully next week vs Green Bay.

NO way does he play in the Pre-season...really dumb if he does

[flyer85]

that Felipe guy has already scored 3 runs tonight

[BoydsOfSummer]

Elizardo not faring well tonight. Through 3 has given up 2.

I think I'd have given him a start or two off and then bring him back. Maybe as a reliever.

[flyer85]

Snell didn't throw Rich a strike

[Matt700wlw]

NO way does he play in the Pre-season...really dumb if he does


Then I doubt he starts vs KC

[oneupper]

Way to hack...Snell got away with a 10 pitch inning.

[WMR]

Palmer will play next week vs. GB.

[George Foster]

this is painful. I've invested so much time and energy into this season. Hundreds of hours. I feel like it's october of 1987...

[flyer85]

I think I'd have given him a start or two off and then bring him back. Maybe as a reliever.Reds kinda need a 5th starter. Of course Narron screwing around with him certainly didn't help.

[Patrick Bateman]

NO way does he play in the Pre-season...really dumb if he does
If you want him to play in the first real game, you gotta play him in pre-season.

[George Foster]

If you want him to play in the first real game, you gotta play him in pre-season.

Is that a rule....the Redskins might disagree with you after Monday night:D

[MWM]

EdE's been as hot lately as a player can possibly get. Sometimes when that happens, the player starts to think they can hit anything and get over-anxious at the plate. EdE looks like that tonight. It's just a couple of ABs, but I worry that if he starts hacking he'll go from hot to slump. Patience, Eddie, that's what got you to where you are.

EdE and Rich have been hacking at everything tonight.

[Matt700wlw]

If you want him to play in the first real game, you gotta play him in pre-season.

And the entire city of Cincinnati will be holding their breath....


I know I will.

[flyer85]

Heck Jerry will probably let him bat

[Patrick Bateman]

EdE's been as hot lately as a player can possibly get. Sometimes when that happens, the player starts to think they can hit anything and get over-anxious at the plate. EdE looks like that tonight. It's just a couple of ABs, but I worry that if he starts hacking he'll go from hot to slump. Patience, Eddie, that's what got you to where you are.

EdE and Rich have been hacking at everything tonight.

Good point. I think EE did that erlier in the season. He was on fire for awhile, but then started swinging from his heels and went through a long slump.

[TeamBoone]

Chris Welsh just said "after the 3-3 road trip, the Reds are hoping to do something against the Pirates prior to facing a surging Astros team".

.... surging Astros? They've lost five of their last six.

[flyer85]

looks like EZ has settled down. He is without a doubt a better option than Michalak.

[George Foster]

EdE's been as hot lately as a player can possibly get. Sometimes when that happens, the player starts to think they can hit anything and get over-anxious at the plate. EdE looks like that tonight. It's just a couple of ABs, but I worry that if he starts hacking he'll go from hot to slump. Patience, Eddie, that's what got you to where you are.

EdE and Rich have been hacking at everything tonight.

that's why it's impossible to keep up the current pace....just human nature to think you can hit pitches you normally can't when your hot.

[OnBaseMachine]

I knew Snell would settle down after Hatteberg swung at ball four with the bases loaded.

[George Foster]

that ball Phillips pulled was 5 inches off the plate...go the other way man.

Is Chambliss a good hitting coach in your opinion?

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Chris Welsh just said "after the 3-3 road trip, the Reds are hoping to do something against the Pirates prior to facing a surging Astros team".

.... surging Astros? They've lost five of their last six.

he's probably anticipating the "surging".

[flyer85]

that ball Phillips pulled was 5 inches off the plate...go the other way man.actually you take it for a ball. :D

[flyer85]

When the Pirates get the broom out everyone will be wondering "what happened".

[BuckeyeRedleg]

I knew Snell would settle down after Hatteberg swung at ball four with the bases loaded.

Yes, that was a brilliant AB, when Snell had shown he couldn't get the ball over all inning.

[OnBaseMachine]

And the hacking continues.

Jeff Weaver and Ian Snell have shut the Reds down over the last two games. Yes, I said Jeff Weaver and Ian Snell.

[flyer85]

reincarnation of Keisler

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Lay down Deads. Lay down.

[Matt700wlw]

Bengals 24
Bills 17

[flyer85]

Freel ends the inning by getting himself out on ball one.

[George Foster]

Yes, that was a brilliant AB, when Snell had shown he could get the ball over all inning.

one run with 3 walks and a hit....is just unexceptable at any level.

[OnBaseMachine]

I give up on this team. It's really frustrating watching a team in contention intentionally give away games.

[MWM]

This is the exact type of pitcher the Reds manhandled early in the year when they were putting up massive offensive numbers. They did by not swinging at junk. I can't believe they're hacking away at a guy who has such a hard time finding the plate.

[BoydsOfSummer]

browns 7
lions 7

[George Foster]

How many hits have we gotten in the last 31 innings?

[flyer85]

odds of Michalak not getting hit this inning are ... remote

[George Foster]

the flood gates are opening up again....this guy is a career hack

[Matt700wlw]

This is stupid.

It's the Pirates for the love of God.

[flyer85]

Has anyone woke up Jerry yet?

[flyer85]

This is stupid.

It's the Pirates for the love of God.No, it's Michalak, king of the 82 mph heater.

[George Foster]

Has anyone woke up Jerry yet?

Not since he had the best record in Spring Training:laugh:

[OnBaseMachine]

Has anyone woke up Jerry yet?

Nope. He's in the midst of giving away his third or fourth game in the last month or so.

[flyer85]

like I predicted two innings ago, the game will be out of reach before Narron does anything

[George Foster]

time for a couple of strike-outs:laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[oregonred]

Why is he out their in the 5th -- same question as Franklin in the 9th yesterday in a must win game.

Guess we decided to give up on this one at 5-1 in the 4th... If the Reds staff doesn't care I guess we shouldn't get too worked up about it...

[RedLegSuperStar]

whos warming up?

[MrCinatit]

Has anyone woke up Jerry yet?

Nah, he is much more content in pretending he is General Patton than managing some insignificant baseball game in the pennant run.

[flyer85]

calling Captain Hook

[flyer85]

but Narron knows how to manage the game

[BrooklynRedz]

Bucs' 2-4-5-6 hitters are 9-for-11. Ouch.

[flyer85]

the well rested Bray makes a grand entrance

[flyer85]

Bucs' 2-4-5-6 hitters are 9-for-11. Ouch.I hope your not surprised

[oneupper]

I wouldn't bother wasting the bullpen on this one.

[oregonred]

Here young Mr. Bray pick up this bases loaded no out mess in the 5th... Guess we should have used you vs. Duncan in the 9th last night.

1 down on a pop-up

[flyer85]

I wouldn't bother wasting the bullpen on this one.he'll probably run all of his best releivers out there. Couldn't yesterday in a tie game but by god we can't get no further behind tonight.

[oneupper]

Narron took about 30 hours too long to use Bray.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Still have 15 outs;we'll get 'em back.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bray walks the great Jose Castillo with the bases loaded. A Reds hitter would have swung at that 3-2 pitch had the situation been reversed.

[oregonred]

pfft -- Sound of season swirling down toilet...

[Kc61]

Haven't been watching, but seems that Michalak was terrible tonight. Probably see Joe Mays again. Obviously, Reds need another starter.

But more distressing to me is the inconsistency of this offense which, with a few exceptions, has not stepped up in the big games lately. Freel and Hatteberg needed some rest; neither is a full time player; I blame Narron for not recognizing this. He is the one who said that Freel is best as a utility guy playing 3-4 time a week. Now the guy plays every single game and his hitting has suffered.

But what is increasingly clear is that the Reds need another bat in the middle of the order. Dunn is a good power hitter but not a consistent hitter. (I remember how Greg Vaughn hit in 1999, big game after big game down the stretch.) Edwin is very young. Griffey has done well lately, but is no longer a top hitter.

Open the wallets and get me Miguel Tejada to play shortstop next year. Give them some minor league prospects (not Bailey or Bruce).

Oh, and another starting pitcher.

[oneupper]

Still have 15 outs;we'll get 'em back.
Win expectancy = 2.4%.

Odds not good.

[CTA513]

What happened to Ryan Franklin being the long relief man?

:evil:

[OnBaseMachine]

pfft -- Sound of season swirling down toilet...

That will happen when you give away games like July 20 vs the Mets, yesterday vs the Cards, and tonight.

[WVRedsFan]

I have two words for all of these retreads starting for the Reds:

JOE MAYS.

When will they learn? When will they pull a pitcher when it appears he has nothing? When?

Another walk and another run. This team does not have a swagger. Of course, putting Mr. M in to start would probably ruin any swagger anyway.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Lions 10
Browns 7


Frye 8-11 41yds 1TD,1 Pick

Winslow 1-15
Droughns 7-44

[MrCinatit]

I have always said this is not our year.
However, I do believe the future is much brighter than it was under the old regime. We are a few moves from a "perfect" ballclub - but I think we are getting closer.
I do believe one of those moves which will help will be some on-field management shakeups. One can hope.

off to work - here is hoping for some late-inning heroics, should the offense ever wake up.

[TheBigLebowski]

I am thoroughly, thoroughly disgusted. Tired of this sh**.

[flyer85]

Haven't been watching, but seems that Michalak was terrible tonight. and what a terrible shock it was.

[flyer85]

Win expectancy = 2.4%.

Odds not good.Narron knows nothing of odds. His heart says they're still right in it.

[oneupper]

That will happen when you give away games like July 20 vs the Mets, yesterday vs the Cards, and tonight.

Don't remember July 20...but Narron has lessen the chances of winning in many other occasions much worse than yesterday and today.

Tonigth it was the REDS #8 pitcher vs. Pirates #1. We weren't supposed to win.

[oregonred]

No excuse to let Michalak pitch onward with more than one baserunner on in the 5th. Waits until the bases are jacked and no outs before pulling the plug. Assinine.

5-1 the game wasn't over. Despite the walk nice job by Bray to contain Narron's mess to 6-1...

[Kc61]

Bray is throwing the ball much better tonight after all the rest. Control not great but throwing well. Guy obviously can't go every day.

He should be removed now. Pitch him several innings and he'll be out for a week. Use guys like Schoenweiss, Cormier, and Franklin tonight.

[Matt700wlw]

This game makes putting your head in a vice seem like fun.

[OnBaseMachine]

Don't remember July 20...but Narron has lessen the chances of winning in many other occasions much worse than yesterday and today.

Tonigth it was the REDS #8 pitcher vs. Pirates #1. We weren't supposed to win.

Michalek should have never started.

BTW, July 20 was the game when Narron PH for EE with Hatteberg with the bases loaded and a tie game in the 6th inning. Hatteberg ended up K'ing and the Reds failed to score, and ultimately lost the game.

[oneupper]

Great job by Bray. Bases Loaded no outs...get away with only one scoring is very good.

[oneupper]

Michalek should have never started.

BTW, July 20 was the game when Narron PH for EE with Hatteberg with the bases loaded and a tie game in the 6th inning. Hatteberg ended up K'ing and the Reds failed to score, and ultimately lost the game.

Yes, I remember now. That was one of Narron's worst.

[flyer85]

Great job by Bray.too bad that couldn't have been said yesterday.

[WVRedsFan]

If Hatteberg is 0 for his last 15,why is he not sitting so that a more productive player can see what he can do? He's lost right now or maybe coming back to his career average. I would think Rich at 1st and Castro at short might be a good idea soon.

[oneupper]

Narron knows nothing of odds. His heart says they're still right in it.

Narron isn't stupid then, he just suffers from a low cardiac IQ.

[dsmith421]

Narron's got to be fired after this season. We need a winner in charge of this ship.

[OnBaseMachine]

Jeff Weaver and Ian Snell. Enough said.

[Kc61]

If Hatteberg is 0 for his last 15,why is he not sitting so that a more productive player can see what he can do? He's lost right now or maybe coming back to his career average. I would think Rich at 1st and Castro at short might be a good idea soon.

Tomorrow against the lefty Hat will sit. But the Reds have faced all righties lately and Narron hasn't rested Freel or Hatte. Their bats have suffered.

[WVRedsFan]

I never in my wildest dreams would have thought I would say that this team is offensively challenged. What happened?

[Cedric]

When did Edwin turn into Jeff Franceour?

I'm done with this junk.

[flyer85]

If Hatteberg is 0 for his last 15,why is he not sitting so that a more productive player can see what he can do? He's lost right now or maybe coming back to his career average. I would think Rich at 1st and Castro at short might be a good idea soon.because of the state of the bench there isn't anyone. Wayne failed to go get a player like Stairs at the deadline who would have been a perfect fit for GABP

[oneupper]

This lineup has a lot of board support and looks good.

But the results have been better with the Dunn bats 2nd version, IMO.

[flyer85]

When did Edwin turn into Jeff Franceour?

I'm done with this junk.
this team scored after the break because Dunn, Freel, RA, Hatty and EE were smoking.

Now they've cooled(inevitable) and the talent isn't there to pick up the slack.

[George Foster]

I'm actually driving 4 hours round trip to watch this team tomorrow....:cry:

[OnBaseMachine]

Jack Wilson (.697 OPS) homers.