Game Thread - 3/21 vs. Twinkies

[IamWallaman]

Redlegs:
Ryan Freel CF
Scott Hatteberg 1B
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Josh Hamilton RF
Javier Valentin C
Alex Gonzalez SS
Juan Castro 2B
Chris Denorfia LF
Chad Moeller DH

Former Twin Eric Milton pitching

Twins:
Luis Castillo 2B
Jeff Cirillo 3B
Joe Mauer C
Michael Cuddyer DH
Justin Morneau 1B
Torii Hunter CF
Rondell White LF
Jason Kubel RF
Alexi Casilla SS

Sidney Ponson pitching


Not exactly getting the Moeller DH thing...

[5DOLLAR-BLEACHERBUM]

I'm not exactly getting the Moeller thing period.

[shredda2000]

I'm not exactly getting the Moeller thing period.

Hopefully, it is a few complimentary at bats before he is shipped out...:thumbup:

[membengal]

Spring training road trip. Moeller on spring training road trip. It's spring. Many reasons for many things. Doesn't mean that Moeller will be on this club, or, if he is, that he will be DH-ing during the Cleveland series...

[CaiGuy]

Milton vs. Ponson...looks to be a real pitcher's duel.

The Reds are playing a lot of scrubs, but the Twins sure have all of their big guns in...

[Matt700wlw]

Milton vs. Ponson...looks to be a real pitcher's duel.

The Reds are playing a lot of scrubs, but the Twins sure have all of their big guns in...

A lot of the big dogs don't make road trips

[CaiGuy]

A lot of the big dogs don't make road trips

Ah, that makes sense.

[OesterPoster]

Hopefully "former Twin" Eric Milton doesn't drill "current Twin" Torii Hunter in the head like "former Twin" Kyle Lohse did during the last Twins affair.

[NatiRedGals]

Redlegs:
Ryan Freel CF
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/quYNUjVH.jpg
Scott Hatteberg 1B
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/AJiynkcc.jpg
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/xgzHAMxF.jpg
Josh Hamilton RF
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/EG9TGLBL.jpg
Javier Valentin C
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/YFKlj55K.jpg
Alex Gonzalez SS
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/cmAbIrk4.jpg
Juan Castro 2B
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/eiXkPurG.jpg
Chris Denorfia LF
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/YzuhNUZ3.jpg
Chad Moeller DH
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/NGV4fwdY.jpg
Former Twin Eric Milton pitching
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/images/2007/03/02/Exb7RwXE.jpg
Twins:
Luis Castillo 2B
Jeff Cirillo 3B
Joe Mauer C
Michael Cuddyer DH
Justin Morneau 1B
Torii Hunter CF
Rondell White LF
Jason Kubel RF
Alexi Casilla SS

Sidney Ponson pitching


Not exactly getting the Moeller DH thing...

:thumbup:

[Doc. Scott]

Hey, I think I can do PBP for this one. Anyone else claim it?

[edabbs44]

A lot of the big dogs don't make road trips

Most of the starters made this trip though.

[George Anderson]

Is this Hamiltons first time in the 4 spot?

[rotnoid]

Most of the starters made this trip though.

That's a scary thought. 5-9 in that order aren't exactly putting the fear of God in anyone. Even Sid Ponson.

[Doc. Scott]

Interview with Chris Denorfia on the pre-game show. Big topic: his new uniform number.

Deno says he's "looking to stick". He also calls out power as the shortcoming in his game. Last year taught him humility, apparently. Retarded question from the interviewer about "bulling over" his competition on the basepaths. Or something. What's he gonna say, "Yeah, dude, that's a great idea! Maybe I'll hit Norris Hopper with a steel chair!"

It's funny how he's treated as some green rookie kid, like he's still understanding the big-league game. Deno is a year older than Brandon Phillips, eight months younger than Adam Dunn and just twelve years and nine months younger than Rheal Cormier.

[rotnoid]

It's funny how he's treated as some green rookie kid, like he's still understanding the big-league game. Deno is a year older than Brandon Phillips, eight months younger than Adam Dunn and just twelve years and nine months younger than Rheal Cormier.

Which is why it's almost put up or shut up time for him. He's not getting any younger.

[Doc. Scott]

Todd Coffey's next on the interview brigade.

Jeff Brantley apparently said Coffey has the best stuff in camp he's seen so far. (Wow.) Anyway, Todd's goals: 1. win as a team, 2. stay healthy, 3. close. In that order. He started running to the mound in 2004. The fans like it. Even if you're his best friend in the world, when you get in that batter's box he hates your guts. Pro wresling reference made by the interviewer. Sadly, no D&D or Star Trek.

[dougdirt]

The way Denorfia gets jerked around by this organization bothers me. Just wanted to put that out there.

Doc Scott.... clever with the 12 years and 9 months.:thumbup:

[dougdirt]

Which is why it's almost put up or shut up time for him. He's not getting any younger.

That would require the team give him a chance. They only time in his career did he get more than a week of consistant playing time was last September when he hit .353. Do people forget that the guy hit .282 last season in at bats spread out through the entire season? Its not like he hit .230?

[Doc. Scott]

Which is why it's almost put up or shut up time for him. He's not getting any younger.

Well, I don't subscribe to the idea that once a player is past the typical "prospect" age (but hasn't yet established himself in the bigs) he's useless, but:

1. This is his final option year, so he's gone by this time next year if he doesn't stick.

2. Historical data says that he's approaching his best years (ages 27-30).

[geniusMoment]

Chris Denorfia reminds me of young red by the name of Mike Frank. Now Frank, he reminded me of a young Gabe Gibralter who didn't really remind me of Reggie Jefferson who enjoyed Twinkies, which reminds me of Zingers, which are Twinkies superior, yet underrated cousin.

[Doc. Scott]

That would require the team give him a chance. They only time in his career did he get more than a week of consistant playing time was last September when he hit .353. Do people forget that the guy hit .282 last season in at bats spread out through the entire season? Its not like he hit .230?

Well, he struggled when he got the chance in RF immediately following the trading of Austin Kearns. I think he got maybe six or seven starts and was then turfed for Ryan Freel. I agree with you- that wasn't a real "chance" in my mind, but apparently it was in the Narron/Krivsky paradigm.

[BRM]

That would require the team give him a chance. They only time in his career did he get more than a week of consistant playing time was last September when he hit .353. Do people forget that the guy hit .282 last season in at bats spread out through the entire season? Its not like he hit .230?

I hear you. I read lots of posts claiming the guy "hit like a pitcher" and "looked lost at the plate" when he was up last year. It gets frustrating.

[coachw513]

Chris Denorfia reminds me of young red by the name of Mike Frank. Now Frank, he reminded me of a young Gabe Gibralter who didn't really remind me of Reggie Jefferson who enjoyed Twinkies, which reminds me of Zingers, which are Twinkies superior, yet underrated cousin.

Dead on about the Zingers :thumbup:

[Doc. Scott]

Apparently Bill Bray has some injury issues? He's pitching in a minor-league game today, they said.

[Doc. Scott]

I bet Wayne Krivsky is excited to be playing the Twins so he can plot his next several player acquisitions.

[BoCcc2832]

i'm excited to listen to brantley today

[Doc. Scott]

I'm interested in hear what Jeff Brantley has to say about Eric Milton. Milty's facing something pretty close to the Twins' A lineup.

[BoCcc2832]

is anyone doing PBP?

[edabbs44]

I bet Wayne Krivsky is excited to be playing the Twins so he can plot his next several player acquisitions.

I heard he requested to see Rondell in action...;)

[BoCcc2832]

Freel K's...hatteberg grounds to 1st...two up, two down

[BRM]

is anyone doing PBP?

I thought Doc Scott volunteered earlier?

[BoCcc2832]

well, if he returns, i will stop...edwin gets a hit to right...then hamilton gets a hit to center

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton gets his 20th hit on the spring...

[BRM]

well, if he returns, i will stop...edwin gets a hit to right...then hamilton gets a hit to center

Oh, it doesn't matter to me. As long as someone is willing to do it for those without access to radio. :)

[BoCcc2832]

valentin grounds to 1st...0-0 bottom of first

[BRM]

Hamilton gets his 20th hit on the spring...

That must mean EE reached somehow.

[Gainesville Red]

That must mean EE reached somehow.

Yep, back to back basehits for EE and Hamilton.

[BoCcc2832]

edwin reached on a single to right field

[Gainesville Red]

Have I mentioned how tired I am of the Hip-Hopera?

[BRM]

Yep, back to back basehits for EE and Hamilton.

Thanks!

[jesusfan]

where can I listen to the game???

[BoCcc2832]

luis castillo grounds by hatteberg for a single

[BoCcc2832]

hamilton did a good job to keep it to a 1B

[BRM]

luis castillo grounds by hatteberg for a single

Well, at least it wasn't a "falling Scott Hatteberg". ;)

[BoCcc2832]

jeff cirillo flys to hamilton...one out, one on

[rotnoid]

luis castillo grounds by hatteberg for a single

Was it a clean hit, or did the Hat have a chance at it?

[NatiRedGals]

where can I listen to the game???

700 wlw .. or MlB Gameday Audio:beerme:

[BoCcc2832]

(1-2) (balls - strikes) joe mauer flys to right...hamilton gets it...two out

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 1.

Freel. Waves at a bad ball down, striking out.

Hatteberg. Watches two quick strikes. Foul. Ball one. Loud foul down to LF. Bounces to Morneau at first, two down.

Encarnacion. Spanks the first pitch into left, base hit.

Hamilton. Nineteen hits this spring leads the team. There's number twenty on the first-pitch fastball, dropped into center in front of Torii Hunter. Two on, two out.

Valentin. Looks at the breaking ball for strike one. Swing and a miss. Makes an out somehow, leaving both runners on.

End of 0.5, 0-0.

[BoCcc2832]

it sounds like the hit by hatte was a shot down the line

[BoCcc2832]

cuddyer HOMERS 2-0 Twins

[NatiRedGals]

Great :( O milton!

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 1.

Missed the first part; looks like Castillo got a leadoff single, then Milton got Cirillo out on a fly ball to right. Mauer flies out, two down. Cuddyer up.

And that's a high, deep drive... etc. Through the wind blowing in. 2-0 Twins.

New Harmon Killebrew steps in. Gets head 2-0. Ball three. Four in a row.

Continues for Torii Hunter. Routine fly to Freel in left-center.

Minnesota 2, Cincinnati 0 after 1.

[Matt700wlw]

This'll get old, real quick.

:milton:

[cincy09]

no doubter

[Gainesville Red]

2-Run Homer for Cudyer.

[BoCcc2832]

morneau walks on four pitches

[NatiRedGals]

morneau walks on four pitches

I would have done that cause wowzers:thumbup:

[BRM]

cuddyer HOMERS 2-0 Twins

Shocking.

[ochoa30]

Please let this be the last year, hopefully he gets a little better but it isnt looking good.

[rotnoid]

Mid season form anyone?

[Gainesville Red]

Judging by crowd noise, it sounds like even his fly-outs are getting hit pretty hard.

[BoCcc2832]

torri hunter flies to freel in center 2-0 end of first inning

[rotnoid]

I was hopeful that he'd pitch better in his contract year. He must realize that if the likes of Meche and Lilly can get $10 mil a lefty with a no hitter to his credit can score big bucks regardless of success.

[ochoa30]

Red sox vs. pirates on espn in case anyone hasnt seen dice-k pitch.

[NatiRedGals]

Red sox vs. pirates on espn in case anyone hasnt seen dice-k pitch.

Reds are on FSN OHIO tommrow :):beerme:

[BRM]

Please let this be the last year, hopefully he gets a little better but it isnt looking good.

Lots of people are expecting him to be better since it's a contract year. I don't buy it. He was terrible in his last contract year but was lucky in the fact Dan O'Brien was a major league GM at the time.

[BoCcc2832]

gonzalez flies out to right...one out

[ochoa30]

Reds are on FSN OHIO tommrow :):beerme:

Yep, ill be watchin on mlb.tv

[Matt700wlw]

Reds are on FSN OHIO tommrow :):beerme:

Sweet!

[CTA513]

The new MLB Gameday is available for anyone who wants to check it out:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2007_03_21_cinmlb_minmlb_1

[BoCcc2832]

juan castro grounds up the middle ...one out, one on

[jesusfan]

Is there anywhere online I can listen that is free? I don't get WLW on my radio, either too far away or my radio sucks! lol

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 2.

Gonzalez. First pitch hit to RCF and caught by Kubel. One out.

Castro. Grounds one up the middle for a base hit.

Denorfia. The indignity of batting behind Juan Castro in the lineup. Even if he just got a hit. Takes a strike. Takes another strike. Brantley dares to talk about Chris' "inexperience". Dammit, Jeff. Grounder to short... 6-4, but Deno beats the throw to first. Brantley loves how young players never take anything for granted. Sigh.

Moeller, in a guest turn as the World's Least Scary DH. What does it say when your DH bats ninth? Strike called. Fly ball hit to LCF, but Hunter glides back and makes the grab.

End of 1.5- 2-0 Twins.

[BoCcc2832]

i like the new gameday

[ochoa30]

The new MLB Gameday is available for anyone who wants to check it out:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2007_03_21_cinmlb_minmlb_1

Pretty sexy, not liking the ad but i can live with it if it's updated regularly.

[BoCcc2832]

deno grounds to SS...6-4 force out

[MississippiRed]

Lots of people are expecting him to be better since it's a contract year. I don't buy it. He was terrible in his last contract year but was lucky in the fact Dan O'Brien was a major league GM at the time.

Milton should be fighting for his life for a spot in the rotation. I'm befuddled as to why he is just handed a spot over Belisle, Sarloos, Ramirez, Bailey, etc., etc., etc.

[cumberlandreds]

Milton should be fighting for his life for a spot in the rotation. I'm befuddled as to why he is just handed a spot over Belisle, Sarloos, Ramirez, Bailey, etc., etc., etc.


$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[coachw513]

The new MLB Gameday is available for anyone who wants to check it out:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2007_03_21_cinmlb_minmlb_1

Nice...thanks for pointing it out :thumbup:

[BoCcc2832]

moeller flies to left center...three outs...2-0 Minnesota at the end of 1.5

[jesusfan]

This gameday is still pretty slow for me... but it is nice!

[Chip R]

What's he gonna say, "Yeah, dude, that's a great idea! Maybe I'll hit Norris Hopper with a steel chair!"



Not that I have anything against Hopper (Personally, I'd keep him around just so I can tease Kitty about him) but that would be cool. I don't want to see anyone hurt but it would be kind of cool to have some of the guys fighting for spots do interviews and stuff against each other. "Whatcha gonna do when Denomania runs wild over you?!" :laugh:

[coachw513]

1.5 innings in the books and on our 5th page...the RZ is rounding into game-shape :jump:

[BoCcc2832]

rondell white K's...one out

[MississippiRed]

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

I know, cumberland, but the money is spent regardless. Don't compound it by adding a bunch of losses as well.

[cincy09]

Dice-k just hit and was ordered not to swing

[Degenerate39]

Which is why it's almost put up or shut up time for him. He's not getting any younger.

Neither is Conine but he didn't have any trouble making the squad.

[BoCcc2832]

jason kubel lines to gonzalez...two out

[Chip R]

Milton will probably have the Paul Wilson role in camp next year. Hard worker, everybody likes him and no one will sign him to a major league deal.

[rotnoid]

Not that I have anything against Hopper (Personally, I'd keep him around just so I can tease Kitty about him) but that would be cool. I don't want to see anyone hurt but it would be kind of cool to have some of the guys fighting for spots do interviews and stuff against each other. "Whatcha gonna do when Denomania runs wild over you?!" :laugh:

A conversation heard over the battle for the 5th spot:

Belisle: "Saturday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium, Matt Belisle is going to pitch your lights out, ooooh yeah"

Saarloos: "The fans here came out to see a battle, and that's what I'll give 'em. Belisle, if you're man enough, how about a hardcore simulated game? Me, you, two folding chairs, a trash can, and the obligatory trip to the urinal? Sign on the dotted line, brother!"

Belisle: "If we were on a pay per view right now, I'd take you out back and show you how to throw a fastball, but since this is free TV, all we gonna do is talk. Dig it?"

OK, so I have too much time on my hands at work.

[BoCcc2832]

alexi casilla (Twins Minor League POY last year) grounds in the middle...gonzalez can't get it...infield hit...one on, two out

[BoCcc2832]

casilla steals 2B

[jesusfan]

I like a rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Lohse, Saarloos, and Belisle alot better than the one with Milton in it... Imagine when that 10M goes off the books and then Griffs contract... That is 2 high contracts and neither contributes much at all, shew what a waste!

[BoCcc2832]

luis castillo triples to center...freel didn't break back quick enough and ball goes over his head...3-0 Twins...triple RBI

[BoCcc2832]

cirillo flies to freel
At the end of 2 innings, REDS 0 - Twins 3

[NatiRedGals]

Gameday is nice but still seems slow as heck !

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 2.

White. 1-1 count. Foul fly puts Milton ahead. WHIFF! There's his quota. One down.

Kubel. Swing and a miss. Inside, ball one. 2-1. Soft liner to short is caught for out number two.

Casilla. Speedy, slap-'n-go youngster. Twins' Minor-League Player of the Year last year. Mini-Me to Castillo. Ball one. Grounder up the middle, just past Gonzo for a base hit.

Castillo (1-1). Casilla swipes second on the first pitch with a headfirst slide. Milton pumps across strike two, though. Fly to center, and Freel breaks back too late and it goes over his head for an RBI triple. 3-0 Twins.

Cirillo (0-1). Flies out to end the inning.

3-0 Twinks after 2.

[registerthis]

Is there anywhere online I can listen that is free? I don't get WLW on my radio, either too far away or my radio sucks! lol

Plunk down the $15 for Gameday and you can get MLB games all year long.

[rotnoid]

I like a rotation of Harang, Arroyo, Lohse, Saarloos, and Belisle alot better than the one with Milton in it... Imagine when that 10M goes off the books and then Griffs contract... That is 2 high contracts and neither contributes much at all, shew what a waste!

Another good reason for signing Harang and Arroyo now. They have cost certainty in those guys and control most of the young guys (Votto and Bailey, etc) once those contracts are gone. That leaves 22 million or so for free agent "pieces" rather than keystones.

[pedro]

Gameday is nice but still seems slow as heck !

TTBOMK, the data in gameday is put in by a human and I don't think they have as many people entering data as they do during the season.

[BoCcc2832]

brantley now broadcasting... "Ponson working faster than I've ever seen him before. Looks like he has a tee time today"

freel up, walks

[BRM]

Castillo (1-1). Casilla swipes second on the first pitch with a headfirst slide. Milton pumps across strike two, though. Fly to center, and Freel breaks back too late and it goes over his head for an RBI triple. 3-0 Twins.


The knock on Freel has usually been that he gets bad breaks on fly balls.

[BoCcc2832]

hatteberg now up - singles to center...freel on second, hatte on first, no outs

[BoCcc2832]

EE up with RISP, rips it into left...BASES LOADED...HAMILTON WATCH!!!

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 3.

Freel (0-1). Runs out a full count. Walks.

Hatteberg (0-1). Taken strike one. Fastball driven into right, base hit. Freel to second. Two on, nobody out.

Encarnacion (1-1). Outside, ball one. Ripped into left past a diving Cirillo, loading the bases!

Hobbs (1-1). Big one here. Swing and a miss on the first pitch. Brantley really doesn't like Sidney Ponson. Broken-bat grounder to first, one out. Freel scores and Hobbs gets the rib-eye. 3-1 Twins. Second and third now.

Valentin (0-1). Fastball smacked up the middle, tying the score at 3! Big hit for the Latin Love Machine.

Gonzo (0-1). Breaking ball, strike. Strike two. Ball one. Fastball down low, 2-2. Hanging breaking ball inside, full count. On a hit-and-run (!!), Alex lines out to left. Two out.

Castro (1-1). Strike called. Hit hard into left, but White makes the play.

After 2.5, 3-3 tie.

Not a fan of Brantley's play-by-play voice. He sounds like he's doing something of a Young Harry Caray impression.

[BoCcc2832]

Josh Hamilton up...bases loaded, no outs, REDS down by 3

[Chip R]

brantley now broadcasting... "Ponson working faster than I've ever seen him before. Looks like he has a tee time today"



I doubt Ponson can even bend over to put the tee in the ground.

[BoCcc2832]

Hamilton breaks his bat...out at first...freel scores Reds 1-3...one out

[Falls City Beer]

I doubt Ponson can even bend over to put the tee in the ground.

Only if you attach a hot dog to the tee.

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton breaks his bat...out at first...freel scores Reds 1-3...one out

There is nothing wrong with that...

Now Javy drives in 2 more!

:beerme: Nice work! Nice productive, small ball!

[BoCcc2832]

valentin singles up middle...two runs scored...REDS 3- Twins 3

[vaticanplum]

TTBOMK

Ok, at a certain point the acronyms start to look like hieroglyphics, people :)

Thanks all for the pbp. I finally have a little time to follow the game and it's Milton v. Ponson! Hooray!!

[BRM]

Hamilton breaks his bat...out at first...freel scores Reds 1-3...one out

Yeah, but Hamilton's BARISP just went down.

[rotnoid]

There is nothing wrong with that...

Now Javy drives in 2 more!

:beerme: Nice work! Nice productive, small ball!


Nice psychic outlook :beerme:

[edabbs44]

brantley now broadcasting... "Ponson working faster than I've ever seen him before. Looks like he has a tee time today"

freel up, walks

The Pizza Hut all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is over at 3.

[BoCcc2832]

A-Gon up...full count...valentin runs...fly out to center...valentin back...two out

[rotnoid]

The biggest down side I can see is that Ponson doesn't still pitch for the Cardinals.

[Chip R]

The Pizza Hut all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is over at 3.


That must be it. :thumbup:

[pedro]

Marty and Brantley speculating that Gonzalez will the lead off hitter when Freel doesn't play. I sure hope not.

[BoCcc2832]

Juan Castro up...flies to center

[BoCcc2832]

Bottom of third, Reds tie it up 3-3

Hamilton drives in one, Valentin brings in two more

Good inning

[LoganBuck]

Hamilton breaks his bat...out at first...freel scores Reds 1-3...one out

Wonderboy!

Crack out the Savoy Special

[pedro]

Ok, at a certain point the acronyms start to look like hieroglyphics, people :)

Thanks all for the pbp. I finally have a little time to follow the game and it's Milton v. Ponson! Hooray!!


WAYTA? :p:

[BRM]

Marty and Brantley speculating that Gonzalez will the lead off hitter when Freel doesn't play. I sure hope not.

Wow. :eek:

[pedro]

Wow. :eek:

I think it'll probably be Phillips if Denofria isn't playing.

[BoCcc2832]

Milton in for inning number 3...mauer up

[BoCcc2832]

mauer drive in center...over freel's head...to the wall...2B

[Matt700wlw]

Boy, I'm excited to have Eric Milton back in this rotation

:bang:

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 3.

Mauer (0-1). Fouled off first pitch. Slider, down and away. Hit to left-center, over Freel's head and off the wall. Stand-up double.

Cuddyer (1-1, HR, 2 RBI). Strike called on the inside corner. Changeup driven into center for a base hit, scoring Mauer. 4-3 Twins.

Morneau (BB). Liner off the end of the bat up the middle for a base hit. Three straight hits, seven in total for Minnesota.

Hunter (0-1). Smoked foul down the third-base line. Fastball up fouled straight back, 0-2. Stays away, 1-2. Up and away, count evens. Foul. Struck him out swinging on the changeup! One out.

White (0-1). Strike one. Foul fly to RF, runs the count to 0-2. Fastball sent foul to LF. Ball one, just misses. Slider down and in, count evens. Grounder to short, and Castro airmails the throw into the dugout! Run scores, now two outs. 5-3 Twins.

Kubel (0-1). Grounder to Castro ends the inning.

5-3 Twins after 3.

[BRM]

mauer drive in center...over freel's head...to the wall...2B

Was it another poor read by Freel or was the ball just crushed?

[Chip R]

Marty and Brantley speculating that Gonzalez will the lead off hitter when Freel doesn't play. I sure hope not.


I win! I called it!

http://www.redszone.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1194400&postcount=251

[klw]

Wonderboy!

Crack out the Savoy Special


http://aja.freehosting.net/images/pdvd_002.jpg

Pick me out a winner Bobby

[LincolnparkRed]

Anyone worried that it took Valentin until today to get his first rbi's. It is not like he bats 8th every day either

[BoCcc2832]

cuddyer up...he had the HR in the first inning...base hit to CF...Twins 4-3

[BRM]

Boy, I'm excited to have Eric Milton back in this rotation

:bang:

Don't worry. He'll pitch better since this a contract year.

[BoCcc2832]

freel had no shot at the last one

[BRM]

freel had no shot at the last one

OK. I was just curious.

[BoCcc2832]

line drive up the middle...three consec. hits...two on no outs

[BRM]

Well, at least Milton is throwing strikes.

[Matt700wlw]

Well, at least Milton is throwing strikes.

He usually doesn't have a problem doing that....

[BRM]

He usually doesn't have a problem doing that....

True.

[cincy09]

I dont wish people to get hurt but i would like to find a way to dl milton for good

[Matt700wlw]

Since Milton will be in the rotation, whether we like it or not, because of that massive, idiotic contract he's under (no fault of this regime), make him the fifth starter and have competition for the 3rd and 4th spots.

[BoCcc2832]

torri hunter K's..one out

[pedro]

Milton's not making a very convincing case that he should be on the team.

[Matt700wlw]

Milton's not making a very convincing case that he should be on the team.

His contract is.

Business is business.

[Az Red]

Ok, What's the impact if the Reds cut Milton?

[NatiRedGals]

If brantley can say what pitch is next do you think the guy whos up knows the pitch?

[BoCcc2832]

rondell white up...two strikes to start the count...grounds to castro...two out...castro E's to first...5-3 Twins

[KronoRed]

Milton's not making a very convincing case that he should be on the team.

His horrible contract makes the case for him :help:

[pedro]

His contract is.

Business is business.


I don't know. That money's spent anyway. If he's not going to make the team better I can't see what difference it makes. Now if Krivsky had signed him.....

[Matt700wlw]

Castro with an uncommon error...

[Matt700wlw]

I don't know. That money's spent anyway. If he's not going to make the team better I can't see what difference it makes. Now if Krivsky had signed him.....

I just can't see it happening

[ochoa30]

milton stinking it up but not getting any help on D. Thats 2 runs that shouldnt have been.

[BRM]

Milton's not making a very convincing case that he should be on the team.

When has he? He's been terrible since he arrived.

[registerthis]

Manos de oro.

Tiro de mierda.

[pedro]

I just can't see it happening

That very well may be true. I'm just saying his contract doesn't justify keeping him if he can't perform.

[BoCcc2832]

jason kubel up...grounder to castro...threee outs...after 3, REDS 3-Twins 5

[vaticanplum]

I can always tell when it's spring: sweeter temperatures, longer days, pretty sundresses, and the painful reminder that Eric Milton is the bane of my existence.

[BRM]

I don't know. That money's spent anyway. If he's not going to make the team better I can't see what difference it makes. Now if Krivsky had signed him.....

I agree with you. The money is sunk cost either way. Running him out there knowing he's going to cost you in the W/L column is just a bad baseball decision.

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 4.

Denorfia (0-1). Broken bat grounder to third, one quick out.

Moeller (0-1). Infield single.

Freel (0-1, BB). Gets ahead 2-0. Grounder to Casilla is a quick 6-4-3.

Twins 5, Reds 3 after 3.5.

[registerthis]

That very well may be true. I'm just saying his contract doesn't justify keeping him if he can't perform.

Right.

You're paying him regardless. If he's actively *hurting* the team, you're better off paying him not to perform. I don't buy that Milton's contract stipulates that you play him.

[dougdirt]

Was it another poor read by Freel or was the ball just crushed?

According to Brantley, Freels first step was IN on a ball hit to the wall. He may be fast, and he may make diving catches, but there is a reason Chris Denorfia should be starting in CF from day 1, and that is it right there. Freel cant read the ball off the bat to save his life.

[BoCcc2832]

Ponson still pitching...Deno up first...broken bat grounder to 3rd...one out

[vaticanplum]

Right.

You're paying him regardless. If he's actively *hurting* the team, you're better off paying him not to perform. I don't buy that Milton's contract stipulates that you play him.

I agree with this. Eat the cost if it gets to that point. I'd give it til a few games into the season to be at that point, but beyond that, DFA away.

[Ltlabner]

According to Brantley, Freels first step was IN on a ball hit to the wall. He may be fast, and he may make diving catches, but there is a reason Chris Denorfia should be starting in CF from day 1, and that is it right there. Freel cant read the ball off the bat to save his life.

That's about the 4th time this spring where I've tuned in to hear that Ryan has misread and misplayed a fly ball.

[KronoRed]

When has he? He's been terrible since he arrived.
Hey now..last year he was just awful not horrible :D

[BoCcc2832]

Moeller (DH) up now...grounder to SS, Moeller beats out the throw

[BoCcc2832]

Freel up with a man on first and one out...grounder...6-4-3...5-3 Twins still

[BoCcc2832]

Milton's line thus far...3.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's

[BoCcc2832]

Alexi Casilla up first...grounder to 1st...one out

[BoCcc2832]

Luis Castillo up with one out...pops out to Hamilton...two out

[BRM]

Milton's line thus far...3.0 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 K's

I expect to see similar lines when he takes the mound in April.

[CTA513]

I was just checking out the Reds.com message boards and saw a Milton for closer thread:

buckyreds: "Lets forget about all of this closer talk and just put Eric Milton as our closer"

mikeyd: "Fine, if by "closer" you mean he locks up the doors to the clubhouse after all the players leave."



:laugh:

[BoCcc2832]

Jeff Cirillo up at the plate...no one warming up in the 'pen...grounder to SS...1-2-3 for the Miltonagger

[pedro]

I agree with this. Eat the cost if it gets to that point. I'd give it til a few games into the season to be at that point, but beyond that, DFA away.

I'd keep him on a short leash, hope he has a good april and try and see if anyone is stupid and/or desperate enough to trade for him. If not, see ya.

[BoCcc2832]

Hatte at bat to start the top of the 5th...Matt Garza (?) now pitching

[Matt700wlw]

Marty on Milton....(paraphrasing), it hasn't been a good day for Milton, and Spring Training or not, what we're seeing today is what we've seen for the past few years.

Well....he's right.



Marty says he will ask Jerry tomorrow about putting Milton in the 5 hole rather than the 3 hole....that way they can skip him with off days.

Amen, Marty!

[BoCcc2832]

Hatte grounder to SS...one out

[MississippiRed]

Last half inning, Brantley said, "Not what you want out of your #3 starter." Now back on and Marty continues the onslaught. "Why not move him to the #5 starter?" He's almost there, just continue on to "Why not release him?"

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 4.

Casilla (1-1). Grounder to Hatteberg, one down.

Castillo (2-2). Blooper to right is caught easily by Hamilton. Two out.

Cirillo (0-2). 6-3 grounder.

Easy fourth. 5-3 Twins after 4.

[pedro]

marty making sense talking about milton. why exactly isn't milton the guy that they're going to make the #5 starter? marty says he's going to ask narron in the pre-game tomooorw. good for marty.

[BoCcc2832]

Freel out of lineup...Deno moves to CF...Gil in LF

[BoCcc2832]

Edwin up...grounder to SS...two outs

[George Anderson]

These are desperate times for Milton. Why not try learning the knuckle ball?? It cant be any worse than what he is throwing now.

[BoCcc2832]

Milton will be back for the fifth...Hamilton up again...

[dsmith421]

At this stage, they should make Milton mop out the showers, carry the contributing players' luggage, just humiliate him until he retires.

[BoCcc2832]

Hamilton walks on five pitches...one on...two outs

[Matt700wlw]

Jeff and Marty still on Milton.

:lol:

Jeff makes the point that there's often not a lot of adreniline for veteran pitchers in Spring Training when they've secured a job....they've been there, they've done that.

Marty countered by saying as bad as he's been, and in the last year of his contract, you'd think he'd have a chip on his shoulder to prove something.

Jeff agreed.

Maybe management needs to threaten his job.

[BoCcc2832]

Valentin now swinging the bat...grounder to 2B...bottom of fifth...REDS 3-Twins 5

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 5. Matt Garza now pitching. Man, is Milton getting a beating from Marty & Jeff. Marty says he should be shunted to the five-slot. Twenty-two hits in twelve innings.

Reds have already moved Denorfia to CF, taken out Freel, and put Tyrell Godwin in LF.

Hatteberg (1-2, R). Grounds out to short, one down.

Encarnacion (2-2, R). Full count. Grounder to short, two down.

Hobbs (1-2, R, RBI). Works the count quickly to 3-0. Called strike. Takes ball four!

Valentin (1-2, 2 RBI). Groundout, inning over.

5-3 Twins after 4.5.

[Falls City Beer]

Jeff and Marty still on Milton.

:lol:

Jeff makes the point that there's often not a lot of adreniline for veteran pitchers in Spring Training when they've secured a job....they've been there, they've done that.

Marty countered by saying as bad as he's been, and in the last year of his contract, you'd think he'd have a chip on his shoulder to prove something.

Jeff agreed.

Maybe management needs to threaten his job.

Marty using his soapbox for the sake of good. Keep it up.

[registerthis]

marty making sense talking about milton. why exactly isn't milton the guy that they're going to make the #5 starter? marty says he's going to ask narron in the pre-game tomooorw. good for marty.

Well, really, why wouldn't you? What on Earth would management's objection to that move be? I don't really buy the argument that's Milton's salary means that he has to play...but I can at least see management making that argument. But no way should they be able to say that his salary stipulates that he has a place higher up in the rotation.

Shoot, put him in long relief....assign him to be bullpen catcher. But in no universe that I'm aware of is Eric Milton a #3 starter.

[BoCcc2832]

mauer grounder one out

[registerthis]

bellhorn in at first.

Commence falling down.

[BoCcc2832]

cuddyer is 3 for 3...grounder up the middle

[membengal]

I will say this on the Marty/Brantley exchange on Milton, it came off as less officious than Marty has been in the past, and a lot of that was the back and forth. The extra person in the booth is going to make a big difference, I think, in a lot of the irritation I have been having with Marty over the last half decade or so.

And, yes, no good reason why Milton's postion in the rotation is secure. None.

(And I don't want to hear "8.5 million reasons" either. Mistakes were made, no reason to repeat the mistake. That money is lost, no need to take the team down in those games that Milton starts because of it)...

[BoCcc2832]

morneau up...chopped to first...out at first...cuddyer to 2nd...two outs

[Caveat Emperor]

I'd keep him on a short leash, hope he has a good april and try and see if anyone is stupid and/or desperate enough to trade for him. If not, see ya.

If you can't find a home for him by the end of spring, cut him loose. His presence in the rotation over Kirk Saarloos or Matt Belisle actually costs the team chances to win.

Its been two years of hoping the next start would be the one where Milton puts it together. If it hasn't happened by now, it ain't happening.

[Falls City Beer]

(And I don't want to hear "8.5 million reasons" either. Mistakes were made, no reason to repeat the mistake. That money is lost, no need to take the team down in those games that Milton starts because of it)...

But that's been the reasoning. And continues to be the reasoning. And, if I may jest, it's bankrupt, that excuse.

[BoCcc2832]

torri hunter up...grounder to 2B...thru 5, 5-3 Twins

[edabbs44]

According to Brantley, Freels first step was IN on a ball hit to the wall. He may be fast, and he may make diving catches, but there is a reason Chris Denorfia should be starting in CF from day 1, and that is it right there. Freel cant read the ball off the bat to save his life.

Spot on...

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 5. Milton still in there.

Yes, Godwin in LF. Bellhorn at 1B for Hatteberg.

Mauer (1-2, R). Makes an out.

Cuddyer (2-2, HR, 3 RBI). Another hit, a single.

Morneau (1-1, BB). Chopper to first, fielded (!) by Bellhorn and turned into out number two.

Hunter (0-2). Grounder to second ends the inning.

Nice last two innings by Milton. 5-3 Twins after 5.

[rotnoid]

Milton's still out there eh? Put on your helmets, he gets really bad after 4.

[BoCcc2832]

Milton's line...5.0 IP 8 H 5 R 4 ER 1 BB 2 K

[M2]

Marty says he will ask Jerry tomorrow about putting Milton in the 5 hole rather than the 3 hole....that way they can skip him with off days.

How about just sticking him in a hole, filling it in and then not marking it?

[BoCcc2832]

gonzalez fly out ....one out

[BoCcc2832]

juan castro grounds out up the middle...two up, two down

[BoCcc2832]

Jared Burton warming up

[BoCcc2832]

Deno chopps up the middle...out "by two strides"...inning over...to the bottom of the fifth...score still 5-3 MIN

[jesusfan]

Let's go Burton!

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 6.

Gonzo (0-2). Popup, one down.

Castro (1-2). Grounder up the middle, gloved by Casilla and turned into out number two.

Deno (0-2). Same as Castro. Three outs.

5-3 Twins after 5.5.

[BoCcc2832]

"He's been very impressive...you can pencil in Jared Burton" - Marty

[rotnoid]

"He's been very impressive...you can pencil in Jared Burton" - Marty

That's promising. Marty always seems to be in the know.

[BoCcc2832]

Bottom third of order...Rondell White fouls off first three pitches...White can't check his swing...one out

[Matt700wlw]

JB loving this kid....powerful arm and has great breaking pitches

[cincy09]

drops the hook for the k

[membengal]

Would be nice to have someone in the pen who has "filth" again to pair with Coffey.

Still unclear why Oakland left him exposed for Rule 5 purposes...

[jesusfan]

I'm really rooting for Burton... Coffee, Burtion, and Bray gives us a young nucleus for the back end of our pen...

[BoCcc2832]

Kubel walks on a full count...one on, one out

[jesusfan]

I think Cormier will be traded by this time next week and Maj will start the season on the Dl which gives us a bullpen of Burton, Coffee, Bray, Hermanson, Weathers, Stanton, Belisle/Saarloos (One the 5th starter one long reliever)

[BoCcc2832]

wild pitch by burton...runner to 2nd

[BoCcc2832]

soft line drive...diving catch to third base foul line by Paul Janish...two outs

[BoCcc2832]

Luis Castillo grounds over mound...anderson machado can't field it...1st and 3rd with two out

[membengal]

I think Cormier will be traded by this time next week and Maj will start the season on the Dl which gives us a bullpen of Burton, Coffee, Bray, Hermanson, Weathers, Stanton, Belisle/Saarloos (One the 5th starter one long reliever)

That's not only a bullpen I could live with, it would be a bullpen I could get moderatly enthused about.

[cincy09]

I can only hope Janish keeps getting better with that bat and makes this team in the coming years

[membengal]

Has Anderson Machado fielded a ball cleanly this spring?

[dsmith421]

Has Anderson Machado fielded a ball cleanly this spring?

A better question is, why is Anderson Machado still receiving paychecks from the Cincinnati Reds, now that his great patron has departed for parts unknown.

[BoCcc2832]

Burton trying to pitch out of trouble...this could spell good things for him if he can get out of this...Jeff Cirillo grounds to 3B...Edwin tosses to 2nd for close call out...end of 6...Twins 5-3

[Doc. Scott]

Bottom of 6. Jared Burton now pitching. In five appearances, he has a 3.38 ERA and a save. Marty thinks Burton's going to make the club (!). Jeff points out Jared's domination of Pittsburgh's Jason Bay earlier this spring.

White (0-2). Fouled back. Now 0-2. Another foul. Went on the offspeed pitch out of the strike zone! One down. More love from Jeff for Burton.

Kubel (0-2). Way inside, ball one. Count runs full. Misses with the fastball, ball four.

Casilla (1-2, R). Gets ahead 0-2, but a wild pitch to the screen sends Kubel to second. Soft liner caught by new SS Paul Janish! Two outs.

Castillo (2-3, R, RBI). High, ball one. Grounder to new 2B Anderson Machado goes off his glove for an infield base hit! First and third, two outs. Pinch-runner for Castillo.

Cirillo (0-3). First-pitch foul on a pitch at his eyes. Low and outside, ball one. Ball two. High and inside, ball three. Grounder to third, underhanded by EE to second on a close play for out number three.

5-3 Twins after 6.

[ochoa30]

Burton trying to pitch out of trouble...this could spell good things for him if he can get out of this...Jeff Cirillo grounds to 3B...Edwin tosses to 2nd for close call out...end of 5...Twins 5-3

Besides the walk which i didn't mind so much on a 3-2, he didnt allow any solid contact to some pretty good hitters. He has to be looking good to the big wigs.

[BoCcc2832]

Moeller up and K's...Garza still in

[BoCcc2832]

Line drive to the wall in left center...Goodwin to second...one out still

[BoCcc2832]

Bellhorn w/ RISP...K's..."He looks foolish there" - Brantley

[Matt700wlw]

Belhorn K's and "looked foolish" (JB)

[ochoa30]

Belhorn K's and "looked foolish" (JB)

Im glad, he should be gone soon. He just ins't very good.

[rotnoid]

Belhorn K's and "looked foolish" (JB)

I really hope he doesn't make the team. He's on a minor league deal right?

[jesusfan]

Okay... Moeller and Bellhorn= GONE PLEASE!

[BoCcc2832]

EE up now...flings his bat to the SS while swinging at the second pitch...grounder to 1B...Stretch time...5-3 STILL

[Chip R]

A better question is, why is Anderson Machado still receiving paychecks from the Cincinnati Reds, now that his great patron has departed for parts unknown.


It's a mystery indeed. Wayne seems to have got rid of almost every other marginal player that DanO and JimBo picked up so why not Machado? :confused:

[Doc. Scott]

Top of 7.
Garza still pitching.

Moeller (1-2). Brantley says "hisself". Sigh. Falls behind 0-2. Slider on the outside finishes ChadMo. One down.

Godwin. Drilled into the LF corner for a double. The ball, not Godwin.

The Ladies' Man in the bullpen for Cincy.

Bellhorn. Strikes out swinging, looking "foolish" on a breaking ball. Cut him already. Two out.

Encarnacion. (2-3, R). Ball one. Swings and misses and flings the bat all the way out to the shortstop. Ball two. Waves at the slider. Grounder to short ends the inning.

After 6.5, Twins 5... Reds 3.

[rotnoid]

It's a mystery indeed. Wayne seems to have got rid of almost every other marginal player that DanO and JimBo picked up so why not Machado? :confused:

Maybe JimBo wouldn't offer the full box of cracker jacks for him and WK's holding out.

[jesusfan]

sorry... but he's Godwin

[BoCcc2832]

Jon Countalangus (I know I butchered the spelling) in pitching now

[BoCcc2832]

joe mauer K's...one out "this kid's got some kind of funky windup"

[BoCcc2832]

Matthew LeCroy in for Cuddyer...good thing, b/c Cuddyer was 3 for 3...LeCroy down on strikes...two outs

[BoCcc2832]

justin morneau in...grounder to the pitcher...1-2-3 for the "lanky left hander"

[Chip R]

Top of 7.
Garza still pitching.

Moeller (1-2). Brantley says "hisself". Sigh.


I say Memorial Day is the Over/Under on when the Cowboy starts wearing a Stetson to work. Much like Champ on "Anchorman".

[rotnoid]

Jon Countalangus (I know I butchered the spelling) in pitching now

Every time I hear his name I think of Christopher Walken on SNL.