4/15/07 Reds @ Cubs

[reds44]

Ryan Freel CF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Jeff Conine 1B
Ken Griffey RF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Juan Castro SS
David Ross C
Kyle Lohse P

Alfonso Soriano CF
Ryan Theriot 3B
Jacque Jones RF
Derrek Lee 1B
Micheal Barrett C
Cliff Floyd LF
Ronny Cedeno 2B
Ceasar Izturis SS
Ted Lilly P

[cincy09]

I wish they would let Hamilton play against a lefty......

Might as well find out if he can handle it.

[goodwilly98]

I wish they would let Hamilton play against a lefty......

Might as well find out if he can handle it.

Yeah this is getting ridiculous. The team Narron puts out there can't score as it is. He talks about how he can't sit Hamilton since he's swining so well, and what doess he do, sits him for 2 straight games when he's the only guy out there with any patience at the plate and hitting the ball hard every time up.

So frustrating!!!!!!

[Falls City Beer]

Phillips in the two spot? Normally I don't ***** much about batting order, but that's just stupid.

Yeah, Hamilton needs to be in the lineup.

[KronoRed]

I think Dunn could handle first for a day and let Hamilton get some swings in vs lefties.

[Dunner44]

At least Ross finally got a hit yesterday.

[cincy09]

I think Dunn could handle first for a day and let Hamilton get some swings in vs lefties.

The day this team moves Dunn to first base is the day this team takes a major step in the right direction!

D. Lee has shown a couple of times in this series that a tall first baseman can save a lot of bad throws. Dunn may not like it, but it would have a great impact on this club offensively and defensively.

[Dunner44]

I think Dunn could handle first for a day and let Hamilton get some swings in vs lefties.

Even though he cost the Reds 5 unearned runs in the 7th, who is swinging a better bat against Lefties on the club than Conine? And you want to replace him with Dunn, who (ADMITTEDLY SMALL SAMPLE SIZE) has hit .182/.217/.182 against lefties this season? Yes, Dunn hit lefties much better last season, but I wonder if Jacoby's changes will affect this?

Compare that to Conine who is hitting .357/.400/.714 off lefties. Who would you start at 1B? Give Freel, Griff, Dunn or BP the day off if you want to see Hamilton in the lineup, not Conine.

[Matt700wlw]

Somehow, someway, Hamilton needs to be in the lineup....EVERY lineup almost daily.


You don't know what you have unless you get him 400 at bats or so...and right now, he's hitting better than just about anybody else on the team.

[bcats12]

Narron doing what he does best. Very frustrating seeing the same lineup that just got shut down by a left handed starter.

[Grounds_Crew]

It's nap time for me. It's been a long past couple of days at PNC park. I got to leave early today...so, it's nap time until the game comes on! See you guys then!

[Tom Servo]

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting to produce a different result.

[Joseph]

Great line up, I mean we scored so many runs with this one yesterday!

What?

We didn't?

Oh. Never mind.

[remdog]

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting to produce a different result.

One of the most false cliches ever spouted. :p:

Rem

[KronoRed]

Great line up, I mean we scored so many runs with this one yesterday!

What?

We didn't?

Oh. Never mind.

See there is the beauty in it, the cubs won't be expecting it :cool:

[cincy09]

Cubs lineup:


Same lineup for the Cubs, as well

Alfonso Soriano CF
Ryan Theriot 3B
Jacque Jones RF
Derrek Lee 1B
Micheal Barrett C
Cliff Floyd LF
Ronny Cedeno 2B
Ceasar Izturis SS
Ted Lilly P

[jmac]

The day this team moves Dunn to first base is the day this team takes a major step in the right direction!
I would say "another" step. I count the handling of Milton and Jr to RF as steps also.I dont think Dunn would do it though.

[cincy09]

More from C. Trent :


Jerry Narron said Alex Gonzalez could be back as soon as tomorrow. His son, Juan, will need surgery at some point, but he didn't have much more of an update than that.

Junior's ben surrounded by reporters today, which is appropriate, since he's responsible for much of the fanfare. He joked that he was hoping "the Cub faithful won't recognize me." My response was "good luck with that." He's got six of the No. 42 jerseys. None of htem have his name. In 97 when he wore 42, it had his name on the back. These don't. He's going to wear all six during the game, changing in the dugout like Superman or something. One will be auctioned off on MLB.com, another will be auctioned off at his charity golf tournament and one will be framed and he'll hang it up next to his No. 42 jersey from 97.

[kbrake]

I dont really have the problem with the lineup. Hamilton not in there is not the problem. Until Edwin and Ross start to do something of use agaisnt lefties it wont matter if Hamilton is in there or where does is out in the field.

[penantboundreds]

Someone tell Phillips he isn't Jose Canseco so stop swinging for the fences.

[George Foster]

Not having Hamilton in the line-up is horrible. He should start in center, Freel at 2nd, and Phillips at SS. If we can figure this out, why can't "a baseball guy" named Jerry Narron???

[George Foster]

I love the FSN guys in ties, and jackets. Very professional looking! I dig it:thumbup:

[Patrick Bateman]

The lineup wasn't the problem yesterday, lack of hitting was.

You can mix that lineup up anyway you want, we weren't going to win that game.

Some days you get beat. You can't go back to the drawing board each time.

[mth123]

The day this team moves Dunn to first base is the day this team takes a major step in the right direction!

D. Lee has shown a couple of times in this series that a tall first baseman can save a lot of bad throws. Dunn may not like it, but it would have a great impact on this club offensively and defensively.

Lee is a great fielder. Dunn? Not so much. I don't like the idea of every grounder on the IF depending on the worst defender on the team to complete the out. Guys who can't run anymore are fine at 1B, but guys who can't catch? Leave 'em in LF.

If you must move an OF to 1B the best option is Griffey. We know he can catch, but he just can't run.

Or play Freel at 3B and Move EE to 1B against a lefty.

On the other hand, as vocal as I was speaking out against the Conine acquisition, he's been one of the better hitters so far. I can't blame Narron for leaving him in there against a LH pitcher.

[A-Dub]

So when are we going to fire Narron and hire a real manager?

[DTCromer]

The day this team moves Dunn to first base is the day this team takes a major step in the right direction!

D. Lee has shown a couple of times in this series that a tall first baseman can save a lot of bad throws. Dunn may not like it, but it would have a great impact on this club offensively and defensively.

We've already tried moving Adam to 1st base and he's shown that:
A) He just doesn't feel comfortable playing 1st
or
B) He's just lazy and doesn't want to learn.

It would be nice to move him there but we can't just move him there if hasn't really prepared to be moved there.

[George Foster]

So when are we going to fire Narron and hire a real manager?

After another losing season.

[Cincy Red o5]

LET'S GO REDS:clap: LET'S GO REDS :clap: LET'S GO REDS:clap:

[PuffyPig]

Not having Hamilton in the line-up is horrible. He should start in center, Freel at 2nd, and Phillips at SS. If we can figure this out, why can't "a baseball guy" named Jerry Narron???

One possible reason would be that the "baseball guy" actually is right.

Freel at 2nd and Phillips at SS represents quite a downgrade at defense. And starts playing guys at postions they aren't entirely comfortable with.

Not saying I agree with him.

But it isn't out to lunch, and is probably the way most managers would go.

[DTCromer]

One possible reason would be that the "baseball guy" actually is right.

Freel at 2nd and Phillips at SS represents quite a downgrade at defense. And starts playing guys at postions they aren't entirely comfortable with.

Not saying I agree with him.

But it isn't out to lunch, and is probably the way most managers would go.

I agree. Why let everyone switch positions? Let's put Conine in left, Dunn at first, and Jr. play 3rd while we're at it. We're much better defensively where we're at right now.

Offensively. . . . . :bang:

[Spring~Fields]

Not having Hamilton in the line-up is horrible. He should start in center, Freel at 2nd, and Phillips at SS. If we can figure this out, why can't "a baseball guy" named Jerry Narron???

The assumption that Hamilton won’t do well against left hander’s or go through a positive learning process and grow from it is frustrating to me. Especially since he has defied traditional norms and been successful to date. He very well could be just fine against them or at minimum gain valuable experience.

[DTCromer]

I would never wish injury upon anyone, but sometimes I wish Freel or Griff would suffer a minor 15 day injury just so Josh would get a chance to play everyday.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

The assumption that Hamilton won’t do well against left hander’s or go through a positive learning process and grow from it is frustrating to me. Especially since he has defied traditional norms and been successful to date. He very well could be just fine against them or at minimum gain valuable experience.


Wow, well said.

I to am all for letting us find out what he can't do after gets some experience.

[George Foster]

One possible reason would be that the "baseball guy" actually is right.

Freel at 2nd and Phillips at SS represents quite a downgrade at defense. And starts playing guys at postions they aren't entirely comfortable with.

Not saying I agree with him.

But it isn't out to lunch, and is probably the way most managers would go.

With Phillips playing his entire minor league career at SS, and Freels speed, the downgrade in defense in minimal. Right now we need to score runs.

With our lack of offense the entire season, Hamilton needs to be in the line-up everyday.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

I would never wish injury upon anyone, but sometimes I wish Freel or Griff would suffer a minor 15 day injury just so Josh would get a chance to play everyday.


:eek:


Careful what you wish for. You know its only a mater of time before one of them goes down.

Here's hoping somehow no one gets injured this season! :beerme:

[PuffyPig]

Wow, well said.

I to am all for letting us find out what he can't do after gets some experience.


There's also alot to be said for bringing Hamilton along a little slowing, putting him in better situations where he might succeed.

Remember, he hasn't played above A ball before this season, and while he looks good, it certainly wouldn't surprise many people to see him struggle against guys like Hill and Lilly. After all, the rest of the Reds did.

Having him fail may actually do some damage.

Narron has been using Hamilton in situations where he thinks he has a better chance to thrive. So far he has been right.

Hamilton will get lots of AB's.

[Degenerate39]

I almost slept through this game. Good thing I woke up

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

There's also alot to be said for bringing Hamilton along a little slowing, putting him in better situations where he might succeed.

Remember, he hasn't played above A ball before this season, and while he looks good, it certainly wouldn't surprise many people to see him struggle against guys like Hill and Lilly. After all, the rest of the Reds did.

Having him fail may actually do some damage.

Narron has been using Hamilton in situations where he thinks he has a better chance to thrive. So far he has been right.

Hamilton will get lots of AB's.


Agreed. Its the same thing with me when it comes to Homer Bailey. But its lucky the Reds are more patient than me. You have to provide a positive atmosphere for development and it has to be at the players own pace.

Yep. Hamilton will get his ABs, make no mistake.

[Redhook]

I'm actually bummed out Hamilton isn't in the lineup. I was going to Tivo the game and watch it later. Now, I'll probably just listen to bits and pieces on the radio while I'm out.

[PuffyPig]

With Phillips playing his entire minor league career at SS, and Freels speed, the downgrade in defense in minimal. Right now we need to score runs.



I disagree.

Phillips was tried at SS last season. It was felt that he was a better secondbaseman, so the Reds went and got a new SS.

Freel is a real bad secondbaseman. Phillips is a real good secondbaseman. The downgrade is substantial.

It's great to improve your scoring ability. But don't bite off your nose to spite your face.

If Gonzalez was going to miss many games, Narron might approach it differently. Phillips and Freel would have more time to get used to new postions. But for a short term situation, most managers would simply replace the SS and get on with it.

[Degenerate39]

The Reds are 1-5 against left handed starters.

[mth123]

The hard fact is that teams are going to load-up on LH to offset Dunn, Griffey, Hatte, even Javy and Hamilton.

EE and Ross should be feasting on LH pitching and if they don't something may need to be done to change-up the mix. I don't think its realistic for guys like Freel and Phillips to carry that load (and why Phillips hits higher than 7th I'll never understand). Maybe Deno could have helped, but he's not the power threat that is needed (although he has more power than many acknowledge).

Votto and Bruce are LH as well and this problem goes beyond 2007. Its the reason that many were calling for a younger, more upside, longer term partner for Hatte at 1B (like Josh Phelps who could have been had for cheap).

[jmac]

The assumption that Hamilton won’t do well against left hander’s or go through a positive learning process and grow from it is frustrating to me. Especially since he has defied traditional norms and been successful to date. He very well could be just fine against them or at minimum gain valuable experience.

JH's good ST included hitting the lefties well. To get a rh bat in there everyonce in a while is fine but there is no need setting him 3 days in a row, including probably tomorrow.

[Reds Freak]

The Narron bashing is making these game threads really hard to read. Some of it is down right ridiculous. The manager really doesn't make that big of a difference. If EE or Ross would look like they have a clue at the plate then Narron would look a little smarter. It's all about the players. The players just didn't get it done yesterday.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

listening to the radio.... They were talking about 1990..

Man. Sweet Lou, Rijo, Davis, etc etc


Todd Benziger. lol

[jmac]

Maybe Deno could have helped, but he's not the power threat that is needed
There was a young guy setting on the bosox bench the other night......let's see ,what was his name? Said he was having trouble getting AB's but I dont think he's very good defensively !

[A-Dub]

It is Narron's fault when he doesn't play the best players possible to win.

[Reds Freak]

It is Narron's fault when he doesn't play the best players possible to win.

Yea I really wish he would get Chad Moeller and Enrique Cruz in there today...

[mth123]

There was a young guy setting on the bosox bench the other night......let's see ,what was his name? Said he was having trouble getting AB's but I dont think he's very good defensively !

Yeah, but a trade had to be made. Dunn looked like he was going to historically bad at 1B and drag the rest of the IF with him. A starter was needed and opening LF for Dunn by trading Pena for Arroyo was the right move (but it worked out better than I hoped it would).

Pena is in the AL where he belongs. Unfortunately he's on a team with two similarly awful defenders in Ortiz and Manny (who also aren't allowed to play 1B). Seeing how those are two of the top hitters of this generation, Pena won't get any DH time unless a lot of injuries happen.

[Degenerate39]

What time is the game going to start?

[A-Dub]

Yea I really wish he would get Chad Moeller and Enrique Cruz in there today...

Obviously this is sarcasm, but it's a bad attempt because those guys aren't the best players like I said.

[Reds Fanatic]

What time is the game going to start?2:20

[jmac]

Yeah, but a trade had to be made. Dunn looked like he was going to historically bad at 1B and drag the rest of the IF with him. A starter was needed and opening LF for Dunn by trading Pena for Arroyo was the right move (but it worked out better than I hoped it would).

Pena is in the AL where he belongs. Unfortunately he's on a team with two similarly awful defenders in Ortiz and Manny (who also aren't allowed to play 1B). Seeing how those are two of the top hitters of this generation, Pena won't get any DH time unless a lot of injuries happen.
Yeah, it's pretty bad when you need to be DH and you cant be cause others on team need to be one too.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

Play Ball!!!

[Reds Freak]

Obviously this is sarcasm, but it's a bad attempt because those guys aren't the best players like I said.

My point is he doesn't have a lot to work with right now especially with Gonzalez being away and EE and Ross looking like little leaguerers.

[Matt700wlw]

Lohse is making his first ever appearance at the place to be, Wrigley Field.

[Grounds_Crew]

Adam Dunn out...Hamilton in! Weird...

[Matt700wlw]

Late scratch - Dunn sits, Hamilton plays left and bats third

[Red in Chicago]

dunn out with back spasms so hamilton in

[BCubb2003]

You got your Josh Hamilton. Dunn is out with back spasms.

[Jr's Boy]

Dunn back spasm's.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

oooooh Hamilton in for Dunn :) were we just talking about Hamilton getting his ABs?

[Degenerate39]

Freel strikes out

[A-Dub]

Freel looked great up there.

[Red in Chicago]

lets hope "cy" lilly isn't showing up again:angry:

[Grounds_Crew]

These game threads crack me up. Every play results in 10 people posting the same exact thing. Haha. One person should step up before each game and volunteer to do play by play to limit the repeat posts. The rest of us could then participate in other discussion and comments.

[George Foster]

strikeout Freel..........he doesen't attempt to bunt more why? Or fake a bunt to get the infield moving?

[A-Dub]

Willy Mays Hayes flys out to center.

[Degenerate39]

BP flys out to center

[AccordinglyReds]

Hamilton up to bat!

[Degenerate39]

Hamilton flys out to left

[AccordinglyReds]

Hamilton flies out to LF.

[George Foster]

that was half of a swing by Hamilton,off the end of the bat, and it went to normal depth to left field....pretty strong wrists.

[cincy09]

These game threads crack me up. Every play results in 10 people posting the same exact thing. Haha. One person should step up before each game and volunteer to do play by play to limit the repeat posts. The rest of us could then participate in other discussion and comments.

Agree, this is entirely too hard to follow!

[OnBaseMachine]

The Cubs horrible pitching staff has shutout the Reds offense for 14 consecutive innings.

[geniusMoment]

Reds have now scored in one inning out of the last 19. Wonderful

[Degenerate39]

Soriano flys out to Jr.

[BCubb2003]

Agree, this is entirely too hard to follow!

It's just like, just like, the echo, echo, of the PA system, em, em.

[Degenerate39]

Theriot singles to right

[George Foster]

Does anybody know what Robinson died of? He was young, like 52 or 53.

[OnBaseMachine]

Shocker...Reds pitcher gives up a hit on 0-2.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Lohse with two 0-2 pitches down the middle of the plate to Theriot. Not smart or just not good control.

[mth123]

Shocker...Reds pitcher gives up a hit on 0-2.

Bigger shocker ... it was Kyle Lohse

[Kc61]

Shocker...Reds pitcher gives up a hit on 0-2.

This is Lohse's problem. Makes unnecessary bad pitches -- in spots where he has the advantage. It beat him last time, and here we go again.

[Degenerate39]

Jones flys out to Jr.

[George Foster]

Reds have now scored in one inning out of the last 19. Wonderful

Pitching normally gets better thoughtout the league as the season progresses.....:cry:

[Falls City Beer]

Did the wind hold that one or did Jones just miss it?

[Rotater Cuff]

that was half of a swing by Hamilton,off the end of the bat, and it went to normal depth to left field....pretty strong wrists.

That's what I like about what this guy has done for Reds optimism. Even when he flys out or walks, someone talks about something positive.
Compare that with Kearns' or Dunns at bats most years.

[Degenerate39]

Does anybody know what Robinson died of? He was young, like 52 or 53.

Heart problems

[George Foster]

Did the wind hold that one or did Jones just miss it?

Wind blowing in from right according to the crafty lefthander.

[Degenerate39]

Full count to Lee

[Degenerate39]

Lee walks

[A-Dub]

Ballgame. :)

[Grounds_Crew]

Walks....will....Haunt

[George Foster]

Heart problems

Back in the early 70's there was no such thing as by-pass, or stints, MRI's, etc.

[NorrisHopper30]

0-2 on barrett

[George Foster]

Walks....will....Haunt


Maybe not to Lee with a 10 game hitting streak..lets hope.

[NorrisHopper30]

barrett stike out, lohse out of the inning

[Degenerate39]

Barrett strikes out

[RedFanAlways1966]

Walks....will....Haunt


I don't like 'em, but I am willing to give one to D. Lee. Better then a bases clearing double (like yesterday). Lee is dangerous.. esp. when he has a 3-ball count.

[geniusMoment]

And away we go, another inning for the offense.

[Falls City Beer]

Brew Crew score two on Looper in the first only to see Sheets surrender a three run homer to Pujols in the bottom.

Albert Pujols is the greatest player to ever play the game of professional baseball. It's not even close.

[Degenerate39]

Back in the early 70's there was no such thing as by-pass, or stints, MRI's, etc.


Robinson died from heart problems and diabetes complications in Stamford, Connecticut on October 24, 1972 and was interred in the Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. The highway that goes through the cemetery (previously known as the Interborough Parkway) was renamed the Jackie Robinson Parkway in 1997.

From wikipedia

[Grounds_Crew]

Junior gets a homer today? True of false Redszone...

[George Foster]

Is Dunn just getting a rest, and they gave the excuse of back spasms, or is it real? Where is 700wlw?

[RedFanAlways1966]

Albert Pujols is the greatest player to ever play the game of professional baseball. It's not even close.

Can he pitch like Babe Ruth could? ;)

[Red in Chicago]

local radio about 10 seconds ahead of directv channel, which is about 20 seconds ahead of internet radio:laugh: the game that keeps on giving

[OnBaseMachine]

Brew Crew score two on Looper in the first only to see Sheets surrender a three run homer to Pujols in the bottom.

Albert Pujols is the greatest player to ever play the game of professional baseball. It's not even close.

Good Lord. What a ridiculous statement.

Unreal. Jeez.

Please take this crap to the Cardinals board.

[George Foster]

Junior gets a homer today? True of false Redszone...

Not to right field with the wind...

[Degenerate39]

Conine flys out to left

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

Junior gets a homer today? True of false Redszone...



True!!!

[PuffyPig]

Pitching normally gets better thoughtout the league as the season progresses.....:cry:


Actually, the hitters usually heats up as the weather does.

Run scoring is down throughout the NL this year.

[Falls City Beer]

Good Lord. What a ridiculous statement.

Unreal. Jeez.

Please take this crap to the Cardinals board.

Unfortunately for Reds' fans, all too real.

[Falls City Beer]

Turns out J. Footstool and Puffy were right: Lilly should have been an offseason target.

Good call by those two.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Way to go, Junior. Lookin' good in that #42 jersey. :)

[Grounds_Crew]

A hit to right will due just fine for now Junior!!! We'll get that homer next at bat!

[OnBaseMachine]

Unfortunately for Reds' fans, all too real.

You sure do keep this board laughing.

[WVRedsFan]

Griffey just trotted to first on that single. Bench him...:)

[PuffyPig]

Good Lord. What a ridiculous statement.

Unreal. Jeez.

Please take this crap to the Cardinals board.



Cut him some slack.

You can't blame a fan who gushes about players on his favorite team.

After all, Pujols now has 2 HR's on the season.

[geniusMoment]

Junior gets a homer today? True of false Redszone...

False, as that would cause the Reds to score a run.

[mth123]

Turns out J. Footstool and Puffy were right: Lilly should have been an offseason target.

Good call by those two.

When the weather warms up and he isn't facing a team that is so glaringly awful against lefties, the opposing view may still prove correct.

[Matt700wlw]

Encarnacion looks absolutely clueless so far this season...

[penantboundreds]

It seems like the Cubbies have gotten every call in this series. Does any one else think the Cubs pitchers corners are bigger than the Reds?

[George Foster]

With Lilly pitching, and a runner on first, full count...EE has to be swinging.

[OnBaseMachine]

Cut him some slack.

You can't blame a fan who gushes about players on his favorite team.

After all, Pujols now has 2 HR's on the season.

So true.

Anyway, I thought Chris Duncan was easily the greatest player in baseball history?:confused:

[RedFanAlways1966]

It seems like the Cubbies have gotten every call in this series. Does any one else think the Cubs pitchers corners are bigger than the Reds?

And the REDS knees are near their ankles... at least it was on the 1st strike call to Edwin.

[Falls City Beer]

When the weather warms up and he isn't facing a team that is so glaringly awful against lefties, the opposing view may still prove correct.

Eh. Doubt it.

Wrigley's a good pitcher's park, and the only offense capable of mashing him in the Central is the Cards'.

[geniusMoment]

Reds have now scored in one inning in the last 20. Wonderful

[OnBaseMachine]

Eh. Doubt it.

Wrigley's a good pitcher's park, and the only offense capable of mashing him in the Central is the Cards'.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

You are hilarious.

[WVRedsFan]

Edwin is simply uncomfortable at the plate. He looks stiff.

Also, Reds players are taking a lot of obvious strikes. The one Castro took was a pretty good pitch to hit. Of course Castro, as he grounds out, is simply not a hitter, something an team crying for offense needs to have in its lineup. Why did they bother to call that kid up anyway?

[OnBaseMachine]

The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

[reds44]

Right now the 2 hitter, and 6-9 are automatic outs.

Good luck scoring runs like that.

[Falls City Beer]

The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

The Reds' pitching is in the top ten in the NL.

The early season holds many mirages.

[PuffyPig]

Eh. Doubt it.

Wrigley's a good pitcher's park, and the only offense capable of mashing him in the Central is the Cards'.


Surely you've noticed the Cards lineup vs. LH pitching?

It includes Tanguchi, Miles, Molina, Eckstein, Wilson.

They'll have trouble mashing potatoes.

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds' pitching is in the top ten in the NL.

The early season holds many mirages.

The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

[Falls City Beer]

Right now the 2 hitter, and 6-9 are automatic outs.

Good luck scoring runs like that.

Having Dunn out of the lineup really, really hurts.

[Falls City Beer]

Surely you've noticed the Cards lineup vs. LH pitching?

It includes Tanguchi, Miles, Molina, Eckstein, Wilson.

They'll have trouble mashing potatoes.


Nice omission of Pujols and Rolen.

[George Foster]

The Reds' pitching is in the top ten in the NL.

The early season holds many mirages.

I'm a lot more worried about the scoring than pitching. EE, Ross, have to have good seasons for us to have a chance.

[Matt700wlw]

Having Dunn out of the lineup really, really hurts.

Back spasms do too...

[geniusMoment]

The good news, Kyle Loshe gets through another inning. The bad news, Ross now gets to bat!

[mth123]

The Reds' pitching is in the top ten in the NL.

The early season holds many mirages.

Agree. That's why I think its too early to reach any conclusions about Ted Lilly.

The weather makes it even more hazardous to reach conclusions from early season performance.

[NorrisHopper30]

Great inning for Lohse.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm a lot more worried about the scoring than pitching. EE, Ross, have to have good seasons for us to have a chance.

EE will. And I'm more than willing to give Ross a longer chance with the bat. (then again, what are the other options?)

[reds44]

Having Dunn out of the lineup really, really hurts.
Hamilton and Dunn are the only guys really hitting right now. Having either them out hurts.

Edwin will start hitting, I'm not worried about that. Juan Castro just sucks, so there is nothing you can do about that.

I worry about Phillips and Ross there.

[Falls City Beer]

Agree. That's why I think its too early to reach any conclusions about Ted Lilly.

The weather makes it even more hazardous to reach conclusions from early season performance.

I'm not just basing my assessment of Lilly on his performances against the Reds.

I'm basing it more on the fact that there aren't a ton of (no?) quality lefties in the NL Central and the Arroyo "league-switch-effect."

[Heath]

Dave Ross swinging like a guy hitting .095.

[Matt700wlw]

Agree. That's why I think its too early to reach any conclusions about Ted Lilly.

The weather makes it even more hazardous to reach conclusions from early season performance.

Brantley made a point about Lilly a little bit ago...April is his best month...after that, his ERA begins to climb.

[NorrisHopper30]

Ted Lilly does a lot better in the first few months than he does in the whole year, he'll end up with a 4.3ish era at least.

[PuffyPig]

Nice omission of Pujols and Rolen.

You'll note the use of the word "includes".

It means the list is not meant to be all-inclusive.

[geniusMoment]

He gone! Grab some bench.

[OnBaseMachine]

Ross swung at ball 4.

[Falls City Beer]

Ted Lilly does a lot better in the first few months than he does in the whole year, he'll end up with a 4.3ish era at least.

Same thing happened to Arroyo. Really, it happens to a bunch of AL pitchers. It's really tough not having the automatic out in the 9th spot over a whole season.

[reds44]

Ross is just completely lost. At least Edwin walks sometimes and Phillips' bat runs into one every once in awhile.

Ross? Nothing.

[VR]

Ross pulling off everything. Keep your head in there son.

[OnBaseMachine]

Ump giving Lilly a huge strikezone.

[Falls City Beer]

You'll note the use of the word "includes".

It means the list is not meant to be all-inclusive.

Do you need more than Pujols and Rolen to mash a lefty?

I don't think so.

[Grounds_Crew]

WOW....what a pitch....errr throw!

[Matt700wlw]

Nice pitch

:lol:

[NorrisHopper30]

What happened there..?

[reds44]

What an eye by Freel not to swing at that.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm surprised he didn't call that a strike.

[Ludwig Reds Fan]

maybe somebody will volunteer to go camp on a scoreboard or something until the Reds score a run?

[OnBaseMachine]

Do you need more than Pujols and Rolen to mash a lefty?

I don't think so.

The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

[reds44]

Freel strikes out WAY, WAY, WAY too much to be hitting leadoff.

We need to trade for a leadoff man.

[Red in Chicago]

The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[Reds Fanatic]

This ump's strikezone is ridiculous. 3 strike calls on Freel that all looked to be outside the strike zone.

[geniusMoment]

Reds have now scored in one inning out of the last 21. Wonderful

[Reds Freak]

It might be time to start my Reds offensive incompetence drinking game again...

[Matt700wlw]

Freel strikes out WAY, WAY, WAY too much to be hitting leadoff.

We need to trade for a leadoff man.

How about Hamilton....he'll actually take pitches, draw walks, and early results show he'll get on base consistantly.

[reds44]

Reds have now scored in one inning out of the last 21. Wonderful
That's some amazingly bad offense right there.

[mth123]

Hamilton and Dunn are the only guys really hitting right now. Having either them out hurts.

Edwin will start hitting, I'm not worried about that. Juan Castro just sucks, so there is nothing you can do about that.

I worry about Phillips and Ross there.

This is where I question Narron. Ross was fairly selective last year and appears to be expanding his zone. I think hitting in front of the pitcher really hurts him. Its especially true while he is in a slump and seemingly overanxious.

Phillips has no plate discipline anyway and really has no business that high in the order.

Based on last year at least, Ross and his 500+ slugging percentage are much more deserving of a higher line-up spot than Phillips and it might just do the trick for him.

[redsgabp]

the reds bats are DEAD!

freel has got to be replaced by hamilton.

BP is off to a slow start

and who stole david ross?

the reds pitching has been good but you can win without any runs

[Heath]

Turns out J. Footstool and Puffy were right: Lilly should have been an offseason target.

Good call by those two.

As much as I respect the Puffster's and Footstool's opinion, having a career 4+ ERA flyball pitcher in GABP has been tried once already in this town.

[PuffyPig]

I'm not just basing my assessment of Lilly on his performances against the Reds.

I'm basing it more on the fact that there aren't a ton of (no?) quality lefties in the NL Central and the Arroyo "league-switch-effect."

That's funny.

Three non-quality LH starters in the Central (Rodriquez, Gorzellany and Malholm) have all piched well against those Mashers from St Louis.

[NorrisHopper30]

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

I just looked it up, it's true. Tied at 28 with San Fransico. The Nationals have 31 and we have 42.

[WVRedsFan]

Freel strikes out WAY, WAY, WAY too much to be hitting leadoff.

We need to trade for a leadoff man.

Pssst. Don't tell the Redszone. He's their all in all regardless of the warts.

[Falls City Beer]

It's one thing to get upset about not hitting a guy like Zach Duke or that Gonzalez kid in Arizona--I can at least understand that; it's entirely another to get your panties in a wad about facing Lilly and Hill in a pitcher's park with the wind blowing in.

Relax. The offense will come around.

[Rotater Cuff]

How about Hamilton....he'll actually take pitches, draw walks, and early results show he'll get on base consistantly.

Unfortunately, Hamilton can't bat in all 8 spots. He's the Designated savior.

[Heath]

the reds bats are DEAD!

freel has got to be replaced by hamilton.

BP is off to a slow start

and who stole david ross?

the reds pitching has been good but you can win without any runs

Ross is back to career norms.

Some people in April just don't hit. It happens. It's also only April.

[NorrisHopper30]

2 Ks for lohse in this inning Lilly and Soriano.

[ncman31]

sit down alfonzo

[Red in Chicago]

I just looked it up, it's true. Tied at 28 with San Fransico. The Nationals have 31 and we have 42.

i wasn't questionning the statement...i was laughing because he's said it like three times and i find it amuzing ;)

[geniusMoment]

The good news, another good inning for Loshe. The bad news, our offense now has to bat!

[Reds Freak]

Freel calls a fair catch and hauls it in...

[Matt700wlw]

Dear Reds,

Score runs.


Thank you.

[Red in Chicago]

reds have one run in 10 innings off of lilly this year...impressive

[VR]

what Matt said.

[reds44]

This team can't play small ball, they can't string hits together, and they aren't hitting homers.

[reds44]

Phillips needs to steal 2nd.

[Matt700wlw]

Phillips walks!

The Natural awaits.

[PuffyPig]

Do you need more than Pujols and Rolen to mash a lefty?

I don't think so.

Last year the Cards mashed LH piching to the tune of a .713 OPS. It looks like Pujols and Rolen do need some help.

And both Rolen and Pujols hit LH pitching worse than RH pitching. The Cards hit RH pitchers at a .784 clip.

BTW, the Reds last year hir LH pitchers better than RH pitchers. .820 vs. .749

[reds44]

Now just get him to 3rd.

[Matt700wlw]

Steal!

[edabbs44]

reds have one run in 10 innings off of lilly this year...impressive

Ironic that the Lilly signing got so much abuse during the off-season.

[Heath]

I wonder how good Wily Mo would have been if he was afforded the same opportunity as Hamilton.

Speaking of Roy Hobbs - nice to go 3-2 after being 0-2

[Matt700wlw]

Josh K's looking...

[OnBaseMachine]

Last year the Cards mashed LH piching to the tune of a .713 OPS. It looks like Pujols and Rolen do need some help.

And both Rolen and Pujols hit LH pitching worse than RH pitching. The Cards hit RH pitchers at a .784 clip.

BTW, the Reds last year hir LH pitchers better than RH pitchers. .820 vs. .749

I wish I could give you rep right now.

Hamilton K's looking on ball 4. Still, great atbat to work from 0-2 to 3-2.

[WVRedsFan]

designated savior K's.

[Heath]

nice ab by Hamilton - no way he would have hit that pitch....and it was low.

[VR]

I can't believe how cool Josh's plate approach looks like against a tough lefty.

[Falls City Beer]

That's it, send Hamilton down! He's worthless! He doesn't take enough pitches!!!

:)

[Degenerate39]

What's Lilly's pitch count?

[VR]

Lou just walked out to say "listen, your not going to get these bs calls from the ump all day, start throwing real strikes"

[Kc61]

I wish I could give you rep right now.

Hamilton K's looking on ball 4. Still, great atbat to work from 0-2 to 3-2.


How was that a "great" at bat?

[Reds Fanatic]

What's Lilly's pitch count?63

[Heath]

Someone with better eyes help me, is Lilly balking?

[reds44]

I wish I could give you rep right now.

Hamilton K's looking on ball 4. Still, great atbat to work from 0-2 to 3-2.
He needs to get on base for it to be a great AB.

He did a good job working the count, but it wasn't a great AB.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm not sure what today's trivia question is but the answer is The Cardinals have scored the least amount of runs in the NL.

[WVRedsFan]

Hamilton, though I'm impressed with him, is in the "can do no wrong" category right now. That's how

[Degenerate39]

Mariono Rivera for the Yankees is the answer. Not sure how to spell the first name

[Heath]

How was that a "great" at bat?

The first two pitches made Hamilton look bad. Instead of wailing at it, he used plate discipline to make Lilly work.

If the ump had called Ball 4, it would have been MUCH better.

[OnBaseMachine]

How was that a "great" at bat?

He worked the count from 0-2 to 3-2 as I previously stated.

[mth123]

Someone with better eyes help me, is Lilly balking?

He looks lke it to me. He hesitates after lifting his leg, but if its his "normal" motion, they won't call a balk.

[OnBaseMachine]

Conine RBI single!

[Matt700wlw]

Hey! A run!!

[reds44]

Young body!

A RUN!!!

[Degenerate39]

Phillips scores on a Conine single :)

[NorrisHopper30]

1-0 reds, Conine singles while Phillips was running.

[Reds Fanatic]

Finally. Reds score as Conine drives in a run. 1-0 Reds

[WVRedsFan]

What's that? A run? Nice to see you stranger!

[Red in Chicago]

conine has been a good pickup so far!!!

[Falls City Beer]

Last year the Cards mashed LH piching to the tune of a .713 OPS. It looks like Pujols and Rolen do need some help.

And both Rolen and Pujols hit LH pitching worse than RH pitching. The Cards hit RH pitchers at a .784 clip.

BTW, the Reds last year hir LH pitchers better than RH pitchers. .820 vs. .749


Well, there you go. You've solidified my initial point: the Lilly signing was a smart one because not even the Cards mash lefties.

I knew I was right. :)

[Kc61]

He needs to get on base for it to be a great AB.

He did a good job working the count, but it wasn't a great AB.

Or move the runner to third on a ground ball.

Hamilton hits righties with authorities. So far, that is limited to righties. The guy is a great story, but he's never played above A ball. Sometimes he does things that aren't great.

Conine just got a hit with a man on second. For a team that isn't scoring runs. I'd consider that a pretty good at bat.

[VR]

Brandon Phillips gets big points that inning, made Lilly work very hard.

I like the idea of Griff coming up big right here.

Thanks again for the request Matt, keep doing it.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Nice job, Conine. And nice job of BP to draw a walk and wreak havoc on the paths.

[Eric_Davis]

How was that a "great" at bat?


He moved the runner across by stretching out the pitch count, and thus, the runner scored in a scoreless game.

[NorrisHopper30]

I'm calling Edwin home run.

[Falls City Beer]

Okay, which one of the Village People would Conine be?

[Cyclone792]

If we can get some basestealers on second base with Lilly in the game, then third base should be a quick gift. Phillips could have stolen third easily on any one of those pitches to Conine, and he was nearly standing on third base by the time Conine's bat met the ball on that single.

[reds44]

Or move the runner to third on a ground ball.

Hamilton hits righties with authorities. So far, that is limited to righties. The guy is a great story, but he's never played above A ball. Sometimes he does things that aren't great.

Conine just got a hit with a man on second. For a team that isn't scoring runs. I'd consider that a pretty good at bat.
Yep, agreed.

The entire post is solid.

[Degenerate39]

Okay, which one of the Village People would Conine be?

Cowboy

[WVRedsFan]

Edwin is cluless

[Heath]

He looks lke it to me. He hesitates after lifting his leg, but if its his "normal" motion, they won't call a balk.

It's a hitch alright, and it's not a hitch forward to the plate.

I'm not sure if he's set as well.

He's herky-jerky that's for sure. He leans over to the first base side and then delivers his pitch.

[NorrisHopper30]

Conine with a steal!!!

[VR]

How was that a "great" at bat?

KC, the result obviously wasn't great.....but if he has that approach all year....good results will follow.

[OnBaseMachine]

Conine steals 2nd.

[Degenerate39]

Conine with a steal DAMN

[FlyerFanatic]

edwin going off

[Matt700wlw]

Encarnacion is pissed....the called that strike 3

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow, Reds get robbed again.

[Grounds_Crew]

Uh oh boys and girls...more ESPN time for EE.

[reds44]

Well, Edwin's had better weeks.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Give this ump crap. He deserves it.

[Matt700wlw]

that's a load of crap

[Heath]

EdE can't catch a break at all.

None.

If this was last year EdE would be sent to the hole.

Narron is exercising patience with #12. I'm impressed with Jerry on that one.

[Degenerate39]

Why do all the umps hate us?

[edabbs44]

Lilly is making the Reds look stupid so far in '07.

[Heath]

So, what was the final call?

[WVRedsFan]

Love these umpires. Wow. It was obvious it hit him -- he immedeately started shaking his hand.

[Reds Freak]

How can you call that? There's no way he could determine where that hit. It wasn't even close to the strike zone, you can't give the pitcher the benefit of the doubt there...