6/14/07 - Reds vs Angels Game Thread

[Reds Fanatic]

Starting Lineups:



Angels (41 - 25)
1st in AL West
Reds (26 - 40)
6th in NL Central

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. C Figgins, 3B .266 1 14 13
2. O Cabrera, SS .339 3 36 6
3. V Guerrero, RF .336 12 58 1
4. G Matthews Jr., CF .281 9 39 9
5. C Kotchman, 1B .323 8 33 2
6. H Kendrick, 2B .271 3 7 2
7. J Molina, C .244 0 1 1
8. R Willits, LF .321 0 13 15
9. B Colon, P .000 0 0 0

Starting Lineup

Name AVG HR RBI SB
1. S Hatteberg, 1B .276 7 21 0
2. B Phillips, 2B .284 11 34 13
3. K Griffey Jr., RF .282 15 37 2
4. A Dunn, LF .250 15 38 7
5. E Encarnacion, 3B .273 4 27 2
6. J Hamilton, CF .257 9 20 3
7. A Gonzalez, SS .260 11 28 0
8. C Moeller, C .222 1 2 0
9. H Bailey, P .000 0 0 0

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
B Colon 5 2 5.70 1.43 35

Starting Pitcher
Name W L ERA* WHIP K
H Bailey 1 0 3.60 1.80 3

[cumberlandreds]

Three days in a row except for Moeller today and the pitcher,of course. Wow!

[BRM]

It's the same lineup with Moeller giving Ross a day off. Where is the real Jerry Narron?

[Joseph]

I like this line up more than some I've seen.

[flyer85]

Where is the real Jerry Narron?


"No matter what anybody believes I'd like to run it out there 162 straight times if I could. We'll see right-handers here for quite a few days, so we have to get Conine in there somehow. It'd be the same way if we were facing left-handers for Hatteberg. Same with Hopper."

[Big Klu]

I expected Ross to get the day off and Moeller to start at C, what with it being a day game after a night game. For the third day in a row, I have no complaints about the lineup! :thumbup:

[membengal]

Missed Bailey's debut while on vacation.

At least I will be able to listen to this one, but can't watch it because of the blackout rules (despite living in Memphis).

Looking forward to finally seeing Bailey pitch from Oakland next week.

Thom B said it's a large crowd. At least that part of Bailey's call-up is working out. That said, and this comes from one who has been calling for his promotion, Indians then Angels then A's is a brutal three games of pitching for anyone, much less a rookie.

Good luck, Homer.

[dabvu2498]

I halfway expected to see Castro instead of Gonzo.

My impression watching last night is that Gonzo's hammy is still bothering him pretty significantly. Seemed to really be struggling down the line on his groundball in the 4th, and all most seemed to "pull up" trying to field a ground ball that got by him in the 7th or 8th.

[remdog]

Getting my first chance to see Bailey. Watching on the Angels network rather than EI. It'll be interesting to see what the Angels guys think of Homer.

Rem

[cumberlandreds]

1st pitch strike!

[membengal]

Two strikes to Figgins, and then Bailey gets him to groundout to Phillips.

Nice start. One out.

[cumberlandreds]

Figgins Grounds out to Phillips! Bailey off to a good start all strikes to the first hiitter.

[cumberlandreds]

Line out to Hatte. Two away.

[membengal]

Bailey pumping strikes, gets Cabrera to line out. Two up, two down.

[BRM]

8 pitches in the inning, all strikes.

[cumberlandreds]

Fly out to Griffey and nary a ball thrown. All strikes. You gotta love that!

[BRM]

Was he throwing all fastballs?

[membengal]

Thom B drooling over Bailey attacking the strike zone. Nice first inning for the youngster.

[CTA513]

Was he throwing all fastballs?

all fastballs in the first inning.

[membengal]

BRM, from what Thom and JB said, yes, a lot of fastballs. Then again, Bailey indicated he wanted to throw more this start than he did against Cleveland, which JB seemed approving of...

[Matt700wlw]

Good start!

Won't be able to live on the fastball alone, though...you wouldn't think -- unless they have very good movement and location

[Falls City Beer]

You can start a game exclusively with fastballs like Bailey's. In fact, I'd feed the order fastballs once through.

[cumberlandreds]

Hatte singles to left, a rocket according to Thom.

[Az Red]

Hatte singles!

[membengal]

You can start a game exclusively with fastballs like Bailey's. In fact, I'd feed the order fastballs once through.

You sure can. Then work in the other stuff next time through. Particularly when you have a plus plus fastball...

[cumberlandreds]

Phillips bounces out to 1st with Hatte going to 2b.

[cumberlandreds]

Griffey K's. Two away.

[Az Red]

Did Jr just stand there?

[membengal]

Yeah, he apparently deeply disagreed with the strike three call...

[cumberlandreds]

Dunn bloops a single to drive in Hatte. 1-0 Reds!

[Az Red]

Good job, Dunner. I take back every disparaging comment I've made over the last week about you.

[cumberlandreds]

EDE K's looking to end the inning. There's your run Bailey. Let's holdem'.

[Az Red]

Colon hitting the corners?

[cumberlandreds]

Matthews walks to start the 2nd.

[Matt700wlw]

EDE K's looking to end the inning. There's your run Bailey. Let's holdem'.

No pressure :D

[membengal]

Matthews Jr. works the count to full and gets a walk. Matthews then steals second.

[cumberlandreds]

Matthews steals 2nd.

[membengal]

1-2 count to Kotchman.

John Fay in the booth for the daily writers stuff. Thom B asking about the Dunn trade stuff intruding in the clubhouse...

[membengal]

Bailey induces a pop up to the middle on the infield on a 3-2 pitch to Kotchman. One away.

[cumberlandreds]

Kotchman pops out to EdE at the mound. One out.

[membengal]

Apparently Bailey led Kendrick off with a first pitch change-up for a strike. Thom B was drooly.

Then a basehit to center, runner initially held up, then Hamilton dropped the ball in center and Matthews scored.

1-1, runner on first, one out. Error charged to Hamilton.

[Matt700wlw]

A rare Hamilton error...

Brantley notes that Bailey's curveball is not one you throw for strikes at this level...I'm guessing that means it's one you try to get a batter to chase...or it needs work.

Either way, I'm sure Bailey will work on it.

[cumberlandreds]

Brantley doesn't think Bailey's curve is big league ready.

[membengal]

Soft liner to CF falls in front of Hamilton for a single by Molina, two on, one out.

[membengal]

Thom B fretting over the long inning, and an ump that is slightly squeezing Bailey. 3-1 count on Willits, Colon on deck, I believe.

[BRM]

Lots of pitches this inning for Bailey.

[membengal]

Now batter fretting at ump. Guess ump is being inconsistent in general.

[membengal]

Runners started, and Willits singles to right.

2-1 Angels, runners on first and third, still one out.

We have a Dick Pole sighting.

Colon up.

[BRM]

30 pitches so far in the 2nd (38 total) with only one out. Score now 2-1 Angels.

[cumberlandreds]

Bailey getting behind in the count this inning is hurting him. Seems like he got away from throwing fast balls and going too much with the breaking ball.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer struggling a bit....a key is how the next inning turns out...does he crumble? Or does he maintain his poise and composure?


It's a mentality thing at this point.

[Falls City Beer]

Yeah, you've got to get these bottom of the order hitters for the Angels. They suck.

[Az Red]

Hard to tell from Gameday, but are the Angels just sitting and waiting on a fastball? It looks like the only thing Bailey can throw for a strike today.

[Falls City Beer]

Homer struggling a bit....a key is how the next inning turns out...does he crumble? Or does he maintain his poise and composure?


It's a mentality thing at this point.

No. The key is to get out of THIS inning. An inning at a time with this one.

[membengal]

Colon pops up the bunt, and Moeller catches it.

Two outs, Figgins up.

From what Thom B is saying, Bailey getting behind throwing the curve and change up.

[CTA513]

Brantley doesn't think Bailey's curve is big league ready.

Its hanging up over the plate most of the time he throws it.

[membengal]

Figgins grounds out, Bailey ends the inning. Nice recovery to get Figgins.

2-1 Angels, heading to the bottom of the second.

[Falls City Beer]

Colon pops up the bunt, and Moeller catches it.

Two outs, Figgins up.

From what Thom B is saying, Bailey getting behind throwing the curve and change up.

I suspect it's what many of us have been saying. He really needs to refine those secondary pitches. It was probably best to do so in Louisville. He's not ready for the bigs, IMO.

[cumberlandreds]

Bailey gets out of the inning. 2-1 Angels. I'm sure he threw over 30 pitches that inning.

[BRM]

43 pitches through 2 for Homer.

[Matt700wlw]

No. The key is to get out of THIS inning. An inning at a time with this one.

He got out of it. I didn't think he wouldn't.

So, back to my point... :D

[BRM]

Bailey gets out of the inning. 2-1 Angels. I'm sure he threw over 30 pitches that inning.

35

[Falls City Beer]

35

Unless he finds his stroke, he should be gone after 4.

[Matt700wlw]

Unless he finds his stroke, he should be gone after 4.

If he is, he is...

It's all part of the growing process. Learning how to adjust and pitch to big league hitters., and do it effectively.


Santos is fresh, so he shouldn't have any problem eating some inning if needed.

[membengal]

I suspect it's what many of us have been saying. He really needs to refine those secondary pitches. It was probably best to do so in Louisville. He's not ready for the bigs, IMO.

Or, he should keep pumping fastballs and not get behind throwing his secondary pitches.

At any rate, I am giving him a ton of slack given the degree of difficulty competition he has been tossed into in his first few starts...

[membengal]

Now Alex G jawing at the ump.

Vanover not winning many fans on either team at this point.

JB calling for Bailey to throw more fastballs, given how Bailey locates them.

[pedro]

Homer needs to be in Louisville. He's going to screw his arm up with all these 30+ pitch innings.

[Falls City Beer]

Or, he should keep pumping fastballs and not get behind throwing his secondary pitches.

At any rate, I am giving him a ton of slack given the degree of difficulty competition he has been tossed into in his first few starts...

I don't think the Angels have a very good offense at all.

[membengal]

Alex G strikes out.

JB expounding on why Bailey needs to keep throwing fastballs. Says Bailey locates it so well, there is no reason to get behind with lesser pitches.

[cumberlandreds]

Reds go down in order. Angels 2-1 after two.

[membengal]

I don't think the Angels have a very good offense at all.

We are in agree to disagree mode on that one. Figgins and Cabrera are tough outs at the top of the order, Guerrero's a beast, and there are quality hitters down through eight. They are tough outs in general.

[membengal]

Apparently Colon is giving a clinic on painting the corners with cheese. Colon isn't messing around with secondary pitches at this point, by the way.

[Ltlabner]

Now Alex G jawing at the ump.

Vanover not winning many fans on either team at this point.

JB calling for Bailey to throw more fastballs, given how Bailey locates them.

Seems like there's been a boatload of jawing with the umps this year. Some really horrable umping behind the plate in 2007.

I guess we fans say that every year, and I know I've posted on it before, but this year the umps behind the plate generally seem to stink.

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton having an odd day, to say the least...

[BRM]

Figgins is hardly a tough out. Cabrera is solid at the top though.

[membengal]

Hamilton drops a ball in deep CF.

That won't help. Hamilton apparently thought he had it.

[BRM]

Can Moeller throw anyone out today?

[membengal]

Bailey doesn't check Cabrera at 2b, and he takes third, Guerrero flies to LF, Cabrera scores.

Figgins can indeed be a tough out when he is right.

Hamilton's drop was scored a double.

3-1 Angels.

[cumberlandreds]

SF by Geurrero and the ANgels lead 3-1. Cabrera stole third on Bailey. Never looked at him and it was easy pickings for Cabrera.

[Matt700wlw]

Is going from Ross to Moeller from start to start make a big difference to a rookie pitcher, or should he get used to one guy?

Ross caught Bailey's first start...

[BRM]

Bailey doesn't check Cabrera at 2b, and he takes third, Guerrero flies to LF, Cabrera scores.

Figgins can indeed be a tough out when he is right.

Hamilton's drop was scored a double.

3-1 Angels.

So the steal was on Bailey, not Moeller necessarily.

Figgins .318 OBP says otherwise.

[Falls City Beer]

Two teams: one team came into this game with a game plan. The other didn't. Can you guess which is which?

[PuffyPig]

I don't think the Angels have a very good offense at all.

They have scored the 5th most runs in the major leagues.

Assuming runs equate to offense, their's would appear pretty good.

[membengal]

Matthews gets an infield hit to second, Phillips diving stop but couldn't throw Matthews out.

[Matt700wlw]

Two teams: one team came into this game with a game plan. The other didn't. Can you guess which is which?

I'm sure you'll tell us anyway....

[CTA513]

No Error on Hamilton as they almost never give an error to someone trying to make a running catch.

[cumberlandreds]

Infield hit by Matthews. Phillips made a diving stope but couldn't throw him out.

[flyer85]

Brantley doesn't think Bailey's curve is big league ready.I had heard how good his curveball is. The one I saw last Friday had some break but was a bit of a rolling pitch, when he lest it up it had a tendency to just sit there. I thought it needed a lot of work but I was willing to attribute it to first game jitters.

[membengal]

So the steal was on Bailey, not Moeller necessarily.

Figgins .318 OBP says otherwise.

BRM, maybe my memory of Figgins in past years is skewed, but he's been tough for several years now. He started this season hurt, right? So that .318 is fluid. We saw last night how nasty he can be when he is locked in.

[Matt700wlw]

Bailey picks off Matthews at first!

[membengal]

Bailey picks off Matthews. Apparently Bailey has a nasty quick move to first.

[Falls City Beer]

They have scored the 5th most runs in the major leagues.

Assuming runs equate to offense, their's would appear pretty good.

Career years from Cabrera et al. They'll fall off.

Figgins, Kendrick, Molina, and Willits are automatic outs. Or should be.

[cumberlandreds]

Matthews picked off! Two down!

[NJReds]

So the steal was on Bailey, not Moeller necessarily.

Figgins .318 OBP says otherwise.

.343 for his career. He's by no means a "gimme"

[membengal]

Kotchman bloops one along the RF line and gets a double out of it.

Two outs, man on second.

[BRM]

BRM, maybe my memory of Figgins in past years is skewed, but he's been tough for several years now. He started this season hurt, right? So that .318 is fluid. We saw last night how nasty he can be when he is locked in.

He got on base at a decent clip in 2004 and 2005. Not so much since then. He's never struck me as a leadoff hitter.

[membengal]

.343 for his career. He's by no means a "gimme"

Thanks NJRed. Didn't think I was remembering that wrong about Figgins...

[BRM]

.343 for his career. He's by no means a "gimme"

He wasn't much of a threat last year and he's been an out machine so far this year.

[Matt700wlw]

That was better....despite the run that shouldn't have been

[membengal]

Fly ball to Jr. ends the inning.

A little better D and there would be no damage, but still a run scored.

3-1 Angels, middle of third.

[membengal]

Bailey leads off the bottom of the third, and is retired on three straight fastballs from Colon.

JB again noting how Colon is simply pumping fastballs for strikes and doing so very efficiently...

[CTA513]

Is going from Ross to Moeller from start to start make a big difference to a rookie pitcher, or should he get used to one guy?

Ross caught Bailey's first start...

They should give him one catcher to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see Valentin catching his next start.

[membengal]

Apparently Colon's velocity has been mid 90s all day. Which is a little unusual for him in 2007, higher than it has been.

Mr. Hatte singles to RF, one out, one on.

Phillips up.

[Falls City Beer]

Come on, yank one BPhil. You're probably the best dead fastball hitter on the team.

[membengal]

Phillips down 0-2 in the count but battling, according to Brantley.

[Ltlabner]

So if Homer leans on his fastball to get by, how many times around the league will it take for people to dial in on it?

[membengal]

Phillips still battling down 0-2, has fouled off four pitches now.

Make it five pitches fouled off.

[Matt700wlw]

6Ks so far...all looking

SWING!!!

[NJReds]

Thanks NJRed. Didn't think I was remembering that wrong about Figgins...

He was injured to start the year. He was hitting .133 at one point. But over the last month, he's at .337/396/.424. I'm not saying he's an all-star, but I wouldn't call him an out-machine.

[membengal]

And then Colon pumps another fastball right down the middle that freezes Phillips. 6th K for Colon. All six Ks have been looking.

Huh.

Huh.

[Matt700wlw]

So if Homer leans on his fastball to get by, how many times around the league will it take for people to dial in on it?

A question that will be answered with time...

[NJReds]

So if Homer leans on his fastball to get by, how many times around the league will it take for people to dial in on it?

Ask Tim Lincecum.

[membengal]

JB noting that out of 47 pitches, Colon may have thrown about four or five breaking balls, the rest fastballs, in and out, up and down.

Jr. flies out to CF.

Inning over.

[membengal]

Colon making a nice living today off of the heater.

Very nice.

[BRM]

He was injured to start the year. He was hitting .133 at one point. But over the last month, he's at .337/396/.424. I'm not saying he's an all-star, but I wouldn't call him an out-machine.

He's been hot in June. I'll give you that.

[cumberlandreds]

One pitch one out. Now that's better.

[membengal]

Molina pops up to RF on the first pitch he sees.

One out in the top of the fourth.

JB imploring Bailey to throw more fastballs like Colon has been doing.

Willits up.

[membengal]

Apparently Willits is second in the AL in pitches seen per plate appearance. That's a nice thing to have from a guy batting that low in the order.

Bailey hits Willits on a 1-2 pitch.

Man on first, one out, Colon up.

[Az Red]

If JB can see it, What about Pope?

[Falls City Beer]

Important stat of the day: 0 Ks for Bailey.

He's not ready. Dumb mistake.

[membengal]

Colon grounds to EE on the first pitch he sees, but in a way that allowed runner to get to 2b.

Ah, they started the runner. Clever, Mike Scioscia.

Two outs, Figgins up, man on second.

[Matt700wlw]

Important stat of the day: 0 Ks for Bailey.

He's not ready. Dumb mistake.

Thanks.

[pedro]

Important stat of the day: 0 Ks for Bailey.

He's not ready. Dumb mistake.

agreed.

[membengal]

Bailey throwing change-ups to Figgins, which is driving JB crazy.

3-0 on Figgins.

Wondering why Bailey isn't throwing the heater to a guy he has owned to this point.

Good question. What's Moeller calling back there? Is it coming from the dugout?

[Matt700wlw]

Better inning there...

[Az Red]

Gameday shows Bailey all over the place now.

[membengal]

Bailey recovers to get him to ground out to second.

On a fastball.

JB thrilled with Bailey being allowed to throw his money maker.

Middle of the fourth, 3-1 Angels.

[Reds Fanatic]

69 pitches through 4 innings for Bailey

[Matt700wlw]

69 pitches through 4 innings for Bailey

A lot better than his last start.

That's a good thing.

[BRM]

69 pitches through 4 innings for Bailey

35 of those came in the 2nd inning.

[smith288]

Thanks.
LOL. Was anyone under the impression Homer was going to mow down 14 and dominate one of the best teams in the majors?? I sure wasnt...

[membengal]

I am content with Bailey's outing to this point, all things considered.

Let's see if the Reds can hit a fastball this inning.

[membengal]

Dunn leads off the bottom of the fourth with a single.

2 for 2 for Adam.

[Matt700wlw]

Dunner 2 for 2...putting on a show for the scouts.

[membengal]

LOL. Was anyone under the impression Homer was going to mow down 14 and dominate one of the best teams in the majors?? I sure wasnt...

Yeah, me neither. I am very content with what he has gotten done so far. My baseline for him is guys like Bonderman in his rookie season...

[Matt700wlw]

LOL. Was anyone under the impression Homer was going to mow down 14 and dominate one of the best teams in the majors?? I sure wasnt...

If anybody was, they were fooling themselves.

[membengal]

EE ground into a DP.

Rats.

Two outs, Hamilton up.

[flyer85]

I said at the time it was more of a publicity stunt than anything because Homer was not going to fix the problem. He needs to work on his command and his secondary pitches. He can do it in the majors but they really better monitor his workload.

[membengal]

Hamilton grounds out to 1b.

End of 4, 3-1 Angels.

And, yes Flyer, he CAN work on those things in the majors. Subject to my qualifications for him being up that I put in that one thread on ORG, I am thrilled he is at GABP.

[flyer85]

BTW, Germano dealing again today. He is not a stud but anything related to the Cormier deal leaves a bad taste.

[flyer85]

I am thrilled he is at GABP.I don't mind either. Its a bunch of others that I am less than thrilled about. :help:

[BRM]

BTW, Germano dealing again today. He is not a stud but anything related to the Cormier deal leaves a bad taste.

6 innings of shutout ball today.

[membengal]

Re: Germano: It sure does leave a bad taste.

Cabrera lines a ground out to Phillips that he makes a nice play on.

One out (two pitches only), Guerrero up.

[remdog]

As far as the Angels offense goes, they are superior to the Reds other than power. Even with Molina behind the plate they are better hitters at 5 of the 8 positions (C, 1st, SS, CF, RF).

Figgens fills the leadoff position which is a different role than EE but he's solid. He started the season with a broken finger which makes hitting difficult. He's raised his average from .133 in April to .266 going in to today so it's obvious that he's gotten well. His average over his last 50 ABs is over .500.

As for Willets, I like this kid. Very selective and good speed. I'd take him on the Reds.

Rem

[RedsManRick]

As long as Homer is healthy, learning, and not absolutely killing us, he's fine up here. Unless he goes all Brian Reith on us, he'll learn more up here than he will blowing AAA guys and not being punished (by hitters) for poor command. His makeup seems to suggest he'll be ok. Of course, the absolute #1, without a doubt thing needs to be protecting his health. I don't care if he's got a perfect game through 7, if he's over 100 pitches, get him the heck out of there.

[smith288]

Its just funny how, in his second start of his career, his stats aren't blowing certain folks away and thusly, shouldn't be here.
BTW, if anyone is interested, you can watch on MLB's Mosaic preview...its small, but you get an idea what's going on

link (mms://a1503.l108698001.c10869.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1503/10869/v0001/reflector:32015)

[remdog]

On the Angels network Rex Huddler is dumping on Hamilton for not running hard on the ground ball to first base.

Rem

[membengal]

I have no idea what's going on at the plate at the moment, they have a guest in the booth re: prostate cancer.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow! He Ks Vlad.


That not ready punk kid :D

[membengal]

Oooohhh, called strike 3 on a fastball to Vlad.

JB pleased to see the heater.

[IslandRed]

He can do it in the majors but they really better monitor his workload.

The workload needs to be monitored, and truthfully, they need to ignore the bleating from the booth about "c'mon, just blow 'em away with your fastball." He's got to keep working on the other pitches even at some expense to short-term results.

[Matt700wlw]

Nice, quick, efficient!

[smith288]

Wow....Just sat down Vlad "the Mute".

He belongs! :thumbup:

[membengal]

Pop up to LF on one pitch ends the inning.

Quick 5th for Homer.

I believe he has one more inning in him.

Middle of the 5th, 3-1 Angels.

[flyer85]

Willits has .412 OBP, he and Figgins ought to switch places.

[BRM]

78 pitches through 5 innings for Bailey.

[IslandRed]

Considerably more efficient today. Whether that's him or just the difference between the very-patient Indians and the more hacking Angels, I don't know.

[membengal]

This has really been a pretty decent outing for Bailey so far, all things considered. One of those runs apparently shouldn't have happened if Hamilton holds the ball in CF, and he has handled Vlad of all people. Not bad so far.

If he gets through a quick sixth with no damage, the day is a positive for Bailey.

[membengal]

Alex G grounds out on the first pitch he sees to start the 5th.

Moeller up.

[membengal]

Moeller reaches on an error on Figgins.

[flyer85]

I'd PH for Bailey. The Angels play a 6 inning game

[membengal]

In case you were wondering, yes, Bailey is batting for himself.

[Falls City Beer]

The workload needs to be monitored, and truthfully, they need to ignore the bleating from the booth about "c'mon, just blow 'em away with your fastball." He's got to keep working on the other pitches even at some expense to short-term results.

Why can't he do that against AAA hitters? I don't understand. Sure, he dominates AAA hitters with his fastball, but what's to stop him from hurting his short-term results in games that don't matter instead of on the biggest stage in baseball?

He's not ready--this isn't growing pains or learning his approach. This is: I don't have the tools in my toolbox yet to retire (read: strikeout) major league hitters. This isn't learning hitters/pitch sequences/etc. This is LACKING pitches to do what needs to be done.

[remdog]

I have no idea what's going on at the plate at the moment, they have a guest in the booth re: prostate cancer.

That's Michael Milken, convicted junk bond king who 'found religion' in the form of combating prostrate cancer (while in prison I believe).

I had to laugh at his comment when he was on with the Angels announcers. Milken said, 'we're especially happy to be in Cincinnati where the Reds lead the league in HRs and have given up the most HRs in the league. :laugh: (There is a donation for each HR hit to the prostrate cancer fund.)

Rem

[membengal]

Bailey gets down a beauty of a bunt, runner moves up.

[Falls City Beer]

I'd PH for Bailey. The Angels play a 6 inning game

Good point.

[VR]

Colon has a fat neck.

My contribution to today's game thread.

thank you.

[TOBTTReds]

On the Angels network Rex Huddler is dumping on Hamilton for not running hard on the ground ball to first base.

Rem

This got me fired up. Not happy.

[membengal]

Mr. Hatte works count to 3-0 and then takes a strike...

...and another

(5 straight fastballs from Colon in this sequence)

...and a BASE HIT to RF, Moeller SCORES on Vlad, ball GOES INTO THE DUGOUT,

and Mr. Hatte awarded 3b.

[smith288]

Colon has a fat neck.

My contribution to today's game thread.

thank you.

Solid. Here is some psuedo rep. :)

[membengal]

That makes it 3-2 Angels.

Phillips up with tying run at 3b.

First pitch fastball fouled off.

[BRM]

Hatteberg is trying to improve his trade value.

[remdog]

Moeller should have been thrown out at home. Vlad caught a cleat or something when he threw the ball and it was up the line. Otherwise, Chad was dead meat.

Rem

[KronoRed]

Hatteberg is trying to improve his trade value.

Or that 5 year deal from the Reds :devil:

[Falls City Beer]

Moeller should have been thrown out at home. Vlad caught a cleat or something when he threw the ball and it was up the line. Otherwise, Chad was dead meat.

Rem

It's not like the Reds haven't had their share of bad breaks. I'll take a lil sugar from the gods every now and again.

[membengal]

Colon has apprently been killing the Reds with a two-seam fastball that starts off the plate and then catches the outside corner.

1-2 count on Phillips, then grounds to second base to end the inning.

3-2 Angels after five.

Interesting inning coming up for the kid, if he can hold the line, a quality start (flawed stat, I know) and will have given the Reds a chance against a hot Bartolo Colon.

[Falls City Beer]

Or that 5 year deal from the Reds :devil:

Yep. He's entering the Wayne Krivsky "prime years" of 37 soon, right?

[BRM]

Phillips' OBP is declining. Only .317 for the month of June.

[pedro]

Colon has a fat neck.

My contribution to today's game thread.

thank you.

His nickname is "The Grouper"

http://www.seasaba.com/photos/grouper.jpg

[membengal]

It's not like the Reds haven't had their share of bad breaks. I'll take a lil sugar from the gods every now and again.

No doubt. Every little break they can get.

[RedsManRick]

The Angels are notoriously impatient. BP just had discussion on how they live and die with batting average. Brandon Phillips was made for the Angels team... and should be batting 5th or 6th on the Reds.

[cumberlandreds]

Its just funny how, in his second start of his career, his stats aren't blowing certain folks away and thusly, shouldn't be here.
BTW, if anyone is interested, you can watch on MLB's Mosaic preview...its small, but you get an idea what's going on

link (mms://a1503.l108698001.c10869.g.lm.akamaistream.net/D/1503/10869/v0001/reflector:32015)

Thanks I'm watching. It's small but you can tell what's going.

[membengal]

Norris Hopper has taken over in CF for Hamilton.

No word on why.

Bailey facing Kotchman.

[KronoRed]

Yep. He's entering the Wayne Krivsky "prime years" of 37 soon, right?

Maybe he can pitch ;)

[flyer85]

Hatteberg is trying to improve his trade value.more likely he'll get an extension

[BRM]

Or that 5 year deal from the Reds :devil:

Votto in LF, Hat at 1B. Swell.

[membengal]

Kotchman slaps a hit into LF.

One on, none out.

[Falls City Beer]

The Angels are notoriously impatient. BP just had discussion on how they live and die with batting average.

And in NL parks they become basically two hitters: Guerrero and Kotchman. Not exactly knee-shaking material.

[NDRed]

Norris Hopper is in center field

[remdog]

Hopper now in CF for the Reds and Hudler backpeddling on the Hamilton comment saying that if Josh was injured he appologized.

Rem

[cumberlandreds]

Nice DP. Just what the Dr. ordered!

[membengal]

Kendrick grounds into a DP!!!!

Two fastballs for strikes to get ahead, and then a fastball to jam him into the DP.

Two outs, none on.

[Falls City Beer]

Kendrick grounds into a DP!!!!

Two fastballs for strikes to get ahead, and then a fastball to jam him into the DP.

Two outs, none on.

Now THAT'S how to use that fastball. If you can't locate those secondary pitches.

[membengal]

Molina up, Bailey ahead in the count 1-2...just pumped a 94 mph fastball Molina was way late on.

[BRM]

more likely he'll get an extension

He already has a team option for 2008, doesn't he?

[TOBTTReds]

Hopper now in CF for the Reds and Hudler backpeddling on the Hamilton comment saying that if Josh was injured he appologized.

Rem

Yup. I cooled off a bit after that.

[Chip R]

Hopper now in CF for the Reds and Hudler backpeddling on the Hamilton comment saying that if Josh was injured he appologized.

Rem


Maybe Narron took him out cause he didn't run hard.

[membengal]

JB noting that if you throw too many curveballs and changeups, you can lose command of your fastball. 89th pitch of the outing low and outside, 2-2 on Molina.

[membengal]

Grounder to SS ends the inning.

Middle of the 6th, 3-2 Angels.

[Reds Fanatic]

90 pitches through 6 for Bailey.

[KronoRed]

Votto in LF, Hat at 1B. Swell.

"IMPROVED" defense :laugh:

[BRM]

90 pitches through 6 for Homer. Does Jerry let him start the 7th?

[Doc. Scott]

They're gonna leave Homer in there, aren't they? I'd really like to give him a bit of a rest, frankly.

[membengal]

90 pitches for Bailey in six really really really solid innings of work.

No complaints from me on this outing, at all.

[KronoRed]

90 pitches through 6 for Homer. Does Jerry let him start the 7th?

Does a bear use the restroom in the woods?

[flyer85]

Hamilton leaves the game ... maybe he's been traded :D

[Falls City Beer]

90 pitches through 6 for Homer. Does Jerry let him start the 7th?

Jerry does. I wouldn't. But I ain't on the payroll.

[Matt700wlw]

90 pitches for Bailey in six really really really solid innings of work.

No complaints from me on this outing, at all.

I'm with you

[BRM]

Jerry does. I wouldn't. But I ain't on the payroll.

I think Jerry will send him out there too.

[VR]

They're gonna leave Homer in there, aren't they? I'd really like to give him a bit of a rest, frankly.

I can't imagine why they wouldn't.

Oh wait, Jerry's the manager. Yes I can.

[Reds Fanatic]

90 pitches for Bailey in six really really really solid innings of work.

No complaints from me on this outing, at all.
Very efficient in keeping his pitch count down today. He had the bad 35 pitch 2nd inning but in the other 5 innings he is averaging just 11 pitches an inning.

[CTA513]

90 pitches through 6 for Bailey.

35 pitches in the second inning, 55 pitches in the other 5 innings.

[BRM]

Any word from the booth on why Hamilton was pulled?

[Matt700wlw]

I think Jerry will send him out there too.

Probably will. Not sure if I want that to happen or not.... :dunno:

He's at 90......short leash, I would guess?

[membengal]

Jr. up to lead off the bottom of the 6th.

And, I agree with everyone else, hopefully Bailey's day is done. Let him leave on a high note, Jerry...

[Falls City Beer]

Gotta make hay here. Though Shields is not likely available today.

[Reds Fanatic]

C. Trent says Hamilton left the game with complaints of dizzyness.

[KronoRed]

Lets hope the 9th spot comes up

[Matt700wlw]

:griffey:

:jump:

[membengal]

GAME TIED!!!!!!!!!!!

HR to JR!!!!!!!!!!

[smith288]

WhOoT!

[cumberlandreds]

Junior!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior homers!! #579!

[Matt700wlw]

C. Trent says Hamilton left the game with complaints of dizzyness.

That's not good....

[Falls City Beer]

Nice. Junior's having a great season.

[KronoRed]

Get the lead! if we're tied Homer will keep pitching to "get the win"

[smith288]

Get the lead! if we're tied Homer will keep pitching to "get the win"
Nah. Im thinking he will be pulled to "prevent the loss" ;)

[membengal]

If we can push one more across, Bailey in line for a win.

Really, as good as Colon has been today, Bailey has now matched him.

Dunn lines out to Guerrero in LF.

One out, EE up.

Hamilton left with dizziness issues. Wonder if that contributed to his drop of that ball in the third inning.

EE grounds out to 3b.

Hopper up.

[Falls City Beer]

Come on. Ed.

[Benihana]

If they leave Homer in to start the 7th, I will personally find Jerry Narron and beat him.

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton left with dizziness issues. Wonder if that contributed to his drop of that ball in the third inning.

.


Hopefully it's just the fact that it is a hot, summer-like day in Cincinnati and he's just not used to it. Maybe he wasn't properly hydrated.

[membengal]

2-2 count on Hopper, as he tries to jump start the inning.

Not hearing them talk about anyone warming up, by the way. I would guess that means we will see Homer to start the 7th. Against pitch taking machine Willits.

That's gonna make me grumpy...

[VR]

If they leave Homer in to start the 7th, I will personally find Jerry Narron and beat him.

what is your thinking there?

[pedro]

The Angels announcers just said Hamilton left due to "dizzyness"

[membengal]

Hopper works a walk.

Two outs, man on first. Alex G up...

[BRM]

Hopper walks. :eek:

[Doc. Scott]

If they leave Homer in to start the 7th, I will personally find Jerry Narron and beat him.

You might want to prepare to make good on that promise.

[Falls City Beer]

Hopefully it's just the fact that it is a hot, summer-like day in Cincinnati and he's just not used to it. Maybe he wasn't properly hydrated.

GI stuff like Hamilton had can screw up liquid absorption. Just thinking out loud.

[VR]

send Hopper

[membengal]

what is your thinking there?

My thinking is 90 pitches and good success against the tough Angels is enough. No reason to push his pitch count or chance a high note start getting away from him. None at all.

[KronoRed]

Hopper walks..the end is near

[remdog]

Geez I love that Jr. guy. :clap: Anyone think he'll have an OK career? ;)

Rem

[membengal]

Alex G batting with a 1-1 count and Hopper on first.

I am with others in here and JB and Thom, start the runner, do something to push the issue...

[Falls City Beer]

Geez I love that Jr. guy. :clap: Anyone think he'll have an OK career? ;)

Rem

His current season OPS is higher than his career average at age 37. I'd say that's doing alright for one's self.

[membengal]

2-2 count on Alex G...Hopper still anchored at 1b.

[Matt700wlw]

GAAAAAAAA!!

:jump:

[Ltlabner]

Geez I love that Jr. guy. :clap: Anyone think he'll have an OK career? ;)

Rem

Nah. He smiles too much. Doesn't get "angry" enough.

Serriously, great to see Jr having such a great year.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gonzalez homers!! 5-3 Reds.

[Danny Serafini]

I've got no problem with Bailey starting the 7th. If he keeps cruising the way he has the past few innings another 10 or 12 pitches isn't going to hurt him. If he gets in trouble with the first couple of batters then yank him, but 90 pitches isn't enough to force him out quite yet.

[membengal]

WHHHHHHEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Two run jack for Alex GGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!