6/19/07 Reds @ Oakland

[RedsMan3203]

Hatteberg dh
Phillips 2b
Griffey rf
Dunn lf
Conine 1b
Encarnacion 3b
Hamilton cf
Gonzalez ss
Valentin c


Bailey P

[KronoRed]

Valentin catching for Homer? ugh

[Matt700wlw]

Valentin catching for Homer? ugh

I would like Jerry to pick ONE catcher to catch Homer...

Keep him comfortable. Keep it consistant.



Why is this so difficult?

[KronoRed]

Treat Bailey any different then the rest of the pitchers? No way ;)

[CTA513]

Valentin catching for Homer? ugh

This will be his third game started and his third different catcher.

[oneupper]

Narron decided he needed some bats in there. Conine is basically in for Hopper and Valentin for Ross.

A's have won Gaudin's last 8 starts.

[IslandRed]

This will be his third game started and his third different catcher.

Trying to find the one he's most comfortable with?

[Matt700wlw]

Trying to find the one he's most comfortable with?

I hope that's the reasoning...

[Heath]

I hope that's the reasoning...

If Javier Valentin already has problems with other pitchers, how will it be any different?

As far as the lineup goes, as much as I hate the DH, that's not half-bad.

[Matt700wlw]

If Javier Valentin already has problems with other pitchers, how will it be any different?



It won't.

I think I'm beginning to accept insanity.



Help me

[Dom Heffner]

Bailey vs. the A's- I don't like this. They are going to take, take, take, so he better throw some strikes.

[Matt700wlw]

Bailey vs. the A's- I don't like this. They are going to take, take, take, so he better throw some strikes.

He's definitely getting challenged BIG TIME up here....he hasn't faced a poor team yet, or a National League team yet.

[KronoRed]

Trying to find the one he's most comfortable with?

Does Val really count as a catcher though?

[Heath]

Does Val really count as a catcher though?

He's a hybrid-type.

Jack of All trades, master of none.

[guttle11]

He's definitely getting challenged BIG TIME up here....he hasn't faced a poor team yet, or a National League team yet.

That's redundant. :cool:

[Heath]

Bailey vs. the A's- I don't like this. They are going to take, take, take, so he better throw some strikes.

This has potential to be ugly. The A's are extremely patient.

I hope I'm wrong.

[KronoRed]

He's a hybrid-type.

Jack of All trades, master of none.

The Castro of catching :D

[Heath]

The Castro of catching :D

You are a bad bad bad man, Mr. 50K Post Man.

[KronoRed]

Coming soon, a 3 year deal ;)

[Cyclone792]

Where's Oakland's lineup yet? IIRC, they have a lot of lefties, or guys like Swisher who will bat lefty vs. a right-handed pitcher. Bailey's control problems, especially his problems against lefty hitters, could be a major issue tonight. I'm hoping he has his command tonight, because he's definitely going to need it.

Also, IIRC, hasn't Moeller caught Bailey down in Louisville this season too? I can't believe I'm going to suggest the following, however, if Moeller's going to be on the roster anyway, and if he's caught Bailey a couple times already this season, maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to just label Moeller as Bailey's personal catcher. I know, I'm probably crazy for suggesting that ... nobody will need to tell me. ;)

As far as the lineup, I'd most definitely like to see Encarnacion and Hamilton moved up ahead of Conine. But at least Narron's got Griffey and Dunn batting back-to-back in the 3/4 slots again so I can't be too picky.

[wheels]

Regardless of the outcome, any time Homer starts is a must see for me.

I've got some left over saag paneer and three Miller High Lives.

This will be a good night.

[Matt700wlw]

The Athletics know how to draft and develop.


I want the Reds to be the A's

[BoydsOfSummer]

Boogity Boogity Boogity.....Let's play baseball boy's!

[RedsMan3203]

Its about time for a Reds win.......

[Matt700wlw]

Its about time for a Reds win.......

Maybe tonight will be that night....

[Matt700wlw]

The Mariners are going to have a ceremony for Griffey on Friday.

[Matt700wlw]

Ok, Homer....let's see what you got.

[Gallen5862]

Who will be able to provide PBP? Homer needs to pitch well tonight and get a Reds win.

[jojo]

Alright Thom...we get it....the Reds are in Oakland and you've just read Moneyball.... please....only one Moneyball refernce per half inning....

[RedsMan3203]

I can't believe that Homer Bailey is pitching for our Cincinnati Reds.....

[TOBTTReds]

Bailey vs. the A's- I don't like this. They are going to take, take, take, so he better throw some strikes.

I thought the same thing, but they weren't very patient in that first inning.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Well, at least Thommy has read it. Give him some credit for that.

[Matt700wlw]

Good start!

[Eric_Davis]

Anyone here think Narron will keep Homer under 105 pitches?

I don't.

Billy Martin, Roger Craig, Tommy Lasorda...all Managers that ruined pitchers arms by overusing them. The difference between them and Narron is they all won something their first year, so they were given a longer leash.

Narron has no track record to justify overusing pitchers.

He could ruin Bailey in half a season.

[RedsManRick]

Watching on gameday, it looks like everything Gaudin throws is between 85 and 91. Does he have a curve or something -- otherwise I don't get it.

[Eric_Davis]

Bailey vs. the A's- I don't like this. They are going to take, take, take, so he better throw some strikes.


It is scary how Narron abuses his pitchers and already overused Bailey in his first outing.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Watching on gameday, it looks like everything Gaudin throws is between 85 and 91. Does he have a curve or something -- otherwise I don't get it.

Cutter

[Eric_Davis]

Here's the difference between usin Conine today and Hopper yesterday. Conine already took 5 pitches AND delivered a single advancing a runner.

[RedsManRick]

Cutter

Yeah, it looks like he has 2 fastballs and a change. Just saw a 79 MPH pitch to Conine -- must be a curve of some type.

[smith288]

It is scary how Narron abuses his pitchers and already overused Bailey in his first outing.
we get it. Baily is a nancy boy who cant handle 10 more pitches than normal...

[Matt700wlw]

Dunn should have scored....Berry gives him the go sign, he wasn't paying attention, and stops at third.

Wow.

[Matt700wlw]

It is scary how Narron abuses his pitchers and already overused Bailey in his first outing.

Settle down...it's the first inning ;)

Since Arroyo is being bumped to Sunday, Homer's next start will probably be on Tuesday...that's a week.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Dunn stumbles turning third and goes back....Thom has a coniption.

[TOBTTReds]

I think he stumbled, then stopped because he slipped.

[Eric_Davis]

It's amazing how agile Dunn actually is considering his size (non-steroid enhanced I like to add, Mr. Bonds).

[Gallen5862]

How many outs?

[BoydsOfSummer]

one out

[TOBTTReds]

1 out. 2 run single for gonzo. 1st and 3rd

[RedsManRick]

1 out. Glad Dunn make the smart call and didn't push it after he slipped.

[BoydsOfSummer]

2 runs on a gonzo bingle

[smith288]

Drinking game with Thom...

Moneyball...

[Eric_Davis]

Nice inning.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Drinking game with Thom...

Moneyball...


I happen to be sipping some Crown. I think I'll play.

[Eric_Davis]

Read from bottom up.

Phillips grounded into fielder´s choice to shortstop, Hatteberg out at second.
Gonzalez to third on wild pitch.
Hatteberg walked, Gonzalez to second.
Valentin hit sacrifice fly to left, Hamilton scored.
Gonzalez singled to center, Dunn and Conine scored, Hamilton to third.
Hamilton singled to left center, Dunn to third, Conine to second.
Encarnacion flied out to right.
Conine singled to left center, Dunn to second.
Dunn walked.

[smith288]

Homers stuff is working tonight. That change was wicked.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Interested in seeing Kurt Suzuki play. He looks like a good young catcher.

[smith288]

I would think with a 1-2 count, you would try for an eye level heater, not a curve.

[Cyclone792]

Homer's command was very solid during the first five hitters, and he was able to retire all five.

Then he goes and walks Mark Ellis on four pitches.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow!

[CrackerJack]

two nice plays by BP on some tough dinkers gets 'em out of the inning there

[BoydsOfSummer]

Heller of a play by Phillips and Bailey covering for the 3rd out!

[Eric_Davis]

WoW!

I've never seen a 2nd Baseman go so far towards first on a groundball and still make the play at 1st. Amazing!

[Cyclone792]

That was a very nice play by both Phillips and Bailey there. Phillips got to a ball he had no business getting to, and Bailey covered the bag quickly to provide a target for Phillips to throw to.

Also, it should be said that both those pitches in that last plate appearance were probably strikes (first was called, the grounder hit looked like it would have been a high strike on the corner, i.e. a good pitcher's pitch). When Bailey's command is working, great things will happen. He just needs to keep developing his command so that it's working far more often than it's not working.

[Matt700wlw]

:griffey:

:jump:

[guttle11]

Junior!

[Eric_Davis]

That was a very nice play by both Phillips and Bailey there. Phillips got to a ball he had no business getting to, and Bailey covered the bag quickly to provide a target for Phillips to throw to.

Also, it should be said that both those pitches in that last plate appearance were probably strikes (first was called, the grounder hit looked like it would have been a high strike). When Bailey's command is working, great things will happen. He just needs to keep developing his command so that it's working far more often than it's not working.

yes, and that ball-four to Ellis could have been a strike. It was borderline.

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior homers to right! #582.

[TheBurn]

Yeah Junior!

[smith288]

Looked like it was going to go further than it did when he swung.

[Eric_Davis]

Wow, the way Junior turned on that inside-fastball. How old is he?

[BoydsOfSummer]

I'm digging the pace Junior is on. Hope for continued health.

[SandyD]

I LOVE it when Jr does that ... :D

I met Chad Gaudin's dad/grandfather ... not sure which ... back when Chad first signed. He wasn't very nice.

[TheBurn]

Junior 19 HR - 44 RBI
Dunn 19 HR - 46 RBI

Whodathunkit? :D

[Tony Cloninger]

I do not care how old Conine is....as long as you spot start him no more than 3 times a week....he gives you good AB's more than half the time.

Despite SO on that last AB. I have no problem with him hitting higher than EE or Hamilton....right now.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Junior 19 HR - 44 RBI
Dunn 19 HR - 46 RBI

Whodathunkit? :D


Look like a couple run producers to me. :dunno:

[guttle11]

Good AB by Edwin there, even in a groundout. Battled from 0-2 and made it a full count. Make him work.

[TheBurn]

Did EE swing at ball 4 ???

[DoogMinAmo]

Did EE swing at ball 4 ???

According to Gameday, yes. I hated this pitch path thing at first, but if any of you have not seen it, it is definitely worth checking out. MLB.com Gameday has it in some cities for some games, and this one of them.

[Tony Cloninger]

YES...he did.

But after that called 3rd strike to Conine....which was a ball call for Homer against Ellis.....i guess he had to swing.

Hey Jerry how about getting on this ump for the squeeze job he is starting to pull on Homer.

[Reds Fanatic]

Crosby leads off with a walk.

[DoogMinAmo]

Crosby leads off with a walk.

Seems like a short strike zone.

[guttle11]

Homer needs to slow down and breathe.

[oneupper]

Valentin was all fatherly to Homer.

[DoogMinAmo]

According to gameday Bailey is throwing 89-90. What pitch is it, I hope it isn't his "fast"ball.

[Reds Fanatic]

Suzuki flies out to center. 1 out.

[guttle11]

According to gameday Bailey is throwing 89-90. What pitch is it, I hope it isn't his "fast"ball.

FSN is showing 92-93, and he's hit 95 a couple of times.

[oneupper]

According to gameday Bailey is throwing 89-90. What pitch is it, I hope it isn't his "fast"ball.

FSN gun is showing 92-93 mostly. some 95.

[oneupper]

FSN is showing 92-93, and he's hit 95 a couple of times.

jinx

[guttle11]

FSN is also showing his low fastballs at about 88. THere's no way they're only 88.

[DoogMinAmo]

FSN is showing 92-93, and he's hit 95 a couple of times.

He doesn;t seem to be changing speeds that much, at least not this inning.

[guttle11]

Oh...Phillips! Great double play.

That's defense.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Phillips starts a 4-6-3 DP! 4-0 Reds after 3.

[Reds Fanatic]

35 pitches through 3 for Bailey with 20 of them strikes.

[DoogMinAmo]

Phillips playing D like he knows his O isn't cutting it.

[guttle11]

Does Homer ever sit? Every time they show him in the dugout he's standing.

[TheBurn]

35 pitches through 3 for Bailey with 20 of them strikes.
Started out with 12 strikes - 3 balls thru his first 15 pitches.

[jojo]

So how much of this is Homer and how much is it just that the As aren't hitting? His location isn't that spellbounding and his velocity isn't intimidating. No real cureballs and just a few changeups.

[guttle11]

So how much of this is Homer and how much is it just that the As aren't hitting? His location isn't that spellbounding and his velocity isn't intimidating. No real cureballs and just a few changeups.

Seems to me like they can't get a beat on his fastball. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. They're late on nearly every swing.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hamilton strikes out looking. 1 out.
Gonzalez grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valentin singles to left.

[guttle11]

Was there some kind of book written about a baseball team or something?

Either Thom's trying to send a message, or FSN has been under a rock since about 2004.

[OnBaseMachine]

I can't stand umpires like this guy. He won't call anything from mid-thigh down a strike for Bailey, however, he calls two strikes on Hamilton on pitches that were below his knees. Rookie treatment.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hatteberg flies out to center. 4-0 Reds mid 4th.

[smith288]

A's look off balance as far as I can tell.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp and summaries Reds Fanatic. So it seems Homer is being more effecient this start.

[Matt700wlw]

So far so good, the first time through the order for Bailey - 2 walks, nobody past first base, no runs...and none of those other things that teams generally need to get runs in

[DoogMinAmo]

I am not sure who to blame for the limited pitch selection, I never like Valentin's game calling, but Homer is known to get stubborn and ditch pitches if they don't work early. I hope as Homer gets looser that he throws the other pitches more often.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kotsay grounds out to short on the first pitch. 1 out.

[OnBaseMachine]

Curveball at the knees of Swisher called ball one.

[guttle11]

Let's face it, Homer's going to throw a ton of fastballs this year, and really his whole career. That's who he is. I think you'll see more curves and changeups (and hopefully a splitter or sinker down the road), but for now he is what he is.

[DoogMinAmo]

Browning remarking that Homer is getting squeezed, that time on his 12-6curve to Swisher, 1st pitch.

[Matt700wlw]

JB miffed by the ump as well...


Homer getting squeezed

[jojo]

A's look off balance as far as I can tell.

It must be one of those nights because he's basically throwing a 93 mph fastball in the strikezone and thats it.

[Reds Fanatic]

Swisher walks on a very close 3-2 pitch.

[OnBaseMachine]

With Questec, Homer K's Swisher.

[Matt700wlw]

Marquez (umpire) not giving Bailey any breaks on these pitches...

[jesusfan]

Swisher walks...

[TheBurn]

the 1st, 4th and 6th pitches looked like strikes, didn't they?

[Matt700wlw]

Bailey's change-up seems to be working tonight as well

[guttle11]

Even though Chavez fouled it off, that was a HECK of a changeup.

Followed by a 95MPH on the hands for a K.

Wow.

[DoogMinAmo]

the 1st, 4th and 6th pitches looked like strikes, didn't they?

yep.

[Matt700wlw]

95mph heater blows Chavez away

[CrackerJack]

95 mph k there

[jesusfan]

Bailey with a 95 mph heater to K Chavez for the 2nd time... nice!

[Reds Fanatic]

Chavez strikes out swinging on a 95 MPH fastball. 2 outs.

[Matt700wlw]

Another nice Change-up

[Edskin]

Homer very impressive in that AB. Switched from 82 MPH to 95 MPH on his last two pitches.

[jesusfan]

Nice play by BP again...

[Reds Fanatic]

Cust lines out to 2nd. 4-0 Reds after 4. 47 pitches with 28 strikes (should be more strikes if he was not getting squeezed by the ump) through 4 for Bailey.

[OnBaseMachine]

Homer has displayed a very nice changeup tonight and the curve has looked good in the few times he has thrown it.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer Bailey not looking ready for the bigs tonight...should definitely by in Louisville.

:D :p: ;)

[DoogMinAmo]

Jojo, still unimpressed? That is how you set up heat. When he starts getting more respect from the umps, he will get more strike calls on his curve too. His Ks will climb, and his BBs will decline, he seems like he could live up the hype some day, knock on ash lumber.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips flies out to center on the first pitch.

[jesusfan]

Homer Bailey not looking ready for the bigs tonight...should definitely by in Louisville.

:D :p: ;)

Yep... hmmm, I wonder who said he'd do fine 3 weeks ago....;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior grounds out to 1st. 2 outs.

[Eric_Davis]

I can't stand umpires like this guy. He won't call anything from mid-thigh down a strike for Bailey, however, he calls two strikes on Hamilton on pitches that were below his knees. Rookie treatment.


Noticed the same thing.

[DoogMinAmo]

I am calling a Dunn rally killer here...

[guttle11]

From what I see, I can attribute much of his wildness to just being a bit of a hot head on the mound. Balls come in bunches with him. He just needs to learn to back off and take a breath the second he gets stressed.

[Matt700wlw]

From what I see, I can attribute much of his wildness to just being a hot head. Balls come in bunches with him. He just needs to learn to back off and take a breath the second he gets stressed.

Those deep, calming breaths can do wonders for someone getting fired up.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn strikes out looking on a pitch I guarantee he would called a ball on Bailey. 4-0 Reds mid 5th.

[jojo]

Homer has displayed a very nice changeup tonight and the curve has looked good in the few times he has thrown it.

Not really. So far he's thrown 8 offspeed pitches and 39 fastballs. Basically his secondary stuff is all show me. His heat has often been straight as an arrow too.

[Aronchis]

Umps on rookies can be brutal. They don't get any calls and wonderkid types they can be worse on. Ask Mr. Lincecum.

[DoogMinAmo]

Dunn strikes out looking on a pitch I guarantee he would called a ball on Bailey. 4-0 Reds mid 5th.

You said what I was thinking. By my count there are at least 7 Bailey balls called by the Ump that are questionable.

I feel odd talking about the unfair treatment to Bailey's balls.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer's no hitter is now gone, on a good pitch, slapped by Ellis

[jesusfan]

There goes the no no.... dangit... lol

[Reds Fanatic]

Ellis singles to center.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bloop single ends the no-no.

[guttle11]

There goes the no-hitter on a pool cue base hit.

[OnBaseMachine]

Not really. So far he's thrown 8 offspeed pitches and 39 fastballs. Basically his secondary stuff is all show me.

The Homer Bailey I'm watching has throw some solid changeups and a few good curves when he has thrown it.

[vaticanplum]

Great fun by Bailey though, it's so nice to have something to root for once in a while with this team.

[Matt700wlw]

The Homer Bailey I'm watching has throw some solid changeups and a few good curves when he has thrown it.

That's what I've seen, too....

He's getting better at the big league level - at least it appears so after just 3 starts.



Yes, small sample...I know :)

[Reds Fanatic]

Johnson grounds into a 3-6 force out. Almost a DP but Bailey could not find the bag with his foot at first. 1 out.

[guttle11]

Homer did the right thing there, a show of maturity. Get the ball first, look for the bag second.

There's the double play.

[OnBaseMachine]

One little bloop single allowed through five for Homer.

[Reds Fanatic]

Crosby grounds into a 6-4-3 DP. 4-0 Reds after 5.

[jojo]

The Homer Bailey I'm watching has throw some solid changeups and a few good curves when he has thrown it.

He hasn't thrown a curve for a strike and the change simply has been....see...not a fastball.

[Eric_Davis]

This is so fun to watch.

I haven't seen a RED pitch like this since....

I can't remember.

[Reds Fanatic]

53 pitches with 33 strikes for Bailey through 5.

[Matt700wlw]

He hasn't thrown a curve for a strike and the change simply has been....see...not a fastball.

He's a fastball pitcher.....he used them to set up the hitters

[BoydsOfSummer]

He's doing a fine job with nothing but fastball after fastball. That can't last forever though, ya know?

[DoogMinAmo]

53 pitches with 33 strikes for Bailey through 5.

That was a nice 5 pitch inning. How far does Narron let Homer go without getting the gallows?

[guttle11]

He hasn't thrown a curve for a strike and the change simply has been....see...not a fastball.

But his fastball is enough tonight, and it will be most nights.

I'm not sure what you're getting at. He's a fastball pitcher. He said he wanted to throw more fastballs. He is, and he's keeping a good lineup at bay.

[oneupper]

Anyone still have a problem with Valentin catching Bailey?

[Reds Fanatic]

Conine pops out to 2nd on the first pitch. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Encarnacion lines a single to center.

[DoogMinAmo]

Anyone still have a problem with Valentin catching Bailey?

The whole Tex-Mex thing might be working for him tonight, but I would love to see what a better caller does with today's stuff.

[guttle11]

Anyone still have a problem with Valentin catching Bailey?

The way he's pitching, you could catch this game.

[Matt700wlw]

Anyone still have a problem with Valentin catching Bailey?

Seems to be the only one who's pitched well with Javy behind the plate. My gripes were unwaranted.

It's probably more Bailey than Javy, but what I'm seeing tonight is good to see.....

[Reds Fanatic]

Hamilton flies out to left. 2 outs.

[jojo]

He's a fastball pitcher.....that's what it's going to be used for, to keep hitters off balance....

Set them up

He's not just a fastball pitcher. He's got atleast two plus pitches with a developing change. All we're seeing is above average velocity (but not plus velocity).

That's the point..... all he seems to have command of is his fastball....hence my original question.... are we watching a Reds pitcher "pitch like that" or are we just watching the As make outs. It may seem subtle but there's a big difference.

I'm not ragging on Homer. I'm just not seeing an ace.

If things hopefully keep goiig like they are then there will be alot of Homer has arrived tomorrow and frankly thru 5 he hasn't arrived.

[Eric_Davis]

Gaudin at 101 pitches.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gonzalez strikes out swinging. 4-0 Reds mid 6th.

[Matt700wlw]

He's not just a fastball pitcher. He's got atleast two plus pitches with a developing change. All we're seeing is above average velocity (but not plus velocity).

That's the point..... all he seems to have command of is his fastball....hence my original question.... are we watching a Reds pitcher "pitch like that" or are we just watching the As make outs. It may seem subtle but there's a big difference.

I'm not ragging on Homer. I'm just not seeing an ace.


If you expected to see an ace after 3 starts, that's your fault.

I see a young guy, learning on the job, and so far doing a damn good job it...he's calm, cool, collected, and goes after guys and trusts his stuff.


There's old farts on this team who could learn a thing or two from him.

[DoogMinAmo]

Gonzalez should not be swinging at those pitches. He looks Phillips-esque up there.

[TOBTTReds]

He's doing a fine job with nothing but fastball after fastball. That can't last forever though, ya know?

He's thrown a lot changeups tonight, and some VERY good ones. They are straight, so they are hard to see, but you can see it in his grip before he even throws them.

[Reds Fanatic]

Suzuki flies out to right. 1 out.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer at 57 pitches.....and pitch 57 was a change up...

[OnBaseMachine]

That 0-1 curveball Bailey just dropped on Suzuki was plus-plus. That pitch right there is what will make him a consistent 225-250 strikeout pitcher a year. He just dropped another nice one on Buck but the ump called it a ball.

[Cyclone792]

Bailey's command looks considerably improved tonight compared to what I've seen in his other outings. He's had flashes of losing his command tonight, and I'm not thrilled with the three walks (those walks were mostly a result of those flashes of lost command).

But the key is he looks like he's made some decent progress in command tonight, and that's all I'm really looking for right now.

[DoogMinAmo]

Fastball strike swinging, curve called strike, fastball hit to Junior for out. He seems to pepper in at least one other ptich besides his fastball per at bat.

[OnBaseMachine]

He hasn't thrown a curve for a strike and the change simply has been....see...not a fastball.

Jack Cust grounded out on a curveball...that doesn't count as a strike?

[Matt700wlw]

Bailey hitting 95 and 96 tonight as well

[jojo]

If you expected to see an ace after 3 starts, that's your fault.

I see a young guy, learning on the job, and so far doing a damn good job it...he's calm, cool, collected, and goes after guys and trusts his stuff.


There's old farts on this team who could learn a thing or two from him.

My views on Homer and ace have been crystal clear-it's clear that I don't expect an ace. But we'll hear all about his ace status tomorrow in between talk show hosts pimping videos of carmen dancing to zz top and other *don't open this up at work, wink, wink* crapola.

[Matt700wlw]

That wasn't a very good offspeed pitch


;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Buck walks.

[guttle11]

Throw the heat, Homer.

[Matt700wlw]

My views on Homer and ace have been crystal clear-it's clear that I don't expect an ace. But we'll hear all about his ace status tomorrow in between talk show hosts pimping videos of carmen dancing to zz top and other *don't open this up at work, wink, wink* crapola.

What's wrong with Carmen Electra shaking her stuff?

:)

[CrackerJack]

Geez Homer is getting squeezed bad

[jojo]

Bailey hitting 95 and 96 tonight as well

Twice.

[oneupper]

That wasn't a very good offspeed pitch


;)

Yeah. You kind of wonder why they weren't just pounding FBs at a guy like Buck.

[BoydsOfSummer]

What's wrong with Carmen Electra shaking her stuff?

:)
link please

[guttle11]

Twice.

9 by my count. Yes, I've counted.

[jojo]

What's wrong with Carmen Electra shaking her stuff?

:)

It's like screaming to your audience that I'm not a deep thinker so please, don't bother being one either...

[jojo]

dammit all...

[Matt700wlw]

link please

I don't think we can do that anymore....

Go to Lance's blog, it's on there.


While you're on the 1530 Homer website, check out the Sports Kitten :eek:

[jesusfan]

Kotsay doubles... 4-1 Reds now...

[Reds Fanatic]

Kotsay doubles to right center. 4-1 Reds.

[guttle11]

Throw the heat. They aren't hitting it.

[Matt700wlw]

Now he's having some issues...

[Eric_Davis]

Bailey's command looks considerably improved tonight compared to what I've seen in his other outings. He's had flashes of losing his command tonight, and I'm not thrilled with the three walks (those walks were mostly a result of those flashes of lost command).

But the key is he looks like he's made some decent progress in command tonight, and that's all I'm really looking for right now.

Then he promptly tossed 3 Double-Play pitches, 2 of which were converted and the other Homer just missed tagging the bag.

[jojo]

9 by my count. Yes, I've counted.

game day data will not agree...and i've also counted the gun on tv

[Matt700wlw]

Marty surprised at Narron for getting the bullpen up already with Bailey only at 71 pitches

[oneupper]

I was about to say get someone up...

[jesusfan]

Throw the heat "meat"...

[guttle11]

game day data will not agree

FSN does.

No matter what, he's consistently between 92-96.

[jesusfan]

96... mmmm

[DoogMinAmo]

A better caller than Valentin goes up to Homer to make him take a breather.

[jesusfan]

95 gets Swish to pop up....

[Eric_Davis]

Homer's topping out at 93MPH....3 straight.

[Matt700wlw]

Good job, there

[Reds Fanatic]

Swisher pops out to 3rd on a 95 MPH fastball. 2 outs.

[jesusfan]

Homer's topping out at 93MPH....3 straight.

no... he just threw 96, then 95 to Swisher...

[oneupper]

Its movement and location, not necessarily 2 mph more or less.

[Matt700wlw]

Homer up to 80 pitches now

[jesusfan]

Bailey gets Chavez to pop to Edwin... end of 6, 4-1 Reds...

[Matt700wlw]

Nice job!

[guttle11]

They simply cannot hit his fastball.

[oneupper]

This should be Homer's last inning.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kotsay fouls out to 3rd. 4-1 Reds after 6.

[Edskin]

Yep, yank him. Nice outing, no sense in tempting fate.

[Eric_Davis]

95 gets Swish to pop up....


MLB had it at 93. I wonder why there are two different readings? You'd think there would only be one.

[DoogMinAmo]

Quick poll, bring Bailey out for the 7th with a short leash?

He is at 81 pitches, but just had a 28 pitch inning the third time through the heart of the lineup.

I say yes, but if one batter reaches, yank him.

[Reds Fanatic]

81 pitches for Bailey through 6 (49 strikes, 32 balls).

[jesusfan]

No way... one more inning easily...

[Matt700wlw]

Quick poll, bring Bailey out for the 7th with a short leash?

He is at 81 pitches, but just had a 28 pitch inning the third time through the hear tof the lineup.

Bring him out

[jesusfan]

Here is where the Reds will swing at first pitches and should use there heads and let Bailey rest a little...

[Reds Fanatic]

Valentin grounds out. 1 out.

[Eric_Davis]

no... he just threw 96, then 95 to Swisher...


MLB had 4 straight 93's.

I'll go with them since it's their game.

[SandyD]

Yep, yank him. Nice outing, no sense in tempting fate.


I was just thinking if he comes up to bat this inning ...

:help:

[Aronchis]

Bailey is definitely a "not ready for primetime" pitcher at this point. His changeup is to raw and his potentially terrific curve simply isn't located as well as it will be when he is 24. To much a fastball pitcher at 21(yeah, hardly a surprise). But when the heat is on, the A's balls are dying into the field of play.

But he is going to have some trouble when he isn't feeling it over the next 1-2years.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hatteberg lines a double to right center.

[guttle11]

Quick poll, bring Bailey out for the 7th with a short leash?

He is at 81 pitches, but just had a 28 pitch inning the third time through the hear tof the lineup.

So the bottom is due up?

Leave him in. Have Cooter and a righty ready in case a repeat of last week happens. If it does, yank him after batter #1.

I don't think it will, though.

[Matt700wlw]

I was just thinking if he comes up to bat this inning ...

:help:

I did that too :lol:

[jojo]

no... he just threw 96, then 95 to Swisher...

just to be argumentative, gameday suggests homer maxed at 93 to swisher

[DoogMinAmo]

Here is where the Reds will swing at first pitches and should use there heads and let Bailey rest a little...

Be thankful for Hattie, because Phillips and Valentin would be more than happy to oblige.

And Dunn would die in this outfield, for whoever thought the As were a viable trade partner.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips fouls out to 2nd on the first pitch. 2 outs.

[Caveat Emperor]

Is anyone else REALLY sick of whoever has the drum set going at the game besides me?

[Reds Fanatic]

Jay Marshall coming in to pitch.

[guttle11]

Split the difference. He's throwing 94 in on the hands. That's a big boy fastball.

[jesusfan]

just to be argumentative, gameday suggests homer maxed at 93 to swisher

I'm going with FSN on this one... If you go by Gameday I have seen Verlander top out at 94 and he consistently throws 95-100....

[Aronchis]

Those pitches to Swisher and Chavez were definitely more than 93mph.

[Reds Fanatic]

Is anyone else REALLY sick of whoever has the drum set going at the game besides me?
Can you imagine sitting in front of that guy for 9 innings.

[BoydsOfSummer]

I liked that "Let's go Homer!" chant they had going. :D

[TOBTTReds]

just to be argumentative, gameday suggests homer maxed at 93 to swisher

No offense to gameday lovers, their guns are WAY off everyday.

[Eric_Davis]

Is anyone else REALLY sick of whoever has the drum set going at the game besides me?

Isn't that "George"?

[OldRightHander]

Those pitches to Swisher and Chavez were definitely more than 93mph.

He's definitely throwing some gas tonight, and he seems to have improved on his efficiency.

[DoogMinAmo]

So the bottom is due up?

Leave him in. Have Cooter and a righty ready in case a repeat of last week happens. If it does, yank him after batter #1.

I don't think it will, though.

Not quite, 5-6-7, a combined 1-5 with a BB on the day. Luckily the As are changing pitchers to give Homer a breather, Griffey up against a lefty. First swing pitching?

[IslandRed]

At 81 pitches, I'm okay with Bailey coming back out on the "short leash" plan.

[Eric_Davis]

No offense to gameday lovers, their guns are WAY off everyday.


I'm gonna buy my own gun.

[LincolnparkRed]

Can you imagine sitting in front of that guy for 9 innings.

Can't be worse than the 39,000 cubs fans when I where the reds gear to Wrigley. both get old fast