Diamondbacks at Reds - 4/2/2008

[flyer85]

Votto back in the lineup

from John Fay


Corey Patterson CF
Jeff Keppinger SS
Ken Griffey Jr. RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Joey Votto 1B
Paul Bako C
Bronson Arroyo P

Rotation:
Thursday -- Johnny Cueto v. Arizona LH Doug Davis
Friday -- Josh Fogg v. Philadelphia RH Kyle Kendrick
Saturday -- Aaron Harang v. Philadelphia RH Adam Eaton
Sunday -- Edinson Volquez v. Philadephia RH Brett Myers

[Hoosier Red]

d-BACKS NOT PHILS RIGHT?

[Screwball]

I wonder if Valentin not playing has anything to do with his 330 foot single on OD.

[Joseph]

Who did Arroyo throw to most this spring?

[OnBaseMachine]

Great to see Votto in the lineup, where he belongs.

[BRM]

Great to see Votto in the lineup, where he belongs.

What? No love for finally seeing Bako in the lineup too? ;)

It is awesome to see Votto playing. Can't wait for tonight.

[Big Klu]

I was not concerned about Votto not being in the lineup Opening Day. Putting him out there against a buzzsaw like Brandon Webb likely would not have been productive anyway, what with the butterflies of making his first Opening Day squad. That being said, Votto will have plenty of opportunities to show that he belongs in the lineup. Tonight is Opportunity #1.

[dabvu2498]

I was not concerned about Votto not being in the lineup Opening Day. Putting him out there against a buzzsaw like Brandon Webb likely would not have been productive anyway, what with the butterflies of making his first Opening Day squad. That being said, Votto will have plenty of opportunities to show that he belongs in the lineup. Tonight is Opportunity #1.

Exactly.

Marty mentioned that D. Baker had said during pregame Monday that he was planning on "easing" Votto into the lineup.

He'll let them know if he should stay or not.

[flyer85]

I was not concerned about Votto not being in the lineup Opening Day. Putting him out there against a buzzsaw like Brandon Webb likely would not have been productive anyway, what with the butterflies of making his first Opening Day squad. That being said, Votto will have plenty of opportunities to show that he belongs in the lineup. Tonight is Opportunity #1.not sure there Haren is any easier than Webb. The Reds made it easy on Webb by chasing a lot of pitches out of the strike zone.

[CTA513]

I wonder if Valentin not playing has anything to do with his 330 foot single on OD.

My guess is they want Valentin to catch Cueto and they don't want him catching a day game after a night game.

[Screwball]

not sure there Haren is any easier than Webb. The Reds made it easy on Webb by chasing a lot of pitches out of the strike zone.

Yeah, I was getting pretty frustrated by the lack of plate discipline our boys had that game. Of course, that's also a testament to just how much movement and life Webb's pitches had on OD.



My guess is they want Valentin to catch Cueto and they don't want him catching a day game after a night game.


Sounds about right.

[puca]

My guess is they want Valentin to catch Cueto and they don't want him catching a day game after a night game.

They really shouldn't want Valentin to catch anyone.

[penantboundreds]

Why do they want Valentin to catch Cueto, Valentin has less fundamentals behind that plate then I do.

[OnBaseMachine]

What? No love for finally seeing Bako in the lineup too? ;)

It is awesome to see Votto playing. Can't wait for tonight.

Let's just say that wasn't a pencil sticking out of my pocket when I heard the news of Bako starting tonight. ;)

[BRM]

When is Ross due back?

[Reds Fanatic]

Why do they want Valentin to catch Cueto, Valentin has less fundamentals behind that plate then I do.They want Valentin to catch Cueto for language reasons. Cueto does not speak much english so they are relying on Valentin to communicate with Cueto.

[princeton]

if I'm not mistaken, this is the first game that Reds' draftee Bako has ever played for the major league team.

he first came up through system when we had decent catchers...

[Chip R]

They really shouldn't want Valentin to catch anyone.


But they really shouldn't want Bako to hit against anyone either.

[Big Klu]

Why do they want Valentin to catch Cueto, Valentin has less fundamentals behind that plate then I do.

Porque ellos hablan la lengua misma.

[reds44]

Votto and Hatteberg are going to split time until Votto eventually claims the job. People have made too big of a deal of that entire situation.

[*BaseClogger*]

Porque ellos hablan la lengua misma.


Come again? You know I don't speak Spanish. In English, please. What? You pooped in the refrigerator? And you ate the whole... wheel of cheese? How'd you do that? I'm not even mad, that's amazing.

[WMR]

IMO, the whole language thing is overblown. Just let EE come to the mound for any visits etc. etc. and serve as interpreter if it is the best move for the ballclub to have catcher A versus catcher B. If I was a pitcher, I'd imagine knowing Valentin was back there would make me much more uncomfortable than any language barriers that could be hurdled fairly easily anyway.

[Puffy]

not sure there Haren is any easier than Webb. The Reds made it easy on Webb by chasing a lot of pitches out of the strike zone.

Easy really isn't the best term to use - the Reds chased so many balls out of the strike zone simply because Webb has sick movement.

[Reds Fanatic]

IMO, the whole language thing is overblown. Just let EE come to the mound for any visits etc. etc. and serve as interpreter if it is the best move for the ballclub to have catcher A versus catcher B. If I was a pitcher, I'd imagine knowing Valentin was back there would make me much more uncomfortable than any language barriers that could be hurdled fairly easily anyway.
My biggest fear about the language problems is they will use it as an excuse to put Castro in the lineup. I noticed in spring training a lot of times it was Valentin and Castro talking to Cueto. No amount of language problems is worth putting Castro in the lineup.

[gm]

if I'm not mistaken, this is the first game that Reds' draftee Bako has ever played for the major league team.

he first came up through system when we had decent catchers...

I'm trying the remember the name of the other prospect catcher the Reds had back in '97-'98 who came up "alongside" Bako...any ideas? (IIRC neither of them made it to the ML with Cincy)

(Before LaRue and Fordyce, I think...not G. Garcia, Corky Miller came later)

[OnBaseMachine]

Dusty says Hatteberg will start tomorrow:

Dusty Baker didn't want to Joey Votto to sit too long, thus his start tonight.

“I don’t want him on that bench too long,” Baker said. “He’s in there tonight. Tomorrow against the lefty, (Scott Hatteberg) usually is better against the lefties than Joey has been. Joey will be better eventually.”

"Votto's got to play some time,” Baker said. "I'd like to play him a lot more. When he’s swinging better, it will be easier."

Hatte is better than Votto against lefties? Last year Hatteberg hit .205/.244/.333 - .577 in 39 atbats compared to Votto's .269/.296/.346 - .642 OPS in 26 atbats. It's a small sample size and neither exactly tore it up, but Votto hit 65 points higher than Hatteberg against lefties so I'm not sure where Dusty gets that Hatte is better against LHP.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm trying the remember the name of the other prospect catcher the Reds had back in '97-'98 who came up "alongside" Bako...any ideas? (IIRC neither of them made it to the ML with Cincy)

(Before LaRue, I think)

Fordyce?

[reds44]

Dusty says Hatteberg will start tomorrow:

Dusty Baker didn't want to Joey Votto to sit too long, thus his start tonight.

“I don’t want him on that bench too long,” Baker said. “He’s in there tonight. Tomorrow against the lefty, (Scott Hatteberg) usually is better against the lefties than Joey has been. Joey will be better eventually.”

"Votto's got to play some time,” Baker said. "I'd like to play him a lot more. When he’s swinging better, it will be easier."

Hatte is better than Votto against lefties? Last year Hatteberg hit .205/.244/.333 - .577 in 39 atbats compared to Votto's .269/.296/.346 - .642 OPS in 26 atbats. It's a small sample size and neither exactly tore it up, but Votto hit 65 points higher than Hatteberg against lefties so I'm not sure where Dusty gets that Hatte is better against LHP.
Translation: they both are bad vs. lefties so you play the veteran. Votto OPS'd .669 last year vs. lefties in AAA. I expect to see Hatteberg the majority of the time the Reds face a really tough pitcher and a lefty for a while.

[pedro]

Translation: they both are bad vs. lefties so you play the veteran. Votto OPS'd .669 last year vs. lefties in AAA. I expect to see Hatteberg the majority of the time the Reds face a really tough pitcher and a lefty for a while.

I hope Keppinger gets the nod at 1B against LHP once Gonzalez returns. Neither Hattberg nor Votto should be playing against LHP.

[reds44]

I hope Keppinger gets the nod at 1B against LHP once Gonzalez returns. Neither Hattberg nor Votto should be playing against LHP.
Agreed on both parts.

[Reds1]

When is Ross due back?

He was DL right at the end of ST so he'll have the full 15 games to sit. He might actually be ready right away, but it will be the end of April.

[reds44]

Monday's game at at 12:35 p.m. It was originally scheduled for 7:10. It was switched because of the NCAA Final.
Did they not realize the NCAA final was going to be that they did when the came up with the schedule? I'm not too happy about that, another game I can't watch.

[BRM]

He was DL right at the end of ST so he'll have the full 15 games to sit. He might actually be ready right away, but it will be the end of April.

Thanks.

[OnBaseMachine]

Did they not realize the NCAA final was going to be that they did when the came up with the schedule? I'm not too happy about that, another game I can't watch.

Just skip school and watch the game. ;)

[gm]

Fordyce?no, good try

This is really obscure. I remember debating princeton about this 10 years ago ("who will be better, Bako or...?") I think his last name started with a B, but I could be wrong...you'd have to back-track late 90's Cincy prospect lists b/c I think he was dealt (like Bako) or released and never played for the Reds

[gm]

Last year Hatteberg hit .205/.244/.333 - .577 in 39 atbats compared to Votto's .269/.296/.346 - .642 OPS in 26 atbats. It's a small sample size and neither exactly tore it up, but Votto hit 65 points higher than Hatteberg against lefties so I'm not sure where Dusty gets that Hatte is better against LHP.

I was reviewing September 2007 game tapes last week to prep for the season, and Brantley made a comment re: how "locked in" Votto looked vs. southpaws

[Joseph]

no, good try

This is really obscure. I remember debating princeton about this 10 years ago ("who will be better, Bako or...?") I think his last name started with a B, but I could be wrong...you'd have to back-track late 90's Cincy prospect lists b/c I think he was dealt (like Bako) or released and never played for the Reds

Brian Dorsett?

[gm]

Brian Dorsett?

no, he was earlier. I checked baseball reference from '96-2002 and didn't see the C I'm thinking about...that's why I think he was only a Red's farmhand

[princeton]

I'm trying the remember the name of the other prospect catcher the Reds had back in '97-'98 who came up "alongside" Bako...any ideas? (IIRC neither of them made it to the ML with Cincy)

(Before LaRue and Fordyce, I think...not G. Garcia, Corky Miller came later)

maybe Justin Towle, who was a couple of years younger than Bako. I liked his power. He hit about 15 HRs as a 22 YO in high A, though he did it in the Winston-Salem bandbox

here, look at his walk total. I like walks and power. I don't recall what happened to him.

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/statistics/1996/10439.shtml

[flyer85]

I hope Keppinger I hope Keppinger stays at SS and Wayne finds a RH bat to play 1b against LHP.

[Joseph]

You aren't all the way back to Dan Wilson are you?

[gm]

Towle was it, thanks...I remember Jason LaRue being associated with Justin Towle

[Tom Servo]

Bako = guaranteed victory

[OnBaseMachine]

I hope Keppinger stays at SS and Wayne finds a RH bat to play 1b against LHP.

I really wouldn't mind an all rookie platoon at first base. Votto vs righties and Adam Rosales vs lefties.

[pedro]

I hope Keppinger stays at SS and Wayne finds a RH bat to play 1b against LHP.

I'd be ok with giving that a shot too although it does present some roster complications.

[BRM]

I'm pretty sure Valentin owns a first baseman's mitt.

[princeton]

Towle was it, thanks...I remember Jason LaRue being associated with Justin Towle


right, Bako was oldest, then Towle. LaRue was next rung down. Towle got injured, IIRC, but I never learned what the injury was.

[reds44]

I'm pretty sure Valentin owns a first baseman's mitt.
He can't hit lefties either.

[BRM]

He can't hit lefties either.

He's a stud.

[Matt700wlw]

In other news, the Cubbies are 0-2 and Milwaukee is 2-0 after today's action.

Tonight is a must win ;)

[gm]

right, Bako was oldest, then Towle. LaRue was next rung down. Towle got injured, IIRC, but I never learned what the injury was.

Nice trip down Fastball.com memory lane...if only I had picked Votto instead of Shrammeck as "first to show" from their draft class

[OnBaseMachine]

The Tigers, my World Series winner pick btw, are also 0-2. Their high powered offense has scored four runs in 20 innings.

[gm]

I'm pretty sure Valentin owns a first baseman's mitt.

Yes, but EdE needs all the "stretch" he can get

[REDREAD]

I'm trying the remember the name of the other prospect catcher the Reds had back in '97-'98 who came up "alongside" Bako...any ideas? (IIRC neither of them made it to the ML with Cincy)

(Before LaRue and Fordyce, I think...not G. Garcia, Corky Miller came later)

Are you thinking about the kid they traded to Houston for Billy Doran.. I think his name was terry mcgriff .. or Terry McSomething...

edit: nevermind, you got it..

[BRM]

Yes, but EdE needs all the "stretch" he can get

:thumbup:

I am only joking, by the way, on Javy playing 1B. Just wanted to make sure everyone didn't think I was off my rocker....it's probably too late for that I know.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm pretty sure Valentin owns a first baseman's mitt.


He owns a pretty good PH bat but that's about it,IMO.

[flyer85]

I'd be ok with giving that a shot too although it does present some roster complications.finding a way to alleviate the redundancy of Freel/Hopper would likley open a spot.

[pedro]

finding a way to alleviate the redundancy of Freel/Hopper would likley open a spot.

Whoever it is has to be a RH corner OF/1B because they do need to carry 5 OF's.

[RedlegJake]

The Tigers, my World Series winner pick btw, are also 0-2. Their high powered offense has scored four runs in 20 innings.
The Royals begin their surprise. Not that they'll win this year but they're going to be a lot better than people expect.

[Falls City Beer]

The Royals begin their surprise. Not that they'll win this year but they're going to be a lot better than people expect.

Like the Reds, the Royals are going to have a tough time hitting and turning games over to the bullpen. And the bottom of their rotation is a bit worse than the Reds'.

[paintmered]

Anyone up for some chat this evening?

[fearofpopvol1]

I really wish they'd flip Votto with Patterson. I think that lineup would look a lot perttier that way.

[Falls City Beer]

I really wish they'd flip Votto with Patterson. I think that lineup would look a lot perttier that way.

Let's hope Votto hits well enough to flip him with Phillips.

[Red in Chicago]

Well, this isn't starting off too pretty

[reds44]

Chris Young is going to have a huge year this season. The way the D'Backs play I'll be shocked if this one isn't 1-0 in a matter of minutes. They don't miss many opprotunities.

[Matt700wlw]

Good start...

[M2]

The Royals begin their surprise. Not that they'll win this year but they're going to be a lot better than people expect.

Yeah, they might only lose 84-89 games, which is probably better than people expect. Though what KC just demonstrated is the Tigers are vulnerable to RH pitching.

[reds44]

Chris Young is going to have a huge year this season. The way the D'Backs play I'll be shocked if this one isn't 1-0 in a matter of minutes. They don't miss many opprotunities.
Yep.

1-0

[WMR]

I really like the way Bako frames a pitch. Especially compared to Valentin.

[WMR]

Yeah, they might only lose 84-89 games, which is probably better than people expect. Though what KC just demonstrated is the Tigers are vulnerable to RH pitching.

That'll be great when we play them in the World Series. :all_cohol

[paintmered]

Currently 9 in chat....

Stop by and have a drink or three with us. :beerme:

[OnBaseMachine]

See, that type of pitch calling is what I don't understand. Runner on 3rd and only one out, you need a strikeout. He's up 0-2 on Byrnes and Byrnes is known for chasing pitches down and away. Arroyo has a great curveball so why not throw that pitch and see if he'll chase? Instead he throws a fastball and Byrnes drives the run in.

[reds44]

That inning lasted all of 2 minutes, but they D-Backs manage to get a run.

[M2]

Chris Young is going to have a huge year this season.

Had the Reds pulled the rumored Jr. for Young deal with the White Sox it could have re-made the franchise.

[reds44]

See, that type of pitch calling is what I don't understand. Runner on 3rd and only one out, you need a strikeout. He's up 0-2 on Byrnes and Byrnes is knock for chasing pitches down and away. Arroyo has a great curveball so why not throw that pitch and see if he'll chase? Instead he throws a fastball and Byrnes drives the run in.
He threw an eye high fastball. They were trying to set up the curveball. It was a set up pitch that Byrnes did a good job putting in play.

[OnBaseMachine]

Had the Reds pulled the rumored Jr. for Young deal with the White Sox it could have re-made the franchise.

Yep. Thanks again Carl.

[reds44]

Young is going to be Brandon Phillips, except better.

[OnBaseMachine]

Patterson swung at two pitches and neither were strikes.

[WMR]

Will Patterson get on base for the first time this season tonight? Stay tuned.

[Doc. Scott]

PATTERSON TAKES A PITCH...

...then hacks at the next two, flying out on pitch #3.

Sorry to get excited there.

[WMR]

PATTERSON TAKES A PITCH...

...then hacks at the next two, flying out on pitch #3.

Sorry to get excited there.

His plate approach is really charming, isn't it.

[reds44]

We'll see how long Dusty sticks with the Corey Patteron leading off expierence. Hopper will probably leadoff tomorrow vs. the lefty.

[OldRightHander]

I'm only listening, so I'm counting on y'all who are watching to vividly describe things. Not that Marty has a problem with that, but...

[OnBaseMachine]

Seven pitch inning for Haren. I get the feeling the pitching will be better than the offense this season.

[reds44]

Our boys sure are a hackin.

[Big Klu]

I have the freakin' Cavaliers on FSN tonight! :angry:

[WMR]

Griffey hits into a Phillips.

[OldRightHander]

I have the freakin' Cavaliers on FSN tonight! :angry:

Don't feel bad. I'm sitting at the Flying J on Ryan Rd, south side of Milwaukee. I could sit in the tv lounge watching AMC or sit in my van listening to the game. Guess which one I chose.

[LINEDRIVER]

He owns a pretty good PH bat but that's about it,IMO.

Javier Valentin

Pinch-Hitting numbers

2007 season
10-for-40, 1 HR, 10 RBI's, .250 BA

previous 2 seasons with Reds 2006 & 2007
22-for-92, 5 HR, 22 RBI's, .239 BA

while with Reds 2004-2007
26-for-123, 5 HR, 27 RBI's, .211 BA

career numbers with Minnesota/TampaBay/Cincinnati
27-for-132, 5 2B, 5 HR, 29 RBI's, .205 BA

[OldRightHander]

Gotta love Hal, "Well, we all know what the Cubs are."

[reds44]

Did Jeff just say "33rd years old"?

[reds44]

Patterson really can go get it in CF.

He ran a long way and made that look easy.

[WMR]

:censored:

[Matt700wlw]

Drew homers.


Oh boy...

[reds44]

Further proof that spring training means nothing.

[OnBaseMachine]

Drew homers. 2-0.

Horrible start for Arroyo. We better hope Haren is off tonight.

[OldRightHander]

:angry:

[WMR]

Oh wow, Arroyo's location was awful on that HR by Drew. He put it right where Drew wanted it.

[M2]

On the upside, Drew will demand a cash bonus for any further effort put into tonight's game.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

I don't really think Arroyo is looking too bad early. His slider/slurve is moving a lot. Just paid for a couple badly located pitches early on.

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips GO on the first pitch. 8 pitches 1.1 innings. Awesome.

[reds44]

That was a good AB.

[Matt700wlw]

They're a free swinging group....

[M2]

They're a free swinging group....

They're the new Bob and Carol and Ted and Alice.

[Matt700wlw]

Dunner got a haircut

[OnBaseMachine]

Dunn K's on the 7th pitch of the atbat.

[Matt700wlw]

In other news, Reds get lefty Doug Davis tomorrow...

[OldRightHander]

At least Haren had to throw more than one or two pitches to Dunn. Gotta find the positive in a K.

[gm]

Opponent's bats reintroduce themselves to Bronson's pitches

"We're together again!"

[reds44]

newkidnick05 (6:26:05 PM): now the Reds will go 1-2-3
newkidnick05 (6:26:14 PM): Phillips will ground out on the first pitch
newkidnick05 (6:26:20 PM): Dunn will K on a 3-2 pitch
newkidnick05 (6:26:23 PM): Edwin will ground out

Oh wow. ;)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

newkidnick05 (6:26:05 PM): now the Reds will go 1-2-3
newkidnick05 (6:26:14 PM): Phillips will ground out on the first pitch
newkidnick05 (6:26:20 PM): Dunn will K on a 3-2 pitch
newkidnick05 (6:26:23 PM): Edwin will ground out

Oh wow. ;)

What type of sorcery is this?

[Tom Servo]

In other news, Reds get lefty Doug Davis tomorrow...
:bash:

[reds44]

Young to 2nd with 2 outs.

Need to leave him stranded there.

[redsfan4445]

what i dont understand is if they gave 3 million for Patterson, would Loften been a better option??? he can get on base, has speed and knows how to win..

[OldRightHander]

Is Chris Welch in the radio booth going to be a regular thing this year?

[Tom Servo]

what i dont understand is if they gave 3 million for Patterson, would Loften been a better option??? he can get on base, has speed and knows how to win..
Lofton didn't want to take the minor league deal that Patterson did.

[reds44]

Is Chris Welch in the radio booth going to be a regular thing this year?
No, it's the only time he will be there per Fay.

Byrnes walks.

[OldRightHander]

what i dont understand is if they gave 3 million for Patterson, would Loften been a better option??? he can get on base, has speed and knows how to win..

There are quite a few better options for that kind of money, quite a few for less than that actually. One of them sitting down in AAA.

[redsfan4445]

Lofton didn't want to take the minor league deal that Patterson did.

well i wonder if the Reds even offered a 3 million contract to Loften.. why not take that knowing noway that the Reds would keep him in the minors!!

[reds44]

Double steal.

A base hit here will be a killer.

[M2]

Bronson's working awfully slow today.

[OldRightHander]

No, it's the only time he will be there per Fay.

Byrnes walks.

I was just wondering. He's really not that bad.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Good throw down to 3rd on that double steal, I thought that they nailed Young, tag was a little late though.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Popup to Votto ends it, good job getting out of it by Arroyo

[Tom Servo]

Thank goodness

[reds44]

Arroyo gets Jackson to pop out.

2-0 mid 3

[Joseph]

The D'backs are a good team.

This just in.

[redsfan4445]

the Reds need to get the offense going.. they look flat to me..coming out the gate and thats not a good sign... hope it doesnt continue..

[Joseph]

Speaking of the radio booth, who will the 4th option be?

[Falls City Beer]

The D'backs are a good team.

This just in.

Yeah. The Reds may fancy themselves upstarts, but compared to the D-Backs, they're serious wannabes.

[reds44]

Speaking of the radio booth, who will the 4th option be?
Fay also said the Reds are looking to hire somebody as the 4th option.

[Matt700wlw]

Speaking of the radio booth, who will the 4th option be?

CW's is on there tonight...not sure if he's the guy or not

[HumnHilghtFreel]

the Reds need to get the offense going.. they look flat to me..coming out the gate and thats not a good sign... hope it doesnt continue..

I'd say starting with Webb and Haren may have something to do with it also, but they definitely look like they're having some trouble getting it going early on.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bako grounds out on ball four. This team sure hates the walk.

[Kc61]

Somebody tell the Reds the season has begun. Thanks.

[OldRightHander]

CW's is on there tonight...not sure if he's the guy or not

He's doing an ok job. I've certainly heard worse.

[Stormy]

When Gonzo returns, sending Keppinger to the bench in the process, 4/9 of this lineup on any given night will be utterly worthless offensively: (C, SS, CF, SP). We need these defensive upgrades, as we are a poorly designed defensive team, but I have a feeling this is going to be a very lackluster offense too (especially as it's designed by the manager).

[reds44]

This certainly isn't very fun to watch.

[Stormy]

Bronson's working awfully slow today.

Awfully slow, and decidedly high in the zone.

[reds44]

4 hits in 12 innings for the Reds.

What did the Diamondbacks give up for Haren?

[Cyclone792]

When Gonzo returns, sending Keppinger to the bench in the process, 4/9 of this lineup on any given night will be utterly worthless offensively: (C, SS, CF, SP). We need these defensive upgrades, as we are a poorly designed defensive team, but I have a feeling this is going to be a very lackluster offense too (especially as it's designed by the manager).

Dusty won't have to worry about clogging the bases, that's for sure.

[Tom Servo]

No television for Cueto's debut? They better have the D'Backs feed on EI...

[Hoosier Red]

Bako grounds out on ball four. This team sure hates the walk.

They walked 4 times on Monday.

[Matt700wlw]

4 hits in 12 innings for the Reds.

What did the Diamondbacks give up for Haren?

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/2007/12/14/2007-12-14_dan_haren_traded_from_oakland_to_arizona.html?r ef=rss


...Oakland also sent right-hander Connor Robertson to Arizona and received six players: left-handers Brett Anderson, Dana Eveland and Greg Smith; infielder Chris Carter; and outfielders Aaron Cunningham and Carlos Gonzalez.

[NJReds]

4 hits in 12 innings for the Reds.

What did the Diamondbacks give up for Haren?

Not much. Beane gave him away.

[NC Reds]

Did anybody else cringe when Brantley said he agreed with the idea that Votto and Dunn don't swing at enough pitches? I didn't realize Brantley was an expert on hitting.

The Dusty influence on these guys scares me.

[REDREAD]

When Gonzo returns, sending Keppinger to the bench in the process, 4/9 of this lineup on any given night will be utterly worthless offensively: (C, SS, CF, SP). We need these defensive upgrades, as we are a poorly designed defensive team, but I have a feeling this is going to be a very lackluster offense too (especially as it's designed by the manager).

No amount of lineup tinkering is going to help this offense.
It's weak. That's what I expected. That's Wayne-ball.

It's nice to attempt to get pitching, but he's pretty much ignored the offense since he's come here, outside of casting a few lines and hitting. IMO, he's undervalued the hitting he's traded away.

[Tom Servo]

Bronson's got some mojo working now

[reds44]

Arroyo starting to settle in.

Now watch him get lit up.

[OnBaseMachine]

Two K's and a flyout for Arroyo.

Patterson/Keppinger/Griffey due up.

[OnBaseMachine]

The important question is: Will Patterson flyout on the first pitch or the second pitch? ;)

[reds44]

Patterson needs to get on base so he can use his wheels.

[Matt700wlw]

CW: "If Patterson can get on base, he's a threat to run."

True...but there's one problem.....

[Tom Servo]

Patterson!

[Joseph]

HR Patterson!!!!

[Matt700wlw]

:jump:

Who needs to get on base??

[OnBaseMachine]

Patterson homers!

LOL

[WMR]

RALLY KILLER!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Homerun C Patt!!

[reds44]

Patterson!!!!!

First Red to go yard this year (called that).

[guttle11]

Patterson was a great signing...

[Raisor]

CW: "If Patterson can get on base, he's a threat to run."

True...but there's one problem.....

If my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a wagon.

[Stormy]

Patterson stayed back on that curve and just yanked it. Nice work.

[M2]

Stupid Corey Patterson, kills a rally with his first hit.

[Kc61]

Home run for Patterson. Only thing better would have been a walk. Maybe next time.

[reds44]

Patterson has some strength for a little dude.

[Tom Servo]

Rally time!

[reds44]

Keppinger walks.

That's more like it.

[RedsManRick]

Boy that would've been useful with a few guys on base... CPat for the 7-hole! :evil:

BB->Homer > Homer->BB

[OnBaseMachine]

Kepp walks. Great atbat.

How about #594 right here Griff?

[NC Reds]

Country Kepp with a base clogger.

[Matt700wlw]

A new sponsor...."This tale of the tape brought to you by..." for HRs....

:bang:

[Stormy]

Stupid Corey Patterson, kills a rally with his first hit.

I'm sure Dusty is admonishing him for it right now, better to put the ball on the ground. ;) Regardless, the guy needs to bat much lower in the order, but it was a great swing on the offspeed pitch.

[reds44]

Griffey pulling off on everything right now.

Corey enjoying some java in the dugout.

[Tommyjohn25]

Patterson has some strength for a little dude.


He's not "big" per sey. He is pretty ripped though.

[OnBaseMachine]

Kepp steals 2nd!

Gotta get this run in here.

[reds44]

I didn't know Keppinger had that in him.

[WMR]

Looks like he'd have been dead meat if it was a good throw.

[Chip R]

Great. Now Patterson's got his 1st HR he's going to want to do it all the time.

[Tom Servo]

Kepp's got wheels

[Kc61]

Boy that would've been useful with a few guys on base... CPat for the 7-hole! :evil:

I'm pretty happy that 75 percent of the RedsZone posts now relate to Patterson leading off.

Was pretty sick of reading that Castro is no good, is the worst hitter in baseball history, can't really field, and is the cause of most of the ills on earth.

I think the Patterson leading off stuff will continue at least until Friday. When Fogg pitches. . . .

[Stormy]

Country Kepp with a base clogger.

Yea, when you look at the best months posted by virtually every single on of our Run Producers (Dunn, Phillips, EdE and partly for Griff) in 2007, there was one constant... Keppinger perpetually on base in front of them. This offense changed the day he was installed in the #2 spot, and Hamilton/Hopper mostly took the reigns at leadoff. Our 3-4-5 guys were different hitters with those guys on base in front of them.

[OnBaseMachine]

Good grief. Griffey swings at ball 4 in the dirt. He's looked awful at the plate so far.

[reds44]

Ball 4 turns into strike 3.

[M2]

Patterson stayed back on that curve and just yanked it. Nice work.

He does a lot of stuff like that. When I saw him during his stint in Baltimore he stood out as a guy who was doing more things to help himself than back when he was with the Cubs. He took some pitches against Webb too.

[Kc61]

Good grief. Griffey swings at ball 4 in the dirt. He's looked awful at the plate so far.


No worries. He will turn into Jay Bruce in a couple of months.

[Tom Servo]

BP!

[NC Reds]

BP!!!

[Matt700wlw]

:phillips:

:jump:

[HumnHilghtFreel]

TACOOOOOOOOO!

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips!!!!

3-2 Reds!

[Raisor]

I'm pretty happy that 75 percent of the RedsZone posts now relate to Patterson leading off.

Was pretty sick of reading that Castro is no good, is the worst hitter in baseball history, can't really field, and is the cause of most of the ills on earth.

I think the Patterson leading off stuff will continue at least until Friday. When Fogg pitches. . . .

and 75% of your posts are complaining about the complaining.

it's the circle of life.

:thumbup:

[reds44]

Phillips!

I love that man.

[WMR]

I'm pretty happy that 75 percent of the RedsZone posts now relate to Patterson leading off.

Was pretty sick of reading that Castro is no good, is the worst hitter in baseball history, can't really field, and is the cause of most of the ills on earth.

I think the Patterson leading off stuff will continue at least until Friday. When Fogg pitches. . . .

Hmm, but all of that pretty much IS true as far as Castro is concerned.

[M2]

Brandon Phillips IS Reds baseball.

[Tommyjohn25]

BRANDON EFFING PHILLIPS!!!!!:beerme:

[Matt700wlw]

Hey, excitement!

[WMR]

and 75% of your posts are complaining about the complaining.

it's the circle of life.

:thumbup:

Don't you have a stat to be wanking somewhere?

[Kc61]

Too bad Phillips hit cleanup and homered. If EE was in that spot, Reds might have gotten a walk.

[Patrick Bateman]

He does a lot of stuff like that. When I saw him during his stint in Baltimore he stood out as a guy who was doing more things to help himself than back when he was with the Cubs. He took some pitches against Webb too.

Ya I don't recall him swinging at any particularly poor pitchers. Now he did nothing with the ones he swung at, but it was a sound approach.

[reds44]

The Reds have a lead!

Baseball is officially back.

[reds44]

Dunn JUST missed that.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Patterson!!!!!

First Red to go yard this year (called that).

So did I.

[Stormy]

Love Brandon Phillips, and love seeing some production from our 1/2 guys in the order, as well.

[Matt700wlw]

"This first lead of the year is brought to you buy Big Brothers and Big Sisters..."

No, that's not true :)

[Patrick Bateman]

Too bad Phillips hit cleanup and homered. If EE was in that spot, Reds might have gotten a walk.

And if we play that game, we would have had an extra baserunner for Phillips' homer. Crazy.

[Raisor]

Phillips!

I love that man.

Thanks, I think your swell too.

Philip Raisor

[reds44]

CP and BP.

Who needs walks?

;)

[Cyclone792]

CP and BP.

Who needs walks?

;)

Keppinger, who got on base with a walk and was the tying run when scoring on Phillips' home run.

;)

[gm]

No television for Cueto's debut? They better have the D'Backs feed on EI...

It is

Dusty wants more run-scoring outs, these HRs will not do:p:

[Tommyjohn25]

Making Haren work this inning. 'Bout time.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

It's nice just to see Haren working hard after breezing through those first 2 innings.

[NC Reds]

We did a good job of making Haren throw a lot of pitches that inning.

[Kc61]

and 75% of your posts are complaining about the complaining.

it's the circle of life.

:thumbup:


Just early season optimism on my part. By Memorial Day, I'll be complaining like everybody else.

EE, don't take strike three. Swing the bat.

[Stormy]

He does a lot of stuff like that. When I saw him during his stint in Baltimore he stood out as a guy who was doing more things to help himself than back when he was with the Cubs. He took some pitches against Webb too.

I saw him a lot in Baltimore last year too, as that's my new "home" ballpark to attend. I think he has learned some pretty useful nuances, and doesn't rely as much upon natural talent. We desperately need his defense in our otherwise vacuous OF, it just irks me to see him plugged into the leadoff spot. Any offense we get from him is gravy, so I'd just stick him in the #7 spot and let him do his thing.

[Highlifeman21]

I'm pretty happy that 75 percent of the RedsZone posts now relate to Patterson leading off.

Was pretty sick of reading that Castro is no good, is the worst hitter in baseball history, can't really field, and is the cause of most of the ills on earth.

I think the Patterson leading off stuff will continue at least until Friday. When Fogg pitches. . . .

Have you seen Juan Castro play baseball?

He is one of the worst hitters in baseball history, he is no good, he can't really field, but I can't honestly say that Castro is the cause of most of the ills on Earth. He's up there, but hasn't achieved that level of infamy. Yet.

Seriously, the fact that Juan Castro is on the Reds' 25 man roster, let alone making money while doing so is mildly amusing, to say the least.

[CTA513]

Too bad Phillips hit cleanup and homered. If EE was in that spot, Reds might have gotten a walk.


:runawaycr

[OldRightHander]

Well, it's been nice hanging out here, but I just found a load to Houston. I'm gone.

[WMR]

How funny is it that Bonds was a fifty steal guy at one point? :lol:

[Tom Servo]

LOL, why was Bonds picture in black and white?

[OnBaseMachine]

Upton K's.

5 K's for Arroyo through 4.1 innings.

[NC Reds]

Bruce > Upton

[Tommyjohn25]

Bronson settling in now.

[reds44]

Bruce > Upton
I don't think Upton is ready either.

[WMR]

LOL, why was Bonds picture in black and white?

To demonstrate that it was pretty much a lifetime ago from the Bonds we all know today?

[OnBaseMachine]

Where was that 1-2 pitch to Haren?

[Tom Servo]

D'oh

[Tommyjohn25]

I would like to take this time to say that it is totally ridiculous that the Reds are blacked out in Charlotte, N.C. That is all...

[OnBaseMachine]

Ump screws Arroyo and it cost him a double.

[reds44]

Ump screws Arroyo and it cost him a double.
As did his hanging curveball.

[Cyclone792]

With as much as Dusty Baker plays with his toothpick, I'm surprised he just hasn't straight up choked on it yet.

[Highlifeman21]

Haren, helping his own cause.

[reds44]

Arroyo's breaking ball makes young hitters look silly.

[WMR]

With as much as Dusty Baker plays with his toothpick, I'm surprised he just hasn't straight up choked on it yet.

Or given himself a tongue piercing. :eek:

[M2]

I saw him a lot in Baltimore last year too, as that's my new "home" ballpark to attend. I think he has learned some pretty useful nuances, and doesn't rely as much upon natural talent. We desperately need his defense in our otherwise vacuous OF, it just irks me to see him plugged into the leadoff spot. Any offense we get from him is gravy, so I'd just stick him in the #7 spot and let him do his thing.

I'd generally prefer him in the #7 slot too, but, as you noted, the Reds have got offensive holes at C and SS. Now, you could just pick the best of those three (nominally Patterson) to hit 6th, though if he can realize his better angels (.330 OB), then Patterson strikes me as a viable leadoff hitter in this lineup.

[OnBaseMachine]

As did his hanging curveball.

Yeah that didn't help. He shouldn't have nibbled with Haren at the plate.

[Stormy]

Well, it's been nice hanging out here, but I just found a load to Houston. I'm gone.

Take care, ORH.

[Tom Servo]

Ump isn't digging Bronson's fastball...

[reds44]

Where was that pitch?

[Matt700wlw]

Arroyo getting squeeeeeezed a bit

[WMR]

BOOOOOOO!!!!!!

WAKE UP BLUE

Ump squeezing Arroyo right now

[OnBaseMachine]

And now Arroyo walks Young.

Is it just me or do Reds pitchers always cough up the lead right after the Reds give them a lead?

[Raisor]

Ump screws Arroyo and it cost him a double.



must. not. make. joke.


heck with it.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_tn5vpOG80y4/Rk3Dvpms9XI/AAAAAAAAABI/jKmLidprxB8/s200/kramer.bmp

[Big Klu]

Is Chris Welch in the radio booth going to be a regular thing this year?


No, it's the only time he will be there per Fay.

Byrnes walks.


I was just wondering. He's really not that bad.

I agree. I think Chris has done a fine job tonight. He seems more comfortable on the radio than Jeff, who I think does better on TV than the radio.

[WMR]

Need a double-play now.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bases loaded and one out. Thanks Bronson.

[Joseph]

Sacks full, 1 down.

[Kc61]

Have you seen Juan Castro play baseball?

He is one of the worst hitters in baseball history, he is no good, he can't really field, but I can't honestly say that Castro is the cause of most of the ills on Earth. He's up there, but hasn't achieved that level of infamy. Yet.

Seriously, the fact that Juan Castro is on the Reds' 25 man
roster, let alone making money while doing so is mildly amusing, to say the least.


Castro used to be underrated. Now, I don't know if he has anything in the tank. And when Gonzo comes back, Castro is probably gone.

But Castro has never bothered me for this team. Because late in the game, the team has been so error prone, that having sure handed Castro has been a plus (when he gets in).

And he's gotten a few big hits for the Reds.

So, yes, I've seen Castro play baseball.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bases jacked... time for some damage control... or just plain damage

[reds44]

Dusty making a trip out. That's interesting.