Reds at Pirates 4/11/08

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds lineup from John Fay:


Norris Hopper CF
Jeff Keppinger SS
Ken Griffey Jr. RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Adam Dunn LF
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Joey Votto 1B
Paul Bako C
Edinson Volquez P


Hopper is hitting .455 against Malholm that is why he is starting tonight.

[RichRed]

Reds lineup from John Fay:



Hopper is hitting .455 against Malholm that is why he is starting tonight.

In 11 whole at-bats.

[VR]

In 11 whole at-bats.

11 AB's is quite a bit in this day and age. Good spot start for Hoppy

[LincolnparkRed]

eh but Corey's avg will be going down eventually, why make it happen in a lefty/lefty matchup. Might help keep his confidence up

[RichRed]

11 AB's is quite a bit in this day and age. Good spot start for Hoppy

I don't mind Hopper getting the start, especially the way Patterson hits (or doesn't hit) against lefties. As is the case when Patterson plays though, I don't want Hopper batting leadoff. But I know that the CF bats leadoff under Dusty and that's just the way it is.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Hopper is bunting .455 against Malholm that is why he is starting tonight.

I fixed that for ya;)

[kbrake]

I'm fine with that lineup. Lefty starting and Juan Castro still on the bench....seems good enough for me.

[reds44]

Patterson isn't going to play vs. lefties, so considering Hopper is around a .350 hitter lifetime vs. lefties and is hitting .435 of Malholm, you could do much worse. I'd rather have Hopper starting than Freel.

[RedlegJake]

I really think I'd do a non-traditional with this group

Keppinger
EE
Junior
BP
Dunn
Votto
Bako
Volquez
Hopper

[RichRed]

I'd rather have Hopper starting than Freel.

I'm with you there.

[Kc61]

I really think I'd do a non-traditional with this group

Keppinger
EE
Junior
BP
Dunn
Votto
Bako
Volquez
Hopper

Three consecutive lefties against the lefty. Four lefties out of five batters against the lefty. Very non-traditional.

I'm a big fan of the job Krivsky has done, but it's really time he got the first base thing straightened out. No reason for a lefty hitter to be playing first base against this lefty pitcher tonight. If Votto is the guy, there needs to be a move made to get a righty hitter for games like this. This guy Cabrera is hitting well at AAA, I'd give him a shot if nobody better is available.

[IslandRed]

Don't mind Hopper leading off against a lefty. Not that he has a huge sample to draw from, but his OBP against lefthanders has been very good.

[reds44]

Three consecutive lefties against the lefty. Four lefties out of five batters against the lefty. Very non-traditional.

I'm a big fan of the job Krivsky has done, but it's really time he got the first base thing straightened out. No reason for a lefty hitter to be playing first base against this lefty pitcher tonight. If Votto is the guy, there needs to be a move made to get a righty hitter for games like this. This guy Cabrera is hitting well at AAA, I'd give him a shot if nobody better is available.
When Gonzalez is healthy, Keppinger is your 1st baseman vs. left handed pitching. The Reds have the guy, but with Gonzalez on the DL it's either Votto/Hatteberg at 1st vs. LHP, or Castro at SS and Kep at 1st.

[RedlegJake]

There just isn't much to work with when the Reds face lefties. It is a weakness.

[Chip R]

This is one lefty the Reds have had success against.

[Matt700wlw]

There just isn't much to work with when the Reds face lefties. It is a weakness.

Could be worse tonight...Castro could be starting.

[RedlegJake]

Could be worse tonight...Castro could be starting.

Castro's only an asset when an armless pitcher is going.

[reds44]

Hopper is hitting .455 off LH Paul Maholm, the Pittsburgh starter. "Sometimes, we go with matchups," Dusty Baker said. "Sometimes, we go how a guy's going."

The rotation will be as speculated upon post off day: Aaron Harang Tuesday, Josh Fogg Wednesday, Edison Volquez Thursday v. the Cubs in Wrigley. Johnny Cueto, Bronson Arroyo and Harang v. the Brewers at home.

Sounds like David Ross will not be coming off the DL Tuesday. "He needs to get at-bats," Dusty Baker said. "I was hoping he'd get at-bats at high level sooner."

Matt Belisle's next start will be for Louisville. Belisle through a complete game for Chattanooga Thursday. He allowed two earned on seven hits -- no walks, three strikeouts.

In the case of Ross, he can be on rehab for up to 20 days. Beilise can be on the rehab for up to 30 days. Ross' rehab will be up April 22, Belisle's May 4.

Two other things to remember: Just because a player's rehab is up, he doesn't have to be re-instated, and Belisle has an option.

[Reds1]

So glad to see Hopper tonight! Stay away rain!

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Cowboy just picked Reds to win NL Central, mostly due to the arrival of Francisco Cordero.

"Book it," he said.

[VR]

But I know that the CF bats leadoff under Dusty and that's just the way it is.

the first sip of the Dusty kool-aid is a little bitter...but it looks like it's getting smoother for you ;)

[Matt700wlw]

The sun is out, but the tarp is on the field....

I've never understood that....if you can start the game, then start the game!

[Matt700wlw]

First pitch estimated for 7:25pm

[TeamBoone]

They've taken the tarp off.

Lot's of times, they're watching the radar. If there's still bad weather in the immediate area, they don't start.

[Matt700wlw]

They've taken the tarp off.

Lot's of times, they're watching the radar. If there's still bad weather in the immediate area, they don't start.

I know, but I've also seen where that method comes back to bite them....they wait, it never comes, so they start, then it comes, and the game ends up delayed longer or called....when they could have started originally, and possibly gotten through 5...

Plus if you start, and it starts raining...if it's not raining all that hard, they'll play on...

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

It's the year 2008 George, not 208

[Matt700wlw]

Be warned: The BP is currently underway for a few minutes...

Sensitive ears should turn away :)

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Oh for crying out loud ...

The game hasn't even started yet but that ridiculous Bronson Arroyo JTM commercial has run 4 times already.

Overkill? Not even Britney Spears gets that kind of air play.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Oh for crying out loud ...

The game hasn't even started yet but that ridiculous Bronson Arroyo JTM commercial has run 4 times already.

Overkill? Not even Britney Spears gets that kind of air play.

Just wait until September rolls around, I'm sure it will have grown on you by then

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds are 2-0-1 in three series so far this season but 0-3 in series openers. Hopefully we can change that to 1-3 after tonight.

[OnBaseMachine]

As soon as the game starts the rain starts falling.

3-0 on Hopper.

[Matt700wlw]

See...they waited, and now it's raining.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

And the rain starts back up right at the first pitch. It looks heavy enough to delay it again, hopefully is stops

[jesusfan]

3-2 on the Hop..

[OnBaseMachine]

Hopper reaches on an error by Maholm.

[jesusfan]

speed.... error on Maholm...

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Maholm drops the wet ball and Norris gets on base.

[jesusfan]

we should be able to play tonight... radar looks fine...

[jesusfan]

how in the world... Keppy must have fell... shew, slow

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds need to work the count tonight...the Pirates bullpen is completely worn down from the Cubs series. I think they threw something like 16-17 innings in the last series.

Damn. Kepp DP. He is slow...

[jesusfan]

should've been a big inning... Phillips singles...

[Matt700wlw]

Marty says Junior should be at third, and didn't even attempt to get there...

[jesusfan]

Marty says Junior should be at third, and didn't even attempt to get there...

That is very true...

[jesusfan]

3-0 to Dunn.. if the Reds don't score here something is wrong.. Maholm is looking pretty bad... Dunn walks as I type...

[jesusfan]

We strand 3... who would've thunk it?

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds strand three already.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

The Reds had to try particularly hard not to score that inning, with a walk, a HBP, an error and a hit :dunno:

[jesusfan]

Maholm threw 20 pitches in the 1st...

[jesusfan]

The Reds had to try particularly hard not to score that inning, with a walk, a HBP, an error and a hit :dunno:

DP's and simply moving station to station will do that to ya...

[Matt700wlw]

"Ed-in-son" "Ed-in-son"

Everybody!!

[reds44]

Griffey is ungodly slow. There was really no reason for him not to be at 3rd base.

[Tom Servo]

BP with the play.

[jesusfan]

bouncer to Phillips.. he makes every play interesting as he throws from his stomach again...

[reds44]

That was a good play. Well, maybe not good, but interesting.

[jesusfan]

easy grounder to Edwin... 2 down

[jesusfan]

I'm in pretty bad shape... already scoreboard watching on April 11th... That is what expectations will do to ya I guess...

[jesusfan]

McClouth singles to center...

[Matt700wlw]

10 in a row for McClouth

[OnBaseMachine]

You can tell Volquez doesn't have his best stuff tonight. Hopefully the Reds give him plenty of run support.

[gm]

Griffey is ungodly slow. There was really no reason for him not to be at 3rd base.

There is a very good reason...he's baseclogiddy-icious

[Matt700wlw]

Volquez not quite the control guy that Cueto is.....but, I think he'll be fine with work.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bay walks.

The third out always seem to be the toughest for Reds pitchers.

[reds44]

Volquez not quite the control guy that Cueto is.....but, I think he'll be fine with work.
Who is?

[Reds Fanatic]

That is pretty amazing stat for Reds pitchers. That is the first walk the starters have given up in the last 5 games.

[Matt700wlw]

Getting past the first inning with minimal or no damage will be huge for his confidence going into the next inning, IMO

[Tom Servo]

He didn't strike anyone out. Send him down!

[Matt700wlw]

Who is?

I was thinking that...

[Reds Fanatic]

19 pitches (10 strikes, 9 balls) for Volquez in the 1st.

[OnBaseMachine]

First pitch out for Votto. Come on Joey, take one.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bako with a hit. Volquez bunts and the throw goes into center field. 1st and 3rd. Error on the shortstop.

[reds44]

More hits for Bako.

[OnBaseMachine]

Throwing error by Doumit! 1st and 3rd with 1 out for Hopper. Need to score here.

[Tom Servo]

You can't stop Paul Bako, nor can you even fathom containing him.

[VR]

Bako at .391, watch out George Brett

[reds44]

Weeeeee!!!!!!

Rivas has no vertical leap.

[reds44]

Why on earth is Hopper trying to bunt?

[VR]

I'm squeezing

[Tom Servo]

D'oh.

[Matt700wlw]

That was...bad.

[klw]

First pitch out for Votto. Come on Joey, take one.

Yeah even Billy Crystal knew to run the count full on Maholm.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hopper attempts a bunt and pops it right to 1st and Bako is caught off 3rd for a DP. Another big scoring chance blown.

[OnBaseMachine]

WTF is Hopper doing? What the hell?

1st and 3rd with 1 out and he bunts into a double play. WOW. Please bench him for ignorance.

6 baserunners in two innings = no runs. Sounds familiar.

[flyer85]

swing the bat man ... get it out of the infield

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Reds - unbelievably - don't score again.

The fix is in

[reds44]

Why was Hopper trying to bunt??

[Tom Servo]

For some reason I'm not getting upset over the Reds not scoring like I used to. I actually have *gasp* confidence in the Reds ability to win.

[reds44]

swing the bat man ... get it out of the infield
Seriously. There is no reason to be bunting there.

[mbgrayson]

Why was Hopper trying to bunt??
I'd bet a beer that Dusty told him to......

[Benihana]

The Reds have got to do a better job of bunting. This is an absolute embarrassment of fundamentals, and it's costing them an awful lot of runs.

[flyer85]

Why was Hopper trying to bunt??that seems to be the only thing he does well

[OnBaseMachine]

What an ignorant time to bunt. We should have two or three runs by now.

[jesusfan]

shew... lightning hit my router or something.. wow, what a storm just came through...

[reds44]

The Reds have got to do a better job of bunting. This is an absolute embarrassment of fundamentals, and it's costing them an awful lot of runs.
There was no reason for Hopper to lay down a bunt there. None.

[Matt700wlw]

Why on earth is Hopper trying to bunt?

Because he can't do anything else?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Not to relive that inning or anything, but it's almost inconceivable as to why Hopper would try to bunt there.

He fouled trying to bunt the previous pitch, taking away any surprise factor, a slow-footed pitcher was on at first, runner at third with just 1 out, and Hopper batting over .500 vs. Maholm.

Why?

[OnBaseMachine]

A couple nice looking curveballs thrown this inning by Volquez.

Two quick outs again.

[reds44]

It's really nice to have an athlete playing first base for once. Such a difference between Votto and guys like Hatteberg, RA, Casey, etc.

[BCubb2003]

Is anybody else wondering why Hopper bunted there?

[reds44]

I hate when Grande has nicknames for opposing players. Hate it.

[Matt700wlw]

I hate when Grande has nicknames for opposing players. Hate it.

I cautiously ask what the name was and for whom?

[OnBaseMachine]

1-2-3 2nd inning for Volquez.

[WVRedsFan]

My son's at the game. He keeps calling me to tell me things--like he paid $9 to get in and is sitting behind home plate. The field's so wet that water splashes when the outfielders run. The all saxophone National Anthem was a disgrace. Hopper bunting was stupid.

He also said the reason Griffey is running gingerly is the condition of the field which he says is deplorable.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice catch by Votto. 0-0 after 2.

[jesusfan]

Mays, I mean Votto with the over the shoulder catch... 32 pitches after 2...

[reds44]

I cautiously ask what the name was and for whom?
"Jack Flash" for Jack Wilson.

Nice play by Votto to end the 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

32 pitches (20 strikes, 12 balls) for Volquez.

[Matt700wlw]

"Jack Flash" for Jack Wilson.



That's dumb.

[jesusfan]

Keppinger grounds to 2nd... 1 down

[reds44]

That's dumb.
The worst is "Prince Albert."

[VR]

Top three starters....

1.23
2.03
2.14

it gets downright boring after awhile, doesn't it?

[WVRedsFan]

Kepp has cooled off considerably.

[Matt700wlw]

Kepp has cooled off considerably.

I expect that....but I don't expect him to stay that way

[jesusfan]

Griff flies to center... 2 down

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips doubles.

[jesusfan]

Phillips doubles to center... c'mon Dunner...

[reds44]

I really like Nyger Morgan. Not based on talent, but based on his personality and his socks.

[Red in Chicago]

i love brandon phillips:thumbup:

[Reds Fanatic]

Rain coming down harder now.

[jesusfan]

Dunn K's... I think he's afraid of rain...

[OnBaseMachine]

Dunn K's as the Reds strand another.

7 baserunners = no runs.

[WVRedsFan]

Sean calls and says it raining so hard you can't see the field. The infield looks like mud. It could be a long night.

[Red in Chicago]

i realize dunn's obp is fine, but 5 hits so far, is a bit ridiculous:rolleyes:

[OnBaseMachine]

And now the rain has stopped.

[OnBaseMachine]

Maholm grounded out to Kepp. 1 out.

[Benihana]

Surprisingly no K's for Volquez so far

[Kc61]

Lefties just kill the Reds. Phillips is the only guy who hits them. Sigh.

[reds44]

There can not be more than 7000 people in the stands right now, and I think I am being kind.

[OnBaseMachine]

Surprisingly no K's for Volquez so far

He doesn't have his best stuff tonight.

[Red in Chicago]

george and chris talking about roof in milwaukee...funny thing is that it was actually leaking in my section yesterday...it was bad enough, that about 20 fans left their seats to go and sit somewhere else...

[jesusfan]

Morgan singles...

[WVRedsFan]

He doesn't have his best stuff tonight.
If you noticed Volquez' shoes, it's no wonder. What is it about Pittsburgh and their field crews?

[Hoosier Red]

They haven't been the same since Grounds Crew left:)

[Matt700wlw]

He looked safe...but OH WELL!

[Red in Chicago]

luckily runner slipped off the bag...nice of brandon to keep touching him

[reds44]

Great sell by Phillips.

[jesusfan]

nice job Phillips.. 2 down

[jesusfan]

Sanchez walks...

[jesusfan]

Volquez is struggling with command tonight... 47 pitches... 26 strikes, 21 balls...

[jesusfan]

3-0 to McClouth...

[Matt700wlw]

Now Volquez can't throw a strike

[jesusfan]

another walk... calm down Volq...

[Red in Chicago]

um, be careful here...bay up with 2 on and 2 out

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Bay is probably not the guy the Reds want to see at the plate right here.

[reds44]

He's going to walk people. Not much a surprise.

I think he is letting the mound get in his head a bit. Just pitch.

[WVRedsFan]

I tell you it's the dirt portions of the infield including the mound. Horrible.

[jesusfan]

get ahead fastball by Volquez... thank goodness Bay didnt swing..

[reds44]

Chris just said Volquez speaks better english than Bako.

:lol:

[jesusfan]

Bay swings at ball 2.. .thank you... 1-2

[Matt700wlw]

I'd love to see him strike out Bay

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Whew

[Matt700wlw]

That's just as effective...

[Red in Chicago]

nice recovery by ev

[jesusfan]

Grounder to Edwin... 54 pitches thru 3 for Edinson..

[reds44]

Reds are going to be lucky to get 6 from Volquez tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

54 pitches (29 strikes, 25 balls) through 3 innings for Volquez.

[Kc61]

Volquez right now seems like the kind of pitcher that is tough to hit but throws a lot of pitches. Can't expect more than 6 per outing right now. Still he had Bay off balance, got ahead in the count, and pitched him very well.

Now maybe the Reds can get a couple of runs. Every lefty is like Steve Carleton to these guys.

[WMR]

Chris just said Volquez speaks better english than Bako.

:lol:

I believe he said Volquez speaks English just as well as EE.

[reds44]

Pirates with 4 LOB already. This offense is brutal.

/Pirateszone

[reds44]

I believe he said Volquez speaks English just as well as EE.
He said he probably speaks the best english of anyone in that trio.

[Matt700wlw]

Eddie heating up!

[Kc61]

Reds hitting .189 against lefties so far.

[jesusfan]

Edwin with the infield hit... i'll take it...

[jesusfan]

I'd love to see Votto lay into one...

[reds44]

More hits for EE.

He really knocked the crap out of that one.

[mbgrayson]

Now Volquez can't throw a strike


I don't think its just Voltron. The footing is wet and clumpy...Maholm is looking down at his feet now too. They need to be careful...someone can get hurt on that stuff.

Next outing will show if it was the bad mound condtions or general wildness causing the problem.

[Falls City Beer]

I'd love to see Votto lay into one...

I'd love to see Votto reach base.

[reds44]

Phillies take a 3-2 lead on the Cubs.

[jesusfan]

grounder to 2nd.. Edwin goes to 2nd... Bako up.

[reds44]

I'd love to see Votto reach base.
Yep.

[reds44]

Not a very impressive 2-1 swing.

[WVRedsFan]

I don't think its just Voltron. The footing is wet and clumpy...Maholm is looking down at his feet now too. They need to be careful...someone can get hurt on that stuff.

Whixh explains why Junior was watching his step earlier. He can't afford to slip on that stuff,

[Falls City Beer]

Yep.

Guy looks like Brandon Larson. Count me among those hoping he gets sent down.

Prime time readiness he ain't got.

[Benihana]

I've said it before- I think Carlos Zambrano is the best comp. for Eddie V. Hopefully he can be that good.

[oneupper]

Aflac question: most hits in 60, 70s, 80s, 90s.

Guesses?

I'll say Aaron, Rose, Boggs and Gwynn. (

[jesusfan]

Bako K's when its important.

[reds44]

Guy looks like Brandon Larson. Count me among those hoping he gets sent down.

Prime time readiness he ain't got.
I'm going to give him more than 19 ABs.

[jesusfan]

zip-zip-zip... mid 4

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Six stranded through 4 innings.

[reds44]

Volquez and Cueto have long swings. I'm going to laugh when the run into one.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm going to give him more than 19 ABs.

The Reds need a healthy Ross more than a learning-on-the-job 1Bman with middling pop.

[reds44]

The Reds need a healthy Ross more than a learning-on-the-job 1Bman with middling pop.
And Juan Castro?

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Guy looks like Brandon Larson. Count me among those hoping he gets sent down.

Prime time readiness he ain't got.

I think he could probably just use more consistent AB's than every other game. I don't know if it's right, but I've heard people say that he's notoriously a slow starter anyway. Not getting consistent AB's most likely doesn't help in that regard.

[jesusfan]

Fly to Hopper.. .1 down

[reds44]

I think he could probably just use more consistent AB's than every other game. I don't know if it's right, but I've heard people say that he's notoriously a slow starter anyway. Not getting consistent AB's most likely doesn't help in that regard.
So what, he shouldn't have anything handed to him. No reason to give him more ABs then somebody outproducing him just because he is younger.

[Falls City Beer]

I think he could probably just use more consistent AB's than every other game. I don't know if it's right, but I've heard people say that he's notoriously a slow starter anyway. Not getting consistent AB's most likely doesn't help in that regard.

That's a benefit too. Let him get his rips in on some 2nd rate pitching, then either promote him later or trade him.

But right now he's doing neither himself nor the team any good.

[jesusfan]

infield hit for Doumit...

[Kc61]

The Reds need a healthy Ross more than a learning-on-the-job 1Bman with middling pop.

Votto is fine but he cannot play against lefties at this stage.

The Reds cannot play four lefties out of 8 hitters against lefties like this.

The Reds cannot hit Votto-Bako-Volquez all in a row against a lefty.

The Reds lineup tonight puts the team at a disadvantage against a lefty.

Krivsky must address the lack of right handed hitting.

[jesusfan]

5-4-3 DP... nice job Votto on the tag.

[reds44]

Nice turn by the Reds. Votto plays nice D around the bag.

[jesusfan]

Votto is fine but he cannot play against lefties at this stage.

The Reds cannot play four lefties out of 8 hitters against lefties like this.

The Reds cannot hit Votto-Bako-Volquez all in a row against a lefty.

The Reds lineup tonight puts the team at a disadvantage against a lefty.

Krivsky must address the lack of right handed hitting.

Ross will be back and in the line-up against a lefty, Keppinger will move to 1st against lefties and Gonzo will be at SS...

Hopper/Freel
Keppinger
Griffey
Phillips
Dunn
Edwin
Gonzo
Ross
Pitcher

[Tornon]

Reds turn their first double play in game #11?

[Falls City Beer]

Votto is fine but he cannot play against lefties at this stage.

The Reds cannot play four lefties out of 8 hitters against lefties like this.

The Reds cannot hit Votto-Bako-Volquez all in a row against a lefty.

The Reds lineup tonight puts the team at a disadvantage against a lefty.

Krivsky must address the lack of right handed hitting.

Votto's fine?

Votto needs to hit every day.

[jesusfan]

Mark Grace.. well...

[reds44]

Ross will be back and in the line-up against a lefty, Keppinger will move to 1st against lefties and Gonzo will be at SS...

Hopper/Freel
Keppinger
Griffey
Phillips
Dunn
Edwin
Gonzo
Ross
Pitcher
Hopper and Freel at the top of the lineup is fugly. Freel really is done at this stage of his career and I can't watch Hopper bunt anymore.

[Kc61]

Votto's fine?

Votto needs to hit every day.

Every day that a righty pitcher is out there. Not against lefties.

[WVRedsFan]

Ross will be back and in the line-up against a lefty

And that's an advantage?

[jesusfan]

Hop walks...

[Tom Servo]

Hopper just walked!

[Falls City Beer]

Every day that a righty pitcher is out there. Not against lefties.

No, Louisville. Against everybody.

[Benihana]

Votto is fine but he cannot play against lefties at this stage.

The Reds cannot play four lefties out of 8 hitters against lefties like this.

The Reds cannot hit Votto-Bako-Volquez all in a row against a lefty.

The Reds lineup tonight puts the team at a disadvantage against a lefty.

Krivsky must address the lack of right handed hitting.

I honestly think he's just waiting for Gonzalez to come back, for better or worse. Then Keppinger can play 1B against lefties. I wouldn't mind seeing him try to pluck Andy Marte, who has fallen out of favor in Cleveland, particularly if they see Keppinger as a full-timer at SS even with a healthy Gonzalez.

I would offer Castro or Freel for Marte. If they'd prefer a suspect like Rafael Gonzalez, I'd do that too.

[jesusfan]

And that's an advantage?

over Bako against lefties.. yes sir...

[reds44]

Norris with a DLW.

I'd would say he is fast, but he's not a really good base stealer.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Leadoff walk to Hopper.

Let's see how we don't score this particular inning ...

[oneupper]

Aflac Answer:

Clemente, Rose, Murphy and Grace.

I got one...

[Matt700wlw]

Every day that a righty pitcher is out there. Not against lefties.

Hatteberg doesn't exactly hit lefties well either....

[jesusfan]

Keppinger with the Sac. bunt. Dusty wants that run...

[Tom Servo]

I hate having one of our best hitters sacrificing...

[reds44]

Don't like giving away outs already.

[jesusfan]

Griffey grounds to 2nd.. he really smoked that ball.

[jesusfan]

C'mon BP... we need ya here!

[Kc61]

I honestly think he's just waiting for Gonzalez to come back, for better or worse. Then Keppinger can play 1B against lefties. I wouldn't mind seeing him try to pluck Andy Marte, who has fallen out of favor in Cleveland, particularly if they see Keppinger as a full-timer at SS, even with a healthy Gonzalez.

I guess Ross and Gonzo provide a bit more from the right side. So that will be some improvement.

Still, the Conine slot is empty.

[lollipopcurve]

I don't like the sac bunt there, not with a lefty next. Good chance Kepp can get himself on there.

[RedsManRick]

Griffey grounds to 2nd.. he really smoked that ball.

He really booked it down the line too...

[jesusfan]

BP grounds out... shew

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Cy Young gets out of another jam

[jesusfan]

He really booked it down the line too...

I noticed that. I really like Griffey, but will not be unhappy at all to see him go after this season...

[RedsManRick]

This just in, Dusty, outs are bad. Please stop asking your best hitters to make them on purpose.

[jesusfan]

Rivas flies to Griffey... 1 down

[jesusfan]

Phillies take the lead again 4-3 on Howard and Burrell doubles...

[OnBaseMachine]

Why did Dusty having Kepp bunting with Griff on deck? Griff has looked awful against Maholm.

Getting shutout thru 5 by Maholm. Jeez.

[OnBaseMachine]

There is Volquez's first K. 2 down.

[jesusfan]

Maholm K's... 2 down

[reds44]

Edinson with his first K.

[WMR]

NICE inning there from EV

[jesusfan]

1-2-3 inning for Volquez... 75 pitches thru 5... nice, nice outing thus far.

[OnBaseMachine]

0-2 changeup to Morgan grounded to Phillips. 1-2-3 for Edinson.

[WVRedsFan]

I noticed that. I really like Griffey, but will not be unhappy at all to see him go after this season...

Me too. If you had a player who had as much wrong with his legs as Jr. does and it's muddy and the risk of injury is great, wouldn't you refcommend he take it easy? It's not like he was gonna beat that out. When he's gone and we no longer get to watch that sweet swing and that great smile, it will be wonderful.

[jesusfan]

Volquez now has an E.R.A of 0.87...

[jesusfan]

Me too. If you had a player who had as much wrong with his legs as Jr. does and it's muddy and the risk of injury is great, wouldn't you refcommend he take it easy? It's not like he was gonna beat that out. When he's gone and we no longer get to watch that sweet swing and that great smile, it will be wonderful.

I don't mean that... Like I said, I really like Griffey, probably one of my favorite players of all-time. However, I am just being a realist and realize that he will be gone...

[OnBaseMachine]

Dunn singles to begin the 6th. Can we finally get one in?

[jesusfan]

Dunn with the hit! This will be the big inning...

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

And ANOTHER baserunner ...

[jesusfan]

Phil's 5-3 now...

[Strikes Out Looking]

Me too. If you had a player who had as much wrong with his legs as Jr. does and it's muddy and the risk of injury is great, wouldn't you refcommend he take it easy? It's not like he was gonna beat that out. When he's gone and we no longer get to watch that sweet swing and that great smile, it will be wonderful.

Actually, he probably should have been given the night off.

[reds44]

Come on Edwin, time for double #1 this year.

[jesusfan]

Edwin pops to 2nd...

[lollipopcurve]

EdE had a good pitch to hit there.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Well, that would have been a home run in a missile silo

[jesusfan]

That ball would've been gone in an elevator...

[WVRedsFan]

Actually, he probably should have been given the night off.Totally agree.

[jesusfan]

VOTTO... a little poke to left... 1st and 2nd

[OnBaseMachine]

EdE pops out.

Votto singles to left, Dunn holds at 2nd.

[Kc61]

EE needs to crush pitchers like this.

[reds44]

Votto with a single.

[lollipopcurve]

Reds leaking bleeders through the infield.

Somebody hit a line drive.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Can someone get a &^%$@$ clutch hit?????

[reds44]

I see 2 more LOB upcoming.

[OnBaseMachine]

Rain delay.

[jesusfan]

That was quick...

[Matt700wlw]

...and here we go.


Nice of them to waste 20 minutes at 7:00