Reds at Pirates 4/13/08 -- righty "specialist" lineup

[Matt700wlw]

Ryan Freel CF
Norris Hopper LF
Ken Griffey Jr. RF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Jeff Keppinger 1B
Edwin Encarnacion 3B
Juan Castro SS
Paul Bako C
Johnny Cueto P

[Reds Fanatic]

Just what a team in a slump needs Juan Castro starting.

[cincy09]

Some pregame Dusty Baker:


On the lineup: "We've got to do something with these lefty. . . We've got a little more speed lineup, a create-things lineup."

On Adam Dunn: "I could see Dunner's getting a little frustrated. This way he's getting two days. He usually hits well in Chicago. So I said, 'get your mind right for Chicago.' This is a mental day off for him. I could see him getting frustrated. You can tell. Different guys show it different ways but he gets real quiet. Has that stare."

On the offensive malaise: "You can't hit for them. You can't find holes for them. It's like springtime. Hot one day, cold one day. That's how spring is. Sometimes there's no explanations. Everyone wants an explanation. But sometimes there is no explanation. The next day you go out and score eight runs. Springtime. You don't like it, but you've got to fight through it. The guys are working. They're going to the cage. They're working tirelessly."

Ross out: David Ross is sick with the flu and won't play for Louisville tonight. In fact, he was sent back to Cincinnati, so he wouldn't get the rest of the team sick. The hope is he'll be able to catch Tuesday when Matt Belisle starts for the Bats.

[RedlegJake]

At least he has Castro where he belongs if he is going to play. Dunn actually needs the day off, and can pinch hit later if need be. Still looks like Cueto and the bully will need to be gold again.

[Matt700wlw]

At least he has Castro where he belongs if he is going to play.

That's the problem. He doesn't belong anywhere on the field.

[OnBaseMachine]

I know Dunn has been slumping I prefer Dunn over Hopper. This team needs all the offense it can get.

Cueto needs to spin about seven or eight shutout innings if he wants a win.

[RedlegJake]

I know Dunn has been slumping I prefer Dunn over Hopper. This team needs all the offense it can get.

Cueto needs to spin about seven or eight shutout innings if he wants a win.

Right now Dunn simply stinks. Playing him against a decent lefty isn't going to get you anywhere. I agree with sitting him with an off day coming too. He can work in the cages, relax a little and get in a beter stae for Chicago. While I understand your thinking, I think Dusty got it right.

[cumberlandreds]

IMO, Votto should be starting with Kep at 3rd. Votto seems to be getting it together and benching him doesn't make much sense even against a lefty.

[Reds Fanatic]

Just a reminder this game is on in HD today.

[mth123]

Right now Dunn simply stinks. Playing him against a decent lefty isn't going to get you anywhere. I agree with sitting him with an off day coming too. He can work in the cages, relax a little and get in a beter stae for Chicago. While I understand your thinking, I think Dusty got it right.

Me too. Dunn and the Reds offense will benefit in the long run, even if it creates a disadvantage today.

[Far East]

I hope Cueto gets some help from today's better defensive range at 1B and LF.

On the IF, Votto's glove has been traded in for Castro's for a day -- notice I did not mention range in this sentence.

[KoryMac5]

Dusty has several flaws that are talked about on this board, one thing he does do well is give his strugglling hitters a day off when needed. To throw this lineup out there today shows how much faith he has in Cueto.

[PuffyPig]

I know Dunn has been slumping I prefer Dunn over Hopper. This team needs all the offense it can get.



You must have forgotten Dynn's K against Marte with the bases loaded and 1 out in the 7th inning last night (Marte's only out of 3 batters).

It's AB's like that that relegate Dunn to the bench with a lefty on the mound today. It's not a bad time to have Dunn resting instead of pretty much guaranteeing his slump with continue.

Many would agree that Hopper vs. a tough lefty is probably better for the offense than an ice cold Dunn.

[Razor Shines]

Ok, if Dunn has to sit today why is he also hamstringing the offense with Castro? Let Votto or Hatte play, I really don't care which both are better than Castro.

[guttle11]

They're going to score 9 runs today, aren't they?

[Kc61]

Ok, if Dunn has to sit today why is he also hamstringing the offense with Castro? Let Votto or Hatte play, I really don't care which both are better than Castro.

Rather odd. Reds aren't scoring runs. Castro hardly every plays. Yet the guy folks pick on is Castro. It's not his fault. He almost never plays.

Neither Votto, nor Dunn, nor Hatt, nor Patterson is particularly good against lefties. And Dunn is slumping right now. So Dusty, for one game against a lefty, is using all his righty hitters. Even Castro. Fine with me.

Today is a good example of the team's lack of right handed hitting. Dusty is throwing out the entire current righty arsenal, yet most folks don't seem that impressed. It's telling that Reds are waiting for Gonzo and Ross to supplement the right side offensively.

[LINEDRIVER]

I've been wondering.....

Do Dusty's line-up cards come from the printer with EEE's name pre-printed in the 6th slot ???
He seems to be stuck in the 6th slot, no matter how hard he's sucking.

BTW, he's hitting .178 since the start of Spring Training and .171 since Opening Day

EEE? Yep. (Error on Edwin Encarnacion)

[Razor Shines]

Rather odd. Reds aren't scoring runs. Castro hardly every plays. Yet the guy folks pick on is Castro. It's not his fault. He almost never plays.

Neither Votto, nor Dunn, nor Hatt, nor Patterson is particularly good against lefties. And Dunn is slumping right now. So Dusty, for one game against a lefty, is using all his righty hitters. Even Castro. Fine with me.

Today is a good example of the team's lack of right handed hitting. Dusty is throwing out the entire current righty arsenal, yet most folks don't seem that impressed. It's telling that Reds are waiting for Gonzo and Ross to supplement the right side offensively.

Castro's not good against anybody, he doesn't hit for power, he's not fast and he doesn't take walks. People don't pick on Castro they just simply point out that he has no business being on a Major League baseball team, that's all.

[reds44]

I am really not going to complain about the lineup considering how little we have been scoring, so I am wiling to try anything.

[Matt700wlw]

Watch Castro go yard today

[Razor Shines]

Watch Castro go yard today

And if he does I will be the first one to delete my post and pretend I didn't say those things about him. :D

[redsfan30]

Where's Reds Live?

[Matt700wlw]

Where's Reds Live?

It's Dusty Live (actually, it's Dusty Taped)

[mth123]

I've been wondering.....

Do Dusty's line-up cards come from the printer with EEE's name pre-printed in the 6th slot ???
He seems to be stuck in the 6th slot, no matter how hard he's sucking.

BTW, he's hitting .178 since the start of Spring Training and .171 since Opening Day

EEE? Yep. (Error on Edwin Encarnacion)

The bottom three are Castro, Bako and the pitcher. Hitting 6th is like hitting 8th in this line-up.

[pahster]

Neither Votto, nor Dunn, nor Hatt, nor Patterson is particularly good against lefties. And Dunn is slumping right now. So Dusty, for one game against a lefty, is using all his righty hitters. Even Castro. Fine with me.


I keep reading that Dunn isn't all that against lefties despite the fact that he's posted the following line against them in his career: .241/.370/.491/.861.

That said, he's struggling. I have no problem with giving him a day off.

[OnBaseMachine]

This is not necessarily a must win, but a game they need to win if they want to finish this roadtrip with a winning record. A win today puts them at 3-3 on this roadtrip, so 2 of 3 in Chicago would give us a winning roadtrip. A loss today would mean the Reds would have to sweep the Cubs to finish with a winning trip.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

:lol: I must say I laughed when I came in here and saw the lineup. It will score at least 5 runs.

[Spring~Fields]

Rain and cold, it worries me when they put Griffey out there in bad weather.

We still have all summer ahead of us. :eek:

[Matt700wlw]

They started to cover the field...now they're uncovering what they covered.

They're going to give this a shot, it appears.

[redsrule2500]

IMO, Votto should be starting with Kep at 3rd. Votto seems to be getting it together and benching him doesn't make much sense even against a lefty.

agreed

[redsrule2500]

Crap, rain delay :(

[Matt700wlw]

Now they've changed their minds again and are covering the field...

[Matt700wlw]

Now, the umps don't know what to do.....the pitchers are still warming up

I say play it, it's one of those days....play through it if you can.

[Reds Fanatic]

Is anyone else having trouble with the HD channel for this game. I just turned it on but it does look like is showing in HD.

[Chip R]

Tech Talk on baserunning with Ryan Freel. Welsh asks, "Who better to talk base running with?" Oh, I don't know, Chris. How about almost everybody else on the roster?

[redsrule2500]

Is anyone else having trouble with the HD channel for this game. I just turned it on but it does look like is showing in HD.

I don't think they have HD until the game begins...all the pre-game stuff (which is still going on because of the delay) is in 480p

[Matt700wlw]

It will start in 7 minutes...what an indecisive bunch.

[redsrule2500]

It will start in 7 minutes...what an indecisive bunch.

Where do you get this info?

[WMR]

Tech Talk on baserunning with Ryan Freel. Welsh asks, "Who better to talk base running with?" Oh, I don't know, Chris. How about almost everybody else on the roster?

:lol:

[Matt700wlw]

Where do you get this info?

Marty said 1:45.

That was 3 minutes ago.

[redsrule2500]

Tech Talk on baserunning with Ryan Freel. Welsh asks, "Who better to talk base running with?" Oh, I don't know, Chris. How about almost everybody else on the roster?

haha!.. well it was about sliding.

[Matt700wlw]

A game opening single by Freel!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Basehit Freel to start the game

[Matt700wlw]

Hopper gets on....let's see how they strand them ;)

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Nice bunt by Hopper... who saw that coming ;)

Scored as a basehit. 2 on no outs

[redsrule2500]

Griffey sets in for the double play.

[redsrule2500]

How was that not a strike? CRAZY!!!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Good job by Hopper to break up the DP

[Buckeye33]

And the beat goes on...wow

[redsrule2500]

Welp, we needed a fly ball there...... :(

[Buckeye33]

Unbelievable.

[WMR]

More of the same. :rolleyes:

[Matt700wlw]

I'm really getting sick of this

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Man... I am AMAZED at the way this team just cannot score. AMAZED

[Reds Fanatic]

Pitiful. 2 on with no outs and again no score.

[GoReds]

1st and 2nd, no outs.

Who really thought they were going to score?

[Buckeye33]

Unbelievable.

Actually, I change my mind. I did not expect anything different. :thumbdown

[nate]

Chat is open!

[redsfaninbsg]

Unbelievable how this continues to go on.

[Buckeye33]

OBM may have finally had his heart stop after that typical 1st inning.

[RedsManRick]

FWIW, Gorzellany:

vR: .280/.357/.418 (.775 OPS)
vL: .216/.263/.326 (.589 OPS)

That's about double the typical platoon split. Not that I'm a huge fan of the lineup composition, but it's defensible.

[Matt700wlw]

Cueto power!!

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Ground out to Cueto for the first out

[redsrule2500]

Cueto fight!!! Why aren't they showing it?!

[Matt700wlw]

There's 1 out

[Matt700wlw]

Cueto fight!!! Why aren't they showing it?!

What?

[MrCinatit]

The Reds have lost two in a row against THAT lineup!!??!!

Wow.

[Matt700wlw]

There's out 2

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Flyout to LF on the first pitch. 2 outs

[redsrule2500]

What?

There was a slight altercation between the pirates guy and cueto on the tag.

[Matt700wlw]

There was a slight altercation between the pirates guy and cueto on the tag.

Oh. I missed that.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Bay K's on what looked like a nice slider.

[RedsManRick]

Cueto's lucky that was Rivas and not Bay on that 2nd pitch -- complete meatball.

[Matt700wlw]

Easy start for Cueto....I'm getting used to saying that :)

[Tom Servo]

Cueto pitches a Cueto-like inning.

[RedsManRick]

Oh. I missed that.

Nothing big -- Cueto gave him a little shove on the tag, assuming he'd try to dodge it. McClouth give him a bit of a "what was that for" sort of look and Cueto quickly apologized. Took about 5 seconds as he jogged past.

[Reds Fanatic]

According to a thread on Sun Deck apparently everyone is having touble with the HD for this game. Instead of showing this game in 16:9 ratio they are showing it in 4:3 so the picture is not right.

[Matt700wlw]

According to a thread on Sun Deck apparently everyone is having touble with the HD for this game. Instead of showing this game in 16:9 ratio they are showing it in 4:3 so the picture is not right.

Everybody looks skinny on my screen...but it's not an HD unit. I have no idea if that has anything to do with anything.

[redsrule2500]

Woah!!! I Just realized this game is being presented in widescreen in 4:3!!!

So if you don't have HD, and you have a widescreen TV make sure to stretch it for a little bonus widescreen service!!! :D

[Reds Fanatic]

1-2-3 inning. Gorzelanny has been getting beat up this year but against the Reds he will look like Cy Young.

[Tom Servo]

God Doumit

[Matt700wlw]

He's given up 1 per game now....

[Reds Fanatic]

Doumit homers to center. 1-0 Pirates.

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow. Where was that 0-2 pitch?

[Screwball]

Wow. Where was that 0-2 pitch?

Gamecast says the edge of the strikezone.

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto getting squeezed. That 1-2 pitch to Bautista also looked like a strike.

After the homer he got a groundout, strikeout, groundout.

[Cedric]

The Reds are really in for a long year with this current lineup structure. Where is Mike Cameron and Greg Vaughn when you need them?

[OnBaseMachine]

You know what is sad? When the Reds had runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out and stranded them, I didn't even get mad. I've come to expect it.

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto with the best atbat of the gane - an 8 pitch walk.

[Tom Servo]

Cueto's an on base machine

[MrCinatit]

George lamenting about Scott Spezio being released by the Braves today.
If only he had such passion for the Reds...



Cueto has received more walks than he has allowed so far.

[Falls City Beer]

A little treat from Waiting for Guffman that applies very nicely to the 2008 Reds:

Nothing Ever Happens On Mars

Nothing ever happens on Mars
No sports or entertainment, or swinging bars
You stand around, you stand some more
On a planet names for a Roman god of war

Nothing ever happens on Mars
No supersonic airplanes, no sporty cars
The sun comes up, the sun goes down
You can't go to the country, you can't go to town

Boring...Boring...Boring...Boring
Boring...Boring...Boring...Boring

[guttle11]

I'd say that a pitcher that draws more walks than he allows is probably doing pretty well.

[OnBaseMachine]

Ryan Freel swings at the first pitch every time.

[Falls City Beer]

Cueto with the best atbat of the gane - an 8 pitch walk.

I'd guess that there have been fewer than 3 of these all season by the Reds. Sad. Pathetic.

[redsrule2500]

yay freel double play. WHAT THE HELL

[Tom Servo]

After all that, a twin-killing.

[OnBaseMachine]

Freel double play. :rolleyes:

[Matt700wlw]

Another GIDP :laugh: :cry:

[WVRedsFan]

Freel kept swinging until he got the double killing. What happened to the standard bunt by Dusty?

Yuck

[Falls City Beer]

Freel needs to be released. His skills have gone beyond eroded.

[OnBaseMachine]

Oh yes. The power hitting Hopper fouls out on the first pitch.

Can we trade our offense for the Giants offense?

[BCubb2003]

Another GIDP :laugh: :cry:

Come guys, strike out in those situations.

[Benihana]

Freel needs to be released. His skills have gone beyond eroded.

Sad but true

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto K's Bixler to begin the 3rd. 3 K's.

[Falls City Beer]

This team should have made a blockbuster trade for offense in the offseason. More Wayne inertia, though.

[OnBaseMachine]

Gorzelanny K's on three pitches. 4 K's for Cueto.

[WVRedsFan]

You know guys, the scary part is I don't see this ending anytime soon. With a lineup manufactured by necessity to suit the left hander, you start off with Freel and Hopper, hot and cold Phillips, and after that, there is no punch in the lineup. The Reds almost have to hit HR's to be successful and we're not hitting them.

[Screwball]

Cueto K's Bixler to begin the 3rd. 3 K's.

21 Ks, 0 BBs on the year for Cueto. What's the record for most strikeouts without a walk to begin a MLB career?

[Wheelhouse]

Oh yes. The power hitting Hopper fouls out on the first pitch.

Can we trade our offense for the Giants offense?

There needs to be something put in place that makes losing physically uncomfortable. Like scheduling infield the day after every loss. Couldn't hurt with this D.

[Matt700wlw]

This team should have made a blockbuster trade for offense in the offseason. More Wayne inertia, though.

If they were going to make a blockbuster, it would have been for pitching, I would think.

[Cedric]

You know guys, the scary part is I don't see this ending anytime soon. With a lineup manufactured by necessity to suit the left hander, you start off with Freel and Hopper, hot and cold Phillips, and after that, there is no punch in the lineup. The Reds almost have to hit HR's to be successful and we're not hitting them.

Dunn and Edwin are killing this lineup. It's about time we move Dunn for whatever RH hitting we can get and bring up Bruce.

[OnBaseMachine]

21 Ks, 0 BBs on the year for Cueto. What's the record for most strikeouts without a walk to begin a MLB career?

Cueto has already broke the record IIRC.

[Matt700wlw]

The streak has ended...one very impressive run.

[Tom Servo]

disagreeable call

[PuffyPig]

I'd guess that there have been fewer than 3 of these all season by the Reds. Sad. Pathetic.

Strange thing to say about the team that leads the major leagues in walks this season, espicially considering they are 26th out of 30 teams in strikeouts.

[Falls City Beer]

If it were going to make a blockbuster, it would have been for pitching, I would think.

Hamilton for Volquez was a blockbuster. Another pitcher should have been acquired too, but the easiest trade of all is the one for offense, and it wasn't made.

[BCubb2003]

The baseball gods have declared that we can have good pitching or good hitting but not both.

[OnBaseMachine]

The dumb blind umpire just robbed Cueto of another K. 3-2 pitch to McClouth right on the outside corner called ball 4. Horrible call. Typical squeezing of a rookie.

[WVRedsFan]

Well you can't expect this kid to be perfect, but that's the first walk.

The only thing worse than horrible pitching is watching wonderful pitching and still losing. A loss is a loss.

[Wheelhouse]

Dunn and Edwin are killing this lineup. It's about time we move Dunn for whatever RH hitting we can get and bring up Bruce.

Gosh I'd love that...

[Matt700wlw]

Hamilton for Volquez was a blockbuster. Another pitcher should have been acquired too, but the easiest trade of all is the one for offense, and it wasn't made.

When I think Blockbuster, I think Griffey-like.

Hamilton and Volquez was a big trade, no question.

Either way, if they made a Griffey-like trade, I think it would have been for pitching, at least in the past offseason.

Now? Who knows....they desperately need right handed bats. Something Wayne Krivsky didn't even address.

[SMcGavin]

21 Ks, 0 BBs on the year for Cueto. What's the record for most strikeouts without a walk to begin a MLB career?

I think Cueto has it, at least since 1900. Pretty sure I saw nobody since 1900has ever started a career with 18 K and 0 BB. Don't quote me on it though.

[Falls City Beer]

Strange thing to say about the team that leads the major leagues in walks this season, espicially considering they are 26th out of 30 teams in strikeouts.

I meant 8 pitch walks, you know, walks earned through patience and a good eye. Not the free passes and pitcharounds Dunn's been getting.

[OnBaseMachine]

Come on Griff, you need to catch. Still 1-2 on Rivas.

[WMR]

Remember when the Reds were a patient offense that absolutely grinded pitchers AB after AB?

[Wheelhouse]

Strange thing to say about the team that leads the major leagues in walks this season, espicially considering they are 26th out of 30 teams in strikeouts.

So true. Makes one wonder about some of the metrics...

[Matt700wlw]

Remember when the Reds were a patient offense that absolutely grinded pitchers AB after AB?

Barely.

[reds44]

2-0

[OnBaseMachine]

Rivas doubles. 2-0 Pirates.

Griffey couldn't catch a foul ball that 29 other RFers catch.

But a big thanks to the blind ump who missed a 3-2 pitch on the corner that should have ended the inning.

[RedsManRick]

Walks are bad.

[OnBaseMachine]

Walks are bad.

Especially when they're strikes.

MLB needs to switch to questec.

[Matt700wlw]

Get some runs, boys, help Cueto out.

[PuffyPig]

I meant 8 pitch walks, you know, walks earned through patience and a good eye. Not the free passes and pitcharounds Dunn's been getting.


A walk is a walk.

I can't beleive you are now criticizing our methods of getting walks.

It's hard to suggest we are swinging all that freely when we lead the majors in walks and are one of the toughest teams to strike out.

[Falls City Beer]

Welcome to the bigs, Johnny. Time to adjust.

[Wheelhouse]

someone PLEASE explain the BORING hockey ad... I don't get the appeal.

[WVRedsFan]

The pattern is we'll get 1 or 2 then be scoreless the rest of the game and lose 3-2 or 4-2. Punchless is the word.

[Falls City Beer]

A walk is a walk.

I can't beleive you are now criticizing our methods of getting walks.

It's hard to suggest we are swinging all that freely when we lead the majors in walks and are one of the toughest teams to strike out.

Two hitters account for more than half those walks.

[OnBaseMachine]

I can't believe they're going to get swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. I am shocked. Every time I get high hopes for this team they go out and do this.

[Wheelhouse]

Oh well. The good thing is the Reds have a GREAT clubhouse. They stink, but they love each other. Pfah.

[Matt700wlw]

I can't believe they're going to get swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates. I am shocked. Every time I get high hopes for this team they go out and do this.

Even the Devil Rays have swept the Yankees in recent years....

....but I don't think they've ever done it 4 innings into 2-0 final game of the series.

[WVRedsFan]

Boy we made the Pirates pitcher work that inning. How many did he throw? 10?

[Joseph]

Ugly, ugly, ugly.

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds go 1-2-3. Gorzelanny got rocked in his first start, and reportedly is having shoulder problems, yet has a shutout through 4.

[RedEye]

I still think the offense will come around... and that the pitching keeping this up will be the measure of the season.

[Cedric]

I'd be shopping Arroyo and Dunn and just hope someone drools over their name. Just hoping and wishing.

[OnBaseMachine]

0-2 fastball to Doumit just misses in. 1-2. Foul. Routine flyout to Griffey.

[Falls City Beer]

I am curious: if the Reds are 10 out in the middle of May, is it Wayne's head that rolls?

[PuffyPig]

Two hitters account for more than half those walks.

23 out of 57 is more than half????

FWIW, if Dunn and EE had half as many walks, the Reds would be ranked 6th in the majors, 2nd in the NL.

[OnBaseMachine]

Nady groundout to EdE on 1-1. 2 outs.

[Matt700wlw]

I am curious: if the Reds are 10 out in the middle of May, is it Wayne's head that rolls?

I would think he's a bit nervous...there's been no indication that I'm aware of that they're going to re-up his deal as of yet.

[Wheelhouse]

I still think the offense will come around... and that the pitching keeping this up will be the measure of the season.

I think the Reds will kick back offensively as long as the pitching does well. They'll find ways to lose. No toughness.

[reds44]

I am curious: if the Reds are 10 out in the middle of May, is it Wayne's head that rolls?
They won't be.

[RedEye]

I'd be shopping Arroyo and Dunn and just hope someone drools over their name. Just hoping and wishing.

Volquez and Cueto are far from sure things yet. I think they should wait a second before they start shopping Arroyo. Can't ever have enough pitching. The Red Sox learned that when they traded him last time.

[Matt700wlw]

Reds usually hit well in Chicago.

Just sayin'

[Cedric]

Volquez and Cueto are far from sure things yet. I think they should wait a second before they start shopping Arroyo. Can't ever have enough pitching. The Red Sox learned that when they traded him last time.

Arroyo isn't really good.

[reds44]

I think the Reds will kick back offensively as long as the pitching does well. They'll find ways to lose. No toughness.
It seems like it has been that way for years too. The offense only shows up when it has too. When we pitch well, we don't hit.

[Falls City Beer]

23 out of 57 is more than half????

.

They had as of a couple of days ago. Still, a very disproportionate and high percentage going to two hitters. Now that pitchers see they aren't able to put the ball in play, the BB numbers for those two will descend.

[SteelSD]

Remember when the Reds were a patient offense that absolutely grinded pitchers AB after AB?

In 2005 and 2006, the Reds saw 3.85 Pitcher per PA. In 2007, that number dropped to 3.73. It's been 3.68 per PA this season.

That doesn't seem like a lot, but here's what it actually would look like when equalized for 2005's PA:

2005 (6,321 PA): 24,336 Pitches
2007 (6,321 PA): 23,261 Pitches

That's an additional 1,075 Pitches, which is like offering opposing hurlers a little over 7 games of pitches over the course of a season.

[Screwball]

I think the Reds will kick back offensively as long as the pitching does well. They'll find ways to lose. No toughness.

Awesome. Glad we can throw in the towel already.

[RedEye]

Is Cueto holding back this game? Last game, GameCenter had him at 95 and 96 all the time. This time, he looks to be in the high 80s and low 90s.

[Matt700wlw]

Where was that pitch?

[Falls City Beer]

They won't be.

What's to stop their freefall? It's pretty obvious that this club is a paper tiger.

[reds44]

Is Cueto holding back this game? Last game, GameCenter had him at 95 and 96 all the time. This time, he looks to be in the high 80s and low 90s.
He's been hitting 94 most of the time on the FSN gun.

[OnBaseMachine]

1-2 on "Doug". Ball down and in. 2-2. WHAT THE HELL? Where is that pitch?!? 3-2. Strikeout swinging.

This umpire is horrible.

[RedEye]

Arroyo isn't really good.

He's a league-average starter. That's more valuable than we might think now that we have so much "depth."

[reds44]

What's to stop their freefall? It's pretty obvious that this club is a paper tiger.
If Dunn and Edwin are BOTH hitting in the .170's come middle of may, I will buy the entire board a round.

[reds44]

Cueto was fired up coming off the mound.

[Falls City Beer]

He's a league-average starter. That's more valuable than we might think now that we have so much "depth."

Arroyo's league average days are gone.

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K

[Screwball]

If Dunn and Edwin are BOTH hitting in the .170's come middle of may, I will buy the entire board a round.

Got a fake ID? :D

[reds44]

Cueto: 4 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 5 K
He sucks.

[Matt700wlw]

If Dunn and Edwin are BOTH hitting in the .170's come middle of may, I will buy the entire board a round.

You and FCB could call it even since Cueto has shown he can hit 96

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto was fired up coming off the mound.

As he should be. This ump's strikezone is horrible.

[WVRedsFan]

If Dunn and Edwin are BOTH hitting in the .170's come middle of may, I will buy the entire board a round.

You can't unless it's Coke Zero. :) I think i remember you being under age?

[Matt700wlw]

El strikezone es sucko

[OnBaseMachine]

Encarnacion swings at the first pitch and pops out. LOL.

[redsrule2500]

Awww, we lost the widescreen 480i! :(

[Buckeye33]

Another horribly weak pop up by Edwin. I think I might actually agree with Fay and think it's time to send him down. He simply has no idea what's going on at the plater right now.

[RedEye]

Arroyo's league average days are gone.

Is see no basis for this claim. The difference in his stats last year were mostly based on luck. When he's not being ridden for 130 pitches every couple of weeks, he can still be an effective junkballer. That's good for any rotation in the #3 or #4 slot. That doesn't mean the Reds shouldn't trade him if someone offers the moon... but they shouldn't be in a hurry.

[Matt700wlw]

Insomniacs should DVR Reds games.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bako bloop single.

[Buckeye33]

Castro does what Castro does, trying to be a HR hitter and flies meakly to LF.

[Wheelhouse]

Finally a hit

[Falls City Beer]

Is see no basis for this claim. The difference in his stats last year were mostly based on luck. When he's not being ridden for 130 pitches every couple of weeks, he can still be an effective junkballer. That's good for any rotation in the #3 or #4 slot. That doesn't mean the Reds shouldn't trade him if someone offers the moon... but they shouldn't be in a hurry.

There's a difference between a junkballer like Fogg and a league average starter.

[reds44]

The Reds are just popping everything up.

[Matt700wlw]

Castro does what Castro does, trying to be a HR hitter and flyies meakly to LF.

The fact that he made it to the outfielder may get him more playing time

[Buckeye33]

Hey Welch, Hopper isn't quite up yet. How do these guys get paid to announce?

[Matt700wlw]

Kueto has good at bats.

[RedsManRick]

Cueto reminds me of BP with a little less crouch at the plate.

[RedEye]

There's a difference between a junkballer like Fogg and a league average starter.

Arroyo is not a junkballer like Fogg. He is an effective offspeed starter who maintains relatively high K rates.

[OnBaseMachine]

6 pitch atbat for Cueto as he grounded out. He's seen 14 pitches in two atbats. Bat him leadoff.

[reds44]

Arroyo is not a junkballer like Fogg. He is an effective offspeed starter who maintains relatively high K rates.
Yeah there is a difference between a guy with good offspeed stuff and somebody just throwing crap up there.

[Matt700wlw]

When Arroyo's offspeed stuff is working, he's pretty tough to hit.

Josh Fogg is rarely tough to hit.

[Kc61]

If the Reds want to be a serious team, which they apparently do, they need to study their offense closely. I've felt for some time that something is fundamentally wrong with it.

I'm not saying it's a bad offense. But it seems very dependent on walks and home runs. Not sure I can put my finger on the problem, but they don't seem to score runs by stringing hits together. Several of their players are prone to long slumps. And they often go into slumps at the same time.

The Reds have a big decision to make on Dunn. (Maybe they should negotiate right now, if they want some leverage.) Maybe it's worth some effort to figure out whether he makes sense for the future, why they have so much trouble knocking in base runners, and just what the problem is.

[OnBaseMachine]

0-2 on Bautista. K swinging on a fastball. 6 K's.

[Matt700wlw]

6 Ks for Kueto

[Falls City Beer]

Arroyo is not a junkballer like Fogg. He is an effective offspeed starter who maintains relatively high K rates.

Batters hit .785 OPSA off Arroyo last year, up from .700 OPSA the year before.

I know everyone dismisses this stat (except me--I feel like it mostly aligns with my gut notions of what's happening on the field), but that's a pretty big collapse in "luck," IMO.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bixler flies to shallow left on the first pitch. 2 down.

[reds44]

Cueto is good. Really, really good.

[Matt700wlw]

Cueto is good. Really, really good.

Yeah, he's decent ;)

[OnBaseMachine]

Called strike to Gorzelanny. 0-1. Foul. 0-2. Slider just misses. 1-2. Fastball again on the corner and again the ump screws him. Flyout to Freel as the umpire costs him a K.

This ump sucks.

[PuffyPig]

They had as of a couple of days ago. Still, a very disproportionate and high percentage going to two hitters. Now that pitchers see they aren't able to put the ball in play, the BB numbers for those two will descend.

Or it is possible that Dunn and EE will start hitting.

There is a bit of history there.

And Dunn and EE haven't had more than half of the Reds walks this year at any time this season, unless it was after a few games. Certainly not recently.

[reds44]

So how does everyone feel about the ump?
And the offense?

[Cedric]

Arroyo isn't key at this point. The Reds could use him and Dunn and try their best to bring back some true punch or someone with plenty of time owned by the organization.

[Joseph]

The ump is squeezing Johnny K

[OnBaseMachine]

Cueto: 5 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 6 K

[VR]

Nice pitch efficient inning for Cueto...might squeeze 7 out of him. But, with this bullpen, that's not really a big concern. (I never imagined those words would be uttered regarding the Reds bully)

[pahster]

So how does everyone feel about the ump?
And the offense?

Bring me Robo Ump.

The offense will get it going eventually, Dunn especially.

[Kc61]

Batters hit .785 OPSA off Arroyo last year, up from .700 OPSA the year before.

I know everyone dismisses this stat (except me--I feel like it mostly aligns with my gut notions of what's happening on the field), but that's a pretty big collapse in "luck," IMO.


Even if Arroyo is now a back-of-the-rotation guy, this pitching staff is dramatically improved. And there's depth both in the rotation and the bullpen. These last two weeks, it's hard to believe these pitchers are members of the Reds.

Krivsky deserves kudos for this and, with a good minor league pipeline, it should continue. Even if they wind up at a 4.5 team ERA it is a major improvement.

[Matt700wlw]

Honestly, at this point...I'd rather be griping about the offense than the pitching.


At this point.

[Falls City Beer]

Or it is possible that Dunn and EE will start hitting.

There is a bit of history there.

And Dunn and EE haven't had more than half of the Reds walks this year at any time this season, unless it was after a few games. Certainly not recently.

At one point, I know, they represented 18 of the team's 36. You're just being pedantic. The point being, they're being pitched around. If you were ingenuous, you'd admit as much.

[OnBaseMachine]

Freel reaches on error.

[Wheelhouse]

some Reds fans in the crowd. Poor sots.

[WVRedsFan]

This series, the Reds have been up to bat 88 times and have 3 runs and 20 hits to show for it--a .227 average and they've left 51 runners on base, An average of 1 run per game and all three runs came in game 2. Scary bad.

Reds pitching has a 2.14 ERA.

And enough of this Pirate history on the TV!

[WMR]

Arroyo isn't key at this point. The Reds could use him and Dunn and try their best to bring back some true punch or someone with plenty of time owned by the organization.

Dunn is "true punch."

He's in a slump right now.

Look at the back of his baseball card and tell me who you're going to bring back as good/better than he is?

Trading Dunn would be a huge mistake.

[OnBaseMachine]

Sac bunt by Hopper. That's all he can do.

[VR]

Freel reaches on error.

I'm sure he'll pay them back with a mental error and get picked

[RedsManRick]

Nothing like playing for 1 run when you're down 2.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Honestly, at this point...I'd rather be griping about the offense than the pitching.


At this point.

I agree. It should be much easier for them to trade for a bat to ignite the offense than to find a pitcher to help anchor the staff.

But this offense needs a lot of igniting thus far

[Matt700wlw]

pitcher injury...looks like his back.

Ouch, epsecially on a raw wet day like today.

[Tom Servo]

Nothing like playing for 1 run when you're down 2.
Reverse psychology?

[redsfaninbsg]

What I wouldn't give to see Jr. go yard.

[Cedric]

Dunn is "true punch."

He's in a slump right now.

Look at the back of his baseball card and tell me who you're going to bring back as good/better than he is?

Trading Dunn would be a huge mistake.

The Reds aren't going to truly compete this year. Bring back someone RH with power potential and I'd move him today. Dunn is going to fall and fall fast with his body type. Hopefully this isn't the start.

[Falls City Beer]

Even if Arroyo is now a back-of-the-rotation guy, this pitching staff is dramatically improved. And there's depth both in the rotation and the bullpen. These last two weeks, it's hard to believe these pitchers are members of the Reds.

Krivsky deserves kudos for this and, with a good minor league pipeline, it should continue. Even if they wind up at a 4.5 team ERA it is a major improvement.

So you see Cueto and Volquez putting up quality innings over--at bare minimum--150-160 innings?

They're going to struggle. That's exactly what young pitchers do. Maybe we get a fluke, and one of them doesn't struggle, but one of them at least is going to struggle. I'm not being pessimistic; that's just the way the universe operates. Things fall apart. Not just for the Reds, for every team counting on several youngster to do what only vets should rationally be expected to do.

[NC Reds]

Dunn is "true punch."

He's in a slump right now.

Look at the back of his baseball card and tell me who you're going to bring back as good/better than he is?

Trading Dunn would be a huge mistake.


Amen brother.

[reds44]

Nothing like playing for 1 run when you're down 2.
Gotta get 1 before you can get 2.

[OnBaseMachine]

Grande just said the Pirates trainer come to Pittsburgh to take a head job. Awesome.

[PuffyPig]

Nothing like playing for 1 run when you're down 2.

There's a world of difference betwen a sacrifice and bunting for a base hit.

[Matt700wlw]

Junior advances the runner....yawn.

[OnBaseMachine]

Griffey grounds out to 2nd. Freel to 3rd with 2 outs.

[Falls City Beer]

Gotta get 1 before you can get 2.

Not really. Give quality ABs and everything will fall into place. Swing and don't focus, and you get this team's offense.

[Matt700wlw]

This lack of righty bats is ALL on Wayne Krivsky.

[Kc61]

So you see Cueto and Volquez putting up quality innings over--at bare minimum--150-160 innings?

They're going to struggle. That's exactly what young pitchers do. Maybe we get a fluke, and one of them doesn't struggle, but one of them at least is going to struggle. I'm not being pessimistic; that's just the way the universe operates. Things fall apart. Not just for the Reds, for every team counting on several youngster to do what only vets should rationally be expected to do.

But you've got Bailey and Belisle in the wings. And Lehr as a stop gap. In the bullpen, you have Bray. Then, later in the season, maybe McBeth, or Pelland, or Roenicke, or Viola, or Lutz who is at AA.

The pitching is in much better shape than in past years.

[Falls City Beer]

The pitching is in much better shape than in past years.

I've heard this song so damn many times, it's nigh on meaningless to my ears.

[WVRedsFan]

This lack of righty bats is ALL on Wayne Krivsky.

Never ! He's the bomb. Why I even heard chatter on here about giving him an extention the other day. :eek:

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips walks. 1st and 3rd 2 outs for Keppinger.

[WVRedsFan]

I've heard this song so damn many times, it's nigh on meaningless to my ears.

If the pitching staff gives up 2 runs and we only score 1, we lose. If the staff gives up 7 and we score 6, we lose. Makes no difference.

[Cedric]

If the pitching staff gives up 2 runs and we only score 1, we lose. If the staff gives up 7 and we score 6, we lose. Makes no difference.

Makes a completely difference in how fast you can compete. Building a lineup from scratch is a ton easier than building a staff and bullpen. Cincinnati Reds recent history ring a bell?

[OnBaseMachine]

2-1 on Kepp. Foul. 2-2. Foul. Ball away. 3-2. Phillips steals 2nd base. Hit here ties the game.

[Matt700wlw]

Keppinger hanging around...

[Matt700wlw]

Eddie...COME ON! Bases juiced.

[OnBaseMachine]

Another foul. 3-2 still. Ball 4. Bases loaded for EdE. Here's three more for Edwin to strand.

[cincrazy]

Fantastic. EE up with the bases loaded and two outs. I wonder what's going to happen here?

[Buckeye33]

Anyone want to bet Edwin swing at the 1st or 2nd pitch and pops up?

[redsrule2500]

EE....great

[WVRedsFan]

Makes a completely difference in how fast you can compete. Building a lineup from scratch is a ton easier than building a staff and bullpen. Cincinnati Reds recent history ring a bell?

Fully understand. I'm just saying at this point in time, this season, we still lose regardless. All too familiar.

I'd have walked Kepp,too. Getting to EE is the perferred strategy.

[Buckeye33]

0-2 NICE

[HumnHilghtFreel]

This is going to be what, the 4th time Edwin has had the bases jacked for himself already this season?

[Falls City Beer]

Anyone want to bet Edwin swing at the 1st or 2nd pitch and pops up?

Who would take that bet? Wanna bet Aretha Franklin grabs that Twinkie on the silver platter?