7/8/08: Reds @ Marty's Favorite Fans--The Return of Dusty Act II

[reds44]

Reds:
Hairston SS
Bruce CF
Griffey RF
Phillips 2B
Dunn LF
Keppinger 3B
Votto 1B
Bako C
Harang P

[Red in Chicago]

dempster is 9 - 0 at wrigley...he's overdue for a loss...

[NC Reds]

I can't believe Dempster is undefeated at home. That needs to change tonight.

[RedsManRick]

Could be some rain in the next 30-60 minutes. The skies west of here don't look promising.

[Reds Fanatic]

Edmonds makes a diving catch on Hairston's fly ball.

[Red in Chicago]

Edmonds makes a diving catch on Hairston's fly ball.

thank goodness i didn't have to hear george say "he got it" ;)

[Caseyfan21]

George provides the man love to Edmonds. "A Dandy!"

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce hit by the pitch.

[Hap]

Edmonds makes a diving catch on Hairston's fly ball.

and george grande is very happy

[Big Klu]

Edmonds makes a diving catch on Hairston's fly ball.

George is happy.

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior flies out to left. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds into a force out at 2nd. Reds did not score but did work deep into the count making Dempster throw a lot of pitches.

[NC Reds]

At least Dempster had to throw a lot of pitches.

Dead Horse Alert - BP is not a clean up hitter against righties.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dempster threw 20 pitches that inning.

[RedsManRick]

Making Dempster throw 20 pitches is a nice sign. Reds hitters looked like they went up there planning to watch some pitches.

I'll take a swipe at that horse. Just plain old stupid.

[Reds Fanatic]

Theriot grounds out to 2nd. Great play by Phillips.

[NC Reds]

BP should win Gold Glove this year easily.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fukodome walks.

[RedsManRick]

As we've seen from him most of the year, Harang is uncharacteristically up in the zone. Something is wrong mechanically, no doubt.

[Red in Chicago]

harang will give up a bomb this inning:(

[Reds Fanatic]

Bako easily throws out Fukodome. That pitch looked like strike 3 but the count is 2-2.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lee strikes out swiging on a pitch in the dirt. 0-0 after 1.

[NC Reds]

Harang recovers nicely. Scoreless thru 1.

[Red in Chicago]

harang will give up a bomb this inning:(

glad i was wrong...i thought lee was going to tag one...

[_Sir_Charles_]

An inning with solid (if not spectacular) defense from *gulp* the Reds. Now that's a change of pace I'd be happy to see more often.

This "could" be a long game with Aaron struggling with his control. 6 strikes, 9 balls. Very un-Harang-like.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn half swings and grounds one just inches in front of the plate and is tagged out by the catcher.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. Now Dunn has caught Corey-itis. :O)

[NC Reds]

Country Kepp gets a knock.

[Reds Fanatic]

Keppinger singles to left breaking a long hitless streak.

[_Sir_Charles_]

There we go. Snap out of it Kepp! Single to break the 0-22 slump.

[NC Reds]

Votto rakes.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto singles to center. 1st and 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is Dempster just trying to protect the plate and push hitters back or is his control THAT erratic?

And as I speak...Votto single!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, a player makes a good defensive play and then comes to the plate in the next at-bat. That's almost always a hit, right? :O) Come on Bako!

[Reds Fanatic]

Bako hits it hard but lines into a 4-6 DP. 0-0 mid 2nd.

[NC Reds]

That was unlucky. :(

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Nice defense there and bad luck for Paul.

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds usually give away one or two outs a game on the basepaths.

[RedsManRick]

Aramis Ramirez with a KG Jr triple....

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramirez bloops a triple to right past a diving Junior.

[NC Reds]

It sure would be nice to have a rightfielder with range.

[OnBaseMachine]

Griffey's defense is killing the Reds.

With Bruce in RF there is one out.

[Red in Chicago]

junior much too slow to make that play...an unearned triple there

[Reds Fanatic]

Sac fly to center for Soto. 1-0 Cubs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* Stand-up triple. Nice effort by Junior...but that was a bad decision AND it shows his lack of speed in the OF.

[OnBaseMachine]

Chalk that run up to the defense.

[CTA513]

A gift triple for Ramirez and a sac fly makes it 1-0 Cubs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

perfect fundamental ball there. DEEP FLY BALL with a man on third. I seem to remember saying something about that before. *grrrrrr*

[Reds Fanatic]

Edmonds walks.

[Reds Fanatic]

You just knew that had to run the Edmonds highlight clips. It only took 2 innings. Those Edmonds highlights must be in George's contract.

[Reds Fanatic]

DeRosa strikes out swinging. 2 Ks. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

DeRosa K's. 2 k's for Harang...to go with 2 walks.

[NC Reds]

I'm almost glad I have the Cubs broadcast rather than George tonight. I hate the Cubs but I need a Reds announcer that matches my contempt. George doesn't.

[OnBaseMachine]

Harang can't throw strikes tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fontenot walks. The 3rd walk already. 1st and 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It's looking like Harang is far from getting the benefit of the doubt on the close pitches. 2 or 3 of those pitches looked like strikes.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dempster strikes out looking. 3 Ks and 3 walks for Harang. 1-0 Cubs after 2.

[Red in Chicago]

38 pitches for harang, of which only 18 were strikes...he's destined for a short outing at this pace...

[_Sir_Charles_]

Coming into this game, Harang had 102 strikeouts with only 27 walks. Tonight, 3 and 3 so far. Not a formula for success for Aaron.

[Reds Fanatic]

Harang lines out to 1st. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Harang leads off the 3rd with a line out to 1st.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hairston robbed again on a diving stop by Ramirez. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hairston first pitch swinging...2 down. Nice stab by Ramirez.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging on a high fastball. 1-0 Cubs mid 3rd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Next Big Thing steps to the plate...and strikes out swinging. That was a quick inning.

[Reds Fanatic]

Theriot lines a single to left center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fukodome walks but the 2-2 pitch again looked like strike 3. 1st and 2nd.

[OnBaseMachine]

This looks like it will be a blowout because Harang has no idea of the strikezone tonight.

[Red in Chicago]

he simply cannot afford to let lee on base with ramirez on deck...

[OnBaseMachine]

And now he walks Lee.

Bases loaded and nobody out because Harang can't throw a strike.

[Reds Fanatic]

Another walk. 5 walks and Harang has thrown a ton of pitches. Bases loaded no outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. 5 walks for Harang in the 4th inning. Bases loaded no outs. This is NOT looking good.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramirez sac fly to center. That was not deep but the throw was no where near on target or the cut off man. 2-0 Cubs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cubs leading 2-0. Sac fly. Hmmm...another fly ball with a man on third. I wonder if Dusty has someone taking notes for him?

[Red in Chicago]

a "phillips" sure would be nice here;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Soto strikes out swinging. 4 Ks. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Soto strikes out. 2 down. Men on 1st and 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Milwaukee up 4-0 on the Rockies (4th inning)
Astros up 1-0 over the Pirates (1st inning-delayed though)
Cards up 2-0 on the Phils (8th inning)

[OnBaseMachine]

Nice job by Harang to limit the damage to just one run.

[Reds Fanatic]

Edmonds flies out to right. Lucky to get out of that with only one run scoring. 2-0 Cubs after 3.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Got out of it with only 1 run across. *whew*

Edmonds pops out to right.

[Reds Fanatic]

This is going to be a long bullpen night. Harang has thrown 74 pitches :eek: in 3 innings.

[Red in Chicago]

74 pitches for harang...39 strikes...36 pitches that inning

[Kc61]

Harang with control problems but seems to be throwing well. Really should have allowed only one run, that first one was strictly on the defense.

[NC Reds]

These Cubs announcers are getting on my nerves. How many times is this guy going to say the Cubs have the best record in the NL?

We're fortunate just to be down two runs.

[Screwball]

Edmonds flies out to right. Lucky to get out of that with only one run scoring. 2-0 Cubs after 3.

I prefer to call it excellent pitching when he needed it most.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Umm...maybe we should just pick one person to do the play-by-play. :O)

I'm gonna step out and just listen seeing as how OBM and RF seem to have it covered. *grin*

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior walks.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips strikes out swinging. 1 out.

[NC Reds]

BP looked horrible that AB.

[Screwball]

Phillips seems like the type of hitter Dempster doesn't at all mind seeing in the batter's box.

Dunn, on the other hand, is a different story.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn walks. 1st and 2nd.

[NC Reds]

Great AB by Dunn.

[Red in Chicago]

dempster showing some wildness..reds really need to capitalize here

[Reds Fanatic]

Bloop to right turns into a 9-6 FC as Dunn has to hold up thinking the ball would be caught. 1st and 3rd. 2 outs.

[Screwball]

Bloop to right turns into a 9-6 FC as Dunn has to hold up thinking the ball would be caught. 1st and 3rd. 2 outs.

Unreal. I'm convinced Dempster went and sold his soul to the devil in the offseason.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto walks. The 3rd walk of the inning. Bases loaded for Bako.

[NC Reds]

It's been an inning of good at bats with nothing to show yet (except for BP's monstrosity).

[OnBaseMachine]

3-0 on Bako. He needs to take a couple pitches.

[NC Reds]

Good job Bakowicz.

[Red in Chicago]

woo hoo...a run:beerme:

[WVRedsFan]

i'd rather have hits, if you don't mind.

Iknow you don't. Reds have 2 as do the Cubs.

Walk forces in a run. Wow.

[Reds Fanatic]

4 pitch walk to Bako. 2-1 Cubs. Harang should not swing at anything here. Dempster is so wild now make him throw 3 strikes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Alright! 2-1 Cubs. Way to be patient there Bako!

[Kc61]

Reds scored on four walks this inning. Time to blame Dusty, they don't swing the bat enough.

[Red in Chicago]

four walks and only score one run...pitiful...just pitiful

[Reds Fanatic]

Harang strikes out swinging on a low and outside pitch. 2-1 Cubs mid 4th.

[OnBaseMachine]

Of course Harang swings at a 0-1 pitch well down and away. And again. Awful atbat. Dempster walked four in the inning and Harang helps him out by swinging at two awful pitches.

[VR]

Edmonds flies out to right. Lucky to get out of that with only one run scoring. 2-0 Cubs after 3.

Unforced errors (walks, triple, doubled off, force out at 2nd) continue to just annihilate the Reds chances this tonight, and all year.

I realize the last two weren't neccessarily mental errors, but they have a propensity as a team to have 'bad luck'.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dempster is at 72 pitches through 4.

[_Sir_Charles_]

As bad as Harang has been so far...Dempster's not far behind. We need to take advantage of this (his wildness) while we can. The coaches better be screaming "be patient" as the hitters head out.

[Screwball]

Of course Harang swings at a 0-1 pitch well down and away. And again. Awful atbat. Dempster walked four in the inning and Harang helps him out by swinging at two awful pitches.

I'm not sure whose AB was worse: Harang or Phillips.

Of course, one has an excuse...

[OnBaseMachine]

Harang walks DeRosa on four pitches and wasn't even close to throwing a strike.

[Reds Fanatic]

4 pitch walk to DeRosa. 6 walks by Harang.

[NC Reds]

Harang looks awful. If it is mechanical, Dick Pole needs to earn his money now.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You've got to be kidding me. What in the world is going on with Harang?

[Reds Fanatic]

Fontenot homers to center. 4-1 Cubs.

[CTA513]

Just pull Harang before he gives up anymore runs.

[RedsManRick]

Harang to the DL after this start. Please. Fix it.

[dougdirt]

Anyone who supported Dusty Baker at the beginning of the season still think it was a good idea to let that man run our team and pitching staff?

[Screwball]

Man, I hate to say it, but Harang's become a liability recently.

[OnBaseMachine]

Harang to the DL after this start. Please. Fix it.

Agreed. Who cares about this season, we need Harang healthy for next season.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Harang looks awful. If it is mechanical, Dick Pole needs to earn his money now.

If it's MENTAL, Dick Pole STILL needs to earn his money. I haven't seen this guy have any effect on any of our pitchers.

2 run shot by Fontenot. *shakes head sadly*

[dougdirt]

You've got to be kidding me. What in the world is going on with Harang?

Dusty Baker.

[hebroncougar]

You've got to be kidding me. What in the world is going on with Harang?

You sure have to wonder don't ya? Well, Dick Pole obviously has no answers. There is no way, no how that I let Harang start on Sunday. Call it a half a season, and let him have a couple of weeks off. If there is nothing wrong with his arm, Pole should be fired. Yesterday.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dempster bloops a single to center.

[CTA513]

Someone tell Dusty that Harang doesn't have to stay in for his usual 100+ pitches.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dusty Baker.

How do you figure? His pitch counts haven't been bad. That one relief stint in that extra-inning game was NOT the beginning of his bad appearances. It's something else.

[Kc61]

Anyone who supported Dusty Baker at the beginning of the season still think it was a good idea to let that man run our team and pitching staff?


Let me guess. This is about the San Diego outing.

Not buying it.

[Reds Fanatic]

Theriot grounds into a 4-6-3 DP. 2 outs.

[Red in Chicago]

maj warming up...it doesn't get any better

[dougdirt]

Let me guess. This is about the San Diego outing.

Not buying it.

Look at Harang for the 3 years before that, then look at Harang after it. Still don't buy it?

[flyer85]

Harang seems ready for a DL trip

[Reds Fanatic]

Fukodome strikes out looking. 4-1 Cubs after 4.

[hebroncougar]

How do you figure? His pitch counts haven't been bad. That one relief stint in that extra-inning game was NOT the beginning of his bad appearances. It's something else.

His ERA was 3.32 after that appearance. It's 4.50+ now. I'd say that was the beginning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Look at Harang for the 3 years before that, then look at Harang after it. Still don't buy it?

Look at him since spring training. If it's coaching...it's on Pole. If it's pitch-count...it's on Dusty. If it's mechanics/mental...it's on Pole. I sure haven't seen anything out of the ordinary in terms of Pitchcounts with Harang this year. If you're going to blame that San Diego game, look at his stuff BEFORE that game this year. Not much difference. He's been solidly poor all year (snake-bit a bit early on...but still). This is either on Pole...or Harang. Odds are, it's a confidence problem.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hairston has been robbed 3 times tonight. Another diving stop by Ramirez. 1 out.

[RedsManRick]

Welcome to the wonderful world of regression, Jerry.

[guttle11]

Who did Hairston tick off? Goodness.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Junior grounds out to 2nd. 4-1 Cubs mid 5th.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lee walks. 7 walks. Now 97 pitches.

[NC Reds]

The beat goes on.....

[_Sir_Charles_]

His ERA was 3.32 after that appearance. It's 4.50+ now. I'd say that was the beginning.

Nope. On the 22nd he went 5.1 and gave up 10 hits / 5 runs.
12th, 7 ip / 4 runs / 7 hits / 3 dingers

Up to that extra inning game he'd still given up 8 homers already. He's now at 19 dingers.

I'm not trying to defend Baker for using him in that SD game. Just saying he was already struggling BEFORE that outing. Since that outing it's just progressively gotten worse. There's something wrong and it's not pitch count or related to that SD game.

[hebroncougar]

The beat goes on.....

Cubs fans chuckling under their breath, and mumbling, he STILL doesn't get it.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramirez strikes out swinging. Lee steals 2nd. 104 pitches.

[flyer85]

There's something wrong and it's not pitch count or related to that SD game.we will never know ... the point is that going to starters was a risk not worth taking for the outcome of one game.

[_Sir_Charles_]

we will never know ... the point is that going to starters was a risk not worth taking for the outcome of one game.

Oh, no doubt. That was a horribly managed game. I'm certainly not trying to defend THAT travesty. I just saw problems with Aaron BEFORE that game.

[NC Reds]

This is pathetic.

[Reds Fanatic]

Soto homers to left. 6-1 Cubs.

[CrackerJack]

wow what a meat ball, straight and hanging BB

[OnBaseMachine]

Let's see. Your ace is coming off an injury. He's thrown over 100 pitches in 4+ innings and is struggling, so yeah let's leave him in to put the team behind even more.

[Cyclone792]

I'm not trying to defend Baker for using him in that SD game. Just saying he was already struggling BEFORE that outing. Since that outing it's just progressively gotten worse. There's something wrong and it's not pitch count or related to that SD game.

Miley abuse

Narron abuse

Baker abuse

Third time's the charm. It wouldn't surprise me if Harang has a nasty injury that surfaces sometime soon.

[dougdirt]

Nope. On the 22nd he went 5.1 and gave up 10 hits / 5 runs.
12th, 7 ip / 4 runs / 7 hits / 3 dingers

Up to that extra inning game he'd still given up 8 homers already. He's now at 19 dingers.

I'm not trying to defend Baker for using him in that SD game. Just saying he was already struggling BEFORE that outing. Since that outing it's just progressively gotten worse. There's something wrong and it's not pitch count or related to that SD game.

Harang Pre and post SD relief outing counting the beating he took today....



IP H BB K ER ERA WHIP H/9 BB/9 K/9
Pre SD 74.7 73 18 63 29 3.5 1.21 8.79 2.16 7.59
Post SD 44.3 63 15 36 36 7.30 1.75 12.78 3.37 7.30



So yeah, I think there is a major correlation to him being used in relief in San Diego on no rest what so ever.

[Kc61]

Look at Harang for the 3 years before that, then look at Harang after it. Still don't buy it?

No.

Two days before the relief outing Harang allowed five runs on ten hits to the Padres. I've heard people say it was bad luck. But he allowed ten hits that Friday night.

Two outings before that, against Florida, he gave up four runs in 7 innings.

Were those outings in anticipation of the relief stint?

Against Boston on June 13, after the SD relief outing, Harang allowed one run on four hits in seven innings, with seven strikeouts. Against the best team in baseball. After the relief outing.

Harang isn't right, he hasn't pitched well most times, maybe he's hurt, maybe he's tipping his pitches, maybe his arm is shot from pitching too many innings, who knows. But I think it is a major stretch to pin in on that relief outing.

[flyer85]

I will never understand Dusty and his reluctance to replace obviously struggling pitchers

[hebroncougar]

I just don't get it. Baker just let our #1 starter (arguably) embarass himself, after clearly, and I mean clearly having something wrong tonight.

[Reds Fanatic]

As usual Dusty leaves the pitchers in to long to give up extra runs.

[CTA513]

Only only took 108 pitches and giving up 6 runs in 4.1 innings before he was pulled.

[CTA513]

I just don't get it. Baker just let our #1 starter (arguably) embarass himself, after clearly, and I mean clearly having something wrong tonight.

He let Harang do the same thing against the Marlins.

[guttle11]

Even if he's healthy, I don't want to see Harang again until August. If he's hurt at all, shut him down for the year.

Please.

[dougdirt]

No.

Two days before the relief outing Harang allowed five runs on ten hits to the Padres. I've heard people say it was bad luck. But he allowed ten hits that Friday night.

Two outings before that, against Florida, he gave up four runs in 7 innings.

Were those outings in anticipation of the relief stint?

Against Boston on June 13, after the SD relief outing, Harang allowed one run on four hits in seven innings, with seven strikeouts. Against the best team in baseball. After the relief outing.

Harang isn't right, he hasn't pitched well most times, maybe he's hurt, maybe he's tipping his pitches, maybe his arm is shot from pitching too many innings, who knows. But I think it is a major stretch to pin in on that relief outing.

Harang allowed 2 starts in which he allowed more than 3 earned runs in his 11 starts before the relief outing. He has allowed 3 earned runs or more in 5 of 8 since then.

[Reds Fanatic]

Affeldt in to pitch.

Edmonds pops out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

DeRosa strikes out swinging. 6-1 Cubs after 5.

[hebroncougar]

He let Harang do the same thing against the Marlins.

It's one thing to have your horse take some abuse when you need innings eaten. Here, we are coming off of an off day, granted it's the beginning or a road trip and you don't want to eat your pen on the first day, but this is what Affeldt is for, not the guy you've got $40 million invested in over the next 3 years.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to short. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No.

Two days before the relief outing Harang allowed five runs on ten hits to the Padres. I've heard people say it was bad luck. But he allowed ten hits that Friday night.

Two outings before that, against Florida, he gave up four runs in 7 innings.

Were those outings in anticipation of the relief stint?

Against Boston on June 13, after the SD relief outing, Harang allowed one run on four hits in seven innings, with seven strikeouts. Against the best team in baseball. After the relief outing.

Harang isn't right, he hasn't pitched well most times, maybe he's hurt, maybe he's tipping his pitches, maybe his arm is shot from pitching too many innings, who knows. But I think it is a major stretch to pin in on that relief outing.

Spot on. Maybe it IS his innings pitched over the past few years. But it had never bothered him before? Why now? If it's an injury, he needs to be DL'd without a doubt. But it's been snowballing lately, that leads me to believe it's mental. That he's simply lost his confidence, it can even happen to vets. Obviously, missing one start wasn't enough though. Mental or physical, he needs a rather long break.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn flies out to center. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Keppinger grounds out to short. 6-1 Cubs mid 6th.

[MikeS21]

I do not see ANY link between the relief outing and the numbers since, for two obvious reasons:

1) Harang's numbers were not "Aaron Harang good" BEFORE the relief stint in SD. He has had games here and there that were OK, but he has not really been himself since Opening Day.

2) On the day of the relief stint, Harang VOLUNTEERED to pitch. Dusty originally refused, but Harang told him, it was his regular day to throw on the side anyway, and he might as well get his work in, in an actual game situation as opposed to a bullpen session. It just so happened that Harang cruised through those relief innings, barely breaking a sweat.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fontenot lines a double to right.

[flyer85]

But I think it is a major stretch to pin in on that relief outing.not the point ... the point is why take the risk with a front of the rotation starter for the outcome of one game

[Reds Fanatic]

Now a 4 pitch walk to Dempster.

[Reds Fanatic]

And a wild pitch moves the runners to 2nd and 3rd. This game is turning into a bad joke.

[dougdirt]

I do not see ANY link between the relief outing and the numbers since, for two obvious reasons:

1) Harang's numbers were not "Aaron Harang good" BEFORE the relief stint in SD. He has had games here and there that were OK, but he has not really been himself since Opening Day.

2) On the day of the relief stint, Harang VOLUNTEERED to pitch. Dusty originally refused, but Harang told him, it was his regular day to throw on the side anyway, and he might as well get his work in, in an actual game situation as opposed to a bullpen session. It just so happened that Harang cruised through those relief innings, barely breaking a sweat.

I don't really care if Harang offered to pitch it or not, it was absolutely the worst managerial decision of the year in all of major league baseball. It was followed likely by Baker throwing Volquez in the 18th of that same game.

As for your #1.... Harang allowed more than 3 earned runs twice in 11 starts before that game. He has now allowed 3 or more in 5 of 8 and in all of those 5 or more earned runs.

[flyer85]

looks like this week is a good bet to end the charade of the 2008 Reds

[Reds Fanatic]

And another wild pitch/passed ball? makes it 7-1 Cubs.

[Kc61]

Harang allowed 2 starts in which he allowed more than 3 earned runs in his 11 starts before the relief outing. He has allowed 3 earned runs or more in 5 of 8 since then.

Actually, Harang allowed five at Chicago, four against Florida, and five against SD, all before the relief outing.

Perhaps more importantly, two of these three outings were just before the relief outing. Including a disaster two days before the relief outing.

[Reds Fanatic]

Theriot flies out to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fukodome strikes out swinging.

[dougdirt]

Actually, Harang allowed five at Chicago, four against Florida, and five against SD all before the relief outing.

Perhaps more importantly, two of these three outings were just before the relief outing. Including a disaster two days before the relief outing.

Missed the Florida start. You are right. Still, 3 of 11 and 5 of 8.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lee lines out to 1st. 7-1 Cubs after 6.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto grounds out to 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bako grounds out to 2nd. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

A. Phillips strikes out looking. 10 in a row retired by Dempster. Reds have managed 2 hits all night.

[CrackerJack]

A. Phillips strikes out looking. 10 in a row retired by Dempster. Reds have managed 2 hits all night.

Sounds...familiar....

[Reds Fanatic]

Majewski in to pitch

Infield hit for Ramirez

[Reds Fanatic]

Great play by Hairston starts a 6-4-3 DP.

[Reds Fanatic]

Edmonds strikes out swinging. 7-1 Cubs after 7.

[Kc61]

Missed the Florida start. You are right. Still, 3 of 11 and 5 of 8.

It was very uncharacteristic of Harang to be bombed that Friday night by San Diego. Ten hits in 5.1 inning against a weak hitting team.

I wish he hadn't pitched in relief. I also wish Harang had been babied more by the last several managers, including Baker. He's pitched a ton of innings over the last few years.

But even so, it is simply speculation why Harang's season has gone south.

[reds44]

keppinger plays 3rd base worse than he does shortstop.

[Reds Fanatic]

Neal Cotts in to pitch.

4 pitch walk to Hairston.

[Kc61]

Welcome to the wonderful world of regression, Jerry.

Walk to Hairston, recovering from the wonderful world of regression.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging for the 3rd time tonight. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

4 pitch walk to Junior. 1st and 2nd.

[edabbs44]

It was very uncharacteristic of Harang to be bombed that Friday night by San Diego. Ten hits in 5.1 inning against a weak hitting team.

I wish he hadn't pitched in relief. I also wish Harang had been babied more by the last several managers, including Baker. He's pitched a ton of innings over the last few years.

But even so, it is simply speculation why Harang's season has gone south.

Absolutely right. The relief appearance is just a convenient excuse for the Dusty bashers.

Dusty's a fool, but this probably has nothing to do with the relief appearance.

Then again, if this is truly the beginning of the downfall of Harang, then I am really looking forward to having two Miltons on the roster starting next year. Yippee.

[Reds Fanatic]

Marmol in to pitch.

Phillips pops out to 3rd. 2 outs.

[Wheelhouse]

"Big home run swing, and Aaron Boone pops out."

[Wheelhouse]

Whiff... that hurt my feelings.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dunn strikes out swinging. 7-1 Cubs mid 8th.

[CTA513]

He had a 1st pitch slider to hammer and watched it for strike 1.

[Reds Fanatic]

DeRosa grounds out to short. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fontenot grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ward grounds out to 3rd. 7-1 Cubs after 8.

[Wheelhouse]

Terrific play by Keppinger that will show up in no other statistic but a PO

[Reds Fanatic]

Howry in to pitch.

Keppinger singles to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto flies out to left. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bako singles to right. 1st and 2nd.

[Red in Chicago]

nm

[Tony Cloninger]

The book on Dunn is that he takes the first pitch almost all the time.....so it figures that would have been the best pitch to hit the whole AB.

KC....people are waiting with bated breath for JH to regress.....I am sure even if he walks it will not be deemed as good as Dunn walking. ;)

When he was not hurt in 2005.....were his numbers bad? They looked okay to me.....either way...he is healthy now but he still will struggle eventually....and people are going to beat that into the ground, just like they did about a month ago when he went through a down cycle.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valentin doubles off the wall in center. 7-2 Cubs. 2nd and 3rd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hairston grounds out to short. 7-3 Cubs. 2 outs. Runner on 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging for the 4th time tonight. Reds lose 7-3.

[Wheelhouse]

Bruce strikes out on a--you guessed it--low pitch.

[Tony Cloninger]

Bruce missed his fastball....and the Cubs announcers...really Bob? Inside is his problem area.....I say I know better than you. It's called low...low and away soft stuff that turns Bruce into Patterson.

[Spring~Fields]

Cincinnati
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
A. Harang 4.1 5 6 6 7 6 2 4.76
J. Affeldt 1.2 1 1 0 1 2 0 4.00
G. Majewski 2.0 1 0 0 0 1 0 4.41

Chi Cubs
IP H R ER BB K HR Season ERA
R. Dempster 7.0 2 1 1 4 5 0 3.13
N. Cotts 0.1 0 0 0 2 1 0 2.51
C. Marmol 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 3.55
B. Howry 1.0 3 0 0 0 1 0 4.26


WP - J Affeldt.

HBP - J Bruce (by R Dempster).

Pitches-strikes - A Harang 108-58; J Affeldt 30-18; G Majewski 24-14; R Dempster 103-59; N Cotts 13-3; C Marmol 9-5.

Ground balls-fly balls - A Harang 3-3; J Affeldt 0-3; G Majewski 5-0; R Dempster 10-5; N Cotts 0-0; C Marmol 0-1.

Batters faced - A Harang 23; J Affeldt 7; G Majewski 6; R Dempster 27; N Cotts 3; C Marmol 2.



Scoring Summary
Bot 2nd: Chi Cubs
- G. Soto hit sacrifice fly to deep center, A. Ramirez scored


Bot 3rd: Chi Cubs
- A. Ramirez hit sacrifice fly to center, R. Theriot scored


Top 4th: Cincinnati
- P. Bako walked, K. Griffey Jr. scored, J. Keppinger to third, J. Votto to second


Bot 4th: Chi Cubs
- M. Fontenot homered to deep center, M. DeRosa scored


Bot 5th: Chi Cubs
- G. Soto homered to deep left center, D. Lee scored


Bot 6th: Chi Cubs
- M. Fontenot scored, R. Dempster to third on wild pitch


Top 9th: Cincinnati
- J. Valentin doubled to deep center, J. Keppinger scored, P. Bako to third

- J. Hairston Jr. grounded out to shortstop, P. Bako scored

Batting
RBI - P Bako (26).

2-out RBI - P Bako.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - A Dunn 1, A Harang 2.

Team LOB - 7.


Fielding
PB - P Bako.

DP - 2 (B Phillips-J Hairston Jr-J Votto, J Hairston Jr-B Phillips-J Votto).


Batting
2B - M Fontenot (11, J Affeldt).

3B - A Ramirez (1, A Harang).

HR - M Fontenot (6, 4th inning off A Harang 1 on, 0 Out), G Soto (16, 5th inning off A Harang 1 on, 1 Out).

SF - A Ramirez , G Soto.

RBI - G Soto 3 (55), A Ramirez (61), M Fontenot 2 (18).

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - J Edmonds 1, D Lee 1, R Dempster 1.

GIDP - R Theriot, G Soto.

Team LOB - 5.
Base Running
SB - D Lee (5, 2nd base off A Harang/P Bako).

CS - K Fukudome (4, 2nd base by A Harang/P Bako).
Fielding
Outfield assists - K Fukudome (A Dunn at 2nd base).

DP - 1 (M Fontenot-R Theriot).

[Spring~Fields]

Fay on Harang

Aaron Harang went 4 1/3 innings and gave up six runs in five hits. He walked a career-high seven.

He's 3-11 with a 4.61 ERA. Last year at the break, he was 10-3 with 3.70 ERA. He's given up five or more runs in six of his last nine starts.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?category=blog07&plckController=Blog&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&plckPostId=Blog%3ae57bcc87-152a-4f72-96fb-cc08b1f396efPost%3a7579a3b8-3800-45a5-9b82-dbe33c670945&sid=sitelife.cincinnati.com

[Big Klu]

I think I would consider skipping Harang on Sunday, and going with a bullpen day at Milwaukee. (Maybe Affeldt could get the start.) Everybody will be available, anyway.

[Wheelhouse]

The book on Dunn is that he takes the first pitch almost all the time.....so it figures that would have been the best pitch to hit the whole AB.

KC....people are waiting with bated breath for JH to regress.....I am sure even if he walks it will not be deemed as good as Dunn walking. ;)

When he was not hurt in 2005.....were his numbers bad? They looked okay to me.....either way...he is healthy now but he still will struggle eventually....and people are going to beat that into the ground, just like they did about a month ago when he went through a down cycle.

Here, here. Hairston is a good ballplayer in all areas.

[WVRedsFan]

Once again, Harang's pitching and Griffey's gift triple made no difference in this game. The Reds got 5 hits tonight. Not hardly enough to even get them in most games. If we don't get lights out pitching we lose. It's that simple.

Jay Bruce struck out 4 times and Reds castoff Ryan Dempster, an All Star, held the Reds to 2 hits over 7 innings. Give me a break. More alarming is the first 5 batters in the batting order did not get a hit. None. All five hits came from positions 6-9.

My opinion is that Harang has a problem he's hiding. Time will tell, but we can ill afford to not have him around next year, so he'd better get fixed this year.

[Wheelhouse]

Bruce missed his fastball....and the Cubs announcers...really Bob? Inside is his problem area.....I say I know better than you. It's called low...low and away soft stuff that turns Bruce into Patterson.

Yep. Will he be coached through it? Doubtful. I'm sure some of the veterans on this club have made it clear it's showing up a player to take him aside.

[penantboundreds]

This team kind of makes me sick?

This is not a knock on Votto, please, don't go off on me.......but I'd like him to get in Bruce's head a little and find out what's going on, then try to see how he can help make the kids adjustments a little easier.

Can you help me out here guys, How was the ball Ramirez hit an absolute out? I didn't exactly see it, I was kind of doing something and the part of the replay I saw was Griffey diving for the ball and coming up a hair short, but I'm not sure why it was a gift triple, once again, some help please.

[WVRedsFan]

This team kind of makes me sick?

This is not a knock on Votto, please, don't go off on me.......but I'd like him to get in Bruce's head a little and find out what's going on, then try to see how he can help make the kids adjustments a little easier.

Can you help me out here guys, How was the ball Ramirez hit an absolute out? I didn't exactly see it, I was kind of doing something and the part of the replay I saw was Griffey diving for the ball and coming up a hair short, but I'm not sure why it was a gift triple, once again, some help please.

Here's the deal pbr. Any ball, no matter the effort, hit toward Griffey is a sure out if Bruce in in right field. Bank on it. Any ball that Bruce misplays in center is because he's playing out of position--he should be in right and Griffey should be in the retirement home. Bank on it. Any base running error made by Bruce is OK because he is the golden child. Any lack of effort shown by Griffey, even with legs held together with screws, is simply a lack of effort. Any move that doesn't work is the total fault of Dusty Baker. Case closed. Any bad pitching performance is becaue Baker abuses his pitchers. You got all that down?

If you've digested that, there are a couple more. This team would be a contender if only we had a competent right fielder. I can't name who that would be, but that's the company line. Oh, yeah, that's Bruce Magnificent. I forgot. Center field should be manned by...I don't know who. Do you? Maybe someone on the farm who is a great prospect? Maybe. Bray is the next coming of Norm Charlton and Weathers is just too old. Volquez is king while Arroyo is junk. Harang will get over his slump (he's not injured) while Darryl Thompson should be our fifth starter because of a shaky 5 inning stint against the dreaded Yankees.

It's RedsZone at its finest. Ignore the fact that we have a roster that is the worst in the last 10 years flooded with left handed batters who can't hit left handed pitching and a cleanup hitter who isn't really a cleanup hitter.

If only we had Freel and Hopper to anchor the lineup.

[nate]

Here's the deal pbr. Any ball, no matter the effort, hit toward Griffey is a sure out if Bruce in in right field. Bank on it. Any ball that Bruce misplays in center is because he's playing out of position--he should be in right and Griffey should be in the retirement home. Bank on it. Any base running error made by Bruce is OK because he is the golden child. Any lack of effort shown by Griffey, even with legs held together with screws, is simply a lack of effort. Any move that doesn't work is the total fault of Dusty Baker. Case closed. Any bad pitching performance is becaue Baker abuses his pitchers. You got all that down?

If you've digested that, there are a couple more. This team would be a contender if only we had a competent right fielder. I can't name who that would be, but that's the company line. Oh, yeah, that's Bruce Magnificent. I forgot. Center field should be manned by...I don't know who. Do you? Maybe someone on the farm who is a great prospect? Maybe. Bray is the next coming of Norm Charlton and Weathers is just too old. Volquez is king while Arroyo is junk. Harang will get over his slump (he's not injured) while Darryl Thompson should be our fifth starter because of a shaky 5 inning stint against the dreaded Yankees.

It's RedsZone at its finest. Ignore the fact that we have a roster that is the worst in the last 10 years flooded with left handed batters who can't hit left handed pitching and a cleanup hitter who isn't really a cleanup hitter.

If only we had Freel and Hopper to anchor the lineup.

:rolleyes: