Reds vs Astros 8/7/08

[Red in Chicago]

Astros:
Matsui 2b
Tejada ss
Berkman 1b
Lee lf
Pence rf
Wigginton 3b
Bourne cf
Ausmus c
Oswalt p

Reds:
Keppinger ss
Votto 1b
Bruce rf
Phillips 2b
Dunn lf
Encarnacion 3b
Patterson cf
Bako c
Fogg p

[NC Reds]

Is there a worse team from 7-9 in the lineup than the Reds right now?

This season is lost. Get Dickerson and Hanigan up here.

[flyer85]

could there be any wore matchup than Oswalt against the Reds in a Fogg?

[Red in Chicago]

patterson's line in 225 at bats:
ba/obp/slg/ops
.191/.221/.338/.559

bako's line in 236 at bats:
ba/obp/slg/ops
.216/.288/.339/.627

brutal

[flyer85]

Corey had the cement shoes on

[Red in Chicago]

1st inning runs for the opposition...imagine that:rolleyes:

[nate]

Chat is open! Bring your hair shirts!

[KittyDuran]

Its Ladies Night! had chocolate marshmallows, cookies, got a pink & white hat, & a lei. They had massages but there was a long line.

[PuffyPig]

patterson's line in 225 at bats:
ba/obp/slg/ops
.191/.221/.338/.559

bako's line in 236 at bats:
ba/obp/slg/ops
.216/.288/.339/.627

brutal

Look across the diamond.

Borne and Asmus at .595 and .612.

That's a pretty sick pair of CF/C for both teams.

[WVRedsFan]

Bottom of the first...Dunn walks to load the bases with two out and Encarnacion up. Swings at the first pitch and fouls. Strike two call. Strike 3 call.

1-0 Houston after 1.

[Red in Chicago]

ee is completely lost at the plate yet again...looks at strike three with bases loaded...sigh

[BCubb2003]

Lots of OBP that inning.

[OnBaseMachine]

That 0-2 pitch on Ausmus was strike three on EdE. Gotta love inconsistent strikezones.

[CTA513]

Another called 3rd strike to end the inning for the Reds.

[jesusfan]

that was not a strike... I guess you have to be swinging with 2 strikes though..

[Big Klu]

You know, I normally hate called third strikes, but I can't gripe about the one Keppinger watched. It was low and outside.

BTW, good heads-up play by Bako stretching his single into a double.

[OnBaseMachine]

I like him as a bench player but I don't know how much more I can handle of Keppinger starting at SS. His range is among the worst in baseball at SS and he hasn't hit a lick since coming back from his injury.

[OnBaseMachine]

You know, I normally hate called third strikes, but I can't gripe about the one Keppinger watched. It was low and outside.

Ump has a bad zone tonight, he made two low strike calls on Bruce in the first inning.

[flyer85]

Lots of OBP that inning.
Oswalt knows who the guys are that he can get out when he needs to

[Big Klu]

I like him as a bench player but I don't know how much more I can handle of Keppinger starting at SS. His range is among the worst in baseball at SS and he hasn't hit a lick since coming back from his injury.

There aren't a lot of options at this point. Personally, I would have given Cabrera a second start at SS tonight, but that's not really a slam-dunk alternative.

[OnBaseMachine]

I find it hard to believe that Matt Maloney (when he returns from the DL), Paul Janish, Chris Dickerson, and Ryan Hanigan can't do a better job than Josh Fogg, Patterson, Keppinger, and Bako/Ross.

[mbgrayson]

Ump has a bad zone tonight, he made two low strike calls on Bruce in the first inning.

Tonight's home plate ump is Ed Rapuano. Here are his stats:

ED RAPUANO 10.13 runs/Gm, 23 games, 12.3 Ks/Gm, 7.2 BBs/GM, 1.7 Ks/BB

[Big Klu]

Paul Janish? I saw enough of him in May and June. He's not the answer now, and he may never be.

I'm guessing that the front office has seen enough of all of those guys to make an informed decision as to whether they can help, and since they aren't up, my guess is they probably can't. (Except maybe for Maloney, as he is on the disabled list.)

[OnBaseMachine]

I honestly think half of the Redszoners on here could get a hit off Josh Fogg. I look at his stuff and just wonder how in the world he ever reach the major leagues.

[CTA513]

2-0 Astros after Lee singles in another run.

[VR]

I honestly think half of the Redszoners on here could get a hit off Josh Fogg.

1/2? You obviously hold RZ in very low regard. :)

[OnBaseMachine]

I can't believe Walt held on to Josh Fogg when the Rockies were interested. Dude is just awful.

5-0 Astros on a Pence homerun.

[flyer85]

there's something out there in the Fogg ... unfortunately it isn't a pitcher

[CTA513]

That should lock up another Oswalt win against the Reds.

[jesusfan]

Paul Janish is not the answer... I'd much rather have Hairston at SS when he returns and Dickerson in CF to see what he can do for the rest of the year... I just don't understand how hard it is to see that Dickerson and Hanigan need to be up here... Are they going to be studs like Votto and Bruce? No But can they help out the club much more than Bako and Patterson... Most definitely...

I sound like a broken record stating this every single time i'm on here, but it's just unreal to me how this does not happen....

[NC Reds]

Fogg is awesome.

[Big Klu]

This game is over. The Reds can't score more than two off Oswalt.

[jesusfan]

Fogg Alert! Fogg Alert!

[flyer85]

this game is over ... time to watch some football

[jesusfan]

This game is over. The Reds can't score more than two off Oswalt.

two??? I was hoping for maybe 1...

[VR]

I was just getting ready to type "queue the finale from 'Overture of 1812' this inning for the Astros offense"

the cannon went off before I finished.

[Ltlabner]

I can't believe Walt held on to Josh Fogg when the Rockies were interested. Dude is just awful.

5-0 Astros on a Pence homerun.

No kidding.

Sure glad we hung onto him so we could "win as many games as possible".

Brilliant ownership and management.

[OnBaseMachine]

I just have to laugh when Dusty and Walt say they want to win as many games as possible this year and then they run guys like Patterson, Bako, and Fogg out there when there are better options available. Walt is starting to remind me of Dan O'Brien with his overly patient approach.

[Ltlabner]

I just have to laugh when Dusty and Walt say they want to win as many games as possible this year and then they run guys like Patterson, Bako, and Fogg out there when there are better options available. Walt is starting to remind me of Dan O'Brien with his overly patient approach.

I guess we'll never know why they decided to hold all their trading "chips" at the deadline but I think it will go down as a major stratigic blunder.

[CTA513]

The Reds are going to have to call someone up to help cover some innings if the starters keep pitching horrible.

[flyer85]

lotsa patience

[Falls City Beer]

I guess we'll never know why they decided to hold all their trading "chips" at the deadline but I think it will go down as a major stratigic blunder.

Others have made a good point, though: what benefit was there in trading the Foggs and Weathers of the world? The return would have sucked.

[VR]

The Ghosts of 1982 are stirring for the Reds. Dave Van Gorder is now warming up Bruce Berenyi, Paul Householder is in the on-deck circle.

[VR]

4 batters, 4 pitches.

Single
Out
Out
Foul.

There's no train to catch boys.

[Ltlabner]

Others have made a good point, though: what benefit was there in trading the Foggs and Weathers of the world? The return would have sucked.

Says FCB.......

I guess I just have more faith in Walt than you do.

[Big Klu]

I just have to laugh when Dusty and Walt say they want to win as many games as possible this year and then they run guys like Patterson, Bako, and Fogg out there when there are better options available. Walt is starting to remind me of Dan O'Brien with his overly patient approach.

Who are these better options? There are no healthy pitchers to replace Fogg--otherwise they would have been here instead of Bailey. With one half-season of productive minor-league baseball under his belt, Chris Dickerson has become the Second Coming of Chris Denorfia on RedsZone, but at his best he likely projects to be no better than Corey Patterson is now. There is a better option than Bako, but it isn't Hanigan, who is Paul Bako circa 1996. The better alternative to Bako is David Ross.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce drops a flyball. Looks like he looked up to see where Patterson was.

[Big Klu]

I'm sure that was Corey Patterson's fault somehow.

[Ltlabner]

http://carolynbaker.net/site/images/train%20wreck.jpg

[edabbs44]

Bruce drops a flyball. Looks like he looked up to see where Patterson was.


I'm sure that was Corey Patterson's fault somehow.

Good call. :)

[Red in Chicago]

http://carolynbaker.net/site/images/train%20wreck.jpg

:laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:: laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::l augh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::la ugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::lau gh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh::laugh:

[OnBaseMachine]

Who are these better options? There are no healthy pitchers to replace Fogg--otherwise they would have been here instead of Bailey. With one half-season of productive minor-league baseball under his belt, Chris Dickerson has become the Second Coming of Chris Denorfia on RedsZone, but at his best he likely projects to be no better than Corey Patterson is now. There is a better option than Bako, but it isn't Hanigan, who is Paul Bako circa 1996--it's David Ross.

Dickerson hit well in Louisville last year too so it's not just a half season. And what in the world is wrong with giving him a chance? What's it going to hurt? Corey Patterson is clearly not getting the job done, why not give Dickerson a shot? And David Ross is awful. He's not much better than Bako. At least Hanigan can play a little defense unlike the other two.

[OnBaseMachine]

Good call. :)

What?

[OnBaseMachine]

Edwin singles to begin the 5th and Corey Patterson pops a bunt up for the first out. Sheesh.

[flyer85]

at least Corey is consistent

[edabbs44]

Others have made a good point, though: what benefit was there in trading the Foggs and Weathers of the world? The return would have sucked.

There would have been benefit in just getting Fogg off the roster. However, a trade of Fogg for a lottery ticket probably would have given Cincy a better chance of getting a positive return.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bako GIDP to end the inning.

[Ltlabner]

http://eppsnet.com/images/collapsed-bridge.jpg

Bako is to winning as this bridge is to crossing rivers.

[Big Klu]

There would have been benefit in just getting Fogg off the roster. However, a trade of Fogg for a lottery ticket probably would have given Cincy a better chance of getting a positive return.

Somebody has to eat some innings the rest of the way, though. Some people are already starting to grumble that Volquez and Cueto have thrown too many innings.

[HokieRed]

Ramon Ramirez is scoreless through five tonight for Louisville with 8 K's. Maybe more interesting to see him than Fogg[?] Personally I see no justification whatever for playing Corey Patterson--anybody would be better than Patterson.

[OnBaseMachine]

Nice catch by Patterson.

[Ltlabner]

I despise Patterson, but that was a dang nice snag.

[Big Klu]

Patterson allows the run to tag up and score.

[BRM]

According to the Denver papers, the Reds asked for Ryan Spilborghs in return for Fogg. Of course, the Rockies laughed.

[edabbs44]

Somebody has to eat some innings the rest of the way, though. Some people are already starting to grumble that Volquez and Cueto have thrown too many innings.

There are plenty of Monday morning QBs on the board.

I agree that someone has to throw the innings, but the same people griping about Volquez and Cueto have to understand that, to limit their totals, guys like Fogg have to trot out there every 5th day.

[WVRedsFan]

Reds bumbling through another game--sleep walking if you will while the Houston offense gets 6 runs.

:sleep:

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce doubles into the left center gap to extend his hitting streak to 11 games and he's hit safely in 23 of 25 games.

[Big Klu]

I'm sure that baserunning blunder was Corey Patterson's fault.

[jesusfan]

nice baserunning down 6-0... Welsh going off...

[Big Klu]

nice baserunning down 6-0... Welsh going off...

Chris is mad as hell, and he's not going to take it anymore!

[jesusfan]

YES!!! A meaningless double-play!

[jesusfan]

Have we ever gotten Lee out?

[Spring~Fields]

Reds bumbling through another game--sleep walking if you will while the Houston offense gets 6 runs.

:sleep:

:lol:zzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZz

[jesusfan]

Any game where Corey Patterson has two hits we should win...

[jesusfan]

Nice bako...

[OnBaseMachine]

Another Bako double play.

[jesusfan]

My bad... Patterson doesnt have two hits... what was I thinking?

[Spring~Fields]

My bad... Patterson doesnt have two hits... what was I thinking?

Oh well, you made me look, you were close though, he does have one.

[jesusfan]

There is a reason Oswalt has a 4.50 era this year and it isn't his stellar pitching performances... There is also a reason the reds offense blows.... The reds are beat before they even take the field when they face Oswalt, psyched out!

[Spring~Fields]

ESPN has CP listed with two last 7 days, and both are good
Patterson, he likes batting down in the order
Last 7 Days .294 .294 .529 .824
Last 7 Days .385 .385 .692 1.077

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/profile?playerId=4239
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/players/splits?playerId=4239

[jesusfan]

Hey... Votto showed up tonight...

[OnBaseMachine]

A two out walk by Cabrera, Kepp follows with a single and Votto lines a RBI single to CF. Votto is 3-for-4.

[jesusfan]

Bruce punches it to 3rd for the easy FC... 6-1 after 7...

[Spring~Fields]

R. Oswalt 7.0 9 1 1 2 6 0 4.56

J. Fogg 4.0 8 6 6 1 1 1 7.98
G. Majewski 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.45
J. Affeldt 2.0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3.64
B. Bray 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0 2.92

Pitches-strikes - R Oswalt 92-63; J Fogg 88-54; G Majewski 10-8; J Affeldt 28-19; B Bray 19-11.

Ground balls-fly balls - R Oswalt 11-4; J Fogg 3-8; G Majewski 2-1; J Affeldt 5-1; B Bray 3-0.

Batters faced - R Oswalt 30; J Fogg 22; G Majewski 3; J Affeldt 7; B Bray 5.

[Spring~Fields]

W. Wright relieved R. Oswalt
B. Phillips walked
A. Dunn struck out swinging

[Spring~Fields]

Home Run

E. Encarnacion homered to deep left center, B. Phillips scored

EE

[OnBaseMachine]

EdE belts a 2-run homerun (#21) to cut the deficit to 6-3.

[Spring~Fields]

C. Patterson flied out to deep center

[REDREAD]

Just peeking in, but it looks like a normal Reds night.. not good.. :(

[Spring~Fields]

L. Hawkins relieved W. Wright

[Spring~Fields]

Ross walks with two out.


J. Valentin hit for B. Bray

[OnBaseMachine]

Valentin bloop single. Keppinger up.

[Spring~Fields]

Base hit Valentine

[Spring~Fields]

Valentin bloop single. Keppinger up.

Still alive here in the bottom of the eigth.

[Big Klu]

I don't like using Arroyo as a pinch-runner, because he is the best-hitting pitcher on the team, and the Reds might need his bat off the bench since they are running out of players. I would have preferred using Volquez or Bailey as the pinch-runner for Valentin. (I wouldn't use Cueto since he is scheduled to pitch tomorrow, and should already be in his routine.)

[Spring~Fields]

Cincinnati Inning Summary

- W. Wright relieved R. Oswalt
- B. Phillips walked
- A. Dunn struck out swinging
- E. Encarnacion homered to deep left center, B. Phillips scored
- C. Patterson flied out to deep center
- D. Ross hit for P. Bako
- L. Hawkins relieved W. Wright
- D. Ross walked
- J. Valentin hit for B. Bray
- J. Valentin singled to left, D. Ross to second
- B. Arroyo ran for D. Ross
- J. Keppinger popped out to second
- End of Inning (2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors)

[Raisor]

I don't like using Arroyo as a pinch-runner, because he is the best-hitting pitcher on the team, and the Reds might need his bat off the bench since they are running out of players. .

You know, I think they should start using Arroyo as a regular pinch hitter.

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow. Keppinger refused a walk there. He swung at a 2-0 breaking ball at his ankles and fouled it off to make it 2-1. Next pitch bounced in the dirt to make it 3-1 and then Kepp pops out on a 3-1 fastball that was inside. He should have walked. Just a perfect example of why this offense is awful...they get into favorable hitting counts and swing at junk like that. Jeez.

Bases should have been loaded for Votto.

[OnBaseMachine]

Surprise, surprise. David Weathers comes on to pitch the 9th and is getting crushed. Thank goodness Walt held on to him.

[Big Klu]

You know, I think they should start using Arroyo as a regular pinch hitter.

I am fully on board with that decision. He looks like he's got half a clue when he's at the plate. In this era when clubs are carrying 12-13 pitchers, it also follows that they carry only 4-5 backup position players. As a result, I think it will become more common to have a pitcher (or pitchers) who can fill some sort of offensive role (at least in low-leverage situations) off the bench on days he doesn't start. For the Reds, that would mean using Arroyo as a PH, and maybe Cueto as a PR. Around the NL, pitchers like Carlos Zambrano and C.C. Sabathia would obviously be pinch-hitting threats.

[LoganBuck]

Yeah, Patterson is up.

[LoganBuck]

noooo............

Astros 7 Reds 4 ----- Final

[CTA513]

noooo............

Astros 7 Reds 4 ----- Final

The Reds at least showed some life in the 9th inning.

[Matt700wlw]

Corey Patterson should never be the tyring run at the plate in the bottom of the 9th...

[HokieRed]

Corey Patterson should never be at the plate in a Reds uniform again. Period.

[Matt700wlw]

It is a shame that he's allowed to continue wasting at bats while Chris Dickerson continues to play in AAA