Reds vs Cards 9/28/08 Final Game...sigh

[Red in Chicago]

Pettyjohn vs Lohse

[OnBaseMachine]

The last game of the season is always the saddest day of the year for me.

[Degenerate39]

I wish the season wasn't over :( went by too fast. At least we get a break from watching Patterson play for a while

[OnBaseMachine]

The Cardinals are thinking about signing Kyle Lohse to a LTC? I hope they do. Hopefully they give him about 8-10 million per year over 3/4 years.

[Chip R]

Cincinnati
J. Hairston Jr. lf
D. Richar 2b
J. Votto 1b
E. Encarnacion 3b
J. Bruce rf
R. Hanigan c
C. Patterson cf
P. Janish ss
A. Pettyjohn p

St. Louis

C. Izturis ss
F. Lopez 2b
A. Pujols 1b
R. Ludwick cf
T. Glaus 3b
J. LaRue c
B. Barton lf
B. Thompson p
B. Ryan rf

[Big Klu]

Why would George say that we should give Jason LaRue credit for saying that he doesn't like the way Hairston plays the game, so he went after him at 2B last night?

I've lost a lot of respect for LaRue after that.

[OnBaseMachine]

LOL. Brad Thompson throws behind Votto, trying to hit him. What the hell is that? Don't take it out on Votto just because Jason LaRue is a dirty player.

[OnBaseMachine]

Pettyjohn needs to drill both LaRue and Thompson.

1-0 Reds on a Votto sac fly.

[Degenerate39]

Why would George say that we should give Jason LaRue credit for saying that he doesn't like the way Hairston plays the game, so he went after him at 2B last night?

I've lost a lot of respect for LaRue after that.

George thinks every player deserves our credit and respect. He thinks Patterson is a silver slugger

[Big Klu]

What's wrong with the way Hairston plays the game, anyway? IMO, he seems like a pretty heady player with a lot of baseball intelligence.

[Ltlabner]

Welch supposing that hitting infront of Pujols "might" have helped Lopez to hit better.

He further supposed that what really has driving Felipe's season is the better discipline in St. Louis.


:barf:

[OnBaseMachine]

Pettyjohn is a nice story and all, but he doesn't have the stuff to get hitters out. He'll be lucky to make it through four or five innings.

[WVRedsFan]

Just watching Patterson hit makes me ill. He doesn't seem to fit here and yet we see him game after game. His average has risen, but his approach at the plate is horrible.

My biggest fear is seeing Patterson in CF on opening day.

[Ltlabner]

Votto looking furrious after Richar muffs the pop-up.

Then again, Votto almost always looks like he's mad at something. A very serrious young man.

[Chip R]

Looks like the Bad News Bears out there.

[Ltlabner]

Uh...what the hell just happened?

Was Bruce throwing the ball to anybody or just winging it back into the infield and hoping someone picks it up?

[Tony Cloninger]

Why doesn't GG get called out for comments like that by CW?

What kind of comment is that by LaRue....a complete joke.

Q up the Bad News bears music

[Big Klu]

For having the reputation of being a good defensive OF, Jay Bruce is pretty brutal sometimes.

[Ltlabner]

Well, I had hoped to check on the last game of the year to see some baseball.

I didn't realize I could have gone down to the local youth league fields and seen the same level of play.

[OnBaseMachine]

So instead of a 1-2-3 inning, Richar muffs a pop up that leads to two runs scoring. Sounds familiar.

[Ltlabner]

To really rub in the misery, now Majewski is warming up in the bullpen.

And George "Smiling George" Grande is sure to work in a reference to "Coco Cordero".

Ok...I give up. I'm in too foul of mood to watch this garbage.

[WVRedsFan]

Lopez is hot. Since coming to StL, 42 games ago, his OBP is .415, is hitting on the high side of .360, and has raised his season OBP to .339.

Someone said early after The Trade that it would take a few years to see how good or bad it was. If Lopez continues to hit similar to this, the Trade will be worse than a disaster, considering the Reds' shortstop troubles since the transaction.

[OnBaseMachine]

Someone said early after The Trade that it would take a few years to see how good or bad it was. If Lopez continues to hit similar to this, the Trade will be worse than a disaster, considering the Reds' shortstop troubles since the transaction.

Lopez was released by the worst team in baseball. I'm not defending the trade, but that tells you how bad he is. Plus he's awful defensively anywhere you put him, especially at SS.

[Big Klu]

So instead of a 1-2-3 inning, Richar muffs a pop up that leads to two runs scoring. Sounds familiar.

I'm sure it's Keppinger's fault.


On the subject of Bruce, I think he is eventually destined for LF. Maybe Walt should look for a right-handed thumper who can play RF. (Doesn't Magglio play RF?)

[WVRedsFan]

The Reds appear to be phoning in today's game.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm sure it's Keppinger's fault.


:confused:

[OnBaseMachine]

eventually destined for LF. Maybe Walt should look for a right-handed thumper who can play RF. (Doesn't Magglio play RF?)

Why? The guy is a good right fielder. I'm not ready to give up on him at age 21 just because he's made a few errors.

[Big Klu]

What's that all about?:confused:

Just that it seems that Kepp has become everyone's whipping boy in the INF, like Patterson has in the OF.

[remdog]

LOL. Brad Thompson throws behind Votto, trying to hit him. What the hell is that? Don't take it out on Votto just because Jason LaRue is a dirty player.

Jason LaRue has never been considered a 'dirty player' by anyone that knows anything about baseball.

Rem

[Big Klu]

Why? The guy is a good right fielder. I'm not ready to give up on him at age 21 just because he's made a few errors.

I'm not giving up on him at the plate, but I don't see him as a good defensive RF--I think he's below average in RF. However, he could be average to above average in LF, with work.

[OnBaseMachine]

Jason LaRue has never been considered a 'dirty player' by anyone that knows anything about baseball.

Rem

I know something about baseball and I saw him commit a very dirty play last night. He openly admitted he doesn't like Jerry Hairston Jr. and he tried to hurt him for no reason. That's dirty. I always like Jason LaRue but I lost a ton of respect for him after last night.

[remdog]

Pettyjohn needs to drill both LaRue and Thompson.

Yeah. That would show them, huh?

Rem

[Tony Cloninger]

Hey Chris ...how about we do not forget what happened with laRue next year and bean him in the ribs his first AB next year.

[WVRedsFan]

Pettyjohn plunks Larue in the ankle on the first pitch.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm not giving up on him at the plate, but I don't see him as a good defensive RF--I think he's below average in RF. However, he could be average to above average in LF, with work.

I disagree. I think he's a good right fielder. He's made his share of errors but he's 21 years old. If he's still making these same mistakes in two years then I would consider moving him to LF.

[OnBaseMachine]

Pettyjohn plunks Larue in the ankle on the first pitch.

Good for Pettyjohn.

[Big Klu]

Jason LaRue has never been considered a 'dirty player' by anyone that knows anything about baseball.

Rem

Then what would you call that slide last night?

I always liked LaRue when he was with the Reds, and even when he was with the Royals and Cards, at least until his comments regarding Hairston after the play last night. But if it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck....


Pettyjohn may not have a colon, but he has a pair.... ;)

[Ltlabner]

Just saw the replay of the LaRue/Harriston incident from last night.

Anybody, who knows anything about baseball, knows that was a dirty play.

[OnBaseMachine]

Just saw the replay of the LaRue/Harriston incident from last night.

Anybody, who knows anything about baseball, knows that was a dirty play.

Thank you. That was one of the dirtiest plays I have ever seen.

[WVRedsFan]

And Pettyjohn has left the building--or the field.

[Tony Cloninger]

What was the lazy umpire doing on that play? Couting the days he can go home I guess.

Throwing behind Votto......another classy play by that great organization that can do no wrong. I am George Grande and i approve this message.

[remdog]

Lopez was released by the worst team in baseball. I'm not defending the trade, but that tells you how bad he is. Plus he's awful defensively anywhere you put him, especially at SS.

If the worst team in baseball released him but the Cards, a team that we've often wished the Reds could be run in the same way, picked him up doesn't it occur to you that perhaps this is a player that needs a positive environment to thrive.

Happens everyday in business. Baseball is often the same way. But, it often takes life experience to see and understand that.

Rem

[WVRedsFan]

Boy, Majewski makes the Trade look better every time he pitches. I still wonder why on earth he wasn't let go much earlier, but I will say this. If Lopez is a horrible player, his statistics on a offense-starved club would look pretty good. Majewski's picture is probably in the dictionary beside the word "fodder."

[Falls City Beer]

It should be noted that this team also is the 2008 Reds.

[Red in Chicago]

let's hope that this is the last time that we ever see the majik man again...

george all excited for the ovation for pujols...sickening

[Tony Cloninger]

Welcome to the Cardnail baseball network.

[Ltlabner]

Geroge continues to manuver to be Pujhol's personal love-slave as he pimps for Pujhols for MVP.

Also, several uses of "brilliant" in reference to Albert's season. Then again, Georgie described Javy V's performance as a pitch-hitter as "brilliant".

So I'm not really sure what "brilliant" means anymore.

[OnBaseMachine]

At least we get a better draft pick. :):D

[remdog]

Then what would you call that slide last night?


Granted that the play may have been out of line but to label LaRue a 'dirty player' over the course of his career is out of line.

The 2nd base umpire could have called LaRue out for being out of the baseline but he didn't. He also could have kicked LaRue out for intent, but he didn't.

Rem

[remdog]

Thank you. That was one of the dirtiest plays I have ever seen.


When you've been watching baseball for more than 50 years let me know.

Rem

[OnBaseMachine]

Votto singles and EdE belts his 26th homer.

[Red in Chicago]

When you've been watching baseball for more than 50 years let me know.

Rem

ok, we've established that obm is young and you're a bit more seasoned...can we please move on...otherwise, take this private...

[Tony Cloninger]

I am at a loss why you are defending LaRue...remdog.....really, it was a bush play by someone who i guess people like beacuse he is a "grinder" but never learned that RF existed to hit to and whined when he did not play in his last year.

[remdog]

For having the reputation of being a good defensive OF, Jay Bruce is pretty brutal sometimes.

I would have to agree with that somewhat. He obviously has the tools but sometimes they get out of wack. I.e., that throw that he pounded into the outfield grass while trying to throw the ball in.

I think he'll work that out but I wouldn't be surprised to see Eric Davis or Billy Hatcher work with him a lot next spring.

Rem

[OnBaseMachine]

Impressive inning by Roenicke - he struckout all three batters he faced, though it was all on fastballs. He needs to continue working on that breaking ball during the offseason.

[Degenerate39]

I never want to see Majewski in a Reds uniform again.

[remdog]

I am at a loss why you are defending LaRue...remdog.....really, it was a bush play by someone who i guess people like beacuse he is a "grinder" but never learned that RF existed to hit to and whined when he did not play in his last year.

To call someone a 'dirty player' over his body of work based upon one play(which is not the way he played the game in a long-term major league career)is irresponsible. My opinion.

And if OMB wants to call it the dirtiest play he's ever seen then I will reply, "small sample size". Which is emphatically true relative to many, if not most, posters on this board.

Rem

[Chip R]

You guys were warned to move on. So move on.

[WVRedsFan]

I never want to see Majewski in a Reds uniform again.
Two of us or maybe a lot of us agree, but the fact that he stayed here most of the year is the $64K question. He's shown nothing but the ability to give up hits since traded for and now he's damaged or ruined any trade value he ever had (which would probably be none).

With his release, all we'll have to show for Kearns and Lopez (regardless of what you think of them) is Bill Bray and the glimmering hope that Thompson is as a minor league player.

I hope he just goes away.

[Big Klu]

:confused:

BTW, I reread my post (#24), and I can see where it reads on the smart-assed side. I apologize.

[OnBaseMachine]

BTW, I reread my post (#24), and I can see where it reads on the smart-assed side. I apologize.

No problem. I ain't got no problems with you - I enjoy your posts. :)

[remdog]

BTW, I reread my post (#24), and I can see where it reads on the smart-assed side. I apologize.

Why would you appologize for being right? :)

Rem

[Tony Cloninger]

Thanks for answering Remdog.

Moving on....Votto should be tied for ROY

[VR]

So....if Votto gets a hit his last time up....his average will finish at 297.91.

That triple that was ruled an error would have made it 299.81.
Wouldn't that suck?

[New Fever]

So....if Votto gets a hit his last time up....his average will finish at 297.91.

That triple that was ruled an error would have made it 299.81.
Wouldn't that suck?

I believe that error got reversed.

[Red in Chicago]

Thanks for answering Remdog.

Moving on....Votto should be tied for ROY

catching is a much more demanding position than first base...the edge still goes to soto...

[remdog]

catching is a much more demanding position than first base...the edge still goes to soto...


Not to mention that the Chubbies are the NLC winners. That's going to be a factor, like it or not.

Rem

[Big Klu]

Not to be outdone by Pettyjohn, Affeldt shows his pair, too. :D

[Tony Cloninger]

I still never understood how Carl Morton beat out Bernie Carbo for ROY in 1970.

You guys are right however......and he will probably win.

[OnBaseMachine]

That blown call in Houston cost Votto a 25 home run season. I can't tell you how impressed I was with Joey Votto this season.

[Red in Chicago]

hey...edge:rolleyes:

[Chip R]

That blown call in Houston cost Votto a 25 home run season. I can't tell you how impressed I was with Joey Votto this season.


24 or 25, it really doesn't matter. One more home run wouldn't make his season any more spectacular.

[OnBaseMachine]

24 or 25, it really doesn't matter. One more home run wouldn't make his season any more spectacular.

No, but 25 looks prettier. :D

[mth123]

No, but 25 looks prettier. :D

You sound like Dusty.;)

[corkedbat]

Dunn to the Cardinals? Poo-holes, Ludwick, Dunn nd Glaus could be a scary lineup, but they'd still need pitching.

[Spring~Fields]

That blown call in Houston cost Votto a 25 home run season. I can't tell you how impressed I was with Joey Votto this season.

I agree OBM

Joey Votto has been very impressive this year as a player and as a man. I have really enjoyed what he has brought to the team and to myself as a fan. It is always interesting when individuals are given the opportunity and to see what they can achieve, and Votto has not disappointed.

Also thanks to you OBM for making this season of Reds baseball more interesting with your input and contribution to the board on ORG and especially in the minor league threads, you have taken many hours and time of yourself with tireless research to make this a better place to visit and to read, thank you.

[OnBaseMachine]

Thanks for the kind words springy. I greatly appreciate it.

[Red in Chicago]

cc wins again...complete domination

[WVRedsFan]

Our team really loves that first pitch, don't they?

[WVRedsFan]

Hairston, Votto and Encarnacion are a combined 5-12 today, scored and drove in all the runs. The remaining 6 spots are nifty 0-12.

Lord, I think George is obsessed with the gold glove. Efvery play is gold glove when perfomed by the Cardinals. Maybe Majewski will take George with him when he goes.

[Spring~Fields]

St. Louis Inning Summary

- J. Burton relieved B. Bray
- S. Schumaker grounded out to second
- T. Glaus flied out to center
- J. LaRue flied out to deep center
- End of Inning (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors)

Due up (how fitting to close out the season)
Patterson CF
Janish SS
J. Burton /pinch hitter

[OnBaseMachine]

Burton pitched well over the last week. It's good to see him getting back to where he was before the injury. Bray struckout the side the previous inning.

[WVRedsFan]

Due up (how fitting to close out the season)
Patterson CF
Janish SS
J. Burton /pinch hitter

What are the odds on a 1-2-3 inning?

Let's hope this is CP's last at-bat as a Red.

[mth123]

Hopefully we just saw Patterson's last AB as a Red. He K'd of course.

[Red in Chicago]

Hopefully we just saw Patterson's last AB as a Red. He K'd of course.

i was just about to type the very same thing:beerme:

[Red in Chicago]

did we really need a pitching change in the bottom of the ninth, with a 7 run lead, last game of the year? yawn...

[OnBaseMachine]

Pitching change with two outs. Sheesh.

[Spring~Fields]

What are the odds on a 1-2-3 inning?

Let's hope this is CP's last at-bat as a Red.

Odds are pretty good right now. ;)

I expect him back to haunt you and I next year. :)

[WVRedsFan]

Patterson finished the season at .205, played in 135 games and had an OBP of .240. We are a patient organization. Most teams would have run him out of town long ago.

[mth123]

i was just about to type the very same thing:beerme:

It needed to be on record in the game thread.

[mth123]

Maybe now we get the last of Javy.

[Red in Chicago]

It needed to be on record in the game thread.

can type out a similar statement for javy:thumbup:

[OnBaseMachine]

Reds lose 11-4. The season is over, sadly.

[Red in Chicago]

can type out a similar statement for javy:thumbup:

oops, you already did:p:

[mth123]

Call it a year.

[WVRedsFan]

You know, regardless of how crappy this team has been for the last eight years, it's sad to see it end once again. The needs of this team are well documented. Today's performance was typical of what we've seen all year--two or three players hitting and the rest AWOL. After Volquez, Arroyo, Harang, and occasionally Cueto, we give up great bunches of runs.

And yet, I long for February and spring training for it is a sad day.

[Spring~Fields]

The Cincinnati Reds season finale
Cincinnati 4, St. Louis 11



Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Cincinnati 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 4 5 1
St. Louis 2 3 6 0 0 0 0 0 X 11 13 0


Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Cincinnati
- J. Votto hit sacrifice fly to left, J. Hairston Jr. scored

Bot 1st: St. Louis
- R. Ludwick homered to deep right, F. Lopez scored

Bot 2nd: St. Louis
- C. Izturis singled to right, B. Thompson scored, B. Ryan to third, B. Ryan scored, C. Izturis to second on J. Bruce's throwing error
- F. Lopez doubled to deep center, C. Izturis scored

Bot 3rd: St. Louis
- T. Glaus homered to deep right
- B. Ryan singled to right center, J. LaRue scored, B. Barton to third
- F. Lopez doubled to deep center, B. Barton and B. Ryan scored
- A. Pujols doubled to left, F. Lopez scored
- R. Ludwick doubled to deep center, J. Phelps scored

Top 4th: Cincinnati
- E. Encarnacion homered to deep left, J. Votto scored

Top 6th: Cincinnati - J. Votto homered to deep right

Batting Cincinnati
2B - J Hairston Jr (20, B Thompson).

HR - E Encarnacion (26, 4th inning off B Thompson 1 on, 0 Out), J Votto (24, 6th inning off K Jimenez 0 on, 0 Out).

S - D Richar.

SF - J Votto.

RBI - J Votto 2 (84), E Encarnacion 2 (68).

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - R Hanigan 1.

Team LOB - 5.

Fielding
E - J Bruce (11, throw).

Batting St.Louis
2B - F Lopez 2 (28, A Pettyjohn, G Majewski); A Pujols (44, G Majewski); R Ludwick (40, G Majewski); J Phelps (1, J Affeldt).

HR - R Ludwick (37, 1st inning off A Pettyjohn 1 on, 2 Out), T Glaus (27, 3rd inning off A Pettyjohn 0 on, 0 Out).

S - B Thompson.

RBI - R Ludwick 3 (113), C Izturis (24), F Lopez 3 (46), T Glaus (99), B Ryan (10), A Pujols (116).

2-out RBI - R Ludwick 3, C Izturis, F Lopez 3, A Pujols.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - R Ludwick 1, T Glaus 1, J Phelps 1, Y Molina 2.

Team LOB - 7.

Pitching


Cincinnati
A. Pettyjohn 2.0 7 8 8 2 0 2 20.25 (L, 0-1)
G. Majewski 1.0 4 3 3 0 0 0 6.52
J. Roenicke 1.0 0 0 0 0 3 0 9.00
J. Affeldt 1.2 1 0 0 1 3 0 3.33
M. Lincoln 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 4.48
B. Bray 1.0 1 0 0 0 3 0 2.87
J. Burton 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.22

St. Louis

B. Thompson 5.0 4 3 3 1 1 1 5.15 (W, 6-3)
K. Jimenez 1.0 1 1 1 1 0 1 5.62
R. Franklin 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3.55
J. Motte 1.0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0.82
R. Villone 0.2 0 0 0 0 1 0 4.68
R. Springer 0.1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2.32


WP - B Bray.

IBB - A Pujols (by A Pettyjohn).

HBP - J LaRue 2 (by A Pettyjohn, J Affeldt).

Pitches-strikes - A Pettyjohn 52-27; G Majewski 23-16; J Roenicke 13-10; J Affeldt 33-17; M Lincoln 6-3; B Bray 16-11; J Burton 7-5; B Thompson 69-49; K Jimenez 23-12; R Franklin 7-6; J Motte 20-9; R Villone 9-5; R Springer 6-3.

Ground balls-fly balls - A Pettyjohn 1-5; G Majewski 1-2; J Roenicke 0-0; J Affeldt 1-1; M Lincoln 0-1; B Bray 0-0; J Burton 1-2; B Thompson 10-4; K Jimenez 3-0; R Franklin 0-3; J Motte 1-1; R Villone 0-1; R Springer 0-1.

Batters faced - A Pettyjohn 16; G Majewski 7; J Roenicke 3; J Affeldt 8; M Lincoln 1; B Bray 4; J Burton 3; B Thompson 20; K Jimenez 5; R Franklin 3; J Motte 5; R Villone 2; R Springer 1.

Time: 2:43
Attendance: 43,300.

Reds season record final
Cincinnati 74 88 .457

[_Sir_Charles_]

Regardless of how disappointing this season was, I remain optimistic. In my view, this season was all about improvement and experience. In many areas we showed improvement except in the all-important defensive category. I'm optimistic about our starting pitching and our bullpen. I'm optimistic about our young players. I'm optimistic about our payroll flexibility for this off season with so many dead weight contracts coming off the books. Heck, I'm even optimistic about Dusty. Getting these automatic outs off the team alone will improve the club for next season. I'll accept youthful & rookie mistakes/slumps...at least you've got upside and room for improvement. I'm just sick of seeing those same mistakes/slumps from over-the-hill vets getting paid much more than they're worth.

I'll bid a fond farewell to.....

Paul Bako
Javier Valentine
Corey Patterson
David Weathers
Andy Phillips
Jolbert Cabrera
Gary Majewski
Josh Fogg

Good luck whereever you catch on. And however cliche it is...."We'll get 'em next year". :O)

[WVRedsFan]

I'll bid a fond farewell to.....

Paul Bako
Javier Valentine
Corey Patterson
David Weathers
Andy Phillips
Jolbert Cabrera
Gary Majewski
Josh Fogg

Good luck whereever you catch on. And however cliche it is...."We'll get 'em next year". :O)

I can only hope your farewell comes true, but for some reason I expect some of those players to be back next year. Sadly. I'd even add a couple more, but I know they will be back, so why bother?

Still, I look forward to 2009.

[VR]

It's been a good year on game threads....see ya'll next spring :thumbup:

[OnBaseMachine]

I wish I could fast forward time to February 14th, 2009. I miss Reds baseball already.

[lollipopcurve]

Looking forward to an offseason that should see a major move or two. I think the 09 team may look even more different than we think.

Great job on the game threads to all -- appreciate the yeoman work of all the regulars.

[Topcat]

Great work all you game threaders. Love this site and love this team,! (Certain players I detest and wish to never see again though)

[reds44]

I wish I could fast forward time to February 14th, 2009. I miss Reds baseball already.
It seems like just yesterday when everybody was up in arms over Valentin's thoughts on Volquez.

See you boys in spring.

[Falls City Beer]

One more time, with feeling: This team that got swept this weekend is also the 2008 Reds.

A bunch of work lies ahead. I wouldn't count on 2009 being a whole lot different from 2008.

[OnBaseMachine]

A bunch of work lies ahead. I wouldn't count on 2009 being a whole lot different from 2008.

I would. Aaron Harang is a not a 4.70+ ERA pitcher. Bruce will be better, as should Cueto. Walt will bring in better players too. I fully expect this team to improve in 2009.

[Degenerate39]

I would. Aaron Harang is a not a 4.70+ ERA pitcher. Bruce will be better, as should Cueto. Walt will bring in better players too. I fully expect this team to improve in 2009.

And hopefully no Corey Patterson :thumbup: That's addition by subtraction.

[Falls City Beer]

I would. Aaron Harang is a not a 4.70+ ERA pitcher. Bruce will be better, as should Cueto. Walt will bring in better players too. I fully expect this team to improve in 2009.

A ton of folks thought the same thing at the end of last year, too. Two things are going to have to happen at once: 1. the farm is going to have to produce like it hasn't done since the 60's and 2. Jocketty's going to have to have an offseason like Bowden's 98/99 one (or his own 99/00). I think the latter can happen; I'm pretty agnostic about the former.

[OnBaseMachine]

A ton of folks thought the same thing at the end of last year, too. Two things are going to have to happen at once: 1. the farm is going to have to produce like it hasn't done since the 60's and 2. Jocketty's going to have to have an offseason like Bowden's 98/99 one (or his own 99/00). I think the latter can happen; I'm pretty agnostic about the former.

I would say the farm has did a pretty solid job in the past year: Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, Ramon Ramirez, and Chris Dickerson have all played well at the big league level. And I think Jocketty is going to do some nice things this offseason.