Reds vs Pirates, 4.12.09

[Joseph]

Dickerson gets another chance to play finally.


Peglegs
Nyjer Morgan lf
Freddy Sanchez 2b
Nate McLouth cf
Ryan Doumit c
Adam LaRoche 1b
Andy LaRoche 3b
Brandon Moss rf
Jack Wilson ss
Ian Snell p

Redlegs
Willy Taveras cf
Chris Dickerson lf
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Ramon Hernandez c
Alex Gonzalez ss
Aaron Harang p

[jojo]

Dickerson gets another chance to play finally.

Lefties torch bad Snell and good Snell.

Today is made for Dickerson.

Votto and Bruce probably should Tivo the game too.... :cool:

[membengal]

This really should be a feel good about themselves day with the bats.

[OnBaseMachine]

This is a game the Reds really need to win. They can't afford to start out 1-4 and then go on a 10 game road trip.

[jojo]

This is a game the Reds really need to win. They can't afford to start out 1-4 and then go on a 10 game road trip.

Worst case scenario...the Reds lose today and come home after a losing road trip. They risk coming home to a city that has already forgotten them.

I actually don't think that's hyperbole.

[JaxRed]

Was kind of hoping to see Hanigan.

[11larkin11]

...should have been the opening day lineup...

[mth123]

Dickerson gets another chance to play finally.


Peglegs
Nyjer Morgan lf
Freddy Sanchez 2b
Nate McLouth cf
Ryan Doumit c
Adam LaRoche 1b
Andy LaRoche 3b
Brandon Moss rf
Jack Wilson ss
Ian Snell p

Redlegs
Willy Taveras cf
Chris Dickerson lf
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Ramon Hernandez c
Alex Gonzalez ss
Aaron Harang p

No Sunday special. Hoped for Hanigan and Janish today.

[RedFanAlways1966]

Don't think I will watch today. The only win came in a game that was not televised and I have watched all the losses; therefore, it must be me.

I am taking one for the team. You're welcome! :)

[Falls City Beer]

Hope the good Harang shows up today--but with all the Pirates lefties, I'm not holding my breath.

[Falls City Beer]

...should have been the opening day lineup...

Nah, my lineup would have Janish at SS.

[mth123]

Nah, my lineup would have Janish at SS.

This is a big test. IIRC, this will be Gonzalez first time at SS on back-to back days since 2007.

[SirFelixCat]

This is the lineup we hoped to see more of...let's hope the guys put on a show, in a good way, today.

Go Reds!

[Red in Chicago]

No HD Reds broadcast again? Is Cincy Fox Sports not available in HD, or am I missing something?

[wheels]

No HD Reds broadcast again? Is Cincy Fox Sports not available in HD, or am I missing something?

They're just cheap.

[OnBaseMachine]

Taveras has got to catch that ball. The ball hit his glove, he just failed to catch it.

[Falls City Beer]

A dinky lefty smashes Harang? Never.

[Tony Cloninger]

How can an umpire call a guy safe before he is even there?

Why not question that bad call Chris and george? What are they paying you for?

[Red in Chicago]

A dinky lefty smashes Harang? Never.

It was far from a smash.

[pahster]

A dinky lefty smashes Harang? Never.

It was a weak fly ball to shallow center.

[mth123]

Taveras has got to catch that ball. The ball hit his glove, he just failed to catch it.

I'm obviously not a Taveras guy, but he does have a pretty good arm (its actually his most valuable tool). He made that close from his butt.

[WMR]

It was a weak fly ball to shallow center.

:lol:

[jojo]

I've been watching a ton of Franklin Gutierrez who is an exceptional defender in center and he would've made that play on Morgan standing up.

Taveras isn't an elite defender.

[mth123]

Taveras isn't an elite defender.
Nope. Not close.

[OnBaseMachine]

Nice first inning from Harang.

[Falls City Beer]

That's Harang's first K against a lefty this season. And the Reds needed it.

[jojo]

Nice K and a nice job by the broadcast team to show the defensive alignment in the outfield.

[OnBaseMachine]

Taveras plays a very shallow CF. I don't like that. I'd much rather give up a bloop single than a double or triple.

[Falls City Beer]

It was a weak fly ball to shallow center.

The game ain't over yet. :)

[Tony Cloninger]

That's what? Already about 20 pitches? Can anyone get through 5 without throwing 100 pitches on this staff?

If Taveras is really that fast.....he sure does not show it. He obviously get's bad jumps.

[jojo]

OK...lets rock Snell's world early and make this a boring afternoon for Pirates fan (not sure there is more than one).

[OnBaseMachine]

That's Harang's first K against a lefty this season. And the Reds needed it.

Harang struckout Luis Castillo on Opening Day.

[Falls City Beer]

That's what? Already about 20 pitches? Can anyone get through 5 without throwing 100 pitches on this staff?

.

An astonishingly low (for Harang) pitch count of 12 I believe.

[mth123]

Taveras plays a very shallow CF. I don't like that. I'd much rather give up a bloop single than a double or triple.

Not me. I love a CF who plays shallow. A double here and there isn't worth a bunch of bloop hits. Remember Griffey in CF?

[Falls City Beer]

Harang struckout Luis Castillo on Opening Day.

Oh right. That bulldog.

[Tom Servo]

Stupid FSN/SportsSouth here gave me the first two Reds games and nothing since. And they're blacked out on the free Extra Innings trial. If my Reds are going to get their brains beaten in, I want to watch it!

[Falls City Beer]

If the Reds can't do anything against Snell, then I'll concede that it is not only the defense and the pitching that sucks, but also the offense.

Still, I think the offense will rip him today.

[OnBaseMachine]

I've been watching a ton of Franklin Gutierrez who is an exceptional defender in center and he would've made that play on Morgan standing up.

Taveras isn't an elite defender.

That was an exceptional play that Gutierrez made in Minnesota a few days ago.

[nate]

Chat = open.

[jojo]

If the righties get on today, the lefties need to make some hay....

[Red in Chicago]

George breakin' out the "little things" reference twice in one minute...now that's hot.

[WMR]

Nice to know that the Reds practice hitting into outs. :D

[OnBaseMachine]

Taveras leads off with a double but Dickerson and Votto follow with weak flyouts. Sheesh.

[Tony Cloninger]

I love that Pirates socks....the way he wears them makes a 70's baseball follower proud.

Paul Blair played very shallow beacuse he was so good at going back on the ball and had speed. So did Andrew Jones when he was not looking like terry Forster.

[jojo]

Man the empty seats are depressing. It's almost like a home game for the Pirates.

[nate]

BP with an HR scoring WT!

[mth123]

Man the empty seats are depressing.

Easter Sunday. Hard to judge from that. The Pirates aren't exactly a draw.

Woo hoo Phillips.

[MrCinatit]

No-doubter homer by Phillips. Nice swing.

[Red in Chicago]

Brandon tagged the heck out of that one...Reds up 2 - 0:beerme:

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds finally score first. 2-run homer by Phillips. 2-0 Reds.

[Falls City Beer]

Snell sucks. Phillips has looked good so far, patience-wise, early on. Prove me wrong Brandon.

[TheBurn]

WT got it started... whodda thunk it! :D

[RedsManRick]

Looks like the missed productive out was nullified...

[jojo]

It's only the first but I'm calling this one.

[TheBurn]

It's only the first but I'm calling this one.

:beerme:

[nate]

WT got it started... whodda thunk it! :D

With a double, no less.

[Falls City Beer]

Odds that Harang at least allows the first two hitters on base next inning?

[mth123]

Snell sucks. Phillips has looked good so far, patience-wise, early on. Prove me wrong Brandon.

After the 07 season, most of Redszone wanted the Reds to find a way to get Snell (me included). I'd still take a shot at him getting it together.

[redsmetz]

With a double, no less.

If Taveras can get the bat on the ball, with his wheels, he ought to be a double and triple machine. I know that's a bit extreme, but if he can do that, he's got some value in the two year deal we gave him. And maybe the ongoing bunt threat gives him some holes. That would be theory, right?

[Falls City Beer]

After the 07 season, most of Redszone wanted the Reds to find a way to get Snell (me included). I'd still take a shot at him getting it together.

99.9% of pitchers don't get it. That's why you need a ton: I'd see what he could do in the pen, no doubt.

[nate]

If Taveras can get the bat on the ball, with his wheels, he ought to be a double and triple machine. I know that's a bit extreme, but if he can do that, he's got some value in the two year deal we gave him. And maybe the ongoing bunt threat gives him some holes. That would be theory, right?

I dunno if I see the extra-base hits happening so much at home but maybe in some of the bigger parks westward.

[membengal]

After the 07 season, most of Redszone wanted the Reds to find a way to get Snell (me included). I'd still take a shot at him getting it together.

Count me in that group, I thought he was about to cross over to dominating. His 08 was puzzling. Doesn't look like it has resolved itself.

[WMR]

Odds that Harang at least allows the first two hitters on base next inning?

Hmm?

[membengal]

It's like FCB is trying to reverse jinx Harang with the irrational hate.

[nate]

Odds that Harang at least allows the first two hitters on base next inning?

Just put it on our tab!

:cool:

[Falls City Beer]

Hmm?

Luck be a Pirate, tonight.

[OnBaseMachine]

Harang throws a 1-2-3 second inning. 2-0 Reds.

[WMR]

It's like FCB is trying to reverse jinx Harang with the irrational hate.

:lol:

FCB kills me. :D

[Falls City Beer]

Can we now put away that teddy bear called the "extra-inning stint" as an excuse for poor performance. As long as my "irrational hate" can eradicate that baby, I'm okay with looking stupid.

That said, it's the second inning, against the worst 5-8 in MLB.

[jojo]

Hope the good Harang shows up today--but with all the Pirates lefties, I'm not holding my breath.

Harang generally has no particular struggles against lefties.

[Tony Cloninger]

Always look on the bright side of life FCB

[redsmetz]

Not to make light of a serious situation, albeit it one that seems to have turned out well, with the ship captain being rescued, Marty just mentioned the U.S. Navy defeated the Pirates. Now it's our turn.

[WMR]

Jeez, could they make the sign any smaller to win the Tundra? lol

[Tom Servo]

Harang generally has no particular struggles against lefties.As I recall though, Adam LaRoche kills him.

[remdog]

I'm not getting this on TV so I have a question about Harang. On cbs.gamecenter they showed every pitch that he threw in the 2nd inning under 85 mph, most of them slower.

Is that correct?

Rem

[BCubb2003]

Not to make light of a serious situation, albeit it one that seems to have turned out well, with the ship captain being rescued, Marty just mentioned the U.S. Navy defeated the Pirates. Now it's our turn.

Yes, as Marty reported, "Hopefully the story from the Associated Press is correct."

[WMR]

These pitchers DO NOT want to come to Edwin. They'd much rather face the guys after him.

Maybe time to put EE in a position to either force pitchers to face him or face some legitimate threats if they put him on base, Dusty?????

[membengal]

Can we now put away that teddy bear called the "extra-inning stint" as an excuse for poor performance. As long as my "irrational hate" can eradicate that baby, I'm okay with looking stupid.

That said, it's the second inning, against the worst 5-8 in MLB.

No. Why? Give me one reason why anything that happens this year would eradicate the statistical evidence of what his 2008 was before and after that outing?

[Falls City Beer]

These pitchers DO NOT want to come to Edwin. They'd much rather face the guys after him.

Maybe time to put EE in a position to either force pitchers to face him or face some legitimate threats if they put him on base, Dusty?????

I'd rather have a BB out of the 6 spot than infield popup out of the 2. ;)

[jojo]

I'm not getting this on TV so I have a question about Harang. On cbs.gamecenter they showed every pitch that he threw in the 2nd inning under 85 mph, most of them slower.

Is that correct?

Rem

Gameday suggests he topped out at 88 with all but one pitch between 85-88 mph in the first. His second was similar.

[redsmetz]

Yes, as Marty reported, "Hopefully the story from the Associated Press is correct."

CNN is reporting that he is free and unharmed. Back to the game.

[jojo]

Reds got call!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[OnBaseMachine]

Stupid hit and run. With EdE on first, Hernandez was ahead 2-1 and they put the hit and run on, which forced Hernandez to swing at a 2-1 pitch that was 15 inches outside. Instead of a 3-1 count, he fouled the pitch off and then grounded into a FC.

[Falls City Beer]

No. Why? Give me one reason why anything that happens this year would eradicate the statistical evidence of what his 2008 was before and after that outing?

So you're saying that if Harang sees a similar dropoff this season, it's back to that extra-inning argument? Not his ineffectiveness?

[WMR]

I'd rather have a BB out of the 6 spot than infield popup out of the 2. ;)

LOL

[WMR]

Wow what an u-g-l-y K by Gonzo. Looked like Charles Barkley swinging a golf club on that one.

[OnBaseMachine]

It looks like game threads are going to be unbearable on days Harang pitches.

[membengal]

FCB: No. That was his 2008.

If something similar happens in 2009, without the insanity of a SD event, it will point to something else, like the loss of effectiveness you keep crowing about.

At some point, does Janish deserve some at-bats over Alex G?

[nate]

At some point, does Janish deserve some at-bats over Alex G?

Yes?

[Falls City Beer]

It looks like game threads are going to be unbearable on days Harang pitches.

As long as he doesn't suck, I'm sure it'll be fine. Just like any other pitcher.

[Tom Servo]

I'm willing to give Gonzo some benefit of the doubt given how his 2007 was basically comprised of a variety of hot and cold streaks. Hopefully he's just cold now but will heat up soon.

[Playadlc]

Harang doesn't seem to have much life on his 4 seemer today. I don't think he has thrown a pitch over 87 mph.

[Falls City Beer]

Harang's throwing a LOT more strikes so far today. Which is very good.

[HokieRed]

IMHO, the only thing keeping Gonzalez in the lineup is his salary.

[OnBaseMachine]

2-0 Reds going into the bottom of the third.

[pahster]

That was an...interesting swing by Taveras.

[mth123]

HIt that too hard.

[Red in Chicago]

Votto continues to rake with a double to left. Just missed a homer.

[TheBurn]

Votto 2B

[Red in Chicago]

BP barely got in the batters box before grounding out on that one.

[Falls City Beer]

Alright, so never mind on praising Phillips.

[Tony Cloninger]

No kidding....I mean it worked for you the first time....why not try working the count again.

[nate]

Bruce is having trouble getting going.

[Falls City Beer]

I can already sense after that debacle that the Reds are going to lose this one.

[WVRedsFan]

I can already sense after that debacle that the Reds are going to lose this one.

I don't think so. This Pirates team is pretty bad. Phillips and Bruce just aren't patient enough to get hits when they are needed. Phillips swung at the first pitch and Bruce came out of the dugout swinging. He was a strikeout waiting to happen.

[TheBurn]

I can already sense after that debacle that the Reds are going to lose this one.

:thumbdown

[nate]

Chat is still open to discuss the game and FCB's predicitions!

(Just jokes, FCB!)

:cool:

[WMR]

No kidding....I mean it worked for you the first time....why not try working the count again.

Phillips is one of the more frustrating players to watch in recent memory.

[nate]

I'm willing to give Gonzo some benefit of the doubt given how his 2007 was basically comprised of a variety of hot and cold streaks. Hopefully he's just cold now but will heat up soon.


Phillips is one of the more frustrating players to watch in recent memory.

As Reds fans, the "frustrating players field" is a target rich environment.

[Kc61]

Phillips is one of the more frustrating players to watch in recent memory.

How is that? I think he is one of the only good Reds players to watch in recent memory.

Seems like Dickerson got a free pass around here but he should have scored on Votto's double. The whole idea of having speed guys is to take the extra base, be aggressive on the bases. No reason for him to have pulled up at third.

[Tony Cloninger]

Without a doubt.....but i also know why he did it....beacuse that is really who he is. A hacker.

Again.....bad game in commentary by George (who i expect nothing of substance from) and Chris (who i expect more from)

Morgan looks like Paul Blair ...in body size and in uniform style. :thumbup:

[WMR]

Without a doubt.....but i also know why he did it....beacuse that is really who he is. A hacker.



Yep. That's what makes it so tantalizing when he actually does exhibit some patience. Makes you wonder why that part of his hitting brain can't stay turned on.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Although struggling here, I'm happy to report Ramon Hernandez is off to a blazing start in my MLB The Show campaign!

[_Sir_Charles_]

No. Why? Give me one reason why anything that happens this year would eradicate the statistical evidence of what his 2008 was before and after that outing?

I agree with FCB on this one. That outing on the 25th was just after he went 5.1 ip against that same SD team when he allowed 10 hits & 5 runs. I don't think that 25th outing helped by any means...but it wasn't the signal of a downward spiral. He was already struggling prior to that game.

[Red in Chicago]

How is that? I think he is one of the only good Reds players to watch in recent memory.

Seems like Dickerson got a free pass around here but he should have scored on Votto's double. The whole idea of having speed guys is to take the extra base, be aggressive on the bases. No reason for him to have pulled up at third.

Votto hit the ball so hard that Morgan got to it right away and got the ball back in the infield. There was one out, Phillips and Bruce coming up. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, and your fourth and fifth hitters coming up, no sense in getting him thrown out at home. Don't really see how Dickerson was given a free pass there?

[reds44]

Dickerson covers so much ground in LF.

[Matt700wlw]

Harang has given up his second hit on the day. Shut out still alive!

[CTA513]

16 pitches total for Harang over the last 2 innings

[membengal]

Sir Charles: For the love of all that was holy. No, he wasn't. Take a longer view of that year, for petessake.

And go look up any of 500 threads on it. Or any national publication that has looked at it. Baseball Prospectus, for instance. This is not the place to rehash. Not to put too fine a point on it, Sir Charles, but you are dead in the water wrong on this, and come stupid every time you bring it up.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

I cant see the game, I know guys have said Harangs velocity is down today but how has his stuff looked? Looking at the box he seems to be pounding the zone

[nate]

Dickerson covers so much ground in LF.

Yep, he sure does.

[Red in Chicago]

Sir Charles: For the love of all that was holy. No, he wasn't. Take a longer view of that year, for petessake.

And go look up any of 500 threads on it. Or any national publication that has looked at it. Baseball Prospectus, for instance. This is not the place to rehash. Not to put too fine a point on it, Sir Charles, but you are dead in the water wrong on this, and come stupid every time you bring it up.

Ok, let's NOT get nasty with one another in the game thread.

[nate]

I cant see the game, I know guys have said Harangs velocity is down today but how has his stuff looked? Looking at the box he seems to be pounding the zone

It seems that way. Doesn't look like he's throwing super hard but he's hitting his spots nicely.

[membengal]

My apologies, Chicago Red. But that is rehashed ground, Sir Charles KNOWS those stats, he knows those threads, and he returns to the same myopic and discredited argument here. I will try and walk away.

FCB, what what it's worth, that ball four pitch to Harang looked a lot like strike 2, to me, Snell got weirdly squeezed on that.

[nate]

It almost looked like Willy T tried to knock down the throw to first on the bunt.

[Kc61]

Votto hit the ball so hard that Morgan got to it right away and got the ball back in the infield. There was one out, Phillips and Bruce coming up. Runners on 2nd and 3rd with one out, and your fourth and fifth hitters coming up, no sense in getting him thrown out at home. Don't really see how Dickerson was given a free pass there?

I didn't think the outfielder was in position to make a strong throw. I was surprised that Dickerson didn't go for it, I thought he would have made it.

[reds44]

Dickerson is a man.

[WMR]

Does Harang have a piano on his back?

[nate]

Nice hustle by CD there.

[membengal]

Now THAT is heady base-running by Dickerson to take 2nd on the bloop to CF when the Pirates were distracted by Harang to 3b.

KC: The only fault with Dickerson the previous time on base and his base-running is not picking up Berry quick enough as he approached second. Since he was stealing, and he lost the ball in the air, I can't fault him for not going all out to score after what happened to Bruce yesterday...

[Red in Chicago]

I didn't think the outfielder was in position to make a strong throw. I was surprised that Dickerson didn't go for it, I thought he would have made it.

He must have heard you Kc, cause he just went for it there ;)

[Matt700wlw]

Dickerson!

[Kc61]

Here's my guess why Dickerson just took that extra base stretching the single to a double. Somebody in the club house must have told him that he should have been more aggressive on the earlier play when he stayed at third and didn't score.

Reds should get Rosales up and send someone like Macdonald down after this game. Votto needs a backup first baseman until he feels one hundred percent again. Rosales is tearing up AAA and can play that role.

[Tony Cloninger]

Waste of an AB for Taveras......let's the sacrifice the pitcher over. I don't care if he was trying to bunt for a base hit......you have a pitcher at 1st base. Swing away.

[Kc61]

He must have heard you Kc, cause he just went for it there ;)

Well, I'm constantly yelling at my TV, so maybe I finally broke through to one of these guys!

[WMR]

Here's my guess why Dickerson just took that extra base stretching the single to a double. Somebody in the club house must have told him that he should have been more aggressive on the earlier play when he stayed at third and didn't score.

Reds should get Rosales up and send someone like Macdonald down after this game. Votto needs a backup first baseman until he feels one hundred percent again. Rosales is tearing up AAA and can play that role.

I would guess that CD is just playing the game like he's always played it.

[Tony Cloninger]

Ming boggling....hottest hitter up and he cannot even bring 1 run in.

[membengal]

Here's my guess why Dickerson just took that extra base stretching the single to a double. Somebody in the club house must have told him that he should have been more aggressive on the earlier play when he stayed at third and didn't score.

Reds should get Rosales up and send someone like Macdonald down after this game. Votto needs a backup first baseman until he feels one hundred percent again. Rosales is tearing up AAA and can play that role.

I hope not. Bruce was "aggressive" to end the game. Berry was "aggressive" in sending Votto earlier in the game. "Aggression" is fine, but only in spots where appropriate. As hard as Votto doubled in the inning where Dickerson held up at third, even if he goes all out around second, as hard as that ball came off the wall, and with one out, I would have hated to have seen him run into the second out at home.

My preference would have been to give Phillips and Bruce shots at knocking him home. That they didn't does not make saving the out a bad play.

[nate]

I hope not. Bruce was "aggressive" to end the game. Berry was "aggressive" in sending Votto earlier in the game. "Aggression" is fine, but only in spots where appropriate. As hard as Votto doubled in the inning where Dickerson held up at third, even if he goes all out around second, as hard as that ball came off the wall, and with one out, I would have hated to have seen him run into the second out at home.

I've always been a fan of "smart" over "aggressive."

[remdog]

"Votto needs a backup first baseman until he feels one hundred percent again."

I don't understand that comment. What's not 100%? I've seen nothing on the internet or newspapers that he's not 100%.

Rem

[BCubb2003]

I wonder if aggression where appropriate is a contradiction.

[Kc61]

I hope not. Bruce was "aggressive" to end the game. Berry was "aggressive" in sending Votto earlier in the game. "Aggression" is fine, but only in spots where appropriate. As hard as Votto doubled in the inning where Dickerson held up at third, even if he goes all out around second, as hard as that ball came off the wall, and with one out, I would have hated to have seen him run into the second out at home.

A few of the Reds have excellent speed. They need to use it. Obviously they should try to use it wisely. But this shouldn't be a station to station team.

[membengal]

I agree KC, but as hard as that Votto ball was tagged, and fielded cleanly off the short wall in LF, I don't think Deion Sanders in his prime is safely home there.

[WVRedsFan]

Phillips does it again. Wow.

[Red in Chicago]

Reds fail to score for a second time with runners on second and third and only one out. Not a way to win many ballgames....sigh

[klw]

Phillips does it again. Wow.

Did he homer again?

[WVRedsFan]

Did he homer again?

:)

[membengal]

No.

[Kc61]

"Votto needs a backup first baseman until he feels one hundred percent again."

I don't understand that comment. What's not 100%? I've seen nothing on the internet or newspapers that he's not 100%.

Rem

Votto got a slight injury the other day sliding at home plate. They just said on the TV broadcast that it seemed, perhaps, to be bothering him on that last at bat.

The Reds have six outfielders. They don't have a natural backup first baseman, or third baseman for that matter. So Rosales has a role, is hitting well, should be with the club.

[jojo]

Any major league caliber righty is a tough match up for Phillips. He won a battle in the first against one. Criticizing him for losing this one really might be more greedy than fair...

[membengal]

Funny how it wasn't bothering Voto when he doubled in the fourth...I think the TV crew need to chill on excuses. Sometimes pitchers make good pitches and batter make outs. Snell made a quality pitch to Votto and won that exchange. Unfortunately.

[jojo]

How the heck does Harang have 5 ks?

[membengal]

Finally, new Reds killer Nyjer Morgan makes an out. Another K for Harang, who is generally dealing today.

[WVRedsFan]

Of course, the problem with these innings where we could score it always comes down to the same two or three guys who have the opportunity to drive in runs. It's ludicrous to think they can deliver all the time. The problem with Brandon Phillips is patience. He didn't give the pitcher a chance to make a mistake. I unfortunately see this in Jay Bruce too and hope he outgrows it. Brandon will always be like that.

[reds44]

Harang is dealin'

[membengal]

Harang is in the zone, 7 Ks now.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ok, let's NOT get nasty with one another in the game thread.

I agree. I've already responded, but via PM.

[Kc61]

Funny how it wasn't bothering Voto when he doubled in the fourth...I think the TV crew need to chill on excuses. Sometimes pitchers make good pitches and batter make outs. Snell made a quality pitch to Votto and won that exchange. Unfortunately.

The TV crew said it earlier in the at bat, not as an excuse for Votto striking out. I have no idea if it's really bothering him, but as a matter of roster composition the Reds should have a backup for both Votto and EE and they don't.

Meanwhile, this is the best Harang has looked since last year in San Diego. It's the Harang of old today.

[Matt700wlw]

Harang pitching a gem! K's the side!

[CTA513]

Harang now at 68 pitches after striking out the side in the 6th.

[TheBurn]

Harang en fuego?
7-Ks through 6-IP

[Tony Cloninger]

A CG is always a nice thing for me to see. Old school baby!

[remdog]

Harang pitching a gem! K's the side!

Pitch count 68 through 6, even with the K's! WOW!

Rem

[Matt700wlw]

Hernandez would play 1B if Votto couldn't go

[WMR]

Golden Sombrero

[WMR]

How the heck does Harang have 5 ks?

Same way he's got seven now. Getting his pitches over with good location.

[Matt700wlw]

Bruce really struggling out of the gate....he looks lost

[membengal]

Bruce looks lost at the moment at the plate. Ks. Again.

EE with a single to CF.

[Tony Cloninger]

Hernandez? Come on.....that's just in theory. ;)

Snell can be good...but no way should he be good enough to strikeout Bruce 3 straight times.

[TheBurn]

So talk to me about Bruce... :(

[Blitz Dorsey]

Boy is Freddy Sanchez a little whiner or what.

[membengal]

Chris Welsh needs to stop playing Dr. from the booth.

[reds44]

Wow. What a DP.

[membengal]

You go on with your bad self, Jack Wilson.

Now THAT is defense at SS. Gracious.

[remdog]

The TV crew said it earlier in the at bat, not as an excuse for Votto striking out. I have no idea if it's really bothering him..."

Well, the TV crew is reporting in the moment so maybe they are seeing something. However, every other report I've seen says that the worst thing he did on that slide at home plate was need a new pair of pants.

It's a little too early for me to say, difinitively, that he's hurt. (Unless it was Doc Hollywood doing the diagnosis. :) )

I agree that the roster construction isn't too good but that was a seperate subject to what I was asking about.

Rem

[jojo]

Same way he's got seven now. Getting his pitches over with good location.

I think we're watching a guy throwing strikes against a lineup that is sleep walking.....

[Stormy]

Hope the good Harang shows up today--but with all the Pirates lefties, I'm not holding my breath.

Aside from a span of time with an injured arm last year, the 'good Harang' has shown up in the vast majority of his starts for the past 4+ years. Today is no exception.

[jojo]

You go on with your bad self, Jack Wilson.

Now THAT is defense at SS. Gracious.

That was pretty. Web gem moral victory for the Bucco fan.

[membengal]

That's likely #1 play of the day for ESPN tonight.

[reds44]

Just dealing.

[WMR]

I think we're watching a guy throwing strikes against a lineup that is sleep walking.....

Disagree. That last K was some sick stuff. Talk about pulling the string.

[membengal]

Echo Reds44: Flat nasty stuff today. Pounding the strike zone with each of his pitches. Is the only hit he has allowed that dying blooper to Morgan to start the game?

[Stormy]

Disagree. That last K was some sick stuff. Talk about pulling the string.

Agreed. Harang is always a bulldog in the Harnisch mold, moving the ball in and out, locating his pitches, and changing tempo with his offspeed selections on 2 strike counts. He's always dominated without appearing dominating.

[reds44]

The Pirates have two hits.

[remdog]

Golden Sombrero

Golden Sombreo is 4 K's. Jay's still got some work to do. :lol:

Rem

[wheels]

Aside from a span of time with an injured arm last year, the 'good Harang' has shown up in the vast majority of his starts for the past 4+ years. Today is no exception.

Yup.

Today is VINTAGE Harang. Nothing fancy, just dicing up the plate.

He's a mench.

[Degenerate39]

Echo Reds44: Flat nasty stuff today. Pounding the strike zone with each of his pitches. Is the only hit he has allowed that dying blooper to Morgan to start the game?

Moss had a hit I think

[RedsManRick]

I really hope Cueto and Volquez are watching closely. Harang doesn't have their stuff, but when you keep it low and in the zone, good things happen.

[CTA513]

Harang is now 9 K's away from reaching 1000 for his career.

[Tony Cloninger]

Where is FCB? :D


Can someone explain to me why God Bless America is now the standard for every game? Nothing wrong with the song but does it need to be done every time?

[membengal]

That's right, Moss with the other.

At any rate, good stuff from what is still the staff ace today. They needed somone on in the staff to step and set things to right. Hopefully the others can build on this.

[wheels]

This one's got "complete game" written all over it.

I love that big dork.

[membengal]

On the offensive side of things, Bruce, Ramon H, and Alex G have looked particularly lost at the plate this week. The team needs to get them going, or feel comfortable giving a few more at-bats to Hanigan and Janish, say, in order to make the bottom of the line-up effective here in the short term.

[jojo]

Harang is now 9 K's away from reaching 1000 for his career.

We should start a pool at redszone concerning who will be Harang's #1K K.

[jojo]

Where is FCB? :D


Can someone explain to me why God Bless America is now the standard for every game? Nothing wrong with the song but does it need to be done every time?

I think he's watching the Astros game... :cool:

[membengal]

Nice at-bat from Taveras again, to get the single. With two outs, I would love to see him steal here. Or try to. Go, man.

[membengal]

Stolen base! Nice work, Willy T.

Now pick him up, Chris.

[reds44]

Taveras steals 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. What a DP.

Well, I'm not watching...only listening, but Gameday just posted that DP. Good lord. Now I see what the fuss was about. That was mighty nice.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I tell ya guys... I like Taveras' swing. There is no question he needs to take more walks (and maybe he's finally realizing that) but the guy definitely takes a nice, controlled cut for a leadoff man. I was pretty critical of the signing, but I like what I see so far. They just need to keep stressing him to work the count and take some walks when he can (of course, Dusty is the manager, so maybe they're not stressing that at all, who knows).

[WMR]

Golden Sombreo is 4 K's. Jay's still got some work to do. :lol:

Rem

:redface:

My bad!!

[TheBurn]

WT showing RZ up! :D

[jojo]

Nice opportunity for CD

[_Sir_Charles_]

Golden Sombreo is 4 K's. Jay's still got some work to do. :lol:

Rem

I was going to say something...but I wasn't 100% sure it was 4 or 3. :O)

[remdog]

Actually, not a bad performance by Snell. Yeah, his pitch count was a bit up there and he got taged by Phillips for the two-run dinger but that's about it.

So, the question is: did Snell pitch well or is the Reds offense offensive?

Rem

[membengal]

Snell got better as the game went on, and was throwing strikes himself. But he should have been dinged for a few additional runs than they got off of him.

CD with the walk. Lefty coming in to face Votto.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I really hope Cueto and Volquez are watching closely. Harang doesn't have their stuff, but when you keep it low and in the zone, good things happen.

And pump strike after strike. Volquez and Cueto try and be too cute and go for too many strikeouts IMO. Neither of them are pitch efficient. Volquez was so good last year that he got away with it. When you stay around the plate, Ks will happen like today for Harang. When you press and try and nibble around the plate, you are going to rack up the pitch count (and the walks and runs).

I like Volquez and Cueto a lot, but hopefully they are taking notes today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Actually, not a bad performance by Snell. Yeah, his pitch count was a bit up there and he got taged by Phillips for the two-run dinger but that's about it.

So, the question is: did Snell pitch well or is the Reds offense offensive?

Rem

A bit of both IMO. Snell has always underperformed in my view. I've always liked his stuff and still think he'll put it all together. The defense helped him today as did Bruce & Gonzo's struggles at the plate. At the end of the season, both Snell & our offense will be fine.

[WMR]

I wish Dick Pole would make Cueto and Volquez sit down and watch Harang's game tape from today.

[remdog]

Snell got better as the game went on, and was throwing strikes himself. But he should have been dinged for a few additional runs than they got off of him.

Good answer.

So, how do the Reds solve that problem?

Personally, I think Bruce will struggle a bit in the first half of the season. I also think it will 'click' for him in the second half. Right now, I'd give Bruce, Hernandez and Gonzo a day or two off, let them work in the cage and feel confident the next time they go out there.

Rem

[jojo]

This is a tougher match up for Votto.

[Blitz Dorsey]

nm

[jojo]

nm

What does this guy dare throw if the count goes full?

[jojo]

What does this guy dare throw if the count goes full?

Nevermind.

[remdog]

And pump strike after strike. Volquez and Cueto try and be too cute and go for too many strikeouts IMO. Neither of them are pitch efficient. Volquez was so good last year that he got away with it. When you stay around the plate, Ks will happen like today for Harang. When you press and try and nibble around the plate, you are going to rack up the pitch count (and the walks and runs).

I like Volquez and Cueto a lot, but hopefully they are taking notes today.

I agree. It may be a cliche but 'trust your stuff' works if you've got 'the stuff'. Attack the hitter and the plate. Make them beat you. Don't 9beat yourself.

Both Volquez and Cueto have the stuff---now they just have to trust it.

Rem

[jojo]

Both Volquez and Cueto have stuff that moves a lot which generally means more balls. If I could change anything about Cueto it would be related to throwing up in the zone.

[BCubb2003]

I agree. It may be a cliche but 'trust your stuff' works if you've got 'the stuff'. Attack the hitter and the plate. Make them beat you. Don't 9beat yourself.

Both Volquez and Cueto have the stuff---now they just have to trust it.

Rem

Does that translate to: Throw it down the middle because it won't end up there?

[membengal]

Good from Harang there, his 2-2 yakker should have been a called strike three, ump blew the call. Harang shrugs it off, pumps another strike on the full count pitch rather than give up the walk, and gets a bouncer back to the mound. Choice work.

Fly out for second out of the inning.

[Red in Chicago]

So far it's been enough, but yet once again, Harang is not getting very much run support. I hope he can hang on for the next 4 outs and get the W. Could help his confidence a bit.

[reds44]

Pitches for Harang?

[membengal]

Grounder to 2b.

Great and quick 8th from Harang.

2-0 Reds middle of 8. Harang with 90 pitches on the day.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Do you let Aaron go for the CG? He's around 90 pitches. I'd say yes for sure. He's been flat out solid today.

[Red in Chicago]

Pitches for Harang?

I think 91, 68 of which were strikes.

[remdog]

Anyone else think we'll see Coco start the 9th?

Rem

[klw]

Well, the TV crew is reporting in the moment so maybe they are seeing something. However, every other report I've seen says that the worst thing he did on that slide at home plate was need a new pair of pants.

It's a little too early for me to say, difinitively, that he's hurt. (Unless it was Doc Hollywood doing the diagnosis. :) )

I agree that the roster construction isn't too good but that was a seperate subject to what I was asking about.

Rem

Article on Votto's sore knee from MLB.com
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090412&content_id=4235548&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[reds44]

Definatley letting Harang finish this.

Have Cordero getting hot just in case.

[membengal]

Harang def should go out to start the 9th, with Cordero ready should someone get on. Harang deserves a chance to finish this gem.

[remdog]

Does that translate to: Throw it down the middle because it won't end up there?

I think Harang has translated 'trust your stuff' perfectly today.

Rem

[Tony Cloninger]

I understand why FCB get's down on Harang.....beacuse he can be this good most of the time but will lose his concentration. In this game however...he has it all.

Reminds me of the STL game where he 1 hit them.

Pirates did score 10 runs ...so they might suck most of the time on offense but they are still no to be taken lightly. Good thing harang did not.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cordero warming.

[Degenerate39]

"Coco Cordero" warming

[remdog]

I would love to see Aaron get the CG---after all, I may be the original 'old school'. :)

Just taking in the 'Dusty factor'. :lol:

Rem

[membengal]

There's the "good" Brandon, KC. I liked the patience there and him taking the BB. I think sometimes, when guys are on base, Brandon presses too much to try and make something happen, and makes himself at times an easier out in those situations than he should be.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Going for win #1, Indians & Nationals....

Indians up 5-4 over the Jays in the 7th
Nats down 5-4 to the Braves in the 7th

[jojo]

Harang is still 60 pitches below Dusty's limit....

[jojo]

Go yard Jay.

[membengal]

Bruce with a dribbler to 3b, 3b-man looks to 2nd and then double pumps, then goes to 1b and Bruce beats it out. Scored a base hit.

[BCubb2003]

I think Harang has translated 'trust your stuff' perfectly today.

Rem

Harang has moved the ball around very well. But how is that different from Volquez and Cueto nibbling? If you had to explain it to Volquez and Cueto.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No matter HOW much Bruce is struggling...hustling helps. :O)

Safe on an IF hit.

[Red in Chicago]

Harang is still 60 pitches below Dusty's limit....

That made me laugh out loud.

[membengal]

Triple play.

Seriously.

[reds44]

Wow. A triple play.

[Red in Chicago]

R U kidding me with the triple play:(

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. Triple play. Double steal backfires. That's just crappy luck right there. I like the aggresiveness...just poor luck.

[WMR]

My lord. :lol:

[membengal]

Man does that make me nervous for the 9th. Weird thing to occur there where it looked like the Reds might be able to expand the lead.

[Degenerate39]

Remember when Ross hit into a triple play a few years ago

[Matt700wlw]

Reds run themselves into a triple play. Wow.

[RedsManRick]

Reds baserunning... it's fantastic! How many outs on the bases have we made this year? It's got to be nearly an inning's worth a game.

[RBA]

That triple play was too easy. Almost like it was in slow motion.