4/19/09 - Reds vs Astros

[Reds Fanatic]

Lineups from Fay:


Reds:

Willy Taveras cf

Chris Dickerson lf

Joey Votto 1b

Brandon Phillips 2b

Edwin Encarnacion 3b

Laynce Nix rf

Ramon Hernandez c

Alex Gonzalez ss

Edinson Volquez p

Astros:

Michael Bourn cf

Miguel Tejada ss

Lance Berkman 1b

Carlos Lee lf

Hunter Pence rf

Geoff Blum 3b

Jason Smith 2b

Humberto Quintero c

Felipe Paulino p

Volquez was 2-0 with a 1.23 against the Astros last year. Only Phillips, Encarnacion and Votto have faced Paulino. Phillips and Votto were 1-for-3, EE 0-for-3.

[OnBaseMachine]

Paulino is a guy the Reds *should* rock, but you never know with this offense.

[alloverjr]

I'd really like for Hannigan to get some more starts. Frankly I think he's the better all around catcher.

[WVRedsFan]

Paulino is a guy the Reds *should* rock, but you never know with this offense.

Yeah, OBM, but I can't see this offense "rocking" anyone this year. I just hope we win.

[wheels]

I'd really like for Hannigan to get some more starts. Frankly I think he's the better all around catcher.

I agree, and the same can be said about Dickerson.

I'd be willing to bet that by the end of the year, both will be regarded as the starter at each position.

It's just too obvious, and I always feel better about the club when they're on the field.

[JaxRed]

I was hoping for Hanigan also, but I was REALLY hoping to see Janish.

[SirFelixCat]

Hoping for Janish and Hanigan, but oh well.

Go Reds!

[Reds Fanatic]

Taveras singles to center.

[11larkin11]

Taveras with the high socks!! I like it.

And it gets him a basehit

[nate]

Chat is totally open.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dickerson is hit by the pitch. 1st and 2nd.

[nate]

Taveras with the high socks!! I like it.

And it gets him a basehit

High socks = base knocks!

[mth123]

Prediction: Dickerson is the man inthis game. Lets start now.

See. A clutch HBP

[Screwball]

Promising start to the inning. Reds need to capitalize.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto strikes out swinging.

[Screwball]

Awful.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds into a 4-6-3 DP. A good scoring chance is blown. 0-0 mid 1st.

[Blitz Dorsey]

A BP DP... the most predictable play in baseball.

[flyer85]

a BP ends the inning

[OnBaseMachine]

Gotta love Brandon Phillips in the cleanup spot. They'll never learn.

First and second with nobody out against an awful pitcher... and they don't score.

[mbgrayson]

Brandon grounds into a 4-6 3 Phillips...

[membengal]

Here's what is equally as nauseating, in my view:

That Taveras and Dickerson were still on first and second as that at-bat unfolded. With that speed, and Phillips' propenisty for doing what he just did, they should have tried to steal to start that at-bat...

[Reds Fanatic]

Fantastic diving catch by Taveras!

[nate]

Nice D by Willy T!

[dougdirt]

I am coming around on Taveras... not going to lie.

[mth123]

Small Ball my arse. With Taveras and Dickerson on base, if there is ever a time to be running its with Brandon Phillips up and less than two outs. You know he'll swing at anything and protect the runners. If your going to get small ball guys, then let them do what they do. If your playing for 3 run homers, these ain't the right guys.

[mth123]

mem beat me to it.

[membengal]

mth is singing from the same song book I am...mth, it is driving me crazy, absolutely crazy, that they are not actually embracing that which they have paid lip service to...

[Reds Fanatic]

Should have been an easy ground out by the throw from Votto to Volquez goes right off Volquez's glove.

[RedsManRick]

Reds baseball at its finest. Bouncer to Votto, who tosses it slightly behind Volquez, who drops the ball as he reaches for 1st...

[mbgrayson]

TV showed an older guy in a Berkman uniform angrily jerk the foul ball away from a kid. Nice...:(

[Reds Fanatic]

Berkman walks. 1st and 2nd.

[membengal]

Another at-bat where Volquez was up in the count (1-2) and then issued the walk.

[dougdirt]

Unreal.

[Reds Fanatic]

Lee lines out to Dickerson but as they try to double off the runner at 2nd the throw gets away from Phillips and Tejada moves to 3rd. 1st and 3rd with 2 outs.

[Tony Cloninger]

Might s well have it all implode now.......seriously.....this looks like a joke team who believed the hype about themselves during ST.

You all 'aint that good.....and Volquez you are not Pedro Jr...or Jose Jr...either.

[OnBaseMachine]

I've already turned the channel. I'll just follow via the game thread. Only in the first inning but we've already seen the Reds blow a great scoring opportunity, and now they commit an error on a routine play that will probably lead to a big inning.

[membengal]

Gah.

0-2 pitch lined to LF. Dickerson catches it. Two outs.

But then Dickerson throws to 2nd trying to double up the runner, and Phillips doesn't catch the ball. The runner moves to third base. The E given to Dickerson, but it should have been given to Phillips in my estimation.

Runners first and third, two outs.

[membengal]

Grounder to 3b, and EE gets the force at 2b.

0-0 after one inning.

Two reds errors to start the game...

[Reds Fanatic]

Pence grounds into a 5-4 FC so the Reds get out of a mess the defense created. 0-0 after 1.

[mbgrayson]

Pence bounces to EE, who throw the runner out at 2nd. No score.

[cincrazy]

And yet again, despite the white flag being waved on Redszone, the Reds get out of it without allowing any runs.

[Screwball]

Anybody else in the Cincy area with Time Warner having trouble with their Fox Sports feed?

[Tony Cloninger]

You have this team playing so lazily and pathetically. I do not care that they are .500....they still look bad.

You go to the minors......and there you see most, if not all of the top prospects looking really bad.

I can't wait for the Bengals to draft a WR in the first round to top off this month.

[Reds Fanatic]

Edwin strikes out looking.1out.

[membengal]

Paulino throws one 96 mph on the black on the outside corner to K EE to start the Reds' second.

One out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nix doubles to left center.

[membengal]

Nix doubles to left center.

Ramon H up.

[JaxRed]

"The E given to Dickerson, but it should have been given to Phillips in my estimation.'

Agreed.

[Falls City Beer]

Paulino throws 96 and fans here are calling him a terrible pitcher?

[Reds Fanatic]

Hernandez strikes out looking.

[Screwball]

Hernandez gets a 2-1 fastball thigh-high, over the heart of the plate but he only fouls it back. Those are the pitches this team just can't miss.

[OnBaseMachine]

Paulino throws 96 and fans here are calling him a terrible pitcher?

Lots of guys can throw 96. There's more to pitching than throwing 96 mph.

Paulino is nothing special.

[cincrazy]

Lots of guys can throw 96.

Paulino is nothing special.

I don't know about that. This guy is reaching 99 on the radar gun. His stats may not be impressive, but the guy has sick stuff.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gonzalez strikes out swinging. Already 4 Ks for Paulino. 0-0 mid 2nd.

[Falls City Beer]

Lots of guys can throw 96.

Paulino is nothing special.

Yeah, lots of starters throw 96. The Reds have had only one of those in 20 seasons.

[OnBaseMachine]

Yeah, lots of starters throw 96. The Reds have had only one of those in 20 seasons.

Johnny Cueto. Edinson Volquez.

[Screwball]

I'm not sure why some fans have previously left the Game Thread early to catch an episode of Lost. You get the same thing watching half this Reds' line-up.

[Falls City Beer]

Johnny Cueto. Edinson Volquez.

Volquez with regularity. Cueto maybe once or twice a game if he's lucky.

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez with regularity. Cueto maybe once or twice a game if he's lucky.

Yeah, if he's lucky. :rolleyes:

Sigh. We've been through this before and I think we all know who won. ;) You still owe every Redszoner a drink. ;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Blum strikes out swinging. 1 out.

[Gallen5862]

Let's get some runs reds. What inning is it?

[Reds Fanatic]

Smith strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Let's get some runs reds. What inning is it?
bottom 2nd

[RedsManRick]

Marty and Brantley are reveling in being Luddites. From their mouths to Jocketty's ears...

[Gallen5862]

Thanks Reds Fanatic.

[Reds Fanatic]

Quintero grounds out to 1st. 0-0 after 2.

[BCubb2003]

Brantley: "While you guys have been talking, Volquez has been getting into a rhythm ..."

[membengal]

Marty and Brantley are reveling in being Luddites. From their mouths to Jocketty's ears...

RMR: What are they saying?

[Falls City Beer]

Good first time through the lineup for Volquez; keeping his pitches down well so far. Houston's swinging at some stuff out of the zone, however.

[nate]

Chat remains open!

[Screwball]

Houston's swinging at some stuff out of the zone, however.

Testament to the silly movement on his pitches.

[Reds Fanatic]

Volquez strikes out swinging. 5 Ks for Paulino.

[BCubb2003]

Marty and Brantley are reveling in being Luddites. From their mouths to Jocketty's ears...

That dang radio box will never amount to anything.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bourn makes a great diving catch. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dickerson strikes out swinging. 6 Ks for Paulino. 0-0 mid 3rd.

[OnBaseMachine]

Felipe Paulino has 6 K's through 3 IP. Felipe Paulino, folks.

[BCubb2003]

It's not like Marty and Hal have to use Facebook or Twitter if they don't want to, but acting like it's a threat to their manhood may be more revealing than they think.

[NC Reds]

Reds baseball facilitated a pretty good afternoon nap for me. I didn't miss a thing either.

[Screwball]

Felipe Paulino has 6 K's through 3 IP. Felipe Paulino, folks.

I dunno, man. Paulino looks to have some really good stuff to me.

[Reds Fanatic]

Paulino strikes out swinging. 3 Ks for Volquez.

[Falls City Beer]

Ladies and gentlemen, THAT is how you pitch to an opposing pitcher when you possess a 96 MPH fastball.

[CrackerJack]

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[Falls City Beer]

I dunno, man. Paulino looks to have some really good stuff to me.

If he ain't a Reds' pitcher, forget it; he's chopped liver.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bourn lines a single to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Tejada lines a single off the wall in left center. 1-0 Astros.

[reds44]

Who the hell is Felipe Paulino?

[Reds Fanatic]

Berkman singles to right. 1st and 2nd.

[OnBaseMachine]

Glad to see Hernandez is still calling for plenty of curveballs from Volquez despite that being his worst pitch.

I'm ready for Hanigan.

[flyer85]

Who the hell is Felipe Paulino?its the Reds

[Falls City Beer]

Volquez comes unraveled, just like that.

[reds44]

You really going to blame the catcher for Volquez struggling? Really?

[membengal]

Alright, just looked up Felipe Paulino in the BP 2009 Annual and it says this about the 25-year-old:


"Paulino faced four batters in 2008 and then became an episode of House, presenting with a pinched nerve, then elbow tightness, and then shoulder busitis. He never pitched again. Before his arm trouble, his fastball could hit 100 mph, although it tended to come in flat and high....After his arm trouble, werll, who knows how hard he'll throw? He didn't pitch this winter, but the Astros believe he'll be fine for the spring."

As a 22-year old in high A ball, Paulino Kd 91 in 126 innings (26 games started)

As a 23-year-old in AA, Paulino Kd 110 in 112 innings (21 games started).

His 2008 season was a lost cause to injuries as BP outlines.

I wouldn't call him trash, OBM. I also don't think the Reds are scaring anyone from the plate at this point, either.

[Reds Fanatic]

A 4 pitch walk to Lee. Base loaded.

[OUReds]

Between the first inning yesterday and some plays today, I keep thinking that Gonzalez's range is looking positively Keppingeresque. Am I being too hard on him?

[Falls City Beer]

Does Volquez have options?

[flyer85]

pence looked like a Red on that 1-1 pitch

[Screwball]

Yikes, Volquez can't find the plate now. This could be serious trouble.

[reds44]

Does Volquez have options?
Srsly? Just stop.

[JaxRed]

Between the first inning yesterday and some plays today, I keep thinking that Gonzalez's range is looking positively Keppingeresque. Am I being too hard on him?

OK, I'm not alone, he looked like a statue on that hard hit Bourne ball.

[SirFelixCat]

Nice 3-2 change to get "The Fish". 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Pence strikes out swinging on a nice changeup. 2 outs.

[flyer85]

Volquez threw 5 balls to Pence ... and struck him out

[Kc61]

You really going to blame the catcher for Volquez struggling? Really?

Actually, it's Bako's fault. Or is that David Ross?

[OUReds]

OK, I'm not alone, he looked like a statue on that hard hit Bourne ball.

Exactly

[Reds Fanatic]

Blum pops out to 3rd. 1-0 Astros after 3.

[reds44]

Pence swung 2 days earlier at the changeup.

[SirFelixCat]

First pitch pop up to EdE. Got out of it w/ 1 run. Nice recovery.

[reds44]

Yeah, Volquez became "unraveled" and gave up a run.

Send him to AAA.

[flyer85]

Pence is the Stros version of Phillips. He'll get some hits and Hrs but he will get himself out if you need him to in a big AB

[Falls City Beer]

Srsly? Just stop.

Yes, seriously? Do you want to keep subjecting the kid to these long, laborsome innings, just so you can burn up his arm?

It's a lost season. Masset should hold the spot till Volquez finds his groove again. He's just going to get injured throwing these 30-40 pitch innings.

[Screwball]

Volquez got some help from Pence, but he did a great job to limit the damage there even though he pretty much lost his control.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto flies out to left. 1 out.

[mbgrayson]

Yes, seriously? Do you want to keep subjecting the kid to these long, laborsome innings, just so you can burn up his arm?

It's a lost season. Masset should hold the spot till Volquez finds his groove again. He's just going to get injured throwing these 30-40 pitch innings.
Volquez has thrown 53 pitches through three innings.

[lollipopcurve]

Volquez much better today than in his previous start.

Meanwhile, 21 innings, 20 goose eggs for the offense.

[Falls City Beer]

Volquez has thrown 53 pitches through three innings.

I was referring specifically to his last start where he was left in to labor badly through his last two innings.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[11larkin11]

Phillips tries to GIDP but theres no one on so its a routine GO

[reds44]

Yes, seriously? Do you want to keep subjecting the kid to these long, laborsome innings, just so you can burn up his arm?

It's a lost season. Masset should hold the spot till Volquez finds his groove again. He's just going to get injured throwing these 30-40 pitch innings.
I'm not even going to give this a response because it doesn't deserve one.

[Falls City Beer]

I'm not even going to give this a response because it doesn't deserve one.

That's the spirit.

[flyer85]

Reds keep swinging at balls ... 4 balls to EE but the count is 2-2

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds are one Ramon Hernandez swing away from being shutout in the first three games of this series.

[mbgrayson]

Good at bat by EE. 9 pitch at bat with a BB.

[Reds Fanatic]

Encarnacion walks. His 11th walk this year.

[Screwball]

Solid at-bat from Edwin to work the walk.

[lollipopcurve]

Somehow Grande is under the impression EdE has never been a guy to take a walk until this year.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nix lines a single to center. His 2nd hit of the day. 1st and 3rd.

[reds44]

Somehow Grande is under the impression EdE has never been a guy to take a walk until this year.
Everybody has been saying that. Granted, he's walking more, but IIRC he has like an .080 point BA/OB split for his career.

[lollipopcurve]

Nice to see Nix with a nok.

He's swinging pretty well (vs righties).

[nate]

Yes, seriously? Do you want to keep subjecting the kid to these long, laborsome innings, just so you can burn up his arm?

It's a lost season. Masset should hold the spot till Volquez finds his groove again. He's just going to get injured throwing these 30-40 pitch innings.

It's April.

April.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hernandez grounds out to 1st. 1-0 Astros mid 4th.

[CrackerJack]

Weak AB for Hernandez..again

[Kc61]

Encarnacion walks. His 11th walk this year.

Now all he needs is to get his batting average up to, say, .170.

Not that EE's the only one with that problem on this team.

[mbgrayson]

Paulino at 70 pitches through four innings pitched.
Volquez at 53 pitches through three innings pitched.

[membengal]

Now all he needs is to get his batting average up to, say, .170.

Not that EE's the only one with that problem on this team.

At least he's on base in the midst of his slump. That's a good thing, you would agree, right? Certainly he WANTS to get hits, they all do, I am sure. But if they swing at everything, getting rid of the walks that seem to annoy you so, do you think that their average will really rebound? Because I don't.

[SirFelixCat]

Why do people respond to FCB's posts? He does it to rile people up, no more no less. He's simply a troll that stays longer than most. You can't be this negative about everything Reds, and I mean EVERYTHING and be considered anything other than a troll.


That said, this offense, while patient, is really sad to watch. BP needs to move from that #4 slot, but I'm not sure we have anyone that can step in. Sad, sad state of affairs on offense, imo.

[jojo]

boy if a pitcher is sick, these teams are the medicine right now....

[Falls City Beer]

I think a bit of perspective is in order here: the Astros have sent out Oswalt, W. Rodriguez (the most underrated starter in the NL Central, if not the NL), and a guy who is throwing 96-97 on the black with utter regularity. This offense is mediocre at best, but the 2004 Red Sox would have had their hands full with this trio.

[Reds Fanatic]

Smith strikes out swinging. 5 Ks for Volquez.

[VR]

just tuned in for the top of the 4th. I've seen players lost at the plate before. But Brandon Phillips has reached all new levels. He is intent on yanking every pitch down the left field line. He's got a slow pitch softball hitch in his pre-swing that is out of control. That grounder to short was 6 inches outside.

This offense is in big need of a boost.....I start w/ moving BP into the 6th or 7the hole until he locates right field.

[Reds Fanatic]

Quintero grounds out to 2nd. 2 outs.

[Kc61]

Encouraging to see Volquez throw so well today. Much better control than the last two times.

[jojo]

I think a bit of perspective is in order here: the Astros have sent out Oswalt, W. Rodriguez (the most underrated starter in the NL Central, if not the NL), and a guy who is throwing 96-97 on the black with utter regularity. This offense is mediocre at best, but the 2004 Red Sox would have had their hands full with this trio.

The Reds offense is ranked 27th by R/G through the first ten games of the season...... 3.8 R/G....ouch.

[Falls City Beer]

The Reds offense is ranked 27th by R/G through the first ten games of the season...... 3.8 R/G....ouch.

Sure. They're bad. But they're not this bad.

And it's 10 games.

[flyer85]

This offense is in big need of a boost.they have too many hackers. Reds hitters swing at way too many balls all the way through the linuep

[Reds Fanatic]

Paulino lines a single to right.

[flyer85]

Sure. They're bad. But they're not this bad.

And it's 10 games.we'll see

[Screwball]

Paulino with 1/3 as many hits as the Reds.

[OUReds]

Sure. They're bad. But they're not this bad.

And it's 10 games.

mmmmmm .... I think what we've seen is pretty much our lot this season.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bourn strikes out swinging. 6 Ks for Volquez. 1-0 Astros after 4.

[reds44]

Send him to AAA.

[Screwball]

6 Ks through 4 IP (vs. just 2 walks) for Volquez. Quietly having himself a solid game.

[jojo]

Sure. They're bad. But they're not this bad.

And it's 10 games.

It's fair point-they'll be better. But it's a below average group.

[Falls City Beer]

mmmmmm .... I think what we've seen is pretty much our lot this season.

Trust me, I've heard this over and over and over. I get it. This ain't the 2004 Red Sox. Really, I get it.

Good thing is, they don't have to be. If the pitching is half of what the press and this board claimed it would be, then they won't need a 3-4-5 of Ramirez, Bonds, Thome to remain in the hunt.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gonzalez flies out to the warning track in right center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Volquez grounds out to the pitcher. 2 outs.

[membengal]

What do the Reds have to see to give Paul Janish some legit at-bats at SS?

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp Reds Fanatic.

[Falls City Beer]

What do the Reds have to see to give Paul Janish some legit at-bats at SS?

This is my big beef right now. Guys getting playing time because they have a contract (cf. Griffey).

[Reds Fanatic]

Taveras walks.

[membengal]

Taveras walks. Run, Willy. Run. Run right away. Run.

[OUReds]

Trust me, I've heard this over and over and over. I get it. This ain't the 2004 Red Sox. Really, I get it.

Good thing is, they don't have to be. If the pitching is half of what the press and this board claimed it would be, then they won't need a 3-4-5 of Ramirez, Bonds, Thome to remain in the hunt.

I'm the guy who wrote this (http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1801399#post1801399) post.

I'm not anticipating any meaningful baseball past June. In fairness though, I'm not even sure they are the 2008 Padres.

[Screwball]

On a side note, I've thought the ump has a good sense of the strike zone today. Gameday agrees as well.

[JaxRed]

Thsis game is an example of why players love Dusty. Alex and Ramon should have been given the day off. Day game after a night game and a Sunday. Instead he shows his faith in them. Players love him. Only trouble is..... it hurts the team.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dickerson grounds out to 2nd. 1-0 Astros mid 5th.

[Screwball]

Paulino with 85 pitches after 5.

[membengal]

Willy T does not try and run.

Why, Reds? Why?

[jojo]

Janish isn't a major league quality hitter.

[SMcGavin]

What do the Reds have to see to give Paul Janish some legit at-bats at SS?

I am really worried about Gonzo too but I think many people on this board underestimate how bad of a hitter Paul Janish is.

[membengal]

What are the two games that Janish has started this year? Game three against the Mets, and, which other one? I know they hit in the Mets game...

[Screwball]

Willy T does not try and run.

Why, Reds? Why?

What's amazing is that Grande mentioned a stat that Willy T tries to steal 2nd 54% of the time he's on 1st for his career. This year I'd say it's closer to 10%.

[Falls City Beer]

Don't blame me: I voted for Bailey for Dye.

[membengal]

Janish is still an unknown as a major league hitter. He showed enough pop in the spring to make me curious about whether he might be an asset getting more than one start a week at SS...at this point, given Alex G's struggles, I am more than just a little curious about it.

[Kc61]

Thsis game is an example of why players love Dusty. Alex and Ramon should have been given the day off. Day game after a night game and a Sunday. Instead he shows his faith in them. Players love him. Only trouble is..... it hurts the team.

I think Dusty wanted Hernandez catching V. Tomorrow, with Arroyo on the mound, I think we'll see the Janish/Hanigan tandem.

[Reds Fanatic]

Tejada grounds out to 2nd. 1 out.

[Strikes Out Looking]

I am really worried about Gonzo too but I think many people on this board underestimate how bad of a hitter Paul Janish is.

What would the consensus have been on Davey C. in 1970? I think Janish has the ability to grow into the job.

[Falls City Beer]

Janish is still an unknown as a major league hitter. He showed enough pop in the spring to make me curious about whether he might be an asset getting more than one start a week at SS...at this point, given Alex G's struggles, I am more than just a little curious about it.

The thing is, whatever we think of Gonzalez, the likelihood of him playing anywhere near a whole season is very low; might as well see what the team has in Janish. At least he can field better than AGon.

[Reds Fanatic]

Berkman walks.

[membengal]

I think Dusty wanted Hernandez catching V. Tomorrow, with Arroyo on the mound, I think we'll see the Janish/Hanigan tandem.

Where is it written Hanigan cannot start two games in a row?

[Screwball]

Reds' scouting report on Berkman: just walk him.

[SMcGavin]

What would the consensus have been on Davey C. in 1970? I think Janish has the ability to grow into the job.

I have no idea what people thought about Concepcion. I do know that Paul Janish has a sub-700 career OPS at both AA and AAA, and I know he's accumulated close to 100 major league at-bats now and has a .195/.271/.264 line.

[Reds Fanatic]

After being ahead of Lee with a 1-2 count he walks Lee. 1st and 2nd.

[Falls City Beer]

4 1/3 innings: 87 pitches.

[Screwball]

When Volquez misses the plate, he seems to miss badly. I suppose that's better than grooving it right down the middle though.

[MississippiRed]

Reds' scouting report on Berkman: just walk him.

Appears to be the same for Lee. Reminds me of the Seattle Pilots' pitchers' meeting before playing the Yankees in 1969. After six straight "pitch around him's," Bouton asked, "So we're supposed to start with three runs in and the bases loaded?"

[OnBaseMachine]

Everytime Volquez gets ahead of a hitter, he tries to put them away with a curveball and ends up going deep in the count. Use your strikeout pitches (fastball, changeup) in those situations.

[Tony Cloninger]

Concepcion was no bigger than Calissa Flockhart when he came up....so i would say janish and even castro would have been viewed as better options to hit.

[Reds Fanatic]

Pence walks. Volquez was again ahead of the count but ends up walking him. Bases loaded.

[Screwball]

Nightmare... 3 straight walks. Still just 1 out.

[OnBaseMachine]

He did it again. Ahead in the count, then tried to bury Pence with a breaking ball instead of going with his two plus pitches. I don't get it.

[Falls City Beer]

Volquez was getting hitters to help him out in the early innings. Now they're just watching his wild stuff go by. Just as I thought would happen.

[Reds Fanatic]

That 0-2 pitch looked good.

[reds44]

Oh Brandon Phillips, how I love thee.

[Reds Fanatic]

Blum grounds into a 4-3 DP. 1-0 Astros after 5.

[Screwball]

Woo-hoo! Nifty 4-3 DP ends the inning!

[BCubb2003]

No worries.

[joshnky]

Oh Brandon Phillips, how I love thee.

Now he'll hit into another double play.

[Falls City Beer]

28 pitch inning?

[VR]

Merry, Merry, Merry Christmas Reds and EV. Now open your gifts and party.

[lollipopcurve]

Not a lot of 2B can make that play. Very nice.

[Screwball]

Volquez at 98 pitches after 5. My guess is he comes back out to face the bottom of the Astros' order.

[Tony Cloninger]

Joe West is one lazy umpire.

[WVRedsFan]

Volquez is pitching in luck today. It would be interesting to see if he actually tagged the runner, BUT it was a great play and bailed out Edinson.

BTW, Volquez at 98 pitches. Massett time.

[NC Reds]

Phillips missed that tag by a foot or so.

[CrackerJack]

Now he'll hit into another double play.

As frustrating as he is at the plate anymore, he's obviously not a #4 hitter and he has no protection in this lineup, and is seeing a lot fewer good pitches. And lord know he's a guy who needs to see a lot of good pitches if his bat is going to be worthwhile.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto hit it hard but lines out to left. 1 out.

[Screwball]

Lee somehow with a great running catch to rob Votto of a double.

[Falls City Beer]

How are you going to hit 94 MPH on the outer part of the plate, trying to pull it?

[joshnky]

As frustrating as he is at the plate anymore, he's obviously not a #4 hitter and he has no protection in this lineup, and is seeing a lot fewer good pitches. And lord know he's a guy who needs to see a lot of good pitches if his bat is going to be worthwhile.

Who in this lineup doesn't need protection?

[VR]

Not a lot of 2B can make that play. Very nice.

Brandon Phillips included in that list. Missed him by a foot. Maybe the ump was giving him respect for the GG. :cool:

[Screwball]

Phillips missed that tag by a foot or so.

Haha, yep.

[WVRedsFan]

Reds with 2 runs and 12 hits in 23 plus innings in this series.

Boy did Phillips miss that tag.
Wow how lucky can you get?

[membengal]

Reds can't catch a break when they do hit a ball solidly.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips lines out to short. 2 outs.

[Screwball]

Reds' 6th so far: 2 liners, 2 outs.

[CrackerJack]

Who in this lineup doesn't need protection?

Not really the point but whatever.

[VR]

Maybe Brandon knows someone in the 3B dugout.

Cause that's where he's looking after every swing.

[Falls City Beer]

Reds can't catch a break when they do hit a ball solidly.

A hit correction is due big time for this team.

[Reds Fanatic]

Edwin grounds out to 3rd. 1-0 Astros mid 6th.

[WVRedsFan]

Wow, what a lackluster swing by Encarnacion. Excuse me but...oh shoot, I hit it.

This offense is a mess.

[OnBaseMachine]

Two runs in 24 innings against the Houston Astros. Wow.

[Screwball]

A hit correction is due big time for this team.

Yeah, I think it was RMR that noted they're a good 60 points below their expected BABIP.

[Reds Fanatic]

Smith bunts and grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Quintero grounds out to Volquez. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Erstad hitting for Paulino

[flyer85]

poor hitters hitting poorly(Votto excepted) ... I'm shocked

[Falls City Beer]

At least the Reds get to face their pen for three innings. So there's still a chance.

[Reds Fanatic]

Erstad strikes out swinging on a 97 MPH fastball. 1-0 Astros after 6.

[NC Reds]

This is like watching Holland versus Chinese Taipei or something. One run is a big deal.

[Screwball]

Volquez: 6 IP, 104 pitches, 7 K, 5 BB, 4 H, 1 ER. ERA down to 6.46.

[membengal]

EV, for all the complaining, has turned in a 6-inning, 1 run effort. 7 Ks. 5 BBs.

By the way, since there seems to some myopia that ONLY reds struggle or have less than ideal command, AJ Burnett walked seven Clevelanders today in his outing, striking out only two. In Burnett's favor, like Volquez's, he limited the damage, keeping the Yankees in it.

As much as I want to see Volquez roll through and dominate front to back in these starts (and Cueto, etc.), I am pleased the Volquez fought through and turned in such a good effort.

The Reds simply need to stop their silliness and get some runs. This is ridiculous.

[Reds Fanatic]

Tim Brydak in to pitch

[Falls City Beer]

Tim Byrdak looks a little bit like Harry Shearer.

[Tony Cloninger]

I just watched the 1972 WS highlights and watching Bobby Tolan misplay a ball in the first for a run....... Morgan hit a sure triple down the RF line in the 8th but having Rose get held up almost halfway home...and blowing the chance to tie the game beacuse of it. Not to mention the out of nowhere hamstring pull that Tolan suffers to let 2 runs in..... well it does not make me feel any better...but it just shows that even great teams can look as bad as this team does...sometimes.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hairston hits for Nix and walks.

[Falls City Beer]

Nice AB Jerry. Make him throw strikes, since he seems a bit unwilling to.

[WVRedsFan]

Volquez got some breaks that led to his line, but the story of this game and this season is the lack of runs scored and the lack of really any threats to score runs. On this road trip, the Reds have scored 18 runs in 6 games, an average of 3 runs. Spahn, Sain, and Koufax would have a hard time winning games with that. The tough thing to accept is that the FO apparently knew this and still did not make any moves. Crazy

And pumping up the Janishes and Haristons of the world doesn't help. This team lacks really tested and true major league hitters.

[lollipopcurve]

EV, for all the complaining, has turned in a 6-inning, 1 run effort. 7 Ks. 5 BBs.

By the way, since there seems to some myopia that ONLY reds struggle or have less than ideal command, AJ Burnett walked seven Clevelanders today in his outing, striking out only two. In Burnett's favor, like Volquez's, he limited the damage, keeping the Yankees in it.

As much as I want to see Volquez roll through and dominate front to back in these starts (and Cueto, etc.), I am pleased the Volquez fought through and turned in such a good effort.

The Reds simply need to stop their silliness and get some runs. This is ridiculous.

Nice post -- couldn't agree more.

Interesting spot here with Hairston on 1st, no outs, and the bottom of the order up. With the way this team is hitting, I think you have to hit-and-run with Hernande. He does a good job of going to RF.

[Reds Fanatic]

Geoff Geary in to pitch.

[membengal]

I firmly disagree with Welsh and the Reds that bunting here is advisable with Alex G due up next.

[Falls City Beer]

No start that includes 5 walks can ever be described as great, much less good. But what was encouraging about it is that he was definitely surrendering fewer laser-shots; only two or three really hard hit balls all day.

[membengal]

Run, Jerry, run.

Try a steal, Reds, try a steal.

Be. aggressive. B. E. Aggressive.

[WVRedsFan]

I firmly disagree with Welsh and the Reds that bunting here is advisable with Alex G due up next.

I'm with you.

[membengal]

He bluffed going. But he didn't go. And Ramon took a strike trying to let him steal.

Why, Reds, why?

[Reds Fanatic]

Hernandez lines a single to right. 1st and 2nd.

[membengal]

Bloop single to RF. Two on. No one out.

And NOW I am down with a bunt.

Bunt, Alex G, bunt.

[WVRedsFan]

Dang, a hit. What's that?

Now we get Gonzo...bunt, I hope

[lollipopcurve]

Gonzo has to bunt here. It's about execution now.

[mth123]

I use Owings here.

[Screwball]

I'd bunt with Gonzalez until he got one down or struck out.