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reds44
04-29-2009, 03:18 PM
Willy Taveras cf
Jerry Hairston Jr. 2b
Joey Votto 1b
Jay Bruce rf
Ramon Hernandez c
Laynce Nix lf
Adam Rosales 3b
Alex Gonzalez ss
Edinson Volquez p

Red in Chicago
04-29-2009, 06:41 PM
here's the astro's lineup:

K. Matsui 2b
M. Bourn cf
M. Tejada ss
C. Lee lf
H. Pence rf
G. Blum 3b
D. Erstad 1b
J.R. Towles c
F. Paulino p

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:03 PM
This is a big game. The Reds can't afford to lose this game and finish with a 1-5 homestand. A win here would give the Reds a winning April at 11-10 despite having five or six blackholes in the lineup.

11larkin11
04-29-2009, 07:04 PM
So Brandon finally starts heating up and we sit him? Don't see the logic behind that one. I like Bruce in the 4 hole, never been a fan of breaking them up. Sure, maybe for an inning it helps, but a RHSP facing Votto-Bruce B2B is no easy task.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:10 PM
20.5 innings/20 walks statistic = :(

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:12 PM
Kaz Matsui down on a check swing. 1 out.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 07:12 PM
So Brandon finally starts heating up and we sit him? Don't see the logic behind that one. I like Bruce in the 4 hole, never been a fan of breaking them up. Sure, maybe for an inning it helps, but a RHSP facing Votto-Bruce B2B is no easy task.

I love that Bruce is 4th and I also don't understand why Brandon is sitting. I'm pretty hard on Brandon most of the time, but sitting him for JHJ after BP looked pretty good at the plate last night? I'd really like to have seen BP 5th following Joe and Jay tonight.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:13 PM
Michael Bourne grounds the first pitch to 2B who throws him out. 2 down.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:15 PM
So Brandon finally starts heating up and we sit him? Don't see the logic behind that one.

Baker's JHJ love, who is OPSing .596, and batting .200 in 12 games. :rolleyes:

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 07:15 PM
Great.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:15 PM
Tejada doubles off the wall as Bruce couldn't track it down against the wall.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 07:15 PM
Geez, I thought Jay was going down after that collision.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:16 PM
Me thinks Bruce misplayed that one off the wall. Two out dbl for Tejada.

reds44
04-29-2009, 07:16 PM
It looked like Bruce hurt his back.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:17 PM
Hmmmm.... Thom B says this team is far, far better then last years.

I think that is yet to be determined IMO.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:18 PM
Carlos Lee hits a scorching liner to Nix out in left field for the 3rd out. No score after 1/2.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:19 PM
Lee lined out. Volquez is still trying to use his third best pitch as his strikeout pitch. The curve is fine as a show me pitch, but he needs to stick to the fastball/change as his strikeout pitch. JMO.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:21 PM
Willy T walks on a 3-2 pitch.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:23 PM
Anyone else surprised that the Reds have not run as aggressively as they said they would? Why has Taveras not tried to swipe the bag yet?

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:24 PM
Taveras with only four steal attempts on the year. That's not much.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:24 PM
Hairston lines out to Matsui at 2B, and Taveras is thrown out diving back to first for a double play. 2 outs.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:25 PM
Excellent piece of baserunning by Taveras. Line drive right at second base and Taveras gets caught off base. Unreal.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:25 PM
Taveras is an idiot!

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:25 PM
Why was Taveras still on first? Paulino's move to the plate looked pedestrian.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:25 PM
Votto flies out to center. No score after 1 inning.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:26 PM
Anyone else surprised that the Reds have not run as aggressively as they said they would? Why has Taveras not tried to swipe the bag yet?

The pitcher was holding him close with a couple throw overs.

reds44
04-29-2009, 07:26 PM
The Reds don't play little ball and they don't have enough run producers to make up for it.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:27 PM
Taveras with only four steal attempts on the year. That's not much.

Yep. He's pretty much bringing nothing to the table now. He doesn't hit for power, so he HAS to turn some of those walks and singles into "doubles" by stealing bases. Right now he's not doing that.

That inning went down the drain pretty quick.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 07:28 PM
Gotta make a quick run outside, sorry to anyone who was following my scentillating inning of play by play.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 07:28 PM
Not unusual for a baserunner to get thrown out on a line drive like that. Ball's on the same side of the infield. You get a good secondary lead, and you could be toast.

On another note, St. Thom Brennaman sounds like he's being martyred every time something goes wrong for the Reds. I may have to watch the Houston feed.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:29 PM
The pitcher was holding him close with a couple throw overs.

GAC, he was advertised to be an asset because of his speed. I am down with that. But there is NO way that he should be glued to first on Paulino's move. A true game-changer with speed is pushing the issue and making the steal attempt. It's what they hired him to do....

Chip R
04-29-2009, 07:29 PM
Excellent piece of baserunning by Taveras. Line drive right at second base and Taveras gets caught off base. Unreal.

Little harsh?

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:30 PM
Fly out to start the inning for out one, and it is 2-2 on Blum.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:30 PM
Little harsh?

How so?

Harsh would be calling him an idiot like someone else did ;)

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:31 PM
I agree with Chip, I didn't think it was bad base-running by Taveras in getting doubled off. Now, am I less sanguine about the fact that he never tried to steal second in that at-bat. And JHJ took some pitches (as he should have) to try and give him a chance to do so.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:31 PM
Blum Ks on a fastball around 94.

Two outs.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:32 PM
It was a nice, smooth, free and easy delivery. When Volquez trusts his stuff, he's really good. I guess we all know that.

I am still stinging from witnessing the great fourth inning unraveling in person last Friday night.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 07:33 PM
I agree with Chip, I didn't think it was bad base-running by Taveras in getting doubled off. Now, am I less sanguine about the fact that he never tried to steal second in that at-bat. And JHJ took some pitches (as he should have) to try and give him a chance to do so.


What he said.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:33 PM
Ground out to second ends the inning.

Middle of two. 0-0.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:36 PM
Flare into CF caught for first out of Reds' second. Bruce gone. Ramon up.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:36 PM
I like Ramon batting higher in the order. He's made consistent contact, and has an idea what he is doing with the bat.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 07:37 PM
Harsh would be calling him an idiot like someone else did ;)


Yes but you have to consider the source.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:37 PM
Thinking on Phillips' stream of consciousness to what is left of the beat reporters today, it would appear that Farney did not follow Freel to Baltimore.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:38 PM
Ramon lines deep to CF but Bourn runs it down on the track. Decent play by Bourn. Two outs.

Red in Chicago
04-29-2009, 07:38 PM
Bourn covering some ground

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:38 PM
Laynce Nix up. Reds needing some big ball it would appear, as small ball was a failure in the first.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:40 PM
Nix battling something fierce, count is full, and he's making Paulino throw a lot of pitches.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:40 PM
Paulino has now thrown eight shutout innings against the Reds this season. He allowed four runs on 10 hits in 6 IP his only other appearance this season (against the Brewers).

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:40 PM
Nix finally Ks.

End of two. 0-0 game.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:41 PM
Yes but you have to consider the source.

If I'm a base runner standing on 1B, you have a pretty solid view of the path of the hit ball, and that it's a low line drive going toward the 2Bman. He was breaking toward 2B for cryin' out loud.

So he was not only an idiot.... but he had his head up his...... :p:

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:43 PM
Volquez hits the light hitting Towles to begin the third. Jeez.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:43 PM
You all checked out the OBPs of the Cardinals this year? Give it a look. And chew over how "no-name" some of those guys are. I watch unremarkable players come through Memphis on a yearly basis in St. Louis' AAA system, and then go on to St. Louis and turn into hitting savants. Drives me nuts.

Towles hit with pitch to start the Houston third.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:44 PM
Relax, OBM. Volquez has to work inside, and if he hits someone, so be it.

Paulino pops up trying to bunt. One out, runner on first.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:45 PM
Paulino pops up trying to bunt. One out, runner on first.

If that had been a Reds baserunner he would've been halfway to third. ;)

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:46 PM
Matsui Ks.

Two outs. Runner still on first.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:47 PM
Thom B making a good point that it would be optimal to get Bourn here and make Tejada lead off next inning, given how how Tejada has been of late.

GAC
04-29-2009, 07:48 PM
Cubs shut out today 10-0

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:49 PM
Win by the Reds tonite (if, as ever, if) would make the Pirates/Reds series this weekend a colossal clash of 11-10 titans.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:50 PM
For some reason, Volquez is really bugged by the land-based Towles at first.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:50 PM
Volquez Ks Bourn looking.

Middle of 3. 0-0 game.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:51 PM
Volquez looking very much in command tonite, good idea where his pitches are going. Hope it continues. So much of his struggles are between the ears, you worry that it can go in an eye-blink...

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 07:53 PM
That change he just threw was stupid good.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:53 PM
THE Adam Rosales era unfolds with a fly ball to the wall in LF.

Close, Rosales, close.

One out.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 07:53 PM
If I'm a base runner standing on 1B, you have a pretty solid view of the path of the hit ball, and that it's a low line drive going toward the 2Bman. He was breaking toward 2B for cryin' out loud.

So he was not only an idiot.... but he had his head up his...... :p:


So, if you're a baserunner on first and you hear contact, wouldn't your first instinct be to at least break for 2nd? He had a big lead anyway because he's that fast. It was a sharp liner hit right at him, not a soft bloop he had to dive for. Tavaras had to stop on a dime, shift his momentum and dive back to first all before Matsui threw back to 1st. Tavars was trapped. There was nothing he could do but get back ASAP. You expect him to take a 2 step lead?

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 07:53 PM
Rosales put a charge into that one flying out to the track in left center.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:53 PM
Rosales just missed hitting a homer on the first pitch he saw. 10 feet to the left and that's gone.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:54 PM
Alex G on first with an error on the third baseman. Or a hit. I would go E-5.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 07:54 PM
Much like Pete Rose Rosales runs back to the dugout after his at bat.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:54 PM
One out, one on, Volquez in bunt formation.

And bunts well.

Two outs, Alex G on second.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 07:55 PM
Honestly, I thought that ball was gone off the bat. It sounded very good off the bat.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:56 PM
I will say this, Rosales had a good confident swing at that ball. He hits like I think he will, he won't be back to AAA anytime soon, even after EE gets back.

Willy T fouling balls off, down 0-2 in the count.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:57 PM
Mighty Reds offense with a walk and an error/hit for their two runners so far. But Willy T singles to RF cleanly.

Alex G goes only to third though.

First and third. Two outs. JHJ up.

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:58 PM
Brantley imploring Willy T to run here. JHJ takes a strike, Willy T still at first.

HokieRed
04-29-2009, 07:58 PM
How does Gonzo only get to 3rd with 2 outs?

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:59 PM
Late timeout called by JHJ, Paulino delivers, and proves to Boston fans you do NOT need to throw at the batters head in that situation...

membengal
04-29-2009, 07:59 PM
JHJ grounds out to SS.

Inning over.

0-0 game after three.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:00 PM
How does Gonzo only get to 3rd with 2 outs?

Ball was hit fairly sharply to RF, and it was fielded cleanly. I will say this, I don't think speed is really a part of Alex Gs game at this point, if it ever was.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 08:00 PM
How does Gonzo only get to 3rd with 2 outs?


Speed. Pure speed. ;)

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:01 PM
For a team that was supposed to win with speed and defense they show no really show no aggressive baserunning. Most times in steal situations they do nothing.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:01 PM
I made an inquiry because I need SBs in one of my leagues to the guy who owns Taveras and is otherwise chock full of speed, and he asked for a king's ransom in return, citing Willy's "I'm going to steal 100" statement. I told him I was not making a deal based on delusional spring talk. Willy won't steal 40 if he does not make more attempts than he is currently making.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:02 PM
Tejada grounds out back to Volquez to start the fourth.

One down, Lee up.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:03 PM
Free and easy. When Volquez stays within himself in his motion, he is nasty.

11larkin11
04-29-2009, 08:03 PM
I don't see why Taveras would steal there. 2 outs, runner on third, tied game. Why risk ending the inning with a guy on third?

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:03 PM
Carlos Lee tries to hit one out of GABP to LF. Luckily, it was foul.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:04 PM
I don't see why Taveras would steal there. 2 outs, runner on third, tied game. Why risk ending the inning with a guy on third?

Not sure this team will be winning by playing for a hit at this point. Especially with JHJ at the plate. Some aggression (which they sold the fans on) might be nice at some point.

Lee flies out for out number two.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 08:05 PM
For a team that was supposed to win with speed and defense they show no really show no aggressive baserunning. Most times in steal situations they do nothing.


Gotta get on base if you're going to steal or sacrifice or hit and run.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:06 PM
It is "good" Volquez on the mound tonight. He's absolutely dealing.

Pence bounces to Volquez for out number three.

0-0 middle of 4.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:06 PM
Gotta get on base if you're going to steal or sacrifice or hit and run.


Twice tonight Willy T has gotten on base (good!) but hugged the bag when he got there like he's Sean Casey (bad!).

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:07 PM
This Jimmy Carter pancreatic cancer commmercial saddens me, every time.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:07 PM
I don't see why Taveras would steal there. 2 outs, runner on third, tied game. Why risk ending the inning with a guy on third?

If Votto or Bruce were up I would agree but with some of the hitters like Hairston in this lineup they have to go for it. Take off for 2nd. Maybe the throw is wild or possibly he does not even throw with the runner on 3rd. Waiting for a hit when you have a bunch of sub .200 hitters is not working.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:08 PM
Votto, Bruce, Ramon and a host of others up this inning.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:08 PM
If Votto or Bruce were up I would agree but with some of the hitters like Hairston in this lineup they have to go for it. Take off for 2nd. Maybe the throw is wild or possibly he does not even throw with the runner on 3rd. Waiting for a hit when you have a bunch of sub .200 hitters is not working.

Word.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:08 PM
I don't see why Taveras would steal there. 2 outs, runner on third, tied game. Why risk ending the inning with a guy on third?

It would have been really dumb to run there. Leave the big hole on the right side for Hairston to shoot for.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 08:08 PM
I don't see why Taveras would steal there. 2 outs, runner on third, tied game. Why risk ending the inning with a guy on third?


Why not? He's one of the best base stealers in the game. Towles messes up a throw to 2nd and Gonzo scores. Towles throws to 3rd or back to the pitcher and if Gonzo stays at 3rd it's 2nd and 3rd with two outs. Towles hangs on to the ball and it's the same deal. You can't steal 2nd standing on 1st.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:09 PM
Votto rips a shot to CF and Bourn picks it off the turf.

One out.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:09 PM
Bourn robs Votto of a hit.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:10 PM
Michael Bourn now with his 4th very very good catch of the night.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:11 PM
Another less than scintillating twitter discussion underway. Bruce flies out to CF.

Two outs.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:12 PM
EV at 51 pitches through 4 innings.

Yes, "51" pitches, only "4" innings!

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:12 PM
Any old-timers here? The bad days of 1982-84 offensively keep flashing before my eyes. Although those teams had NO hitters remotely the class of Votto and Bruce. Still, pieces of this are awfully familiar.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:12 PM
Good pitcher's duel here, folks.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:13 PM
Ramon H grounds out to SS. Nice play by Tejada but gracious Ramon his slllllooooooooooowww.

0-0 after four.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:13 PM
Any old-timers here? The bad days of 1982-84 offensively keep flashing before my eyes. Although those teams had NO hitters remotely the class of Votto and Bruce. Still, pieces of this are awfully familiar.

Paul Householder and Duane Walker dog. Gary Redus and Eddie Milner waiting in the wings.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:14 PM
Cesar Cedeno! Disappointing on a nightly basis!

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:16 PM
Good pitcher's duel here, folks.

True dat. But nauseating that it is Paulino shuting them down. It would be one thing if it were Oswalt...

First pitch ground out to start the 5th.

One down. Volquez dealing. Absolutely dealing.

Tony Cloninger
04-29-2009, 08:16 PM
They at least ran....or could run. They also pitched a little better.....but they had no power at all. Nothing. They had singles hitters...some high averages but empty BA.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:16 PM
Volquez is really velocitizing them tonight, his change-up is wicked slow, and they are way off balance at this point.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:17 PM
They at least ran....or could run. They also pitched a little better.....but they had no power at all. Nothing. They had singles hitters...some high averages but empty BA.

Was Oester their best hitter by average? At around .270? And agree on the lack of power. Coming so hard on the heels of the Big Red Machine years, it was stunning.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:18 PM
Fly ball to LF for out number two.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:18 PM
Towles up. Props to Towles for not being a whiny Escobar when he got hit last time up.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:20 PM
But nauseating that it is Paulino shuting them down

He's got good stuff, he's throwing strikes, and the Reds have hit into some tough luck/good defense.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:21 PM
This game is one hour and ten minutes old. And over half over (unless we're going extras...).

Volquez ahead of Towles, runs count full, and Ks him.

0-0 middle of five.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:21 PM
He's got good stuff, he's throwing strikes, and the Reds have hit into some tough luck/good defense.

That songbook gets old, lollipop. They can't ALL be like that...

fearofpopvol1
04-29-2009, 08:22 PM
Is the old Volkie back?? Actually, this reincarnation is even better because this one is not walking batters and has been very efficient pitch wise.

He looks sick tonight.

Tony Cloninger
04-29-2009, 08:23 PM
If the Brewers can get 10 hits off him in 4 innings....then it's more than just ...bad luck....good stuff. Team can't hit.

This may be even worse than 1982-83....more like 1971.


Oester....Driessen....Redus and Milner would have been good role players on other teams. On the Reds those 2 years....they were their best players.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:23 PM
5 Ks. No walks. One hbp.

Volquez really in control. He looked a lot like this in the spring.

Nix triples to start the fifth.

Degenerate39
04-29-2009, 08:24 PM
He-Man triples! If he doesn't score something is wrong

fearofpopvol1
04-29-2009, 08:24 PM
Is Nix the best bench guy the Reds have had in years? I'm failing to think of one that's been better in recent memory.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:24 PM
Rosales up, big run on third. No outs.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:24 PM
Nix needs to needs everyday vs RHP, at least until he cools off.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 08:25 PM
Nomar Garciapara he's jittery at the plate.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:25 PM
Nix -- nice. Glad he didn't pull a muscle there (it's just a matter of time on that).

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:25 PM
Rosales singles to CF.

1-0 Reds lead.

Degenerate39
04-29-2009, 08:25 PM
Rosales!

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:25 PM
Rosales RBI single! 1-0 Reds. Rosales has hit the ball hard in both atbats.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:26 PM
Rosales has a REALLY nice approach and idea at the plate. We have seen that in the spring, and late last year...

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:26 PM
Rosales ON the fastball. Guy is scorching. Reminds me of when Hairston came up last year. This kid needs to be in the lineup until he cools off.

Larry Schuler
04-29-2009, 08:26 PM
Dusty must be pissed!

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:26 PM
Alex G up. A buzz goes through the assembled "throng"...

GAC
04-29-2009, 08:27 PM
So when is the Adam Rosales bobblehead doll night gonna be?

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:28 PM
Alex G singles to LF.

No outs. Runners on first and second.

And THIS is how they should be handling Paulino...

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:28 PM
Edinson needs to help himself out here and get this bunt down.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:28 PM
Add on big here.

oneupper
04-29-2009, 08:29 PM
Is this the first REDS lead this series?

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:29 PM
Volquez in bunt formation, hoping to help his own cause...

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:29 PM
GREAT bunt by EE. Runners on second and third, one out. Willy T up.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:29 PM
Perfect bunt by Volquez. The Reds need to get these other two runs in.

WVRedsFan
04-29-2009, 08:30 PM
just a picture perfect bunt.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:30 PM
In the previous 20 games this year, the Reds have trailed in 15 of them because the other team has scored first. Seven of those times they have been down after the first inning.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:30 PM
And THIS is how they should be handling Paulino...

3 groundballs, albeit hard ones, through the infield...

VR
04-29-2009, 08:31 PM
I dig me some Rosales.....

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:31 PM
Yes. Hard hit. It would be the hard hit part that is noticeable, lollipop. You are not going to go all FCB on us, are you, and argue the offense has been acceptable???

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:32 PM
Willy T battling, count is at 2-2...

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:33 PM
Well, that didn't work.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:33 PM
Taveras swings at ball 3 and grounds into a FC, Rosales out at home.:rolleyes:

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:33 PM
Willy T grounds to 3b, Rosales hung out to dry and tagged out.

Two outs, Alex G at third, Willy T at first.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 08:33 PM
I'm confused by that one.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:33 PM
JHJ up, and Taveras needs to find a way to 2b here, in my opinion. Others will disagree.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:34 PM
Taveras chased a pitch way out of the strike zone. The ball was pratically on the ground.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:34 PM
Taveras steals 2nd.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:34 PM
There. Willy T steals second. Nice.

Second and third, two outs.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:34 PM
He finally runs and steals it easily.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:35 PM
Taveras chased a pitch way out of the strike zone. The ball was pratically on the ground.

Yep. Bad atbat.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:35 PM
Now if JHJ can deliver, a nice little lead...

SMcGavin
04-29-2009, 08:35 PM
Taveras steals. I don't really like stealing from most guys, but when you are as fast as Taveras and have a career 83% success rate, I'd like to see him do that more often.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 08:35 PM
Willy T grounds to 3b, Rosales hung out to dry and tagged out.

Two outs, Alex G at third, Willy T at first.


Rosales should have stayed in that rundown longer so Willie could have gone to 2nd.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:36 PM
Rosales has a slicked-back-hair Puggsly look about him...

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:36 PM
Hairston looks at strike 3 down the middle.

Boo.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:36 PM
JHJ takes a called third strike. Inning over.

1-0 Reds after five.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:36 PM
Hairston takes a hanger right down the middle for strike three.

A decent offense gets three runs there. The Reds got one.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
What is wrong with right field!!!!!!!!!

Why do they have to be only looking for pitches to pull????

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
Yes. Hard hit. It would be the hard hit part that is noticeable, lollipop. You are not going to go all FCB on us, are you, and argue the offense has been acceptable???

No. What I'm saying is that Paulino has very good stuff -- he's not someone they should be cranking balls all over the park against.

WVRedsFan
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
Walt's Boy looks at strike three.

Chip R
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
So much for our good luck charm.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
Walt's Boy looks at strike three.

Everybody knew re-signing Hairston was an awful idea, everybody but Walt and Dusty.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:37 PM
Someday, when the baseball bards gather, they will sing odes to the oasis that was JHJ's 2008 campaign at GABP, and Hairston's heirs will gather to pay homage to the contract that bolt of lightning provided...

SMcGavin
04-29-2009, 08:38 PM
Hairston slams his batting helmet into home plate after that one. He looked awful on strike two as well, swung through it and was not close to making contact.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:38 PM
Hairston takes a hanger right down the middle for strike three.

Hardly. Hard slider on the outside half that froze him. Very good pitch.

HokieRed
04-29-2009, 08:38 PM
Not too hard to see who should go when EE comes back.

Crosley68
04-29-2009, 08:38 PM
3 different runners reach third in that inning......one run scored. Sad, just sad

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:38 PM
You just know stranding those two runners will come back to bite the Reds in the butt. It always does.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:39 PM
No. What I'm saying is that Paulino has very good stuff -- he's not someone they should be cranking balls all over the park against.

He does have good stuff. But he is NOT an ace. And his start against the Brewers shows more what a grown up offense can accomplish against him. I just don't think, with the Reds having JUST seen him, that this kind of output is acceptable against a raw guy like Paulino...

alloverjr
04-29-2009, 08:39 PM
Rosales should have stayed in that rundown longer so Willie could have gone to 2nd.

No chance, Gonzo was standing on 3rd so need need for Towels to throw the ball.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:39 PM
Hardly. Hard slider on the outside half that froze him. Very good pitch.

He's been awful this year. As equally awful as EE. And was awful in that at-bat.

Awful.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:40 PM
Rosales almost ran that groundball over to first.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:40 PM
Grounder to 3b starts the Astros sixth.

One out.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:40 PM
Plays like that are going to quickly turn Rosales into the new Freel.

SMcGavin
04-29-2009, 08:40 PM
Hairston takes a hanger right down the middle for strike three.

A decent offense gets three runs there. The Reds got one.

The offense has ensured that if Volquez throws a complete game shutout, he will get the win. That's all you can ask for from your offense right?

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:41 PM
Matsui with a bad bunt attempt, easily thrown out at 1b.

Two quick outs.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:41 PM
Plays like that are going to quickly turn Rosales into the new Freel.

I think he has more talent and power than Freel. He may be a rather under-estimated prospect in the system.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:42 PM
Grounder to 1st for out number 3.

QUICK inning.

1-0 Reds middle of 6.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:42 PM
12 in a row retired by Volquez. He is cruising tonight.

SMcGavin
04-29-2009, 08:42 PM
Plays like that are going to quickly turn Rosales into the new Freel.

He's Freel after five Red Bulls.

LOL and as I type that they show Volquez walking back to the dugout, Rosales comes from off screen, sprinting past him.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:42 PM
I just don't think, with the Reds having JUST seen him, that this kind of output is acceptable against a raw guy like Paulino...

Raw? He hasn't walked a batter since Taveras in the first. Preconceived notions.....

Easy heat into the mid-90s and a wicked breaking ball. It doesn't get easy to hit just because you've seen it before.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:43 PM
EV at 73 through 6.....he might be able to go 11 tonight.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:44 PM
I liked that play!

HeatherC1212
04-29-2009, 08:44 PM
I'm going to find something positive for this game. Forget the (lack of) offense for a minute and just bask in the fact that Edinson isn't walking half the ballpark tonight and has his pitch count in a great amount right now. Good job! :)

I love watching Adam Rosales play this game. He makes the number 23 bearable for me this year, LOL :D

VR
04-29-2009, 08:44 PM
Wait....I think that's called a 'break'?

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:45 PM
Raw? He hasn't walked a batter since Taveras in the first. Preconceived notions.....

Easy heat into the mid-90s and a wicked breaking ball. It doesn't get easy to hit just because you've seen it before.

Lollipop, by RAW, I mean young. Which he is. They have not had good at-bats against him. I expect better things from them. Paulino has good stuff, but I cannot give them a pass for this effort. Not again.

Lee drops a ball in LF, Votto gets to second on the pure error.

CTA513
04-29-2009, 08:45 PM
EV at 73 through 6.....he might be able to go 11 tonight.

Thats about how many pitches hes thrown in 3 or 4 innings in his last few starts.

WVRedsFan
04-29-2009, 08:45 PM
Great LF play for the Astros

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:46 PM
Bruce up, Votto at 2nd on the gift from the Astros, no outs.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:46 PM
Bourn better hope Lee doesn't kill him when they get back in the dugout. Bourn showed him up by throwing his hands in the air after the ball dropped.

VR
04-29-2009, 08:47 PM
Pretty good odds Votto gets himself out here somehow to give back the break....even money?

Hoosier Red
04-29-2009, 08:47 PM
Brantley: "the best part is Joey Votto never slowed down" as the replay shows Votto halfheartedly jogging to first, almost stopping after rounding first, then running."

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:47 PM
Bruce Ks.

One out, Ramon H up.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:48 PM
Razor Ramon grounds out.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 08:48 PM
Raw? He hasn't walked a batter since Taveras in the first. Preconceived notions.....

Easy heat into the mid-90s and a wicked breaking ball. It doesn't get easy to hit just because you've seen it before.

Once again, I might be willing to give the team a pass if we weren't seeing this type of offensive output almost every night.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:49 PM
Ramon grounds out to 1b. Two outs, runner moves to 3b.

Nix up.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:50 PM
It's gotta be so frustrating for Reds pitchers knowing they have to be nearly perfect to even get a chance to win.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 08:50 PM
They have not had good at-bats against him

Very few bad ABs tonight, I'd say.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:50 PM
Nix can get as many of Dickerson's starts as Dusty wants to give him, as far as I am concerned.

That said, 0-2 count on Nix currently.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:52 PM
Nix singles to the hole at SS.

2-0 Reds.

HeatherC1212
04-29-2009, 08:52 PM
Go Laynce!!! :D

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:52 PM
Nix with an infield hit for an RBI!

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:52 PM
Nix comes through with a RBI single! 2-0 Reds.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:53 PM
That was as good an at-bat as you could hope to want to see. Nix fought and fought to stay alive, and then went with a ball to left side of the infield.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:53 PM
Rosales up.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:54 PM
Paulino currently unnerved by Rosales' greatness, behind in the count 3-0.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:54 PM
Rosales walks on four pitches. Two hard hit balls and a walk tonight for Rosales.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 08:55 PM
Holy geez Rosales flies down the baseline on a walk.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:55 PM
Rosales walks on four pitches. As well he should.

Alex G up.

Thankfully Dusty went to Nix and Rosales tonite. Fresh blood in the line-up is why the Reds are up.

Paulino being lifted.

CrackerJack
04-29-2009, 08:55 PM
Rosales and Nix - your contributions and approach are a welcome sight for sore eyes

SMcGavin
04-29-2009, 08:56 PM
Rosales sprints to first... the average fan is going to love this guy.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 08:56 PM
Dusty is out of his mind if Rosales is out of the lineup anytime soon. He injects some much needed energy into this team.

Razor Shines
04-29-2009, 08:56 PM
The Stros' announcers are saying that this will probably be Paulino's last start for a while because Moehler is coming off the DL and will take Paulino's spot in the rotation. So either the Astros have a super stud rotation or the Reds offense isn't that good. I'll lean toward the latter.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:56 PM
Tough ending for Paulino who threw a nice game. That inning should be over if Bourn doesn't run over Lee on a fly ball that was clearly Lee's. That said, lollipop, I will be curious how the rest of baseball treats Paulino over the next few months. Like the Brewers did? Or like the Reds have over two starts?

WVRedsFan
04-29-2009, 08:56 PM
The Reds have 2 runs in the game compliments of Laynce Nix and Adam Rosales--two players who barely made or didn't make the squad while the guys that did just don't hit (with the exception of Votto and maybe Bruce so far). Maybe the youth idea wasn't so bad.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:57 PM
The Stros' announcers are saying that this will probably be Paulino's last start for a while because Moehler is coming off the DL and will take Paulino's spot in the rotation. So either the Astros have a super stud rotation or the Reds aren't that good. I'll lean toward the latter.

Good heavens. Astroszone ought to be melting down over Paulino being removed from the rotation for Brian Moehler...

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:58 PM
Alex G up, runners at first and second, two outs.

Tony Cloninger
04-29-2009, 08:59 PM
Yeah...that is crazy.. Mohler?? Come on.

membengal
04-29-2009, 08:59 PM
Alex G Ks.

After 6, Reds are up 2-0.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:59 PM
Rosales is a great dude. Great dude. I met him at Redsfest. He's another Sean Casey.

WVRedsFan
04-29-2009, 08:59 PM
Another regular fails to get in the run. I say Go Youth!

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 08:59 PM
It should be at least 4-0 right now.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:01 PM
Big inning for Volquez here with Tejada/Lee/Pence due up. And remember, Berkman lurks on the bench tonite, unless he is unavailable for some reason I didn't hear earlier.

GAC
04-29-2009, 09:02 PM
76 pitches for EV.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:03 PM
Another WEAK ground ball out in front of the plate for the Astros. Volquez must be uber-nasty tonite.

One out, Lee up.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:04 PM
13 in a row set down by Volquez. Courtesy of Thom B. So if it stops now, don't blame me...

reds44
04-29-2009, 09:04 PM
AAA Volquez is pitching decent.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:06 PM
AAA Volquez is pitching decent.

Mmmm, there IS that. Perhaps if Adam Pettyjohn were here he would be throwing a perfect game...

Lee flies to CF for out number two.

14 in a row set down by Volquez.

Falls City Beer
04-29-2009, 09:07 PM
If you can't tame a Berkman-less lineup, you might as well buy a home in Louisville.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 09:07 PM
That first pitch to Pence looked good.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 09:08 PM
Where in the world was that first pitch and now the 2-0 pitch? It should be 1-2 instead of 3-0. Bad time to start shrinking the zone.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:08 PM
If you can't tame a Berkman-less lineup, you might as well buy a home in Louisville.

There's the joy we've been missing from the game thread tonite.

Volquez, suitably saddened by that statement, goes to 3-0 on Pence.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 09:08 PM
Great job by Volquez.

Reds Fanatic
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
Volquez continues to roll. 15 in a row retired.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
Pence grounds out. 15 in a row set down by Volquez.

Middle of 7, 2-0 Reds.

GAC
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
another 1-2-3 inning for EV. 15 in a row.

I'm worried.

Tony Cloninger
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
Since this offense is like 82-83.....Volquez might as well be Soto like 82-83 as well.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
Volquez: 7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 K, 11 GO/5 FO, 89 pitches.

11larkin11
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
If you can't tame a Berkman-less lineup, you might as well buy a home in Louisville.

Yep. Your exactly right. Because Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, Geoff Blum, and Miguel Tejada are pretty sorry players. They have no business in the majors. If a REAL major league pitcher were pitching, they would have a perfect game. Can't believe Volquez gave up that hit and had the HBP. Just uncalled for.

membengal
04-29-2009, 09:09 PM
And, FCB, while I agree it IS a nice thing to duck Berkman tonite, Tejada, Lee, Pence, Blum are not chopped liver.

lollipopcurve
04-29-2009, 09:10 PM
That said, lollipop, I will be curious how the rest of baseball treats Paulino over the next few months. Like the Brewers did? Or like the Reds have over two starts?

Who cares? The guy pitched well tonight. And if you think he's got average stuff, you don't know what you're looking at.

Are the Reds a good offensive team? No. But we've known this since February. The reflexive whining about it on a nightly basis detracts from enjoying the game in front of our eyes, in my opinion.

Tony Cloninger
04-29-2009, 09:11 PM
Yes they are.....it's like having Roger Metzger....Skip Jutze....Greg Gross...Jerry De Vanon...in the your lineup out there.

Falls City Beer
04-29-2009, 09:11 PM
Stat of the night: 0 BB in 7 IP for Volquez.

Let's face it: it's the only stat that matters for Edinson.

reds44
04-29-2009, 09:12 PM
Yep. Your exactly right. Because Hunter Pence, Carlos Lee, Geoff Blum, and Miguel Tejada are pretty sorry players. They have no business in the majors. If a REAL major league pitcher were pitching, they would have a perfect game. Can't believe Volquez gave up that hit and had the HBP. Just uncalled for.
You all thought I was being sarcastic when I said AAA Voluqez? Giving up 2 baserunners against a Berkmanless lineup is unacceptable. If the Reds are serious about ever having a winning season they need to be tossing no hitters.

And only 5 Ks? What a joke.

OnBaseMachine
04-29-2009, 09:12 PM
The Reds need some more runs. All the Astros need is a bloop and a blast to tie the game.

NJReds
04-29-2009, 09:13 PM
If you can't tame a Berkman-less lineup, you might as well buy a home in Louisville.

Except Volquez's biggest problem thus far was his complete lack of control. He doesn't give up many hits, but he usually walks the ballpark. He's obviously fixed that problem for one night, anyway.

Tom Servo
04-29-2009, 09:13 PM
Willy Taveras is an on base machine!