5/21/09 - Reds vs Phillies

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillies:
Rollins SS
Utley 2B
Ibanez LF
Howard 1B
Stairs RF
Victorino CF
Dobbs 3B
Ruiz C
Blanton P

Reds:
Taveras CF
Rosales 3B
Bruce RF
Phillips 2B
Nix LF
Hernandez 1B
Hanigan C
Janish SS
Owings P

[bucksfan2]

Damn no McDonald!

[cumberlandreds]

Phils have taken 1-0 lead in the first and still batting.

[cumberlandreds]

Phils lead 1-0 after one. Bruce misplayed a flyball into a double after a Rollins single. Rollins scored on a ground out. Owings did well to get out of the jam but threw a bunch of pitches.

[Hoosier Red]

Hey progress, no one in the starting lineup is batting under .200.

[cumberlandreds]

Taveras and Rosales hack away into quick outs against a pitcher who struggles with his control.
Bruce shows them how to work a count. He goes full and then singles.
Phillips doesn't take notes and bounces back to the mound for the final out.
1-0 Phils after one.

[TRF]

Hanigan picks off Dobbs!

[jojo]

Phillips has a nice hustle play.

[Falls City Beer]

Hanigan picks off Dobbs!

Ronnie Dobbs caught stealing.

[CTA513]

8 pitch walk to Blanton

[Screwball]

Owings is struggling with his control in the early going after that relief appearance.

[Falls City Beer]

I'd wager the OB against of the opposing teams' pitchers is ridiculous.

[Falls City Beer]

Owings is struggling with his control in the early going after that relief appearance.

Yeah, he never had control problems before that or anything...

[jojo]

I think HAnigan is the best catcher the Reds have at the moment.

[TRF]

Ronnie Dobbs caught stealing.

was going by sportsline.

either way, I'm happy with it.

[jojo]

Owings is struggling with his control in the early going after that relief appearance.

Owings just doesn't have all the great of stuff on any day.

[CTA513]

Rollins with a single

2 on with 2 outs for Utley.

Owings already closing in on 50 pitches

[Screwball]

Yeah, he never had control problems before that or anything...

It might've looked like it, but I wasn't blaming his control problems on the relief appearance. Was just sayin' is all.

[Falls City Beer]

was going by sportsline.

either way, I'm happy with it.

No you're right. It was a play Dobbs' name.

[TRF]

I think HAnigan is the best catcher the Reds have at the moment.


yeah, we jinxed him.

[Falls City Beer]

Owings just doesn't have all the great of stuff on any day.


No he doesn't. But I'd like to think he could retire the pitcher.

[Screwball]

was going by sportsline.

either way, I'm happy with it.

You were correct. Dobbs was picked off at 1st by Hanigan on a set play .

[jojo]

I'm not sure what Hanigan thought he was doing on the error throw to second.

[lollipopcurve]

I think HAnigan is the best catcher the Reds have at the moment.

He's solid. But Hernandez has been good, too. Position is completely solidified.

In fact, Hernandez has been a tremendous asset to the team in several ways already. Very impressed with his all-around play.

[TRF]

guess Owings did need the extra day.

[jojo]

Phillips made a great effort on Utley. Game of inches....

[Screwball]

Reds are in a big hole early: 4-0 Phils and they're still threatening.

[TRF]

oh good god. he's not gonna make it through three today.

[Falls City Beer]

Reds pitching right now is heading towards a major correction: Arroyo's not improving, the chinks are showing in Owings, Volquez is banged up, the bullpen can't stay hot for an eternity.

[Kc61]

guess Owings did need the extra day.

Or maybe he should stick to pitching to the Padres.

Can't walk the pitcher, Micah.

[jojo]

Of course the walk to Blanton set it all up...

[CTA513]

4-0 Phillies

2 rbi single by Utley
rbi double by Ibanez

Owings now at 55 pitches and still trying to get the 3rd out in the 2nd inning.

[Screwball]

With Ramirez set to go on Sat (most likely), who's the long man if needed today?

[Falls City Beer]

Can't walk the pitcher, Micah.

Linchpin moment of the game, obvs.

[lollipopcurve]

Owings already closing in on 50 pitches

Watch Dusty throw Ramirez in long relief.

With Ramirez apparently in the rotation, the bullpen is now short an arm until Volquez comes back or is disabled. Looks like they'll get their fair share of innings today.

[cumberlandreds]

MLB audio won't stay on for me today. It seems like that may be a good thing. Marty rightly said there's a big difference in pitching against the Padres and D'Backs as opposed to the Phillies. Make one mistake and you will pay for it. Walking the pitcher is about a big a mistake you can make.

[Kc61]

Watch Dusty throw Ramirez in long relief.

With Ramirez apparently in the rotation, the bullpen is now short an arm until Volquez comes back or is disabled. Looks like they'll get their fair share of innings today.


It could mean Reds will bring up Bailey or Maloney to start on Saturday. Maybe Lincoln needs some DL time, a long toss program or something.

[lollipopcurve]

guess Owings did need the extra day.

Let's keep in mind that pitching at noon today means Owings did not get the usual 4 days' rest. He pitched late Saturday night in San Diego, coming off the mound at about 1AM, Cincinnati time, Sunday morning. Turning him around for noon on Thursday is technically a 3 and half days' rest. So, he's going on short rest for two straight starts. It's mismanagement of the staff, pure and simple.

[Falls City Beer]

It's much more that Owings isn't very good vs. mismanagment.

[Screwball]

Blanton's showing Owings how it's done. Strikes out two and gets 'em 1-2-3 in the 2nd.

[cumberlandreds]

Blanton, the pitcher with a 6.86 ERA, sets the Reds down in order. 4-0 Phils after two.

[Falls City Beer]

Two pitchers, two stories: one throwing strikes putting up zeros; one who can't find the zone, down by 4. This game is simple.

[traderumor]

Reds pitching right now is heading towards a major correction: Arroyo's not improving, the chinks are showing in Owings, Volquez is banged up, the bullpen can't stay hot for an eternity.one not so hot start so far today is showing chinks?

[Falls City Beer]

Blanton, the pitcher with a 6.86 ERA, sets the Reds down in order. 4-0 Phils after two.

Blanton's due for a correction in the right direction; Owings was due for one in the wrong direction (ERA-wise).

Things correct quickly against an offense like the Phils'.

[Kc61]

Let's keep in mind that pitching at noon today means Owings did not get the usual 4 days' rest. He pitched late Saturday night in San Diego, coming off the mound at about 1AM, Cincinnati time, Sunday morning. Turning him around for noon on Thursday is technically a 3 and half days' rest. So, he's going on short rest for two straight starts. It's mismanagement of the staff, pure and simple.

I'll admit it hasn't worked out, but I wouldn't take this argument too far. Owings only threw 81 pitches Saturday and only 90 the start before that. He had all day Sunday off after 1AM, all day Monday off, all day Tuesday off, all day Wednesday off. This game was 12:30 pm on Thursday. That sounds like a full four days off to me.

Last year with Harang the problem was bringing him back on three days' rest, that didn't happen today. And Ramirez is not Cy Young either, no assurance what he would have done.

The problem may be that the Phils are loaded with left handed hitting, Owings has a full 2.00 WHIP against lefties this year, not a very good number. It's just not a great match up for him.

So yes, in retrospect Dusty shouldn't have pitched him, but it's not the crime of the century.

[lollipopcurve]

It's much more that Owings isn't very good vs. mismanagment.

Owings has been solid recently. Very good outing vs. Arizona, good in relief against San Diego. Philly is a very tough lineup for anybody. Best offense in the league.

The mismanagement is a larger issue than today's performance anyway.

[traderumor]

Let's keep in mind that pitching at noon today means Owings did not get the usual 4 days' rest. He pitched late Saturday night in San Diego, coming off the mound at about 1AM, Cincinnati time, Sunday morning. Turning him around for noon on Thursday is technically a 3 and half days' rest. So, he's going on short rest for two straight starts. It's mismanagement of the staff, pure and simple.Speaking of self-fulfilling prophecies...;)

[Falls City Beer]

one not so hot start so far today is showing chinks?

His FIP has shown them all season. He's a walks machine.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Well that's that.

[cumberlandreds]

Dobbs homers and the Phils lead 5-0 in the middle of the third.

[Screwball]

Hopefully Owings can hit a 5-run Home Run in the 3rd to make up for his performance so far.

[jojo]

It's much more that Owings isn't very good vs. mismanagment.

unfortunately

[lollipopcurve]

That sounds like a full four days off to me.

You're right -- my bad.

[traderumor]

Hmmm, the best offense in the league beating up on our 5th starter after being held in check for 2 days. It must be Owings needing extra rest, eh?

[traderumor]

Tom pointing out Blanton showing control whereby he has struggled all year. I would call it no fear against our lineup these days.

[Falls City Beer]

Tom pointing out Blanton showing control whereby he has struggled all year. I would call it no fear against our lineup these days.


Eh, it's just that Blanton, on balance, is a much better pitcher than Owings, and performance is starting to prove that.

Yeah, Blanton walked several his last time out, but he was facing the 3rd best offense in the NL, the Nationals.

[Screwball]

Hopefully Owings can hit a 5-run Home Run in the 3rd to make up for his performance so far.

Or a 1 out single. Either/or.

[Nasty_Boy]

At least the guy can swing the dude can still swing the bat.

[jojo]

Owings has been solid recently. Very good outing vs. Arizona, good in relief against San Diego. Philly is a very tough lineup for anybody. Best offense in the league.

The mismanagement is a larger issue than today's performance anyway.

Owings has been a below average starter all season. San Diego hasn't ruined him today. Philadelphia just finds below average pitchers to be yummy for lunch.

[Kc61]

Eh, it's just that Blanton, on balance, is a much better pitcher than Owings, and performance is starting to prove that.

Yeah, Blanton walked several his last time out, but he was facing the 3rd best offense in the NL, the Nationals.

Yeah, if you compare the lineups today and compare the pitchers, you have to wonder why the outcome was ever in doubt.

[Falls City Beer]

Yeah, if you compare the lineups today and compare the pitchers, you have to wonder why the outcome was ever in doubt.

To predict each starter's ERA at the end of the season, you can probably flip-flop the respective starter's ERA coming into today. Blanton's ERA will probably be around 3.95, and Owings @ 6.00.

[Screwball]

Wow, Owings already pulled. Ramirez gets the call here in the 4th.

[cumberlandreds]

Ramon Ramirez is in to replace Owings.

[jojo]

Wow. Blanton punks Rosales on 3 pitches. Anyone still think EE should be required to "take back" third from Rosales?

[traderumor]

Yeah, if you compare the lineups today and compare the pitchers, you have to wonder why the outcome was ever in doubt.Because its MLB, and on a day to day basis, you just never know. Its why betting on baseball is just downright silly.

[cumberlandreds]

I wonder what that does to Saturday's starter? Bailey? Maloney? or someone else?

[Screwball]

So who pitches on Saturday night??

[Kc61]

So if Volquez can't go Saturday, somebody new has to come from AAA. Bailey or Maloney. I'm guessing Maloney.

Who gets sent out? Could be Ramirez sent right back down to AAA. Or it could be Lincoln for some long toss DL time.

Or Volquez could just go on the DL to make room for the new guy.

[CTA513]

I wonder what that does to Saturday's starter? Bailey? Maloney? or someone else?

Harang

:D

[Falls City Beer]

Wow. Blanton punks Rosales on 3 pitches. Anyone still think EE should be required to "take back" third from Rosales?

It's like choosing between a Dart and Gremlin. Me, I'll take someone altogether different at third.

[lollipopcurve]

yes, in retrospect Dusty shouldn't have pitched him, but it's not the crime of the century.

I'm not going to claim that today's outing is proof that Owings should have been rested. Philly's tough on anybody, especially a righty with borderline stuff like Owings has. But I will say that I am not surprised by what has happened.

My main objection is that the entire starting rotation could have been set up better from today through Saturday. And the BP could have been fortified by disabling Volquez and bringing up Fisher or another penner. They were short-staffed while Massett was hurt and still active, and they're right back to the same situation now because they're going to "wait and see" with Volquez. To me, it's a pattern of inaction, and I find it, if not the crime of the century, somewhat incriminating of the team's management.

[traderumor]

Wow. Blanton punks Rosales on 3 pitches. Anyone still think EE should be required to "take back" third from Rosales?Rosales is a great idea for a utility infielder, which he was projected all along. Daily, he just isn't good enough.

[Screwball]

Or Volquez could just go on the DL to make room for the new guy.

This seems most likely. He went into Dusty's office today after 2 pitches and said he couldn't go anymore.

[Falls City Beer]

Mr. Ramirez chucking strikes. Like the change in narrative.

[RichRed]

So if Volquez can't go Saturday, somebody new has to come from AAA. Bailey or Maloney. I'm guessing Maloney.

Who gets sent out? Could be Ramirez sent right back down to AAA. Or it could be Lincoln for some long toss DL time.

Or Volquez could just go on the DL to make room for the new guy.

Except that the Reds are apparently morally opposed to the DL.

[Screwball]

A game like this should make us appreciate all the more just how well Cueto, Harang and the bullpen pitched the past couple days.

[CTA513]

6-0 Phillies

[cumberlandreds]

Mr. Ramirez chucking strikes. Like the change in narrative.

Utley just chucked one out of the park. 6-0 Phils.

[Falls City Beer]

Utley just chucked one out of the park. 6-0 Phils.

Prefer strikes to walking the pitcher.

[jojo]

Utley is just amazingly awesome.

[traderumor]

I'm not going to claim that today's outing is proof that Owings should have been rested. Philly's tough on anybody, especially a righty with borderline stuff like Owings has. But I will say that I am not surprised by what has happened.

My main objection is that the entire starting rotation could have been set up better from today through Saturday. And the BP could have been fortified by disabling Volquez and bringing up Fisher or another penner. They were short-staffed while Massett was hurt and still active, and they're right back to the same situation now because they're going to "wait and see" with Volquez. To me, it's a pattern of inaction, and I find it, if not the crime of the century, somewhat incriminating of the team's management.I don't recall seeing Lincoln or Burton since last Saturday. Volquez just came out and said he can't pitch yesterday. The apprehension to use the DL is that a guy is gone for two weeks. If the guy only needs to miss a start, it is just as much mismanagement to DL him. These are not debilitating injuries that the Reds are getting, yet there is this call for DLing minor, day to day injuries.

[Kc61]

I'm not going to claim that today's outing is proof that Owings should have been rested. Philly's tough on anybody, especially a righty with borderline stuff like Owings has. But I will say that I am not surprised by what has happened.

My main objection is that the entire starting rotation could have been set up better from today through Saturday. And the BP could have been fortified by disabling Volquez and bringing up Fisher or another penner. They were short-staffed while Massett was hurt and still active, and they're right back to the same situation now because they're going to "wait and see" with Volquez. To me, it's a pattern of inaction, and I find it, if not the crime of the century, somewhat incriminating of the team's management.


There is a pattern of inaction on the team. The are DLing guys slowly and reluctantly. They should have flown a pitcher to San Diego, no good reason that they didn't. Agree with that.

Just think that today's decision is more supportable. Most teams would have started Owings today. Reds have plenty of relievers available to spell him, no urgency to DL Volquez and bring up another one.

And there is ample time to bring up Maloney or Bailey to pitch Saturday night.

The big lesson of today's game IMO isn't so much roster mismanagement. It's that the Phils have a far better lineup than the Reds and, certainly without Votto and EE, the Reds are really no match for them most games.

[lollipopcurve]

So if Volquez can't go Saturday, somebody new has to come from AAA. Bailey or Maloney. I'm guessing Maloney.

Who gets sent out? Could be Ramirez sent right back down to AAA. Or it could be Lincoln for some long toss DL time.

Or Volquez could just go on the DL to make room for the new guy.

Looks to me like Bailey will be on regular rest. I think Maloney is set to go tomorrow, Homer or Lecure (both pitched on Monday) on Saturday.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out. I have no objection to Ramirez being used as a long man -- I think they need to carry a long man (and give him 3-inning save opportunities from time to time). But if they promote Bailey or Maloney -- and I think it's a lock they will -- they ought to do it by disabling Volquez, not by sending someone down while they *hope* Volquez gets better quickly. They've got to stop playing undermanned. Give the call-up a couple starts and give EV a couple weeks to work on rehabbing.

[Screwball]

My Goodness is Blanton cruising. Another scoreless inning. He's thrown 64 pitches, 47 for strikes.

6-0 Phils after 4.

[Kc61]

Looks to me like Bailey will be on regular rest. I think Maloney is set to go tomorrow, Homer or Lecure (both pitched on Monday) on Saturday.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out. I have no objection to Ramirez being used as a long man -- I think they need to carry a long man (and give him 3-inning save opportunities from time to time). But if they promote Bailey or Maloney -- and I think it's a lock they will -- they ought to do it by disabling Volquez, not by sending someone down while they *hope* Volquez gets better quickly. They've got to stop playing undermanned. Give the call-up a couple starts and give EV a couple weeks to work on rehabbing.


I agree absolutely. I would not mess around with Volquez. V seems to know this himself, he suggested that he should miss a start.

Also agree that the team has to start having 25 available players. Hate to upset anyone, but if they think Votto needs another week to recover, they should DL him too. Hopefully he can be back sooner and it won't be needed.

I would like to see the Reds have a lefty fifth starter. Their main starters are right handed, a lefty starter would help against some teams - like the Phils. Tough to pick and choose a pitcher's starting slots, but it would add an element.

[cumberlandreds]

Half through this one. 6-0 Phils.

[Screwball]

First inning that the Phillies didn't score.

[lollipopcurve]

Volquez just came out and said he can't pitch yesterday.

Tweaked it in his last start on the 17th. Red flag should go up.

Couldn't warm up yesterday -- threw 2 pitches. Does that indicate a minor injury? I don't see how we can feel sure of that.

What's the responsible approach for the health of the pitcher? Because the health of the pitcher is far more important than keeping alive the hope you can squeeze a start out of him before he would have come off the DL. The answer is to disable him. It should have happened by today's game. Louisville is 2 hours away.

[VR]

Reds got it cookin in the 5th with leadoff singles by Hanigan and Janish.

[CTA513]

Hanigan and Janish with back to back singles to start the bottom of the 5th.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Tweaked it in his last start on the 17th. Red flag should go up.

Couldn't warm up yesterday -- threw 2 pitches. Does that indicate a minor injury? I don't see how we can feel sure of that.

What's the responsible approach for the health of the pitcher? Because the health of the pitcher is far more important than keeping alive the hope you can squeeze a start out of him before he would have come off the DL. The answer is to disable him. It should have happened by today's game. Louisville is 2 hours away.

It's simple--dl him and if he misses 2-3 starts its no big deal in the overall scheme of things. And another thing, keep him away from Kremchek.

[Screwball]

Hanigan and Janish with back to back singles to start the bottom of the 5th.

Successful bunt by Ramirez gets them to 2nd and 3rd with 1 out.

[cumberlandreds]

Reds are on the board. 6-1 Taveras an RBI single.

[cumberlandreds]

Janish grounds out to score another run. 6-2 Phils and Taveras at 2nd with two out. A long one by Bruce would look good here.

[Screwball]

Bruce walks. Let's see if a red-hot Phillips can come through again.

[cumberlandreds]

Bruce walks. Phillips up. I would take a liner up the gap.

[Screwball]

Bruce walks. Let's see if a red-hot Phillips can come through again.

He does!! 1 run game after the 3 run jack!

[cumberlandreds]

:jump::jump::jump:

[traderumor]

Man, that happened fast. We gots us a ballgame. :)

[CTA513]

Blanton showing why he had a high ERA coming in.

[redsmetz]

Crossing my fingers. I was just thinking I feel like this club can win most any game, but I don't have the feeling this year that we're able to climb out of hole and come back. Here's hoping we can.

[cumberlandreds]

Nix out on a close play at first. Reds are back in it. 6-5 Phils after six.

[traderumor]

Looks to me like Bailey will be on regular rest. I think Maloney is set to go tomorrow, Homer or Lecure (both pitched on Monday) on Saturday.

Should be interesting to see how it plays out. I have no objection to Ramirez being used as a long man -- I think they need to carry a long man (and give him 3-inning save opportunities from time to time). But if they promote Bailey or Maloney -- and I think it's a lock they will -- they ought to do it by disabling Volquez, not by sending someone down while they *hope* Volquez gets better quickly. They've got to stop playing undermanned. Give the call-up a couple starts and give EV a couple weeks to work on rehabbing.Man, that is an awful matter of fact handling for someone working on conjecture.

[Screwball]

Janish grounds out to score another run. 6-2 Phils and Taveras at 2nd with two out. A long one by Bruce would look good here.

I think it was actually Rosales. :)

[membengal]

Four innings to try and get back a run. Much more doable. Nice patient inning for the offense. Well done, Brandon. Well done.

[cumberlandreds]

I think it was actually Rosales. :)

You are correct. Got my infielders mixed up. :)

[redsfaninbsg]

Key is to get 3 outs and get back to hitting.

[traderumor]

So much for Blanton's ERA improving.

[cumberlandreds]

A leadoff walk. Not a good way to start an inning.

[CTA513]

Reds get it to 6-5 and Ramirez walks Ruiz on 5 pitches to start the 6th inning.

[fisch11]

Nothing is more frustrating than your pitcher giving back all the momentum that your offense just produced. A leadoff walk to the back of the order is just the thing that makes your skin crawl. You have to throw up a 0 here.

[cumberlandreds]

Bruntlett K's who pinch hit for Blanton.

[Screwball]

Phillips in May: .366 avg, 1.093 OPS, 5 HR and 26 Ribbies (!!) with excellent 2nd base defense. He could very well be the NL's Player of the Month for May.

[cumberlandreds]

Baker out to make a double switch. Hairston replaces Rosales and Herrera in to pitch.

[redsfaninbsg]

Who is coming in to pitch? Phillies tv didn't mention it going to break.

[fisch11]

Ramirez gave us quality innings today, yielding a solo shot to Utley. Need Danny to come in here and lock it down and get the bats back out there.

[fisch11]

Who is coming in to pitch? Phillies tv didn't mention it going to break.

Danny H. FYI - Chase Utley is hitting 40 points higher vs. lefties this season.

[fisch11]

Rollins is only batting .180 from the right side of the plate.

[lollipopcurve]

Man, that is an awful matter of fact handling for someone working on conjecture.

There is no conjecture in the matter of Volquez's health. He is hurt, and that's a fact. You take conjecture somewhat out of the equation by disabling him. You leave conjecture in by keeping him active and operating your pitching staff as if he *may* be back soon. You've got it backwards, tr.

[redsfaninbsg]

Geez, lucky hit, then Phillips makes a little league play.

[membengal]

Apparently an annoying soft seeing-eye ground ball single to rf.

Runner goes to third, and Rollins ends up at second somehow.

[jojo]

Absolutely horrible decision by Phillips to attempt that throw. My gosh.

[redsfaninbsg]

Phillips lobbed the ball to third base throwing off his back foot, terrible play on his part.

[jojo]

Danny H vs superman.

[fisch11]

Leadoff walk scores.

[cumberlandreds]

SF by Utley. 7-5 Phils. So much for momentum.

[Red in Chicago]

bruce made it close, but phils get a run back...sigh

[Screwball]

Sac fly makes it 7-5, although apparently Bruce made it close at home.

[jojo]

Bruce is a stud.

[Screwball]

Hernandez got ahead 3-0, but ends up grounding out to 2nd.

[cumberlandreds]

Hanigan a one out walk.

[Screwball]

The Manigan works a 1 out walk.

[redsfaninbsg]

Frustrating inning, guy shows control problems, Hernandez grounds out on a 3-1 pitch and Janish pops out on the first pitch.

[cumberlandreds]

Janish hacks away on the first pitch and pops out.

[Screwball]

Janish then goes up there hacking at the first pitch, popping up to right. At least Gonzalez woulda waited a couple pitches before making his out. ;)

[LincolnparkRed]

I didn't like Dusty's need to do something there, like to ramirez. It seemed like he thought to himself, we're back in this dude, I better do something managerial. Not a fan to switch them out yet.

[Gallen5862]

Come on Reds. We need to catch up.

[jojo]

Great camera work on the Taveras nubber.

[CTA513]

8-5 as Howard homers

[fisch11]

That 1 run deficit has quickly faded out of the rear view mirror.

[traderumor]

Phillies getting to our middle relief. 5th starter and middle relief is BP for this lineup.

[fisch11]

Side note: The Indians have touched Greinke for 2 ER and are still batting with 1 out and 2 on in the 2nd.

[fisch11]

Just noticed that Brandon Phillips' 33 RBIs are 4 off of the NL lead. He is having a monster May and will win player of the month honors at this pace.

[CTA513]

10-5 Phillies

[Screwball]

11-5 Phils. This one looks to be over.

Phillies have failed to score in only 1 out of 7 innings so far.

[fisch11]

The bullpen owes an apology to Brandon Phillips. Oh where art thou 2008 Burton?

[Kc61]

Burton did so well against SD. I guess maybe that's the difference between SD and Phil.

Not too many lights out guys in the pen these days. Wonder when we see Roenicke and Fisher.

[fisch11]

Ouch! Carl Pavano just beaned Jose Guillen in what looked like the jaw. Guillen stayed in the game.

[Screwball]

McDonald walks and Bruce singles to right to start off the Reds' 7th.

[Screwball]

Phillips hits into a 4-3 DP and Nix Ks to end the threat.

Still 87-5 Phillies, or something like that.

[traderumor]

Ibanez homer makes it 12-5. Who buys the "switching leagues" theory with Ibanez?

[vaticanplum]

Marty getting tetchy about Lincoln and Burton.

[fisch11]

Great timing....Marty was ripping the bullpen by calling them "an absolute trainwreck" at the same time Ibanez crushes one off Lincoln.

[Screwball]

Lincoln gives up a HR to Ibanez. 206-5 Phillies, or thereabouts.

Phils have now scored in all but 1 of their 8 innings.

[jojo]

Yikes, today is a turkey fest.

[Falls City Beer]

Burton's toast. Next!

[CTA513]

Not only is Lincoln getting hit but he has given up 11 walks and only struck out 5 batters.

:eek:

[Kc61]

Not only is Lincoln getting hit but he has given up 11 walks and only struck out 5 batters.

:eek:


Even when he was pitching pretty well as in 2008, Lincoln gave up long balls. He just doesn't seem to be a GABP pitcher, was surprised they re-signed him.

Burton and Lincoln haven't helped the cause. I can live with the rest of the bullpen.

[Screwball]

Lincoln's ERA stands at a very solid 9.60.

[vaticanplum]

What is going on with Burton, seriously?

[CTA513]

Lincoln's ERA stands at a very solid 9.60.

He should be the first one given the boot and Burton should find his way to AAA to work on things.

[CTA513]

What is going on with Burton, seriously?

Poor command and then he nibbles at times which makes it even worse.

[Screwball]

Hanigan walks. He's been on base 3 times today.

[Screwball]

Poor command and then he nibbles at times which makes it even worse.

Velo seems to be down too.

[vaticanplum]

Velo seems to be down too.

That's my impression too...he just seems to be falling apart all-around.

Boy, when the Reds start to lose badly, Brennaman and Brantley get bored.
And boring. Not that I blame them.

[traderumor]

Burton's toast. Next!Volatility of relievers. If he's healthy, this just could be one of those years for him. The Reds will dump him and he'll show up somewhere else and be nails. Then, their pitching coach will be anointed as a genius and Dick Pole will be deemed incompetent. Lather, rinse, repeat.

[Big Klu]

Well, I lost the radio feed...again! :angry: Anytime there is a weekday afternoon game, someone at the local affiliate switches over to ESPN talk radio at about 3:40 p.m.

[jojo]

Dickerson's fly was one of the few today that didn't carry. :eek:

[CTA513]

Reds lose 12-5

[LvJ]

Raul is batting around .350 with 15 HR and an OPS of about 22million.

Nuts.

[BCubb2003]

At least it's not the Minnesota-Chicago game.

[jojo]

At least it's not the Minnesota-Chicago game.

Do you think Peavey's asking price for getting him to waive his notrade clause just went up? :cool:

[Reds Fanatic]

At least it's not the Minnesota-Chicago game.
Wow. 20-0 in the 8th inning. Unfortunately for the White Sox there is no little league mercy rule.

[CrackerJack]

Almost back to .500, where they will most likely stay.

[Falls City Beer]

Volatility of relievers. If he's healthy, this just could be one of those years for him. The Reds will dump him and he'll show up somewhere else and be nails. Then, their pitching coach will be anointed as a genius and Dick Pole will be deemed incompetent. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I don't care who gets blamed. If you believe the clippings the Reds have a bunch of bullpen aces down in the minors; what's stopping them?

(I don't necessarily think there are that many great arms down there, but what do I know?).

Walt's best option is probably pulling a Masset.

[Falls City Beer]

Almost back to .500, where they will most likely stay.

Yeah, with the injuries piling up the likelihood of playing over their heads for a decent stretch is greatly minimized as well.

[lollipopcurve]

Burton has struggled since his injury last year.

Probably time to stir some a new ingredient or two into the bullpen brew. Guys scouts haven't seen much of, if anything.

[MrCinatit]

This was the first time I had been to a live baseball game since 1990.
In retrospect, not the best of times to go to a game - but I had a lot of fun, anyhow. The Phillips homer put a lot of energy into the ballpark.
I forgot all about the butterflies I got whenever seeing the ballpark for the first time upon arriving. A great feeling, that is.

[traderumor]

I don't care who gets blamed. If you believe the clippings the Reds have a bunch of bullpen aces down in the minors; what's stopping them?

(I don't necessarily think there are that many great arms down there, but what do I know?).

Walt's best option is probably pulling a Masset.That wasn't the point. The point is your likely premature designation of Burton as "toast." But I am all for letting him make adjustments in Louisville.