6/18/9 vs Braves

[klw]

Willy Taveras cf
Alex Gonzalez ss
Brandon Phillips 2b
Laynce Nix lf
Ryan Hanigan c
Jay Bruce rf
Jerry Hairston Jr. 3b
Adam Rosales 3b
Matt Maloney p

vs. RH Tommy Hanson

Rain delay expected at the start.

[Tom Servo]

Willy Taveras grounds out.


Color me shocked.

[klw]

Braves go in order in the top of the 1st

[BRM]

The two worst OBPs among position players on the entire roster hitting 1-2. Sad enough they are even in the lineup. Worse yet they hit at the very top.

[klw]

Willy Taveras grounds out.


Color me shocked.

But at least it took 5 pitches.

[oneupper]

If we're not supposed to comment on lineups...I'm sorry.

But Hanigan at 5th is a change.

[oneupper]

Agon grounds first. Pitcher covers.

[Tom Servo]

I'm getting the Braves announcers and they're talking about how much they all love David Ross.



Give it time, gentlemen. Give it time.

[oneupper]

Brandon walks.

[Tom Servo]

BP walks on the 3-2 pitch.

[oneupper]

I'm getting the Braves announcers and they're talking about how much they all love David Ross.



Give it time, gentlemen. Give it time.

Ross as a backup isn't bad. I kind of like the braves announcers.

[nate]

Hooray, the game is on Foxsports South (649 for DirecTVers).

[oneupper]

Nix L-3

[Tom Servo]

Ross as a backup isn't bad. I kind of like the braves announcers.
Oh yeah as a back-up his is alright, but I get the feeling that they could fall into the trap of thinking Ross the part-time catcher could be anything more than that if McCann goes down or ever struggles.

[Homer Bailey]

Runners on the corner for the Braves. 1 out.

[Homer Bailey]

How can I listen to WLW online? Thru gameday I'm only able to get the Braves broadcast and it says I have to pay for the WLW one.

[Tom Servo]

Kotchmann hits a sac fly. 1-0 Braves.

[RichRed]

Oh yeah as a back-up his is alright, but I get the feeling that they could fall into the trap of thinking Ross the part-time catcher could be anything more than that if McCann goes down or ever struggles.

So you're saying his .982 OPS buoyed by a .400 BABIP *might* not have legs?

[Falls City Beer]

Ross is going to get some rips off a lefty with very little, like Maloney.

[Homer Bailey]

Hanigan works it to 3-0 and takes the walk.... Hmmm sounds like a guy that could maybe hit at the top of the lineup.

[BRM]

Hanigan works it to 3-0 and takes the walk.... Hmmm sounds like a guy that could maybe hit at the top of the lineup.

Way too much OBP to hit at the top.

[cumberlandreds]

Hanigan works it to 3-0 and takes the walk.... Hmmm sounds like a guy that could maybe hit at the top of the lineup.

Number two hitter would be good with me.

[Homer Bailey]

Bruce works the walk. 2 on zero out.

[Homer Bailey]

And Hairston quickly falls behind 0-2.

[Homer Bailey]

Hairston flies out. Great AB!

[Homer Bailey]

Rosales gets HBP and they're loaded for Maloney. Who is a bigger threat Maloney or Taveras?

[cumberlandreds]

Rosales gets HBP and they're loaded for Maloney. Who is a bigger threat Maloney or Taveras?

Right now I'm more comfortable with Maloney up there.

[CaiGuy]

Maloney
Tavaras
Gonzales

Any chance of scoring here? It's like three pitchers in a row.

[membengal]

Maloney
Tavaras
Gonzales

Any chance of scoring here? It's like three pitchers in a row.

The reds really are at a huge offensive disadvantage at this point with who Dusty is running out there.

[VR]

Maloney
Tavaras
Gonzales

Any chance of scoring here? It's like three pitchers in a row.

Maloney has the highest OPS .666

[RichRed]

Maloney strikes out but at least saw 6 pitches (small silver lining).

[joshnky]

Given the way Hanson is pitching, I think our best chance is that we walk in a run.

[Homer Bailey]

Maloney strikes out. I would say "C'Mon Willy" but wouldn't be worth it. Braves announcers think they are out of the inning.

Already 0-2 on WT.

[Homer Bailey]

Guess what? Willy struck out.

[RichRed]

And Willy T. did what Willy T. does.

[membengal]

Thom B said the pitch was a foot off the plate. Probably an exaggeration, but the point remains, it wasn't a good at-bat, he was overmatched, and the club will continue to struggle to score runs with a guy like Taveras in the line-up...

[LincolnparkRed]

How bad was that last pitch? He just needs a weekend off. Let CDick play against the Sox

[Strikes Out Looking]

How bad was that last pitch? He just needs a weekend off. Let CDick play against the Sox

Stubbs time

[flyer85]

go willy ... go willy

[LincolnparkRed]

Stubbs time

Fine by me.

Seemed Redszone knew what willy was but Dusty/Walt couldn't see it.

[Homer Bailey]

Lost my Gameday radio feed. Anyone else?

[oneupper]

Thom B said the pitch was a foot off the plate. Probably an exaggeration, but the point remains, it wasn't a good at-bat, he was overmatched, and the club will continue to struggle to score runs with a guy like Taveras in the line-up...

Low and away. NO where near the plate. Not hittable by anyone not carrying 60 inch bat.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Fine by me.

Seemed Redszone knew what willy was but Dusty/Walt couldn't see it.

Actually, I'd be fine with April Willy. I want no part of June Willy. I think the problems are in his head and are not in his physical abilities.

[nate]

Fine by me.

Seemed Redszone knew what willy was but Dusty/Walt couldn't see it.

Willy Taveras was who we thought he was!

:cool:

[Homer Bailey]

Maloney K's Hanson and McClouth

[oneupper]

Ok I'll do some PBP.
Two quick outs for ATL that I didn't see.

[Homer Bailey]

Escobar lines out to Willy.

[CaiGuy]

Willy catches up to a line drive.

Nice 1-2-3 inning by Maloney

[BRM]

Actually, I'd be fine with April Willy. I want no part of June Willy. I think the problems are in his head and are not in his physical abilities.

May Willy was pretty bad as well.

[oneupper]

Escobar lines on to CF that WT catches going back.

[Homer Bailey]

The last of the Reds murderers row is due up first in Alex Gonzalez.

[Homer Bailey]

Lazy flyball to McClouth. The fun continues.

[oneupper]

Agon flies out to CF

[Homer Bailey]

Phillips legs out a one hopper to Chipper but the Braves announcers think he was way out.

[CaiGuy]

Phillips is safe on a one-hopper to 3rd!

[CaiGuy]

No hitter broken up

[Homer Bailey]

Phillips steals second.

[CaiGuy]

Take that David Ross!

[Homer Bailey]

Phillips gets picked off. Sweet.

[oneupper]

Phillips legs out a one hopper to Chipper but the Braves announcers think he was way out.

Steals second but is meat at third. Two out.

[CaiGuy]

That's embarrassing.

[Homer Bailey]

Nix grounds it back to the pitcher.

[Degenerate39]

Why is it that the Reds can beat the good pitchers but they can't hit rookies for crap?

[oneupper]

Looked like a balk.

[Homer Bailey]

Looked like a balk.

How so? All I've got is the Braves's opinion and they sure didnt think it was one.

[oneupper]

Why is it that the Reds can beat the good pitchers but they can't hit rookies for crap?

I don't think they can hit anyone, really. Carpenter did a number on them.

[oneupper]

How so? All I've got is the Braves's opinion and they sure didnt think it was one.

Not an expert on balks, but the pitcher started, stopped and then threw. Sure looked weird to me. Phillips was also not happy (understandably).

[Homer Bailey]

Maloney makes Chipper look silly. 1 out.

[CaiGuy]

KKKK

[Homer Bailey]

Not an expert on balks, but the pitcher started, stopped and then threw. Sure looked weird to me. Phillips was also not happy (understandably).

As long as his leg never moved towards home it probably wasn't a balk. Whether it moved toward home or not I won't ever know.

[Homer Bailey]

Diaz goes yard on a 1-2 pitch.

[CaiGuy]

2-0 Braves :(

[jojo]

Maloney should pick up an endorsement from Delta...fly away and on a regular schedule....

[Homer Bailey]

Prado walks.

[VR]

Why is it that the Reds can beat the good pitchers but they can't hit rookies for crap?

You've got two issues going there.

They can beat good pitchers because that have pitching that is often better.

They can't hit rookie pitchers because they are technically 'pitchers'..... which greatly reduces our hitter's chances.

[Homer Bailey]

1-2 pitch to Francouer misses somehow. Very close.

[Homer Bailey]

Nix tracks a flyball down on the warning track. 2 down.

[CaiGuy]

Failcouer!

[Homer Bailey]

Phillips takes a hit away from Kotchman and snags a line drive. mid 4.

[Homer Bailey]

Hanigan fouls out.

[Homer Bailey]

Bruce pops out. This is painful.

[LincolnparkRed]

Bruce pops out. This is painful.

Eh, their closer shouldn't scare anyone after the other night

[Homer Bailey]

Hairston fouls out. 1 hit through 4 innings against a rookie that can't find the strike zone.

[Falls City Beer]

Hairston fouls out. 1 hit through 4 innings against a rookie that can't find the strike zone.

Seems to be finding it just fine so far.

[VR]

Huh, stepped away for 3 minutes and the inning is over? How many pitches.
(I would look it up myself except ESPN's gameday SUCKS)

[Homer Bailey]

Seems to be finding it just fine so far.

63 pitches, 35 strikes. 55%. And those strikes are including pitches swung at by the Reds outside the zone. And he'd walked 8 in 13 IP in his other two starts. So no, he's not really finding it so far.

[Homer Bailey]

Ross lines into center.

[RichRed]

Huh, stepped away for 3 minutes and the inning is over? How many pitches.
(I would look it up myself except ESPN's gameday SUCKS)

10 pitches.

[Homer Bailey]

0-2 on hanson.

[jojo]

And those strikes are including pitches swung at by the Reds outside the zone.

If those account for a great percentage, Hanson would be making a mistake by throwing more than 55% of his pitches in the strike zone. :cool:

[Homer Bailey]

Hanson gets the bunt down but Hanigan gunned Ross at 2nd.

[jojo]

Hanigan is the Manigan. Ouch for Gonzo though.

[Homer Bailey]

If those account for a great percentage, Hanson would be making a mistake by throwing more than 55% of his pitches in the strike zone. :cool:

Which supports my point that the Reds are incredibly undisciplined.

McClouth goes yard. 4-0.

[oneupper]

McClouth clouts one.

Nice hitting by Nate against the lefty.

[CaiGuy]

4-0

I lack any faith in this offense to score 5 runs in this game.

[CTA513]

Some GABP specials today

4-0 Braves

[CaiGuy]

6 HR's allowed by Maloney in 14 innings

[Falls City Beer]

Maloney's way too easy to take out of the park.

[jojo]

Delta will donate $7000 to the Ronald McDonald House for each homer that Maloney lets fly away this year. Delta may go bankrupt.

[BRM]

Maloney's way too easy to take out of the park.

But he's the current I-71 Savior.

[Homer Bailey]

Chipper grounds out and the inning is over.

[reds44]

Soft tossing lefties can't give up that many homers.

[CaiGuy]

Put those brooms back into the closet.

[LincolnparkRed]

6 HR's allowed by Maloney in 14 innings

That was the fear, they most saw about bringing him up. Not sure how much longer you can keep him up over Homer, or maybe it is just pick your poison time.

[jojo]

Soft tossing lefties can't give up that many homers and be successful*.

*edited for technical accuracy

[VR]

Until Owings bats, I will not give up on this game.

[jojo]

Until Owings bats, I will not give up on this game.

This one has plenty of time left.

[Falls City Beer]

It's not like Atlanta is a thunderous offense either. They're about as good as the Reds. As usual, the difference is the starter--Hanson's got MLB stuff; Maloney doesn't.

[jojo]

Maloney, Taveras, Gonzo...one is not like the other....which one?

Seriously this isn't meant to be a trick question..... :cool:

[Homer Bailey]

Rosales smokes a single right up the box.

[CaiGuy]

One hitter broken up

[reds44]

*edited for technical accuracy
Well yes, I mean I'm sure they CAN.

[BRM]

Is it a smart play to try to bunt here with Maloney? It's not the next two guys have much of a shot to drive in the run.

[Homer Bailey]

Maloney bunts and Rosales beats the throw to 2nd.

I would put an exclamation point there but Taveras is now up.

[Falls City Beer]

I would have pinch hit for Maloney there. They need offense and they need to keep Atlanta from scoring more. Keeping Maloney in there accomplishes neither.

[reds44]

Before the bunt, I thought myself "the only thing that can get us going is if they blow the bunt defefense"

[CaiGuy]

Is it a smart play to try to bunt here with Maloney? It's not the next two guys have much of a shot to drive in the run.

and they are down by 4 not 1...but it worked out in the end.

[jojo]

I knew Hanigan and Ross, you're no Hanigan....(you're also no Rosales on the bases either)



Ross tried to get the lead runner at second on the bunt attempt and failed while Hanigan threw Ross out at second in a similar situation during the last inning.

[Homer Bailey]

Taveras can't lay a bunt down and its 0-2. This is seriously incredible.

[Kc61]

That was the fear, they most saw about bringing him up. Not sure how much longer you can keep him up over Homer, or maybe it is just pick your poison time.

Yeah, so far Maloney's tendencies have shown up in his major league performance. Few walks, reasonable number of strikeouts, lots of fly balls and unfortunately too many homers.

He could get better with time, but I don't see the Reds keeping him in the rotation once Volquez gets back. He'll probably get traded or go to AAA. GABP is a poor fit for Maloney, who is a talented pitcher and could succeed in a pitcher's ballpark.

[Homer Bailey]

Don Sutton: "Taveras is 1 for 11 in this series, and for his terms, that's a good series."

[Homer Bailey]

Taveras fouls out. I'm beyond furious. Reds fans booing and should be.

[reds44]

WillyT is a special player.

[dsmith421]

Seriously, why doesn't Dusty just come out during Taveras' turn at bat and flick off the crowd?

[BRM]

Should have pinch-hit for Taveras.

[CTA513]

Please just fake an injury so you can go on the DL.

[BRM]

Don Sutton: "Taveras is 1 for 11 in this series, and for his terms, that's a good series."

I'd laugh but he's right.

[CaiGuy]

Tavaras can't even bunt. Of all the things that I would think a guy with his skillset could do is bunt.

[jojo]

Cowboy just asked if Dickerson is still on the team after Taveras' last at bat....

Seriously, it's 50:50 concerning whether it was a rhetorical question.

[BRM]

Seriously, why doesn't Dusty just come out during Taveras' turn at bat and flick off the crowd?

Now THAT would be classic.

[Homer Bailey]

Diaz makes a catch on the track on a AG fly ball. 1-2 hitters now 0 for 6 and 0 for 14 the last 2 games.

[CTA513]

Gonzalez flies out and the Reds don't score because they can't bunt.

[BRM]

Was the crowd booing pretty heavily after the failed bunt attempt?

[VR]

Getting Nix an AB this inning may be the best shot these boys have.

[reds44]

1. Dickerson CF
2. Hanigan C
3. Phillips 2B
4. Bruce RF

learn it, love it, do it

[CaiGuy]

Was the crowd booing pretty heavily after the failed bunt attempt?

Yes, quite loudly as a matter of fact.

[CaiGuy]

1. Dickerson CF
2. Hanigan C
3. Phillips 2B
4. Bruce RF

learn it, love it, do it
5. Nix LF

Brilliant!

Note: the rest hardly matters

[jojo]

Alright...end of five and the Reds weren't able to capitalize on another chance.... I'm starting to get a little worried about this one.

[BRM]

Well, that inning went well.

[flyer85]

that top 2 is working out fantastically ... if you are the Reds opponent

[reds44]

5. Nix LF

Brilliant!

Note: the rest hardly matters
Yes. Hell, we can even play Dusty ball and switch Bruce and Phillips so the lefties are all split up.

[Homer Bailey]

I'm sweating at work I'm so upset right now.

[BRM]

that top 2 is working out fantastically ... if you are the Reds opponent

Two worst OBPs on the active roster, among position players. It only makes sense they play every day and bat 1-2.

[Falls City Beer]

Alright...end of five and the Reds weren't able to capitalize on another chance.... I'm starting to get a little worried about this one.

Yeah, three line shots though in the inning. Fate sometimes knocks you around.

Hanson's pretty hard to get a good rip on, so those liners are a nice development. Could see something next inning. Though if some get on, Cox will go to the lefty to take out Bruce.

[Kc61]

Taveras can't lay a bunt down and its 0-2. This is seriously incredible.

It is seriously incredible. I've looked at Taveras' numbers and he has never been this bad. Right now he cannot hit a lick.

Taveras went into a deep slump and is now pressing to the point that he seems entirely lost up there. I disagree with the Reds' approach of just letting him lead off every game. It isn't working.

I won't engage in the ranting against him that goes on on this site, which has become almost entirely devoted to dissing this one player.

But the Reds need to come up with a better idea how to handle Taveras' spot. My view would be to get him to accept an assignment to AAA for a couple of weeks to get going.

[reds44]

Last year, people said Corey Patterson was hitting even worse than he has over the course of his career.
This year, people are saying the same about Willy.

Let me say this, our ban box of a park aren't helpful to slap hitters.

[Homer Bailey]

Hank Aaron doubles. Oops I mean Matt Diaz.

[Homer Bailey]

Last year, people said Corey Patterson was hitting even worse than he has over the course of his career.
This year, people are saying the same about Willy.

Let me say this, our ban box of a park aren't helpful to slap hitters.

Or talentless ones.

[jojo]

Yeah, three line shots though in the inning. Fate sometimes knocks you around.

Hanson's pretty hard to get a good rip on, so those liners are a nice development. Could see something next inning. Though if some get on, Cox will go to the lefty to take out Bruce.

Don't hate the playa...hate the game..... :cool:

[Falls City Beer]

Maloney is the lefthanded Roger Salkeld.

[BRM]

Prado Ks
IBB to Francoeur
Runners at 1B and 2B with 1 out

[Kc61]

Last year, people said Corey Patterson was hitting even worse than he has over the course of his career.
This year, people are saying the same about Willy.

Let me say this, our ban box of a park aren't helpful to slap hitters.

Could be. Patterson was very different. He wasn't really a slap hitter, he had good power and used it as much as possible. He just didn't hit well generally and also didn't walk.

Taveras is a slap hitter. But he isn't getting infield hits, isn't bunting well, is striking out and popping up time after time.

Again, while I know RedsZoners generally hate Taveras, when playing at his best I think he can be effective. I've seen it in his stints with other teams. But what's happening now is ridiculous and must stop. Hitting Taveras and Gonzalez one and two in this lineup is not defensible.

[BRM]

Kotchman pops out. Two down.

Carlos Fisher coming in.

[jojo]

Taveras is a slap hitter. But he isn't getting infield hits, isn't bunting well, is striking out and popping up time after time.

Again, while I know RedsZone hates Taveras, when playing at his best I think he can be effective. I've seen it in his stints with other teams. But what's happening now is ridiculous and must stop. Hitting Taveras and Gonzalez one and two in this lineup is not defensible.

This stretch is just kharma collecting the bill for his .371/.417/.461 (OPS= .877) against lefties in 2007....

[Falls City Beer]

Maaaatt Maaaaloney buys himself another start. Let's hope it isn't against an AL opponent.

[reds44]

Could be. Patterson was very different. He wasn't really a slap hitter, he had good power and used it as much as possible. He just didn't hit well generally and also didn't walk.

Taveras is a slap hitter. But he isn't getting infield hits, isn't bunting well, is striking out and popping up time after time.

Again, while I know RedsZoners generally hate Taveras, when playing at his best I think he can be effective. I've seen it in his stints with other teams. But what's happening now is ridiculous and must stop. Hitting Taveras and Gonzalez one and two in this lineup is not defensible.
Just about any major league player can be effective when play at their best. There is a reason why they are in the majors.

[BRM]

Maaaatt Maaaaloney buys himself another start. Let's hope it isn't against an AL opponent.

It will be unless he gets demoted.

[lollipopcurve]

What Baker doesn't seem to realize is that he only ratchets up the pressure on Taveras by batting him leadoff every game in the midst of a titanic, boobird-festering slump.

And he better be careful not to diss the fans for being unhappy, or they'll start to turn on him.

I understand the desire to support and show confidence in the player, but there comes a time of diminishing returns.

[Homer Bailey]

Maaaatt Maaaaloney buys himself another start. Let's hope it isn't against an AL opponent.

You don't earn starts on this team. You just have to be liked by the manager (See Taveras, Willy).

[BRM]

Fisher quickly falls behind 3-0 to Ross.

[Caveat Emperor]

Maloney is the lefthanded Roger Salkeld.

I think the point and your opinion of skill level has been made abundently clear with your previous posts on the matter.

[Homer Bailey]

Fisher walks him and they're loaded.

[CaiGuy]

Fisher feared the Ross.

[BRM]

2-0 to the pitcher now.

[CaiGuy]

Common Fisher, let's see some STRIKES! :)

[CaiGuy]

Common Fisher, let's see some STRIKES! :)

2-2 now

[CaiGuy]

5-0 Braves

[Homer Bailey]

Hanson singles. 5-0. Hysterical.

[BRM]

RBI single for Hanson.

[jojo]

Well shucks. I was about to praise Dick Pole and Carlos won't let me....

Maloney gets stuck with a stinker run there...

[CaiGuy]

The Reds are going to need a touchdown now.

[jojo]

The Reds are going to need a touch down now.

Or two fieldgoals.

[CaiGuy]

Or two fieldgoals.

TD+FG or safety to win

7-0 Braves

[jojo]

Oops....make that three fieldgoals.

[jojo]

TD+FG or safety to win

7-0 Braves

Can the defense score in baseball? :p:

[BRM]

Turn out the lights.

[CaiGuy]

Oops....make that three fieldgoals.

One per inning would do it.

[CaiGuy]

Can the defense score in baseball? :p:

Does Owings count? ;)

[Kc61]

Just about any major league player can be effective when play at their best. There is a reason why they are in the majors.

I'm not going to get into a debate with you about it. Suffice it to say, I've seen Taveras play effectively against the Reds and believe that he can be effective. Right now he needs to come out of the lineup because he is not being effective.

[Homer Bailey]

McClouth quickly making his way onto the list of Reds killers.

[BRM]

7-0 Braves going to the bottom of the 6th. Nix, Hanigan, Bruce due up.

[VR]

WillyT is a special player.


Many Have Attempted and Failed
Ryan Freel
Juan Castro
Rich Aurilia
Jeff Keppinger
Jerry Hairston Jr.
Adam Rosales

Who will redszone try to replace Edwin with next?


Reds44...I love that list. I'm guessing we should have one for all the power arms out there to replace David Weathers as well.

[CaiGuy]

McClouth quickly making his way onto the list of Reds killers.

That doesn't seem like a very exclusive club these days.

[Falls City Beer]

Maloney gets stuck with a stinker run there...

I'm not going to be crying many tears for Mr. Maloney--he turned a mediocre offense into Murderer's Row today. Blech.

[dsmith421]

Great at-bat by Nix.

[Joseph]

Send out Maloney time?

[reds44]

Reds44...I love that list. I'm guessing we should have one for all the power arms out there to replace David Weathers as well.
I'll start with one of my own errors!

Marcus McBeth

[Homer Bailey]

Nix pops up. Still 2 hits for the Reds.

[BRM]

Hanson quickly disposes of Nix. One down.

[dsmith421]

Reds44...I love that list. I'm guessing we should have one for all the power arms out there to replace David Weathers as well.

I think it's stupid. Just because the other third base candidates have been utterly garbage doesn't make Encarnacion anything but a gigantic mediocrity.

[CaiGuy]

McBeth

Isn't that a girls' name?

[reds44]

I think it's stupid. Just because the other third base candidates have been utterly garbage doesn't make Encarnacion anything but a gigantic mediocrity.
If the Reds had "gigantic medicrity" in LF, CF, SS, and 3B this year they'd be doing well for themselves.

[traderumor]

methinks WT has hit RZ rule 5 status. I suppose it is the same as fans who boo at games. He stinks, we get it already. Move on please.

[LincolnparkRed]

I'll start with one of my own errors!

Marcus McBeth

He may turn out ok. I think he came up too soon. Looks pretty good in Pawtucket

[CaiGuy]

If the Reds had "gigantic medicrity" in LF, CF, SS, and 3B this year they'd be doing well for themselves.

replacement level = improvement :(

[Falls City Beer]

Not sure why folks would be surprised at the outcome of this game: Hanson has MLB arm written all over him; Maloney has tax-preparer all over him.

[Homer Bailey]

Hanigan walks. 1 professional hitter in this entire lineup.

[VR]

I think it's stupid. Just because the other third base candidates have been utterly garbage doesn't make Encarnacion anything but a gigantic mediocrity.

I don't think he's trying to say EE is David Wright. Rather, that RZ tends to think our saviors are tucked away in AAA.....making any of our whipping boys disposable.

[CTA513]

This would be a good game for Roenicke to make his 2009 debut.
Already down 7-0 so he wouldn't have to worry about keeping it close.

[Homer Bailey]

LOL at Bruces luck. Bruce stings one and McClouth makes a running over the shoulder grab. This is seriously unreal.

[dsmith421]

If the Reds had "gigantic medicrity" in LF, CF, SS, and 3B this year they'd be doing well for themselves.

Encarnacion is a very average baseball player. You're right, mediocre is better than garbage. But acting like he's an All-Star is just ridiculous.

[dsmith421]

I don't think he's trying to say EE is David Wright. Rather, that RZ tends to think our saviors are tucked away in AAA.....making any of our whipping boys disposable.

My experience over the years is that Encarnacion has been given the benefit of the doubt (at least on the main board) due to his perceived hitting potential and range. I agreed with that assessment until he became expensive. Now the guy's in his fourth year and he still doesn't get it at the plate or in the field.

[Homer Bailey]

Hairston singles to left.

[reds44]

I don't think he's trying to say EE is David Wright. Rather, that RZ tends to think our saviors are tucked away in AAA.....making any of our whipping boys disposable.
This. I've always said I would have no problem with replacing EE if we had an actual improvement.

[BRM]

Two on, two out for Rosales.

[Falls City Beer]

Poise :: Pitchers
Speed :: Hitters

[Homer Bailey]

Rosales flies out inning over.

[traderumor]

no need for the score or pbp in the game thread. The tenor of the "discussion" tells you things aren't going well.

[forfreelin04]

Not sure why folks would be surprised at the outcome of this game: Hanson has MLB arm written all over him; Maloney has tax-preparer all over him.

Agreed.

Folks should be happy we stole a win yesterday. With Harang getting a rain shortened start and no Cueto, we are lucky to win this series.

Not to mention, Dusty is trying to give the baseball gods an ulcer with the Out Brothers at the top of the lineup.

[traderumor]

LOL at Bruces luck. Bruce stings one and McClouth makes a running over the shoulder grab. This is seriously unreal.It'll be fun when that worm turns. It always does.

[CTA513]

Fisher is going to end up walking his way back to AAA.

[BRM]

Fisher walks Chipper to start the 7th.

[BRM]

Then he Ks Diaz on three pitches.

[Falls City Beer]

"So Elizardo Ramirez, Carlos Fisher, and Matt Maloney walk into a bar...."

[Homer Bailey]

It'll be fun when that worm turns. It always does.

We've been saying that for about a month now. It's just not turning. I've never seen a string of bad luck run this long.

[BRM]

A K of Francoeur ends the inning.

[Ltlabner]

A K of Francoeur ends the inning.

Ehem.....Failcoeur.

[BRM]

Pitcher, Pitcher, Pitcher due up for the Reds

[CaiGuy]

"So Elizardo Ramirez, Carlos Fisher, and Matt Maloney walk into a bar...."

...and Johnny Cueto ducks.

[CaiGuy]

Dickerson appearance

[BRM]

PH single for Dickerson.

[Homer Bailey]

Dickerson gets to go to that bag 90 feet to the right of home plate.

[Homer Bailey]

Hahah Don Sutton continuing to rip on Taveras, and he doesnt even know the half of the story.

[Big Klu]

Is the game over? (No wise-cracks, please.) My local radio affiliate switched it off.

[Homer Bailey]

Dickerson makes it to the 2nd base. A base Willy has only seen what... once this month?

[Homer Bailey]

Is the game over? (No wise-cracks, please.) My local radio affiliate switched it off.

7-0 in the 7th.

[Homer Bailey]

Gonzo strikes out. 1 and 2 hitters 0 for 8 today and 0 for 16 the last two nights.

[nate]

AGony almost fell over on the strikeout pitch.

[Big Klu]

LOL at Bruces luck. Bruce stings one and McClouth makes a running over the shoulder grab. This is seriously unreal.

Jay Schleprock in RF.


7-0 in the 7th.

Thank you.

[BRM]

For those keeping score,

Willy flew out
Dickerson stole second
Gonzalez Ks

[forfreelin04]

Gonzo strikes out. 1 and 2 hitters 0 for 8 today and 0 for 16 the last two nights.

I fully expect an article put out by Baseball Prospectus or some other highly regarded baseball think tank proving a Willy T and Gonzo combo is the worst 1-2 combo in the history of the game.

Then, once written, no Cincinnati Sports Writer will confront Dusty about it.

[Homer Bailey]

Does Moylan throw sidearm? Groundout ends the inning.

[BRM]

7-0 after 7 innings.

[Homer Bailey]

I fully expect an article put out by Baseball Prospectus or some other highly regarded baseball think tank proving a Willy T and Gonzo combo is the worst 1-2 combo in the history of the game.

Then, once written, no Cincinnati Sports Writer will confront Dusty about it.

I will be tweeting at every red outlet I can to demand that Dusty change the top of his lineup.

[dsmith421]

I will be tweeting at every red outlet I can to demand that Dusty change the top of his lineup.

Well, that ought to do it.

[BRM]

Roenicke in to pitch. Janish comes in to play SS as part of the double-switch.

[WVRedsFan]

Surely someone else is better--even on a team of baseball midgets. Everyone wanted pitching and defense, but somebody forgot the other part of the game (wonder who?).

What is discouraging is that Walt said the other day that he was pleased with how the team was playing--them fighting in every game. Kind of like bringing a knife to a gunfight :).

[Homer Bailey]

Well, that ought to do it.

The only way Dusty will change it is if he starts feeling the pressure from those around him.

[BRM]

1-2-3 inning for Roenicke.

[BRM]

Mike Gonzalez pitching for the Braves.

Gomes pinch-hits for Nix and promptly Ks.

[BRM]

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

[dsmith421]

The only way Dusty will change it is if he starts feeling the pressure from those around him.

Some random dude tweeting John Fay is not going to get Taveras benched.

[VR]

Bullpen/ Owings/ Maloney......very nice to take 2 of 3 from the Braves with that slate, and the current offense. Pitching is a good thing.

[BRM]

Bruce grounds out to 1B. 2 outs.

[WVRedsFan]

Only problem is the Braves, like the Nationals, are a horrible team. With some offense, we sweep both and probably take one or two from the Royals. So we turn a possible 7-2 into a 4-5. This apparently pleases Walt and company.

[Homer Bailey]

Some random dude tweeting John Fay is not going to get Taveras benched.

No its not. But if the media is constantly hounding Dusty as to why he continues to play Taveras, you would have to think he would have to reconsider.

[BRM]

Hairston lines out. 3 down.

[BRM]

Lost in all the offense bashing is the fact the pitching gave up 7 runs today. So far.

[dsmith421]

No its not. But if the media is constantly hounding Dusty as to why he continues to play Taveras, you would have to think he would have to reconsider.

No, actually, I don't think media or fan pressure is going to faze Dusty in the slightest bit. He's either going to figure out that Taveras is a giant pile of crap, or the front office is going to do it themselves.

[BRM]

Burton replacing Roenicke. Gomes stays in LF.