7-2-02 Reds vs. D-Bags

[Chip R]

Worked yesterday.

[forfreelin04]

Per Fay:

Willy Taveras cf
Jerry Hairston Jr. 3b
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jonny Gomes lf
Ryan Hanigan c
Chris Dickerson rf
Paul Janish ss
Aaron Harang p

vs. LH Doug Davis

D-Bags
Lopez 2B
Drew SS
Upton RF
Reynolds 3B
Parra LF
Montero C
Tracey 1B
Romero LF
Davis P


Someone pointed out that some guys were getting off days.

"I look at as couple of guys getting 'on' days," Dusty Baker said. "We're trying to win every game we can down this stretch."

He added: "This gives me quite a few options off the bench."

SAVE THE DATE: Redsfest will be Dec. 4 and 5.

LOOK FOR A HOMER: In the 523-game history of Great American Ball Park, there has been only one streak of two straight games without a home run. There wasn't a homer in last night's game, only the 40th homerless game at GABP.

THE REASON? Ramon Hernandez has a reason for not sliding on his double last night. "I almost tripped," he said. "Funny stuff."

Hernandez said he's fine physically. But he was OK with the day off.

"We got another good catcher," he said. "(Ryan Hanigan) is playing well."

[forfreelin04]

(BTW, my feed is way behind the actual game. GameDay is actually ahead of it)
Top of 1st:

Lopez strikes out looking on three pitches. 1 out

[cumberlandreds]

1-2-3 first. Apparently Phillips made a great play to end the inning according to Marty.

[forfreelin04]

Sorry lost the feed.

Drew and Upton both grounded to Phillips 3 out.

[flyer85]

the Willy woody strike again

[cumberlandreds]

Votto a two out double off the wall.

[cumberlandreds]

Phillips GO to first to end the mild threat. 0-0 after one.

[cumberlandreds]

RBI bloop single by Tracey puts the D-Backs ahead 1-0 in the 2nd.

[cumberlandreds]

Romero K's to end the 2nd 1-0 DBacks.

[forfreelin04]

Thanks for the PBP. My feed is toast.

[Doc. Scott]

Harang walked the impatient rookie Parra on four pitches, he stole second after being caught in all four of his previous attempts, then the .202-hitting Tracy dumped a blooper in front of Gomes. Some bad luck, some just bad.

Interesting: Harang threw 100% fastballs in that inning and, according to Gameday, has thrown only one breaking ball in 30 pitches so far. He's topped out at 93.

[TheNext44]

Gomes flies out to CF 1 out

[Doc. Scott]

Davis' fastball is around 87. He's Crafty.

Usually the Reds are helpless around the Crafty Lefties but Davis, if I recall, was always one they did pretty well against when he was in Milwaukee.

[TheNext44]

Hanigan walks

one one one out

[SirFelixCat]

Great AB by Hanigan. 8 pitch BB.

[cumberlandreds]

Great AB by Hanigan. 8 pitch BB.

As opposed to Gomes who popped out on the first pitch.

[forfreelin04]

Davis will walk 4 to 5 in this game, if the Reds let him.

[TheNext44]

Dickerson K's looking.

Really needs to learn to hit lefties.

[Doc. Scott]

Davis busted him inside a bunch, too. I believe that matches the Joe Schultzian scouting report on Dickerson ("smoke 'im inside"). The zone chart on Chris shows him killing stuff on the outside half.

[TheNext44]

Janish grounds into FC, 6-4. end of inning.

[cumberlandreds]

Janish GO's to end the 2nd. 1-0 DBacks.

[TheNext44]

Davis K's: Lopez lines to Janish at SS.

two out

[cumberlandreds]

another K for Harang. Easy 3rd inning. Still 1-0 DBacks.

[TheNext44]

Drew K's

three up, three down.

[forfreelin04]

Funny, I don't remember buying Gameday Audio. Oh well, I'll take it.

Nice inning by Harang. He needs to miss as many bats as possible. I don't see the Reds scoring many runs today.

[TheNext44]

Harang lines hard to Drew at SS

one out

[TheNext44]

Taveras pops up to shallow LF

two out.

[TheNext44]

Hairston walks.

One up for Votto

[cumberlandreds]

This might be Reds best chance to score. Hairston at first and Votto up.

[forfreelin04]

This might be Reds best chance to score. Hairston at first and Votto up.

Sad, when you have two out and it is the best chance to score. That being said Votto singles! Two on Two Out

[TheNext44]

Votto singles to RF

two one two out

[cumberlandreds]

Votto singles. Its just too bad he has to carry any semblance of an an offense the Reds have.

[forfreelin04]

Thom said "Davis is taking forever, it is amazing that anyone can play defense behind him."

[cumberlandreds]

Good Lord! Davis is slow. He and Phillips are having a test of wills.

[cumberlandreds]

Phillips flys out to the CF wall and ends the threat. 1-0 DBacks after three.

[TheNext44]

Phillips launches a long drive to CF, caught at the wall.

end of inning.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the PBP.

[cumberlandreds]

Reynolds K's for the 2nd out. I missed the 1st out.

[Kc61]

Reds offense having a banner series against Arizona.

[CTA513]

Reynolds K's for the 2nd out. I missed the 1st out.

Upton was called out on strikes for the 1st out.

[TheNext44]

Upton K'd for the first out.

[cumberlandreds]

Harang walks Parra once again.

[TheNext44]

Parra walks after 9 pitch AB

[cumberlandreds]

Montero singles,Parra to third.

[cumberlandreds]

Tracey flies out to CF to end the inning. 1-0 DBack in the 4th.

[TheNext44]

Tracy flies to Taveras in CF

end of inning. zero runs, one hit, one walk

[cumberlandreds]

Gomes doubles off the wall. Just missing an HR.

[forfreelin04]

Gomes doubles off LF wall. Marty thought it was gone.

[TheNext44]

Gomes just misses a home run with a double off the top of the wall

[forfreelin04]

Hanigan > WT

[TheNext44]

bunt single for Hanigan.

1 and 3 zero out

[cumberlandreds]

Hanigan a bunt single and Gomes to third. Can they score now?

[forfreelin04]

See, this is what I don't like now we have C Dick, Janish, and Harang.

[TheNext44]

Even if Dickerson hits into a Brandon Phillips, he ties the game.

[Caveat Emperor]

For having a reputation as a K-machine in the minors, Dickerson rarely seems to get cheated in an AB.

[forfreelin04]

Dickerson > WT

[cumberlandreds]

Dickerson comes through with an RBI single. We are all tied up at one.

[TheNext44]

Single, Gomes scores, Hanigan to second

[membengal]

Word. Dickerson is much > than WT.

I hope Dusty has come to appreciate that.

[Caveat Emperor]

Dickerson needs to play every day.

EVERY day.

Monday. Tuesday. Wednesday. Thursday. Friday. Saturday. Sunday.

Night games. Day games.

EVERY day.

[cumberlandreds]

See, this is what I don't like now we have C Dick, Janish, and Harang.

You forgot the next hitter,Taveras. Add him and subtract Dickerson.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Dickerson needs to date someone's daughter

[oneupper]

Felipe Lopez doesn't have much range at second, does he?

[forfreelin04]

Word. Dickerson is much > than WT.

I hope Dusty has come to appreciate that.

I have a feeling that WJ will loathe the WT for the rest of his career.

[cumberlandreds]

Janish walks. Bases loaded no one out.

[Caveat Emperor]

Is it too early to suggest pulling Taveras down for a PH?

[forfreelin04]

Bases juiced for Harang. He usually comes through in such situations.

[forfreelin04]

Big at bat for WT here.

[cumberlandreds]

Harang goes to hacking on the first pitch and pops out to 2nd. Wanna bet WT swings at the 1st pitch?

[membengal]

He hit the first pitch. Well done, cumberland.

[forfreelin04]

Harang popped to second,

WT grounded to third, Reynolds throws the runner out at the plate.. 2 out

Big surprise

[Caveat Emperor]

WT, ladies and gentlemen... :clap:

[cumberlandreds]

He hit the first pitch. Well done, cumberland.

I knew he would. Marty just said WT hasn't walked since May 23. :rolleyes:

[LoganBuck]

sigh............

[forfreelin04]

Crowd isn't happy; they should not be surprised in the least bit.

[membengal]

I will give WT this...he appears to have helped Marty B find some religion on the value of a walk, since Marty just complained about no walks for Willy T since May 23.

[forfreelin04]

Hairston grounded to 3B. Inning over

[CarolinaRedleg]

Bases loaded, nobody out....1-1 game. Nothing to show for it.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2009 Cincinnati Reds.

[cumberlandreds]

Hairston GO's and a typical 2009 Reds inning is over.

[Doc. Scott]

Hairston goes hacking at the second pitch and grounds into a force to end the inning. 1-1 after 4.

[flyer85]

vroom vroom rally killer

[forfreelin04]

I will give WT this...he appears to have helped Marty B find some religion on the value of a walk, since Marty just complained about no walks for Willy T since May 23.

You know WT is bad when even Marty is alluding to walks to vent his frustrations. I think WT hate has reached a new level.

[Caveat Emperor]

If I was managing the Reds, I'd have PH'd Micah Owings for Willy Taveras, and sent Bruce into the game in RF next inning.

I'd then never start Willy Taveras again this season.

When he is leading off, the Reds are effectively batting two pitchers back-to-back. That's an instant rally killer right there.

[cumberlandreds]

Hairston goes hacking at the second pitch and grounds into a force to end the inning. 1-1 after 4.

So they saw all of four pitches to make three outs. Pitiful.

[forfreelin04]

Romero bunts; Hanigan throws him out. Hanigan is good.

[flyer85]

I can feel the love ... :luvu:

[Kc61]

Reds should send WT down, bring up Heisey.

Reds should sit Hairston for awhile, he's struggled, has played much more than usual, needs a break.

Reds should bring up EE.

Reds should acquire Matt Holliday.

[forfreelin04]

If I was managing the Reds, I'd have PH'd Micah Owings for Willy Taveras, and sent Bruce into the game in RF next inning.

I'd then never start Willy Taveras again this season.

When he is leading off, the Reds are effectively batting two pitchers back-to-back. That's an instant rally killer right there.

If you (or I) were managing the Reds, WT would not be playing.

[cumberlandreds]

This is try a bunt inning for the DBacks. Davis pops a bunt to Harang for the 2nd out.

[cumberlandreds]

Lopez singles.

[flyer85]

Reds should send WT down
not a good idea

[forfreelin04]

Lopez singles.

He seems to hit well against his old Club.

[Homer Bailey]

If you (or I) were managing the Reds, WT would not be playing.

If anyone else other than Dusty Baker were managing the Reds, WT would not be playing.

[forfreelin04]

Johnny Gomes would look good as an AL DH.

[cumberlandreds]

Gomes makes a skidding,sliding catch to end the inning for the DBacks. 1-1 in the 5th.

[forfreelin04]

Gomes picks off a liner from the bat of Drew.

[forfreelin04]

I think Dougie is leading a charmed life. I can smell a big inning here.

[KoryMac5]

If anyone else other than Dusty Baker were managing the Reds, WT would not be playing.

To be fair we don't know what the front office's position is on benching Willy T. By all accounts Walt and Dusty are on the same page as far as Willy T's handling goes.

[forfreelin04]

Maybe I was wrong. Votto K's looking

[cumberlandreds]

Votto K's. There went the Reds best chance to score this inning.

[flyer85]

I think Dougie is leading a charmed life.
or just facing Dusty's Reds

[cumberlandreds]

Phillips singles.

[cumberlandreds]

Gomes K's.

[forfreelin04]

Phillips first to third on Hanigans single that was bobbled.

[cumberlandreds]

Hanigan singles and Phillips to third when the OF bobbles the ball.

[forfreelin04]

I do not see why you keep two catchers as good as the Reds have on one team when you have needs elsewhere.

[CarolinaRedleg]

Hanigan's just a ballplayer, simple as that.

Now, time to make this one hurt a little.

[VR]

Why wouldn't you give Phillips a shot to steal against Montero?

[forfreelin04]

Marty says Davis's curve is a mindbender today.

[cumberlandreds]

Dickerson BB's. Bases loaded for slugger Janish.

[forfreelin04]

Dickerson walks. Paul J hit please.

[membengal]

I don't really think Davis wanted much to do with Dickerson there...

[RedsManRick]

I'd really like to see Hanigan moved up in the lineup. Heck, lead the guy off and just let him get on base -- it's not like he's Bengie Molina on the basepaths. The Taveras/Hairston combo is killing me.

[cumberlandreds]

Marty says Davis's curve is a mindbender today.

I wish he would bend one to the backstop. May be the Reds best chance to score.

[Caveat Emperor]

I'd really like to see Hanigan moved up in the lineup. Heck, lead the guy off and just let him get on base -- it's not like he's Bengie Molina on the basepaths. The Taveras/Hairston combo is killing me.

Dickerson
Hanigan
Votto
Phillips
Bruce

It's unconventional as hell -- but it does go L-R-L-R-L, and I like it a lot.

[forfreelin04]

Davis could easily walk Janish here

[CarolinaRedleg]

Best thing about Dickerson walking? The sixth inning isn't Janish-Harang-Tavares.

[ramp101]

Janish is all kinds of awful

radio announcers are killing him

[forfreelin04]

This just in..... the Reds need a SS.

Marty said Janish had three pitches that were served on a platter.

[cumberlandreds]

Janish K's after fouling off a couple of 3-2 pitches. The Reds leave the bases loaded for the 2nd straight inning. 1-1 going to the 6th.

[membengal]

Gah.

C'mon paul, team needed something there.

[VR]

Dickerson
Hanigan
Votto
Phillips
Bruce

It's unconventional as hell -- but it does go L-R-L-R-L, and I like it a lot.

That's a fantastic approach. Throw EE, Nix/Gomes, Hairston in the next 3 slots, and you have a pretty solid lineup.

[KoryMac5]

So hoping for a wild pitch or a walk there, unfortunately Davis rings Janish up. Janish may be a good fielder but I have no confidence in his bat.

[cumberlandreds]

Dickerson
Hanigan
Votto
Phillips
Bruce

It's unconventional as hell -- but it does go L-R-L-R-L, and I like it a lot.

I agree with you. That's the best lineup the Reds could put up at the moment.

[Caveat Emperor]

That's a fantastic approach. Throw EE, Nix/Gomes, Hairston in the next 3 slots, and you have a pretty solid lineup.

Dickerson
Hanigan
Votto
Phillips
Bruce
Nix / Gomes
Encarnacion
Hairston / Janish
Pitcher

If Bruce could get on track, this lineup would at least generate some RBI opps for him and Phillips. Of course, it would require sending Taveras to the bench and limiting ABs for Hernandez, which I give no chance of ever happening.

[forfreelin04]

Harang mowing them down 7 K's

[flyer85]

I'd really like to see Hanigan moved up in the lineup. you didn't read the handbook ... only fast guys that can't find first base are allowed to hit at the top of the order.

[forfreelin04]

Reynolds homers just above Dickerson's reach in RF.

[VR]

Janish is all kinds of awful

radio announcers are killing him

Dusty noticed his .384 ops for June and has limited his playing time tremendously.

That said, it was still 10 points higher than WT.....even after his 10-18 finish to the month.

[cumberlandreds]

Reynolds homers to rf just out of the reach of Dickerson. That may have put it out of reach for the Reds today. 2-1 DBacks.

[membengal]

Hate it that two runs feels like too many.

[cumberlandreds]

Fly out to LF. Two away.

[forfreelin04]

Next inning you have WT, Jerry, and Votto. Davis has labored through the last two frames. Let's see if the Reds can do anything.

[KoryMac5]

Harang deserves better than this today.

[cumberlandreds]

Montero flies out to end the inning. Harang leads off. Should Dusty PH?

[Caveat Emperor]

Reason why the Reds can't score runs:

They're giving up four consecutive outs in the lineup (Janish, P, Taveras, Hairston), pretty much guaranteeing that any extended rally is going to run smack dab into a pile of awful once it gets started.

[membengal]

I think you have to pinch hit. As well as Harang has pitched, they need to try and generate some offense, and the bullpen should be rested and ready to go. Either Herrera or Massett to pitch the 7th and get on with it.

[VR]

Montero flies out to end the inning. Harang leads off. Should Dusty PH?

He's at 92, and is throwing well. I'd get him another inning or 2.

[membengal]

He's at 92, and is throwing well. I'd get him another inning or 2.

It's not Harang's effectiveness that's the issue, it's them needing a run...

[cumberlandreds]

Harang is batting. So he stays.

[membengal]

Dusty answers it, Harang hits for himself.

[membengal]

maybe harang could hit a homerun...

[cumberlandreds]

Harang lines to CF. Auto-out is next up.

[forfreelin04]

I think you have to pinch hit. As well as Harang has pitched, they need to try and generate some offense, and the bullpen should be rested and ready to go. Either Herrera or Massett to pitch the 7th and get on with it.

I agree. But "Dude love" is about respect. Gotta respect Aaron enough to get him a W. "Dude love" says will get that run next inning.

[cumberlandreds]

Auto out lines out for the 2nd out of the 6th.

[membengal]

I agree. But "Dude love" is about respect. Gotta respect Aaron enough to get him a W. "Dude love" says will get that run next inning.

I really don't think that is it. I can't blame Dusty for running him back out there, Harang deserves to keep pitching.

It's that the offense is so woeful that they really can't afford to give away an out at this point, and batting Harang is doing so.

Doesn't matter either way I suppose.

[Caveat Emperor]

Why would you burn a pinch-hitter in front of Hairston and Taveras?

[cumberlandreds]

Hairston rolls out to 1st. Shhhhh don't wake the Reds bats. They are fast asleep.

[membengal]

This is just a shockingly awful offensive performance, even for this club, in this series. Gut punch awful.

[membengal]

Why would you burn a pinch-hitter in front of Hairston and Taveras?

Sutton gets on, Willy T bunts, and then, yaneverknow. At least in that scenario Votto bats with a runner in scoring position...

[VR]

Our leadoff guy has seen 5 pitches in 3 at bats. That's over 1.6 per.

[forfreelin04]

Regardless of how the game turns out, great start from Harang.

[cumberlandreds]

Montero walks. Davis to stay in the game as he will bat.

[forfreelin04]

Montero walked with 1 out, Davis up there trying to sac

[cumberlandreds]

Davis pops out to Votto. Two away.

[forfreelin04]

I know there is 2 outs but Lopez scares me in this at bat.

[cumberlandreds]

Romero steals 2nd. It was Romero that walked not Montero. My apologies for that. Got my 'ero's mixed up.

[Chip R]

Next inning you have WT, Jerry, and Votto. Davis has labored through the last two frames.


Not sure how any pitcher labors through this offense. More like Labor Day.

[cumberlandreds]

Lopez lines to 3rd to end the 7th. 2-1 DBacks. This may be the Reds best chance to tie this game with Votto leading off.

[forfreelin04]

Whew.........

3 innings to do some minor damage

[CTA513]

Harang did his job now its time for the offense to score some runs.

[forfreelin04]

Not sure how any pitcher labors through this offense. More like Labor Day.

It's more of laboring until you find someone who will gladly get himself out.

[cumberlandreds]

Votto flies out to LF.

[membengal]

Inning 7. Quest for a run is upon us.

It was Cincinnati. The day was bright, but the prospects seemingly dim. The previous 24 innings in the series had yielded four runs, but, hey, sometimes things happen, right? A bloop. An error. A hard hit ball. Something.

The faithful lean forward...

[membengal]

One of the headlines on reds.com is making me giggle:


"Dickerson plates a run to give Harang support"

Heh. There's your run Aaron, go get 'em!

[cumberlandreds]

Phillips lines out. Two away.

[forfreelin04]

This may not be the Reds day to go above .500. Luck not falling their way either.

[Caveat Emperor]

Heh. There's your run Aaron, go get 'em!

And quit your whining -- one run was MORE than enough for Johnny last night.

Geeze, the nerve of some pitchers...

[forfreelin04]

If I'm facing Gomes, he never sees a fastball.

[cumberlandreds]

Gomes K's and the Reds make Doug Davis look like Greg Maddox today. 2-1 DBacks to the 8th.

[Falls City Beer]

While the offense is mostly to blame, Davis is a very good pitcher.

[cumberlandreds]

I'm about ready to head out to start my 4th of July weekend. Everyone have a great 4th!

[membengal]

Dateline: Cincinnati.

Quest for a run dies a quick death in the 7th. The faithful settle back in their seats and resume discussing days gone by when the team could reasonably be expected to score a run. A few crusty old-timers mention 1982 as a predicate for this. They are beaten and thrown into the street...

[TRF]

While the offense is COMPLETELY to blame, Davis is a very average pitcher.

fixed.

[forfreelin04]

I wonder how long it will be until Massett has more wins than the majority of our starters

[Kc61]

Four runs in 25 innings against Arizona so far this series.

[wolfboy]

While the offense is mostly to blame, Davis is a very good pitcher.

:confused:

[TRF]

double switch brings in Bruce and send Gomes to the pine ensuring WT's opportunity for an 0-5 day.

awe. some.

[membengal]

Your random 1982 flashback:

In 1982 Bruce Berenyi threw 222 1/3 innings for Cincy, striking out 157 in that span. His ERA was 3.36, his WHIP 1.36. He only allowed 8 homeruns on the season. That's um, stout.

His record? 9-18.

1982. The year of wooden limp reds noodle.

[forfreelin04]

Your random 1982 flashback:

In 1982 Bruce Berenyi threw 222 1/3 innings for Cincy, striking out 157 in that span. His ERA was 3.36, his WHIP 1.36. He only allowed 8 homeruns on the season. That's um, stout.

His record? 9-18.

1982. The year of wooden limp reds noodle.

Wow, can it be said: Harang laid a real Berenyi today?

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Can someone stick a mirror under Walt Jocketty's nose to see if he's alive?

[membengal]

Dateline Cincinnati:

The 8th inning, home half, is upon us. The faithful stir, might this be the moment that offensive lightning strikes? Perhaps the scoreboard operator might hit up the crowd with a little "The Natural" music, stir the notions of heroism in the home nine. There was that time, someone ventures, when the Reds might score up to three runs in one whole game. Not possible, say others, I would have remembered that. One at a time, offers another, one at a time. One ties it, and then yaneverknow...

[smith288]

Is it me or does Thom sound like he gurgles when he talks?

[membengal]

Ryan Hanigan. Hitter.

Dear Dusty:

He's a great candidate for the two spot in the line-up.

Signed,

Reds fans

[forfreelin04]

Like I stated before, there is no reason to have two catchers this good on one ballclub.

[forfreelin04]

PB moves Richar (running for Hanigan) to 2nd

[SirFelixCat]

He's gotta bunt here, right?

[forfreelin04]

Dickerson pops to Romero. Ugh

[forfreelin04]

Hernandez to hit for Janish

[SirFelixCat]

Jeez..how many chances are they going to pass up here?!?


Soft F-7. 1 out. *pullshairout*

[forfreelin04]

Bruce on deck

[CarolinaRedleg]

Things with more oomph than the Reds lineup:

Bunnies, wiffle bats, bunnies with wiffle bats, a jar of half-eaten marshmallow creme, tribbles, a bowl of soggy cereal, decaf coffee, O'Douls, the Jonas Brothers.....pick me up, someone

[SirFelixCat]

Richar pinchrunning for Hanigan.

[SirFelixCat]

Things with more oomph than the Reds lineup:

Bunnies, wiffle bats, bunnies with wiffle bats, a jar of half-eaten marshmallow creme, tribbles, a bowl of soggy cereal, decaf coffee, O'Douls, the Jonas Brothers.....pick me up, someone

I lol'd pretty hard....

[Caveat Emperor]

I'd put Nix on deck, wait for the lefty-specialist to be called in, and then pull Nix for Owings.

But, that's just me.

[membengal]

Is Sutton with the team yet? If so, he's a candidate to bat from the right side too...

[forfreelin04]

Things with more oomph than the Reds lineup:

Bunnies, wiffle bats, bunnies with wiffle bats, a jar of half-eaten marshmallow creme, tribbles, a bowl of soggy cereal, decaf coffee, O'Douls, the Jonas Brothers.....pick me up, someone

Bunnies and Baby Chicks + Marshmellow = Peeps

[SirFelixCat]

Hernandez hits it too hard. Bah.


Lined single into LF. Men at the corners.1 out.

[Caveat Emperor]

I'd still pull Bruce back for Owings here, for the record.

[membengal]

Ramon H with the single. But "hit too hard", this team can't buy a break.

I do NOT like Bruce against Schoenweis here. At all.

Take Bruce back down and go with Sutton? With Owings? I just don't like the match-up here at all...

[TRF]

Things with more oomph than the Reds lineup:

Bunnies, wiffle bats, bunnies with wiffle bats, a jar of half-eaten marshmallow creme, tribbles, a bowl of soggy cereal, decaf coffee, O'Douls, the Jonas Brothers.....pick me up, someone

over cooked ramen noodle, dancing with the stars, wonder bread, brown bananas, black avocados.

[SirFelixCat]

No way Bruce hits here, right?

[membengal]

I'd still pull Bruce back for Owings here, for the record.

Full agreement.

Maybe Bruce will surprise, but I don't like the percentages or this match-up.

[Ltlabner]

The Starlight Vocal Band and the 1910 Fruit Gum Company are both harder hitting than the Reds offense.

[forfreelin04]

Huge At Bat by Bruce here. The great WT is on deck ready to pounce on any poor pitcher willing to get him a base. He doesn't want a base. Willy want OUT!

[membengal]

Dateline Cincinnati:

The Reds faithful murmur. A run is on the horizon. But is it real? Or a mirage? Horse? Or Unicorn?

[forfreelin04]

Thom mentions Schoenweis's wife's murder. Totally killing the mood Thom

[SirFelixCat]

What do I know....


Come on Jay!!!

[forfreelin04]

2-2 count

[redsfaninbsg]

This offense is anemic.

[SirFelixCat]

Ugh

[SirFelixCat]

Thom "This is sad"


Well no....kidding?

[Caveat Emperor]

It's very possible that the rumors of Jay Bruce's impending dominance were vastly overrated.

[lollipopcurve]

Great game thread, by the way, membengal et al.

[redsfaninbsg]

I've not got to see much of this, how many men have they had on third with less than two outs?

[reds44]

Did anybody really think Bruce would get him in?

[HotCorner]

Nix has to pinch hit for WT? Right?

[TRF]

WT with the 0-5 chance..

sniff... I'm so proud.

[Kc61]

I wonder how many games are lost because Dusty doesn't want to embarrass position players by pinch hitting Owings for them.

Bruce should never hit against a lefty in a key spot at this stage of his career.

[CrackerJack]

Same as yesterday I see - 9 hits, 1 run

Pitiful.

I'm afraid almighty Bruce's .212 BA is more than just bad luck.

[forfreelin04]

Pop out to Catcher.


Things with more oomph than Reds offense:

Marty's pink shirts, Pet Rocks, Art Films, Cardboard, Oatmeal

[forfreelin04]

Nix batting for WT

[membengal]

Dateline Cincinnati:

Unicorn. It may be a unicorn.

[forfreelin04]

If your leadoff hitter needs to be pinch hit for, he shouldn't be playing.

[redsfaninbsg]

2-0 count, Qualls is all over the place.

[TRF]

No 0-5 for Willy T?

Somewhere a child is weeping.

[Benihana]

I'm pretty much done with this team (the major league version) until a move or two is made to shake things up. Now back to the minor league forum...

[forfreelin04]

Count 2-2 to Nix.

Dear Virginia,

There is no Reds Offense.

[forfreelin04]

Nix K's.

[forfreelin04]

Marty- "This game has been awful."

[reds44]

Laynce Nix swings at that pitch every time.

[forfreelin04]

Good news is: Hairston, Votto, Phillips in the Ninth

[SirFelixCat]

Until the Reds show me, as a fan, that they deserve me, I think I'm taking a break from them. This is aimed at the players, manager, and front office.

[TRF]

Reds fans- "Yes Marty, we know. At least you got paid to watch it."

[CTA513]

The Reds could be leading or at the very least tied if anyone could get a runner in from 3rd with less than 2 outs.

[Cedric]

Hairston leading off is a rally killer by itself.

[CarolinaRedleg]

This offense is offensive.

[forfreelin04]

Dear Mr. Votto,

Will you please hit us a homerun to save us from having to manufacture a run?

Thanks,

Redszone and the Rest of the Offense

[Kc61]

Taveras' bad hitting serves as a distraction from the overall ineptitude of this offense. Bruce fouls out and Nix Ks on a pitch in the dirt. I guess WT was providing bad vibes from the dugout or something.

[forfreelin04]

Danny Ray into pitch

[membengal]

Dateline Cincinnati:

Unicorn. The faithful settle back in their seats. They have been fooled by the unicorn before.

Quest for a run heads to the 9th.

[TRF]

The Reds had 13 baserunners in 8 innings and managed a single run.

[reds44]

I'll never understand pinch hitting for your leadoff hitter.

If you have to PH for him, he shouldn't be leading off.

[RichRed]

Dear Mr. Votto,

Will you please hit us a homerun to save us from having to manufacture a run?

Thanks,

Redszone and the Rest of the Offense

Homers don't seem so "overrated" right now, do they?

[forfreelin04]

Owings will have to hit 4th next inning. Pitchers spot and there are no position players left on the bench.

[reds44]

Owings will have to hit 4th next inning. Pitchers spot and there are no position players left on the bench.
Sutton?

[Chip R]

What I wouldn't give for a rally-killer.

[forfreelin04]

Homers don't seem so "overrated" right now, do they?

Sure don't. Why allow three or more players to do what one can do alone?

[Caveat Emperor]

I'll never understand pinch hitting for your leadoff hitter.

If you have to PH for him, he shouldn't be leading off.

He shouldn't be playing, but that was as true on January 1st as it was on July 1st -- nobody with any authority in the Reds appears to grasp this concept.