4/27/10 Reds deep in the heart of Texas (Astros)

[LincolnparkRed]

Drew Stubbs 8

Brandon Phillips 4

Joey Votto 3

Scott Rolen 5

Jay Bruce 9

Orlando Cabrera 6

Jonny Gomes 7

Ryan Hanigan 2

Aaron Harang RHP

A little different look. Believe it or not, Phillips did not hit second at all last year. The other thing to note: This is Hanigan’s eighth start. Ramon Hernandez has 12. Hanigan started the year playing only one out of five days.

[Raisor]

I can almost get behind this lineup.

[HeatherC1212]

I like it too. Let's see if the guys can get this road trip started off well with a win tonight. :)

[reds44]

Switch OC and Gomes, but other in that I have no problem with it.

[LincolnparkRed]

Gomes is going to be swinging harder (if that is possible) with those Crawford boxes tempting him in left

Personally I have found memories of Ramon going opposite way a couple of different times to win or tie games late in Houston last year.

Just hope Hanigan can limit the damage with Harang tonight

[Captain Hook]

Harang is due for a mediocre start tonight.That's about as good as it gets.

[Redsfan320]

WOW! Philips finally moved out of the clean-up spot. I like the lineup, except Stubbs in the L-o spot. I'd almost prefer O-Cab leading off, Gomes 6th and Stubbs 7th. Yeah, you read that right. Couldn't hurt to try it, at least. It'd be heard for Cabrera to do worse there than Stubbsley/C-Dick have.

320

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow. My head is spinning. What happened? Seriously, WHO made out this lineup card? Darren Baker?

Seriously though, I kinda like it. I think Stubbs would have more success lower in the lineup. But we really don't have a prototypical leadoff man anyway. Heck, if you take speed out of the equation...Hanigan might be decent at leadoff. Doesn't strike out much, puts the ball in play at a nice clip, has excellent plate discipline and a nice OBP.

But until our hitters actually start hitting at a decent clip, no amount of lineup switching will make much difference. It's up to the players to hit themselves out of the doldrums.

[Edd Roush]

Wow. My head is spinning. What happened? Seriously, WHO made out this lineup card? Darren Baker?

Seriously though, I kinda like it. I think Stubbs would have more success lower in the lineup. But we really don't have a prototypical leadoff man anyway. Heck, if you take speed out of the equation...Hanigan might be decent at leadoff. Doesn't strike out much, puts the ball in play at a nice clip, has excellent plate discipline and a nice OBP.

But until our hitters actually start hitting at a decent clip, no amount of lineup switching will make much difference. It's up to the players to hit themselves out of the doldrums.

Sir Charles, I will back you up on having the crazy thought that Hanigan might be a decent leadoff hitter too. It is just too bad that Dusty thinks the lead-off hitter "has" to be able to steal a bag. Otherwise, he might come up with this crazy idea too. On the other hand, no one has ever complained about a lead-off hitter's BA w/RISP.

[Will M]

its a start.
#3 Votto
#4 Rolen

hopefully we see this the rest of the way out.

[TheNext44]

Good time to try out a new lineup. With Harang pitching it won't matter much if it works or not. :evil:

[Tommyjohn25]

Good time to try out a new lineup. With Harang pitching it won't matter much if it works or not. :evil:

I agree with the sentiment. However I have this funny feeling that Harang turns a corner tonight. Call me what you will. :cool:

[RBA]

Does this mean Phillips is now the SS as only shortstops bats second?

[nate]

Chat excellence begins...NOW!

[RedsManRick]

As much as I bellyache about Phillips, I do like the idea of him batting 2nd if it keeps him from trying to jack the ball 450 feet. The results didn't show it in that at bat, but he was patient, worked himself in to a hitters count and put a great stroke on the ball. Good to see.

[Tom Servo]

Stop trying to start political discussion FSN Ohio!

[Tom Servo]

Ah. An excellent start for Harang.

[RedsManRick]

Bad throw by Hanigan on the SB attempt but a pretty weak effort by OCab to bring it in.

Keppinger does his Keppinger act and reaches out to tap a grounder past Harang to score Bourn from 3B.

[Tom Servo]

ERA not getting any better.

[Ghosts of 1990]

First inning runs for the opposition. weird.

[edabbs44]

Bad throw by Hanigan on the SB attempt but a pretty weak effort by OCab to bring it in.

Keppinger does his Keppinger act and reaches out to tap a grounder past Harang to score Bourn from 3B.

Just rewound and cannot disagree more with the assessment of that play.

[edabbs44]

ERA not getting any better.

Was that earned?

[Tom Servo]

Was that earned?
I stand corrected, it was not.

[RedsManRick]

Strike 'em out, Throw 'em out. End of 1. 1-0 Astros.

[edabbs44]

Strike 'em out, Throw 'em out. End of 1. 1-0 Astros.

Yeah, that was nice throw from Hanigan.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Strike em out throw em out. Love it.

[Tom Servo]

Rolen plunked, because they fear him.

[RedsManRick]

Not a bad inning from Harang, really. The Bourn HBP obviously was bad, but from there he got a groundout, a hit from Lee on a good pitch that he fought off and then a K of Berkman. He seemed to be locating his fastball well, but obviously he didn't have much of a feel for his slider.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Norris is throwing it by our guys thus far. 2nd time through the order we will get to him.

[Ghosts of 1990]

nice at bat Jay Bruce

[Tom Servo]

Real nice at-bat by Bruce. Draws a walk.

[Ghosts of 1990]

automatic bunt here? why isn't Cabrera bunting?

[edabbs44]

automatic bunt here? why isn't Cabrera bunting?

In dee face

[Tom Servo]

Honestly, that's why I kinda like O-Cab. One way or another, he gets hits.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Gomes has been so brutal lately. Why isn't dickerson playing against the RH? bad decision.

[Tom Servo]

And Gomes K's looking, contributing nothing.

[Ghosts of 1990]

In dee face

didn't matter. Gomes was there to make the out... I knew someone would step up.

[Tom Servo]

Hanigan the MANIGAN

[Ghosts of 1990]

Hanigan delivers. Quickly growing into one of my favorite Reds

[RedsManRick]

2 more RBI for Hanigan. Take that Mr. "I can't play Hanigan b/c he doesn't drive in runs". He's now tied for 3rd on the team in RBI with Votto and Phillips, ahead of Rolen and Bruce.

[TheNext44]

Did Keels really just ask if that was a squeeze attempt?

[Tom Servo]

Really bad attempt by Harang.

[oneupper]

Baker loves this first and third bunt. It's a terrible, bad risk/reward call, even with Harang.

[RedsManRick]

Stubbs suffers from a case of Jay Bruce-itis and lines one hard right at Geoff Blum. Easy toss to first for the 3rd out.

[11larkin11]

Did Keels really just ask if that was a squeeze attempt?

Its Kelch, and I think he was more asking would you squeeze, not was it. Welch just answered it like the latter.

Welch and Kelch!

[RedsManRick]

Baker loves this first and third bunt. It's a terrible, bad risk/reward call, even with Harang.

In that scenario, I tell Harang to go up there and wait for Strike 3 or Ball 4, whichever comes first.

[11larkin11]

BTW, the run in the first was earned. I believe the scorer thinks Bourn steals second, moves to 3rd on the groundout to 2B, and scores on the single. Or scores from second on the single.

[Ghosts of 1990]

I think Stubbs could use a few days off why do they keep running him out there?

[Ghosts of 1990]

Gold glove bruce

[Tom Servo]

Bruce is an awesome fielder.

[RedsManRick]

Bruce is playing a great RF this year. Sliding catch for the 2nd out.

[Ghosts of 1990]

Just a needless, 5-pitch walk there to Towles by Harang.

[Ghosts of 1990]

If Bruce gets that average up, we've got a complete player on our hands starting to take shape...

[TheNext44]

Its Kelch, and I think he was more asking would you squeeze, not was it. Welch just answered it like the latter.

Welch and Kelch!

Pretty sure it's Keels. The one from Ohio State, not Louisville. I wish it was Kelch.

[Ghosts of 1990]

what's gotten into Harang?

[Ghosts of 1990]

Pretty sure it's Keels. The one from Ohio State, not Louisville. I wish it was Kelch.

It's 100% Kelch.

That isn't Keels voice.

[Ghosts of 1990]

This lineup is so much better.

[TheNext44]

It's 100% Kelch.

That isn't Keels voice.

You're right. My bad. I guess I'm glad it's him. :)

[TheNext44]

what's gotten into Harang?

He's facing the worst offensive team in the majors.

[Tom Servo]

that needs to stop happening.

[RedsManRick]

Reds must be trying to set a record for getting picked off. Sigh. Guess Dusty didn't yell enough on Saturday.

[flyer85]

Bp needs a wakeup call

[mth123]

Ah a pick-off of a Reds runner. I love the running game.

[Benihana]

I'm late to the party but I really like tonight's lineup.

[mth123]

I'm late to the party but I really like tonight's lineup.

I hate the top 2, but the choices are limited.

[Strikes Out Looking]

I was listening to the Astros broadcast in my car. At this point in his life, Milo Hamilton may be the very worst baseball announcer I have ever heard.

[Tom Servo]

Pretty wide strikezone tonight.

[CTA513]

He didn't have a big lead and wouldn't have been picked off if he was paying attention.

[Nasty_Boy]

As much as I bellyache about Phillips, I do like the idea of him batting 2nd if it keeps him from trying to jack the ball 450 feet. The results didn't show it in that at bat, but he was patient, worked himself in to a hitters count and put a great stroke on the ball. Good to see.

This!

A big reason, despite his past slash lines, that I wanted him in the 2 hole... I hoped it would change his frame of mind and his approach would follow. Now if we can keep him awake on the bases!

[Chip R]

I was listening to the Astros broadcast in my car. At this point in his life, Milo Hamilton may be the very worst baseball announcer I have ever heard.


He's one of them.

[mth123]

This!

A big reason, despite his past slash lines, that I wanted him in the 2 hole... I hoped it would change his frame of mind and his approach would follow. Now if we can keep him awake on the bases!

I think you have a better chance of being struck by lightning while holding the winning poweball ticket than of Phillips making a lasting change.

[Strikes Out Looking]

I won't be surprised to see Phillips traded during the season to make way for Frazier and a bit of salary relief--no matter how the Reds are doing.

[Tom Servo]

I won't be surprised to see Phillips traded during the season to make way for Frazier and a bit of salary relief--no matter how the Reds are doing.
I'd be in favor of it. He's about to become awfully expensive.

[edabbs44]

I won't be surprised to see Phillips traded during the season to make way for Frazier and a bit of salary relief--no matter how the Reds are doing.

His tradeability might be a stumbling block. That $12MM for next year (considering the club option buyout is a lock) is a question. He'd be more of a candidate in July 2011.

[mth123]

I won't be surprised to see Phillips traded during the season to make way for Frazier and a bit of salary relief--no matter how the Reds are doing.

I'm in the minority that thinks Frazier would be a downgrade. The primary problem with Phillips is that he's used as a main man when he's a 6 or 7 hole second banana. If he was used as he should be he would be a strength.

Of course the money makes that difficult.

[Tom Servo]

Phew. Tight rope Harang.

[RedsManRick]

Woah, gun had Harang at 95 on that strikeout pitch to Berkman. Love to see him attacking with the fastball again.

He's getting a little help from a generous ump, but still looking good.

[HokieRed]

I think you have a better chance of being struck by lightning while holding the winning poweball ticket than of Phillips making a lasting change.


Agree. .699 lifetime OPS against right-handers. If he's going to be in the lineup, he and Hanigan should be flip-flopped.

[Tom Servo]

Another Bruce BB.

[edabbs44]

anyone else think Bruce was picked?

[mth123]

anyone else think Bruce was picked?

Yes.

Glad the Reds wised up and shortened his lead.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Reds must be trying to set a record for getting picked off. Sigh. Guess Dusty didn't yell enough on Saturday.

I'd love to see it stop happening, but give Norris some credit. He's got one of the best moves I've seen in a LOOOOOOONG time.

[flyer85]

Cabrera gets caught in quicksand

[SirFelixCat]

Serious question: Has Cabrera stopped/made a play on any hit this season where he had to range to either side?

It's ridiculous how every single ball hit to that side that 'should' be gotten to goes thru him. So frustrating to watch!

[Tom Servo]

Feels like this inning has been going on forever.

[RedsManRick]

Man... how many balls have we hit about 10 feet shy tonight?

[VR]

Serious question: Has Cabrera stopped/made a play on any hit this season where he had to range to either side?



No.

[RedsManRick]

Serious question: Has Cabrera stopped/made a play on any hit this season where he had to range to either side?

It's ridiculous how every single ball hit to that side that 'should' be gotten to goes thru him. So frustrating to watch!

That's the thing. It's not even that he doesn't get to them. He just ends up diving over them. Really frustrating to watch.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanigan with the RIFLE! Nice gun there.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I've really been trying of late to think of a reason that Hanigan & Janish should NOT be starting the majority of the games. I really have. No luck so far.

Cabrera's fall-down range is hard to watch. (and yes...I do get to "watch" today. Going to tomorrow night's game here at MM)

[Matt700wlw]

Bruce is rollin

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hard line shot to right for a single from Jay. REALLY solid game from Bruce tonight. 2 BB's and a single...and his usual excellent D

[Matt700wlw]

lol...Marty.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Run and hit...Bruce heads to third on the aggressive running. Ocab with the single to left.

[Cyclone792]

Outstanding baserunning by Bruce to advance to third safely on Cabrera's single.

[Tom Servo]

Gomes finally breaks through with a single.

[Matt700wlw]

Gomes!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes RBI single to left. 3-1 Reds. I was just about to post how bad Jonny's looked lately. Nice swing there.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fulchino coming in. Now we can take a lead off first. :O)

[MississippiRed]

With the pitching change, I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that not all of us Mississippi boys replace the word 'ask' with the word 'axe' like Brantley does.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 on, 0 outs....out next leadoff man up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanigan is really getting solid wood on the ball. Even his foul balls. Nice to see.

[Tom Servo]

Manigan delivers again.

[Cyclone792]

All Ryan Hanigan does is put together good plate appearances and get on base.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Manigan comes thru again!!! Single to right makes it 4-1

[_Sir_Charles_]

Aaron gets down a decent bunt to move Hanigan over.

[oneupper]

Hanigan looking to be the first .500 hitter!

[Tom Servo]

All Ryan Hanigan does is put together good plate appearances and get on base.
I REALLY want to believe he's our everyday catcher, but his post All-Star break stats from last year scare me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sac fly to center for Drew. 5-1 Redlegs!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brandon grounds out to short to end the rather productive inning. Now take it home Aaron!

[Degenerate39]

Wait. BP is batting 2nd?

[_Sir_Charles_]

When I was young, I loved to hate the Dodgers. Then that hatred migrated to the Cubs and thier hideous fans. In the past 10-20 years, that hatred has switched to the Astros. Most likely due to being surrounded by Astros fans on all sides and them being successful. I love beating them and seeing them struggle. Love. It.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice hustle there Gomes. Sheesh!

[TheNext44]

I would love to see Hanigan get more playing time, but just a cautionary tale...

Paul Bako - April 28th, 2008

.324 .403 .529 .932

[Tom Servo]

I would love to see Hanigan get more playing time, but just a cautionary tale...

Paul Bako - April 28th, 2008

.324 .403 .529 .932
So you're saying we need to bring back Bako?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I would love to see Hanigan get more playing time, but just a cautionary tale...

Paul Bako - April 28th, 2008

.324 .403 .529 .932

The difference....Hanigan plays DEFENSE.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lincoln & Herrera warming up

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sac fly to Stubbs. 5-2 Reds. Astros are putting good wood on the ball here. Harang right about at 100. This should be his last inning.

[Tom Servo]

I'd call it a night for Harang.

[TheNext44]

The difference....Hanigan plays DEFENSE.

I'm not sure Bako stayed around the majors for 12 years because of his bat. ;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips makes a jumping catch on a soft liner to end the inning. EXCELLENT outing by Harang. Get him out with good solid results. The one thing Aaron needs is his confidence back. His stuff is still there. In fact his fastball had more velocity on it than I've seen in quite some time. Regularly around 93-94 and hitting 95 on occasion.

[nate]

The difference....Hanigan plays DEFENSE.

And offense.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm not sure Bako stayed around the majors for 12 years because of his bat. ;)

I agree. But Hanigan is still a MUCH better defender and has a MUCH better arm. Toss in his plate discipline and he's a much better bet to be a contributor all season long.

On a different subject...Votto looks really confused at the dish right now.

[VR]

Is this the 1st time the Reds have had a starter give up 2 or less, going 6 innings, and have at least a 3 run lead? me thinks so, sadly.

[Tom Servo]

Asked for his opinion on Aaron Harang, Javier Valentien said "bullpen or whatever"

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice bender there from Byrdak to sit Rolen down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce with a moonshot to Kepp at 2nd. First time he failed to reach base tonight.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dusty pulls Aaron after he makes sure Matsui is announced as a PH'er. Nice job Dusty & Aaron.

Herrera coming in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Man, I love watching Herrera pitch. Some of those bugs bunny curveballs are fun to watch.

[_Sir_Charles_]

NICE PITCH to k bourne!

[_Sir_Charles_]

3 up 3 down for Danny!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gervacio in. This guy just cracks me up. That sudden turn and stare into the batters box. Classic. :O)

[reds44]

This looks like one of those guys who doesn tknow where the ball is going.

[Tom Servo]

Did the Astros get this guy out of a mental institution?

[_Sir_Charles_]

This looks like one of those guys who doesn tknow where the ball is going.

Yep. Everytime I've seen him, he's all over the place. But sometimes I wish runners wouldn't get on against him. That stare at the ball and the quick turn is just hilarious.

Reds players were mocking it in the dugout too. :O)

[reds44]

That was the biggest jump i've ever seen.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cabrera could've walked to third there.

And now a balk to score Cabrera. 6-2 Reds. He had the ball in the glove while on the rubber, took it out and put it back in. Stupid rule, but still a balk.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nix Ph'ing for Herrera

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nix grounded out and then Stubbs k's swinging.

[fugowitribe]

I think its about time to give Nix got the Ax. No production that has been meaningful this year. Give me Fransisco and get him ready to spell Rolen later in the year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think its about time that Nix got the Ax. No production that has been meaningful this year. Give me Fransisco and get him ready to spell Rolen later in the year.

I agree partially. No production from Nix. But Francisco looked REALLY bad at the plate while up here.

Nix is in left. Masset on the mound with his 12.38 era...*shudder*

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lee K's

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nick looking pretty nasty right now

Sits down Berkman on a check swing

[VR]

I think its about time to give Nix got the Ax. No production that has been meaningful this year. Give me Fransisco and get him ready to spell Rolen later in the year.

He's trying to get ready in AAA.....but hitting .122 and k'ing nearly every other at bat. I think he has his hands full for now.

Nix has remarkably only had 12 at bats this year. Why Gomes continues to get start after start against righties is beyond logic. His D is just heads and shoulders above Gomes....and clearly has proven his bat has value.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Masset was NASTY that inning. 1-2-3 in back to back innings from the pen.

[VR]

Now has 15 k's in 9 innings. He struck Berkman out on 5 straight fastballs....from 91-97 MPH.

Hopefully it's just a little tweaking to get him back on track.

His heat, Herraras' change of pace, Lincoln's curve, Rhodes veteran prowess, CoCo's stuff......pen could shape up pretty quickly

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. Brandon with another grounder to short quickly followed by a VERY clear expletive over the air from him.

JOEY! Solid single to right. About time. He's been talking to himself after every ab lately.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rolen flashes his warning track power again. Cordero warming up

[_Sir_Charles_]

Anybody notice how quiet these gamethreads get when the Reds are playing WELL? Kinda sad IMO.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce with another single. Votto with agressive running to head to third. And Bruce with more heads up running by heading to second on the throw.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pirates breaking the Brewers curse on them. 5 spot in the ninth now

[VR]

Anybody notice how quiet these gamethreads get when the Reds are playing WELL? Kinda sad IMO.

sadly, they have been a ghost town for the better part of the last 3 weeks.

[HokieRed]

Anybody notice how quiet these gamethreads get when the Reds are playing WELL? Kinda sad IMO.

We're all afraid to break the spell, wake the baseball gods.

[Cyclone792]

Anybody notice how quiet these gamethreads get when the Reds are playing WELL? Kinda sad IMO.

The Reds are playing well throughout many facets of the game. Harang was solid, the bullpen has been solid, there's been enough hitting to hold up that side of the deal, and there's been a lot of Scott Rolen style baserunning.

Now they need to go out and do this 81 more times this year. That's the rub.



Bruce with another single. Votto with agressive running to head to third. And Bruce with more heads up running by heading to second on the throw.

That's Scott Rolen style baserunning. He's been one of the best baserunners in baseball the last 15 years, and the hope is guys such as Votto and Bruce can develop similarly.

[nate]

That was good baserunning by Bruce and Votto there.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ocab lines out to Pence to end the threat. Time to close the....no, to SLAM the door shut. 1-2-3 Coco!

[RedsManRick]

Good to see Bruce lay off that 1-1 pitch. 2 weeks ago he was chasing that.

[VR]

Bruce with another single. Votto with agressive running to head to third. And Bruce with more heads up running by heading to second on the throw.

Hopefully Votto, Rolen, Bruce is here to stay

[HokieRed]

Strange to see CoCo in a non-save opp.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Towles with a double in the corner to end the streak of 9 straight sat down by Reds pitching.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fly out to Stubbs for out #2. JR moves to third.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cory Sullivan PH'ing

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this one belongs to the Reds!!! 6-2 Redlegs! Checkswing k to end it.


Absolutely beautiful game to watch. Nice start by Aaron, nice defense (except Ocab as usual), solid hitting and patience at the dish, great baserunning, fantastic bullpen work....and we beat the 'stros. :O)

[VR]

So this is what a ho-hum, no drama win looks like? I think I like it!

[Cyclone792]

Nice win. Now win tomorrow and sweep them on Thursday. The Astros are a pretty lousy team, and they're the type of team where the Reds can do themselves a whole bunch of favors by beating them into the ground and picking up some wins.

[TheNext44]

I wonder how Stubb's speed will affect his UZR? He seems to make tough plays look very easy. On many plays that probably aren't in most CF's zone, he is camping under, waiting to fall into his glove. Have to think that the guys who judge him, will miss a few.

[Hoosier Red]

So this is what a ho-hum, no drama win looks like? I think I like it!

This is the Reds biggest scoring differential in a win right?

[fugowitribe]

Glad they won tonight....Roy (Owns Us) Oswalt tommorow. If we can steal one from him, I think we can get to .500 before sweeping the Cards this weekend.

[RedsManRick]

I wonder how Stubb's speed will affect his UZR? He seems to make tough plays look very easy. On many plays that probably aren't in most CF's zone, he is camping under, waiting to fall into his glove. Have to think that the guys who judge him, will miss a few.

I'm pretty sure that issue is not possible unless you are suggesting that the balls will be placed in the incorrect zone. It should be pretty easy to determine where the ball was caught irrespective of the fielder's position. At that point, it's just math. Really, that's the advantage of a system like UZR -- removing the subjectivity.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Glad they won tonight....Roy (Owns Us) Oswalt tommorow. If we can steal one from him, I think we can get to .500 before sweeping the Cards this weekend.

Paulino's tomorrow night versus Leake. Oswalt's matched up with Arroyo on thursday

[HeatherC1212]

Roy pitches on Thursday. Paulino is tomorrow (according to Chris Welsh anyway).

I was terrified to post here tonight for fear that I would jinx the guys but I'll happily post something now that they got the win, LOL :laugh: Great job by the guys tonight and I hope this is the start of a great road trip for them. WOOT! :D

[CTA513]

I hope this start gets Harang going in the right direction.

[TheNext44]

I'm pretty sure that issue is not possible unless you are suggesting that the balls will be placed in the incorrect zone. It should be pretty easy to determine where the ball was caught irrespective of the fielder's position. At that point, it's just math. Really, that's the advantage of a system like UZR -- removing the subjectivity.

Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. I did not know how it was done. :)

[WebScorpion]

I wish we could play the Astros every day. ;) *sigh*

I guess Aaron has bought himself a few more starts...I hope he builds on this one. :thumbup:

[Tom Servo]

I'd love to see more games like this.

[Slyder]

Drew Stubbs 8
Brandon Phillips 4
Joey Votto 3
Scott Rolen 5
Jay Bruce 9
Orlando Cabrera 6
Jonny Gomes 7
Ryan Hanigan 2
Aaron Harang RHP

A little different look. Believe it or not, Phillips did not hit second at all last year. The other thing to note: This is Hanigan’s eighth start. Ramon Hernandez has 12. Hanigan started the year playing only one out of five days.

I got to hand it to Dusty, he found a lineup I like about the only thing you could try to change is Drew but who do you put there? Hopefully he gives it a few days use. Get Brandon to go back to using the alleys rather than trying to kill everything and get Stubbs timing down with more fastballs. And with Gomes struggling still I like Cabrera in front of him (neither ideal but Cabrera has taken advantage of RBI opportunities). We shall see what tomorrow brings but tonight :thumbup: to Dusty.

My only question (not a complaint) why Cordero tonight when the tv guys said Rhodes was already warmed up?

[Will M]

nice win from the team & especially nice to see Harang pitch well. i thought Dusty was smart to remove him after 6 IP & ~100 pitches. he gets a win & a nice confidence boost.

this was the type of game i thought we would see all season. good pitching. nice defense (except for yet another 'hit' past Cabrera) & the offense piecing together a few runs.

this was for me the most enjoyable game i have watched all season.

[Caveat Emperor]

Liked the lineup.

Liked the overall result even moreso.

[Brutus]

I'm pretty sure that issue is not possible unless you are suggesting that the balls will be placed in the incorrect zone. It should be pretty easy to determine where the ball was caught irrespective of the fielder's position. At that point, it's just math. Really, that's the advantage of a system like UZR -- removing the subjectivity.

You're obviously correct that it's a matter of placing it in the correct zone, but I feel there is some subjectivity to that. With enough slices splitting the outfield, and gauging depth, I can see there being some tough calls as to which zone a catch is awarded to in some situations.

Make no mistake, I think UZR is actually a pretty reliable tool with enough of a sample. But I wouldn't say there's no subjectivity to it.

[Ron Madden]

I hope Dusty keeps Votto, Rolen and Bruce in the middle of the lineup.

:)