3/24/11 Texas (ss) @ Reds (ST)

[medford]

Bruce
Valaika
Votto
Rolen
Gomes
Stubbs
Hanigan
Janish
Wood

Dusty says he's moving Stubbs down until he starts to hit.

Tommy Hunter takes the mound for Texas.

[membengal]

Bunt out to start the game for Texas, then a bloop single to right center. One on and one out.

[membengal]

The inevitable Travis Wood/Cliff Lee comparisons are underway. Still seems a bit unfair to hang that on Wood.

[membengal]

Fly out to LF for second out, Nelson Cruz up with a runner on first.

[membengal]

A stolen base puts a Texas runner on second, and then Cruz bloops a hit to CF.

1-0 Texas.

[membengal]

Double to the wall from new Texas 1b Moreland (oppo field to left center) plates Cruz. 2-0 Texas. Reds pitchers getting mighty tired of the Arizona air at this point I would guess.

[membengal]

Wood's radar gun readings are friendly, he's been at 92 and sitting at 90 with his fastball.

[membengal]

And a nasty change Ks Chris Davis for the third out.

2-0 Rangers middle of 1.

[membengal]

Reds taking their cuts off of Tommy Hunter. With my main fantasy live auction draft set for Saturday, I will be scouting Mr. Hunter.

First pitch groundout from Bruce. Clearly this Hunter guy is the spiritual heir to Catfish, and I should spend $50 fantasy dollars on him.

[membengal]

Jeff Brantley confirms he has been on cow-tipping excursions. Surprising no one.

Tommy Hunter continues his Catfish homage, Ks Valakia.

[membengal]

Joey V in mid-season form with the cup adjustment.

[membengal]

Tommy Hunter (consults media guide, sees "MVP" next to Votto) proceeds to walk Votto on four pitches.

Two outs, one on for Rolen.

[membengal]

Hunter, still amazed at Votto's magnificence, hits Rolen. First and second, two outs, Gomes up.

The outcome of this at-bat, will, of course, launch 54 Gomes threads on ORG.

[757690]

Jeff Brantley confirms he has been on cow-tipping excursions. Surprising no one.

Tommy Hunter continues his Catfish homage, Ks Valakia.

Just for the record...

Cow tipping is a myth. Cows don't sleep standing up, and are actually very difficult to tip over. It can done, but it requires a lot of people, and someone is likely to get hurt.

[membengal]

Bad form, 757, calling Jeff Brantley a liar. Now Brantley will have to find you and punch you in the nose.

For the record, in those 54 Gomes threads to be launched, edabbs will claim he isn't a Gomes fan in each. He will be lying when he does so.

[membengal]

And, he will, of course, punch you in the nose while inhaling ice cream.

Gomes lines out to right center. Something for everyone there. No hit, but he hit it hard.

[membengal]

2-0 Rangers after one.

[membengal]

Say! Someone sprung for air fare to bring Jim Day to Arizona! Let the knowledge flow!

Or not.

Likely not.

That would be not.

[membengal]

Nick Masset rocking a beard that would make Marge want to kick a child.

Leadoff Ranger in second flies out to RF.

[757690]

Bad form, 757, calling Jeff Brantley a liar. Now Brantley will have to find you and punch you in the nose.

For the record, in those 54 Gomes threads to be launched, edabbs will claim he isn't a Gomes fan in each. He will be lying when he does so.

Not saying Brantly's lying. I am sure he is convinced that he did it. ;)

And great PBP, very entertaining.

[membengal]

Jim Day wants to know from Masset how much "experience" will mean. Apparently, it wil mean "a lot". This is scintiallating stuff.

757, you have to know I am playing with you. I also know cow tipping to be a myth, having grown up in central Ohio.

[membengal]

Another pop out to RF, two outs.

Jim Day simply relieved that no one ducked behind the camera and flipped the bird to the masses. Anyone else remember that lady who did that a few years ago?

Classic Day.

[membengal]

No matter how hard I would push a cow, the attempt to tip it would simply piss it off.

Line out to SS.

2-0 Rangers middle of two.

[membengal]

This Kings Honda jingle is already not fresh.

[membengal]

Everyone welcome Chip. Chip's like a wraith from LOTR, a former mod cloaked now only in shadow.

[membengal]

He searches for GIK's one ring of power. Unfortunately, Gollum/Bad Fundamentals has it, and has been hard to find for some time now.

Infield hit for Stubbs. Man does that guy NOT like to leadoff. Hope Dusty is grasping that.

[membengal]

Today's PBP brought to you by the letters F and L and U. Thank you, kids in my wife's class, for vomiting on her this week and sending your germs home by hook and by crook.

Would have been better if it had been NEXT thursday though...

[membengal]

Stubbs over at 1b, playing coy, making beep beep noises like the Road Runner, distracting Tommy Hunter. Hanigan sunning himself while balls are thrown to first.

Hanigan then singles to right and Stubbs goes to 3b.

[membengal]

Stubbs would have had 2b swiped but for the single from Hanigan. Clearly Hanigan does not have Stubbs on his spring training fantasy team.

Janish singles to CF and Stubbs scores.

2-1 Rangers lead. No outs, runners on first and second.

[membengal]

Travis Wood up. He homered and admired it last outing, by report. Will Dusty dare to take the bat out of his hands with a bunt?

[medford]

thanks for the pbp. Hope you feel better. At least there's something to watch rather than soaps and old cosby show reruns.

[membengal]

thanks for the pbp. Hope you feel better. At least there's something to watch rather than soaps and old cosby show reruns.

It sure beats more Sweet 16 previews. No, ESPN, I don't care to know how UConn and SDSU match-up. Again. And again.

[OesterPoster]

Ha! I was scanning through the posts and was about to debunk the cow tipping myth too...but someone beat me to it. Cows don't sleep standing up, but horses do.

[membengal]

Wood drops done a bunt that might be called "exquisite" or "perfect". Runners now on 2nd and 3rd for Bruce, one out.

[membengal]

Ha! I was scanning through the posts and was about to debunk the cow tipping myth too...but someone beat me to it. Cows don't sleep standing up, but horses do.

The line of people that Brantley must punch for calling him a liar grows by one...

Bruce hits a Sac Fly to LF, 2-2 game.

That is one more Sac Fly that Marty believes Adam Dunn hit in his Reds career, by the way.

[757690]

I love The Stubbs/Hanigan batting combo. Whether it's 1-2 or 6-7.

[membengal]

Valakia pops out to 2b.

Inning over but Reds "do some business" as they are wont to say on the radio.

2-2 end of 2.

Dusty mic'd in the dugout next half inning.

[membengal]

Dusty wearing the requisite gear, imparts the following:

"We are in very good shape...other than Cueto."

"We have some serious decisions to make."

"Things are going great."

That's some Bull Durham level stuff right there. Good lord willing and all that.

[membengal]

Dusty asked about the "Arizona factor" by Thom, goes into detail about why the numbers for pitchers are really hard to take seriously in Arizona. Since this only our second rodeo as a fanbase out there, something we are all learning.

Infield hit starts Rangers off in the third.

[membengal]

Oooo, Reds are throwing the ball around now. A bunt to 3b and Rolen makes a nice play, but his throw to 1b is to no one, as Valakia didn't make it over to take the throw. Dusty not sounding pleased about that.

Not sure Valaikia will wake up with a horse head in bed in the morning, but he might wake up cut.

[membengal]

But wait, it gets worse, grounder to Joey, he comes home, runner dead to rights heads back to third, ball thrown to Rolen by Ryan, and on the tag the ball is dropped. Bases now loaded. Wood facing simply the worse of luck.

No outs.

[membengal]

They are now discussing the Arroyo illness. Apparently this has been going on awhile. Not glad to hear that.

Cruz hits a grand slam. Don't think any of those runs are earned. Nevertheless, it is 6-2 Rangers.

[membengal]

Lesson:

They should never let Dusty near an in-game mic again.

[membengal]

In a parallel universe, the Reds are the team that grabs Cruz when the Rangers waived him a few years ago. He'd look AWESOME in LF for this club. Can't believe that every club in baseball passed on Cruz. His minors numbers should have gotten him a look from someone. Rangers are very lucky.

Moreland singles. Wood "getting his work in"? Getting there.

[membengal]

Dusty won't agree that it is down to just Hermida and Lewis for the last spot, mentions that Francisco remains very much in the mix.

[757690]

They are now discussing the Arroyo illness. Apparently this has been going on awhile. Not glad to hear that.

Cruz hits a grand slam. Don't think any of those runs are earned. Nevertheless, it is 6-2 Rangers.

Two are earned. Homerun and leadoff single.

BTW, I think Dusty lied too. He said he brought Arroyo Mazto Ball Soup. Matzo Ball Soup in Arizona?

[membengal]

Wood, annoyed, Ks Chris Davis again. Man does Davis like to K. He and Mark Reynolds and Stubbs could have a K-off.

[Chip R]

But wait, it gets worse, grounder to Joey, he comes home, runner dead to rights heads back to third, ball thrown to Rolen by Ryan, and on the tag the ball is dropped.

Are you sure Rolen is playing 3rd and we didn't secretly get David Ross to play there?

[membengal]

Are you sure Rolen is playing 3rd and we didn't secretly get David Ross to play there?

This whole half inning has been the twilight zone of bad. Bad news bears bad. I can only look at Dusty on the mic and note that "karma" doesn't care about fans getting happy about other teams' misfortunes but "karma" HATES managers that are mic'd during games. Karma is not wrong about this.

Grounder to 3b for out two, runner on second.

[membengal]

Somebody or other singles to CF, runner held on 3rd as Stubbs' arm scared him. As it should have, he would have been dead.

First and third, two outs.

[membengal]

Bryan Price heads to the mound where a lively discussion of "Arizona factors" ensues.

[membengal]

Jeff Brantley says from his playing days that it is "hard to get ready" as a picher when training in Arizona, but says the good thing is you "learn how to battle". I guess that's a good thing?

I still miss Sarasota. There. I said it.

[757690]

Dusty said that they will be sending Francisco down tomorrow to work on playing LF. Did he mean officially or just physically?

[membengal]

Brantley notes that Volquez threw great the other day but that the umpire was squeezing him mercilessly. First I had heard that explanation. Hope Jeff is right about that, because Volquez's spring wildness is harshing my mellow.

[membengal]

Hanigan throws out runner attempting to steal, 6-2 Rangers middle of 3.

[membengal]

Dusty said that they will be sending Francisco down tomorrow to work on playing LF. Did he mean officially or just physically?

My impression from that was physically, as it sounded like from the rest of it they are still holding out the possibility that he makes the team over Lewis/Hermida, unless I misheard what Dusty was saying.

[membengal]

Brantley says the Reds have the best fireworks in baseball.

I will need to see a baseball prospectus article and some fireworks WAR analysis on that statement before I can believe it to be true.

[membengal]

Tommy Hunter dares to get two strikes ahead on Votto, Votto, angry as only Votto can be, lines a backdoor slider probably off the plate, to left field for a basehit.

Because Votto is REALLY good at his job.

Then Rolen singles. First and second, no outs, Gomes up.

[Degenerate39]

Did Thom say Grienke broke some ribs in a pick up bball game?

[membengal]

Thom and Jeff re-visiting the Francisco discussion, sounds like that the design is to get him work unofficially in LF tomorrow, without cutting him.

That wasn't Rolen who singled, it was Francisco. Hope Rolen is okay. He appears to be fine just chilling in the dugout.

[membengal]

Did Thom say Grienke broke some ribs in a pick up bball game?

One month ago, yes. It's why he will not be ready until later in April.

[membengal]

Jonny Gomes "Arizona factors" a shot to LF.

6-5 Rangers lead.

[membengal]

To recap this inning, Votto single, Francisco hits for Rolen, singles, Gomes homers.

Three in, none out.

Stubbs up.

And it appears that the Reds are seriously considering Francisco making the team and want him to get some work in tomorow in a minors game in LF.

[membengal]

The Rangers are out with their trainer to look at Tommy Hunter. This definitely is affecting my decision on whether to target him at auction on Saturday.

He's clutching at his side/back. I am going to go out on a limb and say that is not optimal...

[membengal]

And Hunter is coming out, so there will be a delay to get someone else ready to go.

Let's talk amongst ourselves during this interlude.

Francisco to the team potentially ahead of Lewis/Hermida? "Yay" or "nay".

I think I would be "yay". I think.

[membengal]

During this break, a word from our sponsor:

Theraflu. For when life's germs leave you wishing you were dead.

[membengal]

Tommy Hunter is moving "gingerly" on his way out of the stadium. I am gonna go ahead and tell you that he will be the subject of many fantasy updates in the next 24 hours. Will this affect the decision on whether they will continue to seriously think about the move to Feliz to the rotation, if Hunter is out for awhile?

Apparently Rolen is fine, by the way. Hit by pitch earlier, but left game not due to being hurt. Other than perhaps his pride after being a part of the Bad News Bear brigade in the top of the third.

[757690]

And Hunter is coming out, so there will be a delay to get someone else ready to go.

Let's talk amongst ourselves during this interlude.

Francisco to the team potentially ahead of Lewis/Hermida? "Yay" or "nay".

I think I would be "yay". I think.

What seems most interesting is that they seem to have given up on Alonso in LF.

[membengal]

Thom asking why wait until now to play around with the idea of trying Francisco in LF. Brantley mentions that psyche of player being asked to learn an additional position is a factor.

[membengal]

2-2 count that a pitcher named "Tobin" inherits on Stubbs. Game back on.

Stubbs draws a walk.

Man, Stubbs does NOT like to leadoff. He just looks so much more comfortable down in the order.

One on, still no one out. Hanigan up.

[membengal]

Drew Stubbs is ruling this inning now. Easily steals 2b, and throw goes into CF, moving Stubbs over to 3b.

No outs, runner on third.

[membengal]

What seems most interesting is that they seem to have given up on Alonso in LF.

Not sure I would jump to that conclusion. I think this move is potentially to make it so they can keep Francisco north to back-up 3b and LF as opposed to being a long-range option in LF. At least, that's my knee-jerk first thought.

Hanigan takes a walk.

Janish up, runners on the corners with no outs.

[membengal]

Janish grounds into what looked like a DP, but throw pulls 1b off bag, Janish safe there. Fielders choice, Janish credited with RBI as you cannot assume the DP, 6-6 game with Janish at 1b.

Check that, Janish at 2b as he steals the bag easily.

Matt Treanor's mind on his wife? Perhaps. Can't blame him.

[membengal]

Whoever this "Tobin" is, he needs directions to home plate with his pithces. He has gone 3-0 on Wood, now finally tosses a strike. Wood then flies out to CF.

Two outs, Janish on 2b, Bruce up.

[membengal]

I kinda like having the Bruce hammer at the top of the line-up. It's growing on me quickly.

[Quatitos]

What seems most interesting is that they seem to have given up on Alonso in LF.

What I would get from it is if they want Fransisco as the fifth OF/backup 3b that would free up more playing time for Alonso in LF. With Fransisco out of AAA its one less guy in the mix of the 3 or 4 people getting playing time out there.

[membengal]

Tobin walks Bruce on four pitches. Struggling.

Valakia up. Dusty probably just now done diagramming for Valakia the need to cover 1b on bunts...

[membengal]

What I would get from it is if they want Fransisco as the fifth OF/backup 3b that would free up more playing time for Alonso in LF. With Fransisco out of AAA its one less guy in the mix of the 3 or 4 people getting playing time out there.

This.

[membengal]

Valaika grounds out.

6-6 game after 3.

[membengal]

In random news you could care less about, there may be a few inches of snow over here in Baltimore this weekend. Which is silly.

[membengal]

Travis Wood, fresh from a peptalk from Bryan Price about "Arizona factors" bravely heads back to the mound. Also, his teammates have promised to field the ball and stop throwing it around this inning.

First guy flies out to RF. One gone in the fourth.

[membengal]

Fly out to LF for second out.

Jim Day, earning his meal money, interviewing Matt Maloney. Maloney is rocking the same beard that Masset was displaying. They are all apparently seeing the same barber in Goodyear.

[757690]

Maloney told Day that he would see him at the game next Thursday. I hope he has tickets, game is sold out. ;)

[membengal]

Wood Ks the third guy. Wood is so cool, ice wants to be him. With better fielders.

6-6 middle of four.

[757690]

What I would get from it is if they want Fransisco as the fifth OF/backup 3b that would free up more playing time for Alonso in LF. With Fransisco out of AAA its one less guy in the mix of the 3 or 4 people getting playing time out there.

Thanks :)

[membengal]

That Jason Mraz song is on the PA as they come back from break. Sing amongst yourselves.

[membengal]

Jocketty will be joining the booth in the 5th. That will be kinda interesting perhaps.

Votto is up. He is scaring the Rangers today, with a walk and a single.

[membengal]

I, I, I, well, I don't know quite how to say this, but Votto Kd. I know. It doesn't seem possible, but it apparently happened.

I will try to go on. But it will be hard.

[membengal]

Francisco lines out to left center. Nice piece of hitting, just better defense running it down in the gap.

Gomes up. Two down.

[membengal]

The Tobin guy was MUCH better starting the inning than coming in mid-way through an inning.

Gomes Ks.

6-6 after 4.

Jocketty to the booth next inning. I will try to get down as much as I can from what he says. Anyone else watching it that can help, that would be much appreciated.

[membengal]

We are at the point of the game with the chidlhood leukemia followed by childhood asthma ads. I will now take a break to go hug my kids. Way to scare me, ads.

[membengal]

Jocketty to the mic:

Thom congratulates him for winning Exec of the Year. Jock is happy because it is voted on by his peers, but then says, that was last year, on to this one.

[membengal]

Jock likes the club a lot, but hasn't liked how they've played the last few days. Does note that the last few days of camp can really drag. Likes the offense. Thinks the pitching will get untracked soon. Does share our concerns over the lack of strike throwing from some of them.

Leadoff single starts the Ranger 5th against Wood.

[membengal]

They are now discussing the "Arizona factors" with regard to pitching. Walt says that notwithstanding that, it has been hard to watch.

True dat, Walt.

Thom now asks about the 5th OF situation. Walt says still being discussed.

Says they will probably break camp with 12 pitchers, a change from their original plan of 11, a change necessitated by Cueto issues.

Wood Ks next hitter. One out, runner on first.

[membengal]

Fly out to LF, two down, runners still on 1b.

[membengal]

Third guy flies out, 6-6 middle of 5.

Walt will stick around for bottom of 5th.

[membengal]

Wood's day has been pretty decent all things considered, especially given how the ball was kicked around behind him in 3rd.

Walt says wants final decisions made by Sunday night/Monday morning. Club breaks camp on Tuesday.

Says they will make another cut Saturday, and that the remaining guys they will look at a few more times over weekend.

[membengal]

Jeff asks about the McCulloch pick-up, Walt notes he hadn't had great success over with the White Sox, but sometimes a change of scenery helps a guy.

[membengal]

Stubbs all over the ball today out of the 6th spot. Coincidence? Got me. But he sure SEEMS more comfortable down there.

Single to CF for Stubbs to start inning.

Walt lauding the organizaitonal depth and the kinds of players available to help the club down at AAA to start the year.

[membengal]

Walt confirms Cueto reporting no pain, and wanting to start pitching asap. Walt explaining how they told cueto better to chill for a few days now than miss time later. Feeling much better about that situation as time passes.

Stubbs at 1b is making the Texas pitcher nervous, lots of throws to 1b.

[757690]

Walt says good chance Phillips leadsoff opening day.

[membengal]

Walt noting that the initial thought of Stubbs to leadoff is subject to change, and that his lack of comfort there is something they are cognizant of and will not ignore. They do still think he could be good there.

Sounds like Walt just said it sounds like a good chance Phillips to leadoff on Opening Day. He wouldn't commit to that just yet, but came right to the edge of confirming that.

Hanigan singles to CF, after pitcher was driven to distraction by Stubbs at 1b.

Runners at first and second, no outs. Pitching change.

[membengal]

Sounds like 757 and I heard the same drift to what Walt just said. If so, good for the Reds, Stubbs just doesn't seem very comfortable leading off, and no reason to force him to do so. He really is a force lower in the order, leave him be.

[membengal]

Janish up.

[membengal]

Walt stating that it is up to Dusty as to the order on Opening Day, but it sure sounds like the drift is toward leaving Stubbs be lower in the order for now. We shall see.

[membengal]

Paul Janish with a nice piece of hitting, drives in Stubbs with a single to RF. Reds up 7-6. Runners on first and second, still no outs. Wood up to likely bunt again.

[membengal]

Nice outing for Arroyo in the minors today. 87 pitches. 6 Ks to only 1 BB. Good news right there.

[membengal]

Travis Wood. Stud.

Doubles down the LF line on a 2-2 pitch.

Runners at 2nd and 3rd, no outs, Reds now up 8-6.

[membengal]

Bruce is up, count is 1-2. I am still loving Bruce at the top of the order. I could be very happy with that against RHers if Dusty would be comfortable with that.

I still feel thay way even though Bruce just Kd.

One down, runners still at 2nd and 3rd. Valakia up.

[Homer Bailey]

Thanks for the pbp mem. Very entertaining.

[membengal]

Can't do it often, but have some time today, and like to make it somewhat entertaining, no problem, HB.

They are now talking about Mes, Walt says they noticed the change in him last spring. Said it seemed like he had all of a sudden "become a man" and was so comfortable. Said it is going to be hard to keep him down, but that he will go down and play everyday and keep working on handling pitching staffs.

[membengal]

Valakia Ks.

Two down, Votto up.

Walt says Grandal is also impressing them. Does say that his guess is that Grandal will start in BAKERSFIELD. Someone alert the guys on the minors forum. Walt did say he expects him to move quickly and be in AA in short order, but he def just said high A ball in Bakersfield for Grandal.

[membengal]

Votto up. Just scrolled through Fay tweets and note that Rolen left game, it turns out, because after getting HBP he couldn't grip a bat for his next ups. Hope that is not serious, obviously.

Votto walks.

[Homer Bailey]

Walt notes that JF has improved his defense significantly.

[membengal]

Juan F is up. Bases full. Two outs. Still bottom of the 5th, this game is going to easily bridge it to the basketball games tonight.

They need to pay Walt he has been in the booth so long.

They are now confirming with Walt that they are going to play Juan in RIGHT FIELD tomorrow somewhere in the organization to try him out there. Interesting.

[membengal]

My knee-jerk read on the Francisco situation is the Reds are serious about maybe carrying him as the extra player, and would like it if he can fill in at LF and RF if need be if he makes the team. Very interesting indeed.

Juan F flies out to LF.

8-6 Reds after 5.

[membengal]

Travis Wood back to the bump for the 6th.

[membengal]

Wood just delivered his 80th pitch. Stretched out nicely.

[membengal]

Wood Ks Misty May's husband, one gone to start the 6th.

[membengal]

They are discussing Maloney and Willis.

I note that of those two, one of them throws strikes.

[membengal]

Game threads are fine, but let me take this moment to mention to all who wander by...chat is also fun. And immediate. When the regular season starts, chat is a great option, and is open to all.

And, as a bonus, your frustrations with this and that as the game unfolds are not memorialized for all time like they are in a game thread.

Endy Chavez reaches on either an IF hit or an error by Janish, and with that Wood hits his pitch count and a change is made.

[membengal]

The bloopiest of bloop singles to CF put runners at 1st and 2nd against some minor league lefty...ah, Joseph Krebs. Number 89 in your programs and in your hearts. Still one out.

[membengal]

Krebs humilates the lefty Borbon with something slow. Future loogy, Mr. Krebs?

Two outs, runners on first and second still.

But then a RH hitter doubles down the LF line. Runners at 2nd and 3rd, two outs, 8-7 game.

[membengal]

Krebs against another lefty, Murphy, lets see how this goes.

[membengal]

Thom is discussing the OLD tv show The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. I don't know why.

Murphy singles home two off of Mr. Krebs. 9-8 Rangers top of the sixth. This game may go on until tomorrow at this point.

[membengal]

Oh, apparently there was a Mr. Krebs on that old TV show. Thom's pop cultural references are too old, even for this 40-year-old.

[membengal]

Nelson Cruz just doubled to right center, driving home his 6th run of the day. Take note, fantasy drafters, Cruz is locking in.

10-8 Rangers.

[membengal]

Fly out to CF ends things in the top of the 6th.

10-8 Rangers.

[membengal]

This latest PS3 Mauer/PS guy commercial will not get old for me. Ever.

[membengal]

A lot of Reds regulars literally catching the bus out of the game and back to the complex. This one will be a lot of back-ups and kids from here on out.

Jeremy Hermida up for first time today.

[membengal]

Hermida Ks.

Thom musing about possiblility of carrying Francisco if he can really back up in RF and LF to go with 3b and 1b back-up possibilities for him. Thom and Jeff now firmly on the brand new Francisco to make the team train.

Dave Sappelt at the dish. Sappelites take notice, Sappelt just singled. Again. That ball was flat stung back through the box.

He's now 20 for 36 on the spring. That's silly.

[membengal]

Mes then follows Sappelt and rips a clean single to LF. Runners on 1st and 2nd, one out.

[membengal]

Someone just grounded into a force play, missed who. Runners at first and third, two outs.

Jim Day now interviewing Mario Soto. Side note, the 12 and 13 year old me is very excited. Soto was the best.

[membengal]

Chris Heisey says that he canNOT stand being behind, and triples into the LF corner, Sappelt and whoever grounded into the force play score.

10-10 games, bottom of the sixth.

[membengal]

The 1982 and 1983 Reds teams were unspeakably bad, but Mario Soto on those teams was celestially good for bad teams. If you have never gone and looked up his numbers from those years for those clubs, do yourself a favor and do so. He was just devastating.

Fred Lewis is up.

[membengal]

Lewis works a walk, runners at 1st and 3rd. Rangers wearily send pitching coach to the mound.

[membengal]

Miggy Cairo is up, this game is as good as untied, says I. Cairo wants to hasten this thing toward his dinner reservation.

[membengal]

Lewis steals 2b, count is 1-2 and Cairo.

[membengal]

The early sweet 16 game tips draw near. This has been a LONG game, and there is a ways to go since they are in the 6th. Someone may need to slip John Fay a Prozac or a Xanax as this will make him twitter grumpy.

[membengal]

Cairo pops out to 1b. His dinner reservations will need to be moved back.

10-10 after six.

Also a legit football score should the Bengals and Cowboys play after the lockout ends. Well, the 10 might be a bit high re: the Bengals...

[membengal]

I see Scrap Irony is in the house temporarily. A big shout out to Scrap, one of the logical voices roaming the wilds of Redszone.

[membengal]

For those passing by, Walt confirmed earlier today they are going with 12 pitchers when they break camp next week. He said they had been noodling around earlier with the notion of only taking 11, but trashed that thought when Cueto's issues arose.

[membengal]

Thom thinks, in his opinion, Lecure is on the team. Brantley counters and says don't count out Maloney from that "long man" discussion.

Coco on for the Reds, by the way. He just Kd the first guy.

Jim Day now talking to BobbyC, owner of the boys in Red.

[membengal]

Cairo, playing 2b, flags down a pop-up, two down.

BobC lauding his front office people and discussing what they contracts they handed out mean about their commitment to winning.

[membengal]

BobbyC has noticed this Sappelt kid, and also the Mesoraco kid. And he's noticed Grandal. You canNOT get anything by BobbyC.

Coco Ks the last guy. Easy 1-2-3 for Cordero.

Middle of 7, 10-10 game still.

[membengal]

Each team has 10 runs on 13 hits. Uncanny.

Thom B about to talk about Cordero and how good he has looked, but MartyB has just hopped into the booth.

[membengal]

There's lots of jocularity going on right now, but little baseball talk. Some youngster for the Reds just Kd. No one noticed.

[membengal]

Juan F up for Cincy. A lefty on the mound for Texas. Juan F doesn't care about the lefty, and rifles a double down the LF line, oppo.

Real real nice piece of hitting there. I might could board the Juan F to make the team train myself.

[membengal]

Lefty Hermida up against the lefty Ranger pitcher. Lefty Hermida not looking so good, down 0-2 quickly to the lefty Ranger pitcher.

[BoydsOfSummer]

There's lots of jocularity going on right now, but little baseball talk. Some youngster for the Reds just Kd. No one noticed.

Kinda like a regular season Marty/Jeff broadcast. :cool:

[membengal]

Kinda like a regular season Marty/Jeff broadcast. :cool:

Indeed.

The lefty Hermida just Kd looking. Not helping his case of making the club.

Sappelt up. Sappelites taking notice and lean forward in their seats. 2-0 count as the Ranger pitcher is kinda afraid of Sappelt. As he should be.

[Homer Bailey]

Sappelt is a G.

[membengal]

zomg

sappelt just CRUSHED one to dead CF.

Two run jack.

All joking aside...wow. WOW.

[Gainesville Red]

Bomb.

[membengal]

It's 12-10 Reds now. That ball from Sappelt was absolutely launched. That was a real real REAL good piece of hitting. Ball went to just right of dead center.

Mes bloops a double down RF line.

[Homer Bailey]

His finish of his swing reminds me of Alfonso Soriano.

[membengal]

Bomb.

There is simply no other word for it. That was just destroyed.

[membengal]

Some guy named "Castro" playing SS for Reds just worked a walk. It isn't Juan. I don't think. Runners at 1st and 2nd, two outs.

I am still mind-boggled over Sappelt. That at-bat was unreal.

[BoydsOfSummer]

That little Sappelt kid looks like a player. Heckuva spring young man!

[membengal]

Sappelt could go 0 for his next 63 on the spring and still be hitting .220.

Michael Griffin flies out.

12-10Reds after seven.

[membengal]

I have been bemused by the Sappelt train stuff, myself, but, geez. At some point one's curiosity certainly gets pique'd.

[membengal]

Arrendondo on the mound. Will he have any control today? We shall see.

First two pitches well high.

[membengal]

Arrendondo just threw four pitches, each of which was progressively higher and further outside. Runner on 1st.

[Homer Bailey]

I have been bemused by the Sappelt train stuff, myself, but, geez. At some point one's curiosity certainly gets pique'd.

I'm with you here.

[membengal]

Julio Borbon takes a strike, and then launches a ball that is a ground rule double to dead CF.

2nd and 3rd, no one out, top of the 8th.

[Homer Bailey]

Sappelt won't be asked to play center, but that was a really bad route by Sappelt on that ball over his head.

[membengal]

Sappelt won't be asked to play center, but that was a really bad route by Sappelt on that ball over his head.

I guess, but that ball was also tagged.

[membengal]

Next hitter singles to LF, and this game is tied at 12. Arrendondo making a beeline for the DL to "work on arm strength" at this point, or whatever reason they can manufacture.

[BoydsOfSummer]

If he could play some infield he'd make a dandy little Bip Roberts type player.

[membengal]

Wild pitch moves the runner to 2b.

[membengal]

Rangers take pity on Arrendondo, lay down a bunt. One down, go ahead run on 3b.

Jeff B says his guess for last two spots in pen is Burton and Lecure.

[membengal]

Arrendondo Ks the next guy, who chased a pitch just north of his eyes.

Two down, runner still at 3b.

[Homer Bailey]

I guess, but that ball was also tagged.

It was. It was not an easy play. However, he overran it horizontally, meaning he ran too far into right center, and the ball landed over his left shoulder. CF'ers are taught to take routes deeper before moving horizontally so that you don't have to make a basket catch over your head, and so you can track the ball more easily.

That being said, only an above average defender makes that play.

[membengal]

When Arrendondo throws strikes, you can see where the intrigue is.

Unfortunately, one of the strikes was just hit back up the middle and off his upper thigh. Run scores on the infield basehit.

13-12 Rangers lead.

There are games at Rumpke field that wish they were as high-scoring as the Reds have been in the last few weeks of camp.

[membengal]

Jeff B on the Lecure as long man train, says he has thrown the ball very well out of the pen this spring and would be a good fit for that role.

Texas someone or other just hit a ball farther than Sappelt did. Ah, Chris Davis. He does have power, when he is not whiffing.

15-12 Rangers.

[membengal]

Misty May's husband back up.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Helluva softball game we got going here.

[membengal]

He pops up to 1b. The sky must be "high" and whoever is playing first might be as well, as he simply misses the ball and it drops behind him beside the bag. Still two outs. This half inning may never end.

[membengal]

Grounder to 2b ends the inning. The big news from that outburst is that it ensures at least one more at-bat for Sappelt this game.

And, at this point, I am sticking around to see that.

[membengal]

Fred Lewis is up. If he is smart, he asked Sappelt for some pointers.

[membengal]

Fred Lewis works a walk.

Jeff B says tOSU will win the NCAA tournament. Course, Jeff B also thinks it possible to tip cows, and I know from page two of this thread, that is a myth.

[membengal]

Cairo is up. He is sad he was not on the bus that went back to the complex an hour or so ago with the regulars. He flies out to LF.

One down, some guy named Mike Costanzo up for Cincy. He's apparently the one who was flummoxed by the pop up last inning.

Jim Day is eating ice cream, which starts Jeff B talking about UDF.

[membengal]

Fred Lewis, trying valiantly to make the team, steals 2b.

Frankly, I have no idea who will be the 5th OF, I am still having PTSD from when Darnell McDonald made the team, something I sure never saw coming.

[membengal]

Jeff B talking about an 8-scoop cone he orders on occasion. His arteries must make his cardiologist a sad panda. The Constanzo person Ks looking.

Juan F up.

[membengal]

Juan F making his case yet again to make the team over Hermida/Lewis, doubles to the wall in dead CF. 15-13 game.

[BoydsOfSummer]

Seriously, what is the fascination with Brantley's eating habits and preferences? Both Brennaman's seem to be obsessed with it.

[membengal]

Hermida up, and he has had a rough day compared to his competition for the last spot. He may want to be pricing short-term apartment rentals in L'ville at this point.

[membengal]

Hermida pops out.

Sappelt will be up in the 9th I would think.

15-13 after 8 innings, Rangers lead.

[membengal]

Sunday April 3 is schedule magnet day. That is the day that I am most jealous of all of you who live in the tri-state. I miss schedule magnet day.

[membengal]

Burton to the mound, in what might be a big spot for him. He is cearly somewhere near the bubble for the bullpen roster.

[membengal]

Grounder to 2b for the first out starts the 9th. Goodness, what a pleasant ad from livingsocial just popped up at the bottom of this site. Hello, bikini.

[membengal]

Soft liner to Burton on the mound knocked down, and out made at 1b. Two quick outs.

[membengal]

Burton makes it look easy, and that is noteworthy on this day.

15-13 Rangers lead heading to bottom of 9.

Sappelytes, take note, he should be up this half inning.

[membengal]

Some guy names Trevor Hurley on to pitch for Texas. I can only assume he is a puddle of nerves, knowing Sappelt waits for him to start the 9th.

[membengal]

They should simply IBB Sappelt, anything near the plate is clearly disrespect at this point.

[membengal]

On a 3-1 pitch, Sappelt flies out to RF. Say it ain't so, Dave, say it ain't so.

[membengal]

Mes is up, he's 2 for 2 on the day as well.

Mes is gonna be a rock behind the dish for this club at some point soon.

But he flies out here.

Two down.

The mysterious "Castro" is up for Cincy. No word on if his hands are de oro or not.

He grounds out.

15-13 Rangers win.

Have a good one all. Hope it was enjoyable reading.

[lollipopcurve]

tour de force, mem, tour de force -- thank you!

[mth123]

Mes is up, he's 2 for 2 on the day as well.

Mes is gonna be a rock behind the dish for this club at some point soon.

But he flies out here.

Two down.

The mysterious "Castro" is up for Cincy. No word on if his hands are de oro or not.

He grounds out.

15-13 Rangers win.

Have a good one all. Hope it was enjoyable reading.

It was a fantastic read. Well done and lots of fun. :thumbup:

[klw]

On a 3-1 pitch, Sappelt flies out to RF. Say it ain't so, Dave, say it ain't so.

bust

[oneupper]

Mes is up, he's 2 for 2 on the day as well.

Mes is gonna be a rock behind the dish for this club at some point soon.

But he flies out here.

Two down.

The mysterious "Castro" is up for Cincy. No word on if his hands are de oro or not.

He grounds out.

15-13 Rangers win.

Have a good one all. Hope it was enjoyable reading.

Great job. Enjoyed this! :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

The inevitable Travis Wood/Cliff Lee comparisons are underway. Still seems a bit unfair to hang that on Wood.

Is anybody really thinking "Cliff Lee" after that performance? Seriously?

I guess he was due for a stinker. Better now than a week from now.



And btw...Mem, some of the best PBP...EVER! :O) Great stuff.