Reds at Milwaukee - 4/27/11

[edabbs44]

Stubbs 8
Bruce 9
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Gomes 7
Cairo 5
Janish 6
Hanigan 2
LeCure 1

Go get 'em, boys.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Milwaukee

Weeks 2B
Gomez CF
Braun LF
Fielder 1B
McGehee 3B
Hart RF
Betancourt SS
Lucroy C
Gallardo P

First start of the year for Hart.

[cumberlandreds]

Roof is closed. It's raining in Milwaukee.

[Caveat Emperor]

Since the game is on TV, with George Grande at the mic, anyone not at work (or those at work with liberal policies on employee inebriation) can feel free to play the hit party game that's sweeping the FSN Ohio Viewing Area:

Caveat Emperor's Official George Grande Drinking Game™

RULES:
This is a group drinking game (Reds baseball is a social affair). If you find yourself playing alone, utilize the drink numbers in as your personal drinking responsibilities.

Before the game, everyone must assign themselves a number 1-9. If playing with disposable cups, write your number on your cup.

[B]RULE 1 "Hello": Before the game, everyone starts with a full drink. When George Grande greets you with a "Hi, Hello, and Welcome", give everyone in the group a cheers and take 3 drinks. [3]

RULE 2 "Story Time": Whenever George Grande says "You know his story," everyone must shout out one fact about the player on screen. Anyone who cannot shout out a fact or repeats someone else's fact must take a drink. If someone shouts out an incorrect fact (verified as incorrect by baseball-reference.com or wikipedia.com), he or she must finish their drink. [1]

RULE 3 "Smiling": If George Grande goes to commercial saying the Reds are "On the smiling side of the scoreboard" everyone must start smiling. The last person to smile must take 1 drink for every run the Reds are ahead by. [1]

RULE 4 "Gonna Bee": On any deep fly ball, if George Grande begins to say "It's gonna be...." everyone must start drinking and continue to drink until George finishes his call with "Gone!" If anyone actually finishes their drink during this time, they must shout out "Gone!" as soon as their drink is empty. This person can then give drinks out to the group in the same amount as the HR that was just hit (solo HR = 1 drink, 2 run = 2 drinks, etc.). [2]

RULE 5 "Got It": If any player makes a catch in the outfield and causes George Grande to exclaim "He Got It! He Got It!" everyone must high five someone and have 1 drink for every time George repeated the phrase "Got It." [2 or more]

If "He Got It! He Got It" comes after a "It's Gonna Be......" as a result of a catch at the wall, everyone must finish their drink. [finish]

RULE 6 "Double Play: On a double play ball, if George Grande calls it by the numbers (ex. "6-4-3") every person with that number -- which should have been assigned at the start of the game -- must take 2 drinks. If Grande adds a "Yes, siree!" at the end of his call, everyone BUT the numbers listed must take 2 drinks. [2]

RULE 7 "Birds on the Bats": If George Grande starts talking about the Cardinals, for whatever reason, during a game not involving St. Louis, everyone must take 1 drink. If Grande refers to them as the "Redbirds" instead of their official nickname, take an additional drink. [1-2]

If George specifically mentions Albert Pujols (#5), player 5 gets to assign 5 drinks to the rest of the group. If Grande refers to him as "Sir Albert" or "Prince Albert," player 5 gets to assign 5 drinks but must also take 5 drinks himself. If your group has less than 5 players, everyone must yell "Hail Albert!" and take 5 drinks. [5]

RULE 8 "That's Not My Name": During the broadcast, if Grande refers to player by a nickname everyone must shout out another famous Reds nickname. The last person to shout out a nickname must take 2 drinks. If Grande makes a reference to Juan Castro as "Manos del Oros" everyone must shout "Fiesta!" and take 2 drinks. [2]

RULE 9 "Get 'em on": If, when talking about moving runners or playing small-ball, Grande states "Get 'em on, get 'em over, get 'em in," everyone must take 1 drink (since we're playing for 1 run). If Grande states this as a result of a run actually scoring, everyone must drink 1 for every run the Reds are currently ahead. If the scoring play results in the Reds still losing, everyone must yell at Grande for being an idiot and take 1 drink for every run the Reds are currently behind, plus 2 penalty drinks. [1 or 2]

RULE 10 "The Creeper": During the telecast, any time George Grande makes a reference to Chris Welsh by any of his nicknames (The Crafty Lefthander, the Creeper, etc.), Player 1 (Welsh was a pitcher, after all) must assign 3 drinks to the group. [3]

If Grande discusses Welsh's facial hair (or lack thereof), anyone in the group without a beard, goatee or mustache must take 2 drinks. [2]

If Grande brings up Welsh's only career home run, Player 1 must take 4 drinks. If they actually show footage of Welsh's home run, Player 1 must give out 4 drinks and finish his own drink. [finish / 4]

RULE 11 "Boot-Scootin' Boogie": If Grande describes anyone as "Boot scootin" down the line, the first person to drink gets to assign 4 drinks to the group for being the fastest. If Grande states someone has "scampered" home, the owner of the house where the game is being watched gets to assign 4 drinks to the group. If you are watching the game at a bar, everyone must take 4 drinks and the last person to finish must order another round. [4]

RULE 12 "This One Belongs To The Reds": If the Reds win the game, everyone must cheers and thank George for a job well done. Take 2 drinks for making it to the end. If the Reds lose the game, everyone must give the TV the middle finger and finish their drinks to cover the sorrow.

[Quatitos]

I was not playing yesterday but I think rule 7 would have been a killer last night because it seemed George was unable to say Votto's name without saying Pujols in the same sentence.

[edabbs44]

An absolute classic.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway! Leadoff single to center for Stubby on the first pitch. Nice start.

[OesterPoster]

That's awesome. How many more games do we get Grande this year?

[cumberlandreds]

Very good CE. You should have to take a drink too when he mentions Welsh's Ponderosa.

[Quatitos]

Might get the offense going today, Stubbs starts the game with a single past Betancourt.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single for Bruce. Stubbs was running. 1st & 3rd.

[cumberlandreds]

Bruce executes the hit and run.

[Caveat Emperor]

That's awesome. How many more games do we get Grande this year?

Fifteen glorious, sunshiney, Redbirds-loving games.

[cumberlandreds]

MVP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kc61]

Votto

[_Sir_Charles_]

:jump: VOTTOMATIC! 3-0

[cumberlandreds]

You can't ask for a better start than what we have today. :D

[Quatitos]

My MLB.tv is apparently behind by 30 seconds or so even after trying to live it a couple times, so I'm going to have to remember not to scroll down until at bats are over to keep some suspense going :)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brandon grounds out to 3rd. 1 down.

[Caveat Emperor]

Joey Votto is good at baseball.

[cumberlandreds]

Votto's HR keeps his streak of getting on base every game this season going.

[edabbs44]

Votto is really, really spoiling us.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jonny Walker to first.

Votto & Gomes, 1 & 2 in NL lead in BB's.

[Kc61]

Gomes walks.

[Caveat Emperor]

Jonny BB Gomes

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes flashes his wheels! 5 sb's. He can walk AND run!

[edabbs44]

Foundation Man with the walk.

[edabbs44]

Gomes flashes his wheels! 5 sb's. He can walk AND run!

You have to walk before you can run.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cairo with a single to center. Jonny to 3rd.

[Quatitos]

Gallardo already at 23 pitches with only 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish pops to Hart. But Gomes scores! 4-0 Redlegs

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 down, Miggy on 1st. Hanigan up.

[Caveat Emperor]

Gallardo already at 23 pitches with only 1 out.

Conventional Baseball Wisdom (That I really agree with): You get to great pitchers early, or often not at all.

[redhawkfish]

Keep piling it on boys! I think we are going to need with LeCure on the mound today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Conventional Baseball Wisdom (That I really agree with): You get to great pitchers early, or often not at all.

Very true. However Gallardo hasn't been a "great" pitcher against the Reds in his career. He's struggled against us.

Hanny with a single. Miggy to 2nd.

[Kc61]

Hanigan singles. Two on for Lecure.

[Kc61]

Lecure flies out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LeCure flies out on a pretty well hit ball. He's still looking for his first MLB hit. But a productive first for the Reds. 4-0 as Sam heads to the mound.

[Caveat Emperor]

Hanigan singles. Two on for Lecure.

Gotta love clearing the pitchers spot in the top of the 1st.

[cumberlandreds]

There you go LeCure. Should be enough to holdem for a while.

[Puffy]

There you go LeCure. Should be enough to holdem for a while.

Dude? Really? Thats just bad karma there.....

[cumberlandreds]

Dude? Really? Thats just bad karma there.....

I would feel better if he was pitching against the Padres than the Brewers.

[OesterPoster]

Just watched the Gameday video of Votto's HR. That is one awesome crack of the bat when he crushes one.

[_Sir_Charles_]

K

[OesterPoster]

Dude? Really? Thats just bad karma there.....

It's okay. Karma is a chameleon. He come and go. He come and go.

[reds1869]

Watching the Reds when I'd normally be at work. And they explode in the first inning. In a good way. Life is good and hopefully they pour it on :D

[redhawkfish]

Watching the Reds when I'd normally be at work. And they explode in the first inning. In a good way. Life is good and hopefully they pour it on :D

Ditto!!:thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomez pops out to Cairo.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Liner to Bruce to retire Braun. 4-0 Reds after 1 full.

This is the most locked-in I've ever seen Braun. Even his outs and foul balls are hit squarely.

[cumberlandreds]

Good job by LeCure. 1-2-3 inning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well, batting around in the first was fun. Let's do it again. :O)

Stubbs flies out to center. 1 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce 2 for 2. Punishing that shift! Love it!

[Caveat Emperor]

Bruce 2 for 2. Punishing that shift! Love it!

It's the only way to stop it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto grounds to 2nd, but Bruce was running and the DP is avoided. 2 down.

[redhawkfish]

There was your Votto/Pujols reference for the drinking game. Your post should be archived.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brandon flies out to right. Jay stranded. 4-0 Reds it remains.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Prince flies out to Stubbs. 1 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

McGehehehehe flies out to Stubbs as well.

Nice round of applause for Hart.

[cumberlandreds]

Another perfect inning.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hart grounds out to Janish. 1-2-3-4-5-6. Not too darned shabby.

[_Sir_Charles_]

After hearing a Votto commercial on WLW it got me thinking...did they ever show that Votto commercial for ESPN during the Cards game?

[NJReds]

Bruce 2 for 2. Punishing that shift! Love it!

If he's hitting the ball to the opposite field, it's a good sign of things to come.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes grounds out to short...almost beat it out. I love his hustle. He may struggle (O and D) but you can never fault his effort.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cairo pops out for the 2nd out to Braun

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish with a rope to left. 1 on for Hanigan.

[cumberlandreds]

Maybe that will get Janish going.

[Quatitos]

Anyone else noticing the badges that MLB.com added to gameday? Got one apparently for the Gomes stolen base earlier.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*waits for the "stinking badges" comment*

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the PBP.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ryan with a grounder to 3rd. Janish gone at 2nd. 4-0 Reds after 2 1/2

NP Gallen.

[cumberlandreds]

56 pitches for Gallardo through three innings.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1st pitch strikes thrown to 5 of the 6 Brewers hitters so far. Sam will be pretty successful if he keeps that up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Janish. Grounder up the middle. 1 down.

[Quatitos]

Make that 6 of 7 first pitch strikes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single up the middle past Janish. 1st Brewer hit of the game. Gallardo up. He's a hitter.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gallardo bunts, but LeCure goes to 2nd to get Lecroy. 2 down, Gallardo on 1st for Weeks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Weeks shoots one down the LF line. Double. Gallardo held at third.

[Homer Bailey]

Just now arriving... did anyone else notice Votto yelling something at Lucroy as he was crossing the plate?

[cumberlandreds]

The failed sacrifice saves the Reds a run for the moment.

[Homer Bailey]

I despise Weeks.

[Quatitos]

Just now arriving... did anyone else notice Votto yelling something at Lucroy as he was crossing the plate?

I did not at the time, might check it out after this inning is over.

[Homer Bailey]

I did not at the time, might check it out after this inning is over.

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?c_id=mlb&content_id=14202121

Should be the link.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Crud. Single down the RF line. 4-2 Reds.

[Caveat Emperor]

I despise Weeks.

I miss 2005-2009, ~.750 OPS and generally disappointing prospect Rickie Weeks.

[Quatitos]

http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?c_id=mlb&content_id=14202121

Should be the link.

Looks like it was either Lucroy or the Brewers bench, looks a bit more like it was at their bench.

[Homer Bailey]

Lecure had the 8 hitter 0-2, and now this.... SMH.

[klw]

I see two possible outcomes today. Reds win 12-5 or Reds lose 7-4.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Braun flies out to Stubbs to end the inning. 4-2 Reds after 3 full.

[cumberlandreds]

39 pitches for LeCure through three innings.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Congrats! First MLB hit for LeCure. Leadoff double to the wall!

~edit~ My mistake. Hit #2 for Sam. He had 1 last year.

[cumberlandreds]

Lets get those two runs back or at least one of them.

[Homer Bailey]

Congrats! First MLB hit for LeCure. Leadoff double to the wall!

Per Reds twitter:

Pitcher Sam LeCure now has 2 career hits, both doubles.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Per Reds twitter:

Pitcher Sam LeCure now has 2 career hits, both doubles.

Yeah, I double checked and caught it a second ago. Maybe I should follow twitter. :O)

Stubbs K's looking.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I agree with Marty there. Stubbs should've been bunting all the way there.

[klw]

I agree with Marty there. Stubbs should've been bunting all the way there.

why? Guy already in scoring position, don't waste the out

[Caveat Emperor]

I agree with Marty there. Stubbs should've been bunting all the way there.

You don't waste outs in front of Bruce, Votto and DatDudeBP -- play for the big inning when you get a gift XBH from your 9 hole hitter.

[Homer Bailey]

Whole heartedly disagree. Someone with Stubbs' power should never be bunting.

[_Sir_Charles_]

why?

Move the runner AND great shot to get a hit.

[klw]

Move the runner AND great shot to get a hit.

So but for hit, not a sacrifice. I thought you meant sacrifice

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce flies out to center. LeCure to third.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sorry...I meant for a hit. Not a sac. That's something we've rarely seen Drew do...attempt to bunt. With his speed...should happen every other game or so.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto walks. 1st & 3rd with 2 down for Phillips.

[I(heart)Freel]

Just now arriving... did anyone else notice Votto yelling something at Lucroy as he was crossing the plate?

Saw same thing. More demonstrative than JV normally is. (Toward other team, that is. Umps are another story.) Something afoot?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips K's swinging. (probably should've been called out on the previous pitch). Reds fail to score after the leadoff double. 4-2 Reds middle of 4th.

[NJReds]

Votto walks. 1st & 3rd with 2 down for Phillips.

The Brewers want no part of Votto. Nor should they.

[cumberlandreds]

75 pitches for Gallardo through four. Probably just two more innings for him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff walk to Fielder. Really nibbling that ab.

[_Sir_Charles_]

McGehee flies out to Gomes. 1 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hart singles to right. Fielder to 2nd.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

They're starting to zero in on Lecure big time

[Kc61]

Reds have a day off tomorrow. I would use the bullpen today. Looks like Lecure isn't fooling anyone any longer.

Time to start shuffling around in the pen.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single to left for Betancourt. Bases jacked for Lecroy. 1 down.

Smith warming up.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

One swing and miss for the Brewers all day.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Crud. Near DP but he beats it out. Fielder scores. 4-3 Reds.

[Kc61]

Pitcher up. Would be good for the Reds to hold them here.

Since Reds have decided to stop playing offense.

[Homer Bailey]

HAVE to go home there with Fielder running. Mental error for Janish.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

That's gotta be a DP with lucroy running. Or at least get the lead run at home. Fielder wasn't getting there first

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pitcher up. Would be good for the Reds to hold them here.

Since Reds have decided to stop playing offense.

We've gotten a hit every inning. Don't think that counts as "stop playing offense".

[Homer Bailey]

That's gotta be a DP with lucroy running. Or at least get the lead run at home. Fielder wasn't getting there first

The ball was tapped, and they turned it as quick as possible. Play was at home.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice K there to end the inning. 4-3 Reds after 4 full.

[Kc61]

We've gotten a hit every inning. Don't think that counts as "stop playing offense".

I don't see any runs on the board after the first.

Last inning, with Lecure leading off with a double, was poor offensive execution.

Time to add to your run total, Reds.

[redsfaninbsg]

This club really needs to get Bailey and Cueto back. When you score four runs on Gallardo, you have got to win.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I don't see any runs on the board after the first.

Last inning, with Lecure leading off with a double, was poor offensive execution.

Time to add to your run total, Reds.

True. Like I said, I wanted Stubbs bunting for a hit there. If he gets thrown out...at the minimum, LeCure is on third and scores easily on Bruce's sac to center. Plus the odds of Stubbs beating one out is VERY good. Didn't like him swinging away there.

[Kc61]

True. Like I said, I wanted Stubbs bunting for a hit there. If he gets thrown out...at the minimum, LeCure is on third and scores easily on Bruce's sac to center. Plus the odds of Stubbs beating one out is VERY good. Didn't like him swinging away there.

Agree. The bunt is most effective, IMO, with a leadoff man on second.

[Kc61]

Gomes Ks looking.

Now that Gomes has learned to walk, he's forgotten how to hit.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes K's looking. Right down the middle. Not sure what Gomes was looking for there.

[Homer Bailey]

Gomes is back.

[Kc61]

See my Lewis/Sappelt thread.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Nice at bat Gomes. He couldn't hit those with a tennis racket. This team needs a legitimate LF

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cairo pops out to Betancourt. 2 down. Janish up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish with a shot down the LF line for a double.

For those complaining....there's another XBH. 2 for 2 and BA back up over .270.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Weak

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanigan grounds out to short to end the inning. Need to get some add on here boys!

4-3 Reds middle of 5th.

[Kc61]

Let's hope Lecure makes it through the fifth with this lead.

Reds always seem to have trouble after an early sizeable lead.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LeCure back out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rolen has that. Single past Cairo for a leadoff hit for Weeks.

[Caveat Emperor]

Rickie Weeks is the new Bill Hall.

[Homer Bailey]

Rolen has that. Single past Cairo for a leadoff hit for Weeks.

Francisco has that.


Not Juan Francisco, Francisco Cordero.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sac bunt to 3rd. Weeks to 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Francisco has that.


Not Juan Francisco, Francisco Cordero.

LOL. That was great. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bray warming up at hyperspeed.

[redsfaninbsg]

I'd let LeCure pitch to Braun, if he gets him out walk Fielder, if not bring Bray in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'd let LeCure pitch to Braun, if he gets him out walk Fielder, if not bring Bray in.

Exactly how I play it too.

[Homer Bailey]

Exactly how I play it too.

I'll wait until we see what happens, then give a hindsight opinion on what I would do.

[Kc61]

I'd double switch for Jonny Gomes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'd double switch for Jonny Gomes.

Bray in left field? :O)

[Kc61]

Bray in left field? :O)

Can he lead off?

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* HBP. Go get him.

Double switch coming. Razor?

No, Cairo out. Janish at third, Renteria at short.

[Homer Bailey]

I've seen enough of Lecure for now. Last two starts make it pretty easy to make him the odd man out of the rotation.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Not really a bad outing from LeCure...the wheels came off a bit the last 2 innings though. He was really cruising early on though. Let's hope the bully can shut it down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I've seen enough of Lecure for now. Last two starts make it pretty easy to make him the odd man out of the rotation.

He's easily the odd man out...but he's quite a bit better than the traditional 5th starter we've seen in Cincy imo.

[Homer Bailey]

Not really a bad outing from LeCure...the wheels came off a bit the last 2 innings though. He was really cruising early on though. Let's hope the bully can shut it down.

4.1 IP, 3 ER (for now), 6 H, 1 BB, and 2 K. I know he had two good innings, but I disagree about the "not bad outing" part.

[Reds Freak]

That's what happens when you take your best defensive shortstop off his position...

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* Grounder to Votto...return throw from Renteria...air mailed. Should've been a DP. 4-4 game.

[redsfaninbsg]

I miss Paul Janish.

[Homer Bailey]

Dusty.

[CTA513]

Renteria ties the game

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yep. That one's on Dusty. If he was going to insist on pulling Cairo...I plug Valiaka in there and leave the rest of the d alone.

[Kc61]

That's what happens when you take your best defensive shortstop off his position...

Renteria has to make that play. I wouldn't have double switched Janish, but Renteria is a major league player. He has to make that throw.

[cumberlandreds]

Way too early to be double switching. That's over managing a game at its finest.

[kaldaniels]

Didn't Janish airmail a throw this series also? I don't get the hate.

[reds44]

Hopefully this is LeCure's last start.

And lol @ Dusty,

[_Sir_Charles_]

McGehee flies out to Bruce to end the inning. Actually a very good job by Bray...should've had a better result though.

[Caveat Emperor]

Gotta love jumping out to a 4-0 lead after 1 and letting the other team back into the game.

[Puffy]

Didn't Janish airmail a throw this series also? I don't get the hate.

But Janish is in there for his bat. That .614 OPS and all.

[Kc61]

Not really a bad outing from LeCure...the wheels came off a bit the last 2 innings though. He was really cruising early on though. Let's hope the bully can shut it down.

Just keep in mind that the infield played poorly that inning. I'm not defending Lecure, but he got some bad breaks defensively.

[redsfaninbsg]

Didn't Janish airmail a throw this series also? I don't get the hate.

Double switch in the 5th inning? Dusty can't manage a pitching staff to save his life. He allows pitchers to hit for themselves/not pull a pitcher cause they are due up soon the next inning only to have the said pitcher blow up on a pretty regular basis.

[CTA513]

Didn't Janish airmail a throw this series also? I don't get the hate.

Renterias 3rd error in 8 games played.

[Tornon]

Bray's not coming out next inning anyway, is he? That was a weird double switch even for Dusty

[redsfaninbsg]

Look on the bright side, Renteria is leading off this frame.

[Kc61]

From Dusty's perspective - and I don't necessarily agree with him - he's trying to save his bullpen. Bray will indeed pitch next inning and presumably Dusty is trying to avoid using too many relievers.

But Janish was hitting well today and always fields well. I wouldn't have lifted him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Edgar singles to lead off the inning.

[redsfaninbsg]

From Dusty's perspective - and I don't necessarily agree with him - he's trying to save his bullpen. Bray will indeed pitch next inning and presumably Dusty is trying to avoid using too many relievers.

But Janish was hitting well today and always fields well. I wouldn't have lifted him.

The Reds have an off day tomorrow and Leake pitched deep into the game yesterday.

[Homer Bailey]

From Dusty's perspective - and I don't necessarily agree with him - he's trying to save his bullpen. Bray will indeed pitch next inning and presumably Dusty is trying to avoid using too many relievers.

But Janish was hitting well today and always fields well. I wouldn't have lifted him.

He didn't. He lifted Cairo, Janish to 3rd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

The Reds have an off day tomorrow and Leake pitched deep into the game yesterday.

Exactly. He's got ALL his bullets available in the pen. I was fully expecting to see lots of pitchers work today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Drew works the walk. 1st & 2nd for Bruce. Gallardo is not long for this game.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Must get a run out of this. An absolute must

[Kc61]

The Reds have an off day tomorrow and Leake pitched deep into the game yesterday.

Yes, but I think Dusty is trying to take advantage of this situation to get his relievers some rest.

Personally, I wouldn't have made the switch, but I think that's his reasoning.

He didn't want to use Bray for only two batters and then "burn" him.

Stubbs walks. Reds with an opportunity, two on, no out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gallardo's day is done. Stettar in.

[Tornon]

I wouldn't be surprised if Heisey hit for Bruce

[redsfaninbsg]

I wouldn't be surprised if Heisey hit for Bruce

I would, Dusty has confidence in his guys.:thumbup:

[Homer Bailey]

I wouldn't be surprised if Heisey hit for Bruce

No way.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I wouldn't be surprised if Heisey hit for Bruce

You mean the 2 for 3 Bruce? No, if he's "starting" to hit...you let him play it out.

[Kc61]

Here's the proverbial "back to back lefty hitter" situation. Brewers presumably throwing a southpaw now.

Let's hope the Reds beat the averages on this one and score some runs.

[Tornon]

No way.

I wouldn't myself, this just seems like the type of game Dusty will try to outmanage the opponent

[reds44]

Sweet Bruce bunts and takes the bat out of Votto's hand.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce lays down a good bunt. Wait. WHAT did I just type?!? :O)

[Tornon]

Sweet Bruce bunts and takes the bat out of Votto's hand.

Lefty on lefty I think they'll pitch to Joey

[Caveat Emperor]

Sweet Bruce bunts and takes the bat out of Votto's hand.

Yeah, don't like the decision there at all.

[Kc61]

Yeah, don't like the decision there at all.

So you'd rather have Bruce swing away against the side winding lefty?

Not me, I support Dusty on this one.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I wonder if that might've been Bruce's idea.

[reds44]

lol that was worse managing than Dusty.

WHY WOULD YOU EVER PITCH TO HIM?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single to right for Votto! 5-4 Reds.

Why in the world did they pitch to him?!?

[redsfaninbsg]

MY GOD, what a hitter.

[OesterPoster]

Votto. Pretty good baseball player.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pitching change yet again for Phillips.

[Tornon]

Bob Uecker: "That guy is a tough out"

[Kc61]

Now that the Reds are back to playing offense, I'd like Mr. Phillips to hit a fly ball - or better.

[Caveat Emperor]

So you'd rather have Bruce swing away against the side winding lefty?

Not me, I support Dusty on this one.

It was a dumb decision -- Should have been followed with an IBB to Votto.

The fact that Milwaukee screwed up their portion of the correct decision-maknig process doesn't absolve Dusty.

[Puffy]

Sweet Bruce bunts and takes the bat out of Votto's hand.

Good call ;)

[reds1869]

MY GOD, what a hitter.

Mr. MVP is an absolute monster at the dish.

[Kc61]

It was a dumb decision -- Should have been followed with an IBB to Votto.

The fact that Milwaukee screwed up their portion of the correct decision-maknig process doesn't absolve Dusty.

I wouldn't manage to avoid walks to Votto.

If they walk Votto you have bases loaded, one out, Phillips and Gomes coming up.

If your number 4 and 5 hitter can't produce with the bags full, you need new ones.

[Caveat Emperor]

Good call ;)

At this point, reds44 has a better finger on the pulse of this particular game than Ron Roenicke.

Pitch to Votto w/ runners on 2nd and 3rd? Insanity.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Green on the bump. Back to back sidewinders.

[reds44]

I wouldn't manage to avoid walks to Votto.

If they walk Votto you have bases loaded, one out, Phillips and Gomes coming up.

If your number 4 and 5 hitter can't produce with the bags full, you need new ones.
Noooooo way. You never pitch to Votto in that situation. That was bad bad managing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It was a dumb decision -- Should have been followed with an IBB to Votto.

The fact that Milwaukee screwed up their portion of the correct decision-maknig process doesn't absolve Dusty.

Like I said, that could've been Bruce's idea. We don't know.

[Tornon]

BP will probably either homer or hit into a DP

[CTA513]

Bob Uecker: "That guy is a tough out"

That at bat shows how much Votto has improved since being brought up.
He already used the whole field and now hes showing everyone that he can foul off pitches until the pitcher makes a mistake.

[Kc61]

Noooooo way. You never pitch to Votto in that situation. That was bad bad managing.

You misunderstand my post.

Roenicke made a huge mistake there, I agree.

My point is that Dusty correctly bunted.

[Puffy]

At this point, reds44 has a better finger on the pulse of this particular game than Ron Roenicke.

Pitch to Votto w/ runners on 2nd and 3rd? Insanity.

Well, unless you are facing Bonds in his steroid phase you don't usually intentionally walk someone in the 6th inning. Sure, sometimes. But 9 times out of ten, lefty on lefty in the 6th, managers don't use intentional walks to load bases.

But it is a possiblity so I hear what y'all are saying.

[reds44]

You misunderstand my post.

Roenicke made a huge mistake there, I agree.

My point is that Dusty correctly bunted.
I don't think you ever take the bat out of Joey Votto's hands. I'll take Votto with 1st and 2nd 1 out (if Bruce failed to do anything) over anybody with bases loaded 1 out.

[Caveat Emperor]

Well, unless you are facing Bonds in his steroid phase you don't usually intentionally walk someone in the 6th inning. Sure, sometimes. But 9 times out of ten, lefty on lefty in the 6th, managers don't use intentional walks to load bases.

But it is a possiblity so I hear what y'all are saying.

I'd walk Pujols in the same situation just about every time.

Don't know I'd IBB -- no sense in calling out the guy behind him. But I'd definitely pitch around.

[Tornon]

BP will probably either homer or hit into a DP

Or do that

[reds44]

Phillips is murdering the ball.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single past short! 6-4 Reds.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Let's go Jonny! Bust it open!

[VR]

I'd walk Pujols in the same situation just about every time.

Don't know I'd IBB -- no sense in calling out the guy behind him. But I'd definitely pitch around.

"Joey Votto is no Albert Pujols" Al Hrabosky

[_Sir_Charles_]

Oh good lord. Hermida in the ODC.

[VR]

Phillips is murdering the ball.

His time at the top of the order has made him a much better cleanup hitter. Very impressive so far this year.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wild pitch. Votto to 3rd, Phillips to 2nd.

[reds44]

Gomes will either walk or make an out.

[OesterPoster]

Brewerfan.net's take on the Bruce bunt:


PrinceEatMeat wrote:Bruce bunts? Interesting move, but smart baseball.

Wow. I actually like something that Dusty Baker did. Advance the runners into scoring position and now either the Brewers have to pitch to Votto or walk him. Pitching to him is risky, walking him loads the bases. Plus a bunt and an IBB negates your LOOGY. That's a really, really cool managerial move to me and not something I would've thought of.

[Tornon]

Oh good lord. Hermida in the ODC.

He can't get out EVERY time

[reds44]

Sooooooooooooooo bad.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes K's on ball 4.

Valiaka up instead of Hermida. Thank you.

[Quatitos]

His time at the top of the order has made him a much better cleanup hitter. Very impressive so far this year.

Agreed, I think it helped him learn that he doesn't have to try and beat the crap out of it every time to be productive.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He can't get out EVERY time

I'm starting to think he CAN.

[Kc61]

I'm confused. Isn't this Cairo's spot in the order?

[NJReds]

"Joey Votto is no Albert Pujols" Al Hrabosky

Really, historically, almost nobody is Pujols. But right now, Joey V. is as close as you can get. And tell Mr. Hrabosky that Votto is better than any Brewer right now, including Braun.

[reds44]

I'm confused. Isn't this Cairo's spot in the order?
He got double switched out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm confused. Isn't this Cairo's spot in the order?

Janish moved to third, Cairo was pulled. This was Bray's spot after the double switch.

[Kc61]

He got double switched out.

Oh, they moved Janish to third. I wasn't aware, thanks.

[CTA513]

took 2 over the plate and swung at ball 3.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Valaika K's to end the inning. But the Reds retake the lead 6-4

[Tornon]

Valaika pulls a Hermida

[Kc61]

1. Hermida, the lefty, should have hit there.

2. Gomes. . . .

[_Sir_Charles_]

That AB makes me wonder if Valaika's ever seen a sidewinder before. He looked really confused up there.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Valaika took a 2-0 pitch for a strike that any MLB player would murder. Even Johnny Gomes. Well ok maybe not Gomes, but anyone else

[Kc61]

Gomes K's on ball 4.

Valiaka up instead of Hermida. Thank you.

Every Reds kid is a superstar.

[Tornon]

1. Hermida, the lefty, should have hit there.

2. Gomes. . . .

At this point I'd be down to only using Hermida in situations where you need your hitter to make an out

[Kc61]

At this point I'd be down to only using Hermida in situations where you need your hitter to make an out

Hermida has been terrible. He hit well at AAA, he's not this bad.

Sidewinding righty. Hermida over Valaika.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Smith on the bump.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Every Reds kid is a superstar.

No. I just wanted pretty much ANYBODY besides Hermida. I've got ZERO confidence in him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hart grounds out to short.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Double over Janish's head on the high chopper for Betancourt.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Betancourt is really starting to annoy me.

[alloverjr]

Why wasn't Heisey used? Could have doubled switched him and put him in LF for defense.

[reds44]

Why did Dusty double switch if Bray was only going to pitch one inning? Double switching just to double switch.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single to left. 1st & 3rd with 1 down.

[Kc61]

Why did Dusty double switch if Bray was only going to pitch one inning? Double switching just to double switch.

He planned for Bray to pitch more. But the Reds turned around the lineup with a semi-big inning.

Now Smith in trouble.