Marlins at Reds (5-1) Rubber match!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Reds

Stubbs cf
Bruce rf
Votto 1b
Phillips 2b
Gomes lf
Hanigan c
Janish ss
Valaika 3b
Arroyo p
-------------------------------

Marlins

Coghlan cf
Infante 2b
Ramirez ss
Sanchez 1b
Stanton rf
Dobbs 3b
Buck c
Bonafacio lf
Nolasco p

[Homer Bailey]

I like the lineup today. I'm calling for 7 runs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm curious to see how Valaika handles third. I've seen him at short & 2nd...not 3rd. I thought I'd heard some say that he doesn't have the arm for 3rd.

[Degenerate39]

I like this line up. Has Valaika had any at bats since he's been called up?

[Reds Fanatic]

I like this line up. Has Valaika had any at bats since he's been called up?

So far he has only had 2 ABs since being called up

[_Sir_Charles_]

And this game is underway!

[Reds Fanatic]

Coghlan grounds out to Arroyo.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bronson flashing that gold glove. Grounder right back to him. 1 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

RF, feel free to take the PBP. I've got the kids running around here today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Those breaking balls weren't even close.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*sigh* 2-0 Fish

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramirez homers to left.

[Homer Bailey]

This is just truly unbelievable.

[Reds Fanatic]

Sanchez grounds out to short and Stanton strikes out swinging. 2-0 Marlins mid 1st.

[Reds Fanatic]

Now 8 straight home games the Reds starters have given up runs in the 1st.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs singles to center.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Runs allowed in first inning (not counting today)

30 Reds
29 Cubs
26 Diamondbacks
23 Royals
21 Rockies
21 Astros
19 Braves
18 Marlins
17 Nationals
...
6 Dodgers
6 Giants
3 A's
2 Phillies

Just to put things in perspective. 10 clubs still are in single digits. Including the Cards with 9 allowed in the 1st.

[_Sir_Charles_]

:jump: BRUUUUUUUCE! 2-2 #5

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce with a bomb to right center! Tie game 2-2.

[paintmered]

This what happens when Bruce sees pitches to hit. :)

[Homer Bailey]

Swear to god I just texted my buddy that bruce was going to go deep once it went 2-0. Problem is I'm on a bit of delay on mlb.tv so he didn't believe that I sent it first.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto walks.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds into a 6-4-3 DP.

[_Sir_Charles_]

To offset the runs allowed.....

Runs scored in 1st inning

24 Yankees
21 Reds
21 Rockies
21 Giants
20 Phillies
....
5 Padres
5 Nationals
4 Orioles
3 Twins

Cards at 8

[GAC]

chat is open

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes with a broken bat ground out to 3rd. 2-2 after 1.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Central Update

Cards 5 Braves 5 (bottom 9, man on 2nd)
Astros 5 Brewers 0 (8th)
Pirates 4 Rockies 1 (4th)
Cubs 0 Diamondbacks 0 (2nd)

[Homer Bailey]

Cards lose.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dobbs with a long homer to right. 3-2 Marlins.

[Homer Bailey]

Awesome Bronson.

[Reds Fanatic]

That is the 2nd homer today Arroyo has given up on a changeup right down the middle.

Buck grounds out to 3rd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bonifacio lines out to 3rd. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nolasco grounds out to 3rd. 3-2 Marlins mid 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

They're keeping Valaika busy at third. They always say the ball finds the new guy. It is this inning.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hanigan grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Janish strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valaika flies out to right. 3-2 Marlins after 2.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coghlan grounds out to short. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice play by Valaika. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Valaika. Looked good there. Arm looked solid too.

[KittyDuran]

chat is open

Can't get chat on my IPhone... But I'm @ the game (so there! ;) )

BTW, Leake I think is sitting in the bullpen... He's supposed to pitch 2morrow.

[Reds Fanatic]

Another nice play by Valaika. 3-2 Marlins mid 3rd.

[Tornon]

We've got ourselves a Valaika

[_Sir_Charles_]

Okay, I'm not seeing the sub-par reports on Valaika's glove work at third. He looks VERY solid there.

[Kc61]

Okay, I'm not seeing the sub-par reports on Valaika's glove work at third. He looks VERY solid there.

It's one game. Let's not put anyone in the Hall of Fame just yet.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo strikes out swinging. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It's one game. Let's not put anyone in the Hall of Fame just yet.

I know. I just recall seeing that he doesn't have a strong enough arm for 3rd. That certainly didn't look like a below average arm to me.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 for 2 Stubbs!

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs singles to left. His 2nd hit today.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Brewers lose 5-0 to the Astros

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs steals 2nd. The throw goes into center but Stubbs can't advance.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Stubbs steals 2nd. The throw goes into center but Stubbs can't advance.

He should have. Coghlan's got a noodle arm.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce grounds out to 1st. Stubbs to 3rd. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice ab there from Jay. Didn't go fishing at all. Swung at strikes and only strikes. Advances Stubbs to third at least.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto grounds out to 2nd. 3-2 Marlins after 3.

[757690]

Stubbs steals 2nd. The throw goes into center but Stubbs can't advance.

He needs Joe Morgan to teach him the basics of stealing bases. One basic is the pop up slide, which allows you see what happened after you're safe.

[Blitz Dorsey]

For the most part, I like Thom. But man it's annoying the way he over-pronounces Hispanic names.

Like "Gobby SAHN-chez" instead of just saying it like everyone else "Gaby Sanchez." He does this with every Hispanic name.

[Reds Fanatic]

Sanchez flies out to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stanton pops out to 2nd. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dobbs singles to center.

[Reds Fanatic]

Buck singles to center. 1st and 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

2 quick cheap singles. Bloop shots basically.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bonifacio grounds out to 1st. 3-2 Marlins mid 4th.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips grounds out to 3rd. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes flies out to center on the first pitch.

[Cedric]

It boggles the mind that Jonny Gomes wasn't replaced this off season. It seemed painfully obvious to anyone and everyone that Gomes is barely even platoon capable.

Jocketty is a very smart GM so I'm just confused.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hanigan strikes out looking. 3-2 Marlins after 4.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nolasco grounds out to 1st.

[Kc61]

It boggles the mind that Jonny Gomes wasn't replaced this off season. It seemed painfully obvious to anyone and everyone that Gomes is barely even platoon capable.

Jocketty is a very smart GM so I'm just confused.

I think it was economics.

Reds had a very cheap option to re-up Gomes. Based on his numbers last year, Gomes was a bargain for this year.

So the Reds went for it and signed Freddy Lewis as protection in case Gomes didn't do well.

Once Lewis is healthy, I expect he will play quite a bit.

Gomes is now below the Mendoza line (sub-.200 BA).

[Cedric]

I think it was economics.

Reds had a very cheap option to re-up Gomes. Based on his numbers last year, Gomes was a bargain for this year.

So the Reds went for it and signed Freddy Lewis as protection in case Gomes didn't do well.

Once Lewis is healthy, I expect he will play quite a bit.

Gomes is now below the Mendoza line (sub-.200 BA).

And that's a reasonable take. The scary thing is we are seeing a decent OPS because of his fluke BB rate. Soon we are going to be looking at a complete black hole both in the field and at the plate.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coghlan grounds out to 1st. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Infante fouls out to 1st. 3-2 Marlins mid 5th.

[Reds Fanatic]

Janish grounds out to short. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

And that's a reasonable take. The scary thing is we are seeing a decent OPS because of his fluke BB rate. Soon we are going to be looking at a complete black hole both in the field and at the plate.

2 things.

1. We don't know if this walk rate is a fluke or a legitimate change of approach.

2. Assuming he'll continue to struggle at his current rate is quite the jump.

He's slumping. Granted. But that being said, he's STILL leading the club in HR's and RBI's.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valaika grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo lines a double to left.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bronson tries to help himself. 2 bagger as Bonifacio tries a diving grab...whiff.

[Cedric]

2 things.

1. We don't know if this walk rate is a fluke or a legitimate change of approach.

2. Assuming he'll continue to struggle at his current rate is quite the jump.

He's slumping. Granted. But that being said, he's STILL leading the club in HR's and RBI's.

Quite the jump is assuming he's suddenly figured out how to drastically improve his BB rate at his age.

The reasonable take is assuming it's a small sample size fluke.

But this is a game thread so I'll move on.

[Quatitos]

Quite the jump is assuming he's suddenly figured out how to drastically improve his BB rate at his age.

The reasonable take is assuming it's a small sample size fluke.

Except that he has said he is taking a different approach and actively trying to get on base more.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Drew HBP. Ouch.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs is hit in the back by that pitch

[Cedric]

Except that he has said he is taking a different approach and actively trying to get on base more.

If you guys want to expect 100 BB's this year than that's fine. I expect him to press soon and hack his way into oblivion. I've got much more data on my side.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce flies out to left. 3-2 Marlins after 5.

[_Sir_Charles_]

If you guys want to expect 100 BB's this year than that's fine. I expect him to press soon and hack his way into oblivion. I've got much more data on my side.

I don't think either of us said we expect him to do anything. Only that to expect him to continue to struggle as he is right now is assuming too much on the negative side. Is he traditionally a .200 hitter? Does he traditionally NOT flail away at pitches out of the zone? I'd say the odds that he continues at this pace are long to say the least. He's slumping, he'll snap out of it.

[Reds Fanatic]

What a catch by Valaika!

[Kc61]

Quite the jump is assuming he's suddenly figured out how to drastically improve his BB rate at his age.

The reasonable take is assuming it's a small sample size fluke.

But this is a game thread so I'll move on.

Gomes was hitting .198 before his at bat, which was an out.

I know that BA is not the most important stat.

But .198 for a regular LF is unacceptable, especially for an offensive oriented player.

[Degenerate39]

I like CV

[_Sir_Charles_]

Chris doing his best Rolen impersonation. :O)

[Reds Fanatic]

Sanchez with a bloop single to right.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes was hitting .198 before his at bat, which was an out.

I know that BA is not the most important stat.

But .198 for a regular LF is unacceptable, especially for an offensive oriented player.

Totally agree. And it'll never improve if he stops playing right now, will it?

My biggest problem is having him hit where he is while he's struggling.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice stop as Valaika starts a 5-4-3 DP. 3-2 Marlins mid 6th.

[Quatitos]

Totally agree. And it'll never improve if he stops playing right now, will it?

My biggest problem is having him hit where he is while he's struggling.

Maybe in a week or so we will see Gomes hitting in the #2 spot. Nice place for that high OBP :laugh:.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Maybe in a week or so we will see Gomes hitting in the #2 spot. Nice place for that high OBP :laugh:.

Heck, if nothing else he'd get pitches to hit more consistently. I said it before in regards to Bruce...hitting in front of Votto is most likely the best place to hit if you're trying to get OUT of a slump.

[Kc61]

Maybe in a week or so we will see Gomes hitting in the #2 spot. Nice place for that high OBP :laugh:.

Can everybody hit second?

Let's see, Bruce; Gomes; Phillips when Rolen returns; Hanigan (to some).

Maybe they can all take turns hitting second.

And, of course, Adam Dunn.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto lines out to right. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

:jump: GONE! Phillips! 3-3 ballgame.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips homers to right! Tie game 3-3.

[Cedric]

Brandon has been so good this year. A few hitters on this team could learn from that approach.

[Big Klu]

Congratulations to Brandon Phillips, who just tied Frank McCormick for 20th place on the Reds' all-time home run list!


Updated Reds HR list (players in italics are active):

Reds All-Time Home Run Leaders
1. Johnny Bench - 389
2. Frank Robinson - 324
3. Tony Perez - 287
4. Adam Dunn - 270
5. Ted Kluszewski - 251
6. George Foster - 244
7. Ken Griffey, Jr. - 210
8. Eric Davis - 203
9. Barry Larkin - 198
10. Vada Pinson - 186
11. Wally Post - 172
12. Gus Bell - 160
13. Joe Morgan - 152
13. Pete Rose - 152
15. Lee May - 147
16. Dan Driessen - 133
17. Reggie Sanders - 125
18. Ernie Lombardi - 120
19. Sean Casey - 118
20. Frank McCormick - 110
20. Brandon Phillips - 110
22. Dave Parker - 107
23. Chris Sabo - 104
24. Dave Concepcion - 101
25. Gordy Coleman - 98

[_Sir_Charles_]

Gomes down swinging.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[NC Reds]

Gomes needs some pine time.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hanigan grounds out to 2nd. 3-3 after 6.

[RFS62]

Why would anyone ever throw Gomes a fastball?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Has anybody noticed that nobody seems to be getting on Rolen or Hanigan for THEIR struggles at the dish this year? Gomes seems to be this years whipping boy. Oh well. He's deserving it currently...but so are others IMO.

[GAC]

Gomes down swinging.

Did he take anybody with him? :D

[Cedric]

Has anybody noticed that nobody seems to be getting on Rolen or Hanigan for THEIR struggles at the dish this year? Gomes seems to be this years whipping boy. Oh well. He's deserving it currently...but so are others IMO.

Rolen played like 15 games and obviously has a track record. Hanigan is a backup catcher who provides something other than his stick.

Gomes shouldn't even be on the roster because you can't trust Dusty to use him right.

[Reds Fanatic]

Dobbs singles to right. His 3rd hit today.

[GAC]

Man! That was a meatball pitch to Dobbs

[Kc61]

Has anybody noticed that nobody seems to be getting on Rolen or Hanigan for THEIR struggles at the dish this year? Gomes seems to be this years whipping boy. Oh well. He's deserving it currently...but so are others IMO.

Gomes is hitting in the middle of the order and is now around .192. He deserves all the criticism he is getting.

It looks as if his eye is well off the ball because he is swinging so hard.

C'mon Bronson.

[Quatitos]

Has anybody noticed that nobody seems to be getting on Rolen or Hanigan for THEIR struggles at the dish this year? Gomes seems to be this years whipping boy. Oh well. He's deserving it currently...but so are others IMO.

All 3 seem to be having unlucky BABIP streaks sitting around .200, hopefully it all fixes itself out soon. I also think Gomes stats will improve when he has a lefty to spell him against tough righties, because there currently isn't anyone on the team to do it currently.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo gives up his 3rd homer today as Buck homers to right. 5-3 Marlins.

[GAC]

2 run Hr by Buck 5-3 Fish

Man! Is the ball carrying or what today?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Rolen played like 15 games and obviously has a track record. Hanigan is a backup catcher who provides something other than his stick.

Gomes shouldn't even be on the roster because you can't trust Dusty to use him right.

So, Rolen gets a pass because of his history...ignoring the fact that he's aging and quite unlikely to approach his old career numbers.

So, Hanigan gets a pass because he's a good defensive player (and I'm not buying the "back up" title)

So, Gomes doesn't get a pass even though he's hit alot of dingers and knocked in the most runs on the club.

I'll drop it because its obvious that people want to blame somebody for the clubs' problems. Regardless of the fact that it's an accumulation of several players not playing well and slumping with some injuries tossed into the mix. But Gomes is a good target I guess.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bonifacio walks

[Cedric]

So, Rolen gets a pass because of his history...ignoring the fact that he's aging and quite unlikely to approach his old career numbers.

So, Hanigan gets a pass because he's a good defensive player (and I'm not buying the "back up" title)

So, Gomes doesn't get a pass even though he's hit alot of dingers and knocked in the most runs on the club.

I'll drop it because its obvious that people want to blame somebody for the clubs' problems. Regardless of the fact that it's an accumulation of several players not playing well and slumping with some injuries tossed into the mix. But Gomes is a good target I guess.

You are missing the point. Nobody thinks Hanigan or Rolen shouldn't be on the roster. They are going to get more leeway than Gomes.

Gomes isn't good is why he's a target.

[Quatitos]

So, Rolen gets a pass because of his history...ignoring the fact that he's aging and quite unlikely to approach his old career numbers.

So, Hanigan gets a pass because he's a good defensive player (and I'm not buying the "back up" title)

So, Gomes doesn't get a pass even though he's hit alot of dingers and knocked in the most runs on the club.

I'll drop it because its obvious that people want to blame somebody for the clubs' problems. Regardless of the fact that it's an accumulation of several players not playing well and slumping with some injuries tossed into the mix. But Gomes is a good target I guess.

And with people complaining about Gomes batting fifth, who behind him do you want moved up right now? Your current candidates are Hanigan, Janish, and Valaika.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nolasco sacrifices the runner to 2nd. 1 out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

You are missing the point. Nobody thinks Hanigan or Rolen shouldn't be on the roster. They are going to get more leeway than Gomes.

Gomes isn't good is why he's a target.

You're entitled to your opinion. I simply don't agree with it. Gomes DOES deserve to be on this roster IMO. And it's not even close. He should, however, be in a platoon situation and be hitting in a different slot with him struggling right now. To each his own.

[Reds Fanatic]

Coghlan strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[Quatitos]

You're entitled to your opinion. I simply don't agree with it. Gomes DOES deserve to be on this roster IMO. And it's not even close. He should, however, be in a platoon situation and be hitting in a different slot with him struggling right now. To each his own.


Split G GS PA AB H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS BAbip tOPS+ sOPS+
vs RHP as RHB 24 85 66 11 2 0 4 10 3 1 15 23 .167 .329 .379 .708 .171 72 109
vs LHP as RHB 9 19 14 5 1 0 2 7 2 0 5 3 .357 .526 .857 1.383 .333 229 258
vs LH Starter 5 5 24 19 7 1 0 2 7 2 0 5 7 .368 .500 .737 1.237 .500 196 241
vs RH Starter 20 18 80 61 9 2 0 4 10 3 1 15 19 .148 .325 .377 .702 .125 70 99


Agreed on the platoon and spot in the order, unfortunately no one is hitting good enough to give him a platoon partner or to get him lower in the order.

[Cedric]

You're entitled to your opinion. I simply don't agree with it. Gomes DOES deserve to be on this roster IMO. And it's not even close. He should, however, be in a platoon situation and be hitting in a different slot with him struggling right now. To each his own.

With someone else managing I would agree. Dusty has no clue how to use Gomes.

[Reds Fanatic]

Infante strikes out swinging. 5-3 Marlins mid 7th

[Kc61]

I blame the starting pitching, Gomes' hitting, and Rolen's injury in that order for the Reds' mediocre play.

[Quatitos]

With someone else managing I would agree. Dusty has no clue how to use Gomes.

What would you suggest he do with him right now? Lets start Hermida who is doing amazing :eek:. Or lets move him down in the order and Hanigan and Janish can bat in front of him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Agreed on the platoon and spot in the order, unfortunately no one is hitting good enough to give him a platoon partner or to get him lower in the order.

Very true. Thus the problem. I think we keep things as they are currently until Bruce is TRULY in sync. Once that happens...then re-juggle as needed. The occasional start by Heisey may help as well. A couple days off for Gomes may be just what the swing-doctor ordered. He's had 2 games off this year thus far.

And as silly as it sounds off the top of your head, Gomes in the 2 slot for a week may actually be beneficial. Sounds strange...but the more I think about it, the more I think it may help in the long run. It'll never happen though.

Lewis is a possibility, but he hasn't really impressed either (same as Hermida).

[Kc61]

What would you suggest he do with him right now? Lets start Hermida who is doing amazing :eek:. Or lets move him down in the order and Hanigan and Janish can bat in front of him.

I would bring Freddy Lewis up right now, for Hermida, and start him against righty pitching.

Lewis has been playing every day in the minors, let's get him up even if he could use a bit more rehab.

I also would consider Sappelt, who apparently has a slight injury now. If Gomes continues this funk, I'd bring up Sappelt too.

Look Gomes is hitting .190. Can't have that in the starting lineup, especially for a non-defensive player.

Whether it's fair or not, you can't have a .190 hitter playing LF.

[Cedric]

I would bring Freddy Lewis up right now, for Hermida, and start him against righty pitching.

Lewis has been playing every day in the minors, let's get him up even if he could use a bit more rehab.

I also would consider Sappelt, who apparently has a slight injury now. If Gomes continues this funk, I'd bring up Sappelt too.

Look Gomes is hitting .190. Can't have that in the starting lineup, especially for a non-defensive player.

Whether it's fair or not, you can't have a .190 hitter playing LF.

I would start you against RHP before Gomes. He can't field and he can't hit against RHP. What exactly does he bring?

[Reds Fanatic]

Janish doubles down the left field line.

[GAC]

Janish with a leadoff dbl

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish continues the double-fest. :O)

[Quatitos]

Very true. Thus the problem. I think we keep things as they are currently until Bruce is TRULY in sync. Once that happens...then re-juggle as needed. The occasional start by Heisey may help as well. A couple days off for Gomes may be just what the swing-doctor ordered. He's had 2 games off this year thus far.

I think what you do when Bruce is ready to move out of the 2 spot, put Rolen/Gomes in there since it could benefit both of them to get out of their struggles and see better pitches. Phillips is doing an excellent job in the #4 spot so you move Bruce behind him into #5 and you get a much better lineup.

[Reds Fanatic]

Valaika flies out to center. 1 out.

[GAC]

I would bring Freddy Lewis up right now, for Hermida, and start him against righty pitching.

Lewis has been playing every day in the minors, let's get him up even if he could use a bit more rehab.

I also would consider Sappelt, who apparently has a slight injury now. If Gomes continues this funk, I'd bring up Sappelt too.

Look Gomes is hitting .190. Can't have that in the starting lineup, especially for a non-defensive player.

Whether it's fair or not, you can't have a .190 hitter playing LF.

Agree. Where's Heisey? Too valuable to take off the bench?

[GAC]

I think what you do when Bruce is ready to move out of the 2 spot, put Rolen/Gomes in there since it could benefit both of them to get out of their struggles and see better pitches. Phillips is doing an excellent job in the #4 spot so you move Bruce behind him into #5 and you get a much better lineup.

I've always wanted Bruce in the #2 spot.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hermida pinch hitting. I have to leave if anyone wants to do PBP.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think what you do when Bruce is ready to move out of the 2 spot, put Rolen/Gomes in there since it could benefit both of them to get out of their struggles and see better pitches. Phillips is doing an excellent job in the #4 spot so you move Bruce behind him into #5 and you get a much better lineup.

Yep. The bad part of that is that while it may help that individual player, it may hurt the club for the short term. Worse hitting players in front of Votto. Fewer opportunities for him to cause damage. It's a tough problem and one I don't envy Dusty with. (same with the starting rotation quandary)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hermida pinch hitting. I have to leave if anyone wants to do PBP.

I got it RF. Girls outside playing. Thanks.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hermida grounded out to 1st. Janish to 3rd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Stubbs K's swinging. Janish stranded. 5-3 Fish heading to 8.

[GAC]

Stubbs Ks and looks bad doing so. Geez

[Quatitos]

Yep. The bad part of that is that while it may help that individual player, it may hurt the club for the short term. Worse hitting players in front of Votto. Fewer opportunities for him to cause damage. It's a tough problem and one I don't envy Dusty with. (same with the starting rotation quandary)

I think so far Bruce into the 2 spot and Phillips into the 4 spot has helped the club overall. Phillips is still raking and Bruce has become much more productive. Assuming Phillips keeps it up, if you can get either Rolen or Gomes out of their funk by putting them in front of Votto, its a huge addition to the team overall. But yes, if any of those moves ends up hurting the team overall, Dusty will get bashed for messing with the order and over managing or not understanding how to properly use a player or some other nonsense.

[Wheelhouse]

Ack. Stubbs chases a bowled ball.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Masset in for Bronson.

[Kc61]

I think so far Bruce into the 2 spot and Phillips into the 4 spot has helped the club overall. Phillips is still raking and Bruce has become much more productive. Assuming Phillips keeps it up, if you can get either Rolen or Gomes out of their funk by putting them in front of Votto, its a huge addition to the team overall. But yes, if any of those moves ends up hurting the team overall, Dusty will get bashed for messing with the order and over managing or not understanding how to properly use a player or some other nonsense.

Rolen doesn't need to hit second. He'll be fine, just get him healthy.

Gomes hitting second? Only if he promises never to swing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice pick by Janish. 1 down.

[GAC]

Janish! Mercy! Mercy!

[Cedric]

I think so far Bruce into the 2 spot and Phillips into the 4 spot has helped the club overall. Phillips is still raking and Bruce has become much more productive. Assuming Phillips keeps it up, if you can get either Rolen or Gomes out of their funk by putting them in front of Votto, its a huge addition to the team overall. But yes, if any of those moves ends up hurting the team overall, Dusty will get bashed for messing with the order and over managing or not understanding how to properly use a player or some other nonsense.

It's absolutely not nonsense to realize Gomes shouldn't play against RHP. In fact it's pretty obvious to anyone with the data in front of them.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sanchez grounds back to Masset. Nick throws a 2 seam fastball to Joey. Around 91 mph I think. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Stanton pounds one. 6-3.

[GAC]

Stanton HR off Massett

6-3 now

[Quatitos]

It's absolutely not nonsense to realize Gomes shouldn't play against RHP. In fact it's pretty obvious to anyone with the data in front of them.

It'd be nice if you read what I said :-P. There is not really anyone on the 25 man roster right now to platoon with Gomes.

[_Sir_Charles_]

4 pitch walk to Dobbs. Shake that dinger off Nick. Get back into it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single for Buck. Hmmmm...not looking good for Nick right now. 1st run he'd allowed in last 7 or 8 outings.

[_Sir_Charles_]

1st & 2nd, 2 down...Bonifacio up.

[GAC]

Cards, Brewers, and Cubs all lost

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cubs lost already? I thought they were in the 7th inning or so.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dinger. Crud. 9-3 Fish. Bonifacio blows the game open.

[GAC]

Good bye

9-3

[jojo]

That was not a good pitch....

[GAC]

Cubs lost already? I thought they were in the 7th inning or so.

You're right. Sorry

[_Sir_Charles_]

Everything is middle of the zone or up. Not a good sign for Masset. He needs to be working down, down and further down.

[WVRedsFan]

Good grief. Masssett back to his old (early season) self. Game over.

Bullpen = fail.

Glad I had no TV today. Seeing it would have been painful.

[GAC]

It seems a routine FB wil go out today..... but we can't even get that LOL

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pirates set to pin an "L" on Ubaldo. Two 4 run innings, Buccos up 8-4 on Rocks.

[GAC]

Whew Johnny!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fly out to Gomes to end the inning. He made it interesting, but he caught it. *grin*

[WVRedsFan]

"He turned it into an adventure, but he caught it." -- Marty B.

[Kc61]

Masset is losing the title "closer in waiting." Just an awful outing.

[_Sir_Charles_]

"He turned it into an adventure, but he caught it." -- Marty B.

I'd say he nailed that one. :O)

[BCubb2003]

"He turned it into an adventure, but he caught it." -- Marty B.

"Nice play by Jonny Gomes." -- Thom B.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choate in for the Marlins.

Bruce, Votto & Phillips

[WebScorpion]

Yikes! :eek: I went away for a snack and it was 6-3...now it's 9-3?? Masset brought his gas can tonight, I guess. :(

[_Sir_Charles_]

"Nice play by Jonny Gomes." -- Thom B.

LOL. Did he REALLY say that?

[BCubb2003]

LOL. Did he REALLY say that?

Yes.

[WVRedsFan]

Masset is losing the title "closer in waiting." Just an awful outing.When I said this earlier,the multitudes told me that he did this last year and became just fine later. I'm not so sure this will happen this year, but then again, it might. I just know that the waiting is the hardest part according to Tom Petty.

[Quatitos]

LOL. Did he REALLY say that?

The TV broadcasters are generally very positive about Gomes fielding. I will say it has looked better this year, but no where near as good as they think it is.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce K's looking after getting ahead 3-0

Didn't look like he had a clue what to do with Choate

[WVRedsFan]

Bruce K's looking after getting ahead 3-0

Didn't look like he had a clue what to do with Choate

<shakes head>

[_Sir_Charles_]

Votto robbed again. Bonifacio this time.

[BCubb2003]

Bonifacio's first career outside-the-park HR.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pitching change for Phillips.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Btw...for those interested...Ethier extended his hitting streak. And what in the world has gotten into Dustin Moseley? 7 more innings of shutout ball today. Era down to 1.63.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hensley in for the Fish.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips grounds out to 3rd. 1-2-3 go the Reds. 9-3 after 8 full.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fisher in to close it out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff single to right for Coghlan.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Grounder to Valaika. 1 down. Coghlan to 2nd.

Chris is 0 for 3 today, but he's looked VERY good defensively.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanley K's swinging.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sharp hopper back to Fisher. Nice play. 3 down. 9-3 as we head to the bottom of the 9th.

Do the Reds have a 6 run comeback in them?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sanches in for Florida.

[_Sir_Charles_]

High pop out to center for Gomes. 1 down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanny singles to left.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Janish singles to left.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Valaika draws the walk.

Heisey stepping up...but a pitching change may be first. Nope, he's staying in.

[WebScorpion]

Valaika draws the walk.

Heisey on deck...but a pitching change may be first
About time he took the walk...he fouled off ball 3 and ball 5...finally takes ball 6.

[_Sir_Charles_]

A blast over Coghlan's head. Double! 9-5 Fish. Way to step up Hi-C!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nunez coming in.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Men on 2nd & 3rd, 1 down, Stubbs up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Stubbs K's swinging on ball 4.

[_Sir_Charles_]

4 pitch walk to load the bases. MVP walks up to the dish as the tying run.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Joey's 0 for 3. He's due.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Quickly down 0-2

[_Sir_Charles_]

Soft grounder back to the pitcher. Game over. Well, they made it exciting at the end again.

Brantley made a good point earlier. They're not showing any urgency until the 9th inning. Where's that fire the club had last year? Might be time for a team meeting by Dusty again. It certainly worked wonders last year in San Diego.

[WVRedsFan]

Where's the fire? I think there are a few factors that contribute to it.

1. When your starting staff allows runs early putting you in a hole, it demoralizes you.
2. The loss of Scott Rolen's on the field leadership is a big factor.
3. The bullpen has been less than stellar this year. Not to say they're bad, but...
4. I think 2010 and all those come back wins is in their heads.
5. The early loss of Cueto and Bailey.

Just my thoughts. When you're down 3 runs in the 2nd inning (or whatever) and come back only to have the bullpen fail, it can't help.

[reds44]

It's tough to have energy when you're constantly playing from behind. Look at the 5 game winning streak to start the year. Other than the first game, we were almost always playing with a lead.