Reds at Astros (5/10/11)

[Homer Bailey]

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

[OesterPoster]

Astros' transaction for today. Goodbye to the Barber of Seville.

Houston Astros designated RHP Nelson Figueroa for assignment.
Houston Astros recalled Sergio Escalona from Oklahoma City RedHawks.

[NJReds]

I would've preferred to see Lewis back in LF against the right-hander, but I guess Dusty isn't going with a straight platoon.

[Degenerate39]

What's wrong with Janish?

[Big Klu]

What's wrong with Janish?

Sprained ankle.

[_Sir_Charles_]

What's wrong with Janish?

Could "probably" play today, but as usual with Dusty...he'll give him an extra day or two. Truthfully, I'd be surprised if we see him in the Houston series. He's already made it clear that he likes the Renteria match ups with the next 2 pitchers. The only thing that's making Dusty ponder using Janish is that he's from Houston. Still...we'll see him first vs. St. Louis I'd wager.

[reds44]

There's a new account on twitter, I suggest you give it a follow. Ehehe

I can't post it on here because the language messed it up, but look up Whiny*****es

[edabbs44]

Could "probably" play today, but as usual with Dusty...he'll give him an extra day or two. Truthfully, I'd be surprised if we see him in the Houston series. He's already made it clear that he likes the Renteria match ups with the next 2 pitchers. The only thing that's making Dusty ponder using Janish is that he's from Houston. Still...we'll see him first vs. St. Louis I'd wager.

Dusty's comments make me think Janish tomorrow and Rolen Friday.

[edabbs44]

Drew with the leadoff walk. Then almost gets picked off by the catcher. Renteria ahead 3-0 on Myers.

[reds44]

Back to back walks to start the game.

[edabbs44]

ER with the BB. 2 on for Joey.

[reds44]

Good start.

[edabbs44]

JV with a double down the RF line. 1-0 good guys, 2nd and 3rd.

[hebroncougar]

Wow........how did Renteria not score on that?

[Homer Bailey]

Votto will hit a 2 run double here.

Edit: I now see that my phone is way behind the actual action, and again my prediction fails.

[edabbs44]

Votto will hit a 2 run double here.

huh?

[edabbs44]

BP with a GO. Run scores, JV to 3rd. 2-0 good guys.

[reds44]

That was a BOMB.

[Homer Bailey]

huh?

I edited. I guess my phone is way behind the actual action.

[Plus Plus]

Bruce with a two run shot into the second deck in right field.

[edabbs44]

JB bomb to RF. 4-0 good guys. Myers getting smacked around.

[paintmered]

Darn those rally killers ;)

[Homer Bailey]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce

[reds44]

Gomes is still awful

[paintmered]

Miggy keeps the hit train a moving.

[LvJ]

The yahoo feed isn't showing outs. :/

- D. Stubbs walked
- E. Renteria walked, D. Stubbs to second
- J. Votto doubled to shallow right, D. Stubbs scored, E. Renteria to third
- B. Phillips singled to shortstop, E. Renteria scored, J. Votto to third
- J. Bruce homered to deep right, J. Votto scored
- M. Cairo singled to left

weird.

[Captain Hook]

If Myers can't last more then a few innings the Reds could really put up some runs tonight.The Stros BP is horrible.

[edabbs44]

The yahoo feed isn't showing outs. :/

- D. Stubbs walked
- E. Renteria walked, D. Stubbs to second
- J. Votto doubled to shallow right, D. Stubbs scored, E. Renteria to third
- B. Phillips singled to shortstop, E. Renteria scored, J. Votto to third
- J. Bruce homered to deep right, J. Votto scored
- M. Cairo singled to left

weird.

Dusty is manipulating history to make JG look better.

[edabbs44]

Hanigan was about 5 days late on strike 3. good start for cincy.

[LvJ]

Dusty is manipulating history to make JG look better.:lol:

[edabbs44]

GO to BP.
Popup to JV, over the shoulder.

2 down.

[edabbs44]

Homer looking solid. 1-2 count on Hunter.

[reds44]

Serious question, how does Bailey's "stuff" compare to Volquez's? Everyone says Volquez has ace potential, but couldn't you say the same about Homer?

[edabbs44]

Lineout to Stubbs. 3 down.

[LvJ]

I like where this game is going.

[edabbs44]

Serious question, how does Bailey's "stuff" compare to Volquez's? Everyone says Volquez has ace potential, but couldn't you say the same about Homer?

Plenty of pitchers have great "stuff". The difference is harnessing your "stuff" and being able to pitch.

[paintmered]

Homer gets a hit. Awesomesauce.

[reds44]

Plenty of pitchers have great "stuff". The difference is harnessing your "stuff" and being able to pitch.
That wasn't what I asked, but thanks.

[reds44]

Myers is getting hit boobies lit.

[edabbs44]

That wasn't what I asked, but thanks.

The point stands...everyone rubs to Edinson's "stuff" but it really doesn't make a damn of a difference if you have no idea how to pitch. The same could be said for Homer.

But to answer your question, going by the definition, I'm not sure that Homer's "stuff" is s potent as EV's. But he does have some good stuff.

[WebScorpion]

Votto with a double double. 2 innings = 2 doubles = 3 RBIs! :beerme:

Reds 6 - 'Stros 0 :clap:

[VR]

Yikes....two doubles raises Joey's May OpS to .705.

Chrissy gives up 4 hits, 2 runs on 35 pitches in the 1st vs. the Cubs.

[PuffyPig]

For those continually lamenting our lack of offense, we are, right now, leading the major leagues in runs scored.

[nate]

Chat is open and high in fiber!

[reds44]

He is useless.

[Degenerate39]

The only person in baseball who can't get Gomes out is Dusty Baker. And he can't get Gomes out of the lineup

[LvJ]

Gomes is 2-21 in May with two doubles and 1 walk.

[reds44]

Gomes is 2-21 in May with two doubles and 1 walk.
Stunning that his walks have fallen off a cliff.

[WebScorpion]

Jonny has seen 8 pitches in two innings and struck out looking and struck out swinging...only player on the team with two outs in two innings. :(

I'd rather see him sit this whole series. Not only is he scuffling at the plate, but this outfield is too big for him...he's more of a liability out there.

[reds44]

Brett Wallace is going to be huge when it gets older.

[GoReds]

The Reds pitching potential is scary good.

[Superdude]

Serious question, how does Bailey's "stuff" compare to Volquez's? Everyone says Volquez has ace potential, but couldn't you say the same about Homer?

Volquez > Bailey stuff-wise IMO. Volquez has more velocity and movement on his fastball, his changeup is one of the better outpitches in the league, and his breaking ball is real good now as well. Bailey has a slew of nice pitches and much better command of them, but I don't think any of them are true knockout pitches in the vein of Volquez.

[CTA513]

Gomes is 2-21 in May with two doubles and 1 walk.

On April 13th he had a .273 average
Since then hes 9 for his last 68 (.132 average)

[CTA513]

Cairo tries to throw the ball into right field, but Phillips said no to that idea and is able to get the force out at 2nd to end the inning.

[kbrake]

Gomes just earned another week of starts.

[kbrake]

Ok. Nevermind.

[reds44]

Gomes loves making outs.

[Cyclone792]

That just reminded me of Ruben Rivera's baserunning and Jon Miller's call of Ruben Rivera's baserunning.

[Captain Hook]

If the Reds didn't have a 6 run lead I wouldn't have found that so funny.

[fisch11]

I am shocked that Myers got through 5 innings. But then again he may have been a sacrificial lamb out there tonight no matter what.

[WebScorpion]

KKK

[WebScorpion]

Homer looking much like he did in Louisville this earlier season. He's staying very calm and relaxed out there. His motion is soo smooth, he's changing speeds, and location both in & out and eye levels. He's really pitching out there, trusting his defense and not going for the K every at bat. That's the Homer we've always dreamed of. Now if he can learn to do this when he doesn't have his best stuff, we'll have our #1. He's 25 now and finally looking like the guy we all imagined. :clap:

I really like watching him work, it's a shame we won't get to watch him against the Cards this weekend.

71 pitches through 5 innings so far. Still Reds 6 - Stros 0

[WebScorpion]

Stubbs strikes out swinging to lead off the 6th. 1 out.
Renteria draws a 5-pitch walk.
Joey flies out to deeeep left center. Caught at the wall. 2 outs.
Phillips grounds out to third. 3 outs.

After 5.5 innings Reds 6 - Astros 0

[WebScorpion]

Joe Inglett pinch hitting for Myers hits a little flair to left for a leadoff single.
Bourn hits to BP who tags the runner and throws to first for a DP! 2 outs.
Sanchez hits one into the right field corner where Jay Bruce runs it down. 3 outs.

After 6 complete Reds 6 - Astros 0

Bailey at 80 pitches.
Myers at 113 and his night is over.

[WebScorpion]

Top of the 7th.
Lefty Sergio Escalona in to pitch for the Astros. He was just called up tonight.
He walks Bruce on 5 pitches and then they pull him for
Righty Del Rosario.
Jonny Gomes hits a grass cutter right up the 3rd base line and then beats the throw to first.
Cairo gets beaned right on the bone of his left elbow. OUCH!
bases juiced. 0 outs for Manigan who works the count full and drills one to right for an RBI single. Reds 7 - 0
Homer K's looking. 1 out
Stubbs grounds to the first baseman, who throws out Gomes at the plate. 2 outs.
Renteria Ks swinging. 3 outs.

After 6.5 innings, Reds 7 - Houston 0

[CTA513]

That was a waste of a bullpen arm

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the PBP and Inning summaries. I got the Cards game instead of reds game on MLB Network.

[CTA513]

Gomes with a hustle infield single

[CTA513]

Cairo hit on the elbow and the Reds now have bases loaded and 0 outs.

[OesterPoster]

Ouch. Looked like Cairo took one right off the funny bone.

[redsfaninbsg]

Yet another horrible storm is rolling through my neck of the woods; thus, the dish signal is out. The updates are greatly appreciated.

[OesterPoster]

Station-to-station. Still loaded. Games like this are mighty fun.

[GoReds]

Homer looking to one-up Travis...

[Captain Hook]

Reds manage to come up empty after having the bases loaded with 0 outs.:(

[WebScorpion]

Gotta go eat...keep the luck going. :thumbup:

[Captain Hook]

Bailey strikes out Pence for his 4th K of the game.

[Captain Hook]

Lee singles

Wallace hits one off Phillips glove

Runners at 1st and 2nd with 1 out

[Captain Hook]

Bill Hall hit one to Stubbs for the 2nd out of the inning.

Masset warming up

[Captain Hook]

Homer Ks Johnson

I think we'll see Homer for one more.

[Captain Hook]

Sounds like Baileys day is done.

[Caveat Emperor]

I'm eager to see Bailey against better competition, because he's looked very very good thus far.

[Captain Hook]

BTW the Reds pitcher have allowed just 1 run in the last 25 innings.

runners at 2nd and 3rd with 1 out.

Everyones favorite Red at the plate

[Captain Hook]

Gomes strikes out but he did try really hard

[kbrake]

Maybe its only because of the 7-0 lead but I kind of feel bad watching Gomes up there.

[WebScorpion]

Gomes strikes out but he did try really hard
What happened to Jonny Walker? He's swinging at everything just like last season... :bang:

[LoganBuck]

Maybe its only because of the 7-0 lead but I kind of feel bad watching Gomes up there.

It just isn't any fun watching him.

BTW, Houston is just bad. I almost feel bad for them. They are two starting pitchers, three relievers, and three regular position players away from competing. That is a long way away.

[Captain Hook]

Cairo walks

bases loaded for Hanigan

[LoganBuck]

Cairo walks

bases loaded for Hanigan

I think he went too far on that check swing. Advantage good guys.

[Captain Hook]

Hanigan strikes out.2nd inning in a row the Reds leave them loaded.

[WebScorpion]

Hanigan strikes out.2nd inning in a row the Reds leave them loaded.
We've had 20 base runners...it's hard not to leave a few on... :doh:

[LoganBuck]

Heisey sends Gomes to shower

Chapman in

[Caveat Emperor]

In other news, Chapman still looks like the strike zone is speaking English to him.

[Captain Hook]

Chapman in to prove the Reds pitchers do walk people now and then.

[WebScorpion]

Bailey goes 7 full innings on 95 pitches, 63 of them for strikes.
5 Hits, 0 Runs, 0 BBs, 5 Ks. Nice pitching! :clap:

[Captain Hook]

HBP

1st and 2nd no outs:thumbdown:

[CTA513]

Chapman is just trying to get Cordero a save opportunity.

[Homer Bailey]

Pull him. Seriously.

[WebScorpion]

HBP

1st and 2nd no outs:thumbdown:

99mph to the shin...that's gonna leave a mark. :ughmamoru:

[HokieRed]

Should have gotten a few more runs before using Chapman. He needs to be in AAA.

[Captain Hook]

walk

bases loaded

this is just terrible

[HokieRed]

Ridiculous. He's not getting enough work.

[Reds Fanatic]

What has happened to Chapman. I really think he may have to be sent down he has completely lost his control.

[Captain Hook]

Ridiculous. He's not getting enough work.

I agree but the Reds are trying to win games

[Homer Bailey]

Rick Ankiel feels bad for Chapman right now.

[Chip R]

Ball 16.

[Homer Bailey]

This is inexcusable for Dusty to let him face 4 batters.

[LoganBuck]

Time to rethink Aroldis Chapman.

[Caveat Emperor]

His velocity is consistently below 100 MPH.

He has no command.

I really am starting to wonder if he has a knife somewhere in his near future.

[CTA513]

Outstanding performance by Chapman.

[Reds Fanatic]

Chapman is gone without retiring a hitter and not coming even close to the strike zone on most pitches.

[WVRedsFan]

Pitching is fickle, especially among young guys. Witness Volquez, Cueto, and now Chapman (not to mention Leake and Wood). Oh boy.

[The Operator]

Chapman needs to spend some time in AAA. He's too important to be gas canning it up in the big leagues. He needs some serious coaching and reps on the mound right now that The Reds can't afford to do in a pennant chase.

[Captain Hook]

Cubs getting ready to bat in the bottom of the 9th trailing the Cards by 2.If Franklin was still the closer that'd be pretty exciting to watch.

[Homer Bailey]

Awesome, Dusty, Awesome.

[Caveat Emperor]

Rick Ankiel feels bad for Chapman right now.

The name springing immediately to mind for me: Ryan Wagner.

Came up and looked tremendous in his first season (mostly in the second half of the season he was drafted in), then everyone realized that he couldn't throw strikes consistently (especially with his breaking ball) and became totally ineffective as a reliever. Went from being a guy who everyone assumed would close for a decade to being out of baseball now.

Too early to tell, but I'm seeing some of the same stuff from Chapman.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

The ump (McCleland?) seems to have a tiny and inconsistent strike zone tonight.

I knew that was a recipe for disaster as soon as AC came in.

The thing is that he was not really close anyway. He's kind of a mess and needs to work on some things in Louisville.

Great, we see you can throw it over 100. Big deal. Now learn to pitch, please.

[Chip R]

This is inexcusable for Dusty to let him face 4 batters.

Have to find out sometime if he can throw strikes. What better time than a 7-0 game?

[WebScorpion]

If good pitching is contagious, make Chapman sit between Bailey and Cueto. :D

[Quatitos]

Have to find out sometime if he can throw strikes. What better time than a 7-0 game?

An 0-7 game ;)

[The Operator]

Chapman down, Arredondo up would happen by Friday if I had my way.

[Caveat Emperor]

Meanwhile, in other news, Nick Masset is quietly deciding to resume his career as a dominant reliever.

[Homer Bailey]

Have to find out sometime if he can throw strikes. What better time than a 7-0 game?

Not a 7-0 game when he's walked the first 3 he's faced. No reason to let him face the 4th batter.

[Captain Hook]

Nice job by Masset

[Superdude]

Chapman needs to spend some time in AAA. He's too important to be gas canning it up in the big leagues. He needs some serious coaching and reps on the mound right now that The Reds can't afford to do in a pennant chase.

This x1,000. The sparkle has worn off. Chapman's 100+ circus act late in the game isn't selling tickets and he's in no way an effective reliever right now.

Send him back down to the Louisville rotation and restart the development process that was so rudely interrupted last season.

[OesterPoster]

The problem was that Dusty didn't get Masset up until the bases were loaded. Should have had him up after the hit batter, then he could have brought him in after the 2nd walk. Hindsight now, but that's what I was thinking at the time.

[Plus Plus]

Maybe Chapman goes down when Arredondo comes up?

[Reds Fanatic]

Chapman's combined numbers for his last 3 appearances: 1IP, 8BB, 1HBP, 2H, 6ER

[WebScorpion]

This x1,000. The sparkle has worn off. Chapman's 100+ circus act late in the game isn't selling tickets and he's in no way an effective reliever right now.

Send him back down to the Louisville rotation and restart the development process that was so rudely interrupted last season.
+1 :thumbup:

[The Operator]

Chapman's combined numbers for his last 3 appearances: 1IP, 8BB, 1HBP, 2H, 6ERDear Jesus.

I'm thinking he has to be injured. That's just insanely bad control. If he's not, he simply has to go to AAA. That's eye poppingly bad.

[CTA513]

Chapman's combined numbers for his last 3 appearances: 1IP, 8BB, 1HBP, 2H, 6ER

I wonder who would win a Chapman vs Gomes match up.

[kaldaniels]

I wonder who would win a Chapman vs Gomes match up.

It would cause a rip in the space-time continuum.

[WVRedsFan]

Good grief...

[OesterPoster]

Not exactly a "veteran" base move there by Edgar.

[Captain Hook]

Cardinals beat the Cubs 6-4

[Plus Plus]

A wild pitch that deflects perfectly back to the catcher from the backstop leads to Renteria getting picked off of first.

[redsfaninbsg]

Cardinals beat the Cubs 6-4

Will St. Louis ever lose again? I'm just glad the Reds are playing well, if not they would be five out. That series this weekend should be fun.

[WVRedsFan]

Will St. Louis ever lose again? I'm just glad the Reds are playing well, if not they would be five out. That series this weekend should be fun.All I've heard here and elsewhere is the Cardinals aren't that good and with their injury losses, they won't go anywhere. And yet they win, win, win. Especially against us. It must be a curse.

[Plus Plus]

Will St. Louis ever lose again? I'm just glad the Reds are playing well, if not they would be five out. That series this weekend should be fun.

As soon as Berkman and Holliday come down from the land of 1.300 OPS...

[Captain Hook]

Will St. Louis ever lose again? I'm just glad the Reds are playing well, if not they would be five out. That series this weekend should be fun.

Yeah I can't wait.Going to at the game Sunday.Any chance Bailey pitches or is it going to be Wood for sure?

[WebScorpion]

Yeah I can't wait.Going to at the game Sunday.Any chance Bailey pitches or is it going to be Wood for sure?
I hope not. Bailey was having problems coming back on regular rest just a few starts ago. He could probably use the extra day.

[The Operator]

As soon as Berkman and Holliday come down from the land of 1.300 OPS...
Yep. They're riding the high of other wordly performances from 2 guys right now and the law of averages say they're due to regress. Heck, even if they regress to .900 OPS that's going to be a big step back for The Cards offense.

Add in their awful defense and they're due for a pretty good hickup any time now.

[WVRedsFan]

Yep. They're riding the high of other wordly performances from 2 guys right now and the law of averages say they're due to regress. Heck, even if they regress to .900 OPS that's going to be a big step back for The Cards offense.

Add in their awful defense and they're due for a pretty good hickup any time now.So far the predictions of their demise have been highly exaggerated. I expect them to be in the hunt through September. And I really hate that.

[Captain Hook]

I hope not. Bailey was having problems coming back on regular rest just a few starts ago. He could probably use the extra day.

Oh well.I've never seen Wood in person and he's been pitching better.

[redsfaninbsg]

Who is pitching for STL? Lohse/Mcllelan/Carpenter? I just hope they avoid Garcia.

[The Operator]

So far the predictions of their demise have been highly exaggerated. I expect them to be in the hunt through September. And I really hate that.I understand your concern and they will be in the hunt all year, but Holliday and Berkman are going to regress - it's a matter of when, not if.

The Reds are only 1 game back and just got Bailey and Cueto back. Bruce is just now heating up and Dusty has been giving all kinds of ABs in LF to a .180 hitter. Get somebody else in LF and let Homer and Cueto due their thing... I like our chances.

[Reds Fanatic]

By the way just to follow up on these numbers as I said these are Chapman's last 3 appearances: 1IP, 8BB, 1HBP, 2H, 6ER

In his first 12 appearances: 11.2 IP, 4H, 8 BB, 0ER

So he went from an ERA of 0.00 and a WHIP of 1.029 in his first 12 appearances to an ERA of 54.00 and a WHIP of 10 in this last 3 appearances.

He is either hurt or has developed some horrible mental block that is causing him to not have any control.

[Captain Hook]

Would Masset got a SV if he had finished the game?

[Plus Plus]

No, the winning run was in the hole, not on deck.

[WebScorpion]

and this one belongs to the REDS!!!

[Tornon]

Would Masset got a SV if he had finished the game?

No, but if someone came in once he gave up the hit to Pence it would have been a save situation

[CTA513]

Bray lowers his ERA to 0.69

[Reds Fanatic]

Who is pitching for STL? Lohse/Mcllelan/Carpenter? I just hope they avoid Garcia.

Cardinals have not listed starters yet. Unless the Cardinals have a rainout before the Reds series they will avoid Garcia this time as he is scheduled to pitch Thursday. Carpenter should go on Sunday.

The Reds starters will be Arroyo Friday, Cueto Saturday and Wood Sunday

[The Operator]

Cardinals have not listed starters yet. Unless the Cardinals have a rainout before the Reds series they will avoid Garcia this time as he is scheduled to pitch Thursday. Carpenter should go on Sunday.

The Reds starters will be Arroyo Friday, Cueto Saturday and Wood SundayI bet they shift their rotation to have Garcia face us. They did it every single time last year.

[Tony Cloninger]

Cubs had Carp at 35 pitches int he 1st....... walks Castro on 4...then G Soto swings at a pitch at his head almost, inside....I kid you not...it was horrible AB and he pops it up.

13 hits in 7 innings and all the Cubs could do was let him pitch into the 7th...and only score 4 runs.

[reds44]

YouTube - DJ Khaled "All I Do Is Win" feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain & Snoop Dogg / Victory In Stores Now (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGXzlRoNtHU)

[CTA513]

Astros are turning off the lights while Jim Day is interviewing Bailey on the sidelines.

[Tony Cloninger]

Awesome, Dusty, Awesome.


Man people here confound me to no end.......Chapman had not worked in a few days and you expect him to not let him at least face a few batters with a 7-0 lead? Good grief.

[WebScorpion]

Bray lowers his ERA to 0.69
Which is now identical to Bailey's ERA! :eek: Weird.
Bailey is also only one win behind the team leaders Arroyo, Volquez, and Leake who have 3 each. ;)

[Caveat Emperor]

Astros are turning off the lights while Jim Day is interviewing Bailey on the sidelines.

Of all the pitchers on the Reds staff, Bailey is probably the one I root for the most. For me, he represents the first true organization-arm that broke the trend of awful starting pitching development in Cincinnati. He represents, for me, the long journey away from watching guys like Chris Gruler, Thomas Pauley, Richie Gardner et. al. exploding on their way through the minors.

I really hope Bailey puts it all together this year and can stay at the top of the Reds rotation for a long time.

[Homer Bailey]

Man people here confound me to no end.......Chapman had not worked in a few days and you expect him to not let him at least face a few batters with a 7-0 lead? Good grief.

The guy had thrown 13 balls and 3 strikes. He got to face a few batters, and he hadn't gotten an out in the last 6 batters he's faced. He can't be trusted right now, and it almost cost the Reds.

[Tony Cloninger]

The guy had thrown 13 balls and 3 strikes. He got to face a few batters, and he hadn't gotten an out in the last 6 batters he's faced. He can't be trusted right now, and it almost cost the Reds.

Even if the next guy hit a GS it's still 7-4 and I doubt the Astros would be lucky enough to score another run.

I am not happy either......and hope that Price figures out what is wrong ...but Baker is in a tough position not to get down on the guy ...while not letting the game get away.

4-0 and he probably only gets 2 batters at best.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce with a two run shot into the second deck in right field.

I called this one to my daughter at the game. I actually said he'd hit the big budweiser sign in right but that I might be asking for a bit much. So he hit it a bit lower. :O)

One other highlight of the night that it looks like many here missed. Towards the end of the game, after a ground ball thrown to Votto at first base, Joey then proceeds to start to throw the ball around the horn. He slings it to Renteria...the problem, there was an Astro runner on third base. As soon as Joey threw it he knew. The great thing was Phillips...he was grinning from ear to ear and ribbing Joey quite a bit. Votto was quite embarrassed. Funny stuff. Brandon's hilarious.

Last thing (besides the Cuban Missile Crisis...good lord he was HORRID) was Homer...he looked phenomenal. Just in total command and a pleasure to watch.

[Ron Madden]

Dusty's comments make me think Janish tomorrow and Rolen Friday.

I agree.

[Ron Madden]

Serious question, how does Bailey's "stuff" compare to Volquez's? Everyone says Volquez has ace potential, but couldn't you say the same about Homer?

It all comes down to putting that stuff where you want it on a consistent basis.

Edinson and Homer have great stuff, command of that stuff has been the question so far for both of them.

If either or both of them gain control of their stuff... Watch Out NL Central.

[Ron Madden]

Chapman down, Arredondo up would happen by Friday if I had my way.

Agreed. IMHO Leake, Chapman and LeCure should be in Louisville starting every five days, Let these guys learn how to pitch in AAA by increasing their pitch counts and innings pitched. Middle Relievers are very volatile and no where near as hard to find as Starters. If Walt doesn't like what he sees, AAA starters have more trade value than middle or long relievers.

[Ron Madden]

Pitching is fickle, especially among young guys. Witness Volquez, Cueto, and now Chapman (not to mention Leake and Wood). Oh boy.

The game of baseball in and of it's self is very fickle, as are most fans of the sport.

[Ron Madden]

Bray lowers his ERA to 0.69

Better than Arthur Rhodes so far this season and a hell of a lot cheaper.

It just goes back to the fact that relief pitching is very volatile and very often over rated.

[Ron Madden]

Baker: Minors not an option for Chapman.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2011/05/11/baker-minors-not-option-for-chapman/

[cumberlandreds]

I really think Chapman may be hurt. His velocity isn't the same and his pitches are just all over the place. I wouldn't be surprised to see him go on the DL by Friday and bring up Arrendondo.
Gomes needs to sit. He can't hit his way out of a phone booth. Dusty needs to play Lewis or Heisey in LF for the forseeable future.
Great two starts by Homer. He's proved he can pitch against the Astros now lets see what he can do against the rest of the NL. I think he will do just fine.

[Redsfan320]

What dooo you know- Reds win!

Now let's sweep!

320

[Sea Ray]

Baker: Minors not an option for Chapman.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2011/05/11/baker-minors-not-option-for-chapman/

I don't understand what makes Chapman so special that the minors are not an option. It certainly should be an option. Right now he's dead space on an increasingly tight roster