5/17/11: Baby Bears @ Reds (ie "Reds go for sweep" or "Edinson looks for consistancy"

[medford]

CF, Stubbs
SS, Janish
1b, Votto
2b, Phillips
RF, Bruce
3b, Rolen
LF, Lewis
C, Hernandez
P, Voltron

[medford]

An East to West weather pattern looks like things will be dicey from about opening pitch till about 10:00. I don't know if it will be light enough to get things going or not, but probably not a good night to be sitting in the ballpark if they even have a game. Of course, it was weather similar to this that proceeded a solid outing from Tom Browning some years ago along with a lengthy delay. Perhaps this is the thing that Edinson needs to get in line.

[REDREAD]

Oh well, at least if we lose this one, maybe Dusty will stop thinking that Janish batting #2 is some kind of good luck charm. Other than that, the lineup looks good.

I have to say, I'm very pessemistic about this game. Hopefully Edison can find himself.

[Chip R]

I have to say, I'm very pessemistic about this game. Hopefully Edison can find himself.

You think the light bulb will go on for him? ;)

[OesterPoster]

I'm looking at the radar loop, and man...it's UGLY. I can't remember too many times when the rain comes from the east. That's weird.

[traderumor]

I read the thread title real quick and thought it said Volquez looking for continency. Seemed counterproductive to the claimed usage of the banned substance last year. Glad I misread that ;)

[_Sir_Charles_]

You think the light bulb will go on for him? ;)

:clap: Well done. Way to make excellent use of a typo. :O)

[REDREAD]

You think the light bulb will go on for him? ;)

:lol: good one Chip..

[_Sir_Charles_]

:lol: good one Chip..

Wouldn't have worked if you hadn't left out the "n". :O)

[Homer Bailey]

Dusty fills out a lineup card way too superstitiously. The fact that he won't move Janish out of the 2 hole because we've won four in a row despite is absolutely indefensible. Paul Janish has a .275 OBP and a .579 OPS. Hitting in front of the MVP. UGH. Absolutely pathetic.

(Queue the Janish 2 for 4 night).

[Screwball]

Dusty fills out a lineup card way too superstitiously. The fact that he won't move Janish out of the 2 hole because we've won four in a row despite is absolutely indefensible. Paul Janish has a .275 OBP and a .579 OPS. Hitting in front of the MVP. UGH. Absolutely pathetic.

(Queue the Janish 2 for 4 night).

Not anymore. You just unjinxed the jinx.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I like Dusty (I feel I need to throw that disclaimer in there) but he just doesn't get it when it comes to constructing lineups. Why Janish in the two-hole? Yes, there is no logical explanation. Fred Lewis should clearly be batting second, Ramon should be batting seventh and Janish should be batting eighth. How can Dusty possibly not see this? He bats one of his best hitters eighth and one of his worst second? Nice.

[Captain Hook]

I like Dusty (I feel I need to throw that disclaimer in there) but he just doesn't get it when it comes to constructing lineups. Why Janish in the two-hole? Yes, there is no logical explanation. Fred Lewis should clearly be batting second, Ramon should be batting seventh and Janish should be batting eighth. How can Dusty possibly not see this? He bats one of his best hitters eighth and one of his worst second? Nice.

The only thing I can think of is that Dusty likes the sac bunt so much and with Stubbs getting on base almost half the time here recently Janish is the perfect guy to bunt him over so Joey can knock him in.Not that I agree but that's the only reasonable thing I can think of.

[Puffy]

I like Dusty (I feel I need to throw that disclaimer in there) but he just doesn't get it when it comes to constructing lineups. Why Janish in the two-hole? Yes, there is no logical explanation. Fred Lewis should clearly be batting second, Ramon should be batting seventh and Janish should be batting eighth. How can Dusty possibly not see this? He bats one of his best hitters eighth and one of his worst second? Nice.

Maybe he thinks he is going to need Janish to hit because he is the main SS for the rest of the year so since he feels Rolen isn't ready to go back to fourth he puts Janish there so he sees mostly fastballs while hitting in front of Votto. And that could get him back to respectability before he moves him back to 8th? Especially since Phillips is killing it at 4 for time being so he is in no rush to move Rolen up?

Maybe? And this coming from the biggest non-Janish supporter on the board (me, not you).......

[WVRedsFan]

Ball one

[reds44]

Well this should be good.

[Homer Bailey]

The only thing I can think of is that Dusty likes the sac bunt so much and with Stubbs getting on base almost half the time here recently Janish is the perfect guy to bunt him over so Joey can knock him in.Not that I agree but that's the only reasonable thing I can think of.

You mean Janish sac bunt so Votto can get intentionally walked?

There really is no justification for it. I'm sure there is Dustification though.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No pbp from me tonight guys. Heading to my daughter's B-day party. Chuck-e-cheese. Have pity on me. *sigh*

[The Voice of IH]

Volquez just fell behind in the count.

[Homer Bailey]

Wow. The negative nancies are out already tonight, coming off a 4 game win streak, and before anything bad happens. Should be a fun one!

[WVRedsFan]

No pbp from me tonight guys. Heading to my daughter's B-day party. Chuck-e-cheese. Have pity on me. *sigh*

Remember those parties. I'll keep you in my Thoughts and prayers :).

[WVRedsFan]

Unusual request by Joey, but smart!

[The Voice of IH]

Wow. The negative nancies are out already tonight, coming off a 4 game win streak, and before anything bad happens. Should be a fun one!

http://cassiechapman.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/downer.jpg

[reds44]

Time for Volquez to take that bus trip to AAA.

[WVRedsFan]

Wow.

[redsfaninbsg]

I'm so sick of watching Volquez pitch. I dread these games.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Time for Volquez to take that bus trip to AAA.

Okay, who are you and what have you done with Reds44? ;)

[reds44]

http://www.mopupduty.com/t1_willis.jpg

[The Operator]

Remember the last time The Reds lost? I do. It was the last time Volquez pitched.

[Buckeye33]

Belt high inside fast ball to a left handed power hitter? I'd like to know who called that pitch, Hernandez or the bench?

[reds44]

Okay, who are you and what have you done with Reds44? ;)
There's so much I can take. I told you once he reached 100 innings he had to show improvement. He hasn't. I think he's actually gotten worse.

[WVRedsFan]

EV is the anti-ace.

[RedsManRick]

Let's let Ondrusek take Volquez's next start -- Volquez can give us 7 innings in relief.

[edabbs44]

Nice game thread.

[The Operator]

EV is the anti-ace.Well he's definitely pitching like a "stopper" tonight. :)

[redsfaninbsg]

In all seriousness, how do they justify keeping him in the rotation? This is start nine and no improvement has been made.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Unusual request by Joey, but smart!

what happened?

[reds44]

In all seriousness, how do they justify keeping him in the rotation? This is start nine and no improvement has been made.
I will be shocked (unless he settles down in this game) if he gets more than one more start.

If Willis is healthy, he'll get called up.

[The Voice of IH]

A good throw by Hernadez and the inning is over well before the homerun.

[Homer Bailey]

6.23 ERA.

I don't get why they won't try Hanigan catching him again.

[WVRedsFan]

what happened?
Appealed the swing on Castro (I've never seen a first baseman do that in years) And got the strike

[Captain Hook]

EV is the anti-ace.

I wonder how many other teams consider their worse pitcher their ace?

[reds44]

I wonder how many other teams consider their worse pitcher their ace?
The Reds do it every year. Aaron Harang the last few years, and now Edinson Volquez.

[Homer Bailey]

How has Janish taken THREE walks this year?

[reds44]

Janish's glove does not make up for his bat.

I'm sorry, it just doesn't.

[Cooper]

I thought it was a decent throw by ramon. phillips came out to far in front of the bag thinking it was a walk.

[WVRedsFan]

Janish just does not hit well enough to bat second. But you guys knew that.

[reds44]

He doesn't hit well enough to bat 10th lol

[Blitz Dorsey]

I would love for one of the reporters to ask Quade after the game:

"Mike, are you going to send Dusty a thank-you card for batting Janish in the two-hole? Seriously, did you break out in laughter when you saw the Reds' lineup?"

[reds44]

Paul Janish: .250/.275/.304/.579
Player B: .267/.267/.400/.667

Who is player B?

[Homer Bailey]

I'm guessing Leake.

[reds44]

Nope, Leake's OPS was actually worse than Janish. You're close, though.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Paul Janish: .250/.275/.304/.579
Player B: .267/.267/.400/.667

Who is player B?

You don't want me to post Janish's career stats ... including his minor league numbers. There is no rational argument for batting one of the worst hitters on the team second in the lineup. Lewis should be second, Ramon should be seventh and Janish should be eighth. Anyone other than Dusty (who I like other than his construction of lineups) could figure this out.

[Homer Bailey]

Travis Wood.

Bruce about to tie the game.

[reds44]

It's Arroyo.

Wood and Leake both have been awful hitting this year. Well, and pitching for that matter.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Bruce K's.

[Homer Bailey]

Travis Wood has not been awful pitching this year.

[reds44]

Travis Wood has not been awful pitching this year.
He hasn't?

[Blitz Dorsey]

You just can't give out "free outs" like that at the top of your lineup. Heck, I would rather have Ramon batting second than Janish.

[CTA513]

Paul Janish: .250/.275/.304/.579
Player B: .267/.267/.400/.667

Who is player B?

Player C: 250 AVG / .353 OBP / .278 SLG

[jojo]

I get that there is a lot of empty space that the broadcast team needs to fill and that Phillips had a great April at the plate, but do the really believe he just keeps getting better and better at the plate every year?

[reds44]

Player C: 250 AVG / .353 OBP / .278 SLG
Hanley Ramirez? lol

[reds44]

Oh, it's Renteria. Jesus, I thought he'd been better than that.

Show me Jose Reyes!

[Homer Bailey]

He hasn't?

A 3.41 FIP is not terrible in the least bit.

[reds44]

A 3.41 FIP is not terrible in the least bit.
Stathead!!!!!!!1111

[Brutus]

I get that there is a lot of empty space that the broadcast team needs to fill and that Phillips had a great April at the plate, but do the really believe he just keeps getting better and better at the plate every year?

What's wrong about that statement?

His strikeout rate has declined steadily. His walk rate has slowly improved almost every year. He's swinging at fewer pitches out of the zone and he's not trying to hit a 5-run homer every time at the plate.

While the numbers may show only minimal improvement overall, I would say they're absolutely correct about his improvement. He's night and day a better overall hitter now than he was four years ago.

[jojo]

What's wrong about that statement?

His strikeout rate has declined year over year. His walk rate has slowly improved almost every year. He's swinging at fewer pitches out of the zone and he's not trying to hit a 5-run homer every time at the plate.

While the numbers may show only minimal improvement overall, I would say they're absolutely correct about his improvement. He's night and day a better overall hitter now than he was four years ago.

And yet in the aggregate he's still roughly a league average hitter. I'd say this "better and better" narrative is a crock especially in the context which the Cowboy and Thom were waxing poetic...

[Homer Bailey]

Stathead!!!!!!!1111

Facts! Haha.

Seriously, of the guys that started the year in the rotation, he's been the best, and yes that includes Arroyo. The results just haven't quite matched how he's actually performed. He's had about 3 bad starts, but he's been very BABIP unlucky so far (.344 BABIP against).

[reds44]

Hernandez has a .393 OBP and he's hitting 8th.

[Brutus]

And yet in the aggregate he's still roughly a league average hitter. I'd say this "better and better" narrative is a crock especially in the context which the Cowboy and Thom were waxing poetic...

A league average hitter at a position with a lot of below league-average hitters. I think you're parsing the exaggerative effect of the phrase "better and better" a little too much.

Where he's at as a professional, experienced hitter in 2011 is worlds above where he was in 2008. I don't think there's anything false, misleading or exaggerated about that. It's not a narrative, it's a stance that most scouts and professional baseball people would absolutely agree with.

[jojo]

A league average hitter at a position with a lot of below league-average hitters. I think you're parsing the exaggerative effect of the phrase "better and better" a little too much.

Where he's at as a professional, experienced hitter in 2011 is worlds above where he was in 2008. I don't think there's anything false, misleading or exaggerated about that. It's not a narrative, it's a stance that most scouts and professional baseball people would absolutely agree with.

And I think the phrase" getting better and better every year" can be interpreted in a very clear, straightforward manner that a super majority of people would interpret as meaning getting better and better every year which in fact is a narrative not born by his overall offensive value.

[reds44]

Phillips is good.

[Big Klu]

6.23 ERA.

I don't get why they won't try Hanigan catching him again.

I don't put any stock in catcher's ERA (unless one of the catchers involved is a total tree stump behind the plate). Neither Hernandez nor Hanigan are throwing these pitches. Volquez's lack of effectiveness is entirely on himself.

[reds44]

Volquez gon go on a roll now and make me look like a doof.

[Big Klu]

Volquez gon go on a roll now and make me look like a doof.

It doesn't change the fact that Volquez is painting the Reds into a corner in almost every start with his early-inning performance.

[Brutus]

And I think the phrase" getting better and better every year" can be interpreted in a very clear, straightforward manner that a super majority of people would interpret as meaning getting better and better every year which in fact is a narrative not born by his overall offensive value.

Says who? His overall value derived from WAR has improved three years running. How is that not getting better?

I think baseball people would tend to agree with the broadcaster's comments. Anyone watching Phillips' approach at the plate for the last 3-4 years probably should come away thinking he's worlds better now than he was. To me, that's the very epitome of getting "better and better."

[reds44]

What the hell?

[oneupper]

Janish hitting second is just terrible.

[reds44]

I thought that was gone.

[Brutus]

I thought that was gone.

Me three.

[jojo]

Says who? His overall value derived from WAR has improved three years running. How is that not getting better?

No it hasn't. It happened to be 3 for two years running and spiked to four last year largely because his defensive value was 6 runs better while he also had significantly more PA's last season than the two previous. In other words, his higher WAR value last year was not driven by a more productive bat.


I think baseball people would tend to agree with the broadcaster's comments. Anyone watching Phillips' approach at the plate for the last 3-4 years probably should come away thinking he's worlds better now than he was. To me, that's the very epitome of getting "better and better."

I think baseball people might also disagree with the broadcaster's comments. The epitome of getting "better and better" is actually getting better and better.

[CTA513]

Lewis robbed Ramirez of a possible double.

[redsfaninbsg]

Lewis robbed Ramirez of a possible double.

Looked like he got a bad jump on it, glad he was able to make the play.

[jojo]

Lewis robbed Ramirez of a possible double.

Get on base and keep the other guys off the bases....that's what drives pythag.

[WVRedsFan]

It doesn't change the fact that Volquez is painting the Reds into a corner in almost every start with his early-inning performance.

Uh huh. Allow 3 in the first and everything is easier on the opposing pitcher, hitters press to make up the deficit, and fans are less enthusistic. But whatever the problem is, it hasn't been solved.

[reds44]

It is pouring.

[WVRedsFan]

Pray for a rainout

[Brutus]

No it hasn't. It happened to be 3 for two years running and spiked to four last year largely because his defensive value was 6 runs better while he also had significantly more PA's last season than the two previous. In other words, his higher WAR value last year was not driven by a more productive bat.



I think baseball people might also disagree with the broadcaster's comments. The epitome of getting "better and better" is actually getting better and better.

His defense increased by six runs last year but yet he improved his wins above replacement by 10 runs... thusly... he did improve offensively.

And baseball people actually agree with their comments, as baseball people have been saying it a bunch in the past year.

If you are actually watching Reds' games and conclude Phillips isn't so much better as a hitter now than what he was 3-4 years ago, I really don't know what to say. If that's your honest position, I just think you're looking too much at the stats and not what's actually occurring between the lines. Even so, the stats suggest that his hitting portion of WAR has in fact improved the last three years. So even statistically speaking, their comments are right on the money.

[redsfaninbsg]

Pray for a rainout

If it rains out do they start over or does it pick up from the point of stoppage?

[reds44]

If it rains out do they start over or does it pick up from the point of stoppage?
Start over.

[reds44]

We need to tie this/take the lead ASAP.

[jojo]

His defense increased by six runs last year but yet he improved his wins above replacement by 10 runs... thusly... he did improve offensively.

Dude. WAR is a rate stat. His wOBA was actually lower than the previous year but his greater number of PAs created the appearance of an offensive improvement. Jeeps.


And baseball people actually agree with their comments, as baseball people have been saying it a bunch in the past year.

Baseball people say a lot of things and often contradict themselves depending upon the winds of batting average.


If you are actually watching Reds' games and conclude Phillips isn't so much better as a hitter now than what he was 3-4 years ago, I really don't know what to say. If that's your honest position, I just think you're looking too much at the stats and not what's actually occurring between the lines. Even so, the stats suggest that his hitting portion of WAR has in fact improved the last three years. So even statistically speaking, their comments are right on the money.

His overall offensive value has not gotten better and better. It's a fact.

The thing that has increased over the past three years are his PA's...that you're obfuscating that fact is curious....

[Brutus]

Dude. WAR is a rate stat. His wOBA was actually lower than the previous year but his greater number of PAs created the appearance of an offensive improvement. Jeeps.



Baseball people say a lot of things and often contradict themselves depending upon the winds of batting average.



His overall offensive value has not gotten better and better. It's a fact.

The thing that has increased over the past three years are his PA's...that you're obfuscating that fact is curious....

I'm not the one obfuscating anything...

[jojo]

We need to tie this/take the lead ASAP.

At least Garza doesn't seem to be in a hurry.

[CrackerJack]

Please someone plug-up the incredibly obnoxious, annoying insane whistling guy that is driving me crazy on the Fox Sports broadcast.

[jojo]

I'm not the one obfuscating anything...

You're certainly not the one interpreting WAR correctly.

[redsfaninbsg]

Do you consider pinch hitting if they walk Ramon?

[oneupper]

Do you consider pinch hitting if they walk Ramon?

You could but Dusty wont.

[reds44]

LOL holy crap!!

[redsfaninbsg]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

[RedsManRick]

Wow. Go Cubs Go!

[jojo]

Dusty knew that was gonna happen.....

[reds44]

God Volquez nearly got thrown out at first lol

[reds44]

Well, get this run in and get three outs lol

[757690]

To quote the left hander...

"If you have a bat in your hand, you're dangerous."

[RedsManRick]

Garza threw a fastball to home. Pity the unprepared catcher.

[WebScorpion]

We need to tie this/take the lead ASAP.Have any other requests? :laugh:

[reds44]

3 unearned runs on one play lol

[RedsManRick]

And, oh yeah, walks will haunt.

[Degenerate39]

Volquez with an infield triple lol

[GoReds]

LOL@Cubs defense.

[redsfaninbsg]

Really need to put up a zero this inning. A zero here is advantage Reds.

[Tom Servo]

how 'bout that?

[LvJ]

What happened??

[reds44]

What happened??
The game is tied on a ball that never got passed the second baseman.

[redhawkfish]

What happened??

Cubs did every thing but hit the bull mascot on an infield ball, gave the Reds 3 runs.

[LvJ]

Cubs did every thing but hit the bull mascot on an infield ball, gave the Reds 3 runs.
:laugh: Excellent.

[jojo]

Alright this game is getting weird.

[redsfaninbsg]

The field must be in terrible condition.

[reds44]

"God we need a SS."

[nate]

Chat is open!

[757690]

"God we need a SS."

Saying that after Janish makes an error is like saying, "God we need a 1B" after Votto K's.

[jojo]

Saying that after Janish makes an error is like saying, "God we need a 1B" after Votto K's.

But think how much better Votto would be if he didn't K.

[CTA513]

Good job by Volquez to pitch around the error.

[Cedric]

Edinson has been very good tonight. One bad pitch doesn't discount 8 k's and allowing the Reds to get back into this game.

I can't really see how anyone could want to see Leake or LeCure over him.

[jojo]

I love you. You love me. Barney just made out three.

[reds44]

I love you. You love me. Barney just made out three.
LOL!!!

[Cedric]

Thom and the Cowboy love the mid 90's Reds jersey. I had no idea anyone liked the Reds jerseys from the mid 90's. I always thought they were hideous.

[OesterPoster]

I bet Janish leads the league in pop-ups.

[Homer Bailey]

I bet Janish leads the league in pop-ups.

He leads the league in Janish's (yes I started that).

[jojo]

Actually coming into tonight, Janish was tied with Gomes (both had 8 infield pops).

[The Voice of IH]

Is it me, or is Jay Bruce Popping out a lot? I don't mean today, but over the last several days.

[redsfaninbsg]

At some point, the Reds will score an earned run in this game, right?

[oneupper]

Here's a stat: As of start of play today.
Gomes .737 OPS. Pujols .739 OPS

[jojo]

well that wasnt a good pitch....

[jojo]

Is it just me or does Pena look like he's doing the robot in the batters box?

[redsfaninbsg]

Volquez is scared to death to pitch to Pena now.

[redsfaninbsg]

Thank you Mr. Pena.

[jojo]

Pena with a productive out.

[Cedric]

Pena with a productive out.

Not even close. I sense sarcasm.

[Big Klu]

Thom and the Cowboy love the mid 90's Reds jersey. I had no idea anyone liked the Reds jerseys from the mid 90's. I always thought they were hideous.

The gray road uniform from the late 90's/early 00's might have been good if they had ever worn red sleeves and a red cap with them.

[jojo]

Not even close. I sense sarcasm.

I'd take ten more just like them.

[Cedric]

I'd take ten more just like them.

:beerme:

[RedsManRick]

I'd love to see Volquez get through one more inning. I know people are looking at the 9 strikeouts, but I'm loving the 1 BB. If he doesn't walk people, he will be dominant.

[fisch11]

Volkie has owned Byrd tonight. He has pitched really well after that mistake to Pena in the 1st.

[WVRedsFan]

The gray road uniform from the late 90's/early 00's might have been good if they had ever worn red sleeves and a red cap with them.
Loved those uniforms. They were unique. The current ones look like bad pajamas. They're so white, they could pass for the work clothes at a hospital. With the players no longer showing their socks, the lack of red just washes them out.

[reds44]

Anybody hear read the story about Dan Gilbert's son nerve damage disease?

After the draft lottery, Dan Lebatard tweeted this:
@LeBatardShow: Dan gilbert's kid doing gang signs?
4 minutes ago via Echofon

[jojo]

Rolen keeps a rollin'...

[jojo]

that was an ugly double play attempt...

[RedsManRick]

Rolen doesn't mess around. That was one heck of a takeout slide.

[Homer Bailey]

Anybody hear read the story about Dan Gilbert's son nerve damage disease?

After the draft lottery, Dan Lebatard tweeted this:
@LeBatardShow: Dan gilbert's kid doing gang signs?
4 minutes ago via Echofon


Jesus. My bad. Didn't know that. Just tuned in. Had no idea he had a nerve disease. I'm now officially sick to my stomach

[RedsManRick]

Lewis caught stealing by a mile. Must not have had any jump whatsoever.

[reds44]

Homer, that's awful and it has nothing to do with my hatred for the Heat. I actually like(d) Lebatard.

Think before you tweet. You're responsible for what comes out of your mouth (phone).

[RedsManRick]

Anybody hear read the story about Dan Gilbert's son nerve damage disease?

After the draft lottery, Dan Lebatard tweeted this:
@LeBatardShow: Dan gilbert's kid doing gang signs?
4 minutes ago via Echofon

Ridiculous. I'd never heard of the kid but you know something is going on there. I guess they have editors for a reason.

[Homer Bailey]

It's bad, no doubt, but he clearly didn't know. He wasn't making a joke about the guy's disease.

[RedsManRick]

Hernandez with a single to right. Could be 1st and 3rd with one out. I hate caught stealings with a passion.

[reds44]

Cairo just tapped Castillo's shin guards.

Somehow there was no fight.

[RedsManRick]

Cairo just tapped Castillo's shin guards.

Somehow there was no fight.

:lol: was thinking the same thing

[Cedric]

It's bad, no doubt, but he clearly didn't know. He wasn't making a joke about the guy's disease.

It's just another reason I hate twitter. And I'm not wanting to open up that kind of debate, just a quick point.

[jojo]

Cairo just tapped Castillo's shin guards.

Somehow there was no fight.

Cairo forgot to tweet about how much the he hates the Cubs because they are whiny something less than men...

[Cedric]

What the hell is going on?

[Homer Bailey]

Um what just happened??

[reds44]

What just happened??!!

[reds44]

Well, I know what happened.

That ball clearly was a dropped third strike.

[Gallen5862]

Whats the score and what inning is it? I read in thread earlier about looking like it might rain.

[reds44]

Whats the score and what inning is it? I read in thread earlier about looking like it might rain.
3-3 in the 6th.

[RedsManRick]

How far out of the base line do you have to be before you're considered out?

[Cedric]

Can a hitter be out of the baseline before the bag? I'm not quite sure the rule on that.

[jojo]

Is your coach allowed to run on the field during a live play?

[Plus Plus]

Can anyone describe what happened?

[reds44]

Where is AJ Pierzynski when you need him?

[redsfaninbsg]

How far out of the base line do you have to be before you're considered out?

You can go wherever you want as long as no play is being made on you.

[Cedric]

You can go wherever you want as long as no play is being made on you.

Thanks. I thought that was right.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the updates.

[jojo]

Can anyone describe what happened?

Humiliation and intrigue....

[reds44]

There's no doubt that ball hit the dirt and he was never tagged.

I think that's a good call.

[Cedric]

Stubbs k's swinging. 3-3 going to the 7th.

[RedsManRick]

Can anyone describe what happened?

Cairo swung at a ball in the dirt on strike 3. The catcher went to tag him, but stopped before doing so. Cairo proceeded to walk towards the dugout and got at least 6-8 feet in to the grass. Realizing it was a live ball, Ramon Hernandez then bolted for 2B and Cairo took off for first. All were safe.

[CrackerJack]

Yeesh, one hit, not a ball out of the infield

[redsfaninbsg]

What a wild, wild, game. Who is Cincinnati bringing in?

[Big Klu]

How far out of the base line do you have to be before you're considered out?


You can go wherever you want as long as no play is being made on you.

However, if the player leaves the field of play, he is then considered out.

(That didn't happen here, but just clarifying.)

[reds44]

As soon as Cairo left the dirt circle he should have been out.

Ball don't lie, I guess.

[757690]

However, if the player leaves the field of play, he is then considered out.

(That didn't happen here, but just clarifying.)

Exactly. Cairo is safe until he steps into the dugout.

[RedsManRick]

According to the Cubs broadcast, Cairo should have been called out according to rule 6.09b - once he left the dirt, he was out.

[Homer Bailey]

3-0 on Soriano from Arredondo.

[redsfaninbsg]

Please throw strikes.

[Homer Bailey]

And he walks him. Inexcusable.

[OesterPoster]

He's just setting up the double play.

[RedsManRick]

Arredondo looks like he's giving it 147% Real max effort delivery.

[Big Klu]

Hanigan replaced Hernandez behind the plate. Is Ramon OK?

[reds44]

Wonderful play from Joey there.

[RedsManRick]

Geeez. Votto baby throws it to first and the runner beats it.

[reds44]

Hanigan replaced Hernandez behind the plate. Is Ramon OK?
He was pitch ran for last inning.

[redsfaninbsg]

I'm not so sure he was safe.

[Captain Hook]

Can anyone describe what happened?

http://youtu.be/NrobcJa_EV8

[Homer Bailey]

Wow what was that

[757690]

According to the Cubs broadcast, Cairo should have been called out according to rule 6.09b - once he left the dirt, he was out.

Rule 6.09(b) Comment: A batter who does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once he leaves the dirt circle surrounding home plate.

[Cedric]

Hanigan has to at least appeal there. That's just not smart.

[redsfaninbsg]

This has to be one of the worst played MLB games I've ever seen.

[Cedric]

The Cubs are really a pathetic baseball team. I love saying that.

[RedsManRick]

That splitter is nasty -- nice screwball action on it.

[reds44]

Hey look it's righty Chapman minus 14 MPH on his heater.

[RedsManRick]

At least 2 of those "balls" were strikes. Getting squeezed big time.

[Plus Plus]

Gameday is showing these "balls" as being well within the strike zone, especially the first pitch of the Fukudome at bat...

[Gallen5862]

What should Hannigan have appealed?

[CTA513]

Hey look it's righty Chapman minus 14 MPH on his heater.

wouldn't that mean you like him then?

[reds44]

wouldn't that mean you like him then?
No. Not of a fan of somebody who throws in the low 90's with no control.

[Homer Bailey]

Not a Jose fan so far...

[NJReds]

What should Hannigan have appealed?

Reed Johnson attempted a bunt and pulled back. Ump called it a ball. But it appeared that he offered at it and it should've been a strike. Luckily, he K'd anyway.

[Cedric]

Did Ondrusek pitch last night? Honestly can't remember.

[reds44]

I wanna know how Barney swings through a 91 mph fastball literally right now the middle.

[Big Klu]

He was pitch ran for last inning.

Thanks, I missed that. Who ran for him?

[reds44]

I missed that. Who ran for him?

Wood

[reds44]

Throw him the heater right down the middle. It's his kryptonite.

[reds44]

Eventually he's going to throw a ball.

I just hope the purple guy swings at it.

[Homer Bailey]

He didnt. Sickening.

[reds44]

I mean, I don't see how a guy with that lack of stuff and that lack of control is ever going to be successful.

[CTA513]

Arredondo has been watching the wrong Reds pitchers.

[Homer Bailey]

Chapmandondo.

[NJReds]

He didnt. Sickening.

The Reds need to find some pitchers that can throw strikes.

[Brutus]

I wanna know how Barney swings through a 91 mph fastball literally right now the middle.

I noticed this with Leake too, but I think you're incredibly underrating how difficult it is to hit low 90's when it has good movement.

[Cedric]

Hopefully we can give the guy a little slack. He was overthrowing today and probably nervous.

[Gallen5862]

What happened with Arredondo? Did the Cubs score?

[Plus Plus]

Arredondo walked Barney to force in a run in about a 10 pitch AB.

[NJReds]

What happened with Arredondo? Did the Cubs score?

He walked in a run.

1/3 of an inning ... 1 hit and 3 walks.

[CTA513]

What happened with Arredondo? Did the Cubs score?

He pulled a Chapman and walked in a run to make it 4-3 Cubs

[reds44]

What happened with Arredondo? Did the Cubs score?
He walked 3 guys, sandwiched around a Votto error.

It's 4-3 cubs.

[reds44]

Huge DP right there.

[jojo]

Rolen's back is back as he has Smith's back...

[WVRedsFan]

Thomas said he had control issues while in LA. Throwing strikes is a problem for this staff. Nice DP.

[NJReds]

He walked 3 guys, sandwiched around a Votto error.

It's 4-3 cubs.

The Votto play was scored an infield hit.

[reds44]

The Votto play was scored an infield hit.
Whoa.

[oneupper]

Huge DP right there.

The play at first was really close.

[fisch11]

I can't imagine the Reds not scoring an EARNED run in this game so that double play to keep it a 1 run game was huge.

[reds44]

Lol that guy the Cubs are playing in LF seriously looks like Juan Pierre if Juan Pierre was white.

[NJReds]

Whoa.

Yeah ... I didn't understand that ruling, either.

[Kc61]

Cordero, I'd guess, is unavailable tonight and Dusty decided to use Arredondo in Ondrusek/Masset's spot. Hope the Reds can come back now with Ondrusek and Masset still available.

[Homer Bailey]

Janish makes an out on 1 pitch. Sweeeet.

[reds44]

Janish makes an out on 1 pitch. Sweeeet.
That was the hardest he's hit a ball in weeks.

[NJReds]

Janish makes an out on 1 pitch. Sweeeet.

He should never bat higher than 8th in the lineup.

[reds44]

Votto is going yard after that strike 2 thingy

Like I said, striking out.

[WVRedsFan]

Votto is going yard after that strike 2 thingy

Not

[OesterPoster]

Total pitcharound to BP there.

[WVRedsFan]

Jay doesn't have a chance against this guy

[RedsManRick]

I think I might have PH Heisey here.

[reds44]

Sounded good.

[OesterPoster]

Hit that better than I thought he would. First pitch didn't look like a strike though either.

[WVRedsFan]

We're going to lose this game because Dusty wanted to experiment with the new guy. I like Dusty, but he should have used one of the pitchers he got 7 over .500 with.

[Homer Bailey]

If only Votto paid as much attention to detail on his defense over on the corner as he did making good on his pedicure appointments

@diamondhoggers

[Homer Bailey]

Jay doesn't have a chance against this guy

Was 2 for 6 against him going in.