7/10/11 - Reds at Brewers

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds lineup:


Stubbs 8
Cozart 6
Votto 3
Phillips 4
Bruce 9,
Rolen 5
Gomes 7
Hernandez 2
Willis 1

[kaldaniels]

They all count, but is it hyperbole to say this is the biggest game of the year so far? (most important)

[pahster]

They all count, but is it hyperbole to say this is the biggest game of the year so far? (most important)

Yes.

:)

[kaldaniels]

Yes.

:)

And I thought it might be...but the 2 things this game will do...

1) Determine whether the Reds are 2 or 4 games out at the break

2) Provide a glimpse of what Dontrelle will be bringing to the Reds at the major league level.

I gotta think, just psychologically, it's a big one.

[Reds Fanatic]

Brewers lineup:

Weeks 4
Gomez 8
Hart 9
Fielder 3
McGehee 5
Betancourt 6
Wilson 7
Kottaras 2
Wolf 1

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs walks

[mth123]

Reds are loaded with lefty killers. Time to tee off.

[nate]

Chat is open!

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart flies out to the track in right. Stubbs goes to 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Up to this point, this team is very frustrating. They seem snakebit IMO. With the run differential they've got they should be doing much better than they are. I think they're still due a very nice run.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto flies out to the wall in left. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Getting good wood on the ball early. That's a good sign. Votto drives it to the wall.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips walks. 1st and 2nd.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce walks. Bases loaded for Rolen.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen hit by the pitch. 1-0 Reds.

[Reds Fanatic]

I think they got lucky there. It looked like Rolen swung.

[Red in Chicago]

the old dog found a way to get one in...

[jojo]

I think they got lucky there. It looked like Rolen swung.

The Reds stole that run.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes grounds into a FC at 3rd. 1-0 Reds mid 1st.

[Red in Chicago]

one run out of all that is very sad...

[jojo]

Good start to the most important game of the new millennium.

[Reds Fanatic]

Weeks doubles to right.

[jojo]

Where is everyone that grouses about the quality of the umping? :)

[Red in Chicago]

ricky on second...shocking...

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomez sacrifices the runner to 3rd. 1 out.

[jojo]

Nice defense on the bunt.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hart singles to center. 1-1.

[jojo]

New delivery, same backend arm.

[Kc61]

New delivery, same backend arm.

I wouldn't give up on Dontrelle quite yet.

One or two more batters.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fielder walks. 1st and 2nd.

[jojo]

I wouldn't give up on Dontrelle quite yet.

One or two more batters.

Its not a matter of giving up on him...

[Kc61]

Its not a matter of giving up on him...

It's unfortunate Dontrelle has to try his comeback in such a key game.

But the Reds lack starting pitching these days, and it's the right decision to give him a shot.

But this is a key game.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Yea, Dontrelle is gonna fit in just fine in this rotation.

[Reds Fanatic]

Another walk. Bases loaded. Willis has already thrown 20 pitches (8S, 12B)

[Kc61]

Bags full now, tied at one, Willis struggling to find the plate. He's not really close and looks completely out of whack out there.

Still, it's early, maybe he'll get it going.

[Reds Fanatic]

He is not coming close to the strike zone.

[jojo]

Yuni cant be paid enough to take a walk and he doesn't usually hit it out of the infield...this is a money match up for Dontrelle...

[Reds Fanatic]

Betancourt pops out to short. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wilson grounds into a 5-4 FC. 1-1 after 1.

[Red in Chicago]

nice comeback d-train...

[HokieRed]

I'm makin a prediction. Dontrelle is gonna be ok.

[Reds Fanatic]

Both pitchers threw a lot of pitches in the first

Wolf 31 pitches
Willis 27 pitches

[mth123]

He was just pitchin' around 'em until he got to the bottom of the order. Maybe he'll settle down now.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I think Brantley is spot on. He's just way over-hyped. Just needs to calm down and throw strikes like he's been doing all year long in L'Ville.

[cinreds21]

Dontrelle doesn't look good. Maybe it's first-inning jitters or something else. Also, he looks really skinny.

[mth123]

Dontrelle doesn't look good. Maybe it's first-inning jitters or something else. Also, he looks really skinny.

I think that's good. I think he got a little big about the time he went south.

[Kc61]

Dontrelle seemed to calm down after Ramon went out to the mound.

Good job Razor.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramon continues to hit with a single to left.

[Reds Fanatic]

Willis bunts into a 1-6 FC.

[HokieRed]

How can we trade Ramon?

[Reds Fanatic]

It makes no sense why they continue to bat Ramon 8th.

[mth123]

Willis looks overanxious at everything and I'd say Jitters are a problem. Maybe this is still Carlos Fisher?

[jojo]

Dontrelle seemed to calm down after Ramon went out to the mound.

Good job Razor.

Staring at Yuni, Josh and Randy probably had 10-fold more to do with it...

[Kc61]

How can we trade Ramon?

Can't. Only if the Reds are out of it.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs grounds into a 5-4 FC. 2 outs.

[cinreds21]

I think that's good. I think he got a little big about the time he went south.

I dunno. His lower half just looks very tiny to me.

http://www.tristarproductions.com/Willis/photos/2005/Willis6-23c.jpg

[Reds Freak]

You got to love Dontrelle's energy. Easy guy to root for.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart lines a single to right. 1st and 2nd.

[Red in Chicago]

why isn't stubbs on third?

[jojo]

He was just pitchin' around 'em until he got to the bottom of the order. Maybe he'll settle down now.

The bottom three aren't inspiring for the Brewers. The best that can be said is that Wilson is "pesky".

[Reds Fanatic]

why isn't stubbs on third?

Not sure what happened there. He should have been on 3rd easily.

[Kc61]

why isn't stubbs on third?

Votto up, if there's any doubt, stay at second.

[mth123]

The bottom three aren't inspiring for the Brewers. The best that can be said is that Wilson is "pesky".

No kidding.

[cinreds21]

Fun fact: Wilson and Dontrelle were teammates in the minors and big leagues.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto broken bat single to right. 2-1 Reds.

[jojo]

This one is very, very winnable for the Reds.

[HokieRed]

Should Stubbs hit eighth when Cozart is in the lineup?

[Kc61]

Votto can get a single at will. He is not hitting for power right now, but gets hit after hit.

[mth123]

Votto broken bat single to right. 2-1 Reds.

Joey Votto coming to the plate is the very best reason not to take a chance on the bases and risk making the last out.

I wish they'd hold up like Stubbs did every time in that situation.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips flies out to center. 2-1 Reds mid 2nd.

[Kc61]

Should Stubbs hit eighth when Cozart is in the lineup?

Stubbs hitting before the pitcher will never get a good pitch and will strike out 499 times.

Stubbs needs to hit first in this lineup, or seventh. Hitting Stubbs seventh with Ramon to follow isn't bad.

If Reds had a LF who could hit leadoff well, moved Stubbs to seventh, Ramon/Hanigan to eighth, I think it would be better.

[_Sir_Charles_]

It makes no sense why they continue to bat Ramon 8th.

Dusty said that he did consider moving him up in the order quite a bit, but considering that he's only playing half the time, he didn't want to shake up the whole order for only half the time. I really don't think the players care THAT much where they hit in the order.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kottaras strikes out looking. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wolf just missed a homer down the line.

[_Sir_Charles_]

That'll get reviewed.

[mth123]

Replay here?

[jojo]

That'll get reviewed.

We'll mark it down as a weak foul.

[Reds Fanatic]

That is foul on that replay.

[Kc61]

Looked foul on the TV replay.

Not really that close.

But umps are reviewing it.

Wolf complained about the call. Hope D-Train Ks him.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wolf strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[Kc61]

Wolf fans. Good.

[mth123]

Looked foul on the TV replay.

Not really that close.

But umps are reviewing it.

Wolf complained about the call. Hope D-Train Ks him.

Got your wish. Wish it again with Weeks will ya?

[VR]

Not really thrilled about the opposing pitcher, left handed, almost hitting one out vs. a power lefty.

[Reds Freak]

I'd just plunk Weeks.

[Kc61]

Got your wish. Wish it agains with Weeks will ya?

I wish Weeks makes out. Any kind of out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wolf has 5 career HR's. That's surprising.

[Red in Chicago]

that's at least twice that wolf thinks he got jobbed this game:laugh:

[Big Klu]

They all count, but is it hyperbole to say this is the biggest game of the year so far? (most important)

Hyperbole is a billion times worse than understatement.



Not sure what happened there. He should have been on 3rd easily.

If Stubbs felt that he slipped or maybe missed the bag, then he did the right thing. He has enough speed to score from second base. Better to be safe at second than out at third.

[VR]

Stubbs hitting before the pitcher will never get a good pitch and will strike out 499 times.

Stubbs needs to hit first in this lineup, or seventh. Hitting Stubbs seventh with Ramon to follow isn't bad.

If Reds had a LF who could hit leadoff well, moved Stubbs to seventh, Ramon/Hanigan to eighth, I think it would be better.

All good thoughts. I'd prefer they just fix his swing, because his game can't develop until that gets better.

[jojo]

Not really thrilled about the opposing pitcher, left handed, almost hitting one out vs. a power lefty.

He just got hyped against Wolf again.

[Reds Fanatic]

Weeks walks.

[jojo]

Weeks walks.

Willis waffles.

[Kc61]

Weeks walks so my wish doesn't come true. But with Weeks, against a lefty, I'll take it.

Let's get the next guy, Dontrelle.

[_Sir_Charles_]

He got squeezed on that one. At least 2 or 3 of those were borderline.

[VR]

He just got hyped against Wolf again.

Not sure what that means

[HokieRed]

Stubbs hitting before the pitcher will never get a good pitch and will strike out 499 times.

Stubbs needs to hit first in this lineup, or seventh. Hitting Stubbs seventh with Ramon to follow isn't bad.

If Reds had a LF who could hit leadoff well, moved Stubbs to seventh, Ramon/Hanigan to eighth, I think it would be better.

I'd go for 7th. I can't see hitting a guy first in order to keep his strikeouts to a mere 1 in 3. I'm not sure hitting him 8th will have the consequences you suggest, too, because he does have some ability to walk.

[mth123]

Hyperbole is a billion times worse than understatement.




If Stubbs felt that he slipped or maybe missed the bag, then he did the right thing. He has enough speed to score from second base. Better to be safe at second than out at third.

I don't get the desire to take the chance there anyway. With 2 outs he won't score on an out and a hit scores him anyway. Why risk taking runners off bas for the best hitters? The 6 and 7 hitters should be the guys who run, the other should let the big boys drive them home and avoid giving away outs.

[CTA513]

Volquez says he could do this

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomez triples to right. 2-2.

[Reds Fanatic]

Hart grounds out to short. 2-2 after 2.

[jojo]

Not sure what that means

When Willis throws a strike, he's calm. When he has poor location, he's overhyped.

[Big Klu]

Wolf has 5 career HR's. That's surprising.

Most pitchers are big, strong guys with good lower body strength. They may not be very skilled as hitters, but if they run into one then they have a chance of driving the ball.

[mth123]

Willis might be a 4A guy. He looked good against minor leaguers this year and the guys he's handled in this game are minor league caliber bats. Next inning might tell a lot IMO.

[traderumor]

How did the Brewers manage to get the two biggest, and annoying, hot dogs in Gomez and Morgan? I can't stand their NFL-like celebrations and other hot dog moves.

[Kc61]

I hope Dusty doesn't make a statement with Dontrelle by leaving him in too long.

The whole bullpen is available the day before the ASB.

Dontrelle isn't sharp today. Maybe he's nervous. Maybe he's rusty, he's not pitched for awhile. Maybe he isn't major league caliber. I don't know.

But this is an important game. I would pull Willis early and go with all the relievers except, maybe, Ondrusek who has pitched four straight game.

[VR]

When Willis throws a strike, he's calm. When he has poor location, he's overhyped.

Makes sense, thanks

[_Sir_Charles_]

Damn. Jay nailed trying for the triple.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce doubles off the wall in right center but is thrown out at 3rd. 8-4-5.

[jojo]

That was both ugly and pretty defense on the same play.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

If Bruce hustles out of the box he easily gets to third.

[mth123]

I hate it when they try to stretch, Rolen coming up and Gomes a lefty killer after him. Take the double and be smart.

[jojo]

The tag on Bruce wasn't even a close play and I though he had a triple standing up when that ball hit the wall.

[WebScorpion]

Just lazy baseball there...Jay turned on the jets way too late. He thought it was out at first and spent some time watching it. :angry:

So Jay can't throw out Weeks at home, but Weeks throws Jay out at third. I think the Brewers just want it more this year...they have less talent, but they don't let up like our guys. :dunno:

[Ron Madden]

That was a hell of a throw by Weeks.

[Big Klu]

I hope Dusty doesn't make a statement with Dontrelle by leaving him in too long.

The whole bullpen is available the day before the ASB.

Dontrelle isn't sharp today. Maybe he's nervous. Maybe he's rusty, he's not pitched for awhile. Maybe he isn't major league caliber. I don't know.

But this is an important game. I would pull Willis early and go with all the relievers except, maybe, Ondrusek who has pitched four straight game.

Arroyo might also be available.



Damn. Jay nailed trying for the triple.

Bruce wasn't running very hard until he was almost at second base.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen flies out to center. 2 outs.

[traderumor]

No more lollygagging. :p

[jojo]

The Brewers are clueless on rundowns but they have center field solved.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes flies out to the track in center. 2-2 mid 3rd.

[mth123]

Rolen flies out to center. 2 outs.

Bruce would have gone to 3rd on that and been there with 1 out and the top lefty killer coming up. And that fly Gomes just hit would have scored him.

[jojo]

That is why ERA is meaningless.....Wolf gives up three long flyballs and his ERA nudged down.

[WebScorpion]

The Brewers are clueless on rundowns but they have center field solved.I hate that guy...he's actually more of a showboat than Showboat Edmonds.

[traderumor]

In other news, the Reds are taking bp off Wolf. If he survives this outing without giving up more runs, he is going to have to give a Lou Gehrig speech after the game.

[HokieRed]

Never make the first out of the inning at 3rd. One of the oldest items of baseball casuistry.

[Reds Freak]

Bruce would have gone to 3rd on that and been there with 1 out and the top lefty hitter coming up. And that fly Gomes just hit would have scored him.

Can't really play that game. Everything changes if there's a runner on 2nd with nobody out than with nobody on and an out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Fielder grounds out to short. 1 out.

[traderumor]

Never make the first out of the inning at 3rd. One of the oldest items of baseball casuistry.Which is certainly something you think about while running the bases. There's a lot of meaningless baseball "axioms" like that.

[Brutus]

The good news is that Willis has four grounders today and no fly balls. Longer term, that will help him if he can control the ball.

[WebScorpion]

On Willis: He's got the high socks going for him, but I still hate the flat brimmed cap pulled down to his eyes. I think if he relaxes he'll be alright...he's not going to be a front of the rotation guy but he can certainly hold down the back or middle. :dunno:

[Reds Fanatic]

McGehee grounds out to 3rd. 2 outs.

[Reds Fanatic]

Betancourt grounds out to short. 2-2 after 3.

[jojo]

On Willis: He's got the high socks going for him, but I still hate the flat brimmed cap pulled down to his eyes. I think if he relaxes he'll be alright...he's not going to be a front of the rotation guy but he can certainly hold down the back or middle. :dunno:

He's pretty much back end depth.

[Red in Chicago]

nice - fast inning for dontrelle

[traderumor]

What happened to Willis' velocity? He's only 29 and is working in the high 80s?

[HokieRed]

Willis is going to be ok.

[mth123]

Can't really play that game. Everything changes if there's a runner on 2nd with nobody out than with nobody on and an out.

OK. Here is the game you play. I want a runner on second and nobody out with a lefty on the mound and Rolen and Gomes coming up. If it were say Janish and the pitcher's spot coming up, then you take the chance. With those guys you take no chances.

I like running, but I like smart running. This team just runs to be running and they make a lot of stupid outs in the process.

[Tony Cloninger]

Arroyo might also be available.




Bruce wasn't running very hard until he was almost at second base.


Will anybody talk to him about it? Doubt it since it took so long for Phillips to quit doing that.

[traderumor]

He's pretty much back end depth.Well, he has plenty of back end :D

[Brutus]

Six groundballs today for Willis. That's exciting news in the macro.

[HokieRed]

IMO, it's a little early to start figuring out what number Dontrelle is going to be. At this point, I'd suggest it's inning by inning, pitch by pitch, one good location at a time.

[Reds Freak]

OK. Here is the game you play. I want a runner on second and nobody out with a lefty on the mound and Rolen and Gomes coming up. If it were say Janish and the pitcher's spot coming up, then you take the chance. With those guys you take no chances.

I like running, but I like smart running. This team just runs to be running and they make a lot of stupid outs in the process.

I completely agree. I'm just saying Rolen and Gomes would have been pitched differently with a runner on. You can't assume Rolen and Gomes would have flown out in the same manner.

[WebScorpion]

Historically, Dontrelle has been a pretty good hitter for a pitcher. Does he still swing decent lumber?

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramon is on a roll. He singles to left.

[traderumor]

Will anybody talk to him about it? Doubt it since it took so long for Phillips to quit doing that.
He was tracking the ball from what I saw. Is just putting your head down and running as fast as you can good baserunning?

[Kc61]

Historically, Dontrelle has been a pretty good hitter for a pitcher. Does he still swing decent lumber?

Swings away. Good play. Razor is too slow for the sacrifice bunt attempt.

[mth123]

I completely agree. I'm just saying Rolen and Gomes would have been pitched differently with a runner on. You can't assume Rolen and Gomes would have flown out in the same manner.

True, but this team's supposed "smart baserunning" is one of my pet peeves. They are horrid on the bases.

[Reds Fanatic]

Willis sacrifices the runner to 2nd. 1-4. 1 out.

[Tony Cloninger]

He was tracking the ball from what I saw. Is just putting your head down and running as fast as you can good baserunning?

Is not running hard while looking to see where the ball is at good running as well? Is realizing that you possibly misjudged the play in front of you and then trying to turn it on when you reach 2nd and having a good chance to get thrown out at 3rd....good running?

[traderumor]

True, but this team's supposed "smart baserunning" is one of my pet peeves. They are horrid on the bases.From what I recall of related stats, they're actually pretty good. They get extra bases, sometimes they get nailed, and because its negative, it gets the focus and is more measurable through observation.

[Big Klu]

IMO, it's a little early to start figuring out what number Dontrelle is going to be. At this point, I'd suggest it's inning by inning, pitch by pitch, one good location at a time.

Duh! He's #50! :D

[mth123]

Is not running hard while looking to see where the ball is at good running as well? Is realizing that you possibly misjudged the play in front of you and then trying to turn it on when you reach 2nd and having a good chance to get thrown out at 3rd....good running?

That's one of my issues. I think he tried to cover his mistake by trying to make third anyway. He should have just stayed put.

[Kc61]

True, but this team's supposed "smart baserunning" is one of my pet peeves. They are horrid on the bases.

Reds try to be aggressive which will lead to some misjudgments and unnecessary outs. I don't think they are horrid at all.

I think Fangraphs lists the Reds as the best baserunning club in the NL.

What they could use is some more speed. When they finally fill the LF slot, it wouldn't hurt if the guy can run. Cozart runs pretty well, and obviously Stubbs.

[signalhome]

Is not running hard while looking to see where the ball is at good running as well? Is realizing that you possibly misjudged the play in front of you and then trying to turn it on when you reach 2nd and having a good chance to get thrown out at 3rd....good running?

I honestly don't care all that much about him not running hard out of the box when he hits a deep fly ball (a ball that would have been a HR at GABP); if we're going to dog Bruce over that, we might as well dog practically every player in baseball. What I do have a problem with was him being overly aggressive and trying to stretch that double into a triple. There was no reason to attempt that.

I really despise outs made on the basepaths.

[Tony Cloninger]

#1 in caught stealing. I think Sappelt would look good up here just based on that stat alone.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs walks. 1st and 2nd.

[jojo]

Willis has always given up fewer FBs that GBs.... not sure why thats news now? He's also given up lots of walks and hard contact. Thats been on display today too.

[Kc61]

That's one of my issues. I think he tried to cover his mistake by trying to make third anyway. He should have just stayed put.

I do agree that Bruce tried to compenate, and it was too late. That was a poor play.

Reds with two on now.

[traderumor]

Is not running hard while looking to see where the ball is at good running as well? Is realizing that you possibly misjudged the play in front of you and then trying to turn it on when you reach 2nd and having a good chance to get thrown out at 3rd....good running?
Running and watching a flyball slow you down. I think he took a chance and Weeks actually made a good throw. The Brewers defense is a good one to force the action. But it is something to complain about, no?

[WebScorpion]

Time for Cozie's first major league RBI... ;)

[mth123]

Reds try to be aggressive which will lead to some misjudgments and unnecessary outs. I don't think they are horrid at all.

I think Fangraphs lists the Reds as the best baserunning club in the NL.

What they could use is some more speed. When they finally fill the LF slot, it wouldn't hurt if the guy can run. Cozart runs pretty well, and obviously Stubbs.

They make stupid outs nightly and the extra bases that they do get turn out to be fairly meaningless most of the time. I don't care what Fangraphs says. I see it every day. They've been a horrible baserunning team since the days of Ryan Freel.

[Tony Cloninger]

I honestly don't care all that much about him not running hard out of the box when he hits a deep fly ball (a ball that would have been a HR at GABP); if we're going to dog Bruce over that, we might as well dog practically every player in baseball. What I do have a problem with was him being overly aggressive and trying to stretch that double into a triple. There was no reason to attempt that.

I really despise outs made on the basepaths.


I was more on him for the 2nd part....the 1st part is just the human nature of most ballplayers in general...that is true.

[jojo]

Running and watching a flyball slow you down. I think he took a chance and Weeks actually made a good throw. The Brewers defense is a good one to force the action. But it is something to complain about, no?

Ya, the relay had to be perfect to get Bruce and it turned out to be one of the better relays you'll see.

[Reds Fanatic]

Cozart grounds into a 5-4 FC. Weeks throws the ball away. Run scores. 3-2 Reds!

[jojo]

Can you believe Weeks threw to first with Stubbs running on that one?

[WebScorpion]

The Brewer's defense has more RBIs than the Reds offense.:laugh:

[traderumor]

Ya, the relay had to be perfect to get Bruce and it turned out to be one of the better relays you'll see.
That was what Bruce expected from Weeks (the wild throw on the DP), if he gave it any thought. I think he just thought he could make it.

I do see that someone backed up my memory on the subject of Reds baserunning.

[Big Klu]

Can you believe Weeks threw to first with Stubbs running on that one?

Cozart was running to first on that one.

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto fouls out to 3rd. 3-2 Reds mid 4th.

[Tony Cloninger]

Running and watching a flyball slow you down. I think he took a chance and Weeks actually made a good throw. The Brewers defense is a good one to force the action. But it is something to complain about, no?


No it is not something to complain about...it is something to discuss and have an opinion on. Yours are usually petty good...but for some reason you seem to get on some posters cases when they pick at something that you don't like or agree with at all. I already got the memo...it's just a game.

[jojo]

Cozart was running to first on that one.

Thanks for the correction.

[BCubb2003]

Ya, the relay had to be perfect to get Bruce and it turned out to be one of the better relays you'll see.

Yes, they turned the relay like a double play, after the ball was bouncing along that freaky outfield wall.

[Big Klu]

Thanks for the correction.

No problem. I've been impressed with Cozart's speed. I don't know if his bat will play there, but he could be an option for the leadoff spot.

[signalhome]

Ya, the relay had to be perfect to get Bruce and it turned out to be one of the better relays you'll see.

Yeah, Weeks did a great job on that play.

[Brutus]

Willis has always given up fewer FBs that GBs.... not sure why thats news now? He's also given up lots of walks and hard contact. Thats been on display today too.

For someone that preaches about sample size, you sure are ready to dismiss him off one performance rather easily.

It's news, or at least it's relevant, because his career GB:FB ratio is a solid 1.36, but that's not extreme. Whereas in AAA this year it was 2.97 and so far today he's got a 6-0 ratio.

If he maintains those numbers it's significant because he's been a groundball pitcher, but never to the extreme.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wilson flies out to center. 1 out.

[CTA513]

That was error #12 on Weeks

[traderumor]

No it is not something to complain about...it is something to discuss and have an opinion on. Yours are usually petty good...but for some reason you seem to get on some posters cases when they pick at something that you don't like or agree with at all. I already got the memo...it's just a game.I guess I see it more as jumping someone's case in hindsight who is making a snap judgment, and the accusations from some that it was simply lollygagging.

[Reds Fanatic]

Kottaras flies out to center. 2 outs.

[jojo]

It's news, or at least it's relevant, because his career GB:FB ratio is a solid 1.36, but that's not extreme. Whereas in AAA this year it was 2.97 and so far today he's got a 6-0 ratio.

You might need to recalculate your math....

[Reds Freak]

Not to change the subject, but looking at Central division schedules for the second half...

Brewers vs. Cardinals -12 games
Reds vs. Cards - 6 games
Reds vs. Brewers - 3 games
Reds vs. Pirates - 9 games
Pirates vs. Cards - 13 games
Pirates vs. Brewers - 10 games

[Tony Cloninger]

I guess I see it more as jumping someone's case in hindsight who is making a snap judgment, and the accusations from some that it was simply lollygagging.

I just thought it was a bad decision....AFTER he had not run that hard out of the box, which happens....so what can you do. Don't compound the problem by hoping that the other team does not make the relay throw and get yourself thrown out at 3rd. I am sure Bruce will more than make up for it...and he is not one to make many mistakes running or fielding really.

[Reds Fanatic]

Wolf strikes out. 3-2 Reds after 4.

[mth123]

Willis providing a little hope.

[Tony Cloninger]

Not to change the subject, but looking at Central division schedules for the second half...

Brewers vs. Cardinals -12 games
Reds vs. Cards - 6 games
Reds vs. Brewers - 3 games
Reds vs. Pirates - 9 games
Pirates vs. Cards - 13 games
Pirates vs. Brewers - 10 games



They have to turn it around against Pittsburgh. They also have about 7? vs the Cubs... 7 vs the Mets... 6 vs Washington. They go to Colorado for 4.

[traderumor]

I just thought it was a bad decision....AFTER he had not run that hard out of the box, which happens....so what can you do. Don't compound the problem by hoping that the other team does not make the relay throw and get yourself thrown out at 3rd. I am sure Bruce will more than make up for it...and he is not one to make many mistakes running or fielding really.I thought the sucker was gone and am still surprised it wasn't. I think Jay did too. My 6 yr. old daughter is in love with him, so I was just defending my future son-in-law. ;)

[Brutus]

You might need to recalculate your math....

Recalculate what exactly?

[oneupper]

Not to change the subject, but looking at Central division schedules for the second half...

Brewers vs. Cardinals -12 games
Reds vs. Cards - 6 games
Reds vs. Brewers - 3 games
Reds vs. Pirates - 9 games
Pirates vs. Cards - 13 games
Pirates vs. Brewers - 10 games

If Willis is going to be on the Rotation, a few games against the LH-heavy Pirates would be good.

[Tony Cloninger]

I thought the sucker was gone and am still surprised it wasn't. I think Jay did too. My 6 yr. old daughter is in love with him, so I was just defending my future son-in-law. ;)


All the best on her wedding day.

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips flies out to right. 1 out.

[Reds Fanatic]

Bruce strikes out swinging. 2 outs.

[jojo]

Recalculate what exactly?

Willis gave up two flyballs last inning..... you're not doing a running update any longer?

I'm not making a decision about Willis after 3 innings. We have a career to judge him by. It's great he's tried to reinvent himself by giving his crazy leg kick psychotherapy but it's not likely he's suddenly a new man.

He's probably a candidate for backend innings burner.

[Reds Fanatic]

Rolen lines out to center. 3-2 Reds mid 5th.

[Brutus]

Willis gave up two flyballs last inning..... you're not doing a running update any longer?

I'm not making a decision about Willis after 3 innings. We have a career to judge him by. It's great he's tried to reinvent himself by giving his crazy leg kick psychotherapy but it's not likely he's suddenly a new man.

...which still gives him a 3-1 ratio.

If you want to nitpick, fine. I'll keep a running ratio. But that's really not the point, is it? The point is that if he sustains such a positive ratio, it bodes well for his chances at success this year, even if his walk rate fluctuates a bit.

If you're judging by his career, then that's even more reason not to write him off. He was a pretty good pitcher for a few years in Florida and showed he has talent. Control was his biggest nemesis. If he can harness that, there's no reason he can't absolutely help the Reds this year.

[Reds Fanatic]

Weeks grounds out to short. 1 out.

[jojo]

Nice play by Cozart.

[IslandRed]

I'm not making a decision about Willis after 3 innings. We have a career to judge him by. It's great he's tried to reinvent himself by giving his crazy leg kick psychotherapy but it's not likely he's suddenly a new man.

He's probably a candidate for backend innings burner.

The funny thing is, "backend innings burner" is what we'd least expect, having his whole career to judge him by. That's what it averages out to, sure. But in the context of any given season, he's generally been either quite good or terrible. He's spent very little time in Mediocreville.

[WebScorpion]

The Brewers are clueless on rundowns but they have center field solved.I just noticed Gomez is OPSing .650 which is slightly ABOVE his career OPS. If our center fielder was doing that, he WOULD be in AAA. :eek:

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomez grounds out to short. 2 outs.

[traderumor]

Gomez is a clown, and not in a funny way.

[Big Klu]

This Cozart fellow looks like he could be pretty decent.

[Brutus]

*nm

[Reds Fanatic]

4 pitch walk to Hart

[traderumor]

Willis pitches around Hart to face the light hitting Fielder

[WebScorpion]

This Cozart fellow looks like he could be pretty decent.
His arm may not be as strong as Janish, but so far he's looked plenty accurate.

[WebScorpion]

Willis pitches around Hart to face the light hitting FielderMaybe he just has more confidence against the lefty...

[Big Klu]

Gomez is a clown, and not in a funny way.

http://www.best-horror-movies.com/images/it-pennywise-basement.jpg

[jojo]

...which still gives him a 3-1 ratio.

If you want to nitpick, fine..

Just don't evoke sample size if someone shows more healthy skepticism than you seem to be.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice pitch. Fielder strikes out looking. 3-2 Reds after 5.

[traderumor]

http://www.best-horror-movies.com/images/it-pennywise-basement.jpgyea :lol:

[Tony Cloninger]

I just noticed Gomez is OPSing .650 which is slightly ABOVE his career OPS. If our center fielder was doing that, he WOULD be in AAA. :eek:

No wonder Stubbs calculates as a 4 WAR player....most of the CF in the NL are not very good.

[WebScorpion]

Nice pitch. Fielder strikes out looking. 3-2 Reds after 5.
A low slider on the outside corner and Fielder just froze. Perfect pitch. :thumbup:

[traderumor]

One more scoreless inning out of Willis and its bullpen time if I'm managing.

[traderumor]

A low slider on the outside corner and Fielder just froze. Perfect pitch. :thumbup:
That was a beauty.

[Homer Bailey]

Hilarious that Cozart was in AAA for half of a season. Really liking what I'm seeing out of him.

[Brutus]

Just don't evoke sample size if someone shows more healthy skepticism than you seem to be.

Skepticism has nothing to do with it. You of all people have cautioned about sample size and here you're ready to dismiss Willis after one start.

For the record, I've always been skeptical. I thought Willis was overhyped in Florida. But he's still a talented pitcher and he has shown far greater control this year in Louisville and also greatly improved an already solid groundball rate. Those are two strong indicators of performance.

But again, has nothing to do with skepticism. You're writing off a pitcher after one start. That's a huge sample size problem.

[Reds Fanatic]

Gomes singles to left.

[traderumor]

Wolf needs to throw that lollipop curve to a righty a few more times.

[Reds Fanatic]

Ramon lines into a 6-3 DP.

[traderumor]

Now that was bad baserunning ;)

[WebScorpion]

Gomes singles to left.It seems like forever since I've seen one of these... Oh, nevermind he just got doubled off on a line drive to nullify this small amount of goodness. :(

[Reds Fanatic]

Willis doubles to right.

[Reds Fanatic]

Trainer out to check on Willis.

[WebScorpion]

Willis doubles to right.He looks like his left hammy is locking up on him... dam!

[BCubb2003]

Why isn't Willis on third?

The joke doesn't really work now.

[Reds Fanatic]

He was grabbing that hamstring as he hit 2nd.

[Tony Cloninger]

Dude cannot catch a break.

[Big Klu]

One more scoreless inning out of Willis and its bullpen time if I'm managing.

I would have him on a short leash in the bottom of the sixth. Maybe have LeCure get ready.

Willis can hit a little bit.

[Red in Chicago]

Why isn't Willis on third?

volquez would have been on first:lol:

[OldXOhio]

Bad base running will come back to bite you. Already has cost us at least a run.

[jojo]

Skepticism has nothing to do with it. You of all people have cautioned about sample size and here you're ready to dismiss Willis after one start.

For the record, I've always been skeptical. I thought Willis was overhyped in Florida. But he's still a talented pitcher and he has shown far greater control this year in Louisville and also greatly improved an already solid groundball rate. Those are two strong indicators of performance.

But again, has nothing to do with skepticism. You're writing off a pitcher after one start. That's a huge sample size problem.

I haven't written him off. I've said he could be a useful backend starter which has nothing to do with 5 innings today. You obviously think he's more than that and have updated his BIP totals in a rolling manner.

Disagree with me all you want but don't act like I'm the one using small samples.

[Reds Fanatic]

Stubbs grounds out to 3rd. 3-2 Reds mid 6th.

[traderumor]

volquez would have been on first:lol:
I vote for called out at second after missing first :D

[Reds Fanatic]

McGehee grounds out to Willis. Hamstring looks to be ok.

[Brutus]

I haven't written him off. I've said he could be a useful backend starter which has nothing to do with 5 innings today. You obviously think he's more than that and have updated his BIP totals in a rolling manner.

Disagree with me all you want but don't act like I'm the one using small samples.

You didn't say "useful" you said "he's a backend starter" implied with a heavy negative connotation attached. And you are using small samples because you're making matter-of-fact proclamations based off one game. I'm certainly critiquing his performance but I'm not making any snap judgments. I can't say the same in return.

[WebScorpion]

He is limping badly...don't kill him before we get to use him.

Except for Ondrusek, the whole bullpen should be available with 4 days off coming up.

[jojo]

You didn't say "useful" you said "he's a backend starter" implied with a heavy negative connotation attached. And you are using small samples because you're making matter-of-fact proclamations based off one game. I'm certainly critiquing his performance but I'm not making any snap judgments. I can't say the same in return.

Again my position has nothing to do with 5 innings. If burning innings on the backend of the rotation doesn't imply "useful", then you now know you should've inferred that from my position.

You think he's much more. I don't.

If you want to beat on this more, please do so via PM.

[Big Klu]

He is limping badly...don't kill him before we get to use him.

Except for Ondrusek, the whole bullpen should be available with 4 days off coming up.

Additionally, Arroyo has three days rest, so he can be held back as the emergency extra-inning long man.

[traderumor]

He is limping badly...don't kill him before we get to use him.

Except for Ondrusek, the whole bullpen should be available with 4 days off coming up.I call Cordero unavailable. I hope anyhow.

[Ron Madden]

Nice play by the little girl in the stands!

[WebScorpion]

I call Cordero unavailable. I hope anyhow.
:lol:

[_Sir_Charles_]

I call Cordero unavailable. I hope anyhow.

Yep. He should be.

[jojo]

Cozart calls off a gold glover! Rolen finally has enough.

[Reds Fanatic]

Nice catch by Rolen. 2 outs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by Rolen.

[WebScorpion]

Rolen can still get up on the first rung of the ladder pretty quickly. ;)

[Reds Fanatic]

Wilson lines a single to center.

[jojo]

Rolen can still get up on the first rung of the ladder pretty quickly. ;)

He learned that in Jasper, Indiana.

[Reds Fanatic]

Chapman warming up

[traderumor]

Come on Willis, one more out!

[Big Klu]

Nice play by the little girl in the stands!

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IIcqA7Dxu9k/SZdYYH_gTEI/AAAAAAAAAfo/OsYmiYFcToA/s320/TON.jpg